Re‐visiting potassium‐ and phosphate‐fertilizer responses in field experiments and soil‐test interpretations by means of data mining

Currently, potassium (K)‐ and phosphate (P)‐fertilizer recommendation in Germany is based on standardized soil‐testing procedures, the results of which are interpreted in terms of nutrient availability. Although site‐specific soil and plant properties (e.g., clay and carbon content, pH, crop species) influence the relation between soil nutrient content and fertilizer effectiveness, most of these factors are not accounted for quantitatively when assessing fertilizer demand. Recent re‐evaluations of field observations suggest that even for soil nutrient contents well within the range considered to indicate P or K deficiency, fertilizer applications often resulted in no yield increase. In this study, results from P‐ and K‐fertilization trials (in total about 9000 experimental harvests) conducted during the past decades in Germany and Austria were re‐analyzed using a nonparametric data‐mining procedure which consists of a successive segmentation of the data pool in order to elaborate a modified recommendation scheme. In addition to soil nutrient content, fertilizer‐application rates, nutrient‐use efficiency, and site properties such as pH, clay content, and soil organic matter, have a distinct influence on yield increase compared to an unfertilized control. For K, nutrient‐use efficiency had the largest influence, followed by soil‐test K content, whereas for P, the influence of soil‐test P content was largest, followed by pH and clay content. The results may be used in a novel approach to predict the probability of yield increase for a specified combination of crop species, fertilizer‐application rate, and site‐specific data.     

Approaches to calculating P balance at the field‐scale in Europe

Policies for mitigating phosphorus (P) loss from agriculture are being developed in a number of European countries and calculation of P balance at farm‐gate or field‐scale is likely to be a part of such policies. The aim of the paper was to study P balance at the field‐scale in 18 countries that participated in the European Union's (EU) European Co‐operation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) action on “Quantifying the Agricultural Contribution to Eutrophication (COST 832)”. A questionnaire related to P balance at the field‐scale was sent to representatives in the 18 countries and all replied. The field as a unit is defined differently in the various European agricultural systems. The identification of the inputs and outputs differ among the countries. For example, P losses may or may not be taken into account in balances. Phosphorus balance at the field‐scale is used in all countries in the context of soil analysis and P recommendations for crops and advisory and research purposes, while only a few countries use it for policy purposes (agri‐environmental). There is wide variation in P balances between countries in relation to soil fertility and vulnerability of water to eutrophication from nutrients from agricultural sources. In several eastern European countries, Hungary for example, fertilizer P use has dropped to about one tenth of the levels used in the 1980's. Many of these countries now have a negative P balance. In western European countries, by contrast, although fertilizer P use has decreased in recent years, the average input is higher than the average off take, and soil test phosphorus (STP) values remains high and continue to increase in some areas. Twelve different soil extractants for STP are used in Europe, and their interpretation can hinder direct comparisons. Calculating P balance at the field‐scale involves approximations in estimating inputs and outputs and spatial variations in fertility in individual fields. Accuracy of data and standardization of methods for calculating balances with inputs and outputs will be a challenge for the future development of a sustainable agriculture in Europe.     

What soil information do crop advisors use to develop nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for grain growers in New South Wales,Australia?

The Australian grains industry relies on mineralized nitrogen (N) from soil organic matter and plant residues, but fertilizer N is increasingly needed to optimize yields. Most farmers are guided on N fertilizer requirements by commercial crop advisors. We surveyed (n = 132) and interviewed (n = 11) New South Wales grains advisors to gauge the usage of soil process understanding, soil data and decision support systems (DSSs) when developing N recommendations. Soil moisture at sowing, seasonal forecasts, crop rotation, soil mineral N, financial risk profiles and paddock history were all used to prepare N fertilizer advice, but stored soil moisture was most important. Farmer confidence in soil N testing was low due to high spatial variability. Most advisors calculated N fertilizer required for yields within 10%–15% of crop potential, but clients’ attitude to financial risk guided final N recommendations. Conservative growers preferred a low input system, while more reliable rainfall or greater reliance on stored soil water led growers to apply higher N rates to maximize long‐term profits. Advisors preferred “rules‐of‐thumb,” simple DSSs and knowledge of crop growth, to elaborate DSSs requiring detailed inputs and soil characterization. Few used in‐crop N sensing. N decision methodologies need to be updated to account for changes in soil fertility, cropping systems and farming practices. New research is needed to answer practical questions regarding soil N mineralization and N losses associated with alternative N application practices and extreme weather events. Training of new advisors in N processes and DSS use needs to be ongoing.     

