Inorganic Fertilizer Treatments Research Articles

Soil Bioremediation of lead (Pb) polluted paddy field using Mendong (Fimbristylis globulosa), Rhizobium SpI3, compost, and inorganic fertilizer

Industrial developments cause an increase in lead (Pb) pollution in the paddy field because irrigation water is mixed with industrial liquid waste. This problem needs to be handled. Without proper treatment, lead can enter the human body either directly or indirectly through the food chain cycle, thus endangering human health. One method that can be used is bioremediation; a technology to restore the environment (paddy field) polluted by heavy metals using biological agents. The purpose of this research is to analyze the ability of Mendong plants (Fimbristyli globulosa) combined with inorganic fertilizers and chelators (Rhizobium spI3 and compost) in absorbing lead in the paddy field. The research was conducted in Jaten Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency in April-October 2016. Randomized block design experimental method completed with the factorial pattern was applied as the research method. There were three treatment factors, namely inorganic fertilizer, chelator, and plant with three replications. The results show that some soil characteristics such as soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), Organic Material (OM), and total microbes impact the availability of lead in the soil to be absorbed by plants. The highest uptake of lead occurred in the treatment of inorganic fertilizer + bacteria + Mendong plants (P1B1T1) amounting to 52.01 mg/kg at the root and 38.6 mg/kg in the shoot section. The Mendong plants combined with Rhizobium spI3 has the potential to be an alternative bioremediation technology on lead-polluted paddy field soils.

Long-term fertiliser (organic and inorganic) input effects on soil microbiological characteristics in hydromorphic paddy soils in China

This study investigated long-term fertilisation effects on soil microbiological characteristics of hydromorphic paddy soils. The study was conducted in 30-year-old experimental plots with various treatments involving chemical fertiliser (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) alone or in combination with manure in relation to a control in a rice–rice–fallow system at the farm at Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science. The soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and nitrogen (SMBN), microbial enzyme activity, and microbial community structure were analysed. Changes in levels of SMBC and SMBN in response to combinations of organic–inorganic fertilisers were significantly higher than for inorganic fertiliser treatment. Furthermore, activities of microbial enzymes (sucrase, urease, proteinase, acid phosphatase, and catalase) were significantly higher in combined than in inorganic fertiliser and control treatments. Additionally, the richness and evenness of soil bacteria were decreased by long-term fertilisation, especially inorganic, whereas the Shannon–Weiner and richness indexes of soil fungi were higher. Long-term fertilisation with high doses of combined organic–inorganic input significantly increased microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and fungal community diversity. However, the same input decreased bacterial community diversity. This study will be useful for improving fertilisation management in hydromorphic paddy soils.

Beneficial Use of White and Indian Mustard Seed Meals to Enhance Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Core Ideas Mustard seed meals (SM) added to soil >56 days before planting cotton and sorghum reduced negative growth effects. Mineral concentrations of cotton and sorghum were generally greater with SM and inorganic fertilizer treatments than the control. Before use as an organic fertilizer, the source, rate, and timing of SM applications should be considered. Oilseed crops have been widely evaluated for potential biodiesel production; however, for biodiesel to be economically and environmentally sustainable, feasible, and profitable means of by‐product (i.e., seed meal, SM) usage must also be developed. Utilization of SMs as a soil amendment in organic agricultural production systems offers one possible solution. This glasshouse study was conducted to determine the effects of mustard SMs (white mustard, Sinapis alba L., and Indian mustard, Brassica juncea L.) on aboveground growth and nutrient uptake by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] compared to inorganic fertilizer. The soil used was a loamy fine sand with low plant‐available N, P, and K. Seed meals were applied to soil at 1.0 and 2.5% by weight of soil. Compositional analysis of SMs used in this experiment indicated that the materials should contain sufficient nutrients to support plant growth; however, glucosinolates contained in these materials can also inhibit plant growth. A SM incubation period of 56 d reduced negative crop growth effects and should result in increased nutrient availability. For each measured nutrient parameter of cotton and sorghum, SM and inorganic fertilizer treatments generally resulted in values greater than the control. Dry matter N concentrations of two harvests of each plant species were greatest with 2.5% SM, followed by 1.0% SM and fertilizer. Seed meal applications may enhance nutrient availability and plant uptake and growth; however, the source, rate, and timing of SM applications should be considered before use as an organic fertilizer.

