Preplant Fertilizer Research Articles

289 Effect of Swine Effluent on Yields of Plasticulture-grown Vegetables

Five fertilizer treatments, three of which included swine effluent alone or in combination with commercial fertilizers, were evaluated for plasticulture production of vegetables. Effluent and/or soluble fertilizers were delivered through drip irrigation tubing to their respective treatments. Four experiments were conducted at two locations: 1) spring tomatoes followed by pumpkin at Verona, Miss., 2) spring tomatoes followed by zucchini at Pontotoc, Miss., 3) fall tomato at Verona, and 4) fall tomato at Pontotoc. In all four experiments, representing six crops, yields from treatments receiving swine effluent were equal to or greater than yields from treatments receiving preplant fertilizers and/or commercially available soluble fertilizers. There were also no significant differences among treatments in relative number of marketable fruit. Leaf tissue analysis of the tomato crops showed no significant differences among treatments in N content. For some experiments, there were significant differences for other elements. These results showed that swine effluent was an effective nutrient source for plasticulture production of vegetable crops when compared to preplant and soluble fertilizers. These results also showed that the alkaline pH (about 7.8) and high level of ammonium nitrogen of swine effluent (>95 % of N content) did not adversely affect vegetable yield or marketability.

648 Assessment of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur Pre-plant Nutrients on Plug Seedling Growth

Salinity guidelines for seed germination substrates are extremely low and difficult to attain given the salinity contributions of components such as peatmoss, vermiculite, limestone, wetting agent, and nutrients. This study was conducted to determine the value of N, P, K, and S as pre-plant nutrients with the anticipation that some could be eliminated. Seed were sown in two similar experiments on 23 Mar. and 6 June 1995 in 288-cell plug trays containing a substrate of 3 sphagnum peat: 1 perlite (v/v) amended with 6 g dolomitic limestone and 1.5 g Esmigran micronutrient mix per liter. Test plants included impatiens `Accent Rose' (Impatiens wallerana L.) and gomphrena `Buddy' (Gomphrena globosa. L.) Six preplant treatments including none, all, or all minus one of the nutrients N, P, K, and S were applied, each at a rate of 100 mg·L–1, substrate, in a randomized complete-block design with three blocks. Post-plant fertilization with 13–0.9–10.8 at 50 mg N/L began 1 week after sowing and was increased to 100 mg N/L when the fourth true leaf appeared. Omission of pre-plant K and S did not result in any reduction in final plant size in impatiens and only a minor reduction in one of the two gomphrena crops. Omission of N and P consistently reduced final size of plants by a commercially significant amount. While K and S are not necessary, N and P should be considered in a pre-plant fertilizer for these crops. In each situation where shoot size was smaller the root/shoot ratio was unchanged.

Preplant Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers Produce Similar Bell Pepper Yields as Split Applications of Soluble Fertilizer

Preplant Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers Produce Similar Bell Pepper Yields as Split Applications of Soluble Fertilizer

Stable Fly, House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae), and Other Nuisance Fly Development in Poultry Litter Associated with Horticultural Crop Production

Poultry litter usage in horticultural crop production is a contributor to nuisance fly populations, in particular stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans L.) and house flies (Musca domestica L.). Extrapolation of adult emergence data suggests that approximately 1.5 million house flies and 0.2 million stable flies are emerging on average from every hectare of poultry litter applied as a preplant fertilizer for vegetable production in Perth, Western Australia. To a lesser extent, sideband applications to established crops may allow for the development of 0.5 million house flies and 45,000 stable flies per hectare. However, up to 1 million house flies, 0.45 million lesser house flies, Fannia cannicularis L., and 11,000 stable flies per hectare may be produced from surface dressings of poultry litter associated with turf production. Other nuisance flies present in poultry litter included the false stable fly, Muscina stabulans (Fallén), bluebodied blowfly, Calliphora dubia Hardy, black carrion fly, Hydrotaea rostrata Robineau-Desvoidy, Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina Wiedemann, and flesh flies (Sarcophagidae). Only house flies developed in poultry litter for the first 4 d after application in the field. Stable flies were not present in poultry litter until 4-7 d after application, and were the only fly species developing in litter > 9 d after application.

