Combination Of Organic Manure Research Articles

Leaf and soil nutritional composition of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) as influenced by organic nutrients amended with biofertilizer consortium

The use of organic nutrient regimes is regarded as holistic and ecological approach for agricultural sustainability. It offers improved soil health, increased crop growth and enhanced fruit quality, whilst minimizing costs and sustaining the use of natural resources. The present investigation was conducted over two consecutive seasons, viz. 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India to study the effect of different combinations of organic manures along with consortium of biofertilizers on leaf and soil characteristics of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The investigation comprises of fourteen treatments of various combinations of organic manures along with consortium of biofertilizers, viz. farmyard Manure (FYM) vermicompost (VC) pig manure (PIM), poultry manure (POM), Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB), and vesicular arbascular mycorrhiza (VAM). The results demonstrated that the use of organic amendments in combination with biofertilizers enhanced leaf nutrient status as well soil properties in the passion fruit orchard. Among the different treatment combinations used in the investigation, POM + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB + VAM was the most efficient in improving the leaf and soil nutrient status of passion fruit. This consortium may achieve high microbial load, high nutrient availability for soil which results in better growth of the crop. This treatment may therefore be recommended as an alternative option to meet the demand for long term maintenance of soil fertility as well agro-ecosystem conservation and sustainability.

Impact of Organic Manures and Liquid Formulations on Garlic Growth, Yield and Quality in Uttarakhand, India

The field study was carried out to VCSG, UUHF, Pauri Garhwal in 2022-2023 to investigate the integrated effect of organic manures and organic liquid formulations on the growth and yield of garlic. The main objective of this study was to determine the benefits of using organic manures and liquid formulations over conventional farming because the abundant use of nitrogenous fertilizers causes excessive vegetative growth at the expense of bulb formation. Among fourteen different treatment combinations that consist of various combinations of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and organic liquid formulations (Panchgavya and Jeevamrit) treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) emerged as the best treatment concerning growth and yield of garlic. The findings showed that the maximum plant height (69.080 cm), number of leaves (8.400), leaf length (47.880 cm) and breadth (3.207 cm), and leaf area index (1.023) at all the 30 days intervals after sowing of garlic has been observed with the application of Treatment T3. The fundamental reason for the increased growth might be due to growth-promoting substances like auxins and gibberellins in panchgavya and high nitrogen and phosphorus in FYM. Concerning yield and quality attributes, the bulb diameter (5.657 cm), fresh weight of bulb (64.643 cm), length of the bulb (5.853 cm), number of cloves per bulb (12.200), bulb yield (120.833 q), total chlorophyll content (2.127 mg/g) and ascorbic acid content (15.333 mg/100g) was obtained maximum with the application of same treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) with yield increases up to 30% compared to control. However, the harvest index percent was found to be maximum (89.243 %) in treatment T13 i.e., Vermicompost (5t/ha) + Jeevamrit (6%). These findings suggest that organic farming practices can effectively enhance garlic production, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Moreover, this study provides practical insights for farmers and contributes to the growing body of research on sustainable agriculture.

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Pearl Millet: Insights from a Long-term Field Experiment

The study investigates the impact of integrated nutrient management strategies on the yield and nutrient uptake of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Pearl millet is a significant source of dietary energy and essential nutrients for rural populations in India. However, its productivity remains low compared to other millet-producing countries. This research aims to enhance pearl millet yield through a combination of organic manures, biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers, addressing the need for sustainable agricultural practices. The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Twelve treatment combinations were tested, including 100% NPK along with farmyard manure (FYM) and seed treatments with biofertilizers. Results indicated that the treatment combining 100% NPK with FYM at 10 t/ha/year and biofertilizers significantly improved biological yield, nutrient uptake, and soil organic carbon content. Specifically, the highest biological yield recorded was 8026 kg/ha, with notable increases in total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. This study underscores the importance of integrated nutrient management in enhancing pearl millet productivity while maintaining soil health. By adopting these practices, farmers can improve crop yields and contribute to food security in regions reliant on pearl millet. The findings provide a framework for future research and practical applications in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrient supply systems to optimize crop performance and soil fertility.

Impact of row ratios and nutrient management practices on yield, economics and nutrient uptake of mustard + chickpea intercropping system

A field experiment was undertaken in split plot design at ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute farm, New Delhi during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 determine the impact of different row ratios and nutrient management practices on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of mustard + chickpea intercropping system. Sixteen treatment combinations were taken with four different row ratios as main plots and four nutrient management practices as sub-plots replicated thrice. Though crop yields for individual crops of mustard and chickpea were found to be the highest for sole crop, but yield of intercropping system in terms of mustard equivalent yield was found to be the highest for mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio (2.98 t/ha in 2021 and 3.06 t/ha in 2022). Yields of both mustard and chickpea were observed to be the highest in the plots treated with combination of organic manures and microbial consortia i.e., 20 kg nitrogen through farmyard manure + leaf manure @ 4t/ha + microbial consortia (1.38 t/ha for mustard and 1.60 t/ha for chickpea). Highest gross returns (`84,560), net returns (`54,040) and benefit-cost ratio (1.77) were found in mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio. Analysis of nutrient uptake revealed maximum nutrient uptake in mustard + chickpea 2:5 intercropping system which led to better vegetative growth and higher yields. The above research aptly highlighted the beneficial effects of intercropping mustard with chickpea in dryland areas which helped to generate higher income for the farmers along with maintenance of soil sustainability by application of organic manures in right proportions.

Effect of Organic Manure and Biofertilizers on the Growth, Yield and Productivity of Guava under Meadow Orcharding

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of organic manure and biofertilizers on the growth, yield and productivity of guava under meadow orcharding at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. In this experiment, various organic sources (Farm yard manure (30 kg/plant/y), vermicompost (30 kg/plant/y) and neem cake (3 kg/plant/y) along with various biofertilizer combinations (Azotobacter, Azospirillum, PSB) were tested on five-year-old guava cultivar 'Allahabad Safeda' to study its effect on growth, fruiting and yield. The results obtained showed higher fruit weight (218.00 g), fruit length (7.60 cm), fruit diameter (7.42 cm), maximum number of fruits produced per plant (26.64 fruits/plant), maximum yield per plant of 5.81 kg/plant and maximum yield per ha (23.12 t/ha) with the application of T9. The highest total soluble solids (12°Brix) and total sugar content of fruit (8.26%) with the application of T9. Application of nutrients through organic along with biofertilizers improve soil health in terms of mean microbial population in the rhizosphere of root zone soil as compared to control. From the present study, the application of biofertilizers with the combination of organic manures has a beneficial effect on the availability of major nutrients in the soil to help in maintaining of the soil fertility and plant growth of the fruits at a desired level. It can be concluded that, for better growth, yield and quality guava fruits, the guava trees should be fertilized with (FYM (30kg/plant) +Azospirillum @250g/tree +PSB @250g/tree +Neem cake @3kg/tree) per year with treatment T9.

Halophilic microbial formulations for improving crop productivity and soil health under saline Vertisols of Gujarat

A study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at research farm of ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bharuch, Gujarat to find out the effect of various halophilic microbial formulations in combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on winter (rabi) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity under saline Vertisols. Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 5 treatments, viz. T1 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers); T2 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF; T3 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-Azo inoculation; T4 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-PSB inoculation; and T5 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Mix of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB inoculation, replicated thrice. Results showed that application of different halophilic microbial formulations like Halo-Azo (Azotobacter sp. and Bacillus sp.) and Halo-PSB (consortia of Eneterobacter and Brevibacterium sp.) with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), provided at par yield with full dose (120 : 60 : 00; N : P : K kg/ha) of fertilizers, thus able to reduce 25% chemical fertilizer dose. Halo-Azo formulation performed better for improving crop yield as compared to Halo-PSB formulation. Combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF performed the best and provided significantly higher grain yield (2.75 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Single and combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF also improved soil health parameters and significant results, i.e. declined EC (2.46 dS/m) and pH (7.33), improved organic carbon (0.69%) and nutrient availability (available N: 299.8 kg/ha and P: 28.7 kg/ha) were obtained. Results showed that integration of halophilic microbial formulations with organics and chemical fertilizers was able to improve wheat yield up to 15% than conventional farming under saline Vertisols of Gujarat.

Salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas atacamensis KSS-6 in combination with organic manure enhances rice yield, improves nutrient content and soil properties under salinity stress.

