RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF PHOSPHORUS SOURCES IN GRAIN AMARANTH PRODUCTION

Productivity of grain amaranth can be improved at a reduced cost through combined use of low-cost rock phosphate (RP) phosphorus sources as well as selection of amaranth varieties with high phosphorus (P) use efficiencies. Rock phosphate sources are known to exhibit differences with respect to grain yield, disease tolerance and P use efficiency (PUE) in amaranth varieties. However, very little is known about their residual release of P. It is probable that the differential performances exhibited by the RPs might be a function of their P residual properties after cropping. Based on these premises this study was carried out to evaluate the residual effects of P sources under continuous croppings for grain amaranth production. The study was a factorial experiment with four replications. Four P sources: single super phosphate – SSP, ogun rock phosphate – ORP, sokoto rock phosphate – SRP, and control; three amaranth varieties: NH84/493, NH84/445 and NH84/452 were factorially combined with two soil types: Kandiudult and Haplustalf. In order to monitor the residual effects of the P sources the experimental plots were cropped consecutively three times. Results from the study revealed that sandy loam Haplustalf was better than the clayey Kandiudult soil in improving grain amaranth yield under continuous cropping system. Grain yield and relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) decreased with continuous cropping for SSP but increased with continuous cropping for ORP and SRP till second cropping, thereafter there was a decrease. Averaged over the three continuous consecutive croppings, SRP and ORP were 68.9% and 73.5% as effective as SSP in increasing grain yield respectively. It was concluded therefore that ORP and Haplustalf soil are best options for grain amaranth production under continuous cropping system.     

Effect of two moisture regimes on P-release from P treated soils

Understanding phosphorus (P) release under different climatic or moisture regimes will facilitate effective management of plant nutrition. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of two soil moisture regimes on P release from Ogun rock phosphate (ORP) and Sokoto rock phosphate (SRP) in two soil types. Soil was poured into soil columns to form lower and top layers. Top layer was mixed with 400 kg ha^?1 P from ORP, SRP, single super phosphate (SSP) and leached with 35.4 cm³ water representing low moisture regime (LMR; 400 mm rainfall) and 106.1 cm³ water for high moisture regime (HMR; 1200 mm rainfall). P concentrations of leachates, available P in soil and soil pH were determined. Cumulative P leached was higher under HMR than LMR in both soils. There was more leaching with SSP (0.41–0.97 mg P) than both phosphate rocks (0.008–0.19 mg P) indicating leaching potential of SSP. Cumulative P leached from SSP treated Olokemeji soils was twice that of acidic Sapoba under LMR while they were similar (Olokemeji, 0.97 mg P; Sapoba, 0.94 mg P) under HMR suggesting that LMR enhances fixation of P in acidic soils. Irrigation of P fertilized soils may reduce P sorption in acidic soils.     

Unacidulated and partially acidulated Phosphate Rock as P sources in an acid Ultisol in the forest zone of southeastern Nigeria

The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) of phosphate rock (PR) and its 50% partially acidulatet form (PAPR) (less soluble P sources) relative to single superphosphate (SSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) (soluble sources) was studied in a two year field trial with maize in an acid Ultisol in the forest zone of southeastern Nigeria. All the P sources increased top growth, grain, and stover yields over the control. The RAE of PR relative to SSP was lower in the first year (25 and 38% for dry matter (DM) and grain yield (GY) respectively) compared to the second (64 and 58% for DM and GY respectively). Partial acidulation increased the yields by 17 and 7% for DM and GY, respectively, in the first year but not in the second. The RAE of PR and PAPR relative to DAP followed the same trend. The response curves of DM, and GY to rates of applied P showed that lower grain yields were produced in the first compared to the second year. The soluble and less soluble sources built up the Bray 1 extractable P to levels adequate for maize production in the agroecological zone.     

