Fertilizer Supply Research Articles

Drip fertigation triggered by soil matric potential reduces residual soil nitrate content and improves maize nitrogen uptake and yield stability in an arid area

Effective water and fertilizer management is crucial for enhancing nitrogen (N) use efficiency and ensuring regional food security, especially in arid regions. Drip fertigation can synchronize water and fertilizer supply with crop demand, but its maximum benefits can only be achieved with appropriately designed and well-managed irrigation systems. In this study, we built on our previous work on optimizing the design of drip irrigation systems and evaluated the effect of drip fertigation regimes on soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) supply, crop N uptake, yield, and yield stability. We conducted a five-year field experiment using drip fertigation to grow maize (Zea mays L.) in the Hetao Irrigation District, Northwest China, from 2016 to 2020. We implemented three water levels by controlling soil matric potential (SMP) threshold values [− 10 kPa (S1), − 30 kPa (S3), and − 50 kPa (S5)] under the same N fertilization rate (150 kg N ha−1 broadcast as basal fertilizer, 150 kg N ha−1 applied with drip fertigation). Our results indicated that soil NO3-N in 0–60 cm profile was typically distributed in the non-mulched zone at maturity. Compared with S5, S1 and S3 on average significantly decreased NO3-N accumulation in the 0–60 cm profile by 66% and 47%, and S1 and S3 significantly decreased NO3-N accumulation in the 60–120 cm profile by 31% and 30%. In addition, the S3 significantly decreased NO3-N accumulation in the 120–200 cm profile by 52% and 35% compared with S1 and S5. S3 significantly improved crop grain yield by 45%, sustainable yield index by 26%, N uptake by 28%, and N utilization efficiency by 11% compared with S5. In contrast, S3 decreased the irrigation amount by 40% compared with S1, with no significant differences in grain yield, yield stability, and N uptake in most years. We recommend using an SMP threshold value of − 30 kPa combined with a drip fertigation rate of 150 kg N ha−1 to reduce residual NO3-N and improve yield and yield stability in arid regions. Furthermore, we also recommend using drip fertigation with 208–253 mm irrigation water in wet years and > 253 mm in dry years (irrigation every four days from V6 to R3 stage), with 13.6 kg ha−1 N applied per irrigation (from VT to R3 stage) to facilitate farmer operations. Our research provides valuable technical guidance to promote a stable and sustainable agricultural production in arid regions.

Features of the Development of Plant Protection Technologies in Agroecosystems in the Conditions of the Russian Market Economy

The results of research characterizing the development of plant protection technologies in agroecosystems in the conditions of the market economy of Russia in the cultivation of varieties of strategic grain and industrial crops of domestic breeding with high genetic potential are presented. The potential is realized with the use of plant protection equipment with elements of information technology and precision farming, mineral fertilizers and pesticides according to scientifically sound standards. At the same time, success is achieved in a group of agricultural enterprises and peasant (farmer) farms with sown areas of grain and industrial crops 2500 hectares, optimal for the rational use of machinery, with a high culture of agriculture, provided with material, technical and financial resources and leading profitable production. In 2016–2020. the analyzed group of highly productive varieties of cereals and industrial crops covered ~20% of the areas of agroecosystems at the current level of development of breeding, seed production and genetics, the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, as well as equipment with elements of information technology and precision agriculture. The prospects of expanding the group of crops in connection with the further improvement of the organization of breeding and seed production, the supply of fertilizers and pesticides based on the development of not only progressive drugs, but also created molecules of domestic active substances, in new conditions in connection with the tasks of food security of the country.

The Impact of the Global Fertilizer Crisis in Africa

The Covid-19 pandemic and recent geo-political conflict has combined to significantly disrupt the global fertilizer supply chains and cause disproportionate fertilizer price hikes and shortages in Africa. This study assessed the effects of the fertilizer crisis on prices and availability, and the macro- and microlevel responses of stakeholders and farmers in Kenya and Ghana. Fertilizer prices doubled since the onset of the crisis with various interventions implemented at the country, continent, and global levels in response to the crisis, while at the local level farmers adopted a wide range of coping strategies.

