effect of nitrogen fertigation on the yield of …

EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTIGATION ON THE YIELD OF Arundo donax L. GROWN IN CENTRAL SPAIN

Cano-Ruiz J.1, Sanz M.2, Curt M.D.2, Plaza A1, Guerrero A.M1, Lobo M.C.1, Mauri P.V.1 1 Dpt. Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. 28800 Alcalá de Henares (Spain).

2Grupo de Agroenergética de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (GA-UPM). 28040 Madrid (Spain) Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT: Arundo donax L. has been recognized as a promising energy crop for biomass production. Nitrogen is the primary macronutrient with the highest effect on plant production. Different studies have shown that N granular fertilizers slightly increase the biomass yield of giant reed. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of N fertilization applied in fertigation on the yield of Arundo donax grown in Central Spain. The experiment was carried out in field. The fertigation treatment was applied in June and July 2015. Three levels of N were established N0 (0 kgN.ha-1), N1 (60 kgN.ha-1); and N2 (120 kgN.ha-1) applied 50% June, 50% July. The effect of fertigation on plant traits and biomass production was evaluated. The plant height was determined in both June and October as well as the chlorophyll content. In October the basal diameter was also measured. Biomass production was evaluated at harvest time. Results showed higher values in plant height and weight in N1 and N2 in relation to control plants. Higher chlorophyll content and higher basal diameter were found in plants treated with N2. In the assay conditions, nitrogen applied in fertigation had a positive effect on Arundo growth. Keywords: arundo donax, production, fertilization, perennial energy crops

1 INTRODUCTION

The perennial grass Arundo donax L. (giant reed), a rhizomatous grass originated from the Mediterranean-western Eurasia [1, 2], has been recognized in the last decades as a promising energy crop for biomass production in the Mediterranean region. Studies have been undertaken for this purpose in order to identify the optimal conditions for its cultivation in different countries of the Mediterranean basin [3-10].

According to Zegada et al. [11] energy crops should be fast growing plants with low input requirements in order to minimize costs and improving production. In these terms, Arundo is considered a good candidate due to its fast grow, low soil requirements, lack of pesticide requirement and low nitrogen need [11-13].

It is well known that nitrogen is the primary macronutrient with the highest effect on plant production. An adequate dose of nitrogen allows the plant to synthetize higher quantity of chlorophyll and improves yields in biomass [14]. The effect of granular N fertilizers on the biomass production of Arundo has been studied by several authors [3, 4, 15-18]. In general terms, it has been shown that granular fertilizers produce a slight increase in the biomass yield of giant reed with increasing fertilizer doses. A six-year field experiment carried out by Angelini et al. [3] concluded that this crop can be grown as an energy crop in the Mediterranean area of Europe giving high energy yields of with minimum energy input. Other authors [4, 18] showed that, from the economic point of view, it is not worth increasing the dose of nitrogen for slight increases in biomass production. Also in recent works, some authors [19] have suggested to restrain the inorganic fertilizers input in order to keep crop sustainability and reduce nitrogen lixiviation.

In the last decades, drip irrigation has been extended in agriculture in order to maintain water resources and improve water use efficiency [18]. This irrigation system has allowed the use of fertigation systems in order to increase nutrient uptake by plants and reduce losses by leaching.

The aim this work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization applied in fertigation on the yield of Arundo donax grown in Central Spain.

2 MATERIAL AND METHODS 2.1 Location

The experiment was carried out in experimental plots (100m2) located in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain) (Fig.1) at latitude 40º31’12” N, longitude 3º18’13” W, altitude 603 m.

Fig.1: Location of the experimental plots. Soils in this area are generally Alfisols and Entisols

(USDA soil taxonomy) and present a wide range of textures. The climate is Xeric Mediterranean, sub-type Mild Meso-Mediterranean [20]. Climate data were recorded at the meteorological station of Alcala de Henares (El Encin). 2.2 Crop establishment and fertigation experiment

The crop was established in autumn 2013 from micropropagated plants set at 1m between rows by 0.75m separation within plants. Just after planting, a drip irrigation system was established with one drip line per row, emitters every 33 cm and 2.2 L/h water flow per emitter. Non-limiting hydric conditions were maintained throughout the growth cycle by drip irrigation. Irrigation was applied from April to October; in all, 12000 m3/ha/y were distributed.

