Enhance nutrient management in spring wheat using enhanced efficiency fertilizers and biochar

This research project is investigating the management practices to improve nutrient management in spring wheat production using enhanced efficiency fertilizers and biochar in Nova Scotia. Extreme weather and high precipitation rates have caused leaching and nitrogen losses in soils that have severely impacted yields across the region. Nutrients from conventional fertilizers can be rapidly leached from soil systems; however, recent fertilizer technologies such as Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers (EENF) and liquid dairy manure enriched biochar may prevent this leaching. These fertilizers will be used on various spring wheat varieties in comparison to conventional fertilizer in field, greenhouse, and germination experiments. Plant metrics such as crop growth, seed yield, and seed quality will be investigated in addition to soil health characteristics and residual soil fertility post-harvest. This research will shed light on how these fertilizers interact with the regions climactic and soil conditions, providing valuable data to producers who are looking to fertilize their crops in a more sustainable and accurate way.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yunfei Jiang

Student:

Partner:

Atlantic Grains Council

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: