The response of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare) and forage maize (Zea mays) crops to polyhalite, a multi-nutrient fertilizer

Abstract

Polyhalite is a multi-nutrient mineral ore containing potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). Historically, it has enjoyed minor use as a fertilizer, but the opening of a new mine in the UK will make larger quantities available. Therefore, an examination of the performance of crops fertilized with polyhalite, or selected commercial alternatives, was pertinent and is reported here. Four field trials were carried out between 2013 and 2016 to investigate the response of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and forage maize (Zea mays L.) to different application rates of polyhalite, potassium chloride (muriate of potash, MOP) and potassium sulphate (sulphate of potash, SOP) fertilizers. Potassium and S nutrition were the focus of these trials as they limit field production more often than Mg and Ca. Polyhalite was found to be an effective source of both K and S for crop production. In three out of four trials, application of polyhalite resulted in similar or greater K offtake compared with both MOP and SOP; MOP application resulted in greater K offtake in one trial. In three out of four trials, application of polyhalite resulted in similar or better S offtake compared with both MOP and SOP; SOP application resulted in greater S offtake in one trial. Polyhalite and MOP treatments produced similar total dry weight in all four trials, but were slightly inferior to SOP treatment.

Optimizing polyhalite (POLY-4) use in the maize-wheat system: A comparative case study from upper and Trans Indo-Gangetic plains of India

“…The physical characteristics of POLY-4 among polyhalite as a commercial fertilizer has shown several agricultural benefits to crops [ 28 , 48 ]. The improvement in yield and NUE of potatoes, beets [ 41 ], barley and maize [ 49 ] with the use of polyhalite have been reported.…”

Impact of Pre-Plant Fertilizer Rates in Combination with Polysulphate® on Soil Nitrogen Distribution and Yield of Short-Day Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Camarosa)

“…The chemical structure of Polysulphate, polyhalite [11], releases nutrients slowly, which reduces the leaching of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur compared to other granular fertilizers [12]. Polyhalite has previously been shown to be an effective source of nutrients in other agricultural crops, such as winter wheat and tomatoes [13,14]. Strawberry growers could potentially benefit from substituting a portion of their fullspectrum granular fertilizer with Polysulphate.…”