Soil Fertilizer Application Research Articles

Multivariate analysis of relationship between soil nutrient factors and fruit quality characte-ristic of 'Fuji' apple in two dominant production regions of China

The objective of this experiment is to probe into the influence of soil nutrient contents on fruit quality features of 'Fuji' apple, screen major soil nutrient factors affecting fruit quality features, clarify the suitable soil nutrient content for good fruit quality indicators, and to provide theoretical basis in reasonable orchard soil fertilizer application for improving fruit qua-lity in the Circum-Bohai and Loess Plateau apple production regions in China. The soil nutrient contents and 'Fuji' fruit qualities were respectively analyzed at 66 commercial 'Fuji' apple orchards standard rootstock in the Circum-Bohai and Loess Plateau apple production regions of 22 counties in China from 2010 to 2011. The partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to screen major soil nutrient elements affecting fruit quality, and to establish regression equation of relationship between fruit quality and major soil nutrition factors. Linear programming was used to obtain optimum proposals of soil nutrient elements for good apple quality. The results showed that alkaline hydrolytic N, available P, Ca, Fe, and Zn of soil were significantly higher while pH and available K were significantly lower in Circum-Bohai region than in Loess Plateau apple production region. Soluble solid content in Loess Plateau was higher than in Circum-Bohai; moreover, ratio of soluble solids content and titratable acidity was lower. The soil available B in the Circum-Bohai and Loess Plateau apple production regions had positive effect on fruit mass, and total N had negative effect on fruit firmness. The soluble solid contents in the Circum-Bohai were mainly negatively affected by total N and positively by available B, while positively affected by available Ca and negatively by alkaline hydrolytic N in the Loess Plateau region. The desired soil nutrients for good fruit qualities were high avai-lable B, pH and suitable available K in the Circum-Bohai, and low total N, high alkaline hydrolytic N, available K, Fe and suitable available Zn and B in the Loess Plateau region. It was the key technical measures in soil nutrient management for good fruit quality to increase available B and pH, adjust available K in the Circum-Bohai, and to enhance alkaline hydrolytic N, available K, Fe, and to decrease pH, and adjust available Zn and B in the Loess Plateau region.

Influence of Nitrogen Status on the Sensitivity of Glyphosate-Resistant and -Susceptible Tall Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) and Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

Anecdotal observations of improved glyphosate efficacy on glyphosate-resistant (GR) tall waterhemp populations in corn production compared with soybean suggested the presence of nitrogen (N) fertilizer may influence the expression of glyphosate resistance. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine the influence of soil-applied nitrogen fertilizer on the growth rate and sensitivity of glyphosate-susceptible (GS) and GR tall waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. The addition of supplemental fertilizer increased the relative growth rate (plant height and shoot volume), number of nodes, and percentage of shoot nodes with axillary branches on GS and GR biotypes of both weed species. The axillary bud activity was increased 52 and 8% with increasing N for the GR and GS biotypes of tall waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, respectively. The GS populations of tall waterhemp and Palmer amaranth were more sensitive to glyphosate in the greenhouse under increased fertilizer levels compared with no fertilizer. Additionally, GR tall waterhemp was more sensitive to glyphosate under the higher fertilizer treatments, which resulted in a reduction in the calculated resistance factor (RF) from 27.8 under no fertilizer to 4.7 for the high fertilizer treatment. The RF for GR Palmer amaranth was not influenced by the fertilizer treatments in the greenhouse. Field experiments demonstrated that glyphosate efficacy may be greater on GR populations of tall waterhemp and Palmer amaranth under high N conditions, but these results were not consistent and most likely were influenced by soil moisture in 2012, which was more limiting than N supply. This research implies that soil fertility can influence the sensitivity of some GR weed species to glyphosate and the RF. Therefore, the evolution and management of GR weed species in commercial crop production may be influenced by the nutrient status of the soil and the use of supplemental fertilizers.

Improved Growth and Harvestable Yield through Optimization of Fertilizer Rates of Soil-applied Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.)

