In acidic soils with high phosphorus (P) fixing capacity, P application at levels higher than crop requirements is common in crops with high P demands such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), which could lead to eutrophication. Recycled sources of P fertilizer, such as struvite, can be efficient in meeting crop P demands while minimizing P losses. The objective of this study-conducted in four provinces over 3 yr (2016-2018, with 12 sites in total) in Eastern Canada-was to assess potato response to P fertilizer as triple superphosphate (TSP) or a mixture of TSP with struvite. Eight P treatments were applied with five increasing P rates as TSP (0, 26, 52, 79, and 105 kg P ha −1 ) and three treatments as a mixture of TSP and struvite (25, 50, and 75% (w/w) struvite) at a rate of 79 kg P ha −1 . Phosphorus availability indices measured multiple times over the growing season were composed of Mehlich-3 extracted P (P M3 ), soil P adsorbed on anion exchange membranes (P AEMs ), and petiole P-PO 4 (P petiole ) concentrations. There was a potato yield response to P inputs at all sites, with the control treatment showing lower potato yield at all sites. Potato yield, P petiole , P M3 , and P AEMs were comparable between 100% TSP and TSP+struvite at the same rate, except at one site where struvite at a higher proportion depressed yield and was associated with lower P uptake. Overall, the use of struvite could be a sustainable mean to address long-term globally P scarcity.
Organic matter levels combined with drought periods during the growing season have adverse impacts on rain-fed potato production in coarse textured soils of eastern Canada. Using pulp fiber residues (PFR) may build up soil organic matter, improve crops yield and nutrient uptake, and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation in this region. A box experiment with 3 rates of PFR [0, 45, and 90 Mg ha −1 dry mater carbon (C) basis] with or without supplementary drip irrigation was established in a sandy loam soil in New Brunswick, Canada. Red clover, barley, and potato were cultivated as three crops of the rotation in 1999, 2000, and 2001, respectively. The PFR only applied before red clover in fall 1998. Selected soil chemical and physical properties were measured before planting and after harvest. Crops yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation were determined at harvest. Soil organic-C content, bulk density and water holding capacity were improved by PFR application. Red clover and barley biomass production were significantly increased by PFR application. This effect was promoted by supplemental irrigation. Potato tuber yield was not affected by PFR and it was higher in rain-fed compared to supplementary irrigated system. Although, there was some initial evidence of N immobilization but generally PFR application increased N, P, and K bioavailability. This research has demonstrated that PFR can successfully be used as soil amendment in coarse textured soils without any adverse effect.
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