Root Growth,Nutrient Uptake,and Nutrient-Use Efficiency by Roots of Tropical Legume Cover Crops as Influenced by Phosphorus Fertilization

Roots are important organs that supply water and nutrients to growing plants. Data related to root growth and nutrient uptake by tropical legume cover crops are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate root growth of tropical legume cover crops and nutrient uptake and use efficiency under different phosphorus (P) levels. The P levels used were 0 (low), 100 (medium), and 200 (high) mg kg^?1 of soil, and five cover crops were evaluated. Root dry weight, maximum root length, and specific root length were significantly influenced by P and cover crop treatments. Maximum values of these root growth parameters were achieved with the addition of 100 mg P kg^?1 soil. The P?×?cover crops interactions for all the macro- and micronutrients, except manganese (Mn), were significant, indicating variation in uptake pattern of these nutrients by cover crops with the variation in P rates. Overall, uptake pattern of macronutrients was in the order of nitrogen (N) > calcium (Ca) > potassium (K) > magnesium (Mg) > P and micronutrient uptake pattern was in the order of iron (Fe) > Mn > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). Cover crops which produced maximum root dry weight also accumulated greater amount of nutrients, including N, compared to cover crops, which produced lower root dry weight. Greater uptake of N compared to other nutrients by cover crops indicated that use of cover crops in the cropping systems could reduce loss of nitrate (NO₃ ^?) from soil–plant systems. Increase in root length and root dry weight with the addition of P can improve nutrient uptake from the soil and lessen loss of macro- and micronutrients from the soil–plant systems.     

Spatial Variability Studies in Banana for Identification of Nutrient Imbalance Using Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System

Spatial variability of soil properties and accompanying variability in plant nutrient concentrations in a banana growing enterprise were mapped using Geographic Information Service (GIS) technique to test the diagnostic sensitivity of Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) system. Variogram models of soil properties indicated that most of the properties exhibited definable spatial structures. The pH, available nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) showed strong spatial dependence, whereas available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) showed moderate dependence. Most of the plant nutrients exhibited higher nugget/sill ratio indicating often mismatch between soil available nutrient and plant nutrient concentrations. DRIS indices showed high diagnostic sensitivity for N, P, K, Ca, and Fe. Application of GIS for nutrient mapping along with DRIS was found useful for identification of yield limiting nutrients in soil and plant for developing nutrient management strategies.     

硫素与其他营养元素的交互作用对作物养分吸收、产量和质量的影响

养分平衡是养分管理的必要环节,对增加作物产量和提高品质具有重要的作用.本文综述了硫(S)素与其他营养元素之间的交互作用对作物养分吸收、产量和质量的影响.S 与N或Ca、 K、Zn之间交互作用对养分吸收和利用是协同的,而S 与Mg、Mo、Cu、、Se、Fe、Sb、Cd、B、Br之间交互作用对养分吸收和利用是拮抗的.然而,S 与 P或Se之间的交互作用对养分吸收和利用是协同还是拮抗取决于作物种类、生长阶段和养分的浓度.N、S配施可以促进蛋白质的合成,提高作物产量和品质.由于S素与其他营养元素之间存在的这种拮抗作用,因此施用S肥可以减轻污染土壤重金属对蔬菜的毒害作用或加剧缺S土壤上蔬菜B和Mo的缺乏.     

Bioavailability of Nutrients in Seeds from Tropical and Subtropical Soybean Varieties

The selection of varieties or species of plants with higher nutrient uptake efficiency and nutrient concentration for biofortification of food crops is a key tool to reduce malnutrition. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) is one of the most important food crops, because it is consumed directly or indirectly, in the form of seeds, processed (milk and/or derivatives), or used as a protein component of animal feed worldwide. In order to select plants with higher nutrients concentration in seeds, 24 soybean varieties for tropical and subtropical conditions and different general features were assessed. There was great variability in photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll content, seed yield (SY), and concentration and uptake of nutrients by seeds between the varieties. Not genetically modified (NGM) crops showed higher nitrogen (N), cooper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentration and higher N, potassium (K), Cu, iron (Fe), Mn, and zinc (Zn) uptake, while for genetically modified (GM) crops only calcium (Ca) concentrations were higher. Varieties BRS 284 and BMX Magna RR showed the highest nutrients concentrations in the group with the highest nutrient efficiency. The genetic variability observed among the varieties regarding uptake and translocation of nutrients into seeds allows selecting more promising materials to be used in the biofortification of nutrients in soybean seeds.     

