Fertilizer For Crop Production Research Articles

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.

Bioaccumulation and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in food crops irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater: a case study in Southern Cairo, Egypt.

Food safety has often attracted attention worldwide. Few studies have investigated the heavy metal (HM) pollution and health risk assessment of crops and vegetables. The current work was conducted to evaluate the human risk assessment of HM (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in radish, lettuce, tomato, onion, turnip, squash, okra, sunflower, Jews mallow, and garden rocket cultivated in treated wastewater (TWW)-irrigated sites as compared with those cultivated in freshwater (FW)-irrigated sites. Irrigation water, soil, and different plants were collected from 6 farmlands irrigated with TWW and two agricultural sites irrigated with FW (Nile river). Heavy metal transfer factor (HMTF), chronic daily intake of metals (CDIM), health hazard risk (HR), and health hazard index (HI) were estimated. The results showed that the tested HM levels in FW and TWW were below the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Egyptian standards recommended for irrigation. In soil samples, HM levels were below the permissible limits for both tested sites. The HM in soil and plants grew in TWW-irrigated sites possessed multiple levels higher than those grown in FW-irrigated sites. Among different plants, HM levels in the edible parts of plants grown in TWW-irrigated sites followed in decreasing order: tomato > sunflower >Jew's mallow = turnip = squash > lettuce > okra = radish > onion > garden rocket. The mean CDIM and HR values of plants irrigated using TWW were higher than those irrigated using FW. Furthermore, HR values for all plants grown in polluted and unpolluted sites were < 1 except Cd in plants grown in the TWW-irrigated farmlands. The mean HI for radish, lettuce, tomato, onion, turnip, squash, okra, sunflower, Jews mallow, and garden rocket grown in TWW-irrigated sites were 2.08, 2.39, 1.76, 1.53, 2.08, 1.80, 2.03, 1.91, 1.82, and 1.44 (for adult), and 2.39, 2.75, 2.71, 1.75, 2.38, 2.06, 2.33, 2.69, 2.10, and 1.65 (for children). Plants irrigated with TWW showed a higher HMTF than plants irrigated with FW. Jew's mallow and okra irrigated with TWW had a maximum HMTF. Consequently, different practical measures can be taken to minimize the HM levels in agricultural foodstuffs. These measures include preventing the excessive application of pesticides and fertilizers for crop production and continuous monitoring of different foodstuffs in the market.

Agronomic Efficiency of Animal-Derived Organic Fertilizers and Their Effects on Biology and Fertility of Soil: A Review

Healthy soils are essential for progressive agronomic activities. Organic fertilization positively affects agro-ecosystems by stimulating plant growth, enhancing crop productivity and fruit quality and improving soil fertility. Soil health and food security are the key elements of Organic Agriculture 3.0. Landfilling and/or open-dumping of animal wastes produced from slaughtering cause environmental pollution by releasing toxic substances, leachate and greenhouse gases. Direct application of animal carcasses to agricultural fields can adversely affect soil microbiota. Effective waste management technologies such as thermal drying, composting, vermicomposting and anaerobic digestion transform animal wastes, making them suitable for soil application by supplying soil high in organic carbon and total nitrogen. Recent agronomic practices applied recycled animal wastes as organic fertilizer in crop production. However, plants may not survive at a high fertilization rate due to the presence of labile carbon fraction in animal wastes. Therefore, dose calculation and determination of fertilizer application frequency are crucial for agronomists. Long-term animal waste-derived organic supplementation promotes copiotrophic microbial abundance due to enhanced substrate affinity, provides micronutrients to soils and protects crops from soil-borne pathogens owing to formation of plant-beneficial microbial consortia. Animal waste-derived organically fertilized soils possess higher urease and acid phosphatase activities. Furthermore, waste to fertilizer conversion is a low-energy requiring process that promotes circular bio-economy. Thus, considering the promotion of soil fertility, microbial abundance, disease protection and economic considerations application of animal-waste-derived organic fertilizer should be the mainstay for sustainable agriculture.

