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The growing popularity of cold-brewed coffee has resulted in large amounts of localized spent coffee grounds (SCG) generated from production plants. Spent coffee grounds offer many favorable agronomic properties, but also contain caffeine, tannins and phenolic compounds that may be deleterious to plant growth. There is a growing body of research examining the effects of SCG on plants, but little of which pertains to use in turfgrass systems. The objective of this two-year field study was to evaluate the feasibility of using SCG as an agronomic source of nutrients for turfgrass. Field studies were conducted over two years to characterize performance of 'Riley's Super Sport' (Celebration®) bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) receiving multiple nutrient source treatments including fresh and composted SCG, as well as synthetic, natural organic, and bridge fertilizers, some which included SCG. Soils were analyzed at the conclusion of the study to determine whether SGC provided long-term effects of on soil pH and/or nutrient concentrations. Our results demonstrated that although SCG possesses between 2.3-2.9% N and a favorable C:N ratio, direct SCG applications over two seasons did not produce responses typical of a fertilizer when applied as a topdressing. However, when combined with poultry litter, the SCG-containing organic fertilizer GeoJava produced improved turf quality relative to other organic and synthetic commercial fertilizers in our study, including Milorganite, ammonium sulfate, and URI-PEL S.R. Further, despite the acidic nature of SCG, their repeated application over multiple years did not result in any long-term changes to soil pH. Although early on, SCG treatments caused mild and transient phytotoxicity, these effects were not observed when it was applied in combination with the manure used in GeoJava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for crops, the excessive application of fertilizers has gradually become a significant factor affecting water quality. Therefore, studying the relationship between agricultural fertilizer runoff and water quality is crucial for the sustainable development of agricultural production. The present study sets up a new dynamic model of nitrogen fertilizer loss, introducing variables such as precipitation, fertilization application during dry and rainy seasons, and their lagged and interaction terms. The paper analyzed the issue of fertilizer runoff under the complex interactions of various factors, including spatial and temporal scales and climatic conditions, and explored the relationship between agricultural activities and water quality changes in the context of sustainable development. Due to Hainan Island's independent river system, which is free from transboundary pollution, and its low level of industrial pollution, it provides an excellent sample for assessing the impact of agricultural non-point source pollution on water quality. Based on watershed monitoring data from Hainan Island, this study draws the following conclusions: 1. Precipitation exhibits a pronounced seasonal influence on total nitrogen concentration. 2. Nitrogen fertilizer enters into water bodies through precipitation, resulting in a lag effect on total nitrogen concentration. 3. The influence of grain and tropical crops on nitrogen loss is less significant, while cash crops will trigger the nitrogen overloading of rivers in scenarios where they account for a high proportion of the planting structure of the sown area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An importance of tillage, inorganic and organic nutrient sources in the mustard - soybean cropping system lies in their ability to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, optimize crop growth and yield, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Any cropping system's sustainability could be increased by implementing better management techniques like zero and reduced tillage with residue retention and better nutrient sources. Results: A field experiment was conducted for four consecutive seasons (Winter 2019 to Rainy 2021) to compare the two enhanced management practices, zero and reduced tillage to conventional tillage across four levels of nutrient sources: 75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash in a two years experiment. Experiment results were evaluated in terms of nutrient status, profitability and productivity of Mustard-Soybean cropping system. The results show a substantial improvement in yield, nutrient status, and overall yield performance of mustard and soybean when using the full recommended dose of fertilizers combined with reduced tillage and mulching, compared to other treatment methods. The implementation of reduced tillage practices recorded significantly higher yield of mustard and soybean over conventional and zero tillage. Conclusion: System productivity and profitability i.e. mustard equivalent yield, productivity, gross returns, net returns, profitability and B: C (benefit: cost) was found to be improved with reduced tillage and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer under reduced tillage practices. To enhance cropping system productivity in various sub-humid regions worldwide, farmers can adopt reduced tillage techniques combined with the full recommended dose of fertilizers (100% RDF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Organic fertilizers (OF) are crucial for enhancing soil quality and fostering plant growth, offering a more eco-friendly and enduring solution compared to chemical fertilizers (CF). However, few studies have systematically analyzed the effects of OF/CF on root microbiome of medicinal plants, especially in combination with active ingredients. Methods: In this study, we investigated the composition and function of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere or within the root of traditional Chinese medicinal plants, Citri Grandis Exocarpium (Huajuhong), which were treated with OF or CF over 1, 3, and 5 years (starting from 2018). Additionally, we conducted metabolome analysis to evaluate the effects of different fertilizers on the medicinal properties of Huajuhong. Results: The results indicated that extended fertilization could enhance the microbial population and function in plant roots. Notably, OF demonstrated a stronger influence on bacteria, whereas CF enhanced the cohesion of fungal networks and the number of fungal functional enzymes, and even potentially reduced the proliferation of harmful rhizosphere pathogens. By adopting distancebased redundancy analysis, we identified the key physicochemical characteristics that significantly influence the distribution of endophytes, particularly in the case of OF. In contrast, CF was found to exert a more pronounced impact on the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome. Although the application of OF resulted in a broader spectrum of compounds in Huajuhong peel, CF proved to be more efficacious in elevating the concentrations of flavonoids and polysaccharides in the fruit. Discussion: Consequently, the effects of long-term application of OF or CF on medicinal plants is different in many ways. This research provides a guide for OF/CF selection from the perspective of soil microecology and aids us to critically assess and understand the effects of both fertilizers on the soil environment, and promotes sustainable development of organic agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal for Scientific Publishing is the property of Research & Development of Human Recourses Center (REMAH) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Green peel of walnut (J. regia L.) is considered as one of the agricultural wastes, while it contains significant amounts of bioactive compounds and minerals. The aim was to evaluate the cytochemistry and the amount of minerals in these peels in order to estimate their possible uses. Mature Persian walnut fruits were collected from a village in the Kerman province of Iran. The green peels were used for manual sectioning and staining. Large amounts of starch and calcium oxalate were seen in peel cells. Carbohydrates were abundant in epidermal cells and superficial areas. Cells in the middle and inner layers had high levels of phenolic compounds. The concentration of tannins in cells of the epidermis, parenchyma, and phloem tissues was notably high. Assessment of mineral elements in peels was performed by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. Potassium had the highest amount; calcium was the second most abundant element, followed by phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, silicon, iron, sodium, aluminum, strontium, titanium, copper, magnesium, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, and nickel, respectively. The great point was that walnut peel can be a complete plant fertilizer, a subject that has not been reported previously. Because fertilizers in the market contain the same elements and almost the same amount of each element similar to walnut peels, as future perspectives, the extraction of minerals and bioactive substances of these peels and investigation of their effects on the growth of model plants are needed. If the results are satisfactory, chemical fertilizer preparation from walnut peels can be economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plant seeds from weeds and energy crops have the potential to survive anaerobic digestion (AD). Species able to form physically dormant, i.e., hardseeded (HS) seeds seem particularly resistant. However, it is not yet known to what extent the storage of the digestate after AD affects seed viability. Methods: Seed survival of five HS and six non-HS (NHS) species was investigated in three combinations of digestate storage (DS) and AD. First, untreated seeds were exposed to DS for maximum 12 weeks. To simulate short-circuited AD (ADshort) in biogas reactors, seeds were second subjected to lab-scale AD for 1 day before DS. Third, seeds of six species were exposed to full-scale AD (ADfull) followed by DS. Seed viability was determined using a combination of germination tests and tetrazolium staining. Viability was modeled as a function of exposure time. Results and discussion: Seed viability was affected by DS, AD and AD + DS, but responses varied greatly between species and treatments. With increasing exposure time, viability decreased after a lag-phase, remained stable or even increased. The NHS species Cichorium intybus , Daucus carota , Echium vulgare , and Verbascum thapsus were most susceptible, with seed-killing close to 100% if DS was involved. The HS species Malva sylvestris , Melilotus albus and Melilotus officinalis were most resistant. They survived all treatments