Fertilizer Formula Research Articles

Agricultural Insurance and Selection of Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology—An Empirical Study Based on the Main Rice-Producing Areas in China

Agricultural Insurance and Selection of Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology—An Empirical Study Based on the Main Rice-Producing Areas in China

Reducing nitrogen fertilizer usage coupled with organic substitution improves soil quality and boosts tea yield and quality in tea plantations.

The utilization of chemical fertilizers is a key measure for maintaining tea yield and quality, but excessive use has negative environmental impacts. The substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer has been promoted to sustain crop yield and soil quality. However, knowledge gaps regarding the effects of organic substitution on soil quality and tea yield in tea plantations still exist. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of organic substitution treatments (i.e. 25% partial substitution: biogas slurry + green manure + formula fertilizer, BFG; sheep manure + formula fertilizer, OFF; 100% complete substitution: sheep manure + green manure, OG) on the soil quality, tea yield and quality, and nitrogen utilization efficiency in southwestern China. Results showed that all organic substitution treatments slightly increased soil pH, and significantly increased soil organic matter by 13.22-14.88% compared to conventional fertilization (CF). The BFG treatment was the most effective in enhancing the soil quality index, showing increases of 16.80%, 8.37% and 24.87% higher than the CF, OFF and OG treatments, respectively. Tea yield significantly increased under the BFG, OFF and OG treatments by 11.97%, 13.58% and 5.90% compared to CF, respectively. The BFG treatment increased the amino acid content by 7.78% and decreased the tea polyphenol/amino acid ratio by 6.87%. Additionally, the BFG, OFF and OG treatments greatly increased the nitrogen utilization efficiency of young sprouts by 70.71%, 82.54% and 34.28%, respectively. Overall, partial organic substitution could effectively improve soil quality while maintaining tea yield. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Changes in composition, yield, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the Ocimum tenuiflorum L. essential oils as affected by fertilizers

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of multifunctional microbial fertilizer and inorganic macronutrient fertilizers N, P, K on plant biomass, essential oil yield, chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown in Hanoi, Vietnam. Among the four formulas tested, F2 emerged as the most favourable, comprising a basal fertilization of 10 tons of decomposed manure, 15 kg of multifunctional microbial fertilizer, 150 kg of P fertilizer, and 75 kg of K fertilizer, together with top dressing of 200 kg of N fertilizer and 75 kg of K fertilizer per hectare. This formula yielded the highest tulsi dry biomass (4.73 ton/ha), essential oil yield (0.831%), and essential oil production (39.29 L/ha), which were significantly different (p < 0.001) from those of the remaining formulas. In addition, the concentration of the essential oil main compound - eugenol (63.1%) of tulsi in F2 was also the highest, which may be the cause of the strongest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli (IC50 of 320, 273 µg/mL, respectively), and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (IC50 of 400 µg/mL), as well as antioxidant activity (IC50 of 0.165 µg/mL) compared to the other formulas tested. The results suggested the role of both multifunctional microbial fertilizer and inorganic macronutrient fertilizers N, P, K on growth and essential oil biosynthesis in tulsi. These findings are important in identifying the most efficient fertilization formula for cultivating tulsi, serving the needs of the cosmetic and medicinal industries.

Adoption of Fertilizer-Reduction and Efficiency-Increasing Technologies in China: The Role of Information Acquisition Ability

Reducing fertilizer use and increasing its efficiency will improve the quality of farmland and resource conservation. These are necessary steps to achieving green development in agriculture. Nevertheless, fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies (FREITs) remain limited. To improve the situation, 538 farmers in Jiangsu and Hubei Provinces were surveyed with the goal of measuring the information acquisition ability (IAA) of farmers using an Item Response Theory (IRT) model. A model of improved technology selection was employed in conjunction with an IV-probit model to examine the impacts of IAA on farmers’ adoption of FREITs. The results showed that 34.76% of the surveyed farmers had adopted FREITs, with 12.45% and 26.02% having adopted Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology (STFFT) and Organic Fertilizer Replacement Technology (OFRT), respectively. Second, farmers who used more information access channels had greater IAA, which significantly improved their adoption of FREITs. Third, participation in technical training and an increased degree of technical understanding increased the probability of farmers adopting FREITs. The results remained robust after accounting for endogeneity and correlation. Consequently, enhancing farmers’ IAA, organizing technical training, and improving technical publicity will promote the adoption of FREITs.

