Fertilizer Management Strategies Research Articles

Suitable Water–Fertilizer Management and Ozone Synergy Can Enhance Substrate-Based Lettuce Yield and Water–Fertilizer Use Efficiency

As living standards rise, enhancing quality has become a central objective for many researchers. Soilless cultivation, known for its efficient use of resources, is increasingly used in vegetable production. It is critical to develop effective water and fertilizer management strategies to achieve high-quality yields and promote sustainable development in modern agriculture. This study employed an orthogonal experimental design to assess the impact of varying nutrient solution concentrations (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of Hoagland’s), lower irrigation thresholds (40%, 55%, 70%, and 85% field capacity (FC)), and ozone concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 4 mg·L−1) on lettuce growth, yield, quality, and water–fertilizer use efficiency. The results indicated that fixed nutrient solution concentrations and lower irrigation thresholds enhanced growth metrics for lettuce. Similarly, increasing ozone concentrations initially improved, then reduced growth metrics when the lower irrigation threshold was constant. Furthermore, maintaining stable ozone concentrations while raising the nutrient solution concentration initially boosted, then diminished, growth indicators. Optimal conditions for water and fertilizer management were identified at a nutrient solution concentration of 75% to 100% and an ozone concentration of 0 to 1 mg·L−1. Variance analysis highlighted the significant effects of nutrient solution concentration, lower irrigation thresholds, and ozone concentrations on lettuce yield, quality, and water and fertilizer use efficiency. Range analysis revealed the optimal management combination to be a nutrient solution concentration of 100%, an 85% lower FC irrigation threshold, and an ozone concentration of 1 mg·L−1, yielding 16.82 t·ha−1 of lettuce and a water use efficiency of 40.14 kg·m−3. These findings provide theoretical support for the sustainable advancement of soilless cultivation in contemporary agriculture.

Perception and Characterization of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Strategies as a Technique for Adaptation to Climate Change In Northern of Benin

Perception and Characterization of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Strategies as a Technique for Adaptation to Climate Change In Northern of Benin

Phosphorus transformation and balancing under a long-term rice-rice cropping system in an inceptisol of India

Phosphatic fertilizers applied to soil, with time, alters into different insoluble soil phosphorus fractions. Since P fertilizers are expensive and raw material supplies are limited, it is essential to evaluate changes in phosphorus fractions and balance in soil in order to determine appropriate phosphorus fertilizer management strategies for sustainable yields. A long-term experiment (20 years) was conducted in an inceptisol with rice-rice cropping system. Soil samples were collected from six treated plots and one fallow; analyzed for phosphorus fractions using sequential extraction method. Phosphorus balance was computed. The results reveled that yield was 51.5, 112.0, 147.7 and 116.7% higher under 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK and 100% NPK + FYM over control. Irrespective of the treatments, the abundance of the various fractions of phosphorus (P) in soil as follows: Organic P (32.4% of total P) > Calcium-P (27.76% of total P) > Mineral P (24.17% of total P) > Iron-P (6.65% of total P) > Aluminum-P (3.46% of total P) > Reductant soluble P (3.22% total P) > Occluded P (1.44% of total P) > Saloid P (0.89% total P). Phosphorus activation coefficient (%) was recorded higher under 150% NPK followed by 100% NPK + FYM > 100% NPK > 50% NPK > 100% N > control > Fallow. Hence, 100% NPK + FYM treatment has maintained phosphorus fractions in a good proportion and sustainable yields under rice-rice cropping system.