Too little, too imbalanced: Nutrient supply in smallholder oil palm fields in Indonesia

CONTEXTSmallholders account for ca. 40% of oil palm area in Indonesia but average yield remains low. Despite higher overall fertilizer use in Indonesia compared with other Southeast Asian countries, poor plant nutrition has been identified as a major factor explaining yield gaps in smallholder oil palm fields and little is known about the underlying management drivers. OBJECTIVETo assess nutrient management in smallholder fields and identify entry points to narrow the existing yield gap via improved plant nutrition. METHODSWe assessed nutrient balances and gaps for nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) and inter-relationships between fertilizer use, leaf nutrient concentration, and yield, using data collected from 977 smallholder fields in Indonesia over two years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThere was a positive relationship between yield and nutrient rates, especially for potassium (K). Only half of the fields received fertilizer and average nutrient rates in fertilized fields represented 45% (N), 83% (P), 28% (K), and 25% (Mg) of the associated removal with harvested yield. Applied fertilizer was generally rich in N and P, but poor in K and Mg, leading to nutrient imbalances. Additionally, farmers did not follow appropriate practices on fertilizer placement and splits. Improving current fertilizer supply and management is needed to increase smallholder yields and profit. SIGNIFICANCECurrent agricultural and research programs will benefit from re-orienting efforts to improve nutrient management in oil palm as a pathway to narrow yield gaps in smallholder fields, which, in turn, requires strengthening extension services to fill in knowledge gaps and tune subsidy programs to facilitate farmer access to fertilizer sources more suited to the crop.

Design an Integrated Web-Based Plant Commodity Monitoring Information System

In order to increase agricultural commodities in the Jombang Regency area to be higher, innovations are needed that can have a positive impact on the progress of the existing agricultural sector. One aspect that can support this progress is the existence of a plant commodity monitoring information system. The crop commodity monitoring system is a web-based application aimed at viewing and assessing the process of food crop growth systematically, starting from the planting period to the harvest period. From this system , historical crop data will be obtained, where these data can then be used as knowledge material for the Jombang Regency Agriculture Office in terms of policy making, such as the supply of seeds and fertilizer needs on subsidized and non-subsidized land, determination of planting periods, or predictions of agricultural products next year. In addition, this system also provides information related to plant conditions, plant age and instructions in determining plants to suit existing land. To realize this, the author designed and built an integrated web-based crop commodity monitoring information system on agricultural land. This research uses R&D (Research and Development) method. The test results using Black Box show that the functionality of this information system has been running well. The final result obtained from this study is that the system is more efficient and has comprehensive data than the old system that has been operating in the Jombang Regency Agriculture Office. Keywords: Agriculture, Plant Commodities, Monitoring, Web, Jombang Regency Agriculture Office

Response of C:N:P Stoichiometry to Phosphorus Addition and Homeostasis of Plant Tissues in a Subtropical Slash Pine Plantation

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer is commonly used in subtropical plantations to augment nutrients including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and P to maintain plants engaged in metabolism. Stoichiometric homeostasis reflects the adaptation of plants to various environments (including P fertilizer supply rates). It is thus of great significance to understand C:N:P stoichiometry in the plant–litter–soil system under P addition and the stoichiometric homeostasis of plant tissues for the P fertilization management of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm) plantations. In subtropical China, we measured the C, N, and P contents in root, branch, needle, litter, and soil in slash pine plantations fertilized with four treatments, P1 (25 kg P ha1 yr1), P2 (50 kg P ha1 yr1), P3 (100 kg P ha1 yr1), and a control (CK), and calculated the stoichiometric homeostasis of plant tissues. The results show that P3 treatment increased the C, N, and P contents of the needle. P2 and P3 treatments increased the P content of the litter and the N:P ratio of the root while decreasing the C:N ratio of the root. P addition treatments increased C and P element accumulation in soil but had no effect on soil stoichiometry. The nutrient contents of needle and branch were higher than those of root and litter, indicating that slash pine was more inclined to allocate nutrients to the aboveground tissues. The stoichiometric homeostasis of C, N, and P among plant tissues was graded as follows: root > branch > needle. The needle’s nutritional homeostasis was C > N > P, with 1/H values of 0.08, 0.34, and 0.74, respectively. These findings demonstrate that during P addition, the C, N, and P stoichiometric homeostasis varied among plant tissues and element types. In conclusion, P application altered nutrient distribution in the plant–litter–soil system, alleviating P restriction in slash pine forests in southern China. P addition levels should be finely adjusted in the future for longer-term observation trials, and the trade-off between P addition rates and economic and ecological advantages should be properly examined.

