Assessing phosphorus bioavailability in agricultural soils and runoff

Bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) transported in agricultural runoff can accelerate surface water eutrophication. Although several algal assays and chemical extractions have been proposed to estimate BAP, procedural and theoretical limitations have restricted widespread BAP measurement. Thus, a routine method was developed to estimate BAP, which uses iron oxide-impregnated paper strips (Fe-oxide strips) as a P-sink for BAP in runoff. In the proposed method BAP is determined by shaking 50 mL of unfiltered runoff with one Fe-oxide strip for 16 h. Phosphorus is removed from the strip by 0.1M H₂SO₄ and measured. The BAP content of runoff from 20 agricultural watersheds in the Southern Plains was related to the growth of P-starved algae incubated for 29 d with runoff as the sole source of P. Acting as a P sink, Fe-oxide strips may have a stronger theoretical basis than chemical extraction in estimating BAP. The method may also have potential use as an environmental soil P test to indicate soils liable to enrich runoff with sufficient P to accelerate eutrophication. Bioavailable P loss in runoff was lower from no till (438 g ha^–1 yr^–1) than from conventional till (1288 g ha^–1 yr^–1). Kinetic and enrichment ratio approaches accurately predicted (r² of 0.93) BAP transport in runoff during 1988 to 1990. Use of the Fe-oxide strip method will facilitate estimation of BAP transport in runoff and thereby, improve assessment of the resultant impact on the biological productivity of receiving surface waters.Abbreviations A Degree of soil aggregation (unitless) - B Soil bulk density (Mg m^–3) - BAP Bioavailable P content of runoff (mg L^–1 and kg ha^–1) - BIOP Bioavailable P content of soil (mg kg^–1) - BPP Bioavailable particulate P content of runoff (mg L^–1 and kg ha^–1) - D Effective depth of interaction between runoff and surface soil (mm) - DP Dissolved P content of runoff (mg L^–1 and kg ha^–1) - ER Enrichment ratio (unitless) - P Phosphorus - P_a Bray I available P content of 0-50 mm depth of soil (mg kg^–1) - PP Particulate P content of runoff (mg L^–1 and kg ha^–1) - STP Soil test P, plant available (mg kg^–1) - TP Total P content of runoff (mg L^–1 and kg ha^–1) - t Duration of runoff event (min) - W Runoff water/soil (suspended sediment) ratio (L g^–1) - K,, ß, i Constants of the equation describing the kinetics of soil P desorption     

Phosphate sorption approach for determining phosphorus requirements of wheat in calcareous soils

Five field experiments involving P application rates from 0 to 66 kg P ha^–1 were conducted on irrigated wheat at Tandojam, Pakistan. The soils belonged to two great soil groups, Torrifluvent and Camborthid. All soils were calcareous. Olsen-P contents ranged from 3.5 to 6.3 mg P kg^–1. Phosphate sorption curves were developed for soils from control (no P) plots at each site. Concentrations of P in solution established by fertilization in the field as estimated from the sorption curves ranged from 0.008 to 0.16mg P L^–1. Actual grain yields were converted to relative grain yields and plotted against corresponding concentrations of P in solution. Yield response to P application was obtained in each experiment. Control plot yields ranged from 57 to 89% of maximum yield of respective experiments. Phosphorus requirements of wheat were 0.032 mg L^–1 for 95% yield as determined from a composite yield response curve. Predicted quantities of P required to attain 0.032 mg P L^–1 ranged from 18 to 29 kg P ha^–1. The results of the study suggest that the P sorption approach can be used as a rational basis for making P fertilizer recommendations for various soil-crop combinations.     

Seasonal runoff estimation of N and P in a paddy field of central Korea

The present study was carried out during a period of one year (from May 1, 1997 to April 30, 1998) to quantify seasonal runoff of N and P in a rice field with an area of 5,000 m². The total amount of runoff water was 1,043 mm during the cropping season and 281 mm during the non-cropping season. Nutrient concentrations in runoff water increased significantly during the period of fertilizer application and then decreased. During the non-irrigation period after harvest, however, the concentrations of tota -N were 3 to 4 mg l^–1. The annual runoff loading of total-N and total-P was 157.9 and 4.5 kg ha yr^–1. The runoff loading was 109.9 kg ha^–1 for total-N and 3.5 kg ha^–1 for total-P during the fertilizer application period (from May 13 to August 3, 1997). During the rainy season (from June 20 to July 20, 1997), the runoff loading was 66.1 kg ha^–1 for total-N and 1.9 kg ha^–1 for total-P. The runoff loading was 5.6 kg ha^–1 for total-N and 0.2 kg ha^–1 for total-P during the fallow stage (from October 1, 1997 to March 20, 1998) while it was 6.7 kg ha^–1and 0.4 kg ha^–1 for each nutrient during the plowing stage (March 20 to May 10, 1998). The loss of total-N and total-P was 68.2% and 63.9% of annual runoff loading during the fertilizer application stage, respectively. During the non-cropping season after harvest, however, the loss was 30.4% of total-N and 22.3% of total P. In summary, intensive long-term studies on various sites of nutrient management planning during the fertilizer application and rainy seasons are needed.     

