Effect of long‐term fertilization and manuring on potassium release properties in a Typic Ustochrept

A long‐term fertilizer experiment, over 27 years, studied the effect of mineral fertilizers and organic manures on potassium (K) balances and K release properties in maize‐wheat‐cowpea (fodder) cropping system on a Typic Ustochrept. The treatments consisted of control, 100% nitrogen (100% N), 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (100% NP), 50% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (50% NPK), 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (100% NPK), 150% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (150% NPK), and 100% NPK+farmyard manure (100% NPK+FYM). Nutrients N, P, and K in 100% NPK treatment were applied at N: 120 kg ha^—1, P: 26 kg ha^—1, and K: 33 kg ha^—1 each to maize and wheat crops and N: 20 kg ha^—1, P: 17 kg ha^—1, and K: 17 kg ha^—1 to cowpea (fodder). In all the fertilizer and manure treatments removal of K in the crop exceeded K additions and the total soil K balance was negative. The neutral 1 N ammonium acetate‐extractable K in the surface soil (0—15 cm) ranged from 0.19 to 0.39 cmol kg^—1 in various treatments after 27 crop cycles. The highest and lowest values were obtained in 100% NPK+FYM and 100% NP treatments, respectively. Non‐exchangeable K was also depleted more in the treatments without K fertilization (control, 100% N, and 100% NP). Parabolic diffusion equation could describe the reaction rates in CaCl₂ solutions. Release rate constants (b) of non‐exchangeable K for different depth of soil profile showed the variations among the treatments indicating that long‐term cropping with different rates of fertilizers and manures influenced the rate of K release from non‐exchangeable fraction of soil. The b values were lowest in 100% NP and highest in 100% NPK+FYM treatment in the surface soil. In the sub‐surface soil layers (15—30 and 30—45 cm) also the higher release rates were obtained in the treatments supplied with K than without K fertilization indicating that the sub‐soils were also stressed for K in these treatments.     

Long‐term effects of fertilization on some soil properties under rainfed soybean‐wheat cropping in the Indian Himalayas

This study aims to examine the effects of long‐term fertilization and cropping on some chemical and microbiological properties of the soil in a 32 y old long‐term fertility experiment at Almora (Himalayan region, India) under rainfed soybean‐wheat rotation. Continuous annual application of recommended doses of chemical fertilizer and 10 Mg ha^–1 FYM on fresh‐weight basis (NPK + FYM) to soybean (Glycine max L.) sustained not only higher productivity of soybean and residual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop, but also resulted in build‐up of total soil organic C (SOC), total soil N, P, and K. Concentration of SOC increased by 40% and 70% in the NPK + FYM–treated plots as compared to NPK (43.1 Mg C ha^–1) and unfertilized control plots (35.5 Mg C ha^–1), respectively. Average annual contribution of C input from soybean was 29% and that from wheat was 24% of the harvestable aboveground biomass yield. Annual gross C input and annual rate of total SOC enrichment from initial soil in the 0–15 cm layer were 4362 and 333 kg C ha^–1, respectively, for the plots under NPK + FYM. It was observed that the soils under the unfertilized control, NK and N + FYM treatments, suffered a net annual loss of 5.1, 5.2, and 15.8 kg P ha^–1, respectively, whereas the soils under NP, NPK, and NPK + FYM had net annual gains of 25.3, 18.8, and 16.4 kg P ha^–1, respectively. There was net negative K balance in all the treatments ranging from 6.9 kg ha^–1 y^–1 in NK to 82.4 kg ha^–1 y^–1 in N + FYM–treated plots. The application of NPK + FYM also recorded the highest levels of soil microbial‐biomass C, soil microbial‐biomass N, populations of viable and culturable soil microbes.     

