Abstract: Using the reasoned nitrogen (N) fertilization method in potato crops (Solanum tuberosum L.) requires the validation of its parameters under the probable conditions of crop response. A field experiment in an Andisol was established to assess the parameters of this method and the nitrogen utilization efficiency of the crop. To describe the crop N response, five statistical models were used. Dry matter production and nutrient concentration were measured in tubers, leaves, fruits and roots. At both the beginning and the end of the experiment soil samples were collected to evaluate the mineral N. The quadratic-potential model was the most appropriate to describe the positive response of the potato crop to available nitrogen, from an initial level of nitrogen (the control, zero application ) to a maximum application of 200 kg N ha-1. The relationship between the N doses and the potato yield reached a physical optimal of productivity at a rate of 228 kg N ha-1. Higher rates (300 kg N ha-1) resulted in a decrease in yield, generating phytotoxicity for cultivation. This variation allowed us to evaluate the reasoned application method under different nitrogen availabilities (deficiency, optimal and above-optimal) in addition to the variation of the parameters generated.

Abstract: The residual value of phosphorus addition is described by two reactions: a quick initial reaction followed by a slower reaction over time. In this study, the residual effect of two P sources was evaluated: monopotassium phosphate (MKP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) added to soils from Ecuador and Chile with contrasting soil P retention capacity. Olsen-P extractability was measured and compared in soil samples 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 45, 90, 180 and 360 days after the addition. The Olsen-P extracted at 24 hours after the P addition varied among soils, and extracted between 10 and 66% of the P added depending upon the soil, with lower extraction values in soils with high P retention capacity. When the source was TSP, only approximately 70% of P was extracted compared to that extracted when MKP was added. After the phosphate addition there was a clear initial effect followed by a progressive loss of Olsen-P extractability. Furthermore, over time, a state of quasi-equilibrium or a stationary state become evident in which the loss of P extractability was minimal. When the initial effect was removed, as a point that characterizes different types of soils, the loss of P extractability was similar among soils, and reflects the amount of phosphate added despite the type of fertilizer used.

This research was conducted for two years to evaluate magnesium fertilizer application (0, 24, 48 and 96 kg ha-1 year-1 of Mg) on a permanent pasture composed by Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens as an agronomic alternative of hypomagnesaemia management in grazing herds. The effect on magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium concentration in the pasture dry matter and the ratio between cations were evaluated. The research was carried out on an Hapludand (Valdivia serie) with an initial available magnesium content of 0.8 cmol c kg-1. Pasture dry matter production was not affected by magnesium fertilization, nevertheless, the concentration of magnesium in the pasture dry matter increased proportionally to the magnesium applied. A weighed average showed an increase of 0.006 and 0.012 g kg-1 of dry matter for each kg of magnesium applied during the first and second year, respectively. In addition, the magnesium fertilization decreased the calcium dry matter concentration, but it did not affect potassium and sodium dry matter concentration. The ratios between calcium/magnesium, potassium/magnesium and sodium/magnesium decreased with the increase of the magnesium fertilization rate.

Como una alternativa de manejo agronómico de la hipomagnesemia en rebaños a pastoreo se estudió, durante dos años, el efecto de la fertilización magnésica (0, 24, 48 y 96 kg ha-1 año-1 de Mg) sobre la concentración de magnesio, calcio, potasio y sodio y sus relaciones en la materia seca del forraje cosechado de una pradera permanente compuesta por Lolium perenne y Trifolium repens. El ensayo se realizó en un suelo Hapludand (Serie Valdivia) con un nivel inicial de 0,8 cmol c kg-1 de Mg. No se detectó un efecto de la fertilización magnésica sobre la producción de materia seca de la pradera, pero la concentración de magnesio en la materia seca se incrementó proporcionalmente a la dosis de magnesio aplicada. Considerando el promedio ponderado anual el aumento de la concentración de magnesio fue de 0,006 y 0,012 g kg-1 de materia seca por cada kg de magnesio aplicado, durante el primero y segundo año, respectivamente. La fertilización magnésica disminuyó la concentración de calcio, pero no afectó la concentración de potasio ni de sodio en la materia seca del forraje cosechado. Las relaciones entre Ca/Mg, K/Mg y Na/Mg en general disminuyeron en la medida que aumentó la dosis de fertilización con magnesio.