Fertilizer Nutrients Research Articles

Economically Optimal Rates and Nutrients Use Efficiency Indices of Maize to the Application of Different Rates of Nutrients in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The use of balanced fertilizers in adequate amount is very important to increase crop productivity and production in Ethiopia. The study was executed to quantify maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield response to different rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S) under balanced fertilization of other nutrients. On farm trials were conducted at seven sites on 8 farmers’ fields in Negele Arsi districts, west Arsi zone of Oromia region for three consecutive cropping seasons (2014-2016). Six rates of N, P, S and eight rates of K treatments established separately for each nutrient were laid out in randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replicates per farm. Nutrient response function modelling showed that 184, 20 and 80 kg•ha−1 were the agronomic optimum rate for N, P, and K, respectively. Mean agronomic efficiency (AE) of N, P and K were recorded at the lower rates of these nutrients, application of 46, 10 and 20 kg•ha−1 N, P and K resulted in 19.1, 61.0, and 24 kg additional grain yield•kg−1 N, P and K, respectively. Also, the mean partial factor productivity (PFP) of N, P and K were 77.6, 370 and 158 kg additional grain•kg−1 applied N, P and K respectively. Economically optimal rate (EOR) of N, P and K were 48 - 114 kg•ha−1 N with CP 8 - 3.5, 12 - 20 kg•ha−1 P with CP 18 - 4.5 and 32 - 53 kg•ha−1 K with CP 8-4, from these rates net returns of US$487.23 - 143.30, US$698.16 - 498.3 and US$359.31 - 193.63 could be obtained respectively. To conclude, application of 84, 12 and 40 kg•ha−1 N, P and K could be recommended for the production of maize.

Nutrient accumulation in fruits and grains of black pepper at different ripening stages

ABSTRACT: Nutrients accumulation in plants/fruits varies according to the crop development stage and its quantification is important to determine nutrients exportation for fertilization planning and nutrient balancing. This study determined the accumulation of nutrients in different parts of Piper nigrum ‘Bragantina’ spikes harvested at two ripening stages (still-green and red-colored spikes). Assessments in separate parts of still-green spikes (fruits and peduncles) as well as in red-colored spikes (grains, flesh and peduncles) were performed. Piper nigrum spikes were harvested, dried, and the parts were thereafter separated for chemical analysis. N and Mn were the macro and micronutrient most accumulated in the fruits of still-green spikes and in the grains of red-colored spikes, while K and B were most accumulated in the other parts of black pepper assessed, regardless of the ripening stage. The process of removing the flesh from the fruits for white pepper production led to a difference in nutrient concentration and accumulation between the fruits of still-green spikes and the grains of red-colored spikes. A significant contribution of nutrient input can be achieved by maintained flesh and peduncles in the crop area, decreasing the dependence of external fertilizers and thus contributing to a more sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation of Pigeon Pea Varieties and Cultivars for Soil Nutrient Addition and Fertility Level in Case of Fadis District of Eastern Hararghe Zone

