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Phosphorus optimization is essential to maximize seed-size potato productivity and reduce the occurrence of over-sized and under-sized tubers. A field experiment was conducted for two years at the two locations in Punjab, India to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic phosphorus management on seed potato productivity. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three organic (farmyard manure, biofertilizer, and control) treatments in main plots and five fertilizer phosphorus (0, 46.9, 62.5, 93.8, and 125 kg/ha P2O5) treatments in subplots. The application of farmyard manure (50 t/ha) resulted in a significant increase in growth and yield attributes, tuber yield, seed size (3.5–4.5 cm) tuber number, and economic returns. The percentage increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield with farmyard manure over the control was 36.6% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the fertilizer phosphorus levels, the highest growth attributes, tuber yield, seed size tuber number and economic returns were obtained with a 125 kg/ha. The application of 125 kg/ha fertilizer phosphorus resulted in a 36.3% and 23.0% (mean) increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield compared to the unfertilized phosphorus (0 kg/ha). No significant organic sources x fertilizer phosphorus levels interaction effects were found on any of the traits evaluated at both locations. The result of this study indicates that P management can play an important role in increasing seed size and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agromining describes the technique of growing plants to “mine” metals present in naturally enriched or contaminated soils. This technique comprises a series of processes including improvement of soil quality and production of biomass in order to obtain metals from the ash of harvested hyperaccumulators, which can be considered bio‐ore. The aim of this study was to evaluate different agronomic practices for Ni agromining of the hyperaccumulator species Odontarrhena chalcidica by analyzing (i) Ni yields and (ii) parameters related to soil fertility, biodiversity, and Ni availability. We tested various types of fertilizers including farmyard manure and assessed cultivation of the hyperaccumulator in either continuous monoculture or cropping in rotation with the legume Vicia ervilia. A 2‐year field experiment was established on typical ultramafic Vertisols in eastern Albania. The current study presents the results obtained in the second year of cultivation. After 2 years of agromining, fertilization with animal manure or rotation with the legume improved several soil properties and increased the yield of phytoextracted Ni by four and five times, respectively, relative to non‐fertilized plots. The fertilization treatments did not affect the bacterial diversity indexes but significantly impacted the bacterial community structure. We suggest a fertilization regime including the application of pig or chicken manure (at doses equivalent to NPK 260:105:260; 260:390:260, respectively) every 2 years or the implementation of crop rotation with legumes as effective strategies for developing Ni agromining on Vertisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study from an ongoing research experiment initiated in Rabi 1967 at the Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana, India, reports that during the 51st wheat cycle in pearl millet-wheat sequence, adding FYM in both seasons significantly impacted various soil parameters at different wheat growth stages compared to the rabi season. The application of 15 t of FYM ha−1 resulted in a considerable increase in dissolved organic carbon content (9.1–11.2%), available P (9.7–12.1%), and available S (12.6–17.1%), DHA levels by 7.3–22.0%, urease activity (10.1 and 17.0%), β-Glucosidase activity (6.2–8.4%), and APA activity (5.2–10.6%), compared to 10 t FYM ha−1. Application of N120 exhibited a considerable improvement in DHA (11.0–23.2%), β-Glucosidase (9.4–19.2%), urease (13.3–28.3%), and APA (3.3–6.2%) activity compared to control (N0). At stage 3, the box plot revealed that 50% of the available N, P, and S values varied from 223.1 to 287.9 kg ha−1, 53.0 to 98.2 kg ha−1, and 50.0 to 97.6 kg ha−1, respectively. Principal component analysis, with PC1 explaining 94.7% and PC2 explaining 3.15% of the overall variability, and SOC had a polynomial relationship with soil characteristics (R2 = 0.89 to 0.99). Applying FYM15 × N120 treatment during both seasons proved beneficial in sustaining the health of sandy loam soil in North-West India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-designed tree-based culture provides multiple benefits, aiding in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). A split-plot field experiment near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, tested the following Grewia optiva tree spacings as main plots: S1 10 m × 1 m, S2 10 m × 2 m, S3 10 m × 3 m, and sole cropping (S0—Open) of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pea cultivation included the following six fertilizer treatments as subplots: control (no application), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Jeevamrut, FYM + VC, and the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs), each replicated three times. The results indicated that the leaves, branches, total biomass, carbon density, and carbon sequestration rate of G. optiva alleys at 10 m × 1 m were greater than those at the other spacings. However, peas intercropped at 10 m × 3 m produced the highest yield (5.72 t ha−1). Compared with monocropping, G. optiva-based agroforestry significantly improved soil properties. Among fertilizers, FYM had the highest yield (6.04 t ha−1) and improved soil health. The most lucrative practice was the use of peas under a 10 m × 1 m spacing with FYM, with economic gains of 2046.1 USD ha−1. This study suggests integrating pea intercropping with G. optiva at broader spacing (10 m × 3 m) and using FYM for optimal carbon sequestration, soil health, and economic returns, and this approach is recommended for the region's agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sunflower is an economically important and the fourth most valuable oil seed crop. The study aimed to investigate organic fertilizers as an alternative method of enhancing soil quality and to determine the optimal combination of organic fertilizer treatments for sunflower growth performance and yield. Methods: The sunflower variety BARI Surjamukhi-2 was used in this study. The treatments were applied as T1= Control; T2= Farmyard Manure @ 2 t ha-1; T3= Vermicompost @2 t ha-1; T4= Biochar @2 t ha-1; T5= Farmyard Manure @1 t ha-1+Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1; T6= Farmyard Manure @1 t ha-1+Biochar @1 t ha-1 and T7= Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1+Biochar @1 t ha-1. Result: The data showed that application of different organic fertilizer treatments improves soil quality. Organic fertilizer addition had a positive effect on the growth traits like plant height, leaves number plant-1, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, head diameter, fresh and dry seed number head-1, 1,000-seed weight and seed yield. The correlation results strongly agreed that chlorophyll content, fresh seed number, head diameter plant-1 and 1,000-seed weight could be considered as selection indices for high yield of sunflower. This demonstrates the organic fertilizer's capacity to improve sunflower growth and yield, as well as its significant potential to replace chemical fertilizers in the perspective of crop sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the environmental impact of triafamone and ethoxysulfuron, it is crucial to investigate their leaching behaviour under different geographical conditions. The present study evaluates the effects of application rate, soil properties and rainfall conditions on leaching of these herbicides and their metabolites. Ethoxysulfuron leached up to 50–60 cm with 82.95 to 89.23% detected in leachates while triafamone leached only to 10–20 cm and was < 0.01 µg mL-1 in leachates. Highest leachability was observed in loamy sand followed by sandy loam and clay loam soil. M1 metabolite (N-(2-((4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) (hydroxy) methyl) -6-fluorophenyl) -1,1-difluoro-N-methyl methane sulfonamide) was majorly present in 0 to 10 cm soil depth. With increase in rainfall, downward mobility of both parent and M1 increased. Amendment of loamy sand soil with farmyard manure reduced the leachability indicating it could mitigate groundwater pollution. However, the effect of different exogenous OM amendments on leaching behaviour of herbicides needs to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Our study from an ongoing research experiment initiated in Rabi 1967 at the Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana, India, reports that during the 51st wheat cycle in pearl millet-wheat sequence, adding FYM in both seasons significantly impacted various soil parameters at different wheat growth stages compared to the rabi season. The application of 15 t of FYM ha−1 resulted in a considerable increase in dissolved organic carbon content (9.1–11.2%), available P (9.7–12.1%), and available S (12.6–17.1%), DHA levels by 7.3–22.0%, urease activity (10.1 and 17.0%), β-Glucosidase activity (6.2–8.4%), and APA activity (5.2–10.6%), compared to 10 t FYM ha−1. Application of N120 exhibited a considerable improvement in DHA (11.0–23.2%), β-Glucosidase (9.4–19.2%), urease (13.3–28.3%), and APA (3.3–6.2%) activity compared to control (N0). At stage 3, the box plot revealed that 50% of the available N, P, and S values varied from 223.1 to 287.9 kg ha−1, 53.0 to 98.2 kg ha−1, and 50.0 to 97.6 kg ha−1, respectively. Principal component analysis, with PC1 explaining 94.7% and PC2 explaining 3.15% of the overall variability, and SOC had a polynomial relationship with soil characteristics (R2 = 0.89 to 0.99). Applying FYM15 × N120 treatment during both seasons proved beneficial in sustaining the health of sandy loam soil in North-West India.

