Fertilizer Requirements Research Articles

Intelligent monitoring and management in the agro-industrial complex

In the face of escalating demands for sustainable agriculture, this study introduces an innovative approach by deploying an intelligent monitoring and management system that utilises Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and machine learning algorithms. Focused on enhancing the precision of irrigation and fertilisation in farming, the system collects realtime data on soil moisture, temperature, and other vital parameters. A predictive random forest model, trained on historical crop data and current environmental conditions, analyses this data to accurately forecast water and fertiliser requirements. The model demonstrated an 87.4% accuracy for predicting irrigation needs and 85.7% for fertilisation, significantly optimising resource use and reducing environmental impact. The findings reveal that such technologies promise to revolutionise agricultural practices by making them more efficient and sustainable. They also highlight the challenges in their adoption, including the need for initial investment and overcoming the digital divide. This research underscores the potential of IoT and machine learning in achieving precision agriculture, marking a crucial step towards sustainable farming solutions that cater to the growing global food demands while preserving environmental resources.

A gender-responsive breeding approach to the intensification of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production in the Maradi region of Niger.

Climatic variability and a decrease in soil fertility have had a detrimental effect on the productivity of the main rainfed crops in Niger (millet, sorghum, and cowpea) and led to a deterioration of the nutritional status and income of the country's farmers. The spatio-temporal variability in rainfall has led rural populations to diversify their farms by integrating sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) into their cropping systems because of its low water and fertilizer requirements. Sesame is increasingly becoming a significant source of income for farmers, and it contributes to their food and nutritional security. To boost the production of sesame and facilitate its rapid adoption, our breeding program focused on participatory breeding and varietal selection with the inclusion of gender-specific preferences, from the variety design to the evaluation of new lines on farms. This case study shows that, although women have more experience in sesame cultivation than men, they have less access to production factors such as land. This limited access is especially problematic, as recent trends in land tenure mean that the poorest are no longer able to exploit large areas of cultivable land. It also evidenced that the varietal preferences of sesame growers as well as the mastery of production techniques are a function of the livelihoods and the investment capacity of actors in the value chain. Our study found that men mainly prefer production traits, whereas women have fewer trait preferences, and their preferences tend to be related to marketing and processing. This finding highlights the contrasting roles and responsibilities between men and women in the sesame value chain. Therefore, the inclusion of complementary traits preferred by women and men, provided that they are not negatively correlated with a variety profile, will help meet the full range of needs across the value chain. We recommend the inclusion of gender research in setting breeding goals prior to variety design.

Variability and determinants of vascular plant species composition in patches of old managed oak forest stands dispersed within Scots pine monocultures

In the temperate zone of Europe, Scots pine forests are expected to occupy the poorest habitats which are unfavourable for deciduous trees. However, as a result of deforestation of the most fertile habitats and the preference for Pinus sylvestris in silviculture, pine forests have become the dominant feature of the landscape in Central Europe. As a result, the area of optimal habitat for deciduous forest flora has been significantly reduced. Nevertheless, remnant patches of deciduous forest persist as habitat islands within extensive pine forest complexes and may serve as important refugia for meso- and eutrophilic forest species. However, the factors that contribute to the variation in species composition of such habitat islands and their role in maintaining biodiversity remain poorly understood. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap.The studied deciduous (oak) stands exhibited a diverse vegetation, with species composition influenced by overstorey attributes, oak age, patch location, and the area and circularity of the deciduous forest. Species traits related to environmental variables included mainly preferences for closed or open forests, requirements for soil moisture, reaction, and fertility, and requirements for light conditions. The key message from our research is that oak islands are not simply patches of trees that are different from the surrounding area. Instead, they represent distinct plant communities that have developed to adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions by recruiting species with particular traits. The presence of oak islands within Scots pine monocultures is therefore important for increasing the diversity of the forest complex.The most relevant recommendation from our research for forest management is to maintain as many patches of deciduous tree stands as possible within a single pine forest complex, as even small habitat islands can make a significant contribution to the biodiversity of the forest complex.

