Risks of Boron Toxicity in Canola and Lupin by Forms of Boron Application in Acid Sands of South-Western Australia

Boron (B) deficiency frequently occurs on soils that are low in organic carbon (C) (<1.0% organic C), pH (soil pH_Ca <5.0), and clay content (<5% clay). Acid sands with these soil properties are common in south-western Australia (SWA). Moreover, hot calcium chloride (CaCl₂) extractable B levels are commonly marginal in the acid sands of SWA. This study examined the effects of soluble and slow release soil-applied B fertilizer and foliar B sprays on crops most likely to respond to B fertilizer on these soils, canola (oil-seed rape, Brassica napus L.) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.).

At 25 sites over three years, canola was grown with (0.34 kg ha-¹) or without B applied as borax [sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O) 11% B], and this was followed by nine experiments with B rates [0, 0.55, 1.1 kg ha^?1, applied as borax or calcium borate (ulexite, NaCaB₅O₆(OH)₆·5(H₂O), 13% B] and foliar sprays (0.1% solution of solubor, 23% B) in 2000–2001. A further five sites of B rates and sources experiments were carried out with lupin in 2000–2001. Finally, foliar B sprays (5% B w/v as a phenolic complex) at flowering were tested on seven sites in farmers’ canola crops for seed yield increases. No seed yield increases to soil-applied B were found while foliar B application at flowering increased canola seed yield in only one season across seven locations. By contrast, borax fertilizer drilled with the seed at sowing decreased canola seed yield in nine of 34-farm sites, and decreased lupin yield in two of five trials. Toxicity from drilled boron fertilizer decreased yield could be explained by decreases in plant density (by 22–40%) to values lower than required for optimum seed yield. Seedling emergence was decreased by borax applied at sowing but less so by calcium borate. Foliar B spray application never reduced seed yield due to toxicity effects.

Boron fertilizer drilled with the seed increased the B concentration in plant dry matter at early to mid-flowering. Boron application decreased the oil concentration of grain of canola at four sites. The oil yield of canola was significantly decreased at seven sites.

Notwithstanding the marginal B levels on acid sands of the SWA region, care needs to be taken on use of borax fertilizer as toxicity was induced in canola and lupin; with 0.34 to 1 kg B ha^?1(3-10 kg borax ha^?1) at sowing depressing seed yield, mostly by decreasing plant density. Rather than making general recommendation for B fertilizer application based on 0.01M CaCl₂ soil extractable B, soil and plant analysis should be used to diagnose B deficiency and B fertilizer use limited to calcium borate or foliar borax rather than soil-applied borax on low B sands.     

Efficiency of Potassium Fertilization and Salicylic Acid on Yield and Nutrient Accumulation of Sugar Beet Grown on Saline Soil

Rising soil salinity has been a major problem in the soils of Egypt in recent decades. Potassium fertilization and salicylic acid (SA) play an important role in promoting plants to tolerate salt stress and increased the yield of sugar beet crop. A field experiment on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) grown on saline soil was carried out during 2014 growing season in Port Said Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of potassium fertilization of the soil at applications of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg potassium (K) ha^?1 and foliar spray of SA by solution of 1000 mg L^?1, twice (1200 L ha^?1 each time) on yield and nutrient uptake. Application of 200 kg K ha^?1 in combination with salicylic foliar spray gave the highest root length, root diameter, shoot and root yield, sucrose, juice purity percentage, gross sugar yield, and white possible extractable sugar, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content, and uptake of sugar beet. The highest increase in sucrose (20%) as well as white possible extractable sugar (184%) was obtained by 200 kg K ha^?1 in combination with salicylic foliar spray compared with untreated soil with potassium fertilization and without salicylic foliar spray.     