The study was conducted at Fadis research station of Fadis district in the eastern hararghe zone during 2019, 2020 and 2021. Pigeon pea is a deep-rooted and drought tolerant grain legume that adds substantial amount of organic matter to the soil and has the ability to fix up to 235 kg N/ha and produces more N per unit area from plant biomass than many other legumes. Seven pigeon pea cultivars and four variety were used as treatment materials. The objective of study was to quantify amount of soil nutrient (N) obtained/fixed because of the pigeon pea cultivars or varieties. Treatments of the experiments were pigeon pea cultivars and variety, ELR16555, ILRI16526, ELR16524, ILRI 11575, Tsegas variety, Local, Danda’a variety, ELR 11566, Belabas, ELR 16537 and ELR 11563 respectively. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications of each. Data like Plant height, Total biomass, canopy area, soil sample before and after were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.1 (SAS, 2002). Different Pigeon pea cultivars shows highly significant difference among the treatment in terms of plant height at 5% significance level. Different Pigeon pea cultivars and variety shows highly significant difference among the treatment in terms of plant height at 5% significance level (table 2). The highest plant height (331.5cm) was recorded from Belabas variety followed by Tsegas (308.6cm) and Danda’a variety (294.4cm). On the other hand, ELRI 16555 cultivars shows the shortest plant height (213.0cm) followed by local check (221.7cm). The highest biomass (125000 kg/ha) was recorded from Tsegas variety and the lowest biomass (45000 kg/ha) was recorded from ELRI 16537 cultivars. The highest %OC, %TN and available phosphorus and CEC were recorded from the soil under the Tsegas pigeon pea variety followed by Belabas pigeon pea variety. On the contrary the lowest were recorded from ELR11575 and local check. Generally, from the result it is possible to conclude that the highest biomass yield and almost all of the highest desired soil parameters were recorded by Tsegas variety and it is possible to recommend for the farmers of Fadis District and similar agro- ecologies.

Fertilizer recommendation for pepper based on soil properties and nutrient uptake

Generally, pepper fertilizer’s application is based on the old recommendation decided by related institutions. Fertilizer application in the SpiceUp project is based on current soil properties and nutrient uptake. This study aimed to compare leaf chlorophyll content and plant growth with fertilization treatment based on soil and nutrient uptake (recommendation) and fertilization treatment based on the old recommendation (conventional). The treatments tested on two varieties of pepper, namely Petaling 1 and Nyelungkup. Measurements of leaf chlorophyll content and plant growth parameters were in a demonstration plot located in Namang District, Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, from December 2020 to March 2021. The leaf chlorophyll content was expressed by the chlorophyll content index, and plant growth parameters were represented by the number of leaves, number of internodes, number of climbing vines, number of fruit stalks, and plant height. The results showed that the leaf chlorophyll content and plant growth parameters with the recommendation treatment were higher than conventional treatments, in the Petaling 1 and Nyelungkup varieties. The results suggested that recommended treatment of the SpiceUp provided more optimum nutrients for pepper.

Influence of crop geometry and bio-fertilizer application on growth and yield of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn.

For commercial production of any crop, optimum performance is desirable, which is obtained mainly by manipulating cultural practices like planting density and nutrition to increase plant growth and crop yield. Among the factors determining the quantity of fertilizer nutrients for the crop, the plant density is more important than any other single factor. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., a very common weed for ‘kharif’ crops, also known as ‘bhumiamalki’, is gaining popularity gradually and high in demand in both Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical industries. Since the plant is directly used as herbal raw material for the preparation of health care drugs, use of chemicals is avoided to ensure good quality of the drug. Hence, the challenge is to replace the chemical fertilizers by integrated use of organic manures with bio-fertilizers to optimize the nutrient availability to crop plant for optimum growth, yield and quality. Keeping these points in consideration, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the best combination of organic sources of fertilizer nutrients and plant density for maximum fresh and dry herb yield of this important medicinal plant. During the two years field study, a notable impact of varying plant population and bio-fertilizers was recorded on the growth parameters like plant height and number of branches and fresh and dry weight of P. amarus plants. The present investigation also revealed that optimum plant population of 166,667 per ha (20×30 cm) along with combined application of Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) led to higher fresh (21.93 qha−1) and dry (12.63 qha−1) herbage yield. The findings showed potential of agricultural management practices along with use of bio-fertilizers to obtain the optimum organic herbal raw material of P. amarus.

Co-application Impact of Sewage sludge and Flyash on Soil Nutrient Index and Spinach in Inceptisols of Prayagraj, U.P., India

The present investigation was to determine whether it would be feasible to grow Spinach in amended soil utilising sewage sludge and fly ash. Different types of nutrients and heavy metals are found in both soil amendments and for growth of the plant and crop yield they are used as ameliorate in acidic soils. In the research trail, soil properties like Bulk density, Particle density and pH are found to be non-significant and Pore space, Water holding capacity, EC, OC, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc and copper are found to be significant. The nutrient index was also examined and it was identified that the Fe has a low fertility nutrient status followed by OC, N, K, Mn with medium fertility nutrient status and P, Zn, Cu with high fertility nutrient status.

