Economics of potassium fertilizers and zeolite clinoptilolite in wheat production

Document Type : Research Paper

Abstract

Introduction: Wheat production is considered one of the strategic objectives of the governments in view of the importance of wheat to feed a growing population and achieve self-sufficiency in production. Hence, in recent years, the largest acreage is allocated to wheat among crops (5). However, shortcomings such as incorrect use of production factors (Water use, cultivation, fertilizer, pesticide and seed) has resulted lack of good performance. Yield production and farmers' income maybe increased through correct and optimal use of available production factors and improving farm efficiency. Lack of attention to the correct use of limited inputs by farmers and low productivity has caused inappropriate qualitative and quantitative development of wheat production (2).
Materials and methods: The economy of zeolite application for wheat production was investigated using a combined analysis from two completely randomized block design (with 20 ton/ha topsoil zeolite clinoptilolite incorporated and without respectively) each of which included 5 treatments with 4 replications. Treatments were combined urea fertilizer, potassium sulfate, Di ammonium phosphate at (a) 0, 0 ,0 , (b) 200, 0, 250 , (c) 200, 100, 250, (d) 200, 200, 250 kg/ha respectively and also (e) urea fertilizer + DCD + potassium sulfate + Di ammonium Phosphate at 200, 15, 200 and 250 kg/ha. Yield and yield components and also nitrogen, Phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in grain and straw were determined at harvest. Soil potassium, Ca, Mg, P and N were also measured pre-heading.
Results: Bio-economic analysis show that increased soil ammonium, nitrate, potassium, calcium and magnesium improved grain and straw yield. Yield was reduced with increased soil phosphorous however. Nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency was improved and fertilizer loss was decreased by potassium fertilizer application. Nitrogen and potassium fertilizer use efficiency was improved and fertilizer loss was decreased by zeolite application. Zeolite and chemical fertilizers increased grain and straw yield production and net income during the first three years.
Conclusion: Consumption of 200 kg per hectare potassium sulfate with zeolite is economically viable and increased grain and straw income, net income and additional income compared to the control in the first three years. Due to the persistence of zeolite in the soil for a long time, the economic efficiency of the use of zeolite increases with the passage of time over the years. The use of zeolite is a long-term investment and even its consumption in the first year is also cost-effective. Zeolite expenditure is amortized over years (e.g. in the periods of 20 years or more). Although the application of 200 kg per hectare of potassium sulfate and dicyandiamide increases the production of grain and straw, their high price lowers net income from wheat production.

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References

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Journal of Crop Production
Volume 10, Issue 2
November 2017
Pages 45-60

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