Polyhalite is a multi-nutrient mineral ore containing potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). Historically, it has enjoyed minor use as a fertilizer, but the opening of a new mine in the UK will make larger quantities available. Therefore, an examination of the performance of crops fertilized with polyhalite, or selected commercial alternatives, was pertinent and is reported here.Four field trials were carried out between 2013 and 2016 to investigate the response of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and forage maize (Zea mays L.) to different application rates of polyhalite, potassium chloride (muriate of potash, MOP) and potassium sulphate (sulphate of potash, SOP) fertilizers. Potassium and S nutrition were the focus of these trials as they limit field production more often than Mg and Ca.Polyhalite was found to be an effective source of both K and S for crop production. In three out of four trials, application of polyhalite resulted in similar or greater K offtake compared with both MOP and SOP; MOP application resulted in greater K offtake in one trial. In three out of four trials, application of polyhalite resulted in similar or better S offtake compared with both MOP and SOP; SOP application resulted in greater S offtake in one trial. Polyhalite and MOP treatments produced similar total dry weight in all four trials, but were slightly inferior to SOP treatment.

中文翻译：

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冬大麦 (Hordeum vulgare) 和饲用玉米 (Zea mays) 作物对杂卤石（一种多营养肥料）的反应

杂卤石是一种多营养矿物矿石，含有钾 (K)、钙 (Ca)、镁 (Mg) 和硫 (S)。从历史上看，它很少用作肥料，但在英国开设一个新矿将使更多的可用量。因此，对使用杂卤石或选定的商业替代品施肥的作物的性能进行检查是相关的，并在此报告。 2013 年至 2016 年期间进行了四次田间试验，以调查冬大麦的反应。大麦L.) 和饲用玉米 (玉米L.) 对杂卤石、氯化钾（钾盐，MOP）和硫酸钾（硫酸钾，SOP）肥料的不同施用率。钾和硫营养是这些试验的重点，因为它们比镁和钙更容易限制田间生产。杂卤石被发现是作物生产中钾和硫的有效来源。在四分之三的试验中，与 MOP 和 SOP 相比，杂卤石的应用导致了相似或更高的 K 吸收；在一项试验中，施用 MOP 导致了更大的 K 吸收。在四分之三的试验中，与 MOP 和 SOP 相比，杂卤石的应用产生了相似或更好的硫吸收；在一项试验中，SOP 应用导致 S 摄取量增加。杂卤石和 MOP 处理在所有四项试验中产生相似的总干重，但略逊于 SOP 处理。