Nitrogen Fertilization Supplementation Research Articles

Vinasse for sugarcane crop nutrition: accumulation and efficiency in the use of nutrients

The use of agro-industrial by-products such as biofertilizers hinders polluting discharges and allows savings commercial fertilizers. The application of vinasse (a by-product of ethanol manufacture) in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) production was evaluated in two soils of Uruguay (L1 and LB2). In a first ratoon crop, 150 and 300 m3 ha-1 of vinasse were applied (V150 and V300) and compared with the application of fertilizer (F) and a Control (C) with no application. Then, production and the plant’s N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents were determined. Vinasse and fertilizer applications increased sugarcane growth, as compared to C. However, there were no differences between vinasse dosses. The L1 fertilization treatment produced higher stem yield than vinasse application, whereas LB2 caused no differences. The application of vinasse at LB2 and L1 increased K uptake, exceeding the control, by 151 and 133 kg ha-1 of K, respectively, indicating that it could substitute fertilizer, while supplemental nitrogen fertilization would be required for maximum yield. The low use-efficiency of potassium (K) in vinasse treatments suggests that there was excessive consumption. Although vinasse increased soil exchangeable K, its residual effect would be insufficient for the second ratoon harvest, requiring annual applications

Soil Enzyme Activity Response under the Amendment of Different Types of Biochar

Biochar (BC) is a material that finds many applications in agriculture and environmental activities. The aim of the study was to define the influence of biochar produced from various organic materials: mellow compost (MC), stabilized municipal sewage sludge (MSS), pine sawdust (PS), sycamore sawdust (SS) and oak leaves (OL) on soil enzyme activity, as well as its relations with carbon and nitrogen content. After a 60-day incubation of soil and BC, the activity of dehydrogenases (DEH), catalase (CAT), alkaline (AlP) and acid (AcP) phosphatases was investigated. The basic parameters of soil were also determined: TOC, TN, DOM, pH in H2O, available phosphorus (AP). The highest AP content was obtained in the S + MSS, S + OL and S + MC variants. Enzyme activity was highest in soil with MSS BC, regardless of incubation time. After 60 days, the activity of soil enzymes was inhibited. The obtained results indicate that the response of enzymatic activity to biochar depends on the feedstock material and the incubation time. When using BC as an exogenous matter, it is necessary to determine the TOC/TN ratio. For the very wide range of this parameter, supplemental nitrogen fertilization or mixtures of different biochars should be applied.

Effects of supplemental nitrogen application on physiological characteristics, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under waterlogging stress

Waterlogging stress is a common limiting factor for winter rapeseed, which greatly affects the growth and potential production. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of waterlogging with different durations (0day (D0), 6days (D6) and 9days (D9)) and supplemental nitrogen fertilization (N1, 0 kg ha−1; N2, 30 kg ha−1; N3, 60 kg ha−1 and N4, 90 kg ha−1) on the physiological characteristics, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation in winter rapeseed (Chuanyou36). The results showed that the supplementary application of nitrogen fertilizer could effectively improve the physiological indexes of winter rapeseed in both pot and field experiments. The supplemental nitrogen increased the chlorophyll content in leaves, enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT, and POD, and decreased the MDA content in leaves and roots of rapeseed. The chlorophyll contents, the antioxidant enzyme activity of leaves and roots significantly increased under D6N3 and D9N4 conditions in both (pot and field) experiments. However, MDA contents significantly decreased compared with waterlogging without nitrogen application. Moreover, the application of nitrogen fertilizer after waterlogging increased the accumulation of dry matter and nitrogen in rapeseed at different growth stages. Therefore, waterlogging stress significantly inhibited the growth and development of rapeseed, but the application of nitrogen fertilizer could effectively reduce the damage of waterlogging. The N-induced increase in waterlogging tolerance of rapeseed might be attributed to the strong antioxidant defense system, maintenance of photosynthetic pigments and the nutrient balance.

