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10 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies

by Christos Noulas, Shahram Torabian and Ruijun Qin

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082017 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2230

Abstract

From an estimated 7 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

19 pages, 3897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of Mineral Uptake and Plant Function during Development of Drug-Type Medical Cannabis Plants

by Avia Saloner and Nirit Bernstein

Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122865 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1525

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated dose-responses of the cannabis plant to supply of macronutrients. However, further development of precision nutrition requires a high-resolution understanding of temporal trends of plant requirements for nutrients throughout the developmental progression, which is currently not available. As plant function [...] Read more.

Recent studies have demonstrated dose-responses of the cannabis plant to supply of macronutrients. However, further development of precision nutrition requires a high-resolution understanding of temporal trends of plant requirements for nutrients throughout the developmental progression, which is currently not available. As plant function changes during development, temporal information on nutrient uptake should be considered in relation to gradients in developmental-related physiological activity. Therefore, the present study investigated tempo-developmental trends of nutritional demands in cannabis plants, and in relation to physiological performance. Three cultivars differing in phenotype and chemotype were analyzed to evaluate genotypic variability. The results demonstrate that nutrient acquisition and deposition rates change dramatically during plant development. Uptake of individual minerals generally increased with the progression of both vegetative and reproductive development and the increase in plant biomass, while the deposition rates into the plant demonstrated nutrient specificity. The average concentrations of N, P, and K in the shoots of the different cultivars were 2.33, 4.90, and 3.32 times higher, respectively, at the termination of the reproductive growth phase, compared to the termination of the vegetative growth phase. Surprisingly, the uptake of Ca was very limited during the second part of the reproductive growth phase for two cultivars, revealing a decrease in Ca demand at this late developmental stage. Root-to-shoot translocation of most nutrients, including P, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn, as well as Na, is higher during the reproductive than the vegetative growth phase, and Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Na displayed very little root-to-shoot translocation. The physiological characteristics of the plants, including gas exchange parameters, membrane leakage, osmotic potential, and water use efficiency, changed over time between the vegetative and the reproductive phases and with plant maturation, demonstrating a plant-age effect. The revealed tempo-developmental changes in nutritional requirements of the cannabis plant are a powerful tool required for development of a nutritional protocol for an optimal ionome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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17 pages, 5076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Subsoil Calcium in Conjunction with Nitrogen on the Root Growth and Yields of Maize and Soybeans in a Tropical Cropping System

by Murilo De Souza, Jéssica Pigatto de Queiroz Barcelos and Ciro A. Rosolem

Agronomy 2023, 13(6), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13061547 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 901

Abstract

A large part of Brazilian maize is double-cropped after soybeans, when water shortages are very frequent. A larger root system can mitigate drought stress and enable better nitrogen (N) use. Alleviating acidity and applying gypsum can increase root growth and N-use efficiency in [...] Read more.

A large part of Brazilian maize is double-cropped after soybeans, when water shortages are very frequent. A larger root system can mitigate drought stress and enable better nitrogen (N) use. Alleviating acidity and applying gypsum can increase root growth and N-use efficiency in maize, which has a more aggressive root system than soybeans. However, it is not known how these factors interact in integrated cropping systems, or how soybeans respond to them. Soybean and maize root growth and grain yields as affected by soil Ca enrichment using lime and gypsum, along with the N rates applied to maize intercropped with Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), were assessed in a medium-term field experiment. Liming resulted in greater root growth for both crops; however, when lime was used in conjunction with gypsum, root growth was further enhanced. The total maize grain yield was 35% higher compare to the control when gypsum was used in conjunction with lime; however, subsoil Ca enrichment increased the total soybean grain yield by 8% compared to the control. Nitrogen fertilization increased the total maize grain yield by 36%, with a more expressive increase when applying 160 kg ha⁻¹ or more, and despite a positive effect on soybean grain yields in the long term, this response seems not to be a direct effect of the N applied to the maize. Both subsoil Ca enrichment and N application to maize increase root growth and the total yield of the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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13 pages, 1023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Phosphorus and Nitrogen Concentrations of Flax

by Yaping Xie, Lingling Li, Limin Wang, Jianping Zhang, Zhao Dang, Wenjuan Li, Yanni Qi, Wei Zhao, Kongjun Dong, Xingrong Wang, Yanjun Zhang, Xiucun Zeng, Yangchen Zhou, Xingzhen Wang, Linrong Shi and Gang Wu

Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13030856 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1168

Abstract

Tools quantifying phosphorus (P) status in plants help to achieve efficient management and to optimize crop yield. The objectives of this study were to establish the relationship between P and nitrogen (N) concentrations of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) during the growth season [...] Read more.

