Nutrient management in low input grazing-based systems of meat production

Abstract. Low input grazing-based meat production is often practised on land where alternative land use is restricted and where high biodiversity warrants specific environmental payments. Although these systems are characterized by low external nutrient inputs, significant nutrient losses may occur per unit of produce, even though losses per unit area are low. If the aim is to have animal production without further eutrophication of watercourses, these losses should be minimized,. However, if nutrient-poor grasslands characterized by high biodiversity are the aim, some losses must be accepted to balance nutrient inputs by atmospheric deposition. The impact of grazing animals on nutrient dynamics in grasslands is reviewed in this paper, and options to further improve nutrient management are discussed. It is concluded that nutrient management should largely be addressed indirectly through management of animal behaviour in relation to grazing and supplemental feeding, as well as through optimization of the seasonal distribution of livestock size. A case study indicated that N losses from a cattle farm could be reduced considerably by these means, while animal production could actually be improved. Sustainability issues and trends in legislative and social pressures on low input grazing-based systems of animal production are discussed in relation to nutrient management and practical recommendations.     

Nutrient management in low input grazing–based systems of meat production

Abstract. Low input grazing-based meat production is often practised on land where alternative land use is restricted and where high biodiversity warrants specific environmental payments. Although these systems are characterized by low external nutrient inputs, significant nutrient losses may occur per unit of produce, even though losses per unit area are low. If the aim is to have animal production without further eutrophication of watercourses, these losses should be minimized,. However, if nutrient-poor grasslands characterized by high biodiversity are the aim, some losses must be accepted to balance nutrient inputs by atmospheric deposition. The impact of grazing animals on nutrient dynamics in grasslands is reviewed in this paper, and options to further improve nutrient management are discussed. It is concluded that nutrient management should largely be addressed indirectly through management of animal behaviour in relation to grazing and supplemental feeding, as well as through optimization of the seasonal distribution of livestock size. A case study indicated that N losses from a cattle farm could be reduced considerably by these means, while animal production could actually be improved. Sustainability issues and trends in legislative and social pressures on low input grazing-based systems of animal production are discussed in relation to nutrient management and practical recommendations.     

Definition of sustainable and unsustainable issues in nutrient management of modern agriculture

Abstract. Sustainable management of nutrients in agricultural systems is critical for sufficient production of nutritious foods and to minimize environmental pollution. In this overview, we discuss some of the most important factors influencing nutrient cycling, and how practices for sustainable nutrient management can be optimized. In most cases, problems are associated with excessive use of nutrients (manures, other organic amendments, and inorganic fertilizers). Options for dealing with such problems at the farm level include: reducing nutrient inputs to balance exports, increasing the land area on which manures are applied, and export of excess nutrients from the farm in the form of value-added products. These strategies can be used singly, or in combination. Nutrients in the human food chain are often not recycled back to primary crop production. To manage such issues, and avoid regional nutrient accumulations, we need to develop a better understanding of large-scale nutrient flows, and develop policies to manage them. We stress the importance of scale when considering nutrient management in the future.     

土壤磷素流失的途径、环境影响及对策

土壤长期过量的P肥(包括化肥和有机肥)投入导致土壤P素水平的提高,从而加大了土壤P素流失的风险。大部分水体富营养化的限制因素是P,土壤P的流失是重要的非点源污染。本文对国内外有关土壤P管理的研究做一综述,内容包括土壤P对水体富营养化的贡献、土壤P的流失途径及影响因素、系列水体P和土壤P指数、土壤P流失控制对策(土地利用管理、立法、政策的改变)等。     

Formation of sandy anthropogenic soils in NW Europe: identification of inputs based on particle size distribution

Anthropogenic sandy soils in Scotland, Denmark and The Netherlands were studied to determine the extent to which they had been influenced by inputs of materials and current land management. Particle size distribution, pH, loss on ignition, ECEC, base saturation and total P were determined for eight profiles under different land uses (arable, meadow and woodland). Inputs of materials were identified by comparison of particle size distributions of the deepened cultivated horizons with those of parent materials. At all three sites turf derived from local sources was the main input though there were other mineral additions including an aeolian component. Overall, the anthropogenic soils are remarkably similar in field and some analytical properties, though land use has influenced pH, base saturation and total P.     

