生物质炭与氮肥配施降低水稻重金属含量的盆栽试验

针对重金属污染严重的土壤,探索施用氮肥和生物质炭减少水稻重金属吸收的可行性。该研究采用盆栽试验,选用生物质炭、硫硝铵氮肥(简称普通氮肥)和含硝化抑制剂3,4-二甲基吡唑磷酸盐的硫硝铵氮肥(简称3,4-dimethylpyrazolephosphate,DMPP氮肥),设置了5种处理包括对照即未添加氮肥和生物质炭、普通氮肥添加、DMPP氮肥添加、生物质炭+普通氮肥添加和生物质炭+DMPP氮肥添加,研究了不同处理对水稻华航丝苗(Oryza sativa L.)生长和重金属Cu、Zn和Cd吸收特性的影响。结果表明,不配施生物质炭时,DMPP氮肥对水稻籽粒产量无显著(P0.05)影响;生物质炭与普通氮肥或DMPP氮肥配施均能增加水稻籽粒产量:与单施普通氮肥相比,生物质炭与普通氮肥配施水稻籽粒产量显著(P0.05)增加20.3%;与单施DMPP氮肥相比,生物质炭与DMPP氮肥配施水稻籽粒产量显著(P0.05)增加49.3%。与不施肥对照相比,生物质炭与DMPP氮肥配施能降低籽粒Cu、Zn和Cd含量,其籽粒Cu、Zn和Cd质量分数分别显著降低20.0%、21.4%和11.6%。未配施生物质炭时DMPP促进Cu从秸秆向籽粒的转移,配施生物质炭时DMPP促进Cu和Cd从根向秸秆的转移;生物质炭与不同氮肥配施对水稻籽粒/秸秆和秸秆/根Cu、Zn和Cd转运系数的影响因配施氮肥品种不同而存在差异。综上,生物质炭与DMPP氮肥配施可降低籽粒中重金属Cu、Zn和Cd质量分数,促进水稻生长,增加水稻籽粒产量,适宜在多重金属污染稻田施用。     

调理剂配合紫云英还田降低水稻土镉的生物有效性

  【目的】  研究紫云英(Astragalus sinicus L.)还田及配施石灰或生物炭等不同土壤调理剂,对镉(Cd)污染水稻土中Cd有效性及水稻吸收转运Cd的影响,以期为我国南方Cd污染稻田的修复和水稻的安全生产提供理论依据和技术支撑。  【方法】  盆栽试验在湖南省土壤肥料研究所科研实验基地进行,供试土壤为重度污染的水稻土 (总镉 1.27 mg/kg、有效镉0.15 mg/kg)。以水稻收获后冬闲为对照(CT),设冬季种植并翻压等量紫云英3个处理:紫云英单独还田(GM)、紫云英还田+石灰(GL)、紫云英还田+生物炭(GB)。在水稻分蘖期和成熟期,测定土壤主要理化性质和有效Cd含量,测定水稻各器官吸收和富集Cd量,并于成熟期测定水稻产量。  【结果】  1) GM处理提高了水稻分蘖期土壤有效Cd含量和水稻根部Cd富集系数,但GM处理降低了分蘖期水稻茎叶Cd含量,对稻米中Cd含量没有显著影响;GM处理对水稻成熟期土壤pH无显著影响,但提高土壤微生物量碳(MBC)的效果最好(P<0.05)。2) GL处理和GB处理均显著提高了土壤pH,降低了土壤Cd活化率和有效Cd含量,两处理分别平均降低了分蘖期水稻根部Cd累积量55.4%和57.8%。与紫云英单独还田(GM)相比,紫云英配施石灰还田(GL)减少了稻米中Cd的累积量,而紫云英配施生物炭还田(GB)提高了成熟期水稻根部Cd富集系数和茎叶–籽粒的Cd转运系数,导致水稻籽粒中Cd含量(0.08 mg/kg)显著高于对照(低于国家稻米Cd含量标准)。3)冗余分析(RDA)和随机森林模型预测结果显示,土壤pH、可溶性有机碳(DOC)和土壤有效磷(AP)是决定土壤Cd生物有效性的最重要的环境因子。  【结论】  紫云英还田提高了水稻产量,配施石灰或生物炭还田可通过提高土壤pH而有效降低土壤有效Cd含量。紫云英配施石灰可减少稻米中的Cd含量,而紫云英配施高量生物炭则会增加稻米Cd污染的风险。     

