Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Fertility in Light Chestnut Soils Using BioEcoGum: A Case Study from Kazakhstan

Changes to soil nutrient availability and increases for crop yield and soil organic C (SOC) concentration on biochar‐amended soil under temperate climate conditions have only been reported in a few publications. The objective of this work was to determine if biochar application rates up to 20 Mg ha−1 affect nutrient availability in soil, SOC stocks and yield of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) on two coarse‐textured soils (loamy sand, sandy clay loam) in S Quebec, Canada. Data were collected from field experiments for a 3‐y period following application of pine wood biochar at rates of 0, 10, and 20 Mg ha−1. For corn plots, at harvest 3 y after biochar application, 20 Mg biochar ha−1 resulted in 41.2% lower soil NH $ _4^+ $ on the loamy sand; the same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. On the loamy sand, 20 Mg biochar ha−1 increased corn yields by 14.2% compared to the control 3 y after application; the same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. Biochar did not alter yield or nutrient availability in soil on soybean or switchgrass plots on either soil type. After 3 y, SOC concentration was 83 and 258% greater after 10 and 20 Mg ha−1 biochar applications, respectively, than the control in sandy clay loam soil under switchgrass production. The same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. A 67% higher SOC concentration was noted with biochar application at 20 Mg ha−1 to sandy clay loam soil under corn.

Abstract. Karabayev K, Suleimenov B, Songulov Y, Akhmurzin U, Smanov A. 2025. Integrated application of granular and liquid bioorganic fertilizers improves corn productivity and soil fertility in light chestnut soils. Cell Biol Dev 9: 54-63. This study evaluated the effectiveness of integrated granular and liquid bioorganic fertilizers in enhancing soil fertility and corn (Zea mays) productivity on light chestnut soils in the Agopark Ontusik region. Field experiments were conducted using three rates of granular organic fertilizer (0, 1000, and 2000?kg?ha?¹) combined with four concentrations of a humic-based foliar biostimulant (0, 2, 4, and 6?mL?L?¹). Agronomic performance was assessed through vegetative traits, biomass accumulation, yield components, and grain productivity. Soil fertility parameters and economic profitability were also evaluated. The results showed that both fertilizer types significantly improved plant height, leaf area, and biomass, with the highest values recorded under the combined treatment of 2000?kg?ha?¹ + 6?mL?L?¹. Grain yield increased from 7.4?t/ha in the control to 13.5?t/ha in the best treatment. Available phosphorus (P?O?) in the topsoil rose from 14.0 to 26.0?mg/kg, while exchangeable potassium (K?O) declined due to high plant uptake. Economic analysis revealed that the most intensive treatment produced the highest net income (339,520 tenge/ha) and lowest cost per 100?kg of grain (2,519 tenge). Correlation analysis confirmed strong associations between biomass and yield, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrient supply. These findings demonstrate that bioorganic fertilization strategies are effective in restoring fertility and improving productivity on marginal soils, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional inputs in dryland cropping systems.

Ex-tin mining land is a degraded land with low soil fertility and poor soil physical properties. The research aimed to find the best ameliorant for the improvement of ex-tin mining soil and corn yield. This experiment, conducted in Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia, used a Randomized Block Design with 7 treatments and 4 replications: control, 20 t ha−1 biochar, 20 t ha−1 cattle manure, 20 t ha−1 mucuna compost, 10 t ha−1 biochar+10 t ha−1 cattle manure, 10 t ha−1 biochar+10 t ha−1 mucuna compost, and 10 t ha−1 cattle manure+10 t ha−1 mucuna compost. The corn variety used was Sukmaraga. The application of ameliorant significantly increased soil chemical properties (pH, potential and available P, potential and exch-K, exch-Ca, exch-Mg, exch-Na, and base saturation) and growth and yield of corn. The corn yield from the 20 t ha−1 biochar treatment was higher than that of the control, but was not significantly different from the other treatments. The single application of 20 t ha−1 biochar and the application of 10 t ha−1 biochar in combination with either 10 t ha−1 cattle manure or 10 t ha−1 mucuna compost resulted in the best soil chemical improvement and crop yields.

