Use Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

Radiological risk assessment of phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract This study assesses the radiological risks associated with phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria. Soil samples from ten agricultural towns were analyzed for radionuclide concentrations using gamma-ray spectrometry. Primordial radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K were examined, with 40K showing the highest concentration due to the potassium-rich nature of phosphate fertilizers. Spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations was observed, attributed to agricultural activities. Despite variations, mean activity concentrations were below global averages, indicating low radiological risks. Hazard indices, radium equivalent concentrations, and absorbed dose rates were all within safe limits. The annual effective dose equivalent was significantly lower than recommended levels, and excess lifetime cancer risk estimates were below the global average. The study emphasizes the importance of educating farmers on the potential adverse effects of radionuclides and recommends reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Impacting Arable Farmers’ Perception of Processed Organic Fertilizer Use through Farm Demonstration: Evidence from Maize Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Fertilizer use supports productivity in arable farming. However, improper use of inorganic fertilizers can harm the environment, accelerate climate change and slow down the achievement of the 13th SDG. This study examined the use of farm demonstration in improving maize farmers’ perception of organic fertilizer use in the five major towns in Ikenne LGA of Ogun state. Sixty-five maize farmers were selected for the study using multistage sampling technique. Demonstration plots were established near the farmers to observe the agronomic impact of organic fertilizer use. Results showed that respondents’ average farm size was less than 1 hectare, 58% had undulating or sloppy lands which are vulnerable to degradation. Only 22% of the farmers mostly use organic fertilizers which they source from unprocessed animal waste. Only 32% of the farmers are aware of commercially processed organic fertilizers. Using the pair-sample t-test, the perception level of the farmers at the end of the demonstration was significantly higher than before the demonstration (t = 14.87, p <0.05). The study recommended that perception enhancing intervention be introduced to farmers in order to increase the use of clean and safe commercially available fertilizers.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat di Bidang Pertanian melalui Pembuatan Pupuk Organik

Organic fertilizer is defined as fertilizer that is partly or wholly derived from plants and/or animals that has gone through an engineering process, can be in solid or liquid form which is used to supply organic material to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The aim of this activity is to empower the community through making organic fertilizer in the agricultural sector. The activity steps include: 1) Preparation stage. The preparation stage is very important as a form of more mature planning to achieve better things. This preparation stage includes observations and interviews with partners and the community, checking the implementation location, in this case I used Sumbek Hamlet, Wajageseng Village, Kopang District, Central Lombok Regency, establishing collaboration with youth and the entire community, preparing tools and materials for the main program which includes everything needed in this training; and 2) Program implementation stage. The program implementation stages are described as follows: the process of collecting cow dung which is processed into fertilizer, the process of mixing cow dung with straw, and the fermentation process for up to ± 30 days to make it into soil to be used as fertilizer. The results achieved in this training activity were the acquisition of knowledge by the community and youth about how to make organic fertilizer using existing materials. The community is able to minimize expenditure on purchasing fertilizer and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Through this activity, the public also understands more about the negative impacts caused by the use of chemical or inorganic fertilizers if used over a long period of time. This community empowerment can also support various village activities in organizing training in the agricultural sector, because the community is able to create their own fertilizer from materials that are easily obtained.

Bulb Yield and Economic Return of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by the Application of Integrated Nutrient Management at Selekleka, Northwestern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia

Onion is an important crop as a condiment and income generation for smallholder farmers in northwestern Zone of Tigray. However, Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are among the major factors limiting onion productivity in the North Western Tigray. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in selekleka district from October 2015 to June 2016 to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management on bulb yield and economic return of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1) and two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) each combined with three rates of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75) of recommended N fertilizers, RDF. In addition, 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and zero rates (unfertilized treatment) were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. (ANOVA) revealed that combined application of 5 t ha-1 VC+50% inorganic N fertilizers recorded the highest bulb yield (35.13 t ha-1) and economic return (246,354 Birr ha-1). On the other hand, the lowest bulb yield (18.48 t ha-1) and economic net return (143,018 Birr ha-1) were obtained from the control. It could, thus, be concluded that, based on the partial budget analysis and bulb yield result the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 50 % recommended inorganic nitrogen was the appropriate combination for better onion production and economic return in the study area.

