Coal Fly Ash and Phospho‐gypsum Mixture as an Amendment to Improve Rice Paddy Soil Fertility

Abstract

Rice is a plant that requires high levels of silica (Si). As a silicate (SiO₂) source to rice, coal fly ash (hereafter, fly ash), which has an alkaline pH and high available silicate and boron (B) contents, was mixed with phosphor‐gypsum (hereafter, gypsum, 50%, wt wt^?1), a by‐product from the production of phosphate fertilizer, to improve the fly ash limitation. Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of the mixture on soil properties and rice (Oryza sativa) productivity in silt loam (SiL) and loamy sand (LS) soils to which 0 (FG 0), 20 (FG 20), 40 (FG 40), and 60 (FG 60) Mg ha^?1 were added. The mixture increased the amount of available silicate and exchangeable calcium (Ca) contents in the soils and the uptake of silicate by rice plant. The mixture did not result in accumulation of heavy metals in soil and an excessive uptake of heavy metals by the rice grain. The available boron content in soil increased with the mixture application levels up to 1.42 mg kg^?1 following the application of 60 Mg ha^?1 but did not show toxicity. The mixture increased significantly rice yield and showed the highest yields following the addition of 30–40 Mg ha^?1 in two soils. It is concluded that the fly ash and gypsum mixture could be a good source of inorganic soil amendments to restore the soil nutrient balance in rice paddy soil.     

Optimum Fertilizer Phosphorus Requirement for Maximum Productivity under Rice–Rice and Rice–Sunflower Systems in Semi-Arid Alfisols

A study was conducted at Hyderabad during 2009–11 to determine phosphorus (P) dose for rice–rice and rice–sunflower. Available P increased when 100% recommended P dose (RDP) was applied. P applied to rice gave at par yield under 100 or 75% RDP. In rice–rice, grain yield of 5668 and 5775 kg ha^?1 in kharif (5654 and 5760 kg ha^?1 in rabi) were attained with P@75 and 100% RDP. Kharif P residual effect in rabi affected rice yield. P@100/75% RDP in kharif and rabi gave grain of 5916/5973 and straw 6230/6673 kg ha^?1. P applied to sunflower revealed that yield was similar with 100 or 75% RDP. Sunflower yield was at par with P@100 or 75% RDP. 25% RDP in rice and sunflower may be reduced to attain similar yield of 100% RDP. In rice–rice, grain yield attained by 100% RDP in both seasons was 11.42t ha^?1 yr^?1, while 75% RDP gave yield of 11.45t ha^?1yr^?1.     

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.     

Nutrient Accumulation and Utilization in Rice Under Film‐Mulched and Flooded Cultivation

Abstract

In recent years, plastic film mulched cultivation has been widely used in China as a strategy to reduce irrigation water consumption and increase water use efficiency (WUE). Experiments were conducted to study nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation and utilization in flooded rice comparing plastic film mulched (PFM) and conventionally flooded cultivation (CFC) in two successive years. In comparison with the plants under CFC, the plants under PFM had significantly higher N concentration at booting stage and lower K and P concentrations at heading and maturity stages and N concentrations after booting stage. More N accumulation was found in PMC‐treated plants than in CFC‐treated plants before booting, while thereafter CFC showed a significant increase in nutrient accumulation. N, P, and K accumulation ratios were significantly larger for PFM than for CFC at early stage (before booting), but the trend was just opposite after booting. The PFM‐treated plants substantially showed smaller nutrient accumulation rate through the whole growing process relative to the CFC‐treated plants. Although PFM‐treated plants had significantly higher physiological efficiency (PE) of all three nutrients than the CFC‐treated plants, its fertilizer recovery efficiency (RE) and agronomic nutrient utilization efficiency (AE) was markedly lower due to lower biomass and grain yield. In addition, the PFM‐treated plants had lower P/N and K/N in terms of nutrient accumulation, suggesting the importance to improve the P and K availability in rice film‐mulched cultivation.     

