Calcareous Chernozem Research Articles

Regularity of zinc, copper, and lead distribution in different size fractions of Rostov-on-Don urban soil aggregates

: The article is devoted to the study of zinc, copper, and lead content in the soils of Rostov-on-Don. Soil samples were collected from full-profile sections located in different districts of the city and suburbs of Rostov-on-Don. The group of anthropogenically disturbed soils included Urbic Technosol urbanstratozems and replantozems, as well as urbanized chernozems Calcic Chernozems (Technic). Natural soils of recreational areas are represented by migration-segregation chernozems Calcic Chernozems (Pachic). The study was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence analysis to determine metal content. Soil structure was determined by the Savvinov method (dry sieving) (<0.25; 1–2; 3–5; 5–7; >10 mm). Statistical analysis of the Wilcoxon criterion for related samples was performed to identify relationships. The main objective of the study was to assess the heavy metal content in different size fractions of aggregates and the ability of structural fractions to accumulate zinc, copper, and lead. Structural aggregates of different sizes differ in their ability to accumulate zinc, copper and lead. Zinc, including its mobile compounds, is predominantly accumulated in microaggregates. The content of gross copper and especially lead is confined to larger aggregates. At the same time, mobile copper compounds are concentrated in microaggregates and in fractions larger than 10 mm. Mobile lead compounds are distributed in fractions of different sizes quite uniformly in all studied soils.

Net Primary Production of Steppe Ecosystems and the Reasons for its Spatial Variability

The purpose of the article is to analyze the values change of net primary production: aboveground (ANP), belowground (BNP) and total (NPP) for meadow, true and dry steppes. The investigated meadow and true steppes are located between 36 and 116° E, 47 and 56° N. In Tyva, the production of dry steppes is determined on various elements of the relief – from the upper part of the mountain to the depressions located in the bottom of the slope. The value of ANP in the meadow steppes varies from west to east from 10.2 to 3.1, in the true steppes from 5.8 to 0.7 t/ha per year and depends on many factors, including air temperature, precipitation, and soil properties. The soil properties are defined by a set of conditions: the position of the ecosystem on the relief, which leads to different soil moisture. Both, the meadow and true steppes, have irregularities in the decrease of the ANP value from west to east. In some cases, in a series of meadow steppes instead of a decrease, an increase of ANP is observed, which is explaining by changes in soil conditions. The first increase from 4.8 (63° E) to 6.1 t/ha per year (73° E) occurs when Luvic Chernozem (Loamic) is replaced by Inclinigleyic Chernozem (Loamic), as a result of additional soil moistening. The second increase of ANP from 3.6 (75° E) to 6.6 t/ha per year (90° E) is observed when the soil changes from Tonguic Chernozem (Siltic) to Haplic Chernozem (Siltic, Pachic). The increases of ANP were observed in the true steppes: 1) when Skeletic Kastanozem (Siltic) changed to Calcic Chernozem (Siltic), 2) when Haplic Solonetz (Loamic) changed to Calcic Chernozem (Loamic), 3) when soil changes from Mollic Leptosol (Siltic) to Calcic Chernozem (Siltic). The value of BNP in meadow and true steppes in the soil layer of 0–30 cm generally decreases from west to east from 26.8 to 7.7 t/ha per year, varying without a visible pattern. In Tyva, due to the change in the relief, ANP of dry steppes varies from 3.7 to 1.7, BNP – from 27.0 to 8.7 t/ha per year. Consequently, the amount of aboveground production of grass ecosystems is determined not only by air temperature and precipitation, but also by the properties of soils, which vary in structure, Corg content, nutrients, and watering.

