Determining the agronomic value of composts produced from garden organics from metropolitan areas of New South Wales, Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Y. Chan ◽  
C. Dorahy ◽  
S. Tyler
Keyword(s):  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Plant Responses ◽  
Total N ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Soil Conditioners ◽  
Pot Trial

About 0.3 million t/year of composted garden organics (CGO) including mulches and soil conditioners are produced annually in New South Wales, Australia, although only a small proportion of this material (<4%) is used in agriculture. A lack of information on product characteristics and agronomic performance has limited the development of agricultural markets for CGO products. These CGO products are the coarse and fine fractions separated by screening after composting. This paper presents the results of a survey of CGO mulches and soil conditioners (unblended or blended with a mixture of other organic materials including biosolids, animal manures and paper), which are commercially produced in the metropolitan areas of New South Wales and assesses their agronomic and soil amendment values in terms of chemical and biological properties. It also evaluates the short-term effects of applying increasing rates (0, 25, 50 and 100 t/ha) of selected composted soil conditioners on radish growth in a pot experiment. The mulch products had low nutrient concentrations but had high carbon (C) contents (mean C = 45%) and C/Nitrogen (N) ratios (mean C/N = 72) and are most suitable for use as surface mulch. The unblended soil conditioners were low in nutrients, particularly N (average total N = 1.0%, range 0.9–12%), and had lower and variable C contents. The pot trial results indicated lack of growth response of radish at application rates up to 100 t/ha of unblended soil conditioners from garden organics. The blended soil conditioners were more variable in quality and as confirmed by pot trial results produced highly variable plant responses. The high variability in product quality and performance of the soil conditioners, particularly the blended products might be related to the source and type of blending material as well as the composting conditions used in the manufacturing process. These results highlight the need to improve compost quality and consistency and the need for further research to advance understanding of the benefits using CGO in terms of improving soil quality, crop productivity and net economic returns to growers.

Nutrient losses under simulated rainfall from pasture plots in the Great Lakes District, New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Jones ◽  
R. Willem Vervoort ◽  
Julie Cattle
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Storm Event ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Major Pathway ◽  
Nutrient Runoff ◽  
South Wales

Understanding the process by which nutrients and solids enter waterways from pastures in the Great Lakes district, New South Wales, Australia, may assist in maintaining water quality to ensure ongoing environmental and economic sustainability of the region. Rainfall simulations, using a 100-year return storm event, were conducted to determine nutrient and suspended solid concentrations in the runoff of 8 pasture sites in 3 of the catchments in the district. On 5 of the 8 sites, considerable concentrations of N or P were mobilised during the simulated rainfall event, but average nutrient concentrations and total loads across all sites were relatively low and similar to other studies of nutrient runoff from pastures. In addition, low runoff coefficients indicated that runoff is probably not the major pathway for nutrient losses from pasture in this area. Overall, rainfall runoff responses at the sites were similar in the 3 catchments. In contrast, the results suggest that, despite generating more runoff, the sites in the Wang Wauk catchment generated less nutrients in runoff than the sites in the Wallamba and Myall catchments. There was no difference in total suspended solids loads for the sites analysed by catchment. Relationships between soil physical and chemical characteristics and total nutrients loads or cumulative runoff were not strong.

The effect of season, stage of plant growth and leaf position on nutrient concentration in banana leaves on a krasnozem in New South Wales

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (66) ◽  
pp. 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
DW Turner ◽  
B Barkus
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Leaf Position ◽  
Leaf Analysis ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Banana Leaves ◽  
Cu And Zn

At Alstonville, New South Wales, leaf position had a greater effect than season on the nutrient concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the laminae of Williams bananas growing on a krasnozem soil and sampled over a 4-year period. However, season was more important for Mg. The effect of stage of plant growth was significant but much smaller than the other influences. When sampling for leaf analysis, leaf position and plant age can be standardised, but a major problem in this investigation was unpredictable, significant changes in nutrient composition from one sampling date to another. If these results are true for other soils. the data do not allow critical levels to be applied.

Effect of gypsum on vertisols of the Gwydir Valley, New South Wales. 1. Soil properties and wheat growth

1989 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
DC McKenzie ◽  
HB So
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Nitrogen Deficiency ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Plant Response ◽  
Crown Rot ◽  
Soil Water Storage ◽  
South Wales

