Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Novel fertilizers (SRF, XJT, CRF) reduced total phosphorus (TP) loss by 15.43%–33.95% compared with rice-specific fertilizer (ZYF) under equal nutrient input, with SRF achieving the lowest TP loss, indicating enhanced P retention efficiency in paddy systems. • • Phosphorus reduction with enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer: CRF-10P% and CRF-30P% cut TP loss by 31.48% and 37.04% versus ZYF, respectively, demonstrating that P input can be reduced by up to 30% without increasing P export, which is critical for mitigating eutrophication in Chaohu Lake. • • Heavy rainfall events dramatically elevated P concentrations: TP in surface water and leachate increased by 417.74%–432.86% and 94.85%–351.35%, respectively, compared with the whole-season average, underscoring the need for targeted management during storm events. • • CRF-10P% increased rice yield by 22.37% relative to ZYF, proving that moderate P reduction with enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer can simultaneously reduce environmental pollution and boost productivity, offering a cost-effective solution for farmers.
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) loss from paddy fields contributes to eutrophication in Chaohu Lake. This study evaluated the effects of novel fertilizers and P reduction on P loss and rice yield. Seven treatments were established: no P (CK), rice-specific fertilizer (ZYF), slow-release blended fertilizer (SRF), Xinjutian compound fertilizer (XJT), enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer (CRF), CRF with 10% P reduction (CRF-10P%), and CRF with 30% P reduction (CRF-30P%). Results showed that novel fertilizers and P reduction significantly reduced concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), dissolved phosphorus (DP), and particulate phosphorus (PP) in surface water and leachate. The first 5 days after basal fertilization and heavy rainfall were high-risk periods for P loss. Rainfall increased TP concentrations by 417.74%–432.86% and 94.85%–351.35% in surface water and leachate, respectively; DP increased by 120.80%–322.44%, and PP by 280.66%–501.77% and 80.23%–297.55%. Compared with ZYF, SRF, XJT, and CRF reduced TP loss by 15.43%–33.95%, with SRF showing the lowest loss. Under P reduction, CRF-10P% and CRF-30P% reduced TP loss by 31.48% and 37.04%, respectively, with CRF-30P% achieving the lowest loss. Notably, CRF-10P% increased rice yield by 22.37% relative to ZYF, indicating that moderate P reduction with enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer can maintain or increase yield while reducing environmental risk. The study concludes that CRF-10P% offers a promising strategy for sustainable rice production in the Chaohu Lake watershed.
1. Introduction
Phosphorus (P) runoff from agricultural fields is a primary driver of eutrophication in freshwater systems, and paddy rice cultivation in the Chaohu Lake watershed is a significant contributor. Conventional fertilizers, such as rice-specific fertilizer (ZYF), often exhibit poor P use efficiency, leading to substantial losses via surface runoff and leaching, particularly during the initial flooding period and intense rainfall events. These losses not only degrade water quality but also represent an economic waste of finite P resources. Existing mitigation strategies, including reduced P application rates, have been inconsistent, often compromising crop yields. The need for fertilizer technologies that synchronize nutrient release with crop demand while minimizing environmental losses is therefore urgent.
This study addresses this bottleneck by systematically evaluating a suite of novel fertilizers—slow-release blended (SRF), Xinjutian compound (XJT), and enhanced loss-controlled (CRF)—under field conditions in the Chaohu Lake watershed. These formulations are designed to modulate P release kinetics, potentially reducing soluble P concentrations in soil water and thus lowering loss risks. Furthermore, the study investigates the feasibility of reducing P application rates by 10% and 30% with CRF, assessing both environmental and agronomic outcomes. By quantifying P losses in surface and seepage water and measuring rice yield responses, this research provides critical empirical evidence to guide fertilizer selection and P management strategies for sustainable rice production in sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
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LIU Shiheng, LIU Shengrui, LI Yalan, MU Guangshun, CHEN Xiaohui, XIONG Qizhong, SHU Weizheng, CHEN Yong, XU Gang, ZHANG Weifeng, YE Xinxin (2026). Effects of Different Novel Fertilizer Applications on Phosphorus Loss from Surface and Seepage Water in Paddy Fields in the Chaohu Lake Watershed. Environmental Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025012302
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific mechanisms by which the enhanced loss-controlled fertilizer (CRF) reduces phosphorus loss compared to conventional rice-specific fertilizer (ZYF)?
The study does not detail the exact mechanisms, but CRF is designed to control nutrient release, likely through coating or chemical modification, which reduces the concentration of soluble phosphorus in soil water during high-risk periods (e.g., first 5 days after basal fertilization). This is evidenced by the significant reductions in TP, DP, and PP concentrations in both surface and seepage water, leading to 31.48% and 37.04% lower TP loss for CRF-10P% and CRF-30P% compared to ZYF.
How does phosphorus reduction with CRF affect rice yield, and what is the optimal reduction rate?
CRF-10P% increased rice yield by 22.37% relative to ZYF, while CRF-30P% did not cause yield reduction (though exact yield data is not provided in the abstract). This suggests that a 10% reduction is optimal for both environmental and agronomic benefits, as it reduces P loss by 31.48% and enhances yield, likely due to improved P use efficiency.
What are the implications of heavy rainfall events on phosphorus loss dynamics, and how should farmers manage fertilization timing?
Heavy rainfall significantly increased TP, DP, and PP concentrations in both surface and seepage water, with TP increases up to 432.86% in surface water. This indicates that fertilization should be avoided immediately before forecasted heavy rains. The first 5 days after basal fertilization are also critical, suggesting that split applications or use of slow-release fertilizers can mitigate losses during this vulnerable period.
Are the novel fertilizers cost-effective compared to conventional ZYF, considering both fertilizer cost and environmental benefits?
While the abstract does not provide cost data, the yield increase of 22.37% with CRF-10P% and the reduction in P loss (31.48%) suggest potential economic benefits through reduced fertilizer input and improved yield. However, the initial cost of novel fertilizers may be higher; a full cost-benefit analysis is necessary, but the environmental benefits of reduced P loading to Chaohu Lake are substantial.
What are the scalability and practical adoption challenges for these novel fertilizers in the Chaohu Lake watershed?
Scalability depends on factors such as local availability, farmer awareness, and cost. The study demonstrates that CRF-10P% is agronomically superior and environmentally beneficial, but adoption requires extension services and possibly subsidies. The fertilizers tested are commercially available (e.g., from CNSIG Anhui Hongsifang), but supply chains and farmer training are needed for widespread use.
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