Interaction between chloride and both macro- and micronutrients in annual canarygrass

• Published in: Canadian journal of plant science 2022-06, Vol.102 (3), p.731-743
• Main Authors: Earl May, William, MacGregor, Michael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: agronomie; agronomy; azote; Boron; Cereals; chlore; Chloride; Chlorides; crop physiology; Crop yields; Fertilizers; Manganese; Micronutrients; nitrogen; Nutrients; Phalaris; Phalaris canariensis; phosphore; Phosphorus; physiologie végétale; Plant sciences; Potassium; Sulfur; Sulfur compounds
• ISSN: 0008-4220; 1918-1833
• DOI: 10.1139/CJPS-2021-0157

Annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) has a larger response to chloride (Cl−) fertilizer than other cereal crops. This unexpected response prompted further research for unexpected interactions between Cl− and other nutrients in annual canaryseed. The objective of this study was to compare the interaction of macronutrients and micronutrients with Cl− on the development and grain yield of annual canarygrass. Thirteen fertilizer combinations were applied to determine the effect of macro- and micronutrients on annual canarygrass. A field study was conducted at six locations across Saskatchewan over a 4 yr period using a randomize complete block design. Grain yield had a strong chloride response at 7 of the 21 site years with a 70% increase in grain yield over the 7 site-years. A sideband application or surface application of Cl− were both effective. At the responsive sites without the addition of Cl−, the addition of other nutrients is not effective while at the non-responsive sites, responses to the nutrients can be achieved without the addition of Cl−. Chloride impacted canarygrass during reproductive development. Nitrogen is the major nutrient Cl− interacted with in this study. Canarygrass is not more responsive to phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, copper, manganese, and boron than other cereals. In conclusion, at Cl−-responsive sites the application of nutrients are ineffective in the absence of Cl− fertilizer. In addition, the sensitivity of annual canarygrass to Cl− indicates that it could be used to investigate the role of Cl− in cereal crop development and grain yield.