Bio‐inoculant improves nitrogen‐use efficiency and cotton yield in saline soils

Improved nutrient‐use efficiency is important to sustain agricultural production. The goal of our study was to investigate the effects of Azovit® (Azotobacter chroococcum) inoculation of seed with N fertilization on crop yield, nutrient uptake, and N‐use efficiency (NUE) of irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. C‐6524) in secondary saline soil under continental climatic conditions of Uzbekistan. A randomized complete block design in a 4 × 2 split‐plot experiment was established in the fall of 2013. The main plot was N fertilization (0, 140, 210, and 280 kg ha^?1) and the subplot was Azovit inoculation. Azovit inoculation consistently increased the seed and lint yields of cotton by 25 and 27.9%, respectively, at 210 kg N ha^?1 compared to the respective control. Azovit with 210 kg N ha^?1 significantly increased the cotton harvest index by 21%, when compared to the control. Likewise, nutrient uptake and NUE of cotton were higher when N (210 kg ha^?1) was applied with Azovit, as compared to other treatment combinations. An extrapolation of the relationship of relative yield vs. N fertilization showed that Azovit at 210 kg N ha^?1 was sufficient to obtain near‐maximum cotton production (90%) with highest NUE, as compared to the respective control. The results suggest that Azovit with 210 kg N ha^?1 produces cotton yield higher and/or comparable with the currently used rates of 280 kg N ha^?1 or higher, suggesting savings of 70 kg N ha^?1 for cotton production in saline soils under continental climatic conditions.     

Long-term yield trend and sustainability of rainfed soybean–wheat system through farmyard manure application in a sandy loam soil of the Indian Himalayas

A long-term (30 years) soybean–wheat experiment was conducted at Hawalbagh, Almora, India to study the effects of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on grain yield trends of rainfed soybean (Glycine max)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system and nutrient status (soil C, N, P and K) in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplaquept). The unfertilized plot supported 0.56 Mg ha⁻¹ of soybean yield and 0.71 Mg ha⁻¹ of wheat yield (average yield of 30 years). Soybean responded to inorganic NPK application and the yield increased significantly to 0.87 Mg ha⁻¹ with NPK. Maximum yields of soybean (2.84 Mg ha⁻¹) and residual wheat (1.88 Mg ha⁻¹) were obtained in the plots under NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) treatment, which were significantly higher than yields observed under other treatments. Soybean yields in the plots under the unfertilized and the inorganic fertilizer treatments decreased with time, whereas yields increased significantly in the plots under N + FYM and NPK + FYM treatments. At the end of 30 years, total soil organic C (SOC) and total N concentrations increased in all the treatments. Soils under NPK + FYM-treated plots contained higher SOC and total N by 89 and 58% in the 0–45 cm soil layer, respectively, over that of the initial status. Hence, the decline in yields might be due to decline in available P and K status of soil. Combined use of NPK and FYM increased SOC, oxidizable SOC, total N, total P, Olsen P, and ammonium acetate exchangeable K by 37.8, 42.0, 20.8, 30.2, 25.0, and 52.7%, respectively, at 0–45 cm soil layer compared to application of NPK through inorganic fertilizers. However, the soil profiles under all the treatments had a net loss of nonexchangeable K, ranging from 172 kg ha⁻¹ under treatment NK to a maximum of 960 kg ha⁻¹ under NPK + FYM after 30 years of cropping. Depletion of available P and K might have contributed to the soybean yield decline in treatments where manure was not applied. The study also showed that although the combined NPK and FYM application sustained long-term productivity of the soybean–wheat system, increased K input is required to maintain soil nonexchangeable K level.     

Verbleib des 15N nach einmaliger Verabreichung von markiertem Düngerstickstoff im Dauerversuch Ewiger Roggenbau Halle

Fate of ¹⁵N after one single application of labelled N fertilizer in the long-term experiment Eternal Rye Cropping Halle To elucidate the fate of N in the long-term field experiment with continuous rye cropping in Halle, Germany (Haplic Phaeozem derived from sandy loess; mean annual precipitation: 466 mm) micro plots (9 m²) were established within the NPK main plot in 1993 and 1994 and the routine N dose (60 kg N ha^—1 a^—1) was once applied as ¹⁵N labelled fertilizer. In the subsequent four years each micro plot was analyzed for the ¹⁵N withdrawn with grain and straw and that remaining in the soil after harvest. Parallel to this, micro plots on the unfertilized main plot received a single dose of 5 kg ha^—1 of high-label ¹⁵N in order to achieve labelling of the annual N input from the air (˜40 kg ha^—1 a^—1) and to follow its fate. — In the NPK treatment about one third of the labelled fertilizer N applied (= *N) was taken up by the rye in the first year, while nearly half of it remained in the soil (0—100 cm), and 10—15% was not recovered (most likely lost via leaching). During the following three years the amount of *N remaining in the soil decreased from 32.7 kg ha^—1 to 21.5 kg ha^—1. However, less than half of the remobilized *N had been taken up by the crop. On the unfertilized plot the uptake of *N was lower at the end of the experiment compared to the NPK plot, while the loss exceeded the comparative figure correspondingly.     

