Combination Of Fertilizer Research Articles

EFFECT OF BIO-ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZATION, ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleraceae Var.botrytis)

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of three factors, the first was biofertilization with four types (without addition, combination of A.brasilense + A. chroococcum combination of G.mosseae + T. harzianum, and combination of the two previous combinations), The second factor four types of organic fertilizer(without adding,vermicompost ,Orgevit, a combination of the two previous organic fertilizers),and the third factor mineral fertilizer with two levels (0% and 50%) of the fertilizer recommendation in addition to the full fertilizer recommendation treatment (second comparison).RCBD was used with three replications. The results showed that the triple interaction of the biofertilization treatments added with the organic fertilizer combination of organic fertilizer with 50% of the mineral fertilizer recommendation showed the highest averages for the characteristics of growth and the total yield, which gave79.740 Mg ha-1, and the content of leaves and the curd from N, P and K after harvest and the content of the soil of N, P and K after harvesting, which amounted to 70.81, 38.19, 370.44 mg kg soil-1,in comparison with the no addition treatment which gave the lowest averages .

The Response of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] in the Village Chikkenahalli of Challakere Taluk, Chitraduraga District

Cluster bean is one of the significant yet underutilized leguminous vegetables belonging to family fabaceae. It is known by various names across the country such as gaur, chavli kaayi, gori kaayi, khutt, govar, and kothavare. A field experiment on cluster bean was carried out during the summer season of the year 2024 at the farm of P. L. Dodda Rangegowda in Chikkenahalli of Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The primary objectives of the study are to examine the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the productivity and growth characteristics of cluster bean; to identify the advantages and disadvantages of these fertilizers in relation to productivity, soil fertility, and environment and further to review the effects of mixed organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and soil fertility. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications and five treatments which comprised of 100 percent organic (FYM and chicken manure), 100 percent inorganic (NPK), 50 percent organic + 50 percent inorganic, 100 percent organic + jeevamruta and control. The results revealed that, treatment T3 outperformed the others, showing the highest values for plant height, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to first vegetable harvest, pod length, pod width, yield per plant, yield per plot, and yield per hectare, while the control recorded the lowest values. Soil properties such as pH, EC, SOC and NPK levels improved when combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied together. Based on these results, it can be concluded that, the application of organic manures, along with chemical fertilizers, positively enhanced the vegetative growth, reproductive growth, yield, quality of cluster bean and soil parameters.

The Effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Aims: To study the effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-2023 in the Instructional Farm of Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimpith, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with eleven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments were Control, 50% N, 100% N (90 kg N/ha), Azospirillum (seed treatment), Azatobacter (seed treatment), Azospirillum +Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N + Azospirillum (seed treatment), 50% N + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N +Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 75% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment) and 100% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment). A common dose of Nitrogen@ 90kg/ha, phosphorus @90kg/ha and potash @40kg/ha were applied. Results: Higher head diameter (13.82 cm), 1000 seed weight (65.50 g), seed yield (1830 kg/ha), oil yield (628.80 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.48581), net return (Rs.26368) and B:C (2.19) than all other treatment followed by T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) and T3 (100% N) which were statistically at par with each other. Conclusion: On the basis of all parameter as well as economics it can be concluded that treatment T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) can be recommended for better benefit and sustainable production of sunflower. The results of this experiment showed that use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by using a combination of bio-fertilizers and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer.

Optimizing Nitrogen Input Increased Yield and Efficiency in Maize-Soybean Strip Intercropping System

Optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilizer combination is a crucial measure to maximize yield and production efficiency in a maize-soybean strip intercropping system (MSSI). In this field experiment, six maize/soybean N input combinations (0 kg ha−1, F0; 255/30 kg ha−1, F1; 255/45 kg ha−1, F2; 255/60 kg ha−1, F3; 210/45 kg ha−1, F4; 300/45 kg ha−1, F5) were set in 2022 and 2023. The results indicated that optimizing N combination (maize/soybean, 255/45 kg ha−1) could synergistically increase yield and economic benefits. Path analysis results showed that the grain numbers in maize and soybean emerged as the most critical yield-affecting factors. Compared with F0, F5 showed the highest grain yield during the 2-year experiment, and the net return increased by 86.1% (F1), 133.3% (F2), 87.4% (F3), 104.7% (F4), and 128.3% (F5), respectively. Optimizing N input under F2 and F5 notably enhanced the leaf area index (LAI) of maize at the milk stage (R3) and soybean at the full pod stage (R4). Additionally, optimization of N distribution in maize stems at the tassel stage (VT) and soybean leaves at the initial flowering stage (R1) facilitated increased dry matter and N accumulation at the maturity stage, resulting in final land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.44 and 1.55, respectively. Our results provide a more valuable field N combination for summer maize planting areas (sandy soil areas) in Huang-Huai-Hai and southern China, thus promoting the wider application of MSSI.

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Cucumber Fruits and Soil in a Greenhouse System with Long-Term Application of Organic Fertilizer and Chemical Fertilizer

Combining organic and chemical fertilizers is a sustainable strategy for vegetable production. However, there is limited research concerning the risks associated with heavy metals (HMs) in greenhouse systems with long-term location application. A three-year investigation, conducted from 2021 to 2023, explored a fifteen-year field experiment with combinations of chemical fertilizer (CH), corn straw (SW) and pig manure (PM). Five treatments were evaluated: excessive fertilization (high CH and PM), conventional fertilization (normal CH), organic–inorganic fertilization (3/4CN + 1/4PN, 2/4CN + 2/4PN and 2/4CN + 1/4PN + 1/4SN). This study evaluated the risks associated with heavy metals (HMs) by analyzing and quantifying their concentrations in soil and cucumber fruits, as well as by calculating the bioconcentration factors (BCFs), the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The results indicated that excessive fertilization (CF) increased the concentrations of Cu and Zn in fruits, as well as the Igeo values of Cu, Zn, and Cd, and the non-carcinogenic Cu risk, while decreasing the BCFs of Cu and Zn. Organic–inorganic fertilization also elevated the Igeo values of Cu and Zn. Redundancy analyses confirmed a positive correlation between the soil concentrations of Cu and Zn and higher levels of available phosphorus contents (48.4%), alongside a lower pH (4.9%). The concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd in both soil and cucumber fruits increased linearly with the duration of application and amount of input. Although the combined application of CH with PM or SW did not significantly elevate the non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks associated with most heavy metals, the carcinogenic risks of Cd and As emerged as potential risk factors after 15 years of organic–inorganic fertilization. Utilizing a combination of CH with PM and SW as a fertilizer management strategy can effectively address both the control of heavy metal inputs in the facility and the safety and quality of cucumbers.

Effects of Different Straw Returning Periods and Nitrogen Fertilizer Combinations on Rice Roots and Yield in Saline–Sodic Soil

Straw return is an effective management practice for improving physical and chemical properties of saline–sodic soil in Northeast China. Straw decomposition and nutrient release are deeply influenced by soil and climatic factors. In Northeast China, straw decomposes slowly due to the long winter with low temperatures. Therefore, the season of straw return may be a key issue affecting rice. However, the impact of returning straw in different seasons on rice is disregarded and not commonly researched. We conducted a 2-year field experiment, including two residue management treatments: spring straw return treatment (SR) and autumn straw return treatment (AR), each containing five different N rates (0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg ha−1) as sub-treatments. The results reveal that, compared with the spring straw returning treatment, the autumn straw returning treatment significantly improved root morphology and root vigor and increased the number of spikes per unit area, which directly increased rice yield by 4.76% (2020) and 6.62% (2021). In addition, rice yield showed an increasing and then decreasing trend with the increase in N fertilizer application, and it was at its maximum when the N application rate was 270 kg ha−1. Compared to the spring straw return treatment, the autumn straw return treatment was able to reduce 31.46% (2020) and 38.48% (2021) of N fertilizer application without decreasing rice yield. Our findings demonstrate that straw return combined with nitrogen fertilization may be a promising management practice for improving rice root systems and yield in saline–sodic soils, and under the conditions of the autumn straw returning treatment, the best nitrogen fertilizer application rate was 270 kg ha−1.

Modeling and Optimization of Maize Yield and Water Use Efficiency under Biochar, Inorganic Fertilizer and Irrigation Using Principal Component Analysis

This study was conducted to predict the grain yield of a maize crop from easy-to-measure growth parameters and select the best treatment combinations of biochar, inorganic fertilizer, and irrigation for the maize grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique. Two rates of biochar (0 and 20 t ha−1) and fertilizer (0 and 300 kg ha−1) were applied to the soil, with maize crop planted, and subjected to deficit irrigation at 60, 80, and 100% of full irrigation amounts (FIA). Maize growth parameters (number of leaves—NL, leaf area—LA, leaf area index—LAI, and plant height—PH) were measured weekly. The results showed that the developed principal component regression (PCR) from the easy-to-measure growth parameters were strong and moderate in predicting the maize yield and WUE, with coefficient of determination; r2 values of 0.92 and 0.56, respectively. Using the PCA technique, the integration of irrigation with the least amount of water (60% FAI) with biochar (20 t ha−1) and fertilizer (300 kg ha−1) produced the highest ranking on grain yield and water use efficiency. This optimization technique showed that with the adoption of the integrative approach, 40% of irrigation water could be saved for other agricultural purposes

Combination of nitrogen and organic fertilizers reduce N2O emissions while increasing winter wheat grain yields and quality in China

Wheat grain yields, quality, and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were controlled through the type and application rate of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Here, we investigated the optimal management of N fertilization by examining the combined effects of organic and N fertilizers on wheat yields, quality, and N2O emissions. Field trials under six treatments were located on campus farms at Anhui Science and Technology University, including farmer’s common practice (270 kg N ha-1, N270), 2/3 reduction in N270 (90 kg N ha-1, N90), organic fertilizer with equal N270 (OF270), 2/3 reduction in OF270 (OF90), 4/5 reduction OF270 + 1/5 reduction N270 (20% OF270 + 80% N270), and 4/5 reduction OF90 + 1/5 reduction N90 (20% OF90 + 80% N90) were applied to winter wheat. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block experimental design. The N2O emissions were quantified under different fertilization measures in the peak wheat growing season during sowing, jointing, and grain filling stages, respectively. Compared with N270 and N90 treatments, N2O emissions were significantly decreased by 18.6% and 27.2%, respectively, under 20% OF270 + 80% N270% and 20% OF90 + 80% N90 (p < 0.05). Further, N2O emissions in N270 were increased by 50.8% relative to N90. Wheat yields increased significantly under 20% OF90 + 80% N90 by 27.6% (N270) and 16.4% (N90), and were considerably enhanced under 20% OF270 + 80% N270 by 40.6% (N270) and 12.7% (N90) in contrast to OF270 and N270 (p < 0.05). Compared with N90, the content of wet gluten, protein and starch under 20% OF90 + 80% N90 treatment significantly increased by 7.7%, 13.8% and 7.9%, and enhanced by 7.6%, 4.8%, 8.0% relative to OF90, respectively (p < 0.05). The starch content increased significantly by 2.0%, whereas the settlement value decreased considerably by 2.9% under 20% OF270 + 80% N270 (p < 0.05), and there was no notable difference in the wet gluten and protein contents (p > 0.05). Our findings indicated that organic fertilizer mixed with N fertilizer can effectively reduce N2O emissions, increase both the grain yields and quality in wheat field compared with N fertilizer alone.

Trichoderma Rhizosphere Soil Improvement: Regulation of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Saline–Alkali Soil in Semi-Arid Region and Its Effect on the Microbial Community Structure of Maize Roots

In order to reduce the actual impact of a saline–alkali environment on maize production in semi-arid areas, it is particularly important to use the combined fertilization strategy of Trichoderma microbial fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of nitrogen fertilizer combined with Trichoderma on improving the structural characteristics and ecological functions of maize rhizosphere microbial community in semi-arid saline–alkali soil. Through the microbiome analysis of maize rhizosphere soil samples with 60 kg N·ha−1 (N1) and 300 kg N·ha−1 (N2) nitrogen fertilizer combined with Trichoderma (T1) and without Trichoderma (T0), we found that the combination of Trichoderma and different concentrations of nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected the structure of bacterial and fungal communities. The results of this study showed that the combination of Trichoderma and low-concentration nitrogen fertilizer (N1T1) could improve soil nutritional status and enhance its productivity potential, revealing the relationship between beneficial and harmful fungal genera, microbial diversity and abundance, and crop biomass, which is of great significance for improving agricultural production efficiency and sustainable development.

The Impact of Agricultural Inputs and Environmental Factors on Potato Yields and Traits

Potato, a component of global food security and economic stability, is cultivated extensively worldwide due to its adaptability to diverse climates and soil types. Ongoing research and technological advancements, including the use of unconventional products destined to fight the most harmful pathogens, are essential for enhancing productivity and resilience in potato farming. The current study aimed to identify the most appropriate fertilizers and phytosanitary treatments in order to attain optimal potato yields, dry matter, and starch contents, under climate-specific environments. The experiment was conducted in the northwest of Romania in 2023. The research was organized as a trifactorial experiment with the factors variety, fertilization, and phytosanitary treatment. XLSTAT (2022.2.1v.) was utilized for data processing. Mineral fertilization combined with conventional phytosanitary treatment led to the highest average yields in both potato varieties. Also, a combination of organic fertilization and treatment with 4% A. cepa extracts led to notable results, which suggests the possibility of successfully using these inputs in organic agriculture. The study shows the importance of selecting appropriate agricultural inputs to optimize potato yields, achieve specific levels of dry matter and starch content in a specific area, and promote sustainability.

Agronomic potential of Hermetia illucens frass in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soils

Abstract Cropping systems are strongly dependent on mineral fertilisers, which are effective in achieving high crop productivities. However, these chemical inputs end up compromising soil quality in the long-term. Frass from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a novel organic fertiliser that is rich in organic matter and advocated as a material that can sustain crop productivity while increasing soil quality. This study aimed at evaluating distinct fertilisation regimes in the cultivation of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. or annual ryegrass) in soils of different types (sandy, loamy and clay) and fertility levels. In a 7-month pot experiment conducted in a glass greenhouse, plants were cultivated with exclusive mineral (MT) or organic (OT) fertilisation, in addition to combinations between both (mineral and organic, MOTs) in different proportions (25:50; 50:50 and 75:25), considering a 140 kg per hectare N demand. Crop yield was favoured by the combination of organic and mineral fertilisers in all soils, which also had its fertility increased, especially regarding organic matter build-up and nutrient accumulation. In addition, the presence of frass in the sandy soil stimulated microbial activity, which was measured by the enzyme dehydrogenase. Frass derived from BSF larvae can be considered an adequate organic fertiliser in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soil types, when applied in partial (25% to 75%) replacement of mineral fertilisers, enabling high crop productivity and nutritional quality of the crop, while increasing soil fertility.

Modified culture media development using locally available fertilizers and vitamin supplements for continuous mass culture of Chaetoceros gracilis

Microalgae culture is a vital nutritional resource for hatchery development in aquaculture and has gained significant interest as a sustainable food ingredient, versatile feedstock for biofuels, with broad industrial applications. The high cost of microalgae culture media hinders mass production, necessitating the development of affordable, simpler alternatives for commercial viability. The aim of this study was to develop a modified culture media for Chaetoceros gracilis utilizing locally available fertilizers and vitamins. In the first experiment, the cell density of C. gracilis across four fertilizers combinations (T1, T2, T3 and T4) with three replicates was evaluated to identify the best performing fertilizers recipe. The significantly higher cell density was observed in T1, where a combination of urea, TSP, mineral mix, EDTA, silicate gel, NPK, compost were used, than the other treatments where one or more ingredients were missing. The growth curve showed that with 1 ml/L fertilizers combination of T1 cell density peaked (21.8×10^5 cell/ml) at day three with the death phase starting at day 04. In the second experiment, the effect of vitamin addition was evaluated with T1 considering as control (V0-without vitamin supplement) and, the Multivitamin-Zinc B and Neobion addition with T1 as treatment V1 and V2, respectively. While Neobion addition significantly increased cell density, multivitamin-Zinc B addition reduced the cell density. Finally, the potentiality of continuous culture of C. gracilis with the modified fertilizer media (V2) was evaluated. The cell density in 300 L tank culture starting from 6.6×10^5 cell/ml peaked 23.8 ×10^5 cell/ml at day two and remained relatively static until investigation finished with the supplement of V2 media two days interval. The present study suggest that development of modified fertilizer media using affordable, locally sourced ingredients for algae cultivation in the hatcheries and aquaculture industry could create an alternative to relying on pure laboratory-grade media.

