Organic Applications Research Articles

Changes in root and nutrient uptake of chickpea affected by organic fertilizers and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium

AbstractAlthough humans have studied biological nitrogen (N) fixation for nearly two centuries, our understanding of how legumes–microbiome interactions impact agroecosystem function is still evolving. To understand the effects of organic fertilizers and dual inoculation with Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on root activity, N fixation and nutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a two‐year greenhouse study was conducted in 2020–2021 at the research station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment design was a randomized complete blocks in the factorial arrangement with three replications. The first factor consisted of two seedbeds including S1 (field soil) and S2 (soil + humic acid + 40 ton ha−1 cattle manure). The second factor included inoculation with Rhizobium alone, mycorrhiza alone, both Rhizobium and mycorrhiza and non‐inoculated treatment. The results showed that the application of organic fertilizers increased the number of nodules, nodule weight, AMF colonization, leaf N content, leaf P content, root volume, root biomass and N uptake of chickpea, significantly. Also, the effect of seed inoculation was significant on all studied parameters where the highest root biomass (2 g), root volume (3.6 cm3) and leaf phosphorus (0.54%) were obtained in co‐inoculated treatments. There was no significant difference between the effect of single inoculation of Rhizobium and dual inoculation of mycorrhiza and Rhizobium on nodule number, nodule weight, leaf N and N uptake of chickpea. Generally, rhizobia and AMF can benefit nutrient uptake and root activity of chickpea, potentially leading to higher crop production.

Differences in Soil Fertility and Bacterial Community Structure Between Carbon Inputs such as Biochar and Organic Fertilizer and Their Relationship

The potato planting area of Guizhou Province ranks second in China. However, due to factors such as climatic conditions and unbalanced fertilization, soil organic matter in potato fields is consumed rapidly and has a large deficit, which affects soil biological function and soil fertility. Biochar and organic fertilizer are effective ways to supplement foreign aid organic matter to improve soil quality. However, the differences in soil fertility and microbial community structure and their relationships under the conditions of organic fertilizer or biochar combined with chemical fertilizer are not clear. In this study, three treatments of conventional fertilization （NPK）, increased application of biochar （NPKB）, and increased application of organic fertilizer （NPKO） were set up to investigate the characteristics of potato rhizosphere soil, bacterial community composition, and diversity； to analyze the effects of these factors on the soil integrated fertility index； and to explore the direct and indirect effects of IFI on soil fertility and bacterial community structure differences between treatments and their driving factors. The results showed that soil pH, available phosphorus （AP）, available potassium （AK）, total nitrogen （TN）, organic carbon （SOC）, and C/N ratio were significantly higher in the NPKB and NPKO treatments than in the NPK treatment （P<0.05）. Soil IFI was greatest for NPKO, followed by NPKB and least for the NPK treatment. A total of 8 214 ASVs were obtained from all the soil samples, belonging to 26 phyla, 75 classes, 165 orders, 176 families, and 251 genera （excluding unidentified fungi）. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla, accounting for 54.85% of all ASVs. Compared to that in the NPK and NPKB treatments, the NPKO treatment had the highest bacterial diversity and number of significantly different taxa, and soil AN, AP, AK, SOC, TN, and IFI were significant correlates of bacterial diversity index （P<0.05）. Additionally, pH, TN, and SOC were significant influencers of bacterial taxa differences （P<0.05）, with importance ranked as TN （70.59%） &gt; SOC （49.42%） &gt; pH （27.08%）. Structural equations suggested that pH-related soil properties and bacterial community diversity were the direct pathways influencing IFI, and soil pH-related soil characteristics could also indirectly affect IFI by affecting bacterial Shannon diversity. These results indicate that soil fertility and bacterial community structure were significantly different and correlated between the biochar and organic fertilizer addition treatments and that pH and bacterial community diversity were the key factors influencing IFI, with the NPKO treatment in particular having the best effect on improving IFI. Considering the effect of soil fertilization and the functional group of bacteria, NPKO is the recommended combination for the best synergistic effect of soil fertilization, that is, N 150 kg·hm-2+P2O5 135 kg·hm-2+K2O 135 kg·hm-2+organic fertilizer 6.6 t·hm-2.

Phosphate buffer‐driven precursor polycondensation to promote fermentative humification

AbstractBACKGROUNDAerobic fermentation always suffers from nitrogen loss and low humification degree. The objective of this study was to investigate the promotion of phosphate buffer on organic matter degradation and precursor polymerization into humus (HS) in aerobic fermentation, and to analyze the key roles played by different precursors. In order to achieve this, sludge aerobic fermentation tests were conducted on control (CK), phosphate buffer addition treatment (KP) and potassium chloride addition treatment (K).RESULTSThe HS content of KP treatment exhibited a notable increase compared to the CK and K treatments, with a maximum increase of 38.29%. In addition, phosphate addition improved the nitrogen retention capacity and the complexity of the HS structure. Phosphate buffer enhanced both the polyphenol and Maillard humification pathways by promoting the condensation of precursors (polysaccharides, reducing sugars, polyphenols, amino acids and proteins). Among these precursors, reducing sugars, amino acids and proteins were identified as the key driving precursors of phosphate.CONCLUSIONSPhosphate, as an exogenous additive to the fermentation system, reduces nitrogen loss while promoting precursor polymerization to form HS, which benefits the improvement of soil fertility and crop growth upon organic fertilizer application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Nitrogen Reduction and Organic Fertiliser Application Benefits Growth, Yield, and Economic Return of Cotton

The application of excessive nitrogen fertiliser has been found to have a detrimental impact on the growth and development of cotton in Xinjiang, China. This has resulted in a reduction in cotton yield and economic benefit. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for reducing the input of inorganic N fertiliser while maintaining the quality and yield formation of cotton. The objective of this study was to examine the growth, photosynthesis, and yield of cotton crops subjected to varying fertiliser treatments. The experiment was conducted in 2021–2022 with eight treatments in the experiment: no fertiliser (CK); conventional application of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser (T0); T1–T3, with 8%, 16%, and 24% reduction in inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application, respectively; and T4–T6, with organic fertilisers replacing the reduced inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application of T1–T3, respectively. In comparison to T0, T5 demonstrated the most notable agronomical performance and yield components across both years. This is attributable to the spatial distribution of cotton bolls, which was more conducive to the net photosynthetic rate and yield formation. This, in turn, led to an augmented photosynthetic capacity, enhanced biomass accumulation, and an elevated harvesting index. The results of the economic benefit analysis demonstrated that in comparison to the control treatment (T0), the net profit of all treatments except T3 increased. In conclusion, the economic benefit reached its maximum in the range of a 9.90–14.10% reduction in nitrogen and a 16.60–17.60% substitution of organic fertiliser.

Responses of soil fungal and bacterial communities to long-term organic and inorganic nitrogenous fertilizers in an alpine agriculture

Although nitrogen fertilizer is an important measure to increase grain yield, response of soil microbial community to nitrogen fertilizer is still unclear in alpine regions. Based on a long-term (>10 years) nitrogen fertilizer experiment (control, CF: chemical fertilizer, SM: sheep manure; CS: chemical fertilizer + sheep manure) in an alpine agroecosystem of the Lhasa, Xizang, responses of soil bacteria and fungi communities to nitrogen fertilizer was investigated. The CF treatment reduced fungi operational taxonomic unit (OTU) by 13.08 %, phylogenetic diversity by 11.13 % at 10–20 cm, but increased fungi guild number at 0–10 cm by 17.71 %. The SM treatment reduced fungi OTU at 10–20 cm by 11.82 %. Compared to CF and SM treatments, CS treatment had stronger positive effects on bacterial α-diversity, considering that CS treatment but not CF and SM treatments increased bacterial mean nearest taxon distance, species Shannon and Simpson at 10–20 cm. The CF, SM and CS treatments altered fungal community composition at 0–10 and 10–20 cm, bacterial community composition at 10–20 cm, and bacterial species composition at 0–10 cm. The CF and CS treatments altered bacterial phylogenetic composition at 0–10 cm, and the SM and CS treatments altered bacterial functional composition at 0–10 cm. The decreased magnitude of the relative abundance of symbiotroph fungi caused by CS treatment (90.44 %) was stronger than that (65.14 % and 53.62 %) caused by CF and SM treatments at 10–20 cm. Therefore, the SM and CS treatments had stronger effects on soil bacterial functional composition, but the CF treatment had stronger effects on fungal α-diversity. Compared with single application of organic or inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, mixed application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer was more beneficial to the maintenance and improvement of soil bacterial diversity, but caused more reduction of soil symbiotic fungi and in turn greater potential risk. These scientific findings observed by this study can provide guidance for fertilizer management and soil fertility improvement.