Tools quantifying phosphorus (P) status in plants help to achieve efficient management and to optimize crop yield. The objectives of this study were to establish the relationship between P and nitrogen (N) concentrations of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) during the growth season to determine the critical P concentration for diagnosing P deficiency. Field experiments were arranged as split plots based on a randomized complete block design. Phosphorus levels (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kgP₂O₅ ha⁻¹) were assigned to the main plots, and cultivars (Dingya 22, Lunxuan 2, Longyaza 1, Zhangya 2, and Longya 14) were allocated to the subplots. Shoot biomass (SB) and P and N concentrations were determined at 47, 65, 74, 98, and 115 days after emergence. Shoot biomass increased, while P and N concentrations and the N:P ratio declined with time in each year. The P concentration in respect of N concentration was described using a liner relationship (P = 0.05, N + 1.68, R² = 0.76, p < 0.01) under non-limiting P conditions, in which the concentrations are expressed in g kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM). The N:P ratio was fitted to a second-order polynomial equation (N:P = 11.56 × SB^−0.1, R² = 0.71, p = 0.03), based on the SB of flax. This research first developed a predictive model for critical P concentration in flax, as a function of N concentration in shoots of flax. The critical P concentration can be used as a promising alternative tool to quantify the degree of P deficiency of flax during the current growing season. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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15 pages, 6783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ammonia Volatilization and Marandu Grass Production in Response to Enhanced-Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers

by Juliana Bonfim Cassimiro, Clayton Luís Baravelli de Oliveira, Ariele da Silva Boni, Natália de Lima Donato, Guilherme Constantino Meirelles, Juliana Françoso da Silva, Igor Virgilio Ribeiro and Reges Heinrichs

Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13030837 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1367

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter (DM) production of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and ammonia volatilization in response to rates and sources of enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers. The experiment was took place in a pasture area, two growing seasons. A [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter (DM) production of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and ammonia volatilization in response to rates and sources of enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers. The experiment was took place in a pasture area, two growing seasons. A randomized block design with four replications was used, in a 4 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement, consisting of four N sources (Urea—Ur_Conv; Ammonium nitrate—AN; Urea + NBPT—Ur_NBPT; Urea + Duromide—Ur_Duromide) and two nitrogen rates (100 and 200 kg ha⁻¹ year), plus a treatment without nitrogen fertilization (control). At both N rates, ammonia volatilization from Ur_Conv100/200 was greatest. Ammonia volatilization was less after Ur_NBPT and Ur_Duromide application, with values similar to AN. Ammonia losses from Ur_Duromide tend to be lower than from Ur_NBPT. The N use efficiency in dry matter production of Marandu was influenced by the N sources and rates. At both N rates, the efficiency of Ur_Duromide and Ur_NBPT was greater than that of Ur_Conv. With regard to total DM and leaf percentage in response to N rates, DM production increased after 200 kg N ha⁻¹ rates in response to all sources, in both years. The Ur_Duromide reduce N losses by volatilization compared to Ur_NBPT and Ur_conv, and resulted in greater total DM production and relative leaf production of Marandu, in comparison to Ur_NBPT, AN and Ur_conv. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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19 pages, 2862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Multi-Stressed Olea europaea Trees to the Adjustment of Soil pH by Acidifying Agents: Impacts on Nutrient Uptake and Productivity

by Hamada R. Beheiry, Ahmed A. M. Awad and Hamdy A. Z. Hussein

Agronomy 2023, 13(2), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020539 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1691

Abstract

Soil pH is the most important factor in evaluating plant nutritional status due to its close association with nutrient availability. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of olive trees (Olea europaea, Picual [...] Read more.

Soil pH is the most important factor in evaluating plant nutritional status due to its close association with nutrient availability. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of olive trees (Olea europaea, Picual cv.) grown in sandy clay loam soil under multi-abiotic stresses with the application of three different acidifying agents (AAs), acetic (AC), citric (CA), and sulfuric (SA) acid, at two doses (25 and 50 cm³; AC₁ and AC₂, CA₁ and CA₂, and SA₁ and SA₂, respectively), as compared with a control treatment. This study was established according to a randomized complete block design. In general, our results showed that all the AAs applied surpassed the control treatment with respect to all the studied parameters except for the leaf iron content. Furthermore, the trees treated with CA yielded the best results in terms of the leaf nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium contents; the physiological and growth parameters (except for the performance index); the total fruit weight, flesh weight, and flesh dry matter; the fruit diameter; the oil content; and the total olive yield. Furthermore, the maximum leaf potassium, manganese, zinc, and copper contents were obtained in the trees growing in soil injected with AC. The correlation coefficient fluctuated between positive and negative among the studied characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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15 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Nitrogen Fertilization and Nitrification Inhibitors in the Irrigated Wheat Fields

by Shahram Torabian, Salar Farhangi-Abriz, Ruijun Qin, Christos Noulas and Guojie Wang

Agronomy 2023, 13(2), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020366 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

Effective nitrogen (N) management practices are critical to sustain crop production and minimize nitrate (NO₃⁻) leaching loss from irrigated fields in the Columbia Basin (U.S.), but studies on the applied practices are limited. Therefore, from 2014 to 2016, two separate [...] Read more.