Agronomic Evaluation of Phosphorus Sources in Lowland Rice Production

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors in lowland rice production on Brazilian Inceptisol. The objective of this study was to evaluate eight P sources for lowland rice production. The P sources were simple superphosphate (SSP), polymer-coated simple superphosphate (PSSP), ammoniated simple superphosphate (ASSP), polymer-coated ammoniated simple superphosphate (PASSP), triple superphosphate (TSP), polymer-coated triple superphosphate (PTSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (PMAP). These P sources were applied in four rates (i.e., 50, 100 200, and 400 mg P kg^?1) + one control treatment (0 mg P kg^?1). Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle number, and root dry weight were significantly increased in a quadratic fashion with increasing P levels from 0 to 400 mg kg^?1 of all the P sources evaluated. However, overall maximum root length and P-use efficiency were significantly less at greater P levels. Based on regression equation, maximum plant height was obtained with 262 mg P kg, maximum straw yield was obtained with 263 mg P kg^?1, maximum grain yield was obtained with 273 mg P kg^?1, and maximum panicle density was obtained with 273 mg P kg^?1. Plant growth and yield components had significant positive association with grain yield, except maximum root length. Based on grain yield and average P rate of maximum grain yield, which is 273 mg kg^?1, P sources were classified for P-use efficiency in the order of PSSP = TSP > PTSP > PASSP > SSP > MAP > ASSP. Soil chemical properties [pH; P; potassium (K); calcium (Ca); magnesium (Mg); hydrogen (H) + aluminum (Al); cation exchange capacity (CEC); base saturation; Ca, Mg, and K saturation; acidity saturation; Ca/Mg, Ca/K, and Mg/K ratios] changed significantly with the addition of different P treatments.     

Evaluation of phosphorus availability from three phosphorus sources in Nigerian soils

Abstract

In an attempt to search for a cheaper source of phosphorus (P), both for direct application and industrial use, three P fertilizers were evaluated in incubation and greenhouse studies. Indigenous Sokoto rock phosphate (SRP) imported, Togo rock phosphate (TRP), and conventional single superphosphate (SSP) were applied on three soil types namely Oxisol, Ultisol, and Alfisol at rates ranging from 0–800 mg P kg^‐1 soil. Evaluation of the P sources was conducted for 12 weeks in incubation study, and five weeks in the greenhouse using maize as test crop. Evaluation of direct application of SSP and SRP on an oxic paleudult was carried out in the field for three years. The results of incubation studies revealed in general, that P availability increased as fertilizer rates increased. The P availability was, however, greater when SSP was applied on the Alfisol than on the Oxisol and Ultisol. The rock phosphates on the other hand were more efficient on acid soils than on soils neutral in pH. Optimum P availability from the fertilizers was observed to occur predominantly between four and eight weeks of incubation. In the greenhouse study, SSP gave the highest cumulative P uptake and optimum rate of application was 200 mg P kg^‐1 soil, while optimum rate for rock phosphate was 400 mg P kg^‐1 soil. The agronomic effectiveness (EA) of the rock phosphates was about 40% relative to SSP on the Alfisol. The EA, however, for TRP and SRP was 120% and 160%, respectively, on the Oxisol, while on the Ultisol, SRP was equally effective as SSP and TRP had 65% effectiveness. The results of the field trial indicated that the SRP had 54%, 83%, and 107% agronomic effectiveness of SSP, respectively, in the first, second, and third year of cropping. Optimum rate for SSP and SRP application was considered to be 50 and 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1, respectively.     

Comparative Efficiency of Phosphorus Sources for Upland Rice Production

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for more than 50% of the world’s population, and phosphorus (P) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for rice production in tropical acidic soils worldwide. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate efficiency of six P sources for upland rice production. The P sources used were simple superphosphate (SSP), polymer-coated SSP (PSSP), triple superphosphate (TSP), polymer-coated TSP (PTSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and polymer-coated MAP (PMAP). There were four P rates [50, 100 200, and 400 mg phosphorus (P) kg^?1] applied with four sources plus one control treatment [0 mg phosphorus (P) kg^?1]. Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle density, root dry weight, maximum root length, and 1000-grain weight were significantly increased with increasing P rates in the range of 0 to 400 mg P kg^?1. However, P-use efficiency (mg grain produced per mg P applied) was decreased with increasing P rate. Based on regression equation, overall maximum plant height was obtained with the application of 235 mg P kg^?1, maximum straw yield with the application of 265 mg P kg^?1, and maximum grain yield at 227 mg P kg^?1. Based on maximum grain yield, the P source were classified as PMAP > SSP = MAP > PSSP > TSP > PTSP in the upland rice production efficiency. Overall, maximum panicle density was obtained with the addition of 231 mg P kg^?1 and maximum 1000-weight was obtained with the addition of 226 mg P kg^?1. Similarly, overall root dry weight and maximum root length were achieved with the application of 261 and 298 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Most of the growth and yield components had a significant positive association with grain yield. Optimum soil acidity indices such as pH; exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K); Ca, Mg, and K saturation; base saturation; and acidity saturation were established for maximum upland rice grain yield.     