Nutrient management and effects of netting on growth and yield of okra

The experiment was conducted on the growth and yield of okra using nutrient management through different types of fertilizers and netting at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. There were netting treatments, viz. N1 = Control (no net) and N2= Net (blue color) along with fertilizer treatments viz. T1 = no fertilizer (control), T2 = vermicompost @ 10 t ha−1, T3 = vermicompost @ 15 t ha−1, T4 = combined application of 2/3 part organic (T3) and 1/3 part inorganic (T5), and T5 = inorganic fertilizers. Temperature (◦C) and relative humidity (%) were recorded under net and at the open condition daily during production stage (month of May) However, the value didnÂ’t differ significantly. Growth parameters of okra viz. plant height, pod length, pod diameter, and pods of okra were found the highest from T4N2 treatment combination which was significantly higher from other combinations. The lowest growth and yield of okra was found from the treatment combination of T1N1. First flowering was observed in T4N2 at 32 days after planting of okra seeds. Vermicompost at different rates (10 t ha−1 and 15 t ha−1) with net gave lower production of okra compared to inorganic fertilizer treatments with net. The highest yield of okra (19.65 t ha−1) was found from the combined effect of T4N2 which was 56.74% higher compared to control (T1N1).

Effect of some Inorganic NPK Fertilization Treatments on Cauliflower

Two successive winter field experiments were performed at 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons at Vegetables Research Station, Faculty of Agric., Mansoura Univ., Egypt to study the effect of different fertilization treatments in terms of NPK fertilizer ratios and rates on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (cv. Fargo) cultivated under silty clay loam soil conditions by furrow irrigation system. Four NPK fertilizer ratios (1.0:1.0:1.0; 1.0:1.0:0.5; 1.0:0.5:1.0 and1.0:0.5:0.5) with three fertilizer rates (50, 100 and 150 kg fed-1) as a soil application were tested. Each experiment comprised of 12 treatments and were designed as split plots and replicated three times in a randomized complete blocks design. The obtained data of this investigation clearly demonstrated that, all studied parameters such as vegetative growth characters (i.e., plant height and leaves number, plant leaf area, leaves fresh weight and leaves dry matter percentage), leaves chemical composition (viz. N, P, K, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents), Curds yield and its components (i.e. curd weight, curd diameter, curds yield/fed. and curds dry matter percentage) and curds chemical quality attributes (namely, Vitamin C, TSS, N, P and K contents) had significantly been influenced with NPK fertilizer ratios, rates and their interactions in both seasons. Concerning the effect of NPK fertilizer ratios, 1.0:0.5:1.0 ration gave the highest values for all forecited characters, whereas 1.0:1.0:0.5 ratio recorded the lowest values in this respect. Regarding the impact of NPK fertilizer rates, the rate of 150 kg fed-1 achieved the maximum records for all mentioned parameters compared with other two fertilizer rates. Respecting the influence of interaction treatments, both commercial inorganic NPK fertilization treatments resulted from whether fertilizer ratio of 1.0:0.5:1.0 or 1.0:1.0:1.0 combined with 150 kg fed-1 fertilization rate recorded the best means for all aforementioned studied traits as compared with other all NPK fertilization treatments in this regard. Hence, it could be recommended that fertilization of cauliflower crop (cv. Fargo) with commercial inorganic NPK fertilizers blend resulted from combination of NPK fertilizer ratio 1.0:0.5:1.0 with the fertilization rate of 150 kg fed-1 in order to obtain high parameters of vegetative growth, yield and quality under similar research conditions.

Modulatory role of vermicompost and vermiwash on growth, yield and nutritional profiling of Linum usitatissimum L. (Linseed): a field study.

