scholarly journals Soil nitrogen dynamics during an oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) growing cycle in a humid Mediterranean climate

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Villar ◽  
M. Aranguren ◽  
A. Castellón ◽  
G. Besga ◽  
A. Aizpurua
Keyword(s):  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
Mediterranean Climate ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Brassica Napus L ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Nitrogen Budgets ◽  
Net Mineralization

Abstract Nitrogen budgets help explain the supply pattern of N from the soil to the crop. Through budgeting, an improvement of the N fertilization strategy can be achieved. The objective of the present study, which was carried out under humid Mediterranean climate conditions, was to assess the influence of N fertilization, temperature and soil humidity on soil N dynamics during a whole oilseed rape growing cycle. A field experiment was conducted with two treatments: without N (0 N) and with application of 180 kg N ha−1(180 N). Mineralization was calculated from N balances made throughout the growing cycle, all while taking into account measured N uptake by oilseed rape and N losses by leaching and N2O emissions. Nitrogen net mineralization was negative after fertilization, reaching –6.73 kg N ha−1, day−1, but total net mineralization over the year was similar for the 0 N and 180 N treatments (21 and 8 kg N ha−1, respectively). Temperatures over 5 °C were sufficient for initiating the mineralization processes. In the summer, when the soil water content was below the wilting point, immobilization took place; however, there is a risk of N leaching if rainfall occurs thereafter, mainly in the 180 N treatment.

Effect of slurry application and mineral nitrogen fertilization on N leaching in different crop combinations

1997 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. SIELING ◽  
O. GÜNTHER-BORSTEL ◽  
H. HANUS
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Pig Slurry ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Preceding Crop

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer not used by the crop can increase the risk of nitrate leaching into the groundwater. In two growing seasons, 1990/91 and 1991/92, the relationships between N fertilization and yield, N uptake by the grain and the N leaching in the subsequent percolation period were investigated in a multifactorial field experiment at Hohenschulen Experimental Station near Kiel in NW Germany. The crop rotation was oilseed rape – winter wheat – winter barley, and effects of soil tillage (minimum tillage without ploughing, conventional tillage), application of pig slurry (none, application in autumn, application in autumn and in spring), mineral N fertilization (none, 80 or 200 kg N ha−1 to oilseed rape and 120 or 240 kg N ha−1 to cereals) and application of fungicides (none, intensive) were all tested. In each year, the rotation and the treatments were located on the same plots. Mineral N fertilization and fungicide application increased yield and N uptake by grain or seed in all crops. In contrast, the application of slurry, especially in autumn, had only small effects on yield and N uptake. Nitrogen losses by leaching (measured using porous ceramic cups) were affected mainly by the year and the crop. In 1992/93, averaged over all factors, 80 kg N ha−1 was leached compared with 28 kg N ha−1 the previous year. Oilseed rape reduced N losses, whereas under winter wheat up to 160 kg N ha−1 was leached. Due to a lower N-use efficiency, autumn applications of slurry increased N leaching, and mineral N fertilization of the preceding crop also led to higher N losses.Since the amount of leached N depends both on the nitrogen left by the preceding crop (unused fertilizer N as well as N in residues) and on N uptake by the subsequent crop, it is not possible to apportion the N losses to any particular crop in the rotation. The cropping sequence, together with its previous and subsequent crops, must also be considered.To minimize leaching, N fertilization must meet the needs of the growing crop. In order to improve the efficiency further, investigations must be conducted in order to understand the dynamics of N in the plant–soil system in conjunction with the weather and crop management practices.

The potential of semi-dwarf oilseed rape genotypes to reduce the risk of N leaching

2007 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. SIELING ◽  
H. KAGE
Keyword(s):  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Plant Residues ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Reduced Height

SUMMARYIn northwest (NW) Europe, oilseed rape (OSR) is often used as a preceding crop for winter wheat. Due to its low N harvest index (HI) and to favourable soil conditions after harvest, large amounts of mineral N remain in the soil, which cannot completely be taken up by the subsequent wheat crop. This increases the risk of N leaching into the groundwater during the following winter. Recently, semi-dwarf genotypes of OSR were developed and made commercially available that show similar yields but reduced height growth compared to conventional genotypes. The present authors hypothesized that the introduction of dwarfing genes leads to an increase in HI for dry matter (DM) and for N of OSR. As a consequence, semi-dwarf genotypes would accumulate less aerial biomass, return fewer plant residues to the soil and need less N to achieve yield maximum compared to conventional hybrids or open pollinating varieties. This may lead to a reduced risk of N leaching after growing OSR. In order to test this hypothesis, field trials conducted in 2003/04–2005/06 near Kiel in NW Germany combined four commercial varieties of OSR (Express, Talent, Trabant and Belcanto as semi-dwarf genotype), two seeding dates (mid-August and beginning of September) and eight mineral N fertilization rates (0–240 kg N/ha). On average in 2003/04–2004/05, the semi-dwarf genotype Belcanto achieved significantly less seed yield (4·44 t/ha) than the other varieties (4·65–4·88 t/ha). However, all varieties tested required similar N fertilization to achieve maximum yield. In addition, N offtake by the seeds did not differ. No interaction between genotype and N treatment was observed. Detailed analysis of DM accumulation and N uptake during the growth period revealed only small differences between the varieties in the averages of all N treatments and both years. At harvest, Belcanto produced more pods/m2 and a slightly higher 1000 seed weight. Nevertheless, HI and N HI were similar for all genotypes. It is concluded that, despite its lower plant height, the semi-dwarf genotype did not provide the opportunity to reduce the risk of N leaching after growing OSR.

