Soil boron status: impact of lime and fertilizers in an Indian long-term field experiment on a Typic Paleustalf

In Indian agriculture, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers are predominantly used by the farmers, often ignoring secondary and micronutrients. Significance of boron (B) in nutrient management studies has been increasingly underlined under intensive cropping systems particularly in acid soils. In order to understand the distribution of soil native B in different fractions and their contribution to plant B uptake as influenced by nutrient management, soil samples collected after wheat (2009–2010) from a long-term experiment (LTE) continuing since 1972–1973 on Typic Paleustalf of Ranchi were subjected to sequential fractionation of soil B. Treatments included N alone, NP, NPK, 150% of recommended NPK, NPK + farmyard manure (FYM), NPK + lime, and an unfertilized-control. Five soil B fractions were determined along with hot CaCl₂-extractable (available) B. Averaged across the treatments, the soil had low organic carbon (C), pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and high free sesquioxides. Total B content was 21.7 mg kg^?1. Among different B fractions, residual B was the major contributor to total B and other fractions collectively shared 7% of total B only. Application of N alone depleted readily soluble, specifically adsorbed and organically bound B bringing the contents even below unfertilized-control. Conjoint use of lime or FYM with NPK increased significantly these fractions, whereas a decrease in oxide bound B was noticed under these treatments. Available B was positively correlated with these fractions indicating their significance in controlling B availability in the soil. The study revealed that use of lime or FYM helped modifying the distribution of soil B in different fractions by way of changing soil pH and organic C content, resulting in enrichment of plant available pool. A drastically low available B content in different treatments receiving fertilizers alone, however, suggested the necessity of B fertilization at prescribed rates for maintaining soil B fertility as also high crop yields.     

PLANT AVAILABILITY OF NICKEL AS INFLUENCED BY FARMYARD MANURE AND ITS CRITICAL TOXIC LIMITS IN FRENCH BEAN

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the critical toxic limits of nickel (Ni) in french bean grown on a mollisol receiving varying levels of farmyard manure (FYM). Nickel levels beyond 10 mg kg^?1 soil brought a significant reduction in the dry matter yields of french bean. Application of FYM, especially at the higher level (4.46 g kg^?1 soil), had a favorable effect on the dry matter yields of french bean. The effect of FYM application was more pronounced at the medium levels of Ni. Application of higher level of FYM could decrease Ni concentration in plants significantly. Different soil extractants employed in the present study could be arranged in the following order of their Ni extraction power: Mehlich 3 > 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) > double acid > ammonium bicarbonate (AB)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) > DTPA. Among different extractants evaluated in the study, DTPA (pH 7.3) appeared to be most promising for predicting Ni concentration in french bean. The threshold toxic levels of Ni in french bean and also in terms of extractable soil Ni contents were influenced by FYM application.     

Long‐term fertilization impacts on corn yields and soil organic matter on a clay‐loam soil in Northeast China

A long‐term fertilization experiment with monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) was established in 1980 on a clay‐loam soil (Black Soil in Chinese Soil Classification and Typic Halpudoll in USDA Soil Taxonomy) at Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, China. The experiment aimed to study the sustainability of grain‐corn production on this soil type with eight different nitrogen (N)‐, phosphorus (P)‐, and potassium (K)–mineral fertilizer combinations and three levels (0, 30, and 60 Mg ha^–1 y^–1) of farmyard manure (FYM). On average, FYM additions produced higher grain yields (7.78 and 8.03 Mg ha^–1) compared to the FYM0 (no farmyard application) treatments (5.67 Mg ha^–1). The application of N fertilizer (solely or in various combinations with P and K) in the FYM0 treatment resulted in substantial grain‐yield increases compared to the FYM0 control treatment (3.56 Mg ha^–1). However, the use of NP or NK did not yield in any significant additional effect on the corn yield compared to the use of N alone. The treatments involving P, K, and PK fertilizers resulted in an average 24% increase in yield over the FYM0 control. Over all FYM treatments, the effect of fertilization on corn yield was NPK > NP = NK = N > PK = P > K = control. Farmyard‐manure additions for 25 y increased soil organic‐matter (SOM) content by 3.8 g kg^–1 (13.6%) in the FYM1 treatments and by 7.8 g kg^–1 (27.8%) in the FYM2 treatments, compared to a 3.2 g kg^–1 decrease (11.4%) in the FYM0 treatments. Overall, the results suggest that mineral fertilizers can maintain high yields, but a combination of mineral fertilizers plus farmyard manure are needed to enhance soil organic‐matter levels in this soil type.     

