The response ofPinus caribaea mor. var. Hondurensis seedlings to nitrogen,phosphorous and potassium fertilizers

Summary A soil pot culture experiment was conducted to study the response ofPinus caribaea var. hondurensis seedlings to the N, P, K fertilizers in a 3³ factorial combination of nutrients in four replicates. For this purpose, seedlings were grown in plastic pots in soils collected from Bahau pine experimental area. These soils belong to Durian series and are generally poor in nutrients.The seedlings were supplied with 112 kg/ha, 336 kg/ha and 560 kg/ha (100 lb/ac, 300 lb/ac and 500 lb/ac) of N, P, K in solution form in all possible combinations. Periodic growth measurements were taken and dry matter production was estimated at the conclusion of the experiment.The results indicate that phosphorous is the most important nutrient for the height growth of seedlings. The absolute height increment under the best treatment combination (N₁P₃K₁) was about threefolds (25.7cm) compared to 8.8 cm in the control. It was also found that higher levels of N and K, though not beneficial to height growth, resulted in better radial growth and more dry matter production compared to control plants. However, highest levels of N and K in the present experiment produced inhibitory influence as regards height growth even in the presence of low level of phosphorous.The study indicates that application of phosphorous at least at the rate of 560 kg/ha per plant is necessary on this type of soil to boost the initial height growth ofPinus caribaea var. hondurensis. Nitrogen at the rate of 336 kg/ha and potassium at the rate of 112 kg/ha will induce better radial growth.     

Studies on fertilization of field-grown irrigated alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yields of 20–25 ton/ha are obtainable in a Mediterranean climate, with 8–9 harvests each year. These high yields demand a large supply of potassium from the soil. Plant uptake of potassium reached 540 kg K ha, the majority being derived from the exchangeable form. A safety level of 2.5% K in the whole plant is needed to prevent yield declines. Fertilization with potassium chloride gave higher yields than with potassium sulfate. Splitting the K application over period of two cuts is recommended for sandy loam soils with a low cation exchange capacity.Contribution from the Agricultura Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel. 1975 Series, No.186-E.     

Effect of crop residue management on the yields of different crops and on soil properties

The effects of chopped (6–9 cm) and unchopped (long) crop residues of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) in corn (Zea mays L.)— wheat and rice-wheat rotations on grain yield and soil properties were investigated in 27 field experiments during 9 years. Experiments on chopped wheat residue involved the treatments of two main plots with residue incorporation at 0 and 4 t/ha before sowing of corn and wheat and having subplots with 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha. The results obtained for 4 years showed that the incorporation of wheat residue not only improved the soil physicochemical properties but also increased the grain and stover yields of corn significantly. The yield obtained with 80 kg N in conjunction with 4 t/ha chopped wheat residue was identical to that with 120 kg N/ha alone. But the wheat yield was depressed significantly upon the incorporation of wheat residue before the sowing of wheat in all the years of investigation.The experiments on the management of unchopped wheat residue in corn-wheat rotation and of unchopped wheat (6 t/ha) and rice (12 t/ha) residues in rice-wheat rotation, involved three main treatments: physical removal, in-situ incorporation and in-situ burning of residues. Main treatments were tested at 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha level over 5 years. Irrespective of N application, the residue management treatments had non-significant effects on the succeeding crop yield in all the years. Burning of residue improved the yield by about 0·2 t/ha, whereas residue incorporation did not affect the yield either of corn or rice. On the other hand, the wheat yield was depressed by 0·1–0·2 t/ha in both the rotations.The effect of applied N irrespective of residue management was significant in some years up to the level of 120 kg and in others, 180 kg N/ha.     

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 K₂O 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 K₂O 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.     