Long-term combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increases crop yield sustainability by improving soil fertility in maize-wheat cropping systems1

Organic material combined with inorganic fertilizer has been shown to greatly improve g crop yield and maintain soil fertility globally. However, it remains unclear if crop yield and soil fertility can be sustained in the long term under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Three long-term field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of organic amendments on the grain sustainable yield index (SYI), soil fertility index (SFI) and nutrient balance in maize-wheat cropping systems of central and southern China during 1991-2019. Five treatments were included in the trials: 1) no fertilization (control); 2) balanced mineral fertilization (NPK); 3) NPK plus manure (NPKM); 4) high dose of NPK plus manure (1.5NPKM); and 5) NPK plus crop straw (NPKS). Over time, the grain yields of wheat and maize showed an increasing trend in all four fertilization treatments at the Yangling (YL) and Zhengzhou (ZZ) locations, while they declined at Qiyang (QY). The grain yield in the NPKM and 1.5 NPKM treatments gradually exceeded that of the NPK and NPKS treatments at the QY site. The largest SYI was recorded in the NPKM treatment across the three sites, suggesting that inorganic fertilizer combined with manure can effectively improve crop yield sustainability. Higher SYI values were recorded at the YL and ZZ sites than at the QY site, possibly because the soil was more acid at QY. The key factors affecting grain yield were soil available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) at the YL and ZZ sites, and pH and AP at the QY site. All fertilization treatments resulted in soil N and P surpluses at the three sites, but soil K surpluses were recorded only at the QY site. The SFI was greater in the 1.5NPKM, NPKM and NPKS treatments than in the NPK treatment by 13.3-40.0 and 16.4-63.6% at the YL and ZZ sites, respectively, and was significantly higher in the NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments than in the NPK and NPKS treatments at the QY site. A significant, positive linear relationship was found between SFI and crop yield, and SYI and nutrient balance, indicating that grain yield and its sustainability significantly increased with increasing soil fertility. The apparent N, P and K balances positively affected SFI. This study suggests that the appropriate amount of manure mixed with mineral NPK fertilizer is beneficial to the development of sustainable agriculture, which effectively increases the crop yield and yield sustainability by improving soil fertility.

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Derived from Vegetable Waste and NPK on Sweet Corn Plants (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Derived from Vegetable Waste and NPK on Sweet Corn Plants (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

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.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The study, conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, School of Agriculture, S.G.V.U., Jaipur (Rajasthan) during the Rabi season of 2022-23, examined the impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield, and quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). Using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 13 treatment combinations, including control and various mixes of fertilizers with organic amendments like farmyard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, neem cake, and biofertilizers, the research found that treatment T5 (75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost) had a notable impact on vegetative development, yield, and quality indices, also showing the highest benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.26 compared to the control group's 1.14. The combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly improved Okra's growth, yield, and quality, with T5 demonstrating the best performance in plant height, fruit yield, and quality traits like ascorbic acid and sugar content, highlighting its potential for sustainable and profitable okra production and the benefits of integrating organic manures with inorganic fertilizers for enhancing crop productivity and soil health.

The application of organic liquid fertilizer C. glomerata and NPK Phonska to enhance agronomic efficiency in maize cultivation on Alluvial soil

&lt;p&gt;Fertilization is crucial in maize cultivation, and inorganic fertilizers can be expensive. Therefore, it is essential to provide alternative fertilizers to reduce dependence on inorganic fertilizers. This study investigated the role of organic liquid fertilizer &lt;em&gt;C. glomerata&lt;/em&gt; (OLFC) in increasing the efficiency of NPK Phonska fertilizer, influencing soil chemical reactions, and enhancing the growth and yield of maize on alluvial soils. The materials used were hybrid maize of the Pioneer 32, OLFC, and NPK Phonska (15-15-15). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) in factorial. The OLFC was applied at 0 mL L&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, 5 mL L&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, and 10 mL L&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;; NPK Phonska Fertilizer at 0, 150, and 300 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; in three replications. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA at 5%. Level of significance and mean separation using the LSD at 5% probability. The following parameters were evaluated: soil chemical properties and agronomic factors, such as the height of crop, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate, weight of 100 seeds, yield, and agronomic efficiency (AE). The highest maize yield recorded was 4.83 tons per hectare, achieved by applying 150 NPK Phonska kg per hectare, supported by a fertilization efficiency of 11.28%. Adding 5 mL per liter of OLFC every two weeks to maize plants resulted in the highest AE, reaching 21.81%.&lt;/p&gt;

Efektivitas Pupuk Organik Cair Jerami Padi dan Kotoran Sapi terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Sawi (Brasicca juncea L.)

The mustard plant (Brassica juncea L.) is loved by everyone because it has lots of nutrients and is also good for health. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of liquid organic fertilizer from rice straw and cow dung on the growth of mustard greens. The method used in this research was an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 2 factors, namely the dose of liquid organic fertilizer (P₁ = 10 ml and P₂ = 13 ml) and the time of application of liquid organic fertilizer (W₁ = once every 5 days and W₂ = once every 7 days). The results of research on liquid organic fertilizer from rice straw and cow dung can effectively accelerate growth in height, number of leaves and wet weight in mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.). The growth of mustard greens was very good in the P₂W₁ treatment (13 ml dose every 5 days) which produced mustard plants with an average height of 35.1 cm, an average number of leaves of 17.3, and an average fresh weight of mustard greens. average 165.3 grams.

Combining Organic and Inorganic Fertilization Enhances Soil Enzyme Activity, the Bacterial Community, and Molecular Ecological Network Complexity in Coal Mine Reclamation Areas

Combined organic and inorganic fertilization can improve soil fertility in coal mine reclamation areas. However, the contribution of the bacterial community (especially its occurrence patterns) to soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity needs further evaluation. The objective of this research was to clarify the bacterial community diversity, composition, and intraspecific interactions in response to combined organic and inorganic fertilizer application in coal mine reclamation areas in the Loess Hilly Region, China. Maize rhizosphere soil samples were collected under four fertilization regimes (CK, no fertilization control; NPK, compound inorganic fertilizer; M, organic fertilizer; and NPKM, combined organic and inorganic fertilization) in a 10-year field experiment in Gujiao city, Shanxi Province. Bacterial communities were characterized using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 region. A cross-treatment Spearman correlation network was constructed to explore the bacterial co-occurrence patterns. Compared with CK, NPK, M, and NPKM decreased the pH by 0.59%, 2.27%, and 0.12%; increased the soil organic carbon by 11.25%, 11.69%, and 27.05%; and significantly decreased the bacterial Shannon diversity by 3.68%, 0.14%, and 3.54%, respectively. Compared with CK, NPKM significantly increased sucrase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase activities (p &lt; 0.05). Critically, oligotrophic Acidobacteria were significantly more abundant in CK than in the other treatments. Gemmatimonadetes were more abundant in NPK and M, and Actinobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Patescibacteria were more abundant in NPKM. In addition, network analysis revealed that the keystone taxa in the different fertilization treatments belonged to different network modules and were significantly correlated with soil nutrient content and enzyme activity. Simultaneously, the Actinobacteria enriched in NPKM formed specific clusters through strong symbiosis, and there were significant positive correlations among sucrase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase. In summary, long-term combined organic and inorganic fertilization improved maize rhizosphere soil fertility by regulating enzyme activity, bacterial community composition, and bacterial species interactions in coal mine reclamation areas in the Loess Hilly Region.

Response of Soil Bacterial Communities and Potato Productivity to Fertilizer Application in Farmlands in the Agropastoral Zone of Northern China

The characteristics and responses of soil bacterial communities and potato productivity to different fertilization treatments in farmlands in the agropastoral zone of Inner Mongolia were investigated. Moreover, the diversity and structure of soil bacterial communities and potato productivity under different fertilization treatments (no fertilization, CK; phosphorus-deficient treatment, NK; conventional fertilization, NPK; and organic–inorganic combination, NPKM) were assessed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed that soil pH, organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) content, and potato productivity were significantly increased under fertilizer treatments (NK, NPK, and NPKM) compared with those under CK, with NPKM treatment having the best enhancement effect. The application of organic fertilizers significantly increased the Shannon, evenness, Chao1, and Ace indices of soil bacterial communities and reshaped the bacterial community structure. Random forest model analysis revealed that soil pH and TP significantly affected soil bacterial diversity, whereas soil pH, SOM, TP, and TN significantly affected soil bacterial community structure. Correlation and structural equation modeling analyses revealed that soil TP and SOM indirectly affected potato productivity by changing soil bacterial diversity and community composition. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for improving the quality and productivity of farmland soil to guide the rational fertilization of farmlands in the agropastoral zone of northern China.

Response of Arugula to Integrated Use of Biological, Inorganic, and Organic Fertilization.

