Abstract
The prediction of nitrogen (N) mineralization or immobilization in organic fertilizers is an important tool to optimize fertilizer use, especially in intensive agricultural systems. Our aim was to derive a model to predict the N mineralization/immobilization from readily available information on the properties of organic fertilizers in farming practice. On the basis of a literature review, a characterization of organic fertilizers was performed, revealing a large variance in fertilizer properties within the defined categories and subcategories. A partial linear model was derived and used for the prediction of N mineralization/immobilization based on the type of fertilizer and the carbon (C) to organic nitrogen (Norg) ratio. Depending on the previously defined category, a strong mineralization (e.g., plant- and animal-based commercial fertilizers) or a predominant immobilization (e.g., compost and slurries) was detected. For a total of seven main categories and their subcategories, individual models were developed. This work shows that the mineralization properties of organic fertilizers can be sufficiently predicted through a simple classification into a fertilizer category and through the C to Norg ratio.
Highlights
In conventional and organic crop systems, the management of plant nutrition and soil fertility is based on the supply of inorganic and organic nutrients
The inorganic N content in organic fertilizers ranges from 0% of total N in keratin-based fertilizers to 70% and more in liquid organic fertilizers
The materials that are mainly decomposed by microorganisms in the preparation process and commercial organic fertilizers have a low variation in N content of the organic fertilizer (Norg) content
Summary
In conventional and organic crop systems, the management of plant nutrition and soil fertility is based on the supply of inorganic and organic nutrients. Organic fertilizers and crop residues are important nutrient sources for plants in sustainable crop systems [1]. The organic matter of fertilizers is first mineralized by soil microorganisms, and is converted into an inorganic plant-available form. The amount of plant-available N from organic fertilizers in the soil varies in the first period (month within growing period) after application [3,4]. This fluctuation occurs within the same fertilizer class (e.g., keratin-based fertilizers), and between fertilizer groups, such as manures, slurries, or commercial fertilizers [3,5].
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