Effective nitrogen (N) management practices are critical to sustain crop production and minimize nitrate (NO₃⁻) leaching loss from irrigated fields in the Columbia Basin (U.S.), but studies on the applied practices are limited. Therefore, from 2014 to 2016, two separate field studies were conducted in sandy loam soils in the region to evaluate the performance of various N fertilizers in spring and winter wheat. The treatments consisted of two nitrification inhibitors (NIs) (Instinct^® II and Agrotain^® Ultra) in combination with two N fertilizers (urea and urea ammonium nitrate [UAN]) under two application methods (single vs. split-application) and two rates (100% vs. 85% of growers’ standard). The results from these field trials demonstrated that N fertilizer treatments did not affect wheat grain yield (GY) and grain protein (GP). In the spring wheat trial, higher NH₄⁺-N content but lower NO₃⁻-N content was observed in the UAN treatments (0–30 cm). However, the application of NIs had no considerable effect on soil N content. In the winter wheat trial, the split N application generally reduced NO₃⁻-N and total mineral nitrogen (TMN) content, especially at 30–60 cm, in comparison to a single application. The use of Instinct^® II tended to reduce NO₃⁻-N and TMN contents, while Agrotain^® Ultra was not effective in inhibiting nitrification. Our findings suggest that more studies on the effectiveness of NIs and N applications would enable growers to optimize N use efficiency and crop production in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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14 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Early and Late Season Nutrient Stress Conditions: Impact on Cotton Productivity and Quality

by Solomon Amissah, Michael Baidoo, Benjamin K. Agyei, Godfred Ankomah, Roger A. Black, Calvin D. Perry, Stephanie Hollifield, Nana Yaw Kusi, Glendon H. Harris and Henry Y. Sintim

Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010064 - 25 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1582

Abstract

Modern cotton (Gossypium spp. L) cultivars are efficient in nutrient uptake and utilization, and thus, may potentially tolerate nutrient stress. Early- and late-season nutrient stress (E-stress and L-stress, respectively) effects on cotton productivity and quality were assessed under different production conditions in [...] Read more.

Modern cotton (Gossypium spp. L) cultivars are efficient in nutrient uptake and utilization, and thus, may potentially tolerate nutrient stress. Early- and late-season nutrient stress (E-stress and L-stress, respectively) effects on cotton productivity and quality were assessed under different production conditions in Camilla and Midville, GA, USA. The E-stress received no nutrient application in the early season, but the full rates were split-applied equally at the initiation of squares and the second week of bloom stages. The L-stress received 30–40% of the full nutrient rates only at the initial stage of planting. The effects of nutrient stress on cotton productivity and fiber quality were not consistent across the different production conditions. Compared to the full nutrient rate, the E-stress did not adversely impact cotton yield, but rather it improved the lint and cottonseed yields under one production condition by 17.5% and 19.3%, respectively. Averaged across all production conditions, the L-stress decreased the lint and cottonseed yields by 34.4% and 36.2%, respectively. The minimal effects of E-stress on cotton suggest nutrient rates at the early season could be reduced and more tailored rates, informed by soil and plant tissue analyses, applied shortly before the reproductive phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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14 pages, 1855 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Wheat and Faba Bean Intercropping Together with Nitrogen Modulation Is a Good Option for Balancing the Trade-Off Relationship between Grain Yield and Quality in the Southwest of China

by Ying-an Zhu, Jianyang He, Zhongying Yu, Dong Zhou, Haiye Li, Xinyu Wu, Yan Dong, Li Tang, Yi Zheng and Jingxiu Xiao

Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 2984; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12122984 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1509

Abstract

Cereal and legume intercropping could improve cereal yield, but the role of intercropping in grain quality still lacks a full understanding. A two-year bi-factorial trial was conducted to investigate the role of two planting patterns (mono-cropped wheat (MW) and intercropped wheat+faba bean (IW)) [...] Read more.