不同形态氮肥对玉米产量和土壤浸提性有机质的影响

田间条件下,研究了不同形态氮肥(尿素、NH4+-N和NO3--N)对玉米产量、根际和非根际土壤氮和浸提性有机质的影响.结果表明,施氮处理的产量和吸氮量明显高于不施肥处理;施氮处理中,NO3--N和尿素处理开花前吸氮量显著高于NH4+-N处理,产量也略高于NH4+-N处理,但未达到显著水平;不同氮形态处理之间的土壤NH4+-N、NO3--N和浸提性有机碳(EOC)、氮(EON)没有差异;抽雄期EOC最高,与根系生长发育一致,而EON苗期相对最高.可见,在基础肥力较高的黑土上,不同形态氮肥对玉米产量、土壤养分影响不明显.     

氮肥配施增效剂实现寒地水稻增产、提质与增效

研究氮肥增效剂对寒地水稻产量、品质及氮素利用的影响,旨在为制定合理的稻田氮素管理措施及增产、提质和增效策略提供科学依据。2017年和2018年在黑龙江省方正县设置田间试验,研究氮肥配施硝化抑制剂和脲酶抑制剂对水稻产量、品质、氮素利用和转化及经济收益的影响。结果表明:尿素配施硝化抑制剂CP和脲酶抑制剂NBPT(N+NI+UI)显著提高水稻产量,2017年较氮肥处理(N)水稻籽粒、秸秆和总生物量分别增产6.4%,4.9%和5.8%,2018年分别增产8.8%,7.2%和8.2%。施用氮肥增效剂可以提高寒地水稻碾磨品质、外观品质和营养品质,并促进水稻氮素吸收,提高氮肥利用效率。与N处理相比,N+NI+UI处理水稻氮肥表观利用率、氮肥农学效率和氮肥偏生产力分别提高15.6%,19.1%和7.6%。CP和NBPT配施对氮素转化表现出明显的协同抑制效果,延迟和降低土壤NH4^+—N含量峰值,保持水稻生育期较高的NH4^+—N含量,延长了氮素供应时间。施用氮肥增效剂可使寒地水稻增收2499.08元/hm^2。可见,寒地水稻氮肥配施硝化抑制剂CP与脲酶抑制剂NBPT能够延长氮素释放周期,促进水稻氮素吸收,增加水稻产量,改善水稻品质,提高氮肥利用效率,增加经济效益。     

不同形态氮肥对苗期玉米镉富集的影响

为了探究不同形态氮肥对苗期玉米生长及富集镉(Cd)的影响,采用室内水培试验,在重金属Cd处理下,分别施加4和8 mmol/L N含量的硝态(NO^3-)、铵态(NH4+)、酰胺态(尿素)氮肥培养12 d后,比较不同施氮处理下玉米的生长状况和吸收富集Cd的差异。研究结果表明:与不添加重金属Cd的全营养液培养处理相比,添加重金属Cd会显著抑制玉米的生长发育。在Cd胁迫下,施加氮肥会显著促进苗期玉米生长和对Cd的吸收富集,其中,与其他处理相比,施加NO^3-氮肥处理下玉米对Cd富集系数最大可达204.0,是CK处理的164.5倍;施加NH4+氮肥处理下玉米对Cd的富集系数在3.36～9.51之间,促进吸收不明显,但此时的转运系数为0.19～0.21,是CK的3.8～4.2倍;施加尿素处理对玉米富集Cd的促进效果均介于NO^3-和NH4+处理之间。施氮水平的改变对玉米富集Cd的促进效果影响不显著。因此,在生产实践中应权衡玉米经济产量与重金属富集两大指标,通过选择施加不同形态氮肥来调控玉米对重金属的吸收,找到合理的施肥管理措施为生产实践提供理论依据。     

