Fertility Levels Research Articles

Effect of fertilization and flower bud dormancy breaker on yield and fruit quality of crystal guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) crystal variety or often called crystal guava is a type of fruit that has recently become increasingly popular in the community and is highly favored by consumers. The advantages of this guava compared to other guavas are fast fruiting (8 months after planting has started production), small habitus so that the population per hectare is high, the fruit is large with thick pulp, tastes good, fresh, and crunchy, very few seeds only 4-6 per fruit, even many are seedless (seddless), and the appearance of the fruit is attractive. With its various advantages, the crystal guava population in Bali has grown very rapidly since the last 5 years, but farmers complain that although certified superior seeds are used, the production, quality and continuity of the fruit produced are not as expected. The continuity of fruit harvest is not sustainable because many naturally induced flower buds do not develop into flowers due to dormancy. The aim of this study was to increase the production and quality of crystal guava fruit through fertilization and the application of flower bud dormancy breakers. The research was conducted in Semanik Village, Petang District, Badung from January to July 2024. The experiment was arranged in a 2-factor factorial with 9 replications, using a group randomized design. The first factor was fertilization consisting of 3 levels; fertilization as the farmer's way/control (P1), fertilization with N, P, K, and Ca (P2), and fertilization with N, P, K, Ca and microfertilizers Zn, and Cu (P3), while the second factor was the application of flower bud dormancy breaker type consisting of 3 levels; without dormancy breaker/control (Dt), Ethreel dormancy breaker (De), and KNO3 dormancy breaker (Dk). The results showed that fertilization level P2, namely the provision of urea, TSP, KCl and calcium fertilizer in the form of gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) at a dose of 250 g, 300 g, 300 g, and 1,250 g/plant respectively and fertilization level P3, namely the provision of urea, TSP, KCl and gypsum at a dose of 250 g, 300 g, 300 g, and 1,250 g/plant coupled with the provision of micro-fertilizers ZnSO4 and CuSO4 tend to increase the growth, production and quality of crystal guava fruit. Similarly, the application of Ethreel and KNO3 flower bud dormancy breakers tended to increase the number of new buds per plant, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and percentage of grade A fruits.

Impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in sandy loam soil of North-Eastern Nigeria

The excessive and sole use of inorganic fertilizers has led to soil nutrient depletion, acidification and loss of soil organic matter. Decreased organic matter content reduces the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced crop yields. Organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients to soil while at the same time improving soil health and reducing the risk of soil degradation. Hence, there is a need to investigate the impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in the study area. The study site is in the Teaching and Research Farm, Yobe State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Gujba, Damaturu, Yobe State. Its geographic coordinates are 11.7461° N, 11.9608°. The study area is approximately twenty hectares while the size of land for the experiment was approximately two hectares. The soil analysis conducted revealed varying levels of nutrients. Nitrogen (N) ranged from 0.11 to 0.20 g/kg-1, indicating medium fertility. Phosphorus (P) levels ranged from 0.17 to 0.19 g/kg-1, indicating signifying low fertility, while potassium (K) varied from 0.46 to 0.89 g/kg-1, indicating high fertility. Copper (Cu) levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 g/kg-1, suggesting medium fertility. Zinc (Zn) ranged from 0.55 to 0.38 g/kg-1, indicating medium to low fertility, particularly in deeper soil layers. Iron (Fe) ranged from 0.53 to 0.01 g/kg-1, categorized as medium to low fertility. Manganese (Mn) ranged from 0.11 to 0.04 g/kg-1, showing low fertility levels insufficient for optimal agricultural production. Despite minor improvements post-application of organic fertilizer, overall fertility ratings remained largely unchanged. The study highlights the heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the study area, emphasizing both strengths and deficiencies crucial for agricultural productivity.

PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF Physalis peruviana FRUIT APPLYING DIFFERENT DOSES OF SIMPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

The present study aimed to investigate and determine the most relevant fertilization levels of Simple Superphosphate to increase fruit production and improve fruit quality for fresh consumption. The experiment was conducted at the EPAMIG Experimental Field in Lambarí, Minas Gerais, from September 2021 to November 2022. Five fertilization levels were tested: 150 grams/plot, 300 grams/plot, 600 grams/plot, and 1200 grams/plot, along with a control group (no fertilization). A significant increase in fruit production was observed at the higher dose (1200 grams/plot) compared to the control, representing a 54.06% increase in fruit production. Additionally, the total fresh biomass production increased by 19.43%, the number of primary and secondary branches per plant increased by 48.99%, the branch length increased by 4.26%, and the canopy diameter increased by 6.83% when compared to the control. All these characteristics were significantly different at the 95% confidence level according to the Scott-Knott test. We concluded that 300 grams/plot was the best fertilization dose to achieve higher production and acceptable quality.

Effect of Organic Granules on the Productivity, Quality, and Nutrient Uptake Level of Tomato and the Fertility and Microbial Population of the Soil

Organic vegetable production is needed worldwide to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers, protect the environment, and produce healthy food. Accordingly, in the present study, the effects of organic granules on the productivity, quality, and nutrient uptake level of tomatoes and the fertility and microbial population of the soil were determined. Briefly, organic NPK granules and organic N, P and K-rich sources were compared with synthetic NPK granules and synthetic fertilizers administered at 100 and 75% of the recommended fertilizer levels. Among the various treatments applied, treatment with 100% of the recommended NPK using the synthetic NPK granules (Urea, DAP and MOP) led to higher growth, yield attributes, and yield (fruit yield, – 24.21 t/ha and stover yield, -15.01 t/ha) of tomato. This treatment also enhanced the nutrient uptake by tomato. However, quality parameters, such as total soluble solids (6.64% ), titrable acidity (0.62% ), ascorbic acid content (14.31 mg/100 g), lycopene content (3.54 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (3.11%), non-reducing sugars (1.02%), total sugar (4.13% ), and shelf life (15.76 days ) of tomato were higher with 100% of the recommended NPK from organic NPK granules than from synthetic granules. This treatment also enhanced the available nutrients and microbial population in the soil. Notably, the same trend was observed for tomatoes fertilized with 75 % of the recommended NPK. The lowest values were obtained with the absolute control. Based on the results of this experiment, the application of 100% of the recommended NPK using organic NPK granules is the best approach to improve the quality of tomato fruits and to enhance the soil fertility.

Growth, yield, andrographolide content and total antioxidant activity of Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees] under variable nitrogen rates and organic manures application in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Kalmegh is an important medicinal crop because of the most important biologically active phyto-chemical called andrographolide. Production of higher herbage yields with appropriate quality in terms of andrographolide is largely dependent upon efficient nutrient management. This study aimed to assess the effect of organic manures application and variable nitrogen rates on growth, yield, andrographolide content and total antioxidant activity of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three levels of organic manures [M1- Control, M2- vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 and M3- poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1] and four fertility levels [F1- 0: 50: 50, F2- 50: 50: 50, F3- 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 and F4- 75: 50: 50 kg ha−1 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively] replicated thrice. The highest dry herbage yields and andrographolide content of kalmegh were recorded with vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 followed by poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 during both the years while, lower yields due to control. Dry herbage and andrographolide yield were found to be highest in M2×F3 compared with M1×F1. Our study concluded that the application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 along with 75 kg ha−1 N in two splits and 50 kg ha−1of each P2O5 and K2O resulted higher yield and andrographolide content which, would provide better soil nutrient status in sustainable manner without affecting ecological balances.

Effect of CO2 Elevation on Tomato Gas Exchange, Root Morphology and Water Use Efficiency under Two N-Fertigation Levels.