Seasonal soil nitrogen dynamics in rice‐wheat cropping systems of Nepal

The rice‐wheat annual double cropping system occupies some 0.5 million ha in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal. Alternating soil drying and wetting cycles characterize the 6–10 weeks long dry‐to‐wet season transition period (DWT) after wheat harvesting and before wetland rice transplanting. Mineral fertilizer use in the predominant smallholder agriculture is low and crops rely largely on native soil N for their nutrition. Changes in soil aeration status during DWT are likely to stimulate soil N losses. The effect of management options that avoid the nitrate build‐up in soils during DWT by N immobilization in plant or microbial biomass was studied under controlled conditions in a greenhouse (2001/2002) and validated under field conditions in Nepal in 2002. In potted soil in the greenhouse, the gradual increase in soil moisture resulted in a nitrate N peak of 20 mg (kg soil)^–1 that rapidly declined as soil moisture levels exceeded 40 % water‐filled pore space (equiv. 75 % field capacity). Similarly, the maximum soil nitrate build‐up of 40 kg N ha^–1 under field conditions was followed by its near complete disappearance with soil moisture levels exceeding 46 % water‐filled pore space at the onset of the monsoon rains. Incorporation of wheat straw and/or N uptake by green manure crops reduced nitrate accumulation in the soil to < 5 mg N kg^–1 in pots and < 30 kg N ha^–1 in the field (temporary N immobilization), thus reducing the risk for N losses to occur. This “saved” N benefited the subsequent crop of lowland rice with increases in N accumulation from 130 mg pot^–1 (bare soil) to 185 mg pot^–1 (green manure plus wheat straw) and corresponding grain yield increases from 1.7 Mg ha^–1 to 3.6 Mg ha^–1 in the field. While benefits from improved soil N management on lowland rice are obvious, possible carry‐over effects on wheat and the feasibility of proposed options at the farm level require further studies.     

Tillage and fertilizing effects on sandy soils. Review and selected results of long‐term experiments at Humboldt‐University Berlin

The Humboldt‐University of Berlin conducts several long‐term field trials designed to assess the effects of tillage methods, crop rotations, organic fertilization, mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, liming, irrigation, and weather conditions. On silty sand soils shallow ploughing resulted in a distinct accumulation of soil organic matter and phosphorus in the tilled soil layer while potassium and pH values were unaffected. On average shallow ploughing increased yields, with a tendency for higher yields in spring crops and lower yields in winter cereals. Different amounts of organic and mineral fertilizers applied over 30 years resulted in a great differentiation in soil organic matter content. In the following 32 years this variation stayed more or less unchanged, but with an overall reduction in the carbon content. In variants in which phosphate and potassic fertilizers were omitted, 16 kg ha^—1 P and 15 kg ha^—1 K per year were still being mobilized in the soil after 60 years. In treatments with mineral fertilization, the phosphorus is nearly balanced whilst only 60 % of the potassium is withdrawn from the soil. Additional organic fertilizers, given as farm yard manure, led to a nutrient surplus of 19 kg ha^—1 a^—1 P and 99 kg ha^—1 a^—1 K. Omitted liming caused an acidification of the soil to such an extent that crop production became impossible.     

Einfluss eisenhaltiger Klärschlämme auf Kenngrößen der P‐Verfügbarkeit in Ackerböden