Effect of various doses of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.) in Assam condition

The present study was carried out in five Krishi Vigyan Kendras of different districts of Assam, viz. Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Nagaon, Nalbari and Chirang; to standardize the fertilizer requirement by dragon fruit plants in Assam condition. The growth and yield parameters recorded over two years revealed that the growth as well as the yield attributing characters were significantly influenced on application of Urea: SSP: MOP @70: 90: 40 g per plant in first year followed by Urea: SSP: MOP @ 150:150:300 g per plant from second year onwards (Treatment T2 ) as compared to the other treatments such as T0 : Control, T1 : 53:68:30 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant(1st year) and 113:113:225 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant (2nd year) and T3 : 88:113:50 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant (1st year) and 188:188:375 Urea, SSP, MOP g/plant (2nd year).The Maximum stem diameter of 6.3 cm after 2nd year of establishment was found on application of T2 dose along with the maximum number of fruits per pole (25.82), maximum average fruit weight (272.04 g) and highest annual yield per pole (7.103 kg) as well as maximum fruit volume (279.6 cc) and the highest pulp: peel ratio (4.11). Therefore, considering the significance of T2 dose of fertilizer in various districts of Assam, it can be concluded that treatment T2 can be considered as the appropriate dose of fertilizer to be considered for Assam condition.

NPK Fertilizer Requirements for Jatropha Zeyheri Indigenous Tea under Microplot Conditions

Effects of NPK fertilizer could have positive or negative effects in relation to growth of crops under certain environments, with minimum findings on how crops react to fertilizers under microplot conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of increasing NPK fertilizer rate on Jatropha zeyheri tea growth under microplot conditions. At two-leaf phase, J. zeyheri seedlings were transplanted into 25 cm diameter plastic pots. Each pot was filled with heated pasteurized sandy soil and Hygromix at 3:1 (v/v) ratio and placed in a spacing of 0.30 m × 0.30 m inter-and intra-row spacing. Six treatments constituting NPK fertilizer rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 g) were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with five replications. Treatments were initiated a week after transplanting, and 130 days after that, treatments had highly significant effects on leaf width, contributing 66% in TTV, whereas significant effects were reported on vine length, stem diameter, leaf length and dry root mass contributing 61, 67, 68 and 49% in TTV, respectively. NPK fertilizer rates did not affect chlorophyll content, NDVI, dry shoot mass, number of leaves and leaf area index. Jatropha zeyheri yield variables when exposed to increasing fertilizer rates displayed positive quadratic relations. Use of fertilizers had setbacks when applied inappropriately leading to inconsistent results. However, determining optimum fertilizer requirement for J. zeyheri was a strategical solution for inappropriate application. Jatropha zeyheri fertilizer requirements were optimized at 3.30 g fertilizer/plant, which shows that J. zeyheri requires a minimum amount of NPK fertilizer to stimulate growth.

Forensic Analysis of Eighteen Tubal Pregnancy-Related Medical Damage.

To analyze the cases of medical damage after misdiagnosis of tubal pregnancy, to explore the causes of medical damage, the causal relationship between medical malpractice and the damage consequences, as well as the causative potency, in order to provide evaluation ideas for forensic identification of such cases. Eighteen cases of forensic identification of tubal pregnancy related medical damage were collected and retrospectively analyzed from the aspects of age, maternity history, fertility requirements, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, medical malpractice, damage consequences, and causative potency. All 18 cases were tubal pregnancy, of which 17 cases had medical malpractice, resulting in 14 cases of affected tubal resection, 2 cases of hemorrhagic shock death, 1 case of intrauterine fetal death and affected tubal resection. The other case had the consequence of affected tubal resection, but there was no malpractice in the treatment. Correct diagnosis is helpful to make appropriate treatment plan, prevent disease progression and reduce serious adverse consequences and the occurrence of medical disputes. Scientific and reasonable analysis of the causal relationship between medical malpractice and damage consequences and the causative potency is of great significance to the successful settlement of medical disputes.

