Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization of a Coastal Plain Cotton–Peanut Rotation

Abstract

A cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)–peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) rotation is widely practiced in the southern coastal plain following the reemergence of cotton as a major crop in the 1990s. Very few plant nutrition studies have been conducted in the coastal plain (CP) with modern cotton varieties and none with the cotton–peanut rotation. Experiments with varying rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were conducted to determine if the recommendations from soil tests provide adequate nutrition for maximizing profit when yield goals are Georgia state averages, due to other conditions. From 1996 through 1998, N, P, and K experiments were conducted in cotton crops, and P and K experiments were conducted in peanut crops on Tifton loamy sand. Initial Mehlich‐1 P was 2 to 3 mg/kg (“low”) and Mehlich‐1 K was 50 to 64 mg/kg (“medium” for cotton and “high” for peanut). Each crop was grown each year. State average yields of cotton and peanuts were produced. There was no response in cotton yield to N rates from 34 to 136 kg N/ha. Lack of response may have been due to the fact that the field had not been in production for several years prior to 1996 and there was ample soil mineral N. In 1997 and 1998, residual N provided by N fixation by the previous peanut crop appeared to be sufficient. Maximum profit from P fertilization in cotton was attained at 50 kg P/ha, the recommendation from the soil test. However, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service recommendation to double the P rate for new land with a “low” Mehlich‐1 P soil test was not validated. Cotton yield did not respond to K fertilization even though an application of 55 kg K/ha/year was recommended from the soil test. Peanut yield and grade did not respond to either P or K fertilization. The recommendation from the soil test was 40 kg P/ha/year and no K. Estimates of P removal were 11 kg/ha for cotton and 8 mg/ha for peanut crops. Estimates of K removal were 25 kg/ha for cotton and 22 kg/ha for peanut crops. Over 3 years, soil P was not depleted, but soil K was depleted. Approximately 12 kg P/ha were required to raise soil test P 1 mg/kg and 18 kg K/ha were required to raise soil test K 1 mg/kg (49 lb. P₂O₅ to increase the P test 1 lb./acre, 38 lb. K₂O to raise the K test 1 lb./acre). Additional studies are needed, but the current studies suggest that revisions in recommendations are needed for both cotton and peanut crops.     

Effects of tillage,nitrogen placement,and wheel compaction on denitrification rates in the corn cycle of a corn‐oats rotation

Denitrification rates under various tillage systems were determined in the corn (Zea mays L.) cycle of a corn‐oats (Avena sativa L.) rotation. Denitrification was measured directly with an in‐situ soil cover method which supplied the soil with acetylene (C₂H₂) and evacuated the nitrous oxide (N₂O) produced. Denitrification rates were measured in both a field or non‐wheel track (NWT) area and in a compacted wheel track (WT) area for the no‐till (NT), chisel plow (CH), moldboard plow (MP) tillage systems after nitrogen (N) was applied by broadcast/incorporation with 112 kg N/ha as ammonium nitrate. Nitrogen was also applied to the NT treatment by injection with modified anhydrous ammonia knives prior to planting. Most of the cumulative N loss occurred over a 22 day period following heavy rainfall in June. Denitrification was greatest on days after rainfall events for the NT systems. Cumulative N loss was estimated at 25, 16, and 11 kg N/ha from May 29‐September 8 for NT, CH, and MP treatments, respectively, for the broadcast/incorporated N application. Mean denitrification rates from WT areas were about 1.6 times greater than the NWT areas.     

