Fertilizer Requirements Research Articles

Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Dari Limbah Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Dengan Penambahan Aktivator Effective Microorganisms - ( Em4 ) Dan Mikro Organisme Lokal Bonggol Pisang Sebagai Peningkat Nutrien Produk

Empty oil palm fruit bunches have been utilized as raw material for organic fertilizer. This research aims to determine magnesium levels, nitrogen levels, phosphorus levels, potassium levels in organic fertilizer from empty oil palm fruit bunch waste with the addition of effective microorganisms - 4 (EM4) activator and local banana hump microorganisms as product nutrient enhancers and compared with N levels. , P, K contained in the Minister of Agriculture Regulation Number 70/Permentan/SR. 10/140/2011. Tests were tested using the Kjedahl method, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of this study showed that the highest magnesium levels in samples (30 ml EM4 60 ml MOL) and (30 ml EM4 90 ml MOL) were 0.58%, the highest phosphorus levels in samples (90 ml EM4 150 ml MOL) and (150 ml EM4 90 ml MOL) which is 0.25%, The highest nitrogen content of some of the best samples is shown in the sample (90 ml EM4 150 ml MOL) with a result of 37%, The highest potassium content of some of the best samples is shown in the sample (150 EM4 150 MOL ) with a yield of 1.14%. The levels of N, P, K in this organic fertilizer do not meet the quality requirements for organic fertilizer with a minimum of 2%, but the high concentration of effective microorganisms - 4 (EM4) has a big influence on the decomposer of empty oil palm fruit bunches and local microorganisms of banana hump can increase organic fertilizer nutrients. .

Establishment and Evaluation of Soil Fertility Gradient on the Basis of Sorghum Fodder Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Post-Harvest Soil Test Values

Field experiment was carried out with fodder sorghum at N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B.U.A.&T., Pantnagar during kharif, 2022 under AICRP on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) approach aimed to establish and evaluate soil fertility gradient on the basis of sorghum fodder yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil test values. The experimental field was divided into three plots, each receiving graded levels of N, P2O5 and K2O: N0P0K0 (Plot A), N100P100K100 (Plot B) and N200P200K200 (Plot C). Thereafter, fodder sorghum was grown and fodder yield was recorded from each plot. Chemical analysis of plant samples was performed to estimate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and total nutrient uptake was worked out. Post-harvest soil samples were collected across the three plots and analysed for available N, P and K. Findings revealed wide variation in sorghum fodder yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil fertility status for available N, P and K in different plots confirming the establishment of soil fertility gradient for the respective nutrients. The establishment of soil fertility gradient is necessary and serves as a pre-requisite for developing improved nutrient management strategies i.e. STCR-based fertilizer recommendations to sustain crop yield and optimize fertilizer requirements.

Morphological and agronomic features of potato cv. Gardena highly resistant to Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary depending on the nitrogen dose

In a 2-year field study, the impact of mineral nitrogen fertilization on the productivity of a new potato cultivar, promising due to the highest resistance to potato late blight among the registered ones, was compared to the proven, widely cultivated Denar cultivar. The study determined morphological features (size and weight of organs), physiological indicators (cover of soil by leaves – LAI. leaf greenness – SPAD) of potato plants during the growing season, yield and quality characteristics of tubers and optimal level of nitrogen fertilization. Tuber quality was assessed based on the share of tuber size and external defects in the yield structure. Optimal mineral nitrogen fertilization was determined based on the relationship between the increase in tuber yield and the increasing dose of this ingredient. The research took into account two factors: nitrogen dose (0, 50 kg‧ha–1, 100 kg‧ha–1, 150 kg‧ha–1) and cultivar (Gardena and Denar). The increase in the dose of mineral nitrogen fertilization to 150 kg‧ha–1 resulted in a significant increase in plant height, the weight of the root system, stems, leaves and the share of large tubers in the yield. It was shown that the Gardena cultivar was characterized by greater requirements for mineral nitrogen fertilization, low effectiveness of its use, a higher share of large tubers (diameter above 60 mm) and lower tuber yield than the Denar cultivar. In a year characterized by excess rainfall, plants produced a greater mass of the root system and the mass of the above-ground part, and in a year with an amount of rainfall close to optimal the final yield of tubers and the share of large tubers in the yield were higher.

