Alternative Fertilizer Research Articles

Effect of Deep Fertilization with Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizer on N Fate in Clayey Soil Wheat Field

Clayey soil seriously affects water-holding capacity and nutrient movement. Adopting appropriate agronomic measures to optimize the distribution of soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN) and reduce the nitrogen (N) loss in this soil is the key to agricultural sustainable development. To clarify the effect of deep fertilization of slow/controlled release fertilizer with sowing on N loss in a clayey soil wheat field, two types of fertilizers, conventional fertilizer (CN) and slow/controlled release fertilizer (RCU), were selected in this study. Here, we evaluated the effects of these two fertilizer types on wheat yield, seasonal N runoff loss, ammonia volatilization, and N2O emissions in wheat fields in two typical fertilization modes (manual surface sowing and spreading (B) and belowground fertilization of slow/controlled release urea with mechanized strip sowing (D)). The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of SIN in topsoil were also analyzed. The results showed that under the same fertilizer type, the wheat yield of D treatment was significantly higher than that of B treatment, whereas the yield of RCU was notably higher than that of CN under the same fertilization mode. D-RCU achieved the highest yield of 6.97 t·hm-2. The seasonal N losses from runoff and ammonia volatilization were higher than that from N2O emissions, and the responses of different N loss pathways to fertilizer types and fertilization methods were diverse. Fertilizer type and runoff occurrence time were the main influencing factors of N runoff loss, and N runoff loss of the RCU treatment was higher in the non-fertilization period. Unfortunately, affected by annual rainfall pattern, the seasonal N runoff loss of the RCU treatment (20.35 kg·hm-2) was significantly higher than that of the CN treatment (10.49 kg·hm-2). The late growth period was the main phase of ammonia volatilization, and the later period was jointly affected by fertilization modes and fertilizer types. The B-CN treatment induced the highest seasonal ammonia volatilization (18.15 kg·hm-2), which was significantly higher than that of the other treatments (7.31-8.38 kg·hm-2). Additionally, the D-RCU treatment (2.41 kg·hm-2) tended to reduce the N2O emissions in comparison to that in the B-CN treatment (4.02 kg·hm-2). The results also indicated that the horizontal movement of SIN was higher than the vertical movement. Deep fertilization of RCU was conducive to optimizing the spatial and temporal distribution of SIN, which was the main reason for the increase in wheat yield and the control of N loss from wheat fields. These results suggest that RCU is a suitable alternative fertilizer for increasing yield and reducing N loss in clayey soil wheat fields; D-RCU can increase the wheat yield and reduce ammonia volatilization and N2O emissions in wheat fields by optimizing the spatial and temporal distribution of SIN, and its increasing effect on N runoff loss in the non-fertilization period deserves attention.

THE RESEARCH ON NON-CONVENTIONAL FOLIAR FERTILIZERS WITH PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES APPLIED TO MAIZE CROP

The use of chemical fertilizers is one of the most important causes of environmental pollution. The reduction of nutrient losses can be achieved using an alternative fertilization system, a system that includes foliar fertilization. The paper presents experiment results obtained into the greenhouse applying three new ranges ofnon-conventional foliar fertilizers. These fertilizers contain protein hydrolysates and macro-and micronutrients with the role to stimulate the plant metabolism.On chernozem soil, their application to maize (H Oriente, HS Talman) ensured important yield increases of dry matter and had a positive effect on nutrient absorption and uptake in the tested plants.

The replacement of mineral fertilizers with chicken manure biochar significantly decreases the carbon footprint of wheat

