Stockdale, Elizabeth A and Watson, Christine A (2002) Nutrient budgets on organic farms: a review of published. In: Powell, Jane and et al. (Eds.) Proceedings of the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference, Organic Centre Wales, Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales Aberystwyth, pp. 129-132.
PDF
- English
222kB |
Summary in the original language of the document
This report was presented at the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference. On organic farms it is important that a balance between inputs and outputs of nutrients is achieved. This paper collates nutrient budgets collated at the farm scale for 88 farms in 9 temperate countries. The majority of budgets were compiled for dairy farms (56). All the nitrogen budgets showed an N surplus (average 83 kg N ha-1 year-1). The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) budgets showed both surpluses and deficits (average 3.4 kg P ha-1 year-1; 13.7 kg K ha-1 year-1). For all nutrients as nutrient inputs increased the surplus increased more significantly than the nutrient outputs. Overall, the data illustrate the diversity of management systems in place on organic farms, which consequently lead to significant variability in nutrient use efficiency and potential nutrient sustainability between farms. There are opportunities for almost all organic farmers to improve the efficiency of nutrient cycling on the farm and increase short-term productivity and long-term sustainability.
EPrint Type: | Conference paper, poster, etc. |
---|---|
Type of presentation: | Paper |
Keywords: | Colloquium of Organic Researchers; COR; nutrient budgets; nutrient use; soils; literature review; management systems |
Subjects: | Farming Systems > Farm nutrient management |
Research affiliation: | UK UK > Colloquium of Organic Researchers (COR) > COR 2002 UK > Other organizations United Kingdom UK > Scottish Rural Colleges (SRUC - previously SAC) |
Deposited By: | Powell, Ms Jane |
ID Code: | 8380 |
Deposited On: | 17 Oct 2006 |
Last Modified: | 12 Apr 2010 07:33 |
Document Language: | English |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Not peer-reviewed |
Repository Staff Only: item control page