Different Types Of Fertilizers Research Articles

Effect of Fertilization on the Severity of Attack by the Defoliator Caterpillar (Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859) and on the Yield of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, Lam. moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, 1785)

Purpose: Moringa, which is increasingly grown pure in semi-intensive and intensive systems, requires adequate fertilization to produce well. In some cases, this operation can inhibit the development of its bioaggressors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different types of fertilization on the defoliator caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) and moringa production. Methodology: The trial was conducted on the Kalapaté experimental station belonging to the Institut ational de la recherche agronomique du Niger over two seasons. The experimental design was a split-plot with 4 replications in which the main plots were represented by fertilizer types (NPK, cattle, poultry and compost). The elementary plots were made up of fertilizer doses (0, 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 kg/ha for organic fertilizers, and 0, 3, 6 and 9 g/package for NPK). The severity of the caterpillar attack and moringa yield were recorded. Findings: The results showed that NPK acted faster than other fertilizers in reducing the severity of attack by N. blitealis. The reduction rate was 28.40% in the first season compared with cattle manure, which is the most attacked. In the second season, compost had a similar effect to NPK. Both reduced this parameter by over 45% each compare to cattle and poultry manure. Their action consequently increased moringa yield compared with cattle manure and poultry droppings. Also, a negative linear relationship was noted between manure dose and severity of attack, while the dose-yield relationship was of the second-degree polynomial type. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Compost can therefore be used to minimize attacks by Noorda blitealis and can enable sustainable production without any risk of toxicity from synthetic pesticides. In view of these results, moringa growers must compost cattle and poultry manure, and all other organic sources of fertilization, before any application.

Contrasting fertilization and phenological stages shape microbial-mediated phosphorus cycling in a maize agroecosystem

Phosphorus (P) is essential for plants but often limited in soils, with microbes playing a key role in its cycling. P deficiency in crops can be mitigated by applying by-products like sludge and struvite to enhance yield and sustainability. Here, we evaluated the contribution of four different types of fertilizers: i) conventional NPK; ii) sludge; iii) struvite; and iv) struvite+sludge in a semiarid maize plantation to the availability of P and the responses of the soil microbiome. We investigated the effects of these treatments on the relative abundance of bacterial and archaeal genes and proteins related to organic P mineralization, inorganic P solubilization, and the P starvation response regulation through a multi-omic approach. Moreover, we explored the impact of maize phenology by collecting samples at germination and flowering stages. Our findings suggest that the phenological stage has a notable impact on the abundance of P cycle genes within bacterial and archaeal communities, particularly regarding the solubilization of inorganic P. Furthermore, significant variations were observed in the relative abundance of genes associated with different P cycles in response to various fertilizer treatments. Sludge and struvite application improved P availability, which was related to an increase in the relative abundance of Sphingomonas (Proteobacteria) and Luteitalea (Acidobacteria) respectively, and genes related to inorganic P solubilization. Furthermore, we observed a substantial taxonomic clustering of functional processes associated with the P cycle. Among the dominant bacterial populations containing P-related genes, those microbes possessing genes linked to the solubilization of inorganic P typically did not harbor genes associated with the mineralization of organic P. This phenomenon was particularly evident among members of Actinobacteria. Overall, we reveal important shifts in bacterial and archaeal communities and associated molecular processes, stressing the intricate interplay between fertilization, phenology, and P cycling in agroecosystems.

Nutrient regime and balance of nutrients in soil under forage crops under application of different types of fertilizers (on the example of Kyzylorda region)

Modern agriculture is facing a number of challenges, among which the efficient use of fertilisers to provide plants with the necessary nutrients is of particular importance. In particular, the growing focus on sustainable agriculture and the need to preserve soil resources underline the relevance of research into optimising fertiliser use. The purpose of the study was to identify effective methods of fertiliser use to provide plants with nutrients. To achieve this goal, the effectiveness of green manure, organic (manure) and mineral fertilisers under Sorghum and perennial grasses (Medicago sativa, Elytrigia, Agropyron) on saline soil was investigated. The study founded that organic fertilisers, such as manure and green manure, contribute to a more even supply of nutrients to plants compared to mineral fertilisers. This is particularly important in the context of nitrogen and phosphorus balance, where Medicago sativa has a positive nitrogen balance due to its ability to symbiotically fix nitrogen. Other crops studied, such as Elytrigia, Agropyron and Sorghum, showed a negative nitrogen balance on the control variant, but the application of N100P50K110 mineral fertiliser resulted in a positive nitrogen balance. The replacement of mineral fertilisers with organic fertilisers such as manure and green manure increased nitrogen inputs but also increased nitrogen removal from the soil due to the increase in phytomass yields. The results of the study confirmed the importance of transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of production in agriculture, which will ensure the development of the industry and increase its competitiveness in the international market. The practical significance of the study is to provide farmers with the opportunity to increase the yield of their crops and at the same time preserve soil fertility through the optimal use of nutrients contained in fertilisers