Vermicompost, recommended inorganic fertiliser, vermiwash and their combinations were used in the present study to know their impact on the germination, growth, yield, oil content and nutritional status in seeds of two varieties of Linum usitatissimum L. LC-54 and LC-2063. Eight treatments, in 48 plots with three replicates, were studied and compared with control. Application of vermicompost enhanced growth and yield in both varieties of Linum. Vermicompost modulated the ratio of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in seeds of Linseed. Growing degree days (GDD) indicated the significantly shortened of crop life cycle with vermiwash. Vermiwash particularly increased the yield indices. Fatty acid profile through GC-FID showed the increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (ƩPUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (ƩMUFA) and saturated fatty acids (ƩSFA) with Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Different effects on nutritional status of LC-54 and LC-2063 seeds can be attributed to their unique genotypes. INM proved to be nutritionally balanced strategy with enhanced yield leading to better soil health. INM can be hypothesised as a transitional step to the organic agriculture after the green revolution, when compared with recommended inorganic fertiliser treatment and control. In terms of oil yield, highest oil content 34.85% and 33.67% was obtained with Integrated Nutrient Management in both the varieties, whereas treatments with vermicompost and vermiwash produced modulated and most suited ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 in Linseed seeds.

Soil organic carbon sequestration as influenced by long-term manuring and fertilization in the rice-wheat cropping system

Fertilization is a feasible approach to increase the soil organic carbon. To investigate the effect of fertilization on crop biomass carbon, dynamics of soil organic carbon and soil carbon sequestration rate in the (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system under the middle reach of the Yangtze River, central China, a thirty-three years (1981 − 2013) long-term fertilizer experiment was conducted with nine treatments, including no amendment addition treatment (control), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) fertilizer treatments (N, NP, NPK), manure (M) and manure combined with chemical fertilizer treatments (MN, MNP, MNPK, hMNPK). The results indicated that average crop biomass carbon was increased by 39.9 − 77.2% compared to unfertilized control (4.43 t ha−1 yr−1) due to fertilizer application, the highest crop biomass carbon was 7.85 t ha−1 yr−1 in the hMNPK treatment and the lowest crop biomass carbon was 5.21 t ha−1 yr−1 in the N alone treatment. The annual total organic carbon input were 4.14 t ha−1 yr−1 in the M treatment and 5.80 t ha−1 yr−1 in the hMNPK treatment, which was 1.95 − 2.74 times of those in the NPK treatments (2.12 t ha−1 yr−1). Total organic carbon input of soil were increased by 10.2 − 23.3 kg C ha−1 yr−1, and increment rate in the appended manure treatments were much higher than those in the control and inorganic fertilizer treatments. Soil organic carbon retention in the topsoil (0 − 20 cm) decreased by 0.11 − 0.14 t ha−1 yr−1 in the control, N and NP treatments; nevertheless, soil organic carbon sequestration rates varied from 0.03 to 0.20 t ha−1 yr−1 in the NPK and appended organic manure treatments. These results demonstrate that organic manure use or integrated organic manure with chemical fertilizer application can be important strategies for increasing soil organic carbon sequestration and maintaining soil quality in the rice-wheat cropping system of China.

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of silage corn intercropped with soybean.

BackgroundCorn silage is an important feed for intense ruminant production, but the growth of corn relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable crop production requires careful management of all nutrient sources available on a farm, particularly in corn-based cropping systems.MethodsExperiments were conducted to determine the appropriate technique of corn-legume intercropping in conjunction with the supplemental use of chemical fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers (BFs). Acetylene reduction assays (ARAs) were also performed on corn and soybean roots.ResultsCombining chemical fertilizers with chicken manure (CM) in a 50:50 ratio and applying 50% NPK+50% CM+BF produced fresh forage and dry matter (DM) yields that were similar to those produced in the 100% nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) treatment. Among the lone fertilizer treatments, the inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) treatment produced the highest DM yield (13.86 t/ha) of forage and outyielded the 100% CM (9.74 t/ha) treatment. However, when CM was combined with NPK, the resulting DM yield of forage (13.86 t/ha) was the same as that resulting from 100% NPK (13.68 t/ha). Compared with CM applications alone, combinations of NPK and CM applications resulted in increased plant height, crop growth rates (CGRs) and leaf area index (LAI), but the values of these parameters were similar to those resulting from 100% NPK application. Fertilizers in which the ratio was 50% CM+50% NPK or 50% CM+50% NPK+BF resulted in protein yields that were similar to those resulting from conventional fertilizers. Similarly, the CP content did not significantly differ between applications of the 100% NPK and 50% CM+50% NPK fertilizers. The use of BFs had no significant impact on improving either the yield or quality of forage fertilized with inorganic or organic fertilizer. Lactic acid responded differently to different fertilizer applications and was significantly higher in the fertilized plots than in the unfertilized plots. Compared with treatments of lone chemical and lone organic manure fertilizers, treatments involving applications of BF and a combination of BF and NPK or CM resulted in higher ARA values.DiscussionThere is no simple and easy approach to increase biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in grain legumes grown as part of a cropping system under realistic farm field conditions. Overall, evidence recorded from this study proves that, compared with corn monocrops combined with CM and chemical fertilizers, corn-soybean intercrops could increase forage yields and quality, produce higher total protein yields, and reduce the need for protein supplements and chemical fertilizers.

