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.     

Potassium substitution by sodium in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) nutrition on K‐fixing soils

Alluvial soils with illite and vermiculite clay minerals are highly potassium (K)‐fixing. Such soils have been reported to require a huge amount of K fertilization for optimum plant growth. For halophytic plants such as sugar beet, sodium (Na) can be an alternative to K under such conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the possible substitution of K by Na fertilization with reference to K‐fixing soils. Three soils, i.e., Kleinlinden (subsoil), Giessen (alluvial), and Trebur (alluvial), differing in K‐fixing capacities, were selected, and sugar beet plants were grown in Ahr pots with 15 kg soil pot^–1. Three treatments (no K and Na, K equal to K‐fixing capacity of soil, and Na equivalent to regular K fertilization) were applied. In a second experiment, containers (90 cm × 40 cm × 40 cm) were used with 170 kg Kleinlinden soil each, and one sugar beet plant per container was grown. In both experiments, plants were grown till beet maturity, and beets were analyzed for sucrose concentration and other quality parameters such as α‐amino nitrogen to calculate white‐sugar yield with the New Brunswick formula. The results showed that growth and quality of sugar beet were not affected by Na application, and ultimately there was no decrease in white‐sugar yield. Moreover, the soils with more K‐fixing capacity were more suitable for K substitution by Na. It is concluded that Na can substitute K in sugar beet nutrition to a high degree and soils with high K‐fixing capacity have more potential for this substitution.     

Effect of long‐term fertilization and manuring on potassium release properties in a Typic Ustochrept

A long‐term fertilizer experiment, over 27 years, studied the effect of mineral fertilizers and organic manures on potassium (K) balances and K release properties in maize‐wheat‐cowpea (fodder) cropping system on a Typic Ustochrept. The treatments consisted of control, 100% nitrogen (100% N), 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (100% NP), 50% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (50% NPK), 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (100% NPK), 150% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (150% NPK), and 100% NPK+farmyard manure (100% NPK+FYM). Nutrients N, P, and K in 100% NPK treatment were applied at N: 120 kg ha^—1, P: 26 kg ha^—1, and K: 33 kg ha^—1 each to maize and wheat crops and N: 20 kg ha^—1, P: 17 kg ha^—1, and K: 17 kg ha^—1 to cowpea (fodder). In all the fertilizer and manure treatments removal of K in the crop exceeded K additions and the total soil K balance was negative. The neutral 1 N ammonium acetate‐extractable K in the surface soil (0—15 cm) ranged from 0.19 to 0.39 cmol kg^—1 in various treatments after 27 crop cycles. The highest and lowest values were obtained in 100% NPK+FYM and 100% NP treatments, respectively. Non‐exchangeable K was also depleted more in the treatments without K fertilization (control, 100% N, and 100% NP). Parabolic diffusion equation could describe the reaction rates in CaCl₂ solutions. Release rate constants (b) of non‐exchangeable K for different depth of soil profile showed the variations among the treatments indicating that long‐term cropping with different rates of fertilizers and manures influenced the rate of K release from non‐exchangeable fraction of soil. The b values were lowest in 100% NP and highest in 100% NPK+FYM treatment in the surface soil. In the sub‐surface soil layers (15—30 and 30—45 cm) also the higher release rates were obtained in the treatments supplied with K than without K fertilization indicating that the sub‐soils were also stressed for K in these treatments.     

The crop as indicator for sidedress nitrogen demand in sugar beet production — limitations and perspectives

