Experiences in Integrated Nutrient Management in Chile: Microbial Activity Under Different Scenarios.

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a concept that is being expanding its use under intensive agriculture in Chile, with the aim of improving yield and fruit quality. It is based on the use of high-quality organic matter, along with proper fertilizer rates, and, the optional application of bioinoculants; it also includes the use of available tools for diagnosis and follow up for soil, plant tissue, the use of highly efficient fertilizers, such those with nitrification inhibitors, and site-specific management. The INM does not pretend to transform intensive agriculture into organic one, but intends to integrate some aspects of organic production into traditional management, particularly developing biological and physical fertility to improve root system and nutrient use efficiency.

Several field and pot experiments on the use of INM practices have been performed during the last few years, in different crops and soils. Microbial count and activity, as well as diversity indices, have been measured in those experiments.

The present work had for objective to summarize the main effects of INM on microbial activity.