The effect of multi-component fertilizers on spring triticale yield, the content and uptake of macronutrients

Abstract

Fertilization is the main factor and an indicator of the effectiveness of agricultural production. A wide variety and range of mineral fertilizers are currently available on the Polish market. They differ with respect to quality and price, while their names are often similar, which makes it difficult for the farmer to select the best one. There has been a steady increase in the share of multi-component fertilizers in total mineral fertilizer consumption in Poland, which seems very positive. Multi-component fertilizers supply a combination of nutrients at a time, in adequate amounts and proportions, in view of the content of available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in the soil. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mixed multi-component fertilizers on spring triticale yield, the content and uptake of macronutrients. A three-year field experiment (2005-2007) was carried out in a randomized block design at the Research and Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The experiment comprised three fertilization treatments: control treatment (simple fertilizers) and two treatments with mixed multi-component fertilizers, Amofosmag 4 (NPKMg 4:15:15:2) and Amofosmag 3 (NPKMg 3:14:20:2). The tested crop was spring triticale (Triticosecale Wittm) cv. Wanad. Amofosmag 4 had the most beneficial influence on the yield of spring triticale grain, which increased by 11% on average, compared with the control treatment. The effect of Amofosmag 3 was similar to that of simple fertilizers. Simple and multi-component fertilizers exerted a comparable effect on the mineral composition of triticale grain and straw, which remained within normal limits. More pronounced differences were observed in this respect between successive years of the study. The highest total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium by spring triticale was noted in plots fertilized with