Soil mineral N and N net mineralization during autumn and winter under an oilseed rape – winter wheat – winter barley rotation in different crop management systems

1999 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. SIELING ◽  
O. GÜNTHER-BORSTEL ◽  
T. TEEBKEN ◽  
H. HANUS
Keyword(s):  
Oilseed Rape ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Soil Mineral ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Net Mineralization ◽  
Crop Management Systems ◽  
Autumn And Winter

Soil sampling in autumn gives important information on the soil N dynamic. In the growing seasons 1991/92 to 1995/96, the effects of different crop management systems on soil mineral N (NO3-N plus NH4-N:Nmin) were investigated in a factorial field experiment at Hohenschulen Experimental Station near Kiel in NW Germany. The crop rotation was oilseed rape – winter wheat – winter barley, and soil tillage (conservation tillage without ploughing, conventional tillage), application of pig slurry (none, autumn, autumn+spring), mineral N fertilization (0, 120 and 240 kg N ha−1) and fungicide application (none, three applications) were all varied. Each year, the treatments occurred in all three crops of the rotation and were located on the same plots. Nmin was determined on four dates (‘After drilling’, ‘End of autumn growth’ before winter, ‘Beginning of spring growth’ before N fertilizer application, and ‘After harvest’) to 90 cm in 30 cm horizons.Under all crops, Nmin showed a large year to year variation. Highest values of 132 kg N ha−1 were observed ‘After drilling’, which decreased until ‘End of growth’. The increase of autumn Nmin (‘After drilling’, ‘End of autumn growth’) was mainly due to autumn slurry, whereas mineral N fertilizer mainly affected Nmin ‘After harvest’. Soil tillage and fungicide application only slightly modified Nmin at all dates.The relationship between N leaching and Nmin measured either ‘After drilling’ or at the ‘End of autumn growth’ in 1991/92–1994/95 remained too poor to be used to estimate N leaching. N net mineralization during autumn and winter varied with crops, as estimated by the Nmin changes between ‘After drilling’ minus ‘Start of spring growth’ plus N uptake by the crop at ‘Start of spring growth’ plus N leaching during winter. On average over the years, 39 kg N ha−1 were mineralized under oilseed rape and 42 kg N ha−1 under wheat compared with 31 kg N ha−1 under barley. However, a large year-to-year variation occurred. In addition, the ranking of the years differed with the crops. Slurry application led to different amounts of mineralized N. Under barley only 25 kg N ha−1 were calculated for the autumn slurry, but 42 kg N ha−1 for the autumn plus spring slurry treatment. In contrast, under oilseed rape the highest value of 41 kg N ha−1 occurred in the autumn slurry plots. Under wheat, slurry application only slightly affected N mineralization. Increased mineral N fertilization decreased N release under oilseed rape, but significantly increased it under cereals. Application of fungicides did not affect N mineralization during winter.

Assessment of the contribution of denitrification to N losses from compacted grassland soil by NO3− disappearance and N2O production during anaerobic incubation

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Abbasi ◽  
W. A. Adams
Keyword(s):  
N Uptake ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Grassland Soils ◽  
N Losses ◽  
N2o Production ◽  
Permanent Pasture ◽  
Net Mineralization ◽  
Simulated Field ◽  
C Limitation