In the current study salt tolerant-plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (ST-PGPR) Pseudomonas atacamensis KSS-6, selected on the basis of prominent plant growth-promoting (PGP) and stress tolerance properties was tested as bioinoculant to improve yield of rice grown in saline soil. The ST-PGPRKSS-6 was capable of maintaining the PGP traits up to 200 mM NaCl, however, higher salt stress conditions affected these activities. The study was designed to determine the effect of developed talc-based bioformulation using KSS-6 along with organic manure (OM) on growth and yield of paddy under saline conditions. Bioformulation broadcasting was also done to examine the effect on soil properties. It was found that the combinatorial treatment showed positive impact on growth and yield of rice under saline conditions. Co-application of KSS-6 with OM showed maximum increment in growth, chlorophyll content, plant fresh weight, and dry weight as compared to untreated control plants. Furthermore, the combinatorial treatment improved the nutrient content (P, K, Zn, Fe, Mg, and Mn) by more than 35% and enhanced the biochemical parameters such as proline, flavonoids, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidant content of rice grains by more than 32%. Soil parameters including pH and electrical conductivity(EC), moisture content, total organic carbon, OM, sodium, and chloride ions were also improved upon treatment. There was significant lowering of EC from 7.43 to 4.3 dS/m when combination of OM and bacteria were applied. These findings suggest that the application of KSS-6 in the form of bioinoculant could be a promising strategy to mitigate negative impacts of salt stress and enhance the yield and nutritional properties of rice grown in degraded and saline soil.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, organic manures, and chemical fertilizers: impact on crop productivity and soil health of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) in North Western Himalayan region

Integrated nutrient management practices play a vital role for enhancing the soil productivity and sustainable agriculture production. In vegetable crops, bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a most important vegetable as well as spice crop grown worldwide. The indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers for long period deteriorates productivity as well as soil fertility. Therefore, this study was proposed for an extensive evaluation of different combinations of organic manure, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with inorganic fertilizers and their influence on growth, yield, quality, economics, and soil health in bell pepper. This study was carried out on capsicum cv. Solan Bharpur with 15 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications. 75% Nitrogen Phosphorus (NP) + vermi compost (VC) and enriched compost (EC)@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR resulted greatest available nitrogen (420.13 kg ha−1), phosphorus (53.87 kg ha−1), potassium (466.37 kg ha−1), organic carbon content (1.63%), and electrical conductivity (0.91 dSm−1). Similar treatment combination ie T14 obtained greatest values for yield and yield attributing parameters viz. fruit length (7.06 cm), fruit breadth (5.91 cm), pericarp thickness (6.72 mm), number of fruits per plant (28.05), improved yield by 60.89%, and enhanced total soluble solids (5.94 OBrix), ascorbic acid content (182.54 mg/100 g). Our findings revealed that combining organic manures, such as farm yard manure, VC, EC, and PGPRs, with inorganic fertilizers to the extent of 50–75% is good for enhancing the soil health and delivering a benefit:cost ratio of 2.59 along with long-term crop output.

Effect of row ratios and organic nutrient management on productivity and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) + chickpea (Cicer arietinum) intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to find out the suitable cropping system with optimum row ratio and nutrient management practice in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] + chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) intercropping system. Cropping systems i.e. mustard sole; chickpea sole; mustard + chickpea 2:5; mustard + chickpea 5:2 was taken as main plots. Nutrient management practices i.e. control; 60 kg Nitrogen/ha; 20 kg Nitrogen through farmyard manure + leaf manure; 20 kg Nitrogen through farmyard manure + leaf manure + microbial consortia were taken as sub-plots to attain a higher degree of precision. It was observed that though the crop yields of individual crops of mustard and chickpea were the highest in sole crop, but yield of intercropping system in terms of mustard equivalent yield was found to be the highest for mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio. Yields of both mustard and chickpea were observed to be the highest in the plots treated with combination of organic manures and microbial consortia i.e. 20 kg nitrogen through farmyard manure + leaf manure @4 t/ha + microbial consortia. Highest gross returns, net returns and benefit-cost ratio were found in mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio. Analysis of intercropping indices revealed the highest intercropping advantage in mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio when treated with organic manures and microbial consortia. Intercropping systems had land equivalent ratio more than unity, depicting advantage. Aggressivity values showed mustard crop was dominant over chickpea.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Green Gram Growth, Soil Health, and Economics

