Fertility Levels Research Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modeling the response of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to different soil fertility levels under rain-fed conditions in the semi-arid areas of western Tigray, Ethiopia

Sesame, a crucial oilseed crop in Ethiopia, ranks second only to coffee in its importance as an exported agricultural commodity. However, inadequate soil fertility management has hampered its productivity despite its substantial international market demand. Hence, this study was conducted to model the response of sesame to different nitrogen fertilizer levels using the AquaCrop model, and to assess the capability of the model as a decision-support tool for optimizing soil fertility management strategies in the study area. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, consisting of four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg/ha nitrogen) and three distinct sesame varieties (Setit-1, Setit-2, and Humera-1). Over the course of the three cropping seasons, data on soil physical and chemical properties, crop growth, yield and yield components were collected for each treatment. Evaluation of model performance relied upon established metrics of coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (N-RMSE), model efficiency (E), and degree of agreement (D). Analysis of results revealed the AquaCrop model appropriately calibrated for simulation of soil water content, showing R2 values ranging from 0.92 to 0.98, RMSE values varying from 6.5 to 13.9 mm, E values from 0.78 to 0.94, and D values from 0.95 to 0.99. Similarly, simulation outputs for aboveground biomass (AB) demonstrated good accuracy of the model, with R2 values varying from 0.92 to 0.98, RMSE values ranging from 0.33 to 0.54 tons/ha, and D values from 0.9 to 0.98. Notable accuracy was also observed in the simulation of canopy cover (CC), revealing R2 values between 0.95 and 0.99, and RMSE values ranging from 5.3 to 8.6 %. In conclusion, this study substantiates the successful calibration and validation of the AquaCrop model for predicting sesame response to diverse nitrogen fertilizer levels. The performance of the model in predicting soil water content, CC, AB, and yield highlights its potential as a valuable tool for optimizing soil fertility management and enhancing sesame cultivation practices in Ethiopia.

Greenhouse gas emissions and drivers of the global warming potential of vineyards under different irrigation and fertilizer management practices

In the context of global warming and low water and fertilizer utilization efficiency in vineyards, identifying the driving factors of global warming potential (GWP) and proper irrigation and fertilization management strategies are crucial for high grape yields and emission reduction. In this experiment, drip fertigation technology was used, including three irrigation levels (W3 (100% M, where M is the irrigation quota), W2 (75% M) and W1 (50% M)) and four fertilization levels (F3 (648 kg hm−2), F2 (486 kg hm−2), F1 (324 kg hm−2) and F0 (0 kg hm−2)). Traditional furrow irrigation and fertilization (CG) and rainfed (CK) treatments were used as control treatments. The results indicated that under the drip fertigation system, fertilization significantly increased the grape leaf chlorophyll relative content (SPAD) and leaf area index (LAI) within a fertilizer application of 0–486 kg hm−2. Irrigation primarily had a direct positive effect on the water-filled pore space (WFPS) in the 0–60 cm soil layer, and the residual soil nutrient content was mainly affected by fertilization. The vital stage for reducing greenhouse gas emissions was the fruit-inflating and fruit-rendering stages. The CG treatment not only failed to ensure high grape yield but also adversely affected the soil environment and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the vineyard. Fertilization had a direct positive effect on the grape SPAD, LAI, yield, and soil residual nutrient content. GWP was primarily directly driven by SPAD, WFPS, and soil residual nutrient content, while grape yield was primarily directly driven by fertilization and SPAD. In conclusion, the W2F2 treatment (25 % reduced irrigation and 486 kg hm−2 of fertilization) of drip fertigation in the vineyard was the preferred irrigation and fertilizer management strategy for maintaining good vine vigor and balancing grape yield and environmental benefits.

Effects of Deep Tillage on Wheat Regarding Soil Fertility and Rhizosphere Microbial Community.

