NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

A circular economy approach for utilization of tannery fleshing hydrolysate and kitchen wastes into organic fertilizer through enzymatic decomposition

This study presents a sustainable method for converting tannery fleshing waste (FH) into organic fertilizer using enzymatic decomposition with crude protease. After extracting fat from the enzymatic hydrolysis, the enzyme-rich residue was mixed with dried kitchen waste (KW) and allowed to decompose for 45 days, producing nutrient-rich fertilizer. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of important functional groups, including hydroxyl, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and amide-I linkages. The organic fertilizers had higher nutrient content, with nitrogen (1.08-1.67%), phosphorus (0.78–0.98 %), potassium (0.1–0.76 %), and magnesium (239–259.5 ppm) which is higher than commercial fertilizers. FESEM-EDX analysis revealed a dense, porous structure with a high surface concentration of calcium, which enhances nutrient release in the soil. Dissolution tests showed that nutrients from the organic fertilizer were released gradually over 36 hours, whereas commercial NPK fertilizers released nutrients within 150 minutes in simulated soil-water conditions. Field trials with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) demonstrated improved growth in Malabar spinach, particularly with fertilizer sample S-5, which had an optimal flesh to kitchen waste (FH to KW) ratio of 1:10. Although S-5 had a lower nitrogen content (1.08 %), it contained higher levels of phosphorus (0.98 %), potassium (0.765 %), and magnesium (259.5 ppm), contributing to enhanced plant growth. The organic fertilizer resulted in a shoot length of 38.8 ± 2.0 cm, root length of 16.33 cm, 31 ± 3 leaves, and 95.12 % dry matter of the plant. Heavy metal analysis of the plant confirmed that levels of chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were within WHO safety limits. Phytotoxicity tests of the fertilizer also showed no negative impact on Malabar spinach seed germination.

Synergistic use of cattle bile, compost and fertilizer amendments in enhancing the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils

This study investigated the degradation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil using compost, NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer, and cattle bile as biostimulants. In this study, 1000 g of homogenized contaminated soil was amended with 10.50 g of NPK fertilizer and 107.50 g of compost to achieve a nitrogen concentration of 0.2%. To establish a 0.4% nitrogen concentration, 23.90 g of NPK fertilizer, 243.54 g of compost, and 2 ml of cattle bile were used. These amendments were applied in various combinations to create the following microcosm treatments: A, B, C, D, A2, B2, C2, D2, and a control. The microcosms, along with the control were incubated for 6 weeks in triplicate. Throughout this period, several parameters were monitored every two weeks, including pH, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC), and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in TPH content across the microcosms during the four sampling periods. By the end of the 6-week incubation, the TPH residual concentration varied between 1.58 mg/kg and 20.61 mg/kg, corresponding to degradation rates of 98.43% and 79.58%, respectively, from an initial TPH concentration of 100.91 mg/kg. Microcosm B2 demonstrated the highest hydrocarbon removal efficiency (98.43%), while the control showed the lowest efficiency. The order of degradation efficiency among the microcosms was B2 > B (94.89%) > C (94.64%) > A (94.13%) > D2 (93.62%) > A2 (93.51%) > C2 (92.45%) > D (91.44%). The study also found that pH and nitrogen levels were related to the reduction in hydrocarbon content. Microcosms with a 0.4% nitrogen concentration showed a higher rate of nitrogen consumption compared to those with a 0.2% concentration. Additionally, changes in pH were observed as hydrocarbon degradation progressed. This study further applied cluster analysis, Bayesian statistics, and multiple linear regression to evaluate the effects of treatments on soil quality over time. Cluster analysis showed increasing dissimilarity between merged clusters, while Bayesian analysis revealed positive trends in parameter estimates in Weeks 2 and 4. Regression analysis indicated significant impacts of Weeks 2, 4, and 6 on Week 0, with F-statistics of 8.475 (p = 0.016), 9.804 (p = 0.004), and 3.759 (p = 0.037), though multicollinearity reduced the predictive power of individual coefficients. Overall, Microcosm B2 emerged as the most effective treatment option. The findings suggest that biostimulation using a combination of moisture, compost, NPK fertilizer, and cattle bile is an effective approach to achieving high efficiency in TPH degradation in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

Effect of nano NPK and bio fertilizers on growth and flowering of potted zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq)

Effect of nano NPK and bio fertilizers on growth and flowering of potted zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq)

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.

ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURE IN RURAL AREAS: DIAGNOSIS AND MAPPING OF POTENTIAL POLLUTION SOURCES AFFECTING WATER RESOURCESIN THE WATERSHED HEADS OF THE OUEME AND PENDJARI RIVERS IN THE COMMUNE OF COPARGO (NORTH-WEST BENIN)

Critical in assessing the quality and quantity of watercourses, headwaters of watersheds have been under anthropogenic pressure for several years, which has had negative impacts on water resources and soils. This study aims to assess the state of anthropogenic activities within the headwaters of the Copargo watersheds, followed by identifying and mapping potential sources of pollution to the water resources of the Oueme and Pendjari river headwaters in the Copargo municipality. To achieve this, data were collected through surveys, interviews, direct field observations, and remote sensing using Google Earth Engine. The results indicate that agriculture is the main activity, practiced by 90.84% of the population. Livestock farming (8.9%) and wood exploitation (7.2%) follow. The surveys reveal that the land is rarely left fallow, indicating overexploitation. The average duration of land cultivation during an agricultural season is 7.77 months. The agricultural inputs used include chemical fertilizers (NPK fertilizers and urea) and pesticides (herbicides and insecticides). On average, 120.5 kg of NPK fertilizer, 63 kg of urea, and 6.99 liters of pesticides are used per season per farmer. 2% of the producers attribute soil depletion to the use of agricultural inputs. The results of this study show that the potential sources of pollution in the study area remain anthropogenic activities, particularly agriculture, through the increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides (herbicides, insecticides). The absence of industrial units in the study area eliminates any risk of pollution from factories. Given the activities carried out in the area, this study will be followed by a physicochemical characterization of water resources and soils to evaluate their physicochemical and chemical quality.

Performance Evaluation of Hydroponic Grow-Outs in An Innovative Coldwater Aquaponic System Featuring Rainbow Trout and Lettuce

A 45-day trial was carried out to assess the production performance of different hydroponic media in a novel do-it-yourself (DIY) low-tech re-circulating aquaponic system for temperate regions with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Rainbow trout juveniles (average weight of 35.59 g) were stocked in the experimental units at 2.8 kg.m-3 and fed with commercial floating pelleted feed at 8 % of their body weight in three treatments and a control. The lettuce saplings were randomly planted in the river stone bed (T1), crushed stone bed (T2), raft/deep water culture (DWC) unit (T3) and control (C) soil bed (fortified with NPK fertiliser) with equivalent planting intervals of 42 saplings.m-2. The system, designed with low-tech simplicity, was managed without alkalinity correction and depended entirely on plant growth and metabolism for biofiltration. The water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved free CO2, hardness, total alkalinity, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate varied significantly (P &lt; 0.05) among the treatments compared to the control. The final individual weight, biomass gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rainbow trout were significantly better (P &lt; 0.05) in media beds (crushed stone and river stone) compared to control and DWC systems. The final mean weights of rainbow trout in river stone (12.33 ± 0.002 g and crushed stone (12.39 ± 0.054 g) treatments were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than in DWC (12.1 ± 0.023 g) and control (12.09 ± 0.002 g) treatments. The production of lettuce was significantly greater (P &lt; 0.05) in all three treatments (river stone: 4.33 ± 0.123 g, crushed stone: 4.53 ± 0.09 g and DWC: 4.31 ± 0.163 g) compared to the control (3.31 ± 0.172 g). The DWC including the media bed systems facilitates the improved performance of lettuce saplings in terms of final height and leaf number. These results show that a low-tech media bed system without a supplementary biofiltration unit can achieve sustainable production of both fish and vegetables in temperate hilly terrains.

