A spatially explicit methodology to quantify soil nutrient balances and their uncertainties at the national level

A soil nutrient balance is a commonly used indicator to assess changes in soil fertility. In this paper, an earlier developed methodology by Stoorvogel and Smaling to assess the soil nutrient balance is given a major overhaul, based on growing insights and advances in data availability and modelling. The soil nutrient balance is treated as the net balance of five inflows (mineral fertilizer, organic inputs, atmospheric deposition, nitrogen fixation and sedimentation) and five outflows (crop products, crop residues, leaching, gaseous losses and erosion). This study aims to improve the existing methodology by making it spatially explicit, improving various transfer functions, and by modelling explicitly the uncertainties in the estimations. Spatially explicit modelling has become possible through a novel methodology to create a simulated land use map on the basis of the principles of traditional qualitative land evaluation. New literature data on the various inputs and outputs allowed improvement of the estimations of deposition, sedimentation, leaching, and erosion. Moreover, the uncertainty of the calculated soil nutrient balances was assessed. To illustrate the improved methodology, we applied it to Burkina Faso and revealed that nutrient depletion is occurring throughout the country at rates of , and . The resulting spatial soil nutrient balances at the national level can constitute the basis for targeting soil fertility policies at lower levels.     

Within-farm soil fertility gradients affect response of maize to fertiliser application in western Kenya

Different fields within a farm have been observed to have different soil fertility status and this may affect the response of a maize crop to applied N, P, and K fertiliser. A limiting nutrient trial was carried out at six farms each, in three districts of Western Kenya. In each of the farms, the following treatments were laid out in three fields with different soil fertility status at different distances from the homestead (close, mid-distance, remote fields): no inputs, application of NPK, NP, NK, or PK fertiliser (urea, triple super phosphate, KCl) to maize. Total soil N decreased at all sites with distance to the homestead (from 1.30 to 1.06 g kg⁻¹), as did Olsen-P (from 10.5 to 2.3 mg kg⁻¹). Grain yields in the no-input control plots reflected this decrease in soil fertility status with distance to the homestead (from 2.59 to 1.59 t ha⁻¹). In the NPK treatments, however, this difference between field types disappeared (from 3.43 to 3.98 t ha⁻¹), indicating that N and P are the major limiting nutrients in the target areas. Response to applied N was related to the soil total N content in Aludeka and Shinyalu, but not in Emuhaia, probably related to the high use of partially decomposed organic inputs with limited N availability. Consequently, response to applied N decreased with distance to the homestead in Aludeka (from 0.95 kg kg⁻¹ relative yield to 0.55 kg kg⁻¹) and Shinyalu (from 0.76 kg kg⁻¹ to 0.47 kg kg⁻¹), but not in Emuhaia (from 0.75 kg kg⁻¹ to 0.68 kg kg⁻¹). Response to applied P was related to the soil Olsen-P content at all sites. While for farms with a relatively high Olsen-P gradient, response to applied P decreased with distance to the homestead (from 0.99 kg kg⁻¹ to 0.68 kg kg⁻¹), large variability in Olsen-P gradients across field types among farms within a specific site often masked clear differences in response to P between field types for a specific site. Clear scope for field-specific fertiliser recommendations exists, provided these are based on local soil knowledge and diagnosis. Scenario analysis, using farm-scale modelling tools, could assist in determining optimum allocation strategies of scarcely available fertiliser for maximum fertiliser use efficiency.     

Multiple benefits of manure: The key to maintenance of soil fertility and restoration of depleted sandy soils on African smallholder farms

Manure is a key nutrient resource on smallholder farms in the tropics, especially on poorly buffered sandy soils, due to its multiple benefits for soil fertility. Farmers preferentially apply manure to fields closest to homesteads (homefields), which are more fertile than fields further away (outfields). A three-year experiment was established on homefields and outfields on sandy and clayey soils to assess the effects of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer application in combination with manure or mineral phosphorus (P) on maize yields and soil chemical properties. Significant maize responses to application of N and manure were observed on all fields except the depleted sandy outfield. Large amounts of manure (17 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) were required to significantly increase soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, available P, and base saturation, and restore productivity of the depleted sandy outfield. Sole N as ammonium nitrate (100 kg N ha⁻¹) or in combination with single superphosphate led to acidification of the sandy soils, with a decrease of up to 0.8 pH units after three seasons. In a greenhouse experiment, N and calcium (Ca) were identified as deficient in the sandy homefield, while N, P, Ca, and zinc (Zn) were deficient or low on the sandy outfield. The deficiencies of Ca and Zn were alleviated by the addition of manure. This study highlights the essential role of manure in sustaining and replenishing soil fertility on smallholder farms through its multiple effects, although it should be used in combination with N mineral fertilizers due to its low capacity to supply N.     

