Productivity, profitability and N fertiliser reductions as a result of compost in an arable cropping rotation
2015
Horrocks, A. | Tregurtha, C. | Meenken, E.
A 3-year field trial was established in 2009 in Canterbury, New Zealand, to assess effects of different rates of mature municipal compost (0, 25, 50 t/ha) on crop production and profitability in an arable cropping rotation. These effects were assessed in combination with different rates of nitrogen (N) fertiliser (0, 33, 67, and 100% of standard rate). The cropping rotation was maize (Zea mays) – wheat (Triticum aestivum) – oats (Avena sativa) & ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) – peas (Pisum sativum). Compost treatments were applied as a one-off application in 2009 or a split application prior to the establishment of the first 3 crops in the rotation. Profitability calculations for each scenario determined the additional income available for expenses associated with municipal compost (i.e., purchase, freight and spreading) over and above that earned from the standard practice (100% of recommended fertiliser N, no municipal compost). Reducing fertiliser N by one-third the recommended rate alongside applications of compost resulted in cumulative dry matter yields and profitability greater than standard practice. Cumulative crop yields and profitability were usually greater where compost was applied in split applications than when applied as a one-off application. There was a reduced response to available nitrogen in treatments without compost compared with where compost was applied; however, compost applied in the absence of fertiliser did not improve cumulative yields compared with where no compost was applied.
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