Long-Term Effects of Sulfur and Zinc Fertilization on Rice Productivity and Nutrient Efficiency in Double Rice Cropping Paddy in Bangladesh

Sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are frequently reported in Bangladesh rice paddy. However, its effects on rice productivity and soil fertility need to be reevaluated as sulfur oxides (SO_x) and heavy metals are increasingly emitted to the environment in the recent years. To examine the long-term effects of S and Zn fertilization on rice yield and nutrient efficiency, the standard fertilization plot of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and zinc (NPKSZn) was installed in a typical double rice cropping paddy at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) farm in 1985. The recommended treatment (NPKSZn) and the comparison treatments (NPKZn and NPKS) were selected for calculating S and Zn efficiencies. The same levels of chemical fertilizers in NPKSZn treatment were applied with the rates of N-P-K-S-Zn as 80–25–35–20–5 kg ha^?1 and 120–25–35–20–5 kg ha^?1 in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The changes in rice productivity, as well as S and Zn fertilization efficiencies, were monitored for 23 years. Sulfur fertilization significantly increased the mean grain and straw yields by around 13% in the wet season and only 4–5% in the dry season. The mean S fertilization efficiencies were 9.3% and 5.3% in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Sulfur fertilization efficiency was relatively high until 1997 (the 13th year after the installation). Thereafter, however, S fertilization did not increase rice productivity or efficiency, regardless of the season. Also, Zn fertilization did not result in a significant increase in rice productivity, and its fertilization efficiency was similar level with a mean of 1.2%, irrespective of the season. This study revealed that S and Zn fertilization may no longer be required to increase rice productivity in Bangladesh paddy soil due to fast industrialization and urbanization.     

Phosphorus Fertilization Impacts on Corn Yield and Soil Fertility

Optimization of phosphorus (P) fertilization is important for balancing soil fertility especially in vertisol to support economic crop production. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of P fertilization (1998 to 2014) on crop yield and nutrient uptake, and soil fertility under continuous annually tilled corn (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system in semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. The study was conducted on Arik clay (isohyperthermic, fine clay Typic Haploxerert) using randomized complete block design with four replications for each treatment at the research farm of the Dept. of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey. P fertilizer at 0, 50, 100, 200 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 as triple superphosphate (TSP), respectively was applied a week before planting corn. Results showed that increasing P fertilization rates significantly decreased the number of mycorrhizal spores associated with corn roots. Similarly, a 10% decrease in corn root mycorrhizal colonization was observed with 200 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 fertilization. In the control treatment, corn yield was 4.3 Mg ha^?1 as compared to 5.6, 5.7 and 6.1 Mg ha^?1 in 50, 100 and 200 kg of P₂O₅/ha, respectively. The relationship between P fertilization and relative yield showed that more than 95% of the corn yield was produced when P applied at 100 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1. While P fertilization significantly increased the leaf N, P, and K contents but decreased the leaf Zn, Fe and Mn contents, as compared with the control. However, P fertilization did not consistently affect the grain N and P contents. Both physiological efficiency- and agronomic efficiency of P fertilization have shown a significant non-linear increase than that of the control. Total organic C (TOC) and total N (TN) concentrations were more than 34 and 26% higher in 100 and 200 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1rates as compared with the control. Likewise, available P (AP), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) concentrations increased with an increase in P fertilization rates. The AP, Mn and Zn contents significantly stratified by P fertilization. Our results suggested that 100 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 is optimum to sustain Vertisol fertility for supporting economic corn production in the Mediterranean climates of Turkey.     

