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Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2019
Understanding phosphorus dynamics and uptake in diverse soils of Indo-Gangetic Plains of India
K K Rao1, Mandira Barman2, Debarup Das2
1Regional Coastal Rice Research Station, ICAR Central rice Research Institute, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.
Abstract:
Phosphorus (P) is a critical macronutrient governing crop productivity, yet its availability in soils is limited by soil physico-chemical properties and interactions with other nutrients. The present study investigated phosphorus dynamics and uptake by wheat grown on twenty-five soils collected from different locations across the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. The soils exhibited wide variation in texture, pH (4.3-9.1), organic carbon (0.14-0.9%), and available macro and micro nutrients. Phosphate ion concentration and phosphate potential varied significantly (p < 0.05), reflecting contrasting P-supplying capacities. A pot experiment was conducted with wheat under control (no P) and 100% recommended P fertilizer application. Significant variation (p < 0.05) was observed in dry matter yield, P concentration, and P uptake among soils and treatments. Fertilizer P application enhanced dry matter accumulation by 10-70% depending on the soil, and P uptake increased more than twice in responsive soils. Particularly, P fertilization altered Zn concentration and the P/Zn ratio in wheat straw, indicating nutrient interactions. The results highlight that soil variability across the IGP governs P availability and wheat response, with implications for site-specific nutrient management to enhance productivity and minimize P-use inefficiencies.
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