Effects of rainfall and fertilizer types on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in surface runoff from subtropical tea fields in Zhejiang, China

The increasing input of fertilizers in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) fields may contribute to the deterioration of surface water quality. A plot study was conducted over a 2-year period (2010?C2011) to evaluate the effects of rainfall and fertilizer types on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in surface runoff from tea fields. Studies were arranged on slope of 18?% of red clay at a subtropical tea fields in Tiaoxi watershed of Zhejiang province, southeast China. Organic (OF), slow-release (SRF), and conventional chemical fertilizers were applied to different plots at rates of 248?kg?N?ha^?1 and 125.2?kg?P?ha^?1 in 2010 and 300?kg?N?ha^?1 and 100?kg?P?ha^?1 in 2011. Rainfall amounts showed statistically significant correlations with concentrations of TN and TP in runoff water from all fertilized treatments. Although equivalent N and P were applied in each fertilized treatment, the OF treatment had the lowest annual arithmetic mean concentration of total N in runoff in 2010 (6.1?mg?L^?1) and was amongst the lowest in 2011 (9.2?mg?L^?1) with concentration statistically similar to SRF (9.0?mg?L^?1). The SRF treatment had the lowest annual arithmetic mean concentration of total P in runoff in 2010 (1.50?mg?L^?1), while few differences were observed in concentration of total P between fertilized treatments in 2011. The research results suggested that replacement of conventional chemical fertilizers with organic or slow-release fertilizers in tea fields could reduce N and P losses while maintaining tea yields.     

Fate of phosphorus applied in slurry and mineral fertilizer: accumulation in soil and release into surface runoff water

Phosphorus (P) accumulation on the soil surface and its effect on the concentration of dissolved orthophosphate P (PO₄-P) in surface runoff water were studied after three years of surface application of slurry and mineral fertilizer to grass ley on a sandy soil, poor in P. The total amount of P applied was 107–143 kg ha^–1>, of which 72–119 kg ha^–1> was applied on the soil surface during two or three years without incorporation or mixing. The addition of slurry and mineral fertilizer resulted in an increase in inorganic P in the 0–5 cm but not the 5–25 cm soil layer, but organic P was not affected. The measured changes in inorganic P deviated only by 4–6 kg ha^–1> from the values derived from inputs and outputs of P (crop uptake + losses in surface runoff and drainage water). The increase in inorganic-P was accompanied by increases in the degree of P saturation (DPS) and in P extracted with acid am monium acetate (P_Ac ), sodium bicarbonate (P_Olsen) and anion-exchange resin (P_Resin). In surface runoff, 10–18 months after the last surface application of P, the mean flow-weighted concentration of PO₄-P was linearly increased with the values of DPS, P_Ac, P_Olson and P_Resin in the 0–5 cm soil layer. PO₄-P was lowest (0.033 mg l^–1> ) in the control plots and highest (0.62 mg l^–1>) in the plot where 143 kg ha^–1> P had been applied in slurry and fertilizer. On that plot, the corresponding values of DPS, P_Ac, P_Olson and P_Resin were 16%, 13 mg kg^–1>, 85 mg kg^–1> and 71 mg kg^–1 , even within a few years, and multiply the P loading to surface runoff from the site. A very shallow soil sampling (< 5 cm) is needed to assess P loading potential in a soil where P has been surface-applied.     

