Dose Of NPK Research Articles

Improvement of growth and yield of several varieties of soybean following paddy rice using Rhizobium biofertilizer with reduced NPK doses

In paddy fields, soybean is generally planted following harvest of paddy rice crops, and the average yield achieved by farmers is still low. This study aimed to examine the effect of applying Rhizobium biofertilizer with reduced NPK fertilizer dose on growth and yield of soybean grown following flooded rice crop. The experiment, conducted on farmers’ paddy fields in East Lombok (Indonesia) from August to November 2020 was arranged according to Randomized Block Design, with two treatment factors, namely soybean varieties (Anjasmoro, Grobogan, Biosoy-2) and biofertilizers (P0= without biofertilizer, P1= 50% NPK dose + Rhizobium biofertilizer). The results showed that application of Rhizobium biofertilizer did not significantly increase growth and yield of soybean except for weight of 100 grains, but the significant interaction effect on trifoliate number, pod number, unfilled pod number, weight of 100 grains, harvest index, and grain yield indicated that grain yields of Grobogan (2.03 tons/ha) and Biosoy-2 (2.31 tons/ha) were significantly higher with biofertilizer application while that of Anjasmoro variety (2.83 tons/ha) was higher under recommended NPK fertilization doses. It was concluded that the NPK fertilizer dose can be reduced by 50% of the recommended dose if it is accompanied by application of Rhizobium biofertilizer.

Increased yield and quality of corn by inorganic fertilizers and utilization of corn as food to support food security

This research was carried out in two stages, three replications. The first stage was to determine the effectiveness of NPK 26-12-12 fertilizer on the yields and quality of corn. Corn with the best quality obtained from the best treatment of fertilization results at the first stage, was used as raw material in the second stage; namely noodles production. The second stage was to determine the quality of corn noodles. The factors that were used in the first stage were the combination dose of NPK 26-12-12 + urea + KCl which was compared to NPK 15-15-15 + urea + KCl (there are nine treatments). The factors that were used in the second stage was the percentage of corn flour (0; 10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60%). The results of the first research found that the application of NPK fertilizer can increase the vegetative growth of corn plants, the highest yield was in the G treatment which produced a harvest of 6.94 t / ha; R/C ratio 1.56 and RAE 181. The results of the second research found that the addition of corn flour affected the quality of corn noodles. Panelists like noodles with the addition of 30% corn flour.

Combination of recommended macro fertilizers and solid organic fertilizers for sweet corn on medium land in Inceptisol soil types

One of the horticulture products in Indonesia with a large market potential is sweetcorn, which is greatly influenced by the amount of organic matter at the planting site. The study was carried out in the IP2TP BSIP Malang, from March to July 2022. ANOVA was performed for data analysis using a fully randomized design (RBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replicates, and when there were discrepancies in the results, a DMRT analysis was conducted at a 5% level of confidence. This study aimed to ascertain how organic fertilizer affected sweetcorn yield and growth. The findings demonstrated that treatments variable plant height and leaf count had the highest values. The best results for diameter and cob length were obtained in treatment I with a combination of 1,000 kg/ha of organic fertilizer, 750 kg/ha, and 500 kg/ha, which is one recommended dose of NPK plus 500 kg/ha. In comparison to the control treatment, all treatments with the addition of organic fertilizer demonstrated significant improvements in sweet corn production per hectare. The B/C ratio value of 2.86 supports these findings, demonstrating that the maize production per ha is a plant treated with 1 recommended dose of NPK + organic fertilizer at 500 kg/ha.

Respon Waktu Pemangkasan Pucuk Pada Masa Vegetatif dan Dosis NPK 16-16-16 Terhadap Produksi Benih Tanaman Kenikir (Cosmos sulphureus)

