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Oilseed rapemeal as a turf fertiliser
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pros-36-final-project-reportAbout this project
Abstract
Trials were carried out to evaluate the response of turf to oilseed rapemeal and composted rapemeal as nutrient sources, and as methods of moss control by Levington Agriculture Ltd and SAC. The financial viability of rapemeal as agricultural and horticultural fertilizers was assessed by SAC.
Oilseed rapemeal was mixed with water and placed in 80 litre controlled composting units. The rapemeal was successfully composted over a three month period during which time the mass was reduced by 50% and the nutrients concentrated. Before composting, analysis showed that the rapemeal had an abundance of nitrogen (6%) which could be released by microbial action, either during composting or in the field. After composting the ammonium-nitrogen content was high. The compost was air dried to make a spreadable product, and some ammonia would have been lost during this process. However, these ammonia losses could be recouped by a water trap and re-utilised in a commercial situation.
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