Crop production: Add manure to the soil

Overall effectiveness category Unknown effectiveness (limited evidence)
Number of studies: 2
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How is the evidence assessed?

Effectiveness

50%
Certainty

20%
Harms

0%

Calculating overall effectiveness category

Study locations

Key messages

Crop yield (2 studies): One replicated, randomized, controlled study from Greece found higher maize yields in plots with added manure, compared to plots without added manure, in two of three comparisons. One replicated, randomized, controlled study from Italy found similar nectarine yields in plots with or without added manure.

Crop quality (0 studies)

About key messages

Key messages provide a descriptive index to studies we have found that test this intervention.

Studies are not directly comparable or of equal value. When making decisions based on this evidence, you should consider factors such as study size, study design, reported metrics and relevance of the study to your situation, rather than simply counting the number of studies that support a particular interpretation.

Supporting evidence from individual studies

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2002–2005 in an irrigated maize field in Greece found higher maize yields in plots with added manure, compared to plots without added manure. Crop yield: Higher maize yields were found in plots with added manure, compared to plots without added manure, in two of three comparisons (11–14 vs 10–12 Mg/ha). Methods: Plots (5.6 x 8 m) had liquid cow manure (80 Mg/ha/year) or no added fertilizer (six plots each). The manure was incorporated into the soil with a disk harrow (12–15 cm depth) within two hours of application. Grain yield was measured at the end of October (two rows/plot, 12.8 m²).
Study and other actions tested
Referenced paper
Lithourgidis A.S., Matsi T., Barbayiannis N. & Dordas C.A. (2007) Effect of liquid cattle manure on corn yield, composition, and soil properties. Agronomy Journal, 99, 1041-1047.
A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2001–2009 in an irrigated nectarine orchard in Italy found similar nectarine yields in plots with or without added manure. Crop yield: Similar nectarine yields were found in plots with or without added manure (33 vs 38 kg/tree). Methods: Four plots received 5–10 kg dry cow manure/ha, and four plots received no fertilizer. The manure was tilled into the soil (25 cm depth). Yield was measured in four trees/plot/year.
Study and other actions tested
Referenced paper
Baldi E., Toselli M., Marcolini G., Quartieri M., Cirillo E., Innocenti a. & Marangoni B. (2010) Compost can successfully replace mineral fertilizers in the nutrient management of commercial peach orchard. Soil Use and Management, 26, 346-353.

Please cite as:

Shackelford, G. E., Kelsey, R., Robertson, R. J., Williams, D. R. & Dicks, L. V. (2017) Sustainable Agriculture in California and Mediterranean Climates: Evidence for the effects of selected interventions. Synopses of Conservation Evidence Series. University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Where has this evidence come from?

List of journals searched by synopsis

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This Action forms part of the Action Synopsis:

Mediterranean Farmland

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