Evaluation of Nutrasweet sludge as a nitrogen fertilizer for corn and wheat

Abstract

NutraSweet sludge, a by‐product of the production of the noncarbohydrate sweetener aspartame, is often used as a N fertilizer for crops. However, its performance with respect to inorganic N fertilizers is not well understood. This work was conducted to compare NutraSweet sludge to ammonium sulfate and urea as an N fertilizer for wheat and corn. Samples from two soils were mixed with one of the three N sources to achieve rates of 0, 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg N kg^‐1. The treated soil was placed in pots, which were used to grow corn or wheat for 45 days in the greenhouse. Above‐ground dry matter yields of com and wheat increased as N rate increased from 0 to 50 or 100 mg N kg^‐1. Above 100 mg N kg^‐1, dry matter yields decreased. In general, at a given N rate, NutraSweet sludge produced dry matter yields that were equal to or higher than those obtained with ammonium sulfate or urea. The results suggest that NutraSweet sludge could be managed as an ammoniacal N fertilizer when applied to crops.     

SOIL NUTRIENT CHANGES WITH FERTILIZER TYPE IN CASSAVA-BASED CROPPING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

The changes in soil nutrient status following the application of different fertilizer types were studied in field experiments involving maize-melon intercrop relayed into a cassava-soybean intercrop between 1995 and 1997. The soil at the experimental site was a Kanhaplic Haplustalf, which was under continuous cultivation with arable crops for seven years and fallow for four years. The effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers were investigated singly and in combination. The type of fertilizer had no significant effect on the soil pH, although, cropping significantly lowered the pH from 6.0 to 5.7. Cropping also significantly reduced the soil organic matter and total nitrogen (N). The soil organic matter (OM) and total N were most depleted with organic fertilizer application. Complementary application of organic and inorganic fertilizers limited the degree of depletion from 31.0 to 12.1 g kg^?1 of OM and 1.8 to 0.6 g kg^?1 total N. Soil available P was increased (60%) by inorganic fertilizer while the organic fertilizer increased it by 145% and the combined fertilizer by 186%. Exchangeable calcium (Ca) was depleted by about 12% with organic fertilizer application, 15% by inorganic fertilizer and about 19% with complementary application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Exchangeable sodium (Na) was reduced from 0.43 to about 0.38 cmol kg^?1 while magnesium (Mg) was increased from 0.5 to about 0.6 cmol kg^?1.     

Net nitrogen immobilization in soil induced by small additions of energy sources

Abstract

This study investigated whether small additions to soil of primary paper-mill sludge, a wood fibre residue from paper production (fibre sludge), caused temporary N immobilization and thereby reduced the amount of inorganic nitrogen leached from agricultural land. This was achieved by measuring respiration and immobilization of N in incubation studies at 8°C, with fibre sludge added at rates varying from 63 to 1000?mg?C?kg^?1 soil. Glucose added at rates of 63–250?mg?C?kg^?1 soil was used as a reference. Respiration in soil after glucose addition followed an exponential course with the highest rates on days 2–4. During this period maximum peaks of net N immobilization were measured. Even addition of only 63?mg glucose-C?kg^?1 soil caused significant immobilization of N in soil. Fibre sludge additions to soil caused lower respiration activities, characterized by two initial peaks followed by somewhat higher respiration rates during the remaining incubation than for glucose. It was likely that hemicellulose, which amounted to 14% of the total C, was the initial available energy source in the sludge as concentrations of water-soluble C were very low. Addition of at least 250?mg?C?kg^?1 soil as fibre sludge was required to cause significant N immobilization in soil corresponding to 5?kg?N?ha^?1. Both nitrate and ammonium were immobilized. Relating maximum N immobilization data during days 2 to 10 to corresponding respiration data for glucose and fibre sludge revealed that microbes utilised similar amounts of C per unit N immobilized. On average, 175.6±74.8?mg CO₂-C were respired to immobilize 1?mg?N and the relationship between C respiration and N immobilization was linear (R ²=0.984). To make soil application of fibre sludge a realistic counter-measure against N leaching from agricultural soils, pre-treatment is necessary to increase the content of energy readily available to microbes.     

