Alternative Fertilizer Research Articles

Weed flora composition in a young olive orchard as affected by fertilizer types

Manure is a useful source of nutrients in olive orchards, but its effect on weed growth in such an ecosystem has not been studied. A field experiment was conducted in a six-year old olive orchard (cv. Chondrelia Chalkidikis) in northern Greece to study the effects of two forms of fertilization (inorganic fertilizer and composted cow manure) on weeds abundance and weed flora composition (species diversity and dominance). A randomized complete block design with three treatments (inorganic fertilizer, 150 kg N ha−1 plus 205 kg P2O5 ha−1 plus 205 kg K2O; composted cow manure, 20 Mg dry weight ha−1; and control) replicated three times was used. Inorganic fertilizer and composted cow manure had no significant effect on the number of weed species (F = 0.288, P > 0.05), but improved olive fruit yield by 61.6% and 57.1%, respectively, compared with the non-fertilized control. Both inorganic fertilizer and composted cow manure increased the weeds dry biomass by 133.4% and 80.8%, respectively, compared with the non-fertilized control. There was a decrease in the biomass proportion (percentage of the total weed biomass) of annual species with composted cow manure (x2 = 6.72, P < 0.05), while no significant change in the biomass ratio of grasses and broadleaf weeds was observed. Fertilization increased the growth of Chenopodium album, mainly with the addition of inorganic fertilization; and Sonchus oleraceus, slightly more with the addition of composted cow manure. Centaurea solstitialis and Daucus carota had a high proportion only in the non-fertilized control plots. Composted cow manure can be used as an alternative fertilizer in olive orchards, without enriching weed flora in terms of species number. Long-term experiments would be useful to confirm the influence of composted cow manure on weed flora of olive orchards.

Use of alternative fertilization in eggplant production

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the vegetables that has gained prominence in production in recent years due to the demand for foods with nutraceutical properties. However, few studies have been developed evaluating the effects of the use of organic residues in the fertilization of this crop, with the potential to both increase its productivity and reduce environmental impacts. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization with cattle manure and pasture on the productivity of eggplant cv. Cica. The experimental design adopted was in randomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of 4 types of fertilization: T1, without fertilization (control); T2, bovine manure (20 t ha-1); T3, incorporated mulcher (8 t ha-1); and T4, mineral fertilization. There was a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) of fertilization on plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fresh fruit mass and on eggplant productivity. Fertilization with incorporated pasture vegetation did not increase productivity, while fertilization with bovine manure and mineral fertilization showed positive effects on the development and productivity of eggplant fruits. Bovine manure is a good alternative to replace mineral fertilizers in the production of eggplant cv. Ciça.

Near-universal marriage, early childbearing, and low fertility: India's alternative fertility transition.

To compare fertility in India to both low-to-middle-income and high-income countries (LMICs and HICs) and describe the patterns that have accompanied India's transition to low fertility. We use data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), the United Nations (UN), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to observe factors associated with fertility decline in 36 Indian states and 76 countries. Although fertility in India has declined to levels similar to HICs, women's entry into marriage and initiation of childbearing are more in line with patterns found in LMICs. The vast majority of women in India (97%) are married by age 30, and their average age at first birth is only 21.3 years old. In spite of these patterns, average fertility has declined in India as a result of earlier termination of childbearing. Among more recent cohorts, fewer women progressed to higher-order births and about half of women obtained a sterilization by age 35. India has reached low fertility by mechanisms outside the traditional indicators of fertility decline. In contrast to countries that have achieved low fertility through delayed age at first birth, women in India have continued to enter unions and bear children early, lowered their age at last birth, and increasingly ended their fertility via sterilization following the birth of two children. Evidence from India reveals an alternative pathway to low fertility, highlighting the limitations of traditional socioeconomic indicators for explaining fertility decline.