Metal Contamination in Nullah Dek Water and Accumulation in Rice

A research study was carried out to determine the electrical conductivity （EC）, residual sodium carbonate （RSC）, sodium adsorption ratio （SAR）, pH and metals in metal-polluted irrigation water from a nullah and those in soils over a period of time, and the effect of metals on rice yield and metal concentrations in rice grain and straw. Two sites （I and If） were selected on the bank of Nullah Dek at Thatta Wasiran in Sheikhupura District （Pakistan）, with two rice varieties, Super Basmati and Basmati 385, at both sites. Water samples were collected during rice crop growth at 15-day intervals from August 3 to November 1, 2002. The results showed that Nullah Dek water had an EC 〉1.0 dS m^-1 and RSC of 2.78-4.11 mmolc L^-1, which was hazardous for crops, but the SAR was within the safe limit. Cu, Mn Cd and Sr were also within safe limits. The soil analysis showed that Site Ⅱ was free from salinity/sodicity, whereas Site Ⅰ was saline sodic. Among metals, Zn was sometimes deficient, Cu, Mn and Fe were adequate, and St, Ni and Cd were within safe limits in the soil at both the sites. After the rice crop harvest, concentrations of all metals tested were usually slightly increased, being higher in the upper soil layer than the lower. In addition, Basmati 385 produced higher rice grain and straw yield than Super Basmati. Chemical analysis of rice grain indicated the presence of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Sr, whereas rice straw contained Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Sr, with Cd and Ni both being found in minute quantities.     

Influence of Loss‐on‐Ignition Temperature and Heating Time on Ash Content of Compost and Manure

Abstract

Loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) is a simple method for determining ash content, and by reciprocation, organic matter content of compost and manure. However, reported ignition temperatures and heating times for LOI measurements vary widely, and this brings into question the accuracy of one specific combination of ignition temperature and heating time over another. This study examined the effect of 42 temperature‐heating time combinations (six ignition temperatures from 400 to 650°C in 50°C increments by seven heating times of 1, 2, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24‐h) on the ash content of a finished compost and a fresh manure. The experiment included the 550°C for 2‐h method recommended in Test Methods for Evaluation of Compost and Composting. The magnitude of the decrease in ash content due to increase in temperature was not consistent across all heating times. For example, after a 1‐h heating time for compost, ash content was 75.7% at 400°C and 67.5% at 650°C, compared to 69.6% at 400°C and 66.8% at 650°C after 24‐h. Irrespective of heating time, an ignition temperature of 400°C overestimated ash content for both compost and manure compared to the TMECC method. The TMECC method with its moderate temperature and short heating time requirement could reduce energy costs without affecting ash content results.     

Rice yield and water use as affected by soil management practices

A field experiment was conducted at the Shenyang Experimental Station of Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,to study the effects of soil management practices on water use and rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield in an axtuic brown soil during 2001 and 2002. A completely random experimental design with three replications was employed, having four soil management practices as treatments, namely: an undisturbed plow layer (CK), a thin plastic film (TN), a thick plastic film (TI) and subsoil compacting (CP). Results indicated no significant differences among all treatments for rice biomass and grain yields. Also, water consumption was about the same for treatments TN and CK, however the treatments TI and CP were much lower with more than 45% and 40% of the irrigation water in the treatments TI and CP, respectively,saved each year compared to CK. Therefore, water use efficiency was higher in the treatments TI and CP. These results will provide a scientific basis for the water-saving rice cultivation.     

Potassium Release in an Aeric Haplaquept as Influenced by Long-Term Rice–Rice Cropping with Different Rates of Fertilizers and Manuring

Different fractions of potassium (K) and the kinetics of K release as influenced by 21 cycles of rice–rice cropping with different rates of fertilizers and manuring were investigated on an Aeric Haplaquept (kaolinitic Inceptisol) soil profile from Bhubaneswar, India. The neutral 1 N ammonium acetate–extractable K in the surface soil layer (0–15 cm) increased from its initial value of 11.2 mg K kg^?1 to 14.8, 14.2, and 17.5 mg K kg^?1 soil in different treatments. However, the nonexchangeable K content in the surface soil layer dropped considerably to a level of 4.8–20.0 mg K kg^?1 soil. Cumulative nonexchangeable K release after 121 h of extraction with 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂) was <14 mg K kg^?1. The first-order kinetic model best described the nonexchangeable K release. The decrease in pH and increase in iron (Fe) content indicated the possibilities of K supply to plants through the dissolution of soil minerals.     

