Synergistic effects of planting density and nitrogen fertilization on chlorophyll degradation and leaf senescence after silking in maize

Regulating planting density and nitrogen(N)fertilization could delay chlorophyll(Chl)degradation and leaf senescence in maize cultivars.This study measured changes in ear leaf green area(GLA_(ear)),Chl content,the activities of Chl a-degrading enzymes after silking,and the post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield under multiple planting densities and N fertilization rates.The dynamic change of GLA_(ear)after silking fitted to the logistic model,and the GLA_(ear) duration and the GLAearat 42 d after silking were affected mainly by the duration of the initial senescence period(T_(1))which was a key factor of the leaf senescence.The average chlorophyllase(CLH)activity was 8.3 times higher than pheophytinase activity and contributed most to the Chl content,indicating that CLH is a key enzyme for degrading Chl a in maize.Increasing density increased the CLH activity and decreased the Chl content,T1,GLAear,and GLA_(ear) duration.Under high density,appropriate N application reduced CLH activity,increased Chl content,prolonged T1,alleviated high-density-induced leaf senescence,and increased post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield.

Assessing the Influence of Phosphorus Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Maize/Soybean Intercrop by Analyzing Nitrogen Uptake

Intercropping, particularly the combination of maize and soybeans, has been widely recognized for its potential to improve nitrogen uptake and promote sustainable agriculture. This study examines the patterns of nitrogen uptake in maize and soybean intercropping systems under different growth stages and phosphorus fertilization levels and investigates the influence of nitrogen uptake on growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation in the maize/soybean intercrop under different phosphorus fertilization regimes. The study also collected chlorophyll samples at different growth stages of maize in monoculture and intercropping with maize or soybean. The results showed that plant height was greater in V10 in both fertilized and unfertilized treatments for intercropped maize and soybean, and chlorophyll concentration was higher in VT intercropped maize. The results also showed a higher accumulation of biomass. Understanding the growth dynamics of these plants in monoculture and intercropping systems and the impact of fertilization practices is crucial for optimizing crop productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems.

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.

Improvement of Wolfberry(Lycium barbarum L.)Fruit Yield and Quality and Enhancement of Soil Fertility by Nitrogen Reduction Combined with Organic Fertilizers

Excessive amounts of nitrogen(N)fertilizers are applied during wolfberry production,resulting in some soil problems as well as potential environmental risks in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.In this study,organic fertilizers were used to replace part of the N fertilizer in wolfberry fields with different fertility levels.N fertilizer rates had 0,50,100,150,200,and 250 g N/plant.Organic fertilizer rates had 0,2,4,6,8,and 10 kg organic fertilizer/plant.The experimental treatments included 6 combinations of N0M10,N50M8,N100M6,N150M4,N200M2,and control was N250M0.The results showed that in the high-fertility soils,combinations of N150M4,N100M6 and N50M8 treatments were increased in yields,fruit shape index,flavonoid content,total phenol content,mineral nutrient content,and antioxidant activity of wolfberry fruits.Also they were improved in soil fertility and decreased in residual nitrate through the soil depth of 0-300 cm.In the soil with less fertility,fruit yield,amino acid contents,flavonoids,total phenols,mineral nutrients and antioxidant activity of fruits were increased by the N200M2,N150M4 and N100M6 treatments and soil fertility was improved as well.Also more residual nitrate was found in the depth of 0-100 cm of soil with both chemical and organic fertilizer compared with the control.Therefore,in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,combining decreased N fertilizer with organic fertilizer rather than chemical fertilizer alone could help farmers achieve satisfactory yields and quality of wolfberry fruits and reduce the risk of nitrate leaching.In conclusion,50-150 g/plant of N fertilizer combined with 4-8 kg/plant of organic fertilizer in high-fertility gardens and 100-200 g/plant of N fertilizer combined with 2-6 kg/plant of organic fertilizer in low-fertility gardens are recommended for wolfberry cultivation.

