Lowland Rice Response to Thermophosphate Fertilization

Abstract

Use of adequate rates of phosphorus (P) in crop production on high‐P‐fixing acid soils is essential because of high crop response to P fertilization and the high cost of P fertilizers. Information on lowland rice response to thermophosphate fertilization grown on Inceptisols is limited, and data are also lacking for soil‐test‐based P fertilization recommendations for this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate response of lowland rice to added thermophosphate and to calibrate P soil testing for making P fertilizer recommendations. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in central Brazil on a Haplaquept Inceptisol. The broadcast P rates used were 0, 131, 262, 393, 524, and 655 kg P ha^?1, applied as thermophosphate Yoorin. Rice yield and yield components were significantly increased with the application of P fertilizer. Average maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 509 kg P ha^?1. Uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients had significant quadratic responses with increasing P rates. Application of thermophosphate significantly decreased soil acidity and created favorable macro‐ and micronutrient environment for lowland rice growth. Across 2 years, soil‐test levels of Mehlich 1–extractable P were categorized, based on relative grain yield, as very low (0–17 mg P kg^?1 soil), low (17–32 mg P kg^?1 soil), medium (32–45 mg P kg^?1 soil), or high (>45 mg P kg^?1 soil). Similarly, soil‐test levels of Bray 1–extractable P across 2 years were very low (0–17 mg P kg^?1 soil), low (17–28 mg P kg^?1 soil), medium (28–35 mg P kg^?1 soil), or high (>35 mg P kg^?1 soil). Soil P availability indices for Mehlich 1 extractant were slightly higher at higher P rates. However, both the extracting solutions had highly significant association with grain yield.     

Phosphorus Nutrition of Upland Rice,Dry Bean,Soybean, and Corn Grown on an Oxisol

Rice, dry bean, corn, and soybean are important food crops. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors for these crops grown on highly weathered Brazilian Oxisols. Four greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine P requirements of these four crops. The P levels used were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg^?1. Growth, yield, and yield components evaluated of four crop species were significantly increased with the application of P fertilization. Most of the responses were quadratic in fashion when the P was applied in the range of 0 to 400 mg kg^?1. Maximum grain yield of upland rice was obtained with the application of 238 mg P kg^?1 of soil, maximum dry bean grain yield was obtained with the application of 227 mg P kg^?1 of soil, and maximum grain yield of soybean was obtained with the application of 224 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum shoot growth of corn was obtained with the addition of 323 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Most of the growth and yield components had significant positive association with grain yield or shoot dry weight. Phosphorus concentration and uptake were greater in the grain compared to straw in upland rice and dry bean plants. Overall, P-use efficiencies decreased with increasing P rates.     

Simultaneous Dynamics and Kinetics of Soil Phosphorus Under Different Fertilizer Systems During Two-Growth Seasons of Maize

This study investigated phosphorus (P) dynamics and kinetics in calcareous soil under inorganic, organic, and integrated (inorganic+organic) fertilizer systems during two growing seasons of maize in two soil depths (0–0.15 and 0.15–0.30 m). A field experiment was conducted with 150, 300, and 400 kg ha^?1 triple superphosphate (TSP), 7.5 and 15.0 ton ha^?1 (on dry matter basis) farmyard manure (FYM), and integrated systems. In order to analyze Olsen P, soil samples were collected in 30-day-intervals after planting. The results showed that at the end of the two growing seasons of maize, the lowest magnitudes of Olsen P_0–0.15 m were 6.0, 6.8, 7.4, and 7.6 mg kg^?1 for the control, 7.5 FYM, 15 FYM, and 150 TSP, respectively. The highest magnitudes of Olsen P_0–0.15 m were 12.4, 11.5, 11.4, and 11.1 mg kg^?1 for 300 TSP+15 FYM, 400 TSP+7.5 FYM, 400 TSP+15 FYM, and 300 TSP+7.5 FYM, respectively. The same trends were observed for Olsen P_{0.15–0.30 m}. Heterogeneous diffusion model demonstrated that Elovich equation could best describe the experimental data (mean; R² = 0.98, SE = 0.29). The highest P supply rates (PSR) were 4.73, 3.91, and 3.86 mg kg^?1day^?1 (days after application) for 400 TSP, 400 TSP+15 FYM, and 300 TSP, respectively. The models of P supply capacity of soil could estimate P supply of soil under different fertilizer systems (R² = 0.84–0.95). The present study improved the understanding of the capacity and rate of P supply by considering P uptake by grain maize. Fertilizer recommendations depend on the accessibility of fertilizer types suggested to help choose the best fertilizer systems.     