Microbial inoculation of Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria along with inorganic fertilizers for sustainable yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of microbial inoculants and inorganic fertilizers for sustaining the yield of soybean. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) gave significantly highest yield (2433 kg ha^?1) over 75% RDF (2317 kg ha^?1) and without RDF (2205 kg ha^?1). Seeds inoculated with Rhizobium (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (2480 kg ha^?1) gave significantly highest soybean yield over without inoculation (2191 kg ha^?1). Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria with 100% RDF (2674 kg ha^?1) gave significantly highest seed yield than rest of the treatment combinations. Root nodules and their dry weight were remained un-influenced due to fertilizer levels, whereas in bio-fertilizers, it was significantly higher with Rhizobium inoculation (24.3 and 408 mg, respectively) followed by dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB. 100% RDF and dual inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB earned Rs. 47916/- and Rs. 51182/- net returns per ha, respectively.     

Maize Yield Response to Zinc Sources and Effectiveness of Diagnostic Indicators

Maize yield is often limited by zinc (Zn) deficiency. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate maize yield response to Zn applied at four different rates, (ii) evaluate the yield response and agronomic efficiency of maize to the application of a complex fertilizer, MicroEssentials SZ (12N–40P–0K–10S–1Zn), compared to different rates of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) + ammonium sulfate (AS) + zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and (iii) evaluate the association between tissue Zn concentration and soil-test Zn with the maize response to Zn fertilizer. Eleven experiments were carried out during the 2010, 2011, and 2012 growing seasons throughout eight states in the USA. Treatments consisted of four Zn rates of a physical blend of MAP + AS + ZnSO₄ (0, 2.24, 4.48, 6.72, and 11.2 kg/ha Zn) and MicroEssentials SZ at a Zn rate of 2.24 kg/ha Zn. Nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) rates were balanced across treatments (40 kg/ha P, 22 kg/ha S) and fertilizers were broadcast and incorporated immediately prior to planting. Treatment and location main effects were significant (P < 0.001) on corn yields, whereas the interaction treatment × location was not (P = 0.33). Maize responded positively to Zn fertilization; average yields across locations increased from 10,540 kg ha^?1 without Zn to 11,530 kg ha^?1 with 11.21 kg Zn ha^?1 applied as a physical blend. The yield response and Zn agronomic efficiency of maize with the application of the complex fertilizer at a rate of 2.24 kg Zn ha^?1 averaged 1004 kg ha^?1 and 448 kg maize kg Zn^?1, respectively, significantly higher (P < 0.1) than the yield response and Zn agronomic efficiency with the application of a physical blend with the same Zn rate, which averaged 293 kg ha^?1 and 131 kg maize kg Zn^?1, respectively. The Zn concentration in plant tissue of unfertilized plots varied greatly and was not related to the maize response to Zn fertilizer (r = 0.01; P = 0.98). With respect to soil Zn, a negative but nonsignificant relationship was found between maize response to Zn fertilizer and soil-test Zn (r = ?0.51; P = 0.16).     

Summer green-manuring crops and zinc fertilization on productivity and economics of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of summer green-manuring crops and zinc (Zn) fertilization on the productivity and economics of Basmati rice. Sesbania aculeata summer green-manuring crop residue incorporation (SGMI) gave highest values of all the growth and yield attributes, grain and straw yield, viz. 3.58, 3.69 t ha^?1 and 16.14, 16.25 t ha^?1 of Basmati rice in 2008 and 2009. Among the Zn fertilization treatments, application of 2.0% Zn-enriched urea (ZEU) as ZnSO₄ · H₂O significantly influenced yield attributes and yield of Basmati rice during both years, and the increase in grain yield was 38.5 and 40.0% over absolute control (no N and no Zn) and 11.9 and 13.6% over control (only N) in both years of study. However, 2.0% ZEU (ZnO) was very close in terms of yield attributes and grain, straw yields of Basmati rice. As regards to the economics of Basmati rice, SGMI and 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO₄ · H₂O) Zn fertilization treatments gave the highest gross (SGMI, 85,985 and 91,582 INR ha^?1; 2.0% ZEU, 89,837 and 59,851 INR ha^?1) and net (SGMI, 56,997 and 61,445 INR ha^?1; 2.0% ZEU, 59,851 and 64,442 INR ha^?1) returns, respectively, compared with incorporation of the remaining summer green manuring residue and Zn fertilization treatments in 2008 and 2009. A significantly higher benefit:cost ratio was recorded with SGMI and 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO₄ · H₂O). Overall, Sesbania aculeata green manuring and 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO₄ · H₂O) are excellent sources of N and Zn for improved productivity of Basmati rice.     