Relative performance of drip irrigation in comparison to conventional methods of irrigation in Indian mustard (<i>Brassica juncea</i>) in south-west Haryana

Application of water directly to the root zone through micro-irrigation system can reduce the water, fertilizer and labour requirements by improving their availability and use-efficiency. An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal, Haryana to study the relative performance of drip irrigation in comparison to conventional methods of irrigation in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The experiment consisted 7 treatments, viz. two irrigations through flooding (as per state recommendation) at flowering and siliqua formation stage; two irrigations through sprinkler at flowering and siliqua formation stage; three irrigations through sprinkler at flowering, siliqua formation and seed development stage; and 6, 8, 10 and 12 split irrigations were applied from 30 days after sowing (DAS) through drip at 12, 9, 7 and 6 days interval, respectively. Volume of irrigation water under each treatment was same as under recommended practice of two flood irrigations (120 mm). Irrigation applied through drip at 6 days interval in 12 splits and at 7 days interval in 10 splits produced statistically similar seed yield to each other (22.51 and 21.94 q/ha, respectively) and significantly higher than recommended irrigation practice (18.92 q/ha) and sprinkler method of irrigation (18.62 and 19.32 q/ha) during 2019–20. The irrigation through drip in 12 splits (10 mm each) at an interval of 6 days between 30 to100 days after sowing also recorded the highest irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE) (188 and 181 kg/ha-cm in 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively). Based on these findings, it can be suggested to apply irrigation in Indian mustard through drip in 12 splits (10 mm depth each) at an interval of 6 days between 30 to100 DAS to get higher yield and water use efficiency.

Automatic Crop Protection from Rain Fall Using IOT and IBM Cloud

With the ongoing fourth revolution, technology has been growing rapidly day by day. One of the most significant and efficient uses of this has been evident in the farming sector. From a basic water sprinkler system to the requirement of Fertilizer for specific crops, the likes of Artificial intelligence and the Internet of things have brought in great changes. One of the issues which need to be addressed is the protection of crops from heavy rainfall which causes significant damage to the crop production and soil yield, also causing huge mental distress to a farmer. We in our proposed model have given a solution to this problem by giving automated as well as manual control. The motivation behind our paper is to keep the crops protected from these heavy precipitations and preserve the same rainwater for future purposes when water is scarce. We use a sensor with a NodeMCU module to ensure the covering of the estimated field and LCD display to show status of Field. This project addresses the critical issue of protecting crops from heavy rainfall through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and the IBM Cloud platform. By deploying a network of sensors capable of measuring rainfall intensity, soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, real-time data is collected and transmitted to the IBM Cloud for analysis. These measures may include adjusting protective structures, or activating drainage systems. The project aims to improve crop yield and reduce losses caused by adverse weather conditions, making agriculture more sustainable and efficient. The combination of IoT and IBM Cloud empowers farmers with real-time monitoring and control, enhancing their ability to protect valuable crops. This project not only demonstrates the practical application of advanced technologies in agriculture but also provides a foundation for future research and development in this field.

Advancing controlled-release phosphate glasses as sustainable fertilizers: Microelement-enhanced formulations and dissolution behavior analysis

In this study, we explore the potential of phosphate glasses as controlled-release fertilizers, addressing the need for sustainable nutrient management in agriculture. Our approach involves the systematic incorporation of microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo) into phosphate glasses to assess their impact on the glass's physicochemical properties. For this, seven phosphate glasses were synthesized using a combination of raw materials, and a series of experiments to analyze their thermal properties, structural characteristics, and dissolution behaviors were conducted. Results from the thermal analysis revealed an increase in glass transition, crystallization, and melting temperatures with progressively incorporating microelements indicating an enhancement in thermal stability. Structural characterizations unveiled a prevalent presence of Q2 units in the phosphate network, with discernible Q1 units existing as shorter phosphate chains within the matrix. The inclusion of microelements enhances the chemical durability of the glasses, with specific elements like iron and manganese significantly reducing dissolution rates. This enhanced chemical stability aligns with the requirements for controlled-release fertilizers as defined by ISO 18,644 standards. This study offers valuable insights into the interactions of microelements within phosphate glass matrices, highlighting their potential as effective and environmentally friendly controlled-release fertilizers. By meeting the ISO 18,644 criteria for controlled-release fertilizers, these glasses hold promise for sustainable agriculture practices.