控释氮肥一次性基施提高谷子产量和氮素利用率

【目的】探索控释氮肥一次性基施对谷子生长、产量和养分利用率的影响,建立高效的谷子一次性施肥技术,为谷子轻简化栽培提供技术支撑。【方法】2015—2016年连续两年在山东泰安,以谷子品种‘济谷16’为试验材料进行了大田试验。控释氮肥为硫包膜尿素 (SN) 和树脂包膜尿素 (RN)。试验以不施肥 (CK) 为对照,在氮素用量相同的前提下,设:常规施肥 (NPK);硫包膜尿素一次性基施 (SN1);2/3硫包膜尿素氮基施 + 1/3尿素氮追施 (SN2);树脂包膜尿素一次性基施 (RN1);2/3树脂包膜尿素氮基施 + 1/3尿素氮追施 (RN2)。分析调查了谷子的产量、养分吸收及农艺性状。【结果】SN1处理的产量两年均为最高,分别达到4190.2、4458.3 kg/hm2,与常规施肥处理相比,产量提高了20.1%～53.5%,氮肥利用率提高了46.0%～56.3%。在施用同种控释氮肥的条件下,控释氮肥一次性基施处理的谷子产量和氮肥利用率显著优于控释氮肥基施 + 追施尿素处理,其中产量增加了5.8%～7.3%,氮素积累量增加1.6%～7.9%,氮肥表观利用率增加了3.7%～19.9%,氮肥生理利用率增加了5.1%～10.1%,氮肥农学利用率增加了21.4%～33.4%。谷子成熟期,不同处理秸秆和籽粒中的全氮、全磷、全钾含量不同,表现为施用同种控释氮肥的条件下,一次性基施处理的籽粒和秸秆氮磷钾含量显著大于基施 + 追施尿素处理。【结论】在谷子种植中,一次性基施控释氮肥可以在节约施肥成本的同时提高谷子产量和氮肥利用率。     

牛粪与秸秆配施对棕壤镉赋存形态及玉米吸收镉的影响

以受镉(Cd)污染的棕壤为供试土壤,采用盆栽方法,研究牛粪与秸秆不同配比对土壤Cd形态及作物吸收Cd的影响。结果表明:(1)与对照相比,牛粪与秸秆氮含量比1∶1,3∶1,5∶1的3个处理分别使可交换态Cd含量下降34.39%,28.04%,20.11%,使有机结合态和残渣态Cd含量显著增加。土壤中可交换态Cd含量与pH呈极显著负相关关系,而残渣态Cd含量与pH呈极显著正相关关系。(2)与对照相比,牛粪与秸秆氮含量比1∶1,3∶1,5∶1的3个处理使土壤pH分别提高0.36,0.17,0.16个单位。(3)牛粪与秸秆配施降低了玉米各部位对镉的吸收,并使Cd主要积累在玉米的根、茎、叶部位,降低了籽粒中Cd含量。牛粪与秸秆氮含量比1∶1,3∶1,5∶1的3个处理使籽粒Cd含量浓度分别减少79.64%,72.70%,56.38%。     

氮肥对镉在土壤-芥菜系统中迁移转化的影响

以芥菜为研究对象, 采用盆栽试验, 探讨了不同用量的5种氮肥对污染农田土壤中镉(Cd)在土壤–根系–地上部迁移累积的影响。结果表明: 5种氮肥均促进了芥菜根系对Cd的吸收, 且根系Cd含量随施氮量的增加而增加; 但根系吸收转运Cd的能力随氮肥施用量的增加呈先降后增的变化趋势。在≤200 mg(N)·kg^-1(土)的施氮水平下, CO(NH₂)₂和Ca(NO₃)₂处理能显著降低芥菜地上部Cd含量, 降低幅度分别为13%~29%和24%~30%。在施氮量相同的条件下, NH₄Cl和(NH₄)₂SO₄显著降低了土壤pH, 增加了土壤DTPA-Cd含量, 促进了芥菜对Cd的吸收。本试验条件下, 200 mg(N)·kg^-1(土)的CO(NH₂)₂在增加芥菜产量和降低芥菜地上部Cd含量等方面优于其他氮肥处理。     

施用预处理秸秆对土壤供氮特征及菠菜产量和品质的影响

采用盆栽试验方法,研究了施入经过预处理的水稻秸秆(预处理秸秆)后土壤的供N特征和菠菜产量与品质的变化。研究结果表明,经预处理后,秸秆中纤维素、半纤维素和二氧化硅的含量显著降低,但可溶性物质含量显著增加;预处理稻秆与N肥配合使用,土壤中微生物量N、有效态N(NO3--N和NH4 -N)含量显著增加,并且在供N方式上具有鲜明的渐进性和持续性;第41天时每钵菠菜的鲜重比对照增产81.4%,菠菜中Vc含量高于单施尿素处理,硝酸盐积累量低于单施尿素处理。可见预处理稻秆配施N肥能显著改善土壤的供N能力,提高菠菜的产量和品质。     

