ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4924-9689
Current Organisation
CSIRO
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Environmental Engineering | Environmental Technologies | Fertilisers and Agrochemicals (Application etc.)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/SOILSYSTEMS7010021
Abstract: A progressive decline in soil fertility in taro (Colocasia esculenta L., Schott) production systems has contributed to reduced crop productivity and farm profitability, and is recognized to be a threat to soil nutrient and food security in Samoa. Evidence based on three years of field experimentation showed that appropriate nutrient budgeting is required to reduce soil nutrient deficits and mitigate soil organic carbon loss. Balanced crop nutrition coupled with appropriate crop husbandry can significantly improve productivity and narrow yield gaps. A framework to guide nutrient recommendations for taro production systems is presented and discussed. This framework proposes that recommendations for N be derived from the yield-to-N response function (from which the most economic rate of N can be estimated) and that for other nutrients, namely P, K, Ca, and Mg, recommendations be based on replacement. The replacement strategy requires the development of soil nutrient indexes, which can be used to define the long-term nutrient management policy at the field scale. This long-term policy is informed by soil analyses, and it will determine whether existing soil nutrient levels are to be maintained or increased depending on the focus (productivity, profitability, environmental protection). If soil nutrients were already at an agronomically satisfactory level, their application may be omitted in some years to help reduce crop production costs, improve use efficiency, and ensure environmentally safe levels in soil are not exceeded.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-04-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-017-8937-1
Abstract: Farmers often resort to an occasional tillage (strategic tillage (ST)) operation to combat constraints of no-tillage (NT) farming systems. There are conflicting reports regarding impacts of ST and a lack of knowledge around when, where and how ST is implemented to maximise its benefits without impacting negatively on soil and environment. We established 14 experiments during 2012-2015 on farms with long-term history of continuous NT to (i) quantify the associated risks and benefits to crop productivity, soil and environmental health and (ii) explore key factors that need to be considered in decisions to implement ST in an otherwise NT system. Results showed that introduction of ST reduced weed populations and improved crop productivity and profitability in the first year after tillage, with no impact in subsequent 4 years. Soil properties were not impacted in Vertosols however, Sodosols and Dermosols suffered short-term negative soil health impacts (e.g. increased bulk density). A Sodosol and a Dermosol also posed higher risks of runoff and associated loss of nutrients and sediment during intense rainfall after ST. The ST reduced plant available water in the short term, which could result in unreliable sowing opportunities for the following crop especially in semi-arid climate that prevails in north-eastern Australia. The results show that generally, there were no significant differences in crop productivity and soil health between tillage implements and tillage frequencies between ST and NT. The study suggests that ST can be a viable strategy to manage constraints of NT systems, with few short-term soil and environmental costs and some benefits such as short-term farm productivity and profitability and reduced reliance on herbicides.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2021
DOI: 10.1002/SAJ2.20328
Abstract: The water retention curve (WRC) of arable soils from the southeastern United States at different levels of compaction (no compaction, and 10 and 20% increases in soil bulk density) was estimated using the van Genuchten–Mualem (VG) model. The VG water retention parameters of the noncompacted soils were obtained first by fitting measured soil hydraulic data. To construct the WRC of the compacted soils, gravimetric values of the permanent wilting point (θ gw , 1,500 kPa) and the residual (θ gr ) water content were assumed to remain unchanged with compaction. The VG parameter α and exponent η after compaction were estimated using two approaches. In Approach 1, α and η were estimated from saturation, the permanent wilting point, and the residual water content. In Approach 2, the value of η was assumed to remain unchanged with compaction, which allowed α to be estimated immediately from the VG equation. Approach 2 was found to give slightly better agreement with measured data than Approach 1. The effect of compaction on the saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s ) was predicted using semitheoretical approaches and the VG‐WRC function. HYDRUS‐1D was further used to simulate vertical infiltration into a single‐layered soil profile to determine the impact of compaction on the infiltration characteristics of the soils used in our analyses. Results showed that a 10–20% increase in soil bulk density, due to compaction, reduced cumulative infiltration ( I c ) at time T = T final (steady‐state) by 55–82%, and the available water storage capacity by 3–49%, depending upon soil type.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-04-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S10705-022-10204-6
