ENHANCING NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY BY COMBINATIONS OF NITROGEN APPLICATION AMOUNT AND TIME IN WHEAT

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important impact factors on development and growth of wheat. In this study the effects of nitrogen use efficiency on quantity and quality of grains were studied by agronomic management of N fertilizers on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under field conditions for two years. The experiments were performed at 16 combinations of N application amount and time, including four levels of N at 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha^?1 that were used as pre-plant fertilizers, sub-treated with four levels of the same N amount used as top-dress fertilizers. As a result, with an increase in total N fertilizers, grain yield increased in a cubic equitation, but partial factor productivity (PFP_N, kg grain yield per kg N applied) decreased exponentially. With total fertilizers, N content and accumulation in vegetative tissues and grains increased linearly, but N uptake efficiency (UtE_N, kg nutrient taken up per kg N applied) decreased exponentially. When N was over-applied (>360 kg N ha^?1 in this study), grain yield clearly declined, due to decrease in productivity from per unit N. The high N level (240～300 kg N ha^?1), the reasonable distribution between pre-plant and top dress from the same amount N fertilizer not only increased grain yield but also enhanced N use efficiency.     

Using CERES-Maize model to determine the nitrogen fertilization requirements of early maturing maize in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

CERES-Maize model was used to determine nitrogen fertilizer requirements of early maturing maize varieties in the Sudan Savanna. Data were collected from 2013 to 2014 field experiments conducted in Bayero University Kano, (BUK), Kano, Nigeria. The experiments consisted of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha^?1) and two early maize varieties (EVDT and 2009 TZEEW). Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the responses of the two maizes to N fertilizers and for economic and strategic responses. The model predicted grain yield and harvest index reasonably well for the two varieties. Increasing N application from 0 to 30 kg N ha^?1 increased grain yield by 105%, when nitrogen (N) rate was increased to 60 kg N ha^?1, grain yield increased by 226%. Yield increases of 364%, 451%, and 461% was observed when N rate increased from 0 to 90, 120, and 150 kg ha^?1, respectively.     

Critical nitrogen content and nitrogen nutrition index for sweetpotato crop

Abstract

Sweetpotato is an important tuber crop for the food security in Island countries of the South Pacific. The allometric relationship between tissue nitrogen (N) concentration and aerial dry matter is unknown. We determined critical N (N_c) content from vegetative stage to harvesting, and estimated the range of variation in N nutrition index (NNI) from two field experiments with varied rates of N (0, 25, 60, 125 and 180?kg N ha^?1 in 2015 and 0, 50, 125, 175 and 250?kg N ha^?1 in 2017). A unified critical N curve (N_c = 3.338?W^?0.307) where W?=?aerial dry matter with W?≥?1.38 t ha^?1, was constructed based on the N concentration in the aerial dry matter. The calculated NNI ranged from 0.69 to 1.23 in 2015 and 0.54 to 1.17 in 2017. The preliminary N_c dilution curve and NNI determined could potentially be used as a parameter for N management.     

Fate of Fertilizer-15N to a Maize Crop Grown in Northern Zambia

Abstract

A field study with maize (Zea mays L.) was conducted in the 1988/89 cropping season to investigate the fate of ¹⁵NO₃-N-labelled NH₄ ¹⁵NO₃ applied at 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha^?1 (unlabelled N applied at 0, 80, 160 and 240 N ha^?1) with and without lime. The investigations were conducted in northern Zambia at Misamfu Regional Research Centre, Kasama on a Misamfu red sandy loam soil. The experimental design was a split plot arrangement with four replications with main plots receiving 0 and 2 Mg ha^?1 dolomitic limestone, while subplots received fertilizer N at various rates. Significant (p < 0.001) grain and DM yield responses to applied N up to 160 kg ha^?1 were observed. At higher rates little or no crop responses were observed and fertilizer use efficiency declined. Partitioning of amounts of total N and ¹⁵N in plants was in the order of seed = tassel > leaf> cob = earleaf> stem. Fertilizer N rates showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) effect on plant uptake of labelled N. Lime and its interaction with N rates had no effect on all measured parameters. Leaching of NO₃-N fertilizer to lower soil depths was in proportion to the rate of N applied, with highly significant (p < 0.001) differences among soil depths. Although higher concentrations of fertilizer-¹⁵N were recovered in the 0–20 cm depth the recovered portion at lower soil depths was still significant. Total recovery of labelled N by plant and by soil after crop harvest averaged 75, 55 and 54% of originally applied fertilizer-¹⁵N at 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha^?1, respectively. Corresponding unaccounted for ¹⁵N was 25, 45 and 46%. The most probable loss mechanism could have been by leaching to depths greater than 60 cm, gaseous losses to the atmosphere and root assimilation.     

