A survey of the production and use of animal manures in England and Wales. III. Cattle manures

Abstract. A survey of cattle manure management was undertaken in England and Wales, in 1997, by postal questionnaire sent out to a stratified sample (by unit size) of 1750 dairy and 1750 beef producers. The level of response obtained, with 471 dairy farmers (27%) and 515 beef farmers (29%) returning questionnaires, reflects well on the interest shown by the industry and on the survey design. The survey provided information on manure production and storage, when and how applied and nutrient value. Dairy farms are estimated to produce manures in the form of c. 65% slurry and 35% farmyard manures (FYM) and, beef units, 80%FYM and 20%slurry (based on survey response data, animal numbers and calculations of undiluted outputs of excreta). Slurry storage within both dairy and beef systems is typically up to 3–6 months capacity, although there is no storage for an estimated 16% of dairy and 25% of beef slurry. Autumn and winter spreading is common practice, with 40–50% of slurry and 50–60% of FYM applied at that time. Although some evidence suggests that farmers make little allowance for the nutrient content of manures in planning fertilizer inputs, the results of this survey suggest that many farmers do make some effort to utilize manure nutrients. However, they currently fail to be assured by the advice available to them or they lack confidence in manures as nutrient sources for a number of technical reasons. Information provided by the survey may be important to policy makers, researchers and consultants, as well as farmers.     

A survey of the production and use of animal manures in England and Wales

Abstract. A survey of manure management practice was undertaken in 1996, by postal questionnaire submitted to a stratified sample of egg and broiler producers in England and Wales. Out of a target of 500 laying hen and 500 broiler (chickens produced for meat) production units in the survey sample, 356 (36%) returned questionnaires. The survey provided information on amount and type of manure production, manure storage and land application strategies (timing, techniques and awareness of nutrient content). Within the survey, no attempt was made to differentiate between organic and conventional production systems. About 45% of manure production was estimated to come from layer holdings, 55% from broiler litter. It was estimated that 70% of the national manure production is litter‐based and about 30% are droppings collected without litter. Sawdust/shavings are the most popular bedding material, with an average final depth of 100 mm for broilers and 140 mm on litter‐based layer units. Commonly, storage is available within housing for at least the length of the cropping cycle (6 weeks in broiler production, or 12 months in deep pit laying houses), around 60% of poultry manure is stored for a period following removal from the house, most commonly for 3‐6 months. Overall, autumn was the peak period for manure spreading, with over 40% of laying hen manure and 50% of broiler manure applied at that time. On grassland, spreading was reasonably evenly distributed throughout the year but autumn application was favoured for arable crops, especially before the establishment of cereals and root crops, overall, almost 50% of layer and broiler manure was applied in the autumn. In the survey, up to 10% of manures were claimed to be incorporated within a day of application and about 60% within a week of application, presumably because of concern about odour nuisance. Around 25% of poultry manure was applied by contractors. A high proportion of farmers (c. 40% with layers, c. 60% with broilers) exported manures from their holdings, the proportion removed amounting to almost 90% on these farms. Although evidence elsewhere indicates that farmers make little allowance for manures in planning crop fertilizer inputs, the survey responses suggested that farmers do make an effort to allow for manures but that their confidence in the advice available to them is lacking, or they may have other technical reasons for not taking advantage of the manurial value. Information provided by the survey is of significant importance to policy makers (e.g. for the construction of environmental emissions inventories), researchers, consultants and farmers.     

Nitrate leaching loss following application of organic manures to sandy soils in arable cropping.

Abstract. Experiments were set up at two sites to measure nitrogen (N) leaching loss from applications of separated pig/cattle slurry and cattle farmyard manure(FYM), during winters 1990/91–1993/94 (site A) and from broiler litter and FYM, during winters 1990/91–1992/93 (site B). The manures were applied at a target rate of 200 kg ha^-1 total N during the autumn and winter to overwinter fallow or top dressed onto winter rye. The total N in leachate was calculated from leachate N concentrations, in samples collected using ceramic cups buried at 90 cm, and an estimate of drainage volume. Nitrogen losses were greatest following manure applications in September, October and November but losses following applications in December or January were not significantly elevated above those from untreated controls. Losses were consistently lower from FYM than from broiler litter or separated slurry. The presence of a cover crop (winter rye) significantly reduced overall N leaching compared with the fallow, but only reduced the manure N leaching losses at one site during one winter when a high proportion of drainage occurred late. The incorporation of a nitrification inhibitor (DCD) with manures applied in October did not significantly reduce the manure N leaching.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff from grassland with buffer strips following application of fertilizers and manures

