Summary
This laboratory study examined how dissolved organic matter derived from four abundant agricultural waste materials (cattle manure, horse manure, biogas digestate, and compost) affects phosphorus sorption dynamics in sandy soils. The findings demonstrate that agricultural waste-derived organic matter does not uniformly reduce phosphorus sorption; rather, it impairs phosphorus fixation and potentially increases phosphorus mobility and plant availability. Horse manure-derived DOM showed the most favourable effect on phosphorus mobilisation, suggesting selective value for soil amendment on low-phosphorus-mobility soils.
UK applicability
These findings are applicable to UK sandy and light soils, which are common in eastern England and parts of the Midlands and frequently suffer from low phosphorus availability. The identification of horse manure as a particularly effective waste amendment could inform nutrient management practices on UK farms with access to equestrian operations.
Key measures
Phosphorus sorption rates and capacity in control versus DOM-saturated sandy soil samples; phosphorus mobility and availability
Outcomes reported
The study measured phosphorus sorption capacity in sandy soils with and without dissolved organic matter (DOM) saturation from four types of agricultural waste materials. Results indicated the effect of DOM on phosphorus fixation and mobility, with differential responses depending on waste material type.
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