Effect of High‐Molybdenum Compost on Soils and the Growth of Lettuce and Barley

A pot experiment evaluated the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgar) and accumulation of molybdenum (Mo) in plants and soils following amendments of Mo compost (1.0 g kg^?1) to a Truro sandy loam. The treatments consisted of 0 (control), 12.5, 25, and 50% Mo compost by volume. The Mo compost did not affect dry‐matter yield (DMY) up to 25% compost, but DMY decreased at the 50% compost treatment. The 50% compost treatments increased the soil pH an average of 0.5 units and increased the nitric acid (HNO₃)–extractable Mo to 150 mg kg^?1 and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Mo to 100 mg kg^?1 in the growth medium; the same treatment increased tissue Mo concentration to 569 and 478 mg kg^?1 in the lettuce and barley, respectively. Plants grown in the 25% compost produced about 55 mg kg^?1 of total Mo in the growth medium; this resulted in tissue Mo concentration of 348 mg kg^?1 in lettuce and 274 mg kg^?1 in barley without any phytotoxicity. Our results suggested that 55 mg Mo kg^?1 soil would be an appropriate limit for Mo loading of soil developed from compost additions, a value which is presently greater than the Canadian Council for Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Guidelines for the use of type B compost in Canada.     

Petiole N,P, K Concentrations and Yield of the Potato Cultivar Molli from Certified Organic Amendments and Fertilizer Formulations

This study evaluated the petiole uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur (N, P, K, and S) by the potato from two seed meals, mint compost, and five commercially available organic fertilizers under an irrigated certified organic production system. Available soil nitrate (NO₃-N) and ammonium (NH₄-N) from each amendment averaged 115 kg N ha^?1 at application and 25 kg N ha^?1 30 d after planting through harvest, with minor differences between fertilizers. Petiole N declined from an average of 25,000 mg N kg^?1, 4 wk after emergence to 3,000 mg N kg^?1 prior to harvest. Petiole P and K concentrations were maintained above 4,000 mg P kg^?1, 10,000 mg K kg^?1, and 2,000 mg S kg^?1 tissue, respectively, throughout the growing season in all treatments. Tuber yields were not different between fertilized treatments averaging 53 Mg ha^?1. This study provides organic potato growers baseline information on the performance of a diverse array of organic fertilizers and amendments.     

Growth,yield and yield components of dry bean as influenced by phosphorus in a tropical acid soil

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in tropical acid soils. Dry beans are invariably grown as mono-crops or as inter-crops under the perennial tropical crops. Information is limited regarding the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean yield and yield components and P use efficiency in tropical acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean growth, yield and yield components and P uptake parameters. Phosphorus rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Soil used in the experiment was an acidic Inceptisol. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were significantly (P < 0.01) increased with phosphorus fertilization. Maximum grain yield, shoot dry matter, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were obtained with the application of 165, 216, 162, and 160 mg P kg^?1 of soil, respectively, as calculated by regression equations. Grain yield was significantly and positively associated with shoot dry weight, number of pods, P concentration in grain and total uptake of P in shoot and grain. Phosphorus use efficiency defined in several ways, decreased with increasing P rates from 50 to 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained at 82 mg kg^?1 of Mehlich 1 extractable soil P. Results suggest that dry bean yield in Brazilian Inceptisols could be significantly increased with the use of adequate rates of phosphorus fertilization.     

