辽西‘富士’苹果CND法营养诊断研究

【目的】辽西地区‘富士’苹果的栽培面积和产量占辽宁省较大比例,但其施肥管理缺乏科学理论依据,本研究采用Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis(CND)法对辽西‘富士’果园的营养状况开展叶片分析研究,初步探明辽西地区‘富士’果园营养状况,指导果园施肥管理。【方法】以86个有代表性的‘富士’苹果园为研究试材,测定了果园产量,果实品质以及叶片中氮(N)、磷(P)、钾(K)、钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)、铁(Fe)、铜(Cu)、锰(Mn)、锌(Zn)元素的含量。采用CND法对高生产水平果园进行划分,并对低产水平果园进行营养诊断。采用CND法对高产果园产量划分标准临界值进行确定;对果实品质的划分标准进行确定:第一,对果实品质的6个指标进行归一化;第二,对6个指标进行主成分分析,得到6个指标的综合评价得分;第三,采用CND法对果实品质综合得分进行划分,得到果实品质的划分标准临界值;选择同时满足产量和品质划分标准临界值的果园,结合专家咨询法,确定高生产水平果园的划分标准。根据高生产水平果园的营养状况确定CND法标准参比值,并以此为基础进行叶营养诊断,得到辽西‘富士’果园的叶营养状况。针对叶营养状况进行土壤营养丰缺状况的分析,得到辽西‘富士’果园的营养状况的整体情况。【结果】根据CND法的叶分析可以得到:高生产水平果园的产量划分临界值为44.556t/hm2,品质评价综合得分的划分临界值为0.792,辽西地区满足此条件的果园有13个,占总体采样园的15.12%;不同营养元素CND法叶标准参比值为:V*N=2.776,V*P=0.212,V*K=1.884,V*Ca=2.042,V*Mg=0.814,V*Fe=-2.470,V*Cu=-5.090,V*Mn=-2.631,V*Zn=-3.867,V*R=6.330;SD*N=0.173,SD*P=0.144,SD*K=0.155,SD*Ca=0.266,SD*Mg=0.307,SD*Fe=0.189,SD*Cu=0.474,SD*Mn=0.467,SD*Zn=0.325,SD*R=0.134;辽西‘富士’苹果低生产水平果园需肥顺序为:FeMnPNCaKCuZnMg。【结论】CND法使叶分析研究可同时考虑果园产量和果实品质。以此方法进行分析,辽西地区高生产水平果园的产量划分临界值为38.451 t/hm2,品质评价综合得分的划分临界值为0.792,辽西地区满足此条件的果园有13个,仅占总体采样园的15.12%;辽西地区‘富士’苹果的树体营养状况表现为Fe、Mn、P和N元素缺乏;土壤丰缺状况表现为Fe、Mn元素含量适宜,N、P元素缺乏;建议辽西‘富士’低生产水平果园的N、P、K施用采用少量多次原则,适当增加Fe、Mn元素叶面肥的施用。     

Nutrient management and submergence-tolerant varieties antecedently enhances the productivity and profitability of rice in flood-prone regions

Abstract

Poor productivity of rice in rainfed lowlands is due to complete submergence as it is a major abiotic stress of these regions. For enhancing the rice productivity of these areas, better nutrient management options are required and results may even better when combined with stress tolerant cultivars, even when tested under natural conditions of farmers’ field. For supporting the above statement, the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus in graded doses was evaluated for submergence tolerance in controlled conditions and the results obtained were tested and validated at farmers’ field in Cuttack, Odisha, India. Shoot elongation, leaf senescence and lodging were lowest with the application of higher phosphorus (60?kg ha^?1). Highest dose i.e. 100-60-40 NPK kg ha^?1 resulted in higher plant survival of all the varieties by 90–170% over no nutrient application, it was also reflected in the higher growth after recovery, leaf greenness, leaf and stem growth, chlorophyll and carbohydrate concentrations and ultimately higher grain yield. At farmers’ field, application of basal P, K and post-flood N management practice resulted in overall better performance of Swarna and Swarna-Sub1 showing higher yield attributes leading to 65.7 and 37.9% higher grain yield, over conventional practices followed by farmers. Apart from that results were more positive if post-flood nitrogen was applied as urea foliar spray might be due to quick absorption of N by plant leaves and also spraying helps in removing the silt of flood water sticking to the leaf surface and facilitated the plants to photosynthesize and survive after desubmergence. These cost-effective management options may enhance the productivity and profitability of rice in the flood-prone areas where farmers hesitate to apply nutrients.     

