Fertilizer For Crop Production Research Articles

Exploring the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) at varied concentrations in combination with Azospirillum brasilense on wheat growth and physiology

BackgroundNanoparticles (NPs), as a novel source of Nano fertilizers in crop production. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) also have the potential to improve plant growth, but their effect on the wheat crop is not studied enough. Nothing is known about that how nTiO2 specifically effect on wheat crops especially with soil microbes and how much its dose is effective. Azospirillum brasilense is a promising bio-fertilizer that can be applied in combination with nano-fertilizers to increase crop productivity and can enhance the efficiency of other fertilizers. MethodsThe present study was planned to investigate the role of different doses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) with Azospirillum brasilense on the growth and physiology of wheat, having three replications. Eleven treatments were planned in the field condition (T0 = Control (No A. brasilense and No nTiO2), T1 = nTiO2 @20 mg/L, T2 = nTiO2 @20 mg/L + A. brasilense, T3 = nTiO2 @30 mg/L, T4 = nTiO2 @30 mg/L + A. brasilense, T5 = nTiO2 @40 mg/L, T6 = nTiO2 @40 mg/L + A. brasilense, T7 = nTiO2 @50 mg/L, T8 = nTiO2 @50 mg/L + A. brasilense, T9 = nTiO2 @60 mg/L, T10 = nTiO2 @60 mg/L + A. brasilense) having randomized complete block design (RCBD). ResultsResults revealed that the individual application of A. brasilense showed significantly higher results in all treatments, but nTiO2 application shows a positive impact on wheat growth, yield, and physiological parameters when used in a lower concentration. nTiO2 @30 mg/L with A. brasilense gives the highest results as compared to all other treatments with the production of higher antioxidant enzymes, nutrient uptake, higher leaf area index, and photosynthesis. Use of nTiO2 @40 mg/L or with the higher dose negatively affects wheat crops, but with the A. brasilense application its negative effect control up to a certain level. ConclusionThis study highlights the potential advantages of combining A. brasilense with nTiO2, for the growth of wheat crops. While A. brasilense alone consistently produced favorable results, lesser doses of nTiO2 also showed promising results but with the combination of nTiO2 and A. brasilense @ 30 mg/L producing the greatest outcomes. The detrimental effects of excessive nanoscale titanium dioxide on plant growth and development, which may result in stress and physiological abnormalities in the plants, are probably the cause of the decrease in crop output at greater nTiO2 concentrations. However, care should be used while utilizing larger nTiO2 concentrations since they could harm wheat crop growth and yield.

OsbZIP1 regulates phosphorus uptake and nitrogen utilization, contributing to improved yield.

Increasing nutrient uptake and use efficiency in plants can contribute to improved crop yields and reduce the demand for fertilizers in crop production. In this study, we characterized a rice mutant, 88n which showed long roots under low nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) conditions. Low expression levels of N transporter genes were observed in 88n root, and total N concentration in 88n shoots were decreased, however, C concentrations and shoot dry weight in 88n were comparable to that in WT. Therefore, 88n showed high nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE). mRNA accumulation of Pi transporter genes was higher in 88n roots, and Pi concentration and uptake activity were higher in 88n than in WT. Therefore, 88n also showed high phosphorus uptake efficiency (PUpE). Molecular genetic analysis revealed that the causal gene of 88n phenotypes was OsbZIP1, a monocot-specific ortholog of the A. thaliana bZIP transcription factor HY5. Similar to the hy5 mutant, chlorophyll content in roots was decreased and root angle was shallower in 88n than in WT. Finally, we tested the yield of 88n in paddy fields over 3 years because 88n mutant plants showed higher PUpE and NUtE activity and different root architecture at the seedling stage. 88n showed large panicles and increased panicle weight/plant. Taken together, a mutation in OsbZIP1 could contribute to improved crop yields.

Muddied Waters: The Use of "Residual" And "Legacy" Phosphorus.

