Nitrogen Mineralization Dynamics of Animal Manures in Calcareous Soils
摘要
Mineralization studies are required to establish nitrogen (N) recommendations based on manure N availability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the composition of cattle, hen, dried hen manure and dairy slurry in two different calcareous soils developed on cretaceous and quaternary materials where wheat was grown. A pot experiment was carried out in a greenhouse where four manure types were applied (170 kg N ha−1) and soil solution samples were taken from sowing to the end of the experiment. There were four replicates per treatment, in a two-factor randomized complete block design. Hen and dried hen manure produced the highest biomass (2200–3300 kg ha⁻1), indicating greater N availability. These treatments exhibited rapid mineralization, with peak ammonium (up to 30 mg L⁻1) especially in the Cretaceous soil and nitrate concentrations (900–1300 mg L⁻1 at GS30) especially in the Quaternary soil, whereas the remaining manures showed lower and slower N release. The type of manure strongly influenced nitrogen mineralisation dynamics. Hen and dried hen manure resulted in rapid and high nitrogen availability, whereas cattle manure showed a slower release. These differences can be explained by variations in soil clay content, clay type, and biological activity across soils. This highlights the importance of matching manure type to the crop cycle: fast-mineralising manures are better suited to spring crops, while cattle manure is more appropriate as a basal fertiliser for winter crops.
Graphical Abstract