Effects of Nitrogen Sources on Primary and Secondary Production from Annual Temperate and Tropical Pastures in Southern Brazil

Improvements in nitrogen use efficiency can be achieved through fertilizer management strategies that capitalize on nutrient synergies. However, limited research on synergies between nitrogen, sulfur, and calcium complicates understanding causal links and developing sustainable management. In this regard, the effects of different nitrogen sources on productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)), along with their impacts on forage quality and secondary production, were investigated. Treatments included: Urea (46% N), ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3; 32% N), ammonium nitrate supplemented with calcium and sulfur (NH4NO3 (+), 27% N + 5% Ca + 3.7% S), and control treatment with no N application. The application of fertilizers that combine nitrogen with calcium and sulfur enhances primary production in both winter and summer pastures. Fertilization with NH4NO3 (+) increased nitrogen use efficiency by 125% in Italian ryegrass compared to NH4NO3. However, within the framework of rotatinuous grazing management principles, optimizing plant nitrogen use efficiency does not necessarily lead to a better forage quality or animal performance. These findings highlight that using fertilizers that promote synergies among nutrients, such as the combination of nitrogen with calcium and sulfur, can bring benefits to the sustainability of pasture-based livestock production systems.

Impact of Fertilizers Application on Leaf Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling in White Poplar (Populus alba L.) Forest Ecosystem

Fertilizer application plays a crucial role in the decomposition of white poplar leaf litter and cycling of nutrients within forest ecosystems. The impact of various fertilizer additions on white poplar leaf litter and nutrient cycling is poorly understood. In this study, seven treatments were conducted at the following levels: Control (CK), no adding mineral fertilizers, N fertilization (+N), N and P fertilization (+NP), N, P, K fertilization (+NPK), P, K (+PK), manure fertilizer (+MF), and bird fertilizers (+BF) in a white poplar plantation in Qadis district, and used the litterbag techniques to measure litter mass remaining. The main objectives of our study were: (1) to explore the response of white poplar leaf litter decomposition to various fertilizers and accelerate the decomposition process; (2) to examine the relationship between C, N, and P concentration and their stoichiometric characteristic in leaf litter and soil. In this investigation, our results showed that white poplar leaf litter was significantly affected by fertilizers, and the decomposition process was greatly accelerated with + MF, +NPK, and + BF. The decay rate constant k (year −1) shows the decomposition rate of white poplar leaf litter as follows: +MF > +NPK > +BF > +PK > +NP > +N > CK (0.56, 0.53, 0.52, 0.51,0.51,0.5, and 0.46). Soil nutrients N, P and K increased significantly during the decomposition time with + MF, +NPK, and + BF, respectively, while C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios were highest in the white poplar leaf litter, and lowest in soil, we observed significant association between nutrients concentrations in soil and white poplar leaf and their stoichiometric. This current study concluded that adding + MF, +NPK and + BF fertilizers might be the preferred management option as they provided potentially beneficial changes in leaf litter decomposition and increased nutrient concentration. The data obtained will be a valuable reference for fertilization management strategies in forest ecosystems.

Resource endowment and sustainable soil fertility management strategies in maize farming systems in northern Benin

IntroductionManaging soil fertility remains one of the major concerns of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In order to understand the adoption potential of recommended practices to smallholders, this study aimed to characterize the resource availability, allocation and use patterns, and the soil fertility management practices in the maize farming system in northern Benin.MethodsA survey was conducted with 262 households randomly selected across three municipalities from three agro-ecological zones. Focus groups discussions and individual interviews were conducted with the household heads using an interview guide and a structured questionnaire respectively. The main data collected included (a) the socio-economic characteristics of households, (b) the main farm type and their characteristics and (c) the current soil fertility management strategies and the rationale behind.Results and discussionThe main soil fertility practices included the use of mineral fertilizer, manure, and crop residues application to plots. As a general trend, the rates of fertilizers applied by farmers [on average 132 ± 8.5 and 59 ± 5.8 kg ha−1 of Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK) and urea] were below those recommended or required to ensure optimal maize yields. Five farm types corresponding to different resource endowments or wealth classes were identified. The scarce resource farms owned by the majority of poorer farmers use only small amounts of manure and fertilizer in their fields. Qualitative analysis indicated that farms have different constraints and opportunities to adopt newly proposed soil fertility management recommendations.ConclusionExtension services and decision makers must target specific interventions for appropriation and sustainability of technologies to resource mostly the smallholder farmers.

Assessment of soil fertility and nutrient management strategies in calcareous soils of Khuzestan province: a case study using the Nutrient Index Value method.

