Effect of Sewage Sludge and Rice Straw Compost on Yield,Micronutrient Availability and Soil Quality under Rice–Wheat System

ABSTRACT

There is a need to improve the way in which crop residues and industrial organic wastes are managed and also to study their potential use in agriculture for improving soil fertility and biological activity. This study evaluated the effects of integrated use of organic (sewage sludge (SS) and rice straw compost (RSC)) and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield, soil enzymes activity, macro- and micro-nutrients availability under rice–wheat cropping system after three consecutive years of cropping in a subtropical semi-arid area. Different combinations of inorganic nitrogen and two doses of organic sources (SS and RSC) were applied to the soil. The results revealed that substitution with 50% N through RSC significantly increased the yield and biochemical properties as compared to inorganic fertilizers (NPK) alone. Micronutrients availability was found increased in treatment having substitution of 50% N through SS @10 t ha^?1. All the enzymatic activities viz. dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), phosphatase, phytase, and urease) were found to be maximum by substitution of 50% N through RSC. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between soil enzymes (dehydrogenase and FDA) and organic carbon as well as crop yield. Thus, the study demonstrated that substitution of 50% inorganic nitrogen through organic sources will be a better alternative for improving soil quality and productivity.     

Studies on conjoint application of nutrient sources and PGPR on growth,yield, quality,and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

The present experiment was carried out with cauliflower cv. Pusa Snowball K1 in a randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of seven different treatments with different sources of nutrients including organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, and biofertilizers, which were applied following the proper procedures as per treatment. Conjoint use of fertilizers, manures, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) significantly influenced plant growth and yield attributes of crop. Gross weight (1,267.22 g), curd weight (981.05 g), curd yield (392.45 q/ha), number of days taken to curd initiation (86.17) and curd maturity (94.00) and ascorbic acid content (74.87 mg/100 g) were found best under T₅. Also, treatment T₅ recorded 42.77% increase in yield over recommended practice (T₁) along with highest benefit cost ratio (3.36) and quality (ascorbic acid). From present investigation, it can be concluded that treatment T₅ (75% NPK + 50% FYM and 50% VC on N equivalence basis + PGPR) can be suggested as a cost-effective nutrient module for getting higher yield and quality with 25% net saving of fertilizers, besides enhanced soil health as evident by soil fertility status of soil after crop harvest.     

Sustaining Productivity of Baby Corn–Rice Cropping System and Soil Health through Integrated Nutrient Management

Organic matter is essential to enhance the soil quality and sustainability of an agroecosystem and ecological services. Thus a 2-year (2007–2009) study was carried out at Agriculture Experiment Farm, Giridih, India. Baby corn (Zea mays L.) yielded maximum cobs (0.84 Mg/ha) and green fodder (17.65 Mg/ha) yield when grown with inorganic fertilizers alone (F₁, nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide, potassium oxide (N:P₂O₅:K₂O):: 150:60:60 kg/ha). Rice (Oryza sativa L.) produced most grain (3.10 Mg/ha) and straw (4.16 Mg/ha) yield when the preceding crop received nutrients in equal proportion of organic and inorganic (50:50) sources (F₄ and F₅). System productivity in terms of baby corn equivalent yield (1.08 Mg/ha) was greatest when nutrients were applied in 30:70 ratio (F₂ and F₃). Baby corn grown with F₁ took up the maximum nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Remarkable improvement was noticed in microbial activity (microbial population, soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon), soil enzymes (urease and acid phosphatase), and soil fertility parameters [NPK, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity] with F₄ and F₅ treatments as compared to others. Integrated nutrient-management practices improved soil health. Almost all the parameters were nonsignificantly greater in vermicompost than that of farmyard manure.     

