Combining compost with urea: Nitrogen and phosphorus recovery by cabbage and leaching under imposed high rainfall condition in the greenhouse
Journal
Scientific Research and Essays
Journal Volume
6
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
4
Journal Issue
4
Pages
819-829
Start Page
819
End Page
829
ISSN
19922248
Date Issued
2011-02
Author(s)
Adhikari, Keshav Raj
Abstract
Data from one cabbage growing season was used to compare nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) recovery and leaching between independent and combined application of composted manure and urea in the greenhouse. Treatments included: chemical-fertilizer (NPK at 250:80:150 kg ha-1, respectively), organic-fertilizer (250 kg N from 16 Mg ha-1 of compost), low-combination (125 kg N from urea and 125 kg N from 8 Mg ha-1 of compost), high-combination (double of low-combination), and a blank control. Nitrate-N (NO3) and inorganic water soluble P (WSP) leaching were monitored fortnightly. Organic and chemical fertilizer treatments suffered from demerits of low N recovery (9.34%) and high NO3 leaching (27%), respectively. While cumulative NO3 leaching loads in both low-, and high-combination treatments were low, high-combination treatment demonstrated greater numismatic quality by outperforming low-combination treatment by higher retention and uptake of N and P. Taking into account the prevailing environment the soil represents to, 16 Mg ha-1 of compost co-applied with 250 kg urea-N appears to be more appropriate combination for cabbage growth. Although WSP leaching was negligible, water quality benefits from this compost application does not seem to be promising, especially because other forms of P leaching (organic and/or inorganic) was suspected which warrants further study.
Subjects
Composted manure
Fertilization
Leaching
Nitrogen and phosphorus recovery
Urea
Type
journal article