Effect of Rabbit Urine Bio Fertilizer and NPK on Vegetative Variables of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a plant that requires more N nutrients than other nutrients. The abundance and affordability of rabbit urine bio fertilizer can reduce the cost of cultivation production inputs due to the high price of inorganic fertilizers. Rabbit urine contains higher N nutrients compared to other livestock urine. This study aims to obtain a combination of Rabbit Bio Urine (BUK) fertilizer concentration and NPK fertilizer dosage that can give the best results on the growth of sorghum plants (Sorghum bicolor L.). The research method used is a non-factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) consisting of 6 levels, namely: P1 (BUK 0 ml/L + 100% NPK), P2 (BUK 41 ml/L + 80% NPK), P3 (BUK 27 ml/L + 80% NPK), P4 (BUK 18 ml/L + 80% NPK), P5 (BUK 9 ml/L + 80% NPK), and P6 (BUK 5 ml/L + 80% NPK). The application of rabbit bio urine fertilizer gives a real effect on the parameters of plant height and stem diameter at the age of 36 HST and 42 HST. In the parameter of the number of leaves, rabbit bio urine fertilizer and NPK gave no significant effect at all observation times. The P2 treatment (BUK 41 ml/L + NPK 80%) gave the highest results in the parameters of plant height at the age of 36 HST and 42 HST which amounted to 98,1 cm and 123,7 cm. In the parameter of stem diameter, the highest result was obtained by P1 (BUK 0 ml/L + NPK 100%) which amounted to 14,8 mm. Keywords : N Nutrient, Rabbit Urine Bio Fertilizer, Sorghum

Растеж и минерален състав на тютюн Виржиния в отговор на минерално торене и биостимуланти

The influence of mineral fertilization and two biostimulants (microbial inoculant Mycoplant® and protein hydrolysate (PH) Trainer®) on the growth and mineral composition of Virginia tobacco was studied in field and pot experiments on Rendzic Leptosol. The seedlings of the conventional technology (manure+mineral nitrogen fertilizer) had the highest weight and the highest concentration of N and Ca in the above-ground biomass. Biostimulants also had a positive effect on plant weight and the concentration of macro- and micronutrients. Microbial inoculant Mycoplant and PH Trainer increased seedling weight (fresh and dry) by 16.8% - 22.5% and 8% - 12%, respectively, compared to the manure treatment. The microbial inoculant containing AM fungi increased seedling N, P and Mg concentration by 8%, 9% and 13%, respectively, compared to manure treatment. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu also increased when Mycoplant was applied. The application of a PH-based biostimulant Trainer resulted in higher concentration of N (by 11%) and Mg (by 4%) in seedlings. Leaf area and leaf weight (pot experiment) were positively affected by compound fertilizer application. Biostimulants Mycoplant and Trainer had a weaker positive effect on these indicators. The application of compound NPK fertilizer significantly increased the concentration of N, P and K in the leaves. Biostimulants also improved the uptake of essential nutrients by tobacco plants. The microbial inoculant significantly increased the concentration of Fe in the leaves - by 25.5% compared to the control. The concentration of N was increased by 14.3% when PH Trainer was applied.

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 &lt; 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.

Insights from a 19-year field study: optimizing long-term nutrient supply strategies for enhanced crop productivity and nutritional security in rice–wheat systems

What nutrient supply options can ensure maximum productivity and optimize the nutrient uptake of rice–wheat system (R-W system)? an experiment started in the year 1998 (19-year-old) to examine the impact of optimal nutrient supply (NS) strategies to maximize crop productivity and nutritional security in R-W system. To determine the best nutrient management strategies (BNMS), seven different NS methods were tested. These included (organic and mineral fertilizers), as well as combinations such as integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS), IPNS + B (berseem), and IPNS + C (cowpea), with the aim of enhancing the productivity and nutrient absorption of R-W system. Results showed that rice grain yield notably wide-ranging from 1.61 to 5.81 t ha−1 under different NS options and highest rice grain yield (mean of 19 years) was observed at IPNS + C (5.81 t ha−1), which was at par with IPNS (5.79 t ha−1), STCR (soil test crop response) (5.76 t ha−1) and IPNS + B (5.67 t ha−1) followed by 100% recommended dose fertilizer NPK (4.41 t ha−1), which equality with OF (organic farming) (4.04 t ha−1) and lowest was recorded in control plot (1.61 t ha−1). Wheat grain yield varied significantly from 1.43 to 5.86 t ha−1 under different NS options. The highest yield (mean of 19 years) was observed in treatments IPNS + B (5.86 t ha−1), IPNS (5.77 t ha−1), IPNS + C (5.48 t ha−1), and STCR (5.45 t ha−1), followed by OF at 4.49 t ha−1, NPK at 3.76 t ha−1, with the lowest in the control plot at 1.43 t ha−1. Additionally, total phosphorus and sulfur accumulation in rice (grain: 8.41 to 39.09 kg ha−1; straw: 6.02 to 23.54 kg ha−1) varied significantly across nutrient supply treatments. Overall, adoption of IPNS integration with legumes (IPNS + B and IPNS + C), can significantly improve productivity and nutrient accumulation in R-W systems. Incorporating legumes into farming practices is advised for sustained productivity and nutritional benefits.

