Tag Archives: lake sediments

2022-2032 L. Edesi, T. Kangor, V. Loide, R. Vettik, I. Tamm, H.J. Kennedy, M. Haljak, Ü. Tamm, T. Võsa, K. Tamm, T. Talve and E. Karron
Effects of lake sediment on soil chemical composition, dehydrogenase activity and grain yield and quality in organic oats and spring barley succession
Abstract |
Full text PDF (500 KB)

Effects of lake sediment on soil chemical composition, dehydrogenase activity and grain yield and quality in organic oats and spring barley succession

L. Edesi¹*, T. Kangor², V. Loide¹, R. Vettik¹, I. Tamm², H.J. Kennedy³, M. Haljak², Ü. Tamm², T. Võsa¹, K. Tamm¹, T. Talve¹ and E. Karron¹

¹Estonian Crop Research Institute, Department of Agrotechnology, Aamisepa 1, EE48309 Jõgeva alevik, Estonia
²Estonian Crop Research Institute, Department of Plant breeding, Aamisepa 1, EE48309 Jõgeva alevik, Estonia
³Estonian Crop Research Institute, Department of Development, Aamisepa 1, EE48309 Jõgeva alevik, Estonia
*Correspondence: liina.edesi@etki.ee

Abstract:

In organic farming, it is important to maintain soil fertility with organic fertilisers; often organic compost, manure, or slurry is used. However, the effects of lake sediment in maintaining and improving soil fertility are less studied. The direct and residual effects of a one-time application of 50 t ha-1 or 100 t ha-1 of lake sediment were compared to an unfertilised control for oats (Avena sativa) (2015) followed by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) in 2016, under organic farming conditions. Soil chemical composition, microbial activity in the 0–20 cm soil layer, grain yield, and grain quality were tested. The application rate, 100 t ha-1, increased (P < 0.05) the soil organic carbon (SOC), the amount of mobile calcium (Ca), total nitrogen (Ntot), and boron (B) content in soil. Both application rates increased (P < 0.05) the amount of magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) content in the soil. The application rate had no effect on soil pH. Soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was higher (P < 0.05) at 100 t ha-1 than the control and the lower application rate. Both rates of lake sediment application significantly (P < 0.05) increased the grain yield and test weight for oats in 2015. Positive residual effects on spring barely yield only occurred in the 100 t ha-1 treatments in 2016. No residual impact of lake sediment was found on spring barely quality.

Key words:

, , , , ,




929–947 K. Stankevica, Z. Vincevica-Gaile and M. Klavins
Freshwater sapropel (gyttja): its description, properties and opportunities of use in contemporary agriculture
Abstract |
Full text PDF (474 KB)

Freshwater sapropel (gyttja): its description, properties and opportunities of use in contemporary agriculture

K. Stankevica, Z. Vincevica-Gaile and M. Klavins*

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Science, Jelgavas street 1, LV-1004, Riga
*Correspondence: maris.klavins@lu.lv

Abstract:

 Sapropel (gyttja or dy) is a type of fine-grained and loose sediments, rich in organic matter, deposited in freshwater bodies. Properties of sapropel and quite wide possibilities of extraction makes it as an important natural resource that can be used predominantly in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming. Sapropel and its processing products are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, with a definite content of nutrients. The aim of the current paper was to gather the available information about the sapropel properties and its application in agriculture as soil fertilizer or soil amendment, indicating the efficiency and possible ways amounts of application. Another reason why the investigation of sapropel is important in the Baltic States and northern Europe is its wide distribution and availability in freshwater bodies that leads to find out new ways of extraction and bioeconomically-effective utilization of this highly valuable natural resource, obtainable in economically significant amounts, with high opportunities of its use in agriculture. Contemporary agriculture strongly desiderates in new products of high effectivity enhancing soil and crop productivity and quality hand in hand with sustainable development and careful attitude to the nature and surrounding environment.

Key words:

, , , ,