Relationships between relative crop yields,soil test phosphorus levels,and fertilizer requirements for phosphorus

Abstract

More uniformity in methods of deriving fertilizer P recommendations from crop response data should improve accuracy and precision of fertilization rates. Experimental data that relate crop yields to soil test levels and describe the effect of fertilizer P on soil test levels provide the basis for determining fertilization rates for specific crop‐soil situations. A modification of the Mitscherlich equation was used in derivation of a new equation for calculating fertilizer P requirements as a function soil test levels of P. The equation was applied to response data for 4 crops.

Response curves and fertilizer requirements as calculated for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and clover‐grass indicated that soybeans yielded relatively more than the other three crops at low soil test levels of P. Corn and alfalfa required higher soil test levels to reach 95% maximum yield and required higher rates of fertilizer P when initial test levels were low.     

Soil‐ and plant‐based nitrogen‐fertilizer recommendations in arable farming

Under‐ as well as overfertilization with nitrogen (N) will result in economic loss for the farmer due to reduced yields and quality of the products. Also from an ecological perspective, it is important that the grower makes the correct decision on how much and when to apply N for a certain crop to minimize impacts on the environment. To aggravate the situation, N is a substance that is present in many compartments in different forms (nitrate, ammonium, organic N, etc.) in the soil‐plant environment and takes part in various processes (e.g., mineralization, immobilization, leaching, denitrification, etc.). Today, many N‐recommendation systems are mainly based on yield expectation. However, yields are not stable from year to year for a given field. Also the processes that determine the N supply from other sources than fertilizer are not predictable at the start of the growing season. Different methodological approaches are reviewed that have been introduced to improve N‐fertilizer recommendations for arable crops. Many soil‐based methods have been developed to measure soil mineral N (SMN) that is available for plants at a given sampling date. Soil sampling at the start of the growing period and analyzing for the amount of NO ‐N (and NH ‐N) is a widespread approach in Europe and North America. Based on data from field calibrations, the SMN pool is filled up with fertilizer N to a recommended amount. Depending on pre‐crop, use of organic manure, or soil characteristics, the recommendation might be modified (±10–50 kg N ha^–1). Another set of soil methods has been established to estimate the amount of N that is mineralized from soil organic matter, plant residues, and/or organic manure. From the huge range of methods proposed so far, simple mild extraction procedures have gained most interest, but introduction into practical recommendation schemes has been rather limited. Plant‐analytical procedures cover the whole range from quantitative laboratory analysis to semiquantitative “quick” tests carried out in the field. The main idea is that the plant itself is the best indicator for the N supply from any source within the growth period. In‐field methods like the nitrate plant sap/petiole test and chlorophyll measurements with hand‐held devices or via remote sensing are regarded as most promising, because with these methods an adequate adjustment of the N‐fertilizer application strategy within the season is feasible. Prerequisite is a fertilization strategy that is based on several N applications and not on a one‐go approach.     

Soil phosphorus testing for intensive vegetable cropping

Environmental concerns and rapidly decreasing phosphorus (P) resources caused a renewed interest in improving soil P tests for a more efficient P fertilization. This led to the development of better P fertilizer recommendation systems for major arable crops and grass. Nevertheless, these P fertilizer recommendation systems seem to fail for intensive vegetable crops, with often a very short growing season and limited rooting system. This leads to low P use efficiencies in the horticultural sector. In order to address this problem we set up a study to answer following questions: (1) which soil P test predicts the plant available P content for intensive vegetable crops the best and (2) can new insights, such as combining different soil P tests, improve P fertilizer recommendations for intensive vegetable crops? To this end, bulk samples of 41 soils with very different P status (based on ammonium lactate extractable P) were collected. The plant available P content of these soils was determined using six commonly used soil P tests (P‐CaCl₂, P‐water, P‐Olsen, P‐acetate, P‐lactate, and P‐oxalate) and a P fertilizer pot experiment with endive (a very P sensitive vegetable crop) was conducted. Six pots of each soil were planted with endive. Three of these pots received no P fertilization (0P) and three pots received ammonium polyphosphate equivalent to 24 kg P ha^?1 (24P). All other factors were kept constant. Relative crop yield of the 0P fertilized plants compared to the 24P fertilized plants was determined. Plotting these relative yields against the P status of the soil per soil P test allowed to fit a Mitscherlich curve through the data. Also the combination of two different soil P tests to predict the relative yield with a Mitscherlich equation was evaluated. The coefficients of variation of the soil P tests, the R² values and the relative standard errors of the parameter estimates revealed that P‐acetate and P‐water predicted the relative yield of the 0P plants the best and that combining two different soil P tests gave no extra predictive power. This finding may form the basis for the development of a new P fertilizer recommendation system for intensive vegetable crops, leading to an improved P use efficiency in horticulture. In order to develop this new system more data relating soil P test values with RY of intensive vegetable crops should be collected.     

