Long-term mineral fertilization impact on chemical and microbiological properties of soil and Miscanthus × giganteus yield

This experimental work was undertaken to assess the effect of various fertilization regimes (CaNPK, NPK, CaPK, CaPN, CaKN and Ca) and different soil properties on growth and yield of Miscanthus plants and to check the impact of this plant on soil microbial characteristics. Field experiment was set up in 2003 on a long-term fertilization experiment, which had been established since 1923. Miscanthus giganteus response to high soil acidity and deficiency of N, P and K was investigated. Some physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil samples were estimated and microbial characteristics of soil were conducted to investigate the number of the following microorganisms: heterotrophic bacteria, microscopic fungi, and some diazotrophic bacteria. Obtained results showed that, the highest yield of Miscanthus was obtained from the field fertilized with the CaNPK; while the lowest one was found for plants grown without nitrogen (CaPK). The high acidity of soil and small amount of phosphorus did not affect the yields in the NPK and CaKN combinations as compared with CaNPK one. The experiments showed that Miscanthus giganteus responded positively to mineral fertilization, especially with nitrogen. The rhizosphere of Miscanthus plants provides a suitable environment for the growth and development of microorganisms, in contrast to the non-rhizosphere zone.