Nutrient uptake and use efficiency of onion seed yield as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Kulumsa, South East Ethiopia, using four levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 50,100 and 150?kg N ha^?1) and four levels of phosphorus (P) (0, 35, 70 and 105?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) fertilizers arranged in 4?×?4 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications. The available P was increased after harvest due to the application of N and P fertilizer at the rates of 100 or 150?kg N ha^?1 and 70 or 105?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1. More specifically, nutrients concentration and nutrient uptake were significantly (p?<?.01) varied among treatment combinations and nutrient use efficiency was declined by increasing N and P after optimum rates. The higher physiological efficiency of N (53.47?kg kg^?1) and P (580.41?kg kg^?1) and the highest apparent recovery of N (19.62%) and P (2.47%) was recorded from application of 50?kg N ha^?1 and P at 70?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 and the highest agronomic efficiency of N (10.78?kg kg^?1) and P (15.25?kg kg^?1) was recorded from N at the rate of 50?kg N ha^?1 and P at 35?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1, respectively. The combination of N at 100?kg N ha^?1 and P at 70?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 was promising combination that generated highest net benefit 488,878.5 ETB (Ethiopian birr) ha^?1 with the highest marginal rate of return (36638%) and gave the highest seed yield (1858.82?kg ha^?1) with yield increment of about 57.72% over the control.     

Foliar K application to rainfed wheat in a soil testing high K as an option to improve K use efficiency,grain yield and yield components

Abstract

Granular application of potassium (K) in soils testing high is generally not recommended. However, the effect of foliar K on rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under these soil conditions is largely unknown. The objective of this work was to identify the effect of K fertilizer on K use efficiency (KUE), grain yield and yield components of wheat. The data were collected until 2017 in an ongoing trial established in 2007 with eight treatments; two granular K rates (0 and 50?kg K ha^?1); two foliar N rates (0 and 3?kg N ha^?1); and two foliar K rates (0 and 3?kg K ha^?1) in a split-split plot arrangement. Treatments were applied to the same plots each season. Treatment with foliar K resulted in the highest KUE response but the effect size varied according to the accumulated precipitation during the reproductive stage. On average, KUE was enhanced in crop seasons with water constrains (<179?mm) during the growth period but the converse was true as the amount of precipitation increased. In contrast, granular K had no effect on KUE irrespective of precipitation conditions. Application of foliar K increased grain yield as compared to granular K from 2988 to 3089?kg ha^?1. This enhancement was attributed to an increased number of grains per head. Therefore, foliar K application to wheat is suitable in a soil testing high K to enhance KUE and grain yield, overall in crop seasons with water constrains.     

Synergetic use of biochar and synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to improves maize productivity and nutrient retention in loamy soil

