Nutrient Balance Research Articles

The Sources of Nutrients for the Growing Ear of Winter Wheat in the Critical Cereal Window

The process of winter bread wheat (WW) nutrient management in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW) has a decisive impact on yield component formation and, consequently, the grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC). This hypothesis was verified in a single-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 seasons. It consisted of seven nitrogen-fertilized variants: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1. The mass of nutrients in ears was determined in the full flowering stage. The mass balance of nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) was determined in leaves and stems. These sets of data were first used to calculate the soil nutrient uptake and then to predict the GY and GPC. Three nutrients, i.e., N, Ca, and Mg, were the main predictors of ear biomass. The set of ear nutrients significantly predicting GY and GE consisted of Ca, P, and Zn. Overall, this indirectly indicates a balanced N status for the ear. A positive nutrient balance in leaves, indicating their remobilization, was found for N, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu. Negative values, indicating a net nutrient accumulation in the non-ear organs of WW, were found for the remaining nutrients. The greatest impact on the GY and its components was observed for the balance of Mg and P but not N. The predictive worth of the nutrient balance for stems was much lower. The GPC, regardless of the type of indicator, depended solely on the N balance. Meanwhile, the main nutrient sources of N and Fe in ears were leaves and stems due to their uptake from the soil. For Cu, the primary source was soil, completed by its remobilization from leaves. For the remaining nutrients examined, the key source for the ear was soil, which was completed by remobilization from leaves and stems. Mg and Ca differed from other nutrients because their source for ears was exclusively soil. They were invested by WW in the ears and non-ear organs, mainly in the stems. The effective use of the yield potential of WW and other cereals requires insight into the nutritional status of the canopy at the beginning of the booting stage. This knowledge is necessary to develop an effective N management strategy and to correct and possibly apply fertilizers to improve both the yield and the GPC.

Nutrient Balances in Fertilized Wheat-Faba Bean Intercropping System of Humid Highlands of Ethiopia

Nutrient Balances in Fertilized Wheat-Faba Bean Intercropping System of Humid Highlands of Ethiopia

Comprehensive analysis of the oligopeptide transporter gene family in maize: Genome-wide identification, structural characterization, and stress-responsive expression

Oligopeptide transporter (OPT) proteins are integral proteins in cell membranes that perform a crucial role in cellular metal homeostasis, mineral uptake, transport of small peptides and abiotic stress tolerance. Hence, in-depth evolutionary, structural, molecular and expression analysis could guide in exploring the mechanism of how these transporters contribute to nutrient balance and abiotic stress tolerance in maize. Following a series of bioinformatic analyses, eight OPTs in maize were identified. These transporters showed significant variations in molecular weight, and have one to five introns, 11 to 15 motifs, 11 to 18 transmembrane domains, multiple beta-strands, multiple alpha and transmembrane helices. ZmOPT1, 5, and 6 are plasma membranes and the rest are endoplasmic reticulum localized. All ZmOPTs are distributed in six different chromosomes having significant phytohormone-responsive cis-elements might be due to their great roles in hormonal regulation in maize. The significant transport activity of these transporters plays a great role in biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions in maize during gene ontology analysis. Co-expression of five genes among eight OPTs with 56 genes might be due to their great role in regulating other genes in multiple signaling pathways or vice-versa. Significant tissue-specific and drought, salinity, nitrogen starvation, and heat stress induced in silico expression following real time PCR validation of ZmOPT1, 7, and 8 genes might guide to elucidate the potential roles of these transporters in specific tissues and abiotic stress tolerance. Hence, the findings of the research might guide plant biologists to develop new varieties of maize having higher efficiency of peptide and metal ion transport, balance, and abiotic stress tolerance. Findings of these structural and expression analyzes might guide the plant biologist for single transgenesis, or developing and transforming programming-based synthetic genetic circuits in maize for advancing research in peptide transport, metal hemostasis, and increasing abiotic stress tolerance in maize.