Liming effects of beef cattle feedlot manure or compost

Abstract

Soil pH can be increased by manure or compost application because feed rations usually contain calcium carbonate. This study was conducted from 1992 to 1996 to evaluate effects of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N)‐based manure and compost application management strategies on soil pH level. Composted and uncomposted beef cattle (Bos taunts) feedlot manure was applied to supply N or P needs of corn (Zea mays L.) for either a one‐ or two‐year period. Phosphorus‐based manure or compost treatments also received additional fertilizer N (ammonium nitrate) to provide for a total of 151‐kg available N ha^‐1 yr^‐1. Fertilized and unfertilized checks also were included. Manure and composted manure contained about 9 g CaCO₃kg^‐1 resulting in application rates of up to 1730 kg CaCO₃ ha^‐1 in 4 years. The surface soil (0–150 mm) pH was significantly decreased with ammonium nitrate application compared to soil in the unfertilized check or to soil receiving manure or compost. Soil pH was significantly increased with the N‐based management strategy compared with the soil original level. In contrast, 4 yr of P‐based manure and compost application strategy maintained soil pH at the original level. Nitrogen‐based applications resulted in higher soil pH than P‐based. Beef cattle feedlot manure and compost can be good sources of CaCO₃ for soils requiring lime addition.     

Controlled‐release urea decreased ammonia volatilization and increased nitrogen use efficiency of cotton

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer input leads to higher N loss via ammonia (NH₃) volatilization. Controlled‐release urea (CRU) was expected to reduce emission losses of N. An incubation and a plant growth experiment with Gossypium hirsutum L. were conducted with urea and CRU (a fertilizer mixture of polymer‐coating sulfur‐coated urea and polymer‐coated urea with N ratios of 5 : 5) under six levels of N fertilization rates, which were 0% (0 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 50% (110 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 75% (165 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 100% (220 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 125% (275 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), and 150% (330 mg N kg⁻¹ soil) of the recommended N fertilizer rate. For each type of N fertilizer, the NH₃ volatilization, cotton yield, and N uptake increased with the rate of N application, while N use efficiency reached a threshold and decreased when N application rates of urea and CRU exceeded 238.7 and 209.3 mg N kg⁻¹ soil, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was reduced by 65–105% with CRU in comparison to urea treatments. The N release characteristic of CRU corresponded well to the N requirements of cotton growth. Soil inorganic N contents, leaf SPAD values, and net photosynthetic rates were increased by CRU application, particularly from the full bloom stage to the initial boll‐opening stage. As a result, CRU treatments achieved significantly higher lint yield by 7–30%, and the N use efficiency of CRU treatments was increased by 25–124% relative to that of urea treatments. These results suggest that the application of CRU could be widely used for cotton production with higher N use efficiency and lower NH₃ volatilization.     

Effect of sewage sludge and ammonium nitrate on wheat yield and soil profile inorganic nitrogen accumulation 1

The beneficial effect of sewage sludge in crop production has been demonstrated, but there is concern regarding its contribution to nitrate (NO₃) leaching. The objectives of this study were to compare nitrogen (N) rates of sewage sludge and ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) on soil profile (0–180 cm), inorganic N [ammonium nitrate (NH₄‐N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃‐N)] accumulation, yield, and N uptake in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). One field experiment was established in 1993 that evaluated six N rates (0 to 540 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1) as dry anaerobically digested sewage sludge and ammonium nitrate. Lime application in 1993 (4.48 Mg ha^‐1) with 540 kg N ha^‐1·yr^‐1 was also evaluated. A laboratory incubation study was included to simulate N mineralization from sewage sludge applied at rates of 45, 180, and 540 kg N ha^‐1·yr^‐1. Treatments did not affect surface soil (0–30 cm) pH, organic carbon (C), and total N following the first (1994) and second (1995) harvest. Soil profile inorganic N accumulation increased when ≥270 kg N ha^‐1 was applied as ammonium nitrate. Less soil profile inorganic N accumulation was detected when lime was applied. In general, wheat yields and N uptake increased linearly with applied N as sewage sludge, while wheat yields and N uptake peaked at 270 kg N ha^‐1 when N was applied as ammonium nitrate. Lime did not affect yields or N uptake. Fertilizer N immobilization was expected to be high at this site where wheat was produced for the first time in over 10 years (previously in native bermudagrass). Estimated N use efficiency using sewage sludge in grain production was 20% (average of two harvests) compared to ammonium nitrate. Estimated plant N recovery was 17% for sewage sludge and 27% for ammonium nitrate.     

