Search

The field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at Forage Research Farm of Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of nano urea on sorghum for sustainable fodder production. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design keeping eleven treatments consisting of nitrogen fertilizers combinations of conventional and nano urea with three replications. There was significant difference among treatments in respect of growth, green and dry fodder yield of single cut forage sorghum. The maximum plant height (248.4 cm), number of leaves (14), leaf: stem (0.29), dry matter accumulation (153.62 g), leaf area index (7.55), green fodder yield (541.9 q/ha) and dry fodder yield (144.1 q/ha) were recorded with the application of 100% RDN by urea fertilizer (75 kg) as followed by 100% RDN: 50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in two sprays at 30 and 45 DAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green algae Cladophora spp. inhabit waters with wide ranges of salinity and temperature, and their productivity is much higher than terrestrial plants. In natural waters, including hypersaline, they occupy large areas producing large biomass. Summing up and analyzing data from about 273 published articles, the review demonstrates the high production potential of Cladophora spp. and the diverse rich biochemical content of their biomass giving the prosperous possibility of their wide applications in agri–/aquaculture. As a fertilizer, they can be utilized by different methods (biochar, dry algae powder, etc.). Their extracts are effective growth stimulants for different cultivated plant species. Biomass is a promising fount of carbohydrates, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential microelements, and other biologically active compounds for the nutrition of animals and humans. Now their biomass is used in the feeding of livestock and chickens. It is also a valuable feed supplement for a variety of fish species, which may substitute up to 28% artificial feed in fish/shrimp cultivation. Cladophora co–farming with fish/shrimp reduces the use of artificial feed increasing commercial profitability. A wide use of Cladophora in agri–/aquaculture is economical and also mitigates environmental problems by reducing needs in agrarian land, and freshwater use, and likewise diminishing the emission of greenhouse gas methane by livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is an essential part of human life. The crop productivity is based on the soil and environmental factors. Different crops are cultivated in different areas. Nowadays, the crop productivity level is affected by the climate change and diseases in the crops. Due to this pest infestation, the crop growth is heavily affected. To overcome this problem, the right fertilizer for a particular crop has to be chosen and fertilizer helps farmers to improve the crop productivity rate. This process can be done by using various machine learning techniques. In this work, various features selection techniques with classifiers used to predict the suitable fertilizer for a crop. The experimental results show that recursive feature elimination along the proposed Heterogeneous Stacked Ensemble classifier gives better prediction rate than other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present times, with increasing emphasis on circular economies, municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered resource recovery facilities. The targeted resources are water, biogas, and sludge, organic residuals containing nutrients and elements needed by plants (nitrogen and phosphorus). Sludge is a byproduct that constitutes the largest volume of all other byproducts obtained in wastewater treatment plants. Its processing and disposal are challenging for environmental engineers because of its complexity. Thus, quick development and implementation in industrial practice of sludge valorization and utilization technologies is required, where high nutrient content must be taken into account. Also, the occurrence of a variety of pathogens in sewage sludge is a matter of concern, even in the case of developed countries. The use of untreated sludge or wastewater in agricultural activities poses a serious risk of bacterial and parasitic infection in human beings. To overcome such issues, the application of ionizing radiation processing, especially electron beam (EB), can be considered a promising method. Its effectiveness in pathogen removal has been proven by researchers. Water radiolysis products created during irradiation of water are highly reactive and cause some effects such as DNA damage, O H   • radical production, etc. Additionally, ionizing radiation technologies in sewage sludge treatment enhance the efficiency of the methane fermentation process. Depending on specific needs, different types of ionizing radiation sources can be discussed. Based on the review information and our research results, the basic engineering parameters of hybrid installation have been presented as the conclusion of the report. In this technical solution, a notably effective additional step would be the use of EB irradiation, combined with conventional wastewater treatment, to achieve efficient removal of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biocontrol agents against various insect pests in the world for their characteristics of infectivity and compatibility with different control agents. Several environmental factors directly affect the EPN populations in the soil, as well as the resistance of certain insect pests to EPN penetration. Under these circumstances, EPNs cannot exhibit high virulence on the targeted insect pest; therefore, they should be applied in combination with some of the other control agents. In this context, the main objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge on the compatibility of EPNs with various agrochemicals and examine the interactions of EPNs and these agents in combined application against insect pests. This review highlighted firstly the growing research attention worldwide concerning the compatibility of EPNs with other control agents. Then, the compatibility of EPNs with synthetic insecticides of different classes was reviewed. In this regard, also, some special attention has been paid to herbicides, fungicides and nematicidal compounds as possible compatible agents to EPNs. Later on, the current review discussed the importance of EPN application in combination with different insect growth regulators, juvenoids, ecdysteroids and chitin synthesis inhibitors. An overview of agricultural management practices and soil amendments in relation to EPNs was provided including the compatibility of EPNs with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Some attention has been paid to the EPN tolerance and susceptibility to