Spring camelina N rate: balancing agronomics and environmental risk in United States Corn Belt

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) seed oil has desirable properties for producing advanced biofuels and as a healthy cooking oil. It has been grown for centuries, but basic recommendations for nitrogen (N) fertilizer requirements are still needed to support widespread industrial cultivation across North America. A replicated N-response plot-scale study was conducted on a northern Mollisol soil for two growing seasons to 1) determine seed and oil yield, seed oil content, and vegetative response; 2) determine indices of N use efficiency; and 3) measure post-harvest residual inorganic soil N as an index of environmental risk. Seed and oil yield response to N fertilization was described with a quadratic function, which predicted maximum seed yield (1450 kg ha^?1) and oil yield (580 kg ha^?1) at about 130 kg N ha^?1. However, seed and oil yield did not differ significantly among N-rates above 34 kg N ha^?1. Seed oil content averaged 400 g kg^?1 among all N rates. Agronomic efficiency declined above 34 kg N ha^?1, which coincided with an increase of post-harvest soil nitrate-N plus ammonium-N (residual N). Considering N use efficiency, simple cost analysis, and risk associated with residual N, a rate of 34 kg N ha^?1 is recommended.     

Effect of Cattle Manure and Sulfur on Yield and Oil Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) Inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans in Calcareous Soil

The effect of cattle manure and sulfur fertilizer on seed yield and oil composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) under inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans was investigated in a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design. Experimental factors consisted of cattle manure (M) (M₀: 0, M₁: 10; and M₂: 20 t ha^?1), sulfur (S) (S₀: 0, S₁: 250; and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1) and T. thiooxidans (B): inoculated (B₁) and non-inoculated (B₀). Results demonstrated that the application of T. thiooxidans, cattle manure, and S fertilizer decreased the soil pH. The largest number of seed per fruit (367), highest fruit yield (70.57 t ha^?1), seed iron (Fe) content (16.26 mg 100 g^?1), and seed yield (111 kg ha^?1) was obtained when 20 t ha^?1 manure was applied in combination with 500 kg ha^?1 S inoculated with T. thiooxidans. In this condition, the content of S, Fe, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) in plant shoots was increased by 44.8%, 22.58%, 33.89%, and 10.38%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the highest content of seed protein was observed in 10 t ha^?1 manure and 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer inoculated with T. thiooxidans. When 250 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer was applied, 20 t ha^?1 manure decreased seed P content sharply. At the rate of 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer, the highest content of seed P was obtained from 20 t ha^?1 manure. Totally, 20 t ha^?1 cattle manure, along with 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer as well as T. thiooxidans inoculation, improved oil and seed yield of medicinal pumpkin.     

Influence of phosphorus application on growth,yield and oil quality of linola

Influence of different phosphorus (P) sources on growth, yield and oil quality of linola was evaluated when randomized in complete block design using three replications. Treatments were control (No P), hydropriming, soil phosphorus (50 kg ha^?1), seed inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB, Bacillus spp.) and seed priming with single super phosphate (2%) alone and combined with reduced soil phosphorus (25 kg P ha^?1). Among treatments, hydropriming and seed inoculation reduced seedling 50% and mean emergence time with highest emergence index, seedling fresh and dry weights and chlorophyll contents. Seed inoculation with soil P (25 kg ha^?1) produced highest seeds per capsule, 100-seed weight, seed and biological yield, harvest index. Maximum oil percentage, low protein contents and high cost benefit ratio with net economic returns were also found for seed inoculation combined with soil phosphorus. Nonetheless, soil phosphorus application can be reduced when seed inoculation with PSB is employed.     

Scaling-up of boron sources for yield and quality of large seeded peanut cultivars under varied agro-ecological conditions in India

Boron (B) deficiency is a common factor in light-textured soils causing poor pod filling and yield in large seeded peanut. Field trials were conducted in soils having 0.20–0.45 mg kg^?1 available B to find out the effectiveness of commercial-grade B sources in large seeded peanuts. B application induced early flowering, increased pods, yield and yield attributes, shelling and 100-seed weight. Soil application of 2.0 kg B ha^?1 as commercial-grade Agricol, Solubor and Borosol increased these parameters to a similar degree as obtained by borax, but were superior over their foliar applications. Similarly, the responses of foliar applications of 1.0 kg B ha^?1 as Chemiebor, Solubor and Borosol were more effective in humid areas. However, foliar applications led to scorching of peanut leaves during dry weather. Thus, soil application of 2.0 kg B ha^?1 is essential to enhance productivity and pod filling in large seeded peanut.     