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of biochar on maize production and nutrient retention with recommended full and half dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition in loamy soil. In the first study, maize was grown in pots with four levels of biochar (0, 2, 4, and 6?t?ha^?1) under two levels of NP fertilizer, viz. recommended (200–150?kg?NP?ha^?1) and it’s half (100–75?kg?NP?ha^?1) dose. The prominent improvement in plant roots traits, leaf area, plant growth, morphological and yield-related parameters were observed with addition of biochar at 2 and 4?t?ha^?1; while, plant height, number of grains per cob, grains and biological yield decreased with biochar addition 6?t?ha^?1 along with full dose of NP nutrition. In subsequent field studies, two levels of biochar along with control (0, 2, 4?t?ha^?1) were investigated. The more improvement in root growth, leaf area and crop growth was observed when biochar was applied at 2?t?ha^?1 with full NP nutrition. Biochar application at 2?t?ha^?1 with full NP nutrition produced the highest grain yield (6.64?t?ha^?1); however, biochar addition (2?t?ha^?1) with half NP nutrition resulted in better grain yield than full dose of NP to enhance maize production as compared with full dose of NP without biochar. Therefore, biochar addition (2?t?ha^?1) with half-recommended dose of NP prominently improved the maize productivity in loamy soil and serve as better in replacement of full dose of NP fertilizer.     

Liming and Nitrogen Effects on Maize Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

ABSTRACT

The study was aimed to determine the appropriate nitrogen (N) rate to combine with liming for enhanced maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Obatanpa-98 (Oba-98)], two lime rates (0 kg ha^?1 and 500 kg ha^?1) and three N rates (0, 90 and 180 kg ha^?1) were used. The treatments were laid as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The growth attributes, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), harvest index, dry matter, and grain yield increased (P ≤ 0.05) with increases in N rates, especially in plots amended with lime. Oba-98 was better yielding (2.12 versus (vs) 1.88 t ha^?1) and absorbed more (P ≤ 0.05) radiation (442.06 vs 409.54 μmol m^?2s^?1) than IKW. The efficiency indices and partial factor productivity were best optimized at the 90 kg ha^?1 N rate with Oba-98 having higher values than IKW. Therefore, liming (500 kg ha^?1) plus N at 180 kg ha^?1produced the best yield of the hybrid maize, Oba-98.     

Biomass production and N fixation of five Mucuna pruriens varieties and their effect on maize yields in the forest zone of Cameroon

Mucuna has been tested intensively in past years as green manure for intensive maize production in West Africa. However, information is missing about the yield effect of different existing mucuna varieties. Five Mucuna pruriens varieties were grown for 40 weeks followed by sole maize (Zea mays L.) in order to determine differences in biomass production, nitrogen fixation, and effects on maize yield. Mucuna varieties differed in length of growing period, total biomass production (5.9—8.8 Mg ha^—1), seed production (0.65—1.3 Mg ha^—1), nitrogen (N) uptake (147—222 kg ha^—1), N fixation (87—171 kg ha^—1), and the amount of N retained in residues (138—218 kg ha^—1). The grain yield of maize grown immediately after the short mucuna fallow was significantly higher after mucuna vars. jaspaeda (4.60 Mg ha^—1), utilis (3.49 Mg ha^—1), and cochinchinensis (3.44 Mg ha^—1), compared with a non‐fertilized control (1.93 Mg ha^—1) which had a maize crop and vegetation regrowth before. After mucuna vars. ghana and veracruz, 2.90 and 2.65 Mg ha^—1 of maize grain were produced, respectively. No significant correlation between mucuna biomass and its N uptake and maize grain yield was found, whereas maize stover yield showed a significant positive correlation. Application of 30, 60, and 90 kg ha^—1 N as <?tw=98%>urea on sub‐plots of the control yielded 2.20, 3.19, and 3.46 Mg ha^—1 <?tw>of maize grain in the first year. Only the difference between 0 and 90 kg ha^—1 N was significant. Fertilizer N equivalent values for mucuna varieties ranged from 41 to 148 kg ha^—1. The yield advantage of vars. jaspaeda, utilis, and cochinchinensis versus the control without N fertilizer application was confirmed in the following year, with no significant difference in maize grain yield between mucuna and the control with N fertilizer application.<?show $6#>     

Effect of starter fertilizer in seed-row on emergence,biomass and nutrient uptake by six pulse crops grown under controlled environment conditions

