Soil fertility and nutritional status of alfalfa growth in tropical regions (in Portuguese), 40p., 2007.
Moreira, A., Bernardi, A.C. De C., Rassini, J.B., Ferreira, R. De P. and Oliveira, P. P. A.
Sao Carlos: Embrapa Pecuaria Sudeste, 2007 (Embrapa Pecuaria Sudeste. Documentos, 67).

Produced by a group of researchers from the Center for Cattle Ranching (Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste) in the Southeast Region of EMBRAPA (Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research) this publication is devoted to fertilization of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) - one of the principal forage plants in Brazil and in many other tropical countries. Based on analysis of experiments made by the authors since 2005 in cooperation with the International Potash Institute, the publication covers topics of liming, nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur fertilization as well as micronutrient applications for obtaining higher production of dry matter of alfalfa per ha. Depending on soil properties, recommended doses of K₂O to reach a yield of 1.3 - 1.4 mt of dry matter of alfalfa per ha, may exceed 400 kg/ha (150 kg pre-plant and 100 kg after each cut). A special section of the publication describes alfalfa symptoms of nutritional deficiency.

The authors make the following conclusions: Analyze soil properties and define adequate base saturation; apply gypsum for correcting soil acidity caused by exchangeable Al; select Rhizobium bacteria tolerant to tropical soils; distribute potash application along the biological cycle of the plant, apply various sources of potash; recycle nutrients; maintain dynamics of organic matter according to the production cycle; calibrate dosage(s) of micronutrients; interpret foliar analysis results.

The publication was supported by the International Potash Institute.

To order a copy, please contact Dr. A. Naumov, IPI Coordinator Latin America or download the publication from the IPI website.
 

Training Manual on "Role of balanced fertilization for horticultural crops". Edited by Dr. N. Kumar. Printed by the Horticulture College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. 62 pp. Sponsored by IPI.

The booklet summarizes results obtained in long-term fertilizer experiments in most important horticultural crops in South India providing best fertilizer management practices. Such crops as banana, mango, citruses, papaya, sapota, vegetables, spices, coconut and cut flowers are covered. It's a guide book for horticulture extension officers and farmers.

To order a copy, please contact Dr. V. Nosov, IPI Coordinator East India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka or download the publication from the IPI website
 

New publications from the Potash Development Association, UK.

See also www.pda.org.uk.

Note: Hard copies of PDA's publications are available only in the UK and Ireland.

Nutrient requirements of forage crops. No. 26, update. Forage crops can produce very high yields of digestible nutrients and can be a useful means of reducing overall feed costs.

Achievement of high yield is an essential requirement to achieve low unit cost and depends upon good husbandry and in particular, attention to crop nutrition. Annual forage crops also offer a very useful opportunity of utilising slurry or FYM to maximum advantage without the problems of sward contamination associated with grass. A 3 year study undertaken by Kingshay Farming Trust and supported by the Potash Development Association has examined the nutritional needs and performance of a range of forage crops. The key results are reported in this leaflet.

See PDA website.

Potash for potatoes. No. 15, update. Influence of different forms and timing of potash on potato yield and quality.

Recommendations for earlies, canners, main crop and seed potato crops.

Available from the PDA website.