Influence of iron content in sewage sludges on parameters of phosphate availability in arable soils The use of iron salts for the P elimination in sewage plants is widely used. But it is not clear whether the P availability in arable soils is negatively influenced by iron compounds or not. The aim of the investigations was, therefore, to study the influence of two sewage sludges with a high and a low Fe content respectively on P sorption and phosphate concentration (P_i) in the soil solution after application of CaHPO₄ or sewage sludge to 5 loamy and 4 sandy soils (pot experiments and 1 silty loam (field experiment)). Soils were analyzed 1, 6, and 13 months after P application. Sludge Gö contained 12 kg P and 65 kg Fe (t DM)^—1 (P : Fe = 1 : 5.4) and sludge Sh 25 kg P and 39 kg Fe (t DM)^—1 (P : Fe = 1 : 1.5). The basic P application was 60 kg P ha^—1 (= 30 mg P (kg soil)^—1 in the pot experiment, as sludge or as CaHPO₄). P uptake by maize was determined in a separate pot experiment with a loamy soil and the same P application rate. The P sorption capacity remained similar in all soils after application of sludge Sh (P : Fe = 1:1.5) compared with soils without sludge, however, after application of sludge Gö the P sorption increased by 16% (0—59%). After application of sludge Sh the mean P_i concentration increased in loamy soils by 34% and in sandy soils by 15%. On the other hand the P_i concentration decreased after applying sludge Gö by 13% and 36% as compared to the controls of the respective soils. In the field experiment the P_i concentration of plots with a high P level (50 mg lactate soluble P (kg soil)^—1) was also significantly decreased after application of 10 t sludge Gö (126 kg P ha^—1) in comparison with triple phosphate. One month after the application of increasing amounts of sludge Gö (5, 10, 15 t DM ha^—1) both the concentration of oxalate‐soluble Fe in the soil and the P sorption were increased. The elevated relationship between these two parameters was highly significant (r² = 0.6 — 0.97). Plant uptake of P was less after application of sludge Gö than after application of sludge Sh and much less than P uptake from CaHPO₄. Sewage sludges with a P : Fe ratio of 1 : 5 should not be recommended for agricultural use, as the P availability is significantly reduced. Iron salts should not be used for conditioning of sludges.     

Ertragsentwicklung im Dauerversuch Ewiger Roggenbau Halle nach den 1990 vorgenommenen Umstellungen in der Düngung

Yield development in the long-term experiment Continuous Rye Cropping Halle after the changes in the fertilization in 1990 The long-term experiment Continuous Rye Cropping being established 1878 on a degraded chernozem (from sandy loess) includes among others a treatment with application of mineral N only over 112 years in which during the last decades the grain yields ranged about 30% below that on the plots with farmyard manure (FYM) or complete mineral fertilization (NPK). The considerable depletion of available P and K in the respective soil was practically overcome in 1990 by a single application of 200 kg P ha^?1 and 400 kg K ha^?1 and thereafter the exclusive fertilization with mineral N was substituted by a combined application of NPK and FYM. Already in the first year the previous yield decline in comparison to ‘NPK’ or ‘FYM’ had been overcome completely. An additional yield increase, however, could only be realized under conditions especially favourable for yield production, so in 1993 and 1995.     

Nitrat‐Austräge auf intensiv und extensiv beweidetem Grünland,erfasst mittels Saugkerzen‐ und Nmin‐Beprobung I Einfluss der Beweidungsintensität

Nitrate leaching from intensively and extensively grazed grassland measured with suction cup samplers and sampling of soil mineral‐N I Influence of pasture management Leaching of nitrate (NO₃^—) from two differently managed cattle pastures was determined over four winters between 1993 and 1997 using ceramic suction cup samplers (with min. 34 cups ha^—1); additionally, vertical soil mineral‐N content in 0—0.9 m (N_min) was measured at the beginning and end of two winters (with min. 70 different sample cores ha^—1). The experimental site in the highlands north‐east of Cologne, Germany, is characterized by high annual precipitation (av. 1,362 mm between 1993 and 1996). An intensive continuous grazing management (1.3 ha, fertilized with 250 kg N ha^—1 yr^—1, average stocking density 4.9 LU ha^—1, = [I]) was tested against an extensive continuous grazing system (2.2 ha, av. 2.9 LU ha^—1; no N‐fertilizer but an estimated proportion of Trifolium repens up to 15 % of total dry matter in the final year, = [E]). The results can be summarized as follows: (1) Mean leaching losses of NO₃‐N, estimated from suction cup sampling and balance of drainage volume, were 85 kg NO₃‐N ha^—1 [I] and 15 kg NO₃‐N ha^—1 [E] during three wet winters with drainage volumes between 399 and 890 mm; in a dry winter with 105 mm calculated percolation, nitrate leaching decreased by a factor of 5 for both grazing treatments. (2) Although the amount of mineral N in soil (N_min) sampled in late autumn showed differences between intensive and extensive grazing, the N_min method permits no certain indication of the risk of NO₃ leaching. For example, during the winter period 1994/95 a reduction of mineral N in the soil (0—0.9 m) in both grazing treatments was found (—33 [I] / —8 [E] kg NO₃‐N ha^—1 and —26 [I] / —21 [E] kg NH₄‐N ha^—1) whereas during the winter 1996/97 an increase in almost all mean mineral N values occurred (+10 [I] / +2 [E] kg NO₃‐N ha^—1 and +10 [I] / —10 [E] kg NH₄‐N ha^—1). (3) In spite of the differences between both methods, the experiment shows that NO₃‐N leaching under extensive grazing could be reduced almost to levels close to those under mown grassland.     