Growth and nitrogen nutrition of Chinese fir seedlings exposed to nutrient loading and fertilization

Nutrient loaded and non-loaded Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook) seedlings were transplanted in a pot trial to examine effects of exponential nutrient loading and fertilization treatments on first season growth and N nutrition. The treatments tested four rates of N (0, 30, 60, and 90 mg tree-1) as a mixed NPK fertilizer applied before planting to create a soil fertility gradient, and two topdressings applied only to non-loaded seedlings later in the season. Nutrient loading alone consistently enhanced seedling growth on the four soil fertility classes, increasing respective biomass and N uptake 42, 45, 20 and 8%, and 65, 67, 29 and 18% more than non-loaded seedlings. The positive response was attributed to increased N retranslocation from higher nutrient reserves built up by loading during nursery culture. Net retranslocation from old shoots to new growth was highest soon after planting when nutrient stress was most severe. Pre-plant soil fertilization and post-plant topdressings were also effective in promoting seedling productivity, but equivalent additions yielded less biomass than that from nutrient loading alone. Implications are that exponential nutrient loading may be more efficient in improving early growth performance of Chinese fir seedlings than traditional field fertilization practices at plantation establishment, and may on competitive sites avoid problems of stimulating surrounding vegetation rather than trees.

Root Medium Chemical Properties

Maintaining medium pH and nutrient concentrations at levels acceptable for growth are important for producing vigorous transplants in the shortest time. Medium chemical properties, such as cation-exchange capacity, aeration, liming materials, preplant fertilizer, irrigation-water sources, water-soluble fertilizers, and plant species, interact to affect medium pH and nutrient management. However, these chemical properties do not affect medium pH or the nutrient supply simultaneously or with equal intensity. The objective of this review is to consider key chemical properties of container media and their affects on pH and nutrient management initially and over time.

Swine Effluent for Tomato in a Plasticulture Production System

Tomato was grown in Fall 1997 with swine effluent or commercial soluble fertilizer in a plasticulture production system. Four cultivars, `Mountain Delight', `Celebrity', `Equinox', and `Sunbeam', were transplanted to raised beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation. Preplant fertilizer was not applied. Effluent from the Wiley L. Bean Swine Demonstration Unit's secondary lagoon was filtered through in-line screen filters and applied directly to the plants through the irrigation system. Toward the end of each application, sodium hypochlorite was injected in the line to achieve a free chlorine concentration of ≈1%. Clogging of filters or drip emitters did not occur. Control plants received 100 ppm N from soluble fertilizer injected in irrigation lines supplied by a municipal water source. Number and weight of tomatoes from plants receiving swine effluent were equal to that of plants receiving soluble fertilizer. No differences in fruit quality were evident between treatments. Plant dry weight was also equal for three out of four cultivars. No differences in soil characteristics were detected between treatments after the study. Chemical analysis of the effluent showed a pH of 7.8 and nutrient concentrations of ≈110 ppm NH4-N, 57 ppm P2O5, 150 ppm K2O, and trace amounts of Cu and Zn. Though no differences in yield were detected in this study, the effluent's high pH and high NH4-N content need to be managed more closely for commercial tomato production.

Nitrogen accumulation efficiency: Relationship between excess fertilizer and soil‐plant biological activity in winter wheat