Alternative fertilization approaches in enhancing crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency: A review

The greatest challenge of our time is to meet the global food demand by producing enough food without harming the environment. Over application and misuse of synthetic fertilizer is a major challenge that results in lower fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), stagnated crop yield, and environmental pollution. In this review study, three alternative fertilization options (AFOs), such as the use of organic fertilizer enhanced-efficiency fertilizer (EEFs), and secondary, and micronutrient fertilizers were evaluated. The adoption of appropriate fertilization practices was believed to improve crop yield and FUE over the conventional fertilization approach. As of late, the use of organic fertilizers has received more attention as a better alternative to counter the challenges posed by the inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers. The formulation of slow or controlled-release fertilizers contributes to preventing nutrient losses by slowing down nutrient release patterns in the soil and allowing better synchrony between crop nutrients requirement and nutrient supply. The use of secondary macronutrients and micronutrient also has considerable importance to improve nutrient uptake, grain yield, and quality. In summary, the review result showed that the adoption of AFOs can enhance crop yield and nutrient use efficiency.

Productivity of sugar beet under alternative organic-mineral fertilization

Aim. Investigate the effect of doses and methods of applying nitrogen fertilizers, the use of micronutrients fertilizers on the productivity of sugar beet under an alternative organic-mineral fertilization system. Methods. Short-term field and analytical. Results. The results of research on the influence of nitrogen nutrition and micronutrients fertilizers on the productivity of sugar beet under alternative organic-mineral fertilization are presented. It was determined that the spring application of nitrogen fertilizers and foliar feeding with microfertilizers under plowing winter wheat straw into the soil increased the yield of roots - by 22.5−23.7 t/ha, stabilized sugar content at the level of 18.2−18.3% and ensured maximum sugar yield – 12.0−12.3 t/ha. Conclusions. It was found that in conditions of sufficient moisture on leached chernozem, the use of alternative organic-mineral fertilization systems increased sugar yield compared to the control without fertilizers by 3.1−4.4 t/ha. The application of nitrogen fertilizers in the fall under deep plowing against the background of alternative fertilization is determined to be less effective than their application in the spring under pre-sowing cultivation. Applying 5 t/ha of straw + N90P90K130 under plowing ensured the yield of roots – 60.4 t/ha, sugar yield – 11.0 t/ha, while 5 t/ha of straw + P90K130 under plowing + N90 under pre-sowing cultivation – 64, 5 and 11.6 t/ha, respectively. Application of 5 t/ha of straw + P90K130 under plowing + N90 under pre-sowing cultivation + foliar feeding with composite micronutrients fertilizer in the phase of leaf closure in rows and between rows was determined to be the most effective for sugar beet: yield of roots – 67.0 t/ha, sugar yield – 12.3 with an increase to the control without fertilizers by 23.7 and 4.4 t/ha.

Granular Bioorganic Chicken Manure and Banana Peel (Musa Paradisiaca): an Alternative to Complete Fertilizer (14-14-14) for Rice Production

This study explored the prospect of granular bioorganic chicken manure and banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) as an alternative to complete fertilizer (14-14-14) for rice production. It sought to attain the following objectives: (1) determine the level of effectiveness of granular chicken manure and banana peel mixture as an alternative fertilizer for rice production; (2) create a comparative analysis between the yields produced with the alternative fertilizer and complete fertilizer (14-14-14); and (3) assess the advantages, disadvantages, and effects of the organic fertilizer application on rice cultivation through observations. The data for the study were obtained through an experimentalevaluative method. To analyze the gathered data, descriptive statistics were used, specifically the measure of central tendency (MCT) using the mean and percentage of the sample and the measure of variability (MOV) using range. The chicken manure (CM) was air-dried for eight months, while the banana peel (BP) was stripped and solar-dried for three to five days. These were applied in different treatments: (T1) no application (pure application of complete fertilizer (CF)); (T2) a mixture of 1.225 kilograms (kg) of CM and 0.5 kg of BP applied with 50% of the CF in T1; (T3) a mixture of 2.45 kg of CM and 1 kg of BP; and (T4) a mixture of 3.675 kg of CM and 1.5 kg of BP. Considering the average height, rate of growth, and rate of water absorption, the results revealed that the treatment with an application of both organic fertilizer and complete fertilizer generated the highest level of effectiveness compared to the treatments with a pure application of either complete or organic fertilizer. However, when it comes to product yields, the treatment that had the highest product yield and number of panicle initiations during the reproductive phase was T3, the treatment with a standard application of organic fertilizer. Nonetheless, these implied that the mixture of chicken manure and banana peel could be an economical alternative to complete fertilizer for rice production.

