Optimized NPK fertilizer recommendations based on topsoil available nutrient criteria for wheat in drylands of China

The optimized management of crop fertilization is very important for improving crop yield and reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers.Critical nutrient values can be used for evaluating the nutritional status of a crop,and they reflect the nutrient concentrations above which the plant is sufficiently supplied for achieving the maximum potential yield.Based on on-farm surveys of 504 farmers and 60 field experimental sites in the drylands of China,we proposed a recommended fertilization method to determine nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),and potassium(K)fertilizer input rates for wheat production,and then validated the method by a field experiment at 66 different sites in northern China.The results showed that wheat grain yield varied from 1.1 to 9.2 t ha^(-1),averaging 4.6 t ha^(-1),and it had a quadratic relationship with the topsoil(0-20 cm)nitrate N and soil available P contents at harvest.However,yield was not correlated with the inputs of N,P,and K fertilizers.Based on the relationship(exponential decay model)between 95–105%of the relative yield and topsoil nitrate N,available P,and available K contents at wheat harvest from 60 field experiments,the topsoil critical nutrient values were determined as 34.6,15.6,and 150 mg kg^(-1)for soil nitrate N,available P,and available K,respectively.Then,based on five groups of relative yield(>125%,115–125%,105–115%,95–105%,and<95%)and the model,the five groups of topsoil critical nutrient levels and fertilization coefficients(Fc)were determined.Finally,we proposed a new method for calculating the recommended fertilizer input rate as:Fr=Gy×Nr×Fc,where Fr is the recommended fertilizer(N/P/K)input rate;Gy is the potential grain yield;Nr is the N(N_(rN)),P(N_(rP)),and K(N_(rK))nutrient requirements for wheat to produce 1,000 kg of grain;and Fc is a coefficient for N(N_c)/P(P_c)/K(K_c)fertilizer.A 2-year validated experiment confirmed that the new method reduced N fertilizer input by 17.5%(38.5 kg N ha^(-1))and P fertilizer input by 43.5%(57.5 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1))in northern China and did not reduce the wheat yield.This outcome can significantly increase the farmers’benefits(by 7.58%,or 139 US$ha^(-1)).Therefore,this new recommended fertilization method can be used as a tool to guide N,P,and K fertilizer application rates for dryland wheat production.

Effectiveness of biofertilizers foliar application on yield and quality traits of flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax is considered to be one of the most significant dual-purpose crops for oil and fiber production in Egypt and worldwide.Biofertilizers have a substantial impact on various metabolic processes,including increased photo-synthesis,endogenous hormone levels,ion absorption,nucleic acid synthesis,and protein synthesis.These factors collectively contribute to the growth and development of plants.Therefore,this study aims to investigate how three biofertilizers(Algae extract,CMS as a by-product of yeast,and Metalosate multi minerals as amino acids)can enhance both the quantity and quality of flax seed yield under sandy soil conditions.Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Station of National Research Centre in Nubaria District,Behira Governorate,Egypt during two seasons(2021/2022)using a randomized complete block design(RCBD).The results revealed significant differences among all tested biofertilizers in terms of various characteristics studied in flax.Foliar application of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 mL/L resulted in an increase in seed yield(ton/ha)by 26.69%&19.89%,straw yield(ton/ha)by 8.08%&17.12%,and oil yield(kg/ha)by 47.72%&33.69%compared to the control group during both seasons respectively.Foliar applications of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 mL/L along with CMS at a rate of 5 m L/L and amino acids at a rate of 1.50 mL/L demonstrated significantly higher macronutrient contents(N,P,K),micronutrient contents(Fe,Zn,Mn),seed oil content,and protein content in flax seeds during both seasons.The highest values for seed oil content and protein content%were obtained through foliar application of amino acids at a rate of 1.50 mL/L.It can be concluded that foliar sprays with these bio-fertilizers effectively improved flax performance by increasing seed straw and oil yields,nutrients oil,protein and fatty acids seeds contents.

