Fertilizer Type Research Articles

Sub-Optimal Dryland Management: Potential for Local Food Cultivation of Dioscorea sp. (Gembili) to Mitigate Food Security in Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java

Land in Tawangsari District, Sukoharjo Regency, had a limiting factor in water availability. One of the local commodities cultivated for generations on Dryland in this region is gembili (Dioscorea sp.). However, the gembili cultivation process has not produced optimal productivity and was threatened with extinction. Therefore, gembili cultivation and dryland use need to be optimized by carrying out integrated land management. Using dryland increases local food production and sustainability as alternative food and maintains national food security. This research used data on productivity, quantity, and type of fertilizer obtained through interviews with gembili farmers and secondary data on soil types obtained from BPP Tawangsari District, Sukoharjo Regency. The results showed that grumusol and lithosol had no significant effect (p >0.05) on gembili productivity. The results of average productivity were sequentially from grumusol and lithosol (6.1 tons.ha-1 and 7.1 tons.ha-1). Meanwhile, the use of organic fertilizer is 8.06% higher than organic fertilizer + inorganic fertilizer. The results of the multiple regression test for organic fertilizer had a significant effect (p< 0.05) on the productivity of Dioscorea sp..

Trade-Off Strategy for Usage of Phosphorus Fertilizer in Calcareous Soil-Grown Winter Wheat: Yield, Phosphorus Use Efficiency, and Zinc Nutrition Response

Although phosphorus (P) fertilizer application is widely used to improve production, irrational P application has a negative impact on the zinc (Zn) nutrition of cereal crops. Previous researchers observed and confirmed that P application decreases grain Zn concentrations and bioavailability in cereal crops. However, it remains unclear whether different P fertilizer types can alleviate the antagonism of P and Zn in the soil and grain and, thus, enhance the Zn nutritional level of cereal crops while maintaining production. Thus, a completely randomized pot experiment was conducted on winter wheat grown in two calcareous soils (lime concretion black soil and fluvo-aquic soil). Five P fertilizer types (single superphosphate, diammonium phosphate, fused calcium–magnesium phosphate, triple superphosphate, and ammonium polyphosphate, abbreviated, respectively, as SSP, DAP, FMP, TSP, and APP) were applied to each soil compared to no P fertilizer (CK). Plant and topsoil samples were collected during the flowering and maturity stages of winter wheat, and biomass, Zn concentrations in each organ, and grain phytic acid concentrations were analyzed. Grain yield was not affected by the application of different P fertilizer types to lime concretion black soil, while it was significantly increased by the application of TSP and APP to fluvo-aquic soil. The application of DAP and APP effectively promoted soil available Zn concentrations in both calcareous soils. In lime concretion black soil, the application of FMP significantly increased Zn remobilization to grains, while the application of DAP increased post-anthesis Zn uptake, thereby increasing grain Zn concentrations and its bioavailability. In fluvo-aquic soil, post-anthesis Zn remobilization and uptake were significantly increased by the application of TSP and APP, finally achieving higher grain Zn concentrations and Zn harvest index and effectively promoting grain Zn bioavailability. In conclusion, the rational application of DAP to wheat grown in lime concretion black soil and of TSP or APP to fluvo-aquic soil can achieve superior grain Zn nutrition quality while concurrently retaining high production and high P use efficiency, reducing micronutrient deficiency and further contributing to green agricultural development and human health.

Effects of Organic Matter Addition on Soil Carbon Contents, CO2 Emissions, and Bacterial Compositions in a Paddy Field in South China

