Fertilizer Requirements Research Articles

Boosting the Soil Phosphorus Availability to Plants by Using Silicon-Rich Crop Residues and Reducing Fertilizer Requirements

Boosting the Soil Phosphorus Availability to Plants by Using Silicon-Rich Crop Residues and Reducing Fertilizer Requirements

Quality analysis of coffee waste compost with the addition of cassava tapai local microorganism (LMO) bioactivator

Coffee waste contains a large amount of nutrients, making it a potential raw material for compost fertilizer. The nutrients contained in coffee waste include N, P, K, Mg, and Ca. Utilization of coffee waste as compost requires bioactivators to accelerate the decomposition process. This study aims to determine the difference in compost quality from coffee waste by using bioactivators in the form of local microorganisms (LMO) of cassava tapai. This study was conducted from April to May 2023 at the greenhouse of LPP Polytechnic Yogyakarta, consisting of two stages: making the LMO and making the compost. Cassava tapai LMO was prepared as a treatment for composting coffee waste. Each treatment was repeated three times. After that, the fermentation results in the form of compost were tested, then the results were compared with the standards of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 on the minimum technical requirements for organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and soil conditioners. The results reveal that the provision of cassava tapai LMO bioactivator affected the quality of coffee waste compost produced. The quality of composts produced from control, cassava tapai LMO of 90 ml, and EM-4 treatment does not meet the standards of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture in the parameter of chemical properties, namely the C/N ratio. The quality of compost produced from cassava tapai LMO of 120 ml meets the standards of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture and SNI 2004 in all parameters of physical properties, chemical properties, and nutrient content.

Assessing the Quality of Organic Fertilizer Products Made from Cow Dung in Wonogiri Regency, Indonesia

Kebonagung Sub-district, Sidoharjo District, Wonogiri Regency is the Wonoagung Wonogiri Organic Farming Association (PPOWW) location. Mitra is an organization engaged in organic rice and cattle cultivation. The conversion of bovine dung into organic fertilizer, particularly liquid fertilizer containing biological agents, is one of the waste elimination strategies employed to prevent environmental contamination. The nutrient content of organic fertilizer material sources varies. Organic fertilizer of high quality conforms to the Standard for Organic Fertilizers established by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia. Only some producers are aware of the standard quality requirements for organic fertilizer. It is necessary to analyze the nutrient content of organic fertilizer products to determine whether the quality of organic fertilizer is excellent. A preliminary survey of partner conditions, preparation of materials (organic fertilizer), and analysis of fertilizer content are among the activities performed. The C/N ratio of organic fertilizer is 8.41, and its pH is 7.6. The analysis results indicate that the Wonoagung Wonogiri Organic Agriculture Association's organic fertilizer products meet the liquid organic fertilizer quality standards. This condition demonstrates that the raw materials used in organic fertilizer production are of high quality and that the appropriate procedures have been followed. Adding biological agents to the production of organic fertilizer can enhance the quality of the finished product.

Responses of avocado (Persea americana) to various doses of compost fertilizer and watering interval

Avocado is a multifunctional plant that can be utilized in all parts. The growth of avocado and its yield can be achieved by fulfilling requirements for the growth and maintenance of the plant well. Planting on dry land requires the addition of organic fertilizer and optimal water requirements to increase organic matter content and plant fertility. This research aims to obtain the optimal dosage of compost and watering intervals for the growth of avocado (Persea americana). The research was carried out in the Greenhouse Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This research used a factorial completely randomized design (F-CRD) with the addition of compost fertilizer doses (K0:0 kg, K1:0.5kg. K2: 1 kg. K3: 1.5 kg and K4: 2 kg) and watering intervals (A1: once a day. A2: once every three days. A3: once every five days and A4: once every seven days) with parameters of observation of height, diameter, top fresh weight, root fresh weight, top dry weight and root dry weight. The results showed that the interaction of compost and watering intervals significantly affected the height and diameter increase, root fresh weight, and root dry weight of avocado plants. The interaction of giving 1.5 kg of compost and watering intervals every day had the best effect on the growth and quality of avocado seedlings

