Effects of preceding compost application on the nitrogen budget in an upland soybean field converted from a rice paddy field on gray lowland soil in Akita,Japan

Abstract

The annual nitrogen (N) budget was measured in a soybean-cultivated upland field during the first year after conversion from a paddy field on gray lowland soil, which is typically found on the Sea of Japan side of northern Japan. Forage rice was cultivated on lysimeter fields for 4 consecutive years with applications of chemical fertilizer, immature compost, or mature compost (the control, immature compost, and mature compost plots, respectively), and then the fields were converted to upland fields for soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill cultivar Ryuho) cultivation. Input (seed, bulk N deposition, and symbiotic dinitrogen [N₂] fixation) and output (harvested grain, leached N via drainage water, and nitrous oxide emission) N flows were measured, and the field N budget was estimated from the difference between the input and output. The soybean plants in the immature and mature compost plots grew well and had higher yields (498–511 g m)^?2) compared to the control plot (410 g m)^?2). Total N accumulation in the soybean plants derived from N₂ fixation (g N m)^?2) in the mature compost plot (27.7) was higher than those in the control (18.1) and immature compost plots (19.9). Percentages of soybean N accumulation derived from N₂ fixation ranged from 53% to 74%. N derived from symbiotic N₂ fixation accounted for more than 90% of the total N input, whereas harvested grain accounted for approximately 85% of the total N output. N leaching mainly occurred during the fallow period, accounting for 13–15% of the total N output. The annual N budgets were negative (?10.0,?14.2, and ?6.4 g N m)^?2 year)^?1 for the control, immature compost, andmature compost plots, respectively). The Nloss from the immature compost plot was higher than that of the control plot, because the N output in harvested grain was higher, and the N input by N₂ fixation was similar between plots. While the N loss from the mature compost plot was lower than that of the control plot because the N output in harvested grain was higher, as was the case in the immature compost plot, the N input by N₂ fixation was also higher. Preceding compost application—whether immature or mature compost—to paddy fields increased the subsequent soybean yield during the first year after conversion. This result suggests that N loss and the following decrease in soil N availability in the field could be mitigated by increased N₂ fixation resulting from mature compost application with an appropriate application practice.     

Evaluation of Compost for Use as a Soil Amendment in Corn and Soybean Production

The purpose of this research project was to 1) evaluate rate of compost application and 2) to compare compost with uncomposted raw material and inorganic fertilizer N application upon maize and soybean growth and productivity, and upon soil characteristics. During the first three years of the study, the source of uncomposted material and compost was food waste and ground newsprint. During years 4 to 9 of the study, the source of uncomposted material and compost was dairy cow manure and wood chips. Application rates in field site 1 were 0, 11.2, 22.4, 33.6 and 44.8 Mg ha^?1 compost, 44.8 Mg ha^?1 uncomposted material and 140 kg ha^?1 fertilizer N (as urea). Application rates in field site 2 were 0, 22.4, 44.8, 67.2 and 134.4 Mg ha^?1 compost, 134.4 Mg ha^?1 uncomposted manure and 180 kg ha^?1 fertilizer N (dry matter basis). The high rates of compost application significantly raised organic matter levels, and available P and K compared to inorganic fertilizer N. Uncomposted manure and increasing compost application rates significantly increased grain yield, number of kernels per plant and plant weight. Composting significantly reduced pathogen indicator bacteria concentrations. The data of this study suggest that on these high organic matter soils 22.4 Mg ha^?1 to 44.8 Mg ha^?1 are optimal compost application rates.     