Effects of zone-tillage in rotation with no-tillage on soil properties and crop yields in a semi-arid soil from central Spain

A limiting factor to the no-tillage system in arid and semi-arid regions is the possibility of soil densification from lack of tillage. This research examines the extent and duration of the effects of periodic (rotational) zone-tillage over 2 years, on selected soil physical and chemical properties and crop yields. In the first year four tillage treatments were applied: conventional tillage with mouldboard plow (CT), minimum tillage with chisel plow (MT), no-tillage (NT) and zone-tillage subsoiling with a paraplow (ZT). In the second year, the ZT plots were returned to NT to follow the residual effects of ZT. The soil was a loamy sand (Calcic Haploxeralf) from semi-arid Central Spain and the crop rotation was grey pea (Pisum sativum L.)–barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Crop residues on the soil surface after sowing grey pea were 85% in NT plots, 55% in ZT plots and 15% in MT plots. When comparing NT and ZT, the immediate effects of subsoiling on soil physical properties were significant (P < 0.05). Soil strength as measured by cone index approached 3.0 MPa in NT and was reduced to <1.0 MPa by ZT over 300 mm sampling depth. Soil moisture content and bulk density were improved by ZT. No-till and ZT favoured surface accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N and available P and K. Stratification ratio of SOC was not different among tillage systems, but soil N stratification ratio followed the order NT > ZT > MT > CT. Grey pea yields were reduced by 3 Mg ha⁻¹ in the NT and MT compared with ZT. Crop residues on the soil surface after barley sowing were 80% in NT, 56% in ZT, and 12% in MT. At the end of the second year, soil strength, soil moisture and bulk density in ZT declined to NT levels at all soil depths. The positive effect of ZT in increasing SOC in the top layer had also disappeared. However, total N, and available P and K concentrations under NT and ZT were still significantly higher than in MT and CT. Stratification ratios of SOC under NT and ZT were >2 and more than two-fold those under MT and CT. Nitrogen stratification ratio under ZT increased and no significant differences between NT and ZT could be reported. Barley yield was 0.6 Mg ha⁻¹ higher in ZT compared with NT. Our results suggest that ZT improved the physical and chemical condition of the soil studied in months following subsoiling. These positive effects, however, diminished with time and only some residual effects on total N and available P and K content in the top-layer were still evident after 2 years.     

Aspartase Activity of Soils Under Different Management Systems

Abstract

Recent interest in soil tillage, cropping systems, and residue management has focused on low‐input sustainable agriculture. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of various management systems on aspartase activity in soils. This enzyme [L‐aspartate ammonia‐lyase, EC 4.3.1.1] catalyzes the hydrolysis of L‐aspartate to fumarate and NH₃. It may play a significant role in the mineralization of organic N in soils. The management systems consisted of three cropping systems [continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CCCC); corn‐soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]‐corn‐soybean (CSCS); and corn‐oat (Avena sativa L.)‐meadow‐meadow (COMM) {meadow was a mixture of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)] at three long‐term field experiments initiated in 1954, 1957, and 1978 in Iowa and sampled in June 1987. The plots received 0 or 180 (or 200) kg ha^?1 before corn and an annual application of 20 kg P and 56 kg K ha^?1. The tillage systems (no‐tillage, chisel plow, and moldboard plow) were initiated in 1981 in Wisconsin and sampled in May 1991. The crop residue treatments were: bare, normal, mulch, and double (2×) mulch. The residue in the study was corn stalks. Results showed that, in general, crop rotation in combination with N fertilizer treatments affected aspartase activity in the following order: COMM>CSCS>CCCC. Because of nitrification of the NH₄ ⁺ or NH₄ ⁺‐forming fertilizers, which resulted in decreasing the pH values, N fertilizer application, in general, decreased the aspartase activity in soils in the order: CCCC>CSCS>COMM. The effect of tillage and residue management practices on aspartase activity in soils showed a very wide variation. The trend was as follows: no‐till/2× mulch>chisel plow/mulch>moldboard plow/mulch>no‐till normal>chisel plow/normal>no‐till bare>moldboard plow/normal. Aspartase activity decreased with increasing depth in the plow layer (0–15 cm) of the no‐till/2× mulch. The decreased activity was accompanied by decreasing organic C and pH with depth. Statistical analyses using pooled data (28 samples) showed that aspartase activity was significantly, linearly correlated with organic C (r=0.78^***) and exponentially with soil pH (r=0.53**). The variation in the patterns and magnitudes of activity distribution among the profiles of the four replicated plots was probably due to the spatial variability in soils.     

