Abstract
Background: The inefficient use of nitrogen (N) fertiliser as a consequence of N losses from soil is a pressing issue in broad-acre agricultural systems. The research reported here tested the hypothesis that granulation of synthetic N fertiliser (urea) with a natural organic C resource (brown coal) would reduce fertiliser N loss from the soil system.
Results: Urea-enriched brown coal granules were simultaneously formed and dried within a pilot-scale superheated steam dryer. After application to unplanted soil columns, the urea-brown coal granules reduced nitrous oxide emission by up to 40 %, reduced mineral nitrogen leaching and maintained higher levels of N in topsoil when compared to conventional urea alone. Reduced gaseous N losses without a reduction in plant N uptake were also observed in planted soil columns treated with urea-brown coal granules.
Conclusions: Brown coal-urea blended fertiliser showed potential for more efficient use of N in the long term and has environmental benefits in retaining more N in the soil.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 10 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 9 May 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Controlled-release fertiliser
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Lignite
- Nitrous oxide
- Soil enhancement
- Superheated steam drying