Abstract

Legumes have a unique ability to obtain a significant portion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobia spp of bacteria but it takes time, thus, an early supply of N to the plant may positively influence growth and development. However, too much fertilizer in close proximity to the seed can damage the seedling. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the maximum safe rates for starter seed-row fertilizer application under low seedbed utilization conditions (15%). Emergence, biomass yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) uptake responses to starter fertilizer products and blends applied at 0, 10, 20 and 30?kg?N?ha^?1 in the seed-row were investigated for six different pulse crops: soybean, pea, faba bean, black bean, lentil and chickpea. The general sensitivity (injury potential) for starter N, P, S fertilizer was lentil?≥?pea?≥?chickpea?>?soybean?≥?black bean?>?faba bean. Lentil, pea and chickpea could generally only tolerate the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rates while soybean and black bean could tolerate 10–20?kg?N?ha^?1. Faba bean emergence appeared relatively unaffected by all three rates of N and showed least sensitivity to seed row placed fertilizer. In terms of 30-day biomass response, soybean and black bean were most responsive to fertilization, while pea, faba bean, lentil and chickpea were least responsive to the starter fertilizer applications, with no benefit increasing above the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rate.     

改善根系生长捕获深层土中NO3-N最优化免耕玉米氮肥利用率

Subsoil acidity restricts root growth and reduces crop yields in many parts of the world. More than half of the fertilizer nitrogen(N) applied in crop production is currently lost to the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gypsum application on the efficiency of N fertilizer in no-till corn(Zea mays L.) production in southern Brazil. A field experiment examined the effects of surface-applied gypsum(0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg ha~(-1)) and top-dressed ammonium nitrate(NH_4NO_3)(60, 120, and 180 kg N ha~(-1)) on corn root length, N uptake, and grain yield. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using undisturbed soil columns collected from the field experiment site to evaluate NO_3-N leaching, N uptake, and root length with surface-applied gypsum(0 and 10 Mg ha~(-1)) and top-dressed NH_4NO_3(0 and 180 kg N ha~(-1)). Amelioration of subsoil acidity due to gypsum application increased corn root growth,N uptake, grain yield, and N use efficiency. Applying gypsum to the soil surface increased corn grain yield by 19%–38% and partial factor productivity of N(PFPN) by 27%–38%, depending on the N application rate. Results of the undisturbed soil column greenhouse experiment showed that improvement of N use efficiency by gypsum application was due to the higher N uptake from NO_3-N in the subsoil as a result of increased corn root length. Our results suggest that ameliorating subsoil acidity with gypsum in a no-till corn system could increase N use efficiency, improve grain yield, and reduce environmental risks due to NO_3-N leaching.     

Impact of nitrogen fertilization and tillage practices on nitrous oxide emission from a summer rice ecosystem

ABSTRACT

Identification of the combination of tillage and N fertilization practices that reduce agricultural Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions while maintaining productivity is strongly required in the Indian subcontinent. This study investigated the effects of tillage in combination with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on N₂O emissions from a rice paddy for two consecutive seasons (2013–2014 and 2014–2015). The experiment consisted of two tillage practices, i.e., conventional (CT) and reduced tillage (RT), and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer, i.e., 0 kg N ha^–1 (F1), 45 kg N ha^–1 (F2), 60 kg N ha^–1 (F3) and 75 kg N ha^–1 (F4). Both tillage and fertilizer rate significantly affected cumulative N₂O emissions (p < 0.05). Fertilizer at 45 and 60 kg N ha^–1 in RT resulted in higher N₂O emissions over than did the CT. Compared with the recommended level of 60 kg N ha^?1, a 25% reduction in the fertilizer to 45 kg N ha^?1 in both CT and RT increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and maintained grain yield, resulting in the lowest yield-scaled N₂O-N emission. The application of 45 kg N ha^?1 reduced the cumulative emission by 6.08% and 6% in CT and RT practices, respectively, without compromising productivity.     

