Chopped straw as a nutrient source
6 March 2000
Chopped straw as a nutrient source
Question
What are the benefits of chopped straw as a nutrient source and soil conditioner?
Response
Debbie Beaton, Editor, Crops
Answer
THIS is one of these areas where most scientific experts would probably say there is very little immediate benefit in the way of nutrients or soil conditioning from incorporating chopped straw.
Some farmers may disagree.
But that perception could be based on the move to the plough when strawburning ceased.
Prior to that, many growers burned straw and scratch-cultivated, but ploughing-in straw opened up the soil and may appear to have improved soil structure and condition.
However, incorporating straw will return some P and K to the soil.
It is not a great deal – 1.5kg/t of phosphate and a more useful 10kg/t of potash.