Dryland corn response to tillage and nitrogen fertilization. I. Growth‐yield‐N relationships

Abstract

Crop response to fertilizer nitrogen (N) is dependent upon tillage management. This study was conducted to determine how tillage rotation influences non‐irrigated crop growth, N uptake and yield. The effects of tillage rotation, N rate and N timing schedule on early season dry matter production and N uptake, ear leaf N concentration at silking, and yield of corn [Zea mays (L.) Pioneer 3378] were investigated at Painter, VA, on an Altavista loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, thermic Aquic Hapludult). In 1986, maximum yields achieved in the 6‐year continuous no till (NT) [5.82 Mg/ha] and first year no till (AT) [5.64 Mg/ha] were significantly greater than that of the 6‐year continuous conventional till (CT) [3.67 Mg/ha], but no yield differences were obtained in the drier 1987 season. A higher rate of N fertilizer was required to obtain maximum yield in the first year no till (168 kg N/ha) than in the NT (112 kg N/ha) during 1986. Early 1986 N uptake and growth response with and without N at planting increased in the order CT < AT = NT and AT < CT < NT, respectively, indicating greatest immobilization of soil N occurred in the newly established no till soil. Lack of differences in critical ear leaf N values developed for NT and CT in each year imply that plant norms developed for one tillage system may accurately assess N status of corn grown under different tillage practices.     

Grain yield,nitrogen use efficiency and tillage intensity in wheat as affected by precision nutrient management

ABSTRACT

The present studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of different nutrient management practices under two tillage options in wheat. The experiments were laid out in split-plot design with a combination of two varieties (WH 1105 and HD 2967) and two tillage options (Conventional and No tillage) in the main plot and six precision nutrient management practices [absolute control, site-specific nutrient management with Nutrient Expert for wheat (SSNM-NE)(170 kg nitrogen (N)/ha), SSNM NE+GreenSeeker (GS)(153/158 N kg/ha), N₁₂₀ (120 kg N/ha) before irrigation, N₁₂₀ after irrigation and N Rich (180 kg N/ha)] in subplot replicated thrice. The grain yield and quality characters in no tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) were similar but agronomic efficiency was higher in NT. Both the varieties (WH 1105 and HD 2967) gave similar grain yield and quality. Wheat variety WH 1105 recorded significantly higher sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation (SDS) and gluten index. The treatment SSNM NE+GS had resulted in 107.1% higher grain yield than no nitrogen control but similar to enriched N plot (180 kg N/ha). The grain protein, SDS and gluten index in need-based nutrient management (SSNM+GS) treatment were found to be similar as recorded in SSNM-NE (170 kgN/ha) and N enriched plot (180 kg N ha^?1). The agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency in SSNM+GS were also better than SSNM NE.     

短期免耕对黑土有机碳、全氮和速效养分的影响

对中层黑土上连续监测了6年的玉米免耕和秋翻两种耕作处理下的耕层土壤有机碳、全氮和速效氮、磷、钾进行了分析。结果表明:耕作处理对土壤养分的影响主要表现在不同的土壤深度上,免耕造成了土壤有机碳和全氮的分层化,即表层0~5 cm有机碳和全氮含量明显高于亚表层,而秋翻土壤有机碳和全氮分布则比较均匀。免耕处理的速效养分均表现为表层与亚表层存在明显差异。免耕处理下有机碳、全氮和速效氮、磷、钾在土壤表层发生明显富集。     

Tillage and residue management effects on temporal changes in soil organic carbon and fractions of a silty loam soil in the North China Plain

