Assessing internal crop nitrogen use efficiency in high-yielding irrigated cotton

Improving the efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertiliser use is one means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in irrigated crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Internal crop N use efficiency (iNUE) was measured within two N fertiliser rate experiments that covered a wide range of N fertility over six cropping seasons. Crop iNUE was determined by dividing lint yield by crop N uptake. No nutrients other than N limited cotton growth or yield and the crops were irrigated to avoid drought stress. The optimal N fertiliser rates were determined from fitted quadratic functions that related lint yields with N fertiliser rates for each cropping system in each year. When the optimal N fertiliser rate was applied, crop iNUE averaged 12.5 ± 0.2 kg lint/kg crop N uptake. The crop iNUE was then used to determine the degree to which N fertiliser was under or over-applied, with respect to the economic optimum N fertiliser rate. Low iNUE values were associated with excessive N fertiliser application. Crop iNUE was determined in 82 commercial cotton crops in six valleys over the final 4 years of this study. The crop iNUE value was high in 8 fields (10%), optimal in 9 fields (11%) and low in 65 fields (79%). Crop N uptake averaged 247 kg N/ha, yield 2,273 kg lint/ha and crop iNUE 10.1 kg lint/kg crop N uptake for these sites. Averaged over all sites and years, about 49 kg N/ha too much N fertiliser was applied. Apparent N fertiliser recovery by cotton in the N rate experiments ranged from <20% in N-fertile treatments where legume crops had been grown, to more than 60% following winter cereal crops. Information on crop iNUE will enable cotton producers to assess their N fertiliser management and adjust N fertiliser rates for future crops. This study has demonstrated that there is scope to substantially reduce N fertiliser inputs to Australian cotton fields without reducing yields.     

Influence of treated sewage sludge applications on temporal variations of plant nutrients and heavy metals in a Typic Xerofluvent soil

The objective of this study is to determine influence of Treated Sewage Sludge (TSS) rates as organic matter and nutrient resource on temporal variations of some macronutrients and micronutrients and heavy metals concentrations in a Typic Xerofluvent soil. The experiment was conducted in Menemen Plain, in the Western Anatolia Region of Turkey in 2003–2005. Moist TSS was added to the soil at the rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 Mg ha⁻¹ on May 1, 2003. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) was planted as the first crop. On the other hand, mixture of green barley (Hordeum vulgare) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) was planted as the second crop. During the experiment, soil samples were taken five times. Increasing TSS applications to this soil resulted in significantly increased concentrations of total N, Cu, Pb and Ni, and available P, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn concentrations in soil. However, concentrations of available Mg and Na, total Fe, Zn, Mn, Cd, Co and Cr in soil did not significantly change. Micronutrients and heavy metals concentrations in soil were found under threshold values in all sampling periods in this study. Available nutrient concentrations in the soil decreased particularly in the last sampling periods because of plant uptake of nutrients from the applied TSS. It is recommended that 90 Mg ha⁻¹ moist TSS can be added once in a 2-year period for improving nutrient concentrations in Typic Xerofluvent soil.     

Determination of seventeen elements in edible oils and margarine by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to determine the concentration of As, Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hg, K, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr and Zn in almond, sunflower, peanut, sesame, linseed, soy, corn and olive oils, as well as in three margarine brands. The concentration of As, Ba, Ce, Cs, Eu, Hg, Rb, Se and Sr were below the system detection limit under the experiment conditions. Chromium was detected only in one of the margarine samples (171 μg/g); Sb only in corn oil (18 ng/g) and Sc only in linseed oil (19 ng/g). Cobalt, Fe, K, Na and Zn were detected in all oil and margarine samples investigated. The concentration ranges for Co, Fe, K, Na and Zn in oils were: 0.016–0.053; 4.45–19.1; 5.93–47.2; 2.44–12.9 and 0.48–1.54 μg/g, respectively. For margarine, the concentration ranges for Co, Fe, K, Na and Zn were 0.09–0.012; 4.53–10.6; 58.3–1140; 13.2–9870 and 0.38–0.47 μg/g, respectively. The elemental contents of the analyzed samples are within the ranges reported in the literature for edible oils and fats.     

