Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties of Old Alluvial Soil under Mustard Cropping System

Field experiments were conducted at the fields of Crop Research and Seed Multiplication Farm of Burdwan University, Burdwan, West Bengal, India during the winter seasons of 2005–2006, 2006–2007, and 2007–2008 in old alluvial soil (pH-6-7) to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management on soil physicochemical and biological properties under mustard (Brassica campestris cv. ‘B₉’) cropping system. In the first year (2005–2006), seven varieties of mustard were cultivated under recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (100:50:50). In the second year of the experiment (2006–2007), six different doses of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer were applied. In the third year (2007–2008), six different level of compost along with a combined dose of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer (T₃-3/4 Chemical fertilizer: 1/4 biofertilizer) were applied. The results indicated significant improvement in the soil quality by increasing soil porosity and water holding capacity significantly, as well as gradual build-up of soil macronutrient status after harvesting of the crop. Applications of biofertilizers have contributed significantly toward higher soil organic matter, nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The use of biofertilizers and compost have mediated higher availability of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B) in soil. The use of biofertilizers and compost significantly improved soil bacterial and fungal population count in the soil, thereby increasing the soil health.     

15N Fertilizer recovery in different tillage–straw systems on a Vertisol in north‐west Mexico

Tillage and residue retention affect nitrogen (N) dynamics and nutrient losses and therefore nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and crop fertilizer use, however, there is little information about residual fertilizer effects on the subsequent crop. Micro‐plots with ¹⁵N‐labelled urea were established in 2014/2015 on a long‐term experiment on a Vertisol in north‐west Mexico. N fertilizer recovery (NFR) and the effects of residual fertilizer N for summer maize (Zea mays L.) and the subsequent wheat (Triticum durum L.) crop were studied in three tillage–straw management practices (CTB: conventionally tilled beds; PB‐straw: permanent raised beds with residue retention; PB‐burn: permanent raised beds with residue burning). Fertilizer ¹⁵N recovery rates for maize grain across all treatments were low with an average of 11%, but after wheat harvest total recovered ¹⁵N (¹⁵N in maize and wheat straw and grain, residual soil ¹⁵N) was over 50% for the PB‐burn treatment. NFR was lowest in CTB after two cropping cycles (32%). Unaccounted N from applied fertilizer for the maize crop averaged 120 kg ¹⁵N ha^?1 after wheat harvest. However, more than 20% of labelled ¹⁵N was found in the 0–90 cm soil profile in both PB treatments after wheat harvest, which highlights the need for long‐term studies and continuous monitoring of the soil nutrient status to avoid over‐application of mineral N fertilizer.     

Combination of agricultural waste compost and biofertilizer improves yield and enhances the sustainability of a pepper field

Application of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been considered as an environmentally friendly method for crop yield promotion as well as plant disease management. Efforts have been devoted to unraveling mechanisms involved in bacteria–plant and bacteria–pathogen interactions. However, little is known on the effect of the interaction among PGPR, soil, and plant. We compared growth and yield promotion capacity of biofertilizer Ning Shield, a consortium of bacterial preparation used as a biofertilizer (BF), and its mixture with compost of agricultural waste including spent substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus (SSP)/Volvariella volvacea (SSV), chicken manure (CM), and inorganic fertilizer (IOF) in a pepper field, respectively. The disease control efficacy, pepper fruit preservation time, and nutrients were also determined. Soil nutrient parameters including organic matter and available NPK of treatments were assayed before and after one growth season. All of the mixture of BF+organic compost treatment significantly enhanced the yield and quality of pepper fruit. Moreover, disease control capacity was promoted by the mixture of BF+organic compost, with BF+SSV reaching the highest control efficacy of 81% on 60th day after transplanting, and remaining 76% at the 105^th day. The BF+SSV treatment showed soil fertility retention ability with higher soil nutrient contents after one growth season of pepper. This study provides evidence that, when combined with organic fertilizers such as spent mushroom substrate compost, beneficial microbes have the ability to promote plant growth and yield as well as suppress plant disease by sustaining soil fertility through complex bacteria–soil–plant interaction.     