In 2‐years field experiments near Nienstädt (60 km west of Hannover, northern Germany), the effects of rate and timing of nitrogen (N) application on leaf N‐concentration, leaf greenness (SPAD chlorophyll meter readings), canopy greenness (canopy light reflectance), leaf area development, photosynthetic activity of leaves, and yield and quality of sugar beet were studied. In 1999 (pre‐planting soil mineral N: 15 kg ha^—1), N fertilizer was applied at rates of 0, 105, 125, 145, 165 and 205 kg N ha^—1. In 2000 (pre‐planting soil mineral N: 60 kg ha^—1), an N rate of 100 kg ha^—1 was applied at planting (100/0/0/0) or split applied at planting and 8 (60/40/0/0), 12 (60/0/40/0), and 16 (60/0/0/40) weeks after planting (WAP), respectively. In both years, canopy greenness as indicated by ”︁sensor values” (a combination of the reflectance of visible and near infrared light) changed with crop age. However, at each time of measurement, sensor values precisely reflected the different N application treatments and were significantly correlated with leaf N‐concentrations and SPAD chlorophyll meter readings. Beet yield and processed white sugar yield increased up to an N supply (fertilizer N + pre‐planting soil mineral N) of 160 kg ha^—1. Split N application slightly retarded leaf growth but had no effect on photosynthetic activity per unit leaf area. Beet yield and beet quality were not systematically affected by the timing of N application. Certain application schemes tended to favor either beet yield or beet quality, resulting in similar processed white sugar yields. Our data suggest that moderate N topdressing can be integrated in site‐specific N management systems in sugar beet production. Canopy light reflectance might serve as a useful diagnostic tool to assess the N status and sidedress N demand of sugar beets. However, due to changing sensor values over time, on‐site calibration (using established standard methods or reference plots receiving extra N at planting) will be necessary. The applicability of this approach has to be tested in further field studies.<?show $6#>     

Potassium fertilization on sandy soils in relation to soil test,crop yield and K-leaching

To study the influence of potassium (K) fertilizer rate on soil test K values, crop yield, and K-leaching in sandy soils, four long-term fertilizer experiments (0–60–120–180 kg K ha^?1 a^?1) were initiated in 1988 in northern Germany on farmers fields. Clay content of the plow layer was about 4%, and organic matter between 2% and 5%. Plant available soil K was estimated with the double lactate (DL) method. Small grain cereals (rye and barley) did not respond to K fertilization in the 7-year period even though the soil test value of the K-0 plots decreased from ca. 90 to ca. 30 mg K_DL kg^?1 within 3 years. This value remained almost constant thereafter. Crop removal (including straw) of 75 kg K ha^?1 a^?1 was therefore apparently supplied from nonexchangeable K fractions. Compared to the optimum, no K application reduced the yield of potato by up to 21%, and that of white sugar yield up to 10%. Maximum potato yield was obtained by annually applying 60 kg K ha^?1 which resulted in a test value of 60 mg K_DL kg^?1 soil. Maximum potato yield was also obtained at 40 mg K_DL kg^?1 soil, however, with a single application of 200 kg K ha^?1. Similar results were obtained with sugar beet. This indicates that for maximum yield, even for K demanding crops, it is not necessary to maintain K_DL values above 40 mg K kg^?1 soil throughout the entire crop rotation. Soil test values increased roughly proportional to the K fertilizer level. About 120 kg fertilizer K ha^?1 a^?1, markedly more than crop K removal, was required to maintain the initial K_DL of 90 mg kg^?1. The K concentration of the soil solution in the top soil measured after harvest was increased exponentially by K fertilizer level and so was K leaching from the plow layer into the rooted subsoil. The leached quantity increased from 22 kg K ha_?1 a_?1 in the plot without K application to 42.79 and 133 kg Kha^?1 a^?1 in plots supplied with 60, 120 and 180 kg K ha^?1 a^?1 respectively. Soil test values around 100 mg K_DL kg^?1 on sandy soils, as often found in the plow layer of farmers fields, lead to K leaching below the root zone that may exceed the critical K concentration of 12 mg K T^?1 for drinking water.     

