Agricultural Fertilizer Research Articles

Cultivation constrains of Bambara groundnut in Sub-Saharan Africa: Impact of Rhizobial Inoculants

Abstract Background The Sub-Saharan African food system is facing multiple threats, including soil nutrient depletion, monoculture cereal farming, population expansion, and climate change. These factors collectively pose a risk to agricultural productivity and food security in the region. Scope Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc) yield has been in decline due to various abiotic factors such as high temperature, drought, and salinity, as well as biotic factors like nitrogen-fixing symbiont host specificity. These challenges have negatively impacted crop productivity and food security. This review highlights the significance of BGN in addressing food insecurity and explores its potential advantages for small-scale farmers. BGN provides a good example for strong effects of the microbiome, particularly specific symbionts for nitrogen-fixing root nodules, on production systems. A focus of this review is to highlight the potential applications of nitrogen-fixing symbionts as biofertilizers for Bambara groundnut. Conclusion The review emphasizes the potential of BGN to improve agricultural production and soil fertility, particularly using inoculation technology, which could benefit small-scale farmers and contribute to enhancing food security. Bradyrhizobium inoculants may have to be designed specifically for the cultivar level of BGN.

Water hyacinth conversion to biochar for soil nutrient enhancement in improving agricultural product

The conversion of water hyacinth into biochar offers a sustainable solution to mitigate its proliferation and enhances its potential as a soil amendment for agriculture. This study examined the physicochemical properties of water hyacinth biochar (WHBC) and its impact on soil fertility. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was pyrolyzed at 300 °C for 40 minute with restricted airflow (2–3 m/s), producing biochar with desirable properties and a yield of 44.6%. WHBC exhibited a pH of 8.11 ± 0.91, electrical conductivity of 18.70 ± 1.15 mS/cm, and nutrient contents including TN (0.69 ± 0.10%), TP (8.80 ± 0.01%), OC (13.95 ± 0.65%), C/N ratio (20.22 ± 0.95), S (0.34 ± 0.03%), and metallic nutrients (Ca, Mg, K). Heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn) were within permissible limits for biochar. Soil amended with 2500 kg/ha WHBC (BC2) produced comparable Teff crop yields (fresh mass: 1191.67 ± 428.44 g, dry mass: 700.00 ± 248.34 g, grain yield: 95.00 ± 39.69 g) to those with mineral fertilizers and mixed amendments. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed significant structural changes in WHBC, enhancing its pore structure and surface morphology. These results demonstrate the potential of WHBC as an effective soil amendment to improve agricultural sustainability and soil fertility.

Analysis of Groundwater Hydrochemical Variation and Its Source During the Low Water Level Period in the Southern Oasis Area of Gaochang District, Turpan City

To explore the changes in groundwater hydrochemistry and its source influence in the low water level period of the southern oasis area of Gaochang District, Turpan City before and after the management of groundwater overexploitation, based on 12 groups of water samples in 2016 （three groups of unconfined water, nine groups of confined water） and 18 groups of water samples in 2023 （five groups of unconfined water, thirteen groups of confined water）, mathematical statistics, hydrochemical diagraph, hydrogen and oxygen isotope means, and an absolute principle component-multiple linear regression （APCS-MLR） model were used to analyze the changes and sources of groundwater hydrochemistry. The results showed that due to the dynamic conditions of groundwater, the dominant cation changed from Na+ to Ca2+, and the anion changed from HCO3- to SO42-. The dominant cation of confined water changed from Ca2+ to Na+, and the dominant anion remained unchanged as SO42-. The main supply source of both unconfined water and confined water was atmospheric precipitation, which was affected by evaporation, and the effect of evaporation of unconfined water was greater than that of confined water. The chemical composition of groundwater was mainly controlled by rock weathering and cation exchange. Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were mainly derived from the dissolution of evaporative salt rock and silicate salt rock. NO3- was mainly derived from agricultural fertilizers, human and animal manure, and domestic sewage. Leaching and enrichment （F1）, agricultural activity and primary geological activity （F2）, and industrial activity （F3） were the main factors affecting groundwater chemistry in the study area, and the contribution rates were 58.41%, 18.12%, and 9.12%, respectively.

