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UTILIZING DAIRY COMPOST FOR SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT IN A HIGH-ELEVATION ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEM

Applied Research

Lauren Golden
Extension Educator
University of Idaho Extension
Hailey

Abstract

\r\n Organic nutrient sources such as dairy compost can be an effective soil fertility management tool for providing soil nutrients as well as soil organic matter (OM). The nutrient benefits of dairy compost are not always understood due to variability in compost nutrient composition and the site-specific climactic conditions that help determine when nutrients are made plant available. Different methods used in the composting process can create variability in the source compost composition, which therefore might limit grower adoption due to uncertainty in compost nutrient quality and optimal application rates. Researchers examine mineralization of nitrogen (N), plant available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and soil residual nutrients from applied dairy compost in a high-elevation, dryland, organic alfalfa system over two growing seasons. By evaluating cost and benefits of compost application, results indicate that dairy compost can provide an economically viable soil fertilizer alternative for an organic alfalfa/barley system, but the economic value varies with compost nutrient content. In addition, varying soil pH values indicate effects on soil nutrient availability and management considerations.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: L.A. Hunter, C.L. Falen, A. Moore, C.A. Kinder, A.L. Falen
  1. Hunter, L. Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83333
  2. Falen, C. Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83352
  3. Moore, A. Soil Specialist, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83301
  4. Kinder, C. Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83327
  5. Falen, A. , Soil and Land Resource Division, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83843