Learning in context – improved nutrient management in arable cropping systems through participatory research

Participatory research (PR) provides opportunities to build knowledge relevant to site-specific farms conditions. This study used a PR approach to develop nutrient management strategies in stockless organic farming. A thorough problem identification process was carried out and the problem prioritised was how to combine preceding crop effects with fertilisation strategy in crop rotations. On-farm fertiliser (biogas digestion residues, chicken manure and meat-bone meal) experiments were conducted in spring wheat and winter rapeseed. Significant yield responses were achieved in spring wheat, up to 1200 kg ha-1, and they were higher than in rapeseed. The implications of the results for nutrient management at crop rotation level are discussed