Nutrient Solution and Nutrient Soil Solution Parameter Evolution in Tomato with Dynamic Fertigation under Saline Conditions

This trial was carried out to study the evolution of the nutrient parameters of the nutrient solution applied to tomato plants (Lycopersicum sculentum Mill. Forteza) cultivated in Mediterranean greenhouse conditions under different fertigation management models. The dynamic model is based on soil water content, which was measured by tensiometers, and on soil solutions obtained with suction cups (porous ceramic cup water samplers). The local traditional method consists of following technical recommendations, and the classical model requires the estimation of Crop Factor (Kc) and knowing the nutrient extraction. Nutrient solution and water applied are functions of the fertigation management criteria. The water used for fertigation was classified as C₄-S₃ according to the Riverside classification system. The cultivation period lasted from 15 August to 20 April. The nutrient parameters studied in nutrient and soil solution were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO₃ ^?), phosphate (H₂PO₄ ^?), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), sodium (Na⁺), and chloride (Cl^?). The pH shows similar trends under the different treatments. Electrical conductivity is in the range of 2.8–4.5 dS m^?1. Chloride, sodium, magnesium, and sulfate are exclusively modified by the salt concentration in the irrigation water, so it can be assumed that the three treatments vary equally. Nitrate, potassium, phosphate, and calcium are modified depending on each fertigation management method. Soil solution is modified by the nutrient solution applied. Dynamic management allows low nutrient concentration in the nutrient solution to be maintained and keeps soil nutrient concentration low, reducing fertilizer losses and therefore aquifer contamination.     

Evaluation of Nitrate Quick Tests to Improve Fertigation Management

Abstract

The aim of this work was to assess rapid‐analysis equipment for nitrate nitrogen, evaluating the measurement precision, the ease of use, and the robustness of the equipment. Three kinds of samples were collected: soil solutions taken by suction cup, hydroponic drainage solutions, and nutritive solutions obtained from the emitter. The equipment used to analyze the solutions for nitrate were Handion Priva electrodes, Nanocolor photometric equipment, and test equipment for ELE hydroponic solutions. The results were as follows: all equipment was easy to use, with clear and simple instructions for use in the field for fertigation management. The electrode appeared to be the most appropriate method to determine nitrate. The Nanocolor and ELE equipment underestimated nitrate concentrations for values greater than 3 mmol L^?1; to ameliorate this problem, adjustment equations can be used.     

Nitrogen Balance and Fertigation Use Efficiency in a Field Coffee Crop

Brazil is a major world coffee producer, using increasing quantities of nitrogen (N) fertilizer as the monoculture expands across the savannas. The fate and efficiency of this fertilizer N were evaluated for one complete cropping cycle using ¹⁵N tracer, permitting an N balance at harvest. Annual rates of 200, 400, 600, and 800 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 of ¹⁵N-labeled urea and an unfertilized control were applied every 14 days via fertigation. The N concentration, percentage of N derived from fertilizer, quantity of N derived from fertilizer, and percentage of nitrogen derived from fertilizer per N rate was assessed for 8-year-old coffee trees. The most efficient N use was with 200 kg ha^?1 year^?1 because it presented the lowest losses and highest N recoveries in the crop. Conversely, the least sustainable rate was 800 kg ha^?1 year^?1, which presented the greatest losses and the lowest N recovery in the whole plant.     

微咸水灌溉对土壤盐分和作物产量的影响研究

为探讨微咸水灌溉利用模式,在天津市静海县进行了微咸水灌溉试验,研究了微咸水灌溉对土壤盐分动态与作物产量的影响.结果表明,微咸水灌溉下,施用改良剂能提高土壤渗透性,降低土壤pH值和土壤电导率(EC),降低了土壤含盐量,同时在试验周期0 60 cm的土层内未出现积盐现象.此外,微咸水灌溉时,施用改良剂可显著增加小麦穗数和玉米穗粒数,提高作物产量.采用3.7 g/L微咸水灌溉配合施用改良剂是该地区适宜的微咸水灌溉模式.     

