Fertilizer Costs Research Articles

Agroecology and Precision Agriculture as Combined Approaches to Increase Field-Scale Crop Resilience and Sustainability

This study coupled precision agriculture with agroecology to improve the agricultural systems’ sustainability in a climate variability context, characterized by fewer rainy days and more extreme events. A three-year comparative analysis was carried out in a durum wheat rotation, divided into two plots of 2.5 ha each, one managed with conventional methods (CP, sunflower as intermediate crop) and another managed with an agroecological approach (AE, field bean as green manure crop), featuring prescription maps for site-specific mineral fertilization. The statistical analysis of durum wheat parameters, soil characteristics, and economic variables was conducted alongside the examination of climatic data. In AE soil, the exchangeable calcium was statistically different from CP soil (6044 mg kg−1 and 5660 mg kg−1, respectively). Cation exchange capacity was significantly higher in AE (32.7 meq 100 g−1), compared to CP (30.9 meq 100 g−1). In AE, wheat yield (2.36 t ha−1) was higher than in CP (2.07 t ha−1), despite extreme rainfall causing flooding in some parts of the AE plot. The economic balance was only 6% in favor of CP (EUR + 2157), confirming the AE approach’s resilience (EUR + 2027), despite the higher costs of cover cropping and site-specific fertilization. The novelty of integration between “smartish” precision agriculture and agroecology allows for sustainable management.

Enhancing growth, yield, essential oil content, and composition of holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) using red algae-based bio-stimulant under acidic conditions of the Western Himalayas

BackgroundThe rising costs of synthetic fertilizers highlight the need for eco-friendly alternatives to enhance essential oil production in aromatic plants. This study evaluated the effects of red algae seaweed extract [Solieria chordalis (C. Agardh) J. Agardh] on holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) in the Western Himalayas, by using five concentrations (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mL/L) and two application methods (drenching and foliar spray) in a factorial randomized block design analysing data at 5% significance level. Seaweed extract significantly improved growth and yield, with the highest essential oil content and biomass. By examining various concentrations and application techniques, the study seeks to determine the best practices for maximizing essential oil production.ResultsApplication of S. chordalis at 7.5 mL/L, increased essential oil content by 71.4% and biomass by 63.4% compared to the control. The foliar application also resulted in 50% higher essential oil content than drenching. Application of S. chordalis at 7.5 mL/L significantly enhanced essential oil components like eugenol, methyl eugenol, and methyl cinnamate by 61.5%, 17.6% and, 48.4%, respectively, compared to control. Based on the results of the present study, the foliar application of 7.5 mL/L seaweed extract is recommended for optimizing holy basil growth, biomass yield, essential oil content and composition.ConclusionsBased on the results of the present study, the foliar application of 7.5 mL/L seaweed extract is recommended for optimizing holy basil growth, biomass yield, essential oil content and composition. This study encourages the utilization of bio-stimulants, enhancing sustainability, and resilience in agriculture.

Importance of Nitrogen and Zinc Fertility in Pecan Production

Pecan is an important nut crop in the United States. It is native to North America and dominantly produced in the southern states in the US. Nitrogen and zinc are two of the most critical nutrients for pecan production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nitrogen and zinc fertilizer management in pecan orchards, covering key topics such as nitrogen sources, nitrogen application rates, the timing of nitrogen application, nitrogen application of damaged trees, the impact of zinc deficiency, and methods for zinc application. The deficiency of these nutrients causes severe loss in pecan production. However, the cost involving nutrient application and post the effect of excessive application on the soil and environment is of serious discussion. This review summarizes nitrogen and zinc management strategy and explores application methods that can reduce the cost of fertilizer with minimal adverse effect on the soil and environment. Also, this review sheds light on the areas that needs extensive research in nutrient management in pecan production.

