The Status of Some Nutrients in an Arid Calcareous Soil and Effect of Added Fertilizer Sources on Plant Composition

Abstract

The status of N, P, K and Mg was studied in a calcareous sandy loam, from Deirab, via a Mitcherlich-type experiment in which three crops (barley-maize-barley) were grown in succession with and without application of fertilizer sources of the nutrient elements. The results indicated that N and P could be quite limiting to crop production in this soil, but K and Mg appeared quite adequate. The ability of the soil to sustain adequate K supply to crops was discussed. In absence of applied nitrogen, dry matter N was low, but was frequently associated with low Mg content too. Examination of DM yield and K content of the plants gave evidence of luxury K uptake.