Stable Manure Research Articles

Sorption and transport of atrazine for stable manure-amended agricultural soil from Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

ABSTRACT This study investigated how adding stable manure affected the transport of atrazine within agricultural soils from Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Based on the batch and miscible-displacement experiments, it was found that atrazine sorption was nonlinear, following a Freundlich isotherm, and was rate-limited and reversible for both the non-amended and amended soil. The addition of manure resulted in higher retardation of atrazine, with R values of 10.1 to 19.1, compared to values of 3.2 to 4.3 for the non-amended soil. The KF values for stable-manure amended soil calculated from batch experiment was three times higher than non-amended soil. The transportation of atrazine shows non-ideal behavior, characterized by significant elution tailing at low concentrations due to the organic carbon content of the soil. This effect was more prominent in soil with a 10% stable-manure amendment. By incorporating non-linear sorption, a two-site transport modeling approach provides a reasonably accurate representation of the atrazine breakthrough curves. The distinct sorption-desorption characteristics of atrazine have significant implications for risk assessment of atrazine-contaminated soil and should be considered in the regulation, management, and remediation of such contaminated sites.

Interdisciplinary research of ash heap sediment near Stepnoye settlement (Chelyabinsk Oblast)

An ash heap is defined as a specific object at an archaeological site, usually in the form of a separate hillock containing a layer of finely-dispersed greyish-yellow or ash-coloured soil. The existing assumptions about the formation and functional pur-pose of ash heaps, as special archaeological objects found near the Bronze Age pastoral settlements, have so far been poorly supported by scientific data. At the ash heap near the Sintashta fortified settlement of Stepnoye, Chelyabinsk Oblast, for the first time, large-scale and comprehensive studies were carried out on the structure of these deposits, their granulometric and geo-chemical composition, in combination with the analysis of plant macroremains, paleoparasites, microbiomorphic and palynologi-cal complexes, indicative bacterial groups, and keratinophilic fungi. Judging by the archaeological materials, it is patently obvi-ous that this was a multifunctional object that developed over many centuries and played different roles at different stages. The results of the conducted analyses showed that the 45 cm thick “ash” horizon in the Stepnoye ash heap contains a significant proportion of a fine sand fraction, and not a silty fraction. An increase in the biophilic elements (predominantly calcium, as well as phosphorus and sulphur), accumulated mainly in the organic matter of faunal origin, was noted in the upper bench of the ash layer. However, the high concentration of phytoliths in the “ashy” deposits indicates that the layer was formed mainly as a result of the accumulation of a large amount of plant organic matter. The absence of charcoal and the scarcity of charred macro-remains indicate that the deposited organic material was not burnt but decomposed naturally. The increased content of sapro-trophic bacteria in the “ashy” layer also supports the natural decomposition of an organic matter. The composition of the phyto-lithic and pollen spectrum of the “ashy” horizon is not typical for the steppe of the south of Western Siberia, since it is dominated by a group of mixed herbs with elements of a ruderal flora, and not by cereals. All the data supports the hypothesis that the ash heap is the result of regular practice of cleaning of the floor and interiors of the buildings of the fortified settlement of Stepnoye. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of keratinophilic fungi, which decompose wool and hair and therefore accumu-late in the occupational layer of the structures. Based on the results of the study, the hypotheses that the Stepnoye ash heap is a place of consolidated ash removal or composting of stable manure were rejected.

PRODUKTIVITAS SOM JAWA (Talinum paniculatum Gaertn.) PADA BEBERAPA KOMPOSISI BAHAN ORGANIK