The study examined the main and interactive effects of soil-applied fertilizers [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)] from a 12-year (six production cycles) field experiment conducted at Kemptown, Nova Scotia (Canada). It also recommends the optimum rate for improved growth and harvestable yield of wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). The fertilizers were applied in a single application at the onset of shoot emergence in early spring of each sprout year at rates of 0, 12, 30, 48, and 60 kg·ha−1 N using urea (2000 only) or ammonium sulfate, 0, 18, 45, 78, and 90 kg·ha−1 P using triple super phosphate, 0, 12, 30, 48, and 60 kg·ha−1 K using potassium chloride. Response surface analysis of the data indicated that 35 kg·ha−1 N, 40 kg·ha−1 P, and 30 kg·ha−1 K were optimum for fruit production and maintaining stem lengths <20 cm, and resulted in an average of 54% more floral buds, 25% more berries per stem, and 13% greater yield than previous recommend rates of 20 kg·ha−1 N, 10 kg·ha−1 P, and 15 kg·ha−1 K. The higher fertilizers rates cost an extra $80/ha but increased net profits by $490/ha. Findings of this study could contribute toward better farm profitability in areas with similar growing conditions. They also suggest that modifications to existing fertilizer rates be made for Central Nova Scotia wild blueberry.

Effect of long term soil fertilizer application on forms and distribution of potassium in soil under rice-cowpea cropping system

An experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, VC farm, Mandya to assess the effect of long term soil fertility management on behaviour of potassium with respect to different forms and distribution pattern in rice-cowpea cropping system. Soil of the study area belong to sandy loam texture having initial pH (6.28), EC (0.14 dSm -1 ), CEC (9.60 cmol (p+) kg -1 ), MWHC (20.70%) and bulk density (1.67 gcc -1 ). The organic carbon (0.34 %), available nitrogen (163 kg ha -1 ), available potassium (134 kg ha -1 ) were low and medium in available phosphorus (29.20 kg ha -1 ). Results indicated that the water soluble K content of soils varied from 8 to 16 mg K kg -1 in the surface layer and 5 to 14 mg K kg -1 in the sub surface layer in the plots treated with different fertilizer, manure and their combinations. Exchangeable K also ranged between 59 and 116 mg K kg -1 in the surface layer and 58 to 98 mg K kg -1 in the sub surface layer. The non-exchangeable K content ranged from 111 to 874mg K kg -1 and from 160 to 880 mg K kg -1 , respectively in the upper and the lower layers. The total K content varied from 792 to 3017 mg K kg -1 at 0-15 cm depth and from 874 to 3318 mg K kg -1 at 15-30 cm depth.

SUSTAINABILITY IN PHOSPHORUS USE: A QUESTION OF WATER AND FOOD SECURITY

The phosphorus used as fertilizer in agriculture is extracted from phosphate rocks, which after extraction reacts with sulfuric acid, releasing phosphoric acid, a raw material for the fertilizer industry. Studies point to a possible depletion of world reserves of phosphate rock in the next 50-100 years. A phosphorus scarcity is closely linked to global food security, given the dependence of soil fertilization to maintaining agricultural productivity within the current patterns of agribusiness. The application of fertilizers in soil and the sanitary sewers have been historically responsible for the larger eutrophication of water environments. In recent years, phosphorus has been seen as a finite resource and extremely important for the maintenance of the agricultural productivity. Therewith it is necessary investments to improve of fertilizers practices soils, safe technologies of organic waste reuse such as animal waste and phosphorus recovery, both released into water resource. Taking into account the depletion scenario of phosphorus deposits and eutrophication of water bodies, the water and phosphorus scarcity are among the most urgent environmental issues of the XXI century. Economic development, protection of public health, and maintenance of aquatic life are dependent of water availability and quality.

Nanoparticulate mineral matter from basalt dust wastes.