Soil nutrient depletion by agricultural production in Southern Mali

The degree of soil mining by agricultural production in Southern Mali is assessed by calculating nutrient balances: differences between the amount of plant nutrients exported from the cultivated fields, and those added to the fields. Export processes include extraction by crops, losses due to leaching, to erosion, and to volatilization and denitrification. Inputs include applications of fertilizer and manure, restitution of crop residues, nitrogen fixation, atmospheric deposition of nutrients in rain and dust, and enrichment by weathering of soil minerals. Nutrient balances are calculated for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Both pessimistic and optimistic estimates are given.The resulting figures indicate, even when the most optimistic estimates are used, large deficits for nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. For the region as a whole, the calculated deficits are -25 kg N/ha,-20 kg K/ha, and -5 kg Mg/ha. Further, acidification is to be expected, in particular in areas where cotton is grown. The deficits are caused by traditional cereal crops, but also by cotton and especially by groundnut. The latter two crops are fertilized, but insufficiently. It is important to note, that the negative figures are not automatic recommendations for application of a specific amount of additional fertilizer. For phosphorus and calcium the balance of the region as a whole appears to be about in equilibrium, but locally large variations may occur.Erosion and denitrification are important causes of nutrient loss, accounting respectively for 17 and 22% of total nitrogen exports. Atmospheric deposition and weathering of minerals in the soil are still important nutrient inputs that contribute as much as nutrients as organic and mineral fertilizer combined. Nutrient depletion is very large in comparison to the amount of fertilizer applied. Drastic options, such as doubling the application of fertilizer or manure, or halving erosion losses, even if feasible, would still not be enough to make up for the calculated deficits.The annual value of withdrawn nutrients, if related to prices of fertilizers, varies between 10,000 and 15,000 FCFA/ha (40-60 US $/ha). Since the estimated average gross margin from farming in this area is 34,000 FCFA/ha (123 US $/ha), soil mining appears to provide an amount equal to 40% of farmers' total income from agricultural activities.     

Effect of nitrogen and zinc fertilization and plant growth retardants on cottonseed, protein, oil yields, and oil properties

The increase in the population in Egypt makes it imperative to explore promising approaches to increase food supply, including protein and oil, to meet the needs of the Egyptian people. Cotton is the principal crop of Egyptian agriculture. It is grown mainly for its fiber, but cottonseed products are also of economic importance. Cottonseed is presently the main source of edible oil and meal for livestock in Egypt. Field experiments were conducted in two successive seasons at the Agricultural Research Center (Giza, Egypt) on cotton (Gossypium barbadense L. cv. Giza 75) to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate (107 and 161 kg of N/ha applied as ammonium nitrate containing 33.5% N in two equal doses at 6 and 8 wk after sowing), together with foliar applications of plant growth retardants (mepiquat chloride “Pix”, chloromequat chloride “Cycocel”, and daminozide “Alar”, each applied once at 288 g active ingredient/ha, after 75 d from sowing) and zinc (Zn) (applied in chelated form after 80 and 95 d from sowing at 48 g of Zn/ha) on seed, protein and oil yields and oil properties of cotton. The higher N-rate, as well as the application of all growth retardants and Zn, resulted in an increase in cottonseed yield, seed protein content, oil and protein yields/ha, seed oil refractive index, unsaponifiable matter, and total unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic). These treatments tended to decrease oil acid value, saponification value, and total saturated fatty acids. The seed oil content tended to decrease as N-rate increased and increased with the application of all growth retardants and Zn. There were some differences between Pix, Cycocel, and Alar regarding their effects on the studied characters. The highest increase in seed, oil, and protein yields/ha was found with Pix, followed by Cycocel. The Cycocel treatment gave the lowest total saturated fatty acids oil content, followed by Alar.     

Characterization of the seed oil and meal from apricot,cherry, nectarine,peach and plum

The oil and meal from apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach and plum seeds were characterized for their physico-chemical properties. The wt% seed/fruit ranged from 2.8–7.6% and the wt% kernel/seed ranged from 6.8–31.6%. Kernel moisture ranged from 38.8–72.4%. The proximate composition of whole seeds on a dry weight basis ranged from 1.3–6.9% protein, 0.6–14.5% fat, 51.0–72.3% fiber, 0.4–1.2% ash, and 18.1–27.9% carbohydrate (by difference). The kernels contained 41.9–49.3% fat, and the resulting meals contained 31.7–38.7% protein. The major fatty acids were oleic (52.9–66.3%) and linoleic (26.8%–35.0%). The major essential amino acids were arginine (21.7–30.5 mmoles/100 g meal) and leucine (16.2–21.6), and the predominant nonessential amino acid was glutamic acid (49.9–68.0). The iodine values ranged from 105 to 113, hydroxyl value from 5.5 to 7.0 and the unsaponifiables from 0.56–0.80%. The mineral composition (Cu, Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, P) was also determined on the meals.     