English

Eleven (11) rhizobacteria identified as Azospirillum sp. isolated from the rhizosphere of maize plants grown in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria were evaluated for ammonia production and nitrogen fixation. The micro-Kjeldahl method was used for the screening of the isolates for nitrogen fixation. Nitrogenase activity ranging from 1.20 to 10.60% was detected in seven of the eleven isolates. Results show that treatments with the application of organic fertilizers enhanced bacterial population and also showed higher nitrogenase activity in rhizosphere soil compared to inorganic fertilizer and control treatments. This showed that organic manure would be a better alternative to chemical fertilizers in maize farming. It was also observed from this study, that Azospirillum possess high nitrogenase activity allowing for the possibility of using this bacteria as a biofertilizer to improve soil fertility for improved and efficient farming. Key words: Rhizobacteria, rhizosphere, nitrogen fixation, nitrogenase activity, biofertilizer.

SERAPAN NITROGEN BIBIT ROTAN PADA PERLAKUAN PUPUK ORGANIK DAN ANORGANIK

Indonesia as the world's major producer and supplier of rattan, but most of Indonesia's rattan production relies on natural rattan sources. The fact that natural rattan is generally harvested after the age of more than 4 years, is not proportional to harvesting at any time, and threatens the preservation of rattan, so research on rattan cultivation is important. This study focuses on the growth and absorption of Noko rattan seedlings varieties (Daemonorops sp.) in response of organic and inorganic fertilization. Research was conducted in the glass house of UNTAD, using factorial design of 2 (two) factors. Factor I consists of 2 (two) levels, namely: (B0) without bokashi, and (B1) bokashi 10 t / Ha. Factor II consists of 7 (seven) variations of Nitrogen and Phosphorus treatments. The results showed that the treatment of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer had no significant effect on dry weight or nitrogen uptake (N) or N network. However treatment with bokashi showed a tendency of dry weight and alsoN uptake or N tissue higher than treatment without bokashi. In this study, treatment with bokashi added Urea fertilizer gives the best influence on the growth of Noko rattan seedlings.

Continuous application of inorganic and organic fertilizers over 47 years in paddy soil alters the bacterial community structure and its influence on rice production

Soil bacterial communities are considered as an essential member of the microbial community, contributing to soil health. Continuous application of chemical fertilizers alters the bacterial community structure (BCS) thereby disturbing the soil biogeochemical cycling. The present study highlights the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing-based variation of BCS through Illumina-MiSeq® in a 47 years old long-term fertilized paddy soil and its relation with grain yield (GY), straw biomass (SB) and various soil properties. The experiment comprising six treatments: control (no fertilizers), nitrogen (N), nitrogen + phosphorus (P) + potassium (K), farmyard manure (FYM), FYM + N and FYM + NPK. Data on rice crop performance indicated that GY and SB significantly (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced by 45.1%–49.3% and 36.9–39.4% in FYM + NPK compared to control. Relative abundance of bacterial phyla varied across inorganic and organic fertilizer treatments. Dominant phyla across all treatments were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes, accounting for about 80–85% of total operational taxonomic units (OTUs). N application alone over 47 years encouraged certain bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Nitrospira) while major (Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Cyanobacteria) and minor (Fibrobacteres, Spirochaetes, TM7 and GNO4) bacterial phyla were found to be suppressed compared to other treatments. Moreover, continuous use of chemical N in paddy soil, considerably suppressed some diazotrophs taxa Burkholderiales, Enterobacteriaceae, and other taxa Kaistobacter, Anaeromyxobacter, Bdellovibrio, and MND1. Redundancy analysis coupled with principal component analysis revealed that BCS was significantly influenced by soil pH and presence of higher nitrogen content. Interestingly, the highest proportion of bacterial OTUs was recorded in balanced fertilizer (NPK) (without FYM) and therefore, this result suggested for the first time that continuous application of NPK encouraged the beneficial bacterial community without compromising of GY and SB. Overall, the present study indicated that continuous application of N and NPK with or without FYM for more than four decades in paddy soil, encouraged certain BCS whereas, N application alone suppressed certain beneficial bacterial phyla, resulting in the alteration of soil biodiversity and rice productivity.

Integration of different sources of organic manure and micro-nutrients on growth, yield and quality of potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) grown under new alluvial soil condition

Field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2009-10 and 2010-11, to study the effect of application of different sources organic manure and micro-nutrients on growth, productivity and quality of potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) grown under alluvial soil. The different sources of organic and micronutrients were integrated into 8 possible treatments viz. RDF (NPK @ 200 :150 :150 kg ha-1) , 50% of RDF + well decomposed FYM @ 10t ha-1, 50% of RDF + Well powder neemcake @ 0.5t ha-1,RDF+ Zinc sulphate @ 20kg ha-1as soil application, RDF + ammonium molybdate @ 1kg ha-1as soil application, RDF + sodium tetraborate @ 1kg ha-1as soil application, RDF + tuber soaking with 40g inc sulphate + 10g ammonium molybdate + 10g sodium tetraborate, RDF + foliar spray of 1% KnO3 salt. All the treatments resulted in improvement of growth and tuber yield characteristics, out of these treatments where organic sources of nutrient were integrated registered significantly maximum effect. Highest leaf area index, leaf area duration, dry matter production, tuber bulking rate and tuber yield in potato were recorded in the treatment 50% recommended dose of NPK + 10t FYM ha-1, while the lowest was observed in 100 % inorganic fertilizer treatment (RDF). Organic treatment were also in favour of producing medium and large size tuber, whereas, micronutrient were in favour of producing extra large size tuber. Highest value of starch and reducing sugar content were also recorded under the treatment where the crop received organic manure.

Effect of inorganic fertilizer on the growth of freshwater Chlorella sp.

One of the alternative nutrient sources in the culture of Chlorella sp. is inorganic fertilizer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inorganic fertilizer composition in the culture medium on the growth of Chlorella sp. This research was conducted by using the 2.5 L transparent containers containing 2 L freshwater. The culture was carried out in laboratory facilitated with an air conditioner, fluorescent light and continuous aeration for 14 days of culture. The treatments consisted of fertilizer composition of Urea:ZA:TSP i.e. P1 (1:1:0,50), P2 (2:2:0,70), P3 (3:3:1), P4 (4:4:1,25) and P0 (Walne medium) as a positive control. Each treatment was performed in triplicates and arranged based on the Completely Randomized Design. Chlorella sp. was inoculated with the initial density of 30 × 104 cells·mL-1. The results of this study showed that the inorganic fertilizer composition of 3:3:1 provided the highest growth rate of 25.9 %/day, and the highest population density reached 2.348 × 104 cells·mL-1. The doubling time was not affected by the inorganic fertilizer treatments.

Response of surface GHG fluxes to long-term manure and inorganic fertilizer application in corn and soybean rotation

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of dairy manure and inorganic fertilizer on soil surface greenhouse gases (GHG) [carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4)] fluxes from soils managed under corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. The experiment was established on a silty loam soil, and the treatments included three manure application rates [phosphorus based recommended rate (low manure, LM), nitrogen based recommended rate (medium manure, MM) and two times recommended nitrogen rate (high manure, HM)], two inorganic fertilizer levels [recommended fertilizer (medium fertilizer, MF) and high rate of fertilizer (HF)], and control (CK) replicated four times. Soil GHG fluxes were monitored once a week during the growing season for 2015 and 2016. Data from this study showed that there were not any significant impacts from manure and inorganic fertilizer applications on the annual CH4 fluxes in 2015 and 2016. However, annual soil surface CO2 fluxes were increased by manure treatments compared to inorganic fertilizer treatments in both the years. In contrast, manure treatments decreased N2O fluxes, but significantly increased net GWP than the fertilizer treatments in 2016. In general, higher manure and fertilizer rates resulted in higher annual GHG emissions compared to lower manure and fertilizer rates in both years. Data from this study showed that HF application in crops can be detrimental for the environment by emitting higher GHG emissions, therefore, improved application strategies for manure and fertilizer management need to be explored to avoid any negative environmental impacts.

