Application Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

Forms of Toxic and Trace Metals in Grassland Soils of Galicia, Spain

The application of cattle slurry to agricultural soils contributes to the circular economy, while enriching the soil in macro and micronutrients and organic matter. However, this practice can have deleterious environmental effects, by adding toxic metals and other contaminants. The pseudo-total concentrations of nine potentially toxic and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb) as well as metals extracted by DTPA, Mehlich 3 and 0.01 M CaCl2 were determined in Galician (NW Spain) grassland soils regularly receiving cattle slurry. Four soil depths (0–5, 5–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm) were sampled and analysed. The pollution condition was assessed by comparing the pseudo-total concentrations with generic reference levels for Galician soils and by using pollution indices. The results indicated the absence of soil pollution by Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Pb and a situation of no pollution to moderate pollution by Mn, Zn and Cu. Cd was the element most frequently enriched in the studied soils according to the pseudo-total, DTPA and Mehlich-3 concentrations, while the extraction by CaCl2 pointed to no environmental risk. The study supports the lithogenic character of Fe, Ni, Co and Cr, the mixed lithogenic and anthropogenic nature of Mn, Zn and Cu and the anthropogenic origin of Cd in these soils. The latter element can be added by both the application of cattle slurry and inorganic phosphate fertilisers.

Effects of Long-Term Organic–Inorganic Nitrogen Application on Maize Yield and Nitrogen-Containing Gas Emission

A sustainable model of combined organic–inorganic fertilizer application for high maize yields and environmental health is important for food security. The short-term combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can improve crop yields; however, the effect of different proportions of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the maize yield and nitrogen gas emissions in a long time series has not been reported. In this study, field experiments and DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model simulations were used to study the long-term effects of substituting inorganic fertilizers with organic fertilizers on crop yields and nitrogen-containing gas emissions. Six treatments were included: no nitrogen (CK); urea (U1); and 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the urea N substituted by organic fertilizers (U3O1, U1O1, U1O3, and O1, respectively). The DNDC model was calibrated using the field data from the U1 treatment from 2018 to 2020 and was validated for the other treatments. The results showed that this model could effectively simulate crop yields (e.g., nRMSE < 5%), soil NH3 volatilization, and N2O emissions (nRMSE < 25%). In addition, long-term (26 years) simulation studies found that the U1O1 treatment could considerably increase maize yields and ensure yield stability, which was 15.69–55.31% higher than that of the U1 treatment. The N2O, NH3, and NO emissions were in the descending order of U1 > U3O1 > O1 > U1O3 > U1O1, and the total nitrogen-containing gas emissions from the U1O1 treatment decreased by 53.72% compared with the U1 treatment (26 years). Overall, substituting 50% of inorganic nitrogen with organic nitrogen could maintain the high yield of maize and reduce emissions of nitrogen-containing gases, constituting a good mode for the combined application of organic–inorganic nitrogen in this area.

A Paradigm Shift towards Beneficial Microbes Enhancing the Efficiency of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen Sources for a Sustainable Environment

The use of beneficial microbes as biofertilizer has become fundamental in the agricultural sector for their potential role in food safety and sustainable crop production. A field trial was conducted to study the influence of beneficial microbes on the efficiency of organic and inorganic sources. The experiment was conducted in two consecutive years (2008–2009 and 2009–2010) in a farmer’s field at Dargai Malakand Division. A randomized complete block design was used with four replications. The results revealed a significantly higher straw and grain nitrogen concentrations for the treatments receiving 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM + BM, followed by the treatments receiving 50% N from urea + 50% N from (FYM + PM) + BM and 120 kg N ha−1 from urea fertilizer, respectively. Comparing the relevant treatments with and without BM, an increasing trend in N concentrations in straw and grain was observed with BM. The results revealed the highest grain total nitrogen, straw total nitrogen and total nitrogen uptake by wheat crop for the treatments receiving 120 kg N ha−1 from urea, followed by the treatments receiving 50% N from urea + 50% N from PM + BM and 50% N from urea + 50% N from (FYM + PM) + BM. Moreover, after comparing the relevant treatments with and without BM, for the parameters mentioned, an increasing trend in nitrogen uptake was observed. Significantly higher total soil nitrogen was obtained for treatment with 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM + BM, followed by the treatment with 50% N from urea + 50% N from (FYM + PM) + BM or 50% N from urea + 50% N from PM + BM, respectively, as compared to the control treatment plot. Markedly higher soil mineral nitrogen was obtained for the 50% N from urea + 50% N from (FYM + PM) + BM treatment, followed by the treatment with 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM + BM and 50% N treatment from urea + 50% N from PM + BM, compared to the control treatment. Comparing the relevant treatments with and without BM, an increasing trend in total soil N (g kg−1 soil) and soil mineral N (mg kg−1 soil) was noted with BM application. From the results, a significant increase in soil organic matter status (g kg−1 soil) due to application of organic and inorganic fertilization was summarized. Significantly higher soil organic matter (g kg−1 soil) was recorded for the treatment receiving 50% N from urea + 50% N from FYM + BM compared to untreated control plots. Our study further revealed an increasing trend in soil organic matter status (g kg−1 soil) when comparing the relevant treatments with and without BM.