Soil degradation and associated depletion of soil organic carbon (SOC) have been major concerns in intensive farming systems because of the subsequent decline in crop yields. We assessed temporal changes in SOC and its fractions under different tillage systems for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) – maize (Zea mays L.) cropping in the North China Plain. Four tillage systems were established in 2001: plow tillage (PT), rotary tillage (RT), no‐till (NT), and plow tillage with residues removed (PT0). Concentrations of SOC, particulate organic carbon (POC), non‐POC (NPOC), labile organic carbon (LOC), non‐LOC (NLOC), heavy fraction carbon (HFC) and light fraction carbon (LFC) were determined to assess tillage‐induced changes in the top 50 cm. Concentrations of SOC and C fractions declined with soil depth and were significantly affected by tillage over time. The results showed that SOC and its fractions were enhanced under NT and RT from 0 to 10 cm depth compared with values for PT and PT0. Significant decreases were observed below 10 cm depths (P < 0.05) regardless of the tillage system. The SOC concentration under NT for 0–5 cm depth was 18%, 8%, and 10% higher than that under PT0 after 7, 9, and 12 yr of NT adoption, respectively. Apparent stratification of SOC occurred under NT compared with PT and PT0 for depths >10 cm. All parameters were positively correlated (P < 0.01); linear regressions exhibited similar patterns (P < 0.01). Therefore, to maintain and improve SOC levels, residue inputs should be complemented by the adoption of suitable tillage systems.     

Changes in soil chemical characteristics with different tillage practices in a semi-arid environment

We examined the effects of various tillage intensities: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage with chisel plow (MT), conventional tillage with mouldboard plow (CT), and zone-tillage subsoiling with a paraplow (ZT) applied in alternate years in rotation with NT, on the topsoil profile distribution (0–30 cm) of pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), organic N and available nutrients on a semi-arid soil from Central Spain. The equivalent depth approach was used to compare SOC, N and nutrient stocks in the various tillage treatments. Measurements made at the end of 5 years showed that in the 0–30 cm depth, SOC and N had increased under NT and ZT compared with MT and CT. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–5 cm depth where plots under NT and ZT had respectively 7.0 Mg ha⁻¹ and 6.2 Mg ha⁻¹ more SOC and 0.5 Mg ha⁻¹ and 0.3 Mg ha⁻¹ more N than under MT or CT. No-tillage and ZT plots, however, exhibited strong vertical gradients of SOC and N with concentrations decreasing from 0–5 to 20–30 cm. In the 0–20 cm layer, higher concentrations of P and K under NT and ZT than under MT or CT were also found. Soil pH under NT and ZT was 0.3 units lower than under MT or CT at a depth of 0–5 cm. This acidifying effect was restricted at the surface layer and in the 20–30 cm interval, pH values under NT and ZT were higher than in MT and CT plots. These results suggest that in the soil studied, ZT in rotation with NT maintain most advantages associated with NT, and present a definite potential for use as a partial-width rotational tillage practice.     

Residue,tillage and N-fertilizer rate affected yield and N efficiency in irrigated spring wheat

Yield and nitrogen (N)-content in wheat was studied under applied treatments of crop residues (legume vs. cereal), tillage depths (deep vs. shallow) and N-fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha^?1) at wheat-maize cropping systems. Experiments were conducted at Agronomy Research farm, the University of Agriculture, Peshawar Pakistan, during winter season 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 crop growth seasons. Well-chopped crop residues (5 t ha^?1) on dry matter basis of legume (Vigna unguicuata) and cereal (Zea mays) were applied to soil and subsequently plowed with mold-board plow as deep tillage (DT) and cultivator as shallow tillage (ST) treatment (main plot treatments). A month after residue and tillage application, seedbed was prepared and wheat was planted with drill in rows 25 cm apart in middle of November each year. Phosphorus and potassium were applied uniformly 80 and 40 kg ha^?1, respectively during seedbed preparation. N-fertilizer rates were applied in two splits: half 15 days after sowing (DAS) and other half 45 DAS (sub-plot treatment). Uniform cultural practices were applied during crop growth and development. Legumes residues amendments showed better responses than cereal but lower than no-residue treatment for N-content in leaf blade before anthesis (LBA), after anthesis (LAA), straw N-content (SNC), grain N-content (GNC), grain N-uptake (GNU), crop N-removal (CNR), recovery efficiency of added nitrogen (REAN), N-use efficiency (NUE), grain N-uptake (GNU) and grain yield. Likewise, shallow tillage proved better than deep tillage system for LBA, LAA, SNC, GNC, GNU, CNR, REAN, NUE, GNU and grain yield. Increased N-fertilizer from control onwards showed significant (p > 0.05) increments in LBA, LAA, SNC, GNC, GNU, CNR, N-uptake and grain yield. Treatments interaction was also found significant (p > 0.05). Study suggested, regardless of the given treatments, GNU and grain yield were in strong positive linear relationship. Legume residue incorporated shallow out yielded GNU and NUE of spring wheat in wheat-maize cropping system. It is concluded that LR and ST with 120 kg N ha^?1 ensures production of good wheat quantity and quality.     