Effects of Combined Organic-inorganic Fertilization on Quality and Water Use Efficiency of Spring Maize under Equal Nitrogen Fertilization

The experiment was conducted in the abandoned land of Liangjia Village,Huayin City,Shaanxi Province from April to September 2019.The experimental crop was spring maize.A total of six treatments were set up in a randomized block design.The moisture content of the top 0-60 cm soil was determined regularly,and the yield and quality indices of maize at maturity were checked.The results show that:(i)combined organic-inorganic fertilization increased the yield of spring maize by 3%-8%.(ii)Compared with CK,fertilization treatments significantly improved the water use efficiency of spring maize,with an increase of 59.2%.The average water use efficiency of three combined organic-inorganic fertilization treatments was 27.81 kg/(ha·mm).Compared with CON,combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly improved the water use efficiency of spring maize,with an increase of 12.5%.(iii)The combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased the moisture,total starch,crude protein and crude fat contents,and reduced crude fiber content of maize kernels.However,with the increase of the proportion of organic fertilizer,the crude protein content of maize kernels decreased.(iv)Yield of spring maize showed a significant parabolic relationship with soil water consumption.In summary,70%inorganic fertilizer+30%organic fertilizer is a scientific and reasonable way of fertilization.

Diatom-based dissolved inorganic nitrogen reconstruction in the Changjiang River estuary and its adjacent areas

A five-component weighted average partial least squares(WA-PLS)calibration model was developed by analysing diatom assemblages in 34 surface sediment samples(collected in 2015)from the Changjiang River estuary(CRE)and its adjacent areas to infer dissolved inorganic nitrogen(DIN)concentrations.Eighteen additional sets of surface sediment diatoms and corresponding upper water DIN data(collected in 2012)were used to evaluate the accuracy of the model,and the relationship between observed and diatom-inferred DIN(DI-DIN)values(R2=0.85)illustrated the strong performance of the transfer function,indicating that precise reconstructions of former DIN are possible.The diatom-DIN transfer function was applied to the diatom record from a sediment core DH8-2(1962‒2012)collected in the Fujian-Zhejiang area south of the CRE.The reconstruction based on the DI-DIN model showed a significant DIN increase from 1962-2012,reflecting the influence of human activities on the very large increase in eutrophication.Three distinct periods can be seen from the changes in DIN and diatom taxa.In the 1962-1972 period,the DIN content was relatively low,with an average of 5.94μmol/L,and more than 80%of the diatom species identified were benthic taxa.In the 1972-2004 period,as the impact of human activities intensified,large nutrient inputs caused the DIN content to increase,with an average of 8.25μmol/L.The nutrient inputs also caused a significant change in the nutrient components and a distinct increase in small planktonic taxa.In the 2004-2012 period,the DIN content continued to rise,fluctuating at approximately 10μmol/L.A continuous increase in the frequency of planktonic taxa(up to 65.48%)indicated that eutrophication was further intensified,which was confirmed by the transformation from diatom-induced red tide to dinoflagellate-induced red tide during this period.

Response of Sweet Wormwood (<i>Artemisia annua</i>L.) to Different Rates of Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizer in Semi-Arid Zimbabwe

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) is a highly valued crop, native to China, whose active ingredient “artemisinin” and its derivatives: artemether and artesunate, are used to prepare anti-malaria drugs. In Zimbabwe, very little has been done on improving agronomic practices that can enhance the yield of this crop. As a result, herbal gardens in Zimbabwe producing this sweet aromatic herb are realizing low leaf biomass. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of varying nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth and yield of Artemisia annua. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used and replicated four times. The fertilizer treatments consisted of 0, 40 kg N/ha, 80 kg N/ha, 120 kg N/ha, 160 kg N/ha and were applied as a top dress four weeks after planting. Applying 80 kg N/ha, 120 kg N/ha or 160 kg N/ha resulted in the best performance of Artemisia annua with respect to the plant height, root dry weight, stem dry weight and leaf biomass. Low N level (40 kg N/ha) recorded significantly low means in plant height, root weight, stem weight and leaf biomass. The results suggest that 80 kg N/ha should be recommended for use by Artemisia annua farmers, since there was no significant different among the three higher fertilizer levels. However there is need for further research to determine different fertilizer use efficient to come up with accurate agronomic data package for Zimbabwean farmers.