Effect of poultry litter and composts on soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability and corn production

Environmental problems associated with raw manure application might bemitigated by chemically or biologically immobilizing and stabilizing solublephosphorus (P) forms. Composting poultry litter has been suggested as a means tostabilize soluble P biologically. The objectives of this study were to assessthe nutrient (N, P) value of different-age poultry litter (PL) compostsrelativeto raw poultry litter and commercial fertilizer and determine effects ofpoultrylitter and composts on corn (Zea mays) grain yield andnutrient uptake. The research was conducted for two years on Maryland'sEastern Shore. Six soil fertility treatments were applied annually to aMatapeake silt loam soil (Typic Hapludult): (1) a check without fertilizer, (2)NH₄NO₃ fertilizer control (168 kg Nha^–1), (3) raw poultry litter (8.9 Mgha^–1), (4) 15-month old poultry litter compost (68.7Mg ha^–1), (5) 4-month old poultry litter compost(59 Mg ha^–1) and (6) 1-month old poultry littercompost (64 Mg ha^–1). We monitored changes inavailable soil NO₃-N and P over the growing season and post harvest.We measured total aboveground biomass at tasseling and harvest and corn yield.We determined corn N and P uptake at tasseling.Patterns of available soil NO₃-N were similar between raw PL-and NH₄NO₃ fertilizer-amended soils. LittleNO₃-N was released from any of the PL composts in the first year ofstudy. The mature 15-month old compost mineralized significant NO₃-Nonly after the second year of application. In contrast, available soil P washighest in plots amended with 15-month old compost, followed by raw PL-amendedplots. Immature composts immobilized soil P in the first year of study. Cornbiomass and yields were 30% higher in fertilizer and raw PL amendedplotscompared to yields in compost-amended treatments. Yields in compost-amendedplots were greater than those in the no-amendment control plots. Corn N and Puptake mirrored patterns of available soil NO₃-N and P. Corn Puptakewas highest in plots amended with 15-month old compost and raw PL, even thoughother composts contained 1.5–2 times more total P than raw PL. There wasalinear relationship between amount of P added and available soil P, regardlessof source. The similar P availabilities from either raw or composted PL,coupledwith limited crop P uptake at high soil P concentrations, suggest that raw andcomposted PL should be applied to soils based on crop P requirements to avoidbuild-up of available soil P.     

The effect of fertiliser type and application rate on denitrification losses from cut grassland in Northern Ireland

Denitrification losses were measured using the acetylene inhibition technique adapted for a coring procedure. Two soils under a cut ryegrass sward were used. One soil was a freely-drained clay loam receiving under 900 mm rainfall annually, the other soil being a poorly-drained silty clay receiving over 1100 mm rainfall annually. Swards at each site received up to 300 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea or a new fertiliser mixture GRANUMS (30% ammonium nitrate, 30% urea, 10% ammonium sulphate, 30% dolomite). For both soils the rate of denitrification exceeded 0.1 kg N ha^–1 day^–1 only when the air-filled porosity of the soil was < 30% v/v and soil nitrate was > 2 mg N kg^–1 in the top 10cm of the profile and when soil temperature at 10 cm was > 4°C. When the soils dried such that their air-filled porosity was > 30% v/v, denitrification rates decreased to < 0.08 kg N ha^–1 day^–1. Highest rates (up to 3.7 kg N ha^–1 day^–1) were observed on the clay soil following application of 94 kg N ha^–1 CAN to soil near field capacity in early summer 1986. Losses from CAN were approximately 3 times those from urea for a given application. Denitrification losses from the GRANUMS treatment were, overall, intermediate between those from CAN and urea but the daily losses more closely resembled those from the CAN treatment. The impeded drainage on the clay soil, where soil moisture contents remained close to field capacity throughout the year, showed denitrification losses roughly 3 times those observed on the more freely drained clay-loam for any given treatment. Over a 12-month period, N losses arising from denitrification were 29.0 and 10.0 kg N ha^–1 for plots receiving 300 kg N ha^–1 CAN and urea, respectively, on the well drained clay-loam and 79.0 and 31.1 kg N ha^–1 respectively, for identical plots on the poorly drained clay soil. Annual denitrification losses from control plots were < 1 kg N ha^–1 on both soils.     

