Use Of Fertilizers Research Articles

Optimization of the removal efficiency of three biodegradable chelating agents for soil cadmium

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the release of cadmium-containing pollutants into the environment from mining, industrial emissions, wastewater irrigation and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This leads to the degradation of soil quality and poses a threat to human health. Chemical leaching remediation technology is an effective method for controlling Cd contamination in soil. However, the leaching agent has a low removal efficiency of heavy metals. In order to find more suitable environmentally friendly new leaching agents, this study investigates the effects of three biodegradable chelating agents PMAS, EDTMPS and GLDA on the removal of heavy metal Cd in soil in the single factor soil leaching experiment. The concentration of the chelating agents, the leaching time and the pH of the leaching solution were varied to study their effects. The Box-Behnken (BBD) effect based on RSM was used to design the experimental conditions to optimize the leaching process of three biodegradable chelating agents. The optimum conditions for Cd removal by PMAS, EDTMPS and GLDA were obtained as follows: concentration 7 %, pH = 3.61, reaction time 180 min; concentration 4.94 %, pH = 3.0, reaction time 180 min; and concentration 4.96 %, pH = 3.0, reaction time 180 min. The validation test results showed that the deviation from the experimental value is less than 3 % under the theoretically optimal washing conditions, confirming the reliability and accuracy of the response surface methodology optimization process, which provides a reference for the development of efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost leaching agents.

Evaluation of NPK, Nitrogen (N)-Phosphorus (P)-Potassium (K), fertilizer to escalate Tetraselmis sp. production

Abstract Culture of Tetraselmis sp. requires Conway medium fertilizer with a complete and appropriate composition to support its growth. However, Conway fertilizer is quite expensive to be afford by farmer. One alternative fertilizer that can be used is commercial NPK fertilizer which is relatively cheap and easy to be obtained. NPK fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium which are useful for the growth of plankton, including Tetraselmis sp. This research aimed to evaluate the production performance of Tetraselmis sp. using NPK fertilizer at semi-scale mass level. This study used a completely randomized design with three replications and three experiments (A = Conway as control, B = commercial NPK fertilizer with a ratio of N 16%, P 16%, K 16%, and C = commercial NPK fertilizer with an N content ratio of 6 %, P 20%, K 30%). The parameters of this study were population density, cell size, and nutritional content of Tetraselmis sp. The results showed that the peak population density and cell diameter did not differ in each treatment, although treatment C had the highest density (3.63±1.22 × 106 cells/ml). Protein content had values that were not significantly different (21.93–23.16%). The highest fat value was owned by treatment (6.8%). The research results showed that the use of NPK fertilizer in semi-scale mass cultures of Tetraselmis sp produced density, cell size and nutritional protein content that were not significantly different from Conway fertilizer. It is indicated that NPK fertilizer could be used as media of Tetraselmis sp. due to its cheap price and same performance.

A fungal endophyte increases plant resilience to low nutrient availabilities: a case of Fe acquisition in legumes.

Microbial inocula are considered a promising and effective alternative solution to the use of chemical fertilizers to support plant growth and productivity since they play a key role in the availability and uptake of nutrients. Here, the effect of a beneficial of a fungal root endophyte, Fusarium solani strain K (FsK), on nutrient acquisition efficiency of the legume Lotus japonicus was studied, and putative mode-of-action of the endophyte at a molecular level was determined. Plant colonization with the endophyte resulted in increased shoot and root fresh weight under Fe deficiency compared to control nutrient conditions. Plant inoculation with FsK was associated with a significant increase in macro- and micronutrient concentration in leaves at an early stage of endophyte inoculation and a replenishment of Fe content under prolonged iron starvation. The mechanistic basis of the plant growth promotion capabilities of the endophyte is exerted at the transcriptional level since we recorded changes in the expression levels of genes related to iron uptake in FsK-colonized plants under stress conditions compared to uninoculated plants. In addition, the observed changes in the ethylene biosynthesis-related genes suggest a possible implication of ethylene in the mode of action used by FsK to enhance plant response to nutrient stress conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that the endophyte possesses a reductive high-affinity Fe uptake system and identified a ferric reductase that was induced in planta under Fe deficiency conditions, indicating that this fungal Fe homeostasis mechanism may result in a benefit in nutrient acquisition for the plant as well.