Fertilizer application parameters for drip-irrigated peanut based on the fertilizer effect function established from a "3414" field trial.

Scientific fertilization is an important technical means of achieving high and stable peanut yields. Using soil testing and formula fertilization, the "3414" optimal regression design was used and included 14 nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization treatments. Ternary quadratic functions of the fertilizer effect were established according to three-season field experiments and the regression analysis of fertilizer-yield function was performed to explore the optimal fertilizer application mode and ratio for peanuts under mulched drip irrigation (MDI), and a suitable fertilizer application system was established. The ternary quadratic equation relating peanut yield (y) and the fertilizer application rates of N (N), P (P2O5), and K (K2O) was obtained after fitting, i.e., y = 2912.528 + 21.432N + 16.324P + 6.181K - 0.051N2 - 0.109P2 - 0.061K2 + 0.017NP + 0.023NK + 0.086PK, and significance analysis and typicality assessment were performed. The model R 2 was 0.9709, both values are extremely significant (p < 0.01), which indicates that the obtained ternary quadratic fertilizer effect function is typical and could be used for statistical purposes and fertilization recommendations. Three quadratic fertilizer effect functions were obtained. Among them, the equation for K is extremely significant, and the equations of N and P are significant. According to the assumption that the marginal yield is zero and the marginal profit is zero, the fertilizer application rate with the maximum yield, the fertilizer application rate with the best economic benefits, and the corresponding yields were obtained. The optimal fertilizer application rate predicted by the ternary quadratic fertilizer effect function was relatively high, so the three quadratic fertilizer effect functions were used for prediction. Under the test conditions, the recommended fertilizer application rates for peanuts under MDI are 256.6 kg N per ha, 164.2 kg P2O5 per ha, and 213.2 kg K2O per ha, the recommended fertilization ratio is 1:0.64:0.83, and the recommended ratio under formula fertilization is 23:15:19. The study has developed a data-based decision support system for Xinjiang drip-irrigated peanut, which assists farmers and agricultural managers in making more scientific and precise fertilization decisions based on the specific growth requirements of the crops and soil conditions. This evidence-based methodology enhances the precision of agricultural management, which is conducive to increasing crop yields while reducing resource wastage and environmental impact. However, multipoint and multiyear experiments are still needed to ensure that the findings are adaptable to the diverse soil conditions and fluctuating climate patterns that may be encountered in practice.

Update of Mineral Fertilization Recommendations for Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Savannah Region of Togo

The recommendations specific site of the nutrients in maize cultivation are necessary in the region of Savannah in Togo in the current context of the variability of the endogenous fertility of soils. To this end, based on the results of subtractive trials whose treatments were: the absolute control - N0P0K0 (T1), N0P60K70 (T2), N120P0K70 (T3), N120P60K0 (T4) and N120P60K70 (T5) kg ha-1 coupled with the maize variety Ikenne, conducted in the prefectures of the Savannah region, target yields were determined taking into account the potential yield of the Ikenne variety. Fertilization formulas to obtain the difference between the target yields and those measured on the zero N, zero P and zero K treatments were calculated. The results revealed that the gradient of priority nutrient requirement for maize was N &gt; P &gt; K in the prefectures. In Tandjouaré, grain yields of 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 Mg ha-1 were obtained with the fertilizer formulas N92P0K0, N112P10K0, N132P18K16 and N152P26K29 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 16, 13, 11, and 10. In Tône, achieving grain yields of 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 Mg ha-1 is subject to the fertilizer formulas N79P24K0, N99P32K16, N119P41K30, N139P49K43 and N159P57K56 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 9, 8, 12, 7, and 6. In Oti, achieving grain yields of 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 Mg ha-1 is subject to the fertilizer formulas N66P7K0, N86P16K9, N106P24K22 and N126P32K36 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 19, 14, 11, and 10. In Kpendjal, obtaining grain yields of 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 and 4.5 Mg ha-1 is subject to fertilizer formulas N70P16K5, N90P24K18, N110P33K31, N130P41K45 et N150P49K58 kg ha-1, respectively, with corresponding value/cost ratios of 11, 9, 8, 7 and 7.

