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Optimization of NPK fertilization for sustainable production of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) in the Setif region, Algeria
Optimización de la fertilización con nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio para la producción sostenible de trigo duro (Triticum durum Desf.) en la región de Setif (Argelia)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/rfnam.v79.123898Keywords:
Cereals, Durum wheat, Fertilization, Oued El Bared variety, Sustainable production (en)Cereales, Trigo duro, Fertilización, Variedad Oued El Bared, Producción sostenible (es)
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This study aimed to optimize nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization for sustainable production of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) in the semi-arid region of Setif, Algeria. The experiment was conducted during the 2022–2023 growing season on a clayey soil characterized by low organic matter content (3%), slightly calcareous conditions (2.26% CaCO₃), and alkaline pH (8.12). A randomized block design with a single factor consisting of six fertilization treatments was adopted to evaluate the effects of NPK fertilization. Each block was divided into six elementary plots measuring 10×1.3 m (13 m²). Soil moisture, physiological traits (leaf area, chlorophyll content, and canopy cover), and agronomic parameters (plant and tiller density) were monitored throughout the crop cycle. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and correlation analysis. The results showed that fertilization had no significant effect on soil moisture at most sampling dates, except at the final sampling date, where significant differences were observed. Fertilized treatments showed higher soil moisture compared with the unfertilized control. Fertilizer applications significantly influenced vegetative cover, chlorophyll content, and leaf area, whereas plant density and tiller density were not significantly affected. The highest vegetative cover was obtained with treatment T4 (32.86%), while treatment T3 produced the largest leaf area. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between soil moisture and chlorophyll content (r = 0.972), indicating the importance of water availability for crop physiological performance. These findings highlight the importance of optimized NPK fertilization for improving durum wheat performance under semi-arid conditions in the Setif region.
Este estudio tuvo como objetivo optimizar la fertilización con nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio para la producción sostenible de trigo duro (Triticum durum Desf.) en la región semiárida de Sétif, Argelia. El experimento se realizó durante la temporada de crecimiento 2022–2023 en un suelo arcilloso caracterizado por un bajo contenido de materia orgánica (3%), condiciones ligeramente calcáreas (2,26% de CaCO₃) y un pH alcalino (8,12). Se adoptó un diseño de bloques al azar con un solo factor constituido por seis tratamientos de fertilización para evaluar los efectos de la fertilización con NPK. Cada bloque se dividió en seis parcelas elementales de 10×1,3 m (13 m²). La humedad del suelo, las características fisiológicas (área foliar, contenido de clorofila y cobertura del dosel) y los parámetros agronómicos (densidad de plantas y de macollos) se monitorearon durante todo el ciclo del cultivo. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza y análisis de correlación. Los resultados mostraron que la fertilización no tuvo un efecto significativo sobre la humedad del suelo en la mayoría de las fechas de muestreo, excepto en la fecha de muestreo final, en la que se observaron diferencias significativas. Los tratamientos fertilizados presentaron una mayor humedad del suelo en comparación con el control sin fertilización. Las aplicaciones de fertilizantes influyeron significativamente en la cobertura vegetal, el contenido de clorofila y el área foliar, mientras que la densidad de plantas y la densidad de macollos no se vieron afectadas significativamente. La mayor cobertura vegetal se obtuvo con el tratamiento T4 (32,86%), mientras que el tratamiento T3 produjo la mayor área foliar. El análisis de correlación reveló una relación positiva fuerte entre la humedad del suelo y el contenido de clorofila (r = 0,972), lo que indica la importancia de la disponibilidad de agua para el desempeño fisiológico del cultivo. Estos hallazgos destacan la importancia de optimizar la fertilización con NPK para mejorar el desempeño del trigo duro en condiciones semiáridas de la región de Sétif.
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