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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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

Okra (Abelmochus esculentus L. Moench) has a fairly high nutritional content; every 10 gr of young okra fruit contains 33 calories, 7 gs of carbohydrates, 3.2 gs of fiber, and 81 mg calcium. Okra fruit contains a lot of mucilage due to its high fiber content. This study aimed to determine the effect of rock phosphate doses and types of mycorrhizae and the interaction between these two factors on the growth and yield of okra in saline soil. The research results showed that the dose of mycorrhiza had a very significant effect on the growth and yield of okra plants. The best dose of mycorrhiza was 10 g/plant, and the best type was Acauluspora. It showed that a dose of 10 g/plant with the Acauluspora type on okra yields on Ultiisol soil had given the best results in the vegetative phase, which could be seen in plant height parameters 15 and 30 ADP. The dose of rock phosphate is 150 g, which can be seen in the 300 g planting parameter and in almost all the observed variables. Hyphae in the soil can spread widely, which helps absorb more water. The best yields of okra plants were found by applying a mycorrhizal dose of 10 g on fruit weight variables of plants' mycorrhizal colonization on vase vegetative roots and mycorrhizal colonization on plant roots in the generative phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important fertilizers in agriculture because it promotes the growth of plants and the uptake of other plant nutrients. This nutrient plays a significant role in determining the yield and nutrient composition of sweet potato root tubers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimum application rate of N in sweet potatoes to maximize yields and increase growth efficiency. Four levels of N (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) were applied as treatments. A randomized complete block design was used, and each treatment was replicated five times. Vine length, leaf length, stem thickness, and chlorophyll content were measured weekly, and the storage root yield was determined at the end of the experiment. The results showed a significant effect of the N treatments on plant growth, chlorophyll content, vine length, leaf area index and storage root yield. The chlorophyll content and vine length increased with an increase in the N rate. However, an inverse relationship was observed between storage root yield and N rates; the highest yield was recorded for the 50 kg/ha N treatment and the lowest yield was recorded for the 200 kg/ha N applied. Therefore, a rate of 50 to 100 kg/ha N is recommended for the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. [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]

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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]

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]

The increasing occurrence of oil pollution presents a significant environmental challenge, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of Nitrogen-15, Phosphorus-15, and Potassium-15 fertilizer on indigenous microorganisms involved in biodegradation of crude oil contaminated soil collected from Shawguwolo Jeddo Metropolis, Okpe L. G. A, Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. It was observed that the hydrocarbon reduced from 5315.80 to 2276.57 within four weeks. The highest rate was observed in sample C, which showed a 95.7% reduction in the hydrocarbon contamination. Sample C also showed a 34% increase in the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria present in the soil. Bioremediation leverages microbial activity to degrade pollutants, offering a cost-effective approach compared to other technologies, as it speeds up the process of degrading hydrocarbon by increasing the growth rate of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria. [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 (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]

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]

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]

Under a collaborative research and development (CRADA) agreement, LBNL scientists investigated the effect of the semi-humic substance, Proximus, on nitrogen dynamics in two contrasting soils. We specifically tested four hypotheses that Proximus (1) binds ammonium and reduces nitrification; (2) does not bind ammonium but chemically inhibits nitrification; (3) stimulates microbial immobilization of N in biomass; (4) stimulates denitrification. We performed two primary experiments, one in the laboratory using a pure culture of a nitrifying bacterium, and one in a greenhouse setting testing the fate of nitrogen and response of microbial communities in soils with and without Proximus.Our findings can be summarized as follows:•Proximus does not chemically inhibit nitrification – this conclusion was reached by analysis of the response of Nitrosomonas europaea (ATCC 19718) to Proximus addition at field relevant concentrations, relative to the known nitrification inhibitor Nitropyrin. No inhibition of growth or ammonia oxidation to nitrite was observed at field relevant concentrations.•In soils with higher clay and silt content with relatively low N fertilizer application rates (100lbs/ac), the effect of Proximus on nitrogen concentrations and microbial communities was minimal. •In sandier soils with low organic matter and clay content and with relatively low N fertilizer application rates (100lbs/ac), Proximus aided delayed availability of inorganic nitrogen in the system. •Using a stable isotope tracer (15N) we observed differential effects of Proximus on N uptake by soil microbial biomass. In sandy soils, although Proximus slowed the release of NH4+ from fertilizer, Proximus did not have any significant effect on nitrogen assimilation by soil microbes. However, in more clay rich Iowa soils, while Proximus did not affect the magnitude or timing of total NH4+ or NO3- availability, it did reduce the availability of fertilizer N to soil microbes, delaying uptake into microbial biomass.•Proximus addition did not significantly affect overall microbial (bacterial, archaeal, fungal) community composition, although specific genera of bacteria and fungi were found to be enriched or repressed due to Proximus addition.•Over the 5 week observation period, Proximus did not stimulate any significant increase in denitrification relative to fertilizer alone. In summary, we see no evidence that Proximus inhibits nitrifiers or nitrification directly, nor does it stimulate more nitrogen loss through denitrification than fertilizer application alone. We do not find strong evidence for the direct role of microbial biomass stimulation as a Proximus mode of action. A consideration for future analyses and experimental design is the fertilization rate simulated in these experiments which may be considered low relative to more intensive agricultural practices. A study of dose dependence of Proximus application rate across soil types would also illuminate the importance of potential interactions with soil mineralogy. A further consideration is the interactions between plants and soil microorganisms not considered here. Root deposition of carbon enhances microbial growth and nutrient demand and we expect that Proximus impacts on the soil microbiome and nutrient retention would differ in the presence of growing plants.