Abstract. We examined whether nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) export was enhanced from grassland receiving inorganic fertilizer and manures typical of intensive livestock production. Buffer strips were included in the study to determine if they could reduce nutrient export. Hillslope plots receiving granular inorganic fertilizer, liquid cattle slurry and solid cattle manure (FYM) were compared using rainfall simulation for 4 storms on consecutive days at 22 mm h^-1 and 35 minutes duration. The plots were hydrologically isolated in a randomized block layout of 4 treatments × 3 replicates and measured 30 × 5m; the upper 20m received either fertilizer, slurry or FYM, while the lower 10 m acted as an unfertilized grass buffer strip. Nitrogen and P export in surface runoff from grassland receiving inorganic fertilizer exceeded that from FYM or slurry treatments; concentrations up to46mgN1-^-1 and 15 mgP1^–1 were recorded.
Sixty eight % and 62% of the N from FYM and slurry respectively, was exported in organic form. Seventy four % (FYM) and 39% (slurry) of the P was in particulate or dissolved organic form. The buffer strip reduced N export in surface runoff by 94% and P export by 98% from inorganic fertilizer plots. A 75% reduction in N export was recorded from the buffer zone below slurry plots but only a 10% reduction in P, with most P remaining in the particulate or dissolved organic fraction. There was no significant difference in N export from the buffer zone between the inorganic fertilizer treatment and the untreated control.     

Behaviour and Impact of Cow Slurry Beneath a Storage Lagoon: 1. Groundwater Contamination 1975–1982

The chemical and biological composition of groundwater sampled from a 76 m deep borehole situated 80 m from an unlined, earth-banked lagoon excavated in Upper Chalk and continuously used to store liquid cow manure was regularly monitored from August 1975 to January 1982 for signs of pollution. The lagoon became self-sealing 3 months after the start of filling in 1975, but was further enlarged and re-filled in autumn 1976, and emptied by dragline in September 1978 and 1980. No significant changes in groundwater composition were detected in the period August 1975 to December 1978. In January 1979, significant numbers of Escherichia coli and a large, rapid increase in concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄-N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) and sulphate (SO4) were detected in the groundwater. Nutrient concentrations fluctuated at elevated levels throughout 1979 but decreased during 1980. Additional bacterial and chemical (NH₄-N, P and K) contamination was recorded in January 1981 and subsequent months. The contamination was considered to have occurred as a result of fissure flow through the unsaturated zone of the Upper Chalk following repeated disruption of the self-sealing layer during emptying of the lagoon by dragline in September 1978 and 1980. The results indicate that unlined, earth-banked slurry storage lagoons need to be carefully managed to avoid biological and chemical pollution of Chalk aquifers.     

Effects of short‐term nitrogen supply from livestock manures and cover crops on silage maize production and nitrate leaching

Resource use efficiency requires a correct appreciation of the nitrogen (N) fertilizer replacement value (NFRV, percentage of total N applied) of manures. We assessed the NFRVs of the liquid fraction originating from separated pig slurry (MC), untreated pig slurry (PS), untreated cattle slurry (CS), the solid fraction from separated pig slurry (SF) and solid farmyard manure from cattle (FYM) in two consecutive years in silage maize grown on a sandy soil. Maize yields responded positively to each of these N sources applied at rates up to 150 kg of mineral fertilizer equivalents per ha per year (i.e. NFRV × total N rate). The observed NFRVs, relative to calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer, amounted to 78% for MC, 82% for PS, 79% for CS, 56% for SF and 34% for FYM when averaged over both years. NFRVs were positively related to the ammonium‐N share in the total N content. Rye cover crop establishment after the harvest of maize reduced nitrate concentrations of the upper groundwater by, on average, 7.5 mg nitrate‐N/L in the first year and 10.9 mg/L in the second year, relative to a bare soil. Regardless of the presence of a cover crop, nitrate concentrations responded positively to the applied rate of effective N (total N × NFRV) but less to postharvest residual soil mineral N.     

