Nutrient Management Strategies for Tibet

IPNI-1999-CHN-XZ8

26 Jan 2005

2004 Annual Interpretive Summary

Balanced Fertilization in Rapeseed and Highland Barley in Tibet, 2004

Rapeseed and highland barley are the most important oil and grain crops in Tibet. Due to the region's relative isolation, the term ‘balanced fertilization’ made its debut only at the turn of last century, or about 15 years later than most other parts of China. In order to improve crop yield and quality as well as farmer income, field trials on these two crops were conducted in the Shannan region (i.e. food basket) in Tibet. Soil testing indicated nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) to be the main yield-limiting factors. Balanced fertilization with 123-55-60 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha increased highland barley yield by 1,080 kg/ha (42%) and rapeseed yield by 1,100 kg/ha (65%) compared to the - K treatment. The same treatments applied to forage oats increased the grass yield by 3,350 kg/ha (30%).

Recent soil tests from Tibet often indicate strong N and K deficiencies. This along with chronically low fertilizer inputs has resulted in a serious and prevailing problem that will continue to hinder further agricultural development in the autonomous region. Tibet has the lowest crop yields and economic returns per unit area in China. However, this can be dramatically changed with balanced fertilization. Once the Qinghai-Tibet railway is completed, fertilizer supply will be improved and the potential for market development will be greatly expanded. Tibet-NMS01