Biochar is a product of oxygen-free thermal decomposition of biomass and refers alternative fertilizers. Data on the carbon footprint of agricultural products obtained using different types of biochars are not enough to date. The purpose of this study was to compare the carbon footprint of wheat of the grade "Yoldyz-Elita", grown using mineral fertilizers "Diamofoska" and biochar. Biochar was received from chicken manure, the pyrolysis process was at 400ºC, for 2 hours. Biochar was added in an amount of 30 t/ha, mineral fertilizers "Diamofoska" in an amount of 300 kg/ha, respectively. Calculations the carbon footprint included data on fuel consumption and N2O emission from mineral fertilizers, CO2 emission from soil (respiration activity), data on C fixation in biomass of wheat plants and in biochar. It was demonstrated that the use of biochar led to an increase in total soil carbon by 28% by the end of the field experiment. The application of biochar led to an increase in wheat yield by 2.5 times that was similar to the yield with application of mineral fertilizers. It was found that the main contribution to the carbon footprint of wheat was the respiration activity of the soil (up to 95%). The volume of CO2 from fuel used by agricultural machinery was insignificant (0.5% of the total CO2 emissions), soil cultivation with mineral fertilizers increased CO2 emissions by 3%. The use of biochar as an organomineral fertilizer led to a 79% decrease in the carbon footprint of wheat. Thus, biochar from chicken manures may be recommended to reduce the carbon footprint of wheat.

Ecological assessment of the impact of vermicomposting on the growth and development of spring wheat in the soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

The use of intensive technologies in agriculture, with the introduction of large amounts of mineral fertilizers, pesticides and a reduction in the application of organic fertilizers, has led to a shortage of humus balance in the soil. A progressive solution in this situation is the production and application of vermicomposting, which not only restores soil fertility, but also significantly increases the economic efficiency of agricultural industries. This article presents the results of a study that showed the reduction to a reasonable minimum of external anthropogenic impacts on the agro ecosystem and the activation of its own bio potential through the use of alternative fertilizers give a positive effect in maintaining soil fertility, protecting the natural environment and obtaining a sustainable harvest. The experience has shown that the degree of influence of fertilizer types turned out to be very significant in the variants where organic fertilizers and vermicomposting were applied, which clearly confirms that these types of fertilizers significantly affect the formation of plant biomass.

The use of recovered struvite and ammonium nitrate in fertigation in a horticultural rotation: agronomic and microbiological assessment

ABSTRACT Phosphorus and nitrogen recovery from wastewater as struvite and ammonium nitrate (AN) may be viable alternative fertilizers to boost circularity in horticulture. A 2-year fertigated crop rotation in soil under greenhouse conditions was evaluated to determine the efficiency of both recovered products as raw materials for a nutrient solution (NS) manufacture. The effects of these treatments versus synthetic fertilizers were compared in terms of crop performance, plant nutrient uptake, soil chemistry and microbiota. This is the first study to implement struvite through fertigation as the sole source of P in soil crops. Results showed that both recovered products can be used as fertilizers in NS, due to the similar response to the control for different parameters and crops (tomato, lettuce, and cauliflower). However, the AN treatment showed lower yield in the first tomato crop, which results may depend on the cultivar ammonium tolerance. Besides, the concentration of heavy metals in fruits/leaves was below the permissible limits. Total and Olsen phosphorus soil analysis revealed no differences among treatments, resulting in a similar performance of P-struvite to commercial phosphate. Bulk soil bacteria structure, richness and relative dominance were increased over time, while archaea only showed lower evenness, both despite the fertilization strategy. Shannon diversity was not significantly affected. A predominance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) versus archaea (AOA) was observed, while nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), dominated by Nitrospira, increased with fertigation. Our results demonstrate that fertilizer blends for NS containing recovered nutrients are a feasible alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Cost Assessment of Utilizing Bagasse to Grow Sugarcane Based on Nutrient Availability

This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department explores the potential of using bagasse, a dry and fibrous residue of sugarcane left after the sugar juice extraction, as a nutrient source to potentially reduce inorganic fertilizer inputs in the sugarcane production system. Information provided in this article will be useful to commercial sugarcane growers, crop consultants, and fertilizer manufacturers in helping them explore alternative fertilizer options. This paper provides important and timely information for the target audiences, considering the recent, rapid rise in fertilizer prices. Written by Jehangir H. Bhadha, Nan Xu, Naba R. Amgain, Abul Rabbany, Trent D. Blare, Fredy H. Ballen, and Stewart Swanson.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1121

Integration of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and ponska fertilizer as a soybean fertilization method that is adaptive to climate change

Climate change, such as altering rainfall patterns and increasing the risk of extreme droughts cause degradation of soil chemical properties, deficiency of soil nutrients and reduction of plant growths and productions. Therefore, an alternative strategy is necessary to overcome those issues. A method of appropriate fertilization was likely to be applied to conserve soil fertility and maintain sustainable plant growth which might benefit facing the issues. This study examined the integration fertilization between phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and PONSKA fertilizer on changes in soil chemical properties and plant growth under greenhouse conditions. The trial pot were applied using a completely factorial randomized design of two factors with three replication for each combined treatment. The first factor was PSB inoculation with three levels (B0=0. B1= 5 and B2 = 10 ml. plant-1) and the second one was PONSKA fertilizer application with three doses ( P1=100. P2=150. P3= 200 kg. ha-1). The results showed that neither the interaction treatments nor each factor significantly affect the soil pH-H2O and the total content of N and organic C. Each factor of PSB and PONSKA fertilizer, respectively, significantly affected available P content. A PSB level of 10 ml. plant-1 indicated the highest P content (15.5 ppm), while the PONSKA doses of 150 and 200 kg. ha-1 insignificantly affected but the availability of P content was higher that of P1 parameter. Even though, the single factor of PSB and PONSKA fertilizer significantly affected the shoot of dry weight, the level of roots, and the number of active root nodules, they were insignificantly affected the shoot/root ratio. Treatment of B1 and B2 showed an insignificant difference in the dry weight of roots (1.61 g plant-1) and active root nodules (55.23-62.31) but desired effects of those treatments were higher than that of B0 parameter. The treatment B2 yielded the highest dry weight of shoots. Moreover, the composite of PONSKA fertilizer and PONSKA dose of 150 (P1) and 200 kg ha-1 (P2) yielded the shoot dry weight, root dry weight and number of active root nodules higher than the P1 parameter. A combination of P2 and B1 results in 22.97 g. plant-1 of seed bean. Therefore, a PONSKA dose of 150 kg. ha-1 added by a PSB of 5 ml.plant-1 was likely to be an alternative fertilization method to cope the issues of climate change.

Alternative fertilization effects on peach and nectarine plant and fruit characteristics

Alternative fertilization effects on peach and nectarine plant and fruit characteristics

Effects of Liquid Organic Fertilizers and Boron Application on Growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Soilless Media

A study was conducted to determine the effects of liquid organic fertilizers as well as boron (B) application on growth of Solanum Lycopersicon (tomato) in soilless culture media which was using cocopeat as growth media. There were 16 treatments with 5 replications, including Controls (unapplied and AB fertilizer), liquid organic fertilizers (fish amino acid [FAA] and shrimp extract [SE]) and B application. Each experiment was carried out for 8 weeks arranging in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) as an experimental design. Data were analyzed and the differences between treatments mean were compared using Tukey HSD test with significant level (P<0.05). Results showed that the treatments were significantly affected the plant height (F15,368 = 12.51, P ≤0.001) and number of leaves (F15,368 = 19.14, P ≤0.001). This study proved that the application of liquid organic fertilizers (FAA and shrimp extract) and B application can contribute positive effects on plant growth for certain parameters only. However, they can also be used as an alternative fertilizer to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer.

Strategi Model Bisnis Startup Pupuk Berbasis Inovasi Limbah Ternak dan Cangkang Telur di Kabupaten Jember

The scarcity of fertilizers provides an opportunity for startup businesses to provide alternative organic fertilizers. PTC Organic is one of the pioneering business startups in producing alternative fertilizers that utilize livestock waste as the main ingredient in the form of egg shells, chicken bones, and beef bones that involve a series of processes so that they become available nutrients for plants. The research method used is descriptive-analytic using the Bussiness Model Canvas (BMC) method and SWOT analysis. The objectives of this research are 1) to map out the current PTC Organic business model using BMC, (2) to develop alternative business development strategies using the SWOT method. Internal and external factors include seven aspects of internal factors (Product, Price, Promotion, Business Location, Process, People, and Physical Evidence) and four aspects of external factors (Industrial Competitors, Suppliers, New Entrants, and Buyers). The results obtained are the position of Organic PTC is very profitable, namely in Quadrant I (0.3, 0.22). So anaggressive strategy in creating innovation and product development is necessary for the sustainability of PTC Organic's business.

Strategies for high nitrogen production and fertilizer value of plant‐based fertilizers

AbstractBackgroundOrganic vegetable production has a demand for alternative fertilizers to replace fertilizers from sources that are not organic, that is, typically animal‐based ones from conventional farming.AimsThe aim of this study was to develop production strategies of plant‐based fertilizers to maximize cumulative nitrogen (N) production (equal to N yield by green manure crops), while maintaining a low carbon‐to‐nitrogen (C:N) ratio, and to test the fertilizer value in organic vegetable production.MethodsThe plant‐based fertilizers consisted of the perennial green manure crops—alfalfa, white clover, red clover, and a mixture of red clover and ryegrass—and the annual green‐manure crops—broad bean, lupine, and pea. The crops were cut several times at different developmental stages. The harvested crops were used fresh or pelleted as fertilizers for field‐grown white cabbage and leek. The fertilizer value was tested with respect to biomass, N offtake, N recovery, and soil mineral N (Nmin). Poultry manure and an unfertilized treatment were used as controls.ResultsThe cumulative N production of the perennial green manure crops ranged from 300 to 640 kg N ha–1 year–1 when cut two to five times. The highest productions occurred at early and intermediate developmental stages, when cut three to four times. Annual green manure crops produced 110–320 kg N ha–1 year–1, since repeated cutting was restricted. The C:N ratio of the green manure crops was 8.5–20.5, and increased with developmental stage. The fertilizer value of green manure, as measured in white cabbage and leek, was comparable to animal‐based manure on the condition that the C:N ratio was low (<18). N recovery was 20%–49% for green manure and 29%–42% for poultry manure. A positive correlation was detected between soil Nmin and vegetable N offtake shortly after incorporating the green manure crops, indicating synchrony between N release and crop demand.ConclusionsPlant‐based fertilizers represent highly productive and efficient fertilizers that can substitute conventional animal‐based fertilizers in organic vegetable production.

Land use changes and economic effects of alternative fertilizer policies: A simulation analysis with a bio-economic model for a Tank Village of Sri Lanka

CONTEXTUntil May 2021, the policy regime of the Government of Sri Lanka was to import and provide chemical fertilizer at subsidized rates to small-holder farmers. On May 6, 2021, the government imposed a ban on import of chemical fertilizers and subsidy was directed to organic fertilizers. Due to heavy protests by the farming community, the import ban was lifted in November 2021. By that time, fertilizer prices in the world market had sharply escalated making chemical fertilizers quite an expensive source of nutrients. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this paper is to assess the implications of different fertilizer policy scenarios on land use, profitability, shadow prices of resources, and environmental damages in paddy, maize and vegetable- based cropping systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. METHODA bio-economic model was developed and simulated for five policy scenarios for the Mahakanumulla tank village in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka demonstrating (i) conventional agriculture, (ii) enhanced availability of organic fertilizers, (iii) removal of subsidy on chemical fertilizers, (iv) premium prices for chemical fertilizer free produce, and (v) a composite shock accommodating (ii), (iii) and (iv) above. The above simulations were run “with” and “without” water constraints to depict tank village systems and similar systems under major irrigation schemes respectively under varying limits of chemical fertilizers. Paddy, maize and vegetable, cultivated using two technologies, i.e., intensive use of chemical fertilizers and intensive use of organic fertilizers, were taken as decision variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results of the analysis showed that under the conventional agriculture scenario, paddy and maize cultivation was the preferred choice for profit maximizing farmers in the tank village. When chemical fertilizers were restricted, farmers abandoned paddy and maize cultivation. Chemical fertilizers were available in sufficient quantities, even without a subsidy, profits reduce only by 13.56%. Maximum returns from crop cultivation were reaped when chemical and organic fertilizers were available in sufficient quantities and a premium price for products cultivated with organic fertilizers is secured. The cost of restricting chemical fertilizer application is severe in agricultural systems where water is abundant. SIGNIFICANCEA policy environment that secures markets for chemical fertilizer free food products is needed to make cropping systems more financially and environmentally sustainable. Stringent restrictions on quantity limits on chemical fertilizers use can affect profitability of cropping systems with no significant gains in environmental quality.

