Increasing Application Level Research Articles

Influence of phosphorus, sulphur and zinc levels on yield, quality and nutrients uptake of lentil (Lens culinaris) in sub-humid southern plain of Rajasthan

An experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial experiment) during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur (Rajasthan) to study the effect of P (30, 40 and 50 kg P2 O5 /ha), S (15, 20 and 25 kg S/ha) and zinc (control and foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 ) on yield nutrient content and nutrients uptake in lentil. Seed yield increased to a maximum of 9.35% following P application, 9.38% after S application and 4.71% after Zn application. Corresponding increase in haulm yield was 12.90%, 10.64% and 7.30% respectively. Application of P, S and Zn improved protein content in seed as well as in haulms and increasing application level of both P and S maintained the increasing trend in protein content. Application of P, S and Zn increased both the content and the uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn both in seeds and in haulms. In most instances these changes were statistically significant.

Augmenting Leucaena leucocephala biomass with mineral fertiliser on rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency and yields on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [(L.) Moench]) under rainwater harvesting techniques in semi-arid region of Zimbabwe

Food security in semi-arid regions is threatened by declining soil fertility, soil moisture stress and long frequent droughts as a result of erratic rainfall. Therefore we assessed the effects of augmenting Leucaena leucocephala biomass (organic manure) with mineral fertiliser on rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, grain and stover yields for two sorghum varieties (Macia and SV1) under rainwater harvesting techniques. The experiment was laid in split-split plot arrangement with rainwater harvesting method as main plot factor, with Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser as subplot factor and sorghum variety as sub-sub plot factor over three cropping seasons. Data collected include rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, grain and stover yields. Results show that tied contours have significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher grain and stover yields from all varieties and seasons. Irregardless of sorghum variety, tied contours had significant (p ≤ 0.05) sorghum grain and stover yield followed by infiltration pits and lastly standard contours. Grain and stover yields improved with increasing levels of Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser combination. Highest grain yields observed were 1.146 t ha−1 (Macia) and 1.1 t ha−1 (SV1) from tied contour +15 t ha−1 biomass +150 kg ha−1 NPK fertiliser treatments. Rainwater use efficiency was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher from tied contours compared to infiltration pits and standard contour. Rainwater use efficiency was statistically (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by increasing application levels of Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser in all seasons. Agronomic efficiencies were considerably (p ≤ 0.05) affected by rainwater harvesting, Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser and interaction of all factors. It can therefore be concluded that Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser, tied contours and infiltration pits improve sorghum yields. Augmenting 2.5 t ha−1 biomass with 25 kg ha−1 NPK fertiliser under tied contours and Macia have better agronomic efficiency.

Impact of manure compost amendments on NH3 volatilization in rice paddy ecosystems during cultivation

Livestock manure has been widely used in agriculture to improve soil productivity and quality. However, intensive application can significantly enhance soil nitrogen (N) availability and facilitate ammonia (NH3) volatilization during rice cultivation. The effects of different rates of manure application on the NH3 volatilization rate, its mechanism, and their relationships have not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, field trials were conducted to investigate NH3 volatilization in rice paddy soils amended with different livestock manure, cattle manure (CM), and swine manure (SM), at a rate of 0 (NPK), 10, 20, and 40 Mg ha−1 during cultivation. Moreover, the soil physicochemical and biological properties and rice N uptake were investigated. Ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Manure application significantly increased NH3 emissions compared to the control. Much higher volatilization rates were observed in the SM soils than in the CM soils, even when the same amount of N was applied. This is mainly related to the higher labile NH4+ concentration and urease activity in SM soils. With increasing application levels, NH3 emission rates proportionally increased in the SM, but there was no significant difference in the CM. Livestock manure application significantly increased NH3 volatilization, particularly during the initial manure application and additional fertilization stages during rice cultivation. The results showed that the application of livestock manure significantly increased NH3 volatilization. Moreover, the biochemical properties of manure composts, including labile N and urease activity, mainly affected NH3 dynamics in rice paddies during cultivation rather than their type. Irrespective of manure application, PM2.5, did not show a significant difference at the initial stage of cultivation. NH3 volatilization was not significantly correlated with the formation of PM2.5. It is necessary to develop effective strategies for mitigating NH3 volatilization and maintaining soil quality without decreasing rice productivity in paddy ecosystems.