Abstract The present investigation reported that FYM application in different seasons influenced root, shoot, and seedling length, straw K, vigour index-I, nutrient uptake, grain, and stover yield of pearl millet significantly (P kharif > rabi. Applying FYM in both seasons resulted in higher N, P, and K content in pearl millet grain (1.99%, 0.17%, and 0.37%, respectively) followed by kharif season application (1.93, 0.16, and 0.35%, respectively). Applying 15 t FYM ha−1 significantly increased the grain N (13.19%), P (63.16%), K (22.29%), protein (13.56%), stover N (32.76%), P (46.66%) and root length (29.83%) over FYM0. After 50 cropping cycles, continuous application of FYM15, FYM10, and FYM5 significantly improved vigour index-I by 52.85, 39.26, and 23.63% over no FYM, respectively. Applying 120 kg N ha−1 significantly increased N (6.38%), P (15.89%), and protein (6.03%) content, germination (5.91%), and vigour indexes (24.52 to 30.91%) of pearl millet grain over no fertilizer N. The treatment FYM15 × N120 increased the seedling length of pearl millet by 30.54 over N120 and 11.08% over FYM15 alone, respectively. Adding FYM either during both seasons or in the kharif season along with fertilizer N proved superior in improving the quality and yield of pearl millet.

A study was conducted in sandy clay loam soils in a subtropical zone of Bihar to evaluate the effect of frequent application of organic amendments on sulphur fractions. Different organic amendments, including farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), panchagawya, and neem cake, were applied through nine treatments that resulted in a significant increase of water-soluble S, available S, heat-soluble S, adsorbed S, and organic S in organic treatment compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and control treatment. The maximum increment was observed in the treatment where the recommended dose of nitrogen was replaced by 75% recommended dose of nitrogen substituted farmyard manure + 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (vermicompost) along with azotobacter + PSB + one foliar spray of panchagawya. The total S content varied widely from 382 to 736 mg kg-1. Increment in all the forms of sulphur is observed as a result of the application of different organic nutrient sources. All the forms of sulphur share a mutual positive and significant correlation with each other. Regression analysis suggested that the availability of sulphur was dominated by organic sulphur, which alone can explain 97.8% of the variation in availability of available sulphur in soil.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of organic, NPK, and biofertilizers on the yield of two cowpea varieties grown under arid land conditions. Two cultivars of cowpea (Karim-7 and Dokki-331) were evaluated using different fertilizer types. The fertilizers examined were organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and chicken manure (CHM)) and biofertilizers (effective microorganisms (EM1) and technology of smart fertilizer (TS)) in addition to NPK treatments (NPK (50 kg/fed), NPK (100 kg/fed), EM1 (15 m3.fed-1) + NPK (50 kg/fed), TS (15 m3.fed-1) + NPK (50 kg/fed). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and three replications was used to set up the experiment. The measured yield parameters were seed number/plant, pod length, seed number/pod, pod number/plant, dry yield/plant, dry yield/m2, bio yield, pod weight, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The results cleared that the cultivar dokki-331 under EM1 biofertilizer + NPK (50 kg/fed) combination treatment was the superior practice for increasing all studied traits.

[Objective] To explore different organic fertilizer application measures suitable for Zhangmulin small leaf tobacco and Daning tobacco, and provide scientific basis for expanding the planting scale of sun-cured tobacco in Guangxi. [Method] Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of different fertilizer combinations of compound fertilizer, tobacco specific organic fertilizer, and farm manure (tung seed blight, peanut bran, chicken manure, and clay ash) on the growth and physicochemical properties of Zhangmulin small leaf tobacco and Daning tobacco. [Result] For Zhangmulin small-leaved tobacco, the growth of tobacco plants in Z2 and 24 treatments was better, with leaf area reaching 810.58 cm2; Z2 treatment had the largest single leaf weight, and its filling value increased by 29.03% compared to Z1 treatment; for Zhangmulin small leaf tobacco and Daning tobacco, the content of total sugar and reducing sugar was the best under fertilization treatments of Z2 and Z4, D1 and D4, respectively. Compared to Daning tobacco, Zhangmulin small leaf tobacco were low in nicotine, low in potassium and high in chlorine. [Conclusion] In the application measures of organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer for Zhangmulin small leaf tobacco and Daning tobacco, peanut bran and chicken manure, tung seed blight, chicken manure, and clay ash can be applied to each plant of Zhangmulin small leaf tobacco and Daning tobacco to replace tobacco specific organic fertilizer, which is better for the growth and quality of tobacco plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manure is a critical productive resource for agricultural development. With the advancement of the collectivization movement, household manure accumulation became a key source of fertilizer for collective agricultural operations. However, the process of farmers contributing fertilizer to the collective faced setbacks due to factors such as unreasonable compensation. In response, various localities gradually developed fertilization systems centered around tasks, compensation, and rewards and penalties. The essence of these systems was an economic balance between collective fertilizer use and increased farmer income, generally characterized by considerations for both public and private interests, but prioritizing the public over the private. In the dynamic restructuring of the relationship between labor input and income distribution, political norms and economic measures adjusted to one another. The economic rationality of the peasants interacted with the "egalitarianism" culture in rural areas, reflecting the complex interplay between public and private interests during the collectivization period in rural society. 摘要: 粪肥是农业发展的重要生产资料。随着集体化运动的开展，家 庭积肥成为集体农业经营的关键肥源。但受到报酬不合理等因素的阻碍，农民向集体投纳肥料的过程一度出现挫折。对此，各地逐渐发展出以任务、报酬和奖惩为核心内容的投肥制度，其实质是对集体用肥与农民增收的经济平衡，并在总体上呈现出公私兼顾、先公后私的特征。在劳动投入与收益分配关系的动态重构中，政治规范和经济手段彼此调适，农民的经济理性与农村的"平均主义"文化相互作用，从而反映出集体化时期农村社会中复杂的公私关系。