APPLICATION OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NUTRIENT SOURCES FOR IMPROVING GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) UNDER CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF PAKISTAN

The research was conducted under rain fed conditions of Rawalakot to check the effect of different organic and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components in maize. Eight different treatments were evaluated by using regular arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Sheep manure (SM), farm yard manure (FYM), and poultry manure (PM) were used as organic sources of nutrients while NPK was used inorganic sources. The test variety of maize was Pioneer-30Y87. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the difference amongst different means using least significance difference (LSD). Results revealed significant effect of different nutrient treatments on the yield and morphological growth of maize. Maximum number of plants (11.00), plant height (212.80 cm), number of grain rows per cob (15.60), 1000 grains weight (188.90 g), grain yield (6836.7g) were recorded for Treatment T7 (Half recommended NPK fertilizer + farm yard manure. tons ha-1). This study showed that mixed use of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients could be a better soil nutrient amendment when applied at a ratio of 50% dose of farm yard manure (FYM) + 50% dose of NPK in the cultivation of maize under rain fed conditions of Rawalakot.

The effect of chemical fertilizers on the quantitative and qualitative yield of oregano (Origanum vulgare L) plant

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer on marjoram plant for two years (2017 and 2018). Various levels of nitrogen (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha), potash (0, 40 and 80 kg/ha), and phosphorus (0 and 30 kg/ha) fertilizers were applied. The results revealed that the use of NPK fertilizers significantly increased the dry weight of the aerial parts (leaves, inflorescences, and whole aerial parts) of the marjoram plant. In the first year, the dry weight of the whole shoot increased by 82 to 124 g/m2, and in the second year, it increased by 82 to 129 g/m2. Moreover, regarding essential oil concentration, this parameter in inflorescence ranged from 2.38% to 3.66% in the first year, while in the second year, it ranged from 3.02% to 4.14%. Notably, the inflorescence had a higher essential oil concentration compared to the leaves. The study also found that the use of NPK fertilizer at a ratio of 100:20:40 kg/ha resulted in the highest percentage of essential oil in the aerial. Conversely, the control treatment led to a decrease in essential oil yield. Among the essential oil compounds, Carvacrol and p-Cymene were the predominant components, with concentrations ranging from 49.36% to 60.32% and 2.03% to 4.56%, respectively, in various marjoram plant organs.

Technical Efficiency Of Rice Farming Around The Nickel Mining In Konawe Selatan District

South Konawe Regency has vast potential agricultural land, It can support the regional economy by supplying the food needs of the community and being a major player in trade across districts. In addition to providing food, the agricultural sector also serves as a market for goods produced by the industrial sector in rural communities and urban areas, a source of labor for industry, a source of capital for modern economic growth, particularly in its early stages, and a source of foreign exchange. Policy support is needed from the government in developing the agricultural sector considering the importance of synergy between the agricultural and mining sectors to minimize negative impacts in order to achieve economic balance so that it becomes the basis for local governments in taking appropriate policies to support the agricultural sector amidst mining activities. The purpose of this study is to examine lowland rice farming's technical effectiveness and production characteristics in the vicinity of South Konawe Regency's nickel mine. The data collected used primary and secondary data, with a total of 20 farmers as respondents. Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) was utilized to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicate that lowland rice farming is technically efficient when it is conducted near nickel mining and that the production elements that actually affect lowland rice farming include land area, labour force, urea and NPK fertilisers, and insecticides.

Impact of Long-term Application of Fertilizers and FYM on Nutrient Uptake by Soybean Crop and Properties of Black Soil

Long Term Fertilizer Experiment (LTFE) play an important role in understanding the complex interactions involving plant, soil, climate, management practices and their effect on soil productivity over a long period of time. The present investigation is a part of ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project on Long Term Fertilizer Experiment with Soybean-Wheat Cropping Sequence, which was initiated since 1972. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design consisting of eight treatments, viz. 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NP, 100% N, FYM (100% NPK+FYM), 100% NPK (-S) and Control. The significant nutrient content with nutrient uptake by soybean was noted in 100% NPK+FYM treatment over the control plot. It was also observed that nutrient content with nutrient uptake increased significantly with consecutive doses of fertilizers. On the other hand, 100% N and in the control group had the lowest value. However, adding fertilizer P in addition to N (100% NP) increased nutrient content and nutrient uptake by soybean crop. The highest. Soil organic carbon content was recorded with 100% NPK dose+FYM followed by 150% NPK treatment combination which could apparently due to the synergistic contribution of integration of fertilizer and FYM application. Similarly, the available N,P, K and S content in soil were found highest with 100% NPK + FYM followed by 150% NPK fertilizer dose. However, the lowest content was noted in control where crop was grown without fertilizers. Available sulphur was significantly higher over control in all the treatments receiving single super phosphate.