Study on Sesame Productivity with Blended Fertilizer Formulas in South Ethiopia

Study on Sesame Productivity with Blended Fertilizer Formulas in South Ethiopia

Study on the Effect of Digital Technology Adoption and Farmers’ Cognition on Fertilizer Reduction and Efficiency Improvement Behavior

Based on the field survey data for 1216 apple growers in three provinces from China’s Loess Plateau Region, this paper adopted Multivariate Probit (MVP) model and intermediary effect model to analyze the influence mechanisms of digital technology adoption (DTA) on farmers’ choices of Fertilizer-reduction and Efficiency-improving Technologies (FETs) from the perspective of farmers’ cognition (FC). The correlation effects of three typical FETs of soil testing and formula fertilization, integrated water-fertilizer fertilization and slow/controlled release fertilizer, were tested empirically. The results showed that DTA could significantly affect the adoption of FETs by apple growers, and FC played a partial mediating role, and there were complementary effects among the three typical FETs. The results were further confirmed by the propensity score matching (PSM) robustness test and the instrumental variable (IV) endogeneity test conducted in the conditional mixed-process (CMP). The results of our heterogeneity analysis showed that the promotion effect of DTA on FETs in the group with junior high school education or below was more significant than that in the group with higher education, and the promotion effect was more significant in the group with large operation scale. Therefore, the improvement in Internet penetration should not be taken as the ultimate goal, but more attention should be paid to farmers’ mastery and effective use of DTA, promote the improvement in farmers’ cognitive level, and implement the “bundled” publicity and guidance strategy of FETs adoption, so as to help in the green transformation of agriculture.

Comparison of Dwarf Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) in Emerged and Submerged Systems in Aquariums

Dwarf water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts for its ease of care and rapid growth. Despite its popularity, research on its suitability as an aquarium plant is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of various fertilizer formulas and growth performance in both emerged and submerged culture systems. Dwarf water hyssop was cultured for four weeks in emerged and submerged systems using different NPK fertilizer formulas (18-18-18, 25-5-5, 30-20-10, and 8-24-24), alongside a control group without fertilizer. Remarkably, growth performance (i.e. plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, and root length) and survival rate did not significantly differ between plants with and without fertilizer application in either culture system. Among the fertilizers tested, treatment 4 (NPK 30-20-10) showed the most promising results for dwarf water hyssop growth in both emerged and submerged culture systems. In the emerged system, these treatments led to a minimum height increase (7.96±1.49 cm), a medium number of new leaves (4.41±1.91 leaves/explant), a moderate number of new nodes (3.08±0.29 nodes/explant), and a substantial root system length (2.67±1.16 cm). Conversely, in the submerged system, a minimum height increase (1.65±0.32 cm), medium number of new leaves (1.33±1.66 leaves/explant), moderate number of new nodes (1.08±0.76 nodes/explant), and root system length (0.36±0.86 cm) were observed. Overall, plant morphology and growth performance were superior in the emerged system compared to the submerged system after four weeks of culture. Outstandingly, all plants survived, regardless of fertilizer application of formula, in both culture systems. Given its slow growth, dwarf water hyssop is ideal for aquarists seeking a dwarf aquatic decoration. The emerged culture system is recommended for mass production of this ornamental plant, while the submerged culture system is suitable for elaborate ornamental aquariums.