The Effect of Cowpea Intercropping and Different Fertilizer Levels on Growth and Yield of Napier Grass

Background: The field experiment was conducted to check the optimization of fertilizer requirement for napier grass and cowpea intercropping system at the farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab during kharif season 2022. Methods: Study was conduct on total twelve treatment combinations, I1 (Sole napier with 100, 75 and 125% RDF), I2 (Sole Cowpea with 100, 75 and 125% RDF), I3 (Napier grass + cowpea intercropping in 1:2 ratio with 100, 75 and 125% RDF) and I4 (Napier grass + cowpea intercropping in 1:3 ratio with 100, 75 and 125% RDF) replicated thrice in Factorial RBD design. Result: All the growth parameters and yield in intercropping with cowpea were found significantly superior over sole napier grass. Maximum plant height (253.6 cm) and number of leaves (16.13) of napier were seen in intercropping with cowpea I4F3 (1:3 ratio + 125% RDF) which were at par with I3F1 (1:3 ratio + 100% RDF) and I3F2 (intercropping in 1:2 ratio + 125% RDF). There was a significant main effect of intercropping on green fodder yield of Napier grass with a higher yield in (75.69 t ha-1 in mixture and 60.65 t ha-1 sole) recorded in the intercropping ratio of 1:3 with 125% RDF (I4F3). The minimum yield of 24.41 t ha-1 was found in I1F2 (sole napier with 75% RDF) followed by 29.41 t ha-1 in I1F1 (Sole napier + 100% RDF) in 1st cutting. Intercropping napier with cowpea enhanced the overall growth and green fodder yield as compared to sole napier.

Does COVID-19 affect sperm quality in males? the answer may be yes, but only temporarily

BackgroundThe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on male reproductive health. However, the impact of COVID-19 on sperm quality remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the short-term and relatively long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on sperm quality.MethodsA total of 85 males with fertility requirements, who underwent semen evaluation at Guilin People’s Hospital between June 2022 and July 2023, were included in the study. Changes in semen parameters were analyzed across three specific timeframes: within 6 months before COVID-19 infection, within 3 months after COVID-19 infection, and 3–6 months after COVID-19 recovery.ResultsThe results revealed that the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after infection compared to before, while in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased. Comparing the three periods, the most significant difference was observed in sperm concentration, which exhibited a significant decrease after infection but returned to normal levels after recovery from COVID-19.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that COVID-19 may exert some impact on sperm quality, particularly evidenced by decreased sperm concentration post-infection. Fortunately, these effects on semen parameters appear to be temporary, with gradual restoration of semen parameters within 3–6 months after recovery. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of these observed changes in semen parameters.

Economics of maize cultivation at selected intensive areas of Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to assess the input used pattern and profitability of maize in selected intensive maize-growing areas of Bangladesh from February to July 2019. The present study was conducted in four districts viz. Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Meherpur and Kushtia were located at AEZ-11, an intensive maize-growing area. In this study, 160 farmers were selected, of which 40 from each district were randomly selected for data collection. The average farm size was 0.64 ha, whereas the maize cultivated area was 0.34 ha. It was observed that maize was cultivated from November to December in the study area. The average per hectare seed required was 20 kg ha-1 and the fertilizer requirement was 1532 kg ha-1. The average labor required was 275 man-days in a season due to less use of technology. Total production cost was Tk. 162047 ha-1, in which variable cost was Tk. 101066 ha-1 (62%) and the fixed cost was Tk. 60980 ha-1 (38%). The price of the main maize grain at Farmgate was Tk. 18 kg-1. The gross margin was Tk.1 91962 ha-1 and the net margin was Tk. 40515 ha-1 average. The benefit-cost ratio on a cash-cost basis was 1.90 and on a total-cost basis was 1.18, meaning maize cultivation was profitable. Land preparation, seed, organic manure, TSP, Urea, MoP, DAP, Gypsum, Zinc and Boron had a positive influence on maize production. The high price of fertilizer and seed was the main problem farmers faced and due to high demand, there were no marketing problems. Though it had some problems, maize cultivation overall was a profitable crop. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 70-78, Dec 2023