Identification of nutrients limiting cassava yield maintenance on a sedimentary soil in southern Benin,West Africa

Market opportunities will drive intensification of cassava production and fertilizer will play a role in this. A trial was initiated on 15 farmers fields (replications) in one village territory in Benin on a relatively fertile sedimentary soil site to identify nutrients limiting cassava yield using nutrient omission plots over three cropping years. There was no response to fertilizer in the first year when fresh root yields in the unamended control averaged 19.1 t ha^–1. In the second year, the control yield was 16 t ha^–1 and there were significant reductions from withholding P (3.5 t ha^–1) and K (2 t ha^–1) from a complete fertilizer regime. Nutrient balance after 1 and 2 years (cumulative) showed substantial P and K deficits in unamended plots. In the third year, the control yield was 12.9 t ha^–1 and effects of withholding K (5.3 t ha^–1), P (5.0 t ha^–1) and N (3.0 t ha^–1) were statistically significant. Soil K was a significant source of variation in yield in the third year. In the third year of annual nutrient additions soil P and K in the top 0.3 m were increased by 37 and 40%, respectively. Based on the cumulative nutrient balance calculation, the annual application needed to compensate nutrient depletion was 13 kg N, 10 kg P, and 60 kg K ha^–1. Partial budget analysis based on these amounts of fertilizer suggested that investment was clearly justified in the third year of continuous cropping at current low cassava prices.     

Response to fertilization and nutrient deficiency diagnostics in peach palm in Central Amazonia

Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is increasingly grown in the tropics for its heart-of-palm and fruit. Determining fertilization response and diagnosing nutrient status in peach palm may require methods that consider the particularities in nutrient acquisition and recycling of perennial crops. Responses to nutrient additions, and the diagnostic value of soil and foliar analyses were examined in three field experiments with three-year old peach palm stands on Oxisols in Central Amazonia. To diagnose P-deficiency levels in soils, samples from 0–5 cm and 5–20 cm depth were analyzed for available P by different methods (Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3 and Modified Olsen). The second and fifth leaves were analyzed to assess N, P and K deficiencies. Field experiments involved several combinations of N (from 0 to 225 kg ha^–1 yr^–1), K (from 0 to 225 kg ha^–1 yr^–1) and P (from 0 to 59 kg ha^–1 yr^–1). Palms on control plots (unfertilized) and those receiving 225 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 N and 2 Mg ha^–1 of lime yielded between 4 and 19% of the maximum growth which was obtained with N, P and K applications. In one of the experiments, yield of heart-of-palm was positively related to N additions at the lowest levels of P (8.6 kg ha^–1 yr^–1) and K (60 kg ha^–1 yr^–1) additions. In one experiment, critical leaf N level was 2.5% for the second leaf and 2.2% for the fifth leaf. Some growth responses to P additions at constant N and K levels were observed (e.g., 797 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of heart-of-palm with 39.3 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of applied P, and 632 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of heart-of-palm with 10.9 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of applied P in one experiment, and 2334 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of heart-of-palm with 39.3 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of P and 1257 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of heart-of-palm with 19.7 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 of P in another trial). In the experiment for fruit production from peach palm, total plant height did not respond to P additions between 19.7 and 59 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 and K additions between 75 and 225 kg ha^–1 yr^–1. Leaf P levels were found to be above the proposed critical levels of 0.23% for the third leaf and 0.16% for the fifth leaf. Plants in this experiment, however, showed evident symptoms of Mg deficiency, which was associated with a steep gradient of increasing Mg concentration from the fifth leaf to the second leaf. Standard leaf diagnostic methods in most cases proved less useful to show plant N and P status and growth responses to N and P additions. Soil P determined by common extractions was in general too variable for prediction of growth.     

Uptake of NPK and yield of rainfed groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Experiments were conducted on sandy loam soils of Tirupati campus of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University for two rainy seaons of 1980 and 1981 to study the effect of split application of NPK fertilizers on Spanish bunch groundnut. The fertilizer doses were 40 N, 20 P and 40 K kg ha^–1 in 1980 and 30 N, 10 P and 25 K kg ha^–1 in 1981.In 1980, uptake of N (48 kg ha^–1), P (7 kg ha^–1) and K (37 kg ha^–1) was maximum with the application of 10 N, 5 P and entire 40 K kg ha^–1 as basal and 30 N and 15 P kg ha^–1 at 30 days after sowing, leading to highest pod yield (0.76 t ha^–1). In 1981, application of 20 N, 10 P and 25 K kg ha^–1 as basal dose and 20 N kg ha^–1 at 30 days after seeding resulted in highest uptake of N (114 kg ha^–1), P (17 kg ha^–1) and K (58 kg ha^–1) and hence the pod yield (2.36 t ha^–1).Differences in the uptake of NPK and pod yield in 1980 and 1981 was due to variation in total rainfall and its distribution during the crop period. Rainfall was equally distributed throughout the crop period in 1981, whereas there were two prolonged dry spells of more than 40 days in 1980.     