Topsoil and subsoil potassium as affected by long‐term potassium fertilization of corn‐soybean rotations

Abstract

Long‐term potassium (K) fertilization practices are likely to affect the K content of soils. This study assessed the effect of long‐term K fertilization strategies for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations on extractable K in the soil profile of a major Iowa soil type at two locations. The soil type was a Webster fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic, Typic Haplaquoll at both sites. Soil samples were collected from the 0–15, 15–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm depths after 17 years (Site 1) or 19 years (Site 2) of K fertilization with combinations of two initial rates and four annual rates. The initial rates were 0 and 1,344 or 1,120 kg K ha^‐1 at Site 1 and 2, respectively, and the annual rates ranged from 0 to 100 kg K ha^‐1. Samples were analyzed for ammonium acetate‐extractable K (STK) and nitric acid (HNO₃)‐extractable nonexchangeable K (HNO₃‐K). Concentrations of STK and HNO₃‐K in the top 0–15 cm soil layer at the two sites were higher for the high initial K rates and were linearly related with the annual K rate. Results for the subsoil layers varied between sites and extractants. At Site 1, annual rates of 30 kg K ha^‐1 or higher resulted in a relative accumulation of HNO₃‐K in the 15–30 cm layer. At Site 2, these rates resulted in relative accumulations of STK in the 30–60 cm layer and of HNO₃‐K in the 60–90 cm layer, but with relative depletions of STK in the 15–30 and 60–90 cm layers. Thus, use of one extractant may not always be sufficient to evaluate cropping and fertilization effects on subsoil K. Long‐term K fertilization of corn and soybean rotations affected extractable K of both the topsoil and subsoil. The effects on subsoil K, however, were smaller compared with effects on the topsoil and varied markedly between sites, subsoil layers, and extractants.     

Long‐term effects of fertilization on some soil properties under rainfed soybean‐wheat cropping in the Indian Himalayas

This study aims to examine the effects of long‐term fertilization and cropping on some chemical and microbiological properties of the soil in a 32 y old long‐term fertility experiment at Almora (Himalayan region, India) under rainfed soybean‐wheat rotation. Continuous annual application of recommended doses of chemical fertilizer and 10 Mg ha^–1 FYM on fresh‐weight basis (NPK + FYM) to soybean (Glycine max L.) sustained not only higher productivity of soybean and residual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop, but also resulted in build‐up of total soil organic C (SOC), total soil N, P, and K. Concentration of SOC increased by 40% and 70% in the NPK + FYM–treated plots as compared to NPK (43.1 Mg C ha^–1) and unfertilized control plots (35.5 Mg C ha^–1), respectively. Average annual contribution of C input from soybean was 29% and that from wheat was 24% of the harvestable aboveground biomass yield. Annual gross C input and annual rate of total SOC enrichment from initial soil in the 0–15 cm layer were 4362 and 333 kg C ha^–1, respectively, for the plots under NPK + FYM. It was observed that the soils under the unfertilized control, NK and N + FYM treatments, suffered a net annual loss of 5.1, 5.2, and 15.8 kg P ha^–1, respectively, whereas the soils under NP, NPK, and NPK + FYM had net annual gains of 25.3, 18.8, and 16.4 kg P ha^–1, respectively. There was net negative K balance in all the treatments ranging from 6.9 kg ha^–1 y^–1 in NK to 82.4 kg ha^–1 y^–1 in N + FYM–treated plots. The application of NPK + FYM also recorded the highest levels of soil microbial‐biomass C, soil microbial‐biomass N, populations of viable and culturable soil microbes.     

Current potassium‐management status and grain‐yield response of Chinese maize to potassium application

The great achievement of the development of intensive in agriculture in China can be partly attributed to substantial increases in mineral‐nutrient application. However, whereas farmers tend to apply high levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application of potassium (K) has been neglected. A greater understanding of the relationship between maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield and K‐application rate is thus required to provide an improved rationale for K fertilization for farmers in the various agro‐ecological regions of China. In this study, a total of 2765 farmers' survey data and 3124 on‐farm experiments across major maize agro‐ecological regions in China were collected and evaluated for farmers' K‐management status and to determine grain‐yield response to K application. Nationally, the average K‐application rate on farms was 26 kg K ha^–1 and varied from 0 to 158 kg K ha^–1, with a coefficient of variation of 107%, but the applied K‐fertilizer rates were not related to grain yield. Maize grain yields at recommended K rates increased by 14.0%, 14.7%, 19.4%, and 4.3% in Northeast China, North China Plain, Southwest China, and Northwest China, respectively, compared to zero K fertilization (K₀). Increased yield due to K fertilization (IY_max, difference between maximum yield across all treatments and K₀‐treatment yield for each experiment) averaged 1.4 t ha^–1 but varied widely in different agro‐ecological regions. Soil extractable K (NH₄OAc‐K) and intercounty variation resulted in large variation in IY_max in agro‐ecological regions, as did other factors, such as use of particular maize hybrids, soil types, or years in different regions.     

