Ash Fertilization Research Articles

Developing nudges, nudge+ and boosts to support climate change mitigation in practice – A case study on ash fertilization among Finnish private forest owners

Forests are crucial for climate change mitigation as they absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide. In Finland, ash fertilization of drained peatland forests has been identified as part of the climate change mitigation strategy, yet it is implemented notably less than it could be. Therefore, this study aimed to identify most effective nudges, nudge+ and boosts that could steer Finnish non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners to adopt ash fertilization in their forest. Semi-structured interviews with 19 NIPF owners were analyzed using the Behaviour change wheel to identify key factors influencing owners’ willingness to engage in ash fertilization. Most factors raised by forest owners were related to reflective motivation encompassing both drivers and barriers to practicing ash fertilization. We also identified possible cognitive biases that were influencing decisions. The suggested nudges, nudge+ and boosts address both the specific concerns of the forest owners and the underlying heuristics. For example, framing ash fertilization as a standard procedure of professional forest management and including it into forest management plans could facilitate overcoming status quo bias that may hinder the adoption of novel forest management practices. These findings are directly applicable for creating nudges, nudge+ and boosts on ash fertilization for experienced, professionally managing NIPF owners with larger forest estates. Our study also offers an approach that can be adapted for broader application in environmental and climate-friendly decision-making, contributing to the growing body of literature on the intersection of behavioral science and environmental management.

Effect of Burned Multi-Crop Ashes on Faba Bean-Development Parameters.

The use of burned plant biomass ashes could help not only with respect to utilizing combustion residues, but also with respect to optimizing the nutrition of cultivated agricultural plants without harming the environment. With this aim, a pot experiment of the effects of multi-crop biomass ash on faba bean seedlings was carried out in the Academy of Agriculture of the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). Four ash fertilization rates were tested: 1. unfertilized (N0, comparative-control treatment); 2. fertilized at a low rate (N1, 200 kg ha-1); 3. fertilized at an average rate (N2, 1000 kg ha-1); 4. fertilized at a high rate (N3, 2000 kg ha-1). Final observations showed that ash fertilization significantly increases the height of faba bean sprouts by 21-38%, the length of the roots by 10-20% and the chlorophyll concentration in the leaves by 17%. The average green biomass of faba bean sprouts consistently increased with increasing fertilization rate, from 56% to 209%. Dried biomass increased by 160-220%. With increasing ash fertilization rate, the percentage of dry matter in the roots decreased by 10-50%. We recommend fertilizing faba bean with medium (1000 kg ha-1) and high (2000 kg ha-1) ash rates, as these rates led to the largest plants with the highest productivity potential.

Effect of fertilizers on yield, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of Cucurbita moschata fruits

AbstractThe nutritional and functional properties of squashes are influenced by various factors, such as the stage of plant development, soil composition, and type of fertilizer. This study evaluates the impact of various organic fertilizers on Cucurbita moschata D. properties. For this purpose, squashes were fertilized using Ash at 10 kg/25 m2, bovine compost at 62.5 kg/25 m2, and a 1:1 mixture of ash and bovine compost. Negative control (without fertilizers) and positive control (NPK 20‐10‐10 at 2 kg/25 m2) were included. Post‐harvest, the yield, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were assessed. Ash fertilizer resulted in the highest number of fruits per plant (2.20 ± 0.16). Regarding flavonoids, the bovine compost yielded the highest level (428.67 ± 2.62 mg/100 g of edible portion). The mixture of ash and bovine compost produced fruits with the highest content of total carotenoids, β‐carotene, lycopene, and total phenolic compounds (249.7 ± 3.68, 219.80 ± 3.41, 26.07 ± 0.41, and 575.00 ± 9.95 mg/100 g of edible portion, respectively). Moreover, carotenoids extracted from this mixture exhibited the highest inhibition of DPPH and ABTS free radicals (30.87 ± 0.65 and 47.32 ± 1.30%, respectively). This research suggests that the use of a mixture of ash and bovine compost could significantly enhance the yield of squashes and their phytochemical and antioxidant potential.