Phosphorus (P) inputs to the biosphere have quadrupled in less than a century due to intensification of rock phosphate mining and the use of P fertilizers for crop production. Accumulation of P in soils can increase P transfers across the soil-water continuum that impair aquatic ecosystem function and water resource quality for society. However, what this accumulated P is called, and subsequent connotations of magnitude versus mechanism at pedon versus watershed scale, varies in the literature. We argue that the two commonly used terms of "residual" and "legacy" P, though often used interchangeably, hold distinct meanings and connotations. Tracing the historical origins and trajectories of these terms reveals that "residual P" refers to the magnitude of fertilizer P that remains in the soil after crop harvest, whereas "legacy P" refers to the mechanism of P transfer across the watershed and its long-term impacts on water quality. The use of "legacy P" in many cases refers to the residuality of anthropogenic P inputs, and thus should be "residual P". We recommend that the term "residual P" be used when referring to the accumulation of P in soils under agricultural management from past inputs, and the term "legacy P" be used when referring to the transfer of P within watersheds. The intentional and thus consistent use of residual versus legacy P stands to provide important nuance in the environmental sciences and overlapping fields of agronomy and biogeochemistry.

Life Cycle Assessment of Polyol Production from Lignin via Organosolv and Liquefaction Treatments

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of lignin-based polyol production through organosolv fractionation of cardoon stalks and subsequent lignin liquefaction. The LCA employed a cradle-to-gate approach, encompassing cardoon cultivation and all processing steps leading to polyol production. The research involved laboratory-scale optimization of the organosolv and liquefaction processes, followed by industrial-scale implementation. The analysis revealed that all stages of the production chain, including crop cultivation, organosolv, and liquefaction, significantly influenced overall environmental impacts. Specific materials and processes played pivotal roles, such as harvesting machinery and fertilizers in crop production, γ-Valerolactone (GVL) as the primary contributor (72–100%) to environmental impacts in the organosolv phase, and materials like polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and glycerin in the liquefaction phase, accounting for the majority (96–100%) of environmental impacts in this stage. When considering endpoint damage categories, it became evident that this production chain had a notable impact on human health, primarily due to emissions in air, water, and soil from agricultural processes. Lignin-based polyols demonstrated a moderate improvement compared to their petroleum-based counterparts, with an approximate reduction of 3–16% in environmental impact.

Optimal pretreatment of plantain peel waste valorization for biogas production: Insights into neural network modeling and kinetic analysis

This work proposed a model for the substrate treatment stage of biogas production process in an anaerobic digestion system. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), response surface method (RSM), and artificial neural network (ANN) were comparatively used in the simulation and modeling of the treatment process for improved biogas yield. Waste plantain peels were pretreated and used as substrate. FTIR and SEM results revealed that the pretreatment improved the substrate's desirable qualities. The amount of biogas yield was controlled by time, NaOH concentration, and temperature of the substrate pretreatment. Optimum pretreatment conditions obtained were a temperature of 102.7 °C, time of 31.7 min and NaOH concentration of 0.125 N. RSM, ANN, and ANFIS modeling techniques were proficient in simulating the biogas production, as evidenced by high R2values of 0.9281, 0.9850, and 0.9852, respectively. Furthermore, the values of the calculated error terms such as RMSE (RSM = 0.04799, ANN = 0.00969, and ANFIS = 0.00587) and HYBRID (RSM = 18.556, ANN = 0.803, and ANFIS = 0.0447) were low, indicating a satisfactory correlation between experimental and predicted values. Scrubbing of the biogas with caustic soda and activated charcoal increased the methane content to 94 %. The kinetics of the cumulative biogas yield were best fit with the Logistics and Modified Logistics models. The low C/N ratio in addition to the presence of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus suggested that the spent plantain peel slurry can be utilized as an agricultural fertilizer in crop production. The observations of this study therefore recommends the pre-treatment of biodigestion substrates as a key means to enhance beneficiation of methane production.

Assessment of the potentials of <i>Azotobacter</i> spp. as bioinoculants on the growth of potted maize plants

The use of chemical fertilizers in crop production has detrimental effects such as soil acidity and eutrophication. There is need for environmentally friendly approach in improving soil nutrients and agricultural productivity. This study aimed at the isolation of Azotobacter spp from the rhizosphere of crops and the use of these isolates as biofertilizer for the growth of potted maize plants under 5 treatments. These treatments were maize plant only (control), plant with once application of NPK fertilizer, plants with once, weekly and fortnights application of Azotobacter spp. as bio-inoculants. The counts of Azotobacter obtained from the rhizosphere of the crops ranged from 4.0 × 104 – 1.0 × 106 CFU/g. The three high ranking in-vitro biological nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilization isolates were identified A. chroococcum, A. vinelandii and A. beijerinckii. At the 7th weeks of growth, 83.3 and 100% of the plants that received different levels of bio-inoculants had the perimeter of their girths greater than and significantly different from the controls when cultivated in 8.1 and 12.0 litre pots respectively. At least 91.7% of the plants that received bio-inoculants had higher heights than the controls. It is concluded that the application of Azotobacter bio-inoculants enhanced the growth of maize plants compared to the contro

