Residual Effect Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Suprimento de potássio em função da adubação potássica residual em um Latossolo Vermelho do Cerrado

Em alguns solos com baixos teores de potássio trocável, formas não trocáveis participam do suprimento às plantas. Há evidências de que a disponibilização do K não trocável depende mais da demanda das plantas pelo nutriente do que das propriedades do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o suprimento e a exaustão de formas de K em um Latossolo Vermelho do Cerrado em decorrência da adubação potássica residual e do cultivo de Brachiaria ruziziensis (Syn. Urochloa ruziziensis). Amostras de solos foram coletadas na camada de 0-20 cm, em parcelas de um experimento de campo em que a soja vinha sendo adubada anualmente, por 10 anos, com 0, 60, 120 e 180 kg ha-1 de K2O. Em casa de vegetação, as amostras de solo receberam a aplicação de 0, 150 e 300 mg dm-3 de K e foram cultivadas com B. ruziziensis, com cinco cortes sucessivos. O suprimento de K às plantas dependeu mais do fertilizante recém-adicionado do que do efeito residual de adubações anteriores. O K não trocável foi responsável, ao longo do tempo, pela manutenção dos teores de K trocáveis e, na ausência de adubação potássica, constituiu a principal fonte de K para as plantas de B. ruziziensis. As plantas de B. ruziziensis possuem capacidade de extrair quantidade considerável de K do solo, confirmando sua importância como cultura de cobertura, na ciclagem do nutriente no solo.

Effect of sulfur forms on concentrations of cadmium and nickel soluble in 1 mol HCl dm-3 in arable soils

Heavy metal contamination of arable soils remains one of the world’s most serious environmental problems. The mobility of heavy metals in soil is determined by soil conditions, environmental factors and human activity. The immediate and residual effects of sulfur fertilization on the concentrations of heavy metals in soil are an important consideration when monitoring changes in environmental conditions in agricultural areas. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing doses of sulfate and elemental sulfur on changes in the concentrations of cadmium and nickel soluble in 1 mol HCl dm –3 in soil samples collected at a depth of 0-40 and 40-80 cm. A three-year field experiment was conducted on Dystric Cambisols (FAO) of the texture of heavy loamy sand. Soil samples were collected from each plot, prior to the establishment of the trials, after each harvest and before sowing the consecutive crop. The soil samples were used to determine the concentrations of Cd and Ni in soil (extractions with 1 mol HCl dm –3 , the ratio between soil and extraction - 1:10) by the AAS method using a Schimadzu AA apparatus. Irregular changes in soluble cadmium concentrations were observed in soil fertilized with sulfate and elemental sulfur. No distinct trends were noticed in response to sulfate and elemental sulfur fertilization. The effect of sulfur was noticeable only in the third year of the experiment. Sulfur application contributed to a decrease in the soluble nickel content of soil. Sulfate and elemental sulfur fertilization did not increase the levels of cadmium and nickel soluble in 1 mol HCl dm –3 . The soil can be used for growing high-quality

Changes in the concentrations of available zinc and copper in soil fertilized with sulfur

The concentrations of available forms of trace elements in the soil are mostly determined by their total content and soil processes. Soil organic matter and pH are the key factors affecting the content and mobility of heavy metals in soil. According to many authors, the toxicity of heavy metals and their availability to plants increase due to soil acidification caused by sulfur deposition. The direct and residual effect of sulfur fertilization on changes in the heavy metal content of soil has to be taken into account in environmental analyses in agricultural areas, including environmental impact assessments and predictions. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing doses of sulfate and elemental sulfur on changes in the concentrations of available zinc and copper in soil samples collected at a depth of 0-40 and 40-80 cm. A three-year field experiment was conducted on Dystric Cambisols (FAO), of the granulometric composition of heavy loamy sand. Soil samples were collected from each plot, prior to the establishment of the trials, after each harvest and before sowing the consecutive crop. The soil samples were used to determine the concentrations: Zn and Cu in soil (extractions with 1 mol HCl dm–3, the ratio between soil and extraction – 1:10) was determined by the AAS method using a Schimadzu AA apparatus. The results of the yields and chemical analysis of soil were processed statistically with the analysis of variance. The application of sulfate and elemental sulfur decreased the zinc content of 0-40 and 40-80 cm soil layers, as compared with soil sampled before the experiment. Sulfur fertilization had no effect on changes in copper concentrations in both soil horizons. The sulfur doses applied in the experiment did not affect the natural content of zinc and copper in the soil, and had no negative agricultural or environmental impacts.