Enhancing Yield, Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Brinjal Through Soil Test Crop Response Approach

ABSTRACT Fertilizer requirement for the crop should be based on yield response to the added fertilizer nutrient, nutrient requirements of a crop, nutrient supply from indigenous sources and the fate of added fertilizers to the soil in the short and long term. Thus, the soil test crop response (STCR) approach can be adopted for calculating fertilizer requirements by crops. The field experiments were conducted at the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, in three phases. Soil test data, yield and NPK uptake by brinjal crop were used for achieving four important basic parameters, viz. nutrient requirement, contribution of nutrients from fertilizers, soil and organic manure, to develop the targeted yield equation and these equations were validated in comparison with Low-Medium-High (LMH) approach and generally recommended dose (GRD). It was found that 1.11, 0.46, and 0.30 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O respectively were required for producing one quintal of brinjal fruit under integrated approach. The contribution of NPK from soil toward crop uptake was 26.07%, 5.94% and 36.89% respectively; from organic manure was 16.15%, 8.66% and 31.55% respectively and from fertilizers was 42.27, 11.73 and 170.84% respectively. The STCR integrated approach with FYM, at the target yields 35 and 30 t ha−1, enhanced the fruit yield to an extent of 12.90% and 9.94%, respectively, over GRD. It also exhibited higher NPK uptake and use efficiency and better profitability. Hence integrated STCR targeted yield approach could be sustainable nutrient management option(s) for improving the productivity of brinjal.

Selective applications of excisional surgical treatments of cervical precancers

Cervical precancers encompass high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and adenocarcinoma in situ. Treatment of precancerous lesions can reduce cervical cancer mortality and prevent the development of invasive cervical cancer. The choice of treatment regimen needs to follow the principle of individualization and should be based on a combination of factors, including the patient's age, fertility requirements, pregnancy status, pathological type, type of colposcopic transformation zone, patient's follow-up conditions, and the experience of the treating provider. This article presents an opinion regarding the appropriate indications for excisional surgery and total hysterectomy in the management of precancerous lesions of the cervix, with the aim of establishing standardized therapeutic approaches for the treatment of precancerous lesions of the cervix.

Pineapple Cultivation in Uttar Pradesh Central Zone: Challenges and Opportunities

Pineapple cultivation in the central zone of Uttar Pradesh represents a dynamic agricultural endeavor, characterized by both challenges and opportunities. This abstract explores the unique factors that farmers face in this region, shedding light on the potential for this tropical fruit's growth and economic contribution. The central zone of Uttar Pradesh experiences a diverse climate, ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Pineapple, originally a tropical fruit, demands consistent warmth [1]. This climatic variability presents a significant challenge for pineapple growers, who must adapt their cultivation practices to ensure optimal growth and yields. Moreover, the soil quality in this region often falls short of the sandy loam and fertility requirements that pineapple plants thrive in [2]. Soil testing and enhancement become critical tasks for farmers looking to establish a suitable environment for pineapple cultivation. Pests and diseases further compound the challenges. Pineapple plants are susceptible to a range of issues, including mealybugs, aphids, and the dreaded fusarium wilt. Effective pest and disease management strategies are vital to maintaining healthy crop yields while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides [3]. Additionally, many farmers in the central zone may lack the requisite technical knowledge and skills needed for successful pineapple cultivation. Access to training and extension services, as well as modern farming practices, becomes essential to enhance agricultural techniques and overcome these challenges. On the flip side, there are significant opportunities awaiting pineapple growers in this region [4]. Pineapples are increasingly sought after for their unique flavor and nutritional value, creating a robust market demand in both local and national markets. Farmers have the potential to tap into this growing demand and enhance their income through pineapple cultivation. Furthermore, integrating pineapple cultivation into existing cropping systems offers an avenue for crop diversification, reducing dependency on a single crop and enhancing overall farm sustainability. Value addition through processing, such as converting pineapples into juice, jam, or canned fruit, allows farmers to expand their product range, increase shelf life, and reduce post-harvest losses [5]. Government support in the form of initiatives and subsidies designed to promote horticulture and agricultural diversification provides a crucial opportunity for pineapple growers to access financial and technical assistance.