INTENSITY OF ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN LEAF MASS AND SEEDS OF MILK THISTLE FOR ORGANIC FERTILIZER

The impact of organic feeding of milk thistle on the intensity of accumulation and accumulation factors in the mass and seeds of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper was studied. The use of organic fertilizers in crop production is an important measure in increasing the volume of production and improving its quality. However, the use of organic fertilizers also contributes to soil pollution with heavy metals, which can accumulate in plants several tens of times higher than in the soil. It is known that with such organic fertilizers as humus and defecate, with each kilogram, 3.3 mg and 28 mg of lead, 0.2 mg and 0.18 mg of cadmium, 12.1 mg and 22 mg of zinc, respectively, enter the soil. and 19.8 mg and 6.3 mg copper. As a result of the studies, it was found out that the cultivation of milk thistle in the conditions of modern agricultural land retains a high level of accumulation of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in the leaf mass and seeds, which requires constant monitoring of the content of these toxicants in this raw material. According to the research results, it was found that feeding milk thistle with organic fertilizers increases the accumulation coefficient of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in its leaf mass and seeds, especially when using humus and defecate, there is relatively less use of green manure. Whereas the cultivation of milk thistle after a four-year-old predecessor of alfalfa without the use of feeding this crop in this period makes it possible to cleanse the soil from heavy metals due to phyto-remediation and reduce the concentration of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in the leaf mass and seeds below the maximum permissible concentrations.

Potassium nutrient response in the rice-wheat cropping system in different agro-ecozones of Nepal

Most of the soils of Nepal had a higher potassium (K, expressed as K2O) level inherently. Later in 1976, the Government of Nepal has recommended K fertilizer rate at 30 kg K2O ha-1 in rice-wheat cropping systems. However, those crops began showing K deficiency symptoms in recent decades, which could be due to a large portion of soils with depleted K level or the insufficient input of K fertilizer for crop production. This study explored a limitation of K nutrient in the crops by establishing field trials from 2009-2014 at three agro-ecozones i.e., inner-Terai (2009-2010), high-Hills (2011-2012), and Terai (2012-2014) in Nepal. Seven rates of K fertilizer at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 kg K2O ha-1 were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design, where crop yields and yield-attributing parameters of rice-wheat cropping system were recorded. Results revealed that an increase in K rates from 45 to 75 kg K2O ha-1 under inner-Terai and Terai conditions and 45 to 60 kg ha-1 under high-Hills conditions produced significantly higher grain yields compared to the recommended K dose. Economically, the optimum rate of K fertilizer should not exceed 68 kg K2O ha-1 for rice in all agro-ecozones, or 73 kg K2O ha-1 for wheat in inner-Terai and 60 kg K2O ha-1 for wheat in high-Hills and Terai. Our findings suggest to increase potassium application in between 1.5 to 2.5 times of the current K fertilizer rate in rice-wheat cropping system of Nepal that need to be tested further in different locations and crop varieties.

Comparative Analysis of Energy and GHG Emissions Using Fixed and Variable Fertilization Rates

Reducing the overuse of mineral fertilizers in crop production is a key factor related to healthier soil, healthier food, and more economical, efficient, and cleaner agricultural production. The aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the effects of fixed and variable rate fertilization with fertilizer consumption, energy consumption, and environmental impact. A 4-year experimental field study using crop rotation of four plants (spring barley, winter oilseed rape, winter wheat, and faba bean) was performed. Fertilization with phosphorus and potassium at a variable rate were performed and applied based on the soil properties analyzed before the start of the research and completion of the fertilization maps. Nitrogen fertilization was performed by additional fertilization using a proximal N-sensor, which gives the accurate nitrogen uptake in plants in real-time. This was followed by a comparative evaluation analysis of variables and conventional fixed-rate fertilization methods to assess fertilizer consumption, energy consumption, environmental impact, and economic efficiency. The results of the study showed that an application of a variable fertilization rate can reduce the total amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers by 24.9%, energy consumption by 3463.1 kg ha−1, and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 341.5 kg CO2eq ha−1 compared to fixed fertilization rate. The method of fertilization with a variable application rate reduced the costs of fertilization, and at the same time, the costs of the total plant production by €168.0 ha−1, on average.

