Application Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

The Effects of Tillage and the Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Yield of Maize Leaves

The Effects of Tillage and the Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Yield of Maize Leaves

Impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

An experiment was conducted during 2011–12 at Arabhavi, Karnataka, to study the impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of ‘Salem’ cultivar of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric cv. ‘Salem’ showed better response to combined application of inorganic fertilizers, bio-inoculants and bio-formulations than other treatments used in the study. Combined application of recommended dose of fertilizer [(RDF), FYM @ 25 t/ha and N:P:K @ 180:90:90 kg/ha) + VA-Mycorrhiza (VAM) + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani resulted in higher fresh rhizome yield and growth parameters, viz. plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf area and leaf-area index, which was at par with the treatment, RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum. Similarly, the highest benefit: cost ratio of 4.87 was obtained with the application of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani compared to the other treatments. Hence planting of turmeric rhizome with combination of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani was profitable under northern dry zone of Karnataka.

Active Soil Organic Carbon Pools Decrease with Increased Time since Land-Use Transition from Rice Paddy Cultivation to Areca Nut Plantations under the Long-Term Application of Inorganic Fertilizer

Many croplands in the tropics of China have been converted over the last decades into areca nut plantations due to their high economic returns. This land-use transition was accompanied by changes in agricultural practices such as soil moisture regimes and fertilizer inputs, which may affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions, especially in tropical soils with low fertility and high nitrogen loss. Yet, how the time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations affects soil carbon dynamics and their underlying mechanisms in the tropics of China remains elusive. Here, areca nut plantation soils with different ages (2, 5, 10, 14, and 17 years) and paddy fields in the tropical region of China were investigated. The study result indicates that the contents of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC), light organic carbon (LFOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) decreased significantly with increased time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations. Similarly, the ratios of DOC/SOC, MBC/SOC, POC/SOC, LFOC/SOC, and EOC/SOC decreased significantly with increased time since land-use transition. Compared with the paddy soil, the carbon pool management index decreased by 36.6–76.7% under the areca nut plantations, concluding that increasing the time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations with high application rates of chemical fertilizers resulted in reduced soil active carbon fractions and SOC supply capacity. Therefore, agricultural practices such as the use of organic fertilizers should be applied to improve the soil’s ability to supply organic carbon in managed plantation ecosystems in the tropics of China.

Utilization of Sonic Bloom Technology Combination of Compost Tea and Surfactants to Increase Soybean Productivity (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the effects of organic compost tea liquid fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and surfactant application on soybean growth and the yield of sonic bloom technology.   Method: The study was conducted in a greenhouse scheming factorial experiment with randomized block design (RBD).   Findings and Conclusion: Likewise, the results indicated that the use of organic compost tea liquid fertilizer with a concentration of 15% enhanced the plant length, the number of leaves, and the leaf area, which were insignificantly different from the inorganic fertilizer growmore combined with surfactants. The yields of productive branches of 100 seeds weight, fresh weight, dry weight, and Harvest Index showed that 15% compost tea with surfactant gave identical decent results to growmore fertilizers with surfactants. Moreover, there was an increase in soybean productivity by 216% in scheming 15% compost tea combined with surfactants.   Research implications: However, the result did not distinguish significantly from the use of liquid inorganic fertilizer grow more with recommended dose + surfactant increased by 219% from the potential production of soybean variety with Dega-1, which was 3.82 t/ha.

Heavy metals in soil, finger millet and weeds due to nutrient management practices under a 43-year-old long term fertilizer experiment

Chemical fertilizers contain traces of heavy metals and long-term use of fertilizers in agriculture could lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil. Specific amounts of fertilizers and manure have been consistently applied for the past 43 years. Soil and plant samples were collected and quantified for heavy metals. The results revealed that the application of FYM and inorganic fertilizers led to a higher concentration of heavy metals in surface soil and decreased with soil depth. The application of 100% RDF resulted in higher concentrations of metals in samples of finger millet and all the heavy metals were below toxic limits. The PLI of heavy metals was found to have a value <10, indicating that soils are less polluted. Cd and Pb had BCF values of <1 for grain and straw, which indicates a lower concentration of metals in soil than those taken up by plants, while >1 for As and Cr indicates a higher uptake in grain and straw than in soil.

