Nitrogen dynamics in a cultivation system using Brachiaria as cover plants

• Grant number: 16/12336-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2016
• End date: December 20, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Agreement: BBSRC, UKRI ; CONFAP ; Newton Fund, with FAPESP as a partner institution in Brazil
• Principal Investigator: Ciro Antonio Rosolem
• Grantee: Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/50305-8 - A virtual joint centre to deliver enhanced nitrogen use efficiency via an integrated soil-plant systems approach for the UK & Brazil, AP.TEM

Abstract

There is evidence that Brachiaria ruziziensis affects nitrogen dynamics in the soil by modifying microbiota composition, affecting maize response to the fertilizer. This project will deepen studies on the N fate in the soil in the presence of B. ruziziensis and other grasses, considering deep leaching and gaseous losses. The objective is to understand N dynamics and determine N fate in cropping systems using grasses as cover crops, as well as its effects on maize response to N. A field experiment will be conducted using different grasses in rotation with soybean and maize. Maize response to N will be assessed. Nitrogen dynamics in the system will be studied using 15N labeled fertilizer; N leaching will be determined by analyzing soil solution 80 cm deep in the soil profile and water deep drainage, N emissions as ammonium and nitrous oxide will be monitored. (AU)