Effects of Fish Pond Sediment on Yield and Productivity of Two Varieties of Amaranths (<i>Amaranthus</i> <i>spp.</i>)

The rising costs of inorganic fertilizers have rendered them inaccessible to many farmers, resulting in reduced crop yields. An affordable alternative for enhancing soil fertility is the use of organic materials such as fish pond sediments. These sediments are nutrient-rich and have the potential to enhance soil quality, promote crop growth, and increase yields. This study examined the effect of fish pond sediments on the yield and productivity of two amaranth varieties. The research was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm. A 2x6 factorial experiment was employed using a Randomized Complete Block Design. The experiment included six sediment application rates: a control (no sediments) and sediment rates of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 Mg/ha, applied to two amaranth varieties (green leaf with Accession IDs NHAM 0116-1-2 and NHAM 0112-1-4). Yield and productivity parameters were assessed after 10 weeks. The findings revealed that fish pond sediment application significantly enhanced the yield of both amaranth varieties. The highest yield (51.36 Mg/ha), Chlorophyll A (1.64 mg/dm2), chlorophyll B (1.76 mg/dm2), and crude fibre content (12.18%) were recorded at the sediment application rate of 25 Mg/ha. The results demonstrate that fish pond sediments are a viable nutrient source for improving soil fertility and boosting the growth and yield of amaranths.

Analysis of Macro Element Composition in Organic Manure Derived from Cow Dung, Sawdust, and Charcoal for Enhanced Productivity of Arable Crops and Vegetables

The increase in the cost of inorganic fertiliser and the danger it poses to the health of consumers when used to grow crops motivated the production of pelletised organic manure (OM) from fresh cowdung (CD), sawdust (SD), and charcoal (CH) at the demonstration farm of the Agricultural Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji. CD, SD, and CH were mixed based on weight ratios of 2:1:1 and 1:1:1, respectively, and allowed to decompose anaerobically for 21 days. OM produced was subjected to macro element presence and was discovered to be rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which were the major elements needed for growing arable crops and vegetables. The percentage of the NPK slightly increased as the weight of the CD increased. NPK contents were 1.21%, 0.83%, and 1.12%, respectively, for the CD, SD, and CH ratios 2:1:1, while it was 0.81%, 0.6%, and 0.73% for ratios 1:1:1, respectively. The temperatures of the OM were 38 °C and 36 °C for the two ratios, respectively, and the pH was 8.8 and 8.4, respectively, at the end of the 21 days of decomposition. Based on this analysis, the OM produced is recommended for growing arable crops and vegetables. It will equally give the youths employment opportunities and assist the nation in converting waste into wealth.

DETERMINATION OF NITROGEN UTILISATION AND NITROGEN UPTAKE EFFICIENCY OF SOME WHEAT GENOTYPES UNDER LIMITED NITROGEN CONDITIONS

Wheat is one of the most important human foods in Turkey and the most important nutrient of wheat plant is nitrogen. Since the green revolution in wheat variety breeding, high nitrogen high yielding varieties have been bred. Nitrogen resources of our world are limited, the use of excess nitrogen fertilisers for years has caused environmental pollution. It is also one of the important costs in wheat farming. There is a need to breed new wheat varieties that will reduce the use of nitrogen fertiliser. In order to reduce the damage to the environment and economic damage to the producer, it is important to breed high yielding varieties that require less nitrogen fertiliser. Otherwise, the cost of nitrogen fertiliser and the depletion of its reserve will negatively affect wheat production. A total of 7 genotypes including 4 local bread wheat genotypes, 2 durum wheat varieties (svevo, fırat93), 1 local siyez wheat collected from the villages of the Southeastern Anatolia region which is the homeland of wheat plant were used. The experiment was established according to split-plot design with 4 nitrogen doses and four replications. Nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen utilisation efficiency were inversely proportional to nitrogen dose and nitrogen uptake efficiency increased as nitrogen dose decreased. Increasing nitrogen doses had an inverse effect on nitrogen uptake efficiency and the nitrogen dose with the highest nitrogen uptake efficiency was in the lowest nitrogen dose application. The genotype with the highest value among the local genotypes was GYE4.

Leaf senescence characteristics and economic benefits of rice under alternate wetting and drying irrigation and blended use of polymer-coated and common urea.