Soil fertility (SF) is a crucial factor that directly impacts the performance and quality of crop production. To investigate the SF status in agricultural lands of winter wheat in Khuzestan province, 811 samples were collected from the soil surface (0-25cm). Eleven soil properties, i.e., electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), available phosphorus (Pav), exchangeable potassium (Kex), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and soil pH, were measured in the samples. The Nutrient Index Value (NIV) was calculated based on wheat nutritional requirements. The results indicated that 100%, 93%, and 74% of the study areas for CCE, pH, and EC fell into the low, moderate, and moderate to high NIV classes, respectively. Also, 25% of the area is classified as low fertility (NIV < 1.67), 75% falls under medium fertility (1.67 < NIV value < 2.33), and none in high fertility (NIV value > 2.33). Assessment of the mean wheat yield (AWY) and its comparison with NIV showed that the highest yield was in the Ramhormoz region (5200kg.ha-1), while the lowest yield was in the Hendijan region (3000kg.ha-1) with the lowest EC rate in the study area. Elevated levels of salinity and CCE in soils had the most negative impact on irrigated WY, while Pav, TN, and Mn availability showed significant effects on crop production. Therefore, implementing SF management practices is essential for both quantitative and qualitative improvement in irrigated wheat production in Khuzestan province.

Effect of Harvest Management on Biomass Yield, Forage Quality, and Nutrient Removal by Bioenergy Grasses in Mid-Central Virginia

The increasing cost of fossil-based energy sources has driven research in bio-based alternatives, such as perennial grasses for feedstock. The mid-Atlantic receives appreciable summer rainfall that may support a two-cut-per-year−1 harvest. At Virginia State University, a study on annual forage sorghum and two one-year stand perennials, miscanthus, and selected switchgrass ecotypes was carried out. The experimental design was a split-plot with harvest systems and feedstock grass species randomly assigned to the main and sub-plots, respectively. Only perennial grasses were assigned to the two-cut-per-year−1 system. The first cut occurred in early summer, and the second and single cut occurred after the frost-kill. Under the two-cut system, in 2022, the first-cut dry matter (DM) yield ranged from 8.9 Mg ha−1 in Blackwell to 14.7 Mg ha−1 in BoMaster. Additionally, except for BoMaster, the regrowth DM yields were within 10% of the first-cut DM yield. Under the one-cut system, the yield ranged from 10.8 Mg ha−1 in Blackwell to 23.2 Mg ha−1 in sorghum. Under the two-cut system, in 2023, miscanthus produced the greatest first-cut DM yield of 18.4 Mg ha−1, while other perennials averaged 10.1 Mg ha−1. Compared to the first cut, the hot and dry summer significantly reduced regrowth for all feedstock species, with the miscanthus DM yield dropping by 64%. While forage attributes differ among feedstock species, in general, both the first cut and regrowth showed greater crude protein and mineral elements, as well as lower ADF contents compared to a single cut following a killing freeze. Sorghum had better forage quality for the one-cut-per-year−1 feedstock material, and, along with the first cut and regrowth, it may have the potential for use as forage for maintenance energy in animal systems. For perennials, the two-cut-per-year−1 system removed the greatest quantities of nutrients during both years, with the first-cut harvest contributing about 65% of all removed N and K. Sorghum removed the greatest quantities of nutrients compared to the perennial under a one-cut-per-year−1 system. Therefore, while a two-cut-per-year−1 system can result in the greatest DM yields for dual-purpose use, its adoption calls for a critical analysis of economic benefits that considers feedstock bioenergy processing approaches, stand persistence, and fertilizer management strategies to address potential soil fertility depletion due to mineral element mining.