Root growth,nutrient uptake and use efficiency by roots of tropical legume cover crops as influenced by phosphorus fertilization

The root is an important organ which supplies water and nutrients to growing plants. Data related to root growth and nutrient uptake by tropical legume cover crops are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate root growth of tropical legume cover crops and nutrient uptake and use efficiency under different phosphorus (P) levels. The P levels used were 0 (low), 100 (medium) and 200 (high) mg kg^?1 of soil and 5 cover crops were evaluated. Root dry weight, maximum root length, specific root length were significantly influenced by P and cover crop treatments. Maximum values of these root growth parameters were achieved with the addition of 100 mg P kg^?1 soil. The P X cover crops interaction for all the macro and micronutrients, except manganese (Mn) was significant, indicating variation in uptake pattern of these nutrients by cover crops with the variation in P rates. Overall, uptake pattern of macronutrients was in the order of nitrogen>calcium>potassium>magnesium>phosphorus (N > Ca > K > Mg > P) and micronutrient uptake pattern was in the order of iron>manganese>zinc>copper (Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu). Cover crops which produced maximum root dry weight also accumulated higher amount of nutrients, including N compared to cover crops which produced lower root dry weight. Higher uptake of N compared to other nutrients by cover crops indicated that use of cover crops in the cropping systems can reduce loss of nitrate (NO₃^?) from soil-plant systems. Increase in root length and root dry weight with the addition of P can improve nutrient uptake from the soil and less loss of macro and micronutrients from the soil-plant systems.     

Soil Fertility Status and Disorders in Arecanut (Areca Catechu L.) Grown on Clay and Laterite Soils of India

In arecanut, disorders like crown choking and crown bending lead to death of palms within a short span. Spatial and temporal variability in soil and leaf nutrient status was used as a tool to find out the causes for disorders in clay and laterite soils. Availability of nutrients in soils was sufficient to excess. Deviation from optimum percentage index was negative for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) in both soils. Zinc deficits of –26 to –63 in higher number of palms (84–97%) indicate the reduction in Zn uptake. Regression between leaf Zn and soil fertility parameters indicated negative relation with soil Zn and calcium (Ca) in clay and soil organic carbon, soil P, and soil boron (B) in laterite soils. Multiple regression indicated negative relation of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn with nutrients like Ca, magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) in soil in different years. The grouping of soil nutrients in opposite directions in first two components of principal component analysis supports negative nutrient interactions in both soil types. The results reveal that nutrient interactions in soil affect the uptake of nutrients despite sufficient nutrient availability. Zinc deficiency in arecanut may be the result of complex interactions between DTPA-extractable Zn and other nutrients in soil.     

Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Relationships for Irrigated Chile Production

In a field study of irrigated chile (Capsicum annum L.) production in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico from 2008 through 2009, soil and tissue test samples were analyzed for a spectrum of plant nutrients at 16 different sites, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and boron (B). The objectives were to evaluate soil and tissue nutrient testing procedures and to establish basic soil and plant tissue-testing guidelines and recommendations with respect to yield potentials. Soil samples were collected before planting. Plant tissue samples from plots at all sites were collected at the following four stages of growth: first bloom (FB), early bloom (EB), peak bloom (PB), and physiological maturity (PM). Fertilizer and nutrient inputs were monitored, managed, and recorded within current extension guidelines for irrigated chiles. Results for soil and tissue analyses were compared to yield results. The results provide estimates for baselines, which can be tested through subsequent calibration experiments to establish recommendations for critical soil- and tissue-test values. Absolute minimum soil-test nutrient values were identified as 10 parts per million (ppm) P, 110 ppm K, 0.3 ppm Zn, 2.0 ppm Fe, and 0.25 ppm B. Absolute minimum FB leaf tissue test values were 0.2% P, 4.5% K, 10 ppm Zn, 80 ppm Fe, and 30 ppm B. Complete data sets for leaf and petiole tissue-test values for all stages of growth were collected. These soil-test and plant nutrient values will be evaluated in subsequent experiments to better define fertilizer nutrient inputs and to gain better nutrient-management efficiencies in irrigated chile production systems.     