Compositional nutrient diagnosis and main nutrient interactions in yellow pepper grown on desert calcareous soils

Mineral‐nutrient stress is one of the main factors limiting crop production, especially in arid lands. The mineral requirement of a crop is difficult to determine, and the interpretation of foliar chemistry composition is not easy. This study was conducted to compute the minimum yield target for fresh fruit of yellow pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and the corresponding Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) as well as to identify significant nutrient interactions of this crop in desert calcareous soils. Preliminary CND norms were developed using a cumulative variance‐ratio function and the chi‐square distribution function. From a small database, we computed means and standard deviations of row‐centered log ratios, V_X, of five nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and a filling value, R, which comprises all nutrients not chemically analyzed and quantified them in 54 foliar samples of the popular yellow pepper cv. ‘Santa Fé’. This cultivar is widely grown in northwest Mexico under arid conditions. These norms are associated to fresh fruit yields higher than 15.04 t ha^–1. Principal‐component analyses, performed using estimated CND nutrient indexes, allowed us to identify four interactions: negative P‐Ca, P‐Mg, and N‐K, and positive Ca‐Mg. Pepper plants growing on calcareous soils tend to take up more Ca and Mg than considered as optimum in other soil conditions.     

Role of Nutrient Imbalance on Yellow Leaf Disease in Smallholder Arecanut Systems on a Laterite Soil in India

On-farm trials in India investigated the role of nutrient imbalance on yellow leaf disease (YLD) in arecanut on a laterite soil using compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) approach. Soil fertility status was imbalanced with high organic carbon status and low phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The CND norms indicated that the order of nutrient demand was changed with nutrient application. Interventions increased yield by 50% during 2007–2010. The correlations indicated positive effect of nitrogen (N) and K and negative effect of manganese (Mn) on yield. The CND indices for NPK were important discriminators between yellowed and apparently healthy populations both in 2007 and 2010. Linear regressions between leaf nutrient concentrations and CND indices were significant for P, K, iron (Fe), Mn, and copper (Cu) (R² = 0.44–0.53). Results suggest that the predisposing factor for YLD might be nutrient imbalance in the soil leading to deficit of major nutrients in plant.     

Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis in Maize Grown in a Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

Preliminary compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) norms for maize (Zea mays L.) were developed from a small database as means and standard deviations of row-centered log ratios V _X of five nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] and a filling value R, which comprised all nutrients not chemically analyzed and quantified in 72 leaves of hybrid ‘Pioneer 3044.’ Norms were derived from maize grain yields higher than 7.7 t ha^?1. Principal-component analysis performed using CND nutrient indexes allowed us to identify an antagonism between N and Mg explained by the calcareous nature of the soil and the relevant N fertilization with ammonium (NH₄ ⁺), and a positive interaction between P and K, and P-Ca and K-Ca antagonisms. Maize plants tended to take up lower amounts of N and K and higher amount of Mg in our calcareous soil than the concentrations of these nutrients reported to be optimum.     

Long-Term Fertilization Effects on Rice Productivity and Nutrient Efficiency in Korean Paddy

ABSTRACT

Long-term fertilization tests evaluated rice (Oryza sativa) productivity in relation to application of nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P)-potassium (K) (120-34.9-66.7 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1967–1972 and N-P-K (150-43.7-83.3 kg ha^{? 1}, respectively) during 1973–2000. The comparison treatments (NP, PK, and NK) and the control (not fertilized) were selected for calculating nutrient efficiency. Rice grain yield increased at a 17.78 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} in the control, mainly due to development of improved cultivars. Phosphorus management was found to be important for indigenous fertility and rice productivity in this paddy soil. Yield increased significantly with P fertilization. Without N fertilization (PK), rice productivity increased 56.85 kg ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} from 62% of NPK at the initial stage to 74% after passing 34 years, which might be affected by increasing biological N fixation with P accumulation in soil. In NK treatment, rice yield increased at a relatively low rate (37.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) from the same rice productivity with that of NPK in 1967 to 91% after 34 years. In comparison, yield increased at a high rate (62.82 kg hr^{? 1} yr^{? 1}) without K fertilization (NP) from ca. 90% of NPK and might exceed the yield of NPK after 64 years of long-term fertilization. Therefore, K fertilization level might be readjusted after long-term fertilizing in paddy soil.     

