Efficiency Of Fertilizer Use Research Articles

Efficiency of Fertilizing Maize Plants Through the Application of Slow Release NPK Tablet Fertilizer with Biofertilizer

Inefficiencies in fertilization practices have become a substantial issue within current agricultural techniques. The inappropriate use of fertilizers can negatively impact both crop productivity and soil fertility. The aim of this research is to identify the efficiency of utilizing slow-release NPK tablet fertilizers supplemented with biofertilizers in maize crops. The experimental design incorporated a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of nine combinations of fertilizer dosages between NPK tablet fertilizers and biofertilizers. The efficiency of fertilizer use can be seen from the RAE value of more than 100% shown by the NPK Tablet treatment which requires only one application compared to the recommended fertilizer, urea, and NPK Phonska which requires twice applications. Furthermore, optimization of the application of biofertilizer can be seen in the RSE value of more than 100% shown in the application of LBA biofertilizer together with NPK Tablets so that the application of biofertilizer is considered capable of increasing the efficiency of using inorganic fertilizers such as NPK Tablets.

Fertilizer use efficiency and economic viability in maize production in the Savannah and transitional zones of Ghana

Increasing fertilizer use is highly justified for sustainable agricultural intensification if yield response, fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), and economic viability of fertilizer application are high. Despite the increasing fertilizer application rates in Ghana, yields only marginally increased. Also, the recent fertilizer price hikes post COVID-19 revived concern for economic analysis of fertilizers. This study analyzed the FUE and economic viability of fertilizer use in maize production in Guinea/Sudan Savannah and Transitional/Deciduous zones of Ghana. Survey data from 2,673 farmers in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 production seasons were used. The average agronomic efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP), and value-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use were 2.2 kg of grains per kilogram of fertilizer, 18.3 kg grains per kilogram of fertilizer, and 1.8 Ghana cedis of marginal yield per Ghana cedi spent on fertilizer, respectively. Fertilizer use was economically viable for only 28.1% of farmers with a VCR of 2 or higher, while 52.5% reached the break-even point with a VCR of at least 1. Various fertilizer formulations, including NPK plus sulfur, and adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices, particularly improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and minimum tillage, improved maize yield response to fertilizer and thus the FUE. These low efficiency and economic viability of fertilizer use are prevailing conditions in other sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries and these do not guarantee sustainable food security and improved livelihood of the farmers in the region. Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), together with relevant stakeholders, should provide guidance on ISFM and intensify farmer education through farmer associations to increase the adoption of ISFM. The local government should work with other relevant stakeholders to improve the market conditions within the agriculture sector, for instance, by linking farmers to city markets for favorable output prices.

Zeolite and Winery Waste as Innovative By-Product for Vineyard Soil Management

In semiarid environments, vine cultivation is a land use with a high impact with regard to soil erosion, loss of organic matter and biodiversity, contamination, and compaction. In addition, the wine supply chain produces a considerable quantity of organic waste, which remains as residues in the ecosystem. Within this context, we developed a sustainable vine management system to improve the efficient use of fertilisers by applying a by-product derived from the composting of winery wastes and zeolite. We evaluated the effects of the zeolite-based compost on the chemical, physical, and biochemical soil properties of a productive vineyard. Four treatments were set up and monitored for about two years. These were as follows: (1) Commercial compost (COM); (2) Zeolite (Z); (3) 30% zeolite and 70% winery waste compost (30 ZEO); (4) 10% zeolite and 90% winery waste compost (10 ZEO). The results demonstrated that the ZEO treatments could be considered a win–win solution able to improve soil water content, nutrient retention, carbon sequestration, and biochemical activity while also recycling wastes. In particular, 10 ZEO seems to be the amendment that best combines an improvement in soil biochemical properties with gradual and constant nutrient availability, thus satisfying, without exceeding, soil and plant needs.