Abstract 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).

Indonesia has the potential to develop alternative food sources, one of the cereal crops that has the potential and prospects to be developed is job's tears (Coix lacrima-jobi L.). Efforts that can be made to increase job's tears production are variety selection, proper cultivation techniques, and favorable environmental conditions. Fertilization is one of the most important factors that need to be considered in plant cultivation techniques. This research was conducted in Padang city, West Sumatera. The research was factorial in the form of a complete random design. The job’s tears cultivars used in this riset were Pulut and Batu. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of NPK fertilizer on growth and yields of two job’s tears cultivars. NPK fertilizer dosage treatment in this study consisted of : 0 kg/hectare, 100 kg/hectare, 200 kg/hectare, and 300 kg/hectare. The results showed that there was no interaction between NPK fertilizer and two job’s tears cultivars. Pulut showed the highest mean values on growth variables (plant height, leaf length, and stem diameter), but Batu showed the highest mean values on yield variables (seed weight / plant). While the best dose of NPK fertilizer to increase growth and yield is 300 kg/hectare.

Many farmers use chemical fertilizers to increase their agricultural productivity, including farmers in Kedungpring Village, Kedungpring Subdistrict, Lamongan Regency. However, it is currently difficult for farmers to meet their fertilizer needs due to the policy of limiting fertilizer subsidies, therefore farmers must have the independence to meet their fertilizer needs. Biofertilizers can be an alternative because they are easy to make by themselves, and are more environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers. Assistance and training on biofertilizer production for farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan is needed. The purpose of this community service activity is to increase the knowledge of farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan about biological fertilizers, and have the ability to make biological fertilizers, so that they can meet their fertilizer needs. This activity begins with the coordination and planning stages of the activity, providing material on biofertilizers to increase farmers' knowledge of biofertilizers using the lecture method, assistance and training in making biofertilizers using the lecture and practice methods so that farmers have the ability to make biofertilizers, and monitoring and evaluation carried out by the follow-up method. Based on the community service activities carried out, farmers' knowledge about biofertilizers has increased, which is indicated by most farmers having a higher post-test score than the pre-test score, also farmers are able to make their own biofertilizers which are indicated by the color of cloudy brown fertilizer and the distinctive sour smell of fermentation. Through this Community Service activity, farmers in Kedungpring Village also received six bioreactors for making biological fertilizers. Through this whole series of activities, it is an effort to realize sustainable agriculture, and it is hoped that farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan can meet their fertilizer needs independently.

Coffee is one of the plantation commodities that has significant economic value. A factor that needs to be considered in coffee plant cultivation is good planting media composition. This study aims to determine the effect of planting media composition on the growth of robusta coffee seedlings. This study used a Completely Randomized Design with treatments M0= Soil: 100%, M1= Soil: 50% + Coffee Husk Compost: 25% + Rice Husk: 25%, M2= Soil: 25% + Coffee Husk Compost: 50% + Rice Husk: 25%, M3= Soil: 25% + Coffee Husk Compost: 25% + Rice Husk: 50%. The analyses conducted were compost analysis and initial and post-incubation soil analysis. Observation data were analyzed using the F test followed by DNMRT at the 5% level. The research results show that the provision of coffee husk compost and rice husks affects the chemical properties of the soil and the growth of coffee seedlings. The planting media composition of Soil: 25% + Coffee Husk Compost: 50% + Rice Husk: 25% proved to increase the pH of the planting media from 5.5 to 6.6, increase in total N-value from 0.2% to 0.5%, available P from 18.6 ppm to 38.5 ppm and the soil CEC from 7.6 me/100g to 36.6 me/100g. This planting media composition also makes it possible to enhance the growth of robusta coffee seedlings in plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf width, and root volume. Thus, this planting media composition is a suitable medium for the growth of robusta coffee seedlings.

