Combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer alleviates the kernel position effect in summer maize by promoting post-silking nitrogen uptake and dry matter accumulation

Adjusting agronomic measures to alleviate the kernel position effect in maize is important for ensuring high yields.In order to clarify whether the combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer(CAOFCF)can alleviate the kernel position effect of summer maize,field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons,and five treatments were assessed:CF,100%chemical fertilizer;OFCF1,15%organic fertilizer+85%chemical fertilizer;OFCF2,30%organic fertilizer+70%chemical fertilizer;OFCF3,45%organic fertilizer+55%chemical fertilizer;and OFCF4,60%organic fertilizer+40%chemical fertilizer.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments significantly alleviated the kernel position effect by increasing the weight ratio of inferior kernels to superior kernels and reducing the weight gap between the superior and inferior kernels.These effects were largely due to the improved filling and starch accumulation of inferior kernels.However,there were no obvious differences in the kernel position effect among plants treated with CF,OFCF3,or OFCF4 in most cases.Leaf area indexes,post-silking photosynthetic rates,and net assimilation rates were higher in plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2 than in those treated with CF,reflecting an enhanced photosynthetic capacity and improved postsilking dry matter accumulation(DMA)in the plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments increased post-silking N uptake by 66.3 and 75.5%,respectively,which was the major factor driving post-silking photosynthetic capacity and DMA.Moreover,the increases in root DMA and zeatin riboside content observed following the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments resulted in reduced root senescence,which is associated with an increased post-silking N uptake.Analyses showed that post-silking N uptake,DMA,and grain yield in summer maize were negatively correlated with the kernel position effect.In conclusion,the combined application of 15-30%organic fertilizer and 70-85%chemical fertilizer alleviated the kernel position effect in summer maize by improving post-silking N uptake and DMA.These results provide new insights into how CAOFCF can be used to improve maize productivity.

Hole fertilization in the root zone facilitates maize yield and nitrogen utilization by mitigating potential N loss and improving mineral N accumulation

Reducing environmental impacts and improving N utilization are critical to ensuring food security in China.Although root-zone fertilization has been considered an effective strategy to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE),the effect of controlled-release urea (CRU) applied in conjunction with normal urea in this mode is unclear.Therefore,a 3-year field experiment was conducted using a no-N-added as a control and two fertilization modes (FF,furrow fertilization by manual trenching,i.e.,farmer fertilizer practice;HF:root-zone hole fertilization by point broadcast manually) at 210 kg N ha^(–1) (controlled-release:normal fertilizer=5:5),along with a 1-year in-situ microplot experiment.Maize yield,NUE and N loss were investigated under different fertilization modes.The results showed that compared with FF,HF improved the average yield and N recovery efficiency by 8.5 and 22.3%over three years,respectively.HF had a greater potential for application than FF treatment,which led to increases in dry matter accumulation,total N uptake,SPAD value and LAI.In addition,HF remarkably enhanced the accumulation of ^(15)N derived from fertilizer by 17.2%compared with FF,which in turn reduced the potential loss of^(15)N by 43.8%.HF increased the accumulation of N in the tillage layer of soils at harvest for potential use in the subsequent season relative to FF.Hence,HF could match the N requirement of summer maize,sustain yield,improve NUE and reduce environmental N loss simultaneously.Overall,root-zone hole fertilization with blended CRU and normal urea can represent an effective and promising practice to achieve environmental integrity and food security on the North China Plain,which deserves further application and investigation.