Potassium management in rice–maize systems in South Asia

Potassium (K) availability in soils is largely governed by their mineralogical composition. The extent of weathering of primary K‐bearing minerals, the chemical pathways through which weathering takes place, as well as the dynamic equilibrium between various K fractions in soils are factors which determine different soil types of varying K‐supplying capacity. The marked variability of K availability in soils in South Asia needs to be taken into account when formulating K‐management strategies in intensive cereal‐based systems in response to K application. Evidence from long‐term fertilizer experiments in rice–rice (R‐R) or rice–wheat (R‐W) systems strongly indicates significant yield responses to K application and negative K balances where K application is either omitted or applied suboptimally. However, K‐fertilizer recommendations in South Asia are generalized over large areas while farmers neglect K application to crops and remove crop residues from fields. These practices may strongly affect yield and soil K‐fertility status in the emerging rice–maize (R‐M) systems in different locations of South Asia. The dry‐matter yield of the R‐M system is usually much higher than that of the R‐R or R‐W system causing high withdrawal of nutrients from the soil. The current review assesses various K forms and K availability in diverse soil types of South Asia supporting rice‐based systems. Aspects considered include: long‐term crop yield and its response to added nutrients, K balance for intensive rice‐based systems, and the role of crop residues in supplying K to crops. Emerging data from either completed or on‐going experiments on the R‐M systems in India and Bangladesh have revealed very high system productivity and variable responses and agronomic K‐use efficiency of maize and rice. Potassium responses of maize are extremely high and variable for soils in Bangladesh. Finally, a plant‐based strategy for field‐specific nutrient management is presented and the need for models and decision support systems for developing efficient K management of the R‐M system is also discussed.     

Do cover crops change the lability of phosphorus in a clayey subtropical soil under different phosphate fertilizers?

Plants have developed different mechanisms to absorb and solubilize phosphorus (P) in the soil, especially in environments with low P availability. This study evaluated the effects of different winter cover crops on soil P availability in a clayey subtropical (Hapludox) soil receiving soluble P fertilizer and a rock phosphate applied to the summer crop, under no‐tillage. The experiment was carried out over 3 yrs (2009–2011) with five different cover crop species: common vetch, fodder radish, ryegrass, black oat, white clover and fallow as control. The soil was sampled after the third year of cover crop cultivation and analysed for inorganic and organic P forms according to the well‐established Hedley fractionation procedure. Phosphate fertilizers promoted accumulation of both labile and nonlabile P pools in soil in the near surface layer, especially under rock phosphate. Fertilizer applications were not able to change P fractions in deeper layers, emphasizing that the Brazilian clayey soils are a sink of P from fertilizer and its mobility is almost nil. Although the cover crops recycled a great amount of P in tissue, in a short‐term evaluation (3 yrs) they only changed the content of moderately labile P in soil, indicating that long‐term studies are needed for more conclusive results.     