Tracing the source and behaviour of sulphate in karst reservoirs, using stable isotopes and Bayesian isotopic-mixing models.

Increases in sulphate concentrations in natural water bodies can lead to the deterioration of water quality. Human activities, such as coal mining and agricultural fertilisation, can generate sulphate, which can enter water bodies through surface runoff or underground pipelines. Owing to the widespread distribution of coal-bearing strata and an intensification of industrial and agricultural activities, the Pingzhai Reservoir is increasingly at risk of sulphate pollution. In this study, 42 water samples were collected from the Pingzhai Reservoir in April (normal season), July (wet season), and December (dry season) of 2022. Additionally, two precipitation samples, two sewage samples, and two acidic mine drainage samples were collected. Using hydrochemistry, multiple isotopes (δ34SSO4, δ18OSO4, δ13CDIC, and δ18OH2O) and Bayesian isotopic-mixing model methods, we qualitatively and quantitatively determined the source, contribution proportion, and behaviour of SO42- in the Pingzhai Reservoir watershed and evaluated the uncertainty of the estimated results. Isotope analysis and the Bayesian isotope-mixing model results indicated that the sources of SO42- in the Pingzhai Reservoir were coal sulphides and organic sulphur oxidation (64.2%), soil organic sulphur (18.7%), sewage (9.9%), and agricultural sulphur fertiliser (7.2%). The characteristics of karst landforms (thin soil that is easily eroded), combined with periodic fluctuations in water level (hydrofluctuation belts) in reservoirs, resulted in the release of organic matter from soil to water. The proportion of SO42- sources of coal sulphide and organic sulphur oxidation in the river was lower than that in the reservoir area, whereas the proportion of the SO42- sources of soil organic sulphur, sewage, and agricultural sulphur fertiliser was greater than that in the reservoir area. Isotope evidence and the aerobic conditions in water indicated that bacterial sulphate reduction processes did not play a major role. The uncertainty index (UI90) indicated that the contributions of agricultural sulphur fertiliser and sewage manure to SO42- were relatively constant. This study provides a reference for the protection of water environments and for the development of water pollution control strategies in the karst areas of southwestern China.

Optimizing the solubility of low-grade rock phosphate to enable its use as a fertilizer in agriculture

Optimizing the solubility of low-grade rock phosphate to enable its use as a fertilizer in agriculture

In vivo synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles in Azotobacter vinelandii for light-driven ammonia production.

Ammonia (NH3) is an important commodity chemical used as an agricultural fertilizer and hydrogen-storage material. There has recently been much interest in developing an environmentally benign process for NH3 synthesis. Here, we report enhanced production of ammonia from diazotrophs under light irradiation using hybrid composites of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and bacterial cells. The primary focus of this study lies in the intracellular biosynthesis of semiconductor NPs within Azotobacter vinelandii, a diazotroph, when bacterial cells are cultured in a medium containing precursor molecules. For example, enzymes in bacterial cells, such as cysteine desulfurase, convert cysteine (Cys) into precursors for cadmium sulfide (CdS) synthesis when supplied with CdCl2. Photoexcited charge carriers in the biosynthesized NPs are transferred to nitrogen fixation enzymes, e.g., nitrogenase, facilitating the production of ammonium ions. Notably, the intracellular biosynthesis approach minimizes cell toxicity compared to extracellular synthesis due to the diminished generation of reactive oxygen species. The biohybrid system based on the in vivo approach results in a fivefold increase in ammonia production (0.45 mg gDCW-1 h-1) compared to the case of diazotroph cells only (0.09 mg gDCW-1 h-1).

Antimicrobial agents in agricultural fertilizers produced from sewage sludge - A cause for concern?