Potential Antagonists Trichoderma viride as Biofungicide, Plant Spacing, and Agricultural Lime Application to Suppress Anthracnose on Chili

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici and C. gloesporium on chili is a disease that can reduce chili yields up to 80%. Control with fungicide has not been able to provide maximum results, because Colletotrichum can spread due to splashing of water, especially in the rainy season. The use of antagonistic fungi against Colletotrichum spp. has been widely published but is still limited to the laboratory and greenhouse scale, while field conditions are unpredictable. This study aims to identify the potency of Trichoderma viride that can be used as a biofungicide to control anthracnose in chili and to determine aspects of agronomic that can reduce the risk of anthracnose in chili. Samples of infected plants of stems, leaves, and fruits were collected from experimental farm of Bogor Agricultural Development Polytechnic. The experiment was conducted using Randomized Complete Design and Randomized Complete Block Design. The percentage of disease intensity of the fungus C capsici and the intensity of anthracnose in chili both under screen house and open fields. While testing the effect of cultivation aspects using different types of fertilizer on plant height, fruit weight, number of fruits, and the percentage of disease intensity of Colletotrichum spp. were analyzed. The results of this study shown that four isolates of fungi have been identified such as Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, T. viride, and C. capsici. In vitro analysis shown the ability of T. viride to suppress the growth of the C. capsici up to 71%. The fungus T. viride with a density of 7×106 CFU/mL can suppress the development of anthracnose by 59 to 87% under screen house conditions. However, under field conditions, the fungus T. viride was not able to suppress the development of anthracnose. Agronomic aspects such as plant height, number of fruits and production, and productivity of chili were not significantly effect on anthracnose.

Performance of organic manures alone or combined with chemical fertilizers in increasing growth, yield, and nutritional quality of potatoes in the Eastern part of Türkiye

This study aimed to determine the effects of different types of fertilizers (organic and inorganic fertilizers) on plant growth, yield, and yield components of potatoes grown in the high-altitude plateau of eastern Türkiye in 2017 and 2019. In the experiment, single or combined doses of nitrogen (N; as ammonium sulfate) and phosphorus (P; as triple super phosphate) as inorganic fertilizers and leonardite (L) and vermicompost (V) fertilizers as organic fertilizers were used. In both years, different fertilizer treatments significantly affected plant growth, yield, and yield components. Tuber yield per hill (941.0 g), marketable tuber yield (32.71 t ha−1), total tuber yield (37.84 t ha−1), specific gravity (1. 077 g cm−3), chip productivity (35.9%), starch (13.03%) and protein (11.0%) ratios increased when N fertilizer was used in combination with vermicompost or leonardite. N fertilizer combined with V or L fertilizer increased tuber yield under harsh continental climates, short growth periods, and high altitudes.

Avoy-Insurance Responses in Nursery and After Transplanting of the Other Planting of Acacia Nilotica (L.) Wild. exDelile Subject to Different Types of Fertilization in the Sahelian Area of Cameroon

Avoy-Insurance Responses in Nursery and After Transplanting of the Other Planting of Acacia Nilotica (L.) Wild. exDelile Subject to Different Types of Fertilization in the Sahelian Area of Cameroon

Interactive effects of environmental factors and fertilization practices on soil nitrate leaching and tea productivity in Tianmu Lake Basin, China