Abstract: Irrigated cotton in Australia is mainly grown on heavy textured soils which are prone to waterlogging, resulting in significant losses of nitrogen (N) via denitrification and surface run-off. This study investigated fertiliser nitrogen use efficiency (fNUE) over three seasons on five commercial cotton farms using the 15 N tracer technique. Fertiliser NUE was consistently low across all fertilised treatments, with on average 47% of the applied fertiliser lost and only 17% of the N taken up by the crop derived from fertiliser. There was no significant effect of different N fertiliser products and rates on cotton lint yield. High lint yields (0.9–3.6 Mg ha −1 ) could be achieved even without the application of N fertiliser, demonstrating mineralisation of soil organic N, residual fertiliser, or N returned with crop residues, as key source of N in these cropping systems. Using the nitrification inhibitor DMPP and overhead instead of furrow irrigation showed potential to reduce N fertiliser losses. The results demonstrate that under current on-farm management fNUE is low on irrigated cotton farms in Australia and highlight the need to account for soil N stocks and mineralisation rates when assessing optimized fertiliser rates. There is substantial scope to improve fNUE and reduce N losses without any impact on lint yield, by adjusting N fertiliser application rates, in particular in combination with the use of the nitrification inhibitor DMPP. Using overhead instead of furrow irrigation is a promising approach to improve not only water use efficiency, but also fNUE in irrigated cotton systems.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2020
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.13031/TRANS.11833
Abstract: Abstract. The progressive increase in the size and weight of farm machinery causes concerns due to the increased risk of soil compaction that arises from non-organized vehicle traffic. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) offers an effective means to manage compaction by confining all load-bearing wheels to the least possible area of permanent traffic lanes. Although CTF is relatively well-established in Australia and in some countries in Northern Europe, its benefits and suitability for Central European conditions have not been demonstrated. A long-term experimental site was established in 2010 in Nitra, Slovakia, using a 6 m “OutTrac-CTF” system with shallow non-inversion tillage practices. The 16 ha experimental field of loam soil is representative of land used for arable cropping in Central Europe. Four traffic intensities (non-trafficked, one traffic event per year with a single pass, multiple passes with permanent traffic lanes, and random traffic) were evaluated using two traffic systems: controlled (CTF) and non-controlled traffic farming (referred to as random traffic farming or RTF). This article reports the findings derived from the first four years of the project and focuses on the effects of traffic systems on yields observed in cereal crops (winter wheat, spring barley, and maize) grown at the site in a rotation cycle. Significant differences (p & 0.1) in yield are reported due to the heterogeneity of the field and the seasonal effect of weather. The results of this investigation suggest that CTF systems have potential to increase production sustainably in arable farming systems in Central Europe. Well-designed CTF systems using commercially available machinery allow for reductions in the area affected by traffic of up to 50% compared with random, non-organized traffic systems. Results also show that in years when soil moisture was not limiting, the yield penalty from a single (annual) machine pass was relatively small (~5%). However, in dry years, compaction caused by multiple machinery passes may lead to yield losses of up to 33%. When considering the ratio of non-trafficked to trafficked area within the different CTF systems evaluated in this study, yield improvements of up to 0.5 t ha -1 for cereals are possible when converting from RTF to CTF. Given the assumptions made in the analyses, such yield increases translate into increased revenues of up to 117 USD ha -1 (1 Euro= 1.1 USD). For Central European farming systems, the main benefit of CTF appears to be improved efficiency and enhanced agronomic stability, especially in dry seasons, where the significant yield penalty from machinery passes is likely. Keywords: Crop performance, Economic return, Field efficiency, Soil compaction, Traffic systems, Yield penalty.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 17-07-2016
Publisher: New Zealand Grassland Association
Date: 28-09-2020
DOI: 10.33584/JNZG.2020.82.426
Abstract: Global food production is under pressure to produce more from limited resources, with further expectations to reduce waste and pollution and improve social outcomes. Circular economy principles aim to design out waste and pollution, minimise the use of nonrenewable external inputs and increase the lifespan of products and materials. Waste sources on New Zealand farms and options to reduce waste and improve circularity were reviewed. Waste reduction should begin with systems design, while recycling should be at the bottom of the hierarchy. On-farm resource use efficiency has been widely studied, but there are also opportunities to repurpose waste and integrate systems. The use of organic waste products as fertiliser and supplementary feed occurs to some extent, as does use of excess dairy calves in the beef industry, but they present both opportunities and challenges. More farm waste recycling opportunities are becoming available, with new products available from waste processing, such as plastic fence posts. Circular strategies in New Zealand agriculture require more analysis to determine economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2022
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2022
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2020
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2019
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2020
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2019
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 18-11-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/SR16136