Molybdenum Requirements of Dry Bean with and without Liming

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential micronutrient for crop plants, and its deficiency has been reported in many parts of the world. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted with the objective to determine Mo requirements of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown on a Brazilian Oxisol with and without liming. The Mo treatments were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg kg^?1. In one experiment dolomitic lime was added at the rate of 2.5 g per kg of soil before the application of Mo treatments and incubated 5 weeks before sowing. In other experiments, Mo treatments were same as the lime-added experiment but no lime was added. Most of the growth, yield, and yield components were significantly increased with the addition of Mo in both the experiment. Growth, yield, and yield components were increased in a quadratic fashion when Mo was applied in the range of 0 to 20 mg kg^?1. Maximum shoot dry weight was obtained with the addition of 17 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment with Mo rates without lime and 9.69 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment of Mo rates with lime application. Maximum seed yield was obtained with the application of 10.48 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime along with Mo treatments and 10.28 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that received lime along with Mo treatments. Similarly, the maximum number of pods per plant was obtained with the addition of 9.33 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime and 8.83 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did receive lime. Maximum root length was obtained with the addition of 12.38 Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime and 9.75 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that received lime. Maximum root dry weight was obtained with the addition of 11.67 mg Mo kg^?1 in the experiment that did not receive lime and 9.28 mg Mo in the experiment that received lime. Soil properties determined after harvest of dry bean plants were not influenced significantly with the addition of Mo in the Oxisol under investigation.     

Internal Boron Requirement of Young Sunflower Plants: Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract

In a greenhouse study, a significant increase in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., cv. Hysun 33) dry matter yield was observed with boron (B) application to a B-deficient (hot water-extractable, 0.23 mg B kg^?1) calcareous soil of Missa series (Typic Ustochrept). Six rates of B, ranging from 0 to 8 mg B kg^?1 soil, were applied as H₃BO₃ along with adequate basal fertilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). Four plants of sunflower were grown in each pot; two were harvested after 4 weeks of germination and the other two after 8 weeks. Maximum crop biomass was produced with 1.0 mg B kg ^?1, and application of ≥2.0 mg B kg^?1 proved toxic, resulting in drastic yield suppressions. Critical B concentration range for deficiency diagnosis in 4‐week‐old sunflower whole shoots appears to be 46–63 mg B kg^?1. However, critical concentration in 8‐week‐old plants was much less (i.e., 36 mg B kg^?l), presumably due to a dilution effect. As plant's internal B requirement can vary, in fact manifold, depending on the species, plant part, and plant age, only a relevant criterion can help in diagnosing the deficiency effectively.     

Effect of soil application of nickel on growth,micronutrient concentration and uptake in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in Inceptisols of Varanasi

A pot experiment was conducted in a glass house on low nickel containing alluvial soil in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2012–13 and 2013–14, to study the response of barley to soil application of nickel (Ni). There were ten treatments of Ni (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg kg^?1) studied with recommended dose of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur (N:P:K:S :: 40:30:30:20 mg kg^?1).The results showed a significant increase in plant height, number of tillers, chlorophyll content, straw and grain yield, and 1,000 grains weight with application of 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil during both years of study. The micronutrient concentration and uptake in straw and grain increased with application of <15 mg Ni kg^?1 soil and beyond that declined significantly. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable micronutrient iron, manganese, copper, zinc and nickel (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Ni) content in soil increased with increasing level of Ni. The maximum urease activity in post-harvest soil was noticed with application of 40 mg Ni kg^?1 soil. The microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were higher with 5, 30 and 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil, respectively.     

Co-application of molybdenum and selenium fertilizers increase uptake,recovery and harvest index of molybdenum and selenium in pepper crop

A pot trial was conducted to clarify the interactions of molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se) fertilizers on uptake, harvest index and recovery of Mo and Se by pepper crop (Capsicum frutescens L.). Mo was applied at three rates (0, 0.15 and 0.3 mg kg^?1) and Se at three rates (0, 0.4 and 0.8 mg kg^?1) in soil. Appropriate application of Mo increased Se concentrations in pepper fruit, stem, leaf and root especially in the presence of Se fertilizer. Appropriate application of Se increased Mo concentrations in pepper fruit, stem, leaf and root particularly in the presence of Mo fertilizer. Both Mo and Se had beneficial effects on harvest index and recovery of Mo and Se. These results indicated that there is significant synergetic effect on Mo and Se absorption and translocation, and co-application of these two elements is necessary to produce Mo and Se-rich pepper.     

