Nitrous oxide emissions, cereal growth, N recovery and soil nitrogen status after ploughing organically managed grass/clover swards

The period after ploughing of grass–clover leys within a ley‐arable rotation is when nitrogen accumulated during the ley phase is most vulnerable to loss. We investigated how ploughing date and timing of cessation of grazing before ploughing affected nitrous oxide (N₂O) losses of the first cereal crop. Ploughing dates were July and October for a winter wheat pilot study and January and March for spring barley in the main experiment. Timings of cessation of grazing (main experiment only) were October, January and March. Spring barley yield, nitrogen uptake and soil mineral nitrogen were also assessed. A separate large‐scale laboratory incubation was made to assess the effect of temperature and rainfall on nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching under controlled conditions. Nitrous oxide emissions in the 1‐ to 2‐month period after autumn or spring ploughing, or sowing were typically between 20 and 150 g N ha^?1 day^?1 and increased with temperature and rainfall. Tillage for crop establishment stimulated N₂O emissions with up to 2.1 kg N ha^?1 released in the month after spring tillage. Cumulative nitrous oxide emissions were greatest (～8 kg ha^?1 over 17 months) after cessation of grazing in March before March ploughing, and lowest (～5.5 kg ha^?1) after cessation of grazing in January before January ploughing. These losses were 1.2–3.9% of the N inputs. In the laboratory study, winter ploughing stimulated nitrate leaching more than nitrous oxide emissions. The optimum time of ploughing appears to be early spring when the cold restricts nitrogen mineralization initially, but sufficient nitrogen becomes available for early crop growth and satisfactory N offtake as temperature increases. Early cessation of grazing is advantageous in leaving an adequate supply of residues of good quality (narrow C:N ratio) for ploughing‐in. Restricting tillage operations to cool, dry conditions, being aware of possible compaction and increasing the use of undersown grass–clover should improve the sustainability of organic farming.     

Nitrate leaching in an organic dairy/crop rotationas affected by organic manure type, livestock densityand crop

Abstract. In dairy farming systems the risk of nitrate leaching is increased by mixed rotations (pasture/arable) and the use of organic manure. We investigated the effect of four organic farming systems with different livestock densities and different types of organic manure on crop yields, nitrate leaching and N balance in an organic dairy/crop rotation (barley–grass-clover–grass-clover–barley/pea–winter wheat–fodder beet) from 1994 to 1998. Nitrate concentrations in soil water extracted by ceramic suction cups ranged from below 1 mg NO₃-N l^?1 in 1^st year grass-clover to 20–50 mg NO₃-N l^?1 in the winter following barley/pea and winter wheat. Peaks of high nitrate concentrations were observed in 2^nd year grass-clover, probably due to urination by grazing cattle. Nitrate leaching was affected by climatic conditions (drainage volume), livestock density and time since ploughing in of grass-clover. No difference in nitrate leaching was observed between the use of slurry alone and farmyard manure from deep litter housing in combination with slurry. Increasing the total-N input to the rotation by 40 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 (from 0.9 to 1.4 livestock units ha^?1) only increased leaching by 6 kg NO₃-N ha^?1. Nitrate leaching was highest in the second winter (after winter wheat) following ploughing in of the grass-clover (61 kg NO₃-N ha^?1). Leaching losses were lowest in 1^st year grass-clover (20 kg NO₃-N ha^?1). Averaged over the four years, nitrate concentration in drainage water was 57 mg l^?1. Minimizing leaching losses requires improved utilization of organic N accumulated in grazed grass-clover pastures. The N balance for the crop rotation as a whole indicated that accumulation of N in soil organic matter in the fields of these systems was small.     

