Effects of Phosphorus Fertilizer Source and Plant Density on Growth and Yield of Maize in Northwestern Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer source and plant density are considered some of the most important factors affecting crop growth and yield. A field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of P source [zero-P control, DAP (diammonium phosphate), SSP (single super phosphate), and NP (nitrphos)] and plant density (D₁ = 40,000, D₂ = 60,000, D₃ = 80,000, and D₄ = 100,000 plants ha^?1) on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L cv. Azam) on a P-deficient soil (6.6 mg P kg^?1) at New Developmental Agricultural Research Farm, North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during summer 2006 in wheat-maize cropping system. Physiological maturity was delayed, plant height was increased and leaf area was decreased significantly when maize was planted at highest (D₄) than at lowest plant density (D₁). Application of SSP resulted in earlier physiological maturity of maize than other P fertilizers. Grain and stover yield, harvest index, shelling percentage, thousand grain weight and grains ear^?1 were maximized at D₃ (80,000 plants ha^?1) and with application of P fertilizer. Highest benefit in growth and grain yield was obtained with application of DAP to maize planted at D₃. Application of DAP at D₃ gave 15, 29, and 19% higher grain yield than its application at D₁, D₂, and D₄, respectively. In conclusion, the findings suggest that growing maize at 80,000 plants ha^?1 applied with DAP can maximize productivity of maize in the wheat-maize cropping system on P-deficient soils.     

Seasonal variations of nitrous oxide emission in relation to nitrogen fertilization and energy crop types in sandy soil

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a greenhouse gas and agricultural soils are major sources of atmospheric N₂O. Its emissions from soils make up the largest part in the global N₂O budget. Research was carried out at the experimental fields of the Leibniz-Institute of Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim (ATB). Different types (mineral and wood ash) and levels (0, 75 and 150 kg N ha⁻¹) of fertilization were applied to annual (rape, rye, triticale and hemp) and perennial (poplar and willow) plants every year. N₂O flux measurements were performed 4 times a week by means of gas flux chambers and an automated gas chromatograph between 2003 and 2005. Soil samples were also taken close to the corresponding measuring rings. Soil nitrate and ammonium were measured in soil extracts.N₂O emissions had a peak after N fertilization in spring, after plant harvest in summer and during the freezing–thawing periods in winter. Both fertilization and plant types significantly altered N₂O emission. The maximum N₂O emission rate detected was 1081 μg N₂O m⁻² h⁻¹ in 2004. The mean annual N₂O emissions from the annual plants were more than twofold greater than those of perennial plants (4.3 kg ha⁻¹ vs. 1.9 kg ha⁻¹). During January, N₂O fluxes considerably increased in all treatments due to freezing–thawing cycles. Fertilization together with annual cropping doubled the N₂O emissions compared to perennial crops indicating that N use efficiency was greater for perennial plants. Fertilizer-derived N₂O fluxes constituted about 32% (willow) to 67% (rape/rye) of total soil N₂O flux. Concurrent measurements of soil water content, NO₃ and NH₄ support the conclusion that nitrification is main source of N₂O loss from the study soils. The mean soil NO₃-N values of soils during the study for fertilized soils were 1.6 and 0.9 mg NO₃-N kg⁻¹ for 150 and 75 kg N ha⁻¹ fertilization, respectively. This value reduced to 0.5 mg NO₃-N kg⁻¹ for non-fertilized soils.     