Changes in the soil properties and availability of micronutrients after six-year application of organic and chemical fertilizers using STCR-based targeted yield equations under pearl millet-wheat cropping system

Field experiments were carried out to assess the effect of nutrient management on soil properties and available micronutrients using Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based targeted yield equations under a six-year old pearl millet-wheat cropping system. After six years, results showed that soil pH and bulk density decreased, while cation exchange capacity and organic carbon increased in farmyard manure (FYM) as compared to control and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) treated plots in both surface and sub-surface soil depths. Higher values of available zinc (Zn) (1.54 mg kg^?1) and iron (Fe) (5.68 mg kg^?1) were maintained in FYM+NPK treated plots, while higher values of manganese (Mn) (6.16 mg kg^?1) and copper (Cu) (1.07 mg kg^?1) were found in FYM alone at surface soil as compared to sub-surface soil. This study demonstrated the importance of application of FYM in improving soil properties and maintaining micronutrients availability in soil and their uptake by wheat for sustainable crop production.     

Long-term effects of straw and farmyard manure on crop yields and soil properties

The effect of cereal straw with added mineral N fertilization on crop yields, N uptake, total organic C content and hot water soluble C content in topsoil and on the relationships between organic C content in topsoil and organic matter balance was evaluated in a long-term field experiment established in 1966. The effect of straw plus mineral N fertilization was similar to the effect of farmyard manure (FYM) in the dry matter yields and also in the N uptake by plants. The effect of straw and mineral N fertilization on the organic C accumulation in soil was inferior to the effect of farmyard manure. Relationships between organic matter balance and total organic C content in the topsoil was positive and statistically significant. A favourable effect of mineral NPK fertilization on the C sequestration to soil was related to the effect of FYM fertilization.     

Effects of traditional and biodynamic farmyard manure amendment on yields,soil chemical,biochemical and biological properties in a long-term field experiment

We studied the effects of applications of traditionally composted farmyard manure (FYM) and two types of biodynamically composted FYM over 9 years on soil chemical properties, microbial biomass and respiration, dehydrogenase and saccharase activities, decomposition rates and root production under grass-clover, activity and biomass of earthworms under wheat, and yields in a grass-clover, potatoes, winter wheat, field beans, spring wheat, winter rye crop rotation. The experiment was conducted near Bonn, on a Fluvisol using a randomised complete block design (n=6). Our results showed that plots which received either prepared or non-prepared FYM (30 Mg ha^–1 year^–1) had significantly increased soil pH, P and K concentrations, microbial biomass, dehydrogenase activity, decomposition (cotton strips), earthworm cast production and altered earthworm community composition than plots without FYM application. Application of FYM did not affect the soil C/N ratio, root length density, saccharase activity, microbial basal respiration, metabolic quotient and crop yields. The biodynamic preparation of FYM with fermented residues of six plant species (6 g Mg^–1 FYM) significantly decreased soil microbial basal respiration and metabolic quotient compared to non-prepared FYM or FYM prepared with only Achillea. The biodynamic preparation did not affect soil microbial biomass, dehydrogenase activity and decomposition during 62 days. However, after 100 days, decomposition was significantly faster in plots which received completely prepared FYM than in plots which received no FYM, FYM without preparations or FYM with the Achillea preparation. Furthermore, the application of completely prepared FYM led to significantly higher biomass and abundance of endogeic or anecic earthworms than in plots where non-prepared FYM was applied.     