Promoting sustainable smallholder farming systems in China

CONTEXTHundreds of millions of smallholder farmers account for 84% of farming households globally. Owing to the limited access to knowledge and resources, smallholder farming systems under sub-optimal management are facing multiple challenges such as adverse environmental impacts and difficulties in meeting growing food demand. Although substantial advanced techniques and practices have been developed, applying these practices on the ground at a large scale remains a great challenge. OBJECTIVESThis study aims to assess the sustainability of typical soil-crop management practices in order to recommend best practice bundles. The study also deploys a farmer survey in order to identify barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable practices and propose ways to overcome these barriers. METHODSTo achieve these aims, we develop a generalizable framework combining technical innovations and social realization pathway for sustainable transformation of smallholder farming systems. We apply this framework in the North China Plain as a case study, propose target-oriented practice bundles and subsequent realization roadmaps from smallholder farmer's perspectives and interests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that nitrogen reduction has the greatest positive effect on the overall sustainability of smallholder farming systems (12–14%), followed by formula fertilizer (6–10%) and optimal crop practices (2–4%). Thus, our recommended practice bundles include reducing fertilizer inputs and optimal sowing date and rate. However, our farmer survey shows that the implementation of these recommended practices faces barriers associated with economic costs, labor requirements, and farmer's preferences and acceptance. We suggest ways to overcome these barriers, including multi-stakeholder platforms better connecting smallholders, scientists, government, and industry. SIGNIFICANCEOur framework can be amended to fit different contexts and targets, therefore it can be adopted and tweaked by other regions worldwide dominated by smallholder agriculture to promote sustainable transformation.

Farmland transfer contract performance and green production technology adoption among farmers: evidence from a survey of four provinces in China.

The popularization and use of green production technology is the key to promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. Exploring the path of promoting farmers' adoption of green production technology has important theoretical and practical significance for promoting the green transformation of agriculture and realizing the high-quality development of agriculture. This study examined the impact of contract performance on the adoption of green production technology in the farmland transfer market based on the characteristics of green production technology. An empirical test was conducted using survey data from Heilongjiang, Henan, Zhejiang, and Sichuan Provinces, which differ in agricultural resource endowment and economic development. The results demonstrated that farmland area was positively associated with the number of green production technologies adopted by farmers and use of straw returning, subsoiling, and soil testing for formula fertilization technology. Moreover, improving the performance rates of farmland transfer contracts strengthened the promotional effect of operation scale on green production technology adoption. Using either contract execution or dispute resolution rates to measure contract performance promoted the adoption of green production technology, particularly for large-scale farmers. Therefore, in the publicity and promotion of agricultural green production technology, the government should not only formulate differentiated promotion strategies and support policies based on resource endowment, but also focus on the construction of rural legal systems, which are helpful for building and maintaining a good farmland market order and performance environment, and create conditions for the durability and stability of technology adoption.

Garlic-specific Fertilizer Improves Economic and Environmental Outcomes in China

Traditional methods of garlic fertilization involve large amounts of balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of N, P, and K, leading to nutrient imbalances, reduced yield and nutritional quality, and elevated risk of environmental pollution. This study for the first time measured garlic nutrient absorption and mineral elements status in garlic fields. In addition, a garlic-specific fertilizer formula and recommended rate were designed and applied in multiple garlic fields during the 2019–21 growing season. We assessed the performance of garlic-specific fertilizer in terms of yield, quality, and nutrient utilization efficiency. We showed that garlic prefers to absorb N and K, and its absorption of P was much lower. Deficiencies in Cl, Mn, S, and Fe are found in 98.7%, 56.1%, 22.8%, and 11.9% of garlic fields. Compared with farmer fertilization, the garlic-specific fertilizers increased sprout yield by 12.9% to 30.5%, bulb yield by 11.0% to 33.5%, and net income by 18.2% to 45.6%. Furthermore, it improved the nutritional quality [vitamin C (Vc), soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein] of the garlic and reduced the accumulation of nitrate. The formula of special fertilizer was more in line with the law of garlic nutrient absorption, increasing the nutrient utilization effect, reducing the environmental risks. Application of specific fertilizer increased N, P, and K partial productivity by 26.6% to 50.1%, 82.6% to 116.5%, and 54.6% to 83.3%, respectively. These results suggest that replacing balanced fertilizers in the garlic market with garlic-specific fertilizers can improve garlic farmers' incomes and soil health.