Diagnosis of nutrient imbalance in pomegranate by diagnosis and recommendation integrated system and compositional nutrient diagnosis

Abstract

A regional survey was conducted in commercial orchards of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in order to develop diagnostic norms and for evaluation of yield limiting nutrients in low yielding orchards. The leaf nutrient status was interpreted using Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND). The correlation structure among the nutrients was extracted by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The departure of DRIS indices from their CND counterparts was relatively small and a highly significant positive correlation was obtained between DRIS and CND indices. The three principal components explained 59.5% of the variation in the high yielding population and the designated PCS were (N+S+Zn+Fe‐Mn‐), (N+P+Ca+Zn‐), and (K‐S+). Pomegranate is mainly grown on marginal soils with low fertility and hence more than two or three nutrients were found to be limiting yields. However, nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) were the most common yield limiting nutrients. The DRIS and CND indices for low‐yielding orchards are reported and discussed.     

System productivity,nutrient use efficiency and apparent nutrient balance in rice-based cropping systems

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to assess system productivity, nutrient use efficiency and apparent balances of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in diversified rice-based cropping systems at Gazipur, Bangladesh. Four cropping systems: wheat–fallow–rice, maize–fallow–rice, potato–fallow–rice and mustard–fallow–rice in main plots and four nutrient combinations: NPK, NK, NP and PK in sub-plots were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Receiving the NPK treatment, all the component crops gave the highest yield, and omission of N from fertilizer package gave the lowest yield. The maize–rice system removed the highest amount of N (217 kg ha^?1), P (41 kg ha^?1) and K (227 kg ha^?1) followed by wheat–rice, potato–rice and the least in mustard–rice system. The wheat–rice and maize–rice system showed negative K balance of –35.5 and –60.4 kg ha^?1 in NPK treatment, while potato–rice system showed a positive K balance of 31.0 kg ha^–1 with NPK treatment. The N, P and K uptake and apparent recovery by the test crops may be used for site-specific nutrient management. The K rates for fertilizer recommendation in wheat and maize in Indo-Gangetic plain need to be revised to take account for the negative K balance in soil.     

Ratios of Nutrients in Lowland Rice Grown on Two Iron Toxic Soils in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Iron (Fe) toxicity is a widespread nutritional soil constraint affecting rice production in the wetland soils of West Africa. Critical levels of total iron in plant causing toxicity is difficult to determine as different rice cultivars respond to excessive Fe^{2 +} in various ways in what is called “bronzing” or “yellowing” symptoms (VBS). An investigation was conducted to evaluate the relationship between plant growth and nutrient ratios at four iron levels (1000, 3000, 4000 μ g L^?1) and control. This involved two rice cultivars (‘ITA 212’ and ‘Suakoko 8’), and two soil types (Aeric Fluvaquent and Aeric Tropaquept). The experimental design was a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial in a completely randomized fashion with four replications. The results showed that nutrient ratios [phosphorus (P)/Fe, potassium (K)/Fe, calcium (Ca)/Fe, magnesium (Mg)/Fe, and manganese (Mn)/Fe), Fe content, and Fe uptake vary widely with the iron levels as well as with the age of the cultivars. The iron toxicity scores expressed as VBS increased with increasing Fe^{2 +} in the soils, resulting in simultaneous reduction of the following variables: plant height, tiller numbers/pot, relationships grain yield (GY) and dry matter yield (DMY). There were no significant difference between nutrient ratios, Fe contents, Fe uptake, the GY and DMY of both rice cultivars on both soil types. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that Fe uptake and Fe contents contributed 42% and 17% respectively to the variation in the grain yield of ‘ITA 212’ on Aeric Tropaquept. On both soil types and cultivars, Fe uptake and Fe content contributed between 26 and 68% to the variation in the DMY, while the nutrient ratios (P/Fe, K/Fe, Ca/Fe, and Mn/Fe) contributed between 3% and 13% DMY. Thus, it could be concluded that iron toxicity in rice is more a function of a single nutrient (Fe) rather than nutrient ratios.     