Fifty years of environmental progress for United States dairy farms

Dairy farms in the United States have changed in many ways over the past 50 yr. Milk production efficiency has increased greatly, with ∼30% fewer cows producing about twice the amount of milk today. Other improvements include increases in crop yields, fuel efficiency of farm equipment, and efficiency in producing most resources used on farms (e.g. electricity, fuel, fertilizer). These improvements have led to changes in the environmental impact of farms. Through simulation of representative dairy farms in 1971 and 2020, changes in nutrient losses and farmgate life cycle assessments of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fossil energy use, and blue (ground and surface) water use were determined for 6 regions and the United States. For all environmental metrics studied, intensities expressed per unit of fat- and protein-corrected milk produced were reduced, but the total effects over all farms or milk produced increased for 5 of the 13 environmental metrics. Reductions in the impacts of dairy farms in the eastern United States were offset by large increases in western regions because of a major increase in cow numbers in the West. The national average intensity of GHG emissions decreased by 42%, which gave just a 14% increase in the total GHG emissions of all dairy farms over the 50-yr period. The intensity of fossil energy use decreased by 54%, with the total for all farms decreasing by 9%. Water use related to milk production decreased in intensity by 28%, but due to the large increase in dairy production in the dry western regions that have a greater dependence on irrigated feed crops, total blue water use increased by 42%. Major pathways of nitrogen loss included ammonia volatilization, leaching, and denitrification, where total ammonia emissions related to US dairy farms increased by 29%, while leaching losses decreased by 39%, with little change in nitrous oxide emissions. Simulated nitrogen and phosphorus runoff losses totaled for all dairy farms decreased by 27% to 51% through more efficient fertilizer use, reduced tillage, and greater use of cover crops. Emissions of methane and reactive non-methane volatile organic compounds increased by 32% and 53%, respectively, due to greater use of long-term manure storage and silage stored in bunkers and piles. Although much progress has been made in improving production efficiency, continued improvements with new strategies and technologies are needed to meet the demand for dairy products and mitigate total environmental impacts, particularly in view of projected climate variability.

Sosialisasi Pemupukan Berimbang Dan Kunjungan Distributor Di Desa Jawa Timur

Tillage is an activity that aims to increase soil fertility, improve soil structure and create good soil conditions for plant growth. Soil processing can be done in several ways, one of which is the application of fertilizer to plants. Farmers' understanding of efficient and effective fertilization methods is still not fully mastered. Most farmers often fertilize plants beyond the recommended dose. This community service activity aims to (1) farmers can understand knowledge about non-subsidized fertilizer products from PT. Petrokimia Gresik, (2) increase farmers' understanding and knowledge of fertilizer quality and balanced fertilization technology to achieve relatively efficient fertilizer use, (3) farmers can understand the condition of private land and understanding of the amount and type of fertilizer PT Petrokimia Gresik needed. The methods used include surveys, socialization, and practical demonstrations regarding soil testing of farmers in Putat Lor Village, Tajinan District, Malang. Based on this socialization activity, the results obtained are (1) the knowledge of farmers in Putat Lor Village regarding non-subsidized fertilizer products from PT Petrokimia Gresik is increasing (2) increasing knowledge of farmers in Putat Lor Village about fertilizer quality and balanced fertilization technology (3) farmers in Putat Lor Village know the condition of the soil from private land through soil test practices so that they can estimate the type and amount of fertilizer to be used.

Effects of biochar application methods on greenhouse gas emission and nitrogen use efficiency in paddy fields

Biochar application in rice production reduces nitrogen loss and greenhouse gases. We conducted in situ experiments for 3 years, with N210B0 (210 kg N ha−1) as the control. Two biochar application methods (B1:15 t ha−1 biochar applied once and B2: biochar applied three times at 5 t ha−1 yr−1) combined with two nitrogen levels (N210: 210 kg N ha−1 and N168: 168 kg N ha−1) were used. Soil physicochemical properties, CH4 and N2O emissions, functional gene abundance, rice yield, and nitrogen use efficiency were analyzed. Both methods improved the physicochemical properties of the soil, however, B1 was less effective than B2 in increasing soil pH, bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and microbial biomass nitrogen in year 3. B1 had a higher CH4 emission mitigation effect than B2 in 3 consecutive years, mainly due to the higher pmoA gene abundance. B1 showed a higher reduction effect of N2O emissions compared to B2 in year 1, but the opposite was observed in years 2 and 3. B2 had a higher abundance of AOB, nirK, and nosZ genes compared to B1 in year 3. Compared with N210B0, rice yields were increased by 9.1 %, 9.6 %, and 3.6 % with N210B1, N210B2, and N168B2, respectively, over 3 years, while N168B1 improved yields in the previous 2 years. Biochar improved nitrogen use efficiency over 3 consecutive years directly due to increased use efficiency of panicle fertilizer; the effect of B1 was greater than that of B2 during years 1 and 2, while the opposite was observed in year 3. Both Biochar applied once and three times appeared to be promising practices to increase yield and mitigate GHGs. From the GHGI perspective, the biochar applied once combined with 168 kg N ha−1 can further improve nitrogen use efficiency, and reduce GHGs without hindering improvements in rice yield.