Although the effects of fertilization practices and environmental factors on tea yield and NO3−–N leaching have been acknowledged, the interactive effects of these influencing factors remain unknown. These effects were investigated in this study using the denitrification–decomposition (DNDC) model, which was validated using field data collected from a typical tea garden hillslope in the Tianmu Lake Basin, China. Environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation intensity, slope, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and fertilization practices (fertilizer amount and type) were combined to construct 1080 scenarios. The results revealed that DNDC achieved acceptable performance in simulating NO3−–N leaching under the application of a compound fertilizer (CF) and a slow-release fertilizer (SF). During the calibration period, the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values were 0.48 and 0.24. During the validation period, the NSE values were 0.71 and 0.67. Scenario analysis indicated that precipitation intensity (p < 0.001), saturated soil hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) (p < 0.001), fertilizer amount (p < 0.001), and fertilizer type (p < 0.001) significantly influenced the leaching flux of NO3−–N and tea yield. The interactive effects of different factors also varied across the different types of fertilizers. The amount of fertilizer had the most significant impact on NO3−–N leaching, with relative contribution rates of 70% and 53% for compound and SFs, respectively. As CF application increased, there was a significant increase (93%) in the average flux, whereas SF application resulted in an increase of only 76%. The highest contribution rate in terms of tea yield was observed for the amount of fertilizer under CF application at 44%. However, the highest contribution rate under SF application was attributed to Ksat at 51%. The application of SFs resulted in a higher yield improvement rate than that of CFs as the fertilizer amount increased, with respective rates of 15% and 8%. Additionally, environmental factors, excluding temperature, exerted opposite effects on tea production and NO3−–N leaching flux. These findings contribute to optimizing fertilization management in tea plantations by integrating multiple environmental factors to control nonpoint nitrogen loss. Future research should conduct long-term monitoring of tea garden yield and nitrogen loss to accurately assess the impact of SF application on the ecological and economic benefits of tea gardens.

Effects of fertilizer application on the growth of Stranvaesia davidiana D. seedlings.

Wild plants represent a potential source of urban landscape trees. Stranvaesia davidiana Dcne. is a member of the Stranvaesia Lindl. Genus, which belongs to family Rosaceae Juss. It has great ornamental value. It can contribute to urban color foliage and fruit species. However, the most effective fertilizer application strategy required for its cultivation is unknown. Therefore, we conducted an orthogonal experiment to investigate the fertilizer type and level (pure nitrogen) using ten experimental groups, including an untreated control group. Pot experiments were used to determine the growth indices of seedlings, including plant height, basal diameter, and chlorophyll content post-fertilizer treatment. This study explored the most appropriate fertiler application model for the growth of S. davidiana seedlings. The results revealed that enhanced seedling growth depended on the type and amount of fertilizer used, and their interaction. Fertilizer application increased the plant height by 2.67 cm to 12.26 cm, basal diameter by 0.39 cm to 0.75 cm, and chlorophyll content by 5.66 to 19.86. Among the different types of fertilizer, organic fertilizer increased the plant height by 0.42 cm to 9.59 cm and basal diameter by 0.01 cm to 0.05 cm, compared with the control group. Organic fertilizer had the maximum effect on seedling growth, especially at medium levels. The total growth of basal diameter and chlorophyll content was 1.58 ± 0.04 cm and 39.53 ± 2.37, respectively. Basal diameter is the most critical index in seedling reproduction . The study results suggest that the application of 4.06 g of organic fertilizer per plant was the most effective, and served as a basis for further field trials.

THE INFLUENCE OF FERTILIZER TYPE AND Trichoderma harzianum INOCULATION ON THE GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF YOUNG PLANTS OF Cordia americana

In this study, we sought to determine the influence of combined treatments with different types of fertilizer and inoculation of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum on the growth and physiological characteristics of young plants of Cordia americana. To this end, we adopted a completely randomized experimental design, comprising six replications in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, to assess the effects of five different types of fertilizer applied with or without T. harzianum inoculation. At 180 days post-planting, we performed measurements of plant height, stem diameter, leaf dry mass, root dry mass, stem dry mass, total dry mass, leaf area, Falker’s chlorophyll index, and chlorophyll fluorescence. It was found that the combined application of T. harzianum and a controlled-release fertilizer or manure-based organominerals was effective in enhancing the growth of C. americana plants under conditions similar to those in the field. The use of controlled-release fertilizer as a base fertilization was found to have a positive influence on all evaluated variables and was effective in maximizing the initial development of C. americana plants. Granulated fertilizers derived from swine manure were established to promote plant growth and photosynthetic efficiency, thereby confirming their efficacy as a fertilizer for the cultivation of C. americana.