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) contents and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in paddy soil fields can result in positive impacts on climate change mitigation and soil quality. However, SOC accumulation and its microbial driving factors under enhanced fertilization strategies (e.g., organic matter application) are still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of organic matter addition on SOC variations, CO2 fluxes, and their relationships with soil bacterial compositions and functions through a 6-year fertilizer experiment in rice fields involving two fertilization types, namely chemical fertilizer (NPK) and chemical fertilizer combined with organic matter (NPK+OM). The results showed significantly higher and lower SOC contents (p < 0.05) in the 10–20 cm soil layer under the NPK+OM treatment before rice transplanting and after rice harvest, respectively, than those under the NPK treatment. The lower SOC contents after rice harvest might be due to the great nutrient consumption, resulting in higher rice yields in the NPK+OM than those in the NPK treatment by 6.68 to 32.35%. Compared with NPK, NPK+OM reduced the in-situ CO2 fluxes by 38.70–118.59%. However, the ex-situ SOC mineralization rates were not affected by NPK+OM in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil layers. The 16S rRNA sequence indicated a significant increase in the abundance of non-singleton amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the NPK+OM treatment scenario compared to those in the NPK treatment scenario. The top three most important soil bacterial phylum influenced by NPK+OM were LCP-89, BRC1, and Rokubacteria in April, as well as Firmicutes, Nitrospinae, and BRC1 in July. Soil Actinobacteria was negatively correlated with the SOC contents in April and July. The results of the present study demonstrate the economic and ecological benefits of the organic matter addition in rice production, as well as the contribution of soil bacteria to SOC accumulation and CO2 emission reduction.

Effects and regulation Mechanisms of Phosphorus Fertilizer on Soil Carbon Cycle

This paper reviews the effects and regulation mechanisms of phosphorus fertilizer on soil carbon cycle, which is an important process for soil fertility, productivity, and climate change and introduces the background, significance, main pathways, mechanisms, influencing factors, research progress and challenges. The paper shows that phosphorus fertilizer can affect soil carbon cycle through various pathways, such as affecting plant productivity and carbon allocation, soil organic matter decomposition and mineralization, soil microbial community and function, and soil aggregate formation and stability. The paper also shows that the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on soil carbon cycle are influenced by many factors, such as the type, amount, application method and time of phosphorus fertilizer, and the soil type, climate condition, vegetation type and management measures. The paper concludes that the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on soil carbon cycle are both positive and negative, direct and indirect, short-term and long-term, local and global, forming a complex impact network. The paper suggests that more research is needed to clarify the mechanisms, interactions and feedbacks of the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on soil carbon cycle, and to develop effective models and indicators to evaluate and predict the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on soil carbon cycle. The paper also suggests that rational application of phosphorus fertilizer and scientific management of soil carbon cycle are important for improving crop phosphorus use efficiency, reducing excessive application of phosphorus fertilizer, protecting water resources and soil quality, and mitigating climate change.

Annual consumption and types of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers: Ammonia emission indicators for mitigation strategies in the European Union

Anthropogenic ammonia (NH3) emissions are primarily derived from agricultural activities. NH3 emissions from synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers are associated with the annual consumption of various N fertilizers. In this study, the annual consumption of different types of synthetic N fertilizers in the EU countries, derived from the database of the International Fertilizer Association, was analyzed, and the implementation of mitigation measures for NH3 emissions at the national level was assessed. NH3 emissions were estimated using the emission factors of different N fertilizers in cool, temperate and hot climates, and low- and high-pH soils, as the European Environment Agency proposed. The results revealed that the annual consumption of various synthetic N fertilizers (average values from 2016 to 2020) varied markedly in different EU countries. France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom had the largest annual consumption of synthetic N fertilizers. NH3 emissions from urea-based fertilizers are the highest in most EU countries. The annual NH3 emissions were associated with the type of synthetic N fertilizer consumed. For example, although the annual synthetic N fertilizer consumption in Germany was 38% and 41.5% higher than those in Spain and Italy, the annual NH3 emissions in Germany were 63% and 20% lower than those in Spain and Italy, respectively, due to the high proportion of urea-based fertilizers with the highest emission factor among the synthetic N fertilizers in Spain and Italy. Thus, mitigation strategies should be tailored to specific types of N fertilizers with high emission factors and proportions to minimize NH3 emissions. Since the NH3 emissions from urea-based fertilizers are the highest in the EU countries, especially in the top five countries, we recommend the addition of urease inhibitors to urea fertilizers as one important strategy for mitigating NH3 emissions.