<p><strong>Productivity of Talinum paniculatum Gaertn. on several of organ ics matter composition</strong></p><p>Talinum paniculatum Gaertn. is a tuber producing crop To produce (he optimum yield Ihe crop needs the soil with good physical properties and fertility The soil conditions may be improved by applying organic matter. An experiment was conducted to evaluate Ihe effect of the composition of organic matter (compost, stable manure and casting) on tuber yield of talinum. The experiment was carried out at the Research Institute for Spice and Medicinal Crop. Bogor. from September 1996 to September 1997. in a randomized block designed with four replications. The treatments evaluated were Ihe ratio of soil organic matter, i.e (I) soil, (2) soil + stable manure (3:1); (3) soil + casting (3:1); (4) soil + bamboo leaf compost (3:1): (5) soil + casting + bamboo leaf compost (6:1:1); (6) soil + stable manure + bamboo leaf compost (6:1:1); (7) soil + stable manure ♦ casting (6:1:1). Seedling was planted in polybag containing 20 kg of tested media Plants were applied with I g urea, 3 g TSP and 3 g KCI/polybag as basal dressing, while 2 g of urea was applied as top dressing at 3 months after planting. Plants were harvested at I year after planting Result of experiment found thai 3 kinds of organic matter treatments could increase Ihe number, fresh weight, and dry weight of tuber The highest tuber production were 165.40 g fresh/plant and 26.75 g dried/plant resulted from soil and casting treatment (3 I).</p>

PENGARUH PUPUK ORGANIK DAN ANORGANIK ZA DAN SP 36 TERHADAP HASIL DAN MUTU TEMBAKAU TEMANGGUNG PADA TANAH ANDISOL

Effect of organic (biogrcen) and inorganic fetilizers (ammonium sulphate and SP36) on the yield and quality of the temanggung tobacco in andosol soil was studied at Galapansari - Temanggung, from Februai to December 2001. The organic and inorganic fetilizers were formulated in 10 packages, namely : (1) 570 kg ammonium sulphate (AS) ♦ 100 kg SP36; (2) the recommended rate for temanggung tobacco (20 000 kg stable manure 500 kg AS + 100 kg SP36; (3) 5 000 kg organic fetilizer (OF); (4) 7 500 kg OF; (5) 8 500 kg OF; (6) 10 000 kg OF; (7) 12 500 kg OF; (8) 14 500 kg OF; (9) 7 500 kg OF + 3 500 kg sUble manure (SM); (10) 7 500 kg OF + 4 500 kg SM. All the rates of fetilizers were based on one hectare planted area (16 500 plants) The expeiment was designed as a randomized block in four replicates. Results showed that organic fertilizer waa more effective than stable manure in improving die growth, yield and quality of temanggung tobacco. A the rate of 5 000 kg was sufficient to produce high ( 6 313 kg fresh or 800 kg sliced died leaves), grade index (51.68) and crop index (55.31). Key words : Organic fetilizer, ammonium sulfate, SP36, temanggung tobacco, andisol

Circulation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Phylogenetic Group B1 Strains Between Calve Stable Manure and Pasture Land With Grazing Heifers.

Escherichia coli strains carrying Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (stx1 and stx2), intimin (eae), and hemolysin (ehxA) production genes were found in grass shoot, rhizosphere soil, and stable manure samples from a small-scale cattle farm located at the center of Netherlands, using cultivation-dependent and -independent microbiological detection techniques. Pasture land with grazing heifers in the first year of sampling in 2014 and without grazing cattle in 2015 was physically separated from the stable that housed rose calves during both years. Manure from the stable was applied to pasture via injection into soil once per year in early spring. Among a variety of 35 phylogenetic distinctly related E. coli strains, one large group consisting of 21 closely resembling E. coli O150:H2 (18), O98:H21 (2), and O84:H2 (1) strains, all belonging to phylogenetic group B1 and carrying all screened virulence traits, was found present on grass shoots (10), rhizosphere soil (3), and stable manure (8) in 2014, but not anymore in 2015 when grazing heifers were absent. Presence and absence of these strains, obtained via enrichments, were confirmed via molecular detection using PCR-NALFIA in all ecosystems in both years. We propose that this group of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli phylogenetic group B1 strains was originally introduced via stable manure injection into the pasture. Upon grazing, these potential pathogens proliferated in the intestinal track systems of the heifers resulting in defecation with higher loads of the STEC strain onto the grass cover. The STEC strain was further smeared over the field via the hooves of the heifers resulting in augmentation of the potential pathogen in the pasture in 2014, whereas in 2015, in the absence of heifers, no augmentation occurred and only a more diverse group of potentially mild virulent E. coli phylogenetic group A and B1 strains, indigenous to pasture plants, remained present. Via this model, it was postulated that human pathogens can circulate between plants and farm animals, using the plant as an alternative ecosystem. These data indicate that grazed pasture must be considered as a potential carrier of human pathogenic E. coli strains and possibly also of other pathogens.

