Inorganic Fertilizer Treatments Research Articles

Effect of fertilization on the accumulation and health risk for heavy metals in native Andean potatoes in the highlands of Perú

Soil infertility is a global problem, amendments such as organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers are used to improve crop yields. However, these fertilizers contain heavy metals as well as essential mineral elements. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the accumulation and health risk of heavy metals in tubers. The plants were cultivated at an altitude of 3970 m using four treatments (poultry manure, alpaca manure, island guano and inorganic fertilizer) and a control group. Soil contamination levels and the degree of metal accumulation in the tubers were also determined. As a result, it was found that the use of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure increased the values of Cu and Zn in soils, exceeding the recommended standards. The accumulation of heavy metals in potato tubers did not exceed the maximum recommended limits with the exception of Pb, which exceeded the limit allowed by the FAO/WHO (0.1 mg kg−1). Poultry manure contributed to the highest accumulation of Zn, Cu and Pb in tubers with 11.62±1.30, 3.48±0.20 and 0.12 ±0.02 mg kg-1 respectively. The transfer of metals from the soil to the tubers was less than 1. Individual and total non-carcinogenic risk values were less than 1, indicating a safe level of consumption for children and adults. The cancer risk was found to be within an acceptable range. However, poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer treatments had the highest total cancer risk values in both age groups, suggesting a long-term carcinogenic risk.

Insights into the distribution characteristic of microbiota in alkaline–sandy soil with inorganic and organic fertiliser treatments: contrasting abundance, structure and functionality

ABSTRACT Fertiliser amendment is the most direct method for improving soil properties of ecologically vulnerable areas (e.g. desertification soil area), and then, understanding the response of microbial community activities and growth to different fertilisation treatments is of great significance in sandy soil restoration. Here, a field experiment with different fertiliser treatments in typical alkaline–sandy soil was conducted. In this study, the difference of physicochemical property, microbial communities and functions in different treatments of no fertiliser (CK), (ii) fly ash chemical fertilisers (CF), (iii) humic straw organic fertiliser (OF), (iv) functional microbial fertiliser (FMF), (v) sulphate-reducing bacterial (SRB) fertiliser (MF) and (vi) humic straw organic fertiliser + functional microbial fertiliser + SRB fertiliser (CMF) were evaluated. The result showed that the contents of soil total organic carbon, NO3-N, P and K in the FMF were highest. The abundance of keystone taxa (Gemmatimonadetes and Thaumarchaeota) increased significantly in the treatments of microbial fertiliser. Microbial fertiliser boosted genes for aerobic nitrite oxidation, nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation and aromatic compound degradation. The number of methylotrophy and dark sulphur oxidation genes was reduced. The bbove results indicated that the treatments with the inoculation of functional microbes are better than the others for the restoration of alkaline–sandy soil.

Influencia de la fertilización inorgánica sobre parametros productivos de dos variedades de camote

In order to determine the effect of inorganic fertilization treatments on the productive behavior of the sweetpotato varieties "INIAP-Toquecita" and "INIAP-Buena Vista", this research was carried out during the dry season (June–December 2022) at the Estación Experimental Portoviejo del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias-INIAP, in the Colón parish, canton Portoviejo, province of Manabí, Ecuador. A randomized complete block design was used with three replications, and the following variables were analyzed: percent yield, total number of guides per plant, length of guides, mass of 100 guides, foliage yield, and number and yield of commercial roots. The inorganic fertilization treatments under study were: 1. N+P2O5+K2O+S+Mg+B; 2. N+P2O5+K2O+S+Mg+B+Zn+Mn+Fe; 3. 50 % more N+P2O5+K2O+S+Mg+B with respect to treatment 1; 4. N+P2O5+K2O; and 5. no fertilizers (control). It was evidenced that the inorganic fertilization treatments implemented on the variety "INIAP-Buena Vista" outperformed the results of the control, while treatments 1 and 2 of inorganic fertilization implemented on the variety "INIAP-Toquecita" outperformed the control. It was observed that the most favorable scenario for maximizing the yield of commercial tuberous roots in the variety "INIAP-Buena Vista" was treatment 3, which had 50 % more macro and micronutrients per hectare added to the soil with respect to treatment 1. The varieties evaluated did not show nutritional deficiencies during the production cycle (120 days).

Effects of Soluble Organic Fertilizer Combined with Inorganic Fertilizer on Greenhouse Tomatoes with Different Irrigation Techniques

A reasonable fertilization rate and appropriate irrigation technology can lead to the green development of greenhouse tomatoes. The purpose of this study was to explore suitable irrigation technology for greenhouse tomatoes and the appropriate application rate of the soluble organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer combination. In 2021 and 2022, the effects of different irrigation techniques and fertilization treatments on tomato plant growth, fruit quality, yield, and efficiency were studied. The irrigation techniques in this study were drip and Moistube irrigation, and there were seven types of fertilization treatment, namely, no fertilization treatment (CK); low-volume (T1, 330 kg/hm2), medium-volume (T2, 660 kg/hm2), and high-volume inorganic fertilizer treatments (T3, 990 kg/hm2); and three inorganic fertilizer treatments of low-volume inorganic fertilizer (T1, 330 kg/hm2) combined with low-volume (F1, T1 + 75 kg/hm2), medium-volume (F2, T1 + 225 kg/hm2), and high-volume (F3, T1 + 375 kg/hm2) organic fertilizer. A total of 14 experimental treatments were implemented for irrigation and fertilization. The results of the two-year experiment show that the growth effect on the height, stem diameter, and leaf area index of tomato plants was the best using the treatment of low-concentration inorganic fertilizer combined with medium-concentration organic fertilizer with Moistube irrigation and drip irrigation. Using the two irrigation methods, the application of soluble organic fertilizer increased the yield and improved the fruit quality of the tomato. The maximum yield increased by 28.52%, the soluble sugar content increased by 14.49%, the vitamin C content increased by 45.04%, and the lycopene increased by 18.79%. The entropy-weight TOPSIS model was used to comprehensively evaluate 14 evaluation objects with different irrigation methods and fertilization treatments. The results of the two-year experiment show that the best fertilization treatment under Moistube irrigation and drip irrigation conditions was low-concentration inorganic fertilizer combined with medium-concentration soluble organic fertilizer, which was combined with the best fertilization treatment, and the most suitable irrigation method for greenhouse tomato cultivation in the Loess Plateau was Moistube irrigation. The results of this study also provide practical experience and theoretical support for adaptive irrigation and the integrated management of water and fertilizer.

Effect of Expired Yoghurt Powder as a Soil Amendment on Growth, Yield and Chlorophyll

The disposal of expired dairy products that are rich in organic carbon and nitrogen is one of the major challenges faced by the dairy industry and causes significant economic, environmental and health issues. Recycling of expired dairy products including yoghurt is an ideal solution to protect the environment and to utilize them in a sustainable manner. Therefore, the present study was carried out to find out the performance of organic soil amendment prepared from expired yoghurt powder (EYP) on growth, yield and chlorophyll content of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A pot experiment was set up according to Completely Randomized Design with four treatments {soil without fertilizer (T1), soil with 1% EYP+157 mg K2O/pot (T2), soil with 2% EYP+157 mg K2O/pot (T3), soil with inorganic fertilizer (T4)} with five replicates. In T4 treatment, a mixture of inorganic fertilizers as a basal dressing (before seed sowing) and top dressing (after 3 weeks) was applied at a rate of 177 mg N, 346 mg P2O5 and 157 mg K2O/pot and 177 mg N, 157 mg K2O/pot, respectively according to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) recommendation. The root diameter (cm), root volume (cm3), root length (cm), total leaf area (cm2), number of leaves, shoot fresh weight (g), root fresh weight (g) and chlorophyll content (relative green index) were measured. Data were analyzed using Minitab (version 17) and SAS (version 9.1.3) software packages. One way ANOVA was conducted to examine the differences between treatments followed by mean separation using Duncan‘s multiple range test. Root diameter, root length, root volume, root fresh weight (48.6±0.88 g and 32.30±1.83 g in T4 and T2, respectively) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in inorganic fertilizer (T4) and 1% EYP (T2) treatments than other treatments. The leaf area and chlorophyll content were significantly higher (p<0.05) in all the treatments compared to soil without fertilizer treatment (T1). The highest fresh shoot weight (77.4±9.37 g) was obtained in inorganic fertilizer (T4) treatment showing significant difference (p<0.05) than 2% EYP (T3) and soil without fertilizer (T1) treatments. According to the results, 1% EYP (T2) treatment showed similar growth and yield performance with inorganic fertilizer (T4) and is recommended as a soil amendment for radish. However, the fungal attacks and pest attraction to EYP limit its application as a soil amendment and further studies are suggested to overcome the limitations. 
 Keywords: Expired yoghurt powder, Growth and yield parameters, Organic soil amendment, Raphanus sativus L.

Dynamics of Yield and Chlorophyll Content of Four Kangkung (Ipomea reptans Poir) Sequences With Soilless Cultivation System Due to Direct and Residual Effects of Vermicompost Application

The applications of organic fertilizers releasing nutrients slowly not only have a direct impact on the growing crop, but also, residual effects on the subsequent crops in the conventional crop cultivation systems. Studies on the residual effects of organic fertilizer in soilless crop cultivation are quite rare. The present study, which is a pot experiment conducted in a greenhouse, describes the dynamics of yield and chlorophyll content of kangkong as direct and residual effects of vermicompost for four consecutive plantings in soilless crop cultivation, further, compared with inorganic fertilizer treatment. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with different levels of vermicompost rates and a control treatment using inorganic fertilizer. The vermicompost was applied only in the first crop, while, inorganic fertilizer was supplemented in each crop. Fresh weight per plant per pot increases ~35 - 54% at the second planting compared with the first planting, thereafter, gradually decreases in subsequent planting. The content of chlorophyll A was found to be relatively constant, while the chlorophyll B content was highest in the first planting and, thereafter, subsequently decreased in further planting. The higher yields were found at 400 - 500 g pot-1 vermicompost fertilizer dose, insignificantly different from the inorganic fertilizers treatment.

Organic fertilizer and hydrothermal conditions change the distribution of Medicago sativa L. productivity and soil bacterial diversity in coastal saline soil

BackgroundAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial leguminous forage that can improve the properties of saline soil. In addition, the supplementation with fertilizer to promote soil bacterial activity is critical to improve the productivity of coastal saline soils. However, the association between fertilizer application, bacterial community characteristics, and alfalfa yield in saline soil remains unclear.AimTo understand the interaction of different fertilizer and environmental factors on soil bacterial diversity and alfalfa yield in coastal saline soil.ResultsA 4-year field study was conducted to examine the interaction of different fertilizer treatments and environmental factors on soil bacterial diversity and alfalfa yield in coastal saline soil in China. Three organic fertilizer treatments (fulvic acid potassium, fulvic acid potassium + wood vinegar, and fulvic acid potassium + Bacillus), one biochar treatment (bio-charcoal), one inorganic fertilizer treatment (diammonium phosphate), and a control (no fertilizer) were included. The effects of the six treatments and 15 cutting times on alfalfa yield and soil bacterial community diversity were assessed. The productivity in fulvic acid potassium + Bacillus and fulvic acid potassium treatments was 68.37 and 67.90 t·hm−2 in 4 years, which was significantly higher than that in the bio-charcoal treatment and control. Hydrothermal conditions and timing of alfalfa harvest had significant effects on the soil bacterial community. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the principal bacterial phyla detected in the soil samples, collectively accounting for approximately 60% of the total bacterial abundance. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae was significantly correlated with alfalfa yield, and the abundance of these phyla was also affected by the maximum temperature and precipitation. Fertilizer supplementation in coastal saline soil can effectively increase the yield of alfalfa. Among the fertilizers tested, fulvic acid potassium had the strongest effect, whereas bio-charcoal fertilizer had little effect on alfalfa yield.Graphical

The Influence Of The Use Of Organic Fertilizers On The Yield Of Mentik Wangi Rice in Rice Fields Using the BUSISRI Method

