Combination Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Soil Conservation in Brassica rapa chinensis L (Pakcoy) Growth

Population increase has an impact on the procurement of food sources. Pakcoy is a vegetable that is in increasing demand. Farmers' response to this condition is to use excessive fertilizer and pesticides, thereby reducing soil fertility. The research aims to obtain a combination of fertilizer and humic acid, which is effective in cultivating B. rappa chinesis L., as well as soil conservation efforts. The methodology was experimental with Randomized Block Design (RBD) on four treatments, K, P1, P2, and P3. The dose of K was 150 g/5 m2, NPK 16:16:16, 1 kg/5 m2 dolomite, and 5 kg/5 m2 manure. The P1 treatment is the same as K but without NPK fertilizer. P2 and P3 treatments were reduced by 50% and 70% of NPK fertilizer, respectively, with the addition of humic acid. The research results show that P2 with local environmental conditions provides optimal results in terms of chlorophyll, stomata, and plant height. Soil fertility was shown by increasing pH to 6.6, K 281 ppm and P 509 ppm, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) 31.60 cmolc/kg, soil enzymes of 0.12 mg FDA g-1 soil d.w. h-1, an average number of earthworms of 17. The conclusion is that P2 fertilizer formulation can be applied to cultures as an anticipation of food security.

A combination of biochemical fertilizers enhances plant nutrient absorption, water deficit tolerance, and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants under irrigation regimes

Water shortage is the most critical abiotic stress and adversely impacts crop growth and productivity. Biofertilizers are an environmentally friendly method for sustainable agricultural development and improving plant water deficit tolerance. The effects of biological and chemical fertilizers on yield, yield components, and nutrient absorption of chickpea plants were studied in 2018 and 2019. The main plots were assigned to the irrigation levels [80% (I80) and 50% (I50)] and the subplot was assigned to 13 fertilizer combinations including free-living N-fixing bacteria (NB), potassium solubilizing bacteria (KB), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PB), common chickpea nutrition program (F; NPK chemical fertilizer), and their combination. The results showed that shoot phosphorus content was increased by 80% when F + NPB (NPK chemical fertilizer and N + P biofertilizers) was applied at I80 compared with the control at I50. Furthermore, I80 and the application of PKB (P + K biofertilizers) and NPKB (N + P + K biofertilizers) obtained the highest shoot K and N concentrations, respectively. The NPKF + B-treated plants (N + P + K chemical fertilizer and N + P + K biofertilizers) demonstrated superior growth attributes such as plant height and the number of sub-branches at I80. The highest grain yield was obtained from the NPKF + B treatment at I80, which was 7.1-fold higher compared with the control at I50. In general, the combined application of biochemical fertilizers mitigated the adverse effect of water deficit and improved nutrient absorption and chickpea yield. The use of biochemical fertilizers can be efficient in reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers and achieving sustainable agricultural goals.

Respon Pertumbuhan Tanaman Sawi Pagoda (Brassica narinosa L.) dengan Pemberian Pupuk NPK dan Pupuk Cair dari Limbah Organik

Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers results in problems with soil quality. One solution to reduce this problem is the use of a combination of inorganic fertilizer and liquid fertilizer from organic waste. This research aims to obtain a combination of NPK fertilizer and liquid fertilizer from organic waste that has the best effect on the growth of pagoda mustard plants. The research method used was the single-factor randomized group design (RAK) experimental method. The factors tested were a combination of NPK fertilizer and liquid fertilizer from organic waste with 8 treatments, namely A (300 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 0 ml/l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), B (0 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 200 ml/ l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), C (200 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 100 ml/l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), D (200 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 200 ml/l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), E ( 200 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 300 ml/l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), F (100 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 100 ml/l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), G (100 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 200 ml/ l liquid fertilizer from organic waste), H (100 kg/ha NPK fertilizer + 300 ml/l liquid fertilizer from organic waste). Consisting of 8 treatments and 5 replications. The results of the analysis of variance and DMRT level of 5% showed that the combination of NPK fertilizer and liquid fertilizer from organic waste had no significant effect on plant height or root length. Keywords: Pagoda mustard greens, NPK fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, organic waste

Biochemical properties and pigment contents of Satureja genotypes affected by plant growth regulators and temperature stress.