Implementation of integrated nutrient management (MIN) on small agricultural properties: case studies in Mozambique

Integrated nutrient management is a sustainable approach that combines nutrient management practices to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity while minimising environmental impacts. This article reviews the implementation of integrated nutrient management on small holder farms, focusing on case studies globally and in Mozambique. Integrated nutrient management integrates the use of organic and inorganic fertilisers, crop rotation and soil cover to optimise nutrient efficiency and preserve soil health. Case studies show that, globally, integrated nutrient management can increase productivity and sustainability, while in Mozambique, practices such as green manuring and nutrient recycling have shown significant benefits. However, implementation faces challenges such as technical complexity, initial costs and the need for institutional support. Future prospects include strengthening public policies, adopting innovative technologies and adapting to climate change. Integrated nutrient management offers a promising path to transform small-scale agriculture, promoting food security and ecological resilience. Through a commitment to innovation and local adaptation, integrated nutrient management can become a standard agricultural practice, empowering farmers and contributing to global sustainability.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, Quality and Soil Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Background: The concept of combined use of both organic and inorganic fertilizer should be followed to prevent severe health hazards and to protect the environment. The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is an effective way to maintain nutrient supply, gives organic carbon to soil microbes and mobilizes soil-bound nutrients on decomposition through the release of organic acid. Combined use refers to combining all available nutrient sources, such as organic and inorganic sources with components in a prudent manner to create an environment that is both environmentally sound and economically ideal for farming. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the research farm of the School of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab) during rabi season in the year 2021-2022. The objective of the study was to evaluate the "Effect of organic and inorganic source of nitrogen on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)". Data recorded on different aspects of crop, viz., growth, yield attributes, yield, quality as well as soil chemical properties were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Result: Among various treatments 25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers showed a significant impact on the growth and yield parameters of wheat crop. Significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter and relative growth rate were observed in T12 (25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers) of crop. It was also showed higher significant impact on yield attributes i.e., number of effective tillers-2, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, quality parameters as well as soil parameter like available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in T12 (25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers).

Quadcopters in Smart Agriculture: Applications and Modelling

Despite technological growth and worldwide advancements in various fields, the agriculture sector continues to face numerous challenges such as desertification, environmental pollution, resource scarcity, and the excessive use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. These unsustainable problems in agricultural field can lead to land degradation, threaten food security, affect the economy, and put human health at risk. To mitigate these global issues, it is essential for researchers and agricultural professionals to promote advancements in smart agriculture by integrating modern technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), and more. Among these technologies, this paper focuses on UAVs, particularly quadcopters, which can assist in each phase of the agricultural cycle and improve productivity, quality, and sustainability. With their diverse capabilities, quadcopters have become the most widely used UAVs in smart agriculture and are frequently utilized by researchers in various projects. To explore the different aspects of quadcopters’ use in smart agriculture, this paper focuses on the following: (a) the unique advantages of quadcopters over other UAVs, including an examination of the quadcopter types particularly used in smart agriculture; (b) various agricultural missions where quadcopters are deployed, with examples highlighting their indispensable role; (c) the modelling of quadcopters, from configurations to the derivation of mathematical equations, to create a well-modelled system that closely represents real-world conditions; and (d) the challenges that must be addressed, along with suggestions for future research to ensure sustainable development. Although the use of UAVs in smart agriculture has been discussed in other papers, to the best of our knowledge, none have specifically examined the most popular among them, “quadcopters”, and their particular use in smart agriculture in terms of types, applications, and modelling techniques. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive survey of quadcopters’ use in smart agriculture and offers researchers and engineers valuable insights into this evolving field, presenting a roadmap for future enhancements and developments.