A modelled quantification of reduced nitrogen fertiliser requirement and associated trade-offs from inclusion of legumes and fallows in wheat-based crop sequences

ContextGlobally there is a need to increase crop production and maintain soil fertility while reducing environmental impact. Intensive wheat production is dependent on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers which represent ∼38% of total on-farm greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and contribute to N pollution. There are four major sources of N available for crop production 1) N mineralised from native soil organic matter (SOM) 2) N derived from biological fixation by legume-associated rhizobial bacteria 3) synthetic N fertiliser 4) N-rich manures, composts, biosolids and other organic wastes. Farmers can emphasise use of these different sources through their management. ObjectivesIn this study we use crop simulation to predict the minimum amount of N fertiliser required for semi-arid wheat crops to achieve economic yield (EY – defined as 80% of water limited potential yield, PYw) when grown in long-term (1991–2020) sequences and at different rotational intensities with either; grain legumes (GL, source 2), legume winter cover crops (CC, source 2) and winter fallow (WF, source 1) compared to continuous wheat (CW, source 3). Results and conclusionsLegume and fallow phases at 25–67% intensity (e.g. one out of four to two out of three crops) reduced the long-term mean fertiliser N application required to achieve EY. For every % area increase of GL and CC, the mean N applied to achieve EY was reduced by 1.3 kg N kg ha-1 (0.43–1.9 N kg ha-1). For every % area increase of WF the mean N applied to achieve EY was reduced by 1.1 kg N kg ha-1 (0.4–1.6 N kg ha-1). Global warming potential emissions from soil (CO2 and N2O) increased compared to CW when legume intensity increased in high rainfall environments with high SOM but decreased at increasing intensity in low rainfall environments with low SOM. Food energy production (kJ ha-1yr-1) was reduced relative to CW by inclusion of CC and WF and to a lesser extent GL in sequences due to reduced total grain production over the study period. However, protein yield increased as GL intensity increased relative to CW. The most profitable sequences over a 30-year period were CW, or GL at different intensities depending on environment. ImplicationsDiversification of wheat-based cropping systems with legumes reduces N fertiliser requirement, but depending on farming system context this benefit can trade off against production, profitability and environmental outcomes. Evaluation and exploitation of appropriate farming system contexts to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes is required to allow farmers and policy makers to make informed decisions on how to increase food production whilst minimising environmental impacts.

IMPROVEMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR GROWING HIGH-PRODUCT VARIETIES OF WINTER WHEAT IN SCIENTIFICALLY BASED CROP ROTATIONS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

It has been established that in order to sustainably meet the needs of food grain, the decisive role belongs to the improvement of technologies for growing high-yielding varieties of winter wheat in scientifically based crop rotations, the urgency of whose implementation is caused by climate changes. It was found that in solving the mentioned problem, great importance is attached to the creation of new varieties of winter wheat with high genetic potential of productivity and quality, stable resistance to diseases, pests, adverse environmental factors. An important role in the improvement of such technologies is played by selection, thanks to which the creation of new and improvement of existing varieties of winter wheat takes place. Important trends in the selection of winter wheat are: development of new high-yielding varieties with complex resistance to diseases and pests; increasing the adaptive properties of breeding material to natural and anthropogenic factors; research of the gene pool of plants, selection of donors of economic-valuable traits, establishment of new physiological-biochemical, anatomical-morphological and cytogenetic traits and their connection with better properties; improvement of methods of creating raw material for the selection process. Great importance is attached to the research, development and improvement of systems and methods of stabilizing selection in order to preserve varietal identity, improvement of methods of approbation in the direction of varietal control of crops. An important role is played by the use of scientifically based seed crop rotations with effective saturation, placement and ratio of crops belonging to groups with different biological properties. When placing seed crops of winter wheat, it is necessary to take into account the culture's requirements for fertility, moisture availability, clogging, and mechanical composition of the soil. When drawing up a scheme for alternation of crops in crop rotations, attention is focused on the fact that each crop should ensure high and stable yield and quality of seeds. Because precursors affect the yield and seed quality of winter wheat depending on how much they dry out the soil and use nutrient reserves. The preservation of winter wheat varieties from biological and mechanical clogging is of great importance. In order to preserve the purity of seed crops, it is forbidden to place winter wheat after predecessors, the carrion of which can clog its variety. In addition, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of contamination of seed crops with diseases and pests that are transmitted by wind, water, as well as through soil, seeds, plant residues, etc. It is especially important to take into account the clogging of crops by weeds, the seeds of which are difficult to separate from grain: ryegrass in oat crops, ragweed in pea crops, wild radish in wheat and barley crops. It was determined that in the conditions of climate change, in seed crop rotations, it is necessary to observe varietal agricultural techniques, use optimal rates of organic and mineral fertilizers, siderates, post-harvest sowing, plant protection products, and also apply differentiated tillage.

