Inorganic Sources Research Articles

Exploration of In Vitro Voltage Production by a Consortium of Chemolithotrophic Microorganisms Using Galena (PbS) as a Sulphur Source

Sulphur plays a fundamental role in the biological processes of chemolithotrophic microorganisms. Due to the redox characteristics of sulphur, microorganisms use it for metabolic processes. Such is the case of the dissimilatory processes in the anaerobic respiration of reducing microorganisms. The production of electrical energy from the metabolism of native microorganisms using sulphur as substrate from inorganic mineral sources in the form of Galena (PbS) was achieved using MR mineral medium with 15% (w/v) of PbS mineral concentrate. At 400 h of growth, the highest voltage produced in an experimental unit under anaerobic conditions was 644 mV. The inoculum was composed of microorganisms with spiral morphology, and at the final stages of energy production, the only microorganism identified was Bacillus clausii. This microorganism has not been reported in bioelectrochemical systems, but it has been reported to be present in corrosive environments and reducing anoxic environments.

A near-infrared (NIR) organic probe for rapid naked-eye detection of fluoride ions in aqueous medium.

A dihydroxy-substituted tricyanopyrroline-based near-infrared (NIR) colorimetric probe (TCP-34Hy) is developed for the effective detection of fluoride ions in aqueous medium in the presence of Ca2+ ions. The naked-eye detection (drastic color change) selectively makes the NIR colorimetric sensor more efficient. The probe can detect fluoride ions from inorganic sources (NaF/KF) as well as organic sources (TBAF) in water. The water samples from different sources, such as tap, pond, river, and sewage, have been tested successfully for fluoride ion detection using the probe (TCP-34Hy). Investigations of different kinds of soil samples (clay soil, red soil, and river sand) after pre-treatment with NaF are also productive for detection of fluoride ions in water. The probe can also detect fluoride ions in toothpaste in aqueous medium. The role of Ca2+ is discussed and explained on the basis of experimental results. Additionally, the probe (TCP-34Hy) shows high selectivity towards fluoride ion detection with a LOD of 2.3 μM (0.052 ppm) in aqueous medium.

Effect of organic and inorganic sources on soil properties, yield and growth of spring maize (Zea mays L.)

Effect of organic and inorganic sources on soil properties, yield and growth of spring maize (Zea mays L.)

Long‐term application of different organic and inorganic fertilizers in no‐tillage crops changes the soil microstructural viscoelasticity and shear resistance to transient stresses

AbstractThe processes involved in deformation, internal strength and stability of soils with long‐term application of fertilizers (organic and inorganic sources) remain poorly investigated and hence understood, particularly in agricultural systems under subtropical climatic conditions. We investigated how long‐term fertilizer management with organic and inorganic amendments in no‐till crops affects the microstructural stability of a sandy Alfisol under oscillatory shear. The study was conducted in southern Brazil on a 17‐year completely randomized block experiment with five fertilizer treatments: pig slurry (PS), cattle slurry (CS), pig deep litter (PDL), mineral fertilizer (MF) and control, i.e. unfertilized (CL). Soil samples were collected from two layers (0–5 and 5–15 cm) for physical and chemical analyses and evaluation of soil rheological properties under oscillatory shear at two matric potentials (0 and −10 kPa). Organic matter accumulation in soil provided by the PDL and CS fertilizers resulted in higher soil stability and elasticity under oscillatory shear, especially in the 0–5 cm layer. Conversely, MF and PS enhanced the soil susceptibility towards deformation under transient stresses, mainly in the 0–5 cm layer under saturated conditions. The PDL significantly increased soil shear resistance under low‐shear strain conditions. Significant differences ceased under high‐shear strain conditions, though PS and MF yielded at significantly lower strains. Hence, under subtropical conditions, long‐term application of organic fertilizers with fibrous components promoted soil microstructure strengthening, reducing soil susceptibility to erosive processes and compaction.