Comparative Assessment of Inorganic Fertilizer and Farm Yard Manure Application on Yield, Sustainable Yield Index and Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Cauliflower-Capsicum Cropping Sequence in Northern- Western Himalayas

ABSTRACT Continuous addition of inorganic fertilizer and farm yard manure (FYM) alone or in combination is necessary to assess the changes in yield and soil properties. Therefore, a study was conducted for consecutive two years on nutrient management with nine treatments viz. T1- control, T2-100% FYM (N equivalent basis), T3-100% N, T4-NP, T5-NK, T6-PK, T7-NPK, T8-100% NPK+ FYM (recommended Practice) and T9- 150% NPK+ FYM to assess the influence of different treatments on yield, sustainable yield index, soil physic-chemical properties and soil carbon stock and sequestration rate in cauliflower and capsicum cropping sequence. Results showed that the addition of farm yard manure alone or in a combination with chemical fertilizers contributed to higher soil organic stock and soil carbon sequestration rate. Application of 150% NPK + FYM improved the SYI of system by 49.4% over a control. This treatment increases soil carbon stock by 12.5% from 25.9 Mg ha−1 to 29.6 Mg ha−1 and recorded with maximum soil carbon sequestration rate, i.e. 2.21 Mg C m−3 year−1 over the 2 years. Thus, balanced fertilization of NPK and FYM is beneficial for the maintenance of soil physical health, improving CEC and macro and micronutrient levels.

Sustainable Land Management in Mali

This study uses logistic and Poisson regression models to examine the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) practices in Mali using two rounds of the nationally representative survey Enquête Agricole de Conjoncture Intégrée aux Conditions de Vie des Ménages. The SLMs considered include the application of organic fertilizers, the application of inorganic fertilizers, the use of improved seeds, and the practice of intercropping. On average the application of organic fertilizers (39.2%), and inorganic fertilizers (28.7%) are the most frequent SLM practices among Malian farmers, and between 2014 and 2017, we observe a decline in the practice of intercropping. The regression results show that farmers’ adoption of different SLMs is significantly associated with biophysical factors (average temperature, climate type, plot size, plot shape, and location), demographic factors (age, gender, education, household size), and socioeconomic factors (number of cultivated plots, livelihood diversification, type of crop grown, market access, credit access, economic shocks, and social capital). Our findings suggest that policymakers and agricultural development agencies in Mali need to adopt a multidimensional policy framework to unlock the untapped potential of SLM practices in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Impact of long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure on wheat yield and available phosphorous contents in a vertisol under soybean-wheat cropping sequence

Impact of long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure on wheat yield and available phosphorous contents in a vertisol under soybean-wheat cropping sequence

Studies on the production of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Southeastern Nigeria, II: Biochemical quality of tigernut in response to seven complementary fertilizer treatments

Part I of this series showed significant influence of fertilizer on the growth and yield of tigernut. This paper documents the effects of these complementary fertilizers on the nutritional quality of the crop. Thus, the effects of seven fertilizer treatments on the nutritional quality of tigernut were studied. Proximate, mineral, vitamins and phytochemical contents of tigernut were evaluated across the fertilizer treatments. Most of the mineral contents were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the fertilizer combination except for magnesium (suggesting non-responsiveness of this mineral to fertilizer treatment). On the proximate contents, ash and moisture were statistically similar while other components varied significantly. The effect of fertilizer treatment on the vitamin content was only significant on vitamins B6 and C while for the phytochemical content, only phytates and tannin were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by fertilizer. It was conclusive that combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer increased the carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin C, tannin and most of the mineral contents of tigernut tubers. Findings reported herewith therefore validate the application of complementary fertilizer treatment for growing tigernut in this region because of enhanced nutritional quality of the tigernut seeds.

Studies on the production of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Southeastern Nigeria, I: Effect of seven complementary fertilizer treatments on growth and yield of tigernut in pot

Tigernuts have so many food and medicinal potentials as it contains some amount of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Despite the food and health benefits associated with this tuber, its production in southern Nigeria is at an abysmal level probably due to lack of knowledge for its production or utility. This experiment was conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching and Research Farm to evaluate the effect of seven complementary fertilizer treatments on the growth and yield of tigernut. The experiment is an attempt to develop appropriate agronomic practice that will assure regular cultivation culture. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with seven fertilizer treatments and replicated 10 times. Treatments were NPK 15:15:15 (300 kg/ha), NPK 20:10:10 (300 kg/ha), poultry manure, PM, (5 t/ha), NPK 15:15:15 (150 kg/ha) + 3 t/ha PM, NPK 20:10:10 (150 kg/ha) + 3 t/ha PM, K-nitrate (100 kg/ha) + Ca-nitrate (100 kg/ha) + 2.5 t/ha PM and control (No fertilizer application). Fertilizer treatments significantly (p < 0.05) influenced growth and yield parameters except fresh weight of leaves, length of longest root and weight of seed planted. Significantly (p < 0.05) superior values of growth and yield parameters were obtained in plants grown with NPK 15:15:15 (300 kg/ha), followed closely by the application of NPK 20:10:10 at 150 kg/ha plus 3 t/ha PM. This study recommends application of NPK 15:15:15 (300 kg/ha) or the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10 at 150 kg/ha plus 3 t/ha PM) to boost the yield and growth of tigernut.

Combined Application of Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic Manure with Nano Urea on Growth and Yield of Scented Rice

Rice is a staple cereal grain for millions of the world population. Inorganic, organic and biofertilizer play crucial role in gaining higher production of scented rice. Excessive use of conventional fertilizer lowers the soil heath. Therefore, there is a need for such a technology which will be able to achieve higher sustainable production. Nano urea is a nano technology which can provide a way to bring down the minus of conventional fertilizers. Keeping these in view, present investigation entitled the combined application of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure with Nano urea on growth and yield of scented rice was carried out at Instructional farm unit, Krishi Nagar, JNKVV, Jabalpur during the rainy season of 2022 and 2023. Ten treatments combination was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. The results of present study revealed that application of 75% N through urea + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + FS with Nano urea @ 4 ml litre-1 at active tillering (AT) and panicle initiation (PI) stage registered maximum plant height (113.44 and 107.52 cm, respectively), no. of tillers hill-1 (21.88 and 19.49, respectively) during both the years of experimentation. As regard to yield and yield attributes significantly maximum total no. of grains panicle-1 (81 and 78, respectively), panicle length (28.23 and 27.19 cm, respectively), grain (4780 and 4418 kg ha-1, respectively) and straw yield (6652 and 6432 kg ha-1, respectively) was recorded with the application of 75% N through urea + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + FS with Nano urea @ 4 ml litre-1 at AT and PI stage during both the years of experimentation. Thus, the study suggests that trimming down the conventional fertilizer by using Nano urea and Azospirillum could help in gaining optimum yield. Also, combination of Nano urea with vermicompost and Azospirillum play important role in improving soil quality alongwith crop health.

The Integrated Effect of Organic Manure, Biofertilizer and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Yield and Quality in Sugarcane Plant-ratoon System under Calcareous Soil of Indo-gangetic Plains of India

