Saline water and MSW compost: Effects on yield of maize crop and soil responses

A field experiment was carried out in Southern Italy from 2007 to 2010 adopting a two-year rotation of tomato and maize. In this paper, the results of maize cultivation were reported, with the aim to investigate the effects of different water qualities and fertilizers on yield and soil properties. The following treatments were compared: mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer and irrigation with fresh water (FWF); mineral N fertilizer and irrigation with saline water (SWF); Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) compost and irrigation with fresh water (FWC); MSW compost and irrigation with saline water (SWC). These treatments were compared with an unfertilized control and irrigation with fresh-water (FW0) and an unfertilized control and irrigation with saline water (SW0). At harvest, yield, grain moisture content, dry matter, grain protein, starch, fat content and soil characteristics were determined. The treatments with compost increased the average grain yield of the 11% compared to mineral fertilizer treatments. Furthermore, the grain yield in SWC increased of the 19% respect to average of SWF and SW0, indicating that MSW compost applied as amendment mitigated the adversely effects of saline water. Compost application significantly increased the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). In particular, the FWC and SWC treatments showed an average increase of the 25% compared to the mean TOC value of FWF and SWF. Moreover, at the end of the experiment, electrical conductivity decreased in SWC treatment respect to the SWF (?21%).     

MSW Compost Application on Tomato Crops in Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Agronomic Performance and Nitrogen Utilization

A two-year field experiment (2001 and 2003) was carried out in a Mediterranean environment to study the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost application compared with mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization on the agronomic performance and N utilization of a tomato crop, in rotation with durum wheat. The research was conducted in the south of Italy where five N treatments and two soil tillage depths (40-45 cm and 10-15 cm) were compared. The N treatments were: MSW compost at 140 kg ha^?1 (Ncom); mineral N fertilizer at 140 kg ha^?1 (Nmin); MSW compost combined with mineral N fertilizer (Nmix) (70 kg ha^?1 as organic N plus 70 kg ha^?1 as mineral N); mineral N fertilizer at 70 kg ha^?1 combined with two applications of foliar fertilizer (Nfito) (3 kg ha^?1 as hydrolyzed proteins), and an untreated control (Contr). During cropping cycles, growth parameters and plant N status (SPAD readings and petiole nitrate content) were determined; at harvest the marketable, overripe, green fruit, total yield, yield components, quality performance, total and fruit N uptake, and N efficiency were recorded. In addition, at the beginning and at the end of the two-year experiment, soil chemical characteristics and mineral N was measured, allowing for the calculation of the mineral N deficit in the soil. The results of this research indicate that the application of MSW compost to tomato plants can serve as a N source in Mediterranean conditions, especially when MSW compost is combined with mineral N fertilizer and deeper soil tillage is applied. In fact, deeper soil tillage increased total yield 7.0 t ha^?1 compared to surface tillage, whereas soil amended with MSW compost increased total yield compared to the untreated control by approximately 6.4% when used alone and 11.1% when combined with mineral N fertilizer. Nitrogen utilization parameters and Harvest Index varied significantly across years and N treatments. Petiole nitrate content and SPAD readings did not vary between Nmin and Nmix treatments, but they were significantly different from the untreated control. This indicates that plant N status was an effective tool to monitor N supply. After the two-year experiment, the Nmix treatment was statistically not significant in total yield (86.1 and 88.2 t ha^?1, respectively), marketable yield (66.9 and 67.7 t ha^?1) and quality compared to the Nmin treatment. Furthermore, the Nmix treatment ensured the least N deficit in the soil, indicating that MSW applications were effectively used as alternative organic supplements. Finally, the results indicated a positive effect of MSW application on organic carbon content in the soil and did not show any significant increase of the heavy metals at the end of the two-year experiment.     

