Abstract
Nitrification inhibitors such a dicyandiamide (DCD) help to reduce leaching losses by retaining applied N in the ammoniacal form. Research objectives were to evaluate dicyandiamide added to ammonium sulphate-nitrate (ASN) as a nitrification inhibitor in cultivated soils (Xeropsamments) and its effect on N uptake by citrus (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). Under field conditions, fertilization of adult trees with ASN (600 g N tree−1) either with or without DCD (2% DCD-N) was compared (ASN+DCD and ASN, respectively). The NH +4 -N concentrations in plots fertilized with ASN+DCD were significantly higher than ASN plot in the 0-15 cm layer during 5–105 day period. Nitrification started immediately after N application in both treatments (ASN and ASN+DCD). In all three soil layers analyzed, NO− 3-N concentrations were higher in the ASN plots than in the ASN+DCD during the first 20 days. This indicates that nitrification of NH+ 4 from ASN was more rapid in the absence of DCD. On the other hand, fertilization with ASN+DCD kept higher levels of NO− 3-N in soils than ASN during the rest of experience period (40–160 days). Addition of DCD to ASN showed a higher N concentration in the spring-flush leaves with respect to the trees fertilized with ASN, during the growth cycle. These results suggest that the use of a nitrification inhibitor permitted a more efficient utilization of fertilizer N by citrus trees. The plants treated with DCD added to ASN showed a higher yield in number of units per tree and a better fruit colour index than those treated with ASN alone.
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Serna, M.D., Legaz, F. & Primo-Millo, E. Improvement of the N fertilizer efficiency with dicyandiamide (dcd) in citrus trees. Fertilizer Research 43, 137–142 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00747693
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00747693