Organic fertilizer abrasive grits increase soil available nitrogen, plant height, and biomass

Authors

• Michael Carlson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
• Frank Forcella, USDA-ARSFollow
• Samuel E. Wortman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• David Clay, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
• Sharon A. Clay, South Dakota State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

Agrosyst Geosci Environ. 2020;3:e20091. 1-14

https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20091

Comments

2020 The Authors.

Abstract

In organic cropping systems, air-propelled abrasive grits can be used to control in-row weeds. If the applied abrasive grit is an approved organic fertilizer, these applications may serve a dual purpose of weed control and crop fertility. Laboratory soil incubations examined the N mineralization rates of several grit types with differing C/N ratios (Agra Grit [crushed walnut shells, 170:1], corncob grit [91:1], Sustane [composted turkey litter, 5.0:1], Phytaboost Plant Food [crushed and pelletized soybean meal, 5.0:1]). A greenhouse study determined plant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), kale (Brassica napus pabluaria DC), and velvetleaf (Abu- tilon theophrasti Medik.) growth response in soils amended with these grits. The N mineralization rates varied by grit type, soil, and application rate. The N mineralized from Phytaboost within 56 d was similar among the amounts of N a whereas the amount of N mineralized from Sustane was inversely related to the amount of N applied. Agra Grit and corncob grit immobilized soil N due to their high C/N ratios. In soils amended with Sustane, plant height and biomass were 15–43% and 34–83% greater than for plants grown in soils with Agra Grit, corncob grit, and the nontreated soil. Applications of organic fertilizer as air-propelled grit may improve crop growth; however, if weed control is imperfect, these grits may increase weed growth. Grits with high C/N ratios may immobilize soil available N but not affect plant growth.