The effect of lime and fertilizers on four lignite overburdens under non‐drained conditions: I. Yield and nutrient concentration of common bermudagrass.

Abstract

Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) was grown on four different overburdens from the potential lignite mining area of Louisiana. A pot study was conducted in the greenhouse to evaluate the fertility status of the overburdens for future recommendations of fertilizers and soil amendments during the revegetation of the reconstructed soil.

Fertilizer at the rate of 0, 1/2>x, 1x, 2x and 4x the soil test recommended rate of N, P and K for common bermudagrass were applied to the materials. Lime was applied to the Cow Bayou formation material to raise the pH to 6.5. Bermudagrass forage was harvested every six weeks over a 24 week period to evaluate dry matter yield and mineral composition.

Yield and nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were significantly (α = 1%) affected by increasing rates Df fertilizer in all overburden materials except P uptake in the Cow Bayou material. In general, yield and nutrient uptake increased with each addition of fertilizer. Total yield was not significantly (α = 1%) different when the recommended rate of N, P and K fertilizer was applied in all overburdens. However, total yield was highest in the Prairie Terrace and Dolet Hills overburdens when 4x this rate was applied. Nutrient concentration was not significantly affected by fertilizer application except for N in the Naborton material, Ca in Prairie Terrace and Naborton, S in Dolet Hills and Zn in Prairie Terrace and Naborton (α = 5%).     

Influence of dolomitic limestone and N:P:K: Fertilization on the mineral composition of coastal bermudagrass grown under very acid soil conditions

Abstract

The influence of limestone and N:P:K fertilizer rates on elemental composition of Coastal bermudagrass forage was determined to evaluate causes for high yield responses to dolomitic limestone at high N:P:K rates, as well as severe stand loss, and chlorosis of bermudagrass in the unlimed treatments. Increasing N:P:K fertilization resulted in severe Mg deficiency. Maximum yields (when limed with dolomitic limestone) were associated with Mg concentrations of 1.0 g/kg plant tops. Magnesium lost to plant removal, Mg loss to enhanced leaching under N fertilization, and K interference associated with excess K accumulation at high rates of NK inputs all contributed to Mg deficiency. However, the accumulation of excess K, which interfered with Mg uptake when high rates of N and K were applied, was considered to be the primary cause of the observed Mg deficiency.     

Apparent Use Efficiency of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Litter Applied to Bermudagrass

More than 80% of broiler (chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus) litter produced annually is applied as a plant nutrient source, particularly for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), to pastures. However, N losses during the process of litter N mineralization limit availability of N to crops. This study determined broiler litter N and P availability and apparent use efficiency (ANUE, APUE) to bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon] during the first year after litter application. Treatments consisted of three litter rates (3.3, 6.6, and 13.2 Mg ha^?1), a commercial N fertilizer rate that provided 358 kg N ha^?1 as ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), and an untreated control. Results showed bermudagrass dry-matter (DM) yield increased significantly with increase in litter rate. Commercial N fertilizer produced significantly greater DM yield than 3.3 and 6.6 Mg ha^?1 of litter but produced less DM yield than 13.2 Mg ha^?1 of litter. The overall average of ANUE from litter was 39% compared to the 59% from fertilizer. The mean litter N availabilities to bermudagrass during the first year after litter application were 48.5, 112.5, and 222 kg ha^?1, corresponding to the 3.3, 6.6, and 13.2 Mg ha^?1 litter rates, respectively. The overall mean of litter N mineralization, which was surface broadcast to bermudagrass plots during the first year, was 59.5% of the total litter N applied. The APUE, averaged across the rate and locations, was 13.6%, which was quite smaller than the ANUE of 39%. This finding of small APUE also validates the potential for P accumulation in soil after long-term animal manure application.     