Iceberg lettuce cultivated in different systems of planting and sources of fertilizer.

Organic fertilization is a cheaper and highly effective option for profitability and consequent improvement of the soil's physical, chemical, and biological structure. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate different types of fertilization: organic (poultry shed litter), mineral, and leaf path on yield parameters of lettuce grown in various types of planting. The treatments consisted of using two planting systems (P1 - Line and P2 - quincunxes) and mineral and organic fertilizers (A1 - mineral fertilization; A2 - mineral fertilization + leaf fertilization; A3 - organic fertilization with poultry shed litter and A4 - fertilization organic + mineral). The experimental units consisted of 36 and 52 plants, respectively, for treatments P1 and P2, and all central plants of the experimental unit were evaluated. Heart height, fresh mass, and leaf number were observed. The mineral and mineral + leaf treatments did not differentiate, either in line or in quincunxes. The treatment that stood out about the analyzed variables was the organic fertilization and quincunxes planting system, reflecting a more significant number of lettuce plants and better use of the area.

The use of photosynthetic pigments and SPAD can help in the selection of bean genotypes under fertilization organic and mineral

The common bean is cultivated in all regions of the country, representing a product of great economic and social importance. In order to ensure food security in the world, it is necessary to create alternatives to reduce the dependence on fertilizers and seeds, and in this context, organic agriculture is a sustainable alternative to ensure it. Therefore, it becomes necessary to adapt rapid methods to monitor plant nutrition in real-time. The reflectance index determined by SPAD and pigment determination can be a sustainable alternative to identify genotypes in different fertilizations (organic × mineral fertilizer). The research hypothesis is to monitor nutritional management through pigment levels and reflectance index in common bean cultivars and their adaptation into different types of fertilization (organic × mineral fertilizer). Therefore, the objective of the research was to evaluate the common bean genotypes of the type carioca, in different fertilizations (organic × mineral fertilizer), and their effects on photosynthetic pigments, and the relationship between SPAD reflectance index and productivity. The experimental design used was a 2 × 7 factorial in randomized blocks with four replications: The first factor was the fertilization (organic × mineral fertilizer)and the second were the 7 genotypes (UFU-1; UFU-2; UFU-3; UFU-4; UFU-5; UFU-6 UFU-7), with UFU-1 being a hybrid obtained between genotypes UFU-4 and UFU-7; UFU-2 and UFU-3 were commercial genotypes; and UFU-4, UFU-5, UFU-6 and UFU-7 were genotypes from the UFU germplasm bank, located in the city of Monte Carmelo, Brazil. Evaluations were carried out for the agronomic characteristics of the plants, which were: height, number of branches, length and volume of roots, dry matter, leaf area index, number of flowers, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and productivity of the genotypes. The results were compared with chlorophyll content and SPAD reflectance index, and the genotypes showed distinct behavior for each fertilization (organic × mineral fertilizer). The genotypes recommended for the organic fertilizer were UFU-2, UFU-6, and UFU-7, which showed higher productivity. For themineral fertilizer, the best-adapted genotype was UFU-4, with a higher productive yield. In conclusion, we can affirm that the highest chlorophyll and SPAD indices can help select common bean genotypes with higher productivity and adaptation within the organic fertilizer being this the main focus of this research. However, the other variables carried out during this research also demonstrated to have significant effects, so they could be analyzed individually and could offer valuable information in the selection of the best-adapted genotypes.

Yield and energy efficiency in winter wheat agrocenosis under different fertilization systems in the conditions of the northern part of the Forest-Steppe