The combination of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers has emerged as a successful strategy for improving the stability of crop yields and the health of the soil. The use of this approach not only results in increased crop yields, but it also increases the populations of soil microorganisms and enhances the physicochemical qualities of the soil. The practice of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is an essential source of energy, organic carbon, and readily available nitrogen. It also has major long-term effects on the soil and the crops that are grown in the future. INM's major purpose is to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers by promoting environmentally friendly soil health practices. This is accomplished by utilizing the complimentary features of organic and inorganic sources. The Integrated nutritional Management (INM) approach assures soil fertility, improves production levels, maximizes profitability, and reduces environmental pollution by striking a balance between the inputs of fertilizer chemicals and the nutritional requirements of crops.

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

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

Effect of different combinations of organic manures on growth, yield and economics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Pusa Rohini

Effect of different combinations of organic manures on growth, yield and economics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Pusa Rohini

Response of two varieties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to the application of biochar enriched with compost tea in urban

The poor management of soil fertility is the major edaphic constraint in the production of Okra, a vegetable highly appreciated by consumers in Kisangani. The objective of our study is to test the different combinations of organic manure in order to determine the most efficient ones on the yield of two varieties of okra in urban agriculture in Kisangani. Okra cultivation is seen as a climate-resilient and income-generating activity. The different treatments are determined in relation to the varieties studied. For the Indiana variety: T0, T1, T2 and T3 represent the control, the biochar, the compost tea and the biochar*compost tea combination respectively. The same treatments apply to the Clemson spineless variety. The experimental device adopted is that of split plot with 3 repetitions. The response of the test plant to the treatments applied was assessed on all the plants except the border plants. The results of the experimental treatments, the relationships between the biological parameters of different populations were respectively compared and determined. Yields vary by variety and treatment. Yields of the Indiana variety are 47.4 t.ha-1 under biochar associated with compost tea against 33.8 t.ha-1 under Clemson spineless. The marginal rate of return for the Indiana variety is 4.4 under the biochar*compost tea combination versus 2.1 for the Clemson spineless variety. Biochar combined with compost tea is proving successful in urban okra farming in Kisangani.

Effects of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present study was conducted on loam soil at Agronomy Farm, Mewar University, Gangrar, during the rabi season of 2021-22. Ten treatments consisting of Control, 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 25% N through FYM, 100% T3-100% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost, 75% RDN + 25% N through FYM, 75% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost, 50% RDN + 50% N through FYM, 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost, 25% RDN + 75% N through FYM, 25% RDN + 75% N through vermicompost and 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer in Randomize Block Design with three replications. The wheat cultivar of Raj-3077 was grown in the experiment.The highest yield attribute and yield were recorded with 100% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost through compost which was statistically similar to the treatment of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 25% N through FYM and significantly higher than the 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer and control. Among the different combinations of organic manures with compost of nutrients, the replacement of 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer recorded significantly higher yield attributes and yield along with higher net return and B: C ratio. The treatments with compost of nutrients recorded higher nutrient content and nutrient uptake over 100% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost with inorganic fertilizer. On the basis present study, it may be conducted that the integrated use of the organic source of nutrients can enhance the productivity of the wheat system.

Influence of Different Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Vegetative Growth of Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) cv Purple Top White Globe

The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 17 treatment along with combinations of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer including control and each treatment replicated thrice. The turnip (Brassica rapa L.) crop in Brassicaceae family with Purple Top White Globe variety. In this study the results revealed that the application of T12 (50% NPK + 50% N through Poultry manure) significantly influenced most of the characteristics and recorded the highest values of plant height (58.94 cm, 59.85cm and 59.40 cm), number of leaves per plant (19.24, 21.03 and 20.14), leaf length (52.80 cm, 55.59 cm and 54.20 cm), leaf width (20.51 cm, 22.16cm and 21.34 cm), fresh weight of leaves (247.14, 250.84 and 248.99 g/plant) and dry weight of leaves (20.08, 22.01 and 21.05 g/plant) for the year 2018-19, 2019-20 and as pooled data respectively.