Beetroot mineral composition affected by mineral and organic fertilization.

In modern agriculture, besides providing high and stable yields, it is imperative to produce products with a high nutritive quality. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of different fertilization regimes on the macro- and micronutrients in beetroot. A 3-year field trial was set up according to a Latin square method with four types of fertilization (unfertilized control, 50 t stable manure ha−1, and 500 and 1,000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha−1). The mineral content was determined as follows (mg 100 g−1 in fresh weight of beetroot): 14–29 P, 189–354 K, 18–34 Ca, 17–44 Mg, 0.67–1.83 Fe, 0.41–0.65 Mn and 0.28–0.44 Zn. The highest beetroot P content was determined for the treatment with stable manure, especially in a year with dry climatic conditions. The highest beetroot K content was determined for the treatment with 1,000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha−1, but at the same time for the same treatment, a general decreasing trend of micronutrient content was determined, due to the possible antagonistic effect of added potassium. For better mineral status of beetroot, application of combined mineral and organic fertilizers supplemented with additional foliar application of micronutrients can be suggested.

The Effect of Stable Manure and Seedling Number on Growth and Yield of Black Rice (Oryza sativa L. Indica)

Black rice is one of fungtional food sources. The obstacle of its cultivation is availability of qualified seeds and organic fertilizers input. This research aimed to determine the effect of stable manure on growth and yield of black rice, to observe the effect of seddling number per planting hole and to obtain the best combination of stable manure and seedling number on the growth and yield of black rice. The research was conduct in rice field on Karanglewas Kidul village, Karanglewas district, Banyumas, Central Java during April until September 2016. This research used a split plot design, with 3 repetition. The main plot was three type of stable manure (chiken, goat and cow), while the subplot was seddling number (1, 2 and 3). Data was analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT at <em>p</em> 0.05 level. The results showed that chicken manure gave the highest productivity rice of 5.15 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>. The 1 seedling each hole gave the highest result on panicle length and grain number per panicle. The better combination treatment was chicken manure and three seedling per planting hole wich gave the highest grain yield of 5.38 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>.

Phosphorus redistribution by dairy cattle on a heterogeneous subalpine pasture, quantified using GPS tracking

Traditional summer pastures in the Alps have been shaped by centuries of grazing by domestic livestock. To understand the effects of this land use on nutrient cycling, we quantified phosphorus (P) fluxes on a summer farm in southeastern Switzerland. We used high-frequency GPS tracking to record the spatial distribution of animal activities over an entire grazing season, and used these data to model spatial patterns of P depletion and accumulation at various spatial scales (the entire farm, four vegetation groups, 900 m2 sampling plots and 10 × 10 m2 grid cells). Since the model depended on parameter values obtained from diverse sources, we tested its robustness using Monte Carlo simulations based upon varying parameter values. The model indicated very small net P fluxes (between − 0.05 and + 0.05 kg P ha−1 yr−1) over nearly half (49%) of the pasture, mostly in dwarf-shrub vegetation. In a further 44% of the area, P depletion exceeded ‐0.05 kg P ha−1 yr−1, representing a total loss of 39.4 kg P yr−1 (2.1 kg P ha−1). A positive P balance of over 0.05 kg P ha−1 yr−1 was indicated for 6.6% of the area, representing a total annual accumulation of 16.4 kg P (1.8 kg P ha−1). The overall P balance for the entire summer farm was thus negative. The patches of substantial depletion or accumulation formed a mosaic in the areas most used by cattle. More active management of cattle and stable manure is recommended to maintain the delivery of ecosystem services.

