Nutrient and Metal Fluxes in a Transitional Organic Farming System. (S08-boateng663936-poster)
Authors:
A. Boateng* - Tuskegee University K. Kpomblekou-A - Tuskegee University R.O. Ankumah - Tuskegee University L. Jackai - Tuskegee University K.M. Delete - Iowa State University
Abstract:
Application of inorganic fertilizers in excess of crop needs coupled with pesticide use have resulted in serious environmental and health problems and compromised safe food production. Alternative to this would be the use of organic fertilizers. USDA projected retail sales of organic foods to reach $20 billion by 2005. The objectives of this study were to: 1) compare nutrient fluxes in the vadose zone, and 2) establish relationships between nutrient leaching and soil management practices. Crimson clover was planted, harvested and incorporated into soil in May 2002. Treatments included: control, broiler litter, crimson-clover, and NPK fertilization. The design was a RCB with four replications and four treatments examining three cultivars of sweetpotato. Suction lysimeters were installed on each experimental unit at 30, 60, and 90 cm depths. A weather station with a CSI PC208W data logger software and
capacitance probes (Time Domain Reflectometer) were connected to a data logger (CR 10X, Campbell Scientific). Soil water samples were collected from the lysimeters and kept in a freezer until analysis. Analyses were made for total N and P, inorganic N, dissolved reactive P, and hydrolyzable-P.
Preliminary results showed presence of nitrate at depths 0-30 cm (3.79-23.64), 30-60 cm
(1.42-10.48), and 60-90 cm (8.81 to 17.7 mg NO3--N L-1) beyond the rooting zone of sweetpotato.
Speaker Information: Albert Boateng, Tuskegee University, 210 Campbell Hall, Tuskegee, AL 36088;
Phone: 334-724-4521; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 5, 2003, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Presentation Start: 9:00 AM (Poster Board Number: 1005)
Keywords: Water Quality; Nutrient Fluxes; Organic Farming; Broiler Litter
