Study reveals that nitrogen fertilizers deplete soil organic carbon

[freeztar]

The common practice of adding nitrogen fertilizer is believed to benefit the soil by building organic carbon, but four University of Illinois soil scientists dispute this view based on analyses of soil samples from the Morrow Plots that date back to before the current practice began.

The research, also drawing upon data from other long-term trials throughout the world, was conducted by U of I soil scientists Saeed Khan, Richard Mulvaney, Tim Ellsworth, and Charlie Boast. Their paper "The Myth of Nitrogen Fertilization for Soil Carbon Sequestration" is published in the November/December 2007 issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality.

Study reveals that nitrogen fertilizers deplete soil organic carbon

 

This has some rather interesting implications for Terra Preta Nova as well as organic farming. It would be great to see a three way comparison. Anyone? :(

[erich]

Great find freeztar, I,m posting this to the TP list, It is validating to many comments there concerning soil culture.

 

Thanks, Erich

[freeztar]

I'm glad you found it erich! :hyper:

I was considering putting this in the TP forum or at least putting a link there. I'm glad this is going on the TP list.

 

Thanks, Freezy

[Michaelangelica]

Interesting

One of the links in the TP "wee beasties" thread says that synthetic or strong (urea?) nitrogen added to soil kills the "wee beasties" that make nitrogen in the first place.

Probably in a less soluble ( less run-off) and more available way for the plants to use.

 

So fertilisers, like pesticides, once you start using it you are stuck with it to produce any crop.