Promotion of rice seedlings growth and enhancement of cadmium immobilization under cadmium stress with two types of organic fertilizer

Cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil poses a severe threat to crop production and human health, while also resulting in a waste of land resources. In this study, two types of organic fertilizer (ZCK: Low-content available iron; Z2: High-content available iron) were applied to Cd-contaminated soil for rice cultivation, and the effects of the fertilizer on rice growth and Cd passivation were investigated in conjunction with soil microbial analysis. Results showed that Z2 could alter the composition, structure, and diversity of microbial communities, as well as enhance the complexity and stability of the microbial network. Both 2% and 5% Z2 significantly increased the fresh weight and dry weight of rice plants while suppressing Cd absorption. The 2% Z2 exhibited the best Cd passivation effect. Gene predictions suggested that Z2 may promote plant growth by regulating microbial production of organic acids that dissolve phosphorus and potassium. Furthermore, it is suggested that Z2 may facilitate the absorption and immobilization of soil cadmium through the regulation of microbial cadmium efflux and uptake systems, as well as via the secretion of extracellular polysaccharides. In summary, Z2 can promote rice growth, suppress Cd absorption by rice, and passivate soil Cd by regulating soil microbial communities.

Organic fertilizer type and dose affect growth, morphological and physiological parameters, and mineral nutrition of watermelon seedlings.

Organic agriculture has grown rapidly in recent years due to its environmental friendliness, sustainability, and improved farm profitability. Transplants are commonly used for fruits and vegetables to achieve consistent quality, uniformity, and easy field spacing control. The efficacy and optimal amounts of fertilizers for organic transplant production need to be investigated. The effects of three organic fertilizers (Sustane 4-6-4, Nature Safe 7-7-7, and Dramatic 2-4-1) and one conventional fertilizer Peters Professional 20-20-20 (Conventional) with four doses (nitrogen (N) content was matched among fertilizers in each level, as 0.14 g/L, 0.28 g/L, 0.56 g/L, and 0.84 g/L N, respectively) on watermelon seedlings were compared in this study. The results showed that all organic fertilizer treatments were not significantly different from the Conventional group in terms of watermelon germination. The only exception was the highest dose of Sustane 4-6-4 (0.84 g/L N) which decreased the germination rate and relative emergence index. Generally, growth index, shoot fresh and dry weights, true leaf number, and stem diameter increased as the amount of N increased within each fertilizer type. The best shoot growth was observed in the highest doses of Conventional and Dramatic 2-4-1 treatments (0.84 g/L N). However, Dramatic 2-4-1 treatments resulted in the lowest root growth when compared to other fertilizers at the same N dose. The second highest fertilization dose (0.56 g/L N) of Sustane 4-6-4 had the best root growth according to root fresh weight, root volume, root area, total root length, as well as the numbers of root tip and crossing when compared to other treatments. For seedlings, a well-developed root system can ensure a good seedling establishment and high survival rate under stressful field conditions after transplanting. Thus, Sustane 4-6-4 at 14 g/L (0.56 g/L N) is recommended to produce high-quality organic watermelon seedlings among the treatments applied in this study.

Theoretical study of the working body of a centrifugal type mixing plant

Relevance. The use of fertilizers in the agro-industrial complex is an important means to ensure sustainable development, food and environmental security. The scientific application of various types of fertilizers can reduce the negative impact on natural ecosystems, as well as optimize the use of resources and take into account the individual needs of each plant. Due to the balanced composition and biological modification by chelate complexes, fertilizer mixture has increased biological efficiency and stimulate plant growth. At the same time, there is an urgent task of obtaining mixtures that have a high degree of uniformity. In this connection, the requirements for the mixing equipment are very high, since the structural and kinematic parameters are the most important factors affecting the stability of the mixing process and the uniformity of the final mixture.Methods. Based on the analysis of existing mixing plants, the authors proposed the concept of a centrifugal type mixing plant with a working body in the form of a conical surface. In the course of the research, the processes occurring during the operation of the working body, the proposed centrifugal mixer, were studied using methods of mathematical analysis, graphical and mathematical modelling.Results. As a result of the research, it was found that the greatest influence on the change in the absolute velocity of the granules is exerted by the circumferential velocity of the granules, which is largely determined by the rotation frequency and parameters of the conical surface. In turn, it was found that over time, the angle between the direction of the absolute velocity of the fertilizer granules and the forming conical surface tends to the direction of the circumferential velocity, while with increasing rotation frequency, this indicator changes more rapidly.