Distribuição do Nitrogênio do Sulfato de Amônio (15N) no sistema solo-planta, em uma sucessão de culturas, sob sistema plantio direto

O aproveitamento do N pelo milho (Zea mays, L.) é influenciado pelas doses de adubo nitrogenado. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido em um solo de textura arenoargilosa (Hapludox) e teve por objetivo avaliar a eficiência de utilização do N pela cultura de milho, em uma sucessão de culturas, utilizando-se sulfato de amônio marcado com 15N (5,5 átomos %), em diferentes doses; e o efeito residual desse fertilizante nas duas culturas subsequentes em sucessão (braquiária e milho), sob sistema plantio direto. As avaliações foram feitas em dois cultivos de milho safrinha - o primeiro no ano agrícola 2006 e o segundo em 2007 - e um de braquiária na entressafra. Os tratamentos consistiram de doses de N de 60, 120 e 180 kg ha-1, na forma de sulfato de amônio marcado (15N). Esse adubo foi aplicado em subparcelas, previamente definidas, apenas no primeiro cultivo do milho (safra 2006). Foram avaliados: N-total acumulado; N nas plantas de milho e braquiária proveniente do fertilizante, N no solo proveniente do fertilizante e recuperação de N-fertilizante pelas plantas e pelo solo. O maior aproveitamento do N-fertilizante pelo milho foi obtido no tratamento com 120 kg ha-1 de N, e o maior efeito residual do N-fertilizante pela braquiária e milho subsequente, no tratamento com 180 kg ha-1 de N. Após a sucessão de culturas, a recuperação de N pelo solo foi de 32, 23 e 27 % para os tratamentos com 60, 120 e 180 kg ha-1 de N.

Forage yield and quality on soil subjected to phosphorus rates in subtropical grassland of Brazil

Phosphorous application effects were evaluated on ryegrass dry matter (DM) accumulation, root development and plant tissue concentration of phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon aiming to determinate the nutritional status of the pasture, as well as to verify the possibility to establish a phosphorus dilution curve for this pasture. Also, the development of phosphorus and ryegrass cultivated with the residual effect of phosphorus fertilization was determined. The experiment was carried out in Pinhais County - Paraná State on a Cambisol with very low phosphorus levels. The experiment was of random blocks design and treatments consisted of five phosphorus rates of triple superphosphate (0, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg P2O5 ha-1) applied to soil surface with four replications. Phosphorus fertilization promoted linear increments in the soil phosphorus availability and resulted, in the first year, in early pasture production and higher phosphorus content in the plant. Nitrogen and carbon contents were not affected. Phosphorous application increased ryegrass DM accumulation in all periods, ranging from 16 to 2826 kg DM ha-1 at flowering stage, for zero and 360 kg P2O5 ha-1, respectively. Root density was positively influenced by phosphorus supply, and the rate of 45 kg P2O5 ha-1 was effective for maximum root development. The residual effect of phosphorus fertilizer provided enhancement of yield and phosphorus plant concentration for both sorghum and ryegrass in the second year.

Residual effects of pig slurry and mineral nitrogen fertilizer on irrigated wheat

The residual effects of pig slurry beyond the year of application have yet to be clearly quantified to determine if it is possible to reduce N fertilizer rates for the subsequent crops. The objective of this study was to assess the residual effects of pig slurry (PSRE) and mineral N fertilizer (MRE) applied to maize ( Zea mays L.) with respect to the subsequent wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). A wheat crop was established in the Ebro valley (Northeast Spain) following a 6-year maize monoculture (2002–2007). The maize crops had been annually fertilized with a combination of three pig slurry rates (0, 30, and 50 m 3 ha −1) and three mineral N rates (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha −1) commonly applied by farmers in the region. The soil mineral N levels before wheat sowing ranged from 94 to 609 kg N ha −1 and increased as pig slurry and mineral N applications to maize increased. The PSRE were high and ranged from 2287 to 3796 kg ha −1 for wheat grain yield and from 36 to 84 kg N ha −1 for grain-N uptake. Results suggested that the PSRE would mainly originate from the carry-over of unused mineral N. Mineralization of the organic N applied with pig slurry, at rates based on European Union Nitrates Directive, contributed with further residual N effects and would allow farmers to reduce N fertilization of wheat about 30 kg N ha −1. A reduction in the typical N rates applied to maize along with additional N fertilization of wheat is necessary to maximize crop profitability and reduce the risk of water pollution with nitrates.