Response of soil microbial community and diversity to increasing water salinity and nitrogen fertilization rate in an arid soil

The scarcity of fresh water has forced farmers to use saline water (SW) for irrigation. It is important to understand the response of the soil microbial community and diversity to saline irrigation water. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of irrigation water salinity and nitrogen fertilization rates on soil physicochemical properties, microbial activity, microbial biomass, and microbial functional diversity. The field experiment consisted of a factorial design with three levels of irrigation water salinity (electrical conductivities (ECs) of 0.35, 4.61 or 8.04?dS?m^?1) and two nitrogen rates (0 and 360?kg?N?ha^?1). The results showed that the 4.61 and 8.04?dS?m^?1 treatments both reduced soil microbial biomass C (MBC), microbial biomass N (MBN), basal respiration, total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), bacterial PLFA, fungal PLFA, and fungal:bacterial ratios. In contrast, the SW treatments increased the MBC:MBN ratio. Nitrogen fertilization increased soil MBC, MBN, basal respiration, total PLFA, bacterial PLFA, and gram-negative bacterial PLFA. In contrast, N fertilization decreased gram-positive bacterial PLFA, fungal PLFA, and fungal:bacterial ratios. Average well color development, Richness, and Shannon's Index were always lowest in the 8.04?dS?m^?1 treatment. Carbon utilization patterns in the 8.04?dS?m^?1 treatment were different from those in the 0.35?dS?m^?1 treatment. In conclusion, five years of irrigation with brackish or SW reduced the soil microbial biomass, activity, and functional diversity, which may cause the deterioration of soil quality. Thus, the high-salinity water (EC?>?4.61?dS?m^?1) is not appropriate as a single irrigation water resource. Proper N fertilizer input may overcome some of the negative effects of salinity on soil microbial.     

TREATED EFFLUENT AND SALINE WATER IRRIGATION INFLUENCES SOIL PROPERTIES,YIELD, WATER PRODUCTIVITY AND SODIUM CONTENT OF SNOW PEAS AND CELERY

To determine the effects of irrigation water quality, plants were irrigated with normal potable water [0.25 dS m^?1 electrical conductivity (EC), 25 mg L^?1 sodium (Na), 55 mg L^?1 chloride (Cl)], treated effluent (0.94 dS m^?1 EC, 122 mg L^?1 Na, 143 mg L^?1 Cl) and saline water with low salinity (1.24 dS m^?1 EC, 144 mg L^?1 Na and 358 mg L^?1 Cl) and high salinity (2.19 dS m^?1 EC, 264 mg L ^?1Na and 662 mg L^?1 Cl) for snow peas, and high salinity (3.07 dS m^?1 EC, 383 mg L^?1 Na and 965 mg L^?1 Cl) and very high salinity (5.83 dS m^?1 EC, 741 mg L^?1 Na and 1876 mg L^?1 Cl) for celery. The greater salts build up in the soil and ion toxicity (Cl and Na) with saline water irrigation contributed to significantly greater reduction in root and shoot biomass, water use, yield and water productivity (yield kg kL^?1 of water used) of snow peas and celery compared with treated effluent and potable water irrigation. There was 8%, 56% and 74% reduction in celery yield respectively with treated effluent, high salinity and very high salinity saline water irrigation compared with potable water irrigation. The Na concentration in snow peas shoots increased by 54%, 234% and 501% with treated effluent, low and high salinity saline water irrigation. Similarly, the increases in Na concentration in celery shoots were 19%, 35% and 82%. The treated effluent irrigation also resulted in a significant increase in soil EC, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content compared with potable water irrigation. The heavy metals besides salts build up appears to have contributed to yield reductions with treated effluent irrigation. The study reveals strong implications for the use of saline water and treated effluent for irrigation of snow peas and celery. The salt build up within the root zone and soil environment would be critical in the long-run with the use of saline water and treated effluent for irrigation of crops. To minimize the salinity level in rhizosphere, an alternate irrigation of potable water with treated effluent or low salinity level water may be better option.     