Nutrient Mineralization from Nitrogen- and Phosphorus-Enriched Poultry Manure Compost in an Ultisol

The combination of inorganic fertilizers and compost is a technique aimed at improving crop growth and maintaining soil health. Understanding the rate of nutrient release from enriched compost is important for effective nutrient management. A laboratory incubation study was conducted for 112 days to study the nutrient mineralization pattern of poultry manure compost enriched with inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer nutrients in an Ultisol. Compost applied at the rate of either 5 or 10 g kg^?1 was blended with N (50 kg N ha^?1) and P (30 kg P ha^?1). Carbon dioxide evolution and N and P mineralization were measured fortnightly. The bacterial and fungal populations were determined at the mid and end of the experiment. The combination of compost and inorganic N and P increased carbon (C) and P mineralization by 4?8% and 56?289%, respectively, over the application of either compost or inorganic N and P. However, P addition influenced the amount of C mineralized. Inorganic N and P, on the other hand, were better at increasing N mineralization than compost blended with inorganic N and P over a short time. The addition of compost stimulated bacterial and actinomycete populations, while fungal populations were unaffected. Actinomycetes and bacteria had similar and higher relationship trend with C (R² = 0.24) and P (R² = 0.47) mineralization and were key determinants in nutrient mineralization from compost in this Ultisol. Integrating compost with inorganic fertilizers improves nutrient availability through the growth and activities of beneficial microorganisms.     

有机肥料氮替代部分无机氮对水稻产量的影响及替代率研究

通过田间试验,研究了不同氮用量下有机肥料氮替代部分无机氮对水稻产量、氮肥利用率和土壤矿质态氮的影响,试图探索出有机肥料氮替代无机氮的最适替代率,并对有机肥与化肥配施的经济效益进行评价。结果表明:1）有机肥与化肥配施处理（8381~9810 kg/hm2）能获得与单施化肥处理（8381~10124 kg/hm2）更高或持平的产量;2）与单施化肥相比,氮用量在N 240 kg/hm2内,有机肥料氮替代无机肥料氮的最适替代率为10%~20%（相当于施用1500~3000 kg/hm2商品有机肥）,此时水稻产量、氮肥利用率和经济效益都达到最佳水平;3）与单施化肥相比,氮用量在N 240 kg/hm2以内并且有机肥料氮占氮总量的10%~20%时可以获得较为平稳的氮素供应过程,改善了土壤供氮能力。上述结果可为研制有机无机复合肥提供理论基础。     

好氧发酵猪粪部分替代化肥提高夏玉米氮素利用率和土壤肥力

  【目的】  化肥及畜禽粪便的不合理施用不仅影响作物增产,还严重威胁土壤健康和环境安全。探究不同发酵方式猪粪有机肥及有机肥替代化肥的比例对夏玉米氮素吸收及土壤碳、氮含量的影响,为规模化养猪场粪便快速处理,及制定其与化肥的适宜配比提供理论依据。  【方法】  以‘先玉335’为供试材料,在中国农业大学丰宁动物试验基地进行田间试验。设置5个处理:不施肥 (CK),100%化肥氮 (CF),100%自然堆肥猪粪氮 (PM),100%好氧发酵猪粪氮 (PC),50%好氧发酵猪粪氮 + 50%化肥氮 (FM)。分析猪粪不同发酵方式及有机氮替代比例对夏玉米氮素吸收及土壤碳氮的影响。  【结果】  在等氮条件下,与CF处理相比,FM处理产量、穗粒数、千粒重均以FM处理最高,其中FM处理显著增产13.2%,PC、PM处理与CF处理差异均不显著。FM处理玉米氮素积累量最高,两年平均为304.6 kg/hm2,较CF处理氮素累积量显著提高15.5%;PC、PM处理与CF处理氮素积累量差异不显著。与CF 处理相比,FM处理的氮素当季回收率、氮素农学利用率和偏生产力两年平均分别显著提高85.9%、59.5%和13.2% (P < 0.05),PC、PM处理与CF 处理之间无显著差异。在玉米拔节期和抽穗期,FM处理0—40 cm土壤无机氮含量均最高,与 CF 无显著差异;在成熟期,FM处理土壤无机氮含量较CF处理显著增加41.8%,而PC和PM处理与CF处理无显著差异。此外,施用有机肥可不同程度地增加土壤有机碳和全氮含量,与CF处理相比,PC和FM处理使有机碳含量分别显著提高13.3%和9.8%;FM处理土壤全氮含量显著提高33.4%。  【结论】  在等氮条件下与单施化肥相比,50%好氧发酵猪粪氮 + 50%化肥氮配施不仅显著提高了夏玉米产量和氮素累积吸收量,还提升了土壤全氮和有机碳含量以及0—40 cm土层土壤无机氮含量。单独施用自然堆肥、好氧发酵猪粪及化肥在产量和氮素积累方面没有显著差异,但可增加土壤全氮和有机碳含量,有利于土壤培肥,而施用好氧发酵猪粪的效果又优于施用自然堆肥。     

