Agricultural Fertilizer Research Articles

Level of heavy metals and environmental pollution index in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

This study was designed to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in the north of Ahvaz, southwest Iran. The soil samples were collected from the agricultural farm and riverside in Karun, for the investigation of the environmental impacts of the selected HMs in the soil of the Weiss and Arab Assad regions. For soil sampling in a period, nine farms were selected from each region, and 10 samples were taken from each agricultural farm. Zoning was done using GIS. The highest of Contamination Factor, Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index of HMs for Cd (7.84, 73.92 and 2.38), and the lowest value of this index for Cr (0.21, 1.98 and − 2.82), respectively. Furthermore of the farm soil showed that the most toxic effect is related to Cd. The HMs contamination indices of the soil samples showed that the studied HMs had contaminated the agricultural fields. Moreover, the zoning maps of the Co, Cu, Pb and Cr showed that they had not contaminated the soil of wheat fields, but Cd and Zn revealed high contamination levels. The zoning of Ni concentration distribution showed that this metal contamination came from both anthropogenic aspects and geological activities in the region. According to our findings, the EF illustrated high levels of pollution for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, and Zn, which seems to be in accordance with the accumulation of agricultural fertilizers (phosphate and nitrate), industrial and human activities in the region.

Sustaining Irrigation Supplies through Immobilization of Groundwater Arsenic In Situ.

Geogenic arsenic (As) in groundwater is widespread, affecting drinking water and irrigation supplies globally, with food security and safety concerns on the rise. Here, we present push-pull tests that demonstrate field-scale As immobilization through the injection of small amounts of ferrous iron (Fe) and nitrate, two readily available agricultural fertilizers. Such injections into an aquifer with As-rich (200 ± 52 μg/L) reducing groundwater led to the formation of a regenerable As reactive filter in situ, producing 15 m3 of groundwater meeting the irrigation water quality standard of 50 μg/L. Concurrently, sediment magnetic properties were markedly enhanced around the well screen, pointing to neo-formed magnetite-like minerals. A reactive transport modeling approach was used to quantitatively evaluate the experimental observations and assess potential strategies for larger-scale implementation. The modeling results demonstrate that As removal was primarily achieved by adsorption onto neo-formed minerals and that an increased adsorption site density coincides with the finer-grained textures of the target aquifer. Up-scaled model simulations with 80-fold more Fe-nitrate reactants suggest that enough As-safe water can be produced to irrigate 1000 m2 of arid land for one season of water-intense rice cultivation at a low cost without causing undue contamination in surface soils that threatens agricultural sustainability.

Enhancing food safety and security through organic agriculture and innovative fertilizer management

Abstract not available Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(2), 27-31

Comparison of microbial diversity and metabolic activities in organic and conventional rice farms in Thailand.

Studies of the soil microbial community have revealed that several factors, both biotic and abiotic, can influence the community structure, diversity, and function. Human agricultural practice has been one of the key factors that affect microbial structure in soil. In this study, we examined the effect of two rice farming practices (i.e., conventional and organic) on soil microbial diversity and their metabolic activities. We proposed that the use of herbicides and chemical fertilizers in the conventional rice farming may decrease the soil microbial diversity and that it may lead to a decline in soil quality. However, our results show that there is no significant difference in the soil chemical properties, microbial diversity, and microbial metabolic activities between the two agricultural management systems. The wetland water cycling regime of rice agriculture in Thailand perhaps prevents the accumulation of chemicals in the soil, thus subdue the effect of these chemicals on soil microbes. Furthermore, our results showed that the key determinant of soil chemical properties as well as microbial community structure and diversity is the soil physical property, while the farming activity influences the microbial metabolic functions. These findings indicate the complex nature of the soil, microbes, and human farming interactions.IMPORTANCERice is a major export commodity in Thailand. As such, an understanding of the effect of conventional or organic farming approaches on soil microbial community could enable a suitable farming management. In this study, microbial communities were surveyed and compared between the two rice farming practices for their diversity and metabolic activities. Results showed no significant differences in microbial community structure and diversity between the two rice farming practices, but significant differences were observed due to the soil type, namely, clay, silty clay, silty clay loam, loam, and silty loam. Interestingly, significant differences in metabolic functions were also observed in different soil farming activities, such as land rest, period of growth, and post-burning, but not due to conventional or organic practices. These findings showed that the soil physical type and the farming activity impact the microbial community more than whether it is conventional or organically farmed.