Cotton growth and the fate of N fertilizer as affected by saline water irrigation and N fertigation in a drip-irrigated field

The objective of this two-year field experiment was to study the effects of irrigation amount, N rate, and irrigation water salinity on cotton growth and the fate of N fertilizer. The movement of N through the plant-soil system was traced using ¹⁵N-labeled urea. The study consisted of twelve treatments, including two irrigation amounts (405 and 540?mm, I405 and I540, respectively); two N application rates (240 and 360?kg?N/ha, N240 and N360, respectively); and three irrigation water salinity levels [0.35, 4.61 and 8.04?dS/m, representing fresh water (FW), brackish water (BW), and saline water (SW), respectively]. A randomized complete block design was used with three replications. The results showed that cotton biomass, N uptake, and yield increased as irrigation amount and N amount increased; however, all three variables were significantly less in SW than in FW and BW. Plant ¹⁵N recovery rates were greater (i) in the I540 treatments than in the I405 treatments and (ii) in the N360 treatments than in the N240 treatments. Plant ¹⁵N recovery rates in BW were 7.98% and 30.01% greater than those in FW and SW, respectively. Residual soil ¹⁵N increased as N fertilizer amount increased but declined as irrigation amount increased. Residual soil ¹⁵N in BW and SW was 6.02% and 21.44% greater, respectively, than in FW. Total ¹⁵N recovery was significant greater in BW than in FW and SW. The ¹⁵N leaching losses increased significantly with increases in irrigation amount, irrigation water salinity, and N rate. Our study suggests that if appropriate amounts of irrigation water and N fertilizer are used, then brackish irrigation water (4.61?dS/m) will not affect cotton growth, yield and N recovery. In contrast, saline irrigation water (EC?>?8?dS/m) reduces cotton growth, yield, and N use efficiency.     

Utilization of Compost Increases Organic Carbon And Its Humin,Humic and Fulvic Acid Fractions In Calcareous Soil

Organic carbon sustainability in a gravelly calcareous soil is a great challenge under the humid conditions of south Florida. The beneficial effects of compost utilization on soil fertility prompted an investigation on (i) accumulation of total organic carbon and (ii) the soil organic carbon (SOC) in humin, humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) fractions in a gravelly calcareous soil amended with composts or inorganic fertilizer. In 1996 and 1998, compost from municipal solid waste (MSW) (100% MSW), Bedminster cocompost (75% MSW and 25% biosolids) and biosolids compost (100% biosolids) at 72, 82.7 and 15.5 Mg ha^?1, respectively, were each incorporated in soil beds and inorganic fertilizer (6-2.6-10) NPK at 2.8 Mg ha^?1. A control (no amendment) treatment was also included. Total organic carbon and various fractions of soil organic carbon were determined in two depths (0-10 and 10-22 cm) for both soil particles (< 2mm) and pebbles (> 2mm). Inorganic and organic soil amendments had decreased soil pH and increased soil electrical conductivity (EC) 19 months from initial application. Total organic carbon contents in soil particle were 4-, 3-, and 2-fold higher in MSW compost, Bedminster cocompost and biosolids compost treatments, respectively, than those in fertilizer treated or non-treated soils. MSW compost increased total organic carbon in pebbles by 4- and 3-fold in the 0-10 and 10-22 cm deep layers, respectively, more than other treatments. The soil organic carbon accumulation decreased with depth in all treatments in soil particles, but did not in pebbles. Amending soils with MSW compost significantly increased the organic carbon in humin, HA and FA fractions more than those treated with inorganic fertilizer or non-amended. MSW compost has a potential to be used as a soil amendment to increase and sustain the organic carbon in calcareous soils of south Florida.     

