Improve Soil Fertility Research Articles

Effects of Long-Term Reed Plantation on Saline Habitat

In recent years, the improvement and utilization of saline-alkaline soil has gradually shifted from engineering measures to biological measures. As a salt-tolerant plant, the reed has been preliminarily proven to have a role in improving saline-alkaline land. In order to explore the long-term effect of planting unharvested reeds on the improvement of saline-alkaline land, a pilot plot was set up in Fuping Pilot Test Base (34° 42'180"E; 109°11'49" N) near Lubo Beach, Fuping, Shaanxi, in 2012 to ascertain the improvement effect of long-term reed cultivation on saline–alkaline land. The objective was to study the long-term changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, and CO32- contents, soil particle size and soil fertility. Results showed that (i) reed cultivation could effectively reduce soil salinization in the long term. From 2012 to 2022, the average pH of saline soil decreased from 9.42 to 8.86, and the electrical conductivity decreased from 1.20 μS/cm to 0.70 μS/cm. (ii) Reed cultivation considerably reduced the contents of Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, and CO32- in the soil in the long term, and the reduction in each index was 5.9, 41.7, 63.5, 90.6, 81.7, 90.6, 77.9and 90.3%, respectively. (iii) Reed cultivation changed the soil structure. The soil texture of the 0–60 cm soil layer changed from silty sandy loam to silty loam from 2018 to 2022. (iv) Long-term reed planting without harvesting effectively improved soil fertility. In 2012, the content of soil organic matter was only 2.74 g/kg, but in 2022, the value reached 12.8 g/kg. Reed planting improved the physical and chemical properties of saline soil. Therefore, biological restoration of reed can be considered in low-lying saline–alkaline areas with high water volumes. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 665-672, 2024 (September) Special

The use of seaweed in the production of ornamental plants

Ornamental plants play a crucial role in urban green spaces by enhancing aesthetic value and providing ecological and economic benefits. They help improve air quality, support biodiversity, and contribute to environmental purification. The horticultural industry benefits from cultivating ornamental plants, it faces challenges such as soil health and environmental pollution due to high-yielding cultivars and chemical fertilizers. To address these challenges, integrating sustainable practices, such as using seaweed as an organic fertilizer, can provide solutions. Seaweed, rich in essential nutrients and growth hormones, improves soil fertility, plant growth, and resilience against environmental stresses. Studies have shown its effectiveness in enhancing growth parameters, mitigating salinity stress, and increasing yield and quality in various ornamental plants. However, the response to seaweed varies across species and conditions. To optimize its use, tailored application rates, combined sustainable practices, and continuous monitoring are recommended. Further research is also needed to develop comprehensive guidelines for its application in ornamental plant production.

Evaluating the potential of different crop straw biochar to capture carbon dioxide and increase the growth of Zea mays L.

The roles of biochar in capturing CO2 and ensuring food security are intertwined. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of these roles is crucial for optimizing the environmental benefits of biochar. Six crop straws: non-legumes (rice straw-RS, maize straw-MS, and wheat straw-WS), and legumes (chickpea straw-CS, mustard straw-MTS, and peanut straw-PS), were used to prepare biochar (RB, MB, WB, CB, MTB, and PB, respectively) at 700 °C and their ability to capture CO2, improve soil fertility, and enhance maize plant growth was evaluated. Our results revealed that the CO2 reduction potential (CRP) differed significantly, with CB being more efficient in retaining CO2. The CRP showed a significant polynomic relationship with ΔpH (R2 = 0.9646) and Δexchangeable acidity (R2 = 0.6356) but not with Δsoil organic carbon (R2 = 0.4181). Due to the differences in their physicochemical properties, straws and biochar had significantly different effects on soil pH, exchangeable acidity, nutrient uptake, maize growth, and maize biomass accumulation. Also, the N uptake potential of maize plants grown in biochar-amended soils was significantly larger than that of the respective straw. This significant difference in nutrient uptake between biochar and straw treatments was also observed for K, Ca, and Mg, and corroborates the significant differences recorded in plant growth parameters. Thus, converting crop residues to biochar sequesters carbon through the storage of captured CO2 thereby mitigating climate change. Also, by incorporating biochar in soil, soil acidity decreases, soil fertility increases, and the growth of maize plants improves. Nevertheless, it is important to carefully select biochar feedstock so as to achieve the optimal effects of carbon sequestration and soil fertility improvement when applied to agricultural soils.Graphical

Changes in Water Quality and Soil Property in the Rice–Freshwater Animal Co-Culturing System

This study investigated the effects of integrating various fish species in a rice field co-culture system on water quality and soil properties. The species included common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus), snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis), and giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The key water quality parameters measured included water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, transparency, ammonia, and nitrite. Soil properties were evaluated through pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. All the selected aquatic animals showed high adaptability in co-culture systems, with survival rates exceeding 80%. Additionally, rice yields increased by approximately 16%, with the highest yield observed in plots stocked with prawns. The results indicated that the presence of aquatic animals enhanced nutrient cycling, leading to significant improvements in both water quality and soil fertility. Differences in water quality and soil properties throughout the culture period were specific to the species present. These findings suggest that rice-fish co-culture systems serve as an effective nature-based solution for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and food security.

Biochar, Organic Fertilizer, and Bio-Organic Fertilizer Improve Soil Fertility and Tea Quality

Tea, the world’s second most traded commodity, significantly impacts the economies of producing countries. However, prolonged cultivation leads to soil degradation, particularly through acidification and the depletion of essential nutrients, which adversely affects tea quality. This study investigates the effects of biomass materials—biochar, organic fertilizer, and bio-organic fertilizer—on both tea quality and soil properties. The results revealed that all biomass treatments improved the catechin quality index (CQI) of tea, with bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) yielding the highest CQI at 629.41, followed closely by biochar (624.16) and organic fertilizer (581.34). Soil analysis indicated that biochar increased soil pH from 4.53 to 5.54, total carbon by 194.6% (from 12.61 g kg−1 to 24.42 g kg−1), and nitrogen levels by 11.7% (from 14.91 mg kg−1 to 16.17 mg kg−1), while reducing soluble salts significantly. Furthermore, biomass treatments enhanced enzyme activities, with urease and acid phosphatase increasing by up to 136.6% and 149.5%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships, with tea amino acid content correlating with soil total nitrogen (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) and tea polyphenols positively correlating with available potassium (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that integrating biomass materials into tea cultivation not only enhances tea quality but also contributes to soil health, supporting sustainable tea garden management practices.

THE EFFECTS OF INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT AND CROPPING SYSTEMS ON SOIL WATER CONTENT ON SORGHUM AND COWPEA PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF KENYA

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Soil fertility degradation remains the major biophysical cause of declining <em>per capita</em> crop production on smallholder farmers in Central Kenya highlands. The study was carried out for 3 consecutive seasons in Embu County classified as semi-arid lands in Kenya. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To determine the effect of Soil Water Harvesting (SWH), cropping systems and Integrated Soil Fertility Management technologies on sorghum and cowpea production in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The treatments were arranged in a factorial structure with 3 levels of SWH, 2 cropping systems and 6 soil fertility management options laid out in a partially balanced incomplete block design. The SWC was measured after 2 weeks after planting interval stages in the whole season. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and significant means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 95% Confidence Interval. <strong>Results:</strong> There was a two way interactions effect between SWH*Fertility management options on sorghum grain yields was significant (<em>p</em>=0.0027, <em>p</em>=0.0008 and<em> p</em>=0.0057) during long rains (LR) of 2011 and 2012, and short rains (SR) of 2011, respectively. Additionally, SWH methods significantly affected sorghum grain yields in a similar trend (<em>p</em>=0.002, <em>p</em>=0.0005 and<em> p</em>=0.0003) in their respective seasons. In SR 2011 and LR 2012, soil fertility options also produced significant effects (<em>p</em>=0.0047 and <em>p</em>=0.0024) on cowpea grain yields, respectively. The results further indicated that there were significant higher SWC measurements at initial stages of 2 WAP, 4 WAP and 6 WAP intervals as compared to the late stages of the season. However, sole cropping systems had significantly more SWC measurement than those in intercropping systems in both seasons. <strong>Implications:</strong> Manure added treatments positively affected SWC conservation and this could be as a result of increased soil organic carbon which improved soil fertility. The available SWC played a great role in drought effect mitigation by availing moisture to sorghum and cowpea productivity especially when prolonged dry spells coincide with crop’s sensitive phenological growing stages. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Water harvesting methods cropping systems and soil fertility management options had positive influence on soil moisture conservation and crop yields production in Central Kenya Highland. </p>

Composted biochar versus compost with biochar: effects on soil properties and plant growth

Biochar is widely recognized as an amendment that enhances soil properties and sequesters carbon, particularly in degraded soils. However, biochar applied solely to soil may also hinder plant development due to toxic by-products generated during pyrolysis or nutrient retention. To mitigate these adverse effects, it has been suggested to either mix biochar with compost or to process it by composting with fresh organic materials. To date, there is a lack of comparative studies evaluating the performance of these two approaches. In this study, three types of biochar, differing in their initial feedstocks (beech wood, hornbeam/beech/oak mixture, and digestate/cereal straw mixture), were investigated. These biochars were applied solely, mixed with green waste compost, or processed as composted biochar in two soils of different fertility (a Luvisol and a gleyic Fluvisol). A pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions where lettuce was grown for three months. After harvesting, plant biomass, and soil microbial and physicochemical properties were measured. Composted biochar and compost additives maintained a neutral soil pH, contrary to biochar applied solely or mixed with compost. The dissolved organic carbon and total nitrogen were higher in composted biochar treatments, leading to a higher proportion of humified material with a high degree of condensed aromatic groups compared to other treatments. Microbial activities were higher in the composted biochar treatments compared to those in the compost with biochar, and more specifically in the less fertile Luvisol. Finally, composted biochar increased plant growth by almost six times compared to the control without amendments, whereas the mix of biochar and compost increased it by only three times. Solely applied biochars did not affect lettuce growth. This study demonstrates that biochar composting is more beneficial than mixing biochar with compost in terms of improving soil fertility and mitigating the negative effects associated with pure biochar application.Graphical

Fulvic Acid Enhances Nitrogen Fixation and Retention in Paddy Soils through Microbial-Coupled Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling.

Fulvic acid, the most soluble and active humic substance, is widely used as an agent to remediate contaminated soils and improve soil fertility. However, the influence of fulvic acid (FA), as a microbial carbon source, on carbon and nitrogen cycles in paddy soils remains elusive. Therefore, to investigate it, an incubation experiment was conducted. Gas analyses indicated that the carbon dioxide and methane emissions were enhanced in FA treatment, which increased up to 94.08-fold and 5.06-fold, respectively. 15N-labeling experiments revealed that nitrogen fixation capability was promoted (1.2-fold) to reduce the carbon and nitrogen imbalance due to fulvic acid amendment. Metagenomic analysis further revealed that gene abundances of degradation of lignin-like compounds, gallate degradation, methanogenesis, nitrogen fixation, and urea hydrolysis increased, while the bacterial ammonia oxidation and anaerobic ammonium oxidation decreased, caused by FA application. Metabolic reconstruction of metagenome-assembled genomes revealed that Azospirillaceae, Methanosarcinaceae, and Bathyarchaeota, with higher abundance in FA treatment, were the key microorganisms to maintain the carbon and nitrogen balance. The metabolic pathways of fulvic acid degradation and coupled nitrogen fixation and retention were constructed. Collectively, our results provided novel insights into the theoretical basis of the use of humic substances for reducing nitrogen fertilization and climate change.

Assessment of legume species for biological nitrogen fixation potential in smallholder farming systems of Kiambu County, Kenya: A participatory approach

This study examined the Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) potential of various legume species in Limuru, Kiambu County, Kenya, focusing on smallholder mixed crop-livestock farmers. Nitrogen is vital to plant growth, particularly for protein synthesis and photosynthesis. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), a process by which legumes transform atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, increases soil fertility and decreases synthetic fertilisers need. The problem addressed was identifying the most effective legumes for improving soil fertility in this region. Using purposive sampling, community-based organisations (CBOs) participated in focus group discussions, where farmers planted experimental plots, collected soil samples, and counted nodules. Destructive sampling was employed during flowering to assess nodulation, with nodules classified based on their ability to fix nitrogen. Results showed Rose coco beans ranked highest due to their efficient nitrogen fixation and adaptability to varying soils and temperatures, followed by Albus lupin and Black and White faba beans. Desmodium also demonstrated persistent nodulation, while indigenous Kienyeji legumes, though less efficient, improved soil fertility. Garden peas, cowpeas, and green grams had lower nitrogen-fixing performance in Limuru's cool, humid climate. This study concludes that Rose coco beans and Albus lupins are highly suitable for improving soil fertility in the region. Participatory methods strengthened farmers' knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and qualitative data highlighted the practical value of BNF legumes. Future research should expand legume trials and explore the use of rhizobia inoculants to further enhance BNF efficiency, supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.

Changes in Physical Fractions within Soil Aggregates Under Nitrogen Reduction and Film Mulching Measures in Dryland Wheat Field

We studied the changes in various physical fractions within aggregates in the arid plateau of southern Shanxi Province, which has great significance for synergistically improving soil fertility and crop productivity in this region. Bulk soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm layers during a 7-year long-term experiment in Hongtong County, Shanxi Province. Wheat grain yields, SOC concentrations, proportions, and OC contents within soil aggregates were analyzed. OC contents included： unprotected coarse particulate organic carbon within macroaggregate （M-cPOC） and fine particulate organic carbon within macroaggregate （M-fPOC）, physically protected intra-aggregate particulate organic carbon within macroaggregate （M-iPOC）, chemically/biochemically protected mineral organic carbon within macroaggregate （M-MOC）, unprotected fine particulate organic carbon within microaggregate （m-fPOC）, physically protected intra-aggregate particulate organic carbon within microaggregate （m-iPOC）, and chemically/biochemically protected mineral organic carbon within microaggregate （m-MOC）. The treatments were ① farmer fertilization （FP）, ② nitrogen reduction monitoring and control fertilization （MF）, ③ nitrogen reduction monitoring and control fertilization plus ridge film and furrow sowing （RF）, and ④ nitrogen reduction monitoring and control fertilization plus flat film hole sowing （RF）. The results showed that compared with that in the FP treatment, MF reduced SOC concentration while maintaining wheat grain yield, RF and FH synergistically improved soil fertility and crop yield, especially for the FH with SOC concentration, and wheat grain yield increased by 8.44% and 48.86%, respectively. MF significantly reduced the content of M-cPOC, RF significantly increased the content of M-iPOC, and FH significantly increased the contents of M-fPOC, M-iPOC, M-MOC, and m-iPOC by 64.00%, 98.39%, 6.16%, and 17.48%, respectively. In addition, combined with redundancy analysis, we found that the M-iPOC fraction played a major role in increasing SOC concentration and wheat grain yield, with a contribution rate of 61.5%. Therefore, the contribution of macroaggregates to soil fertility and crop productivity was higher than that of microaggregates in the arid plateau area of southern Shanxi, and flat film hole sowing could increase the content of M-iPOC, thereby synergistically increasing SOC sequestration and wheat grain yield, which could promote this cultivation technology in the region and even in the country's arid agricultural areas.

Econometric Analysis and Intercropping Nutri-Cereals with Legumes (Urad Bean, Arhar) on Climate Resilience in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu

Background: Nutri cereal - Legume intercrop systems are particularly beneficial in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu, which are characterized by high levels of malnutrition, resource limitation and rainfall variability. These conditions are further exacerbated by climate-related risks and uncertainty. Apart from enhancing water and nutrient use efficiency, improving soil fertility and financial gains, Millet-legume intercrop systems have become a better bet for increased food and nutrition security in marginal farming communities. Methods: A study conducted during the year of 2022 to 2024 at the Center of Excellence in Millet, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Athiyandal, Tamil Nadu. The study evaluated various intercropping ratios of finger millet with black gram and red gram across seven treatments, focusing on productivity, compatibility and economic viability. Result: Results indicated that intercropping finger millet with black gram at a 4:1 ratio produced taller plants (92.7 cm), more protective tillers (5.7 per plant), extensive root systems (19.9 cm), and higher chlorophyll content (3.67 mg/g). This combination resulted in the highest equivalent grain yield (2895 kg/ha) and demonstrated a favourable benefit-to-cost ratio (2.84), highlighting its potential for improving profitability and soil fertility. Conversely, intercropping with red gram yielded lower finger millet yields and less favourable economic returns, underscoring the importance of selecting suitable intercrops to maximize agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Facilitating effects of plant extracts on soil health and replanted Panax ginseng growth in recession soil.

Plant extracts have been shown to be effective agricultural strategies for improving soil fertility and quality, and promoting plant growth in soil degradation remediation. The application of plant extracts improves the material cycle of soil microecology, such as the decomposition of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while increasing plant resistance. However, there is currently no experiment to demonstrate whether plant extracts have a promoting effect on the growth of ginseng and the mechanism of action. Pot experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of extracts, namely Rubia cordifolia (RC), Schisandra chinensis (SC), and Euphorbia humifusa (EH) on soil properties, enzyme activities, and plant physiological characteristics were evaluated. Results showed that compared with CK, plant extract-related treatments increased soil Organic carbon (OC), Available nitrogen (AN), Available phosphorus (AP) contents, and Soil urease activity. (S-UE), Soil sucrase activity (Soil sucrase), Soil acid phosphatase activity. (S-ACP). Meanwhile, plant extract-related treatments significantly increased plant physiological properties and TP (Total protein) content, and decreased the content of MDA (malondialdehyde) by 15.70% -36.59% and PRO (proline) by 30.13% -148.44%. Furthermore, plant extract-related treatments also significantly promote plant growth and reduce plant incidence, the fresh weight of ginseng increased by 27.80% -52.08%, ginseng root activity increased by 45.13% -90.07%, and ginseng incidence rate decreased by 20.00% -46.67%. Through correlation analysis between fresh weight of ginseng and root parameters and soil index, fresh weight is significantly positively correlated with root diameter, fiber root number, root activity, total protein (TP), catalytic activity (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), H, soil urea activity (S-UE), soil sucrose activity (S-SC), soil acid phosphate activity (S-ACP), and soil laccase activity (SL); The fresh weight was significantly negatively correlated with incidence rate, disease severity index, and malondialdehyde content (MDA). In summary, plant extract-related treatments improve soil quality and promote ginseng growth, further enhancing soil health and plant disease resistance. These findings provide new insights into ginseng cultivation and soil health management and highlight a new approach that can be applied to a wider range of agricultural practices and environmental sustainability.

Bacillus subtilis Strain YJ-15, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Wheat Grown under Saline Conditions, Increases Soil Fertility and Modifies Microbial Community Structure

Soil salinization during wheat cultivation considerably diminishes soil fertility and impedes wheat growth, primarily due to rhizosphere microbial community changes. Our study investigates the application of Bacillus subtilis YJ-15, a strain isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat cultivated in salinized soil, as a soil remediation agent. This strain has demonstrated significant salt tolerance, disease suppression capabilities, and growth-promoting attributes in previous studies. The wheat rhizosphere was examined to assess the impact of Bacillus subtilis YJ-15 on microbial community composition and soil fertility. Fertility of soil in saline soil was significantly increased by inoculating wheat with YJ-15. The microbial community structure within the wheat rhizosphere inoculated with Bacillus subtilis YJ-15 was analyzed through sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Phyla Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were identified as the dominant bacteria. Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Ascomycota dominated the fungal phyla. Among the bacterial genera, Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, and Bacillus were predominant. The predominant fungal genera included Alternaria, Cephalotrichum, Mortierella, and Chaetomium. A significant increase in Gaiella and Haliangium levels was observed in the YJ group compared to the control group. Additionally, the fungal genera Epicoccum, Sporidiobolus, and Lecythophora have significantly increased in YJ abundance. One of the potential benefits of Bacillus subtilis YJ-15 in the cultivation of wheat on salinized land is its ability to enhance the rhizosphere microbial community structure and improve soil fertility.

Biochar combined with organic fertilizer improved soil quality, promoted the growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook and changed the microbial community

ABSTRACT Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook plantations play an important role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This experiment explored the effects of seed shell biochar and meal organic fertilizer derived from Camellia oleifera Abel on the growth characteristics of Cunninghamia lanceolata, as well as the effects on soil fertility and microbial community. The results demonstrated that the use of tea seed shell biochar or meal organic fertilizer improved plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content, and N, P, and K content of Cunninghamia lanceolata. They increased the pH of acid-red soil and improved soil fertility, including organic matter, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total potassium, and available potassium. However, they decreased ammonium nitrogen. They increased the alpha diversity of the bacteria, but had no significant effect on the alpha diversity of the fungi. They also enhanced the relative abundances of Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Leotiomycetes, and Sordariomycetes, but reduced the relative abundances of Acidobacteriae and Agaricomycetes. To sum up, the use of tea seed shell biochar and meal organic fertilizer could promote the growth and nutrient absorption of Cunninghamia lanceolata, while modifying soil fertility and improving the structure of microbial communities.

Soil fertility status under mixed pastures in irrigated Tsitsikamma dairy farms: case studies

Animal manures are increasingly receiving renewed interest as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. While they may improve ecosystem functions, there is limited information on short-term effects of organic amendments on soil reaction and nutrient dynamics in irrigated mixed dairy pastures, especially in the context of the Tsitsikamma region, South Africa. This study examined the soil fertility status of minimum tilled 6-year-old pasture-mixed dairy farms (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5) in the Upper (UT) and Lower (LT) Tsitsikamma regions treated with different rates of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer alone or in combination with poultry manure (PM) and/or dairy effluent (DE). Soil samples were collected at 0–15, 15–30, 30–45 and 45–60 cm depth intervals and analysed for soil pH, P, K, Ca and Mg. Results of this study revealed variable trends on soil pH and nutrient changes between farms, suggesting an influence of some inherent soil properties in addition to the 6-year applied management practices. When averaged over sampled farms, surface placement of soil amendments and limited soil disturbance resulted in surface stratification of soil pH, P, K, Ca and Mg. On the other hand, integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers induced significant changes in nutrient contents and stocks to a depth of 60 cm, especially in the LT region. A combination of NPK fertilizer, PM and/or DE applied in pasture mixtures generally showed potential to improve soil fertility in both regions. As such, adoption of this combination by farmers could cut down reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers and costs of dairy production. However, studies are still necessary in this region to validate the observed results.

Evaluation of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties for Yield and Chocolate Spot (Botrytis fabae) Disease in Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has an important pulse crop in Ethiopian. It is consumed in various forms and contributes to soil fertility improvement. However, its production and productivity are challenged by biotic and abiotic constraints. Chocolate spot is known as Botrytis fabae, is a significant biotic constraint that negatively impacts faba bean crops in highland areas of western Tigray. The aim of the study mentioned was to assess faba bean varieties for their grain yield and resistance to chocolate spot disease under field conditions. Field experiment was conducted at Welkayt and Tsegedie district during 2017 cropping season using five released faba bean varieties and one local check. Treatments were evaluated with RCBD and replicated three times. There was significant difference (p<0.01) among tested faba bean varieties and lactation, while, interaction effect of varieties and lactation were non-significant variation (p<0.05). In the analysis conducted on grain yield from different varieties, it was observed that the variety Hachalu achieved the highest grain yield at 632kg/ha, followed closely by Tumsa with a yield of 611.8kg/ha. While, minimum yield was obtained from variety Obse (384.3kg/ha) at Welkayt. Similarly, in Tsegedie maximum yield was calculated from variety Tumsa (339.8kg/ha) and Hachalu (334.4kg/ha), respectively. Minimum yield was obtained from variety Obse (238.8kg/ha). There was significant variation among faba bean varieties in terms of PSI at a significance level of P<0.05, while disease incidence did not show significant differences among the varieties tested. Lowest mean disease severity was recorded from varieties Hachalu (15%) followed by Tumsa (17.7%). However, Highest mean value was recorded from Obse variety (30.02%) at Welkayt. Similarly, in Tsegedie lowest disease severity was recorded from varieties Hachalu (28.7%) and Tumsa (28.8%). Highest mean value recorded from varieties Obse (susceptible) (50.13). There was positively and significant correlation among yield and Agronomic traits. However, there was negatively significant yield with PSI at both locations. Varieties with low disease severity are useful in breeding program aimed at developing with higher resistance of chocolate spot disease.

Effect of biochar on soil chemical properties of tidal wetland in Jambi, Indonesia, and growth and yield of various rice varieties

The study aimed to determine the effect of biochar on the growth and yield of several rice varieties in a tidal wetland agroecosystem. This research used a split-plot design with the main plot was biochar application, consisting of three levels (no biochar, rice husk biochar, and coconut shell biochar), and the subplot was rice variety consisting of ten varieties (Inpara, Inpari 30, Kuning, Karya Rendah, Bujang Pelawah, Pandan Wangi, Bujang Berinai, Kwatek Tinggi, Candu, and Serai). Plant parameters observed were plant height, number of tillers, productive tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, number of empty grains per panicle, milled rice weight, and weight of 1,000 grains. Results of this study showed that the application of biochar improved soil fertility by increasing organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium, cation exchange capacity, and reducing the soluble iron in the soil. However, the application of biochar did not significantly affect the height of rice plants. The application of coconut shell biochar yielded the best results in increasing the number of productive tillers, the number of grains per panicle, grain dry weight, and reducing the number of empty grains per panicle.

Optimizing an Ultisol of marginal land for soybean cultivation through inorganic fertilizer substitution with Tithonia compost and biochar ameliorant

Soybean has a strategic role as a food commodity in Jambi, Indonesia, but until now, it has still not been self-sufficient. There is still an opportunity to increase soybean productivity in Jambi by 35-49.6% by optimizing the use of marginal, dominated by Ultisol, which has low inherent soil fertility. One of the efforts that can be made to improve soil fertility for cultivating soybean plants in Jambi is to utilize compost and biochar as soil ameliorants to substitute for inorganic fertilizer. This study aimed to assess the effect of compost and biochar ameliorant as substitutes for inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of soybean plants grown on an Ultisol of Jambi. The experiment was arranged in a simple randomized block design with the combination of the percentage of inorganic fertilizer with compost and biochar ameliorant (100+0, 75+25, 50+50, 25+75, and 0+100) as the treatment factors. The observed variables were plant height, number of branches, plant nitrogen content, rate of symbiotically fixed nitrogen, weight of 100 seeds, and yield. The results showed that providing compost and biochar ameliorants can replace the role of inorganic fertilizer, and providing 100% compost and biochar ameliorant and a combination of 25% inorganic fertilizer and 75% compost biochar ameliorant can provide the highest growth and yield in soybean plants planted in Ultisol dry land.

Comparison of Pb adsorption and transformation behavior induced by chicken manure and its DOM in contaminated soil

Organic fertilizer derived from animal manure can significantly improve soil fertility. However, limited research has investigated the capacity of exogenous organic fertilizer dissolved organic matter (DOM) to migration and transform heavy metals. In this study, the effect of chicken manure organic fertilizers with different maturity and their DOM on changes of Pb bioactivity was evaluated and the role of soil environmental factors driving the changes was determined through soil incubation, adsorption and leaching experiments. The FTIR results indicated that DOM derived from farmhouse chicken manure organic fertilizer (FCMD) contained more protein-like compounds and low maturity, while DOM from commercial chicken manure organic fertilizer (CCMD) contained more humic/fulvic acid and high maturity. FCMD and CCMD reduced the content of RES-Pb by 16.3–27.52 % and 6.66–13.98 %, respectively. And the effects of organic fertilizers and their DOM on Pb migration and activation follow the order of FCMD> CCMD> CK> commercial chicken manure organic fertilizer (CCM)> farmhouse chicken manure organic fertilizer (FCM). FTIR analysis showed that FCMD was primarily composed of aromatic unsaturated functional groups, and its adsorption capacity for Pb2+ was significantly lower than that of FCM. In addition, the application of FCMD significantly altered the physicochemical properties of soil and promoted the migration and leaching of Pb. FCMD not only causes the soil Pb2+ to be released into the effluent but also activates Pb from the stable form into the active form. In summary, animal manure with lower maturity has a risk to activate heavy metals and should be applied with cautions.

Utilization of Tofu Wastewater for Environmental Conservation and Economic Improvement in Taman Village, Grujungan District, Bondowoso Regency

The processing of tofu wastewater into organic liquid fertilizer in Taman Village, Grujungan District, Bondowoso Regency, was conducted to utilize wastewater that often causes environmental issues. This study aims to evaluate the potential of tofu wastewater in producing organic liquid fertilizer using a Community-Based Research (CBR) approach. A descriptive qualitative research method was employed, including observation, interviews, documentation study, and literature review. Observations revealed that tofu wastewater is yellowish-brown, has an acidic odor, and contains organic materials such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The production process of organic liquid fertilizer involves collecting wastewater, fermenting with EM4 and molasses, filtering, and packaging. The fermentation results in a liquid fertilizer that can improve soil fertility and reduce environmental pollution. The program also has the potential to increase community awareness of waste management and provide economic benefits through enhanced agricultural productivity. Thus, this study shows that tofu wastewater has significant potential as a raw material for effective organic liquid fertilizer, offering notable environmental and social benefits.