Effects of Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield and Nitrogen Accumulation of Summer Maize in Shajiang Black Soil Area

[Objectives] This study was conducted to verify the field application effect of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on summer maize in Shajiang black soil area by simultaneous sowing and fertilization, and explore the application scope and nitrogen metabolism mechanism, so as to lay a foundation for fertilizer reduction and efficiency improvement. [Methods] With maize variety Beiqing 340 and sulfur-coated urea as experimental materials, five nitrogen application levels were set, namely, control (C0), slow-release nitrogen 70 kg/hm^(2) (C70), slow-release nitrogen 140 kg/hm^(2) (C140), slow-release nitrogen 210 kg/hm^(2) (C210) and slow-release nitrogen 280 kg/hm^(2) (C280). The phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were all in accordance with the unified standard. [Results] With the application rate of slow-release nitrogen increasing, the nitrogen accumulation in organs increased first and then decreased after tasseling stage of maize. In order to reduce the fertilizing amount and increase efficiency, 210 kg/hm^(2) of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was the best fertilizing amount for summer maize in Shajiang black soil area. [Conclusions] This study provides reference for fertilizer reduction, efficiency improvement and sustainable development of summer maize in Shajiang black soil area.

Optimization of slow-release fertilizer application improves lotus rhizome quality by affecting the physicochemical properties of starch

To achieve the dual goals of high yield and good quality with low environmental costs,slow-release fertilizer(SRF)has been widely used in lotus cultivation as new type of fertilizer instead of traditional nitrogen fertilizer.However,the optimal amount of SRF and how it would promote lotus rhizome quality remain unclear.This study was designed to investigate the photosynthetic characteristics and the synthesis,accumulation,and physicochemical properties of lotus rhizome starches under six SRF levels(CK,S1,S2,S3,S4,and S5).Compared with CK(0 kg ha^(–1)),the net photosynthetic rate(P_(n))and SPAD values of leaves remained at higher levels under SRF treatment.Further research showed that SRF increased the lotus rhizome yield,the contents of amylose,amylopectin,and total starch,and the number of starch granules.Among the six SRF levels,S3(1035 kg ha^(–1))showed the greatest difference from CK and produced the highest levels.With the increasing SRF levels,the peak,hot and final viscosities decreased at first and then increased,but the setback viscosity and pasting temperature increased.In order to interpret these changes at the molecular level,the activities of key enzymes and relative expression levels of starch accumulation related genes were analyzed.Each of these parameters also increased under SRF treatment,especially under the S3 treatment.The results of this study show that SRF,especially S3(1035 kg ha^(–1)),is a suitable fertilizer option for lotus planting which can improve lotus rhizome quality by affecting starch accumulations related enzymes and genes.These results will be useful for SRF application to high-quality lotus rhizome production with low environmental costs.

Impacts and Demonstration Effects of Applying Long-acting Slow-release Fertilizer on Economic Yield of Peanut

[Objectives]To study the impacts and demonstration effects of long-acting slow-release fertilizer application on economic yield of peanut.[Methods]The 25,30,35,40,45,50 kg of long-acting slow-release fertilizers were applied to 667 m 2 of peanuts,and different amounts of urea were applied together.[Results]Applying 40 kg of long-acting slow-release fertilizer and 10.45 kg of urea had the best effect.Compared with the application of ordinary compound fertilizers,the plants did not age prematurely,the leaf diseases were mild,the stems and leaves remained dark green when harvested,and the stems and leaves had a longer functional period.Bearing shoots increased by 1.7,single-plant full pods increased by 2.4,double-seed peanuts increased by 3.2,empty pods decreased by 0.5,and single-seed peanuts decreased by 0.7.The experimental demonstration results show that the spring-sowed peanuts had an average yield increase of 29.0-67.2 kg/667 m 2,and the yield increase rate was 7.35%-16.89%,and the difference was extremely significant.[Conclusions]In the high-yield cultivation of peanuts,the application of long-acting slow-release fertilizer can be promoted to improve peanut production.