Feed the green for a sustainable and protein-efficient dairy production

CONTEXTIn modern intensive dairy farming, cows are increasingly held indoors and fed arable crops instead of grass to maximize individual animal performance. This leads to environmental issues such as high farm-level nutrient surpluses and loss of grassland plant species diversity as well as a growing competition between food and feed. OBJECTIVEWe conducted this study to define a threshold of concentrate supplementation that ensures a net contribution to the protein supply and evaluate the environmental performance of dairy farms when this level of supplementation is shifted. METHODSIn a first step, we calculated the hePCR (human-edible protein conversion ratio) of 52 dairy farms across a pedo-climatic gradient with varying feeding strategies. Based on farm management data and vegetation surveys, we analyzed the relationship between hePCR and different components of environmental and productive performance, with special interest on farm nutrient balances, grassland biodiversity and grass-based milk production. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that higher concentrate supplementation levels significantly reduce the efficiency of converting plant protein into food. A critical threshold was identified at a concentrate milk proportion of 30 % or 177 g of concentrate feed per kilogram of milk produced, beyond which net protein contribution shifts to net consumption. Furthermore, we show critical interlinkages between a high protein efficiency and an enhanced environmental performance of the farms, such as higher grassland Shannon diversity and reduced nutrient surpluses. Our study suggests grass-based dairy farming as an integrated solution for enhancing net protein output while simultaneously safeguarding critical ecosystem functions. SIGNIFICANCEWe are in urgent need of sustainable agricultural practices that align an efficient food production with the reduction of negative environmental impacts. Our study is the first that shows direct positive interlinkages between the protein conversion efficiency of dairy farms and their environmental outcome as based on multi-annual management data and comprehensive vegetation surveys.

Impact of No Tillage and Low Emission N Fertilization on Durum Wheat Sustainability, Profitability and Quality

Mitigation practices for cereal systems, including conservation agriculture and low emission fertilization, are required to face global challenges of food security and climate change. The combination of these climate-smart approaches was investigated for durum wheat in a dry region of the Mediterranean basin in two crop seasons. The experimental design consisted in two different genotypes, Marco Aurelio (high protein content) and Saragolla (higher adaptability), subjected to no tillage (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT) and to two fertilization strategies (standard vs. low emission plus an unfertilized control). Different environmental and economic sustainability parameters as well as two different technological and nutritional quality traits were evaluated. Saragolla showed a better environmental adaptability and a higher nitrogen use efficiency, evaluated as partial nutrient balance (+27%), and was associated with a lower protein content (14.5% vs. 15.6%). NT was associated with an improvement in yield (+15%) and quality, i.e., micronutrients (Fe, Zn) and antioxidant capacity (+15%), in the drier crop year. Low emission fertilization did not reduce crop performance and its combination with NT showed a higher economic net return. The combination of the two mitigation practices improved not only environmental and economic sustainability but also the health quality of durum wheat under water limited conditions.

Restoration of submerged vegetation modulates microbial communities to decrease nitrogen and phosphorus loads in sediment-water systems

The release of nitrogen and phosphorus from sediments, known as internal nutrient loading, plays a crucial role in determining the eutrophic state of lakes and the timeframe for their ecological recovery. The restoration of submerged macrophytes is considered an effective measure to improve lake eutrophication. However, the impact of submerged macrophytes restoration on the storage and transformation mechanisms of nitrogen and phosphorus in lake sediment-water systems has not yet been systematically studied. This study constructed two submerged macrophyte communities with species richness of either two or five and monitored the physicochemical characteristics, nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics, and the structural and functional changes of sediment microbiomes in the plant-water-sediment system during three growth stages of the plants (May, July, and October). Our results demonstrated that the presence of submerged vegetation effectively reduced the nitrogen and phosphorus loads in the sediment-water system, encompassing their chemical forms, active concentrations, and release fluxes. Simultaneously, the restoration of submerged vegetation altered the composition of sediment microbial communities and the nitrogen and phosphorus cycling functions. Following the restoration, the abundance of functional genes associated with nitrogen fixation, organic nitrogen metabolism, nitrate reduction, and nitrification exhibited an average decrease of 2.95 %. In contrast, the abundance of genes involved in denitrification and nitrogen limitation response regulation increased by 20.24 %, while those related to phosphorus cycling processes showed a 7.29 % increase. Additionally, submerged macrophyte communities with varying richness differentially affected lake nitrogen and phosphorus loads, as well as the structure and function of sediment microbiomes, primarily related to the life cycle stages of the submerged macrophytes. These findings highlight the crucial role of submerged plants in maintaining lake nutrient balance and sediment microbiomes, providing valuable insights into how the restoration of submerged vegetation affects nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.

