Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Research Articles

Optimizing Sugarcane Clonal Propagation In Vitro by Using Calcium Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Sulfate.

To replace explosive nitrate-based chemicals in MS medium, this study developed a new, safer, and more cost-effective method using fertilizer-grade calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate. This approach replaces ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate, ensuring both safety and cost efficiency for sugarcane propagation. Six local sugarcane varieties-Zhongtang1 (ZT1), Zhongtang3 (ZT3), Zhongtang6 (ZT6), Guitang42 (GT42), Guitang44 (GT44), and Guiliu 07150 (GT07150)-were used. In the control group (Ck), nitrate ions (NO3-) were 39.28 mM, and ammonium ions (NH4+) were 20.49 mM, with a 2:1 ratio. In the treatment groups, the concentrations of nitrate ions (NO3-) and ammonium ions (NH4+) included treatment 1 (19.69 mM NO3- and 10.3 mM NH4+), treatment 2 (29.54 mM and 15.44 mM), treatment 3 (39.38 mM and 20.59 mM), treatment 4 (49.225 mM and 25.74 mM), treatment 5 (59.07 mM and 30.89 mM), and treatment 6 (68.915 mM and 36.03 mM), respectively, all with the same 2:1 ratio. Fifty bottles per treatment, with three replicates, were used for each sugarcane plantlets treatment. After five subcultures, the optimal ratio was determined by assessing morphological and physiological parameters, nitrogen levels, and SOD enzyme activity. The results indicated that treatment 3 (39.38 mM and 20.59 mM) and treatment 4 (49.225 mM and 25.74 mM) had the best morphological and physiological indicators. The optimal doses of calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate were found in treatments 3 and 4, as well as in the control, with no significant difference among them. However, treatment 3, due to its lower dose, was more cost effective. To improve cost efficiency in practical production, it is recommended to use the lower concentration ratio of treatment 3 for plant tissue culture plantlets.

Digestate in replacement of synthetic fertilisers: A comparative 3–year field study of the crop performance and soil residual nitrates in West-Flanders

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth. As a widespread source of plant-available N, ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process has proven an extremely valuable commodity in farming systems since the middle of the twentieth century. However, its heavy reliance on ever-shrinking fossil fuel reserves and its sizeable carbon footprint have fostered the exploration of alternative, more sustainable, fertilising prospects. Through the recycling and reuse of nutrient byproducts, biobased fertilisers (BBF) can help reduce the European Union’s dependency on imported synthetic fertilisers. In this study, we examined digestate, the liquid fraction of digestate, pig slurry and pig urine as potential substitutes for synthetic fertilisers. In a full-scale field approach using a different crop each year (maize, spinach, potatoes), the agronomic performance of the treatments (defined as the crop N uptake and the crop yield) and the environmental performance (taken as the residual soil nitrates after harvest) of the BBF treatments were compared with those of a synthetic fertiliser benchmark (calcium ammonium nitrate) at three N regimes. As regards short-term fertilising capability, results showed that yields obtained from BBFs were not statistically different (p > 0.05) than those obtained with synthetic fertilisers. Likewise, for soil residual nitrates (0–90 cm), measured in October–November of each year, no difference (p > 0.05) was detected between the BBFs and the synthetic fertiliser reference treatments. However, the non-superiority test showed that some BBFs tended to perform better in terms of residual nitrates than the synthetic regimes. Generally, results pointed to a fast N release ability of the BBFs, indicated by the presence of nitrates at different soil depths. Hence, as with the mineral fertiliser, BBFs were prone to leaching which calls for adequate N management strategies. The N content of some BBFs were shown to vary over time, hence adequate and timely nutrient characterisations must be carried out prior to field application to ensure a more accurate N accountancy and reduce risks of over-fertilisation (or under-fertilisation).

The Effect of Oil-based Polymer Coated CAN Fertilizer on the Yield and Quality of Triticum aestivum L. and Brassica napus L.

The fertilization with nitrogen plays a crucial role in today’s agriculture characteristic with a high demand for production. The utilization of coated fertilizers represents a possible option to lower the number of applications, lower the dose and limit the risk of environmental losses. The effect of conventional calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) applied in a single application in blend (1:1 or 1:2) with oil-based polymer coated CAN in thicknesses of 4 (cCAN4) or 6% (cCAN6) by weight of the fertilizer on the yield and quality of winter wheat and oilseed rape was evaluate. The average yields of winter wheat were not significantly influenced by the examined fertilization in either the growing season (GS) or the experimental site. On the contrary, the qualitative parameters on average resulted in lower values in comparison with the control (split N fertilization), possibly due to the single application of nitrogen in early spring. The examined treatments significantly influenced the seed yield of oilseed rape in both GS and both experimental sites. On average, the highest yield of seed (2.8 t/ha) was observed on treatment cCAN4 in a 1:2 ratio. This represents a significant increase by 24.8% compared to the control (2.2 t/ha). Similarly, to winter wheat, the qualitative parameter of oilseed rape (oil content) was lower after the examined blends with coated CAN. The fertilization of oilseed rape with blends of uncoated and coated CAN applied in the single application is a validate alternative to commonly used split nitrogen doses applied repeatedly during vegetation.

Yellow mealworm frass: A promising organic fertilizer for common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) and bristly oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub) cultivation

Common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) and bristly oxtongue [Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub] are winter broad-leaved weeds that have gained interest for cultivation as leafy vegetables. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of frass from the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) on nutrient content in soil, growth parameters, and nutrient content in above-ground plant tissues of common sowthistle and bristly oxtongue. Thus, two pot experiments were carried out with 5 treatments [control, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) applied at a dose of 100 kg N ha−1, and insect frass applied at a rate of 3500 kg ha−1 (0.5 % w/w) 7000 kg ha−1 (1 % w/w), and 14,000 kg ha−1 (2 % w/w)]. Our results showed that the lowest values of growth parameters for both plant species were recorded in the control treatment. At the final rosette growth stage [e.g., 152 days after sowing (DAS)], the CAN treatment exhibited the highest values of rosette diameter and above-ground dry weight, followed by the highest rate of insect frass. Similarly, at 152 DAS the SPAD index values in the CAN treatment were 28.4–41.5 % higher compared to the control treatment in both species. Regarding root dry weight, the highest values were found in the CAN and insect frass 2 % treatments. In addition, the application of insect frass significantly enhanced soil fertility, with the highest levels of P and K recorded in the insect frass 2 % treatment. In contrast, the CAN treatment resulted in the highest NO3–N content in the soil (15.83 and 19.26 mg kg−1 in common sowthistle and bristly oxtongue, respectively). Moreover, both P and K content in the above-ground plant tissues had the highest values in the insect frass 2 % treatment, while the content of Mg, Mn, and Cu in plant tissues was not affected by the fertilization sources. Therefore, our findings indicate that insect frass can be an additional option in crop fertilization programs as it can improve both the soil fertility and growth of crops compared to conventional inorganic fertilizer sources. However, the effects of insect frass in mixtures with inorganic fertilizers needs to be taken into consideration in future studies.

The effects of fertilizer pretreatment on nitrogen cycling in an intensively managed temperate grassland

Effective nitrogen (N) management is essential for minimizing fertilizer nutrient losses and maximizing N use efficiency. This study, conducted over two years on permanent grassland sites in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, explored the effects of urea treatment with a urease inhibitor and digestate acidification on N-cycling and yield performance in a temperate maritime grassland context. Micro plots within these grasslands received varying N rates via acidified (with sulphuric acid) or non-acidified digestate (biogas residues), urea treated with- or without urease inhibitor (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) or calcium ammonium nitrate. Parameters measured included dry and N matter accumulations, NH3 volatilization, N2O emissions, NO3--N leaching, methane (CH4), and total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soils. The findings demonstrated that the acidified digestate consistently enhanced metabolizable energy (ME), N yields (up to 47 %) and the apparent N recovery (ANR). While the acidified digestate and treated urea concurrently reduced NH3 emissions, the treated urea did not significantly affect (p> 0.05) dry matter (DM) and N yields, ANR, or total GHG emissions. Thus, digestate acidification or urea N stabilization could effectively mitigate the environmental impact of forage grass production while maintaining higher or comparable yields. However, higher risks of pollution swapping to groundwater bodies may result from higher N input rates. Applying acidified digestate or stabilized urea N to grasslands at a 120 kg mineral N ha−1 rate offers a practical approach, yielding appreciable N and ME while minimizing N losses.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF GREEN MANURES ON WHEAT CULTIVATION ON THE ACIDIC SOILS OF THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF ROMANIA