Spatially differentiated nitrogen supply is key in a global food–fertilizer price crisis

A regional geopolitical conflict and sudden massive supply disruptions have revealed vulnerabilities in our global fuel–fertilizer–food nexus. As nitrogen (N) fertilizer price spikes threaten food security, differentiated responses are required to maintain staple cereal yields across over- and underfertilized agricultural systems. Through integrated management of organic and inorganic N sources in high- to low-input cereal production systems, we estimate potential total N-fertilizer savings of 11% in India, 49% in Ethiopia and 44% in Malawi. Shifting to more cost-effective, high-N fertilizer (such as urea), combined with compost and integration of legumes, can optimize N in N-deficient systems. Better targeted and more efficient N-fertilizer use will benefit systems with surplus N. Geospatially differentiated fertilization strategies should prioritize high-N fertilizer supply to low-yield, N-deficient locations and balanced fertilization of N, P, K and micronutrients in high-yield systems. Nationally, governments can invest in extension and realign subsidies to enable and incentivize improved N management at the farm level.

Effects of a range of phosphorus levels on yield, phosphorus efficiency, and canopy sunlight interception in direct‐seeded winter rapeseed

AbstractPhosphorus (P) fertilization is a crucial practice for winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production. With the shift to a direct seeding cropping system, the P fertilizer supply should be re‐evaluated for the requirement of direct‐seeded winter rapeseed in southwest China. A two‐factor field experiment was conducted in 2017–18 and 2018–19 in the region. The experiment aimed to investigate the responses of a wide range of P levels (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg P ha−1) on yield, P‐efficiency, and canopy sunlight interception of direct‐seeded winter rapeseed. The results demonstrated that winter rapeseed yield was enhanced as the P fertilizer rate increased from 0 to 90 kg P ha−1, and excessive P fertilizer supply did not significantly contribute to higher grain yield at high P levels. Rapeseed produced 7.1–10.1 kg seed ha−1 to supply 1 kg P ha−1 average across different five P levels from 0 to 180 kg P ha−1. Phosphorus efficiency significantly firstly increased (0–90 kg P ha−1) and then progressively decreased with the rise of P levels (around 120 kg P ha−1). Greater P fertilizer rates were absorbed by the stem and pericarp while playing a negligible role in boosting winter rapeseed yield. When the target yield of 3000 kg ha−1 was set, the corresponding winter rapeseed canopy area index should be 1.42–2.71 to facilitate yield formation depending on the growth stages. Meanwhile, it intercepted 30.8%–88.7% of sunlight by the rapeseed canopy. A reduced P‐fertilizer level of 90–120 kg P ha−1 was recommended to obtain target yield with less environmental risks in direct‐seeded winter rapeseed planting regions.