Quality and Crop Yield Potential of Moderately Degraded Alfisols Under Different Nutrient Inputs and Cropping Patterns

Crop performance on degraded soil needs special management practices to overcome soil quality limitations. In a 2-year(from summer 2006 to winter 2007–2008) field trial on a moderately degraded Alfisol in Swabi District(34°7′12′′N, 72°28′20′′E), Pakistan,the effects of three cropping patterns, cereal-cereal(CC), cereal-legume(CL), and cereal-cereal and legume intercrop(CLI), were tested in main plots under four fertilization treatments in sub-plots, including no fertilization(control), farmers' practice(FP, 60:45 kg ha~(-1) N:P_2O_5), recommended dose(RD, 120:90:60 kg ha~(-1) N:P_2O_5:K_2O), and integrated nutrient management(INM, 20 t ha~(-1) farmyard manure integrated with 50% N, 100% P, and K of recommended dose), using a split-plot randomized complete block design. The performance of CL was superior than CC in plant height, leaf area index(LAI), cob length, grain yield, biological yield, and grain protein(8%, 26%, 8%, 5%, 10%, and 8% increases, respectively), while CLI confirmed significant improvement only in LAI(25%) over CC. Response to nutrient inputs from all sources was in the order of INM RD FP control, and the maximum net economic return by INM(23% and 2.5 times higher than RD and FP, respectively) indicated severe deficiency of both macro-and micro-nutrients in the soil as well as degraded physical properties. Increases in soil organic matter, total N, total mineral N, available P and K, total porosity, and available water-holding capacity by 6%, 34%, 24%, 50%, 13%, 5%, and 7%, respectively, and decrease in soil bulk density by 4% after four crop seasons indicated optimistic changes in soil quality as a result of the combined effects of fertilization from organic and inorganic sources and legumes within crop rotation. This study suggests that keeping the soil covered under cereal-legume rotation crops all year round and treatment with INM(50% N from organic source and 50% from inorganic source) are the best management practice for sustained production on degraded Alfisols.     

Field-level comparison of nitrogen rates and application methods on maize yield,grain quality and nitrogen use efficiency in a humid environment

Appropriate nitrogen (N) management practices are of critical importance in improving N use efficiency (NUE), maize (Zea mays) yield and environmental quality. A six-year (2005–2010) on-farm trial was conducted in Ottawa, Canada to assess the effects of N rates and application methods on grain yield and NUE. In four out of the six-year study, grain yield increased by 60–77 kg ha^?1 by sidedress, compared to 49–66 kg ha^?1 for each kg N ha^?1 applied at preplant. Grain yield response to N between the two strategies was similar in the other growing seasons. Sidedress strategy required 15 kg N ha^?1 less of the maximum economic rate of N (MERN) than preplant application. Our results indicate that sidedress application of 90–120 kg N ha^?1 with a starter of 30 kg N ha^?1 resulted in greater yield, grain quality and NUE than preplant N application in this cool, humid and short growing-season region.     

Long-term nitrogen balance for pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in an acid sandy soil of Niger

On acid sandy soils of Niger (West Africa) fertilizer N recovery by pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is often more than 100 per cent in years with normal or above average rainfall. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by N₂-fixing bacteria may contribute to the N supply in pearl millet cropping systems. For a long-term field experiment comprising treatments with and without mineral fertilizer (F) and with and without crop residue application (CR) a N balance sheet was calculated over a period of six years (1983-1988). After six years of successive millet cropping total N uptake (36-77 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1) was distinctly higher than the amount of fertilizer N applied (30 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1). The atmospheric input of NH₄-N and NO₃-N in the rainwater was about 2 kg N ha_?1 yr^?1, 70 % in the form of NH₄-N. Gaseous NH₃ losses from urea (broadcast, incorporated) were estimated from other experiments to amount to 36 % of the fertilizer N applied. Nitrogen losses by leaching (15 to > 25 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1) were dependent on the treatment and on the quantity and distribution of single rainfall events (>50 mm). Decline in total soil N content (0-60 cm) ranged from 15 to 48 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1. The long-term N balance (1983-1988) indicated an annual net gain between 6 (+CR-F) and 13 (+CR+F) kg N ha^?1 yr^?1. For the control (-CR-F) the long-term N balance was negative (10 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1). In the treatment with crop residues only, the N balance was mainly determined by leaching losses, whereas in treatments with mineral fertilizer application the N balance depended primarily on N removal by the millet crop. The annual net gain in the N balance increased from 7 kg ha^?1 with mineral fertilizer to 13 kg ha^?1 in the combination mineral fertilizer plus crop residues. In both the rhizosphere and the bulk soil (0-15 cm), between 9 and 45% of the total bacterial population were N₂-fixing (diazotrophic) bacteria. The increased N gain upon crop residue application was positively correlated with an increase in the number of diazotrophic and total bacteria. The data on bacterial numbers suggest that the gain of N in the longterm N balance is most likely due to an N input by biological nitrogen fixation. In addition, evidence exists from related studies that the proliferation of diazotrophs and total bacteria in the rhizosphere due to crop residue application stimulated root growth of pearl millet, and thus improved the phosphorus (P) acquisition in the P deficient soil.     

