Agronomic Effectiveness Research Articles

Agronomic Performance and Productivity of Plant-Cane Sugarcane Under The Application of Various Dosage of Biofertilizer and Inorganic Fertilizer

Fertilization is one of the essential interventions in sugarcane cultivation. This research aimed to investigate solid biofertilizer (BF) effectiveness in various doses and combination with inorganic fertilizer (IF) on sugarcane agronomic performance and productivity so that the best dose combination of the two types of fertilizer on sugarcane can be observed. The field experiment was executed in the pattern-B sugarcane planting season/rainy season (October 2020) until the milled sugarcane harvest age at Afdeling Kaliputih, Kendenglembu, PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. The experiment was performed with a randomized block design with three replicates. The treatment was a combination of doses of BF and IF, i.e., 1) without any fertilization; 2) 0% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF; 3) 0% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; 4) 100% IF + 0 kg ha-1 BF; 5) 75% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; 6) 75% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF; 7) 50% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; 8) 50% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF; 9) 25% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; and 10) 25% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF. Observed parameters were: 1) Seed germination (SG) percentage at 1 month after planting (MAP); 2) the number of stalks and tillers/clumps at 3 and 6 MAP; 3) Stalk height at 3, 6, and 11 MAP; 4) Stalk diameter at 6 and 11 MAP; 5) Sugarcane productivity, commercial cane sugar (CCS), and sugar crystal productivity at 12 MAP; and 6) Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE). Results showed no significant difference among all the treatments in sugarcane SG percentage. Applying mixed BF and IF did not significantly affect the number of tiller/clumps, the number of stalks, stalk height, and stalk diameter of sugarcane at 6 and 11 MAP compared to the treatments of 100% IF. Among all the treatments, the highest sugarcane productivity, commercial cane sugar, and sugar crystal productivity were at the treatment 25% IF + 1,000 kg BF (135 ton ha-1), 50% IF + 500 kg BF (9.23%), and 75% IF + 500 kg BF (11.8 ton ha-1), respectively.

The Use of Phosphate Rocks in East Africa: A Review

The use of locally available phosphate rock (PR) has often been proposed as a cheaper alternative to the more expensive superphosphate fertilizers to alleviate severe phosphorus deficiencies that threaten food security in East Africa. Extensive research has therefore been conducted in the region over the years focusing on the PR sources, their reactivity, agronomic effectiveness and the economics of their use and adoption. The agronomic effectiveness varied with the type of PR, the site, seasons and crop. Minjingu PR was the most promising among the PRs for direct application but others such as Panda, Sukulu and Busumbu PR were largely ineffective. The financial returns due to use of PR ranged from negative to positive but in many cases were economically not attractive. The adoption of PR use among farmers was dismal with the unavailability of the PR in the market and high cost, paradoxically being cited as the main constraints to its adoption. To enhance the chances of adoption, it is recommended that participatory approaches to research that involve the targeted beneficiaries especially the PR marketers and smallholder farmers be used.

Effect of adding bio-phosphate fertilizer on balanced fertilization on maize productivity in intensive land

Efforts to increase crop production require innovative technology, including balanced fertilization. Intensive agricultural lands with acidity limiting factors often have high levels of P nutrients but are not available to plants. The innovation of natural phosphate fertilizer enriched with phosphate-solubilizing microbes has the opportunity to help solve the problem of phosphate nutrient deficiency and increase plant productivity. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the application of bio-phosphate fertilizer on balanced fertilization on the productivity of maize in Central Java. The study was carried out in intensive paddy fields in Tulung District, Klaten Regency, using a randomized block design with 10 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of: control without fertilizer, recommended control, recommended fertilizer + bio-phosphate (10,20,30,40 kg ha-1) and existing fertilizer + bio-phosphate (10,20,30,40 kg ha-1). The observed data consisted of growth, yield, and main farming components. The data were analyzed statistically and descriptively using the calculation of the relative value of agronomic effectiveness, and simple profit analysis. The results showed that the use of bio-phosphate fertilizers combined with recommended and existing fertilization patterns had not been proven to have a significant impact on plant growth and yields, but descriptively showed an increase in crop yields, agronomic effectiveness and gains from control. The addition of 10 kg ha-1 bio-phosphate fertilizer to the recommended fertilizer (Petroganik 500 kg ha-1 + Phonska NPK 300 kg ha-1 + Urea 300 kg ha-1), resulted in the best effectiveness and efficiency compared to others.