Nitrate leaching and residual soil nitrogen supply following outdoor pig farming

Abstract. Large nitrogen (N) inputs to outdoor pig farms in the UK can lead to high nitrate leaching losses and accumulation of surplus N in soil. We investigated the residual effects of three contrasting outdoor pig systems as compared to an arable control on nitrate leaching and soil N supply for subsequent spring cereal crops grown on a sandy loam soil during 1997/98 and 1998/99 harvest seasons. Previously, the pig systems had been stocked for 2 years from October 1995 and were designated current commercial practice (CCP, 25 sows ha^?1 on stubble), improved management practice (IMP, 18 sows ha^?1 on undersown stubble) and best management practice (BMP, 12 sows ha^?1 on established grass). Estimated soil N surpluses by the end of stocking in September 1997 were 576, 398, 265 and 27 kg ha^?1 N for the CCP, IMP, BMP and continuous arable control, respectively. Nitrate leaching losses in the first winter were 235, 198, 137 and 38 kg ha^?1 N from the former CCP, IMP and BMP systems and the arable control, respectively. These losses from the former pig systems were equivalent to 41–52% of the estimated soil N surpluses. Leaching losses were much smaller in the second winter at 21, 14, 23 and 19 kg ha^?1 N, respectively. Cultivation timing had no effect (P>0.05) on leaching losses in year 1, but cultivation in October compared with December increased nitrate leaching by a mean of 14 kg ha^?1 N across all treatments in year 2. Leaching losses over the two winters were correlated (P<0.001) with autumn soil mineral N (SMN) contents. In both seasons, spring SMN, grain yields and N offtakes at harvest were similar (P>0.05) for the three previous pig systems and the arable control, and cultivation timing had no effect (P>0.05) on grain yields and crop N offtake. This systems study has shown that nitrate leaching losses during the first winter after outdoor pig farming can be large, with no residual available N benefits to following cereal crops unless that first winter is much drier than average.     

Nitrogen cycling in organic farming systems with rotational grass–clover and arable crops

Organic farming is considered an effective means of reducing nitrogen losses compared with more intensive conventional farming systems. However, under certain conditions, organic farming may also be susceptible to large nitrogen (N) losses. This is especially the case for organic dairy farms on sandy soils that use grazed grass–clover in rotation with cereals. A study was conducted on two commercial organic farms on sand and loamy sand soils in Denmark. On each farm, a 3‐year‐old grass–clover field was selected. Half of the field was ploughed the first year and the other half was ploughed the following year. Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was sown after ploughing in spring. Measurements showed moderate N leaching during the pasture period (9–64 kg N ha^?1 year^?1) but large amounts of leaching in the first (63–216 kg N ha^?1) and second (61–235 kg N ha^?1) year after ploughing. There was a small yield response to manure application on the sandy soil in both the first and second year after ploughing. To investigate the underlying processes affecting the residual effects of pasture and N leaching, the dynamic whole farm model farm assessment tool (FASSET) was used to simulate the treatments on both farms. The simulations agreed with the observed barley N‐uptake. However, for the sandy soil, the simulation of nitrate leaching and mineral nitrogen in the soil deviated considerably from the measurements. Three scenarios with changes in model parameters were constructed to investigate this discrepancy. These scenarios suggested that the organic matter turnover model should include an intermediate pool with a half‐life of about 2–3 years. There might also be a need to include effects of soil disturbance (tillage) on the soil organic matter turnover.     

Legumes as nitrogen suppliers of grassland on fen soil: Leguminosen als stickstofflieferanten für niedermoorgrünland

A 6-year trial was laid out with varied PK fertilization on fen soil and analysed for the capability of undersown clover species to fix atmospheric nitrogen. No mineral nitrogen was applied. On an average of the six test years, the share of white clover in the total crop yield of the sward was 17% after sowing once and that of red clover or Swedish clover was 19% after sowing twice. The annual mean shares of these two clover variants in the total yield varied only slightly over the test period. White clover showed typical seasonal dynamics in the test years, with yield portions increasing from spring to late summer. Undersown red and Swedish clovers reached the highest yield percentages in their 2nd and 3rd growths. The variants grown without PK fertilizer and clover yielded 45 dt DM ha^???1. With PK fertilizer dry matter yields increased to 57 and 68 dt ha^???1, respectively. With supplemental white clover or red/Swedish clover sown into the sward, substantial amounts of symbiotic nitrogen were accumulated in the harvestable plant matter, giving a total dry matter yield of 76 dt ha^???1. Clover yield shares up to 30% resulted in increasing DM yields which, however, declined again with even larger shares of clover. As to the ingredients of grasses, herbs and clover, the differences were mostly significant. On an average of the six test years, nitrogen fixation was 58.4?kg ha^???1 for white clover and 46.6?kg ha^???1 for red/Swedish clover.     