Rice is a food crop that produces staple food for the majority of the Indonesian population, one of which is in Klaten Regency. Almost all areas in Klaten Regency are planted with rice so that it becomes a food barn. However, this did not last long because the population growth rate and demand for black rice during the Covid-19 pandemic increased. In meeting the demand for white rice, especially fragrant mentik, there are still many obstacles, one of the obstacles is the land in Klaten Regency. The high cost of fertilizer, the level of consumer preference for consuming organic rice and the use of organic materials that are often found in society. To overcome this, the BUSISRI system cultivation (Unisri System Cultivation) is carried out using a method using liquid organic fertilizer. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of applying liquid organic fertilizer on mentik rice yields.The research was carried out from March to September 2023 in Dukuh Macanan, Jogosetran Village, Jogosetran Village, Kali Kotes District, Klaten Regency. This research is a type of single factor research with a Complete Randomized Block Design consisting of a single factor and will use 6 treatments and 4 replications. Data were analyzed using the F test at 5% level to determine the effect of treatment on variables. Observations continued with a DMR test at 5% level To compare the average between treatment combinations, the results of treatment with inorganic fertilizer (P1) were obtained for the highest plant height parameter, namely with an average of 58.20 cm. Treatment with inorganic fertilizer (P1) showed that the number of clump seedlings was greater, namely with an average of 13.30 stems, the inorganic fertilizer treatment (P1) showed the highest number of productive panicles with an average of 11.1 panicles, and showed a very significant difference from the treatment using Organic POC UREA (P5) and without treatment (P0) .

Low cost maize stover biochar as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer for improvement of soil chemical properties, growth and yield of tomatoes on degraded soil of Northern Uganda

BackgroundSoil fertility decline due to nutrient mining coupled with low inorganic fertilizer usage is a major cause of low crop yields across sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, biochar potential to improve soil fertility has gained significant attention but there are limited studies on the use of biochar as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers. In this study, we determined the effect of maize stover biochar without inorganic fertilizers on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). A field experiment was conducted in 2022 for two consecutive seasons in Northern Uganda. The experiment included five treatments; inorganic fertilizer (control), biochar applied at rates of 3.5, 6.9, 13.8 and 27.6 t ha−1.ResultsIn this study, maize stover biochar improved all the soil chemical properties. Compared to the control, pH significantly increased by 27% in the 27.6 t ha−1 while total N increased by 35.6% in the 13.8 t ha−1. Although P was significantly low in the 3.5 t ha−1, 6.9 t ha−1 and 13.8 t ha−1, it increased by 3.9% in the 27.6 t ha−1. Exchangeable K was significantly increased by 42.7% and 56.7% in the 13.8 t ha−1 and 27.6 t ha−1 respectively. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were also higher in the biochar treatment than the control. Results also showed that plant height, shoot weight, and all yield parameters were significantly higher in the inorganic fertilizer treatment than in the 3.5, 6.9, and 13.8 t ha−1 treatments. Interestingly, maize stover biochar at 27. 6 t ha−1 increased fruit yield by 16.1% compared to the control suggesting it could be used as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer.ConclusionsMaize stover biochar applied at 27.6 t ha−1 improved soil chemical properties especially pH, N, P and K promoting growth and yield of tomatoes. Therefore, maize stover biochar could be recommended as an alternative to expensive inorganic fertilizers for tomato production in Northern Uganda.

Nutrient runoff loss from saline-alkali paddy fields in Songnen Plain of Northeast China via different runoff pathways: effects of nitrogen fertilizer types.

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer aggravates the nutrient runoff loss from paddy, causing serious agricultural non-point source pollution, and leading to a serious decline in water quality. The global area of saline-alkali paddy has expanded, but the response of nutrient loss via runoff to N-fertilizer applications in saline-alkali paddy is still unclear. This study conducted a 147-day field experiment to evaluate the nutrient runoff loss from saline-alkali paddy with different N-fertilizer application strategies in Songnen Plain of Northeast China. Regardless of N-fertilizer types, the nutrient loss via rainfall runoff in the entire rice-growing season was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that via artificial drainage. The N and phosphorus (P) concentrations in runoff water were correlated with salinity and alkalinity. Especially, pH had a significant positive correlation with total-P (TP) (r = 0.658, p < 0.01). In the entire rice-growing season, the TN runoff losses in urea (U), microbial fertilizer (MF), and inorganic compound fertilizer (ICF) treatments were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared with carbon-based slow-release fertilizer (CSF) and organic-inorganic compound fertilizer (OCF), respectively. Meanwhile, the TP runoff losses in OCF and ICF treatments were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than U and MF, respectively. Overall, the application of ICF is a better choice to avoid N and P losses via runoff from saline-alkali paddy fields.