Influence of post-vegetative foliar application of nitrogen and selenium on micrometeorological parameters, phenology, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Excessive and continuous use of commercial-grade fertilizers in large quantities during the post-Green Revolution era has led to significant environmental impacts, besides escalating the cost of production in staple crops. Such over-reliance on chemical fertilizers in intensive agriculture and a limited focus on balanced nutrient management have led to an increase in micronutrient deficiency in the sub-tropical part of India. This micronutrient deficiency leads to stunted growth, poor flowering, and reduced grain and fruit formation, directly impacting overall crop productivity. Hence, the introduction of nano form of fertilizers and integration of them with bulk/commercial form will help in improving the nutrient use efficiency, reduce production costs vis-a-vis enhancement in the plant growth, and yield more effectively than the traditional fertilizers. Proper nutrient management promotes healthy development at each stage, from seedling establishment to maturation and ripening, ensuring optimal yields and quality. Hence, fertilization directly and profoundly impacts the phonological stages of the crops. In this respect, a field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India, during the rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and 11 treatments. Besides an absolute control where no fertilizer was applied (T1), ten other treatments were commonly fertilized with the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), i.e., 125 kg N and 62.5 kg P2O5 ha-1). The treatment varied in applying bulk and nano N (6% urea) and Se (15 ppm) at reproductive phases. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) score and chlorophyll index improved with foliar spray of both bulk and nano urea forms alone or in combination with Se (bulk or nano). The effect of foliar sprays of urea and selenium, either in bulk or nano form, alone or in combination, was insignificant. The reproductive stages, viz. heading, grain filling, and physiological maturity, are prolonged with late season spray of 6% bulk or nano urea alone or in addition to bulk or nano selenium. Maximum days to grain filling was in a foliar spray of nano urea 6% along with nano selenium 15 ppm, further leading to higher grain and biological yield.

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of Mixed-Leaf Litter Decomposition on Nutrient Cycling.

Understanding decomposition patterns of mixed-leaf litter from agroforestry species is crucial, as leaf litter in ecosystems naturally occurs as mixtures rather than as separate individual species. We hypothesized that litter mixtures with larger trait divergence would lead to faster mass loss and more balanced nutrient release compared to single-species litter. Specifically, we expected mixtures containing nutrient-rich species to exhibit synergistic effects, resulting in faster decay rates and sustained nutrient release, while mixtures with nutrient-poor species would demonstrate antagonistic effects, slowing decomposition. We conducted a mesocosm experiment using a custom wooden setup filled with soil, and the litterbag method was used to test various leaf litter mixtures. The study involved leaf litter from six agroforestry tree species: three species from humid highland regions and three from semi-arid regions. Treatments included three single-species leaf litter mixtures, three two-species mixtures, and one three-species mixture, based on the sampling region. Species included Calliandra calothyrsus (Ca), Croton megalocarpus (Cr), Grevillea robusta (G), Alnus acuminata (A), Markhamia lutea (M), and Eucalyptus globulus (E). Decay rate constants (k) were estimated using non-linear least-squares regression and observed mass loss was compared to predicted values for mixed-species litter treatments to assess synergistic and antagonistic effects. A two-way linear mixed-effects model was employed to explain variation in mass loss. Results indicate positive non-additive effects for leaf litter mixtures including nutrient-rich species and negative non-additive effects for mixtures including nutrient-poor species. The mixture of Ca + Cr + G had positive non-additive or synergistic effects as it decomposed faster than its corresponding single-species litter. Leaf litters with higher lignin content, such as A + M + E and Ca + Cr + G, exhibited less lignin release compared to what would be expected based on individual litter types, demonstrating antagonistic effects. These findings highlight that both litter nutrient constituents and litter diversity play an important role in decomposition processes and therefore in the restoration of the degraded and nutrient-depleted soils of Rwanda.