Identification of Powdery Mildew Resistance Genes in Selections from Moroccan Barley Landraces

Abstract

The formation of yield in two different combinations: vetch with wheat or oats, and the effect of vetch on yield potential of cereals has been investigated in Estonian field experiments over three years. We found that the inclusion of vetch seed in cereal seed and increase of its seed density led to considerable decrease in the yield of the cereal component (R=0.980–0.998). The adverse effect of vetch on cereal yield led to a reduction in wheat yield by up to 1861?kg?ha^?1 on average for the three years, and in oats yield by up to 1413?kg?ha^?1. One reason for the decreases in cereal yields was the formation of smaller grains in cereals under increased vetch seed densities. As a three-year average, the wheat 1000-seed weight decreased by up to 6.3 g while the corresponding figure for oats under identical conditions was 2.5 g. The inclusion of vetch in a crop and the increase of its seed density led to a substantial increase in the protein content of cereal grains. In oats, the change in grain protein content was smaller. At the same time, the maximum protein yield per area unit in cereals was obtained from their monocultures. In a mix with vetch, the amounts of nitrogen consumed by cereals decreased and protein yield of cereals per area unit reduced at higher vetch seed densities. Vetch-cereal mixes had an advantage over cereal monocultures as far as protein yield was concerned. In vetch-wheat and vetch-oats mixes the maximum protein yield was 500?kg?ha^?1 and 438?kg?ha^?1, respectively, on average for the three years. Of the two combinations, vetch-oats mixed crop gave the highest yield of grain, whereas the higher mixed crop yield resulted from the oats component. Oats is somewhat more competitive with vetch than wheat. Vetch-wheat mixed crop gave the highest protein yield because the protein content of wheat grains was higher than oat grains. Legume-cereal mixes are particularly suited for the conditions of organic farming as they ensure a relatively good harvest and a high protein yield.     

Effect of integrated nutrient management and crop diversification on productivity and nutrient balance sheet of rice-based cropping systems

A field study conducted for three crop years (June?–?July) from 1995?–?96 to 1997?–?98 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi involving five rice-based cropping systems and six nutrient combinations indicated that rice?–?wheat?–?mungbean (RWM), rice?–?potato?–?mungbean (RPM), rice?–?rapeseed?–?mungbean (RRsM) and rice?–?clover (RC) cropping systems gave 0.7?–?1.0, 3.2?–?5.9, 0.2?–?2.2 and 1.5?–?3.6 t ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, higher productivity and removed 7.9?–?22.6, 38.0?–?64.5, 53.0?–?61.8 and 51.4?–?66.1?kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, more nitrogen, 2.3?–?7.1, 14.5?–?22.8, 3.8?–?7.2 and 17.3?–?21.7?kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, more phosphorus and 1.6?–?11.4, 15.3?–?42.3, 8.2?–?22.7 and 40.8?–?57.8?kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, more potassium than the rice?–?wheat (RW) cropping system which led to a net balance of +?151, +?58, ??153 and ??167?kg ha^?1 of nitrogen, +?13, ??27, ??8 and ??59?kg ha^?1 of phosphorus and ??549, ??551, ??558 and ??691?kg ha^?1 of potassium after three cycles of RWM, RPM, RRsM and RC cropping systems, respectively against a net balance of +?201, +?26 and ??533?kg ha^?1 of N, P and K, respectively in the RW cropping system. Application of FYM along with NPK in these cropping systems changed the negative balance of nitrogen and phosphorus into positive balance and reduced the negative balance of potassium by 151?–?378?kg ha^?1. Application of P and K fertilizers along with nitrogen also helped in arresting the negative balance of P and K under different rice based cropping systems. These results thus indicate that balanced use of NPK and FYM plays a major role for sustaining the productivity of a cropping system.     