Crop Productivity,Steviol Glycoside Yield,Nutrient Concentration and Uptake of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. under Mediterranean Field Conditions

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae Family), characterized by a high content of steviol glycosides (SG) in its leaves, represents an interesting source of non-sucrose and no-calorie sweeteners. Stevia, which is native to Paraguay, is a relatively new crop for the Mediterranean region, where it is grown as an annual or poly-annual crop. In order to assess the crop’s environmental requirements, productive performance and nutrient uptakes, a two-year field experiment was carried out in north-eastern Italy, where the species had never previously been cultivated. The aim was to evaluate the effects of important pre-harvest factors, such as cultivation site, harvest time and their reciprocal interaction, on productivity, leaf SG yield and nutrient requirements. Results showed that the timing of the harvest and the pedo-climatic conditions of the cultivation sites had a significant effect on the main biometric traits, total and leaf dry yield, SG production, macronutrient concentration and uptake.     

Vegetative Growth and Foliage Nutrient Content of Super Chief Apple under Different Irrigation and Fertigation Schedules in NW Himalayan Region

ABSTRACT

In the scheduling of nutrient supply programs, analysis of plant nutrient status has been found to be useful to prevent the deficiency or toxic effects of nutrients in any horticultural crop. So the present study was framed to assess the foliage nutrient content and vegetative growth under different irrigation and fertigation combination modules. Recently apple (Malus ×domestica) orchards in the state Himachal Pradesh of India have converted from the traditional royal delicious orchard at 6 × 6 m spacing with rainfed/basin irrigation to early spur varieties on dwarfing rootstock with drip irrigation, both with or without fertigation. An experimental field trial was started at the end of 2018 in a ‘Super Chief’/MM106 orchard at an experimental farm of the department of Soil Science & Water Management, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). A factorial experiment with 16 treatment combinations of 4 irrigation levels viz. I_{1 –} drip irrigation at 100% ETc, I_{2 –} drip irrigation at 80% ETc, I_{3 –} drip irrigation at 60% ETc, I_{4 –} conventional irrigation, and four fertigation levels viz. F_{0 –} No fertilizer application (absolute control), F_{1 –} 100% of AD (NPK), F_{2 –} 75% of AD (NPK) and F₃ – 50% of AD (NPK) were replicated thrice with 3 plants in each replication. Vegetative growth parameters and leaf nutrient contents were affected by both fertilization and water rate. Irrigation and nutrient levels and their interactions exhibited significant effect on leaf N (3.10%), P (0.28%), K (1.77%), and S (0.44%) contents. Significantly maximum contents were observed in the irrigation level I₁ (DI at 100% ETc). Among fertigation level, F₁ [100% AD (NPK)] recorded highest contents of leaf N (3.17%), P (0.29%), K (1.80%), S (0.46%). Interaction I₁F₁ registered maximum leaf N (3.36%), P (0.36%), K (1.92%) and S (0.63%).

With an increase in the water volume and an increasing dose of NPK, vegetative growth parameters, i.e., tree height, plant spread, tree volume, trunk girth, and annual extension growth were noted to increase proportionately. Treatment DI at 100% ETc (I₁), increased the tree height by 9.41, plant spread (EW by 32.0, NS by 16.3), tree volume by 61.36, trunk girth by 8.05, and annual extension growth by 14.22% over conventional irrigation (I₄). Drip fertigated trees with F₁ [100% AD (NPK)] reported the highest growth parameters. The results of two years apple trial suggested a positive effect of fertigation on enhanced effectiveness of fertilization and improved foliage nutrient content and vegetative growth.     

水肥一体化技术对辣椒干物质积累及养分吸收规律的影响

[目的]针对目前设施蔬菜生产中存在的水肥利用率低等问题,研究水肥一体化技术对日光温室辣椒干物质积累及养分吸收规律的影响,为甘肃省设施辣椒的可持续发展生产提供科学依据。[方法]通过田间试验,以常规沟灌冲施肥为对照(T1),研究水肥一体化技术处理(T2)对日光温室辣椒"陇椒3号"干物质积累及养分吸收规律的影响。[结果](1)水肥一体化技术能显著促进了辣椒植株干物质的积累,T2处理干物质积累总量比T1提高了9.21%,果实和根干物质积累分别提高了22.47%和7.29%;提前30d到达干物重第一个平衡期,推迟41d到达第2个平衡期。(2)T2处理N,P2O5,K2O吸收积累总量比T1增加了18.23%,30.73%和19.76%;T2处理果实中N所占比例比T1处理提高了9.73%;P2O5提高了13.70%;K2O提高了13.00%。(3)T2处理比T1氮磷钾利用率分别提高了51.0%;43.3%和71.2%;节水48.9%;增产22.1%;增收3.55万元/hm2。[结论]水肥一体化技术能提高辣椒的干物质和养分积累量,提高果实中的分配比例。     