Effects of long-term fertilization with contemporary Danish human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge on soil nematode abundance and community structure

It is desirable to recycle the urban waste products human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge as fertilizers to agricultural fields. This could minimize the use of NPK fertilizer, improve soil structure and store carbon. However, waste products may contain heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POP) and plastics, and there are concerns that long-term build-up of these substances will cause unwanted effects on soil health.Nematodes are ubiquitous and numerous in soil ecosystems. Abundance and community structure of soil nematodes can be used as indicators of soil health, as some species are vulnerable to pollution. There are well-developed methods for detecting environmental changes based on nematode community structure.At the long-term CRUCIAL field experiment, where alternative fertilizer products have been applied since 2003, we measured effects of long-term fertilization with human urine, composted household waste and sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter and nitrogen availability), abundance of soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, small protozoa and ciliates) and nematode trophic groups compared to plots with unfertilized, NPK and cattle manure treatment. Sampling and assessments were done three times during a growth season. Further, we assessed the composition of nematode communities using metabarcoding.Treatments with a high input of organic matter (cattle manure, composted household waste and sewage sludge) had high abundances of bacteria and thus bacterial grazers (small protozoa, ciliates, and bacterial feeding nematodes). We found a significant correlation between nematode community structure and pH and organic matter. We calculated the nematode Maturity Index 2–5 (pollution indicator) based on metabarcoding data, which did not differ significantly between the treatments.We conclude that long-term fertilization with different types of contemporary Danish urban waste products affects both soil properties and abundance of soil organisms, the latter largely reflecting the organic matter input of the fertilizer treatments. We found no adverse effect on nematode communities that could indicate pollution-induced stress on nematofauna or decreased soil fertility.

Fluoride accumulation characteristics in a northern China apple orchard that has had long-term phosphate fertilization

Phosphate fertilizer can cause fluoride accumulation in the soil and excessive fluoride poses potential risks to soil and food crop safety. However, the effects of fertilization on soil and fruit fluoride accumulations through long-term positioning trials, especially in high-fertilizer application situations such as apple orchards, have received little attention. To close this knowledge gap, we conducted a field experiment to demonstrate the effects among five long-term (13-year) fertilizer treatments on fluoride accumulations at different soil depths and in the fruits of an apple orchard in Baishui, Shaanxi, China. The five treatments included no fertilization (CK); manure application (M); nitrogen and phosphate fertilization (NP); nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization (NPK); and groundcover with nitrogen and phosphate fertilization (GNP). The results confirmed that all phosphate fertilizer treatments (NP, NPK, and GNP) had significant increases in total fluoride (TF) and water-soluble fluoride (WF) accumulations in the topsoil (0–20 cm). Among the phosphate fertilizer treatments, NP topsoil accumulated the most TF and WF, 79.4 and 7.7 mg kg−1 more than CK, respectively, and an average annual TF increase of 6 mg kg−1. However, the M treatment both experienced reduced fluoride content in the topsoil and had TF and WF contents 8.1 and 0.67 mg kg−1 lower than CK, respectively. There was no significant difference between all fertilizer treatments and CK in apple fluoride content. Furthermore, TF and WF accumulated mainly in the topsoil and the differences in soil fluoride content among the treatments decreased with soil depth. These findings showed that long-term phosphate fertilization increases the risk of fluoride accumulation in orchard topsoil. Altogether, these results improve the understanding of the characterization of soil and fruit fluoride accumulations in apple orchards under long-term fertilizer conditions and provide new insights into the use of manure as a possible alternative fertilization strategy that reduces fluoride accumulation.