Two-Stage Production Planning Under Stochastic Demand: Case Study of Fertilizer Manufacturing

Agriculture is a key facilitator of economic prosperity and nourishes the huge global population. To achieve sustainable agriculture, several factors should be considered, such as increasing nutrient and water efficiency and/or improving soil health and quality. Using fertilizer is one of the fastest and easiest ways to improve the quality of nutrients inland and increase the effectiveness of crop yields. Fertilizer supplies most of the necessary nutrients for plants, and it is estimated that at least 30%–50% of crop yields is attributable to commercial fertilizer nutrient inputs. Fertilizer is always a major concern in achieving sustainable and efficient agriculture. Applying reasonable and customized fertilizers will require a significant increase in the number of formulae, involving increasing costs and the accurate forecasting of the right time to apply the suitable formulae. An alternative solution is given by two-stage production planning under stochastic demand, which divides a planning schedule into two stages. The primary stage has non-existing demand information, the inputs of which are the proportion of raw materials needed for producing fertilizer products, the cost for purchasing materials, and the production cost. The total quantity of purchased material and produced products to be used in the blending process must be defined to meet as small as possible a paid cost. At the second stage, demand appears under multiple scenarios and their respective possibilities. This stage will provide a solution for each occurring scenario to achieve the best profit. The two-stage approach is presented in this paper, the mathematical model of which is based on linear integer programming. Considering the diversity of fertilizer types, the mathematical model can advise manufacturers about which products will generate as much as profit as possible. Specifically, two objectives are taken into account. First, the paper’s thesis focuses on minimizing overall system costs, e.g., including inventory cost, purchasing cost, unit cost, and ordering cost at Stage 1. Second, the thesis pays attention to maximizing total profit based on information from customer demand, as well as being informed regarding concerns about system cost at Stage 2.

Comparing the Nutrient Management Pattern in Soybean and Rice based Cropping Systems by Soil Health Card holders and Non-holders

The paper discusses about the importance of Soil Health Card (SHC) based nutrient management based on a study carried out during 2017-18 on 100 SHC beneficiary farmers and 50 SHC non-beneficiary farmers of Madhya Pradesh. Significant differences between the beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers of soil health card in the nutrient use pattern in soybean and rice-based cropping systems were found. Majority of the SHC beneficiaries failed to adopt the fertilizer nutrients as per recommendation. Major reasons identified behind this negative trend were difficulty in understanding the SHC information without the help of an agricultural/ extension officer and lack of knowledge about the importance of SHC &benefits associated with adopting soil test based nutrient management. Further, the positive correlation of micro and secondary nutrients application with the yield and income from the adopters’ farm fields reaffirms the key role scientific nutrient management plays in improving agriculture based rural economies. More efforts from the promoting agencies required to convince farmers to adopt SHC based nutrient recommendation.

Evaluation of District-Based Indigenous Farmers’ and Researchers’ Fertilizer Application for Optimal Maize Production

