New DFG project funded on trace metal fluxes in agriculture
Tracing copper and zinc in organic agriculture by stable isotope labelling
2025/11/21
Manure and copper-based fungicides are known sources of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in agriculture, and their long-time application can cause an accumulation of these trace metals in agricultural soils. While Cu and Zn are essential micronutrients to plants, animals and humans, elevated Cu and Zn concentrations can pose environmental risks to biota and affect soil fertility.
For maintaining sustainable and fertile soils, a precise understanding of the Cu and Zn sources, their fate in soils, and their potential bioavailability is necessary. In this upcoming DFG-funded project, we will use Cu and Zn stable isotope labelling to investigate the cycling of Cu from Cu-based fungicides in potato cultivation and of Cu and Zn from manure on winter wheat and subsequent crops under real field conditions. This innovative approach will enable us to precisely calculate the uptake of Cu and Zn by crops, the sorption onto different soil fractions, and loss via leaching with the soil solution. Thus, our study will improve the understanding of the environmental fate of Cu and Zn in organic farming.
Applicants: Dr. Kai Nils Nitzsche, Prof. Dr. Moritz Bigalke
Collaborating institution: Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