SOYBEAN RESPONSE AND ION ACCUMULATION UNDER SPRINKLER IRRIGATION WITH SODIUM-RICH SALINE WATER

The magnitude of crop growth and yield depends on the salinity level, the toxic ions present, and the irrigation system used. In order to study the effect of saline sprinkler irrigation on soybean growth and ionic accumulation in plant tissues a pot experiment was set up. There were three irrigation water quality treatments [electrical conductivity (EC) 0, 2, and 4 dS m^?1]. Soybean aerial biomass was 25% lower than the Control when irrigation salinity was 4 dS m^?1. Clearly salinity entering via leaves affected the grain filling stage and severely reduced soybean grain production (80% reduction) when salinity in irrigation water surpassed 2 dS m^?1. Sprinkler irrigation aggravates soybean's low salinity tolerance and restricts its cropping in such conditions. For early stages two linear relationships between leaf chloride (Cl^?) concentration (Y = 14.2–2x) or potassium (K⁺)/ sodium (Na⁺) ratio (Y = 5.3x?3.4) and soybean grain yield were found. Both relationships may be used as diagnostic tools for soybean growing under saline sprinkler irrigation.     

在盐水浇灌条件下堆肥对土壤性质、小麦生长以及作物营养的影响

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to test and compare the suitability of saline compost and saline irrigation water for nutrient status amendment of a slightly productive sandy clay loam soil,to study the macronutrient utilization and dry matter production of wheat(Triticum aestivum c.v.Gemmiza 7) grown in a modified soil environment and to determine the effects of compost and saline irrigation water on soil productivity.The sandy clay loam soil was treated with compost of five rates(0,24,36,48,and 60 m 3 ha-1,equivalent to 0,3,4.5,and 6 g kg-1 soil,respectively) and irrigation water of four salinity levels(0.50(tap water),4.9,6.3,and 8.7 dS m-1).The results indicated that at harvest,the electrical conductivity(EC) of the soil was significantly(P < 0.05) changed by the compost application as compared to the control.In general,the soil salinity significantly increased with increasing application rates of compost.Soluble salts,K,Cl,HCO 3,Na,Ca,and Mg,were significantly increased by the compost treatment.Soil sodium adsorption ratio(SAR) was significantly affected by the salinity levels of the irrigation water,and showed a slight response to the compost application.The soil organic carbon content was also significantly(P < 0.05) affected by application of compost,with a maximum value of 31.03 g kg-1 recorded at the compost rate of 60 m 3 ha-1 and the irrigation water salinity level of 8.7 dS m-1 and a minimum value of 12.05 g kg 1 observed in the control.The compost application produced remarkable increases in wheat shoot dry matter production.The maximum dry matter production(75.11 g pot-1) occurred with 60 m 3 ha-1 compost and normal irrigation water,with a minimum of 19.83 g pot-1 with no addition of compost and irrigation water at a salinity level of 8.70 dS m-1.Significant increases in wheat shoot contents of K,N,P,Na,and Cl were observed with addition of compost.The relatively high shoot N values may be attributed to increases in N availability in the tested soil caused by the compost application.Similarly,significant increases in the shoot contents of Na and Cl may be ascribed to the increase in soil soluble K and Cl.The increases in shoot P,N,and K contributed to the growth stimulation since P supplied by the compost was probably responsible in saline and alkaline soils where P solubility was very low.     

Mixed Fertilizer can Improve Fruit Yield and Quality of Field-Grown Tomatoes Irrigated with Saline Water

Growing tomatoes using saline water and in soils with poor nutrient contents is challenging. The objectives of this work were to: (i) examine the yield and quality of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) irrigated with different saline water [electrical conductivity (ECi) = 3, 6 and 9 dS m^?1]; and (ii) study the effect of fertilizer: inorganic, organic, and a mixed of both on tomatoes grown under saline conditions. Fruit weight and quality attributes including size, color, soluble solids, acidity, EC, and pH were measured. Growing tomatoes under 3 and 6 dS m^?1 produced the highest yield, whereas irrigating with 9 dS m^?1 reduced yield. The mixed fertilizer slightly ameliorated the yield reduction caused by salinity. Using organic fertilizer alone produced the lowest fruit yield. Fruit quality was more affected by salinity than fertilizer. The best growing conditions for tomatoes were in plots irrigated with 6 dS m^?1 water under mixed fertilizer treatment.     

