Effect of soil amended with thin stillage on growth of canola and soil properties in a controlled environment study
Date
2009-02-25
Authors
Urton, R.
Schoenau, J.J.
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Poster Presentation
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Abstract
A growth chamber study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of thin stillage as a soil
fertilizer amendment. Seven treatments; control, 3 thin stillage rates (100, 200, and 400 kg N
ha¯¹) and 3 urea rates (100, 200, and 400 kg N ha¯¹) were used in a replicated growth chamber
study conducted in the spring of 2008 at the University of Saskatchewan. Canola (Brassica
napus L.) was grown on a nitrogen deficient Brown Chernozemic soil (Haverhill Association).
Dry matter yield and nutrient concentrations in plant tissues were determined after 34 days of
growth. Significant increases in canola dry matter yield and nutrient content were observed due
to thin stillage application. The thin stillage had a beneficial effect on plant growth by enhancing
plant biomass production and nutrient uptake. Applications up to 400 kg N ha¯¹ did not have a
negative effect on canola biomass production. Land application of the residual thin stillage from
ethanol production, may be an effective method to recycle nutrients to improve and maintain soil
productivity, and increase plant nutrient availability and plant growth.
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Keywords
ethanol co-products, nitrogen, phosphorus, canola
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Soils and Crops Workshop