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Most sugarcane cultivation areas in China have undergone over 30 years of continuous monocropping, and long-term chemical fertilizer application has led to severe soil degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in promoting plant nutrient uptake, enhancing plant stress tolerance, and improving soil quality and restoration. However, in agroecosystems, AMF are susceptible to the effects of cultivation, fertilization, and other factors. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of chemical fertilization on the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil of plant crop of sugarcane. In this study, sugarcane varieties GT58 and GT29 were selected for experiment. Four different chemical fertilization rates were established using controlled-release compound chemical fertilizer (N: P: K = 17:7:17): T1 (0.0 kg/ha), T2 (562.5 kg/ha), T3 (1,125.0 kg/ha), and T4 (2,250.0 kg/ha). The results showed that different fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58. T3 and T4 increased the cane yield by 12.67% and 11.11%, respectively, compared to the control T1 (P < 0.05). The impact on the cane yield in GT29 was not significant. The diversity indices of root-associated AMF in GT58 (Chao index and Shannon index) varied significantly in different fertilization rates. T3 had the highest diversity, showing no significant difference from T1 and T2 but significantly higher than T4. For GT29, there were no significant differences in the diversity indices of root-associated AMF among different fertilization rates. Analyzing the differential species in root-associated soil with different fertilization rates in GT58 at the OTU level revealed that T3 had significantly higher abundances for 5 OTUs compared to the other treatments, and all the differentially abundant species belonged to Glomus. The Mantel analysis revealed that the genus Acaulospora was significantly and positively correlated with millable stalks (P < 0.001), and significantly and positively correlated with tiller number (P < 0.05). The genus Scutellospora showed a significant positive correlation with sprouting rate (P < 0.05). However, the other AMF genera did not show significant correlations with the agronomic traits of sugarcane. In summary, different chemical fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58 and the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil, but not in GT29, which suggests that sugarcane chemical fertilization should consider different sugarcane varieties and the diversity of AMF communities in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most sugarcane cultivation areas in China have undergone over 30 years of continuous monocropping, and long-term chemical fertilizer application has led to severe soil degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in promoting plant nutrient uptake, enhancing plant stress tolerance, and improving soil quality and restoration. However, in agroecosystems, AMF are susceptible to the effects of cultivation, fertilization, and other factors. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of chemical fertilization on the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil of plant crop of sugarcane. In this study, sugarcane varieties GT58 and GT29 were selected for experiment. Four different chemical fertilization rates were established using controlled-release compound chemical fertilizer (N: P: K = 17:7:17): T1 (0.0 kg/ha), T2 (562.5 kg/ha), T3 (1,125.0 kg/ha), and T4 (2,250.0 kg/ha). The results showed that different fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58. T3 and T4 increased the cane yield by 12.67% and 11.11%, respectively, compared to the control T1 (P < 0.05). The impact on the cane yield in GT29 was not significant. The diversity indices of root-associated AMF in GT58 (Chao index and Shannon index) varied significantly in different fertilization rates. T3 had the highest diversity, showing no significant difference from T1 and T2 but significantly higher than T4. For GT29, there were no significant differences in the diversity indices of root-associated AMF among different fertilization rates. Analyzing the differential species in root-associated soil with different fertilization rates in GT58 at the OTU level revealed that T3 had significantly higher abundances for 5 OTUs compared to the other treatments, and all the differentially abundant species belonged to Glomus. The Mantel analysis revealed that the genus Acaulospora was significantly and positively correlated with millable stalks (P < 0.001), and significantly and positively correlated with tiller number (P < 0.05). The genus Scutellospora showed a significant positive correlation with sprouting rate (P < 0.05). However, the other AMF genera did not show significant correlations with the agronomic traits of sugarcane. In summary, different chemical fertilization rates significantly affected the cane yield in GT58 and the AMF community in the rhizosphere soil, but not in GT29, which suggests that sugarcane chemical fertilization should consider different sugarcane varieties and the diversity of AMF communities in soil.

There are many ways to increase the quality and productivity of the chili pepper plant, one of which is the use of organic fertilizer, to improve the properties of the soil as well as provide the nutrients needed. A pot experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Samarra University, during the agricultural season 2022, with the aim of studying the effect of using seven types of fertilizers (bread yeast fertilizer A2, decomposed cow dung fertilizer A3, tea residue fertilizer A4, coffee residue fertilizer A5, rice soaked fertilizer A6, and chemical fertilizer A7in addition to the control A1) on the growth and yield of chili pepper using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results were as follows: Fertilizer treatment A3 was significantly superior in vegetative growth characteristics, as the plant length reached 81.69 cm, stem diameter 7.95 mm, number of branches 10.75, and number of leaves 95.0 leaves. Plant- 1, leaf area 178.14 cm2, number of fruits 34.26 fruits. Plant- 1, and total yield 1.76 kg.plant-1, while treatment A2 excelled in the characteristics of root length 27.84 cm and root fresh weight 26.75 g. Fertilization treatment A4 had the lowest rate in all traits.

Although lavender grows in its native environment in rocky and poor soils, various studies have shown that it responds positively to fertilizers, increasing not only the yield but also the quantity and quality of the essential oil. In order to determine the most effective type of fertilizer - organic or mineral, young plants of the Sevtopolis lavender cultivar were tested in a field experiment conducted in the village of Rădulești, Ialomița County, in south-east of Romania. Fertilizers were applied before vegetation, using either yard waste compost or a mineral fertilizer containing 11-11-21 macronutrients and micronutrients. The results showed that in the first year of growth, the mineral fertilized plants had grown less. Floral initiation and flowering period were not influenced by the type of fertilizers. The length of flowering stem and the size of inflorescence were smaller in case of mineral fertilization but the number of inflorescences was significantly lower in lavender plants fertilized with compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted in a greenhouse situated in a farmer’s field within the Al-Musayyib project, located in Babylon province, during the agricultural season spanning from 2022 to 2023. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Vermicompost fertilizer at three varying levels (0, 400, 800 g), biofertilization with different levels (no addition, mycorrhiza, Azospirillum bacteria, or a combination of fungal and bacterial inoculum), and chemical fertilizers at two levels (0, 50% of recommended fertilization) on the vegetative growth of the Rubygem cultivar of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) in a protected cultivation environment. The study employed a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed a significant excelled of the vermicompost factor (V3) in the parameters of vegetative growth of the plant (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of crowns and leaf content of chlorophyll), reaching (17.17 cm, 29.80 leaves plant-1, 210.15 cm² plant-1, 2.84 crown.plant-1, 34.32 SPAD), respectively. The mixture of biofertilizer (B4) excelled in all the studied traits, and the triple interaction (V3B4C2) gave excelled in all the studied growth trait of the plant, and it reached (34.70 leaf plant-1, 215.80 cm² plant-1, 5.13 crown plant-1, 40.17 SPAD), respectively except for the triple interaction treatment (V3B4C1), which was significantly superior to plant height, reaching 20.83 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of different types of fertilizers; traditional NPK (1 g plant−1), 2, 4, 6 and 8 gm L−1 of moringa leaves extract (MLE), 10, 20, 40 and 60 mL L−1 of aloe leaves extract (AL) on vegetative growth, flowering Corms production and chemical constituents of Freesia refracta L. were evaluated during two successive seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). Treating plants with MLE caused increases in plant height, number if leaves and number of flowers by 35.2%, 8.2% and 16.3%, respectively, while treating plants with Al caused increases by 33.2%, 7.9% and 15.4% in the same parameters, respectively, averaged between different concentrations and growth seasons. The results revealed that, treating plants with 8 gm L−1 MLE caused a significant increase in the vegetative growth, flowering, and corms production. These improvement fits with the many goals of the 17 United Nation Sustainable Goals (UNSDGs); especially SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action) and SDG15 (Life on land). Moreover, the chemical composition of plant was improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were carried out on the effect of sowing dates (15th Decembre 2020 and 15th February 2021), plant densities (50 and 100 plants·m-2), and nitrogen supplements (by adding 0, 15 Kg N·ha-1, 30 Kg N·ha-1) on growth, seed, and essential oil yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill). The first experiment was conducted at Qlyasan Agricultural Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, while the second experiment was conducted at Kanipanka Research Station, Sulaimani Agricultural Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture in Shahrazoor valley 35 Km east of Sulaimani city, during the season 2020-2021. Both 2×2×3 factorial experiments were conducted in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) within three replicates. The early sowing date (15 December) recorded the maximum values for plant height, root depth, no. of umbels·plant-1, no. of seeds·umbel-1, and 1000-seed weight with 79.50 cm, 22.52 cm, 10.10, 50.86, 4.70 g respectively. The maximum seed and essential oil yields (1743.63 Kg·ha-1 and 28.36 Kg·ha-1) were obtained from a density of 100 plants·m-2, while the maximum essential oil content (1.94%) was obtained when no nitrogen was applied. The first and the second-degree interaction types had significant effects on the studied characters as well as the effects of their sole factors under the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the purpose to define the appropriate doses in the production of mint cultivation, this research was conducted in three locations (Gibraltar, Arboleda and Aguacatal) of the municipality of Jardín, Antioquia. The soils of these localities are andisols, with medium contents of organic matter, low in interchangeable bases, low in phosphorus and boron, with characteristics of low fertility. For this research, Mentha spicata L. (mint) was seeded at a distance of 0.3x0.3 m, in an experimental design of randomized complete blocks with four repetitions, with five increasing doses of compound fertilizer (10-30-10) (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1), in combination of five increasing doses of organic fertilizer (0, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4, and 7 t ha-1), and one control with a biological fertilizer. In five foliage harvests, the highest dry matter (DM) yields were achieved with the application of 180 and 120 kg ha-1 of 10-30-10, with yields of 156 and 158 g of DM per square meter, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine manure is widely used for ameliorating red soil acidification, but little information is available about its effect on N2O emissions. To explore the effects, a 35-day incubation experiment was conducted with two soils under different fertilization history: chemical fertilizers only (F) and combination of chemical fertilizers with swine manure (M). The treatments included no fertilizer (control), 100% N from urea (M0), and urea plus swine manure, which supplied 20% (M20), 40% (M40), 60% (M60), and 100% (M100) of total N. Soil N2O emission rates, pH, exchangeable acidity, mineral N species, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, and their inner relationships were examined. The N2O emission rates markedly increased following the treatments, reached peaks before day 2, and thereafter decreased sharply to the level of the control by day 25, 25, 23, 15, and 9 in F soil and by day 25, 25, 23, 19, and 11 in M soil for M0, M20, M40, M60, and M100 treatments, respectively. As swine manure application rate increased, the cumulative N2O emissions of F soil decreased significantly, while, for M soil, there was no significant difference among M0, M20, M40, and M60 treatments, which were higher than the M100 treatment. At the end of incubation, soil pH in F and M soils followed the order M0 < M20 < M40 < M60 < control < M100 and vice versa for exchangeable Al3+ and acidity. F soil had relatively higher NH4+-N concentration in M0 treatment and higher NO3−-N concentrations in M0 and M20 treatments than M soil. Soil pH and NH4+-N had the greatest relative contribution to N2O emissions. Overall, this study indicates that partial chemical N replacement by swine manure could effectively mitigate N2O emissions from acidic red soil primarily because of mineral N immobilization and alleviated red soil acidification. Thus, swine manure has the potential to co-ameliorate red soil acidification and N2O emission. Further research is needed to determine the effect of swine manure on N2O emission reductions under field conditions and the overall benefit in effective N management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia is an important medicinal plant widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical and different organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of Salvia fruticosa Mill. The experiment followed a randomized block design with six treatments and four replicates, i.e. control (C: untreated plants), chemical fertilizer (F) (150:90:100 kg ha–1), farmyard manure (FYM), chicken manure (CM), vermicompost (VC), and spent mushroom compost (SMC) (the objective was to obtain 150 kg N ha–1 for organic fertilizer). The fresh yield increased with chemical fertilizer by 25% and 29% and organic fertilizers by 1.53%–14.9% and 11.8%–21.0% compared to control according to years. Farmyard manure was more effective among organic fertilizers for fresh and dry herb yield. Essential oil content (EO) increased by 2.22%–8.44% and 6.9%–17.1% in 1st and 2nd growing years. The residual effect of organic fertilizers on EO was higher than that of chemical fertilization. EOY increased by 5.4%–21.2% and 18.5%– 29.0% with organic fertilization compared to the control in both years while it increased by 39.7% and 43.3% with chemical fertilization. 1,8-cineole was the main component of essential oil and the highest concentration was determined with chemical fertilizer in 1st year while farmyard manure was in 2nd year. An organic fertilizer used that is suitable under producer conditions is believed to be important for Salvia fruticosa growing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms are essential parts of soil and play an important role in mediating many processes and influencing plant health. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB), the most common of such microorganisms, can benefit plants by enhancing the nutrient-absorbing ability of roots through bio-inoculation, also called biofertilization. Different methods have been tested and proven to be effective in the enhancement of soil nutrient availability. However, the effects of increased application of biological methods with minimal chemical fertilizers are still inconsistent. In this 2-year of fixed-point greenhouse test, we aimed to evaluate the impact of AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis) and/or NFB (Azotobacter) on growth, quality, and yield of eggplants under different N levels. Data showed that biofertilizer application with reduced chemical fertilizer had the highest impact on eggplant performance and yield. Indeed, low chemical fertilizers combined with adequate amounts of biofertilizers produced a higher plant height, length and width of leaves, dry matter, number of fruits per plant with better morphology, total yield per plant, and total soluble solids (TSS), suggesting that the use of Azotobacter and R. irregularis as biofertilizers could substantially reduce the use of chemical fertilizers without impairing the quality and yield of eggplant.

A field experiment was carried out during two successive seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 in the Floriculture Farm of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt to study the effects of spraying some growth substances (kinetin, salicylic acid, calcium thiosulfate and potassium silicate as well as, N.P.K chemical fertilization) on vegetative growth and chemical composition of Matthiola incana plants to increase and improve the quality of this plant as a bed gardens ornamentation. The obtained results showed that the tallest plants and the thickest plant stems were recorded by 100 ppm kinetin combined with NPK fertilization at high level treatment in both seasons. The heaviest fresh and dry weights of leaves/plant were recorded by 100 ppm kinetin-sprayed plants enriched with NPK fertilization at the highest level in both seasons. The highest number of branches and leaves/plant were recorded by 100 ppm kinetin-sprayed plants combined with NPK fertilization at high level in both seasons. The highest leaf N and total carbohydrates % were recorded by 100 ppm kinetin- sprayed plants provided with NPK fertilization at the highest level, whereas the richest leaf P % was registered by 200 ppm salicylic-sprayed plants combined with NPK fertilization at the highest level. While, the greatest leaf K % was scored by 6 cm3 potassium silicate-sprayed plants, supplemented with NPK fertilization at the highest level in both seasons. Conclusively, spraying Matthiola incana plants with kinetin at 100 ppm in addition to chemical fertilizer at 100 N: 200 P: 200 K kg/fed produced the best vegetative growth and quality of this plant

Two field trials were conducted during two successive seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 in the Floriculture Farm of Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt to study the effects of spraying with some growth substances (kinetin, salicylic acid, calcium thiosulfate and potassium silicate) and chemical fertilization (N.P.K) as well as their combinations on flowering and some chemical constituents of Matthiola incana L. plants to enhance flowering quality for gardens bed ornamentation. The obtained results showed that spraying plants with 100 ppm kinetin in addition to NPK fertilization at the highest level (100 N: 200 P: 200 K kg/fed) resulted in the highest values in both seasons in case of fresh and dry weights of inflorescence and flowering portion, length and diameter of the flowering portion, number, diameter and fresh weight of florets, flowering duration, leaf total chlorophylls and total indoles content. This treatment, on the other hand, recorded the lowest values of leaves total phenols content. Conclusively, it is recommended to spray Matthiola incana L. plants with kinetin at 100 ppm supplemented with NPK chemical fertilization at 100 N: 200 P: 200 K kg/fed to obtain the best flowering quality for export

The proper management of treated agricultural wastes (e.g., composts) contributes to the protection of water and soil quality by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, lowering leachate, and protecting renewable and nonrenewable resources. Natural zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite, can be used in agriculture to improve soil quality and increase yields due to their unique properties. The objective of the study was to test the effects of the co-addition of compost, zeolite and ammonium-based fertilizer on the Above-ground Fresh Weight (AFW) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), leaf nutrients and soil fertility. To this aim, a soil pot experiment was carried out at the Department of Soil Science of Athens, which is located in the region of Attica, in the area of central Greece. Two levels of olive compost originated from olive leaves (0% and 10% v/v), three levels of zeolite (0%, 2%, and 5% w/w) and two levels of chemical fertilization (no fertilization and NPK fertilization) were combined. Furthermore, two different soils were introduced, one moderately acidic (pH = 5.6) and sandy loam in texture (Ac-LT), and the other slightly alkaline (pH = 7.7) and sandy clay in texture (Al-HT). Results showed that the response of lettuce yield to chemical fertilization and zeolite application is soil type-dependent, whereas compost application significantly improved AFW in both soil types. The availability of macronutrients (P, K, and Na) in the soil, as well as their concentration in leaves, were significantly increased by NPK fertilization in most cases. Conversely, the impact of inorganic fertilization on DTPA extractable micronutrients and leaf micronutrient contents was found to be associated with the type of soil. The study recorded a significant reduction in available Fe, Cu, and Mn in AL-HT soil, whereas DTPA-Mn and -Zn were significantly enhanced in Ac-LT soil. Comparable patterns were also documented for the micronutrient concentration in leaves. In most cases, compost application had significant and beneficial effects on plant nutrients. On the contrary, different responses of soil properties to compost addition were registered. The main effect of compost treatment on soil pH, EC, SOM, total N, and available P was significant and positive in both soil types, except for pH and EC in Al-HT soil. On the other hand, exchangeable K and Na were significantly reduced by compost. Zeolite substantially increased the availability of P, K, and Na in soil and plants, whereas the concentrations of DTPA-extractable micronutrients and leaf macronutrients were largely unaffected. In addition, the results of our study indicated that co-additions of organic and inorganic amendments did not yield any significant impact on the lettuce yield, leaf nutrient content and soil fertility. It is suggested that the degree of changes in main soil properties (e.g., pH, EC, SOM) as a result of amendment application as well as the interaction of the amendments with nutrient availability are strongly related to soil type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Land use conversion from rice paddy to upland has been shown to decrease soil pH due to enhanced proton production from nitrification of ammonium-based N fertilizers and base cation loss. Parent material and altitude have a dominant impact on spatiotemporal distribution of soil base cations, but little information is available about their effects on soil acidification. This study examined changes in acidity indicators after the conversion, and their relationship with parent materials and altitude in a typical hilly region of southern China. Materials and methods: To explore the effects, soils derived from limestone, quaternary red clay, and sandshale were sampled from 11 sites in Qiyang and Qidong counties, Hunan Province, China. In each sampling site, paddy field as control and upland maize under different conversion ages were selected in adjacent and pairs. The information on management and conversion ages were surveyed from local farmers, and altitude was recorded for each site. Soil pH, exchangeable acidity, base cations, cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, nutrients, and their inner relationships were examined. Results and discussion: The conversion significantly decreased soil pH, which was parent material dependent. Soils derived from limestone had much higher pH than that from quaternary red clay and sandshale. Soil pH negatively correlated with altitude ranging from 96.2 to 138.3 m in the study area. The conversion significantly increased exchangeable acidity of soils derived from quaternary red clay and sandshale by 1.53 and 1.13 cmol(+) kg−1, respectively, dominated by Al, but no change for soils derived from limestone. The boosted regression tree model driven by soil properties explained 96.5%, 91.8%, and 98.1% of the pH variation of soils derived from limestone, quaternary red clay, and sandshale, respectively. Soil exchangeable Ca was the most influential trigger on pH variability of limestone- and quaternary red clay-derived soils, while soil total N and available N loss played critical roles in accelerating acidification of sandshale-derived soils after land use conversion. Conclusions: Our data indicated that Ca and N loss play critical roles in accelerating soil acidification from enhanced nitrification after land use conversion in the red soil hilly region, which could be influenced by parent materials and altitude. Practices such as liming, straw mulching, or catch crop should be taken to prevent Ca and N loss, and alleviate acidification as the conversion occurring, especially for soils at high altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research evaluated the effect of conventional management of irrigated rice on the physicochemical indicators of the soil, in the Mercedes and Pérez farms, in Yurimaguas, Peru. It is a comparative non-experimental investigation, with statistical adjustment of a completely randomized design, where the treatments are made up of the secondary forest (BS), the conventional rice management of one (A1), five (A5) and nine years (A9), evaluating physicochemical indicators of the soil in strata from 0.0 to 0.2 and 0.2 to 0.4 m. The results showed differences in the fractions, with initial reduction of sand, silt and clay increase and in time slight recovery of the sand, silt fraction and clay reduction. The chemical indicators according to treatments and strata show differences, except K; management significantly affects the beginning of the production process (A1) reducing the levels of pH, MO, N, P, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ and increasing Al3+, AC and SAl, and there is a recovery over time (A9), except in MO and N which decrease to very low levels. In conclusion, conventional management shows significant effects between treatments and indicators evaluated in both strata, negatively affecting the beginning (A1) and recovering over time (A9); however, there are long-term negative effects on OM and N levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pamplona pea production is based on the use of high doses of chemical fertilizers that cause environmental damage and human health. Therefore, in this study the effect of different organic fertilizers was compared with chemical fertilization through six treatments: T0: control; T1: vermicompost full dose (7831,00 kg/ha); T2: vermicompost half dose (3915.50 kg/ha) + chemical fertilizer (FQ 15N 15P2O5 15K2O) half the dose (703.50 kg/ha); T3: chicken manure + goat manure + sugarcane residues full dose (ABOB: 10573.00 kg/ha): T4: ABOB half dose (1407.00 kg/ha) plus CF half dose (703.50 kg/ha); T5: CF full dose (1407.00 kg/ha); T6: CF half the dose (703.50 kg/ha). It was evaluated: plant height (AP), pods per plant (NVP); pod length (LV) and yield (kg/ha). A 5% analysis of variance and a Tukey test for separation of means were applied. The mean AP was higher in T2 (172.27 cm). NVP was higher in T3 and T5 with respect to the control, however, between treatments no statistical differences were observed. LV was statistically higher in the treatments compared to the control, although there was no variation between treatments. Although no statistical differences were observed in the performance between treatments, T1 and T4 presented a performance superior to the control of 42.85% and 39.99%, respectively. It is possible to substitute or supplement chemical fertilizer with organic amendments and reduce the negative effect of pollution that they generate on the environment and the health of the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feijoa sellowiana (O.Berg) O. Berg is an ornamental and food plant, as well as an important species for ecological restoration and landscaping that still requires much research before consolidating it in the tropical market. To understand if the implementation of techniques focusing on improving fruit production at its wild condition would affect the species' development, we planted 216 saplings of various mother trees in an incomplete factorial block design applied in nine treatments. We tested formative aerial pruning (drastic intensity), fertilization (chemical and organic), and the effect of controlled fires prior to planting. We evaluated biomass alterations by systematically measuring the third sapling of each treatment, quantifying fresh and dry matter in two periods. We also measured changes in height (H), root collar diameter (RCD), and the H/RCD ratio. We carried out nine measurements during 27 months and used linear mixed-effects models to consolidate the long-term evaluation. Our results indicate a positive effect from the organic fertilization on the plants' height, a momentary increase in RCD caused by programmed fires, and an increase in the H/RCD ratio due to formative aerial pruning (increasing resistance). Fertilization did not accelerate the increase in RCD and had no effect on the H/RCD ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has recently caught researchers' attention due to its potential of improving soil fertility and immobilizing pollutants and its emergence as a proper method of increasing crop yields. An experiment was conducted on the effect of chemical, ecological, and organic (biochar and compost) nutritional systems on yield and yield components of rice as a split-plot field experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in two sites in Lahijan in 2018-2019. The experimental factors included nutrition at three levels (ecological, chemical, and control) as the main plot and the organic matter at four levels (urban waste compost, biochar, Azolla, and control) as the sub-plot. The combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers produced the highest grain yield, reflecting the positive effect of their combination on grain yield and yield components of rice cv. 'Hashemi'. The results showed that the highest grain yield of 3699 kg ha-1 was related to the treatment of chemical fertilizer and biochar and the lowest (2209 kg ha-1, i.e., a 40% decline) to the control (no chemical or biological fertilizer application). The highest number of fertile tillers and panicles per plant was obtained from the application of chemical fertilizer and biochar, the highest number of filled grains per panicle (116 grains) was observed in the application of chemical fertilizer and biochar at the university farm, and the lowest (84 grains) from the control (unfertilized treatment) at the Kateshal farm. The nutrient uptake was significantly higher in the chemical and biochar treatment than in the other treatments. Organic systems had varying impacts on rice yield and reduced the application of chemical fertilizers. Biochar contributed to increasing the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of rice plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter wheat is one of the most important crop in the world of particular economic importance, bread made from wheat flour being the essential food, also ensuring about 20% total calories consumed. Identifying a technology that ensures a superior quality, but also a high and stable production of the wheat crop by choosing: the right tillage system, the optimal level of fertilization and the treatment to combat diseases and pests is one of the priorities of agricultural research. In order to evaluate the influence of chemical fertilization, seed treatment and tillage system on winter wheat yield and quality, a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda (ARDS Turda), in 2020-2021. The Andrada winter wheat variety was used for the experiment. The experimental factors were: soil tillage system with four graduations, seed and foliar treatment with three graduations and chemical fertilization with three graduations. Even if high yield was obtained when conventional system was adopted, good winter wheat yield was observed in minimum tillage or no-tillage system when high doses of fertilization were experimented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms are essential parts of soil and play an important role in mediating many processes and influencing plant health. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB), the most common of such microorganisms, can benefit plants by enhancing the nutrient-absorbing ability of roots through bio-inoculation, also called biofertilization. Different methods have been tested and proven to be effective in the enhancement of soil nutrient availability. However, the effects of increased application of biological methods with minimal chemical fertilizers are still inconsistent. In this 2-year of fixed-point greenhouse test, we aimed to evaluate the impact of AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis) and/or NFB (Azotobacter) on growth, quality, and yield of eggplants under different N levels. Data showed that biofertilizer application with reduced chemical fertilizer had the highest impact on eggplant performance and yield. Indeed, low chemical fertilizers combined with adequate amounts of biofertilizers produced a higher plant height, length and width of leaves, dry matter, number of fruits per plant with better morphology, total yield per plant, and total soluble solids (TSS), suggesting that the use of Azotobacter and R. irregularis as biofertilizers could substantially reduce the use of chemical fertilizers without impairing the quality and yield of eggplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Intensive long-term management practices in forest ecosystems can markedly influence soils' physicochemical and microbial properties. However, their effects on the magnitude of nutrient pools and activities of enzymes regarding nutrient cycling in subtropical forest soils remain unclear. This study aimed to examine effects of long-term intensive management (organic mulching and chemical fertilization) on concentrations of different C, N, and P fractions and activities of enzymes involved with nutrient cycling in a subtropical Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys violascens) forest soil. Materials and methods: Soil samples were taken from a chronosequence of Lei bamboo forests with intensive management spanning 0, 5, 10, and 15 years. Concentrations of various forms of C, N, and P, as well as activities of β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, urease, protease, and acid phosphatase were measured. Results and discussion: The results revealed that the concentrations of different classes of C (water-soluble organic C, hot-water-soluble organic C, and readily oxidizable C), N (NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and water-soluble organic N), and P [resin-inorganic P (Pi), NaHCO3-Pi, NaHCO3-organic P (Po), NaOH-Pi, NaOH-Po, HCl-Pi, and residual-P] were enhanced markedly with prolonged duration of intensive management. Furthermore, activities of β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, urease, protease, and acid phosphatase were increased following a 5-year treatment, while they were markedly reduced from 5- to the 15-year treatments. The 15 years of intensive management significantly reduced microbial biomass C and N concentrations by 8.2% and 31.9%, respectively, compared to the control. Conclusions: We concluded that long-term intensive management led to the accumulation of C, N, and P, while it negatively impacted microbial biomass and activities of enzymes involved in nutrient cycling in subtropical Lei bamboo forest soils. Consequently, a reduction in chemical fertilizers should be considered toward the long-term sustainable development of subtropical Lei bamboo forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diazotrophs carry out biological nitrogen (N) fixation process that replenishes available soil N; it is unclear how soil diazotrophic communities respond to biochar and chemical fertilizer amendment in agricultural ecosystem. Herein, we studied the impacts of biochar and chemical fertilizer amendment on diazotrophic communities in rhizosphere and bulk soils using nifH gene. The field experiment included four treatments: control (CK), biochar (B), chemical NPK fertilizer (CF), and biochar + chemical fertilizer (B + CF). nifH gene abundance in rhizosphere soils ranged from 9.00 × 107 to 2.57 × 108 copies g−1 dry soil among the different treatments, which was 1.42–2.68 times higher compared with the bulk soils ranging from 5.83 × 107 to 1.19 × 108 copies g−1 dry soil. Single application of biochar increased the abundance of nifH gene, whereas chemical fertilizer addition significantly decreased it in the bulk and rhizosphere soils. Single biochar addition affected diazotrophic community composition in rhizosphere soil, but not in the bulk soil. However, both CF and B + CF treatments obviously changed the community structure of diazotrophs in both soils. Moreover, rhizosphere effect enhanced nifH gene abundance and significantly altered the diazotrophic community structure compared to bulk soil. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all nifH sequences were affiliated to the cyanobacteria, α-, β-, γ-, and δ- subclasses of the proteobacteria group. Soil nutrient availability rather than pH had significant impacts on diazotrophic community structure based on mantel test and redundancy analysis. Overall, biochar improves the diazotrophic abundance, while chemical fertilization negatively affects it by altering nutrient availability, and combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer does not counteract the adverse influences of chemical fertilizer on nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in improving soil quality, however, how long-term fertilization influences SOC and contrasting active C (AC) and passive C (PC) pools at large scale remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of long-term fertilization on SOC, including AC and PC, across four typical croplands in China and to explore the potential relationships and mechanisms. Methods: We assessed the effect of chemical fertilizer and manure amendment (standard rate and 1.5 × standard rate of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) with or without manure (M), with a Control for comparison) at three soil depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, 40–60 cm) on SOC, AC and PC. Results: We found that SOC, AC and PC increased in the order NPK < NPKM < 1.5NPKM. 1.5NPKM resulting in a significant increase in SOC, AC and PC, of 76.3%, 53.0% and 108.5% respectively across the soil profile (0–60 cm) compared with Control. The response ratio of PC to long-term fertilization was 2.1 times greater than that of AC across four sites on average. In addition, clay was identified as the most important factor in explaining the response of AC and PC to different fertilization application. Conclusions: Long-term fertilization enhanced both AC and PC, but the greater response of PC suggests that fertilization application could enhance the stability of C and thus the potential of cropland for SOC accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of terrestrial plants have evolved in symbiosis with beneficial microorganisms, which help them acquire minerals that are scarce in soil, such as phosphorus and in some cases nitrogen. Thus, the development and use of biofertilizers based on microorganisms is important for partial or total replacement of chemical fertilizers. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Azospirillum brasilense helps to boost Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) plant growth, making them more vigorous and productive. Objective: To evaluate the effect of beneficial microorganisms in Mexican lime plant growth in a greenhouse. Methodology: An experiment with Mexican lime was established under greenhouse conditions and a completely randomized bifactorial design: (A) beneficial microorganism with four levels: consortium HMA Cerro del Metate; Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri); Azospirillum brasilense (Ab); and without microbial inoculum (WI); (B) chemical fertilization N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) with four levels: high (180-180-180 kg ha-1); intermediate (90-90-90 kg ha-1); low (45-45-45 kg ha-1) and without fertilization. In total, 16 treatments with seven replicates were performed; plant growth and microbiological response variables were evaluated with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparison of means tests. Results: Significant effects (Tukey, P≤0.05) of the mycorrhizal consortium Cerro del Metate were found, followed by R. intraradices and lastly A. brasilense, which proved that these microorganisms promoted plant growth. Mycorrhization significantly increased (P≤0.05) plant growth rate, as well as dry biomass, observing a mycorrhizal colonization from 16 to 30%. Fertilization only showed a significant interaction (Tukey, P≤0.05) with A. brasilense. Implications: The use of native microorganisms and preferably consortia may have better adaptability than commercial ones, which can be explained in part by the effects found in this study. Conclusion: Mexican lime plants showed a significantly positive (P≤0.05) response to inoculation with AMF, showing greater plant growth than the other treatments.