Einfluss differenzierter Stickstoffdüngung auf Kornertrag und Backqualität von Winterweizen: (Effect of different nitrogen fertilization on yield and bread-making quality of winter wheat)

Abstract

In the “International Long-term Organic Nitrogen Fertilization Experiment” (IOSDV) the organic and mineral fertilization showed a distinct influence on yield formation and quality parameters of winter wheat, though modified by annual weather conditions. Grain yield was affected by annual weather conditions in the first place, followed by mineral N-fertilization and organic fertilization respectively. This result was due to soil conditions at the experimental site. Dry periods during the stages of spikelet formation and flowering formation, which were caused by water deficiency, reduced the yield components strongly. The yield optimum was reached at the level of 110 and 160 kg ha^?1 mineral N on the sandy soil at the location of Berlin-Dahlem. The highest nitrogen level caused non effective or slight yield depressions, especially in the “green, straw and sugar beet leaf manure” fertilization system. Organic N-fertilization (farm yard manure, straw, green manure and beet leaf fertilization) led to significant increases of winter wheat yield in the course of which biggest differences were observed when combined mineral N-fertilization was missing. The bread-making quality of B-wheat variety Flair was primarily dependent on mineral N-fertilization. Necessary values for bread wheat were predominantly obtained only, when mineral N-fertilization rates of 110?–?160 kg ha^?1 were applied. Organic N-fertilization?–?especially farmyard manure?–?improved the bread-making quality of wheat as well in treatments without mineral-N as in combination with mineral-N-fertilization.     

Soil Factors Affecting Yield,Quality, and Response to Nitrogen of Sugar Beets Grown on Light-Textured Soils in Northern Greece

For 7 years (1997–2003), five nitrogen (N) rates (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha^?1) were applied to sugar beets arranged in randomized complete block (RCB) design experiments with six replications and grown on light soils (sand content >50 g kg^?1) in northern Greece. The aim of this work was to identify soil characteristics that affect yield, quality, and sugar beet response to N fertilization. Before sowing, soil analyses were conducted in control plots (0 kg N ha^?1) at two depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm). Soils differed in their physical and chemical properties and especially in sand content, which ranged from 500 to 732 g kg^?1. Quantitative (root number, RN; root yield, RY; and sugar yield, SY) and qualitative (percentage sucrose content in fresh root weight, SC; potassium, K; sodium, Na; and α-amino N) traits of control plots were used as soil fertility index. The RN was positively affected by clay content, and RY and SY were positively related with sand and negatively with silt content. The SC was negatively affected by soil (NO₃)-N and sodium (Na) concentrations. Also, soil (NO₃)-N concentration was positively related with root impurities (K, Na, α-amino N). In combined data over years, N rates had a negative effect on the RN. The RY was the only trait affected by years, N rates, and their interaction. The SC and SY differed significantly between years, and N rates affected significantly the former but not the latter. In combined data over years, N rates were curvilinearly related with Na concentration in roots, whereas a strong, linear relationship was found between α-amino N concentration and N rates. To study the significant years × N rates interaction evidenced for the RY, the relative response (RR) of the RY to N was introduced. Actually, the RR expresses the increase or decrease of the RY for a 150 kg N ha^?1 rate compared to the control (0 kg N ha^?1). The RR was strongly related with soil K concentration at the 0- to 30-cm depth (y = –0.00002x² + 0.0082x + 0.5085, r² = 0.92, P < 0.01, n = 7) and with total N concentration at the deeper layer (y = 1.8335x² – 3.5312x + 2.6614, r² = 0.88, P < 0.05, n = 6). Thus, the RY response to a rate of 150 kg N ha^?1, which is the commonly applied to the sugar beet crop in Greece, can be predicted reliably by soil characteristics (K and total N concentration) determined before sowing. The strong relationship between soil K concentration and sugar beet response to N merits further research.     

