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Response of Triticales to Nitrogen Fertilization
Highly fertile lines of triticales have been
developed in recent years. Their potential for
grain and forage production is great, however
only limited information on appropriate cultural
practices is available. Agronomic trials
to obtain preliminary information on the reaction
of experimental lines to nitrogen fertilization
and other variables were conducted at
CIANO in 1970.
Generally, the response function of the triticale
lines to nitrogen fertilization was similar
to that of the wheat varieties shown in Fig. 5.
However, the slope of the curve for the triticale
lines, at rates of nitrogen fertilization up
to 120 kg/ha, was less than that for the wheat
varieties. In this range of nitrogen fertilization,
for example, each kilo of applied nitrogen increased
grain production of the triticale lines
by 18 kilos, while the INIA and PM2 wheat
varieties increased by 23 kilos. Similarly, the
maximum yield produced with the triticale lines
was 3.5 ton/ha, significantly less than the
lowest yielding wheat varieties in Fig. 5.
Lodging was not a problem in this experiment.
even at levels of nitrogen fertilization of 300
kg/ha, probably because the experiment was
planted in mid-January and vegetative growth
was not excessive.
Corn Fertilization in Andosols
Andosols are widely distributed in Mexico,
Central America, parts of the Andean zone of
South America, Japan, New Zealand, atld other
volcanic regions of the world. These soils,
formed from volcanic ash, are medium textured
with clay fractions dominated by ar.""rphous
materials. They are characterized by
a high moisture retention capacity, high content
of organic matter, and a low bulk density.
Andosols in Mexico are found in regions
with adequate rainfall, but their productivity
is limited by a nutritional problem believed to
be related to a high level of amorphous aluminum
oxides. These oxides are thought in
some way to limit the utilization of native and
applied phosphates, and perhaps other essential
anions. Thus, crop yields without fertilization
are usually low. The efficiency of
The broadcast of 400 kg of P20~/ha as ordinary superphosphate was effective in increasing the productivity
of Andosols in Michoacan. Measured in terms of yield, broadcast application was more effective
than band application which in turn was more effective than hill application.