Yield,Nutrient Uptake,and Quality of Stevia as Affected by Organic Sources of Nutrient

A field experiment was conducted during 2008 and 2009 at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India, to study the effect of organic sources of nutrient on yield, nutrient uptake, fertility status of soil, and quality of stevia crop in the western Himalayan region. The experiment comprised eight different combinations of organic manure [farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and apple pomace manure (AP)]. Total leaf dry biomass increased by 149% over the control with application of VC 1.5 t ha^?1 + AP 5 t ha^?1. Application of organic manures enhanced organic carbon and available nutrient status of soil more than the control. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content in stem were significantly affected by the application of organic manures over the control. Stevia plants supplied with FYM 10 t ha^?1 + AP 2.5 t ha^?1 recorded more total glycoside than other treatments. Stevioside yield (kg ha^?1) was greater with application of FYM 10 t ha^?1 + AP 2.5 t ha^?1.     

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Rice Yield,Soil Nutrient Profile,and Cyanobacterial Nitrogenase Activity under Rice–Wheat Cropping System

We assessed the cyanobacterial inoculation, green manure (GM) application, and chemical nitrogen (N) fertilization on grain/straw yield, nutrient balance, and nitrogenase activity under individual and integrated nutrient management mode in a rice–wheat cropping sequence. Individual and integrated application of cyanobacterial biofertilizer (CB) and GM with chemical fertilizer improved the soil health and production of rice crop. Integration of cyanobacterial and green manure resulted in a savings of 50 kg N ha^?1. Functional relationships (R2, –83.5 to 95.7%) between the different sources of nutrients revealed that the maximum positive contribution of cyanobacteria was on final available N (45.2%) and available phosphorus (P, 18.5%). Green manure had the greatest contribution to total N, total P, zinc, iron, and manganese (Mn). However, cyanobacteria had a negative relationship with Mn and sodium (Na, –30.19%). A negative relationship with Na indicates the possibility of using cyanobacteria as an ameliorating agent for salt-affected soil.     

Landscape-scale geographic variations in microbial biomass and enzyme-labile phosphorus in manure-amended Hapludults

Long-term nutrient management practices have lasting effects on the geographic distribution of soil microorganisms, loci of enhanced activity, and non-mobile nutrients such as phosphorus (P) to ultimately influence nutrient use efficiency by crops and edge-of-field losses. We determined the distribution of soil microbial biomass, phosphomonoesterases' activity, and P forms in a 10-ha no-till field that received annual additions of dairy manure at 0, 15, and 30 kg P ha^?1 at the field scale for 16 consecutive years. The spatial structure of soil microbial indices and extractable P fractions were characterized based on their semivariance distributions for each manure treatment. The buildup in soil P occurred, although replacement was done at a crop removal rate. Manure additions resulted in overall mean increases in total labile P of 73 % and 156 % and alterations in the soil microbial ecosystem that depended on manure inorganic-to-enzyme-labile P composition in soils treated with 15 and 30 kg P ha^?1, respectively. Distinct clusters of phosphate- and enzyme-labile organic P were observed within manure treatments, where accumulation of the latter forms was associated with high soil microbial biomass C and reduced acid phosphomonoesterase activity. The geographic variability highlighted the critical need for improving methods of field-scale application of manure and non-mobile nutrients. In addition, current soil testing methods that depend upon composite representative samples for estimating microbiological parameters linked to nutrient turnover and P requirements for optimal crop production should be modified to include site-specificity in sampling and interpretation approaches.     

Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application from Swine Manure on Winter Wheat Growth and Nutrient Utilization

Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of swine manure application on wheat growth and nutrient uptake. Manure was added to soil on a nitrogen (N) basis at 325 kg plant-available nitrogen (PAN) ha^?1 (experiment 1) and on a phosphorus (P) basis at 50 kg P ha^?1, while maintaining a rate of 325 kg PAN ha^?1 through ammonium sulfate addition (experiment 2). Manure treatments increased overall wheat growth by 29% (P < 0.005) compared to the negative control (NC) and increased plant tissue N mass 48% (P < 0.001) and P mass 61% (P < 0.002) (experiment 1). Fertilizer control tended to increase (P < 0.10) wheat growth and increased total vegetative tissue N mass by 23% (P < 0.006) and potassium mass by 20% (P < 0.002) compared to manure treatments. Manure treatments increased wheat growth by 23% (P < 0.03) compared to the NC at the first harvest (experiment 2).     