Characterization and QTL identification in eggplant introgression lines under two N fertilization levels

Lowering nitrogen inputs is a major goal for sustainable agriculture.In the present study,a set of 10 Solanum melongena introgression lines(ILs)developed using Solanum incanum as the exotic donor parent were grown under two nitrogen fertilization doses supplied with the irrigation system:1)8.25 mmol·L-1NH4NO3,corresponding to the high nitrogen treatment(HN),and 2)no external nitrogen supply,corresponding to the low nitrogen treatment(LN).Twenty traits,including plant growth and yield parameters,fruit size and morphology,nitrogen and carbon content in leaf and fruit,and phenolics content in fruit,were evaluated.The aim was to select of potential materials for eggplant breeding under low N inputs,as well as to identify and locate putative QTLs associated with the traits evaluated.No significant differences were observed between the soil characteristics of the HN and LN treatments,except for nitrogen and iron content,which was slightly lower in the HN,probably as a consequence of higher nutrient removal from soil by plants in the latter group.Analysis of variance showed that lowering nitrogen inputs did not significantly affect the final yield,fruit morphology,size and phenolics content.Most agronomic traits were highly and positively correlated with each other under both treatments,as well as total phenolics with chlorogenic acid content.The assessment of the differences between each IL and the recipient parent resulted in the identification of 36 QTLs associated with most of the traits—12 were specific to the HN,17 specific to the LN,and 7 were stable across treatments.The introgressed fragment of S.incanum generally had a negative effect on the trait,except for QTLs for fruit dry matter,for fruit length on chromosome 10 under the HN,and for fruit pedicel length on chromosome 9 under the LN.The increase over AN-S-26 of the allele of S.incanum for the QTLs detected ranged between-73.98% and 26.03% in HN and-73.67%and 34.43% in LN.These findings provide useful tools for the utilization of S.incanum in eggplant breeding under lower nitrogen fertilization.

Impact of fertilization on chestnut growth, N and P concentrations in runoff water on degraded slope land in South China

Growing fruit trees on the slopes of rolling hills in South China was causing serious environmental problems because of heavy application of chemical fertilizers and soil erosion. Suitable sources of fertilizers and proper rates of applications were of key importance to both crop yields and environmental protection. In this article, the impact of four fertilizers, i.e., inorganic compound fertilizer, organic compound fertilizer, pig manure compost, and peanut cake （peanut oil pressing residue）, on chestnut （Castanea mollissima Blume） growth on a slope in South China, and on the total N and total P concentrations in runoff waters have been investigated during two years of study, with an orthogonal experimental design. Results show that the organic compound fertilizer and peanut cake promote the heights of young chestnut trees compared to the control. In addition, peanut cake increases single-fruit weights and organic compound fertilizer raises single-seed weights. All the fertilizers increased the concentrations of total N and total P in runoff waters, except for organic compound fertilizer, in the first year experiment. The observed mean concentrations of total N varied from 1.6 mg/L to 3.2 mg/L and P from 0.12 mg/L to 0.22 mg/L, which were increased with the amount of fertilizer applications, with no pattern of direct proportion. On the basis of these experiment results, organic compound fertilizer at 2 kg/tree and peanut cake at 1 kg/tree are recommended to maximize chestnut growth and minimize water pollution.

A Field Study on Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization Modes on Nutrient Uptake,Crop Yield and Soil Biological Properties in Rice-Wheat Rotation System

Rational application of nitrogen （N） fertilizers is an important measure to raise N fertilizer recovery rate and reduce N loss.A two-year field experiment of rice-wheat rotation was employed to study the effects of N fertilization modes including a N fertilizer reduction and an organic manure replacement on crop yield,nutrient uptake,soil enzyme activity,and number of microbes as well as diversity of microbes.The result showed that 20% reduction of traditional N fertilizer dose of local farmers did not significantly change crop yield,N uptake,soil enzyme activity,and the number of microbes （bacteria,actinomycetes,and fungi）.On the basis of 20% reduction of N fertilizer,50% replacement of N fertilizer by organic manure increased the activity of sucrose,protease,urease,and phosphatase by 46-62,27-89,33-46,and 35-74%,respectively,and the number of microbes,i.e.,bacteria,actinomycetes,and fungi by 36-150,11-153,and 43-56%,respectively.Further,organic fertilizer replacement had a Shannon＇s diversity index （H） of 2.18,which was higher than that of other modes of single N fertilizer application.The results suggested that reducing N fertilizer by 20% and applying organic manure in the experimental areas could effectively lower the production costs and significantly improve soil fertility and biological properties.