Ash fertilization increases long-term timber production in drained nitrogen-poor Scots pine peatlands

Wood ash fertilization remarkably increases tree growth and hence, carbon sequestration in drained boreal peatland forests, particularly in nitrogen (N)-rich Scots pine sites with limited phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Because ash lacks N, N-deficient ombrotrophic and poor oligotrophic sites are generally considered unsuitable for ash fertilization. In this study, timber production was investigated in six field experiments in N-poor, drained Scots pine dominated peatlands in central Finland, where ash fertilization was applied 15–85 years earlier. Ash significantly increased tree growth in all the study sites. Unfertilized plots showed long-term average mean annual increment (MAI) of 2.01 m3·ha−1·a−1, whereas in fertilized plots MAI was 4.46 m3·ha−1·a−1. An analysis with nonlinear mixed effects model revealed a faster volume yield development and higher asymptote of the mean curve in fertilized plots. Higher amount of K in the ash significantly increased the response. Fertilizations were financially lucrative: on average, the break-even cost surpassed the ash fertilization cost (390 € ha−1) more than two-fold at 5% interest rate. The current nutrient status of fertilized trees was rather balanced. The results proved that the long-term growth response to ash fertilization in poor drained peatland sites is comparable to N-rich sites, but the response time is distinctively longer.

Grey alder at the regeneration stage: Long-term effects on soil nitrogen and carbon pools and Norway spruce growth

Increasing soil N availability is an effective way to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and biomass production in N-limited ecosystems such as boreal Norway spruce forests. Alder has a root nodule symbiosis with Frankia, an N2-fixing bacterium, and can thus add considerable amounts of N to soil mainly through its N-rich leaf litter. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of grey alder at the regeneration stage had any long-term effects on soil C and N cycling and stocks and spruce growth. The study sites were two relatively fertile 40-year-old Norway spruce stands (Luhdansuo and Porkkola) in Southern Finland. At both study sites, half the spruce stand had an admixture of grey alders for approximately 10–15 years after regeneration (alder treatment), but no alder had been present in the other half (control treatment). Alders were cut from the alder treatment 25 (Luhdansuo) or 30 (Porkkola) years before the measurements. At Porkkola, alder treatment received ash fertilisation 13 years ago. We observed no significant differences in the plant-available N fluxes, measured with a microdialysis technique, or SOC stocks between treatments. The total N stock (organic horizon + 0–30 cm mineral soil) and organic horizon thickness were larger, while the microbial biomass C:N and C mineralisation rate were lower in the alder versus the control treatment at Luhdansuo. The annual ring widths of spruces were larger in the alder versus the control treatment for up to six years after alder removal at both sites, but no differences were observed in the current tree diameters or diameter increments. In conclusion, most of the current soil or tree properties did not differ significantly between treatments, possibly because the effect of alder had faded out over the 25–30 years since its removal, and because the sites were initially relatively fertile.

Assessing the properties of Miscanthus x Giganteus under varying levels of ash fertilization treatment and regression neural network insight into calorific value

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in ultimate, proximate analysis and calorific properties of Miscanthus x Giganteus with three types of planting materials (two rhizomes - R1 and R2 - and one seedling - S) and three ash fertiliser treatments (P0, P2, and P5) were included in the study. The research further examined their effects on crop yield, stem height and various chemical properties. The results showed that the maximum yield was obtained with the R1 x P2 plant type, while the minimum yield was recorded with the R2 x P2 plant type. In addition, the greatest average stem height (3.34 m) was recorded for the R2 x P5 plant type. Significant differences were also found in the chemical components between the plant types and treatments. For example, the highest ash content of 2.25% was found in plant type 'S' x P5, while the highest coke content of 14.48 % was found in plant type R1 x P5. The statistical analysis confirmed that planting material and ash fertilisation had significant influence on the physicochemical properties of Miscanthus x Giganteus. This consequently affects the calorific value, with the average higher and lower heating value being 18.32 and 17.04 MJ/kg, respectively. The neural regression network models showed robust predictive performance for the higher (HHV) and lower heating value LHV, with low chi-square values (?2) and high coefficients of determination (R2).

