1、Effects of straw incorporation and potassium fertilizer on crop yields

The treatments were: no straw incorporation and K fertilizer (CK), straw incorporation only (SI), K fertilizer only (K; with the fertilizer amount approximately equal to the straw amount), and straw incorporation and the recommended K-fertilizer amount (SI + K; two-fold higher grain absorption of K).

2、Straw Return Substituting Potassium Fertilizer Increases Crop Yield

The application of potassium fertilizer application and straw return are effective agronomic measures for increasing crop productivity; however, information on how straw return—when substituting potassium fertilizer—affects crop yield, efficiency, and quality in dryland remains limited.

3、Long‐term straw returning improve soil K balance and potassium

The effects of potassium fertilization and straw incorporation on soil K balance and K supplying in a long‐term (14 years) field experiment.

4、Potassium fertilization combined with crop straw incorporation alters

We conducted a 60-day lab incubation experiment to evaluate the response of soil K dynamics and availability in various fractions with a view to simulating crop residue return and chemical K fertilization in an Anthrosol of northwest China.

Straw return combined with potassium fertilization improves potassium

The experiment comprised four treatments: (1) nitrogen phosphorus fertilizer without straw return (NP), (2) NP plus straw return, (3) NP plus potassium fertilizer (NPK), and (4) NPK plus straw return (NPK+St).

Environmental and economic benefits of substituting chemical potassium

In this study, we examine the efects of substituting straw for chemical K fertilizer on the emissions of greenhouse gas and pollutants and the associated direct and damage cost implications in China at the provincial level.

Effects of straw return with potassium fertilizer on the stem lodging

This experiment aimed to study the effects of straw return combined with potassium fertilizer on stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and yield of spring maize.

Frontiers

We also analyzed differences among assessment methods and identified straw nutrient return utilization methods that were optimal for different areas according to regional variation in environmental characteristics and planting patterns.

Analysis of the Available Straw Nutrient Resources and

Therefore, to address these issues, the current research examines the main nutrient composition of straw returned directly to fields and the potential substitution of straw for chemical fertilizers.

Potassium fertilization combined with crop straw incorporation alters

A three-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of straw combined with potassium fertilizer on maize yield, potassium utilization efficiency and soil potassium balance.

Straw, as an agricultural byproduct, holds significant value in agricultural production. Potassium is one of the essential nutrients required for plant growth, playing a critical role in improving crop yields and enhancing crop quality. Below are detailed methods for using straw to provide potassium fertilizer:

1. Collection and Processing of Straw

• Collection: Select mature, dry, and pest-free straw. Collect it as soon as possible after harvesting to prevent moisture loss, which could degrade its quality.
• Drying: Spread the collected straw in the sun to ensure complete dehydration, facilitating subsequent processing and use.
• Cutting: Chop the dried straw into appropriate lengths (typically 5–10 cm) to enable better mixing with fertilizers.

2. Chemical Treatment of Straw

• Alkaline Treatment: Soak the straw in alkaline solutions (e.g., sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) to convert its organic matter into humic substances, enhancing its fertilizer effectiveness.
• Fermentation Treatment: Compost the straw with microbial agents. Microorganisms break down organic materials in the straw while releasing potassium.

3. Physical Treatment of Straw

• Briquetting: Mix the straw with organic materials (e.g., sawdust, wood shavings) and press it into pellets for easy storage and transport.
• Pyrolysis: Subject the straw to high-temperature pyrolysis to carbonize it, producing carbon-based fertilizers rich in potassium.

4. Application of Straw as Potassium Fertilizer

• Direct Application: Spread the processed straw directly onto soil surfaces or bury it in soil layers as a potassium source.
• Organic Fertilizers: Process the straw into organic fertilizers containing potassium, which can be directly applied to农田.
• Compound Fertilizers: Combine straw with other chemical fertilizers (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, composite fertilizers) to create mixed fertilizers, improving potassium utilization efficiency.

5. Precautions

• Safe Storage: Properly store processed straw to prevent mold or pest damage.
• Rational Proportioning: Adjust straw usage based on soil conditions and crop needs to avoid issues like soil salinization.
• Scientific Fertilization: Coordinate potassium from straw with other nutrients to maximize effectiveness.

6. Economic Benefits Analysis

• Cost Savings: Using straw as a potassium source reduces expenses compared to purchasing commercial potassium fertilizers.
• Resource Recycling: Recycling straw minimizes agricultural waste and promotes sustainable resource use.
• Income Growth: Producing and applying straw-based potassium fertilizers generates additional revenue for farmers.

utilizing straw as a potassium fertilizer is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient approach. With proper processing and scientific application, straw can become a vital and sustainable source of potassium in agriculture.