Potential of cattle urine as an alternative fertilizer for maize (Zea mays L.) production in Ethiopia

Maize productivity has been increasing through the years due to increased use of inorganic fertilizers. However, the price and environmental impact has brought lack of interest among the farmers. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the growth, yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of maize varieties under cattle urine application. The field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of four treatments viz. control, 100 and 50 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The results demonstrated a comparable growth and grain yield increment due to 100 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The difference between the two varieties in growth, yield and related traits, and NUE indices due to fertilizer applications was insignificant. The leaf area of maize nourished with 100, 50 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer increased by 11.15, 9.73 and 9.78 folds, respectively, in two months period relative to the controls. Fertilized plants had significantly (p < 0.05) higher grain yield (GY). The use of 100, 50 % cattle urine and inorganic fertilizers resulted in 526.76, 326.12, 542.91 % and 47.83, 36.03, 49.78 % increment in average GY and aboveground biomass, respectively, compared to controls. Similarly, plants fertilized with 50 % cattle urine showed an average GY reduction of 39.87 and 38.10 % compared to the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer and 100 % cattle urine, respectively. The use of 50 % cattle urine produced significantly higher NUE, N agronomic efficiency (NAE), N recovery efficiency (NRE) and internal efficiency (IE). Higher GY kg-1 of N applied was obtained from cattle urine applications. In a nutshell, the results confirmed the potential of cattle urine as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers in maize production. However, further studies on optimization of the cattle urine rate and scale up works are recommended.

Soil management practice and smallholder agricultural productivity in Nigeria

This study investigates how various soil management practices can enhance soil fertility and pest control, ultimately increasing crop yields among farming households in Nigeria. Utilizing descriptive statistics, logit regression and propensity score matching on data from the 2019 Living Standard Measurement Study, the findings reveal that households using herbicides experience higher agricultural productivity. The use of pesticides and certified crops also positively influences productivity. Key determinants of soil technology access include cooperative membership and the age of household heads, both of which significantly affect access to herbicides, pesticides, organic fertilizers, and certified crops. Education plays a vital role, positively impacting the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as certified crops. Additionally, larger farm sizes correlate with better access to these resources. Conversely, the gender of the household head negatively affects access to certified crops. The study emphasizes the importance of capacity building and knowledge transfer to encourage the adoption of effective soil technology practices among farmers, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing food security issues.

Response of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Practice on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Fenugreek (Trigonella corniculate L.)

Integrated nutrient management methods assist improve fenugreek (Trigonella corniculate L.) development and yield by integrating the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. These methods enhance soil fertility, increase nutrient availability, and improve plant health, all of which lead to increased crop yield, growth and quality. Future policies must place a high priority on the economical, sustainable, and efficient use of nutrient resources for the purpose to increase agricultural output. Thus, proper crop, water, soil, and land management along with integrated nutrient management are necessary for sustainable agriculture. Improved soil qualities and increased nutrient availability for agricultural plants come from the use of organic manures in conjunction with inorganic fertilizers. This enhances fenugreek growth, yield, and quality measures. The synthesis of carbohydrates, phytohormones, and even biofertilizers is enhanced by a nutritious diet. It also builds up the soil's organic status, which raises the availability of other nutrients and contributes to the maximum growth of crops. Vermicompost, farmyard manure, rhizobium, phosphorus- and potassium-soluble bacteria (PSB) are among the materials used in methi cultivation that support sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, nutrient availability, and general crop health, all of which lead to higher methi yields and quality. Organic matter is a storehouse of nutrients; applying both organic and inorganic fertilizer together can boost yields, improve soil fertility, raise crop input-use efficiency, and reduce the need for expensive fertilizers. This crop responds effectively to N provided through a combination of organic and inorganic sources. Majority of the nitrogen applied from different sources is not used by the first crop and is always reflected in the crop that follows. Therefore, it is necessary to assess how integrated nutrition management affected fenugreek's yield and nutrient uptake.

