Chemical fertilizers and manure application (nutrients in a runoff) Archives -

2.1. Field Nutrient Budgeting

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

A Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is a key BEMP strategy in running a farm to optimise crop yield and quality, minimize fertilizer input costs and protect soil and water (European Commission, 2018). The principles of nutrient management are simple and include:
• applying fertilizer only to make up the difference between what is there and what is required to achieve the target yield, which also ensures cost-effectiveness for the producer; and
• ensuring that the added nutrient is available to the crop.

1.3.1. No-till farming: direct drilling

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

In no-till farming seeding is done without tilling of the soil with direct seeding machine and it decreases soil erosion and nutrient runoff (N and PP). It is cost-effective method because yield loss is compensated by savings in fuel and work costs. The benefits of the methods will be shown in a time when soil structure improves naturally.

6.1. Vegetative Buffer Strips (VBS)

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

The purpose of the VBS (also known as filter strips, buffer strips, and buffer zones buffer zones) is to reduce erosion and nutrient flow into water from erosion- sensitive and slanted or repeatedly under-flooded fields. The buffer zone is at least 15 m wide field area, which restricts to main drain or water and is covered by a perennial vegetation on which fertilizers and plant protection products are not spread.

3.2. Establish cover/catch crops

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

Cover crops contribute to soil quality improvement principally through their decomposition by soil microbes. The products of decomposition, while generally adding to the soil organic matter (SOM) reservoir, benefit the soil in two specific ways, i.e., through soil physical conditioning and through fertility building. The degree of enrichment depends on the quantity and quality of cover-crop biomass. Cellulose-rich plants or plant parts degrade far more rapidly than if they were ligneous – as is the nature of mature grasses (Edwards and Burney, 2005).

2.3. Precision nutrient application

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

The basics for precision nutrient application is to determine farm’s nutrient balances (at the farm gate, field and stable level). The balances are usually calculated for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The ideal situation is that the value of the field balance is close to zero, which means that the nutrient uptake of plants and the supply by fertilization are in ideal balance.

Agricultural University of Iceland Pilot Site

2.2. Crop rotation for efficient nutrien cycles

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

Optimized crop rotation is an element for efficient nutrient cycles and maintains good soil fertility to ensure high yields. Nitrogen-fixing plants will decrease the need for fertilizers and enhance economic and environmental sustainability of whole farm. Catch crops prevent soil erosion and reduce runoffs and also add organic matter content of soil. Increased biodiversity will give plants a better resistance and reduces demand for pesticides.

1.1. Soil Quality Assesment

Aaron Swann / 21st June 2019

Soil quality consists of physical, biological and chemical features. Soil structure, type and texture influence a lot in nutrient circulation, leaching and run-offs from the catchment basin. For example compaction caused by heavy machines and grazing reduce water infiltration capacity, root growth and nutrient uptake by plants and thus cause more surface run-offs into water bodies. In addition, soil degradation leads to inefficient use of fertilizers and causes loss of resources.

1.3. Conservation Tillage

Aaron Swann / 5th June 2019

Soil compaction can be prevented with an easy and inexpensive methods. Often the reason for soil compaction are too heavy machinery used on a field and wrong timing for cultivation activities. Unwanted impact of agricultural machinery can be compensated to some extent e.g. with adjustment of tire pressure and assuring moist condition of soil before working on a field. Ideal soil structure benefit by reduced need of fertilizing and improved buffering capability against extreme conditions.

1.2. Maintaining Correct Soil pH Level

Aaron Swann / 4th June 2019

In neutral pH range 6-6,5 most of the nutrients are available for the plants and microfauna thrives. Liming with CaCO3 increases soil pH and improves cation balance and structure of the soil. Optimal pH assure also a rich microbe population thus improves granular structure of the soil.