Fertility Ratio Research Articles

Monitoring of Soil Nutrient Levels by an EC Sensor during Spring Onion (Allium fistulosum) Cultivation under Different Fertilizer Treatments

Balanced nutrients are essential for healthy plant growth, but there is no sensor available to monitor essential nutrients such as N and K. Electrical conductivity (EC) is one of the key parameters that could be adopted to monitor nutrient contents because soil EC is influenced by the available nutrients. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the effects of different basal fertilizers, including inorganic, organic, and compost fertilizers, and the application ratio of basal and additional fertilizers on nutrient contents with an EC sensor. The applied basal and additional fertilizer ratios were N 30:70, K 40:60, and N 20:80, K 20:80, respectively, for each fertilizer treatment. The results showed that the EC sensor value was positively associated with water content. The soil EC response increased with inorganic fertilizer and fertigation, and it was positively correlated with soluble nutrients and exchangeable ammonium. The correlation coefficients between sensor EC and soluble nutrients, nitrate, and ammonium nitrogen were 0.87, 0.86, and 0.65, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) also elucidated that inorganic fertilizer was positively associated with sensor EC, soluble Na, Ca, Mg, and nitrate among variables. This work suggests that soil available nutrients, especially N, could be monitored with an EC sensor, and the soil nutrient status could be regulated to promote better plant growth.

Effect of Nano Carbon and Nano Calcium Carbonate Application on Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

ABSTRACT The application of nanomaterials in agriculture has considerable advantages, but its impact on the dynamic change of soil nutrients is still unclear. In the two-year experiment, the effects of nanocarbon (NC) and nano calcium carbonate (NCC) on the dynamic changes of soil nutrients in the wheat field were studied by setting the ratio of different nanomaterials and fertilizers. All treatments with NC and NCC applications positively affected soil nutrient effectiveness at 0–35 d after wheat anthesis, and the effect of NC+NCC was more significant. At 35 days after anthesis, soil available phosphorus (P), available potassium (K), organic matter (OM), and alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen (N) were elevated by 77.9%, 21.9%, 11.7%, and 7.0%, respectively, in the first year and 44.3%, 10.2%, 9.0%, and 7.6%, respectively, in the second year of treatment with 100% CF (complex fertilizer) + 50% NC + 50% NCC compared with control. The treatment with reduced fertilizer application also demonstrated a greater advantage. At 35 d after anthesis, 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC had 54.3%, 11.5%, 8.4%, and 5.8% higher soil available P, available K, OM, and alkaline hydrolysis N, respectively, compared with the control, and 41.05%, 6.4%, 7.8%, and 5.4% higher the following year, respectively. In acidic soils, positively charged NC and NCC have a lasting effect on maintaining soil nutrients by adsorbing acid ions. Therefore, NC and NCC with compound fertilizer have favorable effects in maintaining soil nutrient content and improving fertilizer utilization.

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

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

Preparation and characterization of biochar-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and its effect on maize growth

Biochar (BC) is often used to prepare carbon-based slow-release fertilizers, but the slow-release performance of traditional biochar-based fertilizers is still low and needs to be further improved. In addition, the slow-release mechanisms, such as physical encapsulation, adsorption, functional group action, etc., of specific biochar-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (BSRNFs) are unclear. In this study, six BSRNFs were synthesized and their nitrogen release patterns and mechanisms were investigated. Soil column leaching experiments demonstrated that BSRNFs significantly slowed down the release of nitrogen. The release performance of sodium alginate coated BSRNFs with carbon fertilizer ratio of 2: 1 (BUS2) was the optimal; and the cumulative nitrogen release of BUS2 was 65.91% within 74 days, which was 28.56% lower than that of urea. The maize pot experiment showed that the maize yield of BUS2 treatment group was 7.51% higher than that of ordinary sulfur coated urea treatment group. The samples of BUS2 before and after sustained release were characterized., it was confirmed that BUS2 captured nitrogen by physical encapsulation, physical adsorption, hydrogen bonding and functional group action, so as to play the role of slow release. Moreover, the production cost of BUS2 was 29.32% lower than that of urea fertilizer. In conclusion, the newly-developed BUS2 is proven to be easily-synthesized and low cost, while possessing excellent slow-release nitrogen performance and increasing crop yield. Mass production and application of BUS2 in field are promising to contribute to the green agricultural development.