Diagnosis of zinc and boron availability in emerging vegetable‐based crop rotations in Nepal

Background : Nepal's traditional rice–wheat rotation systems are subject to continuing changes. Changing consumer demand currently drives a replacement of wheat by high‐value vegetables during the dry season, while emerging water shortages lead to a substitution of rice by maize in the wet season. Hence, associated changes in soil aeration status and shifting conditions of soil nutrient supply to match crop nutrient demand are expected to increase the requirements for the principle limiting micro‐nutrients such as boron (B) and zinc (Zn). Aim: Our aim was to investigate the changes in B and Zn availability as well as crop yields and nutrient uptake after system shifts from rice to maize and from wheat to vegetables. Method : We analyzed the B and Zn availability in rice‐ and maize‐based systems as well as crop yields and the nutrient uptake by wheat, cauliflower, and tomato during the dry season in Nepal. Plants were grown at two field sites (midhills vs. lowland) and under greenhouse conditions using soils from the field sites. Results : A change from irrigated rice to maize reduced soil C and N contents with resulting decreases in dry season crop yields. Low soil Zn after rice cultivation led to shortage in Zn uptake by vegetables in both greenhouse and field experiments. The shift from wheat to vegetables increased the demand for B and to a lesser extent for Zn, and consequently vegetables showed visual symptoms of B deficiency. Boron concentrations in dry biomass were below the critical limits with < 10 mg B kg^?1 in wheat, < 21 mg B kg^?1 in cauliflower, and < 23 mg B kg^?1 in tomato. Conclusions: Soils in larger parts of Nepal are low in available B and that the ongoing system shifts increase in the demand for B and Zn in the currently emerging and more diversified production systems.     

Effect of organic amendments on uptake of selenium and biochemical grain composition of wheat and rape grown on seleniferous soils in northwestern India

Crops grown in seleniferous soil may accumulate selenium (Se) to levels considered highly toxic for animal and human consumption. Furthermore, higher Se content in plant tissues leads to considerable deterioration in product quality. Application of organic amendments plays an important role in improving soil physical, chemical, and biological conditions and influencing nutrient availability. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic amendments, namely poultry manure (PM), sugar cane press mud (SCPM), and farmyard manure (FYM), on Se uptake and grain quality of wheat and oilseed rape grown on a seleniferous soil in Punjab, India. Selenium accumulation by wheat and oilseed rape grains decreased significantly (75%–95%) with the application of PM and SCPM, while FYM application resulted in a significant decrease (23%) only in case of wheat grains. The amount of Se associated with seed proteins varied in proportion to its uptake under different treatments. Quality of wheat grains improved considerably with respect to total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, starch, lipids, and sulfur concentrations only after application of SCPM and PM. Treating a Se‐contaminated soil with organic amendments significantly increased the oil concentration and changed the proportion of various fatty acids in rape grains. It is concluded that applying organic amendments to Se‐contaminated soils can alleviate the deleterious effects of Se and restore the nutritional quality of grains.     

Decontamination of Chromium by Farm Yard Manure Application in Spinach Grown in Two Texturally Different Cr-Contaminated Soils

ABSTRACT

Chromium (Cr) is an environmental pollutant and its accumulation up to toxic levels in the soil and plants by applying irrigation with untreated industrial effluents has become a major problem throughout the world, especially in developing countries like India. Various inorganic as well as organic compounds are known for their ability to reduce mobilization of heavy metals in soils for plant uptake and leaching to ground water. The present study was undertaken under controlled glasshouse conditions to assess the effectiveness of farm yard manure (FYM) applications (equivalent to 0, 1, and 2% organic matter on w/w basis) to ameliorate Cr toxicity in spinach grown in two texturally different soils (silty loam and sandy) contaminated artificially with five levels of Cr (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg Cr kg^{? 1} soil as K₂Cr₂O₇). The diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cr in soil (before seeding and after harvest), Cr concentration, and its uptake by shoots and roots of spinach increased with increasing level of applied Cr. Roots accumulated more Cr than shoots, which depicts limited translocation of Cr from roots to shoots. A significant decrease was observed in dry matter yield (DMY) of shoots as well as roots by raising levels of applied Cr (0 to 10 mg Cr kg^{? 1} soil) in both soils, but the extent of the DMY decrease was higher in the sandy loam soil. Application of FYM showed mitigating effects on Cr toxicity. The DMY was higher in the presence of FYM, than its absence, at all rates of applied Cr in both soils. The FYM application caused decline in the DTPA-extractable Cr in soil, and concentration of Cr and its uptake by shoots and roots of spinach at a given level of applied Cr. The magnitude of Cr toxicity and its amelioration by FYM application was higher in sandy soil compared to silty loam soil. The results of this study indicated that FYM application to the soil could be used as an effective measure for reducing Cr toxicity to crop plants in Cr-contaminated soils irrigated by untreated industrial effluents.     

