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Response of organically managed grassland to available phosphorus and potassium in the soil and supplementary fertilization: field trials using grass-clover leys cut for silage

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Elizabeth Stockdale

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Abstract

Effective use and recycling of manures together with occasional and judicious use of supplementary fertilizing materials forms the basis for management of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) within organic farming systems. Replicated field trials were established at three sites across the UK to compare the supply of P and K to grass-clover swards cut for silage from a range of fertilizing materials, and to assess the usefulness of routine soil tests for P and K in organic farming systems. None of the fertilizing materials (farmyard manure, rock phosphate, Kali vinasse, volcanic tuff) significantly increased silage yields, nor was P offtake increased. However, farmyard manure and Kali vinasse proved effective sources of K to grass and clover in the short to medium term. Available P (measured as Olsen-P) showed no clear relationship with crop P offtake in these trials. In contrast, available K (measured by ammonium nitrate extraction) proved a useful measurement to predict K availability to crops and support K management decisions.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Fortune S, Robinson JS, Watson CA, Philipps L, Conway JS, Stockdale EA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Soil Use and Management

Year: 2005

Volume: 21

Issue: 4

Pages: 370-376

ISSN (print): 0266-0032

ISSN (electronic): 1475-2743

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/SUM2005338

DOI: 10.1079/SUM2005338

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