Site Specific Fertilizer Recommendations for Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown in Reddish Brown Earth and Reddish Brown Latasolic Soils

J.A.S Chathurika,S P Indraratne,W S Dandeniya

doi:10.4038/tar.v25i3.8039

Abstract

Site specific fertilizer recommendations optimize crop production while minimizing nutrient losses. This study was conducted to identify soil fertility constraints of Reddish Brown Earth (RBE) in DL1b and Reddish Brown Latosolic (RBL) soil in IM3c and to formulate site specific fertilizer recommendations for Maize (Zea mays L.). Low productive fields from Mahailluppallama (MI) and Dodangolla (KS) in Sri Lanka were selected based on available farm records and soil fertility survey. Soil samples were analyzed for basic soil properties using standard methods and available nutrients (NH4+ -N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn and Zn) were determined using multi-element extractions. The nutrient concentrations for optimum treatments were formulated based on available nutrients and fixation capacity of nutrients. The formulated nutrient requirements were tested in a greenhouse experiment using missing element technique. Soil nutrient analysis indicated the deficient levels of N, P, S, Ca, Zn and Cu for RBE soils and N, P, K, S, Ca, Zn, Cu and Mn for RBL soil. Lower fixation capacity of P and higher fixation capacity of S were observed in RBL, than that of RBE. In the greenhouse experiment, both soils showed the highest dry matter yield in the optimum nutrient treatment and significant differences were observed in minus treatments of Ca, S and Zn for RBE and P, Ca, S and CaCO3 for RBL soil. Site specific fertilizer requirements for maize were identified for the two tested soils, which could be utilized for achieving potential yield. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 25 (3): 287-297(2014)

Highlights

Soil fertility determines the capacity of a particular soil to provide essential plant nutrients
Experiments were conducted at Field Crop Research and Development Institute Mahailluppallama, at low country dry zone (DL1b) where soil is Reddish Brown Earth (RBE: Typic Rhodustalfs) (De Silva & Dassanayake, 2010) and field at the University Experimental Station, Dodangolla, Kundasale at intermediate zone mid country (IM3c) where soil belongs to Reddish Brown Latosolic soils (RBL; Rhodudalfs) (De Silva et al, 2005)
Texture of the RBL soil was sandy loam and RBE soil belongs to the sandy clay loam

Summary

Introduction

Soil fertility determines the capacity of a particular soil to provide essential plant nutrients. A fertile soil’s physical and biological properties facilitate healthy root growth and ensure retention of nutrients over a long period of time. According to Hornic & Pair (1987) infertile soils exist all-around the world. Kumaragamage & Indraratne (2011) reported most of the Sri Lankan soils are deficient in N, P, K, B and S and some soils are deficient in Ca, Mg and some micronutrients. Of required quantities of plant nutrients according to the demand of the plant in balanced quantities is not commonly practiced and it could be the main soil fertility constraint restricting crop growth in Sri Lanka. Conversion of infertile soils in to productive soils could be achieved by addressing soil fertility issues.

Methods

Results

Conclusion