Suitability of foliar N applied to rainfed maize in permanent beds after 12 crop seasons of granular N application

Abstract

Yield and kernel quality of rainfed maize as affected by N fertilizer has been generally evaluated through the application of granular N sources at high rates. The purpose of this work was to estimate the response of maize yield and quality (kernel hardness—floating index, weight and test weight -, P uptake and protein) to foliar N application and preceding granular N. Data for this report were collected in 2014 and 2015 in a long-term experiment established in 2002 under permanent beds in a split plot arrangement. Main plot treatments were three foliar N rates (0, 4.5 and 9?kg ha^?1) laid out on the top of four preceding granular N rates (0, 20, 40 and 60?kg ha^?1) applied from 2002 to 2013 as subplots. Weather conditions were relatively wetter in 2014 than 2015. In 2014, test weight and floating index improved over that in 2015. Foliar application of 9?kg N ha^?1 enhanced yield and protein. In 2014, yield response to preceding N rates showed an increasing trend whereas in 2015 response was null. Kernel P uptake response to preceding N rates showed a differential reaction among foliar N rates; 9?kg ha^?1 showed the greatest uptake. Kernel floating index was associated to kernel P uptake. Apparently, this relationship has not been previously reported. Results suggests that the application of 9?kg N ha^?1 to foliage of rainfed maize grown in permanent beds has the potential to substitute the traditional fertilization practice of granular N sources.     

Inoculant plant growth-promoting microorganisms enhance utilisation of urea-N and grain yield of paddy rice in southern Vietnam

Field experiments were conducted during successive rainy seasons in 2006 in the Chau Thanh district of southern Vietnam to evaluate the effects of an inoculant plant growth promoter product called “BioGro” and N fertiliser rates on yield and N and P nutrition of rice. The results indicated that inoculation with BioGro, containing a pseudomonad, two bacilli and a soil yeast, significantly increased grain and straw yields and total N uptake in both seasons, as well as grain quality in terms of percentage N. Nitrogen fertilisation increased grain and straw yields as well as total N and P uptakes significantly in both cropping seasons. The estimated grain yield response to added N was quadratic in nature with and without added BioGro. In the first crop, BioGro out-yielded the control up to 90 kg urea N ha^?1 whilst in the second season the beneficial effect of BioGro was observed up to 120 kg urea N ha^?1, indicating either an interaction of the inoculant with higher yielding seasonal conditions or a cumulative effect of BioGro application. In the first season, the estimated N rate for maximum grain yield was 103 kg N ha^?1 with BioGro while it was 143 kg N ha^?1 without BioGro. The maximum estimated grain yields were 3.21 and 3.18 t ha^?1 with and without BioGro, respectively. This information indicates that BioGro was able to save 40 kg N ha^?1 with an additional rice yield of 30 kg ha^?1 in the season. In the second rainy season, the estimated N rates for maximum grain yields were 94 and 97 kg N ha^?1 with and without BioGro, respectively. The estimated maximum grain yields were 3.49 and 3.25 t ha^?1 with and without BioGro, respectively. The two seasons’ combined results indicate that application of BioGro improved the efficiency of N use by rice significantly, saving 43 kg N ha^?1 with an additional rice yield of 270 kg ha^?1 in two consecutive seasons at the experimental site. The extra efficiency was shown by the fact that the same yield of rice was obtained with about 40 and 60 kg less fertiliser-N that the maximum yields with urea alone in the two successive harvests on the same plots.     