Adoption on Cassava Technology Package to Improve the Plant Growth in Kalasan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Production of cassava in Kalasan is still low. The problem faced is to improve cassava growth, thereby increasing cassava yields. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, stem wounding soaked in PGPR, and spraying nano EPOFB ash fertilizer on the growth of cassava plants. The demonstration plot for planting cassava in Kalasan field was arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD), with single factor treatments, namely: A = stem without wounding (control), B = stem with wounding and soaked in PGPR, C = stem without wounding and inoculated with mycorrhiza, D = stem without wounding and sprayed with nano EPOFB ash fertilizer, E = stem with wounding + soaked in PGPR + inoculated with mycorrhiza + sprayed with nano EPOFB ash fertilizer. The results showed that the application of the innovative technology package (stem with wounding + soaked in PGPR + inoculated with mycorrhiza + sprayed with nano EPOFB ash fertilizer) to cassava cultivation in Kalasan had an effect on the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization, increased the dry weight of the roots, and accelerated the emergence of large numbers of shoots, thereby producing the highest number of leaves despite the shortest plant height.

Photosynthetically active radiation is required for seedling growth promotion by volcanic dacitic tuff breccia (Azomite).

A plant's growth and development are shaped by its genome and the capacity to negotiate its environment for access to light, water, and nutrients. There is a vital need to understand the interactions between the plant, its physical environment, and the fertilizers used in agriculture. In this study, a commercially available volcanic ash fertilizer, Azomite®, characterized as dacitic (rhyolitic) tuff breccia, was tested for its effect on promoting early seedling vigor. Early growth and photomorphogenesis processes are well studied in Arabidopsis. Seedling assays under different light conditions were used to dissect the underlying mechanisms involved. These assays are well established and can be translated to agriculturally important crop plants. The volcanic ash fertilizer was tested at different concentrations on seedlings grown on basic media lacking sucrose either in continuous darkness (Dc), continuous Red (Rc), Far-Red (FRc), or White Light (WLc). Micronutrients in the volcanic ash significantly increased seedling growth under Rc and WLc, but not under Dc and FRc, indicating that photosynthetically active radiation was required for the observed growth increase. Furthermore, red-light photoreceptor mutant, phyB-9, lacked the growth response, and higher amount of fertilizer reduced growth in all conditions tested. These data suggest that light triggers the ability of the seedling to utilize micronutrients in volcanic ash in a dose-dependent manner. The methods described here can be used to establish mechanisms of activity of various nutrient inputs and, coupled with whole-genome expression profiling, can lead to better insights into optimizing nutrient field applications to improve crop production.

Controlling Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Shallot using Nano Husk Ash

The Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) is a polyphagous defoliator that poses a significant threat to cultivated plants, particularly shallot crops. Its attacks during the vegetative phase cause substantial damage. To control this pest, farmers often resort to synthetic pesticides, leading to negative consequences such as resistance development. To address consequences, internal control measures, like enhancing plant resistance through beneficial nutrients like silica, are crucial. Silica has been known to improve plant resistance against pest attacks. This study aims to investigate the effects of various methods of applying nano-sized rice husk ash fertilizer on the growth and resistance of Biru Lancor cultivar of shallots against S. exigua. Nano-rice husk ash fertilizer with an average particle size of 65,326 nm was produced and applied using three methods: placement, foliar, and seed coating. The results demonstrated that all methods of nano-rice husk ash application increased plant resistance, reducing leaf damage and pest mortality. The foliar application yielded the best results, enhancing plant height and epidermal cell wall thickness. Furthermore, nano-rice husk ash application positively influenced shallot productivity. This study highlights the potential of nano-sized rice husk ash as a sustainable and effective internal control measure against S. exigua, complementing synthetic pesticides for shallot pest management.