Correction to: Agronomic effectiveness of recovered phosphate fertilizer produced from incinerated sewage sludge ash

Correction to: Agronomic effectiveness of recovered phosphate fertilizer produced from incinerated sewage sludge ash

Valorization of bio-fertilizer from anaerobic digestate through ammonia stripping process: A practical and sustainable approach towards circular economy

Anaerobic digestion is a technology, which converts biological wastes into biogas and biogas digestates (DIG); the latter is considered the main challenge for biogas producers. Recently, nutrient recovery technology from these DIG for bio-fertilizers production as an alternative for traditional chemical fertilizers is receiving increasing attention. This study aims to use two different biofertilizers based on DIG using ammonia striping technique which are liquid bio-based ammonium sulfate (BAS-L) and solid bio-based ammonium sulfate (BAS-S) fertilizers, besides the raw DIG and the conventional urea compound fertilizer (UCF) is used as a chemical fertilizer for comparison to produce solanaceous plants (eggplant). The agronomic effectiveness and economics of using these fertilizers are listed, and the results indicated that the eggplant yields using UCF and BAS-L were 62.65 tons/ha and 63.42 tons/ha, respectively, representing 24.5 % and 27.9 % higher than BAS-S and DIG, respectively. The agronomic efficiency (AEN) and the apparent recovery efficiency (AREN) of BAS-L fertilizer were the highest, reaching 44.8 kg DM/kg N and 7.9 %, respectively, which were significantly higher than the corresponding values of BAS-S and DIG. Furthermore, the economic benefits of various fertilizer applications were estimated and compared. The results showed that the theoretical net revenue of BAS-L fertilizer was 86065.03 $/ha, while BAS-S fertilizer and UCF were lower than BAS-L (56.7 % and 48.5 %, respectively), and the theoretical net revenue of direct application of DIG was 36958.95 $/ha. Therefore, BAS-L fertilizer has the best comprehensive fertilizer effect and economic benefits.

The Application of Several Organic Fertilizers for Production Increase and Brix Content of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Saccharate)

The tendency of chemical fertilizers used (inorganic) in food crop cultivation farming by the farmers is caused by their practicality. However, the continuous use of chemical fertilizers can damage the crops and their environment, including sweet corn. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. Saccharate) contains high sugar content because it naturally mutates to a recessive gene that controls sugar conversion to starch in corn endosperm. The purpose of this research were to know the effect of several organic fertilizers on productivity increase as well as Brix content of sweet corn. This research was conducted from June to August 2021 in Waempubbu Village, Amali District, Bone Regency and Laboratory of Food Process, Agriculture Faculty, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi. This research used the design of a split plot by using completely randomized design (CRD). The main plot was sweet corn varieties: Talenta (v1) and Bonanza (v2). Meanwhile, the subplot was organic fertilizers which are control (p0), compost (p1), soil ameliorant (p2), compost + soil ameliorant (p3), liquid organic fertilizer/LOF (p4), compost + LOF (p5), soil ameliorant + LOF (p6) and compost + soil ameliorant + LOF (p7). According to the results, the Bonanza variety showed high average productivity, 22.50 tons per hectare. The treatment of organic fertilizer that reveals the high average productivity is combines compost + soil ameliorant + LOF (p7). The interaction of treatment that reveals the highest productivity is an interaction between Bonanza variety with the treatment of soil ameliorant + LOF (p6), which is 27.07 tons per hectare with Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE) value is 1366.67%. The treatment of compost fertilizer + soil ameliorant + LOF (p7) exhibits the content of Brix (10.50%) and becomes the highest productivity.

Magnesium-fortified phosphate fertilizers improve nutrient uptake and plant growth without reducing phosphorus availability