Effect of Slow and Controlled Release Fertilizers on the Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Hot Pepper in Qiu-bei

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of slow and controlled release fertilizers（SCRF）on the yield of qiubei hot pepper,its nutrient use efficiency and environment.[Method] Using Qiubei hot pepper（Capsicum frutescens L.）as the experimental material,we studied the fertilization effect and environment-protecting effect of SCRF.[Result] The result showed that SCRF could improve the agronomic characteristics of hot pepper.Compared to singly applied common fertilizers,SCRF increased economic yield by 20.90% and economic benefit by 13 234.35 Yuan/hm2,and the ratio of output to input was improved by 47.93%.In comparison with common straight fertilizers at same NPK proportion and rate,SCRF increased economic yield by 5.26% and economic benefit by 5 554.80 Yuan/hm2,and the ratio of output to input was improved by 9.91%.Under the reduced use of SCRF by 20%,SCRF increased economic yield by 12.38% and economic benefit by 9595.20 Yuan/hm2 compared with singly applied common fertilizers,and the ratio of output to input was improved by 65.95%.SCRF improved nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium use efficiencies by 12.42-17.53,3.35-5.24 and 5.37-14.02 percents respectively.[Conclusion] As the result of much reduced N and P application rates,SCRF would significantly economize fertilizer resources and minimize the pollution caused by the loss of fertilizer nutrients,which is of practical importance for environment protection.

Effects of Slow Release Fertilizer on the Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Carnation and Its Environmental Protection Effect

[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of slow release fertilizer on the yield,economic benefit and nutrient use efficiency of carnation and environmental pollution.[Method] Taking carnation（Dianthus caryophyllus）as research object,the application effect and environmental protection effect of slow release fertilizer on carnation were discussed through field plot test.[Result] The main agronomic characters of carnation improved after the application of slow release fertilizer;compared with Conv-F treatment,the yield of carnation with slow release fertilizer increased by 18.67%-20.83%,and its economic benefit increased by 105 500 yuan/hm2,while the ratio of output to input improved by 74.29%;under the same NPK ratio and nutrient amount,the yield,economic benefit and ratio of output to input of carnation after the application of slow release fertilizer increased by 2.11%,14 800 yuan and 16.2%,respectively;besides,the application of slow release fertilizer improved the nutrient use efficiency of carnation,and N,P and K nutrient use efficiency in Opt-F-0.7% treatment increased by 13.88%,8.57% and 30.14% compared with Conv-F treatment.[Conclusion] Slow release fertilizer could not only reduce the waste of fertilizer resources and improve fertilizer use efficiency but also decrease the pollution caused by nutrient loss,which had important practical significance for protecting ecological environment and promoting the sustainable development of agriculture.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Mode on Sugarcane Yield and Soil Nutrient Change

[Objective] The aim was to improve use ratio of N fertilizer in sugarcane production and reduce N pol ution in agricultural production. [Method] With ROC22 as materials, N fertilizer quantities were set, including 38, 276 and 414 kg N/hm2, according to three fertilization approaches （approach 1： N fertilizer at 10% as base fertilizer, 30% N fertilizer applied to soil dressing, 60% N fertilizer applied to big ridging; approach 2： 30% N fertilizer as base fertilizer, 70% N fertilizer applied to soil dressing; approach 3： 100% N fertilizer as base fertilizer）. Some sugarcane in-dices, such as agronomic traits, yield and soil nutrients, were measured to research the relationship of N fertilizer with sugarcane growth and soil nutrients. [Result] Sug-arcane yield was increasing upon N fertilizer and reached the peak with N fertilizer at 276 kg N/hm2. In addition, early application of N fertilizer would promote sugar-cane jointing, growth and increase sugarcane yield. Nitrogen and available K con-tents were increasing upon N fertilizer, but excessive N fertilizer also caused soil acidification. N fertilizer applied early could help dissolve soil phosphate and improve phosphorus absorption and utilization. Applying N fertilizer completely as base fertil-izer was likely to cause N loss and low use efficiency. [Conclusion] The appropriate application mode for sugarcane is to apply N fertilizer twice at 138-276 kg N/hm^2.

