Changes in C and N fractions with composted manure plus chemical fertilizers applied in apple orchard soil: an in‐situ field incubation study on the Loess Plateau, China

Abstract

We investigated the effects of compost (CM), made from poultry and cattle manure with spent mushroom substrate, plus chemical fertilizers (CFs) on soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions in silty loam soil of the Loess Plateau. Eight fertilizer practices were applied in a 7‐year‐old ‘Red Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard for 360 days. Compared to CM alone, CM–CFs decreased slightly soil total organic C but increased total N by 4.3–11.6%. Notably, CM–CFs increased soil microbial biomass C (MBC) by 2.7–26.5% and microbial biomass N (MBN) by 7–13.7%. Soil water‐soluble carbon (WSC) was increased by 20.7% and 19.2% when 2% CM plus N and phosphorus (P) (2%M–NP) and 4% CM plus N and P (4%M–NP) were applied, respectively. Whereas 0.5% CM plus N and P (0.5%M–NP) increased WSC by 9.3% on day 30 but decreased it by 7.2% from 30–360 days. Hot water‐soluble C increased by 13.1–14.6% from 0–180 day, but thereafter, the effect disappeared. Compared to CFs, CM–CFs increased MBN by 35.1–115.6%, and increased alkali‐hydrolyzable‐N by 3.5–55.8% over 180–360 days of incubation. Additionally, CM–CFs promoted N mineralization, increasing NH4‐N and NO3‐N contents. Based on the changes in C and N fractions and available nutrients, 2%M–NP (45 t/ha of CM plus 450 kg/ha of N and 157.5 kg/ha of P) may be the optimal fertilizer strategy for stimulating soil microbial growth and activity, and enhancing nutrient cycling for apple growth.

Unlocking the Potential of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) for Enhanced Agricultural Sustainability: From Environmental Benefits to Poultry Nutrition

“…Shifting our focus to the dynamics of soil nutrients, Li et al [52] conducted an insightful in situ field incubation study in apple orchard soil. Their investigation centered on the impact of composted manure and chemical fertilizers, including SMS derived from poultry waste.…”

“…[51] Impact of composted manure and chemical fertilizers, including SMS, on apple orchard soil. [52] Composted media derived from waxed corrugated cardboard with SMS as soil amendment and growing medium for woody ornamentals. [53,54] Biochemical and microbiological properties of co-composting SMS and chicken feathers.…”

Compost Increases Soil Fertility and Promotes the Growth of Five Tropical Species Used in Urban Forestry

“…Compost also stimulates soil microbiological activity like N mineralization, which makes nutrients more available at slower rates than mineral fertilizers (Li et al, 2018). Previous research reports the benefits of compost addition to the soil with respect to its physicochemical properties and its relation with the improvement of morpho-physiological traits of different tree species (Ghosh et al, 2014).…”

Effect of Biochar on Apple Yield and Quality in Aged Apple Orchards on the Loess Plateau (China)

“…However, about 85% of apple orchards on the Loess Plateau are more than 20 years old, and apple trees show degradation and decline in yield and quality with increasing growth age [4,5], and other major apple-producing areas in the world also face the same problem. How to scientifically and rationally improve the soil, improve quality and increase production has become the focus of fruit tree experts [6][7][8][9].…”