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil and Plant Nutrients and Yields of Pearl Millet and Wheat under Semi-arid Inceptisols in India

A study was conducted to assess fertilizer effect on pearl millet–wheat yield and plant-soil nutrients with the following treatments: T₁, control; T₂, 100% nitrogen (N); T₃, 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (NP); T₄, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); T₅, 100% NPK + zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) at 25 kg ha^?1; T₆, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha^?1; T₇, 100% NPK+ verimcompost (VC) at 2.5 tha^?1; T₈, 100% NPK + sulfur (S) at 25 kg ha^?1; T₉, FYM at 10 t ha^?1; T₁₀, VC at 2.5 t ha^?1; T₁₁, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 25 kg S ha^?1 + ZnSO₄ at 25 kg ha^?1; and T₁₂, 150% NPK treatments. Treatments differed significantly in influencing soil-plant nutrients and grain and straw yields of both crops. Grain yield had significant correlation with soil-plant N, P, K, S, and zinc (Zn) nutrients. The study indicated superiority of T₁₁ for attaining maximum pearl millet grain yield (2885 kg ha^?1) and straw yield (7185 kg ha^?1); amounts of N (48.9 kg ha^?1), P (8.8 kg ha^?1), K (26.3 kg ha^?1), S (20.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.09 kg ha^?1) taken up; and amounts of soil N (187.7 kg ha^?1), P (13.7 kg ha^?1), K (242.5 kg ha^?1), S (10.1 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.70 kg ha^?1). It was superior for wheat with grain yield (5215 kg ha^?1) and straw yield (7220 kg ha^?1); amounts of N (120.7 kg ha^?1), P (13.8 kg ha^?1), K (30 kg ha^?1), S (14.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.18 kg ha^?1) taken up; and maintaining soil N (185.7 kg ha^?1), P (14.5 kg ha^?1), K (250.5 kg ha^?1), S (10.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.73 kg ha^?1). Based on the study, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 tha^?1 + Zn at 25 kg ha^?1 + S at 25 kg ha^?1 could be recommended for attaining maximum returns of pearl millet–wheat under semi-arid Inceptisols.     

Influence of Soil and Fertilizer Nutrients on Sustainability of Rainfed Finger Millet Yield and Soil Fertility in Semi-arid Alfisols

Productivity of rainfed finger millet in semiarid tropical Alfisols is predominantly constrained by erratic rainfall, limited soil moisture, low soil fertility, and less fertilizer use by the poor farmers. In order to identify the efficient nutrient use treatment for ensuring higher yield, higher sustainability, and improved soil fertility, long term field experiments were conducted during 1984 to 2008 in a permanent site under rainfed semi-arid tropical Alfisol at Bangalore in Southern India. The experiment had two blocks—Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Maize Residue (MR) with 5 fertilizer treatments, namely: control, FYM at 10 t ha^?1, FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK (50 kg N + 50 kg P + 25 kg K ha^?1) and 100% NPK in FYM block; and control, MR at 5 t ha^?1, MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK, MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK and 100% NPK in MR block. The treatments differed significantly from each other at p < 0.01 level of probability in influencing finger millet grain yield, soil N, P, and K in different years. Application of FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher yield ranging from 1821 to 4552 kg ha^?1 with a mean of 3167 kg ha^?1 and variation of 22.7%, while application of maize residue at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a yield of 593 to 4591 kg ha^?1 with a mean of 2518 kg ha^?1 and variation of 39.3% over years. In FYM block, FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher organic carbon (0.45%), available N (204 kg ha^?1), available P (68.6 kg ha^?1), and available K (107 kg ha^?1) over years. In maize residue block, application of MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher organic carbon (0.39%), available soil N (190 kg ha^?1), available soil P (47.5 kg ha^?1), and available soil K (86 kg ha^?1). The regression model (1) of yield as a function of seasonal rainfall, organic carbon, and soil P and K nutrients gave a predictability in the range of 0.19 under FYM at 10 t ha^?1 to 0.51 under 100% NPK in FYM block compared to 0.30 under 100% NPK to 0.67 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 application in MR block. The regression model (2) of yield as a function of seasonal rainfall, soil N, P, and K nutrients gave a predictability in the range of 0.11 under FYM at 10 t ha^?1 to 0.52 under 100% NPK in FYM block compared to 0.18 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK to 0.60 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 application in MR block. An assessment of yield sustainability under different crop seasonal rainfall situations indicated that FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK was efficient in FYM block with a maximum Sustainability Yield Index (SYI) of 41.4% in <500 mm, 64.7% in 500–750 mm, 60.2% in 750–1000 mm and 60.4% in 1000–1250 mm rainfall, while MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK was efficient with SYI of 29.6% in <500 mm, 50.2% in 500–750 mm, 40.6% in 750–1000 mm, and 39.7% in 1000–1250 mm rainfall in semi-arid Alfisols. Thus, the results obtained from these long term studies incurring huge expenditure provide very good conjunctive nutrient use options with good conformity for different rainfall situations of rainfed semiarid tropical Alfisol soils for ensuring higher finger millet yield, maintaining higher SYI, and maintaining improved soil fertility.     