Decreases in herbage production and of N uptake and utilization have been observed on Denbigh series soils in mid-Wales after several years in permanent pasture. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the contribution of denitrification to N loss from these wet grassland soils. Denitrification capacity was measured in seived soil following the addition of KNO3 and maintained at 20°C under anoxic conditions. Emission of N2O was measured from intact field cores equilibrated under conditions of simulated "field capacity" using glucose as C substrate. The rate of loss of NO3−–N decreased with depth and in the 0–2.5 cm layer all added NO3−–N was lost in 10 d incubation. Net mineralization of NH4+–N occurred at about one-sixth of the rate of NO3−–N disappearance. The presence of NO3− reduced the rate of decrease in redox potential (Eh) and the Eh did not fall below about +200 mV until all NO3−–N had been lost. Emission of N2O was greatest between 6 and 48 h and denitrification rate decreased with depth. Addition of glucose increased N2O emission in the 2.5–5.7 cm layers indicating that C limitation to denitrification may occur at shallow depths in the soil profile of compacted grassland. On average, the total denitrification ranged between 15 and 20 kg N ha−1, equivalent to 20–30% of applied N. The potential rates of denitrification change markedly over quite shallow depths in these compacted grassland soils. Furthermore, since denitrification occurred at substantial rates under simulated field capacity, conditions conducive to denitrification are likely to persist for quite long periods in the moist climatic conditions. Key words: Compacted soil, denitrification, glucose, grassland, nitrous oxide

scholarly journals Fresh Market Tomato Yield and Soil Nitrogen as Affected by Tillage, Cover Cropping, and Nitrogen Fertilization

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1258-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidat Yaffa ◽  
Bharat P. Singh ◽  
Upendra M. Sainju ◽  
K.C. Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Hairy Vetch ◽  
Inorganic N ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Tomato Yield ◽  
Soil Inorganic N ◽  
Soil Inorganic

Sustainable practices are needed in vegetable production to maintain yield and to reduce the potential for soil erosion and N leaching. We examined the effects of tillage [no-till (NT), chisel plowing (CP), and moldboard plowing (MP)], cover cropping [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) vs. winter weeds], N fertilization (0, 90, and 180 kg·ha-1 N), and date of sampling on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield, N uptake, and soil inorganic N in a Norfolk sandy loam in Fort Valley, Ga. for 2 years. Yield was greater with CP and MP than with NT in 1996 and was greater with 90 and 180 than with 0 kg·ha-1 N in 1996 and 1997. Similarly, aboveground tomato biomass (dry weight of stems + leaves + fruits) and N uptake were greater with CP and MP than with NT from 40 to 118 days after transplanting (DAT) in 1996; greater with hairy vetch than with winter weeds at 82 DAT in 1997; and greater with 90 or 180 than with 0 kg·ha-1 N at 97 DAT in 1996 and at 82 DAT in 1997. Soil inorganic N was greater with NT or CP than with MP at 0- to 10-cm depth at 0 and 30 DAT in 1996; greater with hairy vetch than with winter weeds at 0- to 10-cm and at 10- to 30-cm at 0 DAT in 1996 and 1997, respectively; and greater with 90 or 180 than with 0 kg·ha-1 N from 30 to 116 DAT in 1996 and 1997. Levels of soil inorganic N and tomato N uptake indicated that N release from cover crop residues was synchronized with N need by tomato, and that N fertilization should be done within 8 weeks of transplanting. Similar tomato yield, biomass, and N uptake with CP vs. MP and with 90 vs. 180 kg·ha-1 N suggests that minimum tillage, such as CP, and 90 kg·ha-1 N can better sustain tomato yield and reduce potentials for soil erosion and N leaching than can conventional tillage, such as MP, and 180 kg·ha-1 N, respectively. Because of increased vegetative cover in the winter, followed by increased mulch and soil N in the summer, hairy vetch can reduce the potential for soil erosion and the amount of N fertilization required for tomato better than can winter weeds.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Fertilization of Plants Irrigated with Desalinated Water: A Study of Interactions of Nitrogen with Chloride

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2354
Author(s):  
Asher Bar-Tal ◽  
Escain Kiwonde ◽  
Beeri Kanner ◽  
Ido Nitsan ◽  
Raneen Shawahna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
High Yield ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Plant Tissues ◽  
Desalinated Water ◽  
N Supply ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Yields

The overall aim of this research was to optimize nitrogen (N) fertilization of plants under desalinated water and a wide range of chloride concentrations for high yield while minimizing downward leaching of nitrate and chloride. The response of two crops, lettuce and potato, to N concentration (CN) in the irrigating solution using desalinated and wide range of Cl concentrations (CCL) was evaluated. The yields of both crops increased with N up to optimal CN of the irrigating solution and decreased as CCL increased. Optimal CN in both crops was higher in the desalinated water than high CCL treatments. N uptake by plants increased with CN in the irrigating solution and the highest uptake was at low CCL. As expected, N fertilization suppressed Cl accumulation in plant tissues. Drainage of N and Cl increased with increase in CCL in the irrigating solution and N fertilization above optimal CN resulted in steep rise in downward N leaching. The overall conclusion is that as water quality is improved through desalination, higher N supply is required for high yields with less groundwater pollution by downward leaching of N and Cl.

scholarly journals Optimal Nitrogen Practice in Winter Wheat-Summer Maize Rotation Affecting the Fates of 15N-Labeled Fertilizer

