A cana-de-açúcar do ponto de vista socioeconômico e do agronegócio é atualmente uma das culturas mais importantes e em ascensão em regiões dos trópicos e subtrópicos do mundo pela sua produção de biomassa e seu potencial como biocombustível. Para expandir o seu cultivo é necessário uma série de estudos, sobretudo no que se refere ao levantamento de características ecofisiológicas e agroclimáticas envolvidas na produção. A carência de estudos, juntamente com a baixa diversidade genética dos genótipos utilizados nos programas de melhoramento, limita a oferta de variedades adaptadas com alto potencial de rendimento. Desde a revolução verde, é reconhecido o papel da nutrição mineral no aumento da produtividade das culturas. Notadamente, a carência de nitrogênio é um dos principais fatores limitantes da produtividade canavieira. Assim, os objetivos gerais desta tese visam contribuir para a compreensão dos mecanismos de regulação da nutrição nitrogenada (eficiência no uso do nitrogênio), a partir dos processos envolvidos no transporte e redução do nitrato e seus efeitos no balanço carbono - nitrogênio, nas fases iniciais de desenvolvimento da cana-deaçúcar. Para isto foi feito um estudo nutricional nas variedades RB83-5089 e SP80- 3280 por até 60 dias, num sistema hidropônico. Foi utilizada a solução de Hoagland e Arnon (1950) modificada como base nutricional na qual foram adicionadas doses baixas (0.05; 0.1; 0.25; 0.5 mM) e altas (1.0; 2.5; 5.0; 10.0; 15.0 e 25.0 mM) de nitrato para medir os efeitos bioquímicos e fisiológicos na atividade da nitrato redutase em folhas e raízes. Foram utilizados como parâmetros o índice de massa e massa seca da parte aérea e raízes, o conteúdo e a razão clorofila \"a\" e \"b\", a taxa de assimilação fotossintética, a condutância estomática e a transpiração. Os resultados mostraram que a variedade SP80-3280 foi mais responsiva às aplicações de baixas e altas doses de nitrato e, de forma geral, a atividade da nitrato redutase não apresentou limitação na mobilização de nitrato via xilema e se confirmou que a cinética do processo foi dependente da dose fornecida para as duas variedades. Nas análises dos teores de clorofila \"a\", as duas variedades foram responsivas ao aumento das doses de N, entretanto, os teores de clorofila \"b\" foram direta e inversamente proporcionais às doses de N nas variedades SP80-3280 e RB83-5089, respectivamente. A análise de índice de massa junto com a massa seca permitiu estabelecer que não houveram diferenças significativas entre estas variedades no acúmulo de matéria seca. / The sugarcane from the standpoint of socioeconomic and agribusiness is currently one of the most important crops in the tropics and subtropics areas of the world and it is in rising growth for its production of biomass and potential as biofuel. In order to expand the cultivation it is necessary a series of studies, especially with regard to agroclimatical ecophysiological characteristics involved in the production. The lack of studies, along with low genetic diversity of the genotypes used in breeding programs, limits the supply of adapted varieties with high yield potential. Since the green revolution, it is recognized the importance of nutrition to increase crop productivity. Notably, the deficiency of nitrogen is one of the main limiting factors affecting sugarcane yield. Thus, the overall objectives of this thesis aim to contribute to understand the regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen nutrition (nitrogen use efficiency), by the processes involved in the transport, nitrate reduction and its effects on the carbon - nitrogen balance, in early stages of development of sugarcane. To this, a nutritional study was prepared using sugarcane varieties RB83-5089 and SP80-3280 for 60 days in a hydroponic system. It was used Hoagland and Arnon (1950) modified solution as the nutritional basis on which was added low (0.05, 0.1, 0.25; 0.5 mM) and high (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 25.0 mM) doses of nitrate to measure the biochemical and physiological effects on the activity of nitrate reductase in leaves and roots. The parameters analysed were, the index of mass and dry weight of shoots and roots, chlorophyll \"a\" and \"b\" content and its ratio, photosynthetic assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration. The results showed that the variety SP80-3280 was more responsive to low and high levels of nitrate and, in general, the activity of nitrate reductase showed no limitation in the mobility of nitrate via xylem and it confirmed that the kinetics of the process was dependent on the doses provided to the two varieties. In the analysis of chlorophyll \"a\" content, the two varieties were responsive to the increase of N doses. However, the level of chlorophyll \"b\" was directly and inversely proportional to N rates in SP80- 3280 and RB83-5089, respectively. The analysis of mass index with dry weight allowed establishing that there were no significant differences between these varieties regarding to dry tissue accumulation.

A deficiência de boro (B) é comum nos pomares citrícolas paulistas. A maioria das pesquisas sobre mobilidade (transporte e redistribuição) de micronutrientes têm sido realizadas com o auxílio de isótopos radioativos, entretanto, para o B não existe um isótopo radioativo com meia vida suficientemente longa para tais estudos. Os isótopos estáveis de B (10B e 11B) foram pouco utilizados como traçador em estudos com vegetais, devido à dificuldade de detecção, entretanto, com o advento do ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry – espectrômetro de massas acoplado a uma fonte de plasma),tornou-se possível quantificar os átomos de 10B e 11B. Desta forma, utilizando-se de compostos enriquecidos em 10B, tornaram-se viáveis os estudos de absorção, transporte e redistribuição do B nas plantas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar, com o auxilio da técnica isotópica, a absorção de B pelas raízes e folhas da laranjeira, verificar a mobilidade do elemento na planta e quantificar a contribuição da adubação com B para os frutos da laranjeira. No estudo foram realizados 4 experimentos, sendo 3 experimentos realizados em casa de vegetação e 1 experimento realizado em pomar de laranjeira em produção. Dos experimentos realizados em casa de vegetação, O primeiro estudou a absorção de B pelas raízes de laranjeiras em sistema hidropônico e a mobilidade do nutriente na planta. Laranjeiras de copa ‘Valencia’ em dois porta-enxertos (limoeiro ‘Cravo’ e citrumelo ‘Swingle’) foram conduzidas em soluções nutritivas com concentrações de B adequadas ou deficientes, e o início dos tratamentos com 10B ocorreram em épocas distintas, com plantas em diferentes condições nutricionais de B. O segundo experimento estudou a eficiência da absorção foliar de B pelas laranjeiras ao longo do tempo e a mobilidade do nutriente na planta. O terceiro experimento comparou a mobilidade do B, absorvido pelas raízes e pelas folhas, para os novos fluxos de crescimento. O quarto experimento, realizado no campo, comparou as adubações com B no solo, via fertirrigação, e nas folhas das laranjeiras. Avaliou a contribuição destas adubações para os frutos das laranjeiras e verificou o efeito residual da adubação realizada no ano anterior na nutrição da planta no ano seguinte. Pelos resultados obtidos nos experimentos foi possível verificar que cerca de 20% a 40% do B presente nas partes novas da laranjeira foi proveniente de reservas das laranjeiras, ou seja, foi redistribuído na planta, e o menor valor foi obtido quando as laranjeiras estavam deficientes em B. A absorção de B pelas folhas da laranjeira foi inferior a 9% total de B depositado nas folhas, e o nutriente permaneceu principalmente nos órgãos onde foi aplicado (97%). A adubação com B no solo foi, cerca de 3 a 4 vezes, mais eficiente em fornecer o nutriente para a laranjeira, do que a aplicação do nutriente na folha. / Boron deficiency is widespread in São Paulo citrus orchards. Most of researches on micronutrients mobility (transport and redistribution) have been carried out using radioactive isotopes, however, for the B there is not any radioactive isotope with half-life enough for such studies. The B stable isotopes (10B and 11B) had little been used as tracer in plant studies due to the difficult detection, but with the development of the ICP-MS inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), it is possible to quantify the atoms of 10B and 11B. This way, using enriched compound with 10B, the absorption, transport and redistribution studies have become possible.The present work aimed to study, with aid of isotopic methodology, the B absorption through the roots and leaf of orange plant, to verify the B mobility in the plant and to quantify the B fertilization contribution to the fruit. In the study 4 experiments were carried out, 3 experiments in greenhouse and 1 experiment in a productive orange orchard. From the experiment carried out in greenhouse, in the first one the B absorption through the roots in nutrient solution system and the nutrient mobility in the plant were studied. ‘Valencia’ sweet orange trees budded on Rangpur lime or Swingle citrumelo were grown in nutrient solution with suitable or deficient B supply, and the treatments with 10B were initiated in different periods with plants in different nutritional condition of B. The second experiment studied the efficiency of B uptake by the orange leaves, which were harvested in different periods after 10B spraying, and the nutrient mobility in the plant. The third experiment compared the B mobility absorbed through roots and leaves, and driven to the new shoots. The fourth experiment, performed in orange orchard, compared the B applied in the soil by fertigation and in the leaves. The contribution of B from fertilizer to the fruits was evaluated and verified the residual effect of fertilizer applied in the year before on the plant nourishing in the next year. By the results from the experiments it was possible to verify that approximately 20% to 40% of B contained in the new parts of orange plant was derivated from old parts, in other words, the B was redistributed in the plant, and the lower value was obtained when the plants grew in nutrient solution with deficient B supply. The B absorption by the leaves was less than 9% of total B deposited on the foliar lamina, and remained mainly in the sites where it was applied (97%). The B fertilization in the soil was, approximately 3 to 4 times more efficient in providing B to the orange plant than the B sprayed on the leaves.