Water-saving irrigation and the mixed application of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRNF) and common urea (CU; with a higher nitrogen release rate) have shown promise in improving rice yield with high resource use efficiency. However, the physiological mechanism underlying this effect remains largely unknown. This study involved a field experiment on rice in Jingzhou City, Central China, in 2020 and 2021. Two irrigation regimes were employed [alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) and conventional flood irrigation (CI)], with three nitrogen (N) compounding modes [00% CU (N1), 60% CRNF + 40% CU (N2), and 100% CRNF (N3)] with an equal N rate of 240kg ha-1. The results indicated a significant interactive effect of watering regimes and N compounding modes on net photosynthetic rate (P n), leaf area index (LAI), and SPAD values; activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidases (POD), catalase (CAT), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamine 2-oxoglutarate amidotransferase (GOGAT), and nitrate reductase (NR); and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble protein in rice leaves. Compared with N1, N2 and N3 increased the P n, LAI, and SPAD values; activities of SOD, POD, CAT, NR, GS, and GOGAT; and soluble protein content but decreased MDA content in the post-growth (heading and maturity) stages by 8.7%-31.2% under the two irrigation regimes. Compared to CI (traditional irrigation), AWD had higher P n, LAI, and SPAD values; activities of SOD, POD, CAT, NR, GS, and GOGAT; and soluble protein content (increased by 12.1%-38.0%, and lower MDA content (reduced by 13.1%-27.6%) irrespective of N compounding modes. This suggested that AWD combined with N2 and N3 could delay the leaf senescence of rice, thus achieving a larger grain yield. Moreover, AWD significantly decreased water costs (irrigation amount) and labor costs (irrigation frequency), thus increasing total income. N2 decreased fertilizer costs with a higher or comparable total income compared with N3. Therefore, the AWDN2 treatment achieved the highest net income (13,907.1 CNY ha-1 in 2020 and 14,085.7 CNY ha-1 in 2021). AWD interacted with 60% CRNF + 40% (N2) to delay leaf senescence by improving photosynthesis, antioxidant defense system, osmoregulation, and N assimilation, contributing to high grain yield and net income in rice.

Effect of abootre (Senna siamea) leafy biomass and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of hot pepper, Capsicum frutescens (L.)

Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa are often deterred from using fertilizers on their crops due to the high cost of inorganic fertilizers and the environmental strain associated with intensive agriculture, which relies heavily on inputs. However, a comprehensive understanding of how the integration of organic biomass, such as Senna siamea leafy biomass, and conventional fertilizers like NPK (15:15:15) impacts the growth and yield of specific crops like hot pepper is lacking. A field experiment was carried out at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources Demonstration Farm, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana in 2023 to assess the effect of S. siamea leafy biomass and NPK (15:15:15) inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in a randomized complete block design. Four treatments were used and allocated as T1 (Control), T2 (0.096kg of NPK), T3 (0.32063kg of S. siamea leafy biomass) and T4 (0.1532kg of S. siamea leafy biomass + 0.048kg of NPK). The treatments were replicated four times. The parameters investigated were; height, number of leaves, fruit yield and fruit dry weight. Treatments showed significant difference between them in the parameters investigated on, p?0.05. The combined application of S. siamea leafy biomass and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer significantly increased the growth in height (42.75 cm), number of leaves (40.75), fruit yield (305291 fruits/ha) and dry fruit weight (484 kg/ha) of hot pepper compared to the sole application of the individual materials and the control, p?0.05. In terms of effect of these treatments, T4 [(0.1532 kg of S. siamea leafy biomass + 0.048 kg NPK (15:15:15)] favored the growth and yield of hot pepper the most, followed by the sole application of S. siamea leafy biomass T3 (0.32063 kg of S. siamea leafy biomass), sole NPK (0.09 kg of NPK) and then T1 (control) recording the lowest growth in height (19.32 cm), number of leaves (21.25), fruit yield (129693 fruits/ha) and fruit dry weight (115 kg/ha) of hot pepper. Therefore, the combined application of T4[(0.1532 kg of S. siamea leafy biomass + 0.048 kg NPK (15:15:15)] could be adopted by farmers as an economically fit fertilizer treatment for optimum hot pepper performance. Additionally, S. siamea leafy biomass might be adopted by hot pepper farmers as an alternative to inorganic in terms of cost and availability in sub-Saharan Africa.

Evaluation of the Use of Organic and Mineral Fertilisers on Amaranth Productivity in the Locality of Kombé, Republic of Congo

The use and high cost of chemical fertilisers, as well as the dangers associated with their misuse, are leading growers to look for an alternative, sustainable form of fertilisation. A survey was carried out in the Kombé area of Brazzaville to assess the effectiveness and use of organic and mineral fertilisers on amaranth growth and yield. During the survey, 50 market gardeners growing amaranth were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results obtained from our survey were analysed statistically, revealing significant differences between the different types of fertiliser used at Agricongo de Kombé (p˂0.05). The variance analysis revealed five (5) heterogeneous groups (a, b, c, d, cd), the most significant being poultry manure (group d) and NPK (group cd). The results of the survey revealed that amaranth (32.31%) was the dominant previous crop, poultry manure (34%) was the main and least expensive fertiliser, so it is capable of improving the growth and yield of amaranth, compared with other manures. Poultry droppings could be recommended for amaranth production.

