Effect of ensilaged vegetable crop residue amendments on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics

tVegetable crop residues aid in maintaining soil quality and fertility, but pose a high risk of N-losses duringautumn. Removal and conservation of these residues followed by a timely reapplication in spring may aidin synchronizing nutrient demand and availability. Crop residues of four vegetables were co-ensilagedwith maize straw in a 1:1 ratio on volume base. Silage of leek and white cabbage were incubated with soilfor measuring C and N mineralization and N fertilizer replacement value (NFRV). Vegetable crop residuesilage promoted microbial activity when reapplied to the soil. This led to a temporary N immobilizationup to 30% of the applied N after 14 days. A limited remineralization of up to +4% took place after 115days which was confirmed by the positive NFVR. Nitrogen (N) losses during co-ensilage of vegetable cropresidues were small and may help reduce N losses in intensive vegetable crop rotations during winter.