Soil pH Dynamics and Nitrogen Transformations Under Long-Term Chemical Fertilization in Four Typical Chinese Croplands

Long-term fertilization experiment provides the platform for understanding the proton budgets in nitrogen transformations of agricultural ecosystems. We analyzed the historical （1990-2005） observations on four agricultural long-term experiments in China （Changping, Chongqing, Gongzhuling and Qiyang） under four different fertilizations, i.e., no-fertilizer （control）, sole chemical nitrogen fertilizer （FN）, sole chemical phosphorous and potassium fertilizers （FPK） and chemical nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilizers （FNPK）. The significant decline in topsoil pH was caused not only by chemical N fertilization （0.29 and 0.89？pH at Gongzhuling and Qiyang, respectively） but also by chemical PK fertilization （0.59？pH at Gongzhuling）. The enhancement of available nutrients in the topsoil due to long-term direct nutrients supply with chemical fertilizers was in the descending order of available P （168-599%）〉available K （16-189%）〉available N （9-33%）. The relative rate of soil pH decline was lower under long-term judicious chemical fertilization （-0.036-0.034 ？pH yr-1） than that under long-term sole N or PK fertilization （0.016-0.086 ？pH yr-1）. Long-term judicious chemical fertilization with N, P and K elements decreases the nutritional limitation to normal crop growth, under which more N output was distributed in biomass removal rather than the loss via nitrate leaching. We concluded that the N distribution percentage of nitrate leaching to biomass removal might be a suitable indicator to the sensitivity of agricultural ecosystems to acid inputs.

Effects of long-term fertilization on soil gross N transformation rates and their implications

Application of fertilizer has been found to significantly affect soil N cycling. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of long-term fertilization on soil gross N transformation rates is still lacking. We compiled data of observations from 10 long-term fertilization experiments and conducted a meta-analysis of the effects of long-term fertilization on soil gross N transformation rates. The results showed that if chemical fertilizers of N, P and K were applied in balance, soil p H decreased very slightly. There was a significantly positive effect of long-term fertilization, either chemical or organic fertilizers or their combinations, on gross N mineralization rate compared to the control treatment（the mean effect size ranged from 1.21 to 1.25 at 95% confidence intervals（CI） with a mean of 1.23）, mainly due to the increasing soil total N content. The long-term application of organic fertilizer alone and combining organic and chemical fertilizer could increase the mineralization-immobilization turnover, thus enhance available N for plant while reduce N losses potential compared to the control treatment. However, long-term chemical fertilizer application did not significantly affect the gross NH4＋ immobilization rate, but accelerated gross nitrification rate（1.19; 95% CI： 1.08 to 1.31）. Thus, long-term chemical fertilizer alone would probably induce higher N losses potential through NO3– leaching and runoff than organic fertilizer application compared to the control treatment. Therefore, in the view of the effects of long-term fertilization on gross N transformation rates, it also supports that organic fertilizer alone or combination of organic and chemical fertilizer could not only improve crop yield, but also increase soil fertility and reduce the N losses potential.

Strategies for timing nitrogen fertilization of pear trees based on the distribution, storage, and remobilization of ^(15)N from seasonal application of (^(15)NH_4)_2SO_4