Causes of Ammonium Nitrate Explosions and Handling Mechanisms – Case Study of the 2020 Beirut Lebanon Explosion

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is a chemical that is widely used in industry, for example as fertilizer in agriculture, explosives in military and civilian applications (for example in mining) or as a basic ingredient in solid propellants. However, as a dangerous chemical, storing ammonium nitrate can cause problems if not properly. The characteristics of AN have been studied extensively that pure AN is stable at room temperature but can explode when mixed with impurities in a closed space or in the presence of a heat/flame source nearby. This was proven in the explosion disaster at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon in 2020. This article was written using a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, where the data used came from articles published on Google Scholar, DOAJ, Emerald, Springer, and Science Direct with relevant keywords according to the topic. This article aims to evaluate and find out the causes of the ammonium nitrate explosion disaster in Beirut, as well as provide an analysis of suggestions for handling mechanisms so that a similar incident does not happen again. Evaluation of the cause of the explosion at the Port of Beirut, with fire/heat burning down part of the warehouse. An that was stored in a port warehouse mixed with other goods caused a large explosion which was started by a small fire in the warehouse. The explosion caused the death of 220 people, injured 6,500 people, formed a crater 140 meters deep and an earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale. This explosion is classified as the third most destructive urban explosion of all time, after the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. As a precaution, proper handling and storage of AN is required in accordance with international regulations. To reduce the potential danger of explosions without causing significant risks, this is done through an appropriate disposal mechanism.

Bio-chelate assisted leaching for enhanced heavy metal remediation in municipal solid waste compost

Municipal solid waste compost, the circular economy's closed-loop product often contains excessive amounts of toxic heavy metals, leading to market rejection and disposal as waste material. To address this issue, the study develops a novel approach based on: (i) utilizing plant-based biodegradable chelating agent, l-glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) to remediate heavy metals from contaminated MSW compost, (ii) comparative assessment of GLDA removal efficiency at optimal conditions with conventional nonbiodegradable chelator EDTA, and (iii) enhanced pre- and post-leaching to evaluate the mobility, toxicity, and bioavailability of heavy metals. The impact of treatment variables, such as GLDA concentration, pH, and retention time, on the removal of heavy metals was investigated. The process was optimized using response surface methodology to achieve the highest removal effectiveness. The findings indicated that under optimal conditions (GLDA concentration of 150 mM, pH of 2.9, retention time for 120 min), the maximum removal efficiencies were as follows: Cd-90.32%, Cu-81.96%, Pb-91.62%, and Zn-80.34%. This process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. Following GLDA-assisted leaching, the geochemical fractions were studied and the distribution highlighted Cd, Cu, and Pb's potential remobilization in exchangeable fractions, while Zn displayed integration with the compost matrix. GLDA-assisted leaching and subsequent fractions illustrated transformation and stability. Therefore, this process could be a sustainable alternative for industrial applications (agricultural fertilizers and bioenergy) and social benefits (waste reduction, urban landscaping, and carbon sequestration) as it has controlled environmental footprints. Hence, the proposed remediation strategy, chemically assisted leaching, could be a practical option for extracting heavy metals from MSW compost, thereby boosting circular economy.

Occurrence, transport and sources of metals and metalloids in the Bangpakong River in the eastern economic corridor area of Thailand

The occurrence of elements in river water is affected by various factors, including mobility, weathering and transport processes and anthropogenic contributions. A total of six water sampling campaigns were conducted from 2021 to 2022 to study the factors affecting the occurrence of twelve elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Se) in the Bangpakong River. The total concentrations of all the elements were within the levels set by the national surface water quality standard. Comparisons of dissolved elemental concentrations in the study area with the global average for dissolved elemental concentrations in pristine rivers indicated contamination with Al, As, Co, Mn, Zn and Se in the river water. Based on the percentage of each element in particulates to the total concentration, Al (80.6 %), Cr (71.9 %), Cu (69.9 %), Fe (95.6 %), Mn (76.6 %), Pb (74.7 %), and Zn (70.6 %) were mainly transported in the particulate phase in both the dry and wet seasons. However, As (65.5 %), Co (60.3 %), and Se (77.6 %) were mainly transported in the dissolved phase in both seasons. The ratios of the dissolved Se concentration in river water to the Se concentration in the Earth's crust indicated significant and high mobility, especially in downstream sites, likely due to Se leaching from alluvial sediments. Seawater intrusion is likely the cause of As and Zn contamination in the dry season. Weathering of rocks and soils likely causes Al, Co, and Mn contamination in the wet season. The anthropogenic sources of contamination include the discharge of Mn and Zn from fertilizers in agriculture and the use of formulated feed in aquaculture. Approximately 52.98, 25.23, 5.68 and 0.63 tons of Fe, Al, Mn and Zn, respectively, are estimated to be transported from the river into the Gulf of Thailand each year.