Soil fertility status under mixed pastures in irrigated Tsitsikamma dairy farms: case studies

Animal manures are increasingly receiving renewed interest as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. While they may improve ecosystem functions, there is limited information on short-term effects of organic amendments on soil reaction and nutrient dynamics in irrigated mixed dairy pastures, especially in the context of the Tsitsikamma region, South Africa. This study examined the soil fertility status of minimum tilled 6-year-old pasture-mixed dairy farms (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5) in the Upper (UT) and Lower (LT) Tsitsikamma regions treated with different rates of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer alone or in combination with poultry manure (PM) and/or dairy effluent (DE). Soil samples were collected at 0–15, 15–30, 30–45 and 45–60 cm depth intervals and analysed for soil pH, P, K, Ca and Mg. Results of this study revealed variable trends on soil pH and nutrient changes between farms, suggesting an influence of some inherent soil properties in addition to the 6-year applied management practices. When averaged over sampled farms, surface placement of soil amendments and limited soil disturbance resulted in surface stratification of soil pH, P, K, Ca and Mg. On the other hand, integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers induced significant changes in nutrient contents and stocks to a depth of 60 cm, especially in the LT region. A combination of NPK fertilizer, PM and/or DE applied in pasture mixtures generally showed potential to improve soil fertility in both regions. As such, adoption of this combination by farmers could cut down reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers and costs of dairy production. However, studies are still necessary in this region to validate the observed results.

Study the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management with Bio-inoculants on Yield Attributes and Yields of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The experiments were conducted during the kharif season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the S.I.F, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The experiment consists of 18 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications of different combinations of inorganic fertilizer, organic and bio-inoculants in rice. Based on results emanated from the investigation it can be concluded that among the productivity parameters viz: The statistically maximum grain yield (q ha-1), straw yield (q ha-1) and biological yield (q ha-1) were found (47.38, 47.56 q ha-1), (66.82, 67.22q ha-1 ) and (114.20, 114.78 q ha-1 ) in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively in the treatments recorded in the treatment T17 - 100% NPK+ 5 ton ha-1 FYM + Azolla (300 kg ha-1) + S (30 kg ha-1) + Zinc (5 kg ha-1) during both years of experimentation and the plant growth traits viz: panicle length (28.93cm), panicle weight (g) (5.86g) number of grain panicle-1 (127) grains weight panicle-1 (4.11) and test weight (g) (24.97g) were recorded statistically maximum with the treatment T17 -100% NPK+ 5 ton ha-1 FYM + Azolla (300 kg ha-1) + S (30 kg ha-1) + Zinc (5 kg ha-1) during the experimentation.

Morphological and physiological plasticity of tomato in response to Azolla fern, a novel organic fertilizer of environmentally friendliness

Tomatoes are highly valued vegetable crops due to their excellent nutritional content. However, production remained low due to an incorrect combination of organic and inorganic soil nutrition. A pot experiment was conducted under shaded conditions with Azolla and inorganic nitrogen fertilization to determine the morphological and physiological plasticity of tomatoes. The study used a factorial combination of four levels of Azolla (0, 25, 50, and 75 g per pot) and four levels of nitrogen (0, 0.23, 0.46, and 0.69 g per pot) in a complete randomized design with three replications. We collected data on chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, TChl), photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, transpiration rate, stomata number, branch number (primary and secondary), plant height, leaf area, stomata conductance, relative water content, and number of leaves. Analysis of variance was employed to analyze the data, and the means were separated using the least significant differences test at a 5 % significance level. The results showed that primary and secondary branches, stomata number, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency were highly plastic due to the higher nitrogen levels and Azolla alone. The interaction effect of Azolla and nitrogen had a significant influence on chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, relative water content, number of leaves, plant height, and leaf area. It can be concluded that a balanced combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers remains essential for optimal tomato growth and physiology, emphasizing that the exclusive use of organic farming methods may not be the ideal solution.

Long-term effects of potassium chloride, wood ash, and EDTA on 137Cs soil-plant transfer in a mixed forest of Ukraine

We conducted a 10-year field experiment to study the effects of potassium chloride, wood ash, zinc, and manganese on reducing 137Cs uptake by young leaves and green shoots of common dwarf shrubs and tree species near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. A field experiment had four treatments: a control with no fertilisation, and three fertilised treatments: potassium fertiliser (KCl), a combination of potassium fertiliser and wood ash (KCl + Ash), and a solution providing zinc and manganese (EDTA). There was approximately 30 % decrease in 137Cs uptake by most of the studied plants species growing on plots fertilised with KCl compared to unfertilised plots during intermediate (2014–2016) and late (2018–2021) periods. Combining KCl with wood ash was found to be the most effective countermeasure, reducing 137Cs uptake by up to 60% in most species, while treatment with EDTA was less effective. Generally, the decline in 137Cs uptake by plants over the study years following treatments with fertilisers was more pronounced than in the control, indicating the efficiency of fertilisation in reducing 137Cs uptake by forest plants. Our research suggests that a combination of potassium chloride and wood ash can still effectively reduce 137Cs transfer in most common forest species, even years after the accident.

Effects of irrigation and nutrients managements with plant intensification on rice under saline soil

The area of salt affected agricultural soils has grown on a global scale. The toxicity of salt and the unfavorable characteristics of the soil are two major causes of the low crop productivity on salt-affected soil. Thus, effective and economical management techniques are required for crop production which may sustainable. The experiments were conducted to identify appropriate irrigation and other management practices for higher yield of Boro rice at two locations (Horinkhola, Satkhira and Batiaghata, Khulna) of saline area during two successive years (2021 and 2022). Six treatments were used, consisting of continuous ponding of irrigation water along with recommended fertilizer (farmers practice, as control), and a range of combination of irrigation water and gypsum fertilizer and foliar spray of Urea, TSP, MOP and Zinc Sulphate. The results revealed that at both locations, the treatments showed significant difference and the highest yield (7.35 t/ha at Horinkhola and 6.75 t/ha Batiaghata) were obtained in treatment T5 [Continuous saturation (0-3cm) + 50% recommended fertilizer except MoP + K2SO4 equivalent to 50% K+ OM + no ridge, high density (15 cm x 10 cm) + Change of standing water 20 days interval + Foliar application of Urea-40 g, TSP-44 g, MOP-26 g and Zinc Sulphate 3g (4 times : 25, 35, 45, 60 DAT)]. Overall, this treatment produced 19% higher yield compared to farmer’s practice, along with maximum BCR (1.57) and net profit (52,004 Tk/ha). This technique can be adopted for higher yield in saline area. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 53-64, 2024

Determining the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the Growth of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Rajat Rekha

Tuberose, a valuable ornamental crop, requires optimized nutrient management to maximize its potential. With increasing concerns about chemical fertilizer usage, integrated nutrient management (INM) offers a sustainable alternative. This study investigated the effects of INM on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Rajat Rekha, exploring combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers to promote growth and productivity. The results showed that integrated nutrient management significantly enhanced growth parameters. Specifically, the treatment combining 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) with 2 kg Farm Yard Manure (FYM)/m2, 300g Vermicompost (VC)/m2, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Azospirillum (T15) yielded superior results. This treatment reduced days to sprouting (12.10 and 14.18), and improved plant height (40.8 and 41.7 cm), leaf length (48.0 and 48.6 cm), leaf width (1.78 and 1.80 cm), and leaf number (60.8 and 61.4). These findings suggest that integrated nutrient management can enhance Tuberose productivity while minimizing chemical fertilizer reliance. The identified optimal treatment combination offers a viable strategy for sustainable Tuberose cultivation, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Future research can focus on scaling up these results and exploring potential applications in other ornamental crops.