The influence of different types of fertilizers on the yield and energy efficiency of winter wheat cultivation was evaluated. It was found that the highest productivity was obtained under the organic-mineral fertilizer system, which involves the combined use of 12 t/ha of cattle bedding manure and mineral fertilizers in a dose of N100Р60К100, applied against the background of two-time fertilization with complex chelated fertilizers at a dose of 2 l/ha, where the yield was 5.67 t/ha, and when applying a double mineral dose (N100Р60К100) and a triple dose (N150Р90К150) – 5.76 and 6.00 t/ha respectively, which in terms of yield growth was lower than the NIR05 values. The combined use of litter manure and mineral fertilizers resulted in a synergistic effect, as winter wheat grain yields were 15–20 % lower when mineral and organic fertilizers were applied separately than when they were applied together. Increasing NPK doses by 1.5 times to N150P90K150 compared to N100P60K100 did not compensate for the lack of manure. Under the organic fertilizer system, the grain yield was the highest when OMBF was applied at a dose of 2 t/ha against a background of pea straw 3 t/ha, which amounted to 5.18 t/ha with an increase of 41 %, compared to the control (straw). The highest levels of energy efficiency were determined for the application of organic-mineral fertilizer of the organic brand in doses of 1 and 2 t/ha (5.4 and 5.3) and OMBF brand 4-4-4 in a dose of 1 t/ha (5.2). Under the organic-mineral system of fertilizing application of N50P30K50 and N100P60K100 at the background of 12 t/ha of manure established the index of energy efficiency at the level of 3.4 and 3.7 units, respectively. Application of cattle manure at a dose of 12 t/ha did not provide a significant difference in crop energy, compared to the variant 6 t/ ha – 75755 and 73305 MJ/ha respectively, but due to increased energy inputs in production and application of more manure Kee was 3.9 and 4.6 respectively. Key words: cattle manure, fertilizers, OMBF, yield, mineral fertilizers, by-products, fertilizer system, energy efficiency.

Harmful Impact of Synthetic Fertilizers on Growing Agriculture and Environment

Soil provides essential environmental benefits for life as well as crucial for nutrition and survival of plants. Management of soil health is a critical practice for the preservation of biodiversity and to ensure long-term agricultural production. Scientific management of soil health is an important step for ecosystem sustainability. Some of the important factors like physicochemical and biological parameters that influence soil health. Fertilizers are heavily used in modern farming practices to control unavoidable challenges being faced in Agriculture. Nonetheless, they remain critical tools for global food safety. Sustainable agriculture practices have been used on a global scale by reducing the negative consequences of chemical fertilizers because they drop in soil organic content as well as decline soil quality. They also harden soil, reducing soil fertility, depleting vital soil mineral nutrients, polluting air, water and soil all of which poses serious environmental hazard. Microbial activity in the cropping system has become low due to the application of chemical fertilizers alone. Regular application of chemical fertilizers can alter soil pH, increase resistance in pests, acidification of soil crust resulting in decreased organic matter and stunted plant growth. Hence, Long-term persistence of chemical fertilizers in the soil harms the biodiversity of soil. Present review paper deals with functioning and role of mineral elements in plant growth and development. Various types of organic and synthetic fertilizers are involved in fulfillment of basic needs of plants. Soil with poor nutrient content needs different types of fertilizers for regulation of physiochemical cycle of plants. The literature reviewed information suggested that our agriculture sector has not been dependent on synthetic fertilizers for plant growth and development i.e., directly linked with the crop productivity at industrial level. Chemicals associated synthetic fertilizers have been harmful for plant health and this will lead to drastic health damaging effect on new generations. In this way we again need to focus on development of natural fertilizers with their environmentally friendly inputs and health promoting activity.

Comparison between Simbio, Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on the Yield and quantitate traits of Wheat Triticum aestivum L. on Nutrient Balance

The study involves a field experiment that will be conducted at the Ankawa field Directorate of Agricultural Research - Erbil in the growing season of 2021–2022, 10 km to the north of Erbil City (36.2463 N, 43.9931 E, and 420 m above mean sea level). To investigate the effect of three different types of fertilizers (simbio, organic, and chemical) with three different concentration levels (B0 B1 B2, O0 O1 O2, and C0 C1 C2) with three replications. The field experiment consists of 81 plots (27 * 3) using factorial split plot design. The wheat yield ranged from (3.02-5.56 Mg ha-1) the highest yield was in the plot (B2O2C2) and the lowest was in the plot (B0O0C0), moreover, the weight of 1000 gm ranged from (33.48-39.11), the highest and the lowest was the same as the yield plots. The concentration of NPK in the flag leaf of wheat ranged from (2.91-3.99 mg kg-1), (0.11-0.14 mg kg-1), and (1.62-1.82 mg kg-1) respectively.