Productivity,Quality and Soil Health as Influenced by Organic,Inorganic and Biofertilizer on Field Pea in Eastern Himalaya

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 to study the effect of biofertilizers in conjunction with organic and inorganic sources of nutrient management on productivity, quality and soil health on field pea at ICAR RC for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre Jharnapani, Nagaland, India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with five nutrient sources in main plots and four treatment of biofertilizers with zinc in sub plots. Results indicated that the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) through inorganic + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through vermicompost significantly improved root nitrogen (N) content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) of roots, NA activates, seed yield (1153 and 1262 kg ha^?1), straw yield (2182 and 2332 kg ha^?1) in the year of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, respectively. Nutrients (N, P, K, S and Zn) uptake by seed and straw, protein content, protein harvest, soil organic carbon (SOC), available N, P, K, S, Zn and economics significantly higher with 100% RDF through inorganic + 50% RDN through vermicompost during both the years. Seed inoculation with biofertilizers along with 5 kg Zn ha^?1 markedly enhanced the root N content, CEC of roots, nitrogenase activities (NA), seed yield (1080 and 1193 kg ha^?1), straw yield (1978 and 2128 kg ha^?1), nutrients [N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn)] uptake, soil organic carbon (SOC) (%), and available N, P, K, S, and Zn of pea in both the years, respectively. These sources also give more income and benefit cost ratio per rupees invested.     

Fate of 15 N-labeled fertilizer in soils under dryland agriculture after 19 years of different fertilizations

This study addressed if long-term combined application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers could improve the synchrony between nitrogen (N) supply and crop demand. ¹⁵?N-labeled urea was applied to micro-plots within three different fertilized treatments (no fertilizer, No-F soil; inorganic NPK fertilizers, NPK soil; and manure plus inorganic NPK fertilizers, MNPK soil) of a long-term field trial (1990–2009) in a dryland wheat field in the south Loess Plateau, China. After one season of wheat harvest, ¹⁵?N use efficiency was 20, 58, and 65 % in the No-F, NPK, and MNPK soil, respectively. During the early wheat growth stage, microbial immobilization of applied ¹⁵?N was significantly (P?<?0.05) highest in the MNPK soil (15.3 %), higher in the NPK soil (12.6 %), and lowest in the No-F soil (7.4 %). Of the ¹⁵?N immobilized by the soil microbial biomass, 69 % (NPK soil) to 83 % (MNPK soil) was released between the stem elongation and flowering of wheat. Compared with the NPK soil, the MNPK soil had significantly (P?<?0.05) higher grain yield. Our findings highlight that long-term application of organic manure with inorganic fertilizers cannot only improve the synchrony of N supply for crop demand but also increase N use efficiency and grain yield.     