Improving Yield and Quality of Palmarosa [Cymbopogon Martinii (Roxb.) Wats. Var. Motia Burk.] with Sulfur Fertilization

A field experiment was conducted during 2006–2007 at Hyderabad, India on sulfur-deficient alfic ustochrept soil on aromatic crop palmarosa [Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats. var. motia Burk.] with five rates of sulfur (S) application (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha^?1). Four harvests were performed between August 2006 and August 2007 at 90-day intervals. A fifth harvest was taken in November 2007 to study the residual effect of S. Five constituents accounting for 87.4–98.7% of the essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analyses. The results revealed that 40 kg S ha^?1 produced the highest total (total of four harvests) biomass yield (71.5 t ha^?1), and total essential oil yield (382.3 kg ha^?1). The highest contents of essential oil components cis-β-ocimene (2.5%), linalool (2.9%), geraniol (84.9%), geranyl acetate (9.8%), and geranyl hexanoate (2.6%) were observed in 40 kg S ha^?1 treatment. Sulfur exhibited no residual effect, therefore application is recommended to each harvest.     

Foliar spray of mineral nutrients enhanced the growth,seed yield,and quality in onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Pusa Riddhi

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar spray of mineral nutrients on plant growth, seed yield, and quality attributes in onion cv. Pusa Riddhi at SPU, IARI, New Delhi during rabi 2013–14 and 2014–15. The experiment consisted of 16 treatments comprised of boron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium laid out in a completely randomized block design with two replications. The study revealed that the foliar zinc spray (625 g ha^?1) produced higher seed scape height (105.35 cm) along with lower disease incidence (8.50%) than the other treatments. Whereas, higher number of seed scapes plant^?1 (11.20) and productive seed scapes plant^?1 (8.58) were observed in T₁₀ (500 g ha^?1) and combined spray of B + Zn + Ca (T₁₄), respectively. The flowering traits, viz., umbellates umbel^?1 (642.45), productive umbellates umbel^?1 (579.35), and umbel diameter (7.38cm) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in T₁₅ than other treatments. Similarly, higher seed yield and seed quality attributes were also observed in combined application of all minerals treatment (T₁₅).     

Use of Two-Surface Langmuir-Type Equations for Assessment of Phosphorus Requirements of Lentil on Differently Textured Alluvial Soils

