Fertilizer Type Research Articles

EFFECT OF BIO-ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZATION, ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleraceae Var.botrytis)

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of three factors, the first was biofertilization with four types (without addition, combination of A.brasilense + A. chroococcum combination of G.mosseae + T. harzianum, and combination of the two previous combinations), The second factor four types of organic fertilizer(without adding,vermicompost ,Orgevit, a combination of the two previous organic fertilizers),and the third factor mineral fertilizer with two levels (0% and 50%) of the fertilizer recommendation in addition to the full fertilizer recommendation treatment (second comparison).RCBD was used with three replications. The results showed that the triple interaction of the biofertilization treatments added with the organic fertilizer combination of organic fertilizer with 50% of the mineral fertilizer recommendation showed the highest averages for the characteristics of growth and the total yield, which gave79.740 Mg ha-1, and the content of leaves and the curd from N, P and K after harvest and the content of the soil of N, P and K after harvesting, which amounted to 70.81, 38.19, 370.44 mg kg soil-1,in comparison with the no addition treatment which gave the lowest averages .

Model for Predicting Maize Crop Yield on Small Farms Using Clusterwise Linear Regression and GRASP

Planting a crop involves several key steps: resource assessment, crop selection, crop rotation, planting schedules, soil preparation, planting, care, and harvesting of crops. In this context, estimating the productivity of a crop based on available information, such as expected climatic conditions and agricultural practices, helps farmers reduce the uncertainty of their investment. In Colombia, maize is the fourth most important crop in the country. Significant efforts are required to improve productivity in traditional and technified production systems. In this sense, this research proposes and evaluates an approach called Clusterwise Linear Regression (CLR) to predict the crop maize yield in small farms, considering data on climate, soil, fertilization, and management practices, among others. To develop the CLR model, we conducted the following steps: data collection and preparation, clustering using k-means, cluster optimization with Greedy Random Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP), and performance evaluation. The cluster optimization process allows the identification of clusters with similar characteristics and generates multiple linear regression models with mixed variables that explain the yield of the farms on each cluster. The Simulated Multiple Start Annealing (MSSA) metaheuristics were also evaluated, but the results of GRASP were the best. The results indicate that the proposed CLR approach is more effective than the linear and nonlinear algorithms mentioned in the literature, such as multiple lasso linear regression, random forests, XGBoost, and support vector machines. These algorithms achieved an accuracy of 70%. However, with the new CLR model, a significantly improved accuracy of 87% was achieved with test data. The clusters’ studies revealed key factors affecting crop yield, such as fertilization, drainage, and soil type. This transparency is a benefit over black-box models, which can be harder to interpret. This advancement can allow farmers to make better decisions about the management of their crops.

Temporal variations of N and P losses via surface runoff from Chinese farmland after fertilisation

The loss of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) via surface runoff induced by fertilisation leads to water pollution and aggravates water scarcity. Studies estimating N and P losses from farmland have focused on the efficacy of agricultural management actions at reducing the amount of N and P lost. However, a gap remains in understanding the dynamics of N and P losses from farmland, especially differences among types of farmland, crop and fertiliser. Thus, the temporal variations of N and P losses via surface runoff from farmland induced by fertilisation were estimated using 5530 groups of paired observations collected in China. The results showed that N and P losses via surface runoff from paddy fields associated with fertilisation were greater than losses from upland fields. However, after > 90 days post-fertilisation, the effects of fertilisation on N and P loss from paddy fields were non-significant, while the effects of fertilisation on N and P losses from upland fields remained significant. Organic fertilisation decreased N losses from upland and paddy fields, but at more than 60 days post-fertilisation, N and P losses from upland fields were greater with organic than chemical or combined fertilisation. Increasing the fertilisation rate led to higher N and P losses from upland and paddy fields and extended the occurrence time of N and P loss from paddy fields. Overall, this study demonstrates the dynamic processes associated with fertilisation underlying N and P losses from farmland via surface runoff.

Effects of nano-MoO3 on growth, quality and toxicity of soybean.

Metal nanoparticles are widely used in agricultural production. As a new type of molybdenum fertilizer, MoO3NPs have the properties of nanomaterials and the characteristics of molybdenum nutrition. Previous studies have focused on their role in promoting crop growth. However, it is unknown whether excessive MoO3NPs will affect crop quality and nutritional value. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of MoO3NPs (0, 0.15, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10, 50, 100 mg kg-1) on the growth and quality of soybean were investigated by pot experiments to analyze the plant effects caused by MoO3NPs. The results showed that the effects of MoO3NPs treatment on plant biomass and nodule number were promoted at low concentrations (0.15-5 mg kg-1) and inhibited at high concentrations (10-100 mg kg-1). According to the logistic distribution model, it was predicted that MoO3NPs would have the strongest toxic effect on soybean flowering stage. The contents of MoO3NPs which reduced the yield of soybean by 10% and 20% were 12.38 and 30.81 mg kg-1. NP0.15 could significantly improve the total amount of amino acids in grains, while NP100 reduced the total amount of amino acids in grains, both of them significantly increasing the contents of linolenic acid and linoleic acid in soybean seeds. A change of MoO3NPs concentration had no negative effect on the nutritional value of soybean grains. The research could lead to a better understanding of the potential impact of nutritional changes caused by MoO3NPs on human health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessment of Nitrogen Volatilization and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Urea with N-stabilizer in a Productive Oil Palm Plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Nitrogen fertilization plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth. However, nitrogen in the soil can be lost through rainwater leaching. To address this issue, the concept of fertilizing N-stabilizer-coated urea was proposed. The aim is to reduce nitrogen loss on the field due to vaporization and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this N-stabilizer-coated urea in reducing nitrogen loss through vaporization, improving GHG emissions, and its impact on plant growth and leaf quality. The research was conducted at IPB-Cargill Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, oil palm education and research station from August 2021 to March 2022. The experimental design employed a completely randomized block design. The fertilizer treatments included four types of nitrogen fertilizers: urea (46% N), coated urea with N-stabilizer (46% N), ZA (21% N), and NPK (15-15-15, 15% N). Additionally, a control treatment without any fertilizer application was included. All treatments were replicated three times. Data analysis was done using the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) 9.0 program. The F-test was conducted, followed by DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) advanced tests at a 5% error level. The results revealed that urea with N-stabilizer fertilization significantly reduced NH3-vaporization by 53% in the first week compared to the application of normal urea. NH3-vaporization level from ZA and NPK was < 1% compared to urea application. Field application of urea with N-stabilizer showed no significant difference in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) compared to the other nitrogen fertilizer types. The GHG values ranged from 7.10 to 7.29 g CO2-e.m-2 per day. The use of N-stabilizer-coated urea could be an effective approach to minimize nitrogen loss through vaporization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining comparable results to other nitrogen fertilizer types in terms of GHG emissions on the field.

Jerusalem Artichoke: Nitrogen Fertilization Strategy and Energy Balance in the Production Technology of Aerial Biomass

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a plant with considerable potential for energy generation due to its rapid growth, high biomass yield, and resistance to environmental stresses. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the nitrogen fertilization strategy on the yield and energy balance in the production technology of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) in a perennial cropping system. The article presents the results of a three-year experiment which was conducted in Poland to determine the effect of different N rates (0, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha−1) supplied with mineral fertilizers and liquid digestate on the energy balance in the production of JA aerial biomass. The experiment had a randomized block design with three replications. The demand for energy in JA cultivation reached 16.2–26.3 (year 1) and 2.9–14.6 GJ ha−1 (years 2 and 3). Energy inputs in the cultivation technology were reduced by 17–19% (year 1) and 35–47% (years 2 and 3) when mineral fertilizers were replaced with digestate. Jerusalem artichoke yields were lowest in the technology without fertilization (12.5 Mg ha−1 DM). Dry matter yield increased significantly (by 43–55%) after the application of 75 kg N ha−1, regardless of fertilizer type. The energy output of biomass peaked (230.1 GJ ha−1) in response to a mineral fertilizer rate of 75 kg N ha−1. In turn, the highest energy gain (218.5 GJ ha−1) was noted after the application of digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha–1. The energy efficiency ratio was highest in the technology without fertilization (20.1) and after the application of digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha−1 (19.7). Regardless of the factors that limit agricultural production, the energy balance of JA biomass production was most favorable when JA was fertilized with digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha−1. The results of this study may pave the way for future research on novel agronomic strategies for sustainable bioenergy production, including nutrient recycling.

Fertilization shapes microbial life strategies, carbon and nitrogen metabolic functions in Camellia oleifera soil

Mineral, organic and microbial fertilizers are crucial for maintaining and improving soil quality, ecosystem functions, and fruit yield in Camellia oleifera plantations. However, how the application of these fertilizers shapes the life strategies and functions of soil microbial communities is unclear. Here, we conducted a one-year field experiment with three types of fertilizers: mineral (NPK), manure (Man), and microbial (MicrF), and analyzed soil properties, bacterial and fungal communities to assess microbial life strategies, functional traits and their determinants. The application of MicrF strongly increased the diversity of both soil bacterial (by 6.4%) and fungal communities (by 23%). Organic matter inputs from Man and MicrF had greater effects on the life strategies of bacteria than fungi: the dominant r-strategy bacteria (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria) increased with Man and MicrF, but K-strategists (Acidobacteria) decreased. Conversely, the abundance of r-strategy fungi (Ascomycota) decreased, but that of K-fungi (Basidiomycota) increased. Predictions of the functions indicated that microbial fertilization accelerated the bacterial carbohydrates, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, while also increasing the prevalence of wood saprotrophic fungi. The changes in the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the microbial communities induced co-metabolism priming effects, which were mainly regulated by soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen contents, and carbon-nitrogen ratio. The application of MicrF is an effective approach to increase the diversity and multifunctionality of soil microbial communities in Camellia oleifera plantations, including organic matter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into the fertilizer regimes based on microbial ecological strategies and functional profiles in Camellia oleifera plantations.

Source apportionment and influencing factors of surface water pollution through a combination of multiple receptor models and geodetector

In line with sustainable development goals (SDGs), precise quantification of water pollution and analysis of environmental interactions are crucial for effectively safeguarding water resources. In this study, Nemerow's pollution index was used to evaluate water quality, three receptor models were used to identify pollution sources, and Geodetector analysis was applied to explore environmental interactions in the North Shangyu Plain, Southeast China. Using 5207 surface water samples from September 2023 with 11 physicochemical parameters, the results showed that surface rivers in the North Shangyu Plain exhibited varying degrees of pollution: slight pollution upstream, moderate pollution in midstream and downstream, and concentrated high pollution in certain areas, with TN, CODCr, and TP as the primary pollutants. Multimethod source apportionment significantly improved the accuracy of pollution source attribution and identified five main sources: domestic sewage (1.42%–3.54%) characterized by NO3-N, phytoplankton source (38.43%–50.05%) indicated by chl and PC, agricultural cultivation (16.1%–17.63%) marked by TP and CODMn, industrial wastewater (17.64%–25.1%) primarily associated with TN, and natural source (10.32%–13.26%) characterized by DO, NH3-N, and CODCr. Influencing factor analysis validated the source identification. Natural factors had minor impacts on water parameters, while pollution control from agricultural activities was suggested to diversify fertilizer types rather than merely reduce quantities. The combined effects of industrial and aquaculture activities intensified pollution from TN, chl, and PC, underscoring the need for targeted management practices. This study showed the objectivity and reliability of using a combined approach of multiple receptor models and Geodetector to evaluate the river water quality status, which helps assist decision-makers in formulating more effective water resource protection strategies.

DAYA SAING PRODUKSI BAWANG MERAH VARIETAS LOKAL RUBARU PASCA KEBIJAKAN SUBSIDI PUPUK 2022

The government has issued a new policy regarding subsidized fertilizer regulated in Minister of Agriculture Regulation Number 10 of 2022. This causes the production costs borne by Rubaru Shallot farmers to be higher because the government subsidizes only two types of fertilizer. This condition can cause the competitiveness of shallots to decrease. This research aims to analyze the impact of changes in the fertilizer subsidy policy in 2022 on the Rubaru Local Variety Red Onion farming and its competitive and comparative advantages. The research location was determined purposively in Mandala Village. The total research sample was 42 people taken using the purposive sampling method. The data type used is primary data, which includes input prices, output prices, and profits in the form of market and social prices. Data analysis uses the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) model. The results of the analysis and discussion show that in general, the impact of the 2022 fertilizer subsidy change policy will still benefit farmers because even though the intervention reduces the profits obtained. Other results show that after these policy changes, the Rubaru Variety Shallot Farming in Mandala Village still has competitive and comparative competitiveness.

Co-application effects of rice husk biochar and different types of nitrogen fertilizers on rice yield, yield components, and nitrogen use efficiency

The Nitrogen (N) recovery index in rice paddy soils has never been exceeded by more than 30%, regardless of using proven fertilizer management strategies and amounting to significant N being out of rice plant use. Biochar application and the newly released N biofertilizers (singly or in combination) increase the N use efficiency by increasing the soil nutrient retention capacity. Therefore, a two-year pot experiment was conducted to explore the effects of the co-application of rice husk biochar and nitrogen fertilizers on rice yield, yield components, and nitrogen use efficiency indexes. The applied treatments were rice husk biochar at three levels (0, 20, and 40 tha−1) and N fertilizers at three levels (0, chemical (Urea), and N-biofertilizer). The most effective combination treatments (200 kg N ha−1 in source of urea plus 40 tha−1 rice husk biochar) significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased the grain yield (2.38 times), straw and biological yield (2.83 and 2.62 times, respectively), N content of soil N (59%), nitrogen uptake efficiency (2.92 times), and nitrogen internal efficiency (59%), whereas, nitrogen recovery efficiency decreased by about 52%. Moreover, the maximum increase in N content of grain and harvest index was recorded at combination application of 20 tha−1 biochar plus urea by about 48 and 15%, respectively. It can be concluded that the co-application of rice husk biochar and N fertilizers has substantial advantages over their single applications in terms of N fertilizer recovery, N uptake. Thus, it might be an effective way to enhance rice yield.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BERBAGAI JENIS PUPUK ORGANIK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN VEGETATIF TANAMAN BUAH NAGA (Hylocerios costaricensis)

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of various types of organic fertilizer on the vegetative growth of dragon fruit. The research used an experiment using the Completely Randomized Design method with four treatments A1 = Goat Manure, A2 = Cow Manure, A3 = Guano Fertilizer, A4 = Chicken Manure with four replications. The results of the research showed that the application of various kinds of organic fertilizer had a very significant effect on plant height and a significant effect on the number of branches of dragon fruit plants. Providing organic fertilizer, namely guano fertilizer and chicken manure, can provide higher plant height and a greater number of branches. It is thought that the high content of macro nutrients N, P and K can increase the vegetative growth of dragon fruit plants

Effect on Growth Performance and Nutritive Value of Cultivated Azolla filiculoides As An Alternative Feedstuff for Ruminant.