Feasibility of desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) to high density planting system and its fertilizer requirement in rainfed region of South Gujarat

Feasibility of desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) to high density planting system and its fertilizer requirement in rainfed region of South Gujarat

Stepwise processing of Chlorella sorokiniana confers plant biostimulant that reduces mineral fertilizer requirements

We developed a stepwise method to transform Chlorella sorokiniana microalgal biomass into a potent biostimulant. The method, including maceration, high-pressure homogenization, and enzymatic hydrolysis, preserves the bioactive properties of the biomass as a biostimulant while minimizing plant inhibitory effects. Fractions were characterized individually, and optimal concentrations were determined using a rapid Arabidopsis root assay. A blend of optimal concentrations of fractions was identified as the most stimulating extract, increasing the root elongation by 25%. When applied to tomato plants and monitored using high-throughput plant phenotyping, the blend displayed a 25 % reduction in mineral fertilizer use. Metabolomic analysis of the tomato plants showed significantly enhanced carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the leaves. Our findings indicate that the stepwise processing not only produces an effective biostimulant but also generates substantial residual biomass for a potential multiproduct biorefinery approach that can improve the overall techno-economic outlook.

Enhancing precision nitrogen management for cotton cultivation in arid environments using remote sensing techniques

Context or problemRemote sensing, particularly through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has emerged as a pivotal tool in precision agriculture, especially for nitrogen (N) management. Traditional methods, while effective in quantifying crop N status using the Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI), fall short in providing quantitative fertilization strategies. MethodsThis study bridges this gap by developing a comprehensive method that leverages multispectral remote sensing data from UAVs to refine N fertilizer management in cotton cultivation within arid environments. By integrating both field observations and UAV-derived multispectral data, we established robust models capable of estimating both leaf and overall cotton nitrogen contents (CNC-leaf and CNC-all), as well as NNI, throughout the growing season. This facilitated real-time calculation of required N fertilizer doses in cotton fields. ResultsWe uniquely applied covariance diagnosis and full subset screening techniques, underscoring the efficacy of vegetation index categories (VIs) in enhancing prediction accuracy. The Random Forest (RF) model exhibited superior performance in predicting plant nitrogen content, particularly in CNC-leaf prediction (Calibration: R²=0.92, RMSE=7.7 g m⁻², MAE=5.5 g m⁻²; Validation: R²=0.60, RMSE=16.5 g m⁻², MAE=12.2 g m⁻²) as opposed to CNC-all prediction (Calibration: R²=0.78, RMSE=117.0 g m⁻², MAE=154.3 g m⁻²; Validation: R²=0.34, RMSE=138.4 g m⁻², MAE=190.4 g m⁻²). The RF model also demonstrated optimal performance in NNI prediction (Calibration: R²=0.93, RMSE=0.05, MAE=0.04; Validation: R²=0.73, RMSE=0.12, MAE=0.10), surpassing the predictions for CNC. ConclusionsUtilizing CNC and NNI estimates derived from the optimized RF model, this study succeeded in generating a comprehensive map detailing the N fertilizer requirement across cotton Fertilization zones were established for different treatments, revealing that biochar application levels primarily determine nitrogen fertilizer needs. As biochar application increases, nitrogen fertilizer demand decreases. Moreover, nitrogen application rates typically increase when irrigation levels reach either 120 % ETc or 60 % ETc. Implications or significanceThis innovative approach not only empowers farmers with intuitive and accurate tools for real-time cotton N management but also fosters enhanced agricultural practices by integrating advanced remote sensing technologies with sophisticated data analysis methods. The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, particularly in arid regions, setting a new precedent in precision nitrogen management.

