Soil Test Based Research Articles

Phosphorus Requirements of St. Augustinegrass Grown in Sandy Soils

Phosphorus fertilization of St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secondatum (Walt.) Kuntze] is performed on the basis of soil tests designed for agronomic crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the critical minimum P application rate and soil and tissue P concentration of St. Augustinegrass grown in sandy soils. Three studies were conducted in a glasshouse using a Pomona sand, two Tavares sands, and a Pottsburg sand. Established pots of ‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegrass received P at 0, 0.14, 0.27, 0.54, and 1.09 g m−2 every four weeks for 16 weeks for Study 1 and 12 weeks for Studies 2 and 3. Critical minimum tissue P concentration was determined to be 1.8 g kg−1 on dry weight basis. Minimum P application rate was 0.14 g m−2 4‐wk−1 to obtain acceptable turfgrass quality and growth rate. Additional growth was not observed when Mehlich‐1 P level was greater than 7, 8, 9, and 5 mg kg−1 for Pomona sand, Tavares sand (a), Pottsburg sand, and Tavares sand (b), respectively. Phosphorus fertilization would not be recommended if soil Mehlich‐1 P concentration is above 10 mg kg−1 for sandy soils or tissue P level is beyond 1.8 g kg−1 on dry weight basis. Phosphorus application of 0.14 g m−2 4‐wk−1 is recommended when P is required.

Evaluation of different nutrient management practices for the Boro-T. aman rice cropping pattern in old Meghna estuarine flood plain

Three field experiments were conducted during 2002 to 2004 at Multi Location Testing site, Feni to evaluate different nutrient management packages for the Boro-T. aman rice cropping pattern. Four nutrient management packages along with existing farmers' practice and no fertiiler were tested. Four fertilizer management packages were soil test based (STB) fertilizer dose for moderate and high yield goals (MYG and HYG), IPNS with cowding for HYG and AEZ basis fertilizer dose (FRG'97). Three years' average result showed that IPNS and STB (MYG) treatments gave significantly higher yield in both Boro and T.aman rice. For both rice crops, the yield contributing characters were correlated with the yield of rice The average gross margin was highest (Tk. 79964/ha) in IPNS, but the highest MBCR (6.48) over control was obtained with FRG'97 due to less fertilizer cost. Nutrient uptake and nutrient balance showed that the crops removed considerable amounts of N, P, and K every year. The N and K balances were negative in all cases. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 32(2) 2007: 291-299.

Long‐Term Integrated Nutrient Management for Rice‐Based Cropping Pattern: Effect on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient Balance Sheet, and Soil Fertility

A 7‐year‐long field trial was conducted on integrated nutrient management for a dry season rice (Boro)–green manure (GM)–wet season rice (T. Aman) cropping system at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Farm, Gazipur during 1993–1999. Five packages of inorganic fertilizers, cow dung (CD), and GM dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) were evaluated for immediate and residual effect on crop productivity, nutrient uptake, soil‐nutrient balance sheet, and soil‐fertility status. Plant height, active tiller production, and grain and straw yields were significantly increased as a result of the application of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure. Usually, the soil‐test‐based (STB) fertilizer doses for a high‐yield goal produced the highest grain yield of 6.39 t ha−1 (average of 7 years) in Boro rice. Application of CD at the rate of 5 t ha−1 (oven‐dry basis) once a year at the time of Boro transplanting supplemented 50% of the fertilizer nutrients other than nitrogen (N) in the subsequent crop of the cropping pattern. A positive effect of GM on the yield of T. Aman rice was observed. Following GM, the application of reduced doses of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) to the second crop (T. Aman) did not reduce yield, indicating the beneficial residual effect of fertilizer applied to the first crop (Boro rice) of the cropping pattern. The comparable yield of T. Aman was also observed with reduced fertilizer dose in CD‐treated plots. The total P, K, and S uptake (kg/ha/yr) in the unfertilized plot under an irrigated rice system gradually decreased over the years. The partial nutrient balance in the unfertilized plot (T1) was negative for all the nutrients. In the fertilized plots, there was an apparent positive balance of P, S, and Zn but a negative balance of N and K. This study showed that the addition of organic manure (CD, dhaincha) gave more positive balances. In the T4c treatment at 0–15 cm, the application of chemical fertilizers along with the organic manures increased soil organic carbon by (C) 0.71%. The highest concentration of total N was observed with T4c followed by T4d and T4b, where CD was applied in Boro season and dhaincha GM was incorporated in T. Aman season. The sixfold increase in soil‐available P in T4b‐, T4c‐, T4a‐treated plots was due to the addition of CD. Dhaincha GM with the combination of chemical fertilizer helps to mobilize soil‐available P by 3 to 6 ppm. The highest amount of soil‐available S was found in T4c‐ and T4a‐treated plots. It was 2.5 times higher than that of the initial soil. The application of CD and dhaincha GM along with chemical fertilizers not only increased organic C, total N, available P, and available S but also increased exchangeable K, available Zn, available iron (Fe), and available manganese (Mn) in soil.