The point at which nitrogen (N) applied approaches 100% recovery in the soil once plant and microbial sinks have been saturated has not been determined in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems. In dryland winter wheat, subsoil accumulation has not been found to occur until N rates exceed that required for maximum yield. Many conventional N rate experiments have not properly evaluated subsoil N accumulation due to the lack of equally spaced N rates at the high end of the spectrum over which accumulation is expected to occur. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (i) determine when soil profile accumulation efficiencies reach 100% in continuous winter wheat production and (ii) to evaluate the potential for nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3 ‐N) leaching in continuous winter wheat when extremely high rates of fertilizer N are used. Two field experiments (T505 and T222) were conducted for two years using ten N rates (preplant‐incorporated) ranging from 0 to 5376 kg N ha1. No additional preplant fertilizer was applied in the second year. Following the first and second year wheat harvest, soil cores were taken to 2.4 m and bulk density, ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N) and NO3‐N were determined. Crop N‐use efficiency (NUE) (N uptake treated ‐ N uptake check/rate applied) and soil profile inorganic N accumulation efficiencies (NAE) [net inorganic N accumulation in the soil profile/(fertilizer applied ‐ net N removed in the crop)] changed with fertilizer rate and were inversely related. Priming (increased net mineralization of organic N pools when low rates of fertilizer N are applied) may have occurred since increased NUE was observed at low N rates. The highest N‐accumulation efficiencies were at N rates of 168 and 448 kg ha‐1 in experiments T505 and T222, respectively. At both T222 and T505, no subsoil accumulation of NH4‐N or NO3‐N beyond 100 cm was observed for any of the N treatments when compared to the 0‐N check, even when N rates exceeded 448 kg ha‐1.

Effects of Foliar Fertilization of Texas Southern High Plains Cotton: Leaf Nitrogen and Growth Parameters

Foliar fertilizers have become one of the many inputs used in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) production systems across the U.S. Cotton Belt. Their usefulness, however, in producing high yielding, high quality cotton remains to be resolved This study was conducted to determine the effects of foliar fertilizers on cotton: (i) lint and seed yields, (ii) plant dry weight, (iii) plant leaf area, and (iv) leaf nitrogen concentration. During the 1990 growing season, this study was conducted at the Texas Tech University Research Farm east of New Deal, TX, on a Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic, Torrertic Paleustoll). Six foliar treatments were incorporated into a randomized complete block design with six blocks. Treatments 2 (15-2-0 with Ca), 3 (8-32-5 with micronutrients), and 4 (8-8-8 with micronutrients) were commercial products and were applied in compliance with their manufacturers' recommendations. Treatments 5 and 6 (46-0-0) were applied at various rates. During the 1991 growing season, this study was conducted at an on-farm location northeast of Petersburg, TX. The soil at this location was also a Pullman clay loam. The same six foliar treatments were incorporated into a randomized complete block design with four blocks. Foliar treatments were applied during both growing seasons at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 wk after matchead square. One week after each treatment application, 10 plants were removed from each plot and divided into three nodal horizons: (i) from node 6 to node 9, (ii) from node 10 to node 13, and (iii) node 14 and above. Leaf total and nitrate N concentrations were determined by these nodal horizons. Also, at 1, 5, and 9 wk after matchead square, plant leaf areas and dry weights were determined. Lint yields were determined after a killing freeze in 1990 and after crop termination in 1991. Feed grade urea increased leaf total N concentrations during 1990, but these results were not repeated in 1991. Urea also increased leaf nitrate N during both growing seasons. However, plant leaf area and dry weight, and lint and seed yields were not significantly affected by foliar fertilizers. Cost-benefit analyses were not conducted due to the lack of a significant yield response from foliar fertilizers. We conclude none of the costs associated with foliar fertilization will be recovered in net returns.

Broadcast versus Band Fertilizer Applications on Vegetable Crops

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of banding or broadcasting fertilizer on yield and quality of turnip (Brassica rapa L. Rapifera group), sweetcorn (Zea mays var. rugosa Bonaf.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group). Preplant fertilizer was applied broadcast before bedding, broadcast after bedding, or banded after bedding. Sidedress applications were broadcast or banded on the beds. Differences in plant size and vigor were noticed early in the season in the spring turnip crop, with the growth in the broadcast-and-bed treatment appearing superior. The yield at first harvest and total yield were lower for turnip grown with the bed-and-broadcast treatment. No differences in yield of cabbage or sweetcorn resulted from the treatments. Few differences in turnip stem-to-leaf ratio were noted due to fertilizer treatment. Few differences in yield due to sidedress method were noted with any of the crops. Analysis of soil samples in a grid pattern across the beds showed that the location of the fertilizer after the broadcast-and-bed treatment was similar to the placement of the banded fertilizer. Since broadcasting can be done with a faster, wider applicator, growers could reduce costs by broadcasting fertilizer and obtain yields that are at least equivalent to the yields obtained by banding the fertilizer.