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.     

GENOTYPIC VARIATION FOR PRODUCTIVITY,ZINC UTILIZATION EFFICIENCIES,AND KERNEL QUALITY IN AROMATIC RICES UNDER LOW AVAILABLE ZINC CONDITIONS

Zinc (Zn) has emerged as the plant nutrient limiting rice growth in several parts of the world. About 50% of world soils are deficient in Zn and this is also true for India. An analysis of 0.233 million samples taken from different states showed that 47% of Indian soils are deficient in Zn. In India, Zn deficiency is widespread, especially in the rice–wheat cropping system belt of North India, which has high pH calcareous soils. Zinc is also now recognized as the fifth leading health risk factor is developing Asian countries, where rice is the staple food and Zn nutrition of humans and animals has recently received considerable attention. However, no reports are available on the effect of Zn fertilization on kernel quality of aromatic rices. The present study was therefore undertaken to study the effect of Zn fertilization on yield attributes, grain, and straw yield, Zn concentrations in grain and straw, Zn uptake, Zn use indices and kernel qualities of the aromatic rices. A field study at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India showed that Pusa Sugandh 4 (‘PS 4’) is a better than the earlier developed aromatic rice variety Pusa Basmati 1 (‘PB 1’) in terms of grain yield (4.08 tonnes ha^?1), kernel quality, zinc (Zn) concentrations in grain and Zn uptake (1,396.9 g ha^?1), recovery efficiency (5.2%), agronomic efficiency (122.7 kg grain increase kg^?1 Zn applied), partial factor productivity (1,064.7 kg grain kg^?1 Zn applied) and physiological efficiency (39,625 kg grain kg^?1 Zn uptake) of applied Zn. From the grain yield (4.64 tonnes ha^?1) viewpoint an application of 5 kg Zn ha^?1 was found sufficient for the aromatic rices grown on ustochrepts of north Indian rice-wheat cropping system belt. Application of 7.5 kg Zn ha^?1 increased Zn concentrations in the grain (37.0 mg kg^?1 DM) and straw (117.3 mg kg^?1 DM) of aromatic rices studied and this is important from the human and animal nutrition viewpoint under Indian conditions.     

Nutrients management strategies to improve yield and quality of sugar beet in semi-arid regions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore, a field trial was carried out in Peshawar, Pakistan, during the winters in 2012–2013. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with split plots, having three replications. Fertilizer treatments (control, composted manure Higo Organic Plus at 5 t ha^?1, Maxicrop Sea Gold seaweed extract at 5 L ha^?1, farm yard manure at 10 t ha^?1, inorganic nitrogen–phosphorus (NP) at 90:60 kg ha^?1, NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 and NP at 150:120 kg ha^?1) were allotted to main plots, while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) were allotted to the sub-plots. Plots treated with the application of NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 produced the highest beet yield (76.4 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (11.1 t ha^?1), and had the second highest polarizable sugar content (14.52%) and more economic return (Rs. 553,000 per hectare) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly higher beet yield (55.5 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (7.9 t ha^?1) and a higher economic return (Rs. 380,000 per hectare) than the other genotypes. Sugar beet genotype Serenada supplied with NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1is recommended for the general cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.     