This study addressed the burgeoning interest in ecological agriculture, emphasizing sustainable and regenerative practices. Among these, the utilization of green manures emerged as pivotal for enhancing soil health and augmenting the yield of nutritionally dense crops. Five plant species (triticale, peas, soybeans, sunflower, and rapeseed) were selected for incorporation, sown during the summer, and subsequently integrated into the soil while still in their vegetative phase, preceding the optimal sowing window for wheat. The experiment encompassed three repetitions for the principal crop, of wheat implemented through split-plot design. Each repetition comprised both a fertilized and an unfertilized plot, further sub-divided, with certain segments receiving fungicidal treatment and others left untreated. The experimental setup was situated on an albic luvisol, exhibiting humus content ranging from 1% to 1.8% in the plow layer, coupled with an acidic pH range of 4.2 to 5.3. The trial site was located within the experimental fields of the Plant Protection Laboratory at the Livada Agricultural Research and Development Station, Satu Mare County. The primary aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of green manures, including their synergistic interplay with chemical fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate 27% N), on wheat. Evaluative parameters encompassed yield metrics, weed infestation levels, disease and pest resistance, along with the quality attributes of the principal crops. Ultimately, the study sought to furnish a encompassing comprehension of the advantages conferred by this regenerative agricultural practice, within the contemporary framework of ecological and agronomic imperatives. In conclusion, the inaugural year of experimenting with green manures did not yield an immediate augmentation in crop yield. However, it became evident that additional fertilization was required to fully harness the benefits of green manures. Encouragingly, the data spotlighted a propitious finding—green manures bolstered the disease resistance of wheat, implying enduring advantages for crop health. Furthermore, the adoption of rapeseed and peas as green manure crops, demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in weeding, affording an economical and pragmatic edge for sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, when amalgamated with chemical fertilizers, the interaction with green manures evinced an augmented production capacity, underscoring the potential for a synergistic strategy in maximizing crop output. These revelations highlight the significance of a holistic and integrated approach to agricultural methodologies, underscoring the value of amalgamating green manures with judicious fertilization strategies. As we persist in our exploration and refinement of these techniques, the potential for enhancing both productivity and sustainability in our agricultural systems remains considerable, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and efficient food production process.

Effect of mineral and organic fertilizer on N dynamics upon erosion-induced topsoil dilution

Erosion-induced topsoil dilution strongly affects cropland biogeochemistry and is associated with a negative effect on soil health and crop productivity. While its impact on soil C cycling has been widely recognized, there is little information about its impact on soil N cycling and N fertilizer dynamics. Here, we studied three factors potentially influencing N cycling and N fertilizer dynamics in cropping systems, namely: 1.) soil type, 2.) erosion-induced topsoil dilution and 3.) N fertilizer form, in a full-factorial pot experiment using canola plants. We studied three erosion affected soil types (Luvisol, eroded Luvisol, calcaric Regosol) and performed topsoil dilution in all three soils by admixing 20 % of the respective subsoil into its topsoil. N fertilizer dynamics were investigated using either mineral (calcium ammonium nitrate) or organic (biogas digestate) fertilizer, labeled with 15N. The fertilizer 15N recovery and the distribution of the fertilizer N in different soil fractions was quantified after plant maturity. Fertilizer N dynamics and utilization were influenced by all three factors investigated. 15N recovery in the plant-soil system was higher and fertilizer N utilization was lower in the treatments with diluted topsoil than in the non-diluted controls. Similarly, plants of the organic fertilizer N treatments took up significantly less fertilizer N in comparison to mineral fertilizer treatments. Both topsoil dilution and organic fertilizer application promoted 15N recovery and N accumulation in the soil fractions, with strong differences between soil types. Our study reveals an innovative insight: topsoil dilution due to soil erosion has a negligible impact on N cycling and dynamics in the plant-soil system. The crucial factors influencing these processes are found to be the choice of fertilizer form and the specific soil type. Recognizing these aspects is essential for a precise and comprehensive assessment of the environmental continuum, emphasizing the novelty of our findings.

THE EFFECT OF DIVIDED TOP-DRESSING APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ON GRAIN YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS IN BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different divided top-dressing applications of different nitrogen fertilizers on grain yield and quality traits of four bread wheat varieties (Selimiye, Esperia, Gelibolu and Rumeli). The experiment was conducted in a randomized split-plot design with 3 replicates during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. In the experiment, varieties were allotted as main plots and top-dressing applications were allotted as subplots. Five different pure nitrogen (N) top-dressing applications were done in the form of urea and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) at the beginning of tillering, the end of tillering, the beginning of stem elongation and the end of stem elongation stages. Grain yield, thousand kernel weight, test weight, protein content, wet gluten content, gluten index, Zeleny sedimentation value and delayed sedimentation value were investigated in the study. Gelibolu variety for grain yield, Rumeli and Esperia varieties for grain quality were prominent. The considering the ease of application for grain yield and quality, 2nd application (80 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the beginning of stem elongation) can be proposed in the years when April and May rainfalls are sufficient, and 3rd application ( 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the end of tillering, 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of CAN at the beginning of stem elongation) can be proposed in the years when April and May rainfalls are insufficient.

Environmental Effects of Using Ammonium Sulfate from Animal Manure Scrubbing Technology as Fertilizer

Processed manure products have the potential to substitute chemical fertilizers and the use of these products may increase resource efficiency in the food system and decrease emissions of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gasses (GHG). The yields of maize and grass, as well as emissions, have been determined from a processed manure product: liquid ammonium sulfate from nitrogen stripping animal manure (AS), in comparison to a regular mineral fertilizer, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), in a greenhouse experiment and a field demonstration using a sandy and a clay soil. NH3 emissions were determined by comparing AS with a dairy manure as a reference. The yield of both crops, their nitrogen nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were not significantly different, while NH3 emission was lower from AS compared to the dairy manure. As a side-effect, the sulfur (S) contents of the grass in the fields fertilized with AS were much higher than in the non-fertilized control. We conclude that AS, produced here with a pH < 5.5, can be used as an alternative for CAN in Dutch dairy systems, or similar other system, if S leaching losses do not pose a problem for the environment. Meanwhile, care should be taken not to exceed S in feed above toxic levels for ruminants.

Modelling and Optimizing Sorghum Yield for Food Security using Central Composite Design through Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

The Response surface methodology has offered great solutions to day-to-day life issues, through its outstanding characteristics in optimization of response variables. The demand for sorghum for industrial use necessitated the study. The objective of this study was to model and optimize sorghum yield by varying the amount of organic and inorganic fertilizers applied on experimental plots measuring 2 metres by 1.25 metres. A 5-level-3-factor Central Composite Design (CCD) a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied with the independent variables being nitrogen fertilizer (X_1) supplied in form of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) 26%, goat manure (X_2) and VEGIMAX folia fertilizer (X_3). The p-values for nitrogen fertilizer, goat manure and VEGIMAX folia were less than 0.05, an implication that the effect of the three variables on sorghum yield was significant with the nitrogen fertilizer being highly significant (p-value< 0.0001). The quadratic effects were also significant (p-values < 0.05) but the effect of factor interactions were all insignificant (p-value>0.05). The response surface plots revealed that high sorghum yield was favoured by applying moderately high levels of the three independent variables. The R-squared and Adjusted R-squared for the fitted model were 0.9277 and 0.8627 respectively, indicating that the fitted model was valid and explained 86.3% of the variations in the sorghum yield at a confidence level of 0.95. The optimal settings for the (X_1), (X_2) and (X_3) were 112 Kg / ha, 12 tons / ha and 5.5 ml / 20 litres of water, resulting to an optimal yield of 4.95 tons per hectare.