Broadcast vs. Band Applications of Fertilizer for Vegetable Crops

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of banding or broadcasting fertilizer on yield and quality of turnip (Brassica rapa L. Rapifera group), sweetcorn (Zea mays var. rugosa Bonaf), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group). Preplant fertilizer was applied broadcast prior to bedding, broadcast after bedding, or banded after bedding. Sidedress applications were broadcast or banded on the beds. Strong visual differences were noticed early in the season in the spring turnip crop with the growth in the broadcast-then-bed treatment appearing superior. The yield at first harvest and total yield were lower for turnip growth with the bed-and-broadcast treatments. No differences in yield of cabbage and sweetcorn resulted from the treatments. Few differences in turnip stem to leaf ratio were noted due to fertilizer treatment. Few differences in yield due to sidedress method were noted with any of the crops. Since broadcasting can be done with a faster, wider applicator, growers could reduce costs by broadcasting fertilizer and obtain yields that are at least equivalent to the yields from banding.

Effect of Preplant Fertilization, Annual Fertilization, Irrigation, and Fertigation on `Empire' Apple Fruit Size and Yield

A field experiment was established in 1992 with `Empire' apple trees on either M.7 or M.9 rootstock. Preplant fertilization with NPKB plus lime compared to the lime only control did not increase tree growth during the first 4 years, but did increase cumulative yield (10%) and average fruit size (7%). The addition of annual applications of ground-applied NKB after planting increased total shoot growth 17%, as well as yield (26%) and fruit size (14%) compared to the lime only control. Trickle irrigation significantly increased trunk cross-sectional area (17%), shoot growth (16%), yield (18%), fruit size (5%), and yield efficiency (7%). The interaction of ground fertilization and trickle irrigation showed that trickle irrigation increased the benefits of ground applied fertilizers. Without trickle irrigation, ground-applied fertilizers increased shoot growth only 6% and yield 14% compared to the unfertilized controls, but, with the addition of trickle irrigation, the ground-applied fertilizers increased shoot growth 21% and yield 21% over the irrigated but unfertilized control. Ground fertilization increased yield efficiency and fruit size by the percentage by whether or not trickle irrigation was present. Fertigation gave similar results as the trickle plus ground fertilizer treatment on tree growth, yield, fruit size, and yield efficiency. Our results indicate that trickle irrigation in the eastern United States can improve tree growth, yield, and fruit size in the first few years after planting. The addition of ground-applied fertilizer or fertigation can improve tree performance even more. However, in the humid New York climate, there does not appear to be a significant benefit from injecting the fertilizer into the trickle water compared to applying the fertilizer on the ground.

Nitrogen Fertilization Management for Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

`Camelot' bell pepper was grown in a N fertigation study on sandy soil using polyethylene-mulched and fumigated beds. Portions of N (0%, 33%, 67%, 100% of total season N) were applied at bed formation. The remaining N was injected weekly into the drip irrigation system. Total N application treatments were 64, 128, 192, and 256 kg·ha–1. Early and total-season marketable fruit yields increased linearly with N rate. Preplant fertilizer proportion did not influence early yields, but late and total-season marketable fruit yields decreased linearly as preplant fertilizer proportion increased. Petiole sap NO3-N concentration increased with increasing N rates, but decreased linearly as preplant fertilizer proportion increased. Petiole sap NO3-N concentrations fell below critical levels for all N rates and preplant fertilizer proportions early in the season. Whole-leaf N concentrations were higher than critical values (>40 g·kg–1) throughout the season. Preplant fertilizer proportion had a significant linear effect on whole-leaf N concentrations for all sampling periods. Petiole sap was better correlated to yield data than whole-leaf N.

