Publication Date

1997

Description

New management strategies are required in order to reduce the appreciable emissions of N from intensively managed grassland. Previous work has shown that if fertiliser is applied at rates that take account of the mineral N found in soil at the time of each application, N use efficiency can be improved. A novel approach is described which integrates soil testing and modelling to produce N fertiliser recommendations on a monthly basis. An existing annual model of the N cycle in grassland has been modified to produce monthly predictions of mineral N in the soil. The model is being validated by data from a replicated cut plot experiment at 3 sites.

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An Integrated Soil Testing-Modeling Approach to Improve Fertilizer Recommendations for Grassland

New management strategies are required in order to reduce the appreciable emissions of N from intensively managed grassland. Previous work has shown that if fertiliser is applied at rates that take account of the mineral N found in soil at the time of each application, N use efficiency can be improved. A novel approach is described which integrates soil testing and modelling to produce N fertiliser recommendations on a monthly basis. An existing annual model of the N cycle in grassland has been modified to produce monthly predictions of mineral N in the soil. The model is being validated by data from a replicated cut plot experiment at 3 sites.