Effect of Different Fertilization Patterns on Carbon and Nitrogen Components of Tobacco Topsoil

In order to explore the fertilizing ways and dynamic changes of soil carbon and nitrogen in the main producing areas of tobacco in Guizhou,research was conducted to study the variations of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen,total organic carbon and nitrogen and their ratio of tobacco-topsoil in organic fertilization pattern and conventional cultivation pattern （No fertilizer as control） by pot experiment.The results were as follows：（1） The effects of different fertilization patterns on soil dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen and total organic carbon and nitrogen were significantly different.The content of DOC,DON,TOC and TON in tobaccotopsoil was decreased with the advancing of growth period in conventional fertilization pattern.In the conventional fertilization pattern,the accumulation of DOC and TOC was increased first and then decreased,and the accumulation of DON and TON was decreased first and then increased.（2） The TOC content at the different growing stage and DOC content at the middle and later stage of tobacco were significantly improved in organic fertilization patterns.The accumulation of DON and TON in the conventional fertilization pattern was significantly higher than those in the organic fertilizer pattern and control at the rosette stage and vigorous stage.In the harvest period,the content of DOC,DON,TOC and TON of tobacco-topsoil in the conventional fertilization and organic fertilization pattern was significantly higher than those in the control.（3）The DOC/DON ratio and the TOC/TiON ratio was increased gradually with the advancing of growth period in conventional fertilization pattern,but they were increased first and then decreased in the organic fertilization pattern and CK.The DOC/DON and TOC/TON ratio of tobacco-topsoil in different fertilization patterns was showed as Y J＞ CK＞ CG at the different growing stage.The experiment results revealed that：The organic fertilization pattern may improve significantly the accumulation of DOC,DON,TOC and TON of tobacco-topsoil at the middle and later stage and the DOC/DON and TOC/TON ratio at the different growth stage.It contributed to the continuous and balanced supply of nutrients at the middle and later stage of tobacco and the soil fertility.

Effects of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilization and Biochar Application on CO_2 and N_2O Emissions from a Summer Maize-Winter Wheat Rotation Field in North China

This experiment was conducted in Xinxiang, Henan from June 2013 to June 2014. Total four treatments were designed including farmers ’ common practice （F, 250 kg/hm^2）, 80% F （LF, 200 kg/hm^2）, 80% F＋biochar （LFC） and no fertilizer （CK） to measure the dynamic emissions of CO2 and N2O from a summer maize-winter wheat field by static chamber-gas chromatography method. The results showed that the soil CO2 emission was 21.8-1 022.7 mg/（m^2·h）, and was mainly influenced by soil temperature and moisture content. During the growth of summer maize, the soil CO2 emission was more significantly affected by soil moisture con-tent; and in winter wheat growing season, it was more significantly affected by soil temperature in the top 5 cm. The LF and LFC treatments significantly reduced the soil cumulative CO2 emission, especial y during the growth of winter wheat. Fertiliza-tion and irrigation were the main factors influencing the soil N2O emission. The soil N2O emission during the fertilization period accounted for 73.9%-74.5% and 40.5%-43.6% of the soil cumulative N2O emission during the summer maize-and winter wheat-growing season, respectively. The peak of emission fluxes was determined by fertilization amount, while the occurrence time of emission peak and emission re-duction effect were influenced by irrigation. The LF treatment reduced the soil cu-mulative N2O emission by 15.7%-16.8% and 18.1%-18.5% during the growth period of summer maize and winter wheat, respectively. Reduced nitrogen fertilization is an effective way for reducing N2O emission in intensive high-yielding farmland. Under a suitable nitrogen level （200 kg/hm^2）, the application of biochar showed no significant effect on the soil N2O emission in a short term. The N2O emission factors of the L and LF treatments were 0.60% and 0.56%, respectively. ln the intensive high-yield-ing farmland of North China, reducing the nitrogen application amount is an appro-priate measure to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions without crop yield loss.

Tiller fertility is critical for improving grain yield,photosynthesis,and nitrogen efficiency in wheat