Effects of multispecies and monoculture forages on nutrient digestibility and fermentation responses using an in vitro rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC)

Enteric methane (CH4) emissions are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. A number of different CH4 mitigation strategies have been proposed, and the inclusion of alternative forages into grazing systems could be a practical and feasible option. Multispecies swards comprise a mixture of forage species and can increase grassland productivity, reduce nitrogen fertiliser requirements, and reduce fertiliser-associated nitrous oxide emissions. This study investigated the potential benefit of multispecies swards in reducing ruminal CH4 production. Using the in vitro rumen simulation technique, we compared the effects of different forages (perennial ryegrass, timothy, red clover, white clover, chicory, ribwort plantain and their equi-proportional mixture) on CH4 and gas production, ruminal fermentation parameters and nutrient digestibility. We also compared these responses to perennial ryegrass produced with a higher nitrogen application rate (300 N). The experiment was conducted over 21 d, with the initial 14 d allowed for dietary adaptation. Over the subsequent 7 d, there were significant effects of forage type on CH4 production, ruminal fermentation and digestibility. Ribwort plantain, chicory and white clover showed lower CH4 production; with chicory producing 73% and 57% less CH4 (mmol d−1) compared to 300 N perennial ryegrass and 150 N perennial ryegrass incubation, respectively. Chicory had 72% lower CH4 produced per gram of organic matter digested (mmol g−1) than that of 300 N perennial ryegrass. Chicory and 300 N perennial ryegrass had greater (P < 0.01) organic matter and nutrient digestibility (DM, CP, NDF, and ADF) than other forages. Greater ammonia nitrogen concentration was observed in chicory and both clover species, compared to the other forage species (P < 0.01). In general, the response of the six-species mixture was not significantly different to the average response of the six component monocultures. Thus, from these data, the performance of multispecies swards for these responses (in general) was predictable from the performance of the component monocultures. These results showed that different grassland forages, especially chicory and white clover, have the potential to reduce ruminal CH4 emissions and could be a promising anti-methanogenic alternative to chemical CH4 inhibitors and feed additives. More generally, the relatively wide variation in CH4 abatement potential across a small sample of plant species suggests the merit of wider screening to identify grassland species with high CH4 abatement potential in vitro.

Assessing the influence of water fertilizer, and climate factors on seed cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation in Xinjiang Agricultural Regions

Cotton is an important raw material, and its production has a profound impact on global economic and social development. Developing a further understanding of the optimal growing environment for cotton would help establish a reasonable management system and improve seed cotton yield. In the present study, we established a water-fertilizer coupling mathematical model based on the comprehensive analysis of existing field experimental data; this model was used to determine the optimal water and fertilizer requirements when the seed cotton yield reached a maximum in different regions. In addition, the grey relational degree between the climate factors and seed cotton yield during the cotton-growing period were analyzed using grey relational analysis, including average air pressure (AAP), sunshine duration (SD), average relative humidity (ARH), average maximum temperature (MAXT), average temperature (AT), average minimum temperature (MINT), and rainfall (RF). The results showed that the optimal irrigation levels were determined as 675.61 mm for southern Xinjiang and 345.59 mm for northern Xinjiang. In addition, the ideal fertilizer application rates (N −P −K) were found to be 150.26–115.66–76.28 kg/ha for southern Xinjiang and 290.32–162.57–72.22 kg/ha for northern Xinjiang. These optimal practices resulted in yield potentials of 7140.30 kg/ha for northern Xinjiang and 8693.69 kg/ha for southern Xinjiang. Simultaneously, AAP, MAXT, SD, AT, and ARH exhibited a strong influence on seed cotton yield in Xinjiang. Conversely, RF and MINT had minimal impact on seed cotton yield. This research determined the optimal water and fertilizer requirements and highlighted the significance of climate factors in Xinjiang agricultural regions. These findings offer a scientific foundation and practical guidance to enhance seed cotton yield, water and fertilizer efficiency, optimize management practices, and address climate fluctuations during the cotton-growing season.