Nitrogen mineralization from an organically managed soil and nitrogen accumulation in lettuce

The potential of an organically managed Cambic Arenosol to supply nitrogen (N) from either an applied commercial organic fertilizer (granulated hen manure), a compost produced on‐farm, or four different mixtures of both fertilizers was studied in a laboratory incubation and a pot experiment with lettuce. In the incubation experiment, a significant higher apparent N mineralization occurred after hen‐manure application (53.4% of the organic N applied) compared to compost (4.5%) or mixed‐fertilizer application (8.7% to 16.7%). The apparent N mineralization in a mixed treatment consisting of compost and half rate of hen manure (15.4% of the organic N applied) was significantly higher than that estimated based on the N mineralization for compost and hen‐manure treatments (7.6%), proving that a combined application of both fertilizers enhanced organic‐N mineralization when compared to separate fertilizer supply. In the pot experiment, a higher lettuce fresh‐matter yield was obtained with hen manure (1.9 kg m^–2) than with compost (1.7 kg m^–2) or unfertilized control treatment (1.3 kg m^–2). Combined application of compost with only a half rate of hen manure led to yields (2.0 kg m^–2) equal to those obtained with only hen manure. A good correlation was observed between the N‐mineralization incubation data and the N accumulated by lettuce plants in the pot experiment (r = 0.983). Hence, in the organic production of baby‐leaf lettuce, a mixture of compost and hen manure appears to be a good fertilization alternative, since it allows a reduction by half of the typical amount of commercial fertilizer usually applied (granulated hen manure), cutting fertilization costs, and providing an amount of available N that allows maintaining lettuce yields.     

Effect of the long-term application of organic matter on soil carbon accumulation and GHG emissions from a rice paddy field in a cool-temperate region,Japan-II. Effect of different compost applications-

ABSTRACT

The influence of long-term application of different types of compost on rice grain yield, CH₄ and N₂O emissions, and soil carbon storage (0 ? 30 cm) in rice paddy fields was clarified. Two sets of paddy fields applied with rice straw compost or livestock manure compost mainly derived from cattle were used in this study. Each set comprised long-term application (LT) and corresponding control (CT) plots. The application rates for rice straw compost (42 years) and livestock manure compost (41 years in total with different application rates) were 20 Mg fresh weight ha^–1. Soil carbon storage increased by 33% and 37% with long-term application of rice straw compost and livestock manure compost, respectively. The soil carbon sequestration rate by the organic matter application was 23% higher with the livestock manure compost than with the rice straw compost. The rice grain yield in the LT plot was significantly higher than that in the corresponding CT plot with both types of compost. Although the difference was not significant in the rice straw compost, cumulative CH₄ emissions increased with long-term application of both composts. Increase rate of CH₄ emission with long-term application was higher in the livestock manure compost (99%) than that in the rice straw compost (26%). In both composts, the long-term application did not increase N₂O emission significantly. As with the rice straw compost, the increase in CH₄ emission with the long-term application of livestock manure compost exceeded the soil carbon sequestration rate, and the change in the net greenhouse gas (GHG) balance calculated by the difference between them was positive, indicating a net increase in the GHG emissions. The increase in CH₄ and net GHG emissions owing to the long-term application of the livestock manure compost could be higher than that of the rice straw compost owing to the amount of applied carbon, the quality of compost and the soil carbon accumulation. The possibility that carbon sequestration in the subsoil differs depending on the type of composts suggests the importance of including subsoil in the evaluation of soil carbon sequestration by long-term application of organic matter.     

Coffee‐husk biochar application increased AMF root colonization,P accumulation,N2 fixation,and yield of soybean grown in a tropical Nitisol,southwest Ethiopia

Low soil fertility and soil acidity are among the major bottlenecks that limit agricultural productivity in the humid tropics. Soil management systems that enhance soil fertility and biological cycling of nutrients are crucial to sustain soil productivity. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the effects of coffee‐husk biochar (0, 2.7, 5.4, and 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil), rhizobium inoculation (with and without), and P fertilizer application (0 and 9 mg P kg^?1 soil) on arbuscular mycorrhyzal fungi (AMF) root colonization, yield, P accumulation, and N₂ fixation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv. Clark 63‐K] grown in a tropical Nitisol in Ethiopia. ANOVA showed that integrated application of biochar and P fertilizer significantly improved soil chemical properties, P accumulation, and seed yield. Compared to the seed yield of the control (without inoculation, P, and biochar), inoculation, together with 9 and 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil gave more than two‐fold increment of seed yield and the highest total P accumulation (4.5 g plant^?1). However, the highest AMF root colonization (80%) was obtained at 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil without P and declined with application of 9 mg P kg^?1 soil. The highest total N content (4.2 g plant^?1) and N₂ fixed (4.6 g plant^?1) were obtained with inoculation, 9 mg P kg^?1, and 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil. However, the highest %N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) (> 98%) did not significantly change between 5.4 and 16.2 g kg^?1 soil biochar treatments at each level of inoculation and P addition. The improved soil chemical properties, seed yield, P accumulation and N₂ fixation through combined use of biochar and P fertilizer suggest the importance of integrated use of biochar with P fertilizer to ensure that soybean crops are adequately supplied with P for nodulation and N₂‐fixation in tropical acid soils for sustainable soybean production in the long term.     

