Summary
This field study evaluated how green compost application (~11 t ha⁻¹) to an arable soil modified physicochemical and biological properties during a pea–wheat crop rotation, and how these changes influenced the fate of the herbicide iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium applied at agronomic and double doses. Green compost significantly increased soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon (40% increase by July 2024), total nitrogen (up to 2-fold), and multiple biological activity markers (dehydrogenase, respiration, microbial biomass) compared to unamended control soil. The study provides empirical evidence on how organic amendment practices alter herbicide behaviour in real field conditions whilst improving soil quality.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Spain and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom conditions owing to differences in climate, soil types, and ambient temperature regimes affecting herbicide dissipation kinetics. However, the fundamental principles of green compost application improving soil carbon and biological activity, and the experimental framework for assessing herbicide fate in amended soils, are transferable and relevant to UK arable farming systems, particularly those adopting conservation and organic-based practices.
Key measures
Soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, dehydrogenase activity, respiration, microbial biomass, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and metsulfuron-methyl residue concentrations, pea and wheat grain yield and characteristics
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil physicochemical and biological parameters, herbicide (iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) dissipation and persistence, and crop yield in pea–wheat rotations under green compost-amended and control soil conditions. Changes in pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, enzyme activity, microbial biomass, and residual herbicide concentrations were assessed at multiple sampling intervals.
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