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency can significantly limit crop yield and quality. Separate application of straight Mg fertilizer is unattractive because of additional labor costs. Meanwhile, bulk blending Mg with other macronutrient fertilizers is also a suboptimal solution because bulk blended fertilizers often yield poor nutrient distributions. One rapid and economical alternative to alleviating Mg deficiency is to co-granulate macronutrient fertilizers with Mg. However, few commercial products have implemented this approach. One of the barriers hindering the production of Mg-fortified phosphorus (P) fertilizers is the assumption that precipitation of P with Mg will reduce P solubility. In this study, four Mg compounds, anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ), magnesium oxide (MgO), anhydrous magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ), and dolomite (CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ), were co-granulated with mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), and their granule strength, Mg and P availabilities, and agronomic effectiveness were evaluated. Results showed that there were no significant differences in P solubility between Mg-fortified MAP and MAP treatments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the Mg species after co-granulation were boussingaultite (Mg(NH 4 ) 2 (SO 4 ) 2 ·6H 2 O), schertelite (Mg(NH 4 ) 2 H 2 (PO 4 ) 2 ·4H 2 O), magnesium hydrogen phosphate (Mg(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 ), and dolomite (CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ). A pot experiment using an acidic soil demonstrated an average 9.6-fold increase in shoot Mg uptake, 3.0-fold increase in shoot P uptake, and 3.2-fold increase in soybean shoot dry matter in Mg-fortified MAP treatments, compared to those in MAP treatment. The current study provides a simple, effective, and low-cost approach for the addition of Mg to macronutrient fertilizers, to minimize Mg deficiency.

Recycling of isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.) straw biomass and mineral powder with bio-inoculants as an effective soil amendment for isabgol cultivation

Efficient utilization of isabgol ( Plantgo ovata Forsk.) straw biomass through preparation of bio-active organic fertilizer in a natural composting process has not been studied. In this study, phosphate rock and silicate mineral (mica) powder were used as natural sources of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), respectively. Cow dung slurry as a natural decomposer was mixed with the straw biomass at a 10:1 (weight/weight) ratio along with mineral powder. Then, nutrient-mobilizing bio-inoculants were used in the composting process after attaining thermal stabilization. The agronomic effectiveness of the resulting bio-active compost (BAC) as a bio-organic fertilizer was compared with that of conventional organics (farmyard manure and vermicompost) and chemical fertilizer (CF) by growing isabgol under field conditions. Composting with the natural sources of P and K along with the bio-inoculants increased the total nitrogen (13.6 g kg -1 ), P (38.7 g kg -1 ), and K (31.2 g kg -1 ) contents in the final product ( i.e ., BAC) compared with composting without the mineral powder and bio-inoculants. Application of BAC remarkably improved the seed yield (2.5%) and husk quality of isabgol in comparison with conventional organics and CF. Compared with CF, BAC significantly boosted the economic yield of isabgol by improving the husk recovery (2.5%) and mucilage yield (4.12%). Furthermore, BAC significantly improved the soil quality by increasing organic carbon (C), available nutrients, and microbial biomass C contents, as well as enzyme activity. The positive correlation between soil and plant parameters also highlighted the benefits of BAC for isabgol production through soil quality improvement. Therefore, it can be considered as a zero-waste technology, whereby a large quantity of straw biomass generated from isabgol cultivation, which contains essential nutrients, can be recycled back to the soil. Furthermore, BAC can be effectively used as a bio-active organic fertilizer, particularly in systems where chemical inputs are restricted, such as organic agriculture.

Agronomic effectiveness of recovered phosphate fertilizer produced from incinerated sewage sludge ash

Agronomic effectiveness of recovered phosphate fertilizer produced from incinerated sewage sludge ash

Effects of mechanochemically activated phosphate rock on maize growth and phosphorus use

It is well known that mechanochemically activated phosphate rock (MAPR) could improve extractable phosphorus (P) (extracted in 2% citric acid) greatly in an ecological way. To evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of MAPR, we conducted a field experiment using spring maize in Luvisol (pH 6.47) soil in Northeast China for three consecutive years. Treatments consist of variation of P levels for substitution of triple superphosphate (TSP) (100% TSP, 10% MAPR, 20% MAPR, 50% MAPR, 100% MAPR). Compared with 100% TSP, all the combined applications of MAPR and TSP were as effective on straw yield. Treatments of 10% MAPR and 20% MAPR had similar effect on grain yield and P uptake, while 50% MAPR and 100% MAPR were significantly lower. For P partial nutrient productivity and apparent P recovery with the treatment of 20% MAPR had equal effectivity, likewise. For soil P<sub>Olsen</sub>, treatment of 10% MAPR was equally operative, while 20% MAPR had the similar performance only in the last year (i.e. 2016). It is concluded that 10–20% of TSP can be effectively replaced by MAPR without affecting spring maize yield in soil with neutral pH.