Culturing of Duckweed (Lemna minor) under Different Chicken Manure Concentration in the Lab

The research on the Culturing of Duckweed (Lemna minor) plants under different chicken manure concentrations in the laboratory was conducted to determine relative growth rate of duckweed and to determine the physicochemical parameters of the experimental water. The experimental design was based on an assumption that duckweed spores are contained in the bottom of flood plain stagnant pools. The sprouting of duckweed (Lemna minor) was monitored under media chicken manure concentrations of 5g per 10 litre for treatment one. Treatment two was 7.5g per 10 litre of water. Treatment three, 10g per 10 litre of water, treatment four, 12.5g per 10lit of water, and for treatment five 15g per 10 litre of water was used. 75 litre plastic bowls were used for this experiment. Each bowl were inoculated with 100 pods of duckweed. Water quality in tanks treated with chicken manure and inoculated with duckweed shows that there was no significant difference in water quality across the treatments (p>0.05). However, the pH varied over the weeks of experimentation with increase in pH being observed from an initial value of 7.92 to a final value of 10.25 in week 4. There was a high percentage increase of 45% in DO for T2 while all other treatments recorded declines in DO. Each treatment was replicated, giving a total of 12 experimental containers including the control treatment. To every plastic container 100g of wet soil that was collected was introduced along with 10 liters of domestic water supply. The various chicken manure levels were weighed and randomly assigned to the experimental containers in replicate. Under favorable climatic conditions and nutrient balance in growth media, Lemna minor can double its biomass within seven days. The plot of numerical abundance of duckweed stems in the culture media revealed that duckweed mean levels in T2 (M=213.8000) was more than other treatments with significant difference at P<0.05. T5 (M= 83.6000) was least, and Control (M= 95.0000), during the experiment.

The impact of replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer with monosodium glutamate waste liquid residue on yield, quality, and carbon emission of rice production

Replacing chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer with monosodium glutamate waste liquid residue (MSGWLR) is beneficial for achieving clean production in both the monosodium glutamate (MSG) industry and agriculture. However, the impact of this method on rice production and environment has not yet been clear. This study adopted field experiments to clarify the rice yield, quality and carbon emissions applying conventional application of chemical N fertilizer (CF), reduction of N fertilizer by 20% (N80%), based on reduction of chemical N fertilizer by 20% and replacing 50% chemical N fertilizer with MSGWLR (MSGWLR50%), and replacing 100% chemical N fertilizer (MSGWLR100%). The results showed that compared with CF treatment, MSGWLR100% showed no significant changes in rice yield, milling quality, fatty acid value, and taste quality. The chalkiness rate of rice significantly decreased, and the protein content significantly increased. On the other hand, the carbon emissions from rice production treated with MSGWLR100% were the lowest, with a 58.5% decrease in global warming potential (GWP) compared to CF treatment. This was mainly because MSGWLR100% treatment could provide rich and balanced nutrients for rice growth, and it did not promote greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from paddy field. At the same time, it effectively reduced the indirect carbon emissions in chemical fertilizer production by reducing chemical N fertilizer. Therefore, the MSGWLR100% fertilization treatment is beneficial for cleaner production in the MSG industry and rice cultivation.Graphical

Comparison of STCR and Conventional Fertilizer Approaches for Improved Yield, Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Greengram

The present study investigates the effects of various fertilizer recommendation approaches on yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency in greengram (BGS-9), conducted at ZARS, GKVK, Bengaluru during summer-2024. Soil test crop response (STCR) based fertilizer prescription equations were developed during kharif-2022 by following the methodology of Ramamoorthy et al., (1967) and were validated alongside post-harvest soil test value prediction equations. Results indicated that significantly higher seed yield (17.99 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in the STCR approach for the target yield of 15 q ha-1, where nutrients were applied through integrated approach based on actual soil test values (T3). The highest haulm yield (30.25 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in T2, which followed the STCR inorganic approach targeting 15 q ha⁻¹, based on predicted soil test values. Nutrient uptake results indicated that significantly higher nitrogen (110.73 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (11.39 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (140.06 kg ha⁻¹) uptake were recorded in STCR treatments, particularly in those with an integrated approach. These treatments also validated better nutrient recovery and agronomic use efficiency compared to low, medium and high (LMH) and package of practice (POP) approaches. The findings confirm the accuracy of predicted soil test values in fertilizer prescription, indicating that repeated soil testing between crops may be unnecessary. The STCR based integrated approach provided balanced nutrient application, leading to optimal yield and nutrient uptake. This study highlights the effectiveness of STCR methodologies for efficient nutrient management and improved productivity in greengram.