Nitrogen fertilizer source, rate, placement, and application timing effect on sorghum (grain and forage) and corn grain yields

AbstractIdentifying the limiting nutrient, fertilizer source, rate, placement, additives, and timing of application are critical components of fertilizer management. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizer source, rate, placement method, additives, application timing, and environment on yields of grain sorghum, forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and corn (for grain, Zea mays L.). Independent field experiments were conducted at 13 different environments in Kansas from 2008 through 2013 on grain sorghum, forage sorghum, and corn. Treatments were an incomplete factorial combination of four fertilizer placement methods, three fertilizer types, five fertilizer additives, three fertilizer application times, and six fertilizer rates that varied by location and across years. Results showed grain and forage sorghum yields responded to N fertilizer in environments that were not extremely dry (<136 mm) or wet (>651 mm). Corn responded to N fertilizer application only in high‐precipitation environments. For grain sorghum, where rate × placement × source × additive interaction was significant, broadcast application of urea (source) at high rates (67–134 kg N ha−1), with summer application timing, or with additive in winter (with environmentally smart nitrogen [ESN]) resulted in up to 43% greater yield compared with application of urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN; source) and surface band (placement) at 67 kg ha−1 without additives. In the one site‐year where forage sorghum responded to fertilizer application, forage yields with preplant application of UAN at 56–140 kg ha−1 were 164% greater than the control. For corn, application of either urea or UAN fertilizer, UAN in coulter or surface band, with ESN blend, applied at planting, and at highest rates (160 kg ha−1) resulted in best yields compared with the alternatives and 110% greater yield compared with the unfertilized control. We concluded that fertilizer rate is an important management component as it consistently affected yield regardless of crop considered. Fertilizer placement and timing have crop‐specific importance as they were significant for only corn, but the main effect of additives (N stabilizers) was not significant for any of the crops. Environment and crop type influenced crop response to N fertilizer rate, timing, placement, and additives.

Effect of fertilization on emitter clogging in drip irrigation using high sediment water: Perspective of sediment discharge capacity

Emitter clogging is a major issue that restricts drip irrigation technology with high-sediment loaded water. Traditional anti-clogging method using water filtration is not only costly but also consumes an excessive amount of energy. This study provided a new anti-clogging method for drip irrigation systems by directly desilting sediment from the emitter flow channel. The emitter SDC was assessed using three types of fertilizers [Urea (UN), ammonium poly-phosphate (APP), and mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP)] and a control group (CK, no fertilizer). The results showed that most sediment can be discharged through the emitter flow channel. Nitrogen fertilizer applications significantly affected (P<0.05) the emitter SDC. Both APP and MAP significantly reduced the emitter SDC, causing an average decrease of 0.61μm-1.21μm in the control threshold for particle size μ0 and 0.55%−1.67% in the sediment discharge rate (φe), while the sediment deposition and discharge ratio (φ) increased by 0.004%−0.040% on average. However, UN application effectively increased the emitter SDC, with an increase of 0.45μm-0.53μm in the control threshold for particle size μ0, 0.70%−5.99% in φe, while the sediment deposition and discharge ratio (φ) decreased by 0.002%−0.003%. The relative average flow rate (Dra) among different fertilizer treatments demonstrated DraUN＞DraCK＞DraMAP＞DraAPP. The findings suggested that the emitter SDC can be improved by using suitable fertilizer type. This study clarified the effect of fertilizer on the sediment discharge capacity of emitter, with implications for the management of high-sediment loaded water in irrigation.

Effects of Biochar-Coated Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Yield and Quality of Bok Choy and on Soil Nutrients

This study was aimed at problems associated with low fertilizer using efficiency, excessive nitrate content of vegetables, and soil degradation in greenhouse vegetable production. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the effects of applying biochar-coated nitrogen fertilizer (BCNF) on the yield, quality, and nitrate content of bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) as well as on soil nutrients in greenhouses. Four treatments were set up as follows: no nitrogen fertilizer application (BA), chemical nitrogen fertilizer application (CK), biochar-coated nitrogen fertilizer application (BCNF, the amount of nitrogen was equal to that of chemical fertilizer), and reduced biochar-coated nitrogen fertilizer application (D-BCNF, the amount of fertilizer was 80% of BCNF). Compared with the other treatments, BCNF treatment increased chlorophyll content, plant height, maximum leaf length, maximum leaf width, and other biological characters of bok choy. Compared with CK treatment, BCNF treatment increased the fresh weight of bok choy by 14.02%, while reducing the root–shoot ratio and nitrate content by 19.1% and 46%, respectively. It was further found that the application of BCNF could effectively increase the content of soil organic matter; reduce the leaching loss of nitrate nitrogen, exchangeable calcium and magnesium; and effectively improve nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, the application of BCNF can not only reduce the loss of fertilizer nutrients, promote plant growth, and improve fertilizer utilization, but it can also improve soil nutrients, fix carbon, and reduce emissions. It is a new type of environmental protection fertilizer with application prospects.