Coffee Plants' Endomycorrhizae Potential to increase the growth and nutrient uptake of Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) under Field Condition

Inorganic fertilizers utilization is the most common way to increase plant productivity. However, the intensive use of organic fertilizer can harm the environment. Therefore, alternative fertilization by utilizing soil microorganisms to provide plant nutrients is needed. Endomycorrhizae is known as a microorganism that can increase the availability of nutrients and plant growth. This study aimed to determine the potential of endomycorrhizae to increase the growth of arabica coffee seedlings under field conditions. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 5 replications was used with four treatments, i.e., (P0) control: without endomycorrhizae and fertilizer, (P1) inorganic fertilizer: NPK recommended dose for seedlings nine months after sowing (N 184 kg/ha, P2O5 72 kg/ha, and K2O 120 kg/ha from 400kg/ha urea, 200 kg/ha SP-36, and 200 kg/ha KCl, respectively), (P2) endomycorrhizae: 1:1 (w/w basis) endomycorrhizal inoculum-planting medium, and (P3) endomycorrhizae + organic fertilizer: 1:1 (w/w basis) endomycorrhizal inoculum-planting medium with the addition of chicken manure at a dose of 10 tons/ha. The results showed that endomycorrhizae could increase the growth of arabica coffee seedlings by increasing plant height, plant dry weight, and plant N, P, and K uptake by 15.4%, 23.3%, 52.5%, 90.8%, and 75.6%, respectively compared to the control with 67,5% of root colonization at 16 weeks after transplanting (WAT). In conclusion, endomycorrhizae can potentially increase the growth of arabica coffee seedlings under field conditions.

The Effects of Insect Frass Fertilizer and Biochar on the Shoot Growth of Chicory and Plantain, Two Forage Herbs Commonly Used in Multispecies Swards

Livestock farmers are seeking ways to lower their environmental footprints by reducing inputs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing carbon sequestration. To meet these objectives, farmers are investigating the value of diverse multispecies grazing swards and various organic by-products as alternative fertilizers and soil amendments. This study investigated the effects of HexaFrass™ [HexaFly, Meath, Ireland], an insect frass based organic fertilizer, and biochar, a form of charcoal, on the shoot dry matter accumulation of two forage plants, chicory and ribwort plantain. Under glasshouse conditions, HexaFrass™ generally increased the shoot growth of both chicory and plantain, although these positive effects were lost if an excessive amount of HexaFrass™ was applied, or the growing medium was already nutrient-rich. Importantly, it was found that HexaFrass™ also increased the re-growth of shoots after cutting, which is vital for plants that are destined to be successfully used in grazing or silage swards. Biochar had a less obvious effect on the shoot dry matter accumulation, although there was some evidence of a synergy between biochar and HexaFrass™, which caused an additional increase in the shoot growth. The results indicate that frass-based fertilizers could play a role in low-input mixed swards, whereas the potential of biochar as a soil amendment in these grazing systems requires further research.

PRODUCTION AND EXPORT OF CEREALS AND LEGUMES UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE MILITARY

The full-scale war that the russian federation has unleashed against Ukraine has caused a humanitarian and economic catastrophe that is spreading beyond our country. One of the most tragic consequences of this war is the strengthening of the global problem of hunger. The article examines the state and prospects of grain export from Ukraine to foreign markets according to the data of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine during martial law. The main volume of supplies of grain and leguminous crops during the 2022 marketing year has been determined. Based on the analysis of the received data, it was established that the war in Ukraine caused the stoppage or damage of many domestic agricultural enterprises. It was determined that significant negatives were created in the logistics of their supply, both within the country and abroad. The impact of russian aggression on the prospects of supplying Ukrainian grain to the global and domestic food market is proven. A well-founded assumption is made that, as a result of military actions, the reduction of the export of Ukrainian grain products causes an unprecedented increase in food prices on the world market and the aggravation of the global problem of hunger in the world. However, the actual food reserves and planned volumes of agricultural production of our state are sufficient to provide the population with grain. It is noted that the restoration of domestic exports, as in pre-war times, in the proper volume is possible only under the condition of a complete cessation of hostilities, since the possibilities of logistics of transport communications on land routes are insignificant. The relevance of the researched data is reinforced by the implementation of an applied study carried out at the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry of the Vinnytsia National Agrarian University at the expense of the state budget on the topic: «Development of methods for improving the technology of growing legumes using biofertilizers, bacterial preparations, foliar feeding and physiologically active substances» (state registration number 0120U102034). A system for the purchase of alternative fertilizers is proposed, which will stimulate income to local budgets due to the additional expansion of the production of recommended biological preparations by regional farms. This, in turn, will stimulate the creation of additional jobs in the field of biological support, increase the overall ecological orientation of cultivation technologies and ensure the ecological stability of agricultural territories. This event will contribute to the effective European integration of Ukraine and the general improvement of the quality of the grown products, which will meet world standards in the field of organic and biological agriculture. Ultimately, this will contribute to the successful processes of stabilization of agricultural production in the post-war period and will guarantee obtaining appropriate levels of production at significantly lower levels of costs.

