Guidelines for the use of recycled organics in agriculture
Summary
CROA has received a three year grant from NSW Treasury grant to assess the agronomic performance and environmental risks of using different types of recycled organics in agriculture. This is in response to a need for improved understanding of these products and guidance to industry and the community on their suitability for use in agriculture.
The project commenced in December 2004 and has involved characterising a range of recycled organics products including, Municipal Solid Waste Compost, grease trap waste and fly ash for nutrients, contaminants and other parameters. The effects of different application rates of these products on radish growth were evaluated in pot trials. A selection of these products were evaluated in the field at CROA during the summer of 2005/06 and winter 2006 growing seasons. The effect of these products on wheat and sorghum growth and yield, as well as soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics has been evaluated. In addition soil surveys of sites with a history of oily food waste and fly ash application have been conducted as part of collaborative Honours student projects with the University of Wollongong and University of New England, respectively.
The outcomes of this project will be used to generate baseline data to inform how (or whether) these products should be used in agriculture; establish a platform for conducting longer-term research into these products; and develop a database and sample archive for future reference/ analysis.
This information will be used to provide users of recycled organic products with an appropriate framework for working through the steps involved in correctly applying recycled organic products to agricultural land. These guidelines will look at the benefits and risks associated with using recycled organics, how to determine application rates, how to best apply recycled organics to land and present some case studies.
Duration
2004-2007
Funding body
NSW Treasury Enhancement Grant
Collaborating organisations
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Project Leader
Dr Chris Dorahy
Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle