Application Of NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

Carbon Budgeting of a Long-term Rice-rice Cropping Sequence in the Typic ustipsamments of Kerala, India

A judicious management practice to improve the soil's organic carbon level and soil fertility is essential for agricultural and environmental sustainability. The present study was undertaken to assess the long-term effect of various management practices on soil carbon dynamics and agricultural sustainability by computation of indices like carbon pool index (CPI), carbon lability index (CLI), carbon management index (CMI), critical carbon input and carbon budgeting. CMI has been used as a more sensitive indicator to evaluate capacity of a management practice to promote soil quality. Sensitivity index was used to determine the degree of changes in each carbon fraction due to management practices. The study was carried out in a permanent manurial trial plot started in 1964 under a long term rice-rice cropping sequence in Kerala. Based on the results obtained, integrated application of NPK fertilizers along with FYM showed significantly higher carbon indices, increased soil carbon fractions, and carbon sequestration compared to other management practices. The study revealed that applying organics coupled with inorganic fertilizers will manage the SOC level and result in enhanced soil fertility, productivity, and agricultural sustainability.

Changes in Clitoria ternatea Canopy Cover and its Relation to Forage Productivity under Leucaena leucocephala Alley Cropping and NPK Fertilization in Arid Agroforestry Systems of Saudi Arabia

Background: There is an increased need for intercropping practice in drylands to increase land-use efficiency. Canopy cover is a great tool to assess agricultural yield, as it is an indicator of plant health and productivity. Methods: The smartphone-based application Canopeo was used to measure the canopy cover (CC) of Clitoria under mixed intercropping with Leucaena and with four (4) fertilization levels (Control, 200 kg, 300 kg and 400 kg of NPK). Forage yield and (CC) were measured during six (6) consecutive harvests. Moreover, forage quality (NPK and protein) was analyzed. Result: The results revealed a high positive correlation between (CC) with crop yield and quality. Also, the application of fertilizers produced higher (CC) associated with higher yield and forage quality. The relatively low correlation of (CC) with yield in intercropping may be due to the high competition of the Leucaena tree. However, the whole intercropping system was positive (with an LER of 2.4), indicating better land-use efficiency. The results concluded that intercropping in drylands would result in better land use. While the application of NPK fertilizers will increase crop (CC), which in turn will reflect in higher forage yield and quality.

Effects of Long-Term Sustainable Inorganic Fertilization on Rice Productivity and Fertility of Quaternary Red Soil

Soil microbial communities play a critical role in soil fertility and crop productivity. The present study investigated the impact of long-term chemical fertilization on microbial communities, rice productivity, and fertility of Quaternary red soil. A long-term experiment was conducted from 1984 to 2018 with the following treatments: unbalanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) fertilization (NP, NK, and PK) and balanced inorganic fertilization (NPK) and non-fertilization (CK) as control. The results indicate that alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen (AhN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) were higher with the application of NPK fertilizers than in the initial stage of the experiment. The crop yield of fertilizer groups was also higher than that of CK, and the maximum yield was observed in the NPK group. The relative abundance of dominant bacteria, such as Acidobacteriaceae and Proteobacteria, was significantly different among different fertilizer treatments. Different fertilization strategies also had significant effects on soil fungi. For instance, Mortierella had a positive correlation with the soil N content, and Arnium showed a negative correlation with the balanced fertilization of N and P. Therefore, long-term balanced inorganic fertilization can effectively improve rice productivity and fertility of Quaternary red soil.

Effect of long-term application of pig slurry and NPK fertilizers on trace metal content in the soil.

One of the goals of sustainable agricultural production is to avoid soil contamination by elements defined as trace metals (TMs). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term impact of the use of pig slurry (PS) and NPK mineral fertilizers on the soil content of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). In a 9-year crop rotation, PS was used three times only before root crops. The same four levels of NPK doses (N0P0K0, N1P1K1, N3P2K2, N4P2K2) were applied to both plots with and without PS. Soil samples were collected in early spring from topsoil (0-0.3m) and subsoil (0.3-0.6m). Three forms of TMs were determined in the soil: pseudo-total (Aqua regia); bioavailable (Mehlich 3 method) and readily bioavailable (mobile) forms (1M NH4NO3). The tested factors did not have a significant impact on the Cd, Cu and Pb content, regardless of the form analyzed and the soil depth. PS application significantly increased the content of bioavailable forms of Zn regardless of the year, and the content of pseudo-total Zn only in the sugar beet year, i.e. after manure application. Increasing NPK doses increased the content of mobile Zn in the topsoil, especially in PS plots. A tendency to accumulate mobile forms of Cd and Pb was also observed on NPK-fertilized plots. Thus, long-term application of high NPK doses may increase the risk of contamination of the food chain with these metals. The content of mobile Cd and Zn was positively related to the content of total nitrogen in the soil and negatively related to pH.

Растеж и минерален състав на тютюн Виржиния в отговор на минерално торене и биостимуланти

The influence of mineral fertilization and two biostimulants (microbial inoculant Mycoplant® and protein hydrolysate (PH) Trainer®) on the growth and mineral composition of Virginia tobacco was studied in field and pot experiments on Rendzic Leptosol. The seedlings of the conventional technology (manure+mineral nitrogen fertilizer) had the highest weight and the highest concentration of N and Ca in the above-ground biomass. Biostimulants also had a positive effect on plant weight and the concentration of macro- and micronutrients. Microbial inoculant Mycoplant and PH Trainer increased seedling weight (fresh and dry) by 16.8% - 22.5% and 8% - 12%, respectively, compared to the manure treatment. The microbial inoculant containing AM fungi increased seedling N, P and Mg concentration by 8%, 9% and 13%, respectively, compared to manure treatment. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu also increased when Mycoplant was applied. The application of a PH-based biostimulant Trainer resulted in higher concentration of N (by 11%) and Mg (by 4%) in seedlings. Leaf area and leaf weight (pot experiment) were positively affected by compound fertilizer application. Biostimulants Mycoplant and Trainer had a weaker positive effect on these indicators. The application of compound NPK fertilizer significantly increased the concentration of N, P and K in the leaves. Biostimulants also improved the uptake of essential nutrients by tobacco plants. The microbial inoculant significantly increased the concentration of Fe in the leaves - by 25.5% compared to the control. The concentration of N was increased by 14.3% when PH Trainer was applied.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) Varieties to Blended NPSZnB and Potassium Chloride Fertilizers Rates at Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Potato production is constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, among which poor soil fertility is the prime one. Thus, the objectives of the study were to evaluate effect of NPSZnB plus potassium chloride rates fertilizer on growth performance, yield and yield components of potato and to determine optimum fertilizer rate and economically feasible for potato production at target Assosa areas. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement with three replications. Two potato varieties, Belete and Gudane were assigned to main plot whereas six blended NPSZnB with potassium chloride fertilizers rates assigned to subplots. Totally, the experiment had twelve treatments. The interaction effects of blended NPSZnB and potassium chloride fertilizers rates not significantly (P>0.05) influenced marketable yield, unmarketable yield and total tuber yield. However, the main effects of blended NPSZnB and potassium chloride fertilizers rates were highly significantly (P<0.01) affected marketable tuber yield. The partial budget analysis was revealed that highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return (1027.27%) was obtained with the application of NPK (110 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 69 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizers. We conclude that application of NPK (110 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 69 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizers were economically feasible to recommend for potato production in the study area.

Effect of levels of mulberry shoots biochar, farm yard manure and NPK fertilizer application on mulberry shoots biochar to tree mulberry on cocoon parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L

Effect of levels of mulberry shoots biochar, farm yard manure and NPK fertilizer application on mulberry shoots biochar to tree mulberry on cocoon parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L

Growth response of tomatoes to application of bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer in a pot experiment

Nitrogen-fixer and phosphate-solubilizer bacteria increase the chemical-fertilizer efficiency and soil health. Bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer is a novel approach for intensifying biofertilizer application in vegetable production. The study aimed to observe the compatibility between two Azotobacter species and two Bacillus species, their population on two formulations of bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer (BCN), and the effect of BCN dose on growth, N and P content, and their uptake in tomato shoots. The compatibility test was performed using the streak method. The population of Azotobacter and Bacillus were counted for two formulations of NPK fertilizer coated by solid biofertilizer (5% and 10%) and zeolite (1% and 5%). The pot experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replications. The treatments were 100% recommended doses of conventional NPK fertilizer (700 kg/ha) and 100%, 80%, and 60% doses of BCN. The results showed four bacterial species were compatible, indicated by synergistic growth on the plate agar. The BCN formula using 5% liquid inoculant and 5% zeolite has higher cell viability. The BCN enhanced stem thickness and leaves number but did not change the plant height, dry weight, N and P content, and their uptake in shoots. Applying 60% of BCN caused greater stem thickness and leaf number. Despite being insignificantly different from another treatment, that dose increased the biomass and the shoot uptake of N and P. The NPK fertilizer coated by Azotobacter and Bacillus has the potency to increase tomato growth and NPK fertilizer dose.

