Using bio-manipulation to optimise nutrient management within intensive farm systems

Abstract

The research project aims to enhance organic nutrient management in livestock farms using microbial and enzyme inoculations, with a particular focus on the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle. In order to do this the first approach consists of characterising the chemical and biological properties of farm slurries as a baseline to evaluate possible amendments of the intrinsic properties of the slurry. Consequently, it is pivotal to consider properties such as plant nutrients, i.e., phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, as well as the microbial community within the slurry. Likewise, attention needs to be paid to soil chemical and biological properties, e.g. pH, salinity and organic matter, as well as to the variety of organisms inhabiting the soil, in order to determine the impact of inoculation on phosphorus cycling and nutrient availability for plant use. Furthermore, it is important to know how soil and its productivity may be influenced by the addition of the inoculated slurry. Of particular interest are also the soil properties which have an effect on plant growth. The pH of soil and, notably, nutrient availability and retention capacity are some of the features on which to direct the research in order to assess the quality of soil and, as a result, the production of a grass crop in livestock farms. The characterisation of these properties will be performed using a variety of approaches, beginning with analysis at laboratory- and mesocosm-scales and progressing to a fieldwork approach in order to evaluate the results directly in a farm system.