Evaluation of the effect of chemical fertilization and some natural extracts on the production of freesia (Freesia refracta L.) plants: a sustainable approach

Effects of different types of fertilizers; traditional NPK (1 g plant−1), 2, 4, 6 and 8 gm L−1 of moringa leaves extract (MLE), 10, 20, 40 and 60 mL L−1 of aloe leaves extract (AL) on vegetative growth, flowering Corms production and chemical constituents of Freesia refracta L. were evaluated during two successive seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). Treating plants with MLE caused increases in plant height, number if leaves and number of flowers by 35.2%, 8.2% and 16.3%, respectively, while treating plants with Al caused increases by 33.2%, 7.9% and 15.4% in the same parameters, respectively, averaged between different concentrations and growth seasons. The results revealed that, treating plants with 8 gm L−1 MLE caused a significant increase in the vegetative growth, flowering, and corms production. These improvement fits with the many goals of the 17 United Nation Sustainable Goals (UNSDGs); especially SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action) and SDG15 (Life on land). Moreover, the chemical composition of plant was improved significantly.

Dynamics of Nutrient Availability of Inorganic Fertilizers in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Nursery

Inorganic fertilizers that are applied take a certain time to be available in the soil. The application distance between types of fertilizers is needed with the aim of reducing antagonistic properties, both antagonistic properties between nutrients and between types of fertilizers so as to increase the effectiveness of fertilizer absorption. The purpose of this research study the pattern of nutrient release and the interaction of several chemical fertilizers at the oil palm nursery stage. This research was divided into 2 stages, namely the preliminary stage to determine the optimum dose of each type of fertilizer and the stage of testing the antagonism of 2 different types of fertilizers from 5 types of fertilizers, namely Urea (N), Rock Phosphate (P), MOP (K), Kieserite (K), and HGFB (B). The experimental design used a non-factorial Randomized Block Design, with 45 treatments and 4 replications. The results showed that the optimum doses of the three leaf nutrients were obtained at 40 g/seed for RP, 45 g/seed for K, and 50 g/seed for Borate. The optimum nutrients for N and K fertilizers have not been obtained, so the highest dose from the test level is used, which is 80 g/seed respectively. The results of statistical analysis show the ideal distance of application time between RP and MOP fertilizers, RP with Kieserite, RP with HGFB, MOP with Kieserite.

Research on the effect of different types of fertilization on the maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize is the cereal crop with the greatest productive potential and production in the world. A field research experiment was conducted in the field settings of the Department of "Plant Production" at the Technical University of Varna, to evaluate the effect of foliar fertilizers on the productivity and quality of Dekalb maize hybrids. Four fertilizer variants were examined and the following biometric parameters were assessed: grain yield, weight per 1000 grains, length of cob, number of rows in cob, number of grains in cob, number of grains per row, weight of grain in cob and weight of the cob. A biochemical analysis of the maize grain was performed and the content of protein, starch and fat was determined. It was established that the combined pairing of soil and foliar fertilization leads to increased productivity and enhanced biometric parameters under study, with the highest values ​​being obtained in the variant ammonium nitrate (rate of 12 kg/dа) + 250 ml/dа NPK 2.5 SO3 with composition 3.0 N: 1.5 P: 10 K: 2.5 SO3 + 250 ml/da SO3 10% Zn, 3% N (sulfides with zinc and nitrogen). It was also ascertained, through the use of the same combination, that the maize hybrids under examination contain the highest amount of protein. Provided, from the findings of the experiment, is a conclusive evidence, that the combination of sowing soil fertilization with ammonium nitrate (rate of 12 kg/da) and two foliar fertilizers (rate of 250 ml/da) – NPK 2.5 SO3 + SO3, 10% Zn, 3% N improved the productivity and quality of the investigated Dekalb maize hybrids.