Integrated Fertilizer Management: Influence on Soil Nitrogen,Available Phosphorus,Potassium, Nutrient Uptake and Maize Yield

A field experiment was conducted on an Alfisol (kandic paleustalf) in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, for two seasons to assess the influence of inorganic and organic fertilizers on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nutrient uptake and maize yield. The treatments consisted of three rates of organic fertilizer 0, 5 and 10 t ha^?1 in the form of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer (20:10:10) applied at 0 and 120 kg ha^?1. Maize (Zea mays) was used as the test crop. The results showed that the combined application of 10 t ha^?1 poultry manure and 120 kg ha^?1 NPK fertilizer enhanced the uptake of N, P and K better than other treatment combinations. Application of 10 t ha^?1 poultry manure alone gave the highest grain yield, which was 67.02% higher than the control in the first season. Complementary application of 5 t ha^?1 poultry manure with 120 kg ha^?1 NPK 20–10-10 was recommended for grain yield.     

Farm Nutrient Management Practices in Two Geographically Diverse Watersheds in the Cottonwood River Watershed of Minnesota, USA

The characteristics of a river are shaped by the quality of the tributaries that flow into it and each of the tributaries in turn reflects the management practices that occur on the soils and landscapes in their drainage areas. In the Cottonwood River of Minnesota, USA and many of its tributaries, nutrient enrichment [primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)] and suspended sediments contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Our objective was to assess farm characteristics and nutrient management practices among producer/operators in two southwestern Minnesota watersheds, and relate these characteristics to soil and landscape differences as reflected by agroecoregions. Producer/operators were interviewed in a face-to-face interview during summer 2002 about agricultural production management practices in two tributaries of the Cottonwood River. The Sleepy Eye Creek watershed (SECW) is located in gently rolling to flat soils formed in glacial till. The Highwater-Dutch Charley Creek watershed (HDCCW) is located in moderately steep, 2–6% slope, soils formed in glacial moraine. Nitrogen and P rates applied to corn were significantly greater in the SECW than the HDCCW, and more of the N was applied in the fall in the SECW than in the HDCCW, where more was applied in spring. More farmers tested soil for plant available P in the SECW than in the HDCCW. Results from both watershed indicated that forty-seven (29%) fields with soil test phosphorus records exceeded 25 ppm (Bray 1) or 20 ppm (Olsen). Nineteen (7.4%) fields received applications of both manure and N fertilizer, and 13 (5.1%) fields received applications of both manure and phosphate (P) fertilizer. Nitrogen and P application rates ranged from 234 to 315 kg N ha^?1 and 134 to 168 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 for fields receiving both manure and fertilizer. Strategies for improving nutrient management practices in these two watershed areas should take into consideration soil and landscape differences that influence which nutrient management practices are most risky and which are most likely to improve water quality.     

有机无机肥配施对双季稻田土壤养分利用与渗漏淋失的影响

采用田间小区试验,研究稻草、猪粪、猪粪堆肥或沼渣沼液与化肥配施对双季稻田土壤养分利用与渗漏淋失的影响。结果表明,有机肥与化肥配施有利于提高稻田土壤中N、P、K养分和有机质含量,降低稻田渗漏液中TN、TP、NH4+-N、NO3--N浓度,促进水稻养分吸收与利用。其中,以20%的猪粪堆肥氮与化肥配施效果较好,与施纯化肥相比,1年后土壤中全氮、全磷、全钾和有机质含量分别提高了2.59%,0.87%,0.15%和21.45%,碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾含量分别提高3.31%,3.22%和12.24%;氮、磷、钾肥料利用率分别提高5.22%,0.55%,3.50%;水稻地上部氮、磷、钾养分累积量分别提高7.83,0.33,3.14g/kg;水稻生长期稻田渗漏液中TN、TP、NH4+-N、NO3--N浓度明显降低;早稻增产19.65%,晚稻无明显减产。     

