Impact of Fertilizer on Crop Yield and C:N:P Stoichiometry in Arid and Semi-Arid Soil

Abstract

Fertilization can significantly affect the quality of crop and soil. To determine the effects of long-term fertilization on crop yield and carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry in soil, a study was conducted on the terraced fields of the Loess Plateau from 2007 to 2019. Nine fertilization treatments were included: no fertilizer; organic fertilizer (O); organic and nitrogen fertilizers (ON); organic, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilizers (ONP); organic and phosphorus fertilizers (OP); phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers; potash and nitrogen fertilizers; potash, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilizers; and potash and phosphorus fertilizers. Under these treatments except for CK and PK, crop yields initially decreased but later increased. The nutrient content and C:N:P stoichiometry increased in soil depth of 0–20 cm. The soil available nutrients did not change significantly with the duration of fertilization. The O, ON, ONP, and OP had the most evident effect on the enhancement of soil nutrient content, whereas O and ON had the most evident effect on the increase in soil organic carbon (SOC):total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN):TP. In soil depth of 0–20 cm, crop yield, SOC:TN, SOC:TN, SOC:TP, and TN:TP significantly correlated with soil nutrients. This study indicated that long-term fertilization can effectively improve crop yield, soil fertility, and soil C:N:P stoichiometry. Meanwhile, the single application of an organic fertilizer or the combination of organic and nitrogen fertilizers can improve the condition of nitrogen limitation in arid and semi-arid areas.

Soil Quality and Pomelo Productivity as Affected by Chicken Manure and Cow Dung

“…This indicates that pomelo productivity tends to increase with the increase in the soil quality parameters (SOM, N tot , and P avail ). Similar results were obtained by Sainju et al [ 52 ] and Liu et al [ 53 ], who found significant positive correlation coefficients between soil nutrients (organic carbon, N, and P) and plant yield. An increase in soil BD is known to decrease root penetration and nutrient uptake as well as root formation reduction, which may decrease crop yield [ 54 ].…”

The Application of Fertilizer and AMF Promotes Growth and Reduces the Cadmium and Lead Contents of Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) in a Copper Mining Area

“…on Heavy Metal-Polluted Soil in a Copper Mining Area Fertilizer measures are one of the most important ways to manage crops. The application of fertilizer can not only improve the performance structure of the soil, but also improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, affecting the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals in the plant roots and thereby increasing the biomass and yield of crops [40]. A study found that while fertilizing crops, fertilizer is not only a fertility factor for crop growth, but also plays a role in the chemical remediation of heavy metalpolluted soil, effectively reducing the effectiveness of heavy metals and reducing the toxicity of heavy metals to plants [41].…”

Conifer Biotechnology: An Overview

“…Reforestation and conifer plantations sometimes have to deal with poor, eroded, or degraded soils; it is, therefore, necessary to understand the factors that facilitate the reabsorption of nutrients despite the existence of a shortage or limitation of nutrients [26], which could open interesting perspectives for the articulation of the productive system, and the obtaining of resilient conifers. Soil fertilization and the type of containers used in nurseries have been shown to improve yield and crop quality [27,28]. Future studies should address the different macronutrients present in soils at different depths and their variations in order to understand their relationship with conifer growth and development, which will contribute to sustainable Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations [26].…”