Hybrid rice yield response to potted-seedling machine transplanting and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application combined with urea topdressing

Machine transplanting and the application of slow-release nitrogen(N) fertilizer(SRNF) have played vital roles in the modernization of rice production. We aimed to determine the effects of potted-seedling transplanting—a new machine-transplanting method—and SRNF on hybrid rice yields. A 2-year splitplot experiment(2016–2017) was conducted in Meishan, Sichuan province, China, using two machinetransplanting methods(potted-seedling and blanket-seedling) and three N treatments. Total green leaf area, high-effective leaf area and its rate at heading, net photosynthetic rate of flag leaves 7 days after heading, glutamate synthase(GOGAT) and glutamine synthase(GS) activity after heading, dry matter production, and N accumulation at heading and maturity increased under the potted-seedling method or 70% SRNF as a base + 30% urea application at the panicle initiation stage(SBUP). Stem diameter and number of small and of all vascular bundles at the neck–panicle node in potted-seedling plants increased as a result of increasing numbers of effective panicles, secondary branches, and spikelets. In pottedseedling plants, treatment with SBUP increased the number of large and total vascular bundles at the panicle–neck internode and the number of differentiated and surviving secondary branches and spikelets and decreased the number of ineffective tillers and degenerated secondary branches and spikelets. We conclude that the potted-seedling machine transplanting method and SRNF combined with urea topdressing can strengthen the source–sink relationship in rice, resulting in higher yields.

Effect of slow-release iron fertilizer on iron-deficiency chlorosis, yield and quality of Lilium davidii var.unicolor in a two-year field experiment

Iron deficiency chlorosis of Lilium davidii var. unicolor is often the case in practice in alkaline soils of northwest region of China. It is difficult to control iron chlorosis because of high cost and short effective work time of conventional iron fertilizers. In this study, a 2-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two slow-release fertilizers on the suppression of iron deficiency chlorosis, soil chemical properties, and the yield and quality of L. davidii var. unicolor. Results show that both coated slow-release iron fertilizers and embedded slow-release iron fertilizer effectively controlled iron-deficiency chlorosis. The application of slow-release iron fertilizers significantly increased plant height and chlorophyll content of L. davidii var. unicolor at different growth stages. Furthermore, coated iron fertilizer application significantly increased starch, protein, soluble sugar and vitamin C content of L. davidii var. unicolor, and it also significantly improved total amino acid content, with increases in essential amino acids(Trp, Leu, Lys, Phe, Val, and Thr contents) and in nonessential amino acids(Asp, Glu, Cit, Ihs, Acc, Ala, Pro, and Cys contents). It was concluded that application of coated slow-release iron fertilizer could be a promising option for suppression of iron deficiency chlorosis and deserves further study.

Effects of Slow-release Fertilizers and Sugarcane-specific Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Sugarcane

The effects of slow-release fertilizers and sugarcane-specific fertilizers on the growth and quality of sugarcane were studied to provide a theoretical basis for cultivation of sugarcane with lower costs but higher efficiency. Field experiments were carried out in two major sugarcane areas in Guangxi and three fertilization treatments were studied: single application of compound fertilizers( treatment I),compound fertilizers + slow-release fertilizers( treatment II) and sugarcane-specific base fertilizers + sugarcane-specific topdressing( treatment III). Effects of equal fertilization conditions of treatment I,II and III on growth,yield and sugar of sugarcane were studied. The three fertilization treatments had little effects on emergence,tillering,and effective stems of sugarcane,but compared with the treatment of compound fertilizer( treatment I) with a ratio of N,P,and K of 1∶1∶1,treatment II using slow-release fertilizers as topdressing had better growth,higher plant height and stem diameter,so the yield was higher. Treatment III designed sugarcane-specific fertilizers with proper ratio according to fertilizer demands of sugarcane. Besides,the treatment III sugarcane-specific base fertilizers,containing certain amount of organic matters,could promote the sugar accumulation of sugarcane. Therefore,the sugarcane yield of treatment III was higher than that of treatment II. In conclusion,slow-release fertilizers and sugarcane-specific fertilizers can significantly increase sugarcane yield,especially sugarcane-specific fertilizers. Sugarcane-specific fertilizers have reasonable ratio and contain certain amount of organic matters,and can increase sugar content,obtain significant economic benefits,so it is worth popularization in large areas.