PELLETIZED PLANT GROWTH-PROMOTING BACTERIA DERIVED FROM FERMENTED RICE WATER AND ITS INFLUENCE IN PAKCHOY GROWTH ENHANCEMENT

The usage of inorganic fertilizer has been shown to have a negative impact. However, most farmers tend to use chemical fertilizers due to its significant useful effects on plants. This study aims to determine the influence of pelletized plant growth-promoting microbial consortium (PGPR) derived from fermented rice water in Pakchoy plants (Brassica rapa subsp.chinensis) growth enhancement. PGPR are characterized by tests for nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and potassium solubilization, and indole compound productions which resulted all positive. The most effective isolates are chosen and was encapsulated into pellets form using bentonite powder. It was then applied to Pakchoy plants for four weeks based on four different treatments: control (T0), 0.5 g NPK fertilizer (T1), 0.1 g PGPR (T2), 0.5 g PGPR (T3) and 1.0 g PGPR (T4). The result significantly improved roots length (in cm), number of leaves and dry weight (in g). In future, the sustainable friendly approach like this can be potentially applied to the other crops like chili, rice, pineapple and vegetables.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) Varieties to Blended NPSZnB and Potassium Chloride Fertilizers Rates at Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Potato production is constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, among which poor soil fertility is the prime one. Thus, the objectives of the study were to evaluate effect of NPSZnB plus potassium chloride rates fertilizer on growth performance, yield and yield components of potato and to determine optimum fertilizer rate and economically feasible for potato production at target Assosa areas. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement with three replications. Two potato varieties, Belete and Gudane were assigned to main plot whereas six blended NPSZnB with potassium chloride fertilizers rates assigned to subplots. Totally, the experiment had twelve treatments. The interaction effects of blended NPSZnB and potassium chloride fertilizers rates not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced marketable yield, unmarketable yield and total tuber yield. However, the main effects of blended NPSZnB and potassium chloride fertilizers rates were highly significantly (P&lt;0.01) affected marketable tuber yield. The partial budget analysis was revealed that highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return (1027.27%) was obtained with the application of NPK (110 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 69 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizers. We conclude that application of NPK (110 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 69 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizers were economically feasible to recommend for potato production in the study area.

Phenotypic, Physiological, and Gene Expression Analysis for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Use Efficienies in Three Popular Genotypes of Rice (Oryza sativa Indica).

Crop nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use efficiencies (NUE/PUE) are important to minimize wastage and nutrient pollution, but no improved crop for both is currently available. We addressed them together in rice, in the view of its high consumption of NPK fertilizers. We analyzed 46 morphophysiological parameters for the N/P response in three popular indica genotypes, namely, BPT 5204, Panvel 1, and CR Dhan 301 at low, medium, and normal N/P doses. They include 18 vegetative, 15 physiological, and 13 reproductive parameters. The segregation of significantly N/P-responsive parameters correlating with NUE/PUE revealed 21 NUE, 22 PUE, and 12 common parameters. Feature selection analyses revealed the common high-ranking parameters including the photosynthetic rate at the reproductive stage, tiller number, root-shoot ratio, culm thickness, and flag leaf width. The venn selection using the reported NUE/PUE-related candidate genes in rice revealed five genes in common for both, namely OsIAA3, OsEXPA10, OsCYP75B4, OsSultr3;4, and OsFER2, which were associated with three of the common traits for NUE/PUE. Their expression studies using qRT-PCR revealed the opposite regulation in contrasting genotypes for OsSultr3;4 and OsEXPA10 in N-response and for OsFER2 in P-response, indicating their role in contrasting N/P use efficiencies. Overall, CR Dhan 301 has the highest NUE and PUE followed by Panvel 1 and BPT5204 among the studied genotypes.