Effect of Incorporation of Crop Residues on a Maize–Groundnut Sequence in the Humid Tropics. II. Soil Physical and Chemical Properties

Abstract

A two‐year study (1997–1999) was conducted on a sandy clay loam (Typic Paleudult) at the experimental farm of the Universiti Putra to determine the effects of application of crop residues on changes of some soil properties in a maize (Zea mays L.)–groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) crop rotation system. Five crops of a rotation of sweet corn–groundnut–sweet corn–groundnut–sweet corn were sown with three treatments: recommended inorganic fertilizer [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)] with crop residue (T1), recommended inorganic fertilizer without crop residues (T2) or one‐half of the recommended inorganic fertilizer with crop residues combined with 10 t ha^?1 of chicken manure (T3). Soil organic carbon (OC), soil water content and soil bulk density were not significantly changed. Application of crop residues for two years increased cation exchange capacity (CEC) whereas supplementing crop residues with CM had significantly increased soil pH of the topsoil. Phosphorous in manure treatment had moved down the soil profile, which might cause eutriphication of under ground water, particularly during the rainy season. Based on this work, incorporation of crop residues could be a beneficial practice for improving the fertility of acid soils.     

不同培肥模式下闽东茶园水土及其氮磷流失特征

[目的]研究不同培肥模式对闽东茶园水土及其氮磷流失的影响,为该区茶园水土流失评价及防控提供科学依据。[方法]通过径流小区试验,设置6个处理:全量化肥(NPK),半量化肥+半量有机肥(1/2NPKOM),全量有机肥(OM),全量化肥+豆科绿肥(NPKL),半量化肥+半量有机肥+豆科绿肥(1/2NPKOM+L)和不施肥(CK)。[结果]不同培肥处理下径流流失量的大小顺序为:OM1/2NPKOMCKNPKL1/2NPKOM+LNPK,泥沙流失量表现为:OM1/2NPKOMNPKLCKNPK1/2NPKOM+L;OM处理中径流携带的全氮、可溶性氮、硝态氮、铵态氮、全磷、可溶性磷等氮磷组分的流失量均较高,而1/2NPKOM+L中这些氮磷组分流失量则相对较低,且泥沙结合态的全氮、全磷流失量在各处理中也有类似的变化规律。[结论]1/2NPKOM+L处理在减控茶园水土及其氮磷流失方面具有良好的保土保肥效果。     

Precision Manure Management on Site-Specific Management Zones: Topsoil Quality and Environmental Impact

Maintenance and improvement of soil quality across spatially variable soils in continuous cropping systems are critical to sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental quality. The objectives of this project were (i) to study the effects of variable-rate application of animal manure on selected topsoil quality parameters across site-specific management zones (MZs) and (ii) to evaluate the variable-rate applications of manure using risk-assessment tools of nitrogen (N) leaching and phosphorus (P) runoff indices to understand its impact on environmental quality. This study was conducted in northeastern Colorado on continuous and furrow-irrigated maize fields. Experimental strips, 4.5 m wide and 540 m long, spanned across all MZs with treatments nested within MZs in the field. Variable rates of dairy and beef feedlot manure applied on irrigated and dryland fields respectively ranged from 0 to 67 Mg ha^?1. Surface soil quality parameters evaluated before and after this study included bulk density, organic matter, water-holding capacity, electrical conductivity, and particle-size analysis. Results indicate that animal manure applications of 44 and 67 Mg ha^?1 significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased soil organic matter and decreased bulk density of low- and medium-productivity-level MZs and had no significant impact on surface soil organic matter and bulk density of the high-productivity-level MZs. Animal manure significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased surface soil water-holding capacity and soil electrical conductivity across zones; however, the maximum manure-induced soil EC was 1.0 dS m^?1, which was below levels regarded as potentially harmful for maize production. Soil texture was not affected by animal manure applications. Colorado N leaching and P index indicated no environmental hazard associated with variable rate application of animal manure across MZs. This study indicates that variable-rate application of animal manure across MZs has potential to improve or maintain soil quality parameters over time without impairing the environment.     