Abstract: Occasional strategic tillage (ST) of long-term no-tillage (NT) soil to help control weeds may increase the risk of water, erosion and nutrient losses in runoff and of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with NT soil. The present study examined the short-term effect of ST on runoff and GHG emissions in NT soils under controlled-traffic farming regimes. A rainfall simulator was used to generate runoff from heavy rainfall (70mmh–1) on small plots of NT and ST on a Vertosol, Dermosol and Sodosol. Nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from the Vertosol and Sodosol were measured before and after the rain using passive chambers. On the Sodosol and Dermosol there was 30% and 70% more runoff, respectively, from ST plots than from NT plots, however, volumes were similar between tillage treatments on the Vertosol. Erosion was highest after ST on the Sodosol (8.3tha–1 suspended sediment) and there were no treatment differences on the other soils. Total nitrogen (N) loads in runoff followed a similar pattern, with 10.2kgha–1 in runoff from the ST treatment on the Sodosol. Total phosphorus loads were higher after ST than NT on both the Sodosol (3.1 and 0.9kgha–1, respectively) and the Dermosol (1.0 and 0.3kgha–1, respectively). Dissolved nutrient forms comprised less than 13% of total losses. Nitrous oxide emissions were low from both NT and ST in these low-input systems. However, ST decreased CH4 absorption from both soils and almost doubled CO2 emissions from the Sodosol. Strategic tillage may increase the susceptibility of Sodosols and Dermosols to water, sediment and nutrient losses in runoff after heavy rainfall. The trade-offs between weed control, erosion and GHG emissions should be considered as part of any tillage strategy.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-01-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-11-2013
DOI: 10.1111/SUM.12093
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Agronomy Research
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.15159/AR.20.063
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-02-2023
DOI: 10.3390/AGRICULTURE13030541
Abstract: In agricultural machinery design and optimization, the discrete element method (DEM) has played a major role due to its ability to speed up the design and manufacturing process by reducing multiple prototyping, testing, and evaluation under experimental conditions. In the field of soil dynamics, DEM has been mainly applied in the design and optimization of soil-engaging tools, especially tillage tools and furrow openers. This numerical method is able to capture the dynamic and bulk behaviour of soils and soil–tool interactions. This review focused on the various aspects of the application of DEM in the simulation of tillage and furrow opening for tool design optimization. Different contact models, particle sizes and shapes, and calibration techniques for determining input parameters for tillage and furrow opening research have been reviewed. Discrete element method predictions of furrow profiles, disturbed soil surface profiles, soil failure, loosening, disturbance parameters, reaction forces, and the various types of soils modelled with DEM have also been highlighted. This pool of information consolidates existing working approaches used in prior studies and helps to identify knowledge gaps which, if addressed, will advance the current soil dynamics modelling capability.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/CP15097
Abstract: A literature review was conducted to collate best practice techniques for soil compaction management within cotton-farming systems in Australia. Universally negative effects of traffic-induced soil compaction on the whole-farm system and the wider environment include: (i) increased gap between attainable and potential yields, (ii) increased costs of energy and labour, (iii) reduced fertiliser-use efficiency, (iv) reduced water use efficiency (irrigation and rainfall), (v) increased tillage intensity. Knowledge gaps that merit research priority, and research strategies, are suggested. These include: (i) identifying wider impacts on farm economics to guide decision-making and development of decision support systems that capture the effects of compaction on fertiliser, water, and energy use efficiency (ii) predicting risks at the field or subfield scale and implementing precision management of traffic compaction (iii) canopy management at terminal stages of the crop cycle to manipulate soil-moisture deficits before crop harvest, thereby optimising trafficability for harvesting equipment (iv) the role of controlled traffic farming (CTF) in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and loss of soil organic carbon, and in enhancing fertiliser and water-use efficiencies (v) recent developments in tyre technology, such as low ground-pressure tyres, require investigation to assess their cost-effectiveness compared with other available options and (vi) catchment-scale modelling incorporating changes in arable land-use, such as increased area under CTF coupled with no- or minimum-tillage, and variable rate technology is suggested. Such modelling should assess the potential of CTF and allied technologies to reduce sediment and nutrient losses, and improve water quality in intensively managed arable catchments. Resources must be efficiently managed within increasingly sophisticated farming systems to enable long-term economic viability of cotton production. Agronomic and environmental performance of cotton farming systems could be improved with a few changes, and possibly, at a reasonable cost. Key to managing soil compaction appears to be encouraging increased adoption of CTF. This process may benefit from financial support to growers, such as agri-environmental stewardships, and it would be assisted by product customisation from machinery manufacturers.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SOILSYSTEMS5040072
Abstract: No-tillage farming can improve crop productivity and the reliability of cropping compared with conventional tillage. The effects of three different seeding system configurations on surface residue handling, sunflower emergence and stand establishment, yield, and gross income were investigated over three cropping seasons. The seeding system configurations comprised of (1) turbo coulter blade, (2) notched disc row cleaner before turbo coulter blade, and (3) no residue handling unit installed in front of a double-disc opener. For all three seeding system configurations, crop residue cover on sown rows (after seeding) was greater than the minimum recommended value of 30% for no-tillage. Residue cover was best with the notched disc row cleaner in front of the turbo coulter blade compared to the other two seeding systems. Furthermore, the notched disc row cleaner in front of the turbo coulter blade produced the highest plant emergence counts and the most uniform stand establishment. Sunflower yield and gross income were highest with the notched disc row cleaner in front of the turbo coulter blade (3.16 Mg·ha−1 and 902 USD·ha−1) compared to when only the turbo coulter blade (2.38 Mg·ha−1 and 680 USD·ha−1) or no residue handling unit (1.69 Mg·ha−1 and 482 USD·ha−1) was used.