In order to improve the management of nitrogen(N) fertilization in pear orchards, we investigated the effects of application timing on the distribution, storage, and remobilization of N in mature pear trees in a field experiment at Jingtai County, Gansu Province, China. Nine trees were selected for the experiment and each received equal aliquots of 83.33 g N in the autumn, spring, and summer, with ^(15)N-labeled(NH_4)_2SO_4 used in one of the aliquots each season. Results showed that the(^(15)NH_4)_2SO_4 applied in the autumn remained in the soil during the winter. In the following spring this N was absorbed and rapidly remobilized into each organ, especially new organs(leaves, fruit and new shoots). The ^(15)N supplied in spring was rapidly transported to developing fruit between the young fruit and fruit enlargement stages. ^(15)N from the summer application of fertilizer was mainly stored in the coarse roots over the winter, then was mobilized to support growth of new organs in spring. In conclusion, for pear trees we recommend that the autumn application of N-fertilizer be soon after fruit harvest in order to increase N stores in fine roots. Spring application should be between full bloom and the young fruit stages to meet the high N demands of developing fruit. Summer application of fertilizer at the fruit enlargement stage does not contemporaneously affect the growth of pears, but increases the N stored in coarse roots, and in turn the amount available for remobilization in spring.

Effects of mixed fertilizers formed by the compounding of two targeted controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers on yield,nitrogen use efficiency,and ammonia volatilization in double-cropping rice

One-time application of mixed fertilizer formed by the compounding of two controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers(CRUs)with targeted N supply during the periods from transplantation(TS)to panicle initiation(PI)and from PI to heading(HS)is expected to synchronize the double-peak N demand of rice.However,its effects on the yield and N use efficiency(NUE)of labor-intensive double-cropping rice were unknown.Two targeted CRU(CRU_(A)and CRU_(B))were compounded in five ratios(CRU_(A):CRU_(B)=10:0,7:3,5:5,3:7,and 0:10)to form five mixed fertilizers(BBFs):BBF1-5.A field experiment was performed to investigate the characteristics of N supply in early and late seasons under different BBFs and their effects on N uptake,yield,and ammonia volatilization(AV)loss from paddy fields of double-cropping rice.Conventional high-yield fertilization(CK,three split applications of urea)and zero-N treatments were established as controls.The N supply dropped significantly with the increased compound ratio of CRU_(B)during the period from TS to PI,but increased during the period from PI to HS.With the exception of the period from TS to PI in the late rice season,the N uptake of early and late rice maintained close synchronicity with the N supply of BBFs during the double-peak periods.Excessive N supply(BBF1 and BBF2)in the late rice season during the period from TS to PI increased N loss by AV.The effect of BBF on grain yield increase varied widely between seasons,irrespective of year.Among the BBFs,the BBF2 treatment of early rice not only stabilized the spikelets per panicle but also ensured a high number of effective panicles by promoting N uptake during the period from TS to PI and a high grain-filling percentage by appropriately reducing the N supply at the later PI stage,resulting in the highest rice yield.While stabilizing the effective panicle number,the BBF4 treatment of late rice increased the number of spikelets per panicle by promoting N uptake during the period from PI to HS,resulting in the highest rice yield.The two-year average yield and apparent N recovery efficiency of the BBF2 treatment during the early rice season were 9.6 t ha 1 and 45.3%,while those of late rice in BBF4 were 9.6 t ha 1 and 43.0%,respectively.The yield and NUE indexes of BBF2 in early rice and BBF4 in late rice showed no significant difference from those of CK.The AVs of BBF2 during the early rice season and of BBF4 during the late rice season were 50.0%and 76.8%lower,respectively,than those of CK.BBF2 and BBF4 could effectively replace conventional urea split fertilization in early and late rice seasons,ensuring rice yield and NUE and reducing AV loss in paddy fields.