Soil Fertility, Growth, Yield and Root Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

ABSTRACT Radish is a popular root vegetable grown worldwide and young fresh tender tuberous roots can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. The haphazard use of inorganic fertilizers for long period deteriorates fertility and productivity of soil. Therefore, this study was proposed for an extensive evaluation of different combinations of organic manure, bio fertilizer with inorganic fertilizers and influence on growth, yield, quality, and soil health. This study was carried out on radish cv. Japanese white with 13 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications. Soil quality was increased in terms of availability of N(Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium) to the tune of 15.17, 18.66 and 13.0%, respectively by integrated module 90% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) + 10% SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) + FYM (Farm Yard Manure) + AZB (Azotobacter) + PSB (Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria). Application of 90% Recommended dose of Fertilizers +10% Spent Mushroom Compost + Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteriarecorded maximum number of leaves (15.68), leaf size (21.01 x 9.88 cm), root size (18.80 x 2.86 cm), root weight (130.42 g), root yield (341.68q/ha) while, 60% Recommended dose of fertilizers +40% Spent Mushroom Compost+ Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria proved best for quality attributes. Increase in yield under T6 was to the tune 11.44% over standard practices. Our findings of integrated nutrient management approaches may effectively address the present notion of “farming for health” to maintain soil health for sustainable crop production.

Combining green manure and cattle manure to improve biomass, essential oil, and thymol production in Thymus vulgaris L.

Green manure can be used as an alternative to animal manure and organic compounds and can also be part of the management practices for medicinal plant production systems. The objective of this study was to use a combination of sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea ) and cattle manure in the fertilization of Thymus vulgaris L. plants to design better production strategies. The effects on vegetative growth , nutrient accumulation, essential oil production and chemical composition, photosynthetic pigments , and antioxidant activity were investigated. On the basis of four rates of cattle manure (0, 3, 6, and 9 kg m −2 ), additional four rates of green manure (0, 3, 6, and 9 kg m −2 sunn hemp) were added to each rate of cattle manure plus a positive control treatment (chemical fertilizer), totaling 17 treatments. The combination of organic manures (green and cattle manure) as well as the chemical fertilizer positively affected the dry weight of thyme leaves, stems, and roots. The combination of the highest doses of cattle and sunn hemp manure (9 kg·m −2 and 9 kg·m −2 , respectively) resulted in an accumulation of total dry weight 10 times greater than that of the treatment without fertilization, which was significantly higher than that of the control treatment (0 kg m −2 cattle manure and 0 kg m −2 sunn hemp). Only application of green manure ( Crotalaria juncea ) has positive affected in dry weight. Significant increases in total and a and b chlorophylls and carotenoids were observed in thyme plants with the use of organic fertilizers . The essential oil production and chemical composition were improved by organic fertilization. The highest percentage of thymol (65.42%) was obtained in the group with 9 kg m −2 cattle manure and 3 kg·m −2 green manure. The application of both cattle manure and green manure increased the antioxidant activity of thyme, and this activity was correlated with high levels of carotenoids. The combined use of green and cattle manures is an inexpensive way to increase the yield of thyme and its essential oil and thymol production, and it can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and thus is ecologically sound for the cultivation of medicinal plants. • Green manure improves the production and quality of thyme cultivation. • Essential oil and thymol are responsive to combined organic fertilization. • Organic fertilizer combination improves growth and antioxidant response. • Cattle manure in thyme fertilization results in better plant performance. • Nutrients in leaves was high under cultivation at the highest organic fertilization.

Growth, Physiology, Weed Abundance and Yield in Rice (<em>Oryza Sativa</em> L.) Under Three Nutrient Input Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