Delaying application time of slow-release fertilizer increases soil rhizosphere nitrogen content,root activity,and grain yield of spring maize

Application of slow-release fertilizer(SF)is a nutrient-management measure aimed at improving maize nutrient use and yield and saving labor cost.One-time application of SF at sowing usually results in nutrient deficiency during the post-silking stage,owing to the long growth period of spring maize.This study was conducted to investigate the effects on spring maize of SF application stage(zero,three-,and six-leaf stages,designated as SF0,SF3,and SF6,respectively)on grain yield,total soil rhizosphere nitrogen(N)content,and root activity,in comparison with the conventional fertilization mode(CF,application of compound fertilizer at sowing time,and topdressing urea at six-leaf and tasseling stages)at the same fertilization level as the control.Compared with no fertilization(F0)and CF,SF increased grain number and weight.The maize cultivars Suyu 30(SY30)and Jiangyu 877(JY877)produced the highest grain yield and net return under SF6 treatment over the three years.SF6 increased enzymatic activities including oxidoreductase,hydrolase,transferase,and lyase in rhizosphere soil at silking(R1)and milking stages(R3).SF6 increased the total N contents of rhizosphere soil by 7.1%at R1 and 9.2%R3 stages compared with SF0.The activities of antioxidant enzymes in roots were increased under SF6 treatments at R1and R3.The mean root activities of SF0,SF3,and SF6 increased by 7.1%,12.8%,and 20.5%compared with CF at R1 and by 8.8%,13.0%,and 23.5%at R3.Delaying the application time of SF could increase grain yield by increasing total N content of rhizosphere soil,delaying root senescence,and increasing root activity at the late reproductive stage.Applying SF at the six-leaf stage is recommended as an effective fertilization strategy for the sustainable production of spring maize in southern China.

Candelilla Wax as Natural Slow-Release Matrix for Fertilizers Encapsulated by Spray Chilling

Efforts to improve crop yields with efficient use of fertilizers are needed to guarantee global food security.Enhanced slow-release fertilizer systems(SRFs)encapsulated in biodegradable matrices are being developed to address this global concern.From a wide range of strategies for SRFs development,we explored a natureinspired solution based on the plant cuticle model and its function as a membrane for water and nutrient transport control.Here,Candelilla wax,extracted from Candelilla wild plants(Euphorbia antisyphilitica),is studied as a renewable slow-release matrix for fertilizers encapsulated by a modified spray chilling process.From this process,microencapsulates containing 40 wt%of phosphorus fertilizer are obtained with distinctive sizes and chemical characteristics,presenting a slow-release behavior.Considering the abovementioned features,novel insights into fertilizer release mechanisms based on plant cuticle models are discussed.

Preparation of a Slow Release Biofertilizer From a Polymeric Urea-Formaldehyde Matrix (PUFM)

Fertilizers industry faces the challenge of improving the efficiency of its products either by optimizing the fertilizers in use or by developing new types of them.During the last decade,controlled and slow release technologies have become more important.These technologies aim to increase the efficiency of the applied substance by increasing its action over time and avoiding losses of all kinds(leaching,volatilization).The main purpose of the current study was to obtain a slow release biofertilizer by incorporating microalgae into a polymeric urea-formaldehyde matrix(PUFM).The quantitative analysis of macronutrients and micronutrients in the microalgae was determined using different techniques including titration,UV and Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy.The matrix and the formulation obtained(PUFM+CHLO)were also characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM).The“in vitro”study showed a typical slow release behavior of nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P)and potassium(K)macronutrients.It was also shown that(PUFM+CHLO)formulation has the slowest macronutrients release time with a maximum release of 28%,26%y 46%for(N-P-K)macronutrients respectively during a period of 30 days.The"in vivo"study exposed the benefits of the biofertilizer formulation(PUFM+CHLO)from conventional commercial fertilizer(CF)(NPK-14-5-12).Due to the presence of nutrients of natural origin in microalgae,(PUFM+CHLO)shows ecological effects which could also developing sustainable agriculture systems.

