Biological Fertilizers Research Articles

Effect of Magnesium Sulfate and Rhizosphere Microorganisms on the Growth and Biosynthesis of Cymbopogon nardus L. Essential Oil

Background: Citronella oil from Cymbopogon nardus L. is used in various fields, including health, industry and pharmaceuticals. Efforts to increase the content and quality of essential oils in this research were made with the application of magnesium sulfate. Rhizosphere microorganisms, which act as biological fertilizers, are applied to assist in the absorption of nutrients. This research aims to determine the interaction between the type of rhizosphere microorganisms and the dose of MgSO4 on growth, essential oil yield and essential oil content in C. nardus. Methods: The research was carried out from February to August 2023. The research used a randomized block design arranged factorially with three replications. The first factor is the type of rhizosphere microorganisms (without RM, PGPR and AMF) and the second factor is the MgSO4 fertilizer dose (0, 190, 285 and 280 kg ha-1). Result: Providing MgSO4 fertilizer can increase the growth and yield of essential oils of C. nardus. The application of PGPR and AMF can increase efficiency of MgSO4 fertilization. Treatment without administering rhizosphere microorganisms required a higher dose of MgSO4 compared to PGPR and AMF treatments. To increase growth variables and essential oil quality, treatment without rhizosphere microorganisms requires MgSO4 of 380 kg ha-1, while PGPR and AMF only require MgSO4 at a dose of 190-285 kg ha-1.

The Role of Cajanus cajan in Enhancing Soil Fertility and Macrofauna Populations in Intensively Cultivated Systems in Korhogo (Northern Côte d’ivoire)

In the Korhogo department, it is almost impossible to practice fallowing. The aim of this study is to determine how the Cajanus fallow impact the soil the biological and physical soil fertility. Macrofauna and soil samples were taken in different cropping systems (Cajan + maize, Cajanus + groundnut, Cajanus + maize + groundnut, Cajanus) and compared with the control (soil that did not contain any legume). The population density and abundance of the different macrofauna sampled were calculated and compared by analysis of variance ANOVA at the threshold of 0.05. The results show that the cropping system based on Cajanus cajan favoured the repopulation of the soil with Termicidae, Lumbricidae and Formicidae to the control. These values varied from 90 to 340 individuals/m2 for Lumbricidae in the system based on Cajanus. compared to the control values lower than 5 individuals/m2. The comparison of the population density according to the type of tillage also shows that flat plowing systems stimulate increase Lumbricidae populations more than ridged soils (325; 275; 125 individuals/m2 on plowing. against 230; 100 individuals /m2 on ridge) respectively on Cajanus+ groundnut, Cajanus + groundnut+ maize and pure Cajanus. On the other hand, the intercropping which increased the number of Lumbricidae, Termicidae and Formicidae, whatever the type of tillage, are, respectively, Cajanus + groundnut, Cajanus + groundnut + maize, Cajanus + maize and pure Cajanus.The introduction of Cajanus into intercropping systems leads to an improvement in the physical and biological fertility of the soil.

Plants Under Stress: Exploring Physiological and Molecular Responses to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deficiency

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential mineral macronutrients critical for plant structure and function. Both contribute to processes ranging from cellular integrity to signal transduction. Since plants require these nutrients in high concentrations, replenishing them in soil often involves chemical fertilizers. However, the main source of P, rock phosphate, is non-renewable and in decline. N, second only to carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in plant requirements, is vital for synthesizing proteins, nucleic acids, and plant pigments. Although N is available to plants through biological fixation or fertilizer application, the frequent application of N is not a sustainable solution due to environmental concerns like groundwater contamination and eutrophication. Plants have developed sophisticated mechanisms to adapt to nutrient deficiencies, such as changes in root architecture, local signaling, and long-distance signaling through the phloem. A dual deficiency of N and P is common in the field. In addition to individual N and P deficiency responses, this review also highlights some of the most recent discoveries in the responses of plants to the combined N and P deficiencies. Understanding the molecular and physiological responses in plants to mineral deficiency will help implement strategies to produce plants with high mineral use efficiency, leading to the reduced application of fertilizers, decreased mineral runoff, and improved environment.

