On-farm evaluation of nitrogen leaching rates from organic crop rotations under consideration of previous crop, with special emphasis on legumes

Summary

Legume supported crop rotations are of high importance in organic farming due to the biological nitrogen fixation as well as the high crude protein content, which is needed in animal production. The cultivation of legumes is depending on the farm management type, e.g. cash crop or dairy cow farm. For the evaluation of legume based cropping systems especially the risk of nitrogen leaching is important for a sustainable production. In this study the NO3-N-load during the winter seepage period is evaluated for a cash crop and a dairy cow rotation that comprises different types and shares of legumes in mono- and intercropping.