Initial situation/scientific issue

While fertiliser prices are rising and the debate about the availability of pollutant-free phosphorus fertilisers remains controversial, we continue to rely on phosphorus analysis methods that date back to the 1960s.

Numerous methods exist worldwide that analyse various phosphorus fractions.

The CAL method (calcium acetate lactate) according to Schüller is justified, but it correlates inaccurately with the yield. The phosphorus release rate (PRR) enables a better prediction of the yield and a more precise CAL method. By using the PRR, more precise fertiliser recommendations could be made for farmers in order to optimise and, if necessary, reduce fertilisation.

The PRR method has already been offered in German laboratories for some time, as it has a test specification and field studies in the federal state of Thuringia have been positively evaluated. However, a precise validation of the method for Austrian soils requires considerable effort. Validation can only be carried out using soil samples that contain additional data such as yields, different fertilisation variants and phosphorus balances. Archive samples from AGES are currently being analysed at the Thuringian State Institute for Agriculture using the PRR method. Using the available data on yields, fertilisation variants and phosphorus balances in these archive samples, we can check the plausibility for soils in eastern Austria as a first step.

Project description/methodology

The project has the following objectives:

Validation of the PRR (phosphorus release rate) method for Austrian soils:

The validation and testing of a new method requires a considerable amount of personnel and time. Therefore, two students of the Technological Trade Museum (TGM) - Higher Federal Institute of Technology and Research will support us as laboratory trainees in the validation of the PRR method. The archive samples contain information on yields, phosphorus balances and fertilisation levels. With the data obtained, we can observe the changes in the content class and subsequently make more precise fertiliser recommendations or yield estimates. At the end of the project, the validation with the data should be completed and we will be able to assess whether the method is suitable for our soils in Austria.

Establishment of the method in our laboratory for routine testing:

As part of the validation, it should be clarified how costly it would be to establish the new method in our laboratory. The time and labour required will be recorded.

Co-operation with the Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Austria, FiBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Austria):

In order to establish practical relevance, we will enter into a co-operation with the Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Austria, Upper Austria and FiBL. The Chamber of Agriculture and FIBL will provide farmers with brochures and advice.

As a result, farmers may be able to save on phosphorus fertiliser and thus reduce their fertiliser costs.

Outcomes