Nitrogen losses from outdoor pig farming systems

Abstract. Nitrogen losses via nitrate leaching, ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emissions were measured from contrasting outdoor pig farming systems in a two year field study. Four 1‐ha paddocks representing three outdoor pig management systems and an arable control were established on a sandy loam soil in Berkshire, UK. The pig management systems represented: (i) current commercial practice (CCP) ‐ 25 dry sows ha^?1 on arable stubble; (ii) ‘improved’ management practice (IMP) ‐ 18 dry sows ha^?1 on stubble undersown with grass, and (iii) ‘best’ management practice (BMP) 12 dry sows ha^?1 on established grass. Nitrogen (N) inputs in the feed were measured and N offtakes in the pig meat estimated to calculate a nitrogen balance for each system. In the first winter, mean nitrate‐N concentrations in drainage water from the CCP, IMP, BMP and arable paddocks were 28, 25, 8 and 10 mg NO₃ l^?1, respectively. On the BMP system, leaching losses were limited by the grass cover, but this was destroyed by the pigs before the start of the second drainage season. In the second winter, mean concentrations increased to 111, 106 and 105 mg NO₃‐N l^?1 from the CCP, IMP and BMP systems, respectively, compared to only 32 mg NO₃‐N l^?1 on the arable paddock. Ammonia (NH₃) volatilization measurements indicated that losses from outdoor dry sows were in the region of 11 g NH₃‐N sow^?1 day^?1. Urine patches were identified as the major source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, with N₂O‐N losses estimated at less than 1% of the total N excreted. The nitrogen balance calculations indicated that N inputs to all the outdoor pig systems greatly exceeded N offtakes plus N losses, with estimated N surpluses on the CCP, IMP and BMP systems after 2 years of stocking at 576, 398 and 264 kg N ha^?1, respectively, compared with 27 kg N ha^?1 on the arable control. These large N surpluses are likely to exacerbate nitrate leaching losses in following seasons and make a contribution to the N requirement of future crops.     

Effects of repeated clover undersowing,green manure ley and weed harrowing on weeds and yields in organic cereals

Abstract

Cover crops can be used to reduce leaching and erosion, introduce variability into crop rotation and fix nitrogen (N) for use by the main crops, less is however known about effects on weeds. The effects on weed seed bank, weed growth and grain yield of 4 years of annual undersown clover and ryegrass alone and in combination, and one of the 4 years with clover or clover + grass as green manure, were studied in oat and spring wheat at two experimental sites in south-eastern Norway. These treatments were compared with no undersown crop (control) and with weed harrowing. In contrast to many results in the literature, the undersown clover in this study did not suppress annual weeds, but fertilized the weeds as well as the cereals. Undersown clover resulted in a statistically significant increase of grain yield at the two sites to 116% and 121% of control. During the 4-year period relative seed bank and density of emerged weed (dominated by Spergula arvensis) increased significantly about 4.5 and 10 times respectively in the undersown clover plots at Apelsvoll. At Kise both ryegrass alone and ryegrass mixed with clover significantly suppressed the weed biomass to 70% and 74% of control respectively. It is concluded that fertilization effects of undersown clover may have dominated and overriden the competitive effects. One whole-season clover green manure did not increase the mean yield, but resulted in a significant drop in seed bank size the following year, because of limited weed establishment in an established ley. Only a slight increase in average weed biomass was observed at one of the two experimental sites. The weed seed bank and the weed biomass were essentially kept at steady state during the experimental period in harrowed plots, but harrowing decreased grain yield significantly at both sites.     

Nitrogen budget and relationships with riverine nitrogen exports of a dairy cattle farming catchment in eastern Hokkaido,Japan

Abstract

Dairy farming regions are important contributors of nitrogen (N) to surface waters. We evaluated the N budget and relationships to riverine N exports within the Shibetsu River catchment (SRC) of a dairy farming area in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Five drainage basins with variable land-cover proportions within the SRC were also evaluated individually. We quantified the net N input (NNI) to the catchment from the difference between the input (atmospheric deposition, chemical fertilizers, N fixation by crops and imported food and feed) and the output (exported food and feed, ΔS _liv and ΔS _hu, which are the differences between input and output in livestock and human biomass, respectively) using statistical and measured data. Volatilized ammonia (NH₃) was assumed to be recycled within the catchment. The riverine export of N was quantified. Agricultural N was a dominant source of N to the SRC. Imported feed was the largest input (38.1?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1), accounting for 44% of the total inputs, followed by chemical fertilizers (32.4?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1) and N fixation by crops (13.4?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1). The exported food and feed was 24.7?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1 and the ΔS _liv and ΔS _hu values were 7.6 and 0.0?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1, respectively. As a result, the NNI amounted to 54.6?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1. The riverine export of total N from the five drainage basins correlated well with the NNI, accounting for 27% of the NNI. The fate of the missing NNI that was not measured as riverine export could possibly have been denitrified and/or retained within the SRC. A change in the estimate of the deposition rate of volatilized NH₃ from 100 to 0% redeposited would have decreased the NNI by 37%, although we believe that most NH₃ was likely to have been redeposited. The present study demonstrated that our focus should be on controlling agricultural N to reduce the impact of environmental pollution as well as on evaluating denitrification, N stocks in soil and the fate of NH₃ volatilization in the SRC.     

Influence of organic mulching and nitrogen application on essential oil yield and nitrogen use efficiency of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

In a field study conducted at Bangalore, India for two years (2003–2004 and 2004–2005), eight treatment combinations consisting of two variables, organic mulch (lemongrass spent material as mulch at 7.5 t ha^?1 and no mulch) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha^?1) were examined to observe the effect of organic mulching on nitrogen use-efficiency, and herb and essential oil yield in a multiharvested rosemary crop. The results revealed that application of lemongrass spent material as mulch increased the herb and essential oil yields in rosemary by 16.2 and 24.2%, respectively, over the non-mulched control at first harvest. Corresponding values for the regenerated crop harvest were 18.8 and 16.8%. A significant response to N was observed with 300 kg N ha^?1 in non-mulched plots compared with 200 kg N ha^?1 in mulched plots. Using lemongrass spent material as mulch, nitrogen uptake by the rosemary crop increased by 15.1% over the non-mulched control. At 200 kg N ha^?1, apparent recoveries by the crop were estimated to be 33.64% for the non-mulched control, and 37.79% with mulch. The quality of the rosemary essential oil, in terms of the concentrations of its major constituents, α-pinene, 1 : 8 cineole, camphor and verbenone, was not affected by the use of organic mulching and nitrogen fertilization, and these constituents were found to be of astandard acceptable in international trade.     

Nitrogen Leaching Of Spring Wheat Genotypes (Triticum Aestivum L.) Varying In Nitrogen-Related Traits

Efficient use of nitrogen (N) by wheat crop and hence prevention of possible contamination of ground and surface waters by nitrates has aroused environmental concerns. The present study was conducted in drainage lysimeters for three years (1998–2000) to identify whether spring wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) that differ in N-related traits differ in N leaching and to relate parameters of N use efficiency (NUE) with parameters of N leaching. For this reason two spring wheat cultivars (‘Albis’ and ‘Toronit’) and an experimental line (‘L94491’) were grown under low (20 kg N ha^?1) and ample N supply (270 kg N ha^?1). The genotypes varied in parameters of NUE but not in N leaching. Grain yield of the high-protein line (‘L94491’) was, on average, 11% lower than that of ‘Toronit’ but among genotypes had significantly higher N in the grain (%), grain N yield, and N harvest index. Nitrogen lost through leaching was considerably low (0.42–0.52 g m^?2) mainly due to low volume of percolating water or the ability of the genotypes to efficiently exploit soil mineral N. There were no clear relationships between N-related genotype traits and N leaching, but across all treatments significantly negative correlations between volume of leachate and the amount of N in the total biomass and grain N yield existed.     

Einfluss differenzierter Stickstoffdüngung auf Kornertrag und Backqualität von Winterweizen: (Effect of different nitrogen fertilization on yield and bread-making quality of winter wheat)

Abstract

In the “International Long-term Organic Nitrogen Fertilization Experiment” (IOSDV) the organic and mineral fertilization showed a distinct influence on yield formation and quality parameters of winter wheat, though modified by annual weather conditions. Grain yield was affected by annual weather conditions in the first place, followed by mineral N-fertilization and organic fertilization respectively. This result was due to soil conditions at the experimental site. Dry periods during the stages of spikelet formation and flowering formation, which were caused by water deficiency, reduced the yield components strongly. The yield optimum was reached at the level of 110 and 160 kg ha^?1 mineral N on the sandy soil at the location of Berlin-Dahlem. The highest nitrogen level caused non effective or slight yield depressions, especially in the “green, straw and sugar beet leaf manure” fertilization system. Organic N-fertilization (farm yard manure, straw, green manure and beet leaf fertilization) led to significant increases of winter wheat yield in the course of which biggest differences were observed when combined mineral N-fertilization was missing. The bread-making quality of B-wheat variety Flair was primarily dependent on mineral N-fertilization. Necessary values for bread wheat were predominantly obtained only, when mineral N-fertilization rates of 110?–?160 kg ha^?1 were applied. Organic N-fertilization?–?especially farmyard manure?–?improved the bread-making quality of wheat as well in treatments without mineral-N as in combination with mineral-N-fertilization.     