If soil solution phosphorus (P) optimum levels for plant growth (external P) are known, P adsorption isotherms or their equations could further be used to assess how much fertilizer P may be needed for optimum plants yield (QFPN) by adjusting this known external solution P requirement in the soil (ESPR). Surface soil samples were collected from a farmer's field area and research area. An adsorption study was conducted on Ustic Endoaquerts (S₁ soil), Typic Calciargids (S₂ soil), and Typic Torripsamments (S₃ soil) to develop the two-surface Langmuir-type equations. Phosphorus adsorption data were obtained by equilibrating 10-g soil samples in 100 mL of 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂) containing various amounts of monopotassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄). Thereafter, 11 P fertilizer rates were calculated by two-surface Langmuir-type equations to adjust different estimated soil solution P levels (EPAS) that were designated as treatments (0.05 to 0.90 mg L^?1). Then field experiments on lentil (cv. Niab Masoor 2002) were conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) on these soils to determine internal (plant tissue), external (soil solution), and fertilizer P requirements. Maximum lentil seed yield (Mg ha^?1) was 0.87 with T₄ (0.17 mg P L^?1) in S₁ soil, 1.8 with T₃ (0.20 mg P L^?1) in S₂ soil, and 0.73 with T₇ (0.28 mg P L^?1) in S₃ soil, obtained by applying 170 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₁ soil, 110 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₂ soil, and 78 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₃ soil. Internal P concentrations (%) of the whole plant associated with 95% of maximum lentil seed yield at flowering stage were 0.245, 0.210, and 0.315 in S₁, S₂, and S₃ soils, respectively. Internal P requirements of lentil seed were 0.290 in S₁, 0.245% in S₂, and 0.380% in S₃ soil. The ESPRs for 95% of maximum yield of lentil were 0.16 mg L^?1, in S₁ soil, 0.23 mg L^?1 in S₂ soil, and 0.27 mg L^?1 in S₃ soil. The QFPN estimated from graphs corresponding to these ESPR values were 160 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₁ soil, 125 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₂ soil, and 74 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₃ soil. The QFPNs estimated from corresponding two-surface Langmuir-type equation by using respective ESPR values were 164, 127, and 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in S₁, S₂, and S₃ soil, respectively. Field-applied P₂O₅ amounts to adjust soil solution P levels (mg L^?1) at 0.166 (T₄), 0.229 (T₄), and 0.281 (T₇) were 170, 126, and 78 kg ha^?1 in S₁, S₂, and S₃ soil, respectively. Based on the results of these studies, we propose that QFPNs estimated by graphs against identified ESPR values or calculated by the use of corresponding two-surface Langmuir-type equations are in close proximity to the field-applied P to adjust desired EPAS value. Therefore, either of the two techniques may be used to estimate QFPN for optimum lentil yield. Close     

Yield and yield components of two irrigated red bean cultivars and some soil properties as influenced by wheat residues and nitrogen management

Crop residues are beneficial substances affecting crop production and soil properties. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue rates (0, 25, 50 and 75%) combined with N levels (0, 34.5, 69, 103.5 kg ha^?1) on yield and yield components of two red common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars and to monitor chemical soil parameters. The experiment was conducted at Research Center, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran for two years (2008–2009). The experiment was conducted as a split–split plot arranged in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The highest seed yield was obtained when 25–50% of residues were incorporated. The highest seed yield, seed weight per plant, 100-seed weight and seed number per pod were obtained with 103.5 kg N ha^?1 with no significant difference to 69 kg N ha^?1. Residue incorporation significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) as well as available K and P content. It is possible to sow red common bean as a double cropping by soil incorporation of 25–50% wheat residues with application of 69 kg N ha^?1.     

Evaluation of growth indices and quantitative traits of safflower under organic farming and conventional agriculture

Application of organic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture systems improves yield sustainability of field crop production. The current research has been formed to investigate the effects of various levels of vermicompost (zero, 3, 6 and 9 t ha^?1) in combination with foliar spraying of potassium humate (0, 1, 2 and 3 mL L^?1) on spring safflower, in Iran during 2012–2013. In addition, inorganic fertilization has been considered as conventional agriculture (CA). In the current experiment, growth indices, seed yield, yield components and flower yield were evaluated. The results showed that the maximum leaf area index, total dry weight and crop growth rate have been determined at 9 t ha^?1 vermicompost and 3 mL L^?1 K-humate while the maximum netto assimilation rate has existed in CA at the emergence of flower buds. Likewise, the results indicated that vermicompost leads to a significant increase in seed yield, flower yield and yield components except 1000 seed weight. Flower yield, head number per plant and seed number per head were affected by K-humate concentrations and increased significantly from 1 to 3 mL L^?1. It should be mentioned that 9 t ha^?1 vermicompost and 3 mL L^?1 K-humate produced the highest seed and flower yield.     