Risk factors for symptom recurrence after microwave ablation of adenomyosis: a preliminary retrospective study

Introduction Microwave ablation (MWA) effectively treats adenomyosis, yet symptom recurrence remains challenging. Thus, our study aims to explore the independent risk factors related to symptom recurrence after MWA of symptomatic adenomyosis. Material and methods Patients with symptomatic adenomyosis who received MWA treatment at our institute from June 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively included. Preoperative and intraoperative clinical data were retrospectively collected, and symptom relief following MWA was systematically monitored. Independent risk factors for symptom recurrence after MWA of adenomyosis were explored through Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves were plotted to estimate recurrence-free survival, and differences between groups were analyzed using the Log-Rank test. Result In total, 38 patients with adenomyosis were included, with a median follow-up duration of 15 months (interquartile range: 10-23 months). Among them, 81.58% (31/38) of patients experienced significant symptom relief, while 18.42% (7/38) reported partial relief, culminating in a clinical success rate of 100%. The symptom recurrence rate was 21.05% (8/38). Multivariate COX proportional hazards regression indicated that the fertility requirement, the absence of artificial ascites during the MWA procedure, and inadequate EPV (<524 J/cm3) were independent risk factors for symptom recurrence after MWA of adenomyosis. Conclusion MWA is an effective treatment for relieving symptoms of adenomyosis. While fertility requirements, without artificial ascites assistance, and lower EPV were independent risk factors for symptom recurrence after MWA of adenomyosis.

The Role of Bacillus sp. in Reducing Chemical Inputs for Sustainable Crop Production

Bacillus species have emerged as promising agents for reducing chemical input in sustainable crop production. These bacteria possess diverse abilities, including nutrient cycling, phytohormone production, and stress tolerance enhancement in plants. Recent advances in omics technologies have revolutionized the understanding of Bacillus sp. biology and expanded their potential applications. Bacillus-based products have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer requirements while maintaining or improving crop yields. However, their field performance may be inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research to optimize formulations and delivery methods. The compatibility with other agricultural inputs varies depending on the specific chemicals and conditions involved. The introduction of Bacillus sp. can significantly affect the soil microbiome, potentially promoting plant growth and microbial diversity. Strain specificity and host compatibility play crucial roles in determining the success of host–parasite interactions. The regulatory and safety aspects require further investigation to ensure the safe and sustainable use of Bacillus species in various applications. The integration of Bacillus-based products into existing crop management systems, following the principles of Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Crop Management, is essential for their successful implementation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on Bacillus sp. for reducing chemical inputs for sustainable crop production, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for future research and application.

Synergistic induction of fertilization-independent embryogenesis in rice egg cells by paternal-genome-expressed transcription factors.

In flowering plants, rapid activation of the zygotic genome occurs after fertilization1-3, but there is limited knowledge of the molecular pathways underlying embryo initiation4. In rice, a key role is played by the transcription factor BABY BOOM 1 (OsBBM1), initially expressed from the paternal genome1. Ectopic OsBBM1 expression in the egg cell can override the fertilization requirement, giving rise to parthenogenetic progeny5. Here we show that the WOX-family transcription factor DWARF TILLER1 (OsDWT1)/WUSCHEL-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN 9 (OsWOX9A)6, another gene paternally expressed in zygotes, is a strong enhancer of embryo initiation by OsBBM1. Co-expression of OsWOX9A and OsBBM1 in egg cells results in 86-91% parthenogenesis, representing 4- to 15-fold increases over OsBBM1 alone. These results suggest that embryo initiation is promoted by the synergistic action of paternal-genome-expressed transcription factors in the fertilized egg cell. These findings can be utilized for the efficient production of haploids, as well as clonal hybrid seeds in crop plants7,8.