Productivity and nutrient use efficiency of maize,sorghum, and cotton in the West African Dry Savanna

Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to improve food security and support livelihoods in West Africa, where soil nutrient deficiencies and rainfed production systems prevail. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use efficiencies of three dominant crops (maize, sorghum, and cotton) under different soil management strategies in the dry savanna of northern Benin. Data were collected for each crop in experiments with (1) an un‐amended soil as control, (2) a low use of external inputs, (3) an integrated soil–crop management practice, and (4) a high mineral fertilizer use, as treatments. Data were collected through researcher‐managed and farmer‐managed on‐farm trials in 2014 and 2015, and analyzed using linear robust mixed effects model and Pearson's correlation. Above‐ground biomass accumulation did not differ significantly among the control, integrated soil–crop management practice, and high mineral fertilizer use up to 30, 50, and 60 d after planting for maize, cotton, and sorghum, respectively. Thereafter, the differences in growth were substantial for each crop with highest biomass monitored with high mineral fertilizer use and lowest with the control. Biomass and economic yields at harvest were highest under high mineral fertilizer use and integrated soil–crop management practice, although the magnitude was crop‐specific. With the integrated soil–crop management practice and high mineral fertilizer use, N and P uptake by all crops was higher than for the un‐amended soil conditions. Inter‐seasonal changes in N uptake were higher for sorghum and cotton, but lower for maize. The highest agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery of N and P as well as positive N and P partial balances were obtained with the integrated soil–crop management practice for all three crops tested. The integrated soil–crop management strategy gave the highest yields and significantly improved N and P use efficiencies. The findings can contribute to formulating site and crop‐specific recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in the Dry Savanna zone of West Africa.     

Evaluation of phosphorus management practices in East Mediterranean altered wetland soils

In this study, we re‐examined the common practice of intensive P fertilization in altered wetland soils even when soil test (Olsen‐P) indicates sufficient P levels (>10 mg/kg). We tested the effects of P fertilization on crop performance and P leaching in 36 lysimeters (1.5 m³) filled with peat, marl or alluvial materials and compared a new bone‐char‐based fertilizer to the common superphosphate. The lysimeter experiment consisted of the two fertilizer types, two application rates and a typical crop rotation of setaria (Setaria italica), pea (Pisum sativum) and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum). By the end of each crop rotation, the yield was evaluated relative to P‐fertilization rates and soil‐test P. P fertilization resulted in increased Olsen‐P, soil‐solution P and P loss through leachates and a slight quality yield advantage in pea and tomato with no increase in yield of any crop. P budget calculations showed that plant uptake was not affected by the amount or type of applied P. We concluded that P fertilizer application should be significantly reduced because of limited crop response and increased P concentrations in leachates that may increase P loss to waterways especially in the marl soils. The ABC Protector exhibited slow P release, but its environmental implications should be further studied.     

生物肥料磷的利用效率：生物有效性和组分

Although to date some technologies producing bio-based phosphorus (P) fertilizers have been proposed and implemented, the efficient use of the recovered products is still limited due to legislative constraints and lack of insights in the P release with time and in the corresponding mechanisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate the fertilizer performance in terms of P release and use efficiency of recovered struvite, FePO₄-sludge, digestate, and animal manure as compared to fossil reserve-based mineral triple superphosphate (TSP). First, product physicochemical characteristics and P fractions in the context of European fertilizer legislation were assessed. Next, a controlled greenhouse experiment was set up to evaluate plant reactions as well as changes of P availability in a nutrient-rich sandy soil with high P status and a nutrient-poor Rheinsand soil with low P status. Soil P fractions were determined in the extracts with water, ammonium lactate and CaCl₂, and in soil solution sampled with Rhizon soil moisture samplers. Based on all results, it is worth conducting long-term field trials to evaluate the P release effect of struvite and digestate as compared to animal manure and TSP on different soil types with varying P status. These products showed promise as sustainable substitutes for conventional P fertilizers and could contribute to a more efficient use of P in agriculture. A refined classification of P application standards/recommendations in terms of soil P status, soil texture, and fertilizer characteristics, next to the crop P demand, is recommended. Moreover, the additional use of Rhizon samplers for determination of direct available P, including dissolved organic P, is proposed for better understanding and categorization of different P fertilizers in environmental and fertilizer legislations.     