Atmospheric elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) decreases plant nitrogen (N) concentration while increasing water use efficiency (WUE), fertigation increases crop nutrition and WUE in crop; yet the interactive effects of e[CO2] coupled with two N-fertigation levels during deficit irrigation on plant gas exchange, root morphology and WUE remain largely elusive. The objective of this study was to explore the physiological and growth responses of ambient [CO2] (a[CO2], 400 ppm) and e[CO2] (800 ppm) tomato plant exposed to two N-fertigation regimes: (1) full irrigation during N-fertigation (FIN); (2) deficit irrigation during N-fertigation (DIN) under two N fertilizer levels (reduced N (N1, 0.5 g pot-1) and adequate N (N2, 1.0 g pot-1). The results indicated that e[CO2] associated with DIN regime induced the lower N2 plant water use (7.28 L plant-1), maintained leaf water potential (-5.07 MPa) and hydraulic conductivity (0.49 mol m-2 s-1 MPa-1), greater tomato growth in terms of leaf area (7152.75 cm2), specific leaf area (223.61 cm2 g-1), stem and total dry matter (19.54 g and 55.48 g). Specific root length and specific root surface area were increased under N1 fertilization, and root tissue density was promoted in both e[CO2] and DIN environments. Moreover, a smaller and denser leaf stomata (4.96 µm2 and 5.37 mm-2) of N1 plant was obtained at e[CO2] integrated with DIN strategy. Meanwhile, this combination would simultaneously reduce stomatal conductance (0.13 mol m-2 s-1) and transpiration rate (1.91 mmol m-2 s-1), enhance leaf ABA concentration (133.05 ng g-1 FW), contributing to an improvement in WUE from stomatal to whole-plant scale under each N level, especially for applying N1 fertilization (125.95 µmol mol-1, 8.41 µmol mmol-1 and 7.15 g L-1). These findings provide valuable information to optimize water and nitrogen fertilizer management and improve plant water use efficiency, responding to the potential resource-limited and CO2-enriched scenario.

Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing Water and Fertilizer Requirements for Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth in Sandy Soil

AbstractTo foster sustainable agricultural practices, the utilization of irrigation, fertilizers, and recycled soil enhancements is essential, particularly in regions with limited resources. This investigation sought to ascertain the optimal water and fertilizer prerequisites for the cultivation of maize by employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in arenosol enriched with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) in a controlled pot experiment. The experimental treatments were determined using the Central Composite Design based on varying levels of irrigation (50%, 75%, and 100% of soil field capacity), nitrogen (0, 1, and 2 g pot−1), and SMS (0, 5, and 10%, v/v). The investigation's findings demonstrated that augmented irrigation and nitrogen fertilization positively influenced all agronomic traits, as well as nitrogen concentrations in the roots, shoots, and soil. SMS increased shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, leaf area per plant, and dissolved and total soil organic carbon. The optimal levels of irrigation, nitrogen fertilizer, and SMS to improve agronomic attributes were determined to be 81.43–97.80%, 1.38–1.69 g pot−1, and 5.77–8.48%, respectively. The optimal amounts for NPK retention in soil and plant uptake were 69.50–98.00%, 1.20–1.98 g pot−1, and 4.72–9.74%, respectively. The study concluded that irrigation and nitrogen levels had a greater impact on optimizing maize growth response than SMS. However, SMS was found to be more effective in increasing plant biomass due to its enhancement of both dissolved and total soil organic carbon. Furthermore, the interaction of irrigation and mineral nitrogen with SMS improved soil nutrient retention, plant uptake, and plant biomass productivity.

Diverging destinies: How children are faring under demographic transition

India reached the replacement level of fertility in 2020. However, the journey of fertility transition is unconventional and heterogeneous within the country and across the different socio-economic groups. The fertility transition is considered to be faster than its socio-economic and health transition in several states. Thus, it has been presumed that the returns to fertility decline are heterogeneous across the states and population sub-groups. Our specific hypothesis is that although rich and poor, and educated and un-educated, everyone had significantly contributed to the fertility decline in response to family planning policies, only those socio-economically better-off have been investing relatively more in their children compared to the poor, and this has led to diverging destinies for children. We tested this supposition using a macro-level panel dataset (1992–2021), fixed and random effects, and IV regression models. The results confirm that child health care and outcomes have diverged while fertility declined from 1992 to 2021. These results are sustained in multiple robustness checks. While fertility is declining with highly state-sponsored family planning programmes, the persistent socio-economic inequalities are leading to unequal progress in health outcomes for children in India.