This study evaluated the effects of solely and integrated application of inorganic (NPK), commercial organic (NC), and biological (MIX, mixed strains Ensifer meliloti and Azotobacter chroococcum) fertilizers on the chemical characteristics of arugula biomass and its yield, as well as changes in soil microbiological parameters after the experiment in relation to the control treatment (Ø). The experiment was performed in semi-controlled greenhouse conditions, in pots, from the 4th decade of March to the 2nd decade of September, in 2023, at three cutting times/swaths, during one agricultural season, with Vertisol soil. For soil characterization, the following parameters were analysed: granulometric composition using sieving and sedimentation procedure; soil acidity-potentiometrically; SOM-soil organic matter by Kotzmann method; total N using CNS analyser; available P-spectrophotometrically; available K-flame photometrically; total number of microorganisms on an agarized soil extract medium; fungi on a solid Czapek agar; actinomycetes on a solid Krasiljnikov agar with saccharose; Azotobacter spp. on a liquid Fyodorov medium with mannitol; ammonifiers on a liquid medium with asparagine; and dehydrogenase activity-spectrophotometrically. For plant characterization, the following parameters were determined: N and C, both on CNS analyser; P on spectrophotometer; K on flame photometer; air-dried yield biomass. A stimulative effect on all microbiological parameters was found in the treatment with integrated use of organic and biological fertilizer, except for fungi, which grew better in the treatments with separate inorganic and organic fertilizers. Generally, the stimulative impact on plant chemical parameters manifested in combined inorganic and biological, organic and biological, and inorganic and organic fertilization treatments, and was inhibited in treatment without fertilization, in all three swaths, which could also be stated for the plant yield. Positive influence of all fertilization treatments on chemical parameters was observed for the second swath in relation to the first and the third. The total yield in the NPK+MIX treatment was 121%, and in the NC+MIX treatment, it was 87% higher compared to the control (Ø). In general, integrated use of inorganic and biological, organic and biological, and inorganic and organic fertilizers, respectively, could be proposed as an optimal fertilization treatment in arugula cultivation.

Efektivitas Pupuk Organik Cair Jerami Padi dan Ampas Teh Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Kandungan Kalsium Tanaman Selada (Lactuca sativa L.)

This research aims to determine differences in growth and calcium levels of lettuce plants ( Lactuca sativa L.) after applying liquid organic fertilizer from rice straw and tea dregs. This research used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications and two factors, namely the dose of liquid organic fertilizer (P1 = 10 ml and P2 = 13 ml) and the time of application of liquid organic fertilizer (W1 = once every 5 days and W2 = every 7 days). The results of the research showed that all treatments had different effects on the growth and levels of lettuce plants. The treatment that has the most influence on the growth and calcium levels of lettuce plants is P2W2 (13 ml fertilizer dose and application time every 7 days). Keywords: Tea dregs, rice straw, calcium, lettuce plants, liquid organic fertilizer

The Effect of Foliar Application of Azolla Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Rice in Swampy Soil

Rice cultivation faces challenges due to limited land availability despite increasing demand. Utilizing swamp land for cultivation presents an alternative, albeit hindered by difficult-to-control water conditions and less effective fertilizer spread. To ensure optimal nutrient supply, foliar application of Azolla liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) is explored. This study investigates the ideal concentration and frequency of Azolla LOF application for rice growth and yield. Employing a split plot design, the main plot assesses LOF concentration (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%), while the subplot evaluates application frequency (1, 2, 3 times). Results indicate that a 9% LOF concentration yields the highest tiller count (17.99), longest panicle (25.788 cm), highest grain count per panicle (158.2978), heaviest grain weight per hill (45.878 g), and highest grain weight per plot (3457.52 g). However, the fastest flowering period (54 DAP) occurs with a 12% LOF concentration. Applying Azolla LOF three times achieves the earliest flowering (55.25 DAP), while two applications yield the longest panicle (25.03 cm). Notably, no interaction is observed between LOF concentration and application frequency on rice growth and yield. These findings provide insights into optimizing Azolla LOF application for enhanced rice cultivation in swamp lands.

