Register      Login
Soil Research Soil Research Society
Soil, land care and environmental research
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Mitigation of ammonia volatilisation from urea with micronised sulfur applied to common bean

Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4673-1071 A B , Danilo Silva Almeida https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9115-8940 A , Cleiton José Alves https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7203-3560 A , Rogério Peres Soratto https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4662-126X A , Evelin Oliveira Krebsky A and Eduardo Scarpari Spolidorio A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A São Paulo State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Science, Botucatu, 18610-307, Brazil.

B Corresponding author. Email: crusciol@fca.unesp.br

Soil Research 57(4) 357-364 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR18232
Submitted: 4 August 2018  Accepted: 24 March 2019   Published: 28 May 2019

Abstract

Urea with micronised sulfur (S) in granules may result in lower nitrogen (N) depletion through ammoniacal N (NH3-N) loss than conventional urea due to the acidification reaction of S near urea granules in soil, and the addition of S to the urea may provide a limiting nutrient in tropical soils. The research objectives were to (1) verify whether urea containing micronised S (urea+S) can mitigate NH3-N volatilisation in comparison to conventional urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate; and (2) evaluate the efficiency of N and S sources for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown on coarse-, medium-, and fine-textured soil. The results showed that ~90% of NH3-N volatilisation occurred during the first 14 days after application. The blend of elemental sulfur and sulfate in urea reduces the loss of N by NH3-N volatilisation compared with regular urea but not enough to achieve the low volatilisation as observed for ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate application. Despite the differences in the leaf N and S concentration and bean yield components, no differences were observed among N sources in grain yield in general.

Additional keywords: alternative sulfur source, nitrogen sources, no-till, nutrient uptake, soil texture.


References

Adams MW (1967) Basis of yield component compensation in crop plants with special reference to the field bean. Crop Science 7, 505–510.
Basis of yield component compensation in crop plants with special reference to the field bean.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cantarella H (2007) Nitrogênio. ‘Fertil. do solo’. (Eds Novais RF, Alvarez VVH, Barros NF de, Fontes RLF, Cantarutti RB, Neves JCL) pp. 422–423. (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência do Solo: Viçosa, MG) [In Portuguese]

Cantarella H, Trivelin PCO, Contin TLM, Dias FLF, Rossetto R, Marcelino R, Coimbra RB, Quaggio JA (2008) Ammonia volatilisation from urease inhibitor-treated urea applied to sugarcane trash blankets. Scientia Agrícola 65, 397–401.
Ammonia volatilisation from urease inhibitor-treated urea applied to sugarcane trash blankets.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chien S, Prochnow L, Cantarella N (2009) Recent developments of fertilizer production and use to increase nutrient efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. Advances in Agronomy 102, 267–322.
Recent developments of fertilizer production and use to increase nutrient efficiency and minimize environmental impacts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Costa MCG, Vitti GC, Cantarella H (2003) N-NH3 losses from nitrogen sources applied over unburned sugarcane straw. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 27, 631–637.
N-NH3 losses from nitrogen sources applied over unburned sugarcane straw.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fan XH, Li YC, Alva AK (2011) Effects of temperature and soil type on ammonia volatilization from slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 42, 1111–1122.
Effects of temperature and soil type on ammonia volatilization from slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Faria LD, do Nascimento CAC, Vitti GC, Luz PHD, Guedes EMS (2013) Loss of ammonia from nitrogen fertilizers applied to maize and soybean straw. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 37, 969–975.
Loss of ammonia from nitrogen fertilizers applied to maize and soybean straw.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fernández F de C, Gepts P, López M (1985) Development stages of the common bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). ‘Frijol Investig. y Prod.’ pp. 61–78.(International Tropical Agriculture Center: Cali, Colombia)

Ferreira DF (2011) Sisvar: a computer statistical analysis system. Ciência e Agrotecnologia 35, 1039–1042.
Sisvar: a computer statistical analysis system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Horowitz N, Meurer EJ (2006) Oxidation of elemental sulfur in tropical soils. Ciência Rural 36, 822–828.
Oxidation of elemental sulfur in tropical soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Janzen HH, Bettany JR (1987) Measurement of sulfur oxidation in soils. Soil Science 143, 444–452.
Measurement of sulfur oxidation in soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kim KI, Kaiser DE, Lamb J (2013) Corn response to starter fertilizer and broadcast sulfur evaluated using strip trials. Agronomy Journal 105, 401–411.
Corn response to starter fertilizer and broadcast sulfur evaluated using strip trials.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lara Cabezas WAR, Trivelin PCO (1990) Efficiency of a static semi-open collector in the quantification of urea applied to soil. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 14, 345–352.

Lara Cabezas WAR, Trivelin PCO, Boaretto AE (1992) Effect of granule size and N/S ratio of surface-applied urea on volatilization of ammonia under different initial soil moisture. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 16, 409–413.

Lara Cabezas WAR, Korndorfer GH, Motta SA (1997a) NH3-N volatilization in corn crop: II- evaluation of solid and fluid sources under no-tillage and conventional systems. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 21, 489–496.
NH3-N volatilization in corn crop: II- evaluation of solid and fluid sources under no-tillage and conventional systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lara Cabezas WAR, Korndorfer GH, Motta SA (1997b) NH3-N volatilization in corn crop: I- effect of irrigation and partial substitution of urea by ammonium sulphate. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 21, 481–487.
NH3-N volatilization in corn crop: I- effect of irrigation and partial substitution of urea by ammonium sulphate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lara Cabezas AR, Trivelin PCO, Bendassolli JA, de Santana DG, Gascho GJ (1999) Calibration of a semi-open static collector for determination of ammonia volatilization from nitrogen fertilizers. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 30, 389–406.
Calibration of a semi-open static collector for determination of ammonia volatilization from nitrogen fertilizers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lara Cabezas WAR, Trivelin PCO, Kondoörfer GH, Pereira S (2000) Nitrogen balance of solid and liquid nitrogen sources on side-dressed no-till corn system at Triângulo Mineiro (MG). Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 24, 363–376.
Nitrogen balance of solid and liquid nitrogen sources on side-dressed no-till corn system at Triângulo Mineiro (MG).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Malavolta E, Vitti GC, Oliveira AS (1997) Evaluation of the nutritional status of plants: principles and applications. In ‘Potafós.’ (Brazilian Association for Potash and Phosphate Research: Piracicaba, Brazil)

Mansouri A, Khodadadi AA, Mortazavi Y (2014) Ultra-deep adsorptive desulfurization of a model diesel fuel on regenerable Ni-Cu/γ-Al2O3 at low temperatures in absence of hydrogen. Journal of Hazardous Materials 271, 120–130.
Ultra-deep adsorptive desulfurization of a model diesel fuel on regenerable Ni-Cu/γ-Al2O3 at low temperatures in absence of hydrogen.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24632365PubMed |

Miranda MJ, Pinto HS, Júnior JZ, Fagundes RM, Fonsechi DB, Calve L, Pelllegrino GQ (2015) Climate of the Paulista Municipalities. Cepagri 1–4. Available at http://www.cpa.unicamp.br/outras-informacoes/clima-dos-municipios-paulistas.html [verified 20 September 2015]

Nascimento CAC, Vitti GC, Faria LDA, Luz PHC, Mendes FL (2013) Ammonia volatilization from coated urea forms. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 37, 1057–1063.
Ammonia volatilization from coated urea forms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nômmik H (1973) The effect of pellet size on the ammonia loss from urea applied to forest soil. Plant and Soil 39, 309–318.
The effect of pellet size on the ammonia loss from urea applied to forest soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Otto R, Zavaschi E, de Souza Netto GJM, Machado BdeA, de Mira AB (2017) Ammonia volatilization from nitrogen fertilizers applied to sugarcane straw. Ciência Agronômica 48, 413–418.
Ammonia volatilization from nitrogen fertilizers applied to sugarcane straw.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Overrein LN, Moe PG (1967) Factors affecting urea hydrolysis and ammonia volatilization in soil. Soil Science Society of America Journal 31, 57–61.
Factors affecting urea hydrolysis and ammonia volatilization in soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pereira HS, Leao AF, Verginassi A, Carneiro MAC (2009) Ammonia volatilization of urea in the out-of-season corn. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 33, 1685–1694.
Ammonia volatilization of urea in the out-of-season corn.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Qiu X, Liu G-P, Zhu Y-Q (1987) Determination of water-soluble ammonium ion in soil by spectrophotometry. Analyst (London) 112, 909–911.
Determination of water-soluble ammonium ion in soil by spectrophotometry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raij Bv, Cantarella H, Quaggio JA, Furlani AMC (1996) ‘Recommendations of fertilization and liming in São Paulo State.’ (Agronomic Institute and IAC Foundation: Campinas, Brazil)

Raij Bv, Andrade JC, Cantarella H, Quaggio JA (2001) Chemical analysis for fertility evaluation of tropical soils. (Instituto Agronômico: Campinas, Brazil)