Influence of Applied Cattle Manure on Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grain Yield,Soil pH and Soil Organic Carbon

ABSTRACT

Animal manure is used in crop production to improve crop yield and soil properties. The impact of cattle manure applied in one year on yield and soil properties in the subsequent years has not been extensively studied. This work evaluated the effect of manure application on winter wheat grain yield (Triticum aestivum L.), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil pH. Cattle manure was applied once every four years at a rate of 267 kg N ha^?1. Grain yield and soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected annually from the Magruder Plots, Oklahoma. Soil samples were analyzed using a glass electrode (pH) and LECO dry combustion analyzer (SOC). The highest yield (2.8 Mg ha^?1) occurred in the second year after manure application. Yield in the second year exceeded yield in the first year by 66%. Yields in the third and fourth year were similar to yields in the other years. No changes in soil pH and SOC were observed in each of the four years that constituted the manure application cycle. Cattle manure (267 kg N ha^?1) could be applied once to serve a four-year period without major yield differences while also improving soil pH and SOC when compared to the check.     

Status of paddy soils as affected by paddy rice and upland soybean rotation in northeast Japan,with special reference to nitrogen fertility

To investigate the current available nitrogen (N) and chemical properties of paddy soils affected by crop rotation between irrigated paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) and upland soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (paddy-upland rotation), topsoils were collected from 22 fields of four different farmers in the northeastern region of Japan. Regardless of organic material application, a significant negative correlation was found between available soil N and an increase in the proportions of upland seasons to total crop seasons after the initiation of paddy-upland rotation. Soil total N and total carbon (C) also tended to decrease with an increase in upland frequency. In fields with repeated applications of cattle manure compost, the soil available N was higher than in fields where only crop residue was applied. A significant negative correlation was also found between the soil available N:total N ratio and upland frequency. This indicates that the part of soil N related to available N was notably lost by the use of paddy fields as upland fields. In order to sustain available soil N over the minimum suitable level of 80?mg?kg^?1, upland frequency should not exceed 65% when only crop residues and no other organic materials are applied. The upland frequency can be raised by the repeated application of organic materials which maintain a higher level of available soil N. The results imply that care should be taken to maintain the N fertility of paddy soil at a suitable level in paddy-upland rotation, and that upland frequency and organic materials applied are important factors to do this.     

Effect of the long-term application of anaerobically digested residual slurry on methane emissions in a rice paddy field

ABSTRACT

The anaerobic digestion of livestock manure is an environmentally compatible technology used for the production of renewable energy. Anaerobically digested residual slurry has been used worldwide as a liquid fertilizer in both upland and paddy fields. However, a controversial question remains as to whether the application of slurry to rice paddy fields increases methane emissions; although methane is one of the most prevalent greenhouse gases, little is known about the effects of the long-term application of residual slurry on methane emission. In this study, we repeatedly applied slurry to a paddy field for six years at different application rates (10, 15, and 20 g N m^?2 based on ammonium-nitrogen content). At the fifth and sixth years of application, we evaluated the effect in terms of methane flux and soil total carbon content. The effect of the long-term application of the slurry (10 g N m^?2) on grain yield was equivalent to that of chemical fertilizer (10 g N m^?2). The application of the residual slurry was likely to increase the cumulative methane emissions during rice growing season in both 2006 and 2007. On the other hand, we observed that soil total carbon did not accumulate significantly in the soil. Thus, we cannot rule out the potential risk of additional methane emissions caused by the application of the residuary slurry to paddy fields.     

