Information
Effects of tillage practices on soil and water phosphorus and nitrogen fractions in a Chromosol at Rutherglen in Victoria, Australia
Level 1 General description
Purpose:
Phosphorous and nitrogen levels were monitored to determine the effects of varied tillage practices.
Methods (brief)
The changes in surface soil chemical characteristics relevant to nutrient exports under 2 tillage and 2 stubble retention regimes were compared on a cropping farm in Rutherglen, Victoria. Potential P and N concentrations and loads in surface runoff were measured under stubble management regimes using a rainfall simulator.
Key findings (brief)
- All nutrient concentrations decreased with depth to 150mm in all treatments, when both sampling dates were analysed together.
- Direct drilling with stubble retention contributed a greater proportion of particulate P and N to TP (Total P) and TN (Total N) in surface runoff than either of the burnt systems.
- Particulate P accounted for 75%, 67%, and 83% of TP in surface runoff from the CCb, DDb, and DDr treatments, respectively.
Location
Rutherglen Research Institute in north-eastern Victoria 36o11’S, 146 o28’E
Related studies
N/A