Lysimeterstudie zum Einfluss von Düngung und Bewirtschaftung auf die Ertragsbildung,den Wasserhaushalt und die Nährstoffauswaschung im Trockengebiet der Uckermark

Lysimeter study about the effect of fertilization and management on yield, water balance, and solute leaching in the dry region of the Uckermark Results are presented of a lysimeter study on the effects of fertilization and management on yield, seepage rate, and solute leaching in the dry region of the Uckermark (Northeast Germany) from 1992 to 1999. The crop rotation included sugar beet, summer barley, pea, and winter wheat with fertilization of 280 and 400 kg N ha^—1 within the crop rotation. Additionally to the mineral fertilization, sugar beet was fertilized with the sugar beet leaf or slurry. The average annual seepage rate was 13.7 mm, the nitrogen leaching was 4.3 kg N ha^—1, and the phosphorus leaching was 0.008 kg P ha^—1. Differences between the treatments were negligible and insignificant. The amount of the precipitation from April to September had a significant influence on yields. Furthermore, results of water use efficiency and the effect of different nitrogen rates on yields are presented.     

Trends in grain yields and soil organic C in a long‐term fertilization experiment in the China Loess Plateau

Changes in grain yields and soil organic carbon (SOC) from a 26 y dryland fertilization trial in Pingliang, Gansu, China, were recorded. Cumulative C inputs from straw and root and manure for fertilizer treatments were estimated. Mean wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields for the 18 y ranged from 1.72 t ha^–1 for the unfertilized plots (CK) to 4.65 t ha^–1 for the plots that received manure (M) annually with inorganic N and P fertilizers (MNP). Corn (Zea mays L.) yields for the 6 y averaged 2.43 and 5.35 t ha^–1 in the same treatments. Yields declined with year except in the CK for wheat. Wheat yields for N only declined with time by 117.8 kg ha^–1 y^–1 that was the highest decrease among all treatments, and that for NP declined by 84.7 kg ha^–1 y^–1, similar to the declines of 77.4 kg ha^–1 y^–1 for the treatment receiving straw and N annually and P every second year (SNP). Likewise, the corn yields declined highly for all treatments, and the declined amounts ranged from 108 to 258 kg ha^–1 y^–1 which was much higher than in wheat. These declined yields were mostly linked to both gradual dry weather and nutrients depletion of the soil. The N only resulted in both P and K deficiency in the soil, and soil N and K negative balances in the NP and MNP were obvious. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in the 0–20 cm soil layer increased with time except in the CK and N treatments, in which SOC remained almost stable. In the MNP and M treatments, 24.7% and 24.0% of the amount of cumulative C input from organic sources remained in the soil as SOC, but 13.7% of the C input from straw and root in the SNP, suggesting manure is more effective in building soil C than straw. Across the 26 y cropping and fertilization, annual soil‐C sequestration rates ranged from 0.014 t C ha^–1 y^–1 for the CK to 0.372 t C ha^–1 y^–1 for the MNP. We found a strong linear relationship (R² = 0.74, p = 0.025) between SOC sequestration and cumulative C input, with C conversion–to–SOC rate of 16.9%, suggesting these dryland soils have not reached an upper limit of C sequestration.     

Nitrous oxide emissions from arable soils in Germany — An evaluation of six long‐term field experiments