and were alive after 35 days of ADfull plus 3 months of DS. The resistance potential of the HS species Abutilon theophrasti and Malva alcea and of the NHS species Chenopodium album and two tomato varieties was intermediate. None of them survived ADfull + DS, but except A. theophrasti they were viable after ADshort + DS. With few exceptions, seed-killing by AD + DS was higher than that by AD alone. In conclusion, DS and AD + DS have the potential to reduce seed viability, but do not completely inactivate all species. Therefore, digestate can be contaminated with viable seeds and may lead to the spread of weeds, especially after a short-circuited AD. In order to ensure the sustainable use of digestates in terms of weeds, we recommend to investigate the factors contributing to seed inactivation and the quantity of seed introduced to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences is the property of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences is the property of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Plant seeds from weeds and energy crops have the potential to survive anaerobic digestion (AD). Species able to form physically dormant, i.e., hardseeded (HS) seeds seem particularly resistant. However, it is not yet known to what extent the storage of the digestate after AD affects seed viability. Methods: Seed survival of five HS and six non-HS (NHS) species was investigated in three combinations of digestate storage (DS) and AD. First, untreated seeds were exposed to DS for maximum 12 weeks. To simulate short-circuited AD (ADshort) in biogas reactors, seeds were second subjected to lab-scale AD for 1 day before DS. Third, seeds of six species were exposed to full-scale AD (ADfull) followed by DS. Seed viability was determined using a combination of germination tests and tetrazolium staining. Viability was modeled as a function of exposure time. Results and discussion: Seed viability was affected by DS, AD and AD + DS, but responses varied greatly between species and treatments. With increasing exposure time, viability decreased after a lag-phase, remained stable or even increased. The NHS species Cichorium intybus, Daucus carota, Echium vulgare, and Verbascum thapsus were most susceptible, with seed-killing close to 100% if DS was involved. The HS species Malva sylvestris, Melilotus albus and Melilotus officinalis were most resistant. They survived all treatments and were alive after 35 days of ADfull plus 3 months of DS. The resistance potential of the HS species Abutilon theophrasti and Malva alcea and of the NHS species Chenopodium album and two tomato varieties was intermediate. None of them survived ADfull + DS, but except A. theophrasti they were viable after ADshort + DS. With few exceptions, seed-killing by AD + DS was higher than that by AD alone. In conclusion, DS and AD + DS have the potential to reduce seed viability, but do not completely inactivate all species. Therefore, digestate can be contaminated with viable seeds and may lead to the spread of weeds, especially after a short-circuited AD. In order to ensure the sustainable use of digestates in terms of weeds, we recommend to investigate the factors contributing to seed inactivation and the quantity of seed introduced to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although chemical fertilization has gained a lot of attention due to its ability to increase the yield of fruit trees, it has been known to cause numerous environmental problems such as soil deterioration, alleviating beneficial microorganisms, and reducing fruit quality and safety. Hence, today, we aim to reduce these problems by using eco-friendly and sustainable biostimulants to promote nutritional status, yield, and quality. The effect of wood vinegar (WV) on mango production has yet to be investigated. Therefore, a field trial was conducted during the 2023 and 2024 seasons to evaluate the regulatory effect of individual and combined application of wood vinegar (WV), seaweed extract (SW), and humic acid (HA) on the performance of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Ewais. The results revealed that all treatments had a pronounced effect and significantly improved the total chlorophyll content (107.7 and 106.6%), leaf N (2.02 and 2.23%), P (0.38 and 0.4), and K (1.07 and 1.13%), as well as enhancing the quality of mango fruits by increasing fruit length (11.68 and 12.38 cm), fruit width (7.8 and 8.59 cm), total sugars (40 and 37.3%), and TSS (21.9 and 20.8%) while reducing the total acidity (64.3 and 69.0%) in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively, compared with the control. Based on this study, the treatment of 2 L/ha seaweed + 2 L/ha humic acid + 2 L/ha wood vinegar combined had the greatest effect on enhancing Ewais mango fruit yield by up-regulating leaf mineral acquisition, antioxidant response, and sugar accumulation. This study supports the application of HA and SW in combination with WV to improve mango fruit yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first attempt to assess the potential alternative use of fire extinguisher filler powder after its exhaustion has been investigated in the present research. The chemical composition of fire extinguisher filler powder, specifically type ABC 40%, consists of monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. As its nitrogen and phosphorus content is particularly high, the thought of its possible use as a fertilizer and/or a soil amendment is a challenge. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out and two leafy vegetables (spinach and lettuce) were used as biomarkers. Two soil samples from rural areas, one acidic (pH = 5.8 ± 0.1) and one alkaline (pH = 8.2 ± 0.7), were selected for the experiments. Filler powder from a used fire extinguisher was added to the soil samples in two levels (1 and 2% v/v). It was found that the addition of fire extinguisher filler powder caused no toxicity to either of the two plants studied. On the contrary, an increase in their above-ground biomass was observed, proportional to the amount of powder added. It was established that in the pots where the powder was added, in both plant species observed, the plant height, root length, and chlorophyll content of leaves increased, the total antioxidant capacity was enhanced, and the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate in the leaves and roots of plants also increased, compared to the soil without the addition of fire extinguisher powder. The early signs appear to be encouraging, as an increase was observed in almost all aspects. The mandatory end of the life cycle of the powder as a fire-extinguishing agent and its disposal is also a challenge in the context of the circular economy, as reducing the energy requirements for fertilizer production is one of the objectives of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plant seeds from weeds and energy crops have the potential to survive anaerobic digestion (AD). Species able to form physically dormant, i.e., hardseeded (HS) seeds seem particularly resistant. However, it is not yet known to what extent the storage of the digestate after AD affects seed viability. Methods: Seed survival of five HS and six non-HS (NHS) species was investigated in three combinations of digestate storage (DS) and AD. First, untreated seeds were exposed to DS for maximum 12 weeks. To simulate short-circuited AD (ADshort) in biogas reactors, seeds were second subjected to lab-scale AD for 1 day before DS. Third, seeds of six species were exposed to full-scale AD (ADfull) followed by DS. Seed viability was determined using a combination of germination tests and tetrazolium staining. Viability was modeled as a function of exposure time. Results and discussion: Seed viability was affected by DS, AD and AD + DS, but responses varied greatly between species and treatments. With increasing exposure time, viability decreased after a lag-phase, remained stable or even increased. The NHS species Cichorium intybus, Daucus carota, Echium vulgare, and Verbascum thapsus were most susceptible, with seed-killing close to 100% if DS was involved. The HS species Malva sylvestris, Melilotus albus and Melilotus officinalis were most resistant. They survived all treatments and were alive after 35 days of ADfull plus 3 months of DS. The resistance potential of the HS species Abutilon theophrasti and Malva alcea and of the NHS species Chenopodium album and two tomato varieties was intermediate. None of them survived ADfull + DS, but except A. theophrasti they were viable after ADshort + DS. With few exceptions, seed-killing by AD + DS was higher than that by AD alone. In conclusion, DS and AD + DS have the potential to reduce seed viability, but do not completely inactivate all species. Therefore, digestate can be contaminated with viable seeds and may lead to the spread of weeds, especially after a short-circuited AD. In order to ensure the sustainable use of digestates in terms of weeds, we recommend to investigate the factors contributing to seed inactivation and the quantity of seed introduced to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study (three years) was carried out to evaluate the outcome of various organic nutrient management technologies including farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) integrated with chemical fertilizers for microbial dynamics and growth and yield of rice at Experimental Farm of Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan. The most broadly grown rice variety, NIA-Shandar was selected for this study. The experiment involved integrating organic technologies, specifically Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Poultry Manure (PM), each applied at 10 tons per hectare. These organic technologies were combined with varying levels of inorganic fertilizers: half (60 kg N ha-1 and 45 kg P2O5 ha-1) and full (120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1) recommended doses. Additionally, zinc was applied at 10 kg ha-1 . The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to assess treatment effects. Both organic technologies perform better for microbial dynamics and rice growth and yield enhancement either alone technology or combined with chemical fertilizers during three rice seasons. The maximum general microbial abundance (9.70 log10 CFU g soil-1), N2 fixing (7.37 log10 CFU g soil-1), P solubilizing (7.97 log10 CFU g soil-1) and Zn solubilizing (6.75 log10 CFU g soil-1) population was recorded in FYM alone or with half N and P2O5 fertilizer application. The highest plant height (106 cm), tiller numbers (17.10), panicle numbers (26.53), panicle length (26.32 cm), one thousand grain weight (26.53 g) and rice grain yield (7.92 t ha-1 ) were perceived in FYM with full rate N and P2O5 