Aftergrass ability of grass stands for hay-pasture use in the autumn period

Aim. To identify the best types of perennial grasses in terms of fertility in their pure form and mixtures, and to develop a technology for the formation and use of sown meadow phytocenoses in the Forest Steppe during their autumn alienation in the system of an extended pasture conveyor for meat breeds of cattle. Methods. Field, laboratory, mathematical, system analysis. Results. The article on onion growing considers the problems of quality provision of meat cattle with green fodder not only in the summer, but also in the autumn period. On the basis of many years of experimental research, the article reveals the processes of formation of perennial grasses depending on the weather and climate conditions, species composition, fertilization system, and the timing of the removal of the pasture mass in the fall. The indicators of the transformation of the quality of the green mass of аftergrass depending on the terms of deepening of the autumn period are given. According to the results of field research, it was established that early-ripening and medium-ripening perennial grasses in the autumn period form a sufficient supply of grass at the root (oats) for livestock grazing, in the range of 2.3-3.1 t/ha with moderate moisture supply and application of nitrogen fertilizers with a dose of N20 under the pasture moving. Early-ripening and medium-ripening perennial grasses produce a 1.4–1.6 times higher yield than late-ripening coenoses over the years of use. This pattern was stable over the years of use. Аftergrass cereal grasses of the autumn period were of sufficient quality and met the zootechnical standards for feeding cattle of the meat sector. The supply of green fodder with organic nutrients and mineral elements for the cultivation of аftergrass on the background of N20 was characterized by the following indicators: the content of raw protein in the dry weight of the fodder was in the range of 11–15.3%, fat – 2.4–3.1%, raw fiber – 27.7–35.3%, potassium – 2.39–2.75%, calcium – 0.51–0.68%. The digestibility of cereal grass fodder was 58-72%. Conclusions. Among the perennial grasses, the following types of grasses showed better seeding in the autumn period on dry meadows with the application of nitrogen fertilizers with a dose of N20: thornless sedge, oriental sedge and ryegrass, the share of which in the yield of seeded grass mixtures depends on the intensity of precipitation after 3 years of use was at the level of 62–71%, and in some dry years even more.

Potential Applications of Food-Waste-Based Anaerobic Digestate for Sustainable Crop Production Practice

The global food system is and will be facing many challenges in the coming decades, which will necessitate innovative solutions to address the issues of a diminishing fertilizer supply, an increasing food demand from growing populations, and frequent extreme climates due to greenhouse gas emissions. An advancement proposed is the synthesizing of fertilizer from food waste, here referred to as food waste anaerobic digestate (FWAD). This occurs through the process of anaerobic digestion, where organic matter such as food waste is contained in an anaerobic environment and allowed to be broken down by microorganisms. One of the resulting products is anaerobic digestate, which possesses the necessary nutrients for effective fertilization for crop production. In addition to reducing greenhouse gases and waste in landfills, the replacement of synthetic fertilizers with ones made from food waste would help to alleviate the impacts of the current fertilizer shortage being experienced worldwide, which will be exacerbated by a reducing supply of materials needed for synthetic fertilizer production. In this paper, we discuss the nutrient characteristics of FWAD, and recent studies utilizing FWAD in horticulture and crop production, to advance our understanding of the effectiveness and challenges of using FWAD as a fertilizer. By employing appropriate application methods, such as nitrification, dilution, and amendment, FWAD demonstrates considerable potential as an effective fertilizer for a wide range of leafy greens and some fruiting crops.

Removal of Fe(III)/Al(III)/Mg(II) by phosphonic group functionalized resin in wet-process phosphoric acid: Mechanism and intrinsic selectivity.

The removal of iron ions (Fe(III)), aluminum ions (Al(III)), and magnesium ions (Mg(II)) in phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution is vital for the production of H3PO4 and supply of phosphate fertilizer. However, the mechanism and intrinsic selectivity for removal of Fe(III), Al(III), and Mg(II) from wet-process phosphoric acid (WPA) by phosphonic group (-PO3H2) functionalized MTS9500 are still unclear. In this work, the removal mechanisms were determined via combined analysis of FT-IR, XPS, molecular dynamics (MD), and quantum chemistry (QC) simulations based on density functional theory (DFT). The metal-removal kinetics and isotherms were further studied to confirm the removal mechanisms. The results indicate that Fe(III), Al(III), and Mg(II) interact with the -PO3H2 functional groups in MTS9500 resin with sorption energies of -126.22 kJ·mol-1, -42.82 kJ·mol-1, and -12.94 kJ·mol-1, respectively. Moreover, the intrinsic selectivities of the resin for Fe(III), Al(III), and Mg(II) removal were quantified by the selectivity coefficient (Si/j). The SFe(III)/Al(III), SFe(III)/Mg(II) and SAl(III)/Mg(II)are 18.2, 55.1 and 3.02, respectively. This work replenishes sorption theory that can be used in the recycling of electronic waste treatment acid, sewage treatments, hydrometallurgy, and purification of WPA in industry.