Phosphorus Enriched Organic Amendments can Increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat

Although nitrogen (N) has the highest requirement for plant growth, N use efficiency (NUE) seldom exceeds 40%. NUE may be improved by integrated application of fertilizer N and enriched organic amendments. The present experiment aimed to test the extent of increase in NUE by integrated application of fertilizer N farmyard manure (FYM) and rock phosphate enriched compost (RPEC). Mineralization kinetics and N release from FYM and RPEC were studied by an incubation experiment. Results revealed that maximum potentially mineralizable N as well as N release (283.9, 186.7 mg kg^?1 soil, respectively) were from RPEC + fertilizer N treated soils, followed by FYM + fertilizer N. Maximum yield, N uptake, and N recovery were obtained from RPEC + fertilizer N treated soils followed by FYM + fertilizer N. Soils treated with RPEC had shown significantly higher dehydrogenase activity than FYM treated soils. Thus, RPEC might increase yield as well as NUE over FYM. N uptake by plant at maximum tillering stage and flowering stage of wheat correlated positively (R² > 0.85) with the decay rate (k and kN₀) parameter of incubation experiment suggesting their relevance as indicators of plant available N.     

Influence of integrated nutrient management (INM) on nutrient use efficiency,soil fertility and productivity of hybrid rice

A field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012 on sandy-loam lateritic soil of Indian subtropics to investigate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency of applied nutrients and soil fertility in restoring sustainability with hybrid rice cultivation. Application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through mustard oil cake (MOC) or 75% RDF + 25% RDN through MOC + biofertilizer recorded significantly higher grain and biomass yields, greater NPK removal and higher partial factor productivity of applied nutrient (PFPN) than those of the crop having 100% RDF, 100% RDN through MOC and 25% RDF + 75% RDN through MOC, which showed very poor performance. The former treatments also improved organic carbon and available NPK contents in soil in spite of greater removal of NPK by the crop. Results of study suggested integrated use of 50% RDF + 50% RDN through MOC or 75% RDF + 25% RDN through MOC + biofertilizer for increasing hybrid rice productivity, PFPN and improving soil fertility for sustainability.     

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.     

Soil chemical quality changes and implications for fertilizer management after 11 years of no‐tillage wheat production systems in semiarid Morocco

A long‐term experiment comparing no‐till with conventional tillage systems across five rotations was evaluated 11 years after initiation. The objectives of the present paper are (1) to report differences in soil chemical properties (namely soil organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH) that have resulted by converting from conventional to no‐till under contrasting cropping systems and (2) to draw tentative conclusions and recommendations on fertility status and fertilizer use and management. Soil in the no‐till system had increased surface soil organic C levels relative to conventional tillage regardless of rotation. In addition, depending on the rotation, the N and P content of the soil improved with no‐till compared with conventional tillage. In other words, no‐till has helped to retain soil organic matter (SOM), conserved more N, and resulted in increased extractable P and exchangeable K concentrations in the upper root‐zone. Hence, wheat produced in a no‐till system may receive more nutrients from decomposition of SOM and acidification of the seed zone. It is possible that lesser amounts of fertilizer nutrients will be needed because of the greater efficiency of nutrient cycling in no‐till systems relative to conventional systems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effectiveness of crop‐waste compost on a Eutric Ferralsol

Lack of environmentally safe handling of garbage is a growing problem in urban sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Composting the garbage for soil‐fertility management presents an opportunity for reducing the risks of environmental pollution. This study aimed at evaluating the agronomic effectiveness and nutrient‐utilization efficiency of urban market crop‐waste compost on a Eutric Ferralsol. The study was conducted in central Uganda with treatments including compost applied at 0, 5, and 10 t ha^–1 (d.w. basis); inorganic N fertilizer at rates of 0, 40, and 80 kg ha^–1 and inorganic P fertilizer at 0, 9, and 18 kg ha^–1. Maize (Zea mays L.), variety Longe 4 was used as the test crop. The nutrient quality of the compost was medium with total N of 0.9% and total P of 0.45%. Compost significantly increased plant height, LAI, stover weight, and grain yield; however, there were no significant differences between the 5 and 10 t ha^–1 rates. Nitrogen also had a significant effect on LAI and stover yield, though there was no significant difference between the 40 and 80 kg ha^–1 rates. Likewise, P increased plant height with no significant difference between the 9 and 18 kg ha^–1 rates. Mineral N at 40 kg ha^–1 led to the highest increase in N uptake by plants (76%) above the control. Nitrogen‐ and P‐utilization efficiencies for the 5 t ha^–1 compost rate were more than twice that of the 10 t ha^–1 rate. The highest P‐utilization efficiency (69%) was obtained where 9 kg ha^–1 P was applied with 40 kg ha^–1 N, while the highest N‐utilization efficiency (48%) was obtained with the 5 t ha^–1 compost applied together with N at 40 kg ha^–1. From the above studies, it is clear that effectiveness of the 5 t ha^–1 compost rate is the most promising.     