Evaluation of Maize Common Bean Intercropping and Phosphorus Critical Level Rate Based on Calibrated Phosphorus in the Maize Based Farming System of Bedele District, Ethiopia.

Inclusion of legumes in cropping systems is essential for sustainable management of farming systems. A field experiment was conducted at Bedele district of south western Ethiopia during the 2020 and 2021 crop growing seasons to evaluate maize common bean intercropping and phosphorus critical level(Pc) rate for optimum maize common bean productivity and profitability. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three (without, single and double) rows of common bean between maize rows and four rates of phosphorus critical level (Pc %) (0,50,75 and 100 %)kgha-1 , where Pc = phosphorus critical level determined for maize in the district. A sole crop maize with recommended fertilizer rate of 92/100 % N/Pc ha-1 was used as a control treatment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that the intercrop system was more productive relative to the sole crop. Common bean when associated with maize showed significant differences on maize grain yield. Maize common bean single row inter crop fertilized with (75% Pc ha-1 ) increased maize grain yield as compared to sole crop maize. Moreover, maize common bean single row intercropping with (75% Pc ha-1 ) was the most profitable with marginal rate of return (11.62%).Results from this study indicated that smallholders in the Bedele district can achieve higher maize grain yield productivity and profitability through the implementation of simultaneous intercropping of maize with common bean under inorganic fertilizer application.

Vermicompost and NPSZnB Fertilizer Levels on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth, Yield Component, and Yield at Guto Gida, Western Ethiopia

The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers together increases crop productivity and soil fertility. However, it is crucial to identify the combined application level. A field experiment was carried out in the Guto Gida district in 2021 to determine the effect of vermicompost levels and chemically mixed NPSZnB fertilizer rates on the growth and yield of maize. Four vermicompost levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t·ha−1) combined with four artificial NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1) were used for the study in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. Crop phenology and biomass yield were both significantly influenced by the main effects of vermicompost level and NPSZnB rate. Vermicompost and NPSZnB fertilizer applied together had a large effect on plant height, leaf area index, ear weight, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield. The largest grain yield (8.03 t·ha−1) was produced by the interaction of vermicompost at 7.5 t·ha−1 with 150 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB, followed by all levels of vermicompost at and above 5 t·ha−1 with 100 and 150 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB. Additionally, plots treated with a combined application of vermicompost and NPSZnB fertilizer at rates of 5 t·ha−1 × 100 kg·ha−1 and 5 t·ha−1 × 150 kg·ha−1, respectively, recorded the greatest values of ear weight (276.1 g) and thousand kernel weight (49.79 g). However, the lower yield was obtained from plots that were untreated with both vermicompost and NPSZnB, and the plot treated only with 50–150 kg·ha−1 of NPSZnB. In conclusion, integrated applications of vermicompost at 5 t·ha−1 and NPSZnB fertilizer at 100 kg·ha−1 increased maize yield by about 10.36%, with a net benefit of 140486.00 ETB·ha−1 and a marginal rate of return of 797.98%. As a result, vermicompost application at 5 t·ha−1 rate with synthetic NPSZnB fertilizer at 100 kg·ha−1 is found suitable for the study area.

Effectiveness of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Byproduct of Black Soldier Fly Maggot to the Growth of Mustard Plant (<i>Brassica juncea</i> L.)

