Phosphorus Nutrient Management through Synchronization of Application Methods and Rates in Wheat and Maize Crops

Abstract

Management of inorganic fertilizer is very important to obtain maximum crop yield and improved nutrient use efficiency in cereal crops. Fixation of phosphatic fertilizers in alkaline soils due to calcareousness is one of the major hurdles. It induces phosphorus nutritional stress that can decrease the yield of maize and wheat. Selection of a suitable application method and proper stage of crop for phosphorus (P) fertilizer has prime importance in better uptake of P and crop production. Among different application methods, soil and foliar application are widely adopted. In wheat and maize, knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + booting are critical stages towards P deficiency. That is why field trials were conducted to evaluate the supplemental effect of foliar P on maize and wheat yields. For that, 144 mM KH2PO4 was applied as foliar at knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + boot stages in maize and wheat, respectively. Soil application of 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P ha−1 was done through broadcast and band methods. Results showed that foliar spray of 144 mM KH2PO4 at knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + boot stages in wheat and maize significantly enhanced grains yield and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) where P was applied as banding or broadcast at the time of sowing. A significant decreasing trend in response to increasing soil P levels validated the efficacious role and suitability of foliar P. In conclusion, the use of P as foliar at knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + boot stages is an efficacious way to manage P fertilizer.

Mineral Fertilizers Improves the Quality of Turmeric and Soil

“…Application of NPK (150:125:250) and microbial consortia (MC) comprising nitrogen fixers, P and Zn solubilizing PGPR, and Arka Actino plus (AAP) containing Streptomyces sp., as a biopesticide is known to improve the soil enzyme activities [56][57][58][59]. Use of Biostimulants and foliar application of fertilizer reduces the need for fertilizer [60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67]. However, the literature showed no studies on the analyses in soil enzyme activities, soil agrochemical, and chemical properties in cultivated turmeric in Uzbekistan.…”

Response of Moringa oleifera Seeds and Fixed Oil Production to Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizers under Calcareous Soil Conditions

“…Alzreejawi and Al-Juthery [114] recorded the significant superiority of Nano-NPK (12-12-36) spray in achieving the highest means values for chlorophyll content in leaves, plant height, stem diameter, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Rafiullah et al [115] reported that fixation of phosphate fertilizers in alkaline calcareous soil was a major obstacle that could decrease the yield of maize and wheat. Foliar P on maize significantly enhanced grain yield and phosphorus use efficiency.…”

Drought Stress Alleviation by Potassium-Nitrate-Containing Chitosan/Montmorillonite Microparticles Confers Changes in Spinacia oleracea L.

“…Scarcity of good quality water for irrigation creates the majority of lethal stress among all abiotic stresses (i.e., heavy metals, nutrients), called drought [1][2][3][4][5]. Uneven and low rainfall, dry winds, and temperature dynamics are common factors that promote the development of drought conditions [6].…”