scholarly journals Nitrogen Leaching and Nitrogen Balance under Differing Nitrogen Fertilization for Sugarcane Cultivation on a Subtropical Island

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 740
Author(s):  
Ken Okamoto ◽  
Shinkichi Goto ◽  
Toshihiko Anzai ◽  
Shotaro Ando

Fertilizer application during sugarcane cultivation is a main source of nitrogen (N) loads to groundwater on small islands in southwestern Japan. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of reducing the N fertilizer application rate on sugarcane yield, N leaching, and N balance. We conducted a sugarcane cultivation experiment with drainage lysimeters and different N application rates in three cropping seasons (three years). N loads were reduced by reducing the first N application rate in all cropping seasons. The sugarcane yields of the treatment to which the first N application was halved (T2 = 195 kg ha−1 N) were slightly lower than those of the conventional application (T1 = 230 kg ha−1 N) in the first and third seasons (T1 = 91 or 93 tons ha−1, T2 = 89 or 87 tons ha−1). N uptake in T1 and T2 was almost the same in seasons 1 (186–188 kg ha−1) and 3 (147–151 kg ha−1). Based on the responses of sugarcane yield and N uptake to fertilizer reduction in two of the three years, T2 is considered to represent a feasible fertilization practice for farmers. The reduction of the first N fertilizer application reduced the underground amounts of N loads (0–19 kg ha−1). However, application of 0 N in the first fertilization would lead to a substantial reduction in yield in all seasons. Reducing the amount of N in the first application (i.e., replacing T1 with T2) improved N recovery by 9.7–11.9% and reduced N leaching by 13 kg ha−1. These results suggest that halving the amount of N used in the first application can improve N fertilizer use efficiency and reduce N loss to groundwater.

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Sen Tran ◽  
Marcel Giroux ◽  
Michel P. Cescas

The main objective of this study was to compare the recovery of 15N-labelled fertilizer by different methods of N application and N rates. Field experiments were carried out for 3 yr at Saint-Hyacinthe (Saint-Damase, Du Contour, Sainte-Rosalie soils) and at Saint-Lambert, Lévis (Le Bras soil). Grain corn (cv. Pride K228, 2700 CHU) and silage corn (cv. Hyland 3251, 2300 CHU) were grown at Saint-Hyacinthe and Saint-Lambert, respectively. In 1988 and 1989, field trials were arranged in a randomized complete bloc design consisting of five treatments in three replications: control 0 N and four split application methods of N fertilizer. Labelled 15NH4 15NO3 fertilizer was applied either banded at planting as starter (D), broadcast and incorporated before planting (Vs) or sidedressing between rows at V6 to V8 stages of corn (Bp). In 1990 field trials, treatments consisted of four N rates (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha−1) labelled with 15NH4 15NO3. The effect of N rates on yield and N uptake by corn was significant in all years. However, the effect of application methods was significant only on the soil Du Contour in 1989 where corn grain yield was highest when N fertilizer was split as starter and sidedress band. The CUR of N fertilizer applied broadcast before planting (42 to 48%) was generally lower than sidedressing band application (43 to 54%). N fertilizer recovery in the starter showed also high CUR values (45 to 60%). Consequently, it is recommended to split N fertilizers and apply in band to increase efficiency for grain corn. The CUR values decreased with N rates only in Le Bras soil in 1990. Residual N fertilizer increased from 27 to 103 kg N ha−1 for 60 and 180 kg N ha−1 rates, respectively. Consequently, the environmental impact of N fertilization may increased with high N rate. Key words: Grain corn, silage corn, 15N recovery, fertilizer N split application


Author(s):  
J. Masaka ◽  
M. Chandiposha ◽  
B. T. Makaure ◽  
B. Mazina

In Zimbabwe, smallholder cultivation of leaf rape is of considerable importance due to the increasing demand for the leaf vegetable from the rapidly increasing urban populations.  A two-season field trial was conducted in the Agricultural Practice Experimental Plots of the Midlands State University in central Zimbabwe. The objective of the study was to establish selected biometric responses of leaf rape to N fertilizer rates and time to first harvesting. Increasing the rate of N fertilizer application considerably improves the yield of fresh rape leaf; LAI and concentration of leaf nitrate. Delaying rape leaf harvest after N fertilizer side dressing can be used as a strategy to boost rape leaf yield for vegetable markets with high single delivery demand. When harvesting is deliberately delayed after N fertilizer application rape LAI are significantly increased. Delaying the first leaf harvests by 7; 14 and 21 days after N fertilizer side dressing amendments increases the content of nitrate in fresh rape leaves. Fresh rape yield can be more accurately predicted by values of rape LAI. Nitrate concentrations in fresh rape leaf is a poor predictor of rape yield under field conditions.


