Evaluation of phosphate fertilizers: II. Residual value of nitrophosphates, Gafsa rock phosphate, basic slag and potassium metaphosphate for potatoes, barley and swedes grown in rotation, with special reference to changes in soil phosphorus status

Abstract

SUMMARYThe residual value of three nitrophosphates, potassium metaphosphate, basic slag and rock phosphate was compared with that of superphosphate in two experiments with potatoes, barley and swedes grown in rotation. The residual value of the fertilizers was also compared with that of (a) six cumulative annual dressings of superphosphate supplying either one-half or the same total amounts of phosphate and (b) single fresh applications of superphosphate applied once in each rotation. Yields and phosphorus uptakes are discussed in relation to the amounts of soil phosphate soluble in 0·5 M-NaHCO3.In the first rotation residues of rock phosphate produced about 1 ton/acre less potato tubers than residues of other fertilizers and cumulative annual applications of superphosphate produced 0·6–0·9 tons/acre less tubers than all residues except rock phosphate. In the second rotation residues of fertilizers increased tuber yields less than cumulative dressings of superphosphate. Over two rotations mean yields from residues and from cumulative dressings were the same. Mean yields of barley over two rotations were 1–3 cwt/acre greater from residues than from cumulative annual dressings; the residual value of the different phosphates was the same. For swedes residues from the alternative phosphates, including basic slag and rock phosphate, were equivalent to those from superphosphate and gave the same mean yields as six cumulative dressings of superphosphate broadcast at planting.Average residual values of alternative phosphate fertilizers, calculated from (a) yield response, (b) P uptake, and (c) soil analysis were: superphosphate, 100; nitrophosphates, 100–102; potassium metaphosphate, 95; basic slag, 94; Gafsa rock phosphate, 92. Mean percentage ‘fresh’ superphosphate equivalents of residues from all fertilizers were 17 and 26% after the first rotation and 11 and 15% after the second rotation for potatoes and swedes respectively.The percentage of the total variance in crop yields accounted for by linear regression on NaHCO3-soluble P ranged from 38 to 70% for potatoes, 9 to 28% for barley grain and 42 to 92% for swedes. Mean yields of the crops increased by 0·24 ± 0·037 tons/acre (potatoes), 0·22 ± 0·08 cwt/acre (barley) and 1·16 ±0·148 tons/acre (swedes) for each ppm NaHCO3-soluble phosphorus in the soil at harvest.