Combined Application Of Farmyard Manure Research Articles

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Properties of Lowland Rice on Vertisols of Fogera District, Northwestern Ethiopia

Declining land productivity due to low soil fertility status as a result of continuous cultivation, inadequate use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is a major cause for decline crop productivity. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center (FNRRTC) during the 2021 cropping season to determine the effects of integrated use of farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen fertilizer on soil properties and yield of lowland rice on the vertisols of Fogera district. The treatments were factorial combination of three levels of FYM (0, 5, and 7.5 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of Nitrogen (0, 46, 92, and 184 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Representative soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm before treatment application and after crop harvest, and analyzed following the standard laboratory procedures. All collected soil data were analyzed by using SAS software (version 9.4). After crop harvest the results showed that soil pH, OC, TN, CEC, Exc. K, Ca, Mg and Av.P were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of FYM. The combined applications of FYM and N fertilizer also significantly (p<0.01) affected CEC, OC and Exc.Mg. The highest soil CEC, OC and Exc.Mg were recorded from the combine effects of 7.5 t/kg with 92 kg/ha. From the results of this experiment, it could be concluded that combined application of FYM and inorganic N fertilizers improved the chemical and physical properties, which may lead to enhanced and sustainable production of rice in the study area.

Effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and blended NPSB fertilizer rate on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Gewata, Kaffa, southwest Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an essential crop for nutrition and food security and generating income to small-holder farmers in Ethiopia. Productivity of the crop is, however, limited by poor nutrient management practices and low soil fertility. In most parts of potato growing areas of Ethiopia, soil are deficient in macro (nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur) and micro nutrients (boron) which are known to affect production and productivity of potato. A field trail was accompanied to determine the growing response of potatoes ’Belete varieties’ to combine the treatment of farmyard manure and blended NPSB (nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur and boron) fertilizer at Gewata, southwest Ethiopia during 2019/2020 main cropping season. The variables are laid out four level of farmyard manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and four level of blended NPSB fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha). The treatments were organized in a completely randomized block design with three replications using a 4x4 factorial layout. SAS (version 9.4) was used for data were analyzed. The finding indicate that, combined application of FYM (farmyard manure) with NPSB significantly (p<0.01) affects plant height, average mass of tuber, number of marketable and unmarketable tuber per hill, and tuber yields per plot. It also significantly (p<0.05) influenced days to flowering, maturity, and tuber number per hill. The highest tuber weight (99.33 g), tuber number per hill (9.67), and yield (34.10 kg) per plot were recorded from the mixed fertilization of 15 t FYM with 150 kg/ha NPSB mineral nutrients. As a current finding, it can be stated that the combined use of FYM (15 t/ha) and NPSB blended fertilizer could improve potato growth and yield in the study area (150 kg/ha).

The combined effects of farm yard manure and boron application on growth, and oil quality of Canola grown under newly reclaimed soils

Two field experiments were conducted during the main seasons of 2021/2022 ​at the Research and Production Station of National Research Centre in Egypt to investigate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and boron on Canola growth, yield, oil yield, and quality. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the combined application of FYM at a rate of 14.4 ​ton ​ha−1 with a foliar spray of boron at 100 ppm positively influenced plant characteristics, leading to enhanced growth rates and higher yields compared to the control group. Moreover, this integrated approach significantly improved nutrient content by enhancing levels of oil content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars. These findings provide compelling evidence that utilizing farm manure along with boron can effectively enhance Canola properties in newly reclaimed soils while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Influence of Farmyard Manure Application on Potential Zinc Solubilizing Microbial Species Abundance in a Ferralsol of Western Kenya

Zinc is an important nutrient for plant growth and development. Its availability is influenced by zinc solubilizing microbes (ZSMs). The effects of commonly promoted agronomic practices on the abundance of ZSMs are so far not well understood. In this study, conducted in 2019, we assessed the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) application, either sole or in combination with residue and/or inorganic fertilizer inputs, on ZSM community structure using 11 treatments in a long-term (17 years) integrated soil fertility management experiment located in Western Kenya. Bacterial and fungal community composition were evaluated by amplicon sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The results showed that putative ZSMs (i.e., the ZSMs generally considered to possess the zinc solubilizing capabilities) were clustered in two major clades based on either the application or no application of FYM. Sole application of FYM significantly (p < 0.05) increased the abundance of several ZSMs under a maize–Tephrosia rotation. In addition, systems with the combined application of FYM with other inputs generally showed significantly increasing trends for some ZSMs under a maize–Tephrosia rotation. Moreover, the combined application of FYM and P rather than only P significantly increased the abundance of some ZSMs under maize monocropping systems. Furthermore, as well as affecting ZSM abundance, soil chemical variables involving soil organic carbon (SOC), total N and Olsen P significantly increased with FYM application. This study indicated that management practices such as the application of FYM that increase SOC, and other soil chemical parameters, also/concomitantly increase ZSM abundance. These results imply enhanced capacities for microbial-linked zinc availability with FYM application.

Sustaining soil health and tomato production through organic inputs and bacterial inoculations in alluvial soils detoxifying plant contaminants

The demand for organic tomatoes is gaining momentum globally, especially for their nutritional quality, shelf-life, and yield sustainability. Similarly, the restoration of metal-contaminated soils and maintenance of soil health is getting momentum through the application of organic inputs and microbial inoculations in soils. The present study evaluates different concentrated organic inputs and biofertilizers with a minimal dosage (14.3% of the recommended dose of fertilizers or RDF) under a field experiment conducted at the Agricultural Farm of Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Organic treatments included mustard cake, goat manure, poultry manure, farmyard manure (FYM), neem cake, and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, or PSB). FYM (15 t ha−1) and vermicompost (VC 3.0 t ha−1) (T5), and the optimized inputs (containing the dual inoculation of Azotobacter and PSB, a mixture of organic inputs, and 14.3% RDF (T11) significantly improved plant height, number of branches/leaves/fruits, carotenoids, lycopene, fruit weight, yield, ascorbate peroxidase, total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, total soluble solids (TSS), Vitamin C, and shelf-life in tomatoes. Organic inputs and inoculation of Azotobacter and PSB significantly reduced the concentration of Cd, Cr, and Pb from soils. The authors conclude that (a) the combined application of FYM and VC, and (b) the optimized mixture of bulky and concentrated organic inputs, 14.3% RDF, and the dual inoculation can improve the nutritional quality, minimize heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb), and overall, sustain tomato production in the hot semi-arid alluvial sandy loam soils. The optimized organic inputs with dual microbial inoculations harness the climatic conditions in tropical regions to facilitate better color and ripening, and other quality parameters leading to higher lycopene contents in tomatoes.

Organic Amendments Improved the Productivity and Bio-Fortification of Fine Rice by Improving Physiological Responses and Nutrient Homeostasis under Salinity Stress.

Salinity stress (SS) is major abiotic stress that is seriously limiting crop production across the globe. The application of organic amendments (OA) mitigate the effects of salinity and improves soil health and crop production on a sustainable basis. However, limited studies are conducted to determine the impact of farmyard manure (FYM) and press mud (PM) on the performance of rice crop. Therefore, we performed this study to determine the impacts of FYM and PM on the growth, physiological and biochemical attributes, yield, and grain bio-fortification of rice crop under SS. The experiment was comprised of SS levels; control, 6 and 12 dS m-1 SS and OA; control, FYM: 5%, press mud 5% and combination of FYM (5%) + PM (5%). Soil salinity imposed deleterious impacts on the growth, yield, and grain quality of rice, however, OA appreciably offset the deleterious impacts of SS and improved the growth, yield, and grain bio-fortification of rice crop. The combined application of FYM + PM improved the growth and yield of rice through an increase in chlorophyll contents, leaf water contents, anti-oxidant activities (ascorbate peroxidise: APX; catalase: CAT, peroxidise: POD and ascorbic acid: AsA), K+ accumulation and decrease in Na+/K+ ratio, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Na+ accumulation. Moreover, the combined application of FYM + PM significantly improved the grain protein (5.84% and 12.90%), grain iron (40.95% and 42.37%), and grain zinc contents (36.81% and 50.93%) at 6 and 12 dS m-1 SS. Therefore, this study suggested that the application of FYM and PM augmented the growth, yield, physiology, biochemistry, and grain bio-fortification of rice and proved to be a good practice for better rice production in salt-affected soils.

Biochemical constituents indicate carbon mineralization under a long‐term integrated nutrient‐supplied Typic Kandiustalf

AbstractWe investigate the long‐term impact of integrated nutrient management to study the influence of fertilizer and manure on different biochemical constituents and carbon mineralization of roots and stubble of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) at the Experimental Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. The farm continuously received uniform treatments for 40‐years during 1978–2018 under a groundnut + finger millet cropping system. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and ash contents for roots and stubble were recorded higher with the treatment T5 [farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha−1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)] while the control treatment showed their lowest values. The treatment T5 caused a higher cumulative rate of CO2 evolution from roots (49.68 mg CO2 g‐1 C) and stubble (58.48 mg CO2 g‐1 C) at the 98th day of incubation following a sigmoid curve pattern for the carbon mineralization. The correlation was highly significant between the rate of decomposition and cellulose content for roots (r = 0.892**) and stubble (r = 0.947**). Unlikely, the correlation was negatively significant between the decomposition rate and the lignin content in roots (r = −0.745*) and stubble (r = −0.720*). We conclude that the combined application of FYM at 10 t ha−1 and 100% RDF is the most efficient treatment to increase saccharification, reduce lignification, and sequester a higher rate of carbon mineralization capable of preserving the soil organic carbon (SOC) and facilitating alluviation of more resistant carbon in a Typic Kandiustalf soil.

Organik Materyal Kullanımının Alkali Bir Toprağın Bazı Islah Göstergeleri Üzerine Etkisi

Alkali soils are infertile for plant growing because of containing high amounts of exchangeable sodium and high pH values and exhibit poor physical, chemical and biological properties. However, it is possible to improve them with appropriate diagnosis and reclamation methods. In this study, the efficiency of the combined application of farmyard manure (FYM), beer factory sludge (BFS), chicken manure (CM) and gypsum in alkali soil reclamation was investigated. The study was conducted in randomized complete parcels with three replications in 33 PVC colons. Gypsum and organic materials were added as follows:1. 100 gypsum requirement ; (GR), 2. 50 % GR,3. 50 % GR + 1 % FYM, 4. 50 % GR + 2 % FYM 5. 50 % GR + 4 % FYM, 6. 50 % GR + 1% BFS, 7. 50 % GR + 2 % BFS, 8. 50 % GR + 4 % BFS 9. 50 % GR + 1 % CM, 10. 50 % GR + 2 % CM, 11. 50 % GR + 4 % CM. The results revealed that the application of gypsum and organic materials to alkali soil caused significant changes in pH, EC, ESP, and SAR values considered as reclamation parameters. Farmyard manure was partially more effective than other organic materials in reducing ESP. As application levels of the organic materials considered, 4% doses of BFS, FYM and CM were more effective than other doses to decrease alkalinity.

Impact of land configuration and organic nutrient management on productivity, quality and soil properties under baby corn in Eastern Himalayas