Nitrogen use efficiency by maize as affected by a mucuna short fallow and P application in the coastal savanna of West Africa

Maize is the primary food crop grown by farmers in the coastal savanna region of Togo and Benin on degraded (rhodic ferralsols), low in soil K-supplying capacity, and non-degraded (plinthic acrisols) soils. Agronomic trials were conducted during 1999–2002 in southern Togo on both soil types to investigate the impact of N and P fertilization and the introduction of a mucuna short fallow (MSF) on yield, indigenous N supply of the soil, N recovery fraction and internal efficiency of maize. In all plots, an annual basal dose of 100 kg K ha^–1 was applied to the maize crop. Maize and mucuna crop residues were incorporated into the soil during land preparation. Treatment yields were primarily below 80% of CERES-MAIZE simulated weather-defined maize yield potentials, indicating that nutrients were more limiting than weather conditions. On degraded soil (DS), maize yields increased from 0.4 t ha^–1 to 2.8 t ha^–1 from 1999 to 2001, without N or P application, in the absence of MSF, with annual K application and incorporation of maize crop residues. Application of N and P mineral fertilizer resulted in yield gains of 1–1.5 t ha^–1. With MSF, additional yield gains of between 0.5 and 1.0 t ha^–1 were obtained at low N application rates. N supply of the soil increased from 10 to 42 kg ha^–1 from 1999 to 2001 and to 58 kg N ha^–1 with MSF. Application of P resulted in significant improvements in N recovery fraction, and greatest gains were obtained with MSF and P application. MSF did not significantly affect internal N efficiency, which averaged 45 kg grain (kg N uptake)^–1. On non-degraded soils (NDS) and without N or P application, in the absence of MSF, maize yields were about 3 t ha^–1 from 1999 to 2001, with N supply of the soil ranging from 55 to 110 kg N ha^–1. Application of 40 kg P ha^–1 alone resulted in significant maize yield gains of between 1.0 (1999) and 1.5 (2001) t ha^–1. Inclusion of MSF did not significantly improve maize yields and even reduced N recovery fraction as determined in the third cropping year (2001). Results illustrate the importance of site-specific integrated soil fertility management recommendations for the southern regions of Togo and Benin that consider indigenous soil nutrient-supplying capacity and yield potential. On DS, the main nutrients limiting maize growth were N and probably K. On NDS, nutrients limiting growth were mainly N and P. Even on DS rapid gains in productivity can be obtained, with MSF serving as a means to allow farmers with limited financial means to restore the fertility of such soils. MSF cannot be recommended on relatively fertile NDS.     

Distribution of acid extractable P and exchangeable K in a grassland soil as affected by long-term surface application of N, P and K fertilizers

Information on the fate and distribution of surface-applied fertilizer P and K in soil is needed in order to assess their availability to plants and potential for water contamination. Distribution of extractable P (in 0.03 M NH₄F + 0.03 M H₂SO₄ solution) and exchangeable K (in neutral 1.0 M ammonium acetate solution) in the soil as a result of selected combinations of 30 years (1968–1997) of N fertilization (84–336 kg N ha^–1), 10 years of P fertilization (0–132 kg P ha^–1), and 14 years of K fertilization (0 and 46 kg K ha^–1) was studied in a field experiment on a thin Black Chernozem loam under smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) at Crossfield, Alberta, Canada. Soil samples were taken at regular intervals in October 1997 from 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–30, 30–60, 60–90 and 90–120 cm layers. Soil pH decreased with N rate and this declined with soil depth. Increase in extractable P concentration in the soil reflected 10 years of P fertilization relative to no P fertilization, even though it had been terminated 20 years prior to soil sampling. The magnitude and depth of increase in extractable P paralleled N and P rates. The extractable P concentration in the 0–5 cm soil layer increased by 2.2, 20.7, 30.4 and 34.5 mg P kg^–1 soil at 84, 168, 280 and 336 kg N ha^–1, respectively. The increase in extractable P concentration in the 0–15 cm soil depth was 1.5 and 12.8 mg P kg^–1 soil with application of 16 and 33 kg P ha^–1 (N rate of 84 N ha^–1 for both treatments), respectively; and it was 81.6 and 155.2 mg P kg^–1 soil with application of 66 and 132 kg P ha^–1 (N rate of 336 N ha^–1 for both treatments), respectively. The increase in extractable P at high N rates was attributed to N-induced soil acidification. Most of the increase in extractable P occurred in the top 10-cm soil layer and almost none was noticed below 30 cm depth. Surface-applied K was able to prevent depletion of exchangeable K from the 0–90 cm soil, which occurred with increased bromegrass production from N fertilization in the absence of K application. As only a small increase of exchangeable K was observed in the 10–30 cm soil, 46 kg K ha^–1 year^–1 was considered necessary to achieve a balance between fertilization and bromegrass uptake for K. The potential for P contamination of surface water may be increased with the high N and P rates, as most of the increase in extractable P occurred near the soil surface.     