Acidulated pegmatitic mica: A promising new multi-nutrient mineral fertilizer

Scrap grade pegmatitic phlogopite mica contains 5–7% K (8% K₂O), 10–14% Mg (23% MgO), 1–2% Ca (2.9% CaO), 0.03% Mn and 109 ppm Zn. On acidulation upto 65% of K and Mg and 15–100% Mn and Zn were recovered. Less than 13% of Ca was recovered in solution. Water soluble and Nh₄OAc extractable K and Mg of acidulated mica of pegmatitic origin increased a 10² to 10³ times compared to untreated mica. Acidulated mica remained non-hygroscopic even when mixed with acids at a 2:1 mica to acid ratio. X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrated that interlayer cations were easily leached from the mica structure leaving behind a kaolinitic residue, compared to the more stable tetrasilicate feldspars.The most significant achievement through these experiments was the yield increase obtained in the greenhouse experiment with rice by using the lowest application rate (200 kg ha^–1) so far reported for mica, - an exponential decrease from tonnes/ha previously reported. Acidulated phlogopite mica chips (200 kg ha^–1- 4 kg K, 8 kg Mg, trace elements Mn, Zn etc.) gave a yield increase of over 41% compared to a control with recommended muriate of potash and dolomite (17 kg K, 6 kg Mg). The response to acidulated feldspar (500 kg ha^–1- 1.5 kg K) and an acidulated feldspar-dolomite combined fertilizer (250 kg ha^–1- 0.6 kg K and 6 kg Mg) was not significant.The response to mica clearly shows a multinutrient deficiency in highly weathered tropical soils. The relatively high solubility of the acidulated mica, its range of nutrient element supply, its nonhygroscopic nature and its extremely simple manufacturing process makes mica, a cheap but effective fertilizer for the tropical regions where these nutrients are deficient, especially in highly metamorphosed crystalline terrains.     

Increasing organic C and N in soil under bromegrass with long-term N fertilization

Two field experiments were conducted on bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) on a thin Black Chernozem (Typic Boroll) at Crossfield, Alberta, Canada to determine the long-term effects of N fertilization on changes in concentration and mass of organic C and N in soil. In both experiments, bromegrass was harvested for hay each year. In the experiment where ammonium nitrate (AN) was applied annually at 0 to 336 kg N/ha for 27 consecutive years from 1968 to 1994, the concentration of total C in the 0–5 cm soil layer increased from 50.33 g/kg in the zero-N treatment to 61.64 g/kg with 56 kg N/ha and to 64.15 g/kg with the 112 kg N/ha rate. Total C in soil also increased in the 5–10, 10–15 and 15–30 cm layers but to a lesser extent. The mass of total C in the 0–30 cm soil layer was increased by 18.46 Mg/ha with 56 kg N/ha and by 23.38 Mg/ha with the 112 kg N/ha rate as compared to the zero-N treatment. Total N in soil followed a similar trend as total C. In the experiment which received four N sources [ammonium nitrate (AN), urea, calcium nitrate (CN) and ammonium sulphate (AS)] applied annually at 168 and 336 kg N/ha for 15 years from 1979 to 1993, the total C in soil was greater where N fertilizer was applied, but the increase in total C varied with N source. The concentration of total C in soil in the 0–5 cm layer tended to be greater with AN and AS than with CN, with the smallest increase from urea. The mass of total C in soil (average of four N sources) at the 168 kg N/ha rate was increased by 18.98 Mg/ha in 0–30 cm and by 43.48 Mg/ha in the 0–60 cm layer as compared to the check treatment. The concentration of total C in soil also increased in the deeper layers to a depth of 60 cm, but the increases were much smaller than in the 0–5 cm layer. The changes in total N in soil followed a similar pattern as total C. In conclusion, long-term annual additions of fertilizer N to bromegrass resulted in a marked increase in total C and N in soil and the increases were influenced by both rate and source of N fertilizer. The implications of these results are that grasslands can be managed to lessen the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration, while also improving fertility (N-supplying capacity) and tilth of soil. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Relationship between growth rate,fertilizing and foliar nutrient concentrations forEucalyptus grandis; preliminary investigations