Determination of organic materials quality based on nutrient recovery,mineral fertilizer equivalency and maize (Zea mays L.) allometry

Crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa is primarily limited by soil fertility decline. In view of this, the fertilizer value of locally available organic materials (OMs) was assessed for their nutrient release to crop growth. Crop residues and farmyard manure (FYM) were evaluated along with mineral fertilizers to grow a test crop maize variety – Gibe 2. The maize allometric parameters, nutrient ratios (NRs), nutrient recovery (NRy) and mineral fertilizer equivalency (MFE) were used to assess the mineral fertilizer value (MFV) of OMs. MFE of OMs was estimated as the available mineral N and P out of the fraction of total nitrogen and phosphorus applied relative to mineral fertilizers supply. The results revealed that maize allometry, NRy and MFE were significantly influenced by fertilizer sources. OM amendment resulted in poor maize allometry and low NRy. Interestingly, MFE of OM amended ranged from ?201% with chickpea (CHP) residue to 63% with FYM. The results demonstrate that CHP has the poorest quality, while FYM is a good-quality OM as a fertilizer source.     

Nitrate leaching following autumn and winter application of animal manures to grassland

Abstract. Under a UK Government consultation procedure announced in 2001, it was proposed that measures agreed within already designated Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ 's) would be extended to include a considerably increased area of England, Wales and Scotland. Since existing NVZ 's in the UK have included relatively little grassland, it is important to examine how nitrate losses from grassland areas, especially from animal manures, one of the major potential sources of nitrate loss, can be minimized. Experiments were carried out on freely draining grassland soils at four sites (Devon, Hampshire, Shropshire and N Yorkshire) representative of a wide range of climatic and farming conditions across lowland England, over a four year period, 1990/91 to 1993/94. Slurry was applied to experimental plots over a range of times (including June and then monthly, from September to January) at a target rate of 200 kg N ha^–1. Nitrogen leaching over the four years ranged from 0 to >50% of applied slurry N, with the largest losses occurring following applications in the September to November period. The use of a nitrification inhibitor with slurry applied in November failed to provide consistent reduction in nitrate leaching.
A strategy to reduce the risk of N leaching from manures applied to freely draining grassland soils must take account of the characteristics of the manure, in particular its N content, the application rate and the amount of excess rainfall following application. The experimental results suggest that slurry applications to freely draining grassland, in September, October and November should generally be avoided, the rationale for this being dependent on the amount of excess rainfall subsequent to application. Farmyard manure represents a lower risk and does not justify the restrictions on application timing that appear to be necessary with slurry.     

养殖粪水长期贮存过程理化特性变化规律

目前中国中小规模畜禽养殖场主要采用自然贮存后还田的形式处理养殖粪水,受场地制约,养殖粪水贮存时间通常仅有1～2个月,之后便直接还田利用,贮存后的粪水理化特性变化尚不清楚,是否适宜直接还田尚需研究。该研究以猪粪水和牛粪水为研究对象,重点分析粪水在长期贮存中粪大肠菌群、电导率（Electrical Conductance,EC）以及化学需氧量（Chemical Oxygen Demand,COD）的变化,分析粪水最佳贮存期及还田利用方式,以期为粪水资源化及安全还田提供参考。结果表明,粪水经自然贮存6个月,铵态氮损失达68%以上,不仅引起环境污染,且降低了养分;贮存后粪水基本可达到无害化要求,但pH值、EC值以及COD浓度仍然偏高,还田前应制定合理的粪水资源化利用方案;固液分离可以有效降低粪水中的COD浓度和EC值,促进粪水无害化进程。该研究为中国畜禽养殖粪水资源化用探索了新的技术路径。     

