Effect Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

Response of Inorganic Fertilizer and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Seed Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and plant growth regulator on seed yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was formulated and conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 at vegetable seed production plot, Department of Horticulture (Vegetable & Floriculture), BAC, Sabour Bhagalpur. The experiment was conducted to determine seed production ability at four levels of fertilizers viz, (F0-control, F1-N40:P30:K40, F2-N60:P40:K50,& F3-N8P50:K50) as well as seven levels of PGRs viz, P0 (Control), P1 (GA3 @ 50ppm), P2 (GA3 @100 ppm), P3 (GA3 @ 150 ppm), P4 (NAA @ 50 ppm), P5 (NAA @ 100 ppm) and P6 (NAA @ 150 ppm). Inorganic fertilizers were applied at 20 days and PGRs as foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after stecklings transplanting. The experiment was conducted in RBD (Factorial) and replicated thrice. the combined effect of inorganic fertilizers and Plant growth regulators F2P3 significantly gave maximum diameter of pod (7.64 mm), length of pod (56.61mm), number of seeds/pod (6.18), 1000- seed weight (15.12g) and seed yield (18.23q/ha) and plant height is non significant. The treatment combination F3P6 gave the maximum number of branches (8.06). Hence, F2P3 treatment combination is a best combination for seed yield of radish and enhancing seed yield is our ultimate goal. As we performed the study in a particular location, we recommend multilocation trials in different agro-climatic regions to study and final confirmation of the results.

Modeling with the controlling effects of inorganic fertilizers, earthworm population and soil fertility on agricultural crop production

Modeling with the controlling effects of inorganic fertilizers, earthworm population and soil fertility on agricultural crop production

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer, Farmyard Manure and Biofertilizer on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil and System Yield of Maize – Wheat Rotation in Mollisol

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A & T., Pantnagar. Randomized block design was followed with 11 treatments and 3 replications. The main objective was to assess the influence of fertilizer and farmyard manure application, with or without Azotobacter and zinc, on crop yield and soil properties in a maize-wheat crop rotation. The data demonstrated that application of 100% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1, resulted in a significantly higher system yield of 12,137 kg ha-1. Intercropping of cowpea with maize along with the application of FYM 10 t ha-1 showed the lowest bulk density in both surface (1.38 Mg m-3) and sub-surface (1.49 Mg m-3) soil and also it led to a reduction in the soil pH and EC. Additionally, hydraulic conductivity was higher in organic treatments, specifically in T6. However, the application of 100% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 resulted in the maximum retention of organic carbon (1.06% and 0.71%) as well as higher content of available nitrogen (185.11 and 175.95 kg ha-1), phosphorus (36.17 and 31.65 kg ha-1) and potassium (147.90 and 120.68kg ha-1) in surface and subsurface soil, respectively. The study suggests that the application of 100% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 contributes to improved soil fertility and sustainable crop yields.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Biogas Slurry on Content and Uptake of NPK in Wheat Grown under Sodic Vertisols