Comparative study on Effects of Chemical Fertiliser, Vermicompost and Farm Yard Manure on Tomato Plant Growth and Soil Fertility

A healthy soil environment is necessary to produce the desired crops, which means it should have all the essential nutrients. Nutrients are used in large quantities in growing plants and therefore need to be replaced regularly to maintain productivity and for this purpose fertilizers are used in the fields. Chemical fertilizers are essential to increase proper growth and yield of crops and act as catalysts in providing nutrients to plants for better growth and yield. On the other hand, fertilizers can threaten our ecosystems, soil, plants, human and animal lives. Despite past gains in crop production through chemical fertilizers, recent observations of stagnant or declining yields have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of crop production. In the long term, they also damage the natural composition of the soil, leading to unsustainable crop production. Of course, chemical fertilizers add nutrients to the soil, but they don’t add anything else. Plants need more than just nutrients to survive. They also need organic matter and living organisms. Thus, the integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources will not only supply essential nutrients to the soil, but may also have a certain synergistic interaction to increase their effectiveness and thereby reduce environmental risks. Nutrients from chemical fertilizers improve initial crop establishment, while nutrients from mineralization of organic manure support yield later. In the present experiments, pot experiment was conducted to study the comparative effect on growth of tomato plant and its soil fertility. The soil parameters and growth of plant were observed and studied. The studies show positive impacts on farm yard manure and vermicompost on the soil as well as on the growth of tomato plant as compared to the chemical fertilizer. The healthy growth of plant with more green leaves and flowering and fruits were observed with application of farm yard manure and vermicompost. It concludes application of farm yard manure and vermicompost is effective and better for the healthy growth of tomato plant and fertility of the soil.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Soil under MaizeBlackgram-Groundnut Cropping System

In order to investigate the immediate effects of integrated use of inorganic and organic sources of N and P on the performance of the maize-blackgram-groundnut cropping sequence in terms of yield, a field experiment was conducted at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati during the rabi (maize), summer (blackgram), and kharif (groundnut) seasons of 2019-20. Ten treatments were applied to maize, including the control, fertilizers administered at 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended dose (NPK), N240 only, P80 only, FYM (@ 5 t ha-1) applied alone, and in combination with 100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended NPK. These interventions were contrasted with the manure and no-fertilizer control. Blackgram was produced after maize without the use of fertilizer or manure. It was allowed to mature and expand for two pickings, the stover was incorporated into the soil. In the following rabi season, black gram was grown on the same field, and each main plot treatment of RBD was divided into three sub plot treatments with S1 (control), S2 (75% RDF), and S3 (50% RDF), yielding ninety treatment combinations replicated three times in split plot design .–increased fertilizer-N addition rates resulted in increased soil concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, and alkaline KMnO4 oxidisable (available) N. Similar to this, greater Olsen-P and total inorganic P values led to higher fertilizer-P dosages. It was discovered that applying FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and inorganic N together helped to keep the levels of all these types of soil N stable until groundnut harvest. Organic P revealed an inverse relationship with the Inorganic P content at all the growth stages of the three crops under study

Effects of Lime, Inorganic Fertilizer and Compost as Amendment on Soil Chemical Properties: Field Experimental Approach to Reclaim Acidic Nitisol, South Western Ethiopia

Soil acidity is a series problem in south western part of Ethiopia due to high rain fall that aggravate the concentration of toxic elements like Al3+ and Fe2+. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lime with different fertilizer sources on soil chemical properties at Seka chekorsa area. Seven different treatments were applied with randomized complete block design along three replications. The study pointed out the response of soil pH (5.01) which was increased by 91.8% when compared to control plot (4.60), H+(0.25 cmol/kg), Al3+(0.19 cmol/kg), Exchangeable Acidity (0.44 cmol/kg), Available Potassium (1.96 Cmol/kg) and CEC (22.76 Cmol(+)/Kg) were attained significantly different result at (p<0.05) on CompL treated plot. However, OC (2.14%) and OM (3.69%) were attained the highest result on HCHNP and TN (0.1%) and Available K (2.00Cmol/kg) was significantly different at (p<0.05) on HCHNPL treated plot. The combined application of compost with lime was better than other combination including solely applied treatments to enhance different soil chemical properties in most of soil parameters. The integration of lime with organic and inorganic nutrient sources generally increased soil pH when compared with sole applied and control plot. Finally, the Integration of full recommended compost and Lime of agriculture could be promising alternative to amend acidic nitosol.

