Production and evaluation of potassium fertilizers from silicate rock

Rising price and limited geographical availability of traditional sources of potassium (K) fertilizers have stimulated a search for alternative K sources in different parts of the world. We evaluated mineral transformations and agronomic properties of an alternative source of K produced through thermal and chemical treatment of the verdete rock (VR). Chemical and mineralogical characteristics were evaluated before and after each treatment. Four K sources (verdete rock, KCl, acidified verdete, and calcinated verdete) were applied to a Typic Hapludox at different rates. Eucalyptus and sequentially cropped maize and grass were grown in the treated soils. Verdete rock, which contained glauconite and microcline as K crystalline minerals, had very low solubility in water and in citric acid. Thermal and chemical treatments increased the concentration of water soluble K and citric acid soluble K. These treatments also caused crystalline K minerals to collapse and form sylvite and arcanite. Untreated verdete rock was not suitable as a K source for maize (Zea mays L.) and eucalyptus (Eucaliptus urograndis I144). Thermal and chemical treatments increased agronomic performance of VR to be similar to KCl. When K was applied as K‐calcined verdete, 82% of the total K was recovered in maize and grass cultivations. Less K was recovered in plant following addition of K‐acidified verdete and KCl (72% and 77%, respectively). Potassium recoveries by eucalyptus were about 52, 53, and 60% of the amount applied of calcined verdete, acidified verdete, and KCl, respectively. Both calcination and thermal treatment increased the K uptake and dry matter production for all plant species tested to be similar to KCl suggesting that this silicate rock could be beneficiated to be an effective K fertilizer.     

Biosolubilization of phosphorus from rock phosphate and other P fertilizers in response to phosphate solubilizing bacteria and poultry manure in a silt loam calcareous soil

‘Phosphate solubilizing bacteria' (PSBs) are able to release unavailable P from native and applied P sources into plant‐available soil pool through their solubilizing and acidifying effects. The effects of three indigenous and one exotic PSBs on P solubilization from different P sources, plant biomass production, and P‐uptake efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) were examined in an incubation and greenhouse study. For incubation study, surface (0–15 cm) soil was collected from an arable field (Inceptisols) and amended with rock phosphate (RP), single superphosphate (SSP), poultry manure (PM), and RP+PM with and without PSBs. The amended soil was incubated in the control environment at 25 ± 2°C for a total of a 100‐d period to establish relative potential rate of P solubilization of added P sources. A complementary greenhouse experiment was conducted in pots by growing maize as a test crop. Growth characteristics, P‐uptake, and P‐utilization efficiency (PUE) were determined. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria generated a solubilization effect on different P sources by releasing more P into plant‐available soil pool, i.e., 14.0–18.3 µg g^?1 in RP, 5.0–9.9 µg g^?1 in SSP, 1.4–4.4 µg g^?1 in PM, and 4.5–7.8 µg g^?1 in RP+PM compared to their sole application without PSBs. The available P from inorganic SSP declined continuously from the mineral pool (after day 30) and at the end 40% of applied P was unaccounted for. However, P losses were reduced to 28 and 27% when PSBs (PSB₁ and PSB₃) were applied with superphosphate treatments. In the absence of PSBs, the recoveries of applied P (in soil) from RP, SSP, PM and RP+PM were 4, 25, 9, and 12%, respectively, those had been increased to 14, 30, 12 and 15% in the presence of PSBs. Similarly, the plant biomass in RP+PSBs treatments compared to the RP without PSBs increased between 12–30% in first sampling (30 DAG) and 13–30% in the second sampling (60 DAG). The P utilization efficiency (PUE) in plants supplemented with PSBs was 20–73% higher compared to those without PSBs. The detection of oxalic and gluconic acids in culture medium treated with PSBs (7.8–25.0 and 25–90 mg L^?1, respectively) confirmed the production of organic acids by the indigenous bacterial isolates. This study indicate that low P recovery both in plant and soil can likely be improved by using indigenous PSBs and organic amendment poultry manure, which allowed a more efficient capture of P released due to P solubilization.     