Growth and Yield Response of Bell Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) to a Nitrogen Fertigated Plastic-mulched System

The yield of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L. cv. King Arthur) was measured when grown in the field under eight mulching/irrigation/nitrogen fertilization systems, was studied at the Macdonald Campus of McGill Univ., using a randomized block design replicated three times. All treatments received a preplant fertilizer application of 60 kg N/ha with four of the treatments receiving additional fertigation during the season. Of the four treatments receiving fertigation, one silver reflective mulched plot and one black mulched plot received an additional 40 kg N/ha in 4 kg N/ha/week over a 10-week period beginning 12 June weekly up to and including 14 Aug. 1995. The remaining two fertigated treatments only received additional N, when leaf nitrogen, based upon leaf chlorophyll content, dropped below a 95% sufficiency index as measured by a Minolta SPAD 502 meter. Marketable yields of the fertigated plots range between 100%–126% higher than those of the control plot for the entire growing season. However, most notably was the early yields (first three harvests), which ranged from 146%–493% higher than that of the control plot, economically, significantly increasing the producers income. The experiment will be duplicated in Summer 1996 to confirm our findings.

Nitrogen Management of Drip-iIrrigated Peppers

Inadequate N can reduce growth and yield, but excess N can be uneconomical and environmentally harmful. Our objective was to investigate the potential for using fertigation and on-farm plant-nutrient monitoring to improve the efficiency of N fertilizer use by bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Two N fertilizer treatments were compared: 1) all N applied preplant and 2) one-third of the N applied preplant and the remainder injected into the drip-irrigation lines throughout the growing season. Total application rates were N at 118 kg·ha–1 for both treatments. Data were collected for total yield, marketable yield, and fruit size. Leaf and petiole samples were collected every 2 weeks and were used to monitor plant N status throughout the growing season. A Horiba/Cardy nitrate meter was used to measure nitrate concentrations in freshly-pressed petiole sap. A SPAD chlorophyll meter was used to measure leaf chlorophyll content and give an indirect measure of leaf N concentrations. Subsamples of leaves and petioles also were saved for conventional laboratory analyses. Whole (aboveground) plant samples were collected every 2 weeks, analyzed, and used to calculate differences in N accumulation. Suction cup samplers were installed at the 24-in soil depth and water samples collected every 1 to 2 weeks for nitrate analysis. Except for early in the growing season, petiole sap nitrate and leaf chlorophyll were higher in the fertigation treatment. Plant dry matter and total N accumulation also were much larger, but fertigation did not increase yield. Nitrate leaching was greater early in the season with 100% preplant N, but later in the season it was greater with fertigation. Data suggested that adequate plant N, reduced nitrate leaching, and equivalent yields are possible with fertigation at reduced N-rates compared to 100% preplant fertilizer applications.

Crop Sequence Effects on Response of Corn and Soil Inorganic Nitrogen to Fertilizer and Manure Nitrogen

AbstractFertilizer N and manure frequently are applied to corn (Zea mays L.) grown after alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at rates similar to those applied to continuous corn, although corn following alfalfa typically requires little additional N to attain maximum dry matter. Consequently, similar amounts of applied N may affect soil NO3 differently in rotational than in continuous corn. There is little information evaluating crop sequence effects on residual soil NO3 derived from fertilizer N and manure. In two 2‐yr experiments at two locations in Minnesota, we evaluated the effect of crop sequence on response of corn grain dry matter, grain N, and stover N, and of soil inorganic N (NO3‐N and NH4‐N) to fertilizer N and dairy manure. Grain dry matter of first‐year corn following alfalfa did not respond to applied N at Rosemount and typically was less responsive than continuous corn at Waseca. Crop sequence effects on soil NO3 response to manure and fertilizer N were similar. Preplant fertilizer N application of 157 kg ha−1 increased residual soil NO3‐N the following spring an average of 45 kg ha−1 more in first‐year corn following alfalfa than in continuous corn, except when excessive precipitation caused apparent high losses of applied N. Grain N content and soil NO3 responded similarly to fertilizer N in both second‐year corn following alfalfa and continuous corn. Efforts to reduce the buildup and potential loss of soil NO3 in the corn portion of alfalfa‐corn rotations should focus on reducing N application to first‐year corn following alfalfa. These N applications have little agronomic value and can dramatically increase residual soil NO3.