An Examination of Calculations: From Anaerobic Mono-digestion to Co-digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a biochemical process and form of sustainable technology. In comparison to mono-digestion, co-digestion is more effective in the utilization of diverse resources, supply of nutrient balance, and overall digestibility and stability. The co-digestion biodegradability index, co-digestion performance index, and synergistic effect index are generally used as anaerobic metrics to evaluate the co-digestion performance. Although they are numerical parameters, little information on their working procedures has been revealed. There is also a lack of supporting calculations for some published data hence their values cannot be verified. The aim of this article is to reconsider and examine the mathematical calculations from anaerobic mono-digestion to co-digestion. The method of study is a pen-and-paper analysis that processes both experimental and theoretical data from past studies. The article serves four purposes. First, it identifies processing parameters. Second, it shows step-by-step procedures of a series of calculations. Third, it identifies the core parameter in the calculation of anaerobic co-digestion. Fourth, it establishes the relationships between co-digestion biodegradability index, co-digestion performance index, and synergistic effect index. Critically, the mass fraction of volatile solid is identified as the core parameter that determines the valid calculations of co-digestion.

Changes in Nutrient Surpluses and Contents in Soils of Cereals and Kiwifruit Fields

Knowledge of nutrient surpluses in soils is critical to optimize nutrient management and minimize adverse environmental effects. We investigated the nutrient surpluses in soils in two regions over 25 years (1992 to 2017) in the south Loess Plateau, China. One region has cereals as the main crop, whereas in the other region, the main cereal crops was changed to kiwi orchards. The inputs of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increased rapidly (by 74%, 77%, and 103% from 1992 to 2017 in the cereal region; and by 91%, 204%, and 368% in the kiwifruit region), while the nutrient outputs were relatively stable, which resulted in increasing nutrient surpluses (the annual averaged surpluses of N, P, and K were 178, 62, and 12 kg ha−1 y−1 for the cereal region; and 486, 96, and 153 kg ha−1 y−1 for the kiwifruit region) and lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The higher N surplus in the orchard-dominated region caused high nitrate N accumulation (3071 kg N ha−1 of 0–5 m in 11–20 y in the kiwifruit orchard) in deeper soil profiles. Similarly, high P and K surpluses in the orchard-dominated region increased soil available P and K. This highlights that comprehensive measures should be taken to control nutrient surpluses, which will help balance nutrient inputs and outputs and minimize nutrient losses in intensive horticultural crop systems.

The Effect of Macro-Micro Nutrient Fertilizers and Plant Spacing on the Growth (Brassica juncea L.)

Brassica juncea L. is a much-loved vegetable species in Indonesia. To improve the quality and quantity of mustard plants, agricultural intensification efforts are needed through macro-micro fertilisers that maintain the balance of soil nutrients. This study aims to determine the response of mustard plants to the application of macro-micro fertilisers. The research was conducted in Claket Village, Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency at an altitude of 470 masl with a daily temperature of 21-30°C. The method used was a factorial Randomised Group Design (RAK) with two factors (fertiliser dose and spacing) and three replications. Variables observed included increase in plant height, number of leaves, wet weight, dry weight, and water content. Data analysis used F test and BNJ 5%. The results showed that the interaction of macro-micro fertiliser dose and planting distance gave a significant effect on all variables, except dry weight due to high water content in mustard greens.