Growth,yield and fruit quality of cherry tomato irrigated with saline water at different developmental stages

Water shortage is a serious environmental and agricultural problem and saline underground water has been widely used to make up the fresh water shortage in northwestern China. An open-field experiment was conducted to establish a proper irrigation scheme with saline water for cherry tomato in the Minqin oasis, where very severe salinization occurs. The experiment had four treatments including fresh or saline irrigation over the crop season (control, C, T3), fresh/saline-water irrigation change on days after thinning 50 (DAT 50, T1) and saline/fresh irrigation change on DAT 50 (T2). Leaf area index (LAI), photosynthesis rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), leaf dry matter (LDM), stem dry matter (StDM), yield, marketable fruit and total soluble solids (TSS) of tomato were measured. Saline irrigation, irrespective of the timing, significantly decreased maximum LAI, LDM and StDM, P_n, T_r and stomatal conductance but significantly stimulated water use efficiency. The reduction in maximum LAI, LDM and StDM was lower in T2 than in T1 and T3. Harvest index (HI) and TSS were higher in T2 and T3 than in T1 and C. Marketable fruit had no significant change in T2 but significantly declined in T1 and T3. Maximum saturated soil conductivity without yield reduction (the salt tolerance threshold) was 3.69?dS m^?1. Total yield of tomato would decrease by 9.85% with one unit increase of soil salinityhigher than the threshold. Final yield significantly reduced by 24.6% and 23.1% in T1 and T3 treatments, respectively. Our results suggest that irrigation with saline water before DAT 50 and fresh water after DAT 50 should be advocated for cherry tomato plantation in water-scarce areas like the Minqin oasis.     

Effects of Anaerobic Digestate on Chinese Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Yield Components,Soil Properties,and Microbial Communities under Saline Irrigation Condition

ABSTRACT

Digestate is increasingly utilized as a fertilizer, and earlier research was dedicated to plant growth and soil properties, with simple little information available regarding the effects of digestate on soil, plant, and microbial communities under saline irrigation. For this reason, a pot experiment with Chinese melon was conducted in a greenhouse, and digestate (1100 L ha^?1) and a full recommended dose of NPK fertilizer were used. The melons were irrigated with normal water 0.25 (SL0) and 2 dS/m (SL1) using sodium chloride (NaCl). Application of digestate increased the melon plant height and leaves number significantly (p < 0.05) compared to control and treatments that received full NPK dose, under both water treatments (SL0 and SL1). The maximum plant height (SL0: 161 cm and SL1: 85.5 cm) and leaves number (SL0: 156.33 and SL1: 69.67) were observed when digestate used with NPK fertilizer. Plant fruit length, fruit diameter, sugar content, and yield increased significantly by digestate addition. The melon fruit sugar content values were 12% (SL0) and 9.83% (SL1). Soil electrical conductivity values increased when digestate combined with NPK fertilizer (1.4 dS m^?1) particularly, under saline water, while the soil pH is not affected by digestate treatments. Digestate increased bacteria and decreased the number of fungi in the soil. Our results indicated that the usage of digestate could be more effective than NPK fertilizer on plant growth and soil properties. And there is a need to confirm these results in soils more realistic for agricultural field conditions and pay attention to use of digestate with saline irrigation water.     

Effects of irrigation volumes and organic fertilizers on eggplant grown in Mediterranean environment

