Influence of sulfur and nitrogen fertilzer on the uptake of iron,manganese, and zinc by corn plants grown in calcareous soil

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted with a coarse‐textured calcareous soil (pH‐H₂O 8.3) to study the effect of single and combined application of N and S fertilizers on soil pH, Fe, Mn, Zn, and P mobilization, and on growth and micronutrient uptake by com (Zea mays L.). Increasing amounts of elemental sulfur were mixed with the soil. To stimulate S oxidation, the treated soils were incubated for six weeks at field capacity. Nitrogen was applied as NH₄NO₃ (100, 200, and 400 mg N/kg). After six weeks, dry matter yields were recorded and shoots were analyzed for Fe, Mn, Zn, and P. At the end of the experiment, soil pH and the DTPA‐extractable micronutrients were determined. The results showed that: a. Soil pH was decreased by 0.2, 0.5, and 0.9 unit as a result of increasing S applications.

b. Applied sulfur and N fertilizer had increased the availability of micronutrients to following crops.

c. Application of N and/or S resulted in increased dry matter yields.

d. Manganese uptake tended to be higher as amounts of N applied increased; this was most evident at the higher S application rates. This effect was, however, reversed for Fe, Zn, and P uptake.

e. Under our experimental conditions, promising results were achieved on improving micronutrient availability and uptake when 400 mg N/kg was combined with 3 g S/kg.

     

Improving the fertility of sandy soils in the temperate region by combined biochar and microbial inoculant treatments

Achieving a sustainable increase in the fertility of sandy soils is a major problem. The application of biochar (BC) is a relatively new method, but results for a temperate climate are scarce. This work investigates various combined doses of BC and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria inoculants on the fertility of acidic and calcareous sandy soils, hypothesising that joint application could have a synergistic impact. The effects were followed by measuring chemical (pH, organic matter, nutrient availability) and microbiological properties of the soil and maize biomass. 30 t ha^?1 BC increased both pH (by 1 unit) and nitrification in acidic soil (causing a 60% drop in NH₄-N concentration), and the phosphorus and potassium availability (by 53 and 80%, respectively) in both soils. Substrate-induced respiration increased by up to 100% and 50% in acidic and calcareous soil, respectively, in treatments involving both BC and inoculant. In acidic soil a BC dose of 3 t ha^?1 resulted in a 70% decrease in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal infection. Changes in maize grain yield were not significant, but the increase in above-ground biomass indicated that the combined application of BC and inoculant is more beneficial than separate application of these yield-increasing agents, primarily on acidic sand.     

Adaptation of some introduced eragrostis species to calcareous soil and acid mine spoil

Abstract

Plant growth is frequently limited by Fe‐related chlorosis on calcareous soils and by mineral toxicities on strongly acid soils and mine spoils. Better adapted varieties are needed for both soil situations, which are not always economically correctable. In a search for such geraplasm, 4 species (20 accessions) of Eragrostis were grown in greenhouse pots of a calcareous soil at pH 7.3. Two species were also compared on acid mine spoil at pH 3.5 and 4.7.

Species, and accessions within species, differed significantly in tolerance to the calcareous soil, as measured by susceptibility to chlorosis and yield of plant tops. The range in top yield was 11‐fold for accessions of Eragrostis capensis, 3‐fold for Eragrostis lehmanniana, and 1.7‐fold for Eragrostis superba. Eragrostis plana (P.I. 364340) was more tolerant to acid mine spoil (pH 3.5) but less tolerant to calcareous soil (pH 7.3) than Eragrostis superba (P.I. 364833).

Chlorosis and poor growth of certain accessions on calcareous soil (pH 7.3) were not explained by specific mineral deficiencies or toxicities. However, the tops of chlorosis‐susceptible accessions had lower ratios of Fe/Mn, Fe/Zn, and Fe/Cu than those of chlorosis‐resistant accessions. This imbalance is believed to interfere with Fe metabolism in plant tops.

Results suggested that superior strains of Eragrostis species can be selected for adaptation to calcareous or acid soils and that certain accessions characterized in these studies can be useful in studying the physiological mechanisms of mineral stress resistance in plants.     