规模化养猪场粪污全量收集及贮存工艺设计

基于全量收集的粪污贮存技术具有粪尿收集方便、运行成本低廉和养分利用率高等特点,在欧美等发达国家得到了普遍应用,是一种适合在中国华北、西北等地区和土地匹配较充足的区域进行推广的粪污处理与还田利用技术。文章以规模化养猪场尿泡粪全量贮存技术为研究对象,分析了尿泡粪收集量、贮存工艺控制参数、贮存设施设计和投资运行成本等内容,旨在为该技术的推广应用提供参考。结果表明：每头生猪整个饲养周期内尿泡粪收集量为0.70 m3;粪污贮存设施分为舍内贮存池和舍外贮存罐2种,粪污贮存方法可采取舍内贮存、舍外贮存和舍内结合舍外贮存3种。粪污pH值酸化至5.5～6.5,氨排放量最高可减少80%;粪肥还田前一般要求存储时间为6个月。以存栏5 000头规模养猪场为例,舍内贮存池所需容积为6 600 m3,投资660万元;舍外贮存罐所需容积为4 118 m3,投资206万元;舍内结合舍外贮存设施所需容积为8 214 m3,投资651万元;粪污处理成本为3.83万元/a,施肥成本为10.8万元/a;全部粪肥还田可满足133 hm2农田用肥,节省化肥6.0万元/a,该研究可为粪污贮存及利用提供参考。     

猪粪秸秆不同物料比对固体产酸发酵效果的影响

在沼液回流的条件下,研究猪粪和秸秆固体产酸发酵过程中,不同原料配比（猪粪与秸秆质量比分别为4︰1、2︰1、1︰1、1︰3和0︰1即纯秸秆）对产酸发酵效果的影响。试验结果表明：增加发酵原料猪粪比例有利于调节发酵体系pH值,但酸化液中氨氮质量浓度较高;沼液回流能有效避免体系过酸现象;上述不同原料质量配比产酸发酵产物以乙酸为主,试验周期内,累积产乙酸质量分别占各反应器挥发性脂肪酸（VFAs）总质量的80.8%、81.8%、77.1%、78.3%和73.8%,酸化液中丙酸质量浓度均低于1.6 g/L,累积产生质量分别占各反应器VFAs总质量的4.8%、2.8%、7.2%、6.5%和8.4%。综合分析表明,猪粪与秸秆比为2︰1时,发酵过程中产酸效果优于其他配比试验。     

The fertilizer equivalence of phosphorus and potassium in organic manures applied to arable soils

Previous papers [Soil Use and Management (2004) vol. 20, 410; (2007) vol. 23, 162] derived relationships for different soil types in south England of change in topsoil K (ΔKex) or P (ΔPres) against K or P balance over 3–5 years for fields in commercial farms given variable rates of fertilizer but no manure. Shown here is how ΔKex or ΔPres on manured fields can be converted to a fertilizer equivalent (fertilizer substitute) K or P value of the manure (FEK or FEP). There were significant increases in Pres and Kex when animal manures were applied, and in Pres using sewage sludge cake or liquid. Median FEP and FEK values for one application were – cattle farm yard manure (FYM) 36 kg P per hectare and 153 kg K per hectare, pig manure 70 and 149, digested sludge cake 62 P and digested liquid 31 P. Poultry manures and slurries also showed a significant benefit. When <12 months (only one cultivation) elapsed between application and soil sampling, FEP was much lower than in the second year and further increased over 4 years, whereas the maximum FEK was attained within a year of manure application. Release of P is slow compared with K. After 2–4 years FEP and FEK per tonne of FYM calculated as 0.95 kg P and 4.5 kg K, but farmer-reported application rates may be inaccurate. For biosolids <60% of the total P showed as FEP within 4 years. Even single manure applications register a large benefit in soil P and K supply (currently worth >£225 per hectare as fertilizer), but are variable in effect, which must be evaluated by soil analysis: at least one season and two cultivations should elapse before sampling; ideally more than a 2-year interval.     