In the quest for sustainable management of liquid fraction of manure - Insights from a life cycle assessment

To mitigate the risk of eutrophication and minimize adverse environmental impacts, surplus manure in nitrate-vulnerable zones is frequently divided into a liquid and solid fraction. Managing the liquid fraction (LF) typically presents a greater challenge due to its substantial volume. This study aimed to assess the environmental impacts by region and trade-offs of managing surplus LF with inventory data from pilot facilities using a life cycle assessment (LCA). The LF-treatment technologies assessed were (i) nitrification-denitrification (NDN) with field application of effluent (ii) NDN with ammonia stripping and nitric acid scrubbing as a pre-treatment step followed by polishing in constructed wetlands, and (iii) nutrient up-concentration using vacuum evaporation and/or membrane filtration.The LCA results suggested that 60 to 80 % of the environmental impacts occurred locally. Nutrient up-concentration from LF via membrane filtration (reverse osmosis) and vacuum evaporation indicated a better environmental performance, albeit with high uncertainty when compared to the other scenarios. Although ammonia stripping-scrubbing showed environmental benefits, these were offset by high environmental burdens from fugitive N2O emissions and energy demand during NDN. Furthermore, the study identified that managing the effluent after NDN, a source of potassium (K), requires a nuanced approach from policymakers. Firstly, when K fertilization requirements are not met, direct land application of the effluent as a fertigation source can be a viable option. This minimizes the need for synthetic K fertilizer production and its ensuing freshwater ecotoxicity impacts. However, tertiary treatment of NDN effluent via constructed wetlands can be considered to prevent deterioration of soil from the influx of K. Policymakers are encouraged to engage with local stakeholders to tailor solutions based on these trade-offs. Furthermore, future research should focus on the implications of K on soil quality as well as the life span of nutrient up-concentration technologies for LF.

Parameter optimization of the spiral fertiliser discharger for mango orchards based on the discrete element method and genetic algorithm.

In order to solve the problems of inaccurate fertilization, unstable fertilization and low fertiliserutilization rate in mango orchard. A small spiral fertiliser discharger was designed based on the agronomic characteristics of fertilization in mango orchard. The fertilizing performance test and parameter optimization of thespiral fertiliser discharger were carried out by combining bench and simulation test. Firstly, the main influencing factors of the fertilizing performance of the spiral fertiliser discharger were analyzed by theoretical calculation formula, and the range of its value was preliminarily determined. At the same time, the digital and discrete element models of the spiral fertiliser discharger were established. Then,the discrete element model of granular fertiliser was established on the basis of the physical and related mechanical simulation parameters of granular fertiliser obtained by experimental statistics.Taking the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability as the response value, the method of singlefactor simulation fertilizing test was used to explore the parameters that have a significant influence on the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability. The response surface method (RSM) was used tosimulate the fertilizing performance of three significant parameters. Based on the quadraticregression orthogonal rotation combination design test, a second-order regression mathematicalmodel between the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability and the significant parameters wasestablished. The variable coefficient of fertilizing stability was as small as possible. The geneticalgorithm (GA) was used to optimize the regression model. Finally, the verification test of thefluidity and applicability of different fertilisers was carried out. The results of single factor test showed that the diameter of spiral blade, pitch and rotationalspeed of fertilizing shaft have significant influence on the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability.The optimal parameter combination of the spiral fertiliser discharger was obtained: 98.44 mm for thediameter of spiral blade, 54.8 mm for the pitch, and 24.43 r/min for the rotational speed of fertilizingshaft. The verification results showed that the average relative error of the test was small, and themass flow rate of different fertilisers and the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability could meetthe agronomic requirements of fertilization in mango orchards. The reliability of the discrete elementsimulation test results and research methods of the spiral fertiliser discharger was verified. The results and methods of this study can provide reference for the development of mangoorchard fertilization machinery and related fertilizing performance test.