覆盖与灌溉条件下农田耕层土壤养分含量的动态变化

试验于2002-2003年在中国科学院地理所禹城综合试验站进行，研究了秸秆覆盖和灌溉相结合条件下冬小麦-夏玉米一年两熟农田耕层土壤有机质及速效养分含量的动态变化．结果表明：秸秆覆盖对提高土壤有机质含量有重要作用。不覆盖农田中，灌溉可降低有机质含量。而覆盖农田中，这种降低作用不显著。在冬小麦生育期间，灌溉可使碱解氮的含量下降．覆盖处理下降的程度更大。秸秆覆蓝可明显提高速效磷的含量，灌溉可使其含量进一步增加。秸秆覆盖可明显提高耕层内速效钾的含量，夏玉米生育期间．灌溉处理速效钾含量升高。     

天然降雨条件下不同水土保持措施红壤坡地养分流失特征

在江西省水土保持科学研究所科技园坡度为12°的红壤坡地上,设置3种水土保持措施径流小区,与对照进行比较,首次对该区域天然降雨情况下的养分流失特征进行了初步研究,结果表明:产流过程中全N流失最多,全P较少;在产流前期养分流失浓度变化较大,后期则趋于稳定;与对照相比,3种水土保持措施均能明显地减少养分流失,其中前埂后沟梯壁种植百喜草的水平梯田果园效果最好;在大雨强条件下,试验小区养分流失以泥沙携带为主。     

Improved Nutrient Uptake Enhances Cotton Growth and Salinity Tolerance in Saline Media

Two experiments were conducted to determine if improved nutrient uptake increases salinity tolerance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). A transgenic cotton line (CMO3) with increased salt tolerance and its wild line (SM3) were grown in pots containing substrate (peat:vermiculite = 1:1, v/v) in the first experiment, while cotton (‘SCRC 28’) was cultured in hydroponics with a split-root system in the second experiment. Contents of essential nutrient elements and Na⁺ in plant tissues, leaf photosynthesis (Pn) and chlorophyll (Chl) concentration and plant biomass were determined after salinity [sodium chloride (NaCl)] treatment in both experiments. In the first experiment, salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl reduced plant biomass and photosynthesis (Pn) of both SM3 and CMO3 compared with their non-stressed controls, but the CMO3 suffered significantly lower reductions than SM3, suggesting an increased salinity tolerance of CMO3 relative to SM3. Total uptake and contents of main nutrient elements [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)] in CMO3 were higher than those in SM3. Also, less sodium (Na⁺) accumulation and lower extreme ratios of Na/N, Na/P, Na/K, Na/Ca, Na/Mg, Na/Fe, Na/Mn, Na/Cu, and Na/Zn were observed in CMO3 than in SM3. Increased salt tolerance in transgenic AhCMO cotton was probably attributed to its superior nutrient uptake compared with SM3. In the second experiment, the non-stressed root half fed with moderate level of nutrient solution and salt-stressed half fed with low level of nutrient solution (CMN/SLN) exhibited higher salinity tolerance than salt-stressed root half fed with moderate level of nutrient solution and non-stressed root half fed with low nutrient solution (CLN/SMN). Plants absorbed more nutrients but less Na⁺ under CMN/SLN than CLN/SMN. The overall results suggest that improved nutrient uptake played an important role in the enhanced salt tolerance of cotton.     