Distribution of sludge‐borne manganese in field‐grown maize

Abstract

The uptake and distribution of manganese (Mn) in field‐grown maize (Zea mays L.) was studied in a long‐term sewage sludge field trial on an acid sandy soil at Bordeaux. Since 1974, sewage sludge had been applied at levels of 101 dry matter (DM) ha^‐1 year^‐1 (SS 10) and 1001 DM ha^‐1 per 2 years (SS 100) on annually cropped maize plots. Treatment with farmyard manure (FYM) at a rate of 10 t DM ha^‐1 year^‐1 served as unpolluted control. Five replicate plants per treatment were examined at six different growth stages. At each stage, the whole plant was separated into its different organs and the Mn distribution was determined in at least 12 different plant parts. Manganese concentrations were always higher in SS 100 plants compared to FYM and SS 10 treated plants. Significant treatment‐dependent differences occurred almost all in the roots and in the different leaf levels while we found similar Mn concentrations in the stalk and in the reproductive organs. In the different stalk levels and in the ear composites we determined low Mn concentrations with critical deficiency values in FYM and SS 10 plants while Mn concentrations in SS 100 plants were in the normal range. Soil treatment also significantly influenced the initial absorption by the roots. Despite low absolute Mn concentrations in the roots of FYM plants, the Mn transfer coefficient (plant Mn concentration/soil Mn concentration) was highest in FYM plants and lowest in SS 100 plants indicating a relatively low Mn plant availability in the sludge‐treated plots.     

Influence of boron fertilization on cauliflower productivity,nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in an acid Alfisol in Northwestern Himalaya

ABSTRACT

Modern agriculture over the years has resulted in depletion of boron (B) from soil which has been emerged as a serious obstacle for sustainable agriculture. We studied the availability of B in soil and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) productivity under different levels of B fertilization. A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, at experimental farm of Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur on silt-clay loam soil (acid Alfisol) under mid hill wet temperate condition. Different levels of B for the study included 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg B ha^?1 along with recommended dose (RD) of NPK and farmyard manure (FYM, 20 t ha^?1). The application of B influenced biological yield significantly up to 5 kg ha^?1. Highest curd yield in 2013–2014 (11.03 t ha^?1) and 2014–2015 (12.93 t ha^?1) was recorded in 1.5 and 0.75 kg ha^?1 B along with NPK + FYM, respectively. At higher rates of boron i.e. 10, 20 and 30 kg ha^?1, due to toxic effects, a reduction in curd yield was recorded in both years. Maximum mean uptake of N, P and K by leaves and curd was recorded with the application of boron at 1.5 kg ha^?1, whereas mean B uptake was highest when boron was applied at 2.5 kg ha^?1. The highest mean value (1.79 mg kg^?1) of soil available boron was recorded with 30 kg B ha^?1. Application of boron at 2.4 kg ha^?1 was worked out as optimum dose for cauliflower.     