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Date: 11-11-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-07-2023
DOI: 10.3390/AGRICULTURE13081525
Abstract: Soil-cutting forces are key indicators of root-tuber harvesters and other soil-engaging tools’ performance. To improve operational efficiency, minimise soil disturbance, and reduce fuel consumption, the draught and vertical forces involved in root and tuber crop harvesting must be minimised. Two field experiments assessed the harvester’s performance at a depth of 200 mm, varying frequencies, and travel speeds on clay and sandy loam soils. Discrete element models (DEM) were developed and subsequently used to replicate the field experiments and evaluate S-shaped and fork-shaped shovels. Linear regression and ANOVA (p 0.05) were used to analyse the data. Draught force concurrently increased with speed in both soil textures but decreased with vibration frequency. The draught force decreased by approximately 41% in clay soil and 21% in sandy loam soil when the harvester was operated between 5 Hz and 14.5 Hz and between 10 Hz and 12.5 Hz, respectively. DEM simulations had relative errors of 4% (clay) and 4.7% (sandy loam) for draught force and drawbar power compared to experimental data. The S-shaped shovel was more efficient at crushing and translocating soil–crop mass to the rear of the harvester than the fork-shaped shovel. These DEM soil–crop models are reliable for evaluating other root-tuber harvesting tools.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-05-2023
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS202305.2046.V1
Abstract: Thermal treatment in Australia is gaining interest due to legislative changes, waste reduction goals, and the need to address contaminants risks in biosolids used for agriculture. The resulting biochar product has the potential to be beneficially recycled as a soil amendment. On-farm management practices were reviewed to identify barriers that need to be overcome to increase recycling and examine the role of pyrolysis and gasification in effectively improving the quality and safety of biochar. Key findings revealed: (1) thermal treatment can effectively eliminate persistent organic pollutants, microplastics and pathogens, and (2) more than 90% of the total heavy metals content in biosolids become immobilized when these are converted to biochar, thus reducing their bioavailability following land application. While reported research on the short-term effects of biosolids-derived biochar suggested promising agronomic results, there is dearth of information on long-term effects. Other knowledge gaps include optimisation of land application rates, understanding of rate of breakdown and fate of contaminants in soil and water, heavy metal mobility in soil and bioaccumulation or transfer to the food chain. Improved understanding of nutrients and contaminants dynamics in soils receiving biosolids-derived biochar is a pre-requisite for their safe use in Australian agriculture, and therefore it is highlighted as priority area for future research.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2020
Publisher: Institute of Experimental Botany
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-11-2022
DOI: 10.3390/AGRICULTURE12111961
Abstract: Selecting the appropriate tyre configuration and settings for heavy farm vehicles is important to ensure that soil compaction and power loss in rolling resistance are minimised and traction is optimised. This study investigated the effect of front-wheel assist (FWA, ≈75 kN) and four-wheel drive (4 WD, ≈100 kN) tractors fitted with different tyre configurations (single, dual), tyre sizes and inflation pressures on soil strength (a proxy for soil compaction), and rolling resistance. Single-pass tests were performed on a Typic Argiudoll (≈23% clay, bulk density: 1305 kg m−3) managed under permanent no-tillage. Results showed that average power losses in rolling resistance were 7.5 kN and 5 kN for the 4 WD and FWA tractors, respectively. The average rut depth increased by approximately 1.4 times after a pass of the 4 WD compared with the FWA tractor. The soil cone index (0–600 mm depth) increased from 2023 kPa (before traffic) to 2188 and 2435 kPa after single passes of the FWA and 4WD tractors, respectively (p 0.05). At the centreline of the tyre rut, dual tyres reduced the soil cone index a little compared with single tyres, but they significantly increased the volume of soil over which soil strength, and therefore soil compaction, was increased. For both tractors (regardless of tyre configuration or settings), soil strength increased to the full measured depth (600 mm), but relative changes before vs. after traffic became progressively smaller with increased soil depth. The power loss in rolling resistance was consistently greater with the heavier tractor, and rut depth was directly related to tyre inflation pressure.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2021
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 19-02-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-06-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2015.02.011
Abstract: A preliminary method for extraction of soluble nutrients from organic materials is presented that investigates important characteristics of design for efficient extraction. The study was conducted in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) columns (length: 50 and 100 mm, diameter: 87.5 mm) filled with fresh and composted chicken manures, packed to densities in the range of 0.2-0.6 g cm(-3). The columns were leached with distilled water. A total of 5 cm(3) of water per cm(3) of material was applied. Leachate collection was sequentially partitioned to enable determination of soluble nutrients throughout time, including: total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), water soluble phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Waste material state, density of packing and lengths of column all significantly (P<0.05) affected the concentration of ions in the leachate. In general, longer contact time between the percolating water and the material resulted in higher (P<0.05) concentration of ions in the leachate. Cumulative TDN and water soluble-P were greater (P<0.05) in fresh manure leachates, compared with compost leachates. Although, compost leachates provided relatively greater (P<0.05) concentration of K. Salinity ionic concentration of leachates, determined as Na and Cl, was consistently greater from fresh manure as compared to that from mature compost. Fresh manure and mature compost were determined to provide different responses to nutrient leaching because of differences in physico-chemical characteristics. Saturated hydraulic conductivity in fresh manure columns reduced rapidly with application of water to the columns. The mechanisms involved in this process are discussed with the implication for nutrient extraction and use of leachate from chicken manure waste sources.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-07-2023