Optimization of application of nitrogen fertilizers to increase the yield and improve the quality of Chinese cabbage heads

Abstract

The study investigates the effects of nitrogen fertilizers on the characteristics of the autumn crop of Chinese cabbage. The rates applied varied from 0 to 225 kg ha^?1 (N₀, N₄₅, N₉₀, N₁₃₅, N₁₈₀, N₂₂₅); the supply of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers was similar in the all trials, 90 and 150 kg ha^?1, respectively. It was found that the optimum nitrogen fertilization rate for the autumn crop of Chinese cabbage was N₁₃₅. In the case of lower nitrogen rates the yield decreased and the cabbage heads were smaller. Further increase in fertilizer rate (>N₁₃₅) resulted in a higher percentage of non-standard cabbage heads, while the yield remained almost unchanged compared with N₁₃₅. The total plant mass of cabbage crop fertilized with N₁₃₅ was 76 t ha^?1; plant residues constituted 33 t ha^?1 (43% of the total mass). The yield of market quality cabbage heads was 30 t ha^?1 (70% of all the heads produced); the rest of heads were loose, not formed or rot-infected. The optimal amount of total mineral nitrogen (the sum of nitrogen present in the 0–60 cm soil layer and the nitrogen supplied with fertilizers) before planting was 260 kg ha^?1. When nitrogen rates were higher than N₁₈₀ the quality of cabbage heads in terms of the content of vitamin C, nitrates, soluble solids, total solids and sugars decreased.     

Impact of nitrogen supply on glucosinolate content and phenolic acids in cauliflower varieties

Application of nitrogen (N) is a common practice used to achieve profitable yields in horticultural crops and N application can be used as a tool to manipulate the enhancement of phytochemicals in vegetable crops to address consumer-oriented quality production. Our previous findings recommended 90?kg?ha^?1 for certain types of cauliflower varieties without compromising yields. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the effect of N application on glucosinolates and phenolic acids, at harvest, in varieties ‘Largardo’, ‘Eskimo’ and ‘CF-744’ grown in the field. N was applied as ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) at concentrations from 0, 60, 90, 120, 150 to 180?kg?ha^?1. Variety ‘CF-744’ was more sensitive to N supply and at 180?kg?ha^?1 N it showed the highest accumulation of glucosinolates (sinigrin, glucoiberin, progoitrin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin) at harvest. However, 90?kg?ha^?1 N supply demonstrated the highest accumulation of majority of the glucosinolates in varieties ‘Largardo’ and ‘Eskimo’. Different varieties responded differently to N supply and glucosinolate levels in cauliflowers. Also, different varieties responded differently to N supply and antioxidant property. In all three varieties, the N supply at 120?kg?ha^?1 showed the highest accumulation of protocatechoic acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, ρ-coumaric acid and caffeic acid.     

Influence of calcium carbide formulations on growth,yield and nitrogen uptake of wheat under field conditions

Field experiments were conducted in 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 to evaluate the effects of three calcium carbide (CaC₂) based formulations (slow release sources of acetylene and ethylene) - matrix-1 [(M-1)(21% CaC₂, 58% polyethylene and 21% plaster of paris)], matrix-2 [(M-2)(42% CaC₂, 48% polyethylene and 10% plaster of paris)] and paint coated [(PC)(35% CaC₂, 44% paint and 21% plaster of paris)] - on nitrification inhibition; growth, yield and nitrogen (N)-uptake of wheat. All the three CaC₂ formulations (CCF,s) inhibited nitrification, reduced plant height, and improved N-uptake, spike bearing tillers, 1000-grains weight and yield of Inqulab-91 and Bhakhar-02 wheat cultivars. Increase in grain yield was found maximum (22% over the control) with M-1 applied at 30 kg CaC₂ ha^?1; followed by M-2 and PC. Furthermore, CaC₂ significantly reduced lodging in Bhakhar-02 plots. It is concluded that grain yield of wheat can be enhanced by the application of CaC₂ formulations particularly M-1 along with NPK fertilizers.