Inorganic Sources Research Articles

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in the hilly region of Nepal

The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers plays a crucial role in farming practices in Nepal, depending on their availability. Applying fertilizers like compost, vermicompost, goat manure, and NPK has shown significant effects on various aspects of plant growth and yield. This study was conducted in Diktel, Khotang district of Nepal, from March 14th to June 7th, 2023, aiming to evaluate how different organic and inorganic sources affect the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). The experiment followed a one-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, involving five treatments: T1: 100% Compost manure, T2: 100% Vermicompost, T3: 100% Goat manure, T4: 100% NPK, and T5: Control. The results clearly showed that both vegetative and reproductive traits were significantly varies among several treatments utilized in the experiments at 0.1% level of significance. Compost application consistently showed better results across most growth and yield parameters assessed. Growth parameters included plant height, leaf count per plant, leaf length, and leaf width, while yield parameters included beetroot diameter, beetroot length, root yield, and leaf yield. Organic compost manure particularly stood out, displaying significantly larger beetroot diameter (4.85 cm) and greater beetroot length (9.3 cm). Additionally, compost manure led to notably increased root yield (13.95 t/ha) compared to the control treatment, which recorded a lower root yield (6.28 t/ha). Overall, all treatments outperformed the control in terms of growth and yield parameters. These findings suggest that organic compost manure is the most favorable choice for achieving high-quality beetroot production in the hilly regions of Nepal.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth Parameter and Yield Attribute of Wheat in Inceptisolof Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

The insufficient availability and escalating expenses of fertilizers present significant constraints to crop production, exacerbating the growing disparity between nutrient demand and supply. The overreliance on agrochemicals like synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides not only endangers human health but also degrades soil quality and environmental integrity. This study examined the impact of applying recommended doses of fertilisers (RDF) in conjunction with organic amendments in a pot experiment carried out throughout the 2020–2021 wheat growing season. Significant improvements were found for the following wheat plant attributes: straw and grain yields; height; greenness index; spike count; spike length; and weight of 1000 seeds. The treatment utilizing 50% RDF and 50% poultry manure (T5) demonstrated the most pronounced improvements across these parameters. These findings highlight integrated nutrient management's crucial importance as a modern agricultural requirement.

Optimizing phosphorus requirement of seed potato through organic and inorganic sources in north-west India

Phosphorus optimization is essential to maximize seed-size potato productivity and reduce the occurrence of over-sized and under-sized tubers. A field experiment was conducted for two years at the two locations in Punjab, India to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic phosphorus management on seed potato productivity. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three organic (farmyard manure, biofertilizer, and control) treatments in main plots and five fertilizer phosphorus (0, 46.9, 62.5, 93.8, and 125 kg/ha P2O5) treatments in subplots. The application of farmyard manure (50 t/ha) resulted in a significant increase in growth and yield attributes, tuber yield, seed size (3.5–4.5 cm) tuber number, and economic returns. The percentage increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield with farmyard manure over the control was 36.6% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the fertilizer phosphorus levels, the highest growth attributes, tuber yield, seed size tuber number and economic returns were obtained with a 125 kg/ha. The application of 125 kg/ha fertilizer phosphorus resulted in a 36.3% and 23.0% (mean) increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield compared to the unfertilized phosphorus (0 kg/ha). No significant organic sources x fertilizer phosphorus levels interaction effects were found on any of the traits evaluated at both locations. The result of this study indicates that P management can play an important role in increasing seed size and productivity.

Impact of integrated nutrient management and foliar zinc supplementation on rice (Oryza sativa L.) nutrient uptake and yield in the Cauvery Delta Zone

In 2023, rice production reached 523.9 million tons, making it the fourth most produced crop globally. Accounting for 14% of global fertilizer use, the demand for rice continues to increase. However, the unbalanced application of NPK fertilizers poses significant environmental risks. An integrated nutrient management approach, combining organic and inorganic sources, offers a cost-effective solution to meet crop nutritional needs while enhancing soil health. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in Experimental Farm of Annamalai University during kuruvai (June-September) 2023 to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with different sources of organic manures along with foliar zinc sulphate on the yield and yield components in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments. These treatments included different sources of organic manures viz., farm yard manure, vermicompost, press mud and poultry manure and foliar application of zinc sulphate. The results revealed that combining 75% nitrogen through urea and 25% nitrogen from vermicompost and 100 % P and K along with foliar application of zinc sulphate (0.5%) at 25 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT) significantly improved all nutrient uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and also yield parameters viz., number of productive tillers m-2, number of filled grains/panicle, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of rice.