Effect of Urea-Calcium Sulfate Cocrystal Nitrogen Fertilizer on Sorghum Productivity and Soil N2O Emissions

Urea cocrystal materials have recently emerged as high nitrogen (N) content fertilizers with low solubility capable of minimizing N loss and improving their use efficiency. However, their effects on crop productivity and N2O emissions remain underexplored. A greenhouse study was designed to evaluate sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) yield, N uptake, and N2O emissions under six N treatments: C0 (without fertilizer), UR100 (urea), UC100 (CaSO4⋅4urea cocrystal) at 150 kg N ha−1, and CaSO4⋅4urea cocrystal at 40%, 70%, and 130% of 150 kg N ha−1 (UC40, UC70, and UC130, respectively). The results demonstrated that UR100, UC100, and UC130 had 51.4%, 87.5%, and 91.5% greater grain yields than the control. The soil nitrate and sulfur concentration, N uptake, and use efficiency were the greatest in UC130, while UR100 had significantly greater N2O loss within the first week of N application than the control and all the urea cocrystal treatments. UC130 minimized the rapid N loss in the environment as N2O emissions shortly after fertilizer application. Results of this study suggest the positive role of urea cocrystal in providing a balanced N supply and increasing crop yield in a more environmentally friendly way than urea alone. It could be good alternative fertilizer to minimize N loss as N2O emissions and significantly increase the N use efficiency in sorghum.

PEMANFAATAN CANGKANG TELUR SEBAGAI PUPUK ORGANIK PADA TANAMAN KANGKUNG DARAT DI DESA NANOWA

Agriculture is a culture that was first developed by humans as a way for humans to maintain survival. This study aims to determine the Utilization of Egg Shells as Organic Fertilizer for Kangkung Darat in Nanowa Village. This type of research is a descriptive type of qualitative research. Data collection techniques used in this study are (1) Observation, (2) Interview. The data analysis technique in this study consists of three flow of activities that occur simultaneously, namely: (1) data reduction, (2) data presentation and (3) conclusion drawing/verification. Based on the results of the research and discussion obtained, there are several conclusions that can be drawn in this study as follows: (1) Good water spinach cultivation can get good productivity results (2) Egg shells have the potential to be used as organic fertilizer because they contain nutrients that are high in nutrients. plants need, such as calcium carbonate, potassium and phosphorus because these elements are very good for plant growth. Egg shells contain calcium carbonate and contain magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, iron and copper. (3) Utilization of egg shells on the growth of water spinach plants, has a very good impact or effect on the growth of land kale plants. Egg shells have the potential to be used as organic fertilizer because they contain nutrients needed by plants, such as calcium carbonate, potassium and phosphorus because these elements are very good for plant growth. Egg shells contain 97% calcium carbonate and an average of 3% phosphorus and 3% magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, iron and copper. The suggestion in the research is that farmers should be able to use egg shells as an alternative fertilizer for cultivating various plants, one of which is land kale.

Sewage sludge application stimulated soil N2O emissions with a low heavy metal pollution risk in Eucalyptus plantations

Sewage sludge (SS) has been extensively used as an alternative fertilizer in forest plantations, which are beneficial in supplying timbers and mitigating climate change. However, whether the extra nitrogen (N) applied by SS would enhance the soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, an important greenhouse gas, in forest plantations have not been well understood. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ecological effects of SS application on soils, by investigating the soil N2O emission and the toxicity of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. A field fertilization experiment was conducted in Eucalyptus plantations with four fertilization rates (0 kg m−2, 1.5 kg m−2, 3.0 kg m−2, and 4.5 kg m−2). The soil N2O emissions were monitored at a soil depth of 0–10 cm using static chamber method, soil chemical properties, and PTEs were determined at soil depths of 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–40 cm. The average soil N2O emission rate was 8.1 μg N2O–N h−1 m−2 in plots without SS application (control). The application of SS significantly increased the soil N2O emissions by 7–10 times as to control. The increased N2O emissions were positively related to the soil total phosphorus and nitrogen and negatively correlated with copper and zinc, which increased with the SS application. However, the potential ecological risk index (Ei) and the comprehensive potential ecological risk index (RI) of PTEs were lower than 40 and 150 respectively, which indicating a low toxicity of PTEs to soil health. After seven months of SS application, the priming effects of SS on soil N2O emissions gradually diminished. These findings suggest that the application of SS may increase N2O emissions at the initial stages of application (<7 months) and may have a low PTEs pollution risk, even at a high SS addition rate (4.5 kg m−2).