The market orientation among South African smallholder farmers in a disaster context

Market-orientation is widely applied to envisage the interaction of smallholder farmers with both input and output markets. Commonly used in the market participation discourse, it is fast becoming a key milestone towards smallholder commercialization. This study introduces the term into the disaster, resilience, seed systems, food security and livelihoods context. Using a mixed methods approach, 120 smallholder farmers in a drought-affected district of South Africa were sampled, and information collected for analysis. The result shows that most of the farmers rely on purchased seeds and fertilizers for crop production, and on average sold 62% of their farm produce. A market orientation index (MOI) of 55% was estimated, showing that the farmers were market oriented. The farm size (0.004), quantities of seeds (0.007) and fertilizer (0.024) purchased, value of crop produced (0.043), amount received from crop sales (0.001), distance to markets (0.048) and access to credit (0.034) were found significant in determining their market orientation. Policy recommendations were made to improve access to irrigation, seed varieties and extension delivery in the area. The finding has implications for development efforts at rebuilding after a natural disaster, developing resilience as well as sourcing food aid from local smallholder farmers by humanitarian agencies.

Role of bio fertilizer in crop production (An element of sustainable agriculture): A review

In recent days agriculture had a played an important part in serving and full filling the food demand for the blooming population in our society which also thereby increased the application of different chemical fertilizers resulting in a slow degradation of soil physical and bio chemical characteristics which also affect the soil fertility in a greater aspect. chemical fertilizers are manufactured industrially and these substances composed of known quantities of macronutrients like Nitrogen potassium (K), phosphorous and micro-nutrients such as zinc, boron, iron etc., and their undifferentiating and imbalance use causes air, ground, and water pollution and degradation by nitrate (NO3) leaching and different surface water bodies pollution through processes like eutrophication (Youssef et al., 2014). Considering all these aspects efforts were made for maintain bio safety and for the production of nutrient rich and premium quality food without affecting the farm production and farmers economy. Organic farming came to the rescue. As it is necessary to use fertilizer and chemical substances in agriculture to deal with the growing demand for quality food in our country, there are many growing prospects in many crops and different crop growing locations and locality where the method of organic based farming and organic based production can also be encouraged in order to meet the domestic export market. Bio-fertilizers is one of the important and major part of organic based farming is the preparations containing live cells of different major strains of nitrogen fixing, p-solubilizing microorganism, which are applied to soil, seed or compost areas with a major motive of enhancing the number of such micro-organisms and catalyse the different micro-bacterial processes which enhance the major availability of nutrients that can be easily induced or utilised by plants for better growth.

New ecological and economic horizons in poultry

The article discusses the reduction of harmful emissions into the environment, the production of organic (bio) products, with increasing demand from the population, describes the experience of using an adsorbent - activated carbon in poultry farming, and provides biochemical data on the effectiveness of our method. The authors analyze various types of pollution, highlighting the role and importance of harmful emissions in the agricultural sector. Moreover, as the researchers note, there is a demand for environmentally friendly agricultural products. The global environmental problems, a significant part of which is the utilization and use of litter, makes us look for ways to reduce harmful factors in poultry farming. On the other hand, the consumption of nitrogen fertilizers in crop production requires metered application. The use of organic fertilizers with the addition of adsorbents is more effective, since the desorption process allows you to saturate the soil with nitrogen gradually, without polluting the sown area.

Effects of nitrogen supply methods on fate of nitrogen in maize under alternate partial root-zone irrigation