Normal and Flush Irrigation Effects on Nitrogen Leaching from Simulated Golf Greens in the Greenhouse

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) can leach in porous golf greens, especially when they are flushed with high rates of irrigation. Drain water often discharges to the surface, possibly endangering surface waters with eutrophic concentrations of nitrogen. A greenhouse study was initiated to study the effects of fertilizer source and rate and irrigation schemes on leaching of nitrate and ammonium nitrogen. Simulated golf green columns were sodded with bermudagrass. Treatments were 3 fertilizer sources (20‐20‐20, ammonium nitrate, and a sulfur‐coated urea), 3 rates (zero control, 12, and 24 kg ha^?1), and 2 irrigation schemes. The first was a daily rate of 0.6 mm (N.I.), and the second was the same daily rate with several flushes of 11.5 cm each (FL). Essentially no nitrogen leached for the N.I. scheme, whereas the FL treatment resulted in significant leaching of nitrate‐N. Ammonium‐N leached to a much less extent than nitrate‐N. The nitrate‐N concentration “break through” occurred earlier, the peaks were higher, and the flushes were more prominent for 20‐20‐20 and ammonium nitrate than for the sulfur‐coated urea. The sulfur‐coated urea had a gradual nitrate‐N concentration peak that tapered off slowly. The percent N leached of that applied was higher for the flushes, and all sources were the same for flushes and the high N rate (about 20%). At the low N rate and flushes, the percent leached was highest for ammonium nitrate (10.2%), 20‐20‐20 was intermediate (4.3%), and sulfur‐coated urea was the lowest (0.14%). These data show that fertilizer sources and rates can make a difference in nitrate‐nitrogen leaching but only when significant leaching is taking place as with flushing.     

第四纪红色粘土发育的红壤中营养元素的淋失

A red soil derived from Quaternary red clay was employed to study nutrient leaching with soil columns repacked in laboratory. The objective was to identify the effects of fertilization practices on leaching patterns and magnitudes of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, and NO₃^-. The treatments were CK (as a control), CaCO₃, CaSO₄, MgCO₃, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, urea, KCl, and multiple (a mixture of the above-mentioned fertilizers). The fertilizers were added to the bare surface of the soil columns, and then the columns were leached with 120 mL deionized water daily through peristaltic pumps over a period of 92 days. Leaching processes of NH₄⁺, and NO₃^- were only measured in CK, urea, and multiple treatments which were directly related to N leaching. Results showed that sole application of CaSO₄, and Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ scarcely had any effect on the leaching losses of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺; the application of MgCO₃ stimulated the leaching of Mg²⁺; the application of CaCO₃ promoted the leaching of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺; urea treatment also promoted the leaching of K⁺ and NH₄⁺, and NO₃^- leaching mainly occurred at late stage of leaching process in particular; under KCl treatment, leaching of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺ was promoted to a large extent; under multiple treatment, leaching of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, and NO₃^- was all increased and NO₃^- was mainly leached at the end of leaching process and still had a trend of increase.     

Development and agronomical validation of new fertilizer compositions of high bioavailability and reduced potential nutrient losses

To optimize the economical cost of each unit of fertilizer applied and to reduce the environmental contamination caused by nutrient losses, the development of highly efficient granulated fertilizers is of great importance. This study proposes a strategy that consists of developing specific fertilizers having nutrient release patterns that are dependent on plant activity in the rhizosphere. This type of fertilizer is named "rhizosphere-controlled fertilizer" (RCF fertilizer). This fertilizer is based on the introduction of an organomineral matrix composed of metal [Mg (Ca is also possible), Zn (Fe and other metals are also possible)]-humic phosphates. The presence of this matrix modifies the nutrient release pattern of the fertilizer. In this way there are two main nutrient fractions: (i) a water-soluble fraction or "starter" fraction and (ii) a "rhizosphere-controlled" fraction insoluble in water but soluble by the action of the rhizospheric acids released by plants and microorganisms. This study shows the chemical and structural characterization of the organomineral matrix, as well as its efficiency in slowing the nutrient release rate of the RCF fertilizer, principally with respect to P and N. It is demonstrated how these properties of the matrix were also reflected in the significant reduction in both ammonia volatilization and N leaching in a pot system consisting of wheat plants cultivated in a calcareous soil and fertilized with a RCF fertilizer.     