Optimizing nitrogen use efficiency of six forage grasses to reduce nitrogen loss from intensification of tropical pastures

We aimed to evaluate the effect of different types and rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on plant biomass production, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions of six tropical forage grass cultivars. This field study was conducted in Colombia under tropical conditions in two phases. Phase 1: we evaluated the effect of different types of N fertilizers (urea; calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN); and urea-ammonium sulfate (U-AS) using a single dose of application of 25 kg N ha−1 cut−1, along with a control treatment for each grass without application of fertilizer) on forage dry matter, crude protein, N uptake, N surplus, and NUE. The study focused on six tropical forage grass cultivars: Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully, U. hybrid cv. Cobra, U. hybrid cv. Cayman, Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa, Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. Stargrass and U. decumbens cv. Basilisk. We found that the biomass production and protein content of each forage grass cultivar responded differently to different N fertilizer types. In consequence, the NUE of each forage grass cultivar was strongly affected by the type of N fertilizer applied. For example, Cayman showed a NUE of 87.8% with CAN and 40.4% with urea, while the NUE of Basilisk with CAN was 8.0% and 76.4% with urea. Maximum NUE values were obtained for Stargrass and Cayman with CAN (91.7 and 87.8%, respectively) and for Mombasa with urea (89.9%). Phase 2: we selected three combinations of forage grass cultivars and type of N fertilizer, and we evaluated the impact of four rates of N application (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg N ha−1 cut−1) on forage production and N2O emissions upon fertilization. In general, higher N fertilization rates increased the accumulated N2O emissions. However, we observed that the fertilization of Stargrass and Cayman grass with a rate of 20 kg N−1 cut−1 and Mombasa grass with a rate of 30 kg N−1 cut−1 were more beneficial than the other rates of N fertilization based on the biomass production and amount of N2O emitted are considered. This study highlights the importance of optimizing NUE in tropical pasture systems using an appropriate design of N fertilization strategy. Inappropriate N fertilizer use can significantly increase the N losses (e.g., through N2O emissions, with a potential contribution from N leaching). These findings provide valuable information for sustainable intensification of productive tropical livestock systems to spare land for other uses.

CO2 emission and physiological aspects of sugarcane ratoon as interactive functions of nitrogen and silicon applications

Sugarcane is the primary renewable energy source in Brazil, necessitating efficient and sustainable production practices. This study assessed the impact of nitrogen sources and their combination of silicon as foliar application on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and physiological characteristics of sugarcane cultivated in tropical environment. The experiment was conducted using the second sugarcane ratoon (variety CTC-04), as 2x5 factorial design, with two sources of N-fertilizer (urea and calcium ammonium nitrate - CAN, association with DMPSA − 3,4-dimetilprirazol succínico, nitrification inhibitor) and different silicon concentrations such as 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g ha−1. Photosynthetic leaf gas exchange, water use efficiency, pigments, CO2 emissions (ECO2), ammonium and nitrate levels in the soil were observed. The results were subjected to analysis of variance using the F test along with polynomial regression and mean comparison tests. Using urea as a source of nitrogen, there was an increase in internal CO2 concentration of the plants by 19% in relation to treatment with calcium ammonium nitrate association with DMPSA (CAN + DMPSA). Nevertheless, urea increased ECO2 emissions into the atmosphere by up to 15.3% higher compared to CAN + DMPSA application. Foliar application of Si (300 g ha−1) reduced plant transpiration rate (21%), irrespective the source of N-fertilizer utilized. Thus, it is concluded that the use of calcium ammonium nitrate associated with a nitrification inhibitor is an interesting strategy for reducing CO2 emissions, as well as Si is capable of reducing the plant’s transpiration rates, making it efficient in the use of water.

A low-tech, low-cost method to capture point-source ammonia emissions and their potential use as a nitrogen fertiliser.