Azolla filiculoides is a tiny, free-floating aquatic fern and has a potential alternative protein and fibre source for ruminants, was investigated for its cultivation optimisation and feedstuff suitability. Study 1 was conducted to investigate the influence of different fertiliser types (control, broiler manure, sheep manure, cow manure) and concentrations (0.25 g/L-1.25 g/L) on the growth performance (fresh weight, doubling time, relative growth rate) and nutrient composition (dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat) of A. filiculoides. The optimised type of fertiliser and concentration in Study 1 were further adopted in Study 2 to evaluate the effect of different fertiliser processing methods on the growth performance, nutritive value and in vitro rumen digestibility of A. filiculoides upon cultivation. The findings in Study 1 showed that cultivation of A. filiculoides using sheep manure at the concentration of 1.00 g/L is the best resulted in the shortest doubling time (3 to 5 days) and produced fresh weight (FW), relative growth rate (RGR), crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) at 132.2 g/m2, 0.32 g/g/day, 21.2% DM-1 and 14.4% DM-1, respectively. Furthermore, unprocessed sheep manure (T3) exhibited superior (p < 0.05) fresh weight, relative growth rate, nutrient composition and fibre components compared to the burned manure treatment (T2). In vitro digestibility analysis discovered that T3 achieved a 24-hour accumulated gas production of 86.9 mL DM-1, with in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) of 82.9%, 43.7% and 5.8 MJ/kg DM, respectively. These findings suggest that Azolla filiculoides cultivation can be economically optimised using 1.00 g/L unprocessed sheep manure (fresh manure), potentially serving as a self-produced, nutritious feedstuff for ruminants.

Improvement of growth and nutrient uptake of upland rice grown on degraded acid soil with the application of liquid organic fertilizer

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of several types of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from plant waste and the dose of P fertilizer on the growth and yield of upland rice on degraded acid soil. The treatments consisted of two factors. The first factor (A) was several types of LOF consisting of A1 (control), A2 (LOF containing isolates of P-solubilizing bacteria), A3 (LOF-banana waste), and A4 (A2+A3). The second factor (B) was fertilizer doses consisting of B1 (50% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer), B2 (75% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer), and B3 (100% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer). The treatment combinations were arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The research results showed that applying either LOF-banana waste or the mixture of LOF-banana waste and LOF-containing isolates of P-solubilizing bacteria improved plant height, the number of tillers, and N and P uptake by the plant. The rice grain yields among the treatments were not significantly different, but the highest rice grain yield (139.8 g/pot) was obtained at the treatment of the mixture of LOF-P isolate + LOF-banana waste (A2+A3 treatments). The 75% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer was not significantly different from 100% P fertilizer with LOF on growth and yield upland rice and nutrient uptake by the plant.

Different responses of soil bacterial community to plant-plant interactions under organic-inorganic fertilizers affect seedling establishment during subalpine forest succession.

Rhizosphere bacterial community as a valuable indicator of soil quality and function, has been widespread studied. However, little knowledge is about the response of bacterial communities to plant-plant interaction and different fertilizers during secondary forest succession. We conducted a field pot experiment applying organic and inorganic fertilizers to monocultures and mixed cultures of dominant plant species from mid- to late-successional stages (Salix oritrepha, Betula albosinensis, and Picea asperata), and investigated the responses of plant growth and rhizosphere bacterial communities. Results indicated that growth rate of plant height varied among plant species, but no significant differences were observed in soil bacterial diversity and composition among plant species or inter-specific interactions under control. Compared to control, inorganic fertilizer resulted in increases in plant growth and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Patescibacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes, while simultaneously leading to decrease in the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Rokubacteria and Planctomycetes. When grown with other species, the bacterial communities in the mixture resembled those of S. oritrepha in singular monoculture under inorganic fertilizer treatment, but plant growth was not affected by interspecific interaction. Unlike inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer significantly affected bacterial communities and increased bacterial diversity, but did not alter the effects of plant-plant interactions on bacterial communities. It was also observed that organic fertilizer facilitated later successional species' growth (P. asperata and B. albosinensis) by the mid-successional species (S. oritrepha), ultimately facilitating secondary forest succession. In addition, plants at different successional stages harbor specific bacterial communities to affect their growth, and the bacterial communities contributed more than soil properties to the variations in the plant growth of S. oritrepha and P. asperata though the bacterial communities were regulated by soil factors. This finding highlights the significance of the rhizosphere bacteria on plant growth and plant community succession. It also emphasize the importance of considering both plant-plant interactions and diverse fertilizer types in forest restoration efforts and provide valuable insights into optimizing agronomic practices for secondary forest succession.