Effect of soybean inoculation with Bradyrhizobium and wheat inoculation with Azotobacter on their productivity and N turnover in a Vertisol

A long-term field experiment was conducted for 8 years on a Vertisol in central India to assess quantitatively the direct and residual N effects of soybean inoculation with Bradyrhizobium and wheat inoculation with Azotobacter in a soybean–wheat rotation. After cultivation of soybean each year, its aerial residues were removed before growing wheat in the same plots using four N levels (120, 90, 60 and 30 kg ha^?1) and Azotobacter inoculation. Inoculation of soybean increased grain yield by 10.1% (180 kg ha^?1), but the increase in wheat yields with inoculation was only marginal (5.6%; 278 kg ha^?1). There was always a positive balance of soil N after soybean harvest; an average of +28 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1 in control (nodulated by native rhizobia) plots compared with +41 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1 in Rhizobium-inoculated plots. Residual and direct effects of Rhizobium and Azotobacter inoculants caused a fertilizer N credit of 30 kg ha^?1 in wheat. Application of fertilizers or microbial inoculation favoured the proliferation of rhizobia in crop rhizosphere due to better plant growth. Additional N uptake by inoculation was 14.9 kg N ha^?1 by soybean and 20.9 kg N ha^?1 by wheat crop, and a gain of +38.0 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1 to the 0–15 cm soil layer was measured after harvest of wheat. So, total N contribution to crops and soil due to the inoculants was 73.8 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1 after one soybean–wheat rotation. There was a total N benefit of 13.8 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1 to the soil due to regular long-term use of microbial inoculants in soybean–wheat rotation.     

Impact of Various Ratios of Nitrogen and Sulfur on Maize and Soil pH in Semiarid Region

Nitrogen and sulfur play an important role in maize production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) levels applied in various ratios on maize hybrid Babar yield at Peshawar in 2011 and 2013. Four N levels (120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N ha^?1) and four S levels (20, 25, 30 and 35 kg S ha^?1) were applied in three splits: a, at sowing; b, V8 stage; c, VT stage in ratios of 10:50:40, 20:50:30 and 30:50:20. Grains ear^?1, thousand grain weight, grain yield ha^?1 and soil pH were significantly affected by years (Y), N, S and their ratios, while no effect of N, S and their ratios was noted on ears plant^?1. Maximum grains ear^?1 (390), thousand grain weight (230.1 g) and grain yield (4119 kg ha^?1) were recorded in 2013. N increased grains ear^?1 (438), thousand grain weight (252 g) and grain yield (5001 kg ha^?1) up to 200 kg N ha^?1. Each increment of S increased grains ear^?1 and other parameters up to 35 kg S ha^?1, producing maximum grains ear^?1 (430), thousand grain weight (245 g) and grain yield (4752 kg ha^?1), while soil pH decreased from 8.06 to 7.95 with the application of 35 kg S ha^?1. In the case of N and S ratios, more grains ear^?1 (432), heavier thousand grains (246.7 g) and higher grain yield (4806 kg ha^?1) were observed at 30:50:20 where 30% of N and S were applied at sowing, 50% at V8 and 20% at VT stage. It is concluded that 200 kg N ha^?1 and 35 kg S ha^?1 applied in the ratio of 30% at sowing, 50% at V8 and 20% at VT stage is recommended for obtaining a higher yield of maize hybrid Babar.     

Type and placement of zinc fertilizer impacts cadmium content of harvested durum wheat grain

Due to potential international marketing concerns, North Dakota durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. Desf.) producers require strategies that limit cadmium (Cd) in harvested grain. These trials were conducted in order to determine the impact of type and placement of zinc (Zn) fertilizer on harvested grain seed Cd levels and to determine the best timing of foliar Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Foliar Zn-EDTA applied at Feekes 10 growth stage had the lowest grain Cd of 0.97 mg kg^?1 when evaluating different fertilizer sources and application timings. Application of 22.4 kg ha^?1 potassium chloride with the seed at planting resulted in the highest grain Cd of 0.151 mg kg^?1 and might be a concern when environmental conditions are conducive for Cd uptake from soil. Stepwise linear regression determined that soil pH and chloride explained 96% of the variability of grain Cd. Applying 1.1 kg Zn ha^?1 as foliar Zn-EDTA in combination with 33 kg nitrogen ha^?1 at Feekes 10.54 growth stage resulted in significantly lower grain Cd, and significantly higher grain Zn, iron, and protein content. Treatments that significantly lowered grain Cd did not decrease grain yield, test weight, or protein content. The treatments that most reduced grain Cd resulted in the most benefits from a production, marketing, and nutritional standpoint and represents an agronomic approach to biofortification of durum wheat.     