A three-year field experiment was carried out in Mediterranean conditions to study the effects of different irrigations and organic fertilizers on yield, quality and nitrogen utilization of eggplant crop and on soil properties. In a split-plot design, two irrigation treatments (re-establishing 100% and 50% of the calculated maximum evapotranspiration) and four fertilizer treatments (mineral fertilizer, commercial stable manure, anaerobic digestate and municipal solid waste compost) were compared. The highest water volume increased significantly the total and marketable yield, the number of marketable fruits, the dry matter of fruits and the nitrogen-use efficiency with respect to the treatment with the lowest irrigation. Nevertheless, the same treatment decreased significantly the fruit dry matter percentage and total soluble solid content. The lowest water volume led to an improvement of fruit quality. Anaerobic digestate increased significantly the total and marketable yield and dry matter compared with compost. Harvest index, nitrogen harvest index, pH, acidity and total soluble solids did not show significant differences among all fertilizer treatments. N translocation ability of plants and fruit quality were not influenced by the type of fertilizer. At the end of experiment, anaerobic digestate and compost reached the highest levels of soil total organic carbon and humic and fulvic acids content. Besides, anaerobic digestate increased the total extractable carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen content compared to all other treatments. Soil copper, nickel and lead content in all treatments enhanced compared to that at the beginning of experiment, but this accumulation did not represent a possible environmental risk. The content of heavy metals in the soil, after 3 years of application, did not exceed the limits imposed by the Italian law. This study showed that the organic wastes, after being adequately processed, could be applied successfully in agriculture especially in arid environments, characterized by quick mineralization and very low organic matter content.     

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND N ON PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) YIELD,WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND ROOT ZONE AND DRAINAGE SALINITY

The aim of this study was to determine the salt tolerance of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under greenhouse conditions and to examine the interactive effects of salinity and nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels on yield. The present study shows the effects of optimal and suboptimal N fertilizer levels (270 kg ha^?1 and 135 kg ha^?1) in combination with five different irrigation waters of varying electrical conductivity (EC) (EC_iw = 0.25, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 dS m^?1) and three replicates per treatment. At optimal N level, yield decreased when the irrigation water salinity was above EC_iw 2 dS m^?1. At the suboptimal N level, a significant decrease in yield occurred only above EC_iw 4 dS m^?1. At high salinity levels the salinity stress was dominant with respect to yield and response was similar for both N levels. Based on the results it can also be concluded that under saline conditions (higher than threshold salinity for a given crop) there is a lesser need for N fertilization relative to the optimal levels established in the absence of other significant stresses.     

Different Levels of Irrigation Water Salinity and Biochar Influence on Faba Bean Yield,Water Productivity,and Ions Uptake

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 dS m^?1) and wheat straw biochar (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 3.75% w/w) on growth and yield of faba been using complete randomized design with three replications. Stomatal conductance (green canopy temperature) of faba bean increased (decreased) by application of biochar at each salinity level. The results showed increasing salinity to 2.5 dS m^?1 at zero biochar application increased the seed yield through osmotic adjustment, while by declining the osmotic potential, the nutritional values of biochar caused the seed yield to increase by increasing salinity to 5 dS m^?1. The root length density and root dry weight density in 0–8 cm soil layer declined under application of 3.75% w/w biochar in all salinity levels in comparison with that obtained in 2.5% w/w biochar, due to higher saline condition of the soil as result of higher biochar application. The results showed that addition of 2.5% w/w biochar can significantly mitigate salinity stress due to its high salt sorption capacity and by increasing potassium/sodium ratio in the soil. In general, since 2.5 % w/w biochar and salinity of 5 dS m^?1 increased dry seed yield and irrigation water productivity compared with that obtained in control (B₀S_0.5), these levels are recommended to improve faba bean growth and yield; however, these levels have to be evaluated under field conditions.     