镉积累差异水稻品种生长发育对清除NO的响应

  【目的】   研究一氧化氮 (NO) 对镉 (Cd) 胁迫下水稻苗期生理生化及氮代谢响应的调节作用,探讨通过清除NO提高水稻耐Cd能力的措施。   【方法】   以Cd高积累 (TN1) 和Cd低积累 (春江06) 品种为材料,进行了Cd胁迫 (40 μmol/L) 水培试验。以Cd胁迫营养液为对照,在对照基础上设置添加硝普钠 (Cd+SNP)、添加NO清除剂CPTIO (Cd+CPTIO)、添加硝酸还原酶抑制剂钨酸钠 (Cd+TU) 处理,共4个处理。处理后12天,测定不同处理对水稻幼苗生长、NO₃–-N分配、根系特性及光合特性的影响。   【结果】   NO对高Cd和低Cd积累水稻品种的影响不同。与对照相比,Cd+SNP处理降低高Cd积累水稻品种幼苗地上部和地下部NO₃?-N含量,但对幼苗生物量和氮素吸收没有显著抑制效果;Cd+CPTIO处理会提高幼苗生长、氮素积累量及氮效率 (P < 0.05);增加或清除NO处理均显著降低了地上部和地下部的Cd含量。对于低Cd积累水稻品种,Cd+SNP、Cd+CPTIO、Cd+TU处理间幼苗生物量、氮素吸收量均无显著差异。   【结论】   品种基因型对NO信号的调节敏感度不同,高Cd 积累品种清除NO处理可以显著抑制Cd的吸收和向地上部的运转,促进幼苗的生长和对氮素的吸收利用,抑制硝酸还原酶活性处理缓解Cd胁迫促进幼苗生长的效果不稳定。而对于低Cd积累水稻品种,清除NO处理也有一定的缓解Cd吸收和向地上运转的效果,但其重要性不如基因本身的拒Cd能力。因此,Cd胁迫下,高Cd积累水稻品种采用清除NO的措施可有效缓解Cd胁迫,促进水稻的生长,但对于低Cd积累水稻品种,清除NO也可以进一步降低Cd的向上运输,但是对水稻幼苗生长和氮素利用的影响不显著。     

Cadmium and Nutrient Heavy Metals Uptake by Rice,Barley, and Spinach as Affected by Four Ammonium Salts

This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of ammonium salts on the uptake of cadmium (Cd) and nutritional heavy metals (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe)) by rice, barley, and spinach. These plants were grown in Cd, Cu, and Zn contaminated entisol (ES) or andisol (AS). The following ammonium salts were used: ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄), ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl), and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄). In ES, the Cd concentrations in three plant shoots were higher with NH₄Cl than with the other salts. The concentrations of Cd in soil solutions collected from ES were higher with NH₄Cl. Thus, the increase of Cd uptake by three plants with NH₄Cl treatment would be caused by the increased concentration of Cd in the soil solution. In contrast, in AS, the concentrations of the heavy metals in the shoots of all plants were not different among NH₄ applications, with one exception, the Mn concentration in rice increased with NH₄Cl in both ES and AS.     

Efficiency of KOH-modified rice straw-derived biochar for reducing cadmium mobility, bioaccessibility and bioavailability risk index in red soil