Tughutu和Minjingu磷酸盐石作为豆类作物生长磷资源的农业和经济潜力研究

On-farm experiments were conducted in farmers＇ fields at 6 different sites in Western Usambara Mountains （WUM） in northern Tanzania during the 2000-2001 cropping season. The objectives were to study the effects of Tughutu （ Vernonia subligera O. Hoffn） pruning in combination with Minjingu phosphate rock （MPR） or triple super phosphate （TSP） supply on the concentration of P in the tissues and seed yields of common bean, and to assess the economic returns of these different technologies to farmers. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with each of the 6 farmers＇ fields used as a replicate. The treatments included： control, MPR or TSP each at 26 kg P ha^-1, Tughutu at 2.5 t ha^-1, and Tughutu at 2.5 t ha^-1 combined with MPR or TSP at 26 kg P ha^-1. Addition of MPR or TSP alone significantly raised P concentration in bean shoots from 1.27 mg g^-1 to 1.70 and 1.95 mg g^-1 respectively. Combining MPR or TSP with Tughutu increased P concentration above the proposed deficiency level of 2 mg g^-1. The relative agronomic effectiveness （RAE） of MPR ranged from 12.5% to 45.0%. Seed yields of common bean was markedly increased by 28%-104% from MPR or TSP supply alone, and 148%-219% from Tughutu application combined with 26 kg P ha^-1 of MPR or TSP relative to the control. With Tughutu alone, seed yield increased by 53%. From economic analysis, the increase in seed yield with the supply of MPR or TSP combined with Tughutu translated into a significantly （P ≤ 0.001） higher marginal rate of return and dollar profit for common bean farmers in WUM in northern Tanzania. It is concluded that Tughutu and its combined application with MPR or TSP is an appropriate integrated nutrient management strategy that may increase bean yields and dollar profit to the rural poor communities in Tanzania.     

Agronomic evaluation of phosphate rock and slag on an upata acid soil in Bolivar State,Venezuela

Abstract

An agronomic evaluation of phosphate rock and slag on the acid soils of Upata, Bolivar State was conducted to measure their effect on the chemical properties of the soil and growth of Brachiaria decumbens. A field experiment was established using a split plot design with three replications. The treatments were, i) three sources of phosphate rock (Riecito and Lizardo of Falcon State and Monte Fresco of Tachira State) at four rates of P₂O₅/ha (0, 50, 100, and 200), ii) one source of high‐solubility P [triple superphosphate (TSP) at the same rates], and iii) three levels of calcium applied as basic slag from the Orinoco Steel Company (0, 300, and 600 kg Ca/ha). A basic fertilization was applied to all plots (217 kg/ha Urea, 50 kg/ha KCl, and 78 kg/ha magnesium sulphate). The pasture species used was Brachiaria decumbens. Pasture and soil samples were taken at 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 16, 17, 24, 27, and 31 months after planting. The pasture samples were analyzed for dry matter production (DM), and percentage content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Soil samples were analyzed for pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and available calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE), calculated using the formula: RAE (%) = DM of the rock ‐ DM of the check plot/DM of TSP ‐ DM of check plot × 100 was applied for each harvest time. The best RAE values at each sampling time were obtained with the Monte Fresco phosphate rock at the rate of 200 kg P₂O₅/ha and 600 kg Ca/ha as slag. There was a tendency for the RAE value to improve with each sampling apparently due to the slow release of phosphorus from the phosphate rock and its residual effect. There are also values of RAE that show better dry matter production than the high soluble source of TSP.

Soil available P and Ca increased with phosphate rock and slag application from 5 and 200 mg/kg to 25 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, after 2.5 years of the experiment. Phosphorus uptake changed from 0.1% in the check plot, which is insufficent to supply the P requirement of grazing cattle in the tropics to a value higher than 0.2%, depending on the sampling time. Soil pH increased slightly from 5.2 to 5.6 with phosphate rock, and to 6.2 when basic slags were applied.     