Effects of Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizer on Seedling Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Bitter Gourd

Different application rates of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer （CRFN） were designed to evaluate their effects on the growth and root morphology of bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L.） seedlings, and thus determine the optimal nitrogen amount and suitable nitrogen content in substrate at seedling transplanting,, in com- parison with conventional fertilizer application. CRFN was applied at five levels, 0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 kg N/m3, and conventional fertilizer was applied at 0.6 kg N/m3 as control. Four replicates were included in each treatment. The results showed that 0.6-2.4 kg N/m3 CRFN provided sufficient N nutrient for bitter gourd, with higher shoot and root dry weights, root length and root surface area than control treat- ments. Correspondingly, the total inorganic nitrogen in substrate ranged from 99.3 to 162.5 mg/pot at seedling transplanting in these treatments. 1.2 kg N/m3 was proven to be the optimal CRFN rate. Compared with conventional nitrogen fertilizer applica- tion, 1.2 kg N/m3 CRFN in substrate increased the dry weight, nitrogen uptake and improved root morphology indices of seedlings, and more than 83.3 mg/pot inorgan- ic nitrogen could be carried with substrate at transplanting, revealing a potential to reduce N-deficient risk after rain and basal N input by continuous release of CRFN.

Improvement of soil fertility and rice yield after long-term application of cow manure combined with inorganic fertilizers

Fertilization is an effective technique to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.The long-term effects of different fertilizers on soil considerably vary.Over 38 consecutive years of different fertilization positioning experiments in a double cropping rice field of Qiyang Red Soil Experimental Station,seven different fertilization treatments including CK(no fertilization),NPK(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizer),M(cow manure),NPKM(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium with cow manure),NPM(nitrogen and phosphorus with cow manure),NKM(nitrogen and potassium with cow manure),and PKM(phosphorus and potassium with cow manure)were applied to study the effects on rice yield,soil fertility,and nutrient apparent balance in a paddy field.The results showed that the annual average yields of rice in NPKM,NPM,NKM,PKM,M,NPK and CK treatments ranged from 6214 to 11562 kg ha-1.Yields under long-term organic and inorganic treatments(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were 22.58,15.35,10.53 and 4.41%,respectively,greater than under the NPK treatment.Soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),available nitrogen(AN)and available potassium(AK)concentration with long-term organic and inorganic treatment(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were significantly higher than in inorganic fertilizer(NPK)treatments.Soil total phosphorus(TP)and available phosphorus(AP)contentration with organic fertilizer combined with inorganic N and P fertilizer treatment(NPKM,NPM and PKM)were significantly higher than with inorganic fertilizer alone(NPK treatments).The average annual rice yield(11562 kg ha-1),SOC(20.88 g kg-1),TN(2.30 g kg-1),TP(0.95 g kg-1),TK(22.50 g kg-1)and AP(38.94 mg kg-1)concentrations were the highest in the NPKM treatment.The soil AN concentration(152.40 mg kg-1)and AK contentration(151.00 mg kg-1)were the highest in the NKM treatment.N and P application led to a surplus of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil,but NPKM treatment effectively reduced the surplus compared with other treatments.Soils under all treatments were deficient in potassium.Correlation analysis showed that SOC,TN,AN,TP,and AP contentration was significantly correlated with rice yield;the correlation coefficients were 0.428,0.496,0.518,0.501,and 0.438,respectively.This study showed that the combined application of N,P,and K with cow manure had important effects on rice yield and soil fertility,but balanced application of N,P,and K with cow manure was required.

Effects of Silicon-Based Fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Rice in Tropical Zone of Vietnam