Most research-based fertilizer inputs proposed for small scale farmers to increase their productivity do not achieve the required results and should consider indigenous practices. This study evaluates the practices of nutrient fertilizer input by farmers and researchers and relates them to their corresponding yields and profit so as to establish the appropriateness of the practices in 13 districts of the Northern regions of Ghana. Soil nutrients assessment of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) contents used to evaluate the soil NPK status was based on previous studies. Data on fertilizer application by farmers and researchers were obtained from the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). The amount of N, P and K fertilizer input in 13 Districts and its associated maize grain yields by both farmers (89) and researchers were calculated and compared using two-sample t-test. The t-test results indicated that average amount of fertilizer input by researchers was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the average amount of fertilizer input by the smallholder farmers, but the high fertilizer input did not significantly (p = 0.74) increase researchers’ maize yields and profits in all 13 study districts grouped together, but there was maize increment in only eight districts. On the average, farmers from five districts applied low fertilizer and recorded low yields. However, when researchers increased quantities of fertilizer applied in these five districts, yield significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The outcome showed that smallholder farmers in these five districts could increase maize yields by 36% in the region should they adopt the maize production strategy by the researchers. The study concluded that, for best options, recommended fertilizer doses to enhance maize yields should consider district-specific farmers’ practices and soil NPK status. The study could enable better implementation of location-based nutrient recommendation in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Indian Agriculture needs a Strategic Shift for Improving Fertilizer Response and Overcome Sluggish Foodgrain Production

In India, loss of fertility through soil erosion is primarily a summer monsoons mediated phenomenon. Reversing the land degradation processes contribute to water availability, soil fertility maintenance, adapting to climate change and overall food security. Whereas kharif (monsoon/rainy season crop) foodgrain production largely depends on summer monsoons, the rabi season (post-rainy season/winter crop) rainfall is too little to exert a direct influence. In spite of larger acreage under kharif foodgrain crops, total fertiliser consumption during kharif and rabi seasons is comparable. Negative rainfall anomalies (deficit) adversely affected total fertiliser consumption and their use efficiency. Despite significant differences in fertiliser application rates, the response to applied fertiliser nutrients is almost similar in the two seasons. This implies that nutrient use efficiency (NUE) has a ‘manageable’ and an ‘unmanageable’ component wherein 4R practices are difficult to implement under unfavourable kharif weather conditions. Partial factor productivity of fertilizer nutrients (PFPF) has continuously declined over decades mainly because of depletion of soil organic carbon, imbalanced use of nutrients and inability to maintain soil moisture supplies. These observations plus yield-gap analysis permitted us to conclude that past trends of declining NUE can only be reversed through a shift either in sustainable land management practices or enhancing the genetic yield potential/ biomass of crop cultivars or by combining both and making kharif crop planting independent of monsoons rains through direct dry seeding.

Inorganic fertilization effect on growth and yield attributes of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) as intercrop under cassia (Cinnamomum tamala)

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual flowering plant, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is predominantly grown for its seeds and oil in open condition, but with its short life cycle and low input requirements it has potential for growing as a profitable intercrop. Cassia (Cinnamomum tamala) being perennial and wide spaced crop, it makes possible for cultivation of short duration and closely spaced intercrops during its harvesting period. However, information on nutrient fertilization of black cumin as intercrop remains elusive. The present investigation was conducted at the HRS, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal, India with 9 different combinations of inorganic fertilizer in CRBD with 3 replications to find out the optimum combination of nutrients on growth and yield of black cumin as an intercrop with Cassia. Among the various treatments, maximum plant height (68.11 cm), number of primary (6.07) and secondary branches (9) per plant, number of capsule per plant (23.33), 1000 seed weight (2.24g), seed yield hectare-1 (3.48 q) and B:C ratio (2.20) were recorded with treatment T5 (70:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) followed by treatment T9 (70:40:30 kg NPK ha-1). Treatment combinations with higher levels of nutrients had significant effects on growth components and seed yield. From the results of this experiment, treatment T5 (70:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) can be recommended as the optimum fertilization dose for obtaining maximum growth, seed yield and profitable economic return of black cumin as an intercrop during harvesting period of cassia leaves under alluvial plains of West Bengal.