Akkumulation und Mobilisation von Phosphaten in einer Schwarzerde im Statischen Dauerversuch Lauchstädt - Betrachtung der P-Bilanz nach 84 Versuchsjahren

Accumulation and Mobilisation of Phosphate in Haplic chernozem of the Static Long-Term Experiment at Lauchstädt - Consideration of the P-Balance after 84 Years Phosphate balance was calculated and various soil P parameters of a long-term field experiment at Lauchstädt were determined in which mineral fertilizer and farm yard manure were applied in rates of 0 to 54 kg P/ha/year. The various fertilizer treatments resulted in a considerable variation of the P balance sheet ranging from -738 to 2652 kg P/ha. This implies that 59 % of the applied P (cumulated maximum 4477 kgP/ha) remained in the soil, the rest was taken up by crops. Assuming a balanced P supply in which crop P uptake equaled the P fertilizer rate, a rate of 12, 9 kgP/ha/year would be required. This rate was approximately calculated for the various treatments having received farm yard manure. Phosphate mobilized from the soil (up to 738 kg P/ha) was related to factors which had an impact on crop yield. The decrease of total P in the upper soil layer (0 to 25 cm) was lower than the cumulative P uptake of crops. It is therefore assumed that a considerable proportion of P taken up by crops came from the subsoil. The change in the P balance sheet obtained during 84 years was clearly reflected by various soil parameters including the maximum P adsorption capacity which was highest in the treatment with the largest P deficit (NK treatment).     

Spacing and Plant Density in the Yield Components,Nutritional Status,and Soil Fertility of Guarana Varieties Grown in Humid Tropical Amazon

In agriculture there is a tendency to reduce spacing between plant rows, both for perennial and annual plants. Yield gains have been associated with the use of this technique. However, in the case of perennial plants, this technique was found to reduce productivity in older orchards because of the greater competition between plants caused by the increased volume of the crown and root system, resulting in lower photosynthetic efficiency, increased infestation with fungal diseases, and greater competition in nutrient uptake. In addition to yield, efficient management should consider soil fertility, nutritional status, and the growth of the guarana variety. The present study aimed to assess the effects of spacing and plant density on grain yield, soil fertility, and nutritional status of two guarana varieties (BRS Amazonas and BRS Maués). The plant density studied were 625 (4 m × 4 m), 833 (4 m × 3 m), 1,111 (3 m × 3 m), 1,666 (3 m × 2 m), 2,500 (2 m × 2 m), and 5,000 (2 m × 1 m) plants per hectare distributed in randomized block design with three replicates. The high plant density has significantly increased grain yield in the guarana varieties, with changes in launch number, trunk diameter, and crown diameter. Regarding macronutrients, in the average of the varieties, the mean foliar concentration had the following sequence: nitrogen (N) > potassium (K) > calcium (Ca) > phosphorus (P) > sulfur (S) > magnesium (Mg), whereas for micronutrients it was manganese (Mn) > iron (Fe) > boron (B) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). The differences in the foliar concentrations of the varieties and in soil fertility are important tools for the selection of materials with better capacity of uptake and/or translocation of nutrients, resulting in greater grain yield.     

Introduction of composted rock phosphate and poultry manure enhances winter wheat phosphorus use efficiency,grain yield and soil quality

This field study evaluates the integrated impact of poultry manure (PM), rock phosphate (RP), composted rock phosphate (CRP) and single super phosphate (SSP) on the growth, yield, and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of winter wheat and their effect on postharvest soil characteristics. The seven treatments were as follows: T₁ = control; T₂ = SSP full; T₃ = PM full; T₄ = RP full; T₅ = CRP full; T₆ = 50% SSP + 50% CRP (50:50); T₇ = 50% PM + 50% CRP (50:50) at a recommended P rate of 90 kg ha^?1. The combined treatment with PM + CRP produced the highest straw yield of 3582 kg ha^?1, grain yield of 2226 kg ha^?1, P uptake of 21.3 kg ha^?1, and PUE of 18%. The postharvest soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and soil available phosphorus were sig-nificantly higher in integrated treatments.     