Evaluation of extracellular alkaline proteases from Bacillus for environmentally friendly detergent additives

Growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable enzyme solutions drives markets for alkaline proteases across various industries. Alkaline proteases produced by different Bacillus strains exhibit unique properties and versatility. Production of alkaline proteases from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TBRC 2902, B. siamensis TBRC 1180, B. subtilis TBRC 6663, and B. velezensis TBRC 7773 was optimized by adjusting production media, considering carbon and nitrogen sources to enhance extracellular enzyme activities. Optimized extracellular protease activity was achieved using tapioca starch for TBRC 2902 and TBRC 1180, and soluble starch for TBRC 7773, while both carbon sources were optimal for TBRC 6663. Skim milk was an equally effective nitrogen source for TBRC 2902, TBRC 1180, and TBRC 7773, whereas soytone was as effective as yeast extract for TBRC 6663. Inorganic nitrogen sources, such as diammonium hydrogen phosphate for TBRC 2902 and potassium nitrate for TBRC 1180, enhanced alkaline protease activity by 10-20%. The protease from B. siamensis TBRC 1180 exhibited optimal pH and temperature values of 9.0 and 60°C, respectively, while the others had optimal values of 8.0 and 50°C. All enzymes tolerated non-ionic surfactants, retaining over 40% activity after 24 hours exposure to Triton X-100, Tween-20, and Tween-80, indicating their potential as detergent additives.

Seedling Vigour Index (SVI), weed competitiveness and root traits of aerobic rice under organic and inorganic sources nutrient management

Seedling Vigour Index (SVI), weed competitiveness and root traits of aerobic rice under organic and inorganic sources nutrient management

Mineralization of phosphorus as influenced by different organic and inorganic sources of phosphorus in calcareous soil

Mineralization of phosphorus as influenced by different organic and inorganic sources of phosphorus in calcareous soil

Egg Quality, Sensory Attributes, and Protein Metabolites of Laying Hens Fed Whole Flaxseed, Fish Oil, and Different Sources of Trace Elements.

This study evaluated the effects of whole flaxseed (WFS), fish oil (FO), and different sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (inorganic, organic, and nano-source) on egg production, quality, sensory attributes, and serum protein metabolites in laying hens. A total of 144 hens were divided into six groups with six replicates of four hens each. Hens were fed six diets as follows: 1) control diet; 2) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO; 3) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg vitamin E (VE); 4) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + inorganic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (ISeZnFe); 5) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + organic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (OSeZnFe); 6) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + nano-source of Se, Zn, and Fe (NSeZnFe) from 40-50 weeks of age. Laying hens fed 7.5% WFS, 1.5% FO, and different sources of trace elements in their diets had no negative effects on laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight change, or survival rate compared to that of hens fed the control diet. Dietary treatments did not negatively affect the external and internal egg characteristics or egg sensory attributes. Feeding 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+ISeZnFe positively influenced yolk color in fresh eggs. Dietary treatments had a significant impact on egg nutritional composition, with the highest levels of macronutrients found in eggs from hens fed the 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+NSeZnFe treatment. The highest plasma globulin concentrations were observed in hens fed organic and nano-source trace elements. The same diets reduced plasma uric acid levels. Based on these findings, the inclusion of organic or nano-source trace minerals in diets containing WFS and FO positively affected egg quality and hen protein metabolites.

Different organic manures and inorganic sources of phosphorus as influenced on nutrient availability in calcareous soil

Different organic manures and inorganic sources of phosphorus as influenced on nutrient availability in calcareous soil

Effect of organic and inorganic sources of fertilization on growth, yield attributes and quality of Tulsi in lateritic soil

Effect of organic and inorganic sources of fertilization on growth, yield attributes and quality of Tulsi in lateritic soil

Isolation and Characterization of a Diesel-degrading Bacterium From Waters Near the Langkawi UNESCO Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