Sugar maple sap, soil, and foliar chemistry in response to non-industrial wood ash fertilizer in Muskoka, Ontario

Non-industrial wood ash may be an effective forest soil nutrient supplement but its use in Canada is largely restricted because of unknown concentrations of trace metal contaminants. Sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marshall) is particularly sensitive to low soil calcium (Ca) levels, and though maple syrup is of great economic importance in Canada, it is unknown how wood ash could affect sap chemistry. Non-industrial wood ash (NIWA; 6 Mg·ha−1) applied to experimental plots in Muskoka, Ontario was rich in Ca (27%), while metal concentrations were well below provincial regulatory limits. One-year post-application, significant increases were observed in the treated plots in the soil pH and base cations (Ca, K, and Mg) in the surface soil horizons, and metal concentrations in the litter. Sap yield in the control plots was significantly lower in the first-year post-application than in the second year, but no other differences were found. In both tapping years, sap sweetness remained similar and differences in nutrient and metal concentrations between treatments were generally small and inconsistent. Foliar chemistry remained largely unchanged 1 year following application, except for K that was twice as high in the treated plots. Ultimately, NIWA is unlikely to significantly alter sugar maple sap chemistry, indicating that it is a viable nutrient supplement that can enhance soil fertility in sugar bushes with no impact on sap sweetness.

Volcanic activity drives lacustrine carbon sequestration after Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a

The Mesozoic was punctuated by relatively brief periods of anomalous warmth associated with pulses of volcanism, intensified weathering, expansive marine anoxia, and increased organic carbon burial. These are known as oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). Several OAEs have also been linked to potentially synchronous episodes of increased carbon burial in lacustrine settings, attributed to increased weathering-derived nutrient fluxes. Here we present the Early Aptian oil shale sequences of western Liaoning Province, north China, combining sediment petrology, zircon U-Pb geochronology, carbon isotope chemostratigraphy, as well inorganic and organic geochemical palaeoenvironmental proxies to assess possible causal links to OAE1a. New zircon 206Pb/238U ages (121.06 ± 0.63 Ma, 119.72 ± 0.40 Ma, and 119.9 ± 0.65 Ma) for three tuffs and δ13Corg chemostratigraphic correlation show that the western Liaoning Province oil shale interval formed shortly after widespread marine black shale deposition characteristic of OAE1a had ceased. Elevated concentrations of alginite (dinoflagellate-derived organic matter) in oil shale samples which contain micron-thick tuff layers suggest that arc volcanism in north China was the major factor driving increased lacustrine carbon burial, via volcanic ash fertilisation. This is supported by high values of Babio, C27/C29 ααα-20R steranes, C28/C29 ααα-20R steranes, 4-methylsterane index, dinosterane index, and tetramethylsterane index in these layers, which imply that the input of volcanic ash contributed to a flourishing of brackish/saline-water adapted dinoflagellates, leading to the formation of organic-rich tuff laminae. This is a novel mechanism that is distinct to the processes known to have contributed to enhanced marine organic matter burial on a global scale during OAE1a. This research not only contributes to the study of lacustrine source rocks in north China, but also provides insights into the influence of intermediate-acidic volcanic eruptions on organic carbon burial more generally.

Stimulating algal growth through wood ash fertilization in the Åkerberg pit lake, northern Sweden

Fifteen microcosms were installed in the Åkerberg pit lake for 15 days in the summer season (July) 2021. To stimulate algal growth, the microcosms were fertilized with two P-rich wood ashes, and KNO3. Chlorophyll-a was used as an indicator of algal growth while filtered (<0.2 μm) and particulate suspended element concentrations (>0.2 μm) were used to estimate algal metal uptake. Water quality measurements and water sampling were conducted on three occasions (every five days) and at the start of the experiment to monitor algal growth. The chlorophyll-a concentration in the microcosms fertilized with wood ash increased from 0.3-0.8 μg/L at the start of the experiment to 53–77 μg/L after 15 days. Algal element uptake of filtered concentrations (<0.2 μm) was observed for many elements including, Ni (33–36%), Zn (22–65%) and Cd (22–54%). This suggests that wood ash could be used to stimulate algal growth in pit lakes by acting as a source for P and potentially also other nutrients. The highest chlorophyll-a concentrations were seen on day 10, indicating that a breakdown of chlorophyll-a impacted the measured concentrations, which otherwise could have been higher.