Ultra-fine and nano-particles derived from basalt dust wastes (BDW) during "stonemeal" soil fertilizer application have been the subject of some concern recently around the world for their possible adverse effects on human health and environmental pollution. Samples of BDW utilized were obtained from companies in the mining district of Nova Prata in southern Brazil for chemical characterization and nano-mineralogy investigation, using an integrated application of advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Transmission Electron microscopy (HR-TEM)/(Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) EDS/(selected-area diffraction pattern) SAED, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM)/EDS and granulometric distribution analysis. The investigation has revealed that BDW materials are dominated by SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, with a complex micromineralogy including alkali feldspar, augite, barite, labradorite, hematite, heulandrite, gypsum, kaolinite, quartz, and smectite. In addition we have identified a number of trace metals such as Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn that are preferentially concentrated into the finer, inhalable, dust fraction and could so present a health hazard in the urban areas around the basalt mining zone. The implication of this observation is that use of these nanometric-sized particulates as soil fertilizer may present different health challenges to those of conventional fertilizers, inviting future work regarding the relative toxicities of these materials. Our investigation on the particle size distribution, nano-particle mineralogy and chemical composition in typical BDW samples highlights the need to develop cleaning procedures to minimise exposure to these natural fertilizing basalt dust wastes and is thus of direct relevance to both the industrial sector of basalt mining and to agriculture in the region.

Chemical characterization, nano-particle mineralogy and particle size distribution of basalt dust wastes

Understanding the geochemistry of basalt alteration is central to the study of agriculture systems. Various nano-minerals play an important role in the mobilization of contaminants and their subsequent uptake by plants. We present a new analytical experimental approach in combination with an integrated analytical protocol designed to study basalt alteration processes. Recently, throughout the world, ultra-fine and nano-particles derived from basalt dust wastes (BDW) during “stonemeal” soil fertilizer application have been of great concern for their possible adverse effects on human health and environmental pollution. Samples of BDW utilized were obtained from companies in the Nova Prata mining district in southern Brazil for chemical characterization and nano-mineralogy investigation, using an integrated application of advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Transmission Electron microscopy (HR-TEM)/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)/(selected-area diffraction pattern) SAED, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), and granulometric distribution analysis. The investigation has revealed that BDW materials are dominated by SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3, with a complex micromineralogy including alkali feldspar, augite, barite, labradorite, hematite, heulandrite, gypsum, kaolinite, quartz, and smectite. In addition, we have identified a number of trace metals such as Cd, Cu, Cr, and Zn, that are preferentially concentrated into the finer, inhalable, dust fraction and, thus, could present a health hazard in the urban areas around the basalt mining zone. The implication of this observation is that use of these nanometric-sized particulates as soil fertilizer may present different health challenges to those of conventional fertilizers, inviting future work regarding the relative toxicities of these materials. Our investigation on the particle size distribution, nano-particle mineralogy and chemical composition in typical BDW samples highlights the need to develop cleaning procedures to minimize exposure to these natural fertilizing basalt dust wastes and is, thus, of direct relevance to both the industrial sector of basalt mining and to agriculture in the region.

Fertigation studies in Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) under humid climate in Odisha, India

The study was conducted to optimize the use of water and nutrients by Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) with three moisture regimes [I1 drip irrigation at 100%, I2 at 80% and I3 at 60% pan evaporation (PE)] and three fertility levels (F1 100%, F2 75% and F3 50% recommended dose of NPK) with an extra (control) treatment having surface irrigation and soil application of fertilizer. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications at the Experimental Farm of the Directorate of Water Management, Bhubaneswar India (20° 30' N lat., 87° 48' E long, 45 m above mean sea level) during winter (dry) seasons of 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. Drip irrigation increased the herbage and oil yield by 15.9 and 15.2%, respectively as compared to surface irrigation. It saved 29% water as compared to the latter (925 mm). Soil moisture regimes maintained at 100% PE significantly enhanced crop growth, herbage yield (34,798 kg ha-1), essential oil yield (254 kg ha-1) and N uptake (120 kg ha-1) compared to 60% PE. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer significantly produced maximum herbage (32,572 kg ha-1) and oil yield (246 kg ha-1). Combination of irrigation at 100% PE with 100% RD of fertilizer produced maximum quantity of oil (260 kg ha-1) with improvement in its quality as compared to other levels tested. Key words: Drip irrigation, fertilizer, Japanese mint, pan evaporation, recommended dose.