Cereal and legume intercropping could improve cereal yield, but the role of intercropping in grain quality still lacks a full understanding. A two-year bi-factorial trial was conducted to investigate the role of two planting patterns (mono-cropped wheat (MW) and intercropped wheat+faba bean (IW)) and four nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (N0, no N fertilizer applied to both wheat and faba bean; N1, 90 and 45 kg N ha^–1 applied to wheat and faba bean; N2, 180 and 90 kg N ha^–1 applied to wheat and faba bean; N3, 270 and 135 kg N ha^–1 applied to wheat and faba bean), as well as their interaction on the productivity of wheat grain yield (GY) and quality. The results showed that intercropping increased both the yields of wheat grain protein and amino acids (AAs) relative to MW in both years. No difference in Aas content between IW and MW was found but the 9% grain protein content (GPC) of IW was higher than that of MW in 2020. By contrast, wheat gliadin content was increased by 8–14% when wheat was intercropped with faba bean in both years, and some AAs fractions including essential and non-essential AAs were increased under N0 and N1 levels but declined at the N3 level. This means that intercropping increased the grain quality either for protein and AAs content or for fractions. There was no negative relationship between GPC and GY in the present study, and intercropping tended to increase GPC with increasing GY. In conclusion, wheat and faba bean mainly affected GPC and fractions rather than AAs, and intercropping presented a potential to improve both wheat quality and yield concurrently. Modulated N rates benefitted the stimulation of intercropping advantages in terms of grain yield and quality in the southwest of China and similar regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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12 pages, 3024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Critical Phosphorus Dilution Curve Based on Capsule Dry Matter for Flax in Northwest China

by Yaping Xie, Yang Li, Limin Wang, Mir Muhammad Nizamani, Zhongcheng Lv, Zhao Dang, Wenjuan Li, Yanni Qi, Wei Zhao, Jianping Zhang, Zhengjun Cui, Xingrong Wang, Yanjun Zhang and Gang Wu

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2819; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112819 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

One of the cores of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) production is to precisely measure the requirement of phosphorus (P) fertilization for optimizing seed yield, grower profits, P-use efficiency, and reducing environmental risk. Therefore, critical P concentration (Pc) was proposed as a suitable [...] Read more.

One of the cores of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) production is to precisely measure the requirement of phosphorus (P) fertilization for optimizing seed yield, grower profits, P-use efficiency, and reducing environmental risk. Therefore, critical P concentration (Pc) was proposed as a suitable analytical tool to assess the flax P nutrition status. Four field experiments, with five P applications (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and four cultivars (Longyaza 1, Longya 14, Lunxuan 2, and Dingya 22) were conducted from the 2017 to 2019 seasons. The capsule Pc dilution curve based on capsule dry matter (CDM) was described by Pc = 2.84 × CDM^−0.22 (R² = 0.87, p < 0.01), CDM ranging from 0.60 to 4.17 t ha⁻¹. The P nutrition index (PNI) exhibited a significant positive relationship with P application rate. In addition, the relative seed yield was closely related to PNI. Those results validate that the capsule Pc dilution curve can be an alternative and more rapid tool to diagnose flax P status to support P fertilization precise decisions during the reproductive growth of flax in northwest China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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13 pages, 4907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sugarcane Ratoon Yield and Soil Phosphorus Availability in Response to Enhanced Efficiency Phosphate Fertilizer

by Clayton Luís Baravelli de Oliveira, Juliana Bonfim Cassimiro, Maikon Vinicius da Silva Lira, Ariele da Silva Boni, Natália de Lima Donato, Roberto dos Anjos Reis, Jr. and Reges Heinrichs

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112817 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

The low availability of phosphorus in most Brazilian soils causes a heavy dependence of agricultural production on phosphate fertilizers, which are generally agronomically inefficient in tropical soils. Breeding for increased longevity of sugarcane ratoons is extremely important, but understanding how the efficiency of [...] Read more.

The low availability of phosphorus in most Brazilian soils causes a heavy dependence of agricultural production on phosphate fertilizers, which are generally agronomically inefficient in tropical soils. Breeding for increased longevity of sugarcane ratoons is extremely important, but understanding how the efficiency of phosphate fertilization can be improved is equally necessary. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of phosphate fertilizers with and without polymer coating on the productivity and nutritional status of sugarcane ratoons and phosphorus availability in the soil. The experiment was carried out on a commercial sugarcane field on a dystrophic Ultisol over two growing seasons in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Two phosphorus sources (monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and MAP + Policote) were tested at four rates (20, 40, 60 and 80 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) in addition to the control (no P fertilization). The Policote-coated phosphate fertilizer induced higher stalk and TRS yields in the first experimental year, while the same effect was not observed in the second year. Nevertheless, with the reapplication of the treatments in the second study year, the mean stalk yield was high in response to the application of 20 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ of coated fertilizer and very different from that of the higher rates of the same fertilizer, which yielded 88 Mg ha⁻¹, i.e., 8 Mg ha⁻¹ more than the mean of the other rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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9 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Ability of Nitrification Inhibitors to Decrease Denitrification Rates in an Arable Soil

by Jie Li, Wenyu Wang, Wei Wang and Yaqun Li

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2749; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112749 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

A nitrification inhibitor is an effective tool that can be used to reduce the loss of nitrogen (N) and improve crop yields. Most studies have focused on the changes in the soil N mineralization process that may influence the dynamics of soil inorganic [...] Read more.