Growth and Yield of Vegetables with Composted Yard Waste Soil Amendment

Composted yard waste (CYW) soil applications at rates from 0 to 224 t·ha–1 and with or without preplant fertilizer were evaluated over a 3 years. In year 1, the applications were made in early March, with a succession of crops grown continuously until year 2. During year 2 the entire area was kept as clean fallow, but plot integrity was maintained. Soil samples were taken periodically for chemical analysis. In late March of year 3, a second application of CYW was overlaid on one half of each previously treated plot, and pole beans were grown. Nitrogen tie-up occurred only with the 224 t·ha–1 when no fertilizer was added during year 1 for all crops studied. Where fertilizer was added, no visual symptoms of deficiency occurred with any of the crops; however, with some crops, yields were reduced. CYW application in year 3 resulted in visual symptoms of N deficiency (extreme leaf yellowing) in pole beans along with yield reduction even when fertilizer was added. This was the result of immature CYW used in that year. CYW degradation occurred during the fallow period in year 2, as shown by decreasing organic matter levels in the soil. During year 3, pole bean yields were ≈4% higher where intermediate to high levels of CYW rates were used during year 1 but no additional during year 3 compared to the control plots. In general, CYW for vegetable production was useful when sufficient fertilizer was used to overcome the high initial C:N ratio.

Fertility Studies on Brassicas Grown in Acid Soils

In soils that can range in pH from the low 4's to 7, depending on the location and liming history, deficiency of Zn, B, and Mo coupled with the soil acidity complex of Mn toxicity had been previously identified as severe limiting factors in producing quality Brassica crops. Fertility studies on fall and spring planted Brassicas focused on the effect of including/not including micronutrients during various phases of growth when NPK preplant fertilizer was reduced. Differential responses to reduction in preplant NPK and applications of micronutrients was found to be dependent on planting time (fall or spring), species of Brassica planted and cultivar. Nutrient uptake in leaf blades and petioles was followed. In broccoli timing of micronutrient applications significantly affected the harvest period length. Broccoli final yields of the B, Zn and Mg treatments were found to contribute ≈75% to 80% of the final yield of a full range micronutrient solution.

Persistence and Replacement of Preplant Fertilizers from Highly Leached Peat-based Root Media

A series of experiments was conducted to quantify the rate of nutrient loss from a container medium in a 15-cm-wide (1.3-liter) pot with a container capacity (CC) of 0.7 liter/pot under mist propagation and to determine the effectiveness of reapplying fertilizer to medium at 90% of CC with either top watering or subirrigation. Reducing the volume of water applied per day decreased the rate of nutrient leaching. Based on CC leached (CCL), the rate of nutrient loss was similar for all treatments. Differences in the rate of macronutrient removal from the media were measured, but, by 2 CCL, the concentration of all nutrients tested was below acceptable levels for the saturated media extract. With top watering, reapplying water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) at volumes under 0.2 liter/pot did not affect the nutrient concentration in the lower half of the pot at WSF concentrations up to 86 mol N/m3. Applying up to 0.8 liter/pot did increase nutrient concentrations in the lower half of the pot, but the media nutrient concentrations were lower than that of the applied WSF concentration. Applying WSF with subirrigation was limited by the moisture content of the media prior to the irrigation.

Sidedress N Application Methods for Broccoli Production

Field studies were conducted during the fall of 1991 and 1992 to determine effects of sidedress fertilizer placement at various N and preplant fertilizer rates on yield and head weight of direct-seeded broccoli, Brassica oleracea L. (Italica Group). Marketable yield, early yield, head weight, and rate of crop maturity were not affected by rate of preplant fertilizer or N sidedress. Broccoli responded similarly at sidedressed N rates from 134 lo 258 kg.ha-I and total N rates from 179 to 348 kg-ha-'. Method of applying sidedress fertilizer (Wing into or dropping onto the bed) did not affect marketable yield or head size