Фотосинтетическая деятельность козлятника восточного при применении стимуляторов роста

In the feed production system of the Lower Volga region, more than 60% of forage crops are located on irrigated lands. Only these lands can be considered a guaranteed source of sustainable food supply. More than 80% of feed from their gross production is harvested from irrigated lands, therefore, studies on the dependence of the feed value of the eastern goat from leafy top dressing are certainly relevant. The aim of the research was to increase the efficiency of cultivation of the Eastern goat in the conditions of the Lower Volga region by improving the use of mineral fertilizers. Experiments to study the dependence of the productivity of goat husk in the form of green mass on treatments with growth stimulants were conducted from 2016 to 2023 on the irrigated site of the Prigorodnoye SEC of the Svetloyarsky district of the Volgograd region on light chestnut soils with irrigation regime 70...85...70 % NV sprinkler machine "Valey". The article presents research materials on the cultivation of Oriental goat on light chestnut soils of the Lower Volga region. The largest area of the leaf surface of the eastern goat in the experiment, on average, over seven years of use, was established in the Jubilee variety on the variant of using the growth stimulator Mival-Agro and was equal to 49.3 thousand m2/ha. The maximum photosynthetic potential of the oriental goat was established in the Jubilee variety on the variant of using the growth stimulator Mival-Agro and was equal to 9.71 million m2 x day/ha. In the Kazbek variety, the net photosynthesis productivity (NPF) ranged from 1.79 g/m2 day in the Megamix-Pro growth stimulator variant to 1.88 g/m2 day in the control variant without the use of growth stimulants. The net photosynthesis productivity of the Krivich variety was 0.10-0.30 g/m2 day more than that of the Kazbek variety, the same, or 0.28 g/m2 day more than that of the Jubilee variety and ranged from 1.89 g/m2 day on the variant of the Megamix-Pro growth stimulator to 1.90 g/m2 a day on the option of using the growth stimulant Mival-Agro and on the option without the use of growth stimulants.

Efecto antrópico en propiedades del suelo en sistemas de producción agrícola en la granja Santa Inés

Soil is the main element for the health of agroecosystems; however, agricultural activities have altered the properties of the soil, affecting the quality of the non-renewable natural resource. The objective of the work was to determine the anthropogenic effect of agricultural management on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil in production systems of the Santa Inés farm. For this, permanent sampling points were randomly selected in five agroecosystems (cocoa, banana, corn, pastures, and forest) belonging to the Santa Inés farm. The anthropogenic effect in agriculture has significantly transformed the properties of the soil, caused by the intensive use of agricultural tillage, fertilizers, and pesticides which have caused notable changes in apparent density, porosity, sand content, clay, and nutrients. The modifications that occurred in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the Inceptisol soil reflect the direct influence of agricultural practices on soil degradation and its ability to maintain sustainable crops.

Листовые подкормки при возделывании козлятника восточного на орошении

To strengthen the fodder base of animal husbandry in the Lower Volga region, first of all, it is necessary to expand the range of fodder crops and varieties, to optimize their nutritional regime, to create optimal conditions for their cultivation, in other words, to ensure the production of a large amount of valuable fodder in a relatively limited area, in this regard, the improvement of cultivation technology of eastern goatgrass is relevant. The purpose of the research was to increase the efficiency of cultivation of oriental goatgrass in the Lower Volga region through the use of mineral fertilizers and growth stimulants. Experiments to study the dependence of productivity of oriental goatgrass in the form of green mass on leaf fertilization with water-soluble mineral fertilizers were conducted from 2016 to 2023 on an irrigated plot with irrigation regime of 70...85...70 % NV by sprinkler machine “Valey”. In the experiment in 2017, varieties of oriental goatgrass Krivich, Yubilyar, Kazbek were sown. The general background before sowing was applied mineral fertilizers in the form of azofosk at a dose of N24P24K24. In each cutting in the phase of active growth of plants were fertilized with potassium monophosphate with and without a sticking agent at the rate of 0.5 kg/ha for one fertilizer. On average for seven years, the largest leaf area - 43.7 thousand m2/ha and photosynthetic potential - 7.87 million m2 x dn./ha of oriental goatgrass in the experiment were in the variety Jubilar in the variant of potassium monophosphate with a sticking agent. On average for seven years, the largest leaf area - 43.7 thousand m2/ha and photosynthetic potential - 7.87 million m2 x dn/ha of oriental goatgrass in the experiment were in the variety Jubilar in the variant of potassium monophosphate with a sticking agent. Also on this variant the maximum yield of green mass - 92.7 t/ha, dry matter content - 23.2 t/ha, fodder units - 20.4 t/ha and exchangeable energy - 1.62 GJ/ha were observed.

