Preliminary Study on the Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer on Artemisia Desertorum in the Qaidam Basin and Amount of Recommended Fertilization
To obtain the optimal fertilization ratio and preliminary recommended on amount of fertilization for cultivating Artemisia desertorum in the Qaidam Basin, "3414" field fertilizer experiment was conducted with different levels of combined application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The effects of different fertilization treatments on growth indices and aboveground biomass of Artemisia desertorum were compared, and the experimental data were comprehensively evaluated by adopting the fertilizer response function model and frequency analysis. The results indicated that: (1) Fertilization significantly promoted the growth and development of Artemisia desertorum, and significant differences were observed in plant height, population density, coverage, canopy width and aboveground biomass between the different fertilization treatments (P<0.05); (2) Different Nutrient deficiency exerted differential effects on the aboveground biomass of Artemisia desertorum. Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies produced relatively great inhibitory effects on aboveground biomass, while the influence of potassium deficiency was relatively slight; (3) As determined by frequency analysis, the preliminary recommended amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer for Artemisiadesertorum in the Qaidam Basin were 156.51~220.64 kg/hm², 193.23~269.63 kg/hm² and 41.45~57.98 kg/hm² respectively, and the corresponding N:P:K fertilization ratios was 1:1.222~1.235:0.263~0.265. In summary, this recommended fertilization range can sufficiently meet the nutrient demands for the growth of Artemisia desertorum and the nutrient management requirements of desert ecosystem in Qaidam Basin, and can provide a reference for the scientific fertilization on artificial planting of Artemisia desertorum and ecological restoration in this region.
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