Nitrogen Availability from Compost in High Tunnel Tomato Production

High yield agricultural systems, such as high tunnel (HT) vegetable production, require a large supply of soil nutrients, especially nitrogen (N). Compost is a common amendment used by HT growers both to supply nutrients and to improve physical and biological soil properties. We examined commercially-available composts and their effects on soil N, plant N uptake, and tomato yield in HT cultivation. In addition, a laboratory study examined N and carbon (C) mineralization from the composts, and the usefulness of compost properties as predictors of compost N mineralization was assessed under field and laboratory conditions. The field study used a randomized complete block design with four replications to compare four compost treatments (all added at the rate of 300 kg total N ha^?1) with unamended soil and an inorganic N treatment (110 kg N ha^?1). Tomatoes were grown in Monmouth, Maine during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Compost NO₃^?-N and NH₄⁺-N application rates were significantly correlated with soil NO₃^?-N and NH₄⁺-N concentrations throughout the growing season. Marketable yield was positively correlated with compost total inorganic N and NO₃^?-N in both years, and with NH₄⁺-N in 2014. There were no significant differences among composts in percentage of organic N mineralized and no correlations were observed with any measured compost property. In the laboratory study, all compost-amended soils had relatively high rates of CO₂ release for the initial few days and then the rates declined. The compost-amended soils mineralized 4%–6% of the compost organic N. This study suggested compost inorganic N content controls N availability to plants in the first year after compost application.     

Nutrient Mineralization from Nitrogen- and Phosphorus-Enriched Poultry Manure Compost in an Ultisol

The combination of inorganic fertilizers and compost is a technique aimed at improving crop growth and maintaining soil health. Understanding the rate of nutrient release from enriched compost is important for effective nutrient management. A laboratory incubation study was conducted for 112 days to study the nutrient mineralization pattern of poultry manure compost enriched with inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer nutrients in an Ultisol. Compost applied at the rate of either 5 or 10 g kg^?1 was blended with N (50 kg N ha^?1) and P (30 kg P ha^?1). Carbon dioxide evolution and N and P mineralization were measured fortnightly. The bacterial and fungal populations were determined at the mid and end of the experiment. The combination of compost and inorganic N and P increased carbon (C) and P mineralization by 4?8% and 56?289%, respectively, over the application of either compost or inorganic N and P. However, P addition influenced the amount of C mineralized. Inorganic N and P, on the other hand, were better at increasing N mineralization than compost blended with inorganic N and P over a short time. The addition of compost stimulated bacterial and actinomycete populations, while fungal populations were unaffected. Actinomycetes and bacteria had similar and higher relationship trend with C (R² = 0.24) and P (R² = 0.47) mineralization and were key determinants in nutrient mineralization from compost in this Ultisol. Integrating compost with inorganic fertilizers improves nutrient availability through the growth and activities of beneficial microorganisms.     

EFFECTS OF CARBONIZED CHICKEN MANURE ON THE GROWTH,NODULATION, YIELD,NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS CONTENTS OF FOUR GRAIN LEGUMES

The effects of carbonized chicken manure (CCM) on the growth, nodulation, yield, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents of four grain legumes (soybean, cowpea, common bean and adzuki bean) were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Carbonized chicken manure produced from chicken manure dried in a furnace at 450°C was used in this experiment. The manure was incorporated into the sandy loam soil of each grain legume at two rates (0 kg N ha^?1 and 100 kg N ha^?1) three weeks before sowing. Growth, nodulation and total biomass N and P were evaluated at peak flowering stage of growth. The CCM showed positive effects on nodule number and weight of soybean and cowpea while it depressed nodule number in adzuki bean. Biomass total N content of soybean and cowpea increased with CCM supply while it decreased in adzuki bean. Biomass and seed total P content of soybean, cowpea and adzuki bean all increased in response to CCM application. Soybean and cowpea seed yields increased by 27% and 43% respectively in response to CCM supply. There was a strong positive correlation between seed P content and seed yield of soybean which indicates the importance of elemental P to soybean seed yield. No such phenomenon was observed in adzuki bean. A strong positive correlation was also observed between seed total N content and seed yield of the grain legumes. The results indicate that although common bean had the highest biomass total P content at peak flowering stage both vegetative and reproductive growth were poor due to the unsuitably high day/night temperatures in the greenhouse. Application of CCM slightly depressed yield of adzuki bean due to the reduction in the number of pods per pot and the 100 seed weight. This study shows that CCM is a good source of N and P for the growth, nodulation and yield of some grain legumes particularly soybean and cowpea.     