Kenikir (Cosmos sulphureus) is a local plant that is often found both in the yard of the house or open land, so it is generally used as an ornamental plant. However, in fact this plant has a myriad of benefits, including as a traditional vegetable which has the effect of increasing appetite, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory stomach; natural dyes, edible flowers, ornamental plants, weed and pest control. Of the many benefits, the kenikir plant is a multipurpose plant, so it is necessary to carry out continuous development and cultivation processes. Unfortunately, this is inversely proportional to the availability of plant material to reproduce plants, namely seeds. Innovations that can be made to increase seed production are pruning techniques and NPK 16-16-16 nutrients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pruning time and application of NPK 16-16-16 nutrients on the seed production of marigolds. This research was conducted for 5 months starting from October 2022 to February 2023 in Tegalwaru, Mayang, Jember Regency. The experimental design was arranged in a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. The first factor was pruning time which consisted of 3 levels (P1: 3 MST, P2: 4 MST, and P3: 5 MST) and the second factor was the dosage of NPK 16-16-16 fertilizer consisting of 3 levels (F1: 10 g, F2: 15 g, and F3: 20 g NPK pearl planting). The results showed that pruning time had a highly significant effect on the number of branches parameter at 5 MST treatment level, and the dose of npk 16-16-16 had a highly significant different effect on the parameter number of fertilized flowers at a dose of 15 grams, and had a significantly different effect on number of branches with a dose of 20 grams.

Process of soil salinization as a function of watermelon mineral fertilization

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is a cucurbitaceous plant of great social and economic importance in Brazil, especially in the north-eastern region. However, anthropic actions through the practice of irrigation, fertigation and fertilization in an inadequate way, have potentiated the salinization of the soil becoming this one of the main factors that limit the production and the quality of the fruits. In this work, the effects of the application of mineral fertilization on the salinization of soil cultivated with watermelon were evaluated. The experiment was performed in the city of Petrolina-PE, with four repetitions, using five treatments: (T0) no fertilization, (T1) NPK fertilization, (T2) average dose of NPK practiced by producers, (T3) maximum dose of NPK from producers having potassium chloride as a source of potassium and (T4) maximum dose of NPK from producers having potassium sulfate as a source of potassium, at two different depths: 0.00 - 0.20 m and 0.20 - 0.60 m. The soil chemical attributes analyzed were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium. The increase in the continuous application of mineral fertilizers raised the electrical conductivity values of the soil to levels prejudicial to the crop.

Morpho-physiological and yield attributes of boro rice varieties as influenced by different nitrogen sources

The present study was carried out at the Research Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka during Boro season, 2021-2022 to discover the best nitrogen source for enhancing Boro rice grain production. The experiment consisted of two factors: A) Three varieties: BRRI dhan29 (V1), BRRI dhan58 (V2), and Heera (V3). B) Four nitrogen sources: no nitrogen (T1), BRRI-recommended prilled urea (T2), recommended dose of mixed NPK (T3), and BARC-recommended USG (T4). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications where main plot was for nitrogen source and subplot was for variety. USG treatment resulted in the highest grain production (8.6 t/ha) and the lowest percentage of spikelet sterility of any nitrogen source tested. Except for harvest index, all of the examined characteristics differed considerably between types. This is mostly due to BRRI dhan29 having the maximum number of full grains (98.8/panicale) and a significantly lower degree of spikelet sterility (7.3%). Among the interaction effects, the combination of the USG application with BRRI dhan29 showed the greatest performance in terms of delivering the maximum grain production (9.3 t/ha) by significantly reducing spikelet sterility. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 10, No. 2, August 2023: 175-182

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The present investigation entitled, “Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)” was carried out at the research farm of School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P.) during spring season 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of conjoint and sole application of organic (FYM and vermicompost) and inorganic fertilizers (urea, SSP and MOP). In terms of soil chemical properties i.e., soil pH (5.6) strongly acidic, organic carbon (0.99%) i.e. high and NPK (260:18:336) kg/ha were maximum observed in treatment T7 (75% RDF of NPK + 12.5% FYM + 12.5% Vermicompost. Out of seven treatments, treatment T7 was recorded best performing for all the traits i.e. days to 50% germination (14.06), leaf area index at 60 DAS (105.32 cm2) and at harvest (130.65 cm2), fresh weight of plant (189.20 g), dry weight of plant (20.03 g), yield per plot (17.45 kg), yield per hectare (290.84q/ha), biological yield (29.47q/ha) and harvest index (59.19%). The maximum gross return (581680 Rs/ha), net return (483209 Rs/ha) and B:C ratio (1:5.9) was also recorded in T7 75% RDF of NPK + 12.5% FYM + 12.5% Vermicompost. Thus, application of optimum doses of NPK along with organic manures was found highly beneficial for plant growth, yield and economics of French bean.