Effect of Pyrite Application on Wheat-Maize Growth and Nutrient Uptake Under Diverse Soil Conditions

Zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) deficiency is a common nutritional problem for the production of many crops in semi-arid Mediterranean region of Turkey. This problem results in the application of increasing amounts of fertilizers. Minerals (such as pyrite) including iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) can decrease soil pH may be a critical factor in crop production under low supply of Zn and P in calcareous and clay soils. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of pyrite application on wheat-maize-wheat growth, P and Zn concentration with three successive pot experiments. Bread (Seri-82) (Triticum durum L.) durum (Kunduru) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and maize (Zea mays L.) RX 788 hybrid was grown in Zn and P-deficient calcareous soils from Central Anatolian Sultanönü and Çukurova Karaburun. Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions at five rates of pyrite (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g pyrite kg^?1 soil) in three consecutive experiments. Pyrite application increased shoot dry matter production of wheat and maize. With time effect of pyrite on plant growth and nutrient uptake was more. In accordance with growth data, pyrite application enhanced P and Zn concentration of plants, especially under Zn deficient Sultanönü soil then Karaburun soil. Plants grown in Karaburun soil had more P and Zn concentration than grown in Sultanönü soil. The results obtained indicate that pyrite can be used as a zinc fertilizer sources for gramine plants such as wheat and maize.     

生物质炭添加对不同pH紫色土硝化作用及N2O排放的影响

生物质炭施用可能对土壤中氮素硝化过程和N2O排放产生影响。本研究通过室内培养试验，研究铵态氮肥与玉米秸秆生物质炭施用量（0、1%、2%、5%、10%w/w）对酸性（pH=5.10）和石灰性紫色土（pH=8.15）氮素硝化率、净硝化速率及N2O排放特征的影响。结果表明：（1）酸性和石灰性紫色土生物质炭处理平均净硝化速率相比对照分别降低了33.7%~93.7%和7.5%~40.9%，生物质炭添加抑制了酸性和石灰性紫色土硝化作用，在酸性紫色土中生物质炭对氮素硝化作用的抑制作用随施用量的增加而增强，在石灰性紫色土中无明显规律。（2）与对照相比，酸性紫色土N2O累计排放量在1%生物质炭（1%BC）和2%生物质炭（2%BC）处理下降幅分别为15.9%和27.7%，在5%生物质炭（5%BC）和10%生物质炭（10%BC）处理下增幅分别为60.1%和93.2%。石灰性紫色土生物质炭各处理N2O累积排放量均显著高于对照。（3）综合考虑酸性紫色土1%、2%生物质炭量施用下对硝化作用抑制和N2O减排综合效果最好，在石灰性紫色土中无明显抑制和减排效果。     

Influence of nitrogen and elemental‐sulfur fertilization on sulfur oxidation and mineralization in relation to soil moisture on a calcareous soil of the Inner Mongolia steppe of China

Grassland‐livestock farming is the main agricultural activity in the Inner Mongolia steppe of China. It has been estimated that more than 80% of the grasslands suffer from sulfur (S) deficiency in this region. In an incubation study and a greenhouse experiment with alfalfa, the influence of soil moisture (40% and 70% water‐holding capacity, WHC), nitrogen (0 and 200 mg N (kg soil)^–1 as NH₄NO₃), and elemental sulfur (eS; 0 and 300 mg S (kg soil)^–1) amendments on the apparent eS oxidation, eS‐oxidation rate, net S‐mineralization rate, and S uptake of alfalfa were studied. After 28 d of incubation, the eS‐oxidation rate was four times higher at 70% than at 40% WHC if no N was applied. With N application, soil moisture had only minor effects on eS oxidation during the whole incubation period. In the greenhouse experiment, lower values for eS‐oxidation rate and net S‐mineralization rate were found if no N was applied. Application of N and eS significantly increased alfalfa growth and S uptake. The results of both experiments suggest that combined N and eS applications are the best way to alleviate S deficiency on these calcareous soils.     