Application of silicon(Si) could greatly boost rice yield and mitigate abiotic stress,especially drought.A field experiment was conducted during 2015 at the research farm of Hong Duc University,Thanh Hoa City,Vietnam,to evaluate the effects of five different combined doses of standard fertilizer practice and Si fertilizer on growth,yield and yield components,as well as nutrient uptake of rice.The treatments consisted of the recommended dose of fertilizer(RDF,110 kg/hm^2 N + 90 kg/hm^2 P_2O_5 + 80 kg/hm^2 K_2O) as the control,RDF + 100 kg/hm^2 SiO_2,RDF + 200 kg/hm^2 SiO_2,RDF + 300 kg/hm^2 SiO_2 and RDF + 400 kg/hm^2 SiO_2.The results showed that the growth,grain and straw yields as well as yield components(number of grains per panicle,seed-setting rate and 1000-grain weight) were significantly affected by Si application.The highest grain yield of 3 705 kg/hm^2 was obtained with the highest level of Si fertilizer in combination with RDF(RDF + 400 kg/hm^2 SiO_2),however,it was statistically at par with the yields obtained with RDF + 300 kg/hm^2 SiO_2(3 664 kg/hm^2) and RDF + 200 kg/hm^2 SiO_2(3 621 kg/hm^2).The optimum dose of Si fertilizer with maximized grain yield(3 716 kg/hm^2) was 329 kg/hm^2 SiO_2.The nutrient(Si,N,P and K) uptakes of rice were also significantly enhanced by Si application.Si application at the level of 329 kg/hm^2 along with RDF would help in the sustainable production of rice in the tropical zone of Vietnam.

Effects of biochar-based fertilizers on nutrient leaching in a tobacco-planting soil

Biochar is a soil amendment for increasing soil quality and decreasing nutrient leaching. However, there is little information on the impact of biochar-based fertilizer(BF) on soil nutrient leaching in agricultural soils. We conducted a soil column leaching experiment to study the effects of BF on the leaching of total nitrogen(TN), total phosphorus, and total potassium(TK) in tobacco soils. The distribution characteristics of NH_4^+-N, available P, and available K in soil profiles were analyzed after the application of BF. Biochar was prepared by pyrolysis of fluecured tobacco stems. It was applied at four levels, 0%, 3%,9%, and 15%(w/w), respectively, to the compound fertilizer. Compared with the control, the leaching loss of soil TN decreased by 8.36%, 6.72%, and 6.45%, and the loss of soil TK decreased by 9.18%, 9.31% and 11.82% in the 3%,9%, and 15% BF treatments, respectively. However, BF had no significant effect on the P leaching due to the low movement of P in the soil profile. In addition, the BF addition increased the immobilization of NH_4^+-N, available P, and available K in the soil profile. These results indicate that addition of BF to a tobacco-planting soil reduced nutrient leaching, and suggest that BF could be an effective method of applying biochar to agriculture fields.

Effects of Organic Manure Application with Chemical Fertilizers on Nutrient Absorption and Yield of Rice in Hunan of Southern China

To evaluate the effect of organic manure application with chemical fertilizers on rice yield and soil fertility under long-term double-rice cropping system, a six year field experiment was conducted continually in the paddy soil derived from Quaternary red clay in Hunan Province of southern China. Four different treatments, i.e., no nitrogen with chemical P and K （PK）, swine manure only （M）, N, P and K chemical fertilizers only （NPK）, and half chemical fertilizers combined with half swine manure （NPKM） with four replications were included. Each N, P and K application rate was the same at all the treatments （except the N application rate at PK） and N application rate was 150 kg N ha^-1. All fertilizers were applied to soil tillage layer with once application as baseal fertilizers. The nutrients uptake rate, grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil organic matter content at each treatment were investigated. The NPKM treatment achieved the highest mean annual yield of 12.2 t ha^-1 （68% higher than that of PK）. Higher dry matter accumulation and nutrients absorption were observed during the middle-late growth period in the NPKM treatment, with higher panicle number per unit and filled-grain number per panicle. Its average nitrogen use efficiency was 36.3% and soil organic matter increased by 18.5% during the experimental period in the NPKM treatment, which were significantly higher than those in the NPK treatment. Organic manure application with chemical fertilizers increased the yield and nitrogen use efficiency of rice, reduced the risk of environmental pollution and improved soil fertility greatly. It could be a good practical technique that protects the environment and raises the rice yield in this region.