Effect of Different Irrigated Crop Successions on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Potassium Budget Under Mediterranean Conditions

Sustainability in agroecosystems relies on the optimized use of resources to achieve consistent yields while maintaining or improving soil health. The monitoring of soil quality is crucial when changes from rainfall-fed to irrigated crop systems occur. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different crop successions in the Mediterranean area under irrigation and different technical practices. The soil nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) and soil organic carbon (SOC) balances were observed in four fields with irrigated annual crops in a two-year succession timeframe, namely, sunflower–maize (P1), sunflower–clover (P2), maize–sunflower (P3), and alfalfa–alfalfa (P4). The SOC and nutrient balance, integrating the total irrigation, mineral fertilizers, and exported yield, was calculated for each farm. Except for maize–sunflower succession (P3), all fields presented a negative SOC balance at the end of the two-year crop succession, indicating losses from 2.84 to 4.91 Mg SOC ha−1 y−1. While in N-fixing plants the soil N decreased, in the remaining crops a surplus was observed, possibly leading to future N losses. The continuous depletion of soil P revealed a potential underestimation of this nutrient. Soil K appears to be related to specific crop management practices, namely, crop residue incorporation after harvest. In annual irrigated crops under Mediterranean conditions, crop succession can induce soil fertility degradation if conservation practices are absent.

Low Nitrogen Availability in Organic Fertilizers Limited Organic Watermelon Transplant Growth

Fertilization guidelines for organic watermelon transplant production are rare. We investigated the effect of four commercial organic fertilizers and seven organic fertilizer blends, along with one conventional fertilizer (Peter’s Professional 20-20-20) on watermelon transplants. The four organic fertilizers were Nature Safe (fertilizer label: 7-7-7), Miracle-Gro (8-8-8), Dr. Earth fertilizer tea (4-4-4), and Drammatic (2-4-1). The seven blended organic fertilizers were created by supplementing Drammatic with nitrogen (N)-rich and/or potassium (K)-rich fertilizers to balance its N:phosphorus (P):K ratios. Watermelon ‘Jubilee’ was sown in organic substrate, and fertilizer treatments were applied weekly with a total of 0.4 g nitrogen/L substrate. Miracle-Gro and Drammatic had the highest N mineralization rate after 21 days and the highest inorganic N concentration, respectively, and resulted in the highest shoot dry weight among organic fertilizers. Miracle-Gro also resulted in the highest root dry weight. Dr. Earth fertilizer tea supplied the lowest N and P, and resulted in stunted transplants. Our results indicated that nitrate concentration was the most important factor influencing both shoot and root growth. Supplementing Drammatic with N-rich and/or K-rich fertilizers to balance its N:P:K ratio did not affect shoot and root dry weight. Combined, we concluded that nitrogen availability rather than nutrient balance is the key factor influencing watermelon transplant growth.

Effect of Various Nitrogen Doses and Plant Growth Regulators on Nutrient Uptake and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L)

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, during season of 2019-20, to find out the effect of optimization of nitrogen doses for high yield potential of wheat with plant growth regulators. The experiment was laid out in randomized block and replicated thrice. The experiment ten treatment of different doses of fertilizer with plant growth regulators chlormequat chloride and tebuconazole applied at 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Experimental revealed that application of 150% recommended doses of NPK resulted significantly higher available nitrogen (171.82 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (27.01 kg ha-1) and available potassium (192.27 kg ha-1) in soil after the harvest of wheat significantly highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by wheat recorded with 150% RDF of NPK with chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%). Significantly highest grain and straw yield recorded with 150% NPK + chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%) at par with 100% RDF as compare to other treatments harvest index was recorded 125% RDF of N and chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%) and 150% RDF of N and chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%). The uptake of key nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium followed a similar pattern, with 150% recommended doses of NPK along chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%). optimal NPK application resulted in positive nutrient balance in the soil. This investigation that managing nutrient with growth regulator in wheat is an economically viable and ecologically sound approach to improve both crop production and soil health through balanced nutrition.

