Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T18:53:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tiago Margraf.pdf: 3444633 bytes, checksum: 00ddc78a605b890f5109af10a0c0c5e6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-11-12 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Worldwide, the consumption of purple grape juice has grown since several studies point to the potential health benefits, combined with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise. These potential benefits are related to the bioactive compounds present in this fruit and other plants, responsible for the inhibition of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, formed in oxidative and inflammatory processes in the human body. In this context, researchers have tried and tested fast, inexpensive, accurate and reproducible methods, which are able estimating the content of bioactive compounds in beverages and foods. In this scenario, the objectives of this study were divided in two experimental chapters, where the Chapter II had as purpose to test and validate a more selective spectrophotometric method than the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, to quantify the content of phenolic compounds in grape juice. Already the Chapter III had as purpose to characterize n = 62 juices Brazilian purple grapes from different geographic origins (RS, PR and SC), agronomic (organic and conventional) and genotypic (Bordo, Isabel and Concord) about its physicochemical and chemical properties, and in vitro antioxidant activity using chemical and biological systems. The results showed that the Prussian Blue method has low detection (0.27 mg L-1) and quantification limit (0.92 mg L-1), and a high association (r = 0.923, p < 0.0001) with the standard method of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent for the grape juice matrix, and also a faster reaction and high selectivity compared to the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Furthermore, the geographical origin and the grape variety proved to be the most important factors in distinguishing juices (p < 0.05) for antioxidant activity and some chemical markers. However for the organic and conventional juices, except for some phenolic acids determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, there were no statistically significant distinctions (p > 0.05). A total of n = 18 grape juices were characterized by presenting high, intermediate and low antioxidant activity in vitro using four different methodologies (Scavenging of ABTS●+ radical; Ferric-reducing antioxidant power - FRAP; Total reducing power; and Reducing potential of the hydrophilic phenolic compounds - RPHPC) and were subjected to analysis of the inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 37 °C by means of a biological assay in buffered medium at pH 7.4. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation of the grape juice showed a significant correlation (r ≥ 0.505; p ≤ 0.02) with other antioxidant activity assays, concluding that the antioxidant activity in vitro of Brazilian purple grape juice has association either by chemical methods or by biological means. / Em todo o mundo, o consumo de sucos de uva roxa tem crescido, visto que vários estudos apontam os potenciais benefícios à saúde, aliados a uma alimentação equilibrada e a prática regular de exercícios físicos. Esses potenciais benefícios estão relacionados com os compostos bioativos presentes nesta fruta e em demais vegetais, responsáveis pela inibição de espécies reativas de oxigênio e nitrogênio, formadas em processos oxidativos e inflamatórios no corpo humano. Nesse contexto, pesquisadores têm testado e validado metodologias rápidas, baratas, precisas e reprodutíveis, que possibilitem estimar o conteúdo de compostos bioativos em bebidas e alimentos. Nesse cenário, os objetivos deste estudo foram divididos em dois capítulos experimentais, dos quais o Capítulo II objetivou testar e validar uma metodologia espectrofotométrica mais seletiva que o Folin-Ciocalteu para quantificar o teor de compostos fenólicos totais em suco de uva. Já no Capítulo III, objetivou-se caracterizar n=62 sucos de uvas roxas brasileiros de diferentes origens geográficas (RS, PR, e SC), agronômicas (orgânicos e convencionais), e genotípicas (Bordô, Isabel, e Concord) quanto às suas propriedades físico-químicas, químicas, e atividade antioxidante in vitro usando sistemas químicos e biológico. Os resultados mostraram que o método do Azul da Prússia apresentou um baixo limite de detecção (0,27 mg L-1) e quantificação (0,92 mg L-1), e uma alta associação (r = 0,923; p<0,0001) com o método padrão de Folin-Ciocalteu para a matriz de suco de uva, além de menor tempo de reação e alta seletividade comparado ao ensaio de Folin-Ciocalteu. A origem geográfica e a variedade de uva mostraram-se os fatores mais importantes na distinção dos sucos (p<0,05) para atividade antioxidante e alguns marcadores químicos. Já para os sucos orgânicos e convencionais, com exceção para alguns ácidos fenólicos determinados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, não foram encontradas distinções estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05). Um total de n=18 sucos de uva foram caracterizados por apresentarem alta, intermediária e baixa atividade antioxidante in vitro usando quatro metodologias diferentes (Seqüestro de radicais ABTS●+; Poder antioxidante de redução do ferro - FRAP; Poder redutor total; Potencial redutor dos compostos fenólicos hidrofílicos - PRCFH) e foram sujeitados à análise de inibição da peroxidação lipídica a 37 oC por meio de um ensaio biológico em meio tamponado em pH 7,4. A inibição da peroxidação lipídica dos sucos de uva apresentou uma correlação significativa (r ≥ 0,505; p ≤ 0,02) com outros ensaios de atividade antioxidante, concluindo-se que a atividade antioxidante in vitro de suco de uva roxa brasileiro apresenta associação tanto por métodos químico quanto em meio biológico. Palavras-chave: cultivo orgânico, peroxidação lipídica, capacidade redutora, análise multivariada, Vitis sp.

