Early maize root and phosphorus uptake responses to localised application of sewage sludge derived fertilisers

Summary

Background: Phosphorus recycling from waste and localised placement of fertilisers can be means to improve sustainable P management in agriculture. However, knowledge about root and plant P uptake responses to placement of complex waste- derived fertilisers is lacking.
Methods: Sewage sludge (SS) and sewage sludge ash (ASH) were tested against triple superphosphate (TSP) in a rhizobox setup where shoot and root growth of maize was followed for 30 days. The three P sources were either mixed homogenously into the soil (labelled with 33P) or localised in a patch close to the seed.
Results: While localised TSP and SS both increased root length density around the fertiliser patch, it was at the expense of the remaining root system and soil P uptake for SS. Hence, total P uptake was slightly lower and dry matter yields similar to mixed SS. Thus, only TSP enhanced dry matter yield and fertiliser P uptake compared to the mixed source. No root response was found for localised ASH, and mixed ASH more than doubled dry matter yield and P uptake in comparison.
Conclusions: Localised placement of fertilisers can be expected to be beneficial for young maize plants only for fertiliser types that can supply sufficient amounts of readily available P.

Available Versions of this Item

• Early maize root and phosphorus uptake responses to localised application of sewage sludge derived fertilisers. (deposited 26 Aug 2015 11:49) [Currently Displayed]
  • Opportunity costs for maize associated with localised application of sewage sludge derived fertilisers, as indicated by early root and phosphorus uptake responses. (deposited 22 Mar 2022 14:47)