This is a third paper in a series on foliar nutrient concentrations for seedling crops ofEucalyptus grandis. It describes the relationship between foliar nutrient concentrations ofEucalyptus grandis and height growth rate as influenced by fertilizer application and liming in four comprehensive experiments. Tentative optimum levels for the foliar nutrient concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn and some ratios of macro-nutrients are indicated for the growing conditions at these experimental sites as well as their practical value and limitations. In a pooled analysis, 71 per cent of the variation in height growth was explained by the levels and ratios of nutrients and the rate of N and P application. All elements determined except Cu occurred in this prediction equation. The foliar levels of N, P, K and Mn, the N/P ratio and P application appear to be the most important explaining variables.     

ICP-OES和ICP-MS测定天然棕色棉和染色棕棉中24种元素含量

采用微波消解对天然棕色棉和染色棕棉样品进行处理,通过电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法和电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定其中B、Na、Mg、Al、P、K、Ca、Ti、V、Mn、Fe、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Ga、Se、Rb、Sr、Mo、Ag、Cs、Ba、U等24种元素的含量。结果表明,与染色棕棉相比,天然棕色棉中B、Mg、P、K、Ca、Ti、V、Mn、Rb、Mo等元素含量显著偏高(P0.05),Na元素含量显著偏低(P0.05),采用聚类分析(最短距离法)对样品中24种元素含量进行处理,可正确判断天然棕色棉和染色棕棉。     

Foliar NPKS application to cotton from full flowering to boll filling

Two field experiments were carried out at different locations to test the effect of NPKS sprays on cotton in addition to soil applied fertilizers. The differences in lint yield and average boll weight between treatments were not significant. Four foliar application (10 kg N, 1 kg P, 3 kg K and 0.5 kg S/ha/application) tended to increase the lint yield and the average boll weight in the location with the lower fertility. It seems that utilization of foliar nutrient application is dependent upon the availability of these nutrients in the soil. N was added mainly as urea, P and K as potassium polyphosphate and S as potassium or ammonium sulphate.Contribution from the Dept. of Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Agricultural Research Organization. The Volcani Center. Bet Dagan, Israel No 2167-E 1987 series.     

Spatial variability of Soil Nutrients and Influencing Factors in a Vegetable Production Area of Hebei Province in China

This study was conducted to determine soil nutrient spatial variability and the factors influencing it in a vegetable production area using traditional statistics and geo-statistics. The study area encompassed 55 ha and consisted of 182 farmer's plots belonging to six production groups in the Yutian county of China. Two hundred and seventeen soil samples were collected on a 50×50-m grid at depths of 0–20 cm prior to the plots being sown for cabbage. Vegetable production history, including varieties, rotation systems and fertilizer use, at the sampling sites was also examined. Soil pH, organic manure (OM), NO₃⁻–N, available P, K, Zn, and other nutrients and particle size were measured. The results showed that N, P, K and Zn were the main limiting nutrient factors in the soil. Distinct semi-variance structures of spatial variability were observed for soil NO₃⁻–N, available P, K and Zn, with the range of spatial correlation being 204–348 m. Significant spatial distribution similarity was found for soil NO₃⁻–N, P, K and Zn, with relatively high contents of all these nutrients in some areas of the study area and relatively low contents in other areas. The correlation of soil NO₃⁻–N, P and K content with vegetable production history and fertilizer application rates (N, P₂O₅ and K₂O) suggested that vegetable variety and history of fertilizer use are important factors to be considered in the development of a soil nutrient management program in the study area.     

Broiler chicken litter application timing effect on Coastal bermudagrass in southeastern U.S.

