Effect of legumes, manure, and compost on soil nitrogen dynamics and microbial diversity under organic production

Description

Using a split-split-plot design, this study tested three variables: soil tillage, crop rotation in organic production, and fertilization with manure or compost. The first variable was the type of tillage, either conventional plowing or minimum tillage using an offset disc harrow. A second variable consisted of eight different rotation crops. The third variable was the addition of beef manure and Biosol compost at a rate of 20 t/ha.

Objective(s)

• Develop fertilization methods including legumes and organic fertilizers to increase organic crop yields
• Optimize tillage methods to maintain or increase nitrogen efficiency and soil productivity under organic production
• Study soil structure and microbial diversity under different types of organic production