Plant growth and soil responses to soil applied organic materials in Tasmania, Australia
S. W. Ives A , W. E. Cotching B F , L. A. Sparrow C , S. Lisson D and R. B. Doyle E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A University of Tasmania. PO Box 46, Kings Meadows, Tas. 7249, Australia.
B Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, PO Box 3523, Burnie, Tas. 7320, Australia.
C Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, PO Box 46, Kings Meadows, Tas. 7249, Australia.
D CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems University of Tasmania, Private Bag 54, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
E Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 54, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: Bill.Cotching@utas.edu.au
Soil Research 49(7) 572-581 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR11146
Submitted: 4 October 2010 Accepted: 31 August 2011 Published: 17 November 2011
Abstract
Biosolids, poppy mulch (PM), and poppy seed waste (PSW) were applied to soils in barley and wheat field trials in two areas of Tasmania to determine crop and soil responses and the potential for these materials to substitute for inorganic fertiliser. Lime-amended biosolids (LAB) was applied at one, two, and five times the nitrogen-limiting biosolids application rate (NLBAR). Anaerobically digested biosolids (ADB) was applied at the NLBAR, and PM and PSW were applied at industry-recommended rates. The results indicated that ADB, LAB, PM, and PSW can substitute for inorganic fertiliser in meeting plant nutrient requirements but may be releasing more plant-available N than guideline assumptions. However, organic amendments are less easily managed and applied than inorganic fertiliser, and release of plant-available N from organic amendments may be too rapid for plant uptake to prevent leaching losses. LAB can also leave elevated residual extractable phosphorus in soil after two cereal crops, and PM and LAB can increase soil pH. Microbial biomass showed an inconsistent, and in some cases unexpected, response to organic amendments after 1 year and no significant relationship to changes in soil carbon.
Additional keywords: biosolids, poppy mulch, poppy seed waste, Sodosols.
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