The production of organic-mineral fertilizers from sewage sludge is one of the ecological options in their management. Though, pharmaceuticals and their derivatives, which accumulate in the sludge, could be a problem due to their impacts on the environment. This manuscript aimed at better understanding of risks posed by antimicrobial agents (AAs) in sludge-based fertilizers. Sewage sludge and sewage-based fertilizers (from two sewage treatment plants in two cities in Poland) were tested for 99 AAs. 26 AAs were detected in the sludge at concentrations reaching 112,000μg/kg. Several AAs were successfully removed during the sludge treatment process (sulfasalazine, sulfapyridine, isoniazid, isonicotinic acid, erythromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin N-desmethyl, clarithromycin N-desmethyl, azithromycin N-desmethyl, emtricitabine, ANP) with reduction ranging from 34% to 96,5%. It is worth noting that penicillin V and ofloxacin/levofloxacin were recorded at higher concentrations in the fertilizer than in the sludge, which indicates the process of concentration of these AAs as a result of drying the fertilizer. Penicillin V content increased by 153% and 191% in WWTP 1 and WWTP 2 samples, respectively. The level of ofloxacin/levofloxacin increased by 70% in fertilizer from WWTP 1, and decreased by 40% in fertilizer from WWTP 2. The AAs leaching test revealed that 7 AAs (isoniazid, sulfapyridine, ofloxacin/levofloxacin, clindamycin, azithromycin, isonicotinic acid, pyrazinoic acid 5-hydroxy-) have potential to leach into the receiving soil environment after sludge-based fertilizer application. The risk factor (RQ) for sulfapyridine, ofloxacin/levofloxacin, isonicotinic acid and linezolid was too low to estimate, below 0.1, so the risk has mild environmental impacts. An RQ value of isoniazid and clindamycin ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 indicates a low risk to soil. Azithromycin RQ >36 denoted a high environmental risk. This warrants further study to understand risks from AAs present in sludge-based products.

Coal-bearing kaolinite-based plant growth-promoting fertilizer with integrated slow-release and water-retention properties.

The development of ecological fertilizers has become crucial in modern agriculture due to the increasing global population and diminishing arable land resources. Herein, a plant growth-promoting fertilizer (UKS) with dual functions of slow-release and water-retention was prepared by combining liquid-phase intercalation method and crosslinking gel method. The physicochemical properties of UKS were analyzed and its dissolution, slow-release, and water-retention properties were systematically evaluated. The intercalation ratio was able to reach 53.3% after intercalation for 5days, exhibiting the slow-release potential of nitrogen fertilizer. The incorporation of sodium alginate improved the mechanical strength of the frame structure and effectively enhanced the water retention and slow-release properties of the fertilizer. Moreover, the cultivation experiments had shown that UKS can promote the growth of crops' leaves and roots, as evidenced by the fact that the length of them reached 9.8cm and 5.4cm, representing a respective growth of 16.8% and 16.9%, respectively. This strategy delivers a new approach for the development of eco-friendly agricultural fertilizers, and also provides a potential way to use coal-based solid waste for ecological restoration nearby.

Evaluation of slag fertilizer potential in Capsicum annuum L. cultivation and production

The search for new approaches for sustainable and economic agricultural fertilization is becoming of great interest worldwide. The potential use of steel slag as a soil improver has been evaluated in this study to derive various benefits for agricultural cropping systems. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) confirmed their richness in minerals (Ca, Fe, Si, Mg, Mn, S, and P) beneficial for plant growth. In this regard, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of steel slag on the growth of Capsicum annuum L. plants. Three concentrations of slag (5, 20, and 30 g kg-1) were applied. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, mineral elements, and proteins content were then evaluated. The application of slag at 20 g kg-1 generated significant results on the growth parameters, namely, length of shoot (40.16 cm), root (22.16 cm), number of leaves (14 per plant), internodes (15 per plant), flowers and dry weights. Thus, this treatment allows the plants to reach fructification and form fruits of good nutritional quality as compared to the negative and positive (NPK fertilizer) control treatments. The application of the studied steel slag specifically at the concentration of 20 g kg-1 induced an increase in photosynthetic pigments (35.32 mg g-1 FW of total chlorophyll and 7.26 mg g-1 FW of carotenoids), essential elements (N, P, K and Ca) and a high level of proteins compared to the controls. The slag showed an improvement on C. annuum development and could be proposed as potential plant fertilizer to enhance crop productivity. Overall, the study confirms the importance of adopting appropriate sustainable practices when spreading slag on agricultural soils and monitoring its potential impact on the environment, particularly the risk of long-term metal release.

