Impact of Ameliorative Phosphorus Fertilization on Soil, Maize and Wheat Status

Acid reaction and nutritional imbalances, mainly low levels of plant available phosphorus (P) are often limiting factors of soil fertility in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim of this study was testing the impact of ameliorative P fertilization on soil properties and status of maize and wheat on acid soil (pH in 1n KCl: 4.0) of Tuzla Canton in B&H.

The experiment of increasing rates of P fertilization has been started in spring of 2013. The experiment was conducted by randomized complete block design in four replicates (basic plot 63 m2 ). Monoammonium phosphate (12% N + 52% P2O5) was added to standard fertilization (kg ha-1: 150 N + 50 P2O5 + 50 K2O) in amounts as follows (P2O5 kg ha-1): 75, 475, 875, 1275 and 1675. In the next two years only standard fertilization was applied for crop rotation maize (2013) – maize (2014: crop was complete damaged by flood) – winter wheat (2014/2015).

By increasing P rates the contents of mobile P were increased from 7.66 mg P2O5 100 g-1 to 20.10 mg P2O5100 g-1 or 2.6 times. Also, maize yields were considerably increased up to 17%. (6.68 and 7.82 t ha-1, for control and the highest rate of applied P, respectively). Yield of wheat was significantly increased by P fertilization up to 14% (4.35 and 5.02 t ha-1, for control and the highest P rate respectively). However, for significant improvement of baking quality parameters (protein, wet gluten and sedimentation) the lowest P rate in level 475 kg P ha-1 was sufficient.