Influence of Different Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizer Ratios on the Agronomic and Quality Traits of Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is highly valued in China; however, its optimal fertilization parameters are unknown. This study investigated the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer combinations on foxtail millet agronomic traits, photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality to promote rational fertilizer application. Pot experiments were conducted using the “3414” fertilizer effect scheme and the representative crop variety was JG21, containing four NPK levels and 20 replicates per treatment, individually. The effects of N, P, and K levels on agronomic traits were analyzed during the jointing, heading, and filling stages. JG21 performed optimally under treatment with N160P90K150 (T6); the yield and fat content increased by 49.32% and 13% compared to the control. Correlation analysis revealed that N was significantly positively (negatively) correlated with the protein (amylose) content. P was significantly positively correlated with the fat and moisture content and K was correlated with the moisture, fat, and protein content, but was negatively with the amylose content. Overall, rational ratios of NPK fertilization improved foxtail millet yield and quality. Based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the T6 treatment (N160P90K150) demonstrated the highest comprehensive effect among 13 NPK fertilizer combinations. Rational application of NPK in foxtail millet may improve agronomic performance by enhancing leaf photosynthetic efficiency and aboveground biomass accumulation.

Stakeholders' perceptions of the trends in contraceptive prevalence rate and total fertility rate in Ghana.

Studies in Ghana have reported discrepancies between trends in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR). Yet, there is limited empirical literature on stakeholders' perceptions on the trends in CPR and TFR in Ghana. We, therefore, examined the perceptions of key stakeholders about the documented trends in CPR and TFR in Ghana. We adopted an exploratory (qualitative) research design with a qualitative approach of data collection from stakeholders in Ghana, focusing on the trends of the TFR and CPR. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist provided additional guidance for reporting the study results. We employed the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework/construct to explain and predict individual changes in health behaviors resulting in trends in CPR and TFR from stakeholders' perspectives and analyzed the data using framework analysis approach. Two main themes emerged from the data: contraceptive prevalence and total fertility ratio, with five sub-themes identified: barriers to contraception, motivations for contraception uptake, unmet need for family planning, induced abortion, and effectiveness of planning programs. Specifically, participants indicated that there is a discrepancy between the trends of CPR and TFR based on the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, conducted between 1988 and 2014. The high unmet needs for contraceptives were attributed to CRP trends, whilst abstinence, infertility, and high demands for induced abortions were identified to impact the TFR trends significantly. The findings show that an extensive quantitative enquiry into the exact relationships between Ghana's CPR and TFR as well as the contributions of abstinence, infertility, and induced abortion are worth considering.

Effects of Fertilizer Application Strategy Adjustments on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loss from Typical Crop Systems in Taihu Lake Region

The intensity of crop farming fertilizer input is generally high in the Taihu Lake Region, with chemical fertilizer as the main form. Due to inappropriate fertilizer application, nitrogen and phosphorus loss have occurred, causing serious agricultural non-point source pollution. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China has launched the "zero-growth action for chemical fertilizer use" and "replacement action with organic fertilizer" ("two actions" for short) campaigns since 2015. Local agricultural sectors adjusted fertilizer application strategies of crop farming to respond to the call of two actions. However, the current research is still focusing on reducing the total amount of fertilizer application and increasing the area of organic fertilizer application, which is mainly based on grain crops. The study of agricultural environment problems is still lacking, especially in vegetable, orchard, and tea systems. Therefore, a study was carried out in the typical agricultural area of Suzhou City Wuzhong District from 2019 to 2021. Based on the data of the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus removal by harvest crops and soil nitrogen and phosphorus residual in paddy, vegetable, orchard, and tea systems, the loss was estimated. The responses of nitrogen and phosphorus loss from typical crop systems to fertilizer application strategy adjustments were studied through analysis of different factors. The results showed that fertilizer application rate was the key to control nitrogen and phosphorus loss. Additionally, the suitable replacement ratio of organic fertilizer could further reduce the loss risk. It should be noted that the urgent demand for nutrients in crop growth should be considered to determine the timing of organic fertilizer application, and agricultural machinery should be used to assist organic fertilizer application to reduce labor output if possible. Fertilizer efficiency was the core of environmental friendliness and economic benefits of crop farming. Hence, improving fertilizer efficiency should be the guidance of fertilizer application strategy adjustment. Our suggestions on the adjustment of fertilizer application strategy in different crop systems in the study area are as follows:attention should be paid to the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium input ratio in paddy systems to further reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss. Planting structure adjustment should be emphasized in vegetable systems to promote fertilizer efficiency. The strategy to satisfy both tea and orchard growth from a composite system perspective would help to build crop systems that meet the needs of green agricultural development.