Optimizing nutrient availability and potential carbon sequestration in an agroecosystem

The uniformity, low cost and ease of application associated with inorganic fertilizers have diminished the use of organic nutrient sources. Concern for food safety, the environment and the need to dispose of animal and municipal wastes have focused attention on organic sources of N such as animal-derived amendments, green manures, and crop rotations. Managing organic N sources to provide sufficient N for crop growth requires knowledge of C and N decomposition over several years, particularly where manure and compost are applied. We report a comparison of compost and chemical fertilizer, use of a corn-corn-soybean-wheat rotation compared to continuous corn and the use of cover crops. Nitrogen (150 d) and C incubations (317 d) were conducted to determine the effect of cropping system and nutrient management on: N mineralization potential (NMP), the mineralizable organic N pool (N_o), the mean residence time (MRT) of No, C mineralization (C_min), and soil organic carbon (SOC) pool sizes and fluxes. Compost applications over 6 y increased the resistant pool of C by 30% and the slow pool of C by 10%. The compost treatment contained 14% greater soil organic C than the fertilizer management. Nitrogen was limiting on all compost treatments with the exception of first year corn following wheat fallow and clover cover crop. The clover cover crop and wheat-fallow increased inorganic N in both nutrient managements. We recommend that growers adjust their N fertilizer recommendation to reflect the quantity and timing of N mineralized from organic N sources and the N immobilization that can be associated with compost or other residue applications. Proper management of nutrients from compost, cover crops and rotations can maintain soil fertility and increase C sequestration.     

Effect of Continuous Application of Fertilizers,Farmyard Manure and Lime on Soil Fertility and Productivity of the Maize-Wheat System in an Acid Alfisol

A study on the long-term effect of fertilizers and amendments on crop productivity and changes in soil fertility in maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol was carried out in randomized block design (RBD) with 11 treatments. Continuous application of chemical fertilizers along with farmyard manure (FYM) or lime significantly influenced the grain and straw/stover yield and the uptake of nutrients by wheat and maize crops significantly. The organic carbon content increased from 7.9 to 12.1 g kg^?1, cation exchange capacity (CEC) from 12.1 to 14.6 cmol (p⁺) kg^?1 and available phosphorus from 21.9 to 75.2 kg ha^?1 through the integrated use of organic and fertilizers for the last 42 years while the status of available nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) declined over the years in all the treatments. Continuous application of urea alone resulted in a drastic decline in soil pH at both depths. Imbalanced use of fertilizers led to a significant reduction in the productivity of both crops and depleted the soil fertility.     

紫云英和秸秆替代部分化肥对双季稻产量、养分含量及土壤综合肥力的影响

化肥对于农业生产的意义重大，但过量施用化肥将增加面源污染风险。为了优化施肥结构，减少养分流失，利用紫云英和秸秆替代部分化肥，可以在保证双季稻稳产的同时提高稻田土壤肥力。本文基于连续四年田间定位实验，探讨了紫云英和秸秆替代部分化肥对双季稻产量、土壤综合肥力和植株养分含量的影响。试验设置六个等养分投入的处理：（1）冬闲+氮、磷、钾（CF）；（2）冬闲+秸秆低量还田+氮、磷、钾（RSL）；（3）冬闲+秸秆高量还田+氮、磷、钾（RSH）；（4）紫云英+氮、磷、钾（MV）；（5）紫云英+秸秆低量还田+氮、磷、钾（MV＋RSL）；（6）紫云英+秸秆高量还田+氮、磷、钾（MV＋RSH）。结果表明：早稻季，将有机物料替代比例控制在20%以内，水稻产量保持稳定；当替代比例达到39%及以上时，水稻产量显著降低。晚稻季，与CF处理相比，其余各处理提高了土壤有机质和全氮含量，其中，以RSH处理提升效果最为明显，分别提高了11.15%和7.64%。与RSH处理相比，MV+RSH处理土壤综合肥力指数提高了8.5%。与CF处理相比，MV和RSH处理显著提高了稻谷磷、钾含量。等养分投入条件下，利用2500kg/hm2秸秆替代20%化肥在保证水稻稳产的同时提高了土壤肥力。紫云英与秸秆联合利用能显著改善土壤肥力状况，但该模式下替代化肥的比例过高在短期内可能有减产的风险。     