Integrated soil management in eroded land augments the crop yield and water-use efficiency

Abstract

Cultivated lands in erosion prone agro-ecologies incessantly experience a substantial loss of productive soil and organic matter. Currently, the fertility-management and rainwater-conservation practices are given emphasis separately. This study appraised collectively both the water-conservation and fertility-management practices for the restoration of soil productivity in eroded farmlands. Field experiments were carried out on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in eight farmer fields. Four fields of Missa soil series (Typic Ustochrept) and four of Rajar soil series (Typic Ustorthent) were selected. Treatments in each field were: farmers' practice as control without soil-water conservation, and with farmers' rate of fertilizer (per hectare 40 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅); improved fertilization (per hectare 100 kg N, 60 kg P₂O_5, 2 kg Zn, and 1 kg B) without soil-water-conservation practices; soil-water-conservation practices (deep plowing, bund improvement, ploughing across the contour) + farmers' rate of fertilizers; and soil-water conservation + improved fertilization. Crop grain yields were at the highest with soil-water conservation + improved fertilization (per hectare wheat 3.31 Mg and 1.65 Mg in 2004–2005 and 2005–2006; and maize 4.55 Mg and 4.19 Mg in 2005 and 2006, respectively). The lowest yields were recorded under farmers' practice for both crops. Similar was the response for water-use efficiency and plant uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, and boron. Missa soil series was more responsive than was Rajar to integrated soil-management practices. Synergistic application of soil-water conservation and improved fertilization practices significantly improved the crop yields, nutrient uptake, and water-use efficiency.     

Inoculation of tomato plants with selected PGPR represents a feasible alternative to chemical fertilization under salt stress

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are soil bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere of plants, enhance plant growth, and may alleviate environmental stress, thus constituting a powerful tool in sustainable agriculture. Here, we compared the capacity of chemical fertilization to selected PGPR strains to promote growth and alleviate salinity stress in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). A pot experiment was designed with two main factors: fertilization (chemical fertilization, bacterial inoculation with seven PGPR, or a non‐fertilized non‐inoculated control) and salt stress (0 or 100 mM NaCl). In the absence of stress, a clear promotion of growth, a positive effect on plant physiology (elevated F_v/F_m), and enhanced N, P, and K concentrations were observed in inoculated plants compared to non‐fertilized controls. Salinity negatively affected most variables analyzed, but inoculation with certain strains reduced some of the negative effects on growth parameters and plant physiology (water loss and K⁺ depletion) in a moderate but significant manner. Chemical fertilization clearly exceeded the positive effects of inoculation under non‐stressed conditions, but conversely, biofertilization with some strains outperformed chemical fertilization under salt stress. The results point at inoculation with selected PGPR as a viable economical and environment‐friendly alternative to chemical fertilization in salinity‐affected soils.     

Potassium uptake by soybean as affected by exchangeable potassium in soil

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) has been shown to have a great capacity to take K from soil, suggesting that it might absorb K from non‐exchangeable forms. In this paper, the effect of level of K fertilization on soil exchangeable K content and K uptake by soybean are discussed. The experiment was conducted on a Typic Haplortox (sandy loam), fertilized with 0, 40, 80, 160 and 240 kg K₂O/ha as KC1 or K₂SO₄. During five years before the experiment, half of the plots received those K rates annually and the other half only in the first three years, providing an opportunity to study the residual effect of applied K. Plant samples were taken at pod filling and at harvest. Soil cores were collected in 20 cm increments down to 80 cm deep at plant emergence, pod filling and after harvest. There was a residual effect of K, and 240 kg K₂O/ha applied in a 3‐year term led to the same yield and K uptake as 80 kg ICO/ha applied annually for 3 years. Fertilized plants absorbed 160% more K than unfertilized ones, but soil exchangeable K accounted for less than 50% of plant uptake; therefore the exchangeable pool must have been replaced in time for soybean uptake. On the other hand, the K recycled from the plant to the soil was not found in the exchangeable form. There was evidence of K leaching deeper than 80 cm, and in addition, the K recycled from the plants may have turned into non‐exchangeable forms in the soil.     