Phosphate and Nitrate Movement Through Simulated Golf Greens

Phosphorus and nitrogen can leach from porous golf greens potentially causing degradation of ground water quality. Agreenhouse experiment was carried out with 52 cm columns (15 cm diam.) made to USGA green specifications and sodded to `Tifdwarf' bermudagrass to determine the effects of fertilizer sources at various rates on P and N leaching. Fertilizers were balanced soluble and controlled-release (polyand sulfur coated) sources at N rates of 0, 12, 24, and 49 kg N ha^-1 and at P rates of 0, 5, 11, and 21 kg ha^-1 every other week for a total of 6 applications. Controlled-release N was from NH₄ and urea and the soluble source N was from KNO₃, urea, and (NH₄)PO₄. Irrigation rate was 0.63 cm per day initially and increased to 1.25 cm per day at week 7. Weeklyleachate collections for 23 weeks were analyzed for P andNO₃-N. Concentrations of N and P were lower in the leachatefor the controlled-release source than for the soluble source. Leaching of P continued for the entire 23 weeks of theexperiment, whereas N was essentially exhausted by week 15indicating that P leaches at a slower rate than N. For the low Prate (5 kg ha^-1) for the controlled-release source there was no increase in P concentration in the leachate compared to control. Thus, low P rates will not result in degradation of water quality due to increased P. For the controlled-release source at the low rate <10% of the P added leached, whereasthe values for N were in the range of 20 to 45% for all ratesand sources. Control treatments resulted in N concentrations in the leachate as high as 26 mg L^-1. Results show thatP leaching is a potential problem only at high rates of solublesources and high irrigation, whereas N is more readily leached.     

Effect of leaching events on the fate of polyhalite nutrient minerals used for crop fertilization

Abstract

Polyhalite is a natural mineral containing potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) and is proposed as a fertilizer source for these essential nutrients. Application of polyhalite is expected to be most relevant in soils where the availability of these nutrients is low: in sandy soils, in highly leached soils, or in areas where crops are irrigated by water with low content of these nutrients or are rain-fed. A controlled lysimeter experiment investigated the efficacy of surface applied polyhalite as a fertilizer supplying K, Ca, Mg and S compared to soluble sulfate salts in two soils (sandy and loamy) with or without simulated rain leaching events through two cycles of cropping. In the first cycle, carrot response and nutrient uptake, transport, and loss through leaching were studied, while in the second cycle the residual effect of the fertilizer was considered on maize without additional fertilizer application or leaching. Polyhalite plus rain led to increased carrot yield due to augmented Ca uptake in sandy soil. In both soils, polyhalite behaved as a prolonged availability fertilizer with more nutrients retained in the top soil layer and not leached below the root zone. The treatments did not affect maize growth or nutrient uptake except for lower K and S uptake in soils where rain had been simulated for the previous crop. We conclude that polyhalite shows potential as a commercial fertilizer to supply K, Ca, Mg, and S nutrients under conditions of dryland agriculture where occasionally leaching by rainfall occurs.     

冀北山地油松蒙古栎混交林水化学特征

对冀北山地油松蒙古栎混交林穿透雨、树干茎流和枯透水中的Ca、Fe、K、Mg、Mn、Zn共6种养分元素进行测定。结果表明:(1)大气降水经过林冠层后化学元素含量均有不同程度增加,化学元素含量排序为Ca>K>Mg>Fe>Mn>Zn,树干茎流各项指标均增长较多,化学元素含量排序为Ca>K>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn,枯落物水中K和Ca元素浓度增加最大。(2)大气降雨中Zn的变异系数最大,达2.853;K和Ca元素的变异系数最小,分别为0.158,0.163。穿透雨中变异系数最大的为Fe元素,其值为0.692;树干茎流中变异系数最大的为Zn元素,其值为0.594;枯透水中变异系数最大的为Fe元素,其值为1.164。(3)经过淋洗后水样中各元素的浓度均有所增加,穿透水、树干茎流和枯透水中Ca、K增加较多,Fe、Mn、Zn的淋溶量较少。     

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.     

水磷一体化对磷素有效性与磷肥利用率的影响

水肥一体化是发挥水肥耦合效应提高养分效率的重要途径,然水磷一体化研究较少。本文在模拟滴灌条件下研究了液体磷肥和固体颗粒磷肥(TSP)及其不同施用方法对土壤磷移动性、各形态无机磷含量动态变化的影响,比较了玉米磷素营养与磷肥利用率对不同磷源及其施用方式的响应,旨在提出滴灌条件下磷肥高效利用的最优策略。研究结果表明:1)与TSP肥料分次施用相比,液体磷肥分次施用更能提高土壤磷素有效性,在各土层Ca2-P与树脂磷(resin-P)平均含量分别提高12.4%与21.6%,且可显著提高磷在土壤中的移动性(P0.05),resin-P含量的垂直下降幅度降低56.5%;2)与TSP分次施用相比,液体磷肥分次施用的土壤中高活性无机磷含量(Ca2-P、resin-P及Na HCO3-P之和)占无机磷总量的比例提高21.0%,而低活性无机磷含量(Ca10-P与residue-P之和)占无机磷总量的比例则下降10.1%,说明液体磷肥分次施用可减小磷肥在土壤中的固定转化;3)玉米地上部干物质、叶片吸磷量和植株磷素累积吸收量均对不同磷源与施用方式有明显响应(P0.05),液体磷肥分次处理的玉米生物量、吸磷量及肥料利用率分别比TSP肥料分次处理提高27.1%、34.6%及61.4%。水磷一体化施用可提高磷在土壤中的移动性和有效性,减少磷的固定转化,显著改善玉米磷素营养,并明显提高磷肥利用率。     

