Effect of phosphorus application on durum wheat in alkaline sandy soil in arid condition of southern algeria

Abstract

The present study is the part of research program on the rational fertilization of durum wheat based on the long-term trials in El-Menia situated in arid region of south eastern Algeria. This study includes only the results of three years of experimentation. Three levels of phosphorus (30, 60 and 90 kg h a -1 P 2 0 5) from three sources Mono-Ammonium Phosphate, Single Super Phosphate and Fosfactyl were applied on durum wheat (Triticum durum var. Carioca) under center pivot irrigation system. The experiments were made Two-Factor Hierarchical Designs during growing seasons 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Yield components, grain and straw yields; N, P content and their uptakes by grain were measured. For most of t he tests, the fertilizer source had no effect on the traits studied except for phosphorus content where single super phosphate give the best value (0.4±0.004%). Indeed, 30 and 60 kg ha -1 P 2 0 5 give the best 1000-gram weight and grain yield regardless of the year. For straw yield, 90 and 60 kg h a -1 give the best average values. Nitrogen (N) uptake grains have not been influenced by the doses of phosphorus regardless of year. The P content, grain yield, number of spikes/m 2 and N uptake increase with increase P uptake regardless of year. While number of grains/spike, N content and straw yield increased with the phosphorus uptake by year.