Combination of drip irrigation and organic fertilizer for mitigating emissions of nitrogen oxides in semiarid climate

Published source details Sánchez-Martín L., Meijide A., García-Torres L. & Vallejo A. (2010) Combination of drip irrigation and organic fertilizer for mitigating emissions of nitrogen oxides in semiarid climate. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 137, 99-107.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Water: Add slurry to the soil Action Link
	Soil: Add slurry to the soil Action Link

Water: Add slurry to the soil

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2007 in an irrigated melon field in Spain found more dissolved organic matter in soils with added slurry, compared to soils without it. Nutrients: More dissolved organic carbon was found in soils with added slurry (22–34 vs 15–34 mg/kg). Methods: Plots (4 x 5 m) growing melon Cucumis melo (6,950 plants/ha) had digested pig slurry or no slurry, and were either drip or furrow irrigated (three plots for each). Slurry was applied using a hose pipe (175 kg N/ha). Additional fertilizers were added immediately after (phosphorous: 50 kg/ha; potassium: 150 kg/ha). Slurry and fertilizer were incorporated into the soil (15 cm) using a rotocultivator. For furrow irrigation (2 L/min), there were five furrows/plot (80 cm width, 15 cm depth, 100 cm apart). For drip irrigation (3 L/h), there were two lines/subplot (1.8 m apart). Irrigation was applied 20 times, on a weekly basis. Soil samples were taken (0–10 cm depth; frequency not reported).
Soil: Add slurry to the soil

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2007 in an irrigated melon field in Spain found lower nitrous oxide emissions from plots with added slurry, compared to plots without it. Greenhouse gases: Higher nitrous oxide emissions were found in plots with added slurry, compared to plots without it (1–3 vs 2–3 kg/ha). Methods: Plots (4 x 5 m) growing melon Cucumis melo (6,950 plants/ha) had digested pig slurry or no slurry, and were either drip or furrow irrigated (three plots for each). Slurry was applied using a hose pipe (175 kg N/ha). Additional fertilizers were added immediately after (phosphorous: 50 kg/ha; potassium: 150 kg/ha). Slurry and fertilizer were incorporated into the soil (15 cm) using a rotocultivator. For furrow irrigation (2 L/min), there were five furrows/plot (80 cm width, 15 cm depth, 100 cm apart). For drip irrigation (3 L/h), there were two lines/subplot (1.8 m apart). Irrigation was applied 20 times, on a weekly basis. Gas samples were taken weekly until irrigation, daily for the first week after fertilizer application, 2–3 days/week for the first month, and then weekly.