heavy metals and other soil chemical pollutants, and EPNs as good bio-indicators of the environmental pollutants. The last aspect was the compatibility of EPNs with crude plant extracts and isolated phytochemicals. In conclusion, a combination of EPNs with compatible agrochemicals is a promising approach to the pest control strategy. EPNs may be combined with various compatible agrochemicals with additive, or preferably synergistic, effects on pest mortality. For this purpose, also, the exposure period should also be taken into consideration, because the exposure of EPNs to agrochemicals for a prolonged exposure period may turn their interaction to antagonistic and subsequently low control efficiency against the targeted insect due to the reduction of the EPN viability and infectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term horticultural experiment was conducted at two geographically distinct sites in southern Missouri in 2011-15 to study the response of American elderberry [Sambucus nigra (L.) subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli] to various soil nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels. Three commercially available elderberry cultivars ('Adams II', 'Bob Gordon', and 'Wyldewood') were used. The three cultivars were each assigned to 16 of 48 four-plant plots in a completely randomized manner at each site. Four replications of four N fertilizer treatments (0, 56, 112, 169 kg-ha21 N) were randomly assigned to each cultivar's plots and applied for 4 years (2012-15). Fruit yields, plant growth, phenology, and pest incidence were determined each year. Fruit quality was assessed by analyzing basic juice characteristics as well as organic acids, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, and polyphenols from 2012-14 samples. Leaf tissue analysis determined the plants' mineral contents in 2012-14. Most factors evaluated were significantly affected by site, year, and cultivar, whereas the effects of N fertilizer treatment were less definitive. Fruit yields and plant growth increased with increasing N levels. For example, plants fertilized with 0, 56, 112, and 169 kg-ha21 N produced 123, 137, 155, and 161 fruiting cymes per plot (5.8 m2), respectively. The eriophyid mite incidence was higher on fertilized plants, but other pests were not influenced by the N treatment. Basic fruit juice characteristics (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, polyphenols) were not influenced by the N treatment, whereas total anthocyanins were statistically higher in unfertilized plants. Levels of organic acids and carbohydrates in juice varied statistically among N treatments, but patterns were difficult to discern. Leaf N concentrations were correlated with N fertilizer levels--2.75% N with the highest fertilizer level compared with 2.55% N in unfertilized plants. Leaf levels of most other macronutrients varied, but consistent patterns did not emerge, and none of the micronutrients was different among N treatments. Although elderberry plants responded positively to increased N fertilizer levels in terms of plant growth and fruit yield, genetics (cultivar) and environment (site, year) were more influential on most other experimental factors evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hybrid rice often has higher yields than comparable inbred varieties. However, hybrids are sometimes more susceptible to insect herbivores. Outbreeding can improve herbivore resistance in hybrids compared to one (a condition called heterosis) or both (called heterobeltiosis) of their parental lines. The frequency of heterosis for resistance has not been assessed under varying soil nitrogen conditions. Nitrogen is predicted to reduce a plant's ability to resist herbivores but increases its ability to compensate for damage, known as tolerance. We examined the resistance and tolerance of eight hybrids and their parental lines to herbivores by exposing plants to the brown planthopper, whitebacked planthopper or yellow stemborer and observing herbivore fitness responses (i.e., resistance) and herbivore-induced changes to plant biomass (i.e., tolerance). There were no consistent trends in relative resistance or tolerance to the herbivores across plant types; however, improved resistance and tolerance were frequently associated with the male parent. Nitrogen reduced resistance and generally increased tolerance to herbivores irrespective of plant type. Across the eight hybrids, relative resistance and relative tolerance were not determined by heterosis or heterobeltiosis. Our results highlight the difficulties in predicting the outcomes of crossing to achieve relatively resistant hybrids. Hybrid rice results from crossing a male-sterile line (the A line) with a pollen doner (the restorer or R line). In 3-line hybrid breeding systems, a fertile B line is also required to maintain A line populations. Heterosis is defined as a condition of traits whereby the hybrid exceeds the average of the parental lines. Heterobeltiosis is where the hybrid exceeds both parents. Hybrid rice may display heterosis/heterobeltiosis for growth, yield and resistance to herbivores, among other traits. In a greenhouse experiment, we assessed the frequency of heterosis for resistance to the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugans (BPH)), whitebacked planthopper (Sogatella furcifera (WBPH)) and yellow stemborer (Scirpophaga incertulas (YSB)) in eight hybrids under varying soil nitrogen conditions. We also assessed plant biomass losses due to herbivore feeding as an approximation of tolerance (the plant's capacity to compensate for damage). Nitrogen reduced resistance to all three herbivores but was also associated with tolerance to WBPH and YSB based on improved plant survival, growth and/or yields. Plant biomass losses per unit weight of WBPH also declined under high nitrogen conditions for a number of hybrids, and there were several cases of overcompensation in rice for attacks by this herbivore. There was one case of nitrogen-related tolerance to BPH (increased grain yield) for a hybrid line with relatively high resistance, likely due to quantitative traits. Heterosis and heterobeltiosis were not essential to produce relatively high herbivore resistance or tolerance across hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A defining feature of the Anthropocene is the distortion of the biosphere phosphorus (P) cycle. A relatively sudden acceleration of input fluxes without a concomitant increase in output fluxes has led to net accumulation of P in the terrestrial‐aquatic continuum. Over the past century, P has been mined from geological deposits to produce crop fertilizers. When P inputs are not fully removed with harvest of crop biomass, the remaining P accumulates in soils. This residual P is a uniquely anthropogenic pool of P, and its