The raising human health hazards due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in India leads cancer patients. To overcome such problems there is need of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in our major crop wheat and further to improve soil fertility under agroforestry system. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of INM on the physical and chemical properties of soil when wheat intercropped under Beul (Grewia optiva) based agroforestry system in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP (India). INM practices were applied to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility, crop yield, and overall soil health. The experimental setup included various treatment combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers viz., T1: RDF, T2: FYM, T3: Vermicompost, T4: Goat manure, T5: 50% RDF+50% FYM, T6: 50% RDF+50% VC, T7: 50% RDF+50% GM, and T8: Control to determine their synergistic effects on the soil and cereal crop. These treatments were randomly assigned to plots under two planting conditions: S1 (under Beul based agroforestry system) and S2 (open condition), with three replications each, following in a factorial randomized block design (RBD). The key physical parameters such as bulk density (g/cm3), particle density (g/cm3), porosity (%), and soil moisture (%) were measured along with chemical properties of soil including soil pH, EC (dS/m1), organic carbon content (%), and nutrient availability of N, P and K in kg per hectare. The soil data of two consecutive years and pooled data were analyzed in R Statistical Software. The results demonstrated that INM significantly improved both the physical and chemical soil properties in agroforestry system as compared to control treatment i.e. open condition. The use of 100 % FYM found to be best treatment during the course of study among various treatments of INM for soil porosity, soil moisture, soil pH, available N, P and K. The soil structure and nutrient availability were increased in second year as compared to first year which will lead to improve the growth and yield of wheat crop. The study underscores the importance of adopting INM practices in agroforestry system to achieve sustainable agriculture as well as chemical free agriculture in hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh which will be helpful for human health. Thus, the use 100% FYM fertilizer is recommended for farmers in hilly area of Himachal Pradesh for sustainable agriculture and natural farming. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers aiming to optimize crop production and maintain soil health in similar agro-ecological zones.

The Rolling Pampa is the most productive region of the Argentine Humid Pampa comprising around 10 Mha. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are the main grain crops produced. To develop sound cropping strategies, a better understanding of the impact of soil fertility and management on crops is needed. The objective of this study was to develop models for estimating the effects of growing season precipitation, soil fertility and management on wheat and corn yields. Data from 347 wheat and 323 corn field experiments and production fields over six growing seasons were used. Soil, management and weather characteristics were determined and yields were then evaluated. Data were analysed using linear and quadratic models and a quadratic polynomial surface model. Soil fertility, management and rainfall and interactions were analysed. Growing season precipitation correlated with wheat (R2 = 0.42) and corn (R2 = 0.25) yield. Maximum wheat yield was achieved with 350–400 mm rainfall and corn yield reached a plateau around 700 mm. Soil fertility accounted for 33 % of wheat yield variability and 5 % of corn yield variability. Management accounted for 48 and 9 % respectively. Whole polynomial models integrating rainfall, fertilizer N and P rates, soil N and P, previous crop and tillage system accounted for 67 % of wheat yield variability and 51 % of corn yield variability. Soil organic matter was not included in the models but an indirect effect on yield was detected as organic matter correlated with initial soil N levels for both crops. Soya bean as a previous crop had a positive effect on wheat and corn yields. Wheat was insensitive to tillage system but corn yield was higher under no till. N and P fertilization had a two‐ to three‐fold greater impact on yield than soil nutrient levels. As this region is considered to be of high soil fertility and has a history of very low fertilizer consumption, adequate use of N and P fertilization will be essential to maintaining high wheat and corn yields.

An abandoned land after tin-mining activities are degraded lands with undulating and destructed land scape and low soil fertility status. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of organic amendments on the soil properties, growth, and grain yield of corn (Zea mays L.) on abandoned tin-mining areas in Bangka Island, Bangka Belitung Archipelago. The field experiment was conducted at the abandoned tin-mining areas in Cambai Village, Bangka Belitung Archipelago. Five treatments of organic amendments were applied and replicated three times and laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design. All treatments were applied with the recommended rate fertilizer of 135 kg N ha-1, 72 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1. The treatments were T1= 20 Mg chicken manure ha-1;T2= 20 Mg cattle manure ha-1; T3= 20 Mg rice straw compost ha-1; T4 : 10 Mg of chicken manure ha-1 + 10 Mg rice straw compost ha-1; and T5= 10 Mg cattlemanure ha-1 + 10 Mg rice straw compost ha-1. Application of organic amendments (chicken manure, cattle manure, and rice straw compost) on abandoned tin-mining land improved soil fertility due to the increasing of soil pH and nutrient availability, especially available-P and -K, and exchangeable bases. Application of chicken manure and cattle manure were significantly better than rice straw compost to improving soil fertility, nutrient uptake, growth and yield of maize. Application of cattle manure gave the highest yield of maize, namely 6.24 Mg ha-1.