This study explored the biodegradation potential of bacterial isolates from various locations in Malaysia, focusing on their ability to utilize diesel as a carbon source. Among the ten isolates tested, isolate 4, identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM-Langkawi 3 based on morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties, exhibited significant growth on 2.5% diesel, indicating rapid activation of diesel assimilation mechanisms. Using the ABIS online software analysis, the strain was provisionally identified as Pseudomonas sp. UPM-Langkawi 3. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimal conditions for the growth of strain UPM-Langkawi 3 were between 6 and 8 % (v/v) diesel concentration, a temperature of between 28 and 35 °C, and a pH range of between 7.5 to 8.5. The strain showed inhibited growth at higher diesel concentrations and temperatures above 40 °C, as well as at a lower pH of 5.7. Among several inorganic nitrogen sources tested, 0.9% w/v ammonium sulphate was found to be the most effective, corroborating previous research. The study underscores the efficacy of Pseudomonas sp. strain UPM-Langkawi 3 in degrading diesel, suggesting its potential use in bioremediation of diesel-contaminated environments. Further research should employ molecular identification techniques, such as 16srRNA gene sequencing, to confirm the species identity and optimize biodegradation conditions. This work establishes a foundation for utilizing indigenous bacterial strains in environmental management strategies, particularly for areas impacted by hydrocarbon pollutants.

Enhancing productivity of aromatic rice-chickpea paira cropping system through different nutrient management practices

The field experiment was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi of Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar to evaluate the performance of three aromatic rice varieties under five different nutrient management practices during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design taking three aromatic rice varieties (Geetanjali, Gangabali and Badshabhog) in main plot and five nutrient management practices (40:20:20, 60:30:30, 80:40:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1, 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1+ FYM 5 t ha-1 and 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 + FYM 5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizers (Azospirillum and PSB 5 kg each ha-1 ) in sub- plot replicated thrice. Chickpea was sown as paira crop 15 days prior to the harvest of paddy. The yield attributes, yield and economics of production was maximum in aromatic rice Gangabali. Maximum grain yield was obtained with application of 80:40:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1(3480 kg ha-1) being at par with 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 + FYM 5 t ha-1 (3303 kg ha-1) and 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 + FYM 5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizers (3392 kg ha-1). The chickpea seed yield was maximum in Geetanjali (682 kg ha-1) grown plot, which was harvested fifteen days earlier than the other two varieties. The residual effect of nutrient management practices was prominent in the treatment where inorganic fertilizers were applied in conjunction with organic manures in which the seed yield of chickpea was 19-72% higher in the plots with combined application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizer than that of only inorganic fertilizers. The rice equivalent yield (REY), gross return, net return, return rupee-1 invested and partial factor productivity of NPK used were higher in Geetanjali. Among the nutrient management practices application of 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 + FYM 5t ha-1 + Biofertilizer registered maximum REY (5088 kg ha-1), gross return (Rs.1,31,336 ha-1) and net return (Rs.75,868 ha-1) which was 43 and 24% higher than the plots treated with 40:20:20 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 and 60:30:30 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1, respectively. The partial factor productivity of NPK used was significantly higher in the treatment supplied with less nutrients from inorganic and/or organics sources and gradually decreased with increasing NPK dose.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality parameters of cauliflower

The present investigation was carried out at Experiment Farm, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi (UP), India. Cauliflower growth, yield and quality can be boosted with the use of integrated nutrient management. Due to their complementing effects, the ideal combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may significantly boost cauliflower growth and yield. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments viz. T1: Recommended dose of NPK (150:100:80 kg/ha), T2: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha, T3: Half dose of NPK/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha, T4: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha, T5: Half dose of NPK/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T6: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T7: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T8: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha, T9: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha, T10: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T11: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha. The highest curd yield (265.65 g), curd diameter (17.99 cm), curd weight (943.55 g) and curd volume (758.62) with maximum net profit (Rs.1,57,757/ha) was obtained from T11 treatment. All traits had a significant positive correlation with all traits excluding TSS and Ascorbic acid, TSS showed a significant positive correlation with curd diameter whereas ascorbic acid had a significant positive correlation with plant height, plant spread, curd yield and TSS. So, economic analysis revealed that T11 treatment appeared to be the best for achieving the higher growth, yield and economic benefit of cauliflower.