Evaluation of soil nutrients and berry quality characteristics of Cabernet Gernischet (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyards in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, China.

Soil is the basis of the existence of fruit tree and soil nutrients plays a crucial role in plant growth and berry quality. To investigate the characteristics and interrelationships between soil nutrients and berry quality in Cabernet Gernischet vineyards, this study focused on seven representative vineyards in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains. Fifteen soil physicochemical factors and 10 berry quality factors were measured, followed by variation analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression (MLR), partial-least squares regression (PLSR), principal component analysis (PCA), and systematic cluster analysis. We identified the main soil nutrient indicators influencing berry quality and developed linear regression equations. Utilizing PCA, a comprehensive evaluation model for berry quality was constructed, which enabled the calculation and ranking of integrated berry quality scores. The results indicated that soil nutrients in the vineyards of the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains are relatively deficient and alkaline. The coefficient of variation for soil nutrient factors ranged from 3.19 to 118.08% and for berry quality factors 2.41-26.37%. Correlation analysis revealed varying degrees of correlation between soil nutrient indicators and fruit quality indicators. PCA extracted four principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 91.506%. Based on the scores of these components and their corresponding weights, a comprehensive model for evaluating the quality of Cabernet Gernischet berries was established. The vineyards were ranked from the highest to the lowest combined scores as Zhenbeibu (ZBB), Yuquanying (YQY), Dawukou (DWK), Beihaizi (BHZ), Shuxin (SX), Huangyangtan (HYT), and Hongde (HD). These findings provide insights into soil nutrient management and comprehensive quality assessment of vineyards in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains. In conclusion, this study offers a theoretical foundation for vineyard managers to enhance grape berries quality through soil nutrient management. This will aid in the diagnosis of vineyard soil nutrition and the efficient use of fertilizers, with critical practical and theoretical implications for the meticulous management of vineyards and the production of high-quality wines.

The Effects of Various Long-Term Fertilizer Applications on Soil Carbon Fractions in a Winter Wheat Monoculture Area

The Loess Plateau in China has long grappled with issues such as chronic soil erosion, poor soil structure, and diminished organic matter. Soil organic carbon plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, and fertilization is a key tool that influences it. In a comprehensive field experiment, we examined five fertilization methods: no fertilization (CK); traditional fertilization used by local farmers (FP); nutrient-balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (OF); chemical fertilizers used in conjunction with organic fertilizers (OFM); and chemical fertilizers paired with bio-organic fertilizers (OFB). Our findings revealed that the OFM and OFB treatments were the most effective, explaining 84.35% and 81.26% of the variation in soil carbon sequestration, respectively. Further, the OF, OFM, and OFB treatments demonstrated superior effectiveness compared with the FP treatment in enhancing the soil carbon fractions. However, these fertilization patterns did not significantly alter the active-to-inert carbon ratio of the soil. OF, OFM, and OFB treatments enhanced the stability of soil carbon pools more than FP treatment. In structural equation modeling, factors such as microbial biomass nitrogen and phosphorus, soil pH, and β-N-acetyl glucosidase indirectly exhibited a limiting effect on the carbon pool stability index (CPSI), while β-glucosidase displayed an indirect positive correlation with the carbon fractions. In contrast, dissolved organic carbon, low-molecular-weight organic carbon, high-molecular-weight organic carbon, and crop yield demonstrated direct positive correlations with the CPSI. Consequently, both a balanced application of chemical fertilizers and the combination of organic and chemical fertilizers were effective in enhancing and sustaining the soil’s organic carbon content, thereby contributing to soil fertility stability. To this end, this study can inform the efficient selection and use of fertilizers, improving crop yield and soil carbon content.