Distribution and Accumulation of Copper and Cadmium in Soil–Rice System as Affected by Soil Amendments

The effects of seven amendments on the distribution and accumulation of copper and cadmium in a soil–rice system were investigated using a pot experiment. Results showed that application of limestone, calcium magnesium phosphate (Ca–Mg–P fertilizer), calcium silicate (silicon fertilizer), Chinese milk vetch, pig manure, and peat significantly decreased the concentrations of Cu and Cd in rice roots by 24.8–75.3% and 9.7–49.9%, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between zinc sulfate (zinc fertilizer) and the control treatment. The concentrations of Cu and Cd in different parts of rice followed the order: root > straw > grain, and all amendments restrained the transfer of Cu and Cd from rice root to stem. Copper and Cd concentrations in rice stems at the tillering stage were the highest, and then decreased from the tillering stage to the heading stage. However, they increased again at the ripening stage. The results also showed that application of amendments changed Cu and Cd solubility in soil and decreased their bioavailability, which resulted in the reduction of Cu and Cd uptake by rice. Significant correlations between the concentrations of Cu and Cd in soil solutions and in rice stems were found. The result demonstrated that limestone has the best efficiency among all the amendments used in reducing Cu and Cd contamination to rice production.     

Nutrient Uptake and Use Efficiency of Irrigated Rice in Response to Potassium Application

Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for rice production in many areas of Asia, especially in southeast China where potassium deficiency in soil is a widespread problem. Field experiments were conducted for four consecutive years in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, to determine utilization of nutrients (N,P and K) by inbred and hybrid rice and rice grain yields as affected by application of potassium fertilizer under irrigated conditions. Grain yield and nutrient harvest index showed a significant response to the NPK treatment as compared to the NP treatment. This suggested that potassium improved transfer of nitrogen and phosphorus from stems and leaves to panicles in rice plants. N and P use efficiencies of rice were not strongly responsive to potassium, but K use efficiency decreased significantly despite the fact that the amount of total K uptake increased. A significant difference between varieties was also observed with respect to nutrient uptake and use efficiency. Hybrid rice exhibited physiological advantage in N and P uptake and use efficiency over inbred rice. Analysis of annual dynamic change of exchangeable K and non-exchangeable K in the test soil indicated that non-exchangeable K was an important K source for rice. Potassium application caused an annual decrease in the concentration of available K in the soil tested, whereas an increase was observed in non-exchangeable K. It could be concluded that K fertilizer application at the rate of 100 kg ha^-1 per season was not high enough to match K output, and efficient K management for rice must be based on the K input/output balance.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Effect of Flooding Lead Arsenate–Contaminated Orchard Soil on Growth and Arsenic and Lead Accumulation in Rice

Lead arsenate has been used as pesticide. Flooding soils contaminated by lead arsenate could increase plant arsenic and lead and become a human health risk. The objective was to determine the effects of flooding of lead‐arsenate soils on rice grain yield and arsenic and lead accumulation. Bagstown and Chashmont soils with high levels of arsenic and lead were planted with rice in the greenhouse under flooded and nonflooded conditions. Flooding reduced grain yield and increased grain arsenic concentration on both soils. Grain lead decreased with flooding for the Bagstown soil but increased for the Chashmont. Arsenic and lead concentrations in the straw were more than in grain. Grain arsenic and lead levels observed would not be expected to become a human health risk. However, bioavailability studies are needed. The high arsenic and lead in the straw may indirectly become a human health risk because rice straw is used for livestock feed and bedding.     