Regional Sediment Deficits in the Dutch Lowlands: Implications for Long-Term Land-Use Options (8 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope   Coastal and river plains are the surfaces of depositional systems, to which sediment input is a parameter of key-importance. Their habitation and economic development usually requires protection with dikes, quays, etc., which are effective in retaining floods but have the side effect of retarding sedimentation in their hinterlands. The flood-protected Dutch lowlands (so-called dike-ring areas) have been sediment-starved for up to about a millennium. In addition to this, peat decomposition and soil compaction, brought about by land drainage, have caused significant land subsidence. Sediment deficiency, defined as the combined effect of sediment-starvation and drainage-induced volume losses, has already been substantial in this area, and it is expected to become urgent in view of the forecasted effects of climate change (sea-level rise, intensified precipitation and run-off). We therefore explore this deficiency, compare it with natural (Holocene) and current human sediment inputs, and discuss it in terms of long-term land-use options. Materials and Methods: We use available 3D geological models to define natural sediment inputs to our study area. Recent progress in large-scale modelling of peat oxidation and compaction enables us to address volume loss associated with these processes. Human sediment inputs are based on published minerals statistics. All results are given as first-order approximations. Results: The current sediment deficit in the diked lowlands of the Netherlands is estimated at 136 ± 67 million m3/a. About 85% of this volume is the hypothetical amount of sediment required to keep up with sea-level rise, and 15% is the effect of land drainage (peat decomposition and compaction). The average Holocene sediment input to our study area (based on a total of 145 km3) is ~14 million m3/a, and the maximum (millennium-averaged) input ~26 million m3/a. Historical sediment deficiency has resulted in an unused sediment accommodation space of about 13.3 km3. Net human input of sediment material currently amounts to ~23 million m3/a. Discussion: As sedimentary processes in the Dutch lowlands have been retarded, the depositional system's natural resilience to sea-level rise is low, and all that is left to cope is human countermeasure. Preserving some sort of status quo with water management solutions may reach its limits in the foreseeable future. The most viable long-term solutions therefore seem a combination of allowing for more water in open country (anything from flood-buffer zones to open water) and raising lands that are to be built up (enabling their lasting protection). As to the latter, doubling or tripling the use of filling sand in a planned and sustained effort may resolve up to one half of the Dutch sediment deficiency problems in about a century. Conclusions: Conclusions, Recommendations and Perspectives. We conclude that sediment deficiency – past, present and future – challenges the sustainable habitation of the Dutch lowlands. In order to explore possible solutions, we recommend the development of long-term scenarios for the changing lowland physiography, that include the effects of Global Change, compensation measures, costs and benefits, and the implications for long-term land-use options. Recommendations and Perspectives: -     

农田氮、磷向水体迁移原因及对策

农田氮、磷向水体迁移,不仅造成化肥的利用率低,农业生产成本上升,还对水环境造成污染,引起水体富营养化。综合评述了农田氮、磷向水体迁移的原因及其控制方面的国内外研究进展。氮、磷肥的过量施用和施用比例不合理是导致农田氮、磷向水体迁移的主要原因;氮、磷向水体迁移量受土壤质地、施肥种类、降雨条件等因素影响;相应措施如优化土地利用、合理施肥和处理农田径流等均可有效地降低农田氮、磷向水体迁移风险。在当前的非点源污染治理中,应采取有力措施控制农田养分流失。     

Sedimentation-induced eutrophication in large river floodplains – An obstacle to restoration?

Conservation and restoration of floodplain ecosystems and their specific functions often suffer from a deficient knowledge on basic processes and dynamics such as sedimentation and related nutrient inputs. In this study, we present the results of a joint analysis of site conditions and vegetation of alluvial meadows along a gradient of increasing distance to the main channel of the river Rhine. In particular we scrutinized whether the flooding frequency mediated by the ground elevation or the distance to the river channel determines the degree of eutrophication by river water and sediments.We found a remarkably strong transversal gradient in the functional floodplain. Extremely high concentrations of CAL-soluble phosphorous (more than 150 mg kg⁻¹) were measured in close proximity to the main channel. These sites were characterized by low vascular plant species richness and a significantly higher proportion of species with high nutrient demands. At a distance of 300 m from the main channel P concentrations in the soil dropped to a quarter of this figure, whereas the average species richness per plot strongly increased. Contrary to our expectations, the influence of the flooding duration was of minor importance for the nutrient status. We can specify that strong eutrophication effects induced by sediment deposits are confined to the close proximity to the main channel within a distance of 200–300 m. At more distant sites, target vegetation of flood meadows was obviously not affected by recent nutrient input in the course of flooding. Concerns by conservationists that the restoration of active floodplains by the removal of dykes will generally lead to unwanted eutrophication by river water and sediments require revision and thorough specification.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus management on Dutch dairy farms: legislation and strategies employed to meet the regulations

 The high input of nutrients through the use of fertilizers, manure and animal feed make it possible to reach high levels of agricultural production. However, high nutrient inputs may also result in large nutrient losses and thus have adverse effects on groundwater, surface water, and the atmosphere. To minimize nutrient emissions from agriculture, the Dutch government has introduced regulations on nutrient use. These include: (1) a ban on spreading animal manure on agricultural land during the winter, (2) the obligation to cover storage facilities for animal manure, (3) compulsory low-emission applications of animal manure to land, and (4) applying levies when the maximum permissible annual N and P surpluses for farms are exceeded. The nutrient surplus is the difference between nutrient input into the farm and nutrient output from the farm. The maximum permissible N surpluses for 2000 are 250 kg N ha^–1 year^–1 and 125 kg N ha^–1 year^–1 for grassland and arable land, respectively, and for P, 35 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1 year^–1 for both grassland and arable land. When the annual permissible levels are exceeded, farmers are charged with a levy. Results obtained at the experimental dairy farm "De Marke" showed that a reduction in nutrient inputs via fertilizers and purchased food, in combination with restricted grazing, reduced the N surplus in such a way that the NO₃ ^– concentration in the groundwater decreased to about the maximum permissible level of 50 mg NO₃ ^– l^–1. Since these results were obtained on a sandy soil that is very sensitive to NO₃ ^– leaching, it is suggested that all dairy farmers should be able to sufficiently reduce NO₃ ^– leaching by improving their farm management. Received: 13 July 1999     

坡地磷素迁移研究进展

坡地磷素迁移是导致土壤质量退化、肥料利用率降低以及水体富营养化的重要原因,是非点源污染的重要形式.通过对土壤中磷素的形态转化、降雨特征、土壤理化性状与地形条件以及土地利用方式等四个主要方面阐述了坡地磷素迁移的国内外研究进展,提出当前坡地磷素迁移研究的三个主要方向:(1)遴选适当的磷素形态指标,使之能同时较敏感地反映坡地磷素流失对水环境和土壤质量的影响;(2)磷素在土壤中的形态转化与坡地磷素迁移的相互关系;(3)坡地磷素迁移的动态过程与空间变异.通过这三方面的工作将会有力促进磷素迁移及其环境影响研究的规范化,促进土壤科学与环境科学的相互借鉴与融合,也将为农田养分的科学管理、土壤退化的控制与修复奠定理论基础.     

Ecological Strategy for Eutrophication Control

Water monitoring results of the Danjiangkou Reservoir indicated that total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations are high and therefore worse than required for central drinking water supplies. Nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus accumulated in the bank cultivated land were greater than those contained within the river estuary sediment as well as in the reservoir bay sediment. This implies that high concentrations of loosely exchangeable phosphorus (166.53 mg/kg) in cultivated land could, after the completion of the dam heightening project, easily lead to the development of algal blooms. Serious water and soil loss occurring in the reservoir area will promote the transportation of non-point source pollution mainly caused by untreated agricultural domestic wastewater, chemical fertilizer and livestock farming, which accounted for more than 50% of the total basin’s nutrient input loads. Ecological control techniques were therefore the first choice for nutrient reduction and water quality guarantee in the Danjiangkou Reservoir. In order to guide the ecological restoration process, leading international ecological methodologies were summarized and compared, taking into consideration aspects of engineering, as well as ecological, biological, environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages. Finally, novel ecological filtration and a purification dam were designed for eutrophication control.     

海南农田养分平衡状况及环境风险评价

【目的】海南是我国区域经济作物种植面积占比最高的省。以海南主要农作物为对象,研究海南农田养分投入强度和作物养分平衡状况,从活性氮损失、温室气体排放和水体富营养化等方面评价施肥引起的环境风险。【方法】根据《海南统计年鉴》中的农作物种植结构,将海南省农作物分为粮食、蔬菜、水果和其他经济作物4类。采用随机抽样方法进行大样本农户问卷调研,共获取1199个有效样本。通过统计分析定量了海南岛主要农作物和各市县养分投入强度,化肥、有机肥施用结构,计算海南岛典型农作物体系水稻–辣椒轮作、香蕉和菠萝的氮磷养分平衡;采用相应环境模型,定量评价由于施肥带来的活性氮损失、温室气体排放以及富营养化效应等环境影响。【结果】目前海南主要作物化肥N、P₂O₅、K₂O养分的平均投入分别为261、206、225kg/hm²,分别高出全国平均水平10%、101%、148%,其中蔬菜磷和钾养分投入量分别高出全国平均水平164%和138%。全海南省各市县相比,沿海市县化肥养分施用强度高于中部市县,以昌江、海口的氮磷钾养分投入量大,高于投入最...     

Nitrogen and sulphur management: challenges for organic sources in temperate agricultural systems

Abstract. A current global trend towards intensification or specialization of agricultural enterprises has been accompanied by increasing public awareness of associated environmental consequences. Air and water pollution from losses of nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S), are a major concern. Governments have initiated extensive regulatory frameworks, including various land use policies, in an attempt to control or reduce the losses. This paper presents an overview of critical input and loss processes affecting N and S for temperate climates, and provides some background to the discussion in subsequent papers evaluating specific farming systems. Management effects on potential gaseous and leaching losses, the lack of synchrony between supply of nutrients and plant demand, and options for optimizing the efficiency of N and S use are reviewed. Integration of inorganic and organic fertilizer inputs and the equitable re-distribution of nutrients from manure are discussed. The paper concludes by highlighting a need for innovative research that is also targeted to practical approaches for reducing N and S losses, and improving the overall synchrony between supply and demand.     

高投入菜地土壤磷累积、损失特征及阻控措施的研究进展

"大肥大水"已经成为我国蔬菜种植体系的生产特征,这种生产方式导致大量磷流失到环境中,通过地表径流和地下淋溶导致水体富营养化.目前菜地因其在农田磷污染排放中的占比最高已成为种植业磷损失的优先阻控对象.该研究在明确菜地磷赋存形态特征的基础上,针对露天及设施菜地磷损失特征包括损失途径及其影响因素,综述目前一些减少潜在磷污染负...     