Genetic improvement has promoted wheat’s grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)during the past decades.Therefore,the current wheat cultivars exhibit higher grain yield and NUE than previous cultivars in the Yangtze River Basin,China since the 2000s.However,the critical traits and mechanisms of the increased grain yield and NUE remain unknown.This study explores the mechanisms underlying these new cultivars’increased grain yield and NUE by studying 21 local cultivars cultivated for three growing seasons from 2016 to 2019.Significantly positive correlations were observed between grain yield and NUE in the three years.The cultivars were grouped into high(HH),medium(MM),and low(LL)grain yield and NUE groups.The HH group exhibited significantly high grain yield and NUE.High grain yield was attributed to more effective ears by high tiller fertility and greater single-spike yield by increasing post-anthesis single-stem biomass.Compared to other groups,the HH group demonstrated a longer leaf stay-green ability and a greater flag leaf photosynthetic rate after anthesis.It also showed higher N accumulation at pre-anthesis,which contributed to increasing N accumulation per stem,including stem and leaf sheath,leaf blade,and unit leaf area at pre-anthesis,and promoting N uptake efficiency,the main contribution of high NUE.Moreover,tiller fertility was positively related to N accumulation per stem,N accumulation per unit leaf area,leaf stay-green ability,and flag leaf photosynthetic rate,which indicates that improving tiller fertility promoted N uptake,leaf N accumulation,and photosynthetic ability,thereby achieving synchronous improvements in grain yield and NUE.Therefore,tiller fertility is proposed as an important kernel indicator that can be used in the breeding and management of cultivars to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Carbon sequestration rate,nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield responses to long-term substitution of chemical fertilizer by organic manure in a rice–rice cropping system

Combined application of chemical fertilizers with organic amendments was recommended as a strategy for improving yield,soil carbon storage,and nutrient use efficiency.However,how the long-term substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure affects rice yield,carbon sequestration rate(CSR),and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)while ensuring environmental safety remains unclear.This study assessed the long-term effect of substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure on rice yield,CSR,and NUE.It also determined the optimum substitution ratio in the acidic soil of southern China.The treatments were:(i)NPK0,unfertilized control;(ii)NPK1,100%chemical nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizer;(iii)NPKM1,70%chemical NPK fertilizer and 30%organic manure;(iv)NPKM2,50%chemical NPK fertilizer and 50%organic manure;and(v)NPKM3,30%chemical NPK fertilizer and 70%organic manure.Milk vetch and pig manure were sources of manure for early and late rice seasons,respectively.The result showed that SOC content was higher in NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments than in NPK0 and NPK1 treatments.The carbon sequestration rate increased by 140,160,and 280%under NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments,respectively,compared to NPK1 treatment.Grain yield was 86.1,93.1,93.6,and 96.5%higher under NPK1,NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments,respectively,compared to NPK0 treatment.The NUE in NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments was higher as compared to NPK1 treatment for both rice seasons.Redundancy analysis revealed close positive relationships of CSR with C input,total N,soil C:N ratio,catalase,and humic acids,whereas NUE was closely related to grain yield,grain N content,and phenol oxidase.Furthermore,CSR and NUE negatively correlated with humin acid and soil C:P and N:P ratios.The technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS)showed that NPKM3 treatment was the optimum strategy for improving CSR and NUE.Therefore,substituting 70%of chemical fertilizer with organic manure could be the best management option for increasing CSR and NUE in the paddy fields of southern China.

Moving Dynamics of Nitrate Nitrogen in Soil of Maize Field on Meadow Soil of Daling River Valley in Liaoning and Its Fertilization Controlling

The moving dynamics of nitrate nitrogen（NO3-N）in soil of maize field on meadow soil of Daling river valley in Liaoning and its rational fertilization controlling were discussed in this study by the designing of different kinds of N application methods.The results showed that the content of NO3-N in soil was increased with the amount of nitrogen fertilizer;At the same amount of nitrogen fertilizer,the content of NO3-N in soil showed a trend of chemical fertilizerstraw treatmentslow controlled release fertilizer.Based on the requirement of roots in different growth stages to nutrition,the migration directions of NO3-N could be regulated by each layer of soil.In the early growth stage,the NO3-N would move upward,while it moved downward in the late growth stage.Straw returning treatment could improve the keeping ability of soil to NO3-N and avoid the downward migration of NO3-N,as well as reduce the damage of groundwater pollution.The use of slow controlled release fertilizer had achieved the continuing releasing of nutrition.Moreover,the peak of nutrition releasing had been delayed for 30 d,which had met the requirement of nutrient supply in maturing stage.The yield of slow controlled release fertilizer treatment was the highest with the least accumulation of NO3-N and less negative influence on environment.The yield of straw returning treatment and chemical fertilizer treatment was closed to each other.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer on protein synthesis, accumulation, and physicochemical properties in common buckwheat