L'activité agricole peut entraîner un déséquilibre des cycles du carbone (C) et de l'azote (N) dans les écosystèmes terrestres naturels et entrainer une diminution des stocks de C et N dans le sol, une augmentation de la lixiviation du nitrate et des pertes d'azote par voie gazeuse. Pour réduire ces impacts environnementaux, la mise en place de systèmes agricoles innovants et durables est encouragée, tels que les systèmes à bas niveau intrants, l'agriculture de conservation ou l'agriculture biologique. Les objectifs de cette thèse sont i) de quantifier l'impact à long terme des différents systèmes de culture sur le devenir du carbone et de l'azote dans le système sol-plante-atmosphère et ii) de simuler la dynamique de ces éléments avec le modèle agro-environnemental STICS. À cette fin, nous avons étudié trois essais de longue durée : l'essai de La Cage (France) établi en 1998, l'essai DOK (Suisse) débuté en 1978 et l'essai Foulum (Danemark) créé en 1998. Alors que l'essai de La Cage a permis une quantification in situ du stockage du carbone et de l'azote organiques du sol, de la lixiviation de l'azote, des émissions de protoxyde d’azote (N2O) et de la balance des gaz à effet de serre pour des systèmes de culture alternatifs, les essais danois et suisses ont permis l'estimation in silico du devenir du C et N en agriculture biologique, après adaptation du modèle STICS pour simuler de nouvelles pratiques culturales. Après 16 années d’expérimentation, une accumulation annuelle significative de SOC et de SON a été observée en agriculture et en agriculture biologique à La Cage, alors qu'aucun changement significatif n'a été observé dans les systèmes conventionnels et bas intrants. La minéralisation spécifique de SOC et SON des quatre systèmes, simulée sur AMG et mesurée lors d’incubation des sols pendant quatre mois, s’est montrée équivalente entre systèmes. Le stockage de C et N observé dans les systèmes de conservation et biologiques s’explique principalement par l'augmentation des résidus de cultures plutôt que par l'effet du non-labour en agriculture de conservation. De plus, le surplus azoté (différence entre apports et exportations d’azote) a été calculé pour chaque système de culture. Le devenir de l’excédent d’azote a été estimé entre stockage de N dans le sol, pertes gazeuses et lixiviation de l'azote. Les émissions cumulatives de N2O mesurées en continu pendant plus de trois ans sont fortement corrélées avec les pertes totales calculées de N par voix gazeuse (volatilisation et dénitrification), ces pertes étant les plus importantes dans le système de conservation. Enfin, la réalisation d’un bilan complet des émissions de GES a montré de fortes différences entre système et des phénomènes de compensation entre stockage et perte de C et N. Le modèle sol-culture STICS a ensuite été utilisé pour simuler le devenir de l’azote dans les essais DOK et Foulum. Après une adaptation du modèle, sa calibration et son évaluation ont été réalisées permettant de simuler de façon satisfaisante les rendements, l'absorption de N, le surplus de N et l’évolution des stocks de SON dans les systèmes conventionnels et biologiques. Les simulations suggèrent que le devenir de l’azote dans ces systèmes peut être contrasté en fonction de la fertilisation et de la gestion des cultures et que les pertes d'azote ne sont pas systématiquement réduites en agriculture biologique par rapport au conventionnel. Cette thèse remet en question les appréciations simplistes qui associent systématiquement systèmes de culture alternatifs et diminution des impacts environnementaux liés aux cycles de C et N / Agricultural activities can lead to imbalanced carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics compared to natural terrestrial eco-systems, causing potential damages for soil, water and air quality. Among these prejudices, decreased soil C and N stocks, increased nitrate leaching in waters and gaseous N emissions towards the atmosphere are of a major concern. To reduce these environmental impacts, innovative and sustainable farming systems are promoted, such as low inputs cropping systems, “conservation” agriculture or organic farming. The objectives of this work were i) to quantify the long term impact of different alternative cropping systems on the fate of C and N in the soil-plantatmosphere system and ii) to simulate C and N dynamics with the agro-environmental model STICS. For this purpose, we studied three long-term field trials: the experiment of La Cage (France) established in 1998, the DOK (Switzerland) started in 1978 and the Foulum Organic (Denmark) established in 1998. The methodological approach combined experimentation and modelling. While La Cage trial enabled an in situ quantification of soil organic C and N storage, N leaching, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) balance in alternative cropping systems compared to conventional, the Swiss and Danish experiments were used for in silico estimation