Effect of ensiling alfalfa with citric acid residue on fermentation quality and aerobic stability

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of citric acid residue (CAR) on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage and to define the optimal application level of CAR in silage making. Alfalfa was ensiled without additives (CON) or with 1.2 % CAR (C1), 3.6 % CAR (C2) and 6.0 % CAR (C3) on a fresh weight (FW) basis for 3, 6, 9, 15, 30 and 45 days. Chemical and microbial compositions were determined after ensiling. The residual silages ensiled for 45 days were evaluated for aerobic stability. The addition of CAR to alfalfa silages increased (P<0.05) dry matter (DM) and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents and decreased (P<0.05) acetic acid, ethanol, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents compared with those of the control. The values of pH and the contents of DM, lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, WSC, NH3-N, hemicellulose and cellulose showed a linear relationship with the increasing application level of CAR (P<0.05). The C3 silages showed the optimal fermentation quality. The C1 and C2 silages showed lower aerobic stability than that of the control (P<0.05). The results indicated that addition of CAR effectively improved the fermentation quality and enhanced fibre degradation, but had no obvious positive effects on aerobic stability. By comprehensive consideration, 6.0 % CAR was recommended for alfalfa silage making.

청보리 재배 시 콩과 사료작물의 혼파와 우분의 시용이 생산성, 사료가치 및 유기한우 사육능력에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 환경오염을 감소시키고 유기축산물의 생산에 기여할 수 있는 유기조사료를 효율적으로 생산하기 위해 대표적인 동계작물인 청보리에 콩과 사료작물의 혼파와 발효우분을 시용하여 생산성과 사료가치를 평가하고, 토양의 지력 향상과 가축분뇨의 자원화를 위한 가축분뇨의 적정시용수준을 구명하여 단위면적당 유기한우 사육능력을 추정하고자 하였다. 콩과 사료작물의 혼파에 따른 평균 청보리의 건물, 조단백질 및 TDN 수량은 5.09~5.21, 0.48~0.51 및 3.19~3.21 톤/ha으로 단파로 재배했을 경우의 4.28, 0.38 및 2.8톤/ha 보다 유의하게 증가하였으나 혼파구 간에는 차이가 없었고, 발효우분의 질소시용수준이 증가함에 따라 청보리의 평균건물, 조단백질 및 TDN 수량은 무비구(3.97, 0.37 및 2.56 톤/ha)에 비해 100~150 kg N/ha (5.23~5.76, 0.49~0.54 및 3.28~3.55)에서 유의하게 증가하였다(p<0.05). 콩과사료작물의 혼파에 따른 조단백질과 ADF 함량은 헤어리베치 혼파구(각각 9.7과 34.5%) >사료용 완구 혼파구(각각 9.3과 33.0%) >청보리의 단파구(각각 8.7과 30.5%) 순으로 유의하게 낮아졌으며 우분 질소시용수준에 따른 청보리의 조단백질 함량과 NDF 함량은 처리수준 간 유의한 차이가 인정되지 않았지만 ADF 함량은 시용수준이 증가함에 따라 유의하게 증가하였고 TDN 함량은 반대로 감소하였다(p<0.05). 콩과 사료작물의 혼파에 따른 청보리에 의한 유기한우 사육능력(체중 450 kg, 400 g 일당증체 목표)은 평균 2.62~2.72두로 유의하게 증가하였고. 발효우분 질소시용수준이 증가됨에 따라 청보리에 의한 유기한우 사육능력은 유의하게 증가하였다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 청보리 재배 시 콩과 사료 작물의 혼파 하였을 경우에는 단파재배 보다 발효우분의 질소시용수준을 ha 당 50 kg 이상 줄이면서도 건물수량을 포함한 생산성과 유기한우 사육능력 증대는 물론 조단백질 함량 등 사료가치를 향상을 시켜 한우 사양 시 조사료자원의 다양화 뿐 아니라 저투입에 의한 고품질 조사료 생산으로 유기축산물 생산에 크게 기여하리라 사료된다. This study was to assess the effect of sowing mixed legume forage and applying cattle manure on the productivity and feed value of whole-crop barley (WCB) as a representative of winter crops and to estimate feeding capacity of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo) per unit area by defining optimal application level of cattle manure for more fertile soil and manure recycling for the purpose of reduced environmental pollution and efficient production of organic forage contributable to production of organic animal products. Sowing mixed legume forage significantly (p<0.05) increased yields of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) for WCB compared to WCB alone sowing, but there was no difference between mixed sowing treatments. The yields of DM, CP and TDN were significantly (p<0.05) highest in 100~150 kg N/hg. The CP and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents were highest in mixed sowing with hairy vetch, followed by sowing mixed forage pea and WCB alone (p<0.05). There were no differences in CP and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents among cattle manure application levels. As nitrogen application level increased, ADF content increased (p<0.05), but TDN content decreased (p<0.05). Feeding capacity of organic Hanwoo (head/ha) weighing 450 kg of body weight with 400 g of daily gain significantly (p<0.05) increased due to mixed sowing with legume forage, and with increasing application levels of fermented cattle manure, feeding capacity significantly (p<0.05) increased. The results indicate that mixed-sowing of WCB and legume forage not only cut nitrogen application level of fermented cattle manure by over 50 kg per ha but also increased their feed value and productivity, and feeding capacity. This would be contributable to diversity of forage resources as well as production of organic animal product by creating low cost and high quality of forage.

Responses of Kyllinga peruviana Lam. to Sea Water Spray

Response of Kyllinga peruviana Lam. to salt spray was studied to have an insight into the ecophysiological adaptations underlying the responses. Plants were exposed to foliar salt spray at: two sprays per week (2SS), four sprays per week (4SS) or six sprays per week (6SS), while those sprayed with de-ionized water served as control (CSS). Salt spray did not affect plant survival but had negative effect on growth. The growth parameters decreased except stem girth, which increased significantly in plants sprayed with seawater. Fresh and dry mass of plant parts were significantly lower under seawater treatment than in control. Total biomass, the relative growth rate and leaf total chlorophyll decreased while the root: shoot ratio increased under seawater application. Air-borne salt reduced plant xylem water potential but increased stem succulence for ion dilution. Salt spray accumulated Na+ and Cl- in the aerial parts, resulting in an increased total nutrient and percentage ash content, which culminated in ion toxicity. Salt spray reduced uptake of some essential nutrients but increased N in the aerial parts of seawater-treated plants showing the presence of salt-related nitrogen compounds for osmotic adjustment. Significantly higher values were obtained for Na: K in plants exposed to salt spray than in the control. It led to reduction in stomata density and number of stomata per leaf by as much as 42.86% and 80.42% respectively at 6SS. Air-borne salt caused necrotic damage on the leaf with increasing application level. Generally, salt spray had no effect on the root growth. Kyllinga peruviana tolerates sea water spray by the development of some adaptations to withstand salt-related stress associated with the strandline environment.

Identifying the role of fly ash properties for minimizing sulfate-heave in lime-stabilized soils

The paper describes a study carried out to examine the effects of fly ash in limiting damaging sulfate-heave (swelling) in lime-stabilized soils. This considered three clays with various sulfate levels; seven fly ashes covering a range of physical and chemical properties, and stored under different conditions (dry, stockpiled and ponded); and a typical quicklime. The initial part of the study examined the effects of fly ash (applied at levels of 6 to 24% by mass of dry soil) on compaction (in terms of density/moisture relationships) of the lime-stabilized soils (using 3.0% lime) to establish mix compositions and provide an insight to their resulting structure. This indicated that maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) were influenced by the characteristics of fly ash (reducing and increasing respectively with increasing fly ash coarseness and loss-on-ignition (LoI; including that under wet storage)) and, depending on these, by the level of application. Tests for sulfate-heave were made following the BS EN 13286-49 volumetric swelling method. Fly ash gave systematic reductions in sulfate-heave with increasing application level up to 24% for the lime-stabilized soils tested. It was found that coarse, high LoI fly ashes, stored under wet conditions, were most effective in limiting the process, suggesting that the coarser structure obtained during compaction with these materials, i.e. lower MDD, is an important factor influencing this. The presence of high sulfate levels in fly ash reduced the effectiveness of the material in this role. The practical implications are considered and a nomogram relating fly ash fineness and application level, MDD and sulfate-swelling is developed, which demonstrates a possible methodology for material selection with regard to minimizing damage.

Effect of Chinese milk vetch ( Astragalus sinicus L.) as a green manure on rice productivity and methane emission in paddy soil

This field study was undertaken to investigate the optimum recycling rate of the above ground biomass of Chinese milk vetch ( Astragalus sinicus L. hereafter, vetch) to improve rice productivity and decrease seasonal methane (CH 4) flux in mono-rice cultivation system. The above ground part of vetch was applied in paddy field at rates 0, 10, 20 and 40 Mg ha −1 on fresh weight basis to investigate its effect on rice ( Oryza sativa) productivity and CH 4 emission flux and was compared with the typical standard NPK chemical fertilization (N–P 2O 5–K 2O = 90–45–58 kg ha −1). Rice productivity increased significantly with increasing vetch application, and more interestingly, similar grain yield was obtained between vetch application at 10 Mg ha −1 as green manure and NPK fertilization. Methane emission rates, which were measured by closed-chamber method, increased significantly ( p < 0.05) with increasing application levels of vetch, and seasonal CH 4 fluxes exceeded to that in NPK fertilization at over 10 Mg ha −1 vetch application. Our findings revealed that 10 Mg ha −1 vetch application as green manure amendment can be an effective application level of sustaining rice productivity without increasing CH 4 emission compared to NPK fertilization in Korean mono-rice cultivation systems.

Feasibility of phosphate fertilizer to immobilize cadmium in a field

To reduce effectively cadmium (Cd) phytoextractability by phosphate fertilizer in Cd contaminated soil, fused and superphosphate (FSP) was applied at the rate of 0, 33.5 (recommendation level), 167.5, and 335 kg P ha −1 for radish ( Raphanus sativa L.). Unlike from what we expected, soil Cd extractability and Cd concentration in radish increased with increasing FSP application in the field. To determine the effect of FSP on Cd immobilization, FSP was mixed with the selected soil at the rate of 0, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg P kg −1 and then incubated for 8 weeks. As observed in the field study, NH 4OAc extractable Cd concentration increased slightly with FSP addition up to 400 mg P kg −1 and thereafter dramatically decreased upon increasing its application rate. Soil pH and negative charge were decreased at low level of FSP application up to 400 mg P kg −1, but thereafter continually increased with increasing application level. This could be indirect evidence that net soil negative charge was increased by the specific adsorption of phosphate at the high rate of FSP application over 400 mg P kg −1. The labile Cd fraction (water soluble and exchangeable + acidic fraction) increased with increasing FSP application by 400 mg P kg −1 and thereafter gradually decreased with corresponding increase in unlabile fraction (oxidizable and residual fraction). Based on these results, FSP might be applied with a very high rate over 800 mg P kg −1 to decrease Cd extractability in the selected field. However, this level is equivalent to 1440 kg P ha −1, which is about 43 times higher than the recommendation levels for radish production and resulted in a significant increase in water soluble P concentration creating a new environmental problem. Therefore, the feasibility of FSP to reduce Cd extractability in the field is very low.

Effect of N, P, K, and Lime on Yield, Nut Quality, Tree Growth, and Leaf Analysis of Pecan (Carya illinoensis W.)1

Abstract Mature ‘Stuart’ pecan trees in good condition on Tifton loamy sand did not respond to fertilizer [10-4.4-8.3 (N-P-K)] at rates from 0-1344 kg/ha annually over a 10-year period, but color and vigor of trees receiving no fertilizer were reduced near the end of the study. Highest yields were obtained with 448 kg/ha. Fertilizer effects on shoot growth and nut quality were inconsistent, but quality tended to be poorer for heavily fertilized than lightly fertilized trees near the end of the study. Fertilizer and limestone effects on yield and shoot growth were also inconsistent for mature ‘Stuart’ trees on Leefield sand at Way cross, Ga. over a 10-year period. Leaf analysis responded very slowly to nutrient application with leaf N and K being first increased by fertilizer application in the 6th and 9th years, respectively. Fertilizer P had little effect on leaf P. Liming to pH 60 with calcite increased leaf Ca and decreased leaf Mg and Al. Yield and shoot growth of young ‘Desirable’ trees increased with the first 56 kg/ha increment of N, but further increases due to the second increment were seldom significant. Phosphorus and K additions had little effect on yield and shoot growth, but increasing K reduced nut size. Increasing N rates to 112 kg/ha improved vigor and color of trees. Leaf N and K for young trees increased from increasing application levels the first year, and leaf K was maintained in the desired range when soil test plus applied K equaled 112 kg/ha annually. Increasing N and K applications reduced leaf Mg, and increasing K applications increased leaf Mn, Fe, Al, and Na in young trees.