山西省农牧生产体系磷流动空间变异特征

为揭示山西省农牧生产体系磷流动空间分布特征,进一步为养分资源综合管理提供科学建议,本研究使用食物链养分流动模型(NUFER)与Arc GIS相结合,以2011年山西省11个地市农牧生产体系为研究对象,计算了农牧生产体系中的磷流动、损失及账户平衡,并对各个生产体系的磷利用效率(PUE)、有机废弃物中磷的循环利用效率、磷的损失途径等重要指标进行了综合评价,描述了2011年山西省各地市农牧生产体系与区域尺度的磷流动变化特征。研究结果表明,山西省各地市农牧体系磷的投入和损失差异较大,农田生产体系投入范围在22.5~83.0 kg·hm~(-2),而整个农牧生产体系损失区间在2.7~8.8 kg·hm~(-2);磷的投入和损失均总体呈现东南部高、西北部低的空间分布格局;各地市农田磷素均有盈余但程度不均,为9.4~48.4 kg·hm~(-2)。农田生产系统的磷素利用效率(PUEc)高于全国平均水平;农牧生产体系的磷利用效率(PUEc+a)较低,全省平均水平仅为30.3%,主要是由于农牧分离较为严重;有机废弃物的循环利用效率较低(60%)。省域东南部存在潜在环境风险,晋城、晋中等地市有大量的粪尿磷未得到回收利用,可作为周边农业主产区的农田养分资源。因此通过提高农牧生产体系的养分管理水平和区域间养分资源协同管理,能够大幅提高磷的利用效率,同时有效降低环境风险,实现山西农业可持续发展。     

Phosphorus Characterisation of Sludge and Crust Produced by Stabilisation Ponds in a Dairy Manure Management System

In dairy farming, recirculation and continuous use of nutrients are necessary for sustainable nutrient management in both the short- and long-term. When managed effectively, nutrient recycling can improve soil fertility. On the other hand, if applied nutrients are in excess of the soil’s nutrient holding capacity, nutrients can enter surface and ground water bodies resulting in eutrophication. Phosphorus (P) characterisation in manure, pond sludge and crust, in terms of plant availability, is the first step to sustainably manage nutrients within dairy farms. In this study, pond sludge and crust were characterised for P using a sequential fractionation method. Pond sludge and crust contained significant amounts of labile P. Water extractable P (H₂O-P) in primary anaerobic pond and secondary facultative pond sludges was found to be about 8 to 13 times higher than the amount found in the surface soil (0–10 cm) of a grazing paddock. Similarly, sodium bicarbonate extractable P (NaHCO₃-P) in the two types of sludges was found to be about 6 times higher than in the soil. The relatively higher labile P (H₂O-P and NaHCO₃-P) in sludge compared to soil indicates that the sludge can be utilised as a P fertilizer on grazing pasture. In contrast, lower H₂O-P compared to that of raw manure indicates that the use of sludge and crust instead of raw manure can reduce the possibility of P loss by surface runoff and leaching. Hence, it is preferable to use pond sludge and crust as fertiliser instead of raw manure.     

控制中国非点源污染的生物经济学战略

While non-point pollution from agriculture has become an increasingly serious problem in China, some progress has been made in studying the causal biophysical processes. However, few studies have assessed the economic consequences of non-point pollution in China or the policy options that could be employed to combat it. In this work a sustainable strategy to control non-point pollution from crop production, which involved taxing excessive inputs of irrigation water and fertilizer, was proposed. The approach taken to assess these measures combined biophysical and economic models,having a trade-off between economic returns and an improved environment. A proven and practical spatially referenced water and nutrient management model was used to determine the quantities of excessive irrigation water and fertilizer for specific soil and land use. Also, a set of indicators were proposed for evaluating the effects of agricultural economic output and agricultural practices on the environment.     

