NPK Chemical Fertilizer Research Articles

Biofilmed-PGPR: Next-Generation Bioinoculant for Plant Growth Promotion in Rice under Changing Climate

The exopolysaccharide matrix of the diazotrophic cyanobacteria was used to integrate the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) solubilizing bacteria for enhanced survival of the plant growth-promoting bacteria and, ultimately, survival of bacteria in the rhizosphere for better plant growth. A new biofilm-based formulation comprising the diazotrophic cyanobacteria Anabaena AMP2, phosphorus-solubilizing Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum PB1, and potassium-solubilizing Rhizobium pusense KRBKKM1 was tested for efficacy in rice. The growth medium with half-strength BG-11 medium supplemented with 3% glucose showed best for biofilm formation under in vitro conditions. Analysis of the methanolic extract of the cyanobacterial-bacterial biofilm (CBB) showed antioxidants, such as 2-methoxy phenol and pentadecane, which are proven to improve plant-microbe interactions and plant growth promotional activity, respectively. Treatment of rice seeds with CBB extract at 10 mL or 20 mL/100 g showed significant enhancement in germination percentage and seedling length. Therefore, a pot culture experiment with the CBB formulations was carried out, and different growth and yield parameters were recorded. Principal component analysis showed that the plant growth, yield, soil dehydrogenase activity, and soil chlorophyll content were positively correlated with rice plants amended with vermiculite-based CBB at 2 kg/hm2 followed by a spray with aqueous CBB formulation at 5 mL/L on 15 and 30 d after the rice transplanting (T6) grown with a 25% reduced level of NPK chemical fertilizers than the recommended dose. Further, Pearson correlation analysis showed that yield was positively correlated with soil dehydrogenase (r = 0.92**) and soil chlorophyll content (r = 0.96**). We concluded that CBB could be used as a novel biofilm-based bio-inoculant to increase rice productivity and crop fitness as a component in integrated nutrient management and sustainable organic farming strategies with reduced chemical fertilizers.

Ten years of urea fertilization alter the pqqC‐harbouring community and increase soil inorganic phosphorus mobilization

AbstractThe bacterial communities that harbour the pyrroloquinoline quinone gene (pqqC‐harbouring bacteria communities) play a pivotal role in the mobilization of inorganic phosphorus (Pi). However, there is limited knowledge regarding the connection between soil pqqC‐harbouring bacterial communities and Pi fractions, as well as the factors that can regulate them, particularly under different fertilization strategies in the agricultural soil. High‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate the pqqC‐harbouring communities from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) season in a 9‐year field experiment, including without fertilization (control), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization (NK), NPK fertilization (NPK) and the combined application of chemical NPK and organic fertilizer (NPKM), and to explore their relationships with Pi fractions and their regulatory factors. Long‐term N fertilization and crop type substantially changed the community composition of pqqC‐harbouring bacteria but had no effect on their diversity. In two crop seasons, long‐term N fertilization significantly increased the content and proportion of moderately labile Pi (aluminium‐ and iron‐bound P) and available P (AP) and significantly decreased the proportion of recalcitrant Pi (calcium‐bound P) compared with the control. Specifically, AP increased by 79%–778%, Fe‐P by 64%–88%, and Al‐P by 71%–308%, while Ca‐P decreased by 10%–59%. N fertilization increased the relative abundance of Micromonospora, which was significantly positively correlated with moderately labile Pi and AP. Moreover, the relative abundance of some Streptomyces increased by 391% in the sweet potato season, and they were positively correlated with AP. Structural equation modelling revealed that the interplay between the pqqC‐harbouring community composition and Pi mobilization was mainly governed by pH, underscoring the role of pH in shaping the communities of Pi‐mobilizing microbes and their effect on Pi mobilization processes. This study emphasized how N fertilization and crops reshape Pi‐mobilizing microbial communities, which in turn affects Pi mobilization and P availability. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into optimizing P cycles and availability through N fertilization strategies.

Impact of NPK and Cytokinin on Growth Characteristics and Chemical Composition of Ficus Nitida Plants

Abstract The research was conducted in a greenhouse at the Department of Horticulture and Garden Engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Ramadi City, to study the impact of NPK supplementation and CPPU cytokinin spraying on the vegetative and root growth characteristics of Ficus nitida L. The study encompassed two primary factors. The first factor comprises the NPK chemical fertilizer in four distinct concentrations: F0 (no addition), F1 (1g urea, 3g DAB, 2g potassium sulfate), F2 (2g urea, 6g DAB, 4g potassium sulfate), and F3 (3g urea, 9g DAB, 4g potassium sulfate). The second factor involves the cytokine CPPU at three concentrations: C0 (no addition), C1 (3 mg L-1), and C2 (6 mg/liter). The study was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of three replications, with three pots allocated to each experimental unit. Each replicate consisted of 36 treatments, meaning the experiment contained 108 experimental units in all blocks. The results indicated a significant increase in the interaction coefficients between the study factors in plant height, leaf area, nitrogen percentage in the leaf, total chlorophyll content, root surface area, and root length.. Specifically, these parameters were measured at 21.333 cm, 30.837 cm2, 2.666%, 1.384 g, 55.223 cm2, and 13.947 cm, respectively.

A combination of biochemical fertilizers enhances plant nutrient absorption, water deficit tolerance, and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants under irrigation regimes

Water shortage is the most critical abiotic stress and adversely impacts crop growth and productivity. Biofertilizers are an environmentally friendly method for sustainable agricultural development and improving plant water deficit tolerance. The effects of biological and chemical fertilizers on yield, yield components, and nutrient absorption of chickpea plants were studied in 2018 and 2019. The main plots were assigned to the irrigation levels [80% (I80) and 50% (I50)] and the subplot was assigned to 13 fertilizer combinations including free-living N-fixing bacteria (NB), potassium solubilizing bacteria (KB), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PB), common chickpea nutrition program (F; NPK chemical fertilizer), and their combination. The results showed that shoot phosphorus content was increased by 80% when F + NPB (NPK chemical fertilizer and N + P biofertilizers) was applied at I80 compared with the control at I50. Furthermore, I80 and the application of PKB (P + K biofertilizers) and NPKB (N + P + K biofertilizers) obtained the highest shoot K and N concentrations, respectively. The NPKF + B-treated plants (N + P + K chemical fertilizer and N + P + K biofertilizers) demonstrated superior growth attributes such as plant height and the number of sub-branches at I80. The highest grain yield was obtained from the NPKF + B treatment at I80, which was 7.1-fold higher compared with the control at I50. In general, the combined application of biochemical fertilizers mitigated the adverse effect of water deficit and improved nutrient absorption and chickpea yield. The use of biochemical fertilizers can be efficient in reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers and achieving sustainable agricultural goals.

Determining the potato samples processed manner with an electronic nose system supported by a machine-learning approach

Through several studies, electronic nose (E-nose) devices have been demonstrated to serve as useful measurement equipment for the fast and reliable analysis of complex odour profiles in a wide range of fields, including the area of ensuring food safety. In the same perspective, i.e. checking food safety comes this work, where potatoes are assessed using an E-nose principally made of five metal oxide gas sensors supported with a machine learning algorithm, said evaluation is based on their origin fields: naturally treated, treated with chemical NPK fertilizers, or treated with chicken manure. The technique of support vector machines has been exploited for the data obtained from the multi-sensor system in order to distinguish the potato types mentioned by following two methods: a direct method where all the data have been exploited with a rate of success of 91.7%, and a composed method where the classification was first between naturally treated samples and those treated differently with a success rate of 96.7%, then a classification between those treated differently had a 92.5% success rate. A microbiological analysis was also carried out and its results were compared with those obtained by the E-nose. As per the two methods’ results, the distinction of the potato types by the nature of the cultivated fields is possible with the recording of the multisensory system superiority due to response time, low cost, simplicity, and portability.

Effect of nitrogen reduction by chemical fertilization with green manure (Vicia sativa L.) on soil microbial community, nitrogen metabolism and and yield of Uncaria rhynchophylla by metagenomics.

Uncaria rhynchophylla is an important herbal medicine, and the predominant issues affecting its cultivation include a single method of fertilizer application and inappropriate chemical fertilizer application. To reduce the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilization and increase the yield of Uncaria rhynchophylla, field experiments in 2020-2021 were conducted. The experimental treatments included the following categories: S1, no fertilization; S2, application of chemical NPK fertilizer; and S3-S6, application of chemical fertilizers and green manures, featuring nitrogen fertilizers reductions of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%, respectively. The results showed that a moderate application of nitrogen fertilizer when combined with green manure, can help alleviate soil acidification and increase urease activity. Specifically, the treatment with green manure provided in a 14.71-66.67% increase in urease activity compared to S2. Metagenomics sequencing results showed a decrease in diversity in S3, S4, S5, and S6 compared to S2, but the application of chemical fertilizer with green manure promoted an increase in the relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi. In addition, the nitrification pathway displayed a progressive augmentation in tandem with the reduction in nitrogen fertilizer and application of green manure, reaching its zenith at S5. Conversely, other nitrogen metabolism pathways showed a decline in correlation with diminishing nitrogen fertilizer dosages. The rest of the treatments showed an increase in yield in comparison to S1, S5 showing significant differences (p < 0.05). In summary, although S2 demonstrate the ability to enhance soil microbial diversity, it is important to consider the long-term ecological impacts, and S5 may be a better choice.

Integrated use of NPK chemical fertilizers and bio-stimulants improved soil fertility, fruit yield, quality and net returns in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Bio-stimulants are gaining importance for elevating the stagnated yield level resulting from continuous use of chemical fertilizers (CF) in many crops, however, their use in pomegranate have not been fully explored. Two years of field experiments were conducted on a 5-years old pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard to investigate the effects of different combinations of commercial bio-stimulant products namely, microbial-based product A containing consortium of Rhizophagus spp. (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract-based granular formulation D (30 kg ha−1) and liquid formulation B (625 and 1250 ml ha−1) through soil application as well as wettable granular formulation, C (1 and 2 g l−1) and liquid formulation, E (1 ml l−1) through foliar sprays along with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, trees’ nutrition, fruit yield and quality of pomegranate. Results showed that integrated use of CF and bio-stimulants significantly increased the number of bisexual flowers. However, the combination of microbial-based product A (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract based liquid formulation B (625 ml ha−1) in soil and foliar spary of seaweed extract based wettable granular formulation C (1–2 g l−1) with CF resulted in production of the highest fruit yield (increased by 41.97–51.61%) with 23.08–33.38% increase in the exportable grade fruit and improved quality attributes viz. ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, non-reducing sugar, protein, and mineral content of fruits through enhancement in soil fertility and trees’ micronutrient status compared to only CF. These doses combinations of bio-stimulants along with CF gave rise to the highest benefit–cost ratio of 2.10–2.34:1 and hence can be recommended for sustainable pomegranate cultivation.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Tea Growth and Quality and Soil Properties of Tea Orchards' Top Rhizosphere Soil.

Organic-based fertilizers have been ratified to be effective in ameliorating tea growth and the fertility of soil. However, the effect of integrated fertilization on tea growth and quality and the chemical properties of the soil in tea gardens are unclear. To address this, from 2020 to 2021, five different treatments were carried out in the greenhouse of the Tea Research Institute, Hangzhou, CAAS, including CK (control), NPK (chemical fertilizers), RC (rapeseed cake), NPK+B (chemical fertilizer + biochar), and NPK+RC, to investigate the effects of different fertilizations on soil chemistry and tea growth and quality. The results indicated that NPK+B and NPK+RC significantly improved the different amino acid and catechin concentrations in the young shoots, stems, and roots of the tea compared to the CK. The plant growth parameters, e.g., the plant height, no. of leaves, mid-stem girth, and fresh weights of stems and leaves, were significantly increased with integrated fertilization (NPK+B and NPK+RC) compared to the CK and solo organic and inorganic fertilizers. The chlorophyll contents (Chl a, Chl b, and Chl a+b) were generally higher with NPK+RC than with the CK (37%, 35%, and 36%), RC (14%, 26%, and 18%), and NPK (9%, 13%, and 11%) treatments. Integrated fertilization buffered the acidic soil of the tea garden and decreased the soil C:N ratio. NPK+RC also significantly increased the soil's total C (31% and 16%), N (43% and 31%), P (65% and 40%), available P (31% and 58%), K (70% and 25%), nitrate (504% and 188%), and ammonium (267% and 146%) concentrations compared to the CK and RC. The soil macro- (Mg and Ca) and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu) were significantly improved by the RC (100% and 72%) (49%, 161%, 112%, and 40%) and NPK+RC (88% and 48%) (47%, 75%, 45%, and 14%) compared to the CK. The chlorophyll contents and soil macro- and micronutrients were all significantly positively correlated with tea quality (amino acids and catechin contents) and growth. These results indicated that integrated fertilization improved the soil nutrient status, which is associated with the improvement of tea growth and quality. Thus, integrated nutrient management is a feasible tool for improving tea growth, quality, and low nutrient levels in the soil.

Efeito de fertilizantes e tipos de plantio no perfil de ácidos graxos de cártamo

ABSTRACT Soils in semi-dry areas lack sufficient nutrients for crops, so their yield depends on fertilizers and planting methods. This study aimed to investigate how the fatty acids in safflower oil change with the use of fertilizers and planting methods. Five fertilizers [F1: control; F2: 10 t ha-1 of farmyard manure; F3: 20 t ha-1 of farmyard manure; F4: NPK (130:60:45 kg ha-1); F5: nano-Fe and nano-Zn] and four planting patterns (P1: 40-cm furrow planting; P2: 60-cm furrow planting; P3: 40-cm ridge planting; P4: 60-cm ridge planting) were tested. A biplot analysis explained 73 % of the variability, with the first and second principal components accounting for 54 and 19 %, respectively. The polygon-view was divided into five sections, with F3-P4 being the best for oil and protein contents, stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), linolenic (18:3) and lauric (12:0) acids, and iodine value. The vector-view showed a positive association among iodine value, oil content and linoleic, oleic, linolenic, stearic and lauric acids, as well as between myristic acid (14:0) and protein content, and between saponification and peroxide values. The best treatments were F4-P4, F4-P3 and F5-P4. Therefore, using NPK chemical fertilizer or nano-Fe and nano-Zn, combined with planting on a ridge with a 40 or 60-cm interrow distance, can be beneficial for producing high-quality safflower oil.

Assessing the influence of diverse phosphorus sources on bacterial communities and the abundance of phosphorus cycle genes in acidic paddy soils.

The impact of chemical fertilizers on soil microbial communities is well acknowledged. This study assesses the influence of various phosphorus sources on soil bacterial composition, abundance, and Phosphorus Cycle Gene Abundance. Three phosphorus sources (natural phosphate rock, triple super phosphate (TSP), and chemical fertilizer NPK) were field tested following two rice cultivation cycles. Soil samples were subsequently collected and analyzed for bacterial groups and phosphorus cycle genes. Results indicated that the bacterial community composition remained consistent, comprising five main phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Halobacterota, and Chloroflexia, regardless of fertilizer type. NPK fertilizer significantly reduced the relative abundance of Chloroflexia by 19% and Firmicutes by 16.4%, while increasing Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria by 27.5 and 58.8%, respectively. TSP fertilizer increased Actinobacteria by 27.1% and Halobacterota by 24.8%, but reduced Chloroflexia by 8.6%, Firmicutes by 12.6%, and Proteobacteria by 0.6%. Phosphate rock application resulted in reductions of Chloroflexia by 27.1%, Halobacterota by 22.9%, and Firmicutes by 6.2%, alongside increases in Actinobacteria by 46.6% and Proteobacteria by 23.8%. Combined application of TSP, NPK, and phosphate rock led to increases in Proteobacteria (24-40%) and Actinobacteria (13-39%), and decreases in Chloroflexia (5.2-22%) and Firmicutes (6-12.3%) compared to the control (T0). While the different phosphorus sources did not alter the composition of phosphorus cycle genes, they did modulate their abundance. NPK fertilizer did not significantly affect ppK genes (57-59%) but reduced gcd (100 to 69%), 3-phytase (74 to 34%), appA (91 to 63%), and phoD (83 to 67%). Phosphate rock reduced appA and gcd by 27 and 15%, respectively, while increasing 3-phytase by 19%. TSP decreased ppK and phoD by 42 and 40%, respectively, and gcd and appA by 34 and 56%, respectively. Combined fertilizers reduced appA (49 to 34%), 3-phytase (10 to 0%), and gcd (27 to 6%), while increasing ppK (72 to 100%). Among tested phosphorus sources, natural phosphate rock was best, causing moderate changes in bacterial composition and phosphorus genes, supporting balanced soil microbial activity. These findings highlight the complex interactions between fertilizers and soil microbial communities, underscoring the need for tailored fertilization strategies to maintain soil health and optimize agricultural productivity.