Effects of Long-term Application of Bag-controlled Slow-release Fertilizer on the Form and Availability of Phosphorus in Red Soil of Southern China

The insufficient supply of phosphorus is the main problem facing agriculture and forestry production in red soil region of southern China.To investigate whether applying bag-controlled slow-release fertilizer can improve the phosphorus availability and available phosphorus component content,with Gaofeng State-owned Eucalyptus Plantations Forest Farm in Guangxi red soil region as the research object,comparative test of different fertilizer types and fertilizer amount of bag-controlled slow-release fertilizer with conventional fertilization(G1),bag-controlled slow-release fertilizer with reducing fertilization(G2),traditional compound fertilizer(G3),basal fertilizer(G4),and no fertilization(G5)was designed.Soil phosphorus classification method was used to determine the content of phosphorus components in the soil,and redundancy analysis was used to study the effects of components on tree growth.The results showed that:compared with traditional fertilization,bag-controlled slow-release fertilizer significantly increased the contents of AP,Pi,Fe-P and other components in soil;the phosphorus activation coefficients of G2 and G1 were significantly higher than those of the other three treatments,and the order was G2>G1>G4>G5>G3;redundancy analysis showed that PAC and Fe-P had the most significant effect on plant growth among all phosphorus components.The application of bag-controlled slow-release fertilizer in red soil of eucalyptus plantation in southern China could promote the accumulation of phosphorus and increase the phosphorus activity.The mechanism of higher phosphorus use efficiency in bag-controlled slow-release fertilizer was mainly through the sustained phosphorus input and reducing phosphorus immobilization in soil by obstructing the contact of phosphorus with acid soil,to guarantee the phosphorus supply in tree growth process.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Level on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristics in Flag Leaf of Super Hybrid Rice at Late Growth Stage

To compare the effects of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at six different levels on the flag leaf chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of super hybrid rice, a field fertilization experiment was conducted with super hybrid rice Y Liangyou 1 as a test material. The photosynthetic electron transport rate （ETR）, effective quantum yield （EQY）, photochemical quenching coefficient （qp）, and non-photochemical quenching coefficient （NPQ） of flag leaves were measured at the initial heading, full heading, 10 d after full heading and 20 d after full heading stages. Results showed that the values of ETR, EQY and qp increased with rice development from initial heading to 20 d after full heading, whereas the NPQ decreased. During the measured stages, ETR, EQY and qp increased initially and then decreased as nitrogen application amount increased, but they peaked at different nitrogen fertilizer levels. The maximum ETR and EQY values appeared at the treatment of 135 kg/hm2 N. In conclusion, the optimum nitrogen amount for chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of super hybrid rice was 135-180 kg/hm2.

聚脲甲醛缓释肥减量深施对小麦和玉米产量及氮肥吸收率的影响

为了探究聚脲甲醛缓释肥(PF)减量深耕对小麦和玉米作物产量、氮肥利用效率以及矿质养分迁移的影响,设置对照(CK)、尿素+旋耕(OPTX)、尿素+深耕(OPTS)、PF+旋耕(PFX)和PF+深耕(PFS)5个处理,在豫南砂姜黑土小麦、玉米农田开展大区试验。结果表明,对比传统尿素(OPT)处理,PF处理小麦、玉米产量显著高于OPT处理,尤其PFS处理较OPTX处理小麦和玉米季产量分别高12%和6.4%,较OPTS处理分别高3.4%和1.8%;与产量不同,PFS处理仅显示玉米季氮肥利用率(NUE)高于OPTX和OPTS处理,而小麦季NUE甚至低于OPTS处理,这可能与PF在小麦季深耕条件下养分释放速度慢有关。对比两种耕作方式,发现PFS处理小麦季产量与PFX处理产量无显著差别,而玉米季产量显著高于PFX处理;与产量不同,PFS处理小麦季NUE显著低于PFX处理,而玉米季无显著差别,这可能与玉米季更适宜的气象条件和小麦季PF养分的后续释放有关。对比土壤铵态氮(NH_(4)^(+)-N)、硝态氮(NO_(3)^(-)-N)残留量和总氮浓度,发现作物收获后,PFS处理0~30和30~60 cm土层NH_(4)^(+)-N残留量与PFX处理无显著差异,NO_(3)^(-)-N残留量显著低于PFX处理,而总氮含量略高于PFX处理,这可能与PF处理在小麦季深耕条件下氮素未释放完全有关。总而言之,依据作物的产量和氮肥利用效率,聚脲甲醛缓释肥在深耕条件下显示出更高的产量效益和增产潜势,尤其玉米季作物吸氮量、产量和NUE有了显著提升,值得被推荐。