Продуктивность подсолнечника в зависимости от основной обработки почвы и агрохимикатов

In modern conditions the most effective way to increase the gross production of sunflower oilseeds is the selection of the most productive hybrids and realisation of their potential productivity by improving sunflower cultivation technology for specific soil and climatic conditions of the zone. Therefore, this topic is certainly relevant. Field experience was conducted on the experimental field of LLC ‘Kolos’ Mikhailovsky district of Volgograd region in 2020-2023. The main purpose of the research was to determine the optimal methods of basic cultivation, as well as a comprehensive assessment of the productivity of sunflower hybrids for the subzone of dark chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. On average for 2021-2023 years, the lowest photosynthetic potential of sunflower Suzuka was formed on the variant of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m without the use of leaf fertilisers with microfertilisers and was equal to 1062 thousand m2 day/ha. The lowest photosynthetic potential of sunflower Suzuka was formed on the variant of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m without the application of leaf fertilisers with microfertilisers and was equal to 1062 thousand m2 day/ha. The highest photosynthetic potential of 1755 thousand m2 day/ha was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of fertiliser Fulvigrain. The lowest biological yield on average for 2021-2023 years was formed on the variant of shallow disc cultivation without application of leaf fertiliser and was 2.04 t/ha. The highest biological yield was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of fertiliser Fulvigrain and was 3.02 t/ha.The lowest economic yield on average for 2021-2023 years was formed on the variant of shallow disc cultivation without application of leaf fertiliser and was 1.94 t/ha.On the variant with application of fertiliser Aidamin economic yield was 0.13 t/ha higher.In the variant with application of Fulvigrain fertiliser the economic yield was 0.21 t/ha more compared to the control variant.On variants of flat-cutting tillage at a depth of 0.25-0.27 m economic yield in comparison with variants on the background of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m was 0.48-0.63 t/ha more.The highest economic yield was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of Fulvigrain fertiliser and was 2.88 t/ha.

Potensi precision farming dalam penerapan prinsip reduce untuk mengurangi limbah sumber daya pertanian

Background: The increase in agricultural production is often accompanied by excessive use of chemical inputs, contributing to environmental pollution. Precision farming is a modern approach that can address this challenge by optimizing input use through advanced technology. This paper explores the application of the reduce principle in precision farming to support efficient use of fertilizers and other resources. Method: The method used is a literature review of various published studies related to precision farming and agricultural land management. Findings: The application of the reduce principle in fertilization activities with precision farming can reduce fertilizer waste by up to 50%, increase land productivity by 10%, and minimize harmful environmental effects, such as groundwater pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Precision farming also improves irrigation efficiency through precision irrigation technology. Conclusion: This study confirms that applying precision farming with a focus on the reduce principle not only supports sustainable agriculture but also provides economic benefits for farmers by reducing production costs. Innovations in precision farming technology, such as the integration of AI-based sensors and IoT, further enhance potential efficiencies in the future. Novelty/Originality of this article: Emphasizing the use of the reduce principle in precision farming as a primary strategy to achieve more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture aligns with the goals outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for responsible production.

Assessing production, processing and utilization of sorghum in West Pokot County, Kenya