There is little data, to our knowledge, on the biochemical properties of different Satureja sp. genotypes affected by plant growth regulators (PGR) under temperature stress. A split plot research on the basis of a complete randomized block design with three replicates examining temperature stress (planting dates, 8th of April, May and June) (main factor), and the factorial combination of plant growth regulators (PGR, control (CO), gibberellic acid (GA), fertilization (MI), and amino acid (A)), and genotypes (Khuzestani, Mutika, and Bakhtiari) on plant biochemical properties, was conducted. Plant pigment contents (chlorophyll a, and b and carotenoids (car)), antioxidant activity (catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GP)), and leaf protein were determined. Treatments significantly and differently affected the genotypes performance. PD3 and PD1resulted in significantly higher activity of APX (0.059 U. mg-1) and GP (0.190 U. mg-1), respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Temperature stress significantly affected plant CAT activity (U. mg-1) at PD1 (0.084) and PD3 (0.820). Higher temperature significantly enhanced leaf Pro, MI increased plant APX (0.054) and CAT activities (0.111 U. mg-1) significantly, and GA resulted in the highest and significantly different GP activity (0.186 U. mL-1). Treatments T1 and T3 significantly enhanced Chla and Car content, and MI resulted in significantly higher Chlb content (0.085mgg-1 leaf fresh weight). Car and CAT are the two most sensitive biochemical traits under temperature stress and can more effectively regulate Satureja growth and activity. It is possible to alleviate temperature stress on Satureja biochemical properties by the tested PGR.

Effect of combined exposure of chemical fertilizer, bacterial inoculums, and compost on the growth of forest tree species in saline soil

Salinity is the leading abiotic stress, especially in India, where saline soil affects 6.727 million hectares. The study investigated the effects of different combinations of chemical fertilizers, bacterial inoculums, and compost on the growth of Prosopis cineraria and Toona ciliata in pot experiments using saline forest soil. Treatments included varying mixes of seeds, compost, bacterial inoculums, and chemical fertilizers. Soil analysis confirmed salinity with pH and electrical conductivity (EC) levels indicating saline conditions. Results showed that treatments incorporating compost and bacterial inoculums significantly enhanced plant growth, increasing shoot, and root lengths, as well as fresh and dry weights. The application of compost increased the root length of Toona ciliata. The dual application of Pseudomonas spp. and compost enhanced the biomass of the root, whereas the application of chemical fertilizer and compost improved the height of the plan. The study indicates that the combined application of compost, bacterial inoculum, and chemical fertilizer is superior in enhancing the growth and development of the vegetative growth of plants. Overall, the study underscores the potential of integrated nutrient management strategies involving compost, bacterial inoculums, and reduced chemical fertilizers to enhance productivity in saline and salt-affected soils.

Effects of food waste and green waste composts on yield and nitrogen‐use efficiency in irrigated tomato crops

AbstractComposts are increasingly used to enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability, but their impacts on nitrogen (N) availability are unclear. In a 3‐year field experiment with subsurface drip‐irrigated tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), we investigated the effects of food waste and green waste co‐compost (FW) and green waste compost (GW) on yield, nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE), nitrate leaching potential, and fertilizer N retention. Various combinations of compost rates (0, 9, or 18 t ha−1) and fertilizer N levels (0%, 70%, 85%, and 100% of the recommended rate) were examined, and 15N‐labeled fertilizer was used. In Years 2 and 3, FW and GW either maintained or increased crop yield compared to no compost when 0% or 70% N was applied; however, lower NUE was observed in the compost treatments compared to no compost when 70% or 85% N was supplied. Postharvest, FW showed greater fertilizer N retention in topsoil than GW and controls, while no difference in nitrate leaching potential was found among treatments, except for Year 2 during which FW exhibited the lowest potential. These results suggest that compost can immobilize fertilizer N, reducing its uptake by crops but enhancing soil retention, potentially acting as an N source or a primer of soil N mineralization. Future research is needed to assess compost's impact on N gaseous emissions and distinguish its dual roles as an N source and a soil N mineralization primer. This is essential for developing nutrient management guidelines to minimize N losses.

Влияние КАС-32, жидких и твердых комплексных удобрений на урожайность и показатели качества зерна яровой пшеницы в условиях Предгорий Салаира при ее возделывании по технологии No-till

The purpose of research is to study the influence of different combinations of UAN-32 with the addition of ammonium sulfate, liquid and solid complex (JCU, ammophos, diammofoska, sulfoammophos) fertile-zers on the formation of basic quality indicators and grain yield of spring wheat when cultivating the crop using the no-till system. In the conditions of the Salair Foothills in the Tselinny District on leached chernozems of medium humus in 2020–2022. Research was carried out on the local pre-sowing application of different combinations of fertilizers. The highest yield is ensured by the application of UAN-32 150 kg/ha with 60 kg/ha ammonium sulfate and 100 kg/ha ammophos (N88P52S14) and according to the UAN-32 option 150 kg/ha + liquid fertilizers 100 kg/ha + sulfoammophos 100 kg/ha (N92P57S22): respectively 7.03–7.24 t/ha (average for 2 years) and 6.66–6.69 t/ha (average for 3 years). For all combinations of applied fertilizers, the protein content increases from 9.3 to 10.9–11.3 %, and gluten – from 18.8 to 24.1–26.4 %. Under the influence of fertilizers, the grain belongs to the 3rd class in terms of gluten, while under the control it is of the 4th class. The increase in yield is due to improved nutritional regimes in the soil and an increase in their consumption by spring wheat, especially nitrogen and sulfur. Local application of the studied combinations of UAN-32, liquid fertilizers, ammonium sulfate and complex fertilizers in all years ensured an increase in the grain yield of spring soft wheat of the Buran variety by 25.9–34.2 % on average over 2 years and by 41.8–47.6 % on average over 3 years with a payback of 1 kg of a.v. fertile¬zers, respectively, 5.8–12 kg and 11.3–13.8 kg of grain.

Combined Effect of Biological and Organic Fertilizers on Agrobiochemical Traits of Corn (Zea mays L.) under Wastewater Irrigation.

Corn (Zea mays L.) is an important annual grain that is cultivated as a food staple around the world. The current study examined the effect of wastewater and a combination of biological and organic fertilizers on the morphological and phytochemical traits of corn, using a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was biological and organic fertilizers at seven levels, including the control (no fertilization), bacterial biological fertilizers (NPK) along with iron and zinc Barvar biofertilizers, fungal biofertilizers made from Mycorrhiza and Trichoderma, biochar, a combination of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers, and a combination of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers with biochar. The second factor was irrigation at two levels (conventional irrigation and irrigation with wastewater). The traits studied included the morphological yield, phenols, flavonoids, polyphenols, glomalin, cadmium content in plant parts, and translocation factor (TF). The results disclosed that the best treatment in regard to the morphological traits was related to conventional water + biochar + mycorrhiza + Trichoderma + NPK. The highest phenol and flavonoid content were observed when biochar + mycorrhiza + Trichoderma + NPK treatments were used in both water treatments. Also, the wastewater + biochar + mycorrhiza + Trichoderma + NPK treatment demonstrated the highest total glomalin and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity. The obtained results demonstrate that combined biological and organic fertilizer use on corn plants can effectively alleviate the deleterious effects of cadmium present in wastewater.