Zinc fertilization approaches for agronomic biofortification and estimated human bioavailability of zinc in maize grain

Maize (Zea mays L.) is generally low in bioavailable zinc (Zn); however, agronomic biofortification can cure human Zn deficiency. In the present experiment, Zn was applied in pots as ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O to maize cultivar DK-6142 as foliar spray (0.5% w/v Zn sprayed 25 days after sowing and 0.25% w/v at tasseling), surface broadcasting (16 kg Zn ha^?1), subsurface banding (16 kg Zn ha^?1 at the depth of 15 cm), surface broadcasting + foliar and subsurface banding + foliar in comparison to an unfertilized control. As compared to control, all treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased growth, yield and nutritional attributes in maize. Grain Zn and protein concentrations were correlated and ranged from 22.3 to 41.9 mg kg^?1 and 9 to 12 %, respectively. Zinc fertilization also significantly reduced grain phytate and increased grain Zn concentration. Zinc fertilization, especially broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio to 28 and 21 and increased Zn bioavailability by trivariate model of Zn absorption to 2.04 to 2.40, respectively. Conclusively, broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray is suitable for optimal maize yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of maize grain. This would also be helpful to optimize Zn and protein concentration in maize grain.     

Effect of split application of zinc on yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in an inceptisol

Abstract

Rice is mostly transplanted under puddled low land soil conditions in India, where Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common problem. The objective of this study was to find out the efficacy of split application of Zn on growth and yield of rice in an inceptisol. The split application of Zn as ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O performed better than its single basal application, while the split application of Zn-EDTA did not show any significant difference on yield and yield components of rice over its single basal application. Zn-EDTA was found to be better for growth and yield of rice among the two sources of Zn. The soil application of Zn at 1.0 kg ha^?1 as Zn-EDTA (T₇) recorded highest grain yield of 5.42 t ha^?1, filled grain percentage of 90.2%, 1000-grain weight of 25.41 g and number of panicles m^?2 of 452. The Zn content of grain and straw were found to be maximum in the treatment T₇ i.e. 38.19 and 18.27 mg kg^?1, respectively. Linear regression studies indicated that grain yield of rice is significantly influenced by Zn content of grain, Zn content of straw and DTPA extractable Zn content of soil at the level of 95.96, 96.74 and 95.57%, respectively.     

Effects of controlled-release urea combined with conventional urea on nitrogen uptake,root yield,and quality of Platycodon grandiflorum

Field experiments were conducted with four nitrogen fertilizer treatments to study the effects of controlled-release urea combined with conventional urea on the nitrogen uptake, root yield, and contents of protein, soluble sugar, saponin, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) in Platycodon grandiflorum. Field experiments were conducted with four nitrogen (N) fertilizer treatments: no N fertilization; conventional urea with N rate of 175 kg N ha^?1; conventional urea with N rate of 160 kg N ha^?1; controlled-release urea combined with conventional urea with N rate of 160 kg N ha^?1; controlled-release urea combined with conventional urea with N rate of 135 kg N ha^?1. The results showed that nitrogen application significantly increased the yield of P. grandiflorum compared with the control. Treatment with controlled-release urea combined with conventional urea at 160 kg N ha^?1 provided the highest yield of 7329.58 kg ha^?1. Nitrogen application also increased the contents of soluble sugar, total saponin, protein, Zn, Fe, and Mg but decreased Cu content. Protein, saponin, and Zn contents were significantly higher, but Cu content was lower in P. grandiflorum fertilized with controlled-release urea combined with conventional urea than those fertilized with conventional urea alone. The combination of controlled-release urea with conventional urea at 160 kg N ha^?1 was the optimal treatment under the experimental condition investigated in this study.     

Response of wheat genotypes to zinc fertilization for improving productivity and quality

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilization on yield potentiality and quality of promising wheat varieties during winter seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Among genotypes, HD 2967 genotype proved as best in realizing the highest grain yield (4.89 Mg ha^?1), net returns and benefit–cost ratio besides increased protein (13.4%) and wet gluten (29.4%) content in grain. Highest grain Zn concentration and recovery efficiency (RE) recorded in HD 2851 and HD 2687, respectively. HD 2932 registered lowest grain hardiness index (GHI) followed by PBW 343, indicating their better bread-making quality. With respect to Zn fertilization, application of 1.25 kg Zn Zn–ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Zn–EDTA) + 0.5% foliar spray at maximum tillering and booting stages resulted in the highest yields, grain Zn concentration and RE followed by 2.5 kg Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + 0.5% foliar spray at both stages. These treatments are also superior most with respect to grain quality parameters such as protein, wet gluten and starch content. From profitability viewpoint, 2.5 kg Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + 0.5% two foliar sprays were most remunerative with maximum net returns and benefit–cost ratio.     