Appropriate land configuration and assured nutrient supply are prerequisites for quality organic baby corn (Zea mays L.) production in high rainfall areas of the delicate Eastern Himalayan Region of India. A long term (5-year) study was conducted during 2012–2016 on a sandy loam soil in the mid attitude of Sikkim, Eastern Himalayan Region of India to evaluate the productivity, produce quality, the profitability of baby corn, and soil properties under different land configurations comprising flatbed, ridge and furrow, and broad bed and furrow, and organic nutrient management practices comprising un-amended control, farmyard manure 12 t ha−1, vermicompost 4 t ha−1 and farmyard manure 6 t ha−1 + vermicompost 2 t ha−1. The baby corn sown on broad bed and furrow had the tallest plant (149.25 cm), maximum dry matter (64.33 g plant−1), highest leaf area index (3.5), maximum cob length (8.10 cm), cob girth (6.13 cm) and cob weight (8.14 g) leading to significantly higher fresh baby corn yield (1.89 t ha−1), and net returns (US$ 906.1 ha−1) than those of other treatments. Mineral composition (phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc), protein, and ascorbic acid content were also the highest in baby corn grown under the broad bed and furrow system. The soil of broad bed and furrow had a higher pH, organic carbon content, organic carbon pools, microbial biomass carbon, and enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate, and acid phosphatase) compared to soils of other land configurations. A combined application of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) + vermicompost (2 t ha−1) improved the crop growth and produced 117.8% higher fresh baby corn and 99.7% higher fodder yield over control (0.9 t fresh corn and 13.02 t fodder yield ha−1), respectively. This treatment also registered significantly higher gross return (US$ 1746.9 ha−1), net return (US$ 935.8 ha−1), and benefit–cost ratio (2.15) than other nutrient management practices. Fresh cob quality in terms of protein (22.91%) and ascorbic acid content (101.6 mg 100 g−1) was observed to be significantly superior under combined application of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) + vermicompost (2 t ha−1) than those of other nutrient management systems. However, fresh baby corn cobs produced with vermicompost 4 t ha−1 had the highest concentration of phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc. Application of farmyard manure 12 t ha−1 registered the maximum increment in soil organic carbon content (1.52%), its pool (40.6 t ha−1) and carbon sequestration rate (0.74 t ha−1 year−1) followed by integrated application of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) and vermicompost (2 t ha−1). The maximum soil microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities [dehydrogenase (22.1 µg TPF g−1 soil h−1) and fluorescein diacetate (67.1 µg FDA g−1 soil h−1)] were noted with the combined use of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) + vermicompost (2 t ha−1). Thus, the study suggests that the broad bed and furrow land configuration along with the combined application of farmyard manure + vermicompost could be an economically feasible practice for quality organic baby corn production and soil health improvement in the Eastern Himalaya and other similar eco-regions elsewhere.

Effect of integrated nitrogen management on NPK uptake in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment entitled NPK uptake influenced by integrated nitrogen management in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2010. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 13 treatment combinations of chemical fertilizer, green manuring (GM) with Crotalaria juncea, farmyard manure (FYM) and organic preparations [OP (Jeevamrit and Panchagavya)] in four replications. The highest grain yield (34.9±0.54 q ha-1 ) was obtained with combined application of FYM and 50 per cent of recommended nitrogen (RN) followed by GM+FYM+OP (33.7 q ha-1 ) and GM+FYM (33.4±0.99 q ha-1 ). Straw yield (63.1 q ha-1 ) increased significantly (P<0.01) in treatment where FYM combined with 50 per cent of RN was applied. Among different nitrogen management treatments, the maximum N, P and K uptake in grain and straw were observed under treatment T8 (FYM +50 per cent of RN) viz. integrated nitrogen treatment followed by T11 (GM+FYM+OP) and T9 (GM+FYM). Thus, combined application of FYM @ 19.76 t ha-1- with reduced fertilizer dose (50 % of RN) increased the yield and NPK uptake in basmati rice.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Soil Phosphorous Balance and Phosphorous Uptake and Use Efficiency of Potato in Arbegona District, Southern Ethiopia

