Fertility Levels Research Articles

Effect of weed management and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under south Gujarat condition

Effect of weed management and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under south Gujarat condition

Hierarchical Bayesian semi-parametric models for measurement error correction in determining optimal fertilizer application levels

Measurement errors present a substantial challenge in accurately determining optimal fertilizer application levels, directly impacting agricultural efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This study examines the use of Hierarchical Bayesian Semi-Parametric (HBS) models to correct these errors, thereby improving precision in agricultural decision-making. By applying these models to a decade of data from Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, we evaluated key variables including maize yield, land size, and fertilizer levels. The results indicate that the HBS models effectively mitigate both systematic and random errors, leading to more accurate fertilizer recommendations. This advancement supports better resource management and higher crop yields. Our findings underscore the value of Bayesian methods in agricultural data analysis and highlight the critical role of accurate measurement and correction in achieving optimal outcomes. The implications of this research extend to improved decision-making processes and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Influence of various organic nutrient management technologies on microbial abundance, growth, and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under field conditions

A field study (three years) was carried out to evaluate the outcome of various organic nutrient management technologies including farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) integrated with chemical fertilizers for microbial dynamics and growth and yield of rice at Experimental Farm of Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan. The most broadly grown rice variety, NIA-Shandar was selected for this study. The experiment involved integrating organic technologies, specifically Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Poultry Manure (PM), each applied at 10 tons per hectare. These organic technologies were combined with varying levels of inorganic fertilizers: half (60 kg N ha-1 and 45 kg P2O5 ha-1) and full (120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1) recommended doses. Additionally, zinc was applied at 10 kg ha-1. The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to assess treatment effects. Both organic technologies perform better for microbial dynamics and rice growth and yield enhancement either alone technology or combined with chemical fertilizers during three rice seasons. The maximum general microbial abundance (9.70 log10 CFU g soil-1), N2 fixing (7.37 log10 CFU g soil-1), P solubilizing (7.97 log10 CFU g soil-1) and Zn solubilizing(6.75 log10 CFU g soil-1) population was recorded in FYM alone or with half N and P2O5 fertilizer application. The highest plant height (106 cm), tiller numbers(17.10), panicle numbers (26.53), panicle length (26.32 cm), one thousand grainweight (26.53 g) and rice grain yield (7.92 t ha-1) were perceived in FYM with full rate N and P2O5 fertilizer application. Both technologies along with chemical fertilizer induced soil properties and soil nutrients which reflected to increase soil microbial abundance and growth and yield of rice however, FYM showed higher potential than poultry manure during the three years rice cultivation seasons. Hence, it was indicated that a significant contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural technologies that prioritize soil health,environmental stewardship, and food security.

Epididymis-specific RNase A family genes regulate fertility and small RNA processing

Sperm small RNAs are implicated in intergenerational transmission of paternal environmental effects. Small RNAs generated by cleavage of tRNAs, known as tRNA fragments (tRFs) or tRNA-derived RNAs (tDRs or tsRNAs), are an abundant class of RNAs in mature sperm and can be modulated by environmental conditions. The biogenesis of tRFs in the male reproductive tract remains poorly understood. Angiogenin, a member of the Ribonuclease A superfamily (RNase A), cleaves tRNAs to generate tRFs in response to cellular stress. Four paralogs of Angiogenin, namely Rnase9, Rnase10, Rnase11, and Rnase12, are specifically expressed in the epididymis -a long, convoluted tubule where sperm mature and acquire fertility and motility. Here, by generating mice deleted for all four genes (Rnase9-12-/-, termed "KO" for Knock Out), we report that these genes regulate fertility and small RNA levels. KO male mice are sterile; KO sperm fertilized oocytes in vitro but failed to efficiently fertilize oocytes in vivo due to an inability of sperm to pass through the utero-tubular junction. Intriguingly, there were decreased levels of fragments of tRNAs (tRFs) and rRNAs (rRNA-derived small RNAs or rsRNAs) in the KO epididymis and epididymal luminal fluid, although RNases 9-12 did not show ribonucleolytic activity in-vitro. Importantly, KO sperm showed a dramatic decrease in the levels of tRFs, demonstrating a role of epididymis-specific Rnase9-12 genes in regulating sperm small RNA composition. Together, our results reveal an unexpected role of four epididymis-specific non-canonical RNase A family genes in regulating fertility and small RNA processing.

Agronomic performance of maize (Zea maize L.) under varying fertility and silicon levels in typic haplustepts

Agronomic performance of maize (Zea maize L.) under varying fertility and silicon levels in typic haplustepts

Enhancing fertilizer use efficiency of Rabi mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by varying levels of fertilizers and bio-stimulants

Enhancing fertilizer use efficiency of Rabi mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by varying levels of fertilizers and bio-stimulants

Effect of fertility levels and moisture conservation techniques on growth characters of maize

Effect of fertility levels and moisture conservation techniques on growth characters of maize

Mitigating water deficit stress in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) through integrated soil amendments: A pathway to sustainable agriculture.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a valuable medicinal plant, but its growth can be significantly impacted by drought stress. This study aimed to mitigate the adverse effects of water deficit stress on lemon balm biomass by integrating poultry manure compost, poultry manure biochar, NPK fertilizer, Trichoderma harzianum, Thiobacillus thioparus, and elemental sulfur as soil amendments. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement, consisting of three replicates. It included a water deficit stress factor at three levels (95-100%, 75-80%, and 55-60% of field capacity) and a soil amendment treatment factor with eleven different fertilizer levels. Treatments included control (no amendment), NPK fertilizer, poultry manure compost, poultry manure biochar, and combinations of these with T. harzianum, T. thioparus, and elemental sulfur under various water deficit levels. Water deficit stress significantly reduced photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content, and antioxidant enzyme activity, while increasing membrane permeability and lipid peroxidation in lemon balm plants. However, the integrated application of organic, biological, and chemical amendments mitigated these negative impacts. The combined treatment of poultry manure compost, poultry manure biochar, NPK fertilizer, T. harzianum, T. thioparus, and elemental sulfur was the most effective in improving the morpho-physiological properties (1.97-60%) and biomass (2.31-2.76 times) of lemon balm under water deficit stress. The results demonstrate the potential of this holistic approach to enhance the resilience of lemon balm cultivation in water-scarce environments. The integration of organic, biological, and chemical amendments can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by improving plant morphological and physiological properties and plant performance under drought conditions.

Effect of Irrigation Depth and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Tselemty District, Tigray, Ethiopia

Optimizing agricultural crop production involves utilizing proper irrigation and fertilization techniques. A two-year experiment conducted in the Tselemty district during the off seasons of 2019 and 2020 aimed to assess the impact of varying irrigation levels and nitrogen fertilizer application rates on the growth, yield, and crop water productivity of pepper. The study included three irrigation levels (75%, 100%, and 125% of the required irrigation) and three nitrogen fertilizer application rates (75%, 100%, and 125% of the recommended amount). Analysis of the results using Gen-Stat software revealed that most pepper yield attributes were not significantly affected by the different irrigation and fertilizer levels. However, the marketable yield showed significant variation based on the combined application rates. The research indicates that, under ideal circumstances, the optimal approach for pepper growers is a combination of meeting 100% of the irrigation requirement and applying 100% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate. Nevertheless, in scenarios where water resources are limited and fertilizer expenses are high, a reduced irrigation level of 75% of the requirement coupled with 75% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate could be a viable alternative that does not lead to a substantial decrease in yield.

Economic Feasibility of Ratoon Pigeon Pea under Different Levels of Irrigation, Fertilizers and Mulching

Background: Ratooning in pigeon pea is one of the unexplored options for increasing the production and income through more number of crops per year under adequate supply of inputs. Dearth of knowledge on the ratooning, its yield and economics in pigeon pea on which the current study aimed at providing the basic idea of its suitability for cultivation. Methods: The field experiment investigated during October 2020- February 2021 at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The experiment was conducted with 2 levels of irrigation, 3 levels of fertigation and 2 levels of mulching under split-split plot design. Result: The experimentation of ratoon pigeon pea with varied levels of inputs revealed that ratooning was found to be an economically feasible option with higher returns and lower cost of cultivation. The study comprehensively covers and states the adaptability of the practice in terms of yield and economics.