Effects of Vermicast and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the Establishment of Cacao (Theobroma cacao Linn.) Seedlings Grown in Degraded Soil

Declining soil fertility poses a significant challenge for cacao production, particularly for establishing seedlings. This study investigated the potential effects of vermicast and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to enhance cacao seedling establishment in degraded soil conditions. The study was conducted in a low-cost protective structure established at the Abaca Project Experimental Area of the University of Southeastern Philippines, Mampising, Mabini, Davao de Oro, from December 2018 to April 2019. Furthermore, a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed with eight (8) treatments and three (3) replications with eight (8) sample plants per replicate. The following are the treatment combinations: No Application (T1), Recommended Rate (T2), Vermicast (T3), AMF (T4), Vermicast + AMF (T5), Recommended Rate + AMF (T6), Recommended Rate + Vermicast (T7), and Recommended Rate + AMF + Vermicast (T8). The results of the study reveal that the application of vermicast and AMF combined with inorganic fertilizer based on the recommended rate increased the growth and development of cacao seedlings in degraded soil in terms of plant height (16.40%), length of leaves (14.59%), the width of leaves (12.11%), number of leaves (1.26%), leaf color (41%), stem diameter, shoot weight (60%), dry matter yield (116%) and root:shoot ratio (63.16%) compared to control or no application. Thus, the judicious use of inorganic fertilizer, vermicast, and AMF improves the establishment of cacao seedlings in soils with degraded conditions.

The Effects of Organic Fertilizers and NPK on Growth and Yields of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata. L) in Kano Plains Kisumu, Kenya

Excessive use of inorganic mineral fertilizers as an agronomic practice has resulted in the depletion of soil organic matter of soils of many regions thereby rendering such soils infertile and unable to maintain sustainable production. The use of organic amendments provides the immediate strategy for compensating for soil carbon depletion thereby reducing land degradation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of six organic amendments on the growth and yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) as compared to the conventional use of inorganic fertilizer NPK. The organic amendments were Boom Max, Ecoplanting, Evergrow, Dung slurry, Filter mud, and Market waste slurry applied to the soil at 8.33 t/ha against NPK (9:15:20) at 250 kg/ha. The experiment was laid in a RCBD. Data on growth and yields was collected on 10 tagged plants per plot. The results showed differences among treatments. Mature composts (Boom Max, Ecoplanting, and Evergow) resulted in a significantly (p&lt; 0.05) higher germination percentage (53.49% on average) compared to that of Filter mud (41.50%) and the slurries (34.18% on average) while all the composts resulted in 25% higher number of branches on the average in season two as compared to the bio-slurries. In season three, Boom Max gave the highest germination percentage (41.02%) which was significantly higher than those of Evergrow (29.80 %), Filter mud and Dung slurry (27.18% on average) and NPK and Market waste slurry (5.64% on average) but not different from that of Ecoplanting. Five of the amendments had significantly better germination rates than NPK by an average of 20%. There were no significance differences (P≤0.05) in growth parameters between the mature composts and the NPK fertilizer, suggesting that the mature composts were equally efficient in nutrient supply to the crop as did the NPK fertilizer for plant growth. The application of organic amendments produced significant improvements in fresh leaf yields of the cowpea crop, with the highest yield recorded from the Boom Max applied plot (5781 kg on average), which was not different from others in seasons one and three but significantly different from that of NPK in season three. It can be concluded that depending on choice or type of amendment, organic manures are capable of producing similar or better results of crop growth and yields as the inorganic fertilizers.

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment. Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice–berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

Impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in sandy loam soil of North-Eastern Nigeria

The excessive and sole use of inorganic fertilizers has led to soil nutrient depletion, acidification and loss of soil organic matter. Decreased organic matter content reduces the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced crop yields. Organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients to soil while at the same time improving soil health and reducing the risk of soil degradation. Hence, there is a need to investigate the impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in the study area. The study site is in the Teaching and Research Farm, Yobe State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Gujba, Damaturu, Yobe State. Its geographic coordinates are 11.7461° N, 11.9608°. The study area is approximately twenty hectares while the size of land for the experiment was approximately two hectares. The soil analysis conducted revealed varying levels of nutrients. Nitrogen (N) ranged from 0.11 to 0.20 g/kg-1, indicating medium fertility. Phosphorus (P) levels ranged from 0.17 to 0.19 g/kg-1, indicating signifying low fertility, while potassium (K) varied from 0.46 to 0.89 g/kg-1, indicating high fertility. Copper (Cu) levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 g/kg-1, suggesting medium fertility. Zinc (Zn) ranged from 0.55 to 0.38 g/kg-1, indicating medium to low fertility, particularly in deeper soil layers. Iron (Fe) ranged from 0.53 to 0.01 g/kg-1, categorized as medium to low fertility. Manganese (Mn) ranged from 0.11 to 0.04 g/kg-1, showing low fertility levels insufficient for optimal agricultural production. Despite minor improvements post-application of organic fertilizer, overall fertility ratings remained largely unchanged. The study highlights the heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the study area, emphasizing both strengths and deficiencies crucial for agricultural productivity.