Litter fall, litter stocks and decomposition rates in rainforest and agroforestry sites in central Amazonia

The sustainability of agroforestry systems in Amazonia was assessed from their litter dynamics and decomposition. Litter fall and litter stocks were determined from July 1997 to March 1999 in four sites in central Amazonia: a primary rainforest, a 13-year-old secondary forest, and two sites of a polyculture forestry system which consisted of four planted tree species of commercial use amidst upcoming secondary growth. The average annual litter fall in the undisturbed primary rainforest (FLO) was 8.4 t ha^–1 year^–1, which is within the range of litter fall in other rainforests in the region. It was similar in one of the two polyculture sites (8.3 t ha^–1 year^–1), but lower in the secondary forest and in the second polyculture site. In the litter fall in secondary forest and agroforestry sites, the leaf portion was higher (76–82% of total litter fall) than in FLO, due to reduced fine matter and wood fall. Leaf litter fall variability was much lower in the plantation sites than in the forests, which is explained by the much more homogeneous stand structure of the plantations. The quality of the produced litter, measured as C/N ratio, differed significantly between the primary forest site and one polyculture and the secondary forest site. The cumulative input of nitrogen through litter fall was 144 kg ha^–1 year^–1 in FLO, and 91–112 kg ha^–1 year^–1 in the polycultures and the secondary forest. Litter fall was not correlated with soil parameters, but had a significant linear regression with canopy closure. For the primary rainforest, litter fall was also (inversely) correlated with monthly rainfall. Litter fall was higher in the first year (1997–1998; an El Niño period) than in 1998–1999. Litter stocks on the forest floor were highest in the secondary forest (24.7 t ha^–1), and much lower in the polyculture sites (15.1–16.2 t ha^–1) and the primary forest (12.0 t ha^–1). There were no differences in the relative N content (C/N ratio) of the litter stocks between the sites, but the larger stocks led to higher absolute N contents in the litter layer in the secondary forest. From the monthly values of litter stocks (S) and litter fall (P), the decomposition coefficient k _e=P/S was calculated, which was, on average, highest for the primary forest (0.059), followed by the polyculture systems (0.040–0.042), and by the secondary forest (0.024). Thus, due to low decomposition rates, the secondary forest site showed large litter accumulations in spite of a relatively low litter fall. In contrast, the primary forest showed high litter fall but low stocks, due to high decomposition rates. The decomposition coefficients of the polyculture systems ranged between the primary and the secondary forest. The reduced decomposition rates in the man-managed agroecosystems indicate quantitative and/or qualitative changes in the decomposer communities of these systems that lead to a higher build-up of litter stocks on the forest floor. However, the decomposer systems in the polyculture sites still were more functional than in the site of non-managed secondary growth. Thus, from a soil biological viewpoint, ecologically sustainable low-input agroforestry in Amazonia will benefit from the application of these polyculture systems.     

Applications of poultry litter and triple superphosphate fertilizer to a sandy soil: effects on soil phosphorus status and profile distribution

To determine P loadings, added through poultry litter, sufficient to cause downward movement of P from the cultivated layer of a sandy soil, six rates of poultry litter were applied annually for four years to a site in central England. (total loading 0 – 1119 kg P ha^-1). A single extra plot also received an extra 1000 kg ha^-1 as triple superphosphate (TSP; total loading 2119 kg P ha^-1) and three other treatments received 200 – 800 kg ha^-1 P as TSP only. Annual soil sampling in 30-cm increments to 1.5-m depth provided information on P build-up in the topsoil and P movement to depth. There were strong linear trends between P balance (P applied – P removed in crops) and total P, Olsen bicarbonate extractable P and water-soluble P in the topsoil. Phosphorus from TSP and poultry litter fell on the same regression lines, suggesting that both would be equally effective as fertilizer sources. We calculated that 100 kg ha^-1 surplus total P would increase the Olsen extractable P content by c. 6 mg kg^-1 and the water-soluble P by c. 5 mg kg^-1. Thus, relatively large amounts of P would need to be applied to raise soil P status. We found some evidence of P movement into the soil layers immediately below cultivation depth. However, neither soil sampling nor soil solution extracted through Teflon water samplers showed evidence of movement into the deep subsoil (1 m) despite large P loadings.     

