Increase Fertilizer Efficiency Research Articles

Does the Deep Placement of Fertilizers Increase Potato Yields, Fertilization Efficiency and Reduce N2O Emissions from the Soil?

Despite the notable decline in potato cultivation areas across Poland and Europe, potatoes remain a crucial crop with diverse applications. Achieving the ambitious emission targets set by the EU for agricultural production may be easier with the practice of deep placement of slow-release fertilizers, which may increase yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To examine the effect of deep placement of slow-release fertilizers on potato tuber yields, plant nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and soil N2O-N emissions, a two-year field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil classified as Alblic Podzol (Ochric) soil, under temperate climate conditions prevailing in central Poland. The experiment involved a three-field rotation (potatoes, wheat, and peas), with potatoes being cultivated after peas in both years of the study. The experiment compared the effects of applying slow-release fertilizer at soil depths of 10 and 20 cm (DP10 and DP20) to fertilization with single-nutrient fertilizers applied to the soil surface (TD). The experiment utilized increasing doses of nitrogen and phosphorus, denoted as D0 (control), D1, D2, and D3, along with a standard dose of potassium across all tested fertilizer application methods. The results of this study confirmed that deep placement of slow-release fertilizers had limited effects on potato tuber yields. Deep placement of slow-release fertilizer increased plant nitrogen uptake by 2.8–13.5% compared to topdressing. Consequently, there was an improvement in nitrogen use efficiency from 29.8–75.0% on sites with fertilizer topdressing to 38.7–89.8% on sites with slow-release fertilizer deep placement. Phosphorus uptake by plants on sites with slow-release fertilizer deep placement was approximately 9.3–13.0% higher than on sites with fertilizer topdressing. This led to an enhancement in phosphorus use efficiency from about 15.1–19.5% on fertilizer topdressing sites to 19.4–25.4% on slow-release fertilizer deep placement sites. The impact of fertilizer deep placement was found to be less pronounced compared to the effects observed with increased nitrogen and phosphorus doses. The most important factors affecting tuber yield and nutrient use in potatoes were rainfall levels during the growing season. Deep fertilization did contribute to reduce soil N2O emissions by about 14%. However, further research involving different fertilization methods is needed to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of this practice in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Exploring the Combined Effects of Different Nitrogen Sources and Chabazite Zeolite-Tuff on Nitrogen Dynamics in an Acidic Sandy-Loam Soil

Volcanic tuffs rich in chabazite zeolites have been extensively examined for their potential to enhance soil properties and increase fertilizer efficiency, both in their natural state and when enriched with nitrogen (N). However, there is a scarcity of data regarding their utilization in acidic sandy soil, particularly when used alongside organic fertilizers. This paper presents the findings of a 50-day laboratory incubation study that investigated the dynamics of N pools in an acidic sandy-loam agricultural soil treated with various N sources. These sources included urea, N-enriched chabazite zeolite tuff, and pelleted composted manure applied at a rate of 170 kg N/ha. Additionally, the N sources were tested in combination with chabazite zeolite tuff mixed into the soil to assess its role as a soil conditioner. The results revealed distinct behaviours among the tested N sources, primarily impacting soil pH and N dynamics. Soil fertilized with manure exhibited slow N mineralization, whereas N-enriched zeolite displayed a more balanced behaviour concerning net NO3−-N production and NH4+-N consumption. Both N-enriched zeolite and urea temporarily altered the soil pH, resembling a “liming” effect, while pelleted manure facilitated a prolonged shift towards neutral pH values. Considering the water adsorption capacity of zeolite minerals, caution is advised when adjusting water content and employing combustion methods to measure soil organic matter in zeolite-treated soil to avoid potential inaccuracies. In summary, N-enriched chabazite zeolite tuff emerged as a valuable N source in acidic sandy-loam soil, offering a promising alternative to synthetic fertilizers and showcasing a sustainable means of N recycling.

