Crop yield levels and nutrient requirements in field edge zones—is precision management motivated?

Abstract Purpose Around a quarter of Sweden’s arable land is located within 20 m of a field boundary, yet little is known about crop growth conditions and optimal fertilization in field margins. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate this, and assess whether there is reason to adjust fertilization in field edge zones. Methods The yield and grain quality of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) were determined at three distances from field edges (8 m, 26 m and 45 m) in eight transects bordering forests and eight transects bordering open land. Topsoil properties were determined in the same locations and differences between groups were statistically evaluated. Results The yield and thousand kernel weight were lower, and protein content was higher, close to field edges compared to yields in field interiors. The topsoil content of plant-available phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) was higher near the borders. Edge effects were greater towards forests than towards open land. The observed differences suggest lower rates of N, P and K by 22, 5 and 6 kg ha − 1 by field edges towards open land and 28, 13 and 19 kg ha − 1 by field edges towards forests, although the difference in K-rate by open land was not statistically demonstrated ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Reducing fertilizer rates in field margins can be a simple method of reducing redundant nutrient use without losing yield. More efficient nutrient use in crop production is necessary for the work towards environmental objectives, such as the 50% reduction of nutrient losses of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy.