Differentiated Fertilization in the System of Precision Farming on the Complex of Gray Forest Soils in Vladimir Opolye

Abstract

The studies were carried out in a long-term stationary field experiment from 1997 to 2008 on gray forest soils of Vladimir Opolye. The soils of Vladimir Opolye are distinguished by a high complexity and heterogeneity of the soil cover. The higher potential fertility is possessed by the soils with the 2nd humus horizon, the lower–by the gray forest non-podzolized soils. This heterogeneity leads to the “variegation” of crop yields. As a result of the experiment, it was established that when applying high doses of mineral fertilizers, the content of mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium increases, but the physicochemical and chemical properties of the soil deteriorate. Exchangeable and hydrolytic acidity increases, and the humus content decreases. This leads to a decrease in crop yields. The use of differentiated doses of fertilizers–low on soils with a 2nd humus horizon and high on gray forest and podzolized soils–will make it possible to achieve an even yield of agricultural crops, reduce the unproductive costs of mineral fertilizers and improve the ecological state of agricultural landscapes.