Volatilization of Ammonia Derived from Fertilizer and Its Reabsorption by Coffee Plants

Abstract

Volatilization of ammonia derived from nitrogen (N) fertilizers and its possible reabsorption by crops depend on specific soil, climate, and atmospheric conditions, as well as the method of fertilizer application and plant architecture. In an experiment carried out in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, the volatilization of ammonia derived from urea, ammonium sulfate, and natural soil were quantified using static semi‐open N‐ammonia (NH₃) collectors. Fertilizers were top‐dressed under the plant canopy on top of dead leaf mulch. In another experiment, the reabsorption of the volatilized ammonia by plants was quantified using ¹⁵N‐labeled urea. Results showed, as expected, that volatilization derived from urea was seven times more intense in relation to ammonium sulfate, whose volatilization was very low, and slightly more than the natural volatilization from soil at pH 5.3. The loss of ammonia from the ammonium sulfate was very low, little more than twice of that of the natural soil. Through isotopic labeling, it was verified that 43% of the volatilized N‐NH₃ was reabsorbed by coffee plants, which gives evidence that volatilization losses are greatly reversed through this process.     

模拟土柱条件下黑土中肥料氮素的迁移转化特征

为明确肥料氮素在土壤中的迁移转化动态特征,利用模拟土柱方法,研究了3倍常规施肥量条件下不同肥料处理(尿素、硫铵)黑土的矿质氮变化。结果表明:不同氮肥处理的氮素养分迁移转化特征有明显差异。对照处理(不施肥)土柱内各层次间NH4+-N和NO3--N含量差异不明显;施用尿素或硫铵后,表层0~50mm土层的NH4+-N和NO3--N含量比不施肥对照分别升高100.8~3408.1mg·kg-1、113.4~388.0mg·kg-1和126.7~4671.1mg·kg-1、51.4~63.3mg·kg-1,且在培养前14d内变化最大。在整个培养期内,施用硫铵处理各层次NH4+-N平均含量比尿素处理高2.54~1423.7mg·kg-1,NO3--N平均含量低4.38~335.1mg·kg-1;而尿素处理各层次的硝化率是硫铵处理的0.79~9.12倍。表明肥料氮素的迁移与转化集中在0~50mm土层内,尿素处理的氮素转化速率较硫铵处理高。     

Yield response of crops amended with sewage sludge in the field is more affected by sludge properties than by final soil metal concentration

Adverse effects on crop yield or quality have been reported in sewage‐sludge treated soils at soil total metal concentrations below those of the current EU directives. A field trial was set up in Belgium (2002–2004) to assess crop response to the application of sewage sludge below these soil thresholds but with sludge metal concentrations either above (high‐metal) or below (low‐metal) sludge metal limits. Two lime‐stabilized and two raw, dewatered sludges were applied annually at rates of 10, 25 and 50 t dry matter (dm) ha^?1 for 3 years with four rates of N‐fertilizer as a reference. Final soil metal concentrations increased to maximums of 1.6 mg Cd kg^?1 and 225 mg Zn kg^?1 through sludge applications. Maize yield was marginally affected by treatments in year 1, whereas wheat and barley grain yields in subsequent years increased up to threefold with increasing sludge or fertilizer rates and were mainly explained by grain‐N. However, the grain yield of winter wheat in year 2 was reduced by about 14% in lime‐stabilized high‐metal sludge treatments compared with wheat receiving N‐fertilizer at equivalent grain‐N. Wheat grain and straw analysis showed no nutrient deficiencies but Zn concentrations in grain and straw were greater than in N‐fertilizer and lime‐stabilized, low‐metal sludge treatments, suggesting Zn toxicity. Sludge properties other than Cd concentration (e.g. electrical conductivity) affected crop Cd in the first year (maize), whereas significant correlations between Cd application and wheat grain Cd were found in the second year. Wheat grain Cd concentrations reached the international trade guideline of 0.1 mg Cd kg^?1 fresh weight in the plots amended with lime‐treated, high‐metal sludge even though soil Cd remained below EU limits. In the third year, barley grain Cd remained largely below EU limits. We discuss the possibility that sludge properties rather than soil total metal concentrations are related to effects on crops in the initial years after sludge applications. In none of the 3 years were any adverse effects on crops found for sludge meeting current EU regulations.     

