Browsing by Author "Ritz, Karl."

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    The effects of a thermal conditioning treatment forweed control upon soil biological properties
    (Cranfield University, 2009-09) Amis, K. S.; Ritz, Karl.; Pawlett, Mark
    Weeds, and their associated control, are often significant in limiting production within organic farming due to restrictions on herbicide use within such systems. Organic farmers rely on alternative weed control methods, including soil thermal treatments. Preliminary research has shown soil steaming to be a potentially effective weed control method, but procedures have yet to be fully explored and implemented. One issue is the effect steam treatment has upon the non-targeted components of the soil system. This study considered the magnitude and persistence of the effects that soil steaming had on biological aspects of soil systems within the organic production of Daucus carota, sativus (L) (carrots). A field-based study was conducted whereby soil treated with steam was sampled at intervals of 1 hour, and 14 and 42 days following treatment. Impacts upon the soil system were then assessed by measuring a range of chemical and biological properties related to carbon and nitrogen cycling. Immediately following steaming, actual nitrification was inhibited with an associated accumulation of ammonium-N, displaying an initial low resistance to the thermal treatment. However, recovery of this process was apparent at approximately 14 days post-treatment with a significant rise in both nitrate-N and potential nitrification, indicating a degree of resilience of the nitrification process. Overall, other measured components of the soil system, including microbial activity and organic carbon, also demonstrated signs of resilience, indicating that the system still had the ability to function and provide its regulatory and provisioning services within the short-term following soil steaming treatment.