Sapropel as a feeding additive in animal husbandry

The purpose of the research was to identify the benefi cial properties of sapropel as a feed additive in animal husbandry. Sapropel is one of the most promising substances as an environmentally friendly and high-quality organomineral fertilizer. In most practice-oriented works devoted to the use of sapropel, this bio-raw material is considered either as an earth layer in geological research, or as a natural fertilizer in crop production. The benefi cial properties of sapropel make it possible to obtain higher yields, both in large agricultural holdings and on private land. However, the issue of using sapropel as the feed additive in animal husbandry has not been suffi ciently developed by science. That is why the article summarized the data collected in modern Russian and foreign scientifi c sources, namely studies confi rming the benefi cial eff ect of sapropel as a feed additive on the body of animals, including of dairy cows. This chemical composition of sapropel on the example of an organomineral feed additive “Feed Sapropel” has been discussed in the article. The chemical composition of sapropel was studied in accordance with quality standards by the testing laboratory “Elma-test”. The elements contained in the studied feed additive have been described in the article in detail. It was experimentally revealed that the content of all useful mineral substances, except iron and sulfur, in the test sample exceeded the normative indicators. After analyzing the content of toxic substances in the studied material, and revealing their extremely low content, the authors came to the conclusion that this additive, if properly introduced into the diets, will not harm animals. The authors conclude that sapropel contains many substances that animals need for normal growth and development, as well as to maintain high productivity.

Favorable physiological and morphological effects of molybdenum nanoparticles on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.): root irrigation is superior to foliar spraying.

Nano fertilizers can provide efficient solutions to the increasing problem of nutrient deficiency caused by low availability. However, the most important prerequisite is to fully understand whether nanomaterials induce phytotoxicity in plants under a variety of different conditions. The mechanisms underlying interactions between molybdenum nanoparticles (Mo NPs) and plants with respect to their uptake and biological effects on crops are still not fully understood. In this study, the impacts of Mo NPs over a range of concentrations (0, 25, and 100 μg/mL) on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) seedling growth were comparatively evaluated under foliar applications and root irrigation. The results indicated that more significant active biological effects were observed with root irrigation application of Mo NPs than with foliar spraying. The agronomic attributes, water content and sugar content of Mo NPs-exposed seedlings were positively affected, and morphologically, Mo NPs induced root cell lignification and more vascular bundles and vessels in tobacco tissues, especially when applied by means of root irrigation. Moreover, the photosynthetic rate was improved by 131.4% for root exposure to 100 μg/mL Mo NPs, mainly due to the increased chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance. A significant concentration-dependent increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) and defensive enzyme activity for the Mo NPs-treated tobacco seedlings were detected compared to the controls. Significantly improved absorption of Mo by exposed tobacco seedlings was confirmed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in tobacco tissues, regardless of application method. However, the accumulation of Mo in roots increased by 13.94 times, when roots were exposed to 100 mg/L Mo NPs, higher than that under treatment with foliar spray. Additionally, Mo NPs activated the expression of several genes related to photosynthesis and aquaporin processes. The present investigations offer a better understanding of Mo NPs-plant interactions in terrestrial ecosystems and provide a new strategy for the application of Mo NPs as nano fertilizers in crop production.

Effects of long-term organic and inorganic fertilization on greenhouse gas emissions and soil nutrient stoichiometry in a rice–rice–fallow cropping system