Treating Tropical Soils with Composted Sewage Sludge Reduces the Mineral Fertilizer Requirements in Sugarcane Production

Conventional mineral fertilization (CMF) is a common practice in infertile sugarcane-cultivated tropical soils, increasing production costs and environmental concerns. Combining CMF with composted sewage sludge (CSS) could be a sustainable strategy. We aim to evaluate changes in soil chemical properties, macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the soil surface (Ap1; 0–25 cm) and subsurface (Ap2; 25–50 cm) horizons, after CSS application with or without CMF in sugarcane cultivation (first and second ratoon cane). Eleven treatments, featured by CSS increase rates and mixed with CMF at different concentrations, were tested in the first ratoon; during the second, the CSS residual effect was evaluated. Applying CSS in sugarcane-cultivated soils, improved the following: (i) soil organic matter, pH, the sum of bases, cation-exchange capacity, and base saturation; (ii) overall nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, and Zn). The treatments showing the best performances were those with 5.0 Mg ha−1 of CSS. Composted sewage sludge has the potential for use as an organic natural fertilizer reducing the need for CMF. When applied in infertile tropical soils, additional positive effects can be achieved, such as decreasing production costs and providing socio-economic benefits.

Nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize

In the current scenario, achieving food security while conserving resources and energy is a significant challenge. Maize is a widely cultivated but nutrient-exhaustive crop. The adoption of nanotechnology-based nano-fertilizers offers a pathway to achieving sustainable yields while reducing fertilizer requirements and conserving energy. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 to explore nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The experiment involved nine treatments comprising various combinations of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with nano-urea and nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results indicated that Treatment T5 - 75% of the Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + Nano-N—achieved a higher yield (10.20% higher than the conventional practice, T1-RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM)) and improved nutrient uptake at harvest [299.22, 55.56, and 208.26 kg of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) per hectare, respectively]. This treatment also demonstrated greater physiological efficiency (36.11, 200.66, and 52.70 kg of maize per kg of N, P, and K, respectively), higher energy output (260,851 MJ ha?¹), improved energy use efficiency (16.93), enhanced energy productivity (0.627 kg MJ?¹), and better energy profitability (15.93). Using 75% of RDN + Nano-N increases yield while reducing fertilizer use and conserving energy.

Lignocellulose degradation and temperature adaptation mechanisms during composting of mushroom residue and wood chips at low temperature with inoculation of psychrotolerant microbial agent

Low ambient temperature become the limiting factor of composting in cold regions, thus hindering the recycle of agricultural and forestry wastes. In this study, the composting of mushroom residue and wood chips (MRWC) under low temperature was successfully implemented with inoculation of psychrotolerant cellulolytic microbial agent. Composting entered thermophilic stage on third day and the peak temperature reached to 66.25 °C. After 84 days of composting, the degradation rate of cellulose and hemicellulose was 40.85% and 100%, respectively and the compost product was completely mature and met the requirements of organic fertilizer. Metagenomic and transcriptome sequencing were applied to reveal the microbial composition and their substrates conversion functions and adaptation mechanisms through low to high temperatures. Streptomyces, Mesorhizobium, Devosia, Aspergillus and Mucor were dominant genera in the microbial community that were rich in genes of lignocellulose degradation. Various genes related to low temperature adaptation (fatty acid, trehalose, mannitol, betaine metabolism and cold shock mechanism) and high temperature tolerance (heat shock and antioxidant) were detected during MRWC composting. These results indicated that microbes during composting constituted a high-efficiency lignocellulosic ultilization system in cold conditions. Besides, the microbes of microbial agent, especially Streptomyces and Aspergillus, possessed numerous genes involving in lignocellulose degradation and temperature adaptation and quite different temperature response patterns were found to perform in bacteria and fungi. The transcription levels of most these genes in Aspergillus exhibited significant differences under different substrates and temperature conditions, suggesting that the inoculum was crucial to the composting process and beneficial to maintain the temperature of piles. This study demonstrated that the application of psychrotolerant microbes was a promising strategy to increase the efficiency of composting in cold regions and these results could also provided the guidance for optimizing microbial agent.

