Application Of Phosphate Fertilizers Research Articles

Radiological risk assessment of phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria.

This study assesses the radiological risks associated with phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria. Soil samples from ten agricultural towns were analyzed for radionuclide concentrations using gamma-ray spectrometry. Primordial radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K were examined, with 40K showing the highest concentration due to the potassium-rich nature of phosphate fertilizers. Spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations was observed, attributed to agricultural activities. Despite variations, mean activity concentrations were below global averages, indicating low radiological risks. Hazard indices, radium equivalent concentrations, and absorbed dose rates were all within safe limits. The annual effective dose equivalent was significantly lower than recommended levels, and excess lifetime cancer risk estimates were below the global average. The study emphasizes the importance of educating farmers on the potential adverse effects of radionuclides and recommends reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Application of different phosphatic fertilizers influences the different phosphorus fractions and morphophysiological traits of wheat in saline sodic soil

Nutrient constraints in salt-affected soils are one of the limiting factors for crop production. We investigated phosphorus (P) availability to wheat crop and its correlations with different fractions of P in salt-affected soils in response to various phosphatic fertilizer’s application. Three different types of soils having electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe) < 4 dS m−1 and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) < 13.2 (mmol L−1)1/2, ECe 8 dS m−1 SAR 20 (mmol L−1)1/2 and ECe 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L−1)1/2 were used for this experiment. Different P fertilizers viz. control, diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and nitrophos (NP) were applied on these soils. The doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were remained same for all the treatments. The P fractions, agronomic parameters and P-availability to plants were determined. Results indicated increase in shoot dry weight (61%) and photosynthetic rate (9%) in SSP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2. The total P (7.6%) in soil and respiration rate (1.9%) in plant was recorded maximum in DAP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2, and membrane stability index (44%) in plant shoot, extractable P (23%) in soil and P concentration (22%) in shoot were recorded maximum in SSP treated soil at EC 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L)1/2. It was concluded that SSP fertilizer perform better in salt-affected soil for growth and yield of wheat compared to other phosphatic fertilizers.

Organic manures reduce the bioavailability of fluoride in soil via different mechanisms

Fluoride (F) pollution in soils, which can be caused by long-term application of phosphate fertilizers, has serious socio-economic and ecological impacts. Therefore, it is important to find economically viable and environmentally friendly remediation technologies that mitigating the potential hazards of F-contaminated soil while maintaining crop yields. In this study, a soil incubation experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of two different organic manures at various amounts on soil F content and soil properties. We demonstrated that organic manure application at a rate of 5% was optimal to control the content of available fluoride (AE-F) in soil. Organic manure decreased the AE-F content and increased the residual or organically bound content. Furthermore, organic manure application also increased the contents of carbohydrates, proteins, and amides, which can anchor AE-F to the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil through physicochemical reactions, thereby reducing the migration of F. Moreover, after organic manure application, complex humus compounds were formed through microbial action, thus reducing the bioavailability of soil F. In summary, the application of organic manures can reduce the accumulation of soil AE-F, thereby reducing the absorption of F by crops in F-contaminated soil and alleviating the potential risk of F contamination.

Spatial differentiation and influencing factors of effective phosphorus in cultivated soil in the water source area of the mid-route of South-to-North water transfer project.

The long-term application of phosphate fertilizers in agricultural production leads to a large accumulation of phosphorus in the soil. When it exceeds a certain limit, phosphorus will migrate to surrounding water bodies through surface runoff and other mechanisms, potentially causing environmental risks such as eutrophication of water bodies and increasing the risk of water source pollution. This study takes Shiyan City, the water resources area of the mid-route of the South-to-North Diversion Project (MSDP), as the study area. Based on 701 sampling points of topsoil, geostatistics and geodetectors were used to explore the spatial heterogeneity and influencing factors of available phosphorus (AP) in the topsoil of the area. The results show that the effective phosphorus content in the topsoil of the study area ranges from 0.30 to 146.00 mg/kg, with an average value of 14.28 mg/kg, showing strong variability characteristics. Geostatistical analysis shows that among all theoretical models, the exponential model has the best fitting effect, with a lump gold effect of 0.447 and a range of 82,000 m. The soil available phosphorus content shows an increasing trend from the Central Valley lowlands to the surrounding mountainous hills. Among them, elevation is the main controlling factor for the spatial variation of available phosphorus in the topsoil, followed by soil types, planting systems, annual precipitation, and organic matter. The non-linear enhancement or dual-factor enhancement among various environmental factors reveals the diversity and complexity of spatial heterogeneity affecting available phosphorus content in cultivated soil. This study could provide scientific references for maintaining ecological security in the water source area of the MSDP, improving the precise management of AP, and enhancing cultivated land quality.

Rhizosphere microbial roles in phosphorus cycling during successive plantings of Chinese fir plantations

The rhizosphere, a critical interface involving soil, plant roots, and microorganisms, plays a vital role in the feedback processes between plants and soil, especially under phosphorus (P) limiting conditions typical of subtropical forests. This study used a chronosequence design to investigate first-fourth successive planting rotations of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations in Fujian Province, China, with stands around 17 years old. We employed a modified P fractionation assay and metagenomic sequencing to explore P cycling in the rhizosphere across different plantation rotations. Rhizosphere labile P concentrations increased significantly in the fourth rotation, alongside a consistent upward trend in moderately labile P throughout successive plantings. Conversely, stable P and residual P concentrations declined during successive plantings, signaling a shift toward more accessible P forms. From metagenomic analyses, the proportion of P transport processes (transportation of phosphonate, phosphate, and inorganic phosphate) gradually increased. Notably, abundances were significantly higher in the rhizosphere soil of the fourth Chinese fir planting rotation of the K01126 gene (involved in phosphate ester mineralization), the phnD gene (associated with phosphonate transport), functional genes related to the solubilization of inorganic phosphate, such as pqqB, pqqC, pqqE, and ppa, and the phoB gene (linked to P-starvation response regulation). The results indicate that functional microbes of the rhizosphere, dominated by Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria, are instrumental in changing P cycling processes during successive plantings. The successive planting rotations of Chinese fir plantations significantly and positively impacted on the gene abundance related to the activation and uptake of P in the rhizosphere. Based on these insights, specific strategies, such as regular monitoring and application of phosphate fertilizer and adjusting rotation timing based on the soil rhizosphere P status, and incorporating native broad-leaved tree species are suggested to promote efficient P cycling, thus supporting sustainable forest management practices.

Effect of Fertilizer SP-36 And Kascing Fertilizer on the Growth of Peanuts (Arachis Hypogaea L)

Peanut production in Indonesia in 2016 amounted to 570,477 tons and in 2017 decreased by 495,396 tons. One of the important factors in increasing peanut production is fertilization. The application of phosphate fertilizers can also increase crop yields, especially in soils that lack this element. roots and required P. Vermicompost fertilizer contains various nutrients needed by plants such as gibberellins, cytokinins and auxins which play a role in increasing plant height. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of growth and production of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) on the application of SP 36 fertilizer and vermicompost fertilizer. This study used a factorial randomized block design with factor I giving POC Lamtoro leaves (P) with 4 levels, namely: P0: Control, P1: 200 cc/plant, P2: 300 cc/plant, P3: 400 cc/plant. Factor II Fertilizer application SP 36 (F) with 4 levels, namely: Fo: Control, F1: 25 g/plot, F2: 50 g/plot and F3: 75 g/plot. The results showed that the application of SP 36 fertilizer and the application of vermicompost fertilizer and the interaction of the two factors had no significant effect on the observed parameters of the number of plant branches.