Effect of Organic Granules on the Productivity, Quality, and Nutrient Uptake Level of Tomato and the Fertility and Microbial Population of the Soil

Organic vegetable production is needed worldwide to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers, protect the environment, and produce healthy food. Accordingly, in the present study, the effects of organic granules on the productivity, quality, and nutrient uptake level of tomatoes and the fertility and microbial population of the soil were determined. Briefly, organic NPK granules and organic N, P and K-rich sources were compared with synthetic NPK granules and synthetic fertilizers administered at 100 and 75% of the recommended fertilizer levels. Among the various treatments applied, treatment with 100% of the recommended NPK using the synthetic NPK granules (Urea, DAP and MOP) led to higher growth, yield attributes, and yield (fruit yield, – 24.21 t/ha and stover yield, -15.01 t/ha) of tomato. This treatment also enhanced the nutrient uptake by tomato. However, quality parameters, such as total soluble solids (6.64% ), titrable acidity (0.62% ), ascorbic acid content (14.31 mg/100 g), lycopene content (3.54 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (3.11%), non-reducing sugars (1.02%), total sugar (4.13% ), and shelf life (15.76 days ) of tomato were higher with 100% of the recommended NPK from organic NPK granules than from synthetic granules. This treatment also enhanced the available nutrients and microbial population in the soil. Notably, the same trend was observed for tomatoes fertilized with 75 % of the recommended NPK. The lowest values were obtained with the absolute control. Based on the results of this experiment, the application of 100% of the recommended NPK using organic NPK granules is the best approach to improve the quality of tomato fruits and to enhance the soil fertility.

Impact of Bio-Organic Fertilizer Incorporation on Soil Nutrients, Enzymatic Activity, and Microbial Community in Wheat–Maize Rotation System

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers disrupts soil nutrient balance and leads to soil degradation and a decrease in biodiversity. In contrast, bio-fertilizers enhance soil structure and fertility and promote plant growth and sustainable agriculture development. Therefore, this study focused on a rotation system of winter wheat and summer maize and aimed to explore the effects of applying chemical fertilizer (NPK) and bio-fertilizer (BF) in the winter wheat season on the sustainable soil development of current wheat and subsequent maize. Before sowing winter wheat four fertilization treatments were, respectively CK (100% NPK at 750 kg ha−1), A (60% NPK at 450 + 20% BF at 150 kg ha−1), B (60% NPK at 450 + 40% BF at 300 kg ha−1), and C (60% NPK at 450 + 60% BF at 450 kg ha−1), conducted. The results showed that treatment A (60% NPK + 20% BF) replacing the NPK at 300 kg ha−1 with BF at 150 kg ha−1 significantly soil nutrient contents, enzyme activity, and microbial metabolic activity. The study also found a positive correlation between soil parameters (total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, urease, and alkaline phosphatase in the winter wheat and maize cropping season). Furthermore, the soil microbial composition showed significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, and variations among treatments. Moreover, the application of biofertilizer enhanced the diversity of soil fungi species, particularly during the winter wheat season. This study highlights the importance of integrating biofertilizers with NPK fertilizer for agricultural system conversion and promoting agricultural production and sustainability.