Critical nutrient concentrations and antagonistic and synergistic relationships among the nutrients of NFT‐grown young tomato plants

Critical concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) with respect to dry matter yield end antagonistic and synergistic relationships among these nutrients were studied in which tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was grown in recirculating nutrient solution (NFT). Increments of nutrient elements in the nutrient solution increased the proportional rate of the corresponding nutrient elements. Increasing levels of N negatively correlated with plant P and positively correlated with Ca, Fe, and Zn. Iron and Mn contents of the plants were increased and N, K, Ca, and Mg were decreased as a function of P applied. Increases in K in the nutrient solution caused increases in the concentrations of K, N, P, and Zn, and decreases in the concentration of Ca and Fe. Applied Ca increased the concentrations of Ca and N, and decreased the concentrations of P, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn. Potassium, Ca, and Fe contents of the plants were decreased and Zn increased, while N, P, and Mn were not affected by the increasing levels of external Mg. Iron suppressed the plant Mg, Zn, and Mn contents. Synergism between Zn and Fe was seen, while P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn contents were not affected by Zn levels. Potassium, Ca, Mg, and Fe were not responsive to applied Mn, however, N and P contents of the plants were decreased at the highest levels of Mn.     

Effects of Mulching Blueberry Plants With Cranberry Fruits and Leaves On Yield,Nutrient Uptake and Weed Suppression

Integration of local organic wastes as mulches into farm production can provide waste management options and an alternative to landfilling. In 2000, cranberry growers needed ways to dispose of excess cranberries caused by overproduction and a federal regulation limiting the fruit's marketable production. This study examined the use of excess cranberry fruits and leaves as mulches on established blueberry plants. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of these novel mulches on established blueberry plant nutrient uptake, fruit yield, selected soil chemical properties and weed suppression. A randomized block design was set up and maintained for two years with four different mulch treatments (no mulch, 5.1cm cranberry fruit, 10.2-cm cranberry fruit and 10.2-cm cranberry leaves). Leaf tissue nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, S, B, Al), fruit yield and average fruit size, selected soil properties, weed biomass and number of weed types were determined. In the second year, the fruit yield in the mulched treatments was lower than in the control (P<0.05), but not the fruit size. One possible reason is a significant decrease in leaf nitrogen uptake observed in some mulch plots. Weed biomass was significantly reduced along with species diversity. This study shows that novel mulches need to be carefully evaluated before being used due to their potential environmental and plant impacts.     

Potassium fractions with other nutrients in crops: A review focusing on the tropics

Potassium (K), a plant nutrient with diverse roles to play in plant metabolism, is required in large amounts by most crops. It interacts with many other plant constituents to affect crop yield and quality. The magnitude of this interaction is high in areas of high cropping intensity, as in the tropics. The interaction of nutrients with K may be in the soil or in plant. Potassium modifies ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) ion fixation in soils to restrict nitrogen (N) availability. On the other hand, an antagonistic effect between K and NH₄ absorption has been suggested in which K absorption is restricted. Similarly, magnesium (Mg) or calcium (Ca) deficiency occurs from ion antagonism in acid soils following K fertilization and in soils with high exchangeable K. Sulfur (S) has been reported to increase K absorption and productivity of oilseed crops. With increasing levels of applied or soil K, the severity of phosphorus (P)‐induced zinc (Zn) deficiency in corn has been observed to decrease. Application of K decreases manganese (Mn) content and iron (Fe) toxicity in rice. Application of K has been reported to decrease B levels in plants and to increase incidence of boron (B) deficiency. Top‐dressing with K fertilizer was reported to lower the copper (Cu) content of alfalfa forage. In root, sugar‐producing, or fiber‐producing crops, the sodium (Na) and K relationship is important with the specific response to either element depending on which element is in low or high supply. Molybdenum (Mo) stimulated K uptake in alfalfa and com. In intensive agriculture with high‐yielding single crops or with multiple crops per year, farm management must include strategies to maintain substantial K reserves in the soil and to balance K nutrition with other fertilization practices.     