The Role of Liquid Organic Fertiliser on the Growth of Rice Paddy Crops in Pape Village, Bajawa District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

The production and growth of Oryza sativa L. rice plants are crucial for maintaining the long-term viability of food agriculture. The purpose of this study was to assess how liquid organic fertilizer affected the growth of the rice cultivars Kusuma 06 and Inpari 30. The study was carried out in Pape Village, which is situated in Bajawa Sub-district, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, from January to April of 2024. The research method involved the application of liquid organic fertiliser to Inpari 30 and Kusuma 06 rice plants in the field during the research period. The height, number of leaves, and number of tillers on rice plants were noted, as well as the infestation rate of false whiteflies and brown stem leafhoppers. The results demonstrated that liquid organic fertiliser exerted a significant influence on rice plant growth, with enhanced plant height, leaf number, and tiller number observed in plants treated with liquid organic fertiliser. Furthermore, the infestation of false white pests and brown stem leafhoppers also exerted a notable impact on the growth and yield of rice plants, resulting in a reduction in grain production and substantial economic losses. The results of research conducted in Pape Village, Bajawa District, Ngada Regency indicated that the Inpari 30 rice variety yielded 9 sacks, while the Kusuma 06 variety yielded 7 sacks. The productivity of the Inpari 30 rice variety was found to be superior, particularly among wetland rice farmers. Consequently, the application of liquid organic fertiliser and integrated pest control is crucial to the practice of paddy rice farming in order to achieve optimal yields.

Changes in the elemental composition of agrocenosis components on gray forest soil under long-term application of mineral and organic fertilizers

The paper analyzes the elemental composition of soils and plants of agrocenosis on the gray forest soil of Vladimir opolye under long-term application of mineral and organic fertilizers. The content of total and mobile forms of Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe and the content of these elements in aboveground plant organs, as well as changes in the main agrochemical characteristics that can affect the availability of elements to plants were evaluated. It is shown that the application of mineral fertilizers contributes to soil acidification, increase in the content of organic carbon, mobile forms of phosphorus. At the same time, the variants with joint application of mineral and organic fertilizers are subject to less change of these characteristics, which may be due to the increased buffering capacity of the soil with respect to the components coming with mineral salts, due to the applied organic matter. Introduction of Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe into agrocenosis with fertilizers (organic and mineral) did not affect the gross content of metals in soil. There was a change in the content of mobile forms of metals in the soil due to changes in agrochemical parameters of soils. Changes in the content of trace elements in plant products were recorded. The reduction of Zn, Cu content in plants on the variants with more intensive use of fertilizers (and with higher yield) is explained by "dilution effect". The low content of Co in the soil and its insufficient supply to the plants must be controlled. The joint use of data on changes in the elemental composition of soils and plants allows better differentiation of experimental variants in the space of principal components when analyzed by this method and is promising for monitoring the consequences of agrogenic load of different degrees. The results obtained can be taken into account in the formation of criteria for assessing the mineral nutrition of plants and fertilizer application rates.

Technology and technical means for the implementation of reproduction methods for soil fertility

Soil fertility is determined by the presence of humus as the main part of organic matter. The extended reproduction of soil fertility is ensured by the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, the cultivation of sidereal crops and the decomposition of plant residues. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing the technologies and means of mechanization for extended reproduction of fertility. (Materials and methods) For the joint application of liquid organic fertilizers and the cultivation of siderates, a unit has been developed that implements a hose technology for transporting liquid organic fertilizers. Fertilizers are fed through pressure hose lines to the working parts deep into the soil layer. The combined unit consists of a tractor K-744 Kirovets and an adapter for deep tillage with liquid fertilizers, as well as a seeder for small-seeded crops. To level the surface of the field after the passage of the unit and the sealing of the sown seeds of the sideral culture, the unit is equipped with a tooth roller. (Results and discussion) Formulas for determining the critical processing depth are given, the power calculation of the unit is performed. The design of the tillage tool allows to install flat-cutting working parts with a grip of 0.80 meters and slits with a grip of 0.45 meters. Tests of the combined unit were carried out. The depth of tillage was 36±1 centimeters, the seeding rate of the sideral crop (oilseed radish) was 25 kilograms per hectare, the operating speed range of the unit was from 0.4 to 0.8 meters per second. (Conclusions) The uniformity of the subsurface distribution of organic fertilizers was 90-95 percent. The specific energy intensity of the technological process of the combined unit based on the K-744 tractor for intra-soil fertilization is 40-65 kilowatt hours per hectare (excluding the capacity for pumping fertilizers). Energy consumption depends on the depth of cultivation and resistivity of the soil. The proposed method allows preventing water and wind erosion of the soil, improving its agronomically valuable properties. Reducing the pesticide load on the soil and its microflora contributes to the transition to a model of sustainable agroecosystems, improving and improving crop quality. The proposed technology provides extended reproduction of soil fertility.

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.