Sorghum is one of the most important and under-utilized cereal crops in the Arid and Semi-Arid land (ASAL) regions of Kenya. The crop is grown in drought-prone marginal agricultural areas of Western Central and Eastern and coastal regions of Kenya. The diverse biotic and abiotic constraints including climate changes reduce sorghum productivity. Sorghum technology generators continue promoting suitable management practices and innovations to cushion and improve the resilience of smallholder farmers against the adverse effects of climate change. These interventions contribute to the attainment of not only household and national food security but also enhance incomes. Despite the increasing sorghum production and utilization in West Pokot County, there is limited knowledge of the status of production, processing, and utilization technologies. The aim of this study was to assess the current sorghum production, processing, utilization technology, innovations, and management practices among smallholder farmers. A household survey was undertaken using a jointly developed structured questionnaire by a multi- and inter-disciplinary team of researchers. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 599 households were randomly selected and interviewed. Data collected were on household and farm characteristics including technologies. The study revealed that compared to maize and pasture, land allocated to sorghum enterprise was relatively low ranging from 0.32 acres to 0.80 acres with an average of 0.73 acres. The adoption of various sorghum technological components was also low. Adoption of improved sorghum varieties was less than 7% while fertilizer use was less than 20%. These contribute to low crop yields of about 140kg per acre. In addition, value addition was also low. Sorghum use was limited to ugali (56%) and porridge (39%) against the diverse value-added products including bread baking. and industrial processing of pure and blended products. More farmer and stakeholders training need to be done. In order to fully upgrade the sorghum value chain; there is the need to have targeted sorghum policies focusing on a range of activities along the value chain. These interventions could be integrated into the West Pokot County Integrated Development Plan. Key words: Sorghum, Production, Marketing, Utilization, Challenges, Opportunities, West Pokot

Study on Soil Pollution Control and Land Ecological Restoration Technology

This paper discusses the present situation and development trend of soil pollution control and land ecological restoration technology. Soil pollution mainly comes from industrial emissions, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers and improper treatment of municipal garbage, which poses a threat to agriculture, human health and ecological balance. Treatment technologies include engineering remediation (such as soil replacement and water washing), physical-chemical remediation (such as solidification-stabilization, leaching, etc.), and biological remediation (using microorganisms, plants and animals). Land ecological restoration emphasizes integrity and sustainability, and adopts various methods such as plant and microbial restoration. In addition, prevention and control strategies and policy suggestions are put forward, including strengthening waste treatment standards, rational use of pesticides and fertilizers, and promoting waste classification. It is also suggested to establish a sound legal system for soil pollution prevention and control and raise public awareness of environmental protection.

Selection of Suitable Organic Amendments to Balance Agricultural Economic Benefits and Carbon Sequestration.

Long-term excessive use of fertilizers and intensive cultivation not only decreases soil organic carbon (SOC) and productivity, but also increases greenhouse gas emissions, which is detrimental to sustainable agricultural development. The purpose of this paper is to identify organic amendments suitable for winter wheat growth in the North China Plain by studying the effects of organic amendments on the economic benefits, carbon emissions, and carbon sequestration for winter wheat fields and to provide a theoretical basis for the wide application of organic amendments in agricultural fields. The two nitrogen rates were N0 (0 kg ha-1) and N240 (240 kg ha-1), and the four organic amendments were straw, manure, mushroom residue (M R), and biochar. The results showed that, compared to N0, N240 significantly increased the yield by 244.1-318.4% and the organic carbon storage by 16.7-30.5%, respectively, but increased the carbon emissions by 29.3-45.5%. In addition, soil carbon stocks increased with all three types of organic amendments compared to the straw amendment, with the biochar treatment being the largest, increasing carbon storage by 13.3-33.6%. In terms of yield and economic benefits, compared to the straw amendment, the manure and biochar amendments increased winter wheat yields by 0.0-1.5% and 4.0-13.3%, respectively, and M R slightly decreased wheat yield; only the economic benefit of the M R amendment was greater than that of the straw amendment, with an increase in economic benefit of 1.3% and 8.2% in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, respectively. Furthermore, according to the net ecosystem productivity (NEP), N0 was the source of CO2, while N240 was a sink of CO2. The TOPSIS results showed that N240 with a mushroom residue amendment could be recommended for increasing soil carbon stocks and economic benefits for winter wheat in the NCP and similar regions. Low-cost M R can increase farmer motivation and improve soil organic carbon, making a big step forward in the spread of organic materials on farmland.