fertilizer application. Both technologies along with chemical fertilizer induced soil properties and soil nutrients which reflected to increase soil microbial abundance and growth and yield of rice however, FYM showed higher potential than poultry manure during the three years rice cultivation seasons. Hence, it was indicated that a significant contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural technologies that prioritize soil health, environmental stewardship, and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The significance of stabilized use of fertilizers is more populous between the farmers to get higher quality of produce. In integrative agricultural system, integrated nutrient management (INM) provide best way to solve numerous issues regarding sustainability, improving quality, boosting yield and keeping good soil fertility in efficient and economical way. Cabbage is one of the most valued crop among cole group vegetables and it is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2 and B3, sulphur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium etc. Methods: Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers and growth retardant (cycocel) with different spacing in cabbage and carried out in factorial randomized block design at Experimental Farm Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.) during rabi season 2017-18 and 2018-19. Fertilizers with cycocel treatment increases the accumulation of various minerals and vitamins. Result: Result indicated that quality attributes of cabbage were found to be highest and significant in the treatment where 50% RDF (Inorganic Fertilizer) + 50% Organic (vermicompost) were applied at wider crop geometry (45 cm × 45 cm spacing) along with spraying of 300 ppm cycocel (growth retardant). Head yield of cabbage was positively correlated with various quality attributes. Application of vermicompost along with inorganic in head of the cabbage. The experimental findings indicated that reduction in the amount of inorganic fertilizer was not detrimental to quality of cabbage while applying the vermicompost in proper amount that is 50% in combination with inorganic fertilizers. It is evident that integration of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer at wider spacing under cycocel treatment enhances the quality of cabbage and also sustaining the fertility of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the oldest and most widely used crops in the world and is the most important source of human food that grows in a wide range of climatic conditions in the world. In arid and semi-arid regions, water is the main limitation. Iran is a dry and semi-arid country with limited precipitations. Therefore, the mean annual rainfall in Iran is even less than one third of the global average. There are many solutions for sustainability in agriculture, one of which is the use of biological fertilizers. Among these biofertilizers are mycorrhizal fungi. The symbiotic relationship between the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and the roots of the host plant significantly increases the growth and absorption of plant nutrients. In this research, the aim is to investigate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on improving the yield, yield components, and chlorophyll index of wheat by applying water deficit stress through increasing the interval of irrigation cycles. Materials and Methods This factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design in four replications in the research farm of the Azad Islamic University of Miandoab, northwestern Iran in 2021. The experimental factors included the application of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus species in three levels, control (without inoculation), inoculation with Glomus mosseae and inoculation with Glomus intraradices and three levels of irrigation regimes (i.e. irrigation after every 6, 13 and 20 days). Seeds of Elvand wheat cultivar were inoculated with mycorrhizal fungus, then the inoculated seeds were immediately planted into a depth of 3. Before planting, 15 tons/ha of manure and 25 kig of nitrogen fertilizer in the form of urea were uniformly applied to the soil. During the growing season, 50 kg of nitrogen fertilizer in the form of urea was used during the two stages of stem growth and spike formation. To measure wheat grain yield components, 10 plants were harvested and to determine grain yield and plant above- ground dry mass, 0.25 m-2 was taken from each plot. In this way, after removing two rows from each side and half a meter from the beginning and end of all rows as a margin, sampling of experimental units was done. The evaluated traits included the spikes/plant, grains/spike, the thousand-grain weight, plant aboveground dry mass, grain yield, harvest index, and greenness index Results and Discussion Results indicated that the effect of irrigation intervals and mycorrhiza fungus were significant for grains/spike, thousand-grain weight, grain yield, above-ground dry mass, harvest index, chlorophyll index, photosynthetic pigments and proline concentrations. G. mosseae species increased the grains/spike, thousand-grain weight, above-ground dry mass, harvest index, and chlorophyll concentration compared to G. intraradices species by 5.21, 9.73, 8.86, 6.96 and 4.08% and increased the above-mentioned attributes compared to the control by 29.94, 30.28, 39.68, 27.90 and 21.43%, respectively. The highest spikes/plant, grain yield, chlorophyll index and concentration of chlorophyll a belonged to irrigation interval of 6 days and inoculation with G. mosseae species with 6.34, 612.45 g m-2, 62.89 SPAD unit, and 0.306 mg g-1 FW, respectively. Prolongation of irrigation interval by creating water deficit stress caused the sterility of the spikes and significantly reduced the grains/spikes. The irrigation regime had a significant effect on the grain yield and by reducing the irrigation intervals, the grain yield was increased. The drought-induced decrease in grain yield stemmed from the decrease in green index, chlorophyll concentration, spikes/plant and grains/spike, leading to decrease in the harvest index. With increase in the irrigation interval, the concentration of chlorophyll a and b decreased, but the mycorrhizal inoculation led to significant increase in the concentration of chlorophyll a and b under water deficit stress. The plants inoculated with mycorrhizal fungus suffered less from water deficit stress than the non-colonized plants, and as a result, the concentration of proline increased less compared to the plants deprived from mycorrhizal fungus. According to these results, irrigation of wheat plants every 13 days and application of G. mosseae can produce the desirable grain yield, while decreasing water consumption for wheat production. Conclusions Mycorrhizal fungus increased the plant's resistance to drought stress by improving the absorption of water and nutrients under water stress deficit. G. mosseae was more effective in increasing the resistance of wheat against water deficit stress and as a result, it increased the grain yield, yield components, chlorophyll index and chlorophyll concentration of wheat to a greater extent compared to G. intraradices. In order to make the best use of water resources and soil nutrients, irrigation of wheat should be done every 13 days and must be accompanied by inoculation with G. mosseae to achieve an acceptable grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile waste is becoming among the most polluting waste in the world, discarded mostly in landfills. Valorizing textile waste via anaerobic digestion (AD) helps conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and foster a circular economy. Although several reviews have discussed textile waste AD, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the challenges encountered during textile waste AD. Therefore, the goal of this review is to focus on challenges encountered and possible solutions for those challenges for biogas and fertilizer conversion via AD. Potential strategies include chemical, biological, and thermal pretreatments that significantly increase the digestion process. Co‐digestion of natural textile waste, cotton, and wool with carbon and nitrogen‐rich substrates improves AD efficiency by twofold. Moreover, separating polyester from polycotton and textile dye removal via solvent and advanced oxidation processes significantly increases methane yield compared with untreated textile waste. This review can aid in analyzing suitable methods to optimize the biogas production of textile waste via AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer recommendation is the crucial factor to be considered in automation of agricultural predictions. Fertilizer fill the necessary portion of any farming region. There are some micronutrients and macro nutrients which need to be given to crops for proper growth. If fertilization is not done to an optimum level, it may badly harm the soil quality and crop health, so optimum fertilization is important. In this paper we discuss fertilizer and nutrient recommender, where we have used a new feature selection methodology. We have shown the difference between two implementation cases considering presence and absence of feature ranking and selection. Feature ranking and selection has clearly increased the efficiency of the fertilizer & nutrient recommender in our work from 85% to 98%. Feature selection & raking has been introduced with random forest approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates a novel method of utilizing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology for fertilizer production. Unlike traditional Direct Air Carbon Capture and Utilization (DACCU) technologies, Direct Air Carbon Capture for Fertilizers (FDAC) has the potential to produce fertilizers directly. This study aims to assess the feasibility of FDAC-based fertilizer production by examining the current state of traditional DAC technologies, evaluating the CO2 fixation potential of FDAC, and analyzing the decarbonization effect of producing fertilizers using FDAC. Our evaluation results indicate that CO2 emissions from producing 1 ton of conventional chemical fertilizer, FDAC fertilizer (current status), FDAC fertilizer with ingredient adjustment (sodium hydroxide), and FDAC fertilizer with ingredient adjustment (magnesium hydroxide) are 1.69, 1.12, 1.04, and 1.06 tons of CO2, respectively. The FDAC fertilizer (current status) emits 0.57 tons of CO2 per ton less than commercial fertilizers. FDAC fertilizers also have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions further when the fertilizer composition is adjusted, offering a promising solution for lowering the environmental impact of fertilizer production. Significant CO2 reduction can be expected by replacing conventional low-intensity chemical fertilizers with FDAC-produced fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Agricultural crop production practices are being developed for organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming systems. Developing efficient and resourceful crop fertilizers is significantly important for future agriculture. Various biofertilizers, such as animal manures, composts, and vegetable byproducts, have been successfully applied in agriculture. Anaerobic digestate, organic matter obtained from animal or plant waste processing during anaerobic digestion into biomass, has become popular due to its versatility, multiple purposes, and facile application methods. Digestate has recently been widely used in agriculture to enrich the soil with nutrients and thus increase crop yields. Several studies have shown that anaerobic digestate is a valuable fertilizer that can be used as a biofertilizer in field and greenhouse horticulture. Also, research has been carried out on the use of digestate in hydroponic horticulture. This review presents the research results and discusses the possibilities of using anaerobic digestate in greenhouse horticulture. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of digestate from various sources and its impact on the growth, progress, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dracocephalum moldavica L. is a herbaceous, annual plant from the Lamiaceae family that is native to Central Asia and domesticated in Central and Eastern Europe. Essential oil of this plant has antimicrobial and bacterial properties and has many uses in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and perfumery industries. Lead stress in plants causes disturbances in mitosis, leaf chlorosis, decreasing of the vegetative and productive growth stages and reduces photosynthesis and enzyme activities. One of the effects of lead toxicity is due to the similarity of the structure of calcium ions and lead, and for this reason, lead ions disrupt many mechanisms related to calcium ions and prevent the activity of key enzymes.Photosynthesis is one of the most sensitive metabolic processes to lead toxicity, and several studies have reported the inhibition of photosynthesis under lead stress in various plants. Lead prevents the absorption of elements such as magnesium and iron. These elements play a role in the structure of chlorophyll and the oxygen-releasing complex in photosystem II. Heavy metals such as lead inhibit chlorophyll biosynthesis by inhibiting the enzymes gamma-aminolevalonic acid dehydrogenase and protochlorophyll reductase. Also the availability of different nutrients in the soil changes significantly under the influence of environmental stress so that using of vermicompost can be useful in stress condition as well as Jasmonate. Jasmonate is the final oxidation product of unsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid, that is effective in increasing the activity of plant defense systems under environmental stress conditions such as lead stress. In order to study the effect of pb (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mg kg-1 soil) and jasmonate (0, 50, 100, 150 mmol l-1) on Dracocephalum moldavica L. under controlled conditions in soil enriched with vermicompost and without vermicompost an experiment designed and it was done under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods: This test was done in a random factorial design with 4 repeats and indices including CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency(WUE), PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), photosynthesis quantum performance, electron transfer rate (ETR), were measured in vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Results and discussion: In the conducted study, it was found that CO2 assimilation rate, water use efficienty, stomatal conductance and Fv/Fm were significantly decreased as lead concentration was increased. Also jasmonate treatment significantly increased CO2 assimilation rate, water use efficienty, stomatal conductance and Fv/Fm in lead stress condition. So that plant treated with 400 mg kg-1 soil pb and 0 mmol l-1 jasmonate showed the lowest CO2 assimilation rate, water use efficienty, stomatal conductance and Fv/Fm while plant treated with 0 mg kg-1 soil pb and 150 mmol l-1 jasmonate showed the highest CO2 assimilation rate, water use efficienty, stomatal conductance and Fv/Fm. transpiration rate was significantly increased as well as increasing pb concentration so that plant treated with 400 mg kg-1 soil pb showed the highest transpiration rate. Also jasmonate treatment significantly decreased transpiration rate in lead stress condition. Vermicompost increased CO2 assimilation rate, water use efficienty, electron transfer rate (ETR) and significantly decreased transpiration rate in lead stress condition. Jasmonate reduces the destructive effects caused by stress on photosynthetic indicators such as the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids and also increases the performance of photosystem II and consequently increases plant photosynthesis under stress conditions. It has been reported that methyl jasmonate can maintain the concentration of chlorophyll in the reaction center, thereby improving the speed of electron transfer and increasing the efficiency of photosystem II. In addition, jasmonate can prevent the severe reduction of stomatal conductance under stress conditions and increase the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis. In the response of plants to stress, jasmonates act as genes encoding inhibitory proteins such as theonine, hydroxyproline and proline, and in general, by activating defense mechanisms, they help the plant in reducing the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals. Organic fertilizers can also improve plant performance under environmental stress conditions. Vermicompost fertilizer increases porosity, increases absorption and retention of nutrients, improves ventilation, drainage and microbial activity in the soil. Conclusion: Having nutritious mineral elements and plant growth hormones can improve plant growth in the presence of environmental pollutants such as heavy metals by influencing the physiological characteristics. It can be said based on the results obtained lead stress decreased photosynthesis index through effect on electron transport chain and photosynthetic pigments while jasmonate treatment and Soil enriched with vermicompost can reduce the destructive effects of lead stress. So that using of jasmonate and vermicompost in lead stress condition Recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of fertilization and irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in saline–alkali soil and its underlying mechanisms are critical issues given the constraints that soil salinization places on agricultural development and crop quality. This study addressed these issues by investigating the effects of adjusting organic fertilizer types, proportions, and irrigation volumes on the physicochemical properties of lightly to moderately saline–alkali soils and analyzing the interaction mechanisms between microorganisms and heavy metals. The results indicate that the rational application of organic fertilizers combined with supplemental irrigation can mitigate soil salinity accumulation and water deficits, and reduce the soil pH, thereby enhancing soil oxidation, promoting nitrogen transformation and increasing nitrate–nitrogen levels. As the proportion of organic fertilizers increased, heavy metal residues, enrichment, and risk indices in the crop grains also increased. Compared to no irrigation, supplemental irrigation of 22 mm during the grain-filling stage increased soil surface Cd content, Zn content, and the potential ecological risk index (HRI) by 10.2%, 3.1%, and 8%, respectively, while simultaneously reducing the heavy metal content in grains by 12–13.5% and decreasing heavy metal enrichment. Principal component analysis revealed the primary factors influencing Cu and Zn residues and Cd accumulation in the crop grains. Soil salinity was significantly negatively correlated with soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen, whereas soil organic matter, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, soil pH, oxidation–reduction potential, soluble nitrogen, and microbial biomass nitrogen were positively correlated. The accumulation and residues of Zn and Cu in the soil were more closely correlated with the soil properties compared to those of Cd. Specifically, Zn accumulation on the soil surface was primarily related to aliphatic organic functional groups, followed by soil salinity. Residual Zn in the crop grains was primarily associated with soil oxidation–reduction properties, followed by soil moisture content. The accumulation of Cu on the soil surface was mainly correlated with the microbial biomass carbon (MBC), whereas the residual Cu in the crop grains was primarily linked to the soil moisture content. These findings provide theoretical insights for improving saline–alkali soils and managing heavy metal contamination, with implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is a synthesis of suitable hydrogel to produce slow‐release fertilizer using recycled cellulose which is obtained from waste paper. For this purpose, initially, we extracted alpha cellulose from waste paper and modified it to obtain carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Then, the CMC was converted to a suitable hydrogel through in situ graft copolymerization of acrylic acid and vinyl acetate in the presence of methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinker. The various factors that affect hydrogel synthesis, such as the amounts of CMC, monomers, initiator, and crosslinker, were evaluated. In the optimized formulation, the weight ratio of monomers to CMC is 7, the molar ratio of monomers to each other is 1, and the crosslinker is used as 3 molar percent of monomers. The products were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope analyses. The swelling behavior of the synthesized hydrogels was evaluated in different environments, such as distilled water, tap water, salt water, and different pH levels. The swelling ratio increases with an increase in pH level. Between the synthesized hydrogels, the best one was selected for slow‐release fertilizer production and loaded with 20‐20‐20 fertilizer (NPK), and the release behavior was evaluated. In an alkaline pH, there was a long time for NPK release within a slow‐release medium and even after 361 h, the release process was continued. Also, the performance of the fertilizer‐loaded hydrogel in soil using water holding capacity and water retention ratio tests were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomy biofortification is an important crop management strategy to enhance concentrations of micronutrients in edible portions. The availability of micronutrients for plant uptake is reduced by the high salinity, pH, and lime of soils. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate time and the best ratio of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) consumption during the wheat growth stages in a saline and calcareous soil. The experiment consisted of two factors with four levels; 0, 30, 60, and 120 kg Zn ha−1 as Zn0, Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3 respectively, and 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 kg Fe ha−1 as Fe0, Fe1, Fe2, and Fe3 respectively, in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that the interaction effects of Fe and Zn fertilizers application were significant on the wheat yield indices and concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat shoots and grain. The simultaneous application of 120 kg Zn ha−1 and 5 kg Fe ha−1 caused significant improvement (p < 0.05) in thousand kernel weight (9.1%) and subsequently grain yield (23.4%) compared to the control treatment. The Zn concentration in the wheat shoot during tillering (37.0–58.2 mg Zn kg−1) was higher than the other two growth stages (elongation (29.2–40.8 mg Zn kg−1) and booting (20.0–31.0 mg Zn kg−1)). While the highest Fe concentration in wheat shoots was observed at the stem elongation stage (98.5–268.8 mg Fe kg−1), then the booting stage (91.0–150.8 mg Fe kg−1) and finally the least absorption was at the tillering (80.0–120.0 mg Fe kg−1). Because of the high calcium carbonate, salinity and Zn- deficient soil of the experimental site, the Zn concentration in wheat grain was obtained in a range of 3 to 19 mg kg−1. The results clarified that the fertilizer application of 30 kg Zn ha−1 and 2.5 kg Fe ha−1 can be proportionally and simultaneously increased the concentration of Fe and Zn in wheat grain by 100%. Therefore, the soil application of 30 kg Zn and 2.5 kg Fe per hectare proposed for improvement in quantitative (619 kg ha−1 increase in wheat grain yield) and qualities (100% increase in grain Zn and Fe concentration and 8% increase in thousand kernel weight) indices of wheat yield in calcareous and saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the wall thickness and specific surface area (SBET) of ammonium nitrate(V) samples of varying provenance. The research focuses on both fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate(V) and three porous prill samples obtained from different manufacturers. The samples were analyzed using tomography scanning and two distinct porosimetry methods. The wall thickness analysis revealed that fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate(V) possesses thicker walls, ranging from 0.05 to 0.40 mm, compared to porous prill-type ammonium nitrate(V), which predominantly exhibited wall thicknesses between 0.05 and 0.025 mm, with occasional thicker regions up to 0.040 mm. These variations in wall thickness are likely attributable to differences in manufacturing processes and prilling conditions specific to the ammonium nitrate(V) porous prill-type samples. The specific surface area (SBET), derived from nitrogen adsorption measurements, indicated that the samples exhibited surface areas ranging from 0.011 to 0.466 m2·g, suggesting that these samples do not exhibit particularly high absorption capacities. However, the SBET values obtained from the mercury intrusion method suggested significantly higher absorption capacities, falling within the range of 4.87–18.29 m2·g. These findings suggest that mercury porosimetry may provide a more accurate assessment of the porosity and absorption potential of ammonium nitrate(V) samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in maintaining or increasing soil fertility and quality in paddy field, but there is limited information about how SOC mineralization responds to different fertilizer managements under the double-cropping rice system in southern China. Therefore, this study was designed to explore changes in SOC content, soil enzyme activities, SOC mineralization at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers, and its relationship with long-term fertilizer managements in a double-cropping rice system of southern China. The experiment included four fertilizer treatments: chemical fertilizer alone (CF), rice straw and chemical fertilizer (RS+F), 30% organic manure and 70% chemical fertilizer (OM+F), and without fertilizer input as a control (Con). These results showed that SOC and labile organic carbon contents at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers in paddy field with RS+F and OM+F treatments were increased, compared to CF and Con treatments. Compared with Con treatment, SOC mineralization rate and accumulation with CF, RS+F, and OM+F treatments were increased. SOC accumulation and potential mineralization at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers with RS+F and OM+F treatments were increased, compared with CF and Con treatments. SOC mineralization rate and accumulation at 0–10 cm layer with CF, RS+F, OM+F, and Con treatments were higher than that of 10–20 cm layer. These results indicated that soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities in paddy field with RS+F and OM+F treatments were significantly higher than that of CF and Con treatments. There was a significant positive relationship between SOC accumulation and SOC content, soil invertase, cellulose, urease activities but were significant negative correlated with soil pH, bulk density. As a result, these were beneficial practices for improving SOC content and SOC mineralization in a double-cropping rice field of southern China by combined application of rice residue or organic matter with chemical fertilizer managements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), renowned for its applications in environmental, industrial, and medicinal fields, is critically evaluated in this comprehensive review focusing on the impacts of chemical and organic fertilizers on its cultivation. As hemp re-emerges as a crop of economic significance, the choice between chemical and organic fertilization methods plays a crucial role in determining not only yield but also the quality and sustainability of production. This article examines the botanical characteristics of hemp, optimal growth conditions, and the essential biochemical processes for its cultivation. A detailed comparative analysis is provided, revealing that chemical fertilizers, while increasing yield by up to 20% compared to organic options, may compromise the concentration of key phytochemicals such as cannabidiol by approximately 10%, highlighting a trade-off between yield and product quality. The review presents quantitative assessments of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) from both fertilizer types, noting that K significantly influences the synthesis of terpenes and cannabinoids, making it the most impactful element in the context of medicinal and aromatic hemp varieties. Optimal rates and timing of application for these nutrients are discussed, with a focus on maximizing efficiency during the flowering stage, where nutrient uptake directly correlates with cannabinoid production. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the U.S. industrial hemp market are addressed, noting that reducing production costs and improving processing infrastructure is essential for sustaining industry growth, especially given the slow expansion in fiber and cannabidiol markets due to processing bottlenecks. The review concludes that while chemical fertilizers may offer immediate agronomic benefits, transitioning towards organic practices is essential for long-term environmental sustainability and market viability. The future of the hemp industry, while promising, will depend heavily on advancements in genetic engineering, crop management strategies, and regulatory frameworks that better support sustainable cultivation practices. This nuanced approach is vital for the industry to navigate the complex trade-offs between productivity, environmental health, and economic viability in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present work was to assess the ecotoxicological safety of the use of thermochemically treated sewage sludge from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of a distillery plant as a soil additive in agricultural soils based on its physicochemical characteristics and the bioaccumulation of selected elements in the plant tissues of maize (Zea mays). We have carried out physicochemical characterization (pH, EC, Corg, Cinorg, CEC, N, H, ash content, PAHs) of sewage sludge feedstock (SS) and sludge-derived biochar (BC) produced by slow pyrolysis at a temperature of 400 °C. The effect of 1% (w/w) amendment of SS and BC on soil physicochemical properties (pH, EC, Cinorg), germination of ryegrass, soil rhizobacteria and microorganisms, as well as on the accumulation and translocation of selected elements in maize (Zea mays) was studied. The results show that pyrolysis treatment of distillery WWTP sludge at 400 °C increases pH (from 7.3 to 7.7), Corg(from 28.86% to 36.83%), N (from 6.19% to 7.53%), ash content (from 23.59% to 50.99%) and decreases EC (from 2.35 mS/cm to 1.06 mS/cm), CEC (from 118.66 cmol/kg to 55.66 cmol/kg), H (from 6.76% to 1.98%) and Σ18 PAHs content (from 4.03 mg/kg to 3.38 mg/kg). RFA analysis of SS and BC showed that pyrolysis treatment multiplies chromium (Cr) (2.2 times), nickel (Ni) (2.96 times), lead (Pb) (2.13 times), zinc (Zn) (2.79 times), iron (Fe) (1.26 times) in the obtained BC, but based on an ecotoxicological test with earthworms Eisenia fetida, we conclude that pyrolysis treatment reduced the amount of available forms of heavy metals in BC compared to SS. We demonstrated by a pot experiment with a maize that a 1% addition of BC increased soil pH, decreased EC and Cinorg and had no significant effect on heavy metal accumulation in plant tissues. According to the results of the three-level germination test, it also does not affect the germination of cress seeds (Lepidium sativum). There was a significant effect of 1% BC addition on soil microbial community, and we observed a decrease in total microbial biomass and an increase in fungal species variability in the soil. Based on these results, we conclude that BC represents a promising material that can serve as a soil additive and source of nutritionally important elements after optimization of the pyrolysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is considered one of the essential elements for legumes