Developing and validating a prediction model of live birth in patients with moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions: a new approach with endometrial morphology measurement by 3D transvaginal ultrasound.

There is no reliable method to predict the live birth rate among patients with moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions (IUA) after second-look hysteroscopy. Therefore, we aimed to construct a practical prediction model mainly based on the features of 3D transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS). and other clinical characteristics. From January 2018 to February 2020, a total of 870 IUA patients with fertility requirements were retrospectively enrolled based on the same method. First, the predictors were screened by logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed based on the screened predictive factors in the derivation cohort. Next, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the predictive accuracy and discriminability of the model. Finally, correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the results of 3D-TVUS and second-look hysteroscopy. A total of 558 (64.14%) participants had live births. Age, endometrial thickness, assisted reproductive technology, a homogeneous endometrial echo, a lower segment of scar contraction, and upper segmentation of the endometrial absence were included in the model. The predictive model showed good predictive performance in the derivation cohort (area under the curve, 0.837) and validation cohort (0.857). DCA demonstrated its clinical utility. A homogeneous endometrial echo was related to no segmentation of scar contraction (r=0.219; P<0.001) or no segmentation of the endometrial absence (r=0.226; P<0.001). Thicker endometrium was associated with no segmentation of the endometrial absence (r=-0.145; P=0.007). The proposed method can effectively predict live birth. 3D-TVUS should be an important means for evaluating the endometrium of moderate-to-severe patients with IUA preparing for pregnancy after operation.

Economic assessment of using Bermudagrass stockpiling and annual cereal pasture to extend grazing in cow-calf operations.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) stockpiling and cool-season annual pastures can extend grazing seasons in cow-calf operations and reduce winter feeding costs, but less is known about how these practices interact and their effect on producer profitability. Data from a completely randomized-design experiment in South-Central Oklahoma were collected on three grazing systems for cows and calves: bermudagrass pasture (CONTROL), stockpiled bermudagrass and interseeded cool-season pasture (SPINT), and stockpiled bermudagrass plus cropland no-till seeded with a summer cover-crop followed by cool-season annuals (SPCROP). A mixed model was used to estimate the effects of grazing system on weaning weights, total hay, and total range cubes (crude protein [CP] = 30%) fed in each system. Enterprise budgeting was used to calculate the expected net return of each system. Weaning weight did not vary between systems (P = 0.6940), resulting in similar revenues. Relative to other treatments, the quantity of cubes fed in the CONTROL system were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) while hay fed was significantly higher in the SPCROP system (P = 0.0036). Increased machinery costs, seed costs, and fertilization requirements in bermudagrass stockpiling, interseeding, and cropland production outweighed the cost savings associated with less feeding. Total costs were $446 ha-1 ($722 hd-1), $451 ha-1 ($732 hd-1), and $553 ha-1 ($895 ha-1) for the CONTROL, SPINT, and SPCROP systems, respectively. Overall, the CONTROL system was $3.13 ha-1 ($5.08 hd-1) and $98.91 ha-1 ($160.10 hd-1) more profitable than the SPINT and SPCROP systems.

A gender-responsive breeding approach to the intensification of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production in the Maradi region of Niger.