IntroductionDracocephalum 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 methodsThis 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), PSɪɪ photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), photosynthesis quantum performance, electron transfer rate (ETR), were measured in vegetative and reproductive growth stages.Results and discussionIn 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.ConclusionHaving 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.

IntroductionPulses, including red beans, constitute a significant protein source in human nutrition. Beans exhibit symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In recent years, the growing concern for the nutritional quality of products derived from diverse agricultural systems, particularly in relation to chemical fertilizers and their impact on human health and the environment, has prompted the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. Beans, being water-intensive plants, are susceptible to dehydration. Consequently, this research, driven by persistent drought occurrences, diminishing groundwater levels, the deleterious effects of chemical fertilizers on agricultural lands, and escalating fertilizer costs, as well as the availability of various cultivars of red beans, has advocated for the implementation of drip irrigation, biological fertilizers, and the cultivation of new bean varieties with enhanced seed yields. Materials and MethodsThis experiment was conducted in the years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 under farm conditions in Aligudarz city, using a 3-replicate split-plot factorial RCBD. The primary factors examined were irrigation methods (furrow and drip), while cultivars (Akhtar and Yaghout) and fertilizers (NPK applied according to the bean fertilizer table, application of biochemical fertilizer, and pure nitrogen application at 30 kg during the three-leaf and five-leaf stages) served as secondary factors. The dimensions of each plot were 6 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width and included 5 rows of planting. weed and pest and disease control were carried out. The traits of the efficiency of remobilization of dry matter to the seed, the share of seed yield from remobilization of plant dry matter and the share of seed yield from plant current photosynthesis, the capacity to accumulate photosynthetic materials and seed yield evaluated and measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using the GLM procedure in SAS. The least significant difference test (LSD) was used to assess the significance of differences in treatment means at the 5 percent probability level. Results and DiscussionThe highest efficiency of remobilization dry matter to seeds in this experiment was of Yaghout cultivar using NPK fertilizer in 2019, which due to the longer vegetative growth and more leaves, led to more photosynthesis and the conditions for producing more reproductive organs. As a result, The highest efficiency of remobilization of dry matter (22%) during the growth period, compared to Akhtar variety (9%) had the highest efficiency of remobilization of dry matter to the seeds. In this experiment the highest and lowest efficiency of remobilization of dry matter to seed was with the use of furrow irrigation in 2019 and the use of drip irrigation in 2020. Also, in each of the irrigation methods, the efficiency of remobilization of dry matter to the seed in 2019 was significantly higher than in 2020. The difference in years from the point of view of this attribute should be considered due to the difference in atmospheric parameters in these two years. Remobilization of dry matter to seed and current photosynthesis of the plant are two important components of the final yield of the plant, and investigating their role as components of seed yield is one of the goals of this experiment. The highest share of seed yield was obtained from remobilization of plant dry matter from the Yaghout cultivar and with the application of NPK fertilizer in 2019 (39.69%) and in 2020 (34.3%). However, the highest share of seed yield from current photosynthesis was assigned to the Yaghout cultivar with the use of NPK fertilizer in both years of the experiment. The share of seed yield from current photosynthesis of the plant is the result of the remobilization of dry matter to the seed as well as the current photosynthesis of the plant. The highest capacity to accumulate photosynthetic materials was obtained in Yaghout cultivar under drip irrigation. while the lowest amount was observed in the Akhtar cultivar with furrow irrigation. Akhtar and Yaghout cultivars in drip irrigation showed capacity to accumulate photosynthetic materials more than furrow irrigation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the physiological parameter of capacity to accumulate photosynthetic materials had the most significant correlation with seed yield in this experiment. The highest seed yield was obtained from the Yaghout cultivar with the application of bio-chemical fertilizers, and the lowest seed yield was of Akhtar cultivar with the application NPK fertilizer. Moreover, the correlation between the variables suggests that the high capacity for assimilating substances in the storage of seeds is the most critical factor influencing the increase in seed yield per unit area. ConclusionsCorrelation coefficients between traits showed that seed yield had the most positive and significant correlation with the share of seed yield from current photosynthesis of the plant and the accumulation capacity of photosynthetic materials. In other words, the two-year results of this experiment showed that the seed yield is mainly the final result of the current photosynthesis of the plant and the capacity for material accumulation in the seeds. Considering the persistent challenges of drought, significant depletion of groundwater, and the escalating costs of chemical fertilizers in recent years, coupled with their adverse impacts on agricultural soils, alongside the genotypic diversity of red beans, there exists a potential to markedly enhance seed yield. This can be achieved by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and adopting a combination of biochemical fertilizers and the drip irrigation method in conjunction with the use of genetically modified cultivars of red beans. Strengthening these physiological components emerges as a key pathway to realizing this improvement.