Vermicompost induced growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) at sustainable rooftop farming system

Rooftop farming is gaining rapid popularity in urban areas, especially since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For housebound people rooftop farming is not only a way of potentially management of their time but also the execution of creativity. For rooftop farming vermicompost (VC) can be the most sustainable media for growing high value fruits and vegetables crops. In this regard, an experiment was carried out as a rooftop farming system at Charfassion upzila in the Bhola district of Bangladesh to observe the growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum) grown in different combinations of vermicompost in the winter season (2020-2021). Different agronomic and yield parameters were measured at the intervals of 30, 60, and 90 days and at the final harvest of 120 days after sowing. Among the measured parameters a mixed type of performance was achieved from varied doses of vermicompost applications and inorganic fertilizer treatment. Among the measured valuable parameters; the highest fruit length (8.85 cm), fruit diameter (10.3 cm), no. of fruits (9.51 plant-1), total wt. of fresh fruits (405.32 g/plant), fresh fruits yield (11.26 t ha-1), no. of branches (30.0 plant-1), stem girth (6.3 cm), root fresh wt. (8.80 g/plant), stem fresh wt. (23.35 g/plant), petiole fresh wt. (6.09 g/plant), total fresh biomass (65.54 g/plant), dry wt. of fruits (76.91 g/plant), dry wt. of total fruits: biomass ratio (7.35) and benefit-cost ratio (12.40), respectively, were observed in T5 (20t VC ha-1). So, from the overall findings of this study T5 with 20t VC application ha-1 is recommended to achieve better growth and yield of capsicum through the sustainable way of rooftop and urban farming systems and to improve soil fertility status.

Fertilizer management methods affect bacterial community structure and diversity in the maize rhizosphere soil of a coal mine reclamation area

BackgroundThe filling or mixed stack mode is a frequently used coal mine reclamation engineering technique that results in changes in soil microbial community structure and nutrient content, which lead to considerable deviations from the characteristics of restored coal mine reclamation areas that can be used for farming. Fertilization is an effective strategy for improving soil fertility in such areas; however, the response of soil bacterial communities, especially in the crop rhizosphere soil, to different fertilization techniques in such soils remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of different fertilization management methods, including no fertilizer, farmers' practice, inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and organic–inorganic fertilizer, on maize yield, rhizosphere soil bacterial community and diversity, soil physicochemical properties, and nitrogen cycle-related gene abundance (nifH, AOB, and nirS).ResultsThe results showed that organic–inorganic fertilizer treatment significantly improved maize yield. The relative abundance of the dominant phyla did not significantly differ between the treatment groups. However, the Chao 1 and Shannon indices of the bacterial community significantly changed between the no fertilizer and organic–inorganic fertilizer treatments. Notably, organic–inorganic fertilizer application significantly increased the copy numbers of nifH and nirS. Further, moisture, bulk density, and available phosphorus content were identified as the major driving factors responsible for the changes in bacterial community structure, diversity, and copy numbers of nifH, nirS, and AOB.ConclusionsThe results of this study revealed that organic–inorganic fertilizer application improved soil bacterial diversity and the copy numbers of nifH and nirS in maize rhizosphere soil. Therefore, we concluded that organic–inorganic fertilizer is an effective strategy for the restoration of maize rhizosphere soil properties and bacterial communities in coal mine reclamation areas.