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 521
Author(s):  
Haiyan Liang ◽  
Pengfei Shen ◽  
Xiangze Kong ◽  
Yuncheng Liao ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Nitrogen Recovery ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Recovery Efficiency ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency ◽  
Potential Losses ◽  
N Management

Lower nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) and negative environmental impacts caused by excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization threaten the sustainability of agriculture. Efficient and appropriate fertilization practices are extremely important to achieve higher crop yield with minimum N loss. A field microplot experiment was conducted in a wheat-maize rotation system in Shaanxi province, at North China Plain, using the 15N isotope tracer technique to qualify the different annual N managements in terms of crop yield, NRE, N distribution in plant-soil, and N losses to optimize the N management. The experiment included four N treatments: conventional practice with 510 kg ha−1 annually in four applications (N1), and three optimized N treatments, reducing N rate to 420 kg ha−1, adjusting topdressing fertilizer times and using slow-release fertilizer (SRF) (N2, N3, N4). The results showed that the grain yield and N uptake did not differ significantly among treatments. N from fertilizer taken up (Ndff) by wheat was not affected by N management; however, in maize, Ndff performed differently. Optimized treatments significantly decreased the Ndff as compared to N1 treatment. Furthermore, NRE of wheat and annual nitrogen recovery efficiency (annual NRE) did not differ among treatments in 2016 but significantly increased in 2017 compared to N1. Annual NRE in 2017 was similar to that obtained for wheat. For maize, optimized N managements decreased the NRE in N3 and N4 treatments of two years. Potential losses in wheat were also similar amongst treatments, but in maize, N3 and N4 had lower residual N in the soil’s top 60 cm but resulted in higher potential losses than N1 and N2. Overall, our results demonstrate that applying 420 kg N ha−1 annually in three applications and combining SRF and urea are effective to sustain crop yield, improve the efficiency of N usage by maize, and reduce N losses in this region.

Film-mulched maize production: response to controlled-release urea fertilization

2017 ◽  
Vol 155 (8) ◽  
pp. 1299-1310 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. GUO ◽  
J. Q. XUE ◽  
A. D. BLAYLOCK ◽  
Z. L. CUI ◽  
X. P. CHEN
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Recovery ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
N Supply ◽  
Controlled Release Urea

SUMMARYOptimal nitrogen (N) management for maize in the film-mulched production systems that are widely used in dryland agriculture is difficult because top-dressing N is impractical. The current research determined how matching N supply and demand was achieved before and after silking stages, when single applications of controlled release urea (CRU) were combined with conventional urea in film-mulched maize production. The CRU: urea mixture was applied in a 1 : 2 or 2 : 1 ratio and all three fertilizer regimes (urea alone and CRU: urea at 1 : 2 or 2 : 1) were applied at N rates of 180 and 240 kg/ha over 2 years. The 1 : 2 CRU: urea mixture, applied once at 180 kg N/ha, was found to synchronize N supply with demand, thereby reducing N losses. The highest grain yields (11·8–12·0 t/ha), N uptake (232–239 kg/ha), N recovery (65·8–67·7%) and high net economic return were achieved with this regime. These results indicate that a single application of a mixture of CRU and urea can synchronize N supply with demand and provide higher yields and profits than conventional N fertilization in film-mulched maize systems.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Export From a Watershed Subjected to Partial Salvage Logging

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 440-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Herrmann ◽  
William E. Sharpe ◽  
David R. DeWalle ◽  
Bryan R. Swistock
Keyword(s):  
N Uptake ◽  
Additional Stress ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
N Loss ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Salvage Logging ◽  
Mountain Watersheds ◽  
Creek Watershed ◽  
Southwestern Pennsylvania

Logging has been shown to induce nitrogen (N) leaching. We hypothesized that logging a watershed that previously exhibited forest decline symptoms would place additional stress on the ecosystem and result in greater N loss, compared to harvesting vigorous forests. We conducted a 10-year (1988 to 1998) assessment of N export from the Baldwin Creek watershed in southwestern Pennsylvania that was partially clearcut to salvage dead and dying northern red oak. N export from the watershed increased significantly following salvage logging operations and did not completely return to prelogging levels by the end of the study period. The largest annual NO3-N export of 13 kg/ha was observed during the first year after harvesting, an increase of approximately 10 kg/ha. Compared to data from other Appalachian Mountain watersheds in North Carolina, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, calculated N loss for Baldwin Creek was considerably greater. Longer periods of reduced N uptake due to slow revegetation of salvage logged areas, coupled with increased amounts of N available to leaching, could have accounted for the large N losses observed for Baldwin Creek. Salvage logging of dead and dying trees from forested watersheds in this region appears to have the potential to result in much larger N losses than previously reported for harvest of healthy stands.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document