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, to devise nutrient management strategies aimed at sustaining soil health, quality and sugarcane production within the sugarcane plant-ratoon system. The experiment evaluated the efficacy of various fertilizers on the solubility of applied inorganic fertilizer during the spring season in calcareous soil. Results from the combined data analysis showed significant variations in the number of millable cane (NMC), cane yield, and sugar yield due to the integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers along with bio-fertilizers in both the plant and ratoon crops. Treatments combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers demonstrated a noteworthy increase in NMC, cane yield, and sugar yield compared to the control group. The treatment that received 75% NPK of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with Acetobacter, PSB, and Bio-compost at a rate of 7.5 t ha-1 exhibited the highest NMC (103.0 × 103 ha-1), cane yield (85.8 t ha-1), and sugar yield (11.21 t ha-1). Furthermore, the residual effect of the treatment combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers showed a pronounced impact on NMC (92.4 × 103 ha-1), yield (79.6 t ha-1), and sugar yield (9.36 t ha-1) in the ratoon crop under treatment T9. Bio-compost notably enhanced the overall performance of sugarcane. Nutrient uptake by both plant and ratoon followed a similar trend as cane yield. Application of RDF alongside various bio-fertilizers significantly enhanced sugarcane productivity compared to the control group. Notably, the efficacy of bio-fertilizers was more pronounced when used in conjunction with inorganic treatments. Treatment with organic inputs through bio-compost resulted in reduced pH and increased electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and available nutrients (N,P, and K) in post-harvest soil. Enzymatic activities including glycosidase, urease, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase were also recorded.

Effects of long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments on the turnover rates of fractionated soil organic carbon and their determining factors in paddy fields

ABSTRACT To investigate how the long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments affects the turnover rates of organic matter in physico-chemically fractionated components in paddy soils and how their rates are related to their amounts, we studied the effect of variable management of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments for > 50 years on the ∆14C values of accumulated soil organic carbon (SOC) in fractionated components of 5 soil samples from three paddy fields. SOC was fractionated into four components based on their physico-chemical properties: (1) light fraction (LF) derived from plant residues, (2) heavy fraction (HF) containing stable aggregates, (3) oxidizable fraction (OxF) and (4) non-oxidizable fraction (NOxF) forming organo-mineral complexes with fine-textured minerals. The ∆14C values were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry using graphitized samples. The ∆14C values of SOC in NOxF (from −305‰ to − 90.5‰) were much lower than those of HF (from −123‰ to − 3.7‰) and OxF (from −215‰ to 21.0‰). Lowest values for NOxF suggested slowest turnover rates as expected, and higher and comparable values for OxF and HF implied much faster turnover rates of SOC in OxF compared with upland soils. This could be one of the characteristics of SOC dynamics in paddy soils, probably reflecting repeated puddling of plow layer soils. ∆14C values in all the fractions increased in response to the application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments, suggesting faster turnover rate. Soils with clayey and weathered characteristics had the lowest ∆14C values, or slowest turnover rates among the study fields. The relationship between the ∆14C value and the amount of accumulated C for HF, OxF and NOxF indicated that the more the SOC accumulated, the faster the turnover rate of the SOC was, regardless of the fractions, and the relationship of the HF was considerably different from those of OxF and NOxF. In conclusion, these results can be the basis for understanding the C dynamics and for improving soil fertility status and soil C sequestration in paddy soils.

Effects of long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments on the amounts of fractionated soil organic carbon and their determining factors in paddy fields

ABSTRACT To investigate how the long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments affects the accumulation of organic matter in physico-chemically fractionated components in paddy soils and how the accumulation is determined by soil properties and anthropogenic carbon input, we studied the effect of variable management of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments for > 50 years on the amounts of accumulated soil organic carbon (SOC) in fractionated components in three paddy fields. SOC was fractionated into four components based on their physical and chemical properties: (1) light fraction (LF) derived from plant residues, (2) heavy fraction (HF) containing stable aggregates, (3) oxidizable fraction (OxF) and (4) non-oxidizable fraction (NOxF) forming organo-mineral complexes with fine-textured minerals. On average, the amount and percentage of accumulated C in the four fractions were as follows: OxF (6.63 gC kg−1 soil, 46%) > NOxF (5.32, 35) > LF (1.68, 12) > HF (1.12, 7.2), suggesting about 80% of SOC was in fine, stable fractions. The amount of accumulated C in all fractions increased slightly with the application of inorganic fertilizer, while it increased considerably with the use of organic amendments. In addition, the application of fertilizers and amendments raised the proportion of C content in LF and HF, which are labile and related to soil fertility. Stepwise multiple regression analysis using two principal component analysis scores of soil properties and anthropogenic C input further revealed that the labile fractions (LF and HF) were more strongly determined by the management of fertilizers and amendments, while the stable fractions (OxF and NOxF) were more strongly determined by soil-specific properties, mainly the amorphous nature of the soil. These results indicate that the use of certain amounts of organic amendments would be recommended to carry out rational management to improve soil fertility and C sequestration in paddy fields, with the application of amorphous minerals as an additional option.

