Doses Of Biofertilizer Research Articles

Sources and doses of biofertilizers in soybean and corn crops

The application of humic substances (SHs) can provide numerous benefits to the soil-plant system, such as greater absorption of nutrients and greater plant growth, resulting in productivity gains in several crops. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the growth attributes, nutritional aspects and yield, as well as the chemical attributes of the soil after harvest, as a function of the application of biofertilizers containing fulvic and humic acids in the sowing furrow for soybean crops. and corn. The experiments were carried out in the municipality of Paracatu, Minas Gerais, in a randomized block design, in a 4x3+1 factorial structure, with four replications. The first factor formed by four sources of biofertilizers (Biof. 1, Biof. 2, Biof. 3 and Biof. 4), the second factor composed of three doses (2, 4 and 6 L ha-1), and the additional treatment as a control, totaling 13 treatments. Different results were observed between the sources and doses evaluated. For corn, biofertilizers affected the uptake of N, K, S and B and plant growth, as well as the P and Ca content in the soil, however, they did not affect the crop yield. For the soybean crop, the biofertilizers provided an increase in the absorption of N, S and Mg and an increase in the phosphorus content in the soil; however, they did not interfere in the variables of growth and crop yield. The long-term use of biofertilizers containing SHs can contribute to building soil fertility, and provide improvements to plant development and productivity.

Yield stability of biofertilizer treatments to soybean in the rainy season based on the GGE biplot

Abstract Soybeans (Glycine max L.) play an essential role in meeting the nutritional needs of Indonesians. However, national soybean production cannot meet domestic needs. Increasing the planting frequency during the rainy season is an effort to increase the national soybean production. Planting soybeans in the rainy season will reduce the yield and growth of soybeans, so cultivation technology is needed to increase soybean yields in the rainy season, one of which is the use of biofertilizers and cultivars. This study aimed to analyze a suitable combination of cultivation and biofertilizer doses to increase soybean production during the rainy season. Selection of the right cultivar combination and biofertilizer dosage will increase yields. The research was conducted from 2021 to 2023 during the rainy season in Majalengka Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The cultivation technology that provides stable soybean yields was analyzed using a GGE biplot. The results of this research show that the appearance of soybean yields varies every year, and there is an interaction between the application of cultivation technology and the year of planting. Cultivation technologies that show a stable appearance are Anjasmoro variety + 20 kg h−1 dose biofertilizer, Dega 1 variety + 0 kg h−1 dose biofertilizer and Dega 1 variety + 10 kg h−1 dose of biofertilizer. These results can be used as a reference for farmers planting soybeans during the rainy season.

Evaluation of the initial growth of Shorea platyclados wildlings through the application of mycorrhizal biofertilizer under different levels of shading

The obstacles to the propagation of Shorea platyclados involve the uncertain flowering and fruiting seasons, the recalcitrant nature of the seeds, and the dependence on shade for growth. Furthermore, a mutualistic symbiosis, called mycorrhizae, usually exists between the roots and fungi, similar to other species of Dipterocarpaceae. This consequently hinders the regeneration process, which in turn may threaten the sustainability of this species in the wild. Ex-situ conservation using wildings is one of the measures that can be taken to overcome this issue. This study aimed to assess the initial growth of S. platyclados seedlings by administering different amountsof mycorrhizal biofertilizers under varying shade conditions at four and eight weeks of age in the nursery. A randomised complete block design was employed with the dose of biofertilizer as the treatment (0, 2.5, 5, 7 and 9 g/polybag) and shade as the group (0, 50, 60 and 70%). Observations were taken in the nursery at four and eight weeks of age. The observation parameters included the survival percentage, height growth, diameter growth, and vigour of the seedlings. There were significant differences in percentage of survival. Still, significant differences in height growth were observed with different doses of biofertilizer and shading at both four and eight weeks of age. Significant differences in diameter growth were observed with different doses of biofertilizer at both four and eight weeks of age, but not with different shades. No significant differences were observed for seedling vigour with different doses of biofertilizer and shade at both four and eight weeks of age. The optimal amount of biofertilizer was 5 g/polybag, resulting in maximum growth. This was achieved in a shade of 60%.