Integrated Nutrient Management Affects Fruit Yield of Sapota (Achras zapota L.) and Nutrient Availability in a Vertisol

ABSTRACT

We studied the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) combinations on supplement of plant nutrient for quantitative and qualitative fruit production in sapota. Thus, 17 combinations of INM practices were evaluated on fruit yield of sapota and nutrient availability in a Vertisol of Chambal region, India. The results demonstrated that almost all treatment combinations comprised of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), i.e. 1,000:500:500 g NPK plant^?1 with application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients had a significant effect on the fruit yield of sapota, soil microbial biomass, NPK content of leaf, fruit and soil over control (T₁). Among different treatments, application of 2/3rd part of RDF + 50 kg FYM + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter plant^?1 (T₁₁) significantly enhanced the number of fruits plant^?1 (327.88), yield plant^?1 (29.03 kg) and yield ha^?1 (4.52 t). However, the soil microbial count of fungi (8.89 cfu g^?1 soil), bacteria (11.19 cfu g^?1 soil) and actinomycetes (5.60 cfu g^?1 soil) at fruit harvest was higher under the 2/3 of RDF +10 kg vermicompost + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter plant^?1 (T₁₅). The leaf nitrogen content (N, 2.03%) was higher in T_15, while phosphorus (P, 0.28%) and potassium (K, 1.80%) content were higher in T₁₁. It is evident that treatment T₁₁ increased fruit yield by 32% in Sapota cv. Kalipatti compared to control. Therefore, combined application of nutrient sources proved not only beneficial for enhancing fruit yield of sapota but also sustaining soil health in Chambal region of south-eastern Rajasthan.     

不同施肥处理对白菜的物质积累与养分吸收的影响

研究了在洞庭湖平原的冲积性菜园土条件下,不同施肥结构对白菜生育期间的物质积累与白菜对N,P,K养分的吸收规律以及土壤有效N,P,K养分的动态变化.结果表明,不同处理白菜的产量相差较大,各施肥处理比不施肥对照平均增产达33.1%,但各施肥处理之间产量差异不显著.白菜对N,P,K养分的吸收都是在移栽30 d以后的生长中、后期,与其地上部生物产量的积累规律一致.专用肥处理和有机无机肥配施处理明显促进白菜对N,P,K养分的吸收.从而提高白菜对肥料养分的利用率.当地习惯施肥处理的N,P施用量明显过大,浪费肥料,也对当地水体及环境造成污染.其施K量明显低于白菜一季的总吸钾量,既影响白菜产量和品质,也造成土壤K素的耗竭.根据不施肥对照和4个平衡施肥处理白菜地上部分的养分吸收总量结果,以白菜对肥料N,P,K的当季利用率分别为40%,25%和60%计算,供试土壤条件下白菜一季所需N,P_2O_3,K_2O的施用量分别为195.25 kg/hm~2,145.60 kg/hm~2,228.53 kg/hm~2.其N:P_2O_5: K_2O值为1:0.75-1.17.     

Long-Term Fertilization Effects on Rice Productivity and Nutrient Efficiency in Korean Paddy

ABSTRACT

Long-term fertilization tests evaluated rice (Oryza sativa) productivity in relation to application of nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P)-potassium (K) (120-34.9-66.7 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1967–1972 and N-P-K (150-43.7-83.3 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1973–2000. The comparison treatments (NP, PK, and NK) and the control (not fertilized) were selected for calculating nutrient efficiency. Rice grain yield increased at a 17.78 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} in the control, mainly due to development of improved cultivars. Phosphorus management was found to be important for indigenous fertility and rice productivity in this paddy soil. Yield increased significantly with P fertilization. Without N fertilization (PK), rice productivity increased 56.85 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} from 62% of NPK at the initial stage to 74% after passing 34 years, which might be affected by increasing biological N fixation with P accumulation in soil. In NK treatment, rice yield increased at a relatively low rate (37.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) from the same rice productivity with that of NPK in 1967 to 91% after 34 years. In comparison, yield increased at a high rate (62.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) without K fertilization (NP) from ca. 90% of NPK and might exceed the yield of NPK after 64 years of long-term fertilization. Therefore, K fertilization level might be readjusted after long-term fertilizing in paddy soil.     