Fertigation was carried out in June-July 2015 after two growing cycles of the Arundo crop. Three levels of nitrogen (N) were studied: N0 (0 kgN.ha-1), N1 (60 kg N.ha-1); and N2 (120 kg N.ha-1 applied at two dates, 50% June, 50% July). Phosphorus and potassium were equally applied to N1 and N2 (60 kg P.ha-1, 60 kg K.ha-1) in fertigation.

24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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2.3 Measurements The effect of fertigation was studied in terms of plant

traits and biomass production. The plant height was determined in both June and October as well as the chlorophyll content, using a portable SPADChlorophyll content was determinecompletely developed leaf (starting from the top). October the basal diameter was also measured. Biomass production was evaluated at harvest time (February 2016).

In February 2016, the total fresh weight, height, diameter and number of stalks were evaluated least 50 plants per treatment. Dry matter contentdetermined in a biomass subsample per rowwere extrapolated for each treatment. 2.4 Soil samples

Soil samples were collected from the (0–30 cm depth), air dried and sieved (<2 mm) prior to analysis. The soil properties were determined according to the Spanish official methodology for soil analysispH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in a 1:2.5 ratio (soil:water) using a pHconductimeter; organic matter and total nitrogen contents were determined using the Walkley–Black and Kjeldahl methods, respectively; carbonates were a calcimeter; the available phosphorus was evaluated sodium bicarbonate (pH 8.5) extract and determined in a UV visible spectrophotometer(650nm)nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K) were extracted with 0.1 N NH4Ac (pH=7) and determined by absorption spectrometry (FAAS) (AA240FS, Varian, Victoria, Australia). Soil texture was determinedBouyoucos densymeter. 2.5 Statistical analysis

Data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS 21software. Normality was tested with Kolmogrov Sminorv test. Only the variable “number of stalksand was analyzed using ANOVA test. In case ofnormality the Kruskal Wallis test was chosen. 3 RESULTS 3.1 Climate conditions

Results of temperature and rainfall from crop establishment to harvest are shown in Fig shows the typical Mediterranean Climate

Figure 2: Rainfall and temperature values in “El Encin” during crop growing period.

The effect of fertigation was studied in terms of plant traits and biomass production. The plant height was determined in both June and October as well as the

using a portable SPAD-502. determined in the first

leaf (starting from the top). In October the basal diameter was also measured. Biomass production was evaluated at harvest time (February

otal fresh weight, height, were evaluated taking at

matter content was per row and results

Soil samples were collected from the top soil layer ), air dried and sieved (<2 mm) prior to

analysis. The soil properties were determined according to the Spanish official methodology for soil analysis[21]:

(EC) were measured in a 1:2.5 ratio (soil:water) using a pH-meter and conductimeter; organic matter and total nitrogen contents

Black and Kjeldahl determined using

; the available phosphorus was evaluated in and determined in a

UV visible spectrophotometer(650nm); other available were extracted with 0.1 N

by flame atomic ion spectrometry (FAAS) (AA240FS, Varian,

determined using a

using IBM SPSS 21 . Normality was tested with Kolmogrov Sminorv

talks” was normal In case of lack of

the Kruskal Wallis test was chosen.

Results of temperature and rainfall from crop establishment to harvest are shown in Fig 2. The graph shows the typical Mediterranean Climate

Rainfall and temperature values in “El Encin”

3.2 Soil characteristics Results of soil properties are shown in the Table

According to the texture results, categorized as clay loam.

Table I: Soil properties Soil properties pH 8.1±0.1EC (dS/m) 0.2±0.07OM % 1.Carbonates 1N (%) 0.08±0P (mg/kg) 12Ca (mg/kg) 1897±246Mg (mg/kg) 370±117Na (mg/kg) K (mg/kg) 141±33Clay (%) 36Silt (%) 29Sand (%) 34 3.3 Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll SPAD values decreasebetween values taken in July and October, being this difference higher in 0 kgN/ha (Fig. 3). Higher values were obtained in 120kg. Higher chlorophyll content was recorded for N2 although no statistical significance at 0.05 was found between treatmentswithin months it is shown in the