Nitrogen fertilization of self-seeding Italian ryegrass: effects on plant structure, forage and seed yield

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of self-seeding Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and nitrogen rates - applied additionally after two defoliations - on plant structure, in forage and seed yield. Levels of self-seeding were classified as very high (777 kg ha-1), high (736 kg ha-1), intermediate (624 kg ha-1), and low (234 kg ha-1). Populations were fertilized with zero, 20.25, 40.50, and 60.75 kg ha-1 of supplemental nitrogen applied after two defoliations; respectively, in very high, high, intermediate, and low levels. Higher levels of self-seeding promoted greater forage yield and uniformity of vegetation structure. Number of fertile tillers and number of seeds per plant have benefited by the combination of high self-seeding and supplemental nitrogen fertilization. Despite influencing the uniformity and amount of forage obtained in two defoliations, the very high and low self-seeding levels did not differ in Italian ryegrass seed production. However, linear addition for this same variable was obtained with the inclusion of supplemental nitrogen fertilization. In pastures from low and intermediate self-seeding levels, total dry mass increases linearly with the levels of nitrogen fertilization assessed in this research.

Substratos fertilizados com uréia revestida e o crescimento e estado nutricional da muda de citros

Two experiments were carried out with the objective of evaluating the growth and nutritional state of the young citrus tree in function of different levels of coated urea (UR). In the first experiment, carried out from transplanting (01/2006) up to the budding point (06/2006), five levels of UR were evaluated (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kg m-³ of substratum) and two substrata (Plantmax® and another obtained from sugar cane bagasse + filter cake – BT). In the second experiment, carried out from budding until the pinch out point (12/2006), five doses of UR in substratum BT were evaluated. The budding point was reached 120 days after the transplanting in the plants cultivated in substratum BT, while in Plantmax® it was not reached. The concentration of N in the rootstock leaves cultivated in substratum BT increases with the doses of UR. Major diameter and N concentration in the plants cultivated in substratum Plantmax® were observed in a level of 2.4 kg m-3. Using the substratum BT with the characteristics described in this experiment, it is possible to attain the rootstock ‘Cleópatra’ mandarin in the budding point at 159 days after the transplanting and the young ‘Seleta’ orange tree, budded on it, at 182 days after budding, without nitrogen fertilization supplementation with coated urea.

The use of hand-held chlorophyll meters as a tool to assess the nitrogen status and to guide nitrogen fertilization of potato crop

Fifteen experiments were carried out in different sites of Italy, Belgium, Scotland and The Netherlands from 1995 to 1999 to study the possible use of chlorophyll meter to assess the nitrogen status and to guide nitrogen fertilization of the potato crop. The results are gathered here and reviewed together with available information in literature. The paper deals with measuring principles of chlorophyll meter; relation between chlorophyll meter readings and analytical measurements of chlorophyll, analytical measurements of nitrogen, crop nitrogen content, tuber yield, and physiological processes in leaves; variations in chlorophyll meter readings related to nitrogen supply, potato cultivar, crop management, and sampling methods; use of chlorophyll meter readings for decision making in the management of supplemental nitrogen fertilization (assessment of chlorophyll meter critical threshold, plant response to addition of supplementary N).

Supplemental Nitrogen Fertilization of Containerized Azalea Does Not Affect Performance of Azalea Lace Bug (Heteroptera: Tingidae)

Certain arthropods feed selectively and perform better on plants and plant tissues with elevated levels of nitrogen. The link between elevated nitrogen levels and improved performance is particularly strong for insects in the order Heteroptera, many of which are phloem feeders. We examined the relationship between insect performance and host plant nitrogen levels using azaleas, Rhododendron sp., and azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), a mesophyll-feeding Heteropteran. The objective of this study was to determine if this insect responded to supplemental nitrogen fertilization in ways similar to many of the phloem-feeding Heteroptera and mesophyll-feeding Acarina. Numerous studies have documented improved performance and increased host plant injury in these 2 groups as a result of supplemental nitrogen fertilization. Measurements of azalea lace bug survivorship, development time, age to 1st reproduction, and clutch size showed no significant relationship to levels of fertilization. It appears that this mesophyll-feeding insect does not benefit from elevated levels of foliar nitrogen associated with supplemental fertilization.

