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Plant nutrient issues for sustainable land application.
Gary M Pierzynski1, Katherine A Gehl
1Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. gmp@ksu.edu
Journal of Environmental Quality
|January 14, 2005
Summary
Sustainable land application of residuals addresses plant nutrient concerns like nitrogen and phosphorus to prevent water pollution and emissions. Research focuses on accurate nutrient availability testing and reducing environmental impacts from land-applied materials.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
Background:
- Growing environmental concerns necessitate sustainable land application of residuals.
- Key issues include phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in surface waters, nitrate leaching, and ammonia/greenhouse gas emissions.
- Regulatory frameworks mandate N-based or P-based application rates depending on P loss risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in managing plant nutrient issues for sustainable land application of residuals.
- To highlight methods for accurate nutrient availability determination and emission reduction.
- To discuss ongoing challenges and future directions in residual management.
Main Methods:
- Modeling of nitrogen mineralization for potentially available nitrogen (PAN) determination.
- Development of quick tests for immediate PAN assessment.
- Research into methods for reducing ammonia emissions and quantifying field emissions.
- Calibration and validation of phosphorus loss assessment tools.
- Investigation of amendments and treatments influencing phosphorus solubility.
- Use of synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy to identify inorganic phosphorus forms.
Main Results:
- Progress in modeling mineralization and developing quick tests for PAN.
- Advancements in reducing ammonia emissions and quantifying them in field conditions.
- Ongoing efforts in calibrating P loss assessment tools and understanding edge-of-field P losses.
- Identification of methods to reduce soluble P in manures, such as phytase supplementation.
- Characterization of inorganic P chemical forms using advanced spectroscopy.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in addressing plant nutrient issues for sustainable residual land application.
- Continued research is vital for further optimizing application rates, minimizing environmental impacts, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
- The topic of sustainable land application of residuals will remain a strong focus in the foreseeable future.