NPK Fertilizer Application for Enhanced Productivity of FARO 44 Lowland Rice in Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

NPK Fertilizer Application for Enhanced Productivity of FARO 44 Lowland Rice in Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Mycotoxins in vegetating corn plants from experimental mono-sowing

The aim of present study was to reveal the mycotoxin contamination of vegetative maize (Zea mays L.) plants during the periods of leaf formation and panicle emergence. Early maturing hybrids of the varieties Krasnodarsky 194 MV, Ladozhsky 175 MV and Competence®, resistant to fungal diseases, were grown in the spring-summer period of 2023 on the experimental field of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy (Moscow) with sod-podzolic soil and the application of NPK fertilizers 16:16:16. For mycotoxicological analysis, aerial parts of plants were collected weekly from the phase of formation of the 3rd leaf (18 days after sowing. Samples of seedlings, leaves and stems (total number – 172), after drying, were ground in a laboratory mill and extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and water in a volumetric ratio of 84:16 with a consumption of 10 ml per 1 g of sample. Mycotoxin content was determined in extracts after 10-fold dilution with phosphate-salt buffer solution pH 7.5 by indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay. T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxiscirpenol, roridin A, sterigmatocystin and PR toxin were absent in the samples. Corn seedlings and leaves contained cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), emodin (EMO), mycophenolic acid (MPA), alternariol (AOL), ergot alkaloids (EA), aflatoxin B1 (AB1) and single samples – zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OA) and citrinin (CIT) in concentrations from 16 up to 35 μg/kg. Fumonisins of group B are found only in early seedlings. The permanent contaminant of the stems was MPA, whereas EA and CIT were absent. In the seedlings and leaves of all hybrids, the detection of AOL and EA remained stable during the change of development phases, as did the average concentrations of CPA (about 100 μg/kg), AOL (from 17 to 27 μg/kg), EMO (35–58 μg/kg), MPA (28–41 μg/kg), EA (6–18 μg/kg) and AB1 (2 μg/kg). In the stems of plants in phases 7–9 of leaf and sweeping, variation in cases of detection of CPA, EMO, AOL, AB1 and OA was noted by varieties.

Biomass of Shoots and Roots of Multicomponent Grasslands and Their Impact on Soil Carbon Accumulation in Arenosol Rich in Stones

To prevent the degradation of light-textured soils, it is advisable to use them for grasslands. These soil management systems help with the faster accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby improving the soil’s properties and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural land. In this experiment, we studied the distribution of multi-component perennial grass roots in the Arenosol profile and their impact on SOC sequestration in temperate climate zones. Our research aimed to identify differences in root biomass at depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm and to assess their correlation with SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the soil. The roots, shoots, and soil samples of fertilized and unfertilized grasslands were collected at the flowering stage and after the final grass harvest two years in a row. Our findings revealed that, in sandy loam Arenosol rich in stones, 12.4–15.9 Mg ha−1 of root biomass was accumulated at 0–50 cm of soil depth. The application of NPK fertilizers did not significantly affect grass root biomass, but significantly affected shoot biomass. Most roots (84–88%) were concentrated in the 0–15 cm layer. On average, 5.10–6.62 Mg ha−1 of organic carbon (OC) was stored in the roots of perennial grasses within 0–50 cm of soil depth. We found that the SOC content in the 0–50 cm soil layer correlated more strongly (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) with C accumulated in the roots of the corresponding layer than with shoot biomass (r = 0.41, p = 0.04). However, a significant correlation was found between DOC and shoot biomass (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and between DOC and the biomass of residues (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), explaining the significant increase in DOC in the 30–50 cm soil layer and indicating the leaching of mobile soil organic matter (SOM) substances from the above-ground biomass using fertilizers.