Phytoavailability of Toxic Heavy Metals and Productivity in Wheat Cultivated Under Residual Effect of Fertilization in Soybean Culture

Achieving high productivity in agriculture is increasingly needed and requested; however, this activity should be performed in a sustainable and rational way. The use of micronutrients in the fertilization of the most diverse cultures is becoming a common practice on farms, but it is important to conduct studies in relation to fertilizers used for this supplement, including raw materials with which they are produced. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phytoavailability of nutrients and toxic heavy metals Cd, Pb, and Cr; productivity; and yield components in wheat sown in soil with residue of N/P2O5/K2O + Zn-based fertilizer applied in previous crop. Treatments consisted of residual fertilization of five forms arranged in two doses (D1 = 300 kg ha−1 and D2 = 600 kg ha−1). The five types of fertilization were composed of formulated N/P2O5/K2O and the variation of different Zn sources. In the assessment of phytoavailability were determined levels of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Cr in wheat leaves. The results show that the residual effect of fertilization was not enough for there being difference between treatments at both doses used; however, it was found that the fertilizers used to Zn supply provided residual effect, providing significant levels of Pb and Cr for wheat plants.

Produção de milho-verde em resposta ao efeito residual da adubação orgânica do quiabeiro em cultivo subsequente

A rotação de culturas é uma prática essencial, no cultivo de hortaliças, para controle de pragas e doenças e tem sido usada, também, visando ao aproveitamento dos resíduos de adubação. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito residual da adubação orgânica, aplicada na cultura do quiabo, sobre o rendimento de espigas de milho-verde em cultivo subsequente. O quiabeiro foi plantado com duas populações de plantas e adubado com biofertilizante líquido de suínos, nas doses: 0, 6, 12, 24, e 48 m³ ha-1. Após a retirada dos restos culturais do quiabeiro, sementes de milho híbrido AG 1051 e da variedade UFVM 100 foram semeadas, em linhas duplas, no espaçamento de 1,0 m x 0,40 m e 0,25 m entre plantas após o desbaste. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, no esquema fatorial 2 x 5, sendo dois cultivares de milho e resíduo de cinco doses de biofertilizante. O resíduo da adubação com biofertilizante de suínos em quiabeiro não foi suficiente para nutrir as plantas de milho-verde; consequentemente obteve-se baixa produtividade comercial. O plantio do milho-verde em sucessão ao quiabeiro, visando à rotação de culturas e aproveitamento de resíduos orgânicos, é promissor, sendo necessária adubação complementar de cobertura, para suprimento de N e K. O híbrido AG 1051 apresentou maior altura de plantas, número e produtividade de espigas comerciais despalhadas e peso médio de espigas comerciais. A variedade UFVM100 apresentou maior teor de P e K nas folhas, número de espigas com palha, número e produtividade de espigas não comerciais despalhadas.

Efeito agroeconômico de adubos formulados contendo zinco de diferentes marcas comerciais no cultivo da soja em um Latossolo vermelho

To increase the productivity of soybeans and reducing its costs, the use of micronutrients has been intensified in recent years. The objective is to evaluate productivity and yield components of soybeans, with the application of chemical fertilizer formulated with different sources of Zn and trademarks, as well the economic analysis of two application doses. The experimental design was a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and a factorial 5x2. Consisting of the five fertilizer sources (4 with and 1 without Zn), and two fertilizer doses (300 and 600 kg ha-1). The fertilizers are formulas of NPK (2 - 20 - 18 and 0.3% Zn when Prezento), applied at the base. The Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The application of 300 kg ha-1 gave rise, in relation to the use of double dosage in Zn leaf contents, since the double fertilization (600 kg ha-1) gave rise of the parameters and yield components of soybeans, as well the levels of P, K and Zn in the soil as residual effect of fertilizer. The economic analysis demonstrated the viability of using double fertilizer dose.