Urease inhibitors technologies as strategy to mitigate agricultural ammonia emissions and enhance the use efficiency of urea-based fertilizers

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the stability and degradation of NBPT under storage conditions and to quantify urease activity, ammonia losses by volatilization, and agronomic efficiency of urea treated with different urease inhibitors, measured in the field. Experiments included urea treated with 530 mg NBPT kg−1 (UNBPT) in contact with six P-sources (monoammonium phosphate-MAP; single superphosphate; triple superphosphate; P-Agrocote; P-Phusion; P-Policote), with two P-concentrations (30; 70%); the monitoring four N-technologies (SoILC; Limus; Nitrain; Anvol); and the application of conventional urea (UGRAN) or urea treated with urease inhibitors as topdressing in three maize fields, at three N rates. It is concluded that: the mixture of UNBPT and P-fertilizers is incompatible. When MAP granules were coated to control P-release (P-Agrocote), the degradation of NBPT was moderate (approximately 400 mg kg−1 at the end of the storage test). SoILC and Limus solvent technologies extended the NBPT half-life by up to 3.7 and 4.7 months, respectively. Under field, each inhibition technology reduced urease activity, and lowered the intensity of ammonia emission compared to UGRAN by 50–62%. Our results show that the concentration of NBPT is reduced by up to 53.7% for mixing with phosphates. In addition, even with coatings, the storage of mixtures of urea with NBPT and phosphates should be for a time that does not reduce the efficiency of the inhibitor after application, and this time under laboratory conditions was 168 h. The reduction of NBPT concentration in urea is reduced even in isolated storage, our results showed that the half-life time is variable according to the formulation used, being 4.7, 3.7, 2.8 and 2.7 days for Limus, SoILC, Nitrain and Anvol, respectively. The results of these NBPT formulations in the field showed that the average losses by volatilization in the three areas were: 15%, 16%, 17%, 19% and 39% of the N applied, for SoILC, Anvol, Nitrain, Limus and urea, respectively. The rate of nitrogen application affected all agronomic variables, with varied effects in Ingaí. Even without N, yields were higher than 9200 kg ha−1 of grains. The increase in nitrogen rates resulted in linear increases in production and N removal in Luminárias and Ingaí, but in Lavras, production decreased above 95.6 kg ha−1 of N. The highest production in Lavras (13,772 kg ha−1 of grains) occurred with 100 kg ha−1 of N. The application of Anvol reduced the removal of N in Ingaí.

Coupling phosphate type and placement promotes maize growth and phosphorus uptake by altering root properties and rhizosphere processes

ContextNutrient distribution and phosphate fertilizers can impact maize growth, but how to match the type of phosphate fertilizer and the application method to enhance root-foraging capacity for phosphorus (P) is unclear. ObjectiveThis study was aimed at characterizing the effects of different phosphate fertilizers and placements on maize growth, grain yield, root properties and rhizosphere processes on calcareous soil. MethodsA soil column experiment with five different phosphate fertilizers [single superphosphate (SSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), urea phosphate (UP) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP)] applied either uniformly or locally 10–20 cm deep in a greenhouse. In addition, a 2-year field experiment with five P fertilizer treatments (non-fertilization and broadcast MAP, DAP, UP or APP) was conducted. ResultsIn the soil column experiment, localized application of SSP, MAP, UP and APP significantly promoted the growth and P uptake of maize by modifying the root morphology. Localized application of each P fertilizer increased (by up to 74 %) the first-order lateral root density and first-order lateral root length of maize in the fertilizer-enriched layer, resulting in a significant increase in the efficiency of root P acquisition by maize. In the field experiment, the rhizosphere pH of maize supplied with MAP, UP or APP was reduced by 0.5–0.7 units in comparison to DAP in 2018. Compared with MAP and DAP, application of UP or APP in the field did not show significantly improve maize growth and P uptake. ConclusionsThese results show that optimizing P fertilizer types and placement modified root morphology and physiology, and consequently promoted maize growth and P accumulation, but further characterization of the localized application of different P fertilizers in the field is needed. SignificanceEngineering root properties and rhizosphere processes by manipulating fertilizer types and placement improves fertilizer-use efficiency and reduces environmental footprint of food production.