Agronomic Efficiency of Indian Rock Phosphates in Acidic Soils Employing Radiotracer A‐Value Technique

Abstract

A greenhouse pot culture study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of two rock phosphates from Mussoorie (MRP) and Purulia (PRP) in two acidic soils from Dapoli (Maharashtra) and Aruvanthklu (Karnataka), India, by growing maize (cv. Ganga) as the test crop and using ³²phosphorus (P) single superphosphate (³²P=SSP) as a tracer (A‐value technique). Dry‐matter yield and P uptake increased significantly with the application of P fertilizers compared to control treatment (without P) in both the soils. There was no significant difference with respect to dry‐matter yield among the P fertilizer treatments. However, P uptake by the shoots was found to be significantly higher in the PRP treatment in only Dapoli soil compared to other P fertilizer treatments. Phosphorus derived from fertilizer decreased in rock phosphate treatments compared to standard ³²P‐SSP treatment in both the soils, indicating an excess availability of P from the rock phosphates. A‐values of soil and rock phosphate indicate a relatively higher P availability from Aruvanthklu soil compared to Dapoli soil; A‐values for the rock phosphates were in the order PRP>MRP. The substitution ratio showed that the availability of P from both the rock phosphates were less than SSP in both the soils.     

Sampling depth effects on sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)‐extractable phosphorus and potassium and fertilizer recommendations

Abstract

Soil test nutrient concentrations vary with depth, especially in perennial cropping systems where fertilizer is broadcast on the soil surface without incorporation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fertilizer rate and sampling depth on soil test phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and P and K fertilizer recommendations for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Five rates of P and K (0, 56, 112, 224, and 336 kg ha^‐1 P₂O₅ and K₂O) were broadcast on established alfalfa stands at three sites with different soil properties and tillage and fertilization histories. In separate plots at one site the same rates of P and K were also incorporated to a depth of 15 cm prior to seeding alfalfa. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0 to 10, 0 to 15, and 0 to 30 cm during the growing season. Fertilizer rates and soil sample depth affected soil test P and K at all sites. Relative to the 30‐cm sample depth, soil test values were higher in fertilized treatments with 10 and 15 cm sample depths due to the concentration of immobile P and K near the soil surface. Sample depths of 10 and 15 cm frequently resulted in lower P and K fertilizer recommendations than those of the 30‐cm depth. Sample depth is an important consideration in routine soil sampling for the purpose of making fertilizer recommendations. If research data used for developing soil test‐based fertilizer recommendation are obtained using a standard sampling depth, routine sampling must also be to the same depth.     

不同地理尺度下综合施肥模型的建模与验证

在新疆北疆采用包含正交设计的方案进行了多点肥料试验,建立了不同地理尺度下的综合施肥模型和肥料效应函数方程,通过校验试验对综合施肥模型与肥料效应函数方程施肥推荐施肥效果进行了比较研究。试验采用相同的试验设计在2000-2002年间进行,每年试验点数为31个。研究结果表明,通过趋势系数可以建立包括地点变量的综合肥料效应方程,回归方程各参数有明确的肥料学意义。不同地理尺度下建立的综合施肥模型都可以有效地进行施肥推荐。和传统的肥料效应函数方程相比,综合施肥模型的氮素推荐量与土壤碱解氮或有机质含量呈显著负相关,表明方程可以根据土壤供氮能力调节施氮量,在小尺度下尤其如此。综合施肥模型磷肥推荐量显著低于肥料效应函数方程推荐量,其推荐质量高于肥料效应函数方程。小尺度下综合施肥模型的推荐量比大尺度下综合施肥模型精确度更高,但两种施肥模型都优于肥料效应函数方程。     

北方褐土区冬小麦养分平衡施肥参数研究

【目的】利用养分平衡法原理,研究各养分平衡施肥参数,建立以土壤有效养分测定为基础的我国褐土冬小麦测土推荐施肥指标体系,以简捷快速、科学合理地指导我国北方褐土区冬小麦的施肥与生产。【方法】通过对多年多点小麦肥效试验结果的分析,分别计算出小麦单位产量养分吸收量、土壤有效养分校正系数、肥料当季利用率等养分平衡施肥参数,主要研究土壤环境、产量水平等因素对土壤有效养分校正系数和肥料利用率的影响及变化规律。【结果】冬小麦每百千克小麦产量养分吸收量在一个相对稳定的范围内变化,因此忽略其变化将其定为常数,即氮(N)、磷(P2O5)和钾(K2O)分别为3 kg、1.2 kg和2.8 kg。土壤有效养分校正系数与土壤有效养分含量之间呈显著幂指数负相关关系。在不同的产量水平下,肥料养分当季利用率与土壤有效养分含量之间呈显著对数负相关关系。在此基础上,建立了以养分平衡原理为依据、土壤有效养分测定为基础的我国褐土冬小麦测土推荐施肥指标体系。【结论】由于养分平衡模型的作物推荐施肥量是根据目标产量需肥量与土壤供肥量之差来计算的,在利用该模型进行施肥推荐时,研究的关键点应该是如何准确确定模型中土壤有效养分校正系数和肥料当季利用率等参数,以便得到广泛地推广应用。在北方褐土区建立了以养分平衡原理为依据,土壤肥力测定为基础,具有氮、磷和钾全定量特性的小麦测土推荐施肥体系。     