Preparation and evaluation of two enriched biochar-based fertilizers for nutrient release kinetics and agronomic effectiveness in direct-seeded rice

Preparation and evaluation of two enriched biochar-based fertilizers for nutrient release kinetics and agronomic effectiveness in direct-seeded rice

Comparing the agronomic effectiveness of fertilizers on the basis of the rate of application: An interpretation

AbstractSeveral recently developed and marketed fertilizers containing S and/or Zn that have been evaluated for their agronomic effectiveness are often compared with the traditional standard fertilizers on the basis of a single high fertilizer rate of the tested nutrient in terms of crop yield. This approach can provide an inaccurate or misleading conclusion that they are as good as or even better than the standard fertilizer sources. A better and more accurate method is to compare the different fertilizer sources on the basis of multiple rates. In addition, measurements of the nutrient taken up by a crop can provide useful information to help achieve the objectives of a study.

Effectivity of inorganic fertilizer NPK (15-15-6) to growth and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) on alfisol soil

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of NPK (15-15-6) fertilizer on the growth and yield of lowland rice. It was carried out on irrigated rice fields in the second season (March-June), on Alfisol soil (25 m asl). RCBD experimental design with 8 doses of fertilizer treatment and 3 replications. Treatment: a) without fertilizer, b) local recommendation of NPK (15-15-15) 300 + Urea 200 kg/ha, c) NPK (15-15-6) 200 + Urea 0 kg/ha, d) NPK (15-15-6) 300 + Urea 0 kg/ha, e) NPK (15-15-6) 400 + Urea 0 kg/ha, f) NPK (15-15-6) 200 + Urea 200 kg/ha, g) NPK (15-15-6) 300 + Urea 200 kg/ha, and h) NPK (15-15-6) 400 + Urea 100 kg/ha. The results showed that the application of NPK (15-15-6) 300 + 200 urea kg/ha had a significant effect on plant height, productive tillers and yield. The yield was 7,448 t/ha and the RAE (Relative Agronomic Effectiveness) value was 106.46, while the recommended fertilizer yield was 7.20 t/ha and the RAE value was 100. NPK fertilizer (15-15-6) dose of 300 + 200 Urea kg/ha can recomedate as an alternative NPK fertilizer in lowland rice.

Phosphorus recovery from an igneous phosphate rock using organic acids and pyrolysis condensate

Directly applied igneous phosphate rocks (PR) are agronomically ineffective because they are intrinsically unreactive. The main process by which PRs are solubilised in soils by microorganisms and plants is through the exudation of low molecular weight organic acids, which have a short lifespan in soils, thereby limiting the period of PR dissolution and agronomic effectiveness. This study measured the amount of P recovered from Dorowa PR (DPR) by suspension in water and sequential leaching with citric, acetic, oxalic acids, and pyrolysis condensate at various pH values. Of the dilute acids tested, oxalic acid was more effective at solubilising P from the DPR, cumulatively liberating 46% of total P from the DPR after 3 extractions at pH 3. However, aqueous phase pyrolysis liquid from maize stover pyrolysis was less effective at recovering P, yielding less than 14% of the total P despite maintaining a pH range of 3 to 3.8 in leachates after sequential extractions. The poor solubilisation was due to the low concentrations of chelating and complexing acids in the pyrolysis liquid, with the dominant acid being acetic acid and the high Ca content. Further research on improving the dissolution potential of pyrolysis liquid by removing cations in the liquid before leaching and other alternative processes to produce complexing acids such as oxalic acid is recommended.

Crop fertilisation potential of phosphorus in hydrochars produced from sewage sludge

Sewage sludges are a rich underused source of phosphorus (P) which contributes to environmental degradation, yet if recaptured, could return significant amounts of P to agricultural systems. Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) can efficiently recover P, with the added ability to transform P species into potentially more desirable forms for direct application to crops. P dynamics in hydrochars have primarily examined P speciation and chemical extractability as indicators of P bioavailability, but few studies directly evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of hydrochars as P fertilisers. As such, there is a clear need to assess the suitability of hydrochar as a source of bioavailable P in plant systems and the influence of HTC synthesis conditions. Response Surface Modelling of HTC synthesis conditions (pH, temperature and time), revealed initial pH significantly influence P distribution. Mild conditions of 180 °C for 30 min at pH 8.0 maximised P recovery (99%) along with carbon (62%) and nitrogen (43%) in hydrochars. Systematic characterisation of hydrochar P by chemical extraction and P L2,3-edge X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy revealed H2O, NaHCO3 and NaOH- P fractions were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in all hydrochars, while HCl-P fraction increased with HTC temperatures at pH 7. In contrast, P L2,3-edge XANES spectra were remarkably similar in raw sludges and corresponding hydrochars, regardless of HTC temperature or pH, revealing P was predominantly present as ferric phosphate with some hydroxyapatite. Multiple linear regression modelling suggested a significant relationship between chemical extractability and P bioavailability to wheat present in the raw sludges and hydrochars. This research provides further insight into the potential to use hydrothermal treatment for recovery and agricultural reuse of P, the importance of operational conditions on P transformation and the relationship between P speciation and bioavailability. The value of sewage sludge in a more sustainable global P cycle is also highlighted.