The effect of combined application of biochar and phosphate fertilizers on phosphorus transformation in saline-alkali soil and its microbiological mechanism

This study investigated the effects of combining Phragmites australis-based biochar, prepared at 400 °C, with various types of phosphate fertilizers—soluble, insoluble, and organic—on the content and transformation of phosphorus fractions in saline-alkali soil. Additionally, we explored microbiological mechanisms driving these transformations. The results showed that this combination significantly increased the concentrations of dicalcium phosphate (Ca2P), octacalcium phosphate (Ca8P), aluminum phosphate (AlP), moderately labile organic phosphorus (MLOP), and resistant organic phosphorus (MROP) in soil. Conversely, the levels of hydroxyapatite (Ca10P) and highly resistant organic phosphorus (HROP) decreased. The increase in labile organic phosphorus (LOP) content or decrease in iron phosphate (FeP) was found to effectively enhance the availability of Olsen phosphorus (Olsen-P) in soil. Furthermore, the study revealed that biochar mixed with organic phosphate fertilizers increased the activity of soil acid phosphatase (ACP) and neutral phosphatase (NEP), while reducing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In contrast, biochar combined with soluble and insoluble phosphate fertilizers decreased the activity of ACP (22.59 % and 28.57 %, respectively) and NEP (62.50 % and 11.11 %, respectively), with the combination with insoluble fertilizers also reducing ALP activity by 55.84 %, whereas the soluble combination increased it by 190.34 %. Additionally, the co-application of biochar and phosphate fertilizers altered the composition and abundance of the gene phoD-harboring microbial community, enhancing the abundance of Proteobacteria and reducing that of Actinobacteria. Correlation analysis between phoD-functional microbial species and various phosphorus fractions showed that Rhodopseudomonas was significantly associated with several phosphorus components, exhibiting a positive correlation with Ca2P, Ca8P, AlP, LOP, MLOP, and MROP, but a negative relationship with Ca10P. These findings suggest that the combined application of biochar and phosphate fertilizers could change the abundance of Rhodopseudomonas, potentially influencing phosphorus cycling in the soil. This research provides a strong scientific foundation for the efficient combined use of biochar and phosphate fertilizers in managing saline-alkali soil.

Development of bacteria-based bioorganic phosphate fertilizer enriched with rock phosphate for sustainable wheat production.

Phosphorous (P) is a limiting macronutrient for crop growth. Its deficiency prevents plant development leading to an extensive use of phosphatic fertilizers globally. Bio-organic phosphate (BOP) fertilizer provides a sustainable approach to optimize nutrient availability, enhance crop yield, and mitigate the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers on the environment. Therefore, the present study integrates the application of heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, rock phosphate, and organic materials for the development of BOP. For this purpose, potential heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were isolated from major wheat-growing areas of southern Punjab. Five isolates were the efficient phosphate solubilizers based on in vitro phosphate-solubilizing activity (291-454 μg ml-1 and 278-421 μg ml-1) with a concomitant decrease in pH (up to 4.5) at 45°C and 50°C, respectively. These PSB were used for the development of potential consortia that are compatible and showed high P solubilization. In planta evaluation of these PSB consortia in a pot experiment under net house conditions showed that consortium-2 had a favorable impact on growth parameter with enhanced grain yield (9.63 g plant-1) and soil available P (10 μg g-1) as compared with 80% uninoculated control. The microcosm study was conducted to evaluate PSB consortium-2 integrated with carrier material (plant material and filter mud) and rock phosphate as BOP increased total phosphorous (14%) as compared with uninoculated controls. Plant-based BOP showed higher viable count (3.5 × 108°CFU) as compared with filter mud-based BOP. Furthermore, the effect of BOP on wheat growth parameters revealed that BOP showed a promising influence on grain yield (4.5 g plant-1) and soil available P (10.7 μg g-1) as compared with uninoculated 80 and 100% controls. Principle component analysis (PCA) further validates a positive correlation between BOP with grain weight and plant height and soil available P as compared with both 80 and 100% controls. For the first time, this study reports the combined application of bio-organic phosphate fertilizer and heat-tolerant PSB, which offers an eco-friendly option to harvest better wheat yield with low fertilizer input.

Suitability of soil in Ukpiovwin community in Udu LGA of Delta state for oil palm plantation based on its physicochemical properties

Soils of Ukpiovwin community in Udu LGA of Delta State were evaluated for suitability for oil palm cultivation based on its physicochemical properties. Suitability of soils for oil palm was assessed using FAO’s land and soil requirement and suitability ratings. Soil texture classes identified were dominated by clay. The soils were slightly acidic, with pH ranged from 4.49 to 6.40. The results showed that certain land characteristics such as, mean annual temperature, rainfall, soil depth and drainage were rated highly suitable (S1) to marginal suitable (S2), organic matter, total nitrogen, and potassium were rated highly suitable (S1) Available phosphorus and ECEC were generally low and rated as marginally suitable (S3) for oil palm cultivation in the study area. The main limiting factors that lower the suitability of these soils for oil palm establishment in the area were the soil texture which is clay and the low level of phosphorus available the soil. In order to enhance the soil condition and raise the productivity of the land to an ideal level, focus should be put on soil management practices that will improve the soil’s ability to effectively drain water in order to prevent water logging and keep water at ≥20cm below soil surface. The amount of phosphorus available in the soil can be increased through the application of phosphate fertilizer and through installation of erosion control measures such as bunds, platforms, and terraces to lessen losses of native and applied phosphate in surface run-off water and eroded soil.

Role of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Bioremediation of Cadmium Pollution

Cadmium (Cd) is ubiquitous and an unessential trace element existing in the environment. Anthropogenic activities and applications of synthetic phosphate fertilizers greatly enhance the concentration of Cadmium in the environment, which proves to be carcinogenic. The long-term effects of heavy metals contamination on plants and animals have recently become a major public health concern. Thanks to the application of science and technology, new environmental initiatives can have a lower environmental impact significantly. The role of microbes is very well known and must be considered as potential pollutant removers. Microbial flora can remove heavy metals and oil from contaminated soil and water. In comparison to conventional techniques, bioremediation itself proved to be a more potent technique because the established mechanisms render it ineffective. Biotechnological advancements are inherently harmful to the environment because they have the potential to reduce metal pollution. Pollutants in the environment can be effectively removed using bioremediation. Both native and introduced species can thrive in a microorganism-friendly environment.

Effect of combined application of phosphatic fertilizers and organic adjuvants on growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiate L.)

Effect of combined application of phosphatic fertilizers and organic adjuvants on growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiate L.)

Rock Phosphate and Biochar Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Soil Fertility in Southern Alberta Potato Field

The application of biochar soil amendment and rock phosphate fertilizer to the soil could lead to achieving net zero emissions and food security; however, the effectiveness of using biochar and rock phosphate in southern Alberta brown chernozemic soil is not yet assessed. In the first trial of this study, varying levels of urea (N), with varying levels of biochar (B) were applied. The same level of rock phosphate (RP) and triple super phosphate (TSP) were applied to compare efficiency of the two fertilizers. The second trial involved applying the same nutrients, but with higher levels than the first trial. The results indicated that the fertilizer application rates did not affect the growth and yield of potatoes because of the application rates of the fertilizer and fertility status of the soil, whereas in the second trial, TSP and RP treatments had the same growth and yield. Furthermore, the high application rate of nitrogen fertilizer and RP with or without biochar in the potato plot emitted high nitrous oxide gas emissions while the low application rate of nitrogen fertilizer and RP kept the carbon dioxide in the soil. Nevertheless, in the second experiment, the application of biochar and rock phosphate reduced nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions. We observed high residual nitrogen and manganese nutrients after harvest in the plot treated to rock phosphate and biochar. Therefore, rock phosphate and biochar have the potential to increase food production and mitigate climate change.