1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (66) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Lloyd

Makarikari grass (Panicum coloratum var. makarikariense) cvs, 04634 and Bambatsi were fertilized with eight rates of urea (0-900 kg N ha-1 yr-1) under irrigation on a red earth at Toowoomba, and cut either 8-weekly or at full flower. Dry matter (D.M.) production increased linearly with N applications up to 450 kg ha-1 for both cultivars. Due to differences in growth rhythm between cultivars, 04634 produced higher total yields cut at full flower (29500 kg ha-1 yr-1) than at 8-weekly intervals (23100 kg ha-1 yr-1), whereas Bambatsi yielded similarly (23000 kg ha-1 yr-1) for the two cutting frequencies. Lower tissue N concentrations occurred at full flower than in 8-week growth for both cultivars (Q4634 -0.85 per cent to 1.08 per cent; Bambatsi-1.39 per cent to 1.55 per cent at 450 kg N ha-1). The N uptake by 04634 was the same for both cutting frequencies, but lower in Bambatsi cut at full flower. The association between N application rate, tissue N concentration and N uptake is outlined. The maximum efficiencies of both N use for D.M. production and per cent N recovery for 04634 and Bambatsi (55 and 35 kg D.M. per kg N applied; 40 and 60 per cent N recovery, respectively) were comparable with published values for other species. Increasing N application rates decreased the efficiency of D.M. production of both cultivars, decreased the per cent N recovery of Bambatsi, but had no effect on the per cent N recovery of 04634. In an extension of the Bambatsi study, the intrusion of spring ephemerals, mainly Bromus unioloides, did not reduce total D.M. production greatly and distributed it better through the growing season. Productivity of Bambatsi during mid-summer was not affected by prior weed competition in the spring.


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Kowalenko ◽  
S. Bittman

A study was conducted to assess the effect of rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and to compare the effectiveness of single and split applications of N on yield and quality of forage grass and on the potential for nitrate leaching. Three field trials were conducted at different sites in successive years, with plant and soil measurements made at each of four harvests. Extractable inorganic N was measured to 0.6 m in three depth increments prior to spring N application and after each cut in order to evaluate immediate and residual effects of the N fertilizer on plant growth, and the environmental implications of the applications. Response of yield and N uptake to N applications differed in the three trials. In all trials, the effect of N rate was greater than the effect of N distribution during the growing season. Although there were only small, whole-season yield increases associated with distributing the N over the season, the distribution of yield within the season was changed considerably. Soil data showed relatively little leaching of N during the growing season under contrasting weather conditions of the three growing seasons. Retention of N within the soil root zone contributed to residual effects on yield and plant uptake, and these effects frequently lasted to the end of the growing season. Crop response to N applications was apparently influenced by the N supplying capacity of the soil and the effect of weather on crop growth rate. Soil nitrate at harvest did not vary consistently with N application treatments in the three trials, other than having highest concentrations at the highest fertilizer rate. Soil nitrate was greatest after cut 1 and decreased sharply toward the end of the season following the single spring applications, whereas plots receiving equal distributions of N through the season had relatively high concentrations at all sampling times during the season. Soil extractable ammonium concentration was influenced by high rates of N application, but the effect was small and largely confined to the sampling after cut 1. The soil always contained about 10–15 mg kg−1 extractable ammonium in surface 0.3 m depth, with a tendency for slightly greater concentrations in early spring. Soil ammonium appears to be involved in soil and plant processes, but the exact magnitude and significance of its involvement could not be determined from the measurements made. The redistribution of grass yield by splitting the application of fertilizer N within the growing season would be beneficial for grazing systems. Unfortunately, soil inorganic N measurements will not greatly assist in determining the precise rate and distribution of fertilizer for varying field conditions. Key words: N response, N uptake, residual N effect, soil extractable N, N leaching