Soil Inorganic Nitrogen Content and Indices of Red Raspberry Yield,Vigor, and Nitrogen Status as Affected by Rate and Source of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Abstract

The single‐year response of soil inorganic nitrogen (N) content and indices of red raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) yield, vigor, and N status to rate and source of fertilizer N were determined. Twenty‐nine trials were conducted in commercial plantings from 1994 to 1996. Treatments were 0, 55, or 110 kg N ha^?1 as ammonium nitrate or 55 kg N ha^?1 as a slow‐release fertilizer product containing 60% polycoated sulfur‐coated urea and 40% urea. Soil nitrate (NO₃) content frequently increased during the growing season, indicating that soil N supply was nonlimiting. The plant indices were generally insensitive to fertilizer‐N rate under these high‐N fertility conditions. Soil nitrate content measured after berry harvest was frequently excessive even at the recommended N rate and can be used to identify fields with excess N fertility. The slow‐release N fertilizer provided limited benefits compared with use of ammonium nitrate.     

Mineralization of Three Organic Manures Used as Nitrogen Source in a Soil Incubated under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

The rate and timing of manure application when used as nitrogen (N) fertilizer depend on N‐releasing capacity (mineralization) of manures. A soil incubation study was undertaken to establish relative potential rates of mineralization of three organic manures to estimate the value of manure as N fertilizer. Surface soil samples of 0–15 cm were collected and amended with cattle manure (CM), sheep manure (SM), and poultry manure (PM) at a rate equivalent to 200 mg N kg^?1 soil. Soil without any amendment was used as a check (control). Nitrogen‐release potential of organic manures was determined by measuring changes in total mineral N [ammonium‐N+nitrate‐N (NH₄ ⁺–N+NO₃ ^?–N)], NH₄ ⁺–N, and accumulation of NO₃ ^?–N periodically over 120 days. Results indicated that the control soil (without any amendment) released a maximum of 33 mg N kg^?1soil at day 90, a fourfold increase (significant) over initial concentration, indicating that soil had substantial potential for mineralization. Soil with CM, SM, and PM released a maximum of 50, 40, and 52 mg N kg^?1 soil, respectively. Addition of organic manures (i.e., CM, SM, and PM) increased net N released by 42, 25, and 43% over the control (average). No significant differences were observed among manures. Net mineralization of organic N was observed for all manures, and the net rates varied between 0.01 and 0.74 mg N kg^?1 soil day^?1. Net N released, as percent of organic N added, was 9, 10, and 8% for CM, SM, and PM. Four phases of mineralization were observed; initial rapid release phase in 10–20 days followed by slow phase in 30–40 days, a maximum mineralization in 55–90 days, and finally a declined phase in 120 days. Accumulation of NO₃ ^?–N was 13.2, 10.6, and 14.6 mg kg^?1 soil relative to 7.4 mg NO₃ ^?–N kg^?1 in the control soil, indicating that manures accumulated NO₃ ^?–N almost double than the control. The proportion of total mineral N to NO₃ ^?–N revealed that a total of 44–61% of mineral N is converted into NO₃ ^?–N, indicating that nitrifiers were unable to completely oxidize the available NH₄ ⁺. The net rates of mineralization were highest during the initial 10–20 days, showing that application of manures 1–2 months before sowing generally practiced in the field may cause a substantial loss of mineralized N. The rates of mineralization and nitrification in the present study indicated that release of inorganic N from the organic pool of manures was very low; therefore, manures have a low N fertilizer effect in our conditions.     