Intensitas Aplikasi PSB (Photosynthetic Bacteria) dan Pemberian Pupuk Daun pada Tanaman Buncis (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Beans are a type of legume that has important nutritional value for healt and has the potential to be developed, both in the lowlands and highlands. Beans contain 2.4 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 7.7 g carbohydrates, as a source of calories and 6.5 g calcium, 4.4 g phosphorus, 1.1 g iron, 630 mg vitamin A, vitamins B1 0.08 mg, vitamin B2 0.01, vitamin B3 0.7 mg, vitamin C 1.90 mg, calories 35 cal and water content 89 grams which greatly affect the quality of public health (Waluyo and Djuriah, 2013). This research was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022, in Pancakarya Village, Ajung District, Jember Regency, East Java. This study used a factorial pattern consisting of two factors with three replications in a randomized block design (RAK). The first factor is type of fertilizer (P) which consists of no fertilizer (P0), NPK fertilizer (P1), and complete fertilizer (P2). The second factor is intensity (I), which consists of PSB once a week (I1) and PSB twice a week (I2). The combination of fertilization consists of PSB Bacterial Culture + NPK Fertilizer and a combination of PSB Bacterial Culture + Complete Fertilizer. The collected data were analyzed by means of variance (Anova), if significantly different, then followed by BNT’s test of 5%. The result showed that the type of fertilizer (P) dan Intensity (I) treatments on the appearance of flowers, number of branches, and fruit weight.

Comparative Study of Soil Nutrients in Selected Paddy Lands in Wet Zone Treated with Organic and Chemical Fertilizers

In Sri Lanka, paddy consumes the most significant part of chemical fertilizers and accounts for approximately 50 percent of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. With the immediate banning of inorganic fertilizers, there was a huge argument between the government and the farmers about organic farming. Since the soil fertility change takes a long time, the impact of long-term application of the same fertilizer should be assessed. Field experiments were conducted in six selected paddy fields in wet zone considering fertilizer type and rice variety. Total 30 samples from each site were collected and soil initial nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) potassium (K), Organic C, and composition of used fertilizers were analyzed. Nutrient status compared using critical, optimum ranges, and general management practices are discussed. This study revealed that the total N level in all the sites varies near the critical level and is inadequate to produce expected yields. Soil organic C (3.8-6.7%) and N (0.06-0.2%) levels in organic sites were higher than the chemical sites (0.09-0.19N%, 1.4-2.1C%). Phosphorus level is below the critical level (0.9-8.4 mg/kg) in organic sites, and varies from medium to high (7.5-27.0 mg/kg) in chemical sites. The sites using chemical fertilizers showed excessive K (395-480 mg/kg), and organic sites were below the optimum range (82-92 mg/kg). According to the fertilizer analysis, organic fertilizers are rich in organic C (40-90 g/kg), while organic C is absent (0%) in chemical fertilizers. All the other nutrient amounts are very low (N:0.7-19.3 g/kg, P:0.06-0.8 g/kg, K:33.2-15.4 mg/kg) in organic fertilizers, and the composition is unstable. Chemical fertilizers have an exact composition of nutrients and can easily be applied at the particular growth stage of the plant which is beneficial. An external supply of essential soil nutrient through organic or chemical fertilizer sources is required to produce expected yields. Regular and continuous monitoring of soil quality, pre-nutrient assessment of organic fertilizers, site-specific fertilization, and proper agronomic practices are highly recommended. These results will be beneficial in selecting or manufacturing suitable fertilizer type/types for paddy cultivation, including bio-fertilizers. &#x0D; Keywords: Organic fertilizers, Status of soil nutrients, Soil fertility, Rice varieties