as it increases nitrogen fixation due to nodulation. Hence, for high productivity in legumes, it should be added as inorganic or organic fertilizer to soils containing insufficient phosphorus. Especially in recent years, using inorganic and organic fertilizers together has gained importance in terms of sustainable agriculture, considering plant growth and soil and environmental health together. The effects of three different doses of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 50, 100 kg P2O5 ha-1), and two different doses of poultry manure (0, 3 t ha-1) applications with two different doses (B0 or B1) of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium M-3) inoculation on hay yield and yield components of common vetch were examined in this study. In fact, while the highest hay yield and crude protein rate were obtained by bacterial inoculation together with phosphorus fertilizer application, the effect of poultry manure application on yield and yield parameters was variable. Instead, the applications had no significant effect on the number of main branches, ADF and NDF rates. Consequently, the application of 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 together with Bacillus megaterium inoculation can be recommended for high hay yield in common vetch under irrigated conditions in areas with poor or medium soils in terms of phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out under field conditions to determine the effect of PGPB on the yield and quality of Pulsar F1 eggplant variety under Igdir ecological conditions in 2021. The experiment was conducted with 8 treatments (Brevibacillus reuszeri strain IT 119, Kluyvera cyrocrescens strain IT 160, IT 119 + IT 160, IT 119 + Fertilizer, IT 160 + Fertilizer, IT 119 + IT 160 + Fertilizer, Fertilizer and Negative Control) with 3 replications according to the randomized block design. Bacterial strains were applied by inoculating 100 ml (106 cfu/ml) to the root zone of the plants during seedling stage. PGPB treatments increased total yield, discard yield, marketable yield, plant height, plant stem thickness, number of leaves, plant root wet weight, plant root dry weight, stem wet weight, stem dry weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit wet weight, fruit dry weight and root length compared to negative and positive control groups. The treatments had no effect on fruit diameter. Although both strains were found to be successful, especially Kluyvera cyrocrescens strain IT 160 alone and in combination showed positive effects in terms of the parameters examined in eggplant plants and has the potential to be used as biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of chemical fertilizers and fertilizers containing microorganisms on broccoli yield were examined. It is aimed to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer by using microorganisms. Mundo F1 Broccoli variety was used as plant material. The research was established according to the randomized block trial design with 3 treatments and 3 replications, and 20 plants were used in each replication. Applications: 1. Control: 100% chemical fertilization (U1), 2. Treatment II: 70% chemical fertilization + Microorganisms (U2), 3. Treatment II: 100% chemical fertilization + Microorganisms (U3). The aim of the study is the effects of chemical fertilizers and microorganisms on plant growth and development; To examine the effect of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and yield. It was concluded that the number of leaves, plant height and stem diameter generally increased in the plots where microorganisms were applied. When the results were evaluated in terms of yield compared to the control treatment, U2 treatment increased yield by 20% and U1 treatment increased yield by 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) plays an integral part in Iowa's economic and environmental activities through its role as an essential nutrient and waterborne pollutant. However, the amount of phosphorus transported through these activities has not been well quantified. This study estimates the annual mass of P entering and exiting Iowa's landscape from 1998 to 2022 through seven transport pathways. Four input pathways (fertilizer application, manure production, industrial sources, and human sources) and three output pathways (harvesting, livestock grazing, and stream export) were quantified using various agricultural, economic, and water quality datasets. We also estimated the total mass of P present in the top 0.61 m layer of Iowa's landscape using results from a statewide soil sampling survey. The harvest component was the largest, with annual values consistently above 200 million kg. This was followed by the fertilizer and manure components, with annual values near 100 million kg. The other components were much smaller; the mean grazing and stream export values were 15 and 19 million kg, respectively, and human and industrial sources were less than 4 million kg. Stream export was the most dynamic pathway, with the largest coefficient of variation (0.59). The net P budget (inputs–outputs) was negative in 20 of the 25 years assessed, indicating that Iowa typically runs a P deficit. A trend analysis revealed that the manure, human, industry, and harvesting components increased across the 1998–2022 period while the grazing component decreased. The mass of P in Iowa's top layer of soil was 81.5 billion kg—orders of magnitude larger than any individual budget component. This analysis provides a new perspective on P transport pathways in Iowa and may help inform policymakers as they make decisions on the many activities involving P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Slow-release fertilizer was developed by encapsulating NPK compound pellets with graphene oxide (GO) sheets employing a waterless synthesis technique. As-prepared GO sheets were characterized by XRD, Raman, XPS, FTIR, SEM, and EDS. The XRD patterns of the GO sheets indicate that the peak for the GO is observed at 2θ = 9.3°, and the peak (002) for graphite vanished. Moreover, a higher intensity ratio of the Raman ID/IG of the GO sheets than that of pristine graphite confirms the oxidation of the graphite. The FTIR and XPS analyses provided information on electronic structure, chemical structure, and oxygen-bonding neighbors. The SEM images indicated the GO sheet, whereby its morphology resembles a thin curtain or corrugated shape. The EDS spectrum of coated GO-F pellets revealed the distribution of C, O, N, P, and K elements in the synthesized materials. Afterwards, GO shell formation on fertilizer pellets greatly improved the slow-release characteristics of fertilizer, thus providing plants with their requisite nutrients and reducing environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mined rock phosphate is expected to become a scarce resource within the next few decades as global phosphorus (P) deposits are declining. As a result, mineral P fertilizer will be less available and more expensive. Therefore, improved knowledge is needed on other P resources, for example, apatite fertilizers derived from the by‐products of iron mining. Forestry is a potential future consumer of apatite‐rich products with the aim of obtaining more wood per hectare. The actual P availability in apatite to plants has so far been barely quantified. We therefore examined tree P uptake using 33P apatite under chamber‐grown and outdoor conditions. We examined the P uptake for the two main conifer species spruce (Picea abies) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) used in Fenno‐Scandinavian forestry. We synthesized 33P‐enriched apatite and applied it to mesocosms with growing seedlings of spruce and pine. The P uptake from 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite was subsequently traced by (bio)imaging of radioactivity in the plants and by liquid scintillation counting (LSC) upon destructive harvest in all plant fractions (leaves, stem and roots) and rhizosphere soil. Two climatic conditions were compared, one at natural outdoor conditions and one set as 5°C warmer than the climate record from the previous years. Plant P uptake from 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite was enhanced in chamber‐grown compared with outdoor seedlings for both tree species. This uptake was manifested in the clear radioactive images obtained over ca. 1 month after soil apatite application. Furthermore, all aboveground plant fractions of both spruce and pine seedlings showed a higher P uptake in warmer than colder daytime environments. The observed quantities and rates of P uptake from 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite by spruce (18 Bq g−1 hour−1) and pine (83 Bq g−1 hour−1; averages in chamber condition) are as to our knowledge unique observations. Natural forest soils in Sweden are often P‐poor. Our research suggests that apatite‐based P fertilization of spruce and pine forests can increase wood production by overcoming any existing P limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the observation of nutrient release rates from slow-release and regular fertilizers combined with the percolation rate in the soil is scarce. This work aims to observe potassium and phosphate release behavior from slow-release and regular fertilizer, followed by the percolation of that nutrient in the soil. The characteristics of the soil were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The concentration of potassium and phosphate in soil is analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), respectively. The release rate of nutrients from slow-release fertilizer is 6 to 8 times slower than regular fertilizer. Meanwhile, the rate of nutrients released from slow-release and regular fertilizer followed by soil percolation matches the quadratic equation. Potassium adsorption on the soil surface is significantly higher than that of potassium. The negativity of soil polarity contributed to the high level of potassium adsorption on soil particle surfaces. The low phosphate adsorption capability of magnetite and the negativity of soil polarity contributed to the soil's low phosphate adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies mature, the concept of a low-carbon or net-zero-carbon economy becomes more and more feasible. While many chemical and energy products do not contain carbon in their compounds, the upstream production process does. An added CCS module allows the removal of carbon emissions from the production process, which expands the value chain. This paper focuses on one of such commodities—low-carbon-intensity ammonia (LCIA). Even though ammonia is carbon-free in its final product, it is commonly made from natural gas, and the production process could generate significant carbon