| Trials were performed with red beet and white cabbage in 1998-2001 to assess the effects on yields and nutrient utilization of surface mulch (chopped grass and/or red clover). No other nutrients were applied. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents were measured in mulch, saleable products and above-ground plant residues. A single mulch application of about 12 Mg DM ha-1 increased the yields of both crops significantly. Mean yields of saleable products were increased from 27 to 33, and from 44 to 56 Mg FW ha-1 of red beet and white cabbage, respectively. However, the average apparent recoveries of mulch derived nutrients in above-ground plant parts (calculated by subtraction of uptakes in the control treatment) were only 13%, 14% and 18% of... |
