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Optimizing Phosphorus Fertilization Management Is Conducive to Improving Alfalfa Yield and Quality: A Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Lixin Zhang

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yuanbo Jiang

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Minhua Yin

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yi Ling

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Haiyan Li

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yuanxiang Gan

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Changfa Yue

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yanlin Ma

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yanxia Kang

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Guangping Qi

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Yayu Wang

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydrpower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

Abstract

The addition of phosphorus fertilizer plays a critical role in improving alfalfa yield and quality. However, improper application may lead to resource waste and environmental pollution, and its effects are influenced by multiple factors. This study quantitatively analyzed the effects of phosphorus fertilization on alfalfa yield, crude protein (CP) content, acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and their major influencing factors using a meta-analysis method by integrating data from published field experiments. The results showed that, compared to no phosphorus application, phosphorus fertilization increased alfalfa yield, CP content, and NDF content by 19.0% (confidence interval [CI]: 15.4–22.6%), 7.2% (CI: 0.1–14.9%), and 7.2% (CI: 0.1–14.9%), respectively, while reducing ADF content by 3.3% on average (CI: 0.9–3.3%). In Shandong, Jilin, and Hebei, where the soil pH is 7–8, annual precipitation is 200–400 mm, annual mean temperature is above 4 °C, and altitude is 500–1000 m, alfalfa yield improved after applying calcium phosphate or single superphosphate with a P 2 O 5 content of 0–20% at a rate of 100–200 kg·ha −1 , along with nitrogen > 100 kg·ha −1 , and when both the test and establishment periods were 2 years. In Xinjiang, in regions with an annual mean temperature of 6–8 °C and an establishment duration of 3 years, phosphorus fertilization improved alfalfa quality. This study provides references for enhancing alfalfa productivity and efficient utilization of phosphorus nutrition.

Suggested Citation

  • Lixin Zhang & Yuanbo Jiang & Minhua Yin & Yi Ling & Haiyan Li & Yuanxiang Gan & Changfa Yue & Yanlin Ma & Yanxia Kang & Guangping Qi & Yayu Wang, 2025. "Optimizing Phosphorus Fertilization Management Is Conducive to Improving Alfalfa Yield and Quality: A Meta-Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:797-:d:1629938
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hao Liu & Ming Xu & Yuhan Guo & Zhencuo Dan & Xin Liu & Jiayi Zhang & Cong Li & Shizhen Jia & Lei Jia & Ailing Yu & Lili Cong, 2024. "Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Alfalfa Responses to Aphid Infestation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Jiantao Zhao & Rongzheng Huang & Kaixin Yang & Chunhui Ma & Qianbing Zhang, 2022. "Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization on Photosynthetic Properties of Leaves and Agronomic Characters of Alfalfa over Three Consecutive Years," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Jiao Liu & Faguang Lu & Yiming Zhu & Hao Wu & Irshad Ahmad & Guichun Dong & Guisheng Zhou & Yanqing Wu, 2024. "The Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Application on the Growth Quality of Alfalfa Forage in Saline Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-21, February.
    4. Jinlong Chai & Hang Yang & Zhen Chen & Weifang Li & Dongqing Li & Xiaojun Yu, 2025. "Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizer Promote Alfalfa Yield by Regulating Root Development, Osmoregulatory Substances and Improve Soil Physicochemical Properties," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-19, January.
    5. Haiqing Gong & Yulong Yin & Zhong Chen & Qingsong Zhang & Xingshuai Tian & Zihan Wang & Yingcheng Wang & Zhenling Cui, 2025. "A dynamic optimization of soil phosphorus status approach could reduce phosphorus fertilizer use by half in China," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    6. Xiangtao Wang & Zhigang Hu & Ziwei Zhang & Jiwang Tang & Ben Niu, 2024. "Altitude-Shifted Climate Variables Dominate the Drought Effects on Alpine Grasslands over the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-16, August.
    7. Fawzy F. Lasheen & Ahmed H. Negm & Soheir E. Hassan & Ehab Azab & Adil A. Gobouri & Mohammed Hewidy, 2021. "Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Application Rate on the Young Seedling Growth of Salvadora persica," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-10, March.
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