Benefits of Biochars and NPK Fertilizers for Soil Quality and Growth of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in an Acid Arenosol

Fertilization is required for optimum plant growth, particularly in unfertile soils, while optimizing nutrient use efficiency is an alternative to reduce inorganic fertilizer needs and reduce environmental problems caused by nutrient leaching. This study investigated soil properties and cowpea yield responses to biochars (BCs) made from different feedstocks, baby corn peel biochar (BC1), branches of mango tree biochar (BC2), and rice husk biochar (BC3), applied in combination with nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizers. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using an acid sandy soil (Arenosol) that was submitted for 70 d to the following eight treatments:i) control; ii) full dose of NPK (a commercial compound fertilizer (12-24-12 of N-P₂O₅-K₂O) + urea (46% N)); iii) BC1 + half dose of NPK; iv) BC1 + full dose of NPK; v) BC2 + half dose of NPK; vi) BC2 + full dose of NPK; vii) BC3 + half dose of NPK; and viii) BC3 + full dose of NPK. All biochars were applied at a rate of 0.9% (weight/weight), and each type of biochar was combined with half and full doses of NPK fertilizers. Soil pH increased significantly (P < 0.05) in treatments with BC1 and BC2, while cation exchange capacity (CEC) and available P were higher in the treatments with BC1; BC1 and BC2 also induced higher activity of enzymes related to the P cycle and higher cowpea yield. Similar soil properties and cowpea yield parameters were obtained with the full and half doses of NPK fertilizers for each type of biochar used. In conclusion, biochars in the combination with NPK fertilizers improved soil chemistry and enzymatic activities, allowing reduced fertilizer application and food production costs in the acid soil studied.     

土壤主要理化性质对湘粤污染农田镉稳定效果的影响

利用盆栽试验研究了稳定剂(石灰、海泡石联合施用)对湖南、广东两省区不同性质土壤上生长的小青菜(Brassica chinensis L.)生物量、重金属吸收以及土壤pH和重金属提取态含量的影响,探讨了影响镉(Cd)稳定修复效果的土壤性质参数。结果表明:施加稳定剂对增加酸性土壤上小青菜生物量效果显著,土壤pH、有机质(OM)、全量Cd和黏粒是影响小青菜生物量变化的主要因素;土壤pH、阳离子交换量(CEC)、OM、黏粒是影响小青菜Cd含量变化的主要因素;土壤pH、CEC、全量Cd和黏粒是影响土壤提取态Cd含量变化的主要因素。     

减氮配施有机物质对麦田土壤性质和小麦产量的影响

探究氮肥减量配施有机物质的情况下对氮素利用状况及土壤肥力和小麦产量的影响,为我国华北平原区小麦生产中提高氮肥利用效率、实现节肥增效提供理论基础。通过田间试验,设置5个处理：不施氮肥(CK)、农民习惯施氮肥(FN)、减氮20%(80%FN)、减氮20%+生物有机肥(80%FN+OM)、减氮20%+生物炭(80%FN+BC),研究小麦生长关键期土壤容重、有机质、NO₃^-—N和土壤微生物多样性的变化,测定小麦产量并计算氮素利用效率。结果表明,土壤容重受施入有机物质影响显著,成熟期0—20,20—40 cm的80%FN+OM、80%FN+BC的土壤容重较80%FN分别下降3.83%～4.58%和2.96%～5.07%。成熟期0—40 cm的土壤有机质均以80%FN+OM最高,较其他施氮肥处理提高2.13%～18.81%。土壤NO₃^-—N受施氮肥影响显著,挑旗期80%FN+OM和80%FN+BC处理的0—40 cm土壤NO₃^-—N较高;灌浆期80%FN+BC处理的0...     