Swine manure is widely used for ameliorating red soil acidification, but little information is available about its effect on N2O emissions. To explore the effects, a 35-day incubation experiment was conducted with two soils under different fertilization history: chemical fertilizers only (F) and combination of chemical fertilizers with swine manure (M). The treatments included no fertilizer (control), 100% N from urea (M0), and urea plus swine manure, which supplied 20% (M20), 40% (M40), 60% (M60), and 100% (M100) of total N. Soil N2O emission rates, pH, exchangeable acidity, mineral N species, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, and their inner relationships were examined. The N2O emission rates markedly increased following the treatments, reached peaks before day 2, and thereafter decreased sharply to the level of the control by day 25, 25, 23, 15, and 9 in F soil and by day 25, 25, 23, 19, and 11 in M soil for M0, M20, M40, M60, and M100 treatments, respectively. As swine manure application rate increased, the cumulative N2O emissions of F soil decreased significantly, while, for M soil, there was no significant difference among M0, M20, M40, and M60 treatments, which were higher than the M100 treatment. At the end of incubation, soil pH in F and M soils followed the order M0 < M20 < M40 < M60 < control < M100 and vice versa for exchangeable Al3+ and acidity. F soil had relatively higher NH4+-N concentration in M0 treatment and higher NO3−-N concentrations in M0 and M20 treatments than M soil. Soil pH and NH4+-N had the greatest relative contribution to N2O emissions. Overall, this study indicates that partial chemical N replacement by swine manure could effectively mitigate N2O emissions from acidic red soil primarily because of mineral N immobilization and alleviated red soil acidification. Thus, swine manure has the potential to co-ameliorate red soil acidification and N2O emission. Further research is needed to determine the effect of swine manure on N2O emission reductions under field conditions and the overall benefit in effective N management.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of compost and vermicompost applied with different NPK doses on the growth and mineral nutrition of wheat. Study was planned according to randomized parcels experimental design and conducted as a pot experiment with three replications under greenhouse condition. Two dosages (0 and 1.5 t/da) of compost and vermicompost and three dosages of NPK (NPK0, NPK1: 150, 100, 100 mg/kg ve NPK2: 300, 200, 200 mg/kg) were used in the experiment. Looking at the results obtained, it was seen that compost and vermicompost had similar effects and their application alone did not have a significant effect on the parameters examined. On the other hand, applications of both compost materials together with NPK, positively affected the mineral nutrition of the plant. While it was seen that the most effective applications on the growth and mineral nutrition of wheat were NPK applications, organic fertilizer applications without chemical fertilizer did not have a positive contribution on the growth and mineral nutrition of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The proper management of treated agricultural wastes (e.g., composts) contributes to the protection of water and soil quality by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, lowering leachate, and protecting renewable and nonrenewable resources. Natural zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite, can be used in agriculture to improve soil quality and increase yields due to their unique properties. The objective of the study was to test the effects of the co-addition of compost, zeolite and ammonium-based fertilizer on the Above-ground Fresh Weight (AFW) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), leaf nutrients and soil fertility. To this aim, a soil pot experiment was carried out at the Department of Soil Science of Athens, which is located in the region of Attica, in the area of central Greece. Two levels of olive compost originated from olive leaves (0% and 10% v/v), three levels of zeolite (0%, 2%, and 5% w/w) and two levels of chemical fertilization (no fertilization and NPK fertilization) were combined. Furthermore, two different soils were introduced, one moderately acidic (pH = 5.6) and sandy loam in texture (Ac-LT), and the other slightly alkaline (pH = 7.7) and sandy clay in texture (Al-HT). Results showed that the response of lettuce yield to chemical fertilization and zeolite application is soil type-dependent, whereas compost application significantly improved AFW in both soil types. The availability of macronutrients (P, K, and Na) in the soil, as well as their concentration in leaves, were significantly increased by NPK fertilization in most cases. Conversely, the impact of inorganic fertilization on DTPA extractable micronutrients and leaf micronutrient contents was found to be associated with the type of soil. The study recorded a significant reduction in available Fe, Cu, and Mn in AL-HT soil, whereas DTPA-Mn and -Zn were significantly enhanced in Ac-LT soil. Comparable patterns were also documented for the micronutrient concentration in leaves. In most cases, compost application had significant and beneficial effects on plant nutrients. On the contrary, different responses of soil properties to compost addition were registered. The main effect of compost treatment on soil pH, EC, SOM, total N, and available P was significant and positive in both soil types, except for pH and EC in Al-HT soil. On the other hand, exchangeable K and Na were significantly reduced by compost. Zeolite substantially increased the availability of P, K, and Na in soil and plants, whereas the concentrations of DTPA-extractable micronutrients and leaf macronutrients were largely unaffected. In addition, the results of our study indicated that co-additions of organic and inorganic amendments did not yield any significant impact on the lettuce yield, leaf nutrient content and soil fertility. It is suggested that the degree of changes in main soil properties (e.g., pH, EC, SOM) as a result of amendment application as well as the interaction of the amendments with nutrient availability are strongly related to soil type.

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A pot experimental study was carried out at the Floriculture Nursery of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture at Moshtohor, Benha University, Egypt during 2017 and 2018 seasons to study the effect of 16 treatments represented the combination between foliar spraying with four benzyladenine (BA) concentrations (0.0, 20, 40 and 60 ppm) and four chemical fertilization rates (0.0, 2, 4 and 6 g NPK/pot) on the growth, flowering and chemical composition of Arabian jasmine plant (Jasminum sambac Ait). The obtained results cleared that the tallest plants, the highest number of branches and leaves, the heaviest leaves fresh weight/plant, the highest number of flowers/plant, the heaviest flowers fresh weight/plant, the highest number and length of roots/plant, the heaviest fresh weight of roots/plant as well as the richest leaf total carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium percentages were obtained by those treated with BA at 60 ppm + chemical fertilization at 6 g/pot in the two seasons. Conclusively, sprayingjasmine plants with BA at 60 ppm and supplying the plants with NPK mineral fertilizer at 6 g/pot, induced prospective effects on vegetative growth and flowering parameters with higher quality of this plant

The experience aimed to demonstrate the response of Citrus grandis and Citrus paradise grafts growing on twoyear-old Sour orange seedlings to bio-fertilizer (Gorabac G, liquid organic (Compo) and chemical urea in improving growth and its mineral content. The obtained results showed that the type of grafted seedlings did not have any significant effect on all the studied traits, while the addition of fertilizer combinations for each of the bio-fertilizer (Gorapac G) and the liquid organic fertilizer (Compo) led to a significant increase in all the studied traits, especially the treatment (20 gm. seedlings of Gorabac G biofertilizer + 10 ml. liter of liquid organic fertilizer Compo). The highest significant values were recorded for most of the studied traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Harran Journal of Agricultural & Food Science is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Agriculture 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.)