Evaluation of Agricultural Measures to Safeguard the Vulnerable Karst Groundwater Habitat of the Black Olm (Proteus anguinus parkelj) from Nitrate Pollution

The black olm (Proteus anguinus parkelj Sket & Arntzen) is an endemic species found exclusively in the Dobličica River subterranean water systems of the Dinaric karst in southern Slovenia. These unique habitats are vulnerable to contamination due to rapid water flow, primarily from nitrates from agricultural fertilisers and untreated urban wastewater. The safe limit of nitrate concentration for olms is 9.2 mg NO3−/L, yet measurements in karst springs have shown levels ranging from 3 mg to over 20 mg NO3−/L. The SWAT modelling tool assessed agri-environmental and land use scenarios for their impact on nitrate leaching. Using the model, we identified hotspots with high nitrogen leaching potential that require immediate attention and implementation of better agricultural practices for fertiliser use. For these hotspots, the most effective approach combines scenarios of cover crops (R2), reduced fertilisation (R3), crop rotation (R4), and conversion of cropland to grassland (E2, E4, E5), potentially decreasing nitrate leaching by up to 60%. Implementing the best scenarios is expected to reduce nitrogen levels below the limit value of 9.2 mg NO3−/L, essential for maintaining the black olm habitat.

An Attempt to Reduce Nitrogen Fertilization Levels and Their Impact on the Growth and Productivity of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Under Different Planting Dates

Applying nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture can cause uncontrolled gas emissions, such as N2O and CO2, leading to global warming and serious climate changes. In this study, we evaluated the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) that are concomitant with applying different rates of N fertilization, i.e., 50, 75, 100, and 125% of the recommended dose (727 kg N ha−1) for two cultivars (Balady and Sids-40) of Allium sativum L. grown under three planting dates (15 September, 1 October, and 15 October). For this purpose, two field experiments were carried out during the two growing seasons of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. Treatments were arranged in a split–split plot design with three replicates: planting dates were set up in the main plots, nitrogen levels were conducted in the submain plots, and garlic varieties were in the sub-subplots. The obtained results can be summarized as follows: Planting on 15 September significantly increased vegetative growth parameters (i.e., plant height, leaves area, number of leaves plant−1, and leaves dry weight) and total bulb yield, in both seasons. The application of the highest rate of N (125%) gave significantly higher records for vegetative growth parameters, while the 75% nitrogen treatment appeared to give the highest total bulb yield in both seasons. The means of plant growth characteristics and total bulb yield were significantly increased by the cultivation of the Balady cultivar. In addition, the results show that GHGs were positively correlated with increasing the rate of N fertilization. It could be recommended that planting on 15 September and fertilizing with 75% N fertilizer from the recommended dose for Balady cultivar achieve maximum yield and its components.

Xanthan gum/ZrMOF biodegradable gel fertilizer: Sustainable water retention and crop growth.