Enhancing Zn and Fe Content in Blackgram Seeds by Adapting Drip Fertigation for Nutritional Security

Aims: To study the influence of Zn and Fe content in black gram seeds by adapting drip fertigation.
 Study Design: Randomized Block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Research block, Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai; March – May 2023.
 Methodology: A Field experiment was conducted with black gram var.VBN 8 under drip irrigation on sandy clay textured soil. The treatments comprised of control measures, seed treatment, soil application, foliar spraying of Zn and Fe, a combination of seed and foliar spraying, and fertigation with ZnSO4 and FeSO4. Fertigation with the 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK was given as water-soluble fertilizer for all treatments. A field-based study was executed to explore the impact of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate on the growth, yield, and grain quality of micronutrient uptake was recorded. The economics and Water Use Efficiency of different treatments were also calculated.
 Results: Among the different treatments, the application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1and FeSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 through drip fertigation at 15, 30 & 45 DAS recorded the highest plant growth and yield of black gram and it also enhanced the zinc content 17.72 per cent and iron content 23.82 per cent in black gram seeds compared to the control seeds.
 Conclusion: Drip fertigation of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate improved grain quality, and it was also used to alleviate malnutrition in humans.

Effect of NPK Dose (16:16:16) on Growth and Yield of Cayenne Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Tasikmalaya

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is one type of chili that has high demand in Tasikmalaya. To fulfill the consumption, cayenne pepper production is needed to be added. This study helps to determine the best dose of NPK fertilizer that can support the growth yield of cayenne pepper, especially in Tasikmalaya. The research was conducted in experimental field of Agriculture Faculty Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya from November 2022 until February 2023. Experimental design used a randomized block degisn of single factor with six treatments and three replications. The treatments consist of no NPK fertilizer, ( ¼ , ½ , ¾ , 1 and 1 ¼ ) doses of NPK fertilizer. The results showed that NPK fertilizer had an affect on plant hight with 15.6 cm (3 WAP), 20.4 cm (4 WAP), 24,5 (5 WAP), 27,5 (6 WAP) and 29.5 cm (7 WAP). The highest cumulative yield of cayenne pepper from 1st until 3th harvests with fruit weight plant-1 was the 1 dose NPK treatment of 358,08 g plant-1.

The effect of fertilizer on the growth of dwarf banana cavendish (Musa acuminata L.) seedling under the natural shade

Banana is a very important fruit commodity. The demand for bananas is increasing every year but the land for banana development is increasingly limited. Therefore, it is necessary to develop banana as an insert plant. The lack of readily available banana seeds with consistent growth patterns is the primary barrier to the development of bananas. The purpose of this investigation is to find out how the development of banana seedlings is affected by varied concentrations of the NPK nutrient. The research conducted at Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University. The study arranged in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with different dose of NPK as treatment consisting of P0 = without NPK (control), P1 = 50 kg NPK ha−1, P2 = 100 kg NPK ha−1, P3 = 150 kg NPK ha−1 and P4= 200 kg NPK ha−1. The parameter examined are including plant height, leaves number and leaf area. According to the findings, the application of NPK had a discernible impact on the development of banana seedlings, based on the plant height, leaves number and leaf area. The growth of plant seeds is improving as a result of an increase in the amount of NPK that has been administered.

Response of Walkwater Growth to Giving of Fishing Waste-Based POC to Inceptisol

Agricultural land that has low nutrient status can inhibit plant growth, so it is necessary to add nutrients to the soil without causing enviromental damage. The research was aimed to observed growth response of kangkong on combination NPK and level doses of POC fishery wasted on Inceptisol soil.The research was aimed to observed growth response of kangkong on combination NPK and level doses of POC fishery wasted on Inceptisol soil. This research used a split plot design, the main plot consists of: V0 (without used NPK) and V1 (used NPK).Data analysis using variance with the DSAASTAT application. If the variance shows a significant effect, then it is continued with Duncan’s multiple range test (UJBD) at the 95% level of confidence. The results showed application of POC based on fishery wasted added with NPK can provide a good responses to the heigh of the kangkong plant, the number of kangkong leaves, the fresh weight of kangkong roots and leaves, the dry weight of kangkong roots and leaves and the increase in the number of AMF spores in the rhizosphere of kangkong plants. The best responsed influence of the growth of kangkong plants was combination of NPK and 75% POC doses based on fishery wasted. Utilization of processed fishery wasted as POC can be alternative as an enviromentally friendly organic fertilizer in increasing the yield of kangkong plants.