Efek Konsentrasi Eko-Enzim dan Pupuk NPK Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kopi Liberika (Coffea Liberica W Bull Ex Hiern) Tungkal Jambi

This study aims to investigate the influence of various concentrations of Eco-Enzyme and NPK fertilizer on the growth of Liberika Tungkal Jambi coffee seedlings and to determine the optimal concentrations of Eco-Enzyme and NPK fertilizer for the growth of Liberika Tungkal Jambi coffee seedlings. The study utilized a Randomized Block Design (RAK) consisting of 6 treatment levels, as follows: P0 = No Eco-Enzyme (100% Inorganic Fertilizer), P1 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 50 mL. + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, P2 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 100 + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, P3 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 150 mL. + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, P4 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 200 mL. + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, and P5 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 250 mL.+ 50% Inorganic Fertilizer. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, total leaf area, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and root shoot ratio.The research findings indicate that the application of Eco-Enzyme and NPK fertilizer had an impact on the growth of 6-month-old Liberika Tungkal Jambi coffee seedlings, particularly in terms of the number of leaves and total leaf area. The concentration of Eco-Enzyme at 50 mL.+ 50% Inorganic Fertilizer yielded the best growth results for the coffee plants.

Growth and yield response of maize to integrated nutrient management of chicken manure and inorganic fertilizer in different agroecological zones

The productivity of maize, an essential staple food crop in Africa, is severely constrained by the declining fertility of the soil. The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers could ameliorate this challenge in a sustainable way to boost maize productivity. Two field trials were conducted at Ashanti -Mampong and Damongo, in the transitional and Guinea Savannah agroecologies of Ghana respectively, to assess the influence of sole and integrated application of chicken manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of maize. The treatments included two maize varieties; Abontem and Obatanpa, and five fertilizer rates; 3 t/ha chicken manure (CM), NPK (65:38:38 kg ha−1 NPK), ½ CM + ½ NPK and ¾ CM + ¼ NPK and control (no fertilizer). A 2 x 5 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were revealed between varieties, fertilizer types and their interaction effects for phenological, growth and yield of maize in both locations. The superiority of the integrated application of NPK and chicken manure was also visible in the vegetative parameters such as plant height, number of leaves and shoot dry weight of the maize plants given them the comparative advantage to assimilate more photosynthates for partitioning to the ears and grains. Obatanpa treated with ½ CM + ½ NPK produced the highest yield of 4661.1 kg ha−1, which was 29.6 and 29.9 % higher than the same variety grown on sole NPK and sole chicken manure, respectively at Damongo. Abontem treated with ¾ CM + ¼ NPK recorded a grain yield of 4479.3 kg ha−1, 11.7 % higher than the sole NPK and 10.3 % higher than the sole CM at Damongo. Similarly, Obatanpa grown on the ½ CM + ½ NPK recorded the highest grain yield of 4349.3 kg ha−1at Mampong followed by Abontem treated with the sole NPK (4267.1 kg ha−1). Sole NPK and the combined application of NPK and chicken manure gave comparable responses for vegetative traits while the integrated application proved superior for grain yield of maize across the two agroecologies.

Ten years of urea fertilization alter the pqqC‐harbouring community and increase soil inorganic phosphorus mobilization

AbstractThe bacterial communities that harbour the pyrroloquinoline quinone gene (pqqC‐harbouring bacteria communities) play a pivotal role in the mobilization of inorganic phosphorus (Pi). However, there is limited knowledge regarding the connection between soil pqqC‐harbouring bacterial communities and Pi fractions, as well as the factors that can regulate them, particularly under different fertilization strategies in the agricultural soil. High‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate the pqqC‐harbouring communities from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) season in a 9‐year field experiment, including without fertilization (control), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization (NK), NPK fertilization (NPK) and the combined application of chemical NPK and organic fertilizer (NPKM), and to explore their relationships with Pi fractions and their regulatory factors. Long‐term N fertilization and crop type substantially changed the community composition of pqqC‐harbouring bacteria but had no effect on their diversity. In two crop seasons, long‐term N fertilization significantly increased the content and proportion of moderately labile Pi (aluminium‐ and iron‐bound P) and available P (AP) and significantly decreased the proportion of recalcitrant Pi (calcium‐bound P) compared with the control. Specifically, AP increased by 79%–778%, Fe‐P by 64%–88%, and Al‐P by 71%–308%, while Ca‐P decreased by 10%–59%. N fertilization increased the relative abundance of Micromonospora, which was significantly positively correlated with moderately labile Pi and AP. Moreover, the relative abundance of some Streptomyces increased by 391% in the sweet potato season, and they were positively correlated with AP. Structural equation modelling revealed that the interplay between the pqqC‐harbouring community composition and Pi mobilization was mainly governed by pH, underscoring the role of pH in shaping the communities of Pi‐mobilizing microbes and their effect on Pi mobilization processes. This study emphasized how N fertilization and crops reshape Pi‐mobilizing microbial communities, which in turn affects Pi mobilization and P availability. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into optimizing P cycles and availability through N fertilization strategies.