The Use Efficiency of Phosphorus in Organomineral Fertilization Systems

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to determine the agronomic, physiological and recovery efficiency of phosphorus in the transition from conventional agriculture to organic agriculture of organomineral fertilizers, which are formed by combining different levels of phosphorus fertilizers and dairy manures at different rates. Materials and Methods The study was carried out between 2019 and 2021 during the two wheat growing season in Söke county of Aydın province in the Southwest of Türkiye. In the study, excluding the control (P0), 4 different levels of phosphorus (P1:10, P2:20, P3:30, and P4:40 kg P ha−1) and 4 different doses of dairy manure (DM1:10, DM2:20, DM3:30, and DM4:40 t ha−1) and 16 different organomineral fertilizer combinations were composed. The fertilizer combinations composed were divided into four sub-organomineral fertilization systems (OMF1, OMF2, OMF3, and OMF4). The study was carried out in three replications according to the randomized block design. Results In the study, according to the averages of both years, the highest agronomic, physiological and recovery efficiency (AE, PE, and RE) was determined as 29.5 kg kg−1, 175.0 kg kg−1 and 16.9% in DM1P1 application (OMF1 system), respectively. The lowest agronomic, physiological and recovery efficiency were recorded as 21.2 kg kg−1, 163.4 kg kg−1 and 13.0% in DM4P4 application (OMF4 system), respectively. As a result, organomineral fertilizers reduced the agronomic, physiological and recovery efficiency of phosphorus by 28.1%, 8.2% and 23.1%, respectively. Conclusions Finally, it was concluded that the fertilizer use efficiency increased as the amount of phosphorus applied to compose with organomineral fertilizers decreased.

Ameliorating the response of slow-releasing nitrogen fertilizer on sustainable maize growth

The extensive utilization of nitrogen (N) fertilizers within maize cultivation systems has resulted in diminished nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and contributed to nitrogen pollution on a global scale. To assess the ecological repercussions of excessive fertilization, it is imperative to elucidate both the nitrogen use efficiency and the fate of nitrogenous fertilizers upon application. The current research evaluated the potential of a newly developed slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on maize growth and its behavior in soil under controlled conditions. Six different levels of urea fertilizer (UF) and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) were administered within the field, representing 100%, 85%, and 70% of the recommended application rates. The slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) exhibited superior performance regarding growth, yield and nutrient retention in comparison to urea fertilizer (UF). Moreover, minimal ammonia emissions were detected with the employment of the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF), while other urea-based fertilizers proved inefficient in mitigating ammonia emissions, despite enhancing various growth and yield parameters. The efficiency in nutrient recovery followed a distinct pattern, with polymer-coated fertilizers demonstrating superiority. The plots treated with SRNF displayed significantly higher growth and yield characteristics compared to those treated with urea fertilizer. In terms of NH3 volatilization, the urea fertilizer (UF) treatment at 100% application rate showed higher emissions (1.99 mg g-1) after a 27-day incubation period, as opposed to the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) treatment (1.68 mg g-1). Leaching data indicated that urea fertilizer treatments led to greater losses of NO3-N (2.01 mg L-1) compared to SRNF treatments (0.88 mg L-1).

Depopulation and deep aging: the former Yugoslav and Western Balkans space between the second demographic transition and emigration

The article introduces the tentative concept of deep aging – a label used for a situation when the overall ageing effects of the second demographic transition, due to fertility below replacement level, are topped by the excessive emigration of the fertile contingent (additional loss of active population). Deep ageing thus accelerates population decline. But the loss of fertile contingent may affect the total fertility rates and its apparent rise (TFR). Here, the tempo effect of fertility plays the decisive role. The article first assesses the demographic change in the European macroregions in the period after the fall of the Iron Curtain (1990–2020). It then analyses the changes in the area of former Yugoslavia to assess the extent of population change in the last intercensal period, 2011–2022. Building on the previous research of population loss and migration flows after the break-up of Yugoslavia, the overall population change in the region is being assessed. It is also shown that tempo distortion of fertility rates considerably affects the realistic level of fertility and that approximate completed fertility rates fell less dramatically. Since the migration data are less reliable, the analysis of intercensal change was applied to assess the migration losses across the ex-Yugoslav space. To assess the extent of deep ageing, the intercensal projection of fertile contingent was introduced. The stage of deep ageing is the most pronounced in Croatia and Serbia, especially at the younger fertile group, while the overall loss of fertile population is profound and will certainly affect the further future decrease in population. Similarly difficult demographic situation is in other post-Yugoslav countries, where only Slovenia has not yet slid into the stage of deep ageing.