Leaching losses of nitrogen and potassium in polders reclaimed from Lake Ijssel

Summary Mineral nitrogen and potassium lost from the Eastern Flevoland polder and from the North Eastern polder were estimated at regular intervals by determining the amounts of soluble nitrogen and potassium in the water which had been admitted by locks and inlets and discharged by pumping stations and subtracting nitrogen and potassium added in the rain. From 1959 to 1966 the nett annual losses of nitrogen in the discharged water from various pumping stations in Eastern Flevoland ranged from 18.9 to 33.2 (average 25.2) kg N per ha. Similarly in the North Eastern polder from 1963 to 1966 the nett annual losses ranged from 16.7 to 33.2 (average 22.1) kg N per ha. Rainfall added annually between 4.8 and 11.8 (average 8.6) kg N per ha to both polders. Nett losses from Eastern Flevoland ranged from 9.2 to 21.9 (average 15.8) kg per ha and from the North Eastern polder from 10.1 to 24.0 (average 14.9) kg N per ha, annually. Drainage water contained principally nitrate nitrogen, whereas the discharged water in many cases contained both ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, and often more ammonium than nitrate, presumably because the composition of the mineral nitrogen in the waterways is changed by the growth and death of algae. From 1962 to 1966 the discharged water removed potassium from the Eastern Flevoland polder in amounts ranging from 105 to 226 (average 162) kg K per ha annually. During 1963–1964, amounts lost from the North Eastern polder ranged from 47 to 71 (average 59) kg K per ha each year. The rain added from 4.5 to 10.7 (average 6.9) kg K per ha annually to both polders. Nett losses from Eastern Flevoland ranged from 99 tot 219 (average 156) kg K per ha and from the North Eastern polder from 41 to 67 (average 54) kg K per ha annually.     

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 K₂O 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 K₂O 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.     

Dry-matter production,phosphorus and potassium uptake as influenced by levels and methods of nitrogen application in rainfed upland rice

Summary Studies revealed that the total dry-matter yield and the uptake of P and K by the crop at harvest increased due to nitrogen application. Split application of nitrogen through soil alone or soil + foliage was found to be more conducive to dry-matter production and P and K uptake than application of full dose of nitrogen at sowing. Among split application treatments, nitrogen applied through soil alone seemed to be more favourable to P and K uptake than splits involving nitrogen application in the similar fractions through soil + foliage. Cultivars ‘Bala’ and ‘Padma’ on an average, removed almost equal quantity of P (around 16 kg P/ha) from the soil. The average K removal by ‘Bala’ and ‘Padma’ was 76 and 73 kg K/ha, respectively. The translocation of the absorbed P and K to reproductive sink (grain) was markedly reduced in rainfed up-land conditions. Both the cultivars translocated nearly 60 per cent of the absorbed P and 10 per cent of the absorbed K to their grains.     

Net uptake of potassium in Neurospora. Exchange for sodium and hydrogen ions

Net uptake of potassium by low K, high Na cells of Neurospora at pH 5.8 is accompanied by net extrusion of sodium and hydrogen ions. The amount of potassium taken up by the cells is matched by the sum of sodium and hydrogen ions lost, under a variety of conditions: prolonged preincubation, partial respiratory inhibition (DNP), and lowered [K]_o. All three fluxes are exponential with time and obey Michaelis kinetics as functions of [K]_o. The V _max for net potassium uptake, 22.7 mmoles/kg cell water/min, is very close to that for K/K exchange reported previously (20 mmoles/kg cell water/min). However, the apparent K_m for net potassium uptake, 11.8 mM [K]_o, is an order of magnitude larger than the value (1 mM) for K/K exchange. It is suggested that a single transport system handles both net K uptake and K/K exchange, but that the affinity of the external site for potassium is influenced by the species of ion being extruded.     

Some effects of applied sodium and potassium chloride on yellow rust in winter wheat

In glasshouse experiments with plants in pots, applications of potassium chloride to the soil at 0.5 g/plant, 4 days before inoculation with Puccinia striiformis, decreased the severity of yellow rust on several winter wheat cultivars in comparison with untreated plants. Conversely, yellow rust was encouraged by applications of sodium nitrate. Sodium chloride in solution (8.6 g/l) reduced yellow rust when applied to the soil at the rate of 20 ml/plant but not when it was sprayed on to the leaves. In small-plot field experiments, sodium and potassium chlorides applied to the soil as dry powders in the spring at rates of 376, 1130 or 2260 kg/ha, significantly decreased the severity of yellow rust on most of the winter wheat cvs examined at each rate. The chlorides at these rates did not adversely affect the overall growth or yield in the absence of yellow rust.     