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in sandy clay loam soils in a subtropical zone of Bihar to evaluate the effect of frequent application of organic amendments on sulphur fractions. Different organic amendments, including farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), panchagawya, and neem cake, were applied through nine treatments that resulted in a significant increase of water-soluble S, available S, heat-soluble S, adsorbed S, and organic S in organic treatment compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and control treatment. The maximum increment was observed in the treatment where the recommended dose of nitrogen was replaced by 75% recommended dose of nitrogen substituted farmyard manure + 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (vermicompost) along with azotobacter + PSB + one foliar spray of panchagawya. The total S content varied widely from 382 to 736 mg kg-1. Increment in all the forms of sulphur is observed as a result of the application of different organic nutrient sources. All the forms of sulphur share a mutual positive and significant correlation with each other. Regression analysis suggested that the availability of sulphur was dominated by organic sulphur, which alone can explain 97.8% of the variation in availability of available sulphur in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing agricultural and industrial wastes, potent reservoirs of nutrients, for nourishing the soil and crops through composting embodies a sustainable approach to waste management and organic agriculture. To investigate this, a 2-year field experiment was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, focusing on a pigeon pea--vegetable mustard--okra cropping system. Seven nutrient sources were tested, including a control (T1), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (T2), 100% RDN through improved rice residue compost (T3), 100% RDN through a paddy husk ash (PHA)--based formulation (T4), 75% RDN through PHA-based formulation (T5), 100% RDN through a potato peel compost (PPC)--based formulation (T6), and 75% RDN through PPC-based formulation (T7). Employing a randomized block design with three replications, the results revealed that treatment T4 exhibited the significantly highest seed (1.89 ± 0.09 and 1.97 ± 0.12 t ha-1) and stover (7.83 ± 0.41 and 8.03 ± 0.58 t ha-1) yield of pigeon pea, leaf yield (81.57 ± 4.69 and 82.97 ± 4.17 t ha-1) of vegetable mustard, and fruit (13.54 ± 0.82 and 13.78 ± 0.81 t ha-1) and stover (21.64 ± 1.31 and 22.03 ± 1.30 t ha-1) yield of okra during both study years compared to the control (T1). Treatment T4 was on par with T2 and T6 for seed and stover yield in pigeon pea, as well as okra, and leaf yield in vegetable mustard over both years. Moreover, T4 demonstrated notable increase of 124.1% and 158.2% in NH4-N and NO3-N levels in the soil, respectively, over the control. The enhanced status of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil, coupled with increased soil organic carbon (0.41%), total bacteria population (21.1%), fungi (37.2%), actinomycetes (44.6%), and microbial biomass carbon (28.5%), further emphasized the positive impact of T4 compared to the control. Treatments T2 and T6 exhibited comparable outcomes to T4 concerning changes in available N, P, soil organic carbon, total bacteria population, fungi, actinomycetes, and microbial biomass carbon. In conclusion, treatments T4 and T6 emerge as viable sources of organic fertilizer, particularly in regions confronting farmyard manure shortages. These formulations offer substantial advantages, including enhanced yield, soil quality improvement, and efficient fertilizer utilization, thus contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of organic, NPK and biofertilizers on the yield of two cowpea varieties grown under arid land conditions. Two cultivars of cowpea (Karim-7 and Dokki-331) were evaluated using different fertilizer types. The fertilizers examined were organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and chicken manure (CHM)) and biofertilizers (effective microorganisms (EM1) and technology of smart fertilizer (TS)) in addition to NPK treatments (NPK (50 kg/fed), NPK (100 kg/fed), EM1 (15 m³ .fed-1 ) + NPK (50 kg/fed), TS (15 m³ .fed-1 ) + NPK (50 kg/fed). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and three replications was used to set up the experiment. The measured yield parameters were seed number/plant, pod length, seed number/pod, pod number/plant, dry yield/plant, dry yield/m2, bio yield, pod weight, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The results cleared that the cultivar dokki-331 under EM1 biofertilizer + NPK (50 kg/fed) combination treatment was the superior practice for increasing all studied traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted to assess the impact of various organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) var. Calcuttia Single using a randomized complete block design with eight treatments including vermicompost, farmyard manure, poultry manure, charcoal, NPK fertilizer, and their combinations in triplicates. Measurements of vegetative and reproductive parameters were recorded at 35, 55 and 85 DAT. Results revealed that compared to the control, poultry manure and vermicompost, singly or combined with NPK, significantly enhanced both vegetative and reproductive traits. Poultry manure resulted in the tallest plants (126.21 cm), the highest number of branches (29.93), and the largest flowers (14.11 cm diameter), with the earliest flowering (51.33 days). Vermicompost showed effectiveness in plant height (117.37 cm), number of branches (28.80), plant spread (81.43 cm) and flower number (40.47). The control plot exhibited the least effectiveness in all parameters. These findings highlight the significant role of organic fertilizers in enhancing the growth and yield of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) var. Calcuttia Single. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Wastewater is considered a good reservoir of mineral elements that can be used for agriculture, aquaculture, and some other activities after adopting suitable measures. The gap between supply and demand for water is increasing exponentially because of the abrupt boost to the world’s population. This poses a threat to human life as it has reached alarming levels in some parts of the globe. Normally, wastewater consists of liquid waste produced by commercial or industrial sources for daily use, consumption, and production. It is time to refocus our attention on a kind of circulating water system by reusing municipal wastewater for agricultural purposes, particularly irrigation. The recycled or treated water would be used as an alternative to fresh water. In the current study, the impact of various organic amendments was studied to mitigate the toxic effects of pollutants present in wastewater by cultivating maize as a test crop. The present study comprised five treatments replicated four times with a randomized complete block design under field conditions. In this experiment, the treatments included T1 (treatment 1) = control (wastewater-polluted soil without the application of any amendment), T2 = farmyard manure (FYM) at 2.5 tons ha-1 (hectare-1), T3 = FYM at 5.0 tons ha-1, T4 = compost at 2.5 tons ha-1, and T5 = compost at 5.0 tons ha-1. The application of FYM at 5.0 tons ha-1 (T3) was recorded as being the most effective as the maximum improvement was observed in soil characteristics such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and organic matter, and for T3, these were 7.33, 2.22 dS m-1, 8.16, and 0.94%, respectively. T3 remained most superior in reducing the concentration of heavy metals in the soil; for example, lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic for T3 were 8.64, 1.34, 10.44, and 2.25 mg kg-1 (milligrams per kg), respectively. Maximum fresh biomass (fodder yield) of 9.98 tons ha-1 was harvested when FYM was applied at 5.0 tons ha-1 to the soil compared to 6.2 tons ha-1 in the control plot. The highest contents of nitrogen (1.20%), phosphorus (0.41%), and potassium (3.97%) were observed in maize plants for T3. In maize plants (T3), the concentration of lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic was reduced to levels of 1.92, 0.23, 2.28, and 1.25 mg kg-1, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded from the findings of the experiment that the application of FYM significantly reduced heavy metal concentrations and improved soil health, along with maize crop growth and productivity.