Integrated Soil–Crop System Management Promotes Sustainability of Intensive Vegetable Production in Plastic Shed Systems: A Case Study in the Yangtze River Basin, China

Excessive fertilizer input, low nutrient use efficiency, soil quality, and environmental degradation hinder greenhouse vegetable production. Integrated agronomic strategies of soil, crop, and nutrient management are needed to sharply improve the vegetable yield and simultaneously maintain sustainable production. A three-season field experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2018, aiming to evaluate the effect of integrated soil–crop system management (ISSM) on the agronomy, environment, and economy of greenhouse vegetable systems in the Yangtze River Basin, China. Three treatments were included in the experiment: (1) farmers’ current practice (FP), based on a local farmers’ survey; (2) soil remediation treatment (SR), the application of soil conditioner and compost fertilizer instead of chicken manure; (3) ISSM, a combination of soil conditioner, reducing plant density, and using formula fertilizer as well as increasing the fertilization times. The results indicated that ISSM (47.7 Mg ha−1) improved the pepper yield by 17% relative to farmers’ current practice (FP, 40.7 Mg ha−1). Soil remediation (SR), as a single approach, mainly made a contribution to improving the yield (by 6.9%) and nutrient use efficiency while reducing apparent nitrogen (N) losses. Higher yields were mainly attributed to increasing the fruit number per plant. On average, apparent N losses were reduced by 245 kg N ha−1 per season for ISSM compared to FP. In addition, higher net profits were obtained under SR and ISSM relative to FP. Overall, both SR and ISSM have advantages for the agronomy, environment, and economy in greenhouse vegetable production, but ISSM would be the optimal choice to achieve higher yields with lower environmental impacts.

Influence of Organic Granular Fertilizer, Chemical and Granular Organic Fertilizer with Hormone Mixed Formula (Ho), and Chemical Fertilizer to the Yield and Starch Content of Cassava

Objective: The purpose of this study was to the influence of fertilizers and the use rate of fertilizer for soil improvement on the yields, and starch content of cassava. Method: The experiment design was in RCBD with 9 treatments, which were as follows; T1 (Control), T2 (ORG 50 kilograms/rai.), T3 (ORG 100 kilograms/rai.), T4 (HO-1 50 kilograms/rai.), T5 (HO-1 100 kilograms/rai.), T6 (HO-2 50 kilograms/rai.), T7 (HO-2 100 kilograms/rai.), T8 (CHEM 50 kilograms/rai.), and T9 (CHEM 100 kilograms/rai.) The experiment plots were located at Pasao, Muang District, Uttaradit Province, from June 2017 – June 2018. by using the DMRT method at 95% confidence. Results and Conclusions: The result showed that yield components, the use of HO-2 fertilizer 100 kilograms/rai. The formula of yield quality for cassava. It has the mean number of tubers per plant 17.00 tuber/ plant, number of root length 47.75 cm., and the cassava tuber circumference 25.25 cm. significantly different at 95%. While the components of average weight/tuber 0.67 kilograms/tuber and yield weight/tree 10.55 kilograms/plant were the highest among other treatments. But there was no statistical difference at 95%. However, when considering the highest average yield per rai, It was found that using HO-2 fertilizer 100 kg/rai gave a higher yield than other treatments (5,110 kilograms/rai). The rate of 100 kilograms/rai resulted in a higher percentage of cassava starch content than other methods (30.50%), which was statistically significantly different at 95%, better than using chemical fertilizers, organic granular fertilizers, and without fertilizers (Control). In terms of cost and profit, It was found that using 100 kg/rai of HO-2 fertilizer resulted in the highest profit from product sales per rai of 10,458 baht/rai, which was higher than using chemical fertilizers and organic granular fertilizer. Moreover, HO fertilizer was a choice to manage soil and fertilizer that affects the cassava product quality in Uttaradit Province. Research implications: The hormone mixed formula (HO) fertilizer 100 kilograms/rai had certain impact on the improvement on chemical properties and the soil physical appearance than not putting the fertilizer, that the HO-2 100 kilograms per rai was suitable for increasing the productivity and percentage of starch content of cassava. Originality/value: This study evaluates fertilizer types and application rates on cassava yield and starch content in Uttaradit Province, Thailand. Using a randomized complete block design, it provides insights into soil fertility and productivity improvement. The study also assesses profitability, offering practical insights for farmers.