Evaluation of Drip-Irrigated Cotton Grown under Different Plant Population Densities and Two Irrigation Regimes

Modification of plant population density and irrigation regime may impact seed cotton and lint yield, fiber quality, photosynthesis, and nitrogen uptake, especially in areas with severe water shortages and limited water resources. Furthermore, it reduces seeds and other agricultural practices costs without sacrificing yield. Field experiments examining the impact of plant population and irrigation regime on cotton growth, cotton yield parameters, fiber quality, leaf area, and chlorophyll content of cotton leaves were conducted in the city of Aleppo, northern Syria, in 2004 and 2005. Plant populations of 74,000, 57,000, 48,000, 41,000, and 33,500 plants ha^?1 and two drip irrigation regimes [one planting row/one irrigation line (one/one) and two planting rows/one irrigation line (two/one)] were tested. Cotton was planted in April 2004 and 2005 at the Agricultural Research Center in northern Syria on a Chromoxerertic Rhodoxeralf soil. Cotton was irrigated when soil moisture in the specified active root depth was 80% of the field capacity as indicated by the neutron probe. Before all plots were hand-picked each year, a 20-lint sample was collected per plot and sent to the Cotton Research Administration Laboratory for fiber quality analysis. Seed cotton yields were lowest with populations of 33,500 plants ha^?1 compared to the other tested population densities. However, the other plant densities did not much influence seed cotton yield, fiber quality, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll content. Water savings for different plant densities grown under the one/one irrigation regime ranged between 11.2 and 38.3% of irrigation water relative to two/one irrigation regime. Reducing population densities up to 41,000 plants ha^?1 and adapting a one/one irrigation regime appear to be viable cost-saving options.     

Safflower yields and water use efficiency as affected by irrigation at different soil moisture depletion levels and plant population density under arid conditions

A field experiment was carried out over two years to investigate the effects of an irrigation regime and its interaction with plant density on yield, yield components and water use efficiency (WUE) of safflower Giza 1 cv. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement with three replications. There were three available soil moisture depletion levels (ASMD) under this study (I₁:50% of ASMD, I₂:65% of ASMD and I₃:80% of ASMD), which were kept in main plots and three plant population densities (D₁: 10, D₂: 20 and D₃: 40 plants m^?2), which were randomized in sub-plots. Significant interaction effects between irrigation regime and plant population density were detected for seed and oil yields, 1000-seed weight and seed weight plant^?1 as well as WUE. The highest seed and oil yields were found for D₂I₁. Meanwhile, the highest WUE was found for D₂I₁ or D₂I₂. Based on these results, the combination of an irrigation rate of 50% of ASMD at a density of 20 plants m^?2 when irrigation water supplies are sufficient or a rate of 65% of ASMD at the same plant density when irrigation water are limited, are recommended for planting safflower under similar soil and climatic conditions.     

Düngung,N-Umsatz und Pflanzenwachstum in ihrer Wirkung auf die langfristige Protonenbilanz von Böden

Influence of fertilization, nitrogen transformation and plant growth on the long-term proton balance in soils In view of results of recent publications the influence of fertilization, nitrogen transformation and plant growth on proton balance in soil is discussed. One reason, why acidity in the soil increases after plant growth can be traced back to the fact, that plants take up more N-free cations than N-free Anions from the soil. Thus the more nitrogen fertilization as well other fertilization practices will increase plant yield the more the process of soil acidification will be enhanced. There ist no influence on soil pH by forms of applied fertilizer nitrogen like NH₄NO₃, HNO₃, NH₄OH, urea or biologically fixed N. However, accompanying ions of nitrogen fertilizers depending whether they are metal cations or sulfate or chlorid anions will decrease or increase proton production. For the calculation of the amount of produced acid in the soil during the uptake of nutrients by plants the yield of the plants and the alcalinity of plant ash will be needed. The calculation of the amount of produced acid both from the fertilization and the plant growth will be falsified by the unknown amount of nitrate which is leached beneath the rooting zone.     

