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| Titel |
Effect of application rate of commercial lignite-derived amendments on early-stage growth of Medicago sativa and soil health, in acidic soil conditions |
| VerfasserIn |
Antonio Patti, Karen Little, Michael Rose, Roy Jackson, Tim Cavagnaro |
| Konferenz |
EGU General Assembly 2013
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| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| Digitales Dokument |
PDF |
| Erschienen |
In: GRA - Volume 15 (2013) |
| Datensatznummer |
250083514
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| Zusammenfassung |
| Commercially available lignite-derived amendments, sold mainly as humate preparations,
have been promoted as plant growth stimulants leading to higher crop yields. These products
are also claimed to improve soil properties such as pH. This study investigated the effect of
application rate of three lignite-derived amendments on the early-stage growth of a pasture
legume, lucerne (Medicago sativa), and soil health in a soil type common to south eastern
Australia, in a glasshouse setting. An organic-mineral humate product and ‘run of mine’
lignite coal did not improve shoot or root growth despite application at a range of rates at, and
in excess of, the manufacturers recommendation. Application of soluble K-humate product at
20 kg/ha (9.5 kg/ha C equivalent) produced an observable positive effect in shoot growth. At
this application rate, a significant delay in the appearance of chlorotic symptoms was
observed along with an increase in soil pH concurrent with decreased availability of soil
Mn and Al. Higher root dry weight was associated with lower microbial biomass
carbon which may indicate an effect on allocation of resources between the microbial
community and the plant. An assessment of the effectiveness of lignite-derived
amendments on plant growth, as well as their potential to improve the health of
an acidic soil will assist farmers in making decisions regarding the use of these
products. |
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