Assessment of ZN Interaction with Nutrient Cations in Alkaline Soil and its Effect on Plant Growth

An experiment was conducted to assess the zinc (Zn) availability to wheat in alkaline soils during Rabi 2009–2010. Wheat seedlings in pots having 2 kg alkaline sandy soil per pot were treated with 5, 10 and 15 kg Zn ha^?1 as soil and with 0.5 and 1.0% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) as foliar application. Results showed that Zn increasing levels in soil helped in phosphorus uptake up to boot stage but its conversion to grain portion lacked in Zn treated plants. Potassium (K) uptake also increased up to 6.24% in boot stage with treatment of 10 kg Zn ha^?1 + 1.0% ZnSO₄ foliar spray. Zinc (Zn) concentration increased in plant tissues with the increasing level of Zn application but this disturbed the phosphorus (P)-Zn interaction and, thus, both of the nutrients were found in lesser quantities in grains compared to the control. Despite of the apparent sufficient Zn level in soil (1.95 mg kg^?1), improvement in growth and yield parameters with Zn application indicate that the soil was Zn deplete in terms of plant available Zn. The above findings suggest that the figure Zn sufficiency in alkaline soil (1.0 mg kg^?1) should be revised in accordance to the nature and type of soils. Furthermore, foliar application of Zn up to 1.0% progressively increased yield but not significantly; and it was recommended that higher concentrations might be used to confirm foliar application of Zn as a successful strategy for increasing plant zinc levels.     

Residual Effect of Copper and Zinc from Fertilizers on Plant Concentration,Phytotoxicity, and Crop Yield Response

Abstract

To avoid toxicity resulting in reduced crop yields and/or phytotoxic symptoms on the foliage, information on the residual effect of micronutrient fertilization after periods of application is desirable. This article includes discussion on the micronutrients copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), because they are essential and are of concern from plant and animal standpoints. In general, no detrimental effects in yield reduction or phytotoxicity were noted from Cu applications of up to 50 kg Cu ha^?1 to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Barley was an exception where 50 kg Cu ha^?1 decreased yield by about 12% in the first‐year crop. The Cu levels in plants did not exceed 9 mg kg^?1. Studies showed that Zn applications of 50 kg ha^?1 for 2 years in succession and the resulting crop tissue Zn levels as high as 105 mg kg^?1 did not cause any phytotoxicity in cereals. The results of this study suggest that cereals can tolerate high levels of Cu and Zn.     

Effect of Cattle Manure and Sulfur on Yield and Oil Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) Inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans in Calcareous Soil

The effect of cattle manure and sulfur fertilizer on seed yield and oil composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) under inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans was investigated in a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design. Experimental factors consisted of cattle manure (M) (M₀: 0, M₁: 10; and M₂: 20 t ha^?1), sulfur (S) (S₀: 0, S₁: 250; and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1) and T. thiooxidans (B): inoculated (B₁) and non-inoculated (B₀). Results demonstrated that the application of T. thiooxidans, cattle manure, and S fertilizer decreased the soil pH. The largest number of seed per fruit (367), highest fruit yield (70.57 t ha^?1), seed iron (Fe) content (16.26 mg 100 g^?1), and seed yield (111 kg ha^?1) was obtained when 20 t ha^?1 manure was applied in combination with 500 kg ha^?1 S inoculated with T. thiooxidans. In this condition, the content of S, Fe, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) in plant shoots was increased by 44.8%, 22.58%, 33.89%, and 10.38%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the highest content of seed protein was observed in 10 t ha^?1 manure and 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer inoculated with T. thiooxidans. When 250 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer was applied, 20 t ha^?1 manure decreased seed P content sharply. At the rate of 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer, the highest content of seed P was obtained from 20 t ha^?1 manure. Totally, 20 t ha^?1 cattle manure, along with 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer as well as T. thiooxidans inoculation, improved oil and seed yield of medicinal pumpkin.     

