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Sustainable agriculture aims to use biological resources to improve crop quality and productivity. This approach promotes alternatives, such as replacing synthetic pesticides with biological ones and substituting mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers. Field trials were conducted using two different factors: fertilizer treatments (ammonium nitrate and pig manure digestate) and plant protection treatments (pesticides, Artemisia dubia Wall biomass mulch, and strips). After harvesting the winter wheat, the productivity and quality (weight of 1000 grains, protein, gluten, starch, sedimentation of grains) were evaluated. The two-year studies showed that pig manure digestate positively affected winter wheat grain quality. Mugwort biomass outperformed other plant protection options in three key grain quality indicators (protein, gluten, and sedimentation). Furthermore, in 2023, the highest grain yield of 5798 ± 125 kg ha−1 was observed in the pesticides and pig manure digestate treatment. The quick impact and mode of action of vegetation pesticides were more easily felt over the two years of study, leading to the highest yield of wheat grains compared to other plant management measures. This study shows that mugwort biomass can positively influence wheat grain quality, a significant milestone in utilizing nonfood crops as alternatives for agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Maize is one of the important cereal crops grown in rainfed regions of northwestern Himalayas, however, persistent use of chemical fertilizers coupled with poor soil nutrients and water holding capacity due to coarse textured soils poses serious threat to sustaining maize yield and soil health. To address these bottlenecks, a long-term experiment with application of organic manures and mineral fertilizer provides insights to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), crop yield and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) in rainfed area having low water use efficiency. A twelve years field experiment was conducted under dry sub-humid Inceptisols in northern India to study the potential impacts of organic and mineral fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, water use efficiency and soil quality. Ten treatments were assessed, involving different nitrogen levels (20, 30, and 40 kg N ha⁻¹) combined with 10 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of farmyard manure (FYM), in-situ green manure from sunhemp, and the incorporation of Leucaena leucocephala leaves at 5 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹, including an unfertilized control. Maize yield increased linearly with increasing nitrogen application rates. The combination of FYM @ 10t ha−1 and 40 kg N ha−1(T4) yielded the highest maize production. Manure addition improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and major soil nutrients (N, P and K) while unfertilized control showed decline in soil nutrients compared to their initial values. Compared with control, incorporation of 10 t ha−1 FYM increased SOC by 1.3, 1.41, 1.44 times at application rate of 20, 30, 40 kg N ha−1, respectively. Application of N@40 kg ha−1 + 10t FYM ha−1 showed highest rain water use efficiency (RWUE) and relative production efficiency index (RPEI) (2.74 kg ha−1 mm−1 and 82, respectively) and the lowest rank sum of 6. Highly significant positive relationship existed between RPEI and RWUE, RPEI and sustainability yield index (SYI), RWUE and SYI indicated the superiority of FYM in combination with mineral fertilizer. Regression models, correlating yield with monthly rainfall and crop growing periods, indicated that the integration of FYM (10 tha⁻¹) with 40 kg N ha⁻¹ was most effective in achieving the highest relative soil quality index (RSQI) of 76 and the greatest sustainability yield index (SYI) of 49.3%. Based on results, we recommend balanced fertilization (N@40 kg ha−1 +10t FYM ha−1) which is easily manageable by farmers as the optimal strategy for improving soil quality and achieving sustainable maize productivity in nutrient depleted Inceptisols of northern India.

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The use of artificial fertilizers follows the intensification of agricultural production as a consequence of population growth, which leads to soil depletion, loss of organic matter, and pollution of the environment and production. This can be overcome by increasing the use of organic fertilizers in agriculture. In the present study, we investigated the effect of using vermicompost, biochar, mineral fertilizer, a combination of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer, and an untreated control on alluvial-meadow soil on the development of fodder winter barley Hordeum vulgare L., Zemela cultivar. We used a randomized complete block design of four replications per treatment. Barley grain yield, number of plants, and soil and microbiological parameters were studied. We found statistically proven highest grain yield and grain protein values when applying vermicompost alone, followed by the combined treatment and mineral fertilizer. The total organic carbon was increased by 70.2% in the case of vermicompost and by 44% in the case of combined treatment, both compared to the control. Thus, soil microbiome activity and enzyme activities were higher in vermicompost treatment, where the activity of β-glucosidase was 29.4% higher in respect to the control, 37.5% to the mineral fertilizer, and 24.5% to the combined treatments. In conclusion, our study found the best overall performance of vermicompost compared to the rest of the soil amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soil water-holding capacity decreases due to long-term mineral fertilizer application. The objective of this study was to determine how replacing mineral fertilizer with maize straw affected the soil water retention curve, soil water content, soil water availability, and soil equivalent pore size. Replacement treatments in which 25% (S25), 50% (S50), 75% (S75), and 100% (S100) of 225 kg ha−1 nitrogen from mineral fertilizer (CK) was replaced with equivalent nitrogen from maize straw were conducted for five years in the Loess Plateau of China. The Gardner model was used to fit the soil water retention curve and calculate the soil water constant and equivalent pore size distribution. The results indicated that the Gardner model fitted well. Replacing nitrogen from mineral fertilizer with nitrogen from straw increased soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity over time. S25 increased field capacity and wilting point from the fourth fertilization year. S50 enhanced soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, and soil available water porosity from the fifth fertilization year, whereas S25 and S75 increased these from the third fertilization year or earlier. Soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity could better reflect soil water-holding capacity and soil water supply capacity compared with field capacity and wilting point.

The study was done in the 2022 growing season on 16-year-old Arbequina olive trees cultivated at 6×6 m apart in clay sandy loam soil under a drip irrigation system in a private orchard located at Zakho region, Duhok governorate, Kurdistan region, Iraq, to study the influence of different types of fertilizers on the growth and productivity of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) cv. Arbequina. The experiment consists of twenty-seven treatments (three levels of soil application of chicken manure 0,5, 10 kg tree-1, foliar application of three conc. of seaweed extract (Sea force) 0,10,20 ml L-1 and soil application of three levels of mineral fertilizer Blaukorn NPK (12:12:16) at level (0, 150, and 200g tree-1), mineral fertilizer was applied three times per season: First: at vegetative growth stage. Second: at full bloom. Third: after setting of fruits. Results indicate that soil application of chicken manure, especially at 10 kg tree-1, and foliar spraying of Sea force at 20 ml L-1 significantly increased all studied characters (average leaf area, total chlorophyll content, number of flowers/inflorescences, fruit set %, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, total yield per tree, fruit total soluble solids (TSS%), Percentage of oil). Soil application of Blaukorn, especially at 200 g tree-1, significantly increased (average leaf area, fruits length, width and weight, and TSS). The binary and triple interactions of the study treatments on all the traits under investigation also showed a significant increase, particularly for the high levels of the study factors.