Drip Fertigation Program on Growth, Crop Productivity, Water, and Fertilizer-Use Efficiency of Bt Cotton in Semi-arid Tropical Region of India

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of drip fertigation with biofertilizers on growth, yield, water, and fertilizer-use efficiency of Bt cotton. The treatments were comprised of drip fertigation with 75, 100, 125, and 150% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) combined with and without biofertilizers as biofertigation, soil application of 100% RDF, and control. Growth, yield attributes, water, and fertilizer-use efficiency of Bt cotton were significantly influenced by drip fertigation treatments. Application of 150% nitrogen (N)–phosphorus (P)–potassium (K) as drip fertigation combined with biofertigation of liquid formulation of azophosmet at 250 ml (1012 cells ml−1) ha−1 was significantly superior over surface irrigation and soil application of 100% NPK and registered the greatest seed cotton yield of 3395 kg ha−1. The soil fertility status was greater under this treatment when compared to surface irrigation and soil application of fertilizers. It is recommended that drip fertigation of inorganic fertilizers in combination with biofertigation be used as a viable technique to realize the yield potential of Bt cotton and sustenance of soil fertility.

Effect of drip fertigation on growth, seed and root yield of ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

An experiment was conducted during 2005–06 and 2006–07 winter seasons to study the effect of drip irrigation regimes and fertility levels on physiological parameters, growth and yield of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal). The treatments consisted of three irrigation regimes, viz., I1: drip irrigation at 100 % pan evaporation (PE), I2: drip irrigation at 80 % PE and I3: drip irrigation at 60 % PE, combined with three fertility levels, i.e., F1: 100 %, F2: 75 % and F3: 50 % of recommended dose of NPK, control having surface irrigation and soil application of fertilizers. The cultivation of ashwagandha with application of drip irrigation at 80 % of pan evaporation along with application of 100 % recommended dose through fertigation resulted in significant improvement in growth, physiological parameters such as crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, and root and seed yields.

Effect of different mineral fertilization technologies on the size of starch granules in potato

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of soil fertilization with 280 and 420 kg NPK ha−1 as well as foliar application of the fertilizers Basfoliar 12-4-6, ADOB Mn and Solubor DF on quality parameters of potato which belonged to three classes of earliness: medium-early (cultivar Adam), medium-late (cv. Pasja Pomorska) and late one (cv. Ślęza). The scope of the research encompassed determinations of the content of starch and starch granulation, which were closely correlated with the potato cultivar and doses of mineral fertilizers applied to soil. An increase in the dose of the soil-applied fertilizer by 140 kg NPK ha−1, including 40 kg more of N ha−1, caused a decrease in the content of starch concurrently with a higher share of starch granules smaller than 20 µm in diameter. The analysed plant material contained mostly large starch granules of the diameter >40 µm. The foliar fertilizers did not have any significant effect on the examined parameters.

Considerations on the shuttle mechanism of FeEDDHA chelates at the soil-root interface in case of Fe deficiency

Aim A mechanism of action for the performance of Fe chelates as soil-applied fertilizer has been hypothesized by Lindsay and Schwab (J Plant Nutr 5:821–840, 1982), in which the ligand participates in a cyclic process of delivering Fe at the root surface and mobilizing Fe from the soil. This “shuttle mechanism” seems appealing in view of fertilizer efficiency, but little is known about its performance. The chelate FeEDDHA is a commonly used Fe fertilizer on calcareous soils.

