Soil phosphorus status in organic and conventional vegetable farms in Southeast Queensland, Australia

2007

Nachimuthu, Gunasekhar

Kristiansen, Paul

Lockwood, Peter V

Guppy, Christopher

Editor(s): Urs Niggli, Carlo Leifert, Thomas Alfoldi, Lorna Luck and Helga Willer

Conference Publication

en

Publication

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture

Hohenheim, Germany

une:19900

The soil phosphorus (P) status (0-10 cm) of two farming systems (organic (OF) and conventional (CF) vegetable farms) at two locations (Gatton and Stanthorpe) was examined amongst a suite of soil fertility indicators. The P status was similar between farming systems, in contrast to some broad-acre organic systems. Examination of farm management records revealed substantial overlap between P inputs at both localities with CF systems also receiving organic inputs, e.g. green manure and composts. A statistical analysis of the effects of different inputs also indicated that P fertility did not vary significantly between farms. Soil P levels were medium to high across farm types indicating a potential environmental risk for vegetable producers particularly in sandy well drained soils. The three methods of extraction Colwell, Olsen and Resin were well correlated with each other and produced similar results indicating the similar nutrient pools exist between farming system.

link

Improving Sustainability in Organic and Low Input Food Production Systems: Proceedings of the 3rd International Congress of the European Integrated Project Quality Low Input Food (QLIF), p. 301-304

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