An Intermittent Fertilization Control System for Fruit Tree Crown Detection

In light of the current dearth of strip intermittent fertilization devices in standardized orchards, this study presents the design of an intermittent fertilization control system based on fruit tree crown detection, developed with the objective of meeting the agronomic requirements of strip furrow fertilization in standardized orchards. The initial stage of the process entails the design of the essential components of the fertilization apparatus, followed by the construction of the intermittent fertilization control system. The ultrasonic sensor was employed as the fruit tree crown detection module, and a mathematical model of fertilization speed was constructed to achieve uniform intermittent fertilization. Furthermore, in order to enhance the responsiveness and reliability of the fertilization servo motor, MATLAB Simulink was employed to assess the dynamic performance of the system under disparate control strategies. Ultimately, to validate the simulation outcomes, a field trial was conducted to assess the precision and uniformity of intermittent fertilization. The results demonstrate that the dynamic performance of the system under the fuzzy PID control strategy is optimal, and the coefficient of variation of the fertilizer uniformity of the intermittent fertilization device is less than 7%. The mean effective fertilization rate exceeded 85%, with the primary indices satisfying the agronomic criteria.

Exploring compost production potential and its economic benefits and greenhouse gas mitigation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The increasing amount of municipal organic waste (MOW) and human excreta (HE) has led to socio-economic and environmental challenges in the cities of developing countries. This study estimated MOW and HE, compost production potential from MOW and HE, and compost application potential for urban agriculture fertilization, economic benefits, soil carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the period 2025–2050. MOW was forecasted using the Holt-Winters forecasting model. HE was estimated using the daily average rate of HE generation. The compost production potential was estimated using the forecasted MOW and HE. Compost fertilization was determined by considering compost nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and the fertilizer requirements of cereals and vegetables. The economic benefits of compost were determined by considering the price of compost-equivalent urea, NPS, and potassium chloride fertilizers. The mitigation of GHG emissions from compost application was estimated using the IPCC Tier 1 method. The forecasted quantities of MOW, HE, and compost for 2050 are 301, 462, and 343 Gg, respectively. The compost could supply 5 Gg of N and 2.2 Gg of P in 2050, sufficient to fertilize 14,129 ha of vegetable fields. The economic benefits of using compost as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers could reach 10 million USD in 2050. Compost production and application could offset the total GHG emissions of Addis Ababa by 13.1 % (10,241Gg CO2-eq year−1) in 2050. The application of compost generated from MOW and HE in Addis Ababa can substitute synthetic fertilizers, provide economic benefits, and mitigate GHG emissions.

Enabling Precision Agriculture through a Web-Based Fertilization Management System for Nawungan Selopamioro Fruit Orchards

Precision Agriculture (PA) is an integrated farming system based on information and technology for managing agriculture to identify, analyze, and manage spatial and temporal diversity information in specific locations to obtain optimum and sustainable benefits while minimizing unwanted environmental impacts. Fertilization is one of the crucial phases in agricultural production process considering technical cultivation aspects, costs, and environmental impacts. The current fertilization process at Kebun Buah Nawungan Selopamioro (KBNS) is still conventional, so there is no standard rule in determining the fertilization dose. Therefore, a PA approach is needed to provide suitable fertilizer doses for agricultural production needs. This objective of this study was to develop of a web-based fertilizer management system, integrating with orchard management to enhance accessibility and decision-making. The system calculates fertilizer requirements by analyzing soil nutrient availability (N, P, K), cultivation area, crop type and age, and available fertilizer types. The development followed the waterfall methodology, encompassing stages from requirement analysis to system maintenance. The outcome is a web application that manages land assets, administrative activities, and fertilizer needs tailored to specific land blocks, crop characteristics, and nutrient inventories. Subsequent validation against field conditions ensures the accuracy of its recommendations. Although comprehensive testing confirmed a 100% success rate in functionality, the system currently operates within a limited scope of variables. Future enhancements are planned to incorporate broader agronomic factors, such as soil pH and texture, to augment the system's precision. Despite its limitations, this system represents a significant technological advance in precision agriculture, promising to improve fertilizer application efficiency and support sustainable farming practices.