The Combined application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers to Improve Fertility of Degraded Soil and Sustainable Yield in Intensive Irrigated Rice Systems

Minimizing the problem of nitrous oxide emissions from paddy field that contributes to climate change is the key to increase fertilizer efficiency. Application of Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium efficiently in combination with organic fertilizer is crucial to improve fertility of degraded soil without sacrificing the yield. A trial in 2022 dry season, as part of on-farm long term fertility experiment applied combination of chemical fertilizer and organic to explore changes in soil fertility, soil organic content and yield under double rice cropping system. The experiment was designed in Split Plot with 4 replications, has been conducting at the Sukamandi experimental station, ICRR. The main plot was 5 chemical fertilizers which were without fertilizer input as control, + PK, + NP, NK + and + NPK. The subplot was organic fertilizer: a dose of 2 ton manure ha−1, straw compost with dose 5 ton ha−1 and without organic content as control. The results of cropping season 2022 showed that (1) combined application of organic and chemical fertilizer at plot +NK significantly improved the soil organic content and yield of rice, (2) Fertilization significantly affected the growth, yield of rice and the soil nutrient status, (3) Adequate supply of macronutrients N-P-K treatment resulted in higher grain yield and more efficient fertilizer use.

Microbial Solution of Growth-Promoting Bacteria Sprayed on Monoammonium Phosphate for Soybean and Corn Production

Common fertilizers present a low use efficiency caused by nutrient losses (e.g., through leaching, volatilization, adsorption, and precipitation in solution as well as through microbial reduction and immobilization) that create a significant limiting factor in crop production. Inoculation with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) is presented as an alternative to increasing fertilizer efficiency. The goal of the study was to test the hypothesis that PGPB (solution with Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus pumilus) can be a strategy to increase the monoammonium phosphate (MAP) efficiency, root growth, and nutrient assimilation of soybean and corn cultivated in arenosol and oxisol. A greenhouse study was developed with the rates of PGPB (rates: 0, 1, 1.33, and 1.66–2.0 L per ton of fertilizer) sprayed on MAP and applied in an arenosol and oxisol cultivated with soybean and corn. Results showed that in both soils and crops, there was a variation in soil biological activity during the experiment. On day 45, PGPB + MAP promoted the beta-glucosidase and ammonium-oxidizing microorganism activities in the arenosol. The PGPB + MAP increased crop root growth in both soils and crops. Plant dry matter was associated with the phosphorous content in the soil, indicating that the phosphorous applied was absorbed by the plants, consequently resulting in a higher accumulation in the plant. Based on the results, the conclusion is that PGPB + MAP increases the growth and phosphorous accumulation of soybean and corn cultivated in the arenosol and oxisol, with a direct effect on crop rooting.

PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN PUPUK ORGANIK DI P4S KELURAHAN KARANGSARI KECAMATAN SUKOREJO KOTA BLITAR

The elucidation on making organic fertilizer from starfruit cultivation waste was held to transfer the technology to farmers in utilizing the leftover waste from starfruit cultivation to be healthy, environmentally friendly, and sustainable of starfruit cultivation. Organic fertilizer is essential as a buffer for the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties to increase fertilizer efficiency and land productivity. The method used in this activity is the elucidation of materials used and the demonstration of organic fertilizer production. The material given was the role and the function of organic fertilizer for soil, environment, and crop yields. Also, the steps of producing organic fertilizer were utilizing the leftover starfruit cultivation and farmer's livestock manure in Karangsari Village. During the training on producing organic fertilizers, the presentation of the material on the benefits of organic fertilizers was going well, and the community's enthusiasm was visible. 28 of 30 invited people attended, meaning the attendance rate was 93%. Many participants actively asked questions, and the discussion went well. During the production of organic fertilizer, participants carried out the activities actively, starting from preparing ingredients and mixing ingredients until the completion of producing organic fertilizer

Pengaruh Pemberian Zeolit Alam Teraktivasi terhadap Sifat Kimia Tanah Podsolik

Podsolic soil in South Kalimantan has a low fertility rate including pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC), solubility P, and has a high solubility of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe). It causes fixation P by Al and Fe in the form of Al-P and Fe-P, which makes P difficult to dissolve in the soil. Zeolite is an ameliorant that is capable of improving soil chemical properties based on its ability to carry out ion exchange, adsorption, absorb molecules, increase fertilizer efficiency, increase soil CEC, and the availability of Ca, K, and P ions, which can reduce aluminum content. The purpose of this study was to identify the pattern of relationships caused by application of activated natural zeolite on Podsolic soil against pH, CEC, available P, soluble Fe, and exchangeable Al. This study was a pot experiment weighing 0.5 kg of soil, carried out in a greenhouse and arranged using CRD a single factor . The incubation period was carried out for eight weeks with three replications. The results showed that there was a relationship between the zeolite dose activated against the available P (the linear regression equation Y = 0.6 + 0.032 X, R2 = 0.4969, and r = 0.7006*), while the doses of zeolite had no significant effect on pH, CEC, soluble Fe, and exchangeable Al.

Use of Trichoderma spp. in no-tillage system: Effect on soil and soybean crop

The sustainability of agricultural systems depends on maintaining soil quality. The intensive use of soil and inputs may be leading to a degradation process. In addition, the large consumption of fertilizers associated with non-renewable reserves has increased the search for alternatives to supply nutrients to plants and increase fertilization efficiency. Soil characteristics can influence the efficiency of using biocontrol microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp., which can also improve soil’s chemical, physical and biological quality. Therefore, there is a need to understand better the interaction dynamics of Trichoderma spp. with the soil and plant to allow greater applicability and confidence in the field dynamics of interaction. Thus, the present research aimed to evaluate the effect of the superficial application of Trichoderma spp. in the no-tillage system on the soil’s chemical, physical and biological characteristics and its effects in the soybean culture. For two consecutive years, the experiment was conducted in a commercial field cultivated for 28 years with a no-tillage system in Hapludox soil in Vacaria – RS, Brazil. The treatments consisted of control without applying Trichoderma spp. on the soil surface and applying it. The chemical (nutrient content, acidity, organic matter, and aluminum), physical (resistance of the penetration), and biological properties (disease suppression) of the soil and the development, nutrition, and yield components of the soybean crop were evaluated. The application of Trichoderma spp. by surface spraying resulted in soil acidification, increased uptake of K and Mn by soybean crop (20 and 40% respectively), decreased incidence of white mold and increased the yield in plants presenting Fusarium sp. + Macrophomina sp., but not significantly influenced the development and productivity of the soybean crop in the tested conditions. Nevertheless, the application of Trichoderma spp. on the soil surface reduces the incidence and severity of diseases and increases the absorption of K and Mn by the soybean crop, even in soils with high acidity.

Optimizing fertilizer use efficiency for sustainable maize production in strongly acid soils of the Sudan Savanna agroecological zone of Northern Ghana

Given the importance of maize as a staple crop in northern Ghana, and the prevalence of acid soils used for maize production in the region, identifying effective nutrient management is critical to realize the full benefits of fertilizer application in maize production. In a two-year field study, we evaluated different fertilization strategies in three communities to identify the one that will best optimize fertilizer use efficiency in maize production in poorly fertile acid soils. The fertilization strategies were: (i) farmer practice (FP), in which only NPK fertilizer was applied; (ii) NPK plus lime (NPK + L); (iii) balanced fertilization (BF), in which NPK fertilizer and limiting secondary and micronutrients were applied; (iv) balanced fertilization plus lime (BF + L); and (v) control, in which no fertilizer was applied. We determined maize grain yield, nutrient recovery, and agronomic efficiency and the potential profitability with the fertilization strategies. The greatest yield was obtained with the BF + L treatment, followed by NPK + L, BF, FP, and control, in that order. Compared to FP, the NPK + L treatment nearly doubled N recovery, tripled P recovery, and doubled K recovery from the applied fertilizer. Whereas a negligible increase in fertilizer recovery efficiency occurred with the BF treatment compared to FP; the N, P, and K recovery efficiency increased by nearly 3, 4, and 2.5 times, respectively, with the BF + L treatment compared with FP. Gross profit margin analysis showed that the greatest potential profit margin was obtained with the BF + L treatment, followed by NPK + L, BF, and FP, in that order. From the combined data, we conclude that addition of lime is key to increasing fertilizer efficiency in strongly acid soils, and with a holistic approach of simultaneous addition of lime and secondary and micronutrients to NPK fertilizers, farmers will optimize fertilizer efficiency and increase profitability of their farming operation substantially.

Evaluasi Dosis Pemupukan Rekomendasi Kementerian Pertanian untuk Tanaman Padi

Rice is a strategic commodity, so efforts to increase its production continue to be carried out, one of which is by increasing fertilization efficiency. The government has set policies in the field of fertilization, one of which is to provide fertilizer recommendations for rice plants based on specific location. The objective of this research was to evaluate the fertilization policy written in Permentan RI No. 40/Permentan/OT.140/4/2007. The methods were analyzing the variance values for each type of fertilizer recommended and validating N, P, and K levels in selected locations. The results of the study showed that the fertilization recommendations set by the government still need to be improved because there were still many discrepancies with conditions in the field. The adjustment of recommendation dose with the addition of organic materials were relevant and can be implemented, but it is still required further socialization to farmers. Reformulation of subsidized fertilizers, from NPK fertilizer 15-15-15 to NPK fertilizer 15-10-12 also had not been able to increase fertilization efficiency, because it actually made the dose of NPK becomes higher, but did not reduce the addition of a single fertilizer significantly. Subsidy policy also needs to be reviewed, because farmers did not fully get subsidized fertilizer so the farmers could not meet the needs of their fertilizers. Regarding the implementation of fertilization information, a soil big database must be created nationally to make specific location fertilization recommendations, and this must be easily accessed by farmers.
 
 Keywords: fertilization policy, organic material, soil big database, subsidy

Effects of chemical N fertilizer reduction combined with biochar application on soil organic carbon active components and mineralization in paddy fields of yellow soil.

Reducing the application of chemical fertilizer and increasing fertilizer efficiency can contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture. To evaluate the impacts of N fertilizer reduction and biochar application on soil organic carbon active components and mineralization in yellow soil, an experiment was carried out with five different substitution rates of chemical N fertilizer by biochar under the same rate of N input, i.e., 0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% (CK, T1-T4). The results showed that chemical N fertilizer reduction combined with biochar application could significantly improve soil organic carbon (SOC), the magnitude of which was proportional to the amount of biochar application. Under the condition of 20% substitution rate (T2), soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and readily oxidized carbon (ROC) were the highest with 293.68 mg·kg-1 and 250.00 mg·kg-1, respectively, but the concentration of soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was the lowest. SOC mineralization rate reached the highest on the third day of incubation. Then, it decreased rapidly in the early period (day 3 of incubation to day 6), decreased slowly in the middle period (day 6 of incubation to day 18), and stabilized in the later period (day 18 of incubation to day 30). There was a logarithmic relationship between mineralization rate of soil organic carbon and incubation time. SOC cumulative mineralization amount and cumulative mineralization rate were the lowest in the T2 treatment with 0.66-0.86 g·kg-1 and 2.9%-4.0%, respectively. As the substitution rate of chemical N fertilizer by biochar increased, rice yield increased firstly and then decreased. Rice yield in the T2 treatment was the highest, which increased by 13.4% compared with the CK. The substitution of 20% chemical N fertilizer with biochar (5 t·hm-2) could effectively improve the contents of SOC, MBC, ROC, and rice yield, reduce the cumulative mineralization amount of organic carbon and cumulative mineralization rate, and enhance the capacity of soil carbon sequestration. Hence, it could be the most effective fertilizer practice for improving soil fertility and rice yield in paddy field of yellow soil in Guizhou Province.

How does the functionality of the pore system affects inorganic nitrogen storage in volcanic ash soils?

The dynamics of water in the soil permit the movement, storage and redistribution of nitrogen (N) within productive and natural agro-ecosystems. The objective of this research was to determine the functionality of the soil’s porous system, using capacity and intensity parameters in two volcanic soils (Andisol and Ultisol) under agricultural use and to present a new approach of how soils have the capacity to store inorganic N throughout time. Undisturbed soil core samples (230 cm3 and 250 cm3) were collected at four depths: 0–20; 20–40; 40–70; 70–100 cm. Capacity parameters: air capacity (AC) and plant available water (PAW) and intensity parameters: saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and pore connectivity index (C2) were measured and calculated. Greater average PAW (48%) was determined at the previously mentioned depths in the Andisol as compared to the Ultisol (32%). Calculated values-diffusive NO3- fluxes (DNF) as a function of soil water content (SWC) were determined in the pF curve (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.0001; fitted model proposed by Clunes, 2020). As SWC increased in PAW, the DNF did as well (DNF in Andisol, from 480 nmol N cm–2 h–1 to 710 nmol N cm–2 h–1). An inverse relationship was observed between the DNF and the air-filled porosity (ea); the slope was about –1.02 in both soils. The DNF presented a significant relationship with the C2 index in the Andisol (R2 > 0.80; Sy.x > 0.02). In contrast, the Ultisol at the depth of 0–20 cm presented a highly negative relationship between DNF and C2 (R2 = 0.99), due to tillage. The relationship observed here between intensity parameters and DNF revealed a dynamic factor of N availability in the soil. As water increased in PAW and the continuity values between the pores augmented, this allowed for an increase in the available N in a soil volume. We propose that soils have the capacity to physically store inorganic N in the PAW and the functionality of the pore system (their ability to transport water and distribute nutrients throughout the profile). Improving our comprehension in this regard will allow us to increase fertilization efficiency and could also contribute to closing nutrient cycles within an agro-ecosystem.

Efisiensi Penggunaan Pupuk pada Sistem Pertanian Terpadu Minapadi

Rice-fish farming is a model that is considered suitable to be applied in rice fields, both on a large or limited land as long as water availability is sufficient for rice and fish to grow. In rice-fish farming, there is integration between fisheries and agriculture where integration can improve the efficiency of the supply and use of fertilizer and feed. The research aimed to find the reduction of inorganic fertilizer in integrated rice-fish farming with the rice-fish system to increase fertilizer efficiency. The experiment used a single factor randomized block design with five levels of treatment, which are; rice monoculture with 100% inorganic fertilizer, fish monoculture, rice-fish farming with 100% inorganic fertilizer, rice-fish farming with 60% inorganic fertilizer, and rice-fish farming with 20% inorganic fertilizer. Rice-fish farming could reduce the application of inorganic fertilizers through complementary relationships between rice and fish. Applying inorganic fertilizer 20% of the reference dose in the rice-fish farming produced productivity that was not significantly different from the rice-fish farming fertilized with 60% and 100% of the reference dose, and the rice monoculture with 100% of the reference dose of inorganic fertilizer. Rice-fish farming could save 80% of inorganic fertilizers so that increasing the efficiency of using inorganic fertilizers. Fish survival and fish weight in rice-fish farming were not significantly different from fish monoculture.&#x0D; Keywords: inorganic fertilizer, monoculture, productivity, soil nutrients

Stand-Alone and Combinatorial Effects of Plant-based Biostimulants on the Production and Leaf Quality of Perennial Wall Rocket.

Modern agriculture is facing many difficulties due to a rapidly changing climate, and environmental damage from agricultural production. The commitment of scientists and farmers to increase environmentally sustainable agricultural practices is one way to help mitigate environmental impacts. Among these practices, the use of biostimulants could be beneficial for increasing fertilizer efficiency and reducing excessive use in agriculture, and as plant growth regulators capable of increasing both production volume and quality of crops. In our study, rocket plants were grown in a greenhouse and treated with two biostimulants (protein hydrolysates or tropical plant extract), either individually or combined, to assess the effect on yield, dry biomass, mineral content, qualitative parameters as well as on economic profitability of foliar biostimulant applications. Total yield and dry biomass of the plants treated with the three biostimulant combinations on average increased by 48.1% and 37.2% respectively compared to untreated plants, without significant differences between treatments. Biostimulant application increased the content of chlorophyll, K, Mg and Ca, compared to the untreated plants. Furthermore, a biostimulant synergistic effect was detected concerning the content of total ascorbic acid. Our results confirmed that the biostimulants are eco-friendly products, able to boost plant growth and product quality and thus increase growers’ profitability.

The Benefits of Biostimulants in Increasing Fertilizer Efficiency the Use of Bio-Stimulants on Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Crop Yield

Some of the Key Fertiliser Issues of our time include ways to increasing the efficiency of applied fertilizers, the issue of increasing cost of mineral resources, the importance of trace elements and challenges of their applications as well as reducing environmental effects from fertilizer leaching. In the current economic environment, growers are continuously pressured to maximize yield and optimize inputs. Fertilizer and its efficiency play a major role within these practices. It is therefore imperative to maximize the efficiency of applied fertilizer. Omnia has developed an effective, easy to apply, biostimulant coating product called FertiCoat with the main objective of increasing fertilizer use efficiency. Nutrients like phosphorous can become fixed in the soil and become unavailable for crop growth. In low pH soils this occurs due to Al and Fe fixing phosphorous and in high pH soils calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates tie up available phosphorous. To avoid this, FertiCoat™ can be used as a coating onto granular planting fertilizer, Urea or mixed with UAN. It complexes with phosphorous and keep it from being fixed in the soil by unfavorable elements. This makes the applied nutrients more plant available and therefore increases its efficiency and results in increased yields. FertiCoat consists biostimulants like Seaweed, humates, fulvates, Amino Acids and polymers. Besides the benefits from humates and fulvates, it is known that plant hormones and amino acids in Seaweeds will promote plant growth and assist plants to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses. This process indirectly increases fertilizer efficiency as plants will be more vigorous with less fertilizer application. FertiCoat formulation contains these biostimulants in desired levels. Omnia has researched FertiCoat™ over many years and has proven it to be a superior coating product.

Biochar enriched with inorganic fertilizer for increasing fertilizer efficiency and soil improvement in acidic upland in East Lampung

The main function of applying biochar on acid mineral soil is to overcome soil acidity for optimizing the soil utilization. The high ability of biochar to retain nutrients can increase the efficiency of inorganic fertilizers. In the field, it can be reached by enriching biochar with inorganic fertilizers. The objective of study was to improve soil properties and inorganic fertilizer efficiency in degraded acid mineral soil in East Lampung. The study was conducted in 2018 at Taman Bogo Research station, Purbolinggo sub district, East Lampung district. The study used a randomized block design with 4 replications. Treatments tested were: 1) Cocoa shell Biochar (BC CS) + 100% Ponska dose (mixed), 2) BC CS + 50% Ponska dose (mixed), 3) BC CS + 100% ponska dose (digged), 4) BC corn cobs (CC) + 100% Ponska dose (mixed), 5) BC CC + 50% Ponska dose (mixed), 6) BC CC + 100% ponska dose (digged), 7) No BC+100% ponska dose (control). The parameters observed were the soil properties and crop yield. The results showed that BC CS was more effective in reducing soil acidity and yielded higher N, K and P significantly than BC CC. The biochar application can increase the K content up to 209-471%. Application a 50% Ponska dose only affected the soil K content. BC CC was better in improving soil physical properties than BC CC. The Ponska enrichment was more effective for BC CC application compared to BC CS although the highest yield was obtained in the BC CS application. The reduction of 50% Ponska dose decreased maize yield by 8.1% and 17%, but needed to be evaluated economically to choose profitable treatment.

Effects of vermiculite, nanoclay and zeolite on ammonium transport through saturated sandy loam soil: Column experiments and modeling approaches

Economic and nature-friendly amendments are needed to increase fertilizer efficiency and crop yield for sustainable agriculture in coarse-textured soil. In this investigation, the effects of different application rates (2%, 4% and 8%) of vermiculite, nanoclay and zeolite amendments on adsorption and transport of ammonium (NH4-N) in sandy loam soil were studied using batch and column experiments. The results of batch experiment indicated that the maximum distribution coefficient (Kd) was obtained in soil amended with zeolite 8%, while minimum Kd was achieved in the control soil. Column experiments revealed that the application of inorganic amendments decreased the leaching of NH4-N from 89.4% in control soil to 77.6%, 70.2%, 52.5%, 85.3%, 60.8%, 38.5%, 12.6% and 2.1% in soil columns amended with vermiculite 2%, 4%, 8%, nanoclay 2%, 4% and zeolite 2%, 4%, 8%, respectively. On the basis of the application rate of inorganic amendments required to retain 40% of injected NH4-N, the effectiveness of zeolite is about 2 and 4 times that of nanoclay and vermiculite, respectively. The HYDRUS-1D program was used to simulate the leaching of NH4-N using the advection–dispersion equation model (ADE) along with batch and fitted Kd. The simulation results indicated that the ADE model with fitted Kd described the behavior of NH4-N transport more suitable than the ADE model using batch Kd (root-mean-square error, RMSE < 0.06 and RMSE < 0.13, respectively). Results of our study indicated that amending sandy loam soil with inorganic amendments can be an effective technique for decreasing NH4-N transport and improving the efficiency of N fertilizer in sustainable agriculture systems.

Field evaluation of agronomic effectiveness of multi-nutrient fertilizer briquettes for upland crop production

Low nutrient recovery in upland crop production systems has prompted studies to improve the current nutrient management practices to increase fertilizer efficiency. Field studies were conducted in two growing seasons (2012 and 2013) under two land management systems (till and no-till) to evaluate agronomic effectiveness of a multi-nutrient fertilizer briquette (fertilizer briquettes) for upland crop production, using corn as test crop. The fertilizer briquettes were produced through a simple physical compaction of ordinary granular fertilizers with a final nutrient composition of 23.9% N, 19.2% P2O5, 19.1% K2O, 0.9% Zn, and 2.5% S. The agronomic efficiency of the fertilizer briquettes were compared with commercial N sources, urea and ammonium sulfate supplied separately with phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and sulfur (S; for urea alone). During the wetter (2013) weather conditions, the fertilizer briquette treatment consistently produced the highest yields in both locations. At Ames Plantation, the fertilizer briquette treatment increased grain yields by ~ 16 and ~ 23% over the treatments having ammonium sulfate and urea granular fertilizers, respectively, and, in Jackson, by 16 and 34% respectively. Nutrient recovery efficiency was also greatest with the fertilizer briquettes treatment. However, during the drier weather conditions (2012), the fertilizer briquettes treatment was the least effective among the three treatments in terms of biomass and grain yields, and nutrient recovery efficiency. We conclude, with adequate rainfall conditions, the fertilizer briquettes could be an efficient fertilizer for upland crop production. However, under drier weather conditions where soil moisture is limited, the fertilizer briquettes may not be an ideal fertilizer source for upland crop production.

Contribution of a mixed inoculant containing strains of Burkholderia spp. and Herbaspirillum ssp. to the growth of three sorghum genotypes under increased nitrogen fertilization levels

Sorghum bicolor is a C4 plant that is normally associated with diazotrophs. Inoculation with selected bacteria can improve plant growth, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and nutrient uptake. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the ability of twenty-two diazotroph strains to improve sorghum growth in a greenhouse. Then, a mixture of the best performing strains was applied in the field under different levels of N-fertilizer applied to three sorghum genotypes to evaluate crop productivity, N content, BNF contribution and the efficiency of the N fertilizer used under field conditions. Two Herbaspirillum and two Burkholderia species were selected under greenhouse conditions using a sterile substrate of three sorghum genotypes: grain sorghum lineage 9920044, grass BRS655 and sweet sorghum BR501. Four diazotrophs were selected for the field trial. Burkholderia kururiensis (16 and 109), B. tropica (PPe6) and Herbaspirillum seropedicae (ZMS176) were cultivated and mixed at planting in a Typic Hapladult soil using peat inoculant. Crop yield, N-content and BNF quantification were determined using the natural abundance of 15N, and the use efficiency of the applied N was assessed using urea labelled with 15N. The grain yield showed a 24% enhancement in the inoculated grain sorghum compared with the control without nitrogen. In addition, the aerial biomass was 13% higher in the grass genotype compared with the control. The sweet sorghum did not respond to any treatment. BNF quantification reached 31.4% in the grain, 22.7% in the grass and 19.4% in the sweet sorghum genotypes. Grain sorghum inoculation increased BNF by 4% (9.5kgha−1N fixed). Inoculation increased fertilizer efficiency recovery by 28.9%. Inoculation using a mixture containing the four diazotrophs improved the sorghum productivity by enhancing the dry mass, N-content, N from BNF and N use efficiency in the grain and grass genotypes. Under zero nitrogen fertilizer application, 22% of the N that accumulated in the biomass was derived from the air. New inoculants using a mixture of different bacterial species/strains can improve the knowledge and contribution of BNF in agricultural systems.

Organic and inorganic fertilizer effect on soil CO2 flux, microbial biomass, and growth of Nigella sativa L.

Abstract Cattle manure has a high carbon/nitrogen ratio and may not decompose; therefore, full-dose application of urea fertilizer might improve biological properties by increasing manure decomposition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining cattle manure and urea fertilizer on soil CO2 flux, microbial biomass carbon, and dry matter accumulation during Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) growth under field conditions. The treatments were control, cattle manure, urea, different levels of split and full-dose integrated fertilizer. The results showed that integrated application of cattle manure and chemical fertilizer significantly increased microbial biomass carbon by 10%, soil organic carbon by 2.45%, total N by 3.27%, mineral N at the flowering stage by 7.57%, and CO2 flux by 9% over solitary urea application. Integrated application increased microbial biomass carbon by 10% over the solitary application and the full-dose application by 5% over the split application. The soil properties and growth parameters of N. sativa L. benefited more from the full-dose application than the split application of urea. Cattle manure combined with chemical fertilizer and the full-dose application of urea increased fertilizer efficiency and improved biological soil parameters and plant growth. This method decreased the cost of top dressing urea fertilizer and proved beneficial for the environment and medicinal plant health.

Đánh giá hiệu quả của phân bón tan chậm đến sinh trưởng và năng suất lúa vụ Hè Thu 2016 trên vùng đất nhiễm phèn, tỉnh Đồng Tháp

In rice cultivation, fertilizer expense is about 30% of total input, but its overuse cause environmental pollution. Therefore, the study "Evaluating the effect of slow release fertilizer on growth and yield" was carried out in Phu Cuong cooperative, Tam Nong district, Dong Thap province during the 2016 Summer-Autumn crop, on slightly sulfate soil in order to increase fertilizer efficiency. The experiment was arranged in the randomized complete block of 6 fertilizer treatments with 3 replications. Slow release fertilizer is the common chemical N-P-K fertilizers covered by polymer in order to control the solubility according to the need of rice plant in all growth stages, so slow release fertilizer wasapplied onlyone time before the final soil preparation. Experimental results showed that slow releasefertilizer provided enough nutrients for whole rice crop. In particular, slow release fertilizer treatment with N-P-K: 60-46-39 achieved the highest efficiency. It was equal to 50% nitrogen, 57% phosphorus and 65% potassium of traditional treatment&#39;s formula, while obtained the same quality and yield, and low pest damage.