Pengaruh pupuk organik dan anorganik terhadap intensitas penyakit karat daun buncis (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) di kebun percobaan Manggoapi

The purpose of this study was to determine the application effect of some organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on the intensity of bean leaf rust disease. This study was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RAK), repeated 3 times, with 10 treatments, namely control (P0), Papua Nutrient (P1), POC Agrica (P2), NPK 16:16:16 (P3), POC Nasa (P4), Green Tonic (P5), Liquid Chemical Fertilizer Solution (P6), Urea + KCL + Phosphate (P7), Organic Fertilizer MX Bio Bas BWI (P8), and SP – 36 (P9). The results showed that the application of Papua Nutrient fertilizer has a better effect in suppressing the development of the intensity of bean leaf rust disease. The resistance of all treatments to the bean leaf rust disease studied was classified as moderately resistant.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties to Blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilizer Rate at Kokate, Southern Region

Low production and productivity of potato in Ethiopia is associated with poor soil fertility and limitation of high yielding crop variety. Matching high yielding cultivar with optimum fertilization of balanced nutrients is of paramount important to boost tuber yield of potato. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2019/20 cropping season at Kokate testing site of Areka Agricultural Research Center in southern Ethiopia in order to evaluate the response of potato varieties to NPS fertilizer rates. Treatments used in the study were two improved varieties of potato (Gudane and Belete) one local cultivar with six rates of blended NPS (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg/ha NPS) combined in factorial and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. As this investigation indicated that at all rates of NPS fertilizer, improved varieties out yielded the local cultivar Asmara with relative superiority of variety Belete for marketable tuber yield. Economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit of 276326 Birr/ha with marginal rate of return (MRR) 3762% was obtained from variety Belete at NPS fertilizer rate of 200 kg/ha followed by variety Gudane at the same fertilizer rate with net benefit of 270350 Birr/ha and MRR of 3372%. Based on this finding, varieties Belete and Gudane could be used for production at NPS fertilizer rate of 200 kg/ha near study area and similar agro-ecologies.

Ocean acidification induces distinct metabolic responses in subtropical zooplankton under oligotrophic conditions and after simulated upwelling

Ocean acidification (OA) is one of the most critical anthropogenic threats to marine ecosystems. While significant ecological responses of plankton communities to OA have been revealed mainly by small-scale laboratory approaches, the interactive effect of OA-related changes on zooplankton metabolism and their biogeochemical implications in the natural environment still remains less well understood. Here, we explore the responses of zooplankton respiration and ammonium excretion, two key processes in the nutrient cycling, to high pCO2 levels in a 9-week in situ mesocosm experiment conducted during the autumn oligotrophic season in the subtropical northeast Atlantic. By simulating an upwelling event halfway through the study, we further evaluated the combined effects of OA and nutrient availability on the physiology of micro-and mesozooplankton. OA conditions generally resulted in a reduction in the biomass-specific metabolic and enzymatic rates, particularly in the mesozooplankton community. The situation reversed after the nutrient-rich deep-water addition, which initially promoted a diatom bloom and increased heterotrophic activities in all mesocosms. Under high pCO2 conditions (>800 μatm), however, the nutrient fertilization triggered the proliferation of the harmful alga Vicicitus globosus, with important consequences for the metabolic performance of the two zooplankton size classes. Here, the zooplankton contribution to the remineralization of organic matter and nitrogen regeneration dropped by 30% and 24%, respectively, during the oligotrophic period, and by 40% and 70% during simulated upwelling. Overall, our results indicate a potential reduction in the biogeochemical role of zooplankton under future ocean conditions, with more evident effects on the large mesozooplankton and during high productivity events.

Mismatch between soil nutrient deficiencies and fertilizer applications: Implications for yield responses in Ethiopia