emissions. The idea of LCIA is to reduce the carbon footprint of the ammonia production process (e.g., blue ammonia) or eliminate carbon from the production process (e.g., green ammonia via electrolysis) so that the entire supply chain is decarbonized. The goal of this paper is two-fold. We first explore the US domestic market and the international market for LCIA. We then discuss relevant federal and local policies that could help grow markets for LCIA. The agricultural sector will be the center of the discussion, which consumes an estimated 70–90% of the global ammonia supply as fertilizers. The paper also examines other potential uses of LCIA, such as alternative fuels for decarbonizing agricultural machinery and transportation sectors. Finally, we argue that developing a comprehensive LCIA value chain, supported by dedicated policy measures and broad stakeholder engagement, is critical for materializing the potential of LCIA in contributing to a climate-resilient and sustainable economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the most important by-product of breweries. Currently, the primary method of recycling BSG is through its use in livestock feed production, due to its high fiber content, non-degradable protein, and water-soluble vitamins. Nonetheless, composting, vermicomposting, and biochar production pathways offer promising alternatives for managing this organic byproduct. Methods: BSG-based substrates were evaluated as bio-fertilizers for use during the transplantation of Lactuca sativa L. and without additional fertilization at the end of the crop cycle. Biochar (B), vermicompost (V), compost (CP), and compost enriched with a microbial consortium (CPE), each mixed at 2 and 4% with peat, were compared with two control treatments: 100% peat (C1) and peat with ternary chemical fertilizer (C2). The experiment was designed with six replicates, half of which were inoculated with Sclerotinia sclerotiorummycelium during transplantation to assess the contribution of different substrates to pathogen resistance. Results: Overall, it was found that the control treatment C2 was the most effective, yielding the greatest plant height at the seedbed stage and the best results across all parameters at harvest. The V 4%, CP 4%, and CPE 4% treatments showed similar results without significant differences compared to the control. At the end of the seedbed phase, plants treated with CP 4% and CPE 4% exhibited the most substantial root development, with statistically significant differences from all other treatments. Moreover, the CPE 4% treatment demonstrated superior performance, resulting in statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the chlorophyll content (a and b) and carotenoid parameters when compared to the control treatment C2. The interaction between the treatment and the pathogen was statistically significant only for the carotenoid content in the CPE 4% treatment and for the flavonoid content in most of the treatments. Discussion: The most promising results were obtained at the nursery phase, highlighting the potential use of processed BSG-based substrates as bio- fertilizers. These products provided plants with both a growth substrate and nutrients, effectively contributing to waste recycling and aligning with the principles of a circular economy. Additional studies are required to investigate the potential use of brewer's spent grain as bio-fertilizers in other vegetable crop species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nutrient-rich water in aquaponic systems cannot supply growing plants with all the required trace elements, supplementation with specific fertilizers is performed to make up for this deficit. While chelated fertilizers such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-zinc disodium complex (Zn-EDTA) are becoming more popular in this context for improving plant growth in aquaponic systems, little is known about their effects on fish. During two experiments, a total of 576 individuals of catfish fry (0.19 g) and fingerlings (220.01 g) of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus; Burchell, 1822) were kept separately for 32 days under experimental aquarium conditions. The fry was exposed to 0.125 and 0.5 mg/L, while the fingerlings were exposed to 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L Zn-EDTA in a plantless aquaponic system. The third treatment group consisted of a control group without Zn-EDTA. The growth, mortality, and ethological indicators were assessed for all growth stages, while the leukocyte distribution and histopathological changes were additionally determined for the fingerlings. As the feed intake in the experiment was limited, the investigations were focused on the effects of Zn-EDTA and not on the growth process of a respective fish growth stage. While the growth, mortality, and behavior were not significantly different in both growing stages, the number of mature neutrophils changed significantly in all treatments in fingerlings. Zn was not detected in the histologically investigated organs at the tested concentrations using the staining method. However, morphological alterations of the gill epithelium were found on the secondary lamellae. Quantitative multiplex PCR was used to simultaneously evaluate the expression of 17 genes related to Zn metabolism and stress physiology in head kidney samples. The transcripts of several selected genes changed by up to 70-fold. Due to high individual variances, only the copy numbers of the KMT2A (lysinespecific methyltransferase 2a) gene were significantly different across treatment groups and sampling points. However, the present results indicate that the addition of Zn-EDTA at the tested concentrations can be considered relatively benign for the health and welfare of C. gariepinus, as no toxic effects of Zn-EDTAwere observed in moderately hard to hard water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of hydrogel and fertilizer as slow release fertilizer hydrogel (SRFH) has become one of the most promising materials to overcome the shortcomings of conventional fertilizer by decreasing fertilizer loss rate, supplying nutrients sustainably, and lowering the frequency of irrigation. The hydrogel based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) (CMC/PAA) was synthesized. All materials, Vinasse, hydrogel (CMC/PAA) and (Vinasse/CMC-PAA) were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The formed hydrogel was applied to control the salinity of Vinasse to use it as a cheap and economical fertilizer. The results showed that using the prepared hydrogel with Vinasse (V/CMC-PAA) as a slow-release organic fertilizer decreased the EC value through the first six hours from 1.77 to 0.35 mmohs/cm. Also, using V/CMC-PAA can control and keep the potassium as fertilizer for 50 days. The productivity per feddan from the sugar cane crop increased by about 15%, and the number of irrigations decreased from 5 to 4 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge is an important soil conditioner, and source of nutrients with a potential for use in agriculture. However, such benefit needs to be weighed against the risks due to the presence of heavy metals, and other substances that may endanger human health, plants, soil and the ecosystem. This research had the objective of evaluating the agricultural potential of sewage sludge together with the risks that may be present in use. Samples of sewage sludge from seven wastewater treatment plants in Eswatini were analyzed for selected physical and chemical parameters, and heavy metal concentrations using commonly established laboratory procedures. The analysis results indicated that, sludge samples exhibited high organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, macro nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and micro nutrients (trace metal elements) needed for plant growth. Anaerobically digested sludge samples showed higher carbon to nitrogen ratio because of biomass loss in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. The heavy metal concentrations are all within safe limits except the sludge from Matsapha area that had levels of chromium, and nickel above regulatory limits. With respect to their heavy metal contents, most of the sludge samples would qualify as Class A sludge ready to be used as organic fertilizer for agriculture without regular monitoring of heavy metals in the soil to which they are applied. The study results indicated the importance of sewage sludge for their agricultural potential through supplementation of both micro and macro nutrients needed for plant growth, for improving the soil properties such as water holding capacity and permeability, through the increase of organic matter content, and retention of nutrients due to the high cation exchange capacity. All these benefits are realized with sewage sludge being a lower cost alternative to commercial fertilizers. Moreover, the low concentration of heavy metals present in the sludge presents lower risk that may arise in the course of utilizing the sludge as agricultural supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource pool diversity hypothesis (RPDH) posits that organic systems that include diverse crop rotations, green manure and organic fertilizers have a greater diversity of resource pools that can alleviate weed–crop competition compared to conventional systems. To test the RPDH, wheat (Triticum aestivum) and wild oats (Avena sterilis) in winter, and maize (Zea mays) and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in summer, were grown in pots in soils from organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) fields, with contrasting number of estimated resource pools. A replacement series design with proportions of crop: weed of 0:1, 0.25:0.75, 0.5:0.5, 0.75:0.25 and 1:0 was used. Half of the pots received an organic‐mineral fertilizer (F) and the other half did not (NF). Aerial biomass of all plants was measured. Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) and the product of RCC (RCCP) for each crop and weed biomass were estimated by modelling the biomass across crop: weed proportions. RCCP larger than one was used as an indicator of overyielding. In the winter experiment, wheat always outcompeted wild oats and we did not detect overyielding across fields with different number of pools, system or fertilizer. In the summer experiment, we found overyielding in ORG NF fields. Functionally different species like maize and Palmer amaranth may have been extracting nutrients from diverse pools in organic NF fields whereas with the addition of fertilizer, Palmer amaranth outcompeted maize. Biomass of monoculture crop and weed in both experiments were positively correlated with number of estimated pools, even if none of the competition indexes were. Our results provide some support for the RPHD in species that are functionally different but also question the definition and nature of the nutrient pools, as well as emphasize the need for more research in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks generates data for large and remote agricultural areas through sensors and use this data for crop predictions by several machine learning algorithms. Farming is the practice of producing crops, rearing of livestock, cultivation of soil and it is important for economic development of the country. Farmers have been following traditional farming practices till now. These techniques were imprecise and reduced productivity and time consumption. Determining the steps that essential for practicing at its appropriate season helps to increase the productivity of precision farming. In this research, the primary objectives are to enhance precision farming practices by introducing a comprehensive IoT-based framework and employing advanced machine learning algorithms. Therefore, this research work introduces crop recommendation and disease prediction that helps farmers to increase productivity and reduce manual labor. The proposed Multi-level Kronecker Guided Pelican Convolutional Neural Network (MKGPCNN) focuses on crop recommendation, providing forecasts for suitable crops in the agricultural sector. Simultaneously, the Combined Graph Sample and Aggregate Attention Network (CGSAAN) are introduced for crop disease identification and recommending appropriate fertilizers to manage diseases and enhance harvests. The evaluation of both systems on publicly accessible datasets, namely the crop recommendation dataset and the new plant diseases dataset, demonstrates higher accuracy rates of 99% and 98%, precision of 99.5% and 99%, recall of 99.6% and 98.9%. The results suggest that the introduced system have the potential to significantly assist farmers in smarter crop management and harvesting, contributing to increased productivity and reduced manual labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennials are usually pre-cultivated on vegetation mats consisting of coconut fiber (coir), which require weather-dependent irrigation and regular fertilization with fast-acting fertilizer to achieve a saleable condition as quickly as possible. In the pre-cultivation of sheep's wool–coir–vegetation mats, nitrogen (N) is already sufficiently contained in the vegetation mats due to the natural nitrogen content of the sheep's wool fibers, so that additional liquid fertilization during pre-cultivation can be dispensed with if necessary. In this study, sheep's wool–coir–vegetation mats of 4.5 kg/m2 were pre-cultivated with 16 perennial plants (8 species) in 2018. Variant 1 (V1) received regular fertilization with mineral liquid fertilizer (total 8.7 g N/m2) during pre-cultivation. Variant 2 (V2) was not fertilized during pre-cultivation. In spring 2019, all pre-cultivated vegetation mats were lifted and laid on an area prepared with topsoil. No additional fertilization was applied after laying. The overall impression, plant height, number of flowering perennials, and plant coverage were examined in the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, with only minor differences observed between V1 and V2. The number of flowers, biomass, and nitrogen content were determined for the two aster species used. There were differences between V1 and V2 in 2018, but not in 2019. The coverage of perennials of 50%, which is the prerequisite for the saleability of the vegetation mats, was already achieved on both V1 and V2 after 4 months of pre-cultivation. The overall impression of the perennials on both V1 and V2 also did not differ during pre-cultivation nor in the following year. Therefore, liquid fertilization is not necessary during the pre-cultivation of perennials on sheep's wool–coir–vegetation mats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hybrid rice is grown by millions of Asian farmers and has normally higher yields compared to inbred varieties. However, hybrid rice has been associated with high damage from herbivores. This susceptibility could be due to the physiology of the hybrid plant type or due to a limited availability of male sterile parents that are necessary for hybrid seed production. We examined how plant type and breeding affect the relative susceptibilities of hybrid and inbred rice by exposing 32 rice genotypes to the brown planthopper, whitebacked planthopper, and yellow stemborer in controlled environments and field plots. We compared insect fitness on the plants and related this to the type and genetic similarity of genotypes. Despite their diverse origins (China, Colombia, India, and the Philippines), the hybrids and inbreds formed two distinct genetic groups, thereby confounding plant type and phylogeny. Hybrids were generally more susceptible to stemborers but not to planthoppers. Relative herbivore fitness was strongly influenced by plant origin (i.e., breeding program) with one group of related genotypes being relatively susceptible to all three herbivores. Our results indicate that hybrids are not inherently more susceptible than inbreds to insect herbivores and that careful screening with the elimination of the most susceptible genotypes is necessary to reduce herbivore damage to hybrid and inbred rice in Asia. Several studies have reported higher damage from insect herbivores to hybrid compared to inbred (pure line) rice. We used a collection of 20 hybrid and 12 inbred genotypes from diverse origins to test the hypotheses that hybrid rice susceptibility is due to (a) the hybrid plant type and/or (b) rice phylogeny. We challenged the genotypes with Nilaparvata lugans (BPH), Sogatella furcifera (WBPH) and Scirpophaga incertulas (YSB) in greenhouse and screenhouse bioassays and monitored herbivores in field plots. We used single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers to assess genetic similarities between the genotypes and found that the hybrids and inbreds formed two distinct clusters regardless of origin. In the screenhouse, hybrids were more susceptible than inbreds to YSB; however, resistant hybrids and susceptible inbreds were also apparent from both the screenhouse and field plots. Plant biomass was the best predictor of susceptibility to YSB. Plant origin had a greater effect than plant type on susceptibility to BPH and WBPH. WBPH was the most abundant planthopper in the field plots where numbers were highly correlated with planthopper fitness in the greenhouse bioassays. Our results provide evidence that high-yielding hybrids that are relatively resistant to herbivores can be achieved through careful breeding. The avoidance of susceptible genotypes during breeding should remain a key element of integrated rice pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar fertilization, an effective agricultural practice, involves the application of nutrients directly through droplets on plant leaves. The mechanisms of mass transport and deposition that arise from the drying of a drop determine the distribution of mass on a surface. Understanding these processes is crucial for optimizing foliar fertilization, ensuring even nutrient distribution, and improving crop yields and quality. This study experimentally investigates deposit formation from the evaporation of fertilizer droplets in various configurations: sessile, vertical, and pendant. We explored the effects of initial droplet volume, vapor pressure, and sorbitol presence on the final deposit morphology. The results reveal distinctive morphological patterns. Sessile drops exhibit two types of deposits—central crystal accumulation with fibrous structures or entirely fibrous structures. In contrast, vertical drops display two zones—fibrous structures at the bottom and small aggregates at the top. On the other hand, pendant drops predominantly feature intertwined crystals with peripheral fibrous structures. We found that high vapor pressures (RH = 60%) inhibit deposit formation within 72 h. Furthermore, the study measures relative evaporation time, showing that sessile droplets exhibit the longest evaporation times, followed by vertical and pendant droplets. Texture analysis, based on GLCM entropy, reveals that deposits generated under low vapor pressure (RH = 20%) show no significant differences in their entropy values, regardless of the droplet configuration and its initial volume. However, at intermediate vapor pressure (RH = 40%), entropy values vary significantly with droplet volume and configuration, being higher in sessile drops and lower in vertical ones. Additionally, we investigated the impact of sorbitol on the coating of sessile fertilizer droplets. We find that configurational entropy decreases exponentially with sorbitol concentration, inducing a morphological transition from fibrous structures to dispersed small aggregates. These findings highlight the complexity of pattern formation in fertilizer deposits and their potential implications for optimizing surface coating processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agriculture is the linchpin of the Indian economic system which extraordinarily dependent on soil, use of fertilizer and climate conditions. Soil fertility depletion is a reason for the problem of Indian agriculture. Not only the usage of plant vitamins per hectare is fairly low and imbalanced, but also the Indian farmers are still using the traditional method to spread the fertilizer in the field which is the predominant reason for low crop yields. It also influences people via consumption. So, there should be a precision and constancy tracking mechanism in agricultural merchandise and use of fertilizers inside the farm. In this paper, the implemented system presents a method for the distribution of required fertilizer for crop acreage. To optimize this, the wireless sensor gives a systematic answer for fertilizer distribution using Lagrange's Interpolation (LI). Methods: The experiment was carried out in the MIT Academy of Engineering's Agrotech Farm in Pune over the last one year (2019-2020). The readings were taken from the tomato crop. We used the LI to evaluate the values between Standard, Conventional and Actual, which delivers the optimal value and reduces fertilizer waste and farmers' financial burden. These LI may result in a decrease in the number of sensor nodes in the agricultural field. The decrease in sensor nodes lowers total operating costs. Result: With an equally and unequally spaced approach, in comparison to a conventional strategy the implemented system saves nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) by just giving the crop with the required amount of fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]