Nutrient Uptake and Apparent Balances for Rice-Wheat Sequences. II. Phosphorus

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) nutrition of the rice-wheat (RW) systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plain of South Asia has become important due to the alternate flooding and drying cycles of this crop rotation. Field experiments on the RW cropping sequence were conducted at three locations of Bangladesh on three soil types. Two fertilizer doses—farmers' practice (FP) and soil-test based (STB), containing recommended amounts of P, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and other nutrients—were compared with mungbean or maize as a third crop. The objective of the experiments was to detect P deficiency, if any, in rice, wheat, mungbean, and maize, and to compare the FP and STB doses of fertilizers in rice-wheat-mungbean and rice-wheat-maize sequences under two mungbean management practices (residue removed or retained) and one maize management practice (residue removed) in terms of P nutrition of those crops and annual system-level P removal and apparent P balance in the soil. The apparent P balance was negative with the FP dose (−1 to −9 kg ha−1 for mungbean sequences at Joydebpur and Nashipur) and there was soil P accumulation under both the STB dose (9–49 kg ha−1) and zero N control (13–50 kg ha−1) across sites. The effect of maize or mungbean as the pre-rice crop on the apparent P balance of various RW sequences was not significant. Phosphorus deficiency occurred at all sites in wheat and maize, and at Ishwordi in rice, suggesting that P fertilizer recommendations need to be revised for RW systems in Bangladesh. The results also suggest that long-term monitoring for P concentration, uptake, and balance would be necessary for improving not only the productivity and sustainability of this system but also the fertilizer P-use efficiency.

Nutrient Uptake and Apparent Balances for Rice-Wheat Sequences. III. Potassium

ABSTRACT Potassium (K) nutrition of rice-wheat (RW) systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of South Asia is important because of its role in productivity and the large quantities of this macronutrient that are extracted by such intensive cropping systems. Field experiments on the RW cropping sequence were conducted at three locations in Bangladesh with three soil types. Two fertilizer doses—farmers' practice (FP) and soil-test based (STB)—of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K and other nutrients were combined with mungbean or maize as a third crop. The objective of the experiments was to detect K deficiency, if any, in rice, wheat, mungbean, and maize, and to compare the FP- and STB-based sequences in terms of the K nutrition of those crops and the apparent K balance in soil. Frequent K deficiency was observed in rice and wheat at all sites, especially at Ishwordi, while maize was less affected and mungbean not deficient. There was a significant effect of fertilizer on K uptake by maize, mungbean, and rice, but little effect of the retention of mungbean residue on K uptake by crops at any site. Mean annual system-level K uptake was greatest at Ishwordi (126–239 kg ha−1) and least at Joydebpur (64–116 kg ha−1). The majority of K uptake was in straw and the proportion in grain varied little across sites (range: 11%–29%). There were large negative apparent K balances in all treatments at all sites (range: −25–212 kg ha−1), with the greatest at Ishwordi and the smallest at Joydebpur. Soil K balance responded differently to the retention of residues across soils, and positive effects could be observed on clayey soils. Long-term experiments will be required to monitor soil and plant K dynamics under various fertilizer and residue management of crops in RW systems of the IGP.