Effect of long-term fertilization on 15N uptake and retention in soil

We did a pot experiment with three different fertilized soils (no fertilizer (No-F), inorganic fertilizer nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), manure plus inorganic fertilizer (MNPK)) from a 19-year fertilizer trial. Three N treatments, (1) no N, (2) 100 mg/kg urea-¹⁵N (N), (3) 50 mg/kg urea-¹⁵N + 50 mg/kg corn straw-N (1/2N + 1/2S), were applied to each soil. The residual soil from the same treatments was used to grow second wheat crop. The MNPK soil had significantly higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the first growing season, and lower N loss than the NPK, and No-F soils. The 1/2N + 1/2S treatment decreased NUE on each soil, even though the MNPK soil still had highest NUE and lowest N loss. The residual ¹⁵N use efficiency (RNUE) in 1/2N + 1/2S treatment of MNPK soil was higher than NPK and No-F soils. We concluded that long-term application of manure plus inorganic fertilizer increased NUE and decreased N loss.     

Nutrient management on crop productivity and changes in soil organic carbon and fertility in a four–year-old maize-wheat cropping system in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

The aim of this investigation was to prepare and evaluate organic manures (vermicompost, compost and FYM) and mineral fertilizers on crop productivity and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and fertility under a four-year-old maize-wheat cropping system. The results demonstrated that yields and nutrient uptake by crops increased significantly in plots receiving manures and mineral fertilizers either alone or in combination than unfertilized control. Application of manures and fertilizers also enhanced SOC, mineral N, Olsen-P and ammonium acetate-extractable K (NH₄OAc-K) after both the crops. Surface soil maintained greater build-up in SOC, mineral N, Olsen-P and NH₄OAc-K than sub-surface soil. Plots amended with manures at 5 t ha^?1 and 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) had pronounced impact on improving SOC and fertility after both the crops indicating that integrated use of manures and mineral fertilizers could be followed to improve and maintain soil fertility, increase crop productivity under intensive cropping system.     

Availability of organic nutrient sources and their effects on yield and nutrient recovery of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] and on soil properties

Inadequate nutrient and organic‐matter supply constitutes the principal cause for declining soil fertility and productivity in much of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). In a survey in Gare Arera, the central Ethiopian highland, farmyard manure (FYM) and compost enriched with ash were identified as underutilized organic nutrient sources. Mustard meal, a by‐product of mustard‐seed oil production, is also locally available. On‐farm experiments were carried out on two major soil types (Nitisol and Vertisol) to study effects of the organic fertilizers, synthetic fertilizer (urea + triple superphosphate) and an unfertilized control on the yield and yield components of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc) Trotter] and selected soil properties. Application of organic fertilizers at an N rate equivalent to that of urea produced grain yields of 82% and 99% of that produced with urea on Nitisol and Vertisol, respectively. The apparent N recovery from urea, mustard meal, FYM, and compost was, respectively, 31%, 25%, 16%, and 28% on Nitisol and 23%, 17%, 26%, and 21% on Vertisol. The mean agronomic efficiency for the organic and synthetic fertilizers on Nitisol was 20 and 24 kg grain (kg N)^–1 applied, respectively, whereas on the Vertisol, it was 13 kg grain (kg N)^–1 for both. On Vertisol, tef was most responsive to FYM and on Nitisol, it was most responsive to compost. Soil N and P contents increased due to organic‐fertilizer application. The results showed that compost enriched with ash is a good choice on Nitisol while FYM works well on Vertisol. Mustard meal can be applied on both soils.     

Nitrogen‐use efficiency of young citrus trees as influenced by the timing of fertilizer application