Assessing the effectiveness of 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) inhibitor in mitigating N2O emissions from contrasting Cd-contaminated soils

Improving nitrogen use efficiency of chemical fertilizers is essential to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of nitrogen. Nitrification, the conversion of ammonium to nitrate via nitrite by soil microbes, is a prominent source of nitrogen loss in soil systems. The effectiveness of nitrification inhibitors in reducing nitrogen loss through inhibition of nitrification is well-documented, however, their efficacy in heavy metals-contaminated soils needs thorough investigations. The current study assessed the efficacy of nitrification inhibitor 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) in reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in cadmium (Cd) contaminated paddy and red soils under lab-controlled environment. Obtained results indicated the substantial reduction in N2O emissions with DMPP in paddy and red soil by 48 and 35 %, respectively. However, Cd contamination resulted in reduced efficacy of DMPP, thus decreased the N2O emissions by 36 and 25 % in paddy and red soil, respectively. It was found that addition of DMPP had a significant effect on the abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). Notably, the reduction in N2O emissions by DMPP varied with the abundance of AOB. Moreover, Cd pollution resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the abundance of archaeal and bacterial amoA genes, as well as bacterial nirK, nirS, and nosZ genes. The combined treatment of Cd and DMPP had a detrimental impact on denitrifiers, thereby influencing the overall efficiency of DMPP. These findings provide novel insights into the application of DMPP to mitigate nitrification and its potential role in reducing N2O emissions in contaminated soils.

Integrated Nutrients Management for Future Production: A Review

&#x0D; As per the estimate by the United Nations, the world population will increase to 11 billion, by 2050. This rapid increase in the population is of global concern, creating responsibilities on the shoulders of the scientists to fetch the rapidly increasing population along with the problem of reduced land holding, sudden climatic challenges, and imbalanced nutrition coupled with deficiencies of nutrients. It is necessary to continuously review and modify agricultural practices and technologies in order to meet human demands while respecting the ecological boundaries of our planet. Among these technologies application of fertilizers has been crucial for raising crop yield, agricultural productivity and food security. However, the application of fertilizer has an environmental cost and they haven't been a very productive factor in helping many poor farmers to escape poverty economically, especially in the areas where the fertilizer application has an imbalance and inappropriate fertilizer has been applied on the lower fertile soils which have little or no desirable effect on the crop yield. The efficient use of fertilizers can be increased by using agronomic practices to apply existing mineral fertilizers, which generally contain N, P, and K, at the proper time, place, amount, and composition. However, the overall progress made to minimize the negative consequences is insufficient to bring about the necessary change toward sustainable agriculture in underdeveloped nations. Farmers must integrate the management of nutrients and soil fertility into their farming practices in order to meet the increasing population's demand for food. This paper reviews the concepts of integrated nutrient management in the context of its eco-friendly nature and sustainability.

Nano-Black Carbon Improve Phosphorus Uptake, and Sustain Soil and Plant Health Under Biodynamic Agriculture

ABSTRACT Numerous factors, such as the soil’s low organic content and the inaccessibility of phosphorus nutrients in acidic soil conditions, restrict the growth of crops and the health of the soil. In the 21st century, crop production and soil health need attention for food security in order to enhance soil fertility and vigorous crop production. The objective of the study was to investigate how biodynamic farming affects on soil health and plant biomass production as phosphorus can react with aluminum and iron in acidic soil to generate insoluble compounds that are unavailable to plants. Phosphorus availability in acidic soil might be a problem and less available to plant roots as a result of the precipitation. By lowering the solubility of aluminum and iron in acidic soils, nano-black carbon increases the availability of phosphorus to plants. Experimental findings revealed that grain phytate concentration and fertilizer use-efficiency were significantly improved with agronomic interventions. The highest GPC and TPU were noted with nano-black carbon tretament. However, SPU was increased with muck compost application. The maximum GPC, SPU, and TPU were recorded at 100 kg P ha−1. Maximum GPC, SPU, and TPU were recorded with Trichoderma achlamydosporum than Pseudomonas. Highest FUE was recorded with 75 kg-P-ha−1. AE and PFPp altered with treatments and highest AE and PFP were noted with nano-black carbon. Conclusively, PAE, PFPp, and FUE were higher with integration of nano-black carbon+achlamydosporum along with inorganic P (75 kg per hac) can improve soil health and nutrients status along with yield and productivity on a sustainable basis.