Response to Addition of Lighting Duration and Electrical Induction in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Plant on the Uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphors, Potassium and Yield

Background: The impact of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides causes problems of land degradation, low fertility levels and reduced cation exchange capacity. To increase nutrient uptake and yield of lettuce plants, cultivation techniques using induction and additional lighting are needed. The aim is to increase nutrient absorption and plant yields. Methods: The research design used a split plot with Factorial Randomized Groups. Factor 1 Lighting duration (P) for 4 and 8 hours per day and Factor 2, induction with DC (Direct Current) current (S). Induction 1 time per day (S1); The treatment in this study was repeated 4 times. Induction 2 times per day (S2) and Induction 3 times per day (S3). Result: The combination P2S2 showed good results regarding the uptake of Nitrogen (20.1 Kg.Ha-1), Phosphorus (2.71 Kg.Ha-1) and Potassium (67.23 Kg.Ha-1) in plant leaves. The P1S2 treatment showed a leaf area of (1652.19 cm2). The adding 4 hours of light and an induction interval of 2 times per day gave good results on the uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in the leaf of lettuce plants.

Impact of fertility levels and rice genotypes on yield, quality, and chemical properties of soil under tarai region of Uttarakhand

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) for evaluation of six rice genotypes (IET-27263, IET-26418, IET-26420, NDR-359, PD-19 and PD-26) under varying fertility levels (Control, 100% RDF, 150% RDF). Treatments were tested in Split Plot Design with three replications keeping fertilizer levels in main plots and genotypes in sub plots. Application of fertilizer at 150% RDF resulted in significantly higher grain and straw yield over all other fertilizer levels. The rice genotype IET-27263 produced highest grain, straw and biological yield over other genotypes. Similarly, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake were also found to be increased significantly up to 150% RDF. Similarly, maximum uptake of N and K in grain and straw was also recorded in genotype IET-27263. It can be concluded that application of fertilizers at higher dose up to 150% RDF is essential for obtaining higher yield of rice. The new rice genotype IET27263 was found superior to all other tested genotypes.

EFFECT OF RABBIT MANURE AND ROW ARRANGEMENT ON CROP YIELD UNDER FINGER MILLET AND GROUNDNUT INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS IN A SEMI-ARID NIGERIA

Field trials were conducted at the Research and Training farm of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano (Latitude 11º 58' N and Longitude 8º26' E and 475 m above sea level) and at community-based demonstration farm, Dawakin Kudu (Latitude 11º 84 N and Longitude 8º 59” E) Kano State, Nigeria during the 2019 rainy season, to investigate the effects of rabbit manure (RM) and row arrangement (RA) on finger millet and groundnut intercropping system. The treatments consisted of six row arrangements (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2, 2:4, and alternate stand) and four levels of rabbit manure (0, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 t ha-1) and one level of NPK fertilizer. The treatments were laid out in a split-plot design, with row arrangement (RA) occupying the main plot and rabbit manure (RM) occupying the sub plot, which were replicated three times. Findings revealed that Rabbit manure application significantly (P < 0.05) affected most finger millet and groundnut yield parameters, except for row arrangement which had minimal impact. The optimal rate of rabbit manure application depended on the specific parameter, location, and crop. For finger millet, application of RM increased spike weight, panicle weight, 1000-grain weight, and total grain yield at Dawakin Kudu but only affected spike weight at BUK. For groundnut, RM application increased the number of pods per plant, mean pod weight, and 100-kernel weight at Dawakin Kudu, while only affecting the number of pods per plant at BUK. Intercropping was generally more productive than sole cropping, with the most productive combinations varying by location. Therefore, it could be recommended for farmers in the Sudan savanna to consider the possible adoption of the application of rabbit manure at a rate of 2.5–3.5 t ha-1 to increase finger millet and groundnut yields.

Irrigation During Flowering Is Critical for Enhancing Productivity and Economics of Late-Sown Indian Mustard Compared to other Management in the Arid Regions of Western India

ABSTRACT Global warming delays the harvest of kharif crops, which delay the subsequent sowing of Indian mustard, especially in northwestern India and also causes dry winters that exacerbate challenges for the timely sowing of rabi-crops. To check this, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi-seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to assess the influence of sowing dates, irrigation, and fertilizer levels under late-sown conditions. A split-plot design was used with two sowing dates, two irrigation levels and four fertilizer levels (87.5%, 100%, 112.5% and 125% RDF; Recommended-fertilizers-dose). Crop sown in the 4th week of November significantly reduced seed (46.79 and 38.77%) and stover yield (43.72 and 41.62%) as compared to the 2nd week of November sowing during 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively. Uptake of NPK by seed and stover was higher with the 2nd week of November sowing. The 2nd week of November sowing resulted in significant increase in water productivity by 63.72% and Benefit cost ratio (B:C) by 75.45% over the 4th week of November sowing. Irrigation at flowering stage increased the seed yield, water productivity and B:C by 11.94%, 1.72% and 9.17%, respectively, as compared to No post-sown irrigation. The biological yield of the Indian mustard increased with every increase in fertilizer doses but the response was significant up to 112.5% RDF (90 kg N, 33.75 kg P2O5 and 22.5 kg K2O ha−1). Application of 112.5% RDF increased the seed, stover yield, water productivity and B:C by 16.17%, 9.29%, 15.66% and 11.27%, respectively, over 87.5% RDF.