Conjoint use of inorganic and organic amendments can be a pragmatic solution for improving soil physico-chemical and biological properties and sustaining crop productivity. Keeping in this view a pot experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2015-16 in net house of AICRP on Management of Salt Affected soils and use of Saline Water in Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Indore to study the effect of recommended doses of fertilizer and biogas slurry on uptake and content of NPK in wheat grown under sodic Vertisols. The treatment comprised of T0-Control, T1-100% RDF, T2- 100% RDF + 750 kg BGS ha-1, T3-75% RDF + 750 kg BGS ha-1, T4- 50% RDF + 750 kg BGS ha-1, T5- 100% RDF + 1000 kg BGS ha-1, T6-75% RDF + 1000 kg BGS ha-1, T7-50% RDF + 1000 kg BGS ha-1, T8-100% RDF + 1250 kg BGS ha-1, T9-75% RDF+ 1250 kg BGS ha-1, T10-50% RDF+ 1250 kg BGS ha-1 were laid in completely randomized design with 3 replications. Results showed that the treatment T9 (75% RDF+1250 kg BGS ha-1) gave maximum dry matter production (0.205, 0.434 and 0.821 g plant-1, respectively), N content (2.39, 1.58 and 1.36% respectively), P content (0.41, 0.30 and 0.24%, respectively) and K content (1.24, 0.68 and 1.68%, respectively) in wheat leaf at 30, 60 and 90 DAS. Maximum uptake of N (1.20 and 0.72 g pot-1, respectively), P (0.132 and 0.119 g pot-1, respectively) and K (0.237 and 1.08 g pot-1, respectively) by grain and straw of wheat respectively, were found with the application of T9 (75% RDF+1250 kg BGS ha-1). Thus, it may be concluded that integrated application of T9 (75% RDF+1250 kg BGS ha-1) not only increases dry matter production but also content and uptake by wheat.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and VP3 Biofertilizer Applications in Legume on the Population of Indigenous Bacteria

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and VP3 Biofertilizer Applications in Legume on the Population of Indigenous Bacteria

EFFECT OF NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND FARMYARD MANURE LEVELS ON YIELD, YIELD COMPONENTS AND SOME MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.)

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of inorganic fertilizer (Nitrogen and Phosphorus), and farmyard manure on morpho-physiological parameters of potato. Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments (T1: Urea; T2: Nitrophos; T3: Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP); T4: farmyard manure (FYM) and T5: Control Treatment) were used. Each treatment is replicated 4 times. The result showed that fertilizers significantly affect the number of compound leaves, flowers, number and length of lateral stem plant -1 and length, girth and weight of potato tubers. The plant treated with DAP showed a plant height of 83.49 cm while the control treatment showed the lowest plant height (59.33 cm). The plant treated with farmyard manure showed a stem girth of 5.25 cm, while the lowest stem girth was observed in control. The highest tuber weight (100.42 g) was noted under the treatment of Urea, followed by Nitrophos (98.80 g), DAP (78.97 g) and farmyard manure (75.97 g). Total tuber weight per plant 622.95g, 549.45 g, 423.41 g, and 401.74 g under Urea, Nitrophos, DAP and farmyard manure were observed respectively. In addition, the highest Girth of potato tuber (14.44 cm) was observed at T2 Treatment (Nitrophas). It is concluded that using inorganic fertilizers and farmyard manure would be beneficial for achieving sustainable yields.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers in Combination with Biofertilizers on Nutrient Content and Uptake of Kharif Maize

A field experiment entitled “Effect of inorganic fertilizers in combination with biofertilizers on nutrient content and uptake of kharif maize” was conducted at Agriculture College Farm, Bapatla, during both kharif 2020 and 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T1- Control; T2- 100% RDF; T3- 125% RDF; T4 – 100% RDF + VAM; T5- 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB; T6- 75 % RDF + VAM; T7- 75 % RDF + VAM + Azospirillum + PSB. During kharif in two years of study significantly higher nitrogen content and uptake was recorded with 125 % RDF (T3) it was on par with 100% RDF + VAM + Azospirillum + PSB (T5) and 100% RDF + VAM (T4). The maximum nitrogen content and uptake was significantly influenced due to various level of inorganic fertilizers. Higher phosphorus, potassium and sulphur (non-significant) content and uptake were recorded in the treatment T5 that received 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB and it was on par with treatment which received 75 % RDF + VAM + Azospirillum + PSB (T7), 125 % RDF (T3) and 100% RDF + VAM (T4) at knee high, tasseling and harvest stage of maize. The results revealed that application of biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers significantly increased plant nutrient content and uptake of maize crop.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures on Physical Properties of Soil: A Review