Phosphorus is often an important limiting factor for crop yields, and in addition, low soil fertility and crop nutrient imbalances are major obstacles preventing Ethiopian farmers from realizing high agricultural productivity. Effect of the sole and combined application of farmyard manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizers on tuber yield, nitrogen (N) uptake and use efficiency of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was assessed in a field experiment carried out in Arbegona district of Sidama zone in Southern Ethiopia. The studied nutrient management practices were control (without fertilizer) and farmyard manure (FYM), recommended N and phosphorus (P), blended (17.3 N3, 4.7 P2O5, 7.41 S2, 23 Zn0, 3 B within 100 kg) plus potassium (K) fertilizers and combined half FYM and recommended NP and combined half FYM and blended plus K fertilizer. Treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental soil was loamy and very strongly acidic, low in organic carbon and available P and medium in total N and available K. Results showed that the applied FYM and inorganic fertilizer individual and in combination were resulted positive N balances. Potato plants amended with sole blended fertilizer, combined half recommended NP and FYM, and combined half FYM and blended fertilizers improved total dry tuber yield and total N uptake more than twofold (100%) as compared to the control. In the amendments, average agronomic and physiological efficiency of N supply and uptake were 48 and 46 kg dry tuber, respectively. Furthermore, 112% of apparent recovery efficiency of N was obtained across the treatments. Soil amendments resulted the highest net benefits with acceptable marginal rate of return (above 100%). Generally, soil amendments either in sole or combined inorganic and organic fertilizers could be considered to improve soil fertility status and potato yield in the study area.

Arylsulphatase activity and sulphate content in relation to crop rotation and fertilization of soil

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of varying rates of FYM (0, 20, 40, 60 Mg ha−1) and nitrogen N0, N1, N2, and N3 on the content of sulphate sulphur (VI) and the activity of arylsulphatase, which participates in the transformations of this element in Haplic Luvisol. The study report is based on a long-term field experiment with two different crop rotations: A – recognized as exhausting the humus from soil and B – recognized as enriching the soil with humus. During the cultivation of the plants, the soil was sampled four times from corn and a red clover cultivar and grass. The FYM fertilization rate for which the highest arylsulphatase activity and the content of sulphates were identified was 60 Mg ha−1. An inhibitory effect of high rates (90 and 135 kg N ha−1) of ammonium nitrate on the arylsulphatase activity was also observed. A significant correlation between the content of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphates and the arylsulphatase activity was recorded. The investigation on the effect of combined application of farmyard manure and mineral nitrogen fertilization on the activity of arylsulphatase participating in the sulphur cycling was launched to examine the problem in detail.

The Impact of Bradyrhizobium, Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Nitrogen on Growth and Yield of Guar

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons to study the effect of Bradyrhizobium inoculation, farmyard manure (FYM), nitrogen (urea) and inoculation plus farmyard manure on growth and yield of guar crop. Four Bradyrhizobium strains were used to inoculate guar seeds (USDA3089, USDA3385, USDA3386 and ENRRI 16A) and two levels of farmyard manure, i.e. 5 (FYM1) and 10 (FYM2) ton ha¯¹. Results indicated that combining Bradyrhizobium inoculation with FYM significantly increased plant height, shoot dry weight, pod dry weight, yield and phosphorus (P) percentages compare to the control and Bradyrhizobium inoculation. However, Bradyrhizobium inoculation significantly increased plant height, shoot dry weight and pod dry weight compare with the control. Sole FYM2 treatment significantly increased shoot dry weight, pod dry weight, plant height, seed yield and seed P percent compare with the control and Bradyrhizobium inoculation. Urea application showed similar results to that of FYM2 except that urea had no significant effect on seed P percent. In conclusion, combined application of FYM and Bradyrhizobium inoculation could be a useful practice in sustaining the growth and yield of guar.

Organic manures a convincing source for quality production of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.)

Indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers is deleterious to soil health. Application of organic manures helps to maintain soil microbial population, soil fertility as well as enhance the oil quality of Japanese mint. Keeping in view, an experiment was conducted at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, district U.S. Nagar (Uttarakhand), India during 2013–2014 to study the response of organic manures on vegetative growth, herbage yield, oil recovery and oil quality in Japanese mint. The experimental treatments consisted of application of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and poultry manure either singly or in combination along with control. The crop was transplanted on sandy loam soil, having pH 7.4 to study growth and yield parameters without degrading soil quality by using various nutrient compositions. In this investigation, highest yield attributes and oil yield of Japanese mint were recorded in combined application of FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure as compared with other treatments.

Influence of Gypsum and Farmyard Manure Application in Soil on Yield and Chemical Composition of Essential oil of Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Herit.ex Ait.)