Impact of the Combination of Chemical and Organic Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Pineapple under Two Shade Net Conditions

The use of organic sources presents itself as a viable alternative to mitigate the excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices. However, in the realm of pineapple cultivation, research exploring the synergy between chemical and organic fertilizers remains scarce. In this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of the combination of chemical and organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of the MD-2 pineapple cultivar under two shade net conditions (installed 45 and 250 days after planting). The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design, with the main plot being the shade net conditions and the sub-plots the five fertilization treatments, which were applied 18 times via drip irrigation (control, 100% chemical fertilization, 50% reduced chemical fertilization, organic fertilization, and a combination of 50% chemical fertilization with organic fertilization). The results showed that the early installation of shade netting 45 days after planting decreases the growth and yield of pineapple; thus, the use of shade netting at this age is not recommended. Regarding fertilization, the combination of 50% chemical fertilization with organic fertilization showed similar growth and yield values compared to 100% conventional chemical fertilization under both shade net conditions. Furthermore, this combination presented similar nitrate and potassium values in the plant and did not negatively affect malic acid content. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizers in pineapple cultivation is a promising strategy to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and it could also improve soil fertility.

Effects of Microbial Inoculants Combined with Chemical Fertilizer on Growth and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)

Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this study, we investigated seven fertilizer combinations, ranging from no fertilizer to various proportions of chemical fertilizers with microbial inoculants, on timothy (Phleum pratense L.) growth, chlorophyll content, soil properties, enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. A randomized block design was employed to analyze these effects. The results indicate that the combination of 85% chemical fertilizer with microbial inoculants significantly increased timothy yield and chlorophyll content. In addition, a reduction to 55% chemical fertilizer in conjunction with microbial inoculants resulted in comparable yield to that of 100% fertilizer with no inoculants. The microbial inoculants treatments notably elevated soil catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and invertase activities, along with soil fast-acting nutrient content. The sequencing results show that the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, while that of fungi decreased in the soil rhizosphere after the application of microbial inoculants. This study underscored the potential of microbial inoculants combined with reductions in chemical fertilizers to enhance soil microbiology, nutrient content, and beneficial microbial abundance while suppressing pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting timothy growth and yield. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices, providing valuable insights for optimizing microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizer formulations to mitigate the sustainability challenges posed by conventional fertilizers.

Proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers in onion cultivation

Organomineral fertilizers is an innovation in agriculture, since it uses organic matter enriched with minerals. The combination of mineral phosphate and organomineral fertilization can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and economical fertilization program for the crop. So, organomineral fertilization can be an alternative or complement to mineral fertilization. However, the careful selection of fertilizer sources and doses is essential to increase productivity in the onion crop and finding proportions between different fertilizers can be a promising choice for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of different proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers on the development, production and post-harvest quality of onion bulbs, cv. Sublime F1, under Cerrado conditions. The experiment was carried out in the field, in Cristalina, GO, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with four replications. Six treatments were used: five proportions of mineral fertilizer (M) with organomineral (OM) and the control (without additional fertilization). It was evaluated: length, width and number of leaves; productivity; soluble solids content; titratable acidity; and loss of fresh mass. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), at 1% (p≤0.01) and 5% (p≤0.05) of significance, and means compared by Tukey and Dunnett tests (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05). The fertilization proportions were submitted to regression (p≤0.05). The proportion of 50%M50%OM promotes higher bulb average mass and class 4 onion productivity. The proportions of fertilizers did not alter the postharvest characteristics (total soluble solids and total acidity) of the onion, which were affected only by the time of storage. Cultivar Sublime F1 showed good development for the region, conditions and fertilizers used.