Exploring the influence of supplemental potassium fertilizer types and rates on garlic quality and yield

Exploring the influence of supplemental potassium fertilizer types and rates on garlic quality and yield

Performance Evaluation of Four Novel Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Accessions to Different Fertilizer Types in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

The investigation was carried out on the effects of fertilizer and cassava variety on agronomic characteristics, yield, and disease incidence of four improved cassava accessions. The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. It was a 4 × 3 factorial experiment with treatments laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Fertilizer types were NPK 15:15:15 at a rate of 400 kg/ha, poultry manure (PM) at a rate of 50 tons/ha and no application as control. The cassava accessions were TMS539, TMS092, TMS371 and TMS412, obtained from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Stems were cut to about 15cm and planted at a spacing of 0.5m apart. The parameters measured were the number of root tubers, total number of rot tubers, weight of tuber (kg), stem girth (cm), node per stand, branching interval, internode spacing (cm), number of branching, plant height (cm), age at branching, disease incidence. Normal agronomic practices were carried out. Results showed that all varieties responded to the application of inorganic and organic fertilizers. Cassava plants that did not receive any fertilizer application (no application) gave the highest number of root tubers (29.7) from TMS412, and the least was from TMS092. The result also showed that there was no significant difference in the effects of fertilizer type on diseases. Results also showed that there was a significant interactive effect of cassava varieties and fertilizer type on branching interval (7.009), Internode spacing (0.6195), number of branching (0.2822), and plant height (17.02) at six months after planting. From the investigation, it could be recommended that for farmers to obtain greater yields with little or no fertilizer application, these cassava accessions should be used, which are characterized by high yield and resistance to disease and pests, as shown from this research.

Effects of Liquid Fertilizers on Growth Performances of Ipomoea aquatica in Coir-Based Growing Media

In the process of crop management, fertilization must be practiced in an appropriate way to maintain the sustainability. Hence, the right type of fertilizer and the correct mode of application is crucial. The source and the physical nature of the fertilizer is having a significant effect on the performance of plants. In that context, liquid fertilizers are generally a convenient and effective way to enhance the nutrients availability. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of several liquid fertilizers on the growth performance of the popular leafy vegetable Ipomoea aquatica. Plants were established in coir grow blocks and treated with five different commonly known and available liquid fertilizers namely, Albert’s solution (T1), Compost tea (T2), Vermiwash (T3), Sanstha liquid fertilizer (T4) and Gliricidia leaf extract (T5) once a week by applying a constant volume of 100 mL. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) inside a semi protected plant house. The growth parameters of the plants (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight) were recorded up to 60 days. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical comparisons. According to the results all the parameters denoted significant differences among the treatments (P&lt;0.05), except for chlorophyll content. However, T1 denoted the highest mean values for the vegetative parameters including, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight while T3 (Vermiwash) reported the second highest values for the respective parameters. Regarding the chlorophyll content the highest mean value was recorded by T2 (Compost tea) followed by T5 (Gliricidia leaf extract). The results of the present study indicated that liquid fertilizers can be used effectively for the production of I. aquatica in coir-based media. It suggested Albert’s solution and vermiwash as high potential liquid fertilizers while vermiwash can be recognized as a nutrient supplement for organic production of Ipomoea aquatica in coir-based media.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Compost tea, Ipomoea aquatica, Liquid fertilizer, Vermiwash&#x0D;

Use of anaerobic digestate to substitute inorganic fertilisers for more sustainable nitrogen cycling

Fertiliser applications significantly contribute to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. While crop yields and quality depend on the type and amount of chemical fertiliser supplied, there are limitations to fertiliser use, as continuous application of inorganic fertilisers can negatively affect soil fertility and result in mineral leaching. Organic fertiliser produced by Anaerobic Digestion (AD) of sewage waste (AD digestate) has been proposed as a substitute for chemical fertilisers. To investigate the potential for the use of AD digestate in pasture systems, grassland field trials were conducted on three independent farm enterprises in Ireland. AD digestate and chemical fertilisers were applied separately or in various combinations and the effects on soil mineral content, grass yield and quality compared. The analyses revealed significant improvement of soil nitrification activity along with improved fodder yield and quality. In particular, digestate application increased crude protein content of fodder by up to 22.8 % compared to fodder from plots without digestate application, that had up to 14.8% crude protein. The increase could be attributed to the white clover percentage increase from 2% (no AD digestate) to up to 31% on plots where AD digestate was applied. Strikingly, grass yields were 1.5-2-fold higher than the five-year national average (of 59.7 ± 4 kg DM/ha/day) on the plots where AD digestate was applied, either alone or in combination with chemical fertilisers. The results of this study highlight the potential of AD digestate application as a more sustainable alternative to inorganic fertilisers in grass-based pasture systems.