Cadmium (Cd) pollution in agricultural soils has exerted a serious threat due to continuous application of pesticides, fertilizers, and wastewater irrigation. The present study aimed to test the efficiency of KOH-modified and non-modified rice straw-derived biochar (KBC and BC, respectively) for reducing Cd solubility and bioavailability in Cd-contaminated soil. Cadmium-contaminated soil was incubated for 60 d with 15 and 30 g kg^-1 BC and KBC. At the end of incubation, Cd mobility was estimated by the European Community Bureau of Reference sequential extraction and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), while bioavailability was determined using 1 mol L^-1 NH₄NO₃ extraction. The bioavailability risk index and bioaccessibility, assessed by a simple bioaccessibility extraction test, of Cd were used to examine the potential effects of Cd on living organisms. The results indicated that application of both KBC and BC significantly increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrients, and organic carbon. The soluble fraction of Cd was significantly decreased by 30.3% and 27.4%, respectively, with the addition of KBC and BC at 30 g kg^-1 compared to the control (without biochar addition). Similarly, the bioaccessible Cd was significantly decreased by 32.4% and 25.2%, respectively, with the addition of KBC and BC at 30 g kg^-1 compared to the control. In addition, both KBC and BC significantly reduced Cd leaching in the TCLP and NH₄NO₃-extractable Cd in the amended soil compared to the control. The reduction in Cd solubility and bioaccessibility by KBC and BC may be due to significant increases in soil pH and surface complexation. Overall, KBC at an application rate of 30 g kg^-1 demonstrated positive results as soil amendment for Cd immobilization, and reduced bioaccessible Cd in contaminated soil.     

施用包膜尿素对水稻生长和氮磷流失的影响

施用新型肥料是减少养分径流损失的重要途径。采用田间试验研究了施用包膜尿素对水稻生长和径流氮磷损失的影响,试验设置CK(习惯施肥)、PU1(减磷41%、减氮20%、施普通尿素)、PU2(PU1基础上减氮13%)、UR1(PU2基础上施包膜尿素)和UR2(UR1基础上减氮13%)5个处理。结果表明:PU1和UR1处理水稻氮磷含量与CK处理相近,PU1成熟期氮、磷总积累量比CK增加11.21,2.69kg/hm~2。PU1和UR1处理成熟期地上部生物量和籽粒产量高于CK处理,籽粒产量分别提高7.68%,5.77%。PU1、PU2、UR1和UR2处理径流总磷含量和累积流失量比CK处理低,减少13.18%~21.51%。施用包膜尿素(PU1、PU2)处理径流总氮、铵氮和硝氮含量低于施用普通尿素(CK、UR1、UR2)处理;稻田径流总氮、铵氮和硝氮累积流失量分别减少12.90%~26.91%,54.52%~49.38%和4.03%~15.95%,其中包膜尿素处理铵氮累积流失量显著(P0.05)小于普通尿素处理。施用包膜尿素和优化施肥能促进水稻对氮磷养分的吸收,提高水稻籽粒产量,显著减少稻田氮磷流失量,值得在水稻生产中推广应用。     

Nutrients transport through variably structured soils

Abstract

Contribution of sesbania green manure, rice straw, and FYM (farm yard manure) was studied along with that of urea and A/SO₄ (ammonium sulphate) for the cultivation of lowland rice and for the residual soil fertility. The results revealed that A/SO₄ application resulted in a larger number of productive tillers, higher straw production, and higher grain yield compared to urea. Among the organic manures, sesbania green manure and FYM exerted almost similar effects on the number of productive tillers and paddy yield while the yield increase compared to the incorporation of rice straw. A similar affect of these organic manures on nitrogen uptake by rice straw, grain, and straw + grain was observed. Additional uptake of N due to the application of sesbania green manure, FYM and rice straw amounted to 15, 13, and 2.85 kg ha^?1, respectively. Residual N fertility was the highest when of sesbania green manure was applied followed by FYM and rice straw. Residual P fertility was higher in the case of FYM than other treatments whereas the residual K fertility was the highest in the case of rice straw incorporation.     

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Forms on Growth,Photosynthesis, and Yield of Rice Under Cadmium Stress

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted to study the influence of four nitrogen (N) fertilizer forms [Urea; calcium nitrate, Ca(NO₃)₂; ammonium sulfate, (NH₄)₂SO₄; and organic N] on growth, photosynthesis, and yield of rice under two cadmium (Cd) levels (0 and 100 mg Cd kg^?1 soil). Cadmium addition significantly reduced photosynthetic rate, and the reduction varied with N fertilizer form, with ammonium (NH₄ ⁺)-N and urea treated plants having more reduction. Nitrogen form had a distinct effect on SPAD value, and the effect was also dependent on Cd level and growth stage. Cadmium-stress significantly reduced flag leaf area, but for the second leaf, only the plants supplied with organic N showed the reduction. There was a significant difference in plant height among four N forms, with NH₄ ⁺- and nitrate (NO₃ ^?)-treated plants having the highest and lowest height, respectively. Cadmium stress caused significant reduction in grains per panicle and total plant weight, and the reduction varied with N form, with organic N treatment showing more reduction. There were significant differences among N forms in N and Cd concentrations of the plants subjected to Cd stress, with NH₄ ⁺-N treated plants having highest N and lowest Cd concentrations and NO₃ ^?-treated plants having lowest N and highest Cd uptake. The results showed that the inhibition of Cd stress on growth and yield formation of rice is closely related to N fertilizer form.     