Ash and Mineral Contents in Leaves of Woody Species: Analysis by Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Abstract

Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated for its effectiveness to determine ash and mineral concentrations [potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)], in a total of 182 leaf samples of 17 woody species located in the central‐western region of the Iberian Peninsula. Chemical analysis revealed great variability in all leaf mineral elements. This variability was mainly related to differences in leaf habit (deciduous versus evergreen) and to differences in mean leaf longevity and among leaf age classes within evergreen species. A set of samples including all 17 species and leaf age classes was used to develop the calibration equations using multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial‐least squares regression (PLSR). The set of samples that did not enter in the calibration was used for external validation. In general, the most satisfactory results were obtained using PLSR and derivative transformations. Despite the strong heterogeneity of the samples included in the study, the results showed that NIRS can be employed as an effective tool, alternative to the more time‐consuming standard methods. The best predictive model was obtained for ash content. Models with acceptable accuracy were obtained in the prediction of K and Mg contents. However, their applicability for the determination of trace elements was more limited.     

Effects of Different Lead Compounds on Growth and Heavy Metal Uptake of Wetland Rice

Effects of different lead compounds, PbCl₂, Pb(NO₃)₂ and Pb(OAc)₂, on the rice growth and uptake of lead and some microelements by wetland rice were studied. The results showed that the seed germination, rice seedling growth, chlorophyl content, grain yield and uptake of Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn by rice plant were affected by the chemical forms of Pb compounds added in soil to a certain degree. The germination rate and the amount of chlorophyl decreased remarkably with increasing Pb concentration, the root extension was restrained obviously by the presence of Pb, and the effect of PbCl₂ was more evident than that of Pb(NO₃)₂ or Pb(OAc)₂.     

Rice Straw-Derived Biochar Properties and Functions as Cu(Ⅱ) and Cyromazine Sorbents as Influenced by Pyrolysis Temperature

In this study, biochars from rice straw(Oryza sativa L.) were prepared at 200–600?C by oxygen-limited pyrolysis to investigate the changes in properties of rice straw biochars produced at different temperatures, and to examine the adsorption capacities of the biochars for a heavy metal, copper(Ⅱ)(Cu(Ⅱ)), and an organic insecticide of cyromazine, as well as to further reveal the adsorption mechanisms.The results obtained with batch experiments showed that the amount of Cu(Ⅱ) adsorbed varied with the pyrolysis temperatures of rice straw biochar. The biochar produced at 400?C had the largest adsorption capacity for Cu(Ⅱ)(0.37 mol kg-1) among the biochars,with the non-electrostatic adsorption as the main adsorption mechanism. The highest adsorption capacity for cyromazine(156.42 g kg-1) was found in the rice straw biochar produced at 600?C, and cyromazine adsorption was exclusively predominated by surface adsorption. An obvious competitive adsorption was found between 5 mmol L-1Cu(II) and 2 g L-1cyromazine when they were in the binary solute system. Biochar may be used to remediate heavy metal- and organic insecticide-contaminated water, while the pyrolysis temperature of feedstocks for producing biochar should be considered for the restoration of multi-contamination.     

Availability of Lead and Cadmium in Farmland Soil and Its Distribution in Individual Plants of Dry‐Seeded Rice

Abstract

Availability of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in farmland soils and its distribution in individual plants of dry‐seeded rice were investigated utilizing graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) with a matrix modification technique. Five extractants were compared, and the operating conditions for GFAAS were optimized. The detection limits were 4.2 ng for Pb with the precision of 1.54% and 0.1 ng for Cd with the precision of 2.38%. The contents of the extractable Pb and Cd in soils were determined with the five extractants, and availability of Pb and Cd in farmland soil was discussed. The contents of Pb and Cd in different parts of dry‐seeded rice were lower than those in dry‐seeded rice soil. The contents of Pb and Cd in rice were lower than in other parts. The end top leaves accumulated the highest amounts of Pb and Cd.     

Efficiency of Phosphogypsum and Mined Gypsum in Reclamation and Productivity of Rice–Wheat Cropping System in Sodic Soil

In this study, efficacies of mined gypsum and phosphogypsum (PG), when applied at equivalent doses, were compared for sodic soil reclamation and productivity of rice–wheat system. Application of PG, followed by karnal grass as first crop, resulted in the greatest reduction of soil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) followed by PG applied at 10 Mg ha^?1 alone. Application of PG at 10 Mg ha^?1 resulted in greater yields of both rice and wheat than other treatments. Ditheylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable micronutrients of PG-treated soil were greater than in mined gypsum–treated soil. A greater portion of applied P entered the calcium (Ca)–phosphorus (P) fraction in PG-treated soil, which also resulted in more soluble P than the mined gypsum–treated soil. Phosphogypsum effected greater increase in aggregation, soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and aggregate associated carbon and decrease in zeta potential, leading to increased hydraulic conductivity and moisture retention capacity in soil over mined gypsum–treated soil.     