The aim of this study was to improve the fertilizer‐nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) for a sustainable citrus production where yield, fruit quality, and environment are reconciled. A soil pot experiment was conducted using 5‐year‐old orange trees (Citrus sinensis cv. Navel Lane Late) to determine the response of NUE to timing of N‐fertilizer supply. An equal N rate (50 g tree^–1) following two seasonal supply distributions was tested: (1) ENS (early supply from March to June of 75% of the N rate, with the remaining 25% administered between July and October) and (2) LNS (late supply of the bulk of the N rate with 25% between March and June and 75% between July and October). Labeled fertilizer (5 atom% ¹⁵N excess) was applied in order to accurately quantify N uptake, its partitioning among plant–soil compartments and NUE at the end of fruit drop and at fruit maturity. LNS resulted in a significant increase in NUE in both stages (up to 19% at the end of fruit drop and 9% at fruit maturity), while also increasing summer/autumn flush development. ENS showed lower fruit abscission, an enhanced final fruit load (up to 45%), and a more profuse development of spring flush. It is worth mentioning that LNS led to higher ¹⁵N content in the majority of the tree storage organs available for next spring growth resumption. The amount of ¹⁵N remaining in the soil of ENS trees at the end of the trial, which represented 16% of the supplied ¹⁵N, was 1.5‐fold higher than that of LNS trees as a result of the lower NUE of the former. Irrespective of the seasonal distribution of the fertilizer, mean ¹⁵N recovery in the soil–plant system at the end of the trial was about 71%. The results clearly confirm that the N seasonal distribution curve affects NUE in young citrus trees and NUE increases when the bulk of supply of the N rate is delayed to the summer months.     

Soil nitrogen balance and nitrogen utilization of winter wheat affected by straw management and nitrogen application in the Yangtze river basin of China

Straw incorporation is a useful management practice in sustainable agricultural systems to improve soil fertility and to reduce air pollution from straw burning. A three-year field experiment was conducted under two rice straw managements and four nitrogen (N) application rates in Rugao, China during 2010–2013, to examine whether straw management practices integrated with fertilizer N applications affect crop yield, N balance and N use efficiency in the wheat season of rice-wheat cropping systems. The results showed that straw incorporation had positive effects on plant N uptake and grain yield. This may be attributed to the greater soil water content and lower amount of seasonal rainfall. However, straw incorporation resulted in lower soil inorganic N and more N surplus at the early growth stage. Grain yield had a significant relation with wheat N uptake from sowing to jointing and from jointing to anthesis with straw incorporation. Therefore, our results suggest that in adjusting the ratio of basal and topdressing N fertilizer, it is important for the supply of optimum N to the crop and to maintain grain production with straw incorporation.     

A review of nitrogen translocation and nitrogen-use efficiency

Nitrogen (N) is a primary nutrient for crop growth. In most agricultural areas, crop production relies heavily on the supply of exogenous N fertilizers. Globally, a large amount of nitrogenous fertilizer is applied to achieve maximum crop productivity. However, N fertilizer application is costly and negatively impacts the environment. One way around these problems is to provide a new N-use efficiency (NUE) framework that promotes the efficient acquisition and use of N and high N translocation rates from vegetative organs to reproductive organs under reduced N inputs. This review integrates the current knowledge about the direct and indirect effects of soil properties, crop varieties, soil water status, soil N fertilizers, and soil microbes on N translocation. In addition, we explore strategies that specifically accomplish N translocation via mycorrhizal fungi. Finally, we discuss recent advances in plant physiology, demonstrating that N translocation is an effective target to improve cereal yields and NUE. Although the relationship between crop variety and N translocation is mostly unknown, understanding this relationship is necessary to select and breed crop varieties that exhibit high yields and N translocation efficiency.     

长期不均衡施肥对紫色土肥力质量的影响

利用长期定位试验研究了不均衡施肥对紫色土土壤肥力、肥料利用率和养分平衡状况的影响。结果表明,连续11年不施肥,耕层土壤有机质和全氮含量降低,施用化肥的各个处理土壤有机质和氮素含量稳中有升,其中以NPK均衡施用增幅最大。所有施磷处理,土壤速效磷含量与试验前相比都有大幅度提高;无论施钾与否,土壤缓效钾含量均比试验前降低,稻草还田土壤缓效钾下降最少。不均衡施肥降低了肥料利用率和肥料的增产效果。每季施N.150kg/hm2,维持了土壤氮素肥力;每季施P2O560～75.kg/hm2,磷素都有赢余;除秸秆还田处理钾素有盈余外,其余各处理钾都亏缺。     

