/AnMtgsAbsts2009.55462 Bokashi as An Organic Fertilizer Alternative for Winter Wheat.

Monday, November 2, 2009
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall BC, Second Floor

John McMaine, Alfonso Suarez and Larry J. Grabau, Plant and Soil Sciences, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Poster Presentation
  • Bokashi poster.pdf (263.6 kB)
  • Abstract:

    Nitrogen fertility is essential for productivity of winter wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em Thell]; organic wheat is no exception.  Unfortunately, many organic sources are quite expensive; however, the use of easily obtainable materials to prepare bokashi, an organic fertility source, could provide required N fertility.  The objective of this research was to compare bokashi against ammonium nitrate as an N source for winter wheat.  Bokashi was prepared using a 7-day anaerobic fermentation of wheat bran, soy cake, fish meal, zeolite, and molasses treated with a stock solution of Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus spp.  Field-grown wheat (near Lexington, KY in 2008-09) was treated at Feekes’ stage 3 (mid-March) with 0, 30, 60, or 90 kg ha-1 N both as bokashi and as NH4NO3.  In addition to weekly ratings of leaf greenness, flag leaf N content, kernel protein content, and yield and yield components were recorded.  These results should provide essential information on the suitability of this particular organic fertilizer preparation to provide N in support of productive winter wheat.