A Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Cranfield and Yara, this project explores the potential of organo-mineral fertilisers to valorise waste materials and improve crop production on arable farms in Great Britain.
  • DatesSeptember 2021-September 2024
  • SponsorYara
  • Funded拢250,000
  • PartnersYara

This project explores the use of organic mineral fertilisers (OMFs) in crop production, focusing on their potential to improve soil health and provide key nutrients in conjunction with mineral fertilisers. The project assesses the conditions on how to integrate OMF applications alongside mineral fertilisers. With increasing interest in sustainable agriculture and greater focus on soil health, OMFs offer a promising alternative for nutrient management.

This study aims to assess the impact of different OMF formulations on yield, nitrogen uptake and soil nutrient levels in various arable crops across different sites. By evaluating OMF alongside mineral fertilisers, the research addresses key questions about nutrient availability, mineralisation rates, and the long-term benefits of adding carbon to soil in this manner.

Progress update

So far, the study has shown that organic mineral fertiliser (OMF) can impact crop performance, though its effects vary by site and crop. This project assessed how to integrate OMF as part of the routine fertiliser management on spring barley, wheat and oil seed rape. The effect of integrating OMF with mineral fertilisers depended on site location, soil and crop type. This project also involved assessing impact of using OMF on greenhouse gas emissions. Analysis with advanced microscopy and X-ray diffraction has indicated different OMFs have different physical properties, which may cause different effects on crop production.