Nutrient Balance in Relation to High Yield and Good Quality of Potato on an Acid Purple Soil in Chongqing,China

A field experiment was carried out to study nutrient balance among N, P, K and Mg in potato cultivation on an acid purple soil in Chongqing, China. The experiment included 8 treatments with equal P rate of 120 kg P2O5 hm-2: N0K2, N1K2, N2K2, N3K2, N2K0, N2K1, N2K1Mg and N2K3, where N0, N1, N2 and N3 stand for the N rates of 0, 75, 150 and 225 kg N hm-2, and K0, K1, K2 and K3 for the K rates of 0, 165, 330 and 495 kg K2O hm-2, respectively. Among the treatments designed, Thatment N2K2 with a nutrient supply ratio of N:P2O5:K2O:MgO = 1.25:1:2.75:0.28 gave the highest tuber yield and dry matter, highest starch and Zn and lowest NO3- contents in tuber, and high N, P and K use efficiency with an uptake ratio of N:P:K:Mg = 11.38:1:13.32:0.33 by tuber. Yield and starch and protein contents of tuber were the lowest in Treatment N0K2. Dry matter was the lowest but protein and NO3- contents were the highest in Treatment N2K0. Treatment N2K1Mg had the highest N, P and K utilization rates. Statistical analysis showed that yields of tuber and starch were in a positive linear correlation with the uptake amount of various nutrients and protein of the potato tuber was in a significantly positive linear correlation with tuber N cotent and in a significantly negative linear correlation with tuber K and Mg contents. Balanced application of N, P, K and Mg fertilizers (Treatmeat N2K2) was recommended for realization of high yield and good quality in potato cultivation.

Effect of Biofertilizer on Biomass Productivity, Nutrient Balance and Soil Fertility in Rainfed Organic Ginger Production System

Farmers of North-Eastern India grow ginger organically and obtain low yield. Biofertilizer may help in increasing yield and maintaining soil fertility. An investigation made with different biofertilizers showed that seed treatment with biofertilizer increased biomass by 18.3%, enhanced N, P and K removal and improved short-term soil fertility status by increasing N and P balance and reducing negative K balance over control plots. Use of high dose （5.0 kg haL） of Azotobacter （a3） and medium dose （3.75 kg hal） of both Azospirillum （b2） and Phosphotica （c2） increased rhizome biomass by 6.8%-12.5% and shoot biomass by 5.6%-14.3% over other levels. They enhanced N, P and K removal by both rhizome and shoot when compared with other levels. The above biofertilizer treatments improved organic carbon and available N and P status of the soil by increasing N and P balance. The result showed overall strong negative K balance; but biofertilizer treatments greatly reduced the negative K balance in soil as compared to the control plots. Seed treatment with high level of Azotobacter along with medium level of Phosphotica （a3c2） produced the highest biomass yield （7.4 t hal）, increased N and P balance and fertility status in spite of hizh N, P and K removal.

Distribution of Nutrients in Arable Land Soil of Western Hainan

[Objective] This study aimed to reveal distribution characteristics of soil nutrients in tropical farmland, thereby providing a reference for cropland management and balanced fertilization in the tropical area. [Method] Combining field survey and laboratory analysis, distribution status of nutrients in arable land of Baisha Li Autonomous County of Hainan Province was investigated. [Result] The soil in Baisha Li Autonomous County was acidic in overall with average pH value of 5.0. it had medium organic matter level （average of 19.3 g/kg） and rich alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content, but was lack of available phosphorus and available potassium. The spatial distribution of available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassi- um in the soil was uneven. The spatial distribution of soil nutrients was mainly related to soil parent materials of the investigated area and pH value of the investigated soil. [Conclusion] According to the distribution characteristics of nutrients in the soil, awareness of land use and land maintenance should be strengthened, application amount of organic fertilizers should be increased, chemical fertilizers should be applied rationally, and fertilization structure should be optimized in the future.

Nutrient Status and Dynamics of Trifolium spp. at Different Growing Stages

The nutrient status and dynamics of three clover （Trifolium spp.） varieties at different growth stages were investigated with the crude protein content as an indicator of nutrient equilibrium. The crude protein, neutral detergent fiber （NDF）, phosphorus （P）, and calcium （Ca） content followed a decreasing trend at the initial growing stage and increased later. NDF and Ca content peaked in May, while crude protein and P content reached the highest in May and the lowest in July. The crude ash content followed an uncertain pattern as plants growing. The ash content of both wild-type red clover （T. pratensis L.） and ＇Sativum＇ decreased at the beginning and then increased. However, the ash content of ＇Revendef white clover （T. repens L.） decreased all through the experimental period. The general trend was observed for all three clover varieties as the ash content was the highest at vegetative growing stage （May）, and the acidic detergent fiber （ADF） content increased with time. The nutrient equilibrium value was ranked as ＇Revendei＇〉wild-type red clover〉＇Sativum＇.

Nutrients Flow as Affected by Cropping System and Production Niche in Smallholder Farmers of Cyabayaga Watershed

Nutrient-balance assessments are valuable tools for both planning and monitoring the implementation of sustainable integrated soil fertility management strategies. The aim of this study was to assess nutrient flows as affected by cropping systems and production niche in soils of Cyabayaga watershed. yabayaga watershed is located in Nyagatare district, Eastern province of Rwanda. Production niches considered are homestead fields, remote hillside fields and wetland fields. Partial nutrient (N, P and K) flows were collected through a survey using MonQi structured questionnaire, administrated to a random sample of 35 farmers. There was nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) negative balances (– 67.5 kg N ha-1 season-1 and – 7.7 kg K ha-1 season-1 respectively) whereas phosphorous (P) balance was positive (17.4 kg P ha-1 season-1). N, P and K balances were negative in bean, maize-bean, cassava, groundnut, maize, onion, sorghum and tomato and positive in rice, banana and banana-bean. Highest amount of nutrients were significantly allocated in wetland fields while allocation of nutrients in homestead fields and remote hillside fields was almost the same. Groundnut and maize plots were experiencing highest negative nutrients balance (e.g. N balance in groundnut plot was – 40.6 N ha-1 season-1). N and K balance were positive in rice and banana plots;whilst P balance was positive in banana, bean, maize, rice and tomato plots. Partial nutrients flow and balance from this study show that nutrient depletion is a problem in the study area. A special attention should be put to fertility management and alternative solution for less fertile soil (uplands in particular), especially for farm that have reduced land size. From this respect, conservation agriculture is the main farm management which could be recommended.

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.

Long-term conservation tillage results in a more balanced soil microbiological activity and higher nutrient supply capacity

Soil health depletion due to intensive tillage operations is a global issue in the agricultural sector.Conservation tillage(CT)which involves non-inversion tillage and leaving~30%of the soil surface covered with crop residues,is a strategy designed to enhance soil health.However,no comprehensive study to investigate the long-term effect of CT on soil biological activity and the soil nutrient supply has yet been widely carried out.Biological and chemical soil properties were assessed at depths 0-5,10-15,and 20-25 cm depths after 18 years of CT and conventional tillage practice(PT).Various stages in the vegetative growth of maize were investigated in 2021 in Hungary.The findings indicated that tillage intensity,soil depth,and growth stages all significantly influenced soil enzyme activities and the concentration of soil nutrients.Less soil disturbance resulted in a significantly larger concentration of soil carbon parameters(total organic carbon and labile carbon)in CT plots,where the activity ofβ-glucosidase and dehydrogenase(DHA)in the upper soil layer increased significantly(0.7-2.6 and 2.6-4.7 times,respectively)compared to PT.The high amount of organic matter and the greater resistance to erosion observed in CT also contributed to the higher concentration of available nutrients(NH_(4),NO_(3),Ca,K)and total P in the surface soil layer.Phosphatase activity was highest in the mid-stage of vegetative growth and was positively correlated to the total P concentration.The alterations in soil water content were clearly negatively corelated with the change in DHA and phosphatase activity.Overall,due to the more balanced environmental conditions,the decomposition of organic substances was more balanced and slower in CT than in PT.This implied that the mobilization of nutrients in the soil was more balanced as well,and that the nutrients were released gradually.The enhancement of the soil nutrient-supplying capacity achieved by means of long-term conservation tillage provides a promising strategy for sustainable nutrient management.

Advances in low-protein diets for swine

Recent years have witnessed the great advantages of reducing dietary crude protein(CP) with free amino acids(AA)supplementation for sustainable swine industry, including saving protein ingredients, reducing nitrogen excretion, feed costs and the risk of gut disorders without impairing growth performance compared to traditional diets. However, a tendency toward increased fatness is a matter of concern when pigs are fed low-protein(LP) diets. In response, the use of the net energy system and balanced AA for formulation of LP diets has been proposed as a solution. Moreover, the extent to which dietary CP can be reduced is complicated. Meanwhile, the requirements for the first five limiting AA(lysine, threonine, sulfur-containing AA, tryptophan, and valine) that growing-finishing pigs fed LP diets were higher than pigs fed traditional diets, because the need for nitrogen for endogenous synthesis of non-essential AA to support protein synthesis may be increased when dietary CP is lowered. Overall, to address these concerns and give a better understanding of this nutritional strategy, this paper reviews recent advances in the study of LP diets for swine and provides some insights into future research directions.