Effects of N‐fertilization on shoots and roots of rape (Brassica napus L.) and consequences for the soil matric potential

The underlying question of these investigations asked, how and to which extent rape plants react with transpiration and soil water uptake to different degrees of nitrogen fertilization. Therefore repeated campaigns with concurrent measurements of plant surfaces (leaves, stems, pods), diurnal courses of leaf transpiration and root length density of rape plants growing on heavily (240 kg ha^—1), moderately, (120 kg ha^—1), and nil N‐fertilized plots of an experimental field in northern Germany were performed during two growing seasons. Additionally, matric potentials at different soil depths were measured. In the first year (1994) investigations were concentrated primarily on shoot area development and transpiration, whereas in the subsequent year (1995) root measurements were mainly undertaken. Also, the influence of soil management (ploughing, conservation tillage) was taken into consideration. The plots where the shoot measurements were carried out were ploughed in 1994 and rotovated in 1995. Matric potentials were measured in both years in ploughed soil and, for comparison, also in soils with conservation tillage. Shoot area index, as measure of the transpiratory capacity of the canopy, increased on ploughed soil and reached a maximum before flowering. Thereafter it decreased until harvest when the relative amount of green stems and pods was increasing. Then, the measured transpiration rate per pod surface area was equal to, or higher than, the transpiration rate per leaf surface area. Plant surface area was smaller in plots with conservation tillage and decreased generally with decreasing N‐fertilization. Increasing plant surface area was joined by an increasing density of plant canopy. Light interception was thus highest in the plots receiving 240 kg N ha^—1. Although the shading effect may cause a reduction of transpiration per plant, the total plant mass per area generally resulted in a greater water loss from these plots. Roots reached at least 110 cm depth. Root length density was significantly higher in the upper 10—30 cm of soil than at greater depths. Root mass was smaller in soil with conservation tillage than in ploughed soil. Oscillations of soil matric potentials in the diurnal and long‐term periods were highest in the upper 10 cm of soil. Here, they corresponded well with the cumulative diurnal transpiratory water loss. It is concluded that the soil water dynamics depends largely on the distribution of plant roots. As a result, rape plants did not change their specific transpiration capacity as a response to increased nitrogen fertilization. However, the transpiring plant surface and root length density increased the turnover rate of water by a higher plant density per plot. This effect was more pronounced in ploughed than in rotovated plots.     

Effect of Liming on the Mineral Nutrition and Yield of Growing Guava Trees in a Typic Hapludox Soil

Abstract: High soil acidity influences the availability of mineral nutrients and increases that of toxic aluminium (Al), which has a jeopardizing effect on plant growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of soil liming on the development of guava (Psidium guajava L.) plants, on soil chemical characteristics, and on fruit yield. The experiment was carried out at the Bebedouro Citrus Experimental Station, state of São Paulo, Brazil, in a Typic Hapludox soil, from August 1999 to March 2003. The treatments consisted of limestone dose: D₀ = zero; D₁ = half dose; D₂ = total dose; D₃ = 1.5 times the dose, and D₄ = 2 times the dose to raise the V value to 70%. The doses corresponded to zero, 1.85, 3.71, 5.56, and 7.41 t ha^?1 applied to the upper soil layer (0–30 cm deep) before planting. The results showed that liming caused an improvement in the evaluated soil chemical characteristics up to a depth of 60 cm in soil samples both in the line and between lines. The highest fruit yields were obtained when the base saturation reached a value of 55% in the line and 62% between the lines. Foliar levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were 8.8 and 2.5 g kg^?1, respectively. The highest limestone dose maintained the soil base saturation (at the layer of 0–20 cm) in the line close to 55% during at least 40 months after the incorporation of limestone.     

Factors Affecting on Response of Broad Bean and Corn to Air Quality and Soil CO2 Flux Rates in Egypt