management is critical for agronomic and environmental sustainability. Managing residual P first requires its quantification—but measuring residual P is challenging. In this review, we synthesize approaches to quantifying residual P, with emphasis on advantages, disadvantages, and complementarity. Common approaches to estimate residual P are mass balances, long‐term experiments, soil test P trends and chronosequences, with varying suitability or even limitations to distinct spatiotemporal scales. We demonstrate that individual quantification approaches are (i) constrained, (ii) often complementary, and (iii) may be feasible at only certain time–space scales. While some of these challenges are inherent to the quantification approach, in many cases there are surmountable challenges that can be addressed by unifying existing P pool and flux datasets, standardizing and synchronizing data collection on pools and fluxes, and quantifying uncertainty. Though defined as a magnitude, the distribution and speciation of residual P is relatively less understood but shapes its utilization and environmental impacts. The form of residual P will vary by agroecosystem context due to edaphoclimatic‐specific transformation of the accumulated P, which has implications for management (e.g., crop usage) and future policies (e.g., lag times in P loading from non‐point sources). Quantifying the uncertainty in measuring residual P holds value beyond scientific understanding, as it supports prioritization of monitoring and management resources and inform policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major issue of raw materials' depletion, and more specifically, of phosphorous (an important fertilizer) has currently become an emergent aspect due to expected depletion problems needing immediate handling. This was the reason for the implementation of the PhoReSe project that aimed to remove and recover phosphorus from the secondary (biologically treated) effluent of a municipal wastewater (biological) treatment plant (WWTP "AINEIA", located near Thessaloniki, N. Greece), treating the wastewaters of the nearby touristic area. Regarding the phosphorous supplementary removal and recovery treatment options, two methods were examined, initially at the laboratory scale (batch experiments), i.e., (1) the adsorption of phosphorous, and (2) the chemical precipitation of phosphorus. Both methods were further applied at the pilot scale by initially performing the adsorption of phosphorous onto the AquAsZero commercial sorbent, which is a mixed manganese iron oxy-hydroxide, followed by the chemical precipitation of phosphorous implemented after the desorption process of the previously saturated adsorbent. The final precipitate of this procedure was examined as an alternative/supplementary fertilizer, this way returning phosphorus into the natural cycle. These experiments, as applied successfully in at the pilot scale, set the basis for larger-scale relevant applications for similar WWTP facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution from conventional to modern agricultural practices, characterized by Agriculture 4.0 principles such as the application of innovative materials, smart water, and nutrition management, addresses the present-day challenges of food supply. In this context, polymer hydrogels have become a promising material for enhancing agricultural productivity due to their ability to retain and then release water, which can help alleviate the need for frequent irrigation in dryland environments. Furthermore, the controlled release of fertilizers by the hydrogels decreases chemical overdosing risks and the environmental impact associated with the use of agrochemicals. The potential of polymer hydrogels in sustainable agriculture and farming and their impact on soil quality is revealed by their ability to deliver nutritional and protective active ingredients. Thus, the impact of hydrogels on plant growth, development, and yield was discussed. The question of which hydrogels are more suitable for agriculture—natural or synthetic—is debatable, as both have their merits and drawbacks. An analysis of polymer hydrogel life cycles in terms of their initial material has shown the advantage of bio-based hydrogels, such as cellulose, lignin, starch, alginate, chitosan, and their derivatives and hybrids, aligning with sustainable practices and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One way to effectively use rice straw without causing environmental pollution is to produce biochar and reuse it to improve rice yield and soil properties. Using rice straw biochar has increased rice productivity and can reduce chemical fertilizers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of rice straw biochar application with reduced chemical fertilizer on the growth and yield of rice at Quang Phu commune, Quang Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam with four treatments of the coapplication of rice straw biochar doses of 5, 7.5 and 10 t/ha and chemical fertilizers of 75, 50 and 25% of the recommended dose. Growth parameters, yield components, yield of rice, and soil property were investigated. The results showed that the rice straw biochar had a positive effect on the growth, yield of rice, and soil properties. The coapplication of rice straw biochar of the level of 10 t/ha and chemical fertilizer of 25% of the recommended dose was optimal levels produced the highest growth and yield (63 t/ ha). The co-application of rice straw biochar and chemical fertilizers increased organic matter, improved both soil physical and chemical properties, and reduced chemical fertilizer use. As a result, the rice straw biochar may be recommended to farmers to apply for rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality plays an important role in the enhancement of agricultural Production. Therefore, the present study was carried out to study the quality of paddy soil. To fulfil the objectives of the present study, 15 sites were selected in Pomburna tehsil of Chandrapur District (M.S.), India. The systematic grid sampling plan was followed in the study and sample were selected grid wise on the basis of utilization of rice cultivated by the population cluster. Soil quality parameters such as, water holding capacity (WHC), pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Nitrogen, Zinc, Copper, Iron, and organic carbon (OC) were analyzed during the study period. The results of the present study revealed that the value of physicochemical parameters of the soil was in the suitable range. Salinity in most of the samples (78%) was observed in high range. OC values (more than 0.80%) indicate higher fertility of the soil. The nature of the soil was found from acidic to alkaline in nature. The values of Nitrogen, Zinc, Copper, and Iron also indicate the suitability of soil for paddy