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by replacing inorganic fertilizer with organic fertilizer in wheat–maize rotation systems in China

Combining organic and inorganic fertilizer applications can help reduce inorganic fertilizer use and increase soil fertility. However, the most suitable proportion of organic fertilizer is unknown, and the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is inconclusive. This study aimed to identify the optimum ratio of inorganic fertilizer to organic fertilizer in a winter wheat–summer maize cropping system in northern China to achieve high grain yields and low GHG intensities. The study compared six fertilizer treatments: no fertilization (CK), conventional inorganic fertilization (NP), and constant total nitrogen input with 25% (25%OF), 50% (50%OF), 75% (75%OF), or 100% (100%OF) organic fertilizer. The results showed that the 75%OF treatment increased the winter wheat and summer maize yields the most, by 7.2–25.1% and 15.3–16.7%, respectively, compared to NP. The 75%OF and 100%OF treatments had the lowest nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, 187.3% and 200.2% lower than the NP treatment, while all fertilizer treatments decreased methane (CH4) absorption (by 33.1–82.0%) compared to CK. Carbon dioxide flux increased in the summer maize growing season (by 7.7–30.5%) compared to CK but did not significantly differ between fertilizer treatments. The average global warming potential (GWP) rankings across two wheat–maize rotations were NP > 50%OF > 25%OF > 100%OF > 75%OF > CK, and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) rankings were NP > 25%OF > 50%OF > 100%OF > 75%OF > CK. We recommend using 75% organic fertilizer/25% inorganic fertilizer to reduce GHG emissions and ensure high crop yields in wheat–maize rotation systems in northern China.

The influence of different doses and ratios of mineral fertilizers on the yield of winter rye in the Urals

Winter rye is an important crop of the Non-Chernozem belt of Russia, the productivity of which depends on the use of fertilizers. The paper presents data on the agronomic and economic efficiency of cultivating Falenskaya 4 winter rye under conditions of long-term use of mineral fertilizers. The studies were carried out in 2019-2021 in Perm Region on sod-podzolic heavy loamy soil in a long-term stationary experiment based on a reduced factorial design (6x6x6) with a wide range of doses and NPK ratios. The highest yield in 2019 was obtained in N30P120K120 variant (3.07 t/ha), the highest payback of mineral fertilizers by grain was noted in N90 and N30P30K30 variants (6.00 and 5.69 kg of grain). The highest yield and payback of grain in the conditions of 2021 and for two years of research in average was obtained in the variant N90: in 2021, 3.01 t/ha and 13.96 kg of grain, for 2 years average – 2.95 t/ha and 9.82 kg of grain. The efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers has been proved by a regression equation for two years average, phosphoric and potash fertilizers did not have a significant effect. The rise in the yield increase occurred up to a nitrogen dose of 90 kg/ha and amounted to 0.42 t/ha at N90. The highest payback by grain was noted among nitrogen treatments – by N30 (7.3 kg of grain), with each increase in doses by 30 kg/ha, this indicator decreased linearly by 1.3 kg. The highest profitability over the years of research was obtained in the variant without fertilizers– 60 %, over two years in average. The profitability of using N90 was higher compared with the control only in 2021 – 50 % versus 43 %. All the studied doses of nitrogen used separately provided positive profitability, but the most cost-effective was the use of N30 and N60 – profitability was 52 and 45 %, respectively.