Squash yield, nutrient content and soil fertility parameters in response to methods of fertilizer application and rates of nitrogen fertigation

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate squash yield and nutrient content in response to different fertigation nitrogen (N) rates and method of fertilizer N application. The following treatments were studied in a randomized complete block design with four replications: zero N (N0), 50 (N1), 100 (N2) and 150 (N3) mg l^–3 N concentration in the irrigation water (IW) (fertigation treatments) and a soil application treatment (NS) equivalent to the N2 treatment. Irrigation was applied to replenish 80% of the Class A pan evaporation twice a week. Compared to the control (N0), shoot dry matter and yield were increased by all fertigation N rates and by the soil application treatment. However, soil application gave a lower yield than the equivalent fertigation N rate, indicating the comparative advantage of fertigation. The lowest fertigation N rate was adequate to give the highest yield in the first season, while in the second season a higher rate was necessary to achieve the maximum yield. The growth and fruit yield were higher in the second season as a result of the more favorable climatic conditions. Regression relationships indicate that the yield and the shoot dry weight were related to the fertigation N rates by polynomial quadratic relationships. The response to N in the second season was greater, as indicated by the steeper positive slope. The fruit yield was linearly related to both fruit number and fruit size in both seasons. N contents in shoots increased with N addition and were higher in both fruit and shoot during fruiting with the fertigation method. Soil salinity slightly increased with N application, especially in the top 15 cm, but remained low and acceptable for normal plant growth. Soil P increased mainly in the top soil following phosphoric acid application to all plots. Restricted P movement to deeper soil is attributed to the expected precipitation and/or sorption reactions with Ca and Mg in calcareous soils. It can be concluded that fertigation is more effective than soil application in increasing the yield and with fertigation lower N rates would be adequate to produce higher yield, thus lowering fertilization cost and minimizing environmental impact of over-fertilization.     

Overcoming soil nutrient constraints to crop production in West Africa: Importance of fertilizers and priorities in soil fertility research

The Alfisols, Oxisols, Ultisols and Inceptisols which dominate the soils of West Africa have sustained crop growth for a very long time. As a consequence, their fertility has become perilously low and the task of increasing or even maintaining the productive capacity of these soils has become perhaps the greatest challenge to agricultural scientists in this latter half of the 20th century.Water is useful not only for the growth of plants but also for the efficient use of costly inputs such as fertilizers. On the other hand, fertilizers increase the water-use efficiency. Such interactions must be closely studied so as to maximize the impact of inputs of agricultural production.The nutrients in the soil are always in a state of flux, with additions and subtractions. Monitoring the dynamics of the nutrients would promote their efficient use by crops and prolong the productive life of the soils.Several models currently exist for the study of organic matter dynamics in soils. These models should be applied to the West African situation since it is vital to develop management practices that can promote efficient use of nutrients released during mineralisation of soil organic matter.Judicious fertilizer use in West Africa should be promoted as this practice will enhance agricultural production while protecting the fragile environment.     

Trace element addition to soil by application of NPK fertilizers

A number of mineral and synthetic commercial fertilizers of different origin were analysed for their contents of As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and contributions to soil were calculated.All investigated elements were detectable in each examined sample, with few exceptions (mainly for Bi). The highest element contents were found in fertilizers containing phosphates, followed by those ones involving carbonate rocks in their processing. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and potassium sulphate samples showed the lowest amounts of trace elements with some significative exceptions.Supplies of As, Cd, Hg, Sn and Mo by almost all examined samples could influence significantly the average soil contents; Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn additions by phosphate fertilizers should affect only soils with low natural levels; Bi contributions appeared to be the least significative.

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Résumé Un certain nombre de fertilisants commerciaux, minéraux et synthétique ont été analysés pour en déterminer les contenus de As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn et Zn par spectrophotometrie d'absorption atomique et les apports au terrain ont été calculés.Tous les éléments considérés étaient présents dans chaque échantillon examiné avec des exceptions (surtout pour le Bi). Les contenus les plus élevés ont été observés dans les fertilisants phosphatiques, suivis de ceux dans la préparation desquels entrent des roches calcaires; les fertilisants azotés synthétiques et les échantillons de sulfate potassique contenaient les quantités moins élevées d'élément-trace, bien que avec des exceptions significative.Les contributions de As, Cd, Hg, Sn et Mo apportées par la plupart des échantillons examinés pourraient influencer remarquablement les contenus moyens du terrain; les adjonctions de Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb et Zn par les fertilisants phosphatiques devraient influencer uniquement des terrains à basses quantités naturelles de ces éléments; tandis que les adjonctions de Bi semblaient etre en tout cas les moins significatives.

