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Effects of amendments and fertilization on plant growth, nitrogen and phosphorus availability in rehabilitated highly alkaline bauxite‐processing residue sand
Author(s) -
Goloran J. B.,
Phillips I. R.,
Xu Z. H.,
Condron L. M.,
Chen C. R.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
soil use and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.709
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1475-2743
pISSN - 0266-0032
DOI - 10.1111/sum.12109
Subject(s) - biochar , chemistry , fertilizer , agronomy , zeolite , nitrogen , phosphorus , poultry litter , organic matter , compost , dry matter , human fertilization , residue (chemistry) , bauxite , zoology , nutrient , biology , pyrolysis , biochemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis
The effects of organic–inorganic amendments and nitrogen‐phosphorus (NP) fertilization (NH 4 NO 3 plus Ca (H 2 PO 4 ) 2 ) on ryegrass ( L olium rigidum ) growth, and nitrogen ( N ) and phosphorus (P) availability in highly alkaline bauxite‐processing residue sand ( BRS ), were examined in a pot experiment. The BRS used was either unamended (control) or amended with organic (e.g. greenwaste compost and biochar) or inorganic (e.g. zeolite) materials at a rate of 10% v/v. BRS from 15 years of rehabilitation (15 YRRH ) was also used as the second control. NP fertilizer was applied at different rates. The experimental set up was arranged in a two factorial complete randomized design. BRS with zeolite and 15 YRRH at NP fertilizer rates of 2.0 and 2.5 t/ha produced the highest dry matter, leaf N concentration and N uptake by ryegrass, which were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than the other treatments, suggesting the potential of zeolite in providing stability of applied N fertilizer in BRS . Further, BRS with biochar at NP rates 2.0 and 2.5 t/ha can also be suitable amendments as they enhance growth and also improved the N and P supplying capacity of BRS . Ryegrass leaf P concentration and P uptake were above the critical P values in the 15 YRRH compared with organic–inorganic amended BRS , suggesting that time is important for better P uptake from the residue. It is concluded that zeolite and biochar combined with appropriate NP fertilizer rates can improve plant growth and provide a source of nutrients for ryegrass establishment in bauxite residue storage areas. The results need to be tested in field conditions before being advised in farming practice.