Effect of Different Fertilization Methods and Nitrogen Doses on the Weediness of Winter Wheat

The field study was conducted in April 2006 in a long-term fertilization experiment that was set up in 1983. The aims of this study are to compare the weediness in plots with nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK), NPK + farmyard manure (FYM), and NPK + stalk treatments and to study the effect of increasing N doses on the weeds and winter wheat plants. The bifactorial test was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments were the following: 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha^?1 N, 100 kg ha^?1 phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅), and 100 kg ha^?1 potassium oxide (K₂O). Three weed species were dominant in the experiment: Veronica hederifolia, Consolida regalis, and Stellaria media. The NPK treatment resulted in the smallest average weed cover. The significantly greatest weed cover was found on the plots treated with NPK + FYM, but the greatest biomass production of winter wheat was measured also in the NPK + FYM treatment, which resulted in a good crop competition. The weed cover was increased proportionally by the rising N doses. The effect of increasing N rates was positive on the winter wheat biomass and on wheat competition to the weeds. Results of our study show that we can manage weeds better using favorable plant nutrition.     

Biomass production of Lolio‐Cynosuretum grassland is not increased by plant‐species richness

In experimental grasslands, a positive relationship between biomass production and plant diversity has often been found. Here, we compared a moderately species‐rich old sward with its grass‐dominated counterpart (12 vs. 8 species per 2.5 m², or 8.3 vs. 0.7% yield proportion of dicots at the start of the experiment) established by herbicide application. We hypothesized an increased N, P and K uptake in the diverse sward related to a higher colonization rate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the presence of legumes, and complementary nutrient use of plant species. Phosphorus or N fertilizer application (according to contributions of AMF or legumes) were expected to balance the assumed smaller biomass production of the grass compared to the diverse sward. In two experimental years, N, P and K uptake, biomass production, N₂ fixation, and intra‐ and extraradical AMF colonization were investigated in an untreated control and plots that were fertilized with P and N in a low (P1: 20 kg P ha^?1; N1: 50 kg N ha^?1) or a high dose (P2: 100 kg P ha^?1; N2: 500 kg N ha^?1) in both swards. Biomass production was larger in the grass compared to the diverse sward. The N, P and K uptake, accumulated over three harvests (or 1.5 years), was also larger in the grass sward. The biomass production ranged from 5.3 to 10.0 t ha^?1 and accumulated nutrient uptake from 82 to191 kg N ha^?1, 19 to 31 kg P ha^?1 and 112 to 221 kg K ha^?1. Small legume proportions resulted in an accumulated N₂ fixation between 0 and 3 kg ha^?1. In the second year, the root length colonized with AMF structures was larger in the diverse compared to the grass sward, and the root length colonized with arbuscules and coils was larger in the N2 treatment compared to the control in the diverse sward. There were hints to higher AMF abundance under conditions of limited P availability (low soil P content, high N:P ratio in plant biomass). We conclude that in semi‐natural grassland of moderate species richness several factors may affect the relationship between plant diversity and productivity, i.e., management, plant species identity, and the number of the plant species of the low‐diversity level.     