Effect of mineral and biological fertilizers on the formation of the microbiota of the root zone of the developed top-type peat bog under the planting of large-fruited cranberry plants in the conditions of Belarus

Effect of mineral and biological fertilizers on the formation of the microbiota of the root zone of the developed top-type peat bog under the planting of large-fruited cranberry plants in the conditions of Belarus

Benefit of weeds for crop-plant mycobiota in agroecosystems: Integrating ecological demonstration and management applicability

Agricultural intensification reduces not only biodiversity in agroecosystems but also key ecosystem functions such as soil fertility. By reintroducing biological diversity in fields, weeds may enhance soil biological fertility through their influence on crop microbiota. However, letting weeds grow in crop fields will depend on weed competitiveness, farmers’ perception and acceptance, and on crop management, which influences the occurrence and the abundance of weeds in the field. This study assessed the use of eight weed species to modify wheat plant root endospheric mycobiota, and the applicability of using these plants for mycobiota enrichment in the field. By combining controlled lab experiments and field studies, we demonstrated that weeds act either as a refuge for a high diversity of fungi or as a vector for transferring fungi to the crop, particularly symbionts. Weeds differed in their competitive effect on wheat growth and only three species significantly reduced wheat growth. Interviews with farmers’ revealed that weed species were better known and more appreciated in crop fields by organic farmers than by conventional farmers. Floristic surveys confirmed that both weed occurrence and cover were higher in organic fields than in conventional fields. A multicriteria analysis showed that Trifolium repens and V. persica had the highest potential for promoting wheat plant mycobiota. Among the weed species tested, these two are worth considering as auxiliaries to improve soil biological fertility in crop fields. Their use with the goal of selecting appropriate crop mycobiota should be relatively easier in organic farms where weeds are better accepted, whereas their use in conventional farms would require raising farmers’ awareness of the benefits of weeds for soil fertility.

Test Application for Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Planting Media to Grow the Growth and Yield of Shallot Plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) Varieties of Bauji

The main commodity of food crops is rice which has a strategic function, namely as a staple food for the people of Indonesia. Maintaining the health and quality of soil biologically by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Swamp Inbred Paddy (Inpara) are superior varieties of paddy that are well cultivated in swamp land conditions, resistant to immersion, and adaptability to acidic soil conditions. This study investigates the combination of biological and synthetic fertilizers on the growth of flood-tolerant Inpara rice using a strip plot/split block design. The treatments used were 6 combinations of biological fertilizers-synthetic fertilizers and 3 paddy varieties with 3 replications. The results obtained from the analysis of variance then conducted a further test of BNJ to determine the performance of each variable. Correlation test is performed to determine the interactions and relationships between observational variables. Soil analysis is also carried out to determine the mineral content in the soil. The effect of the combination of synthetic and biological fertilizer doses with 3 Inpara paddy varieties interacted significantly on several observational variables resulting in significantly different performance. The combination treatment with 75% synthetic fertilizer and 25% biological fertilizer showed several parameters that were higher than the treatment with 100% synthetic fertilizer so that the use of synthetic fertilizer can be reduced.

The Effect of Some Biological Fungicides and Liquid Organic Fertilizers on Sigatoka Disease on ‘Mas’ Banana Plants (Musa acuminata Colla)

Banana (Musa acuminata Colla) is a tropical fruit with great economic potential and export prospects. According to the Directorate General of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, banana production from 2009 to 2014 fluctuated due to attacks by Plant Destruction Organisms (PDO), particularly Sigatoka disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella musciola. This study investigated biological agents like Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp., along with liquid organic fertilizers, to control the disease without synthetic fungicides.The research, conducted at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, used a split-plot design with two factors: biological pesticides (Tricogreen, Natural Glio, Trico-G) and liquid organic fertilizers (rabbit urine POC, shrimp shell MOL, banana hump MOL). The experiment had nine treatment combinations with three plant samples each. Results showed that biological pesticides significantly reduced Sigatoka disease intensity, with the J3P3 treatment (Trico-G and Banana Hump MOL) achieving the lowest infection rate of 29.55%, reducing disease intensity by 70.45%. Liquid organic fertilizers also improved plant growth, increasing leaf number and leaf area. This indicates that biological agents and organic fertilizers effectively manage Sigatoka disease and promote healthy banana plant growth.