Precision Nutrient Management Amid Climate Change Challenges: A Review

Increasing food demand and climate change present significant challenges to sustainable food production systems and environmental health. Nitrogen, crucial for plant metabolism and growth, also poses risks such as water pollution through nitrate leaching and the emission of nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O), a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce nitrogen fertilizer application, inefficient use persists. Precision agriculture emphasizes optimizing nitrogen application to mitigate climate change and enhance productivity, sustainability, profitability, and climate resilience. While soil testing has historically improved grain production, focusing on crop nutrient demands rather than soil nutrient levels is gaining traction. This approach synchronizes nutrient supply with plant needs more effectively, ensuring nutrients are applied when and where they are most beneficial. Implementing precision nutrient management enhances efficiency, maintains or increases yields, and minimizes nutrient runoff, safeguarding water supplies. This strategy adheres to the principles of the "4 Rs" – Right rate, Right source, Right application method, and Right timing – to deliver nutrients effectively. Advances in technologies like optical sensors and leaf color charts enable real-time nitrogen application adjustments during the growing season, supporting cost-effective and farmer-friendly practices. While developed countries lead in adopting precision nutrient management for nitrogen and other nutrients, developing nations are increasingly exploring similar strategies. Effective policies and programs are essential to address nitrogen fertilizer use and mitigate its impact on climate change in agriculture.

Unveiling the Health Promising Benefits of Processed Foods Derived from Underutilized Edible Plants: A Review.

Wild food plants (WFPs) grow naturally and are essential components of the diet and conventional food chain. These plants are underutilized despite being nutritious and highly bio-active compounds. Wild food consumption has declined over the last generation owing to life-style changes and lower availability, and it is still consumed by marginalized communities. WFPs are available in a broad range of species and flavors that can help diversify the diet and make meals more enjoyable. Therefore, enhancing the availability and consumption of pro-cessed foods manufactured from wild plants is necessary. The increased use of processed prod-ucts formulated from edible wild plants can improve nutrition and protect ecological and cultural varieties. They are high in vitamins and micro-and macronutrients, which are essential for com-munities particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and imbalanced health. As plants develop natu-rally without the use of pesticides or other fertilizers, wild-food plants are typically considered more sustainable than commercial crops. Wild plants contain phytochemicals with various phar-macological and biological properties. Consuming WFPs should be done with caution and mod-eration, because some wild plants can be hazardous or harmful if consumed in large quantities or without adequate preparation. This review discusses various emerging technologies for han-dling wild food plants, the health benefits of these wild food plants, the effect of processing on reducing ant nutritional components, pharmaceutical potential, and consumers' overall percep-tions of wild food plants.

Impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in sandy loam soil of North-Eastern Nigeria

The excessive and sole use of inorganic fertilizers has led to soil nutrient depletion, acidification and loss of soil organic matter. Decreased organic matter content reduces the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced crop yields. Organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients to soil while at the same time improving soil health and reducing the risk of soil degradation. Hence, there is a need to investigate the impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in the study area. The study site is in the Teaching and Research Farm, Yobe State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Gujba, Damaturu, Yobe State. Its geographic coordinates are 11.7461° N, 11.9608°. The study area is approximately twenty hectares while the size of land for the experiment was approximately two hectares. The soil analysis conducted revealed varying levels of nutrients. Nitrogen (N) ranged from 0.11 to 0.20 g/kg-1, indicating medium fertility. Phosphorus (P) levels ranged from 0.17 to 0.19 g/kg-1, indicating signifying low fertility, while potassium (K) varied from 0.46 to 0.89 g/kg-1, indicating high fertility. Copper (Cu) levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 g/kg-1, suggesting medium fertility. Zinc (Zn) ranged from 0.55 to 0.38 g/kg-1, indicating medium to low fertility, particularly in deeper soil layers. Iron (Fe) ranged from 0.53 to 0.01 g/kg-1, categorized as medium to low fertility. Manganese (Mn) ranged from 0.11 to 0.04 g/kg-1, showing low fertility levels insufficient for optimal agricultural production. Despite minor improvements post-application of organic fertilizer, overall fertility ratings remained largely unchanged. The study highlights the heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the study area, emphasizing both strengths and deficiencies crucial for agricultural productivity.

