IMPROVING YIELD IN ALFALFA SEED STANDS WITH BALANCED FERTILIZATION

Field experiments were conducted from 2000 to 2007 on three-year or older alfalfa stands grown for seed production at various sites in northeastern Saskatchewan to determine the influence of balanced application of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), or potassium (K) fertilizers on seed yield and longevity of alfalfa stands. Survey trials were also conducted to determine the possible reasons for low seed yields on some alfalfa seed fields by comparing “bad” (i.e., low alfalfa seed-yielding) and “good” (i.e., high alfalfa seed-yielding) areas within alfalfa seed stands. The results of alfalfa seed field survey trials suggest that poor seed yields in “bad” areas compared to “good” areas in most alfalfa stands were due to nutrient deficiencies and/or a soil fertility imbalance, as evidenced by soil tests for available nutrients. The findings of field research experiments indicated that application of P, K, or S fertilizer nutrients was essential to obtain optimum seed yield in most cases under normal soil moisture conditions. This also suggests the importance of balanced fertilization in increasing longevity of alfalfa seed stands over a number of years. In summary, the findings suggest that when a soil is testing low (or deficient) in a nutrient and alfalfa growth is reduced, then alfalfa seed producers should consider application of fertilizers to supply adequate amounts of nutrients lacking in the soil. However, it is still difficult to predict accurately if a profitable alfalfa seed yield response to fertilization would occur, particularly when the soils are testing marginal in some nutrient levels and alfalfa seed yields are often reduced by dry weather conditions and/or frost damage.     

RESPONSE OF ALFALFA SEED YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS TO PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZING SYSTEMS AND SEEDING RATE AT SEMI-SALINE SOIL CONDITIONS

To study the effects of phosphorus (P) fertilizer (cow manure, phosphorus solublizing bacteria) and sowing density on seed production of alfalfa, an experiment was laid out in a three-replicated split-split plot design with four phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha^?1) in main plots, three phosphorus-solublizing bacteria (9, 41strains, and no bacteria) in sub-plots and three sowing densities (2, 6 and 10 kg ha^?1) in sub-sub plots. The highest seed yield resulted from 60 and 90 kg P ha^?1. Application of bacteria strain 41 was more efficient than bacteria strain 9 in seed yield and 1000-seed weight. Seed yield at 6 seed kg ha^?1 treatment was higher than 10 kg ha^?1, although there was no significant difference between them. Based on the results of this experiment the triple application of P60, B41 and SD6 could be recommended as the best treatment for seed production of alfalfa (Cultivar ‘Nikshahri’) under the semi-saline condition.     

SEED YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS RESPONSE OF RAPE (B. NAPUS) VERSUS MUSTARD (B. JUNCEA) TO SULFUR AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN

Improper sulfur (S) and potassium (K) fertilizer management, particularly with continued soil nutrient mining, is one of the major factors contributing to low seed yield of canola in northwestern Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted in 2007?2008 on a S and K deficient clay loam soil at the Research Farm of NWFP (Northwest Frontier Province) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, with an objective to determine seed yield and yield components response of Brassica oilseed rape versus mustard to S and K application. Twenty treatments in a randomized complete block design were consisted of two oilseed rape (B. napus canola) and mustard (B. juncea canola) genotypes at three rates each of S (15, 30, and 45 kg S ha^?1) and K (30, 60, and 90 kg K ha^?1) fertilizers plus one control (no S and K applied). Seed yield and yield components increased significantly with K and S fertilization as compared to the zero-S/zero-K control. Both genotypes responded positively for seed yield and yield components to K and S fertilization, but the magnitude of response varied with levels of S and K, as well as combined K + S applications. It is concluded that a combination of 60 kg K + 30 kg S ha^?1 would improve seed yield and yield components of rape and mustard in the study area and contribute significantly to increased production. Growing B. napus was better than B. juncea in the study area, because B. napus produced significantly higher seed yield and yield components than B. juncea, indicating that yield components are the most important criteria for selection of Brassica genotypes for higher seed yield.     