Source and mode of sulphur application on groundnut productivity

The effectiveness of 20 kg/ha sulphur (S) of the S‐containing compounds iron sulphate (FeSO₄), gypsum, phosphogypsum, elemental S, and pyrite on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity was determined for plants grown on calcareous soil in the field. Plants grown with S compared to those without S had increased plant height, number of flowers, nodule numbers and weight, higher dry matter, seed, haulm (leaves and stems), and oil yields; higher tissue concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), S, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn); and higher total uptake of mineral nutrients. Elemental S, pyrite, and FeSO₄ were more effective than gypsum and phosphogypsum, with FeSO₄ being the most effective source of S for improving plant growth traits, yield, and nutrient uptake. The most effective method of FeSO₄ application was half to the soil at planting time (basal) followed by the remainder in three equal foliar sprays at 30,50, and 70 days after plant emergence (DAE). Pyrite and elemental S were most effective when applied to the soil only, half as a basal soil dressing, and the remainder in two equal doses at 25 and 50 DAE. Plant concentrations of S, P, and potassium (K) were similar for each source of S, but elemental S, pyrite, and FeSO₄ enhanced N, Fe, manganese (Mn), and Zn uptake. Gypsum and phosphogypsum enhanced calcium (Ca) uptake. Elemental S and FeSCM provided similar results when half was applied to the soil followed by three equal foliar sprays. The best results from pyrite, gypsum, and phosphogypsum were obtained when soil applied.     

巨桉人工林叶片养分交互效应

在四川巨桉栽培区设立了60个标准地,采用相关分析和矢量诊断法进行分析,以了解巨桉人工林养分的相互作用关系。结果表明,巨桉人工林叶片的养分交互作用较为复杂。N可促进P、K、Ca、Mn等的吸收,但易受到Fe、Zn、高Ca、高Mg的拮抗,而且高N抑制了Mn的吸收;P可促进K、Mg、Mn等的吸收,但易受Zn、Fe、高Mn、高K、高Ca、高Mg的拮抗,而高浓度的P将抑制K、Zn、Fe等的吸收;K对其他养分元素均没有明显的促进作用,但高浓度K限制P的吸收;Ca、Mg之间可相互促进吸收。同时,低浓度的Ca和Mg有利于Fe、Zn的吸收,高浓度的Ca和Mg将对N、P、Fe、Mn、S、B等养分产生拮抗,限制吸收;S可促进Zn的吸收,但易受高Ca、高Mg拮抗;Cu、Zn、Fe、Mn之间主要以拮抗为主。B相互作用较少,对其他养分几乎没有明显的促进作用。     

Determining the Moisture and Plant Effect on Nutrient Release,and Plant Nutrient Uptake Using Ion Exchange Resin Membrane

Traditional soil testing has a limited predictability about available nutrients for plant uptake. Potential of ion exchange resin membrane (RM) or plant root simulator probe is evaluated to determine the effect of moisture on nutrient availability and uptake by corn (Zea mays L.), under greenhouse condition. Available nutrient concentrations measured by RM in two soil series at three soil moisture levels (40%, 60%, and 80% of field capacity) with (W) and without (W/O) the plant at V3 and V7 stages were compared with plant nutrient content at the V7 stage. Soil moisture did not influence RM-extracted nutrient concentrations (except for N at V3). Concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and iron (Fe) from RM at the V3 stage significantly correlated with shoot uptake. The presence of plant (W- vs. W/O-plant) significantly influenced RM-nutrient concentration at both stages. RM can predict crop nutrient requirements.