Climatic variability and a decrease in soil fertility have had a detrimental effect on the productivity of the main rainfed crops in Niger (millet, sorghum, and cowpea) and led to a deterioration of the nutritional status and income of the country's farmers. The spatio-temporal variability in rainfall has led rural populations to diversify their farms by integrating sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) into their cropping systems because of its low water and fertilizer requirements. Sesame is increasingly becoming a significant source of income for farmers, and it contributes to their food and nutritional security. To boost the production of sesame and facilitate its rapid adoption, our breeding program focused on participatory breeding and varietal selection with the inclusion of gender-specific preferences, from the variety design to the evaluation of new lines on farms. This case study shows that, although women have more experience in sesame cultivation than men, they have less access to production factors such as land. This limited access is especially problematic, as recent trends in land tenure mean that the poorest are no longer able to exploit large areas of cultivable land. It also evidenced that the varietal preferences of sesame growers as well as the mastery of production techniques are a function of the livelihoods and the investment capacity of actors in the value chain. Our study found that men mainly prefer production traits, whereas women have fewer trait preferences, and their preferences tend to be related to marketing and processing. This finding highlights the contrasting roles and responsibilities between men and women in the sesame value chain. Therefore, the inclusion of complementary traits preferred by women and men, provided that they are not negatively correlated with a variety profile, will help meet the full range of needs across the value chain. We recommend the inclusion of gender research in setting breeding goals prior to variety design.

Intelligent monitoring and management in the agro-industrial complex

In the face of escalating demands for sustainable agriculture, this study introduces an innovative approach by deploying an intelligent monitoring and management system that utilises Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and machine learning algorithms. Focused on enhancing the precision of irrigation and fertilisation in farming, the system collects realtime data on soil moisture, temperature, and other vital parameters. A predictive random forest model, trained on historical crop data and current environmental conditions, analyses this data to accurately forecast water and fertiliser requirements. The model demonstrated an 87.4% accuracy for predicting irrigation needs and 85.7% for fertilisation, significantly optimising resource use and reducing environmental impact. The findings reveal that such technologies promise to revolutionise agricultural practices by making them more efficient and sustainable. They also highlight the challenges in their adoption, including the need for initial investment and overcoming the digital divide. This research underscores the potential of IoT and machine learning in achieving precision agriculture, marking a crucial step towards sustainable farming solutions that cater to the growing global food demands while preserving environmental resources.

Variability and determinants of vascular plant species composition in patches of old managed oak forest stands dispersed within Scots pine monocultures

In the temperate zone of Europe, Scots pine forests are expected to occupy the poorest habitats which are unfavourable for deciduous trees. However, as a result of deforestation of the most fertile habitats and the preference for Pinus sylvestris in silviculture, pine forests have become the dominant feature of the landscape in Central Europe. As a result, the area of optimal habitat for deciduous forest flora has been significantly reduced. Nevertheless, remnant patches of deciduous forest persist as habitat islands within extensive pine forest complexes and may serve as important refugia for meso- and eutrophilic forest species. However, the factors that contribute to the variation in species composition of such habitat islands and their role in maintaining biodiversity remain poorly understood. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap.The studied deciduous (oak) stands exhibited a diverse vegetation, with species composition influenced by overstorey attributes, oak age, patch location, and the area and circularity of the deciduous forest. Species traits related to environmental variables included mainly preferences for closed or open forests, requirements for soil moisture, reaction, and fertility, and requirements for light conditions. The key message from our research is that oak islands are not simply patches of trees that are different from the surrounding area. Instead, they represent distinct plant communities that have developed to adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions by recruiting species with particular traits. The presence of oak islands within Scots pine monocultures is therefore important for increasing the diversity of the forest complex.The most relevant recommendation from our research for forest management is to maintain as many patches of deciduous tree stands as possible within a single pine forest complex, as even small habitat islands can make a significant contribution to the biodiversity of the forest complex.