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR FERTILIZATION ON YIELD COMPONENTS,SEED AND OIL YIELDS OF CANOLA

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) levels and their methods of application on canola. Branches plant^?1, pods plant^?1 and biological yield significantly increased with increase in nitrogen level and no significant increase in seed pod^?1 and seed and oil yields occurred beyond 120 kg N ha^?1. However, thousand seed weight consistently decreased with increasing level of nitrogen. Pods plant^?1 and biological yield continually increased with increase in sulfur level. Alternatively, significant increase in branches plant^?1, seed pod^?1, seed weight, seed and oil yields was noted with increase in sulfur level up to 40 kg ha^?1. Applications of sulfur and nitrogen in split significantly decreased seed yield as compared to sole applications. It is concluded that sulfur and nitrogen application as sole at the rate of 40 and 120 kg ha^?1, respectively performed better than the rest of their levels and method of application.     

INTERACTION EFFECT OF POTASSIUM AND SULFUR FERTILIZATION ON PRODUCTIVITY AND MINERAL NUTRITION OF SUNNHEMP

The interactive effect of potassium (K) and sulfur (S) fertilization on productivity and mineral nutrition of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) was evaluated in a field experiment during 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons at Uttar Pradesh, India. Potassium and sulfur fertilizers increased fiber yield and nutrient uptake of sunnhemp. It was observed that an application of K and S at 40 kg ha^?1 each significantly increased the total dry matter, fiber yield, and nutrient uptake of sunnhemp. The crop yield response to the added S was greater than for K and the nutrient use efficiency was also higher at lower levels of fertilizer addition. The increased levels of K and S improved the number of nodules and crude protein content of sunnhemp leaves.     

PHENOLOGY AND SEED QUALITY RESPONSE OF RAPE (B. NAPUS) VERSUS MUSTARD (B. JUNCEA) TO SULFUR AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN

Inappropriate sulfur and potassium fertilization, particularly with continued soil nutrient mining and yearly fluctuations in rainfall, are major factors contributing to slow growth and low seed quality of canola in northwestern Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted in 2007–2008 on a sulfur (S) and potassium (K) deficient clay loam soil under irrigation at the research farm of NWFP (Northwest Frontier Province) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, with an objective to determine response of phenology and seed quality of Brassica oilseed rape versus mustard to S and K fertilizer application. Twenty treatments in a randomized complete block design were consisted of two oilseed genotypes [rape (B. napus canola) and mustard (B. juncea canola)], at three rates each of S (15, 30, and 45 kg S ha^?1) and K (30, 60, and 90 kg K ha^?1), plus control (no K and S applied). Days to flowering, pod formation, seed filling duration and maturity were enhanced with K and S fertilization compared to control plots. The species B. napus took more time to flowering, pod formation, seed filling duration and maturity compared to B. juncea. Both genotypes responded positively for seed quality (oil and protein content) to K and S fertilization, but the magnitude of response varied with level and combination of K and S fertilization. Delay in the phenological stages showed negative relationship with oil and protein content in seed of both genotypes. It is concluded that a combination of 60 kg K ha^?1 + 30 kg S ha^?1 would accelerate phenological development and improve seed quality of rape and mustard in the study area.     

EFFECTS OF PHOSPHORUS SUPPLY ON GROWTH,YIELD, AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF SAFFLOWER AND SUNFLOWER

This study comparatively evaluates the phosphorus (P) requirement of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in view of identifying low input oil crops. Both species responded strongly to increasing P supply with respect to plant growth and yield. Yield component analysis revealed that oil yield in safflower was affected by P deficiency mainly via the number of capitula per plant followed, in consecutive order, by the number of achenes per capitulum and the single achene mass (SAM). The major yield component influencing oil yield of sunflower was the number of achenes per plant, followed by the SAM. Contribution of the seed oil concentration to overall yield variation was insignificant for both species. Path coefficient analyses indicate that in sunflower total nitrogen (N) accumulated was found to be most important, while in safflower this holds true for both the total P and N accumulated. It was concluded that safflower cannot be considered a low-input oil crop in terms of its P requirement.     