Forage yield and crude protein of interseeded legume‐bermudagrass mixtures as affected by phosphorus fertilizer 1

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) is a warm season perennial that is well adapted in the southern Great Plains. It is one of the region's most important forage crops used for livestock production, and is commonly grown without legume interseeding. Recent research has investigated ways of improving the quality and quantity of this forage. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of interseeded legumes and phosphorus (P) fertilizer on bermudagrass pasture forage yield and crude protein content. One experiment was initiated in 1993 in eastern Oklahoma in an established bermudagrass pasture. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.), and two varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativah), ’alfagraze’ and'common’, were interseeded by hand into an established stand of bermudagrass. The effect of P on forage yield and crude protein was evaluated using a 30‐kg P ha^‐1 rate applied at establishment versus no applied P. Forage yield was collected three times throughout the growing season each year from 1994 through 1997. When both alfalfa varieties were interseeded into a bermudagrass pasture without applying additional P fertilizer, forage yields for the legume‐grass mixtures decreased below those obtained from the monoculture bermudagrass in the first year of the stand. The alfalfa variety ‘alfagraze’ interseeded into established bermudagrass decreased total forage yield over the entire 4‐yr study. Interseeded red clover and ladino clover increased crude protein of the forage compared with monoculture bermudagrass the first two years of the study, with red clover continuing to increase crude protein in the fourth year. However, when 30 kg P ha^‐1 was applied to the bermudagrass prior to establishment of the legumes, no change in yield or protein was observed for both alfalfa varieties’ interseeding treatments versus the unfertilized mixtures. Although forage yield may not be increased, interseeding legumes into established bermudagrass could provide an efficient way to improve pasture crude protein without the use of inorganic fertilizers. However, if alfalfa ('common’ or ‘alfagraze') is interseeded, additional P may need to be applied at legume establishment to prevent possible yield decreases.     

Nutrient availability and corn growth in a poultry litter biochar‐amended loam soil in a greenhouse experiment

Nutrient‐rich biochar produced from animal wastes, such as poultry litter, may increase plant growth and nutrient uptake although the role of direct and indirect mechanisms, such as stimulation of the activity of mycorrhizal fungi and plant infection, remains unclear. The effects of poultry litter biochar in combination with fertilizer on mycorrhizal infection, soil nutrient availability and corn (Zea mays L.) growth were investigated by growing corn in a loam soil in a greenhouse with biochar (0, 5 and 10 Mg/ha) and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer (0, half and full rates). Biochar did not affect microbial biomass C or N, mycorrhizal infection, or alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities, but acid phosphomonoesterase activities, water‐soluble P, Mehlich‐3 Mg, plant height, aboveground and root biomass, and root diameter were greater with 10 Mg/ha than with no biochar. Root length, volume, root tips and surface area were greatest in the fully fertilized soil receiving 10 Mg/ha biochar compared to all other treatments. The 10 Mg/ha biochar application may have improved plant access to soil nutrients by promoting plant growth and root structural features, rather than by enhancing mycorrhizal infection rates.     