酸性根际肥对石灰性土壤pH和铁有效性的影响研究

在无植物栽培的条件下通过肥料在土壤中的扩散试验研究酸性根际肥对石灰性土壤 pH值、有效铁含量的影响 ,利用盆栽试验验证对石灰性土壤上花生缺铁失绿黄化症的矫正效果。结果表明 ,酸性根际肥 (pH 1.0～ 2 .0 )中的酸在土壤中扩散的影响半径可达 6cm ,但对土壤pH降低作用最显著的是在距肥料 2cm内 ;在施肥 2 8d内 ,距肥料 2cm处 ,土壤 pH值降低了 0 .9个单位 ,土壤铁有效性 (DTPA浸提量 )增加了 5 .9mg kg ;施用酸性根际肥可使花生叶绿素SPAD值与叶片活性铁含量显著提高 ,克服了花生缺铁黄化症状 ,使施肥区 (肥料周围 2cm内 )土壤pH值显著降低 ,并显著提高了该区土壤铁的有效性和花生对土壤Fe的吸收量。     

长期定位试验中氮肥与磷肥有机肥联合施用通过刺激根的生长增加玉米产量和养分吸收

Imbalanced application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers can result in reduced crop yield, low nutrient use efficiency, and high loss of nutrients and soil nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N) accumulation decreases when N is applied with P and/or manure; however, the effect of applications of N with P and/or manure on root growth and distribution in the soil profile is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of different N and P fertilizer application rates with or without manure on maize (Zea mays L.) yield, N uptake, root growth, apparent N surplus, Olsen-P concentration, and mineral N (Nmin) accumulation in a fluvo-aquic calcareous soil from a long-term (28-year) experiment. The experiment comprised twelve combinations of chemical N and P fertilizers, either with or without chicken manure, as treatments in four replicates. The yield of maize grain was 82% higher, the N uptake 100% higher, and the Nmin accumulation 39% lower in the treatments with combined N and P in comparison to N fertilizer only. The maize root length density in the 30--60 cm layer was three times greater in the treatments with N and P fertilizers than with N fertilizer only. Manure addition increased maize yield by 50% and N uptake by 43%, and reduced Nmin (mostly NO₃^--N) accumulation in the soil by 46%. The long-term application of manure and P fertilizer resulted in significant increases in soil Olsen-P concentration when no N fertilizer was applied. Manure application reduced the apparent N surplus for all treatments. These results suggest that combined N and P fertilizer applications could enhance maize grain yield and nutrient uptake via stimulating root growth, leading to reduced accumulation of potentially leachable NO₃^--N in soil, and manure application was a practical way to improve degraded soils in China and the rest of the world.     

Integrative Soil Application of Humic Acid and Sulfur Improves Saline Calcareous Soil Properties and Barley Plant Performance

ABSTRACT

During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, two field experiments were conducted on newly reclaimed saline calcareous soil (7.13 dS m^?1, 16.9% CaCO₃) in the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Demo, Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. The current work aimed at identifying the potential positive effects of applied humic acid (HA) and elemental sulfur (S) on some soil properties and barley plant performance. The results showed that the application of HA and/or S at different rates ameliorated the adverse effects of saline calcareous soil conditions and significantly reduced some chemical properties of the soil (e.g., pH, ECe, and CaCO₃%), while soil organic matter (OM%) and some nutrients (e.g., P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) contents were significantly increased. In addition, the contents of nutrients (e.g., P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in barley plant and yielded grain, grain content of N and protein (%), and the performance (e.g., plant height, spike length, grain and straw yields, and weight of 1000-grain) of barley plant were significantly increased with the application of HA and/or S. The best results were obtained through the integrative application of 100 kg HA + 400 kg S ha^?1 to the tested saline calcareous soil. Therefore, the integrative soil application of 100 kg HA + 400 kg S ha^?1 can be recommended for the cultivation and sustainability of crop production in saline calcareous soil, in addition to rationalize the use of mineral fertilizers, which represent a surplus point for the sustainable agriculture system.     