The need for consumption of mustard plant (Brassica juncea L.) has increased every year. One of the efforts to increase its production and quality by applications of inorganic and organic fertilizer. This study aimed to evaluate the productivity of mustard plants treated with liquid organic fertilizer, a by-product of black soldier fly (BSF), and inorganic fertilizer (NPK). Mustard plants were grown at Karanggayam Research Station, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta were treated with water as a control, NPK fertilizer, DoctoRS organic fertilizer at 0.05%, organic fertilizer A, and B at 0.1, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25%. The effects of treatments to the phenotypic and the chlorophyll of the mustards were done after 2 weeks of treatments. The results showed that there were significant different on the stem height, number of leaves, leaf width, leaf length, and wet weight. These were in line with the total chlorophyll. Liquid organic fertilizer content analysis showed that DoctoRS liquid organic fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer A were the most in accordance with the national standards for organic fertilizers on the parameters of pH, Mg, Ca, and TPC.

Efficacy of cattle manure in improving the productivity of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in sandy soil of Central Vietnam

Peanut is an important annual crop in sandy soil of Central Vietnam. Organic fertilizer application plays a key role in improving peanut yield and soil quality. However, research on cattle manure is still limited in sandy soil for peanut crop. Trial consisted of 10 fertilizer treatments with two factors including two application methods and five ratios of inorganic fertilizer and manure and rice straw combinations. They were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates during the spring and summer season of 2021 on the sandy soil at Cat Trinh commune, Phu Cat district, Binh Dinh province, Vietnam. The aims of the study were to evaluate the efficiency of different combinations of organic amendments on the yield of peanut and to examine possible short-term changes in soil characteristics as a result of organic amendments application. The study results showed that application methods and different organic treatments gave higher yields compared with application of inorganic fertilizer alone. The highest peanut yield was found in the application of organic fertilizer from cattle manure+rice straw (1:0.5) and row application with (2.80-3.85 t/ha), increasing (21-27%) compared with application of inorganic fertilizer alone in surface application method and seasons. Cattle manure application improved some soil chemistry properties after the experiment such as OC, CEC, total N, P2O5 and K2O. In conclusion, incorporation of different types of organic amendments improved peanut yield and soil properties more than application of inorganic fertilizer alone.

Effects of Agricultural Waste Application on Soil Carbon Emission in Newly Cultivated Land

Cultivated land is an important resource to ensure food production and food security. However, the low degree of soil ripening, poor soil and lack of organic matter are common problems in newly cultivated land. Fertilization can effectively improve the physical properties of soil, improve soil nutrients and fertility, but long-term application of inorganic fertilizer will cause soil compaction or even degradation. Returning agricultural waste to the field can not only increase soil fertility and effectively improve soil structure, but also change soil carbon emissions. In this paper, the benefits of straw returning and livestock manure composting and their potential effects on soil carbon emissions were summarized to provide ideas for improving the fertility of new cultivated land.

Effect of addition of organic manures on basmati yield, nutrient content and soil fertility status in north-western India

Integrated use of chemical fertilizers with organic manure is becoming a quite promising practice to maintain higher crop productivity and to manage soil health, which is otherwise deteriorated due to intensive cultivation and imbalanced fertilizer use. Thus, the present experiment was conducted for combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures for higher yield and nutrient uptake in basmati rice as well as to restore soil health. The treatments applied in the present study involve T1: control, T2: Farmyard manure (15 t ha−1), T3: Poultry manure (6 t ha−1), T4: Press mud (15 t ha−1), T5: Rice straw compost (6 t ha−1), T6: Farmyard manure (15 t ha−1) + 50% N (recommended dose of nitrogen), T7: Poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 50% N, T8: Press mud (15 t ha−1) + 50% N, T9: Rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 50% N, T10: 75% N, T11: Farmyard manure (15 t ha1) + 75% N, T12: Poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 75% N, T13: Press mud (15 t ha−1) + 75% N, T14: Rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 75% N, T15: 100% N. The integrated use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased the grain and straw yield, macronutrients as well as micronutrients uptake in basmati due to the release of nutrients from decomposition of organic manures. Among different treatments, the addition of PM+75% N showed maximum grain yield, straw yield and sustainability yield index (44.53 q ha−1, 89.67 q ha−1 and 0.91 respectively) as well as the highest uptake of nitrogen (58.29 and 65.39 kg ha−1), phosphorus (25.04 and 23.24 kg ha−1) and potassium (15.26 and 118.95 kg ha−1) in grain and straw, respectively. Similar results were observed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) uptake under treatment involving PM+75% N with values 183.9, 26.18, 339.3 and 355.8 g ha−1 in grain and 205.3, 25.62, 2627.3 and 278 g ha−1 in straw, respectively. Additionally, correlation studies showed that the grain and straw yield of basmati exhibited a significantly positive correlation with soil P, Cu and Fe. The study suggested that the partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures did not lower crop yield and nutrient uptake. Thus, integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can be used for the sustainability of basmati-wheat system and to retain the soil fertility which is otherwise deteriorated with sole use of inorganic fertilizers.