An experiment was carried out in Wasit Governorate, Al Kut district, to investigate the response of the growth, yield characters and nitrate content of lettuce plants for treatments of fishpond water and coontail plants extract. The study conducted according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications within Split-Plots design where the main factor was fertilizing with fishpond water by four concentrations which were (A) control treatment without any addition, (B) 50%, (C) 75% and (D) 100% of fertilizing with fishpond water and the sub-main factor was foliar application treatments with coontail extract which were (T1) spraying water only, (T2) 15%, (T3) 20% and (T4) 25% of coontail plants extract concentration. The results referred to that spraying coontail extract with concentration 25% (T4) and interaction treatment (DT4) showed superiority for all the studied characters as compared with the control treatment (A). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw return has been widely used to increase SOC storage globally, but such C accrual is frequently constrained by other nutrients which are needed to maintain soil ecological stoichiometry balance. However, the impact of fertilization on SOC stocks under straw return remains unexplored at broad spatial scales. We constructed a national-scale dataset to explore the fertilization effect on SOC stocks (0–20 cm) under straw return and identified the dominant drivers and pathways in upland and paddy systems across China. On average, straw return enhanced SOC stocks and sequestration rate by 1.74 Mg C ha−1 and 0.27 Mg C ha−1 y−1 relative to straw removal (CK). Yet, straw co-applied with nutrient enrichment further increased SOC stock and sequestration rate by 0.81 Mg C ha−1 and 0.12 Mg C ha−1 y−1, compared to straw return only. These results indicated a general nutrient limitation on SOC sequestration under straw return. The fertilization effect on SOC stocks varied greatly across nutrient enrichment types and cropping systems, with greater soil C gain occurring under balanced fertilization (i.e., NPK) and more in uplands than in paddy fields. In the uplands, SOC sequestration with fertilization was positively correlated with increased belowground biomass. In paddy fields, however, improved biomass with fertilization did not translate into increased SOC accumulation, owing to the co-limitations of soil acidification and initial SOC. We further clarified the differential pathways by which chemical fertilization altered SOC stocks, i.e., productivity pathway in uplands but decomposition pathway in paddy fields. These mechanistic insights on the fertilization control over SOC can help us optimize the context-specific integrated straw and fertilization management strategies for greater SOC sequestration, and also inform the development of soil C projections by incorporating fertilization management into biogeochemical models in agroecosystems. [Display omitted] • Nutrient limitation of SOC stocks under straw return was assessed across China. • Balanced fertilization promoted SOC sequestration under straw return. • SOC gain due to fertilization was much higher in uplands than in paddy fields. • Improved productivity with fertilization did not translate into increased SOC in paddies. • Fertilization modified SOC stocks via differential pathways across cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is considered one of the challenges to worldwide scientists and famers for achieving agricultural and environmental sustainability. In this work, we studied the effect of plant spacing, different combination of chemical fertilizers, treatment with potassium silicate, diurnal activity and some of chemical insecticides on the population density of B. tabaci on tomato plants under field conditions. The results showed that minimum population of whitefly nymphs were recorded to be per tomato leaves from those plots where maximum plant spacing (50 cm) was maintained. The results of effect of different rates of chemical fertilizers revealed that the treatment with nitrogen fertilizer was the most important factor affecting the population density of B. tabaci followed by potassium fertilizers and finally phosphorus fertilizers. The results also confirm that there are positive correlations between population densities of B. tabaci and levels of nitrogen fertilizer on tomato plants. The results concerning the diurnal activity of adults of B. tabaci clearly shown that there are significantly greater numbers of adults of B. tabaci were collected at 10:00 am and 11:00 am in summer and nili plantations, respectively compared with the other different times of the day. The tested insecticides against B. tabaci nymphs can be arranged as follows sulfoxaflor, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, pyriproxphene, buprofezin and finally dinotefuran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat crop production needs nitrogen (N) for ensuring yield and quality. High doses of inorganic N fertilizer are applied to soil before sowing (basal dressing), with additional doses supplied along the cultivation (top dressing). Here, a long-term wheat field trial (12 plots), including four conditions (control, N top dressing, Trichoderma harzianum T34 seed-inoculation, and top dressing plus T34) in triplicate, was performed to assess, under high basal N fertilization, the influence of these treatments on crop yield and root microbial community shaping. Crop yield was not affected by top dressing and T. harzianum T34, but top dressing significantly increased grain protein and gluten contents. Twenty-seven-week old wheat plants were collected at 12 days after top dressing application and sampled as bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere compartments in order to analyze their bacterial and fungal assemblies by 16S rDNA and ITS2 high-throughput sequencing, respectively. Significant differences for bacterial and fungal richness and diversity were detected among the three compartments with a microbial decline from bulk soil to root endosphere. The most abundant wheat root phyla were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria for bacteria, and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota for fungi. An enrichment of genera commonly associated with soils subjected to chemical N fertilization was observed: Kaistobacter, Mortierella, and Solicoccozyma in bulk soil, Olpidium in rhizosphere, and Janthinobacterium and Pedobacter in root endosphere. Taxa whose abundance significantly differed among conditions within each compartment were identified. Results show that: (i) single or strain T34-combined application of N top dressing affected to a greater extent the bulk soil bacterial levels than the use of T34 alone; (ii) when N top dressing and T34 were applied in combination, the N fertilizer played a more decisive role in the bacterial microbiome than T34; (iii) many genera of plant beneficial bacteria, negatively affected by N top dressing, were increased by the application of T34 alone; (iv) bulk soil and rhizosphere fungal microbiomes were affected by any of the three treatments assayed; and (v) all treatments reduced Claroideoglomus in bulk soil but the single application of T34 raised the rhizosphere levels of this mycorrhizal fungus.

Microbial inoculant based on beneficial bacteria is a complementary management tool to increase vegetable production. However, its integration with chemical fertilization has been poorly studied. The present study evaluated the effects of microbial inoculant separately and in combination with chemical fertilization on lettuce under greenhouse conditions. An experiment was performed in pots using a completely randomized design. The microbial inoculant was applied at three fertilization levels. Soil response evaluated variables were: available N and P, total soil bacteria, soil enzymatic activities, and N leaching. Agronomic variables measured were: aerial biomass, chlorophyll content, and nutrient foliar contents. Microbial inoculant had a significant impact on soil total bacteria concentration. The application of reduced chemical fertilization and microbial inoculant had a similar effect in terms of soil nutrient availability and soil enzymatic activities as the complete fertilization. Nitrogen leaching was strongly dependent on chemical fertilization rate. Treatment application decreased chlorophyll concentration compared to the control. The application of microbial inoculant and chemical fertilization increased foliar N and P contents improving their uptake. The combined addition of microbial inoculant with chemical fertilization increases the bacteria concentration without altering enzymatic activities, maintaining similar soil nutrient levels and improving N and P uptake in lettuce. Future studies could be performed in lettuce to determine the impact under different growth stages and different soil conditions.