Attitudes and preferences towards erectile dysfunction treatment among men with fertility needs: insights from a clinical study.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among males experiencing fertility challenges, yet attitudes towards actively treating ED in this group are under-researched. From a cohort of 1256 men with reproductive needs, 303 were identified with ED. The survey encompassed 296 respondents who correctly completed the second questionnaire, revealing that 50.3% sought ED treatment, with higher ED severity increasing the likelihood of seeking treatment. Infertile men were more likely to seek treatment than those with pregnancy loss (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.74-5.83). Men with normal semen parameters were more open to ED therapy (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.69-5.36), whereas those undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment were less inclined (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18-0.58). PDE-5 inhibitors (PDE-5Is) were preferred by 51.0% of those seeking treatment, with 29.7% of men with pregnancy loss and 60.1% of infertile men choosing PDE-5Is as their first option. Concerns included potential adverse effects of PDE-5Is on fetal health (78.7% of men with pregnancy loss) and on sperm quality (44.2% of infertile men). In conclusion, the different fertility requirements, semen parameters, and whether received ART are significant factors influencing the acceptance of treatment, PDE-5Is utilization among individuals in men with couple pregnancy loss is notably limited.

Determination of fertilizer requirement of Indonesian black rice in winter season under different plant spacing at Agro-ecological Zone-9 of Bangladesh

Indonesian black rice is quite popular for its highly nutritive value and profitable production. The distinct knowledge about optimum fertilizer doses and plant spacing contributes to its promising yield. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from December 2022 to May 2023 to find out the effect of fertilizer management and plant spacing on the growth and yield of Indonesian black rice in the winter season. The experiment was conducted with 5 treatments of fertilizer management viz., F1(70% of recommended doses); F2(80% of recommended doses); F3(90% of recommended doses); F4(100% of recommended doses) and F5(110% of recommended doses) with 4 plants spacing viz., S1(20 cm × 15 cm); S2(20 cm × 20 cm); S3(25 cm × 15 cm) and S4(25 cm × 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design where the fertilizer management was allocated in main plots and the plant spacing was distributed in sub-plots with three replications. The result revealed that the fertilizer doses and plant spacings along with the interaction effects significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of Indonesian black rice. Regarding vegetative growth, plant height (79.3cm), total tiller plant-1(21.27cm), and total leaf number plant-1 (58.47) were maximal at 100% recommended dose of fertilizer(F4) at DAT 65. Similarly, S2(20 cm × 20 cm) had better result in crop growth and yield attributes. The interaction effects of the treatments showed significant impact on plant height, total tiller and leaf number where F4S2 gave satisfied results. The highest values for the yield parameters including the maximum number of grains panicle-1 (100.70), 1000-grain weight (28.33g), and grain yield (5.69g) were found from the combination treatment of F4S2. On the other hand, the lowest grain (3.68g) yield was found from F1S4. Therefore, observing the results of the experiment, the best consideration was F4S2 at Agro-ecological Zone-9 in the winter season for the desirable growth and yield of Indonesian black rice.

Determination of soil organic carbon by conventional and spectral methods, including assessment of the use of biostimulants, N-fertilisers, and economic benefits

