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Benefits by undersown seeds in grain legume pea: weed suppression, symbiotic N2 fixation and preceding crop effects of nitrogen in systems differentiating soil tillage
Project
Project code: 2808OE146
Contract period: 10.07.2008
- 31.05.2011
Budget: 61,462 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Growing pulses provides several benefits soil fertility. Most important is their ability for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and thus their important role for sustainable crop rotations. Loose-soil mulch husbandry (LSMH) and no-plough firm-soil mulch husbandry (FSMH) contribute to soil fertility by erosion control, stabilization of soil structure, and accumulation of soil organic matter. There are, however, agronomic constraints that have prevented a more widespread use of both measures independent of each other. Thus, this interdisciplinary research project is focussing on suitable approaches to combine both agronomic tools which, beyond improving soil properties, substantially enhance the productivity of organic pulses by reducing in-puts of fossil fuel and labour. Within contrasting soil tillage strategies (conventional tillage (CT), i.e. mouldboard ploughing vs. LSMH or FSMH, resp.), the agronomic approach entails improved nitrogen management, weed control strategies and sowing techniques. BNF will be increased and weed control improved through temporary nitrogen immobilisation produced by carbon-rich crop residues and uptake of soil-borne nitrogen by precrops, as well as undersowing fodder legumes in pulses. Advanced plant analysis methods (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and critical nutrient level (CNL) will be used in addition to soil testing to detect nutrient deficiencies of pulses that might be balanced by applying appropriate recycled fertilizers. Innovative production techniques will be tested by an appropriate participatory approach on organic pilot farms with farmers and extension workers and subsequently be demonstrated to other members of the market chain.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Organic Farming
Collaborative Project
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