THE EFFECT OF AN INNOVATIVE FERTILIZER OF DIGESTATE AND WOOD ASH MIXTURES ON WINTER GARLIC PRODUCTIVITY

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widespread crop in vegetable production. The popularity of garlic is due to its bactericidal and antioxidant properties. Digestate and wood ash are the by-products of cogeneration plants. The digestate is rich in nutrients, can provide a large part of the nutrients needed by the plant during the growing season, as well as improves the soil structure. Wood ash contains small amounts of phosphorus and potassium and is strongly alkaline (pH 8–12) due to the oxides in its composition, mostly calcium carbonate. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of fertilizer rates of the digestate and wood ash mixtures on winter garlic productivity and harvest quality. Field trials with the winter garlic variety 'Lubaša' were established in sod clay, loamy soil. In the garlic plantation, different variants of fertilizer mixtures were used – they contained pig or cattle manure or plant residue digestate, and wood ash. The ratio of digestate and wood ash in the mixtures was 3:1; fertilizer rates for winter garlic were 15 and 30 t ha-1. In the study, the different types of fertilizers showed different effects on the yield and quality of winter garlic.

Productivity of giant miscanthus plantations depending on the applied elements of cultivation technology in the conditions of the Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To improve the technology of caring for giant miscanthus plantations, starting from the second year of the crop vegetation, and to establish the peculiarities of the formation of biomass yield with the use of different types of fertilizers. Methods. The research was carried out in the years 2020–2021 in the conditions of the Bila Tserkva Experimental and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences located in the zone of unstable moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The design of the experiment involved the application of mineral fertilisers (ammonium nitrate N24 kg/ha a. i., ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate N24 + S6 kg/ha a. i.) in row in the spring, foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha, Humifield VR-18, 0.4 l/ha), and complex fertiliser with amino acids (Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha). Mineral fertilizers were applied locally in row before the emergence of miscanthus seedlings. Split foliar application of humates and amino acids was carried out in the five-leaf stage and two weeks later. Results. Productivity of miscanthus plants differed significantly over growing seasons, while the main regularities of the influence of the investigated elements of plantation care technology on the productivity formation were maintained. In the second year of vegetation (2020), each plant formed from 18 to 37 shoots and in the third year from 37 to 50 shoots. Four-year-old plants had 28–50 shoots each. The yield of raw biomass at the end of the growing season in 2020 varied from 14.5 to 43.5 t/ha. Compared to 2020, in 2021 the biomass yield increased 1.5–2 times – up to 31.0–74.6 t/ha. According to the experiment, the average yield of biomass for the fourth year of the growing was 17% lower compared to the respective indicators of 2021 and varied according to the experiment treatments from 25.3 to 67.1 t/ha. The yield of dry matter varied from 9.78 to 28.30 t/ha in 2020, from 17.50 to 37.85 t/ha in 2021, and from 12.11 to 32.46 t/ha in 2022. The estimated energy output from miscanthus biomass, depending on the influence of the experimental factors, was 174.8–509.6 GJ/ha in 2020, 315.5–683.2 GJ/ha in 2021, and in 2022 – 219.0–587.3 GJ/ha. Conclusions. The minimum values of all studied productivity indicators of miscanthus were obtained in the control treatment of the experiment. Application of ammonium nitrate (N24) and ammonium nitrate with ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6) in spring contributed to a significant increase in the number of shoots per plant, as well as biomass yield and estimated energy yield per hectare. Similarly, significant increase in all indicators of productivity was ensured by foliar application of humates (Humifield BP-18, 0.4 l/ha and Vermisol, 8,0 l/ha). In general, over the years of research, the maximum indicators of the number of shoots per plant, the yield of biomass and the estimated energy output from biomass were obtained under the combined application of mineral fertilisers [ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6)] with two-time foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha or Humifield VR-18, 0.4 l/ha) and complex fertiliser Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha.

Energy efficiency and energy saving by Indian fertilizer plants: Role of feedstock and ownership

Fertilizer is one of the energy intensive core industries of India. Among the different types of fertilizers produced in India, nitrogenous fertilizers like urea are most energy consuming. Out of natural gas, naphtha, mixed feedstock, or FO/LSHS used as feedstock for production, natural gas is the cleanest feedstock. This paper calculates energy efficiency scores for 26 urea plants for a sample period of 2007–2018. These are plants that were selected for implementation of PAT-I because their energy consumption was higher than a given threshold. The scores are compared on the basis of feedstock used and the ownership of the plants. Finally, energy saving potential is estimated. Results show that efficiency scores are the highest for private owned natural gas based plants and the lowest for government owned non natural gas based plants. The gap between actual energy consumption and target consumption based on the BCC scores is the highest for government owned plants using FO/LSHS feedstock. Future policies should focus on these plants so that they can get closer to the efficiency frontier.