A field experiment was conducted to compare the growth, physiology, weed abundance and yield in rice under three input systems; organic, conventional and integrated, during the 2019 <em>Yala </em>season as the second season of a long-term cropping systems trial. The design used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with six (6) replicates for each treatment. The rice variety used in the experiment was Bg 300 and three treatments were based on three input systems such as T1 – Conventional input system (100% Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation), T2 – Integrated system (50% of Department of Agriculture (DOA) inorganic fertilizer recommendation+50% of the rate of compost added to organic input system) and T3 – Organic system (No inorganic fertilizers and only compost with the rate of 10000 kg ha -1). At the panicle initiation and harvesting stages, there was a (p&lt;0.05) significant difference (in rice shoot biomass across the three input systems, with the organic system having the lowest values compared to the other two. At panicle initiation, 50 % heading, and harvesting phases, a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in plant height was noted among the three input systems, with the organic system showing the lowest values at all stages. The organic system had the highest weed count at all three crop stages and no significant difference between integrated and conventional systems. The three input systems had a significant difference in final grain yield at 14 percent moisture. At 14% moisture, there was no difference in final grain yield between conventional and reduced systems (4.85 and 4.67 tonnes/ha) with the organic system having the lowest value (2.74 tonnes/ha). Overall results indicate that reducing inorganic fertilizers by 50% with the combination of organic manure as in the integrated system gives similar final grain yields as the conventional system of new improved varieties like Bg 300 in high potential areas like Anuradhapura. Also, organic systems can show low crop growth and yields due to inadequate nutrient supply through organic materials and high weed density during the first year of transition.

Crop Yield and Nutrient Efficiency under Organic Manure Substitution Fertilizer in a Double Cropping System: A 6-Year Field Experiment on an Anthrosol

The combination of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer plays a role in increasing crop yield and nutrient efficiency, but such effectiveness varies with crop, soil, management, and climate. Here, a 6-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting organic manure with inorganic fertilizer on crop yield, grain protein content, and nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency under a winter wheat-summer maize cropping system on Anthrosol. Five treatments were included: recommended nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers (NPK), 75% NPK + 25% organic manure (M), 50% NPK + 50% M, 25% NPK + 75% M, and 100% M, respectively. Wheat, maize, and annual yield were 1643–8438 kg ha−1, 4847–11,104 kg ha−1, and 10,007–17,496 kg ha−1. Organic manure treatments produced the same crop yield as NPK treatment except for 100% M. Grain protein content of wheat and maize was 7.9–15.1% and 5.6–12.6%. Organic manure treatments yielded significantly lower wheat grain protein content but had no significant effect on maize grain protein content relative to NPK treatment. Nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency at the cropping system level were 0.67–1.16 and 35.7–60.5 kg kg−1. Phosphorus uptake efficiency and phosphorus use efficiency were 0.28–0.75 and 167–531 kg kg−1. Compared with NPK treatment, 50% M, 75% M, and 100% M improved nitrogen use efficiency but decreased nitrogen uptake efficiency and phosphorus efficiencies. Annual N and P budgets were −1.3–79.1 kg ha−1 a−1 and 25.6–100.1 kg ha−1a−1, and both increased with the increase in organic manure input. Based on crop yield, grain protein content, nitrogen, and phosphorus efficiency and their budget, substitution of 25% inorganic fertilizer with organic manure is the rational combination under the winter wheat–summer maize system on an Anthrosol.

Distribution and sequestration of straw carbon in surface and deep soil aggregates under different fertilization treatments

Long-term fertilization causes the differences in water, heat, nutrients and microbial activities between topsoil and deep soil, with consequences on the decomposition and turnover of straw carbon (C) in soils. At a long-term positioning experimental station in Shenyang Agricultural University, we mixed the topsoil (0-20 cm) and deep soil (40-60 cm) samples from different fertilization treatments with 13C-labeled straw for in-situ incubation. We analyzed the content of organic C and its δ13C value in soil aggregates, compared the difference in the distribution of straw C between topsoil and deep soil aggregates, and explored the effects of fertilization on the sequestration of straw C in soil aggregates. Compared with fertilization treatments (i.e., single chemical nitrogen fertilizer application and combination of organic manure with nitrogen fertilizer application), the treatment without fertilization increased the content of straw C of <0.053 mm aggregate in the topsoil by 106.7% and that of >0.25 mm aggregate in the deep soil by 34.2%. The contribution percentage of straw C to organic C of >0.053 mm aggregate in the deep soil was about two times of that in the topsoil. About 22.6% and 11.4% of straw C was distributed into the >0.25 mm and <0.25 mm aggregates of topsoil, and about 29.4% and 8.8% of straw C was distributed into the >0.25 mm and <0.25 mm aggregates of deep soil, respectively. In conclusion, straw addition promoted the regeneration and sequestration of carbon in deep soil macroaggregates and increased the carbon sequestration potential of deep soil.