The Influence of Sewage Sludge and Fly Ash Fertilization on the Total Number of Bacteria (TNB) and Bradyrhizobium Species in Soybean Agroecosystem

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different chemical properties in soil, including changes in magnetic susceptibility and the impact of humic substances from sewage sludge and fly ash on the microbial community in the soybean agroecosystem. A field experiment was carried out using the random plot method on Cambisol with a texture of silt loam. The experiment consisted of 24 plots (six treatments and four replications) using different dozes of sewage sludge and fly ash. The following physicochemical and chemical analyses were performed in the soil samples: pH in KCl, conductivity (λ), total content of heavy metal, magnetic measurements and fractional composition of organic matter. The TNB and the number of the species of Bradyrhizobium in the field cultivation of the soybean variety Lissabon were evaluated using the spread plate method. The total content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Hg, Fe) in the analyzed treatments showed a significant difference between them. The study of the magnetic parameter χ indicated a significant differentiation between treatments from 34.0 to 65.8 × 10−8·m3·kg−1. High correlation coefficients between χ and Fe (r = 0.789), Zn (r = 0.653), Cr (r = 0.617) and TOC (r = 0.949) indicated that the source of these elements was external organic matter. Biological tests (TNB and species of Bradyrhizobium) in different experimental treatments indicated significant relationships between them and showed the resistance of the microbial community in the field cultivation of Lissabon soybean to heavy metal contamination from sewage sludge and fly ash. The study confirmed that external organic matter, such as sewage sludge, can be used as an alternative to natural fertilizers for soybean production.

Temporally Selective Modification of the Tomato Rhizosphere and Root Microbiome by Volcanic Ash Fertilizer Containing Micronutrients.

ABSTRACTFood crops are grown with fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (macronutrients) along with magnesium, calcium, boron, and zinc (micronutrients) at different ratios during their cultivation. Soil and plant-associated microbes have been implicated to promote plant growth, stress tolerance, and productivity. However, the high degree of variability across agricultural environments makes it difficult to assess the possible influences of nutrient fertilizers on these microbial communities. Uncovering the underlying mechanisms could lead us to achieve consistently improved food quality and productivity with minimal environmental impacts. For this purpose, we tested a commercially available fertilizer (surface-mined volcanic ash deposit Azomite) applied as a supplement to the normal fertilizer program of greenhouse-grown tomato plants. Because this treatment showed a significant increase in fruit production at measured intervals, we examined its impact on the composition of below-ground microbial communities, focusing on members identified as “core taxa” that were enriched in the rhizosphere and root endosphere compared to bulk soil and appeared above their predicted neutral distribution levels in control and treated samples. This analysis revealed that Azomite had little effect on microbial composition overall, but it had a significant, temporally selective influence on the core taxa. Changes in the composition of the core taxa were correlated with computationally inferred changes in functional pathway enrichment associated with carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting a shift in available microbial nutrients within the roots. This finding exemplifies how the nutrient environment can specifically alter the functional capacity of root-associated bacterial taxa, with the potential to improve crop productivity.IMPORTANCE Various types of soil fertilizers are used routinely to increase crop yields globally. The effects of these treatments are assessed mainly by the benefits they provide in increased crop productivity. There exists a gap in our understanding of how soil fertilizers act on the plant-associated microbial communities. The underlying mechanisms of nutrient uptake are widely complex and, thus, difficult to evaluate fully but have critical influences on both soil and plant health. Here, we presented a systematic approach to analyzing the effects of fertilizer on core microbial communities in soil and plants, leading to predictable outcomes that can be empirically tested and used to develop simple and affordable field tests. The methods described here can be used for any fertilizer and crop system. Continued effort in advancing our understanding of how fertilizers affect plant and microbe relations is needed to advance scientific understanding and help growers make better-informed decisions.