AbstractLack of accurate information about soil nutrient deficiencies coupled with limited access to appropriate fertilizers could lead to mismatch between soil nutrient deficiencies (requirements) and fertilizer applications. Such anomalies and mismatches are likely to have important implications for agricultural productivity. In this article we use experimental (spectral soil analysis) data from Ethiopia to examine farmers’ response to soil nutrient deficiencies and its implications for yield responses. We find that farmers’ response to macronutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) deficiencies is not always consistent with agronomic recommendations. For example, we find that farmers in our sample are applying nitrogen fertilizers to soils lacking phosphorus, potentially due to lack of information on soil nutrient deficiencies or lack of access to appropriate fertilizers in rural markets. On the other hand, farmers respond to perceivably poor‐quality and acidic soils by applying higher amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. We further show that such mismatches between fertilizer applications and soil macronutrient deficiencies are potentially yield‐reducing. Those farmers matching their soil nutrient deficiencies (requirements) and fertilizer application are likely to enjoy additional yield gains. Marginal yield response associated with nitrogen (phosphorus) application increases with nitrogen (phosphorus) deficiency in soils. Similarly, we find that farmers’ response to acidic soils is not yield‐enhancing. These findings suggest that such mismatches may explain heterogeneities in marginal returns to chemical fertilizers and the observed low adoption rates of chemical fertilizers in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Hydrogel Alginate Seed Coating as an Innovative Method for Delivering Nutrients at the Early Stages of Plant Growth.

Seed coating containing fertilizer nutrients and plant growth biostimulants is an innovative technique for precision agriculture. Nutrient delivery can also be conducted through multilayer seed coating. For this purpose, sodium alginate with NPK, which was selected in a preliminary selection study, crosslinked with divalent ions (Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II)) as a source of fertilizer micronutrients, was used to produce seed coating. The seeds were additionally coated with a solution containing amino acids derived from high-protein material. Amino acids can be obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of mealworm larvae (Gly 71.2 ± 0.6 mM, Glu 55.8 ± 1.3 mM, Pro 48.8 ± 1.5 mM, Ser 31.4 ± 1.5 mM). The formulations were applied in different doses per 100 g of seeds: 35 mL, 70 mL, 105 mL, and 140 mL. SEM-EDX surface analysis showed that 70 mL of formulation/100 g of seeds formed a continuity of coatings but did not result in a uniform distribution of components on the surface. Extraction tests proved simultaneous low leaching of nutrients into water (max. 10%), showing a slow release pattern. There occurred high bioavailability of fertilizer nutrients (even up to 100%). Pot tests on cucumbers (Cornichon de Paris) confirmed the new method’s effectiveness, yielding a 50% higher fresh sprout weight and four times greater root length than uncoated seeds. Seed coating with hydrogel has a high potential for commercial application, stimulating the early growth of plants and thus leading to higher crop yields.

Soil biological properties as influenced by organic nutrient management in soybean (Glycine max)

The present investigation was carried out to study the soil microbial dynamics and enzyme activities as influenced by organic nutrients management in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] under Typic Haplustepts soil of Rajasthan. The experiment comprised 12 treatment combinations of organic source of nutrients, i. e. control (T1), 100% RDF (T2), 100% FYM (T3), 100% vermicompost (T4), 100% compost (T5), 100% green-leaf manure (T6), 50% FYM + 50% vermicompost (T7), 50% FYM + 50% compost (T8), 50% FYM + 50% green-leaf manure (T9), 50% vermicompost + 50% compost (T10), 50% vermicompost + 50% green leaf manure (T11) and 50% compost + 50% green-leaf manure (T12). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. The soil microbial population (bacterial, fungal, actinomycetes) at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, dehydrogenase activity and alkaline phosphatase activity of soil significantly influenced due to organic nutrient fertilization, viz. 100% vermicompost treatment (T4) in pooled analysis. However, the application of 100% vermicompost (T4) on bacterial population, fungal population, actinomycetes population of soil at 30 DAS and 60 DAS was found statistically at par with the application of 50% FYM + 50% vermicompost (T7), 50% FYM + 50% compost (T8), 50% vermicompost + 50% compost (T10) and 50% vermicompost + 50% green-leaf manure (T11) in pooled analysis.