of the C and N fates in organic cropping systems, after adaptation of the STICS model, followed by calibration and evaluation of the model. Significant annual SOC and SON accumulation was found under conservation agriculture and organic farming at La Cage, whereas no significant change was observed in the low input and the conventional systems. No difference of specific SOC and SON mineralization rates was found between systems in vitro or in silico : we conclude that the higher C and N storage in soil observed in the conservation and organic systems was mainly driven by increased crop residues, rather than by the effect of no tillage practiced in conservation agriculture. The N surplus, i.e. the difference between N inputs and N exports at the field scale, varied widely between treatments. The fate of this N surplus also varied between systems with wide variations in SON storage and gaseous losses but no differences in N leaching. The cumulative N2O emissions measured continuously for three years were highly correlated with the calculated gaseous N losses (volatilization and denitrification), with higher losses in the conservation system. These calculations allowed establishing a full GHG balance. Therefore the four agricultural systems dissimilarly impacted the N fate, which could not be predicted by the N surplus alone. The GHG balance is a much better indicator of the environmental impact of cropping systems relative to C and N fluxes. In the Danish and Swiss experiments, the soil-crop model STICS was used to mimic crop production, N uptake and N surplus. The model was first adapted and evaluated to simulate organic farming systems. The model could satisfactorily simulate crop production, N uptake, N surplus and SON storage in the organic and conventional systems of these two longterm experiments. Model outputs suggested that the N fate could be contrasted according to fertilization and crop management, and that N losses were not systematically reduced in organic compared to conventional cropping systems. This study challenges the frequent belief that alternative cropping systems systematically improve the global C and N environmental impacts of agriculture.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:38:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 YldrySRQP_TESE.pdf: 1712079 bytes, checksum: b17d9a120b94e31c6978b40928b45ad1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-13 / Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte / Knowledge of quality of life is a very complex and rich in cultural and subjective dimensions, understood in a broad sense and multivariate theme. Considering the rural areas from agriculture, it is observed that the production standard defines significant changes in the environmental context and the quality of life of rural workers. To explain the relationship between quality of life and Family Organic Agriculture, we sought to analyze the quality of life of the organic family farmer, after change in agricultural management. The research, based on a procedure exploratory study supported the articulation theoretically constructed, showed their relevance and allowed to delimit with greater security, the central question of work. The WHOQOL - 100 treated the instrument of research on quality of life that directed the field study with organic farmers from the town of Lagoa Seca / PB. Farmers and family members are from rural regions Almeida, Alvinho, Lagoa de Barro, Lagoa Gravat?, Oiti and Pau Ferro. The average time is 39 years farming and organic family farm is 16 years. In the analysis work was found that the process of production of vegetables and fruits is divided into 08 steps and with respect to workloads observations showed the presence of: physical loads, mechanical stresses, psychological burden and ergonomic factors. Most farmers reported symptoms were fatigue and cramps in the legs . Regarding the quality of life was noticed that the Psychological Domain contributed positively to the quality of life with mean and standard deviation (17.83 ? 12.78) and Domain Environment negatively contributing to the quality of life of this group (9.00 ? 6.82). We conclude that the practice of Family Organic Agriculture should be seen as an effective strategy in promoting quality of life and social values in between, since it presents environmental sustainability with regard to life and socio-cultural diversity of populations / O conhecimento de qualidade de vida ? um tema muito complexo e rico em dimens?es subjetivas e culturais, entendidas em uma percep??o vasta e multivariada. Considerando o meio rural a partir da agricultura, observa-se que o padr?o produtivo define modifica??es expressivas no contexto ambiental e na qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores rurais. Para explanar a rela??o entre qualidade de vida e Agricultura Familiar Org?nica, buscou-se analisar a qualidade de vida do agricultor familiar org?nico, ap?s mudan?a no