猪粪沼液培养微藻系统中试试验

为实现猪粪沼液资源化的大规模应用,该研究以小球藻（Chlorella E2E）为试验藻种,开展了中试规模的\     

连续施用沼液对土壤性质的影响及重金属污染风险评价

为实现沼液资源化利用,采用3年田间定位试验研究施用猪粪沼液对土壤理化性质的影响,并评估其对土壤潜在的重金属污染风险。田间试验种植方式为水稻—油菜轮作,施肥方式分别以清水和常规化肥为对照,另设10个猪粪沼液施用量梯度。通过单因子污染、内梅罗综合污染和Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法,评价连续施用猪粪沼液对土壤潜在的重金属污染风险。结果表明:当3年沼液施用总量为(546.25～626.00)×103 kg/hm2时,能显著提高土壤肥力,改善土壤结构,防止土壤生态功能遭破坏,保障农业安全生产,但需合理配施氮肥,防止土壤养分失衡;单因子污染指数显示土壤重金属Cd、As、Cr、Hg为轻度污染,Pb较安全;内梅罗综合污染指数显示Cd、As、Pb、Cr、Hg总体为轻度污染;Hakanson潜在生态风险指数显示Pb、Cd、Cr、As存在轻微潜在生态污染风险,Hg存在中等潜在生态污染风险,综合潜在生态污染风险程度属轻度;沼液还田引起土壤环境重金属污染的风险较小,需合理管控Hg和As可能引起的土壤环境污染问题。     

猪粪厌氧、有氧发酵物氮源对甘蓝生长及土壤养分的影响

探讨了在等氮量供应下,猪粪厌氧发酵物(沼液)及有氧发酵物(堆肥)氮源对甘蓝生长及土壤养分的影响,结果表明:在等氮量供应的情况下,施用猪粪沼液不仅可以替代化肥为作物提供生长所必需的氮素,而且提高了养分的利用效率,对甘蓝的增产效果显著;而施用猪粪堆肥处理的甘蓝产量较低,但是施用猪粪堆肥可以提高土壤有机质和土壤p H值,减少施用化肥带来的土壤酸化危害;在等氮量供应的情况下,单施猪粪堆肥处理的土壤有效磷、速效钾含量最高。     

Performance of Turmeric and Soil Moisture Depletion Pattern Under Different Water Regimes and Nutrient Sources at New Alluvial Zone of Indo-Gangetic Plains,India

In India, the production of turmeric is not even half compared to its potential. To analyze the possibilities for higher production in turmeric, this study was conducted at the BCKV, Gayeshpur, West Bengal, during 2011 and 2012, to evaluate the effect of irrigation scheduling (0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 irrigation water (IW)/cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) and rainfed) in main plots and nutrient management [100% inorganic, 75% inorganic + 25% FYM (Farm yard manure), and 50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost] in subplots on soil moisture depletion and productivity of turmeric. The highest value of fresh rhizome yield (23.90 kg ha^?1) and qualitative indices were obtained with irrigation schedule at 0.9 IW/CPE ratio water regimes and 50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost. The correlation coefficients of water use and yield of turmeric were found at 0.943. The combination of 0.9 IW/CPE and 50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost improved the overall performance of turmeric crop.     

Evaluation of Farm Plot Conditions and Effects of Fish Scrap Compost on Yield and Mineral Composition of Field Grown Maize

? The increasing availability of composted soil amendments derived from residues not normally encountered in farming has prompted this study of fish scrap compost. An on-farm field trial with maize (Zea mays) was established to test the effects of composted fish scrap (CFS) in comparison to un-composted farmyard manure (FYM) and inorganic nutrients (NPK). Fish scraps were previously composted with sawdust. Farm manure resulted from bedding dairy animals with a sawdust/straw mixture. Both CFS and FYM had C:N ratios of approximately 31. Yields and nutrient content were evaluated following application of 0.50, 23 and 106 Mg/ha of NPK, FYM and CFS, respectively which were applied based on estimated N-release. Ear-node leaves sampled at tasseling and analyzed for major and minor nutrients indicated that phosphorus was very significantly lower in compost compared to manure and NPK. Statistical analysis revealed that were was no significant differences in yields which decreased in the order FYM > NPK > CFS > Control. Simple regression analysis indicated that no single tissue trait explained yields but multiple regression showed that P and Cu levels in tissue explained 55% of yield variation (p=0.026). Apparently, the relatively high C:N of aged CFS and FYM had little or no effect on growth while slightly but not significantly decreasing plant total-N in CFS plots. The study underscores the fact that previous soil conditions on the farm must be accounted for before traits like C:N or other mineral characteristics of amendments are used to predict yield potential.     