Long-term use of organic and inorganic fertilizers can have a negative impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient stoichiometry in paddy soil. However, production of sufficient crops to meet food and feed demands globally requires the use of fertilizer in crop production. In the present study, we assessed the environmental impacts of five fertilizer treatments in a rice–rice–fallow cropping system: no fertilizer (CK); inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers (NPK); manure (M); inorganic phosphorus and potassium fertilizers with manure (PKM); and inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers with manure (NPKM). Soil parameters were analyzed to examine the relationships between GHG emissions, net ecosystem carbon budgets (NECBs), and soil nutrient stoichiometric ratios. Both the PKM and NPKM treatments increased grain yield and the soil carbon–nitrogen (C:N), carbon–phosphorus (C:P), and nitrogen–phosphorus (N:P) ratios compared to the CK treatment; they also decreased the nitrogen–potassium (N:K) ratio. In the combined fertilization treatments, the fallow season accounted for 9–13% of annual methane (CH4) emissions, whereas early rice accounted for 55–62 % and late rice contributed 38–45 %. Compared to the CK, PKM and NPKM fertilization increased the annual nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by 52–73 % and 103–115 %, respectively, in both the rice and fallow seasons. In early rice, the C:P ratio and GHG intensity (GHGI) were negatively correlated with CH4 and N2O emissions, whereas both yield and CH4 emissions had strong positive associations with global warming potential (GWP). In the late rice season, GHGI was negatively correlated with carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 emissions, and N2O had strong positive associations with GWP. CO2 and N2O emission levels were greater from late rice than from early rice, although CH4 emissions from early rice contributed more to the annual GWP, resulting in higher carbon equivalent emissions but a lower carbon efficiency ratio in early rice output. A Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) optimization analysis suggested that PKM was the best fertilization method to improve yield while minimizing negative environmental impacts, followed in descending order by the NPKM, NPK, and M treatments.

The composition of monounsaturated fatty acids of artemia enriched with biologically active substances

The work is devoted to the study of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content in artemia enriched with biologically active substances at different stages of ontogenesis. Artemia cysts are used in the preparation of dietary supplements, highly effective feed additives for farm animals, fertilizers for crop production, chitosan for pharmaceutical industry and cosmetology, as raw materials in many other fields. When growing fish, crustaceans, shellfish in aquaculture, artemia nauplii are used as live starter feeds, which are obtained in situ when cultivating artemia cysts. Recently, the direction of enrichment of artemia nauplia used for feeding fish larvae and fry with biologically active substances has begun to develop: vitamins, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, probiotics. In our work, we used a feed additive for the enrichment of artemia nauplia, including: vitamin-amino acid complex – «Chiktonic», probiotic – «Vetom-1», adaptogen – «Trekrezan», hemp oil. Enrichment was carried out through the skin at the stage of early nauplia. The aim of the work was to study the composition of MUFA at different stages of ontogenesis in intact artemia and artemia enriched with biologically active substances. The main function of MUFA is to activate metabolic processes and maintain homeostasis. When identifying monounsaturated fatty acids of artemia, the race we studied, the following were identified: oleic, palmitoleic, eicosenic, elaidic, erucic, nervonic, myristoleic acids. Oleic, palmitoleic and eicosenic fatty acids played a dominant role in the structure of MUFA. Two fatty acids, erucic and elaidic, can be distinguished in the composition of MUFA, the content of which was minimal.

Multiple Facets of Nitrogen: From Atmospheric Gas to Indispensable Agricultural Input.

Nitrogen (N) is a gas and the fifth most abundant element naturally found in the atmosphere. N’s role in agriculture and plant metabolism has been widely investigated for decades, and extensive information regarding this subject is available. However, the advent of sequencing technology and the advances in plant biotechnology, coupled with the growing interest in functional genomics-related studies and the various environmental challenges, have paved novel paths to rediscovering the fundamentals of N and its dynamics in physiological and biological processes, as well as biochemical reactions under both normal and stress conditions. This work provides a comprehensive review on multiple facets of N and N-containing compounds in plants disseminated in the literature to better appreciate N in its multiple dimensions. Here, some of the ancient but fundamental aspects of N are revived and the advances in our understanding of N in the metabolism of plants is portrayed. It is established that N is indispensable for achieving high plant productivity and fitness. However, the use of N-rich fertilizers in relatively higher amounts negatively affects the environment. Therefore, a paradigm shift is important to shape to the future use of N-rich fertilizers in crop production and their contribution to the current global greenhouse gases (GHGs) budget would help tackle current global environmental challenges toward a sustainable agriculture.