增值磷肥对潮土无机磷形态及其变化的影响

在实验室条件下制备了海藻酸磷肥、腐植酸磷肥和氨基酸磷肥3种增值磷肥,利用室内土壤培养试验研究增值磷肥对潮土无机磷组分及其变化的影响。结果表明, 1）培养180 d后,普通磷肥（磷酸一铵,下同）和增值磷肥均显著提高了土壤速效磷含量,并降低了土壤pH; 施用增值磷肥提高土壤速效磷的幅度为34.6～41.92 mg/kg,高于普通磷肥; 施用增值磷肥降低土壤pH的幅度为0.23～0.36个单位,高于普通磷肥。2) 与普通磷肥相比,增值磷肥明显降低土壤对磷的固定,腐植酸、海藻酸和谷氨酸增值磷肥处理的固定率分别比普通磷肥降低7.32%、7.13%和11.99%。3）培养180 d后,与普通磷肥处理相比,增值磷肥均提高土壤Ca2-P、 Ca8-P 和 Al-P含量,减缓Al-P 向 Fe-P 的转化。     

Chemical characterization and bioavailability of phosphorus in water-insoluble fractions of three mono-ammonium phosphate fertilizers

Elemental impurities in mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertilizers, such as Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, and F, result in compounds other than NH4H2PO4. The phosphorus availability of the impurity compounds was determined in 3 commercial MAP fertilizers produced from North Carolina, Florida, and Idaho phosphate rocks. Soluble compounds, including NH4H2PO4, were washed out of the fertilizers, and the water-insoluble fraction was collected. The North Carolina, Florida, and Idaho MAP fertilizers contained 13, 16, and 17% water-insoluble fractions, respectively. Availability of phosphorus in each MAP fertilizer and water-insoluble fraction was determined in a greenhouse pot study using sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor) as the test crop. There were no differences in dry matter weights or phosphorus uptake between reagent grade MAP and each MAP fertilizer. Lower dry matter weights and phosphorus uptake were produced from the water-insoluble North Carolina, Florida, and Idaho fractions (NC greater than FL greater than ID). Chemical analysis and characterization with optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry indicated 77.3, 73.8, and 73.6% NH4H2PO4 in the North Carolina, Florida, and Idaho MAP fertilizers, respectively. MgAl(NH4)2H(PO4)2F2, AlNH4HPO4F2, and FeNH4(HPO4)2 were identified as water-insoluble phosphorus compounds. There was a significant negative correlation between the percent phosphorus present as MgAl(NH4)2H(PO4)2F2 and the phosphorus availability. Increased crystallinity of the various water-insoluble compounds also contributed to reduced phosphorus availability.     

Free energy and kinetics of dissolution of Sokoto rock phosphate and the implications for replenishing phosphorus in the savanna soil of Nigeria

The direct application of Sokoto phosphate rock to restore phosphorus in the savanna soil of Nigeria has not been very successful. The dissolution of Sokoto phosphate rock was investigated in three electrolyte solutions – 0.01 m CaCl₂, NaCl and KCl – at pH range 3.5–7.0 under laboratory conditions to provide solubility and kinetic data that are required to develop guidelines for direct application in the field. The phosphate rock dissolved in the salt solutions in the order KCl > NaCl > CaCl₂. Particle size and ionic strength had no significant effect on the dissolution. The standard free energy of reaction ΔG°_R in an acidic solution with no basic cations was ?38 kJ mol^?1. If Ca²⁺ ions were in the acidic solution, then ΔG°_R increased to 210 kJ mol^?1, 170 kJ mol^?1 for Na⁺ ions, and 107 kJ mol^?1 for K⁺ ions in the solution. The theoretical solubility constant (K_s) calculated from the relation ΔG° = ?RT ln K_s gave K_s = 10^6.7 in an acidic solution without basic cations, but decreased to 10^?36.8 with Ca²⁺ ions in solution, 10^?29.8 with Na⁺ ions, and 10^?18.8 with K⁺ ions in solution. At pH ≥ 5.5, the dissolution was more constrained by Ca²⁺ ions or basic cations in solution than by availability of protons. The kinetics of the dissolution reaction was best described by a power function: C_t = at^b, where C_t is the amount of P released from the rock phosphate at time t, and a and b are fitting parameters. An Elovich and a parabolic diffusion expression equally gave satisfactory fits to the dissolution data, suggesting that the rate of dissolution was limited by a combination of film‐ and intra‐particle diffusion. To utilize this rock phosphate as an effective source of P, management practices that increase Ca sinks and the supply of protons to the soil are necessary. In the savanna, increasing the soil's organic matter greatly enhances cation exchange capacity and availability of protons. The practice should provide adequate sinks for Ca²⁺ and the acidic environment required for the release of P from rock phosphate.     

