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Effects of weed control and manure application on nutrient fluxes in the shifting cultivation milpa system of Yucatan

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 22:01 authored by David ParsonsDavid Parsons, Ketterings, QM, Cherney, JH, Blake, RW, Ramirez-Aviles, L, Nicholson, CF
Maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation under the shifting cultivation system of Yucata´ n, Mexico, is normally limited to 2–3 years due to nutrient depletion and weed pressure. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of manure application and weed control on partial nutrient budgets for maize, and assess the effect of grain-only or whole-plant harvest on nutrient removal. Two farms were selected near Me´rida, Mexico, each including two cultivation years. Maize grain, stem, and leaf fractions were harvested and analyzed for N, P, and K concentrations, and compared to quantities added through manure, to generate partial nutrient budgets. Multiple years of cultivation did not change soil organic matter content while extractable P was reduced (53–62%) at both farms and extractable K was lower (22%) for farm 1. Plant fractions contained similar amounts of N, while P accumulated in grain, and stem and leaf contained the largest K pools. Applied treatments affected crop nutrient removal redominantly through crop yield. Partial nutrient budgets suggested that with stover removal, the lower rate of manure may be sufficient to maintain P, but not N or K; whereas with the higher rate of manure all partial budgets were positive, suggesting nutrient accumulation over time.

History

Publication title

Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science

Volume

57

Pagination

273-292

ISSN

0365-0340

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2011 Taylor & Francis

Repository Status

  • Restricted

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