Application Of Farmyard Manure Research Articles

Carbon Accumulation in Arable Soils: Mechanisms and the Effect of Cultivation Practices and Organic Fertilizers

The organic carbon content of soils is a key parameter of soil fertility. Moreover, carbon accumulation in soils may mitigate the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration. The principles of carbon accumulation in arable soils are well known. The inclusion of clover/alfalfa/grass within the rotation is a central instrument to increase soil organic carbon. In addition, the regular application of rotted or composted farmyard manure within the rotation can increase soil organic carbon contents much more than the separate application of straw and cattle slurry. Humic substances, as a main stable part of soil organic carbon, play a central role in the accumulation of soil carbon. A major effect of compost application on soil carbon may be the introduction of stable humic substances which may bind and stabilize labile organic carbon compounds such as amino acids, peptides, or sugars. From this point of view, a definite soil carbon saturation index may be misleading. Besides stable composts, commercially available humic substances such as Leonardite may increase soil organic carbon contents by stabilization of labile C sources in soil.

Nitrogen Availability and Use Efficiency in Wheat Crop as Influenced by the Organic-Input Quality Under Major Integrated Nutrient Management Systems.

PurposeOne of the serious constraints for the integration of organics in soil fertility plans is the release and availability of nitrogen (N) to match the critical growth stages of a crop. The interplay between organic amendment characteristics and soil moisture conditions can significantly affect the nutrient release and availability, especially for dryland crops like wheat. In this study, the effects of integrated nutrient management strategies using diverse qualities of organic amendments on daily N mineralization and its availability to plants during the full growing season of the wheat crop were analyzed in a 10-year experiment.MethodsThe management included (1) F, inorganic fertilizers at 100% rate, compared to a reduced rate of inorganic fertilizers (55% N) supplemented with organic inputs via (2) GM, green manuring, (3) LE, legume cropping and its biomass recycling, (4) WS, wheat stubble retention, (5) RS, rice stubble retention, and (6) FYM, farmyard manure application, during the preceding rice season. Ion exchange resin (IER) membrane strips were used as plant root simulators to determine daily NH4+-N and NO3–-N availability in soil solution during the full wheat growing period.ResultsTotal available N for the full season was in the following order: GM (962 μg cm–2) > F (878 μg cm–2) > LE (872 μg cm–2) > FYM (865 μg cm–2) > RS (687 μg cm–2) > WS (649 μg cm–2). No significant differences were observed in NH4+-N availability throughout the cropping period as compared to NO3–-N which showed significant differences among management at critical crop growth stages.ConclusionLegume biomass incorporation (GM, LE) and farmyard manure (FYM) based management provided the most consistent supply equivalent to or even exceeding 100% inorganic fertilizers at several critical stages of growth, especially at tillering and stem elongation. Integration of organics in management increased nitrogen use efficiency 1.3–2.0 times, with cereal crop residue-based management having the highest efficiency followed by legume biomass incorporation.

Bamboo‐based agroforestry system effects on soil fertility: Ginger performance in the bamboo subcanopy in the Himalayas (India)

AbstractAn on‐farm bamboo intercropping study was conducted near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. It uses a split‐plot design with two bamboo species (Dendrocalamus asper and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii) and an open field condition as main plots, under which ginger (Zingiber officinale) was grown at five nutrient levels supplied through chemical fertilizers and organic sources (subplots). In the intercropping with bamboo species, ginger yield increased by 10.5–15.6% in comparison to the open field condition. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) based on N equivalent ratio showed the best (P ≤ .05) yield response of ginger (rhizome length, 7.65 cm; yield, 4,028 kg ha−1). Photoactive radiation was reduced by 60% under the bamboo canopy. Simultaneously, higher soil moisture (%) content was noticed for D. asper. Various soil physico‐chemical properties (top 0–15 cm) were significantly higher in the FYM treatment under D. asper than under D. hamiltonii or sole ginger cropping. Maximum returns (3,595.67 US$ ha−1 yr−1) were realized when the ginger crop was raised under the canopy of D. asper and supplied with FYM on N equivalent ratio + plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria. Overall, the results establish that ginger production in the northwest Himalayan region of India is a viable use of land resources for improved economic returns.

