Nutrient management and balanced fertilization in Xinjiang

IPNI-2006-CHN-XJ2

03 Feb 2007

2006 Annual Interpretive Summary

Nutrient Management and Balanced Fertilization in Xinjiang, 2006

Experiments of nutrient management and balanced fertilization in Xinjiang were conducted on cotton in Awati County, corn in Changji City, grape and processing tomato at Toutunhe Farm, and watermelon in the Anningqu National Grey Soil Monitored Village.

Experiments on irrigated long-fiber cotton in Awati indicated that the soil test-based fertilizer recommendation of 225-140-70 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha increased cotton lint yield by 21% (264 kg/ha), 11% (150 kg/ha), 12% (165 kg/ha) and economic benefit by US$675/ha, US$304/ha, and US$386/ha compared with treatments omitting N, P, and K, respectively. In corn, a set of omission plot treatments using 232.5 kg N/ha, 70.5 kg P2O5/ha, and 34.5 kg K2O/ha increased corn yield by 6%, 21%, and 12%, respectively, with corresponding profits derived from N, P, and K being US$101/ha, US$298/ha and US$192/ha. A K rate trial in grape showed that 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg K2O/ha, along with 160 kg N/ha and 180 kg P2O5/ha produced 12%, 20%, 3%, and 2% more yield than plots omitting K. Lastly, in watermelon, application of 112.5, 225, 337.5, and 450 kg K2O/ha, along with 172.5 kg N/ha and 103.5 kg P2O5/ha increased yield by 23%, 21%, 18%, and 13% compared with plots omitting K. Xinjiang-NMBF