manejo agr?cola. A investiga??o, baseada em um procedimento de estudo explorat?rio, apoiou a articula??o constru?da teoricamente, mostrou sua pertin?ncia e permitiu delimitar, com maior seguran?a, a quest?o central do trabalho. O WHOQOL-100 tratou-se do instrumento de pesquisa sobre qualidade de vida que direcionou o estudo de campo com os agricultores familiares org?nicos da cidade de Lagoa Seca/PB. Os agricultores e membros da fam?lia s?o oriundos das regi?es rurais Almeida, Alvinho, Lagoa de Barro, Lagoa Gravat?, Oiti e Pau Ferro. O tempo m?dio de agricultura ? de 39 anos e na agricultura familiar org?nica ? de 16 anos. Na an?lise do trabalho se verificou que o processo de produ??o de verduras e frutas se divide em 08 etapas e em rela??o ?s cargas de trabalho as observa??es mostraram a presen?a de: cargas f?sicas, cargas mec?nicas, carga psicol?gica e cargas ergon?micas. Os sintomas mais referidos pelos agricultores foram c?imbras e fadiga nas pernas. No que concerne ? qualidade de vida percebeu-se que o Dom?nio Psicol?gico contribuiu positivamente para a Qualidade de Vida com m?dia e desvio (17,83?12,78) e o Dom?nio Ambiente contribuindo negativamente para a Qualidade de Vida deste grupo (9,00?6,82). Conclui-se que a pr?tica da Agricultura Familiar Org?nica deve ser vista como uma estrat?gia eficaz na promo??o da qualidade de vida e de valores sociais nesse meio, uma vez que apresenta sustentabilidade socioambiental que respeita a vida e a diversidade sociocultural das popula??es

<p>In order to study the <i>effect of production systems</i> aimed at sustainability<i> on product quality</i> and of sensory and non-sensory factors on product acceptance – the effect of farming system, year, milling and baking techniques on the sensory qualities of wheat bread as a model product was investigated using a descriptive test, and the effect of information and values on liking of bread using consumer tests.</p><p>Whole wheat and white breads were baked with wheat grown in six lots in established conventional and organic farming systems in field trails, in two subsequent years for the white bread.</p><p><i>Milling technique</i> influenced flours’ rheology and had greater impact on the sensory qualities of whole wheat bread and on the slice area than did <i>farming system</i> and <i>baking technique</i>. Bread baked with roller-milled wheat was characterized by sweetness, juiciness, compactness and smaller slice area than bread baked with stone-milled wheat, which was characterized by saltiness, deformity and roasted cereals.</p><p>The <i>effect of year </i>on the white bread was greater than the effect of <i>farming system </i>or <i>recipe modification</i>. Bread baked with wheat harvested in 1999 had significantly lower intensities of crumb attributes such as smoothness, juiciness and elasticity, but higher rancid flavour, springiness, compressibility, mastication resistance than bread baked with wheat harvested in 2000. Bread baked with conventional flour had significantly higher juiciness and elasticity than organic bread.</p><p>Image analysis did not show differences in slice area between bread baked with conventionally and organically grown wheat harvested in 1999 compared with 2000. <i>Information</i> affected liking in relation to the type of provided information. Information on organic origin enhanced most liking of bread, particularly for the less liked samples and frequent consumers of organic food. Significantly different <i>values</i> and different specific liking of breads were found among consumer segments. Results linked values and age with “taste”.</p>

In order to study the effect of production systems aimed at sustainability on product quality and of sensory and non-sensory factors on product acceptance – the effect of farming system, year, milling and baking techniques on the sensory qualities of wheat bread as a model product was investigated using a descriptive test, and the effect of information and values on liking of bread using consumer tests. Whole wheat and white breads were baked with wheat grown in six lots in established conventional and organic farming systems in field trails, in two subsequent years for the white bread. Milling technique influenced flours’ rheology and had greater impact on the sensory qualities of whole wheat bread and on the slice area than did farming system and baking technique. Bread baked with roller-milled wheat was characterized by sweetness, juiciness, compactness and smaller slice area than bread baked with stone-milled wheat, which was characterized by saltiness, deformity and roasted cereals. The effect of year on the white bread was greater than the effect of farming system or recipe modification. Bread baked with wheat harvested in 1999 had significantly lower intensities of crumb attributes such as smoothness, juiciness and elasticity, but higher rancid flavour, springiness, compressibility, mastication resistance than bread baked with wheat harvested in 2000. Bread baked with conventional flour had significantly higher juiciness and elasticity than organic bread. Image analysis did not show differences in slice area between bread baked with conventionally and organically grown wheat harvested in 1999 compared with 2000. Information affected liking in relation to the type of provided information. Information on organic origin enhanced most liking of bread, particularly for the less liked samples and frequent consumers of organic food. Significantly different values and different specific liking of breads were found among consumer segments. Results linked values and age with “taste”.