Biomass and nutrients allocation in pot cultured beech seedlings:influence of nitrogen fertilizer

Allocation of biomass and nutrient elements including Nitrogen to above and belowground compartments of beech seedlings （Fagus sylvatica L.） treated by labeled nitrogen fertilizer in the form of 15NH4 and 15NO3 were investigated at the end of two successive growing seasons. Pot cultured beech seedlings were grown at a green house on intact soil cores sampled from three adjacent stands including beech, Norway spruce and mixed beech-spruce cultures of Soiling forest, Germany. Comparing biomass allocation and nutrients concentrations of the seedlings between the control and 15N-fertilized treatments revealed no significant effect of N fertilization on nutrients uptake by seedlings over the experiment. The form of N input influenced its movement into plant pools. It was demonstrated that beech seedlings take up nitrogen mainly in the form of nitrate, which is then reduced in the leaves, although the differences between the retention of NO3^--N and NH4^＋-N in plants were not statistically significant. Percent recoveries of 15N in trees were typically greater after 15NO3 than after 15NH4 additions. It was indicated that immobilization of ~SN tracer in fine roots was a slower process comparing other plant compartments such as stem and coarse roots, but a powerful sink for N during the course of study.

Effects of Magnesium Compound with Fertilizer on Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni) Growth and Soil Nutrients

Effects of two kinds of magnesium compound with fertilizer on Daylily （Hemerocallis citrina Baroni） growth, yield, and soil nutrients in red soil were studied. The results indicated that significant effects of magnesium applied to soils were observed in increasing Daylily （Hemerocallis citrina Baroni） yield, improving its growth, and strengthening its antivirus property as well as increasing the amount of exchangeable Mg, N, P, and K in red soil. In particular, the effects of magnesium compound fertilizer Ⅱ （MCF2） with higher Mg content were better than that of the others, which increased Daylily （Hemerocallis citrina Baroni） yield by 57.4, 32.8, and 14.5% compared to that of control treatment （CK）, chemical fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium treatment （CF）, and magnesium compound fertilizer Ⅰ treatment （MCF1） with lower Mg content. It increased soil Alkali N, available P, exchangeable K, and exchangeable Mg by 94.9, 46.5, 31.1, and 35.3%, respectively, compared with that of CK treatment. Therefore, the application of magnesium compound with fertilizer is an optimum method for improving red soil quality.

A Rapid Technique for Prediction of Nutrient Release from Polymer Coated Controlled Release Fertilizers

Controlled release fertilizers (CRF) are produced with different rates and durations of nutrient release to cater to different crops with wide ranges of nutrient requirements. A rapid technique is needed to verify the label specifications of nutrient release rate and duration. Polymer-coated urea (PCU) (43% nitrogen [N]) and polymer-coated N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) (PC_NPK;14-14-14) fertilizer products were used in this study. Soil incubation of the above CRF products at 25℃ showed that 63.6% to 70.8% of total N was released over 220 days (d). At 100℃ in water 100% of N release occurred in about 168 to 216 hours (h). Regression equations were developed for cumulative nutrient release as a function of release time separately at 25℃ and 100℃. Using the above regressions, the release duration for a given percent nutrient release at each temperature was calculated. These values were then used to establish a relationship between the release duration at 25℃ as a function of that at 100℃. This relationship is useful to predict the release duration at 25℃ of an unknown CRF product by conducting a rapid release test in water at 100℃. This study demonstrated that a rapid nutrient release test at 100℃ successfully predicted nutrient release rate and duration at 25℃, for polymer coated fertilizers. Therefore, this rapid test can be used to verify the label release rate and duration of most CRF products.

Effect of Balanced Application of Potash Fertilizer on the Yield of Rice Yongyou 15 and Soil Nutrient Content

By the field experiment,we set up the treatments of non-application of potash fertilizer,conventional fertilization,balanced fertilization and halved application of potash fertilizer,and studied the effect of different treatments on rice yield and soil nutrient content. The results showed that compared with non-application of potash fertilizer,conventional fertilization and balanced fertilization significantly increased the spike length,thousand kernel weight,yield and total potassium content of the stalk,as well as soil organic matter,total nitrogen and available phosphorus content; compared with conventional fertilization,the balanced fertilization did not significantly increase the rice growth and yield,but effectively increased rice grain total nitrogen,stalk total nitrogen and total phosphorus content,as well as soil available phosphorus and available potassium content. It could be found that potash fertilizer played a certain role in increasing rice yield and soil nutrient content,and the balanced fertilization had the most significant effect.