Seasonal variation of microbial biomass, activity, and community structure in soil under different tillage and phosphorus management practices

No-tillage systems contribute to physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil. The effects of different tillage practices and phosphorus (P) fertilization on soil microbial biomass, activity, and community structure were studied during the maize growing season in a maize–soybean rotation established for 18 years in eastern Canada. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm) under mouldboard plow (MP) and no-till (NT) management and fertilized with 0, 17.5, and 35 kg P ha^?1. Results show that the duration of the growing season had a greater effect on soil microbiota properties than soil tillage or P fertilization at both soil depths. Seasonal fluctuations in soil microbial biomass carbon (SMB-C) and nitrogen (SMB-N), in dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities, and in total phospholipids fatty acid (PLFA) level, were greater under NT than MP management. The PLFA biomarkers separated treatments primarily by sampling date and secondly by tillage management, but were not significantly affected by P fertilization. The abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; C16:1ω5) and fungi (C18:2ω6,9) was lower under NT than MP at the 10–20-cm soil depth in July. Phosphorus fertilization increased soil microbial biomass phosphorus (SMB-P) and Mehlich-3 extractable P, but had a limited impact on the other soil properties. In conclusion, soil environmental factors and tillage had a greater effect on microorganisms (biomass and activity) and community structure than P fertilization.     

Nitrogen and phosphorous in a loam soil of central Italy as affected by 6 years of different tillage systems

Tillage practices can influence content and dynamics of soil N and P. A field study was conducted on a loam soil (Typic Udifluvent) in Italy, to determine mineral and organic N and P concentrations at the end of 6 years of different tillage systems. Maize (Zea mays L.) was cropped since 1970, and managed since 1994 with deep ploughing (DP) to 40 cm, ripper subsoiling (RS) to 40 cm, shallow ploughing (SP) to 20 cm and minimum tillage with harrow disk (MT) to 10 cm. At the end of the sixth year, soil was collected in 10 cm increments to a total depth of 40 cm. Surface concentration of total N was higher with MT than with RS, SP and DP, but differences disappeared at lower depths. Soil water content was lower under DP and SP treatments than under MT and RS. Residual NO₃-N in the soil profile was not different among tillage treatments. During 6 years, MT increased soil quality, by enrichment of organic N and improvement of soil water content at the surface. Moldboard ploughing was a less sustainable tillage system in this environment.     

不同耕作模式下旱作玉米氮磷肥产量效应及水分利用效率

为了探讨不同耕作模式下氮磷肥施用量对旱作玉米产量及水分利用效率的影响,于2003－2008年在山西寿阳旱农试验站进行了免耕、少耕和传统耕作下氮磷肥用量（105、179和210 kg/hm2 N;N∶P2O5=1∶1）试验。6 a结果显示,该区推荐氮磷用量为105 kg/hm2,传统耕作模式下玉米平均产量和水分利用效率分别为5 234 kg/hm2和12.4 kg/(hm2·mm);少耕模式下玉米平均产量和水分利用效率分别达到5 751 kg/hm2和13.6 kg/(hm2·mm),较传统耕作提高9.9%和9.7%。而免耕模式下氮磷用量为179 kg/hm2时玉米平均产量和水分利用效率最高,分别为5 336 kg/hm2和13.2 kg/(hm2·mm),较传统耕作提高6.1%和9.7%。免耕模式下土壤保水效果最佳,干旱年增产作用尤为明显。3种耕作模式下玉米平均产量和水分利用效率以少耕为最高,免耕次之,传统耕作最低。     