Impacts of fertilization management strategies on improved sorghums varieties in smallholder farming systems in Mali: Productivity and profitability differences

Sorghum is an important cereal crop cultivated by smallholder farmers of Mali, contributing significantly to their food demand and security. The study evaluated different fertilization strategies that combined organic and inorganic fertilizer applications with three sorghum varieties. The experiments were conducted over three cropping seasons (2017–2019) in three sites (Bamako, Bougouni, and Koutiala respectively) within the Sudanian region of Mali. Our results showed a significant effect of season, variety, and fertilization strategies on grain and stalk yields. Grain yield increased by 8–40% in Koutiala, 11–53% in Bougouni, and 44–110% in Bamako while the average stalk yield was above 5000 kg ha−1 with fertilized treatment compared to unfertilized treatment in the three sites. Fadda performed the best variety, mean grain yield was 23% and 42% higher than that of Soumba and Tieble, respectively. Similarly, there was a progressive increase in grain yield with an increasing level of poultry manure (PM) from 0 to 150 g/hill and cattle manure (CM) from 0 to 100 g/hill. However, the application of 100 g/hill of CM and PM plus 3 g/hill of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) increased yield by 8% and 12% respectively compared to only CM or PM treatments. The results further revealed higher yield gain by 51% (Bamako), 57% (Koutiala), and 42% (Bougouni) for T10-[PM (100 g/hill) + Micro-D_DAP (3 g/hill)] equivalent to 73 kgNha−1 than others (T2-T9), but not proportionate to the highest value-cost ratio (VCR). Radar charts used to visualize sustainable intensification (SI) performance in the three domains (productivity, profitability, and environment) showed that the environmental variable has a direct influence on productivity, meanwhile profitability across the strategies ranged from low to moderate value across sites and different fertilizer strategies. Our study, therefore, recommends the use of multiple-choice fertilizer strategies includingT2-CM (50 g/hill)+PM(50 g/hill), T5-DAP-Micro-D (3 g/hill), T6-DAP41:46:00 and T9-PM(50 g/hill) alongside with improved sorghum varieties tested, for higher productivity and profitability across the region.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Improved Coffee Production at West and Southwest Ethiopia. A Review

Soil degradation is one of Ethiopia's most severe problems, contributing for the country's low coffee production. Many researches have been conducted by Jimma agricultural research and its sub centers to ameliorate the challenges and improve coffee productions across major coffee growing areas of the west and south western Ethiopia. The goal of this review was to summarize and document major research achievements recorded so far in integrated nutrient management on coffee and recommend future research directions. Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is the main sources for replenishing plant nutrients in agricultural soils. However, selecting the optimum combination of these resources based on soil type and crop species is necessary. In this context, field experiment was conducted at Haru and Agaro research sub center to assess the effect of decomposed coffee husk and NP Fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of coffee. Research results indicated yield of Limmu coffee increased by application of 50% recommended rate of N and P mineral fertilizer (RMF) (172 and 77 kg ha -1 NP, respectively) + 50% recommended rate of decomposed coffee husk (DCH) (10 ton ha -1 ) at Agaro. Similar trial conducted at Haru also showed that application of 50% NP + 75%DCH improved yield of Wollega coffee variety. Besides, application of Desmodium cover crop + 50% NP (172 and 63 kg ha -1 N and P, respectively) and NP mineral fertilizer ensure high coffee yield at Jimma. In conclusion, integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers was recommended for coffee production at Agaro, Haru and Jimma and their surrounding areas. Future research should concentrate on evaluating other organic inputs and combined reclamation of lime-mineral fertilizer-compost, frequency of application, economic benefits, and long-term effects on soil physicochemical properties, coffee yield and bean quality, and establish cost effective soil fertility management in coffee-growing areas of the country. Keywords: Coffee, decomposed coffee husk, desmodium and soil fertility DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-2-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Yield response of common bean to different types and rates of blended fertilizers in Hawassa Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Despite the importance of common bean to farmers and its contribution to the national economy, limited information is available on the use of inorganic fertilizers containing macro and micro nutrients for its production in Hawassa area. A trial was conduct to evaluate different fertilizer types containing macro and micro nutrients and to determine their optimum rates for common bean production in Hawassa zuria woreda during the main cropping seasons of 2016 and 2017.Three fertilizer types (NPS, NPSB and NPSBCu) were arranged in different levels and tested on two farms. The experiment consisted of a total of ten treatments: control (no fertilizer) and three levels of each NPS, NPSB and NPSBCu. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Besides crop parameters, economic analysis was also performed to investigate feasibility of the fertilizers for common bean production. In general, it was observed that application of inorganic fertilizers increased grain yield, where economically feasible treatments improved yield by 34% to 36% over the control plot. The highest net benefit was obtained from NPS at nutrient ratio of 23: 16.5: 7kg/ha with acceptable marginal rate of return of 120%, even under the projected input price, which was sufficient to justify the additional investment needed for this treatment. Similarly, NPSB with 23 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 6.7 kg S + 0.71 kg B/ha also gave the required economic return. Therefore, both treatments could be recommended for common bean production in Hawassa area.

Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat under a Basmati Rice–Wheat Cropping System in North-Western India

Restoring soil fertility in farming systems is essential to sustain a crop and its productivity. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the residual effects of the combined application of fertilizers and manures on yield, concentration and uptake of nutrients in wheat under basmati rice-wheat cropping system. The treatments applied in the present study involve T1: control, T2: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1), T3: poultry manure (6 t ha−1), T4: press mud (15 t ha−1), T5: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1), T6: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), T7: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T8: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T9: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T10: 75% RDN, T11: farmyard manure (15 t ha1) + 75% RDN, T12: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T13: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T14: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T15: 100% RDN. The residual effects of organic manures significantly improved the growth parameters and yield attributes. Among different residual treatments, the use of farmyard manure + 75% NPK showed maximum plant height (125.2 cm), number of tillers (68.0 m−1), chlorophyll content (45.0) and yield (50.84 q ha−1 for grain and 80.43 q ha−1 for straw, respectively). Additionally, the incorporation of farmyard manure + 75% RDN demonstrated the highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grain (7.37, 3.31 and 4.93 g ha−1, respectively) and straw (1.72, 1.05 and 12.63 g ha−1, respectively). The maximum zinc, copper, iron and manganese concentrations were observed to be 32.0, 3.1, 52.1 and 17.6 mg kg−1 in grain and 8.2, 2.1, 374.6 and 20.5 mg kg−1 in straw, respectively. Similarly, the highest uptakes were observed to be 67.6, 15.5, 263.8 and 89.6 g ha−1 in grain and 173.3, 16.8, 3026.9 and 170.6 g ha−1 in straw, respectively. Thus, the integrated application of farmyard manure with 75% RDN could be used to sustain wheat productivity and maintain soil fertility which otherwise deteriorates due to the sole application of inorganic fertilizers.

Utilization of Biochar Alone and in Combination with Compost for Removal of Potentially Toxic Metals Accumulated in Soils Associated with Land-use Patterns

Background: Potentially toxic metals in soils are a threat to food security and human health because it enters the food chain through crop uptake. Hence, it is critical to understand the levels of potentially toxic metals in soils due to agricultural land use patterns and the approach to remove them from the soil. Objective: This review discussed the effect of different land-use patterns on heavy metal accumulation and their removal using biochar. Methods: A desktop review employing preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis was used to analyse information from peer-reviewed papers including journal articles, books, thesis, and reports. Results: It was shown that potentially toxic metals mainly found in the soil include arsenic (As), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb), mercury, thorium (Th), lead, silicon (Si), and selenium (Se). The sources of these potentially toxic metals accumulation in soils were the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, irrigation, use of pesticides and weedicides, and atmospheric deposition. However, different land-use patterns (greenhouse field, vegetable field soils, forest field, and maize field soil) had a significant accumulation of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Zn) due to increasing crop yield after the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Biochar was found to be effective in the removal of 18 to 40% of these potentially toxic metals from the soil. The mechanisms of removal included precipitation, physical sorption, complexation, ion exchange, and electrostatic interaction. Conclusion: Biochar applied alone or with compost is highly stable to remove heavy metals accumulated in soils due to land use patterns.