Soil water-holding capacity decreases due to long-term mineral fertilizer application. The objective of this study was to determine how replacing mineral fertilizer with maize straw affected the soil water retention curve, soil water content, soil water availability, and soil equivalent pore size. Replacement treatments in which 25% (S25), 50% (S50), 75% (S75), and 100% (S100) of 225 kg ha−1 nitrogen from mineral fertilizer (CK) was replaced with equivalent nitrogen from maize straw were conducted for five years in the Loess Plateau of China. The Gardner model was used to fit the soil water retention curve and calculate the soil water constant and equivalent pore size distribution. The results indicated that the Gardner model fitted well. Replacing nitrogen from mineral fertilizer with nitrogen from straw increased soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity over time. S25 increased field capacity and wilting point from the fourth fertilization year. S50 enhanced soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, and soil available water porosity from the fifth fertilization year, whereas S25 and S75 increased these from the third fertilization year or earlier. Soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity could better reflect soil water-holding capacity and soil water supply capacity compared with field capacity and wilting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian soils generally exhibit low natural fertility, including forest soils. The study aims to evaluate the initial growth of Eucalyptus benthamii in the plateau region of Santa Catarina, with the application of organic and mineral fertilization sources. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, using a Haplic Cambisol. Each experimental unit consisted of a 2.5 dm³ soil pot. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of the following fertilizer sources: control (without fertilizer); mineral fertilizer (NPK 9-33-12, equivalent to 187 mg dm³); poultry litter at a dose equivalent to 2,200 kg ha-1; and eucalyptus wood ash at a dose of 5,500 kg ha-1. The quantity of each fertilizer was applied to provide the equivalent of 50 kg of P2O5 ha-1. Plant height, number of leaf pairs at 90 and 180 days, dry weight of aboveground and root parts, Dickson's quality index, and phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) levels in eucalyptus aboveground parts were evaluated. Fertilization with wood ash resulted in greater height at 90 days after establishment, being similar to mineral fertilizer and control at 90 days and similar to mineral fertilization. At 180 days, wood ash was superior to other fertilizer sources, being similar to mineral fertilization. Dry weight of aboveground parts, dry weight of roots, and N and P content in aboveground parts showed no differences among the fertilizer sources. Poultry litter fertilization inhibited the initial growth of the species; however, fertilization with wood ash could be an alternative for planting Eucalyptus benthamii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between bacterial diversity and the bioavailability of nutrients, toxic metals and the herbicide oxyfluorfen in a tropical vegetable growing area was evaluated. The study was conducted in a vegetable growing area located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and samples were collected in areas of vegetable cultivation and areas of environmental reserve. Fertility analyses and determination of the pseudototal levels of toxic metals in the soil samples were performed. The profile of the soil bacterial community was determined by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and separation by DGGE. The results showed that the levels of toxic metals and elements associated with soil fertility were higher in vegetable production areas. These differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil favored the presence of a greater number of OTUs in the cultivation areas (17.3-27 OTUs) than in the areas of environmental reserve (13-22 OTUs). Therefore, this study demonstrates that the presence of toxic metals and the herbicide oxyfluorfen and the increase in fertility in soils in areas with intensive vegetable cultivation resulting from the intensive management adopted in these areas promotes a differentiation of the bacterial profiles in soils in tropical vegetable growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron is a highly priced crop that could be potentially produced in the arid and semi-arid areas due to its low water requirements. Fertilization is an important agricultural practice that affects saffron production. Saffron productivity is mainly depending on the number of produced stigma and desirable size of daughter corms. Therefore, the current study was carried out to investigate two different potassium-fertilizers (K-silicate and K-sulphate) at four applied doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g L-1) on growth and productivity of two corm sizes (2.2 - 2.5 and 3.2 - 3.5 cm diameter) of potted saffron. Flowering parameters (number of flowers per plant, and stigma fresh and dry weight) and vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, plant fresh and dry weight, and root fresh and dry weight) were recorded. K-silicate fertilizer exhibited the highest values in terms of flowering and vegetative growth parameters compared to K-sulphate, especially when utilizing larger corm sizes. However, a lower dosage of K-sulphate (0.5 g. L-1) enhanced the fresh weight of the stigma. Both sources of potassium improved root growth when compared to the control. Similarly, the utilization of K-silicate fertilizers resulted in higher values of nutrient content and uptake by leaves, corm diameter, and corm fresh weight. Saffron plants that were fertilized with K-sulphate demonstrated higher values of chlorophyll fluorescence and the total number of daughter corms compared to those fertilized with K-silicate, with a preference for larger corm sizes. Our findings indicate that there is a correlation between the type of K-fertilizer and corm size in saffron production. Additionally, a significant improvement in growth and yield of potted saffron was observed with the application of K-silicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing potatoes requires great care because it needs large nutrients. Proper fertilization is a critical aspect of improving yield. This study comprises a field experiment to assess the impact of several fertilization approaches on the crop performance of potato (cv. Montreal). In this context, we used eight distinct fertilizer treatments: control (T0), standard mineral fertilizer (T1), substance mushroom spent (T2), cow + poultry manure (T3), compost (T4), 50% standard mineral fertilizer comprising substance mushroom spent (T5), 50% standard mineral fertilizer augmented with cow + poultry manure (T6) and 50% standard mineral fertilizer augmented with compost (T7). The results indicate that control treatment gave least days to mean germination time. While the standard mineral fertilizer (T1) had the highest values in chlorophyll content in leaves, single tuber weight, tuber count per plant, and plant yield. On the other hand, (T6) showed significant increment in number of tubers per plant. Meanwhile, (T7) treatment produced higher marketable yield and tuber per plant. Whereas, there are not significant difference among treatments in number of arial stems. on the other hand, these results were the lowest for the control treatment. Hence, the fertilization approach extensively impacts vegetative development and tuber yield.

Background. The high purchase price and the expansion of treatment volumes stimulate the production of oilseeds in general, including oilseed flax. However, it has not been enough done to determine the autecological aspects in the agrocenoses of oil flax and the scientific justification for the sustainable production of oilseed raw materials of this crop in conditions of the Central Non-Black Earth Region. Also, the problem of the sowing qualities of flax, the preservation of the crop in various weather conditions of the region has not been solved and such methods of agricultural technology as the use of biological microfertilizers, including complex interaction with mineral fertilizers, have not been worked out, which determines the relevance and necessity of conducting these studies. Materials and Methods. Research methods and methodology were based on generalization of scientific sources of domestic and foreign authors, laboratory and field studies, phenological observations, records, according to recommendations and generally accepted methods, using correlation and statistical analysis of the experimental data obtained. Microsoft Office Excel 10 was used for statistical work. Results. The maximum average yields were found in variants with N205P35K75 (24.4 dt/ha); N220P70K105 (25.1 dt/ha) against the background of Micropolidoc Plus application. The increase in oilseeds compared to options with introduction of N125 was without Micropolidoc Plus: +6.8 dt/ha (N205R35K75) and +8.9 dt/ha (N220R70K105), and against the background of using Micropolidoc plus it was +7.9 dt/ha (N205R35K75) and +8.6 dt/ha (N220Р70К105). Conclusion. The use of higher calculated doses of fertilizers stimulated an increase in yield, and spraying oil flax plants in the “herringbone” phase with Micropolidoc Plus microfertilizer at a dose of 0.5 l/ha, in combination with mineral fertilizers, gave a higher increase in seeds according to the options. Correlation-statistical analysis revealed that the relationship was enhanced when treated with agrochemical Micropolidoc Plus against the background of an average level of nutrition (r = 0.42), and an increase in the number of boxes per unit increased the crop yield by +0.84 dt/ha, which indicated the effectiveness of a biological product that improved conditions for increasing the responsiveness of yields to the formation of boxes.

The effect of the complex fertilizer APAVIVA NPK(S) 15:15:15(10) on the yield and biometric parameters of various varieties of endive lettuce (Cichorium endivia L.) was studied in controlled conditions of a pot experiment. The phytolaboratory maintained optimal temperature, humidity and lighting. UnionPowerStar-40W-T lamps were used in the experiment, diode wavelength: blue (450 nm), red (660 nm). Daylight hours were 15 hours (from 7-00 to 22-00). The application of APAVIVA led to an increase in plant height, leaf rosette diameter, number of leaves and their assimilation surface. The use of mineral fertilizer led to an increase in plant productivity. However, increased mineral nutrition contributed to an accelerated transition to the generative phase of plant development, the formation of flowering shoots and the outflow of nutrients from the leaves to the stem. This had a negative impact on the yield of marketable products - chicory lettuce leaves. The addition of lime material (dolomite flour) together with mineral fertilizer increased plant productivity as well as helped to inhibit the accelerated transition to the generative phase and increase the yield of leaf mass.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a granular poultry manure fertiliser on the yield and the quality of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), and to determine the effect on the soil agrochemical properties. The effect of the granular poultry manure fertiliser and mineral fertiliser (applied separately and combined at different times - in early spring and in autumn) on the cabbage yields was determined. Investigations were carried out in the fields of the Institute of Horticulture, the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The object of the research - white cabbage 'Socrates' H. The highest white cabbage marketable yield (80.5 t/ha) and the highest amount of vitamin C (7.80 mg per 100 g of products) was obtained by applying the granular poultry manure fertiliser in the autumn and the mineral fertiliser in the spring, where the granular poultry manure fertiliser applied in the early spring and the granular poultry manure fertiliser applied in the autumn with the mineral fertiliser applied in spring retained a higher content of humus (1.82-1.94%), organic carbon (1.06-1.12%) and total nitrogen (0.099-0.147%). The mineral nitrogen residue in the soil decreased when the cabbage was fertilised in the spring with the mineral fertiliser and when fertilised in the spring with the mineral fertiliser in combination with the granular poultry manure fertiliser by 8.1-10.8 kg/ha. The minimum content of nitrates in the heads of the white cabbage was found after using the granular poultry manure fertiliser in the autumn.

Sustainable agriculture aims to use biological resources to improve crop quality and productivity. This approach promotes alternatives, such as replacing synthetic pesticides with biological ones and substituting mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers. Field trials were conducted using two different factors: fertilizer treatments (ammonium nitrate and pig manure digestate) and plant protection treatments (pesticides, Artemisia dubia Wall biomass mulch, and strips). After harvesting the winter wheat, the productivity and quality (weight of 1000 grains, protein, gluten, starch, sedimentation of grains) were evaluated. The two-year studies showed that pig manure digestate positively affected winter wheat grain quality. Mugwort biomass outperformed other plant protection options in three key grain quality indicators (protein, gluten, and sedimentation). Furthermore, in 2023, the highest grain yield of 5798 ± 125 kg ha−1 was observed in the pesticides and pig manure digestate treatment. The quick impact and mode of action of vegetation pesticides were more easily felt over the two years of study, leading to the highest yield of wheat grains compared to other plant management measures. This study shows that mugwort biomass can positively influence wheat grain quality, a significant milestone in utilizing nonfood crops as alternatives for agricultural productivity.

The nutrition background and optimization of the nutritional regime play an important role in the accumulation of above-ground mass and the corresponding leaf apparatus, the functioning of which depends on the yield level, already from the initial stages of sunflower growth. Therefore, it is important to study the patterns of growth and development of plants, to develop the most optimal agrotechnological conditions for increasing crop productivity. The aim of the research was to investigate changes in the parameters of leaf surface area, net photosynthetic productivity and yield of sunflower depending on additional nutrition. The research was conducted in 2021-2023 in the fields of the Oil Crops Institute of the National Academy of Sciences. Sowing sunflower hybrids Serpanok, Marshal, Agent and the Camelot variety was carried out in the first decade of May with a row width of 70 cm with a sowing rate of 50,000 similar seeds per hectare. Options application mineral fertilizers: 1. Without fertilizers (control); 2. N30P40; 3. N40P60; 4. N60P90; 5. N60P60K60. Options for using growth regulators: 1. Without application (control); 2. Fulvigrin Stimul (1.5 l/ha) in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves; 3. Fulvital Plus (0.45 l/ha) in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves; 4. Fulvigrin Stimul (1.5 l/ha) in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves + Ceron (1.0 l/ha) in the phase of 8 - 10 pairs of leaves; 5. Fulvital Plus (0.45 l/ha) in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves + Ceron (1.0 l/ha) in the phase of 8-10 pairs of leaves. The establishment of the experiment and accounting, measurements, and accompanying observations were carried out according to the method of field experiments on the study of agrotechnical methods of sunflower cultivation and the method of conducting a field experiment. Based on the results of our research is established change indicators square leafy surface and clean productivity photosynthesis of sunflower hybrids and cultivars. In an average of three years, in the cultivation of sunflower against the background of the introduction of mineral fertilizers in combination with foliar fertilization of crops with growth regulators contributed to an increase in the leaf surface area of one plant from: 42.5-44.4 dm² in the Serpanok hybrid; 47.6-49.2 dm² in the Marshall hybrid; 40.3-41.6 dm² in the Agent hybrid; 44.9-46.7 dm² in the Camelot variety on a background without fertilizers to: 47.5-48.3 dm² in the Serpanok hybrid; 53.7-54.3 dm² in the Marshall hybrid; 45.2-46.2 dm² in the Agent hybrid; 51.3-52.7 dm² in the Camelot variety on the background of N30P40; 48.2-49.5 dm² in the Serpanok hybrid; 55.1-56.0 dm² in the Marshall hybrid; 46.5-47.0 dm² in the Agent hybrid; 53.1-53.7 dm² in the Camelot variety on the N40P60 background; 49.5-49.9 dm² in the Serpanok hybrid; 56.6-57.6 dm² in the Marshall hybrid; 48.0-48.6 dm² in the Agent hybrid; 53.7-54.9 dm² in the Camelot variety on the N60P90 background. The largest indicators of the leaf surface area of one sunflower plant were recorded against the background of N60P60K60. Taking into account the density of sunflower plants, the leaf surface area per hectare also increased under the influence of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators. In relation to the control (without fertilizers), its indicators increased by: 1.8-2.2 thousand m² in the hybrid Haze; 2.4-2.8 thousand m² in the hybrid Marshal; 2.1-2.3 thousand m² in the Agent hybrid; 2.2-2.6 thousand m² in the Camelot variety for application of fertilizers in a dose of N30P40; 2.0-2.7 thousand m² in the Serpanok hybrid; 3.2-3.6 thousand m² in the Marshall hybrid; 2.4-2.9 thousand m² in the Agent hybrid; 2.8-3.2 thousand m² in the Camelot variety for application of fertilizers in a dose of N40P60; 2.4-3.2 thousand m² in the Serpanok hybrid; 3.9-4.2 thousand m² in the Marshall hybrid; 3.3-3.6 thousand m² in the Agent hybrid; 3.1-3.6 thousand m² in the Camelot variety for application of fertilizers in a dose of N60P90; 3.2-3.7 thousand m² in the Serpanok hybrid; 4.2-4.9 thousand m² in the Marshall hybrid; 3.8-4.2 thousand m² in the Agent hybrid; 3.6-4.1 thousand m² in the Camelot variety for application of fertilizers in the dose of N60P60K60. The highest values of the indicators of the leaf surface area per hectare were noted against the background of the application of N60P60K60. Under the influence of growth regulators, the indicators of the leaf surface area increased by: 0.1-0.9 thousand m² in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.1-0.6 thousand m² in the Marshall hybrid; 0.1-0.5 thousand m² in the Agent hybrid; 0.1-0.6 thousand m² in the Camelot variety. The net photosynthetic productivity (NPP) of sunflower plants changed both under the influence of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators. In relation to controls - without fertilizers and growth regulators, its indicators increased by: 0.07-0.25 and 0.02-0.07 g/m² x day in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.08-0.26 and 0.03-0.08 g/m² x day in the Marshall hybrid; 0.09-0.30 and 0.04-0.09 g/m² x day in the Agent hybrid; 0.06-0.27 and 0.04-0.10 g/m² x day in the Camelot variety. The highest values of PPF indicators were provided by the cultivation of hybrids and varieties of sunflower against the background of the application of complete mineral fertilizer. Treatment of sunflower crops with mixtures of Fulvigrin Stimul in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8-10 pairs of leaves and Fulvital Plus in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8-10 pairs of leaves was the most effective. Among the studied hybrids and varieties, the Marshall hybrid had the highest PMF values of 6.02-6.34 g/m². When analyzing data on sunflower yield, it was established that, on average, over three years, the increase in yield from the use of mineral fertilizers was equal to: 0.28-0.54 t/ha in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.22-0.48 t/ha in the Marshall hybrid; 0.23-0.50 t/ha in the Agent hybrid; 0.18-0.41 t/ha in the Camelot variety. Under the influence of growth regulators, the yield increased by: 0.07-0.28 t/ha in the Serpanok hybrid; 0.06-0.25 t/ha in the Marshall hybrid; 0.08-0.28 t/ha in the Agent hybrid; 0.04-0.24 t/ha in the Camelot variety. The average yield in the control (without crop treatment) was equal to 3.15 t/ha. When crops were treated with different mixtures of growth regulators, it increased to 3.27-3.34 t/ha. The reaction of hybrids and sunflower varieties to the application of growth regulators was almost the same. A higher level of yield of sunflower hybrids Serpanok (3.66-3.69 t/ha) and Marshal (3.33-3.36 t/ha) was ensured by cultivation against the background of application of mineral fertilizers in doses of N40P60, N60P90 and N60P60K60, and the Agent hybrid (3.56-3.59 t/ha) and the Camelot variety (3.08-3.11 t/ha) against the background of mineral fertilizers in doses of N60P90 and N60P60K60 with spraying of crops with mixtures of growth regulators Fulvigrin Stimul in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in the phase of 8-10 pairs of leaves and Fulvital Plus in the phase of 3-4 and 6-8 pairs of leaves + Ceron in phase 8-10 pairs of leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was done in the 2022 growing season on 16-year-old Arbequina olive trees cultivated at 6×6 m apart in clay sandy loam soil under drip irrigation system in a private orchard located at Zakho region, Duhok governorate, Kurdistan region, Iraq, to study the influence of different types of fertilizers on the growth and productivity of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) cv. Arbequina. The experiment consists of twenty-seven treatments (three levels of soil application of chicken manure 0,5, 10 kg tree-1, foliar application of three conc. of seaweed extract (Sea force) 0,10,20 ml L-1 and soil application of three levels of mineral fertilizer Blaukorn NPK (12:12:16) at level (0, 150, and 200g tree-1 ), mineral fertilizer was applied three times per season: First: at vegetative growth stage. Second: at full bloom. Third: after setting of fruits. Results indicate that soil application of chicken manure, especially at 10 kg tree-1, and foliar spraying of Sea force at 20 ml L-1 significantly increased all studied characters (average leaf area, total chlorophyll content, number of flowers/inflorescences, fruit set %, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, total yield per tree, fruit total soluble solids (TSS%), Percentage of oil). Soil application of Blaukorn, especially at 200 g tree-1, significantly increased (average leaf area, fruits length, width and weight, and TSS). The binary and triple interactions of the study treatments on all the traits under investigation also showed a significant increase, particularly for the high levels of the study factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One of the successful and sustainable methods to restore low-fertility soils over the past few decades has been the integrated effect of biochar made from various feedstocks and chemical fertilizers. However, the impact of combining chemical fertilizers with pinewood-chip biochar to restore low-fertility calcareous soils has not been studied. The current study aimed to describe the integrative effects of pine-woodchip biochar and reduced NP fertilizer on soil fertility and maize productivity and to reduce dependency on inorganic fertilization. Materials and methods: In this regard, a 55-day pot experiment was conducted in the semi-arid agroecosystem to assess the integrated effect of pine-woodchip biochar (pyrolyzed at 450 °C) with reduced NP fertilizer on soil organic carbon, NPK availability, its uptake by maize, and maize productivity. The experimental design was completely randomized and consisted of six treatments: control, 100%-NP (NP), 5 tons ha−1 biochar (5-BC), 10 tons ha−1 biochar (10-BC), 5 tons ha−1 BC integrated with 50%-NP (5-BC + NP), and 10 tons ha−1 BC with 50%-NP (10-BC + NP). Results: Biochar amendments at 5 and 10 tons ha−1 with and without reduced NP fertilizer significantly increased maize growth and biomass production. Soil pH and electrical conductivity also varied between the treatments, and values were generally higher in BC and NP treatments. Soil organic carbon and soil total nitrogen concentrations were significantly higher in the 5-BC + NP and 10-BC treatments. Effects on NPK availability and their uptake by maize plants varied between the treatments. A significant positive correlation between soil nitrogen and plant nitrogen and uptake was observed, whereas similar relationships were non-significant and non-consistent for phosphorus and potassium. However, the relationships between the phosphorus and potassium concentrations of the soil and the plant were not significant and inconsistent. However, soil organic carbon was positively correlated with plant NPK uptake, suggesting the contrasting effects of pine-woodchip biochar on NPK availability and their uptake. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the pine-woodchip biochar with reduced NP fertilizer could enhance maize growth and biomass production while improving soil organic carbon with differential effects on NPK availability and uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral fertilizers are a new type of sustainable fertilizers, containing natural ores as the primary raw material with various nutrients and organic matters. This study combines two methods of bibliometric analysis to comprehensively review the progress of mineral fertilizers from 2000 to 2021. The results showed that the research on mineral fertilizers has increased in the past 21 years, especially after 2014. Developed countries studied mineral fertilizers more extensively than developing countries, but some developing countries, such as China and India, are also paying attention to this area in recent years. Chinese Academic of Sciences, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences were the main publishing institutions. Nutrient elements, changes in soil properties, and the effects on promoting crop growth were the main contents of the research. Still, such issues as bioremediation, soil environment improvement, and crop resistance are becoming hot spots. The field of mineral fertilizers showed a strong interdisciplinary nature and an increasingly comprehensive research perspective. The goal is that this synthesis will be used as a starting point for a broader study on responsible environmental management and research on improving fertilizer use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization is crucial for increasing crop productivity and it alters soil microbial biomass and activities. These alterations exert implications for soil carbon (C) stocks, primarily through the priming effect (PE). Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying PE and their impact on soil C stocks in paddy soils subjected to long-term (31 years) fertilization. Soils from four depths within the upper 40 cm layer, subjected to four fertilization types (no fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, mineral + straw, mineral + chicken manure), were incubated for 60 days with or without 13C-labeled glucose. Following substrate addition, an increase in isotopically unlabeled CO2 efflux may stem from accelerated microbial turnover (apparent PE) or modified soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization (real PE). By analyzing microbial biomass (MBC), CO2 and dissolved organic C (DOC) dynamics, we explored the partitioning of C from glucose into three pools. Following glucose addition (day 2), the SOM-derived MBC decreased by 4.7 % at 0–10 cm in unfertilized and by 6.3 % in mineral-fertilized soils. SOM-derived MBC also decreased in soils fertilized with straw- and chicken manure at 0–20 and 0–30 cm. Hence, the apparent PE closely correlated with fertilization types. At day 2, the SOM-derived DOC increased with the increase in extractable Fe2+ content, indicating high contribution of the released mineral-bound organic C in the DOC pool. Microbial decomposition of SOM-derived DOC and loss of unlabeled C through apparent PE increased the release of unlabeled CO2, resulting in a positive but low PE. After 60 days of incubation, the addition of glucose to the subsoils (30–40 cm) caused a net loss of C (positive PE) of 6.6–19 mg kg−1. In contrast, negative PEs were observed in the topsoil, indicating a decrease in microbial activity and C turnover. These findings suggested that fertilization regimes, whether involving long-term extra C input or not, can alter microbial biomass and turnover rates. Moreover, the C turnover mechanisms in paddy soils are complex, including apparent PE, release of mineral-bound organic C, and negative PE. Collectively, these processes can consequently change soil C stocks.