Assaying the Use of a Leonardite-Suspension Concentrate-Based Product as a Potential Biostimulant to Enhance Growth, NPK Use Efficiency, and Antioxidant Capacity in Lactuca sativa L.

Biostimulants are presented as a potential tool to achieve the main objectives of modern agriculture: increase crop yield and nutritional quality while reducing chemical fertilizer use. Here, we investigated the use of a HS-based product (BLACKJAK®, from Sofbey S.A., Mendrisio, Switzerland) as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) use efficiency, as well as antioxidant capacity. For this purpose, BLACKJAK® was applied to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as radicular (‘R’) and foliar (‘F’) at doses: 0.20 mL/L (R1), 0.40 mL/L (R2), 0.60 mL/L (R3), and 0.80 mL/L (R4), 5.00 mL/L (F1), 7.50 mL/L (F2), 10.00 mL/L (F3), and 12.50 mL/L (F4), along with a control. Shoot fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), leaf area, NPK use efficiency parameters, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Our results showed that R1, R2, R3, F2, and F3 enhanced shoot FW and leaf area, while only R3 increased shoot DW. Furthermore, in general, most of the doses employed enhanced NPK use efficiency parameters such as apparent crop recovery, nutrient export, physiological efficiency, and internal utilization of applied nutrients. Similarly, HS also increased ascorbate, glutathione, and phenol concentrations, showing an improvement in antioxidant capacity measured through FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) assays. Overall, root-HS offered better results than foliar-HS, especially at R3. Hence, our results indicate that BLACKJAK® could be a good candidate to enhance crop productivity and nutritional quality while reducing the use of chemical NPK fertilizers.

Effect of Combinations of Chemical, Nano-Fertilizer and Bio-Fertilizer NPK on Yield and Quality Traits of some Bread Wheat Cultivars Triticum aestivum L.

A field experiment was conducted during the agricultural season 2022-2023 in the fields of the College of Agriculture - Al-Qasim Green University, located at latitude 32.33 north and longitude 42.45 east, in soil with a mixture of clay textures in order to study the effect of chemical and nano fertilizer NPK and bio-fertilizer on yield and quality traits of wheat cultivars. the bread. The experiment was applied according to split-plots arrangement using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Three cultivars of bread wheat occupied IPA-99, Bahouth-22 and Baghdad, and were given the symbols V1, V2, and V3 on the main plots, while fertilizer combinations occupied the sub plots, which are fully recommended compound fertilizer and fully recommended compound fertilizer + biofertilizer and compost. Full compound recommendation + nano fertilizer and 50% compound fertilizer only and 50% compound fertilizer + 50% biofertilizer and 50% compound fertilizer + 50% nanofertilizer and 50% complex fertilizer + 50% biofertilizer + 50% nanofertilizer and the codes were given F1 and F2 and F3, F4, F5, F6, and F7, respectively. The results of the study showed the superiority of cultivar IBA-99 over the other two cultivars by giving the highest average percentage of protein in grains and the ratio of wet and dry gluten, which amounted to 12.73%, 36.13% and 13.54%, respectively. Baghdad cultivar achieved a significantly excelled by giving the highest average of grain yield, biological yield and harvest index, which amounted to 4.60 tons ha-1 and 13.55 tons ha-1 and 33.04%, respectively. The plants treated with the fertilizer combination 50% compound fertilizer + 50% bio-fertilizer + 50% nano-fertilizer excelled in most of the studied traits (grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, protein percentage in grains, carbohydrates in grains, and the ratio of wet and dry gluten), which amounted to 5.15 tons ha-1 and 15.89 ton ha-1, 35.70%, 13.87%, 60.46%, 38.24%, and 14.71%, respectively.