Contrasted reaction norms of wheat yield in pure vs mixed stands explained by tillering plasticities and shade avoidance

ContextMixing cultivars is an agroecological practice of crop diversification, increasingly used for cereals. The yield of such cereal mixtures is higher on average than the mean yield of their components in pure stands, but with a large variance. The drivers of this variance are plant-plant interactions leading to different plant phenotypes in pure and mixed stands, i.e phenotypic plasticity. ObjectivesThe objectives were (i) to quantify the magnitude of phenotypic plasticity for yield in pure versus mixed stands, (ii) to identify the yield components that contribute the most to yield plasticity, and (iii) to link such plasticities to differences in functional traits, i.e. plant height and flowering earliness. MethodsA new experimental design based on a precision sowing allowed phenotyping each cultivar in mixture, at the level of individual plants, for above-ground traits throughout growth. Eight commercial cultivars of Triticum aestivum L. were grown in pure and mixed stands in field plots repeated for two years (2019–2020, 2020–2021) with contrasted climatic conditions and with nitrogen fertilization, fungicide and weed removal management strategies. Two quaternary mixtures were assembled with cultivars contrasted either for height or earliness. ResultsCompared to the average of cultivars in pure stands, the height mixture strongly underyielded over both years (-29%) while the earliness mixture overyielded the second year (+11%) and underyielded the first year (-8%). The second year, the magnitude of cultivar’s grain weight plasticity, measured as the difference between pure and mixed stands, was significantly and positively associated with their relative yield differences in pure stands (R2=0.51). When grain weight plasticity, measured as the log ratio of pure over mixed stands, was partitioned as the sum of plasticities in each yield component, its strongest contributor was the plasticity in spike number per plant (∼56% of the sum), driven by even stronger but opposed underlying plasticities in both tiller emission and regression. For both years, the plasticity in tiller emission was significantly, positively associated with the height differentials between cultivars in mixture (R2=0.43 in 2019–2020 and 0.17 in 2020–2021). ConclusionsPlasticity in the early recognition of potential resource competitors is a major component of cultivar strategies in mixtures, as shown here for tillering dynamics. Our results also highlighted a link between plasticity in tiller emission and height differential in mixture. Both height and tillering dynamics displayed plasticities typical of the shade avoidance syndrome. ImplicationsBoth the new experimental design and decomposition of plasticities developed in this study open avenues to better study plant-plant interactions in agronomically-realistic conditions. This study also contributed a unique, plant-level data set allowing the calibration of process-based plant models to explore the space of all possible mixtures.

Increased Soil Soluble Nitrogen Stocks and Decreased Nitrogen Leaching Loss in Rice Paddy Soil by Replacing Nitrogen Fertilizer with Chinese Milk Vetch

Reducing soil nitrogen leaching losses and improving nitrogen-use efficiency with effective fertilization management strategies are extremely important for sustainable agricultural development. A 2-year field study was executed with the same nitrogen input in a subtropical rice production system in Southeast China, using chemical fertilizers as a control (CK), to study the influences of different application amounts of Chinese milk vetch (CMV), i.e., 15,000 kg hm−2 (CL), 30,000 kg hm−2 (CM), and 45,000 kg hm−2 (CH), on soil soluble nitrogen stock and leaching risks in a clay paddy field. The results showed that the soil stocks of soluble inorganic nitrogen (SIN) and soluble organic nitrogen (SON) in a 0–60 cm soil profile under different application amounts of CMV significantly increased by 12.43–36.03% and 19.43–71.75% compared with CK, respectively, which was more favorable to soil SON accumulation. In the 2-year experiment, the total dissolved nitrogen leaching loss was 23.51–61.88 kg hm−2 under different application rates of CMV, of which 50.08–62.69% was leached by dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and 37.31–49.92% was leached by dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). CMV application improved soil properties (pH, SOM, and urease/protease), increased SIN and SON stocks, and decreased surface water DIN and DON concentrations, thereby reducing DIN and DON leaching. The leachings of DIN and DON in different application rates of CMV were reduced by 11.37–66.23% and 13.39–52.07% compared with the CK treatment, respectively. Conclusively, nitrogen leaching loss in paddy fields was severe, and the DIN and DON leaching loss in CMV treatments were lower than those in the control under the same nitrogen input. Thus, replacing nitrogen fertilizer with CMV under the same nitrogen input could reduce the risk of nitrogen nonpoint pollution in clay paddy fields.

