Application Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

Energy, environmental footprints and economic benefit of substituting inorganic fertilizer with organic manure for winter wheat in Huanghuaihai Plain

Manure substitution shows promise for nitrogen (N) management, food security, energy balance and environmental costs reduction. However, there is limited research on this practice in the Huanghuaihai Plain. This study aimed to investigate the energy use efficiency, economic benefits, carbon and nitrogen footprint under two types of N fertilizer (U, urea and M, organic manure), two application rates of N (180 kg N ha−1, U1 for 100 % urea and M1 for 100 % organic manure; 90 kg N ha−1, U2 for 50 % urea and M2 for 50 % organic manure) and no fertilizer application treatment (CK) for winter wheat from 2017 to 2019. Results showed that grain yield and agricultural input cost under N application rate of 90 kg N ha−1 was 15.5 % and 7.8 % lower than that of 180 kg N ha−1, respectively, leading to a significant decrease in economic benefit. Under the same N rate, M1 obtained higher grain yield than U1, grain yield of M2 did no differ in that of U2. Total energy inputs and agricultural input costs of M were 9.5 % and 3.6 % lower than U, resulting in higher energy use efficiency and economic benefit. The reduced agricultural input for M was primarily due to a decrease in the application of inorganic fertilizer. Compared with other treatments, U2+M2 obtained higher grain yield, energy use efficiency, and economic benefit. The carbon and nitrogen footprint on unit grain yield of U1 was increased by 13.7 %-24.1 % and 3.9 %-19.6 %, which was attributed to the increase in direct N2O emissions, indirect carbon emission and losses of reactive N from agricultural inputs. Overall, U2+M2 sustained high productivity and reduced the environmental impact. Substituting inorganic fertilizer with organic manure was a promising strategy to improve agricultural production with less agricultural inputs and environmental footprints in the Huanghuaihai Plain.

Comparative study on productivity of Hybrid Napier CO3 and CO4 with the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The present study aimed to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of CO3 and CO4 (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) at the Livestock farm Eastern University, Sri Lanka from July to September 2018. Four different treatments; inorganic fertilizer 100%, Organic fertilizer 100%, Control and Inorganic+Organic fertilizer 1:1 (weight basis). Plant height, leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, yield and total ash content were measured at two-week intervals from the 4th week up to the 8th week and data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the productivity of CO3 is superior to CO4 in terms of growth and yield under (T4) CO3 with 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic fertilizer. The highest (p<0.05) fresh matter yield of 18.07 t/ha, with a dry matter yield of 3.83 t/ha was recorded in the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. A similar yield was obtained in CO3 with the 1:1 inorganic and organic fertilizer mixture. CO3 showed the highest total ash content (18.44%) on dry matter basis. Hence, farmers can save half of the cost of inorganic fertilizer by using farmyard manure along with half of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer for fodder cultivation

Fertilizer Micro-dosing: Evaluating the Yield Response of Sorghum to Different Levels of Fertilizers Applied on the Planting Pit at Mereb-Lekhe District

Next to drought, poor soil fertility is the single major cause of crops nutrient starvation in Tigray specifically at Mereb-lekhe district. Farmers of the study area use different organic and inorganic fertilizers separately and in combination to overcome soil fertility problems for sorghum production. However, the pace of sorghum production stays constant and occasionally decreases with time. Fertilizer efficiency; the type, rate and method of fertilizer application they use were thought to be the reasons for the steady or declining sorghum production. Hence, this study was initiated to determine the yield response of sorghum to microdose fertilizer application. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were; farmers’ practice or blanket recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) (50kg ha-1 Urea & 100 kg ha-1 DAP), recommended compost at a rate of 7ton ha-1, 75% of recommended NP, 50% of recommended NP, 25% of recommended NP, 75% recommended NP+25% recommended compost, 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost and 25% recommended NP+75% recommended compost. All treatments were applied with microdosing method except the recommended N and P is broadcasting method. The highest sorghum grain yield (4201 kg ha-1) and straw yield (19107 kg ha-1) were obtained from treatment recommended compost at a rate of 7 ton/ha and 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost, respectively. This study showed that combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer gave a better economic advantage for sorghum crop. Hence, it could be concluded that use of compost at a rate of 7 ton ha-1 and the 75% recommended N and P could increase production and productivity of sorghum by the application of micro dosing than broadcasting method.

Divergent responses of soil aggregation and aggregate-carbon to fertilization regimes jointly explain soil organic carbon accrual in agroecosystems: A meta-analysis

Soil aggregation can be substantially affected by fertilizers and contributes to soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in agroecosystems. However, the mass and C distributions in different aggregates in responses to fertilization regimes are not often synchronous, which may largely affect soil C storage and stability. We conducted a meta-analysis of 2440 paired observations from 63 publications to assess the fertilization effects (i.e. inorganic, organic, and their combinations) on soil aggregation and aggregate-associated OC, as well as their linkages to the stimulated bulk soil C. Overall, fertilizer application significantly increased the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates by 27.8%. The proportion of large (> 2mm) and small (0.25-2mm) macroaggregates were significantly increased by 19.8% and 17.2%, and that of microaggregate (0.053-0.25mm) and silt-clay fraction (< 0.053mm) were significantly decreased by 6.0% and 18.4%, respectively. In contrast, fertilization significantly increased C concentration in all aggregates. Organic fertilizer applications had remarkably greater effects than inorganic fertilizer applications on soil C concentration but the effects declined with decreasing aggregate size (from 36.5% to 13.2%), while that of inorganic application changed very little among aggregates (from 14.1% to 10.0%). The fertilizer effects on soil aggregation and aggregate-associated OC divergently responded to the gradients of major agronomic conditions (i.e. climate, soil properties, and duration). Organic fertilizer applications tended to have distinctly greater promotion effect than solely inorganic fertilizer applications with temperate climate, neutral-to-alkaline pH and more sand-like texture of soil. The importance of mineral- rather than larger size aggregate-associated OC in contributing to the bulk SOC pool tended to increase in the long term. The inorganic-organic combinations exhibited the most lasting effect on SOC accrual. In conclusion, the responses of bulk soil C to fertilizer applications were not always in accordance with those of soil aggregation, but can be well explained when jointly considering soil aggregate C. Our findings highlight the varying contributions of aggregates to the soil C pool in diverse and complicated agronomic situations, which are important to the agricultural C sink stability.

Optimizing inorganic blended fertilizer application for the maximum grain yield and profitability of bread wheat and food barley in Dawuro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract In a specific area, fertilizer application for a crop depends on the soil type and profitability. Optimizing chemical fertilizer utilization in crop production is crucial from an environmental and economic point of view. However, there is limited information available on the optimum NPSB fertilizer rate for the production of wheat and barley in the study area. Thus, the study aimed to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 16.44% P, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) blended fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield and profitability of wheat and barley. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rates. Growth, yield, and yield component data in wheat and barley were collected from randomly selected individual plants and the net plot area. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the procedure established by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p &lt; 0.01) affected plant height, number of productive tillers, spike length, number of kernels, thousand seed weight, biomass yield, grain yield, and harvest index traits. The application of a 150 kg ha−1 NPSB rate produced the highest grain yield (5419.0 kg ha−1) in wheat, whereas the application of a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB rate gave the maximum grain yield (4708.0 kg ha−1) in food barley. The economic analysis revealed that the application of a 150 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate for wheat gave the highest net benefits (309711.50 ETB ha−1) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (4096.96%), while the application of a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate for barley obtained the highest net benefits (184424.00 ETB ha−1) and MRR (2195.39%). Therefore, to optimize the productivity and profitability of wheat and barley in the study area and similar agroecologies, farmers are recommended to use 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for wheat and 125 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for barley.

Effect of Integrated Application of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District of East Showa Zone, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center during 2022 cropping season to evaluate the responses of vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The experiment consists of eight treatments: T1= Control (without fertilizer), T2=50% RNP+4t/ha VC, T3= 50% RNP+ 8t/ha VC, T4=100% RNP, T5= 4t/ha VC, T6= 8t/ha VC, T7= 100% RNP+ 4t/ha VC, T8=100% RNP+8t/ha VC. The result revealed that grain yield affected by combined application of these two fertilizes. There are gradual changes in some major soil parameters have statistically affected by combined application of vermin compost and inorganic fertilizer. Accordingly maximum grain yield (4596.3kg/ha) was recorded from T2 where 50% recommended NP+4t/ha VC where as the lowest grain yield (2109.3kg/ka) was from control plot. Lastly partial budget analysis was also calculated to determine best treatment combination for future farther use. Accordingly maximum net benefit (155,870.50ETB) was obtained from T2 where 50% recommended NP+4t/ha VC was combined. Therefore this treatment was used as best treatment combination for this area, for this crop, it needed for large scale soil fertility management and increasing land productivity.

Effects of Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Physical and Chemical Properties in Saline–Alkali Soil

To mitigate the issues of severe farmland soil salinization, the environmental degradation stemming from the overuse of chemical fertilizers, and suboptimal soil composition, a study was conducted to investigate the influence of different types and ratios of organic fertilizers on the physical and chemical attributes of saline–alkali soil. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between different types and proportions of organic fertilizers, soil moisture, organic fertilizer application rates, organic carbon molecular structure, and the soil environment in saline–alkali soils. Reducing the application of chemical fertilizers and substituting them with organic fertilizers can improve the soil quality of saline–alkali lands. The results indicated that replacing a part of the urea with organic fertilizer in saline–alkali farmland reduced the soil salinity by 11.1 to 22.8% in the 0–60 cm soil layer, decreased the soil pH by 0.11 to 1.52%, and increased the soil redox potential (Eh) values by 2.5 to 4.3% in the 0–20 cm layer of the mild and moderate saline–alkali soils. It also decreased the accumulation of the soil organic matter (OM) during the growing season. Compared to commercial organic fertilizers, natural organic fertilizers increased the accumulation of the soil soluble carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON), resulting in less soil salinity accumulation. When commercial organic fertilizer was applied in a 1:1 ratio with inorganic fertilizer, the salt accumulation was minimized. Compared to conventional fertilization, organic fertilizer reduced the accumulation of the NH4+-N (ammonium nitrogen) and NO3−-N (nitrate nitrogen) in the soil by 3.1 to 22.6%. In comparison to conventional chemical fertilizers, the application of organic fertilizer in the mild and moderate saline–alkali soils increased the accumulation of the DOC, DON, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and microbial quotient during the grain-filling stage. Specifically, it increased the DOC, DON, and DOC/DON by 12.7 to 26.7%, 12 to 59.3%, and 15.2 to 35.5%, respectively. The application of commercial organic fertilizer in the mild saline–alkali soils increased the MBC, MBN, MBC/SOC, and MBN/TN by 37.1, 65.6, 36.7, and 4.7%, respectively. Through analyzing the relative proportions of soil surface organic carbon functional groups during the grain filling period, we observed that, after the application of organic fertilizer, the OM in the mildly salinized soils primarily originated from terrestrial plant litter, whereas, in moderately salinized soils, the OM was mainly derived from microbial sources.

Effects of integrated fertilizer application on selected soil properties and yield attributes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on different soil types

In Ethiopia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity remains low because of low soil fertility. However, both plant production and soil fertility benefit from integrated application of fertilizers. Thus, this study investigates the effect of integrated application of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on selected soil properties and yield components of common bean. A field experiment was conducted at three sites in southern Ethiopia, under two consecutive cropping season (2021 and 2022). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included three levels of inorganic fertilizer (Triple Superphosphate, TSP), applied at 0, 42.5, and 85 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Kokate; 0, 29, and 58 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Hawassa; and 0, 35.5, and 71 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Alage, tailored to the specific conditions of each site. Additionally, the experiment incorporated three levels of organic inputs 0, 5 t biochar ha⁻1, and 5 t compost ha⁻1 as well as Rhizobium inoculation (HB-429) applied at 500 g ha⁻1. These treatments were designed to assess the combined effects of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on soil health and crop performance. Results showed that the integrated application of inorganic, and organic fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved soil pH, soil organic carbon, and available P compared with the sole fertilizer application plots. Similarly, the integrated use of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers increased nodule numbers, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass yield. We also found that 23 and 24 % higher grain yield were achieved with integrated applications of TSP fertilizer with compost on Hawassa and Alage sites than sole inorganic fertilizer application. On the other hand, the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with biochar increased by 18 % grain yield on Kokate over the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. The highest economic benefit of 69,460 and 63,250 ETB was obtained from the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with compost at Hawassa and Alage sites, respectively. The highest economic benefit for the Kokate site was 53,583 ETB at TSP fertilizer with biochar application. Overall, the study confirms that site-specific integrated soil fertility management appears to be a prerequisite for sustainable and profitable common bean production over sole fertilizer application in southern Ethiopia.

Enhancing growth, yield and physiological quality of sweet pepper fruit through application of fertiliser and moringa leaf powder (MLP)

ABSTRACT Most farmers rely heavily on inorganic fertilisers to enhance the production of horticultural crops. This can lead to environmental pollution, soil degradation and even human health problems. Reducing the usage of inorganic fertilisers by incorporating organic fertilisers (e.g. moringa leaf powder (MLP) and chicken litter (CL)) into inorganic fertiliser blends is likely to impact the environment less negatively than the sole application of inorganic fertiliser. The aim of this study was to produce sweet peppers using a combination of organic and inorganic fertilisers. In a controlled environment, MLP (20 g) was blended with CL (30 g) and inorganic fertiliser (Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK 3:1:3)) at different concentrations (10 g (33,33%), 20 g (66,66%), and 30 g (100%)), and applied to the root zone of transplanted sweet pepper seedlings. Treating sweet pepper plants with NPK (20 g) + CL (30 g) + MLP (20 g) resulted in the highest yield, with fruit containing higher total carotenoid concentrations than other treatments. Neither leaf number nor plant height was positively correlated with fruit weight per plant. Leaf chlorophyll and fruit carotenoids were present in the highest concentration in the chemical fertiliser (20 g) + CL (30 g) + MLP (20 g) (T11). Based on the yield, the best-performing combination (3:1:3 fertiliser with CL and MLP), optimal carotenoid concentration on pepper fruits was obtained on chemical fertiliser (20 g) + CL (30 g) + MLP (20 g), suggesting that peppers perform well, despite chemical fertiliser reduction from 30 to 20 g per plant, if CL and MLP are added to the medium.

Rare bacterial and fungal taxa respond strongly to combined inorganic and organic fertilization under short-term conditions

Soil microbial communities play a crucial role in driving multiple ecosystem functions. Although numerous studies have investigated the effects of fertilization on the entire soil microbial community, the responses of abundant (relative abundance ≥ 1 % in all samples, or ≥ 1 % in some samples but never < 0.01 % in any samples) and rare (relative abundance < 0.01% in all samples, or < 0.01% in some samples but never≥ 1% in any samples) microbial taxa, as along with their relative contributions to ecosystem functions in agricultural soils under combined organic and inorganic fertilization, have been less explored. Here, a field experiment revealed that rare bacterial and fungal taxa were more sensitive to short-term fertilization than abundant taxa. The combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizers maintained the alpha-diversity of rare bacterial taxa and enhanced the alpha-diversity of rare fungal taxa. The significant impact of fertilization on the bacterial community was primarily induced by alterations in soil pH (decreased from 6.01 to 5.46), total phosphorus (0.32 – 0.37 g/kg), available phosphorus (1.24 – 4.76 mg/kg), and available potassium (41.11 – 58.78 mg/kg), whereas the fungal community was less influenced by fertilization. The dissimilarity of both abundant (Mantel r = 0.38, P = 0.001) and rare (Mantel r = 0.26, P = 0.014) bacterial taxa exhibited positive relationships with ecosystem multifunctionality. Additionally, ecosystem multifunctionality was positively associated with the relative abundance of specific genera and keystone species, particularly rare bacterial taxa (e.g., Melioribacter, Aquisphaera, Sunxiuqinia, Methylobacterium, and Thermosporothrix), the abundant fungal genus Achroiostachys, and rare fungal taxa (e.g., Paraphelidium, Pseudallescheria, Scutellinia, Niesslia, Tilletia, Coprinopsis, Poaceascoma, Entrophospora sp., Acremonium persicinum, Hydropisphaera erubescens, and Rozellomycota sp.) (ρ = 0.52–0.75, P < 0.05). A partial least-squares path model indicated that soil nutrients (path coefficient = 0.83, p = 0.001) and microbial beta-diversity (path coefficient = 0.18, p = 0.049) exerted primary direct and positive effects on ecosystem multifunctionality, with soil nutrients also indirectly influencing ecosystem multifunctionality through microbial beta-diversity. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant response of rare, rather than abundant, microbial taxa and their contributions to ecosystem multifunctionality. This highlights the potential of appropriately combined inorganic and organic fertilizers, which promote rare microbial taxa, to enhance the multifunctionality of agricultural ecosystems.

A Tale of Two Tributaries: Source Delineation of Chloride in a Distressed Watershed (Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio)

Various sources of pollution have been assigned as contributing to the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS), by which water bodies are undergoing concurrent salinization and alkalinization. In many urban areas that receive substantial snowfall, road salt application has been ascribed as the main source of chloride driving the FSS. In rural areas, however, inorganic (e.g. chemical) and organic (e.g. manure) fertilizer applications have been found to be the most important sources of chloride. Herein, we compared daily mean concentrations of chloride over the past decade of time between Coldwater Creek and Chickasaw Creek, two tributaries of Grand Lake St. Marys, the largest reservoir in Ohio. We also used Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS) analyses to visualize trends in chloride data and compared chloride vs. nitrate levels to delineate likely sources of chloride for the two streams. We found that road salt application increased over time in both subwatersheds and that 37% and 25% of the chloride could be apportioned to road salt as a source in Coldwater Creek and Chickasaw Creek, respectively. Additionally, in Coldwater Creek, 37% of the chloride was apportioned to animal or septic sources, while 25% was apportioned to inorganic fertilizers, in comparison with 30% and 42% for Chickasaw Creek. Monitoring and assessing salinized streams for both chemical and biological water quality is important, particularly since the FSS has become increasingly linked to declines in water quality (e.g. harmful algal blooms, including recent upticks in Prymnesium parvum blooms) and is expected to be exacerbated with global climate change (e.g. increased precipitation causing increased runoff of chloride from the land).

Flavonoids bioactive content of Indigofera tinctoria as a potential medicinal plant with inorganic fertilizer applications

Flavonoids bioactive content of <i>Indigofera tinctoria</i> as a potential medicinal plant with inorganic fertilizer applications

Effect of combined application of organic manures, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on soil fertility after harvest of paddy

Effect of combined application of organic manures, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on soil fertility after harvest of paddy

Extraction and characterization of novel alternative cellulosic fiber for sustainable textiles from Aloe barbadensis Miller stems (agricultural waste)

Novel research has been conducted on Aloe vera, focusing on stems fiber (agricultural waste), for the extraction of cellulosic fiber, an area lacking prior scientific exploration. This fiber is being reported for the first time in the scientific community. Aloe barbadensis Miller variety was subjected to various cultivation methods, including the application of inorganic and organic fertilizers, along with the removal of lower leaves to promote stem growth. Stem fibers were extracted using the water retting method and subsequently analyzed. The moisture content was 55.35 % and 6.99 % ash content in the fibers. The bacteriostatic analysis of Aloe vera fibers was assessed against four bacterial strains, with both ethanol and water extracts showing varying degrees of inhibition zones. The UV–Visible spectrum exhibited a distinct λmax at 247 nm in ethanol, while FT-IR analysis provided characteristic peaks at 3759, 1590, 1750, 1663, 1250, 564, SEM images displayed the smooth surface morphology of the fibers, and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a high degree of crystallinity (78.67 %), suggesting a well-structured and crystalline nature. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was conducted to determine the elemental composition of the fibers, revealing the presence of carbon, oxygen, calcium, and copper, with carbon being the predominant element in cellulose. These results showed promising properties suggesting potential applications in textile industry as an alternative sustainable natural cellulosic fiber.

Effect of Poultry Manure and NPK (15: 15: 15) Fertilizer on The Growth and Yield of Tomato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lycopersicon esculentum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.)

Agricultural practices such as the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity. The impact of poultry manure and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was examined in Owo, South Western Nigeria. This study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments (No manure as control, NPK (15:15:15) at 200 kg/ha, and poultry manure at 2.5 t/ha) allocated randomly across plots using balloting methods, each replicated thrice. Seedlings were spaced at 30 x 60 cm, resulting in a total of 108 stands across nine plots. Various parameters including plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and fruit weight were assessed through statistical analysis. Results showed that poultry manure significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, and leaf area compared to the control. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after transplanting (WAT), poultry manure consistently outperformed NPK in terms of plant height and leaf area. However, NPK showed a superior number of flowers and fruit yield, highlighting its rapid nutrient release and immediate availability. Despite NPK&amp;apos;s effectiveness, the overall yield attributes of poultry manure were comparable, suggesting its potential as a sustainable alternative due to its soil-enriching properties and long-term benefits. This study underscores the importance of integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers to optimize tomato yield and soil health, advocating for further research into the economic and long-term impacts of organic fertilization in tropical agriculture.

Effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

The present research study aimed to evaluate the combined influence of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on the growth and yield parameters of black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). The result indicated that using a combination of 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizer and 50% vermicompost had a significant positive impact on growth attributes, yield parameters, and biochemical parameters. These findings suggests that the simultaneous application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can effectively improve soil fertility and crop yield. Notably, integrating 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose with 50% vermicompost proved to be particularly beneficial in enhancing both the growth and yield of black gram compared to other treatments, including the control group.

Effects of Paddy Rain-Flood Storage on Rice Growth Physiological Indices and Nitrogen Leaching under Organic Planting in Erhai Lake Basin.

In order to address the increasingly prominent issues of water resource protection and agricultural non-point source pollution in the Erhai Lake Basin, this study conducted a two-year field experiment in Gusheng Village, located in the Erhai Lake Basin. In 2022, two irrigation treatments were set up: conventional flooding irrigation (CK) and controlled irrigation (C), with three replicates for each treatment. In 2023, aiming to enhance the utilization rate of rainwater resources and reduce the direct discharge of dry-farming tailwater from upstream into Erhai Lake. The paddy field was used as an ecological storage basin, and the water storage depth of the paddy field was increased compared to the depth of 2022. Combined with the deep storage of rainwater, the dry-farming tailwater was recharged into the paddy field to reduce the drainage. In 2023, two water treatments, flooding irrigation with deep storage and controlled drainage (CKCD) and water-saving irrigation with deep storage and controlled drainage (CCD) were set up, and each treatment was set up with three replicates. The growth and physiological index of rice at various stages were observed. Nitrogen leaching of paddy field in surface water, soil water, and groundwater under different water treatments after tillering fertilizer were observed. The research results show that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers under organic planting can provide more reasonable nutrient supply for rice, promote dry matter accumulation and other indices, and also reduce the concentration of NH4+-N in surface water. Compared with CK, the yield, 1000-grain weight, root-to-shoot ratio, and leaf area index of C are increased by 4.8%, 4.1%, 20.9%, and 9.7%, respectively. Compared with CKCD, the yield, 1000-grain weight, root-to-shoot ratio, and leaf area index of CCD are increased by 6.5%, 3.8%, 19.6%, and 21.9%, respectively. The yield in 2023 is 19% higher than that in 2022. Treatment C can increase the growth indicators and reduce the net photosynthetic rate to a certain extent, while CCD rain-flood storage can alleviate the inhibition of low irrigation lower limit on the net photosynthetic rate of rice. Both C and CCD can reduce nitrogen loss and irrigation amount in paddy fields. CCD can reduce the tailwater in the Gusheng area of the Erhai Lake Basin to Erhai Lake, and also can make full use of N, P, and other nutrients in the tailwater to promote the formation and development of rice. In conclusion, the paddy field rain-flood storage methodology in the Erhai Lake Basin can promote various growth and physiological indicators of rice, improve water resource utilization efficiency, reduce direct discharge of tailwater into Erhai Lake, and decrease the risk of agricultural non-point source pollution.

Effect of Organic and Industrial Fertilizers on Reducing Sugar, Specific Gravity, Dry Matter and Starch Composition of Fresh Harvested Irish Potato Varieties in Musanze District Rwanda

Potatoes for use in industrial processing must have a low reducing sugar concentration. This study investigates the impact of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the composition of Irish potato cultivars’ reducing sugar, specific gravity, dry matter, and starch. The research was conducted at Busogo Farm in Rwanda, using randomized complete block designs in seasons 2021 B and 2022 A with rate of ten tones per hectare under the doses of 100%, 50%, and 0% and three hundred kilograms per hector under the dose of 100%, 50% and 0% respectively for farmyard manure and NPK 17.17.17. Results showed significant effects of season and treatment on reducing sugar levels in potatoes. Twihaze and Kirundo varieties recorded high glucose (0.09%), while Gisubizo variety in control, recorded low glucose (0.01%). Additionally, the analysis of variance showed that Irish potato varieties with low to moderate and moderate to high glucose contents, respectively, experienced extremely significant (p 0.001) effects of farmyard manure and NPK on glucose content for the seasons 2021 B and 2022 A. The application of inorganic and organic fertilizers had a significant impact (p 0.05) on dry matter in seasons B and A, according to the analysis of variance. Additionally, the results demonstrated extremely significant (p&lt;0.01) differences in specific gravity and starch in both seasons, with Kinigi variety having higher values of dry matter, specific gravity, and starch content in season B and A, respectively, of 24.58, 1.10, and 18.59%. Season 2022 A’s high decreasing sugar levels were caused by meteorological conditions brought on by the soil’s high moisture content as well as the maturity of the tubers. Due to its low level of reducing sugar, Gikungu, Kirundo, and Kinigi are excellent for chips whereas Twihaze variety is advised for boiling cooking methods.

Improving Bitter Gourd Growth and Yield in Different Soil Environments by Combining Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizer

A study using the assigned Complete Block Design with three replications was carried out at Hobigong, Bangladesh from January to August 2021 to investigate the impact of different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and production of bitter gourd. The experiment employed five different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers, which are listed below: T1: 4 kg of organic fertilizer per plant, T2: 4 kg of organic fertilizer + 2 liters of cow urine + 2 liters of bc (biochar), T3: 2 liters of liquid bc (biochar)) + NPK (44 g urea + 43 g TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) + 77 g MoP (Muriate of Potash), T4: NPK (44 g urea + 43 g TSP + 77 g MoP), and T5: 4 kg of organic fertilizer + 2 liters of bc+ NPK (44 g urea + 43 g TSP + 77 g MoP) on three distinct soils in the villages of Kalonjhora, Madhabpur, and Jointure. The growth and yield of bitter gourd at different study locations were significantly affected by the application of both organic and inorganic fertilizers, according to the results. The results showed that the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers had a significant effect on the development and yield of bitter gourd at the different study sites. Maximum germination rate (90%), at 45 DAS (days after sowing), longest plant (173.28 cm) at 100 DAS, maximum number, longest and heaviest fruit (6.30 number of fruits per plant, 15.51 cm and 82.50 g, respectively) were obtained from crops grown in Jointer village that were applied with 4 kg organic fertilizer + 2 liters bc + NPK (44 g urea + 43 g TSP + 77 g MOP). According to the previously described research, most development and yield characteristics of bitter gourd are improved when grown in a mixture treated with 4 kg organic fertilizer + 2 liters bc + NPK (44 g urea) + 43 g of TSP + 77 g of MoP.

Sustainable soil health and agricultural productivity with biochar-based indigenous organic fertilizers in acidic soils: insights from Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Depletion of soil fertility in tropical regions is a pressing concern contributing to lower crop yields. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and co-composted biochar on acidic soil and the growth performance of teff (Eragrotis teff (Zucc.)) in the sub-tropical highlands of Ethiopia. Co-composted biochar was produced by mixing Acacia decurrens biochar with chicken litter and cow dung manure at different ratios of 100:0:0, 25:75:0, 15:85:0, and 25:0:75. Treatment impact on soil properties and crop yields were evaluated with applications of 0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha–1 in field trials. The study shows interaction effects of biochar-based amendments significantly (P < 0.001) improved soil bulk density (g/cm3), moisture content (%), pH, total nitrogen (%), total organic carbon (%), available phosphorus (mg/kg), cation exchange capacity (cmol ( +)/kg)) and teff yield. The application of 20 t ha–1 sole biochar significantly improved soil acidity by 0.99 units. Soil treated with 20 t ha–1 of BCLL and BCM resulted in notable increases in soil pH, ranging from 0.12 to 0.83 units for BCLL and 0.15 to 0.81 units for BCM. Soil treated with 20 t ha–1 BCLL showed a significant increase in tef grain yield, with improvements of 315%, 48%, 48%, and 84% compared to the control, compost, inorganic fertilizer, and sole biochar application, respectively. In conclusion, the application of 20 t ha–1 BCLL has significantly improved soil properties and crop yield. This emphasizes the need to expand the intervention to assist farmers facing similar soil fertility challenges.