Wheat production is intrinsically linked to global food security. However, wheat cultivation is constrained by the progressive degradation of soil conditions resulting from the continuous application of fertilizers. This study aimed to examine the effects of deep tillage on rhizosphere soil microbial communities and their potential role in improving soil quality, given that the specific mechanisms driving these observed benefits remain unclear. Soil fertility in this research was evaluated through the analysis of various soil parameters, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, and available potassium, among others. The high-throughput sequencing technique was utilized to examine the rhizosphere microbial community associated with deep tillage wheat. The findings indicated that deep tillage cultivation of wheat led to reduced fertility levels in the 0-20 cm soil layer in comparison with non-deep tillage cultivation. A sequencing analysis indicated that Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria are the dominant bacterial phyla, with Proteobacteria being significantly more abundant in the deep tillage group. The dominant fungal phyla identified were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Basidiomycota. Among bacterial genera, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Nocardioides were predominant, with Arthrobacter showing a significantly higher presence in the deep tillage group. The predominant fungal genera included Mortierella, Alternaria, Schizothecium, and Cladosporium. Deep tillage cultivation has the potential to enhance soil quality and boost crop productivity through the modulation of soil microbial community structure.

Standardization of Crop Geometry and Major Nutrients for Enhancing the Growth, Yield and Quality of Davana (Artemisia pallens Wall) cv. Theni under Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The study was conducted on the effect of spacing and fertilizers on growth, quality and yield of Artemisia pallens Wall. cv. Theni in northern Karnataka (Zone III) for two consecutive years in rabi 2021 and 2022. The research was set out in a factorial RCBD and replicated thrice in nine treatment combinations, that is three levels of spacing (S1: 15 x 7.5 cm, S2: 20 x 10 cm and S3: 30 x 10 cm) and three fertilizer levels (F1: 60:30:20 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1, F2: 90:30:30 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 and F3: 120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1). The pooled data of two years was statistically analysed using the Fisher's method of "Analysis of variance". Among the spacing levels, 20 x 10 cm spacing was noticed the maximum inflorescences plant-1 (87.40), hundred flower weight (3.83 g), fresh herbage yield (11.29 t ha-1), dry herbage yield (2.83 t ha-1) & essential oil yield (13.23 kg ha-1). Among various fertilizer doses application of F3 (120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1) was noticed economically feasible, it has obtained maximal growth and yield parameters. The highest fresh herb yield (12.78 t ha-1), dry herbage yield (3.16 t ha-1) and essential oil yield of (15.46 kg ha-1) were noticed with 120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 (F3) application. Spacing of 20 x 10 cm (S2) and application of 120:40:40 N N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 (F3) found to be economical with highest benefit cost ratio of 4.08.

Fertility and ecotoxicological condition of light gray forest soils of the Ivanovo region

The results oflong-term monitoring of light gray forest soil for agricultural purposesin theIvanovo region are presented, which was carried outto establish the level of fertility according to the mainagrochemical indicators, the content of mobile forms of trace elementsand sulfur, the ecotoxicological state according to the content ofgross and mobile forms of heavy metals, arsenic, caesium-137 andstrontium-90.The average values of the indicators, their levels ofchange and trends in changes in the metabolic and hydrolyticacidity of the soil, availability of organic matter, mobile formsof nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, exchangeable calcium, magnesium and other bases,mobile forms of boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, manganese andsulfur have been established.According to the content of traceelements in the soil, the needs for the use ofmicronutrients are determined.Changes, concentrations and trends in the mobileforms of cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, mercury andarsenic in the soil have been determined.The study establishedbackground values, changes and trends in the specific activities ofcaesium-137 and strontium-90, the density of their contamination of thesoil of the site and the power of the exposuredose of gamma radiation.According to thePearson–Spearman correlation coefficients,the peculiarities of the influence of the content of organicmatter, the level of acidity and the capacity of cationexchange on the content of mobile forms of trace elements,sulfur, gross and mobile forms of metals and radionuclides wereestablished.