Phosphorus–microbes interaction on growth,yield and phosphorus-use efficiency of irrigated cotton

The phosphorus-use efficiency of crops in high pH soil is low. A randomized complete block design in a 3 × 2 split-plot experiment was conducted on a high pH silt loam (Typic Ustochrepts) to evaluate whether P-solubilizing microbial (PSM) inocula were able to improve the P fertilization effects on irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., cultivar CIM-482). Cotton was planted after seed treatment with PSM inoculation at 0, 22 and 44 kg P ha^?1. Results showed that soil microbial populations were significantly higher throughout the cotton-growing season in response to P fertilization and PSM inoculation. Both P fertilization and PSM inocula exerted a significant effect on cotton biomass and Puptake without an interaction. Economic analyses suggest that PSM inocula alone significantly increased P-use efficiency (8%), reduced cost and improved net income (by $36 ha^?1) of irrigated cotton production. Moreover, the relationship between relative yield and P fertilization with PSM inocula showed that 95% of the maximum yield of cotton was produced at 22 kg P ha^?1, whereas in the absence of PSM inocula, 95% relative yield was obtained at 36 kg P ha^?1, asaving of ～39% applied P with PSM inoculation.     

Diversification of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping systems for higher productivity,resource-use efficiency and economic returns in south Gujarat,India

The continuous growing of rice has led to a deterioration in soil quality, resulting in a serious threat to agricultural sustainability in the high rainfall zone of south Gujarat, India. Therefore, crop diversification with a wider choice in the production of crop varieties is being promoted to restore the soil quality. A field experiment was conducted in Navsari, India during 2003–2007 on a Vertisol to evaluate the productivity, sustainability, resource-use efficiency and economics of 10 rice-based cropping systems. The results showed that system productivity for rice–fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)–okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) was highest (25.73 t ha^?1), followed by rice–onion (Allium cepa)–cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) (24.15 t ha^?1); and the lowest system productivity was observed with the rice–wheat (Triticum aestivum)–fallow system (7.85 t ha^?1). The sustainable yield index (0.97), production efficiency (102.94 kg ha^?1 day^?1) and field water use efficiency (15.98 kg ha^?1 mm^?1) were maximum with the rice–fenugreek–okra system. Similarly, net return (96,286 Rs ha^?1), net return per rupee invested (2.83 Rs), monetary production efficiency (385.14 Rs ha^?1 day^?1) and water use efficiency (59.80 Rs ha^?1 mm^?1) were maximum with the rice–fenugreek–okra cropping sequence. There were significant effects of various cropping sequences on available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon content in the soil. Overall, the rice–fenugreek–okra system was found to be the most productive, sustainable, resource-use efficient and remunerative cropping system, followed by the rice–onion–cowpea system.     

Potassium fertilization and soil diagnostic criteria for forage corn (Zea mays L.) production contributing to lower potassium input in regional fertilizer recommendation

