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Studies of the preceding crop effect of ley in ecological agriculture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Artur Granstedt  and
Gärd L-Baeckström
Artur Granstedt*
Affiliation:
Research Professor of Organic Farming and head of the Biodynamic Research Institute, Skilleby, 153 91 Järna, Sweden;
Gärd L-Baeckström
Affiliation:
Research Leader, Kvinnersta Agricultural School, Örebro, Sweden.
*
Corresponding author is Artur Granstedt ([email protected]).
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Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted from 1991 to 1996 on clay soils in central Sweden to provide information for improving soil fertility, minimizing N leaching, and increasing the benefits of ley to subsequent crops in organic farming. The results show that it is possible to calculate the amount of N mineralized during the 2-year period following incorporation of ley-crop residues, based on the proportion of incorporated organic matter stabilized in the more resistant humus fractions (i.e., the humification coefficient, calculated to be 35–40%), C:N ratios of the ley biomass, and ley age (humification appears to be higher in older crop residues). The fractions of potentially mineralizable N that are actually mineralized in the first and second years after ley incorporation vary depending on ley age and botanical composition and climatic conditions.

Keywords

C:N ratiohumification coefficientnitrogen mineralizationsoil fertility
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 15 , Issue 2 , June 2000 , pp. 68 - 78
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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