Deterioration of physical properties of soil and there after depletion the soil fertility are the main constrains in food and environment security of any country. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge and information on the effect of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures on soil physical properties. The use of inorganic fertilizer or organic fertilizer alone has both positive and negative effects on soil properties, plant growth and nutrient availability. Most of earlier investigators confirmed that combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures improved the physical properties and available nutrient status in soils. Organic manures improve physical properties of soil but they are comparatively low in nutrient content, addition of larger quantity of manures is required for successful plant growth. However, inorganic fertilizers is contain all the essential nutrients which are early accessible for plants. Due to continuous use of inorganic fertilizers alone causes soil organic matter degradation, soil acidity or alkalization, soil deterioration and environmental pollution, so integrated or mixed inorganic and organic nutrient management system is an alternative system for the sustainable and cost effective management of soil and the result is improve in soil properties and raising soil fertility without affecting environment. The objective of the review is to assess the effect of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure on physical properties of soil. The study revealed that appropriate application of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures improves soil physical properties and increases the productivity without negative effect on soil health than the values obtained by organic or inorganic fertilizers separately.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and Spacing on the Plant Growth of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) under Tamil Nadu Agro-Climatic Conditions

The dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) is a new emerging fruit crop, there is very less information available on the spacing and fertilizer dose requirements of this crop so the present study was carried out to find the effect of fertilizer doses, spacings, and interaction effect of both on plant growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) at the Orchard, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. during the year 2022. The design of the experiment was a split plot with four main plots viz. M1 = 3.5 x 2.0 m2, M2 = 3.0 x 3.0 m2, M3 = 3.0 x 2.5 m2, M4 = 2.5 x 2.5 m2 and six sub plots viz. S1 = N540 P420 K360, S2 = N495 P385 K330, S3 = N450 P350 K300, S4 = N340 P260 K225, S5 = N225 P175 K150, S6 = N0 P0 K0 g per pillar was applied and replicate four times. A significant difference was observed in terms of vine length (m), cladode girth (cm), cladode length (cm), and cladode number when different doses of fertilizers were applied. The highest vine length (2.96), cladode girth (24.52), cladode length (67.21), and number of cladodes (67.48) were observed in S3 (N450 P350 K300). Similarly, the highest vine length (2.503) and cladode girth (19.78) were observed in M4 (2.5 x 2.5 m2). The highest cladode length (67.47) was observed in treatment combination M2S3. Hence, the application of fertilizer dose S3 (N450 P350 K300) and adoption of spacing M4 (2.5 x 2.5 m2) is good to enhance the vegetative growth characters of dragon fruit under Tamil Nadu conditions.

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.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic Foliar Spray on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Linseed

Aims: To evaluate the effect of fertilizer and organic foliar spray on growth, yield attributes and yield of linseed.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was carried out at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari during rabi season of 2019-20.
 Methodology: The study comprised of nine different treatments viz., T1(50% RDF),T2 (50% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS), T3 (50% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS), T4(75% RDF), T5 (75% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS), T6 (75% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS), T7(100% RDF),T8 (100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS) and T9(100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS).
 Results: From the results, it was observed that an application of 100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS (T9) resulted in significantly higher values of plant height (63.37 cm at 90 DAS), number of branches plant-1 (6.94 at 90 DAS), number of capsules plant-1 (51.85), number of seeds capsules-1 (8.95) and seed weight plant-1 (1.89). Significantly higher seed yield (1157 kg ha-1) and stover yield (2051 kg ha-1) of linseed were observed with the application of 100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS (T9).
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that, application of 100% RDF (60-30-00 N- P2O5-K2O kg ha-1) + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap or vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS was found to be the most viable option for getting higher growth and yield in linseed.