SOURCES OF SULFUR FOR DRY MATTER,SEED YIELD,AND OIL CONCENTRATION OF CANOLA GROWN IN SULFUR DEFICIENT SOILS OF SOUTH-WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Leaching of sulfur (S) on sandy soils may limit the effectiveness of S fertilizers especially when applied at sowing. The effectiveness of S sources for canola (oil seed rape, Brassica napus L.) grown in sandy low S soils of south-western Australia is not known. This study was completed to determine the relative effectiveness of gypsum and a gypsum-based by-product from synthetic rutile processing called Canola Blue for canola grown in low S soils of the region. Canola Blue is a mixture of gypsum and elemental S, and is granulated so its effectiveness may vary from gypsum. We measured the effectiveness of the two S sources in the glasshouse for young seedling growth and for minimizing S leaching. In the four field experiments, the two S sources were evaluated for relative effects on canola seed yield and the concentration of oil in seed. Canola Blue applied at sowing was as effective as gypsum for canola growth in the glasshouse and when applied at 35 days after sowing (DAS) was as effective as gypsum for seed yield in the field. For the glasshouse study, Canola Blue when applied to the soil surface (topdressed) at 35 DAS was as effective as gypsum in achieving a rapid recovery of leaves from S deficiency symptoms and of shoot growth. Where S deficiency appears during the growing season, topdressing with Canola Blue appears to be as effective under the conditions of this experiment as was gypsum. However, the S in Canola Blue was less prone to leaching than that applied as gypsum.     

EFFECT OF ZINC NUTRITION ON GROWTH,YIELD, AND QUALITY OF FORAGE SORGHUM IN RESPECT WITH INCREASING POTASSIUM APPLICATION RATES

A two-year field study was conducted to determine the effect of two zinc (Zn) levels [0 and 10 kg zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) ha^?1] in respect with four potassium (K) levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K₂O ha^?1) on growth, yield and quality of forage sorghum. The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand (Inceptisol), carrying 70, 08, 77, and 0.51 mg nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, and Zn kg^?1 soil, respectively. Increasing K levels significantly improved most of the growth, yield, and quality attributes gradually irrespective of the Zn levels. Zinc applied at 10 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 proved significantly better than no zinc application at various K application rates. The benefit of zinc application increased progressively with increasing K rates for most of the parameters studied, indicating significant response of the crop to positive K × Zn interaction in plants in respect with K and Zn application to the soil. Accordingly, 60 kg K₂O ha^?1 applied with10 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 boosted most of the attributes maximally. It resulted in about 20–40% increase in growth attributes, 25% increase in fresh matter yield, 36–38% increase in dry matter yield, and 38% increase in protein yield compared to the comparable K level applied without zinc. It also enhanced N uptake by 38%, P uptake by 5–19%, K uptake by 40–42%, and Zn uptake by 114–144%. Across the K rates, application of 10 kg ZnSO₄ surpassed no zinc application by 30–35% in N uptake, by 8–15% in P uptake, by 33–36% in K uptake, by 120–140% in Zn uptake, by 19–21% in fresh matter yield, by 29–31% in dry matter yield, and by 30–34% in protein yield.     