^(15)N同位素标记氮肥减施棉田养分利用效率分析

【目的】研究氮肥减施对棉花氮素吸收、转运及利用效率的影响,为绿洲滴灌棉田氮肥合理施用提供参考依据。【方法】利用^(15)N同位素示踪技术,采用盆栽试验,设置不施氮肥(N_(0))、氮肥减施(N_(1),225 kg/hm^(2))、当地推荐施肥(N 2,300 kg/hm^(2))3个处理,研究氮肥减施对棉花生物量、氮素吸收量、肥料氮吸收量以及氮肥利用率的影响。【结果】氮肥减施处理的棉花干物质积累量和氮素吸收量均显著高于不施氮处理(N_(0)),而与当地推荐施肥处理差异均不显著;氮肥减施处理棉花壳、籽的干物质量和籽的氮素吸收量均显著高于当地推荐施肥处理,分别增加了7.02%、6.81%和16.59%;2个施肥处理棉籽的肥料氮(^(15)N)积累量占比最高,占全株的26.02%~35.99%,其次为叶(22.40%~23.81%)和茎(14.48%~18.98%),絮中最少(3.05%~6.62%);氮肥减施处理生殖器官的肥料氮吸收量比当地推荐施肥处理高19.02%;2个施肥处理的棉株吸收的氮素来源于肥料氮的比例(Ndff%)为21.14%~21.70%;氮肥减施处理的氮肥利用率和表观利用率均显著高于当地推荐施肥处理,分别增加2.36%和3.12%。【结论】氮肥减施(225 kg/hm^(2))可以显著提高棉籽中的干物质量、氮素吸收量、肥料氮(^(15)N)吸收量、Ndff%以及棉花整株的氮肥利用率,在确保棉花产量不降低的前提下,适度的减少化肥施用量是提高化肥利用率最有效的措施之一。

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Runoff Losses from Orchard Soils in South China as Affected by Fertilization Depths and Rates

Fertilizers are heavily applied in orchards of the hilly and mountainous topography of South China and may increase nutrient loadings to receiving waters.A simple runoff collecting system was used to measure the effects of different fertilization treatments on total N and P concentrations of surface runoff in a Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) orchard in Dongyuan County,Guangdong Province,China.In such orchards,fertilizer was typically applied in two short furrows or pits on either side of each tree.Treatments included three application depths (surface,10cm and 20 cm),and three application rates (low,median and high).Results showed that 90.5% of the runoff water samples had a total N concentration higher than 0.35 mgL^(-1) and 54.2% had a total P concentration higher than 0.1 mgL^(-1).Fertilizer application at all depths and at all but the lowest rate significantly increased total N and P concentrations in runoff water.Fertilization with chemical compound fertilizer at a soil depth of 20cm produced significantly lower (P<0.05) total N concentration in runoff than both surface and 10-cm depth fertilization,and significantly lower (P<0.05) total P concentration in runoff than surface fertilization.Total N and P concentrations in runoff significantly increased with the application rate of organic fertilizers.With the exception of total P concentrations,which were not significantly different between the control and fertilization at a rate of 119 kg P ha-1 in organic form,all the other fertilization treatments produced significantly higher total N and total P concentrations in runoff than the control.A fertilization depth≥20cm and an application rate≤72 kg N ha^(-1) or 119 kg P ha^(-1) for compound organic fertilizer was suggested to substantially reduce N and P runoff losses from hillslope orchards and to protect receiving waters in South China.

Proton accumulation accelerated by heavy chemical nitrogen fertilization and its long-term impact on acidifying rate in a typical arable soil in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain

Cropland productivity has been significantly impacted by soil acidification resulted from nitrogen （N） fertilization, especially as a result of excess ammoniacal N input. With decades＇ intensive agricultural cultivation and heavy chemical N input in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, the impact extent of induced proton input on soil pH in the long term was not yet clear. In this study, acidification rates of different soil layers in the soil profile （0-120 cm） were calculated by pH buffer capacity （pHBC） and net input of protons due to chemical N incorporation. Topsoil （0-20 cm） pH changes of a long-term fertilization field （from 1989） were determined to validate the predicted values. The results showed that the acid and alkali buffer capacities varied significantly in the soil profile, averaged 692 and 39.8 mmolc kg-1 pH-1, respectively. A significant （P〈0.05） correlation was found between pHRC and the content of calcium carbonate. Based on the commonly used application rate of urea （500 kg N ha-1 yr-1）, the induced proton input in this region was predicted to be 16.1 kmol ha-1 yr-1, and nitrification and plant uptake of nitrate were the most important mechanisms for proton producing and consuming, respectively. The acidification rate of topsoil （0-20 cm） was estimated to be 0.01 unit pH yr-1 at the assumed N fertilization level. From 1989 to 2009, topsoil pH （0-20 cm） of the long-term fertilization field decreased from 8.65 to 8.50 for the PK （phosphorus, 150 kg P205 ha-1 yr-1; potassium, 300 kg K20 ha-1 yr-1; without N fertilization）, and 8.30 for NPK （nitrogen, 300 kg N ha-1 yr-1; phosphorus, 150 kg P2Os ha-1 yr-1; potassium, 300 kg K20 ha -1 yr-1）, respectively. Therefore, the apparent soil acidification rate induced by N fertilization equaled to 0.01 unit pH yr-1, which can be a reference to the estimated result, considering the effect of atmospheric N deposition, crop biomass, field management and plant uptake of other nutrients and cations. As protons could be consumed by some field practices, such as stubble return and coupled water and nutrient management, soil pH would maintain relatively stable if proper management practices can be adopted in this region.