Variations in soil phosphorus fractionations in different water-stable aggregates under litter and inorganic fertilizer treatment in Korean pine plantation and its natural forest

Soil aggregation in forest ecosystem is considered as a significant physical process mainly influenced by manure, fertilizers or combination. This aggregation may directly alter the soil nutrient and their fractions in soil. So, soil samples were collected from two types of forests i.e. Natural Korean pine forests (NKPF) and Korean pine plantation (KPP) in order to know the quantities of organic and inorganic Phosphorus (P) amounts in different aggregate sizes viz. >5 mm, 2–5 mm, 0.25–2 mm, <0.25 mm under forest litter and synthetic fertilizer application below the treatments as undisturbed soil (CK), removed litter (RL), altered litter (AL) while the fertilizer treatments were as control; C: (No added N and P,), L: low (5 g N m−2 a−1 + 5 g P m−2 a−1), M: medium (15 g N m−2 a−1 + 10 g P m−2 a−1) and H: high concentration (30 g N m−2 a−1 + 20 g P m−2 a−1), respectively. The results showed that H2O-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi, Residual Pi, SOC were highest retained in larger soil aggregates (>5 mm) and decreased with the decreasing aggregate size, while other variables, i.e., NaOH-Pi, NaHCO3-Po, pH and T-N were not affected in aggregate size. H2O-Pi (48 ppm), NaHCO3-Pi (68 ppm), NaHCO3-Po (80 ppm), NaOH-Po (623 ppm), HCL-Po (67 ppm), SOC (20.36 ± 1.6) was estimated in medium fertilizer treatment. PCA analysis showed that spread/variance of data points on F1 (62.90%) is more than spread/variance of data points on F2 (57.74%) in NKPF and KPP, respectively, while correlation matrix showed high correlation between H2O-Pi and NaOH-Pi (0.63) and H2O-Pi and NaHCO3-Pi (0.63) while a strong negative correlation was present between Res-Pi and Po (−0.61). Moreover, litter inputs increased the organic-P fractions in soil particularly at medium treatment.

Fertilization altered co-occurrence patterns and microbial assembly process of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria (AOA and AOB, respectively) are important intermediate links in the nitrogen cycle. Apart from the AOA and AOB communities in soil, we further investigated co-occurrence patterns and microbial assembly processes subjected to inorganic and organic fertilizer treatments for over 35 years. The amoA copy numbers and AOA and AOB communities were found to be similar for the CK and organic fertilizer treatments. Inorganic fertilizers decreased the AOA gene copy numbers by 0.75–0.93-fold and increased the AOB gene copy numbers by 1.89–3.32-fold compared to those of the CK treatment. The inorganic fertilizer increased Nitrososphaera and Nitrosospira. The predominant bacteria in organic fertilizer was Nitrosomonadales. Furthermore, the inorganic fertilizer increased the complexity of the co-occurrence pattern of AOA and decreased the complexity pattern of AOB comparing with organic fertilizer. Different fertilizer had an insignificant effect on the microbial assembly process of AOA. However, great difference exists in the AOB community assembly process: deterministic process dominated in organic fertilizer treatment and stochastic processes dominated in inorganic fertilizer treatment, respectively. Redundancy analysis indicated that the soil pH, NO3−N, and available phosphorus contents were the main factors affecting the changes in the AOA and AOB communities. Overall, this findings expanded our knowledge concerning AOA and AOB, and ammonia‐oxidizing microorganisms were more disturbed by inorganic fertilizers than organic fertilizers.

Kombinasi Pemupukan Organik dan Anorganik Terhadap Laju Pertumbuhan dan Rasio Bobot Basah Tajuk Akar Tanaman Padi Sawah (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice as one of the main food sources for the Indonesian people, especially North Sumatra, is still not able to meet the needs even though it has large land potential, so it is necessary to increase production through fertilization. This study aims to determine the effect of a combination of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth of paddy rice plants. This study used a factorial randomized block design consisting of three factors, namely KCL (K) at 4 dose levels, namely K0 (0 kg/ha), K1 (25 kg/ha), K2 (50 kg/ha) and K3 (75 kg/ha). ), Urea (U) two levels namely U1(250 kg/ha) and U2 (225 kg/ha), Straw Compost (J) 2 levels namely J0 (0 tons/ha) and J1 (5 tons/ha) with a total The treatment combinations were 16 and consisted of 3 replications and 48 samples. Held in the rain-fed rice field area of Clove Turi sub-district, Binjai City. Soil sample analysis was carried out at the Analytical Laboratory of PT. Socfin Indonesia (SOCFINDO), Medan City and the Research and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. The combination of inorganic and organic fertilizer treatments consisting of Potassium, Urea and Straw Compost showed no significant effect on the observed parameters of plant growth rate (cm/week) and root canopy wet weight ratio (grams). The highest plant growth rate was shown by the interaction of the three treatments, namely K3U2J0 of 10.33 cm/week, while the lowest data was shown by the interaction of the three treatments, namely K1U2J0 of 8.87 cm/week. The highest root canopy wet weight ratio was shown by the interaction of the three treatments, namely K1U1J0 of 8.69 grams while the lowest data was shown by the interaction of the two treatments between potassium and straw compost, namely K2J0 of 5.01 grams.Keywords: Fertilizer; Organic; Inorganic; Growth; Paddy