Long-term effect of crops and fertilization on soil eco-chemical state

Abstract The study on long-term effects of various crops and fertilization practices on soil eco-chemical state was performed in the complex of Planosols at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW experimental station in Skierniewice. The study covered three experiments – Ex-1 (established in 1923; no organic fertilization, cereals as a crop), Ex-2 (established in 1992; farmyard manure application every 4 years, cereals as a crop) and Ex-3 (established in 1975; no organic fertilization, blueberries as a crop). Additionally, each experiment covered three mineral fertilization options, including no fertilization, NPK and CaNPK. Soil samples were taken from A-horizons in 2017 and analysed using standard procedures. The results demonstrate considerable influence of crops and fertilization practices on soil eco-chemical state. Both mineral and organic fertilizers positively affected sorptive capacity as compared to control and modified ionic composition of soil sorption complex. Lower exchangeable acidity and higher sum of exchangeable basis and base saturation were noted in fertilized soils and cereals as a crop as compared to controls. Under blueberries there was observed strong acidification of the soil, in particular in combination with NPK fertilizers, as evidenced by the highest exchangeable acidity, hydrolytic acidity, and the lowest base saturation. Liming partially neutralized acidifying effect of blueberries. Fertilization and crops also strongly influenced buffering capacity of the soils. Extremely low ability to neutralize acidic ions was noted in unfertilized soils, whereas the highest at plots fertilized with Ca. The highest ability to neutralize alkaline ions was typical for NPK fertilized soils under blueberries.

Chemical components of essential oils and biological activities of the aqueous extract of Anethum graveolens L. grown under inorganic and organic conditions

BackgroundIn sustainable agriculture, the use of farmyard manure (FYM) is of great interest to environmental security and is effective as a good nitrogen source for sustainable crop production. Therefore, determining the effective doses of FYM that will be an alternative to chemical fertilizers, is also important to improve soil fertility and produce healthy products. This study aimed to determine the effects of FYM and ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilizers on the biological value and essential oil content of dill (Anethum graveolens L.).MethodsDifferent doses FYM (7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 t ha−1) and AN (30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) were applied by sowing and compared to a control group (no manure). We evaluated the chemical constituents as well as the biological activities of dill herbs and seeds growing at various doses of FYM and AN fertilizers.ResultsThe most abundant components of essential oils were found to be dill apiole (11.96 ± 0.83 and 18.65 ± 1.89%) and carvotanacetone (15.90 ± 2.34 and 21.76 ± 1.62%) in the leaves and seeds, respectively. Limonene (9.01 ± 1.11%), 4-isopropyltoluen (8.24 ± 0.89%), dill ether (9.13 ± 1.12%) and mycrene (7.44 ± 0.68%) were major essential oils components in herbs. The highest concentration of the essential oil components was determined as 12.5–15 t ha−1 in FYM and 90 AN applications. From the effective concentration (EC50) of the samples, it was seen that 60 kg ha−1 AN infusion, 120 kg ha−1 AN decoction as well as 7.5 t ha−1 FYM and 10 t ha−1 FYM essential oils had the highest DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity as shown by the lowest value of EC50 compared to the control. Although the antioxidant activities of the samples were significantly lower than those of the reference antioxidant gallic acid, it was evident that they did show the antioxidative potential for hydrogen and a single electron donor activities, thus could serve as free radical scavengers, and act as reductant. In particular, the highest total phenolic content (18.36 ± 0.35 mg g−1) was found in the infusion extract after applying the 60 kg ha−1 AN fertilizer. Essential oils extracted from the seeds also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest antibacterial activity against all tested microbial species was observed with the 10 t ha−1 FYM application.ConclusionThe findings of the study suggest that the application of FYM has promising effects on dill leaf, seed, and herb and can be considered as a suitable substitute for chemical fertilizers when growing dill, a plant with increasing importance and demand.

60 years of fertilization and liming impacts on soil organic carbon stabilization in a sub-tropical Alfisol.

Limited information is available on the C stabilization mechanism of tropical soils under different management practices including long-term organic manuring, mineral fertilization alone, or in combination with lime. Hence, to understand the effect of continuous application (for 60 years) of organic manure, fertilizer, and lime alone or in combination on an acidic Alfisol, stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC) was evaluated under maize (Zea mays L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping. There were eight treatments that included farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen (N) applied in terms of FYM, additional dose of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applied in terms of inorganic fertilizer (FYM + P'K'), FYM + P'K' with liming (FYM + P'K' + L) and NPK alone. These treatments were laid in a randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that FYM + P'K' plots had maximum amount of SOC inside large macroaggregates. The value was 33 and 92% greater than only minerally fertilized (NPK) and unfertilized control plots, respectively, whereas microaggregate-associated C was highest in plots with FYM + P'K' and lime (FYM + P'K' + L), which was 48 and 183% more than unfertilized control and NPK plots, respectively. Inside soil microaggregates, plots under FYM + P'K' had highest labile C, while NPK + L plots had highest recalcitrant C. Plots with organic amendments contained higher glomalin in large macroaggregates. Plots treated with FYM + P'K' had maximum intra-aggregate particulate organic matter within microaggregates inside macroaggregates (iPOM_mM), which was 28 and 74% higher than NPK and unfertilized control plots, respectively. Total C stock inside the protected microaggregates within macroaggregates was maximum for FYM + P'K' plots. It had 38, 67, and 171% higher C stock than NPK, FYM, and unfertilized control plots, respectively. Interestingly, despite estimated C input in FYM-treated plots was much higher than NPK plots, FYM-treated plots had less C stabilization within microaggregates and within microaggregates inside macroaggregates. Microaggregates within macroaggregates accounted for ~54% of the recalcitrant C content. Thus, macroaggregates stabilization through occlusion of microaggregates was accountable for sequestration of SOC and only FYM application did not promote that mechanism compared to NPK. Carbon stabilization within macroaggregates under FYM plots was mainly governed by amorphous iron oxide.

Farmyard manure application increases spikelet fertility and grain yield of lowland rice on phosphorus-deficient and cool-climate conditions in Madagascar highlands

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major yield constraint for lowland rice production in the tropics. As P-fertilizer resources are finite, alternative fertilizer management is needed for sustainable rice production. We examined whether farmyard manure (FYM), a major nutrient source for smallholder farms, can overcome issue in typical P-deficient lowlands in the central highlands of Madagascar. A multi-location trial in sites varying in altitude and soil P availability, clarified that the effect of both FYM and mineral P fertilizer application on grain yield greatly increased at higher elevation and when the soil oxalate-extractable P content was <100 mg kg−1. The yield increase was attributable to improved grain fertility, probably because FYM and mineral P applications decreased days to flowering and avoided low temperatures at late growth stages. Nutrient uptake assessment clarified that despite its relatively low P content, FYM had an equivalent effect on plant P uptake to those of mineral P fertilizer. We concluded that FYM application was effective in low-P availability soils at high altitude, as alternative of mineral P fertilizer. Further monitoring is required to assess the effect of consecutive FYM use on grain yield and plant nutrient uptake in the context of cold stress induced by P deficiency.

Zinc fractions and Barley productivity under zinc fertilization and sodic irrigation water management

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of different residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water, farmyard manure (FYM) and different levels of zinc fertilization on different zinc fractions of soil, yield attributes and yield of barley in loamy sand soil under semi-arid climatic conditions. The three levels of RSC of irrigation water (2.5, 5 and 10 mmol/ L), two levels of FYM (control and 15 t/ha) and four levels of zinc (control, 15, 30 and 45 kg ZnSO4/ha) were evaluated on barley production in split plots design. Results indicated that application of high RSC irrigation water (10 mmol/ L) significantly reduced the different fractions of soil Zn (except Occ-Zn), plant height, total and effective tillers, test weight and yield of barley during both the years, while 5 mmol/L of RSC irrigation level found at par with 2.5 mmol/L. Application of FYM significantly increased the different Zn fractions in soil (except Occluded- Zn) as well as yield attributes, grain and straw yield of barley. The increasing level of zinc application significantly increased the different fractions of soil Zn (except Occ-Zn), available soil Zn, yield attributes and yield of barley. It was observed that the grain yield of barley positive and significantly correlated with different fractions of Zn, viz. DTPA-Zn (r=0.888), Ads-Zn (r=0.525), Occ-Zn (r = 0.670), OC-Zn (r = 0.948) and Res-Zn (r = 0.923). The optimum dose of zinc for barley computed as 37.6 kg / ha ZnSO4 with corresponding optimum yield of 4365 kg/ha.