Nitrogen‐Supplying Capacity of Soils for Rice and Wheat and Nitrogen Availability Indices in Soils of Northwest India

Abstract

Quantitative assessment of soil nitrogen (N) that will become available is important for determining fertilizer needs of crops. Nitrogen‐supplying capacity of soil to rice and wheat was quantified by establishing zero‐N plots at on‐farm locations to which all nutrients except N were adequately supplied. Nitrogen uptake in zero‐N plots ranged from 41.4 to 110.3 kg N ha^?1 for rice and 33.7 to 123.4 kg N ha^?1 for wheat. Availability of soil N was also studied using oxidative, hydrolytic, and autoclaving indices, salt‐extraction indices, light‐absorption indices, and aerobic and anaerobic incubation indices. These were correlated with yield and N uptake by rice and wheat in zero‐N plots. Nitrogen extracted by alkaline KMnO₄ and phosphate borate buffer and nitrogen mineralized under aerobic incubation were satisfactory indices of soil N supply. For rice, 2 M KCl and alkaline KMnO₄ were the best N‐availability indices. Thus, alkaline KMnO₄ should prove a quick and reliable indicator of indigenous soil N supply in soils under a rice–wheat cropping system.     

Water Use and Soil Fertility under Rice–Wheat Cropping System in Response to Green Manuring and Zinc Nutrition

ABSTRACT

Soil fertility and water use are two important aspects that influence rice productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of in-situ (sesbania and rice bean) and ex-situ (subabul) green manuring along with zinc fertilization on water productivity and soil fertility in rice under rice–wheat cropping system at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Sesbania incorporation recorded higher total water productivity (2.20 and 3.24 kg ha^?1 mm^?1), available soil nutrients, organic carbon, alkaline phosphatase activity, microbial biomass carbon and increased soil dehydrogenase activity by 39.6 and 26.8% over subabul and rice bean respectively. Among interaction of green manures and zinc fertilization, subabul × foliar application of chelated zinc-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after transplanting recorded highest total water productivity (2.56 and 3.79 kg ha^?1 mm^?1). Foliar application of chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after transplanting recorded significantly higher water productivity than other Zn treatments, however it was statistically similar with foliar application of zinc at active tillering + flowering + grain filling. Sesbania × 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA, recorded highest available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron than other green manure and Zn fertilization interactions, although it was statistically similar with rice bean × 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application. Sesbania × foliar application of 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application recorded highest soil enzymatic activities and microbial biomass carbon.     

Are Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris Affected by Environmental Samples from a Rice Field?

Rice fields represent important production rates in Portugal. However, the intensive soil management and the exploitation of agrochemicals may pose a threat to nontarget organisms. Hence, the present work regards the toxicity screening of surface waters and sediment elutriates collected during the drainage of fields in the vicinity of a rice paddy (Quinta do Seminário, Soure, Portugal): 1. in River Pranto (RP), the river from which the field irrigation water is canalized; 2. inside the rice paddy, from the main drainage channel – Vala de Enxugo (VE). For that purpose, it was used a combination of physico-chemical analyses and bioassays with two green algae species – Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris. The chemical screening showed an apparent absence of xenobiotics in sediment samples, while no pesticides were found within the chemical contaminants detected in water samples. The nutrient load reflected low levels of inorganic contamination. Bioassays revealed that P. subcapitata was more sensitive to the overall physico-chemical conditions in natural samples than C. vulgaris, being its growth inhibited under water samples from both sites. On a whole, water samples, mainly those from the main irrigation/drainage channel of the rice fields (VE), were more deleterious to microalgae than those from RP or any of the elutriates.