As técnicas utilizadas na agricultura de precisão agregam não só ferramentas para o diagnóstico das causas da variabilidade encontrada nas lavouras, como também soluções para o convívio ou correção dessa variabilidade. O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de café e ainda hoje apresenta um mercado em franca expansão. Por isso, em razão do potencial produtivo e da lucratividade da cultura do café, atualmente o interesse pelas técnicas de manejo localizado e a procura por novas tecnologias estão aumentando. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influência do manejo localizado das adubações de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, na produtividade e no estado nutricional do cafeeiro. Para isso, foram utilizadas quatro áreas comerciais, sendo uma localizada no município de Gália, SP, conduzida durante quatro safras, e três no município de Patrocínio, MG, conduzidas durante três safras. Estabeleceram-se dois tratamentos para testar a hipótese do aumento da produtividade e a manutenção do estado nutricional do cafeeiro com aplicações localizadas dos nutrientes nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, em doses variáveis. Como resultados foram observados que as adubações de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio aplicadas em doses variáveis aumentaram a produtividade do cafeeiro em 240,0 kg ha-1, quando somadas todas as safras. Houve redução do consumo do nitrogênio em 134,7 kg ha-1 e do potássio em 82,0 kg ha-1, e para o nutriente fósforo ocorreu um aumento no consumo de 65,0 kg ha-1. A avaliação do estado nutricional das plantas de cafeeiro mostrou-se apropriada para possíveis correções das doses dos nutrientes durante a adubação. / The precision agriculture techniques, besides adding tools to identify the causes of variability found in the fields, provide solutions for this variability to be corrected or for the best management solution when the variability is unavoidable. Brazil is the biggest producer of coffee within an increasing market. Therefore, because of the potential yield and profit of coffee crop, currently the interest in site specific management techniques and the demand for new technologies are increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of site specific management of fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in the yield and in the nutritional status of coffee crop. Four commercial areas were used, one located in Gália, SP, and three in Patrocínio, MG. Two treatments were established to test the hypothesis of higher yield and maintenance of the nutritional status of coffee with site specific fertilizer rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The results indicated that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrients applied in variable rates increased the yield in 240.0 kg ha-1, considering all the harvesting seasons. Nitrogen fertilizer consumption was reduced in 134.7 kg ha-1 and potassium in 82.0 kg ha-1, on the other hand phosphorus consumption increased in 65.0 kg ha-1. The evaluation of nutritional status of coffee plants was appropriate for possible corrections of nutrient supplying during fertilization.

This research aims to develop the present knowledge of arid zone rehabilitation by scientifically testing topsoiling and seeding treatments on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, in a way that enables the widest application and comparison to other mining leases throughout the arid lands.

Disputats. Universität Hohenheim, 2002. / Haves kun i elektronisk udg.

This research aims to develop the present knowledge of arid zone rehabilitation by scientifically testing topsoiling and seeding treatments on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, in a way that enables the widest application and comparison to other mining leases throughout the arid lands.