To address the problems of ecological pollution and food safety caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in modern agriculture, it has become a hot topic of current research to develop novel low-cost, biodegradable, and efficient gel slow-release fertilizers. Herein, using xanthan gum and ZrMOF as raw materials, urea as a nutrient, acrylic acid and itaconic acid as co-monomers, a novel ZrMOF gel slow-release fertilizer (ZrMOF@CpM) was prepared by free radical copolymerization. After being characterized, its swelling and water retention properties and slow-release behavior were investigated. It was demonstrated that ZrMOF@CpM with a high surface area and mesoporous structure provided rich water and fertilizer channels for slow-release fertilizer. Therefore, beside good water absorption (260.7 g/g) and water retention, its nutrient (N) slow-release performance (45 d, 49.1 %) was in accordance with the Committee for European Normalization (CEN) standards. The slow-release gel fertilizer also showed good degradation performance (35 d, 56.9 %). Additionally, maize pot trials showed that the synthesized slow-release fertilizer materials significantly promoted plant root and leaf growth. Overall, we provide a new strategy for the construction of high-efficiency, high-water retention and biodegradable agricultural gel slow-release fertilizers.

The transcription factor OsNAC25 regulates potassium homeostasis in rice.

Over-application of potassium (K) fertilizer in fields has a negative impact on the environment. Developing rice varieties with high KUE will reduce fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. However, the genetic basis of KUE in a more diverse and inclusive population remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that the transcription factor OsNAC25 enhances K+ uptake and confers high KUE under low K+ supply. Disruption of OsNAC25 by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis led to a considerable loss of K+ uptake capacity in rice roots, coupled with reduced K+ accumulation in rice and severe plant growth defects under low- K+ conditions. However, the overexpression of OsNAC25 enhanced K+ accumulation by regulating proper K+ uptake capacity in rice roots. Further analysis displayed that OsNAC25 can bind to the promoter of OsSLAH3 to repress its transcription in response to low- K+ stress. Nucleotide diversity analyses suggested that OsNAC25 may be selected during japonica populations' adaptation of low K+ tolerance. Natural variation of OsNAC25 might cause differential expression in different haplotype varieties, thus conferring low K+ tolerance in the Hap 1 and Hap 4 -carrying varieties, and the japonica allele OsNAC25 could enhance low K+ tolerance in indica variety, conferring great potential to improve indica low K+ tolerance and grain development. Taken together, we have identified a new NAC regulator involved in rice low K+ tolerance and grain development, and provide a potential target gene for improving low K+ tolerance and grain development in rice.

PERAN MA’HAD AL-ZAYTUN DALAM PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH RUMAH TANGGA BERDASARKAN PERATURAN PEMERINTAH NOMOR 81 TAHUN 2012 DAN FIQH SIYASAH

As a country with the largest population and vast territory, Indonesia faces significant challenges in household waste management. The management of household waste in Indonesia still encounters several obstacles, including economic, socio-cultural, and technological constraints. To address this issue, the government has enacted several laws related to household waste management. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of Ma'had Al-Zaytun in household waste management based on Government Regulation No. 81 of 2012 and Fiqh Siyasah. The author uses a library research method with a legal research approach conducted in a juridical-normative manner. The research results show that the role of Ma'had Al-Zaytun in household waste management based on Government Regulation No. 81 of 2012 includes implementing the 4R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace) strategy by collecting food scraps and processing them into silage for animal feed. Additionally, livestock manure is processed into organic fertilizer for agriculture. Furthermore, based on Fiqh Siyasah, the study integrates environmental principles from the perspective of Islamic teachings in the approach to waste management, ensuring that waste management actions not only comply with government regulations but are also grounded in religious values that guide environmental protection and the well-being of humanity.

Hydrogeochemistry, Water Quality, and Health Risk Analysis of Phreatic Groundwater in the Urban Area of Yibin City, Southwestern China