Effect of Different Fertilizer and Silicon Levels on Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment with spilt plot design was conducted to study the ‘effect of fertility and silicon levels on the nutritional quality of maize’ during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The main plot treatments consist of four levels of Compounded NPK fertilizer (F0: Control, F50: 50% RDF, F75: 75% RDF and F100: 100 % RDF) and the sub-plot treatments consist of four levels of soil application of Diatomaceous Earth (Si0, Si100, Si200 and Si300). Pratap Makka-9 of maize variety was used for research purpose. The protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain were higher under 100% RDF than other levels of fertilizer. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded higher protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain over the rest of silicon levels. The crude fat in maize grain was lower in 100% RDF. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded lower crude fat in maize grain. Significantly higher protein yield was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg diatomaceous earth per hectare. However, protein yield was at par in the application of 75% RDF with 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare and 100% RDF with 200 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare. The lowest crude fat was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare over the rest of treatment combinations. Application of 100% RDF with 300 kg DE ha-1 (F100Si300) was recommended treatment for nutritional high quality maize grain.

Effectiveness of Organic Fertilizers in Improving Soil Fertility, Productivity and Quality of Carrots (Daucus carota) in Southern Côte d'Ivoire

In the context of agricultural resilience to climate change, a strategy of replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers has been adopted to improve the production of vegetable crops, particularly carrots. This study promotes organic carrot farming in Côte d'Ivoire by applying an organic biofertiliser based on poultry droppings and traditional medicinal plants to the soil. Different doses of this organic biofertiliser, applied to the soil by fertigation (dilution at 0.5% (T1), 5% (T2) and 10% (T3)), were tested under a crop of carrots (Daucus carota) in a completely randomized Fisher block design with 4 replications. The results show that yields varied significantly according to the different doses applied (p<0.05). High carrot yields of 27.5±1.29 t.ha-1 were obtained with treatment T2. However, plant growth indicators (plant height, number of leaves, root length and diameter) were similar for the three treatments T1, T2 and T3. According to the results obtained, treatment T2 would be suitable for achieving and maintaining an acceptable level of fertility and ensuring satisfactory yields for the carrot crop. Thus, the use of this biofertilizer should be encouraged for agro-ecological soil fertility management, and may be an alternative to synthetic fertilizers which, due to their high cost, are not accessible to growers.

Effect of Phosphorus and Magnesium Fertilizers on Mineral Nutrition and Yield of Winter Wheat depending on Liming of Sod-Podzolic Soil

In long-term field experience on strongly acidic, poorly cultivated sod-podzolic soil, high efficiency of phosphorus fertilizers combined with magnesium and liming in the cultivation of winter wheat of the Moskovskaya 56 variety was revealed. Under these conditions, the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium in plants in the flowering phase increased. Improving the mineral nutrition of plants in this case provided the highest yield (75.3 c/ha), exceeding the background level of nitrogen-potassium fertilizers by 2.7 times, the payback of mineral fertilizers (NPK) increased by 2.5 times, reaching 16.7 kg/kg. The use of phosphorus fertilizers on highly acidic soil increased yields by 65% at 27.5 c/ha against the background of nitrogen-potassium fertilizers. On calcified soil with a slightly acidic reaction of the medium, the yield from the use of phosphorus fertilizers increased by 19% compared to the background of 58.1 kg/ha. Yield increases when using magnesium fertilizers against the background of full fertilizer (NPK) decreased as soil acidity decreased and were significant: on medium acidic soil – 4.9 and slightly acidic – 6.1 c/ha. At the maximum yield of winter wheat, due to the use of phosphorus and magnesium fertilizers and a decrease in the acidity of sod-podzolic soil, the removal of nutrients by the winter wheat harvest increased: nitrogen – by 3.5, phosphorus – 3.7, potassium and magnesium – 3 times.

Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Summer Greengram as Influenced by Residual Effect of Paddy Residues and Fertility Levels

Background: One of the main reasons for India’s decreased food production is the depletion of soil fertility. The primary causes of soil deterioration are lack of awareness among farmers and lack of land use regulations. By limiting the erosion and enhancing the nutrients available to the crops, conservation agriculture increases the organic matter content of the soil and contributes to the improvement of field conditions. But compared to conventional agriculture, the practise of conservation agriculture is less advanced. And also there is a dearth of research on the use of crop residues for the management of soil fertility. So this study was undertaken in order to examine the impacts of crop residue, inorganic fertilizers and cropping system as a component of an integrated crop residues and fertility management system on nutrient uptake and net returns of greengram. Methods: The experiment consists of strip plot design and was carried out during 2020-21 and 2021-22 under zero till conditions at college farm, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU to study the effect of previous crop residues and fertility levels on succeeding greengram. Result: According to the data, greengram absorbed more nutrients at various growing stages. The residual effect of incorporation of residues treated with microbial consortia composed of Trichoderma viridae, Aspergillus awamori and Phanerocheate spp. along with 300:100:100 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O (125% RDF) and phosphorous supplied in the form of single super phosphate (SSP) resulted in significantly higher financial returns. In greengram, residue incorporated plots outperformed residue burning, removal and retention plots with 125% RDF in terms of nutrient uptake, as well as monetary returns like gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio. In a similar vein, yield in residue-incorporated plots was higher than it was in residue-removal and in-situ burning plots during summer, 2021 and 2022.

Response of coriander varieties to various levels of fertility under different cutting

Response of coriander varieties to various levels of fertility under different cutting

Induced abortion after advent of fetal sex detection technology and child sex at birth

BackgroundNational level Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is normal in Bangladesh despite its patriarchal social structures, strong son preference, and low fertility level, widely recognized as preconditions for Gender-Biased Sex Selection (GBSS). To better understand this anomaly, we examine the trend in SRB in a sub-district in Bangladesh and assess the impact of the introduction of fetal sex-detection technology and the history of induced abortion on child sex using longitudinal data.MethodsWe have used secondary data collected routinely by icddr, b’s Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) between 1982 and 2018. All births occurring during this period (N = 206,390) were included in the analyses. We calculated the SRB and used multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the likelihood of birth of a male child before and after the introduction of ultrasonogram in Matlab.ResultsOverall, SRB was within the natural limit (106) during 1982–2018 in Matlab. SRB among women with a history of induced abortion was 109.3 before the introduction of ultrasonography in 2001 and 113.5 – after 2001. Women’s history of induced abortion prior to introduction of ultrasonogram (1982–2000) increased the likelihood of birth of a male child 1.06 times (AOR 1.06; 95% CI- 1.01–1.11). In the period after, however, this likelihood was 1.08 (AOR 1.08; 95% CI- 1.02–1.15).ConclusionsIn a context with normal SRB, it was found to be skewed among women who had induced abortion. SRB was relatively more skewed among such women after the advent of ultrasonogram compared to a period without ultrasonogram. Moreover, induced abortion after introduction of fetal sex determination technology increased the likelihood of birth of a male child. These findings suggest the plausibility of GBSS in a sub-group. Further research is needed, particularly in regions with skewed SRB to examine whether GBSS is indeed a threat to Bangladesh.

KEY ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE RUSSIAN REGION (CASE OF LIPETSK REGION)

The article is devoted to the issues of economic security of the Russian region using the example of the Lipetsk region. The study updates the role of regional economic security based on an in-depth analysis of the theoretical concepts of scientists over the past 20 years. Based on the works of the Russian economist S. Y. Glazyev, in which he uses his author’s, integral approaches to indicators of reproduction of human and economic potential, researchers assess the state of economic security in the Lipetsk region. The authors conclude that the main trend at the moment is the “forced” growth of production, not provided with sufficient labor resources for the future, accompanied by low socio-­economic indicators of reproduction. Having sufficiently advantageous geographical, climatic and natural resources, the Lipetsk region does not have a high development potential at this point in time due to the low level of self-awareness of the population. The level of crime, alcoholism or fertility is often not related to the economic standard of living of the population, but rather depends on the level of development of the individual and society. The lack of capital investments in fixed assets for the future shows the lack of strategic goals of producers and the desire to obtain short-term benefits. The authors see the development of patriotic, spiritual and moral education as one of the directions for improving the indicators of reproduction of human and economic potential in the region.

