Interaction between chloride and both macro- and micronutrients in annual canarygrass

Abstract

Annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) has a larger response to chloride (Cl-) fertilizer than other cereal crops. This unexpected response prompted further research for unexpected interactions between Cl- and other nutrients in annual canaryseed. The objective of this study was to compare the interaction of macronutrients and micronutrients with Cl- on the development and grain yield of annual canarygrass. Thirteen fertilizer combinations were applied to determine the effect of macro and micro nutrients on annual canarygrass. A field study was conducted at 6 locations across Saskatchewan over a 4 year period using a randomize complete block design. Grain yield had a strong chloride response at 7 of the 21 site years with a 70% increase in grain yield over the 7 site years. A sideband application or surface application of Cl- were both effective. At the responsive sites without the addition of Cl- the addition of other nutrients is not effective while at the non-responsive sites, responses to the nutrients can be achieve without the addition of Cl-. Chloride impacted canarygrass during reproductive development. Nitrogen is the major nutrient Cl- interacted with in this study. Canarygrass is not more responsive to phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, copper, manganese and boron than other cereals. In conclusion, at Cl- responsive sites the application of nutrients are ineffective in the absence of Cl- fertilizer. In addition, the sensitivity of annual canarygrass to Cl- indicates that it could be used to investigate the role of Cl- in cereal crop development and grain yield.