Improved yield by optimizing carbon, nitrogen metabolism and hormone balance in apical kernels under low nitrogen conditions using the low nitrogen–tolerant maize variety

ContextUsing low nitrogen (N)–tolerant maize varieties serves as a viable means to curtail N fertilizer application while improving crop yield. ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in carbon and nitrogen metabolic processes, and the hormones within kernels located at varying positions along the ear, between low N–tolerant and low N–sensitive maize varieties. Furthermore, this research aims to elucidate the ramifications of these observed disparities on kernel weight and yield, particularly when cultivated under low N conditions. MethodsThe low N–tolerant maize variety (ZH311) and low N–sensitive maize variety (XY508) were applied. The in–situ filed experiment with three N fertilizer treatments of 0 N (0 kg·N ha−1), 150 N (150 kg·N ha−1) and 300 N (300 kg·N ha−1) was conducted in 2017–2019. ResultsThe apical kernel weight of ZH311 was less affected by low N (0 N and 150 N) and the yield was 25.3–22.9% higher than XY508. The kernel weight was significantly and positively correlated with kernel starch and protein content. The starch and protein contents of ZH311 apical kernels were 6.3–7.3% and 12.4–14.4%, higher than XY508 under low N. It was indicated that the main factor affecting starch accumulation in the apical kernels was Susy activity and protein accumulation was IAA/GA3, Z+ZR/GA3 and GOGAT activity by the redundancy analysis. Under low N, the Susy and GOGAT activity, IAA/GA3 and Z+ZR/GA3 in the apical kernel of ZH311 were higher than XY508 by 51.4–39.3% and 65.4–46.9%, 62.1–33.1% and 41.8–48.2%. ConclusionsWe have demonstrated to improve the maize yield by increasing the apical kernel weight, which resulted in enhancing the uniformity of the kernel weight along the ear. Under low N conditions, the low N–tolerant maize variety was shown to facilitate the starch and protein biosynthesis by increasing the activity of key enzymes in the carbon and the nitrogen metabolism processes such as Susy and GOGAT in the apical kernels, and optimizing the hormone balance between IAA/GA3 and Z+ZR/GA3, to increase the kernel weight and yield. ImplicationsThe findings of this investigation will help understand the underlying factors contributing to the yield variations exhibited among distinct low N–tolerant maize varieties when cultivated under conditions of limited N availability. These insights could serve as the theoretical basis for breeding of low N–tolerant maize varieties and practical guidance for the formulation of N fertilizer management strategies.

Fertilizer Management Strategies of Glycine max L. (Soybean) in Northcentral and North-Western North Dakota

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a new cash crop grown in north central and northwestern North Dakota (ND). Soils and climate in these new soybean areas differ from current fertilizer guidelines. A three-year study to evaluate soybean fertility best management practices was initiated in the spring of 2016 and concluded in 2018. Each year had two sites and twelve treatments. One site was acidic (pH &lt; 6.2) and the other was alkaline (pH &gt; 7.2). Both site treatments were: untreated check, inoculated with rhizobia (Bradyrhizobium japonicum L.), broadcast urea (55 kg ha−1), broadcast MAP (110 kg ha−1), In-furrow 10-34-0 (28 L ha−1), in-furrow 6-24-6 (28 L ha−1), foliar 3-18-18 (28 L ha−1) at V5 and R2, and foliar 3-18-18 (28 L ha−1) with sulfate (1.1 kg ha−1) at V5 and R2. The acidic site had two treatments of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) waste lime (4411 kg ha−1 and 8821 kg ha−1). The alkaline site received treatments of iron ortho-ortho-EDDHA (7.1 L ha−1), and naked ortho-ortho-EDDHA (7.1 L ha−1). An in-furrow treatment of cobalt (2.9 kg cobalt-sulfate ha−1) was added in 2018. Fertilizer treatments did not impact soybean yield, protein content and oil content at the 0.05 significance level.