Reduced fertilization boosts soil quality and economic benefits in semiarid apple orchard: A two-year appraisal of fertigation strategy

Long-term overfertilization not only aggravates environmental costs, but reduces the quality and yield of fruit in dryland apple orchard, and this issue is closely associated with post-germination fertilization management. On the basis of multi-year observations, we developed a targeted fertigation strategy of FORD, i.e. formula fertilization (rational fertilizer scheme), on-demand fertilization in the sensitive period, reduced fertilization and delayed fertilization. Two-year field investigations were conducted with conventional furrow application (CK), integrated furrow and injection application (FI) and the optimized injection application under the FORD principle in a semiarid apple orchard. The data indicated that FI and FORD had a similar fruit yield of 57.2 Mg ha-1, significantly greater (by 4.5%) than CK. Yet, fruit quality (nutrition, flavor and appearance) was substantially improved under FORD, relative to FI and CK (P<0.05). Importantly, FORD did not induce secondary salinization (soil electric conductivity (EC) of 100-500 μs cm-1, pH of 7.8), but significantly improved soil microbial biomass carbon and the activities of carbon turnover key enzymes (β-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase). As a result, FORD induced a better functioning of leaves, and a faster speed of fruit expansion than CK and FI did. Totally, the above parameters were positively associated with the efficient couplings of water and fertilizer, which critically depended on nutrients rational supply in FORD. Notably, relative to CK and FI, FORD reduced the fertilization cost by 27.8% and 8.3% respectively, accordingly harvesting 38.1% and 11.6% higher net economic return (2.94×104 US$ ha-1). In summary, there existed remarkable positive effects of FORD-led fertigation strategy on fruit yield, quality and economic benefits. The FORD can be viewed as a general environment-friendly strategy to guide apple post-germination fertilization management for greater economic benefits.

Performance Evaluation of Rotary Dryer and Granulator in NPK Steam Granulation Plant Production Department of IIB PT Petrokimia Gresik

PT. Petrokimia Gresik, a subsidiary of Indonesian fertilizer company PT. Indonesian Fertilizer, has three main plants: Production I, II, and III. Production IIB consists of production units Phonska IV, NPK Granulation II, III, and IV and ZK. Granulated NPK II Fertilizer is a processing unit that meets quality standards. The process involves feeding raw materials, preparing slurries, granulating, drying, screening, cooling, and screening. Supporting materials include powder coating, oil coating, and pigment. The granulation stage is crucial, where raw materials are agglomerated. The NPK Granulation Department of IIB uses various equipment, including a rotary dryer with a thermal efficiency of 79.997%. The total mass balance for the granulator, dryer, cooler, screen, and coater in NPK Granulation II for 15-15-15 fertilizer formula is 1058,096 tons/day.

Impacts of Capital Endowment on Farmers’ Choices in Fertilizer-Reduction and Efficiency-Increasing Technologies (Preferences, Influences, and Mechanisms): A Case Study of Apple Farmers in the Provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, China

On the basis of data collected from 1208 apple farmers in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, this study utilizes the weighted-frequency method to investigate the priority sequence of farmers’ preferences in choosing fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. Subsequently, ordered-probit models, a mediating-effect model, and a moderating-effect model are employed to empirically analyze the influence of capital endowment on farmers’ choices related to fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies and their underlying mechanisms. The study further examines how agricultural-technology extension moderates these mechanisms. The main findings are: (1) The priority sequence of farmers’ choices concerning fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies is as follows: organic fertilizer substitution, new efficient fertilizers, soil testing and formula fertilization, green manure cultivation, straw mulching, fertilizer-reduction application, and deep mechanical application. (2) Capital endowment significantly enhances farmers’ choices in fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. (3) The mechanism analyses indicate that capital endowment can promote farmers’ choices in fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies by improving their information-acquisition capabilities. (4) Moderation effects reveal that agricultural-technology extension methods, such as technical training, financial subsidies, and government publicity, significantly and positively moderate the relationship between information-acquisition capabilities and farmers’ choices in fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. The moderating effects of educational attainment and generational differences on different agricultural-technology extension methods are heterogeneous. Technical training, financial subsidies, and government publicity can effectively enhance the positive impact of information-acquisition capabilities on farmers with a higher educational attainment. Financial subsidies can effectively strengthen the positive impact of information-acquisition capabilities on the older generation of farmers. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the accumulation of farmers’ capital endowment, improve their information-acquisition capabilities, and intensify agricultural-technology extension efforts, especially taking into account farmers’ educational attainment and generational differences.