Partial root-zone irrigation (PRI) has been practiced worldwide, but little information is available on nitrogen (N) supply methods influence on fate of applied N fertilizer for crop production under PRI. A field experiment was conducted to investigate effect of N supply methods on the uptake, residual, and loss of applied N fertilizer in maize (Zea mays L.) under alternate PRI at Wuwei, northwest China in 2014. 15N-labeled urea was used as N fertilizer. Two irrigation methods included alternate furrow irrigation (AI) and conventional furrow irrigation (CI). Two N fertilizer supply methods included conventional N supply (CN) and alternate N supply (AN), were applied in combination with each irrigation method. Grain yield, root length density (RLD), N uptake by maize at the maturity stage, and atom % of 15N excess, residual 15N and residual NO3-N in the 0-100 cm soil layer after maize harvest were determined. Results shown that compared to CI coupled with CN, AI coupled with AN or CN significantly increased the grain yield, harvest index, RLD, N uptake by maize, 15N accumulation in grain, atom % of 15N excess in the 0-60 cm soil layer, the residual 15N and 15N uptake rates; but significantly decreased the residual NO3-N in the 0-100 cm soil layers and 15N loss rate. Moreover, the synchronized rather than separation supply of N fertilizer and water enhanced the most above parameters under AI. 15N uptake rate was positively correlated with RLD in the 0-40 cm soil layer, suggesting that the enhanced RLD contributed to the improved 15N uptake rate. Therefore, alternate furrow irrigation coupled with conventional or alternate nitrogen supply (synchronized supply of N fertilizer and water) could help improve 15N uptake rate and reduce the 15N loss rate. Keywords: 15N-labeled technology, root length density, nitrogen fertilizer fate, nitrogen management, residual nitrogen DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201303.5287 Citation: Qi D L, Hu T T, Song X. Effects of nitrogen supply methods on fate of nitrogen in maize under alternate partial root-zone irrigation. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(3): 129–135.

Assessment of Phosphorous Release from Bat Guano with Respect to Their use as Organic Fertilizers in Crop Production

Bat guano from Kisarawe cave A (BGK-A), Kisarawe cave B (BGK-B) and Sukumawera cave (BGS) in Tanzania were studied in a laboratory incubation experiment for 112 days to assess the phosphorus release patterns and establish the pick periods of P mineralization. Total P contents from BGK-A, BGK-B and BGS were 8.55, 7.03 and 3.45 % respectively. Bat guano from each deposit mixed with soil at varying rates of 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg P 200 g-1 soil. The experiment was arranged in 3×5 factorial experiment in randomized complete design (RCD) with three replications. Results showed a gradual increase of P availability from 28 days to 84 days of incubation; followed by a slow decrease up to the 112th day of incubation. P release (availability) from the studied guano was in the order of BGK-B 0.8) with P released in the soil throughout incubation period. It was concluded that P release from the three bat guano deposits in soils is gradual and reaches the pick in almost three months after application. Thus, it should be applied at least two months before planting for more effectiveness of P release.

Effects of nitrogen supply methods on fate of nitrogen in maize under alternate partial root-zone irrigation

Partial root-zone irrigation (PRI) has been practiced worldwide, but little information is available on nitrogen (N) supply methods influence on fate of applied N fertilizer for crop production under PRI. A field experiment was conducted to investigate effect of N supply methods on the uptake, residual, and loss of applied N fertilizer in maize (Zea mays L.) under alternate PRI at Wuwei, northwest China in 2014. 15N-labeled urea was used as N fertilizer. Two irrigation methods included alternate furrow irrigation (AI) and conventional furrow irrigation (CI). Two N fertilizer supply methods included conventional N supply (CN) and alternate N supply (AN), were applied in combination with each irrigation method. Grain yield, root length density (RLD), N uptake by maize at the maturity stage, and atom % of 15N excess, residual 15N and residual NO3-N in the 0-100 cm soil layer after maize harvest were determined. Results shown that compared to CI coupled with CN, AI coupled with AN or CN significantly increased the grain yield, harvest index, RLD, N uptake by maize, 15N accumulation in grain, atom % of 15N excess in the 0-60 cm soil layer, the residual 15N and 15N uptake rates; but significantly decreased the residual NO3-N in the 0-100 cm soil layers and 15N loss rate. Moreover, the synchronized rather than separation supply of N fertilizer and water enhanced the most above parameters under AI. 15N uptake rate was positively correlated with RLD in the 0-40 cm soil layer, suggesting that the enhanced RLD contributed to the improved 15N uptake rate. Therefore, alternate furrow irrigation coupled with conventional or alternate nitrogen supply (synchronized supply of N fertilizer and water) could help improve 15N uptake rate and reduce the 15N loss rate. Keywords: 15N-labeled technology, root length density, nitrogen fertilizer fate, nitrogen management, residual nitrogen DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201303.5287 Citation: Qi D L, Hu T T, Song X. Effects of nitrogen supply methods on fate of nitrogen in maize under alternate partial root-zone irrigation. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(3): 129–135.

Pig slurry needs modifications to be a sustainable fertilizer in crop production

Pig slurry from modern high-technological farms contain copper and zinc, which is under suspicion of being co-factors in the development of antibiotic resistance. In addition, these two elements contaminate the surrounding environment when spread in large quantities. Therefore, biogas plants and biomembranes should be used to remove hazardous substances such as copper, zink, antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria before pig slurry is used as a fertilizer in crop production. That would allow recycling of phosphorous in a way that only to a limited extent affect the health of the environment.

Characterization of low-N responses in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars with contrasting nitrogen use efficiency in the North China Plain

Over-use of N fertilizer in crop production has resulted in a series of environmental problems in the North China Plain (NCP). Thus, improvement of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in summer maize has become an effective strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture in this region. Using twenty maize cultivars, plant dry matter production, N absorption and accumulation, yield formation, and NUE in summer maize were investigated under three N levels in two growing seasons. Based on their yield and yield components, these maize cultivars were categorized into four groups including efficient-efficient (EE) cultivars, high-nitrogen efficient (HNE) cultivars, low-nitrogen efficient (LNE) cultivars and nonefficient-nonefficient (NN) cultivars. In both two seasons, the EE cultivars improved grain yield together with increased plant biomass, and enhanced accumulative amounts as well as higher average grain yields than the other cultivar groups under deficient-N conditions. Significant correlations were observed between yield and kernel numbers (KN), dry matter (DM) amount and N accumulation at both post-silking and maturity stages. DM and N accumulation at late growth stage (i.e., from silking to maturity) contributed largely to the enhanced yield capacity and improved NUE under N-deficient conditions. Compared with the NN cultivars, the EE cultivars also showed increased N assimilation amount (NAA) and N remobilization content (NRC), and elevated N remobilization efficiency (NRE), NUE and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN). Our investigation has revealed N-associated physiological processes and may provide guidance for cultivation and breeding of high yield and NUE summer maize under limited N conditions in the NCP.

Influence of method of residue application and moisture content on water soluble nitrogen in a rhodickandiustalf amended with different fallow plant materials

Use of plant residues as nutrient sources presents a viable option to resource poor farmers who sparsely use mineral fertilizer in crop production. A study was conducted to gain an insight into how different application methods of residues from different fallow management systems under two moisture regimes would affect soluble N release in a Rhodic Kandiustalf. Three residue types viz, elephant grass from a natural fallow (T1) and another as a fallow following a previously fertilized maize (T2) and a fallow legume (T3) were surface applied and incorporated in a Rhodic Kandiustalf at both field capacity (FC) and 60% field capacity over a sixteen-week period. Incorporation of mucuna residues and elephant grass from previously fertilized maize fallow released similar soluble N levels which were higher than levels from the natural elephant grass amendments. At 60% FC, both mucuna and elephant grass from the fertilized maize fields that were surface applied had slower N releases than the grass from the natural fallow, suggesting the elephant grass from the natural fallow field could be used as an N source amidst light watering to avoid leaching in the dry season.

Mitigating Ammonia Volatilization from Waterlogged Acids Soils Using Organic Amendments

In production agriculture, granular urea is the most used nitrogen fertilizer in crop production. However, increase in soil pH following application of urea causes ammonia volatilization and reduces N use efficiency. To minimize ammonia loss, organic amendments are used, however, type of organic amendment use could affect urea use efficiency. This study was to determine the effects of organic amendments derived from forest litter, Leucaena leucocephala, chicken litter, and cow dung on ammonia volatilization and chemical properties of a waterlogged acid soil. Treatments evaluated were: (i) T1, Soil only, (ii) T2, Existing recommended fertilization, (iii) T3, Biochar-forest litter compost, (iv) T4, Biochar-chicken litter compost, (v) T5, Biochar-cow dung compost, (vi) T6, Biochar-Leucaena compost, and (vii) T7, Biochar-Leucaena - chicken litter compost. Standard procedures were used to quantify ammonia volatilization and soil chemical properties. The findings of this present study also revealed that the total amount of ammonia loss from urea over a period of forty-two days depends on the influence of the organic amendments on urea hydrolysis. Emissions of ammonia from T6 and T7 were significantly higher because, the decomposition of Leucaena leucocephala favours urea hydrolysis compared with those of T3, T4, and T5. Therefore, Leucaena leucocephala composts should be carefully co-applied with urea to minimize ammonia loss if the aim of using this type of amendments is to improve N use efficiency and soil and crop productivity.

Dairy Manure and Synthetic Fertilizer: A Meta‐Analysis of Crop Production and Environmental Quality

Core Ideas Dairy manure matches synthetic fertilizer in yield and quality of row crops. Manure application increases soil organic matter and soil P levels. Appropriate application rates are critical to avoid negative environmental impacts. Dairy production systems rely on row crop agriculture to produce feed because animal density continues to rise, whereas land allocated to dairy farms is decreasing. Management of the entire dairy system, including animals, forages, and manure, must be optimized to meet production goals while remaining economically viable. Many producers apply dairy manure to meet crop nutrient demand, both reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer and the cost associated with manure disposal. However, repeated manure applications have been linked with environmental concerns, such as soil nutrient loading, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased water quality. The objective of this research was to synthesize the literature comparing dairy manure fertilizer with synthetic fertilizer in row crop agricultural production systems to determine impacts on both crop productivity and environmental quality. Fifty‐eight studies were included in a meta‐analysis that showed that, when applied at rates providing comparable levels of plant‐available N, manure fertilizer matched synthetic fertilizer in crop production, quality, and digestibility. Manure application increased soil organic matter, which may have an overall positive effect on long‐term soil fertility, but it also increased soil P, suggesting a threat to water quality. Soil nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions were highly variable across studies, so no clear trends were evident. Overall, these findings suggest that manure is a suitable fertilizer in row crop agriculture, but it should be applied with caution to limit risk to environmental quality, which can vary with site‐specific factors like climate, soil texture, and application practices.

Nitrogen Fertilization in Soil Systems

Nitrogen (N) is a constituent of life. Since its discovery in the late 18th century and its essential role in plant growth acknowledged in the mid-19th century, the quest for N was launched and has never ended. N fertilizers have become synonym of more food for an ever-growing world population. Despite the compelling need to use more N fertilizers to feed the world, it is worth considering the side-effects of their mismanagement not only on the environment but equally on health. After reviewing the overall impacts of agricultural production on soil N content, the pros and cons of introducing N fertilizers in crop production are discussed. Finally, alternatives to minimize adverse effects of N fertilizers are mentioned.

METHODS OF APPLYING FERTILIZERS IN PRECISION AGRICULTURE

It is impossible to achieve the planned yields, product quality, and economic efficiency in agricultural production using only organic fertilizers. joint application of organic and solid mineral fertilizers solves the problem of replenishing the soil content of nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements used by plants. The authors have carried out the research of new methods of variable-rate application of mineral fertilizers in plant growing, allowing to increase the profitability of agricultural production. (Research purpose) is to develop new methods of variable-rate application of mineral fertilizers in crop production, which will allow increasing the profitability of crop production as compared with the conventional methods of applying fertilizers basing on average field indicators. (Materials and methods) The authors have developed a calculation technique implemented in the VBA Excel computer program for determining the main indicators: gross output, fertilizer saving, profit, etc. The main variable to change in the calculations is the planned yield based on average field parameters. At the end of the calculation process, the values of the best result for gross harvest output and profit are displayed on the screen. The research objects for the calculation were represented by elementary areas of crop areas of three farms – “Prodresurs”, Agropoligon VIUA, and “Murminskoye” with different soil types: chernozem, loamy, and sandy-loam. (Results and discussion) The method of proportional variable-rate application of fertilizers on three types of soils gives a stable increase in profit as compared with the application of fertilizers basing on the average field indicators. (Conclusions) Calculations have shown that under the specified conditions and at the equal yield of 30 c/ha the application of organomineral fertilizers is the most effective, profitability has accounted for 40 percents – on mesopodzol sandy-loam soils; 8.7 percents – on sod-podzolic soils; and 1.3 percents – on black soils. The method of proportional variable-rate application of mineral fertilizers accompanied with variable-rate application of organic fertilizers makes it possible to reduce the amount of mineral fertilizers applied by half.