Nitrogen Availability Seven Years After a High-Rate Food Waste Compost Application

Long-term effects of compost application are expected, but rarely measured. A 7-yr growth trial was conducted to determine nitrogen availability following a one-time compost application. Six food waste composts were produced in a pilot-scale project using two composting methods (aerated static pile and aerated, turned windrow), and three bulking agents (yard trimmings, yard trimmings + mixed paper waste, and wood waste + sawdust). For the growth trial, composts were incorporated into the top 8 to 10 cm of a sandy loam soil at application rates of approximately 155 Mg ha^?1 (about 7 yd³ 1000 ft²). Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ‘A.U. Triumph’) was seeded after compost incorporation, and was harvested 40 times over a 7-yr period. Grass yield and grass N uptake for the compost treatments was greater than that produced without compost at the same fertilizer N rate. The one-time compost application increased grass N uptake by a total of 294 to 527 kg ha^?1 during the 7-yr. field experiment. The greatest grass yield response to compost application occurred during the second and third years after compost application, when annual grass N uptake was increased by 93 to 114 kg ha^?1 yr^?1. Grass yield response to the one-time compost application continued at about the same level for Years 4 through 7, increasing grass N uptake by 42 to 62 kg ha^?1 yr^?1. Soil mineralizable N tests done at 3 and 6 yr. after application also demonstrated higher N availability with compost. The increase in grass N uptake accounted for 15 to 20% of compost N applied after 7-yr. for food waste composts produced with any of the bulking agents. After 7-yr, increased soil organic matter (total soil C and N) in the compost-amended soil accounted for approximately 18% of compost-C and 33% of compost-N applied. This study confirmed the long-term value of compost amendment for supplying slow-release N for crop growth.     

猪粪好氧堆肥对缺锌土壤种植大豆的影响研究

以Zn含量较高的猪粪为原料进行了90d好氧堆肥,以采自陕西省永寿县养马庄的典型缺锌土壤为供试土样,通过大豆盆栽试验研究了该有机肥对大豆生长的影响,并以污染指数评价法和地积累指数评价了施用该有机肥对土壤中重金属的累积环境风险。结果表明：经过90d的高温好氧堆制,获得了氮磷钾丰富的堆肥产品,且堆肥中未检测出Ni、Cd、Cr、Pb、Hg和As等有害重金属,仅含Cu256.3mg.kg-1、Zn474.4mg.kg-1。与对照相比,随着有机肥施用量的增加,大豆生物量和产量逐渐增加,并在肥土比10%时达到最高,大豆产量比对照提高了206.7%,大豆根系重量提高了94.2%,大豆茎叶（含荚壳）提高了94.0%;大豆籽粒中Zn含量则随着有机肥施用量的增加而逐渐增加,并在40%时籽粒Zn含量高达49.33mg.kg-1;施用堆肥后,土壤EC、Zn和Cu全量、Zn和Cu有效量均随着堆肥使用量的增加而增加,而土壤pH则随着堆肥比例的增加,从8.46逐渐降低到7.44。污染指数评价法和地积累指数评价法表明,当茬堆肥施用量不超过5%时,不会对该缺锌土壤造成重金属污染。研究显示,适量施用该堆肥能显著促进大豆的茎叶和根系生长,同时提高籽粒产量和籽粒中的Zn含量。对于供试缺锌土壤,施用该富锌有机肥可以明显补充土壤锌。     