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.

Background: An essential component of environmental sustainability and sanitation is the management of dry toilets, especially waste disposal. Understanding the composition of the brown water from dry toilets, putting the proper composting technique in place, and guaranteeing safe disposal and reuse procedures are all necessary to handle the waste successfully. It has been discovered that brown water, sometimes known as feces, can be used for brick-making, fuel, fertilizer, and other purposes. Methods: This review focuses on dry toilet technology, management processes, and sanitation systems in Ethiopia and other underdeveloped nations. It utilizes secondary information and searches from Google scholars, Library catalogs, and Researchers to comprehend dry sanitation systems, including their implementation, use, and maintenance. Keywords used in the search include “in-situ treatment,” “fecal sludge treatment,” “fecal slurry management,” and “brown water treatment.” Results: The review used a total of 108 articles and books, agricultural research, and reports on the feces’ physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. It also discussed risks associated with the mismanagement of feces, including parasitic diseases in exposed humans. The main aim of the review was to develop an understanding of brown water uses, composition, and management and select the proper method of composting with dry toilets. Conclusion: Dry toilets in developing countries are utilized for ecological sanitation and agriculture, with feces potentially used as fertilizer. Utilizing feces as fertilizer is a sustainable, eco-friendly, and environmentally responsible practice that can increase productivity while maintaining a clean environment.

The problems of producing and increasing feed volume for livestock industry when growing agricultural feed crops in crop rotation system in the Southern Urals were studied. The possibility of growing forage crops in permanent cultivation under two fertilization regimes was considered. The characteristic features of climate conditions during 32 years of research were described, 10 of them correspond to desert conditions (hydrothermal index 0.4). Based on the study of corn cultivation for silage in monocropping, it was established that this variant of the experiment was the most productive both without fertilizer application (283.62 thousand fodder units from 3 hectares of arable land) and when using mineral fertilizers (303.06 thousand fodder units). Growing barley in crop rotation with soil-protective fallow provides the crop yield of 67.13 thousand fodder units from 1 hectare (total for 19902021).

Abstract 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.

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.

The chicken eggshell was applied as an alternative calcium source to produce calcium nitrate fertilizer. 12 g of eggshell waste was used as raw material for extraction into liquid calcium nitrate by a 100 mL of 10%(v/v) nitric acid solution. The liquid calcium nitrate fertilizer was encapsulated through the wet-extrusion process, in which calcium ions from liquid calcium nitrate as crosslinking agents and sodium alginate as an absorbent polymer. 73.57% of nitrate was absorbed by the droplet of 2%(w/v) sodium alginate, forming sphericallike gel structures. The optimal hardening time for bead gel formation was 120 min. The average size of wet bead gels was 4.29 ± 0.34 mm. The bead gels were oven-dried at 45◦C for 1 hour to maintain their shapes. Among other controlled release agents, pectin showed the slowest nitrate release from fertilizer bead gel. The chemical nature of bead gels characterized by FTIR indicated that nitrate was absorbed by alginate polymer incorporated with pectin, binding with the Ca2+ ions.

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effects of different nitrogen fertilizer levels (5, 25, and 45 kg of pure nitrogen per 667 m²) and biochar concentrations (0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1%) on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of pepper. The findings indicated that a combination of 25 kg/667 m2 of nitrogen and either 0.7% or 1.4% biochar significantly enhanced plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. Specifically, the N2 treatment (25 kg of pure nitrogen per 667 m²) increased substrate porosity, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen content, and available phosphorus content. It also boosted root activity and superoxide dismutase activity in pepper leaves, resulting in increased yield and better fruit quality. Furthermore, the proper addition of biochar (0.7–1.4% by weight) enhanced the physical and chemical properties of the substrate, including increased chlorophyll content and enzyme activity in plants, thereby leading to improved overall plant growth, yield, and fruit quality.