Enhancing Agricultural Practices: Exploring the Benefits of Paddy Straw Management Technologies Adopted by Potato Growers in Jalandhar District, Punjab, India

This study was conducted in the Jalandhar district of Punjab in 2020-21, chosen purposefully due to its status as the region with the highest potato cultivation area. The list of potato growers was obtained from the District Horticulture Department in Jalandhar. Five blocks—Nakodar, Adampur, Bhogpur, Jalandhar East, and Jalandhar West—with the maximum potato cultivation area were selected from this list. A sample of 200 potato growers was then chosen using a proportionate cum random sampling method. Following the adoption of paddy straw management technologies, 52.5 % of potato growers reported a decrease in fertilization costs whereas 85 % of potato growers observed that increased in the cost of preparation of land during used of paddy straw management technologies by Rs.3035 because of high rate of diesel consumption. Additionally, 37 % observed an improvement in soil health, while 40.5% noted an increase in potato yield. The majority of potato growers incorporated paddy straw into their potato fields. However, an equal percentage of growers (17%) either used paddy straw to make bales or burned it. Notably, the adoption of paddy straw chopper, mulcher, and Mould board plough by potato growers led to a significant increase in potato yield. The results also indicated that for yield, the t - values for two tailed significance level of the difference between sample means for the response was 0.000 cost of production due to adoption of all the technologies by the potato growers. Therefore, statistically significant differences at level of 0.05 were observed in all five technologies used for paddy straw management in potato cultivation.

ANALISA KEUANGAN DAN FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMENGARUHI PRODUKSI BUAH BAWANG MERAH DI KECAMATAN SAPE, KABUPATEN BIMA, NTB

In 2023, Sape Regency will produce 20,081 tons of shallots, up from 19,986 tons in 2020. However, the financing of agricultural businesses is affected by a number of problems at the farmer level. The objectives of this research are as follows: (1) evaluate the financial value and income of shallot farming enterprises in Sape District, Bima Regency, NTB; (2) examine the variables influencing the production of shallot crop in Sape District, Bima Regency. Surveys were used to collect data and analyze it using descriptive analysis. According to research results, during the planting season, the cultivation of shallots in Sape Regency produces a profit of IDR 12,954,665 per cultivated land area or IDR 32,386,662 per hectare. Shallot cultivation has a B/C value of 0.13, more than 0. Therefore, it is useful to develop shallot cultivation in Sape Regency; (2) land area, seed costs, SP36 fertilizer costs, organic fertilizer costs, NPK fertilizer costs, urea fertilizer costs and ZA fertilizer costs are factors influencing shallot agricultural production in Sape District, Bima Regency. In reality, shallot production is (very) influenced by the cost of seeds and insecticides. However, shallot production is not influenced by land area, labor costs, SP36 fertilizer, organic fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, urea fertilizer, ZA fertilizer or other fertilizer costs.

Economic Viability of Organic Fertilization in Forage Oats (Avena sativa L.) in the Mexicali Valley

O Objective: To economically evaluate the use of chemical, organic and organic-mineral fertilizers in of forage oat production in the Mexicali Valley; and to determine the profitability of each fertilization type. Design/methodology/approach: Three treatments were established, one chemically fertilized (T1), one with organic fertilization (T2), and one with organic-mineral fertilization (T3) with two replications under a completely randomized design. Cash flow, financial costs and economic costs were calculated. Results: Fertilization costs accounted for between 37% and 52% of the cost structure. Treatments T2 and T3 did not cover production costs. Only treatment T1 treatment demonstrated the ability to cover both production and financial costs. None of the treatments covered economic costs. Limitations on study/implications: It is suggested to replicate the economic viability analyses in consecutive productive cycles, as other studies have shown positive impacts on soil fertility. Findings/conclusions: The organic and organic-mineral fertilization systems (T2 and T3) were not profitable in the short term. The chemical fertilization system (T1) demonstrated the ability to cover, in addition to production costs, the depreciation costs of fixed assets. However, none of the treatments showed the ability to compensate the risk of investing in the activity.