Study on life-cycle carbon emission accounting of cane sugar products based on ammonia-based CO2 capture method

China’s cane sugar whole life cycle carbon accounting remains blank, which is urgent to formulate an emission reduction strategy. A life-cycle carbon accounting model for cane sugar products is established, with the carbon emission accounting conducted for planting, harvesting, transportation, processing, waste treatment, packaging, and other aspects of the cane sugar industry, which is multi-temporal and multi-scale. The quantitative and systematic assessment of carbon emissions from the cane sugar industry is accomplished. A new ammonia-based CO2 capture method has been innovatively proposed to achieve harmful carbon emission reduction from sugar products using sugar flue gas. The results show that the construction of the cane sugar life-cycle carbon accounting model can more accurately describe the comprehensive carbon footprint of the Chinese sugar industry. The carbon footprint of sucrose is −1.4259 CO2e/kg sugar, of which the highest carbon emission from agricultural fertilizers is 46.9 %. The new ammonia-based CO2 capture method enables 0.1319 t/t sugar of nitrogen fertilizer while achieving an overall reduction of 29 % in carbon emissions from sucrose, significantly reducing carbon emissions from agriculture. Its carbon footprint of cane sugar is greatly degraded to −2.1494 CO2e/kg sugar. The research provides a scientific basis for developing a carbon emission assessment for sugar while demonstrating that cane sugar has a sizeable carbon-negative potential in the future.

Mineralized nitrogen uptake by plants of the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilization in agriculture

The underground transfer of nitrogen from non-food crop residues to cash crops is an important tool to ensure decent crop yields and balance N use in agroecosystems. Laboratory experiments were performed to determine nitrogen migration in spring wheat at different growth stages using labelled nitrogen. In the first stage of the experiment, Artemisia dubia was grown in climate chambers (Climacell CLC-707-TV), with air temperature cycles of 8 h at 15 °C and 16 h at 20 °C, and fertiliz using 15N isotope enriched ammonia nitrate. In the second stage of the experiment, spring wheat was sown and grown to full maturity in two soils of differing soil acidity (pH 3.93 ± 0,04 and pH 7.07 ± 0,08) and mixed with the chopped pieces (3–5 cm mean length) of Artemisia dubia above-ground biomass obtained in the first stage of the experiment. Each soil had four experimental treatments: non-enriched biomass; non-enriched biomass and fertilizer (170 N kg h−1); biomass enriched by 15N and no fertilizer, and 15N enriched biomass and fertilizer (170 N kg h−1). Spring wheat and soil were sampled every two weeks for dry matter (DM), total N and 15N content measurements during the experiment (13 weeks). The results showed that improved crop nitrogen utilization from Artemisia dubia residues were achieved when additional crop fertilizers was not used. It implies that adding additional nitrogen might increase the degradation of plant biomass, but at the same time cause environmental pollution by leaching as plants use it slightly for their growth.

Electrochemical reduction of nitrate to Ammonia: Recent progress and future directions

Ammonia (NH3) is essential for global food production as a key agricultural fertilizer and is increasingly recognized as a renewable energy carrier. The electrochemical nitrate reduction (eNO3RR) method stands out as a promising alternative to the traditional, energy-intensive and CO2-emitting Haber-Bosch process, capable of converting residual NO3– pollutants in water systems into valuable NH3 under ambient conditions. Advancing this process toward commercialization relies on the development of electrocatalysts that are highly active, durable, and cost-effective. This article reviews recent progress in electrocatalyst design aimed at improving the efficiency and selectivity of the NO3– to NH3 conversion. Through an exploration of innovative strategies, including doping, alloying, defect engineering, hybridization and single/dual-atom catalysts, this review details how these methods have markedly enhanced catalyst performance, offering avenues to surmount the challenges posed by traditional pure material-based electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the potential for scaling up these technologies for industrial applications is explored. The objective is to provide a comprehensive overview that not only addresses the scientific and technical challenges but also suggests future directions in the development of sustainable and efficient ammonia synthesis technologies, contributing to global efforts in sustainable energy and agricultural practices.