不同类型咸水滴灌对土壤盐分的影响及棉花产量响应

棉花是鲁北平原种植的重要经济作物,合理利用微咸水和咸水资源是解决棉花季节干旱问题的重要途径。通过田间小区试验,以淡水滴灌处理为对照,设置不同盐分梯度的咸水滴灌处理,研究2种类型咸水滴灌对棉田土壤水分和盐分的分布影响以及棉花产量的响应。结果表明,咸水滴灌条件下主要影响棉田40~100 cm土壤水分的变化,碳酸氢钠型和氯化钠型咸水处理对土壤含水量的影响没有显著差异。利用EC值低于8 d S·m~(-1)的咸水进行补灌,棉田0~40 cm土壤盐分积累不明显,灌溉水EC值为10 d S·m~(-1)的氯化钠型咸水灌溉在0~100 cm土壤盐分有明显的积累。滴灌补灌EC值不大于6 d S·m~(-1)的碳酸氢钠型咸水和不大于8 d S·m~(-1)的氯化钠型咸水对棉花产量没有明显的影响,滴灌补灌7 d S·m~(-1)碳酸氢钠型和10 d S·m~(-1)氯化钠型咸水明显降低棉花产量。从土壤盐分的积累和棉花产量来看,在鲁北平原可以利用6 d S·m~(-1)咸水滴灌对棉花进行补灌;利用咸水滴灌,要同时考虑灌溉水盐分的数量和盐分组成,碳酸氢钠型咸水要更加谨慎利用。     

Growth and Nutritional Response of Melon to Water Quality and Nitrogen Potassium Fertigation Levels under Greenhouse Mediterranean Conditions

The Mediterranean area has been experiencing an extensive development of intensive horticulture, with a majority of that located in arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources and poor water quality. One of the most important greenhouse vegetable crops is melon. This article studies the effects of different nitrogen–potassium (N–K) fertilizers applications and two types of irrigation water on yield and nutritional behavior of melon crop Cucumis melo L. (var. cantalupensis Naud. Alpes). The trial was conducted during two cycles under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions, on sandy mulching soil. The experimental design was bifactorial: NK fertigation and water quality, with three nutrition levels and two water qualities [MS with electrical conductivity (EC) = 0.6 dS m^?1 and HS with EC = 2.3 dS m^?1]. During the first cycle, the fertigation levels were F₁ (50% NK), F₂ (100% NK), and F₃ (125% NK). In the second cycle, the fertigation levels were F₂, F₄ (125% N and 150% K) and F₅ (180% N and 220% K). Treatment F₂ was the recommended total doses (220 kg N ha^?1 and 355 kg K ha^?1). The increase in the NK concentration of the nutritive solution produced a rise in commercial production. The salinity of irrigation water did not affect marketable yield but had an effect on the fruit size, which was compensated for by an increase in the amount of fruit produced. Dry-matter production, N, and K uptake by plant (g m^?2) were evaluated in the first and second trials. Salinity and NK nutrition levels significantly affected (P < 0.05) dry matter and N and K uptake by melon plant. Nitrogen and K uptake present interesting correlations with production and with each other, as established by mean regression analysis.     

利用15N揭示滴灌区盐旱胁迫对土壤氮素分布与棉花生长的影响

为了探究盐旱胁迫对土壤中氮素分布和棉花生长的影响,通过测坑试验研究滴灌区不同盐分、干旱条件下土壤全氮、硝氮、氨氮的分布和棉花生长情况。试验设置3种盐分梯度的土壤（电导率,EC）：3,6,9 dS/m,分别用T1、T2、T3表示;3个灌水量：2 700,3 600,4 500 m³/hm²,分别用W1、W2、W3表示（4 500 m³/hm²为当地推荐灌水量）。结果表明：当土壤盐分梯度> 3 dS/m时土壤全氮累积量显著高于低盐土壤（P<0.05）,且土壤盐分对棉花花期生长影响较大。土壤的氨氮挥发量和土壤盐分梯度成正比。土壤硝态氮的淋失与灌水量呈正比,与正常灌水量的硝态氮淋失相比,水分胁迫对棉花产量的影响更为严重（P<0.01）。随土层深度的增加,土壤碱解氮以每20 cm土层8%的速度减少。各处理土壤¹⁵N残留率为11%~40%,随土壤盐度增加而增加,随灌水量增加而减少,与土壤全氮含量呈正比,与棉花产量呈反比。综上所述,T1W3处理更有利于棉花对氮肥的利用和产量的提高,推荐滴灌区棉花土壤盐度<3 dS/m,灌水量4 500 m³/hm²,可在花期适当提高施肥量以稳定产量。     