Magnesium-fortified phosphate fertilizers improve nutrient uptake and plant growth without reducing phosphorus availability

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency can significantly limit crop yield and quality. Separate application of straight Mg fertilizer is unattractive because of additional labor costs. Meanwhile, bulk blending Mg with other macronutrient fertilizers is also a suboptimal solution because bulk blended fertilizers often yield poor nutrient distributions. One rapid and economical alternative to alleviating Mg deficiency is to co-granulate macronutrient fertilizers with Mg. However, few commercial products have implemented this approach. One of the barriers hindering the production of Mg-fortified phosphorus (P) fertilizers is the assumption that precipitation of P with Mg will reduce P solubility. In this study, four Mg compounds, anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), magnesium oxide (MgO), anhydrous magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), were co-granulated with mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), and their granule strength, Mg and P availabilities, and agronomic effectiveness were evaluated. Results showed that there were no significant differences in P solubility between Mg-fortified MAP and MAP treatments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the Mg species after co-granulation were boussingaultite (Mg(NH₄)₂(SO₄)₂·6H₂O), schertelite (Mg(NH₄)₂H₂(PO₄)₂·4H₂O), magnesium hydrogen phosphate (Mg(H₂PO₄)₂), and dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂). A pot experiment using an acidic soil demonstrated an average 9.6-fold increase in shoot Mg uptake, 3.0-fold increase in shoot P uptake, and 3.2-fold increase in soybean shoot dry matter in Mg-fortified MAP treatments, compared to those in MAP treatment. The current study provides a simple, effective, and low-cost approach for the addition of Mg to macronutrient fertilizers, to minimize Mg deficiency.     

增效磷肥对冬小麦产量和磷素利用率的影响

在实验室条件下分别制备了含腐植酸、 海藻酸和谷氨酸3种增效剂的增效磷肥,运用土柱栽培试验研究等磷（设置低、 高2个施磷水平）投入条件下不同增效剂添加量的增效磷肥对小麦产量和磷肥利用率的影响。结果表明, 1）低磷水平下,增效磷肥处理小麦子粒产量比普通磷酸一铵提高9.74%~33.54%,高磷水平下,含腐植酸增效磷肥和含海藻酸增效磷肥处理小麦子粒产量分别比普通磷酸一铵增加26.81%和30.65%。低磷和高磷水平下,不同增效磷肥处理小麦子粒产量均随增效剂添加量的增加而提高。2）低磷和高磷水平下,增效磷肥处理小麦子粒含磷量与普通磷酸一铵处理差异不显著。3）低磷水平下,增效磷肥处理小麦吸磷总量比普通磷酸一铵增加14.81%~42.59%,磷肥的表观利用率平均提高了8.71~26.21个百分点;高磷水平下,腐植酸增效磷肥和海藻酸增效磷肥处理小麦吸磷总量分别比普通磷酸一铵增加18.18% 和 32.73%,磷肥的表观利用率平均提高了6.13 和10.19个百分点。     

磷矿粉的超微细活化及磷释放动态研究

以无机、有机材料为活化剂,用振动磨湿法研磨和连续提取的方法,研究了不同活化剂对磷矿粉的超微细活化作用及磷素动态释放特性。结果表明,添加活化剂能够显著提高磷矿粉的粉碎效率,缩短研磨时间。对磷矿粉进行超微细活化处理能显著提高磷矿粉有效磷的含量,胶磷矿加入无机,有机活化剂和无机、有机活化剂并用的处理2h样品的有效磷含量是粗胶磷矿的1.82、1.86、1.83倍。 2%柠檬酸连续浸提试验表明,各微细处理的胶磷矿6次累积磷总量分别是粗胶磷矿粉的1.90、1.86、1.64、1.69倍。     

Response of maize to nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers in the savanna zones of Nigeria

