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Modelling N mineralisation from sludge-amended soils across agro-ecological zones: A case study from South Africa

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  • Ogbazghi, Z.M.
  • Tesfamariam, E.H.
  • Annandale, J.G.

Abstract

The expected rate of nitrogen (N) mineralisation is key to sludge recommendation rates for agricultural lands. The presence of a combination of factors (biotic and abiotic) that contribute to the variation in N release at different sites is the main obstacle to sludge application rate recommendations. Nonetheless, the use of a single annual N mineralisation rate across sites and agro-ecological zones is a common practice around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single annual N release rate could be used for sludge recommendation across sites within an agro-ecological zone. To achieve the stated aim, the following hypotheses were tested using the SWB-Sci computer model: Under dryland cropping, cumulative annual N mineralisation from sludge-amended soils (1) will remain unchanged across agro-ecological zones and between sites within an agro-ecological zone, (2) will not vary between and within seasons at a specific site and (3) will not vary across soil textures within a site. Model simulations showed that annual N mineralisation rates varied significantly (P>0.05) across agro-ecological zones, ranging from 61kgha−1 in arid to 103.6kgha−1 in super-humid zones. Similarly, annual N mineralisation rates varied significantly between sites within an agro-ecological zone (98.6kgha−1 in Durban vs. 81.4kgha−1 in Cape Town in the humid zone). Annual N mineralisation rates did not differ significantly (P<0.05) between seasons within a site, but varied significantly within a season in the humid and super-humid agro-ecological zones. Nitrogen mineralisation varied significantly between soil textures, ranging from 97.8kgha−1 (clay soil) to 106.3kgha−1 (clay loam) in the super-humid agro-ecological zone. Therefore, sludge recommendation rates for use in agricultural lands should be site specific and soil specific for sustainable ecosystem services and functions. Further model validation on N mineralisation using field data is recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Ogbazghi, Z.M. & Tesfamariam, E.H. & Annandale, J.G., 2016. "Modelling N mineralisation from sludge-amended soils across agro-ecological zones: A case study from South Africa," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 322(C), pages 19-30.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:322:y:2016:i:c:p:19-30
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.11.019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, C.F. & Meng, F.-R. & Bhatti, J.S. & Trofymow, J.A. & Arp, Paul A., 2008. "Modeling forest leaf-litter decomposition and N mineralization in litterbags, placed across Canada: A 5-model comparison," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 219(3), pages 342-360.
    2. Tesfamariam, Eyob H. & Annandale, John G. & Steyn, Joachim M. & Stirzaker, Richard J. & Mbakwe, Ikenna, 2015. "Use of the SWB-Sci model for nitrogen management in sludge-amended land," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 262-276.
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    1. Musazura, W. & Odindo, A.O. & Tesfamariam, E.H. & Hughes, J.C. & Buckley, C.A., 2019. "Nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in plants and soil fertigated with decentralised wastewater treatment effluent," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 55-62.
    2. Valencia Torres, Angélica & Tiwari, Chetan & Atkinson, Samuel F., 2021. "Progress in ecosystem services research: A guide for scholars and practitioners," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).

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