Effect of sewage sludge and its biochar on chemical properties of two calcareous soils and maize shoot yield

Little information is available regarding the effect of sewage sludge biochar on soil properties and crop yield. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge (S) and its biochar (B) on maize shoot yield, nutrients and heavy metals uptake in two calcareous soils. The amendments were applied at the rates of 0, 10, 20 and 40 Mg ha^?1. Moreover, NK treatment was included to compare the effects of S and B with conventional fertilization. At harvest time, plant shoots and soil samples were collected for yield, nutrients uptake and chemical analyses. The highest shoot dry matter was obtained in the S treatment. The B application in the clay loam and loam soils resulted in 5.2% increment and 17.7% decrement of shoot dry matter relative to the control, respectively. Shoot dry matter in the NK treatment was significantly higher than in the control. B application decreased Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and Pb uptake by maize shoot. DTPA-extractable Pb in B-amended soils was lower than in control, while an inverse trend was obtained for available Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu. Biochar application at the rate of 7.3 Mg ha^?1 might be suggested for maize cultivation in clay loam soils.     

Integrated use of organic and inorganic inputs in wheat-fodder maize cropping sequence to improve crop yields and soil properties

A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two organics, farmyard manure and vermicompost, each at three rates (0, 5, 10 t ha^?1 and 0, 1, 2 t ha^?1, respectively), along with two levels of mineral fertilizer (75% and 100% of recommended dose), on crops yields and soil properties under a wheat–fodder maize cropping sequence. Individual addition of organics at a higher level increased yields of wheat and subsequent maize. Soil microbial biomass carbon was enhanced as both a direct and residual effect with the addition of farmyard manure followed by vermicompost and fertilizer treatments, and also by combined addition of manure with either vermicompost or mineral fertilizer. Farmyard manure increased the availability of soil macro- and micronutrients, whereas vermicompost influenced only the availability of micronutrients at wheat harvest. A residual effect of farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers was found for available N. Meanwhile, the residual status of micronutrients in the soil was either maintained or significantly improved due to organic amendments (Mn and Zn with farmyard manure; Fe and Zn with vermicompost). Interaction of farmyard manure and vermicompost at a higher level benefited the next crop by increasing the yield of fodder maize and improving the availability of P and metals in soil.     

Effects of spent mushroom substrates and inorganic fertilizer on the characteristics of a calcareous clayey‐loam soil and lettuce production

We evaluated the effects of the addition of two types of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), SMS from an Agaricus bisporus crop (SMS1) and a mixture of SMSs from an A. bisporus crop and a Pleurotus crop (50% v/v each) (SMS2), on the characteristics of a calcareous clayey‐loam soil and the yield and nutritional status of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), relative to crops receiving mineral fertilizer (M) and a control (C) without amendment. The application of SMS, especially SMS1, improved soil fertility compared with C and M soils. Moreover, the use of these organic substrates as soil amendments did not harm the plants and gave yields similar to that obtained with mineral fertilizer. The nutritional contents of the lettuce plants were greater than or similar to those of the plants from treatment C or M, except for the plant tissue concentrations of K, Fe and Zn, which were significantly reduced by SMS application. However, this latter fact did not reduce the lettuce yield in the amended soils. Therefore, the use of SMSs as organic amendments contributes to residue utilization, in an environmentally friendly way, and to improved soil fertility and crop yield.     

Mycorrhizal (Rhizophagus Intraradices) Symbiosis and Fe and Zn Availability in Calcareous Soil

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) fractionation patterns in soils of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus-inoculated and uninoculated maize plants fertilized with varying levels of Fe and Zn. Soil samples were collected for Fe and Zn fractions and available Fe, Zn and phosphorus (P) contents besides organic and biomass carbon (BMC), soil enzymes and glomalin. Major portion of Fe and Zn fractionations was found to occur in the residual form. Mycorrhizal symbiosis increased the organically bound forms of Fe and Zn while reducing the crystalline oxide, residual Fe and Zn fractions, indicating the transformation of unavailable forms into available forms. Soil enzymes, viz. dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activities in M+ soils, were significantly higher than M? soil consistently. Overall, the data suggest that mycorrhizal symbiosis enhanced the availability of Fe and Zn as a result of preferential fractionation and biochemical changes that may alleviate micronutrient deficiencies in calcareous soil.

Abbreviations: AM: arbuscular mycorrhiza; Fe: Iron; Zn: Zinc; P: Phosphorous; Amox-Zn: amorphous oxide bound zinc; Cryox-Zn: crystalline oxide bound zinc; DAS: days after sowing; DTPA: diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid; MnO₂-Zn: manganese oxide bound zinc; OC-Zn: organically bound zinc; WSEX: water soluble plus exchangeable zinc; MnO₂ Fe: manganese oxide bound iron; OC-Fe: Organically bound iron; WSEX Fe: water soluble plus exchangeable iron.     