MINERAL RATIOS IN BEETROOT UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILIZATION

Besides the absolute values of mineral content in plant tissue, particularly is important their relative relationship. Imbalance in nutrient uptake very often is result of extensive fertilization with one nutrient, which is then in excess, so can prevent uptake of other nutrients what may cause disturbances in metabolism. Therefore, the goal of present research was to determine the influence of fertilization on mineral ratios in beetroot. A field trial (2003-2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t stable manure ha-1, 500 and 1000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha-1). Some investigated ratios ranged as follows: N+P+K 4.08-8.17, K+Ca+Mg 2.83-5.14, K/Ca 6.8-18.1, K/Mg 4.3-19.3, K/(Ca+Mg) 2.6-9.3, (N+P)/K 0.70-1.26, Ca/P 0.7-2.0, Ca/Mg 0.65-1.07, K/Mn 297-789, N/Zn 501-786, P/Zn 41-92, Fe/Mn 1.6-2.8, Fe/Cu 1123, Fe/(Cu+Zn) 2.1-4.2, Zn/Cu 3.3-7.6, Mn/Zn 1.5-1.8, Mn/Fe 0.38-0.62. In order to achieve high mineral content and its favorable ratio is necessary to combine the organic and mineral fertilizers with foliar fertilization.

Environmental evidence from early urban Antwerp: New data from archaeology, micromorphology, macrofauna and insect remains

Recent excavations along the Jordaenskaai, in the medieval burg area in central Antwerp, have provided a unique opportunity to explore the archaeology, economy, and environmental context of early medieval Antwerp. This multidisciplinary project examined structures and features that are radiocarbon dated to 760–970 CE in order to gain a better understanding of the use of human and environmental resources and the use of space at the dawn of this trade town. By combining micromorphology and the analyses of both the insect and the vertebrate fauna, we explore both the local environment of early medieval Antwerp and its connections to the wider hinterland surrounding the town.Excavations in the Antwerp burg have revealed remarkably well preserved wooden trackways, houses, fences, and numerous finds, often related to artisanal activities, including bone, antler and metal working. Around 900 CE, a D-shaped earthen rampart was erected; it was subsequently fortified by a stone wall. The Antwerp burg area is considered a nucleus and catalyst for the urban development. Like many contemporary early urban sites, the macrofaunal remains are dominated by bones of domestic cattle and pigs. However, the presence of sizable numbers of wild mammals, including red deer, wild boar, and beaver, distinguishes the Antwerp burg sites from other contemporary sites such as Ipswich.A number of house structures were excavated within the D-shaped rampart area. A micromorphological analysis of micro-laminated layers of one of these structures was performed, revealing the evolution of its use within a single location. On top of the oldest ash deposit, a thick stabling horizon containing leaves, grass, wood fragments and animal dung was identified. The insect analysis from the stabling horizon confirmed that this deposit was primarily comprised of dung or stable manure, with stored hay or other plant matter also indicated. A high percentage presence of natural woodland indicators was also noted, suggesting that timber and wattle for buildings and trackways was sourced from such woodlands in close proximity to the early town. This is a virtually unique aspect for insect faunas from early towns in north and west Europe, with closest parallels coming from Novgorod, in Russia. The upper part of the sequence shows the presence of floors related to a more domestic use of space.This combined archaeological, macrofaunal, insect and micromorphological study suggests that early Antwerp already had a thriving market and artisanal quarter by the 10th century, with domestic animals stabled within the town for butchery or export, and wild resources being brought in for processing and craft working.