In this study emissions of N₂O from arable soils are summarized using data from long‐term N₂O monitoring experiments. The field experiments were conducted at six sites in Germany between 1992 and 1997. The annual N‐application rate ranged from 0 to 350 kg N ha^—1. Mineral and organic N‐fertilizer applications were temporarily split adapted to the growth stage of each crop. N‐fertilizer input and N‐yield by the crops were used to calculate the In/Out‐balance. The closed chamber technique was applied to monitor the N₂O fluxes from soil into the atmosphere. If possible, plants were included in the covers. Annual N₂O emission values were based on flux rate measurements of an entire year. The annual N₂O losses ranged from 0.53 to 16.78 kg N₂O‐N ha^—1 with higher N₂O emissions from organically fertilized plots as compared to minerally fertilized plots. Approximately 50% of the total annual emissions occurred during winter. No significant relationship between annual N₂O emissions and the respective N‐fertilization rate was found. This was attributed to site‐ and crop‐specific effects on N₂O emission. The calculation of the N₂O emission per unit N‐yield from winter cereal plots indicates that the site effect on N₂O emission is more important than the effect of N‐fertilization. From unfertilized soils at the sites Braunschweig and Timmerlah a N‐yield of 60.0 kg N ha^—1 a^—1 and N₂O emissions of 2 kg N ha^—1 a^—1 were measured. This high background emission was assigned to the amount and turnover of soil organic matter. For a crop rotation at the sites Braunschweig and Timmerlah the N In/Out‐balance over a period of four years was identified as a suitable predictor of N₂O emissions. This parameter characterizes the efficiency of N‐fertilization for crop production and allows for N‐mineralization from the soil.     

Nutrients management strategies to improve yield and quality of sugar beet in semi-arid regions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore, a field trial was carried out in Peshawar, Pakistan, during the winters in 2012–2013. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with split plots, having three replications. Fertilizer treatments (control, composted manure Higo Organic Plus at 5 t ha^?1, Maxicrop Sea Gold seaweed extract at 5 L ha^?1, farm yard manure at 10 t ha^?1, inorganic nitrogen–phosphorus (NP) at 90:60 kg ha^?1, NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 and NP at 150:120 kg ha^?1) were allotted to main plots, while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) were allotted to the sub-plots. Plots treated with the application of NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 produced the highest beet yield (76.4 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (11.1 t ha^?1), and had the second highest polarizable sugar content (14.52%) and more economic return (Rs. 553,000 per hectare) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly higher beet yield (55.5 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (7.9 t ha^?1) and a higher economic return (Rs. 380,000 per hectare) than the other genotypes. Sugar beet genotype Serenada supplied with NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1is recommended for the general cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.     

Wirkung der Phosphatdüngung in einem 40jährigen Dauerversuch auf einer Sandlöß-Braunschwarzerde in Halle

Effect of differential P fertilizer application over a period of 40 years in a long-term field experiment on a Phaeozem near Halle, Germany P fertilizer in three forms was applied at 0 (P₀), 15 (P₁) and 45 (P³) kg ha^?1 P per annum to a relation lucerne — lucerne — potatoes — winter rye — sugar beet — spring barley. The experiment was laid down in 1949 near Halle on Phaeozem soil containing 57 mg total P and 8.5 mg DL-P per 100 g soil (0–20 cm) and with pH 6.0 (0.1 M KCl). Small differences between treatments were first observed only after 20 years. Since then the effects of treatment increased but even after the 7th cycle (1982–1987) the maximum effect was <8 cereal units (CU) per ha. The crops most responsive to P were: lucerne (in the year of sowing), potatoes and sugar beet. Over the period 1977–1988, annual P removal exceeded P input by 23 and 9 kg ha^?1 P for treatments P₀ and P₁ respectively; on treatment P³, P input exceeded removal by 19 kg ha^?1 per annum. DL-P on treatment P₀ in 1979 was 3.5–4.0 mg per 100 g, insufficient to support high yields. A level of 5–6 mg DL-P per 100 g soil, as found in treatment P₁ is required for sustainable high yield. Change in total soil P content corresponded with the P balance (input — withdrawal) only on treatment P³. The lack of correspondence on treatments P₀ and P₁ suggests that crops obtained much of their P requirement from subsoil.     