Size-resolved distribution of trace elements in lysimeter soil solutions under contrasting long-term agricultural management to assess their bioavailability

The chemical species of trace elements (TEs) in agricultural soils is highly variable under diverse conditions, requiring tools with clear resolution and minimal disturbance for exploration. A novel surgical (316L) stainless steel (SS) lysimeter with a 5 μm pore size was developed to collect field soil solutions. The size-resolved distribution of TEs were characterized into total (nitric acid digestion), particulate (0.45–5 μm), dissolved (<0.45 μm), colloidal (1 kDa to 0.45 μm), and mainly ionic (<1 kDa) fractions in the lysimeter soil solutions. Total concentrations of TEs (dry weight basis) in acid digested Gray Luvisolic soils were analyzed. Most TEs in lysimeter soil solutions were present in particulate phases, relevant to their geochemical affinities and occurrences in soil minerals. Among dissolved fractions, As, Ba, Co, Li, Mn, Tl, and V existed as mainly ionic species in the soil solutions. Copper, Pb, Al, Th, and U showed variable associations with dissolved organic matter (DOM) and/or inorganic colloids among agricultural treatments. Inorganic NPKS or NKS fertilizer applications with lower pH (5.25–5.74) enhanced mobility and potential bioavailability of Ba, Co, Li, Mn, and Pb present in mainly ionic species, compared with other locations (pH 5.82–6.37). Manure application exhibited a dual effect, potentially increasing bioavailability for As, Tl, and V due to probably enhanced cation exchange capacity (CEC), while also facilitating specific adsorption of Cu and U on DOM, potentially reducing their bioavailability depending on DOM molecular weight. Colloidal and ionic Al and Th concentrations were higher in forest soils than agricultural soils, with extremely low potential bioavailability of Th attributed to strong precipitation with inorganic colloids and adsorption on DOM. The lysimeter sampling and size fractionation method provided a clear insight into agricultural effects on TE distributions and enhancing understanding of agricultural soil health in terms of TE bioavailability in situ.

Enhancing turmeric yield and quality: An evaluation of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications

Enhancing turmeric yield and quality: An evaluation of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications

Conjoint Application of Lime, Organics, Inorganic Fertilizers, and Bio-fertilizers Increases Groundnut Productivity, Available Phosphorus and Microbial Biomass Phosphorus in Acidic Soil of Tripura, India

In Tripura, India the soil productivity is less due to its light texture, acidic in nature, low fertility status, low microbial activity. Thus, a field experiment on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was carried out on acidic soil of Khowai district of Tripura during 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the impact of the application of various combinations of lime, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and rhizobium with the recommended doses of NPK on groundnut productivity, available phosphorus (P) and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) content of acidic experimental soil. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) with 13 treatments with various combinations of application of lime, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and rhizobium with the recommended doses (RD) of NPK, each having 3 replications. Both initial and post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed to estimate the available P and MBP content. Results indicated that the use of the different combinations of the RD of NPK accompanied by the application of lime, organic manure (FYM or PM) and seed treatment with Rhizobium significantly increased available P and MBP content in the post-harvest soil which has resulted in increased seed yield of groundnut compared to the RD of NPK alone. Again, the use of RD of NPK @ 20:60:40 kg ha-1 conjointly with lime (@ 1/5th LR), PM (@ 5 t ha-1), and treating the seeds with Rhizobium @ 20 g kg-1 of seed might be recommended to the growers in achieving higher groundnut productivity with better return in acid soil of Tripura, India, as it showed maximum enhancement in groundnut productivity as well as available P2O5 content in post-harvest soil.