Effect of potassium supply and plant density on maize (Zea mays L.) yields and nutrient contents: a case study in a Hungarian long-term field trial set up on calcareous chernozem soil

Effect of potassium supply and plant density on maize (Zea mays L.) yields and nutrient contents: a case study in a Hungarian long-term field trial set up on calcareous chernozem soil

Влияние гумата калия и гуминового препарата «BIO-Дон» на азотный режим чернозема обыкновенного под горохом

The article presents the results of short-term field experience for 2021-2023. Experience is laid down in the hospital of agricultural chemistry and plant protection FSBSI “FRARC”. The effect of the use of potassium humate and the humic preparation “Bio-Don” on the content of mobile nitrogen forms in the Calcic Chernozem in the cultivation of the pea Alliance (Pisum sativum L.) was studied. The experience scheme included options using mineral fertilizer (Azofoska 40:40:40) and without its use. Humic preparations were used in the phase of forming beans foliric, both together with insecticide and without it. It was established that the use of potassium humate shows a positive tendency to accumulate nitrate nitrogen in the Calcic Chernozem. The use of the “BIO-Don” humic preparation per year with an increased amount of precipitation has led to a decrease in the N-NO3 content, which may be associated with the migration of this form of nitrogen down into the subsoil horizon. The use of humic stimulants affected by the forms of ammonium nitrogen, which is available to plants, practically did not affect.

Carbon accumulation features in different functional zones of cities in the steppe zone.

This article presents findings on the study of content, profile distribution, and reserves of various carbon forms (organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (IC)) in Urbic Technosols and Ekranic Technosols within the residential zone of the city, alongside zonal Calcic Chernozems in the recreational zone of Rostov-on-Don, Aksai, and Bataysk. It was revealed that the TOC content in the upper horizons of Urbic Technosols is significantly lower than in the chernozem horizons of fallow areas, registering at 2.59 ± 0.79% and 3.25 ± 0.94%, respectively. IC exhibits an inverse trend, with maximum content observed in the upper horizons of Ekranic Technosols. Down the soil profile, disparities in TOC and IC contents are mitigated. This specificity in TOC accumulation and profile distribution signifies a "bipartite" profile alteration in buried chernozems, affecting solely the upper stratum rather than the entire soil profile. The presence of woody vegetation in the dry-steppe zone positively influences TOC accumulation. Calcic Chernozems beneath woody vegetation showcase the highest TOC reserves within the 30-cm layer (10.61 ± 1.45kg/m2). Calcic Chernozems of fallow areas under natural steppe vegetation contain 8.94 ± 1.75kg/m2, Technosols of the residential zone 8.44 ± 2.47kg/m2. For Technosols of the residential zone, a weakening of the dependence of TOC and IC content on the depth of the soil horizon is observed.

Влияние гумата калия и гуминового препарата BIO-Дон на фосфатный режим чернозёма обыкновенного карбонатного при возделывании гороха

The article presents the results of short-term field experiment for 2021-2023. The experiment is laid down in the hospital of agrochemistry and plant protection FSBSI FRARC. The effect of the use of potassium humate and the humic preparation BIO-Don on the content of mobile forms of phosphorus in the Calcic Chernozem during the cultivation of Alliance peas (Pisum sativum L.) was studied. The scheme of the experiment included options with the use of mineral fertilizer (azofoska 40:40:40) and without its use. Humic preparations were introduced foliar in a tank mixture with an insecticide during the bean formation phase and without the use of a chemical protection system. It has been established that the use of potassium humate and the humic preparation BIO-Don has a positive effect on the phosphate regime of the Calcic Chernozem. The application of azofoska mineral fertilizer in combination with the use of humates in a tank mixture with an insecticide contributes to the accumulation of mobile forms of phosphorus, which allows the soil to be classified from "elevated" to "very high" in terms of P2O5 content. Keywords: CALCIC CHERNOZEM, HUMIC PREPARATIONS, BIO-DON, POTASSIUM HUMATE, PEAS, MINERAL FERTILIZER, MOBILE FORMS OF PHOSPHORUS

Обменный калий в чернозёме обыкновенном карбонатном при использовании гуматов на посеве гороха

The paper presents the results of a short-term field experiment on the calcic chernozem. The effect of the use of humates on the content of exchangeable potassium in the soil during the cultivation of peas was studied. The results showed that the use of potassium humate in a tank mixture with and without insecticide has a positive effect on the content of this element. Foliar application of BIO-Don has virtually no effect on the K2O content and has a positive effect only in combination with the application of mineral fertilizer and the use of pesticides. Keywords: CALCIC CHERNOZEM, HUMIC PREPARATIONS, POTASSIUM HUMATE, BIO-DON, EXCHANGEABLE POTASSIUM, PEAS