Rising global energy prices have led to increased costs of nitrogen (N) fertilisers for farmers, but N pollution (losses) from agricultural activities can account for over 50% of the nitrogen applied. This study assesses the feasibility of a low-cost and low-tech method of NH3 emission capture from an agricultural point source (chicken manure) using a water column bubbling technique, and its application as a fertiliser to several plant types. Solutions of i) nitric acid (HNO3), ii) calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), iii) a mixture of Ca(NO3)2 and HNO3 and iv) deionised H2O were used to scrub NH3 from air pumped from a storage container containing chicken manure. We conclude that NH3 can be captured from manure using low-tech methods, and that solutions of common fertiliser compounds such as ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate can be replicated by binding captured NH3 to solutions of nitrate. Our results suggest that dissolved calcium nitrate is just as effective at scrubbing NH3 from the atmosphere as nitric acid at low concentrations, but could do so at a near neutral pH. For use on common silage grass for livestock feed, all of the captured ammonium solutions significantly increased yields, including the ammonium only solution. However, the aquatic plants (Taxiphyllum Barbieri and Salvinia auriculata) did not respond favourably to a high ratio of NH4+ in solution, and in the case of Salvinia auriculata, the plant was significantly damaged by the ammonium only solution. In conclusion, we highlight that the capture and utilisation of NH3 emissions from point sources is possible using very basic apparatus and that if used correctly, this captured nitrogen can be stored and applied to crops in a variety of forms which could reduce reliance and cost of mineral fertiliser use.

Evaluation of selected burnt plant residues and mineral fertilizers on soil properties and nutrient uptake and growth parameters of oil palm seedlings

Oil palm seeds are difficult to grow due to poor viability; that is why they are raised in nursery. Addition of right and adequate fertilizer is needed to improve soil fertility. Thus, an experiment was conducted in 2022 to compare the effect of empty palm bunch (EPBA) ash, cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA), kola pod husk ash (KPHA), NPK 20:10:10, urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and muriate of potash (MOP) fertilizers on soil properties, nutrients uptake and growth parameters of oil palm seedlings in Ondo, southwestern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from Adeyemi Federal University of Education oil palm plantation. Each of the dried empty palm bunch, kola pod husk and cocoa pod husk was burnt and applied as treatments at the rate of 0, 2, 4 and 6 g 900-g−1 soil while NPK 20:10:10, urea, MOP and CAN fertilizers were individually applied at 2 g 900-g−1 soil. The 16 treatments were replicated four times and arranged in completely randomized design. A 900 g of soil was put in each poly pot and planted with Tenera variety of oil palm and watered with 50 cl water daily. The native soil used for the experiment was deficient in major nutrients and adequate in minor nutrients. Relative to the control, application of 2, 4 and 6 g ash types significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, root length and plant girth. NPK, recorded the highest increase in plant height. Leaf length and root length were highest with the application of 6 g KPHA. Application of 6 g EPBA recorded the highest biomass, dry and wet weight and seedlings moisture content. Kola pod husk ash applied at 6 g plant−1. Empty palm bunch ash applied at 6 g plant−1 and cocoa pod husk ash applied at 4 g plant−1 compared favourably with mineral fertilizers in raising vigorous and healthy oil palm seedlings.

The role of an Ascophyllum nodosum extract in lowering the environmental impact and improving nitrogen use efficiency in pasture systems under a reduced nitrogen regime

Nitrogen is a macronutrient that is applied in substantial amounts as a chemical fertiliser to conventional agricultural systems. However, loss of nitrogen from agricultural systems to the environment, in the form of gases (N2O) and leachate (NO3), is detrimental to the environment. As such, improving the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops is an essential component of sustainable agriculture. Biostimulants are a category of products that improve NUE when applied to crops and/or soil. Here, we examined the effects of PSI-362, an Ascophyllum nodosum biostimulant mixed with and applied on calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) granules, on grass yield, quality traits, and environmental impacts in lysimeter trials under natural weather conditions. By using PSI-362, it was possible to reduce nitrogen application by 25% without a significant loss in yield compared to a conventional 100% N system. We also observed an increase in NUE under a 75% N with PSI-362 co-application fertilisation regime, and a significant increase in crude protein content compared to the 100% N fertilisation controls. Furthermore, this reduced nitrogen application also resulted in reduced nitrogen loss through leachate (NO3) and N2O to the atmosphere. The total NUE for PSI-362 + fertiliser granules ranged from 58.7% to 78.6% depending on the biostimulant dose, which was significantly better than the fertiliser alone. Our results showed that this biostimulant, which can easily be incorporated into conventional agronomic practices, allows for a more sustainable approach to pasture-based systems.

