Effect Of Fertilizer Management Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in anejaculation: A randomized controlled trial.

Anejaculation represents significant psychological distress and sexual and reproductive challenges among male individuals and couples. Effective fertility management options are available to address the reproductive challenges associated with anejaculation. However, there is a lack of methods to reverse the condition itself. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients suffering from anejaculation. A total of 94 patients with anejaculation individuals were randomly assigned to receive high-frequency (HF) stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), low-frequency (LF) stimulation on the right DLPFC, and sham stimulation for 4 weeks, with daily sessions of stimulation occurring on five consecutive weekdays each week. After 4 weeks of rTMS treatment, the patients in both the HF and LF groups exhibited a similar reduction in their male sexual health questionnaire for ejaculatory dysfunction bother/satisfaction score, Hamilton Anxiety Scale score, Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory score, which were statistically significant compared with sham treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences observed in erectile function and cognitive function across the three groups. However, there were notable disparities in the cure rates between HF- and LF-group patients (16.1% vs. 54.8%, p=0.001). Additionally, it is worth noting that only two HF group patients and one LF group patient experienced spontaneously resolving minor adverse effects during the treatment process. At the 8-week follow-up, among patients who initially responded to the treatment, only one from the HF group experienced a relapse. The findings of this study demonstrate that rTMS represents a secure and efficacious remedy for anejaculation patients.

Long-Term Straw Returning Enhances Phosphorus Uptake by Zea mays L. through Mediating Microbial Biomass Phosphorus Turnover and Root Functional Traits.

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in China to maintain high crop yields has led to significant environmental degradation and destabilized crop production. Returning straw to soil presents a potential alternative to reduce chemical fertilizer requirements and enhance soil fertility. This study investigates the effects of different nitrogen (N) input levels and straw additions on crop phosphorus (P) uptake and soil P availability based on a long-term N-fertilizer trial. The treatments included no fertilizer input (CK), conventional (NPK), reduced NPK (0.75NPK), and straw-amended (SNPK) treatments. Results indicate that SNPK significantly enhances shoot P uptake and crop yields by 43.7-61.9% and 29.3-39.6%, respectively. The SNPK treatment improved rhizosphere P availability and increased the phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) by 1.72-fold compared to NPK alone. The enhanced soil P availability under SNPK was primarily attributed to an abundance of functional microbes, leading to higher P storage in the microbial biomass P pool and its turnover. Additionally, SNPK promoted root exudate and phosphate-mobilizing microbes, enhancing P mobilization and uptake. Nitrogen fertilization primarily influenced root functional traits related to P acquisition. These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective fertilizer management strategies in maize-oilseed rape rotation systems, emphasizing the benefits of integrating straw with chemical fertilizers.

Effects of Straw and Fertilizer Managements on Nitrogen Loss in Rice Cultivation in Taihu Lake Basin

Nitrogen loss from rice systems is an important source of agricultural non-point source pollution. Many studies revolve around reducing the rate of nitrogen fertilizer application. However, studies examining the characteristics of nitrogen loss in multiple loss paths （runoff, leaching, and lateral seepage） under different straw and fertilizer managements are lacking. Therefore, a study was carried out based on a rice field planted for more than 20 years with straw continuously returned to the field for more than 5 years in Taihu lake basin. The effects of straw and fertilizer managements on nitrogen loss in different paths during the whole growth period of rice were studied. Moreover, straw and fertilizer managements were evaluated by their production suitability and environmental friendliness based on crop yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrogen loss. The results showed that straw removal from the field increased the response sensitivity of nitrogen accumulation in plant tissue to nitrogen application. The nitrogen loss in the rice season was 9-17 kg·hm-2, accounting for 5%-7% of the nitrogen application rate. Straw removal increased the risk of nitrogen loss when soaking water discharged. Straw returning could decrease the nitrogen loss by more than 15%, though the effect of straw on nitrogen loss via lateral seepage was not clear. Furthermore, the suitable substitution of organic fertilizer （30% in this study） could respectively reduce the amount of nitrogen loss via runoff, leaching, and lateral seepage by 16%, 26%, and 37% compared with the fertilizer application under the same nitrogen gradient. In conclusion, the implementation of straw returning and fertilizer type optimization measures effectively reduced the nitrogen loss for unit weight of rice production and realized the balance between agricultural production and environmental protection.

Fertilization management and greenhouse gases emissions from paddy fields in China: A meta-analysis

ContextThe contribution of rice paddy soils to greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and global warming has attracted widespread attention. ObjectivesThere are studies on the local effects of fertilizers on soil GHGs emissions, but few have looked at the comprehensive and comparative effects of fertilization management, considering soil and environmental characteristics. MethodsOur meta-analysis used data from 83 Chinese paddy fields to investigate the effects of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), NPKS (NPK with straw return), NPKM (NPK with manure), and NPKB (NPK with biochar) on CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions compared to the unfertilized fields (control) under single rice in the south (SRS), single rice in the north (SRN) and double rice (DR). ResultsThe order of increased global warming potential (GWP) was NPKB (10 %) < NPK (20 %) < NPKM (70 %) < NPKS (140 %). The highest GHG increases were 60 % for CO2 and 270 % for N2O under NPKM, and 180 % for CH4 under NPKS, while the lowest were 25 % for CO2, 2 % for CH4, and 5 % for N2O under NPKB compared to control. The NPKB positively increased CH4 by 38 % in SRN, while NPK resulted in a 285 % increase in N2O emission in SRS. The CO2, CH4, and N2O reached the highest increased values of 18×103, 500, and 2 kg ha−1, respectively when the N input under NPKM and NPKS was 200–300 kg ha−1. Such a relatively high N input only increased the yield by 1–4 t ha−1. In contrast, a 30 %-50 % reduction in N input (equivalent to 130–260 kg C kg−1), with a yield increase of about 4–5 t ha−1, decreased CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions by 86 %, 66 %, 75 % respectively (GWP by 12 %) under NPK and NPKB. The soil properties are also the main controllers of GHGs from paddy soils, where the highest GHGs were associated with soils with clay loam, pH=5–6, and C/N=10. The estimated cumulative emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O under NPK in China in 2021 were 430, 7.5, and 0.038 Tg, respectively, while the addition of NPKB led to a reduction of the mentioned GHGs by 23 %, 43 %, and 47 % (GWP by 30 %), respectively. ConclusionReducing inorganic nitrogen inputs and incorporating biochar, but cautiously applying manure and straw in fertilization management are win-win strategies in paddy fields to reduce GHGs and ensure rice yield. Implications/significanceOur study highlights the importance of proper fertilization management according to rice zones and soil properties, which could decrease the GHGs emissions and bring yield and environmental benefits.

Exploring the Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization Management and Soil Factors on the Yield and Quality of Flue-Cured Tobacco in China—A Quantitative Research

Tobacco, a pivotal economic crop in China, faces the challenge of securing high-quality raw materials for its industry due to unbalanced and inefficient nitrogen (N) application. To assess the impact of fertilizer management and soil factors on the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco (FCT), a meta-analysis was conducted across 82 peer-reviewed research studies. The findings demonstrated that both fertilizer management and soil properties exerted a significantly greater influence on yield (63.13% and 62.05%, respectively) than the proportion of superior and medium tobacco (PSMT) (23.57% and 23.83%, respectively). Multiple models were conducted to analyze the N application rate for maximum yield and PSMT, respectively, resulting in an optimum range from 90 to 100 kg N ha−1. The highest yield and PSMT increments were observed with fertilizer timing (FT) applied twice, a basal fertilizer ratio (BFR) exceeding 50%, and a soil pH below 6.5. The nicotine content escalated with increasing N application rates (NR) and soil nitrogen content, peaking at NR over 120 kg N ha−1 and soil total nitrogen (TN) above 2 g kg−1. Stepwise regression modeling indicated that nicotine content was positively influenced by fertilizer management factors (including NR, fertilizer timing, and BFR), as well as initial soil nitrogen content (AN and TN). However, it was negatively correlated with available potassium (AK). Therefore, the results of this meta-analysis suggest that effective fertilizer management, slightly acidic soils enriched with AK, and lower N supply capacity are crucial for enhancing leaf quality while reducing nicotine content. This approach promises improved economic and environmental returns for the tobacco industry in China.

Enhancing Soil Health and Fertility Management for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

In modern agriculture, ensuring soil health and effective fertility management are paramount for sustainable crop production and environmental stewardship. This review article comprehensively explores a spectrum of strategies aimed at enhancing soil health and fertility management within the context of sustainable agriculture. Beginning with an overview of the pivotal role soil health plays in agricultural systems, the review meticulously examines the significance of adopting sound soil fertility management practices to sustain soil productivity while mitigating adverse environmental impacts. Traditional and innovative approaches to soil management are thoroughly discussed, encompassing a range of practices such as organic amendments, cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and integrated nutrient management. These practices, deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, are shown to enhance soil structure, foster nutrient cycling, and promote beneficial soil microbial communities, thereby contributing to long-term soil health and productivity. Furthermore, the review elucidates emerging technologies and methodologies that hold promise for revolutionizing soil health and fertility management in sustainable farming systems. Precision agriculture techniques leveraging GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics are highlighted for their potential to optimize resource use and improve crop management practices. Biochar application, a burgeoning area of research, is explored for its ability to enhance soil fertility, sequester carbon, and improve soil water retention. Additionally, manipulation of the soil microbiome through innovative techniques presents exciting opportunities for enhancing soil health and resilience, the review underscores the importance of continued research, education, and policy support in promoting sustainable soil management practices. Recommendations for future research directions are provided, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaborations, long-term field studies, and farmer participatory research. Practical implications for farmers and policymakers are also delineated, emphasizing the imperative of adopting holistic approaches to soil management that integrate traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technologies. By embracing sustainable soil management practices, farmers and policymakers can safeguard soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our food systems and environment.

Increasing Hybrid Rice Yield, Water Productivity, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency: Optimization Strategies for Irrigation and Fertilizer Management.

Water and fertilizer are crucial in rice growth, with irrigation and fertilizer management exhibiting synergies. In a two-year field study conducted in Yiyang City, Hunan Province, we examined the impact of three irrigation strategies-wet-shallow irrigation (W1), flooding irrigation (W2), and the "thin, shallow, wet, dry irrigation" method (W3)-in combination with distinct fertilizer treatments (labeled F1, F2, F3, and F4, with nitrogen application rates of 0, 180, 225, and 270 kg ha-1, respectively) on rice yield generation and water-fertilizer utilization patterns. The study employed Hybrid Rice Xin Xiang Liang you 1751 (XXLY1751) and Yue Liang you Mei Xiang Xin Zhan (YLYMXXZ) as representative rice cultivars. Key findings from the research include water, fertilizer, variety, and year treatments, which all significantly influenced the yield components of rice. Compared to W2, W1 in 2022 reduced the amount of irrigation water by 35.2%, resulting in a 42.0~42.8% increase in irrigation water productivity and a 25.7~25.9% increase in total water productivity. In 2023, similar improvements were seen. Specifically, compared with other treatments, the W1F3 treatment increased nitrogen uptake and harvest index by 1.4-7.7% and 5.9-7.7%, respectively. Phosphorus and potassium uptake also improved. The W1 treatment enhanced the uptake, accumulation, and translocation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients throughout the rice growth cycle, increasing nutrient levels in the grains. When paired with the F3 fertilization approach, W1 treatment boosted yields and improved nutrient use efficiency. Consequently, combining W1 and F3 treatment emerged as this study's optimal water-fertilizer management approach. By harnessing the combined effects of water and fertilizer management, we can ensure efficient resource utilization and maximize the productive potential of rice.

Effects of Long-Term Fertilizer Managements on Soil Organic Carbon Mineralization Under the Double-Cropping Rice System in Southern China

ABSTRACT Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in maintaining or increasing soil fertility and quality in paddy field, but there is limited information about how SOC mineralization responds to different fertilizer managements under the double-cropping rice system in southern China. Therefore, this study was designed to explore changes in SOC content, soil enzyme activities, SOC mineralization at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers, and its relationship with long-term fertilizer managements in a double-cropping rice system of southern China. The experiment included four fertilizer treatments: chemical fertilizer alone (CF), rice straw and chemical fertilizer (RS+F), 30% organic manure and 70% chemical fertilizer (OM+F), and without fertilizer input as a control (Con). These results showed that SOC and labile organic carbon contents at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers in paddy field with RS+F and OM+F treatments were increased, compared to CF and Con treatments. Compared with Con treatment, SOC mineralization rate and accumulation with CF, RS+F, and OM+F treatments were increased. SOC accumulation and potential mineralization at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers with RS+F and OM+F treatments were increased, compared with CF and Con treatments. SOC mineralization rate and accumulation at 0–10 cm layer with CF, RS+F, OM+F, and Con treatments were higher than that of 10–20 cm layer. These results indicated that soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities in paddy field with RS+F and OM+F treatments were significantly higher than that of CF and Con treatments. There was a significant positive relationship between SOC accumulation and SOC content, soil invertase, cellulose, urease activities but were significant negative correlated with soil pH, bulk density. As a result, these were beneficial practices for improving SOC content and SOC mineralization in a double-cropping rice field of southern China by combined application of rice residue or organic matter with chemical fertilizer managements.