NITROGEN,PHOSPHORUS, AND POTASSIUM NUTRIENT EFFECTS ON GRAIN FILLING AND YIELD OF HIGH-YIELDING SUMMER CORN

A three-site-year field experiment was conducted to determine nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer effects on grain filling dynamics and yield formation of high-yielding summer corn (Zea mays L.) in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-corn double crop cropping system. Application of combined NPK fertilizers resulted in the greatest grain yield, largest grain number and grain weight when compared with the treatments receiving N, NP, or NK. Grain filling rate and duration, grain volume, and grain yield increased with NPK rates; however, doubling the rate of 180 kg N ha^?1, 40 kg P ha^?1, and 75 kg K ha^?1 fertilizer only led to minimal increases in grain filling rate (0.8%), grain filling duration (1.6%), grain volume (1.3%) and grain yield (0.4%). Our results suggested that for the high-yielding summer corn, a combined NPK fertilization is required to enhance grain filling and yield, and that under well-fertilized circumstances, limited increases in both grain filling and sink capacity might be the main factor restricting further yield improvement.     

INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR ON YIELD AND SEED QUALITY OF THREE CANOLA CULTIVARS

In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers on yield and seed quality of three canola cultivars, a factorial based on randomized complete block experiment was conducted during 2005–2006 in Iran. Treatments included four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N ha^?1 source of urea), four sulfur rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg S ha^?1), and three cultivars (‘Pf’, ‘Option-500’, and ‘Hyola-401’). Results indicated cultivar had a significant effect on all studied traits. ‘Option-500’ and ‘Hyola-401’ cultivars had the highest seed yield, protein content, and N:S ratio in seed. The levels of 150 and 220 kg N ha^?1 resulted in the maximum protein content. Increasing N levels resulted in N content and decreased the oil content. The interaction effect between S and N levels showed the highest N content in seed was obtained with 300 kg S ha^?1 and 225 kg N ha^?1.     

YIELD,FRUIT QUALITY AND NITROGEN UPTAKE OF ORGANICALLY AND CONVENTIONALLY GROWN MUSKMELON WITH DIFFERENT INPUTS OF NITROGEN,PHOSPHORUS, AND POTASSIUM

The effects of varied amounts of fertilization on yield, fruit quality, and nitrogen (N) uptake of muskmelons (Cucumis melo L. var reticulatus Naud) grown under both organic and conventional farming conditions were evaluated. Organic fertilizer (0.0, 0.55, 1.1, and 2.2 kg m^?2) and mineral fertilizers containing the same amounts of estimated plant available nutrients [N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)] were applied to organic and conventional farming plots, respectively, in both the spring and autumn seasons of 2005. In comparison to conventional farming conditions, muskmelons grown under organic farming conditions had the same yield, total soluble solids (TSS) and soluble sugar contents in both growing seasons, and fruit pulp nitrate content was significantly reduced by 12% on average in spring and 16% on average in autumn. At harvest maturity the aboveground plant N concentration was significantly higher in the conventional treatments than in the organic treatments. At the vine growth stage, the plant N concentrations were similar in all treatments in both seasons. The ratios of nitrate N to total N amount in aboveground biomass were higher in conventional and high fertilized organic treatments than in low or not fertilized organic treatments under limited N supply from the soil. Muskmelon plants absorbed mainly inorganic N, and the protein N fraction in the xylem sap was larger than the amino acid N fraction. Plants grown in the organic system had a higher proportion of organic N in their xylem sap, especially when manure input was low.     