Efeito residual da adubação orgânica sobre a produtividade de milho em sistema agroflorestal

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar, ao longo de dois anos, o efeito residual da adubação orgânica com esterco ou biomassa de gliricídia sobre os nutrientes do solo e sobre a produtividade e acúmulo de nutrientes pelo milho cultivado isolado (SA) ou consorciado em aléias de gliricídia (CA). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em Esperança, PB instalado em parcelas subdivididas, arranjadas em blocos casualizados, em que os sistemas (CA) e (SA) corresponderam aos tratamentos principais e os tratamentos de adubação com esterco, gliricídia e as parcelas-controle, aos tratamentos secundários, com quatro repetições. A adubação com esterco demonstrou maior efeito residual sobre a produtividade do milho nas parcelas do tratamento SA. No sistema CA o efeito residual foi reduzido, provavelmente pela competição por água e nutrientes entre o milho e gliricídia, indicando maior necessidade de adubação neste tipo de sistema. Os teores de P, K, Ca e Mg do solo em ambos os sistemas e ao longo dos dois anos do estudo foram mais elevados nas parcelas adubadas com esterco.

Simple models and concepts as tools for the study of sustained soil productivity in long-term experiments. I. New soil organic matter and residual effect of P from fertilizers and farmyard manure in Kabete, Kenya

The rough outcomes of a long-term experiment in Kenya were (re-)interpreted using simple models to find causes of success or failure with regard to sustained soil productivity. A two- pools model calculated the development of soil organic matter, and a practical equation estimated the residual effect of fertilizer P. Relative mineralization rate was 4 and 8% y−1 for original and newly formed soil organic carbon (SOC). Maize yielded 0.25 and 1.1 t ha−1 per g kg−1 of original and new SOC, respectively. Yields of fertilized maize increased initially as a result of increasing residual effects of applied P, but decreased later presumably because SOC declined to below a critical level of 16 g kg−1. To maintain SOC above this level, about 10 tons of farmyard manure (dry matter) must be applied annually. Agronomic nutrient use efficiencies for fertilizer N and P were low, but the residual effect of P was high. The simple model outlined half a century ago adequately calculated build-up of new soil organic matter. The estimated residual effect of fertilizer P explained increasing crop responses to repeated P applications. The absence of data on nutrient uptake by the crop strongly limited the understanding of the experimental results.

Recovery of degraded pasture in Rondônia: macronutrients and productivity of brachiaria brizantha

Pasture is the main form of land use in Amazonia. Over time the pasture grass loses vigor and yields decrease, indicating a certain degree of degeneration. The main causes of degradation are lack of pasture maintenance and subsequent weed infestation, the choice of regionally unsuitable forage species and excessive grazing. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different recovery managements on soil chemical properties and grass yield of a degraded pasture in Rondônia. For this purpose, an experiment was installed in October 2001, consisting of five treatments: C = control; HA = harrowing + NPK + micronutrients; HE = Herbicide + NK + micronutrients; R = No-tillage rice + NPK + micronutrients; and S = No-tillage soybean + PK + micronutrients. The following N, P and K sources were used: ammonium sulfate for N, calcined phosphate for P and potassium chloride for K. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. The shoot dry matter yield of the grass was analyzed as of the 35th month of experimentation, in a dry and a rainy period. Phosphorus fertilization resulted in significant increases in Ca2+ and Mg2+ and increasing trend of P in the topsoil in the initial months of the experiment in treatments HA and S and increases in Ca2+ and P (trend) in the treatment R. The cumulative production of Brachiaria brizantha, from Sep/2004 to Mar/2005, was 30,025, 28,267 and 27,735 kg ha-1 shoot dry matter in the treatments HA, R and S, respectively. These values differed significantly from treatments C and HE, with 17,040 and 17,057 kg ha-1, respectively. It was concluded that phosphorus fertilization associated to pasture reform was effective to raise the dry matter yield of Brachiaria brizantha. Rice or soybean under no-tillage is recommended as a practice of pasture recovery, due to the residual effect of fertilization.

