Application of the Bray–Mitscherlich Equation Approach for Economically and Environmentally Sound Fertilization of Field Crops in Hungary

Abstract

A database was compiled from the results of Hungarian long‐term N, P, and K fertilization field trials published between 1960 and 2000. Database correlations were described between the soil organic matter (SOM) content of PK (N control) plots and the responses of winter wheat and corn to N application; between the soil P test (ammonium lactate, AL) values of NK (P control) plots and the responses of wheat and corn to P application; and between the soil K test (ammonium lactate, AL) values of NP (K control) plots and the responses of wheat and corn to K application, using the Bray–Mitscherlich equation approach. The nutrient responses were expressed as both relative yields and surpluses. The database also made it possible to investigate how the responses of winter wheat and corn to N, P, and K fertilization were affected by the available nutrient contents, soil texture, pH, and carbonate status, soil type, and nutrient supply category of the control plots. Based on the correlations established in the database, new, more accurate soil N, P, and K supply categories were elaborated, providing opportunities for cost saving and environmentally sound fertilizaton of Hungarian crops.

Keywords:

• Database
• field trials
• soil NPK supply
• responses to NPK fertilization
• correlation
• new fertilizer recommendation system
• Bray–Mitscherlich approach