Efektivitas Pupuk Hayati dan Pupuk Kotoran Sapi Terhadap Pertumbuhan Serta Produksi Tanaman Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.)

Pakcoy plants have an economic aspect and the business is worth developing or cultivating to meet consumer demand which is increasing over time. Increasing the production of pakcoy plants can be done by improving the fertility of the planting medium by using FertoMax biofertilizer and cow dung fertilizer. This research used a Randomized Block Design with 2 factors and 3 replications to obtain 48 research plots. Factor I of FertoMax Biological Fertilizer (S) which consists of 4 levels, namely: S0 = 0 ml/polybag, S1 = 5 ml/polybag, S2 = 10 ml/polybag, S3 = 15ml/polybag. Factor II Cow Manure (P) which consists of 4 levels, namely: P0 = 0 g/polybag P1 = 100 g/polybag, P2 = 200 g/polybag, P3= 300 g/polybag. The parameters observed in this study were plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, tuber diameter, sample plant weight, plant weight per plot. The results of the study showed that the use of FertoMax biofertilizer with the best growth and production was at a dose of 15 ml/polybag while giving The best dose of cow dung fertilizer is 300 g/polybag. Keywords: pakcoy, fertomax biological fertilizer, cow manure

Biological Characterization of Geo-Referenced Soil Samples from Major Rice-Growing Tracts of Southern Kerala

A survey was conducted from January to March 2023 to assess the soil biological fertility index across five agro-ecological units in the rice-growing belts of Southern Kerala. These units included Onattukara sandy loam (AEU 3), Kari soil (AEU 4), Pokkali soil (AEU 5), Southern laterites (AEU 8), and Midland laterites (AEU 9). The study was carried out in the College of Agriculture, Vellayani Thiruvananthapuram. The survey aimed to assess microbial activity and organic carbon content, thereby enhancing our understanding of the biological fertility across these diverse soil types. Twenty geo-referenced surface soil samples @ 0- 15 cm were collected in every AEU by prescribed method. The collected samples were subjected to the characterization of soil biological properties such as dehydrogenase activity, organic carbon, microbial biomass C, microbial biomass N and soil respiratory rate following the standard protocol. The findings showed that organic carbon in AEU 5 with the highest mean value (3.03 %), followed by AEU 4 (2.19 %), AEU 9 (2.01 %), AEU 8 (1.01 %), and AEU 3 (0.56 %). Dehydrogenase activity was highest in AEU 5 (682.54 µg TPF g-1 hr-1), followed by AEU 4, AEU 9, and AEU 8, and lowest in AEU 3 (76.71 µg TPF g-1 hr-1). AEU 5 exhibited the highest microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass nitrogen activities, while AEU 8 showed the lowest. Soil respiration was highest in AEU 5 and lowest in AEU 3. Based on these soil microbiological indicators, soils were classified into three categories: low, medium, and high fertility. The Biological Fertility Index (BFI) scores indicated favorable conditions in AEU 4 and 5, moderate in AEU 9, and low in AEU 3 and 8. By establishing a comprehensive understanding of soil biological fertility across various agro-ecological units, the research aims to contribute to improved soil health and crop productivity in the region.