Navy Bean Response to Residual Effects of Soil Fertilization with Synthetic Zinc Chelates

The aim of this study was to determine the residual effects of Zn applied from five synthetic commercial chelates (Zn–ethylenediaminetetraacetate [EDTA]–hydroxyethyl‐ethylenediaminetriacetate [HEDTA], Zn–HEDTA, Zn– diethylenetriaminepentaacetate [DTPA]–HEDTA–EDTA [Zn‐D‐H‐E], Zn–EDTA, and Zn–ehtylenediaminedihydroxysulfophenylacetate [EDDHSA]) to two soils: Soil 1 (weakly acidic, with moderate permeability) and Soil 2 (calcareous, with moderate to rapid permeability), in a greenhouse experiment. Beneficial effects of Zn on navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) response (dry matter yield, total and soluble Zn concentration, and the utilization of applied Zn) were observed, with significant increases in all of the determined plant parameters, especially in Soil 1, in comparison with the control (no Zn addition). The rates of increase varied among sources depending on the soil. For Soil 1, the greatest increases were usually observed for the Zn–HEDTA fertilizer, while for Soil 2 the greatest increases were exhibited for the Zn‐D‐H‐E and Zn–EDTA sources. The fertilizers that produced the biggest total Zn leaching losses were the three sources that contained EDTA and DTPA, especially in the case of Soil 2. The amounts of easily leachable Zn (estimated using the dilute BaCl2 extraction) were significantly correlated with the amounts of Zn actually leached. The amounts of potentially available Zn and Zn in the water‐soluble‐plus‐exchangeable fraction (as assessed by single and sequential extractions) generally decreased in the second cropping year; this could have been due mainly to Zn leaching and to aging processes, especially in Soil 2.

Métodos de extracción de boro y respuesta del jaúl a su adición en andisoles de Costa Rica

Se estudió el efecto de la adición de B en Andisoles sobre las variables altura, diámetro y volumen de los árboles en 5 plantaciones de Alnus acuminata de edad inicial en años de 0,5 en Hermanas Callejas (HC), 1 en Lechería Experimental (LE), 3 en Rosa Marta Cubero (RMC), 5 en Landelina (L) y 7 en Carter (C); a la última evaluación, las plantaciones tenían 3 años más de edad. El B se suplió como Boronato y se aplicó al voleo en cantidades de 0, 2, 4, 6 y 8 kg.ha-1 para determinar su efecto residual a los 14 meses después de aplicado. El B adicionado incrementó su disponibilidad en el suelo, incremento que puede detectarse mediante extracción con agua caliente presurizada o con Mehlich 3. Los valores de correlación entre el B aplicado y el B extraído por el método de Mehlich 3 son mejores que los obtenidos con el método de agua caliente presurizada. La incorporación de 0 a 8 kg.ha-1 del elemento, no causó ningún incremento en las variables dasométricas del jaúl en los sitios comparados, excepto por un incremento significativo en volumen de madera en la plantación de Landelina (8 años de edad). La poca o ninguna respuesta encontrada, se atribuye a que el contenido inicial de B disponible en el suelo osciló entre 0,19-1,00 mg.kg-1, valores en su mayoría sobre el valor crítico de 0,5 mg.kg-1 mencionado para cultivos en Andisoles y a un bajo requerimiento de B por parte del jaúl. La concentración foliar de B tendió a aumentar ligeramente conforme se elevó la cantidad de B adicionada al suelo, mientras que la concentración de N foliar no mostró ninguna tendencia.