Effect of chemical and organic fertilization on soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation in a newly cultivated farmland

Increased food demand from the rapidly growing human population has caused intensive land transition from desert to farmland in arid regions of northwest China. In this developing ecosystem, the optimized fertilization strategies are becoming an urgent need for sustainable crop productivity, efficient resources use, together with the delivery of ecosystems services including soil carbon（C） and nitrogen（N） accumulation. Through a 7-year field experiment with 9 fertilization treatments in a newly cultivated farmland, we tested whether different fertilizations had significant influences on soil C and N accumulation in this developing ecosystem, and also investigated possible mechanisms for this influence. The results showed that applying organic manure in cultivated farmland significantly increased the soil C and N accumulation rates; this influence was greater when it was combined with chemical fertilizer, accumulating 2.01 t C and 0.11 t N ha^（–1） yr^（–1） in the most successful fertilization treatment. These high rates of C and N accumulation were found associated with increased input of C and N, although the relationship between the N accumulation rate and N input was not significant. The improved soil physical properties was observed under only organic manure and integrated fertilization treatments, and the significant relationship between soil C or N and soil physical properties were also found in this study. The results suggest that in newly cultivated farmland, long term organic manure and integrated fertilization can yield significant benefits for soil C and N accumulation, and deliver additional influence on physical properties.

Fate of fertilizer nitrogen and residual nitrogen in paddy soil in Northeast China

The relationship between the fate of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and the N application rate in paddy fields in Northeast China is unclear,as is the fate of residual N.To clarify these issues,paddy field and15N microplot experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018,with N applications at five levels:0,75,105,135 and 165 kg N ha–1(N0,N75,N105,N135 and N165,respectively).15N-labeled urea was applied to the microplots in 2017,and the same amount of unlabeled urea was applied in 2018.Ammonia (NH3) volatilization,leaching,surface runoff,rice yield,the N contents and15N abundances of both plants and soil were analyzed.The results indicated a linear platform model for rice yield and the application rate of N fertilizer,and the optimal rate was 135 kg N ha–1.N uptake increased with an increasing N rate,and the recovery efficiency of applied N (REN) values of the difference subtraction method were 45.23 and 56.98%on average in 2017and 2018,respectively.The RENwas the highest at the N rate of 135 kg ha–1in 2017 and it was insignificantly affected by the N application rate in 2018,while the agronomic efficiency of applied N (AEN) and physiological efficiency of applied N (PEN) decreased significantly when excessive N was applied.N loss through NH3volatilization,leaching and surface runoff was low in the paddy fields in Northeast China.NH3volatilization accounted for 0.81 and 2.99%of the total N application in 2017 and 2018,respectively.On average,the leaching and surface runoff rates were 4.45% and less than 1.05%,respectively,but the apparent denitrification loss was approximately 42.63%.The residual N fertilizer in the soil layer (0–40 cm) was 18.37–31.81 kg N ha–1in 2017,and the residual rate was 19.28–24.50%.Residual15N from fertilizer in the soil increased significantly with increasing N fertilizer,which was mainly concentrated in the 0–10 cm soil layer,accounting for 58.45–83.54% of the total residual N,and decreased with increasing depth.While the ratio of residual N in the 0–10 cm soil layer to that in the 0–40 cm soil layer was decreased with increasing N application.Furthermore,of the residual N,approximately 5.4%was taken up on average in the following season and 50.2%was lost,but 44.4%remained in the soil.Hence,the amount of applied N fertilizer should be reduced appropriately due to the high residual N in paddy fields in Northeast China.The appropriate N fertilizer rate in the northern fields in China was determined to be 105–135 kg N ha–1in order to achieve a balance between rice yield and high N fertilizer uptake.