Plant and Soil Responses to the Combined Application of Organic Amendments and Inorganic Fertilizers in Degraded Sodic Soils of Indo-Gangetic Plains

ABSTRACT

Soil degradation due to salinization and sodication is the paramount threat in Indo-Gangetic plains. The studies on reclamation and management of such soils can provide a pragmatic solution for improving fertility and productivity of these soils. Lack of organic matter and poor availability of nutrients are the major factors for low productivity of sodic soils. Rice-wheat is a major cropping system in Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain region even in reclaimed sodic soils and farmers used inorganic fertilizers only to get higher yields. In this study, we used different organic sources of amendments in conjunction with different nitrogen (N) doses supplied through inorganic fertilizers to investigate the combined effect of organic and inorganic amendments on soil fertility and the productivity of rice- wheat system in sodic soils. Salt tolerant varieties of rice and wheat were grown in sodic soil (pH: 9.30, EC: 1.12 dSm^?1 and exchangeable sodium percentage, ESP: 52) during 2014–15 to 2016–17 in a field experiment with 13 treatment combinations of organic and inorganic amendments (T₁- (control) 100% of recommended dose of N (RDN), T₂-municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) @10 t ha^?1 + 50%RDN, T₃- MSWC @10 t ha^?1 + 75% RDN,T₄- MSWC @10 t ha^?1 + 100%RDN, T₅-Vermicompost (VC) @10 t ha^?1 + 50% RDN, T₆- VC @10 t ha^?1 + 75% RDN, T₇-VC@10 t ha^?1 + 100% RDN, T₈- Farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha^?1 + 50% RDN,T₉- FYM@10 t ha^?1 + 75%RDN, T₁₀- FYM@10 t ha^?1 + 100% RDN, T₁₁-Pressmud (PM) @10 t ha^?1 + 50% RDN, T₁₂-PM@10 t ha^?1 + 75%RDN, and T₁₃- PM @ 10 t ha^?1 + 100% RDN). Use of organic amendments supplemented with reduced dose of N through inorganic fertilizer has significantly improved soil bio-physical and chemical properties. Application of VC@10 t ha^?1 + 100% RDN (T₇) decreased soil bulk density, pH, EC, ESP and Na content to 2.0, 4.2, 26.5, 42.8, and 56.6% respectively and increased soil organic carbon by 34.6% over control (T₁). Soil fertility in terms of available N, P, K, Ca, and Mg increased by 20.5, 33.0, 36.4, and 44%, respectively, over control (T₁). Soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus also improved significantly due to combined use of organic amendments and inorganic fertilizers over the only use of inorganic fertilizers. Decreasing in soil sodicity and increasing soil fertility showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in crop growth, growth indices, and grain yields of rice and wheat. The study revealed that combined use of VC or MSW compost @10 t ha^?1 in conjunction with 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizers in sodic soils proved sustainable technology for restoration of degraded sodic soils and improving crop productivity.     

Intercropping and balanced nutrient management for sustainable cotton production

The productivity of cotton is lowest in India and far below that of the world average productivity. Suitable management practices like intercropping and judicious combination of organic and inorganic manures are considered as yield improvement technologies and can avoid environmental pollution. However, which intercrop is suitable for the study area and what combination of nutrients will perform better needs to be investiaged. With this background and to test-verify the same, field experiments were conducted on cotton with split plot design to evaluate cotton based intercropping system along with nutrient management practices for enhancing the cotton productivity. Five intercropping systems viz., sole cotton, cotton + onion, cotton + blackgram, cotton + greengram and cotton + lucerne were included in the main plot. The subplot consisted of combinations of inorganic and organic manures namely, 100% recommended inorganic nitrogen (N), 75% inorganic N + 25% N through poultry manure, 75% inorganic N + 25% N through sunnhemp, 75% inorganic N + 25% N through farm wastes, 75% inorganic N + 25% N through weed compost. The results revealed that sole cotton followed by cotton + blackgram intercropping and 75% inorganic N + 25% N through poultry manure recorded better growth and yield attributes, higher cotton yield during both the years. Cotton + onion resulted in the maximum cotton equivalent yield of 2396 kg ha^?1 followed by cotton + blackgram (2240 kg ha^?1). Better N use efficiency and post-harvest soil available N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) was also associated with cotton + blackgram intercropping and 75% inorganic N + 25% N through poultry manure. Benefit: cost (BC) ratios were also higher in the same treatment. It could be concluded from these results that the cotton productivity is higher under the sole crop of cotton, however, the cotton equivalent yield is significantly higher with intercropping and these treatments proved that soil fertility status can be sustained with integrated plant nutrient management practices and intercropping systems.     