Effect of foliar application of nano urea under different fertility levels on the growth, yield attributes and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Effect of foliar application of nano urea under different fertility levels on the growth, yield attributes and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Phosphate fertilization to improve yield and chemical composition of banana ‘BRS SCS Belluna’ fruit

Phosphate fertilization improves banana yields, but due to the physiological effects of phosphorus on plants, it can also be used to improve the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits, which can contribute to increasing the processing of green bananas and reducing losses in the production chain. Herein, the productivity of bunches and fruit, the biometric analysis of the fruit, dry matter content, and the chemical composition of immature fruit were evaluated when the cultivar BRS SCS Belluna (AAA) was grown under different levels of phosphate fertilization for two harvest cycles. The results showed that phosphate fertilizer levels interfered with bunch yield and fruit mass in both cycles, leading to yield gains of 44.3% (1st cycle) and 84.0% (2nd cycle) in bunches and 51.8% (1st cycle) and 81.9% (2nd cycle) in fruits. Fertilization promoted gains of up to 33.5% in fruit mass and enhanced the resistant starch content in the pulp, leading to an increase of 15.1%. The phosphorus, potassium, and calcium contents in green fruits increased with fertilizer levels in the first cycle, improving nutritional quality. These results have useful applications because they indicate that adequate management of phosphate fertilization can increase the potential of the cultivar for industrial processing of green fruits and the nutritional quality of the derived products.

PENGARUH BERBAGAI KONSETRASI PUPUK BIOTA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI SELADA (Lactuca Sativa)

The hamlet of Pattene, Temmapaduae village, Marusu sub-district, Maros district, South Sulawesi, will be the location of this study.This study will begin on July 9 and run through September 2021.A randomized block design with four levels of biota liquid fertilizer was used to compile this study. The findings of the research and development can be used to draw the conclusion that the application of liquid biota fertilizer concentrate at a concentration of 2 cc/liter of water had the greatest impact on the number of leaves, with the largest lettuce weighing 53 grams and having a value of 143.33 leaves

Mycorrhizal associations of temperate forest seedlings mediate rhizodeposition, but not soil carbon storage, under elevated nitrogen availability.

Tree-mycorrhizal associations are associated with patterns in nitrogen (N) availability and soil organic matter storage; however, we still lack a mechanistic understanding of what tree and fungal traits drive these patterns and how they will respond to global changes in soil N availability. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)- and ectomycorrhizal (EcM)-associated seedlings alter rhizodeposition in response to increased seedling inorganic N acquisition. We grew four species each of EcM and AM seedlings from forests of the eastern United States in a continuously 13C-labeled atmosphere within an environmentally controlled chamber and subjected to three levels of 15N-labeled fertilizer. We traced seedling 15N uptake from, and 13C-labeled inputs (net rhizodeposition) into, root-excluded or -included soil over a 5-month growing season. N uptake by seedlings was positively related to rhizodeposition for EcM- but not AM-associated seedlings in root-included soils. Despite this contrast in rhizodeposition, there was no difference in soil C storage between mycorrhizal types over the course of the experiment. Instead root-inclusive soils lost C, while root-exclusive soils gained C. Our findings suggest that mycorrhizal associations mediate tree belowground C investment in response to inorganic N availability, but these differences do not affect C storage. Continued soil warming and N deposition under global change will increase soil inorganic N availability and our seedling results indicate this could lead to greater belowground C investment by EcM-associated trees. This potential for less efficient N uptake by EcM-trees could contribute to AM-tree success and a shift toward more AM-dominated temperate forests.

Effect of fertility levels and bio-inoculants on nutrient content of chandrasur

Effect of fertility levels and bio-inoculants on nutrient content of chandrasur

THE EFFECT OF OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES (EFB) COMPOST AND N, P, K FERTILIZERS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LOWLAND RICE (Oryza sativa L.)

The use of chemical fertilizers can cause environmental problems. A compost of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) is one alternative to reducing chemical fertilizers used for rice (Oryza sativa L.). This research to determine the effect and obtain the best dose of OPEFB compost and N, P, K fertilizers in lowland rice Batang Piaman Variety was conducted in Padang Mutung Village, Kampar, for six months using a factorial completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor was three levels of OPEFB (0 t.ha-1, five t.ha-1, ten t.ha-1), and the second factor was four levels of fertilizer N, P and K (0-0-0 kg.ha-1, 125-75-25 kg.ha-1, 150-100-50 kg.ha-1, and 175-125-75 kg.ha-1 of Urea-TSP-KCl). The ANOVA results showed that the combination of various doses of EFB compost and N, P, and K fertilizers did not significantly affect plant height, the number of tillers, the number of productive tillers, heading days, the weight of 1,000 grains, and the harvest index. The combination of giving EFB compost at a dose of 10 t.ha-1 and Urea fertilizer 175 kg.ha-1 TSP 125 kg.ha-1increased the percentage of pithy grain to 93.91%, and the weight of dry milled grain is 2,023.3 g.4m-2.