Soil-Test-Based Optimum Fertilizer Doses for Attaining Yield Targets of Rice under Midland Alfisols of Eastern India

Soil-test crop-response experiments on rice were conducted in the Bastar Plateau Agroclimatic Zone of Chhattisgarh during 2009–2011 to assess yield, soil, plant, and fertilizer nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrient relationships and calibrate optimum fertilizer doses for attaining yield targets. Soil fertility status was poor to medium for N (194–283 kg ha^?1) and P (7.53–19.66 kg ha^?1), and medium to good for K (226–320 kg ha^?1). Based on nutrient requirements (NR, kg q^?1) and contributions from soil (CS, %), fertilizer (CF, %), and farmyard manure (CFYM, %), optimum fertilizer doses were derived. The fertilizer doses were validated for attaining yield targets of 5000 and 6000 kg ha^?1 in farmer’s fields. Rice yield within 10% deviation was attained, which indicated that soil-test-based fertilizer dose was superior. This approach could be adopted for regions with similar soil and agroclimatic conditions in other parts of the world to increase rice yields.     

Optimum Nutrient Concentrations and CND Scores of Mature White Spruce Determined Using a Boundary-Line Approach and Spatial Variation of Tree Growth and Nutrition

ABSTRACT

Standards of optimum nutrition are not readily available for mature trees of the Canadian boreal forest. The objective of this study was to determine foliar nutritional standards for white spruce for all major nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn)] using critical values (CVA) and compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND). Trees were sampled at two locations in Ontario and Quebec to cover a gradient of soil fertility levels. A boundary-line approach was used in combination with quadratic regression models to estimate the relationship between growth and foliar-nutrient concentrations or CND scores when free of the effects of interacting environmental factors. White spruce optimum nutrition ranges were computed from significant relationships (P ≤ 0.10) for N, P, K, Ca, and Mn concentrations and for N, P, and K CND scores. Optimum concentrations for first-year needles were 12.3, 1.9, 7.3, 6.5, and 0.39 mg g^?1 for N, P, K Ca, and Mn, respectively, whereas optimum CND scores were 0.17, ?1.65, ?0.40, and ?0.30 for N, P, K, and Ca, respectively. Samples from a broader range of environmental conditions will be required in order to establish standards for all major nutrients and to ascertain toxicity levels of most nutrients.     

Nutrient constraint of rainfed rice production in foot slope soil of Guinea Forest in Côte d’Ivoire

Soil nutrient deficiencies can affect rice yield and grain mineral content wherever they occur, but an understanding of their effect on upland rice production in humid forest zone of West Africa is still limited. Therefore, a nutrient omission trial was conducted on foot slope soil in 2003, 2004 and 2005 in Côte d’Ivoire using rice variety WAB 56–104. The effect on rice grain yield (GY) and nutrient content of complete fertilizer (Fc with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn)) was compared with Fc from which a specific nutrient was excluded (Fc – N, Fc – P, Fc – K, Fc – Ca, Fc – Mg and Fc – Zn). Before the trial, soil K (0.10 cmol kg^?1) and Mg (0.20 cmol kg^?1) contents were suitable, but available P-Bray I (4.2 mg kg^?1) was found to be deficient. In course of the study, K, Mg and P deficiencies were observed. An antagonistic effect was observed between rice GY and grain concentrations in P, Mg and Ca for treatments Fc – Mg, Fc – P and Fc – K, respectively. Therefore, the use of P, K and Mg fertilizers is recommended for successive cropping seasons in order to rich stable and high rice yield while decreasing of grain concentrations in P, Mg and Ca can be observed.     

Diagnostic techniques for cereals based on plant analysis I. Stage of plant development

Abstract

The feasibility of using plant nutrient analysis results in the development of quantitative models for the evaluation and control of the nutritional status and grain yield of lowland rice was studied in a growth chamber experiment. Rice plants were grown under varying basal applications of N, P, K as well as several topdressing levels of N. Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in the above ground portions of the plants were measured four times during the growing period and at plant maturity.

Grain yield was closely related to the nutritional status of plants at 2.0 g Dry Hatter weight (DMw) per hill, as indicated by clear and reproducible relationships between the grain yield and concentrations of individual nutrient elements. Interactions between the various nutrient elements were minimum at this DMw. Therefore, 2.0 g DMw per hill was selected as a representative stage of plant development for identifying the reference values for the nutritional status of young rice plants for developing quantitative methods for the evaluation and control of nutritional status and yield.     

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF CVA,DRIS, AND CND NORMS FOR THREE HYBRIDS OF POPULUS MAXIMOWICZII PLANTED IN SOUTHERN QUEBEC

Plantations of hybrid poplars adapted to relatively poor soils and cold conditions are being established in abandoned fields and forest sites in southern Quebec. Hybrids of Populus maximowiczii are well adapted to these sites but little is known about their nutritional requirements. The objectives of this study were to develop nutritional norms (CVA, DRIS, CND) for three of these hybrids: 915508, Populus euramericana or canadensis X Populus maximowiczii; 3729, Populus nigra X Populus maximowiczii; and 915303, Populus maximowiczii X Populus balsamifera, and to apply the norms on some sites recently planted in southern Quebec. Six plantations (two per clone) were used for the determination of nutritional norms. In each plantation, individual trees were fertilized with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) according to a factorial design with three levels of application for each nutrient (3⁵ = 243 treatments). Tree diameter and height, unit foliar mass and foliar chemistry (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) of each tree were determined two years after fertilization. CVA, DRIS and CND norms were determined using a boundary-line approach with each plantation. Nutritional norms could be established for most combinations of clones and nutrients. CVA, DRIS and CND indices produced with published optimum nutrient concentrations for hybrid poplars closely related to P. maximowiczii were generally in agreement with the ones developed in our study. Differences in nutritional norms among P. maximowiczii hybrids/clones were small but hybrid/clone specific norms could provide more precise estimates of tree nutrition. The application of the norms on some representative sites of southern Quebec revealed more frequent nutrient imbalances than true nutrient deficiencies with generally excessive Ca and Mg, and limiting N, P, and K.     

Plant and soil fertility characteristics of different winter wheat fields in the Huang-huai-hai plain of China

High-profile nutrient accumulation has caused low nutrient use efficiency and environmental pollution. A total of 140 points in farmers’ wheat fields were investigated and sampled under a typical winter wheat and summer maize rotation system in the Huang-huai-hai Plain of China (HPC). The average wheat yield in the high-yield field is more than 10% relative to the mid-low-yield areas based on historical data. The results showed in the high-yield wheat field the effective spike number was the main yield component, followed by 1000-grain weight. Uptake contents and ratios of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O in the whole wheat plant were also examined. Along the soil depth, organic matter (OM), alkali-hydrolyzable N (AN), available P (AP) and available K (AK) concentration gradually decreased. Soil critical values of AN, AP and AK in the 0–20?cm depth needed to achieve the maximum grain yield were 85.9, 17.7 and 114.2?mg kg^?1 calculated by the significant linear-plus-plateau model between wheat grain yield and soil nutrient concentration at harvest, respectively. These results indicated that the rational application of fertilizer based on the soil nutrient supply capacity and residual nutrients in root zone and optimum planting density are key determinants of grain production in the HPC.     

Macro-element absorption at maturity in relation to grain yield in high-yielding rice cultivars

Abstract

By applying nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers at different rates and times to high-yielding rice cultivars, we determined the absorption of N, P, and potassium (K) in relation to the grain yield. The results showed that, at a higher top-dressing rate of N, the grain yield increased and the absorption of N, P, and K was stimulated, whereas top-dressing of P did not significantly increase the grain yield and nutrient absorption. The absorption of N, P, and K differed markedly among the cultivars, even at the same level of grain yield in the same field (for Yangdao 4 and Suweon 258). N absorption in line 9004 was 29.2 g m^?2 for a paddy grain yield of 1,250 g m^?2 (brown rice: about 1,000 g m^?2), being much higher than the value reported in the literature. The ratio of N : P : K absorption at different yield levels revealed that, with the increase of grain yield of the cultivars, the absorption of P and K relative to the absorption of N decreased. The absorption amounts and ratios of N, P, and K depended on the cultivars, yield levels~, and possibly, soils of the field.     

Management strategy,uptake and translocation of nitrogen in tidal flooded rice ecosystem

Abstract

Enhancing rice yield is a great challenge for rice growers in the tidal flooded ecosystem, where poor agronomic management is one of the major constrains. Improve management practice (IMP) was compared with traditional farmers’ practice (TFP) in evaluating rice productivity, nutrient uptake, translocation and farm income in tidal flooded ecosystem. Results revealed that, IMP significantly produced higher number of panicles m^?2, more grain panicle^?1 and better grain filling. The rice cultivars produced 2.0 to 2.5 t grain ha^?1 with TFP, while 3.0 to 4.0 t ha^?1 with IMP. In different rice cultivars, the grain yield in IMP increased 12 to 60% over TFP. Similarly, the grains in IMP treatment absorbed 21.41 to 57.03?kg N ha^?1 whereas only 15.85 to 46.94?kg N ha^?1 in TFP plot. However, higher nitrogen (N) transfer from shoot to grain in IMP also suggests that the amount of N in soil was too low to meet the plant demand in TFP. Although, the IMP involved additional cost, but it gave significantly higher gross return (438 to 954?US$ha^?1) and margin (397 to 913?US$ha^?1) which added farm income upto 225?US$ha^?1 over TFP. Hence, it could be concluded that IMP is a potential option for increasing grain yield and farm income during aman season in the tidal flooded ecosystem.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