Organic and inorganic fertilizers have significant effect on plant physiology, yield per unit area, available plant nutrient contents and extracellular enzyme activities of soils. This study was carried out in field conditions in arid and semi-arid regions between 2020-2021 years, May 01. The effects of farmyard manure (FM) (20, 40, 60 Mg ha-1) and chemical (CF) (350 kg urea ha-1, 100, 200, 300 kg DAP ha-1) fertilizers applied at different rates on plant nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) contents, SPAD value and NDVI of cotton plants, seed cotton yield and soil enzymes (urease, catalase, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase) were investigated. The results showed that FM applications significantly (p

Potassium, a pivotal macronutrient essential for growth, development, and crop yield, serves as a critical determinant of soil productivity. Its depletion disrupts the equilibrium of soil nutrients, prompting an investigation into integrated potassium management strategies to address this challenge. A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2020 using a randomized complete block design, with eight treatments, each replicated three times in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis). These treatments comprised standard (100 %) and reduced (75 % and 50 %) rates of the recommended dose of potassium (RDK) via muriate of potash (MOP). Variations in the inclusion and exclusion of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), farmyard manure (FYM) as 25 % of the potassium recommendation, and foliar spray of nano potash were systematically implemented. Findings unequivocally demonstrated that the treatmentT8, involving 100 % RDK +25 % K through FYM + PGPR + nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS, yielded significant improvements in both green fodder (64.0 t ha−1) and dry fodder (7.87 t ha−1).Moreover, T8 exhibited the highest values for total ash (8.75 %), total ash yield (68.9 ± 2.88 kg ha−1), ether extract (2.85 %), ether extract yield (22.4 ± 0.88 kg ha−1), crude protein (9.71 %), and total crude protein yield (76.4 ± 3.21 kg ha−1). Conversely, a marked reduction was observed in various fiber components and carbohydrate fractions upon application of the T8 treatment. The lowest values of yield, crude protein content, total ash ether extract were recorded in treatment T1 (control) applied with no potassium. This investigation underscores the inadequacy of the recommended potassium dose in achieving optimal productivity, necessitating a re-evaluation of potassium fertilization levels. The integrated approach involving FYM, PGPR, and nano potash, coupled with the recommended potassium dose through MOP, emerges as a promising avenue for augmenting both yield and quality parameters in Chinese cabbage.

Traditionally, planting trees on agricultural land including livestock is a very common practice in the mid-hills of Nepal. Trees on farms fulfill the demand for fuel wood/timber including fodder used to feed the livestock. Animal urine/dung is used as a bio-fertilizer that increases soil fertility. However, very few studies have been conducted on assessing carbon (C) stock and soil quality in agroforestry systems. This study was carried out to estimate the C stock and soil quality in agroforestry and agricultural land in the Kaski district of Nepal. Silvo-horto-agro system and agricultural land were selected from Site 1 (900–1000 m and west) and Site 2 (700–800 m and west). Total C stock was higher in the agroforestry at Site 1 (98.57 t ha−1) than agroforestry at Site 2 (64.73 t ha−1). Soil organic C, pH, and available potassium were higher in agroforestry than agriculture sites. Total nitrogen was higher in agroforestry than agriculture at Site 1. Available phosphorus was higher in agriculture than agroforestry at Site 1. Soil quality index (SQI) was good (0.8) and fair (0.6) in agroforestry and agriculture at Site 1. SQI was fair (0.6) in agroforestry and poor (0.5) in agriculture at Site 2. Altogether, the application of farmyard manure and vermi-compost including the higher vegetation density contributes to enhancing the soil quality in agroforestry systems. Further research on C stock including various soil quality indices is necessary under various kinds of agroforestry systems for a better understanding of their contribution towards climate change mitigation.

Purpose: Phosphorus mobilization (PM) in tropical Regosols may be harmful to the environment and water quality. It is expected that high contents of soluble phosphorus in sandy soils may promote the P leaching through the transport of the available phosphorus from the soil surface to deeper layers. This study aimed to evaluate the PM in a tropical Regosol by using soil columns (10 cm depth) during steady saturated water flow and PM was correlated with Fe and Al oxides. Method: Soil samples were collected in four sites characterized as smallholder farming systems that shared the same land uses and soil type with each other. P content was estimated by using water, Melich-1, and resin extraction protocols. We estimated the contents of Fe and Al oxides with high and low crystallinity. The miscible displacement technique was used to simulate P leaching in soil columns, and the leached P was quantified by colorimetry. Results: Soil P loss showed a significant coefficient of determination (r2 > 0.80) with P content. We found the highest values of Fe oxalate (0.30 mg/g), and Al oxalate (0.53 mg/g) in the long-term organic fertilization, while the highest values of Fe dithionite and Al dithionite were found with the non-fertilization system. Conclusion: The highest soil pH (8.01), soil P content by different extractors (P mehlich-1, P water, and P resin were 54.45, 14.36, and, 38.70 mg/kg, respectively), and soil P loss (128.83 mg/kg) were observed with the long-term non-fertilization system. Highlights: The continuous use of higher rates of farmyard manure influences the soil chemical properties and P loss in a Regosol. Areas with long-term use of farmyard manure show a high rate of P mobilization. Areas with the addition of high rates of farmyard manure in a short-term schedule may increase P mobilization. The use of farmyard manure improves the organic matter accumulation, and available phosphorous, which leads to high vertical P loss.