Yield-limiting nutrient response of lowbush blueberry grown in recent and ancient alluvial soils of the Mekong Delta.

Blueberries are ornamental plants grown in pots in many yards in the Mekong Delta (MD) region. In this region, the recent alluvial (RA) soil is fertile and ancient alluvial (AA) soil is considered degraded because it only has around a quarter of the nutrient content of the RA soil. Both soils have a high clay content, so organic matter is needed to improve their physical condition. This study aimed to identify the nutrients that limit the yield of blueberries in RA and AA soils of the MD. The pot experiment was performed using a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors: (a) two soil types (RA and AA) and (b) four omission or treatment conditions (NPK, PK, NK, and NP). The same fertilizer formula was used for all treatments, including 45N-20P2O5-20K2O and mixing CHC (10 tha-1) into the potting soil. The blueberry yield in AA soil was only 81% of that in RA soil. In both RA and AA soils, N omission caused foliar N content deficiency (10.42 g kg-1), resulting in the content of foliar P (0.84 g kg-1) and K (3.78 g kg-1) to fall below the Trevett threshold. In both RA and AA, N omission resulted in reduced fruit yield (47% and 39%, respectively) as well as reduced weight of the stem (70% and 42%, respectively) and leaf (59% and 46%, respectively). Increased crop yields in soils were mainly related to nitrogen fertilizer. The indigenous nutrient supply (INS) of RA, which is fertile, was high but its apparent nutrient recovery efficiency (ARE) index was low, whereas the INS of AA, or the level of degraded soil, was low but its ARE index was high. In alluvial soils, the higher the INS level, the less positive the impact on the ARE index. In AA soil, the indigenous N and K supplies can be improved through fertilizer investment; however, a balance must be achieved considering economic efficiency.

Study on early maturity and high yield cultivation technology of potato considering quality input parameters

Abstract [Objects] In order to determine the best parameter of potato early-maturing and high-yield cultivation technology, the early-maturing and high-yield cultivation technology considering quality input parameters was studied. [Methods] Four varieties of early-maturing potato, Zaodabai, Zihuabai, Kexin 6 and Dongnong 303, were selected as experimental materials. Sowing time, fertilizer formula and pest control were selected as quality input parameters, the plant height, weight, stem diameter, leaf area index, potato yield and vitamin C were selected as potato quality evaluation parameters, and the effects of different quality input parameters on early maturity and high yield of potato were determined. [Results] The sowing time of potato cultivation was about March 1, and the formula of fertilization was 160 km2 of N, 150 km2 of P2O5, and 105 km2 of K2O. When comprehensive pest control measures were adopted, the potato had the best quality and the highest yield. [Conclusion] The yield and quality of potatoes can be improved by adjusting sowing time, fertilization formula and formulating effective pest control measures.

IoT-Based Automatic Hydro-Organic Smart Farming System in Greenhouse with Solar Panels for Khok Nong Na

In this research, we propose IoT-Based Automatic Hydro-Organic Smart Farming System (AHOSFS) in Greenhouse with Solar Panels for Khok Nong Na, design and development with Internet of Things and solar energy. Data is collected from sensors for the following factors that affect plant growth: humidity, temperature, light, pH, EC, air quality, water temperature, and water level. The Firebase cloud-based application was used to collect all the data, and it enables farmers to monitor and control the system using their smartphones. The results showed AHOSFS can mix water and nutrient solution, which measure pH of 6.61 and EC of 1.23, control water level and mix nutrient solution in appropriate quantities. Green oak can thrive at pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0, EC levels between 1.1 and 1.7, and humidity level between 75 and 85. The sensor measured temperature value between 18 and 25 °C, which was adequate for the growth of green oak. Sensor also measured water temperature between 25 and 28 °C. The comparative value of cultivation in a hydro-organic system deployed between AB solution, organic fertilizer Formula 1 and Formula 2 found that organic fertilizer formula 1 has an effective and approximate AB solution at 81.64%. The fertilizer formula 2 has AB solution at 89.72%, which was more secure at a comparable level.