The gradual increase in industrial wastes allowed the utilization of these wastes in different areas. Steel slag, one of the industrial wastes, is formed during the reduction of molten crude iron to molten crude steel in basic oxygen furnaces or scrap to molten crude steel in electric arc furnaces and induction furnaces. Removal, storage, or disposal of steel slag is an important environmental and economic problem. Steel slag offers opportunities to be used as an alternative material in various areas and contributes to the national economies through recycling. This research provides information about the studies and application examples on the use of steel slag as a soil amendment and mineral fertilizer in the world. This usage allows reducing the consumption of natural resources and providing great agricultural, environmental, and economic gain by minimizing the negative environmental effects of steel slag.

The use of artificial fertilizers follows the intensification of agricultural production as a consequence of population growth, which leads to soil depletion, loss of organic matter, and pollution of the environment and production. This can be overcome by increasing the use of organic fertilizers in agriculture. In the present study, we investigated the effect of using vermicompost, biochar, mineral fertilizer, a combination of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer, and an untreated control on alluvial-meadow soil on the development of fodder winter barley Hordeum vulgare L., Zemela cultivar. We used a randomized complete block design of four replications per treatment. Barley grain yield, number of plants, and soil and microbiological parameters were studied. We found statistically proven highest grain yield and grain protein values when applying vermicompost alone, followed by the combined treatment and mineral fertilizer. The total organic carbon was increased by 70.2% in the case of vermicompost and by 44% in the case of combined treatment, both compared to the control. Thus, soil microbiome activity and enzyme activities were higher in vermicompost treatment, where the activity of β-glucosidase was 29.4% higher in respect to the control, 37.5% to the mineral fertilizer, and 24.5% to the combined treatments. In conclusion, our study found the best overall performance of vermicompost compared to the rest of the soil amendments.

The Mediterranean agricultural sector faces many challenges related to water and mineral resource use for crop production and food security for an exponentially growing population. Phosphorus drip fertigation has recently emerged as an efficient and sustainable technique to improve water and nutrient use efficiency under such challenging pedoclimatic conditions. The classical methods for administering standard P fertilizers to crops (broadcasting and banding) have shown their limitations in terms of P acquisition and use efficiency. More than 60 % of applied P through dry P fertilizers is rapidly transformed into recalcitrant P forms and subsequently lost by soil erosion increasing the effects of P eutrophication issues on the ecosystem's sustainability. The emergence of new advanced irrigation technologies like high-frequent drip irrigation must be accompanied by the development of new P formulations with high water solubility and greater P use efficiency. This review illustrates the state of the art for P fertilizers used in Mediterranean agriculture in the last decades. An overall description is provided for the P fertilizer formulas, their physicochemical properties, as well as their suitability for drip fertigation systems and the consequent effects of their application on photosynthesis, plant growth, and crop productivity. The key factors influencing P fertilizer transformations and use efficiency under drip fertigation systems are extensively discussed in this review with a focus on the differences between orthophosphate and polyphosphate formulations.

The use of mineral fertilizer and organic inputs with an improved and local variety of cassava allows (i) to identify nutrient limitations to cassava production, (ii) to investigate the effects of variety and combined application of mineral and organic inputs on cassava growth and yield and (iii) to evaluate the profitability of the improved variety and fertilizer use in cassava production. Data on growth, yield and yield components of an improved and local variety of cassava, economic analysis, soil and weather, collected during two growing cycles of cassava in farmer's fields in the highlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are presented. The data complement the recently published paper “Increased cassava growth and yields through improved variety use and fertilizer application in the highlands of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo” (Munyahali et al., 2023) [1]. Data on plant height and diameter were collected throughout the growing period of the crop while the data on the storage root, stem, tradable storage root, non-tradable storage root and harvest index were determined at 12 months after planting (MAP). An economic analysis was performed using a simplified financial analysis whereby additional benefits were calculated relative to the respective control treatments; the total costs included the purchasing price of fertilizers and the additional net benefits represented the revenue from the increased storage root yield due to fertilizer application. The value cost ratio (VCR) was calculated as the additional net benefits over the cost of fertilizer purchase.

In endeavors to manage agricultural cropping systems without the application of chemical-synthetic plant protection products (CSPs), one of the greatest challenges is ensuring yield performance. The literature provides a wealth of data on organic farming yields and the gap between organic and conventional systems, but little knowledge on the yield performance of cropping systems that use mineral fertilizers but not CSPs. This paper presents the first results of field trials at two locations in Germany comparing cultivation systems that are free of chemical-synthetic plant protection, but use mineral fertilizers, with both conventional and organic cropping systems. These system trials are part of the joint research project "Agriculture 4.0 without chemical-synthetic plant protection (NOcsPS)". Initial results show that CSP-free cultivation systems generally achieve lower yields than conventional systems, but considerably higher yields than organic systems.

Soil nutrient depletion is the main problem in Ethiopia for agriculture sector. Comparison of organic and inorganic source of fertilizer is needed for soil physicochemical properties improvement. Hence, the current study was investigated to investigate the sole application of farmyard manure and blended NPSB fertilizer on soil properties. For this investigation, farm yard manure at three level (0,5, and 10 t ha-1) and NPSB at four level (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1). All collected data were analysed by GenStat software. Sole application of farm yard manure significantly improves soil bulk density ((1.23 gcm3 to 1.11 gcm3 at kuja Guraferda, and 2.22 gcm3 to 1.12 g/cm3 deka Maenit-Goldia) and soil moisture content from 12.14 % to 33.79 % at kuja, and 11.88 % to 36.01%at deka). More over application of farm yard manure improve soil pH (6.15) organic carbon (6.20 mg/kg) available phosphorus (18.94 mg/kg, total nitrogen (0.32), sulfur (18.27), boron, exchangeable base, cation exchange capacity, micronutrients (copper, manganese & zinc). Application of NPSB fertilizer improves only, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, sulfur and boron. Application of Farm yard manure significantly improve soil physicochemical properties than NPSB mineral fertilizer in comparison. Therefore, application of farm yard manure is more important than mineral NPSB fertilizer for sustainable soil physical and chemical properties improvement from soil management aspect. Thus, application farmyard manure at 10 t/ha is recommended for the studied soil at West Omo zone Maenit-Goldia district, Deka kebele, and Bench-Skako zone, Guraferda district at Koyi kebele, south west people regional state, South West Ethiopia.