Application of Planting System and Organic Fertilizer on the Yield of Inpari IR Nutri Zinc in Lampung

The low rice productivity in Lampung needs to be increased. The objectives of this study were to introduce new superior Inpari IR Nutri Zinc rice and determine the effect of planting systems and biofertilizer on the growth and yield of Inpari IR Nutri Zinc rice in technically irrigated rice fields in Lampung. The experiment was carried out in technically irrigated rice fields in Kalirejo Village, Negeri Katon District, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung Province, using a split-plot design in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments tested were three rice planting systems as the main plot and the dose of biofertilizer as a sub-plot. The parameters observed components of growth and yield components. Data were analyzed with the SAS software 5.4 version. The results showed that the application of biofertilizers gave effects on rice yield. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of biofertilizers can increase rice yields by 10-12% compared to those without biofertilizers, in the three cropping systems. The application of biofertilizers resulted in the highest harvested dry grain production, namely 6.61 tons per hectare and significantly different than that without biofertilizers, namely 5.96 tons per hectare. The production of dry grain harvested by the three cropping systems was not significantly different at an average of 6.28 tons per hectare.

Production and quality of watermelon subjected to biofertilizer fertilization

The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties.

Effects of mycorrhiza and phosphate fertilizers on the growth and yield of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) under drought stress conditions

Millet is a cereal plant that’s potential for rice substitution. This plant is adaptive to be cultivated in dry land but has a tolerance limit to drought stress. Mycorrhiza and phospate (P) fertilizer treatments help plants adapt to this condition. This study aimed to determine the effects of phosphate fertilizer and mycorrhiza as well as their interaction effects on the growth and yield of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) under drought stress. The experiment was carried out from January to June 2020 in the experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jenderal Soedirman. The research was arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design consisting of two factors. The first factor was the dose of SP-36 fertilizer per polybag, namely P0 = 0 g, P1 = 37,5 kg.ha⁻¹ (25%), P2 = 75 kg.ha⁻¹ = 0.88 g/polybag (50%), and P3 = 150 kg.ha⁻¹. The second factor was the dose of mycorrhiza biofertilizer, namely M0 = 0 g.polibag⁻¹, M1 = 33.3 g. polibag⁻¹ and M2 = 66.6 g.polybag⁻¹. The treatment was replicated three times. The data observed were analyzed using the F test, continued with DMRT test at p=0.05. The results showed that SP-36 fertilizer application at half of the recommended dose (0.88 g/polybag) could increase growth variables, such as leaf area, panicle length, and seed weight. Mycorrhizae application 33.3 g/polybag could improve variables such as plant height, leaf area, panicle length, and seed weight. It also accelerated the initiation of panicle emergence compared to control.

Effect of Micronutrients and Biofertilizer Treatments on Yield and it`s Attributes of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. RCR-41

The current study, named "effect of micronutrients and biofertilizer on yield parameters of coriander Coriandrum sativum (L.) cv. RCR-41," is planned to be carried out in the Research Field, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, M.P., during Rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with two factors concepts i.e., Micronutrients (ZnSO4 (0.5%), FeSo4 (0.5%), CuSo4 (0.5%), Biofertilizers (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Azotobacter, Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB) and replicated three times and included three replications. At the time of coriander seeding, treatments combinations including RDF doses of fertilisers and biofertilizers were used. The results showed that treatment M1 (ZnSO4 @ 0.5%) was the optimum micronutrient level treatment for coriander production. Treatment B2 (Azotobacter) was shown to be the optimal biofertilizer level for coriander production. The treatment combination M1B2 (ZnSO4 @ 0.5% x Azotobacter) was shown to be considerably better among all treatment combinations, yielding the highest coriander yield characteristics.

Influence of biofertilizer on heavy metal bioremediation and enzyme activities in the soil to revealing the potential for sustainable soil restoration

Overuse of chemical fertilizer and pesticides in agricultural activity is frequently damaging to soil health and can accumulate heavy metals in the soil environment, causing harm to plants, humans, and the ecosystem. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of biofertilizers in reducing heavy metal levels in contaminated soil and enhancing the activity of soil enzymes that are crucial to plant growth and development. Two bacteria strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. and Bacillus firmus, were chosen to develop biofertilizers based on molasses. The pot experiment was setup using a completely randomized design with four treatments and five levels; Bacillus firmus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used separately, and they were combined for the biofertilizer dose (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mL). Utilizing contaminated soils taken from a greenhouse farm the effect of biofertilizer on heavy metal bioremediation and soil enzyme activity was examined. Methods of soil agrochemical analysis were used to determine the soil physiochemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Mo, Mn, were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry ICP-MS, following DTPA extraction methods. In results, soil pH decreased from 8.28 to 7.39, Ec increased from 0.91 to 1.12, organic matter increased from 18.88 to 20.63 g/kg, N increased gradually from 16.7 to 24.4 mg/kg, and K increased from 145.25 to 201.4 mg/kg. The effect of biofertilizer treatment on soil physiochemical characteristics was significantly positive. Application of biofertilizer significantly increased the heavy metal bioavailability and the activities of soil enzymes. Soil pH were positively correlated with soil Zn (0.99819*), APK (0.95869*) activity and negatively correlated with Fe (0.96759*) also statistically significant at (p < 0.05). The soil Cu positively correlated with Fe (0.99645*), Cd (0.97866*), β.D.GLU (0.99769*) and negatively correlated with PAK (− 0.9624*). Soil ARY had positive correlation with soil Mn (0.99683*), Cd (0.95695*), and negative correlation with PAK (− 0.99424*) at (p < 0.05). Soil enzyme activities were negatively correlated to heavy metals at a significant level. Collectively, the study highlights the potential of biofertilizers as a sustainable and effective approach to enhance soil health and remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils in greenhouses.

Effect of Liquid Organic Manures on the Performance of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 at Block D of the College Farm, Agriculture College, Naira. The experiment was laid out in Split-plot design with three main plots.M1:100% RDF (180-60-60 NPK Kg ha-1) + FYM @10 t ha-1, M2:75% RDF (135-45-45 NPK Kg ha-1) + FYM @10 t ha-1. M3:0% RDF- Control and four sub-plotsS1: Liquid azospirllum+PSB+KRB+ZnSB+@1.25 L ha-1 each at knee high stage, S2: Vermiwash spraying twice @5% at knee high and tasseling to silking stages, S3: Panchagavya spraying twice @3% at knee high and tasseling to silking stages andS4: Drava Jeevamrutham spraying twice @10% at knee high and tasseling to silking stages Results revealed that 100% RDF (180-60-60 NPK Kg ha-1) + FYM @10 t ha-1 (M1) recorded maximum fresh cob yield (16409 kg ha-1) and stover yield (17481 kg ha-1). Among the subplots: Liquid azospirllum+ PSB+ KRB+ ZnSB+@1.25 L ha-1 (S1) recorded maximum fresh cob yield (14091 kg ha-1) and stover yield (15623 kg ha-1). The interaction effect of different doses of RDF and liquid biofertilizers on fresh cob yield, stover yield and HI was found to be nonsignificant. Hence, it can be concluded that different doses of RDF and liquid biofertilizers are advantageous for weet corn cultivation on sandy loam soils of North costal region.