Organic agriculture is an important and growing sector of U.S. and world food production. Consumers are increasingly aware of and interested in the production practices and impacts associated with agriculture and as such, are showing a preference for sustainably produced, raised, and harvested foods. In order to continue to meet the growing demand for organic produce, organic growers need cultivars that are optimally adapted to organic and low input conditions. Quality seed is the foundation of any functional and stable farming system. Unfortunately the lack of organically bred and produced seed is hindering the continued growth and success of organic farming. Meeting the needs of the organic sector has been a challenge for the seed industry; it is an industry that often doesn't understand the specific and unique requirements associated with the diversity of environmental and market demands of organic systems. However, organic farmers and the organic food systems they supply, require a robust organic seed system that is appropriately adapted to regional agronomic challenges and market needs, meets standards and regulations, and encompasses the social and ecological values of organic agriculture. One plausible approach to meeting the cultivar and seed needs of organic and low input production systems is through the use of participatory plant breeding (PPB). PPB is a collaborative approach for identifying and developing genetically diverse plant material and varieties involving partnerships among formal sector breeders and researchers, farmers, extension agents, educators, and end users. Participatory plant breeding fundamentally changes the way that formal breeding programs and farmers manage germplasm and plant genetic resources. Typically, formal breeding programs restrict access to germplasm and breeding materials and only supply farmers with finished varieties. In PPB, farmers are involved in the early stages of creation and evaluation of germplasm and breeding material, and stay engaged with the breeding process until new varieties are created. PPB is an excellent model for breeding specifically for organic systems because organic systems in developed countries have many similarities to low-input agricultural systems in the developing world. Some of these parallels include heterogeneous growing environments, a wide range of end uses and marketing strategies, lack of suitably adapted and/or derived varieties, lack of attention from the formal seed sector, and a reduced reliance on synthetic inputs (compared to conventional systems). Breeding for organic systems is a relatively young field and breeders in the formal sector do not have a good handle on what traits are important for robust production under organic conditions. Thus the opportunity to meld farmers' experience and knowledge with breeders' expertise is an effective way to breed for organic production systems. The purpose of this project was to investigate and explore the opportunities and challenges of organic plant breeding using participatory research methods. This research had three goals: 1) to develop an open pollinated broccoli with contemporary quality traits for organic production systems using participatory strategies; 2) to compare broccoli selections made by formally trained plant breeders and farmer breeders; and 3) to capture the stories and experiences of the formal breeders and farmer breeders involved with this broccoli material in order to contribute to the growing wealth of knowledge on collaborative and organic breeding work. The Oregon State University Vegetable Breeding Program made significant progress towards decreasing the variability of the broccoli project material through three successive years of modified half-sibling selections. Evaluations and selections were based more strongly on quality traits rather than soley on production traits such as yield. Although progress was incremental and statistically verified in only three out of the fifteen quality traits, we observed trends in the data indicating progress towards an increasingly uniform, stable, and reliable open pollinated broccoli with specific adaptation for organic production systems. There were very few differences between broccoli materials developed by formally trained plant breeders and farmer breeders. This was