Optimizing N fertilizer use for sesame under rain fed and irrigation conditions in Northern Ethiopia

Inappropriate use of fertilizers is one of the major production constraints in sesame. Studies on N fertilizer optimization on sesame were conducted at Humera Agricultural Research Center(Hu ARC) under rain fed and irrigation conditions. Thirteen(13) N doses were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design(RCBD)during 2016–2018 for rainfed conditions and 2017 to 2019 for irrigation conditions. The study was conducted with objective to optimize N fertilizer use for sesame. In the rainfed condition, the results demonstrated a prolonged duration to reach 50% flowering with higher nitrogen(N) application rates. The application of 52.5–110kg N ha^(-1) resulted in significantly higher seed yield, while lower(18 kg N ha^(-1)) and higher(156 kg N ha^(-1)) doses of N led to reduced seed yield. Under irrigation conditions, superior seed weights and maximum seed yield were observed at 64 and 75 kg N ha^(-1), whereas lower N doses resulted in diminished seed yield. The agronomic efficiency of N fertilizer(N-AE) was found to be highest at the rate of 64 kg N ha^(-1) under both growing conditions.The partial budget analysis revealed that applying 64 kg N ha^(-1) for rainfed cultivation and between 64 and 75 kg N ha^(-1) for irrigated sesame production yielded greater net profit, MRR, and residual ranking. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a rate of 64 kg N ha^(-1) for rainfed sesame cultivation and between 64 up to 75 kg N ha^(-1) for the irrigated sesame inorder to increase the productivity of this crop.

Recent Trends and Recommendations for Nitrogen Fertilization in Intensive Agriculture in Eastern China

The Taihu Region in eastern China is one of China's most intensive agricultural regions and also one of the economically most developed areas. High nitrogen balance surpluses in the summer rice-winter wheat double-cropping systems are leading to large-scale non-point source pollution of aquifers. In an interdisciplinary approach, four-year (1995-1998) field trials were carried out in two representative areas (Jurong County and Wuxi City) of the Taihu Region. Five farmers' field sites were chosen in each of the 2 locations, with each site divided into 'standard' (farmers' practice) and 'reduced' (by 30%-40%) N fertilization. For both fertilization intensities, N balance surpluses and monetary returns from grain sales minus fertilizer expenditures were calculated in an economic assessment. Based on the field trials, the mineral N fertilizer application rates reduced by about 10% for rice and 20%-30% for wheat were recommended in 1999. Since 1999, the research focused on the trends in N fertilizer application rates and changes in grain and agricultural commodities prices.Summer rice N fertilizer use, in Wuxi City as of 2001, dropped by roughly 25%, while for winter wheat it decreased by 10%-20%, compared to the 1995-1998 period. This has been achieved not only by grain policy and price changes, but also by an increased environmental awareness from government officials. Nitrogen balance surpluses in Anzhen Town (of Wuxi City) have consequently diminished by 50%-75% in rice and by up to 40% in wheat, with reductions being achieved without concomitant decreases in physical grain yields or returns from sales minus fertilizer costs.