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS SOURCES ON THE GROWTH,YIELD, ENERGY CONTENT AND PHOSPHORUS UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY IN MAIZE AT RAWALAKOT AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR,PAKISTAN

Effect of poultry manure (PM) and four inorganic phosphorus (P) fertilizers sources, i.e., diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP), nitrophos (NP) and triple super phosphate (TSP) on crop production and P utilization efficiency (PUE) of maize was studied. Both inorganic P fertilizers and PM applied alone or combined in 50:50 proportions at equivalent rate of 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1. Results indicated that inorganic P sources with PM significantly increased plant height, leaf area and chlorophyll content. Average values showed that combined application of inorganic P with PM increased grain yield by 19 and 41% over inorganic P and PM alone, respectively. Similarly, increase in P-uptake due to the combined application of inorganic P + PM was 17% compared to sole inorganic P. Phosphorus utilization efficiency of inorganic P was increased with PM and the highest PUE was recorded in DAP + PM. Generally, combination of DAP + PM proved superior over the remaining P fertilizers.     

Screening of Basmati Rice Varieties for their Arsenic Accumulation in Punjab,North-West India

A pot study was conducted to screen different basmati rice varieties for their accumulation of arsenic (As). Different amounts of arsenic (0–800 µg/L) were applied through irrigation water to four basmati rice varieties (Pusa basmati-1121, Pusa Punjab basmati-1509, Punjab basmati-2, and Punjab basmati-3). Highest arsenic concentration was found in the grains of Punjab basmati-3 and lowest in the grains of Pusa Punjab basmati-1509. In all varieties, grain As concentration ranged from 0.038 to 0.288 mg/kg, which was within the permissible limit of 1.0 mg/kg in rice grain recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). In husk, highest As concentration was found in Pusa basmati-1121 and lowest in Punjab basmati-2. Among the four varieties, highest content of As was accumulated in roots and straw of Pusa Punjab basmati-1509, whereas least was accumulated in Punjab basmati-2. The distribution of arsenic among plant parts was found in the order: roots > straw > husk > grain. The mean arsenic concentrations in grain, husk, straw, and root of basmati rice varieties increased with increasing concentration of arsenic in irrigation water. Highest grain yield was obtained in Pusa Punjab basmati-1509 variety due to lesser accumulation of arsenic compared with other varieties. Rice yield, plant height, root weight, straw weight, test weight, effective tiller, and filled grain per panicle decreased with increase in arsenic concentration in irrigated water.     

Soil and Rice Responses to Phosphate Fertilizer in Two Contrasting Seasons on Acid Sulfate Soil

Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are characterized by low pH, aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) toxicity and are typically deficient in phosphate (PO₄). The application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer could help reduce the level of exchangeable Al and Fe, thereby improving the rice growth and yield. Five levels of P (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅)/ha) were tested with rice varieties MTL560 in the wet season and MTL480 in the dry season. The optimum rate of P was 60 kg P₂O₅/ha for rice in the dry season and 80 kg P₂O₅/ha in the wet season. Soil testing showed at the start of the season that there was sufficient P in the soil. At the end of the season there was a reduction in soil Al and Fe in plots that had P rates above 40 kg P₂O₅/ha. It is therefore likely that P application reduced Al and Fe toxicity through precipitation and formation of Al-P and Fe-P compounds, which boasted yield, rather amending a soil P deficiency.     