Effect of nutrient‐management practices on growth,fruiting pattern,and yield of Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is mostly grown in the rainfed regions of India. However, little is known about the effects of nutrient‐management practices on plant growth and fruiting pattern of Asiatic cotton. Therefore, plant growth and fruiting pattern under four nutrient‐management treatments, N, NPK, FYM (10 Mg ha^–1), and INM (integrated nutrient management: a combination of NPK and FYM) were quantified during 2000–01 to 2002–03 (years 16 to 18 of a long‐term field experiment). Plants of the INM and FYM treatments were taller (68.4–149.5 cm) and had more main stem nodes per plant (30.5–44.5) as compared to N and NPK treatments. In treatment N, the shortest plants (50.9–83.6 cm) and the least number of fruiting structures were produced. Plants of the INM and FYM treatments accumulated more squares and bolls. Maximum boll production was 10–19 days earlier with the manure‐amended than the N and NPK treatments. Treatment N had the lowest seed cotton yield (639–790 kg ha^–1), because of small boll size (1.48–1.73 g) and few open bolls. Seed cotton yield followed the trend: NPK (815–1278 kg ha^–1) < INM (776–1551 kg ha^–1) < FYM (902–1593 kg ha^–1). Water stress and nutrient deficiencies (P and Zn in the N and Zn in the NPK treatments) as a consequence of nutrient depletion over the years may have decreased seed cotton yields in treatments that received mineral fertilizer alone in comparison with manure‐amended treatments. On a long‐term basis, FYM application should therefore form an integral part of nutrient recommendation.     

Biostimulant effects of Bacillus strains on wheat from in vitro towards field conditions are modulated by nitrogen supply

Bacillus velezensis strains, belonging to plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), are increasingly used as microbial biostimulant. However, their field application to winter wheat under temperate climate remains poorly documented. Therefore, three B. velezensis strains IT45, FZB24 and FZB42 were tested for their efficacy under these conditions. Two biological interaction systems were firstly developed under gnotobiotic and greenhouse conditions combined with sterile or non‐sterile soil, respectively, and finally assayed in the field during two years coupled with different N fertilization rates. Under gnotobiotic conditions, all three strains significantly increased root growth of 14 d‐old spring and winter wheat seedlings. In the greenhouse using non‐sterile soil, only FZB24 significantly increased root biomass of spring wheat (+31%). The three strains were able to improve nutrient uptake of the spring wheat grown in the greenhouse, particularly for the micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, but the observed increases in nutrient uptake were dependent on the organs and the elements. The root biomass increases in inoculated plants coincided with lowered nutrient concentrations of P and K. In 2014, under field conditions and absence of any N fertilizer supply, FZB24 significantly increased grain yields by 983 kg ha^?1, or 14.9%, in relation to non‐inoculated controls. The three strains in the 2015 field trial failed to confirm the previous positive results, likely due to the low temperatures occurring during and after inoculations. The Zeleny sedimentation value, indicative of flour quality, was unaffected by the inoculants. The results are discussed in the perspective of bacterial application to wheat under temperate agricultural practices.     

NITROGEN,PHOSPHORUS, AND POTASSIUM NUTRIENT EFFECTS ON GRAIN FILLING AND YIELD OF HIGH-YIELDING SUMMER CORN

A three-site-year field experiment was conducted to determine nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer effects on grain filling dynamics and yield formation of high-yielding summer corn (Zea mays L.) in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-corn double crop cropping system. Application of combined NPK fertilizers resulted in the greatest grain yield, largest grain number and grain weight when compared with the treatments receiving N, NP, or NK. Grain filling rate and duration, grain volume, and grain yield increased with NPK rates; however, doubling the rate of 180 kg N ha^?1, 40 kg P ha^?1, and 75 kg K ha^?1 fertilizer only led to minimal increases in grain filling rate (0.8%), grain filling duration (1.6%), grain volume (1.3%) and grain yield (0.4%). Our results suggested that for the high-yielding summer corn, a combined NPK fertilization is required to enhance grain filling and yield, and that under well-fertilized circumstances, limited increases in both grain filling and sink capacity might be the main factor restricting further yield improvement.     