Effect of Supplemental Nitrogen Fertilization on the Movement and Injury of Azalea Lace Bug (Stephanitis pyrioides(Scott)) to Container-grown Azaleas

Abstract Certain arthropods feed selectively and perform better on plants and plant tissues with elevated levels of nitrogen. Yet it is a common practice to use supplemental nitrogen in the production and maintenance of woody landscape plants. The link between elevated nitrogen levels and improved performance of herbivorous arthropods is particularly strong for sap suckers in the order Heteroptera, the majority of which are phloem feeders. There have been no studies to date on the effects of fertilization of woody plants on important mesophyll-feeding Heteroptera, such as azalea lace bug. We examined the relationship between the movement and injury of azalea lace bug and levels of fertilization of azaleas. The objective of this study was to determine if this insect responded to supplemental nitrogen fertilization in a way similar to many phloem-feeding Heteroptera and mesophyll-feeding Acarina. In these taxa, numerous studies documented improved performance and increased host plant injury as a result of supplemental nitrogen fertilization. We measured injury and colonization by azalea lace bug of azaleas receiving four levels of nitrogen fertilization. Plants with elevated nitrogen levels were preferentially chosen by azalea lace bug but did not exhibit greater levels of leaf injury.

Yield and leaf nitrate concentration of starch potato on sandy humic soils supplied with varying amounts of starter and supplemental nitrogen fertilizer

From 1979 to 1989 trials with varying nitrogen fertilizer rates, either applied prior to planting or split in starter and supplemental applications, were carried out with starch potato crops on reclaimed peat soils in the North-East of the Netherlands. They were aimed at optimizing the N-fertilization of starch potatoes and investigating whether or not leaf nitrate concentration could be corrected during the growth of the crop. Increased pre-planting rates from 75 to 300 kg ha−1 N did not always lead to increased tuber yields, showing that in these field trials nitrogen seemed not to be the main factor limiting yields. Higher starter applications led to increased leaf nitrate-N concentrations, especially early in the season, but the increase varied strongly with site and year. High yields were not associated with high leaf nitrate concentration early in the season. Nitrogen top dressings led to higher leaf nitrate-N concentrations but were not consistently associated with increased yields. Leaf nitrate concentrations reflected the combined effects of the age of the crop and the nitrogen rates applied to the soil, but they were not indicative of possible benefits of supplemental nitrogen applications on soil with a high organic matter concentration.

Photosynthesis, water relations, and growth of two hybrid Populus genotypes during a severe drought

During the 1988 growing season in East Lansing, Michigan, United States, only 1.53 cm of rain fell from mid-May to mid-July, causing a severe drought. Then, beginning in mid-July, a period of near-record precipitation commenced; 30.4 cm of rain fell from July 19 to October 4. Growth, photosynthesis, and water relations of hybrid poplar cultivars 'Eugenei' and 'Tristis', which had been established in the spring of 1987 in 114-L plastic pots buried in the ground, were measured on several sunny days during the 1988 growing season. Pots were irrigated at two different rates, and half the pots received supplemental nitrogen fertilizer. On a seasonal basis, photosynthesis and water-use efficiency in both genotypes peaked in early July and declined thereafter. Stomatal conductances were low during the drought but increased substantially when the rains commenced. Whereas nitrogen level had little effect on leaf physiology, the low water treatment produced significant reductions in photosynthesis and conductance. Diurnal measurements were made on June 17 and July 12. On both days photosynthesis and conductances were higher in 'Tristis' than in 'Eugenei', especially for plants in the high water treatments and on July 12, the most extreme period of the drought. Drought produced both stomatal and mesophyll limitations to photosynthesis in both clones, though these responses were more pronounced in 'Eugenei'. This clone also showed very low water-use efficiencies in the low water treatment on July 12. Even though the physiology of 'Eugenei' was more impacted by drought than 'Tristis', it still produced two to three times more biomass over the 2-year period of the study than did 'Tristis'.