APPLICATION OF MITSCHERLICH–BRAY EQUATION FOR FERTILIZER USE IN WHEAT

A field experiment was conducted for formulating fertilizer N P K requirements of wheat (cv. HD 2189) based on Mitscherlich–Bray equation in Vertic Ustropepts soil. There were 60 treatment combinations consisting of 5×4×3 levels of N, P2O5 and K2O fertilizers respectively. Soil available N P K were estimated and wheat yields recorded. The data were subjected to Mitscherlich–Bray equation: Where A=% theoretical maximum yield, y=actual yield obtained in q ha−1, b=native soil test value in kg ha−1, x=fertilizer nutrient applied in kg ha−1, c1 and c=constants i.e., efficiency of soil and fertilizer nutrients respectively. The validity of results were tested by conducting two field vertification trials on wheat in two soils (Typic Chromusterts and Vertic Ustropepts). The results showed that 85% theoretical maximum yield treatment recorded significantly highest wheat yields (5.8 and 5.6 t ha−1) and percent increase over control (286 and 522) in both the soils, respectively compared to all other treatments except 80% of theoretical maximum yield which was on par at both the locations. Considering the yields and economics, 80% theoretical maximum yield treatment was found to be superior to general recommended dose and as per soil test basis.

Integrated nutrient management in late planted sugarcane (Saccharum oflcinarum) wheat (Wticum .aestivum system in western Uttar Prad.esh j ,

A field experiment was conducted on integrated nutrient management in late planted sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori Paol.) system during 1995 96 to 1998 99 at Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Significantly higher cane yield (56.1 1 tonnestha) was recorded with 100% NPK (N20,P65K,5) applied on soil test basis. Substitution of 25% N through pressmud and farmyard (FYM) manure re sulted yield at par with 100% NPK applied through chemical fertilizers, while substitution of 25% nitrogen through pressmud, FYM or green manuring of cowpea in plant crop of sugarcane increased the cane yield of ratoon signifi cantly (97.90 tonnestha). Wheat yield was significantly higher with 100% NPK (N,20P60K,o) applied on soil test ba sis. Any curtailment of chemical fertilizer reduced the wheat yield remarkably and significantly lower wheat yield (2.70 tonnestha) was recorded when 25% N need of wheat was substituted by sugarcane stubbles. Quality param eters such as brix, sucrose and purity showed that application of chemical fertilizer alone reduced the value of these parameters, while combination of both chemical and organic manures improved them. Soil analysis revealed that pH of the soil decreased from initial value (8.20) with the application of fertilizers and the magnitude of de crease was more when organic sources were applied along with chemical fertilizers. Soil organic carbon (%) did not show any remarkable change, while available P205 and K20 increased with the combination of chemical fertil izer and organic source, such as pressmud, followed by FYM.

Evaluation of integrated nutrient management options in rice (Oryza sativa) wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in reclaimed sodic land

Nutrient management is one of the major problem of the sodic land due to low organic matter status and toxicity of sodium, which reduced the availability of other nutrients and affects the soil properties. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrated nutrient management options in sodic soil at Shivali Village of C.S.A. Univer- sity of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during 2005-06 and 2006-07. The physico-chemical properties of the soil were pH - 8.9, EC - 0.61 dS/m, organic carbon - 3.6 g/kg, CaCO -1.24%, GR-7.92 t/ha, sand-56%, silt- (2.5) (2.5) 3 28%, clay-16% (sandy loam), available N-156 kg/ha, available P-25.3 kg/ha, available K-235 kg/ha and available Zn-0.78 ppm. Results indicated that plant height, fertile tillers, biomass/hill, length of ear, test weight, grain and straw yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat {Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol} significantly increased by application of fertilizer on the soil test basis in comparison to farmers practice. Further increased the yield and yield attributing characters when organic manures (FYM, pressmud and NADEP compost) added @ 5 t/ha with the recommended doses of fertilizers. Application of organic manure (FYM) integrated with recommended dose of fer- tilizers and biofertilizers (PSB + BGA/ Azotobacter) further increased the yield and yield attributing characters of rice and wheat which was similar to 125% recommended dose of fertilizers. The maximum grain yield of rice and wheat (5.46 and 3.57 t/ha) was recorded with application of NPKZn based on soil test + FYM @ 5 t/ha + PSB + BGA. Similar trends were also recorded in case of nutrient uptake. In case of microbial populations, maximum bacterial population (94.0 105/g soil) and Azotobacter (51.5 102/g soil) was recorded with application of NPK Zn based on soil test + FYM @ 5 t/ha + PSB + BGA and maximum PSB count (42.0 102/g soil) was recorded in with application NPK Zn based on soil test+PSB+BGA. The Actinomycetes population was not affected by the different treatments. Improvement in soil properties (pH, EC, OC) and soil fertility status (NPK and Zn) was recorded when chemical fertilizers were integrated with organic manures.