Respon Tanaman Kedelai Edamame (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) Terhadap Pemberian Dolomit Dan Pupuk Hayati Majemuk Pada Tanah Gambut

Edamame soybeans are soybeans that are harvested young, so they are known as green soybeans. The high nutritional content and delicious taste make edamame soybeans popular with the public. Extensification is one effort that can be done to increase edamame soybean production. One type of soil that has the potential to expand edamame soybean plants is peat soil. This research aims to examine the response of edamame soybean plants to the application of dolomite and compound biofertilizer on peat soil. The experiment was carried out using a two-factor factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The first factor, namely dolomite (0, 15, 30, and 45 g polybag-1) and the second factor, namely biological fertilizer (0, 5, 10, and 15 g kg-1 seed). The results of the study showed that the influence of the interaction between dolomite and compound biofertilizer as well as the single factor of compound biofertilizer had no significant effect on the growth and yield of edamame soybeans. Edamame soybean plants are responsive to dolomite. The highest number of plant seeds was obtained when administering dolomite at a dose of 30 or 45 g polybag-1, namely 29.50-32.25 seeds plant-1.

Effect of Winter Sowing and Different Fertilizer Sources on Physiological Parameters and Yield Components of Dragon’s Head (Lallemantia iberica Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)

The effects of autumn sowing and chemical, organic, and biological fertilizer sources were explored on yield components and physiological traits of dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Fisch. & C.A.Mey). The study was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in a field experiment in the 2017-2018 crop year. The fertilizer treatments included organic fertilizers (vermicompost, manure, and humic acid), biofertilizer (Thiobacillus mixed with sulfur), chemical fertilizer (macro NPK), and control (no fertilizer). The studied traits included seed yield per ha, harvest index, biological yield per ha, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, proline, and dissolved carbohydrate. The results of the comparison of the means revealed that the winter sowing outperformed the spring sowing evidently and increased traits like seed yield per ha, biological yield per ha, and harvest index significantly. The fertilization of the plants in both sowing seasons, especially in the winter sowing, increased seed yield per ha, biological yield per ha, and harvest index so that the vermicompost-fertilized winter-sown plants produced the highest seed yield per ha (0.91 g), whereas the application of manure was related to the highest harvest index in the winter sowing (27.9%). The highest biological yield (8797 kg ha-1) was related to the treatment of Thiobacillus of the winter-sown plants. Proline content was higher in the spring sowing plants, and the control treatment in the spring sowing had the highest proline content (0.120 mg g-1). Concerning dissolved carbohydrates, the spring sowing and the unfertilized plants had the highest content (20.3 mg g-1). On the other hand, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid were higher in the treatments of Thiobacillus and vermicompost, which resulted in achieving higher yields due to the increase in photosynthesis rate. According to the results, the winter sowing of the dragon’s head in the Azerbaijan region of Iran and the use of Thiobacillus and vermicompost could be recommended for obtaining plants with optimum quality parameters.

Let the dust settle: Impact of enhanced rock weathering on soil biological, physical, and geochemical fertility

Terrestrial enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon dioxide removal technology that consists in applying ground silicate rock such as basalt on agricultural soils. On top of carbon sequestration, ERW has the potential to raise the soil pH and release nutrients, thereby improving soil fertility. Despite these possible co-benefits, concerns such as heavy metal pollution or soil structure damage have also been raised. To our knowledge, these contrasted potential effects of ERW on soil fertility have not yet been simultaneously investigated. This field trial aimed at assessing the impact of ERW on biological, physical, and chemical soil properties in a temperate agricultural context. To do so, three vineyard fields in Switzerland were selected for their distinct geochemical properties and were amended with basaltic rock powder at a dose of 20 tons per hectare (2 kg.m−2). On each field, basaltic rock powder was either applied one year before the sampling campaign, one month before the sampling campaign, or not applied (control) for a total of 27 plots with 9 repetitions of each level. Overall, basaltic rock powder addition had a predominantly positive to neutral effect on soil fertility. Most soil properties showed no significant change either 1 month or 1 year post application. Nevertheless, our study highlighted a significant increase in earthworm abundance (+71 % on average), soil respiration (+50 %) and extractable sodium concentration (+23 %) as early as 1 month post application. The higher soil respiration raises the question of CO2 losses from organic matter mineralization that could limit ERW's efficiency. The increase in sodium raises concerns about a sodification risk potentially damaging soil fertility. These elements now require further investigation before enhanced rock weathering can be considered a viable and secure carbon dioxide removal technology.

ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING IN THE MAKING OF BIOFERTILIZER “UNAIR” WITH LECTURE AND PRACTICE METHODS FOR FARMERS IN KEDUNGPRING VILLAGE, LAMONGAN, TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Many farmers use chemical fertilizers to increase their agricultural productivity, including farmers in Kedungpring Village, Kedungpring Subdistrict, Lamongan Regency. However, it is currently difficult for farmers to meet their fertilizer needs due to the policy of limiting fertilizer subsidies, therefore farmers must have the independence to meet their fertilizer needs. Biofertilizers can be an alternative because they are easy to make by themselves, and are more environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers. Assistance and training on biofertilizer production for farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan is needed. The purpose of this community service activity is to increase the knowledge of farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan about biological fertilizers, and have the ability to make biological fertilizers, so that they can meet their fertilizer needs. This activity begins with the coordination and planning stages of the activity, providing material on biofertilizers to increase farmers' knowledge of biofertilizers using the lecture method, assistance and training in making biofertilizers using the lecture and practice methods so that farmers have the ability to make biofertilizers, and monitoring and evaluation carried out by the follow-up method. Based on the community service activities carried out, farmers' knowledge about biofertilizers has increased, which is indicated by most farmers having a higher post-test score than the pre-test score, also farmers are able to make their own biofertilizers which are indicated by the color of cloudy brown fertilizer and the distinctive sour smell of fermentation. Through this Community Service activity, farmers in Kedungpring Village also received six bioreactors for making biological fertilizers. Through this whole series of activities, it is an effort to realize sustainable agriculture, and it is hoped that farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan can meet their fertilizer needs independently.

Efficiency of Enterobacter asburiae and Vermicompost on the Peanut Growth and Yield

The combined use of endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (ENFB) and organic manures is a trend in sustainable agricultural production. To investigate the effect of Enterobacter asburiae (E asburiae) and vermicompost (VCT) on farmland nutrients, yield, quality, and reduce arsenic uptake of peanuts. Three factors, which were: (i) E asburiae (inoculum and no inoculum); (ii) irrigation water (River and underground water); (iii) VCT (0.00 and 10.0 t ha-1), were designed by eight treatments (Trt) and four replications. E asburiae inoculation combined with 10 t VCT ha-1 application and river water (RW) irrigation that both raised soil nutrient properties and traits of peanut agronomy and yield traits, raised significantly fresh seed yield and reduced arsenic (As) absorption of peanut stems and seeds. fresh seed yield of peanut in treatments of E asburiae inoculation, RW irrigation and 10.0 t VCT ha-1, which were higher than non E asburiae inoculation, deep well water (DWW) irrigation and no VCT application, were 24.3, 26.9 and 15.4%, respectively. The peanut As contents in Trt of E asburiae inoculation, RWI and 10.0 t VCT ha-1 were lower than 7.78, 45.3 and 1.92% in stems and 13.2, 78.3 and 9.82% in seeds, respectively, compared to non-E asburiae inoculation, DWW irrigation and no VCT application. E asburiae was found out one potential species to promote soil nutrients, the peanut growth, yield, quality and As resistance, which will be used like biological fertilizers in the future

The Effect of Mycorrhiza and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Supplementation on Zea mays saccharata Sturt. Growth and Productivity Grown on Low Nutrients Soil

Marginal land has low nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Addressing nutrient deficiencies on marginal land requires a strategic approach. Biological fertilizers like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic interactions. In addition, organic fertilizers such as compost could provide organic matter and improve soil structure to increase plant growth and productivity. Combining these three fertilizers with the addition of low doses of NPK fertilizer can increase the growth and productivity of maize crops on sub-marginal land. This study aims to determine the effect of AMF, consortium of PGPR, and a low dose of NPK on the growth and productivity of maize and soil nutrients on sub-marginal land by measuring plant growth up to 8 WAP (week after planting) (parameters: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, stomatal density) and productivity (parameters: cob length, cob weight with husk, fresh weight, dry weight) and levels of N, P, and K elements at 8 WAP in the soil after planting. All treatments showed an increase in the level of N and K elements, while the P element showed a decrease compared to the control (soil without treatment). Moreover, each parameter did not show a significant difference, but the P2 (Compost + PGPR consortium + AMF + 50% of NPK) treatment showed the best growth and productivity. Overall, the data showed the utilization of PGPR and AMF combination was able to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer by 50%.