A nitrification inhibitor is an effective tool that can be used to reduce the loss of nitrogen (N) and improve crop yields. Most studies have focused on the changes in the soil N mineralization process that may influence the dynamics of soil inorganic N and the soil N cycle. However, the effects of the inhibitors on denitrification rates remain largely unclarified. Therefore, in this study, we monitored the dynamics in annual denitrification rates affected by nitrification inhibitors from a maize field for the first time. Treatments included inorganic fertilizer (NPK), cattle manure, a combination of NPK and DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate), and a combination of manure and DMPP, applied to brown soils in a no-tillage maize field. The findings demonstrated that the denitrification rate and denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) were highly variable and there were no significant decreases in all treatment groups after the addition of DMPP. Compared to the control soils, the ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) concentration was significantly increased, while the nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) level was significantly decreased in the DMPP-amended soils less than 30 days after treatment application, indicating that nitrification was partially inhibited. The formation of NO₃⁻-N and the nitrification rates could be markedly reduced by DMPP, while NO₃⁻-N availability did not affect the denitrification rates. Complete degradation of DMPP was observed in the soil on day 70 after DMPP addition, and its half-life was 10 days. Our study may ultimately help to clarify the characteristics of denitrification rates affected by nitrification inhibitors from different N fertilizer types applied to soils and explore the influencing factors of the dynamics in annual denitrification rates. However, more field studies evaluating the effectiveness of nitrification inhibitors in reducing denitrification under different sites and climate conditions, and the molecular mechanisms driving denitrification rate changes, need to be performed in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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16 pages, 2580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in the Concentration of Micronutrients in Young Shoots of Numerous Cultivars of Wheat, Maize and Oilseed Rape

by Jolanta Korzeniowska and Ewa Stanislawska-Glubiak

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112639 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 935

Abstract

Individual species of cultivated plants differ in the content of microelements in the shoots. The aim of our research was to test the hypothesis that the variability of the micronutrient content between cultivars of the same species may be similar or even greater [...] Read more.

Individual species of cultivated plants differ in the content of microelements in the shoots. The aim of our research was to test the hypothesis that the variability of the micronutrient content between cultivars of the same species may be similar or even greater than the differences between species. The research material consisted of shoot samples of 12 wheat, 10 maize and 12 rape varieties collected from production fields in Poland. The smallest number of samples (replicates) within one cultivar was 10. A total of 481 wheat samples, 141 maize samples and 328 rapeseed samples were taken. Wheat samples were taken at the beginning of the stem elongation stage (BBCH 30/31); maize, when the plants reached a height of 25–30 cm (BBCH 14–15); and rape, in the period from the beginning of the main stem elongation stage to the appearance of the first internode (BBCH 30/31). All varieties of the tested crop species were grown in similar soil conditions in terms of pH, texture and TOC content. B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined in all plant samples. Wheat showed a significantly lower average concentration of all micronutrients compared to rape and maize (e.g., 10 times less B than rape). On the other hand, among the species tested, rape had the highest concentration of B, Cu and Zn, and maize had the highest concentration of Fe and Mn. In all three tested crops, the differences in the content of B and Zn were greater between species than between cultivars. In the case of Cu, Mn and Fe concentration, the cultivar differences exceeded the species differences. The results suggest that there is no need to take cultivars into account when fertilizing with B and Zn. In contrast, fertilization with Cu, Mn and Fe needs to take into account different requirements of the cultivars for these micronutrients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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21 pages, 2332 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Improving Nutrients Uptake and Productivity of Stressed Olive Trees with Mono-Ammonium Phosphate and Urea Phosphate Application

by Hamdy A. Z. Hussein, Ahmed A. M. Awad and Hamada R. Beheiry

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102390 - 02 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1816

Abstract

Nutritional status improvement is a surrogate approach to overcoming undesirable soil conditions. This study was performed in sandy clay loam soil that was characterized by certain undesirable parameters (ECe = 6.4 vs. 7.2 dS m⁻¹, CaCO₃ = 8.8 vs. 9.2%, [...] Read more.

Nutritional status improvement is a surrogate approach to overcoming undesirable soil conditions. This study was performed in sandy clay loam soil that was characterized by certain undesirable parameters (ECe = 6.4 vs. 7.2 dS m⁻¹, CaCO₃ = 8.8 vs. 9.2%, and pH = 7.78 vs. 7.89) on olive (Olea europaea, Arbequina cv.) in the 2020 and 2021 seasons to investigate the influence of two highly soluble phosphorus fertilizers, mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and urea phosphate (UP). The treatments included 0.336, 0.445, and 0.555 kg tree⁻¹ for MAP₁, MAP₂, and MAP₃ and 0.465, 0.616, and 0.770 kg tree⁻¹ for UP₁, UP₂, and UP₃, respectively, in comparison to granular calcium super-phosphate (GCSP) at the recommended rate (0.272 kg P₂O₅ equal 1.75 kg tree⁻¹). This experiment was established according to a randomized complete block design. Generally, our results indicated that both MAP and UP applications surpassed GCSP for all studied parameters except leaf copper uptake in the 2021 season. Moreover, among the HSPFs applied, it was found that applying the maximum levels gave the best results. However, MAP₃ gave the maximum values for shoot length, SPAD reading, and dry fruit matter. Moreover, UP₃ produced the best results for the leaf area, olive tree yield, total olive yield, total fresh weight, flesh weight (FlW), fruit length (FrL), and leaf Fe content in both seasons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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20 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Rose Scented Geranium Plant Growth, Secondary Metabolites, and Essential Oil Components through Foliar Applications of Iron (Nano, Sulfur and Chelate) in Alkaline Soils