Soil Test-Based Optimum Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply for Attaining Targeted Yield of Finger Millet in Mollisols of Northern India

A field study on soil test-based optimum integrated plant nutrients supply based on soil test crop response (STCR) approach was conducted during 2016–2017 in Mollisols of Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The objective of the study was to develop fertilizer recommendation equation for the desired yield target of finger millet crop. The basic parameters, namely nutrients required for producing one quintal of grain, contribution of nutrients from soil, fertilizers, and farm yard manure (FYM), were estimated from the field experimental data to develop fertilizer prescription equations under integrated plant nutrition supply system. It was observed that response of finger millet to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers was higher when integrated with FYM application as compared to NPK alone. The contribution of N, P and K from FYM @ 5 t ha−1 was 21.84, 4.56 and 56.84%, respectively. The fertilizers N, P and K required for producing a yield target of 40 q ha−1 were 33.74, 6.04 and 24.27 kg ha−1, when applied along with 5.0 t ha−1 FYM based on soil test values of 125, 15 and 125 kg ha−1 of KMnO4-N, Olsen-P and NH4OAc-K, respectively. When N, P and K fertilizers were combined with FYM (5.0 t ha−1), the savings in fertilizer inputs were 24.4, 18.8 and 45.2% over NPK alone, respectively. Per cent reduction in NPK fertilizers under FYM also increased with increasing soil fertility levels with reference to NPK. A ready reckoner of fertilizer prescription was developed for a range of soil test values and targeted yield of finger millet for inorganic fertilizer with and without FYM.

Organik Materyal Kullanımının Alkali Bir Toprağın Bazı Islah Göstergeleri Üzerine Etkisi

Alkali soils are infertile for plant growing because of containing high amounts of exchangeable sodium and high pH values and exhibit poor physical, chemical and biological properties. However, it is possible to improve them with appropriate diagnosis and reclamation methods. In this study, the efficiency of the combined application of farmyard manure (FYM), beer factory sludge (BFS), chicken manure (CM) and gypsum in alkali soil reclamation was investigated. The study was conducted in randomized complete parcels with three replications in 33 PVC colons. Gypsum and organic materials were added as follows:1. 100 gypsum requirement ; (GR), 2. 50 % GR,3. 50 % GR + 1 % FYM, 4. 50 % GR + 2 % FYM 5. 50 % GR + 4 % FYM, 6. 50 % GR + 1% BFS, 7. 50 % GR + 2 % BFS, 8. 50 % GR + 4 % BFS 9. 50 % GR + 1 % CM, 10. 50 % GR + 2 % CM, 11. 50 % GR + 4 % CM. The results revealed that the application of gypsum and organic materials to alkali soil caused significant changes in pH, EC, ESP, and SAR values considered as reclamation parameters. Farmyard manure was partially more effective than other organic materials in reducing ESP. As application levels of the organic materials considered, 4% doses of BFS, FYM and CM were more effective than other doses to decrease alkalinity.

Investigating the effect of farmyard manure on clay soil compactibility

One of the important factors that can control and decrease soil compaction is incorporation farmyard manure to the soil. It increases soil elasticity and soil tolerance to the imported load. To evaluate the farmyard manure effect on the soil compaction, it was incorporated in the clay soil at different rates of 0, 45, 60, and 90 Mg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;. Tests were conducted at different tire passes of 1, 6, 11 and 16 on the same track at three soil moisture contents of 8%, 11% and 14% (dry base); soil bulk density was measured at depths of 10, 20, and 30 cm. To evaluate soil compaction, cylindrical cores were employed to measure the soil bulk density. To assess soil behavior during the soil compaction process, three displacement transducers were placed in the soil in three coordinate directions of x, y and z. The soil volumetric change was measured using the transducers and soil sinkage was also measured. A single-wheel tester was used in a soil bin with a Barez 8.25-16 (8) P.R HLF agricultural tractor tire operated at a forward velocity of 0.8 m s&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; under a vertical load of 4 kN and an inflation pressure of 300 kPa. Incorporating the farmyard manure noticeably decreased the final vertical and longitudinal displacement below the tire track, while the lateral displacement increased. Bulk density decrements of 14.7%, 9.7% and 6.3% were occurred via farmyard manure application rates of 90, 60 and 45 Mg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. Maximum soil sinkage occurred at 14% moisture, 16 passes of tire and with no manure condition.

Short‐term effects of combined organic amendments on soil organic carbon sequestration in a rain‐fed winter wheat system

AbstractOrganic input is a widely recognized amendment for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and soil quality improvement. A short‐term (2‐yr) field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of green manure (GM) planting, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw return and farmyard manure application, and their interactions on SOC sequestration in a rain‐fed winter wheat system in Northwest China. Ten combinations of two cultivation practices, conventional wheat monoculture (G0) and green manure–winter wheat rotation (G), and five fertilization methods during the wheat season: (a) no basal fertilization (B0), (b) basal chemical fertilization (B), (c) basal chemical fertilization plus wheat straw return (B + S), (d) basal chemical fertilization plus manure application (B + M) and (e) basal chemical fertilization plus wheat straw return and manure application (B + S+ M) were tested. Compared with their controls, M, S, and G increased the SOC stock in the 0‐to‐10‐cm soil layer by an average of 20.7, 6.8, and 6.3%, respectively, and increased in the 10‐to‐20‐cm soil layer by an average of 15.8, 4.7, and 6.6%, respectively. Manure exhibited a 55.9% carbon sequestration efficiency (CSE) in the 0‐to‐20‐cm soil layer, followed by GM and wheat straw which exhibited CSEs of 27.7 and 19.3%, respectively. Nevertheless, combinations of G, M, and S, increased the SOC stock in cumulative manners without significant interactions. Positive relationships (P &lt; .05) existed between the SOC sequestration and cumulative C input in both G0 and G. Therefore, G, S, and M, and their combinations were all effective for SOC sequestration in this cropping system. The G + M+ S was optimal for promoting SOC sequestration over the short term.

Effects of biochar, farm manure, and pressmud on mineral nutrients and cadmium availability to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Cd-contaminated soil.

The contamination of agricultural soils with cadmium (Cd) is one of the serious worldwide concerns for food security. Biochar and organic manures have been known for enhancing plant growth and minimizing toxic trace element stress in plants. However, less is known about the effect of different organic amendments on Cd and uptake of essential nutrients by wheat. Thus, the effects of rice straw biochar (RSB), maize stalk biochar (MSB), farmyard manure (FYM), and pressmud (PRM) at a rate of 1% w/w were tested for Cd immobilization in soil and mineral nutrient availability to wheat crop grown in Cd-spiked soil (6.0mg kg1 ). The amendments were added in Cd-spiked soil before 12 days of seed sowing and wheat plants were harvested after maturity (115 days after sowing). The findings revealed that the use of amendments improved the number of grains per spike, straw and grain yield of wheat relative to control treatment. The treatments minimized the Cd and enhanced the contents of zinc (Zn), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the leaves and grain of the wheat plants. Cadmium concentrations decreased by 35, 38, 68, and 63% in wheat grain, and grain yield increased by 19, 31, 68, and 58% with the application of FYM, PRM, MSB, and RSB, respectively. Overall, the application of MSB was more efficient in decreasing Cd concentrations in leaf and grains of wheat as compared to other conventional organic amendments.