N2O fluxes from a Haplic Luvisol under intensive production of lettuce and cauliflower as affected by different N‐fertilization strategies

Vegetable‐production systems often show high soil mineral‐N contents and, thus, are potential sources for the release of the climate‐relevant trace gas N₂O from soils. Despite numerous investigations on N₂O fluxes, information on the impact of vegetable‐production systems on N₂O emissions in regions with winter frost is still rare. This present study aimed at measuring the annual N₂O emissions and the total yield of a lettuce–cauliflower rotation at different fertilization rates on a Haplic Luvisol in a region exposed to winter frost (S Germany). We measured N₂O emissions from plots fertilized with 0, 319, 401, and 528 kg N ha^–1 (where the latter three amounts represented a strongly reduced N‐fertilization strategy, a target value system [TVS] in Germany, and the N amount fertilized under good agricultural practices). The N₂O release from the treatments was 2.3, 5.7, 8.8, and 10.6 kg N₂O‐N ha^–1 y^–1, respectively. The corresponding emission factors calculated on the basis of the total N input ranged between 1.3% and 1.6%. Winter emission accounted for 45% of the annual emissions, and a major part occurred after the incorporation of cauliflower residues. The annual N₂O emission was positively correlated with the nitrate content of the top soil (0–25 cm) and with the N surpluses of the N balance. Reducing the amount of N fertilizer applied significantly reduced N₂O fluxes. Since there was no significant effect on yields if fertilization was reduced from 528 kg N ha^–1 according to “good agricultural practice” to 401 kg N ha^–1 determined by the TVS, we recommend this optimized fertilization strategy.     

Potassium‐fertilizer management in winter oilseed‐rape production in China

Optimal potassium (K) fertilization is beneficial for oilseed‐rape (Brassica napus L.) yield and quality. However, the discrepancy between the high K demand of winter oilseed rape and low soil fertility and insufficient potassium input has limited the sustainable development of oilseed‐rape production. A series of on‐farm experiments in the key winter oilseed‐rape domains of China was conducted from 2004 to 2010 to evaluate K‐fertilizer management for winter oilseed rape. Currently, the average NH₄OAc‐extractable K content in the 0–20 cm soil layer is 89.1 mg kg^–1 indicative of “slight deficiency”. In addition, farmers in China usually fail to use sufficient K fertilizer in oilseed‐rape production, the average mineral‐potassium‐fertilizer input in 2010 being only 35 kg K ha^–1, far lower than the recommended rate of potassium for winter oilseed rape. Adequate potassium fertilization significantly raises seed yield. The average yield‐increase rate for the major production regions due to K‐fertilizer application was 18.5%, and the average K fertilizer–use efficiency 36.1%. Based on the negative correlation between yield response to potassium fertilization and available soil K content, a soil‐K‐test index was established for winter oilseed rape with a threshold value for NH₄OAc‐extractable soil K of 135 mg kg^–1. When available soil K‐content is below this threshold value, more K fertilizer should be applied to achieve high seed yield and to increase soil fertility. The major challenge for K‐fertilizer management in winter oilseed‐rape production in China will be to guide farmers in the different regions in making reasonable use of K fertilizer through soil K‐testing technology in order to maintain both seed yield and soil fertility.     

Changes in Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Potassium in a Long‐Term Continuous Maize–Wheat Cropping System in India

In a long‐term maize–wheat rotation at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India (subtropical climate), the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) addition on soil fertility and forms of inorganic P and K in the plow layer of an alkaline sandy loam soil were measured after 11 and 22 years of cropping. The treatments comprised four rates of N (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha^?1) as urea, three rates of P (0, 17.5, and 35 kg P ha^?1) as single superphosphate, and two rates of K (0 and 33 kg K ha^?1) as muriate of potash. The treatments selected for the present study were N₀P₀K₀, N₁₂₀P₀K₀, N₁₂₀P_17.5K₀, N₁₂₀P₃₅K₀, N₁₂₀P_17.5K₃₃, and N₁₂₀P₃₅K₃₃. A significant year × treatment interaction in decreasing available N [alkaline potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)–oxidizable N) status of soils was found in all the treatments. Available P (Olsen P) in the control plot decreased over time whereas in plots with added P, available P increased significantly after years 11 and 22, with the greatest increase in the N₁₂₀P_17.5K_o treatment. Compared to the initial values, continuous P fertilization resulted in greater total P and chloride P concentrations after 11 and 22 years. Although sodium hydroxide (NaOH) P and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) P increased in P‐treated plots from the start of the trial to year 11, they decreased from year 11 to year 22. Among these inorganic P forms, chloride P was significantly positively correlated with P uptake (r = 0.811*). When only N and P were applied, available K [ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc)–extractable K] significantly decreased over time. In plots without K addition, water‐soluble and exchangeable K decreased from their initial status. Compared to year 11, water‐soluble K increased, whereas exchangeable K decreased after year 22 in plots receiving no K fertilizer. Compared with NPK treatments, a significant decrease of total K in NP treatment plots suggests the release and uptake of nonexchangeable K. Water‐soluble K and exchangeable K were not correlated with K uptake. These results suggest that long‐term application of P fertilizers resulted in the accumulation of P in the soil, which could have resulted in saturation of P binding sites. Of the soil inorganic P fractions, only chloride P appears to be a good indicator of plant‐available P. The gradual loss in native soil K and release of nonexchangeable K indicates the need for adding K fertilizer to maintain soil fertility.     