A farm-level evaluation of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use and planting density for pearl millet production in Niger

Mineral fertilizer use is increasing in West Africa though little information is available on yield response in farmers' fields. Farmers in this region plant at low density (average 5,000 pockets ha^–1, 3 plants pocket^–1), which can affect fertilizer use efficiency. A study was conducted with 20 farmers in Niger to assess the response of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers under farm conditions. In each field, treatments included control, single superphosphate (SSP) only, SSP plus N (point placed near plant), and either SSP or partially acidulated phosphate rock (PAPR) plus N broadcast. N and P were applied at 30 kg N ha^–1 and 30 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1. Farmers were allowed to plant, weed, etc., as they wished and they planted at densities ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 pockets ha^–1. In the absence of fertilizer, increasing density from 2,000 to 7,000 pockets ha^–1 increased yield by 400%. A strong interaction was found between fertilizer use and density. Farmers planting at densities less than 3,500 pockets ha^–1 had average yields of 317 kg grain ha^–1 while those planting at densities higher than 6,500 pockets ha^–1 showed average yields of 977 grain ha^–1. Though phosphate alone increased yields significantly at all densities, little response to fertilizer N was found at densities below 6,000 pockets ha^–1. Significant residual responses in 1987 and 1988 were found to P applied in high-density plots in 1986. Depending on fertilizer and grain prices, analysis showed that fertilizer use must be be combined with high plant density (10,000 pockets ha^–1) or no economic benefit from fertilizer use will be realized.     

Ammonia volatilization from fertilizers applied to irrigated wheat soils

A series of experiments using flow chambers was undertaken in the field to investigate the effects of stubble and fertilizer management, soil moisture and precipitation on ammonia volatilization following nitrogen application on chromic luvisols. In the first factorial experiment, urea at 100 kg N ha^–1 was applied to the soil surface one, three and six days following irrigation; there were four rice stubble management systems comprising stubble burnt, stubble burnt then rotary hoed, stubble rotary hoed into the soil and stubble retained on the surface. Cultivation almost halved ammonia loss. The higher loss from uncultivated plots was ascribed to an alkaline ash bed on burnt plots, and to higher soil moisture and some retention of urea prills in the crop residue above the soil surface of the stubble retention plots. Average volatilization over a 12 day period following urea application from plots fertilizer one, three or six days after irrigation was 16, 15 and 4 kg N ha^–1, respectively. Daily application of up to 1.7 mm of water did not reduce volatilization and 35 kg N ha^–1 was lost within five days of fertilization. Daily precipitation of 6.8 mm reduced loss to 14 kg N ha^–1. This quantity of rain is uncommon in the region and it was concluded that showery conditions are unlikely to reduce volatilization. The third experiment demonstrated that the quantity of stubble on the soil surface had no effect on volatilization, and all plots lost 25% of applied nitrogen. In the fourth experiment, 100 kg N ha^–1 as urea or ammonium nitrate was either broadcast onto the surface or stubble retention plots, or placed, and partly covered to simulate topdressing with a disc implement. Partial burial of urea reduced ammonia volatilization from 36 to 7 kg N ha^–1, while partial burial of ammonium nitrate reduced loss from 4 to 0 kg N ha^–1.     

Post-establishment phosphatic fertilizer treatments in a New South WalesPinus radiata plantation

A five-year-oldPinus radiata plantation treated with a spot application of phosphatic fertilizer (13.5 g P per tree)(23 kg P ha^–1) at planting was given various additional booster treatments: two levels of superphosphate (48 and 72 kg P ha^–1) and one level each of basic superphosphate (61 kg P ha^–1) and monoammonium phosphate (70 kg P ha^–1, 35 kg P ha^–1) all broadcast applied. All fertilizer treatments resulted in significant increases in timber volume production which were not significantly different from each other. The stands which had received no additional treatment produced 108 m³ ha^–1 merchantable timber at age 17 years while the treated plots produced between 188 and 201 m³ ha^–1. The best financial gains were from the higher rate of superphosphate. The experiment is discussed in relation to foliar analysis and routine management practice.     