Effect of long-term fertilization and cropping on the potassium supplying capacity of soils

Soil samples from a long term field experiment, to study the K depletion pattern, were analysed for K. The values of supply parameters pK?1/2p (Ca+Mg) and free energy δG _r ⁰ were calculated using the data on water soluble and exchangeable cations. Correlation coefficient values between pK?1/2p (Ca+Mg) vs. total K removed, K removal by pearl millet in 1980 and soil available potassium were positive and statistically significant. This indicated that these soils have reached the stage where they would start responding to potassium application. Also, negative but significant correlation of δG _r ⁰ with pK?1/2p (Ca+Mg) and available K, were found. δG _r ⁰ values were positive indicating the affinity of such soils for K and the values, for K fertilized plots were lower in comparison to plots where no K was applied. pK?1/2p (Ca+Mg) parameter was found to be a better measure of K availability over δG _r ⁰ due to either fixation of K or greater contribution of nonexchangeable K fraction towards plant utilized K.     

Effects of nitrogen and potassium combinations on yields and infestations of maize by Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the humid forest of Cameroon

Field trials were set up in the humid forest zone of Cameroon to investigate the effects of combinations of different rates of nitrogen (N) (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha(-1)) and potassium (K) (0, 80, and 160 kg K ha(-1)) applied to the soil on the incidence and damage of the noctuid stemborer Busseola fusca (Fuller), and on maize, Zea mays L., yield. Each N/K combination had an insecticide control to assess yield losses due to borers. In contrast to N, K had no effect on plant growth and borer incidence and damage. Across seasons and days after planting, total plant dry matter (DM) production increased with N level and it was 1.2-1.9 and 1.7-2.2 times, respectively, higher at 60 and 120 kg N ha(-1) compared with 0 kg N ha(-1). Total DM at harvest was strongly related to the N content of the plant at 63 d after planting. At the early growth stage, borer abundance and stem tunneling tended to increase with N level, but percentages of dead hearts did not vary with treatment. Maize grain yields increased linearly with N level, but grain yield losses decreased depending on season. Grain yield losses were 11-18.2 times higher with 0 kg N ha(-1) compared with 120 kg N ha(-1). The findings so far indicated that, soil application of N improves the nutritional status of maize, which consequently enhanced its tolerance to stemborer attacks. Improving soil fertility can thus be a very effective means of complementing integrated stemborer control in the humid forest zone of Cameroon.     

烟杆还田对水稻产量和养分吸收的影响及其替代钾肥的效果

选择不同供钾能力的烟-稻轮作区稻田,研究了烟杆还田对水稻产量、钾素吸收利用的影响及其替代钾肥的效果.结果表明: 烟杆还田(2250 kg·hm^-2)和施钾肥(K₂O 75 kg·hm^-2)均能增加水稻产量和地上部钾素的累积量,其中烟杆还田配施钾肥的增幅最大,低钾(土壤速效钾含量＜100 mg·kg^-1)、中钾(土壤速效钾含量100～150 mg·kg^-1)和高钾(土壤速效钾含量＞150 mg·kg^-1)土壤的水稻分别增产13.3%、17.1%和13.5%.烟杆还田(St+NP)可以提高钾素吸收利用率和农学效率.但在水稻当前推荐施肥量(75 kg·hm^-2)条件下,烟杆还田配施钾肥(St+NPK)对钾肥(素)吸收利用率和农学效率无显著影响,说明当前推荐施钾量可能偏高.通过对烟杆还田替代钾肥的计算,发现还田烟杆可以替代10%～22%的化肥钾(K₂O),烟后晚稻在烟杆还田时钾肥施用可以减少7.2～16.5 kg·hm^-2.因此,在烟杆还田条件下,高钾田块可减少化学钾肥的施用,而中钾和低钾田块为稳定水稻产量和维持土壤钾素平衡,则应保证目前推荐钾肥量的投入.     

Efficiency of algalization of rice in the Nile Delta with different amounts of nitrogen and potassium fertilization

Indica rice var. IR 28 was inoculated with cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) together with elther 0,72 and 144 kg N/ha or 0,60 and 120 kg K₂O/ha. Plant performance, yield, nitrogen contents and chemical fertilizer-N-use efficiency positively responded to inoculation with the cyanobacteria and increased further with increasing amounts of both N and K. Effects arising from the cyanobacteria, N or K differed under the other two factors.     