土壌の弗化ナトリウム浸出物について(その1) : 堆肥の施用が土壌腐植の形態に及ぼす影響(第1報)

土壌の弗化ナトリウム浸出物について(その1) : 堆肥の施用が土壌腐植の形態に及ぼす影響(第1報)

Plant nutritional and environmental aspects of organic apple production in East Hungary

The recent surge in interest in fruit growing without the use of agrochemicals in order to safeguard environmental and human health has led to increased awareness of organic fruit production (OFP). Despite the widespread use of the method, there is little information on its nutritional aspects, especially in Hungary. Therefore, the aim of this three-year study was to investigate the nutrient status in an organic apple management system and the impact of nutrient applications on nutrient uptake and on the environment. The research was undertaken at the orchard Fruit Research Station of the University of Debrecen in Debrecen-Pallag, Hungary, during 2009-2011. Three cultivars (’Reanda’, ’Rewena’, and ’Retina’) were selected for the study. In the plantation, only organic manure was applied (stable manure, 30 t ha-1 in 2007). The effect of organic methods was monitored by soil and leaf analyses, as well as field observations. Leaf analysis results indicated significantly lower N, K, Mn, Cu and Zn content in cultivar ‘Retina’ than in ‘Reanda’ and ‘Rewena’. Results suggested that mobility and availability were unbalanced and obstructed, especially in the case of Ca. The study also demonstrated that the lower nutrient content of soil and also the generally poorer uptake of Ca and Zn in organic apple orchards resulted in higher production risks as compared with conventional or integrated ones. We conclude that a more balanced and more efficient nutrient supply system is needed for organic farms in order to achieve good quality and profitable yield.

Status of Fe, Mn and Zn in red beet due to fertilization and environment

Soil is a non-renewable resource, so it should be taken care of it. High quality food with sufficient yield for a growing human population can be produced only if plant nutrients are added to the soil by fertilizers to increase soil fertility, but the fertilizers have to be used economically, with the aim of raising the nutrient content available in the soil in order to meet plants’ needs. The goal of the present investigation was to determine the effect of application of organic and mineral fertilizers as well as the effect of research environment on micronutrient content in red beet root. A field trial (2003–2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method, with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t stable manure*ha-1, 500 and 1,000 kg NPK 5-20-30*ha-1). After digestion of plant material with concentrated HNO3, iron, manganese, and zinc were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The highest average red beet root micronutrient contents (270 mg Fe*kg-1 in dry matter, 96 mg Zn*kg-1 in dry matter, and 53 mg Mn*kg-1 in dry matter) were determined in the first research environment (Brasljevica in 2003) with low potassium soil content. There was a general decreasing trend in contents of the studied micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn) with NPK 5-20-30 fertilization (and by application of high doses of potassium), certainly due to antagonistic activity with potassium. It is suggested to fertilize with both 500 kg NPK 5-20-30*ha-1 and microelement fertilizers.

Parameterisation of the NCSOIL model to simulate C and N short-term mineralisation of exogenous organic matter in different soils

The recycling of exogenous organic matter (EOM) through agriculture is an efficient way to enhance soil organic matter (SOM) and to supply crops with readily available nutrients. It can also cause environmental damage, such as nitrate leaching. Characterisation of EOM to predict the C and N dynamics of mineralisation when applied to cropped soils is essential to improve its use in agriculture. The measurement of C and N mineralisation through soil laboratory incubation of 18 types of EOM and EOM biochemical fractionation were used to parameterise the NCSOIL model to simulate the mineralisation kinetics of C and N. The soil type did not significantly interfere with EOM mineralisation and parameterisation, enabling extrapolation of the parameters for one soil to other soil types. Four groups of EOM were distinguished based on their C and N dynamics: (1) stable compost, (2) more reactive compost and stable manure, (3) manure and (4) very reactive EOM as sludge and litter that should be used as fertiliser. The use of easily accessible indicators, such as IROC (Lashermes et al., 2009) and the measured organic C:N ratio (CNEOM), was appropriate for parameterising groups 1 and 4. Regression relating the optimised resistant pool size and Van Soest fractions and CNEOM was found (R2 of 0.967) to improve the pool sizes for the remaining EOM. Further research is required to improve the parameterisation.