Long‐term compost use and high frequency low concentration fertigation reduce N2O emissions from a California almond orchard

AbstractUsing compost as an agricultural amendment offers a means to reduce organic waste, as mandated in the US state of California (SB 1383). Compost can improve soil physical characteristics and soil carbon content by increasing soil organic matter. We examined the effect of compost application (7‐year duration) on soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, inorganic nitrogen (N) pools, soil temperature and water content, bulk density, and total carbon (C) and N content. The orchard was composed of Nonpareil cultivars interplanted with Aldrich and Carmel cultivars, all grafted on Nemaguard peach rootstock [Prunus persica (L.) Bratsch]. Its soil was Oakdale sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, active, thermic Mollic Haploxeralf). Delivering nutrients through the irrigation system, the orchard was fertigated 14 times with urea ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate, using high frequency and low concentration (HFLC) fertigation applications (total 195 kg N ha−1). Soil without compost (No Compost) tended to have higher N2O fluxes (up to 2.75‐fold) than soil with compost (Compost). Cumulative measured N2O emissions (i.e., sum of nine sampling events) from Compost were half that from No Compost. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, total C, and N tended to be greater in Compost, and bulk density tended to be lower in Compost than No Compost. No relationships between N2O emissions and soil temperature, volumetric water content, water‐filled pore space, and inorganic N pools occurred in either treatment. Our findings indicate that long‐term applications of compost in perennial crops, in combination with an HFLC nutrient management program, could reduce losses of N as N2O to the atmosphere.

Microbial Interactions in the Management of Groundnut Stem Rot

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil seed crop in the world belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is one of the essential food and cash crops of our country. In India, a large number of diseases attack groundnut [1]. Among soil borne diseases, stem rot or white mold caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. [2] is an important disease causing significant yield losses in several groundnut growing countries (Mehan et al., 1994). Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a destructive soil borne fungal pathogen of oil seed crop in India. Different practices are recommended for management of groundnut stem rot such as deep summer ploughing, destruction of plant debris, crop rotation with jowar and bajra, seed treatment with carbendazim or captan or mancozeb or tebuconazole, soil drenching with hexaconazole, application of ammonium sulphate or calcium ammonium nitrate instead of urea and application of gypsum at flowering stage. Further, no single treatment is full proof and disease continues to cause losses in farmers’ fields. Biological control offers an interesting alternative to fungicides for sustainable management of soil borne diseases. Biocontrol is a non-chemical measure, could be effective as chemical control by various techniques. Among the techniques, the mixture of antagonists was studied to enchance the control efficacy. In most studies, the involvement of only mechanism of biological control is demonstrated. Involvement of more than one mechanism has been reported in only a few systems. Use of several biocontrol agents with several mechanisms of control fits in well with the concepts of integrated disease management, in which several means of disease suppression are applied concurrently. When single or more means of mechanisms are not effective, the others may compensate for the former absence. The present study, involved three major bacterial antagonists viz., Streptomyces violaceusniger, Streptomyces exfoliatus and Pseudomonas fluorescens to find out the effective dose of mixtures. The different doses from 10-1 to 10-5 were studied, the dose 10-1 of Streptomyces violaceusniger have more efficiency of 86.70, than S. exfoliatus. The efficacy of Streptomyces violaceusniger with combination of other antagonists were tested and found that, the mixture of Streptomyces violaceusniger and P. fluorescens have synergistic activity than any other combinations which have synergistic factor greater than one.

Optimizing Nitrogen Sources in Top Dressing for Wheat: Field Study on Growth, Yield, and Ammonia Volatilization.