Availability of Compost P to Fescue Under Nonlimiting N Conditions

Nutrient management plans require an accurate assessment of P fertilizer additions to soil. The fertilizer equivalents of manures and composts must be estimated in order to comply. A previous study comparing triple superphosphate(TSP) to poultry litter compost (PLC) as a source of P for fescue indicated that overall they were equal, but when N became limiting during the final harvest, PLC supplied more P to fescue than TSP at comparable rates. A subsequent study was initiated to determine if P from PLC was more available to fescue than TSP when N was not limiting. Sassafras soil was amended with PLC and TSP at rates of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^?1. Nitrogen was supplied to be uniform across all treatments taking into account the N mineralization rate of PLC. Two harvests of fescue were taken and analyzed for yields and P uptake. Nitrogen was added to all treatments at the original application rate of 120 kg ha^?1 and two more harvests plus roots were collected. Yields were affected by harvest date but not by P rate or source of P. P uptake was affected by date and rate but not source of P. The P uptake response to PLC and TSP was curvilinear and linear respectively, but within the range of P application rates used, the source of P was not a significant factor in P uptake by fescue. Based on the current study testing the effect of unlimited N, addition of supplemental N did not affect P supply from either source. Poultry litter compost is considered equal to TSP in supplying P to fescue and N availability did not affect these conclusions.     

Effect of plant litter addition on element leaching in young sandy soils

The knowledge about element leaching and biogeochemical cycles during initial stages of soil development is very limited. Therefore, we studied the effects of parent material characteristics and plant litter addition on element leaching from young sandy soils in a microcosm experiment. Our objective was to evaluate the function of young soils as a source and/or sink for nutrients during initial pedogenesis and to identify main processes which are involved in the initial development of biogeochemical cycles. The main research questions were: (1) How do differences in parent material characteristics affect nutrient leaching?; and (2) How is nutrient leaching of young soils influenced by litter addition of different plant functional groups (e.g., legume and grass species)? Combined treatments of two minimally weathered parent materials (pure sand and loamy sand) with plant litter of two plant species (Lotus corniculatus L. and Calamagrostis epigejos L.) were investigated in a soil column experiment. In addition, control columns with parent material or plant litter only were included. Carbonate weathering as a main source for calcium leaching was induced by the moderately acidic irrigation solution used in the experiment. It was 7.5 fold greater for the loamy sand parent material compared to the pure sand despite lower carbonate contents in the loamy sand. Leaching of K was very low for both parent materials but greater for the loamy sand parent material, likely due to transfer processes from fixed to exchangeable potassium forms in the clay minerals of the loamy sand. Plant litter addition generally increased leaching losses. Carbonate dissolution was intensified by both plant litter types, especially by L. corniculatus, very likely due to H⁺ released during nitrification of N released from plant litter and an increase in partial pressure of CO₂ from microbial respiration. In contrast, K was largely retained in the soils, probably due to fixation by clay minerals and microbial immobilization. Only the pure sand treated with L. corniculatus litter leached K, resulting in 4–6 fold greater leaching losses compared to all other treatments. Nitrogen released from L. corniculatus litter was almost completely nitrified and was nearly doubled as compared to that from C. epigejos, resulting in greater N leaching. The results of our study allow identifying the general function and processes of vegetation patches in young ecosystems formed as a result of initial parent material characteristics and invading vegetation with respect to litter decomposition, soil solution composition, nutrient retention and leaching, and effects on the soil mineral phase. These patterns are not mere additive effects of parent materials plus plant litter, but reflect differences in biogeochemical process intensities and could result in an increasing heterogeneity of soil properties, nutrient availability, and element leaching fluxes with time.     

Leaching of phenolic compounds from leaf and needle litter of several deciduous and coniferous trees

Leaf and needle litter of the deciduous trees beech, birch, oak, ash, common maple, hornbeam, hazelnut, willow, poplar, hawthorn and the coniferous trees pine, spruce-fir, douglas-fir and larch were collected immediately after “leaf-fall” in October and analysed for their water-soluble phenolic compounds. By collecting leaf and needle litters three times in the period from October to January leaching rates of these organic compounds could be determined. There were considerable differences in the amount and leaching rate of water-soluble phenolics between litter-types. The concentration found in freshly deposited litter of the leaf-forming species was high and most of the water-soluble phenolics in these litter types were released in the period from October to January. In needle litters concentrations of water-soluble phenolics were low and they leached at a slow rate. By using gas chromatography, 14–18 phenolic compounds could be identified in the leachates. Benzoic acids dominated the phenolic spectra in October. In the course of time cinnamic acids became more important in the water-leachates. The results are discussed in view of their importance for the relationship between woodland-types and understory vegetation.     

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.     