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Potato is a crucial food and cash crop with high yield potential in many parts of the Bajhang district. However, achieving optimal yields can be hindered by inconsistent NPK fertilizer application rates and suboptimal potato variety selection, including instances where no fertilizers are used at all by the farmers. To address these challenges and determine the most effective NPK fertilizer rates and potato varieties, a field experiment was conducted in Surma rural municipality of Bajhang district. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to evaluate the effects of four NPK fertilizer rates (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:100:60, and 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and three potato varieties (Khumal Seto, Cardinal, and Bajhang Local), on growth, yield, and economic profitability. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), indicated that the highest values for plant height, canopy diameter, number of leaves, number of main stems, tuber weight, fresh weight of leaves and stems, average tuber diameter and number of marketable tubers per hill were consistently observed higher in either the Khumal Seto or Bajhang Local potato varieties. Similarly, these results were particularly prominent with the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha. Economic analysis demonstrated that the Khumal Seto variety showed superior performance in terms of gross benefit, net benefit, and benefit-to-cost ratio (NPR 1,805,714.29, NPR 1,306,168.83, and 3.61, respectively) when compared to other varieties. Similarly, the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha resulted in higher economic returns (NPR 1,645,714.29, NPR 1,129,908.83, and 3.19). In conclusion, using higher levels of mineral fertilizers (150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) with high yielding and well adapted potato varieties such as Khumal Seto and Bajhang Local significantly enhances growth, yield, and profitability in potato cultivation, as demonstrated by the findings of this study.

The Effect of Using NPK Fertilizer and Liquid Organic Fertilizer Vegetable Waste on the Vegetative Growth of Purple Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

An key factor in promoting the growth and development of plants is fertilizer. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers can be used for fertilization. If inorganic fertilizers are applied over an extended period of time without the incorporation of organic matter, the soil's quality may be compromised, leading to suboptimal plant development. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the optimal fertilizer dose for purple eggplant growth response, as well as the effects of NPK fertilizer, liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste, and a combination of both on the vegetative growth of purple eggplant plants. A two-factor Complete Random Design was employed in this study, with three replicates and five treatment levels for each of the liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste and NPK fertilizer treatment. The Anova two-way test was used to examine the data, and then the DMRT test was performed. The application of liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste and the combination of the two fertilizers had a real effect on plant height, leaf area, wet weight, and dry weight but no real effect on the number of leaves, according to the results. On the other hand, the application of NPK fertilizer had a real effect on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, wet weight, and dry weight. The results of the DMRT test (5%) indicated that the optimal dosage for plant height, wet weight, and dry weight was 1.5 grams of NPK and 10 ml of liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste; for the number of leaves, it was 1.5 grams of NPK and 2 grams, and for the area of leaves, it was 1 gram of NPK.

Impact of integrated nutrient management and foliar zinc supplementation on rice (Oryza sativa L.) nutrient uptake and yield in the Cauvery Delta Zone

In 2023, rice production reached 523.9 million tons, making it the fourth most produced crop globally. Accounting for 14% of global fertilizer use, the demand for rice continues to increase. However, the unbalanced application of NPK fertilizers poses significant environmental risks. An integrated nutrient management approach, combining organic and inorganic sources, offers a cost-effective solution to meet crop nutritional needs while enhancing soil health. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in Experimental Farm of Annamalai University during kuruvai (June-September) 2023 to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with different sources of organic manures along with foliar zinc sulphate on the yield and yield components in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments. These treatments included different sources of organic manures viz., farm yard manure, vermicompost, press mud and poultry manure and foliar application of zinc sulphate. The results revealed that combining 75% nitrogen through urea and 25% nitrogen from vermicompost and 100 % P and K along with foliar application of zinc sulphate (0.5%) at 25 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT) significantly improved all nutrient uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and also yield parameters viz., number of productive tillers m-2, number of filled grains/panicle, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of rice.