灌水次数对绿洲春玉米田氮素损失及水氮利用效率的影响

该文研究灌水次数对绿洲农田氮素损失及水氮利用效率的影响。2015年在甘肃省武威市石羊河流域绿洲农田设置了5种灌溉施肥处理:分别为传统施肥(N_1)+传统灌水4次处理(I_1N_1),优化施肥(N_2)+优化灌水4~7次处理(分别为I_2N_2、I_3N_2、I_4N_2和I_5N_2)。应用农田水氮管理模型(soil water heat carbon and nitrogen simulator,WHCNS)模拟分析了不同灌水次数下的作物产量、水氮动态过程及水氮利用效率,最后应用综合指数法筛选了农田最佳的水肥管理方案。结果表明:模型模拟的土壤含水率、土壤硝态氮含量、作物产量和叶面积指数与实测值均吻合良好,一致性指数在0.74及以上。5个处理中I_3N_2处理的春玉米产量、水分和氮素利用效率均最高,分别为17 077 kg/hm~2、3.23 kg/m~3和40.1 kg/kg。I_1N_1处理的水分渗漏和硝态氮淋失量均最大,而I_5N_2处理的最小。在灌溉定额一定的条件下,随灌水次数增加,水分渗漏量逐渐减少,同时硝态氮淋洗和氨挥发也逐渐减少,而反硝化和作物吸氮量逐渐增加。综合指数法评价结果表明I_3N_2处理为该地区最佳的水肥管理方案。因此,在该地区适当增加灌水次数和减少单次灌水量,不仅可以维持作物产量不变,而且显著减少了水分渗漏和氮素淋洗,同时提高了水氮利用效率。结果可为荒漠绿洲地区制定合理的水肥管理措施提供指导。     

Effects of cover crops,compost, and manure amendments on soil microbial community structure in tomato production systems

Soil microbial community structure and crop yield was investigated in field tomato production systems that compared black polyethylene mulch to hairy vetch mulch and inorganic N to organic N. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) hairy vetch cover cropping increases crop yield and significantly affects soil microbial community structure when compared to the standard plastic mulch and synthetic fertilizer-based system; (2) within plastic mulch systems, organic amendments will increase crop yield and significantly affect soil microbial community structure when compared to synthetic fertilizer; (3) crop yields and microbial community structure will be similar in the hairy vetch cover cropping and the organic amended plasticulture systems. Treatments consisted of ammonium nitrate (control), hairy vetch cover crop, hairy vetch cover crop and poultry manure compost (10 Mg/ha), three levels of poultry manure compost (5, 10, and 20 Mg/ha), and two levels of poultry manure (2.5 and 5 Mg/ha). Black polyethylene mulch was used in all treatments without hairy vetch. Fatty acid analysis was used to characterize the total soil microbial community structure, while two substrate utilization assays were used to investigate the community structure of culturable bacteria and fungi. Crop yield was not significantly increased by hairy vetch cover cropping when compared to black polyethylene mulch, although microbial community structure was significantly affected by cover cropping. Under black polyethylene mulch, crop yields were significantly increased by the highest levels of compost and manure when compared to inorganic fertilizer, but there was no detectable effect on soil microbial community structure. When cover cropping was compared to organic amended plasticulture systems, crop yields were similar one year but dissimilar the next. However, hairy vetch cover cropping and organic amendments under black plastic mulch produced significantly different soil microbial community structure.     

Bio‐inoculant improves nitrogen‐use efficiency and cotton yield in saline soils

Improved nutrient‐use efficiency is important to sustain agricultural production. The goal of our study was to investigate the effects of Azovit® (Azotobacter chroococcum) inoculation of seed with N fertilization on crop yield, nutrient uptake, and N‐use efficiency (NUE) of irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. C‐6524) in secondary saline soil under continental climatic conditions of Uzbekistan. A randomized complete block design in a 4 × 2 split‐plot experiment was established in the fall of 2013. The main plot was N fertilization (0, 140, 210, and 280 kg ha^?1) and the subplot was Azovit inoculation. Azovit inoculation consistently increased the seed and lint yields of cotton by 25 and 27.9%, respectively, at 210 kg N ha^?1 compared to the respective control. Azovit with 210 kg N ha^?1 significantly increased the cotton harvest index by 21%, when compared to the control. Likewise, nutrient uptake and NUE of cotton were higher when N (210 kg ha^?1) was applied with Azovit, as compared to other treatment combinations. An extrapolation of the relationship of relative yield vs. N fertilization showed that Azovit at 210 kg N ha^?1 was sufficient to obtain near‐maximum cotton production (90%) with highest NUE, as compared to the respective control. The results suggest that Azovit with 210 kg N ha^?1 produces cotton yield higher and/or comparable with the currently used rates of 280 kg N ha^?1 or higher, suggesting savings of 70 kg N ha^?1 for cotton production in saline soils under continental climatic conditions.     