Effect of site-specific nutrient management on productivity and economics of rice (Oryza sativa)wheat (Tritucum aestivum) system

A field study was conducted during two consecutive years 2006-08, to evaluate the response of site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) on productivity and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.)wheat {Triticum aestivum (L.) emend Fiori and Paol} cropping system. The total productivity of the cropping system in terms of rice yield equivalent (14.8 t/ha/annum) was the highest with the application of SSNM treatment i.e. N P K S B Mn Zn 150 60 120 40 5 20 25 in rice and N P K in wheat, which was 66.4% higher over farmers practice and 28.2% over state recom- 150 60 120 mended practice. All the yield attributing characters as well as yield of both rice and wheat showed beneficial ef- fects of site-specific nutrient management. Highest net returns of 67,033/ha/annum obtained with SSNM treat- ment, which was 31,681 and 16,905/ha/ annum higher over that of farmers practice and state recommended doses, respectively. Thus, nutrients in ricewheat cropping system may be applied on site-specific soil test basis including micronutrients along with major nutrients for higher productivity and profitability.

Iron‐manganese interactions among clones of Nilegrass

Tetraploid clones of Nilegrass (Acroceras macrum, Stapf.) develop a chlorosis resembling iron (Fe) deficiency on acid (pH 5.0) soils in the Midlands of KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa. Hexaploid and pentaploid clones appear more resistant to the disorder. Iron deficiency would not be expected in such acid soils, but foliar sprays of Fe sulfate reduce the symptoms within 24 hours. Aluminum (Al) toxiciry has been ruled out as a cause of this chlorosis on the basis of soil tests. Manganese (Mn)‐induced Fe deficiency has been postulated. Six Nilegrass clones, differing in ploidy levels, were grown under low Fe or high Mn levels in nutrient solutions, in Mn‐toxic soil, in calcareous soil and in a standard potting soil at pH 7.0. Differential chlorosis symptoms, similar to those observed in the field, were reproduced in plants grown in low Fe or high Mn solutions, in neutral potting soil and in calcareous soil at pH 7.8. Based on plant symptoms and dry weights, the tetraploids were generally more sensitive to these conditions than hexaploid or pentaploid clones. However, in Mn‐toxic soil, plants had leaf tip necrosis rather than the chlorosis typical of Fe deficiency. When grown in a standard potting soil at pH 7.0, plants showing chlorosis accumulated higher concentrations of phosphorus (P), Al, copper (Cu), Mn, Fe, and zinc (Zn) than non‐chlorotic plants. Differential susceptibility to chlorosis is apparently associated with interference of such elements in Fe metabolism, and not with differential Fe concentrations in plant shoots. Additional studies are needed to determine the chemical states of Fe and Mn in root zones and within plant shoots of these clones. Resolution of the differential chlorosis phenomenon would contribute to fundamental knowledge in mineral nutrition and could be helpful in tailoring plant genotypes to fit problem soils.

Comparative effects of grain lentil–wheat and monoculture wheat on crop production, N economy and N fertility in a Brown Chernozem