Soil test crop response based site specific integrated nutrient management in mungbean

Imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizers has brought many soil fertility problems. Soil test crop response (STCR) approach aims to estimate precise fertilizer requirement for target yield under varying soil test values and gaining prominence for site-specific nutrient management. A field experiment to estimate STCR based fertilizer requirement for targeted yield of mungbean was conducted during 2019–2020 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. Three fertility gradient plots of varying soil fertility levels were created by applying graded dose of N, P2O5 and K2O and growing wheat as an exhaust crop. Each of three soil fertility gradient plot was divided into 24 subplots (21 plots with different combinations of varying levels of N, P2O5, K2O and FYM, remaining 3 plots as controls) and mungbean was grown as main crop. Results revealed the requirement of 6.72, 0.883, and 3.52 kg of N, P and K, respectively for producing one quintal of mungbean grain. Soil, FYM, fertilizer and fertilizer along with FYM contributed 28.06%, 5.94%, 113.22%, and 135.01% for N; 24.73%, 3.18%, 15.1%, and 18.85% for P; 13.19%, 7.21%, 39.52%, and 55.84% for K, respectively. This information is used to develop STCR based fertilizer prescription equations along with ready reckoners of fertilizer doses at different soil fertility levels and yield targets of mungbean for providing balanced fertilization. The maximum response of mungbean in terms of grain and protein yield was obtained with the application of 20:50:30 kg ha−1 N: P2O5: K2O, respectively.

Risk factors predicting pathological degradation after cervical excision in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II P16-positive patients over 25 years old: a cross-sectional study.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a collective term for pre-cancerous lesions associated with cervical invasive carcinoma. Treatment options depend on the development and progression of the disease. Especially for patients with CINII grade who are aged 25 years and older and have fertility requirements, it is a clinical challenge to determine whether to proceed with conservative or excisional treatment. Excisional treatment increases the risk of overtreatment outcomes, such as cervical insufficiency, preterm labor, miscarriage, and premature rupture of membranes, in young women with childbearing potential. P16 immunohistochemical staining has greatly improved the consistency of CINII patient's diagnosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors predicting pathological degradation after cervical excision in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II P16-positive patients over 25 years old, and to provide information to help optimize clinical treatments patients with CINII disease. Single-factor and logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for pathological downgrading in the CINII/P16-positive (+) group. The predicted probability of pathological downgrading in the CINII/P16(+) group of patients was calculated according to the logistic regression model to generate a new variable multi-indicator association for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve plotting to determine the predictive ability. A total of 248 women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Statistical analysis showed that the CINII/P16(+) group had a higher pathological downgrading rate compared with the CINIII group after cold knife conization (CKC) (χ2=6.26, P=0.012). Univariate factors showed that the differences were statistically significant when comparing age, number of biopsy-involved quadrants, menopausal status, and involvement of glands, respectively (P<0.05). In contrast, the differences were not statistically significant when comparing cytological findings, type of transformation zone, high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) testing, abortion status, pregnancy frequency, time from diagnosis to CKC and Ki67 percentage between the two groups. Multifactorial logistic regression showed that the extent of biopsy CINII involvement [odds ratio (OR), 1.589], menopausal status (OR, 4.031), and glandular involvement (OR, 5.549) were all independent risk factors for pathological downgrading in the CINII/P16(+) patient group (P<0.05). The order of significance of the areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) was as follows: combined multiple indicators (AUC 0.716) > gland involvement (AUC 0.625) > biopsy CINII involvement extent (AUC 0.614) > menopausal status (AUC 0.565). A higher rate of pathological downgrading after CKC was found in CINII/P16-positive patients who were aged over 25 years. Overtreatment exists in patients with CINII/P16-positive diagnosis. Independent factors for pathological downgrading were identified by the factors including if the lesion involved the gland, the extent of CINII involvement on biopsy, and menopausal status.