The effect of gypsum on the properties and crop productivity of 6 contrasting vertisols of the Gwydir Valley, New South Wales was investigated in 1978 and 1979. These soils are often used for dryland wheat production, although crop growth is generally restricted by their structural instability. In 2 of the soils used in our study, the surface aggregates were sodic and dispersive (poor soils), 2 were relatively stable when wetted (good soils), whilst the other 2 soils had surface aggregates that were intermediate in behaviour (intermediate soils). The effects of added gypsum at 4 rates (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 t ha-1) on soil water profiles, soil properties and the growth of wheat were monitored over a 2 year period. Dryland wheat grain yields were increased by as much as 230% following the application of gypsum. Benefits were most pronounced on clays with sodic topsoils, a high water-holding capacity and adequate nutrition; plant response to gypsum on nearby soils with non-dispersive surfaces was less pronounced. Yield increases were associated with better seedling establishment, greater tiller production, increased grain weight, and lower incidence of 'Crown Rot' disease. Plant response to gypsum was related to improved water penetration into the soil, allowing greater storage of water in the subsoil, rather than loss via evaporation and possibly runoff. Increases as high as 137% in the soil water storage to a depth of 1.2 m were observed. Crop performance was also strongly influenced by rainfall, time of sowing and weed control. Where nitrogen and, to a lesser extent, phosphorus, were deficient in gypsum-treated soil, they had to be added before the extra soil water could be utilised effectively by wheat. On the lighter textured clays, gypsum appeared to aggravate nitrogen deficiency, apparently because of enhanced leaching.

Nutrient Concentrations in Foliage of Species Within a New South Wales Sub-Tropical Rainforest

1986 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Lambert ◽  
J. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
South Wales

Revised diagnostic leaf nutrient standards for macadamia growing in Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 869 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. O. Huett ◽  
I. Vimpany
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Leaf Nitrogen ◽  
Important Change ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Experimental Database ◽  
Single Leaf ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Canopy Position

Leaf nutrient analyses are widely used to determine the nutritional status of macadamia orchards. A commercial database was developed from 2186 observations collected from 186 farms across 56 geographical areas spanning New South Wales and Queensland. The data were collected over 10 years, with 1 to 9 sequential annual observations on each farm. An experimental database was also developed where several of the most popular commercial cultivars growing in the Lismore area of New South Wales and the Bundaberg area of Queensland were sampled at monthly intervals over a 2–3 year period. Two canopy sampling heights were used to confirm the effect of shading (irradiance) on leaf nutrient composition. This latter study confirmed that spring was an appropriate time to sample and that irradiated leaves, usually located in an upper canopy position, should be sampled. The most important change to the recommended leaf nutrient standards was the increase in the leaf nitrogen range from 1.3–1.4% to 1.4–1.7% for all cultivars except 344, where we recommend 1.6–2.0%. The study also confirmed that the adequate concentration range for zinc should be much lower than originally recommended. We recommend concentrations of 6–15 mg/kg. Minor changes were made to most other macro- and micronutrients. We also advise caution when interpreting the analyses of some nutrients because concentrations can change over the spring period. The revised leaf nutrient standards were developed from two large and comprehensive databases and reliably represent adequate leaf nutrient concentrations in productive, well-managed macadamia orchards in Australia. A single leaf analysis will not reliably indicate the nutritional status of a macadamia orchard. Additional information is required on trends in leaf and soil analyses over time as well as fertiliser, yield and management history.

Diagnostic leaf nutrient standards for low-chill peaches in subtropical Australia

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. O. Huett ◽  
A. P. George ◽  
J. M. Slack ◽  
S. C. Morris
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Leaf Age ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Mature Leaves ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Leaf Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
Main Effects

Summary. A leaf nutrient survey was conducted of the low-chill peach cultivars, Flordaprince (October maturing) and Flordagold (mid November–early December maturing) at 3 commercial sites in both northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. Recently mature leaves from the middle third of a current season’s fruiting lateral (spring flush) were sampled at stone hardening and 2-weeks postharvest and of a non-fruiting lateral at maturity of the summer flush (after summer pruning) during the 1992–93 and 1993–94 seasons. At an additional site in New South Wales (Alstonville), leaf nutrient concentrations were also determined on cv. Flordagem (early November maturing) at 2-week intervals during both seasons. Soil (0–30 cm) chemical determinations were conducted at all sites at 2-weeks postharvest Seasonal trends in leaf nutrient composition were associated with a leaf age–maturity effect. As flush leaves matured during spring, and as mature leaves aged after hardening of the summer flush, nitrogen (N) concentration declined and calcium (Ca) concentration increased. Nitrogen and Ca concentrations increased when young leaves produced from the summer flush were sampled. Time of sampling produced the most consistently significant (P<0.05) main effects on leaf nutrient concentration. The 2-week postharvest period was selected as a convenient time to sample—when leaves were of a consistent age and maturity, and the effect of crop load on tree nutrient reserves was still present. Paclobutrazol, which reduces vegetative growth in stonefruit, was applied to all Queensland sites and, as a consequence, mid lateral leaves contained higher (P<0.05) Ca, magnesium (Mg) and chloride (Cl) and lower (P<0.05) N and phosphorus (P) concentrations than leaves from New South Wales sites. State effects can therefore be interpreted as paclobutrazol effects. Cultivar effects (P<0.05) occurred for many leaf nutrients, however, at the 2-week postharvest sampling, concentrations were sufficiently similar to combine as a narrow adequate concentration range for both cultivars. The diagnostic adequate leaf nutrient concentrations were within the range developed for high-chill peaches (Leece et al. 1971) with the exception of lower Ca, lower Mg for New South Wales (both cultivars), lower iron for Flordaprince (both states), higher P for Flordaprince in New South Wales and higher manganese values for Queensland (both cultivars). Regression analyses were conducted between leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations and soil chemical properties. The only consistent result demonstrated that as the soil Ca : Mg ratio increased, leaf Mg concentration decreased exponentially (P<0.001), indicating that the practice of heavy annual agricultural limestone or gypsum applications in the absence of Mg fertiliser, which had been adopted by several growers in the survey, is associated with lower leaf Mg concentrations.