Nitrogen(N)fertilization affects grain quality in common buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum Moench).But the effects of N fertilizer on various buckwheat protein parameters are not fully understood.This study aimed to investigate the synthesis,accumulation,and quality of buckwheat protein under four N application rates in the Loess Plateau,China.Optimal N application(180 kg N ha-1)improved yield,agronomic traits,and N transport and increased protein yield and protein component accumulation.Prolamin and glutelin accumulation first increased and then decreased with increasing N application.The relationships between the contents of protein components and the amount of applied N generally followed quadratic functions.Nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities first increased and then decreased with increasing N levels.Optimal N fertilizer increased the waterholding capacity and thermal stability of buckwheat protein and reduced its emulsification capacity,but negligibly changed its oil-absorption capacity.Hydrophobic amino acids and glutelin content were the main factors affecting protein quality.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization Amount on the Prophase Yield of Phaseolus vulgaris and Available Nitrogen Content of Soil

[Objective] This study aimed to provide certain scientific basis for reasonable application of nitrogen fertilizer in the pollution-free cultivation of Phaseolus vulgaris. [Method] A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different nitrogen fertilization amounts on the prophase yield and economic efficiency of P. vulgaris and available nitrogen content of soil. [Result] With the increased application amount of nitrogen fertilizer, the prophase yield and economic efficiency of P. vulgaris reached the peaks in the Treatment 3 （8 690.48 kg/ hm^2 and 32 222 yuan/hm^2）, and significant differences were found among different treatment groups. With the increased nitrogen fertilization amount, the soil available nitrogen content increased, showing a positive correlation with correlation coefficient of 0.856 5. Excess nitrogen fertilizer reduced the prophase yield and economic efficiency of P. vulgaris. For the open field cultivation of P. vulgaris, the optimum application amount of nitrogen fertilizer was 178 kg/hm^2. [Conclusion] Application of nitrogen fertilizer could effectively increase the soil available nitrogen content.

Effects of Slow-release Nitrogen on Dry Matter Accumulation,Translocation and Yield of Summer Maize

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on dry matter accumulation and translocation of summer maize.[Methods]With Zhoudan 9 as the test variety,six different treatment were set up:blank control(CK1),slow-release urea 75 kg/hm^(2)(C1),slow-release urea 150 kg/hm^(2)(C2),slow-release urea 225 kg/hm^(2)(C3),slow-release urea 300 kg/hm^(2)(C4)and ordinary urea 300 kg/hm^(2)(CK2),to study the change law of dry matter accumulation and translocation in summer maize.[Results]Treatment slow-release urea 225 kg/hm^(2)(C4)showed summer maize yield,dry matter translocation between organs,grain contribution rate and proportion of grain dry matter in the full ripe stage higher than other treatments.Considering the weight loss and cost factors,slow-release urea 225 kg/hm^(2)(C3)could be recommended as the fertilizing amount for summer maize.[Conclusions]This study provides theoretical reference for rational selection of fertilizers for reducing fertilizer application and increasing fertilizer efficiency,and for production of summer maize in Shajiang black soil region.

Assessment of Nitrogen Fixation, Uptake, and Leaching in Maize/Soybean Intercropping System at Varied Soil Depths and under Phosphorus Application in Chinese Agricultural Settings

The study of Nitrogen fixation, uptake, and leaching at different soil depths in the co-cultivation of maize and soybean under phosphorus fertilization is important for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted in Quzhou, Hebei Province, China, with MC812 maize and Jidou12 soybean varieties. Soil samples were taken from each plot to create a composite sample. The results show that nitrogen concentration varies at different depths and is higher in all treatments between 40 and 100 cm. Incorporating intercropping of maize and soybeans into farming practices can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture in China.