Optimized liquid fertilizer management increases 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content and grain quality in aromatic rice

This study examined the effects of liquid fertilizer management on the aroma, grain quality, nutrient status, and antioxidant response of the aromatic rice varieties Yuxiangyouzhan (YXYZ) and Xiangyaxiangzhan (XYXZ) in field trials in 2019 and 2020. The application of liquid fertilizer management treatments augmented the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) contents. The liquid fertilizer management treatments increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the leaves and the contents of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in different plant tissues, enhanced the protein content, and reduced the chalkiness in the grains. The accumulation of 2AP responded positively to the modulation of nutrient content, antioxidant response parameters, grain quality, and attributes related to the biosynthesis of 2AP. Application of 90–45–7.5 kg N ha−1 liquid fertilizer when the basal-tillering-panicle splits was the most effective fertilization treatment in improving the contents of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline with the highest average 2AP content of 124.34 μg kg−1, which can be attributed to the regulating of grain quality, nutrient content, antioxidant response, and attributes related to 2AP biosynthesis.

Short-term effects of irrigation and nitrogen management on paddy soil carbon pools under deep placement of basal fertilizer nitrogen

Active soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions are major driving factors of soil fertility. Understanding the effects of water and fertilizer management on changes in active SOC fractions helps improve soil quality and maintain high agricultural productivity. We conducted a 3-year field experiment in Northeast China. In this experiment, natural soil (CKT) was used as a blank, and two irrigation regimes were established: conventional flooded irrigation (FI) and controlled irrigation (CI). Four nitrogen application levels were set for both irrigation regimes under deep placement of basal fertilizer N: Nd0 (0 kg ha–1), Nd (110 kg ha–1), Nd1 (99 kg ha–1), and Nd2 (88 kg ha–1). After 3 years, at similar N fertilizer application rate, the rice yield, total organic carbon (TOC), and active SOC fraction content of CI were higher under CI than FI. The growth rate of rice yield was 3.8% − 8.63% under CI than FI. Under CI, the rice yield, active SOC fractions contents and carbon pool management index (CPMI) did not decrease with decreasing N application rate but instead reached the highest level in the CNd1 treatment. Overall, CI with Nd1 treatment appears to be the best practice for improving soil fertility and crop productivity in Northeast China.

Effect of weed control and fertilizer management on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of weed control and fertilizer management on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effects of Substitute Substrate, Water, and Fertilizer Management on the Growth of Potted Chrysanthemums

The chrysanthemum is a perennial herbaceous flower with a long history of cultivation dating back over 3000 years. The potted chrysanthemum is a significant type and is widely used in landscaping. Expensive substrate costs, complicated management of water and fertilizer, and uneven product quality currently plague the potted chrysanthemum industry. This study systematically investigated the growth status of potted chrysanthemums under different substrates, water, and fertilizer ratios and established a simplified cultivation system for potted chrysanthemums. The substitute substrate experiment demonstrated that coir: moss peat: perlite: pine needle mulch = 2:4:2:2 is the most suitable substitute substrate. Research on fertilizer ratios found that chrysanthemums’ best growth and flowering characteristics were achieved with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations of 336 mg/L, 93 mg/L, and 273 mg/L, respectively. A comprehensive, simplified cultivation system was established when utilizing T4 substitute substrate (2:4:2:2 ratios of coir, moss peat, perlite, and pine needle mulch), 40% water capacity, and F9 fertilizer (336 mg/L nitrogen, 93 mg/L phosphorus, and 273 mg/L potassium). This study comprehensively and systematically explored the cultivation and maintenance schemes in the production of potted chrysanthemums and built a light, simple, and efficient production technology system of potted chrysanthemums in the open field suitable for the climatic characteristics of northern China, which provides feasible technical specifications and a theoretical basis for the refinement and large-scale management of potted chrysanthemums. This experiment lays the foundations for cost reduction and efficiency in the potted chrysanthemum industry.