Availability of extractable boron in some acid soils,west Bengal,India

Abstract

A relatively small range between deficiency and toxic limits of boron (B) necessitates precise evaluation of the availability of extractable boron before applying B in deficient soils. Keeping this in view, laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the availability of native B in soils. For this purpose, 25 acid soils with diverse properties and varying hot water extractable B content, were selected from lateritic and alluvial tracts of Southern West Bengal. A greenhouse pot experiment with four rates of B (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg kg^‐1) was conducted in completely randomized design to study the response of soybean (Glycine max L.) to native and applied B in all 25 soils. The suitability of nine extractants for determining available soil B was assessed by correlating the amount of extractable B in untreated soils with Bray's percent yield, uptake, and tissue B concentration of soybean plants. Optimization of salicylic acid concentration is described and the advantages of this extractant are discussed. The interference of amethyst color (produced by iron and salicylic acid) with the colorimetric estimation of B is studied. Hot CaCl₂ was found to be the most suitable extractant for the determination of available B in these soils, followed by hot water, salicylic acid, and ammonium acetate. However, salicylic acid appeared to be the most efficient extractant for routine soil analysis for available B, where a large number of samples are analyzed. The critical values in respect to sufficiency of extractable B for soybean plants were 0.51 for hot water, 0.61 for hot CaCl₂, 0.27 for ammonium acetate and 0.45 mg kg^‐1 for salicylic acid. The critical B concentration in soybean plants was 18 mg kg^‐1 on dry weight basis. Multiple regression equations relating soil properties to native soil B extracted by various extractante were developed. It was observed that organic carbon and clay contributed positively to B extracted by hot water, hot CaCl₂, and ammonium acetate, while salicylic acid extractable B showed positive relationships with cation exchange capacity (CEC) and clay. The CEC and Fe₂O₃ were found to have positive influence on tartaric acid extractable B. Implications of the influences of soil properties on the extractable B content of soils are discussed.     

Determining critical limit of boron in soil for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Critical values of boron (B) for wheat nutrition in soil and plant were determined through a pot experiment with twenty-one surface soils of Alluvial flood plain and Red-latertic belt comprising three major soil orders (Entisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols) with four levels of boron. Application of boron significantly increased the dry matter yield as well as uptake of B by plants. Critical concentration of hot calcium chloride (CaCl₂) extractable B in soil for wheat was found to be 0.53?mg?kg^?1. The critical plant B concentration varied with growth stages and values were 7.4?mg?kg^?1 at panicle initiation and 4.18?mg?kg^?1 at maturity, respectively. The findings of this investigation also recommend the application of 2?kg?B^?1?ha^?1 for ensuring B sufficiency to wheat in Indo-gangetic alluvial and Red-Lateritic soils.     

Enhancing phosphorus availability,soil organic carbon,maize productivity and farm profitability through biochar and organic–inorganic fertilizers in an irrigated maize agroecosystem under semi‐arid climate

Biochar amendments offer promising potential to improve soil fertility, soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yields; however, a limited research has explored these benefits of biochar in the arid and semi‐arid regions. This two‐year field study investigated the effects of Acacia tree biomass‐derived biochar, applied at 0 and 10 t ha^?1 rates with farmyard manure (FYM) or poultry manure (PM) and mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizer combinations (100 kg P ha^‐1), on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, P use efficiency (PUE) and farm profitability. The application of biochar with organic–inorganic P fertilizers significantly increased soil P and SOC contents than the sole organic or inorganic P fertilizers. Addition of biochar and PM as 100% P source resulted in the highest soil P (104% increase over control) and SOC contents (203% higher than control). However, maize productivity and PUE were significantly higher under balanced P fertilizer (50% organic + 50% mineral fertilizer) with biochar and the increase was 110%, 94% and 170% than 100%‐FYM, 100%‐PM and 100% mineral fertilizer, respectively. Maize productivity and yield correlated significantly positively with soil P and SOC contents These positive effects were possibly due to the ability of biochar to improve soil properties, P availability from organic–inorganic fertilizers and SOC which resulted in higher PUE and maize productivity. Despite the significant positive relationship of PUE with net economic returns, biochar incorporation with PM and mineral fertilizer combination was economically profitable, whereas FYM along biochar was not profitable due to short duration of the field experiments.     