DOI: 10.3390/SU151410909
Abstract: Thermal treatment in Australia is gaining interest due to legislative changes, waste reduction goals, and the need to address contaminants’ risks in biosolids used for agriculture. The resulting biochar product has the potential to be beneficially recycled as a soil amendment. On-farm management practices were reviewed to identify barriers that need to be overcome to increase recycling and examine the role of pyrolysis and gasification in effectively improving the quality and safety of biochar intended for land application. Key findings revealed the following: (1) thermal treatment can effectively eliminate persistent organic pollutants, microplastics, and pathogens, and (2) more than 90% of the total heavy metals content in biosolids may become immobilized when these are converted to biochar, thus reducing their bioavailability following land application. While the reported research on the short-term effects of biosolids-derived biochar suggests promising agronomic results, there is a dearth of information on long-term effects. Other knowledge gaps include the optimization of land application rates, understanding of the rate of breakdown, and the fate of contaminants in soil and water, including heavy metal mobility and redistribution in the environment by processes such as erosion and runoff following land application. An improved understanding of nutrients and contaminants dynamics in soils receiving biosolids-derived biochar is a pre-requisite for their safe use in Australian agriculture, and therefore, it is highlighted as a priority area for future research.
Publisher: Eurowaste SRL
Date: 10-01-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/SUM.12271
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2018
Abstract: The progressive decline of soil organic matter (SOM) threatens the sustainability of arable cropping worldwide. Residue removal and burning, destruction of protected microsites, and the acceleration of microbial decomposition are key factors. Desorption of SOM by ammonia-based fertilizers from organomineral complexes in soil may also play a role. A urea- and molasses-based liquid fertilizer formulation and a urea-based granular formulation were applied at recommended and district practice rates, respectively, to soil leaching columns, with unfertilized columns used as controls. The chemistry of leachate collected from the columns, filled with two sandy soils differing in recent cropping history, was monitored over eight successive wet-dry drainage events. The pH, electrical conductivity, and concentration and species of N in leachate was compared with the concentration and aromaticity of dissolved organic C (DOC) to indicate if salt solutions derived from the two fertilizers extracted SOM from clay mineral sites. Cation exchange capacity and exchangeable cations in the soil were monitored at the start and end of the trial. Fertilizer application increased DOC in leachate up to 40 times above the control, but reduced aromaticity (specific ultraviolet light absorbance at 253.7 nm). Dissolved organic C was linearly proportional to leachate NH-N concentration. Exchangeable Ca and Mg in soil from fertilized columns at the end of both trials were significantly lower than in unfertilized soil, indicating that ammonium salt solutions derived from the fertilizers extracted cations and variably charged organic matter from soil mineral exchange sites. Desorption of organic matter and alent cations from organomineral sites by ammonia-based fertilizers may be implicated in soil acidification.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 19-07-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-03-2023
Abstract: Low nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency for irrigated cotton has been attributed to the limited ability of tap roots to access N from concentrated subsurface bands, or the preferential root uptake of microbially-mineralized dissolved organic N. This work investigated how applying high-rate banded urea affects the availability of N in soil and the capacity of cotton roots to take up N. Soil was analyzed for water-extractable total dissolved N and inorganic N species after urea or urea coated with 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) was applied at concentrations of 261, 455, 461, and 597 mg N kg−1 of (air-dry) soil (mean bulk density: 1.01 g cm−3). A mass balance was used to compare N applied as fertilizer and in unfertilized soil (supplied N) with the N recovered from soil within the cylinders (recovered N) at five plant growth phases. Root uptake was estimated by comparing ammonium-N (NH4-N) and nitrate-N (NO3-N) in soil s led from within cylinders with soil s led from immediately outside. Recovered N was up to 100% above supplied N within 30 days of applying urea above 261 mg N kg−1 of soil. Significantly lower NO3-N in soil s led from immediately outside the cylinders suggests urea application stimulates cotton root uptake. The use of DMPP-coated urea prolonged high NH4-N in soil and inhibited the mineralization of released organic N. These results imply the release of previously sequestered soil organic N within 30 days of applying concentrated urea enhances the availability of NO3-N in the rhizosphere, reducing N fertilizer use efficiency.