Low commodity prices and a desire by producers on the Canadian Prairies to reduce fertilizer-N inputs have resulted in a marked increase in grain lentil (Lens culinaris medikus) production. Many producers grow lentil in rotation with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A 12-yr study carried out at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, on an Orthic Brown Chernozemic silt loam was used to compare the N economy of four monoculture wheat rotations, of various rotation lengths and levels of N fertilization, with that of a wheat–lentil (W–Len) rotation. Except for continuous wheat (Cont W) receiving mainly P fertilizer, all systems received N and P on the basis of soil tests. Neither grain nor straw yield of the associated wheat crop was influenced by lentil in the rotation; but grain- and straw-N concentrations of the wheat in W–Len were increased compared with those of monoculture wheat. Average N content of straw was greatest for grain lentil and for wheat grown on fallow (F) (14.2 kg ha−1 yr−1), followed by wheat in W–Len (11.8 kg ha−1 yr−1) and by stubble-wheat of well-fertilized monoculture systems (F–W–W and Cont W (9.5 kg ha−1 yr−1)), and lowest for Cont W receiving mainly P (5.7 kg ha−1 yr−1). Nitrate N in the root zone (0–90 cm) in spring and at harvest was greatest under F–W, followed by W–Len and then by F–W–W and Cont W receiving N and P, and lowest for Cont W receiving mainly P. In the last 5 or 6 yr of study, there was a marked increase in the amount of soil-NO3 N found in the root zone under the W–Len rotation. This was accompanied by a similar increase in the apparent net N mineralized (estimated by N balance) during the growing season. Concomitantly, there was a gradual reduction in the fertilizer-N requirement for W–Len, indicating a cumulative enhancement of the N-supplying power of the soil, although estimates of the initial potential rate of N mineralization on samples taken in 1990 did not confirm this trend. We concluded that soil-testing laboratories may need to adjust fertilizer-N recommendations downward for producers that regularly use a 2-yr W–Len rotation. There was less NO3 N leached below the root zone of W–Len, probably because there was greater synchrony of N uptake in W–Len than in Cont W (N + P); this augurs well for the use of the W–Len rotation for sustainability.Key words: Crop rotations, pulse crops, N mineralization, N fixation, N leaching

Determination of fertilizer requirements of potato on the basis of soil tests in the north-western hills of India

summaryIn field experiments with potato conducted from 1981 to 1983 on acid hill soils of Simla, a technique was developed to work out the relative contribution of soil and fertilizer nutrients to potato production. The locations accounted for more variation in tuber yield than the fertilizer effects. The value of soil tests in explaining the variation due to locations was modified by years. On average, nitrate, organic carbon and available K explained 59, 25 and 41% of the variation. The response to fertilizer N was significant in all yea s and to K was significant in 1982 only, but that to fertilizer P was not significant in any year. The fertilizer doses of N and K were calculated both from the soil test based regression equations and the fertilizer response equations. The dose of N varied from 129 to 133 kg/ ha in different years but the response per kg N at the economic dose varied from 0·05 to 0·13 t/ha.

Response of radiata pine to fertilisers containing N and P applied at planting

Summary A field experiment is described which evaluates the early growth response of Pinus radiata to four levels each of N (as ammonium sulphate at 0, 34, 68 and 136 g/tree) and P (as superphosphate at 0, 113, 226 and 452 g/tree) applied at planting on sites prepared by ploughing followed by ripping. The experiment was undertaken at four sites which covered a wide range of native vegetation types within a 15 km2 area of the Neerim East plantation extension area located 100 km east of Melbourne. Each site was considered to be P deficient on the basis of soil tests. Early growth was found to be significantly affected by P, site and a P x site interaction. All sites were recolonised by a wide range of native species which had an above-ground biomass of 3720 to 6570 kg/ha depending on the site and contained only 1.3 to 2.6 kg/ha P three years after planting. Growth response to P was marked at two sites but only moderate at the others, despite the occurrence of P deficiency symptoms and low foliar P levels in unfertilised trees at all sites. Differences in P response between sites is likely to be due to the demand by weeds for soil moisture rather than demand for P. The work showed growth response to the application of P soon after planting but no response to N, indicating that the use of NP fertilisers cannot be justified in the absence of chemical weed control on sites similar to those investigated.

Performance of Sunray Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Wetland Rice

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute farm, Gazipur during the T. aman season, 2003 in order to determine the performance of Sunray organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of rice. The following eight treatment combinations were tested in wetland condition: T1= Native nutrient; T2 = Sunray Formula + G (SF) @ 100 kg/ha + Sunray Padiplus (PP) 20 ml @ 10 ml/4.5 lit./100m2 + Sunray Pady Segar (PS) @ 150 kg/ha + ( STB - N, P, K, S & Zn content in SF, PP & PS); T3= STB for high yield goal (HYG); T4= STB + 20 ml PP; T5= STB + 10 ml PP; T6= SF @ 400 kg/ha + ( STB - N, P, K, S & Zn content in 400 kg SF); T7= PS @ 400 kg/ha + (STB - N, P, K, S & Zn content in 400 kg PS ); T8= SF @ 200 kg/ha + PS@ 200 kg/ha + 10 ml PP + ( STB - N, P, K, S & Zn content in SF, PS and PP). The blanket doses of fertilizers were applied on soil test based (STB). BRRI dhan31 was used as test crop. The sources of N, P, K, S & Zn were Urea, TSP, MP, gypsum and zinc sulphate. Urea was applied into three equal splits, 1/3rd basal, 1/3rd maximum tillering stage and the remaining 1/3rd at panicle initiation stage. The treatment T2 where Sunray fertilizer were applied in combination with chemical fertilizer on STB produced substantially higher yield than those of other tested treatments. In terms of economic point of view this treatment also be considered as the most viable treatment in the experiment. 
 