In response to worldwide increases in the burning of fossil fuels to meet energy demands for electric power generation and transportation, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are currently rising at approximately 0.5% per year and ground-level O₃ values are increasing at a rate of 0.32% per year. Some plants showed positive increases in response to elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, but are depressed when exposed to enhanced O₃ air pollution. The objective of this research was to examine relationships between alterations in leaf plant characteristics in response to air quality treatments and soil CO₂ flux activities during the growing season. Field studies were conducted in 2-m diameter?×?2-m height open-top chambers (OTC’s) at Sharkia Province during 2004 and 2005 involving the growth of broad bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Giza 40) and corn (Zea mays L. cv. 30 K8) in rotations using no-till management while being subjected full-season to five air quality treatments: charcoal-filtered (CF) air; CF + 150 µL CO₂ L^?1; non-filtered (NF) air; NF + 150 µL CO₂ L^?1 and ambient air (AA). Leaf photosynthesis (P_s), leaf area index (LAI), and vegetative carbohydrate contents were determined during pre- and post-anthesis in the two crops and soil CO₂ flux rates were monitored monthly during two growing seasons (2004–2005). Multiple and stepwise regression analyses were performed to establish linkages between plant canopy characteristics and soil CO₂ flux rates with results combined over growth stages and year for each crop. Increasing the atmospheric CO₂ concentration typically stimulated leaf P_s, soluble and total leaf carbohydrate contents, LAI values, and soil CO₂ flux rates throughout the growing season in both crop; however, the elevated O₃ treatments in NF air tended to lower these values compared to CF air. Soil CO₂ flux rates were significantly correlated with LAI, soluble and total sugar contents at P?≤?0.01 and with P_s rates at P?≤?0.05 in broad bean leaves, but with soluble and total sugar contents of leaves in corns at P?≤?0.01 only. Results of this study provided solid evidences linking the impact of changing air quality on plants factors processes and possible indirect effects on soil CO₂ flux activities throughout the growing season.     

长期定位试验尿素和堆肥处理下冬小麦自然同位素15N研究

We investigated 15N abundance （δ15N） of winter wheat （Triticum aestivum cv. Jinmai 1） plants and soil at different growth stages in a field with a 13-year fertilization history of urea and compost, to determine whether or not the δ15N of plant parts can be used as an indicator of organic amendment with compost. Plant parts （roots, leaves, stems and grains） and soil were sampled at re-greening, jointing, grain filling and mature growth stages of winter wheat. There were significant differences between the urea and compost treatments in 815N of whole plants, plant parts and soil over the whole growing season. Determination of the δ15N of plant parts was more convenient than that of whole plant to distinguish between the application of organic amendment and synthetic N fertilizer.     

Enhancement of maize plant growth with inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and biochar amendment in soil

Maize plant has an absolute requirement of nutrients (N, P, and K) for growth and development. The microbial application can facilitate in addressing limited access to chemical fertilizer concern. Moreover, biochar and phosphorus-solubilizing bacterial (PSB) community can contribute together in nutrient availability. Both have the P-supply potential to the soil, but their interaction has been tested less under semiarid climatic conditions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential of biochemically tested promising PSB strains and biochar for maize plant growth and nutritional status in plant and soil. Therefore, two isolated PSB strains from maize rhizosphere were biochemically tested in vitro and identified by 16S rDNA gene analysis. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse where the plant growth and nutrient availability to the plants were observed. In this regard, all the treatments such as PSB strain-inoculated plants, biochar-treated plants, and a combination of PSBs + biochar-treated plants were destructively sampled on day 45 (D₄₅) and day 65 (D₆₅) of sowing with four replications at each time. PSB inoculation, biochar incorporation, and their combinations have positive effects on maize plant height and nutrient concentration on D₄₅ and D₆₅. In particular, plants treated with sawdust biochar + Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain 31MZR inoculation increased N (32.8%), P (72.5%), and K (42.1%) against control on D₆₅. Besides that, only L. fusiformis strain 31MZR inoculation enhanced N (23.1%) and P (61.5%) than control which shows the significant interaction of PSB and biochar in nutrient uptake. PSB and biochar have the potential to be used as a promising amendment in improving plant growth and nutrient absorption besides the conventional approaches.     