N‐Dynamik des Bodens, Ertragsbildung und Stickstoffentzug von Winterweizen bei unterschiedlicher Höhe und Verteilung der mineralischen N‐Düngung

Abstract NO3 dynamics in the soil, yield formation and N uptake of winter wheat as influenced by dosage and distribution effects of N‐fertilizer application In a 4 year series of field trials carried out with 9 regimes of nitrogen fertilizer application at two trial sites with rather shallow top soil layers but large deviations in soil characteristics, grain yield varied between 50 dt/ ha and 120 dt/ha with nitrogen doses from 0–170 kg N/ha. Soil nitrogen supply for wheat grain formation on unfertilized plots reached 80 kg N/ha/year within the narrow range of 75–95 kg N/ha in different years at both sites which amounts to 1.5 % and 0.5 % of the highly different N‐content of the trial sites.The most successful nitrogen application regimes are characterized by modest fertilizer doses in early spring and the delay of supplemental fertilizer doses until growth stage EC 32. They resulted into modest NO) soil content from EC 29 to EC 32 and/or a noticable decrease of soil NO3 content during growth stage EC 30–32, which seems to be responsible for the development of only modest stand densities and reduced straw yield, while the delayed supplementation with nitrogen fertilizer overcompensated these effects mainly by increased grain numbers/ear and a remarkable improvement of harvest index.The contribution of soil borne nitrogen to kernel yield formation started to decrease with even low dosages of supplemental nitrogen fertilization with the exception of the highest yielding season 1987/88. Top levels of grain yield have been regularly obtained with supplemental nitrogen fertilizer dosages about 40 kg N/ha below grain yield nitrogen extraction if they were added within favorable application regimes.

Supplemental nitrogen fertilizer to soybeans. IV. Influences of soil conditions on the yield response to supplemental nitrogen.

土壌条件が大豆の窒素追肥による増収効果に及ぼす影響について検討した。とくに, 窒素追肥が作物体の窒素同化に及ぼす効果を解析するため, 根粒非着生大豆系統を対照に用い, 供試栽培品種の窒素同定量, 追肥窒素の吸収量や追肥窒素による窒素固定の減少量を推定した。堆肥投与によって土壌の肥沃度を高めた時, 窒素追肥による増収量や増収率は低下した。逆に, 土壌からの窒素供給量が減少するにしたがい, 窒素追肥による増収効果は逓増した。土壌の種類が異なる場合には, 無追肥条件下での作物体の土壌窒素吸収量, 窒素固定量や全窒素同化量の大小と, 追肥の増収効果には直接的な関係は認められなかった。しかし, 開花期から最大繁茂期までの同化窒素量を高める効果が大きい土壌条件の下では, 追肥による増収効果も大きかった。追肥効果が高かった原因は, 灰色低地土のシルト質埴壌土では, 無追肥時の窒素固定機能が低く, 追肥による窒素固定の低下が少なかったためであった。主た, 灰色低地土の壌土の中には, 追肥窒素が迅速に吸収され, 追肥窒素の利用率が極めて高かったものもあった。一方, 黒ボク土の壌土は, 窒素追肥による窒素固定の減少が著しく, 同等の土性の灰色低地土の壌土に比べでも追肥効果が上がらなかった。その著しい窒素固定阻害は, 黒ボク土の可給態燐酸の濃度が低いためであると推察された。

Supplemental nitrogen fertilizer to soybeans. II. Effect of application rate and placement on seed yield and protein yield.