Soil nutrient status and yield of rice as affected by long-term integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers

Nutrient balance is the key component to increase crop yields. Excess and imbalanced use of nutrients has caused nutrient mining from the soil and deteriorated crop productivity and ultimately soil health. Replenishment of these nutrients has a direct impact on soil health and crop productivity. Based on this fact, the present research was conducted to determine the effects of long-term integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil nutrient status and yield (grain and straw) in rice. Different combinations of inorganic nitrogen (N) and organic sources (sewage sludge and compost) were applied to the soil. Data revealed that application of mineral NPK in combination with 50% N through compost significantly increased the organic matter content (0.36%), available phosphorus (16.50 kg/ha) and available potassium content (239.80 kg/ha) in soil. The maximum available N (225.12 kg/ha) was found by the substitution of 50% N through sewage sludge. This improvement in soil nutrient status through combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers produced significant increase in grain and straw yield as compared to inorganic fertilizers alone. Maximum grain (6.96 t/ha) and straw (8.56 t/ha) yields were found in treatment having substitution of 50% N (recommended) through compost @10t/ha. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between soil nutrients and straw and grain yield in rice. Thus the study demonstrated that substitution of 50% inorganic N through compost will be a good alternative for improving soil fertility.     

Nutrient constraint of rainfed rice production in foot slope soil of Guinea Forest in Côte d’Ivoire

Soil nutrient deficiencies can affect rice yield and grain mineral content wherever they occur, but an understanding of their effect on upland rice production in humid forest zone of West Africa is still limited. Therefore, a nutrient omission trial was conducted on foot slope soil in 2003, 2004 and 2005 in Côte d’Ivoire using rice variety WAB 56–104. The effect on rice grain yield (GY) and nutrient content of complete fertilizer (Fc with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn)) was compared with Fc from which a specific nutrient was excluded (Fc – N, Fc – P, Fc – K, Fc – Ca, Fc – Mg and Fc – Zn). Before the trial, soil K (0.10 cmol kg^?1) and Mg (0.20 cmol kg^?1) contents were suitable, but available P-Bray I (4.2 mg kg^?1) was found to be deficient. In course of the study, K, Mg and P deficiencies were observed. An antagonistic effect was observed between rice GY and grain concentrations in P, Mg and Ca for treatments Fc – Mg, Fc – P and Fc – K, respectively. Therefore, the use of P, K and Mg fertilizers is recommended for successive cropping seasons in order to rich stable and high rice yield while decreasing of grain concentrations in P, Mg and Ca can be observed.     

Agronomic evaluation of phosphorus fertilizers developed from sokoto rock phosphate in Nigeria

Abstract

Sokoto rock phosphate (SRP) obtained from Sokoto in the Northern Nigeria was evaluated with some other phosphorus (P) sources viz: Partially acidulated rock phosphate (PARP) and single superphosphate (SSP) in the greenhouse and field studies. These fertilizers were also compared with nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK) 11–12–11–9.7S‐1.4Zn and NPK 10–20–5–6.5S which have 80% of their P as rock phosphate and were formulated through compaction. The fertilizers were applied in the greenhouse at 0–400 mg kg^‐1soil on the Oyo Arenic Haplustalf and Alagba Kandiudult soil. Field trials were carried out at four locations—at Ikenne in the humid, Samara in the subhumid, Gumi and Gusau in the semi‐arid zones of Nigeria. The fertilizers were applied at 0–150 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1 in the humid zone and 0–100 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1in the subhumid and semi‐arid zones. Maize was used as test crop in most sites except at Samaru where sorghum was planted. The results of the greenhouse study showed that on the Haplustalf, PARP, and NPK 10–20–5–6.5S gave almost a similar relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE about 70%) as SSP, which was followed by SRP and NPK 11–12–11–9.7S‐1.4Zn (RAE between 50 and 60%). On the Kandiudult, the RAE of the fertilizers increased significantly. The PARP and NPK 10–20–5–6.55S gave high effectiveness (RAE about 90%) relative to SSP. The field trials results indicated that ground SRP was suitable for direct application on slightly acid soil in the humid zone (annual rainfall > 1,200 mm). Its efficiency was fairly moderate in the subhumid and quite low in the semi‐arid zones (annual rainfall <900 mm). The PARP gave higher RAE than SRP and had almost similar efficiency as for NPK 10–20–5–6.5S. The PARP was well comparable to SSP in the humid and subhumid zones and was fairly comparable to the later in the semi‐arid. This suggests that PARP may be suitable for humid and subhumid zones and the physical quality was also superior to SRP and SSP. Application of SRP on soils in the semi‐arid zones of low rainfall gave relatively low yields which could be due to inadequate moisture availability required to enhance P solubilization.     

