RESPONSE OF WHEAT GROWN ON SANDY CALCAREOUS SOILS TO ORGANIC MANURES AND SULFUR APPLICATION

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to improve the productivity of wheat grown on the sandy calcareous soil of Arab El-Awammer Experimental Station, Assiut governorate through using organic matter, elemental Sulphur application, and the suitable level of mineral N-fertilization. Three field experiments were conducted for this purpose; two in the winter season 2004/2005 and the third in season of 2005/2006. The experiments tested different forms of organic manures: Farm yard manure (FYM), chicken manure (CM) and Town wastes (TW) at rate of 100 kg N/fed and liquid Vinasse at 5 ton/fed), different levels of mineral N-fertilization (60, 90, 120, 150 kg N/fed), and Sulphur application at different rates (200, 300, 400, 600 kg/fed). Plant growth, and wheat yields (grain, straw, total) and N, P plant uptake were determined, also soil pH, EC, and available P after 30 and 60 days from sowing and at harvest of crop were measured. The obtained results showed that supplementation of organic matter, in any form, improved plant growth and induced significant or highly significant increases in wheat grain yield, 39.0, 36.1, 32.0 and 14.3 % with (TW), (FYM), (CM) and Vinasse, respectively. Sulphur application in the range of 300-400 kg/fed, alone or with organic manures had significant beneficial effects on increasing wheat growth, N and P plant uptake, and yields obtained (between 11.50 to 12.99 % increases in grain yields), and induced significant reductions in soil pH and increases in available P. The application of S with organic manures, especially (TW), had a synergetic effect on increasing grain yield. The optimum economic rate of mineral N fertilization for wheat grown on this sandy calcareous soil is 90 kg N/fed. This is in addition to an amount of TW as a soil conditioner equal to 100 kg N/fed.