Developing a nitrogen fertilization program based on green manure supplemented by a manure-based starter fertilizer in organic grain production

Christine Landry, researcher

Christine Landry

Researcher, agr., Ph.D.

418 643-2380
ext 640

Contact Christine Landry

Description

In a wheat/grain corn/soya rotation, green manure as the main source of nitrogen, complemented in the grain corn year by a quickly available manure-based nitrogen starter fertilizer, can be used to obtain profitable organic grain corn yields while limiting phosphorus pollution. The project was conducted at IRDA’s Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform.

Objective(s)

  • Evaluate different fertilization scenarios using green manure and animal manure to meet nitrogen requirements in a wheat/grain corn/soya rotation while limiting phosphorus pollution
  • Determine the quantity of nitrogen provided by the green manure and animal manure
  • Determine phosphorus inputs under the different scenarios in order to prevent or correct phosphorus saturation of the soil
  • Characterize, in situ and on continuous basis, the nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in the soil from the first to last frost for three years
  • Determine the impact of the different scenarios on nitrogen uptake and crop yields, as well as on the agronomic, biological, and physical characteristics of the soil

From 2015 to 2018

Project duration

Field crops

Activity areas

Fertilizer management, Organic farming

Services

This project will help growers remedy problems related to soil phosphorus saturation.

Partners

Growing Forward 2 | Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Coop Agrobio du Québec | Club Bio Action | Producteurs de grains du Québec | Aliments Breton

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