Effect of Organic and Synthetic Fertilizer Management on the Yield and Growth Components of Basmati Rice in Western U.P., India

The present investigation was conducted during kharif 2022 at the CRC of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.) to studies the Effect of organic and Synthetic Fertilizer management on the yield and growth components of Basmati Rice in Western U.P. (India). The soil of experimental site was clay- loamy in texture, slightly alkaline, non-saline, low in organic carbon, N, P, and high in available K. DTPA extractable micronutrient were in high amount. Eleven treatments, viz., T1 (Absolutely Control), T2 (100:75:0 kg NPK ha-1), T3 (100:75:60 kg NPK ha-1), T4 (Only FYM @ 20 t ha-1), T5 (Only VC @ 20 t ha-1), T6 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 20 t ha-1), T7 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 +VC @ 20 t ha-1 ), T8 (100:75:60 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1), T9 (100:75:60 kg NPK ha-1 + VC@ 10 t ha-1), T10 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and T11 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 + VC @ 10 t ha-1) were tested in RBD with three replication. The study revealed that application of T9 significantly improved the growth and yield attributes thus increasing the yield of rice over control with a corresponding increase of 61.2 and 34.5 percent in grain and straw yield of rice, respectively, although this treatment was found to be on par with T7 and T11. Thus, the inclusion of inorganic with organic sources of plant nutrients together helps to maintain yield stability, increasing the effectiveness of supplied nutrients, and creating favorable soil physical conditions.

Effect of Crop Residue and Fertilizer Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rice in the Coastal Region of Maharashtra

Effect of Crop Residue and Fertilizer Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rice in the Coastal Region of Maharashtra

The Impact of Fertilizer Type on Dry Matter, Nitrogen Partitioning, and Yield of Spring Maize with Film-Side Sowing

Dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) transport from nutritive organs to the grain is critical for cereal crop yield and protein content. There is limited research on the effects of slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers on dry matter and nitrogen partitioning in the nutrient organs of spring corn. A field trial was conducted in the National Corn Industry Technology System Xinzhou Comprehensive Experiment Station, China. The effects of different fertilizer management on yield, photosynthetic capacity, and nutrient partitioning of spring maize were studied. We modeled local farmers’ planting and management practices (T3). Based on T3, we added a slow-release compound fertilizer (T2), which does not require a follow-up fertilizer, and a controlled-release formulated fertilizer (T1), which is highly efficient and has low carbon emissions. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) were 23%, 18.5%, 18%, 10.5% and 19%, 10.9%, 7%, and 5.5% higher in T1 compared to those of T3 and T2, respectively, at the ripening stage. The contribution of post-flowering DM transport to the kernel of T1 was 46% and 41.4% higher than that of T3 and T2, respectively. The nitrogen content of the kernel of T1 was 35.2% and 18.5% higher than that of T3 and T2, respectively. After a comprehensive analysis, T1 prolonged the photosynthetic effect through adequate nitrogen supply, provided nutrients to the kernel, promoted maize nitrogen uptake and utilization, and ultimately improved yield.

Effect of Irrigation Scheduling and Fertility Management on Growth and Yield Parameters of Basmati Rice

The data revealed that the potential effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1), leaf area index, panicle length, number of panicle, number of grains per panicle and 1000- grains weight, and yields of Basmati rice. The maximum plant height and numbers of tillers were recorded in IW/CPE 1.0 up to panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 up to dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 &amp; 60 DAT at all the stages of crop growth, while the minimum plant height and numbers of tillers were observed with the application of IW/CPE 0.8 throughout the growth stage and 100% RDN: 4 equal splits at 15, 30, 45 &amp; 60 DAT at all the growth stages. Similarly, the maximum dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) and leaf area index were recorded in IW/CPE 1.0 up to panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 up to dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 &amp; 60 DAT and significantly superior over rest of the treatments, while the minimum dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) and leaf area index were weighted with IW/CPE 0.8 throughout the growth stage and 100% RDN: 4 equal splits at 15, 30, 45 &amp; 60 DAT. Yield attributing characters like panicle length, number of pancle, number of grains per panicle and 1000- grains weight exhibited variations due to different irrigation and fertilizer management. With the application of IW/CPE 1.0 up to panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 up to dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 &amp; 60 DAT highest mean panicle length, number of pancle, number of grains per panicle and 1000- grains weight was recorded. The highest grain yield, straw yield and biological yield was recorded in IW/CPE 1.0 upto panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 upto dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 &amp; 60 DAT and the lowest grain yield, straw yield and biological yield was recorded in IW/CPE 0.8 throughout the growth stage and 100% RDN: 4 equal splits at 15, 30, 45 &amp; 60 DAT.