Application of Adjoint-based Forecast Sensitivities to Asian Dust Transport Events in Korea

Phytoremediation is an attractive, economic alternative to soil removal and burial methods to remediate contaminated soil. However, it is also a slow process. The effect of humic acid in enhancing B and Pb phytoextraction from contaminated soils was studied (pot experiment) using transplanted vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash). Boron was applied at 0, 45, 90 and 180 kg B ha^?1 soil (as H₃BO₃) in 16 replicates. Of the 64 pots, four pots each were treated with 0, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha^?1 humic acid (HA) solution. In a separate experiment, Pb was applied (as Pb(NO₃)₂) at 0, 45, 90 and 180 kg Pb ha^?1 prior to addition of HA solutions at levels identical to the B experiment. Experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Vetiver grass was harvested 90 days after planting. Lead addition beyond 45 kg Pb ha^?1 decreased Pb uptake mostly due to a yield decline. Humic acid application increased Pb availability in soil and enhanced Pb uptake while maintaining or enhancing yield. An application of 200 kg HA ha^?1 was optimal for maintaining yield at elevated Pb levels. Boron application did not impact yield but greatly increased B content of roots and shoot. Boron uptake was greatest upon addition of 400 kg HA ha^?1. We conclude that HA addition to vetiver grass can be an effective way to enhance phytoremediation of B and Pb but optimum rates differ depending on soil B and Pb contamination levels.     

Microbial inoculation of Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria along with inorganic fertilizers for sustainable yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of microbial inoculants and inorganic fertilizers for sustaining the yield of soybean. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) gave significantly highest yield (2433 kg ha^?1) over 75% RDF (2317 kg ha^?1) and without RDF (2205 kg ha^?1). Seeds inoculated with Rhizobium (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (2480 kg ha^?1) gave significantly highest soybean yield over without inoculation (2191 kg ha^?1). Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria with 100% RDF (2674 kg ha^?1) gave significantly highest seed yield than rest of the treatment combinations. Root nodules and their dry weight were remained un-influenced due to fertilizer levels, whereas in bio-fertilizers, it was significantly higher with Rhizobium inoculation (24.3 and 408 mg, respectively) followed by dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB. 100% RDF and dual inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB earned Rs. 47916/- and Rs. 51182/- net returns per ha, respectively.     

Boron Fertilization and Evaluation of Four Soil Extractants: Russet Burbank Potato

Yield‐response correlations with old and improved soil extraction methods for boron (B) are needed. Russet Burbank potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was grown with two, four, and six B treatments applied in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Zero and 1.1, 2.2, or 3.4 kg B ha^?1 soil and 0.22 or 0.28 kg B ha^?1 foliar treatments were applied. Boron fertilization did not significantly increase tuber yield or quality despite initially low hot‐water‐extractable B (0.34–0.50 mg kg^?1), although postseason B for unfertilized treatments increased (0.51–0.57 mg kg^?1). Soil‐applied B generally reflected B application relative to the untreated control and the low foliar rates in all three years for the four soil extractions utilized [hot water, pressurized hot water, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–sorbitol, and Mehlich III]. Boron content of potato petiole did reflect application of B in 2 years, but tuber and peel tissues did not consistently reflect application of B.     