by Amany E. El-Sonbaty, Saad Farouk, Hatim M. Al-Yasi, Esmat F. Ali, Atef A. S. Abdel-Kader and Seham M. A. El-Gamal

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092164 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1816

Abstract

Iron (Fe) deficiency exists as a widespread nutritional disorder in alkaline and calcareous soils; therefore, Fe-enriching strategies may be used to overcome this issue. Field experiments were conducted with a randomized complete design with three replicates for evaluating the effectiveness of iron oxide [...] Read more.

Iron (Fe) deficiency exists as a widespread nutritional disorder in alkaline and calcareous soils; therefore, Fe-enriching strategies may be used to overcome this issue. Field experiments were conducted with a randomized complete design with three replicates for evaluating the effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) against traditional Fe compounds (sulfate or chelate), which have various shortcomings on Rose-scented geranium (RSG) herb in terms of plant growth, phytopharmaceuticales, essential oil (EO), and its constituents. Supplementation of Fe-sources considerably improved RSG plant growth and EO yield in the 1st and 2nd cut throughout the two seasons over non-treated control plants. A total of 11 compounds of RSG-EO were identified; the main constituents were citronellol, geraniol, and eugenol. The results indicate that EO composition was significantly affected by Fe-sources. Amendments of Fe-sources considerably augmented photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin. Commonly, Fe-NPs with humic acid (Fe-NPs-HA) supplementation was superior to that of traditional sources. The highest values were recorded with spraying Fe-NPs-HA at 10 mg L⁻¹ followed by 5 mg L⁻¹, meanwhile, the lowest values were recorded in untreated control plants. Current findings support the effectiveness of nanoparticle treatment over Fe-sources for improving growth and yield while also being environmentally preferred in alkaline soil. These modifications possibly will be applicable to EO quality and its utilization in definite food and in medical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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16 pages, 4572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beneficial Effects of Silicon Fertilizer on Growth and Physiological Responses in Oil Palm

by Saowapa Duangpan, Yanipha Tongchu, Tajamul Hussain, Theera Eksomtramage and Jumpen Onthong

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020413 - 07 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3398

Abstract

Vigorous and well-established nursery seedlings are an important component of sustainable oil palm production. We postulated that Si fertilization at the seedling stage could help to achieve improved performance of oil palm seedlings leading to healthy and vigorous nursery establishment. In this study, [...] Read more.

Vigorous and well-established nursery seedlings are an important component of sustainable oil palm production. We postulated that Si fertilization at the seedling stage could help to achieve improved performance of oil palm seedlings leading to healthy and vigorous nursery establishment. In this study, we evaluated the growth and physiological responses of oil palm Tenera hybrid seedlings under three Si fertilization treatments and a control including (i) 0 g Ca₂SiO₄ (T0), (ii) 0.5 g Ca₂SiO₄ (T1), (iii) 3.5 g Ca₂SiO₄ (T2), and (iv) 7.0 g Ca₂SiO₄ (T3) per plant per month. Ca₂SiO₄ was used as the Si fertilizer source and was applied for four consecutive months. Nondestructive data including stem diameter, plant height, leaf length, photosynthetic rate, leaf angle, and leaf thickness and destructive data including leaf, stem, and root fresh weight and dry weight, as well as chlorophyll a, Si, and nitrogen contents, were recorded before treatment (0 DAT), as well as 60 (60 DAT) and 120 days after treatment (120 DAT). Results indicated that Si fertilization enhanced Si accumulation in oil palm seedlings, and maximum accumulation was observed in the aerial parts especially the leaves with the highest accumulation of 0.89 % dry weight at T3. Higher Si accumulation stimulated the growth of seedlings; a total fresh weight of 834.28 g and a total dry weight of 194.34 g were observed at T3. Chlorophyll a content (0.83 gm⁻²) and net photosynthetic rate (4.98 µM CO₂·m⁻²·s⁻¹) were also observed at T3. Leaf morphology was not significantly influenced under Si fertilization, whereas the nitrogen content of seedlings was significantly increased. Correlation analysis revealed a highly significant and positive association among Si accumulation, chlorophyll a content, photosynthetic rate, total fresh weight, total dry weight, and nitrogen content of seedlings, indicating that Si fertilization enhanced the performance of these attributes. On the basis of the research evidence, it was concluded that Si fertilization should be considered for improved nutrient management for oil palm seedling and nursery production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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15 pages, 18281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Fertilization Level for Yield, Biological and Quality Traits of Soybean under Drip Irrigation System in the Arid Region of Northwest China

by Jing Li, Gengtong Luo, Abdulwahab S. Shaibu, Bin Li, Shengrui Zhang and Junming Sun

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020291 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2452

Abstract

Soybean is one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide. Fertilization severely restricts the yield potential of soybean in the arid regions of Northwest China. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of fertilization on soybean yield in arid areas [...] Read more.

