Award details

203a: Factors regulating breakdown and mineralization of organic inputs in agricultural soils

Reference	BBS/E/H/00030911
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Gary Bending
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Warwick
Department	Warwick HRI
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	196,673
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Horticultural and arable soils receive substantial inputs of organic materials via senescence of plant structures, and from residues left in the field following cropping. Managing these materials as fertilisers is vital to the development of more sustainable farming systems. This study will examine factors which affect activities of the soil microflora and are thus responsible for regulating mineralization of N and P from crop detritus, paying particular attention to interactions between the properties of the organic material and the microbial population. There are two main sub- projects: (1) Study the effects of plant defence chemicals and other constituents in crop debris on the activities of saprophytic organisms colonizing and decomposing these materials, and organisms inhabiting soil surrounding the residue. This aims to determine the longevity of these compounds and their breakdown products in crop residues and their effects upon the growth, and decomposing and mineralizing activities of the soil microbial community. (2) Study mycorrhizal associations with crop plants in reduced input systems and their implications for the soil saprophyte community as a result of competition and synergism between these two groups of nutritionally distinct organisms. This research will aim to determine how mycorrhizal fungi interact with the saprophytic microflora, and the consequences for organic matter decomposition and mineralization processes. This work aims to understand and exploit soil microbiological processes at a cellular level so as to improve the efficiency of horticultural production systems to the benefit of the environment; these aims are central to the priorities of the Plant and Microbial Sciences Committee. The research also meets priority areas of the Agricultural Systems Directorate 'Agriculture in the Environment' theme which includes the role of organic matter in nutrient cycling in soil; and the management of agricultural systems for biodiversity. The results will provide information on the management of soil microorganisms for ecologically sustainable agriculture, which is relevant to the Technology Foresight programme on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. The research will identify factors regulating the rate and quantities of N and P mineralization from crop residues and soil organic matter. This information will be of use in selecting factors to manipulate residue quality, the development of models for mineralization, and will ultimately lead to the production of more sustainable farming systems. Development of improved practices in which mineralized N and P are recycled to crop plants will reduce the need for fertiliser application to crops, and be of value in the design of more sustainable production systems and integrated crop management techniques. Such practices will reduce leaching of nitrate to ground and surface waters with considerable economic benefits to the environment. The mycorrhizal research will contribute to their more effective utilization in agricultural systems, with potential for reduced fertiliser application, reduction of drought stress and protection against pathogens.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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