A case study on the estimation accuracy of soil properties and fertilizer rates for different soil‐sampling grids

Soil testing is used to help make fertilizer recommendations for greater yields and profits. But the increase of soil‐sampling density raises costs of sample collection and analyses. The aim of this study was to compare grid‐cell sampling densities (1, 2, and 4 ha) in terms of the estimation accuracy of macronutrients (P, K, Mg) availability and pH and to investigate how sampling density affects the amount of fertilizers and lime recommended and correctly applied to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The distribution of liming requirements and available nutrients were quite similar for the 1‐ and 2‐ha grids but notably different for the 4‐ha grid. However, the whole‐field average values of pH and P, K, and Mg concentrations in soil obtained for different sampling densities were very similar, thus placing, respectively, the soil of the studied area in the same class of liming needs and nutrient availability. The range and estimation errors of these parameters decreased with sampling‐grid size increase. The amount of lime and fertilizers to be applied on the field and the portion of a field correctly limed or fertilized depended on the soil chemical property considered. If one treats the 1‐ha grid as the reference and the most correct soil‐sampling approach, 2‐ha grid offered the greatest part of the field to be adequately fertilized with lime, P, and K. However, fertilization with Mg was much more appropriate if the recommendation was based on 4‐ha, than on a 2‐ha soil‐sampling grid. To gain an insight into soil variation and soil process occurring at small scale, laboratory and geostatistical analyses on individual soil samples may be necessary in some cases. Possibly, such costly research can deliver relevant information which could be then applied into farmer's practice.     

Fertilizer‐use efficiency of different inorganic polyphosphate sources: effects on soil P availability and plant P acquisition during early growth of corn

Polyphosphate‐based fertilizers are worldwide in use, and their effect on crop yield is often reported to be similar to orthophosphate products, although some studies showed higher yields with polyphosphate applications. However, information on how these fertilizers may influence plant P acquisition is very limited. A pot experiment was carried out under controlled conditions with corn (Zea mays L.) growing on a sandy soil (pH 4.9) and a silty‐loam soil (pH 6.9) differing in P‐sorption properties. The objective was to evaluate phosphorus fertilizer–use efficiency (PFUE) of several polyphosphate (poly‐P) compounds (pyrophosphate [PP], tripolyphosphate [TP], and trimetaphosphate [TMP]) using orthophosphate (OP) as a reference. Focus was put on evaluating plant parameters involved in plant P acquisition, i.e., root length and P uptake per unit of root length. Furthermore, soil P availability was characterized by measuring ortho‐P and poly‐P concentrations in soil solution as well as in CAL (calcium‐acetate‐lactate) extracts. The P availability was differentially influenced by the different P sources and the different soils. In the silty‐loam soil, the application of poly‐P resulted in higher ortho‐P concentrations in soil solution. In the same soil, CAL‐extractable ortho‐P was similar for all P sources, whereas in the sandy soil, this parameter was higher after OP application. In the silty‐loam soil, poly‐P concentrations were very low in soil solution or in CAL extracts, whereas in the sandy soil, poly‐P concentrations were significantly higher. Phosphorus fertilizer–use efficiency was significantly higher for poly‐P treatments in the silty‐loam soil and were related to a higher root length since no differences in the P uptake per unit of root length among poly‐P and OP treatments were found. However, in the sandy soil, no differences in PFUE between OP and poly‐P treatments were observed. Therefore, PFUE of poly‐P compounds could be explained by better root growth, thereby improving plant P acquisition.     