稻秸还田提高我国南方典型稻田冬绿肥产量和养分积累

  【目的】  提高冬绿肥的产量和养分积累量有利于轮作系统中主作物的高产稳产和光、温、养分资源的高效循环利用。研究稻秸还田对冬季豆科绿肥生长和养分积累及土壤性状的影响,为稻田豆科绿肥的高产栽培及稻秸资源化利用提供指导。  【方法】  在广西、四川和安徽,分别以盐渍水稻土、紫色土和黄棕壤为供试土壤,进行相同处理的豆科绿肥盆栽试验,供试品种均为当地主栽品种。稻秸添加量设 3个水平:0、3000、6000 kg/hm2 (S0、S1、S2),每个稻秸添加水平下设两个施氮水平:0和45 kg/hm2 (N0、N45),共包括6个处理。于豆科绿肥盛花期采集植株和土壤样品,测定鲜草产量和土壤理化性状。  【结果】  与稻秸不还田且不施氮肥处理(RS0N0)相比,盐渍水稻土、紫色土和黄棕壤上稻秸还田与氮肥配施处理的绿肥鲜草产量分别提高了63.0%～66.0%、35.2%～53.8%和103.6%～117.1%,植株氮累积量分别提高了19.1%～41.5%、43.7%～67.2%和65.1%～70.5%,磷累积量分别提高了12.1%～68.9%、31.4%～57.3%和37.9%～45.3%,钾累积量分别提高了22.0%～58.7%、30.7%～35.0%和89.2%～102.9%。在盐渍水稻土、紫色土,稻秸还田(S1、S2)均可提高绿肥鲜草产量和氮磷钾养分积累量,配合施氮没有进一步提高鲜草产量和氮磷钾养分积累量;而在黄棕壤与秸秆半量还田相比,稻秸全量还田降低了绿肥产量,但在一定程度上增加了绿肥地上部养分积累量,稻秸还田配合施用氮肥则显著增加了绿肥的产量和地上部养分积累量。盐渍水稻土稻秸还田与氮肥配施处理(RS1N45和RS2N45)提高了土壤有效磷含量;黄棕壤土壤有效磷含量、土壤速效钾含量随稻秸添加量增加先下降后上升,与不施肥对照相比,3种土壤上稻秸与氮肥配施处理均显著提高了土壤无机氮含量。偏最小二乘法路径模型分析表明,稻秸还田及土壤类型对豆科绿肥鲜草产量和地上部氮、磷、钾的累积量均有极显著正影响(P < 0.01),氮肥处理仅对豆科绿肥鲜草产量有极显著正影响(P < 0.01)。  【结论】  稻秸还田不同程度地促进了豆科绿肥对土壤速效养分的吸收,提高了豆科绿肥鲜草产量和地上部氮磷钾累积量。在肥力较高的盐渍水稻土和紫色土上,稻秸全量还田可显著增加豆科绿肥的鲜草产量,维持土壤有效养分,无需配合施用氮肥。在肥力较低的黄棕壤上,全量还田(6000 kg/hm2)需配施氮肥才可充分发挥稻秸还田的增产效果,缓解土壤中有效养分含量的下降。     

Predicting Nitrogen and Carbon Mineralization of Composted Manure and Sewage Sludge in Soil

The capability of organic wastes to release available N in soil varies largely, depending on their source and form of production, or rather on their composition and biodegradability. Our purpose was to predict mineralization rates of different materials using their analyses joined with a simulation model, and to evaluate the influence of soil type and application rate of the organic materials on N and C transformations in soil. Four organic materials, sewage sludge (SS), sewage sludge compost (SSC), cattle manure compost (CMC), hen and cattle manure compost (HCMC), were applied to two soils at rates of 2 and/or 4%. The soils were incubated aerobically for 168 days at 30°C, during which CO₂ evolution rates and mineral-N concentrations were measured periodically. Hot water extractable C and N of all organic amendments correlated well with short term C and N mineralization, except HCMC that immobilized N although its soluble N content was large. NCSOIL, a computer model that simulates C and N cycling in soil with organic amendments, predicted well C and N mineralization of SS, SSC and CMC when considered as three-pool materials that decomposed at specific rates of 0.4, 0.024 and 10^?4 d^?1, using hot water soluble C and N as the labile pool. N immobilization by HCMC could be simulated only if the distribution of N between the labile and resistant pools was derived by optimization of NCSOIL, while hot water soluble C was labile. Laboratory methods to determine an intermediate pool or components that contribute to immobilization are required for improving the predictions of C and N mineralization from organic amendments.     