Properly Timing Foliar-applied Fertilizers Increases Efficacy: A Review and Update on Timing Foliar Nutrient Applications to Citrus and Avocado

Foliar fertilization efficiently meets the nutrient demand of tree fruit crops during periods when soil conditions (low or high temperatures, low or excess soil moisture, pH, salinity) render soil-applied fertilizers ineffective, when nutrients (e.g., phosphate, potassium, and trace elements) become fixed in the soil, and when tree nutrient demand is high. Applying nutrients directly to leaves ensures that the metabolic machinery of the tree is not compromised by low availability of an essential nutrient. It should be noted that phloem mobile nutrients applied to the foliage are translocated to all tree parts, even feeder roots. Because foliar application of fertilizers can reduce nutrient accumulation in soil, runoff water, surface water (streams, lakes, ocean), and groundwater (drinking water supply), where they contribute to salinity, eutrophication, or nitrate contamination, with negative consequences to the environment and humans, it is highly desirable to replace soil-applied fertilizers at least in part with foliar-applied fertilizers. However, not all nutrients are taken up through leaves and, even if taken up, some nutrients are not phloem mobile. In addition, although foliar fertilizer rates are typically lower than soil fertilizer rates, application can be more costly. The goal has been to time the application of foliar fertilizers to key stages of citrus (Citrus sp.) and avocado (Persea americana) tree phenology when demand for the nutrient is likely to be high and especially when soil conditions are likely to compromise nutrient uptake by roots. This approach has proven successful for increasing yield, fruit size, and grower income even when the tree is not nutrient deficient by standard leaf analysis. Winter prebloom foliar-applied low-biuret urea was previously documented to increase total yield of both navel and ‘Valencia’ oranges (Citrus sinensis). Adaptation of this treatment to ‘Nules’ Clementine mandarin (Citrus reticulata) increased the yield of commercially valuable size fruit in two experiments. Foliar application of boron or low-biuret urea to ‘Hass’ avocado trees at the “cauliflower” stage of inflorescence development increased total yield; potassium phosphite applied at this stage of tree phenology increased the yield of commercially valuable size fruit.

A stable‐isotope methodology for measurement of soil‐applied zinc‐fertilizer recovery in durum wheat (Triticum durum)

AbstractA growth‐chamber study was used to develop a zinc stable‐isotope (67Zn) tracing technique to directly measure the amount of soil‐applied zinc (Zn) granular fertilizer taken up by durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) in four different soil types. The 67Zn‐tracer technique was then applied under field conditions at one site to test the ability of the method to measure the crop recovery of soil‐applied Zn granular fertilizer (67Zn). The technique was developed by comparing plants treated with nil Zn fertilizer to natural‐abundance‐Zn‐coated fertilizer and 67Zn‐coated fertilizer with plant parts analyzed for Zn isotopic composition using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Zinc‐fertilizer recovery under growth‐chamber conditions was inversely related to the concentration of labile Zn in soils, with the plants on the most Zn‐deficient soils having the greatest amount of Zn derived from the added fertilizer. Zinc derived from fertilizer ranged from 0.3% (Luvisol) to 0.6% (Solonetz) to 13% (Calcisol) and 18% (Lixisol) for soils with DTPA‐extractable Zn of 3.5–0.21 mg kg–1. Across the experiments, fertilizer recovery was measurable but very low (< 1% of added fertilizer being recovered by durum wheat). The recovery of Zn added to the Luvisol was slightly higher in the field than in the glasshouse (but all < 0.1%). Using this stable‐isotope technique, it was possible to directly assess the supply of soil‐applied Zn fertilizers to crop plants.

