Long-Term Effect of Pig Slurry and Mineral Fertilizer Additions on Soil Nutrient Content, Field Pea Grain and Straw Yield under Winter Wheat–Spring Barley–Field Pea Crop Rotation on Cambisol and Luvisol

Abstract

Different fertilizers have different effects on soil chemistry and crop yields. In this paper, we analyzed how long-term and regular application of mineral fertilizers, pig slurry and their combinations (15 fertilizer treatments totally) affect soil pH, nutrient content and yield of field pea at two sites with different soil (cambisol and luvisol) and climatic conditions. The long-term trials evaluated in this paper were established in 1972 at Pernolec and Kostelec, Czech Republic. Results of the soil analyses (evaluated period) are from the years 2015–2020, covering two sequences of crop rotation (winter wheat–spring barley–field pea). The fertilizer treatments significantly affected the soil reaction; application of mineral fertilizers and their combinations resulted in the lowest pH values. On the other hand, the same treatments provided the highest yields and left the highest pool of nutrients in the soil. Pig slurry can provide the same yields of field pea as mineral NPK fertilizers, without a negative effect on soil reaction. Analyzing the mineral fertilizers only, a reasonable dose of N (according to the linear-plateau model) can range from 73 and 97 kg ha−1 N in Pernolec, according to the weather conditions.