crops. After the harvesting of paddy crop, the values of most of the physicochemical parameters and micronutrients decreased except copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background an Objectives The utilization of traditional micronutrients faces certain constraints, such as the significant retention of micronutrients in the soil. This can occur due to robust adsorption reactions to clays and organic matter, or the formation of insoluble compounds in the soil. These factors greatly diminish the effectiveness of micronutrient fertilizers. The environmental concerns and limited effectiveness linked to conventional fertilizers motivate the pursuit of innovative fertilizers with delayed release and enhanced performance. A possible solution that has been explored for these issues is the utilization of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) or controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). These fertilizers deliver vital nutrients to plants at a slower pace compared to conventional fertilizers. The release mechanisms of these CRFs are dependent on either diffusion through their coating or gradual hydrolysis. Yet, soil characteristics like moisture level, pH, ion concentration, and temperature also play a role in influencing nutrient release through hydrolysis or diffusion. Hence, there exists a potential disparity between the speed at which micronutrients are released into the soil and the necessary pace of nutrient absorption by crops. Graphene oxide (GO) stands out as a common material for crafting slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). Given GO's strong affinity for metal ions and its role in ferrying therapeutic compounds, it's logical to envision GO being effectively employed as a transporter for plant micronutrients. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach to tackle these constraints, showcasing the utility of GO sheets as novel carriers for efficiently loading plant micronutrients. This technique finds application in creating advanced fertilizers that enable gradual and sustained release. Methodology In this document, we present the creation of a novel carrier system using sheets of graphene oxide (GO). These sheets are capable of efficiently carrying plant micronutrients, allowing for a controlled and gradual release. To demonstrate this idea, we utilized zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as examples of micronutrients, loading them onto the GO sheets to formulate a fertilizer based on GO. We verified the chemical composition and successful loading of both nutrients onto the GO sheets using techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Findings The prepared Zn-graphene oxide (Zn−GO) and Cu-graphene oxide (Cu−GO) fertilizers showed a biphasic dissolution behavior compared to that of commercial zinc sulfate and copper sulfate fertilizer granules, displaying desirable fast and slow micronutrient release. A visualization method and chemical analysis were used to assess the release and diffusion of Cu and Zn in soil from GO-based fertilizers compared with commercial soluble fertilizers to demonstrate the advantages of GO carriers and show their capability to be used as a generic platform for macro- and micronutrients delivery. The results of kinetic rate of adsorption show a significant increase in adsorption of both ions at the beginning of the process (first 10 min), with slow increase after 10−20 min and reaching the maximum after 120 min. In the case of ZnSO4 and Zn−GO granules, similar amounts of Zn were recovered at >9 mm from the granules, 28 and 25%, respectively. In soil with CuSO4 granules, 29 % of the fertilizer Cu was recovered at >9 mm, whereas in soil with Cu−GO granules, 18 % of the fertilizer Cu was recovered in this zone. A pot trial demonstrated that Zn and Cu uptake by lettuce was higher when using GO-based fertilizers compared to that when using standard zinc or copper salts. Conclusion The findings revealed that solid pellet forms of micronutrient fertilizers (Zn−GO and Cu−GO) exhibited a notable capacity for nutrient retention (over 10%). This capacity is attributed to GO's substantial surface area and numerous oxygen binding sites on its surface and edges, facilitating the binding of micronutrient ions. The carrier based on GO exhibited a two-phase nutrient release profile, enabling the supply of micronutrients through both rapid release (approximately 40% within 5 hours) and gradual sustained release. This release pattern is highly advantageous for crops, as it meets the high nutrient demands during seedling establishment and provides a slower, continuous release during later growth stages. The impressive nutrient retention and favorable release properties of GO-based carriers make them an attractive choice for loading various nutrients (both macro and micro) and their combinations. Consequently, they have the potential to serve as versatile carriers, ushering in a new era of advanced Slow-Release Fertilizers (SRFs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Microbiota that originate in the seed can have consequences for the education of the plant immune system, competitive exclusion of pathogens from the host tissue, and host access to critical nutrients. Our research objective was to investigate the consequences of the environmental conditions of the parent plant for bacterial seed microbiome assembly and transmission across plant generations. Using a fully factorial, three-generational experimental design, we investigated endophytic seed bacterial communities of common bean lines (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in the growth chamber and exposed to either control conditions, drought, or excess nutrients at each generation. We applied 16S rRNA microbiome profiling to the seed endophytes and measured plant health outcomes. We discovered stable transmission of 22 bacterial members, regardless of the parental plant condition. This study shows the maintenance of bacterial members of the plant microbiome across generations, even under environmental stress. Overall, this work provides insights into the ability of plants to safeguard microbiome members, which has implications for crop microbiome management in the face of climate change.IMPORTANCESeed microbiomes initiate plant microbiome assembly and thus have critical implications for the healthy development and performance of crops. However, the consequences of environmental conditions of the parent plant for seed microbiome assembly and transmission are unknown, but this is critical information, given the intensifying stressors that crops face as the climate crisis accelerates. This study provides insights into the maintenance of plant microbiomes across generations, with implications for durable plant microbiome maintenance in agriculture on the changing planet.

Today the Yaqui Valley, a renowned farming region in northern Mexico, is a top emitter of greenhouse gas. Made famous as the birthplace of the Green Revolution, the high-yielding seeds that transformed the world’s farming were engineered in the research station located in the valley. Research led by agronomist Norman Borlaug not only transformed seeds but significantly altered the contemporary understanding of fertilizer use. Five times as much fertilizer as had previously been used became part of the needed recipe to produce high yields of wheat. Decades later, soil and groundwater contamination could be traced to the heavy use of agrochemicals. This article examines pre-1970s writings, both scientific publications and an oral history, to understand how this leap in fertilizer use became normalized and persisted for nearly seven decades.

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs) are promoted by excessive nutrient loading and, while fertilizers and sewage are the most prevalent external nutrient sources in most watersheds, the differential effects of these nutrient sources on CHABs are unknown. Here, we tracked CHABs and performed experiments in five distinct lakes across the Northern US including Lake Erie. Fertilizers with ammonium and orthophosphate, membrane (0.2 μm)-filtered sewage (dominated by reduced forms of nitrogen) sand-and membrane-filtered sewage (dominated by nitrate), and an inorganic nutrient solution of ammonium and orthophosphate were used as experimental nutrient sources for CHABs at N-equivalent, environmentally realistic concentrations. Phytoplankton communities were evaluated fluorometrically, microscopically, and via high throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and levels of microcystin and the δ15N content of particulate organic nitrogen (δPO15N) were quantified. Fertilizer and both sources of wastewater increased the abundance of cyanobacteria in all experiments across all five lakes (p

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.

Alum sludge (AS) from water treatment plants is an abundant, non-toxic residue with high Si and Al contents. These characteristics make it an ideal precursor for zeolite synthesis, not only reducing the environmental impacts from AS disposal but also adding value to the waste by promoting its reuse. Herein, we propose a route to prepare zeolitic materials from AS, aiming for its application as a component of slow-release fertilizers, using mild conditions and cost-effective hydrothermal synthesis. X-Ray Diffraction revealed the formation of sodalite (Na-SOD) in short times (5-10 h) and moderate temperatures (100-120ºC), with sodium silicate addition favoring Si-quartz consumption and zeolite crystallization, without a fusion step. The Na-SOD showed a desirable cation exchange capacity, reaching 117 mg g-1 for K+. A K-SOD fertilizer was then prepared with an average 490 nm size, 2 m2 g-1 BET surface area, and slow-release behavior. Incubation in soil confirmed that Al was inactive in K-SOD and did not immobilize phosphate, in addition to promoting high K+ availability. The results support the potential of AS reuse for application in agriculture as an efficient and sustainable fertilizer.