Fertilization of poplar clones in the nursery

Summary Results of experiments with four poplar clones and various chemical fertilizers in a nursery in southern Greece are presented. At the end of the first growth period the heights of the four clones, without fertilizers, decreased in the order of I-214>I-262>cv. campeator > black poplar 1/64 with significant differences only between black poplar 1/64 and the rest of the clones.Of the fertilizer nutrients N, P, K and Mg only N improved heights of all clones significantly and especially of the clone I-214. One hundred and 200 kg of P fertilizer per ha had minimal or negative effect on height increase of all clones.Ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate all at 400 kg N per ha were found equally effective in improving height growth of the clone I-214 but ammonium nitrate is the N fertilizer of choice by its higher N content and relatively lower price.Ammonium nitrate at 200 kg N per ha, in two or three equal dosages, during the first growth period, June–July, gave the maximum height increase for two consecutive years of the clone I-214. Six hundred kgs, of N per ha reduced height increase of the same clone and increased losses of N, as NO₃ ^–, in drainage water.     

Effects of 60-year N,P, K and Ca fertilization on EUF-nutrient fractions in the soil and on yields of rye and potato crops

Summary In field experiments carried out uninterruptedly since 1923 on a sandy, grey-brown luvisol (8% clay) the EUF-nutrient fractions were determined after potato and rye crops in 1982 had been harvested.Annual applications of N fertilizer (90 kg N/ha) over a 60-year period raised both the organic and inorganic EUF-N fractions (Table 1). EUF-N_org values increased depending on crop rotation from 1.1–1.9 to 2.4–3.6 mg/100 g. This increase in EUF-N amounts was higher under rye monoculture than under potato monoculture. N leaching was more intensive under potato monoculture than under rye monoculture.Application of P, K and Ca fertilizers raised the EUF-P, EUF-K and EUF-Ca values at 20°C as well as at 80°C (Figs. 1, 2, 3). Analyses of soil samples from the 25–75 cm layer showed that the contents of EUF-Ca and EUF-K in this layer are as high as in the topsoil or even higher (Table 3).High yields of rye (>4 t/ha) and of potatoes (>30 t/ha) were obtained when in samples taken after harvest EUF-amounts of 3.5 mg N, 2 mg P, 3 mg K (in both topsoil and subsoil), 1.7 mg Mg and 20 mg Ca/100 g were released within 35 min. These levels were obtained with annual fertilizer application rates of 90 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅ and 110 kg K₂O/ha.Applications of 1.6 t CaO/ha every 4 years were sufficient to maintain the soil pH at 6.0–6.5. Calculated on the basis of EUF-Ca contents, with the amounts of K-selective minerals being taken into account, this rate of liming corresponds with the needs of acid sandy soils.     

成都平原不同土地利用方式对土壤剖面钾素分布的影响

为探索快速城市化背景下土地利用方式变化对土壤剖面钾素变化的影响,本研究选取成都平原4种典型土地利用方式(稻-麦、稻-蔬、稻-油和园林),基于187个土壤剖面数据,分析了不同土地利用方式下土壤剖面速效钾、缓效钾、矿物钾和全钾4种不同形态钾的含量特征及相互关系.结果表明: 从表层土壤来看,相较传统轮作(稻-麦、稻-油)而言,土地利用方式显著影响了土壤速效钾和缓效钾含量变化,稻-蔬轮作提高了表层土壤速效钾和缓效钾含量,园林用地则加剧了土壤速效钾和缓效钾的消耗.对于较为稳定的土壤矿物钾和全钾而言,其含量在不同土地利用方式间均无显著差异.从深层土壤来看,稻-蔬轮作方式下速效钾含量随土层加深下降最为明显,传统轮作土壤速效钾含量显著高于园林用地,缓效钾变化趋势与速效钾相反.不同土地利用方式土壤矿物钾和全钾含量差异较小.在4种土地利用方式中,稻-蔬轮作方式下表层土壤速效钾和缓效钾占全钾比例相对其他3种土地利用方式较高,20～40 cm土层,不同土地利用方式下速效钾占全钾比例均显著下降,缓效钾随土层向下比例变化与速效钾变化趋势恰好相反.矿物钾占全钾比例在不同土地利用方式下无显著差异.可见,不同土地利用方式对成都平原土壤速效钾和缓效钾在剖面中的分布具有显著影响.     