Abbreviations: Ion exchange resin membrane (RM); nitrogen (N); phosphorus (P); potassium (K), sulfur (S), field capacity (FC)     

Distribution and redistribution of mineral nutrients and dry matter in grain sorghum as affected by soil salinity

A study was made of the effects of soil salinity on dry matter production, grain yield, and the uptake, distribution and redistribution of mineral nutrients in irrigated grain sorghum. Soil salinity (EC, 3.6 mS/cm) reduced seedling establishment by 77%, and dry matter and grain yields per plant by 32%; grain yield/ha was reduced by 84%. Salinity reduced grain number per head, but not individual grain size. The accumulation of dry matter and most nutrients was reduced by salinity, but the distribution and redistribution of nutrients within the plant were largely unaffected. Redistributed dry matter provided 52 and 31% of the grain dry matter for control and salt‐affected plants, respectively. Salt‐affected plants had a greater proportion of their sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) in stems and leaves than control plants at maturity. Grain had 50–90% of the nitrogen <N), phosphorus (P), S, and Mg, 20–50% of the potassium (K), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), but < 20% of the calcium (Ca), Na, Cl, and iron (Fe) contents of the whole plant. Over 65% of the N and P, and from 20 to 30% of the K, S, Mg, Cu, and Zn was redistributed from the stem and leaves to grain. There was no redistribution of Ca, Na, Cl, Fe, and Mn. Leaves were more important than the stem as a source of redistributed N, but the leaves and stem were equally important as sources of redistributed P, K, S, Mg, and Cu. Redistribution from the stem and leaves provided 80% of the K and 20–50% of the N, P, S, Mg, Zn, and Cu accumulated by grain. Concentrations of Na, and especially Cl, were high in vegetative organs of salt‐affected plants, but not in grain. It was concluded that although moderate salinity was detrimental to the establishment and yield of grain sorghum, it had little effect on patterns of distribution and extents of redistribution of mineral nutrients.     

Impacts of flooding,nitrogen-fertilization,and soil-depth on sugarcane nutrients grown on Histosols

Abstract

Sustainable production in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is confounded by decreasing soil depth and high annual rainfall. Formerly a sawgrass marsh, Histosols predominate much of the EAA and these soils have frequently flooded following their drainage in the early 20th century. Subsidence has increased inundation frequency as soil depth has decreased to less than 25?cm in many locations. A 2-year lysimeter study was conducted to examine alternative management practices for improved agricultural sustainability given frequent flooding and reduced oxidation rates on Histosols. Specific management factors examined included water-table, soil depth, and nitrogen (N) fertilizer effects on sugarcane leaf nutrient concentrations and soil nutrient cycling. The trial utilized soil depths of 13 and 25?cm, water tables of constant and periodically flooded, and N fertilizer rates of 0 and 168?kg ha^?1?year^?1. Periodic flooding increased plant uptake of manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and boron (B). Yield increases associated with additional N indicate a potential need to develop fertilizer rate recommendations for shallow Histosols. Soil depth impacted sugarcane nutrient uptake with 25?cm of soil depth significantly affecting examined leaf nutrient concentrations except iron (Fe). Sugarcane yield may benefit if additional N and potassium (K) are added at rates specific to soil depth. Proximity to bedrock led to excessive calcium (Ca) uptake and low K and Fe DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) values were below recommendations. Data from this study can assist development of precision agricultural practices in the EAA that utilize soil depth.     

Soil Phosphorous Influence on Growth and Nutrition of Tropical Legume Cover Crops in Acidic Soil