Combined inorganic and organic fertilizers improved soil microbial biomass and nitrogen dynamics in Upper Eastern region of Kenya

Soil microbial biomass elements and mineralization processes are essential in replenishing soil nutrients. Yet, the effect of fertilization on the microbes is still not well-defined. This study aimed to determine the effect of integrated soil fertility inputs (inorganic and organic) on microbial biomass, carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), phosphorus (MBP), nitrogen (N) mineralization, and N use efficiency in a field experiment. The treatments were: control (no fertility input), sole inorganic fertilizer, and different combinations of inorganic and organic inputs in a randomized block design. The results showed that Conventional tillage + maize residue + goat manure + Dolichos lablab intercrop (CT4); minimum tillage + maize residue + Tithonia diversifolia + goat manure (MT5); and minimum tillage + maize residue + goat manure + Dolichos lablab (MT4) intercrop increased microbial C, N, and P by 78 %, 48 %, and 41 %, respectively compared to control (CT0). Compared to CT0, N mineralization significantly varied (p < 0.0001) among the treatments at planting and on the 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th days after planting during the 2020 short rains season. It also differed significantly (p = 0.0018, 0.0028, < 0.0001, and 0.0028,) on the 45th, 60th, 75th, 90th, and 105th days, respectively, relative to CT0 after planting during the 2021 long rains season. The CT4 had 5.11 and 52.80 kg N ha−1 higher apparent nitrogen recovery and partial factor productivity N, respectively. Similarly, MT4 greatly enhanced N apparent recovery efficiency by 57.5 % relative to CT0. Integrating fertility inputs improved soil biological fertility and mineralized N. Therefore, technologies that integrate organic inputs, either solely or with inorganic fertilizers, should be harnessed and promoted as medium and long-term technologies to advance soil biological fertility, and mineral N and N use efficiency in smallholder farmers.

Utilization of Wet Grass Waste on Campus as Compost complying with Standards of Macro Nutrients

The results of routine grass cutting on campus can be used as raw material for compost. The aim of this research was to make compost from wet grass in the campus and to evaluate the quality of the resulting compost based on applicable standards. This research consisted of 3 stages, namely: preparation (making a compost house as a place to ferment wet grass into compost); implementation (growing bacteria by adding EM4 and molasses so that the fermentation process occurs) and evaluation (measuring the quality of the compost based on standards). The research results showed that after the compost house was built, fermentation was carried out with strict monitoring every 3 days for 3 weeks for temperature, humidity and pH. Furthermore, the results of the compost quality evaluation showed the macro nutrients N+P2O5+K2O = 5.08% (quality standard: &gt;4%), C-organic = 26.56% (quality standard: &gt;15%) and C/N = 18.97 (quality standard = 15-25). Furthermore, it was concluded that the macro nutrients had met the compost quality standards according to the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 of 2019 concerning minimum technical requirements for organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers and soil improvement.

Growth Response of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) in several Combinations of Planting Media and Trichoderma sp. as Biological Fertilizer

Indonesia is the third largest cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) producing country in the world. In 2019 cocoa production in Lampung was 58,852 tons with a plantation area of 79,356 ha, in 2020 it was 58,623 tons with an area of 79,469 ha and in 2021 58,414 tons with an area of 77,174 ha. One of the reasons for this decline in production is plant pest organisms (OPT), namely fruit rot disease caused by the pathogen Pytophthora palmivora. Use of Trichoderma sp. can increase plant resistance and growth and act as a biological controller outside and inside the soil. The research was carried out on the grounds of the Lampung State Polytechnic from August to November 2023. This research aims to determine the effect of planting media and administration of Trichoderma sp. on the growth of cocoa seedlings. The method used was a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 4 treatments and 4 replications so that there were 16 experimental units. Treatment P0 consisted of: Top Soil (Control), P1 Top Soil + Compost Fertilizer (2:1), P2 Top Soil + Trichoderma sp. (50:1), P3 Top Soil + Compost + Trichoderma sp. (50:25:1). The results of the research on treatments P3, P2 and P1 affected plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter. The P3 treatment showed the best results for the variables plant height 39.50 cm, number of leaves 21.58 and leaf area 37.79 cm2. Treatment P2 showed the best results for the stem diameter variable of 0.66 cm.