Cropping rotation improved the bacterial diversity and N-cycling genes in tobacco fields through a 19-year long-term experiment

Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in various processes within the soil ecosystem, such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and maintenance of soil structure. However, their responses to fertilization and different cropping systems in tobacco soils remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a 19-year-long field experiment on rice-tobacco rotation cropping (R) and continuous tobacco cropping (C), with three fertilization treatments: no fertilizer (NF), chemical NPK fertilizer (NPK), and composted pig manure (OM). The composition, co-occurrence patterns, N-cycling genes (nifH, AOA-amoA, AOB-amoA, nirS, nirK, and nosZ) of the bacterial communities as well as the soil properties were analyzed in the soils after tobacco was harvested. The pH and available potassium (AK) in the rotation cropping soil were significantly lower than those in continuous cropping soil, while the α-diversity index, and the abundance of nifH, nirS, nirK, and nosZ genes were opposite. The phyla Chloroflexi, Desulfobacterota, MBNT15, and Nitrospinota, as well as number of low-abundance genera, were significantly enriched in rice-tobacco rotation cropping. Partial least squares path model (PLSPM) indicated that cropping systems had a greater influence on the variations in bacterial communities compared to fertilization practices. These findings enhance our understanding of the significance of land management and fertilization in shaping the soil bacteria of tobacco. The rice-tobacco rotation cropping system demonstrated greater benefits to soil microorganisms and N-cycling genes compared to continuous cropping system.

Prediction models of macro-nutrient content in plant organs of Cucumis melo in response to soil elements using support vector regression.

Undoubtedly, the importance of food and food security as one of the present and future challenges is not invisible to anyone. Nowadays, the development of methods for monitoring the nutrient content in crop products is an essential issue for implementing reasonable and logical soil properties management. The modeling technique can evaluate the soil properties of fields and study the subject of crop yield through soil management. This study aims to predict fruit yield and macro-nutrient content in plant organs of Cucumis melo in response to soil elements using support vector regression (SVR). In the spring of 2020, this study was done as a factorial test in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was the use of fertilizers in six levels: no fertilizer (control), cow manure (30 t ha-1), sheep manure (30t ha-1), nanobiomic foliar application (2 l ha-1), silicone foliar application (3 l ha-1), and chemical fertilizer from urea, triple superphosphate, and potassium sulfate sources (200, 100, and 150 kg ha-1). In addition, four levels of vermicompost considering as the second factor: no vermicompost (control), 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1. Input data sets such as fruit yield and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the seeds, fruits, leaves, and roots are used to calibrate the probabilistic model of SP using SVR. According to the results, when the data sets of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fruit uses as input, the accuracy of these models was higher than 80.0% (R2 = 0.807 for predicting fruit nitrogen; R2 = 0.999 for fruit phosphorus; R2 = 0.968 for fruit potassium). Also, the results of the prediction models in response to soil elements showed that the soil nitrogen content ranged from 0.05 to 1.1%, soil phosphorus from 10 to 59 mg kg-1, and soil potassium from 180 to 320 mg kg-1, which offers a suitable macro-nutrient content in the soil. Likewise, the best fruit nitrogen content ranged from 1.27 to 4.33%, fruit phosphorus from 15.74 to 26.19%, fruit potassium from 15.19 to 19.67%, and fruit yield from 2.16 to 5.95 kg per plant obtained under NPK chemical fertilizers and using 15 t ha-1 of vermicompost. Because the fruit values had the highest contribution in prediction than observed values, thus identified as the best plant organs in response to soil elements. Based on our findings, the importance of fruit phosphorus identifies as a determinant that strongly influenced melon prediction models. More significant values of soil elements do not affect increasing fruit yield and macro-nutrient content in plant organs, and excessive application may not be economical. Therefore, our studies provide an efficient approach with potentially high accuracy to estimate fruit yield and macro-nutrient in the fruits of Cucumis melo in response to soil elements and cause a saving in the amount of fertilizer during the growing season.