Publisher: Eurowaste SRL
Date: 15-06-2023
DOI: 10.31025/2611-4135/2023.17278
Abstract: The race to meet net zero targets by 2050, while rapidly transitioning to a circular economy (CE) within the next decade, is shaping strategic Australian sustainability policy. While the success of integrating CE concepts relies on coordinating system-wide change, policies and strategies are still evolving under the traditional silos of waste and energy management. This presents multiple barriers to critical sectors, such as agriculture, which aims to become an $AUD100 billion industry by 2030. Agri-food systems face the challenge to meet growing global food demand, expected to increase by 70% by 2050, while decreasing emissions, resource use and waste production. Agriculture plays essential push and pull roles in meeting net zero targets and in developing a truly CE. Bioenergy, a critical part of the renewable circular bioeconomy, sits at the intersection of net zero and CE by producing renewable energy and recovering bioresources from waste biomass. By integrating agricultural end-users as key stakeholders, bioenergy can shift from a waste-to-energy process to a multi-resource generating process. These policy areas could be integrated via a similar approach to the Australian National Agricultural Innovation Policy Statement, with the goal of supporting agricultural production, while reducing emissions and maximising renewable resource use efficiency.
Publisher: Agronomy Research
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.15159/AR.20.133
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-10-2023
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2021
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1155/2013/960629
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/SR19153
Abstract: The primary features of an effective and efficient furrow opener include controlled soil disturbance and low draught and vertical force requirements. When integrated in a no-tillage seeding system, furrow openers should also have the ability to assist, and not hinder, the functions of seeding system components – such as maintaining adequate surface residue distribution, accurate and uniform placement of seeds and fertiliser, and regular inter-plant spacing. This review highlights how these goals are affected by opener type, geometry and settings, and soil and residue conditions. Typically, tine openers cause greater soil disturbance than disc openers whereas disc openers are likely to cause residue hairpinning. Winged tine openers reduce residue interference with seed placement and support greater lateral seed spread. Inverted-T openers can achieve subsurface soil shattering, which helps conserve moisture and provides good seed–soil contact. A tine opener with concave cutting edge reduces soil disturbance relative to straight and convex cutting edges. Increasing rake angle, tine width and operating depth increase degree of soil disturbance and draught requirement. Increasing forward speed reduces residue interference with sowing but might decrease the accuracy and uniformity of depth and separation of seed and fertiliser placement. Relative to common openers, bentleg openers have lower draught and penetration force requirements while combining minimal lateral soil throw with high furrow backfill, even at speeds of up to 16 km h–1. The performance of bentleg openers need to be evaluated under residue conditions and in cohesive and adhesive soils. Recommendations for future research are presented.
Publisher: Agronomy Research
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.15159/AR.19.133
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 22-06-2015
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2018
Publisher: Asian Agricultural and Biological Engineering Association
Date: 04-2019
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 09-2015
Abstract: Drivers for and potential barriers against adoption of controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems in Argentina are reviewed. Traffic compaction is one of the main factors affecting crop productivity within Argentinean agriculture, and has significant although less quantified impacts on the whole-of-farm system. This suggests that the benefits of no-tillage (NT), which represents the dominant form of cropping in Argentina, are not fully realised. Conservative estimates indicate that crop yields could be improved by at least 15% if NT is used in conjunction with CTF. Cost-benefit analyses of available options for compaction management are required. Despite this, and based on reported evidence internationally, a shift toward increased uptake of CTF within Argentinean agriculture is likely to: (1) improve productivity and farm profitability, (2) enhance environmental performance, and (3) maintain competitiveness of the agricultural sector. Appropriate technical advice and support is a key requirement to drive adoption of CTF. Therefore, the adoption process will benefit from collaboration developed with well-established research and extension organisations in Australia and the United Kingdom, and active engagement of machinery manufacturers.