The effects of three treatments including no fertilizer or straw returned to the field (CK), chemical fertilizer with straw not returned to the field (F) and no fertilizer with straw returned to the field (W) on the composition, diversity and structure of the soil bacterial community were examined. The results showed that a total of 1,833,232 reads and 25,843 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained through sequencing. The dominant bacteria of the black soil in the northeast (>10%) were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and actinomycetes. The soil bacterial diversity was greatly improved, but fertilization had little effect on the soil bacterial diversity. A stratified clustering map showed that the soil bacterial community structures after W and F treatments were similar to one another at genus level, and the soil bacterial community structures after treatment with W and F were different from those after treatment with CK. The effect of fertilizer application on the composition, relative abundance and community structure of dominant groups of soil bacteria was greater than that of straw mulching, which significantly reduced the soil bacterial richness, whereas straw mulching significantly increased the soil bacterial diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat crop production needs nitrogen (N) for ensuring yield and quality. High doses of inorganic N fertilizer are applied to soil before sowing (basal dressing), with additional doses supplied along the cultivation (top dressing). Here, a long-term wheat field trial (12 plots), including four conditions (control, N top dressing, Trichoderma harzianum T34 seed-inoculation, and top dressing plus T34) in triplicate, was performed to assess, under high basal N fertilization, the influence of these treatments on crop yield and root microbial community shaping. Crop yield was not affected by top dressing and T. harzianum T34, but top dressing significantly increased grain protein and gluten contents. Twenty-seven-week old wheat plants were collected at 12 days after top dressing application and sampled as bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere compartments in order to analyze their bacterial and fungal assemblies by 16S rDNA and ITS2 high-throughput sequencing, respectively. Significant differences for bacterial and fungal richness and diversity were detected among the three compartments with a microbial decline from bulk soil to root endosphere. The most abundant wheat root phyla were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria for bacteria, and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota for fungi. An enrichment of genera commonly associated with soils subjected to chemical N fertilization was observed: Kaistobacter , Mortierella , and Solicoccozyma in bulk soil, Olpidium in rhizosphere, and Janthinobacterium and Pedobacter in root endosphere. Taxa whose abundance significantly differed among conditions within each compartment were identified. Results show that: (i) single or strain T34-combined application of N top dressing affected to a greater extent the bulk soil bacterial levels than the use of T34 alone; (ii) when N top dressing and T34 were applied in combination, the N fertilizer played a more decisive role in the bacterial microbiome than T34; (iii) many genera of plant beneficial bacteria, negatively affected by N top dressing, were increased by the application of T34 alone; (iv) bulk soil and rhizosphere fungal microbiomes were affected by any of the three treatments assayed; and (v) all treatments reduced Claroideoglomus in bulk soil but the single application of T34 raised the rhizosphere levels of this mycorrhizal fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out during the spring season of 2018 in the station (A) - Department of Horticulture and Gardening Landscape - College of Agriculture Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad-Al-Jadriya. In order to study the effect of organic, chemical fertilizers and spraying of alpha-tocopherol on growth and yield of tomato (Hybrid Sereen). The experiment included two factors, the first factor was used different types of fertilizers which included the chemical fertilizers according to the recommendation N: 120, P2O5: 150 and K2O: 120 kg ha-1 (T1) it was added in two batches, and the organic fertilizer of the cows manure at 30 ton ha-1(T2), It was added before planting. The Organic Fertilizer Manufacturer (Care Ball supermix) added in two levels, each level being as fertilizer treatment, 20 kg per 1000 m² (T3), the second level is 40 kg per 1000 m2 (T4), as well as the control treatment (T0). The second factor was spraying the alpha tocopherol with two levels. The first level is the spraying alpha tocopherol at concentration of 100 mg L-1 (E1), the second level was spraying alpha tocopherol at concentration of 200 mg L-1 (E2), in addition to the control treatment, which sprayed with distilled water only (E0). Results showed the treatment T2 traits superior in all vegetative growth of plant: height plant, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and dry weight of vegetative growth, Also excelled (T2) of the number of fruits, highest yield per plant and total yield, while the treatment T1 gave highest of weight of the fruit. In addition, the foliar spraying of alpha tocopherol showed significant superiority in treatment (E2) in all traits of vegetative growth and yield characteristics. Treatment T2E2 gave the highest plant length (145.3 cm), greatest number of plant branches (16.84 branch Plant-1), highest number of leaves (138.7 Leaf Plant-1), largest leaf area (264.7 dcm2Plant-1), highest dry weight of vegetative growth (233.6 g Plant-1), highest number of fruits and highest yield per plant and total yield (40.55 fruit Plants-1, 3.99 kg Plants-1 and 66.33 ton ha-1 respectively). While treatment T1E2 was superior by giving the highest fruit weight (111.8 g fruit-1). The suggestion could be that using cow manure (organic fertilizer) 30 ton ha-1 and foliar spraying of alpha tocopherol in concentration 200 mg L-1, resulted in highest of vegetative growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed at evaluating the harmless dissipation of excess excitation energy by durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) leaves in response to the application of a bacterial consortium consisting of four plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Three pot experiments were carried out under non-stress, drought (at 40% field capacity), and salinity (150 mM NaCl) conditions. The results showed that drought and salinity affected photo-protective energy dissipation of photosystem II (PSII) increasing the rate of non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching (NPQ (non-photochemical quenching) and qCN (complete non-photochemical quenching)), as well as decreasing the total quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (qTQ), total quenching of variable chlorophyll fluorescence (qTV) and the ratio of the quantum yield of actual PSII photochemistry, in light-adapted state to the quantum yield of the constitutive non-regulatory NPQ (PQ rate). Our results also indicated that the PGPB inoculants can mitigate the adverse impacts of stresses on leaves, especially the saline one, in comparison with the non-fertilized (control) treatment, by increasing the fraction of light absorbed by the PSII antenna, PQ ratio, qTQ, and qTV. In the light of findings, our beneficial bacterial strains showed the potential in reducing reliance on traditional chemical fertilizers, in particular in saline soil, by improving the grain yield and regulating the amount of excitation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Decarboxylation of organic anions in crop straw is recognized as one of the mechanisms for increasing pH in acidified soils. However, the effectiveness of specific compounds in alleviating soil acidification from nitrification has not been well determined. This study examined three organic anions commonly found in crop straws and their effect on soil acidity and N transformation processes following urea application to a red soil (Ferralic Cambisol). Materials and methods: A 35-day incubation experiment was conducted using soil after receiving 26 years of two different nutrient treatments: (1) chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization (NPK, pH 4.30) and (2) NPK plus swine manure (NPKM, pH 5.88). Treatments included three rates (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g C kg−1) of calcium citrate, 0.5 g C kg−1 calcium oxalate, 0.5 g C kg−1 calcium malate, urea-only (control) soil, and a non-treated soil as a reference. Soil acidity, mineral N species, decarboxylation, and their correlations were determined. Results and discussion: All three organic anions significantly increased pH in both soils and the effectiveness was positively correlated with application rate. The change in total exchangeable soil acidity was dominated by aluminum concentration in the NPK soil, but by proton concentration in the NPKM soil. At ≥ 0.5 g C kg−1, the anions decreased soil exchangeable acidity by 25–68% in NPK soil and by 63–88% in NPKM soil as compared with control. Oxalate was the most effective in increasing soil pH by 0.70 and 1.31 units and reducing exchangeable acidity by 3.79 and 0.33 cmol(+) kg−1 in NPK and NPKM soils, respectively, and also resulted in the highest CO2 production rate. Addition of organic anions led to a lower nitrification rate in NPKM soil relative to the NPK soil. Conclusions: These results imply that crop straws rich in organic anions, especially oxalate, would have a higher potential to alleviate soil acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial inoculant based on beneficial bacteria is a complementary management tool to increase vegetable production. However, its integration with chemical fertilization has been poorly studied. The present study evaluated the effects