Reduction of chemical phosphate fertilizer application in a rice–rapeseed cropping system through continuous straw return

Context or problemStraw return has the potential to significantly contribute to nutrient recycling and utilization, thus reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Extensive research has focused on nitrogen and potassium fertilizer management and the associated potential for reduction through straw return. However, the potential effect of straw return on reducing phosphorus (P) fertilizer application has been relatively overlooked due to the inherently low P content in straw.Objective or research questionThis study aimed to determine the potential benefits and underlying mechanism of reducing chemical P fertilizer application through straw return in a rice–rapeseed cropping system. MethodsWe conducted a five-year field experiment in a rice–rapeseed cropping system to investigate the effects of chemical P fertilizer reduction through straw return. Six fertilization treatments were investigated: no chemical P fertilization, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 60 kg P2O5 ha−1 with 6000 kg ha−1 straw return. ResultsThe result showed that continuous straw return increased yield, P uptake and P utilization during rice and rapeseed seasons. According to the P uptake level, the benefits from straw return were tantamount to applying 69.8–88.0 kg ha−1 of P fertilizer, which exceeded the actual amount of P input (64.5–70.3 kg ha−1) from fertilizer and straw. Straw C input mainly increased the content of soil microbial biomass C and P (MBC and MBP), which enhanced the supply capacity of available P, thereby increasing crop P uptake and reducing P fertilizer. The rapeseed season showed a higher chemical P fertilizer reduction rate (31.8%) than the rice season (14.0%). Moreover, rapeseed P uptake was more sensitive to soil Olsen-P, MBP and MBC than rice. The substitution efficiency of P fertilizer through the priming effect of straw C was higher in the rapeseed season (7.5 kg P2O5/1000 kg C) than in the rice season (2.1 kg P2O5/1000 kg C). ConclusionsOverall, under the rice–rapeseed cropping system, straw return increased soil MBC and MBP, thereby enhancing the supply capacity of available P. The C priming effect induced by straw return can partially reduce P fertilizer application. Compared with the rice season, straw return significantly substituted P fertilizer in the rapeseed season. IMplications or significanceThis study articulately delineates the role of straw return in enhancing soil P availability and crop P uptake and further highlights the potential of straw return as a strategy to reduce dependence on chemical P fertilizers in the rice–rapeseed cropping system.

Body size: A hidden trait of the organisms that influences the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in soil

Body size is a key life-history trait of organisms, which has important ecological functions. However, the relationship between soil antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) distribution and organisms' body size has not been systematically reported so far. Herein, the impact of organic fertilizer on the soil ARGs and organisms (bacteria, fungi, and nematode) at the aggregate level was analyzed. The results showed that the smaller the soil aggregate size, the greater the abundance of ARGs, and the larger the body size of bacteria and nematodes. Further analysis revealed significant positive correlations of ARG abundance with the body sizes of bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, respectively. Additionally, the structural equation model demonstrated that changes in soil fertility mainly regulate the ARG abundance by affecting bacterial body size. The random forest model revealed that total phosphorus was the primary soil fertility factor influencing the body size of organisms. Therefore, these findings proposed that excessive application of phosphate fertilizers could increase the risk of soil ARG transmission by increasing the body size of soil organisms. This study highlights the significance of organisms' body size in determining the distribution of soil ARGs and proposes a new disadvantage of excessive fertilization from the perspective of ARGs.

Glyphosate residues in soil and phosphate fertilizer affect foliar endophytic microbial community composition and phytohormone levels in potato

Glyphosate, the active ingredient of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) controls the growth of weeds by inhibiting shikimate pathway, thereby interrupting amino acid biosynthesis in plants. However, several microbes have shikimate pathway and the action of glyphosate on these non-target organisms are ignored. Along with other agrochemicals such as phosphate fertilizers, the action of GBH is further complicated, often varying their mode of action depending on soil type or plant species. To address the impact of GBH and phosphate fertilizer, we simulated agricultural application of GBH and phosphate fertilizer in a field study, investigating the composition of endophytic microbial communities and correlation of phytohormone concentrations with the microbial diversity of potato (Solanum tuberosum). In leaves, glyphosate residues in soil from GBH treatment alone and in combination with phosphate significantly shifted bacterial community whereas phosphate alone and in combination with glyphosate significantly altered the composition of fungal community. There were no significant changes in microbial communities in roots and tubers. Plants treated with GBH showed higher ratios of potentially glyphosate-resistant bacteria, with Xanthomonadaceae and Moraxallaceae being more abundant. Additionally, phytohormone concentrations showed various correlations with bacterial and fungal diversity in different treatments. The study highlights the impact of GBH residues in soil, particularly in combination with phosphate fertilizers on the composition of plant-associated microbial communities. Together with changes in phytohormone concentrations, plant health may be affected. Moreover, future studies could provide insights to whether these agrochemicals influence plant microbiome, leading to changes in phytohormones or vice-versa.