P-096 Prediction of fertilization success by voltage-dependent intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in non-normozoospermic human semen samples undergoing in vitro fertilization: preliminary results

Abstract Study question Does the change in intracellular calcium levels evoked by artificial membrane depolarizations predict fertilization success in a non-normozoospermic semen sample undergoing assisted reproductive techniques? Summary answer The increase in the intracellular calcium after artificial plasma membrane depolarization correlates negatively with fertilization rates in conventional IVF but not with ICSI What is known already Sperm capacitation-related features, like the regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential (Vm), have been proposed as predictors of success during artificial reproduction techniques (ART). Intriguingly, upon Vm depolarization, sperm exhibit a rapid and transitory increase in the [Ca2+]i controlled, likely, by the activation of the sperm-specific calcium channel CatSper. The regulation of CatSper activity is essential for sperm function and is crucial for fertilization. Therefore we wondered if the Vm depolarization-dependent rise in the [Ca2+]i can be used to predict fertilization success rates in non-normozoospermic semen samples of men undergoing ART. Study design, size, duration This prospective study employed unidentified semen samples from 29 non-normozoospermic men (37.8 ± 5.6 years old) undergoing fertility treatment from March 2022 to the present at CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City. Frozen semen samples and procedures with less than 3 oocytes were excluded. Ten normozoospermic semen samples were analyzed as a control. The depolarization-dependent [Ca2+]i changes were evaluated by flow cytometry under four different Vm conditions: resting (variable among samples), –64, –46, and –32 mV. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were obtained on the same day as oocyte retrieval. Sperm cells were washed and incubated in capacitating HTF media for further use in conventional IVF or ICSI procedures. When available, the surplus cells were stained with vitality, Ca2+, and Vm-sensitive fluorescent dyes. Fluorescence changes were evaluated by AccuriC6 flow cytometer. The kinetical analysis of the transitory [Ca2+]i increase as well as the statistical comparisons were performed using custom-made R programming language code. Main results and the role of chance Analysis of resting Vm showed that normozoospermic semen samples presented more depolarized Vm than non-normozoospermic controls (–75.7 ± 6.9 vs –67.3 ± 10.5 mV, respectively, p = 0.02). The former group of semen samples was either used for conventional IVF (n = 11) or ICSI (n = 14). The semen samples in these last categories showed a tendency to present a more depolarized Vm than non-normozoospermic samples (–69.9 ± 8.8 and –66.6 ± 11.3 mV, respectively). No differences were seen in the resting Ca2+ levels. We then induced a Vm hyperpolarization by adding the K+ ionophore, valinomycin followed by increasing concentrations of extracellular K+. Each depolarizing stimulus evoked a fast and transitory increase in the [Ca2+]i. We then calculated seven different kinetic parameters of such responses: basal Ca2+ level, increase and decrease velocity, maximum Ca2+ reached, response durability, and area under the curve (AUC). The basal Ca2+ level reached after depolarizing stimuli correlated negatively (R = –0.64, p = 0.03) with the conventional IVF fertilization ratio (number of zygotes/total number of mature oocytes) when the Vm was clamped either to –64 and –46 mV. A negative and significant correlation (R = –0.76, p = 0.006) was seen for the AUC analysis at –64 mV. No relevant correlations were found in the ICSI samples. Limitations, reasons for caution This is an in vitro study, and caution must be taken when extrapolating these results in vivo. The preliminary nature of the results implies a necessity to increase the number of analyzed semen samples (in progress). Wider implications of the findings Further research into the molecular regulation of the CatSper channel could offer promising alternatives for clinicians to appropriately choose between IVF and ICSI for each couple. This protocol is fast and simple to perform in a laboratory equipped with a flow cytometer or any fluorescence-based reader. Trial registration number NA

P-094 Dynamics of progesterone-induced intracellular Ca2+ changes in sperm predicts zygote formation rate by IVF: Preliminary results