不同水分条件下氮肥形态配比对苋菜养分与产量的影响

研究了不同水分与氮肥形态配比对苋菜养分和产量的的影响,结果表明:同一水分条件下,苋菜的N,P,Fe含量随NH4 -N比例的增大而增加;K,Ca含量随NH4 -N比例的增大而减小。苋菜的产量随NO3--N比例的增大而增加。同一施肥条件下,苋菜N,P,Fe含量随水分的增加而增加;苋菜的K,Ca含量、产量以中水处理最高。     

Grain yield,nitrogen use efficiency and tillage intensity in wheat as affected by precision nutrient management

ABSTRACT

The present studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of different nutrient management practices under two tillage options in wheat. The experiments were laid out in split-plot design with a combination of two varieties (WH 1105 and HD 2967) and two tillage options (Conventional and No tillage) in the main plot and six precision nutrient management practices [absolute control, site-specific nutrient management with Nutrient Expert for wheat (SSNM-NE)(170 kg nitrogen (N)/ha), SSNM NE+GreenSeeker (GS)(153/158 N kg/ha), N₁₂₀ (120 kg N/ha) before irrigation, N₁₂₀ after irrigation and N Rich (180 kg N/ha)] in subplot replicated thrice. The grain yield and quality characters in no tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) were similar but agronomic efficiency was higher in NT. Both the varieties (WH 1105 and HD 2967) gave similar grain yield and quality. Wheat variety WH 1105 recorded significantly higher sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation (SDS) and gluten index. The treatment SSNM NE+GS had resulted in 107.1% higher grain yield than no nitrogen control but similar to enriched N plot (180 kg N/ha). The grain protein, SDS and gluten index in need-based nutrient management (SSNM+GS) treatment were found to be similar as recorded in SSNM-NE (170 kgN/ha) and N enriched plot (180 kg N ha^?1). The agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency in SSNM+GS were also better than SSNM NE.     

Dynamics of Iron Oxides in Two Benchmark Inland Valley Soils and Rice Grain Yields in Nigeria

An investigation was conducted on two contrasting inland valley soils (Fluvauents and Tropaquents) over two cropping seasons (1993, 1994, and 1995) in two benchmark wetlands in Nigeria, and the contents and dynamics of iron (Fe) forms (active and organic) were examined when two different rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivars (‘ITA 212’ and ‘Suakoko 8’) were planted. Results showed that active Fe ranged between 0.96 and 3.16% on Fluvaquents and between 1.57 and 4.73% on Tropaquents; organic Fe, on the other hand, ranged between 0.05 and 2.84% (Fluvaquent) and between 0.60 and 2.38% (Tropaquents). Dynamics of the two Fe forms did not follow any clear pattern in the two cropping seasons on both soil types. On Fluvaquents, grain yields (GY) ranged between 2.40 and 3.46 t/ha (‘ITA 212’) and between 2.35 and 3.15t/ha (‘Suakoko 8’). Similarly, on Tropaquents, the GY ranged between 0.68 and 2.13 t/ha (‘ITA 212’) and between 0.61 and 2.11 t/ha (‘Suakoko 8’). Generally, the GY on Fluvaquents was higher than on Tropaquents and declined in the second cropping seasons. Results further showed that active Fe is significantly negatively correlated with GYs of rice. Critical active Fe and organic Fe contents for lowland rice on these soils were 2.90 and 1.80%, respectively.     

Interactive effects of plant growth regulators and nitrogen on corn growth and nitrogen use efficiency