Ảnh hưởng của việc bón bã cà phê tươi lên sinh trưởng, năng suất một số cây trồng và đặc tính sinh học đất giồng cát (arenosols) từ huyện Tiểu Cần - tỉnh Trà Vinh trong điều kiện nhà lưới

This study was to evaluate the effect of fresh spent coffee ground (FSCG) on growth and yields of maize, soybean and rice and on soil biological properties under nethouse conditions. Maize, soybean and rice were continuously cultivated in Arenosols taken from Tieu Can district, Tra Vinh province. Seven different treatments including the control (no fertilization), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10% of FSCG applied (w/w, based on the dry soil mass) and the treatment with recommended inorganic fertilizer were conducted. Four replicates were repeated for each treatment. Plant height, bacterial and fungal numbers in soil were sampled at day 30, 45 (60), 60 (90) after seedling. Besides, crop yields and structure of soil bacterial community at the end of the cultivation were collected. The results showed that an application dose of FSCG with either 2 or 10% was efficient on stimulation of the growth and yields of soybean and rice as compared to the recommended inorganic fertilizer treatment. Moreover, in these treatments, some soil fertility characteristics, the numbers of soil bacteria, fungi, nitrogen fixing bacterial and phosphate solubilizing bacterial increased signicifcantly compared to other treatments (without FSCG application) over three cropping seasons. Thus, it can conclude that FSCG can be applied with an application dose of 2% or 10% into soil as a soil clean amendment to soybean and rice for good production and sustainable agricultural development.

Response of Potato Cultivars to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Under the Agroclimatic Conditions of Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan)

Field research was conducted during summer season in 2010, in order to determine the effectivecombination between potato varieties i.e., the best yielding potato cultivar under organic or inorganicfertilizer in Skardu valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) wasused for the trial and both the experimental factors (cultivar and fertilizer type) significantly affected thecrops growth and yield variables. Among the nine different organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments, themaximum mean values of sprouting rate 43.1%, plant height 49.5 cm, number of tubers/plant (8.5), weightof tubers/plant (385.9 g), tuber diameter 3.8 cm and yield (25.7 t/ha) were obtained in the crops whichreceived 10 tonnes FYM/ha + 150 kg N/ha. Among the cultivars tested, Desiree showed the maximummean values of sprouting rate 30.4%, plant height 36.7 cm, number of tubers/plant 7.3, weight of tubers/plant350.3 g, tuber diameter 3.7 cm and yield 23.4 t/ha. Overall results revealed that the treatment matched to10 t/ha FYM + 150 kg/ha N (T7) led to the highest tuber yield and Desiree showed better performancesthan other cultivars.

Effect of incorporation of crop residue and inorganic fertilizer on yield and grain quality of maize

A field experiment was conducted during 2014 at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia, to evaluate the effect of incorporation of crop residues with supplemental inorganic fertilizers on yield and quality of maize crop. Treatments included an unfertilized control, incorporation of maize residue, soybean residue and a mixture of maize and soybean residue with and without phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and the use of a complete inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Results showed that soybean and maize + soybean residue applied without inorganic fertilizers or with inorganic fertilizer (phosphorus and potassium) increased maize yield and enhanced grain quality of maize. However, incorporation of maize residue without supplemental inorganic fertilizer was ineffective in increasing grain cob yield (11,237 kg/ha) and grain quality ( 11.1% protein content, 10.9 o brix sugar content and 4.77% oil content) of the maize crop above that of control (10,323 kg/ha green cob yield, 8.30 % protein content, 9.00 o brix sugar content and 4.77% oil content). The application of soybean residue with supplemental phosphorus and potassium fertilizer gave maize yield (37,290 kg/ha) similar to that of the complete inorganic fertilizer treatment (36,500 kg/ha). Therefore, inorganic nitrogen fertilizer can be replaced with soybean residues without any reduction in maize yield and grain quality.

Plant and livestock waste compost compared with inorganic fertilizer: nutrient contribution to soil.