Abstract

Field trials were conducted for three years on the response of maize to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on Oyo Soil Series (Arenic Haplustalf) and Iregun series (Aquic Haplustalf) in the derived savanna and southern guinea savanna zones of Nigeria, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer as granulated urea at rates 0–300 kg N/ha, P fertilizer as single superphosphate at rates 0–120 kg P/h, and K fertilizer as muriate of potash at rates 0–180 kg K/ha were used for the different nutrient combinations. The base rates for N, P, and K were 100 kg N/ha, 40 kg P/ha, and 60 kg K/ha, respectively. The results of the trials showed that annual application of the blanket recommended N, P, and K rates to maize grown under intensive land use system could not produce optimum yield. Fertilizer efficiency varied along with soil test values from year to year. The highest response by maize in these zones was to N, the optimum rate ranged from 50–100 kg N/ha. Application of high rates of P and K fertilizers on soils with fairly sufficient nutrient level showed no significant effect on maize yield. But when P and K were applied at low rates (20 kg P/ha and 30 kg K/ha), their contents in the leaf and maize yield, in most cases, increased significantly. The results, however, showed that N, P, and K recommendations for optimum maize yield in both zones are 50–100 kg N/ha, 20 kg P/ha, and 0–30 kg K/ha, respectively.     

Phosphate rock and a phosphate rock/superphosphate mixture as fertilizers for crops grown on a calcareous soil

Abstract

The agronomic effectiveness of Mussoorie phosphate rock (MPR) from India and a 2:1 mixture of MPR and single superphosphate (SSP) was compared against SSP as phosphate fertilizers for crops. The experiment was conducted for three seasons and was designed to study the response of crops to current application as well as residual effects of the various P fertilizers. Three crops were grown in sequence: finger millet (Eleusine coracana), maize (Zea mays L.), and blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) on a calcareous soil under irrigated conditions. The phosphate fertilizers were applied to finger millet and/or maize but not to the blackgram. Soil samples were collected at intervals and analysed for Olsen bicarbonate‐extractable P. The agronomic effectiveness of fertilizers relative to SSP (RAE) were calculated from the fertilizer substitution ratios. When used on finger millet, the RAE of MPR, calculated at a yield which corresponded to 90% of calculated maximum yield on applying SSP, was 42%. For the mixture of MPR and SSP the RAE was 68%. On maize, yield in MPR treatment plateaued at too low a level (about 80% of calculated maximum yield for SSP) to calculate RAE but for MPR/SSP the RAE was 80%. The residual effectiveness of fertilizers on the second crop, compared against freshly applied SSP was 41% for SSP, 49% for MPR, and 73% for MPR/SSP. Olsen bicarbonate‐extractable P values determined one month after fertilizer application increased over control by about 55% in MPR and 86% in MPR/SSP treatments relative to SSP. Economic calculations indicated that, application of MPR is of equal value to SSP for the cropping sequence whereas MPR/SSP for the cropping sequence as well as for individual crops.     

Plant availability of phosphorus in superphosphate and a phosphate rock as influenced by earthworms

The effect of earthworms on the plant availability of phosphorus (P) in superphosphate and Chatham Rise phosphorite (CRP) was evaluated in a glasshouse experiment using perennial ryegrass over seven harvests. A mixed earthworm population of Lumbricus rubellus (Hoff.) and Allolobophora caliginosa (Savigny) was used. Increases in the yield of ryegrass in the presence of earthworms varied from 2 to 32%, whereas increases in P uptake by ryegrass ranged from 0 to 40% over seven harvests. With superphosphate, the initial increases in both ryegrass yield and P uptake by ryegrass in the presence of earthworms ranged from 20 to 40% at first harvest to less than 10% by the seventh. In marked contrast, earthworms increased the agronomic performance of pelletized CRP by 15 to 30% throughout the trial period. An increase in plant-available soil N concentrations due to earthworm activity probably explains the initial difference in the performance of superphosphate. The increased agronomic effectiveness of CRP appears to result from the incorporation and intimate mixing of the PR with the soil by earthworms. The implications of the results obtained in the present study to the interpretation of glasshouse and field trials evaluating P fertilizers are also discussed.     