Availability of organic nutrient sources and their effects on yield and nutrient recovery of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] and on soil properties

Inadequate nutrient and organic‐matter supply constitutes the principal cause for declining soil fertility and productivity in much of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). In a survey in Gare Arera, the central Ethiopian highland, farmyard manure (FYM) and compost enriched with ash were identified as underutilized organic nutrient sources. Mustard meal, a by‐product of mustard‐seed oil production, is also locally available. On‐farm experiments were carried out on two major soil types (Nitisol and Vertisol) to study effects of the organic fertilizers, synthetic fertilizer (urea + triple superphosphate) and an unfertilized control on the yield and yield components of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc) Trotter] and selected soil properties. Application of organic fertilizers at an N rate equivalent to that of urea produced grain yields of 82% and 99% of that produced with urea on Nitisol and Vertisol, respectively. The apparent N recovery from urea, mustard meal, FYM, and compost was, respectively, 31%, 25%, 16%, and 28% on Nitisol and 23%, 17%, 26%, and 21% on Vertisol. The mean agronomic efficiency for the organic and synthetic fertilizers on Nitisol was 20 and 24 kg grain (kg N)^–1 applied, respectively, whereas on the Vertisol, it was 13 kg grain (kg N)^–1 for both. On Vertisol, tef was most responsive to FYM and on Nitisol, it was most responsive to compost. Soil N and P contents increased due to organic‐fertilizer application. The results showed that compost enriched with ash is a good choice on Nitisol while FYM works well on Vertisol. Mustard meal can be applied on both soils.     

Effect of nutrient‐management practices on growth,fruiting pattern,and yield of Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is mostly grown in the rainfed regions of India. However, little is known about the effects of nutrient‐management practices on plant growth and fruiting pattern of Asiatic cotton. Therefore, plant growth and fruiting pattern under four nutrient‐management treatments, N, NPK, FYM (10 Mg ha^–1), and INM (integrated nutrient management: a combination of NPK and FYM) were quantified during 2000–01 to 2002–03 (years 16 to 18 of a long‐term field experiment). Plants of the INM and FYM treatments were taller (68.4–149.5 cm) and had more main stem nodes per plant (30.5–44.5) as compared to N and NPK treatments. In treatment N, the shortest plants (50.9–83.6 cm) and the least number of fruiting structures were produced. Plants of the INM and FYM treatments accumulated more squares and bolls. Maximum boll production was 10–19 days earlier with the manure‐amended than the N and NPK treatments. Treatment N had the lowest seed cotton yield (639–790 kg ha^–1), because of small boll size (1.48–1.73 g) and few open bolls. Seed cotton yield followed the trend: NPK (815–1278 kg ha^–1) < INM (776–1551 kg ha^–1) < FYM (902–1593 kg ha^–1). Water stress and nutrient deficiencies (P and Zn in the N and Zn in the NPK treatments) as a consequence of nutrient depletion over the years may have decreased seed cotton yields in treatments that received mineral fertilizer alone in comparison with manure‐amended treatments. On a long‐term basis, FYM application should therefore form an integral part of nutrient recommendation.     

The fate of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium in long‐term experiments in Skierniewice

On the basis of long‐term fertilization experiments in Skierniewice, being conducted since 1923 at the Experimental Field of Warsaw Agricultural University, the fate (or balance) of nitrogen for a period of 35 years and that of phosphorus and potassium for 20 years, was studied. The balance includes N, P and K rates applied in mineral fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM), uptake of these nutrients by the crop plants and the changes in the content of total N and total P and of slow release K in the soil during that time. The nitrogen balance shows a loss of this nutrient of 11—14 kg N ha^—1 y^—1, which corresponds to 15% of the applied ammonium nitrate on fields without FYM but to 23% on fields with FYM, in spite of crop yields being considerably greater on fields treated with FYM. The phosphorus balance indicated that in the 0—70 cm soil layer less than 4% of P from superphosphate was not found. In the treatment not fertilized with potassium for many years, the plants took up 49 kg K ha^—1 y^—1 from slow release forms because the fraction of available K did not change during that period. When calculating the potassium balance only 1.6% of K from potash salt were not found in plots without FYM but 12.3% of the applied KCl were not recovered in treatments with FYM. The comparison of the P‐ and K‐uptake from organic and mineral fertilizer in the two crop rotations indicates a higher P‐ and K‐efficiency from FYM than from inorganic fertilizer.