Yield formation of five crop species under water shortage and differential potassium supply

A long‐term field experiment on a Haplic Phaeozem, established 1949 with four levels of potassium (K) supply (5, 69, 133, and 261 kg K ha^?1), was analyzed for the interaction between K supply and yield loss of five crop species by water shortage. The crop species were cultivated simultaneously side‐by‐side in the following rotation: potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), silage maize (Zea mays L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The treatment with 133 kg K ha^?1 supply had a nearly balanced K budget. In the treatments with lower supply, the soil delivered K from its mineral constituents. On the low‐K plots (especially on those with only 5 kg K ha^?1), crops suffered yield depressions of nearly all main harvest products (cereal grains, potato tubers, beet storage roots, silage maize) and by‐products (straw, beet leaves) by up to 40.7% of dry matter. Only wheat grains were an exception. Potassium concentrations in the harvested plant parts decreased nearly in parallel to the reduction of their dry matter yields, with the exception of cereal grains, which kept stable concentrations even in the treatment with only 5 kg K ha^?1. A comparison of four year‐pairs with differing levels of precipitation in yield‐relevant periods showed an average water shortage‐induced depression of dry matter yields by 19.7% in the main harvest products. The severity of this yield depression was not mitigated by elevated K supply, with the exception of beet leaves, where the dry matter production was stabilized by high K supply. In this crop, the reduction of storage‐root yield was associated with a decrease in harvest index and was therefore obviously caused by an inhibition of assimilate translocation from the leaves into these organs, in contrast to cereals, where water shortage primarily affected dry matter production in vegetative organs. It is concluded that the physiological causes of yield reduction by drought stress and the possibility of its amelioration by K supply differ between plant species and organs.     

PHENOLOGY AND SEED QUALITY RESPONSE OF RAPE (B. NAPUS) VERSUS MUSTARD (B. JUNCEA) TO SULFUR AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN

Inappropriate sulfur and potassium fertilization, particularly with continued soil nutrient mining and yearly fluctuations in rainfall, are major factors contributing to slow growth and low seed quality of canola in northwestern Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted in 2007–2008 on a sulfur (S) and potassium (K) deficient clay loam soil under irrigation at the research farm of NWFP (Northwest Frontier Province) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, with an objective to determine response of phenology and seed quality of Brassica oilseed rape versus mustard to S and K fertilizer application. Twenty treatments in a randomized complete block design were consisted of two oilseed genotypes [rape (B. napus canola) and mustard (B. juncea canola)], at three rates each of S (15, 30, and 45 kg S ha^?1) and K (30, 60, and 90 kg K ha^?1), plus control (no K and S applied). Days to flowering, pod formation, seed filling duration and maturity were enhanced with K and S fertilization compared to control plots. The species B. napus took more time to flowering, pod formation, seed filling duration and maturity compared to B. juncea. Both genotypes responded positively for seed quality (oil and protein content) to K and S fertilization, but the magnitude of response varied with level and combination of K and S fertilization. Delay in the phenological stages showed negative relationship with oil and protein content in seed of both genotypes. It is concluded that a combination of 60 kg K ha^?1 + 30 kg S ha^?1 would accelerate phenological development and improve seed quality of rape and mustard in the study area.