Integrated Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

The present investigation was carried out during winter of 2018-2019 at the Horticulture Farm of Post Graduate College, Ghazipur. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Ten treatment combinations viz. T1-Control (100% Recommended dose of NPK), T2-75% NPK + 25% Azotobactor, T3-50% NPK + 50% Azotobactor, T4-25% NPK + 75% Azotobactor, T5-75% NPK + 25% PSB, T6-50% NPK + 50% PSB, T7- 25% NPK + 75% PSB, T8-75% NPK + 25% Azotobactor + 25% PSB, T9-50% NPK + 50% Azotobactor + 50% PSB and T10-25% NPK + 75% Azotobactor + 75% PSB. It can be concluded that the maximum growth attributes, yield parameter and yield of onion may be obtained by the application of 75% NPK + 25% Azotobactor + 25%PSBtreatment (T8), while, the treatment T7, i.e. application of 25% NPK + 75% PSB was also found to be good for growth and yield parameter of onion. It was observed that the combination of inorganic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers influence the growth and yield attributes. . Therefore, from the present investigation, it can be concluded that the onion variety N-53 performed economically well by the application of 75% NPK + 25% Azotobacter+25% PSB as compared to rest treatment.

Effectiveness of mycorrhizal inoculants on sweet potato (Ipomoea batata) in Eutric Cambisol soils of Cuba

Introduction. The effective use of mycorrhizal inoculants is a challenge for Cuban agriculture. Sweet potato is an important crop for human and animal nutrition, being a mycorrhizal dependent crop with a successful breeding program. Objectives. To know if all sweet potato cultivars respond to inoculation and if its effectiveness varies with cultivars and growing seasons. Materials and methods. Two experiments were carried out during 2010 - 2012 on Eutric Cambisol soils from Villa Clara, Cuba. One at each planting time and repeated twice. The response of 17 cultivars to three inoculants application in the presence of a half dose of fertilization, and three non-inoculated treatments with fertilization levels of 0, 50, and 100 % of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium dose (100 % NPK) was evaluated, using a split plot design. Edible root yields, mycorrhizal colonization frequency and spores were evaluated as response variables. Results. Cultivars responded positively to inoculation and fertilization, showing differences in their yields, however, highest yields were always found when inoculated with Rhizoglomus irregulare/ INCAM-11, which were higher (p<0.05) than those obtained when receiving only 50 % NPK dose. In the rainy season with higher yields, the differentiation between inoculants was higher and in thirteen and nine of the cultivars, the yields obtained with INCAM-11 were higher (p<0.05) than those obtained with Glomus cubense/ INCAM-4 and with 100 % NPK respectively. In the low rainy season, no significant differences were found between yields obtained by inoculating INCAM-11 or INCAM-4 or applying 100 % NPK. In both seasons, inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae/ INCAM-2 was always lower. Colonization frequencies and spore production were always higher (p<0.05) when inoculating INCAM-11. Conclusion. Under these soil conditions, INCAM-11 inoculation presented better effectivity for all cultivars and planting seasons originating the highest yields and indicators of mycorrhizal performance.

Effect of Biochar and Compost Addition on Mitigating Salinity Stress and Improving Fruit Quality of Tomato