Adapting a crop to a cultivation environment is one of its most essential properties, characterizing its suitability to the climatic zone and its ability to respond to new elements of agrotechnology. Two field experiments were carried out in 2021 and 2022 in two different climatic zones (dry steppe and steppe) of Kazakhstan to study the adaptive traits of the spring wheat variety ‘Shortandinskaya 2012’ based on the different management practices. Each experiment included 18 treatments (three sowing dates, three seeding rates, and two fertilizer application levels). In the dry steppe zone, the variety showed adaptive properties by increasing yields up to 332–397 kg/ha or 17–21% compared to the average of 1913 kg/ha in the fertilized treatments with sowing on May 15 and May 20 dates. The seeding rate effect was insignificant. The leading components in yield formation were productive tillering, thousand kernel weight, and grain weight. A very high correlation existed between yield and grain weight per ear (r = 0.86–0.93). In the steppe zone, yield improvements of up to 539–716 kg/ha or 16–21% compared to an average for all treatments of 3391 kg/ha were observed for the fertilized treatments with sowing on May 20 and May 25 dates, and with higher seeding rates at 350 or 400 seeds/m2. With the predominance of the development of the thousand kernel weight, its correlation with yield was between 0.91 and 0.99. The yield was also highly correlated with grain weight per ear (r = 0.83–0.94) and productive tillering per plant (r = 0.86–0.97). The results indicate that implementing the adaptation methods, such as adjusting the sowing date, seeding rate, and fertilization, significantly enhanced the expression of the genetic potential in the soft wheat variety ‘Shortandinskaya 2012’ across two distinct agroclimatic zones.

Fertilizers are important for plant growth, yield enhancement, and achieving food security, but overdose can have negative effects. This study sought to determine the impact of different fertilizer doses on soil properties, vegetative growth, fruit quality, and biochemical compounds of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) cv. ‘Camarosa’. During the years 2022-2023, strawberry seedlings were grown in pots in a greenhouse. Four increasing dosages of fertilizers were applied. The results showed that following treatment, electrical conductivity and soil organic matter rose to maximum values of 176.26 µS. cm-1 and 2.63%, respectively, with d2 treatment. However, the pH was initially high before dropping considerably to 7.34 with d4 dosage. Treatment d1 was highly suggested for enhanced fruit number (5.8) and total yield (729 g. plant-1). The treatment d2 produced the highest fruit weight (24.3 g), volume (27.71 cm3), length (5.55 cm), and width (5.15 cm). The medium dose d3 drastically increased leaf area (2652.76 cm2), total soluble solids (7.4 °Brix), total phenols (1,332.54 mg GAE· L-1) and antioxidant activity (89.53%), but not significantly. The maximum petiole length (12.66 cm), petiole number (29.4), chlorophyll content, runners number (6), roots length (22.33 cm), fresh root and shoot weight (73.11 and 96.41 g), root and shoot dry weight (10.84 and 30.64 g), were recorded at d4 treatment. In control plants, all of these measures were lower, despite having higher fruit pH (3.72), titratable acidity (0.87%), and flowers number (4.40). In conclusion, increasing fertilizer doses may affect soil and strawberry plant qualities, and farmers must use them appropriately.

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.

IntroductionPlant 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.MethodsSeed 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 discussionSeed 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.

Although fertilizer can help alleviate hunger, it can also lead to disease. Using data from the National Fixed-Point Survey spanning from 1998 to 2017, we aimed to determine the impact of fertilizer use on healthcare costs. Our findings indicate that a ten percent increase in fertilizer use is responsible for a 0.63 percentage point rise in medical service fees, which translates to a staggering $678 million in medical expenses. Through an analysis of the various channels of pathogenic exposure, we discovered that food crops and drinking water are the primary sources of contamination. This implies that different rural environments, including fertilizer types, villages, terrain, and water sources, can exacerbate the negative effects of fertilizer use. Our research underscores the need for policymakers to consider compensating farmers who suffer from fertilizer pollution and incur health-related losses.

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.

