Effect of fertilizer and soil moisture on nutrient uptake and wheat seedling establishment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilizer placement and soil moisture on seedling establishment and nitrogen, phosphorus and potash uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), cv. BR-23. Ten and 20% of soil gravimetric moisture and six fertilizer placements in relation to the seeds were used: nearby the seed; 1.5 cm; 3.0 cm; 4.5 cm; 6.0 cm and 7.5 cm beside and below the seed. The experiment was conducted in plastic trays in a greenhouse. The soil used was red-yellow podzolic. The following parameters were evaluated: emergence, percentage, emergence speed, dry matter weight of aerial parts and root system, electric condutivity of soil, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potash uptake by the seedlings. The results allowed to conclude that: a) the placement that gives the best results in terms of percentage and speed of emergence is 6.3 and 7.4 cm beside and below the seeds for 20% soil moisture, and 6.7 cm for 10% soil moisture; b) 10% gravimetric moisture does not affect the emergence percentage but affects the emergence speed and dry-matter of aerial parts, and roots; c) the fertilizer applied closer to the seeds decreases the emergence percentage and the emergence speed; d) N, P and K uptake are greater where the fertilizer is closer to the seeds.