Zinc,Copper, Boron and Iron Requirement of Upland Rice Grown on a Brazilian Oxisol

Deficiency of micronutrients increasing in field crops, including upland rice in recent years. The objective of this study was to determine requirement of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) boron (B) and iron (Fe) for upland rice grown on a Brazilian Oxisol. The levels used were: Zn (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg^?1), Cu (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1), B (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1) and Fe (0, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg kg^?1). Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle number and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly improved with the addition of these micronutrients. Root growth was also improved with the application of micronutrients, except with the addition of B. Maximum grain yield was obtained with the addition of 51 mg Zn, 24 mg Cu, 5 mg B kg^?1, and 283 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Similarly, maximum straw yield was obtained with the addition of 38 mg Zn, 17 mg Cu, 6 mg B kg^?1, and 1500 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Maximum plant height was obtained with the addition of 54 mg Zn, 10 mg B kg^?1, and 1197 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Copper did not affect plant height significantly. Maximum panicle number was obtained with the addition of 22 mg Cu kg^?1, 3 mg B kg^?1, and 1100 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Zinc did not affect panicle number significantly. Maximum GHI was obtained with the addition of 61 mg Zn kg^?1, and 8 mg B kg^?1. Zinc was had a linear increase in GHI in the range of 0 to 80 mg kg^?1, and Fe showed a negative relationship with GHI.     

Nutrient Dynamics: Effect on Cropping Behavior,Nutrient Profile and Quality Attributes of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Under Rainfed Agroclimatic Conditions

The study was carried out between 2008 and 2010 on 8-year-old pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) trees cultivar ‘Kandhari Kabuli.’ The potential efficiency of bio-organics used along with chemical fertilizers on cropping behavior, quality attributes, nutrient availability, physico-chemical, and biological properties of soil were investigated. Bioorganic nutrient sources, namely, vermicompost (VC), biofertilizers (BF), farm yard manure (FYM), and green manure (GM), along with chemical fertilizers was evaluated in 13 different treatment combinations. Conjoint treatment application of VC at 20 kg tree^?1, BF at 80 g tree^?1, FYM at 20 kg tree^?1, GM as sun hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) along with 75% of the recommended dose of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N–P–K) chemical fertilizers significantly resulted in maximum fruit set (52.03%) and fruit yield (34.02 kg tree^?1). All of the fruit quality characteristics were also improved significantly when compared to nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N–P–K) chemical fertilizers. This superior combination also enhanced physical-chemical and biological properties of the rhizosphere soil. Microbial biomass of in terms of Pseudomonas, total culturable soil fungi, Azotobacter chroococcum, actinobacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi improved 385.57, 60.26, 134.19, 168.02, and 39.87%, respectively, over control. This combination also resulted in considerable greater concentration of leaf macro-and micronutrients: N (2.63%), P (0.25%), K (1.57%), iron (Fe; 197.87 mg kg^?1), copper (Cu; 14.65 mg kg^?1), zinc (Zn; 59.36 mg kg^?1), and manganese (Mn; 200.45 mg kg^?1).     

Phosphorus Extraction Methods for Water Treatment Residual–Amended Soils

Abstract

Water treatment residuals (WTR) can adsorb tremendous amounts of phosphorus (P). A soil that had biosolids applied eight times over 16 years at a rate of 6.7 Mg ha^?1 y^?1 contained 28 mg kg^?1 ammonium–bicarbonate diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB‐DTPA), 57 mg kg^?1 Olsen, 95 mg kg^?1 Bray‐1, and 53 mg kg^?1 Mehlich‐III extractable P. To 10 g of soil, WTRs were added at rates of 0, 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g, then 20 mL of distilled deionized H₂0 (DI) were added and the mixtures were shaken for 1 week, filtered, and analyzed for soluble (ortho‐P) and total soluble P. The soil–WTR mixtures were dried and P extracted using DI, AB‐DTPA, Olsen, Bray‐1, and Mehlich‐III. Results indicated that all methods except AB‐DTPA showed reduced extractable‐P concentrations with increasing WTR. The AB‐DTPA extractable P increased with increasing WTR rate. The water‐extractable method predicted P reduction best, followed by Bray‐1 and Mehlich‐III, and finally Olsen.     

Response of Maize (Zea Mays L.) to Phosphorus Fertilizers in Two Alfisols with Contrasting Phosphorus Availabilities and Sorption Capacities

Increase in phosphorus (P) availability with fertilizer addition is influenced by soil properties such as P sorption capacity. We investigated P availability changes and response of maize (Zea mays L) to four P fertilizers rates (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha^?1) in a two-site field experiment, having soils of contrastingly different available P (2.9 and 22.1 mg kg^?1) and P sorption capacities (171.9 and 54.2 mg kg^?1). Increase in available P was significantly greater in the soil with higher available P but lower P sorption capacity, than in the other; however, yield responses were similar in the two soils. Fertilizer P rates of 30 and 40 kg ha^?1 gave significantly greater maize yields than the unfertilized treatment in both soils. Results suggest the need to account for the P sorption capacity when deciding rates of P fertilizers to increase available P in soils.     