Despite being different cultivars of the same plant species (Zea mays L.), maize and sweet corn have contrasting P fertiliser recommendations in New Zealand, that are reflected in different target Olsen P values of 10-15 mg P/kg soil for optimum maize growth and 26-35 mg P/kg soil for optimum sweet corn growth. Three key hypotheses were developed in this study to explain why these differences may exist: i) maize and sweet corn differ in their responsiveness to P fertiliser i.e. maize is more internally P efficient and requires less P than sweet corn to grow, ii) both cultivars differ in external P efficiency i.e. their ability to take P up from soil iii) both cultivars differ in external P efficiency because they have different root system structure. Two field experiments evaluated the growth and yield responses of maize and sweet to different rates of P fertiliser application. The first experiment was conducted in Hawke's Bay (2001-02) and second in the Manawatu (2002-03) with P application rates of 0, 100 and 200 kg P/ha in the Hawke's Bay and 0, 15 and 70 kg P/ha in the Manawatu. Both experiments were conducted on soils of low available P status. The Olsen P test values of 13 mg P/kg soil in the Hawke's Bay and 11 mg P/kg soil in the Manawatu were far below the recommended values for sweet corn (25-35 mg P/kg soil). In both experiments and across all P treatments maize produced significantly higher dry matter yields than sweet corn during all sampling stages. In the Hawke's Bay experiment at 100 days after sowing (DAS), the maize (87719 plants/ha, 20.9 t/ha) produced 43% more dry matter than sweet corn (71124 plants/ha, 14.6 t/ha), whereas, in the Manawatu experiment (140 DAS), maize (71124 plants/ha, 15.2 t/ha) had a 39% higher dry matter yield than sweet corn (71124 plants/ha, 10.9 t/ha). In both the field experiments, the sweet corn fresh cob yield of 27 and 28 t/ha in the Hawke's Bay and the Manawatu regions and maize grain yields of 16 and 10 t/ha, respectively, were within the range of the reported commercial yields for each region. In both experiments, the P fertiliser application raised the soil P status (Olsen P test values) but caused no significant increases in either maize or sweet corn yields (total dry matter, sweet corn fresh cob or maize grain). Commercially viable yields of both cultivars were able to be achieved without P fertiliser application with Olsen P soil test in the range of 10-15 mg P/kg soil. Sweet corn reached harvestable maturity at 115 DAS in the Hawke's Bay and 140 DAS in the Manawatu experiments. By this time maize had produced 4-6 t/ha more total dry matter yield than sweet corn, yet maize and sweet corn had achieved similar total P uptake (32-37 kg P/ha at 100 DAS in the Hawke's Bay and 18-19 kg P/ha at 140 DAS in the Manawatu). At silking (after 75 DAS in the Hawke's Bay and approximately 110 DAS in the Manawatu), both cultivar's total leaf P concentrations (0.21-0.25%) were within the sufficiency range values for maize crops in New Zealand (0.18-0.33 %). Maize, however was more internally P efficient growing more dry matter per unit P taken up, which was more noticeable in the drier season. Fertiliser P application increased P uptake with both cultivars under moist conditions in the Hawke's Bay experiment (2001-02). However, the dry conditions in the Manawatu (2002-03) limited P uptake as well as restricted dry matter yields with both cultivars. Further, there were no significant differences between maize and sweet corn P uptake efficiency (kg P/kg root) despite significant differences in the root system structure (biomass) for both cultivars at all stages, which lead to different temporal patterns of P uptake. The lack of maize yield response to fertiliser P in both field experiments is consistent with the New Zealand recommendations for growing a maize grain crop (because soil Olsen P was in the range of 10-15 mg P/kg). However, the lack of sweet corn yield response in both field experiments does not support the New Zealand recommendations for growing sweet corn (which assume optimal Olsen P values are 26-35 mg P/kg).

