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Abstract

Apparent nitrogen-use efficiency of the applied mineral N (NUE(min)) in effluent from biodigested plant material (BE; C : N(org) ratio 14:1; mineral N-to-total N ratio 0.5:1) and a nitrate-based inorganic fertilizer (IF), both applied at two rates was investigated in a six-month pot experiment with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Dry-matter (DM) production was 7% lower and total amount of N in aboveground biomass was 8% lower in BE than in IF at 40 d after sowing (DAS), equal at 81 DAS, and higher in BE than in IF at 136 and 172 DAS. NUE(min) calculated on the basis of accumulated N in aboveground biomass of ryegrass in fertilized treatments compared to a control without N application was significantly lower in BE than in IF up to the third cut (136 DAS). Total NUE(min), total N recovery, and amount of foliage DM were similar for both fertilizers at the end of the experiment. Root biomass, total DM produced including roots and stubble, the fraction of root N to total plant N, and soil mineral N at 172 DAS were higher for BE than for IF. Mineral N applied with biogas-reactor effluent was almost as effective as the nitrate-based mineral fertilizer used for comparison. Within the six-month experimental period net N mineralization, estimated at 12% of organic N in effluent, was not substantial. Hence, the organic compounds in the effluent were relatively recalcitrant.

Keywords

anaerobic digestion; biogas-reactor effluent; net N mineralization; N recovery; root fraction; soil mineral nitrogen

Published in

Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science
2010, volume: 173, number: 1, pages: 113-119
Publisher: WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH

SLU Authors

  • Gunnarsson, Anita

    • Horticulture, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science
Bioenergy
Horticulture

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200800250

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/60453