Freezing of isolated thylakoid membranes in complex media: I. The effect of potassium and sodium chloride,nitrate, and sulfate

Thylakoid membranes isolated from spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Monatol) were subjected to a freeze-thaw cycle in the presence of a buffered medium containing sorbitol as a cryoprotectant and various combinations of potassium and sodium chloride, nitrate, and sulfate. Above a certain total salt concentration, an increase in the concentration of a single electrolyte, or of potassium plus sodium salts with identical anions, always led to a decrease in photophosphorylation activity. A similar effect was obtained with combinations of nitrate plus chloride with identical cations and of KNO₃ plus NaCl. By contrast, in the presence of suitable combinations of NaNO₃ plus KCl, NaNO₃ plus sulfates, and chlorides plus sulfates, inactivation of photophosphorylation was diminished, sometimes dramatically, at initial molarities of nitrate or chloride which alone caused partial or complete membrane damage. When NaNO₃, KCl, and potassium or sodium sulfate were simultaneously present during freezing, thylakoids were affected very little over a wide range of concentration. Diminution or prevention of inactivation of photophosphorylation by suitable combinations of two or more cryotoxic inorganic salts can be explained by postulating that the different solutes act on different sites and that each reduces the concentration of the others by colligative action, together with specific effects of the various electrolytes on individual membrane sites.     

Response of wheat to levels of zinc and potash in calcareous soil

Summary A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Institute, Dholi during Rabi 1976–77 in sandy loam soil to study the interaction between zinc and potash in wheat. Zinc and potash were applied to the soil in the form of ZnSO₄ and KCl respectively. Interaction between zinc and potash was found significant. Both the levels of zinc sulphate 12.5 kg/ha and 25 kg/ha being at par produced significantly higher grain yield over control. There was significant increase in grain yield with application of 40 kg and 80 K₂O/ha over control. Potash at the rate of 120 kg in combination with 25 kg Zinc sulphate/ha decreased the yield.     

Balance sheet of soil phosphorus and potassium as influenced by intensive cropping and fertilizer use

Summary The balance sheet of phosphorus and potassium were worked out from a long term manure and fertilizer experiment conducted for eight years and is still continuing at Ranchi Agricultural College, Kanke, Ranchi, India. Increasing levels of fertilizer combination with organic manure and lime give the highest yield as well as removed the highest amount of phosphorus and potassium from the soil and gave the positive gain of soil phosphorus and potassium in intensive cropping. The highest gains of 59.0 and 278.0 kg/ha of phosphorus and potassium respectively were recorded in 150% NPK application.     

江汉平原不同氮肥运筹模式下豆麦和稻/麦轮作系统小麦产量和经济效益差异

研究江汉平原豆麦(大豆/小麦)和稻麦(水稻/小麦)轮作系统中冬小麦生长规律对氮肥运筹模式的响应,可为缩小两种轮作模式下的小麦产量差异提供理论依据。试验设置传统施肥(70%底肥,30%越冬期追肥)和优化施肥(1/3底肥,1/3越冬期追肥,1/3拔节期追肥)2个处理,并以不施氮处理为对照,分析了豆麦和稻麦轮作系统中冬小麦的生长规律、产量及产量构成因素、肥料利用率和施肥效益等。结果表明: 施氮和轮作模式均对小麦产量有显著影响,优化施肥产量显著高于传统施肥,两者产量差异在豆麦轮作系统下为920 kg·hm^-2,在稻麦轮作系统下为2195 kg·hm^-2。相同轮作模式下,传统施肥冬季、春季群体茎蘖数高于优化施肥,而优化施肥在整个生育期干物质总积累量较传统施肥高5%~31%(豆麦)和14%~28%(稻麦)。传统施肥下豆茬小麦产量较高的原因是穗数、成穗率、群体干物质积累量等均高于稻茬小麦;优化施肥下稻茬小麦产量较豆茬小麦增加幅度更大,表明优化氮肥模式可缩小豆麦与稻麦轮作中小麦的产量差异。两种轮作模式中小麦花后粒重分别呈现“慢-快-中”(豆麦)和“中-快-慢”(稻麦)的增加趋势;氮肥农学效率、小麦季纯收益等指标均以稻麦轮作优化施肥处理最高。综上,在江汉平原地区,稻麦轮作优化施肥处理下小麦群体结构合理,干物质积累量较高,产量和施肥效益增加显著,是江汉平原地区兼顾产量与施肥效益的最佳模式。