Efficacy of single application ammonium sulfate in suppressing potato common scab

Abstract

The objective of this study was to suppress potato common scab by lowering the soil pH and increasing the concentration of water-soluble aluminum (Al) in soil with a single application of ammonium sulfate into each row. Superphosphate (P) and potassium sulfate (K) were applied to the surface soil horizon and ammonium sulfate (N) was applied only into the rows along which potato plants were to be planted. By this application method, the soil pH was lowered and the concentration of water-soluble Al was increased in the soil of the rows where potato tubers were grown. Potato common scab was suppressed in the soil containing water-soluble Al in concentrations of 0.2 to 0.3 mg L^?1 or higher. The pH of the soil fertilized as indicated above remained lower than that of the control soil to which the mixture of N, P, and K was uniformly applied. In soil types such as Haplic Andosols containing allophane at high concentrations of 71 g kg^?1 in Memanbetsu, the suppression of potato common scab by this single application of ammonium sulfate was less effective due to the low soluble Al concentration. In other soil types, the soil pH was easily controlled and common scab was suppressed by this method. The advantages of this method are that (a) it minimizes the use of fertilizers, thus reducing the adverse effects of unnecessary fertilizers on the soil; and (b) it lowers the cost by eliminating additional agricultural chemicals and extra fertilizers.     

Changes in cadmium and zinc phytoavailability in agricultural soil after amendment with papermill sludge and biosolids

Abstract

The co‐disposal of papermill sludge with biosolids is seen as an alternative soil amendment to papermill sludge and inorganic fertilizer. The objectives of this study were to assess the suitability of co‐disposal of papermill sludge and biosolids by measuring changes in the soil physicochemical properties and the phytoavailability of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Biosolids were applied with papermill sludge as an alternative source of N to inorganic fertilizers at rates calculated on the basis of C:N ratios of the amendments and common papermill sludge disposal practices. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was grown on amended soils for 6 months under glasshouse conditions. The papermill sludge amendment alone increased soil pH and the rate of carbon degradation compared to the control (no amendment) and biosolid co‐disposal amendment. There was no difference in dry matter yield per pot of ryegrass between the treatments. Cadmium concentrations in plant tissue increased through the trial with the application of biosolids and papermill sludge. These findings were correlated well with the sorption properties of the soils for Cd as derived from isotherms. However, Zn uptake was unaffected by the application of the papermill sludge and biosolids.     

Nitrification and utilization of fertilizer nitrogen by highbush blueberry

Nitrification rates and nitrogen (N) recovery by 3 year‐old highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Bluecrop) were compared following applications of ammonium sulfate with or without the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on a sandy loam soil with pH 4.8. Ammonium sulfate solutions containing 7.9 grams N (10.2 atom % ¹⁵N), with or without 0.6 g DCD, were applied to the soil surface beneath bushes. Concentrations of fertilizer derived nitrate were significantly lower in DCD treated soils 2 weeks following application, but DCD had no effect on total nitrate levels or fertilizer derived nitrate later in the season. Uptake of fertilizer‐N by blueberry plants was observed by collecting fruit during the growing season and assessing N partitioning within whole plants at the end of the season using ¹⁵N as a label for fertilizer N. The DCD had no effect on fertilizer derived or total N levels in plants. Plants recovered an average of 3% of applied N by the end of the season.     

Presidedress soil nitrogen test for corn in Virginia

Abstract

The presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and the presidedress tissue nitrogen test (PTNT) have been developed to assess residual soil nitrogen (N) sufficiency for corn (Zea mays L.) in the humid eastern U.S. We conducted field studies at 47 sites during 1990 and 1991 to evaluate the use of the PSNT and PTNT for corn in Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian Ridge and Valley regions of Virginia. Seven rates of fertilizer N (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, and 270 kg/ha) were applied at corn height of 0.40 to 0.50 m and replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Whole corn plants and soil to a depth of 0.30 m were sampled when corn height was 0.15 to 0.30 m to estimate available soil N prior to the application of fertilizer N treatments. Corn grain yield response to fertilizer N was used to assess residual soil N availability. Nitrogen concentration of whole corn plants at 0.15 to 0.30 m height was not an accurate indicator of plant‐available soil N. Corn yields were maximized without sidedress N at the 19 sites where soil NO₃‐N was at least 18 mg‐kg^‐1 and at the 17 sites where soil (NO₃+NH₄)‐N was at least 22 mg‐kg^‐1. The PSNT predicted corn N sufficiency regardless of soil physiographic region or surface texture; however, the critical values for NO₃‐N and (NO₃+NH₄)‐N were 3 to 5 mg‐kg^‐1 lower than those established in Pennsylvania and Maryland, where cooler soil temperatures may permit greater residence time of inorganic N.     

