Can Long-Term Experiments Predict Real Field N and P Balance and System Sustainability? Results from Maize, Winter Wheat, and Soybean Trials Using Mineral and Organic Fertilisers

Agri-environmental indicators such as nutrient balance may play a key role in soil and water quality monitoring, although short-term experiments might be unable to capture the sustainability of cropping systems. Therefore, objectives this study are: (i) evaluate reliability long-term experimental N P estimates predict real field (RF) (i.e., transitory) conditions; (ii) compare short- experiments. The LTE-based predictions showed that crops are generally over-fertilised RF conditions, particularly maize. Nutrient based on LTE data tended more optimistic than those observed under which often characterised by lower outputs; particular, 13, 44, 47% yields were for winter wheat, maize, soybean, respectively, organic management. graphical evaluation use efficiency demonstrated benefit adopting crop rotation practices risk loss when liquid fertiliser was applied basis. In conclusion, depend upon specific representing potential efficiencies that, RF, reduced yield-limiting factors implemented sequence.