When Implementing the Presynch-11/Ovsynch Reproductive Management Program, the Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows Improved When They Received Timed Artificial Insemination Compared with the Inclusion of Estrus Detection.

Artificial insemination 12 h following observed standing estrus is a standard estimate of the fertility levels of cattle. The main objective of this study was to determine if controlling ovarian development with a fertility program could alter the fertility of lactating dairy cows. Lactating dairy cows (n = 1356) 60-66 days in milk (DIM) were randomly assigned to receive timed AI following Presynch-11/Ovsynch (Presynch-11) or a combination of estrus detection and timed AI using the Presynch-11/Ovsynch program (Estrus + TAI). Cows in standing estrus, following the first two cloprostenol sodium (CLO) injections, in the Estrus + TAI group were artificially inseminated using the AM/PM rule. Cows in this group that were not observed in standing estrus received Ovsynch and TAI beginning 11 d after the second CLO injection. Cows in the Presynch-11 group received two injections of 500 µg CLO 14 d apart but were not observed for estrus. The first GnRH (100 µg) of Ovsynch was administered 11 d following the second CLO injection. All cows in the Presynch-11-Ovsynch group received TAI following Ovsynch. Cows in this treatment were then assigned randomly to receive either CLO or dinoprost 7 d following the first GnRH of Ovsynch. The final GnRH of Ovsynch was administered 56 h later and TAI 16 h after the final GnRH. Pregnancies/AI (P/AI) were greater (p < 0.001) for the Presynch-11 group compared with the Estrus + TAI group (45 vs. 31%). Primiparous cows had greater fertility following observed standing estrus compared with multiparous cows. Days in milk at the first AI were greater (p < 0.01) in the Presynch-11 group vs. the Estrus + TAI group (98 vs. 80) but less variable (p < 0.01). The range of DIM at the first AI was 95 to 101 in the Presynch-11 group and 60 to 101 in the Estrus + TAI group. Within the Presynch-11 group, there were no differences in the rate of luteolysis or P/AI for the prostaglandin type at the final PGF2α of Ovsynch. Multiparous cows treated with Presynch-11 had >60% chance of pregnancy compared with multiparous cows receiving AI following standing estrus. In summary, lactating dairy cows receiving timed AI following the Presynch-11/Ovsynch program had improved fertility compared with a group of cows that received AI following standing estrus or, if not observed in estrus, timed AI. This comparison indicated that controlling ovarian development with GnRH and PGF2α positively impacted the fertility of lactating dairy cows.

Enhancing Seed Yield of Daincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) New Variety TRY1 Through Optimum Spacing and Nutrient Management

Background: Increasing demand for leguminous green manure crop daincha seed is being noticed throughout the country mainly to restore the soil fertility. For maximizing seed production of newly released daincha variety, an optimum plant density per unit area and fertilizer application are an important management tool. The study was conducted to optimize the plant spacing and fertilizer dose for achieving higher seed yield of daincha variety TRY 1. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during Summer and Kharif 2023 to study the effect of different spacing and fertilizer doses on growth, yield and economics of new daincha variety TRY1. The treatments consisted of five different spacing (S1-75×30 cm, S2-60×30 cm, S3-75×45cm, S4-60×45 cm and S5-90×30 cm) in main plots and three fertilizer levels (F1-12.5:25:12.5 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, F2-18.75:37.5:18.75 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, F3-25:50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 and control) in sub plots were tested. The treatments were replicated thrice in split plot design. Result: Growing of daincha variety TRY 1 at 60×45 cm spacing produced significantly taller plants (223 cm), more number of branches per plant (15.9) and dry matter production (1766 kg ha-1), yield parameters viz., higher mean number of pods per plant (114), pod length (22.4 cm) and seeds per pod (36.7), seed yield (567 kg ha-1), mean net returns (Rs.24512 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.36) than other spacing. Application of 25:50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 recorded significantly mean taller plants (217 cm), more number of branches per plant (19.3), dry matter production (1831 kg ha-1), nodules/plant (40.7), more number of pods /plant (121), pod length (23.7 cm) and seeds per pod (37.8), seed yield (572 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs.23369 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.20) over other fertilizer doses. Thus, the optimum spacing of 60×45 cm and fertilizer dose of 25: 50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 could be recommended for getting higher growth, yield parameters, seed yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio of newly released daincha variety TRY 1.