Nutrient analysis of fermented chicken feather fertilizer waste using Bacillus subtilis on the growth of green spinach (Amaranthus tricolor)

Introduction: Farmers generally provide NPK chemical fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) to provide nutrients for green spinach plants. However, the use of NPK chemical fertilizers harms the environment. Nowadays, chicken feathers are known as beneficial for fertilizing plants, similar to NPK chemical fertilizers. Fermentation of chicken feathers by Bacillus sp. can improve the quality of protein in chicken feather fertilizers which can be used as a supplement in renewing soil conditions. Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate the nutrient component of fermented chicken feather fertilizer waste using Bacillus subtilis on the growth of green spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. In this study, we used a total sampling technique. In this study, three groups got different chicken father fertilizers, and two groups of standard and did not get the chicken father fertilizer. Data from the research will be statistically analyzed descriptively. The descriptive data will provide in the table. Results: In the first treatment group, the value of nitrogen (N) was 2.439, phosphorus (P) was 2.225%, and potassium (K) was 2.408%. In the second treatment group, the nitrogen (N) value obtained 2.866%, the phosphorus (P) value was 2.174%, and the potassium (K) value was 2.477%. In the third treatment group, the nitrogen (N) value was 3.291%, the phosphorus value was 3.082 %, and the Potassium (K) value was 3.135%. Conclusion: According to the results, the higher the chicken feather fermented fertilizer dose, the higher the NPK content. This is certainly good for the growth of spinach.

Nine years of low-dose biochar amendment suppresses nitrification rate in low-yield brown soil

Nitrification is the crucial process of nitrogen (N) transformation and ammonia oxidation is the first and the speed-limited step of nitrification. The one-time amendment of large quantities of biochar has been reported to alter soil fertility. However, it remains unclear how continuous low-dose biochar application affects the abundance and community composition of ammonia oxidizers and the subsequent nitrification and crop production. In this article, we calculate the soil net nitrification rate and the abundance and communities of ammonia-oxidizers across different growth stages of peanuts at 0–20 cm soil layer under four fertilization regimes, namely control with zero fertilization (CK), biochar application (BC), chemical fertilizer application (NPK) and biochar-based fertilizer application (BBF). Results showed that continuous application of low-dose biochar can significantly increase crop yield by 7.8 % compared to unfertilized soil indirectly through regulating the microbial mechanism in the nitrification process. The highest bacterial amoA gene copy numbers were found in the NPK treatment, 2.35-fold higher than the CK treatment. Compared to the single input of NPK chemical fertilizer, biochar-based fertilizer reduced the nitrification rate by reducing the relative abundance of bacteria, especially Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira. In summary, our findings provide evidence that: (1) sustained low-dose biochar input could also increase the ammonia-oxidizing bacterial abundance, changing soil properties and increasing the crop yield; (2) biochar-based fertilizer could significantly reduce the nitrification rate compared to NPK application by reducing the AOB-amoA gene abundance and the relative abundance of Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira; (3) soil C/N ratio was also important for the ammonia-oxidizing community.

The Jasmine Plant Growth Effect Supplemented with Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Banana Peels

Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) is a solution resulting from the decomposition of organic matter originating from plant residues, agro-industrial waste, animal waste, and human waste containing more than one nutrient. LOF can be made from liquid organic matter (liquid organic waste), by composting and providing composting activators so that a LOF that is stable and contains complete nutrients can be produced. The use of LOF has the advantage that although it is often used it does not damage the soil and plants, the use of organic waste as fertilizer can help improve soil structure and quality, because it contains nutrients and other organic matter. The process of adding different fertilizers to the plants for 10 days showed that there were different height changes for each plant. With only water, the plants only reach 0.1 cm difference in 7 days. The plants that were given LOF and NPK (Chemical Fertilizer) gained height in only 4 days with heights 15.6 cm and 16 cm respectively. The growth percentage between LOF and NPK showed a significant difference in 4 days with 0.6% and 3.2 % respectively.