Bio-Organic Mineral Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Chemical (synthetic) fertilizers used indiscriminately for improved production pose a major threat to long-term soil fertility, the soil environment, and its components. The soil microbial community, however, plays a major and important role in fostering soil health and plant growth. While the use of synthetic fertilizers has a profound impact on plant growth, it also significantly alters the makeup of the microbial community towards a detrimental low, especially N and P fertilizers. Sustainable farming practices can reduce the depletion of natural resources and maintain both productivity and soil fertility. The use of minerals that contain fertilizer nutrients in their native state is a very promising approach to reducing emissions associated with the processing chemical industries. Organic material from natural sources (food waste, manure from livestock, agricultural biomass, etc.) acts as a source of microbial culture and encourages the release of nutrients into the soil during mineral weathering. The combination of nutrient-bearing minerals and their biological weathering agents together with organic matter has the potential to remediate, restore, and sustain depleted agricultural soils. Therefore, in this review, we emphasize the significance of sustaining agricultural productivity and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere, the two vital aspects of modern agricultural systems, through bio-organic mineral fertilizers.

Comparative Efficiency of Mineral, Chelated and Nano Forms of Zinc and Iron for Improvement of Zinc and Iron in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through Biofortification

Nanoparticles (NPs), due to their tailored properties, serve as potential sources of nutrients for the biofortification of edible grains. Chickpeas are a valued legume crop, widely consumed in developing countries. Thus, to improve the Zn and Fe content in chickpeas, a two-year study was conducted to examine the potential of the foliar application of mineral (0.5% Zn and Fe), chelated (0.3% Zn and Fe) and nanoforms (0.5% ZFN) of fertilizers to enhance Zn and Fe content in chickpea. The foliar application of 0.5% ZnO NPs + 0.5% Fe2O3 NPs (ZFN) at the pre-flowering stage showed the highest potential to increase grain yield, Zn and Fe content and their uptake as a single foliar application of nano-fertilizers showed comparable results to two foliar applications of mineral and chelated forms. The grain and straw yield (14.07 and 33.04 q ha−1, respectively) under ZFN treatment was significantly higher over the control (9.20 and 27.49 q ha−1, respectively). A similar trend was observed for Zn and Fe content in grain (42.29 and 86.51 mg kg−1, respectively). For nutrient uptake, ZFN treatment showed the highest uptake of Zn and Fe in grain (604.49 and 1226.22 g ha−1, respectively) and straw (729.55 and 9184.67 g ha−1, respectively). Thus, nano-fertilizers, due to their altered structural properties, demonstrated higher translocation over the mineral and chelated forms of nutrient fertilizers and thus improved yield and nutrient content to a greater extent. Thus, the foliar application of 0.5% ZnO NPs + 0.5% Fe2O3 NPs may prove to be a feasible option for the enrichment of chickpeas with Zn and Fe to ameliorate malnutrition in burgeoning human populations.

Ecological intensification with soil health practices demonstrates positive impacts on multiple soil properties: A large-scale farmer-led experiment

Improving soil health is critical to reversing trends of soil degradation and is of increasing interest to a range of stakeholders including policymakers, agricultural industry leaders, food companies, and farmers. Crop and soil management practices focused on ecological functions can be effective in restoring fundamental biological, chemical and physical soil properties. The call for ecological intensification of agricultural systems has the potential to improve soil health and input-use efficiency. In this study, we developed a framework to classify spatial and temporal ecological intensification with soil health practices: tillage, crop rotation, cover crop, organic amendment, and crop-livestock integration. We applied this framework in a statewide soil health project featuring collaboratively designed on-farm research. We found that ecological intensification affected all properties commonly used in soil health assessments, but the sensitivity of different practices to impact changes varied among the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. The use of cover crops had the greatest impact on driving changes in soil properties, in particular those closely related to organic matter and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics. Soil-test biological activity and its association with soil-test predicted N release in cropping systems intensified with cover crop use was found to reduce predicted nutrient fertility needs substantially compared to less intensified systems. Evaluating the potential of existing agricultural systems to undergo ecological intensification at a farm scale provides insights about management options to enhance soil health, particularly in regards to nutrient cycling, biological activity, and input-use efficiency.