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a very important indicator of soil quality, where even small changes can have large effects on the global carbon cycle, climate change, soil fertility and plant growth conditions. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in soil SOC using two types of biostimulants, to confirm the quality of different SOC determination methods, and to estimate fertiliser requirements and winter crop income and costs. Two methods were used to determine the concentration of SOC: the first was conventional sampling of two soil layers and laboratory analysis. The second method measured SOC using a mounted proximal soil sensor with an integrated visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopic system. Experimental studies were carried out in three scenarios, of which SC1 used a biostimulant consisting of two components: one for soil (humus) and one for plants (leaf-special), SC2 used a biostimulant consisting of many bacterial species and SC3 was a control without biostimulant. The results of the 3-year experimental studies showed that the use of VIS-NIR spectroscopy in the field allows the prediction of soil SOC concentrations with sufficient accuracy. The coefficient of determination R2 ranged from 0.819 to 0.959 compared to the conventional laboratory SOC test. In the SC1 and SC2 scenarios with biostimulants, R2 was higher than in the SC3 control. The use of biostimulants significantly increased the yield of winter wheat and winter oilseed rape and reduced the need for nitrogen fertiliser per tonne of grain yield for both winter wheat (23.0–37.3 %) and winter oilseed rape (6.3–32.1 %). The economic analysis showed that the application of biostimulants increased the relative profit in all years from EUR 54 ha−1 (for winter oilseed rape) to EUR 143 ha−1 (for winter wheat) compared to the control scenario.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Alternative Oxidase (AOX) Genes in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica): Insights into Their Abiotic Stress Response.

Alternative oxidase (AOX) serves as a critical terminal oxidase within the plant respiratory pathway, playing a significant role in cellular responses to various stresses. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), a crop extensively cultivated across Asia, is renowned for its remarkable tolerance to abiotic stresses and minimal requirement for fertilizer. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification of AOX genes in foxtail millet genome, discovering a total of five SiAOX genes. Phylogenetic analysis categorized these SiAOX members into two subgroups. Prediction of cis-elements within the promoter regions, coupled with co-expression network analysis, intimated that SiAOX proteins are likely involved in the plant's adaptive response to abiotic stresses. Employing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we scrutinized the expression patterns of the SiAOX genes across a variety of tissues and under multiple abiotic stress conditions. Specifically, our analysis uncovered that SiAOX1, SiAOX2, SiAOX4, and SiAOX5 display distinct tissue-specific expression profiles. Furthermore, SiAOX2, SiAOX3, SiAOX4, and SiAOX5 exhibit responsive expression patterns under abiotic stress conditions, with significant differences in expression levels observed between the shoot and root tissues of foxtail millet seedlings. Haplotype analysis of SiAOX4 and SiAOX5 revealed that these genes are in linkage disequilibrium, with Hap_2 being the superior haplotype for both, potentially conferring enhanced cold stress tolerance in the cultivar group. These findings suggest that both SiAOX4 and SiAOX5 may be targeted for selection in future breeding programs aimed at improving foxtail millet's resilience to cold stress.

Constitutive BoHAK5 expression and early robust induction of salicylic acid biosynthesis genes as candidates to explain the tolerance of broccoli to limiting potassium

Potassium (K+) is vital for optimum plant growth and crop yield, and it is an important component of fertilizers. However, our knowledge of the physiological and molecular response to limiting K+ conditions is incomplete. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, we observed that broccoli is more tolerant to limiting K+ conditions than Arabidopsis. For this reason, we performed a detailed physiological and transcriptomic analysis to compare and contrast their response to this abiotic stress. Our results show that the K+ content of broccoli roots decreases at a slower rate than Arabidopsis. Both species exhibited characteristic responses observed in other plants, such as those related to oxidative stress, hypoxia and jasmonic and abscisic acid signaling. However, we observed notable differences in their responses, especially in the expression of BoHAK5 and the early and strong induction of isoforms of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis genes in broccoli, which was reflected in the increased SA accumulation in broccoli leaves. We also observed alterations in the gene expression patterns of enzymes and in the levels of intermediates involved in the biosynthesis of glucosinolates, which are important molecules contributing to the added nutritional value of broccoli. Lastly, we provide evidence for concomitant alterations in the expression patterns of genes encoding transporters of several other ions, such as Fe2+, PO43− and NO3−. Our data provide insight into the possible mechanisms of broccoli’s tolerance to limiting K+ conditions and identify specific targets for the development of crop plants with reduced fertilization requirements.