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Efficacy of Dicyandiamide as a Soil Nitrification Inhibitor in Citrus Production
Author(s) -
Serna M. D.,
Legaz F.,
PrimoMillo E.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1994.03615995005800060034x
Subject(s) - nitrification , chemistry , human fertilization , fertilizer , ammonium , leaching (pedology) , soil water , nitrate , agronomy , horticulture , nitrogen , zoology , environmental science , biology , soil science , organic chemistry
Nitrification inhibitors such as dicyandiamide (DCD) help reduce leaching losses by retaining applied N in the ammoniacal form. Research objectives were to evaluate dicyandiamide added to ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN) as a nitrification inhibitor in cultivated soils (Xeropsamments) and its effect on N uptake by citrus ( Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). In a greenhouse experiment, 10 g N as ASN either with or without 2% of DCD‐N were applied to plants grown in 50‐L pots filled with peat and sand (2:1). Addition of DCD to ASN resulted in significantly higher levels of NH + 4 ‐N in the substrate than the ASN treatment, for at least 100 d. Drainage water from the ASN‐DCD treated pots was lower in NO − 3 ‐N concentration during the first 60 d. Inclusion of DCD with ASN resulted in greater uptake of the fertilizer N by citrus plants. Under field conditions, fertilization of adult trees with ASN (600 g N tree −1 ) either with or without DCD (2% DCD‐N) was compared. In the ASN‐amended soil, nitrification was much more rapid than when DCD was added to the ASN. Fertilization with ASN + DCD maintained relatively high levels of NO − 3 ‐N in soil longer than ASN alone. In another experiment, 60 g N as ASN either with or without DCD (2% DCD‐N) were applied to 3‐yr‐old citrus plants grown individually outdoors in containers and the distribution of NH + 4 ‐N and NO − 3 ‐N in the soil profile after consecutive flood irrigations was monitored. After the third irrigation, 68% of applied N was leached below 0.45 m in ASN amended soils, whereas only a very small amount of the applied N was retained above this depth. When DCD was added, only 20% of the applied N was lost by leaching at this time. The DCD nitrification inhibitor improved the N fertilizer efficiency and decreased NO − 3 losses so as to minimize the economic and environmental risks that are inherent in irrigated production of citrus.