To ensure soil quality and soil health, it is necessary to improve fertilization practices while minimizing environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to record the state of the art on soil fertility related to fertilization management (organic and/or mineral) and to detect environmental challenges in highly productive fields. A soil survey was set up in a new irrigated area (c. 20 years old), in the north-eastern part of Spain, which is mainly devoted to double annual crop rotations of cereals and maize. The area also supports an important animal rearing activity. The survey covered 733 ha of calcareous soils, owned by 35 farmers. At each farm, fertilization management was recorded, and soil was analyzed for nutrients and heavy metals. Multivariate analyses were performed. Total N, P, Cu and Zn, and available P, Cu, Zn and Mn soil concentrations were associated to the use of organic amendments. Heavy metals concentrations were below established thresholds. Available P (Olsen-P) was identified as an indicator of the previously adopted fertilization management and of the potential of P leaching towards deeper soil layers. Regression analyses were performed. A displacement of available P from the uppermost layer (0–0.3 m) occurs in the breakpoint of 86 mg P kg−1 soil. Preventative actions might be established from 53 mg P kg−1 soil due to the slowdown in P immobilization. Our results reinforce the importance of setting up P threshold soil levels for best practices of fertilization, as a basis for sustainable agriculture intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conducted studies show that the application of different rates and proportions of mineral fertilizers to wheat plants leads to a change in the structure of its yield, an increase in grain yield and stubble yield to varying degrees according to the experimental variants. The article notes the factors of soil damage. The article also shows the research work carried out on land plots of various regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gradual increase in industrial wastes allowed the utilization of these wastes in different areas. Steel slag, one of the industrial wastes, is formed during the reduction of molten crude iron to molten crude steel in basic oxygen furnaces or scrap to molten crude steel in electric arc furnaces and induction furnaces. Removal, storage, or disposal of steel slag is an important environmental and economic problem. Steel slag offers opportunities to be used as an alternative material in various areas and contributes to the national economies through recycling. This research provides information about the studies and application examples on the use of steel slag as a soil amendment and mineral fertilizer in the world. This usage allows reducing the consumption of natural resources and providing great agricultural, environmental, and economic gain by minimizing the negative environmental effects of steel slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a widespread weed, which is greatly appreciated for its high nutritional value. The present work evaluated the effect of different ammonium/total nitrogen ratios (NH4/Total N: Nr 0.01–0.15) on growth, physiological and biochemical parameters, and nutrient accumulation in different plant parts of hydroponically grown purslane, under two growing seasons, spring and autumn. Young seedlings of purslane were transferred to a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system and they were exposed to different Nr levels. The pH and the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution were kept constant at 5.8 and 2.3 mS cm−1, respectively. After the end of the cultivation periods (19 days for spring and 22 days for autumn), a series of assessments (growth parameters, mineral content in different plant organs, antioxidant status of the plant, etc.) were done. Plant height, leaf number, root fresh weight and plant biomass revealed decreased trends at the higher NH4/total N ratios, especially during the autumn growing season. Total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity appeared increased at Nr ≤ 0.10 during both seasons (autumn and spring), revealing higher nitrogen accumulation rates and increased water and nutrient use efficiency. Purslane plants grown in Nr 0.05–0.10 revealed a less intense oxidative stress, with decreased lipid peroxidation levels that was the result of the activation of both enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid) antioxidant capacity of the plant. Increased Nr resulted in the accumulation of potassium, while calcium and magnesium levels in leaves were decreased. Additionally, the greater water use efficiency was measured for plants grown under Nr 0.01–0.05. Therefore, the recommended ammonium/total nitrogen ratio for purslane production of increased yield, improved nutritional value and efficient use of water and nitrogen sources is to employ Nr of 0.05, while additional care should be addressed during autumn periods as plants are subjected to greater impacts of the Nr ratio.

The combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is an appropriate agronomic measure and is particularly important for smallholders who have limited access to mineral fertilizers. However, fertilizer recommendations in terms of crop nutritional value and nutrient efficiency strongly vary in dependence of site-specific conditions. In this study, seven different ratios of bio-waste compost (comp) and mineral fertilizers (MF), consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), were tested in a two-year field experiment on a Nitisol soil in order to assess their effects on nutritionally important minerals in maize (Zea mays, L. Bako-hybrid) grains as well as the nutrient use efficiency. The application of fertilizers corresponded to an N supply of about 100 kg ha−1, whereby the application of only MF (100 MF) was gradually replaced by compost. Compared to 100 MF the treatments with 40 to 70% of N supply given with compost had a higher concentration of most grain minerals. The most pronounced elevations were found for Fe (570 vs. 304 mg kg‒1) and Mn (70.1 vs. 36.3 mg kg‒1) when 50% of the N was given with compost in comparison to the 100 MF treatment. The P use efficiency increased particularly when compost was part of the nutrient supply. The results suggest that replacing mineral fertilizer with compost accounting for 40 to 70% of the total N supply would be a suitable option for increasing the nutritional quality of maize grains and to efficiently use fertilizers on this Nitisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study sought to use the plant growth-promoting microorganism (PGPM) as a biofertilizer in maize (Zea mays L.) seeds and determine its effects on the growth and productivity of maize, with two levels of mineral fertilizer (25% and 50% of chemical fertilizer) under Iraqi conditions. Laboratory studies confirmed no antagonism between Azotobacter chroococcum and other microorganisms used in this study. Field experiments carried out during crop season 2021 were in two different regions, Mosul (36°20'6"N, 43°7'8"E) and Kirkuk (35°28'5.02"N, 44°23'31.99"E) in the north of Iraq. The result showed biofertilizer superiority when combined with 25% and 50% doses of the recommended mineral fertilizer for maize growth and yield traits in the experiments in both locations. In Kirkuk city, the biofertilizer combined with 25% chemical fertilizer recorded superiority without significant difference from the biofertilizer combined with 50% mineral fertilizer. However, in Mosul city, the biofertilizer combined with 50% chemical fertilizer expressed a more superior and significant difference than other treatments for growth and yield traits in maize. The difference between the two regions might be due to chemical fertilizer residues in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is a proven technology that can treat organic solid waste and produce biogas and digested material, which can be applied in agriculture. In Brazil, with mineral fertilizers prices increasing in the past decade, family farmers could benefit on circular systems to manage organic waste and produce biofertilizer. This study evaluated the effects of digested materials of food waste on Lactuva sativa growth and soil composition. The digested materials were applied in six treatments in a pot experiment for winter/spring and spring/summer seasons during around 60 days. Soil results for P showed no statistical difference for treatments with liquid and solid digestates mixed with mineral fertilizer for winter and summer seasons. Soil results for N showed no statistical difference in winter season for all treatments. In summer season, highest N in soil was found in treatment with dried digested, followed by treatments with only mineral and mineral mixed with liquid digestate. When analyzing N-uptake and P-uptake in shoots and roots, all values where higher in summer season. Lettuce crops had similar nutrients uptakes for treatments with only mineral, liquid digestate mixed with mineral and dried digestate mixed with mineral. Using digested materials has proven to be a solution for minimize the use of mineral fertilizers in Brazilian farms, but the present study indicates further research to improve its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional intensive cultivation tends to modify the interactions of phosphorus in soil, favoring inorganic forms transformations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the status of inorganic phosphorus and correlate with the chemical, physical and mineralogical soil properties in areas under natural vegetation and different cultivation periods: 1, 17, 22, 28, 32 and 43 years. Soil P was extracted using Chang and Jackson method (Al-P, Fe-P, Ca-P and Residual-P). The micro-chemical map of P concentrations within the representative aggregates was determined by electron probe. Results showed that biofertilizers application in the area under intensive cultivation for 32 years of use significantly increased all soil P fractions (4.249 mg kg−1 in upper soil layer). There was a slight increase in the P at the edges of the aggregates in the first year (0.23%), but at 43 years, there was an increase in contents within the aggregates (0.32%). The intensive cultivation promoted the increase of P content in soil fractions in the arable layer of the soil over time. However, the decline in inorganic P contents after a few years of cultivation suggests that the soils of the studied areas tend to exceed their maximum adsorption capacities in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the socio-economic factors that influences the use of organic fertilizer by oil palm nursery operators in the face of rising fertilizer prices in the markets. A sample of 80 nursery operators was randomly selected for data collection in two divisions of the Littoral region where the activity is prevalent. A Logit model was used to estimate and to isolate the variables affecting the use of the strategy. The results of the model show a correlation between socio-economic variables and the use of organic manure in the nursery for oil palm seedling production. Thus, variables such as, household size, access to market and access or not to training in setting up an oil palm nursery, are the factors that significantly influence the adoption of organic manure. In addition, sensitivity analysis of the probability of adoption with respect to explanatory variables shows that some socioeconomic variables have the strongest marginal effects. In addition, some variables positively affect the propensity to adopt the strategy, while others negatively affect the propensity. In a context of increase in fertilizer prices in the markets, a strong use of organic manure is necessary and strong actions must be implemented by the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Source-separated, nitrified, and decontaminated human urine constitutes a promising plant fertilizer that contains a large share of the nitrogen and phosphorus in household wastewater, and other plant nutrients. However, human urine contains high levels of sodium and chloride that can affect salt-sensitive greenhouse crops. Replacing mineral fertilizer with nitrified urine fertilizer could reduce the environmental impact of lettuce production in hydroponic systems, if marketable yield, appearance, and produce quality are not affected. In the present study, a treatment combination of a nitrified urine fertilizer and mineral fertilizers was used to grow lettuce through the nutrient film technique. This was compared to a conventionally fertilized control treatment. No significant differences were observed regarding yield, phenotype, and contents of nitrate, heavy metals, phenolic acids, and chlorophyll in leaf tissue. Calcium content was significantly reduced and sodium was elevated in nitrified urine treatment. For the elements nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, a saving of 48%, 13%, and 15% was calculated, respectively. The calculated carbon footprint from the total fertilizer production was reduced by 34.25%, caused by the nitrified urine treatment. Based on these results, a nutrient solution composed of nitrified urine fertilizer combined with mineral fertilizer may be a promising alternative for growers to produce lettuce with a reduced environmental impact without loss of plant quantity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated and organic nutrient management has become a focal point of current production systems seeking better perspectives on environmental friendliness. The food quality in such a scenario requires special consideration for ensuring safety during consumption. This study was conducted to understand the grain quality of the Bg300 rice variety grown under three fertilizer input systems: conventional (100% N supply with the recommended by the Department of Agriculture (DOA), integrated (50% of N provided with DOA recommended fertilizer + 25% of N supply with organic fertilizer), and 50% of N provided with organic fertilizer in dry tropical irrigated lowland systems in Sri Lanka. The grains were analyzed for proximate composition (moisture content, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate), micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn), and heavy metals (As, Cd, and Pb). The experiment was arranged as a randomized complete block design and conducted during five seasons, from the 2018-19 wet seasons to the 2020-21 wet seasons. The highest moisture content and carbohydrate content were reported with the organic system. The ash content and protein content significantly (p<0.05) changed with the respective levels of fertilizer in the three input systems. Cadmium and arsenic micronutrients were detected below the permissible level (0.4 and 0.2 ppm), while lead was detected above the permissible level (0.2 ppm). Integrated and organic systems can be used instead of the conventional fertilizer application method without compromising the quality of the rice grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sorghum is the staple food crop in Assosa area and most important cereal crop next to teff and maize in Ethiopia. However, sorghum productivity is constrained by lack of improved agronomic practices, low soil fertility and associated low soil nutrient availability especially Nitrogen and Phosphorous deficiency and lack of integrated use of nutrient management practices. Objective: The objective of this study was to increase sorghum production and productivity by optimizing integrated use of blended NPS +N and FYM fertilizers in Assosa district, Western Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: The treatments consisted of four rates of FYM (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1) and four rates of NPS (having 19N:38P:7S nutrient ratios) applied at the levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150% ha-1 along with N 46 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out as a completely randomized block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. The experiment was conducted for a period of two years, from 2020 to 2022. Data were collected on soil chemical properties and crop yield and yield attributes. Results: The results showed that the main effect of FYM and NPS significantly (P < 0.01) affected leaf area index, thousand seed weight and grain yield of sorghum. The integrated use of FYM and NPS significantly (P < 0.05) affected leaf area index, thousand seed weight, grain, and biomass and harvest index of sorghum. The soil pH (5.52 to 5.63), organic carbon (1.57 to 1.93%) and CEC (25 to 31.08 cmol(+) kg-1) were improved in response to the application of 15 t FYM ha-1, whereas some improvement of total nitrogen (0.15 to 0.18%) and available phosphorous (3.32 to 9.64 mg P kg-1) in response to the application of 150% NPS ha-1 + 46 kg N ha-1. The integrated use of 15 t FYM ha-1 and 150% NPS ha-1+ N 46 kg ha-1 resulted in the best improvement of soil organic carbon (0.85% to 2.95%, total nitrogen (0.15 % to 0.20%), available P (3.26 to 10.03 mg P kg-1) and CEC (18.2 to 36.92 cmol(+) kg-1). However, the highest soil pH (5.88) value was recorded in response to the integrated use of 10 t FYM ha-1and 150% NPS ha-1+ N 46 kg ha-1. The highest grain yield (3.98 t ha-1) was obtained from the integrated use of 10 t FYM ha-1 and 150% NPS ha-1 + N 46 kg ha-1. The highest biological yield (5.09 t ha-1) obtained from the integrated use of 15 t FYM ha-1and 150% NPS ha-1 + N 46 kg ha-1. However, the lowest grain yield (0.63 t ha-1) and biological yield (1.07 t ha-1) recorded from the non-treated plots respectively. This implies that the grain yield was increased over by 84.2% and biological yield by 78.9% respectively when compared to the control. Economic analysis also indicated that the application of 10 t farmyard manure ha-1and 150% NPS ha-1 + N 46 kg ha-1 was provided the highest gross and net benefit. Conclusion: It is concluded that the application of 10 t FYM ha-1and 150% NPS ha-1 + N 46 kg ha-1 resulted in the most economical yield and improved soil chemical properties, particularly soil organic carbon and available phosphorous. The highest mean net benefit (24, 640.14 ETB ha-1) was obtained from the application of 10 t FYM ha-1 and 150% NPS ha-1 + N 46 kg ha-1. This implies that combined applying of farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers at the above mentioned rates enhances the grain yield of sorghum accompanied enhanced contents of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen for sustainable production of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declining in soil fertility has become major problem for sustainable soil productivity and food security in Ethiopia. Most of the soils in south-western Ethiopia lack both macro and micronutrients. High rainfall patterns in the south-western region of Ethiopia cause soil erosion and nutrient depletion, which may be prevented by integrating organic and inorganic soil inputs. This study examined the effects of integrated usage of farmyard manure and NPSB fertilizers on soil characteristics in Guraferda and Bachuma districts. The reaction of soil attributes to applied inputs was studied using three levels of FYM and four levels of NPSB fertilizers. In this study, the Guraferda and Bachuma districts' nitosol soil was sampled in order to find the ideal combination of FYM and NPSB fertilizers to employ for long-term soil physico-chemical properties. The result of this finding indicated that the combined use of FYM and NPSB fertilizer enhances both the soil's chemical and physical characteristics, including its pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and sulfur, soil organic carbon, exchangeable base, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable acidity, and soil micronutrient content. In order to regulate soil characteristics and improve soil nutrients, integrated soil fertility management has recently attracted attention. Hence, combine use of FYM at 10 t ha–1 with 50 kg NPSB ha–1 was recommended for sustainable soil property management at Guraferda and Bachuma districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the optimal doses and methods of the application of silicon fertilizer in barley, silage corn, and soybean under the climatic conditions of Ukraine. A series of laboratory and field experiments were carried out, as along with statistical and analytic data processing. The small-plot field experiment was conducted on chernozem podzolic soil at the NSC "Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry Research named after O.N. Sokolovsky" (Kharkiv region, Forest-Steppe of Ukraine). The laboratory experiments were set up in Petri dishes using a preparative form of different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%) of potassium silicate for their assessment of the germination indicators of barley and corn seeds. The significant stimulating effect of potassium silicate on the germination capacity and germination energy of barley and corn seeds was shown, and the optimal concentration of the solution for pre-sowing seed treatment was established. A high positive correlation was determined between the amount of SiO 2 application and the yield of the studied crops (P < 0.01; R = 0,7479-0,8682). The optimal levels of the pre-sowing application of SiO 2 into the soil were established to obtain maximum crop yields on chernozem podzolic soil (105 kg SiO 2 ha-1 for barley, 92 kg SiO 2 ha-1 for silage corn, and 76 kg SiO 2 ha-1 for soybean). Also, for each of the studied crops, the most optimal methods of the application of silicon fertilizers were determined, which will improve their productivity on chernozem soils.

