4.3
Nitrogen dynamics in hop gardens with different soil types and different fertilizer systems (ID 6054)
Sponsor:
Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft, Institut für Pflanzenbau und Pflanzenzüchtung, AG Hopfenbau, Produktionstechnik (IPZ 5a) [Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute for Plant Production and Plant Breeding, AG Hop Production, Production Technology (IPZ 5a)]
Financing:
Erzeugergemeinschaft HVG e. G. (HVG Hop Producer Group)
Project Management:
J. Portner
Team:
A. Schlagenhaufer
Collaboration:
Hallertau hop farms
Duration:
March 1, 2018 to February 28, 2021
Background In the Hallertau, hops are cultivated intensively as a high-density specialty crop, principally because it generates very high added-value. In the past, therefore, the use of nitrogen fertilizers has never been a limiting production factor. In addition, older hop varieties are not very efficient in their nitrogen uptake, which is why, after the harvest, especially during drought and low-yield years, more residual nitrogen remains in the soil and poses a risk to other ecosystems. Objectives As part of the project, the nitrogen dynamics in hop soils are being investigated at 21 hop farms. In addition, intensive Nmin samples are being taken in the spring, fall, and winter. Finally, nitrogen requirements are determined for each of these locations, after which the amounts of nitrogen that were actually administered are tracked. The two values are then compared to determine nutrient utilization. As a result, the nitrogen path and its depletion potential during the vegetation period can be estimated for different types of farms, fertilizer systems, and soil types. This allows for the development of possible approaches for optimizing nitrogen management in hop cultivation. The aim is to optimize operational nitrogen management in such a way that the best yields and qualities can be achieved while observing and complying with the requirements of the Fertilizer Ordinance, without negatively impacting water protection requirements.
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