Reducing N fertilization in the framework of the European Farm to Fork strategy under global change: Impacts on yields, N2O emissions and N leaching of temperate grasslands in the Alpine region

ContextThe reduction of N fertilization in agriculture as part of the Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy plays a central role in the integrated nutrient management action plan of the European Commission. However, the implications of this strategy for mitigating N losses and possible side-effects on grassland yields under global change are largely unknow. ObjectiveWe examined how a 20% reduction in N fertilization according to the F2F strategy is likely to impact yields, N2O emissions and N leaching of four intensively managed temperate grasslands in the Alpine region, two of them located in Switzerland, the other two in Germany. MethodsFollowing automatic data-driven calibration supported by inverse modeling and a cross-validation step, the process-based model DayCent was used for conducting the analysis. Global change scenarios under the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 and a baseline scenario (current climate) were created for the time frame 2041–2060 with the help of the stochastic weather generator LARS-WG. Results and conclusionsOur results indicated that, under current conditions of climate and CO2 levels (400 ppm), a 20% decrease in N fertilization would lead to a 5% drop in yields, but also in a 15% decline in N2O emissions and a 21% decline in N leaching (largely as NO3−). Under global change conditions (i.e., climate change and higher atmospheric CO2 levels), we found that increased yields, mainly induced by higher CO2 levels, are likely to compensate for yield losses resulting from the reduction in N fertilization. In addition, we found that the effectiveness of the F2F strategy to mitigate N losses is likely to be preserved under global change, still with stronger effect on N leaching. The F2F-induced decline in N losses was stronger when the latter were expressed per unit of harvested dry matter, i.e., up to 17% for N2O and up to 42% for N leaching. Although significant, these abatements in N losses are still below the 50% reduction level envisaged by the F2F strategy. Actions related to other axes of the strategy (e.g., sustainable food consumption) will be necessary to further reduce N fertilization and, therefore, to reach this ambitious goal. SignificanceOur results highlight the usefulness of models in accounting for interacting effects of global change and mitigation practices on multiple ecosystem services of grasslands. They allow quantification of the impact of new policies.

Effectiveness of Using Wood Powder and Litter Fertiliser on Rice Paddy Farming (Implementation in Tanjung Harapan Farmer Group, Setiris Village, Maro Sebo District, Muaro Jambi Regency)

The use of wood powder and leaf litter fertilizer in wetland rice farming has proven to be effective in improving agricultural productivity sustainably. The research was conducted in Setiris Village, particularly in the Tanjung Harapan Farmer Group, in Jambi Province. This organic fertilizer, besides reducing the environmental damage caused by wood powder waste, has also brought about positive changes in farming practices. Training and counseling have been conducted to enhance farmers' understanding of using organic fertilizer. Wood powder and leaf litter fertilizers enhance crop productivity and quality, improve soil structure, and reduce production costs. Thus, the use of these fertilizers supports sustainable and environmentally friendly farming in Setiris Village.

Effects of Agricultural Potassium Fertilizer Application on Soil Carbon Cycle

This review examines the impact and regulatory mechanisms of potassium fertilizer on the soil carbon cycle, discussing how potassium fertilizer affects soil carbon storage and flow through various pathways. As a vital agricultural nutrient, potassium not only plays a crucial role in crop growth but also influences several aspects of the soil carbon cycle, including carbon sequestration, microbial activity, soil respiration, and the structure and enzymatic activities of the soil. The article begins by introducing the importance of the soil carbon cycle and the application of potassium in agriculture, followed by an analysis of how potassium fertilizer promotes soil organic carbon storage, including increasing the amount of plant residue returned to the soil. It then discusses the impact of potassium fertilizer on the structure and function of soil microbial communities, which play a key role in the soil carbon cycle. The article also explores the influence of potassium fertilizer on soil respiration, including its regulatory effects on microbial respiration and root respiration, and how potassium improves soil structure to affect soil respiration. Additionally, the impact of potassium fertilizer on the activity of enzymes related to carbon cycling is discussed in detail, as these enzymes play a central role in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling. Finally, the article summarizes the potential role of potassium fertilizer in improving soil health, enhancing carbon sequestration capacity, and addressing climate change, calling for more research to understand the mechanisms of potassium fertilizer and to provide a scientific basis for sustainable soil management strategies.