Effect of Organic Amendment Derived from Co-Composting of Chicken Slurry and Rice Straw on Reducing Nitrogen Loss from Urea

Co-composting of chicken slurry and rice straw with clinoptilolite zeolite and urea as additives was conducted to determine the characteristics of a compost and their effects on controlling ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃^?) losses from urea. Quality of the compost was assessed based on temperature, moisture content, ash, pH, electrical conductivity, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, NH₄⁺, NO₃^?, macronutrients, heavy metals, humic acid, microbial population, germination index, and phytotoxicity test. Moisture content and C/N ratio of the compost were 43.83% and 15, respectively. Total N, humic acid, ash, NH₄⁺, NO₃^?, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) increased after co-composting rice straw and chicken slurry. Copper, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and microbial biomass of the compost were low. The germination rate of Zea mays on distilled water and Spinacia oleracea growth on peat-based growing medium (PBGM) and compost were not significantly different. Urea amended with compost reduced N loss by retaining NH₄⁺ and NO₃^? in the soil.     

Effects of substituting chemical fertilizers with manure on rice yield and soil labile nitrogen in paddy fields of China: A meta-analysis

Substituting chemical fertilizers with manure is an important method for efficient nutrient management in rice cropping systems of China.Labile nitrogen(N) is the most active component of the soil N pool and plays an essential role in soil fertility.However,the effects of manure substitution on soil labile N in rice cropping systems and their relationships with soil properties,fertilization practices,and climatic conditions remain unclear and should be systematically quantified.Here,we investiga...     

Application of Controlled-Release Urea in Rice: Reducing Environmental Risk While Increasing Grain Yield and Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency

The low use efficiency of nitrogen (N) in rice production attributes to N losses and environmental pollution. One of the ways to improve N use efficiency is by using controlled-release urea (CRU). Field experiments in consecutive three years were conducted to compare the effects of six different types of CRU fertilizers on yield and N accumulation in straw and grain of rice. The special purpose was to provide information for application of CRU in rice. For three seasons, CRU-treated plants had significantly greater grain yields than conventional urea-treated (total N as basal fertilizers, N_t) plants. The greatest grain yields were obtained from CRU-3, CRU-4, and CRU-3 treatment in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The N accumulation in rice straws and rice grains of the CRU-treated plots was significantly greater than that of the N_t treatment. Compared with that of the N_t treatment, CRU treatments increased the N use efficiency significantly, although there were differences among the six types of CRU fertilizers. It can be inferred that CRU performed significantly better than conventional urea. Generally, CRU-3 and CRU-6 were the best CRU fertilizers used in rice production in Jianghan Plain, China.     

Efficiency of nitrogen-15-labelled fertilizers for rice and rye-grass cultivated in an Ultisol of Brazilian Amazonia

 The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of two N fertilizers, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and urea, for rice (Oryza sativa L.) and rye-grass (Lolium multiflorum L.) cultivated in an Ultisol of central Amazonia using ¹⁵N as a tracer. Rice was cultivated in the field, while rye-grass was grown in a phytotron. Fertilization with (NH₄)₂SO₄ caused a 16% increase in the yield of rice grains and urea a 36% increase. In both crops total N uptake and N use efficiency of the fertilizers were higher for urea than for (NH₄)₂SO₄. The low values for N derived from fertilizer showed that the fertilizers contributed little to the total N absorbed by the plants. The "priming effect" or positive added N interaction (ANI) between the fertilizer N and soil organic N was observed, especially with urea. Immobilization by soil microorganisms was greater in the presence of urea, while losses were always higher with the (NH₄)₂SO₄ treatments. These losses were significant, and their reduction should allow more efficient use of this N fertilizer. It is possible that the N use efficiency was higher for urea due to a pH increase, caused by urea hydrolysis, which in turn may have favoured the activity of nitrifying bacteria in this extremely acid soil. Received: 6 April 1999