Effect of Biochar Application on Performance of Rice in a Vertisol of Central India

The present investigation was carried out at the Research Farm of ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-IISS), Bhopal (M.P.) during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 and performance of rice crop under the application of biochar in combinations of farm yard manure and chemical fertilizers was studied. The field experiment consisted of 12 treatments involving three doses of biochar (0, 4 and 8 tha-1) with and without fertilizer (0 or 120:60:40 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1) and manure (0, 5 t ha-1) in four replications. Rice (cv. PB 1121) was grown consecutively for two years and various parameters viz., plant height, green seeker, number of tillers, earhead length, grains per earhead, seed index and grain yield, straw yield, total biomass and harvest index were evaluated. The results revealed that, among the parameters studied except harvest index, all parameters were influenced positively upon biochar application.

Halophilic microbial formulations for improving crop productivity and soil health under saline Vertisols of Gujarat

A study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at research farm of ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bharuch, Gujarat to find out the effect of various halophilic microbial formulations in combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on winter (rabi) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity under saline Vertisols. Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 5 treatments, viz. T1 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers); T2 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF; T3 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-Azo inoculation; T4 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-PSB inoculation; and T5 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Mix of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB inoculation, replicated thrice. Results showed that application of different halophilic microbial formulations like Halo-Azo (Azotobacter sp. and Bacillus sp.) and Halo-PSB (consortia of Eneterobacter and Brevibacterium sp.) with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), provided at par yield with full dose (120 : 60 : 00; N : P : K kg/ha) of fertilizers, thus able to reduce 25% chemical fertilizer dose. Halo-Azo formulation performed better for improving crop yield as compared to Halo-PSB formulation. Combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF performed the best and provided significantly higher grain yield (2.75 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Single and combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF also improved soil health parameters and significant results, i.e. declined EC (2.46 dS/m) and pH (7.33), improved organic carbon (0.69%) and nutrient availability (available N: 299.8 kg/ha and P: 28.7 kg/ha) were obtained. Results showed that integration of halophilic microbial formulations with organics and chemical fertilizers was able to improve wheat yield up to 15% than conventional farming under saline Vertisols of Gujarat.

Improving marketable yield and phytochemical characteristics of N-fertilized tomato fruits with soil organic amendments through Azolla

ABSTRACT There is a growing demand for organic vegetable products. Increasing the marketable yield and quality of tomatoes through the use of optimal organic and inorganic fertilizers is a critical agronomic measure for crop productivity and soil health. However, little is known about the effects of Azolla on tomato productivity, fruit quality and soil organic changes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of organic and inorganic fertilization on marketable yield and quality characteristics of tomato fruits. A pot experiment was conducted with four concentrations of Azolla and nitrogen in a completely randomized design. The results showed that Azolla has the potential to replace nitrogen and has a significant impact on fruit quality. The interactions of Azolla and nitrogen on the number of clusters per plant, the number of flowers per cluster, the proportion of fruit set, the number of fruits per cluster and the marketable fruit yield were significant. It can be concluded that the combination of Azolla and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer linearly increased the marketable yield and quality of tomato fruits.

Long‐term effects of meadow management on seed bank diversity and composition

AbstractAimsOligotrophic grasslands are habitats that host among the most diverse plant communities in Europe. Altering management regimes by either intensifying or ceasing management is known to decrease plant diversity. Yet, despite its importance for the recovery of plant communities after disturbances, little is known about whether seed banks are also affected by changes in management. Here, we investigate the effect of management practices on a meadow seed bank using a long‐term manipulative experiment. We focus on the response of the seed bank to the treatments, and the relationship between the seed bank and the vegetation response.MethodsThe study was conducted in a species‐rich wet meadow. The experiment consists of a factorial combination of fertilization, mowing, and removal of the dominant species. After 20 years of management, the seed bank was sampled seasonally at two soil layer depths. Standing vegetation was recorded in June at the peak of vegetation.ResultsAll seed bank characteristics varied between soil layers. Mowing decreased seed density and diversity, while fertilization significantly affected the species composition. Dominant removal had no effect on the seed bank. While seed bank diversity was not correlated to vegetation diversity, individual species' responses to mowing and fertilization were positively correlated in the seed bank and the vegetation.ConclusionsOur results show that long‐term management influences the seed bank down to 10 cm of soil depth. Whereas mowing apparently reduced seed density and diversity, the effects of fertilization on these characteristics were harder to interpret. After 20 years, most species had concordant responses to both mowing and fertilization, indicating a low legacy of previous management regimes on the seed bank. Our study reveals that the intensification of grassland management has a profound effect on plant diversity by directly affecting plant communities and their seed‐bank‐driven recovery potential.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.), in Jharkhand (India)

Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.) is a climber plant commonly called Gudmar belongs to family Apocynaceae is deciduous seed plant. A field experiment was conducted during 2017-2019 at the experimental field of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand (India) to find out the integrated nutrient management technique for increasing the yield of the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 12 treatments and one control replicated thrice. Nine plants were transplanted in each treatment at 80 cm x 80 cm spacing level. It is an important medicinal plant used as an herbal remedy for high blood sugar (type-II diabetes). The optimum doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer combination should be 10t ha-1 VC+10t ha-1 NC+5t ha-1 KC +30:40:40 kg NPK ha-1 for the maximum productivity of leaves and stem of Gudmar. The combination of organic and inorganic is superior to the application of fertilizer alone and controls for achieving higher growth and yield.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY ANALYSIS AND GROWTH OF EBONY SEEDLINGS (Diospyros celebica Bakh) TREATED BY VARIOUS BIOFERTILIZER COMBINATIONS

Ebony is one of slow-growing spe- cies), that of suspected to be the triggering factors to prone to extinction. In addition, the nature of ebony seeds is recalcitrant, so they cannot be stored for a long time. Other factors affecting seed germination are the degree of maturity, size, and weight of the seeds. Seeds harvested before the physiological maturity level would not have high viability and even could not germinate well due to the in-sufficient of food reserves, and un-perfect embryo formatio. Bio-fertilizer is used to help accelerate the growth of ebony. This study aims to analyze the combination of bio fertilizers which would be giving a better effect on the physiological activity and growth of ebony seedlings. Morphological and physiological variables measurement were used in this study. The research design used a Completely Randomized Design at a real level of 5%. If the fingerprint results obtained have a real effect, then a further test of the Duncan Multiple Range Test is carried out. Re- search results showed that seed coating treatment of 45% Penicillium microbial solution + seed coating) gave the best results in each variable of both growth and physiology of ebony seedlings, while in the treatment without seed coating, Sargassum microbial solution 30% indicates good results in each variable of growth and physiology of ebony seedlings. Treatment with the immersion of seeds in microbes can produce a high percentage in each variable.

Impacts of N-P-K-Mg Fertilizer Combinations on Tree Parameters and Fungal Disease Incidences in Apple Cultivars with Varying Disease Susceptibility.

Adequate mineral fertilization helps to ensure optimal tree growth, fruit development, and predictable yield of apple trees. This 7-year study (2016-2022) aims to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) fertilizer combinations (NP, NPK, NPKMg, and control) on eight parameters (trunk cross-sectional area-TCSA; fruit yield-FY; number of fruit per tree-FNT; crop load-CL; fruit diameter-FD; fruit weight-FW; fruit scab incidence-FSI; and powdery mildew incidence on shoot-PMIS) on the cultivars (cvs) 'Golden Reinders' (disease susceptible) and 'Pinova' (scab and mildew tolerant). In the 7-year period, TCSA values continuously increased for both cultivars over the years. Fertilizer treatments showed significant differences on TCSA but the effect varied greatly annually among fertilizer treatments. Fertilizer treatments had increasing effects on FY and FNT in 2018 and 2022, on CL in 2018, on FD in 2018 and 2019, and on FW in 2016 and 2018 in both cultivars compared to the control treatment. FSI values were the lowest in the NPKMg treatment for cv. 'Golden Reinders' in 2016, 2017, and 2022; for cv. 'Pinova' in 2016; PMIS values for cv. 'Golden Reinders' in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022; and for cv. 'Pinova' in 2018. Correlation and regression analyses revealed strong and significant (p = 0.05) relationships between FNT versus (vs.) TCSA, FNT vs. FY, FW vs. TCSA, CL vs. FY, FW vs. FD, and FSI vs. FW. In conclusion, our study showed that multiyear application of fertilizer combinations can successfully increase TCSA and yield parameters as well as reduce fungal disease incidences, especially on the disease-susceptible cultivar in sandy soil with moderate fertility, under Central-European continental climate conditions.