The Effects of Rabbit Compost Tea and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluates the effects of rabbit compost tea and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer on the growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of four (4) treatments. Total land area measured 88 m2 (11 m by 8 m) with 12 plots, and each plot size measured 3 m by 2 m (6 m2) with 1 m alleyways between plots and replicates. The treatments and application rate were the control, rabbit compost tea at 400 l ha-1, a combination of NPK at 100 kg ha-1 and rabbit compost tea at 200 l ha-1, and the application of NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg ha-1, which was incorporated as the experiment's standard treatment. In the experiment, growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) were monitored and evaluated. Findings showed that the application of rabbit compost tea and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased the plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, and leaf area when compared with the control, especially when combined. According to this study, rabbit compost tea is an effective and sustainable organic amendment that smallholder maize farmers should consider using to improve growth and output.

Response of Zinc in Kharif Rice cv MTU-1010

A filed experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Farm, Ashokenagar, West Bengal on a sandy loam soil to assess the effect of zinc on growth, yield attributing characters and yield of rice, cv MTU- 1010. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design with three treatments i.e. recommended NPK dose (60:30:30 kg/ha NPK), recommended NPK + 25 kg/ha of ZnSO4 as soil application, and recommended NPK + 20 kg/ha of ZnSO4 as soil application + 2.5 kg/ha as foliar application at 30 and 45 DAT with seven replications. The study revealed that most of the yield and yield attributing characters except a few were significantly influenced by the soil and foliar application of zinc. Application of zinc recorded 17.73% higher grain yield than soil application of sole NPK fertilizers. The maximum no. of effective tillers/hill (23.57), plant height (81.28 cm), no. of spikelet per panicle (89.57), yield (5.91 t/ha), starch content (75.28 %) and B:C ratio (1.87) were recorded in 20 kg/ha of ZnSO4 as soil application followed by 2.5 kg/ha as foliar application at 30 and 45 DAT, along with soil application of NPK.

Characteristics of the Soil Microbial Community Structure under Long-Term Chemical Fertilizer Application in Yellow Soil Paddy Fields

To compare the differences in the soil microbial community structure in yellow soil paddy fields after the long-term application of chemical fertilizer, the role and mechanism of chemical fertilizer in maintaining soil microbial diversity were analyzed, and a theoretical basis for fertilization management in farmlands was provided. In this study, long-term experiments were conducted at the Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of the Arable Land Conservation and Agricultural Environment (Guizhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Soil samples were collected from five treatments: fertilizer N, P, and K (NPK); fertilizer P and K (PK); fertilizer N and K (NK); fertilizer N and P (NP); and no fertilizer (CK). High-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the microbial composition and diversity of the colonies, and the influencing factors are discussed. An analysis of the soil bacterial α diversity indices under the different fertilization treatments revealed that the long-term application of NPK fertilizers had less of an effect on the soil bacterial α diversity indices than did the CK. The long-term application of chemical fertilizers significantly reduced the soil bacterial Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices, while there was no significant difference in the bacterial Pielou e index among the treatments. The long-term application of chemical fertilizers significantly increased the soil fungal Chao1 index, but the effects on the other indices were not significant (p &lt; 0.05). An analysis of the bacterial and fungal species under different fertilization treatments showed found that compared with CK, the long-term application of chemical fertilizer increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria to varying degrees while reducing the relative abundance of Chloroflexi. The impact of other phyla was relatively small, and the difference in the relative abundance of fungi was not significant (p &lt; 0.05). Principal component analysis revealed that, at the genus level, the bacterial and fungal community structures in the CK and NK treatments were relatively independent, while those in the NPK, PK, and NP treatments were similar. Random forest analysis revealed that OM, TP, and TK are the dominant factors that affect soil bacteria α diversity. The dominant factors affecting fungi α diversity are pH, OM, and AK. Redundancy analysis indicated that AK and TP were the main factors affecting bacterial community structure, while AP, AK, and pH were the main factors affecting fungal community structure. The conclusion drawn from this study is that the long-term application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer; phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer can improve soil fertility, alter the soil environment, enhance microbial diversity, and improve the microbial community structure in yellow soil paddy fields, promoting soil ecosystem stability and health.