Rajan SSS (1978) Sulfate adsorbed on hydrous alumina, ligands displaced, and changes in surface charge. Soil Science Society of America Journal 42, 39–44.
Sulfate adsorbed on hydrous alumina, ligands displaced, and changes in surface charge.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raun WR, Johnson GV (1999) Improving nitrogen use efficiency for cereal production. Agronomy Journal 91, 357–363.
Improving nitrogen use efficiency for cereal production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Riley NG, Zhao FJ, McGrath SP (2002) Leaching of sulphur from different sulphur fertilisers: a lysimeter study. Soil Use and Management 18, 120–126.
Leaching of sulphur from different sulphur fertilisers: a lysimeter study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rochette P, Angers DA, Chantigny MH, MacDonald JD, Bissonnette N, Bertrand N (2009a) Ammonia volatilization following surface application of urea to tilled and no-till soils: a laboratory comparison. Soil & Tillage Research 103, 310–315.
Ammonia volatilization following surface application of urea to tilled and no-till soils: a laboratory comparison.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rochette P, MacDonald JD, Angers DA, Chantigny MH, Gasser M-O, Bertrand N (2009b) Banding of urea increased ammonia volatilization in a dry acidic soil. Journal of Environmental Quality 38, 1383–1390.
Banding of urea increased ammonia volatilization in a dry acidic soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19465713PubMed |

Sanz-Cobena A, Misselbrook TH, Arce A, Mingot JI, Diez JA, Vallejo A (2008) An inhibitor of urease activity effectively reduces ammonia emissions from soil treated with urea under Mediterranean conditions. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 126, 243–249.
An inhibitor of urease activity effectively reduces ammonia emissions from soil treated with urea under Mediterranean conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sanz-Cobena A, Misselbrook T, Camp V, Vallejo A (2011) Effect of water addition and the urease inhibitor NBPT on the abatement of ammonia emission from surface applied urea. Atmospheric Environment 45, 1517–1524.
Effect of water addition and the urease inhibitor NBPT on the abatement of ammonia emission from surface applied urea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Silva AJ, Lima Júnior MA, Ferreira NCM, Fraga VS (1995) Ammonia losses from urea volatilization applied to moist tropical soils. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 9, 141–144.

Soil Survey Staff (2014) Keys to soil taxonomy. Soil Conservation Service 12, 410
Keys to soil taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stamford NP, Freitas ADS, Ferraz DS, Santos CERS (2002) Effect of sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus on saline soils amendment and growth of cowpea and yam bean legumes. The Journal of Agricultural Science 139, 275–281.
Effect of sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus on saline soils amendment and growth of cowpea and yam bean legumes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stamford NP, Mouha AMMF, Santos KS, Santos PR (2004) Effect of Acidithiobacillus on solubilization of natural phosphate in a coastal tableland soil under yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) crop. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 28, 75–83.
Effect of Acidithiobacillus on solubilization of natural phosphate in a coastal tableland soil under yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) crop.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stamford NP, Figueiredo MVB, da Silva S, Freitas ADS, Santos CERS, Junior MAL (2015) Effect of gypsum and sulfur with Acidithiobacillus on soil salinity alleviation and on cowpea biomass and nutrient status as affected by PK rock biofertilizer. Scientia Horticulturae 192, 287–292.
Effect of gypsum and sulfur with Acidithiobacillus on soil salinity alleviation and on cowpea biomass and nutrient status as affected by PK rock biofertilizer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Su W, Lu J, Wang W, Li X, Ren T, Cong R (2014) Influence of rice straw mulching on seed yield and nitrogen use efficiency of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in intensive rice-oilseed rape cropping system. Field Crops Research 159, 53–61.
Influence of rice straw mulching on seed yield and nitrogen use efficiency of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in intensive rice-oilseed rape cropping system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tasca FA, Ernani PR, Rogeri DA, Gatiboni LC, Cassol PC (2011) Ammonia volatilization following soil application of conventional urea or urea with urease inhibitor. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 35, 493–502.
Ammonia volatilization following soil application of conventional urea or urea with urease inhibitor.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tiecher T, dos Santos DR, Rasche JWA, Brunetto G, Mallmann FJK, Piccin R (2013) Crop responses and sulfur availability in soils with different contents of clay and organic matter submitted to sulfate fertilization. Bragantia 71, 518–527.
Crop responses and sulfur availability in soils with different contents of clay and organic matter submitted to sulfate fertilization.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Trenkel ME (2010) ‘Slow- and controlled-release and stabilized fertilizers: an option for enhancing nutrient use effciency in agriculture.’ (International Fertilizer Industry Association: Paris, France)

Wang FL, Alva K (2000) Ammonium adsorption and desorption in sandy soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 64, 1669–1674.
Ammonium adsorption and desorption in sandy soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhenghu D, Honglang X (2000) Effects of soil properties on ammonia volatilization. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 46, 845–852.
Effects of soil properties on ammonia volatilization.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |