Form Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Enhancing Maize Production Through Timely Nutrient Supply: The Role of Foliar Fertiliser Application

Maize, regarded as a staple economic crop, attracts special global attention with the aim to enhance its production. Foliar fertilisation offers a complementary method to traditional soil fertilisation amongst resource-limited agricultural systems, providing a more efficient solution to nutrient deficiencies, especially in suboptimal soil conditions. This study aimed to analyse foliar fertiliser formulation research directions and their application in maize production. A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Bibliometric analyses were performed using the VOSviewer software (version 1.6.17). The changes in the publication trends of documents were tested using the Mann–Kendall test. The production effects of foliar fertilisation were independently synthesised. The results showed a strong positive increase in publication trends regarding maize foliar fertilisation (R2 = 0.7842). The predominant nutrients that affected maize production were nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. The timely foliar application of nutrients corrected deficiencies and/or sustained nutrient supply under several abiotic stresses. Foliar application at critical growth stages like flowering and grain filling boosted carbohydrate and protein content, lipid levels, kernel size, mineral content, and the weight of the maize grain. This review identified important research gaps, namely genotype-specific responses, interactions with other agronomic practices, and long-term environmental effects.

Enhancing Growth, Yield, and Forage Quality of Two Teosinte Genotypes Through NPK Nano-Fertilizer Application

The overuse of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has led to adverse effects on soil health, groundwater contamination, and the overall environmental sustainability of farming systems. Consequently, there is an urgent need for more innovative and environmentally friendly fertilizer approaches that can enhance agricultural productivity without compromising soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of different fertilizer compositions, including conventional chemical fertilizers and nano nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) fertilizers, on the growth, yield, and forage quality of two teosinte genotypes (G3 and G4) to identify more sustainable alternatives that could improve agricultural outcomes while minimizing environmental harm. A split-plot design field investigation with the main plots representing the teosinte genotypes and the sub-plots comprising five fertilizer formulations was conducted over two growing seasons (2021 and 2022) to investigate their effects on vegetative growth, yield attributes, and forage quality of two teosinte genotypes. The two teosinte genotypes were subjected to various fertilizer treatments (100% chemical fertilizers (CF) (F1), 75% CF + 25% nano NPK (F2), 50% CF + 50% nano NPK (F3), 25% CF + 75% nano NPK (F4), and 100% nano NPK (F5). Results indicated that G4 exhibited superior growth and nutritional composition compared to G3. Furthermore, F3 treatment resulted in enhancing shoot height, stem diameter, and dry matter accumulation. Additionally, F3 treatment improved fiber digestibility, but F1 treatment yielded the highest crude protein (CP). These findings suggest that integrating nano-fertilizers with traditional fertilizers, as exemplified by the F3 mixture, holds potential for optimizing teosinte growth and forage quality. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of the research exploration of balanced fertilizer mixtures to enhance forage yield and quality in teosinte cultivation, advocating for a strategic integration of nano NPK and bulk chemical fertilizers for sustainable agricultural practices.

Exogenous GABA-Ca Alleviates Growth Inhibition Induced by a Low-P Environment in Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea).

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major global factor constraining peanut production. Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Ca2+ are essential to improve stress resilience in peanuts growing under low-P conditions. This study therefore examined the detailed physiological effects of GABA-Ca on restoring peanut growth under low-P conditions. These included the root-shoot ratio, leaf nutrients, photochemical activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclic electron flow (CEF), ATP synthase activity, and the proton gradient (∆pH), all of which were measured under low-P (LP, 0.5 mM) and optimized-P (1 mM) conditions. Specifically, supplying GABA-Ca under LP conditions regulated the ∆pH by causing adjustments in CEF and ATP synthase activities, buffering the photosystems' activities, restoring the antioxidant enzyme system, and lowering ROS production. Interestingly, exogenous GABA-Ca restored peanut growth under low-P conditions, possibly by the putative signaling crosstalk between GABA and Ca2+. The plausible signal amplification between GABA and Ca2+ suggested that the combination of GABA and Ca, may offer an effective strategy for enhancing peanut adaptation to low-P conditions. Moving forward, the strategic supplementation of GABA-Ca, either during cultivation or through the formulation of novel fertilizers, opens up many possibilities for better and more resilient plant production in soils with low P.

Chitozan-zeolite Composite Fertilizer Formulations for Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency

The experiment was carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, from January to May 2024. Slow release fertilizer formulations (SRF) containing all the major (N, P,K), secondary (Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Zn, B) were prepared using compatible fertilizer materials(urea, diammonium phosphate, muriate of potash, phosphogypsum, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and borax), carrier materials (zeolite and chitosan) which are mixed in five ratios (1:1,1:2,1:3,2:1,3:1) and prepared by two methods namely solid impregnation and solute impregnation. Ten formulations were prepared with different combinations of fertilizer mix, carrier materials and impregnation methods. These formulations were prepared to meet the specific nutrient needs of solanaceous crops (75:40:25 N:P:K kgha-1) and the soil nutrient status. The formulations were characterized for their physical (hygroscopicity, moisture content and stability) and electro-chemical properties (pH, EC) and observed that they are non hygroscopic, non caking and are highly stable. The moisture content of formulations ranged from 2.57 % to 3.92 %, pH 6.30 to 6.81 and EC 10.06 to 16.29 dS m-1. The nutrient content in these formulations were 10.21 to 12.02 % nitrogen, 3.82 to 4.63 % phosphorus, 2.65 to 5.28 % potassium, 5.58 to 6.58 % calcium, 2.46 to 3.08% magnesium, 2.58 to 3.46% sulphur, 1.06 to 1.23% zinc and 0.15 to 0.24% boron. The highest nutrient content was obtained in formulation containing fertilizer mix + C-Z (1:1) prepared by solid impregnation method.

Optimizing phosphorus precipitation from acidic sewage sludge ash leachate: Use of Mg-rich mining by-products for enhanced nutrient recovery

Phosphorus recovery from Sewage Sludge Ashes (SSA) by wet chemical extraction followed by selective precipitation has gained great attention in recent years, attempting to reduce the anthropic pressure on natural reserves. This study investigates the selective precipitation process at lab- and small pilot-scales by means of two conventional and one innovative precipitating agents, the latter derived from a low-grade magnesium oxide mining by-product (LG-MgO named PC8), assessing the role of the most relevant operating parameters. Lab-scale experiments were performed on leachates obtained from bottom and fly ashes, in which several operating conditions were tested, differing in the type of precipitating agent, target pH and nutrient molar ratio. Based on experimental results, small pilot-scale experiments were conducted with Ca(OH)2 and PC8 at pH 7. Effective phosphorus precipitation was obtained at lab-scale at pH equal to 4 for high Al/P molar ratio, while SSA leachate with low Al/P molar ratio promoted improved phosphorus precipitation (>90%) only at pH higher than 8 with PC8. Small pilot-scale findings confirmed the effectiveness of PC8 in increasing simultaneously the pH and the nutrient content of the solid precipitate. The comprehensive assessment of the samples denoted compliance with the European Regulation (EU 2019/1009), which allows the formulation of different fertilizers with agronomic relevance. This is the first time that experiments from small pilot-scale tests in the field of phosphorus recovery from SSA were investigated using an innovative precipitant providing key information for the process scale-up.

Use of Fatty Acids in Fertilizer Formulation: A Systematic Review

Synthetic fertilizers have been a subject of socio-environmental challenges. A more sustainable approach is necessary to develop these farm products. Thus, this review presents a strategy for fertilizer production by utilizing fatty acids and by-products derived from renewable sources. However, given the scarcity of data on the topic in scientific journals, this review used the PRISMA report methodology from patent databases. Results show that China is this field’s most significant intellectual property holder. Patents were predominantly vegetable-based (60%), mixed (14%), and animal- based (8.47%), with innovations including liquid fertilizers of plant and animal-based fatty acid esters, as well as the use of controlled-release technology. 80.60% of fertilizers were applied to the soil, followed by foliar application (12.75%) and seed application (0.60%). Notable contributions included fertilizers acting as pesticides and anti-caking agents. Thus, we realize the urgency of continuing scientific research to pursue more responsible and efficient agricultural practices.

Advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Fourier Transform–Infrared, Visible-NearInfrared and X-ray Diffraction Methods Used for Characterization of Organo-Mineral Fertilizers Based on Biosolids

Biosolids from stabilized sludge present a high fertilization potential, due to their rich content of nutrients and organic matter. The intrinsic and subtle properties of such fertilizers may greatly influence the fertilization efficiency. In this sense, the utility, advantages and limitations of advanced characterization methods, for the investigation of structural and dynamic properties at the microscopic scale of slightly different formulations of fertilizers were assessed. For that, three formulas of organo-mineral fertilizers based on biosolids (V1, V2 and V3), having at least 2% N, 2% P2O5, and 2% K2O, were characterized by advanced methods, such as 1H NMR relaxometry, 1H MAS and 13C CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy, 1H double-quantum NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Advanced structural characterization was performed using SEM, EDX and X-ray diffraction. Four dynamical components were identified in the NMR T2 distribution showing that the rigid component has a percentage larger than 90%, which explains the broad band of NMR spectra confirmed by the distributions of many components in residual dipolar coupling as were revealed by 1H DQ-NMR measurements. SEM and EDX measurements helped the identification of components from crystalline-like X-ray diffraction patterns. To evaluate the release properties of organo-mineral fertilizers, dynamic measurements of classical electric conductivity and pH were performed by placing 0.25 g of the formulas (V1, V2 and V3) in 200 mL of distilled water. The content of N and P were quantified using specific reactants, combined with VIS-nearIR spectroscopy. Two release mechanisms were observed and characterized. It was found that V3 presents the smallest release velocity but releases the largest number of fertilizers.

Conversion of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Waste into Green Liquid Organic Fertilizer

Solid wastes generated from the oil palm industry contain valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that can significantly enhance plant growth and potentially elevate fertilizer production. This study aims to identify the optimal formulation of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber waste. Three formulations of LOF were prepared, comprising OPEFB waste, molasses, noni fruit, and cattle urine, designated as Formulation A, B, and C. These formulations underwent a 14-day anaerobic incubation period. The formulated OPEFB LOF was then analyzed for nutrient content, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids. This study also examines the soil properties and plant growth outcomes following the application of the formulated OPEFB LOF. The results indicated that Formulation A exhibited the highest nutrient concentrations, specifically 485 ppm nitrogen, 95 ppm phosphorus, and 1007 ppm potassium. In comparison to the other two OPEFB LOF formulations, Formulation A showed the lowest values for total dissolved solids (502 ppm) and electrical conductivity (8.14 dS/m). The findings demonstrated that Formulation A displayed the most favorable growth characteristics in terms of leaf count, plant height, leaf length, and leaf width. This is attributed to the nitrogen-boosting properties of cattle urine, along with the complementary effects of molasses and noni fruit as soil improver and bio-activator. This study confirms the viability of utilizing green organic fertilizer derived from OPEFB substrate in agriculture, replacing conventional inorganic fertilizers.

Identification of Stutzerimonas stutzeri volatile organic compounds that enhance the colonization and promote tomato seedling growth.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have an important function in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) development and plant growth. This study aimed to identify VOCs of the PGPR strain, Stutzerimonas stutzeri NRCB010, and investigate their effects on NRCB010 biofilm formation, swarming motility, colonization, and tomato seedling growth. Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were performed to identify the VOCs produced during NRCB010 fermentation. A total of 28 VOCs were identified. Among them, seven (e.g. γ-valerolactone, 3-octanone, mandelic acid, 2-heptanone, methyl palmitate, S-methyl thioacetate, and 2,3-heptanedione), which smell well, are beneficial for plant, or as food additives, and without serious toxicities were selected to evaluate their effects on NRCB010 and tomato seedling growth. It was found that most of these VOCs positively influenced NRCB010 swarming motility, biofilm formation, and colonization, and the tomato seedling growth. Notably, γ-valerolactone and S-methyl thioacetate exhibited the most positive performances. The seven NRCB010 VOCs, essential for PGPR and crop growth, are potential bioactive ingredients within microbial fertilizer formulations. Nevertheless, the long-term sustainability and replicability of the positive effects of these compounds across different soil and crop types, particularly under field conditions, require further investigation.

Jack bean urease inhibition by different root fractions of Cleome gynandra L – Kinetic mechanism and computational molecular modelling

Natural products with urease inhibiting potentialities would be valuable for enhancing nitrogen fertilizer formulations and developing new therapeutics against infectious diseases. Main focus of this research was to assess the inhibitory impact of various parts of Cleome gynandra (Cleomaceae) on jack bean urease activity, identify the responsible compounds, and ascertain their mode of enzyme inhibition and interactions with urease enzyme. Urease inhibitory potentiality of different plant parts of C. gynandra was determined using the phenol-hypochlorite method and mode of enzyme inhibition by Lineweaver-Burk kinetic analysis. LC-HRMS was carried out to identify the compounds of the active fractions. Molecular docking and simulations were executed to find out the binding affinity and interaction pattern of the isolated compounds at the active site of urease enzyme and to verify stability of protein-inhibitor complexes. The root of C. gynandra exhibited highest urease inhibitory potentiality with IC50 value of 1.529 mg/ml compared with leaf and stem. Among the different root fractions, water fraction revealed maximum anti-urease activity with IC50 values of 1.477 mg/ml followed by methanol (1.655 mg/ml) and acetone fractions (1.955 mg/ml). Inhibition kinetics indicated that these fractions were strong inhibitors of urease and exhibited a non-competitive mode of inhibition with Ki values of 184.911 µg/ml, 147.34 µg/ml, and 233.75 µg/ml respectively at 1000 mg/L concentration. LC-HRMS analysis confirmed the occurrence of glucocapparin, fluticasone propionate and lauryl hydrogen sulfate etc. in water fraction. Molecular modelling and simulation study suggested strong and stable interactions between the specified compounds of water fraction and active site of urease. Hence, the water fraction of C. gynandra roots represent a valuable source of natural urease inhibitors, for possible therapeutic applications and sustainable agricultural practices.

Nutrient Allocation and Growth Responses of Senegalia polyphylla under Varied Fertilizer Regimes for Effective Forest Recovery.

To restore invaded areas, planting fast-growing native species such as Senegalia polyphylla (DC.) Britton & Rose (Fabaceae) is widely used. However, invasive grasses reduce light availability, alter fire regimes, and compete for water and nutrients, hindering the growth of native trees. Fertilization practices influence the competition dynamics between natives and invasives by altering soil fertility. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of mineral and organic fertilization on the nutritional status and growth of S. polyphylla cultivated during the first 120 days after transplanting. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design comprising five treatments and four replications, along with the unfertilized control (0-0%) as an additional treatment. Dystrophic red latosol and different proportions of mineral and organic fertilizers were used. The variables evaluated included dry mass of aboveground parts and roots, nutrient content in leaves, and nutrient use efficiency. The results showed that fertilizations with high nutrient concentrations (100-0% and 75-25%) resulted in greater accumulation of N, P, and K in the leaves, while balanced fertilization (50-50% and 25-75%) led to greater root dry mass. These results emphasize the importance of strategically choosing fertilizer formulations to promote the healthy development of seedlings in areas subject to interference from invasive grasses.

Growth response of tomatoes to application of bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer in a pot experiment

Nitrogen-fixer and phosphate-solubilizer bacteria increase the chemical-fertilizer efficiency and soil health. Bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer is a novel approach for intensifying biofertilizer application in vegetable production. The study aimed to observe the compatibility between two Azotobacter species and two Bacillus species, their population on two formulations of bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer (BCN), and the effect of BCN dose on growth, N and P content, and their uptake in tomato shoots. The compatibility test was performed using the streak method. The population of Azotobacter and Bacillus were counted for two formulations of NPK fertilizer coated by solid biofertilizer (5% and 10%) and zeolite (1% and 5%). The pot experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replications. The treatments were 100% recommended doses of conventional NPK fertilizer (700 kg/ha) and 100%, 80%, and 60% doses of BCN. The results showed four bacterial species were compatible, indicated by synergistic growth on the plate agar. The BCN formula using 5% liquid inoculant and 5% zeolite has higher cell viability. The BCN enhanced stem thickness and leaves number but did not change the plant height, dry weight, N and P content, and their uptake in shoots. Applying 60% of BCN caused greater stem thickness and leaf number. Despite being insignificantly different from another treatment, that dose increased the biomass and the shoot uptake of N and P. The NPK fertilizer coated by Azotobacter and Bacillus has the potency to increase tomato growth and NPK fertilizer dose.

Contribution of Using Filter Cake and Vinasse as a Source of Nutrients for Sustainable Agriculture—A Review

The use of filter cake and vinasse in agriculture began in the 1970s and intensified in the 1990s. Currently, the Ukraine war and the high value of fertilizers have created opportunities for fertilization programs in agricultural systems with sustainable goals. This review presents updated data (1988–2024) and a discussion on the potential agricultural use of filter cake and vinasse and indicates the current progress of research on this subject in addition to future prospects. Filter cake stands out due to the formulation of organomineral fertilizers with direct application of composted or fresh forms, favoring the agronomic efficiency of phosphorus. The use of vinasse in fertigation is feasible and replaces potassium mineral fertilizers and other nutrients following an organic matrix. Future perspectives point to the agricultural use of filter cake and vinasse on a sustainable basis from different approaches. The aim is to potentiate their benefits in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. It is noteworthy that filter cake or vinasse, when combined with growth-promoting bacteria in irrigated crops, can nullify the negative effects of climate change due to increased productivity and, at the same time, meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This contributes to facing global challenges related to food security by recycling nutrients for agriculture and generating clean bioenergy from sugarcane biomass.

Valorization of lignin by crosslinking for slow-release urea fertilizer systems: A promising approach for agricultural applications

Slow-release fertilizers hold promise for their extensive use in agriculture. Urea, a commonly employed fertilizer, poses the risk of elevated nitrogen levels in soil due to its water solubility when used improperly. To address this issue, the development of a cost-effective and biodegradable urea slow-release matrix was pursued by crosslinking wheat straw-derived lignin with epichlorohydrin at varying ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) and subsequently impregnating it with urea. The crosslinked lignin matrices exhibited superior properties compared to unmodified lignin. After 8 days of immersion in water, the percentage release of urea from the crosslinked lignin matrices reached 48%, whereas it was 95% for unmodified lignin. Characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetry analysis were employed to gain insights into the structural and functional aspects of the crosslinked lignin. The results revealed that the crosslinked lignin possessed a higher surface area and exhibited more suitable functional groups for urea impregnation. The controlled hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the crosslinked lignin matrices offers significant advantages in fertilizer systems, enabling a controlled and gradual release of urea. This innovative approach not only offers enhanced control over nutrient delivery but also demonstrates the potential of lignin as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for slow-release fertilizer formulations. This development provides an effective solution to address the issue of excessive nitrogen levels and opens up new avenues in material development, holds promise for sustainable agriculture and paves the way for further advancements in the field.

Influence of soil organic matter, fertiliser formulation and season on fertiliser nitrogen use efficiency in temperate pastures

Intensively grazed dairy systems use high inputs of fertiliser nitrogen (N), and often supplementary irrigation, to ensure adequate pasture production to support milk output and meet the growing food demand. However, the efficiency of N use in these systems can be low and potential environmental impacts high. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that (1) use of two inhibitors, the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphorictriamide (NBTPT) and the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) reduced N loss and improved pasture production compared to conventional N fertiliser (urea) in irrigated temperate perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dairy pasture, and (2) their efficiency was affected by soil and environmental parameters. The effect of repeated applications of urea, at different rates, and the inhibitors were studied on pasture production and agronomic apparent fertiliser N use efficiency (NUE) over 2.5 years. The fate of a single application of N was determined through recovery of 15N-labeled fertiliser applied at 20 and 40 kg N ha−1 was studied in the field for one year. The highest yield and NUE occurred in spring–summer (from August to February) reflecting optimal growing conditions. The highest NUE occurred at low rates of urea application (20 and 40 kg N ha−1). Mineralisation played a key role in supplying N to pasture with 64–82% of total plant N derived from soil organic matter (SOM). Less than 50% of the applied N was recovered in the pasture (37–43%) with a large component retained in the soil (26–43% after one year, 0–40 cm), and slowly released in small amounts (< 2%) to the pasture over time, highlighting the abundant capacity of the native soil N pool to supply pasture N. Loss of N fertiliser (14–31%) was attributed to primarily ammonia (NH3) volatilisation and nitrate (NO3−) leaching. Use of the inhibitors NBTPT and DMPP did not significantly affect pasture yield or NUE, most likely because fertiliser N saved with the inhibitors only played a minor role in plant nutrition with the majority of the plant nutrition provided by the soil organic matter pool.

Nano iron loaded algal biomass: For better yield, amino acid and iron content in rice – A ‘nano-phycofertilizer’

The iron nano particles (INPs) loaded algal biomass can stimulate plant growth, leading to improved crop yields and quality. In this article, we have explored the efficacy of INPs-loaded biomass of Ulva intestinalis as ‘Nano-Phyco-Fertilizer (NPF)’ for rice cultivation. In situ INPs synthesis by Ulva biomass was spontaneous, turning the green thallus to brown due to the deposition of a large amount of intracellular INP within 24 h in dark conditions. The synthesized INPs was characterized as spindle-shaped with ferromagnetic properties by TEM analysis. The INPs-loaded algal biomass was dried, dusted, and applied to soil as NPF. Additionally, algal biomass without iron and free INPs were also tested separately and compared to NPF. The synergistic combination of algae and INPs in fertilizer formulations is a novel work and it offers several advantages over conventional fertilizers. As a result, after the application of NPF, the heights and grain yield of rice plants increased by 40 % and 2.5 times respectively. Moreover, the essential amino acid and iron content in rice grains showed a significant increase by 20–40 % and 45 % respectively upon NPF application, as compared to that of rice crops with conventional agricultural practice. The integration of algal and INP-based fertilizers represents a sustainable and innovative approach to meet the growing demands of global agriculture. As a result, it can be concluded that NPF shows significant enhancement in the growth and productivity of rice plant cultivation and holds immense promise in ensuring food security and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional fertilization malpractices.

Soil Conservation in Brassica rapa chinensis L (Pakcoy) Growth

Population increase has an impact on the procurement of food sources. Pakcoy is a vegetable that is in increasing demand. Farmers' response to this condition is to use excessive fertilizer and pesticides, thereby reducing soil fertility. The research aims to obtain a combination of fertilizer and humic acid, which is effective in cultivating B. rappa chinesis L., as well as soil conservation efforts. The methodology was experimental with Randomized Block Design (RBD) on four treatments, K, P1, P2, and P3. The dose of K was 150 g/5 m2, NPK 16:16:16, 1 kg/5 m2 dolomite, and 5 kg/5 m2 manure. The P1 treatment is the same as K but without NPK fertilizer. P2 and P3 treatments were reduced by 50% and 70% of NPK fertilizer, respectively, with the addition of humic acid. The research results show that P2 with local environmental conditions provides optimal results in terms of chlorophyll, stomata, and plant height. Soil fertility was shown by increasing pH to 6.6, K 281 ppm and P 509 ppm, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) 31.60 cmolc/kg, soil enzymes of 0.12 mg FDA g-1 soil d.w. h-1, an average number of earthworms of 17. The conclusion is that P2 fertilizer formulation can be applied to cultures as an anticipation of food security.

Effects of Microbial Inoculants Combined with Chemical Fertilizer on Growth and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)

Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this study, we investigated seven fertilizer combinations, ranging from no fertilizer to various proportions of chemical fertilizers with microbial inoculants, on timothy (Phleum pratense L.) growth, chlorophyll content, soil properties, enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. A randomized block design was employed to analyze these effects. The results indicate that the combination of 85% chemical fertilizer with microbial inoculants significantly increased timothy yield and chlorophyll content. In addition, a reduction to 55% chemical fertilizer in conjunction with microbial inoculants resulted in comparable yield to that of 100% fertilizer with no inoculants. The microbial inoculants treatments notably elevated soil catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and invertase activities, along with soil fast-acting nutrient content. The sequencing results show that the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, while that of fungi decreased in the soil rhizosphere after the application of microbial inoculants. This study underscored the potential of microbial inoculants combined with reductions in chemical fertilizers to enhance soil microbiology, nutrient content, and beneficial microbial abundance while suppressing pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting timothy growth and yield. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices, providing valuable insights for optimizing microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizer formulations to mitigate the sustainability challenges posed by conventional fertilizers.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) morpho-physiological and yield responses to chemical, organic, and biofertilizers at various watering levels utilizing drip irrigation system

ABSTRACT The infertility of sandy soil hampers the growth of many crops. Typically, chemical fertilizers are used to handle this issue, but they are expensive and have deleterious implications on the ecosystem. A two-year field investigation was carried out on cowpea cultivated in sandy soil to assess the effects of different watering levels (70, 80, 90, and 100% of the actual irrigation requirements), chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and biofertilizer (Bradyrhizobium sp.), and their combinations on the morpho-physiological traits and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, cv. Giza 18). Overall, the findings showed that cowpea osmoregulatory molecules (sugars, proteins, and proline) demonstrated greater accumulation, with the content depending on the watering level. The applied fertilizers demonstrated improved cowpea performance at the regular watering level, with chopped potato tops outperforming other fertilizer formulations. Furthermore, the combination of water stress treatments and fertilizer formulations was impactful in relieving the detrimental consequences of water stress as it enhanced plant growth performance, production efficiency, metabolic homeostasis, nutritional value, and mineral ions composition. Subsequently, our results demonstrated agro-wastes, particularly chopped potato tops, could be an effective substitute for chemical fertilizers in sandy soils to sustainably increase soil fertility as well as cowpea yield performance.

Down-streaming Small-Scale Green Ammonia to Nitrogen-Phosphorus Fertilizer Tablets for Rural Communities

This study aims to evaluate the growth and production of sweet corn plants in response to the application of commercial NPK fertilizer and various doses of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets. From early October 2022 to late January 2023, research was conducted at Research and Development Luas Birus Utama to produce nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets and at Research and Development Syngenta Indonesia Cikampek Station, Karawang, to perform a semi-field analysis. A factorial randomized block design with two treatment factors was employed in this study. The first factor was five types of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets, namely, A (0% nitrogen and 6.3% phosphorus), B (0.81% nitrogen and 6.3% phosphorus), C (1.57% nitrogen and 6.1% phosphorus), D (2.33% nitrogen and 6.2% phosphorus), and E (3.06% nitrogen and 6.2% phosphorus). The second factor was F (standard nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The results revealed that applying different dosages of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets in combination with potassium chloride fertilizer yielded no different effect on the growth, biomass, and yield components of sweet corn plants when compared to applying NPK fertilizer. A comparison between the soil test results before and after application revealed that the formulation of fertilizers in tablet form helps plants to effectively absorb the required nutrients. It is currently possible to develop small-scale or microscale green ammonia production technology to fulfill the fertilizer requirements of rural communities because of its low cost, low carbon emissions, and low renewable energy consumption. The scarcity of fertilizer supplies endangers Indonesia’s food sustainability. Nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablet production technology can be used in areas with a scarcity of inorganic fertilizers but with the potential for low-grade phosphate mines using commercial ammonia solutions. Thus, understanding how to produce nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer tablets from ammonia solution will aid in the acceptance of microscale green ammonia production technology. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-016 Full Text: PDF