Influence of Organic Manure and Chemical Fertilization on Flowering and Yield Bulbs of Tulip Frenged, Tulipa gesneriana L.

The experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of levels of two types of fertilizers: organic (farmyard) manure (O0= 0, O1= 200, O2= 400 g/m2) and NPK fertilizer (15:15:15) (F0= 0, F1= 80, F2= 120 g/m2) on decorative features of Tulip Frenged, Tulipa gesneriana. All the flowering and bulb quality attributes were significantly influenced by the addition of farmyard manure and NPK to the soil. The results indicated that the farmyard manure FYM added to the soil increased the spike and flower diameter and reduced the number of days of flower color show, in comparison, the plants grown without farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer NPK. the highest flower diameter was recorded when the FYM2 with chemical fertilizer NPK F1 and F2 were mixed and added to the soil together. The results showed that the bulbs, which were planted in soil containing farmyard manure and NPK chemical fertilizer, shortened the flower days to show color and open. NPK applications increased the weight and diameter of bulbs.

Partially substituting chemical NPK fertilizers and their impact on Eureka lemon trees (Citrus limon L. Burm) productivity and fruit quality

The main aim of this study is to improve productivity, physical and chemical properties of the fruits and fruit quality of Eureka Lemon trees while lowering production costs by investigating the use of different NPK alternative sources (slow release, and bio) to reduce the use of chemical NPK fertilizers. Ten treatments of NPK fertilizers were applied. The results indicate that the highest values of yield (111.0 and 114.0 kg/tree) were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both first and second seasons, respectively. The lemon fruit weight ranged from 131.3 to 152.4 and 131.4 to 153.5 g for first and second seasons, respectively, for all treatments under study. The highest values of fruit length and fruit diameter were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons. The highest values of juice quality parameters (TSS, juice acidity, TSS/acid ratio and vitamin C concentration) responded favorably to higher chemical NPK treatment rates. The highest values of TSS, juice acidity, TSS/Acid ratio, and vitamin C concentration were 9.45%, 6.25%, 1.524 and 4.27 mg/100 g, respectively, were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons. Meanwhile, the lowest value of total sugar was found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons.

Effects of varied nutrient regimes on soil health and long-term productivity in a rice–wheat system: insights from a 29-year study in the mollisols of the Himalayan Tarai region

The maintenance of sustainability and quantification of soil health in the rice–wheat system in the Himalayan tarai region is of utmost importance, and a long-term study can properly demonstrate what needs to be done to achieve this. The current study was conducted after the completion of a 29-year crop cycle in the rice–wheat system in 2015 at Pantnagar. Since the beginning of the experiment in 1984, various NPK combinations with or without Zn and farmyard manure (FYM) applications were maintained in a fixed layout along with an absolute control plot without any external nutrition. FYM at 5 mg ha−1 and Zn at 5 kg ha−1 were applied in only rice, and NPK-chemical fertilizers were applied both in rice and wheat. The results revealed that the application of N at 120 kg ha−1 + P at 40 kg ha−1 + K at 40 kg ha−1 + FYM at 5 mg ha−1 + Zn at 5 kg ha−1 (NPK + FYM + Zn) resulted in the maximum attainment of long-term system productivity and the sustainable yield index (SYI), which were 22% higher than those with NPK application. NPK + FYM + Zn and NPK + FYM also improved the soil's overall physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Soil organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity, soil available P and K, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and actinomycetes were found to be the most important soil quality parameters in Mollisols. From this study, it can be concluded that the application of the recommended NPK along with FYM and Zn can improve soil health and sustain the system productivity of the rice–wheat system in Mollisols of the Himalayan tarai region.