Investigation of the Effect of Slurry, Combined with Inorganic N Rate and Timing, on the Yield of Spring Barley Post Cover Crop of Stubble Turnips

Integration of cover crops into arable rotations over winter results in difficulty determining the nitrogen (N) requirement for following commercial crop. The region Northern Ireland (NI) has had no previous field research on and how they may affect N supply to Stubble turnips (Brassica rapa oleifera L.) were sown as a crop, after harvest barley (Hordeum vulgare retained winter. Prior planting stubble turnips, pig slurry was applied maximise crop growth. accumulated 111 150 kg N/ha their biomass. This equates 79 107% 5 t/ha spring if this is released sufficiently. In experiment, over-sown with supplemented different rates organic manures (either at 50 m3/ha or not applied), inorganic fertiliser (0, 70 140 N/ha), two timings (early late). experimental years, additional supplied form manures, did significantly enhance yields. No control area fallow included trial. However, study demonstrates that there be greater rate release from than estimated due agronomic management practices conducive climatic conditions. means location, reduced programme possible, which lead considerable financial savings.