长期稻草还田对紫色水稻土肥力和生产力的影响

通过8年淹水条件下一季中稻的田间定位试验,研究了长期稻草还田以及稻草与不同化肥配合施用对紫色水稻土生产力和土壤肥力的影响。结果表明,稻草与N、P、K化肥配合施用能维持或提高紫色水稻土的生产力和土壤肥力;水稻获得了持续高产,土壤有机质和全氮含量提高,土壤磷的有效性增加,速效钾与试验前基本平衡。纯化肥处理尤其是N、NP、NK处理水稻产量、土壤氮和钾含量逐年降低,不能维持系统生产力和土壤肥力。稻草还田对翌年水稻具有显著的增产作用,8年平均稻草还田处理比对照增产39.5%,稻草的增产作用还随着稻草还田时间的延长而逐年升高。稻草还田携入的钾与化学钾肥具有相同的营养功效,稻草可替代部分化学钾肥。     

Long‐Term Integrated Nutrient Management for Rice‐Based Cropping Pattern: Effect on Growth,Yield, Nutrient Uptake,Nutrient Balance Sheet,and Soil Fertility

Abstract

A 7‐year‐long field trial was conducted on integrated nutrient management for a dry season rice (Boro)–green manure (GM)–wet season rice (T. Aman) cropping system at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Farm, Gazipur during 1993–1999. Five packages of inorganic fertilizers, cow dung (CD), and GM dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) were evaluated for immediate and residual effect on crop productivity, nutrient uptake, soil‐nutrient balance sheet, and soil‐fertility status. Plant height, active tiller production, and grain and straw yields were significantly increased as a result of the application of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure. Usually, the soil‐test‐based (STB) fertilizer doses for a high‐yield goal produced the highest grain yield of 6.39 t ha^?1 (average of 7 years) in Boro rice. Application of CD at the rate of 5 t ha^?1 (oven‐dry basis) once a year at the time of Boro transplanting supplemented 50% of the fertilizer nutrients other than nitrogen (N) in the subsequent crop of the cropping pattern. A positive effect of GM on the yield of T. Aman rice was observed. Following GM, the application of reduced doses of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) to the second crop (T. Aman) did not reduce yield, indicating the beneficial residual effect of fertilizer applied to the first crop (Boro rice) of the cropping pattern. The comparable yield of T. Aman was also observed with reduced fertilizer dose in CD‐treated plots. The total P, K, and S uptake (kg/ha/yr) in the unfertilized plot under an irrigated rice system gradually decreased over the years. The partial nutrient balance in the unfertilized plot (T₁) was negative for all the nutrients. In the fertilized plots, there was an apparent positive balance of P, S, and Zn but a negative balance of N and K. This study showed that the addition of organic manure (CD, dhaincha) gave more positive balances. In the T_4c treatment at 0–15 cm, the application of chemical fertilizers along with the organic manures increased soil organic carbon by (C) 0.71%. The highest concentration of total N was observed with T_4c followed by T_4d and T_4b, where CD was applied in Boro season and dhaincha GM was incorporated in T. Aman season. The sixfold increase in soil‐available P in T_4b‐, T_4c‐, T_4a‐treated plots was due to the addition of CD. Dhaincha GM with the combination of chemical fertilizer helps to mobilize soil‐available P by 3 to 6 ppm. The highest amount of soil‐available S was found in T_4c‐ and T_4a‐treated plots. It was 2.5 times higher than that of the initial soil. The application of CD and dhaincha GM along with chemical fertilizers not only increased organic C, total N, available P, and available S but also increased exchangeable K, available Zn, available iron (Fe), and available manganese (Mn) in soil.     