Biochar-application rate and method affect nutrient availability and retention in a coarse-textured,temperate agricultural Cambisol in a microcosm experiment

Background

Agricultural soils often require organic amendments, which improve crop yield and ecosystem services. Biochar has been proven to increase nutrient availability and retention in fine-textured, tropical soils.

Aims

Here we determine how coarse-textured, temperate soils react to different biochar-application rates in different tillage systems.

Methods

We conducted a 6-month laboratory incubation experiment in microcosms filled with a coarse-textured, temperate agricultural soil to determine the effects of biochar-application rate (none, low, or high, i.e., 0, 20, or 40 t dw ha⁻¹, respectively) and application method (mixed into the soil or applied to the soil surface) on microbial activity and biomass, and nutrient availability and leaching.

Results

Microbial activity and biomass and contents of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in leachates were higher in biochar-addition treatments (by 134%, 37%, 372%, 28%, and 801%, respectively) than in the no-addition treatment. The effect was stronger with the low than with the high biochar-application rate. Biochar applied by both methods acted as a slow-release fertilizer, but this effect was stronger when biochar was mixed into the soil. Although available nutrient contents in the soil remained high, nutrient leaching decreased with incubation time. This effect was especially evident when biochar was mixed into the soil.

Conclusions

Biochar is an effective organic amendment in coarse-textured soils providing available nutrients. On the other hand, nutrient-retention mechanisms develop slowly after biochar application and may be greater when biochar is mixed into the soil than applied on the soil surface.     

Phosphorus leaching in a calcareous soil treated with plant residues and inorganic fertilizer

Column experiments were conducted over 45 d to determine the degree of P mobility. The sandy loam soil was spiked with 200 mg P kg^–1 and 5% organic residues. The treatments included: control without any water‐soluble P and plant residues, potato, wheat, water‐soluble P fertilizer, wheat + water‐soluble P, and potato + water‐soluble P. Each column was leached with distilled water, and leachates were collected and analyzed for P, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, along with pH and EC. Sequential extraction was performed on soil samples at the end of leaching column experiments. The relatively high initial concentration of P in the leachates decreased to more stable values after 15 d which can be attributed to the colloid‐bound P. The P concentrations in the leachates fluctuated between 8 and 220 mg L^–1 in the water‐soluble–P fertilizer treatment, between 0.80 and 230 mg L^–1 in the potato + water‐soluble‐P treatment, and between 0.90 and 214 mg L^–1 in the wheat + water‐soluble P treatment. Leaching loss of P mainly occurred in the 15 d of leaching, accounting for 94%, 88%, and 65% of total P leached in wheat + water‐soluble‐P, potato + water‐soluble‐P, and water‐soluble‐P treatments, respectively. Maximum amount of P leached was found from an exponential kind model and was in the range 0.45 mg kg^–1 to 125.4 mg kg^–1 in control and potato + water‐soluble‐P treatments, respectively. Sequential extraction results showed that in control and amended soils the major proportion of P was associated with Ca. The leachate samples in all treatments were saturated with respect to hydroxyapatite, β‐tricalcium phosphate, and octacalcium phosphate up to 20 d of leaching, whereas they were undersaturated with respect to Mg‐P minerals through the entire leaching experiment.     

Base cation-enhancing role of corn straw biochar in an acidic soil

Biochar affects base cation retention and leaching when it is used to enhance the base cation status of acidic soil. However, the details of its contribution are not yet clear. In this study, six loadings of corn straw biochar (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%, w/w) were applied to an acidic Ferralsol and incubated for 1 year. The results showed that the content of water-soluble and exchangeable base cations of K, Na, Ca and Mg increased with increasing levels of biochar in amended soil. The percentage of water-soluble Na, Ca and Mg of amended soil significantly decreased, while the percentage of exchangeable K, Ca and Mg increased significantly after the addition of biochar. For K and Na, biochar affected their leaching concentrations both as a source and by increasing the pH. For Ca, biochar reduced Ca leaching when the biochar loading was ≥4%, and the contribution increased from 30.8% to 100% at 4%–10% loading. For Mg, biochar reduced Mg leaching at biochar loadings 2%–10%, the reduction increasing from 22.0% to 70.5%. The results show that corn straw biochar can increase the content of the soil nutrient base cations K, Ca and Mg by increasing their exchangeable forms and enhance soil retention by decreasing their leaching. Thus, corn straw biochar can be used to effectively improve acidic soil base cation fertility.