Exploration of Agronomic Efficacy and Drought Amelioration Ability of Municipal Solid-Waste-Derived Co-Compost on Lettuce and Maize

Organic soil amendments, such as composts, mitigate the negative impacts on the environment that are caused by poor waste management practices. However, in the sub-Saharan African region, and Malawi in particular, studies investigating the agronomical efficacy and their ability to ameliorate drought stress when used as a soil amendment are minimal. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sewage sludge and municipal solid waste (MSW) co-compost to ameliorate drought stress and improve crop productivity. Three experiments were conducted (i) to determine optimal application rate for co-compost, (ii) to evaluate yield response of maize and lettuce to co-compost application under contrasting soils, and (iii) to assess the effect of co-compost under water-limited conditions. Our results indicate that an application rate of 350 g co-compost per station was the most effective. This rate is 50% and 37% lower than the currently recommended rate for applying conventional compost to green vegetables and maize, respectively. In addition, under drought conditions, the co-compost application enhanced growth in lettuce, with less wilting, increased biomass and yield, approximately 130% greater leaf yield, and a 138% improvement in root growth. Furthermore, the relative root mass ratio (RRMR) was enhanced with the co-compost application by 103% under drought stress. This suggests that the co-compost amendment resulted in a greater allocation of biomass to the roots, which is a crucial morphological attribute for adapting to drought conditions. The concentration of K in the leaves and roots of plants treated with co-compost was significantly increased by 44% and 61%, respectively, under drought conditions, which may have contributed to osmotic adjustment, resulting in a significant increase in leaf relative water content (RWC) by a magnitude of 11 times. Therefore, in light of the rising inorganic fertilizer costs and the limited availability of water resources, these results demonstrate the potential of MSW and sludge co-composting in ameliorating the drastic effects of water- and nutrient-deficient conditions and optimizing growth and yield under these constraining environments.

A comparative assessment of polymer-coated and non-coated urea in direct-seeded rice: agronomic, economic, and environmental performance and sensitivity analysis

The application of polymer-coated urea (PCU) to crops is likely restricted because the product’s capsules cause plastic pollution. Although conventional fertilizer use reduces plastic pollution, it may increase nitrogen (N) pollution owing to its lower N recovery than that of PCU. Therefore, we need to develop optimal N application methods to reduce both plastic and N pollution. Here, we aimed to (1) compare the agronomic, economic, and environmental outcomes of PCU application with those of conventional urea application and (2) provide quantitative targets for developing alternatives to PCU application in dry direct-seeded rice production. We developed a model incorporating yield, brown-rice protein content, farmer profit, and environmental damage cost due to N and polymer loss according to N fertilizer application. Data were collected from field experiments at a farm in Iwate, Japan, from 2020 to 2022. The average apparent N recovery was 0.43 for PCU and 0.37 for conventional urea. Despite the plastic damage cost, the estimated total environmental cost of PCU was lower than that of normal urea owing to the former’s higher N recovery. However, our ability to simulate plastic pollution is limited, as few of the environmental effects of microplastics are understood. If new N application methods with N recovery above 0.5 are developed, an N fertilization cost within $5 × 10–3 g N–1 can maintain the same benefit as that obtained here. This model can be used to evaluate the quantitative relationships among N recovery, benefits, and implementation costs of each candidate N application method.

Assessing microplastics contamination and characteristics in organic soil amendments in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana

The study examines the increasing use of organic soil amendments (OSA) due to declining soil fertility and the high cost of synthetic fertilizers, alongside growing concerns about microplastics (MPs) accumulating in soil, which negatively impact soil, crop, and food quality. This research assessed the presence and characteristics of microplastics in Municipal Solid Waste Composts (MSWC) and dry sewage sludge (DSS) within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana. The study analyzed two sources of MSWC (MSWC 1 and MSWC 2) and two sources of DSS (Sludge 1 and Sludge 2), with five samples each, for microplastic concentrations. A reference soil sample, collected from a depth of 0-25 cm, was also tested. The microplastics were extracted using acid digestion (30 % H2O2 at 70 °C), density separation with a ZnCl2 solution, and vacuum filtration. Results revealed that Sludge 1 had the highest concentration of microplastics (4316 ± 968 MPs kg-1), followed by MSWC 1 (3572 ± 1196 MPs kg-1), MSWC 2 (3104 ± 418 MPs kg-1), and Sludge 2 (2024 ± 562 MPs kg-1). The soil sample had the lowest concentration of 232 ± 62 MPs kg-1. Statistical analyses (Kruskal Wallis and Dunn’s multiple comparisons) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in microplastic concentrations among the samples. The composition of microplastic polymers varied among the samples. The soil sample predominantly contained cellophane (91.67 %) and polyvinyl propionate (8.33 %). MSWC 1 contained urethane alkyd (31.11 %), polyethylene (26.67 %), and polyester (20 %), while MSWC 2 had polyethylene (24.10 %), polyester (20.48 %), cellophane (18.07 %), and polypropylene (15.66 %). Sludge 1 was dominated by polyethylene (35.29 %), polypropylene (30.25 %), cellophane (15.13 %), and urethane alkyd (11.76 %), whereas Sludge 2 mainly contained polyester (42.86 %), cellophane (23.21 %), urethane alkyd (21.43 %), and polyethylene (12.50 %). Microplastics were prevalent in the MSWC and sewage sludge which were obtained from the GAMA, with significantly higher concentrations than those in the soil samples. Further research is needed to develop strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution in OSAs to improve soil health.

Development of High-Quality Organic Fertilizer from Biomass Waste and the Application of Biochar in Local Areas of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand

This study investigates the production of high-quality organic fertilizers from biomass waste in the Ban Wa Yai community of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices amidst challenges such as soil degradation and reliance on chemical fertilizers. The primary objective was to develop organic fertilizers that enhance soil health and support plant growth while utilizing locally sourced biomass materials, including cow and buffalo manure, finely ground fermented leaf scraps, and weed debris. A fermentation process lasting 15 to 30 days was used, integrating biochar to improve nutrient profiles and microbial activity. Results showed optimal pH levels of 8.04 after 15 days and 7.94 after 30 days of fermentation, beneficial for addressing the region’s acidic soil conditions (pH 4.67 - 5.38). The germination index (GI) was notably high at 129 ± 1.86 after 30 days, indicating effective growth promotion potential. Analytical assessments confirmed nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in the organic fertilizers met or exceeded organic standards, supporting plant nutrition and fostering healthy microbial ecosystems. The organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) content were approximately 40 - 60 % higher than commercial alternatives, enhancing soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Additionally, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels improved the nutrient profile, with Ca slightly exceeding standard limits, which helps ameliorate soil acidity. Economic analysis indicated a 40 % reduction in fertilizer costs for local farmers, promoting a shift towards organic practices. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and the sufficiency economy philosophy in fostering sustainable agriculture practices within the Ban Wa Yai community. By utilizing local resources and transitioning from chemical fertilizers to high-quality organic fertilizers, the community enhances agricultural productivity while promoting economic independence and resilience. Such initiatives exemplify the potential for integrating traditional practices with modern agricultural methods to ensure a sustainable future. HIGHLIGHTS The study developed high-quality organic fertilizers from local biomass waste, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Ban Wa Yai community. Fermentation resulted in optimal pH and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), surpassing commercial fertilizer standards and improving soil health. Transitioning to organic fertilizers led to a 40 % cost reduction for farmers, promoting self-reliance and aligning with the sufficiency economy philosophy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Soil Fertility Management Practices of Smallholder Farming Communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study assessed soil fertility management practices among smallholder farming communities in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 150 respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, capturing information on socioeconomic characteristics, soil fertility practices, and challenges. The results showed that 93.33% of respondents in Lafia LGA and 96.67% in Obi LGA practiced soil conservation methods, with the most common techniques being cover cropping, used by 86.67% of farmers in Obi, and organic manure application, adopted by 100% of respondents in Akwanga, Doma, and Nassarawa Eggon LGAs. Chemical fertilizer usage was relatively lower, ranging from 6.67% in Obi to 50% in Lafia. Major challenges faced by farmers included inadequate knowledge of soil management, identified by 100% of respondents in Akwanga, and high fertilizer costs, reported by 70% of respondents in Lafia and Obi LGAs. Education played a significant role in adopting soil fertility practices, as respondents with tertiary education were more likely to employ modern techniques like conservation tillage and agroforestry. Despite these practices, limited access to organic materials and technical knowledge hindered broader adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The study highlighted the need for tailored interventions, such as farmer education and capacity building, to improve soil health and agricultural productivity. These findings provided a foundation for developing policies that promote sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term food security in Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.