Sustainable management of water, nitrogen and biochar resources for soybean growth considering economic, environmental and resource use efficiency aspects: An integrated modeling approach

Intensive soybean production requires that water and fertilizer are collaboratively managed in an accurate and efficient manner, while biochar application offers a sustainable approach for protecting land, alleviating water scarcity, and increasing crop yield. The purpose of this study was to carry out a multifactor coupling orthogonal experiment of irrigation, nitrogen and biochar in the soybean growing season in 2021 and 2022 via plot treatment, linking the effect of irrigation and nitrogen on soybean yield with the carbon sequestration and emission reduction properties of biochar. A dynamic regulation model with multi-dimensional objective synergy for soybean yield, water footprint (WF), carbon footprint (CFP), water use efficiency (WUE) and partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (PFPN) based on the comprehensive regulation framework of experimental-simulation-optimization was constructed. This model was used to explore the optimal irrigation, nitrogen and biochar application patterns and their synergistic effects on yield and environmental benefits. The results showed that soybean yield and PFPN were affected by irrigation, nitrogen application affected WF and WUE, and biochar application affected CFP. Irrigation significantly affected the soil water content and consequently the WF while enhancing the crop yield and PFPN. Compared to the I1 treatment, the I0 treatment reduced water consumption, and the addition of nitrogen (N0 and N1) contributed to higher crop yields and WUE. The addition of biochar significantly increased crop yield, WUE and PFPN while mitigating the impact of nitrogen fertilizer application on greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the three-factor interaction, the yield, WF, CFP, WUE, and PFPN in 2022 increased by 3.03%, 3.51%, 2.17%, 1.59%, and 7.61%, respectively, compared to those in 2021. In addition, combined with water and nitrogen application, biochar application reduced CFP while increasing soybean yield, WUE and PFPN. A multiobjective optimization model demonstrated that when the amounts of irrigation, nitrogen, and biochar in 2021 and 2022 were 178.4 mm, 104.6 kg/hm2, and 8650.8 kg/hm2 and 153.7 mm, 93.7 kg/hm2, and 8063.4 kg/hm2, respectively, the synthetic degrees of yield, WF, CFP, WUE, and PFPN reached 0.866 and 0.872, respectively. The coordinated regulation of irrigation, nitrogen, and biochar reached a high-quality coordinated level that was 14.39% and 7.13% higher in 2021 and 2022 than the best I0N0B1 treatment, respectively. In this study, a combination of experiment-simulation-optimization is used to propose optimal irrigation, nitrogen and biochar regulation methods that synergize soybean yield, resource use efficiency and environmental benefits, which are of theoretical value for promoting green and efficient soybean production in black soil areas.

Effect of microbial plant biostimulants on fruit and vegetable quality: current research lines and future perspectives.

Fruit and vegetables hold a prominent place in dietary guidance worldwide and, following the increasing awareness of the importance of their consumption for health, their demand has been on the rise. Fruit and vegetable production needs to be reconsidered so that it can be productive and, meantime, sustainable, resilient, and can deliver healthy and nutritious diets. Microbial plant biostimulants (PBs) are a possible approach to pursuing global food security and agricultural sustainability, and their application emerged as a promising alternative or substitute to the use of agrochemicals (e.g., more efficient use of mineral and organic fertilizers or less demand and more efficient use of pesticides in integrated production systems) and as a new frontier of investigation. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive reviews are currently available on the effects that microbial plant biostimulants' application can have specifically on each horticultural crop. This study thus aimed to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the effects that PBs can have on the morpho-anatomical, biochemical, physiological, and functional traits of the most studied crops. It emerged that most experiments occurred under greenhouse conditions; only a few field trials were carried out. Tomato, lettuce, and basil crops have been primarily treated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), while plant grow-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) metabolites were used for crops, such as strawberries and cucumbers. The literature review also pointed out that crop response to PBs is never univocal. Complex mechanisms related to the PB type, the strain, and the crop botanical family, occur.