     

Alleviating soil fertility constraints to increased crop production in West Africa: The experience in the Sahel

Lack of moisture limits crop production in semi-arid west Africa but poor soil fertility is a more serious constraint in the long run. Work done by IFDC and ICRISAT showed that phosphorus is the most limiting nutrient although response by millet to nitrogen when moisture and P are non-limiting can be substantial. A summary of the results of field trials in Niger showed that the sufficiency level for P estimated by regression analysis on the basis of Bray 1 extractable P is 7.9µg P/g of soil for 90% of maximum yield of millet. Application of 15–20 kg P/ha was usually adequate for optimum yields. Matam phosphate rock (PR) from Senegal, Tilemsi PR from Mali and Tahoua PR from Niger which are medium reactive were found to be suitable for direct application while partial acidulation (50% with sulfuric acid) of the less reactive phosphate rocks resulted in products with similar agronomic effectiveness as commercial superphosphates. Tests conducted by farmers showed that millet yields can be increased by more than 250% by the use of fertilizers. The need for constant monitoring of the crop needs for sulfur and potassium under continuous cultivation was highlighted.     

旱地土壤条件下包膜控释肥料养分释放的试验与数学模拟

采用室内培养方法,测定了不同土壤水分含量条件下指数线性和S线性包膜控释肥料养分释放速率。计算出不同土壤含水量条件下养分释放速率常数(k)。该k值与土壤在最大持水量30%时的k值的比值定义为释放速率系数a,并用土水势(Ψ)的函数表示。分别建立不同旱土水分含量条件下指数线性和S线性包膜控释肥料养分释放数学模型。结果表明,这两个数学模型能够较好地模拟指数线性和S线性包膜控释肥料在自然旱地条件下,任一日变化土温和任一日变化土壤含水量下的氮素释放率,模拟值与实测值基本一致,表明这两个数学模型具有实用性。     

淹水稻田土壤条件下包膜控释肥料养分释放的动力学与数学模拟

采用室内培养方法,对包膜控释肥料在不同温度淹水土壤条件下的养分释放动态变化开展试验,建立了养分释放数学模型。应用该数学模型对包膜控释肥料N释放率的动态变化进行模拟和验证计算。结果表明,模拟值与实测值基本一致,证明数学模型具有实用性。     

Spatial analysis of methane emissions from paddy soils in China and the potential for emissions reduction

China is a major source of anthropogenic methane (CH₄) emissions because it is the world's largest producer of rice grain, nearly all of which is grown in irrigated paddies. This study sought to reduce the uncertainty in estimates of CH₄ emissions from rice cultivation in China by improving the quantification of the effects of management practices (intermittent drainage and fertilizer inputs) on emissions. These results were spatially extrapolated with digital maps of type of rice using new estimates of organic matter and fertilizer inputs, as well as estimates of soil drainage. The estimated total annual CH₄ emissions from rice agriculture in China in 1990 were 9.9 ± 3.0 × 10¹² g. If intermittent drainage practices were adopted on 33% of the poorly drained soils used for rice cultivation in southern China, the estimated emissions would be 8.9 ± 2.7 × 10¹² g CH₄ yr^-1. Reducing projected organic matter inputs by 50% as a sensitivity analysis to reflect the trend for reduced use of organic fertilizer, resulted in emissions of 9.6 ± 2.9 × 10¹² g CH₄ yr^-1, with 8.7 ± 6 × 10¹² yr^-1 emitted with 33% adoption of intermittent drainage on poorly drained paddies. Although intermittent drainage has been shown to reduce emissions by 50%, the area of rice that is relatively easy to drain and re-flood is not very large. The use of intermittent drainage with better drained paddies is limited because of problems with re-flooding and it is also limited with very poorly drained paddies that are difficult to drain. The 10% emission reduction predicted with 33% adoption of intermittent drainage practices, while not large, is conservative and may be possible to realize. These CH₄ emissions results are relative estimates because the uncertainty remains large due to a lack of emissions measurements from paddies in more regions and a lack of detailed information about organic fertilizer application rates. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

大庆HDPE装置改扩建可行性分析

大庆石化总厂规划在“九五”期间将30万t/a乙烯装置扩建到48万t/a,HDPE装置是主要的乙烯使用装置。根据该装置几年来的生产实践及与日本三井油化同类装置生产情况的对比,并经过对主要操作单元的详细计算,对该装置设计能力由14万t/a扩建到24万t/a进行了可行性分析,提出了通过对部分设备进行改造后,产量提高10万t/a是可行的。     

Studies regarding simulation process to static loading of the structures obtained from polylactic acid, 3D printed

Being a relatively new process, additive manufacturing needs many studies to be able to produce parts with the required properties. The aim of the paper is to establish whether, based on the physical and mechanical properties determined by tensile testing and by applying finite element analysis (FEA), viable results can be obtained regarding the behavior of the 3D printed structures at the different, static loading. The application of FEA for the tensile testing of 3D specimens led to the results close to those obtained by the tests. The values of the results obtained by simulation are higher by up to 7.2% compared with those recorded by tests. The simulation was applied both for the printed specimens from a single material and from two materials (multi-material). Regardless of the materials used in printing and the simulation method, the results of applying FEA are close to those recorded by testing.