Phosphorus in Balance: Evaluating the Costs and Benefits of a Circular Economy Approach

This paper presents a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of producing alternative phosphorus (P) fertilizers from recycled water treatment residuals (Fe-WTR) and cowshed effluents. The cost-benefit values of Fe-WTR are compared to the net costs of recycling P using a synthetic adsorbent (commonly used practice-layered double hydroxide, P-LDH) and the costs of commercial fertilizers. Dairy wastewater is used as a source of P. The cost of 1 ton P using the Fe-WTR process is €329. In contrast, synthetic adsorbents (P-LDH) incur significantly higher costs, amounting to €3329 per ton, underscoring the economic advantage of utilizing waste-derived materials. Adopting Fe-WTR fertilizer not only offers substantial cost savings by avoiding landfill fees (€40 per ton) and wastewater discharge fines (€500 per ton) but also reduces environmental impacts when compared to the use of commercial P fertilizers (non-recycled P). The Fe-WTR method mitigates eutrophication and pollution, presenting the dual benefit of cost-effectiveness and environmental protection, which exceeds the common P recycling practice (LDH). Our conclusions are based on production processes in Israel and compared to previous cost estimations at the world level, assessing the potential gain from such circular production of P globally. Recycling P from waste streams can be economically viable and environmentally preferable at small and large economic scales, supporting global sustainability goals.

Evaluation of Alley-cropping Agroforestry System and Conventional System of Agriculture on the Productivity of Cabbage (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Brassica oleracea &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) in Dschang, West Region of Cameroon

Cabbage is one of the main vegetable crops grown in Cameroon. However, production is limited by rising prices and the scarcity of chemical fertilisers on the market. The rise in cost of fertilizers leaves some farmers reluctant to use fertilisers and as a result leads to lower yields, hence, low crop profitability. The aim of this study was to compare the two systems of agriculture; agroforestry system with the conventional system on the growth of cabbage (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Brassica oleracea&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.). Research plots were established on the campus of the University of Dschang, in the West Region of Cameroon. The comparisons were made on the basis of productivity, pest abundance and economic profitability. Data on yield and pest susceptibility variables were collected during the field trials. It was realised that the slug (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Deroceras reticulatum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) population was higher in the agroforestry system (4.62±2.41 slugs) than in the conventional system (1.03±0.55 slugs). The aphid population (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Brevicoryne brassicae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) was higher in the conventional cropping system (25.31±38.94 aphids) compared with the alley-cropping agroforestry system (0.71±0.62 aphids). Productivity variables showed that cabbage yield did not vary between the two production methods. It was 66.08 t/ha and 66.76 t/ha respectively for the agroforestry system and the conventional system. The economic analysis showed that the agroforestry system was more profitable than the conventional system. Thus, growing cabbage in an agroforestry system is an ecological and profitable strategy for agriculture that is more resilient to climatic variations.

Phase-dependent photo-assisted electrocatalytic conversion of nitrate to ammonia using TiO2: Insights into amorphous and rutile activity

The rise in nitrogen-containing compounds in water sources due to modern agricultural practices has intensified the need to effectively convert nitrate to ammonia, a valuable fertiliser and fuel. We developed a photo-assisted electrocatalytic system using a NiO/Au plasmon/TiO2 composite to selectively reduce nitrate to ammonia under visible light, at neutral pH, and at room temperature. TiO2 was found to be the active catalyst, but the precise active structure responsible for each catalytic step remains unclear, as the reaction involves a complex, multistep process. By analyzing the catalytic activity of different TiO2 phases, we found that amorphous TiO2 significantly enhances the nitrate-to-nitrite reduction step, increasing nitrite concentration in solution by nearly 50 % and resulting in a 10 % increase in Faradaic efficiency for this product. Conversely, the rutile phase plays a crucial role in the subsequent conversion of nitrite to ammonia. When the rutile phase was present, the ammonia yield more than doubled, leading to a 30 % increase in Faradaic efficiency. This phase-dependent behaviour provides critical insights into improving nitrate reduction efficiency, enabling sustainable agricultural practices that recycle nutrients, reduce fertiliser costs, and promote economic sustainability.