Direct and residual effects of nitrogen fertilization, foliar application of potassium and plant growth retardant on Egyptian cotton growth, seed yield, seed viability and seedling vigor

In order to obtain high productivity for a cotton crop, one of the major requirements is to establish an adequate plant population. The use of good-quality seed may ultimately be the best approach to attain this goal problem. The objective of this research was to study the effect of N-fertilization (at rates of 95.2 and 142.8 kg of N ha −1), foliar application of K (at rates of 0, 0.38, 0.77, 1.15 kg of K 2O ha −1, applied twice during square initiation and boll development stages) and the plant growth retardant (PGR), mepiquat chloride (applied twice, 75 days after planting at 0.0 [control] and 0.048 kg a.i. ha −1, and 90 days after planting at 0.0 [control] and 0.024 kg a.i. ha −1), on seed yield, viability, and seedling vigor of Egyptian cotton ( Gossypium barbadense cv. Giza 86). A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt in two growing seasons. Growth, mineral uptake, seed yield per plant and per ha, seed weight, seed viability, seedling vigor and cool germination test performance were all found to increase significantly due to the addition of the high N-rate, the foliar application of three potassium concentrations, and the PGR mepiquat chloride. The N and K rates as well as application of mepiquat chloride had no significant effect on the germination rate index in both seasons. Under the conditions of this study, applying N at a rate of 142.8 kg ha −1 combined with spraying cotton plants with K 2O at 1.15 kg ha −1 and with mepiquat chloride at 0.048 + 0.024 kg ha −1 were found to improve seed yield as well as seed viability and seedling vigor in the next season.

Residual effect of organic carbon as a tool for mitigating nitrogen oxides emissions in semi-arid climate

Residual effects of different fertilizers (mineral and organic) on the first pulses of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrous oxide (N2O) after rewetting dry soil with or without application of a mineral N fertilizer were studied in a laboratory experiment. Six months before this study was conducted the fields had received either manure + urea, manure, urea or no fertilizer. In the first phase the soil was rewetted with water simulating a summer shower (heavy rainfall in short time) and in the second phase with a urea solution simulating a mineral fertilization. There were not significant differences in trace gas emissions between earlier field treatments after soil was rewetted with water addition. However, after urea addition, plots that had received manure 6 months earlier showed smaller total emissions of N2O and NO compared to plots that had only received urea. The residual effect of manure can play an important role in carbon poor soils under arid-semiarid climate in mitigating atmospheric pollutants such us NO and N2O.

Nitrogen fertilization of grass/clover swards under cutting or grazing by dairy cows

Intensively managed perennial ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L.) swards receive relatively high levels of fertilizer N, and high N surpluses can subsequently be found. The N-fertilization effects on growth, yield, and herbage quality were therefore examined on three farms over a period of three years. Nitrogen was applied at four rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N year−1) with cutting or grazing regime in Year 1 and Year 2, after establishment. A spring-only application of 150 kg N was compared with four applications during the season, which was the fertilization management in the rest of the experiment. N-response was greatly affected by management. Under cutting it was higher in Year 1 [16 kg dry matter (DM) kg−1 N] than in Year 2 (9 and 13 kg DM kg−1 N with and without residual effects of fertilization in Year 1). Under grazing with one or two rest periods for cuts the N-response was only approximately half that under cutting. Under grazing there was only a response at the beginning of the season (May–June), while under cutting there was a response throughout the season. N-response decreased with increasing clover content in herbage by 4 kg DM kg−1 N per 10%-units of clover content. A spring-only application of 150 N increased the growth rate in spring–early summer, and decreased the rate later in the season. The annual yield was unaffected by the application method in fields with good clover establishment, but the seasonal clover content was highly affected. The results indicate different possibilities for strategic fertilization both at farm and field level, and in swards with a high clover content it demonstrates how the clover content can be used as a buffer both for maximizing the N-response and for manipulating the production profile.

Nutrição do milho e da <em>Brachiaria decumbens</em> cultivados em consórcio em diferentes preparos do solo

The objective of this research was to evaluate intercropping systems with maize and Brachiaria decumbens and your effects on the cultures mineral nutrition. The experiment was conducted in 2005, in the experimental area of “Campus Delza Gitaí” belonging to the “CECA - UFAL”. The treatments consisted of a BRS 3150 hybrid of maize, cultivated in the systems: Conventional Cropping, Minimum Cultivation and No-tillage (BRS 3150 intercropped with Brachiaria decumbens,), the randomized block design was used, with subdivided splots and four replications. During maize flowering period leaves from the ear basis were collected for nutritional analysis. Samples of Brachiaria decumbens, to evaluate dry matter accumulation were collected in four different times, the third collection of plant matter was used for nutritional analysis. The results analysis allowed concluding that the use of Brachiaria decumbens did not influence in maize mineral nutrition; the residual effect of fertilizer applied to maize favoured the Brachiaria decumbens increaseing your nutritive value; the Brachiaria decumbens had your growth limited when it was cultivated in intercropping due the shading effect occasioned for maize.

