Management affects nitrate leaching from organic farms

Summary

Management decisions significantly affect nitrate-N leaching (N-leaching) from comparable organic fields. The main concern is field management during autumn and themanagement of grass leys. After ploughing-in fertility building crops, like grass-clover leys, effective catch crops are important during autumn and winter for at least two years on sandy soils. On farms with grazing animals the occurrence of “hot spots” should be avoided. These hot spots develop with uneven concentrations of animal manure combined with limited N-uptake in the ley. Management measures to minimize N-leachingmay conflicts with the farmers aim to produce high quality feed and/or to combat yield limiting perennial weeds. It may also conflict with the organic regulations for the grazing period of cows.