SULFUR APPLICATION EFFECTS ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN A CALCAREOUS SOIL AND ON SUGARCANE GROWTH AND YIELD

High pH soils limit availability of pH sensitive nutrients including phosphorus (P), even though abundant levels are present. Application of such nutrients to the soil is ineffective because they quickly get tied up in unavailable forms. Elemental sulfur (S) application in a narrow band to lower root zone pH and increase nutrient availability to the crop is a possible economically feasible solution. A four year field study was conducted in which S was applied to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) at rates up to 1120 kg S ha^?1 each of the 1st three years in a band using different application methods. Sulfur application effects on soil pH were gradual, causing only a slight reduction in the application zone after one year; but was long lasting, resulting in continuing substantial declines in soil pH in an adjacent zone four years after the first S application. Soil available P, sulfate (SO₄)-S, and salinity levels increased with increasing S applied. Sugarcane plant growth, as indicated by leaf area index during the grand growth period responded to moderate S application levels. Sugarcane yields increased linearly in the plant crop, but showed quadratic responses to S applications in the 1st through 3rd ratoon crops. Initial soil available P levels prior to the first treatment application were at the critical level considered adequate for crop requirements, yet growth and yield increases in response to S application suggest that the critical available soil P levels for sugarcane may be higher than previously established. Sulfur application at rates beyond those necessary to produce maximum yields resulted in salinity problems which probably reduced yields. The ‘stool splitter’ application method, which slices the plant stool using a coulter and places the fertilizer directly in the middle of the furrow caused crop damage and stand loss which persisted for the remainder of the sugarcane crops. Based on the results of this study, a single application of elemental S at up to 1120 kg S ha^?1 directly below the seed cane at planting is recommend for sugarcane on a calcareous soil, with no additional applications in later crops.     

长期施肥棕壤有机硫矿化特征及其驱动力

  【目的】  探究长期不同施肥对土壤有机硫矿化量、动力学特征和酶活性的影响,揭示玉米–大豆轮作体系中棕壤有机硫矿化特征及其主要驱动因子。  【方法】  沈阳农业大学长期定位试验于1979年建立,为玉米–玉米–大豆 (一年一熟) 轮作模式。试验设置15个处理,本研究选取了其中7个处理,分别为:CK (不施肥)、N₁ (低量化学氮肥)、N₂ (高量化学氮肥)、N₁P (低量化学氮肥+磷肥)、N₁PK (低量化学氮肥+磷钾肥)、M₁ (低量有机肥) 和M₁N₁PK (低量有机肥配施化学氮磷钾肥)。不同作物有机肥投入量相同,氮磷钾化肥投入量不同。选取2014和2015年的耕层 (0—20 cm) 土壤样品,测定土壤基本理化指标 (pH、有机碳和全氮含量)、有机硫矿化量、土壤中性蛋白酶及土壤芳基硫酸酯酶活性。同时,进行矿化培养试验,分析不同温度下有机硫矿化特征。于玉米、大豆收获后测定产量。  【结果】  长期施肥处理均提高了土壤有机硫的矿化量,7个处理总体表现为M₁N₁PK > M₁ > N₁PK、N₁、N₂ > N₁P > CK。单施化肥条件下,增加氮肥用量对有机硫矿化作用无显著影响;单施有机肥或有机肥与化肥配施均可明显促进土壤有机硫矿化。与CK相比,M₁N₁PK处理有机硫矿化量提升幅度最大,提高了57.30%。利用一级动力学方程进行拟合,长期施肥均提高了有机硫矿化势,无机肥处理 (N₁、N₂、N₁P和N₁PK) 的提升幅度均较低,提升效果最优的是M₁处理,比CK提高了45.27%。环境温度和作物种类均显著影响有机硫矿化量和矿化势,随着环境温度的升高,有机硫的矿化量和矿化势均明显增加;玉米种植季有机硫矿化量和矿化势均高于大豆种植季。土壤中性蛋白酶活性和芳基硫酸酯酶活性均以M₁N₁PK处理最高,与单施化肥相比分别提高了96%～220%、264%～986%。有机硫累积总矿化量在种植玉米的年份与土壤有机碳 (r = 0.7693) 含量和全氮 (r = 0.7554) 含量呈显著正相关 (P < 0.05)。  【结论】  土壤的有机碳和全氮含量是棕壤有机硫矿化的主要驱动力。只施用无机肥对土壤有机硫的矿化没有显著影响,而有机无机肥配合施用可显著提高土壤芳基硫酸酯酶、中性蛋白酶活性,进而提高有机硫矿化势和矿化量。玉米因其较高的生物量也成为有机硫矿化的主要驱动力。     