解磷细菌、磷酸岩和化肥对玉米和小麦轮作及其经济收入的影响

A two-year field study was conducted to test the effects of two phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Pantoea cypripedii (PSB-3) and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (PSB-5), inoculated singly or together with rock phosphate (RP) fertilization on maize and wheat cropping cycle by comparing with chemical P fertilizer (diammonium phosphate, DAP), mainly in the crop yield, soil fertility and economic returns. Inoculation of PSB together with RP fertilization increased the crop growth in terms of shoot height, shoot and root dry biomass, grain yield and total P uptake in both maize and wheat crops compared to the other treatments. Soil fertility in the context of available P, enzyme activities and PSB population in both maize and wheat crops was significantly improved with PSB inoculation together with RP fertilization compared to DAP treatment. The combined use of PSB inoculation and RP fertilization was more economical due to minimal cost and maximum returns. These results suggested that PSB inoculation along with RP fertilization would be an appropriate substitute for chemical phosphate fertilizer application in sustainable agriculture systems.     

Agronomic effectiveness of rock phosphate combined with nitrogen sources in spot application: A pot experiment

Rock phosphate (RP) shows reduced dissolution in soils amended with limestone and when applied through spot application. A simple way to improve RP efficiency under these unfavorable conditions may be the combination with nitrogen (N) fertilizers which can increase the solubilization of apatite minerals and/or stimulate P uptake. In this context, we evaluated the agronomic effectiveness of a RP from Bayóvar, Peru (BY), combined with different N sources in spot application, in a clayey Oxisol (Typic Hapludox). The pot experiment consisted of a factorial scheme (3 × 2 × 2+4) in randomized block design with four replications. Treatments consisted of BY combined with three N sources (ammonium sulfate–BY+AS; urea–BY+U; potassium nitrate–BY+KN), in two forms (granulated or powdered), and in two N : P molar ratios (0.5 : 1.0 or 1 : 1) and four additional treatments [control: without P; monoammonium phosphate (MAP); powdered BY; granulated BY]. The products were incorporated into a 50 cm³ cylindrical soil volume (central and upper position in the pot: diameter 17 cm and height 15 cm) with three maize plants (Zea mays L.). Above‐ground biomass was sampled after 42 d after sowing, analyzed for N and P concentrations to calculate N and P uptake. Soil samples were taken from the cylindrical soil volume and measured for RP dissolution (ΔCa index), P availability (P‐resin index), and soil pH. Application of MAP increased soil P availability about 11 times compared with BY treatments. As a result, maize plants grew 3.8 times and absorbed 7.3 and 3.3 times more P and N compared to those fertilized with BY combined with N fertilizers. Compound fertilizers BY+AS and BY+KN had the same effect on N and P uptake, presenting an effectiveness about 12 and 19% greater than pure BY, respectively. Compound fertilizers with BY+AS were more effective in powdered form (with no N/P ratio effect), while BY+KN was more effective in granulated form and in 1 : 1 N : P ratio. BY+U combinations were less efficient in promoting plant P bioavailability than the other N sources. We conclude that Bayóvar RP has a low agronomic effectiveness for spot application, even when combined with N.     

Origin of the effect of earthworms on the availability of phosphorus in a phosphate rock

A series of trials was undertaken to evaluate the mechanisms by which earthworms increase the availability of phosphorus (P) in a phosphate rock (PR). In the 6 days that PR pellets were visible on the soil surface, there was no downward movement from the site of application in the presence of earthworms. Results from the glasshouse study with tillage treatments also suggest that earthworms play no direct role in the incorporation of the surface-applied PR. Addition of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus (Hoff.)) to the soil incubating with SPR resulted in a 32% increase in Bray-extractable soil P after 70 days and increases ranging from 30 to 44% in bicarbonate-extractable soil P over the same period. Dissolution of PR, measured by extraction with 0.5 m NaOH, also increased in the presence of earthworms after 70 days from 24% (120 μg P) to 32% (160 μgP) of added P. These increases in dissolution of the PR in the incubating soil in the presence of earthworms appear to result largely from an increase in the degree of intimate contact of the PR particles with soil surfaces. This was confirmed by optical microscopy. Whereas estimates of ingestion rates, obtained by two traditional methods, indicated that L. rubellus ingested less than 5% of the incubating soil over 70 days, measurement of the proportion of soil affected by earthworms on an area basis using a frame technique ranged from 66% for Allolobophora caliginosa (Savigny) and 89% for L. rubellus, to 100% for the two species combined after 19 days. Results obtained with the frame technique explain more fully the effect of earthworms on the dissolution of the PR during incubation.     