Presently, more than 85% of the broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) litter (BCL) is being applied to pasture lands year-round. This practice results in nutrient losses and potentially unfavorable environmental impacts particularly during the wet winter months. A field plot experiment was initiated in 2001 on a Ruston silt loam in Mize, MS to identify the proper BCL application timing that enhances BCL nutrient uptake by crops while minimizing undesirable nutrient buildup in soil. Seven treatments (BCL application timings) were employed on previously established “Coastal” hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] plots. For each treatment, the quantity of broiler chicken litter (a mixture of chicken manure plus bedding materials) needed for each plot was calculated based on the BCL total N content to provide 400 kg N ha⁻¹ for top bermudagrass yield (18 Mg ha⁻¹) and applied either as a single, two-way split, or three-way split at different dates as follow: May; May/June; April/May/June; May/June/July; June/July/August; July/August/September; and August/September/October. Bermudagrass was harvested 5 times each year for dry matter (DM) and nutrient uptake determination. Significant differences in DM yield were observed in each year among application timings. The greatest DM yield was 18.6 Mg ha⁻¹ for the single application in May and lowest at 15.0 Mg ha⁻¹ for Aug/Sep/Oct application dates in 2001 and followed by the same trend in 2002. The N and P uptake by bermudagrass ranged from 270 to 381, and 53 to 63 kg ha⁻¹ respectively, in 2001. Similar trend, but lower values for nutrient uptake were observed in 2002. Significant differences were observed among BCL application timings in regard to soil residual of total carbon (TC), total nitogen (TN), Mehlich 3 extracted P (M3-P), NO₃–N, Cu, and Fe elements at the end of the study. In general, summer and early fall BCL applications resulted in greater buildup of most of these elements. Based on the results of this study, there is a wide window (May–July) for BCL application timing on bermudagrass considering the criteria of producing high yield and low soil residual nutrient. However, the best BCL application timing should be in spring (late April–June) when minimum temperatures exceed those required (24–27°C) for bermudagrass growth.     

Changes in the nutrient status of soil caused by cropping and fertilization in a Typic Ustochrept

Field experiments were conducted during 1984–1986 on an alluvial (Typic Ustochrept) soil (pH 8.0, organic carbon 0.46%) at IARI farm, New Delhi to study the changes in available soil nutrients (N, P, K, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu) at different production levels. Fertilizer was applied to wheat followed by maize, based on the Targetted yield concept, and mustard was grown after the sequence to estimate the residual effect of nutrients. Nutrient applications for the largest yield targets (6 t ha^–1 of wheat followed by 4 or 5 t ha^–1 of maize) resulted in a comparatively greater buildup of soil nutrients (N, P and K), the greatest yield of a succeeding mustard crop, and a better soil nutrient status than that at the start of the experiment, even after the mustard. When both crops were fertilized for the largest target yield with straight fertilizers (Urea, SSP and KCl), the additions of N, P and K and of micronutrient cations (Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu) maintained a favorable balance for major and trace nutrients and provided a sound basis for profitable crop production.Part of the Ph.D. thesis of the senior author submitted to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.     

Investigation of Oil and Protein Contents of Eight Sudanese Lagenaria siceraria Varieties

The composition of the oil and protein contents of eight Lagenaria siceraria varieties was characterized in order to evaluate their suitability as a source of edible oil and protein. The physicochemical properties and fatty acids of seed oils were determined. The oil yield ranged from 24.11 to 26.32 %. The refractive indices and relative densities of the oils fell within the narrow ranges of 1.464–1.468 and 0.857–0.907 g/cm³, respectively. The saponification value ranged from 158.48 to 179.52 mg KOH/g, unsaponifiable matter was between 0.749 and 0.937 %, and the peroxide values were lower than Codex values for vegetable oils. The principal fatty acids were linoleic (62.1–67.9 %), oleic (11.54–15.46 %), palmitic (12.13–14.03 %), and stearic (6.71–7.71 %) acids. Low linolenic acid levels were also observed (<1 %) within the range of 0.32–0.44 %. The major essential amino acids were arginine (2.04–3.77 g/100 g), leucine (1.245–1.726 g/100 g), phenylalanine (0.803–1.396 g/100 g), and lysine (0.921–1.383 g/100 g). The non‐essential amino acids were glutamic acid (2.5–4.37 g/100 g), aspartic acid (1.39–2.36 g/100 g), serine (0.69–1.19 g/100 g), glycine (0.79–1.37 g/100 g), alanine (0.72–1.37 g/100 g), and proline (0.63–1.02 g/100 g). Nine minerals (Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and P) were determined with significant (p < 0.05) differences. The studied oils showed promising results and can be used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. This is the first study on the eight L. siceraria seed varieties grown in Sudan, opening the way for further studies on these seeds.     

