Effect of second-pond dairy effluent on turnip dry matter yield, nutritive characteristics, and mineral content

Abstract

Dairy farms in southern Australia generally use a 2-pond system to manage dairy shed effluent. This system consists of a deep anaerobic first pond and a shallow aerobic second pond. The liquid in the second pond contains a range of nutrients that may have agronomic benefits for forages. The effect of applying second-pond dairy effluent to a summer turnip (Brassica rapa L.) crop over 3 consecutive summer periods was measured. Effluent was applied at 6 rates, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mm, approximately 6-8 weeks after turnips were sown each year. Turnips were assessed for dry matter (DM) accumulation, nutritive characteristics, and mineral content. In addition, total annual production for year..