Effects of microalgae and compost on the yield of cauliflower grown in low nutrient soil

The application of organic amendments is an increasingly widespread practice, which allows fertilizing and restoring soils in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Improving the quality of amendments through the application of microorganisms has been a challenge in recent years. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of microalgae+compost (1:1) mixture on the yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) plants grown in a sandy loam soil with low nutrient availability. Yields were compared with the application of compost, cattle manure and two chemical fertilizers. The treatments applied were: T1 prepared with urea (NPK 46-0-0), triple superphosphate (NPK 0-46-0) and potassium saltpeter (NPK 15-0-14); T2 commercial fertilizer (NPK 12-11-18); T3 microalgae biomass (T3); T4 compost; T5 1:1 microalgae+compost mixture; T6 cattle manure; and T0 control (no fertilization). The experiments were conducted in 30 L pots using 40 g soil per plant and 4 g N as a reference to standardize fertilizer application. The results showed that the fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (%DW) of T5 and T6 were not significantly different from those of T1 (p > 0.05), on the contrary, FW of T5 and T6 was 43.8% and 40% higher than in T2, as well as the %DW was 0.59% and 0.6% w w-1, also higher than in T2. These results suggest that the microalgae+compost mixture is an alternative fertilizer, equivalent to chemical fertilizers and manure, presenting the advantages of being more stable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. However, further studies are needed to determine the necessary dose per cultivated plant species.

Perilaku Kelompok Tani Padi Sawah dalam Mengatasi Kelangkaan Pupuk Bersubsidi di Kecamatan Trimurjo, Kabupaten Lampung Tengah, Provinsi Lampung

The limitations of subsidized fertilizers have an impact on lowland rice production. This study aims to analyze the behavior of rice farmer group in overcoming the scarcity of subsidized fertilizers. The research was conducted in April-May 2022 in Trimurjo District, Central Lampung Regency. Respondent are some organizer in 15 rice farmers group that is chosen by using stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected through interviews using structured questionnaires to 15 samples of rice farmer groups. The analysis data was done descriptively. The results show that there are differences in farmers group behavior to overcome the scarcity of subsidized fertilizers. Beginner and upper class of farmer groups have moderate to skills and attitudes, but have not been able to facilitate their members in overcoming the scarcity of subsidized fertilizers while intermediate class of farmer groups have very good behavior that is demonstrated by the ability of farmer groups to look for subsidized fertilizers, to collaborate with alternative fertilizer producers and to produce organic fertilizers as an alternative to supplying fertilizers. It is important for government to improve agriculture extension role as facilitator in order to increase the capability of farmer’s group in overcoming the scarcity of subsidized fertilizers.

Nutrient Potential Leachability in a Sandy Soil Amended with Manure-Based Fertilisers

The application of manure-based fertilisers (MBFs) is considered an important practice for achieving agricultural sustainability. However, the potential losses of nutrients to the environment need to be thoroughly evaluated. This study aimed to assess nutrients’ potential leachability from a sandy soil, fertilised with MBFs produced by mixing manure from one single animal species with N- or P-mineral fertilisers, to achieve target N:P ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 0.5:1). MBFs were prepared by combining pig slurry, cattle slurry or poultry manure with N- and P-mineral fertilisers, or slurry-derived materials, obtained by solid–liquid separation. A leaching experiment was set-up in soil columns treated with MBFs, for 59 days, with seven leaching events. Poultry manure application to soil led to higher potential N leaching, while pig slurry induced higher P leaching. All 2:1 MBFs decreased P leaching, relative to the original manure, with the higher reduction (52%) being observed for pig slurry with urea. The addition of urea to poultry manure also diminished its potential for N leaching. The behaviour of P-enriched materials, pig slurry solid fraction and both 0.5:1 MBFs obtained with phosphoric acid addition showed a higher risk of P leaching, while the use of superphosphate as a P-mineral source decreased the risk of P leaching. Concluding, it is possible to use specific MBFs, enriched with N and P from mineral sources, and have lower N and P leaching potential, reducing the risks associated with manure soil application, while increasing their interest as alternative fertilisers.