LASSOCIATION MAIS-NIEBE ET LA RESTITUTION ORGANIQUE SONT-ELLESLE MOTEUR DUNE GESTION DURABLE DES SOLS A LOUEST DU BURKINA FASO ?

Are maize-cowpea associations and organic restitution the driving force behind sustainable soil management in western Burkina Faso? Soil fertility management is one of the key factors in the sustainability of cropping systems in western Burkina Faso. With this in mind, a study was carried out on the management of crop residues, fertilization and the inclusion of legumes in the cropping system. The aim was to determine the effects of mulching, insertion of cowpeas into the cropping system and organo-mineral fertilization on soil fertility. The experimental design was a strip split plot with 4 replications and three treatments corresponding to 3 crop residue management methods, 3 cropping systems with or without maize and cowpea, and 2 types of fertilization. Trials were conducted from the 2018 to 2020 cropping seasons. Soil moisture, the number of fungal and bacterial colonies and soil chemical characteristics were determined in 2020. The results show a significant increase in soil moisture on maize-wheat association plots of 9.28 and 8.58% for the 0-20 cm depth and 6.85 and 5.31% for the 20-40 cm depth respectively compared with pure maize and cowpea cultivation. For crop residue management and fertilization, soil moisture levels were identical for all treatments. Concerning soil micro-organisms, the results show that five (05) types of fungi were identified on the different treatments: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium moniliforme, Geotrichumcandidum and Trichoderma sp. The results obtained show no significant difference between treatments at the 5% threshold, either for fungi, bacteria or soil chemical characteristics. Consequently, the maize-cowpea association can be considered a sustainable soil fertility management practice in the western region of Burkina Faso. However, the choice between recycling crop residues by mulching and applying organo-mineral fertilizer must be determined by the farms themselves, according to their socio-economic reality.

Effect of Fertilization on the Severity of Attack by the Defoliator Caterpillar (Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859) and on the Yield of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, Lam. moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, 1785)

Purpose: Moringa, which is increasingly grown pure in semi-intensive and intensive systems, requires adequate fertilization to produce well. In some cases, this operation can inhibit the development of its bioaggressors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different types of fertilization on the defoliator caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) and moringa production. Methodology: The trial was conducted on the Kalapaté experimental station belonging to the Institut ational de la recherche agronomique du Niger over two seasons. The experimental design was a split-plot with 4 replications in which the main plots were represented by fertilizer types (NPK, cattle, poultry and compost). The elementary plots were made up of fertilizer doses (0, 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 kg/ha for organic fertilizers, and 0, 3, 6 and 9 g/package for NPK). The severity of the caterpillar attack and moringa yield were recorded. Findings: The results showed that NPK acted faster than other fertilizers in reducing the severity of attack by N. blitealis. The reduction rate was 28.40% in the first season compared with cattle manure, which is the most attacked. In the second season, compost had a similar effect to NPK. Both reduced this parameter by over 45% each compare to cattle and poultry manure. Their action consequently increased moringa yield compared with cattle manure and poultry droppings. Also, a negative linear relationship was noted between manure dose and severity of attack, while the dose-yield relationship was of the second-degree polynomial type. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Compost can therefore be used to minimize attacks by Noorda blitealis and can enable sustainable production without any risk of toxicity from synthetic pesticides. In view of these results, moringa growers must compost cattle and poultry manure, and all other organic sources of fertilization, before any application.