Effects of integrated nutrient management and urea deep placement on rice yield, nitrogen use efficiency, farm profits and greenhouse gas emissions in saline soils of Bangladesh

Soil salinity is one of the major yield-limiting factors in the coastal ecosystems of Bangladesh. An efficient fertilizer management practice and selection of appropriate crop cultivars could play a crucial role in improving yield and promoting low-carbon agriculture across saline soils. A two-year multi-location field experiment was conducted during the Boro (dry) season (December–April) to investigate the effects of fertilizer management and rice cultivar selection on rice yield, economic viability, and global warming potential (GWP) in coastal saline soils of Bangladesh. The study included seven fertilizer treatments with varying nitrogen rates and sources, as well as two rice cultivars (BRRI dhan67 and BRRI dhan88). The results showed that integrated nutrient management-2 (INM-2) significantly (p < 0.05) increased rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency compared to other treatments for both BRRI dhan67 and BRRI dhan88. Similarly, INM-2 gave a higher return on fertilizer investment and marginal benefit-cost ratio than other treatments in both locations and under both cultivars. BRRI dhan67 significantly (p < 0.05) increased rice yield relative to BRRI dhan88 by 21 % and 52 % at the BRRI farm and Kaliganj in Satkhira, respectively. The cost-dominant analysis excluded BRRI dhan88 and all fertilizer treatments, except urea deep placement (UDP) and INM-2, from consideration in both locations. Consequently, INM-2 and UDP proved to be economically viable in both locations, with INM showing a higher marginal rate of return than UDP in BRRI dhan67. In terms of environmental sustainability, UDP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced GWP and yield-scaled emissions of CH4 by 31 % and 38 % without causing yield loss compared to INM-2. Similarly, BRRI dhan67 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced GWP and yield-scaled emissions of CH4 by 5 and 22 % compared to BRRI dhan88. These findings suggest that selecting salt-tolerant rice cultivars and implementing appropriate fertilizer management practices can enhance economic profitability, ensure food security, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in coastal saline soils.

Effects of fertilization practices and understory on soil health and oil palm performances in smallholdings: An Indonesian case study

CONTEXTSmallholders play a considerable role in oil palm production in Indonesia. Their specific constraints lead to contrasted plot management, especially for fertilization and understory vegetation. Studies disentangling the agro-environmental impacts of oil palm smallholders' management practices at the plot scale remain scarce. The extent to which smallholders' practices affect both agronomic and environmental performances is still to be investigated with robust in-field studies to provide improvement tracks. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed at investigating the effects of both fertilization and understory vegetation management on soil health and oil palm performances. It explored a gradient of management practices, within homogeneous soil and climate conditions and historical development. The objective was to isolate and decipher the specific effects of some key practices on the overall plantation performances. METHODSWe surveyed 16 ex-plasma oil palm smallholders' 25-year old plots, gathering detailed information on management and implementing field measurements (48 points). For soil health assessment, we applied Biofunctool® that consists of nine in-site indicators informing on the soil ability to transform carbon, recycle nutrient and maintain its structure. For the oil palm performances, we relied on conventional appraisal parameters, such as yields, leaf area and nutrient leaf analyses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results highlighted that fertilization, especially potassium, played a significant role in sustaining oil palm performances. Understory vegetation had a direct and positive effect on soil structure maintenance indicators. Soil structure improvement was correlated with enhanced oil palm performances. Those results highlighted that, besides nutritional aspects, increasing plot biodiversity through understory vegetation maintenance was associated with enhanced soil health hence potential greater ecosystem functions. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings have implications in terms of better understanding the effects of combined farming practices on the soil-oil palm continuum. It especially highlighted the key role of understory vegetation to improve soil structure maintenance without competing with oil palms in the studied context.