Potassium fertilization and soil diagnostic criteria for forage corn (Zea mays L.) production contributing to lower potassium input in regional fertilizer recommendation

Abstract

Effective soil diagnostic criteria for exchangeable potassium (Ex-K) combined with inorganic potassium (K) application rates were developed to lower K input in forage corn (Zea mays L.) production using experimental fields with different application rates and histories of cattle manure compost. Two corn varieties, ‘Cecilia’ as a low K uptake variety and ‘Yumechikara’ as a high K uptake variety, were selected from among 20 varieties and tested to make diagnostic criteria for K fertilization applicable to varieties with different K uptakes. The K uptakes increased from 96 to 303 kg K ha^?1 for ‘Cecilia’ and from 123 to 411 kg K ha^?1 for ‘Yumechikara’ with increasing Ex-K content on a dry soil basis from 0.11 to 0.92 g kg^?1 with no inorganic K fertilizer application. The K uptake by corn for achieving the target dry matter yield of 18 Mg ha^?1 was estimated to be approximately 200 kg K ha^?1 in common between the two varieties. Yields of both varieties achieved the target yield at an Ex-K content of approximately 0.30 g kg^?1 with no K fertilization, although ‘Yumechikara’ reached the target yield at a lower Ex-K content. At the low Ex-K content of 0.1 g kg^?1, inorganic K fertilizer application at 83 kg K ha^?1 was needed to gain the target yield, and apparent K recovery rate for K fertilizer was calculated to be 70% for both varieties. The K uptakes for gaining the target yield by the K fertilization were lower than that by soil K supply. Based on these results, diagnostic criteria of Ex-K and inorganic K application rates were set up as follows: at an Ex-K content of < 0.15 g kg^?1, inorganic K fertilizer is applied at 83 kg K ha^?1 (100 kg ha^?1 as potassium oxide (K₂O) equivalent); at an Ex-K content of 0.15–0.30 g kg^?1, the application rate is reduced to 33 kg K ha^?1 (40 kg K₂O ha^?1); at an Ex-K content of ≥ 0.30 g kg^?1, inorganic K fertilizer is not applied because of sufficient K in the soil. Additionally, we propose that cattle manure compost be used to supplement soil K fertility.     

Phosphorus Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Al-Sensitive Wheat Seedlings

The role of phosphorus (P) in the amelioration of aluminum (Al) toxicity to plants is still unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the amelioration of Al toxicity by P supply. The study involved growing Al-sensitive wheat seedlings for 13 days in an acidic soil [pH 4.5 in calcium chloride (CaCl₂)] with increasing added rates of P (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg P kg^?1 soil) and Al [0, 50, and 150 mg aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) kg^?1 soil]. The results indicated that the effects of Al toxicity in this soil could be fully alleviated by the application of P at 50 mg AlCl₃ kg^?1. The 150 mg kg^?1 AlCl₃ treatment significantly reduced root growth, but this was partially overcome by the 80 mg kg^?1 P treatment. High P significantly reduced the concentration of Al in the apoplast, root, and shoot. It is possible that an insoluble Al-P complex forms in the soil and this decreases Al bound in apoplast as well as uptake into the roots. High P decreased the translocation of Al from root to shoot. This study also concluded that detoxification of Al³⁺ by P mainly occurs in soil but not within the plant tissue.     

Is it possible to attain high-yielding common bean using molybdenum fertilizer instead of side-dressed nitrogen?

We evaluate the feasibility of using foliar-applied molybdenum, (Mo) instead of side-dressed nitrogen (N) in three experiments. In soils with native rhizobia, plants received 0, 30, 60, 90 or 120 kg N ha^?1 with +Mo (80 g ha^?1) or -Mo. N concentration in leaves (NCL) -Mo ranged from 35.1 to 42.5 g kg^?1 and NCL +Mo from 40.3 to 49.2 g kg^?1; yield -Mo ranged from 1560 to 3350 kg ha^?1and yield +Mo from 2829 to 3567 kg ha^?1. In two experiments, NCL or yield -Mo increased linearly or quadratically with increasing N rates, but NCL or yield +Mo did not. In one experiment, NCL increased linearly with increasing N rates and 16% with +Mo relative to –Mo, but yield was not affected significantly. Our results suggest that using Mo fertilizer instead of side-dressed N can allow common bean plants to meet crop demands for N to support yields as high as 3000 kg ha^?1.     