Nitrogen fertilizer as ammonium sulfate was applied to soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv. Bonminori and Enrei] at flowering stage to examine effects of application rate and placement on seed yield and protein yield. Seed yield of "Bonminori" was increased from 306g/m2 to 360g/m2 by the application of supplemental nitrogen in the range of 0gN/m2 to 18gN/m2. The result indicated that higher rate than that at basal application was required for the significant increase (20 to 30 g/m2 of seed yield. When development of roots was poor and seed yield was low without the supplemental nitrogen, the effect of the application on the seed yield was remarkable. In "Enrei", furrow placement of the supplemental nitrogen at one side of plant rows allowed the larger yield response than both-sided furrow placement and also as deep application (40cm deep in soil) did than surface application. Nitrogen content of seeds was also increased with application rates of the supplemental nitrogen in the similar way as seed yield. The increase was mainly due to increase of protein-nitrogen. Ratio of 11S globulin to 7S globulin of seeds was not affected by the increase of protein content caused by the application of the supplemental nitrogen.

Título en español

En 1981 y 1982 se realizó un experimento en la Subestación de Corozal para determinar los efectos del estiércol de vaca en los rendimientos de forraje verde, forraje seco y proteína bruta de la yerba estrella (Cynodon nlemfuensis var. nlenfuensis) y en la composición del suelo. El estiércol contenía 65%, 1.6%, .10% y .34% de materia seca, nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio, respectivamente. Se aplicó a la yerba estrella en cantidades de 2,800, 5,600, 11 ,200, 16,800, 22,400 y 31 ,360 kg/ha y año y se segó cada 45 días. Los tratamientos se suplementaron con abono comercial N-P-K, hasta alcanzar 504, 73 y 336 kg/ha y año de nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio, respectivamente. Se incluyeron además 2 tratamientos testigo, uno con 3,360 kg/ha y año de un abono 15-5-10, como abono corriente y otro sin abono y sin estiércol. En los 720 días del estudio, la cantidad máxima de estiércol, sin abonamiento nitrogenado suplementario aumentó significativamente los rendimientos de forraje seco y proteína bruta sobre el testigo sin abonar. Los tratamientos de estiércol de 2,800 a 22,400 kg/ha y año produjeron rendimientos de forraje seco similares al tratamiento corriente. El estiércol aumentó los contenidos en fósforo y potasio, pero no en calcio y magnesio. También aumentó el fósforo disponible y el potasio cambiable del suelo al compararlos con el tratamiento sin abono. Sin embargo, en futuros estudios a nivel de la finca, es necesario comparar los costos extraordinarios que se incurren en términos de labores necesarias para acarrear y aplicar grandes cantidades de estiércol en comparación con aplicar un abono comercial.

Supplemental Nitrogen Fertilizer to Soybeans : I. Effect of Side-dressing at early ripening stage on yield, yield components and protein content of seeds

Effect of nitrogen side-dressing at 10 days after flowering on yield, yield components and protein content of seeds was examined using 12 varieties and ammonium sulfate. 1. Mean yield among 12 varieties supplemented with 120 kg nitrogen per ha increased by 6.7 percent or 250 kg per ha (Table 1). The most affected variety was Chippewa (13.2%) and the least was Waseshiroge (0.1%) (Fig. 1). 2. As to the early or medium varieties, yield increase was mainly due to the increase of 100 seeds weight. As to the late varieties, on the other hand, it was mainly due to the increase of pod number (Fig. 1). 3. Nitrogen or protein content of seeds increased by 3.3 percent on the average of 12 varieties supplemented with 120 kg nitrogen per ha. Protein yield per unit land area increased also by 10.3 percent (Table 2). 4. Effect on yield of supplemental nitrogen was the largest on the least fertile plots, and vice versa. On the least fertile plots all of the yield components, pod number, number of seeds per pod and 100 seeds weight increased. On the most fertile plots, on the other hand, pod number decreased, which negated the increase of 100 seeds weight, hence the least yield increase (Fig. 3). 5. Taking into account of the increase of total revenue due to the increase of yield and input cost for ammonium sulfate and labour for its dressing, the most reasonable amount of supplemental nitrogen was supposed to be around 100 kg per ha. In this case the increase of net revenue was about 35, 000 yen per ha.