Effect of Crop Establishment Method and Fertilizer Management on Yield Performance of Boro Rice (Var. Brri DHAN28) In T. Aman-Mustard-Boro Rice Cropping Pattern

The Study was carried out at the Salpoborian village under Sadr papilla of Mymensingh from February to June 2014 to assess the effect of crop establishment method and fertilizer management on the yield performance of Boro rice (var. BRRI dhan28) in T. Aman-Mustard-Boro rice cropping pattern. The experiment comprised three crop establishment methods viz. traditional puddled-transplanting (TPT), unpuddled-one pass in dry condition (UDC), unpuddled-zero tillage (UZT) and five levels of fertilizers viz., 100-60-40-60-10 N-P-K-S-Zn kg ha-1 at recommended (RD) dose (F1), N-K-S-Zn at RD plus 50% P (F2), N-P-S-Zn at RD plus 50% K (F3), P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as Guti urea (2.7 g/4 hills) (F4), P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as pilled urea (F5). The experiment was laid out in a split -plot design with 4 replications with crop establishment method in the main- plots and fertilizer management in the sub-plots. Grain yield was not significantly influenced by crop establishment method, fertilizer management and their interactions. However, numerically the maximum grain yield of 3.19 t ha−1 was found in both unpuddled-one pass in dry condition (UDC) and unpuddled-zero tillage (UZT) with 3.32 t ha−1 in P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as pilled urea (F5) and 3.47 t ha−1 in unpuddled-one pass in dry condition with P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as pilled urea and traditional puddled-transplanting with P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as pilled urea. Similar higher gross margin (Tk. 26629 and Tk. 27428) and benefit cost ratio (1.61 and 1.60) was also observed in UZT × F4 and UDC × F5, respectively. So, it can be concluded that unpuddled-zero tillage with P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as Guti urea (UZT × F4) and unpuddled-one pass in dry condition with P-K-S-Zn at RD plus 75% N as prilled urea (UDC × F5) is the beneficial technique for Boro rice (var. BRRI dhan28) cultivation in T. Aman-Mustard-Boro rice cropping pattern.&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 32-39

Conservation tillage and fertiliser management strategies impact on basmati rice (Oryza sativa L): crop performance, crop water productivity, nutrient uptake and fertility status of the soil under rice-wheat cropping system.

The sustainability of paddy production systems in South Asia has recently been affected by a decline in soil health and excessive water usage. As a response to the global energy crisis, escalating costs of synthetic fertilisers, and growing environmental concerns, the utilization of organic plant-nutrient sources has gained considerable attention. Emerging adaptation technologies, including conservation tillage and innovative approaches to fertilizer management, present practical choices that can significantly contribute to the long-term preservation of soil fertility. The two year-long field experiment was completed in sandy loam soil during rainy (Kharif) seasons in 2019 and 2020 at the crop research centre farm of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agricultural & Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to analyze the impacts of different tillage establishment of the crop and its methodologies as well as integrated nutritional management approaches on rice growth, yield, productivity of water, nutrient uptake, and fertility status of soil under a rice-wheat rotation system. The experiment was set up in a factorial randomized block design and replicated three times in a semi-arid subtropical environment. The conventionally transplanted rice puddled (CT-TPR) grew substantially better taller plants, and higher dry matter buildup leads to increased yields than transplanted rice under raised wide bed (WBed-TPR). WBed-TPR plots had more tillers, LAI, CGR, RGR, and yield characteristics of the rice in two year study. CT-TPR increased grain yield by 4.39 and 4.03% over WBed-TPR in 2019 and 2020, while WBed-TPR produced the highest water productivity (0.44 kg m-3) than CT-TPR, respectively. The 100% RDF+ ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 + FYM (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) + Azotobacter 20 kg ha-1 (N6) treatment outperformed the other fertiliser management practices in terms of crop growth parameters, yields of grain (4,903 and 5,018 kgha-1), nutrient uptake and NPK availability, organic soil carbon. Among the fertilizer management practices, with the direct applications of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), farm yard manure (FYM), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azatobactor and zinc worked synergistically and increased grain yields by 53.4, 51.3, 47.9 and 46.2% over their respective control treatment. To enhance rice productivity and promote soil health, the study suggests that adopting conservation tillage-based establishment practices and implementing effective fertilizer management techniques could serve as practical alternatives. It is concluded that the rice yield was improved by the inclusive use of inorganic fertiliser and organic manure (FYM). Additionally, the study observed that the combination of conventional puddled transplanted rice (CT-TPR) and N6 nitrogen application resulted in enhanced rice crop productivity and improved soil health.