especially true for the three cultivars developed in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) (one in Washington and two in Oregon). The 'East Coast' population, which had been collaboratively selected by formal and farmer breeders in New York, expressed significantly distinct differences from the PNW materials. When the farmer breeder and formal breeder materials were pooled together and compared to pooled check cultivars they expressed significant differences for nearly all traits across all years. This demonstrated that all of the collaboratively developed open pollinated materials are distinctly different from the F1 hybrids currently available. Our work has demonstrated a few of the myriad of positive outcomes achievable with the use of participatory plant breeding for organic production systems. The participatory nature of this project resulted in increased confidence and feelings of empowerment for all involved. Both farmers and breeders felt their involvement was socially beneficial and widened their networking and seed community circles. The farmer-bred cultivar 'Solstice' is now available as a result of Jonathan Spero's work, and a cultivar tentatively named 'Benton' is about to be released for sale through Oregon State University. Our results agree with previous study findings that formal and farmer breeder selections are often not distinctly different; thus providing evidence for continuing to support the involvement and education of farmers in plant breeding, especially in reference to organic production systems. This study demonstrates the potential of collaboratively developed and farmer-bred cultivars to become viable and vibrant open pollinated alternatives to the current open pollinated cultivars on the market today. / Graduation date: 2013

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The soils used by the East Coast Organic Producers Trust (ECOPT; the grower group that this study is targeted towards) have exceptionally low soil Olsen P concentrations (ca. 6 mg/L). These and other limitations (e.g. poor weed and pest and disease control) result in many ECOPT growers being unable to produce economic yields on anything other than small scale gardens. Fertilisers and manures are seldom used by these growers, which exacerbates the problem. Thus, the object of this research was to provide information to ECOPT on which fertilisers and application strategies would provide the best returns on their phosphorus (P) fertiliser investment. The experimental work was carried out in two parts. A laboratory study tested a range of phosphate rock (PR) based fertilisers and application rates; Ben Guerir reactive phosphate rock (RPR; 67, 133, 267, 533 and 1,333 mg P/kg soil), BioPhos and BioSuper (267 and 1,333 mg P/kg soil) and a no fertiliser Control. Soil fertiliser mixtures were incubated for 155 days and periodic measurements of PR dissolution, soil pH and Bic-P (analogous to Olsen P but expressed in µg/g) were undertaken. The field study used fewer application rates and two application methods; banded and broadcast. Broadcast plots were applied at 678 mg P/kg soil (488 kg P/ha); banded RPR was applied at 236, 678 and 1475 mg P/kg soil (40, 115 and 250 kg P/ha respectively) and banded BioPhos and BioSuper at 678 mg P/kg soil (115 kg P/ha). A Control was also included. Fertilisers were applied in October 2004 and changes in soil pH and Bic-P were measured in the broadcast plots only over a 344 day period. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Desiree) was the test crop. Regression analysis was used to generate exponential equations to describe the changes in Bic-P over time (∆Bic-P). Differences between fertilisers in the amount of P dissolved and pH fluxes were used to explain the differences in ∆Bic-P. BioSuper dissolved quicker and generated greater ∆Bic-P than RPR and BioPhos, which were similar. Higher application rates produced greater increases in Bic-P than lower rates but decreased the % of P applied that dissolved. The increase in Bic-P over time from fertiliser application was much slower in the field compared with the laboratory. This was put down to differences in experimental conditions; mainly soil pH and soil aggregate surface area. Potato tuber yield (mean = 35 t/ha) did not respond to any of the fertiliser treatments despite a significant increase in P concentration of the shoots mid-way through the season in all broadcast treatments (shoot P concentration was not analysed in the banded plots). Water and N availability were the main limiting factors in this season as the crop was not irrigated and soil N supply was insufficient to produce a full canopy. Phosphorus response curves generated using the fertiliser response model PARJIB (Reid, 2002), and an economic analysis, indicated that for RPR and BioPhos the optimum economic application rate was 200 kg P/ha and for BioSuper it was 100 kg P/ha (applied every third and second year respectively).