Biomass production and N fixation of five Mucuna pruriens varieties and their effect on maize yields in the forest zone of Cameroon

Mucuna has been tested intensively in past years as green manure for intensive maize production in West Africa. However, information is missing about the yield effect of different existing mucuna varieties. Five Mucuna pruriens varieties were grown for 40 weeks followed by sole maize (Zea mays L.) in order to determine differences in biomass production, nitrogen fixation, and effects on maize yield. Mucuna varieties differed in length of growing period, total biomass production (5.9—8.8 Mg ha^—1), seed production (0.65—1.3 Mg ha^—1), nitrogen (N) uptake (147—222 kg ha^—1), N fixation (87—171 kg ha^—1), and the amount of N retained in residues (138—218 kg ha^—1). The grain yield of maize grown immediately after the short mucuna fallow was significantly higher after mucuna vars. jaspaeda (4.60 Mg ha^—1), utilis (3.49 Mg ha^—1), and cochinchinensis (3.44 Mg ha^—1), compared with a non‐fertilized control (1.93 Mg ha^—1) which had a maize crop and vegetation regrowth before. After mucuna vars. ghana and veracruz, 2.90 and 2.65 Mg ha^—1 of maize grain were produced, respectively. No significant correlation between mucuna biomass and its N uptake and maize grain yield was found, whereas maize stover yield showed a significant positive correlation. Application of 30, 60, and 90 kg ha^—1 N as <?tw=98%>urea on sub‐plots of the control yielded 2.20, 3.19, and 3.46 Mg ha^—1 <?tw>of maize grain in the first year. Only the difference between 0 and 90 kg ha^—1 N was significant. Fertilizer N equivalent values for mucuna varieties ranged from 41 to 148 kg ha^—1. The yield advantage of vars. jaspaeda, utilis, and cochinchinensis versus the control without N fertilizer application was confirmed in the following year, with no significant difference in maize grain yield between mucuna and the control with N fertilizer application.<?show $6#>     

Long-term effects of fertilization and manuring on productivity and soil biological properties under rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) sequence in Mollisols

Long-term effects of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system were monitored for two consecutive years after 38 and 39 years on productivity and soil biological properties of Mollisols. The study encompasses varying chemical fertilizer levels of optimum fertilizer rate (120, 26 and 37 kg ha^?1 N, P and K, respectively) for both the crops. The treatments were application of 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + hand weeding (HW), 100% NPK + Zn, 100% NP, 100% N, 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1, 100% NPK(-S) and unfertilized control. The rice and wheat yields were highest with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1. This treatment also gave maximum and significantly more counts of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in soil than all the other treatments after crop harvest. The soil microbial biomass C (410.0 and 407.5 µg g^?1) and N (44.53 and 48.30 µg g^?1) after rice and wheat, respectively, were highest with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1, which were significantly higher over all the other treatments. The activities of soil enzymes like dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulphatase and urease and CO₂ evolution rate with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1 were also found significantly higher over the other treatments. Fertilizer treatments with 100% NPK and 150% NPK were comparable and significantly better than application of 50% NPK, 100% N, 100% NP and 100% NPK(-S) in various studied soil biological properties. Integrated use of 100% NPK with FYM sustained the higher yields and soil biological properties under rice–wheat cropping system in Mollisols. Application of Zn and hand weeding with 100% NPK were found better over 100% NPK alone in rice and wheat productivity. Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers had the harmful effect on soil biological health.     

Solubilization of inorganic phosphates and growth emergence of wheat as affected by Azotobacter chroococcum mutants

 Phosphate-solubilizing strains of A. chroococcum isolated from the wheat rhizosphere were evaluated for their ability to solubilize tricalcium phosphate (TCP), Mussoorie rock phosphate (MRP) and also for indole-acetic-acid (IAA) production. Strains were selected on the basis of the clearance zone on solid agar media of Pikovskaya and Jensen's media containing TCP, and phosphate solubilization in Jensen's liquid culture medium containing both TCP and MRP. Mutants of the best phosphate-solubilizing (TCP 1.52 μg ml^–1 MRP 0.19 μg ml^–1), IAA-producing A. chroococum strain P-4, were developed and screened for P solubilization and phytohormone production. Five mutants solubilized more P (in the range of 1.5–1.7 μg/ml^–1 of TCP and 0.19–0.22 μg ml^–1 of MRP) than the parent strains. In vitro growth emergence studies of three wheat varieties, viz. C-306, WH-542 and HD-2009, showed better performance with phosphate-solubilizing mutants than with the parent strain. Received: 15 October 1997