Nutrient Management Strategies for Guizhou

Nutrient Management Strategies for Paddy Rice and Upland Corn in Guizhou, 2005

The monitored village in Pinba County was established in 2001 and over the past 5 years soil nutrient limitations were determined, soil nutrient variability was mapped, and balanced fertilization [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) BF] experiments and field demonstrations were conducted. Fixed-site field trials were continued in 2005 to monitor crop yield responses to prescribed fertilizer recommendations.

The BF treatment of 152-90-150 kg N-P₂O₅-K₂O/ha increased corn yield by 2.77 t/ha (+61%) compared to the treatment omitting potassium (- K), by 3.1 t/ha (+72.6%) compared to the - N treatment, and by 130 kg/ha (+2.7%) compared to the - P treatment. Application of 150-90-225 kg/ha increased rice yield by 0.64 t/ha (+8.3%), 0.4 t/ha (+5%), and 0.27 t/ha (+3.3%) compared to the - K, - N, and - P treatments, respectively. Corn and rice response to N, K, and P application is increasing over time, but the potential for yield improvement is much higher for paddy rice than for upland corn.

Through related field demonstrations, field day activities, and technology training sessions, farmer fertilizer use practices are steadily improving. Guizhou-NMS05