Short Term Enhancement of Nutrients Availability in Zea mays L. Cultivation on an Acid Soil Using Compost and Clinoptilolite Zeolite

To avoid environmental pollution due to excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, it is essential to increase the availability of nutrients using environmentally friendly resources, such as composts and clinoptilolite zeolite, in soil fertility management. In this study, an attempt was made to use different rates of inorganic fertilizers, compost, and clinoptilolite zeolite to correct the ongoing excessive use of inorganic fertilizers. A pot study using maize (Zea mays L.) as a test crop was carried out to determine the effects of amending inorganic fertilizers with compost and clinoptilolite zeolite on: (i) selected soil chemical properties, and (ii) N, P, and K uptake and use efficiency in maize cultivation. The pot study was conducted for 45 days (tasseling stage of maize). Amending inorganic fertilizers with compost and clinoptilolite zeolite increased soil total N, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and available P. Furthermore, P and K uptake and use efficiency of maize were significantly improved upon amending inorganic fertilizers with compost and clinoptilolite zeolite. Soil chemical properties and productivity of maize on acid soils can be improved through co-application of compost and clinoptilolite zeolite. However, field application of the authors’ findings is being evaluated in an on-going field experiment.     

Effects of different organic materials on forage yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize (Zea mays L.)

The use of organic materials as a source of nutrients on agricultural lands ameliorates soil physical properties as well as being an environmentally friendly way of disposing of their wastes. This study was conducted to determine effects of three organic materials (poultry litter, cattle manure, leonardite) on yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. Poultry litter and cattle manure were applied based on phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N) requirements of the crop whereas leonardite was applied only one dose (500 kg ha^?1) and also combined with three inorganic fertilizer doses (100%, 75%, 50% of recommended inorganic fertilizer dose). According to the results, the highest green herbage yield and nutrient uptake values were observed in LEO-100 whereas N-based treatments significantly decreased yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. The use of organic materials as a combination with inorganic fertilizer in silage maize cultivation is highly beneficial for sustainable forage production.     

Organic manure supplementation effects on rice–pulse cropping system productivity

The effects of organic manure supplementation on rice–pulse cropping system productivity were studied. Three pulses, viz., blackgram, greengram and pea were grown after rice on the same plots to explore the feasibility of growing second crops with carry-over residual soil moisture and residual soil fertility. The study revealed that during the rainy season, 30%–35% higher rice grain yield was obtained when both inorganic and organic sources of nutrients were applied compared with the full dose of inorganic fertilizer, and the rice grain yield was 65%–78% higher than obtained following farmers’ practices. In the post-rainy season, pea crop recorded the highest grain yield of 490 kg ha^-1 under the treatment combination of Sesbania and inorganic fertilizer. Organic carbon, and available N, P, K also enhanced yield by 20%–29%, 5.0%–29.4% to 7.9%–39.9% and 22.4%–60.3%, respectively when 25% N was applied through different organic sources of nutrients (green manure/press mud/farmyard manure).     

