The effect of multi-component fertilizers on the yield and mineral composition of winter wheat and macronutrient uptake

Multi-component fertilizers should be selected based on a thorough analysis of a variety of factors such as plant species, expected yield, nutrient availability, time and mode of application. Mixed fertilizers have to be applied in a rational manner, and their rates should be determined in view of crop yield, crop quality and fertilizer efficiency, so as to maximize the benefits of fertilizer use. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of multi-component fertilizers, Amofosmag 4 and Amofosmag 3, on winter wheat yield, and the content and uptake of macronutrients. A three-year field experiment (2008- 2010) was carried out in a randomized block design at the Research and Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (NE Poland). The experiment comprised three fertilization treatments in four replications: control treatment (simple fertilizers) and two treatments with mixed multi-component fertilizers, Amofosmag 4 and Amofosmag 3. The tested crop was winter wheat cv. Bogatka. Winter wheat grain yield was modified by fertilizers and weather conditions. The most beneficial effect was reported for Amofosmag 4, which increased the yield of wheat grain by 7% on average, compared with the remaining treatments. A significantly lower grain yield was noted in the second year of the study characterized by adverse weather conditions. The concentrations of the analyzed macronutrients in winter wheat grain and straw varied insignificantly between fertilization treatments. Simple and multi-component fertilizers exerted a comparable effect on the mineral composition of the test crop. The only exception was the potassium content of wheat straw, which was significantly higher after the application of multi-component fertilizers. Significant differences were observed in this respect between successive years of the study. The highest total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium by winter wheat plants was noted in the Amofosmag 4 treatment, and the highest total uptake of potassium and calcium was observed in the Amofosmag 3 treatment. Amofosmag 4 was found to be the most efficient fertilizer, which suggests that the nutrients contained in multi-component fertilizers are more readily available to plants.