Impact of goat manure application on growth of wild watermelon under shade house cultivation

The continuous use of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture poses detrimental effects on soil health and future crop yields. Therefore, alternative sources of plant nutrients that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective for use in crop production, especially with the escalating cost of inorganic fertilizers, are necessary. A shade-house study was designed to determine the effect of different quantities of goat manure applications on growth attributes and yield of wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus subsp.). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to arrange the treatments, with fourteen (14) replications (n = 84). Six (6) treatments consisting of various quantities (v/v) of river sand, Hutton soil, and goat manure (T0 -1:3:0, T1 -1:3:1, T2 -1:3:2, T3 -1:3:3, T4 -1:3:4, and T5 -1:3:3) were used, with T0 -1:3:0 constituting the control. Treatments had a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on dry shoot mass (65%), fruit weight (75%), and fruit diameter (75%) except for the dry root mass (44%), vine length (47%), chlorophyll (47%), number of fruit (27%) and stem diameter (22%) of wild watermelon plants. Dry shoot mass was the highest (11.14 g) in T4 -1:3:4, and the lowest dry shoot mass (6.57 g) was obtained in T1 -1:3:1 when compared to the control. The fruit fresh weight of the wild watermelon was reduced in all the treatments, when compared to the control. The biggest fruit diameter (66.66 mm) was observed in T4 -1:3:4, and the lowest (14.4 mm) was observed in T5 -1:3:5. In conclusion, T4 -1:3:4 enhanced greater vegetative growth (dry shoot matter) and yield attributes (fruit diameter and weight) of the wild watermelon.

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.

Analysis of Allocative Efficiency of Watermelon Farming in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan Province

The objective of this research is to analyze the costs, revenues, and profits of watermelon farming, to examine the impact of the use of production factors in watermelon farming, and to evaluate the allocative efficiency level of watermelon farming in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. The population of this research consists of 113 farmers, from which 55 were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The data processing method used to analyze the costs, revenues, and profits of watermelon farming includes using a multiple linear regression model, specifically the Cobb-Douglas function type. Additionally, to analyze the allocative efficiency of production factors used by farmers in watermelon farming, the comparison of a production factor’s Marginal Product Value (MPVx) with the price of the production factor (Px) is set to be equal to 1. Based on the results of the research and data processing, the average revenue obtained from watermelon farming in Kapuas Regency is IDR 75,619,181.82 per farm, and the average profit earned by watermelon farmers is IDR 45,541,259 per farm. The statistical test results of the Cobb-Douglas production function show that collectively (simultaneously), the production factors (land area, number of seeds, organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, pesticides, and labor) significantly affect watermelon production. However, the partial test results indicate that the production factors of land area, seeds, organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and labor significantly affect watermelon production, except for the production factor of pesticides. The statistical test results for allocative efficiency (price efficiency) show that three production factors, namely organic fertilizer, labor, and pesticides, are used efficiently, meaning the marginal product equals the price of the production factor. The use of land area, seeds, and inorganic fertilizer is not yet efficient and needs to be increased to reach an efficient point.

Evaluating the Response of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (L.) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilization in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Watermelon consumption in Nigeria is on the increase due to increasing awareness of its nutritional value while its production is on the decrease due to inefficiency of resource management (inputs like fertilizers). This study aims to optimize watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) production through the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi in the 2019 cropping season under rain-fed conditions. The site falls within the Latitude 7°4'1N and Longitude 8°3'7E at an elevation of about 97m above sea level in the Southern Guinea Savanna Agro-ecological Zone of Nigeria. The experiment treatments, namely and they were T1 (Control 0kg/ha), T2 (150 kg/ha Compost), T3 (200 kg/ha Compost), T4 (250 kg/ha Compost) and T5 (300 kg/ha NPK 20:10:10) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The study revealed that in comparison with control treatments, 300 kg/ha NPK 20:10:10 produced (31.04t/ha) fruit yield, the application of 250 kg/ha compost enhanced growth and yield parameters of watermelon with fruit yield of (17.65t/ha). The research findings suggest that using compost manure at the rate of 250 kg/ha for watermelon production is viable since it is economical and environmentally friendly alternative to NPK fertilizer due to it cheap and easy to prepare methods, its beneficial effects on soil, groundwater and the environment. It is further recommended that, in Makurdi, smallholder farmers, should adopt the application of compost at the rate of 250 kg/ha for optimum yield