Quantitative analysis of soil degradation in response to land use change in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana

Soil degradation (SD) poses a significant challenge to tropical agricultural production systems due to its role in depleting soil nutrients. Recently, SD has threatened population growth by causing hunger and poverty among smallholder farmers in the Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana. However, SD cannot be directly measured. Instead, assessment and modelling efforts rely on biological and physico-chemical indicators. This study sought to: (i) select a minimum dataset (MDS) using a multivariate statistical technique; (ii) identify SD processes, and evaluate the extent of degradation; and (iii) suggest strategies to monitor SD in the study area. Soil samples were collected using the Land Degradation Surveillance Framework (LDSF), specifically designed for sub-plot level (1000 m2) sampling. This scheme aligns well with the typical farm structure of smallholder farmers (<10 acres). Soil samples, taken from a depth of 0–20 cm, were analyzed to assess their physico-chemical properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified seven key SD processes: soil texture, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Av. P), base saturation (BS) and Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). These identified processes lead to the loss of OC, deterioration of soil texture, reduction in soil nutrients, and increased soil acidity. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.70, p<0.05) between soil physical and chemical properties. PC1 explained 26.86% of the total variance, followed by PC2 at 15.31%, PC3 at 12.46%, and PC4 at 9.98%. Also, PC5, PC6, and PC7 accounted for 8.49%, 7.25% and 1.42% of the variance, respectively. The land-use systems we identified significantly affected the concentration of soil nutrients (p<0.001). In our computed Composite Soil Degradation Index (CSDI), CEC emerged as the most significant SD indicator with a weight of 0.328, followed by Si:CL ratio at 0.187. The results indicate that soil management activities should focus on increasing organic matter. Soil nutrient depletion primarily occurs through several processes. Land clearing and burning of organic materials during land preparation are primary causes. Furthermore, a total crop removal during harvest, inadequate manure application, and subsequent leaching and erosion aggravates SD, leading to nutrient-depleted soils. We conclude that the loss of nutrients, specifically CEC, OC, Ex. K and Av. P is the primary contributor to chemical SD. Therefore, implementing integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) strategies, such as applying organic (e.g., animal-based manures, green manure, crop residues, compost) and inorganic fertilizers (e.g., NPK + micronutrients) is crucial for increasing soil nutrient availability, enhancing SOM content, and promoting carbon sequestration in these farming systems. This study establishes a baseline for comparing and evaluating the effectiveness of land management interventions at the landscape level in northern Ghana. Consequently, soil nutrient management should be tailored to site-specific conditions, focusing on increasing the efficiency of N, P, K and micronutrient uptake by plants. Adopting such site-specific management strategies could significantly contribute to the sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems in the Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana.

Enhancing Soybean and Maize Yields through Improved Nitrogen and Soil Water Use Efficiencies: A 40-Year Study on the Impact of Farmyard Manure Amendment in Northeast China.

The combined application of manure and chemical fertilizers has been recognized as a critical factor driving significant changes in crop yield and nutrient use efficiency, holding the potential to optimize agricultural management to achieve high yields. In this 40-year study, we investigated the effect of manure amendment on soybean and maize yields, water and nitrogen use efficiencies (WUE and NUE), and water and mineral N storage at 0-100 cm soil depths from 2017 to 2018 to explore the optimization of fertilization management strategies for soybean and maize production in Northeast China. To elucidate the impact of chemical fertilizers and manure, twelve treatments-control (CK); single N fertilizer at a low rate (N1) and that at a high rate (N2); N1, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer (N1PK); manure alone at 13.5 and 27 t ha-1 (M1 and M2); and those combined with N, P, or K fertilizer (M1N1, M1N2, and M1N1PK and M2N1, M2N2, and M2N1PK)-were selected and studied. The results showed that long-term amendment with manure significantly increased crop biomass and yield in the soybean-maize-maize rotation system. Combining with manure increased the WUE, the partial factor productivity of N fertilizer (PFPN), and N physiological efficiency (PEN) in both the soybean and maize seasons; conserved soil water (mainly at 40-60 cm); and increased soil N retention (in the upper 60 cm layer), which reduced the risk of N leaching, with a better effect being observed after the application of 13.5 t ha-1 manure. These results provide insight into the potential of using fertilization management strategies that include amendment with 13.5 t ha-1 manure in combination with N, P, and K fertilizer in the maize season and only chemical fertilizer in the soybean season, as these results indicate that such strategies can achieve high yields and be used to implement agricultural sustainable development in brown soil regions in Northeast China.