Soybean is one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide. Fertilization severely restricts the yield potential of soybean in the arid regions of Northwest China. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of fertilization on soybean yield in arid areas under a drip irrigation system. The treatment consisted of 14 fertilizer combinations comprising of four rates each of nitrogen (N) (0, 225, 450, and 675 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (P) (0, 135, 270, and 405 kg ha⁻¹), and potassium (K) (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha⁻¹). The results revealed that grain yield was more sensitive to N fertilizer than to P and K fertilizers. The P and K fertilizers influenced harvest index and biomass, respectively. The optimized combination of fertilizers for high yield, as well as biological and quality traits was obtained by quadratic polynomial regression analysis. The theoretical grain yields based on the performed statistical calculations and plant biomass were greater than 7.21 tons ha⁻¹ and 16.38 tons ha⁻¹ with 300,000 plants ha⁻¹ and were obtained under a fertilization combination of 411.62–418.39 kg ha⁻¹ N, 153.97−251.03 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅, and 117.77−144.73 kg ha⁻¹ K₂O. Thus, our findings will serve as a guideline for an effective fertilizer application in order to achieve a balance between grain yield and plant biomass as well as to contribute to the promotion of large-scale cultivation of soybean under drip irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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16 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Fertilizers with Nitrogen-Transformation Inhibitors and Timing of Their Application under Field Conditions

by Marie Školníková, Petr Škarpa, Pavel Ryant, Zdenka Kozáková and Jiří Antošovský

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010223 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2634

Abstract

Winter wheat is a widely cultivated crop that requires high inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilization, which is often connected with N losses. The application of fertilizers with nitrification (NI) and urease inhibitors (UI) is an opportunity to eliminate the risk of N losses [...] Read more.

Winter wheat is a widely cultivated crop that requires high inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilization, which is often connected with N losses. The application of fertilizers with nitrification (NI) and urease inhibitors (UI) is an opportunity to eliminate the risk of N losses and improve N availability to plants. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of conventional nitrogen fertilizers with fertilizers containing nitrogen-transformation inhibitors as well as to evaluate the timing of their application on the wheat-grain yield and quality under the conditions of a three-year field experiment. The examined fertilizers with inhibitors were applied in a single dose or in a split application in combination with conventional fertilizers. The single application of urea with NI and/or UI resulted in a relatively average increase in the grain yield, while protein content and the Zeleny-test values were significantly increased compared to the split N application. The more significant effect of urea with NI and UI was found under the moisture-rich conditions compared to the drier conditions. A significant increase in the grain yield (by 6.3%) and in the Zeleny-test value (by 16.5%) was observed after inhibited urea application comparing to the control treatment (without inhibitors). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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22 pages, 4708 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Yield of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L. var. napus) in a Short-Term Monoculture and the Macronutrient Accumulation in Relation to the Dose and Method of Sulphur Application

by Mariusz Stepaniuk and Aleksandra Głowacka

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010068 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2733

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the yield efficiency of sulphur-enhanced fertilisers, depending on the dose and application method, in a short-lived (three-year) monoculture of winter oilseed rape under the climate and soil conditions of south-eastern Poland. The experiment was carried [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to assess the yield efficiency of sulphur-enhanced fertilisers, depending on the dose and application method, in a short-lived (three-year) monoculture of winter oilseed rape under the climate and soil conditions of south-eastern Poland. The experiment was carried out between 2010 and 2013 on winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. napus) of the Orlando variety, fertilised with different sulphur doses—0, 20, 40 or 60 kg S ha⁻¹ applied in different method—soil application sowing, foliar application in the spring, and soil application sowing + foliar application in the spring (combined application). Following the harvest, seed and straw yields and the content of macroelements (N, S, P, K, Ca and Mg) in the seed and straw samples were determined. The harvest indices were also established for each of these elements. The impact of sulphur on winter oilseed rape yield depended significantly on both the dose and the application method. Even at the lowest dose (20 kg·ha⁻¹), sulphur materially increased seed yield, regardless of the application method. With autumn soil application and foliar application, differences between the lowest dose and the higher doses (40 and 60 kg·ha⁻¹) were not significant. However, with combined application, the highest dose (60 kg·ha⁻¹) significantly increased yield compared to the lower doses. In general, all the fertilisation approaches significantly increased the N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents compared to the control sample, but the differences between them were not substantial. Each of the sulphur application approaches decreased the harvest index for sulphur. The foliar application of each of the doses decreased the harvest indices for N, P, K and Ca. The soil application of 20 kg·ha⁻¹, and the mixed application of 40 and 60 kg·ha⁻¹, all increased the harvest indices for P, K and Ca. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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19 pages, 2177 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improving Nitrogen Status Estimation in Malting Barley Based on Hyperspectral Reflectance and Artificial Neural Networks