Effect of various phosphorus levels on the extraction of Cd, the transformation of P, and phosphorus-related gene during the phytoremediation of Cd contaminated soil

Phytoremediation has emerged as a common technique for remediating Cd pollution in farmland soil. Moreover, phosphorus, an essential element for plants, can alter the pectin content of plant cell walls and facilitate the accumulation of Cd in plant tissues, thereby enhancing phytoremediation efficiency. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted in order to investigate the effect of phosphorus levels on Cd extraction, phosphorus transformation and phosphorus-related genes during phytoremediation. The results revealed that an optimal application of suitable phosphate fertilizers elevated the soil's pH and electrical conductivity (EC), facilitated the conversion of soil from insoluble phosphorus into available forms, augmented the release of pertinent enzyme activity, and induced the expression of phosphorus cycling-related genes. These enhancements in soil conditions significantly promoted the growth of ryegrass. When applying phosphorus at a rate of 600 mg/kg, ryegrass exhibited plant height, dry weight, and chlorophyll relative content that were 1.27, 1.26, and 1.18 times higher than those in the control group (P0), while the Cd content was 1.12 times greater than that of P0. The potentially toxic elements decline ratio and bioconcentration factor were 42.86% and 1.17 times higher than those of P0, respectively. Consequently, ryegrass demonstrated the highest Cd removal efficiency under these conditions. Results from redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a significant correlation among pH, total phosphorus, heavy metal content, phosphorus forms, soil enzyme activity, and phosphorus-related genes. In conclusion, this study suggests applying an optimal amount of suitable phosphate fertilizers can enhance restoration efficiency, leading to a reduction in soil Cd content and ultimately improving the safety of crop production in farmlands.

Geospatial analysis of groundwater arsenic and fluoride in Quaternary aquifers of southern Ontario, Canada

The geological setting of an area plays a critical role in the transfer and ultimate distribution of hydrochemical constituents present in groundwater. In southern Ontario, Canada, the present physiography was significantly influenced by glacial processes during the Quaternary period. The heterogeneous nature and complex pattern of shallow subsurface glacial overburden sediments, likely affect the fate of different groundwater constituents. In this study, arsenic (As) and fluoride (F−) concentrations from 515 water wells, that are constructed within overburden sediment, were analyzed with the physiographic map of southern Ontario along with other related variables. Geospatial mapping and several spatial statistical analyses were performed to examine the possible geological influence on As and F− distribution and water-well susceptibility at a regional scale. Key findings suggest four physiographic settings were significant variables influencing the distribution of As and F− in differently constructed bored/dug and drilled wells. Bored/dug wells in Bevelled Till Plains and bored/dug wells in Undrumlinized and Bevelled Till Plains were found to be relatively susceptible to As and F− contamination respectively. In contrast, bored/dug and drilled wells in Drumlinized Till Plains and Drumlins and drilled wells in Sand Plains seemed to be relatively safe from F− and As respectively. The statistical regression analyses suggested that other variables, such as the application of phosphate fertilizer and the textures of till, influenced the spatial distribution of As and F− as well as which types of wells (bored/dug or drilled) were impacted. The geospatial mapping and statistical cluster analysis indicated that the possible sources of elevated As and F− in drilled wells are the clasts of underlying bedrock. The relationship between physiographic settings and impacted overburden wells in southern Ontario provides planners with an approach to water-well susceptibility assessments at the regional scale, which in turn can guide further local analysis for water resource management.