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.     

Crop production impacts on soil phosphorus removal and soil test levels

An 8-year field study documented the impact of tillage, crop rotations, and crop residue management on agronomic and soil parameters at Brookings, South Dakota. The greatest annual proportion of above-ground biomass phosphorus (P) removed was from the grain (78–87% of total) although crop residue removed some P as well. Greater above-ground total biomass P (grain P + crop residue P) was removed from corn than from soybean and spring wheat crops mainly due to the greater corn grain biomass harvested. Cumulative above-ground biomass P removal was greatest for the corn-soybean rotation (214 kg P ha^?1), while it was lowest for the soybean-wheat rotation (157 kg P ha^?1). Tillage treatments within crop rotation or residue management treatments did not influence annual or cumulative P removal rates. Olsen extractable soil orthophosphate-P levels declined consistently through time from a mean of 40 µg g^?1 (2004) to 26 µg g^?1 (2011). Biomass P removal was calculated to be 15.7 ha^?1 yr^?1 to decrease Olsen extractable soil orthophosphate-P levels by 1 µg g^?1 yr^?1 over 8 years of the study.     

长期不同施肥下褐土养分及酶活性的生态化学计量特征

  【目的】  研究长期不同施肥条件下褐土养分含量和与土壤有机质水解、碳氮磷有效性相关的酶活性及其化学计量变化特征,以深刻认识农田土壤元素循环的生物地球化学特征。  【方法】  依托1992年开始的山西寿阳旱地农田生态系统野外长期定位试验,选取其中不施肥对照(CK),4个单施无机肥处理(N₁P₁、N₂P₂、N₃P₃、N₄P₄),3个无机肥和有机肥配施处理 (N₂P₁M₁、N₃P₂M₃、N₄P₂M₂) 和1个单施有机肥处理 (M₆) 进行研究。于1992、2001、2006和2016年,分析了表层土壤 (0—20 cm) 中有机碳(C)、全氮(TN)、全磷(TP)、有效氮 (AN) 和有效磷 (AP) 含量及与碳氮磷循环相关的β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶 (β-1,4-glucosidase, BG)、β-1,4-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(β-1,4-N-acetylglucosidase, NAG)和碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase, ALP)活性。计算土壤养分之间和酶之间的化学计量比 (C∶TN、C∶TP、TN∶TP和lnBG/lnNAG、lnBG/lnALP、lnNAG/lnALP)。计算酶向量角度 (vector angle) 和向量长度(vector length)。以向量角>45°或者<45°的多少来评价微生物受磷、氮限制的程度,向量角>45°越多表示微生物受磷限制越强,向量角<45°越多表示微生物受氮限制越强。以向量长度评价微生物受碳限制的程度,向量长度越长表示微生物受碳限制越强。  【结果】  1) 除N₄P₄处理土壤C : TN显著高于M₆处理外,其他化肥和有机肥处理之间C : TN和C : TP不存在显著差异,而土壤TN : TP在各施肥处理下显著低于M₆处理 (P<0.05)。与CK相比,M₆处理C∶TN显著降低了30.2% ,TN∶TP显著升高了41.0%;N₄P₄处理C∶TP显著降低了23.3%,TN∶TP降低了17.6% (P>0.05)。土壤C∶AN平均为2.11～2.29,处理之间无显著差异;土壤C∶AP和AN∶AP随化肥和有机肥投入量增加而降低,4个有机肥处理的土壤C∶AP和AN∶AP降幅大于4个化肥处理。2)长期N₂P₂、N₃P₃和N₄P₄处理下,土壤lnBG/lnNAG、酶向量角度和酶向量长度略高于各有机肥处理(P>0.05),而lnNAG/lnALP略低于各有机肥处理(P>0.05);与1992年 (试验开始年)相比,施肥处理后土壤lnBG/lnNAG均升高,lnNAG/lnALP均降低,向量角整体>45°,向量长度增加了11.1%～52.4%。3)相关性分析表明, AN与BG、NAG、ALP活性、lnBG/lnNAG及lnNAG/lnALP之间存在显著相关性;土壤C∶TN、C∶AN与酶活性lnBG/lnNAG、土壤TN∶TP与lnNAG/lnALP之间存在显著正相关,lnBG/lnALP与任何环境因子间都不存显著相关性。  【结论】  长期单施化肥易增加作物对有机碳的消耗和土壤稳定态磷素固持,微生物面临的碳、磷限制加剧;有机肥带入土壤的有机氮,加速了有机质分解,显著提高了土壤有效磷含量,有效缓解资源限制,促进褐土元素周转。综上,长期施肥显著改变了褐土元素化学计量特征,引起酶化学计量非稳态变化,土壤酶活性表现出强烈的资源依赖性。     

