Carbon sequestration, organic recycling fertilizers, soil fertility, comparative field survey
Soil restoration
Preservation and build-up of soil fertility and soil health by using organic recycling fertilizers from treated wastes according to climatic requirements and water and soil protection
Involved Institutions:
- Vornkahl-Group Nettlingen (VGN)
- Julius Kühn-Institut – Institut für Pflanzenbau und Bodenkunde Braunschweig (JKI)
- Förderverband Humus g. e. V. Zossen (FVH)
Based on experience it is necessary to conduct field studies with the intention to observe changes in humus content and C sequestration due to organic fertilisation over a period of at least four organic fertiliser applications, which is 12 years when organic fertilisers were applied in a 3-years interval. The main target of the proposed project is to show the potential of organic recycling fertilisers to improve soil fertility and to investigate their possible contribution to climate protection via C-sequestration in soils. For the first stage of the project the establishment of the field trial and the first organic fertiliser application is planned.
A comparative field survey of at least 6 different organic recycling fertilisers in comparison to straw as a standard organic substrate is planned in a large-scale field experiment (3 ha loess site). A broad range of accompanying laboratory studies, pot trials and incubation and emission studies are intended to be done.
Investigation parameters will be the nutrient supply by the organic fertilisation, its impact on nutrient losses and the possible C-sequestration and potential for humus reproduction. As a result application recommendations for organic recycling fertilisers can be expected.
Organic recycling fertilisers can show an antipathogenic potential due to their humus reproduction in the soil. Possible savings in plant protection is a further aspect that will be investigated and quantified in a crop rotation.
Carbon sequestration is of special relevance in soil protection and it is important to understand the effects of organic recycling fertilisers and the exposure pathways form soil to plant and soil to atmosphere. Special attention will be paid to possible contaminations that could have negative effects on food and feed quality as well as possible greenhouse gas emissions which needs to be avoid.
The Förderverband Humus e. V. is selflessly active and does not primarily pursue its own economic purposes. The members of the FVH e. V. are individuals, companies and public corporations whose interests and activities are related to the humus economy. With the support of a scientific advisory board, the association pursues the following goals:
• Promotion of science and research on soil fertility issues.
• Promotion of soil fertility, especially through humus management in all technical, economic, legal and organizational matters.
• Raising the level of performance in building humus and promoting sustainability awareness.
• Information about the importance, determination and evaluation of the humus supply.
Through our own research work, specialist events, training courses and the publication of scientific results, we want to specifically promote the protection of the environment, especially with regard to the sustainable use of humus reproduction in the soil.