Comparison of the Effect of Fertilization with Ash from Wood Chips on Bacterial Community in Podzolic and Chernozem Soils for the Cultivation of Winter Oilseed Rape: A Preliminary Study

The aim of the research was to investigate whether different doses of ash from biomass combustion (Salix viminalis L. willow) have an impact on the number and community of soil bacteria. The experiment was carried out on podzolic and chernozem soils in a one-way field experiment (control, NPK, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 kg K2Oha−1). The ash from the biomass was characterized by pH 12.83 ± 0.68 and high content of macronutrients. Samples were taken from the 0–5 cm layer of soil under the cultivation of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. Napus) in April and September 2021. The plate count method with PCA solid medium was used to determine the number of microorganisms, and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to analyze the microbiological community. The research showed an increase in the number of microorganisms after the use of the biomass ash fertilizer in the variants with ash doses from 200 to 500 kg K2Oha−1. The highest amount of soil bacteria in both tested soils was determined in these variants. In total, 44 bacterial species of 5 genera were identified in all variants: Bacillus, Paenarthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, Pseudomonas, and Rhodococcus. An important factor in the growth of the number of bacteria, in addition to the dose of biomass ash, was soil moisture, which in September was significantly higher than in April 2021 in both soils.

An Assessment of the Effects of Applying Ash from the Thermal Disposal of Sewage Sludge for Fertilizing Energy Plants Using the Example of Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis giganteus)

The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of using ash from the thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge as a fertilizer in the cultivation of giant miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis giganteus) for energy purposes. An attempt was also made to determine the optimal level of fertilization with ash from the thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge in the commodity cultivation of miscanthus. It was assumed that the ash produced after thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge could replace conventional mineral fertilizers. To prove the thesis, laboratory experiments of the miscanthus cultivation miscanthus were carried out. The results allowed to determine the optimal fertilization dose for miscanthus to be used in the next stage of the field research. Miscanthus does not pose a succession threat due to the method of reproduction in central Europe; therefore, its cultivation may remain under control. The research showed that for fertilization of miscanthus × giganteus crops, the ashes from thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge could be used effectively. In experimental crops, it was shown that the optimal level of miscanthus fertilization in terms of yield was 8.32 g of ash per pot and 0.1 g of nitrogen per pot. As a result of laboratory tests, based on biometric features, the most favorable dose of ash and nitrogen fertilization from thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge for use in field conditions was selected. The dose amounted to 3.7 t of ash∙ha−1 and 45 kg of nitrogen∙ha−1. In order to reduce the costs of cultivation, it was possible to abandon the use of nitrogen fertilizers since their omission did not cause a significant drop in yield. It is necessary to continue research in the field in order to confirm the correctness of the results obtained from laboratory tests.

Growth, carbohydrate accumulation, and productivity of local glutinous corn Bimapulut (Zea mays var. ceratina Kuleshov) after seed priming and coconut coir ash fertilizer application

Seed priming and applying organic K fertilizer can involve efforts to increase local glutinous corn Bimapulut productivity. This study aims to determine the effect of gibberellin (GA3) as seed priming and coconut coir ash fertilizer on the growth, carbohydrate accumulation, and productivity of Bimapulut corn. The research was conducted using a randomized block design. The main plot was seed priming treatment with gibberellin concentrations of 0, 150, and 300 ppm. As a subplot was the treatment of coconut coir ash fertilizer with fertilizer/soil concentration of 0.00; 0.75; 1.50; 3.00 g/kg; thus, there are 12 treatment combinations. Each treatment was done in three replications. Data were analyzed using separate plot ANOVA with treatment arranged in a factorial. If the treatment is significant, Tukey’s honestly significant difference test will be carried out. The results an interaction between GA3 and coconut coir ash fertilizer on plant height, productivity without corn husks kg/ha, and amylose content but had no significant effect on leaf number, number of cobs per plant, cob length, number of row of seeds per cob, the weight of cob with and without corn husks.

