P and K Accumulation by Rapeseed as Affected by Biostimulant under Different NPK and S Fertilization Doses

Małgorzata Szczepanek,Anetta Siwik-Ziomek

doi:10.3390/agronomy9090477

Abstract

Biostimulants are gaining growing importance among preparations used for plant production. They may cause increasing the effectiveness of nutrient uptake. The aim of the study was to assess P and K accumulation by winter rapeseed after the application of a biostimulant under conditions of varied NPK and S fertilization levels. The field experiment was established on Alfisol, and the factors were: Two levels of NPK fertilization (high 180 N, 70 P, 132 K (kg ha−1) or low 144 N, 35 P, 66 K (kg ha−1)); elementary S fertilization (36 or 0 kg ha−1) and application of seaweed biostimulant or without that treatment. Biostimulant caused an increase in P and K accumulation in the shoots of rapeseed during generative development. Application of biostimulant in rapeseed fertilized with lower NPK rates or not fertilized with S increased P and K accumulation in shoots to the level obtained at higher NPK and S rates without that treatment. Increased level of NPK fertilization caused an increase in P and K accumulation in both shoots and roots at flowering and ripening stages. At the fruit development stage, under higher NPK fertilization there was higher uptake of P and K in rapeseed shoots after presowing fertilization with S.

Highlights

Winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the most important oil crop in Europe
It is important to look for methods that can lead to higher rapeseed production and can increase its resilience to the pressure from changing environmental factors
The experiment was establish on Alfisol (USDA), where the topsoil was characterized by a medium content of available P (64.0 mg kg−1) and high of K (126.0 mg kg−1) and a slightly acidic reaction

Summary

Introduction

In recent years (2015–2017), this species was cultivated in the area of 8.1–8.8 mln ha, [1] During this period, the average production yields (2.8–3.0 t·ha−1 ) were 33–38% lower than potential yields [1]. It is important to look for methods that can lead to higher rapeseed production and can increase its resilience to the pressure from changing environmental factors (drought, pressure of pathogens and pests, nutrient deficiency). Application of biostimulats, such as marine algae, is an alternative method that can support growth and hardiness a plant [2,3,4]. Despite the high soil abundance of P and K, plants may be malnourished [16]

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Conclusion