Foliar boron application affects lint and seed yield and improves seed quality of cotton grown on calcareous soils

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most important fiber crops worldwide because of the good fiber quality, high yield, and high adaptability. Cotton has high requirements for B and many times B is applied to correct B deficiency. Despite the fact that B is important for cotton the effect of foliar applications on seed yield and seed quality was not adequately determined and especially when cotton is grown on calcareous soils. A field study was conducted to determine if foliar B application during anthesis increases seed set, lint yield, seed yield, yield components and improves seed quality of cotton grown on calcareous soils. Boron solutions were applied at four rates (0, 400, 800 and 1,200 mg l⁻¹ of B) to field plots exhibiting no vegetative symptoms of B deficiency. Foliar B application increased the number of bolls per plant, the number of bolls per square meter, the mean boll weight, the lint and the seed yield. Cotton yield was increased by an average of 40% over the two locations with B application compared with the control. However, there was no significant difference between the three rates of B. The number of bolls per plant increased by an average of 29% and the number of bolls per square meter increased by an average of 29% with B application in both locations compared with the control treatment. Also foliar application of B improved seed germination by an average of 17% and increased seed vigor determined as accelerated aging (AA) by an average of 25% compared with the control treatment in both locations. The results obtained here suggest that foliar B application can improve the lint and seed yield and seed quality of cotton grown on calcareous soils.     

Soil nutrient maps of Sub-Saharan Africa: assessment of soil nutrient content at 250 m spatial resolution using machine learning

Spatial predictions of soil macro and micro-nutrient content across Sub-Saharan Africa at 250 m spatial resolution and for 0–30 cm depth interval are presented. Predictions were produced for 15 target nutrients: organic carbon (C) and total (organic) nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), and extractable—phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and boron (B). Model training was performed using soil samples from ca. 59,000 locations (a compilation of soil samples from the AfSIS, EthioSIS, One Acre Fund, VitalSigns and legacy soil data) and an extensive stack of remote sensing covariates in addition to landform, lithologic and land cover maps. An ensemble model was then created for each nutrient from two machine learning algorithms—random forest and gradient boosting, as implemented in R packages ranger and xgboost—and then used to generate predictions in a fully-optimized computing system. Cross-validation revealed that apart from S, P and B, significant models can be produced for most targeted nutrients (R-square between 40–85%). Further comparison with OFRA field trial database shows that soil nutrients are indeed critical for agricultural development, with Mn, Zn, Al, B and Na, appearing as the most important nutrients for predicting crop yield. A limiting factor for mapping nutrients using the existing point data in Africa appears to be (1) the high spatial clustering of sampling locations, and (2) missing more detailed parent material/geological maps. Logical steps towards improving prediction accuracies include: further collection of input (training) point samples, further harmonization of measurement methods, addition of more detailed covariates specific to Africa, and implementation of a full spatio-temporal statistical modeling framework.     

Boron uptake and toxicity in wheat in relation to zinc supply

Zinc deficiency may enhance B absorption and transport to such an extent that B may possibly accumulate to toxic levels in plant tops. Therefore, a screen house experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of B levels (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg B kg^–1 soil) as influenced by Zn levels (0, 10 and 20 mg Zn kg^–1 soil) on DM yield of wheat tops and tissue concentration and uptake of B, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca, Mg, K and P. Application of B decreased the dry matter yield of wheat significantly at all levels of Zn. Conversely, increasing levels of Zn increased the wheat yield significantly. The application of B increased the tissue concentration and uptake of B by wheat plants more in the absence than in the presence of Zn application. Consequently, concentration of B in wheat plants decreased with increasing levels of Zn application to the soil. This decrease in tissue B concentration was not only due to increased growth of wheat plants. Zinc application appears to have created a protective mechanism in the root cell environment against excessive uptake of B, as evidenced by the reduction of B uptake in Zn treated plants. The uptake of Mn, Mg and P decreased while the uptake of Cu, Fe, and K by wheat plants increased with Zn application. Whereas, the uptake of all nutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K and P) decreased significantly with the application of B. However, this depressive effect of B on nutrient uptake was less marked in the presence of applied Zn.     