化肥中五氧化二磷含量的测定

采用硝酸镧溶液为滴定剂,电导滴定法确定终点测定磷肥和复混肥中五氧化二磷的含量,滴定适宜的pH值范围为4～7,在此范围内钙离子没有干扰.本方法测定的回收率在99.5%～100.5%,准确度与重量法接近,装置简单,测定一份浸取液仅需数分钟,适用于含磷肥料中总磷量、水溶性磷和有效磷的测定.     

锌与磷肥混合方式对土壤中磷、锌有效性的影响

[目的]研究了锌与磷肥分别以物理混合和反应混合的方式结合后施用对土壤中锌、磷有效性的影响,为磷肥与锌肥的科学配施及高效利用提供科学依据.[方法]将锌肥(ZnSO4·7H2O)分别按0.5％和5％的质量比与磷酸氢二钾进行物理混合(P+Zn)和反应混合(PZn)后,制备含锌磷肥分别为P+Zn0.5、P+Zn5、PZn0.5...     

Effect of legume incorporation on solubilization of Ogun phosphate rock on slightly acidic soils in SW Nigeria

Most soils in Nigeria are known to be slightly acidic and very low in plant‐available P. These soils need to be fertilized for optimal crop production but cost and scarcity of mineral P fertilizers shifted attention to making direct application of indigenous phosphate rock viable alternative. Laboratory and greenhouse studies were carried out to monitor the effect of the decomposition of legume biomass on the solubilization of Ogun phosphate rock (OPR) on slightly acidic soils. Surface soil samples collected from three experimental sites in SW Nigeria were used. The fertilizer treatments were four rates of P as OPR (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha^–1) and one rate of triple superphosphate (TSP, 40 kg P ha^–1). The legume treatments were cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L Walp) and mucuna (Mucuna puriens L). Rice (Oryza sativa) was used in the greenhouse study as the test crop. Soil samples were analyzed for soluble P and pH after 2, 4, 6, and 10 months of incubation in the laboratory while plant tissues collected from greenhouse study were analyzed for P. In the incubation study, significant increase in water‐soluble P was observed when legume biomass was incorporated with phosphate rock at p < 0.05. Highest value in rice dry‐matter yield was recorded with pots treated with mucuna and TSP, also treatment combination of cowpea and OPR significantly increased rice dry‐matter yield by 16% over pots treated with cowpea biomass alone and 42% over control pot (no legume biomass and OPR in the green house (p < 0.05). Thus incorporation of legume biomass significantly increased rate of OPR solubilization.     

Increased phosphorus availability to corn resulting from the simultaneous applications of phosphate rock, calcareous rock, and biochar to an acid sandy soil

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the main constraints on crop production in Arenosols (acid sandy soil). The high cost of P fertilizers may represent an insurmountable obstacle in many poor countries, leaving the exploitation of their own calcareous and phosphate rocks as the only low-cost and long-term alternative. Biochar is suggested to have positive effects on soil properties; however, there is no published research on the synergistic effects of biochar and rocky materials in modifying soil properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical and biochemical responses of an acid Arenosol treated with phosphate rock (PR), calcareous rock (CR), and biochar (BC), and the implications for corn yield. A soil from Marracuene District, Mozambique was used, where corn was grown for 90 d with the soil treated with:no addition (control), water-soluble zinc phosphite fertilizer (WSP), PR, WSP+CR, WSP+BC, WSP+CR+BC, PR+BC, and PR+CR+BC. Biochar was produced by pyrolysis of babycorn peels for 4 h at 450℃ and applied at 11 g kg^-1. The soil pH_H2O increased from about 4.54 in the control to 7.38 in the PR+CR+BC treatment. Easily oxidizable organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and available P were higher in the treatments containing BC than in the control. The treatments containing CR and/or BC led to the highest activities of alkaline phosphomonoesterase, phosphodiesterase, and α-glucosidase, which increased P availability and gave the greatest biomass and yields. We suggest that biochar provides additional soluble P and supplies adsorption sites for phosphate, preventing its evolution to unavailable forms. Thus, PR applied together with BC contributed to an 840% yield increase compared to the control. The treatments containing WSP and BC facilitated phosphite oxidation to phosphate and increased crop yield.