STUDTYING THE RESPONSE OF TANGARIN SCIONS GROWN ON SOUR ORANG ROTSTOCK FOR BUDDING DATE, APPLICATION METHOD AND LEVELS OF STRUCTUR ACTA AGRO COMPOUND FERTILIZER

This study were conducted at lath house / Hort . & Landscape Design/ Coll. of Agriculture and Forestry during 2010 and 2011 growing seasons on Tangarin transplants which were budded on sour orange rootstock to know the effect of autumn budding date (1/10/2010 and 15/10/2010) and foliar or soil application of structure fertilizer at two levels for each method (2 and 4 ml. L-1). The application of the fertilizer was done twice a season, with 20 days intervals, the first was done when the scion length was 45cm (at 15/4/2011). Results indicated that the first date of budding was dominated over the second date of budding in the leaves Zn level, transplants leave number, transplants leaves area, main stem length and diameter and lateral branches number. For the effect of method application and levels of structure fertilizer, results showed that soil application of the fertilizer at the level of 2 ml. L-1 gave the highest means of leaves N level, leaves dry weight, leaves area, transplant leaves area and main stem length, which were dominated over most other treatments. Meanwhile the heighest means of leaves chlorophyll, leaves fresh weight and leaves Zn level were in the treatment soil application of structure at 4 ml. L-1 level. In the case of the interaction between budding date and method and level of structure fertilizer, the best one was that between first budding date and soil application of the fertilizer at the level of 2 ml. L-1, which gave the highest means of leaves N and Zn levels, leaves dry weight, leaves dry weight percentage, leaves area, leaves number, transplants leaves area and main stem length.

Evaluating Soil and Foliar Fertilization of Abies nordmanniana Under Container and Field Production

Considerable debates exist about the efficacy of foliar application of nutrients to Christmas trees, but little research has been conducted to determine whether this method of fertilization is beneficial. In this study, standard foliar and soil-applied fertilization products were applied to Nordmann fir Christmas trees under greenhouse and field-grown management regimes. On both sites, foliar nitrogen (N) and boron (B) concentrations, color, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were evaluated. Plant growth and needle chlorophyll/carotenoids were also monitored at the greenhouse site and sulfur (S) at the field site. At all sites, the soil-applied fertilizers were effective in increasing foliar N% compared to untreated and foliar applications. The foliar-applied products did not improve foliar N% compared to untreated trees. Foliar B concentrations were correlated with foliar fertilizer applications, indicating that B can be absorbed via foliar application. A second part of this study investigated alternate or complementary methods of assessing foliar N%. We addressed whether plant color, spectral reflectance, chlorophyll measures, or NDVI measurements could serve as surrogates for foliar N%. Color, chlorophyll/carotenoid, and foliar N% were closely correlated. However, NDVI evaluations showed no relationship with foliar N%, color, or chlorophyll/carotenoid levels.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT FOLIAR-FERTILIZATION STRATEGIES ON YIELD, FRUIT SIZE AND QUALITY OF 'NULES' CLEMENTINE MANDARIN

Foliar fertilizers reduce the potential for nutrients to accumulate in soil, move in run-off to surface waters (streams, lakes, ocean), and leach into the groundwater (drinking water supply), where they can contribute to salinity, eutrophication and nitrate contamination, leading to deleterious effects on the environment and human health. Thus, it is prudent to replace soil-applied fertilizer, at least in part, with foliar-applied fertilizer. Foliar fertilization is a rapid, efficient way to improve crop nutrient status during periods of high nutrient demand or when soil conditions (low temperature, salinity, pH) render soil nutrients and soil-applied fertilizers less available to the plant's roots. Foliar fertilization provides nutrients required for photosynthesis and other important metabolic functions essential to plant growth and productivity. However, not all nutrients move efficiently into leaves or other target organs. A priori knowledge (research) is necessary to develop a foliar fertilization program for a crop. Growers need this information to make cost-effective choices. Yield losses resulted when 'Nules' Clementine mandarin trees (Citrus reticulate) were sprayed with water containing no fertilizer. Thus, to attain yields equal to or greater than untreated control trees, foliar-fertilization strategies must compensate for the negative effect of application. For citrus, the standard time for applying foliar fertilizers is when leaves are 1/3 to 2/3 expanded (March-April) to take advantage of the thin cuticle, yet large surface area. Foliar fertilizers applied at this time to ‘Nules’ Clementine mandarin trees increased leaf concentrations of the applied nutrients through September (standard leaf analysis) (P < 0.0001); other application times had no effect on September leaf nutrient status, except boron applied at 10% anthesis. Winter prebloom foliar-applied low-biuret urea increased the 2-year cumulative yield (P = 0.0197) and 2-year average yield (P = 0.0273) of commercially valuable size fruit compared to all other treatments, except boron applied at 2/3-leaf expansion.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL POTASSIUM (K+) ON GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF WHEAT GROWN UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS

Present experiment was conducted to assess the ameliorative effects of soil and foliar application of potash fertilizers, i.e., sulfate of potash (SOP) and muriate of potash (MOP) on five wheat cultivars (‘Sitta’, ‘Sehar’, ‘Bhakkar-2006’, ‘PFAU#VEE’, ‘S-24’), subjected to salt stress created by applying sodium chloride (NaCl; 10 dS m−1) to the growth medium. Different treatments of potash fertilizers used included: control, SOP (100 kg ha−1) in soil, foliar spray of 1% solution of SOP, MOP (100 kg ha−1) in soil and foliar spray of 1% solution of MOP. Experiment was carried out in completely randomized design with three replications. Imposition of salt stress reduced growth, yield, and related yield attributes, photosynthetic attributes, ionic contents and biochemical activities in all wheat cultivars. However, application of potash fertilizers in soil as well as in foliar spray counteracted the adverse effects of salt stress on all wheat cultivars and the application of SOP in soil and as a foliar spray proved to be more effective in inducing salt stress tolerance. No adverse effect of chloride on plant growth was observed. Among the cultivars, ‘S-24’ and ‘Sehar’ showed the maximum growth, yield and biochemical contents and thus could be used in future for obtaining better yield under saline conditions.

Influence of Drip Fertigation and Intercropping on Yield, Agronomic Efficiency and Partial Factor Productivity of Maize

Field investigations were carried at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during kharif 2008 and 2009 to study the effect of drip fertigation on nutrient use efficiency of maize (Zea mays) based intercropping systems. Results revealed that irrespective of different levels of fertilizer, fertigation significantly increased the partial factor productivity (PFP) and agronomic efficiency (AE) as compared to surface method of fertilizer application. Among the intercropping systems tested, higher nutrient use efficiency was realised under maize + vegetable coriander intercropping system. Partial Factor Productivity (PFP) decreased with increasing rates of fertigation. Drip fertigation with 50 per cent RDF in which 50 per cent of P and K as WSF resulted in higher PFP of 80.90 and 161.80 kg kg-1 N and P, respectively. The pooled data revealed that higher grain yield of maize (7309 kg ha-1) was observed under fertigation of 100 per cent RDF in which 50 per cent P and K as WSF. Drip fertigation of 100 per cent RDF (50 per cent P and K as WSF) increased the yield upto 55 per cent compared to surface irrigation and soil application of fertilizer. Fertigation with normal fertilizer increased the yield upto 18 kg per kg of nutrient applied, whereas water soluble fertilizer (50 per cent) increased the yield upto 25 kg per kg of nutrient applied.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth and Yield in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar feeding of water- soluble fertilizers in combination with soil-applied fertilizers on growth, yield and quality attributes in tomato cv. Pant T-3. The experiment was laid out during 2009-10 in a randomized block design with four replications and six treatments. Water-soluble fertilizers were sprayed along with different levels of soil-applied fertilizers. Results of the experiments revealed that among the treatments, 87.5% recommended dose of NPK + foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizers recorded tallest plants, higher number of primary and secondary branches, more fruits per cluster, fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit pericarp thickness, highest fruit yield per plant and fruit-yield per hectare. However, early flowering and fruiting were observed in the Control (100% recommended dose of fertilizer). Economically, 87.5% recommended dose of NPK + foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizers was recorded highest net return of, Rs.1,25,890.05 and highest benefit:cost ratio of 2.73, in our trial.