The life and death of barn beetles: faunas from manure and stored hay inside farm buildings in northern Iceland

1. Subfossil beetle remains from archaeological sites have proven invaluable for examining past living conditions, human activities, and their impacts on landscapes and ecosystems.2. In Iceland, specific economic practices (e.g. land management and natural resource exploitation) and major historical events (i.e. colonisation, economic intensification and commercialisation, and urbanisation) have affected local environments and left recognisable traces in the beetle subfossil record.3. Understanding the ecology of synanthropic beetles is crucial if they are to be employed in high‐resolution reconstructions of past lifeways and their ecological impacts, yet, because buildings' interiors are rarely the object of systematic entomological research, the ecological requirements of many such species are poorly understood.4. A survey was conducted of live and dead beetle faunas from habitats that have so far been largely neglected by entomological research: stable manure and stored hay inside farm buildings, two key facets of a northern European pastoral economy.5. The present results clarify the ecological requirements of some under‐studied synanthropic beetles and the processes by which their exoskeletons may become incorporated into the archaeological record while also producing new records of exotic species recently introduced to Iceland.6. This paper provides crucial guidance for the interpretation of archaeological beetle assemblages and highlights the potential of further investigations of indoor insect faunas for clarifying the causes, processes, and ecological impacts of recent bio‐invasions.

Characterizing and modeling of extensive atrazine elution tailing for stable manure-amended agricultural soil

Non-ideal sorption and extensive elution tailing behavior of atrazine was evaluated for an agricultural soil with and without stable manure amendment (10% by weight). A series of laboratory experiments showed that the sorption of atrazine was described by rate-limited, nonlinear reversible processes (Freundlich isotherm) for both non-amended and amended soil. Non-ideal transport of atrazine exhibited extensive low concentration elution tailing due to the most likely organic carbon fraction in the soil. This tailing behavior was more pronounced and extensive for soil with 10% stable-manure amendment. Two-site transport modeling analyses including non-linear sorption and rate-limited sorption–desorption provided a reasonably good match to the atrazine breakthrough curves but were unable to match the long-term concentration tailing, even for non-amended soil. A mathematical model incorporating nonlinear, rate-limited sorption/desorption described by a continuous-distribution function was used to successfully simulate atrazine transport early-time breakthrough and long-term concentration tailing for both non-amended and amended soil conditions.

Effects of irrigation volumes and organic fertilizers on eggplant grown in Mediterranean environment

A three-year field experiment was carried out in Mediterranean conditions to study the effects of different irrigations and organic fertilizers on yield, quality and nitrogen utilization of eggplant crop and on soil properties. In a split-plot design, two irrigation treatments (re-establishing 100% and 50% of the calculated maximum evapotranspiration) and four fertilizer treatments (mineral fertilizer, commercial stable manure, anaerobic digestate and municipal solid waste compost) were compared. The highest water volume increased significantly the total and marketable yield, the number of marketable fruits, the dry matter of fruits and the nitrogen-use efficiency with respect to the treatment with the lowest irrigation. Nevertheless, the same treatment decreased significantly the fruit dry matter percentage and total soluble solid content. The lowest water volume led to an improvement of fruit quality. Anaerobic digestate increased significantly the total and marketable yield and dry matter compared with compost. Harvest index, nitrogen harvest index, pH, acidity and total soluble solids did not show significant differences among all fertilizer treatments. N translocation ability of plants and fruit quality were not influenced by the type of fertilizer. At the end of experiment, anaerobic digestate and compost reached the highest levels of soil total organic carbon and humic and fulvic acids content. Besides, anaerobic digestate increased the total extractable carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen content compared to all other treatments. Soil copper, nickel and lead content in all treatments enhanced compared to that at the beginning of experiment, but this accumulation did not represent a possible environmental risk. The content of heavy metals in the soil, after 3 years of application, did not exceed the limits imposed by the Italian law. This study showed that the organic wastes, after being adequately processed, could be applied successfully in agriculture especially in arid environments, characterized by quick mineralization and very low organic matter content.

