LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF STRAW AND MANURE ON CROP MICRONUTRIENT NUTRITION UNDER A WHEAT-MAIZE CROPPING SYSTEM

作者:Zhang, Shulan; Li, Zhijun; Liu, Junmei; Li, Qinghui; Yang, Xueyun*
来源:Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2015, 38(5): 742-753.
DOI:10.1080/01904167.2014.957390

摘要

Management practices have significant effects on crop micronutrient contents. This study examined effects of applying chemical fertilizers of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) (NPK), alone or supplemented with straw or manure, under a wheat-maize cropping system in a 18-year experiment, on the crops' iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) contents throughout the crops' development. The micronutrient contents of both wheat and maize were above critical values during vegetative development, but Zn contents of maize ear leaves were sub-sufficient under all treatments. The wheat grain Mn, Cu, and Zn contents were lower under fertilized treatments than in unfertilized controls. Nutrient balance calculations showed that NPK application alone or with straw resulted in deficits of the four micronutrients, but not application of NPK supplemented with manure. Hence, application of micronutrients, such as Zn, through organic or inorganic fertilizers is recommended for this cropping system.