Increasing lettuce productivity through Starter Solution Technology (SST)

Starter Solution Technology (SST), which is a highly concentrated liquid fertilizer, has been researched by AVRDC the World Vegetable Center. SST is a technological innovation to reduce fertilizer input while also increasing the efficiency of fertilizer use and crop productivity. The purpose of this research is to apply starter solution technology which is an efficient way of using fertilizer in order to increase lettuce production. The research was conducted in Tawangargo Village, Karangploso District, Malang Regency from July to September 2022. There were 10 treatments, including P1 = NPK 3 gr/plant, T2 = NPK 2 gr/plant, P3 = 1.5 g/plant, P4 = 1 g /plant, P5 = 0.5 g/plant, P6 = NPK 3 g/plant + SST, P2 = NPK 2 gr/plant + SST, P3 = 1.5 g/plant + SST, P4 = 1 g/plant + SST, P5 = 0.5 g/plant + SST. The results showed that the use of SST technology was able to produce better growth and yield and was able to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers by more than 60% from the current level of fertilizer use without significant reduction in yield. Adding fertilizer to the starter treatment reduced lettuce production.

Effect of Chitosan-PMAA-Nutrients Slow-release Fertilizer on Germination of Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby &amp; J. W. Grimes

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with chitosan (CS) coating as a supply of plant nutrients is an alternative to the efficient use of conventional chemical fertilizers and reduces environmental pollution. However, its potential in woody plants is limited. This study aimed to analyze the effect of SRF on Falcataria moluccana germination and SRF phosphorus release rate. This study used SRF from polymerizing CS with methacrylic acid (MAA) to trap nutrients (CS-PMAA-nutrients SRF). The seeds of F. moluccana were germinated at six concentrations SRF: without fertilizer (F0), SRF CS dose 0.5% weight 0.03 g (F1), SRF CS 0.5% 0.01 g (F2), SRF CS 0.7% 0.03 g (F3), SRF CS 0.7% 0.01 g (F4), and conventional fertilizer (F5) for 21 days. SRF can increase the germination of F. moluccana. F4 increased normal sprout (10%) and germination power (16%) of F. moluccana. Furthermore, SRF with a concentration of 0.01 g produced a higher germination value than a concentration of 0.03 g. The release rate of SRF’s nutrients was slower (91.80% phosphorus) than conventional fertilizers. SRF application can reduce nutrients lost and increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption. Hence, it can improve F. moluccana growth.

Hydrogen, Ammonia and Symbiotic/Smart Fertilizer Production Using Renewable Feedstock and CO2 Utilization through Catalytic Processes and Nonthermal Plasma with Novel Catalysts and In Situ Reactive Separation: A Roadmap for Sustainable and Innovation-Based Technology

This multi-disciplinary paper aims to provide a roadmap for the development of an integrated, process-intensified technology for the production of H2, NH3 and NH3-based symbiotic/smart fertilizers (referred to as target products) from renewable feedstock with CO2 sequestration and utilization while addressing environmental issues relating to the emerging Food, Energy and Water shortages as a result of global warming. The paper also discloses several novel processes, reactors and catalysts. In addition to the process intensification character of the processes used and reactors designed in this study, they also deliver novel or superior products so as to lower both capital and processing costs. The critical elements of the proposed technology in the sustainable production of the target products are examined under three-sections: (1) Materials: They include natural or synthetic porous water absorbents for NH3 sequestration and symbiotic and smart fertilizers (S-fertilizers), synthesis of plasma interactive supported catalysts including supported piezoelectric catalysts, supported high-entropy catalysts, plasma generating-chemical looping and natural catalysts and catalysts based on quantum effects in plasma. Their performance in NH3 synthesis and CO2 conversion to CO as well as the direct conversion of syngas to NH3 and NH3—fertilizers are evaluated, and their mechanisms investigated. The plasma-generating chemical-looping catalysts (Catalysts, 2020, 10, 152; and 2016, 6, 80) were further modified to obtain a highly active piezoelectric catalyst with high levels of chemical and morphological heterogeneity. In particular, the mechanism of structure formation in the catalysts BaTi1−rMrO3−x−y{#}xNz and M3O4−x−y{#}xNz/Si = X was studied. Here, z = 2y/3, {#} represents an oxygen vacancy and M is a transition metal catalyst. (2) Intensified processes: They include, multi-oxidant (air, oxygen, CO2 and water) fueled catalytic biomass/waste gasification for the generation of hydrogen-enriched syngas (H2, CO, CO2, CH4, N2); plasma enhanced syngas cleaning with ca. 99% tar removal; direct syngas-to-NH3 based fertilizer conversion using catalytic plasma with CO2 sequestration and microwave energized packed bed flow reactors with in situ reactive separation; CO2 conversion to CO with BaTiO3−x{#}x or biochar to achieve in situ O2 sequestration leading to higher CO2 conversion, biochar upgrading for agricultural applications; NH3 sequestration with CO2 and urea synthesis. (3) Reactors: Several patented process-intensified novel reactors were described and utilized. They are all based on the Multi-Reaction Zone Reactor (M-RZR) concept and include, a multi-oxidant gasifier, syngas cleaning reactor, NH3 and fertilizer production reactors with in situ NH3 sequestration with mineral acids or CO2. The approach adopted for the design of the critical reactors is to use the critical materials (including natural catalysts and soil additives) in order to enhance intensified H2 and NH3 production. Ultimately, they become an essential part of the S-fertilizer system, providing efficient fertilizer use and enhanced crop yield, especially under water and nutrient stress. These critical processes and reactors are based on a process intensification philosophy where critical materials are utilized in the acceleration of the reactions including NH3 production and carbon dioxide reduction. When compared with the current NH3 production technology (Haber–Bosch process), the proposed technology achieves higher ammonia conversion at much lower temperatures and atmospheric pressure while eliminating the costly NH3 separation process through in situ reactive separation, which results in the production of S-fertilizers or H2 or urea precursor (ammonium carbamate). As such, the cost of NH3-based S-fertilizers can become competitive with small-scale distributed production platforms compared with the Haber–Bosch fertilizers.

