Neglecting the spatial variation in soil nutrient status may result in unused yield potential and in environmental damage.
Site-specific management has been suggested to reduce inappropriate fertiliser application that can adversely affect soil, ground and surface water. Decision criteria for determining variable-rate nitrogen fertiliser applications are however still lacking, partly due to the poorly understood spatial and temporal variation of nitrate concentrations in soils.
Stenger, R., Priesack, E., and Beese F. (2002) Spatial variation of nitrate-N and related soil properties at the plot-scale. Geoderma, 105: 259-275.
Hantschel, R. and Stenger R. (2001) Site Effects on the Variability of Nitrogen Turnover at the Scheyern Experimental Farm. In: Tenhunen, J.D., Lenz, R. and Hantschel, R. (Eds.) Ecosystem Approaches to Landscape Management in Central Europe. Ecological Studies Vol. 147, Springer-Verlag, Berlin/Heidelberg, pp 229-247.
Stenger, R., Priesack, E. and Beese, F. (1998) Distribution of inorganic nitrogen in agricultural soils at different dates and scales. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 50: 291-297.
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