Effect of long-term beef manure application on soil test phosphorus,organic carbon,and winter wheat yield

In this study, 24 years (1990–2013) of data from a long-term experiment, in Stillwater, Oklahoma (OK), were used to determine the effect of beef manure on soil test phosphorus (STP), soil organic carbon (SOC), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield. Beef manure was applied every 4 years at a rate of 269 kg nitrogen (N) ha^?1, while inorganic fertilizers were applied annually at 67 kg N ha^?1, 14.6 kg phosphorus (P) ha^?1, and 27.8 kg potassium (K) ha^?1 for N, P, and K, respectively. Averaged across years, application of beef manure, and inorganic P maintained STP above 38 mg kg^?1 of Mehlich-3 extractable P, a level that is far beyond crop requirements. A more rapid decline in SOC was observed in the check plot compared to the manure-treated plot. This study shows that the application of animal manure is a viable option to maintaining SOC levels, while also optimizing grain yield.     

Effects of different organic materials on forage yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize (Zea mays L.)

The use of organic materials as a source of nutrients on agricultural lands ameliorates soil physical properties as well as being an environmentally friendly way of disposing of their wastes. This study was conducted to determine effects of three organic materials (poultry litter, cattle manure, leonardite) on yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. Poultry litter and cattle manure were applied based on phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N) requirements of the crop whereas leonardite was applied only one dose (500 kg ha^?1) and also combined with three inorganic fertilizer doses (100%, 75%, 50% of recommended inorganic fertilizer dose). According to the results, the highest green herbage yield and nutrient uptake values were observed in LEO-100 whereas N-based treatments significantly decreased yield and nutrient uptake of silage maize. The use of organic materials as a combination with inorganic fertilizer in silage maize cultivation is highly beneficial for sustainable forage production.     

Nutrient Uptake and Leaching from Soil Amended with Cattle Manure and Nitrapyrin

We investigated whether nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin can reduce nutrient leaching and increase nutrient uptake by corn (Zea mays L.) in cattle manure amended soil. Amendments included non-amended check (CK), urea (Urea), REG (manure from cattle fed barley grain), and DDGS (manure from cattle fed 60% dried distillers grains with solubles), co-applied with or without nitrapyrin and leached or unleached with water. Nitrapyrin reduced (P < 0.01) leaching of nitrate by 56, 32, and 24% from DDGS, REG, and Urea treatments, respectively, and also reduced (P < 0.05) leaching of phosphate (58%), potassium (39%), calcium (39%), and magnesium (39%) from DDGS treatment. While nitrapyrin reduces the rate of ammonium conversion to nitrate, higher magnesium and phosphate levels in DDGS-amended soil favor struvite formation and reduce their leaching. Corn biomass and nutrient uptake were higher (P < 0.01) in DDGS and Urea than CK and REG treatments, but remained unaffected by nitrapyrin. The benefits of nitrapyrin should be further investigated under field conditions.

Abbreviations: DCD, dicyandiamide; DDGS, dried distillers grains with solubles; NI, nitrification inhibitor; TP, total P; TN, total N.     