化肥减量和有机替代对重度盐渍土水盐特性及向日葵水氮利用效率的影响

  【目的】  研究有机肥氮替代化肥氮对盐渍化农田土壤水盐特性及作物生长的影响,为河套灌区盐渍化农田作物生产的高质量发展提供理论依据和技术支撑。  【方法】  本研究针对河套灌区重度盐渍土于2019—2020年开展连续2年的田间试验。在同一施氮量(N 180 kg/hm2)下,设置不施有机肥(OF0)及有机肥氮分别替代化肥氮施用量的50% (OF1)和100% (OF2)处理,以不施肥为对照(CK)。测定不同时期土壤容重、质量含水率及饱和浸提液电导率(ECe),同时在向日葵收获后测定籽粒产量及产量性状。  【结果】  有机替代可以降低土壤容重和提高土壤孔隙度,经过两年的田间试验后,OF1和OF2处理0—40 cm土层土壤容重分别为1.46和1.43 g/cm3,较2019年播种前分别降低了3.97%和5.92%,土壤孔隙度较2019年播种前分别提高了4.94%和7.90% (P< 0.05)。有机替代显著改善盐渍土水盐特性,OF1和OF2处理显著提高了土壤含水率,OF1处理土壤含水率分别较OF0、OF2和CK提高了5.34%、3.65%和10.55% (P< 0.05)。两季向日葵生育末期OF2处理0—100 cm土层土壤ECe均值为6.77 dS/m,分别较OF0、OF1处理降低了44.10%、11.61% (P < 0.05)。有机替代提高了向日葵籽粒产量及水分利用效率,OF1处理较OF0、OF2和CK分别增产9.47%、7.52%和62.90% (P < 0.05),分别提高净收益7.02%、23.12%和65.00% (P < 0.05);OF1处理水分利用效率较OF0、OF2和CK分别提高了17.50%、9.52%和73.82% (P < 0.05)。此外,OF1处理较OF0与OF2处理显著提高了氮素偏生产力和氮素农学效率(P < 0.05)。  【结论】  有机肥替代化肥能够改良河套灌区重度盐渍土土壤结构,改善作物根区土壤水盐环境,提高产量及水氮利用效率。但是有机肥全部替代化学氮肥降低了向日葵的生产效益,也没有显著提高向日葵的水肥利用效率。在当前推荐的氮磷钾肥基础上(N 180 kg/hm2),有机肥氮替代50%化肥氮在河套灌区重度盐渍土上是可行的施肥措施。     

Cumulative effects of a 17‐year chemical fertilization on the soil quality of cropping system in the Loess Hilly Region,China

Soil‐quality assessment provides a tool for evaluating the sustainability of alternative soil‐management practices. Understanding the effects of the long‐term use of chemical fertilizers on soil quality is essential for sustaining soil productivity. The cumulative effect of a 17‐y‐old chemical‐fertilizer application on integrated soil quality was investigated in the surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soils of a soy–broomcorn–millet cropping system with an experiment design of two factors with three levels for each factor. The treatments were N0P0, N0P1, N0P2, N1P0, N1P1 (local farmer' fertilization strategy), N1P2, N2P0, N2P1, N2P2, and a control NF. The objectives were to describe and quantify the effect of continuous applications of chemical fertilizer through soil‐quality index (SQI) and attempt to offer an efficient and appropriate nutrient‐supply strategy for the local region. Following 17 y of chemical fertilization, the SQI increased markedly in the studied soil layers, and soil chemical indicators changed more significantly than physical properties. The soil‐quality indicators in the surface soil layer were more variable and sensitive to fertilizer application than the subsurface layer. The indicators that sensitively responded to long‐term fertilization could be classified into three types: soil‐fertility indicators (soil organic matter [SOM], total P, and available N), soil‐texture indicators (clay, silt), and soil‐structure indicators (bulk density, mean weight diameter [MWD]). The simplified indicators (SOM, sand, available N, bulk density, and total P in the surface soil and SOM, MWD, and silt content in the subsurface soil) preferably reflected the status of the integrated soil quality as influenced by continuous fertilization. Among the fertilized treatments, the combined‐fertilizer treatments maintained a higher SQI than the single‐fertilizer treatments in the surface and subsurface soils. The N1P2 treatment maintained the highest SQI in both soil layers, followed by N1P1 treatment. However, for the slope cropland, given the relative costs, soil resource, and environmental protection, the traditional treatment of N1P1 may be the optimal fertilizer treatment in the local region.