Matrix based fertilizers reduce nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in greenhouse column studies

Entry, J.A. and Sojka, R.E. (2007) Matrix based fertilizers reduce nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in greenhouse column studies. Water Air and Soil Pollution. 180:283-292.

PDF 1202.pdf Download (597kB)

Abstract

We tested the efficacy of matrix based
fertilizer formulations (MBF) that reduce NH4, total
phosphorus (TP), total reactive phosphorus (TRP) and
dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in leachate. The
MBF formulations cover a range of inorganic N and P
in compounds that are relatively loosely bound
(MBF1) to more moderately bound (MBF2) and more
tightly bound compounds (MBF3) mixed with Al
(SO4)3 H2O and/or Fe2(SO4)3 and with the high ionic
exchange compounds starch, chitosan and lignin.
Glomus interadicies, a species of arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungal spores that will form mycorrhizae in
high nutrient environments, was added to the MBF
formulations to increase plant nutrient uptake. When
N and P are released from the inorganic chemicals
containing N and P the matrix based fertilizers likely
bind these nutrients to the Al(504)3 H2O and/or
Fe2(504)3 starch–chitosan–lignin matrix. We tested
the efficacy of the MBFs to reduce N and P leaching
compared to Osmocote® 14-14-14, a slow release
fertilizer (SRF) in sand filled columns in a greenhouse
study. SRF with and without Al and Fe leached 78-
84% more NH4, 58-78% more TP, 20-30% more
TRP and 61-77% more than MBF formulations 1, 2,
and 3 in a total of 2.0 liters of leachate after 71 days.

The concentration and amount of NO3 leached among
SRF and MBF formulations 1 and 2 did not differ.
The SRF treatment leached 34% less NO3 , than
MBF3. Total plant weight did not differ among
fertilizer treatments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal infection
did not differ among plants receiving SRF and MBF
formulations 1, 2 and 3. Although further greenhouse
and field testing are called for, results of this initial
investigation warrant further investigation of MBFs.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	1202
Subjects:	Soil > Amendments > Fertilizer Research methodology Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:49
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2016 15:13
Item ID:	47
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/47