有机养分替代对小麦产量、土壤肥力及麦田氮磷径流流失的影响

为探讨不同有机肥替代率对小麦减肥增效及减少麦田氮磷流失的效果,在等氮有机养分替代条件下进行田间小区监测试验,设置8种不同处理,分别为空白对照(CK),常规施肥(CF),100%、50%、30%猪粪有机养分替代氮肥(M1、M2、M3)及100%、50%、30%秸秆有机养分替代氮肥(F1、F2、F3),研究有机肥替代率对小麦产量、麦田氮磷流失、肥料利用率和土壤肥力的影响。结果表明,100%有机养分替代处理与常规施肥处理相比小麦产量均显著降低,但减少了麦田氮径流流失,提高了土壤肥力。麦田不同处理下总氮流失量为21.90~33.66 kg·hm^-2,与常规施肥处理相比,不同比例猪粪、秸秆有机养分替代处理总氮流失量减少了8.44%~25.94%;总磷流失量为0.60~2.00 kg·hm^-2,100%有机养分替代处理相比于常规处理总磷流失量升高了24.64%~44.93%。不同处理下小麦氮、磷肥利用率分别为17%~35%、5%~19%,其中30%~50%猪粪有机养分替代处理下氮、磷肥利用率较高,而100%猪粪、秸秆有机养分替代氮、磷肥利用率较常规施肥处理均显著降低。有机养分替代能够缓解土壤酸化,使土壤pH值维持稳定,与常规施肥处理相比,有机养分替代处理下土壤肥力有所提高。综合不同比例猪粪、秸秆有机养分替代对小麦产量、土壤肥力及麦田氮磷径流流失的影响,30%~50%猪粪有机养分替代在保证小麦高产稳产的同时,能有效降低麦田氮径流流失量,且维持较低水平磷径流流失量,是一种适宜的资源有效利用、节肥增效的有机养分替代模式。本研究结果为小麦生产中合理利用养分资源、减少化肥投入、控制麦田氮磷径流流失提供了参考。     

Effect of Organic Materials on Yields and Nutrient Accumulation of Wheat

ABSTRACT

This experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using a sandy clay loam treated with garbage and mushroom composts, cattle and chicken manures, or municipal sludge at rates of 0, 30, or 60 ton ha^?1. The organic materials were applied to the pots and incubated for 15 d. The soil samples were watered at field capacity. In this experiment, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was used as a test crop. At the end of the experiment, it was found that treating sandy clay loam with the organic materials increased plant total and grain yields, protein content, 1000-kernel weight, number of grains in spike, and accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) by wheat compared with the control treatment, depending on the organic material applications. Thus, the increases were found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Among the types of organic materials, the sewage sludge was the most effective material in increasing N, P, K, Fe, Zn, and Mn content of leaf, grain, and stem samples of the wheat plant. It was followed by mushroom compost and cattle manure. Based on the results, sewage sludge and garbage compost are suggested for use as an amendment for the soil studied. Comparing the beneficial effects of the organic materials applied for improving plant growth and nutrient accumulation, the materials can be arranged in the following descending order: municipal sludge > chicken manure > cattle manure > garbage compost > mushroom compost. It is suggested that recycling of organic materials for agricultural usage as an organic-matter resource is an alternative, organic fertilization option in Turkey.     

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.     

Effect of Integrated Nutrition in Aromatic Rice on Carbon and Nutrient Status in an Inceptisol

Inorganic fertilizer-based nutrient management is the maintenance of soil fertility for sustaining increased crop productivity, but often at the cost of degrading soil health. This study was conducted to determine whether incorporation of organics in the conventional inorganic-based nutrient management practice on aromatic rice could sustain both fertility and soil organic carbon status on a silt loam Aeric Haplaquept. Addition of organic manure along with inorganic fertilizer could almost maintain organic carbon status of soil, while the treatment only with inorganic fertilizer registered a substantial decrease (6.58%) from its initial value. Among the treatment combinations, the treatment receiving 1 t ha^?1 mustard cake and inorganic fertilizer @ N₄₀P₂₀K₂₀ was the best, which registered the highest grain (3.01 t ha^?1) and straw (5.32 t ha^?1) yield of rice, highest nutrient uptake, and least decline in available N, P, and K status of soil. However, even the best treatment combination also was proved to be suboptimal in sustaining soil fertility.