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Impacts of Long-Term Micronutrient Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties and Micronutrient Availability
Shuzhuan Wang1, Lei Xu1, Mingde Hao2
1Key Laboratory of Natural Disaster and Remote Sensing of Henan Province, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 11, 2022
Summary
Long-term application of zinc, copper, and manganese fertilizers improved soil properties and increased micronutrient availability in China's Loess Plateau. Organic matter plays a key role in enhancing micronutrient levels in calcareous soils.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in the calcareous soils of China's Loess Plateau.
- Understanding the impact of continuous fertilization on soil properties and nutrient availability is crucial for sustainable agriculture in this region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of applying zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) fertilizers on soil properties and micronutrient availability.
- To analyze the relationships between soil properties and the availability of Zn, Mn, Cu, and iron (Fe) in calcareous soils.
Main Methods:
- A field plot experiment involving continuous winter wheat cultivation was established in 1984.
- Treatments included Zn, Mn, and Cu fertilizers, alongside a control group.
- Soil properties (pH, CaCO3, organic matter, fulvic acid, reducing substances, moisture) and available micronutrients (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe) were measured over 31 years.
Main Results:
- Continuous application of micronutrient fertilizers increased soil organic matter, fulvic acid, reducing substances, and moisture, while decreasing pH and CaCO3.
- Zn and Cu fertilizers significantly enhanced available Zn and Cu levels in both surface and deep soil.
- While Zn, Cu, and Mn fertilizers improved Fe availability, Mn fertilizer did not significantly increase available Mn. Fe, Cu, and Zn availability were easily improved, but Mn availability was challenging.
Conclusions:
- Long-term micronutrient fertilization alters soil properties and enhances micronutrient availability in Loess Plateau soils.
- Organic matter is vital for improving micronutrient availability, both directly and indirectly, in calcareous soils.
- Specific micronutrient fertilizers have varying impacts on soil properties and the availability of other essential nutrients, highlighting the need for balanced fertilization strategies.
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