A Dynamic Knowledge Model for Nitrogen Fertilizationin Wheat Management

By analyzing and extracting the research progress on nitrogen fertilization in wheat, a dynamic knowledge model for management decision-making on total nitrogen rate, ratios of organic to inorganic and of basal to dressing nitrogen under different environments and cultivars in wheat was developed with principle of nutrient balance and by integrating the quantitative effects of grain yield and quality targets, soil characters, variety traits and water management levels. Case studies on the nitrogen fertilization model with the data sets of different eco-sites, cultivars, soil fertility levels, grain yield and quality targets and water management levels indicate a good performance of the model system in decision-making and wide applicability.

Statistical analysis of nitrogen use efficiency in Northeast China using multiple linear regression and Random Forest

Understanding the spatial-temporal dynamics of crop nitrogen(N)use efficiency(NUE)and the relationship with explanatory environmental variables can support land-use management and policymaking.Nevertheless,the application of statistical models for evaluating the explanatory variables of space-time variation in crop NUE is still under-researched.In this study,stepwise multiple linear regression(SMLR)and Random Forest(RF)were used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of NUE indicators(i.e.,partial factor productivity of N(PFPN);partial nutrient balance of N(PNBN))at county scale in Northeast China(Heilongjiang,Liaoning and Jilin provinces)from 1990 to 2015.Explanatory variables included agricultural management practices,topography,climate,economy,soil and crop types.Results revealed that the PFPN was higher in the northern parts and lower in the center of the Northeast China and PNBN increased from southern to northern parts during the 1990–2015 period.The NUE indicators decreased with time in most counties during the study period.The model efficiency coefficients of the SMLR and RF models were 0.44 and 0.84 for PFPN,and 0.67 and 0.89 for PNBN,respectively.The RF model had higher relative importance of soil and climatic covariates and lower relative importance of crop covariates compared to the SMLR model.The planting area index of vegetables and beans,soil clay content,saturated water content,enhanced vegetation index in November&December,soil bulk density,and annual minimum temperature were the main explanatory variables for both NUE indicators.This is the first study to show the quantitative relative importance of explanatory variables for NUE at a county level in Northeast China using RF and SMLR.This novel study gives reference measurements to improve crop NUE which is one of the most effective means of managing N for sustainable development,ensuring food security,alleviating environmental degradation and increasing farmer’s profitability.

A Review and Recommendations for Promoting Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture in Korea

The objective of this study was to provide a macroscopic evaluation review of environmentally-friendly agriculture （EFA） status and then suggest policy recommendations for promoting EFA in Korea. Amid considerable challenges, including food security, many small-scale farms with increasingly aged farm population and growing competition, agri-environmental indicators （AEIs） and EFA certificate performance shed light on the fact that the trend of the state of the environment reversed, albeit with room to improve. Identifying positive contributions to EFA made by target-oriented long-term EFA plans and the direct payment scheme, this paper suggests to enrich the agricultural information systems, a system approach to agri-environmental resource management, and make a transition toward the low inputs farming systems.

Characteristics, Fertility Status and Fertility Capability Classification of Steep Slope Soils of the Dschang Cliff (Cameroon Western Highlands)