Effect of various doses of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.) in Assam condition

The present study was carried out in five Krishi Vigyan Kendras of different districts of Assam, viz. Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Nagaon, Nalbari and Chirang; to standardize the fertilizer requirement by dragon fruit plants in Assam condition. The growth and yield parameters recorded over two years revealed that the growth as well as the yield attributing characters were significantly influenced on application of Urea: SSP: MOP @70: 90: 40 g per plant in first year followed by Urea: SSP: MOP @ 150:150:300 g per plant from second year onwards (Treatment T2 ) as compared to the other treatments such as T0 : Control, T1 : 53:68:30 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant(1st year) and 113:113:225 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant (2nd year) and T3 : 88:113:50 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant (1st year) and 188:188:375 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant (2nd year).The Maximum stem diameter of 6.3 cm after 2nd year of establishment was found on application of T2 dose along with the maximum number of fruits per pole (25.82), maximum average fruit weight (272.04 g) and highest annual yield per pole (7.103 kg) as well as maximum fruit volume (279.6 cc) and the highest pulp: peel ratio (4.11). Therefore, considering the significance of T2 dose of fertilizer in various districts of Assam, it can be concluded that treatment T2 can be considered as the appropriate dose of fertilizer to be considered for Assam condition.

NPK Fertilizer Requirements for Jatropha Zeyheri Indigenous Tea under Microplot Conditions

Effects of NPK fertilizer could have positive or negative effects in relation to growth of crops under certain environments, with minimum findings on how crops react to fertilizers under microplot conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of increasing NPK fertilizer rate on Jatropha zeyheri tea growth under microplot conditions. At two-leaf phase, J. zeyheri seedlings were transplanted into 25 cm diameter plastic pots. Each pot was filled with heated pasteurized sandy soil and Hygromix at 3:1 (v/v) ratio and placed in a spacing of 0.30 m × 0.30 m inter-and intra-row spacing. Six treatments constituting NPK fertilizer rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 g) were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with five replications. Treatments were initiated a week after transplanting, and 130 days after that, treatments had highly significant effects on leaf width, contributing 66% in TTV, whereas significant effects were reported on vine length, stem diameter, leaf length and dry root mass contributing 61, 67, 68 and 49% in TTV, respectively. NPK fertilizer rates did not affect chlorophyll content, NDVI, dry shoot mass, number of leaves and leaf area index. Jatropha zeyheri yield variables when exposed to increasing fertilizer rates displayed positive quadratic relations. Use of fertilizers had setbacks when applied inappropriately leading to inconsistent results. However, determining optimum fertilizer requirement for J. zeyheri was a strategical solution for inappropriate application. Jatropha zeyheri fertilizer requirements were optimized at 3.30 g fertilizer/plant, which shows that J. zeyheri requires a minimum amount of NPK fertilizer to stimulate growth.

Forensic Analysis of Eighteen Tubal Pregnancy-Related Medical Damage.

To analyze the cases of medical damage after misdiagnosis of tubal pregnancy, to explore the causes of medical damage, the causal relationship between medical malpractice and the damage consequences, as well as the causative potency, in order to provide evaluation ideas for forensic identification of such cases. Eighteen cases of forensic identification of tubal pregnancy related medical damage were collected and retrospectively analyzed from the aspects of age, maternity history, fertility requirements, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, medical malpractice, damage consequences, and causative potency. All 18 cases were tubal pregnancy, of which 17 cases had medical malpractice, resulting in 14 cases of affected tubal resection, 2 cases of hemorrhagic shock death, 1 case of intrauterine fetal death and affected tubal resection. The other case had the consequence of affected tubal resection, but there was no malpractice in the treatment. Correct diagnosis is helpful to make appropriate treatment plan, prevent disease progression and reduce serious adverse consequences and the occurrence of medical disputes. Scientific and reasonable analysis of the causal relationship between medical malpractice and damage consequences and the causative potency is of great significance to the successful settlement of medical disputes.