by Karel Klem, Jan Křen, Ján Šimor, Daniel Kováč, Petr Holub, Petr Míša, Ilona Svobodová, Vojtěch Lukas, Petr Lukeš, Hana Findurová and Otmar Urban

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122592 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2756

Abstract

Malting barley requires sensitive methods for N status estimation during the vegetation period, as inadequate N nutrition can significantly limit yield formation, while overfertilization often leads to an increase in grain protein content above the limit for malting barley and also to excessive [...] Read more.

Malting barley requires sensitive methods for N status estimation during the vegetation period, as inadequate N nutrition can significantly limit yield formation, while overfertilization often leads to an increase in grain protein content above the limit for malting barley and also to excessive lodging. We hypothesized that the use of N nutrition index and N uptake combined with red-edge or green reflectance would provide extended linearity and higher accuracy in estimating N status across different years, genotypes, and densities, and the accuracy of N status estimation will be further improved by using artificial neural network based on multiple spectral reflectance wavelengths. Multifactorial field experiments on interactive effects of N nutrition, sowing density, and genotype were conducted in 2011–2013 to develop methods for estimation of N status and to reduce dependency on changing environmental conditions, genotype, or barley management. N nutrition index (NNI) and total N uptake were used to correct the effect of biomass accumulation and N dilution during plant development. We employed an artificial neural network to integrate data from multiple reflectance wavelengths and thereby eliminate the effects of such interfering factors as genotype, sowing density, and year. NNI and N uptake significantly reduced the interannual variation in relationships to vegetation indices documented for N content. The vegetation indices showing the best performance across years were mainly based on red-edge and carotenoid absorption bands. The use of an artificial neural network also significantly improved the estimation of all N status indicators, including N content. The critical reflectance wavelengths for neural network training were in spectral bands 400–490, 530–570, and 710–720 nm. In summary, combining NNI or N uptake and neural network increased the accuracy of N status estimation to up 94%, compared to less than 60% for N concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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12 pages, 9865 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Nitrogen Supply on Growth and Nitrogen Utilization in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

by Yang Yang, Wenxin Zha, Kailei Tang, Gang Deng, Guanghui Du and Feihu Liu

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112310 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

Hemp is a multipurpose crop that is cultivated worldwide for fiber, oil, and cannabinoids. Nitrogen (N) is a key factor for getting a higher production of hemp, but its application is often excessive and results in considerable losses in the soil–plant–water continuum. Therefore, [...] Read more.

Hemp is a multipurpose crop that is cultivated worldwide for fiber, oil, and cannabinoids. Nitrogen (N) is a key factor for getting a higher production of hemp, but its application is often excessive and results in considerable losses in the soil–plant–water continuum. Therefore, a rational N supply is important for increasing N efficiency and crop productivity. The main objective of this paper was to determine the responses of four hemp cultivars to different levels of exogenous-N supply as nutrient solution during the vegetative growing period. The experiment was conducted at Yunnan University in Kunming, China. Yunma 1, Yunma 7, Bamahuoma, and Wanma 1 were used as the experimental materials, and five N supplying levels (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 24.0 mmol/L NO₃-N in the nutrient solution) were set by using pot culture and adding nutrient solution. The root, stem, and leaf of the plant were sampled for the determination of growth indexes, dry matter and N accumulation and distribution, and physiological indicators. The plant height, stem diameter, plant dry weight, and plant N accumulation of four hemp cultivars were significantly increased with the increase in exogenous-N supply. Root/shoot dry weight ratios, stem mass density, and N use efficiency decreased significantly with the increase in exogenous-N supply. Nitrogen accumulation, chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, and nitrate reductase activity in leaves were increased with the increase in exogenous-N supply. Among the four indexes, the increase in N accumulation was more than the increase in NR activity. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase in leaves were increased first and then decreased with the increase in exogenous-N supply, with the maximum value at N 6.0 mmol/L, while the content of malondialdehyde in leaves increased significantly when the level of exogenous-N supply exceeded 6.0 mmol/L. These results revealed that increasing the exogenous-N supply could improve the plant growth, dry matter accumulation, and N accumulation in hemp during the vegetative growth period, but N supply should not exceed 6.0 mmol/L. Among four hemp cultivars, Wanma 1 performed well at 6.0 mmol/L N application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies)

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