Effects of application of poppy waste on spinach yields, soil properties, and soil carbon sequestration in southern Tasmania
M. A. Hardie A C and W. E. Cotching BA Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania; and Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, PB 98, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
B Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania; and Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, PO Box 3523, Burnie, Tas. 7320, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: Marcus.Hardie@utas.edu.au
Australian Journal of Soil Research 47(5) 478-485 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR08193
Submitted: 27 August 2008 Accepted: 21 April 2009 Published: 18 August 2009
Abstract
Production of fresh market salad and lettuce in southern Tasmania has reduced soil organic carbon levels, resulting in the development of surface crusts, erosion, and poor water infiltration. Options for increasing soil organic carbon under this production system are limited by strict food safety protocols which prohibit the use of composts or ‘animal’-based waste products. Poppy waste was identified as a suitable seed-free, inexpensive source of non-animal-based organic carbon. Trials were established on a Chromosol to evaluate the effects of poppy waste incorporation on soil organic carbon and production of Bocane spinach (Spinach oleracea). Application of 50–200 m3/ha of poppy waste resulted in significant yield loss (up to 57%) of seedlings planted within 8 weeks following waste incorporation. It was speculated that yield loss resulted from nitrogen drawdown; however, soil analyses demonstrated that yield loss resulted from a combination of increased soil pH and soil salinity (EC). The 200 m3/ha treatment increased soil pHwater from 7.2 before application to 8.5 and 7.7, at 4 and 22 weeks after application. Soil EC1 : 5 increased from 0.15 dS/m before application to 0.45 dS/m at 2 weeks after application, before returning to 0.15 dS/m at 22 weeks. Application of poppy waste at 200 m3/ha significantly increased soil organic carbon from 1.24% to 1.57%; however, applications at lower rates were not significant. The carbon sequestration efficiency from poppy waste to soil organic carbon was calculated to be approximately 0.20.
Additional keywords: poppy waste, organic carbon, soil salinity, fresh salad, carbon sequestration.
Acknowledgements
Research was conducted with funding from Horticulture Australia Ltd and the property owners, Colin and Anthony Houston. Yield harvesting and collection of leaf nitrate samples was conducted by Kate Smith. Lee Peterson (Serve-Ag Pty Ltd) and Leigh Sparrow (Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research) assisted with trial design and data interpretation. These trials were conducted while the authors were employed by the Department Primary Industries Water and Environment (DPIW), Tasmania. We sincerely thank Colin Houston for his enthusiasm and support in testing new ideas to address soil management issues on his properties. Research was conducted while the authors were employed by the Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania.
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