FAIRE DES ECONOMIES DE SURFACE AVEC LASSOCIATION MAIS-LEGUMINEUSES TOUT EN MAINTENANT LE RENDEMENT DU MAIS PAR RAPPORT A SA CULTURE PURE DANS LES CONDITIONS DE LOUEST DU BURKINA FASO

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the interaction between crop residue management practices, cropping systems, and fertilization on the yield of associated crops in western Burkina Faso. To this end, an experimental design comprising three factors (crop residue management methods, cropping systems, and fertilization types) and four replications was established and monitored over three farming seasons (2018, 2019, and 2020). The grain and straw yields were determined, and the landequivalentratio (LER) was calculated. The results demonstrate that the management of crop residue through mulching or burial maintains crop yields at a level comparable to that achieved through ploughing with residue removal. In general, organo-mineral fertilization stands out as the fertilization practice that improves the production of maize (43.58% and 46.09% in 2018 and 2020, respectively) and legumes (58.42% and 66.11% in 2018 and 2020, respectively) compared to standardized mineral fertilization. Legume yields are significantly higher in monoculture (from 60% to 89% for amber and from 40% to 50% for cowpea) than in association. Additionally, the interaction between soil tillage and fertilization does not appear to be a significant factor in intercropping. However, the maize-legume association emerged as the cropping system with the greatest potential for area savings (LER&gt;1) and crop diversification on the same plot when compared to monocropping. The study suggests that a combination of maize-legume associations, mulching or burying crop residues, and organo-mineral fertilization represents a successful strategy for the sustainable management of cropping systems in western Burkina Faso.

Различные формы Sr в агротемногумусовых подбелах юга Приморского края

To assess the concentration level and identify the main phase-carriers of various forms of strontium (Sr), the total content, distribution and concentration of water-soluble forms of the element in Albic Stagnosoils, which composed the bulk of the arable fund of the region under study, were studied. Full-profile soil pits were dug at the long-term fallow, phytoreclamative, and fertilized with mineral and organic fertilizer variants of the experience. The study of the different Sr forms contents was carried out by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrometry. The main Sr volume was immobilized in the composition of soil mineral phase in soils of all variants of the experience. The addition of mineral fertilizers to soil was accompanied by an increase in the total content (by 6.4 %) and concentration of water-soluble (by 5,7 times) Sr forms, compared to the soil of fallow, and intensification of Sr sorption by Mn-containing soil compounds. The long-term addition of different types of organic fertilizers contributed to the activation of stable Sr-organic complexes formation. Under a green manure application in conditions of soil solution acidity decrease, the increase in the influence of Ca-containing soil compounds on the distribution of Sr has been shown. The soils of all variants of the experience were characterized by the absence of factors and conditions that contributed to the Sr accumulation in profiles, it was suggested by the lower total Sr content compared to the mean background content for surface soils around the world and to the mean content in agricultural soils in Japan.

Cytological analysis of flower development, insights into suitable growth area and genomic background: implications for Glehnia littoralis conservation and sustainable utilization

BackgroundGlehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., an endangered plant species with significant medicinal, edible, and ecological value, is now a central concern for conservation and sustainable utilization. Investigating the physiological and ecological mechanisms leading to its endangerment and elucidating its genetic background constitutes the foundation for conducting in-depth research on G. littoralis.ResultsOur observations have revealed a significant degree of floral sterility in wild populations of G. littoralis. The inflorescences of G. littoralis are classified into three types: completely fertile, completely sterile, and partially fertile compound umbels. Moreover, the flowers of G. littoralis can be categorized into fertile and sterile types. Sterile flowers exhibited abnormalities in the stigma, ovary, and ovules. This study is the first to discover that the presence or absence of a giant cell at the funiculus during the initiation of ovule primordium determines whether the flower can develop normally, providing cytological evidence for female sterility in G. littoralis. Conversely, both fertile and sterile flowers produced normally developed pollen. Field observations have suggested that robust plants bear more fertile umbels, while weaker ones have fewer or even no fertile umbels, indicating a close relationship between flower fertility and plant nutritional status. Our model correctly predicted that the eastern coastal regions of China, as well as prospective areas in Neimenggu and Sichuan, are suitable environments for its cultivation. Additionally, Using flow cytometry and genome survey, we estimated the genome size of G. littoralis to be 3.06 Gb and the heterozygosity to be 4.58%.ConclusionThe observations and findings presented in this study were expected to provide valuable insights for further conserving its genetic resources and sustainable utilization of G. littoralis.

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.