利于小麦—玉米轮作田土壤理化性状和作物产量的耕作方式研究

【目的】干旱缺水是陕西渭北旱塬粮食生产的主要矛盾。该区长期采用单一土壤耕作方法,造成土壤质地紧实,蓄水纳墒和提供营养的能力变差,直接影响粮食作物产量的提高。本文通过多年不同轮耕方式定位试验研究,旨在探讨免耕/深松、深松/翻耕和翻耕/免耕3种土壤轮耕模式对旱地冬小麦春玉米轮作田土壤理化性状和作物产量的影响。【方法】以平衡施肥（每公顷基施N 150 kg、P2O5 120 kg和K2O 90 kg）为主处理,免耕、深松和翻耕3种耕作方式组成免耕/深松、深松/翻耕和翻耕/免耕3种土壤轮耕模式为副处理,以连年免耕、连年深松和连年翻耕为对照,进行为期连续 4 年（2007~2011年）的土壤轮耕结合平衡施肥定位试验,详细探讨了不同土壤处理模式对土壤的理化性状和作物产量的影响。【结果】在四年试验中,免耕/深松、深松/翻耕和翻耕/免耕模式下的040 cm土壤容重较连年免耕分别降低4.50%、6.45%和3.57%,深松/翻耕较连年深松无差异,而较连年翻耕降低1.78%。深松/翻耕较对照组040 cm土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、碱解氮和速效钾分别增加0.27%~15.60%、3.14%~8.61%、3.76%~24.32%、15.62%~25.17%、10.90%~14.43%、8.61%~15.53%,翻耕/免耕较连年翻耕仅有机质、全氮、碱解氮和速效钾含量提高。各处理的040 cm土壤0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量依次为连免免/深连深深/翻翻/免连翻,连免显著高于（P0.05）其他处理1.1~2.5倍。冬小麦和春玉米籽粒产量有3年表现为深松/翻耕＞免耕/深松＞翻耕/免耕,2009年在免耕/深松轮耕模式下春玉米产量显著高于深松/翻耕模式。其余免耕/深松较连年免耕增产12.05%（P0.05）,深松/翻耕较连年免耕增产18.15%（P0.05）、较连年深松增产4.55%（P0.05）,较连年翻耕增产11.22%（P0.05）,比免耕/深松和翻耕/免耕分别增产5.44%（P0.05）和14.57%（P0.05）;而翻耕/免耕则在各方面的效应下降,增产效果降低,较连年翻耕减产2.92%（P0.05）。总之,以免耕/深松和深松/翻耕轮耕模式可创造良好的土壤耕层结构,增加水稳性团聚体,降低耕层及耕层以下土壤容重,提高土壤养分,促进作物生长发育。其中以深松/翻耕轮耕模式的效果较为明显,增产效果更突出。【结论】在渭北旱塬干旱少雨的生态环境下,深松/翻耕土壤耕作模式可以显著改善土壤的理化性状,提高土壤水性团聚体,降低土壤容重,释放土壤养分,从而提高作物产量,是陕西省渭北旱塬及类似地区冬小麦、春玉米一年一熟制作物轮作模式最佳的土壤轮耕模式,其次是免耕/深松轮耕模式。     

Urease activity and its relation to soil organic matter, microbial biomass nitrogen and urea-nitrogen assimilation by maize in a Brazilian Oxisol under no-tillage and tillage systems