Yield,nutrient, and soil sulfur response to ammonium sulfate fertilization of soybean cultivars 1

With the reduction of sulfur levels in high‐analysis nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers and in atmospheric deposition, sulfur (S) fertilization may become more important, especially with intensive cropping systems. When high clay content is likely to limit root development into the subsoil, low extractable sulfate‐sulfur (SO₄‐S) levels in the topsoil may suggest possible plant response to S fertilization. Even though ammonium sulfate [(NH₄)₂SO₄] is widely used and readily available for plant uptake, field data are limited on the use of (NH₄)2SO₄ as an S source for soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. A study was initiated to determine the effect of S fertilization as (NH₄)₂SO₄ on: (i) the yield, seed weight, grain quality, and leaf and whole‐plant nutrient concentrations of four soybean cultivars grown on soils with high clay content subsoils; and (ii) selected soil chemical characteristics. Sulfur rates were 0, 28, 56, and 84 kg/ha, and soybean cultivars were two Maturity Group IV beans, DeSoto and Douglas, and two Maturity Group V beans, Bay and Essex.

The study was conducted on a Parsons silt loam soil (fine, mixed, thermic, Mollic Albaqualf) in 1986 and 1987, and on a Cherokee silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic, Typic Albaqualf) in 1987. Sulfur application did not significantly affect soybean yield or seed protein or oil concentrations. For whole plants, S concentration increased and N:S ratios decreased with increasing S fertilization. Similar trends were found in soybean leaves. Although N:S ratios of both whole plant and leaf tissue were lowered with S fertilization, the values generally were not below 20:1 which is above cited critical levels. Fertilization with (NH₄)₂SO₄ increased the levels of extractable SO₄‐S in the soil, especially in the 15–30 cm depth. The first‐year accumulation of soil SO₄‐S with increasing S fertilization appeared to be more at a site that was lower in organic matter.     

Fertilization of rabbiteye blueberries grown on a typic paleudult soil

A 6 year field study comparing the effects of 5 fertilizer sources applied at 4 levels to 3 rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) cultivars was established on a Typic paleudult soil in southern Misssssippi. Fertilizer sources had little influence on plant height, vigor, chlorosis, or fruit yield. The first year, ‘Tifblue’ was lowest in vigor and fruit yield, but after 4 growing seasons, had the highest plant height and fruit yields. Chlorosis symptoms were more prevalent at the highest fertilization rate, in the cultivar ‘Woodard’, and with Ca(NO₃)₂ fertilizer. During the first 5 years, fruit yields increased as fertilization levels increased from 0 to 5.9 g N/plant but additional fertilization did not influence yields There were no differences in plant vigor due to cultivars but the highest rate of fertilization decreased vigor. The cultivar X fertilization rate interaction was significant for plant height in 1983 and for fruit yields in 1984 and 1985. ‘Delite’ and ‘Woodard’ plant height increased while height of ‘Tifblue’ decreased as fertilization rates increased from the 0 to 5.9 g N/plant levels; higher rates decreased plant height in all cultivars. In 1984 and 1985 fruit yields of ‘Woodard’ and ‘Delite’ were not influenced by fertilization but yields of ‘Tifblue’ indicated a negative response to increasing fertilizer levels.     

Morphophysiological and Grain Yield Responses to Foliar and Soil Application of Boric Acid on Soybean

ABSTRACT

Boric acid (H₃BO₃) fertilization as source of boron (B) is a common practice in modern agriculture, aims to correct the deficiency of this micronutrient in the Cerrado soils, and ensure the maintenance of plant metabolism for the proper crops’ development. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of H₃BO₃ fertilization on soil and leaves during the soybean development. The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. The treatments were obtained in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, fertilization with H₃BO₃ for three doses of B in the soil: 0 (control); 0.62 and 3.4 kg ha^?1 and two foliar supplementation conditions: absence and presence. The best results for the variables length, dry mass and leaf area of soybean plants occurred with B applied to soil at doses 0 and 3.4 kg ha^?1 in the absence of foliar supplementation. B content in the plants gradually increased with the micronutrient supply via soil and in leaves. Physiological apparatus of the plants was more efficient in the absence of foliar supplementation, independently of the fertilization with doses in the soil. The grain mass was up to 57% higher in the control treatment. Fertilization with H₃BO₃ in the soil and foliar did not improve the morphophysiological traits and the production of soybeans grown in greenhouse using clayey soil with initial B content of 0.30 mg dm^?3.     