Nutrient status of Lake Liddel, New South Wales: mass loadings of nitrogen and phosphurus, industrial modification, and trophic state

1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 443 ◽  
Author(s):  
RN Royle ◽  
RJ King
Keyword(s):  
Point Source ◽  
New South ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Total N ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Total P

The concentrations of nitratehitrite-N, Kjeldahl-N and total P in point-source additions to and losses from Lake Liddell (32° 22'S,150° 1'E) were measured fortnightly from September 1987 to September 1988. These data were used in conjunction with flow-rate data to construct a nitrogen and phosphorus budget from Lake Liddell. The annual net point-source loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus were 23 400 and 5700 kg, respectively. There was little relationship between changes in lake nutrient concentrations and fortnightly mass loadings. The mean molar N: P ratio for point source mass additions was 13: 1, whereas that within the lake was 33: 1. These features indicate that within-lake processes were the dominant processes in determining lake nutrient concentrations. Retention in the sediments of a greater proportion of the total P pool than of the total-N pool appeared to be one of these processes. The use of Lake Liddell water in power-station operations resulted in substantial increases in nitrate/ nitrite-N and total-P concentrations in waters returned to the lake. The use of Dillon's model to predict mean annual total-P concentrations from mass loadings indicates that Lake Liddell is on the border between mesotrophic and eutrophic states.

Effect of Arachis pintoi groundcover on performance of bananas in northern New South Wales

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
GG Johns
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Banana Plant ◽  
Arachis Pintoi ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Marketable Fruit

Legume groundcovers have been promoted for controlling soil erosion in hillside banana plantations in northern New South Wales. An experiment was conducted at Alstonville to determine the effect of an Arachis pintoi (Pinto peanut) groundcover on banana productivity. The Arachis groundcover was slow to establish in the first year, but thereafter grew vigorously. While standing dry matter of groundcover was reduced at closer banana plant spacings, it was always more than adequate to control erosion. After 5.5 years many soil chemical parameters had been significantly affected by the presence of groundcover. Organic carbon concentrations to 30 cm depth were 5.6% greater on the groundcover plots (3.94 v. 3.71%), and total nitrogen was 8.5% greater (0.42 v. 0.39%). Other increases were exchangeable potassium 52%, calcium 26%, magnesium 43%, sodium 23%, electrical conductivity 24%, and pH 0.13 units. Banana leaf nutrient concentrations were not affected. Banana plants with groundcover produced 9% fewer bunches than their bare soil counterparts, with 4% fewer fingers per bunch. By the end of the experiment, fingers on the groundcover treatment were 9% lighter; consequently, the weight of marketable fruit (i.e. >120 g/finger) per bunch was reduced by 31% in the final year. The presence of groundcover reduced total fruit production over the whole trial by 16% and marketable fruit by 19%. In the last year of the experiment, total fruit production was reduced by 25%, and marketable fruit production by 40%. Over the whole trial, banana plants with groundcover produced 22% fewer suckers than the bare soil controls, with most of the effect occurring in the first 2 years. Soil temperatures at 20 cm under groundcover were as much as 0.7�C cooler than the controls in October-January, but similar for the rest of the year. This effect possibly contributed to decreased yields. Although the experiment was irrigated, the irrigation was possibly inadequate for the groundcover treatment, and competition for water between the Arachis and banana plants may also have been responsible for part of the yield depression. Rats fed on the buried Arachis seed each winter.

Occurrence and possible causes of a severe cyanobacterial bloom in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 737 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Bowling
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Cyanobacterial Bloom ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Physico Chemical

Although smaller cyanobacterial blooms had occurred in Lake Cargelligo in previous summers, a severe bloom of Anabaena circinalis occurred in the lake in November 1990. Cell numbers exceeded 100 000 cells m L -1 , and toxicity tests revealed the bloom to be highly hepatotoxic. This resulted in the first known closure of a town water supply due to cyanobacteria in New South Wales. Blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa, Aphanizomenon issatschenkoi, Oscillatoria rnougeotii and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii also occurred in the lake at similar very high cell numbers during the summer and autumn of 1990-91. All five species persisted until May 1991, although there was no detectable toxicity from January onwards. Severe flooding in the Lachlan River valley upstream of Lake Cargelligo during the winter of 1990 led to nutrient enrlched inflows to the lake. These elevated nutrient concentrations would have been a major factor contributing to the bloom. However, other physico-chemical factors were also suitable for cyanobacterial growth.

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