The contribution of survival to changes in the net reproduction rate

The net reproduction rate (NRR) is an alternative fertility measure to the more common total fertility rate (TFR) and accounts for the mortality context of the population studied. This study is the first to compare NRR trends in high- and low-income countries and to decompose NRR changes over time into fertility and survival components. The results show that changes in the NRR have been driven mostly by changes in fertility. Yet improvements in survival have also played an important role in explaining changes in the NRR over the last century and represent a substantial component of change in some low-income countries today. Furthermore, the decomposition of the survival component by age indicates that the survival effect on population reproduction is concentrated mostly in infancy, although the HIV/AIDS epidemic altered this age profile in some populations. The findings highlight the importance of mortality’s effect on reproduction in specific periods and contexts.

Early pregnancy outcomes of IVF cycles using donor versus partner sperm: analysis of 1376454 cycles recorded by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (1991-2016).

Are the early pregnancy outcomes of IVF pregnancies conceived with donor sperm different to those conceived with partner sperm? Pregnancies conceived with donor sperm have a lower odds of early pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancy compared to pregnancies conceived with partner sperm. The number of cycles using donor sperm has risen significantly in recent years. Adverse early pregnancy outcomes have a negative impact on women and their partners. The evidence available to date regarding early pregnancy outcomes for pregnancies conceived with IVF donor sperm is limited by low numbers and lower-quality studies. This is a retrospective cohort study of 1376454 cycles conceived with either donor or partner sperm between 1991 and 2016 as recorded in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Register. The HFEA has recorded data on all fertility treatments carried out in the UK from 1991 onwards, and it publishes this data in an anonymized form. This study assessed the outcomes of all pregnancies conceived with donor sperm and compared them to those conceived with partner sperm among IVF cycles recorded in the HFEA anonymized dataset from 1991 to 2016. Cycles that included intrauterine insemination, donor oocytes, preimplantation genetic testing, oocyte thaw cycles and alternative fertility treatments were excluded. The outcomes of interest were biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and live birth. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors including age of the female partner, cause of infertility, history of previous pregnancy, fresh or frozen cycle, IVF or ICSI, number of embryos transferred, and year of treatment. Results are reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CIs. This study found reductions in the odds of biochemical pregnancy (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.78-0.86), miscarriage (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97), and ectopic pregnancy (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.90) among pregnancies as a result of the use of donor sperm as opposed to partner sperm. This study is retrospective and limited by the constraints of routinely collected data. No data were available for maternal characteristics such as BMI, smoking and partner age, which could all be potential confounders. Clustering of multiple pregnancies within women could not be accounted for as the data are reported only at the cycle level with no maternal identifiers. This study has demonstrated that there are no increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcome with donor sperm pregnancies. The reduction in miscarriage in pregnancies using donor sperm suggests that sperm could have a role in miscarriage, as the selection process for being accepted as donor is stringent. No external funding was sought for this study. C.A. has received funding from Ferring to attend a UK meeting for trainees in reproductive Medicine. A.M. has received funding from Ferring, Cook, Merck Serono, Geodon Ritcher, and Pharmasure for speaking at, or attending, meetings relating to reproductive medicine. She has also participated in a Ferring advisory board. S.B. has received grants from Tenovus and the UK Medical Research Council. She has also been supported with a Medical Research Scotland PhD studentship. N/A.

Sequential plantations of rice, edamame soybeans, and peanuts as a product of alternative and mineral fertilization in the Roraima Cerrado in Brazil