施磷量对不同磷效率小麦氮、磷、钾积累与分配的影响

在土培盆栽条件下,以磷高效小麦(CD1158-7、省A3宜03-4)和磷低效小麦(渝02321)为材料,研究了不施磷、施磷(P)10、20和30mg/kg对小麦不同生育时期生物量、籽粒产量及氮、磷、钾的积累与分配的影响。结果表明:(1)随施磷量的减少,不同磷效率品种小麦籽粒产量和生物量均减少;同一施磷处理,磷高效品种籽粒产量和生物产量高于磷低效基因型。不施磷、施磷10mg/kg,高效品种CD1158-7、省A3宜03-4的籽粒产量为低效品种渝02321 的1.84 倍和1.74倍、1.64倍和1.27倍。(2)低磷处理,磷高效品种小麦植株能够积累较多的氮素;扬花期之前,磷高效品种氮素积累量占小麦全生育期积累量的比例高于低效品种。拔节期、孕穗期氮素分配比例为叶>茎>根,扬花期为叶>茎>穗>根,而成熟期为籽粒、颖壳>茎>叶>根。拔节期和孕穗期磷高效品种根的氮素分配比例高于低效品种,而扬花期和成熟期磷高效品种穗(籽粒)氮素分配比例较高。(3)小麦植株磷素积累量主要集中在拔节期以后的生育时期,占全生育期的82.32%~94.23%。低磷处理,高效品种在拔节期和孕穗期磷素积累量高于低效品种,孕穗期尤为突出。扬花期之前,不施磷处理下,磷高效品种根的磷素分配比例较高。(4)不同施磷处理下,拔节期、孕穗期及扬花期,磷高效品种小麦的钾积累量高于低效品种。不同器官钾素分配比例拔节期和孕穗期均为叶>茎>根,扬花期为茎>叶>穗>根,成熟期为茎>叶>籽粒、颖壳>根。磷高效品种在颖壳和籽粒的钾素分配比例高于低效品种。     

MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF FORAGE CHICORY FINE ROOTS TO MANIPULATED SOIL PHOSPHORUS LEVELS

In Appalachian pastures, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) offers the potential for increased phosphorus (P) uptake. To determine if hydroponically grown chicory root response patterns also occur with soil grown plants, an experiment with three cultivars and four soil P levels was conducted. Roots were washed free of soil and then measured, then plant tissues were analyzed for P content. With decreasing soil P concentrations, “Grasslands Puna” decreased the diameter and increased the length of the thinnest roots. The cultivar “Forage Feast” responded to low P with the opposite pattern. Two populations of root diameter classes (meso-diameter classes - mDC) are shown to be involved in these responses. With Grasslands Puna, the larger diameter mDC is apparently suppressed at low P levels in favor of the smaller diameter mDC. The reverse is true with Forage Feast. Thus, chicory cultivars have differential fine root responses to soil P levels.     

INFLUENCE OF TWENTY-THREE ANNUAL APPLICATIONS OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR FERTILIZERS,AND ONE-TIME LIMING ON DRY MATTER YIELD OF GRASS AND SOME SOIL PROPERTIES ON A DARK GRAY CHERNOZEM SOIL

Most soils in the Prairie Provinces of Canada are deficient in plant-available nitrogen (N), and many soils in the Parkland region also contain insufficient amounts of plant-available sulfur (S) for high crop production. A field experiment with perennial grass stand was conducted to determine the effects of long-term annual N (112 kg N ha^?1), S (11 kg S ha^?1) and potassium (K) (40 kg K ha^?1) fertilization, and one-time lime application on forage dry matter yield (DMY) and soil properties [pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and N (TON), and light fraction organic C (LFOC) and N (LFON)] on a Dark Gray Chernozem (Boralfic Boroll) loam at Canwood in north-central Saskatchewan, Canada. The experiment had surface-broadcast annual treatments of no fertilizer (Nil), N, S, NS, and NSK fertilizers from 1980 to 2002, and one-time lime application in 1992 to bring soil pH to about 7. Application of N or S alone had only a little effect on DMY compared to unfertilized Nil treatment, while application of both NS together substantially increased DMY, and forage yield was further increased when K was also applied (NSK). The DMY following one-time liming was greater in limed plots than in unlimed plots for at least 10 years. Decline of soil pH by fertilization mainly happened in the 0–10 cm depth with N only, and in the 0–5 cm layer with NS treatment, whereas these treatments tended to increase soil pH in layers below 10 cm. One-time surface application of granular lime increased soil pH, mainly in the 0–5 cm layer, and the effect was maintained for at least 9 years. Mass of TOC, TON, LFOC, and LFON in different soil layers increased with combined applications of N and S fertilizers (NS), but the effect was much more pronounced in the 0–7.5 cm soil layer, and also varied with organic fraction. Light organic fractions were more responsive to applied NS than total organic fractions. The findings suggest that application of N and S together was effective in sustaining high forage yield and increasing C and N sequestration in a soil deficient in both N and S.     

