Effect of sulfur blended N-fertilizers on nitrogen use efficiency and quality of lettuce yield
2003
Al-Redhaiman, K.N. | Helal, M.I.D. | Shahin, R.R. (King Saud Univ. (Saudi Arabia). Dept. of Plant Production and Protection)
Volatilization of NH3 is a major factor affects ammonical fertilizer use efficiency particularly when N-fertilizers are surface applied to sandy soil characterized by high pH values and low CEC. Effect of blending various N-fertilizers; urea, U, ammonium sulfate, AS, ammonium nitrate, AN and di-ammonium phosphate, DAP; with elemental sulfur, on fertilizer-N utilization and quality of lettuce yield were studied. The results of lettuce yield grown in greenhouse showed significant increase in lettuce fresh yield (ranging from 9.8-18.9%) of treatments received S comparing with those received no S. The effect of S on dry matter of leaves and stems was insignificant. Total N content of leaves and stems showed a significant increase varied between 10.4-20.6 and 8.4-18.5%, respectively. Total-N uptake by lettuce plants treated with sulfur- blended fertilizers was increased by 20%(U)-52(AN)%. Also, an increase in N recovery reached 70% of the applied was observed for sulfur- blended N-fertilizer treatments, instead of 39-52% of those received no S. Nitrate and sulfate contents of lettuce dry matter were significantly increased using S-blended fertilizers particularly in the case of ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium sulphate (AS). The results of soil analysis showed significant decrease in soil pH in the treatments received S blended fertilizer compared to those received no S. On the other hand, electrical conductivity increased significantly from 1.8-2.1 to 2.1-3.2 dS m-1 as a result of S addition. Insignificant increase in both SO4 and NH4 contents were recorded for S treated samples.
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