Relationships of corn plant population rates, soil fertility levels and varieties with grain yield, total dry matter and composition of corn leaves were examined in 1967. The results are as follows. 1. The logarithm of grain yields per plant decreased linearly as plant population was increased. By using the linear relationships between the logarithm of the grain yields per plant and the number of plants per land area of one are, the maximum grain yields and optimum plant populations on each soil fertility level were determined after Duncan's example. The highest value of the calculated maximum grain yield was 87.1 kg per are at 749 plants per are on the high fertility soil for Tomorokoshi Ko No. 7 (variety cross), and 67.7 kg per are at 562 plants per are on the high fertility soil for Yellow Dent corn (openpollinated variety). 2. There were also the linear relationships between the logarithm of total dry matter yields per plant and the number of plants per are for Tomorokoshi Ko No. 7. The logarithm of total dry matter of a plant decreased linearly as plant population increased. The highest total dry matter yield was 202kg per are at 932 plants per are on the high fertility soil. The optimum plant populations for the highest total dry matter production were higher than those for the highest grain production on each soil fertility level. 3. Tomorokoshi Ko No. 7 required higher populations than Yellow Dent corn to reach the point of maximum yields on each soil fertility level. It is suggested that Tomorokoshi Ko No. 7 possess an inherent capacity to perform better than Yellow Dent corn under the stress of high population rates. 4. As the soil fertility increased, the number of plants per are required for maximum grain yields and maximum total dry matter yields increased. The higher maximum grain yields and maximum total dry matter yields were obtained on the higher soil fertility level than on the lower. It is suggested that increase of plant population for higher grain yields and total dry matter yields should keep pace with increase of soil fetility. 5. Chemical analysis of the leaves on the nodes just below the primary ear for total N, P and K at silking stage showed that the yields of Yellow Dent corn increased with increase of N and P contents when N and P were below 2.4% and 0.26%, respectively. But little or no yields increased when they exceeded 2.4% N and 0.26% P. The yields of Tomorokoshi Ko No. 7 increased with increase of N and P contents within the limits of observation in these experiments. There was little change in K contents with difference of plant population and soil fertility. 6. The conclusions drawn from these experiments are that for Tomorokoshi Ko No. 7 high yields above 850 kg per are may be obtained at plant populations above 650 plants per are when N and P contents of the leaf are above 2.5% and 0.34%, respectively, and that for Yellow Dent corn, likewise, higer yields above 650 kg per are, at plant populations above 450 plants per are when N and P contents, above 2.4% and 0.26%, respectively.

Evaluation of soil redistribution rates and influence on crop yield in agricultural catchments is very important information, which can provide a scientific basis for arrangement of soil and water conservation measures and sustainable crop production. In recent decades, the soil erosion has greatly aggravated in the Mollisol region of Northeast China due to unreasonable land management, which in turn has reduced crop yield. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatial distribution of soil redistribution and the relationship between crop yield and soil redistribute at a catchment of the Chinese Mollisol region. A total of 176 soil samples were collected based on a 200 m by 200 m grid and 4 yr of corn (Zea mays L.) yields were measured. The 137Cs trace technique and Zhang Xinbao’s mass balance model indicated that the soil redistribution rates ranged from −7122.25 to 5471.70 t km−2 yr−1 and averaged −830.10 t km−2 yr−1. Soil erosion dominated in the research area. The corn yields for four years ranged from 43.24 to 136.19 kg km−2 and averaged 90.42 kg km−2. The spatial distribution of soil redistribution rates and corn yield showed a similar ribbon and plaque characteristics at the catchment. An equation between corn yield and soil redistribution rates was fitted and showed that there was a significant negative correlation between corn yield and soil erosion rates, while there was no relationship between the corn yield and soil deposition rates. Therefore, effective soil and water conservation measures are urgently needed to increase crop yield and realize sustainable land-use management.