Effect of sesame cake fertilizer with γ-PGA on soil nutrient, water and nitrogen use efficiency

γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), as an environmentally sustainable material, is extensive applied in agriculture for enhancing water and fertilizer utilization efficiency, augmenting crop yield, and ameliorating soil conditions. However, the effect of γ-PGA in conjunction with sesame cake fertilizer on the soil environment remains uncertain.The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of γ-PGA on soil nutrients, water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and maize yield across various levels of sesame cake fertilizer. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the optimal ratio to establish a theoretical and practical foundation for sustainable agricultural development and the promotion of ecological agriculture. Through field experiments, nine treatments were established, comprising three levels of sesame cake fertilizer application rates (B1 = 900 kg/hm2 for low fertility, B2 = 1100 kg/hm2 for medium fertility, and B3 = 1300 kg/hm2 for high fertility) and three levels of γ-PGA application rates (R1 = 200 kg/hm2, R2 = 400 kg/hm2, and R3 = 600 kg/hm2). The results can be outlined as follows: (1) When γ-PGA application rate increased, total nitrogen (TN) exhibited a synergistic effect under B1 treatment, but an antagonistic effect under B2 and B3 treatments. At the 6-leaf stage (V6), 12-leaf stage (V12), and tasseling stage (VT), available phosphorus (AP) exhibited antagonistic effects. However, at the filling stage (R2) and maturity stage (R6), AP in B1 and B2 treatments at various depths underwent partial transformation into a synergistic effect. The levels of available potassium exhibited a notable antagonistic effect, leading to a decrease in harvest index (HI). B2 treatment demonstrated superior results compared to the B1 and B3 treatments, with the highest levels observed under B2R1 treatment; (2) TN content in the 0–40 cm soil layer increased during the filling period, and it was uniformly distributed in the 40–60 cm soil layer. When the soil AP was located in the 0–60 cm soil layer, there was an increase in AP content during the mature period. Following the tasseling period, different treatments exhibited varying patterns of increase in response to the presence of potassium within the 0–60 cm soil layer. Consequently, in cases where the sesame cake fertilizer content is low, the interaction between γ-PGA can compensate for the deficiency of fertilizer, thereby enhancing water and nitrogen utilization efficiency. The optimal fertilization strategy for enhancing soil nutrient distribution, WUE and NUE, and yield is proposed to be the application of 1100 kg/hm2 sesame cake fertilizer and 200 kg/hm2 γ-PGA.

Biochar Improves Yield by Reducing Saline-Alkaline Stress, Enhancing Filling Rate of Rice in Soda Saline-Alkaline Paddy Fields.

Soda saline-alkaline stress significantly impedes the rice grain filling process and ultimately impacts rice yield. Biochar has been shown to mitigate the negative impacts of saline-alkaline stress on plants. However, the exact mechanism by which biochar influences the rice grain-filling rate in soda saline-alkaline soil is still not fully understood. A two-year field experiment was conducted with two nitrogen fertilizer levels (0 and 225 kg ha-1) and five biochar application rates [0% (B0), 0.5% (B1), 1.5% (B2), 3.0% (B3), and 4.5% (B4) biochar, w/w]. The results demonstrated that biochar had a significant impact on reducing the Na+ concentration and Na+/K+ ratio in rice grown in soda saline-alkaline lands, while also improving its stress physiological conditions. B1, B2, B3, and B4 showed a notable increase in the average grain-filling rate by 5.76%, 6.59%, 9.80%, and 10.79%, respectively, compared to B0; the time to reach the maximum grain-filling rate and the maximum grain weight saw increases ranging from 6.02% to 12.47% and from 7.85% to 14.68%, respectively. Meanwhile, biochar, particularly when used in conjunction with nitrogen fertilizer, notably enhanced the activities of sucrose synthase (SuSase), ADPG pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch synthase (StSase), and starch branching enzyme (SBE) of rice grains in soda saline-alkaline lands. Furthermore, rice yield increased by 11.95-42.74% in the B1, B2, B3, and B4 treatments compared to the B0 treatment. These findings showed that biochar improves yield by regulating ionic balance, physiological indicators, starch synthesis key enzyme activities, and the grain-filling rate in soda saline-alkaline paddy fields.