Application of nano-urea in conventional flood-irrigated Boro rice in Bangladesh and nitrogen losses investigation

Bangladesh stands third in global rice production while complete modernization of rice production is not fully enforced. The boon of nano agriculture might circumvent the challenge of increasing the yield with minimal ecological damage. Nanofertilizer might be one of the solutions to address the problem of modern agriculture confronting environmental hazards owing to the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers by farmers in Bangladesh. We synthesized nanourea by chemical co-precipitation (CP) and hydrothermal (HT) methods in an attempt to develop environmentally friendly nanofertilizers. We characterized the nanourea and confirmed the functionalization of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) with urea by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)/EDS mapping. The CP method produced particle dimensions of 45.62 nm for length and 14.16 nm for width. In comparison, the readings obtained through the HT method were around 74.69 nm and 20.44 nm for length and width, respectively. The field application of nanourea demonstrated impressive results, indicating a significant relationship between the particle size of nanourea and its impact on several agricultural factors. The grain yield using traditional synthetic fertilizer (urea) ranged from 6.47 to 6.52 t ha−1 with a very low NUE of 35.8–36.34 %. Contrarily, the grain yield was found from 6.52 to 6.84 t ha−1 and the obtained NUE ranged from 57.58 to 71.0 % using nanourea of the same concentration calibrated with traditional urea by two methods. Additionally, nanourea treatments having 25 % less nitrogen (N) provided higher total N (TN) in grain suggesting possible nutritional enrichment while checking the yield penalty and substantial increase in N use efficiency (NUE). However, further upscaling of this research on a field scale is necessary to confirm the findings.

Mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer microdosing interactions in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under greenhouse conditions.

Soil fertility is a major constraint to agricultural development in the Sahel region of Africa. One alternative to reducing the use of mineral fertilizers is to partially replace them with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Mineral fertilizer microdosing is a technique developed to enhance fertilizer efficiency and encourage smallholder farmers to adopt higher mineral fertilizer applications. A pot experiment was set up to study the effects of AMF inoculation on the mineral nutrition of pearl millet under mineral fertilizer microdosing conditions. The experimental setup followed a randomized complete block design with five replicates. The treatments tested on millet were an absolute control and eight microdoses derived from the combination of three doses of 15- 10-10 [nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] mineral fertilizer (2 g, 3 g, and 5 g per pot), three doses of urea (1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per pot), and three doses of organic manure (OM) (200 g, 400 g, and 600 g), combined with and without AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis and Rhizophagus aggregatum). The parameters studied were growth, root colonization by AMF, and mineral nutrition. Plant height, stem diameter, root dry biomass, and percentage of root mycorrhization were measured. The results revealed a significant effect of the fertilizers on the growth of pearl millet compared to the control. AMF and OM treatments resulted in the highest biomass production. AMF combined with microdoses of NPK improved N and calcium (Ca) concentrations, while their combination with organic matter mainly improved the K concentration. Combining AMF with microdosed NPK and compost enhanced zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) concentrations. Root colonization varied from 0.55 to 56.4%. This investigation highlights the positive effects of AMF inoculation on nutrient uptake efficiency when combined with microdosing fertilization.

Effect of Organic Granules on the Productivity, Quality, and Nutrient Uptake Level of Tomato and the Fertility and Microbial Population of the Soil

Organic vegetable production is needed worldwide to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers, protect the environment, and produce healthy food. Accordingly, in the present study, the effects of organic granules on the productivity, quality, and nutrient uptake level of tomatoes and the fertility and microbial population of the soil were determined. Briefly, organic NPK granules and organic N, P and K-rich sources were compared with synthetic NPK granules and synthetic fertilizers administered at 100 and 75% of the recommended fertilizer levels. Among the various treatments applied, treatment with 100% of the recommended NPK using the synthetic NPK granules (Urea, DAP and MOP) led to higher growth, yield attributes, and yield (fruit yield, – 24.21 t/ha and stover yield, -15.01 t/ha) of tomato. This treatment also enhanced the nutrient uptake by tomato. However, quality parameters, such as total soluble solids (6.64% ), titrable acidity (0.62% ), ascorbic acid content (14.31 mg/100 g), lycopene content (3.54 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (3.11%), non-reducing sugars (1.02%), total sugar (4.13% ), and shelf life (15.76 days ) of tomato were higher with 100% of the recommended NPK from organic NPK granules than from synthetic granules. This treatment also enhanced the available nutrients and microbial population in the soil. Notably, the same trend was observed for tomatoes fertilized with 75 % of the recommended NPK. The lowest values were obtained with the absolute control. Based on the results of this experiment, the application of 100% of the recommended NPK using organic NPK granules is the best approach to improve the quality of tomato fruits and to enhance the soil fertility.

The Influence of Rural Ecological Environment Development by China's Industrialization Process

This article aims to solve the problem of heavy pollution load in rural ecological environment at present. This article elaborates on the relevant concepts and theories of rural industrialization and ecological environment protection, mainly using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the current situation of rural ecological environment pollution in the research area. The research results indicate that the current rural ecological environment pollution load in China is heavy and severe, especially the use of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural plastic films, livestock and poultry breeding, rural life, and township enterprise production, which have caused varying degrees of harm to the regional rural ecological environment. Therefore, effective measures must be taken to achieve the organic combination of rural industrialization and ecological environment protection. This article provides guidance for promoting the optimization and upgrading of rural industrial structure, achieving a win-win situation of economic and ecological benefits.

Impact of Bio-Organic Fertilizer Incorporation on Soil Nutrients, Enzymatic Activity, and Microbial Community in Wheat–Maize Rotation System

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers disrupts soil nutrient balance and leads to soil degradation and a decrease in biodiversity. In contrast, bio-fertilizers enhance soil structure and fertility and promote plant growth and sustainable agriculture development. Therefore, this study focused on a rotation system of winter wheat and summer maize and aimed to explore the effects of applying chemical fertilizer (NPK) and bio-fertilizer (BF) in the winter wheat season on the sustainable soil development of current wheat and subsequent maize. Before sowing winter wheat four fertilization treatments were, respectively CK (100% NPK at 750 kg ha−1), A (60% NPK at 450 + 20% BF at 150 kg ha−1), B (60% NPK at 450 + 40% BF at 300 kg ha−1), and C (60% NPK at 450 + 60% BF at 450 kg ha−1), conducted. The results showed that treatment A (60% NPK + 20% BF) replacing the NPK at 300 kg ha−1 with BF at 150 kg ha−1 significantly soil nutrient contents, enzyme activity, and microbial metabolic activity. The study also found a positive correlation between soil parameters (total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, urease, and alkaline phosphatase in the winter wheat and maize cropping season). Furthermore, the soil microbial composition showed significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, and variations among treatments. Moreover, the application of biofertilizer enhanced the diversity of soil fungi species, particularly during the winter wheat season. This study highlights the importance of integrating biofertilizers with NPK fertilizer for agricultural system conversion and promoting agricultural production and sustainability.

Impact of Organic Manures and Liquid Formulations on Garlic Growth, Yield and Quality in Uttarakhand, India

The field study was carried out to VCSG, UUHF, Pauri Garhwal in 2022-2023 to investigate the integrated effect of organic manures and organic liquid formulations on the growth and yield of garlic. The main objective of this study was to determine the benefits of using organic manures and liquid formulations over conventional farming because the abundant use of nitrogenous fertilizers causes excessive vegetative growth at the expense of bulb formation. Among fourteen different treatment combinations that consist of various combinations of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and organic liquid formulations (Panchgavya and Jeevamrit) treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) emerged as the best treatment concerning growth and yield of garlic. The findings showed that the maximum plant height (69.080 cm), number of leaves (8.400), leaf length (47.880 cm) and breadth (3.207 cm), and leaf area index (1.023) at all the 30 days intervals after sowing of garlic has been observed with the application of Treatment T3. The fundamental reason for the increased growth might be due to growth-promoting substances like auxins and gibberellins in panchgavya and high nitrogen and phosphorus in FYM. Concerning yield and quality attributes, the bulb diameter (5.657 cm), fresh weight of bulb (64.643 cm), length of the bulb (5.853 cm), number of cloves per bulb (12.200), bulb yield (120.833 q), total chlorophyll content (2.127 mg/g) and ascorbic acid content (15.333 mg/100g) was obtained maximum with the application of same treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) with yield increases up to 30% compared to control. However, the harvest index percent was found to be maximum (89.243 %) in treatment T13 i.e., Vermicompost (5t/ha) + Jeevamrit (6%). These findings suggest that organic farming practices can effectively enhance garlic production, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Moreover, this study provides practical insights for farmers and contributes to the growing body of research on sustainable agriculture.