Publisher: Pacific Science
Date: 25-01-2022
DOI: 10.2984/76.3.7
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-06-2014
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 17-07-2016
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-09-2014
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 27-11-2015
Abstract: Sewage sludge was dried in a rotary drum dryer under superheated steam. Particle size and moisture content were shown to have significant influences on sticking and agglomeration of the materials. Pouring partially dried sludge (70–80% moisture content, wet basis) directly into the screw feeder of the drum dryer resulted in a significant sticking to the surface of the drum and the final particle size of the product was greater than 100 mm in diameter. The moisture content of this product was slightly less than its initial value. To overcome this issue, the sludge was mixed with lignite at variety ratios and then chopped before being introduced to the feeding screw. It was found that mixing the sludge with lignite and then sieving the chopped materials through a four millimetre mesh sieve was the key to solve this issue. This technique significantly reduced both stickiness and agglomeration of the material. Also, this enabled for a significant reduction in moisture content of the final product.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1155/2013/694597
Abstract: Organomineral fertilisers (OMFs) were produced by coating biosolids granules with urea and potash. Two OMF formulations with N : P 2 O 5 : K 2 O compositions: 10 : 4 : 4 (OMF 10 ) and 15 : 4 : 4 (OMF 15 ) were developed for application in grassland and arable crops. Routine fertiliser analyses were conducted on four batches of OMF and biosolids granules and compared with a s le of urea to determine key physical and chemical properties of the materials which affect handling and spreading, soil behaviour, and fertiliser value. Bulk and particle densities were in the range of 608 to 618 kg m −3 , and 1297 to 1357 kg m −3 , respectively. Compression tests showed that OMF particles undergo deformation followed by multiple failures without disintegration of the granules when vertical load was applied. Static particle strength was between 1.18 and 4.33 N mm −2 depending on the particle diameter. The use of a model for fertiliser particle distribution studies showed that OMF granules should be between 1.10 and 5.50 mm in diameter with about 80% of the particles in the range of 2.25 to 4.40 mm to enable application at 18 m tramline spacing. This research utilises novel technology to improve the fertiliser value of biosolids, reduce disposal costs, and deliver a range of environmental benefits associated with recycling.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 11-08-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-04-2021
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 02-08-2017
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 17-07-2016
Publisher: Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Date: 22-05-2019
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 04-11-2021
DOI: 10.1071/SR21013
Abstract: Delays between soil s ling and processing for analysis are common in both research and agronomy, but the effects of storage conditions on measurements of plant-available nitrogen (N) are rarely considered. With increasing recognition of organic N pools in soils, such as amino acids and peptides, it is necessary to determine how s le handling impacts the outcomes of soil N quantification. In this study, we used in situ microdialysis to approximate plant availability of amino acids, ammonium and nitrate, then compared to both potassium chloride (KCl) extract and microdialysis s les taken from excavated soil s les when in the field, after 24 h refrigerated storage, and after storage for 1 month, either refrigerated or air-dried. Nitrate levels measured with microdialysis and KCl extracts increased immediately after soil s ling and continued to accumulate in the next day and 1 month stored s les. Amino acid and ammonium measurements remained more constant however, microdialysis showed a decline in amino acid-N between in situ and next day s les. The proportional representation of N pools in the in-field extracts was most similar to in situ microdialysis. Soil s les should be processed for N analysis as close to s ling as possible, and the storage duration and conditions reported. The influence of storage must be considered in interpreting soil test results.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.13031/AEA.12519
Abstract: Field trials were conducted at gated pipe surface and overhead irrigation sites established to cotton ( L.) to evaluate irrigation and fertigation management using a model-based control system. The control strategies determined the timing and volume of irrigation, and the rate of fertilizer-N to apply through fertigation. For this, nitrogen (N) was applied in-crop season using urea ammonium nitrate (UAN, 30% N solution) at a rate of 40 kg ha -1 N. At the furrows site, the uniformity of distribution of fertilizer-N applied through fertigation was satisfactory, which was achieved both at distance (600 m) and depth (0-600 mm). Applying fertilizer-N through fertigation, at the rate used in this study, showed relatively small (=8%) improvements in cotton yield, which was explained by relatively high N rates (180 kg ha -1 N) applied before planting. Given current price ratios (fertilizer-to-cotton), application of N through fertigation appears to be economical in both systems, but relative agronomic efficiencies and economic return from the fertilizer applied were lower in furrow compared with overhead (P& .05). Fertigation may be recommended when pre-season N application rates are low (e.g., & kg ha -1 N), particularly in overhead irrigation as significantly higher efficiencies both in terms of water and N use can be achieved with this system. This would enable some of the operational constraints associated with application of N in-crop season to be overcome thereby, reducing the need for high rates of N applied up-front. For the overhead system, there were also advantages compared with the furrow system in terms of reduced potential for N 2 O emissions after irrigation or fertigation. Overall, short-term (30-day period) soil emissions of N 2 O were approximately eight times higher in furrow compared with overhead. Emissions from non-fertigated crops were approximately two times higher in furrow compared with overhead. Emissions from the fertigated crop under the overhead system were comparable to the non-fertigated crop of the furrow system (P& .05). In both systems, fluxes were highest within five days of irrigation or fertigation, but they decreased significantly after that time as soil moisture content (water-filled pore space) and soil nitrate levels decreased due to crop uptake. Nitrous oxide fluxes were similar in furrow and overhead 15 days after the irrigation or fertigation event. Areas that warrant further investigation are presented and discussed, including the need for improved timing of fertilizer delivery during the irrigation cycle to ensure that N losses through leaching or gaseous evolution (e.g., N 2 O, N 2 ) are not economically or environmentally significant. Keywords: Greenhouse gas emissions, Irrigated cotton, Nitrogen use efficiency, Urea ammonium nitrate, Water-run urea.