Abstract

Effective soil diagnostic criteria for exchangeable potassium (Ex-K) combined with inorganic potassium (K) application rates were developed to lower K input in forage corn (Zea mays L.) production using experimental fields with different application rates and histories of cattle manure compost. Two corn varieties, ‘Cecilia’ as a low K uptake variety and ‘Yumechikara’ as a high K uptake variety, were selected from among 20 varieties and tested to make diagnostic criteria for K fertilization applicable to varieties with different K uptakes. The K uptakes increased from 96 to 303 kg K ha^?1 for ‘Cecilia’ and from 123 to 411 kg K ha^?1 for ‘Yumechikara’ with increasing Ex-K content on a dry soil basis from 0.11 to 0.92 g kg^?1 with no inorganic K fertilizer application. The K uptake by corn for achieving the target dry matter yield of 18 Mg ha^?1 was estimated to be approximately 200 kg K ha^?1 in common between the two varieties. Yields of both varieties achieved the target yield at an Ex-K content of approximately 0.30 g kg^?1 with no K fertilization, although ‘Yumechikara’ reached the target yield at a lower Ex-K content. At the low Ex-K content of 0.1 g kg^?1, inorganic K fertilizer application at 83 kg K ha^?1 was needed to gain the target yield, and apparent K recovery rate for K fertilizer was calculated to be 70% for both varieties. The K uptakes for gaining the target yield by the K fertilization were lower than that by soil K supply. Based on these results, diagnostic criteria of Ex-K and inorganic K application rates were set up as follows: at an Ex-K content of < 0.15 g kg^?1, inorganic K fertilizer is applied at 83 kg K ha^?1 (100 kg ha^?1 as potassium oxide (K₂O) equivalent); at an Ex-K content of 0.15–0.30 g kg^?1, the application rate is reduced to 33 kg K ha^?1 (40 kg K₂O ha^?1); at an Ex-K content of ≥ 0.30 g kg^?1, inorganic K fertilizer is not applied because of sufficient K in the soil. Additionally, we propose that cattle manure compost be used to supplement soil K fertility.     

Spring camelina N rate: balancing agronomics and environmental risk in United States Corn Belt

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) seed oil has desirable properties for producing advanced biofuels and as a healthy cooking oil. It has been grown for centuries, but basic recommendations for nitrogen (N) fertilizer requirements are still needed to support widespread industrial cultivation across North America. A replicated N-response plot-scale study was conducted on a northern Mollisol soil for two growing seasons to 1) determine seed and oil yield, seed oil content, and vegetative response; 2) determine indices of N use efficiency; and 3) measure post-harvest residual inorganic soil N as an index of environmental risk. Seed and oil yield response to N fertilization was described with a quadratic function, which predicted maximum seed yield (1450 kg ha^?1) and oil yield (580 kg ha^?1) at about 130 kg N ha^?1. However, seed and oil yield did not differ significantly among N-rates above 34 kg N ha^?1. Seed oil content averaged 400 g kg^?1 among all N rates. Agronomic efficiency declined above 34 kg N ha^?1, which coincided with an increase of post-harvest soil nitrate-N plus ammonium-N (residual N). Considering N use efficiency, simple cost analysis, and risk associated with residual N, a rate of 34 kg N ha^?1 is recommended.     

Response of Wheat Plants to Zinc,Iron, and Manganese Applications and Uptake and Concentration of Zinc,Iron, and Manganese in Wheat Grains

This experiment was conducted at Zahak Agricultural Research Station in the Sistan region in southeast Iran. A factorial design with three replications was used to determine the effects of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) applications on wheat yield, Zn, Fe, and Mn uptakes and concentrations in grains. Four levels of Zn [soil applications of 0, 40, and 80 kg ha^?1 and foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) solution], two levels of iron sulfate (FeSO₄; 0 and 1%) as foliar application, and two levels of Mn (0 and 0.5%) also as foliar application were used in this study. Results showed that the interactive effects of Zn and Mn were significant on the number of grains in each spike. The highest number of grains resulted from the application of 80 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 and foliar Mn. The interactive effects of Zn and Fe were significant on weight of 1000 grains. The highest weight of 1000 grains resulted from application of 80 kg Zn and foliar Fe. Application of 80 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 alone and 80 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 with foliar application of Mn significantly increased grain yield in 2003. The 2‐year results showed that foliar application of Zn increased Zn concentration and Fe concentration in grains 99% and 8%, respectively. Foliar application of Fe resulted in a 21% increase in Fe concentration and a 13% increase in Zn concentration in grains. The foliar application of Mn resulted in a 7% increased in Mn concentration in grains.