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Nitrate distribution and accumulation in an Ustochrept soil profile in a long term fertilizer experiment

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Abstract

Distribution and accumulation of NO3—N, down to 210 cm depth, in the soil profile of a long term fertilizer experiment were studied after 16 cycles of cropping (maize-wheat-fodder cowpea). The application of fertilizer N without P and K or in combination with only P resulted in higher NO3—N concentration in the soil profile than the application of N with P and K. With an annual application of 320 kg N ha−1 alone, a peak in NO3—N accumulation occurred at 135 cm soil depth. However, with the application of NPK, no peak in NO3—N distribution was discernible and its content at most of the sampling depths was either less than or equal to N and NP treatments. The annual application of 10 tons farm yard manure (FYM) per ha along with NPK resulted in a relatively lower NO3—N content in the sub soil. The amount of NO3—N accumulation in the soil profile decreased as the cumulative N uptake by the crops increased. Application of fertilizer amounts greater than that of the recommended (100% NPK) resulted in low percent N recoveries in crops and greater NO3—N accumulation in the soil profile.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, 141004, Ludhiana, India

    D. K. Benbi, C. R. Biswas & J. S. Kalkat

Authors
  1. D. K. Benbi
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  2. C. R. Biswas
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  3. J. S. Kalkat
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Benbi, D.K., Biswas, C.R. & Kalkat, J.S. Nitrate distribution and accumulation in an Ustochrept soil profile in a long term fertilizer experiment. Fertilizer Research 28, 173–177 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01049747

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01049747

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