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]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) producers have the choice to retain or remove residue from the cropping system following grain harvest. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest and other regions, wheat residue is often sold to increase operational profitability, especially from higher-yielding systems. But there are several benefits to retaining residue, including recycling of mineral nutrients contained therein, though this is understudied. Therefore, the primary objectives of this research were to collect and analyze a large and diverse dataset on wheat residue nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), develop tools to estimate nutrient amounts in residue, and make economic estimates of the fertilizer replacement value of those nutrients. This was accomplished by conducting replicated variety trials on five classes of wheat across many Pacific Northwest sites over two years, then collecting and analyzing data on wheat residue biomass, residue nutrient concentrations, and grain yield. The results showed that wheat residue contained a significant amount of nutrients, but was particularly concentrated in K. Production environment had the most substantial effect on residue mineral uptake amounts, due to site differences in yield and soil nutrient availability. To enable simple estimation of residue nutrient uptake across a broad range of wheat production levels, two estimation tools are presented herein. Economic analysis showed the substantial monetary value of residual nutrients. For example, in a high-yielding wheat crop (9 Mg ha−1), the average fertilizer replacement value of just residue N, P, K, and S was similar to the entire fertilizer budget to grow the crop (~$211 vs. $205 ha−1), not considering micronutrients in the residue or any nutrients removed through grain harvest. In making residue management decisions, wheat producers should consider the tradeoff between the immediate economic gains of residue sale and the multifaceted benefits of residue retention, including savings on future nutrient costs. [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]

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]

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]

This article provides an overview of the diverse applications of hydrogels in nutrient recovery from water and wastewater. Due to their unique properties, such as high water-retention capacity, nutrient rerelease, and tunable porosity, hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for efficient nutrient capture and recycling. It has been suggested that hydrogels, depending on their composition, can be reused in agriculture, especially in drought-prone areas. Further research paths have been identified that could expand their application in these regions. However, the main focus of the article is to highlight the current gaps in understanding how hydrogels bind nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. The study underscores the need for research that specifically examines how different components of hydrogel matrices interact with each other and with recovered nutrients. Furthermore, it is essential to assess how various nutrient-recovery parameters, such as temperature, pH, and heavy metal content, interact with each other and with specific matrix compositions. This type of research is crucial for enhancing both the recovery efficiency and selectivity of these hydrogels, which are critical for advancing nutrient-recovery technologies and agricultural applications. A comprehensive research approach involves using structured research methodologies and optimization techniques to streamline studies and identify crucial relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary agriculture, enhancing the efficient production of crops and optimizing resource utilization have become paramount objectives. Garlic growth and quality are influenced by various factors, with fertilizers playing a pivotal role in shaping both aspects. This study aimed to develop classification models for distinguishing garlic fertilizer application differences by employing statistical and machine learning techniques, such as partial least squares (PLS), based on data acquired from a ground-based hyperspectral imaging system in the agricultural sector. The garlic variety chosen for this study was Hongsan, and the fertilizer application plots were segmented into three distinct sections. Data were acquired within the VIS/NIR wavelength range using hyperspectral imaging. Following data acquisition, the standard normal variate (SNV) pre-processing technique was applied to enhance the dataset. To identify the optimal wavelengths, various techniques such as sequential forward selection (SFS), successive projections algorithm (SPA), variable importance in projection (VIP), and interval partial least squares (iPLS) were employed, resulting in the selection of 12 optimal wavelengths. For the fertilizer application difference model, six integrated vegetation indices were chosen for comparison with existing growth indicators. Using the same methodology, the model construction showed accuracies of 90.7% for PLS. Thus, the proposed model suggests that efficient regulation of garlic fertilizer application can be achieved by utilizing statistical and machine learning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet global food demands sustainably, it is necessary to safeguard finite natural resources and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. Nutrients in biowastes are often not managed appropriately. Instead, they can be recovered, recycled into bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) and reincorporated into food production systems. This review addresses three critical issues for developing and adopting new BBFs, focusing on the European context: (1) BBFs should match the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers. We propose that the agronomic efficiency of BBFs can be increased through pre-treating the inputs in biowaste transformation processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion), chemical treatments of existing BBFs, organo-mineral combinations, and soil placement strategies. (2) Production and use of new BBFs is not free of environmental impacts, and these are influenced by regional conditions. (3) Public perception and end-user preferences play a significant role in the adoption of BBFs. Therefore, it is vital to address the requirements of end-users of BBFs. Our findings indicate that for widespread adoption, BBFs need sufficient and reliable nutrient amounts and crop-adequate ratios, as well as competitive pricing. A key advantage of BBFs over mineral fertilizers is their ability to improve soil fertility. However, farmers also require fertilizers that can be handled and applied with existing machinery and offer the practicality of commercial products. Another important aspect is the willingness of consumers to buy products fertilized with BBFs. Designing and promoting BBFs requires a careful assessment of environmental impacts and regional conditions, as the sustainability of BBFs depends on factors like energy sources and biowaste transport distances. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a circular economy and not just to substitute mineral fertilizers with new products. This review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders by highlighting key innovations and addressing critical barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]