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth, Yield, and Juice Quality and Residual Effects on Ratoon Crops of Sugarcane

ABSTRACT Field experiments were carried out for three consecutive years (2003–2006) at Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute farm soil on plant (first crop after planting) and subsequent two ratoon crops of sugarcane. The main objectives of the study were to assess the direct and residual effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield, and juice quality of plant and ratoon crops. The plant crop consisted of four treatments. After harvesting of plant crop to evaluate the residual effects on ratoon crop the plots were subdivided except the control plot. Thus, there were seven treatments in the ratoon crop. Application of recommended fertilizer [nitrogen (N150), phosphorus (P52), potassium (K90), sulfur (S35), and zinc (Zn3) kg ha− 1] singly or 25% less of it either with press mud or farmyard manure (FYM) at 15 t ha− 1 produced statistically identical yield ranged from 67.5 to 69.0 t ha− 1 in plant crop. In the ratoon experiment when the recommended fertilizer was applied alone or 25% less of its either with press mud or FYM at 15 or even 7.5 t ha− 1 again produced better yield; it ranged from 64.8 to 69.2 in first ratoon and 68.2 to 76.5 t ha− 1 in second ratoon crops. Results showed that N, P, K, and S content in leaf progressively decreased in ratoon crops over plant crop. Juice quality parameters viz. brix, pol, and purity % remained unchanged both in plant and ratoon crops. Furthermore, organic carbon (C), available N, P, K, and S were higher in post harvest soils that received inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic manure than control and inorganic fertilizer treated soil. It may be concluded that the application of 25% less of recommended fertilizer (N112, P40, K68, S26, and Zn2.2.5 kg ha− 1) either with press mud or FYM at 15 t ha− 1 was adequate for optimum yield of plant crop. Results also suggest that additional N (50% extra dosage) keeping all other fertilizers at the same level like plant crop i.e. N168, P40, K68, S26, and Zn2.25 kg ha− 1 either with press mud or FYM at 7.5 t ha− 1 may be recommended for subsequent ratoon crops to obtain good yield without deterioration in soil fertility.

Commercial forest fertilization causes long-term residual effects in ground vegetation of boreal forests

Due to an increasing demand of forestry products, nitrogen (N) fertilization of coniferous forests may in the future become a standard silvicultural practice in parts of the boreal region that is not too remotely situated. Beside positive effects on productivity, forest fertilization may induce changes in species composition of the ground vegetation. More information on the magnitude of such side effects is needed to evaluate whether commercial forest fertilization is in accordance with principles of sustainable forestry and preservation of biodiversity. We examined the effects of forest fertilization on ground vegetation in boreal forest by comparing species composition in unfertilized stands and stands fertilized twice (>20 years since the last fertilization) with 150 kg N ha −1 per event. By using stands that had been clear-felled and replanted 8–11 years ago, we addressed whether effects of fertilization persists over more than one forest generation. The ground vegetation in fertilized stands was denser, showed decreased species evenness, lower biodiversity, and higher Ellenberg N values. The abundance of dwarf shrubs was reduced by more than 40%, while grasses and some nitrophilous herbs increased by >100%. For bottom layer species, fertilization favoured litter-dwelling bryophytes (e.g. Brachythecium spp.), while Hylocomium splendens and ground living lichens were disfavoured. For the dwarf shrub Vaccinium myrtillus, fertilization reduced the density of current annual shoots by >60% and berry production by >70%. Fertilization had, however, no effect on berries produced per annual shoot. Leaf tissue N concentrations were higher in V. myrtillus, and Deschampsia flexuosa growing in previously fertilized stands, indicating N enrichment although more than 20 years had past since the last fertilization event. Because residual effects of commercial forest fertilization on forest ground vegetation appear to be substantial and extend over more than one forest generation, we question whether forest fertilization, as performed today in the Nordic countries, can be considered a long-term sustainable silvicultural practice that is in accordance with principles of preservation of biodiversity.