Специфика элементного состава черноземов миграционно-сегрегационных Ростовской области на фоновом уровне и в условиях антропогенеза

The analysis of elemental composition (by ICP method for 70 elements) of Calcic chernozems of the Rostov region in a wide spectrum including rare and scattered chemical elements, the content of most of which was established for these soils for the first time, allowed to reveal geochemical features of these soils. In particular, they are characterized by a rich elemental composition. The mostly studied chemical elements have contents exceeding clarks for soils (clark - average contents for soils of continents). The group of stable excess elements includes: As, Ni, Co, Tl, Sc, Th, as well as rare earth elements (REE). The studied territory is characterized by the ubiquity of carbonate rocks, which are poor in elemental composition among all sedimentary rocks. Thus, the content of soils should be associated with general favorable natural-climatic conditions for soil formation processes and soil with fertile humus, which contributes to good accumulation of chemical elements. REE activity in soils reflects geochemical specialization of regional rocks. The performed traditional ranking of these elements in relation to North American shales allowed us to show the specificity of their regional fractionation, manifested in the predominance of the subgroup of medium and light REEs. It is known that REEs with similar chemical properties are recognized indicators of changing conditions, including anthropogenic activity. Such a pattern can be considered as a background baseline, which makes it possible to identify anthropogenic sources that caused these changes when REE distribution changes. Keywords: RARE EARTH ELEMENTS, SOILS, ANTHROPOGENESIS, FRACTIONATION

Structural elements of grain yield in triticale (х Triticosecale Wittmack) grown under organic farming conditions

Abstract During the period 2018-2020 in the experimental field of the Agricultural Institute, Shumen, on calcic chernozem soil type, a field experiment with triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) was conducted. The experiment was based on the block method, in four replications with a size of the experimental plot of 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 germinate able seeds/m2 after the predecessor sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). In the appropriate periods treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control-untreated variant. 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: Preparation 500 (5% solution) + Fladen preparation (1.5% solution) + preparation 501 (1.5 g for 300 l H2O/ha). 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur (500 ml/ha) + Free N (500 ml/ha). 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations. The following indicators were studied: plant height, number of spikelet’s per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike. After the statistical analysis for the first year of the study, a proven positive difference was found in all indicators in the combined biodynamic + biological method of cultivation, as well as in the stand-alone biological. In the second year of the study, a proven positive difference was obtained in all studied indicators in the variants treated with biodynamic preparations and the combination of biodynamic + biological preparations, with statistical significance for p<0.001. A positive correlation was found between all variants of the observed indicators at p<0.05.

Comparative analysis of archival data on yields of main field crops from fertilizer experiments on different soil types in Bulgaria

The main aim of the study was to systematize and summarize archival data on yields from main field crops from multiple fertilizer experiments of Nikola Poushkarov ISSAPP on various soil types in Bulgaria. A large set of results from the field fertilizer experiments carried out on four different soil types: Calcareous Chernozem (Trastenik village), Haplic Chernozem (Gorni Dabnik village), Haplic Luvisol (Nikolaevo village) and Planosol (Sekirovo village) in the geographical network of Bulgaria of the Nikola Poushkarov ISSAPP has been accumulated. Eight fertilization variants were tested with annual application of potassium (0, 8, 16 and 32 kg/da K2 O) on two backgrounds of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization. Crop rotation during the individual years was as follows: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), grown under non-irrigation conditions. Optimum rates of fertilization with the main nutrients, N, P and K have been established for the different soil types. There are complex interactions between the different rates of fertilization with the main macronutrients and this has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of agricultural crop yields. The difference in yields between the two investigated periods (1963-1970 and 1971-1975), at the same levels of fertilization, shows that the level of yields and accordingly, the use of nutrients are also determined to a significant extent by the climatic conditions. With an increase in the fertilizer rate, the yields also increase, and the rates of 16 kg and 32 kg K2 O remain the most effective, regardless of the occurrence of potassium accumulation in these variants. This was also confirmed by the results of the analysis of variance of the yields of cultivated crops. There was a pronounced increase of the effect of potassium fertilization in soils less supplied with this element, i.e. the Haplic Luvisol (Nikolaevo village) and Planosol (Sekirovo village). The effect of the potassium fertilization increases and expands in well supplied with potassium soils, but possessing unfavorable conditions for nutrition with this element, as in the case with the Calcareous Chernozem (Trastenik village). There was also an effect of potassium fertilization, although inconsistent, in soils well supplied with potassium, such as Haplic Chernozem (Gorni Dabnik village).