Nitrogen fertilizer is important for improving wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) yields, but inappropriate application methods and excessive amounts lead to low N use efficiency and high N losses through leaching. To investigate the effects of controlled‐release urea (CRU) on crop yield and soil fertility, a field experiment was conducted from 2012 to 2014 in China. The 100% (180 kg ha−1) and 70% (126 kg ha−1) of the local practice N rates with CRU and urea were used. The results revealed that the release curves of CRU in the natural field corresponded well to the N requirements of wheat and corn plants, and a positive linear correlation was observed between release rates and days after buried in soil. Consequently, the CRU treatments achieved significantly higher wheat and corn yield by 8 to 12% and 9 to 11%, respectively, compared with urea treatments at the same N rate. Reducing N rate of CRU by 30% produced the same yield as with the 100% N rate of urea. The agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was significantly increased and the leaching of soil N was reduced by CRU. The acidification rates and leaching of exchangeable Ca2+, K+, Na+ contents were reduced, base saturation and available P improved by application of CRU compared with urea. Therefore, the results suggested that a 30% decrease of CRU in the recommended application rate of N, can be an effective measure to save consumption input of N fertilizer.Core Ideas Nitrogen release rates of controlled‐release urea in field condition corresponded well to the N uptake of crop plants. A 30% decrease in the application rate of N is possible with controlled‐release urea compared to urea. The application of controlled‐release urea increased crop yield, N use efficiency, net farm profit, and soil fertility.

Effects of soil erosion–deposition on corn yields in the Chinese Mollisol region

Using organic wastes as agricultural amendments is a productive alternative to disposal in landfills, providing nutrients for plant growth and carbon to build soil organic matter. Despite these benefits, a large fraction of organic waste is sent to landfills. Obstacles to the adoption of wastes as sources of plant nutrients include questions about harmful effects to crops or soils and the wastes’ ability to produce satisfactory yields. We compared six organic waste amendments with a mineral fertilizer control (CN) to determine effects on soil quality, soil fertility, crop quality, and crop yield in 2013 and 2014. Waste amendments were applied at a rate sufficient to supply 10,000 kg organic C/ha over two seasons, and mineral fertilizer was applied to control plots to provide 112 kg-N/ha/yr. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replicates and three crops: sweet corn ( Zea mays L. cv. Applause, Brocade, and Montauk), butternut squash ( Cucurbita moschata Duchesne cv. JWS 6823), and potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Eva). Amendment with biosolids/yard waste cocompost (BS), dehydrated restaurant food waste (FW), gelatin manufacturing waste (GW), multisource compost (MS), paper fiber/chicken manure blend (PF), and yard waste compost (YW) did not have a negative impact on soil moisture, bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), or the concentration of heavy metals in soil or plant tissue. Our results indicate potential uses for waste amendments including significantly raising soil pH (MS) and increasing soil organic matter [OM (YW and BS)]. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N) of waste amendments was not a reliable predictor of soil inorganic N levels, and only some wastes increased potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) levels relative to the control. Plots amended with BS, FW, and GW produced yields of sweet corn, butternut squash, and potatoes comparable with the control, whereas plots amended with YW, PF, and MS produced lower yields of sweet corn, squash, or both, although yields for potatoes were comparable with the control. In addition, the marketability of potatoes from PF plots was significantly better than that of the control in 2014. None of the wastes evaluated in this study had negative impacts on soil properties, some provided benefits to soil quality, and all produced comparable yields for at least one crop. Our results suggest that all six wastes have potential to be used as sources of plant nutrients.

Impacts of mollic epipedon thickness and overloaded sediment deposition on corn yield in the Chinese Mollisol region