Effect of Exogenous Nutrient Addition on Soil Organic Carbon Mineralization and Stabilization

Soil organic carbon (SOC) pools have the potential to attain sustainable agriculture goals under climate change. External organic and inorganic nutrient inputs considerably affect SOC mineralization and SOC pools. Therefore, a laboratory-based, three-factor soil incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different exogenous nutrient additions on the mineralization and stability of SOC. The study investigated the effects of three fertilizer types (inorganic, organic, and a combination of inorganic and organic) and three rates of fertilizer addition (low, medium, and high) while considering two temperature levels (15 °C and 25 °C). At 25 °C, the application of fertilizer at a high rate significantly increased the SOC mineralization (2.84–19.97%) compared to fertilizer applied at a low rate, while, at 15 °C, different fertilizer types had no significant impact. Overall, fertilization resulted in an increase in the total potential mineralizable carbon (7.87–84.50%), while the rate of decomposition was decreased. The priming effect of inorganic fertilizer decreased over time, with the main effect observed during the initial 14 days. The addition of organic fertilizer resulted in a lesser increment in the soil activity index while simultaneously yielding a higher Q10 compared to inorganic fertilizer. Overall, the mixed application of organic and inorganic fertilizers was suggested to improve SOC stabilization and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Organic-inorganic fertilization promotes paddy soil macroaggregate organic carbon accumulation associated with key bacterial populations in the subtropical area of China

Macroaggregate organic carbon (Macro-OC) accumulation in paddy soil is of great significance in promoting multiple agroecosystem services. However, the effects of different fertilization practices on Macro-OC accumulation in paddy soil at the regional scale have not been comprehensively investigated. Here, we selected four long-term fertilization field experiments at Taoyuan, Wangcheng, Jinxian, and Suzhou in the subtropical area of China to reveal the effects of inorganic fertilization and organic-inorganic fertilization on Macro-OC accumulation and the relationships with important microbial traits in paddy soil. The results showed that long-term fertilization (particularly organic-inorganic fertilization) significantly increased the content of Macro-OC, which mainly consisted of particulate organic carbon (POC). Organic-inorganic fertilization decreased the percentage of O-alkyl C but increased the percentages of alkyl C, aromatic C, and phenolic C. Organic-inorganic fertilization promoted the abundance of bacterial cellulose-degrading gene retrieved from macroaggregate. At the order level, Anaerolineales, Bacillales, and Clostridiales were identified as keystone bacterial taxa in macroaggregate, and significantly correlated with the physical fraction and chemical structure of Macro-OC. Structural equation modeling revealed that fertilization-induced changes in soil pH and C:N ratio affected the richness of Anaerolineales, Bacillales, and Clostridiales, which was strongly associated with the increase of percentages of aromatic C and phenolic C and further facilitated Macro-OC accumulation. Together, these results suggested that organic-inorganic fertilization promotes Macro-OC accumulation associated with key bacterial populations in paddy soil. The results provide an important basis for boosting soil carbon accrual in the subtropical rice-growing areas.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers, FYM and Nano Urea on Soil Health, Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) cv. HGS 563

An experiment was conducted to study the “effect of different level of N P K, FYM and Nano urea on soil health, growth and yield of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) cv. HGS 563” at research farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. The experiment design laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Cluster bean was taken for study with recommended doses of fertilizers (N, P2O5 and K2O @ 20, 40 and 20 kg ha-1) was applied with organic manure (FYM). The variety of cluster bean is HGS 563 was taken for research trial. Bulk density (Mg m-3) and particle density was maximum in T1 - [NPK @ 0% + NU @ 0% + FYM @ 0%] and soil pore space, water holding capacity, pH, EC, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were recorded maximum in T9 - [NPK @ 100% + NU @ 100% + FYM @ 100%] respectively. In treatment T9 the highest pod yield of Cluster bean 55.12 q ha-1 was obtained with C:B ratio of 1:2.48. Excessive nitrogen leaching can deplete the available nitrogen in the soil, leading to inadequate nutrient levels for crops. This can result in reduced crop productivity, stunted growth, and lower yields. To solve this problem of farmers that are facing leaching of Nitrogen due to direct apply of inorganic fertilizers in granule form for that use of Nano Urea can help in reducing leaching and get maximum yield. Use of different level of Nano Urea on crop and analyzing the effect of nano urea on soil physical as well as chemical properties of soil.