Quantitative assessment of irrigation water and organic/inorganic amendment on biometric growth profiles of Abelmoschus esculentus and Solanum lycopersicum and their varieties

ABSTRACT In recent decades, the use of chemical fertilizers has been recklessly provoked to meet the increased food needs of the rapidly growing population. However, there is some disagreement about the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Hence, the appropriate nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium ratios must be determined before their application in agricultural practices. This study explored three distinct sources of nutrients to support healthy seed germination and reduce nutrient loss: chemical fertilizers, vermicompost, and nutrient-laden irrigation water supply. A sustainable, affordable, and green petri plate seed germination experiment was used to analyze the biometric growth patterns of two plant species (Abelmoschus esculentus and Solanum lycopersicum). To quantify the effects of different irrigation water sources (groundwater, river water), their combinations with chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (3 ton/ha), multivariate statistical methods such as correlation, principal component analysis, and deep neural networks were used. The purpose of this research was to find the optimal nutrient delivery technique for encouraging healthy plant growth while minimizing the environmental stress of excessive nutrient application.

Strategic Agricultural Policies and Fertilizer Subsidies: Driving Business Success in Cianjur's Rice Sector

This research investigates the impact of strategic agricultural policies and fertilizer subsidies on the business success of rice farmers in Cianjur, Indonesia. A quantitative approach utilizing cross-sectional survey data from 300 rice farmers was employed. The study explores the demographic profile of respondents, descriptive statistics of key variables, correlations between policy variables and business success indicators, and regression analysis to assess predictors of rice yield. Results indicate a high utilization rate of fertilizer subsidies, positive correlations between subsidy utilization and business success indicators, and significant contributions of access to extension services, credit facilities, and infrastructure improvements to rice yield. The integration of policies in a holistic approach emerged as crucial for enhancing business success and promoting sustainable farming practices. These findings have implications for policymakers in crafting targeted and integrated policies to support agricultural resilience and livelihoods in Cianjur and similar agricultural regions.

Simultaneous nutrients activation and pollutants removal of coal gangue in one step to acquire silicon-based compound fertilizers

The utilization of coal gangue as agricultural fertilizers is a universally applicable approach with high efficiency and added value. However, the limited nutritional efficacy and serious pollution risks prominently impede its development. The present study proposed a novel idea to simultaneously activate nutrients and remove pollutants in coal gangue through alkaline hydrothermal modification, yielding a highly active and eco-friendly silicon-based compound fertilizer enriched with silicon, potassium, organic matter and trace elements. The activation efficiency and mechanism on silicon and organic matter were systematically investigated, and the removal, migration and transformation rules for sulfur and heavy metals were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that undergoing a hydrothermal reaction under optimum condition increased the available SiO2 content by 320 times to 22.43%, while achieving a total K2O content of 13.30%. Additionally, the organic matter attained 13.68%, and labile organic matter was increased by 1.73 times. Moreover, the alkaline hydrothermal modification achieved a remarkable sulfur removal rate (up to 83.41%) and efficient heavy metal stabilization, which significantly diminished environmental risks. Modified coal gangue meets China National Standard for silicon-based compound fertilizers (NY/T 797–2004), thereby exhibiting substantial potential for agricultural applications and providing an innovative solution for sustainable utilization of coal gangue.