Available Silicon Contents of Paddy Soils and the Effect of Silicon Fertilization on Rice in Sichuan Province

ＡｖａｉｌａｂｌｅＳｉｌｉｃｏｎＣｏｎｔｅｎｔｓｏｆＰａｄｄｙＳｏｉｌｓａｎｄｔｈｅＥｆｆｅｃｔｏｆＳｉｌｉｃｏｎＦｅｒｔｉｌｉｚａｔｉｏｎｏｎＲｉｃｅｉｎＳｉｃｈｕａｎＰｒｏｖｉｎｃｅＨＵＡＷＥＮ－ＱＩＮＧ（ＩｎｓｔｉｔｕｔｅｏｆＳｃｉｅｎｔｉｆｉ...

Effect of Long-Term Fertilization on Soil Productivity and Nitrate Accumulation in Gansu Oasis

A long-term （1982-2001） field experiment was conducted in a calcareous soil under wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）-wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）-maize （Zea mays L.） rotation system at Zhangye, Gansu Province, China to determine the effects of long-term fertilization on crop yield, nutrients interactions, content and accumulation of nitrate-N in soil profiles. Twenty- four plots in a split-plot factorial with a combination of eight treatments （from nitrogen （N）, phosphorus （P）, potassium （K） and farmyard manure （M） applications） and 3 replications were selected. Main treatments were M and without M, and the sub-treatments were no-fertilizer （CK）, N, NP and NPK. When P and K fertilizers were part of treatments, their ratio to N was 1N：0.22P：0.42K. All M, P and K fertilizers were applied as the basal dressing. The grain yield was harvested each experimental period and straw yield for the period from 1988 to 1997. After crop harvest in 2000, the soil was sampled from the 0-20, 20-60, 60-100, 100-140 and 140-180 cm depths to determine NO3^--N content. Maize yield of CK in 2000 was only 28.2% of that in 1984, and wheat in 2001 was 25.7% of that observed in 1982. Average impact of fertilizers on grain yield decreased in the order of N 〉 M 〉 P 〉 K. Yield response to N and P fertilizers increased with progress of the experiment. The impact of K fertilizer showed no increase in grain yield during the initial 6 years （1982-1987）, moderate increase in the next 5 years （1988-1992）, and considerable increase in the last 9 years （1993-2001）. The straw yield trend was similar to grain yield. Accumulation and distribution of NO3^--N in soil was significantly affected by annual fertilizations. Mineral fertilizers （NP and NPK） led to NO3^- -N accumulation in most subsoil layers, with major impact in the 20-140 cm depth. The combination of mineral fertilizers and farmyard manure （MNP and MNPK） reduced soil NO3^--N accumulation in comparison to mineral fertilizers, It can be argued that long-term fertilization significantly enhanced grain and straw yield in this rotation scheme. The findings of this research suggest that it is important to balance application of mineral fertilizers and farmyard manure in order to protect soil and underground water from potential NO3^--N pollution while sustaining high productivity in the oasis agro-ecosystem.

The Growth of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)on Non Tidal Lowland Soil through Enrichment of Azolla and Different Level Fertilization Dosage(N and P)

Rice can grow in the non tidal lowland despite its limited soil fertility.One of the biofertilizers that can be used to improve fertility is azolla.This research aims to evaluate the growth of rice in non tidal lowlands using azolla to enrich the soil and different dosage of N(Nitrogen)and P(Phosphate)fertilization.A FCRD(Factorial Completely Randomized Design)was adopted consisting of 3 treatment factors,namely concentrations of N with doses of N1:46 kg/ha;N2:69 kg/ha;N3:92 kg/ha;P with P1:34 kg/ha;P2:68 kg/ha;and the application of azolla(A0:without azolla and A1:with 100 g/m2 azolla).The result showed that enriching the soil with azolla,fertilization dosage N and P,has a significant effect on plant height in the 4th WAP(Week After Planting).Furthermore,the interaction between azolla and N significantly influences panicle number,grain weight,and plant height at 2nd,4th,and 8th WAP.Conclusively,the application of azolla,N,and P fertilization supplied nutrients to rice crops in the non tidal lowland.