Concurrent effect of phosphorus, nanoparticles and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria influences root morphology, soil enzymes and nutrients uptake in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Phosphorus and zinc are important nutrient elements of concern in upland rice production. To determine the suitable combination of phosphorus, nanoparticles (NPs), and bio-fertilizer application as an alternative nutrient management approach in upland rice cultivation, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) column experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in 2015. The treatments consisted of three phosphorus levels, two foliar sprays of NPs (ZnO and TiO2), and PSB seed treatment. The results indicated that the combined application of P (50 kg ha−1), ZnO NPs (500 ppm), and PSB seed treatment (20 g kg−1) improved the root system architecture traits of rice (total root length: 3.73–6.74%, diameter: 8.57–22.22%, and volume: 3.40–3.70%) at depths of 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm, compared to higher P + TiO2 NPs + no PSB. Consequently, this combination led to an enhancement in photosynthetic leaf area (by 3.3%), tiller numbers (by 7%), and dry matter production (by 35.5%). The favorable root growth resulting from the application of higher P and PSB enhanced zinc uptake by rice grains (by 38.44%) and straw (by 26.99%). Furthermore, the supplemental application of PSB improved the activity of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase and phosphatase. As a result, maximum phosphorus use efficiency (PUE; 31.5%) was achieved through the combined application of P (50 kg ha−1) × ZnO NPs × PSB. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of an integrated approach involving phosphorus, PSB, and metal oxides (ZnO NPs) as a fertilizer management strategy to enhance the total biomass and PUE of upland rice.

Optimized Fertilizer–Water Management Improves Carrot Quality and Soil Nutrition and Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the North China Plain

In order to improve carrot quality and soil nutrition and reduce the environmental pollution caused by intensive carrot production, more comprehensive combined water–fertilizer management strategies are necessary. This study hypothesizes that optimal management of water and fertilizer can improve carrot yield and quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and soil nutrient residues. Thus, coordinated water–fertilizer management strategies were tested for carrot production on the North China Plain over two consecutive growing seasons. Four treatments were tested: local standard fertilization and irrigation practices (FNP); optimized irrigation and chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (OPT); OPT treatment with partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with peanut shell (PS); and OPT treatment with partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with mushroom residue (M). Compared to the FNP treatment, there were statistically significant increases in soluble sugars (12–27%) and free amino acids (14–26%), and decreases in the nitrate content (7–17%) of fleshy root in the OPT, PS, and M treatments. In autumn carrots, the OPT and M treatments decreased yield, whereas PS increased yield; spring carrot yield was significantly decreased in the OPT, PS, and M groups compared to the FNP group. There were no significant effects of the treatment group on carrot growth rates, nutrient accumulation, or nutrient distribution. However, the OPT, PS, and M treatments were associated with significantly increased partial productivity of phosphate fertilizer (233–363%), reduced residual levels of nitrate and available phosphorus in the top 80 cm of soil, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 8–18% compared to the FNP treatment. These results highlight the effectiveness of partial organic fertilizer substitution and integrated water–fertilizer management to produce high-quality carrots with minimal environmental damage.

Fertility Assessment of Nun River Floodplain Soils in Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria for Agricultural Productivity

Following massive crude oil exploitation in Bayelsa State, arable land is shrinking and a food crisis, looming. To stop this trend, information on soil fertility status and management strategies becomes important for policy development. This paper assesses fertility status of the Nun River floodplain soils in Bayelsa State using newly developed indices for sustainable agricultural productivity and food security. Nun River plain alluvial soils of different landforms were collected from the genetic horizons of nine profiles, and analysed for physicochemical characteristics and soil fertility assessed using soil fertility index. (SFI) and soil evaluation factor (SEF). ). Silt-sized particles dominated Odi (ODI), Koroama (KRM) and Niger Delta University (NDU 1) soils, except in NDU2 and NDU3, pH was moderate to slightly acidic (5.64–6.30), available P, low to high (0.6–22 mg/kg), organic C (0.31–5.35%), and total nitrogen (0.01–0.45%) low to high while calcium dominated the exchange complex. Correlation between Organic matter and total N (r = 0.366, p ‹ 0.001) and available P (r = - 0.310, p ‹ 0.01) was highly positively, suggesting that organic matter dictates availability of N and P. The SFI values were higher (p ‹0.05) than SEF except in NUD2 and NDU3, pH, organic matter and available phosphorus contributing more. Of paramount importance is conservation of organic matter as the accumulation of biomass greatly improved physical properties and fertility of the soil.