of microbial inoculant separately and in combination with chemical fertilization on lettuce under greenhouse conditions. An experiment was performed in pots using a completely randomized design. The microbial inoculant was applied at three fertilization levels. Soil response evaluated variables were: available N and P, total soil bacteria, soil enzymatic activities, and N leaching. Agronomic variables measured were: aerial biomass, chlorophyll content, and nutrient foliar contents. Microbial inoculant had a significant impact on soil total bacteria concentration. The application of reduced chemical fertilization and microbial inoculant had a similar effect in terms of soil nutrient availability and soil enzymatic activities as the complete fertilization. Nitrogen leaching was strongly dependent on chemical fertilization rate. Treatment application decreased chlorophyll concentration compared to the control. The application of microbial inoculant and chemical fertilization increased foliar N and P contents improving their uptake. The combined addition of microbial inoculant with chemical fertilization increases the bacteria concentration without altering enzymatic activities, maintaining similar soil nutrient levels and improving N and P uptake in lettuce. Future studies could be performed in lettuce to determine the impact under different growth stages and different soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experimental study was conducted at the Floriculture Nursery of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture Moshtohor, Benha University, during 2014 and 2015 seasons to study the effect of 20 treatments which were represented by the combinations between five different growing media, i.e. sand + clay, sand + clay + perlite, sand+ clay + compost, sand + clay + peatmoss, and compost+ perlite+ peat moss (1:1:1 by volume) and four chemical fertilization rates of kristalon fertilizer at 0, 2,4 and 6g/L on the growth and chemical composition of Cupressus macrocarpa plants. Results showed that growing Cupressus macrocarpa plants in a mixture medium contained compost + perlite+ peat moss (1:1:1 by volume) + kristalon fertilizer at 6g/L or 4gL produced the tallest plant, the highest values of fresh and dry weights of shoots and, root length (cm),number of roots/plant and fresh and dry weights of roots/plant in both seasons. Besides, the highest leaf total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium contents. In addition, the greatest total carbohydrates content of Cupressus macrocarpa was recorded by using the mixture media of compost +perlite+ peat moss and sprayed Kristalon fertilizer at 6g/L. In this context, The medium consists of compost+pearlite+peatmoss and sprayed with kristalon fertilizer at 4 g / L came second in relation to the above-mentioned studied parameters in both seasons. Conclusively, growing Cupressus macrocarpa plant in a medium contained compost+ perlite+ peat moss and sprayed with kristalon fertilizer at 6g/L produced the best growth and quality of lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the treatments were carried out as follows: Control; Full dose of NPK containing 6 g ammonium sulphate (20.5%N) + 4 g calcium super phosphate(15.5%P2O5) + 3 g potassium sulphate (48.5%K2O) to 8 kg soil in the pot; Half NPK dose; Half NPK dose + 50 ppm (HA); Half NPK dose + 100 ppm(H.A.); Half NPK dose + 150 ppm (H.A.); as well as (H.A.) at 50,100 and 150 ppm. The obtained results showed that most treatments resulted significantly taller plants, higher branch and leaf plural, wider leaf area compared to control with 1/2 NPK + 150 ppm (H.A.) treatment providing the best results as this treatment gave also the high significant. Additionally, this treatment caused significantly the earliest flowering with the longest flower stem, widest flower diameter, number of flowers per plant as well as the heaviest fresh and dry weight of flowers. Most treatments gave significantly higher total chlorophyll in the leaves than the control with the superiority of the treatment of 1/2 NPK + 150 ppm (H.A.) followed by the treatment of NPK alone with non-significant differences in between. N ratio in the leaves significantly increased over control in most treatments and especially for the treatment of 1/2 NPK + 150 ppm (H.A.). P ratio in the leaves were significantly the highest as a result of the NPK treatment with no other additives. While the highest K ratio resulted from the treatment of either 100 or150 ppm (H.A.) without significant differences in between. However, the treatment of 1/2 NPK + 150 ppm (H.A.) is recommended to obtain high quality plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of degraded areas worldwide grows each year and measures must be taken to mitigate degradation and to recover these areas. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of soil preparation and NPK levels on the growth of five native species of the Atlantic Rainforest in clay extraction area. The experimental design was randomized block in a split-split plot arrangement with four replications. Subsoiling and scarification soil preparation represented main plots. Doses of NPK 04-14-08: 0; 40; 80;160; and 320 g pit-1 represented subplots and Atlantic Rainforest native species represented sub-subplots. Absolute growth rate, stem diameter and number of leaves were evaluated, 210 days after planting. The type of soil preparation did not influence the development of the species. The best dose for Dalbergia ecastaphyllum, Inga laurina, Protium heptaphyllum and Psidium cattleyanum were 176.49, 150.18, 199.25 and 166.48 g pit-1 of NPK, respectively. Schinus terebinthifolius was highly responsive to planting fertilization, being recommended 320 g pit-1 of NPK. All species are indicated for area recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodic application of organic manure (OM) has been suggested to increase soil carbon stock and mitigate global warming. However, in irrigated rice fields, OM amendment greatly increases methane (CH 4) emissions, which in turn may offset the effect of increased soil carbon storage on mitigating global warming. Research on the effects of OM application on net global warming potential that integrates greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes and soil carbon stocks change in rice cultivating systems has been elusive. To determine the impact of organic amendments on global warming in a rice paddy, chemical (NPK) and organic fertilization were installed, and straw removal and recycling plots were added in two fertilization treatments. Annual CH 4 and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) fluxes were evaluated using the static closed chamber method. Soil C stock changes were estimated using the net ecosystem C budget (NECB) which indicates the difference between C input and output. In chemical fertilization, straw removal decreased soil C stock by an average of 751 kg C ha−1 year−1, but straw recycling significantly increased soil C stock by an average of 464 kg C ha−1 year−1. In organic fertilization, soil C stock was strongly affected by cover crop productivity. Under favorable climatic conditions for cover cropping, soil C stocks were greatly increased by green manuring and even more so by straw recycling. However, under an unfavorable climate, soil C stock was not statistically increased, regardless of straw addition. Straw recycling increased annual CH 4 flux by approximately 220–310 and 130–190% over straw removal in chemical (7.9 Mg CO 2 -eq. ha−1 year−1) and organic fertilization (40 Mg CO 2 -eq. ha−1 year−1), respectively, but negligibly affected N 2 O flux. Irrespective of fertilization background, net GWP was mainly decided by CH 4 flux with 54–98% coverage, and then followed by soil C stock change and N 2 O flux. As a result, straw addition increased net GWP by around 110–140 and 120–150% over straw removal in chemical and organic fertilization, respectively. Rice yield was stable between years in the chemical fertilization but showed a big difference in organic fertilization, due to the difference in cover crop biomass productivity. However, rice productivity was not significantly affected by straw recycling. Organic amendment and straw applications increased greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) by an average of 131% and 269% in a rice paddy, respectively, due to a high increase of CH 4 flux but a low increase of soil C stock. In conclusion, more effective OM management which can decrease CH 4 emissions and increase SOC stock is required in rice paddies. [Display omitted] • Organic amendments increased soil C stocks, but also increased CH 4 flux in rice paddy. • Not the grain yield, but the GHGI increased significantly under organic fertilization. • GWP was 109–570% higher for organic than conventional farming. • Organic amendments that can reduce CH 4 emissions should be introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the ecological fertilizer foliar HerbaGreen in the cultivation of potato, Ajiba variety, combined with different levels of chemical fertilization (NPK) was evaluated. The research was carried out at UBPC “La Rosita”, corresponding to the “Vladimir Ilich Lenin” Crop Company, in the municipality of Jovellanos, Matanzas province. Four fertilization treatments were established (25, 50, 75 and 100 % of the NPK dose) plus the application of the HerbaGreen product at a dose of 1 kg ha-1 in 200 L of water, in addition to the control (100 % NPK Without the ecological fertilizer). Three applications were made during the biological cycle of the crop. From the leaves, stems and roots, was determined the concentration of starch, carbohydrates and total soluble protein and starch concentrations in tuber yield and its components. The use of the HerbaGreen allowed reducing the amounts of chemical fertilizer in the potato crop. The treatment of 100 % of NPK plus the HerbaGreen product showed significantly higher yields than the other treatments.