Natural Farming: Embracing Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Production

Natural farming, a regenerative agriculture is advocated and promoted worldwide to produce safe and quality produce and to live in harmony with nature. It is “Chemical free farming” or “do-nothing farming” is a sustainable farming approach that aims to work with nature instead of trying to change it. It focuses on improving soil biological fertility without relying on synthetic chemicals or external inputs. It lies in a simple principle of utilizing low-cost and local inputs with zero utilization of chemicals. Major strategy is continuous application of cow dung and cow urine-based concoctions beside following effective recycling of crop residues, leguminous intercrops as soil cover, pre- monsoon dry sowing, minimizing the irrigation and balancing the soil, air and moisture by irrigating at noon. The farmer is considered only to be a facilitator - the real work is done by Nature herself. No- tillage and farming without the application of herbicides, inorganic fertilizers and pesticides is practiced. Here, actual physical work and labor has been seen to reduce by up to 80% compared to other farming systems. The essence of natural farming is minimizing the external inputs to the farm land, which degenerate the soil nature and improving the crop yield. The Natural farming a cost-effective farming practices with scope for raising employment and rural development. Natural farming also offers a solution to various problems such as food insecurity, farmers distress, health problems arising due to pesticide, fungicide and fertilizers residue in food and water, climate change and natural calamities.

Impact of Intercropping Five Medicinal Plants on Soil Nutrients, Enzyme Activity, and Microbial Community Structure in Camellia oleifera Plantations.

Intercropping medicinal plants plays an important role in agroforestry that can improve the physical, chemical, and biological fertility of soil. However, the influence of intercropping medicinal plants on the Camellia oleifera soil properties and bacterial communities remains elusive. In this study, five intercropping treatment groups were set as follows: Curcuma zedoaria/C. oleifera (EZ), Curcuma longa/C. oleifera (JH), Clinacanthus nutans/C. oleifera (YDC), Fructus Galangae/C. oleifera (HDK), and Ficus simplicissima/C. oleifera (WZMT). The soil chemical properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effects of different intercropping systems. The results indicated that, compared to the C. oleifera monoculture group, YDC and EZ showed noticeable impacts on the soil chemical properties with a significant increase in total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK). Among them, the content of TN and AK in the rhizosphere soil of Camellia oleifera in the YDC intercropping system was the highest, which was 7.82 g/kg and 21.94 mg/kg higher than CK. Similarly, in the EZ intercropping system, the content of NN and OM in the rhizosphere soil of Camellia oleifera was the highest, which was higher than that of CK at 722.33 mg/kg and 2.36 g/kg, respectively. Curcuma longa/C. oleifera (JH) and Clinacanthus nutans/C. oleifera (YDC) had the most effect on soil enzyme activities. Furthermore, YDC extensively increased the activities of hydrogen peroxide and acid phosphatase enzymes; the increase was 2.27 mg/g and 3.21 mg/g, respectively. While JH obviously increased the urease activity, the diversity of bacterial populations in the rhizosphere soil of the intercropping plants decreased, especially the Shannon index of YDC and HDK. Compared with the monoculture group, the bacterial community abundance and structure of JH and YDC were quite different. The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes was increased in YDC, and that of Acidobacteriota and Myxococcota was increased in JH. According to the redundancy analysis (RDA), pH, total potassium, and soil catalase activity were identified as the main factors influencing the microbial community structure of the intercropping systems. In conclusion, intercropping with JH and YDC increased the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial communities, improved the microbial community structure, and enhanced the soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Therefore, in the future, these two medicinal plants can be used for intercropping with C. oleifera.