Content removed due to copyright restriction: Appendix IV. Managing fruit soluble solids with late-season deficit irrigation in drip-irrigated processing tomato production (HortScience 40: 1 857-1861 ). / Improved fertilizer and irrigation management has become increasingly important for tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown for processing. To reduce potential nutrient loss to the environment due to excessive supply, fertilizer recommendations should reflect plant demand determined in an optimal root environment. An aeroponics experiment examined the effect of low and high nutrient supply during vegetative growth, fruit development and fruit ripening. The use of aeroponics in a glasshouse environment allowed control of fertility directly at the root surface. A further experiment applying aeroponics results was established in the field using drip-fertigation. Both studies were conducted at Massey University, Palmerston North. Across experiments, fruit yield was largely determined by vegetative growth in the 6-8 weeks after transplanting; high fruit yields (> 90 Mg ha-1) were associated with improved vegetative growth, and in particular larger leaf area. Mild N deficiency was the principal cause of poor vegetative growth in low nutrient supply treatments. Higher yield resulted from greater fruit number. Reinstating adequate fertility after vegetative growth stopped and fruit number was determined did not increase fruit yield. For maximum fruit yield, plant uptake of N and K was 9.4 and 13.8 g plant-1, respectively (equivalent to approximately 210 and 310 kg ha-1 at a medium planting density). Greatest nutrient uptake occurred during fruit development. Where practical, fertilizer application should be concentrated during fruit growth. Heavy late-season K fertigation did not increase the soluble solids concentration (SSC) of fruit. Although offering considerable flexibility in nutrient fertigation, the use of drip irrigation often results in undesirably low SSC. Late-season irrigation management strategies to increase fruit SSC without excessive yield loss were subsequently investigated in drip-irrigated fields. Two experiments were conducted at the University of California, Davis. Irrigation cutoff prior to fruit ripening reduced fruit set, decreased fruit size, and increased the incidence of fruit rots, making this approach uneconomical. Irrigation cutback to 25-50% of reference evapotranspiration imposed at the onset of fruit ripening (approximately 6 weeks preharvest) was sufficient to improve fruit SSC and maintain Brix yields (Mg Brix solids ha-1) compared to the current grower practice (late cutoff). Irrigation cutbacks imposed during ripening did not cause excessive canopy dieback, nor were fruit culls or rots increased when the crop was harvested at commercial maturity. Fruit colour and pH were not adversely affected by irrigation cutback. Brix monitoring of the earliest ripening fruit (when 30-60 % of the fruit surface shows a colour other than green) can help classify fields as to the severity of irrigation cutback required to reach desirable fruit SSC at harvest. Combined, these techniques offer considerable flexibility in managing fields for improved fruit SSC levels.

Hedgerows of the fodder tree legume Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit ssp. glabrata (Rose Zárate) (leucaena) planted with companion grass (leucaena-grass pasture) form a productive, profitable and sustainable tropical pasture in northern Australia. Leucaena is renowned for its longevity (>30 years) and productivity under regular grazing, and this is a key factor in its profitability. To-date graziers and researchers have not been concerned about the sustainability of commercial leucaena-grass pastures, which are rarely fertilized. However, nutrient depletion could be expected after many years of nutrient removal under heavy grazing without replenishment, even on soils of moderate initial fertility. This study investigated the long-term productivity of leucaena-grass pastures in relation to nutrient depletion in Queensland. Experimental trials were conducted at 3 research stations and 6 commercial cattle properties. Prior to conducting field trials, a postal survey of leucaena growers ascertained perceived changes in leucaena, grass and livestock productivity over time. Physical and management factors influencing long-term pasture productivity were also explored. Graziers reported that leucaena productivity had declined in 58% of aging pastures. Lower livestock productivity was associated with declining leucaena growth, even though grass growth remained vigorous. Leucaena growth decline was more frequent on soil types of marginal initial fertility. Maintenance fertilizer was not applied to most (98%) leucaena pastures surveyed despite significant amounts of nutrient removal, particularly phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S), occurring over prolonged periods of moderate to high grazing pressure. It was predicted that under current management practices large areas of commercial leucaena pasture will be affected by soil nutrient depletion over the next 10 years. The effect of age of leucaena plants on pasture productivity was investigated in pastures aged from 8 to 38 years. Leucaena growth, expressed as rainfall use efficiency (RUE), declined with age (from 4.0 to 1.9 kg total dry matter (DM)/ha/mm), as did leaf nitrogen (N), P and S concentrations. Leucaena productivity decline was attributed to P and S deficiency restricting growth and symbiotic dinitrogen (N2) fixation. Composition of interrow grass changed from native grass dominance before leucaena establishment to green panic (Panicum maximum