Maximizing Growth and Yield of Garlic by using Different Sources and Dosages of Nitrogen and Chicken Manure on Andisol Soil

Low soil fertility is a limiting factor for crop production in general. Increasing the yield of garlic with balanced fertilization is an important key identified, also the right type and dose of fertilization is also a major problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inorganic fertilizer (nitrogen) and chicken manure doses on the growth and yield of garlic. The experimental design used in this research was a completely randomized design. The first factor was chicken manure, which consists of two levels, i.e., without chicken manure and 40 t/ha of chicken manure. The second factor was the dosage of N fertilizer which consists of twenty levels, ie, no fertilizer, urea with a dose of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400. 450, 500 kg/ha, ZA with a dose of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400. 450, 500 kg/ha. The results showed that the combination of urea fertilizer 500 kg/ha and chicken manure 40 tons/ha gave the highest yield of stored dry tubers and was significantly higher than control plots and other treatment combinations. Likewise other growth and yield parameters increased progressively. Therefore, it can be concluded that to increase the yield of garlic in the study area, 500 kg/ha of urea fertilizer and 40 tons/ha of chicken manure are needed. The recommendation is that on Andisol soil for garlic cultivation, it is better to use a combination of 500 kg/ha urea and 40 t/ha chicken manure.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers on the Clover Growth in Gray-Brown Soils

The presented article presents materials on the effect of mineral fertilizers on the height of clover on irrigated gray-brown soils of the Ganja-Gazakh region. Due to the biological nitrogen collected by clover in the soil, more than twice the annual rate of nitrogen is saved in one cycle, thereby supplying other agricultural fields with nitrogen. Therefore, given the role of cotton as a strategically important plant, and alfalfa as a strong feed for livestock and restoration of soil fertility, the study of the fertilizer system of both plants in the cotton-alfalfa crop rotation is one of the most urgent tasks. The application of mineral fertilizers to alfalfa plants on irrigated gray-brown (chestnut) soils had a significant impact on alfalfa growth. High altitude means high yield. During the years of research, the highest height was observed in the N60P90K60 variant on average over 3 years. Depending on the norms of mineral fertilizers, the height of alfalfa increased by 6.3-29.5 cm compared to the variant without fertilizers.

Rice Yield Improvement by Sugarcane Filter Cake Fertilizer Application in the Protected Dyke

This study was carried out to evaluate the fertility of rice soil and the effect of inorganic fertilizers combined with sugarcane filter cakes on rice yield in a protected dike area in Cho Moi district, An Giang province. The experiment consists of 4 treatments, and the dose of fertilizer in each treatment is (1) controlled according to the farmers’ dosage (224 kg N + 148 kg P2O5 ha−1), (2) fertilize according to farmers + 6 tons/ha of cow manure composted with straw, (3) fertilizer according to farmers + 6 tons/ha of cow manure composted 15 cm deep, and (4) fertilize according to farmers + 2 tons/ha of organic fertilizer with sugarcane filter cakes. By analyzing the nutrient content of soil samples, it was found that inorganic fertilizers in combination with sugarcane residues improved soil fertility as reduced soil acidity and electrical conductivity, and increased organic matter, total nitrogen content, and exchangeable K. In addition, exchange and enriched exchangeable Mg achieved the highest rice yield, a statistically significant difference compared with organic fertilizer treatment with straw compost and inorganic fertilizer. However, the content of total P, available P, exchangeable Na, and Ca have not improved significantly. Therefore, applying inorganic fertilizers combined with sugarcane filter cakes is an excellent measure to help improve the supply of nutrients from the soil and increase rice yield in the dike land.