The objective of this study was to determine the production of sequential rice, soybean, and peanut plantations as a function of mineral and alternative fertilization. To meet the objectives of the work, three independent experiments were carried out in the Experimental Field of Embrapa in Brazil. The first experiment was with rice BRS Sertaneja, conducted in the period from May to September in two agricultural years (2009 and 2010), with the purpose of evaluating the yield, germination, and vigour of BRS Sertaneja rice seeds as a function of mineral and alternative fertilization. The second experiment was performed with soybeans BRS 258 and the strain BR9452273, which were evaluated in the period from October to January in two years (2009/2010 and 2010/2011), to determine the agronomic attributes of green grain production (R6 stage). In the third experiment, BRS 151 L-7 (red) and 184 AM L-7 (cream) peanut crops were cultivated from February to April in two years (2010 and 2011), to determine the yield of pods and grains, weight of 100 pods, weight of 100 seeds, weight of husks, weight in seeds of 100 pods, relative grain yield in relation to pods (RR, %), and grain yield. Intermediate fertilization is indicated to increase the yield of peanut pods and grains BRS 151 L-7 and 184 AM L-7 in the highlands of the Roraima Cerrado in Brazil.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer substitution by cow manure on yield, net GHG emissions, carbon and nitrogen footprints in sweet maize farmland in the Pearl River Delta in China

Long-term excessive nitrogen (N) application in sweet maize farmland in the Pearl River Delta in China has caused huge greenhouse gas (GHG) and reactive nitrogen (RN) emissions in the region. This study compared the effects of N fertilizer replaced by cow manure at 20.00% (CD20) and 50.00% (CD50) ratios on crop yield, on-field N2O, CH4 and CO2 emissions, soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration, GHG emission intensity and carbon footprint (CF) and nitrogen footprint (NF) based on field research carried out for four consecutive cropping seasons during 2020–2021. The results showed that, compared with conventional nitrogen application (CK), CD20 could reduce N2O emissions by 6.65% and increase the SOC concentration by 48.08% when ensuring yield, although GHG emissions and intensity were both increased by 36.13%–36.44%. The CD50 lowered the crop yield 8.77% as the GHG emissions and intensity increased by 74.32%–74.58% at the same time compared to the CK, although the SOC concentration in farmland was significantly improved by 295.82% due to the higher substitution ratio of N fertilizer. Moreover, the CFs based on the area and yield of CD20 and CD50 were 23.22%–135.52% lower than CK. The NF of CD20 based on area and yield was 10.81%–16.35% lower than that of CK, but the NF of CD50 based on area and yield was 4.82%–14.90% higher than that of CK. In conclusion, replacing 20% synthetic nitrogen with cow manure in sweet maize farmland in the Pearl River Delta could achieve the synergistic technical effects of maintaining crop yield, improving the soil carbon sink and decreasing GHG and RN emissions at the life cycle level. We suggest the application of this method as an alternative fertilization practice for realizing a sustainable sweet maize cultivation system in South China. This study provided a research basis for developing the sustainable sweet maize farming system in the Pearl River Delta in China. It would also provide valuable information for the development of clean agricultural production in typical subtropical area in East Asia.

Effects of Illite-Containing Fertilizer Prototypes on Nutrients Uptake and Antioxidant of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Illite, a clay mineral, contains high levels of K+ content to be available by plants. Effect of illite on soil and crops have been reported, but more examples are needed to extend to a variety of crop plants. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of illite-containing prototypes as an alternative fertilizer on nutrient uptake and antioxidant activity of lettuce. Lettuce was grown for 30 days with six different fertilizer treatments (control, NPK, illite, prototype-A, prototype-B, and prototype-C) using acidic nutrients-poor soil (AC-NPS) and alkaline nutrients-rich soil (AK-NRS). The pH adjustment by illite-containing prototypes was not observed from both two soils, AC-NPS and AK-NRS. Prototype-A resulted in an enhancement of total nitrogen content of soil at both AC-NPS and AK-NRS. Total nitrogen of lettuce shoots was remarkably higher in prototype-B and -C at both soils. Illite-only treatment showed the highest level of total ploypenols (19.5 mg g-1), flavonoids (3.8 mg g-1) and ABTS (37.2%) in the AC-NPS. Overall, illite-containing prototype B- and -C showed a significant increase not only macro nutrients (nitrogen, calcium and magnesium) but antioxidant activity in the AC-NPS. Accordingly, it is considered that illite-containing prototypes might be an alternative or supplement of chemical fertilizer to promote lettuce growth.Effect of illite-containing prototypes on total nitrogen and antioxidant ability of lettuce plant.