Validation and Recalibration of a Soil Test for Mineralizable Nitrogen

Abstract

A soil test for mineralizable soil N had been calibrated for winter wheat in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. Seventy‐eight percent of the variation in spring N uptake by unfertilized wheat was explained by N mineralized from mid‐winter soil samples incubated anaerobically for 7 days at 40°C. Mineralizable N (Nmin) ranged from 10 to 30 mg N kg^?1 and was used to predict N fertilizer needs. Recommended rates of N were correlated (R²=0.87) with maximum economic rates of N fertilizer. Subsequent farmer adoption of no‐till sowing and a high frequency of soil tests>30 mg N kg^?1 prompted reevaluation of the soil test. Four N fertilizer rates [0, 56, G, and G+56 kg N ha^?1] were compared in 12 m×150 m farmer‐managed plots. Grower's N rates (G) ranged from 90 to 180 kg N ha^?1 and were based on N_min and NH₄‐N plus NO₃‐N soil tests. Averaged across ten no‐till and five conventionally tilled sites, grain yield and crop N uptake were maximized at the recommended rate of N. Results demonstrate that N fertilizer needs for winter wheat can be predicted over a wide range of mineralizable soil N (10 to 75 mg N kg^?1) and that the same soil test calibration can be used for conventionally sown and direct‐seeded winter wheat.     

Soil pH and nitrogen changes following cattle and sheep urine deposition

Abstract

The relationship between animal urine deposition and variability in soil chemical composition and crop growth is not well established in the semi‐arid region of West Africa. This study was conducted to examine the changes over time in soil pH and mineral nitrogen (N) concentrations at the micro sites of cattle and sheep urine patches in comparison to those occurring in fertilizer urea placement zones. The urine and fertilizer solution containing each 400 mg N (800 kg N ha^‐1) were spread onto individual plots covering a surface area of 4‐cm radius. The treatments included a control, which consisted of distillate water. Soil samples from three replicate plots were taken in 4‐cm increments to a depth of 16 cm and distance of 16 cm on a grid pattern at days 1, 7, 21, 49, 90, 120, and 150 after application. Significant pH and mineral N gradients develop in the vicinity of the fertilizer and urine placement zones declining towards the periphery and the deeper soil layers. The pH at the center of the urine zone remained above 7.5 throughout the 150 days of the study period. After the initial increase, the soil pH below the fertilizer placement sites declined to the control level by day 90. Concentrations of ammonium (NH₄) + nitrate (NO₃) also increased markedly in the immediate soil layers of the urine and urea placement zones, and then decreased over time probably due to N losses by volatilization and leaching. Concentrations of mineral N at the periphery of the placement site were similar for all treatments throughout the study period, indicating very little lateral N diffusion. These results provided evidence that animal urine causes significant variabilities in soil chemical composition, even in short distance from the deposition zones. The high soil solution pH in the vicinity of the urine patches alleviate the potential of aluminum (Al) toxicity while increasing the phosphorus (P) availability to crop plants.     

Dynamics of 15N-labeled ammonium sulfate in various inorganic and organic soil fractions of wetland rice soils

Summary The dynamics of basally applied ¹⁵N-labeled ammonium sulfate in inorganic and organic soil fractions of five wetland rice soils of the Philippines was studied in a greenhouse experiment. Soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed for ¹⁵N at various growth stages. Exchangeable NH₄ ⁺ depletion continued after 40 days after transplanting (DAT) and corresponded with increased nitrogen uptake by rice plants. Part of the applied fertilizer was fixed by 2:1 clay minerals, especially in Maligaya silty clay loam, which contained beidellite as the dominant clay mineral. After the initial fixation, nonexchangeable ¹⁵N was released from 20 DAT in Maligaya silty clay loam, but fixation delayed fertilizer N uptake from the soil. Part of the applied N was immobilized into the organic fraction. In Guadalupe clay and Maligaya silty clay loam, immobilization increased with time while the three other soils showed significant release of fertilizer N from the organic fraction during crop growth. Most of the immobilized fertilizer N was recovered in the nondistillable acid soluble (alpha-amino acid + hydrolyzable unknown-N) fraction at crop maturity. Between 61% and 66% of applied N was recovered from the plant in four soils while 52% of fertilizer N was recovered from the plant in Maligaya silty loam. Only 20% – 30% of the total N uptake at maturity was derived from fertilizer N. Nmin (mineral N) content of the soil before transplanting significantly correlated with N uptake. Twenty-two to 34% of applied N was unaccounted for possibly due to denitrification and ammonia volatilization.     