Effects of inorganic and compost tea fertilizers application on the taxonomic and functional microbial diversity of the purslane rhizosphere.

Soil fertility is a major determinant of plant-microbial interactions, thus, directly and indirectly affecting crop productivity and ecosystem functions. In this study, we analysed for the first time the effects of fertilizer addition on the cropping of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) with particular attention to the taxonomic and functional characteristics of their associated soil microbiota. We tested the effects of different doses of inorganic fertilization differing in the amount of N:P:K namely IT1 (300:100:100); IT2 (300:200:100); IT3 (300:200:200); and IT4 (600:100:100) (ppm N:P:K ratio) and organic fertilization (compost tea) which reached at the end of the assay the dose of 300 ppm N. Purslane growth and soil quality parameters and their microbial community structure, abundance of fungal functional groups and prevailing bacterial metabolic functions were monitored. The application of compost tea and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased the purslane shoot biomass, and some soil chemical properties such as pH and soil enzymatic activities related to C, N and P biogeochemical cycles. The bacterial and fungal community compositions were significantly affected by the organic and chemical fertilizers input. The majority of inorganic fertilization treatments decreased the fungal and bacterial diversity as well as some predictive bacterial functional pathways. These findings suggest that the inorganic fertilization might lead to a change of microbial functioning. However, in order to get stronger evidence that supports the found pattern, longer time-frame experiments that ideally include sampling across different seasons are needed. Thus, further research is still needed to investigate the effects of fertilizations on purslane productivity under commercial field conditions.

Pruning Shoots and Aplication of Inorganic Fertilizer in Chili Plant (Capsicum annuum L.)

Pruning and fertilizing chili plants can increase fruit production per plant. This study aims to determine the impact of pruning and application of inorganik fertilizer on the growth and production of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) This study used a randomized block design (RBD) method using 2 factors and 3 repplication. The first factor was the pruning treatment (C) which consisted of 2 treatments: C0=without pruning and C1=with pruning. Factor II was the treatment of inorganic fertilizer were : TSP (P) fertilizer added to NPK compound fertilizer with 5 levels of concentration, namely: P0=0 g TSP + 0.5 Kg NPK/5 liters of water, P1=200 g TSP + 0.5 Kg NPK/5 liters of water , P2=400 g TSP + 0.5 Kg NPK/5 liters of water, P3=600 g TSP + 0.5 Kg NPK/5 liters of water, and P4=800 g TSP + 0.5 Kg NPK/5 liters of water. The results showed that the interaction between pruning and the application of TSP fertilizer added to the NPK compound fertilizer had a significant effect on the growth and production of large chili plants. The pruning treatment has a very significant effect on the growth and production of chili plants, especially on the number of branches, the number of flowers, and the number of fruits formed. Provision of TSP fertilizer added to NPK compound fertilizer with concentrations of P = 0.25% and P = 0.29% were able to have a significant effect on the formation of branches and flowers of chili plants.

Evaluation of Mbeya Based Organic Fertilizer on Maize Yield and Yield Components in Malawi

The recent boom in organic business in the name of Mbeya manure fertilizer has taken shape in commercialisation without government approval as several implications were at stake. Laboratory and field experiments were, therefore, conducted to ascertain the quality of the products with and without modifications. The original products, as proclaimed by suppliers, were evaluated against the control treatment of inorganic fertilizer and the modified products by the inclusion of specific microorganisms in solubilisation of fixed nutrients and oxidation of ammonia and nitrite. Field layout followed a Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications and 5 treatments viz Modified Funani Mbeya fertilizer, Modified Kambeu Mbeya fertilizer, Original Funani Mbeya fertilizer, Original Kambeu Mbeya fertilizer and the recommended inorganic fertilizer for Maize. Besides assessing the grain yield, biomass and nutrient bioavailability, the effect of the organic fertiliser on biostimulation was also studied in the rhizospheric soil. Results showed that there were no significant differences in grain yield and its components between Mbeya based organic fertilisers and inorganic fertilisers. However, maize yield and some parameters (environmental and nutrient content) were higher in modified organic fertiliser.

The Structural Quality of Soil Organic Matter under Selected Soil Fertility Management Practices in the Central Highlands of Kenya

As influenced by agricultural practices, soil organic matter (SOM) stability is imperative in maintaining soil fertility and crop production. Integrated soil management practices have been recommended for soil fertility improvement by enhancing soil organic matter. We examined the SOM stability under integrated soil management practices for six consecutive cropping seasons in the high agricultural potential area of the Central Highlands of Kenya. The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with fourteen treatments replicated four times. The treatments were minimum (Mt) and conventional tillage (Ct) combined with sole mineral fertilizer (Mf), crop residue combined with mineral fertilizer (RMf), crop residue combined with mineral fertilizer and animal manure (RMfM), crop residue combined with animal manure and Dolichos Lablab L. intercrop (RML), crop residue combined with Tithonia diversifolia and animal manure (RTiM), and crop residue combined with Tithonia diversifolia and phosphate rock (Minjingu) (RTiP), as well as a control (no inputs). SOC was higher in treatments with organic inputs and a combination of organic and inorganic inputs. Treatments with sole mineral fertilizer and no input recorded lower SOC amounts. The C functional groups followed the sequence: alkyl C (53%) &gt; O-alkyl C (17%) &gt; aromatic C (9%) &gt; carboxyl C (8%) &gt; methoxyl C (7%) &gt; phenolic C (6%). The alkyl C proportion was higher in organic inputs treatments, while O-alkyl C was higher in organic and inorganic fertilizer treatment combinations. Methoxyl C, aromatic C, and phenolic C proportion of SOC was greater in crop residue and mineral fertilizer combination, while carboxylic C was lower than the control in most treatments. In addition, the organic inputs treatments had a higher alkyl C/O-alkyl C ratio, increased aliphaticity, and higher hydrophobicity. Applying organic fertilizers individually or in combination with inorganic fertilizers could potentially increase C storage in the soil, thereby enhancing SOC stocks.

Effect of fertilizer application on tea plant productivity and phytochemicals in prepared black tea

Different applications of the fertilizers were carried out to study their effect on tea plant productivity and phytochemicals in prepared black tea. Weight and dimensions of the bud, first and second leaf of each variety was taken for this purpose. Organic application (T1) 200 g vermicomposting per bush and inorganic application (T2) which is a combination of 2.5 g urea, 5 g Di-ammonium phosphate and 1 g potash was applied per bush. Weights of the bud was found higher in organic treated Ambari (0.061 g), Phubtsering 312 (0.056 g), Takda 78 (0.069 g) but in Banekbern 157 (0.046 g) and Gumti (0.07 g) inorganic fertilizer treatment increased the weight. The weight of first leaves ranged from 0.04 g to 0.115 g for the experimental samples. The weight of first leaves of PB 312, Banekbern 157 and Gumti varieties was observed to have greater for inorganic while for AV2 and Takda 78 weight of first leaf was observed to be greater for organic treatment. The weight of second leaf was found greater for inorganic treatment for all varieties which ranged from 0.115 g to 0.335 g in all samples of tea. In all varieties length was found to be increased in inorganic treatments. In all varieties, inorganic practice has positive effect in the growth and yield of the leaves. The fresh leaves and black tea prepared from the leaves of organic treatments had better tea quality in reference to TPC, TFC and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The caffeine content was not significantly different (p > 0.05) for the organic and inorganic treatment for both fresh leaves and prepared tea. Black tea prepared by organic treated leaves from Gumti and AV2 were superior to other samples regarding the phytochemical properties. Inorganic treatments increased the yield and growth but the quality of tea was increased by organic fertilizers.