The Effects of Two Organic Soil Amendments, Biochar and Insect Frass Fertilizer, on Shoot Growth of Cereal Seedlings

To mitigate the environmental harm associated with high-input agriculture, arable farmers are increasingly required to maintain productivity while reducing inputs of synthetic fertilizers. Thus, a diverse range of organic products are now being investigated in terms of their value as alternative fertilizers and soil amendments. This study used a series of glasshouse trials to investigate the effects of an insect frass-based fertilizer derived from black soldier fly waste [HexaFrass™, Meath, Ireland] and biochar on four cereals grown in Ireland (barley, oats, triticale, spelt) as animal feed and for human consumption. In general, the application of low quantities of HexaFrass™ resulted in significant increases in shoot growth in all four cereal species, along with increased foliage concentrations of NPK and SPAD levels (a measure of chlorophyll density). These positive effects of HexaFrass™ on shoot growth were observed, however, only when a potting mix with low basal nutrients was used. Additionally, excessive application of HexaFrass™ resulted in reduced shoot growth and, in some cases, seedling mortality. The application of finely ground or crushed biochar produced from four different feedstocks (Ulex, Juncus, woodchip, olive stone) had no consistent positive or negative effects on cereal shoot growth. Overall, our results indicate that insect frass-based fertilizers have good potential in low-input, organic, or regenerative cereal production systems. Based on our results, biochar appears to have less potential as a plant growth promoting product, but could be used as a tool for lowering whole-farm carbon budgets by providing a simplistic means of storing carbon in farm soils.

CLASSIFICAÇÃO DAS CINZAS DERIVADAS DAS BIOMASSAS DE ABACAXI E CACAU – GRANDE OFERTA NO ESTADO DO PARÁ – POTENCIAL USO COMO FERTILIZANTE ALTERNATIVO

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the fertilizing potential of ash derived from pineapple crown (Ananas Comosus) and cocoa pericarp (Theobroma cacao) biomasses, abundant in the state of Pará, through a classification based on chemical composition and acidity type, complemented with a mineralogical characterization and chemical details using XRD, XRF, FTIR, and immediate chemical analysis (moisture, fixed carbon, and ash content). The results revealed that the pineapple crown ash and cocoa pericarp ash have average yields of 6.2 and 8.8 %, respectively, and present favourable chemical composition and acidity for use in soil improvement regarding contribution of nutrients and acidity correction. Both classified as K-type with low acidity. K2O content ~ 51 and 68 %, respectively. In general, there are considerable amounts of: P, Ca, Mg, and S. Finally, according to a current vision of green logistics, the use of ash in local agricultural production points to a good circular economy option in the Amazon, adding value to a second generation residue and still bringing economic and environmental gains. Keywords: Biomass ash; ash characterization; alternative fertilizer.

Evaluation of various blended fertilizer types and rates for better maize (Zea mays) crop production in Yeki woreda, Sheka Zone, South West Ethiopia

Appropriate fertilization methods for a particular crop based on real limiting nutrients and crop demands are cost-effective and wise utilization of fertilizers for long-term agricultural productivity. An experiment was done to assess alternative fertilizer types and rates for better maize production during main cropping season of 2018 and 2019. The fertilizers were set depending on the study area's limiting nutrients, which include NPS and NPSB at various rates. There are seven treatments in the experiment: (1)no fertilizer; (2) NPS: 69N, 54P2O5, 10S; (3) NPS: 92N, 72P2O5, 13S; (4) NPS: 115N, 90P2O5, 17S; (5) 69N, 54P2O5, 10S, 1.05B NPSB; (6) 92N, 72P2O5, 13S, 1.4B NPSB and (7) 115N, 90P2O5, 17S, 1.7B NPSB. Treatments were placed out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times on two farmers' fields. The study showed that using NPS mixed fertilizer had a substantial impact on maize output when compared to the control. Treatment 2 (NPS; 69N, 54p2o5, 10S) yielded significantly greater maize yield over control at (P&lt;0.05). Similarly, with an appropriate marginal rate of return (128.2%), treatment 2 (NPS; 69N, 54P2O5, 10S) had the largest net benefit (30908.5 ETB/ha). As a result, maize producers in the area of study should use NPS with the nutrient ratios of 69N, 54P2O5 and 10S. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 56-59, December 2022