Main subject area: Phoshorus availability, fertilization, soil quality, crop productivity, root growth
Short project description
This project relies on a long-term lysimeter study conducted at Askov Experimental station since 1991, which involves input of contrasting phosphorus (P) sources. The long-term experimental data shows that crop productivity can be maintained with lower input of P if solid manure is applied. Does the increase in yield relate to improvements in soil quality (soil structure etc.) and root growth?
Therefore, this project aims to investigate the impact of different P sources (manures and mineral fertilizers) on soil properties that are responsible for crop growth. This may include soil structural measures, content of essential plant nutrients, and/or microbial activity. It will also be possible to study the root system architecture encompassing root density, morphology, and/or architectural traits to quantify the effects of the contrasting P management strategies.
The student will have access to data on crop yields and will perform analyses on measures of soil quality and root growth under supervision.
Flexible
Department of Agroecology, AU Viborg and Askov Experimental Station
45 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data.
60 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data.
Pedersen, I.F., Eriksen, J., Rubæk, G.H., 2023. Can crop yields be secured while reducing phosphorus accumulation in soil? Assessing decades of contrasting fertilizer strategies. Field Crops Res. 304, 109185.
