Evaluating efficacy of organo-mineral fertilisers to improve soil health and grain quality

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Agriculture is responsible for 9% of all UK GHG emissions and 24% of global emissions; over 50% of these emissions are due to the manufacture and use of nitrogen (N) based fertilisers. The manufacturing of mineral fertilisers is energy intensive and its repeated use also leads to decline in soil organic matter. One option is to utilise organic waste material and a reduced amount of mineral fertilisers, collectively known as organo-mineral fertilisers (OMF). OMFs can not only reduce the demand for mineral fertilisers but also contribute to soil health. However, what is not known is the residence time of thecarbonaceous component of the OMF when mixed with soil. As the terrestrial ecosystem has two to three times more carbon in it than the atmosphere, how soil carbon is managed to ensure it is sequestered is pertinent.The proposed DTP project will utilise the field sites identified by Yara and focus on the mechanisms of how carbon storage in soil promotes nutrient mineralisation to encourage uptake by crops to improve grain quality. Phosphorus taken up by cropswill be stored in grains as phytate but binds strongly to Fe and Zn which are key micronutrients needed for human health causing a challenge to ensure grain quality meets nutritional needs of population.Aim: To elucidate the role of soil carbon sequestered from OMF in influencing mineralisation of phosphorus to improve grain qualityHypotheses:1. Key elements present in OMF such as carbon and phosphorus will interact with heavy metals such as Cu and Zn in soil influencing its availability to crops2. Slow release of phosphorus uptake by crops will be stored as phytate and not influence strong binding with Fe and Zn affecting grain quality.Objectives:1. To assess efficacy of OMF to meet crop nutrient demand and sequester carbon in soil2. To elucidate mineralisation patterns of key elements present in OMF and its availability when in soil at early stages of crop development3. To evaluate root and shoot response to soil carbon build-up and phosphorus mineralisation during key crop growth stages4. To evaluate suitability of wheat and barley varieties to store phytate and influence grain quality