Comparative Effect of Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming, Organic and Inorganic Systems of Nutrition on Performance of Fodder Sorghum and Pearl Millet Hybrids

Aims: To evaluate different nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSK HPKV, Palampur during Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019
 Methodology: Ten nutrient management practices i.e. absolute control (T1), 5% Jeevamrit (T2), 10% Jeevamrit (T3), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit (T4), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit (T5), 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T6), 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T7), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T8), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T9) and recommended NPK through inorganic sources (T10) were tested in randomized block design with three replications.
 Results: The results indicated that integrated nutrient management i.e. 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK through inorganic sources remaining at par resulted in better crop growth (plant height, shoot number, leaf stem ratio, percent proportion), higher fodder yield (green and dry fodder yields), NPK uptake and crude protein yield than rest of the organic (10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit) and natural farming (Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit and Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit) nutrient management treatments. Application of recommended NPK resulted in highest net returns (79049 INR/ha) and net returns per rupee invested (2.09).
 Conclusion: Integrated and inorganic nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids appeared best practices for realising higher yield than organic and natural farming nutrient management practices.

Effect of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

The investigation entitled, “Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) cv. Snowball-16” was undertaken at the Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture & Natural Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. during Rabi season 2022-2023. Seven treatments were used laid out in the randomized block design with three replications in this experiment. It is apparent from the results obtained that the vegetative parameters viz., number of leaves per plant, plant height, the spread of the plant, the diameter of the stem, number of days required for curd initiation and curd maturity, curd size and total biomass production per plant have been significantly influenced by the potential treatments. The maximum number of leaves per plant (20.54) was recorded under the influence of the treatment T4 (50%RDF along with 50%vermicompost). The integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources in a way such that an equal proportion of nitrogen being supplied by them documented superior results. Treatment T4 resulted in maximum plant height (21.16 cm), the spread of plant (49.38 cm), diameter of the stem (2.82 cm), reduced number of days for curd initiation (68.53 days) and maturity (99.23 days), curd size (18.74 cm) and total biomass production (33.67 g) per plant when compared to control (T1). Yield parameters viz., net weight of curd (1660.57 g), curd yield per plot (38.81 kg) and yield per hectare (421.35q /ha) showed preponderance in response to 50% RDF along with 50% vermicompost, succeeded by treatment involving the integration of 50% RDF along with 50% FYM, which also showed lead response as result obtained in control.

Effects of Planting Method and a Combination of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on Maize (Zea mays) Growth

Two lead treatments (flatbed and raised bed) and five nitrogen treatments (100 percent inorganic source, 100% farm yard manure, 50% inorganic source + 50% by farm yard manure, 75% inorganic source + 25% by farm yard manure, and 100% inorganic source + 25% by farm yard manure) were used in the triplicate study, which was conducted using a split plot design. The samples were analyzed 25, 50, and 75 days after sowing. The administration of treatment T3 (50% IO + 50% FYM) produced the tallest number of plants, as well as the most leaves per plant, weight per plant, and dry weight per plant, according to the results. On the shortest day, 50% tasseling was noted; nevertheless, this occurred with T1 (100% IO) application. Therefore, the combination of organic nitrogen sources with inorganic nitrogen sources in T3 (50% Inorganic + 50% Farm yard manure) with litter improved the performance of maize. It is recommended to use beds with 50% Inorganic + 50% Farm yard manure for crop growth.

Enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of foliar fertilization in agriculture

When considering foliar fertilization, many questions arise about the differences between chelation, complexation, and their efficiency in supplying nutrients to plants. How efficiently are chelated and complexed nutrients absorbed by plants? Are chelates and complexes absorbed by plants? How do they perform in foliar and soil applications? Do they exhibit greater efficiency when compared to pure inorganic fertilizers? and, which ones are the best: soluble, sparingly soluble, or insoluble inorganic fertilizers? Although many people believe chelation and complexation are similar, some differences must be considered when choosing products to better supply plants with nutrients, avoid problems with tank mixtures, and enhance plant nutrition efficiency. The same is true for the vast variety of inorganic sources of fertilizers available for agriculture. They do not behave the same. For instance, inorganic water-soluble fertilizers such as nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides present different performances and should be chosen not only based on their nutrient concentration, availability, and price. All this information will assist farmers and technicians in better defining and selecting products to improve sustainability, efficiency, and achieve better results.