The Growth, productivity and nutritional status of Salicornia brachiata Roxb. cultivated in saline soils supplemented with organic manures under sea water irrigation

Halophytic crops are being explored for their nutritional, culinary, oilseed, forage/ feed crop, medicinal, and wastewater treatment potential. Along the Palk Bay region, a short term field experiment was conducted at coastal inlands of Kattumavadi village of Puthukottai district, Tamilnadu during the monsoon season of 2017 to evaluate the cultivation potential of Salicornia brachiata Roxb. in coastal sandy loam soil supplemented with different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and halophytic compost (HC) irrigated with seawater. Observations recorded in the present study clearly indicated that supplemental fertilizers can play a vital role in the restoration of soil fertility, particularly in terms of available nitrogen and organic carbon in saline soils. HC treated plants showed increased biomass production (3240 Kg ha-1) at 60 DAP compared to control and other treatments. The application of FYM @ 2 ton ha-1 and HC @ 1 ton ha-1 significantly enhanced dry matter production and the proximate analysis exhibited less variation in total phenols and ascorbic acid with the increase in the rates of manure applications.

Decay Kinetics of Enzymes as Influenced by Manuring Under Varying Hydrothermal Regimes in a Wheat–Maize Cropping System of Subtropical Cambisols in India

This study highlighted the impact of different organic manuring on the decay kinetics and temperature sensitivity (Q10) of three enzymes viz. dehydrogenase (DHA), fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDA) and β-glucosidase (GLU) under varying hydrothermal regimes in the subtropical Cambisols in India. We hypothesised that along with organics, water content and temperature will also affect enzyme activities. Soil samples were collected from five treatments, viz., control, 100% nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), vermicompost, compost and farmyard manure (FYM)–treated plots in an on-going maize-wheat field experiment, and were incubated at 25 and 35 °C temperatures and 0.033 and 0.1 MPa soil water contents. Activities of all enzymes were found higher in organic-treated plots than NPK-treated plots throughout the incubation period due to higher substrates and energy supply. At constant water content, the increased temperature significantly increased the decay rates of all the enzymes owing to dissolution and diffusion of carbon substrates towards active sites of enzymes. However, at a specified temperature, water stress decreased the decay rates in vermicompost- and compost-treated soils but increased in FYM-treated soils, indicating a significant influence of soil amendments on the decay kinetics due to specific microbial adaptation mechanisms and substrate biochemistry of FYM. The Q10 values of DHA and FDA increased by ~ 59 and 46%, respectively but that of GLU decreased by ~ 44% with declining water content due to their capacity to degrade diverse substrates in the soils. FYM application could be beneficial for nutrient mineralisation under adverse conditions to support plant nutrient demand.

The Effect of Farmyard Manure and Mineral Fertilizers on Sugar Beet Beetroot and Top Yield and Soil Chemical Parameters

In order to recommend the dose of fertilization for sugar beet under currently unstable weather conditions, we analysed beetroot and top yields, sugar content (SC), and the effect of fertilization on soil chemistry over a three-year period (2016–2018). All three years were characterized by different weather conditions. The year 2016 was very warm and very dry. The year 2017 was warm with normal precipitation. The year 2018 was extraordinary warm and very dry. We compared the following ten fertilization treatments: unfertilized control, farmyard manure (FYM), mineral fertilizers NPK1–4, and FYM + NPK1–4. The applications of FYM, NPK, and FYM + NPK resulted in significantly higher yields of beetroots and tops as compared with the control, while no significant differences were recorded among FYM, NPK, and FYM + NPK treatments. The SC was not affected by the fertilization. The application of NPK resulted in a lower pH value, while the highest values were recorded for the control and FYM treatments. The application of FYM + NPK increased the content of organic carbon (Corg) in the soil, the total content of nitrogen (Ntot), and P and K concentrations. According to the results of the linear-plateau model, the recommended dose of N is 112 kg ha−1, corresponding to a beetroot yield of 66 t ha−1.

Pregled hranljivih potencijala kompostiranog komunalnog otpada za upotrebu u poljoprivredi

The article reviewed the application of compost to the plants in providing essential macro-nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and Phosphorus (P), and micro-nutrients, ie. Iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Boron (B) and enhances microbial activity. Nutrients are released slowly due to strong association of compost with organic matter. This property makes compost an excellent alternative to inorganic fertilizers as leaching and volatilization losses are reduced. Over-reliance on the use of chemical fertilizers has been associated with declines in soil physical and chemical properties and crop yield, and significant land problems, such as soil degradation due to over exploitation of land and soil pollution caused by high application rates of fertilizers and pesticide application. The reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and supplementing the same through organic manure such as urban compost, otherwise known as municipal solid waste (MSW), Farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), etc., become necessary to sustain productivity, profitability and to maintain soil health. Application of FYM is practiced for many years but it has become scarce due to scanty population of livestock, therefore urban compost is one of the alternative sources of organic manure.