Native Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia of Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus velezensis and Staphylococcus epidermidis Enhanced the Growth of Nutmeg Seedlings

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the three most distinct native liquid biofertilizer consortia on the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies. Study Design: Completely Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala and Block 10, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala. The pot culture experiment was conducted from February 2023 to August 2023. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with three replications along with control. Each treatment was applied with a combination of NPK fertilizers (50% and 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer, based on soil test data). One treatment was composed of only organic fertilizers. Results: The biofertilizer inoculation had a positive impact on the population of soil microbes, which indicates good soil health. Application of Staphylococcus equorum + Bacillus velezensis + Staphylococcus epidermidis (consortium – 2) along with 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers, recorded the highest plant growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem diameter, leaf area, shoot dry weight, and maximum number of secondary roots. In most of the treatments, nutmeg shoot growth was higher when compared to root growth. Conclusion: The present study indicated that inoculation of native liquid biofertilizer consortia enhanced the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies in Wayanad. Hence liquid biofertilizer consortia can be utilized for earlier establishment of nutmeg seedlings and thereby reduce the dependency on the quantity of chemical fertilizers.

Direct nitrous oxide emissions from a crop rotation of maize and mung bean after different long-term fertilizer applications in Thailand

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas primarily released by fertilizers used in crop cultivation. In Thailand, cropland occupies the majority of the arable land but studies on N2O emissions from cropland remain scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the N2O emissions, soil characteristics, and crop productivity resulting from different long-term fertilizer applications in a crop rotation of maize and mung bean. A long-term experimental field managed through crop residue incorporation combined with different fertilizer applications over 45 years was utilized in this study. It consisted of four distinct treatments: no fertilizer (CON), 134 kg N ha−1 from organic fertilizer (ORG), 188 kg N ha−1 from chemical fertilizer (CHE), and 322 kg N ha−1 from a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers (OAC). Long-term application of chemical fertilizer induced soil acidification, whereas the use of organic fertilizer maintained soil pH and enhanced soil carbon accumulation. Results showed that the OAC, CHE, and ORG practices significantly (p < 0.05) increased direct N2O emissions from the soil, particularly during the maize cultivation period. Annual cumulative N2O emissions were enhanced on average by 204 % (3.22 kg N2O ha−1) in OAC, 181 % (2.98 kg N2O ha−1) in CHE, and 79.4 % (1.90 kg N2O ha−1) in ORG compared with CON (1.06 kg N2O ha−1), indicating that larger N input rates induced larger N2O emissions. Chemical fertilizer induced significantly (p < 0.05) larger and faster N2O emissions than organic fertilizer. When considering N2O emissions per N application rate in all treatments as the emission factor, the use of N fertilizers combined with crop residues in the soil over two years averaged 0.61 % (± 0.13 %). This value was approximately 39 % lower than the default value recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is currently used in Thailand. The consecutive addition of fertilizers significantly (p < 0.05) increased maize grain yield compared with the CON. However, no significant differences were observed among the various fertilizer treatments. Despite all fertilizer applications induced larger N2O emissions, they also produced greater crop yields. Consequently, this study recommended the practice of ORG as a means to mitigate emissions without compromising crop yield and soil quality.