Effects of Different Chemical Fertilizer Reduction Techniques on Flue-cured Tobacco Production

[Objectives]This study was conducted to find out the most suitable special formula fertilizer for flue-cured tobacco production in tobacco-growing areas of Zhaotong City,so as to provide a basis for scientific fertilization and reduced application of inorganic fertilizers with improved efficiency in tobacco production in Zhaotong City.[Methods]Different formulas of special base fertilizer and special topdressing for tobacco were designed by optimizing and adjusting the application amounts and proportions of nitrogen,phosphorus,potassium and medium trace elements in fertilizer formulas,and the formulas of special base fertilizer and special topdressing for flue-cured tobacco production were selected through a field plot experiment.[Results]The combination of special base fertilizer and special topdressing was conducive to the early growth and rapid growth of tobacco plants under the condition of reduced fertilizer application,and the treatment using organic-inorganic compound fertilizer as the special base fertilizer was the most obvious,with an average growth period of two days increased.Compared with conventional fertilization,the yield,output value,average price,proportion of superior tobacco and proportion of medium and superior tobacco increased in the organic-inorganic compound fertilizer treatment,with the yield increasing by 5.96%,the output value increasing by 17.08%,the average price increasing by 10.49%,the proportion of superior tobacco increasing by 4.63%,and the proportion of medium and superior tobacco increasing by 2.44%.It was concluded from indexes including growth period,agronomic traits,disease incidence and economic traits,the fertilization mode of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer with the addition of trace elements(boron,magnesium and zinc)applied as the base fertilizer and nitrogen and potassium topdressing was most efficient and economic.[Conclusions]This study provides a basis for scientific fertilization and reduced application of inorganic fertilizers with improved efficiency in tobacco production in Zhaotong City.

Growth and nutrient accumulation of Brazil nut trees(Bertholletia excelsa) in agroforestry at different fertilizer levels

The Brazil nut tree（Bertholletia excelsa） is a frequent component of agroforestry systems in the Amazon because of its adaptation to nutrient-poor upland soils and multiple uses.We investigated the aboveground biomass production（kg dry weight）,nutrient uptake and requirements（N,P,Ca,Mg,K） of Brazil nut trees of different sizes grown under agroforestry conditions and fertilized at different levels.Eight of 70 experimental trees with different size were harvested and stem,branches and leaves were separated.Nutrient contents were determined for three trees of varying size.Average tree growth was fast,but variability was high,suggesting considerable potential for the improvement of this economically important species.The trees responded to increased levels of fertilizer and lime with significantly increased foliar nutrient contents and growth,probably because of the improved availability of Mg and Ca for which the species seems to have a relatively high demand.In contrast to Brazil nut trees grown in forest or dense plantations,the agroforestry trees invested a substantial part of their biomass and nutrients in large branches and developed spreading crowns.To improve stem form,reduce competition with associated crops for light and recycle nutrients,regular pruning of lower branches or planting arrangements that favor self-pruning are recommended.These measures would also increase the recycling of Ca and Mg,large quantities of which are contained in the branches.

The Input of Chemical Fertilizer and Soil Nutrient in Apple Orchard

In order to get the formation about the content of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen in soil, available phosphorus and available potassium, and the input of chemical fertilizer in apple orchard, we survey 25 peasant households' input of chemical fertilizer in apple orchard, and collect soil samples for measuring and analysis. The results show that the average input of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrient is 839.6 kg/hm2, 520.4 kg/hm2, and 899.7 kg/hm2, respectively; the input proportion of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium nutrient is 1∶0.62∶1.07; in 0-60cm soil, the average content of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen is 53.49 mg/kg, the average content of available phosphorus in soil is 70.73 kg/mg, and the average content of available potassium in soil is 180.1 mg/kg (the proportion of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen to available phosphorus to available potassium in soil is 1:1.32:3.37). It indicates that the overall level of input of chemical fertilizer in apple orchard is relatively high; the content of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen in soil is very low on the whole, the content of available phosphorus in soil is very high, and the content of available potassium in soil is high.