Bioresource Nutrient Recycling and Its Relationship with Biofertility Indicators of Soil Health and Nutrient Dynamics in Rice–Wheat Cropping System

A field experiment was conducted for 3 years during 2006–2009 in India to study the effects of plant nutrient recycling through crop residue management, green manuring, and fertility levels on yield attributes, crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and biofertility indicators of soil health in a rice–wheat cropping system. The study revealed that soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolution were significantly greatest under crop residue incorporation (CRI) + Sesbania green manuring (SGM) treatment and were found at levels of 364 μg g^?1 soil and 1.75 μg g^?1 soil h^?1, respectively; these were increased significantly by recycling of organic residues. Activities of dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzymes increased significantly after 3 years, with maximum activity under CRI + SGM treatment. The CRI with or without SGM significantly influenced the plant height, number of tillers m^?2, number of grains panicle^?1 or ear^?1, and 1000-grain weight. Mean yield data of rice and wheat revealed that CRI or crop residue burning (CRB) resulted in slightly greater yield over crop residue removal (CRR) treatment. The CRI + SGM treatment again observed significantly greatest grain yields of 7.54 and 5.84 t ha^?1 and straw yields of 8.42 and 6.36 t ha^?1 in rice and wheat, respectively, over other crop residue management treatments. Total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake in rice–wheat system was greatest with amounts of 206.7, 37.2, and 205.6 kg ha^?1, respectively, in CRI + SGM treatment. Fertility levels significantly influenced the rice and wheat yield with greatest grain yields of 6.66 and 5.68 t ha^?1 and straw yields of 7.94 and 5.89 t ha^?1 in rice and wheat, respectively, with the application of 150% of recommended NPK. Total NPK uptake in rice–wheat system also increased significantly with increase in fertility levels with greatest magnitude by supplying 150% of recommended NPK. Overall, nutrient recycling through incorporation of crop residues and Sesbania green manuring along with inorganics greatly improved the crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and biofertility indicators of soil health with substantial influence on SMBC, CO₂ evolution, and dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activities. This indicates that crop residue management along with Sesbania green manuring practice could be a better option for nutrient recycling to sustain the crop productivity and soil health in intensive rice–wheat cropping system in India as well as in similar global agroecological situations, especially in China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.     

Larger bioavailability of soil phosphorus for irrigated rice compared with rainfed rice in Madagascar: results from a soil and plant survey

Irrigated rice is less prone generally to phosphorus (P) deficiency than rainfed rice because redox reactions release P upon soil flooding. It is not known whether that is also true in highly weathered soils of Madagascar where the combination of high soil Fe and low P input may impede significant release of P. Soils and flag leaf samples were collected in 2010 in 38 irrigated rice and 46 rainfed rice fields belonging to private farmers. A critical flag leaf P content was derived from a P‐dosed pot trial study with three soils, and the results suggested 2.4 g P/kg as the critical value. Average flag leaf P was significantly larger in irrigated than in rainfed rice (2.2 compared with 1.7 g P/kg), and flag leaf P was below the critical value in 76% of irrigated rice fields while this fraction was 100% in rainfed rice. Nitrogen and K deficiencies were less prevalent. Flag leaf P increased with increasing soil pH and soil pH explained partially differences in leaf P between irrigated and rainfed rice. Flag leaf P was unrelated to soil organic matter, but increased with oxalate‐extractable soil P (P_o). Multiple regression analysis revealed greater leaf P at equal soil P_o and equal pH in irrigated compared with rainfed rice. Grain yield estimates (1‐m² squares) increased with flag leaf P but not with leaf N and K. In a regression model, about 42 % of the yield variance was explained with soil P_o and a rice‐growing system. The survey suggests that P is the main limiting nutrient for rice, and that soil P bioavailability is larger for irrigated than for rainfed rice in weathered soils of Madagascar.