Increased emissions of nitric oxide and nitrous oxide following tillage of a perennial pasture

About 40% of the agricultural land in the European Union (EU) is grassland used for animal production. When grassland is tilled, organically bound carbon and nitrogen are released, providing substrates for nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms. The aim of this study was to examine the immediate effects of tillage of a perennial grassland carried out on different dates, on the emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), monitored intensively over a 5-day period, in a humid, dairy farming area of northern Spain. Soil was tilled 12 days and 2 days prior to fertiliser application. Tillage, time of tillage, and N fertiliser application affected NO and N₂O emissions. Tillage 12 days before the start of the flux measurements resulted in higher emissions than tillage one day before, the difference being related to differences in soil mineral N and water-filled pore space (WFPS). Emissions of NO peaked at a WFPS of 50–60%, while N₂O fluxes peaked at 70–90% WFPS. Loss of N was greater as N₂O than as NO. The total loss of N as N₂O plus NO ranged from 0.027 kg N ha^–1 in unfertilised plots to 0.56 kg N ha^–1 in the tilled and N fertilised plot. Thereafter emissions decreased rapidly to low values. The results of this study indicate that tillage of perennial grassland may release large amounts of NO and N₂O, the amounts also depending on moisture conditions and addition of N fertiliser. We suggest that in order to reduce such emissions, application of N fertiliser should not immediately follow tillage of perennial grassland, as there is an extra supply of N from mineralisation of organic matter at this time.     

Studies on the substitution of inorganic fertilizers with organic manure and their effect on soil fertility in rice—wheat rotation

Field studies on the substitution of N and P fertilizers with farm yard manure (FYM) and their effect on the fertility status of a loamy sand soil in rice—wheat rotation are reported. The treatments consisted of application of 12 t FYM ha^–1 in combination with graded levels of N and P. Application of fertilizer N, FYM and their different combinations increased the rice yield significantly. There was no significant response to P application. The magnitude of response to the application of 12 t FYM and its combined use with each of 40 kg and 80 kg N ha^–1 was 0.7, 2.2 and 3.9 t ha^–1 respectively. Application of 120 kg N ha^–1 alone increased the yield by 3.9 t ha^–1, and was comparable to rice yield obtained with 80 kg N and 12 t FYM ha^–1. This indicated that 12 t FYM ha^–1 could be substituted for 40 kg N as inorganic fertilizer in rice. In addition FYM gave residual effects equivalent to 30 kg N and 13.1 kg P ha^–1 in the succeeding wheat. The effect of single or combined use of inorganic fertilizers and FYM was significantly reflected in the build up of available N, P, K and organic carbon contents of the soil. The relationship for predicting rice yield and nutrients uptake were also computed and are discussed.     

Africa — how much fertilizer needed: Case study of Sierra Leone

The quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium supplied by an average African soil cleared from bush fallow, assuming no losses, were approximated. Values ranged from 23 to 120 Kg N ha^–1, 1.8 to 12 Kg P ha^–1, 47 to 187 Kg K ha^–1, depending on type of fallow, length of fallow, drainage and extent of depletion of native supplies. Additional amounts of 4 to 5 Kg N ha^–1, 4 to 6 Kg P ha^–1 and 14 to 20 Kg K ha^–1 are obtained from the ash.Using crop nutrient removal data and approximate efficiencies of native and fertilizer N, P and K, fertilizer requirements at the reconnaissance level were estimated for selected target yields. For newly cleared uplands at cropping/fallow ratio of 2:7, N fertilizer requirements for cassava (30 t ha^–1), maize (4 t ha^–1), and sweet potato (16 t ha^–1), were 138, 98, 42 kg ha^–1 respectively. Wetland rice (4 t ha^–1) required 55 kg N ha^–1. Corresponding P fertilizer requirements for cassava, maize, sweet potato, upland rice (1.5 t ha^–1) and ground-nut (1 t ha^–1) were 190, 80, 30, 30 and 16 kg P ha^–1 respectively. Wetland rice required 83 kg P ha^–1. Substantial residual values of applied P are to be expected. Cassava required 60 kg ha^–1 of K on newly cleared land. In soils of lowered nutrient status higher N, P, and K fertilizer requirements were indicated for all crops.Land use data from Sierra Leone were used to illustrate how the total quantities of N, P and K fertilizers in a country in the forest zone of Africa can be approximated. Fertilizer needs in Sierra Leone were in decreasing order P > N K. N, P and K requirements were estimated to be 10,000 t, 20,000 t and 4,000 t respectively. The nutrient balance sheet method described in this paper is a useful tool to estimate the order of magnitude of fertilizer requirement at selected target yields for countries in Africa.