Influence of Humic Acid in Diluted Nutrient Solution on Growth,Nutrient Efficiency,and Postharvest Attributes of Gerbera

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to study the effect of humic acid (HA) on gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cv. Malibu in different diluted nutrient solutions. The HA (500 mgL^?1) was added to a nutrient solution (NS) of gerbera with two dilution levels of NS, ½ NS and ¼ NS, and full-strength nutrient solution (NSc). The HA application compensated for nitrogen, magnesium, and iron deficiency in the ½ NS. Nutrient utilization efficiency (NUTE) of nitrogen in shoot decreased and that of Fe increased in the ½ NS compared with the ¼ NS when HA was applied. The number of harvested flowers per plant was the greatest in the NSc and the ½ NS with incorporating HA. Flower vase life improved by increasing NS level (9.33 days). It seems HA could be successfully considered as a compound to decrease nutrients input in gerbera hydroponics production.     

Nutrient uptake and use efficiencies in Medicago ciliaris under salinity

Salt-induced responses of Medicago ciliaris was studied under controlled conditions. Twenty-two-day old seedlings were cultivated for one month in a nutrient medium added or not with 75 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). Our results showed that this species is relatively salt-tolerant since the whole biomass production of salt-treated plants was affected a little (?30%) as compared to the control. The slight salt effect was mainly nutritional and concerned both macro potassium, calcium and magnesium (K, Ca, and Mg) and micro-nutrients iron (Fe). K and Fe uptake efficiencies were more affected than those of Ca and Mg. Nevertheless, M. ciliaris was able to counterbalance this impact by increasing both K and Fe use efficiencies. The enhancement of K use efficiency could be due in part to the plant aptitude to accumulate sodium (Na⁺) ions within its shoot tissues and to use them for osmotic adjustment. This “includer” behavior allowed M. ciliaris to maintain an adequate water status under saline conditions.     

Growth and Nutritional Response of Melon to Water Quality and Nitrogen Potassium Fertigation Levels under Greenhouse Mediterranean Conditions

The Mediterranean area has been experiencing an extensive development of intensive horticulture, with a majority of that located in arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources and poor water quality. One of the most important greenhouse vegetable crops is melon. This article studies the effects of different nitrogen–potassium (N–K) fertilizers applications and two types of irrigation water on yield and nutritional behavior of melon crop Cucumis melo L. (var. cantalupensis Naud. Alpes). The trial was conducted during two cycles under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions, on sandy mulching soil. The experimental design was bifactorial: NK fertigation and water quality, with three nutrition levels and two water qualities [MS with electrical conductivity (EC) = 0.6 dS m^?1 and HS with EC = 2.3 dS m^?1]. During the first cycle, the fertigation levels were F₁ (50% NK), F₂ (100% NK), and F₃ (125% NK). In the second cycle, the fertigation levels were F₂, F₄ (125% N and 150% K) and F₅ (180% N and 220% K). Treatment F₂ was the recommended total doses (220 kg N ha^?1 and 355 kg K ha^?1). The increase in the NK concentration of the nutritive solution produced a rise in commercial production. The salinity of irrigation water did not affect marketable yield but had an effect on the fruit size, which was compensated for by an increase in the amount of fruit produced. Dry-matter production, N, and K uptake by plant (g m^?2) were evaluated in the first and second trials. Salinity and NK nutrition levels significantly affected (P < 0.05) dry matter and N and K uptake by melon plant. Nitrogen and K uptake present interesting correlations with production and with each other, as established by mean regression analysis.     

Effect of High Humic Substance Levels on Growth and Nutrient Concentration of Corn under Calcareous Conditions

This study investigated the effect of high humic substance (HS) levels (0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg HS kg^?1) on growth and nutrient concentrations of corn grown on calcareous soils. For these, soil samples were collected from the six different provinces of Turkey. According to the average values, HS levels had no significant effect alone on dry weight, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations. Soil differences significantly affected dry weight, N, Mg, and Cu concentrations (p ≤ 0.05). Looking at HSxsoil interactions on K, Ca, Fe, and Mn concentrations, it could be seen that there was no effect or that the effect was negative. Only plant Fe concentrations obtained from Konya and Urfa provinces were positively affected from HSxsoil interaction. It was concluded that high level of HS had no or negative effect on corn growth and some nutrient concentration under calcareous conditions.     