:A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of farm yard manure (FYM) and gypsum application on the yield and chemical composition of essential oil of rose scented geranium. The herbage and essential oil yield of geranium was significantly increased (at 5 % level) by the combined application of FYM and gypsum along with recommended fertilizer application as compared to sole application of N, P and K fertilizer taken as control. The combined application of FYM and gypsum in soil was more effective to increase the herbage and essential oil yield of geranium by 35.4 % which was followed by the sole application of FYM (25.2 %) and gypsum (12.3 %) as compared to control. The chemical composition of the essential oil of geranium was affected differentially with the applied treatments. The content of citronellol, geraniol, linalool, citronellyl and geranyl formate in the essential oil of geranium were significantly increased by 48.9, 20.3, 62.3, 15.6 and 66.4 % respectively with the combined application of FYM and gypsum as compared to control but those were not significantly affected with the sole application of FYM and gypsum . The level of iso-menthone, trans-rose oxide were not affected but the content of cis-rose oxide was decreased and that of nerol and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol was increased in the essential oil of geranium with the application of FYM, gypsum and their combination as compared to control. The results suggest that the combined application of FYM and gypsum would be beneficial to obtain higher herb and essential oil yield of rose scented geranium with enhanced level of citronellol, geraniol along with their esters and other minor compounds like linalool, nerol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol in the essential oil of geranium.

Carbon Pools and Associated Soil Enzymatic Activities as Influenced by Long-term Application of Fertilizers and Manure in Lowland Rice Soil

The effect of long-term (21 years) fertilizer application on soil carbon pools, its functional groups in humic acids and associated soil enzymatic activities was investigated in tropical flooded rice. The five treatments were non-fertilized control, nitrogen (N) (90 kg ha−1), farmyard manure (FYM) (10 t ha−1), NPK (90: 45: 45 kg ha−1:: N: P2O5: K2O) and FYM+NPK. On average, the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content was significantly higher in FYM+NPK treatment as compared to control (by 30%), 100% N, 100% NPK + FYM treatments. The enzyme activities, viz. dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase were found significantly higher under FYM + NPK treated plots compared with control by 107, 170, 133 and 190 per cent, respectively. The characteristic humic acid spectra revealed that FYM and NPK treated plot contains aromatic functional C groups, which have the potential to sequester C in the long run. Therefore, the combined application of FYM + NPK is a viable option for managing soil fertility as well as sustaining rice yield (4.1–5.7 t ha−1) in tropical flooded soils. The study is novel in the sense it describes soil carbon pools including labile active and passive pools in relation to soil functional microbial diversity under lowland flooded rice.

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Nutrient Balance in Rain-Fed Lowland Rice Ecosystem

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of combined application of farm yard manure (FYM) and inorganic NP fertilizers on soil physico-chemical properties and nutrient balance in a rain-fed lowland rice production system in Fogera plain, northwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out during the main cropping seasons of 2010 and 2011. Twenty-seven treatments comprising a factorial combination of three rates of FYM (0, 7.5, and 15 t·ha-1), three rates of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 kg·N·ha-1) and three rates of phosphorus (0, 50 and 100 kg·P2O5·ha-1) were tested. The experiments were laid out as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Bulk density, organic matter content, and available water holding capacity, total N, and available P of the soil were measured just after harvesting the rice crop. Results showed that application of 15 t·FYM·ha-1 significantly increased soil organic matter and available water holding capacity but decreased the soil bulk density, creating a good soil condition for enhanced growth of the rice crop. Application of 15 tFYM·ha-1 increased the level of soil total nitrogen from 0.203% to 0.349%. Combined application of 15 t·ha-1·FYM and 100 kg·P2O5·ha-1 increased the available phosphorous from 11.9 ppm to 38.1 ppm. Positive balances of soil N and P resulted from combined application of FYM and inorganic N and P sources. Application of 15·t ha-1·FYM and 120 kg·N·ha-1resulted in 214.8 kg·ha-1·N positive balance while application of 15 t·ha-1·FYM and 100 kg·P2O5·ha-1 resulted in a positive balance of 69.3 kg·P2O5·ha-1 available P. From the results of this experiment, it could be concluded that combined application of FYM and inorganic N and P fertilizers improved the chemical and physical properties, which may lead to enhanced and sustainable production of rice in the study area.