Effects of legumes and fertiliser on nitrogen balance and nitrate leaching from intact leys and after tilling for subsequent crop

Grass-legume leys combine multiple agronomic benefits, several of which are associated with symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation. However, the best combinations of legume abundance and N fertilisation to achieve high productivity at low nitrate leaching are not yet established. Nitrate leaching risk of pure grass swards (Grs), grass-legume mixtures (Mix) and pure legume swards (Leg) at a fertiliser level of either 50, 150 or 450 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (N50, N150 and N450) was studied during two key periods: the intact ley for forage production and after tilling for subsequent winter wheat in crop rotation. The risk of nitrate leaching was determined from (i) monitoring of the nitrate concentration in the soil solution (NCSS) and (ii) the soil mineral N (SMN) content. Furthermore, the soil surface N balance was assessed by measuring N input from fertiliser and symbiosis, and N output with harvested biomass. During the period of intact plant cover, soil surface N balance of Grs swards was strongly negative at N50 and N150 with negligible NCSS and SMN. At N450, the positive N balance of Grs swards resulted in a high leaching risk after three years of cultivation (NCSS ≤ 13 mg NO3-N L−1 and SMN ≤ 20 kg N ha−1). For Mix swards, the N balance was close to zero at N50 and N150, which led to similarly low NCSS and SMN. At N450, the N balance of Mix swards was beyond zero, resulting in significantly increased NCSS and SMN (≤ 30 mg NO3-N L−1 and ≤ 35 kg N ha−1). For Leg swards, the N balance was far beyond zero at all fertilisation levels, resulting in a leaching risk even at N50 (≤ 8 mg NO3-N L−1 and ≤ 23 kg N ha−1). During the period following tilling the leys, SMN was similar or lower for Mix compared to Grs swards (≤ 43 vs. ≤ 62 kg N ha−1 at N50 and N150, 72 vs. 68 kg N ha−1 at N450), while it was significantly higher for Leg swards (SMN ≤ 95 kg N ha−1). We conclude that grass-legume mixtures combine high yields, low fertiliser requirements, and low nitrate leaching better than either pure grass or pure legume swards. This holds true both during the period with intact plant cover and after tillage for the subsequent crop.

Oxidative phosphorylation rather than glycolysis is the primary energy source for sperm motility in the mussels Mytilus edulis

Broadcast-spawning marine mussels rely on high sperm motility for successful fertilization in the dynamic seawater environment. Mitochondria are typically considered the primary source of ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); however, the ATP generation pathways of mussel sperm have not been fully characterized. To better understand the importance of both OXPHOS and glycolysis for mussel sperm function, we conducted experiments inhibiting these pathways in sperm from Mytilus edulis. Our results indicate that oligomycin, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, immediately decreased sperm motility rate, velocity, and ATP content, while 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a glycolysis inhibitor, had no effect. The OXPHOS inhibitor rotenone also partially reduced sperm motility rate and velocity. Interestingly, no evidence was found for the inhibitors' effects on the content of energy-rich compounds (lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins) in the mussels' sperm, indicating only modest energy demand to fuel sperm motility. Based on these findings, we conclude that OXPHOS is the primary energy source for sperm motility in marine mussels. Our study sheds light on the intricacies of mussel sperm physiology and highlights the importance of understanding the energy requirements for successful fertilization in broadcast-spawning marine invertebrates.