The role of long-term mineral and manure fertilization on P species accumulation and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms in paddy red soils

Abstract. Understanding soil phosphorus (P) transformation and turnover under various fertilization managements is important for evaluating sustainable P fertility and potential bioavailability in agriculture managements. Thus, long-term fertilization experiments (∼ 38 years) with the application of different inorganic and organic fertilizers in paddy red soils were conducted to determine the effect of different fertilizer applications on P pool accumulation and microbial communities, especially for phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs). Long-term inorganic P (IP) fertilization increased the concentrations of total P (TP) (∼ 479 mg kg−1), available P (AP) (∼ 417 mg kg−1) and inorganic P (∼ 18 mg kg−1), but manure fertilization accelerated the accumulation of organic P, especially for orthophosphate monoesters (e.g., myo-IHP, ∼ 12 mg kg−1). Long-term mineral fertilization decreased bacterial richness, evenness and complexation of bacterial networks. In contrast, long-term manure fertilization and rhizosphere accumulated more amounts of total carbon, total nitrogen, and organic carbon, as well as regulated the soil pH, thus improving the separation of bacterial communities. Furthermore, PSM compositions were greatly influenced by fertilization managements and rhizosphere. For example, inorganic P fertilization increased the abundance of Thiobacillus (i.e., the most abundant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in this study) and shifted the community structure of PSB. Correspondingly, the concentrations of inorganic and total P were the key factors for the variation of the PSB community structure. These findings are beneficial for understanding the variation of inorganic and organic P pools and the microbial community, especially for PSMs under long-term inorganic and/or organic fertilization.

Optimally combined application of organic and chemical fertilizers increases grain yield and improves rhizosphere microecological properties in rice ratooning

AbstractField tests were conducted at experimental station of Chongluo, Nanping city, Fujian province, China in 2018–2019 to explore the action and physiological mechanism of organic nitrogen in rice ratooning under the configurations with different proportions of organic and inorganic nitrogen. The results showed that sole chemical fertilizer (CF) led to a significant decrease in soil nutrient availability, especially at late growth stage, and reduced grain yield of the main and ratooning crops compared with the optimal fertilizer configuration (GM2) in 30% organic nitrogen with 70% chemical nitrogen fertilizer in the premise of total application rate at 225 kg N/ha. Further studies have revealed that GM2 relative to CF treatment promoted to produce more productive panicles of the main crop and had carryover effect on the regeneration rate of ratooning rice due to national C13‐assimilates partitioning in rice–rhizosphere systems, which resulted in increased soil microbial diversity and soil fertility, thereby enhanced yields of the main and ratooning rice crops. These findings help to better understand the action and mechanism of the proper combined application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer via improving remobilization of 13C assimilates in rice–rhizosphere system, and ultimately increasing grain yield in rice ratooning.

Response of Contrasting Nutrient Management Regimes on Soil Aggregation, Aggregate-Associated Carbon and Macronutrients in a 43-Year Long-Term Experiment

The present investigation evaluated the effect of continuous application (>43 years) of organic and inorganic fertilisers on soil aggregate stability, aggregate size distribution, aggregate-associated carbon and its fractions, and total macro-nutrient content under the soybean–wheat cropping system in vertisols of the semi-arid region. Seven contrasting treatments consisted of T1 (50% NPK), T2 (100% NPK), T3 (150% NPK), T4 (100% NP), T5 (100% N), T6 (100% NPK + FYM) and T7 Control (crop raised without addition of any nutrient). The highest and lowest percentage of large macroaggregates (11.3%) was found in T6 and T7 treatments. The NPK + FYM (T6) treatments substantially increased the proportion of the macroaggregate fractions (>2 mm and 2–0.25 mm) than other treatments. However, different manure and fertilisation treatments did not affect the proportion of silt + clay aggregates. Long-term application of 100% NPK + FYM increased mean weight diameter (MWD) and stable water aggregates (WSA) by 35.7 and 6.01% over control. The aggregate-associated SOC followed the trend of large macroaggregates > microaggregates > small macroaggregates > silt + clay fractions. Application of long-term manure plus inorganic fertiliser (T6) has also increased Walkley Black soil organic carbon (WBSC), permanganate oxidisable carbon (KMnO4-C), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), carbon mineralisation (CM), total soil carbon (TSC), total soil N (TSN), total soil phosphorus (TSP) and total soil potassium (STK) by 82.1, 71.6, 182, 42.4, 23.9, 41.6, 117 and 18.4%, respectively, over control (T7). The lowest metabolic quotient (MetQ) value of 5.13 mg CO2–C mg−1 MBC h−1 was obtained in the control treatment (T7). The lowest MetQ was recorded in the integrated application of manure + inorganic fertiliser, i.e., 100% NPK + FYM (T6). Similarly, microbial quotient (MiQ) was also higher in treatment T6 (100% NPK + FYM) and lower in T7 (control). It is concluded that the application of inorganic fertiliser alone is insufficient to maintain soil health and sustainability so, combined application of manure plus inorganic fertilisation is the most important nutrient management practice for long-term soil sustainability because it maintains SOC levels in soils for long periods and ultimately ensures the soil health of soybean–wheat cropping systems in the vertisols of semi-arid regions.