Association between Education and Fertility: New Evidence from the Study in Pakistan

Pakistan is one of those nations that is suffering from the complications of higher fertility and lower levels of education and struggling to improve these demographic factors. In any country, education is considered the reason to control fertility levels. To shed some light on the importance of this fact, education attainment and total children ever born have been considered by taking micro-level data from the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) of 2017–2018 to examine the relationship of education with fertility for women. Due to the nature of the response variable, children ever born, which is a count variable, Poisson regression was used. The results provide evidence that women with secondary and higher education have a negative and significant association with fertility and thus support the hypothesis that educated women have lower fertility. Women with secondary and higher education have fewer children compared to women with no education, while female education at the primary level did not significantly affect fertility in the research. Furthermore, the age of first cohabitation, age at first birth, and wealth index were revealed to be significant determinants of fertility. It interprets that the increase in education is related to greater opportunities and facilitates the participation of women in other activities of the economy.

Effect of slow-release mineral fertilizer on the intensity of phosphorus and potassium mobilization in soil

The search for new technologies for effective regulation of yield and soil fertility is an urgent task. The use of slow-release fertilizers can simultaneously solve both problems – reducing fertilizer rates and increasing the mobilization of soil nutrients. In this paper, the mechanism of slow-release fertilizer effect on the mobilization rate of soil nutrients was investigated using mathematical modeling on the data of field trials with winter wheat. It is shown that in the plots with the slowest dissolving fertilizer (azofoska with 20% content of polyvinyl alcohol), the highest efficiency of azofoska was achieved (an increase in yield of 1.3 t/ha and an increase in mobile forms of phosphorus in the soil of 2.5 mg/100 g soil, potassium – 8.8 mg/100 g soil and nitrate nitrogen – 4.7 mg/100 g soil). The results of phosphorus modeling quantitatively confirmed the assumption that the low rate of dissolution of fertilizer enhances the mobilization of nutrients from soil due to the absence of an excess of plant available nutrients. We provide estimates of the polymer added efficiency for a series of polymer-modified fertilizer. It is shown that this form of fertilizer can be applied to effectively reduce the amount of fertilizer required for the planned harvest, simultaneously with the possibility of bringing the soil to a higher level of effective fertility in major nutrient elements.

Effects of Water, Fertilizer and Heat Coupling on Soil Hydrothermal Conditions and Yield and Quality of Annona squamosa

Seasonal drought and summer soil high-temperature stress in Southern China often lead to decreased yield and quality of Annona squamosa. It is important to explore reasonable and effective water and fertilizer management measures as well as cover measures to improve the soil hydrothermal conditions in orchards to realize the increase in yield and quality of Annona squamosa. This study involved a two-year (2022–2023) field experiment in Yun County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, using three factors and a three-level orthogonal test, resulting in nine different experimental treatments for water, fertilizer and heat. The three irrigation levels were W1 (soil moisture content of 55% of field moisture capacity), W2 (soil moisture content of 75% of field moisture capacity) and W3 (soil moisture content of 85% of field moisture capacity). The three fertilizer levels were F1 (1666 kg·hm−2), F2 (2083 kg·hm−2) and F3 (2500 kg·hm−2), and the three cover methods were A1 (no cover), A2 (fresh grass cover) and A3 (straw cover). The effects of these treatments on soil hydrothermal conditions, growth indices and fruit yield and quality of Annona s1uamosa were systematically monitored and analyzed, and the relationships between these treatments and yield and quality was analyzed based on a Mantel test. The results showed that T5 (W2F2A3) had the highest average soil moisture content over two years, followed by T7 (W3F1A3). The T7 (W3F1A3) treatment effectively reduced soil temperature by 5 °C compared to T1 (W1F1A1). T5 (W2F2A3) had the highest average yield over two years, with an increase of 33.99% compared to T1 (W1F1A1). Additionally, T5 (W2F2A3) has the highest average soluble solids, soluble sugars and vitamin C content over two years, with increases of 28.13%, 13.36% and 4.86%, respectively, compared to T1 (W1F1A1). A Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between Annona squamosa growth and soil moisture content and soil temperature, and the Mantel test showed that soil hydrothermal conditions had significant influence on the growth and yield. T5 (W2F2A3) has the highest comprehensive benefit in promoting growth, increasing yield and improving quality for the plant. The effects of different irrigation quantities, fertilizer amounts and different cover measures on the coupling interaction for soil hydrothermal status in the root zone, growth, yield and quality of Annona squamosa were investigated, providing reliable theoretical support for the scientific planting model of Annona squamosa in the low-heat river valley of Yunnan Province.