The effect of mineral fertilizers on the background of manure on the yield of garlic (<i>allium sativum l.</i>) in the western zone of Azerbaijan

The article presents the results of studies of the effect of mineral fertilizers on the background of manure on the yield of garlic culture. During the research to determine the rate of nitrogen fertilizer in crop production (especially for vegetable, melon crops and potato plantings) it is necessary to take into account the amount of mineral nitrogen that is formed in the soil. Therefore, the more fertile the soil, the more nitrogen it contains. The amount of nitrates accumulated in the product is closely related to the speed of the process occurring in the soil layers as the mineralization of organic residues in the soil and an increase in the amount of nitrogen easily absorbed by plants, along with the dose of fertilizer applied to the soil. In this case, the main problem of using agrochemicals is their direct correct application of both organic and mineral fertilizers and optimization of the balance. In other words, the main goal is to achieve an environmentally friendly, safe, high yield of vegetable, melon and potato crops, preventing contamination of the product with nitrites and nitrites, the use of manure and a dose of mineral fertilizers is not only one of the most important elements for increasing the yield of winter garlic, as well as improving the mineral composition of the soil. Therefore, for the first time in the zone, the correct determination against the background of manure and doses of mineral fertilizers is one of the urgent tasks. In this regard, we conducted studies to determine against the background of manure and doses of mineral fertilizers and their effect on the yield of garlic culture. The highest yield was obtained in the Background + N60P90K60 variant, respectively, 175.3 c/ha, an increase of 74.0 c/ha or 74.0%. Based on our field studies, we can conclude that in order to obtain a high and high-quality harvest of winter garlic and restore soil fertility on chestnut irrigated soils of the Ganja-Kazakh zone of Azerbaijan, it is recommended that farmers use 20 tons/ha of manure and mineral fertilizers in the norm of N60P90K60 kg/ha per year.

Herbal plants- and rice straw-derived biochars reduced metal mobilization in fishpond sediments and improved their potential as fertilizers

Fishpond sediments are rich in organic carbon and nutrients; thus, they can be used as potential fertilizers and soil conditioners. However, sediments can be contaminated with toxic elements (TEs), which have to be immobilized to allow sediment reutilization. Addition of biochars (BCs) to contaminated sediments may enhance their nutrient content and stabilize TEs, which valorize its reutilization. Consequently, this study evaluated the performance of BCs derived from Taraxacum mongolicum Hand-Mazz (TMBC), Tribulus terrestris (TTBC), and rice straw (RSBC) for Cu, Cr, and Zn stabilization and for the enhancement of nutrient content in the fishpond sediments from San Jiang (SJ) and Tan Niu (TN), China. All BCs, particularly TMBC, reduced significantly the average concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Zn in the overlying water (up to 51% for Cr, 71% for Cu, and 68% for Zn) and in the sediments pore water (up to 77% for Cr, 76% for Cu, and 50% for Zn), and also reduced metal leachability (up to 47% for Cr, 60% for Cu, and 62% for Zn), as compared to the control. The acid soluble fraction accounted for the highest portion of the total content of Cr (43–44%), Cu (38–43%), and Zn (42–45%), followed by the reducible, oxidizable, and the residual fraction; this indicates the high potential risk. As compared with the control, TMBC was more effective in reducing the average concentrations of the acid soluble Cr (15–22%), Cu (35–53%), and Zn (21–39%). Added BCs altered the metals acid soluble fraction by shifting it to the oxidizable and residual fractions. Moreover, TMBC improved the macronutrient status in both sediments. This work provides a pathway for TEs remediation of sediments and gives novel insights into the utilization of BC-treated fishpond sediments as fertilizers for crop production.

Phosphorus Delivery Potential in Soil Amended with Rock Phosphate Enriched Composts of Variable Crop Residues under Wheat–Green Gram Cropping Sequence

ABSTRACT Understanding phosphorus (P) transformation in soil is necessary to develop sustainable P management practices. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the P fractions and P delivery potential in soil amended with rock phosphate (RP)-enriched composts under the wheat–green gram cropping sequence. The P mineralization study also revealed that the soil treated with RP-enriched composts showed a decline in available P during the initial stages of 30 days but improved significantly with the progress of time. Data emanated from the crop trials showed that significant buildup in available P (AP) was maintained under enriched compost-treated plot than unfertilized control in both the wheat and green gram crops. Total P (TP) increased by 37.4 and 48.9% under rice straw compost (RSC) and RSC+50% NPK-treated plots, respectively, over unfertilized control in wheat. However, the corresponding increases were 32.6 and 36.5% over control for green gram. After wheat, significant improvements in water-soluble P (WSP), microbial biomass P (MBP), and enzyme activities were found in plots receiving enriched composts. Based on information assessed from cluster analysis and principal component analysis, TP, WSP, citrate-soluble P, C/N ratio, and alkaline and acid phosphatase are considered their active role in compost maturity and quality, while TP, MBP, and AP are considered important parameters for P dynamics in soil. Enriched compost prepared using low-grade RP and crop residues could be an alternative and cost-effective option for mitigating the shortage of chemical fertilizers for crop production.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Okra Production in Acid Soil

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a novel strategy to achieve sustainable crop production in degraded soils through judicious and balanced plant nutrients utilization. Sole application of chemical fertilizers in crop production causes soil and environmental pollution. The present study was designed to assess the effects of application of organic manures conjointly with chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of okra in acid soil. The experiment was consisted of four treatments viz. T0 [Control], T1 [Recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDF)], T2 [Dolomite (D) @ 1t ha-1 + RDF], T3 [Poultry manure (PM) @ 3t ha-1 + RDF], T3 [Cow dung (CD) @ 5t ha-1 + RDF] with six replications in a randomized complete block design. The results indicated that the use of PM with RDF showed better performance in the growth and yield attributes of okra. Compared with others plots, the highest plant height (114.10 cm), fresh weight plant-1 (591.58 g) and dry weight plant-1 (86.73 g) were observed in the PM-treated plot. Similarly, the highest number of fruits plant-1 (20.33) and fruit yield (13.58 t ha-1) were also found in PM-treated plants. Therefore, under acidic soil conditions, organic and inorganic fertilization may have a significant positive impact on the growth and yield of Okra.

Data-driven estimates of fertilizer-induced soil NH3 , NO and N2 O emissions from croplands in China and their climate change impacts.

Gaseous reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions from agricultural soils to the atmosphere constitute an integral part of global N cycle, directly or indirectly causing climate change impacts. The extensive use of N fertilizer in crop production will compromise our efforts to reduce agricultural Nr emissions in China. A national inventory of fertilizer N-induced gaseous Nr emissions from croplands in China remains to be developed to reveal its role in shaping climate change. Here we present a data-driven estimate of fertilizer N-induced soil Nr emissions based on regional and crop-specific emission factors (EFs) compiled from 379 manipulative studies. In China, agricultural soil Nr emissions from the use of synthetic N fertilizer and manure in 2018 are estimated to be 3.81 and 0.73TgNyr-1 , with a combined contribution of 23%, 20% and 15% to the global agricultural emission total of ammonia (NH3 ), nitrous oxide (N2 O) and nitric oxide (NO), respectively. Over the past three decades, NH3 volatilization from croplands has experienced a shift from a rapid increase to a decline trend, whereas N2 O and NO emissions always maintain a strong growth momentum due to a robust and continuous rise of EFs. Regionally, croplands in Central south (1.51TgNyr-1 ) and East (0.99TgNyr-1 ) of China exhibit as hotspots of soil Nr emissions. In terms of crop-specific emissions, rice, maize and vegetable show as three leading Nr emitters, together accounting for 61% of synthetic N fertilizer-induced Nr emissions from croplands. The global warming effect derived from cropland N2 O emissions in China was found to dominate over the local cooling effects of NH3 and NO emissions. Our established regional and crop-specific EFs for gaseous Nr forms provide a new benchmark for constraining the IPCC Tier 1 default EF values. The spatio-temporal insight into soil Nr emission data from N fertilizer application in our estimate is expected to advance our efforts towards more accurate global or regional cropland Nr emission inventories and effective mitigation strategies.

Challenges Facing Effective use of Bat Guano as Organic Fertilizer in Crop Production: A Review

Challenges Facing Effective use of Bat Guano as Organic Fertilizer in Crop Production: A Review

Efficiency of different doses of mineral fertilizers for winter wheat

The regulated use of various types of mineral fertilizers in crop production directly affects the size and harvest quality of field crops, in particular winter wheat, which makes high demands on the diet. Even the most fertile soils, like chernozems, can be depleted over the years, with their constant use for crops and intense anthropogenic impact. The article presents the issues of mineral nutrition of varieties of winter soft wheat in the soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Adygea. In the course of the research, it has been found that a high level of increase in the yield of winter wheat grain when using various doses of mineral fertilizer can be ensured due to the formation of timely and friendly seedlings of the culture, an increase in the total tilling capacity – 576 pcs/m 2 and the productive one – 313 pcs/m 2 , in the intensity of accumulation of dry biomass by plants – 328 g/100 plants, in the « full ripeness » phase, ear lengthening – 7,1 cm and an increase in the amount of grain in it – 29 pcs., an increase in the mass of 1000 grains – 45,0 and other quality indicators. On average, according to the experience, the maximum yield of winter wheat is formed due to the introduction of a dose of N 90 P 90 K 60 mineral fertilizer, where it was 4,60 t /ha for Goryanka and 4,74 t /ha for Maykopchanka. According to the analysis of the grain (protein content, gluten) and flour quality (strength of flour, volumetric yield of bread) of the studied wheat varieties, higher indicators were obtained when using the dose of N 90 P 90 K 60 mineral fertilizer. Despite the high yield on this option, from an economic point of view, the most effective one was the option with the introduction of N 30 P 30 K 30 fertilizers. When comparing the most optimal options for the two varieties (application of a dose of N 30 P 30 K 30 fertilizers), the production of the Maykopchanka variety was more efficient.

Effects of poultry litter and inorganic fertilizer on growth and productivity of Rhizobia inoculated and non-inoculated beans

Agriculture has been the most contributing sector towards Uganda’s economy. However, its output has always been hampered by declining soil fertility leading to reduced yields, increased agricultural losses, and malnourishment among low-income earners. In Uganda, there is scanty research about the effectiveness of either organic or inorganic fertilizers in crop production. Therefore, there was a need to establish the effectiveness of inorganic fertilizer (N: P: K; 17:17:17) and organic fertilizer (poultry manure/litter) on the growth, and productivity of rhizobia inoculated and non-inoculated bio-fortified NAROBEAN 2 variety, which is rich in iron and zinc, high yielding and drought resistant.  A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI). Poultry litter was applied at the rate of (10t/ha), N: P: K 17:17:17 at 20.3 kg ha-1, and Rhizobia at 250g per 15 kg of beans. Treatments were; Rhizobia + N: P: K 17:17:17 (M 1), Rhizobia + Poultry litter (M 2), Rhizobia only (M 3), Poultry litter only (M 4), N: P: K 17:17:17 only (M 5) and the control (M 6). Growth parameters included the number of leaves, branches, and shoot height; and productivity parameters included the number of pods produced per plant and economic yield. Statistical analyses were done at 5% level of significance. The growth parameters showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) while the bean grain yield and productivity were significantly different (p < 0.05) under the various treatments. Rhizobia + Poultry litter and N: P: K 17:17:17 only, produced the highest effect on both growth and productivity as compared to other treatments. Application of rhizobia with poultry manure was the best soil treatment for increasing the growth and productivity of NAROBEAN 2. This will increase production, food security, abate malnutrition, and sustainably improve soil quality.

Revisiting the original reasons for excluding inorganic fertilizers in organic farming—Why the ban is not consistent with our current scientific understanding

This paper reviews the original reasons of the organic farming movement for excluding mineral (inorganic) fertilizers. In this paper, their theories and decision criteria for excluding use of inorganic fertilizers in crop production were revisited. Original reasons for banning inorganic fertilizers were subjected to scientific scrutiny, which was not possible when they were formulated 50–100 years ago due to limited knowledge of the soil-crop system. The original reasons were as follows: Rudolf Steiner, the founder of biodynamic farming, played down the physical role of plant nutrients and pointed out “flow of forces” as being most important for soils and crops. Eve Balfour and Albert Howard, founders of the Soil Association in England, claimed that inorganic fertilizer increases the breakdown of humus in soil, leading to a decline in soil fertility. Hans-Peter Rusch, the founder of biological organic farming, considered inorganic fertilizers to be imbalanced products not matching crop composition and not in synchrony with crop demand. When testing these historical statements as scientific hypotheses, older and modern scientific literature was used for validation. Steiner’s belief about the “flow of forces” has not be verified using current methodologies. The claim by Balfour and Howard that inorganic fertilizers accelerate soil organic matter decomposition is not substantiated by data from long-term field experiments on carbon and nitrogen cycling in soil-plant systems. The statement by Rusch that inorganic fertilizers supply crops inappropriately is difficult to uphold, as the composition, time, and rate of application and the placement of fertilizer in soil or on foliage can be fully adapted to crop requirements. In light of accumulated scientific evidence, the original arguments lack validity. The decision to ban inorganic fertilizers in organic farming is inconsistent with our current scientific understanding. Scientific stringency requires principles found to be erroneous to be abandoned.