苏打盐碱水灌溉的土壤添加石膏肥和有机肥后水溶性碳和微生物碳研究

Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), a small fraction of soil organic matter, has a rapid turnover rate and is a reservoir of labile nutrients. The water-extractable carbon pools provide a fairly good estimate of labile C present in soil and can be easily quantified. Changes in soil MBC and water-extractable organic carbon pools were studied in a 14-year long-term experiment in plots of rice-wheat rotation irrigated with canal water (CW), sodic water (SW, 10-12.5 mmol c L-1 residual sodium carbonate), and SW amended with gypsum with or without application of organic amendments including farmyard manure (FYM), green manure (GM), and wheat straw (WS). Irrigation with SW increased soil exchangeable sodium percentage by more than 13 times compared to irrigation with CW. Sodic water irrigation significantly decreased hot water-extractable organic carbon (HWOC) from 330 to 286 mg kg-1 soil and cold water-extractable organic carbon (CWOC) from 53 to 22 mg kg-1 soil in the top 0-7.5 cm soil layer. In the lower soil layer (7.5-15 cm), reduction in HWOC was not significant. Application of gypsum alone resulted in a decrease in HWOC in the SW plots, whereas an increase was recorded in the SW plots with application of both gypsum and organic amendments in both the soil layers. Nevertheless, application of gypsum and organic amendments increased the mean CWOC as compared with application of gypsum alone. CWOC was significantly correlated with MBC but did not truly reflect the changes in MBC in the treatments with gypsum and organic amendments applied. For the treatments without organic amendments, HWOC was negatively correlated with MBC (r = 0.57*) in the 0-7.5 cm soil layer, whereas for the treatments with organic amendments, both were positively correlated. Irrigation with SW significantly reduced the rice yield by 3 t ha-1 and the yield of rice and wheat by 5 t ha-1 as compared to irrigation with canal water. Application of amendments significantly increased rice and wheat yields. Both the rice yield and the yield of rice and wheat were significantly correlated with MBC (r = 0.49**-0.56**, n = 60). HWOC did not exhibit any relation with the crop yields under the treatments without organic amendments; however, CWOC showed a positive but weak correlation with the crop yields. Therefore, we found that under sodic water irrigation, HWOC or CWOC in the soils was not related to MBC.     

Internal Boron Requirement of Young Sunflower Plants: Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract

In a greenhouse study, a significant increase in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., cv. Hysun 33) dry matter yield was observed with boron (B) application to a B-deficient (hot water-extractable, 0.23 mg B kg^?1) calcareous soil of Missa series (Typic Ustochrept). Six rates of B, ranging from 0 to 8 mg B kg^?1 soil, were applied as H₃BO₃ along with adequate basal fertilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn). Four plants of sunflower were grown in each pot; two were harvested after 4 weeks of germination and the other two after 8 weeks. Maximum crop biomass was produced with 1.0 mg B kg ^?1, and application of ≥2.0 mg B kg^?1 proved toxic, resulting in drastic yield suppressions. Critical B concentration range for deficiency diagnosis in 4‐week‐old sunflower whole shoots appears to be 46–63 mg B kg^?1. However, critical concentration in 8‐week‐old plants was much less (i.e., 36 mg B kg^?l), presumably due to a dilution effect. As plant's internal B requirement can vary, in fact manifold, depending on the species, plant part, and plant age, only a relevant criterion can help in diagnosing the deficiency effectively.     

Influence of mineral and organic fertilizers on soil organic carbon pools

Abstract

The influence of farmyard manure (FYM) and equivalent mineral NPK application on organic matter content, hot water extractable carbon (HWC), microbial biomass C (C_mic), and grain yields in a long-term field experiment was assessed after 40 years in Hungary. The unfertilized plot, FYM fertilized plots and plots fertilized with equivalent NPK fertilizer contained 0.99%, 1.13% and 1.05% total organic carbon (TOC) respectively. Compared to the unfertilized plot, FYM application resulted in 8.2% higher TOC than equivalent NPK fertilization. The highest TOC was only 1.21%, much lower than expected for a soil containing 21.3% of clay. The quantity of HWC varied depending on the type of fertilization: Compared to control, FYM treatments lead to 29% more HWC than mineral fertilization (FYM: 328 mg kg^?1; NPK: 264 mg kg^?1). The impact of FYM and equivalent NPK fertilizer on C_mic was contrary. FYM and NPK resulted in 304 and 423 mg kg^?1 C_mic, respectively. The difference was 119 mg kg^?1; 42% as compared to the unfertilized plot. Despite the higher HWC content, FYM treatments lead to significantly less (35%) grain yields than equivalent NPK doses; C_mic content showed closer correlation to grain yields.     