Rapid response of soil protozoa to elevated CO2

Short-term changes in bacterial and protozoan populations from the soil of plants grown under elevated atmospheric CO₂ were quantified. We grew Brassica nigra at either ambient or twice-ambient CO₂ levels within open-top chambers in the field for 4 weeks. Plant biomass, above- and belowground, was unaffected by elevated CO₂. Direct count bacterial density was unchanged under elevated CO₂. Flagellate density tended to increase, whereas amoebal density significantly declined under elevated CO₂. This change in protozoan community structure suggests trophic transfer of the elevated CO₂ fertilization effect through the soil food chain. Received: 20 August 1996     

GROWTH AND NUTRITION OF M.26 EMLA APPLE ROOTSTOCK AS INFLUENCED BY TITANIUM FERTILIZATION

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different mode of titanium (Ti) fertilization on growth and nutrition by M.26 EMLA apple rootstock (Malus spp.) grown in three soils with diverse physical and chemical properties. Soils were taken from Warszawa, Grojec and Brzezna regions (fruit growing regions) of Poland. The experiment was carried out during 120 days in a greenhouse. The following treatments were applied: soil Ti fertilization at a rate of 2 and 4 mg Ti per plant and four- and eight-times Ti sprays at a rate of 0.5 mg Ti per plant in each spray. Titanium was applied as TiCl₄. Plants unfertilized with Ti served as control. Titanium sprays increased levels of this element in leaf and stem tissues. Soil Ti applications had no effect on Ti concentrations in plant tissues except plants grown in Warszawa soil where root tissue had higher Ti status compared to those of control plants. Foliar Ti applications enhanced plant dry matter and levels of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in leaf tissues only in Brzezna soil. Leaves of plants sprayed with Ti grown in Brzezna soil were greener and had higher concentrations of Fe²⁺ and chlorophyll than those of control plants. These results suggest that the primary reason for higher biomass in plants sprayed with Ti was higher leaf Fe²⁺ level, which enhanced chlorophyll synthesis and uptake of P, Fe, Mn, and Zn.     

旱地长期定位施肥土壤剖面中有效硫累积及其影响因素

对设在黄土高原旱地黑垆土上不同N、P配比与用量的长期定位试验土壤剖面有效硫的分布与累积进行了研究。结果表明 ,长期施用不同量及不同配比的尿素与过磷酸钙肥料 ,对土壤剖面有效硫的含量影响明显 ,无硫投入的处理CK、N2、N4剖面有效硫含量低 ,平均分别为 7.73、10 .6 4、12 .16mg/kg ,分布均匀 ,而有硫投入的处理有效硫在剖面形成累积峰 ,最大含量可达 95.42mg/kg。大量的硫素随过磷酸钙施入土壤之后 ,部分以可溶无机硫酸盐形式被下渗水淋溶到土体的深层累积 ,累积量随施硫量的增加而增加 ,由于投入硫量大 ,在同一硫水平上 ,产量随氮肥用量增加而增加 ,但累积硫的量减少不多。石灰性土壤有效硫的下淋累积受作物、土壤、施肥、降水等多种因素影响 ,是长期的累积过程     

不同治理措施对坡地芒果园水土流失的治理效果

[目的]针对四川省攀枝花市坡地芒果园水土流失严重的现状,筛选适宜坡地果园的水土流失治理措施.[方法]通过工程措施(D1和D2处理)和生物措施对坡地果园水土流失治理成效的野外试验比较研究,评价不同治理措施对芒果园地表径流、产沙量、径流液中养分含量和果园地表土壤养分的影响.[结果]两年试验期芒果园林下行间种植紫花苜蓿处理(...