Relative performance of drip irrigation in comparison to conventional methods of irrigation in Indian mustard (&lt;i&gt;Brassica juncea&lt;/i&gt;) in south-west Haryana

Application of water directly to the root zone through micro-irrigation system can reduce the water, fertilizer and labour requirements by improving their availability and use-efficiency. An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal, Haryana to study the relative performance of drip irrigation in comparison to conventional methods of irrigation in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The experiment consisted 7 treatments, viz. two irrigations through flooding (as per state recommendation) at flowering and siliqua formation stage; two irrigations through sprinkler at flowering and siliqua formation stage; three irrigations through sprinkler at flowering, siliqua formation and seed development stage; and 6, 8, 10 and 12 split irrigations were applied from 30 days after sowing (DAS) through drip at 12, 9, 7 and 6 days interval, respectively. Volume of irrigation water under each treatment was same as under recommended practice of two flood irrigations (120 mm). Irrigation applied through drip at 6 days interval in 12 splits and at 7 days interval in 10 splits produced statistically similar seed yield to each other (22.51 and 21.94 q/ha, respectively) and significantly higher than recommended irrigation practice (18.92 q/ha) and sprinkler method of irrigation (18.62 and 19.32 q/ha) during 2019–20. The irrigation through drip in 12 splits (10 mm each) at an interval of 6 days between 30 to100 days after sowing also recorded the highest irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE) (188 and 181 kg/ha-cm in 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively). Based on these findings, it can be suggested to apply irrigation in Indian mustard through drip in 12 splits (10 mm depth each) at an interval of 6 days between 30 to100 DAS to get higher yield and water use efficiency.

Automatic Crop Protection from Rain Fall Using IOT and IBM Cloud

With the ongoing fourth revolution, technology has been growing rapidly day by day. One of the most significant and efficient uses of this has been evident in the farming sector. From a basic water sprinkler system to the requirement of Fertilizer for specific crops, the likes of Artificial intelligence and the Internet of things have brought in great changes. One of the issues which need to be addressed is the protection of crops from heavy rainfall which causes significant damage to the crop production and soil yield, also causing huge mental distress to a farmer. We in our proposed model have given a solution to this problem by giving automated as well as manual control. The motivation behind our paper is to keep the crops protected from these heavy precipitations and preserve the same rainwater for future purposes when water is scarce. We use a sensor with a NodeMCU module to ensure the covering of the estimated field and LCD display to show status of Field. This project addresses the critical issue of protecting crops from heavy rainfall through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and the IBM Cloud platform. By deploying a network of sensors capable of measuring rainfall intensity, soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, real-time data is collected and transmitted to the IBM Cloud for analysis. These measures may include adjusting protective structures, or activating drainage systems. The project aims to improve crop yield and reduce losses caused by adverse weather conditions, making agriculture more sustainable and efficient. The combination of IoT and IBM Cloud empowers farmers with real-time monitoring and control, enhancing their ability to protect valuable crops. This project not only demonstrates the practical application of advanced technologies in agriculture but also provides a foundation for future research and development in this field.

Advancing controlled-release phosphate glasses as sustainable fertilizers: Microelement-enhanced formulations and dissolution behavior analysis

In this study, we explore the potential of phosphate glasses as controlled-release fertilizers, addressing the need for sustainable nutrient management in agriculture. Our approach involves the systematic incorporation of microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo) into phosphate glasses to assess their impact on the glass's physicochemical properties. For this, seven phosphate glasses were synthesized using a combination of raw materials, and a series of experiments to analyze their thermal properties, structural characteristics, and dissolution behaviors were conducted. Results from the thermal analysis revealed an increase in glass transition, crystallization, and melting temperatures with progressively incorporating microelements indicating an enhancement in thermal stability. Structural characterizations unveiled a prevalent presence of Q2 units in the phosphate network, with discernible Q1 units existing as shorter phosphate chains within the matrix. The inclusion of microelements enhances the chemical durability of the glasses, with specific elements like iron and manganese significantly reducing dissolution rates. This enhanced chemical stability aligns with the requirements for controlled-release fertilizers as defined by ISO 18,644 standards. This study offers valuable insights into the interactions of microelements within phosphate glass matrices, highlighting their potential as effective and environmentally friendly controlled-release fertilizers. By meeting the ISO 18,644 criteria for controlled-release fertilizers, these glasses hold promise for sustainable agriculture practices.