利用六羟甲基三聚氰胺生产废水制备脲醛缓释肥

利用六羟甲基三聚氰胺(HMM)生产中含甲醛的废水制备脲醛缓释肥,考察反应U/F摩尔比、温度和pH对制备反应的影响。结果表明,HMM废水制备脲醛缓释肥的优化条件为:U/F=1.80,亚甲基化反应温度49.8℃,羟甲基化反应pH=7.7。在优化条件下,HMM生产废水的甲醛转化率可达99.1%,制备的脲醛缓释肥尿素氮含量为4.2%,总氮含量为36.7%,AI值45.3%,均满足GB/T 34763—2017的要求。

N, P and K use efficiency and maize yield responses to fertilization modes and densities

Optimal planting density and proper fertilization method are important factors to improve maize yield and nutrient utilization. A two-year(2016 and 2017) field experiment was conducted with three plant densities(6.0, 7.5 and 9.0 plants m^-2) and three fertilization modes(no fertilizer, 0 F;one-off application of slow-released fertilizer, SF;twice application of conventional fertilizer, CF). Results indicated that the grain yields and N, P and K use efficiencies under SF with the optimal planting density(7.5 plants m^-2) were the highest among all the treatments in 2016 and 2017. Compared with CF, SF could increase post-silking dry matter accumulation and promote N, P and K uptake at pre-and post-silking stages;this treatment increased grain N, P and K concentrations and resulted in high N, P and K use efficiencies. Nutrient(N, P and K) absorption efficiencies and partial productivity, and nutrient(N and P) recovery efficiency in SF treatment were significantly higher than those in CF treatments under the planting density of 7.5 plants m^-2. Under both SF and CF conditions, the grain yield, total N accumulation and nutrient use efficiencies initially increased, peaked at planting density of 7.5 plants m^-2, and then decreased with increasing plant density. Based on the yield and nutrient use efficiency in two years, plant density of 7.5 plants m^-2 with SF can improve both the grain yield and N, P and K use efficiency of spring maize in Jiangsu Province, China.

Biochar-based slow-release of fertilizers for sustainable agriculture:A mini review

Increasing global population and decreasing arable land pose tremendous pressures to agricultural production.The application of conventional chemical fertilizers improves agricultural production,but causes serious environmental problems and significant economic burdens.Biochar gains increasing interest as a soil amendment.Recently,more and more attentions have been paid to biochar-based slowrelease of fertilizers(SRFs)due to the unique properties of biochar.This review summarizes recent advances in the development,synthesis,application,and tentative mechanism of biochar-based SRFs.The development mainly undergoes three stages:(i)soil amendment using biochar,(ii)interactions between nutrients and biochar,and(iii)biochar-based SRFs.Various methods are proposed to improve the fertilizer efficiency of biochar,majorly including in-situ pyrolysis,co-pyrolysis,impregnation,encapsulation,and granulation.Considering the distinct features of different methods,the integrated methods are promising for fabricating effective biochar-based SRFs.The in-depth understanding of the mechanism of nutrient loading and slow release is discussed based on current knowledge.Additionally,the perspectives and challenges of the potential application of biochar-based SRFs are described.Knowledge surveyed from this review indicates that applying biochar-based SRFs is a viable way of promoting sustainable agriculture.