Coated, Stabilized Enhanced-Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers: Preparation and Effects on Maize Growth and Nitrogen Utilization.

Coated, slow/controlled release, or stabilized enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENFs) are effective in improving nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) and crop yield. Better performance is expected from coated, stabilized EENFs where urease and nitrification inhibitors are treated in coated fertilizers. Firstly, five coated EENFs with different mass proportions of nature rubber (NR) in coating were prepared: CU0, CU1, CU2, CU3, CU4, and CU5 (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of NR in coating). The controlled release performance of CU was tested by hydrostatic release test and the microstructure of controlled release urea, so as to screen the optimal addition ratio of NR (ER: NR = 7:3, CU3). Secondly, two coated, stabilized EENFs, CSU1 and CSU2, were prepared with natural rubber-modified epoxy resin (ER: NR = 7:3) as coating material. Seven treatments of different N fertilization were set up: CK (no N fertilization), urea, CU3, SU1, and SU2 (urease and nitrification inhibitors-treated urea fertilizers), CSU1 and CSU2 (urease and nitrification inhibitors-treated natural rubber-modified epoxy resin-coated urea fertilizers). Ammonia volatilization experiment and column leaching experiment showed that compared with conventional urea, NH3 volatilization loss was reduced by 20% and inorganic N leaching loss was reduced by 26% from CSU2, respectively. In the pot experiment, maize grain yield of 162.92 and 206.96 g/pot was achieved by CSU1 and CSU2, respectively, 41 and 79%, respectively, higher than that achieved by conventional urea. SUs treatments were more effective than conventional urea treatment in improving maize grain yield and NUE, but lower than in CSUs. The NUE, nitrogen fertilizer apparent utilization efficiency, partial factor productivity of applied N, and nitrogen utilization efficiency were 46, 30, 46, and 32%, respectively, higher in CSU1 and 58, 62, 58, and 29%, respectively, higher in CSU2 than in the conventional urea treatment. Compared with CSU1, CSU2 had better agronomic effectiveness with a higher NUE. It is recommended that urease and nitrification inhibitors be sandwiched between urea prill and the coating for preparation of novel, environmentally friendly coated, stabilized EENFs with high agronomic effectiveness, high NUE, and low N loss.

Evaluation of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates and Inter Row Spacing on Yield Components and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Corn is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia due to its use as a source of food security. However, its productivity is limited by insufficient application of the NPS fertilizer and different row spacing. A field trial was carried out to assess the effects of the application of different NPS fertilizer quantities and inter row spacing on the growth, yield components and yield of maize and the cost-benefit analysis of the NPS compound fertilizer application on the yield of maize in the main growing season 2019/2020.The study was arranged in a factorial combination of five levels of NPS fertilizers (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg NPS ha-1) and four inter row spacing (55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm and 85 cm). in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The consequence showed the main result of the NPS fertilizer had a highly significant (p &lt;0.01) effect on days up to 50% anthesis, days up to 50% silk formation, 90% physiological maturity, leaf area, leaf area index, number of plants at harvest, the number of grains per ear was determined from the main effects of NPS fertilizer of 200 kg NPS ha-1. The interaction effects of NPS and row spacing have highly significant (p &lt;0.01) effects on the number of ears per plant, number of ears per hectare, ear length, agronomic effectiveness and grain yield were obtained when using 150 kg. measured NPS ha-1 at 75 cm row spacing. The highest economic (91,608 Birr ha-1) and a higher MRR (1745%) resulted from the 150 kg NPS ha-1 and 75 cm row spacing. Thus, it should be noted that the application of 150 kg NPS ha-1 with a row spacing of 75 cm was both agronomic and cost-effective for the grain yield of the Melkassa-II in the study area.