Two field experiments were conducted during the main seasons of 2021/2022 ​at the Research and Production Station of National Research Centre in Egypt to investigate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and boron on Canola growth, yield, oil yield, and quality. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the combined application of FYM at a rate of 14.4 ​ton ​ha−1 with a foliar spray of boron at 100 ppm positively influenced plant characteristics, leading to enhanced growth rates and higher yields compared to the control group. Moreover, this integrated approach significantly improved nutrient content by enhancing levels of oil content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars. These findings provide compelling evidence that utilizing farm manure along with boron can effectively enhance Canola properties in newly reclaimed soils while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

In this study, the effects of different organic matter additives [soil (control), 20 ton ha-1 farmyard manure, 20 ton ha-1 biochar, and 10 ton ha-1 farmyard manure+10 ton ha-1 biochar] to the soil of lettuce grown with different irrigation water levels [100% (full irrigation), 75% (25% deficit irrigation), 50% (50% deficit irrigation), and 25% (75% deficit irrigation)] on water and irrigation water productivity efficiencies and plant characteristics were investigated. Among the organic matter additives, the biochar reduced the amount of irrigation water and actual evapotranspiration of lettuce and increased its marketable yield, thus the highest water and irrigation water productivity efficiencies were obtained from biochar treatment. Despite the decreasing marketable yield in the 50% irrigation treatment, the proportionally decreasing amount of irrigation water and actual evapotranspiration caused the highest water and irrigation water productivity efficiencies to occur in the 50% irrigation treatment. While the root diameter, root fresh and dry weights, stem diameter and length, head fresh and dry weights, marketable leaf number and yield, chlorophyll, and leaf relative water content of lettuce decreased with decreasing irrigation water levels, root length and membrane damage increased. The effects of organic matter additives on all of these physical-physiological properties, except root diameter and membrane damage, were found to be significant, and the biochar provided the most effective development of these parameters under the deficit irrigation regime. Considering that the yield and yield characteristics in 75% irrigation treatment do not decrease at a very significant level compared to full irrigation (100%) and that these decreases can be compensated by biochar and that the farmyard manure+biochar as alternative treatment is also effective in improving the decrease in yield parameters, treatment of 10 ton ha-1 farmyard manure+10 ton ha-1 to the soil at 75% irrigation water level was found to be recommended in lettuce cultivation.

The preparation of enriched formulation by integrating of agricultural wastes such as paddy husk ash (PHA) and potato peel with organic fertilizer such as farmyard manure (FYM), compost can enrich the soil with essential plant nutrients, leading to higher yields in subsequent crops and potentially reducing the dependence on farmyard manure/compost alone. However, there is lack of adequate research findings regarding the impact of different formulations generated from agricultural waste on productivity, nutrient utilization efficiency and profitability of baby corn-kabuli gram-vegetable cowpea cropping system. Therefore, a two-year field experiment (2020-2022) was conducted ICAR-IARI, New Delhi with baby corn-kabuli gram-vegetable cowpea cropping system. Seven nutrient sources were tested in Randomized Block Design and replicate thrice. The results showed that treatment T4 (100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through PHA based formulation) had significant effect on crop yield grown in rotation, followed by treatment T6 (100% RDN through potato peel compost (PPC) based formulation) and T2 (100% RDN through FYM). The increase in yield was 75.0, 44.3 and 33.1% during first year and 72.6, 45.9 and 31.0% during second year, respectively, over control. Treatment T4 also significantly enhanced system uptake of N, P and K as well as system gross returns and net returns, resulting in 65.6, 84.9, 69.5, 50.7 and 55.2% higher returns during first year and 68.6, 80.5, 73.9, 50.0 and 54.2% higher returns during second year, respectively, over control. Furthermore, treatment T4 significantly improved agronomic nitrogen use efficiency and apparent recovery by 151.6 and 2.0% in baby corn, 74.2 and 1.5% in kabuli gram, 55.7 and 13.9% in veg cowpea over T7, respectively, averaged across two years of study. Based on these results, it is recommended to adopt (T4) 100% RDN through PHA based formulation, and (T6) 100% RDN through PPC based formulation in the area with a shortage of FYM but with the availability of rice husk ash or pototo peels for sustainable utilization of the agricultural wastes and improving the agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaseolus vulgaris is one of the most widely consumed legumes across the globe. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, bioactive compounds, and mineral contents. Occurrences of drought under changing climate have posed a challenge to the quality and quantity of the crop yield. Our study, taking Phaseolus vulgaris as a test legume, reports that as a soil amendment, biochar and farmyard manure mitigated drought-induced damage in the plant. The experiment was set up in a greenhouse with 1 m2 blocks together arranged in factorial randomized block design. Water withdrawal was done for 15 days in either vegetative or reproductive stage of the crop to simulate drought conditions. Biochar or Farmyard manure was applied at the rate of 10t ha−1 as soil amendment and each treatment was replicated thrice. Higher photosynthesis (up to 23% and 16%, respectively), leaf protein (41% and 30%, respectively), grain protein (4% and 19%, correspondingly), and in-vitro protein digestibility (60% and 254%, respectively) were noted under application of both the amendments. Grain quality in terms of protein content, in-vitro protein digestibility, and protein fractions of Phaseolus vulgaris was improved under drought due to the addition of biochar and farmyard manure. However, the application of those amendments at the rate of 10t ha−1, especially farmyard manure, had a negative impact on the antinutritional factor (phytic acid) and mineral bioavailability. Between the two amendments studied, farmyard manure proved to be more efficient in promoting the overall grain quality of P. vulgaris, but its inimical effects must be concorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame is an important oil and cash crop produced in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is low due to poor agronomic practice like inappropriate use of fertilizers. The study was conducted at Gurafarda districts, under farmer field in 2021 cropping season to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on sesame yield improvement. The experiment consisted three levels of FYM (0, 5 and 10 t/ha), four levels of NPSB fertilizers (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg NPSB/ha). It was laid out as RCBD in a factorial arrangement with three replications. Agronomic data were collected and analyzed. The showed that interaction effect of FYM and NPSB fertilizers significantly increased days to 50% flowering and 75% maturity days, plant height, number of primary branches/plants, productive capsule per plants, above ground biomass and seed yield. 