Phosphorus is a finite resource that is in high demand due to its essential role as a fertiliser. We undertook a substance flow analysis of phosphorus for India's agri-food system to identify where the biggest losses of phosphorus occur and which flows could be targeted to move phosphorus from a linear use and waste approach to a circular approach encompassing recovery and re-use. A novel aspect of the analysis was the inclusion of sanitation systems in India. National phosphorus flows were calculated annually for the five years 2015–2019, and the mean was then used to provide a representative annual flow. The analysis showed that India is dependent on imports for 95% of applied mineral phosphorus fertiliser and has a low phosphorus-use efficiency of 32%. The largest recoverable flow is human excreta (urine and faeces), equivalent to 21% of the current phosphorus applied in mineral fertiliser in India. Phosphorus recovery from septic tanks, the most prevalent sanitation system in India, could alone replace 8% of phosphorus applied in mineral fertiliser in India. Alongside the ongoing development of sanitation systems in India this provides an opportunity to ensure that nutrient recovery is included in sanitation developments.

The problem of unmanaged waste amount and the still high dependence on synthetic fertilizers can be overcome with the conversion of organic waste into organic liquid fertilizer through enzymatic fermentation. The process is carried out with MASARO (Manajemen Sampah Zero) technology. Hence, this study aims to study the enzymatic fermentation phenomenon in MASARO technology with vegetable and fruit waste as feedstocks. Several physical influences such as aeration (with vs. without), stirring frequency (1 time/day vs. 3 times/day), and bioreactor color (dark blue vs. white) were investigated. This study found that the first stage of fermentation offers a lower pH due to the formation of organic acids whereas the second stage of fermentation enhances the pH due to the presence of methane and ammonium. The results also prove that the parameter that most influences pH is aeration. The presence of aeration promotes methanogenesis and deamination thereby signifying the fermentation pH. This is also evidenced by the change in product color, which becomes darker over time when aeration is applied. Likewise, the optimal stirring frequency is 1 time/day and the recommended bioreactor color is dark blue. Finally, the application of organic liquid fertilizer on Indramayu paddy fields supports that this fertilizer creates soil looseness, augments the number of decomposers, and enriches soil nutrition so it can lead to productivity and agricultural sustainability.

Sustainable crop production requires nutrient inputs to replace what was removed or lost. Replenishing nutrients using fertilizers and animal wastes is one of the most common input practices. While there is considerable research evaluating the efficacy of fertilizer and manure-based inputs for crop performance, nutrient use efficiency, and the subsequent impact to the environment, the influence of these inputs on soil health properties is less understood. The goals of this review are to summarize the state of literature on the influence of chemical fertilizer and manure-based inputs on soil health and to identify research gaps to refine efforts toward improved soil health, sustainability, and soil carbon storage. Conclusions suggest that chemical fertilizer inputs can increase soil organic matter and soil health provided that additions are not beyond what a plant can utilize. Manure-based inputs contribute to soil organic carbon and associated metrics; however, direct comparison of products is difficult as they are generally applied on a nutrient basis rather than carbon basis, which differentially affects their influence on soil health. Overall, nutrient-containing inputs show beneficial influences on soil health metrics; however, more focused research into their influence on soil health is needed.

A correction is presented to the article "The potential use of brewers' spent grain-based substrates as horticultural bio-fertilizers" which appeared in the August 19, 2024 issue.

【Objective】 Prolonged drought followed by flooding is a phenomenon facing rice production in Southern China. This paper investigates the efficacy of fertilization and oxygenation in mitigating rice yield reduction induced by a rapid shift from drought to flooding. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted in pots, with the locally grown late rice variety Yexiangyouhang 1 573 used as the model plant. The severity of drought was mimicked by controlling the soil water content at a percentage of the field capacity, and the flooding was mimicked by keeping a water level on the soil surface; oxygenation was to dissolve oxygen into the irrigation water. Conventional irrigation and fertilization used locally was taken as the control. All treatments considered a single shift from drought to flooding, and they differed only in drought and flooding severity. A quadratic regression model was used to describe the relationship between rice yield and the four factors, with model coefficients being estimated by the quadratic saturated D-optimal design. 【Result】 ① The effect of a single factor on the rice yield was ranked in the order of: flooding > oxygenation > fertilization > drought. The two-factor effect on the rice yield was ranked in the order of: oxygenation -fertilization > drought-oxygenation > drought-flooding > drought-fertilization > flooding-oxygenation > flooding-fertilization. A light drought can improve the efficacy of oxygenation and fertilization in mitigating the yield reduction, but severe drought and flooding substantially reduced the rice yield. ② With the increase in drought and fertilization, rice yield increased first and then declined; increasing flooding severity led to a yield reduction; increasing oxygenation increased yield. ③ Optimization calculation showed, compared to the CK, oxygenation and fertilization can ameliorate the yield reduction to 39.47% on average, compared with the average yield reduction of 49.01% without fertilization and oxygenation. 【Conclusion】 The proposed model accurately describes the effect of drought, flooding, fertilization and oxygenation on rice yield, with R2=0.978, F=118.55 and P