Earthworms are widely acknowledged as vital soil ecosystem engineers due to their significant role in modifying soil structure, nutrient cycling, and biological activity (Lavelle et al., 1997; Edwards & Bohlen, 1996). The present study investigates the functional roles of earthworms, particularly Eisenia fetida, in enhancing soil fertility, accelerating organic matter turnover, and promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. Through burrowing and casting activities, earthworms improve soil aeration, aggregation, and water infiltration, thereby enhancing the physical quality of soil (Blouin et al., 2013). Their feeding behavior facilitates the breakdown of organic residues, leading to increased microbial activity and nutrient mineralization (Aira et al., 2010). Earthworms interact synergistically with soil microorganisms, stimulating microbial biomass and enzymatic activity, which are crucial for nutrient transformations and availability (Domínguez et al., 2004). The production of nutrient-rich casts and mucus further enhances soil fertility by creating microsites rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (Lee, 1985). Vermicomposting, driven by earthworm activity, has emerged as an efficient biological process for converting organic waste into high-quality biofertilizer, contributing to sustainable waste management and soil enrichment (Edwards et al., 2011). The study integrates experimental observations with established scientific evidence to demonstrate that earthworm-mediated processes significantly improve soil health and plant productivity. These findings align with the concept that earthworms play a central role in ecological intensification and sustainable agriculture by reducing dependency on chemical inputs and enhancing soil resilience (Lavelle & Spain, 2001). Thus, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the ecological and agricultural significance of earthworms in maintaining soil sustainability and environmental balance. This study adopts a systematic experimental framework to evaluate the role of earthworms in soil fertility enhancement and agricultural productivity. Firstly, the study will assess the impact of earthworms on soil physicochemical properties such as soil structure, porosity, moisture content, and nutrient availability. Previous studies have demonstrated that earthworm activity improves soil aggregation and enhances water retention capacity (Blouin et al., 2013; Lavelle & Spain, 2001). Soil samples will be analyzed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days to track temporal changes. Secondly, the study will investigate the role of earthworms in organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization. Earthworms accelerate the breakdown of organic residues, leading to increased availability of essential nutrients (Edwards et al., 2011). Parameters such as organic carbon reduction, nitrogen content, and vermicompost quality will be measured to understand decomposition dynamics. Thirdly, the research will examine the interaction between earthworms and soil microorganisms. Earthworm activity is known to stimulate microbial biomass and enzyme activity, thereby enhancing nutrient cycling processes (Aira et al., 2010; Domínguez et al., 2004). Microbial population and enzyme assays will be conducted to evaluate biological enhancement. Fourthly, the study will evaluate the effect of earthworm-mediated soil improvement on crop growth and yield. Previous research indicates that vermicompost application significantly enhances plant growth, biomass, and productivity (Arancon et al., 2004). Parameters such as germination rate, plant height, biomass accumulation, yield attributes, and crop quality will be assessed. Furthermore, the study will statistically test the null hypothesis that earthworms have no significant effect on soil fertility and crop productivity. Statistical tools such as ANOVA and correlation analysis will be used to validate the significance of observed differences (Gajalakshmi & Abbasi, 2004). The study aims to develop a sustainable agricultural framework by integrating earthworm-based practices such as vermicomposting into soil management systems. This aligns with global efforts toward sustainable agriculture and ecological soil management (Lavelle et al., 2006).

Agricultural technology has increased crop yield potentials, but on rain‐fed crops yields are still severely reduced with the normal climatic frequency of drought. Objectives were (1) to determine an interaction regression of county average corn (Zea mays L.) yield on a soil moisture stress variable and technology trend and (2) to estimate the probability of soil moisture stress and resulting average corn yield in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The soil moisture stress variable (Sc) was the sum of modeled daily ratios of actual to potential evapotranspiration [Σ(ET/PET)] over critical corn growth and development periods. The interaction regression model of corn yield on Sc andyield on Sc andyield on Sc andyield on Sc and technology trend (T = year) for Tippecanoe County was associated with 70% of the variance in the 1961 to 1992 average county corn yields when Sc was a 90‐d period (S90) from 39 d before corn silking to 50 d after. With no moisture stress (S90 = 90), the technology trend over the last 32 yr was 0.17 t ha−1 yr−1 (2.7 bu acre−1 yr−1). With 1992 technology, each deficit unit of S90 reduced the yield 0.19 t ha−1 (3.1 bu acre−1). The distributions of S90 and predicted corn yield were highly negatively skewed. The probability of having an S90 less than 85 (at least some moisture stress), and a county corn yield less than 9.5 t ha−1 (152 bu acre−1) is 69%, but the probability of severe stress (S90 < 75) and corn yield less than 7.5 ± 0.8 t ha−1 (139 ± 13 bu acre−1) is 22%. For the same weather regime, the probability of moisture stress and resulting corn yields differs greatly for individual soils. For a poorly drained soil (Typic Argiaquoll) the probability of having an S90 less than 85 is 41%, but for a well‐drained soil (Typic Argiudoll) the probability is 90%.

Irrigation and weed control alter soil microbiology and nutrient availability in North Carolina Sandhill peach orchards