Diversified nitrogen rates influence nitrogen agronomic efficiency and seed yield response index of sesame (Sesamum Indicum,L.) cultivars

ABSTRACT

Due to elevating costs of N fertilizer and growing apprehensions about nitrate, experiments evaluating nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) is becoming increasingly important in crop production. NAE and seed yield potentiality of three cultivars of sesame (Shandwel–1, Giza–32 and Sohag–1) were evaluated under four N applications (0, 72, 108, and 144 kg N ha^?1) in a field experiment. Results showed that Sohag–1 recorded the highest values of yield and yields traits surpassing the other two cultivars. Sesame plants received 144 or 108 kg N ha^?1 produced the highest seed yield. In plots fertilized by 108 or 144 kg N ha^?1, Sohag–1 was the potent cultivar for recording higher seed yield. N addition more or less than 108 kg N ha^?1 caused suppression in NAE. Sohag–1 was the most effective and responsive cultivar in N use being exceeded the averages of each seed yield at zero N rate and seed yield response index (SYRI).     

Evaluation of the 15Nitrogen Isotope Dilution Technique for Estimating Crop Nitrogen Uptake from Organic Residues

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to test the new approach for estimating crop nitrogen (N) uptake from organic inputs. The soil was prelabeled with ¹⁵N by applying ¹⁵N fertilizer to sunflower crop (Helianthus annuus L. var. Viki). The ¹⁴N plots, which received unlabelled fertilizer, were also set up. At harvest, ¹⁵N labeled residues were added to the unlabeled soils at a rate of 73 kg N ha^?1 (direct technique) and unlabeled residues were added to the ¹⁵N‐labeled soils at the same rate (indirect technique). Control plots without residues were also established. All plots were sown with the wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var merchouch)–fababean (Vicia faba L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var merchouch) cropping sequence.

In the cropping sequence, the first, second and third crop derived respectively 12.01, 2.4, and 1.93 kg N ha^?1 from crop residues estimated by the direct method and 14.77, 3.3, and 1.85 kg N ha^?1 estimated by the indirect method. The results showed no significant difference between the two techniques, which suggests that the new soil prelabeling technique compares well with the direct technique.     

Cover crop and plant density in seed production of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Seed crops of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) are usually established with a cover crop. Provided sufficient light, white clover may compensate for low plant density by stoloniferous growth. Our objectives were (1) to compare spring barley or spring wheat used as cover crops for white clover and (2) to find the optimal seeding rate/row distance for white clover. Seven field trials were conducted in Southeast Norway from 2000 to 2003. Barley was seeded at 360 and 240 seeds m^?2 and wheat at 525 and 350 seeds m^?2. White clover was seeded perpendicularly to the cover crop at 400 seeds m^?2/13 cm row distance or 200 seeds m^?2/26 cm. Results showed that light penetration in spring and early summer was better in wheat than in barley. On average for seven trials, this resulted in 11% higher seed yield after establishment in wheat than in barley. The 33% reduction in cover crop seeding rate had no effect on white clover seed yield for any of the cover crops. Reducing the seeding rate/doubling the row distance of white clover had no effect on seed yield but resulted in slightly earlier maturation of the seed crop.     

Effects of biochar and fertilizer management on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) feedstock and soil properties

The need for bioenergy is increasing with increase in global energy demand, and sustainable soil and fertilizer management practices for bioenergy feedstock production are gaining importance. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated the effects of biochar and fertilizer nitrogen on soil and energy crop sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. var. Giganteus). Sunflower plants were treated with three rates of biochar, control (0 Mg ha^?1), low (25 Mg ha^?1) and high (50 Mg ha^?1), and three rates of fertilizers, 0% (control), 50% (low) and 100% (high) of the recommended nitrogen dose. Plant height, quality (chlorophyll content), biomass yield, feedstock energy, ash content and tissue nutrients were measured along with soil moisture and pH. Results showed an 11% increase in mean plant height under low biochar compared to control biochar-treated plants. High nitrogen treatment produced 26% and 18% more stalk and total above-ground plant (whole plant) biomass, respectively, compared to the control nitrogen treatment. High biochar treatment resulted in higher soil moisture holding, but lower soil pH than the control biochar treatment. Plant quality, energy and ash contents were not affected by either biochar or nitrogen. The plant tissue analysis provides a complete tissue macro- and micronutrient information on sunflower cultivar Giganteus, which was not done previously.     