Efektivitas Pupuk Hayati Bactoplus dalam Meningkatkan Efisiensi Pemupukan NPK pada Tanaman Kentang (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varietas Chitra

This study was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of Bactoplus biofertilizer in increasing the efficiency of NPK fertilization on potato of Chitra variety. The experiment used a two-factor factorial randomized block design, namely: doses of NPK fertilizer (N1= 650 kg ha-1 /100% of the recommendation; N2= 487.5 kg ha-1/75% of the recommendation; and N3= 325 kg ha-1/50% of the recommendation) and Bactoplus biofertilizer (H0 = without Bactoplus biofertilizer and H1 = with Bactoplus biofertilizer). The results showed that the biofertilizer Bactoplus was effective in increasing the efficiency of NPK fertilizer, particularly to plant height at 3 weeks after planting (MST) and number of leaves at 7 MST. At the same dosages of NPK fertilizer, application of biofertilizer increased the plant height at 3 MST and the number of leaves at 7 MST, The best growth was achieved when the plants was treated with 75% of NPK in combination with Bactoplus application. The effect of each factor showed that application of Bactoplus biofertilizer increased growth, yield and quality of potato tubers. In adition, the dose of NPK fertilizer affected the growth of potato plants but did not affect the yield and quality of potato tubers.

A Dosis Pupuk Mashitam Dan Pupuk Petro Biofertil Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Produksi Tanaman Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogeae L.) Varietas Jerapah

Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) is a legume plant that has high nutritional value. In Indonesia, peanuts as a food source have the potential to be developed. The problem in the peanut farming business is that its production is still low. One of the efforts to increase peanut production is by proper fertilization. The continuous use of inorganic fertilizers causes land damage, so it is necessary to implement a sustainable agricultural system. The use of Mashitam organic fertilizer combined with Petro Biofertil biofertilizer is expected to increase peanut production and can be an alternative in reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers. This study aims to explain the effect of giving a dose of organic Mashitam and Petro Biofertil biofertilizers on the growth and production of peanuts. This study used a factorial randomized block design (RAK) with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor is the dose of Mashitam fertilizer with 3 levels, namely 300 kg/ha; 400 kg/ha; 500 kg/ha and the second factor is the dosage of Petro Biofertil fertilizer with 4 levels, namely 50 kg/ha; 75 kg/ha; 100 kg/ha; and 125 kg/ha which was repeated 3 times. The results of this study showed that there was a significant interaction in the treatment of giving Mashitam fertilizer and Petro Biofertil fertilizer on the variables: dry weight of 100 peanuts, after the DMRT 5% test showed that the treatment that had the highest average was M2P2 (Masitam fertilizer 400 kg/ha and Petro Biofertil fertilizer 75 kg/ha), while the efficient treatment is M1P3 (Mashitam fertilizer 300 kg/ha and Petro Biofertil fertilizer 100 kg/ha). In the single treatment, the dosage of Mashitam and Petro Biofertil fertilizers on the observed variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and fresh weight of pods/plant samples at all observation ages showed no significant difference after further testing with the 5% BNT test.&#x0D; Keywords: Peanut, Petro Biofertil Biofertilizer, Mashitam Organic Fertilizer

Lettuce types development and substrate fertility attributes in response to doses of an aerobic biofertilizer

Lettuce types development and substrate fertility attributes in response to doses of an aerobic biofertilizer

The effect of various doses of biofertilizers on the growth response of medang (Dehaasia firma Blume) seedling

The increasing demand of wood whilst log production from natural forest decreasing is answered by a forest planting program in unproductive lands. The Medang (Dehaasia firma Blume) tree of Lauraceae family is one of the recommended species for plantation forests due to its its wide distribution areas in Indonesia and its wood’s multi-functionality. To increase its growth, application of biofertilizer could supply organic matter and improve the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of biofertilizer doses on the growth of medang. The research was conducted in the Silvicultural nursery of the Forest Research and Development Center in Bogor. A Completely Randomize Design (CRD) comprising one factor with three replications was employed as the research method. The dosage of bionature as a treatment factor consists of control (without fertilizer), bionature-25, bionature-50, and bionature-100. The measured growth parameters were height, diameter, shoot ratio, and seedling quality index. The results showed that the dose of bionature-50 generated the best growth of medang seedlings for height and diameter; bionature-25 generated the best growth for root shoot ratio while bionature-100 generated the best growth for total dry weight and Seedling Quality Index.