Co-application of sugarcane bagasse biochar,farmyard manure and mineral nitrogen improved growth indices of corn grown in alkaline calcareous soil

Abstract

Soil quality and crop productivity can be improved by the combined soil application of organic amendments and synthetic fertilizers. We evaluated the sole and combined effects of sugarcane-bagasse biochar (SBB), farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on soil properties and corn yield traits. Three N fertilizer rates (0, 50 and 100% of recommended) were used with or without the organic amendments. We observed significant increases in soil nitrate-N (at vegetative and reproductive phases), ammonical-N and microbial-biomass-N contents in responses to a co-application of 0.5% SBB, 0.5% FYM and 100% N fertilizer (p?≤?0.05). While the same co-application also resulted in the most significant soil organic carbon value, the maximum soil microbial biomass carbon was observed when 0.5% SBB and 0.5% FYM combination was applied along with 50% N fertilizer (p?≤?0.05). Plant growth indices—shoot length and, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root were also recorded to be the highest where the same organic amendments were applied in addition to a 50% or 100% mineral N fertilizer (p?≤?0.05). Combined application of the organic amendments effectively improved soil CEC compared to those in responses to individual applications of SBB and FYM (p?≤?0.05). Conclusively, for increasing the corn yield and improving the soil quality, the co-application of 0.5% SBB and 0.5% FYM was more effective than any of the individual 1% applications; Additions of 50% and 100% mineral N to the organic combination were equally useful for increasing the grain yield.     

Chemical and organic immobilization treatments for reducing phytoavailability of heavy metals in copper‐mine tailings

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of diammonium phosphate (DAP), agricultural limestone (lime), and green‐waste compost mixed with 30% treated sewage sludge (GCS) applied alone or in combination as chemical immobilization treatment using tomato as a test crop. Mine waste was collected from an abandoned copper‐mine tailing site at Mynydd Parys, Anglesey (UK). Lime was applied at the rate of CaCO₃ equivalent (CCE, pH = 7), DAP at the rate of 23 g P per kg substrate, and 10% by weight, GCS as sole application. Half rate of each amendment was also tested as a combined treatment and an untreated substrate (control). Plant‐available metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) were measured in substrate with conventional diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and sequential Ca(NO₃)₂ extraction. Plant–dry biomass yield was significantly (p < 0.001) increased by the combined application of all the three amendments while sole application of DAP reduced yield by 4‐fold compared to unamended soil probably due to P toxicity. Addition of lime reduced the DTPA‐extractable Cu, Fe, and Zn by 75%, 81%, and 85%, respectively, while Pb availability was reduced by 88% in combined DAP + lime + GCS treatment compared to control. The extraction capacity of DTPA was higher than that of Ca(NO₃)₂ by 3‐fold for Cu and Fe, 8‐fold for Pb, and 2‐fold for Zn. The leaf‐tissue concentrations of Cu and Fe were reduced by 77% and 83% in the lime + GCS amendment, respectively, while both Pb and Zn were reduced by 89% and 33%, respectively, in substrate treated with the combined application of all three amendments. These results suggest that alkaline amendments (both lime and GCS) were effective in reducing the phytoavailability of Cu, Fe, and Zn while DAP mixed with either GCS or lime was effective in reducing Pb availability.