1000 seed weight harvest index were affected by their main effects. The longest days to flowering (47.66) and maturity (109.16) days were observed from application of 10 t FYM + 150 kg N PSB/ha; and the shortest flowering and maturity (36.66 and 95) days were recorded from control treatments, respectively. The maximum and minimum number of primary branches (5.5, 2.96)/plant was obtained at the highest levels and zero application of FYM and NPSB respectively. The tallest and shortest plants (180.8 cm, 92.75) were recorded from application of 10 t FYM + 150 kg NPSB/ha and nil application of FYM and NPSB respectively. Moreover, combination of 10 t FYM/ha with 50 kg NPSB /ha resulted in maximum seed yield (652.3) kg/ha and aboveground biomass (4529.09) kg/ha, was recorded from 10 t FYM + 150 kg NPSB/ha; which was in statistical parity with application of 10 t FYM + 100 kg/ha NPSB. The highest net benefit (49 996.3 ETB) and the highest marginal rate of return (16 323.2%) were obtained from combined application of 10t FYM and 50 kg NPSB fertilizers/ha, thus, it could be concluded that application of farmyard manure at the rate of 10 t/ha with + 50 kg NPSB ha–1 resulted in economic benefit, implying that farmers in the study area should make a choice of this farmyard manure and NPSB fertilizer rate for enhancing production of the crop and increase their household income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Phosphorus mobilization (PM) in tropical Regosols may be harmful to the environment and water quality. It is expected that high contents of soluble phosphorus in sandy soils may promote the P leaching through the transport of the available phosphorus from the soil surface to deeper layers. This study aimed to evaluate the PM in a tropical Regosol by using soil columns (10 cm depth) during steady saturated water flow and PM was correlated with Fe and Al oxides. Method: Soil samples were collected in four sites characterized as smallholder farming systems that shared the same land uses and soil type with each other. P content was estimated by using water, Melich-1, and resin extraction protocols. We estimated the contents of Fe and Al oxides with high and low crystallinity. The miscible displacement technique was used to simulate P leaching in soil columns, and the leached P was quantified by colorimetry. Results: Soil P loss showed a significant coefficient of determination (r² > 0.80) with P content. We found the highest values of Fe oxalate (0.30 mg/g), and Al oxalate (0.53 mg/g) in the long-term organic fertilization, while the highest values of Fe dithionite and Al dithionite were found with the non-fertilization system. Conclusion: The highest soil pH (8.01), soil P content by different extractors (P mehlich-1, P water, and P resin were 54.45, 14.36, and, 38.70 mg/kg, respectively), and soil P loss (128.83 mg/kg) were observed with the long-term non-fertilization system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodic soils are harmful to agricultural and natural environments in Ethiopia's semi-arid and arid regions, leading to soil degradation and reduced productivity. This study investigated how amendment resources could help improve the chemical properties of sodic soils around the Abaya and Chamo Lakes in the South Ethiopia Rift Valley. Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted to study the effects of gypsum (GYP) and farmyard manure (FYM) on sodic soil reclamation. The experiment had four levels of GYP (0, 50, 100, and 150%) and four levels of FYM (0, 10, 20, and 30 tons ha−1), with three replications. The pots were incubated for three months and leached for one month, after which soil samples were collected and analyzed for chemical properties. ANOVA was performed to determine the optimal amendment level for sodic soil reclamation. Results: The study found that applying 10 ton FYM ha−1 and gypsum at 100% gypsum required (GR) rate resulted in a 99.8% decrease in exchangeable sodium percentages (ESP) compared to untreated composite sodic soil and a 1.31% reduction over the control (GYP 0% + FYM 0 ton ha−1). As a result, this leads to a decrease in soil electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium (Ex. Na), and ESP values. The results were confirmed by the LSD test at 0.05. It is fascinating to see how different treatments can have such a significant impact on soil properties. The prediction models indicate that ESP's sodic soil treatment effect (R2 = 0.95) determines the optimal amendment level for displacing Ex. Na from the exchange site. The best estimator models for ESP using sodic soil treatment levels were ESP = 1.65–0.33 GYP for sole gypsum application and ESP = 1.65–0.33 GYP + 0.28 FYM for combined GYP and FYM application, respectively. Conclusion: The study found that combined GYP and FYM applications reduced ESP to less than 10% in agriculture, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness at the field level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EFFICIENTLY optimizing strategic crop production in Egypt's degraded soils is imperative to address the nutritional gap and ensure food security. Consequently, a field trial was conducted over two consecutive summer seasons (2022 and 2023) to evaluate the potential impact of various organic fertilization sources as the main plots on soybean plant cultivated in soil with an EC value of 6.45 dsm-1. The organic treatments included a control group without organic fertilizers (I0 ), farmyard manure (FYM) compost (I1 ), plant residues (PR) compost (I2 ) and chicken manure (ChM) compost (I3). Additionally, the subplots were designated for foliar applications of proline amino acid, with three groups: F0 (without foliar application, serving as the control), F1 (proline at a rate of 60 mg L-1 ), and F2 (proline at a rate of 100 mg L-1 ). The study assessed various parameters at two stages: 80 days from sowing, focusing on growth indicators such as plant height, foliage fresh and dry leaf weights, and chlorophyll content and antioxidant indicators. At the harvest stage, yield-related parameters and quality aspects like the number of pods per plant, seed yield, oil, protein, carbohydrates, along with the analysis of soil nutrient availability. The results obtained illustrated that ChM compost (I3 ) proved to be the most effective organic source in promoting optimal performance under salinity conditions, as evidenced by superior growth indicators, yield-related parameters, and quality. Following closely was PR compost (I2 ), with FYM compost (I1 ) ranking third, while the control group (without organic fertilizers) exhibited the lowest performance. In addition, the findings highlight the positive impact of proline amino acid on enhancing plant tolerance to salinity stress, with performance improvements correlating with increased proline levels. The sequence of proline treatments, ranked from most effective to least, was F2, followed by F1 , then F0 (without proline). Analyzing soil fertility at the harvest stage, all organic sources positively influenced the availability of N, P, and K, with ChM compost (I3 ) demonstrating superior effects. The influence of proline was nearly negligible in this aspect. Overall, the combined treatment of I3 x F2 emerged as the most distinguished among the various interactions studied. Therefore, integrated approaches that combine optimal organic fertilization practices with proline applications, such as the studied combination of ChM compost and proline, should be promoted for enhanced soybean production. Ongoing research is essential to refine and expand these recommended practices for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to soybean cultivation in challenging soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat contributes to about one‐fifth of the total calories and protein consumption by humans but is found lower in total iron (Fe) concentration than the targeted nutritional requirement, leading to increasing cases of anaemia and malnutrition in humans, especially in the developing countries. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to understand the dynamics of Fe in soil and its supply in relation to wheat productivity and grain quality. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of long‐term (54 years) annual and biannual application of different doses of farmyard manure (FYM) (0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha−1) and nitrogen (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1) under integrated nutrient management on the dynamics of Fe in soil along with its relationship with total Fe uptake in wheat. Additionally, the release pattern of native soil Fe and risk of Fe toxicity were evaluated. The highest grain yield of wheat (6.08 Mg ha−1) was observed under biannual application of FYM and nitrogen at 10 Mg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1, respectively, which was approximately 155% higher than the control plot (F0N0). Under the dual season application of 15 Mg ha−1 FYM and 120 kg ha−1 nitrogen, the total Fe content (48.48 mg kg−1) and its uptake (270.52 g ha−1) in wheat grains were found at maximum. The soil incubation study revealed that the rate of release of Fe increased up to 30 days of incubation followed by constant rates indicating the establishment of dynamic equilibrium among the different Fe fractions. Thus, the present study was conducted for the first time to improve the understanding of changes in Fe concentration and rate of release in soil, which directly influence the Fe uptake in wheat grain under the long‐term integrated nutrient management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were conducted during the main seasons of 2021/2022 at the Research and Production Station of National Research Centre in Egypt to investigate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and boron on Canola growth, yield, oil yield, and quality. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the combined application of FYM at a rate of 14.4 ton ha-1 with a foliar spray of boron at 100 ppm positively influenced plant characteristics, leading to enhanced growth rates and higher yields compared to the control group. Moreover, this integrated approach significantly improved nutrient content by enhancing levels of oil content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars. These findings provide compelling evidence that utilizing farm manure along with boron can effectively enhance Canola properties in newly reclaimed soils while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing agricultural and industrial wastes, potent reservoirs of nutrients, for nourishing the soil and crops through composting embodies a sustainable approach to waste management and organic agriculture. To investigate this, a 2-year field experiment was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, focusing on a pigeon pea–vegetable mustard–okra cropping system. Seven nutrient sources were tested, including a control (T1), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (T2), 100% RDN through improved rice residue compost (T3), 100% RDN through a paddy husk ash (PHA)–based formulation (T4), 75% RDN through PHA-based formulation (T5), 100% RDN through a potato peel compost (PPC)–based formulation (T6), and 75% RDN through PPC-based formulation (T7). Employing a randomized block design with three replications, the results revealed that treatment T4 exhibited the significantly highest seed (1.89 ± 0.09 and 1.97 ± 0.12 t ha−1) and stover (7.83 ± 0.41 and 8.03 ± 0.58 t ha−1) yield of pigeon pea, leaf yield (81.57 ± 4.69 and 82.97 ± 4.17 t ha−1) of vegetable mustard, and fruit (13.54 ± 0.82 and 13.78 ± 0.81 t ha−1) and stover (21.64 ± 1.31 and 22.03 ± 1.30 t ha−1) yield of okra during both study years compared to the control (T1). Treatment T4 was on par with T2 and T6 for seed and stover yield in pigeon pea, as well as okra, and leaf yield in vegetable mustard over both years. Moreover, T4 demonstrated notable increase of 124.1% and 158.2% in NH4-N and NO3-N levels in the soil, respectively, over the control. The enhanced status of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil, coupled with increased soil organic carbon (0.41%), total bacteria population (21.1%), fungi (37.2%), actinomycetes (44.6%), and microbial biomass carbon (28.5%), further emphasized the positive impact of T4 compared to the control. Treatments T2 and T6 exhibited comparable outcomes to T4 concerning changes in available N, P, soil organic carbon, total bacteria population, fungi, actinomycetes, and microbial biomass carbon. In conclusion, treatments T4 and T6 emerge as viable sources of organic fertilizer, particularly in regions confronting farmyard manure shortages. These formulations offer substantial advantages, including enhanced yield, soil quality improvement, and efficient fertilizer utilization, thus contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices.

Soils in semi-dry areas lack sufficient nutrients for crops, so their yield depends on fertilizers and planting methods. This study aimed to investigate how the fatty acids in safflower oil change with the use of fertilizers and planting methods. Five fertilizers [F1: control; F2: 10 t ha-1 of farmyard manure; F3: 20 t ha-1 of farmyard manure; F4: NPK (130:60:45 kg ha-1); F5: nano-Fe and nano-Zn] and four planting patterns (P1: 40-cm furrow planting; P2: 60-cm furrow planting; P3: 40-cm ridge planting; P4: 60-cm ridge planting) were tested. A biplot analysis explained 73 % of the variability, with the first and second principal components accounting for 54 and 19 %, respectively. The polygon-view was divided into five sections, with F3-P4 being the best for oil and protein contents, stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), linolenic (18:3) and lauric (12:0) acids, and iodine value. The vector-view showed a positive association among iodine value, oil content and linoleic, oleic, linolenic, stearic and lauric acids, as well as between myristic acid (14:0) and protein content, and between saponification and peroxide values. The best treatments were F4-P4, F4-P3 and F5-P4. Therefore, using NPK chemical fertilizer or nano-Fe and nano-Zn, combined with planting on a ridge with a 40 or 60-cm interrow distance, can be beneficial for producing high-quality safflower oil.

As a root crop known for its substantial nitrogen requirements, carrot responds well to both organic and inorganic fertilizers that supply different amounts of nitrogen. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various proportions of farmyard manure (FYM) and recommended dosages of chemical fertilizers (RDF) in carrot production to address the issues posed by their sole use. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to plan the field study, which consisted of five treatments and five replications with different nitrogen rates and sources, viz., T1 (100% FYM), T2 (25% RDF+75% FYM), T3 (50% RDF+50% FYM), T4 (75% RDF+25% FYM), and T5 (100% RDF) during December 2019 to April 2020 in the tropical region of Sindhuli, Nepal. Among the treatments, T3 exhibited the earliest germination (7.60 DAS) and the most desirable plant height (42.61 cm), root length (20.41 cm), root diameter (3.01 cm), fresh root weight plant-1 (96.04 g), total root dry matter content (15.01%), root biomass plant-1 (55.44 g), and total biomass plant-1 (85.33 g) at harvest. However, T5 resulted in the highest leaf count plant-1 (8.6) and fresh foliage weight plant-1 (42.96 g) at harvest. Similarly, T3 was significantly higher for quality parameters, such as cortex diameter (1.36 cm), pH (6.72), TSS (12.48 0Brix), TA (0.22 g liter-1), and organoleptic score (7.60). Although there were minimal root disorders in T3 (17%), T1 also had insignificant cases of cracking (8%) and postharvest weight loss (1.63%). Thus, reducing nitrogen input from the recommended dose and adding FYM improves carrot yield, quality, and shelf life. Furthermore, this guarantees higher economic returns with a B:C ratio of 1.65. Despite these positive results, the efficacy of the tested nutrient combinations needs to be analyzed on a larger scale, as well as in different ecological regions. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(4.000): 717-729]

Intensive potato production may reduce the soil organic matter content (SOM), which may impact several soil functions and increase the incidence of potato diseases. We examined if cover crop and addition of organic materials may counteract these effects. Organic materials were one application of biochar mixed with liquid digestate (BLD); solid digestate (SD); or farmyard manure (FYM); with or without winter rye as cover crop, in a field with regular potato growing. Organic amendment increased SOM, especially for FYM and BLD, while cover crop did not affect SOM. Yet, cover crop increased tuber yields in the second year, and reduced the severity of potato diseases by 10% in post-harvest potatoes in both years. In the second year, the number of marketable potatoes after storage increased by 37% with cover crop. Organic amendments did not affect potato yield or quality, but the proportion of marketable potatoes tended to be higher in the amended soil. By lab incubation, BLD showed the largest potential for SOM storage, up to 32 years, followed by FYM and SD. Cover crops and organic amendments is recommended in potato production, especially for early potatoes where there is sufficient time after harvest to establish a good cover crop.

