Publication Date

1997

Description

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the respective importance of maize (Zea mays) and soil properties on the dissolution of two sparingly soluble P fertilizers. The surface horizon of an acidic and a calcareous soils were amended with Thomas’ slag or phosphate rock and were either incubated or cultivated with maize. Maize cultivation increased the rate of dissolution of both fertilizers in both soils. Its influence remained limited compared to fertilizer dissolution in the incubated acidic soil. In the calcareous soil, however, the presence of maize increased significantly the rate of fertilizer dissolution compared to that observed in the incubated soil. Processes by which maize could have affected the dissolution of both fertilizers were discussed.

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Can Maize Influence the Dissolution of Low Water Soluble Phosphorus Fertilizers?

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the respective importance of maize (Zea mays) and soil properties on the dissolution of two sparingly soluble P fertilizers. The surface horizon of an acidic and a calcareous soils were amended with Thomas’ slag or phosphate rock and were either incubated or cultivated with maize. Maize cultivation increased the rate of dissolution of both fertilizers in both soils. Its influence remained limited compared to fertilizer dissolution in the incubated acidic soil. In the calcareous soil, however, the presence of maize increased significantly the rate of fertilizer dissolution compared to that observed in the incubated soil. Processes by which maize could have affected the dissolution of both fertilizers were discussed.