Quality assessment of Pinus radiata production under sustainable nursery management based on compost tea

Pinus radiata is a highly valued conifer because of its timber production and its value as a reforestation plant. To increase production, nurseries currently use a nutritional method based on mineral fertilizers high in macronutrients. This produces individual trees which are unbalanced in size and more likely to suffer infections from phytopathogenic fungi. In this paper, the effect on plant and soil of applying an aerated compost tea (ACT) is compared to a conventional fertilizer. Biometric measures of pines, their nutrient and pigment concentrations, soil physical‐chemical parameters and microbial composition of the rhizosphere along with its enzymatic activity were analyzed. The results reveal that the physical‐chemical parameters of the soil are suitable for plant growth in all the treatments (pH 8, maximum EC of 0.07 dS m^?1 and +239 mV of E_h), and high phosphatase activity was detected in the peat fertilized with aerated compost tea. In addition, the microorganisms developed in peat with ACT showed greater Pseudomonas spp. and fungal diversity. Pines fertilized with compost tea showed greater radicular development, proportionate distribution, higher photosynthetic pigment and total potassium concentrations, a higher yield of PSII and a greater photosynthetic assimilation rate than conventionally fertilized and unfertilized pine plants. Therefore, ACT could be used in the production of forest plants without compromising their productivity.     

Influence of Dairy Cattle Slurry Solid Fraction Compost Combined with Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Growth of Greenhouse Lettuce

Winter lettuce response to the application of composts from the solid fraction of dairy cattle slurry was assessed in combination with mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer throughout a randomized block experiment under greenhouse conditions. Lettuce yield did not increase with mineral N fertilizer, possibly because the lettuce was preceded by a heavily fertilized tomato crop, and the amount of mineral N (114 kg ha^?1) in the soil at the beginning of the experience was greater than the amount of N (64–89 kg ha^?1) accumulated in the lettuce shoots of all of the treatments. In contrast, lettuce yield and N uptake increased with compost application, suggesting other benefits in addition to N availability resulting from its use as a soil amendment. Therefore, dairy cattle slurry solid fraction mature compost can be recommended for vegetable production, and mineral N recommendation is suggested to pursue previous soil mineral N analysis.     

Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Fertilizer Use on Vegetative Growth of Drip Irrigated Cherry Trees

ABSTRACT

The effects of deficit irrigation and fertilizer use under drip irrigation (DI), on vegetative growth of mature cherry trees were studied in two field experiments. Treatments for the assessment of deficit irrigation consisted of two drip line arrays: double drip lines (T1) and loop (T2) as main treatments. Three irrigation levels: irrigation at 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc or I1), 75% ETc or I2, and 50% ETc or I3, constituted the sub-treatments. To assess soil fertility practices, the main treatments consisted of T1 and single drip line (T3) arrays; sub-treatments were two fertilizer regimes: basic fertilizer recommendation plus 0.5 m³ sheep manure per tree (F1) and basic fertilizer recommendation plus 1300 g potassium sulfate, 350 g of zinc (Zn), 140 g of iron (Fe), and 600 g ammonium phosphate (F2). Total irrigation amount, which was applied routinely in control treatment (7466.7 m³ha^{? 1}), was less than the crop water requirement (8764.5 m³ ha^{? 1}). A significant correlation between both the length of young branches and canopy volume with annual applied irrigation water was observed. Mean canopy volume under T1 was 26.0 m³ tree^{? 1}, which was significantly less than 28.6 m³ tree^{? 1} under T2. Water use efficiency (kg m^{? 3}) was increased by water stress, but there was no significant yield reduction from I1 to I2. Concentration of Fe, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) in leaf samples increased with the use of double drip lines array compared to use of single drip line array and it was higher under F2 fertilizer level. The concentration of calcium (Ca) in leaf samples was higher than critical level in all treatments. We conclude that I2 irrigation level and F2 fertilizer management was the most efficient practice for cherry trees in the study area.