Evaluation of the Effect of Funneliformis mosseae Inoculation on Agronomic Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) under a Substrate Subjected to Gold Mining

Aim: Evaluate, in a greenhouse, the effect of the AMF, Funneliformis mosseae, on the agronomic performance of maize grown on soil degraded by gold mining. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six replications. Place and Duration of Study: University of Lomé, between September 2022 and January 2023. Methodology: The experiment utilized four treatment levels - pure mineral fertilizers (To), pure AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) (T1), the combination of AMF and mineral fertilizers (T2) and a control (Co) – employing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six replications. A pot of 5 liters capacity having received 5 kg of soil substrat (washed gold-bearing soil or soil taken under natural vegetation) composed the experimental unit. The experimental data were collected and analyzed. Results: gold-bearing soils are sandy and poor in organic and mineral compounds compared to soils under natural vegetation. The mycorrhization parameters do not take soil type into account. On average, 73.62 % of plants in simple inoculation were mycorrhized where as 33.43 % of plants were mycorrhized in inoculation with a synthetic fertilizer (NPK+Urea) at 60 days after sowing. The respective mycorrhization intensities corresponding to these mycorrhization rates are 41.43 and 45.67 % for the same period. The inoculation with AMF affect positively the growth, development and the productivity of maize compared to the control. Conclusion: Results suggest that Funneliformis mosseae can be used as a biofertilizer on gold mining soils in Togo for sustainable maize production.

Synergistic use of cattle bile, compost and fertilizer amendments in enhancing the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils

This study investigated the degradation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil using compost, NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, and cattle bile as biostimulants. In this study, 1000 g of homogenized contaminated soil was amended with 10.50 g of NPK fertilizer and 107.50 g of compost to achieve a nitrogen concentration of 0.2%. To establish a 0.4% nitrogen concentration, 23.90 g of NPK fertilizer, 243.54 g of compost, and 2 ml of cattle bile were used. These amendments were applied in various combinations to create the following microcosm treatments: A, B, C, D, A2, B2, C2, D2, and a control. The microcosms, along with the control were incubated for 6 weeks in triplicate. Throughout this period, several parameters were monitored every two weeks, including pH, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in TPH content across the microcosms during the four sampling periods. By the end of the 6-week incubation, the TPH residual concentration varied between 1.58 mg/kg and 20.61 mg/kg, corresponding to degradation rates of 98.43% and 79.58%, respectively, from an initial TPH concentration of 100.91 mg/kg. Microcosm B2 demonstrated the highest hydrocarbon removal efficiency (98.43%), while the control showed the lowest efficiency. The order of degradation efficiency among the microcosms was B2 > B (94.89%) > C (94.64%) > A (94.13%) > D2 (93.62%) > A2 (93.51%) > C2 (92.45%) > D (91.44%). The study also found that pH and nitrogen levels were related to the reduction in hydrocarbon content. Microcosms with a 0.4% nitrogen concentration showed a higher rate of nitrogen consumption compared to those with a 0.2% concentration. Additionally, changes in pH were observed as hydrocarbon degradation progressed. This study further applied cluster analysis, Bayesian statistics, and multiple linear regression to evaluate the effects of treatments on soil quality over time. Cluster analysis showed increasing dissimilarity between merged clusters, while Bayesian analysis revealed positive trends in parameter estimates in Weeks 2 and 4. Regression analysis indicated significant impacts of Weeks 2, 4, and 6 on Week 0, with F-statistics of 8.475 (p = 0.016), 9.804 (p = 0.004), and 3.759 (p = 0.037), though multicollinearity reduced the predictive power of individual coefficients. Overall, Microcosm B2 emerged as the most effective treatment option. The findings suggest that biostimulation using a combination of moisture, compost, NPK fertilizer, and cattle bile is an effective approach to achieving high efficiency in TPH degradation in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.