Liming reduces nitrogen uptake from chemical fertilizer but increases that from straw in a double rice cropping system

Liming materials are widely applied to alleviate soil acidification and increase rice yield in acidic soils, but their effects on nitrogen (N) use efficiency are still unclear. Here, we conducted a field-, pot-, and micro-plot experiment to investigate how the application of slaked lime (i.e., Ca(OH)2) affects the fate of chemical fertilizer-N and straw-N in a double rice cropping system. In the field experiment, liming increased grain yield and N uptake by an average of 9.0% and 10.6%, respectively. In contrast, CaCl2 application did not affect rice yield and N uptake, suggesting that the effects of lime application were not related to the addition of Ca2+. Results from a 15N tracer experiment (i.e., 15N-labeled urea and straw) indicated that liming reduced N uptake from fertilizer (−5.7%), but increased N uptake from straw (+31.3%). Liming also reduced soil retention of both urea- and straw-N and increased their loss rates. Taken together, our results indicate that although liming increases rice yield and N uptake, it lowers the use efficiency of fertilizer N and facilitates N losses. In addition, our results emphasize the need for long-term studies on the impact of liming on soil N dynamics in paddy soils.

Impact of social networks on fertilizer use efficiency in China: Evidence from kiwifruit production in Shaanxi province.

Improving fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) is an effective way to reduce the fertilizer use and non-point source pollution in agriculture production in China. Existing research related to fertilizer use efficiency ignores the impact of famers' social networks, which can significantly affect the fertilizer use and its efficiency. This paper analyzed the impact of social networks on fertilizer use efficiency and the mediator effect of green fertilization technology adoption, based on the calculation of fertilizer use efficiency of 569 kiwifruit farmers in Shaanxi province of China surveyed in 2021 by using stochastic frontier method. The results show that the FUE of kiwifruit production ranged within 0.1027-0.9945, with an average value of 0.333, which showed great variability, and fertilizer input had an average 66.7% reduction potential without reducing output. Social networks and its four dimensions all had a significant positive impact on FUE, in which network trust and network learning had a greater impact on FUE. Farmers' adoption of green fertilization technology played a positive mediator effect in the process of social networks influencing their fertilizer use efficiency, which was mainly promoted by network trust and learning. Farmers' experience in agricultural production, joining the cooperative, the quantity of village agricultural supply points had a significant positive impact on fertilizer use efficiency, while age and gentle of the head of household had a significant negative impact of fertilizer use efficiency. Planting scale had a U-shape impact on FUE. Policies aimed at improving FUE and reducing non-point source pollution should, therefore, focus on improving the social networks of farmers, especially young farmers, strengthening network trust, promoting network learning, network reciprocity and network interaction, strengthening the research and development and extension of green fertilization technology, encouraging farmers to join agricultural cooperative, improving village production conditions, guiding sustainable agricultural production.