The effect of beneficial microorganism as biofertilizer application in hydroponic-grown tomato

&lt;p&gt;The use of N&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-fixing bacteria and growth hormone-producing rhizobacteria delivers nitrogen, enhances nutrients absorption by plants, and reduces the usage of inorganic fertilizers. Implementing biofertilizer in the hydroponic system as a means to reduce application of synthetic nutrient is recently in interest due to economic, food safety, and sustainability factors. This study determines the effects of biofertilizer dose on tomato yields in the hydroponics system. A randomized block design was utilized that consisted of seven treatments, namely 100% inorganic fertilizer and 0% biofertilizer (control), and various doses of inorganic nutrient combined with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% biofertilizer. The result illustrated that the application of biofertilizer augmented the population of endophytic bacteria, &lt;em&gt;Azotobacter&lt;/em&gt; sp., &lt;em&gt;Azospirillum&lt;/em&gt; sp., phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and nitrogen content. The distinct combination of biofertilizer did not alter the phosphorus and potassium content compared to control samples however resulted in superior tomato grade. The 50% inorganic fertilizer and 100% biofertilizer combination amplified the weight of the fruit by 36% compared to the control. This finding indicates that the application of biofertilizers in the hydroponic system for tomato plants is not only beneficial in minimizing the dosage of inorganic fertilizers but also enhancing the fruit quality.&lt;/p&gt;

Role of potash fertilization through organic and inorganic sources on growth and yield of turmeric

Aim: To investigate the possibility of substitution of inorganic inputs through organics and to evaluate the effects of bioorganic inputs on microbial population of soil. Methodology: A field experiment of RBD with 13 treatments and 3 replication using combination of organic manures viz., compost/vermicompost, potassic mobilising inoculants along with graded (100, 75 and 50%) levels of inorganic potassium were tried for partial substitution of inorganic potassium with organic source in turmeric cv. Suguna. Results: Considering the yield, the vermicompost + inorganic K (100%) + K mobiliser (32.35 t ha-1) was the best treatment, followed by Compost + K 100% + KM (31.13 t ha-1). Interpretation: These results indicate that soils were less fertile due to deficit in soil nutrients. Recommended doses of organic bio-fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer should be practiced for reclamation of soil status. Application of potassic mobilizer as biofertilizer in turmeric can reduce the application of inorganic potassium and support eco-friendly crop production. Key words: Compost, Curcuma longa, Organic manures, Potassic mobilizer, Turmeric, Vermicompost

Characterization and classification of soils of Malli-1 micro-watershed of Yedrami taluka, Kalaburagi district, Karnataka

Aim: To evaluate the soils of Malli-1 micro watershed situated in the North-Eastern Dry Zone (Zone-2) of Karnataka for sustainable crop development. Methodology: Eight soil profiles covering all soil types occurred in the study area were selected and studied for their detailed morphological, physical and chemical properties using standard soil testing procedures. Results: Soils of Malli-1 microwatershed varied from clay to clay loam in texture, moderately to strongly alkaline in reaction with low salt content and low to medium in per cent organic carbon content. Calcium and magnesium were the prevailing cations followed by sodium and potassium. Soils were classified upto the series level as per revisions in Soil Taxonomy by utilizing soil characteristics. Majority of soils in study area represents the Vertisols, Inceptisols and Entisols order. Interpretation: These results indicate that soils were less fertile due to deficit in soil nutrients. Recommended doses of organic bio-fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer should be practiced for reclamation of soil status. Key words: Electro chemical stability index, microwatershed, Soil resources, Soil survey

Azotobacter and Pseudomonas Population in Rhizosphere and Yield of Choy Sum following Chemical Fertilizer and Biofertilizer application

Inoculation of beneficial microbes is a way to improve the population of rhizobacteria that has a role in nutrient cycle and hence reduce the level of chemical fertilizer. A pot experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of and consortia biofertilizer combined with various dose of NPK compound fertilizer on the population of nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter sp. and phosphate solubilizing Pseudomonas sp. in rhizosphere and yield of choy sum (Brassica juncea L.). The experimental was setup in completely randomized block design consisted of ten combinations of various biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizer dose; and three replications. The results showed that Biofertilizer inoculation with or without chemical fertilizer did not improve the population of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas in the rhizosphere but increase the shoot weight of choy sum. Higher shoot weight was showed by crops with ¾ dose of NPK combined with recommended or reduced dose of fertilizer; and recommended dose of NPK and biofertilizer. This experiment verified that the used of consortia biofertilizer composed of Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing microbes reduced 50-75% dose of NPK.