Spatial configuration of patches with different ecological maturity: Implications for service supply at the landscape level

Traditional agrarian landscapes have been managed over centuries to provide complementary ecosystem services (provision and regulation) in a sustainable manner. The spatial arrangement of patches in these landscapes seems to connect ecosystems of different maturity that complement each other functionally, through exchanges of matter and energy, optimizing provisioning services supply while minimizing management effort (e.g., water and fertilizers supply). In this study we explored the implications that the spatial pattern of patches with different degrees of maturity (grasslands, scrublands, and oak groves) may have on service provision within an agrarian multifunctional landscape. To assess the ecological maturity of the evaluated patches, we sampled biotic and abiotic variables related to compositional and structural complexity of the plant community, as well as soil characteristics. Our results show that less mature ecosystems (grasslands) adjacent to the most mature ones (oak groves) had a higher structural complexity of the plant community than those adjacent to ecosystems with intermediate maturity (scrublands), which could be associated to a higher resource flow from oak groves. Furthermore, the relative topographic position of oak groves and scrublands influenced the ecological maturity of grasslands. Grasslands topographically located below oak groves and scrublands had more herbaceous biomass and fertile soils than grasslands located above them, which suggests that resource flow is accelerated by gravitational forces. This indicates that grassland patches can have higher human exploitation rates when located below the more mature patches, which can increase agricultural provisioning services (e.g., biomass extraction). Overall, our findings suggest that agrarian provisioning services can be improved by spatially arranging the patches that provide such services (e.g., grasslands) in the landscape, as well as those patches responsible for ecosystem regulating services, such as water flow regulation and material accumulation (e.g., forests).

Investigation of potassium magnesium phosphate for wastewater recovering towards sustainable cities

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the two main nutrients of plants. It is of great significance to recover P and K from wastewater, which can reduce phosphate and potash ore mining and ensure secure fertilizer supply for the sustainable development of cities. The potassium magnesium phosphate (MgKPO4·6H2O; MPP) is recovered from wastewater. The current work systematically assessed the fertilizer efficiency of MPP by investigating its effect on seed germination, root development and growth of ryegrass. The experimental results showed that MPP promoted the growth of ryegrass at a relatively lower dosage (0.3 g MPP/pot). Compared with the commercial fertilizer of KH2PO4 (MKP), MPP shortened the germination time of ryegrass and increased the content of chlorophyll because it also contained magnesium. The loss rate of P in MPP was 12.66% lower than that in the MKP. When MPP was used, the soil's acidity was improved with the pH value of 6.75. Indeed, MPP was an effective fertilizer that could promote the growth of ryegrass, reduce the loss of nutrients and slightly improve the soil acidity. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop the crystallization of MPP for recycling P and K from wastewater, which favors the sustainable development of cities.

Crop responses to application of optimum nitrogen fertilizers on soils of various fertilities formed from long-term fertilization regimes