2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. RANKINEN ◽  
T. SALO ◽  
K. GRANLUND

Nitrogen (N) gross balance is one of the indicators designed for following developments in agriculture in the European Union. A nutrient surplus occurs when the quantity of a nutrient applied in fertilizers is greater than that removed during harvest. In this study the usefulness of N balance in studying the fate of N and controlling N leaching from agricultural fields in south-western Finland was evaluated. To estimate N leaching in 2000–2005 the mathematical, process-based model COUP was applied to twelve fields representing four agricultural production sectors. The fields represented conventional cereal production, organic cereal production and both conventional cattle and pig husbandry. Simulated N leaching was lowest from cereal production fields with a low N balance. Higher N leaching from pig and cattle production farms might be reduced by decreasing the N balance but also by applying manure in spring instead of autumn. Both N balance and simulated N leaching from organic farm were relatively high compared to low N application rate to the fields. N balance appears to be a rather useful indicator of N leaching over longer periods of time. In the short term, N leaching depends mainly on precipitation and on cultivation practices, like timing and amount of fertilizer application. Statistical evaluation indicated significant positive correlation between calculated N balance and simulated N leaching, especially when supported by constant values of precipitation and N mineralization rate. Decrease of N balance by 1 kg ha–1yr–1 decreased N leaching by 0.3 kg ha–1yr–1. High positive N balances are conducive to abundant accumulation of residual N in soil and consequently to a high risk of N leaching during rainy seasons.;


Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 2715
Author(s):  
Eun-Hee Koh ◽  
Beom-Seok Hyun ◽  
Eunhee Lee ◽  
Min-Chul Kim ◽  
Bong-Rae Kang ◽  
...  

The application of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers has boosted crop yields globally. However, it has also imposed on environmental pollution problems. An estimation of actual fertilizer N inputs at the crop field level is needed to establish effective N management plans to control groundwater NO3-N contamination. Here, a survey to collect the types of cultivated crop and fertilizer application rate was conducted during 2016–2018, covering 44,253 small crop fields (7730 ha) in the western part (Hanrim and Hankyung regions) of Jeju Island, South Korea. Foreign vegetables, citrus fruits, and bulb vegetables are the major crop types grown in the total cultivated areas of 2165.6 ha, 1718.7 ha, and 944.9 ha, respectively. For several crops (green garlic, potato, and chives), the over-use of N fertilizers is observed, the amount of which is 1.73–4.95 times greater than the standard fertilizer application rate. The highest level of fertilizer N input is observed for bulb vegetables in both the regions (Hanrim: 500.5 kg/ha, Hankyung: 487.1 kg/ha), with nearly 80% of the N fertilizer input turned into surplus N loading. A comparison between a spatial interpolation map of the fertilizer N input and that of the groundwater NO3-N concentration implies that the excessive use of synthetic fertilizer results in the degradation of groundwater quality by NO3-N. N management plans for the study area are suggested based on the N fertilizer input at the crop field level. This study highlights that sustainable N management plans should be arranged at the crop field level, considering the spatial heterogeneity of N fertilizer use.


HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 1734-1740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura L. Van Eerd

With rising input costs and environmental concerns, growers are seeking methods to minimize nitrogen (N) inputs and off-field N losses while maintaining crop yields. Field studies on processing butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir.) were conducted in 2004–2007 at 11 locations in Ontario, Canada, to determine the optimal N rate and estimate potential N losses. Preplant broadcast ammonium nitrate was applied at five rates between 0 and 220 kg N/ha. In contrasting years (i.e., cool/wet versus warm/dry versus average), 64% of sites were nonresponsive to N fertilizer as indicated by no differences in marketable squash yield. In responsive sites, the most economical rate of N (MERN) was between 105 and 129 kg N/ha of N fertilizer, indicating that the Ontario-recommended rate of 110 kg N/ha seems appropriate for responsive sites. At 110 kg N/ha, no yield advantage resulted from using a controlled-release N (CRN) or split-applying ammonium nitrate at preplant and vine elongation at 65 + 45 kg N/ha, respectively, compared with the same amount applied preplant. Apparent N losses (N inputs – N outputs) at harvest were 83 and 29 kg N/ha greater at a fertilizer application rate of 220 kg N/ha than at 0 and 110 kg N/ha, respectively. At 110 kg N/ha, crop removal balance and apparent N loss calculations suggest relatively low risk of N loss from the field during the growing season and after harvest, respectively. However, environmental and economical risks would be minimized if nonresponsive sites could be identified before N fertilizer application.