Individual and combined effects of sodium dichloroisocyanurate and isothiazolinone on the cyanobacteria-Vallisneria natans-microbe aquatic ecosystem

The use of algaecides to control high-density cyanobacterial blooms is often complicated by secondary pollution and the toxicity to non-target organisms. This study investigates the individual and combined effects of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC, 5, 50, and 100 mg/L) and isothiazolinone (0.1, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/L) on a cyanobacteria-Vallisneria natans-microbe aquatic ecosystem, focusing on their interactions and ecological impacts. Results indicate that NaDCC could achieve a higher algae removal rate than isothiazolinone within 15 days, but has a greater negative effect on Vallisneria natans. Both algaecides disrupt nutrient and secondary metabolite balances at low and high concentrations, increasing nutrient loads and harmful substances. Optimal results were obtained with low concentrations of NaDCC (5 mg/L) and isothiazolinone (0.1 mg/L), effectively controlling cyanobacteria while minimizing harm to Vallisneria natans and reducing nutrient loads and microcystin accumulation. Algaecide application enhanced microbial diversity in water and leaves, shifting the dominant community from cyanobacteria to organisms adapted to the post-cyanobacterial decay environment. Metabolomic analysis indicated increased secretion of lipids and organic acids by cyanobacteria in response to algaecide stress. High concentrations of NaDCC and isothiazolinone disrupted nitrogen metabolism in cyanobacteria and induced ROS overproduction, affecting unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and other metabolic pathways. These findings highlight the importance of exploring different combinations of algaecides to reduce their concentrations, balance algal control with ecological stability, and offer insights for effective eutrophication management.

Development of Nutrient-Rich Complementary Food from Sweet Potatoes, Carrots and Crayfish for Combating Infant Malnutrition in Low-income Communities

This study aimed to enhance traditional cereal-based complementary foods in Nigeria by developing and evaluating a nutrient-dense blend of sweet potato, carrot, and crayfish. The objective was to address protein-energy malnutrition in low-resource settings by improving the nutritional profile of local complementary foods. Samples were analyzed in triplicate for proximate composition and selected micronutrients using AOAC standard techniques. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 5-point hedonic scale with a panel of ten nursing mothers from the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Lead City University. Results showed that the blend contained 14.74±0.32% crude protein, 72.19±0.51% carbohydrates, and 0.97±0.02% fat. Micronutrient analysis revealed high levels of vitamin C (19.06±0.70 mg/100ml) and phosphorus (497.33±3.37 mg/100ml). Sensory evaluation indicated that the product was well-accepted, with mean scores of 4.2±0.6 for taste (slightly sweet), 4.0±0.7 for color (light brown), and 3.8±0.8 for flavor (mildly fishy). This novel blend significantly improves upon traditional cereal-based complementary foods by providing a more balanced nutrient profile that meets WHO/FAO recommendations. It offers a practical, locally-sourced solution to enhance infant nutrition in low-resource settings, potentially reducing the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition. Further studies on its long-term effects on child growth and development are recommended.

Determination of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in Yaya Gullele District of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Inappropriate crop management practices are among the key elements that contributed to the low production of wheat. Moreover, the application of balanced fertilizers and nutrient requirements of the crop is the basis to produce more crop yield from the land under cultivation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in the 2020 & 2021 main cropping season to determine the NPS fertilizer rate in relative to determined the P-critical and P-requirement factor for wheat and to estimate the economically feasible NPS fertilizer rate for higher yield of wheat in Yaya gulale District. Accordingly the result indicated that, plant height was not significantly (P > 0.05 ) influenced by the NPS fertilizer rate but spike length, biomass, and grain yield were highly significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the NPS fertilizer rate. The highest plant height (86.72cm), spike length (6.57cm), biomass yield (12163kg ha-1) and grain yield (3327 kg ha-1) of wheat were recorded by the application of 75% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate supplemented with recommended Nitrogen whereas, the lowest value was recorded from the field without fertilizer which was significantly inferior to all other treatments. Furthermore, the economic analysis indicates that, application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 75% P-critical in NPS fertilizer with recommended Nitrogen fertilizer (92 kg N ha-1) for the production of wheat was more economically beneficial for the district. In conclusion, farmers and other end users could be advised to use 75% PC from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen for wheat production in the district and other areas having similar soil types and agro- ecology.