With rapid urbanization, intensified agricultural activities, and industrialization, groundwater resources are increasingly threatened by pollution. Industrial wastewater discharge and the extensive use of agricultural fertilizers in particular, have had substantial impacts on groundwater quality. This study examines 18 groundwater samples collected from the main urban area of Yibin City to assess hydrochemical characteristics, spatial distribution, source attribution, water quality, and human health risks. Statistical analysis reveals significant exceedances in TDS, NO3−, Mn, and As levels in groundwater, with elevated concentrations of B as well. Isotopic analysis identifies atmospheric rainfall as the primary recharge source for groundwater in the area, with water–rock interactions and limestone dissolution playing key roles in shaping its chemical composition. Applying the Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) for a comprehensive water quality assessment, the study found that 94.44% of groundwater samples were rated as “good”, indicating relatively high overall water quality. Deterministic health risk assessments indicate that 72.22% of the groundwater samples have non-carcinogenic health risks below the threshold of 1, while 66.67% have carcinogenic health risks below 1.00 × 10−4. Monte Carlo simulations produced similar results, reinforcing the reliability of the health risk assessment. Although the study area’s groundwater quality is generally good, a significant human health risk persists, underscoring the need to ensure the safety of drinking and household water for local residents. This study provides a valuable reference for the rational management and remediation of groundwater resources.

Phytoremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons: An Update of Its Recent Progress

Phytoremediation continues to play an important role in the remediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons, as demonstrated by the ongoing influx of research articles in this field. A review of the recent literature reveals that studies on phytoremediation continue to assess the effectiveness of both existing and new plant species, particularly in treating contaminated soils. Fertilization and soil amendments are commonly incorporated into these studies. There is significant interest in microbial-assisted phytoremediation and the optimization of phytoremediation with surfactants and root exudates. Phytoremediation using plants alone often encounters limited efficiency (<65% petroleum hydrocarbon removal). However, fertilization, soil amendments, and additives like root exudates can boost efficiency to slightly above 80%, particularly with compost. Microbial-assisted phytoremediation could further increase efficiency to more than 90%, depending on the microorganisms used. Endomycorrhizal fungi and Acinetobacter sp. Tust-DM21 appear to have pronounced enhancing effects on petroleum hydrocarbon removal. Combining and optimizing good agricultural practices, fertilization, soil amendments, additives, and microbial-assisted phytoremediation could enhance overall efficiency while improving plant growth, even in saline or highly contaminated soils. Research on phytoremediation of water contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons is significantly less prevalent. This review contributes to the identification of effective phytoremediation strategies and suggests that future research could focus on further exploring plant-microbe interactions to improve petroleum hydrocarbon removal. Artificial intelligence could also be incorporated to optimize factors that positively influence phytoremediation.

Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation on Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Communities, Physicochemical Properties, and Enzyme Activities in Caucasian Clover Under Field Conditions

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture has become a major global source of pollution, leading to issues such as soil compaction, reduced fertility, eutrophication of water bodies, and air pollution. To address these challenges, the application of biofertilizers, such as rhizobial inoculants, has gradually become an effective, low-cost, and sustainable solution. In this study, the variety Trifolium ambiguum Bieb. (Mengnong clover No. 1) was used as the test material, and two rhizobial strains (R1 and R2) were employed for field inoculation trials. In April 2022, Caucasian clover was planted in an experimental field at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. Each plot measured 3 m × 4 m and was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. In the regreening stage of 2023, rhizobial inoculation treatments were applied, with a control group included for comparison. This research examined the effects of rhizobial inoculation on the growth indicators of Caucasian clover, soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. The results showed that rhizobial treatment increased the plant height and yield of Caucasian clover, improved soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities, and positively affected soil microbial diversity and abundance. These changes enhanced soil fertility and optimized microbial community structure, promoting plant growth. The inoculation effect of strain R1 was superior to R2. In conclusion, rhizobial inoculants R1 and R2 can serve as effective biofertilizers for agricultural production.

