The influence of cattle rearing intensity on humus and mineral content and dynamics

Authors

  • Andrej TOPLAK Univ. v Ljubljani, Biotehniška Fak., Odd. za zootehniko, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenija
  • Jože OSTERC Univ. v Ljubljani, Biotehniška Fak., Odd. za zootehniko, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenija
  • Mirko LESKOŠEK Univ. v Ljubljani, Biotehniška Fak., Odd. za agronomijo, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2005.86.2.15165

Keywords:

cattle, rearing intensity, fertilizing, soil, minerals, phosphorus, potassium, humus balance, Slovenia

Abstract

Different cattle rearing intensities on farms can affect humus and nutrient content and dynamics. To determine general humus, phosphorus and potassium content in field soils we examined the results of 175 analyses of field soil samples. Analysed field soil samples were collected in different areas of Slovenia. To investigate the influence of cattle rearing intensity on humus and nutrient content and dynamics we selected seven plots on three farms on which intensive cattle breeding is practisized. Impact of intensive cattle breeding was assessed with a help of analysis of soil samples from this plots. The chemical analysis which were used to evaluate general humus, phosphorus and potassium content were made in the period 1989–2002. Analysed field soil samples on selected farms were collected in the period 1977–2002. Fertilising schemes, which were used to calculate the soil humus balance, were made for the period of four or five years. The analyses of field soils on humus, phosphorus and potassium content show that fields in Slovenia are well provided with humus, phosphorus and potassium. The average soil humus content is 3.75%, soil phosphorus content 26.38 mg P2O5/100 g soil and soil potassium content 32.32 mg K2O/100 g soil. Soil humus balance is mostly (72.8%) positive. The soil humus content on selected plots declined with the exception of plot Cb. However, the soil humus balance on these farms in the last period, the period 1998–2002, 1994–1998 for plot Ba, has been positive. For that reason is the soil humus content lately probably increasing. Soils on selected plots showed good values for phosphorus but less for potassium. The supply with phosphorus is increasing, while the supply with potassium is mostly in decrease.

Published

20. 12. 2005

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Article

How to Cite

TOPLAK, A., OSTERC, J., & LESKOŠEK, M. (2005). The influence of cattle rearing intensity on humus and mineral content and dynamics. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 86(2), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2005.86.2.15165