黑龙江垦区农田土壤养分平衡分析与评价

养分资源高效利用是农业绿色发展的重要环节。黑龙江垦区是中国粮食主产区之一,对其进行农田土壤养分平衡评价至关重要。该研究以黑龙江垦区为研究对象,采用农田土壤养分平衡方法,分析与评价其2000-2018年农田土壤氮、磷、钾养分输入与输出情况。结果表明:1)2000-2018年黑龙江垦区农田土壤氮、磷、钾输入与输出整体呈现"平稳-增长-下降后平稳"的趋势,养分输入以化肥为主,养分输出以籽粒和秸秆为主。2)黑龙江垦区农田土壤单位面积养分输入量较为稳定,并且所带来的经济效益在增加。3)2017年以来黑龙江垦区农田土壤氮和钾处于养分平衡状态,而磷处于养分盈余状态。2018年黑龙江垦区氮、磷、钾利用效率分别为51.03%、27.98%、10.04%。建议黑龙江垦区大力推广有机无机肥配施,开展农田土壤养分平衡长期调查与监测,促进区域农业绿色发展。     

湿润区坡地香根草植物篱农作措施对土壤侵蚀和养分的影响

为了解植物篱农作措施的侵蚀、养分循环特征,促进湿润半湿润地区坡地可持续利用。在三峡库区王家桥小流域建立了6个香根草(Vetiveria zizanioides)植物篱农作小区,包括：传统坡地耕作对照小区(C);单纯植物篱坡耕小区(H);植物篱+无机肥坡耕小区(HI);植物篱+有机肥坡耕小区(HO);植物篱+覆盖+无机肥坡耕小区(HIM);植物篱+无机肥+有机肥+覆盖坡耕小区(HIOM)。试验结果表明：N素损失的主要途径是径流携带,各植物篱小区的N损失达对照小区的2～3倍。泥沙携带是P素流失的主要形式,其径流损失几乎可以忽略。K素的径流携带损失非常严重,但低于其泥沙侵蚀损失。N、K平衡与作物产出正相关,越是高产区其养分平衡状况越容易出现亏损。单纯的植物篱措施有较明显的控制土壤流失功能,但减流效益不明显。施肥、覆盖措施,以及作物产出对植物篱农作措施的侵蚀有巨大影响。采取覆盖结合施肥的植物篱小区(HIOM和HIM),水土效益最高,但投入高,产投比过低;植物篱配合有机肥或者无机肥措施小区(HO和HI),水土保持效益和产投比均比较理想。综合生态、经济效益,应该优先推广HO和HI农林复合坡耕经营模式。     

红枫湖流域非点源污染控制区划

非点源污染发生的广域性、分散性、随机性等特征使得对其进行效管控难度较大。以非点源污染关键源区识别为基础,对流域进行分区管控是实现非点源污染控制的有效途径。基于源头削减和过程管控协同管理的思路,将GIS技术、ArcSWAT模型、非参数检验和因子分析技术相结合,以农耕养殖程度较高的贵州红枫湖上游羊昌河流域为研究区,通过对流域近5 a非点源污染负荷特征进行模拟,识别影响非点源污染流失的关键因素,在此基础进行污染控制区划。结果表明：1）总氮和总磷负荷高风险区主要集中于地势较高且农业耕作活动频繁区域,刘官乡、黄腊乡、旧州镇及白云镇是非点源污染控制的重点乡镇;2）采用多因素方差分析7种不同因素对流域非点源污染负荷的影响程度表明,施肥量是影响总氮、总磷输出的最主要的因子,坡长、坡度及土地利用方式是次重要因子。针对羊昌河流域长期传统耕作以及化肥过量施用的现实特征来看,土壤有机磷的含量也会对总磷的输出产生一定的影响;3）羊昌河流域可划分为3个污染控制区,第1类：生态农业综合整治区（以近河道耕种区为主,面积254.4 km2）;第2类：污染治理区（农村生活及畜禽养殖区为主,面积405.74 km2）;第3类：生态修复区（高坡度强降雨区为主,面积464.47 km2）。研究结果可有效提升羊昌河流域非点源污染治理的效率,为水源地环境保护提供参考。