 We studied the relationship between urease activity (UA) and soil organic matter (SOM), microbial biomass N (N_biom) content, and urea-N fertilizer assimilation by maize in a Dark Red Latosol (Typic Haplustox) cultivated for 9 years under no-tillage (NT), tillage with a disc plough (DP), and tillage with a moldboard plough (MP). Two soil depths were sampled (0–7.5 cm and 7.5–15 cm) at 4 different times during the crop cycle. Urea was applied at four different rates, ranging from 0 to 240 kg N ha^–1. The levels of fertilizer N did not affect the UA, SOM content, and N_biom content. No significant difference between the treatments (NT, DP, and MP) was observed for SOM during the experiment, probably because the major part of the SOM was in recalcitrant pools, since the area was previously cultivated (conventional tillage) for 20 years. The N_biom content explained 97% and 69% of the variation in UA in the upper and deeper soil layer, respectively. UA and biomass N were significantly higher in the NT system compared to the DP and MP systems. The highest maize productivity and urea-N recovery was also observed for the NT system. We observed that the increase in urea-N losses under NT, possibly as a consequence of a higher UA, was compensated for by the increase in N immobilized in the biomass. Received: 2 July 1999     

Potassium fertilization of cotton on two high testing soils under two tillage systems

Potassium (K) fertilization of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has been a major research focus the last few years throughout the cotton belt. The objective of this field research, conducted from 1991 through 1994 on two high Mehlich I extractable K (EK) soils, was to evaluate broadcast and foliar applied K for conventional‐ (CT) and no‐tillage (NT) production. Main plot broadcast K rates were 0, 28, 56, and 112 kg K ha^‐1. Foliar sub‐plot treatments were a non‐foliar check, KNO₃, and Ca(NO₃)₂. The KNO₃ was applied four times per year at 4.1 kg K ha^‐1 application^‐1. Calcium nitrate was applied at 1.6 kg N ha^‐1 to equal the N applied in the KNO₃. Extractable K increased annually with broadcast K for both tillage systems and soils and was higher for NT than CT. Lint yields from CT of both soils were increased two of the eight site‐years while yields from NT were increased five of eight site‐years by broadcast K. Three of the NT site‐year yields plus four‐year mean yields of both soils were increased by applying 56 kg K ha^‐1, a rate higher than currently recommended for high EK soils. Yield responses to foliar fertilization were from added N rather than the K. Petiole K levels were sufficient so that extra K applied foliarly was not recommended for either soil or tillage system.     

Soil organic carbon and nitrogen in a Minnesota soil as related to tillage, residue and nitrogen management

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) are directly influenced by tillage, residue return and N fertilization management practices. Soil samples for SOC and N analyses, obtained from a 23-year field experiment, provided an assessment of near-equilibrium SOC and N conditions. Crops included corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max L. (Merrill)]. Treatments of conventional and conservation tillage, residue stover (returned or harvested) and two N fertilization rates were imposed on a Waukegan silt loam (fine-silty over skeletal, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludoll) at Rosemount, MN. The surface (0–20 cm) soils with no-tillage (NT) had greater than 30% more SOC and N than moldboard plow (MB) and chisel plow (CH) tillage treatments. The trend was reversed at 20–25 cm soil depths, where significantly more SOC and N were found in MB treatments (26 and 1.5 Mg SOC and N ha⁻¹, respectively) than with NT (13 and 1.2 Mg SOC and N ha⁻¹, respectively), possibly due to residues buried by inversion. The summation of soil SOC over depth to 50 cm did not vary among tillage treatments; N by summation was higher in NT than MB treatments. Returned residue plots generally stored more SOC and N than in plots where residue was harvested. Nitrogen fertilization generally did not influence SOC or N at most soil depths. These results have significant implications on how specific management practices maximize SOC storage and minimize potential N losses. Our results further suggest different sampling protocols may lead to different and confusing conclusions regarding the impact of tillage systems on C sequestration.     