Abstract Study question Can the overall intracellular Ca2+ dynamics evoked by progesterone stimulation predict the fertilizing potential of a non-normozoospermic semen sample under fertility treatment? Summary answer Some kinetic parameters of the transient intracellular Ca2+ increase evoked by progesterone stimulation correlate with fertilization rates in conventional IVF but not with ICSI. What is known already Stimulation with female hormone progesterone induces the activation of the sperm-specific ion channel CatSper which in turn produces a fast increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). After reaching a maximum [Ca2+]i, different Ca2+ clearance mechanisms become active producing a transient followed by a plateau. We investigated whether the [Ca2+]i dynamics upon progesterone stimulus may be used to assess the fertilizing potential of sperm samples from men undergoing assisted reproduction. Study design, size, duration This prospective study employed unidentified semen samples from 39 non-normozoospermic men (age 38 ± 6 years old) undergoing fertility treatment from March 2022 to the present at CITMER Reproductive Medicine, Mexico City. Frozen semen samples and ART procedures with less than 3 oocytes were excluded. Ten normozoospermic semen samples were also analyzed. The progesterone-dependent [Ca2+]i changes were evaluated using time-lapse flow cytometry. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were obtained on the same day as oocyte retrieval. Sperm cells were washed and incubated in capacitating HTF media for further use in conventional IVF or ICSI procedures. When available, the surplus cells were stained with vitality and Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dyes. Fluorescence changes were evaluated by AccuriC6 flow cytometer. Progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i transient as well as the correlations with the fertilization rates were calculated using custom-made R programming language code. Main results and the role of chance The progesterone (1 µM) stimulation evoked a fast and transitory increase in the [Ca2+]i. We then calculated six different kinetics parameters of such responses: basal Ca2+ level, increase and decrease in velocity, maximum Ca2+ level, total response duration, and the area under the curve (AUC). There were no significant differences in any of these parameters between normozoospermic donors (and non-normozoospermic patients. The former group of semen samples were divided into either conventional IVF (n = 17) or ICSI (n = 21). In IVF but not ICSI samples, the duration, and the area under the curve of the progesterone response tended to be higher than in normozoospermic (2.39±0.7 min, p = 0.03, and 113±30 AUF*min, p = 0.18, respectively). Furthermore, both parameters showed a tendency to correlate negatively with the conventional IVF (R= –0.45, p = 0.07 and R= –0. 5, p = 0.04, respectively) but not with ICSI fertilization ratio (number of zygotes/total number of mature oocytes). These results suggest that cells with a better Ca2+ recovery mechanism are well suited for IVF. Interestingly, we observed no difference between the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i increase after progesterone stimulus among donors, IVF, or ICSI samples, as was previously reported. Differences in the concentration of progesterone could explain such results. Limitations, reasons for caution The preliminary nature of the results implies a necessity to increase the number of analyzed semen samples (in progress). It is well known that progesterone induces variable responses even among the same donor cells. Our population-based analysis may be underestimating such single cells variations. Wider implications of the findings Current protocols for sperm analysis fail to successfully predict the fertilizing capability of semen samples from men seeking reproductive treatment. Further research into the molecular regulation of Ca2+ dynamics could offer promising alternatives for clinicians to appropriately choose between IVF and ICSI for each couple. Trial registration number .

Design optimization and experiment of corn U-shaped fertilization device

Aiming at the problems of low utilization rate of corn fertilizer, low precision of fertilization ratio, and time-consuming and laborious topdressing in the later stage, an U-shaped fertilization device with uniform fertilizer mechanism was designed. The device was mainly composed of uniform fertilizer mixing mechanism, fertilizer guide plate and fertilization plate. Compound fertilizer was applied on both sides and slow/controlled release fertilizer was applied at the bottom to form an U-shaped distribution of fertilizer around corn seeds. Through theoretical analysis and calculation, the structural parameters of the fertilization device were determined. Through the simulated soil tank test, the quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination design was carried out on the main factors affecting the spatial stratification effect of fertilizer. The optimal parameters were obtained as follows: the stirring speed of the stirring structure was 300 r/min, the bending angle of the fertilization tube was 165°, and the operating speed of the fertilization device was 3 km/h. The results of bench verification test showed that under the optimized stirring speed and bending angle, the fertilizer particles were stirred evenly, and the average values of fertilizer flowing out of the fertilization tubes on both sides were 299.5 g and 297.4 g, respectively. The average fertilizer amounts of the three fertilizer outlets were 200.4 g, 203.2 g and 197.7 g, respectively, which met the agronomic requirements of 1:1:1 fertilization, and the variation coefficients of fertilizer amounts on both sides of the fertilizer pipe and each layer were less than 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively. The simulation results of the optimized U-shaped fertilization device can achieve the expected U-shaped fertilization effect around corn seeds. The results of field experiment showed that the U-shaped fertilization device could realize the U-shaped proportional application of fertilizer in soil. The distance between the upper end of fertilization on both sides and the distance between the base fertilizer and the surface were 87.3–95.2 mm and 197.8–206.0 mm, respectively. The transverse distance between the fertilizers on both sides was 84.3–99.4 mm, and the error with the designed theoretical fertilization was within 10 mm. Compared with the traditional side fertilization method, the number of corn roots increased by 5–6, the root length increased by 30–40 mm, and the yield increased by 9.9–14.8%.