Figure 3: Mean SPAD values ofleaf. 3.4 Diameter

Arundo plants diameter increaseprogressed, being higher in February October 2015 in all treatmens (Fig.4). between N dose and stalk diameteStatistical difference was foundhigher the N dose, the thicker the

esults of soil properties are shown in the Table I. results, the soil can be

8.1±0.1 0.2±0.07 .17±0.13 1.1±0.5 08±0.004

12.75±2.25 1897±246 370±117

61±26 141±33

36.1±3.1 29.4±4.4 34.5±1.9

Chlorophyll SPAD values decreased in all treatments between values taken in July and October, being this

a (Fig. 3). Higher values in 120kg. Higher chlorophyll content was

recorded for N2 although no statistical significance at een treatments. Lower difference

within months it is shown in the N1 plants.

of the first well-developed

increased as the growth cycle , being higher in February 2016 than in

all treatmens (Fig.4). A relationship diameter could be noticed.

was found between groups. The the diameter.


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Fig. 4: Stem diametre of Arundo donax

3.5 Height

A considerable plant growth in height was observed between July and October. From October to February Arundo plants remained in vegetative period (Fig.5). The highest growth was obtained with the dose of 120 KgN/ha. No significant differences at level 0.05 were found between 60KgN/ha and 120 KgN/ha dose in July. In October, the differences between treatments were significative.

Fig.5. Arundo plants heigh in the different treatments.

3.6 Number of stalks per plant Higher number of stalks was observed in the 60

KgN/ha treatment (Fig. 6). No statistical difference found between treatments.

Fig. 6 Number of stalks per plant treatments. 3.7 Aboveground biomass production

Results of biomass production are showNitrogen fertigation had an important effect on biomass production; yields increased in comparison withcontrol treatment. Howewer, no significant differences

0

10

20

30

0 kgN/ha 60 kgN/ha

Number of stalks per plant

Arundo donax stems in mm.

height was observed between July and October. From October to February

plants remained in vegetative period (Fig.5). The the dose of 120

o significant differences at level 0.05 were KgN/ha dose in July.

the differences between treatments were

eigh in the different treatments.

was observed in the 60 KgN/ha treatment (Fig. 6). No statistical difference was

in the different

iomass production are shown in Fig.7. effect on biomass

in comparison with the no significant differences

were found beetween N1 and N20.05.

Figure 7: Biomass production subjected to different fertigation treatments.

4. DISCUSSION

For most studied variables, differences between the 60 kgtreatments, which suggests that, in the yield response curve, the former treatment was close to the asymptotic value. In other words, the optimal production experiment conditions might have been reached with the N1 dose. The N2 dose would represent an fertilization and the exceeding amount wwith the consequent risk for groundwater pollution. Cosentino et al [12], using granular fertilizers and the same nitrogen quantity, foundbetween the treatments of 60 and 120 kg Nyear of application, obtaining higher biomass productionfor 120 kg N/ha but in the following years, differences were found.

Our data agree with those obtained by Fangano[16], in relation to the lack of difference within doses during the first year. These authors observed that the differences increased in next harvests.

Nazli et al. [17] also concludedose is significantly different experiment, 50 and 100 kg N/ha), but between these two doses no significant differencesproduction, height or stem diameter. obtained by Kering et al. [13], using kg N/ha.

Number of stalks per plant N/ha treatment and there were no differences between control (no N fertilizer) and the NComparing the results of number of sproduction (dry weight) it could be no relationship between these parameterswould mean that the number of sbe a good indicator of the yield.

Nassi o di Nasso et al. [22] percentages of nutrient stocks were remobilized from rhizome to the aboveground biomass over the spring, with the opposite flow occurring in the autumn period. This could explain that part of the (120 kg N/ha) was accumulatedby the plant in the next year.

120 kgN/ha

Number of stalks per plant

N1 and N2 treatments at p-value

Biomass production (dry weight) of Arundo subjected to different fertigation treatments.

there were no significant kg N/ha and 120 Kg N/ha

suggests that, in the yield response curve, the former treatment was close to the asymptotic

optimal production in our experiment conditions might have been reached with the N1 dose. The N2 dose would represent an excess of

the exceeding amount would be leached, with the consequent risk for groundwater pollution.

sing granular fertilizers and the found significant differences

between the treatments of 60 and 120 kg N/ha in the first year of application, obtaining higher biomass production

in the following years, no significant

Our data agree with those obtained by Fangano et al. the lack of difference within the two

doses during the first year. These authors observed that the differences increased in next harvests.