Environmental Controls on Fallow Carbon Dioxide Flux in a Single‐Crop Rice Paddy, Japan

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the important measures of soil fertility and sustainability in arable lands. With continuous CO2 flux measurements, this study assessed the SOC decomposition and its environmental controls at both half‐hourly and season‐long scales in a single‐crop rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy during three fallow periods between 2004 and 2007. Measurements were made on a gray lowland soil sited in eastern Japan using the eddy covariance method. Ecosystem respiration was strongly affected by soil water content measured at 0–0·1 m depth. At 0·5 m3 m− 3 or more of soil water content, the baseline of ecosystem respiration decreased by 50% compared with that at 0·2 m3 m− 3 . The effect was quantified at half‐hourly scale using an empirical multiple regression model, together with the soil surface temperature and the time after residue incorporation. At season‐long scale, net biome production, which is equivalent to the change in the SOC pool during the fallow period, was estimated from the flux and ancillary data at 150 g C m− 2 in 2004–2005, 70 g m− 2 in 2005–2006, and 270 g C m− 2 in 2006–2007. Apparently, as much as 46 to 79% of the soil organic matter incorporated (crop residues, ratoon, and stable manure) was decomposed during the fallow period. Precipitation, or associated soil water content, was important for the carbon balance of the field at season‐long scale because of its large interannual variability and relatively low permeability of the paddy soil. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

YIELD AND SOIL RESPONSES OF MELON GROWN WITH DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

A three-year field experiment (2006–2008) was carried out in Mediterranean conditions to study the effects of organic fertilizers application on yield performance and plant nitrogen (N) status of melon crops. Soil properties at the end of experiment were further investigated. In a strip-plot experimental design, two irrigations and the following four fertilizer treatments were compared: mineral fertilizer (Min); commercial stable manure (Org); anaerobic digestate (WDD); composted municipal solid organic wastes (SUW). The results showed no statistical differences among the four different treatments on melon yields. Conversely, the highest irrigation treatment showed a significantly higher total yield (34%) and fruits number (26%). During cropping cycles, the Min treatment reached the highest mean nitrate content with an increase of about 59% and 154% respectively compared with Org and mean of WDD and SUW. The WDD and SUW significantly increased soil total, extracted and humified organic carbon of the 14, 22 and 12% compared with Min. Among treatments, no significant difference was found for heavy metals excepted for Cu, which reached the highest level in WDD treatment.

PREVIOUS CROPS AND ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IN LETTUCE: EFFECTS ON YIELDS AND SOIL PROPERTIES

The use of organic amendments in agriculture could sustain crop production and preserve the agroecosystem, due to their importance in the conservation of organic matter in soil. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of differing organic fertilizers and of previous crops on lettuce growth, nutritional status and yields. The effects on soil characteristics were further investigated. The research was carried out during two years (2006 and 2007) at Metaponto (MT) in southern Italy, on lettuce crops cultivated after eggplant and melon to avoid their continuous cropping. The effects of application of a mineral fertilizer (MF), and of three treatments with organic fertilizers (commercial stable manure - OM; anaerobic digestate based on wine distillery wastewater - AD; composted municipal solid organic wastes coming from the separate collection - MSW) were studied. Head average weight, leaf area index, nitrate content and SPAD readings during the cropping cycles did not show significant differences among fertilizer treatments. On the contrary, marketable yield and head average weight at the harvest presented significantly different among the three organic fertilizers. The average marketable yield and head average weight of organic fertilizers experimental (AD and MSW treatments) decreased of 16 and 17%, respectively, compared to OM treatment. The previous melon crop influenced positively all analyzed parameters of the lettuce compared with previous eggplant crop. The previous melon crop reached the highest marketable yield with an increase of 59% compared with previous eggplant crop. Compared to the mineral fertilizer, the organic ones significantly increased the extracted fraction of soil organic carbon (6.9, 10.7 and 14.9% for OM, AD and MSW, respectively), without significant changes for the humic and fulvic content.