有机物料与化肥配施提高黄泥田水稻产量和土壤肥力

农业有机物料具有资源化再利用的特点,与化肥配施既可以保证作物产量,也可以提升地力。为了建立最适宜的南方低产黄泥田培肥模式,该文在浙江金衢盆地开展3年田间试验研究化肥与不同有机物料(菇渣、紫云英、牛粪和秸秆)配施对水稻产量和土壤肥力的影响。结果表明:1)有机物料与化肥配施可以显著提高水稻产量,化肥+菇渣、化肥+紫云英、化肥+牛粪和化肥+秸秆处理下,水稻三年的平均产量分别比单施化肥提高了9.7%、9.5%、12.3%和9.5%;2)有机物料与化肥配合施用,土壤有机质、土壤养分(全氮、有效磷、速效钾和CEC)及土壤容重较单施化肥处理有一定程度的改善,其中,化肥+牛粪效果最明显,有机质质量分数提高了12.5%,土壤有效磷质量分数提高了37.7%,CEC提高了16.1%;3)与单施化肥相比,化肥+菇渣、化肥+牛粪处理下5 mm机械稳定性大团聚体分别提高了10.4%和6.7%,各配施处理均显著降低了团聚体破坏率。总得来讲,连续三年有机物料与化肥配施较单施化肥处理提高了水稻产量、改善了土壤肥力状况、增加了土壤团聚体稳定性,其中又以牛粪与化肥配合施用效果最佳。     

长期秸秆还田对华北潮土肥力、 氮库组分及作物产量的影响

【目的】近年,华北小麦-玉米轮作系统秸秆全量还田已逐步普及,但秸秆还田下土壤氮库组成的变化并不清楚。本文利用肥料定位试验,研究了长期秸秆还田(32年)对华北潮土肥力、 氮库组分和作物产量的影响。【方法】研究选用河北省衡水旱作试验站长期定位试验的不施肥(对照CK)和等量氮、 磷肥用量下的0kg/hm2(S0)、 2250 kg/hm2(S1)、 4500 kg/hm2(S2)和9000 kg/hm2(S3)秸秆还田处理。于2012年小麦收获后采集各处理020 cm土样,利用新鲜土样测定微生物量氮、 NH+4-N和NO-3-N;风干土壤用常规方法测定氮磷钾全养分、 有机质和pH,用Bremner法测定有机氮(酸解氨基酸态氮、 酸解氨态氮、 氨基糖氮和酸解未知态氮),用Silver-Bremner法测定固定态铵。同时结合长期试验数据, 分析长期秸秆还田下有机质和作物产量的变化。【结果】与试验开始前(1981年)相比,长期施用化肥处理的土壤全磷和有机质显著增加,全氮没有明显变化,而全钾出现降低趋势(-3.2%);秸秆用量的增加提高了全氮、 全磷和有机质,降低了pH值,但对全钾没有影响。酸解氨基酸态氮、 酸解氨态氮和未知态氮为潮土有机氮的主要组分;与CK相比,长期施肥提高了土壤有机氮含量,酸解氨基酸态氮、 酸解氨态氮和氨基糖氮均随秸秆用量的增加而增加,而不同施肥处理对酸解未知态氮和非酸解氮没有明显影响。长期化肥施用提高了微生物量氮和晶格固定态铵,秸秆用量的增加进一步提高了微生物量氮,但降低了固定碳铵。施肥没有明显影响NH+4-N含量,但长期施用化肥提高了NO-3-N含量,且高量秸秆还田对NO-3-N含量的提高具有促进作用。施肥显著提高了作物产量,在施用化肥基础上增施秸秆进一步提高了小麦和玉米产量,且玉米产量随秸秆用量的增加而增加,而高量秸秆还田对小麦产量并没有显著影响。【结论】长期化肥(氮、 磷肥)和秸秆结合施用提高了土壤肥力(主要为氮、 磷), 增加了土壤碳固持,但仅玉米秸秆还田导致了土壤钾消耗,增加钾肥投入维持土壤钾平衡是必要的。长期秸秆还田对酸解氨基酸态氮的贡献高于酸解氨态氮;高量秸秆还田提高了微生物量氮和NO-3-N含量,但降低了固定态铵含量。长期秸秆还田提高了作物产量,而为保证秸秆还田后茬的作物高产,与之配套的还田方法和田间管理是很必要的。