Reducing ammonia loss from urea and improving soil-exchangeable ammonium retention through mixing triple superphosphate, humic acid and zeolite

Ammonia losses from soil following fertilization with urea may be large. This laboratory study compared the effect of four different, urea–triple superphosphate (TSP)–humic acid–zeolite, mixtures on NH₃ loss, and soil ammonium and nitrate contents, with loss from surface‐applied urea without additives. The soil was a sandy clay loam Typic Kandiudult (Bungor Series). The mixtures significantly reduced NH₃ loss by between 32 and 61% compared with straight urea (46% N) with larger reductions with higher rates of humic acid (0.75 and 1 g kg^?1 of soil) and zeolite (0.75 and 1 g kg^?1 of soil). All the mixtures of acidic P fertilizer, humic acid and zeolite with urea significantly increased soil NH₄ and NO₃ contents, increased soil‐exchangeable Ca, K and Mg, and benefited the formation of NH₄ over NH₃ compared with urea without additives. The increase in soil‐exchangeable cations, and temporary reduction of soil pH may have retarded urea hydrolysis in the microsite immediately around the fertilizer. It may be possible to improve the efficiency of urea surface‐applied to high value crops by the addition of TSP, humic acid and zeolite.     

Nitrogen fertilizer–induced mineralization of soil organic C and N in six contrasting soils of Bangladesh

A 90‐day laboratory incubation study was carried out using six contrasting subtropical soils (calcareous, peat, saline, noncalcareous, terrace, and acid sulfate) from Bangladesh. A control treatment without nitrogen (N) application was compared with treatments where urea, ammonium sulfate (AS), and ammonium nitrate (AN) were applied at a rate of 100 mg N (kg soil)^–1. To study the effect of N fertilizers on soil carbon (C) turnover, the CO₂‐C flux was determined at nine sampling dates during the incubation, and the total loss of soil carbon (TC) was calculated. Nitrogen turnover was characterized by measuring net nitrogen mineralization (NNM) and net nitrification (NN). Simple and stepwise multiple regressions were calculated between CO₂‐C flux, TC, NNM, and NN on the one hand and selected soil properties (organic C, total N, C : N ratio, CEC, pH, clay and sand content) on the other hand. In general, CO₂‐C fluxes were clearly higher during the first 2 weeks of the incubation compared to the later phases. Soils with high pH and/or indigenous C displayed the highest CO₂‐C flux. However, soils having low C levels (i.e., calcareous and terrace soils) displayed a large relative TC loss (up to 22.3%) and the added N–induced TC loss from these soils reached a maximum of 10.6%. Loss of TC differed depending on the N treatments (urea > AS > AN >> control). Significantly higher NNM was found in the acidic soils (terrace and acid sulfate). On average, NNM after urea application was higher than for AS and AN (80.3 vs. 71.9 and 70.9 N (kg soil)^–1, respectively). However, specific interactions between N‐fertilizer form and soil type have to be taken into consideration. High pH soils displayed larger NN (75.9–98.1 mg N (kg soil)^–1) than low pH soils. Averaged over the six soils, NN after application of urea and AS (83.3 and 82.2 mg N (kg soil)^–1, respectively) was significantly higher than after application of AN (60.6 mg N (kg soil)^–1). Significant relationships were found between total CO₂ flux and certain soil properties (organic C, total N, CEC, clay and sand content). The most important soil property for NNM as well as NN was soil pH, showing a correlation coefficient of –0.33** and 0.45***, respectively. The results indicate that application of urea to acidic soils and AS to high‐pH soils could be an effective measure to improve the availability of added N for crop uptake.