var. trichoglume) dominance in the aging leucaena pastures, particularly adjacent to leucaena hedgerows. This was attributed to increased soil Navailability. Leucaena and grass roots were concentrated in the topsoil; however, leucaena roots did extend beyond 1 m depth while grass roots did not. Changes in topsoil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) resulting from the planting of leucaena hedgerows into native grass pastures and previously cropped soils were studied. Topsoil OC and TN contents increased significantly under leucaena pasture (OC from 81-290 kg/ha/year and TN from 12-24 kg/ha/yr). Since TN and OC showed similar trends, there was no significant effect on carbon:N ratios. Leucaena contributed to soil OC both directly via plant part decomposition, and indirectly, via enhanced grass growth in the inter-row. Lower topsoil OC accumulation rates (81 kg/ha/yr) were observed in the older leucaena-grass pastures related to the decline in yield and vigour of leucaena in these aging pastures. The amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) accumulated in soil OC in productive leucaena-grass pasture was estimated to be higher than the amount of CO2-e emitted in methane from beef production from these pastures, thus positively impacting on their greenhouse gas balance. Leucaena responses to P and/or S applications were evaluated in a 30 year-old leucaenagrass pasture. Leucaena RUE and symbiotic N2 fixation were restricted by S deficiency. Sulfur concentration in leaf tissue and high N:S ratio were useful indicators of S deficiency. Although leucaena growth and its nutritional status were little affected by P application, symbiotic N2 fixation did respond significantly to P application. Leucaena and grass responses to fertiliser applications were further evaluated at a variety of soil types and environments on 8 sites in Queensland. Increased leucaena RUE (from 3.1 to 4.6 kg total DM/ha/mm) and enhanced nutritional status at most sites showed that leucaena plants were restricted by P and/or S deficiency. The major factors contributing to the P and S deficiencies were: a) inherent low soil P and/or S fertility, b) nutrient removal by cropping and grazing, c) shallow soils, d) acid soils, and e) grass competition for available water and nutrients. Inter-row cultivation (with or without fertiliser) had little effect on leucaena growth but significantly increased grass RUE (from 4.7 to 7.0 kg total DM/ha/mm) at some sites probably due to enhanced mineralization of N. Leaf P and S concentrations were not reliable indicators of deficiencies of these nutrients, possibly due to inadequate leaf sampling conditions. The effects of ambient temperature, water stress and phenological development of plant on nutrient concentrations in leucaena leaf was investigated to determine whether leaf tissueanalysis can reliably predict nutrient deficiencies. The youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL) was established as the most appropriate leaf tissue for predicting nutritional status of leucaena plants since the YFEL: (a) was an easily identifiable tissue in which nutrient shifts were at a minimum; (b) provided information for readily mobile (N, P and potassium) and variably mobile (S, copper and zinc) nutrients, thus simplifying leaf collection; and (c) facilitated comparison of data from leaves of similar physiological age in different growing conditions and sites. Nutrient concentrations in YFEL were significantly influenced by water stress and phenological stage of plant development (particularly flowering and pod filling) through the mechanism of rate of leaf appearance. Chronological age of the YFEL, an indicator of leaf appearance, varied from 12 to >70 days depending upon plant phenological stage, being >140 days under prolonged water stress. It was found that nutrient concentrations in leucaena YFEL can only be interpreted against critical concentrations if plants are actively growing (October-April) in a vegetative stage and YFEL are <20 days old. This will occur if there is no water stress for ≥28 days prior to sampling. A close correlation existed between chronological age of YFEL and leaf calcium (Ca) concentration. Calcium concentration could be used to assess the age of YFEL and thereby determine the suitability of tissue samples for nutrient analysis and interpretation. Leaves with Ca concentrations >0.7% DM should be discarded as they are likely to be too old (>20 days). The research program has identified that leucaena established on non-alluvial soils need to be provided with regular maintenance P and S fertiliser to promote symbiotic N2 fixation and to maintain high RUE. At present, many leucaena pastures are likely to be suffering undiagnosed nutrient deficiencies that will be limiting pasture and animal productivity and enterprise profitability. Youngest fully expanded leaf analysis can be used as a predictive tool to diagnose nutrient deficiencies provided the recommended protocol is followed. Further investigation is required to: a) assess the duration of responses to applied fertiliser to determine frequency of application; b) investigate the rate of maintenance fertiliser P and S that has to be applied to maintain leucaena symbiotic N2 fixation and RUE at a desired level to benefit both forage quality and quantity, and soil fertility; c) study methods of fertiliser placement for adequate and timely supply of nutrients, particularly P, to leucaena roots; and d) confirm the use of Ca concentration in YFEL as a predictor of optimum leaf age for the range of soils and areas where leucaena is grown.

Diss. (sammanfattning). Umeå : Sveriges lantbruksuniv. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.