Bio-inspired Surface Structure for Slow-release of Urea Fertilizer

In this work,bio-inspired concepts,including a Self-Healing(SH)and super hydrophobic structure,were used to produce slow-release of urea fertilizer.Following a bottom-up process,an SH layer on the urea granule was produced from a combination of two natural waxes,palm and carnauba,and fabricated by a hot-melt coating process in a pan coater.Another layer for super hydrophobicity was formed by a deposition of submicron-wax and carbon black particles on the SH layer to create a micro-nanostructure during coating.After the heat treatment,a smooth coating and even deposition of waxes throughout the urea surfaces were obtained.The properties of the waxes,a healing mechanism,and releasing profiles were examined using an optical microscope.After cracking of the coated urea surface,the intrinsic self-healing behavior was stimulated by heating the samples above 45℃C,corresponding to high ambient daytime temperatures.Air-trapping behavior was observed at the interphase of the water and coated urea,creating super hydrophobic granule surfaces which act as an invisible layer for water-penetration protection.The releasing profiles of the coated urea in soil revealed that the releasing periods could be significantly extended to four-times longer than those of the uncoated urea.

Nitrogen deposition and release pattern of slow release fertiliser made from urea-impregnated oil palm frond and rubberwood chips

The fertiliser industry faces a continuing challenge to improve the efficiency of their products,particularly of nitrogenous fertilisers,and to minimise adverse impacts.Therefore,a new slow release fertilizer,ureaimpregnated woodchips from tropical plant biomass(oil palm frond and rubberwood),was developed.The morphology of the impregnated woodchips was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the success of impregnation of urea and nitrogen deposition into the woodchips was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry.When nitrogen release patterns from impregnated woodchips fertiliser were simulated using a soil solution and distilled water as leaching solutions in a static condition for 768 h,release was slow and steady,although the release rate was lower in distilled water than in the soil solution.

Used for the Study of Nitrogen Fertilizer Slow-Release Carrier Life Sludge

After the sewage treatment, putting the wet sludge in which the heavy metal content is extremely low, corrupt and broken straw, bentonite, urea in proportioning according to the certain ratio, mixing well-distributed, taking the shape of Nitrogen slow-release fertilizers, doing the dynamic bioleaching test by the method of Artificial rainfall simulation, researching the slow-release characteristic, water retention. When the mass ratio of the wet sludge whose water content is 82.5%: bentonite: corrupt and broken straw: urea is 62.5: 12.5: 12.5: 12.5, drip washing the 10g Nitrogen slow-release fertilizers by the 80ml distilled water after 48h, the residue rate of urea is 29.63%; Under the room temperature of 25 ℃, 77%RH, moisture evaporate 46.32% after 60 h. The results demonstrate that the slow-release fertilizer has a good release-effect of nitrogen and water conservation effect. It provides the basic for the development and application of the sewage in the aspect of Nitrogen slow-release fertilizers.

Effects of Different Fertilization Measures on Chemical Composition and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco

[Objectives]The paper was to obtain fertilizer varieties and fertilization techniques that meet the special nutritional requirements of characteristic tobacco varieties in Mengyin tobacco area.[Methods]With the local main plant variety NC102 as the test material,the effects of combined application,dosage and application methods of different types of organic fertilizers,compound fertilizers and potassium fertilizers on chemical composition and quality of NC102 flue-cured tobacco leaves were studied.[Results]Under the premise of reducing the amount of fertilizer applied,the slow-release integrated fertilizer increased the sugar-alkali ratio and potassium-chloride ratio,and reduced the sulfur content of tobacco leaves,but it did not significantly improve the sensory quality of tobacco leaves.Increasing the application of organic fertilizer made the sugar-alkali ratio and potassium-chloride ratio more coordinated,reduced the sulfur content and improved the sensory quality of tobacco leaves.Microbial agents significantly increased the sugar-alkali ratio in tobacco leaves,and had obvious effects of increasing potassium and reducing chlorine.Different types and application methods of potassium fertilizers had obvious effects on sensory quality of tobacco leaves.Increasing the application amount of potassium fertilizer and later topdressing significantly improved the potassium content and sensory quality of tobacco leaves.[Conclusions]The study provides a basis for balanced fertilization in characteristic flue-cured tobacco production in Mengyin tobacco area.

China BlueChemical Develops Slow Release Urea-Formaldehyde Fertilizer

China Blue Chemical Limited (HK:3983),a subsidiary of China’sthird largest oil company - CNOOC,introduced recently a newproduct - slow release urea-formaldehyde fertilizer developed