El uso de desechos de ganado y residuos vegetales, como fuente de nutrientes y material orgánico para el suelo, puede representar una alternativa viable para evitar daños riesgosos para el agroecosistema, derivados del uso de fertilizantes químicos. El presente estudio fue conducido en 2013, en condiciones de invernadero en la FACIATEC-UACH, Chihuahua, México. Se evaluó la contribución al suelo de los macronutrientes NO3-, P=, K+, Ca++, Mg++ y Na+, a partir de cuatro compostas elaboradas de (a) estiércol de bovinos, (b) excremento de gallina, (c) aserrín y (d) esquilmo de maíz, los cuales fueron comparados con urea como fertilizante sintético y un control sin fertilizante. Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado y se realizó el análisis de varianza mediante el paquete estadístico SAS (Statistical Analysis System), versión 9.3.1; la comparación múltiple de medias se realizó mediante el procedimiento de Tukey (α = 0.05). Los resultados sugieren que cinco de los tratamientos de compostas incrementaron la concentración de NO3-, en los cuales el estiércol de gallina superó signif icativamente al de bovinos en su aportación de los macronutrientes NO3- y P=; del mismo modo, las compostas elaboradas a partir de aserrín tuvieron un efecto signif icativo sobre el NO3- y superaron a los que contenían esquilmos de maíz. La concentración de Ca++ y Mg++ en los suelos donde se aplicó la composta, fue menor en comparación con aquellos tratados con urea, aunque el contenido de Na+ en los tratamientos de composta superó estadísticamente a la de aquellos tratados con fertilizantes inorgánicos. Esta evidencia sugiere que el uso de fertilizantes orgánicos, ya sea de origen animal o vegetal, es una fuente benéf ica para los nutrientes del suelo con alto potencial en la agricultura sostenible.

Management of Warm- and Cool-Season Grasses for Biomass on Marginal Lands: II. Composition and Nutrient Balance

Organic fertilizers can improve soil health while providing nutrients for perennial grass growth for bioenergy feedstock, particularly under marginal soil conditions. The impact of organic fertilizer application on perennial grass composition needs clarification. Our objective was to evaluate feedstock composition, and N, P, and K dynamics of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.)], and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) provided with either inorganic or organic fertilizer sources. Grasses were established on a sandy soil and a clay soil at the Cornell University Willsboro Research Farm in Willsboro, NY. The experiment was a split-split plot randomization of a randomized block design with six replicates. Sites were whole plots, grass species were subplots, and fertility treatments were sub-subplots. Six treatments were (1) 168 kg ha−1 of N fertilizer for cool-season grasses; 84 kg ha−1 for switchgrass, (2) 56 kg ha−1 of 0-46-0 P fertilizer plus N (#1), (3) 112 kg ha−1 of 0-0-60 K fertilizer plus N (#1), (4) 89.6 Mg dairy manure ha−1, (5) 44.8 Mg dairy manure compost ha−1, and (6) a control without fertilizer. Organic fertilizers produced a net positive P and K balance, while other treatments had negative balances. Organic fertilizer treatments resulted in lower lignin and gross energy values, and higher total ash and Cl, compared to inorganic fertilizer treatments. Switchgrass biomass had higher fiber and gross energy, lower total ash, and much lower Cl content under organic fertilizer applications than cool-season grasses, making switchgrass a more desirable feedstock regardless of conversion process.

Improving Growth and Production of Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L.) with Compound Fertilizer Application

Natural soils at times do not supply sufficient amount of nutrients for the crops including cabbage, an important vegetable crop in the tropics. Therefore it is necessary to add fertilizer to supplement the soil nutrients to optimize crop growth and production. A study was conducted to examine seven different rates of inorganic fertilizers Cap Daun at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 of the recommended rate with the no fertilizer as the control. The results showed that inorganic fertilizer treatment generally improved the growth and yield of cabbage compared to the control. The number of leaf, yield per plant, yield per plot, and yield per ha of cabbage treated with inorganic fertilizers was significantly higher than the control treatment. The recommended rate for cabbage plants is 0.5 recommendation rate, which means applying 136 kg.ha-1 of inorganic fertilizer and urea fertilizer of 64 kg.ha-1 and SP-36 27 kg.ha-1 applied twice, 50% at 1 WAP and the rest at four WAP to get the best results. Keywords: inorganic fertilizer, recommendation rate, relative agronomic effectivity value