In alkaline calcareous soils, ammonia volatilization is the primary nitrogen (N) loss process, resulting in the reduced N use efficiency of crops. This study aimed at assessing the impact of different N sources for top dressing on ammonia volatilization, as well as their effects on wheat growth and yield over two years. In each year, half of the recommended N was applied as a basal dose using diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea. The remaining half was top-dressed 35 days after sowing with various sources: prilled urea (PU), granular urea (GU), ammonium sulfate (AS), and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) in the first year; PU, urea coated with a urease inhibitor from 20 g (VnU-20) and 40 g (VnU-40) leaves of Vachellia nilotica, biochar-coated urea (BU), and urease inhibitor paraphenylenediamine-coated urea (PPDU) in the second year. Ammonia volatilization losses were tracked for up to 12 weeks from sowing. Ammonia losses from basal-applied N remained consistent in both years, comprising around 4% of the applied N. In the first year, top-dressed AS resulted in the highest losses, followed by GU, while losses from urea and CAN were statistically similar. In the second year, coated fertilizers showed lower ammonia losses compared to PU, with VnU-40 displaying the least losses, 48% less than PU. Nitrogen concentration in wheat grain and straw exhibited a negative correlation with ammonia losses. The choice of top-dressed N source influenced tillering, biological, straw, and grain yields of wheat. In the first year, CAN provided maximum yield benefits, and in the second year, VnU-20 exhibited 27% more grain yield than PU. These findings suggest that top dressing with coated urea, especially VnU-20, has the potential to reduce ammonia losses, improve crop nitrogen status, and enhance economic yield compared to other nitrogen sources.

Ammonia emission factors from cattle production systems in Ireland – a review

Ammonia (NH3) emissions from livestock production contribute to environmental pollution. To address this challenge, the European Union (EU) National Emission Reduction Commitments Directive 2016/2284 (NECD) sets NH3 reduction targets for EU member states. In order to achieve these targets, several strategies have been evaluated under Irish conditions. A compilation of emission factors (EFs) from studies which evaluated these strategies is necessary to assess their effectiveness. This paper reports NH3 EFs from cattle production under Irish conditions. The results from the review show that the mean EFs from the deposition of dung, urine and urea applied to urine patches on grasslands were 4%, 9% and 8% total nitrogen (TN), respectively. EFs from the application of urea to urine patches were reduced by 28% after the addition of the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) to urea. The mean EF of 28% TN reported for urea fertiliser was almost 7 times higher than calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). The inclusion of urease inhibitors with urea fertilisation on grassland led to EF reduction of up to 86%. The mean EFs from cattle houses, concrete yards, slurry storage pits and slurry landspreading were approximately 13%, 35%, 60% and 59% total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), respectively. The most effective NH3 abatement strategies for concrete yards and slurry storage were immediate cleaning of concrete floors (up to 89% reduction) after excreta deposition and the application of chemical amendments (sulphuric acid, acetic acid, alum and ferric chloride) to slurry in storage pits (up to 98% reduction), respectively. Low-emission spreading strategies and slurry acidification were effective at abating EFs after slurry application to land.

Eco-friendly coatings composed of lignosulfonate-modified biopolymer and vegetable waxes for nitrogenous fertilizers

Fertilizer coatings are considered mandatory to protect the physical quality of fertilizer granules. They continue to be developed due to compliance with novel fertilizer types and, most importantly, future environmental and animal-plant health regulations. As known, bio-based contents are sustainable and eco-friendly compared to petroleum-based materials. However, many types of coatings are commonly composed of unsustainable, costly, and can be ecologically toxic, such as paraffin or mineral oil. This article presents a comparative research study to provide eco-friendly anticaking coatings composed of lignosulfonate-modified biopolymer and vegetable waxes instead of conventional coatings. This research mainly aims to find alternative ingredients instead of a petroleum-derivatives in conventional coatings. According to the results, an anticaking coating containing lignosulfonate-modified biopolymer improved the granule structure of calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer. It showed the best anticaking performance compared to other coating types. Vegetable-based coatings, on the other hand, gave results in appropriate intervals, especially at low concentrations, and showed a valuable way to develop better versions in future studies. As a result, it is seen that biopolymers can replace paraffin-based products.