Pedo-antrocological characteristics of anthropogenically transformed soils in a case study of the Bolgar historical and archaeological complex in the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia)

The study was conducted within the Bolgar historical and archaeological complex in the Republic of Tatarstan, with the aim to determine contents and distribution of antrocomass, i.e., charred particles in anthropogenically transformed soils of different ages and types of genesis. The study materials included a garden soil layer of the 20th century, an urban cultural layer of the 13th century and two buried arable soils – the upper soil of the 9th–10th centuries (Bolgar culture) and the lower soil of the 5th–7th centuries AD (Imen’kovo culture). People of the Bolgar culture were familiar with beneficial effects of wood ash and used it together with charred crushed bone as a mixed wood-bone ash fertilizer. The same principle was utilized for the improvement of soil fertility in the 20th century garden soil. Generally, the antrocomass accumulation was shown to be only an optional characteristic of anthropogenically transformed soils, e.g., it was absent at the early stage (5th–7th centuries) of arable land use. The particle-size distribution and the degree of preservation of charcoal particles were predetermined by the genesis of soil horizon, i.e., the ‘turbational’ type was associated with a higher degree of charcoal fragmentation as compared to the ‘sedimentational’ type.

Analysis of Production Factors Influences of Pineapple Farming in Kualu Nenas Village Tambang Sub-District, Kampar Regency

Kualu Nenas Village is a center of pineapple production in Tambang District, Kampar Regency. Pineapple production and productivity for the last seven years in Tambang District were fluctuating and decreasing every year. Pineapple farming is the main source of income in the village and has not been managed properly by using its production factors. This study aims to describe the performance of pineapple cultivation by farmers and to analyze the effect of the number of production factors on pineapple productivity. This research was conducted in Kuala Nenas Village. The method of analysis using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The data used is time-series data in the form of cross-section data from pineapple production data in Kualu Nenas Village for a period of four months, starting from November 2019 to February 2020 from direct interviews with 35 farmers using the purposive sampling method. The results of the study conclude that the management of pineapple cultivation at of loosening the soil, weeding, controlling pests and diseases, fertilizing, giving ethrel, thinning tillers, and harvesting activities. The results of the analysis show that the variation in the total productivity of each farmer is 86,20percents due to differences in the use of production factors per hectare. Of the seven production factors that are thought to affect the productivity of the pineapple, only three production factors have a statistically significant effect, namely the use of pineapple staple population with a production elasticity of 0,398percents, the labor usage with a production elasticity of 0,325percents and the use of amount ethrel with a production elasticity of 0,103percents. While, four factors production which did not significantly influence the productivity of pineapples namely the amount of KCL fertilizer, urea fertilizer, ash fertilizer, and ZA fertilizer because the elasticity of production is less than 1 percent. The Return to Scale (RTS) condition of the business is in the Decreasing Return to Scale (DRS) condition with a value of 0,885.

PERSEPSI PETANI TERHADAP TEKNOLOGI “PANCA KELOLA” DI LAHAN RAWA BEKAS TERBAKAR (Kasus lahan gambut bekas terbakar Desa Talio Hulu Kecamatan Pandih Batu Kab. Pulang Pisau)

To understand the potential for increasing rice production on burnt peatlands, a demo farm (demonstration of grouped farming and fishing) which is a collaboration between Balittra and BRG which covers an area of 38 ha in Talio Hulu Village, Pandih Batu District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan in 2020-2021. This study aims to discover the farmers' perceptions of the technology components and performance of rice cultivation technology. The activities have been carried out on farmers' land by applying “Five Management” technology include (1) water management techniques; (2) land preparation, (3) amelioration and fertilization (4) utilization of new high yielding varieties with high yield potential, and (5) integrated pest and disease control. Data were collected from 24 cooperating farmers by survey method. Primary data were collected by conducting direct interviews with farmers using a structured questionnaire. The data collected was tabulated and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that burned peatlands have the potential to increase rice production. The results showed that burned peatlands have the potential to increase rice production.. The response of farmers to the components of rice cultivation technology is positive. The five technology components that have the highest value with a value of 95.83% are (1) water regulation in paddy fields, (2) the utilization of ash and urea fertilizer in the nursery, (3) the utilization of manure and lime as ameliorant, (4) the utilization of urea fertilizer, SP-36, and NPK, and (5) the utilization of natural phosphate. The farmer's perception of the Five Management technology is positive. Economically, rice farming of the Inpara 2 variety is efficient (R/C = 1.14).