Nutrient Utilization Indices of NPK and Drought Management in Groundnut under Sandy Soil Conditions

ABSTRACT

In arid zones, farmers are obligated to reduce water amounts used in irrigating their lands. Consequently, reduction in final yields is realized. Thus, dealing with such a case became a decisive act. We tried to investigate the acceptable degree of lowering irrigation water with sustaining the productivity of groundnut as a way for managing drought conditions. Therefore, in summer seasons of 2016 and 2017 at the Experimental Research and Production Station, National Research Centre, Egypt, field trials were conducted with growing groundnut plants under three irrigation levels, i.e., 50%, 75%, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ET_c), denoted as I₅₀, I₇₅, and I₁₀₀, respectively. N, P, and K contents in seed and shoot and their yields in addition to harvest and partitioning indices were estimated. In spite of irrigating groundnut plants by normal water amounts, I₁₀₀, caused the maximum weight of seed biomass yield ha?1 and seed N and P contents, I75 was similar to I₁₀₀ for producing shoot biomass yield ha?1 and seed K content. Moreover, N and P yields (for shoots and seeds) and k yield (for seeds) showed the maximum values with I₁₀₀. Differences in all nutrient harvest indices (NHI, PHI, and KHI) between I₁₀₀ and I75 were not significant. Furthermore, I75 statistically leveled with I₁₀₀ in nutrient partitioning indices, viz., NPI, PPI, and KPI. In conclusion, groundnut straw residues produced by 25% less water supply than normal may share in managing drought stress by releasing nutrients and saving irrigation water in arid areas.     

丹江口库区坡耕地不同轮作模式作物生产力及农田养分流失比较

在丹江口库区习惯施肥条件下,比较坡耕地不同轮作系统的作物生产力及农田水土和养分流失的差异。结果表明,在5种轮作模式中,作物生产力水平以＂小麦-玉米＂轮作最高,生产效益以＂油菜-玉米＂轮作最高;农田产流量、土壤侵蚀量和磷钾养分流失量均以＂小麦-玉米＂轮作最小,＂小麦-芝麻＂轮作最大;而氮流失量以＂油菜-玉米＂轮作最小,以＂小麦-芝麻＂轮作最大。因此,＂小麦-玉米＂轮作为丹江口库区坡耕地适宜的环保型作物复种模式。     

Broiler Litter as a Sole Nutrient Source for Cotton: Nitrogen,Phosphorus, Potassium,Calcium, and Magnesium Concentrations in Plant Parts

Abstract

The ability of poultry litter to support plant growth by supplying essential plant nutrients in the absence of other sources of the nutrients has not been studied thoroughly. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine the ability of poultry litter, as the sole nutrient source, to provide macronutrients and support growth of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (2) evaluate the distribution of these nutrients within the different plant parts, and (3) estimate the efficiency with which these nutrients are extracted by cotton. The research was conducted in plastic containers filled with a 2:1 (v/v) sand:vermiculite growing mix under greenhouse conditions. The treatments included broiler litter rates of 0, 30, 60, 90, or 120 g pot^?1 with or without supplemental Hoagland's nutrient solution. Broiler litter supplied adequate amounts of the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) and supported normal growth of cotton. Tissue nutrient analysis showed that the concentration of N, P, K, and Mg in the upper mainstem leaves was within published sufficiency ranges for cotton growth. Evaluation of the N distribution indicated that the cotton plant partitions N to reproductive parts when faced with deficiency of this nutrient and favors allocating N to new leaf growth once the requirement for reproductive growth is met. The partitioning of P was similar to that of N but less distinct. Cotton extracted Mg and K with greater efficiency (up to 58%) than the other nutrients and stored these nutrients in older leaves. The extraction efficiency of N ranged between 21% at 120 g pot^?1 litter and 27% at 30 g pot^?1 litter. Phosphorus was the most poorly extracted nutrient, with only 16% of the total applied P extracted when 30 g pot^?1 litter was applied and only 6% extracted at the higher litter rates. This suggests that the same problem of P buildup that has been reported in soils under pasture may also occur when poultry litter is repeatedly applied to the same soil planted to cotton. These results show that broiler litter not only supplied enough N but also supplied the four other macronutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg) in amounts sufficient to support normal cotton growth. This research implies that poultry litter can effectively substitute for several fertilizers to meet crop macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) needs in soils deficient in any or all of these nutrients.