Pengaruh Pupuk Hayati Jamur Mikoriza Dan Pupuk Rock Phosphate Terhadap Serapan P, Pertumbuhan serta Hasil Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Application of mycorrhizal fungi biological fertilizers and rock phosphate fertilizers can increase plant P uptake, growth and yield of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizer and rock phosphate fertilizer on P uptake, growth and yield of cayenne pepper. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the application of 0 gr (M0), 10 g (M1) and 20 g (M2) mycorrhizal fungal biofertilizers and the second factor was the application of 0 kg rock phosphate fertilizer or the equivalent of 0 g (R0), 150 kg or 1 g (R1) and 300 kg or 2.6 g (M2). The variables observed were plant height, number of fruit planted, fruit fresh weight, plant fresh weight, root volume, root infection, plant dry weight, root shoot ratio and P uptake. The observed data were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tested further. using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at 95% confidence level. The results showed that there was no interaction between the application of mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizers and rock phosphate fertilizers. Application of mycorrhizal fungal biofertilizer (M1) can increase the degree of root infection by 72.22%, the number of fruit planted, fruit fresh weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root volume, root infection, P uptake and root shoot ratio. Application of rock phosphate fertilizer can also increase the number of fruit plants, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root volume and P uptake.&#x0D;

Improved chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rate, and plant growth of Brassica napus L. after co‐application of biochar and phosphorus fertilizer in acidic soil

AbstractAimsBiochar has been used as an amendment to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield. A pot trial and incubation experiment were conducted to evaluate the effects of combined biochar and phosphate fertilizer applications on changes in soil physiochemical properties, photosynthetic parameters, and plant growth of Brassica napus L. in acidic soil.MethodsBiochar (B) was applied at rates (B0: 0%, B1: 2%, and B2: 4% w/w) to the soil, while phosphorus (P) as KH2PO4 was added at P0: 0 mg kg–1 soil, P1: 100 mg kg–1 soil, and P2: 150 mg kg–1 soil. Non‐amended soil served as the control (Ck).ResultsThe study found that the maximum photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and non‐photochemical quenching were affected by biochar and P fertilizer treatments. The Fv/Fm was significantly lower in the Ck while the highest in B2P1. Compared to the Ck treatment, the electron transport rate and photosynthetic rate were significantly increased under the application of biochar with P fertilizer. Additionally, malondialdehyde content declined by 68.9% when biochar was added with P fertilizer treatments. Furthermore, the plant P content and plant growth parameters were significantly increased. Biochar with and without P fertilizer treatments increased soil pH significantly, compared to the application of P fertilizer alone. Water‐soluble P decreased with incubation time, while Al‐P decreased significantly by 69.9% and 76.4% under B1 and B2 treatments, respectively, compared to CK.ConclusionThe findings revealed a positive effect of the combined application of biochar with phosphate fertilizer on the growth of oilseed rape in acidic soil.

Optimization of phosphate fertilizer application strategies to improve phosphorus availability and utilization in maize

AbstractThe optimization of phosphate (P) fertilizer application strategies to improve the utilization of P fertilizer in farmlands is urgently required. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of P fertilizer application rate and position on maize (Zea mays L.) P utilization. A 2‐year field experiment was conducted with P fertilizer application rate (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1) and position (5 and 10 cm). Compared with the 5‐cm P position, the 10‐cm P position significantly increased the available phosphorus (AP) content in rhizosphere soil. Surprisingly, the rhizosphere AP content increased or remained the same when the amount of P fertilizer was reduced to 80 kg ha−1 at a distance of 5 cm, compared with that when the amount of P fertilizer was 120 kg ha−1 at a distance of 10 cm. Additionally, there was also an improvement in the root weight, root number, biomass, and maize yield in the 5‐cm position compared to the 10‐cm position. The P fertilizer use efficiency was significantly increased at the 5‐cm position compared to the 10‐cm P position, with increases of 8.93% and 4.11% (P40), 6.38% and 5.10% (P80), and 4.72% and 2.36% (P120) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Our results showed that a closer position increased the available P content in rhizosphere soil, promoted maize growth, and improved P fertilizer utilization and maize yield, suggesting that the agronomy method with proper location of P increases the soil P availability in rhizosphere soil and P utilization in maize.