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.     

Phosphorus release from cattle manure ash as soil amendment in laboratory-scale tests

ABSTRACT

Excessive application of animal manure to farmland leads to phosphorus (P) loss into the surrounding water. Manure is incinerated to convert it to P-rich ash as a slow-release P fertilizer. However, the potential P loss and P availability for plants from cattle manure ash (CMA) have not been fully understood. The aims of this study were to determine the P release mechanism from CMA and to propose appropriate application rates that mitigate P loss and increase available P to soil in Fukushima, where the soil is deficient in nutrients after the replacement of cesium-137-contaminated soil with sandy mountain soil. Different P fractions in CMA were sequentially extracted with H₂O, 0.5 M NaHCO₃, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1 M HCl. Phosphorus contents in different fractions of CMA were in the order of HCl–P > NaHCO₃–P > H₂O–P > NaOH–P. Water-soluble P release of CMA was also determined by kinetic experiments for 120 h. Results showed that total water-soluble P accounted for a maximum of 2.9% of total P in CMA over 120 h due to recalcitrant P compounds formed through incineration. The Fukushima sandy soil amended with CMA at three application rates, 94, 157, and 314 mg P kg^?1 (corresponding to 300, 500, 1000 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) was incubated for 56 days. Cattle manure compost and KH₂PO₄ were applied at 157 mg P kg^?1 for comparison. Phosphorus release in water and CaCl₂ solution from ash-amended soil was significantly lower than those from compost and KH₂PO₄-amended soil at the same P application rate of 157 mg P kg^?1 (p < 0.05). Available P in ash-amended soil, determined by Fe-oxide impregnated strips, was not significantly different from those in compost-amended soil after day 7 and KH₂PO₄-amended soil on day 56 at the same P application rate. Thus, CMA reduces P losses from soil to the surrounding water while it increases P availability for plants. In comparison of different rates of CMA, P release in water or CaCl₂ was significantly greater at 314 mg P kg^?1 than at 94 or 157 mg P kg^?1, while the percentage of available P to total P was the lowest at the highest application rate (p < 0.05), suggesting that the best application rates were 94 and 157 mg P kg^?1 in this experiment.     

Agronomic Effectiveness of Cationic Phosphate Impurities Present in Superphosphate Fertilizers as Affected by Soil pH

Abstract

The general concept that low‐water‐soluble phosphorus (P) fertilizers should be more agronomically effective when applied to acidic soils was developed based on sources containing mainly calcium (Ca)‐P compounds, but it may not hold true for sources with different chemical composition. To obtain information related to this issue, two important iron (Fe)–potassium (K)–P compounds present in superphosphates [Fe₃KH₈(PO₄)₆ · 6H₂O, H8, and Fe₃KH₁₄(PO₄)₈ · 4H₂O, H14] were prepared and characterized. These P sources were used to provide 30 and 60 mg P kg^?1 as neutral ammonium citrate (NAC)+H₂O‐soluble P. Reagent‐grade monocalcium phosphate (MCP) was used as a standard P source with high water solubility with an additional rate of 120 mg P kg^?1 included. Also, mixtures of both Fe‐K‐P compounds and MCP were prepared to provide 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the total P as MCP. All sources were applied to a clayey loamy acid soil (pH 5.3) classified as Rhodic Kanhapludult. The soil was incubated at two rates (0 and 10 g kg^?1) of lime, which resulted in pH 5.4 and 6.8. Upland rice was cultivated to maturity. The H14 compound confirmed to be a highly effective source of P for the rice plants at both soil pH, as opposed to the H8, which was poorly effective when applied alone. When mixed with water‐soluble P (WSP), the H8 was able to provide P to the plants with the maximum yield of upland rice reached with 54.8 and 80.5% of WSP for pH 5.4 and 6.8, respectively. The high agronomic performance of the H14 compound clearly indicates that this low‐water‐soluble P source cannot be deemed as ineffective at high soil pH.