Research Advances of Groundwater Nitrate Pollution and Source Apportionment in China

Groundwater nitrate (NO3-) contamination in China has become a serious environmental problem, especially in agricultural production areas, which greatly affects the safety of drinking groundwater and requires urgent attention. In this study, the main sources of groundwater nitrate in China were reviewed, including atmospheric deposition, soil nitrogen, agricultural fertilization, and fecal sewage, among which fecal sewage and agricultural fertilization were the main reasons for the excessive groundwater nitrate. The application of hydrochemical analysis, multivariate statistical analysis, stable isotope tracer method, and microbial source tracking in the source apportionment of groundwater nitrate was summarized. All types of source apportionment methods had certain limitations. It is suggested that a variety of methods should be used to identify the source of groundwater nitrate, and the contribution rate of different pollution sources should be calculated using multivariate statistical analysis and isotope quantitative analysis models. The source apportionment of nitrate pollution has undergone a process from qualitative to quantitative research. At present, the SIAR and MixSIAR models based on δ15N-NO3-and δ18O-NO3- have been used widely to analyze the source of nitrate. However, due to the overlap of isotope characteristic values of different input end-members, the difference in δ15N-NO3-and δ18O-NO3- values under different spatial and temporal changes, and the influence of isotope fractionation in the process of nitrogen migration and transformation, the results calculated by the model remain uncertain. It is necessary to further optimize the analytical method of the model to obtain the source of nitrate pollution and its contribution rate more accurately to further aid in the scientific management of groundwater resources.

Assessing the Potential of Biochar as a Viable Alternative to Synthetic Fertilizers in Sub-Saharan Africa Smallholder Farming: A Review

The adverse effects of long-term usage of synthetic fertilizers such as eutrophication, weed infestation, opportunistic diseases, and declining yields have been established. However, the fact that soil fertility declines because of continuous cropping to meet the demand for feeding the ever-growing population, coupled with the high cost of chemical fertilizers, has left little option. This mainly affects resource-poor smallholder farmers, who heavily depend on their production for sustenance and economic well-being. Current research efforts have underscored the urgency of mitigating this trend by seeking a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to avert impending global food crises. Biochar has gained attention as a possible alternative to meet the soil requirements on many fronts, such as improving soil functioning and restoring degraded lands. Biochar is also known to reduce heavy metal mobility and inorganic contaminants, mitigating salinity and drought stress as well as greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture. However, these studies need to be harmonized to draft a more pragmatic approach to policy formulation and establish an enhanced paradigm. In this paper, we review several studies on biochar and synthesize its possible use as an alternative or supplement to synthetic fertilizers to enhance crop productivity under standard and stressful growing conditions. The ability of biochar to sequester carbon and its impact on soil properties are highlighted. We emphasize its potential for soil nutrient management and the possibility of adopting it as an alternative to synthetic fertilizer in smallholder farming. We also point out several critical research gaps that call for attention and serve as pointers for future research.

Brief overview of edible insects: exploring consumption and promising sustainable uses in Latin America

This review explores the significance of consuming edible insects, as well as their use in the food industry, agro-industry for animal husbandry, agricultural fertilizers and bio-pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. It emphasizes the increasing interest and relevance of this practice. The study starts by investigating the earliest evidence of anthropoentomophagy, which is the consumption of insects by humans, in the region. The review offers an overview of the consumption and utilization of insects in specific regions of the world, emphasizing their significance in various cultures and geographic areas. It also identifies the types of edible insects commonly consumed in Latin American countries, such as Mexico, and explains their preparation and consumption. Furthermore, the review assesses the nutritional value of edible insects, emphasizing their potential as a valuable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It also explores the various promising applications of insects, including their role in the food industry, animal husbandry, production of agricultural fertilizers and bioprotectants, and even their potential in the pharmaceutical sector. Finally, the article highlights the significance of entomophagy in Latin America by exploring its historical origins, nutritional benefits, and potential applications in various industries.

Growth Response of Cucumber in Different Solid Organic Waste Materials

The study aims to investigate the effect of various organic waste materials on the growth of cucumber plants. The study is motivated by the increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices and the potential use of organic waste as a source of nutrients for plant growth. The experiment will be conducted using a randomized complete block design with three treatments: food scraps, animal manure, yard waste. Cucumber seeds will be sown in pots filled with soil mixed with the respective organic waste material. The growth parameters such as plant height and length of leaves will be measured at regular intervals. It is hypothesized that cucumber plants grown in soil amended with organic waste materials will exhibit better growth compared to those with no fertilizer. This hypothesis is based on previous studies that have shown the positive impact of organic waste on plant growth due to its nutrient content. The results obtained from this research will contribute to our understanding of the potential use of different organic waste materials as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers in agriculture. It may also provide insights into effective methods for recycling and managing organic waste for agricultural purposes.