Our objective was to determine the combined effect of some plant growth regulators and nitrogen (N) on corn growth, yield and nitrogen use efficiency. A potted experiment was conducted with two levels of growth regulators [i.e. with or without treatment with Seed king (Kinetine), Root king (Indole-butyric acid) and More king (Chitosan)], two maize cultivars (Calabar White and Obatanpa-98 and three nitrogen rates (0, 90 and 180 kg/ha in the form of urea). The measured parameters were growth attributes, nitrogen uptake, dry matter yield, harvest-index, shoot to root ratio, yield attributes and agronomic and physiological nitrogen use efficiency. Calabar White had taller plants (154.53 cm) more leaves (12.00) and larger leaf area (466.98 cm²) than obatanpa-98 at 6 weeks after sowing. The dry matter yield of both leaf and stem increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing N rates but the growth regulators significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased only the leaf dry matter. The interaction between growth regulators and nitrogen significantly affected the leaf dry matter but not the stem dry matter. There was a considerable (P ≤ 0.05) increase in harvest-index (HI) at the 90 kg/ha N rate with growth regulators and Obatanpa-98 had better HI (30.81%) than Calabar White (27.41%). Obatanpa 98 also had much (P ≤ 0.05) higher grain yield (87.42 g/plant) than Calabar White (65.40 g/plant) but for both cultivars, the grain yield increased progressively with increasing N rate. The uptake of N differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) among the different partitions of maize (leaves, stems and grains) at various growth stages. Calabar White had the highest N uptake in the leaves and stem whether at silking or at harvest. Obatanpa-98 partitioned more N to the grains than Calabar White. Agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (ANUE) was highest (21.31 gg^?1) at the 90 kg/ha N rate with Obatanpa-98 having a superior (20.26 gg^?1) ANUE to Calabar White (15.94 gg^?1). The physiological nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) was also highest (8.14 g/kg) at the 90 kg/ha N rate with Obatanpa-98 being more efficient (8.08 gkg) than Calabar White (6.26 g/kg). Thus, both cultivars treated with 90 kgN/ha with or without growth regulators would best optimize nitrogen fertilizer use. However, the growth regulators increased the yield of Calabar White significantly only when no N was applied. In contrast, they increased the yield of the hybrid Obatanpa-98 at all N rates especially at the 180 kgN/ha rate. Thus, under the low input cropping common with Calabar White, treatment with the growth regulators would boost yield. A combined treatment of 180 kg N/ha with the growth regulators would ensure the best yield of Obatanpa-98.     

Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization of a Coastal Plain Cotton–Peanut Rotation

Abstract

A cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)–peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) rotation is widely practiced in the southern coastal plain following the reemergence of cotton as a major crop in the 1990s. Very few plant nutrition studies have been conducted in the coastal plain (CP) with modern cotton varieties and none with the cotton–peanut rotation. Experiments with varying rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were conducted to determine if the recommendations from soil tests provide adequate nutrition for maximizing profit when yield goals are Georgia state averages, due to other conditions. From 1996 through 1998, N, P, and K experiments were conducted in cotton crops, and P and K experiments were conducted in peanut crops on Tifton loamy sand. Initial Mehlich‐1 P was 2 to 3 mg/kg (“low”) and Mehlich‐1 K was 50 to 64 mg/kg (“medium” for cotton and “high” for peanut). Each crop was grown each year. State average yields of cotton and peanuts were produced. There was no response in cotton yield to N rates from 34 to 136 kg N/ha. Lack of response may have been due to the fact that the field had not been in production for several years prior to 1996 and there was ample soil mineral N. In 1997 and 1998, residual N provided by N fixation by the previous peanut crop appeared to be sufficient. Maximum profit from P fertilization in cotton was attained at 50 kg P/ha, the recommendation from the soil test. However, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service recommendation to double the P rate for new land with a “low” Mehlich‐1 P soil test was not validated. Cotton yield did not respond to K fertilization even though an application of 55 kg K/ha/year was recommended from the soil test. Peanut yield and grade did not respond to either P or K fertilization. The recommendation from the soil test was 40 kg P/ha/year and no K. Estimates of P removal were 11 kg/ha for cotton and 8 mg/ha for peanut crops. Estimates of K removal were 25 kg/ha for cotton and 22 kg/ha for peanut crops. Over 3 years, soil P was not depleted, but soil K was depleted. Approximately 12 kg P/ha were required to raise soil test P 1 mg/kg and 18 kg K/ha were required to raise soil test K 1 mg/kg (49 lb. P₂O₅ to increase the P test 1 lb./acre, 38 lb. K₂O to raise the K test 1 lb./acre). Additional studies are needed, but the current studies suggest that revisions in recommendations are needed for both cotton and peanut crops.