Liquid mineral fertilizers (LMF) have a high sorption ability, can be metered precisely, and the intra-soil application of LMF is relevant. However, the agricultural equipment for this process that introduces the liquid fertilizer under processed soil layer in the form of a wide band has not yet been proposed. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the performance of a 102 mm wide rectangular discharge microchannel of the proposed soil tillage knife designed for deep tillage and intra-soil application of liquid fertilizers and to study the influence of the microchannel length (L) and slot height (h) on the uniformity of discharge. Solidworks Flow Simulation® was used during investigations, and simulation results were compared with experiment results. It has been determined that the effective slot height for water discharge at Vi = 3–4 m·s−1 is 0.1 (±0.01) mm, an effective microchannel length is 20 (±2) mm, and the influence of L depends on h. Sheet thickness will not change at a distance of 10–15 mm (b). Fall angle is 0–5°. In conclusion, the proposed discharge microchannel with asymmetrical feed is applicable for intra-soil application of LMF, and the surface tension effect has to be considered. A way to enhancing the sheet uniformity is the geometrical modification of feed channel shape.

The long-term extensive application of chemical fertilizers wreaks havoc on soil bacterial structure and function. To reduce the damage caused by chemical fertilizers, a six-year experiment was performed to study the effects of replacing 0% (CK), 25% (S25), 50% (S50), 75% (S75), and 100% (S100) of 225 kg ha−1 mineral nitrogen fertilizer with an equivalent amount of nitrogen from maize straw on the soil bacterial community structure, diversity, and function. The results showed that Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes were the dominant soil bacterial phyla after the replacement treatments. Replacing mineral nitrogen fertilizer with an equivalent amount of nitrogen from maize straw significantly reduced the number of Photobacterium and bacterial populations involved in genetic information processing in soil, but significantly increased the number of bacterial populations involved in organismal systems, human diseases, and environmental information processing. Compared with other treatments, the relative abundance of TK10 significantly increased by 33.52–76.36% in S25. The number of subgroup 6, Gram-negative, biofilm-forming, potentially pathogenic, and anaerobic bacteria significantly increased, whereas that of Chloroflexi and Blastocatellia subgroup 4 significantly decreased in S50 and S75 compared with CK. The number of TK10 and Blastocatellia subgroup 4 in S50 and S100, respectively, was significantly lower than that in CK. Bacterial species were significantly more present in S25 than in S75. The diversity of bacterial species in S75 was significantly lower than that in CK. S25 and S100 were more favorable to increasing the number of Gram-positive, aerobic, mobile-element containing, and stress-tolerant bacteria. Rhodobacteraceae, Pyrinomonadaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Nocardioidaceae, and Vulgatibacteraceae with statistical differences in CK, S25, S50, S75, and S100, respectively, could be used as biomarkers. Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, and Nitrospirae could be used as the main basis for the bacterial classification of soil samples in the equivalent substitution of nitrogen chemical fertilizer with maize straw. S25 is ideal for increasing soil bacterial species richness and abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manure nutrient management can affect soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of long-term manure and mineral fertilizer applications on C and N fractions. This study was conducted for 11 years under corn and soybean rotation. The study rates included low manure (LM (4,194 kg ha−1), based on the crop's phosphorus (P) requirement), medium manure (MM (8,081 kg ha−1), based on the crop's N requirement), high manure (HM (16,162 kg ha−1), two times the rate of MM), medium fertilizer (MF (204 kg N ha−1), recommended), high fertilizer (HF (224 kg N ha−1), high), and control. Soil samples were collected to measure C and N fractions. HM recorded higher particulate C (8%) at 0–10 cm and higher dissolved C (26%) at 10–20 cm compared to LM. All manure rates had higher permanganate oxidizable C compared to mineral fertilizer rates. Carbon management index was higher under MM compared to the HF (17%) and MF (33%). This study suggests that manure application (16,162 kg ha−1 rate and even 8,081 kg ha−1 and 4,194 kg ha−1 rates in some cases) can enhance C and N pools compared to mineral fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of mechanically crushed silicate minerals to agricultural soils has been proposed as a method for both improving crop yields and sequestering inorganic carbon through enhanced mineral weathering. In Greenland, large quantities of finely grained glacial rock flour (GRF) are naturally produced by glacial erosion of bedrock and deposited in easily accessible lacustrine and marine deposits, without the need for energy-intensive grinding. To determine if this material can improve crop yields, we applied 10 and 50 t GRF ha−1 to a sandy, organic agricultural field in Denmark. Two field trials were carried out to test the first-year yield response to GRF in both maize and potatoes, residual effects on potato yields in the year after application, and second and third-year residual effects on spring wheat. Reference-K treatments were included for comparison to determine if the beneficial effects of GRF were primarily due to its K content (3.5% K2O). This alternative source of silicate minerals improved crop yields in the year of application. Though there was no improvement in yield with the reference-K treatments, for each additional ton of GRF applied, maize dry yield increased by 59 kg ha−1 and potato tuber yield by an additional 90 kg ha−1. No residual effects on crop yields were observed in the following years, but we suspect that benefits might persist over multiple seasons at sites with lower initial fertility. The increase in yields achieved with GRF could offset some of the costs of applying silicate minerals as a CO2 sequestration scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]