Application of hydrogel polymers and fertilizers for increasing winter wheat grain yield in conditions of rain-fed agriculture

This study aims to address the critical issue of water scarcity, which is being intensified by climate change and presents significant challenges to rain-fed agriculture, especially in arid regions. The research focuses on enhancing winter wheat grain yield productivity under rain-fed conditions through the utilization of locally produced, environmentally friendly hydrogel polymers. The methodology involved a field experiment conducted in the Spitak community, Armenia, from 2022 to 2023, covering an area of 630 m². Along with control groups, the study had 21 experimental treatments that used Aquasource and Van polymers in different ways, with and without nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer. The findings indicated that the application of Aquasource and Van polymers at doses of 50-100 kg ha⁻¹ and 750-1000 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, without fertilizers significantly increased soil moisture absorption during the tillering and heading stages by 11.5-12.5% and 5.5-7.5%, compared to the controls. On the other hand, using these polymers with NPK fertilizer (N50P50K50 and N100P100K100) together made it harder for plants to absorb water, especially when more polymers were used. Soil moisture levels had a substantial impact on winter wheat grain yield metrics during these growth stages, demonstrating a strong correlation (R = 0.71-0.91). Enhanced moisture absorption resulting from polymer application led to a 22-24% increase in winter wheat grain yield. The practical implications of this study lie in its identification of key factors that influence winter wheat yield in rain-fed agriculture, particularly regarding locally sourced polymer dosage and application methods, both independently and in conjunction with fertilizers.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for NPK Fertilizer in Specialty Coffee: Insights from Pagar Alam, Indonesia

Robusta coffee cultivation in Pagar Alam City has not been carried out optimally because most farmers do not practice precision farming patterns in the use of production inputs to increase coffee plant productivity, including the use of unsubsidised coffee-specific fertilisers. In order to be accepted by farmers, fertiliser companies must pay attention to the willingness to pay of farmers for these fertilisers. For this reason, the study aims to: (1) determine farmer perceptions of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser, (2) determine the value of farmers’ willingness to pay for unsubsidised NPK fertiliser for coffee in Pagar Alam City, and (3) determine the effect of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser and other factors on farmers' WTP in Pagar Alam City. The research location was determined purposively with the consideration that Pagar Alam City is one of the highest coffee producing areas in Indonesia. A total of 100 coffee farmers were used as samples and interviewed using a prepared questionnaire. Data on farmers' willingness to pay was obtained by using the contingent valuation method (CVM). Descriptive analysis was used to determine the level of farmers' perception of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser. Multiple linear regression methods was used to analyze the effect of nutrient content, ease of use and fertiliser quality and other factors on farmers' WTP. The results showed that the average value of farmers' WTP for unsubsidised NPK fertiliser for coffee was IDR 11,160 per kg which is lower than the price of unsubsidised NPK fertiliser commonly paid by coffee farmers. The study found that fertiliser quality, ease of fertiliser uses and fertiliser nutrient content, farm income level, land size, age, farming experience, household size and farmer membership status in farmer groups significantly affect the farmers’ WTP.

Carbon balance in Maize (Zea mays L.) with various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers

Fertilization in agricultural cultivation has an important role in the carbon cycle. This study aims to evaluate using organic fertilizers with inorganic fertilizers that can produce high carbon sequestration with low CO2 emission levels in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation. There were seven combinations of NPK and organic fertilizers, namely ¼ NPK + 1 OF (C), ½ NPK + 1 OF (D), ¾ NPK + 1 OF (E), 1 NPK + 1 OF (F), ¾ NPK + ¼ OF (G), ¾ NPK + ½ OF (H), ¾ NPK + ¾ OF (I), and two controls, namely no fertilizer (A) and standard NPK (350 kg/ha, SP36 150 kg/ha, KCl 75 kg/ha) (B). Organic fertilizer was applied one week before planting, SP-36 and KCl fertilizer at planting, and urea fertilizer at 0, 14, and 28 HST. Maize was planted with a spacing of 20 x 70 cm. Parameters observed included CO2 emissions, soil pH, C-Organic, C-microbial, and plant growth parameters. The combined use of NPK and organic fertilizer significantly increased soil carbon stocks (33.25-64.04 Mg/ha) and carbon sequestration by plants (3.76-5.98 Mg/ha). Therefore, using organic and inorganic fertilizer can be considered more environmentally friendly and effective in managing carbon balance on farmland and has great potential to contribute to climate change mitigation through increased soil and plant carbon sequestration.