 Key words: Sunray, organic fertilizer, growth and yield, wetland rice.

Effect of “Flora” on the Growth and Yield of Wetland Rice

One experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute farm and another experiment was conducted at farmer's field, Samantopur, Gazipur during the T. aman season, 2006 in order to determine the performance of flora on the growth and yield of wetland rice. The following four treatment combinations were tested in both site: T1= Control (No-fertilizer), T2= Flora @ 3ml/lit. of water, T3= Soil Test Based (STB) dose and T4= T3 + Flora @ 3ml/lit. of water. BRRIdhan 31 was used as test crop. The blanket doses of fertilizers were applied on soil test based (STB). The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications of each treatment. The sources of N, P, K and S were Urea, TSP, MP and gypsum. Urea was applied into three equal splits, 1/3rd basal, 1/3rd maximum tillering stage and the remaining 1/3rd at panicle initiation stage. The treatment T4 where chemical fertilizer was applied on STB in combination with flora produced the maximum yield but in terms of economic point of view the treatment T3 (STB) was found superior to other treatments. Key words: Flora, growth, yield, wetland rice. DOI: 10.3329/jard.v7i1.4416 J Agric Rural Dev 7(1&2), 9-13, June 2009

Effect of potassium application on wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) in old Himalayan Piedmont Plain

A field trial was conducted in Rabi season 2001-2002 at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute’s Agricultural Research Station (BARI ARS) farm, Thakurgaon to evaluate a higher dose of K (66 kg K/ha) for maximizing yield of wheat and sustain soil native K level for wheat in north-western (NW) region of Bangladesh. To accomplish the objective, three levels of K (T1 = K0, T2 = K66, and T3= K38 (Farmers' practice) were tested. T1= K0 and T2 = K66 were tested under soil test based (STB) N116 P15 S36 Zn1 B1.7 fertilization and these two treatments T1 and T2 were compared with the farmers' own fertilization practice N68 P24 K38 S16 Zn0B0 (T3). Results showed that the treatment (T2) i. e. K66 with STB dose produced the better yield of wheat (var. Protiva). The highest gross return of Tk. 35,610/- and the highest net-return of Tk. 30,479/- was obtained with the treatment T2 (STB). The dose of 66 kg K/ha for wheat growing in Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain (AEZ-1) was not adequate, and thus needs to be increased to maintain the soil K reserve, since there was an apparent negative balance of K in the soil with sole use of chemical fertilizers. The recommended P dose of 24 kg P/ha in wheat season created a positive balance of P. The STB dose for S and Zn @36 and 1 kg/ha, respectively, in wheat season created a positive balance of S and Zn in soil. Keywords: Potassium; fertilizer management; wheat; nutrient balance sheet. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v35i2.5883Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 35(2) : 207-216, June 2010

Effect Of NPK On The Incidence Of Alternaria Leaf Blight Of Mustard

A 2-year field study was carried out to find out the effect of three macro nutrients NPK on the severity of Alternaria leaf blight and yield of mustard. Nitrogen @ 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160, phosphorus @ 15, 30, and 45, and potassium @ 30, 60, and 90 kg/ha were applied. Among the nutrients, 120-30- 60 kg NPK/ha was considered as recommended dose on the basis of soil test. Fertilizer dose 120-30-90 kg/ha appeared to be the best combination of N, P, and K in reducing the disease incidence and to increase seed yield of mustard. Higher dose of K (90 kg/ha) decreased the incidence of Alternaria leaf blight but higher dose of nitrogen (140 and 160 kg N/ha) increased the disease incidence. The highest seed yield of 1718 kg/ha was obtained with 120-30-90 kg of NPK/ha which was statistically similar to the doses of 120-30-60 and 120-45- 60 kg of NPK/ha. Higher seed yield and lower disease severity was also observed under these three treatments as compared to other treatments. Keywords: Mustard; Alternaria leaf blight; nutrient management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i3.9269 BJAR 2011; 36(3): 407-413