Application rate and composting method affect the immediate and residual manure fertilizer value in a maize–rice–rice–maize cropping sequence on a degraded soil in northern Vietnam

A field experiment was carried out in northern Vietnam to investigate the effects of adding different additives [rice (Oriza sativa L.) straw only, or rice straw with added lime, superphosphate (SSP), urea or a mixture of selected microorganism species] on nitrogen (N) losses and nutrient concentrations in manure composts. The composts and fresh manure were applied to a three-crop per year sequence (maize–rice–rice) on a degraded soil (Plinthic Acrisol/Plinthaquult) to investigate the effects of manure type on crop yield, N uptake and fertilizer value. Total N losses during composting with SSP were 20% of initial total N, while with other additives they were 30–35%. With SSP as a compost additive, 65–85% of the initial ammonium-N (NH₄-N) in the manure remained in the compost compared with 25% for microorganisms and 30% for lime. Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUE) of fresh manure was lower than that of composted manure when applied to maize (Zea mays L.), but higher when applied to rice (Oriza sativa L.). The NUE of compost with SSP was generally higher than that of compost with straw only and lime. The mineral fertilizer equivalent (MFE) of manure types for maize decreased in the order: manure composted with SSP?>?manure composted with straw only and fresh manure?>?manure composted with lime. For rice, the corresponding order was: fresh manure?>?manure composted with SSP/microorganisms/urea?>?manure composted with lime/with straw alone. The MFE was higher when 5 tons manure ha^?1 were applied than when 10 tons manure ha^?1 were applied throughout the crop sequence. The residual effect of composted manures (determined in a fourth crop, with no manure applied) was generally 50% higher than that of fresh manure after one year of manure and compost application. Thus, addition of SSP during composting improved the field fertilizer value of composted pig manure the most.     

Saline water and municipal solid waste compost application on tomato crop: Effects on plant and soil

A field experiment was conducted in Southern Italy to evaluate the effects of different water quality and fertilizers on yield performance of tomato crop. In mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer and irrigation with fresh water (Electrical Conductivity, EC, = 0.9 dS m^?1) (FWF); mineral N fertilizer and irrigation with saline water (EC = 6.0 dS m^?1) (SWF); municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and irrigation with fresh water (EC = 0.9 dS m^?1) (FWC); MSW compost and irrigation with saline water (EC = 6.0 dS m^?1) (SWC). At harvest, weight and number of fruits and refractometric index (°Brix) were measured, total and marketable yield and dry matter of fruit were calculated. The results indicated that MSW compost, applied as amendment, could substitute the mineral fertilizer. In fact, in the treatments based on compost application, the tomato average marketable yield increased by 9% compared with treatments with mineral fertilizer. The marketable yield in the SWF and SWC treatments (with an average soil EC in two years to about 3.5 dS m^?1) decreased respectively of 20 and 10%, in respect to fresh water treatments. At the end of the experiment, application of compost significantly decreased the sodium absorption rate (SAR) of SWC treatment in respect of SWF (?29.9%). Significant differences were observed among the four treatments both on soil solution cations either exchangeable cations. In particular compost application increased the calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) contents in saturated soil paste respect to the SWF ones (31.4% and 59.5%, respectively). At the same time saturated soil paste sodium (Na) in SWC treatment recorded a decrease of 17.4% compared to SWF.     