Modeling of fertilization on the photosynthetic and yield indicators of melon (Cucumis melo L.) under the saline soils of southern Kazakhstan

Recommendations on the use of generalized regional fertilizers for agricultural crops lead to low fertilizer efficiency, and an imbalance of plant nutrition while identifying economic and environmental problems. The use of innovative methods with the modelling of fertilizers with balanced doses of nutrients used based on the needs of crops, the potential of fertility and the degree of soil degradation should be the main condition for sustainable precision farming. Therefore, a field experiment to study the application of mineral fertilizers on melon was carried out under two saline backgrounds of light serozem at a farmer’s field, Maktaaral District, Kazakhstan during 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 10 treatments: T1–Control (no fertilizer), T2–N120P80, T3–N120K80, T4–P80K80, T5–N120P80K80, T6–N60P80K80, T7–N180P80K80, T8–N120P120K80, T9–N120P80K120 and T10–N157K256 and N93K96 for a targeted yield of 30 and 20 t/ha on low and medium-saline soils, respectively, each replicated thrice. Ammonium nitrate (34%), double superphosphate (45%) and potassium sulfate (51%) were used as fertilizers. The study of photosynthetic productivity of plants showed that the accumulation of dry biomass (from 1.9 to 10.37 t/ha) and leaf area (from 7.8 to 26.5 m2/ha) adequately changed with changes in doses and ratios of fertilizers. On the low salinity background, high early yields were provided by T5 and T10-10.1 and 10.9 t/ha, against a medium saline background, they were lower than low saline background of 1.7 and 2.3 t/ha, respectively. When modelling the effect of fertilizers on the formation of an early melon crop, the unilateral action of nitrogen fertilizers, the interaction of nitrogen fertilizer with potash fertilizer and the interaction of phosphorus fertilizer with the soil salt concentration have been excluded from the equation as insignificant (P less than 0.05).

Impact of Bio-foliar Application of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) on Foliage Yield and Quality of Mustard Green (Brassica juncea L.)

Background: Moringa oleifera is a vegetable widely consumed because of its nutritional benefits such as proteins, vitamins minerals, antioxidant compounds, and vitamin E. While the plant leaves have been utilized to produce organic fertilizer or bio-extract, other parts such as stems, branches, or leaf petioles have often been discarded as waste. Methods: The present study evaluated different ratios (1:10; 1:20; 1:30; 1:40 and 1:50) and types of bio-foliar fertilizers (Moringa bio-foliar fertilizer, chitosan, and seaweed fertilizers) on yield, and quality in mustard green. The pot and field experiments were conducted in the spring seasons of 2019 and 2020 in completely randomized design using three replications. Result: The results showed that the mustard green yield and quality were affected by ratio and type of bio-foliar fertilizer in both seasons. Highest yield and quality was found for application of moringa bio-foliar fertilizer. The nitrate accumulation value (147.3 mg kg-1) found were also higher for moringa bio-foliar fertilizer but lower than the standard threshold. A strong relationship was found between economic yield (R2 = 0.82 to 0.95 in pots and field experiment (R2 = 0.78 to 0.81). In conclusion, moringa bio-foliar fertilizer at spraying ratio of 1:10 can be used to achieve higher yield and quality for mustard green.