施肥深度对大豆氮磷钾吸收及产量的影响

采用分层施肥和15N示踪方法,研究施肥深度对大豆氮磷钾吸收及产量的影响,为大豆合理施肥深度的确定提供理论依据。研究表明,施肥深度对大豆前、中期植株干物质、氮磷钾的积累影响较大,而对植株成熟期影响较小;大豆苗期(V3)与种子同层施肥处理植株干物质和氮磷钾的积累量最大;盛花期(R2)以种下6cm处理效果最明显。施肥深度对大豆产量的影响也表现为种下6cm处理最高,但与种子同层施肥、种下12、18和24cm施肥处理差异不显著;施于种子同层至种下6cm最有利于大豆苗期氮肥吸收,表层施肥、种下24cm施肥处理氮肥吸收效果不好。     

优化施肥对小麦品质和产量的效应研究

采用正交旋转组合设计,针对N、P、K、Zn 4种肥料对小麦产量和品质的效应进行探讨,结果表明:N、P对产量都达显著正效应,N对湿面筋含量达极显著正效应,P与湿面筋含量呈显著负效应,K、Zn对产量和品质效应微弱。4种肥料对产量的影响顺序为:N>P>Zn>K,对湿面筋含量的影响顺序为:N>P>K>Zn。小麦产量和品质都较理想的施肥区间为N 252.8～294.2 kg/hm2,P 111.0～139.1kg/hm2, K145.8～153.0kg/hm2, Zn 9.8～12.1kg/hm2, 合理的配比为N:P2O5:K2O:ZnSO4=1:0.46:0.55:0.04     

NITROGEN,PHOSPHORUS, AND POTASSIUM EFFECTS ON GRAIN SORGHUM PRODUCTION AND STALK ROT FOLLOWING ALFALFA AND BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)], grown on the often infertile claypan soils of the eastern Great Plains, requires attention to soil fertility. Experimental objectives were to determine the effects of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertility levels, N application, and legume residual on grain sorghum production and stalk rot. Following alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil, first-year sorghum yield was 7 Mg ha^?1 and not affected by N fertilizer. In subsequent years, yield increases due to N were less than 20%. Sorghum yield increased at low P and K rates, especially with nitrogen (N) fertilization and was greater following birdsfoot trefoil than following alfalfa. In 1995 when fertilized with N, lodging and stalk rot severity were increased by P and reduced by K. In 1996, stalk rot severity was reduced by K fertilization. Grain sorghum, grown after legume crops, required minimal levels of P and K, especially when N fertilizer was added.     

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT HARVEST TIME AND SULFUR FERTILIZATION ON AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF LENTIL

The effects of sulfur (S) fertilization and harvest time on amino acid composition of seeds of field-grown lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) at two different sites were studied. The aim of this study was to determine amino acid content of seed protein and to increase low levels of sulfur amino acids and trytophan in lentil seeds, which are major components for grain quality, with sulfur fertilization and farming practices in lentil. For this purpose, lentil was sown at two locations on 18 and 19 October 2007, 0 kg S ha^?1, 25 kg S ha^?1, and 50 kg S ha^?1 rates were used in the study. The plants were harvested at three different periods: early, optimal, and late period. According to the results, amino acid contents of protein were increased by sulfur fertilization and by the late harvest period.     

扬州市土壤有机质和速效磷钾的分布研究

研究表明，我市土壤有机质和速效P含量总体上处于中等偏低水平，速效K含量处于中等水平；90％以上的土壤有机质含量在10～40g/kg之间，速效P含量在2～29mg/kg之间，速效K含量在25～125mg/kg之间；在集中分布区，土壤有机质和速效P近似于呈偏正态分布，速效K近似于呈正态分布：各养分的变异程度以速效P最大，速效K最小。各县(市、区)中，以宝应、高邮两地的土壤肥力较高。