Climate change awareness and adaptation strategies by smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Agricultural production, food, nutrition and income security of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are threatened by extreme weather events, such as increased frequency of mid-season dry spells and increased temperatures. Their impacts are exacerbated by the prevalence of sandy soils, characterized by limited water and nutrient retention capacity leading to low crop productivity. In this study, we aimed at assessing farmers' awareness of extreme weather events, identify adaptation strategies and evaluate maize yield from different soil fertility and water management practices. A household survey including 245 smallholder farmers in Marange, Zimbabwe was carried out. The results revealed that farmers were aware of and had experienced extreme weather events. Among adaptation strategies used were soil water-harvesting, use of improved varieties, mulching and planting trees. Maize yield remains significantly low, averaging 0.62 t ha−1 among farmers using some forms of soil fertility and water management strategies. To further understand the reason for low maize yields and improve climate change related adaptation strategies, more research is needed to quantify and confirm management practices applied by farmers, such as fertilizer use and rates, water and nutrient management, use of improved varieties as well as socio-economic factors.

Data mining for assessing soil fertility

The study is devoted to the use of data mining to assess soil fertility, which is a modern and effective tool in agriculture and ecology. The method includes integrated approaches to data collection, processing and analysis aimed at determining soil fertility, its composition and potential for successful agricultural use. Using a variety of machine learning techniques and statistical models, researchers can predict crop yields, optimize fertilization and soil management strategies, and identify environmental and soil health risks. In particular, the use of the regression method makes it possible to build models that predict the values of fertile soil parameters based on available data. Using machine learning techniques such as Bayes' theorem and support vector machines (SVM), researchers can effectively estimate soil fertility, predict soil characteristics, and optimize agricultural practices. The results of the study demonstrate the high performance of the models in soil sample classification tasks, highlighting their potential for improving soil resource management and increasing crop yields. Such machine learning techniques provide powerful tools for agricultural workers and researchers, facilitating more precise and sustainable agriculture, which is essential for food security and ecosystem resilience.

Response of Transplanted Rice to Seedling Root-dip in Phosphorus and Biofertilizer Slurry in Acid Soils of North East India- A Participatory Assessment in Farmers’ Field

Background: Rice production is mainly constrained by low P-use efficiency (PUE) and P-recovery efficiency (PRE) in acid soils of the North East hill region of India. Efficient P fertilizer management strategies for rice production is very essential to achieve higher yield per unit of P fertilizer applied. Rhizosphere-based P management in wetland rice is considered as an efficient strategy to minimize the quantity of applied P to obtain a profitable yield. Methods: Seedling root dipping in P slurry technique in farmers’ field condition was studied in comparison to the conventional methods of application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and the integrated nutrient management (INM) practices to identify a suitable cost effective method of application of phosphatic fertilizer for the acid soils of this hill region of North East India. Result: The highest plant height, maximum number of effective tillers and root biomass were recorded in SSP root dip+Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) followed by INM practices. P root dip had greater root biomass (4.36 g plant-1) which was significantly higher than RDF (3.82 g plant-1). Root dip application showed higher yields (5.80 t ha-1), compared with INM (5.53 t ha-1) and RDF (5.46 t ha-1) and control (4.25 t ha-1). The result of the present study demonstrated that P-dipping can achieve high applied P use efficiency (1193.42) in transplanted rice compared to conventional incorporation of P (625.43). Thus, P-dipping is a potential strategy to overcome low applied P use efficiency in high P-fixing soils and hence reduces the need for excess P application.