How crops uptake synthetic nitrogen (N) applied to soils of differing fertilities formed from long-term fertilization regimes is a noteworthy scientific question that remains unclear. This is important for understanding nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and N losses of synthetic N input to soils of different quality. Here, we investigated crop biomass, N uptake, root growth, and NUE in response to three synthetic N rates (including no N fertilizer, No-N; optimum N, Opt.-N; original N, Ori.-N) in long-term plots (since 2006), with various background fertilities induced by long-term fertilization regimes (nil N, optimum synthetic N, conventional synthetic N, and balanced synthetic N and manure) in a cropping system of winter wheat–summer maize rotation. When Opt.-N was applied, no significant differences in crop biomass between soils. However, N uptake by the crops on nil N soils was lower than that on N-fertilized soils. Crop biomass and N uptake in the nil N soils were significantly lower than those in the N-fertilized soils under No-N and Ori.-N supply, and no significant differences were observed between the N-fertilized soils. When Opt.-N was supplied to the nil N soils, grain yield and N uptake increased by 126–191% and 138–148%, respectively, compared with No-N. This change was associated with a large increase in root mass and root length density in the soils. In optimum synthetic N soils, the crop maintained a high yield (7.0–8.2 Mg ha−1) and N uptake (136–228 kg N ha−1) when they received continuous Opt.-N rate. Crop yield and N uptake significantly decreased when N fertilizer supply was ceased, indicating a low legacy effect; however, the long-term straw return alleviated the above decline. Conventional synthetic N soils with long-term excessive N application continued to maintain a comparable high yield (6.1–7.0 Mg ha−1) and N uptake (128–206 kg N ha−1) even after N fertilizer supply was stopped, indicating a high legacy effect. This effect could be applied with less N fertilizer to reduce N losses. Balanced synthetic N and manure could provide resistance to N fertilizer reduction and maintain high yield and soil fertility even after N fertilizer supply is ceased. Our results highlight the strong resilience of soils to crop productivity when resupplying N fertilizer to long-term nil N soils and the different legacy effects from historic fertilization regimes, while emphasizing that balanced synthetic N and manure is an ideal measure for sustainable N management.

Effects of Light Shading, Fertilization, and Cultivar Type on the Stable Isotope Distribution of Hybrid Rice.

The effect of fertilizer supply and light intensity on the distribution of elemental contents (%C and %N) and light stable isotopes (C, N, H, and O) in different rice fractions (rice husk, brown rice, and polished rice) of two hybrid rice cultivars (maintainer lines You-1B and Zhong-9B) were investigated. Significant variations were observed for δ13C (-31.3 to -28.3‱), δ15N (2.4 to 2.7‱), δ2H (-125.7 to -84.7‱), and δ18O (15.1‱ to 23.7‱) values in different rice fractions among different cultivars. Fertilizer treatments showed a strong association with %N, δ15N, δ2H, and δ18O values while it did not impart any significant variation for the %C and δ13C values. Light intensity levels also showed a significant influence on the isotopic values of different rice fractions. The δ13C values showed a positive correlation with irradiance. The δ2H and δ15N values decreased with an increase in the irradiance. The light intensity levels did not show any significant change for δ18O values in rice fractions. Multivariate ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect of different factors (light intensity, fertilizer concentration, and rice variety) on the isotopic composition of rice fractions. It is concluded that all environmental and cultivation factors mentioned above significantly influenced the isotopic values and should be considered when addressing the authenticity and origin of rice. Furthermore, care should be taken when selecting rice fractions for traceability and authenticity studies since isotopic signatures vary considerably among different rice fractions.

Recycling – The future urban sink for wastewater and organic waste

The world’s population is estimated to reach 11 billion in this century, with some 8.5 billion living in urban areas. Cities become unprecedented hot spots of demand for virgin water and food, as well as producers of large volumes of valuable waste. The recycling of urban nutrient-rich liquid and solid waste as fertilizer in agriculture will thus be of benefit to both sectors. The analysis suggests that recycling has the potential to become the ultimate sink for organic waste and wastewater, while simultaneously securing the supply of food and fertilizers, and reducing both local and global environmental impacts. Presently, harmful chemical substances from various consumer products in our chemical society are disposed of in urban waste flows and hamper recovery and reuse. A combination of counter measures such as not mixing nutrient-rich blackwater with grey water polluted with chemical compounds, are crucial. The sludge from the small volume of blackwater can contribute enough fertilizers to secure global food supplies by the year 2100. The voluminous grey water will contain few pathogenic microorganisms and can be treated for non-potable reuse. Three urban arrangements are analysed: Singapore (entire city), Helsingborg in Sweden (city district), and Bangalore in India (eco-house).

Evaluation of an autonomous smart system for optimal management of fertigation with variable sources of irrigation water.

