Fertilizing effects of N-modified brown coal and its consequences to plant, soil and N-leaching losses

Abstract

The amount of mineral fertilizer (urea) which is equivalent to the effective nitrogen content of a distinct amount of N-modified brown coal was determined in pot and lysimeter (lab-scale suction lysimeters) tests. Furthermore, the effects of varying amounts of N-modified brown coal on nitrogen leaching have been investigated for different dump substrates (pure sands, loamy sands). Soil and plant investigations complement the test programme. They give first information about the effects of N-modified brown coal applications on agricultural and horticultural measures and underline its value as soil amendment.

Keywords:

• Brown Coal
• Humus Fertilizer
• N-leaching
• Mineral Fertilizer Equivalent
• Plant Yield