Development of fertilizer recommendation for the cropping pattern potato-boro-<i>T. aman</i> in irrigated medium highland condition under AEZ -9

The experiment was carried out in the Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soil at the farmer's field of Farming System Research and Development (FSRD) site, Kushumhati, Sherpur under Sherpur district in the medium high land under AEZ-9 for the three consecutive years 2003-06 to determine economic combined dose of organic and inorganic fertilizers for Potato-Boro-T.aman cropping pattern. Six treatment management packages including one farmer's practices, and one fertilizer control were tested. The other four treatments were soil test based (STB) fertilizer dose for moderate and high yield goals (MYG and HYG), STB based fertilizer dose for HYG plus 5 t/ha cowdung (IPNS) and fertilizer dose for Fertilizer Recommendation Guide'97 (FRG '97). Average of three years' results showed that recommended fertilizer dose based on the FRG '97 was more economic than all other fertilizer doses for the whole pattern. But the treatment Integrated Plant Nutrition Systems based on fertilizer management with cowdung for high yield goal produced the maximum grain and straw yields in the first crop. Application of cowdung had no significant effect on the yield of succeeding crops. The variable cost was higher for the treatment consisting of cowdung due to additional cost of cowdung. The highest marginal rate of return 1626% was obtained from recommended fertilizer based on the FRG '97.Key Words: Balanced fertilization; cropping pattern; yield; economicsDOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i1.5751Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(1) : 41-49, March 2009

Effects of different aged poultry litter on the yield and nutrient balance in <i>boro</i> rice cultivation

A two years’ field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of poultry litter (PL) incorporation of different ages on the yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient balance in Boro rice at BRRI experimental farm, Gazipur (AEZ-28 and land type-High Land) during 2004-05 and 2005-06 Boro seasons. Eight treatment combinations with different aged PL and chemical fertilizers along with a control treatment (no fertilizer) were tested. The treatment combinations were 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days' aged poultry litter, farmers' 135 days aged poultry litter and 50% of soil test based (STB) chemical fertilizers. All PL treatments received poultry litter 3 t/ha and 50% of STB chemical fertilizers. In both years, 30 days old PL produced significantly higher rice yield with higher nutrient uptake. Keywords: Poultry litter; aging; grain yield; nutrient balance. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v35i3.6456Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 35(3) : 497-505

Fertilizer Experiments with Field Corn on Everglades Peaty Muck Soil

AbstractFertility experiments have been conducted with field corn on Everglades Peaty Muck soils in order to determine the required fertilizer program with respect to P2O5 and K2O.Four experiments have been conducted involving potash, phosphate experiments laid out in randomized block designs and nitrogen, potash, phosphate experiments laid out in 3 × 3 × 3 factorial designs. Soils tests were used to determine the P2O5 and K2O levels in the soil and tissue tests were conducted to measure the uptake of these nutrients from the soils. These data have been correlated with yields in order to furnish the necessary information on which to base fertilizer recommendations from the results of soil or tissue tests.The corn showed yield responses to increasing levels of potash in the soil up to values as high as approximately 70 pounds potassium per acre as determined by the soil tests. The yields ranged from 26 bushels per acre at the lowest K2O levels to 63 bushels at the level of maximum response which produced plants that gave stem tissue tests averaging approximately 5.00% potassium, moisture free basis. Potash deficient corn gave tissue tests as low as 2.72% potassium.Yield responses to applications of superphosphate were obtained up to levels of approximately 8 pounds per acre of water soluble phosphorus as determined by soil tests. Plants showing no phosphate deficiencies gave stem tissue test values in excess of 0.10% of the element, moisture free basis. The assimilation of P2O5 was apparently reduced by higher levels of K2O in the soil and that of K2O was reduced slightly by higher levels of P2O5.The experiments indicate that fertilizer recommendations for field corn on organic soils may be intelligently made on the basis of soil tests which have been previously correlated with growth and yield response.