This article provides information on the synthesis of esterified derivatives of hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (EPAN) based on the polymer waste “Nitron” for use as an encapsulating reagent. The elemental and structural compositions of potassium humate and the organic polymer were determined using a scanning electron microscope (Jeol JSM-6490l V) and an IR Fourier spectrometer (Zhimadzu IR Prestige-21). A method is presented for determining the strength of the encapsulated granules of potassium humates using an IPG-1M device and a TAXTplus texture analyzer (Stable Microsystems). The scientific novelty of the article lies in the synthesis of EPAN from “Nitron” polymer waste using sodium hydroxide in the presence of ethylene glycol at a temperature of 370 K for 4 h, followed by the use of 0.5% synthesized solution for encapsulating the granular potassium humate produced from humic acid to give a strength of up to 17.3 kg and prolonged action to the granules. The effect of EPAN concentration on the encapsulation process of granular potassium humates was investigated and studied. The mechanism for the formation of a protective layer of granular potassium humates in the form of a transparent film has been established. The results of the experimental work were processed using the integrated program Statistica-10, which showed a 3D simulation of the process. Microscopic, IR spectral, X-ray phase and thermogravimetric analyses of the encapsulated potassium humate were carried out using modern instrumental devices (MicroXRF Analysis Report, monochromator D878-PC75-17.0, TGA/DSC 1HT/319). The encapsulated durable potassium humate granules provide longer-term nutrition, i.e., a slow, gradual release of plant nutrients in the soil. The use of the produced high-strength encapsulated potassium humate granules allows for restoring soil fertility and increasing the yield of agricultural plants. The encapsulated granules can withstand numerous transshipments and long-term transportation while maintaining the commercial and consumer properties of the product.

Originality/Value: Farmers must use sprinkler irrigation and avoid surface irrigation because it harms the soil and increases its salinity, also represents a waste of water resources.Research limitations: Limited availability of sufficient numbers of sprinkler irrigation devices in Iraq, their high prices, and the lack of experience of farmers to use them.The Purpose of the research is to evaluate the effect of the appropriate irrigation method and the amount of fertilizer specified for urea fertilizer that achieves the best growth for the plant and increase its productivity while avoiding a negative impact on soil properties.Research Method: Two types of irrigation: spraying and flooding, and four mineral fertilization treatments (0. 50.100. 150) kg.ha-1 were used in the work to study the apparent characteristics of wheat and the amount of productivity, using statistical analysis (Gen Stat) and simple correlation coefficient to find strength of association between variables. The experiment was carried out in 2023 at Al-Khatib Farm, located in Al-Numaniyah District, it is bordered to the south by Wasit Governorate, 50 km away, and to the north by Baghdad Governorate,160 km away (Iraq).Results and Discussion. Sprinkler irrigation showed significant differences with the surface irrigation in the length of the spike, number of seed per spike,1000 seed weight, number of spikes per square meter, grain yield kg .ha-1 and the harvest index, while the plant height was not significant. The study also showed that the correlation coefficient between the apparent characteristics of the plants was stronger in the case of using sprinkler irrigation compared to the surface irrigation.

Abstract Using a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides, 238U, 232Th, and 40K, were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The average values found for 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 47.8 ± 4.1 Bqkg−1, 61.0 ± 3.8 Bqkg−1, and 1339.05 ± 65.3 Bqkg−1, respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as well as gamma and alpha indices. The findings revealed that the annual effective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose rate (DR) are respectively 0.58 ± 0.03 mSvy−1 and 118.1 ± 7.7 nGyh−1, and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is 246.9 ± 10.4 Bqkg−1. The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93 ± 0.05 and 0.25 ± 0.02, respectively, whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66 ± 0.04 and 0.79 ± 0.04, respectively. The findings showed that although the soil's radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soils and their effects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas is provided by this study.

This service activity aims to optimize the management of financial transactions at waste banks by increasing the knowledge of waste bank officers. Apart from that, this activity also seeks to help the community in handling and processing waste into products that are valuable and beneficial for the environment. The method for implementing this activity uses persuasive mentoring and socialization with stages of preparation, socialization, implementation, and evaluation. This activity was attended by 30 participants consisting of family representatives and women who manage the waste bank in Karang Asam Ulu Village. The evaluation instrument for this service activity is in the form of distributing questionnaires and analyzing them descriptively. The results of this service show that the knowledge of the women managing the Ramli "Sylva Lestari" waste bank regarding financial transaction management has increased and they can record transactions correctly. This activity has also succeeded in getting the community to produce bokashi soap and fertilizer from recycled household waste, so it is hoped that it will improve the community's economy.