Effects of Boron Application on Yield,Foliar Boron Concentration,and Efficiency of Soil Boron Extracting Solutions in a Xanthic Ferralsol Cultivated with Banana in Central Amazon

Boron (B) is known to play important roles in the structures of cell walls and membranes and in the integrity and functions of membranes in plants. Under the conditions in the central Amazon region, there are few studies about this nutrient. In Brazilian soils, the hot-water B extraction method has been extensively used for evaluation of soil B status. However, difficulties with this method result in poor accuracy and precision of extraction of available B in soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, foliar concentration, and efficiency of B extracting solutions and the effect of B fertilization on B uptake in banana (Musa spp.) leaves and fruits, subgroup Cavendish (AAA), cultivated in a Xanthic Ferralsol (dystrophic Yellow Latosol) located in Amazonas State, Brazil. The experimental design was a completely randomized split plot, with four B rates (0, 4, 8, and 12 kg ha^?1), two harvest cycles (subtreatments), and four replicates. Available B was determined with seven extractant solutions: Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, hot water, hydrochloric acid (HCl) 0.05 mol L^?1, HCl 0.1 mol L^?1, HCl 5.0 mol L^?1, and potassium chloride (KCl 1.0 mol L^?1). The application of B fertilizer increased the yield and B concentration in leaves and fruits. Hot water and KCl 1.0 mol L^?1 were the most efficient extracting solutions for the determination of available B in soil. The application of 3.4 kg B ha^?1 in the first cycle and 1.3 kg B ha^?1 in the second cycle guarantees an adequate nutritional status in banana plants.     

Improved Nutrient Uptake and Growth of Maize in Response to Inoculation with Thiobacillus and Mycorrhiza on an Alkaline Soil

Most plant nutrients are optimally available when soil pH is close to neutral. In this experiment the effects of Thiobacillus and Mycorrhiza on nutrient uptake and grain yield of maize were studied on an alkaline soil as a factorial experiment with randomized complete blocks design. Treatments consisted of Mycorrhiza fungi (M): inoculated (m₁) and noninoculated (m₀), Thiobacillus (T): inoculated (t₁) and noninoculated (t₀), and sulfur (S) (S₀, S₁: 250, and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1). Inoculation of Mycorrhiza, Thiobacillus, and S application decreased soil pH and increased grain yield and seed oil content. The lowest soil pH and the greatest S content were obtained from the combination of Thiobacillus and 500 kg ha^?1 S. Inoculation of Thiobacillus and S application significantly decreased root colonization. The greatest iron (Fe) content was in the combination of Mycorrhiza inoculation and 500 kg ha^?1 S. Grain P content significantly increased with Mycorrhiza inoculation and S application. The greatest grain yield obtained from combination of Thiobacillus with 500 kg ha^?1 S.     

Suitability of Lime,Green Leaf,and Farm Yard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers for Sustaining Green Gram Yield and Rainwater Use Efficiency Under Moist Sub-Humid Alfisols in India

Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of nutrients management practices on yield and rainwater use efficiency of green gram (Vigna radiata), and soil fertility under moist sub-humid Alfisols at Phulbani, India, during 2005–2008. Ten treatment combinations of lime @ 10% and 20% of lime requirement (LR) @ 8.3 t ha^?1, farmyard manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha^?1, green leaf manure @ 5 t ha^?1, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N–P–K) (20–40–20 kg ha^?1) were tested. The analysis of variance indicated that treatments differed significantly from each other in influencing yield and rainwater use efficiency. Application of lime @ 20% LR + FYM @ 5 t/ha + 40 kg P + 20 kg K ha^?1 was superior with maximum mean yield of 531 kg ha^?1, while lime @ 10% LR + FYM @ 5 t ha^?1 + 40 kg P + 20 kg K ha^?1 was the second best with 405 kg ha^?1 and maintained maximum soil fertility of nutrients. The superior treatment gave maximum sustainability yield index of 67.5%, rainwater use efficiency of 0.49 kg ha^?1 mm^?1, improved soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soil nutrients over years.