Utilization of Environmentally Friendly Energy in Organic Fertilizer Processing Machine

Agriculture is the primary livelihood for most of Indonesia's population, which has vast agricultural land. However, there remains a dependency on chemical fertilizers, which degrade soil quality compared to organic farming that can optimize plant health and productivity. The energy needs in the agricultural sector, including mechanization and fertilizer production, are critical but still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. It is, therefore, essential to reduce this dependency by utilizing environmentally friendly alternative energy sources. This study examines the use of solar energy to power machines in the process of producing organic fertilizer. The tools used in the study include a 100 Wp solar panel, solar energy conversion components, a 12 Volt 33 Ah battery, a ¼ Hp electric motor, a voltage and current meter, a temperature gauge, a sunlight intensity meter, and an organic fertilizer processing machine. The research method analyzes several variables, including sunlight intensity, power, voltage, current, charging time, and battery usage. The study found that the solar panel used was insufficient to power the ¼ HP motor, requiring the addition of three more solar panels and batteries to meet the motor's power requirement of 233 watts. Battery charging tests required 3 hours, and battery usage for machine operation without solar panel installation lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes, while battery usage for machine operation with solar panel installation lasted 6-7 hours. Keywords: Environmentally friendly energy, Fertilizer crushing machine, Organic fertilizer, Solar energy.

Enhancing Growth, Yield, and Forage Quality of Two Teosinte Genotypes Through NPK Nano-Fertilizer Application

The overuse of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has led to adverse effects on soil health, groundwater contamination, and the overall environmental sustainability of farming systems. Consequently, there is an urgent need for more innovative and environmentally friendly fertilizer approaches that can enhance agricultural productivity without compromising soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of different fertilizer compositions, including conventional chemical fertilizers and nano nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) fertilizers, on the growth, yield, and forage quality of two teosinte genotypes (G3 and G4) to identify more sustainable alternatives that could improve agricultural outcomes while minimizing environmental harm. A split-plot design field investigation with the main plots representing the teosinte genotypes and the sub-plots comprising five fertilizer formulations was conducted over two growing seasons (2021 and 2022) to investigate their effects on vegetative growth, yield attributes, and forage quality of two teosinte genotypes. The two teosinte genotypes were subjected to various fertilizer treatments (100% chemical fertilizers (CF) (F1), 75% CF + 25% nano NPK (F2), 50% CF + 50% nano NPK (F3), 25% CF + 75% nano NPK (F4), and 100% nano NPK (F5). Results indicated that G4 exhibited superior growth and nutritional composition compared to G3. Furthermore, F3 treatment resulted in enhancing shoot height, stem diameter, and dry matter accumulation. Additionally, F3 treatment improved fiber digestibility, but F1 treatment yielded the highest crude protein (CP). These findings suggest that integrating nano-fertilizers with traditional fertilizers, as exemplified by the F3 mixture, holds potential for optimizing teosinte growth and forage quality. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of the research exploration of balanced fertilizer mixtures to enhance forage yield and quality in teosinte cultivation, advocating for a strategic integration of nano NPK and bulk chemical fertilizers for sustainable agricultural practices.

The influence of biostimulants used in the cultivation of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) on nitrogen uptake and the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different biostimulants applied in the cultivation of Italian ryegrass cv. Dukat on nitrogen uptake and effectiveness of nitrogen fertilisation. A two-year field experiment was arranged as a randomised subblock design (split-plot) with three replicates. The following factors were examined: a) type of biostimulant: Algex, Tytanit, Asahi SL and a control (no biostimulant addition); b) nitrogen application rate: 0 (control), 120 and 180 kg ha–1. The total nitrogen content in the plant material was determined and nitrogen uptake with yield, agricultural and physiological efficiency were calculated. The application of biostimulants increased the nitrogen content in the Italian ryegrass biomass compared to the control. The differences between the tested biostimulants were insignificant. The amount of nitrogen in the biomass was significantly influenced by the rate of nitrogen. The effect of the year of the study was insignificant. The biostimulants used had a significant impact on the total nitrogen uptake during the vegetation year by Italian ryegrass. The values of this parameter depended on the type of biostimulant. Similarly, the value of this parameter was significantly affected by the year of the study, i.e. the total nitrogen uptake was significantly lower in the second year of the study. In the case of the agricultural efficiency fertilisation of Italian ryegrass, no significant differences were found for the influence of the tested experimental factors. The obtained values of the physiological efficiency fertilisation of Italian ryegrass fertilization did not differ significantly in the years of the study.