Soil and crop management technologies for enhancing rice production under micronutrient constraints

Micronutrient deficiency is considered as one of the major causes of the declining productivity trends observed in ricegrowing countries. The submergence created for rice cultivation influences electrochemical and biochemical reactions, and alters pH, pCO2 and the concentration of certain ions. This environment increases the availability of Fe and Mn with concomitant decrease in Zn and Cu. It is well known that Zn deficiency is predominant in lowland ecosystems. Sodic and upland soils and calcareous coarse-textured soils with low organic matter content suffer from Fe deficiency, besides Zn and Cu deficiencies. Rice cultivars do not experience deficiency of B and Mo. The acid soils and the lowlying, poorly drained alluvial and colluvial soils are prone to Fe toxicity. Experiments in different agroecological zones all over India showed that Zn doses to correct Zn deficiency varied from 2.5 to 22 kg ha-1; 5.3 kg Zn ha-1 proved optimum and economical, with a maximum rice yield increase of 4.8 t ha-1. In the lowland ecosystem, amending the soil with the required amount of Zn before transplanting was effective and easy to adopt, compared with repeated foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO4 or use of Zn-enriched seedlings through seed soaking in 2–4% ZnSO4 solution, fertilizing the nursery with Zn, or seedling root dipping in 2% ZnO slurry. Hepta as well as monohydrated ZnSO4 were better than other sources of Zn (ZnO, ZnCl2 and Zn frits). The Zn-blended diammonium phosphate (Zn-DAP), superphosphate, and nitrophosphates also proved effective. The Zn-enriched organic manures (farmyard manure, green leaf manure, and coir pith compost) were found advantageous for the direct and residual crops. Zinc fertilization with an optimal dose of 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 once a year yielded high economic return. A differential response of rice up to a maximum increase in yield of 4.8 t ha-1 was observed with the foliar spray (1–2% FeSO4 solution) or soil incorporation of Fe (50 kg FeSO4 ha-1) with bulky organic manure (12.5 t ha-1). The application of 12.5 kg CuSO4 ha-1 ameliorated Cu deficiency and significantly enhanced rice production. Management strategies such as liming and additional multinutrient supply (P. K, Mg, Zn, Cu, and B), besides improving drainage, enhanced the rice productivity of soils prone to Fe toxicity by correcting the multinutrient deficiency syndrome.     

Needs for controlled-availability micronutrient fertilizers

Use of micronutrients for agronomic and horticultural crops has increased markedly in recent years. Increased use is related to higher nutrient demands from more intensive cropping practices and also from farming marginal lands. Most of the fertilizers used to correct micronutrient deficiencies are water- soluble inorganic sources or soluble organic products such as synthetic chelates or natural organic complexes. These fertilizers may react with soil to decrease their availability to plants. The rates of such chemical reactions may differ considerably with each micronutrient fertilizer and soil environment.Recommended micronutrient rates have been based on results of numerous experiments, and these rates vary with crop, soil, and other factors. The usual application rates (on an elemental basis) range from 1 to 10 kg ha^–1 for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn; < 1 kg ha^–1 for B; and < 100 g ha^–1 for Mo.Because the metallic micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) generally are sorbed strongly by soil clays, they do not move significantly in soil. Hence, they are not leached readily from the zone of application to lower soil depths or into groundwaters. Mobility of these micronutrient cations is higher in sandy soils, especially with high leaching conditions. Therefore, their movement out of the root zone is possible under some situations. Significant residual effects of soluble Cu and Zn sources greatly reduce the need for controlled-availability Cu and Zn products. Controlled-availability Fe and Mn fertilizers have not been effective because the rapid oxidation of Fe and Mn and reactions with soil reduce their availability upon release.Because soluble B fertilizers form boric acid molecules in soil, they are mobile and subject to leaching conditions. While mobility of B is less than that of NO ₃ ^- -N in soil, field results have demonstrated loss of applied B from the root zone in sandy soils. Slightly soluble B fertilizers, such as colemanite and ulexite, and fritted B products (powdered glass-like materials whose solubility is controlled by particle size) have been used in sandy soils for some crops.Molybdenum requirements are much lower than those of the other micronutrients. Deficiencies generally are corrected by liming the soil or by seed or foliar applications, so there is little need for controlled-availability Mo fertilizers.Little research has been conducted on controlled availability micronutrient fertilizers. While fritted products are considered in this category, they are difficult to handle and only may be of value in supplying B under specific conditions. Coating soluble granular micronutrient fertilizers also has been attempted, but there are few reported results of their relative effectiveness in comparison with conventional fertilizers and application methods. New micronutrient products may be needed for specific conditions such as greenhouse-culture or container-grown crops, but plant needs also may be met by multiple applications of soluble sources.