Crop diversification and digestate application effect on the productivity and efficiency of irrigated winter crop systems

Irrigated winter crops can reduce input demands when compared with irrigated summer cropping systems in the Mediterranean area. The sustainability of these be further improved resorting to diverse rotations, but also fertilisation digestate, a by-product from anaerobic digestion organic waste. Post-treatments such as drying and acidifying improve fertiliser value this product. In study, we compare wheat performance three-year full cereal rotation or rotation, pea canola. Besides, untreated dried acidified digestates are tested fertilisers for all crops, comparing mineral at rate 140 kg N ha−1 control no fertilisation. To assess productivity efficiency different systems, grain yield concentration, uptake (NUpE) water use (WUE) were determined, along soil nitrate dynamics total end experiment. Results showed an average increase 1.79 t by last year crop rather than (p < 0.001). Although there was previous year, after higher concentration However, NUpE remained steady due availability pea, which suggests that adjusted. WUE increased canola precedents 0.001), rotations should more adapted low availability. Nonetheless, both required about 30% typical Ebro valley region. Fertiliser effect on yields variable according mainly differences demand each growing cycle. Overall, digestate application resulted similar levels fertiliser. raised nitrates content sowing harvesting times = 0.002 p 0.001, respectively). Higher found associating two practices, while less dependent implemented rotation. experiment 0.023). Similarly, 0.011). These findings show how management practices allow chemical reduction systems.