THE DETERMINATION OF THE MOST OPTIMAL METHODS FOR THE IRRIGATION OF CROPS ON DIFFERENT SOIL TYPES

Climate change due to multiple pollution problems (forest clearing, overgrazing, motor vehicle emissions, construction expansion, etc.), has led to increased global average temperature and reduced rainfall. Under these conditions, the mineralization of organic matter is intensified, the activity of soil microorganisms is reduced and implicitly decreases soil trophicity. These aspects further show the need to apply irrigation in the agricultural sector, rationalysing water, managing it and recommending the best methods of water distribution, on soils with different textural classes. In this regard, research was carried out on water permeability, on soils formed in different pedo-climatic conditions. Thus, three soil profiles were opened, in the Tecuci Plain, on a typical arenosoil, in the Dobrogea Plateau, on a calcaric chernozem and in the Gavanu-Burdea Plain on a chromic luvisol. Soil profiles were characterized morphologically and physico-chemically, soil samples were collected both in natural and modified settlement (metal cylinders). The physico-chemical analyses for the three soil types were determined within INCDPA laboratories Bucharest. Based on soil samples collected in metal cylinders, water permeability was determined using the ratio between the thickness of the soil horizon and the time of water infiltration. Depending on the permeability of the soil on the three different soil types, the most suitable and economical watering methods for the current climatic conditions have been established and recommended.

Soil peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activity under soil conservation practices on sloping terrains

Soil water erosion in Bulgaria has a significant negative impact on the arable inclined lands. Two experiments were conducted with wheat and maize with application of traditional and soil protection technologies, on Calcic Chernozem soil, on the slope of 5°. Calcic Chernozems are soils exposed to frequent water erosion processes due to significant structural deficiency and low aggregate stability. The first survey was carried out in the period 2018-2020, and in addition to conventional technologies, surface and vertical mulching (with manure as mulching material) were also tested. The second was carried out in 2020-2023 and included minimal treatments for growing wheat and maize and the inclusion of cover crop (barley) in the crop rotation. An increase in the amount of soil organic carbon was found, as well as an increase of the soil peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activity. The ratio between two enzymes, is considered as humification factor, is higher in the variants under soil protection technologies. The application of soil conservation treatments such as surface mulching with manure, minimum tillage with vertical manure mulching, as well as minimum tillage combined with cover crop in a wheat-maize rotation on sloping farmlands lead to an improvement of soil organic carbon as well as an increase of soil polyphenoloxidase activity.

SOIL MINIMUM TILLAGE SYSTEM IMPACT UPON ARIDITY HINDERED LAND IN TELEORMAN COUNTY

Two land bodies in Teleorman County were characterized in order to identify aridity affected areas. The country's agricultural and edaphic potential were taken into account on one hand, and the negative consequences determined by years long application of classical technology which contributes in the long run to the enhancement of degradation processes of fine textured soils through compaction, cleaving, and waterlogging on the other. In the Traian Administration and Territorial Unit (ATU) a pronounced soils settlement process was noted due to ploughing execution at the same depth and equipment passage on the soil in inappropriate conditions. In the Mavrodin ATU the soils have a high clay content which favors soil compaction and waterproofing raising issues of air capacity. Rape crop output was 3,700 kg/ha on the Calcic Chernozem of the Traian ATU, and 3,000 kg/ha on the Mavrodin Chromic Luvisol in the same soil works system. These soils suitability for soil minimum tillage is low due to specific intrinsically characteristics. Preserving soil covered with vegetation for an as long as possible period is recommended.