Comparing the Effect of Organic and Inorganic Amendments on Soil Health

Background: Fertilizers are important source of nutrients required by plants at different growth stages. These fertilizers can be organic and inorganic. Organic and inorganic fertilizers are different from each other in their action and contain different types of nutrients. Each fertilizer has its own effect on soil and plants. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers reducees the soil fertility by affecting the soil physical, chemical and biological properties, so it is essential to balance the negative effect of inorganic fertilizers with the use of organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers contain nutrients required for optimum plant growth. With the increase in soil organic matter, the percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus in soil also increases. Methods: A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties. Experiment consisted of six treatments, comprising of organic and inorganic treatments and absolute control. Inorganic treatment received recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Organic treatments received different dose of organic manures like vermicompost and farm yard manure. Result: Application of organic manure viz vermicompost remarkably improved in soil fertility. Soil pH was not significantly influenced by organic and inorganic treatments. However, relatively higher EC was recorded with the application of 100 per cent RDF. Application of organic manure viz vermicompost resulted in the buildup of soil organic carbon and markedly enhanced the nutrient availability of nitrogen, phosphrous and potassium in soil. Soil microbial population viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were increased due to the application of organic manure through vermicompost.

Use of inorganic fertilizer on climate-smart crops improves smallholder farmers' livelihoods: Evidence from Western Kenya

The main challenges facing smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are soil fertility decline and climate change, culminating in increased food insecurity. The double effect of climate change and soil fertility decline could be devastating among the poor rural smallholder farmers, who solely depend on rain-fed agriculture with little investment in adaptive mechanisms. Using inorganic fertilizers and careful selection of climate-resilient crops such as sorghum could improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through improved soil health and crop yields. However, information on the effects of inorganic fertilizer on sorghum production remains uncertain, especially in SSA. We evaluated the effects of inorganic fertilizers on sorghum yields among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional survey and collected data from 300 smallholder sorghum farmers. We employed a multi-stage sampling procedure to collect data from the specific smallholder farmers from the target population. We employed endogenous switching regression (ESR) modeling to control observed and unobserved bias in predicting the effects of inorganic fertilizer use on productivity. Smallholder farmers applied a limited amount of inorganic fertilizer. We established that hired labor, agricultural training, and farmers' perception of soil erosion were significant positive determinants of inorganic fertilizer use. Location and access to weather forecast information were key negative determinants of inorganic fertilizer use. The use of inorganic fertilizer increased crop yields by 14%. The findings suggested that inorganic amendments could promote food security and improve purchasing power, thus enhancing smallholder farmers' capacity to cope with declining soil fertility and climate change-related challenges. Therefore, agricultural policies targeting improved productivity of smallholder sorghum farmers could enhance inorganic fertilizer use while considering the determinants.

Effect of inorganic NPK fertilizer on tea (Camellia sinensis) production in Ruhaija village, Burere Subcounty, Buhweju District, Uganda

The study was conducted to examine the effect of inorganic NPK fertilizer on production of Camellia sinensis in Ruhaija Village Burere sub-county Buhweju District. The study was guided by four specific objectives including an analysis of the social economic characteristics of farmers; identifying the constraints faced during tea growing; determining the impact of fertilizers on profitability of tea and the effect of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yields of tea. The goal of applying fertilizers is to provide crops with nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which allow crops to grow bigger, faster, and to produce more output. The study employed a case study research design with intention of providing in depth investigation of underling effect between the variables under study and both quantitative and qualitative data was employed. The study used purposive and random sampling methods hence using questionnaires and interview guides in collecting data. The study findings indicated that the major source of income among the respondents was subsistence farming (40%) and in relation to N, P, K fertilizer use, the majority of the farmers use it alongside organic fertilizers due to its high cost. While the major reasons as to why people would choose tea growing with fertilizers is that it increases on their yields hence increase in income. The study concluded that farmers should integrate in organic NPK fertilizer with organic fertilizers to achieve high yields with lower costs.