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2021
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.13031/TRANS.12342
Abstract: In Australia, recycling of paunch waste to farmland has been suggested as a cost-effective and practicable environmental option, but little is known about its agronomic value. Experimental work was undertaken to assess potential risks due to weed seed contamination, determine the agronomic response of ryegrass ( L.) to soil incorporation of paunch, and investigate short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Five types of paunch with compost ages between 2 and 16 weeks were compared with urea (46% N) and applied at field equivalent rates of 0 (control), 150, and 300 kg ha -1 N. The risk of weed contamination from paunch applied to soil appeared to be negligible however, techniques that enable seed viability to be determined may be required to fully discard such risk. Average dry matter yield with paunch was ~30% higher than untreated grass, but ~35% lower than with urea. Dry matter yield in paunch-treated grass was between 2500 and 3250 kg ha -1 over five cuts conducted at 25-day intervals. Paunch N responses were between 1.12 and 3.25 kg DM kg -1 N depending on compost age, but lower than with urea N (~6.5 kg DM kg -1 N). Nitrogen use efficiency of paunch ranged between 3% and 20%, compared to about 35% with urea. Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) of paunch was highest in the 6-week-old compost (~60%) and ranged between 20% and 55% across all other organic materials. Short-term N 2 O emissions were similar (p & 0.05) with both mineral and organic amendments however, CH 4 emissions were higher (p & 0.05) from paunch compared with urea-treated soil. Overall, there appears to be potential for paunch-derived products to be used as a source of C and nutrients in crop production. Industry quality specifications for compost are available, but they need to be expanded to incorporate guidelines relevant to paunch. There is a requirement for the value proposition to industry to be determined, including reduced cost of paunch disposal via gate fees. Keywords: Byproducts, Composting, Fertilizer replacement value, Nutrient recovery, Nutrient use efficiency, Recycling of abattoir-derived waste.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-04-2015
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.13031/913C0119
Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.13031/AEA.14252
Abstract: Highlights A simple frame was built to hold and apply uniaxial and biaxial loads to octagonal ring transducers for calibration. Similar results were obtained with the frame as with a universal tensile testing machine. The transducer outputs exhibited low cross-sensitivities and hysteresis (=0.4%), and R 2 = 0.9998. The frame is portable and safe, and its concept can be adapted to take a wide range of non-gravitational loads. Abstract . An extended octagonal ring transducer (EORT) is a simple, single, and compact biaxial force measuring transducer, which is ideal for soil force measurement in tillage tool research. Calibration of EORTs is needed to ascertain their sensitivities and to determine an accurate calibration equation to convert voltage output to force measurement. Typically, calibration of EORTs involves the use of universal tensile testing machines, hydraulic systems and large gravitational loads (hanging weights) to apply loads. In this study, a simple calibration frame that enables application of non-gravitational loads was evaluated and used to hold and calibrate an EORT through both uniaxial and biaxial loading. The frame was suitable for both uniaxial and biaxial application of offset coincident force up to 3000 N and centered perpendicular force up to 1500 N. The EORT exhibited a strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.9998) between applied forces and voltage outputs, low hysteresis errors (=0.4%), and low cross-sensitivities (3.61% and 1.6% for coincident and perpendicular forces, respectively). Calibration equations developed from the primary bridge output data or from the biaxial loading data using the frame produced good force predictions, which also improved when taking into account the impacts of cross-sensitivity. The results confirmed that this calibration approach can integrate the interactions of output cross-sensitivity to deliver more accurate force prediction. Coefficients of determination of the relationships between applied and predicted forces were 0.9993 to 0.9996 and 0.9877 to 0.9984 for coincident and perpendicular forces, respectively. This calibration frame presents potential for safely applying large, non-gravitational loads in a contained and portable manner and its concept can easily be adapted to suit the scale of the transducer. Keywords: Biaxial loading, Cross-sensitivity, EORT calibration, Offset coincident force, Uniaxial loading.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: Argentina
Location: Ireland
Start Date: 07-2022
End Date: 07-2026
Amount: $2,062,428.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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