Growth and Development Responses of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Under Several Combinations of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizer

One of familiar green soybean, edamame is a vegetable that popularly chosen by the richest consumer. The reducing inorganic fertilizers can be realized gradually by transforming the farming from conventional to organic. Related to transformation, we observed the suitable combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers for the edamame growth and production. By a randomized block design, seven combinations of inorganic fertilizers (150 kg/ha Urea, 150 kg/ha SP-36, 100 kg/ha KCl) and organic fertilizers (compost) were applied. Three repeatations was adopted for each treatment and 30 plants per plot was used. The analysis of variance and Tukey HSD at 5% error were chosen. Based on the result, the combination of inorganic fertilizers and compost effect four plant growth and development variables such as the plant height, the number of leaves, the number of productive branches, and the time to produce 50% of a flower. The application of inorganic fertilizers at 50% and 75% combined with compost 10 t/ha increased the plant height, the number of productive branches, and the number of leaves. The number of seeded pods and the pod weight are not affected by all combinations of treatments.

Effects of Goat Manure, Biochar, and NPK Applications on Growth and Nutrient Concentrations of Lettuce

During the last decades, biochar (BC) gained increasing importance amongst scholars. Though, only a few studies explored the effects of the combined application of BC with manure on plant growth and nutrient concentrations. This study investigates the effects of separate and joint applications of goat manure (GM) and its derived BC on the growth and mineral element concentrations in lettuce. A completely random design was used in the field experiment. Two factors consisted of GM, BC at 5 Mg ha-1 and 10 Mg ha-1 combined with inorganic fertilizers [nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] at 100%, 50%, and 0% were applied to the soil before planting the lettuce and, ANOVA analysis and Duncan test (at α=5%) were conducted. The results showed that a joint application of inorganic and organic fertilizers affects significantly the yield and yield parameters of the lettuce whilst the separate application of organic fertilizer affects significantly the lettuce content in N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Compared to GM, the application of GM-derived BC increases significantly the lettuce content in Zn and decreases its content in Cu. In addition, the highest total yield of lettuce was obtained with a joint combination of GM, BC, and 100% NPK (100 kg N ha-1, 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 100 kg K2O ha-1). Consequently, this combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is favorable fertilization in producing lettuce.

Study of Physiochemical Properties of Experimental Soil and Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil while harvesting of Phaseolus Vulgaris

As world population increases as day by day and to fulfill the need of food commodities, it is need to be applying the integral practices to enhance the soil fertility by improving the physical and chemical properties. In present study was done on, ‘Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil’. A field experiment was conducted in rabi 2005-2006 on experimental farm of department of ACSS, MAU, Parbhani to study, "Integrated nutrient management for Phaseolus Vulgaris (Rajma).Lowest bulk density of soil was observed due to application of only vermicompost. Wherever the highest bulk density was observed when only inorganic fertilizers were applied. Maximum water holding capacity of soil and porosity was recorded where vermicompost @ 5 tonnes ha-1 only was applied. Maximum water holding capacity was where 5 tonnes of vermicompost ha-1 with biofertilizers were applied. Maximum water holding capacity may be due to high organic carbon content resulting in soil aggregation. While these characters of soil were recorded minimum when only inorganic fertilizers were applied. The minimum porosity i.e., 48.60 per cent was recorded where 150% RDF of NPK/ha was applied through inorganic fertilizers. Soil pH and EC where highest only inorganic fertilizers were applied. The lowest pH and EC were recorded due to use of vermicompost only. The per cent organic carbon was highest in the soil where only vermicompost was applied only, whereas the lowest organic carbon was observed due to application of inorganic fertilizers.