Effect of integrated use of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers on soil physical properties and productivity of soybean

The effect of sole application of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) (N:P:K:: 30:26:25 kg ha −1) and combined application of farmyard manure (FYM) @ 4 Mg ha −1 and inorganic fertilizers (NPK + FYM) vis-a-vis non-application of fertilizers and manures (control) on changes in soil physical properties and plant growth characteristics of soybean (cv. JS 335) was studied in a deep Vertisol at the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal during the year 2001–2004. The results indicated that conjunctive use of recommended dose of fertilizer and farmyard manure (NPK + FYM) resulted in significant ( P < 0.05) decrease of bulk density (9.3%), soil penetration resistance (42.6%) and increase in hydraulic conductivity (95.8%) and mean weight diameter of the water stable aggregates (13.8%) and soil organic carbon content (45.2%) compared to control. Among the aggregates, in macro-aggregate fraction (250–500 μm and 500–1000 μm size fraction) and in large macro-aggregate fraction (>2000 μm) maximum soil organic carbon concentration was recorded under NPK + FYM. The root mass of soybean was mostly (98%) confined to 15 cm soil depth. Combined application of NPK and FYM recorded significantly higher ( P < 0.05) root length density and root mass density of soybean in the 0–15 cm soil layer at flowering stage over NPK (28 and 65%) and control (63 and 175%). The root length density of soybean was significantly negatively correlated with the penetration resistance ( r = 0.98, P < 0.05). Application of FYM @ 4 Mg ha −1 with NPK significantly ( P < 0.05) improved the biomass partitioning towards pod over NPK and control. The grain yield, water use efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency of soybean under NPK + FYM were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than NPK and control. The total above ground biomass and the leaf area index at R8 stage could account for respectively, 89 and 63% variation in grain yield of soybean. Therefore in every crop season, integrated use of farmyard manure at 4 Mg ha −1 and recommended dose of chemical fertilizers may be practised in Vertisols for improving soil physical environment and achieving higher soybean productivity through efficient utilization of water and nutrients.

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on Sorghum Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Use in a Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the combined use of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of sorghum and on soil chemical properties in a semi-arid area in northeastern Ethiopia. Twelve treatments comprising factorial combinations of four levels of farmyard manure (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1) and three levels of inorganic fertilizers (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended rate) were compared in a randomized complete block design with three replications over a period of six years. The results revealed significant improvements in the growth and yield of sorghum due to the main and interaction effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer application. The combined application of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased post-anthesis dry-matter production by 147%–390% and grain yield by 14%–36%. The main effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased stover yield by 8%–21% and 14%–21%, respectively. Farmyard manure application increased total nitrogen (N) uptake by 21%–36%, grain protein yield by 8%–11%, and grain protein concentration by 20%–29%. Application of farmyard manure along with 50% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate resulted in a grain yield equivalent to, or greater than that for 100% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate, thus effecting a 50% savings of inorganic N and phosphorus (P) fertilizer. Application of 5, 10, and 15 t farmyard manure ha−1along with 100% of the recommended fertilizer rate and 5, 10, and 15 t farmyard manure ha−1 along with 50% of the recommended fertilizer rate can be recommended for farmers who can and cannot afford to buy inorganic fertilizers, respectively.

Long term fertiliser experiment - an index of yield and soil sustainability

In the field experiment conducted since 1972, crops numbering to 66 have been grown in a fingermillet maize cowpea (fodder) cropping sequence, it was observed that there was a build up in the organic carbon content of the soil. The build up was maximum for the combined application of farmyard manure and optimum NPK (100%). Maximum sustained yield was obtained for the application of 100% NPK + FYM at 10 t ha-1. A combined application of inorganic fertiliser and organic manures therefore is suggested as a means of sustaining the productivity of crops. Regarding the fertility of the soil, the available N status has maintained, P status has been enhanced and there is a marked depletion in K status.