Yard Trimmings as a Source of Nitrogen for Crop Production

Abstract

Yard trimmings from sources rich in grass clippings have the potential to supply nutrients for crop production. Our objectives were to estimate N availability from yard trimmings and determine their effects on crop production, soil nutrients, and organic matter levels. We conducted a field experiment, comparing three consecutive years of yard trimmings applications (22, 44, or 66 Mg ha−1 yr−1 dry weight) with inorganic N (112 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and zero-N controls in a silage corn (Zea mays L.) - winter triticale (Triticosecale spp.) rotation. The yard trimmings were screened and ground, and allowed to heat for a short period. They were incorporated each spring before planting corn. We measured crop yield and N uptake, and estimated apparent N recovery (ANR). We measured soil inorganic N two weeks after yard trimmings application and after corn harvest. In a one-year on-farm demonstration, we compared three sources of yard trimmings applied at a single rate. Yard trimmings applied at 44 Mg ha−1 dry weight provided sufficient available N to replace inorganic N. For silage corn grown with summer irrigation, estimated ANR in the crop was 7% in Year 1, 19% in Year 2, and 18% in Year 3 at the 44 Mg ha−1 yard trimmings rate, compared with a mean ANR of 65% for the inorganic N treatment. Postharvest soil nitrate residual (0-to 120-cm depth) was similar for the 44 Mg ha−1 treatment and inorganic N treatment. We observed variation in N availability with year and source of material. Yard trimmings also increased soil test K and organic matter.