In this study, the effects of chemical (20:20:0 compound) and organic (barnyard) fertilizers applied to different textured soils on several soil enzyme (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase) activities were investigated. The research was conducted under greenhouse conditions with (beans and corn) and without crops. Considering the results of the preexperiment analysis of the soils, a 40-g pot–1 of farmyard manure was placed into the pots in which organic fertilizer would be applied in clay and silty loam soils, and a 50-g pot–1 of farmyard manure was added to sandy loam soil; in addition, a 0.25-g pot–1 of 20:20:0 compound fertilizer was mixed into the clay, silty, and sandy loam samples where chemical fertilizer would be applied. Soil chemical properties such as soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity, lime, organic matter, useful phosphorus, total nitrogen, exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K), cation exchange capacity, microelements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn), and soil enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase) were determined. According to the results, fertilizers applied to the soil increased the soil’s pH, organic matter, and macro and micronutrient contents and decreased the exchangeable Na content. The lime content of the soils did not show any decrease or increase. Organic and chemical fertilizers applied to the soil increased the activity of soil enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of CO 3, CO 5 and Super Napier varieties planted in trench method under summer stress with irrigation support was evaluated. The experiment was conducted using different types of farmyard manure viz., cow dung, goat manure and poultry manure. Total yield, stem weight and projected yield did not differ significantly among the varieties. Survivability of CO 5 appeared low in the experiment (p<0.01). In general, the evaluated parameters were statistically significant (p<0.01) except tiller number, number of internodes, leaf weight and total weight. Stem weight was observed to be higher in CO 5 and Super Napier than CO 3 (p<0.01). Among all the parameters studied, the type of manure apparently influenced only leaf width (p<0.05). The yield (t/ha) observed after the first cut of CO 3, CO 5 and Super Napier were 123.41±41.22, 153.27±45.33 and 145.82±28.67 tons respectively on fresh cut basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the impact of different rates of farmyard manure and phosphorus application on the growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Our objective is to assess how various levels of organic and inorganic fertilizer influence the development and productivity of this crop. The experiment involved five integrated applications of farmyard manure: T1 = 00 tons of farmyard manure + (P = 00), T2 = 1 ton of farmyard manure + (P = 30 kg ha-1), T3 = 3 tons of farmyard manure + (P = 60 kg ha-1), T4 = 4 tons of farmyard manure + (P =90 kg ha-1), and T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure + (P = 120 kg ha-1). The results revealed that T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure + (P = 120 kg ha-1). Resulted best and produced the maximum plant population (m2) (10.5), plant height (273.7 cm), stem girth (10.9 cm), head diameter (53.8 cm), number of seeds head-1 (2696.9), seed weight head-1 (60.7 g), seed index (32.7 g), and seed yield (2698.7 kg ha-1). Whereas the T1=00-ton Farm Yard Manure + (P = 00) treatment produced the least results and recorded plant population (m-2) (6.6), plant height (217.7 cm), stem girth (9.3), head diameter (30.3 cm), number of seeds head-1 (1510.7), seed weight head-1 (26.6 g), seed index (23.0 g), and seed yield (2100.0 kg ha-1). It is therefore recommended that, for obtaining higher growth and seed yields of sunflower, farmyard manure and phosphorus be applied at 5 tons per hectare, +/- (P = 120 kg ha-1), respectively. The results concluded that the growth and yield of sunflowers were significantly affected by the application of farmyard manure as compared to the control (no farmyard manure). The grain yield increased linearly with increasing farmyard manure levels. However, the plot fertilized with 5 tons of farmyard manure produced the maximum grain yield of sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal crops have been the backbone of national agriculture for decades, as they are major staple food crops. Crop nutrients major sources are organic, inorganic and bio-fertilizers. Supplementation of beneficial microbes with organic and inorganic fertilizers is a feasible technology to improve wheat productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of organic sources (OS) and inorganic N fertilizer (Urea) along with the application of bio-aab (beneficial microbes) on the wheat crop at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan, during 2020-2021. Two separate experiments were conducted (with and without bio-aab) in Randomized Complete Block Design each consisted of 10 treatments. Bio-aab treatments are T1: Poultry manure (PM) + 80 kg N + bioabb, T2: PM + 120 kg N + bio-aab, T3: PM + 160 kg N + bio-aab, T4: Farm yard manure (FYM) + 80 kg N + bioabb, T5: FYM + 120 kg N + bio-aab, T6: FYM + 160 kg N + bioaab, T7: Maize residues (MR) + 80 kg N + bioabb, T8: MR + 120 kg N + bio-aab, T9: MR + 160 kg N + bio-aab, T10: Control), same treatments followed for without bio-aab. OS have applied accordingly to the plots one month before sowing, bio-aab solution (60 litres ha-1) was applied with first irrigation to one experiment before sowing to encourage microbial action necessary for manure decomposition, while half N was applied at sowing time and half after seven days of sowing with first irrigation. Statistical analysis was done combined over bio-aab. The principle beneficial microorganisms (BM) in bio-aab contain photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeast. These BM produced useful substances such as amino acids, nucleic acids, lactic acid, bioactive substances, hormones, enzymes and sugars. All these substances promote active cell and root division, plant growth, productivity, suppress harmful microorganisms, and enhance the decomposition of organic matter. Results showed that integrated use of PM and N (120 or 160 kg ha-1) along with the application of bio-aab significantly (P=0.05) improved tillers m-2 (12%), grains spike-1 (15%), biological yield (31%) and grain yield (39%) as compared to control plots. Results of the bio-aab treated plots were found (8%) superior yield than without bio-aab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is an important nutrient for plant growth and development. Its availability is influenced by zinc solubilizing microbes (ZSMs). The effects of commonly promoted agronomic practices on the abundance of ZSMs are so far not well understood. In this study, conducted in 2019, we assessed the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) application, either sole or in combination with residue and/or inorganic fertilizer inputs, on ZSM community structure using 11 treatments in a long-term (17 years) integrated soil fertility management experiment located in Western Kenya. Bacterial and fungal community composition were evaluated by amplicon sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The results showed that putative ZSMs (i.e., the ZSMs generally considered to possess the zinc solubilizing capabilities) were clustered in two major clades based on either the application or no application of FYM. Sole application of FYM significantly (p < 0.05) increased the abundance of several ZSMs under a maize–Tephrosia rotation. In addition, systems with the combined application of FYM with other inputs generally showed significantly increasing trends for some ZSMs under a maize–Tephrosia rotation. Moreover, the combined application of FYM and P rather than only P significantly increased the abundance of some ZSMs under maize monocropping systems. Furthermore, as well as affecting ZSM abundance, soil chemical variables involving soil organic carbon (SOC), total N and Olsen P significantly increased with FYM application. This study indicated that management practices such as the application of FYM that increase SOC, and other soil chemical parameters, also/concomitantly increase ZSM abundance. These results imply enhanced capacities for microbial-linked zinc availability with FYM application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]