To overcome food security, sustainable strategies for reclamation and the subsequent utilization of salt-affected soils for crop production are needed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impacts of compost and biochar addition on the growth and fruit quality of tomato under salinity stress. For this purpose, the soil was spiked with analytical grade sodium chloride to achieve a 6 dS m−1 salinity level for a pot experiment. After 30 days of spiking, the compost (2%) and biochar (2%) were added in selected pots. After the seedling transplant, recommended doses of NPK were added to fulfill nutrient requirements of tomato plants. Plants were harvested after 90 days of seedling transplantation. Results revealed that the salinity caused a significant reduction of 28.4% in SPAD value, 23.5% in Ft, 22.6% in MSI, 12.1% in RWC, 18.3% in Chl. a, 13.7% in Chl. b, and 16.5% in T. Chl. as compared to the un-amended non-saline control in physiological attributes of tomato plants. Similarly, a significant decrease of 26.9–44.1% was obtained in growth attributes of tomato as compared to the non-saline control. However, in saline soil, the addition of biochar and compost (alone or together) demonstrated a significant improvement in plant growth (i.e., up 45%) over the respective un-amended control. Moreover, the combined application of compost and biochar significantly reduced the sodium (Na+) in shoots and roots of tomato plants by 40% and 47%, respectively, over the respective control. Our findings suggest that the combined application of biochar and compost could be useful to reduce salinity, alleviate salinity-induced phytotoxicity, and subsequently improve plant growth and productivity in salt-affected soil.

Effects of rice husk biochar charred at different time on soil chemical properties, rice growth and yield

Sustainable rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa especially in Nigeria faces serious constraints due to soil infertility. Recycling of rice residues through biochar production and applying it to the soil could be a possible approach to address the soil fertility constraints facing rice production. A pot experiment was conducted at Imo State University to investigate the effect of rice husk biochar on some selected soil chemical properties, growth and yield of rice. Four treatments evaluated in the pot experiment include rice husk biochar charred at 250oC for 60, 90 and 120 minutes together with control (no amendment). The treatments were replicated three times and laid out in completely randomized design (CRD). The soils in the pots were both treated with basal dose NPK (15:15:15) at 200kgha-1 while biochar was applied at the rate of 10tha-1 to the amendment soils. Application of biochar in this experiment appreciably increased the soil pH, available phosphorus, OC, TN, exchangeable cations, CEC and available silicon in biochar treated pots compare to control pots. The degree of soil improvement was proportional to the charring time. The rice husk charred for 120 minutes (RHB120) showed the highest effect on most of the soil chemical properties evaluated. Biochar amendment was found not to have much influence on the rice agronomical parameters except grain weight in which the highest value was found in soil treated with RHB120 (12.5gpot-1). Therefore, converting rice husk to biochar and applying it to the soil can improve soil fertility status and yield of rice in Nigeria. Keywords: Rice Husk Biochar, Soil Chemical Properties, Rice Growth, Rice Yield

Bio-formulation in combination with inorganic fertilizer improves crop growth, productivity and economics of kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Red and Laterite soils

ABSTRACT Indiscriminate application of inorganic chemicals has resulted in soil health deterioration and decline in crop produce in nutrient poor Alfisols of India. We conducted an experiment to find out the influence of different level of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulations on nutrient uptake, crop growth and productivity of kharif groundnut in the Red and Laterite soils during 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was hypothesized that judicious application of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulation would result in better nutrient uptake, improving nut yield and net income. We found that higher dose of inorganic fertilizer along with liquid bio-formulations yielded better results in terms of nutrient uptake, crop growth, yield and quality in groundnut. An increase of 43.2% and 57.5% in haulm and kernel N uptake; 67.6 and 98.1% in haulm and kernel P uptake; 47.4% and 57.6% in haulm and kernel K uptake was recorded, respectively, when 100% recommended dose of NPK (F4) was coupled with liquid NPK bio-formulation + Zn-solubilizing bacteria (B2) over control and was most economical (higher B:C ratio, 2.73). Groundnut being an exhaustive crop, responded well to higher levels of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulations.

Evaluation System of Intercropping Functional Food Sweet Corn and Vegetable Soybean in Different Planting Density and Compound Fertilizers Dosages

This study evaluated the sweet corn and vegetable soybeans intercropping system when applying various organic fertilizer sources and NPK fertilizer dosage. Conducted from June until August 2022 in Umbulharjo village, Yogyakarta, the study was carried out in factorial Randomized Complete Block Design under three replications. The first factor was density plant hill−1 consisting fourt levels (1+1; 2+1; 1+2; 2+2), the second was NPK dosage comprising three levels (100, 200, 300) kg ha−1, which eventually gained 42 units of plots. The observation variables involve components of yield, growth, and land efficiency. Variance test (ANOVA) at a value significant at 5% was used to analyze research data statistically and then followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the same significance level. The result indicated that applying a combination of chicken manure under NPK dosage of 300 kg ha−1 showed the sweet corn and vegetable soybean intercropping’s finest growth and yield, and the land efficiency component presented a Land Equivalent Ratio of 1.55 and Competition index of 0.92.

