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Potentials for site-specific liming of grassland (pHGreen)

Project


Project code: 2812NA116
Contract period: 01.10.2014 - 31.12.2017
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: grassland, fertilization, limestone supply, sensor technology, sustainability, soil, (soil conservation, soil fertility, soil cultivation, soil health, soil acicdity), grasses, clover, nutrients

Due to natural acidification and mostly inadequate liming, the grassland assemblage is shifting towards low-grade species, causing vulnerability,and lesser feed yields. A sensor system for high density on-the-go mapping of soil pH and further parameters, and a method for calculation of liming has been develo-ped by the applicants for farmland. First aim is the constructive modification of this system for grassland conditions. The coupling between soil and ECa resp. Vis/NIR sensors needs to be improved, as well as the soil sampler for soil pH sensors. 2nd aim is the further development of calculation methods for liming requirements. Beside soil pH, the determination of soil organic matter and soil type is needed. Our prediction models need to be impro-ved by extensive comparison of sensor data with laboratory reference samples for the paramters soil pH, C, N, P, K, H2O, Mg, K, Fe, Ca. 3rd, on this basis, we want to demonstrate suitability of this system for lage-scale grassland mapping to assess soil pH variabilities, and to assess necessity of precision farming technologies for liming. VDLUFA compliant maps for soil pH variation, and for liming requirements will be calculated. Finally, the economic and ecological effects of adapted liming will be assessed. The impact of liming on grassland species assemblage will be observed by investigation of a set of environmental indicators. The additional costs for site specific liming will be discussed towards effect on yield and feedstuff quality.

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