In tropical regions, use of cover crops in crop production is an important strategy in maintaining sustainability of cropping systems. Phosphorus (P) deficiency in tropical soils is one of the most yield-limiting factors for successful production of cover crops. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate influence of P on growth and nutrient uptake in 14 tropical cover crops. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol, and P levels used were low (0 mg P kg^?1), medium (100 mg P kg^?1) and high (200 mg P kg^?1). There was a significant influence of P and cover crop treatments on plant growth parameters. Phosphorus X cover crops interaction for shoot dry weight, root dry weight and root length was significant, indicating different responses of cover crops to variable P levels. Based on shoot dry weight efficiency index (SDEI), legume species were classified into efficient, moderately efficient or inefficient groups. Overall, white jack bean, gray mucuna bean, mucuna bean ana and black mucuna bean were most P efficient. Remaining species were inefficient in P utilization. Macro- and micronutrient concentrations (content per unit dry weight of tops) as well as uptakes (concentration x dry weight of tops) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by P as well as crop species treatments, except magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. The P x crop species interactions were significant for concentration and uptake of all the macro and micronutrients analyzed in the plant tissues, indicating concentrations and uptake of some nutrients increased while others decreased with increasing P levels. Hence, there was an antagonistic as well as synergetic effect of P on uptake of nutrients. However, uptake of all the macro and micronutrients increased with increasing P levels, indicating increase in dry weight of crop species with increasing P levels. Overall, nutrient concentration and uptake in the top of crop species were in the order of nitrogen (N) > potassium (K) > calcium (Ca) > Mg > sulfur (S) > P for macronutrients and iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) for micronutrients. Interspecific differences in shoot and root growth and nutrient uptake were observed at varying soil P levels     

Plant development and nutrient uptake rate in Dendrobium nobile Lindl

Abstract

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is one of the most cultivated and distributed orchids around the world; however, information on its nutrition is scarce. Our objective was to study the plant development and nutrient accumulation in plants of D. nobile weekly fertilized with 100?mL Sarruge nutrient solution at 75% concentration. One plant per replication was randomly collected every month, along 12 months, totaling four plants. Dry matter (DM) and nutrient accumulation were determined for the different plant parts. Plants had already accumulated nearly 50% of total DM up to the flowering stage (240 days after first fertilization, DAFF). Order and amount of accumulated nutrients, at 360 DAFF, was, in mg per plant: K (701.07)?>?N (339.44)?>?Ca (289.03)?>?Mg (135.44)?>?P (118.83)?>?S (23.56); in µg per plant, it was Fe (14,122.35)?>?Zn (5,277.82)?>?Mn (3,216.87)?>?B (1,253.02)?>?Cu (271.25).     

Growth,Nutrient Uptake,and Use Efficiency in Dry Bean in Tropical Upland Soil

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. ‘BRS Requinte’) is an important legume crop and nutrient availability is one of the most yields limiting factors for bean production in tropical upland soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Brazilian Oxisol to study growth, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients during growth cycle of bean plant. Plants were harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60, 73, and 99 days after sowing for determination of growth parameters and uptake of nutrients. Root dry weight, shoot dry weight and leaf trifoliate increased significantly (P< 0.01) in a quadratic fashion with the advancement of plant age. However, root-shoot ratio decreased significantly with increasing plant age. Concentrations of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) decreased with the advancement of plant age. However, concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) increased significantly with the advancement of plant age. Accumulation of macro- and micronutrients significantly increased with the increasing plant age. Accumulation of N, P, K and Cu was higher in the grain compared with root and shoot, indicating relatively higher importance of these nutrients in improving grain yield of dry bean. Nitrogen, P and Cu use efficiency was higher for shoot weight compared to grain weight. For grain production, nutrient use efficiency was in the order of Mg > Ca > P > K > N for macronutrients and Cu > Zn = Mn for micronutrients.     

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

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

The Effect of Phosphorus,Mucuna, and Nitrogen on the Biomass,Leaf Area Index,and Foliar Nutrient Content of Maize on a Depleted Sandy Loam Soil in Zimbabwe

Sufficient nutrient levels in leaves of crops have substantial effects on plant growth, development, and grain yield, as it is a fundamental constituent of many leaf cell components. The effect of phosphorus (P), mucuna management options, and nitrogen (N) on the biomass, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf nutrient content of maize on a depleted sandy loam soil in Zimbabwe were investigated. The experimental design was a split-split-plot with two P rates, four mucuna management options, and four N treatments (applied to a subsequent maize crop). Biomass, LAI, and foliar N, P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the subsequent maize crop were determined. A significant three-way interaction (P < 0.05) between mucuna management options, N rates, and time was observed in terms of biomass production and all nutrients in the leaves of the subsequent maize crop.