Grain Mineral Concentrations in Maize (Zea Mays L.) and Nutrient Use Efficiency as Affected by Fertilizer Management on a Nitisol in Southwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is an appropriate agronomic measure and is particularly important for smallholders who have limited access to mineral fertilizers. However, fertilizer recommendations in terms of crop nutritional value and nutrient efficiency strongly vary in dependence of site-specific conditions. In this study, seven different ratios of bio-waste compost (comp) and mineral fertilizers (MF), consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), were tested in a two-year field experiment on a Nitisol soil in order to assess their effects on nutritionally important minerals in maize (Zea mays, L. Bako-hybrid) grains as well as the nutrient use efficiency. The application of fertilizers corresponded to an N supply of about 100 kg ha−1, whereby the application of only MF (100 MF) was gradually replaced by compost. Compared to 100 MF the treatments with 40 to 70% of N supply given with compost had a higher concentration of most grain minerals. The most pronounced elevations were found for Fe (570 vs. 304 mg kg‒ 1) and Mn (70.1 vs. 36.3 mg kg‒ 1) when 50% of the N was given with compost in comparison to the 100 MF treatment. The P use efficiency increased particularly when compost was part of the nutrient supply. The results suggest that replacing mineral fertilizer with compost accounting for 40 to 70% of the total N supply would be a suitable option for increasing the nutritional quality of maize grains and to efficiently use fertilizers on this Nitisol.

Rhizosphere effect on the relationship between dissolved organic matter and functional genes in contaminated soil

Arsenic contamination in a mining area is a potential threat to the local population. In the context of one-health, biological pollution in contaminated soil should be known and understandable. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of amendments on arsenic species and potential threat factors (e.g., arsenic-related genes (AMGs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and heavy-metal resistance genes (MRGs)). Ten groups (control (CK), T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9) were set up by adding different ratio of organic fertilizer, biochar, hydroxyapatite and plant ash. The maize crop was grown in each treatment. Compared with CK, the bioavailability of arsenic was reduced by 16.2%–71.8% in the rhizosphere soil treatments, and 22.4%–69.2% in the bulk soil treatments, except for T8. The component 2 (C2), component 3 (C3) and component 5 (C5) of dissolved organic matter (DOM) increased by 22.6%–72.6%, 16.8%–38.1%, 18.4%–37.1%, respectively, relative to CK in rhizosphere soil. A total of 17 AMGs, 713 AGRs and 492 MRGs were detected in remediated soil. The humidification of DOM might directly correlate with MRGs in both soils, while it was influenced directly on ARGs in bulk soil. This may be caused by the rhizosphere effect, which affects the interaction between microbial functional genes and DOM. These findings provide a theoretical basis for regulating soil ecosystem function from the perspective of arsenic contaminated soil.

Coupling of reduced inorganic fertilizer with plant-based organic fertilizer as a promising fertilizer management strategy for colored rice in tropical regions

Colored rice is a type of high-quality, high-added-value rice that has attracted increasing attention in recent years. The use of large amounts of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in rice fields results in low fertilizer use efficiency and high environmental pollution. Organic fertilizer is a promising way to improve soil quality and sustain high yields. However, most studies focus on the effect of animal-based organic fertilizers. The effects of different ratios of plant-based organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on the grain yield and quality of colored rice have rarely been reported. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to study the effects of replacing inorganic N fertilizers with plant-based organic fertilizers on the yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and anthocyanin content of two colored rice varieties in a tropical region in China. The experimental treatments included no nitrogen fertilization (T1), 100% inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (T2), 30% inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer (T3), 60% inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer (T4), and 100% plant-based organic fertilizer (T5). The total nitrogen provided to all the treatments except T1 was the same at 120 kg ha–1. Our results showed that the T3 treatment enhanced the grain yield and anthocyanin content of colored rice by increasing nitrogen use efficiency compared with T2. On average, grain yields were increased by 9 and 8%, while the anthocyanin content increased by 16 and 10% in the two colored rice varieties under T3 across the two years, respectively, as compared with T2. Further study of the residual effect of partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers showed that the substitution of inorganic fertilizer with plant-based organic fertilizer improved the soil physio-chemical properties, and thus increased the rice grain yield, in the subsequent seasons. The highest grain yield of the subsequent rice crop was observed under the T5 treatment. Our results suggested that the application of plant-based organic fertilizers can sustain the production of colored rice with high anthocyanin content in tropical regions, which is beneficial in reconciling the relationship between rice production and environmental protection.

Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity as affected by different ratios of fertilizer (blended NPS) and inter row spacing at West Omo, South-West Ethiopia

One of the principal food crops in almost all of Ethiopia is maize (Zea mays L.).However, It has very low production when compared to that of Africa and the rest of the world. Because of poor agronomic practices, such as inappropriate row spacing and fertilizer management practice. Therefore, the experiment was conducted during the 2020 main cropping season at Maenit goldia district in South-West Ethiopia to decide the response of maize yield by inter-row spacing and blended NPS fertilizer rats. A factorial combination of 4 levels of blended NPS fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg) and 3 levels of between row spacing (70, 75 and 80 cm) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data on crop phenology, growth yield components and yield parameter were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., 2015). The result of this experiment show that combined use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing significantly influence growth and yield and yield components parameters of maize. As the Use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing increased the days to tasseling, plant height, ear length, ear diameter and leaf area increased whereas, decreased days to maturity and days to silking. And also use of 150 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer and row spacing (80 cm) increased number of grain yield, 100 grain weight , above ground biomass and harvesting index by 39.85, 35.20, 32.93 and 35.02%, respectively. Accordingly, it should be noted that, based on an analysis of the partial budget, combinations of the widest row spacing (80 cm) and 150 kg ha-1 of blended NPS fertilizer were promising for maize production in the main cropping season of the Chat Kebele Mea’nit Goldia district and other similar agro-ecologies.

Revealing the role of the rhizosphere microbiota in reproductive growth for fruit productivity when inorganic fertilizer is partially replaced by organic fertilizer in pear orchard fields.

In order to address the global crisis in pear productivity, there has been increased attention given to advocating for the use of organic fertilizers. As part of this effort, researchers have been investigating the microbial properties of organic fertilizers to better understand their potential impact on fruit productivity. Our research focused specifically on the impact of four different ratios of sheep manure (SM) and chemical fertilizers (CF) on pear productivity. We found that replacing CF with SM resulted in a proliferation of gammaproteobacteria, Chlamydiae, Bastocatellia and Clostridia in the soil rhizosphere, which is the region around the roots of plants where most nutrient uptake occurs. Using redundancy analysis, we were able to determine that SM was particularly effective at promoting the growth of gammaproteobacteria and clostridia, which were associated with C:N ratios around 14:1 as well as the availability of K, Fe, Zn and Cu. This combination of factors was conducive to a transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, resulting in an increase in pear production from 43 to 56 tons per hectare. We also discovered that Blastociella acts as a buffering system in regulating soil acidity. Taken together, our findings indicate that a combination of SM and CF can improve the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere, leading to an increase in pear productivity.

High nutrients surplus led to deep soil nitrate accumulation and acidification after cropland conversion to apple orchards on the Loess Plateau, China

Nitrate accumulation in the deep vadose zone poses direct or potential threat of environment and agriculture due to the long hydraulic retention time, especially in areas with limited rainfall. This study explored the primary causes and associated environmental problems of deep soil nitrate accumulation in apple orchards on the Loess Plateau by investigating nutrient (N, P, and K) surplus, deep soil nitrate accumulation and acidification, fertilization habits, and farmer awareness, through a combination of questionnaire and experiment. The results revealed much larger nutrient inputs than outputs, with N, P, and K surpluses 1.8–4.0-fold higher than required for apple tree growth. The huge N surplus caused nitrate accumulation and acidification in deep soil under apple orchards (up to 6 m). Soil nitrate storage in 25-year-old apple orchards within 6 m depth ranged from 5039–14,693 kg ha–1, 4.7–11.7-fold higher than under cropland. In addition, soil pH in 25-year-old apple orchards was 0.31–0.40 lower at 2–4 m depth than that of cropland. Overfertilization was the main contributor to the high cost of apple production, with most farmers unaware that they had overfertilized; the farmers also lacked an environmental conscious. We recommend multiple fertilizations, reasonable ratios of chemical and organic fertilizer, and scientific fertilization guidance to balance the economic benefits and environmental protection of apple orchards. In addition, farmers should be educated on environmental protection to sustainably develop the apple industry on the Loess Plateau.