Work

Effect of Flat Planting Without Film Mulching and Phosphorus Fertilization on Soil Phosphorus Dynamics and Nutrient Uptake in Faba Bean in Alpine Cropping Systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Rational agronomic practice enhances crop productivity and resource use efficiency. Plastic film mulching and phosphorus (P) fertilization are widely applied in alpine agriculture to improve soil water content, temperature, and P availability. However, their effects on soil P transformation and nutrient uptake in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) remain unclear. This study conducted a field experiment to explore the effects of mulching methods and P levels on soil P fractions and nitrogen (N), P uptake in faba bean. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three film mulching treatments—no-mulching with flat planting (NMF), double ridges and furrows mulched with one film (DRM), and three ridges and furrows mulched with one film (TRM) and three P levels—P0 (0 kg P ha−1), P1 (9.10 kg P ha−1), and P2 (18.2 kg P ha−1). The results showed that soil medium- and highly active P increased, while low-active P decreased with increasing P levels. Compared with DRM and TRM, NMF had lower low-active P and higher medium- and highly active P, particularly under P2. These changes contributed to increases in soil total P and available P. The aboveground N, P uptake and N/P ratio under NMF were significantly higher than under DRM and TRM. As P levels increased, the aboveground N, P uptake and N/P ratio increased in NMF and DRM, but decreased in TRM. In all treatments, the aboveground N/P ratio was below 14, indicating N limitation. NMF, especially with P2, alleviated N limitation to faba bean growth. Overall, NMF combined with about 18.2 kg P ha−1 P fertilizer is a sustainable practice for faba bean cultivation in alpine regions. However, attention should be paid to achieving a balanced supply of N and P fertilizers.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15092037

Authors: Weidi Zhou, Qiuyun Xu, Man Su, Chenglong Han, Yanjie Gu

Institutions: Qinghai University, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Science and Fertilization

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137