Long-term fertilizer trials on loam soil at M⊘ystad,south-eastern Norway: Crop yields,nutrient balances and soil chemical analyses from 1983 to 2003

Abstract

Factorial combinations of N, P and K fertilizer have been compared with the use of farmyard manure at M?ystad since 1922 in a seven-year crop rotation (3 ley, oat, potato, wheat, barley). Until 1982, low inputs of N fertilizer (22 kg ha^?1) were used. In 1983, they were brought into line with current farming practice. This paper presents the results of three subsequent rotations. Yields without any fertilizer were on average 48% of those with 100 kg N ha^?1 in compound fertilizer, whilst those with 20, 40 and 60 Mg ha^?1 farmyard manure were 81, 87 and 90%, respectively. Yields with other combinations of N, P and K declined in the order NP, NK, N, PK and K. When NPK fertilizer was used, apparent recoveries of applied fertilizer were close to 50% for N and K, and around 40% for P. Much lower values were found for nutrients applied singly. Balance between N supply and removal was indicated at rates of about 60 kg N fertilizer ha^?1 in potatoes, 75 kg ha^?1 in cereals and 90 kg ha^?1 in leys. A surplus of P was found in all crops at all N levels, and of K in cereals and potatoes. In leys, K balance was achieved with an N supply of 90 kg N ha^?1. Nutrient balance was indicated at a little below 20 Mg ha^?1 yr^?1 farmyard manure. Larger manure applications gave large nutrient surpluses, particularly of N. Soil reaction remained close to neutral with the use of calcium nitrate and manure, but declined with the use of ammonium nitrate. Manure use gave the highest amounts of available P, K and Mg in soil. Similar increases in total inorganic P were found with manure use as with fertilizer use, but amounts of organic P and total K were little affected.     

Catch crop strategy and nitrate leaching following grazed grass-clover

Cultivation of grassland presents a high risk of nitrate leaching. This study aimed to determine if leaching could be reduced by growing spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as a green crop for silage with undersown Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) compared with barley grown to maturity with or without an undersown conventional catch crop of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). All treatments received 0, 60 or 120 kg of ammonium‐N ha^?1 in cattle slurry. In spring 2003, two grass‐clover fields (3 and 5 years old, respectively, with different management histories) were ploughed. The effects of the treatments on yield and nitrate leaching were determined in the first year, while the residual effects of the treatments were determined in the second year in a crop of spring barley/perennial ryegrass. Nitrate leaching was estimated in selected treatments using soil water samples from ceramic cups. The experiment showed that compared with treatments without catch crop, green barley/Italian ryegrass reduced leaching by 163–320 kg N ha^?1, corresponding to 95–99%, and the perennial ryegrass reduced leaching to between 34 and 86 kg N ha^?1, corresponding to a reduction of 80 and 66%. Also, in the second growing season, leaching following catch crops was reduced compared with the bare soil treatment. It was concluded that the green barley/Italian ryegrass offers advantages not only for the environment but also for farmers, for whom it provides a fodder high in roughage and avoids the difficulties with clover fatigue increasingly experienced by Danish farmers.     

Maize (Zea mays L.) Grain Yield Response to Methods of Nitrogen Fertilization

ABSTRACT

In the developing world, fertilizer application is commonly achieved by broadcasting nutrients to the soil surface without incorporation. A commonly used nitrogen (N) source is urea and if not incorporated, can sustain N losses via ammonia volatilization and lower crop yields. This study evaluated the effect of planting, N rate and application methods on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. An experiment with a randomized complete block design (nine treatments and three replications) was established in 2013 and 2018 in Oklahoma. The planting methods included; farmer practice (FP), Oklahoma State University hand planter (OSU-HP), and John Deere (JD) mechanical planter. Side-dress N application methods included; dribble surface band (DSB), broadcast (BR), and OSU-HP. Nitrogen was applied at the rate of 30 and 60 kg ha^?1 as urea and UAN at V8 growth stage. On average, planting and applying N at 60 kg ha^?1 using OSU-HP resulted in the highest yield (11.4 Mg ha^?1). This exceeded check plot yield (5.59 Mg ha^?1) by 104%. Nitrogen application improved grain yield by over 57% when compared to the 0-N check (8.77 Mg ha^?1). Mid-season N placement below the soil surface using OSU-HP makes it a suitable alternative to improve grain yield.