Effect of Optimum Levels of Fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv Pant C 1

A field study was conducted in the Village Sabli of district Tehri Garhwal to know the effect of optimum levels of fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv Pant C 1. To assess the effect of fertilizers on yield and yield parameters randomize block design (RBD) in field and completely randomized design (CRBD) in laboratory were used with 20 treatment combinations. In this study two levels of nitrogen (40 and 80 kg N ha-1), one level of phosphorus (35 kg P2O5 ha-1), two levels of potassium (35 and 60 kg K2O ha-1) and two levels of farmyard manure (20 and 25 tonns ha-1) were taken. Among all treatment combinations, fertilizer dose of NPK and farmyard manure 80:35:35 kg and 25 t ha-1 (T9 treatment) was found most suitable for cultivation of chilli. A significant increase in yield and yield parameters were recorded like number of fruits plant-1, length of the fruit, 100 fruit weight, fruit yield kg plot-1, fruit yield q ha-1 and dry fruit yield q ha-1. The result found promising when 80 kg nitrogen, 35 kg phosphorus, 35 kg potassium and 25 tonns farmyard manure ha-1 respectively were used and was found significantly superior over other treatments. A significant effect of treatment on mean daily germination, highest value of relative growth index was recorded for T9 treatment. The T7 treatment had registered maximum mean germination time. The various treatments had significant effect on T50 and highest T50 value was observed in T7 treatment. On the basis of above study it can be suggested that fertilizer ratio of N:P:K (80:35:35) with 25 t ha-1 of FYM give good yield and plant growth.

Pengaruh Decanter Solid dan Pupuk NPK terhadap Peningkatan Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit di Main Nursery

Solid decanter is one of the by-products from palm oil mills, which have not used as much as empty fruit bunches. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of solid decanter as a mixture of nursery media and NPK doses on the increament growth of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery (MN). This study used a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. Solid mixture: soil consisting of: 0: 1, 1: 3; 1:2, and 1 : 1 (volume/volume) of decanter solid. NPK fertilizer rate consist of: 23, 46, 69, and 92 g/seedling. There were 16 treatment combinations with four replications. The results showed that mixing solid in the media resulted in the growth increament of oil palm seedlings in MN which was the similar as soil media solely. However, the root system of these seedlings is more developed in soil media than in media containing solid decanters. While the difference in NPK rates results in the similar growth increament of oil palm seedlings.

Biochemical, Hematological and Histopathological Alterations in Liver and Lung of Rats Due to Sub-chronic Inhalation Exposure to NPK 15.15.15 Fertilizer

The current study has been conducted to evaluate biochemical, hematological and histopathological alterations in rats following one month of inhalation exposure to NPK (nitrate, phosphate, potassium) 15.15.15 fertilizer. 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D). Group A was served as control, whereas B, C and D groups have been exposed to aerosol of different doses (10 mg/m3, 30 mg/m3 and 50 mg/m3, respectively) of NPK 15.15.15 fertilizer during 30 min/day for one month. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected to evaluate biochemical and hematological parameters. Liver and lung tissues were served to evaluate oxidative stress statue and histopathological alterations.
 Our results showed that inhalation exposure of rats to NPK 15.15.15 fertilizers, especially at high dose (50 mg/m3) resulted in a significant (P = 0,05) elevation of biochemical hepatic markers: Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine transaminase, and a highly significant (P = 0,01) elevation of alkaline phosphatase. In addition, there were significant changes in hematological parameters revealed mainly by a highly significant (P = 0,01) increase of lymphocytes in both groups C and D groups, and significant decreases (P = 0,05) in all of: red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in rats of group D compared to control. Furthermore, the inhalation exposure of rats to NPK 15.15.15 fertilizers induced lung oxidative stress revealed by the reduction of anti-oxidant enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase); besides we have observed significant histopathological alterations revealed mainly by inflammatory cell infiltration in liver and lung tissues.
 The inhalation exposure to important doses of NPK 15.15.15 fertilizer can damage the liver and lung tissues by altering biochemical, hematological and oxidative stress parameters.