Modern irrigation technologies and tools can help boost fertigation efficiency and sustainability, particularly when using irrigation water of varying quality. In this study, a high-tech irrigation head using a new fertigation optimization tool called NutriBalance, which is designed to manage feed waters of different qualities, has been evaluated from technical and economic perspectives. NutriBalance computes the optimal fertigation dose based on specific data about the equipment, the crop, the irrigation water, and the fertilizers available, in order to enable autonomous and accurate water and fertilizer supply. The system was trialed in a grapefruit orchard irrigated with fresh and desalinated water for several values of crop nutritional requirements and considering different fertilizer price scenarios. The results showed the good interoperability between the tool and the irrigation head and the nearly flawless ability (error below 7% for most ions) of the system to provide the prescribed fertigation with different combinations of irrigation water. Fertilizer savings of up to 40% were achieved, which, for the lifespan of the equipment, were estimated to correspond to around 500 EUR/ha/year. The results of this study can encourage the adoption of novel technologies and tools by farmers.

Root zone temperature regulates potassium absorption and photosynthesis in maize (Zea mays)

Affected by climate warming, the impact of crop root zone warming (RZW) on maize seedling growth and nutrient uptake deserve attention. The characteristics of K uptake in maize under root zone warming and the combined impacts of potassium deficiency and RZW are still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of RZW on potassium absorption and photosynthesis of maize seedlings under the difference in potassium. The results showed that RZW and low potassium treatment significantly affected root shoot development and photosynthetic physiological characteristics of maize seedlings. Moreover, the interaction of RZW and potassium content had striking influence on maize seedlings. Under the normal potassium with root zone medium temperature treatment, the development of maize was the most vigorous. Under the dual stress of high root zone temperature and low potassium, the root absorption area, total potassium content and root activity were significantly reduced, which then influenced the light energy use efficiency and dry matter accumulation. Securing the supply of potassium fertilizer under high root zone temperature stress is useful to alleviate the impact of high temperature stress.

Fertilizer Supply Chain Management using Blockchain

This paper explores the potential use of blockchain technology in fertilizer supply chain management. The project begins by identifying the current issues and challenges in the fertilizer supply chain and how blockchain technology can address them. The project team then designs and implements a blockchain-based supply chain management system for the fertilizer industry. The allocation of subsidies is also covered in the study, along with problems including corruption, poor management, and a lack of openness.. The team utilizes smart contracts, decentralized data storage, and consensus mechanisms to improve transparency, traceability, and efficiency in the fertilizer supply chain. The system is evaluated through user testing, and feedback is collected to identify strengths and weaknesses. The results show that the blockchain-based supply chain management system can significantly improve the efficiency and accountability of the fertilizer supply chain. The project concludes by providing recommendations for the implementation of blockchain technology in the fertilizer industry, emphasizing the need for standardization, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. This project aims to contribute to the practical application of blockchain technology in the fertilizer industry and provide a foundation for further research in this field.

Extreme flood in Pakistan: Is Pakistan paying the cost of climate change? A short communication

Global warming is one of the foremost causes of changes in climate patterns around the world. Pakistan is among the top ten countries affected by global warming. Today, Pakistan is facing severe consequences of global warming in the form of an extreme flood. It affected 33 million people, destroyed 1.5 million homes, and caused $2.3 billion in crop damage. It has also damaged more than 2000 km of roads, cutting off connectivity to provinces and major cities. Thus, inflation in Pakistan has reached its highest level, i.e. 26 % – 27 %, and a severe food crisis is not far away. Recently, Pakistan noted a record temperature of 40 °C in several territories, notably 51 °C in Jacobabad. The study reported that high temperatures, melting glaciers, heavy monsoon rains, government inattention, and poor governance are the key reasons of this severe flood. Moreover, in 2080, the average temperature in Pakistan is predicted to increase by 4.38 degrees Celsius. The study suggested that Supply of cheap seeds and fertilizers to farmers, maintenance of water supply infrastructure, availability of food and medicines through domestic and foreign assistance, and reduction of electricity rates and taxes in flood-affected areas can be the solution to stop this crisis. Similarly, building dams, investing in technology and training, and educating the general public about environmental change should be included in the long-term goals to avoid future disasters.