Winter Wheat Yield,Quality, and Nitrogen Removal Following Compost- or Manure-Fertilized Sugarbeet

To efficiently use nitrogen (N) while protecting water quality, one must know how a second-year crop, without further N fertilization, responds in years following a manure application. In an Idaho field study of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) following organically fertilized sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), we determined the residual (second-year) effects of fall-applied solid dairy manure, either stockpiled or composted, on wheat yield, biomass N, protein, and grain N removal. Along with a no-N control and urea (202 kg N ha^?1), first-year treatments included compost (218 and 435 kg estimated available N ha^?1) and manure (140 and 280 kg available N ha^?1). All materials were incorporated into a Greenleaf silt loam (Xeric Calciargid) at Parma in fall 2002 and 2003 prior to planting first-year sugarbeet. Second-year wheat grain yield was similar among urea and organic N sources that applied optimal amounts of plant-available N to the preceding year’s sugarbeet, thus revealing no measurable second-year advantage for organic over conventional N sources. Both organic amendments applied at high rates to the preceding year’s sugarbeet produced greater wheat yields (compost in 2004 and manure in 2005) than urea applied at optimal N rates. On average, second-year wheat biomass took up 49% of the inorganic N remaining in organically fertilized soil after sugarbeet harvest. Applying compost or manure at greater than optimum rates for sugarbeet may increase second-year wheat yield but increase N losses as well.

Abbreviations CNS, carbon–nitrogen–sulfur     

Nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen cycling in managed grassland in Southern Hokkaido,Japan

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions were measured and nitrogen (N) budgets were estimated for 2?years in the fertilizer, manure, control and bare plots established in a reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) grassland in Southern Hokkaido, Japan. In the manure plot, beef cattle manure with bark was applied at a rate of 43–44?Mg fresh matter (236–310?kg?N)?ha^?1?year^?1, and a supplement of chemical fertilizer was also added to equalize the application rate of mineral N to that in the fertilizer plots (164–184?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1). Grass was harvested twice per year. The total mineral N supply was estimated as the sum of the N deposition, chemical fertilizer application and gross mineralization of manure (GMm), soil (GMs), and root-litter (GMl). GMm, GMs and GMl were estimated by dividing the carbon dioxide production derived from the decomposition of soil organic matter, root-litter and manure by each C?:?N ratio (11.1 for soil, 15.5 for root-litter and 23.5 for manure). The N uptake in aboveground biomass for each growing season was equivalent to or greater than the external mineral N supply, which is composed of N deposition, chemical fertilizer application and GMm. However, there was a positive correlation between the N uptake in aboveground biomass and the total mineral N supply. It was assumed that 58% of the total mineral N supply was taken up by the grass. The N supply rates from soil and root-litter were estimated to be 331–384?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1 and 94–165?kg?N?ha^?1?year^?1, respectively. These results indicated that the GMs and GMl also were significant inputs in the grassland N budget. The cumulative N₂O flux for each season showed a significant positive correlation with mineral N surplus, which was calculated as the difference between the total mineral N supply and N uptake in aboveground biomass. The emission factor of N₂O to mineral N surplus was estimated to be 1.2%. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis suggested that the N₂O emission factor increased with an increase in precipitation. Consequently, soil and root-litter as well as chemical fertilizer and manure were found to be major sources of mineral N supply in the grassland, and an optimum balance between mineral N supply and N uptake is required for reducing N₂O emission.     

Sesbania rostrata green manure and the nitrogen content of rice crop and soil

The effects of four treatments upon the N content of rice crop and soil in 1m² irrigated microplots were compared: (1) PK fertilization + Sesbania rostrata (inoculated stems) ploughed in as green manure when it was 52 days old. (2) PK fertilization + S. rostrata (non-inoculated stems) ploughed in as green manure. (3) PK fertilization + ammonium sulphate (60kg N ha^?1). (4) PK fertilization alone (control).The application of chemical N fertilizer (treatment 3) increased the grain yield by 169 g m^?2 (1.69t ha^?1). whereas incorporating S. rostrata as green manure resulted in a grain yield increase of 372 g m^?2 (3.72t ha^?1). N₂ fixed by S. rostrata was estimated to be at least 26.7 g m^?2 (267kg N ha^?1), one third being transferred to the crop and two thirds to the soil.