Effects of Fertilization Patterns on Chemical Forms of Nitrogen in Dark Brown Soil and Its Distribution in Different Aggregates

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tradition-al fertilization and formula fertilization by soil testing on the chemical forms of nitro-gen in dark brown soil and its distribution in different aggregates. [Method] A physi-co-chemistry method was adopted in a comparative study on the chemical forms of nitrogen and their distribution in different-sized aggregates of dark brown soil under traditional fertilization and formula fertilization by soil testing respectively. [Result] Compared with traditional fertilization in spring and autumn, the formula fertilization by soil testing averagely decreased, the total nitrogen in soil by 23.2% in spring and by 20% in autumn in the soil layer of 0-20 cm, by 48.8% in the layer of 20-40 cm. Ammonium nitrogen was so sensitive to the methods of fertilization that the content of ammonium nitrogen was reduced much more under formula fertitization by soil testing in autumn than under traditional fertilization. Nitrogen in soil under traditional fertilization pattern was mainly distributed in the aggregates of 0-0.25 and 0.5-1 mm, while in formula fertilization by soil testing it was mainly distributed in the aggregates of 0.25-0.5 and 0-0.25 mm. [Conclusion] The study proved that for-mula fertilization by soil testing helped to reduce the risk of nitrogen pol ution and had huge effects on the chemical forms and distribution of nitrogen in different ag-gregates in dark brown soil.

Effects of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Synergistic Fertilizer on Enzymes and Genes Related to Nitrogen Metabolism in Wheat

In recent years,in order to improve nutrient use efficiency,especially nitrogen use efficiency,fertilizer valueadded technology has been developed rapidly.However,the mechanism of the effect of synergistic fertilizer on plant nitrogen utilization is not clear.A study was,therefore,conducted to explore the activities and gene expression of key enzymes for nitrogen assimilation and the gene expression of nitrogen transporters in wheat after the application of synergistic fertilizer.Soil column experiment was set up in Qingdao Agricultural University experimental base from October 2018 to June 2019.Maleic acid and itaconic acid were copolymerized with acrylic acid as cross-linking monomer to make a fluid gel,which was sprayed on the fertilizer surface to make nitrogen and phosphorus synergistic fertilizer.A total of 6 treatments was set according to different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer ratios:(1)100%common nitrogen fertilizer+100%common phosphate fertilizer(2)70%nitrogen synergistic fertilizer+100%phosphorus synergistic fertilizer;(3)100%nitrogen synergistic fertilizer+70%phosphorus synergistic fertilizer;(4)100%nitrogen synergistic fertilizer+100%phosphorus synergistic fertilizer;(5)70%nitrogen synergistic fertilizer+70%phosphorus synergistic fertilizer;(6)100%commercial nitrogen synergistic fertilizer+100%commercial phosphorus synergistic fertilizer.The results are as follows:(1)the enzyme activities of wheat plants under synergistic fertilizer condition were higher than those under ordinary fertilizer,except under the treatment that nitrogen and phosphorus synergistic fertilizer were both reduced;(2)the expression level of the genes under the treatment“100%nitrogen synergistic fertilizer+100%phosphorus synergistic fertilizer”was significantly higher than those in other treatments.Combined with the higher performance of nitrogen concentration in various parts of the plant under the condition of applying synergistic fertilizer,this study indicated that the application of synergistic fertilizer can improve the nitrogen metabolism of the plant by increasing the nitrogen level in the rhizosphere soil,inducing the expression of nitrogen transporter genes and key assimilation enzymes genes.

Yield of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) as Influenced by Manure and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Field experiments were carried out on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons at the CSIR-SARI Research Station at Manga in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The aim of the experiment was to study the response of roselle to cowdung, nitrogen fertilizer and their interaction on the growth and yield of roselle. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of five rates of cowdung (0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 t/ha) and five levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kgN/ha) laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Data were collected on days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves per plant and dry calyx yield. The results indicated that differences in dry calyx yield due to the manure and nitrogen fertilizer effects were highly significant (P 0.01). Application rate of 2.5 t/ha manure recorded the highest yield of 340 kg/ha and 308.1 kg/ha in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Increasing manure rate from 2.5 - 3.5 t/ha did not result in significant increases in dry calyx yield. The four rates differed significantly from the control which had the least calyx yield of 190.3 kg/ha and 180 kg/ha in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Nitrogen rate of 60 kg/ha recorded the highest dry calyx yield of 510.5 kg/ha and 370.4 kg/ha in 2019 and 2020 respectively which were significantly different from calyx yields recorded by other treatments. The trend on partial budget analysis was consistent in both seasons with the highest yielding treatments (2.5 t/ha cowdung manure and 60 kg/ha) recording the highest net benefit while the control (0 kg/ha) ranked last. The application rate of 2.5 t/ha of cowdung and 60 kg/ha of Nitrogen is thus recommended for optimum roselle production and productivity in the study area.

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.