Effect of Phosphorus Fertilization on Field Pea Nitrogen Production

Project Leader:
Jed Waddell,
Details +

,
USDA-ARS,
1500 N Central Ave,
Sidney,
MT,
59270

(406-433-9402)
jwaddell@sidney.ars.usda.gov

Project Cooperators: Andy Lenssen.

Staff Member: Dr. Tom Jensen tjensen@ipni.net

MT-16F


















Results from the project show a positive grain yield response to field pea from fertilizer P addition, with maximum yields achieved at 40 kg P205/ha. These responses were recorded even though soil test P levels would have indicated P sufficiency. The spring wheat did not respond to P application rates. Pea grain N uptake was positively influenced by fertilizer P rates, with N uptake increasing with P rate. This occurred while no difference was observed in N uptake in the pea crop residue.
Soil test results show a very clear decline in soil test P levels in the absence, or with low rates of fertilizer P application. Only the 40 kg P205/ha fertilizer rate maintained soil test P at a level similar to the start of the study. We would like to evaluate seed P content as a means of determining the P balance (inputs vs removal) from the trial site.