Impact of urea and farm yard manure on nitrate concentration in soil profile and productivity of wheat crop

Abstract

During the last century, concerns about nitrate presence in the groundwater have tremendously increased worldwide, mainly because of its detrimental consequences on environment and human health. There are different factors contributing their past in nitrate pollution, farm manure is given due consideration. Knowing above facts, a field study was performed to check the effect of different farm yard manure (FYM) levels with urea on nitrate distribution in the soil profile and yield of wheat crop. The experiment was set out in a randomized complete block design, consisted of application of nitrogen at 125?kg ha^?1 from urea, 80?kg ha^?1 of N from urea +10 tons FYM ha^?1 and 20 tons FYM ha^?1 with three replications. Wheat (cultivar S7ehar-2006) was sown as test crop. Soil samples were examined to measure the nitrate concentration from four different depths (0–25, 25–50, 50–75, and 75–100?cm) after harvesting. Results showed that the straw yield, total biomass, spike length, and number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight were significantly influenced by fertilizer strategies. All manure treatments significantly affected the infiltration rate and concentration of nitrate at different depths of the soil profile. Farm yard manure showed greater nitrate concentration up to 50?cm depth as compared to alone urea and combined application, while at the depth of 100?cm, combined application of urea and FYM showed a minimum concentration of nitrates than alone application of either urea or FYM.     

Effects of 41 Years of Application of Inorganic Fertilizers and Farm Yard Manure on Crop Yields,Soil Quality,and Sustainable Yield Index under a Rice-Wheat Cropping System on Mollisols of North India

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on crop yield sustainability and soil quality in a long-term trial initiated during the wet season of 1971 under a humid subtropical climate. Over 41 years of study, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) + farm yard manure (FYM) at 15 t ha^?1 recorded the most sustainable grain yields. Optimal and superoptimal NPK fertilizers gave quite similar crop yields to that of 100% NPK + FYM at 15 t ha^–1 up to two decades but thereafter yields declined sharply due to emergence of zinc (Zn) deficiency. The sustainable yield index (SYI) values indicated that wheat yields were more sustainable than rice. Soil organic carbon and available N, P, K, and Zn in the control plot decreased the most, whereas 100% NPK + FYM at 15 t ha^–1 improved available N, P and K, maintained soil organic carbon, and decreased Zn over initial levels. Grain yield and SYI were more significantly correlated with Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Continuous application of FYM contributed the maximum Soil Quality Index (SQI) (0.94), followed by Zn.     

Transfer factor of radioactive cesium to forage corn (Zea mays L.) from soil to which contaminated farmyard manure had been applied

Abstract

Radioactive cesium (Cs) deposited after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident contaminated farmyard manure (FYM) in the wide area surrounding the plant. We conducted a field trial to determine the transfer factor of radioactive Cs to forage corn (Zea mays L.) from soil to which the contaminated FYM had been applied. The main purpose of this experiment was to examine the behavior of the radioactive Cs from contaminated FYM that was incorporated in agricultural fields. Application of FYM containing 3900 Bq kg^?1 dry matter (DM) of cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) at a rate of 4.3 kg m^?2 increased the ¹³⁷Cs concentration in the soil by 64 Bq kg^?1 dry soil, and in the forage corn by 9.2 Bq kg^?1 DM. Therefore, we calculated the transfer factor to corn plants from the soil after application of contaminated FYM to be 0.14. This value is lower than that observed for soil to which uncontaminated FYM had been applied as a control, and it is within the range of reported soil-to-plant transfer factors of 0.003–0.49 listed in the recent parameter handbook by International Atomic Energy Agency. The increase in the radioactive Cs concentration in the corn plants, expressed as the sum of ¹³⁷Cs and cesium-134 (¹³⁴Cs), was only 3% of the 2012 provisional tolerance level for cattle roughage in Japan. Even though the application of contaminated FYM did not cause a large change in the radioactive Cs concentration in the corn plants in this trial, such application should be carefully controlled because it increased radioactive Cs concentrations in both soil and forage corn.