Evidence and mineralogical and physico-chemical properties of chernozem and chernozem-like soils in Croatia

The aim was to determine possible local differences between the parent materials of recent leoss-derived soils in eastern Croatia (Dalj, Zmajevac). Furthermore, it highlights the existence of chernozem and chernozem-like soils in Croatia and describes their basic physical, chemical and mineral properties. For this purpose, two soil profiles (P-3 and P-6) south of the Dalj settlement and one soil profile (P-10) near the Zmajevac settlement were excavated. The investigation included a detailed pedological analysis, a modal analysis of the heavy and light mineral fraction and a mineralogical analysis of bulk samples (the < 2 mm fraction) and the fraction < 2 μm. By comparing the obtained results with the criteria of the Croatian Soil Classification and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources, the soil profiles P-3 and P-6 can be defined as Chernozem on Loess or Hortic Calcic chernozem (Epiloamic, Endosiltic, Aric, Humic). The systematic unit for profile P-10 was defined as Rendzina according to the Croatian Soil Classification or Calcic Chernozem (Siltic) according to the WRB. Based on the results of the pedological analysis of the soil profile horizons, a gradual degradation of the chernozem was observed as a result of anthropogenic influence, but also due to recent climate change. The degradation is particularly evident in the form of a reduction in organic matter and the relocation of carbonates from the surface to deeper zones. Due to the increasing degree of weathering caused by recent climate changes, some differences in the mineralogical composition of the studied soils were also observed. The progressive degradation of the chernozem due to the effects of recent weathering processes is indicated mainly by the presence of goethite in the fraction < 2 μm as a weathering product of iron minerals (magnetite, pyroxenes…). Although the parent material of all three profiles is loess sediments, the reason why the soil material of profile P-10 has not developed a chernic horizon is the constant contribution of aeolian material and a short period of exposure to pedogenetic processes.

Genetic Features of Soils on Dense Parent Rocks of the Donetsk Ridge

The present study investigates morphological, physical and chemical properties of Chernozems at dense parent rocks. The research was carried out on the protected areas native soils of the north-west of the Rostov region. This territory is representing eastern slopes of the Donetsk Ridge, which predetermines the dense rocks release to the surface. It has been found that morphological, physical and chemical properties of Chernozems on dense rocks have emphasized their originality and uniqueness, and at the same time clearly have indicate their classification as Chernozem order. In comparison with the zonal soil – Calcic Chernozem – Chernozems on dense rocks are characterized by a reduced thickness of humus-accumulative layers, an increased of humus content, the presence of gravel in profile bottom half, a weak expression of calcareous accumulations, features of the particle-size distribution of soil components, even if it belongs to the same soil texture class. Chernozems on dense carbonate rocks either do not have accumulation or are characterized by a weak manifestation of secondary carbonates (pseudomycelia and nodules). This fact has differed such soil from the same order Chrernozems on fine-grained rocks (Calcic Chernozems) for which it is diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the mention of the suborder of these soils is incorrect in the designation. In the soil covering of the spurs of the Donetsk Ridge, dark humus soils are also occure, previously classified as incomplete developed chernozems, differing from chernozems by the absence of medium part of soil profiles.

Взаимосвязь свинца, цинка и меди с органическим веществом и карбонатами в городских почвах (на примере Ростова-на-Дону)

The article is devoted to the study of heavy metals content in the soils of Rostov-on-Don. Soil samples were collected from full-profile transects located in different areas of the city and suburbs of Rostov-on-Don. The group of anthropogenically altered soils included Urbic Technosol urbanstratozems and replantozems, as well as urbanized chernozems Calcic Chernozems (Technic). Natural soils of recreational areas are represented by migration-segregation chernozems Calcic Chernozems (Pachic). The study was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence analysis to determine the content of metals, carbon content was determined on a TOC analyzer. Graphical analysis was used to identify the correlations. The main purpose of the study was to identify the relationship between the content of metals and carbon in the soil profile. It was shown that the presence of carbonate barrier in deep soil horizons (BC and C) in chernozems and in surface layers of urban stratozems under anthropogenic pollution influenced the mobility of metals. The accumulation of organic carbon in humus-accumulative horizons promotes the growth of exchangeable form of zinc, lead, and copper in the total content of these metals. Keywords: URBAN SOIL, HEAVY METALS, URBANSTRATOZEMS, REPLANTOZEMS, CHERNOZEMS, ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION, CARBON

Mitigation of salinization and sodification of chernozems irrigated by brackish water