Lowland Rice Response to Thermophosphate Fertilization

Abstract

Use of adequate rates of phosphorus (P) in crop production on high‐P‐fixing acid soils is essential because of high crop response to P fertilization and the high cost of P fertilizers. Information on lowland rice response to thermophosphate fertilization grown on Inceptisols is limited, and data are also lacking for soil‐test‐based P fertilization recommendations for this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate response of lowland rice to added thermophosphate and to calibrate P soil testing for making P fertilizer recommendations. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in central Brazil on a Haplaquept Inceptisol. The broadcast P rates used were 0, 131, 262, 393, 524, and 655 kg P ha^?1, applied as thermophosphate Yoorin. Rice yield and yield components were significantly increased with the application of P fertilizer. Average maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 509 kg P ha^?1. Uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients had significant quadratic responses with increasing P rates. Application of thermophosphate significantly decreased soil acidity and created favorable macro‐ and micronutrient environment for lowland rice growth. Across 2 years, soil‐test levels of Mehlich 1–extractable P were categorized, based on relative grain yield, as very low (0–17 mg P kg^?1 soil), low (17–32 mg P kg^?1 soil), medium (32–45 mg P kg^?1 soil), or high (>45 mg P kg^?1 soil). Similarly, soil‐test levels of Bray 1–extractable P across 2 years were very low (0–17 mg P kg^?1 soil), low (17–28 mg P kg^?1 soil), medium (28–35 mg P kg^?1 soil), or high (>35 mg P kg^?1 soil). Soil P availability indices for Mehlich 1 extractant were slightly higher at higher P rates. However, both the extracting solutions had highly significant association with grain yield.     

Using Commercially Available Ion‐Exchange Membranes to Monitor Plant‐Available Nutrients in Cranberry

Abstract

Monitoring in‐season nutrient availability in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is hampered by tissue sampling being limited to a short, late‐summer period, and a low‐pH, high‐iron (Fe) soil environment limits soil‐test result interpretation. To evaluate monitoring available in‐season nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), commercially available ion‐exchange membranes (PRS?) were placed in plots where standard fertilizer practices were supplemented with the controlled‐release fertilizer (CRF) Osmocote? 14–14–14 at 0, 112, 224 or 336 kg/ha rates. PRS? nitrate (NO₃)‐N was related only to CRF fertilizer, whereas PRS? ammonium (NH₄)‐N reflected both the CRF and in‐season fertilizer applications. Large increases in PRS? NH₄‐N with increasing CRF rates suggested a synergistic effect of CRF on fertilizer NH₄‐N availability. PRS? P was positively correlated with CRF P but negatively to in‐season P applications, whereas PRS? K was related to in‐season fertilizer applications but not to CRF, suggesting poor plant P availability in the soil environment and relatively little K contribution from CRF, respectively. These results show promise for using PRS? in cranberry.     

A soil test based n recommendation model for dryland wheat

Abstract

Since soil test based N recommendations are not practiced in Morocco, this study was conducted to develop a N recommendation model based on soil nitrate level and other parameters for dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in common rotations in shallow (Rendolls), moderately deep (Calcixerolls) and deep (Chromoxererts) soils of Settat Province in Morocco. Sixteen N‐P Factorial experiments were conducted. Significant grain yield increases due to N fertilization averaged 76% over the check plot yields in all sites and in both seasons. Uptake of N was highly related to soil nitrates only in deeper soils with r² values of 0.89, 0.76, and 0.64 for 20‐, 40‐ and 60‐cm deep profiles. Apparent uptake efficiency of fertilizer N averaged 34% in the drier year and 50% in the wet year. Relative yield was a linear function of initial soil nitrate content in 20‐, 40‐ and 60‐cm profiles with r² values of 0.87, 0.94, and 0.89, respectively. For maximum grain yield 18, 31, and 50 kg of nitrate N/ha were required in 20‐, 40‐ and 60‐cm profiles, respectively. Nitrogen mineralization potentials were 144, 164, and 179 mg/kg for the above soils, respectively. A model based on critical level of soil nitrates, initial level of soil nitrates and apparent uptake efficiencies of soil and fertilizer N was developed to predict the fertilizer N requirement of wheat in deeper soils. If legume or mixed volunteer pastures preceded the wheat crop, the N fertilizer requirement was lower.