Effects of Cellulolytic Fungi and Biofertilizer Doses on the Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Alluvial Soil

The production and harvest areas of tomatoes in West Kalimantan tend to decrease. One of the cultivation techniques that is expected to increase the yield and quality of the plant is by using organic fertilizers. The study objective was to determine the effects of interactions between cellulolytic fungi and biofertilizer doses on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in alluvial soils. A completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial patterns was applied in the research. The first factor which was cellulolytic fungi in biofertilizers (J) included: J0 (organic fertilizer without decomposer), J1 (organic fertilizer with Aspergillus sp.), J2 (organic fertilizer with Trichoderma spp.), and J3 (organic fertilizer with Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma spp.). The second factor that was of biofertilizer doses (D) consisted of: D1 (25 g / polybag), D2 (50 g / polybag), D3 (75 g / polybag), and D4 (100 g / polybag). The results showed no significant difference between the cellulolytic fungi and biofertilizer doses on all observation variables (p &gt; 0.05). There was no significant main effect of cellulolytic fungus type on all observation variables, while the treatment of biofertilizer doses had a significant effect on plant height, total leaf number per plant, fruit number per plant, and fruit weight per plant. The J3D4 treatment gave the best results on the plant height (97.67 cm) and the leaf number (18.17 strands), while the J2D4 treatment gave the best results on the fruit number per plant (3.31 fruits), and the fruit weight per plant (13.32 g). The addition of cellulolytic fungi to biofertilizers at a dose of 100 g / polybag can increase growth and yield on tomatoes in alluvial soil.

Organic Fertilization with Biofertilizer Alters the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Young Cladodes of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.

Cactus cladodes are consumed by humans in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The use of biofertilizers when cultivating cacti can improve the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, as well as the cladodes’ productivity and physical-chemical quality. We evaluated the physical and physical-chemical qualities of different lengths of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. Cladodes were grown with different biofertilizer doses. The 3 × 5 factorial design employed corresponded to three cladode sizes (8–12, 12–16, and 16–20 cm) and five doses of biofertilizer (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) with three repetitions in a completely randomized design. Cladode characteristics were evaluated 40 days after emergence: diameter, fresh mass, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solid and titratable acidity ratio (SS/TA), ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, total soluble sugars, chlorophyll a, b, and total, carotenoids, and respiration. The Opuntia stricta cladodes sized 16–20 cm exhibited better physical and physical-chemical qualities as well as better respiratory rates. The biofertilizer improved the cladodes’ physical and physical-chemical qualities, regardless of the cladode’s size. Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cladodes had levels of antioxidant compounds similar to those of some conventional vegetables, making them suitable for improving human health in arid environments.

Produtividade, fisiologia e qualidade de melão amarelo cultivado com biofertilizante

ABSTRACT An efficient organic cultivation can be a viable strategy to enhance the sustainability of the melon production chain. This study aimed to assess the physiological and productive responses, as well as the post-harvest quality, of melon fruits, as a function of biofertilizer doses. The experiment followed a randomized blocks design, in a split-plot arrangement, with four replications. The treatments included six biofertilizer doses (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 L plant-1) as subplots and two melon hybrids (AC 154 and Royal Amália) as plots. The use of 3 L plant-1 cycle-1 of the biofertilizer increased the sugar content in the leaf tissue, improved the photosynthetic efficiency, enhanced the biochemical variables and provided higher yields, in addition to improving the fruit post-harvest quality of the tested hybrids.