OPENING ADDRESS - ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF VEGETABLE FERTILIZATION IN INTEGRATED CROP PRODUCTION IN THE FIELD

The high standard of integrated production of vegetable growing in Rhineland Palatinate was one of the reasons for asking the SLFA Neustadt to conduct this workshop.

In Rhineland Palatinate about 80 % of the vegetable growing area, i.e. about 180 farms, are working with controlled and integrated production. They have to follow special instructions and conditions.

The papers presented related to topics such as 'Nutrient requirements', 'Nutrient mineralization and availability', 'Fertilizer application and environment' and 'Fertilization recommendation systems in integrated crop production'.

The final discussion has been focused on deficits in knowledge, such as N/water interactions (uptake versus time), N-mineralization (physiological uptake regulations), N-immobilization, N-buffer (crop specific) as well as N-availability according to soil type, residues, catch crops and manure. As a result of the obvious need in integrated concepts, to reduce the ecological problems in practice, some coordination groups have been established.

Thankfully, C. Paterson (N-buffer), U. Weier (N-immobilization), W. Voogt (N-availability) and M. Fink (Recommendation systems) will coordinate within the groups. Further results have been the acceptance as chairman of the working group (A. Maync) as well as the decision to meet again in September 1997 in United Kingdom, organized by I. Burns (Wellesbourne) on the condition that his organization agrees.

A very instructive frame program has been offered, to inform about the regional production, research and culture.

The organization allowed for ample possibilities to establish contacts as well, in a very pleasant atmosphere, making the event a memorable one.

Special thanks go to W. Wichmann and R. Hähndel for preparing the edition of 'Acta Horticulturae' with the proceedings of this workshop and help in the organisation.

26 September 1995