Water treatment residuals for ameliorating sandy soils: Implications in environmental, soil and plant growth parameters

Water treatment residuals (WTR) application may improve the quality of sandy soils; however, nutrient deficiency to plants and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) may be limiting. In contrast, adjusting the WTR pH, soil pH and WTR application rate might prevent adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental safety and agronomic effectiveness of limed WTR for application in sandy soils. The tested treatments were increasing rates (0, 15, 30 and 60 Mg ha−1 of dry mass) of ground, dried and limed WTR in sandy soil under field conditions. Soil samples with disturbed and undisturbed structure were collected to determine selected soil physical, hydraulic and chemical parameters related to fertility, as well as the soil concentration of PTEs. Nutrients and PTEs content in plant tissue and the agronomic performance of maize and ryegrass were also evaluated. WTR were beneficial as they increased the content of fine and reactive particles (clay and silt). In general, WTR rates did not spoil soil chemical parameters related to soil fertility; did not increase aluminium saturation; and did not change soil PTE contents which were below the limits indicated by environmental legislations. The tested WTR rates did not cause negative effects on the agronomic variables of maize and ryegrass plants. Thus, waste application rates up to 30 Mg ha−1 are recommended. Liming WTR and soil makes this material safe and suitable for application in sandy and acidic agricultural soils.

A Poultry Litter-Derived Organomineral Phosphate Fertilizer Has Higher Agronomic Effectiveness Than Conventional Phosphate Fertilizer Applied to Field-Grown Maize and Soybean

Inadequate disposal of poultry litter (PL) may promote eutrophication of water bodies due to its high nutrient content, including phosphorus (P). Thus, recycling P from PL to produce organomineral fertilizer (OMF), reduces the dependence on finite mineral P reserves, and also reduces P losses from soil. In this context, a field experiment was carried out to assess the agronomic effectiveness of a granular PL-derived OMF applied to maize and soybean in a highly weathered tropical soil. OMF was compared to single superphosphate (SSP) at five P rates between 0 and 70 kg ha−1. The shoot dry weight (SDW) and grain yields of soybean and maize were affected by P rates; however, no difference between OMF and SSP was found. A similar trend was observed for soil P and P uptake. The leaf P content and soil pH were not affected by either P sources or P rates. Although there was no difference between OMF and SSP on the crop yields, OMF had the highest relative agronomic effectiveness based on the SDW. These results show that the production of granular OMF from PL is a viable alternative to conventional P fertilizers and reduces the dependence of mineral P reserves.

The effect of the consentration of macro-nutrient-liquid-foliar- NPK and dosage of NPK 15-5-15 fertilizer to improve the quality of red chilies (Capsicum annum L.)

The research objective was to known the concentration of NPK liquid foliar macro nutrient and the dosage of NPK fertilizer to improve the quality and yield of red chilies and benefit increase. The study was conducted in Batu City (923 m asl) from December 2018 to June 2019. The study used a Randomized Block Design with 4 (four) replications consist of 7 (seven) treatments and 1 (one) control, namely: F0 (without fertilizer), F1 recommended fertilizer (900 kg.ha−1 NPK), F2 (225 kg.ha−1 NPK + 0.5 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), F3 (450 kg.ha−1 NPK + 1.0 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), F4 (675 kg.ha−1 NPK + 1.5 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), F5 (900 kg.ha−1 NPK), F6 (1,125 kg.ha−1 NPK + 2.5 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), and F7 (1,350 kg.ha−1 NPK + 3 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer). Data analyzed with ANOVA and DMRT (α=5%). The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, thickness of fruit pulp, and yields. The most economical treatment of Relative Agronomic Effectiveness or RAE has more than 100%. F4 (675 kg.ha−1 NPK + 2 ml.l−1 of NPK liquid foliar fertilizer) reached 102.27 % and F5 treatment (900 kg.ha−1 NPK + 2 ml.l−1 of NPK liquid foliar fertilizer) reached 117.90 %. Financial analysis showed that F5 is the most profitable. Treatment F5 (900 kg ha−1 NPK + 2 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer) produced the highest R/C of 3.74.The quality of chili refer to thickness of fruit pulp treatment F5 reached highest was 1.72 mm.