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Making the most of soil nitrogen

Goodlass, G; Hatch, D J; Shepherd, M A; King, J A; Cuttle, S P; Roderick, S and Briggs, S (2006) Making the most of soil nitrogen. In: Atkinson, C; Ball, B; Davies, D H K; Rees, R; Russell, G; Stockdale, E A; Watson, C A; Walker, R and Younie, D (Eds.) Aspects of Applied Biology 79, What will organic farming deliver? COR 2006, Association of Applied Biologists, pp. 269-271.

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Summary

Optimising the amount of nitrogen captured by fertility building crops is essential for successful organic farming. This study used a combination of literature review, empirical measurements, model development and farmer participation to produce improved guidelines on making the most of soil nitrogen for organic farmers and growers. The main field experiment examined the impact of cutting and mulching on the build up of soil nitrogen. Recommendations to organic farmers from this part of the work, are that cutting and removing herbage during the fertility building phase promotes the highest amount of nitrogen fixation. However the highest soil residues occurred when clover was mulched in situ. Application of organic manures to legumes should also be avoided if the maximum amount of atmospheric N is to be fixed. The fi ndings from the study have been made available in a Guidelines Booklet.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Poster
Keywords:Organic farming, soil fertility, rotations and livestock manures
Subjects: Soil > Nutrient turnover
Crop husbandry > Crop combinations and interactions
Crop husbandry > Composting and manuring
Research affiliation: UK > Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER)
UK > Other organizations
UK > Duchy College
UK > ADAS
UK > Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
UK > Colloquium of Organic Researchers (COR) > COR 2006
Deposited By: MILLMAN, Mrs Carol A
ID Code:10251
Deposited On:20 Dec 2006
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:34
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Not peer-reviewed

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