also concluded that the 0 kg N/ha different to higher doses (in their

N/ha), but between these two s were found for biomass

production, height or stem diameter. Similar results were using 56 kg N/ha and 112

was higher for the 60 kg /ha treatment and there were no differences between the

the N-fertilized treatments. number of stalks to the biomass

(dry weight) it could be noticed that there was these parameters. This fact

umber of stalks per plant would not suggested that differential

nt stocks were remobilized from the rhizome to the aboveground biomass over the spring, with the opposite flow occurring in the autumn period.

part of the July N application d in rhizomes to be used


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5. CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of the experimental conditions, it can be concluded that N applied in fertigation has a positive effect on Arundo growth and that the optimal N dose seems to be 60 kg N/ha in order to maintain crop sustainability. Trends observed in this work will be evaluated and compared to results of the next growing cycle of the crop.

6. REFERENCES [1] C. Mariani, R. Cabrini, A. Danin, P. Piffanelli, A.

Fricano, S. Gomarasca, M. Dicandilo, F. Grassi, and C. Soave, (2010) Origin, diffusion and reproduction of the giant reed (Arundo donax L.): a promising weedy energy crop. Annals of Applied Biology 157, 191-202.

[2] L. Hardion, R. Verlaque, K. Saltonstall, A. Leriche, and B. Vila, (2014). Origin of the invasive Arundo donax (Poaceae): a trans-Asian expedition in herbaria. Annals of botany, mcu143.

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Christou, M. (2003). The development and current status of perennial rhizomatous grasses as energy crops in the US and Europe. Biomass and Bioenergy, 25(4), 335-361.

[6] M. D. Curt, M. Sanz Gallego, F. Mosquera Escribano, P. V Mauri, A. Plaza Benito , P.L Aguado Cortijo, and J. Fernandez Gonzalez (2013) Harvest mechanisation of Arundo donax L. in Spain Proceedings of the 21st EU Biomass Conference and

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Kátai, L. Márton, M. Czakó, H. El-Ramady and M. G Fári. (2015). Giant reed (Arundo donax L.): a green technology for clean environment. In Phytoremediation (pp. 3-20). Springer International Publishing.

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[13] M. K. Kering, T. J. Butler, J. T. Biermacher and J. A. Guretzky. (2012) Biomass Yield and Nutrient Removal Rates of Perennial Grasses under Nitrogen Fertilization, Bioenergy Research Vol. 5, No. 1, 61-70.

[14] A. Gros (1981) Abonos. Ediciones mundi prensa. 559 pp

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Energy, Industry and Climate Protection [16] M. Fagnano, A. Impagliazzo, M. Mori, and N.

Fiorentino, (2015). Agronomic and environmental impacts of giant reed (Arundo donax L.): results from a long-term field experiment in hilly areas subject to soil erosion. Bioenergy Research, 8(1), 415-422.

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[18] M. Mantineo, G. M. D’agosta, V. Copani, C. Patanè, and S. L. Cosentino, (2009). Biomass yield and energy balance of three perennial crops for energy use in the semi-arid Mediterranean environment. Field Crops Research, 114(2), 204-213.

[19] A. Forte, A. Zucaro, M. Fagnano, S. Bastianoni, R. Basosi, and A. Fierro (2015). LCA of Arundo donax L. lignocellulosic feedstock production under Mediterranean conditions. Biomass and Bioenergy, 73, 32-47.

[20] P.V. Mauri, (Coord.) (2000). “El Encín”. Clima,

suelo y Vegetación. Consejería de Medio Ambiente. Comunidad de Madrid. ISBN 84-451-1865-X.

[21] MAPA,(1994). Métodos Oficiales de Análisis, vol. III, Ministerio de Agricultura. Spain

[22]N. N., Nassi o Di Nasso, N. Roncucci, and E. Bonari, (2013). Seasonal dynamics of aboveground and belowground biomass and nutrient accumulation and remobilization in giant reed (Arundo donax L.): a three-year study on marginal land. BioEnergy Research, 6(2), 725-736

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Project ‘Producción de Biocombustibles Sólidos- PROBIOCOM. RTA2012-00082-C02 funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) of Spain, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Grant INIA-CCAA (FPI-INIA), associated to INIA

RTA12-00082-C2-01 to Ms. Judith Cano Ruiz.


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