This research aimed to assess the impact of deep ploughing, with manuring and manuring alone, as well as the effects of different calcium ameliorants on physicochemical properties, fertility, and crop productivity of calcic chernozems in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine over a period of 7 years. Deep ploughing with manure had long-term positive effects on the mentioned characteristics of chernozems that were irrigated with brackish water over a long period. The bulk density decreased from 1.2 to 0.98 g/cm3, while the carbonate content increased to 8.7%. The humus layer increased from 50 to 75 cm. The exchangeable sodium and potassium percentage decreased from 7 to 3.9-4.8% and crop yield increased by 21-38%. These positive effects of deep ploughing and manuring persisted throughout the entire 7-year period. The effect of calcium ameliorants lasted shorter (only 3-4 seasons) and was as follows: i) the degree of soil sodicity decreased from medium to weak; ii) the content of exchangeable sodium and potassium decreased from 7 to 4.1-5.5%; iii) the content of carbonates in the root zone increased from 2.7 to 3.3%; iv) the crop yield increased by 10-30%. All measures proved to be effective in mitigating the sodicity and salinity of affected chernozems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation of winter wheat in an intensive crop producing farm

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation represents a valid tool for improving crop yield, primarily in the case of extensive crop production. The conditions of intensive crop production inhibit the growth of AMF and decrease the plant root mycorrhization. To clarify the possibilities of AMF inoculation under intensive farm conditions, a two-year field experiment was set up. The effect of AMF inoculation and mineral fertilization (130 kg N ha-1, 78 kg P2 O5 ha-1, 60 kg K2 O ha-1) were investigated on the crop yield, crop P content and root mycorrhization of two modern winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. The soil was Chernozem with calcareous precipitates (WRB classification: Calcic Chernozem). The AMF inoculum contained reproductive units of Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus mosseae. The whole experimental area was 32 ha and cultivated according to the usual intensive crop production of the farm. Both AMF inoculation and mineral fertilizer treatment had a significant effect on crop yield and root mycorrhization. The yield-enhancing effect of AMF inoculation was only observed in plots without mineral fertilizer and depended on the interaction of the year and the cultivar. AMF inoculation did not affect the P content of the crop. In the dry year the effect of AMF inoculation was cultivar dependent. AMF inoculation increases the yield to a smaller extent than the mineral fertilization. Our results show that AMF inoculation without fertilization can be profitable under intensive farming conditions.

Changes in selected properties of Calcic Chernozem due to cultivation of Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus robur

Abstract The results of a comprehensive study on the particle size distribution, soil organic matter (SOM) content, and plant-available water in Calcic Chernozem are presented, along with the impact of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L. plantations on these indicators. The study revealed that Calcic Chernozem under steppe vegetation and Q. robur plantation exhibited a silty clay loam texture. However, under the influence of R. pseudoacacia plantation, the chernozem’s texture transformed into loam. The planting of R. pseudoacacia resulted in a noticeable decrease in SOM content, while the growth of Q. robur plantations led to an increase in SOM content. Furthermore, both R. pseudoacacia and Q. robur plantations contributed to an increased content of plant-available water in the 0–20 cm layer of chernozem. These findings highlight the more pronounced effect of R. pseudoacacia plantation on the particle size distribution, SOM content, and plant-available water in Calcic Chernozem compared to Q. robur plantation.

Maize response to phosphorus and sulfur application on calcareous chernozem in Serbia

Field studies were conducted on carbonate chernozem in Vojvodina Province of Serbia during two seasons of maize growing to adjust nutrient management practices when fertilizers are broadcasted and incorporated into the soil before sowing. The experimental scheme included six fertilization treatments: T1 (zero fertilizer control), T2 (N156P64K64, farmer fertilizer practice), T3 (N100P60K60), T4 (N100P60K60S36), T5 (N100P80K60), and T6 (N100P80K60S48). Nitrogen application practice was found to be excessive, while phosphorus application practice was found to be insufficient. Phosphorus application rate of 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 was found to be rational when the soil test for phosphorus was very low or low. Sulfur (S) application improved grain yield in higher yield conditions, whereas soil containing 3.9–4.0% of organic matter (OM) could meet crop S requirements in lower yield conditions of 5 t ha-1 and below. It is assumed that S application to maize in the southern Pannonian Plain in Serbia may be limited to 36 kg S ha-1.