Performance of an Optimized Nutrient Management Approach for Tomato in Central Sri Lanka

A systematic approach of fertilizer recommendation for tomato was evaluated in central Sri Lanka. An optimum (OPT) treatment was formulated based on soil analysis for available nutrients and nutrient-fixation capacities and tested with sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris L.) in a greenhouse and with tomato (Lycopersicon eculentum L.) in the field for four seasons. Soil analysis revealed deficient levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) with high fixing capacities for P, K, S, and B. Greenhouse survey confirmed nutrient deficiencies except for Zn. A field study with 17 treatments including OPT showed significant main effects and interaction of fertilizer treatment and season for tomato yields and profit. The OPT providing 220 kg N, 160 kg P, 250 kg K, 50 kg S, and 1 kg B per ha often gave greater yields and profits than treatments with lower nutrient rates, but treatment providing N, P, and K at 150% of optimum was superior.     

Crop yields and nutrient uptake by rainfed wheat and mungbean as affected by tillage,fertilization, and weeding

Field experiments were conducted on rainfed wheat and mungbean for two consecutive seasons on a Udic Ustocrept to evaluate the effect of tillage techniques, fertilization, and weeding on crop yields and nutrient uptake. Tillage techniques were conventional, zero, and deep tillage. Fertilizer treatments consisted of a control, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer, and farmyard manure plus fertilizer. Grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was 2,404 kg/ha under conventional tillage, 2,008 kg/ha under zero tillage, and 2,839 kg/ha under deep tillage. Total dry matter of wheat was 7,612 kg/ha under deep tillage, 6,671 kg/ha under conventional tillage, and 6,016 kg/ha under zero tillage. Fertilizer application increased wheat grain yield by 112% and total dry matter by 150% over the control. Weed biomass of wheat was 57% greater under zero tillage than under conventional tillage. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) grain yield was 371 kg/ha under conventional tillage, 248 kg/ha under zero tillage, and 367 kg/ha under deep tillage. Mungbean total dry matter yield was 2,018 kg/ha under deep tillage, 1,814 kg/ha under conventional, and 1,143 kg/ha under zero tillage. Dry weed biomass in mungbean was 38% greater under zero tillage and 6% lesser under deep tillage than that of conventional tillage. Nitrogen and P uptake by weeds was greater under zero tillage compared with conventional and deep tillage.     

Applications of reduced tillage in hills of central Nepal

Conventional tillage practices on steep and fragile landscape of Himalayan hills result in significant loss of topsoil during rainy season. Soil erosion in Nepal mid-hills is the most critical during pre-monsoon season. Many reviews argue that reduced tillage could be an option to tackle this problem. However, very few field experiments to evaluate reduced tillage systems have to date been conducted in this region. Thus, a field experiment was initiated in factorial randomized complete block design on acidic sandy loam soil (Lithic Dystochrept) during the summer season of 2001 at Kathmandu University (1500 masl) to assess the effects of tillage and cropping patterns on soil and nutrient losses, crop yield and soil fertility. Two main treatments viz. conventional and reduced till, and two sub-treatments viz. sole maize (Zea mays) and maize + soybean (Glycine max) were considered. Soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), plant available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) were determined for the original soil and eroded sediment using standard methods. Two years of data indicated annual soil and nutrient losses to be significantly lowered by reduced till as compared to conventional till. Total annual soil loss from conventional and reduced till was 16.6 and 11.1 Mg/ha, respectively. Similarly, annual nutrient losses associated with the eroded sediment were 188 kg OC/ha, 18.8 kg N/ha, <1 kg P/ha and 3.8 kg K/ha for conventional till and 126 kg OC/ha, 11.8 kg N/ha, <1 kg P/ha and 2.4 kg K/ha for reduced till. Soil OC and N losses were significantly higher in conventional till and this may be one of the major causes of fertility depletion in the Nepalese hills. Soil chemical properties did not differ due to tillage and cropping systems; however, over years pH, N and P were increased irrespective of treatments. Although treatments were at par for maize grain yield, conventional till + soybean produced highest grain yield (4.0 Mg/ha) followed by reduced till + soybean (3.9 Mg/ha) and conventional till sole maize (3.8 Mg/ha). Mixed cropping of legumes and maize do not help conserve soil and nutrient loss in hills of central Nepal. Thus, reduced till could be a viable option for minimizing soil and nutrient losses without sacrificing economic yields in central hills of Nepal.