Effects of Different Drip Irrigation Fertilizers on Nutrient Levels in Celery and Soil under Drip Irrigation

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different fertilizers on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ＇absorption and distribution by celeo, and the changes of soil nutrients in the 0 -40 cm soil layer under drip irrigation, so as to provide a theoretical basis for nutrient management of greenhouse celery culti- vation and special fertilizer development. With celery as an experiment material and the ratio of conventional fertilization as control treatment, the effects of different ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on nutrient absorption by celery and changes of soil nutrients were investigated by plot experiment in greenhouse. The results showed that the contents and distribution proportions of N and P in leaf were higher than those in stem, while for K, the content and distribution proportion were higher in stem than in leaf. The absorption amount of K was the highest in celery, followed by N, and the absorption amount of P element was the least. The mean ratio of N, P and K in celery was 1：0.556： 1.609. There were evident dynamic changes in contents of soil available nutrients in the 0 -20 cm soil layer in various growth stages of celery under different drip irrigation fertilizers. The contents of soil available nutrients were higher on the 28＇h , 47~ and 83＇h d ＂after fieht planting, while those before field planting and after harvest were lower. So the amounts of soil available nutrients were closely related to the growth stage of celery. In the whole growth period of celery, the mean input amounts of N, P205 and K20 were 805, 1 049 and 916 kg/hm2 , respectively, but the absorption amounts of nutrients by celery were far less than inputs, and the amounts of N, P205 and K20 absorbed by celery＂ were only 23% -26% , 10% and 31% -35% of the appli- cation amounts, respectively. The apparent balance of N, P2 O5 and Kz O were 613,943 and 609 kg/hm2 , respectively, indicating excess fertilization in this experi- ment. Under this experiment condition, Tj （ N： PzOs： K20 = 1 ： 0.63： 1.08） favored increase of celery yield and absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and petassium by celery. The results will provide a scientific basis for study and utilization of special fertilizer for drip irrigation on celery. Key words Drip irrigation; Fertilizer for drip irrigation; Celery; Soil nutrient; Apparent balance

Effects of Lignin on Root Activity and Soil Nutrients of <i>Malus hupehensis</i>. var. <i>pingyiensis</i>under the Use of Organic Fertilizer

One-year Malus hupehensis. var. pingyiensis seedlings potted in soil mixed with 10% or 40% organic fertilizer were treated with two concentrations of lignin (1.5 and 2.5 g·kg-1), and detected the effects of lignin on root activity and soil nutrients in rhizosphere soil of Malus hupehensis. var. pingyiensis. (1) Lignin improved root activity of Malus hupehensis. var. pingyiensis, increased soil available nitrogen contents and soil organic matter contents. (2) Under 10% organic fertilizer, lignin improved soil available P and K contents. The root activity in Malus hupehensis. var. pingyiensis was the largest in 2.5 g·kg-1?lignin treatment. (3) Under 40% organic fertilizer, compared with the CK2 (the treatment of soil with organic fertilizer content 40%), lignin decreased the content of rhizosphere soil available K. 1.5 g·kg-1 lignin treatment had obviously increased the content of soil available P. The root activity was the largest in 2.5 g·kg-1 lignin treatment, while the content of rhizosphere soil available K lowered 8.5% compared with that of CK2 in the same treatment. Lignin changed the soil nutrients, 2.5 g·kg-1 lignin significantly improved root activity of Malus hupehensis. var. pingyiensis. The results provided a theoretical basis for the regulation of root activity and soil nutrients in Malus hupehensis. var. pingyiensis.

Application of Secondary Nutrient Fertilizer Produced by Leili Group in Rice in Lichuan City

On basis of tests in regions with different elevations, rice sprayed with secondary nutrient fertilizers （×1 000） produced by Beijing Leili Group would signifi-cantly increase yield and incomes, which can be widely applied in Lichuan City or similar areas. With the fertilizer applied, rice yield can be improved by 292.5-505.5 kg/hm2, with increase of 6.63%-10.92%; farmer’s incomes can be enhanced by 877.5-1 516.5 yuan/hm2, with net income growth of 783-1 422 yuan; output-to-input rate kept in 8.29-15.05. The increased rice yield is mainly contributed by the in-creases of setting percentage and thousand-seed weight, of which the former＇s role is more significant. Hence, the fertilizer can be widely applied in Lichuan and similar regions.