Modeling the effects of farming management practices on soil organic carbon stock under two tillage practices in a semi-arid region, Morocco

Farming management practices are of paramount importance for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in carbon (C) cycling at different scales. However, due to a lack of proper methodologies, estimating the impacts of different soil management practices on overall SOC stock remains inadequately quantified. In this paper, a process-based model, Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC), was validated on midterm (9 years) and employed depending on the local climate, soil and management conditions, to assess the impacts of alternative management practices on SOC stock under two tillage systems, in a semi-arid region of Morocco. Validated results showed a good agreement between model simulated and observed values, based on the normalized root mean square error (RMSE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r). This agreement indicates that the DNDC model could capture patterns and magnitudes changes across the climate zone, soil type, and management practices. Modeled results pointed out that, under no-tillage practice (NT), the SOC content increased by 30% compared to conventional tillage (CT). During the simulated period (9 years), the SOC sequestration potential (CSP) has been greatly improved with increased crop residue rate and application of farmyard manure (FY-manure). This increase ranged from 415 kg C/ha to 1787 kg C/ha under NT practice, and from 150 kg C/ha to 818 kg C/ha under CT system. In contrast, increasing fertilizer rate had low to negligible effect on SOC stock. On the other hand, CSP declined by 107–335 kg C/ha and by 177–354 kg C/ha under NT and CT practices respectively, when decreasing N-fertilizer rates. In light of these results, an increase in crop residue rate returned at surface after harvest and application of organic fertilizer, especially under NT practice, can substantially improve SOC stock in a semi-arid region.

Maize Growth in Response to Beneficial Microbes, Humic Acid and Farmyard Manure Application

Maize Growth in Response to Beneficial Microbes, Humic Acid and Farmyard Manure Application

­­­­­­­Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica L.) in Response to Farmyard Manure and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates at Masha, South Western Ethiopia

Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica L.) is an important household food security crop especially in the western and southwestern parts of Ethiopia. Despite its nutritional, socio-cultural and socio-economic importance, is constrained by different factors, among which low and imbalanced nutrient supply in the soil, therefore, the yielding ability and performance of this under-utilized crop has not been studied under various phosphorus (P) and farm yard manure (FYM) levels. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of P and FYM on the growth, yield and yield components of anchote at Masha, Southwest Ethiopia in 2019. The treatments consisted of four levels of FYM (0, 5, 10, and 15 t FYM ha-1) and five levels of P (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 kg P2O5 ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design in 4×5 factorial arrangements and replicated three times. Different growth, yield and yield related traits were collected and statistically analyzed using SAS version 9.3 software. The result detected that the traits were affected by the combine application of phosphorus and FYM except day of 50% emergency, harvesting index, and unmarketable storage root yield. Highest average vine length (3.89 cm) and vine internode length (12.45cm) was recorded with 0 kg P2O5 + 15 t FYM ha-1 whereas, highest vine branch numbers (4.0), vine internodes number ( 43.87) , average total storage root yield (63.60 t ha-1), average storage root diameter (8.53cm), average storage root length (10.24 cm), average marketable storage root yield (63.3tha -1) and average total dry biomass yield (1.65kg plant-1) were recorded in response of 96 kg P2O5 ha-1 with 15t FYM ha-1. In general, results of this study indicated that combined application of the P and FYM fertilizer has a promising positive effect on yield and yield components of anchote. Hence, application of 96 P2O5 kg ha-1 and 15 tha-1 FYM considered as better for anchote production at Masha, Southwestern Ethiopia. However, since the data is obtained from only one season, it will be worth repeating the experiment under field condition, across different seasons and locations to draw sound conclusions and recommendations.