Agronomic and sustainability outcomes from compost application in South Australian citrus orchards

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dc.contributor.authorCrisp, P.
dc.contributor.authorBaker, G.
dc.contributor.authorWheeler, S.
dc.contributor.conference1st International Symposium on Organic Matter Management and Compost Use in Horticulture (4 Apr 2011 - 7 Apr 2011 : Adelaide, South Australia)
dc.contributor.editorBiala, J.
dc.contributor.editorPrange, R.
dc.contributor.editorRaviv, M.
dc.date.issued2014
dc.descriptionAlso cited as: Acta Horticulturae, 2014; 1018:457-464
dc.description.abstractSARDI has undertaken trials with compost mulch, grape marc and animal manure at sites on three citrus orchards in South Australia for a number of years. The trials were established to evaluate the potential of soil amendments as part of an integrated management program for Kelly’s citrus thrips (KCT). Experimental sites were designed to obtain best possible data for pest management within budget limitations, subsequently, the agronomic and environmental data were in some cases restricted to one site and selected representative treatments. A range of data were collected, including fruit yields, and fruit, soil, leaf, and water quality measures and biological changes, and the potential for water savings assessed. The field trials involved application of various rates of compost to crops, ranging from 40-200 m3 ha-1 for compost mulch, 100-200 m3 ha-1 for grape marc, and 10-40 m3 ha-1 for animal manure. The recycled green waste and composted animal manure have provided significant pest management and agronomic benefits through suppression of KCT and improved yield and fruit size. There were considerable economic net benefits from every type of trial application to citrus at both sites over the four year period assessed. For example, for every dollar invested in an application of 40 m3 ha-1 compost mulch at Loxton North, a return of about $ 5 dollars was realised. Returns ranged from $ 1.91 to 4.96. There also is the benefit of improved water efficiency that could provide significant cost savings. The longevity of these benefits remains unknown and is currently being evaluated. Whilst the grape marc treatments improved yields, and are cheaper than the composted green waste, the level of suppression of KCT was not as good as that provided by the compost, and the increased acidity that resulted from the high phosphate levels associated with the grape marc treatments could result in reduced quality. It seems that higher levels of application for compost mulch create more overall benefits in terms of fruit quality and tree health.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityP. Crisp, G. Baker and S. Wheeler
dc.identifier.citationActa Horticulturae, 2014 / Biala, J., Prange, R., Raviv, M. (ed./s), vol.1018, iss.1018, pp.457-464
dc.identifier.doi10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1018.50
dc.identifier.isbn9462610045
dc.identifier.isbn9789462610040
dc.identifier.issn0567-7572
dc.identifier.issn2406-6168
dc.identifier.orcidWheeler, S. [0000-0002-6073-3172]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/93234
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
dc.relation.ispartofseriesActa Horticulturae
dc.rightsCopyright 2011 International Society for Horticultural Science
dc.source.urihttp://www.actahort.org/books/1018/1018_50.htm
dc.subjectcompost
dc.subjectsoil amendment
dc.subjectbiological control
dc.titleAgronomic and sustainability outcomes from compost application in South Australian citrus orchards
dc.typeConference paper
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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