Mountainous ecosystem soils are subject to colonization nowadays for agricultural purposes due to an increasing population in towns making the detailed characterization of such soils indispensable. This work aims to characterize the steep slopes soils of the Dschang hills and to evaluate their fertility level for agricultural valorization. Thus, four soil profiles were dug at various topographic positions (summit (SP), shoulder (MP), backslope (BP) and footslope (PP)) following a toposequence. Samples of disturbed and undisturbed soils were taken and analyzed in the laboratory according to standard methods. The Fertility Capability Classification (FCC) and simple limitation methods were used to identify major agricultural constraints. The main results show that profiles thickness is moderate, between 0 and 120 cm, with a high sand content (at least 50%) over the entire toposequence, especially at the surface. The study site has four types of soils, namely Eutric Cambisols (ochric) in SP and Leptic Eutric Cambisols (Humic) in MP, Eutric Cambisols (Humic) in BP and Stagnic Oxygleyic Dystric Gleysols (Humic) in pp. The soils are very acidic at PP, moderately acidic at BP and SP and slightly acidic at MP. Organic matter is higher at the surface than at depth at the topographic segments of MP, BP and PP and low to SP. The C/N ratio is high (>17) in all profiles except P4 (<10). In addition, the cation exchange capacity (CEC), the sum of exchangeable bases, total nitrogen and available phosphorus is low in all profiles. The Ca/ Mg/K balance in all the profiles shows a cation imbalance and a relatively high concentration of exchangeable potassium compared to the ideal situation (76% Ca, 18% Mg and 6% K). The major constraints to crop production are: aluminum toxicity (a) and nutrients leaching (e), textural discontinuity (LS), flooding (g), low nutrient reserve (k), sand (S), clay (C) and slope (t). Hence the fertility capacity classes of these soils are CCaegk (PP), SSek (BP), SSte (MP) and LSaek (SP). To improve the yield, it will require off-season crop cultivation, fertilization and liming, and earthworks.

Optimization of fertilizer performances in long-term garlic cropping soils

Continuous cropping is a common pattern of modern agriculture that takes regional advantages for crop yield profits.Along the progress of mono-cropping continuously supported by intensive fertilizer inputs,such a cropping pattern often undergoes serious problems with low fertilizer use efficiencies and unsustainable crop production.In this study,we dealt with a>25-year continuous garlic cropping system as an example for a problem-solving investigation.These garlic cropping soils underwent problems characterized by loss of soil organic matter,dramatic retention of NH_(4)^(+)-N,and excess accumulation of phosphate and potash chemicals.Through hydroponic simulations,we revealed that the presence of NH_(4)^(+)-N inhibited the root uptake of NO_(3)^(-)-N and K by 68% and 88%,respectively.Despite the traditionally emphasized importance of K,we observed the negative effect of high K on the growth of garlic roots.Further field experiments demonstrated that P and K applications can be reduced by 60% and 50%,respectively,without loss of yield.We thus developed a high-performance fertilization strategy by integrating a recomposed NPK fertilizer formulation to reduce unnecessary P and K inputs,a supplementary application of long-lasting C of woody peat to compensate for the soil C loss,and a foliar K approach to strengthen the stomatal function improvement with K.This strategy allowed a 15% increase of garlic yield and a seasonal soil C profit of ca.1.8 Mg ha^(-1)even at ca.30% lower fertilizer cost.This study would be helpful in managing garlic fertilization and developing compound fertilizers,with broader significance for other long-term cropping soils.

Manure nutrient application on a Chinese dairy farm with arable land:A case study based on Dutch experience of equilibrium fertilization

For a Chinese dairy farm with 2200 milking cows,the annual manure production and manure nutrients(nitrogen and phosphorus)were estimated.Gaseous nitrogen losses from cattle housing with scraped solid floors were based on on-farm measurements.Based on experiences from the Netherlands,nutrient levels in the solid and liquid fractions after slurry separation were estimated.On the basis of assumptions for nutrient losses during covered lagoon storage and land application of the liquid fraction,nitrogen and phosphorous fertilization rates were calculated for the 67 hm^(2)of agricultural land that receive the liquid fraction by gravity irrigation.The results show that the application rates of nitrogen and phosphorous significantly exceed the crop needs,which will probably result in losses to soil and water.In order to aim for a balance between nutrient application and crop needs and,as such,reduce environmental harm,the authors recommend to establish application standards for nitrogen and phosphorous on arable land in China and to formulate farm-specific Nutrient Management Plans.

Fertilization and Catch Crop Strategies for Improving Tomato Production in North China

Overuse of fertilizers and the resultant pollution and eutrophication of surface and groundwater is a growing issue in China. Consequently, improved management strategies are needed to optimize crop production with reduced nutrient inputs. Conventional fertilization （CF）, reduced fertilization （RF）, and reduced fertilization with maize （Zea mays L.） as a summer catch crop （RF＋C） treatments were evaluated in 2008 and 2009 by quantifying tomato （Lycopersieon esculentum） fruit yield and soil nutrient balance in a greenhouse tomato double-cropping system. Fertilizer nitrogen （N） application was reduced by 37% in the RF and RF＋C treatments compared to the CF treatment with no significant reduction in fruit yield. Mean soil mineral N （Nmin） content to a depth of 180 cm following tomato and maize harvest was lower in the RF and RF＋C treatments than in the CF treatment. Residual soil Nmin content was reduced by 21% and 55% in the RF and RF＋C treatments, respectively, compared to the CF treatment. Surplus phosphorus （P） and potassium （K） contents in the RFWC treatment were significantly lower than those in the RF treatment, mainly due to additional P and K uptake by the catch crop. We concluded that for intensive greenhouse production systems, the RF and RF＋C treatments could maintain tomato fruit yield, reduce the potential for nitrate （NO3^--N） leaching, and with a catch crop, provide additional benefits through increased biomass production.