Foliar Fertilization on BRRI dhan28 To Reduce Soil Application of Nitrogenous Fertilizer

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Crop Physiology and Ecology Department, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur during November 2019 to June 2020 to find out the effect of foliar fertilization on the performance of rice var. BRRI dhan28 and to estimate how much nitrogenous fertilizer can be saved by foliar fertilization without yield reduction. The experiment was laid out following split plot design with three replications. Four levels of foliar fertilization (F0 – No foliar fertilization, F1 – Foliar fertilization with 2% KNO3, F2 - Foliar fertilization with 2% DAP and F3 - Foliar fertilization with 1% American NPKS) were placed in the main plot treatments whereas three nitrogen fertilizer levels (N50 -50% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer, N75 – 75% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer and N100 – 100% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer) were placed randomly in the sub-plots. Foliar fertilization with KNO3, DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) and American NPKS significantly increased the grain yield (t ha−1) compare to control (F0) but KNO3 and American NPKS performed better than DAP. Foliar fertilization with KNO3 and American NPKS could save 25% of recommended nitrogen fertilizer but foliar fertilization with DAP could not save nitrogen fertilizer applied in soil for getting comparable grain yield found in F0N100. Foliar fertilization of KNO3 and American NPKS with recommended nitrogen fertilizer applied in soil could increase 11.8 and 12.5% grain yield, respectively compare to F0N100. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 77-85

Nutrient Requirement of Advanced Olitorius Breeding Line O-0512-6-2 for Maximum Growth and Yield

The research work was conducted at Jute Agriculture Experimental Station (JAES) Manikganj and Jute Agriculture Regional Station (JARS) Faridpur of Bangladesh. The present study aimed at determining the nutritional requirement for optimum growth and yield of an advanced olitorius breeding line of O-0512-6-2 in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with 10 treatments having three replications during the year 2019, 2020 and 2021. The results indicated significant effect on yield and yield contributing characters over control with different fertilizer (NPKS) levels of advanced olitorius breeding line of O-0512-6-2. The highest number of plant height, base diameter, green weight with leaves and without leaves was observed by the treatment T3 (N100P10K25S20) which is statistically significant. The highest fiber yield (2.75 t ha−1) and stick yield (6.50 t ha−1) at Manikganj and highest fiber yield (2.58 t ha−1) and stick yield (6.09 t ha–1) at Faridpur was also obtained by the combined dose of N100P10K25S20 (T3) kg ha−1. Therefore, this combination N100P10K25S20 Kg ha−1 seemed to be optimum for maximum growth and yield of advanced olitorius breeding line of O-0512-6-2. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 1-6

Simultaneous and widespread: Colombia's fertility transition

AbstractColombia experienced one of the fastest declines in fertility in the world: children per woman fell from 7 in 1960 to 3 in 1985. Despite the stark inequalities of the country, the regional character of the decline has been neglected in previous research. This study examines the rapid decline in fertility rates in the country, focusing on regional patterns. Using complete census registers from 1973 to 1993, it provides a detailed empirical perspective on the fertility transition. By analysing spatial patterns with Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), the study identifies geographical clusters and explores the association between geography and fertility before and during the fertility transition. Additionally, new estimations of fertility rates from 1958 to 1990 are presented at the subnational level. The findings indicate that before the fertility transition, fertility patterns were influenced by historical legacies and geographical endowments. However, after 1964, fertility began to decline simultaneously across all regions, regardless of their historical fertility levels. While regional convergence in fertility rates was not achieved by 1983, the total fertility rate halved in most regions within just 25 years. Despite regional disparities, the fertility decline in the country was not only fast but also widespread. This simultaneous decline suggests that socioeconomic improvements alone do not always explain demographic processes.