Rooted in Nature: The Rise, Challenges, and Potential of Organic Farming and Fertilizers in Agroecosystems

Organic farming, which is deeply rooted in traditional agricultural practices, has witnessed a profound evolution over the last century. Transitioning from a grassroots initiative resisting the industrialization of agriculture to a global industry, organic farming now plays a pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges related to environmental health, sustainability, and food safety. Despite the growing consumer demand for organic products and market access, organic farming has its challenges. This paper discusses the origin and evolution of organic farming with an emphasis on different types of organic fertilizers, benefits, and challenges. Nutrient variability and the slow-release nature of organic fertilizer often do not meet crop demands and can substantially reduce yield. Some organic fertilizers, like manure and biosolids, can provide a higher yield benefit, but there are environmental and health risks associated with them. Weed and pest management in organic farming can be labor-intensive and increase costs. Inefficient planning of organic farming and rapid transition can also create food insecurity. This paper also gives a brief account of the current certification process for organic fertilizers and their technicalities. It showcases how the holistic approach of organic farming extends beyond production, including strategies like reducing food waste and building self-sufficient farming communities. These practices contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system, reducing environmental impacts and supporting local economies. Future technological innovations, especially in precision agriculture and bio-physicochemical models, can help in formulating targeted organic fertilizers.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Rural Areas of Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Review

In Asia, Afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with frequent droughts and floods. The agricultural sector, drinking water, health, food security, hunger, and soil quality and organic matter are all negatively affected by climate change. Examining how farms are responding to variations in precipitation and temperature and the effects of climate change are the primary goals of present paper. According to recent studies, Afghani farmers use a range of adaptation techniques to cope with the impacts of climate change. These techniques include altering the type of fertilizers used, crop variety, pesticides, quality of seeds, water conservation, diversifying their farms, planting shade trees, using different methods of irrigation, moving permanently or temporarily, and selling resources. Additionally, studies conducted in the literature revealed that farmers in wetland areas felt less variation in the climate than those in dry areas. In this review, we have found severe influences of climate change on agriculture, poverty and health conditions in rural areas of Afghanistan, therefore it is important for the responsible authorities to take immediate action for climate change adaptation to overcome the severe impacts of climate change in rural areas of Afghanistan.

Sheep manure and sewage sludge boost biofortification of barley and restricts heavy metal accumulation in plant tissues

In recent centuries, micronutrient deficiencies are considered a major challenge for human health. Biofortification of principal crops has been broadly accepted as a sustainable scenario to overcome this limitation. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized factorial design with three replications during the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 growing seasons. Four fertilizers and two doses of humic acid were used in the experiment. Analysis of variance indicated that humic acid, fertilizer type, and growing season caused statistically significant differences in macro and micronutrient content and heavy metal concentrations of shoot and seed in plants. Results also denoted that organic material amendment improved macro and micronutrient content of barley plants compared with IF in which SS treatment increased Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Ni concentrations in shoot/seed while SM treatment enhanced N, P, and K concentration of plants. Moreover, IF-treated plants increased heavy metal accumulation in shoot and seed tissues whereas organic amendments reduced heavy metal uptake such that the lowest Pb and Cd were determined in SM-treated plants, and the lowest Ni content was measured in W-treated samples. HA application promoted Zn, Mg, and Cu accumulation in plants, however, individual or combined with fertilizers reduced other micro and macronutrient uptake. In conclusion, the amendment of 40 tons ha−1 of sheep manure and sewage sludge is an improving and beneficial practice in barley cultivation for the biofortification of crops. However, HA treatment did not form a meaningful whole in the experiment but promoted Zn, Mg, and Cu concentrations in plant tissues.