Soils and Surface Waters as Affected by Long-Term Swine Slurry Application in Oxisols of Southern Brazil

The accelerated expansion of swine production in Brazil has increased the generation of liquid wastes, which are usually applied to agricultural soils after a simplified treatment and pose potential environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to assess the agronomic and environmental impacts of long-term application of swine slurry(SS) on soil and stream water properties in watersheds dominated by Oxisols in Quinze de Novembro of Southern Brazil. Soil samples(0–30 cm) were collected from farms with continuous application of SS since 1990 at low(40–80 m3 SS ha-1year-1) and high(120–300 m3 SS ha-1year-1) rates of SS. Surface water samples were collected from streams adjacent to the farm fields. Long-term SS application did not change total organic C and particulate organic C compared to cropland and woodland soils without SS application. The high rates of SS increased total N, P, Cu,and Zn and available P and Cu in the topsoil(0–10 cm) compared to woodland and cropland soils without SS application. Surface water analyses showed that fecal coliform bacteria and biological oxygen demand exceeded the legal limits for high quality water(Class 1). Other water parameters(such as NO-3, phosphate and total suspended solids) were within the acceptable limits. Long-term disposal of SS in cropland under no-tillage had impaired water quality in Quinze de Novembro, especially biological parameters. Some best management practices should be adopted, including more rigorous control of SS application to cropland as well as requiring edge-of-field and riparian vegetative buffers.

Phosphorus status, use and recycling in a Chinese peri-urban region with intensive animal husbandry and cropping systems Results from case study in a Sino-German applied research collaboration project

The Sino-German research collaboration project,"Recycling of organic residues from agricultural and municipal origin in China"(2008–2012),comprising different interdisciplinary research groups,and also German small and medium-sized enterprises,aimed at developing integrated strategies and solutions for the recycling of organic residues in China.In an intensive crop-livestock agricultural region in the Shunyi District of Beijing,five typical cropping systems were investigated.The research was conducted in the form of analyses of phosphorus(P)in soil,plants,animal feed,animal products,manures,mineral and organic fertilizers and the derivation of the corresponding nutrient balances and P flows.The mean annual P balance surplus was492 kg·ha–1·yr–1 P for the vegetable production system,significantly higher(P<0.05)than that for orchards(130 kg·ha–1·yr–1 P)and cereal crops(83 kg·ha–1·yr–1 P).Plant-available P(Olsen-P)concentrations of topsoils(0–20 cm)had good correlations with the amounts of P applied(from mineral and organic sources).Compared to results from the Second Chinese National Soil Survey of 1981,mean concentrations of available P in soils of 19 plots investigated in Shunyi District increased 10-fold(from 7.3 to 60 mg·kg–1)from 1981 to 2009.On average,the critical limit for Olsen-P concentrations(>30 mg·kg–1)that can lead to increased risk of P loss was exceeded in all five cropping systems.With feed additives,the"natural background value"(Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Soils)of copper and zinc in topsoils was exceeded at several sites.Screening for several substances in the veterinary antibiotic classes of sulfonamides,tetracyclines,and fluoroquinolones revealed widespread topsoil contamination.Calculated livestock densities were 10.6 livestock units per ha arable land in 2007.Animal husbandry is increasingly conducted in large operations,making traditional ways of reuse difficult to apply.Comparing three management systems for treatment of organic residues from a pig farm via aerobic(composting)or anaerobic(biogas)treatment in a life cycle assessment,the resulting cropland demand for a sustainable land application of biogas effluent varied between 139 and 288 ha·yr–1,well above the cropland area owned by the farm(10 ha).The mismatch problems in the above context between business-as-usual and improving performance are framed and discussed as(1)the mismatch between centralized animal husbandry and smallholder farming,(2)the mismatch between livestock density and cropland,(3)nutrient(including P)recycling and increasing organic matter content versus energy production,(4)subsidies for compost production and biogas,as well as(5)advances in the regulatory framework in China.