Influence of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus Fertilizers with Foliar Application of Micronutrient of Iron, Zinc and Manganese on Bulb Characteristics of Single Flower Tuberose Plants (Polianthes Tuberosa, L.)

The global market for flowers and ornamental plants is expected to expand at a rate of approximately 6.3% over the next five years, reaching an estimated value of $57.4 billion USD by 2024. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.), a summer flower cultivated by small-scale growers primarily for export. The study was aimed to cultivate tuberose plants in Al-Jabal Al-Khader region, introducing them as a new cut flower crop, as a source for tuberose, and leveraging their economic potential. A field experiment was conducted over two summer growing seasons to investigate the impact of different levels of compound fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, NPK 4:4:4) in application rates (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 kg.ha-1) and foliar sprays of micronutrients iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and a )mixture of these three elements) on tuberose bulbs. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design split-plot with three replications. The NPK fertilizer levels were randomly assigned to the main plots, while the micronutrient treatments were allocated to the subplots. The study found that varying rates of NPK fertilization did not significantly affect the number of bulbs per plant over the two growing seasons. In contrast, the application of micronutrient foliar sprays had a notable impact, with the mixture of Fe, Zn, and Mn yielding the highest significant increase in bulb number per plant in both seasons. It is recommended to apply a mixture of the three micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn) as fertilizer to produce high-quality Tuberose plants for various decorative purposes in landscaping.

Soil Fertility Level In The Aek Kundur River Area Regardless Of Factory Waste Disposal

Soil fertility is the ability of the soil to provide the nutrients needed by plants in adequate quantities and in a form that can be absorbed by plant roots. The aim of this research is to determine the level of soil fertility in the Aek Kundur river area regarding factory waste disposal in Lingga Tiga Village, District. West Bar. This research was carried out in June 2024 in Lingga Tiga Village, Bilah Hulu District, Labuhanbatu Regency with an altitude of 28 meters above sea level with coordinates N: 98022'44.34" E: 02032'34.23". Analysis of the physical and chemical properties of soil was carried out at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra using an exploratory-descriptive survey method. Research results on the physical properties of the soil in Lingga Tiga Village have a clayey clay texture and in Liga Tiga Village have a clay texture. Furthermore, the chemical properties of the soil in Lingga Tiga Village have criteria, namely neutral pH, low organic C, moderate P2O5 and low soil fertility status in the Aek Kundur river area against factory waste disposal. For this reason, fertilization treatment is needed to improve soil fertility status.

Effect of Pre-Harvest Losses on Profitability of Plantain Production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of pre-harvest losses on profitability of plantain farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio economic characteristics of plantain farmers, examine pre-harvest losses of plantain on profitability and determine factors that influence pre-harvest losses of plantain. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select five (5) local government areas (Yenagoa, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Sagbama and Southern Ijaw) purposively based on their predominance in commercial plantain farmers and six (6) communities each from the 5 LGAs respectively, and, furthermore, eight (8) plantain farmers in each community, making a total number of two hundred and forty (240) plantain farmers. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit the required information from the selected respondents. The result indicates that 55.1% of the respondents fall between the age range of 31-50 years, with the mean age of 44 years. Males (51.9%) dominated plantain production in the study area. The majority of the plantain farmers were married (60.0%), 95.5% had formal education, 60.0% had 1-15 years of farm experience, 77.9% were part-time farmers, 98.3% had family size of 1-10 persons in their households with a mean of 5 persons, and 56.7% had farm size of 2-4 hectares. The result further shows that 56.7% used hired labour while 86.7% had no month contact with extension agent. Sucker, fertilizer, household size, and educational level had a significant relationship with plantain production at various probability levels, indicating profitability. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that there is a need for the farmers to put up parameter fencing to prevent theft cases which is extremely high and adversely affects net farm income. However, government and non-governmental organizations can support in terms of granting farmers' soft loans in order to reduce the burden.