Effect of Various Organic Fertilisers on Phosphorus Mineralisation, Use Efficiency and Maize Yield

When soils are phosphorus (P) deficient, external sources in the form of fertilisers have to be applied to increase crop yields. The world depends on mined sources for P fertilisers, and recent reports indicate that an increase in the human population has led to rising demand for P fertilisers, making its future supply uncertain. A low supply of chemical P fertilisers may lead to food insecurity. Although the efficacy of organic sources of P is unclear, organic waste materials containing P can potentially replace inorganic P sources. Previously, organic fertilisers have been used to supply N and even P, but the application rates were mostly N based, resulting in inconsistent and comparable results. This research was conducted to understand P mineralisation and the availability of the P-based organic fertilisers. The results showed that available P in the soil at 3 weeks accounted for 50%, 6 weeks accounted for 49%, and 9 weeks counted for 46% of the maize yield. The organic P sources maintained soil available P above the threshold available P value in Malawi. The P sources did not affect the maize P use efficiency (PUE). The results indicate that organic P sources could be used as an alternative fertiliser for maize production in Malawi.

Determining the Effects of Compost Substitution on Carbon Sequestration, Greenhouse Gas Emission, Soil Microbial Community Changes, and Crop Yield in a Wheat Field.

Compost produced by straw and livestock and poultry manure under the action of micro-organisms is one of the main forms of organic alternative fertilizers at present. The present study explored the effects of compost substitution on soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil microbial community changes, and wheat yield to determine the best substitution ratio for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and soil microbial community changes and increasing wheat yield. Using the single-factor randomized block trial design, four treatments were employed, the characteristics of greenhouse gas emission, yield and yield components, and the changes of soil microbial community under different compost substitution ratio in the whole wheat growing season were determined by static box-gas chromatography. During the wheat season, both CO2 and N2O emissions were reduced, whereas CH4 emission was increased. That all treatments reduced the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) in wheat season compared with T0. Compost substitution can alleviate the global warming potential to some extent. Under the condition of compost substitution, the wheat yield under T2 and T3 increased significantly compared with that under the control; however, the spike number and 1000-grain weight did not differ significantly among the treatments. When compost replacement was 30%, the yield was the highest. Under different ratios of compost substitution, the microbial communities mainly comprised Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia. The soil microbial community structure differed mainly due to the difference in the compost substitution ratio and was clustered into different groups. In conclusion, to achieve high wheat yield and low greenhouse gas emissions, compost replacement of 30% is the most reasonable means for soil improvement and fertilization.

Decomposition of Rapeseed Green Manure and Its Effect on Soil under Two Residue Return Levels

The overuse of chemical fertilizers has caused various ecological problems in China, necessitating the development of organic alternative fertilizers. There are few studies on the rapidly emerging organic fertilizer rapeseed green manure, despite the importance of understanding its decomposition efficiency and impact on soil. In this study, using plant residue from 14 rapeseed cultivars, we examined the 30-day decomposition changes under conditions A and B (150 and 300 g of plant residue returned, respectively) and detected the effects of their decomposition on soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and microorganisms. Under condition B, the 30-day cumulative decomposition and nutrient release rates of rapeseed were higher than those under condition A, and the rapeseed decomposition rate exceeded 50% under both conditions, which is similar to results in legume green fertilizers. Moreover, the decomposition of rapeseed green manure significantly increased the soil nutrient content and effectively improved the soil bacterial community structure and diversity relative to the original soil, especially under condition B. Thiobacillus, Azotobacter, and Pseudomonas are bacteria that responded to plant decomposition, and the abundance of the three bacterial genera after plant decomposition was significantly correlated with the plant decomposition traits and soil nutrient content. In conclusion, rapeseed green manure has potential to offset the use of chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and this study provides a reference for such green fertilization measures.