Akta Agrosia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Marwanto Marwanto ◽  
Nasiroh Nasiroh ◽  
Bambang G. Mucitro ◽  
Merakati Handajaningsih

The beneficial effects of manure on soil properties, growth, and crop productivity have promoted its use for replacing the application of N fertilizer. However, it is not well understood to what extent N fertilizer was able to be substituted by cow manure. Accordingly, this pot experiment aimed to compare the effect of inorganic N fertilizer application alone with that of the combined use of inorganic N fertilizer with cow manure based on the same amount of total N on growth parameters, yield attributes, and nitrogen (N) uptake of black rice. The experiment was conducted under a screen house condition in Agriculture Faculty, Bengkulu University located at 15 meters altitude above sea level during the summer season of 2015. There were six treatments viz. T1 = 100% N from urea + 0% N from cow manure (0.52 g N + 0.00 g cow manure) pot-1, T2 = 80% N from urea  + 20% N from cow manure  (0.42 g N + 9.55 g cow manure) pot-1, T3 = 60% N from urea + 40% N from cow manure (0.31 g N  + 19.10 g cow manure) pot-1, T4 = 40% N from urea + 60% N from cow manure (0.21 g N + 28.65 g cow manure) pot-1, T5 = 20% N from urea + 80% N from cow manure (0.10 g N+ 38.20 g cow manure) pot-1, and T6 = 0% N from urea + 100% N from cow manure (0.00 g N  + 47.75 g cow manure) pot-1. The amount of inorganic N fertilizer in the form of urea and cow manure applied was calculated based on the recommended rate of 115.00 kg ha-1 for N fertilizer and 10.50 ton ha-1 for cow manure. These treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design and repeated three times. The results showed that the treatments significantly (P ?0.005) affected growth parameters as measured by plant height, the number of leaves, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, dry shoot weight, dry root weight, yield attributes as determined by the total number of tillers, the total number productive tillers, grain yield per pot, and N uptake. The highest values for all these variables were obtained in the treatment receiving recommended rate of urea only (100% N from urea + 0% N from cow manure as equivalence) and the lowest in the treatment receiving a100% N from cow manure (0% N from urea + 100% N from cow manure). However, combined treatments of cow manure and inorganic N fertilizer such as 80% N from urea  + 20% N from cow manure, 60% N from urea + 40% N from cow manure 40% N from urea + 60% N from cow manure showed a parity statistically with the treatment receiving 100% N from urea only in maintaining the values for all these variables. Overall, the combined use of inorganic N fertilizer (urea) and cow manure as an equivalence promoted growth and yield of black rice by improving N uptake. Keywords: integrated nutrient management, soil chemical property, Nitrogen uptake, combined fertilizer application, black rice


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selamyihun Kidanu ◽  
D. G. Tanner ◽  
Tekalign Mamo

A trial was conducted on an Ethiopian Vertisol from 1990 to 1995 to determine the residual effects of fertiliser N applied to tef [Eragrostistef (Zucc.) Trotter] on the grain and straw yield, N content, and total N uptake of succeeding crops of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) and tef. The mean agronomic efficiency of 60 kg fertiliser N ha−1 was 13.1 kg grain kg−1 fertiliser N applied in the current year and 5.4 kg grain kg−1 fertiliser N applied in the previous year. Thus, the residual fertiliser N benefit was equivalent to 41.2% of the response to current season N application for the two cereal crops. The mean rates of apparent recovery of fertiliser N were 65.8% for current season N application and 31.0% for previous season N application. Soil organic matter and nitrate levels increased linearly in response to both previous and current season N application rates. The current study demonstrates that the residual effect of fertiliser N enhanced the yields and N contents of the grain and straw of both wheat and tef, resulting in a significant increase in total N uptake. Any analysis of the profitability of fertiliser N response should reflect the multi-year benefit period. Key words: N recovery, N residue, N uptake, tef, wheat


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