Changes in soil profile organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties as impacted by long‐term manure and inorganic fertilizer rates under a corn–soybean rotation system

AbstractUsing manure appropriately may enhance organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties while avoiding the negative impact on the environment. However, how manure impacts soils, especially at lower depths, is still not well studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of different manure and inorganic fertilizer application rates on soil profile organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties under corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.)–spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation at Beresford (established in 2003) and Brookings (established in 2008) sites in South Dakota. The treatments included low manure (LM), medium manure (MM), high manure (HM), medium fertilizer (MF), high fertilizer (HF), and control (CK). Four replicated intact soil cores were collected from all the treatments at 0‐ to 10‐cm, 10‐ to 20‐cm, 20‐ to 30‐cm, and 30‐ to 40‐cm depths. Considering treatments by depth interactions, the LM and MM decreased bulk density (ρb) by 6.9%–22.1%, as compared to the CK at 0–30 cm for either site. The HM decreased ρb by 16.4%–24.7%, as compared to the HF at 30–40 cm for either site. On observing treatment as the main effect, the MM and HM increased the soil water retention (SWR) at 0 and −5 kPa compared to MF, HF, and CK in Brookings, and the MM increased the SWR at −30 kPa as compared to the MF in Beresford at 0‐ to 40‐cm depths. The data suggest that continuous manure application may enhance organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties at lower depths. Therefore, this study concluded that long‐term manure application showed greater improvements when compared to long‐term application of inorganic fertilizer alone. It can improve hydro‐physical properties, thereby stabilizing the soil structure and improving water retention at lower depths.

Effect of pineapple waste biochar and compost application on the growth and yield of pineapple varieties in Ghana

IntroductionBiochar is one of the commonly used soil amendments for sustainable agriculture. The effect of biochar on crop yields depends on the quality of the biochar, which is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis conditions. Sole application of pineapple waste biochar and compost, and their combination has not been rigorously investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of pineapple waste biochar and compost applied solely or in combination on growth and yield of pineapple on a coastal savanna Acrisol in Ghana.MethodsThe split-plot design with three replications was used, with pineapple varieties as the main plot and fertilizer application rates as the sub-plots.Results and discussionThe results showed that sole application of biochar and compost or their combination as a soil amendment increased pineapple growth and yield as compared to the unamended soil. Biochar applied in combination with compost/or inorganic NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fertilizer significantly increased plant height and the number of leaves of pineapple plant, which resulted in improved fruits yield of the three (sugar loaf, MD2 and smooth cayenne) pineapple varieties at maturity over control, sole application of biochar, compost and inorganic NPK fertilizer. The Smooth cayenne variety outperformed MD2 and Sugar loaf variety.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results revealed that biochar applied solely or in addition to compost or inorganic NPK fertilizer has the capability to enhance soil quality and improve pineapple yield. Application of biochar in combination with compost/or inorganic NPK improves pineapple growth and yield.

Development of Resource Conservation Technologies and Complexes of Machines for Cultivation of Vegetable Crops

The main activities of leading foreign companies are currently the development and production of agricultural machinery, taking into account new legislative requirements both for agricultural production in general and directly for the machinery itself. There is a clear trend towards the widest use of modern computer and information technologies in the design of agricultural machines, which allows to increase productivity and quality of technological operations while reducing operating costs, as well as improve working conditions of employees, management and control of work performed. Intensive resource conservation technologies are technologies related to the introduction of the latest high-performance combines, tractors and a plume of wide-range or combined agricultural units. The next type of resource conservation technologies is based on knowledge and respect for the laws of nature. These are resource conservation technologies through the biologization of agriculture. Resource conservation activities in crop production are based on the complete restoration of land fertility after the removal of nutrients from the soil by agricultural crops. This is ensured by the integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, green manure, bacterial fertilizers, as well as peat and sapropel. All crop production technologies should be resource conservation, environmentally balanced, and have a pronounced zonal character. Moisture conservation technologies in crop production have great prospects due to the development of new crop rotations with an expanded set of crops.