Effects of Cd(II) on nitrogen removal by a heterotrophic nitrification aerobic denitrification bacterium Pseudomonas sp. XF-4

Simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (SND) is gaining tremendous attention due to its high efficiency and low cost in water treatment. However, SND on an industrial scale is still immature since effects of coexisting pollutants, for example, heavy metals, on nitrogen removal remains largely unresolved. In this study, a HNAD bacterium (Pseudomonas sp. XF-4) was isolated. It could almost completely remove ammonium and nitrate at pH 5–9 and temperature 20 ℃-35 ℃ within 10 h, and also showed excellently simultaneous nitrification and denitrification efficiency under the coexistence of any two of inorganic nitrogen sources with no intermediate accumulation. XF-4 could rapidly grow again after ammonium vanish when nitrite or nitrate existed. There was no significant effects on nitrification and denitrification when Cd(II) was lower than 10 mg/L, and 95 % of Cd(II) was removed by XF-4. However, electron carrier and electron transport system activity was inhibited, especially at high concentration of Cd(II). Overall, this study reported a novel strain capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification coupled with Cd(II) removal efficiently. The results provided new insights into treatment of groundwater or wastewater contaminated by heavy metals and nitrogen.

Development of super nanoantimicrobials combining AgCl, tetracycline and benzalkonium chloride

In this work, we demonstrate that a simple argentometric titration is a scalable, fast, green and robust approach for producing AgCl/antibiotic hybrid antimicrobial materials. We titrated AgNO3 into tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) aqueous solution, thus forming AgCl/TCH in a one-step procedure. Furthermore, we investigated the one-pot synthesis of triply synergistic super-nanoantimicrobials, combining an inorganic source of Ag+ ions (AgCl), a disinfecting agent (benzyl-dimethyl-hexadecyl-ammonium chloride, BAC) and a molecular antibiotic (tetracycline hydrochloride, TCH). Conventional antimicrobial tests, industrial biofilm detection protocols, and in situ IR-ATR microbial biofilm monitoring, have been adapted to understand the performance of the synthesized super-nanoantimicrobial. The resulting hybrid AgCl/BAC/TCH nanoantimicrobials are found to be synergistically active in eradicating Salmonella enterica and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri bacteria and biofilms. This study paves the way for the development of a new class of super-efficient nanoantimicrobials that combine relatively low amounts of multiple active species into a single (nano)formulation, thus preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance towards a single active principle.

Study on the synthesis of ordered mesoporous alumina with high specific surface area using inorganic aluminum sources and its adsorption performance for carbon dioxide

In this work, inexpensive aluminum nitrate was used as the raw material and ammonium carbonate as the precipitant. Ordered mesoporous alumina (OMA) with a high surface area was synthesized using suitable template agents and auxiliary agents. The synthesized materials underwent characterization via X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and other analytical techniques. The effects of various template agents, aging durations, calcination methods, and calcination temperatures on the structure of the synthesized OMA were investigated. Key factors influencing the formation of inorganic precursors, the self-assembly of template agents with inorganic precursors, and the pore formation process (involving template agent and water removal) during synthesis were analyzed. Using the synthesized OMA as the substrate and triethylenetetramine (TETA) as the modifier, the impact of modified materials on CO2 adsorption performance was assessed. The results showed that OMA prepared with P123 as the template agent and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate as the auxiliary agent exhibited a specific surface area of 545.2 m2/g, an average pore diameter of 3.8 nm, and a pore volume of 1.01 cm3/g. The addition of auxiliary agents significantly increased the specific surface area of the synthesized material. The modified TETA-OMA, with a loading capacity of 50 %, achieved an adsorption capacity of 216.25 mg/g at an intake flow rate of 20 mL/min and an adsorption temperature of 40 °C. After six cycles of adsorption-desorption recycling, minimal changes were observed in the adsorption performance, indicating excellent regeneration capability. The synthesized high-surface-area ordered mesoporous alumina holds potential for industrial applications.

The use of organic calcium derived from eggshell waste on physiological and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens

The study aimed to investigate the effect of using eggshell waste or eggshell extract as organic calcium source in feed on the physiological conditions and intestines of broilers. A total of 392 one-day-old chicks were randomly distributed into four groups (10 birds each group), CONT (control diet con taining 1% limestone as an inorganic calcium source), EGFL (feed containing 1% eggshell powder as an organic calcium source), EEG1 (feed containing 1% eggshell extracted with Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate as an organic calcium source), and EEG05 (feed containing 0.5% eggshell extracted using A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate). Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly, whereas blood, intesti nal content, and small intestinal segments were collected at day 35. Our results showed that during days 8-35, weight gain and feed consumption were lower (P<0.05) in EEG05 than in CONT and EGFL. Thymus relative weight tended (P=0.08) to be lower in EEG05 than in CONT, and gizzard was lower (P<0.05) in EGFL than in CONT and EEG05. Serum total triglyceride was significantly higher in CONT than in other groups. Moreover, serum high-density lipoprotein was higher in EEG1 and EE G05 than in CONT (P<0.05). furthermore, serum albumin were higher (P<0.05) in EEG1 than in CONT, EGFL and EEG05. Additionally, serum uric acid was higher (P<0.05) in EEG1 than in EGFL and EEG05. Among the groups, SGPT levels were lowest (P<0.05) in EEG05 birds. While there was no effect (P>0.05) of treatments on coliform and lactic acid bacteria in the ileum and caecum, jejunal crypt depth tended (P=0.09) to be lower in EEG1 and EEG05 than in CONT and EGFL broilers. Con clusively, using 1% eggshell powder or eggshell extract in feed as the substitute for limestone had no detrimental effect on broiler chickens’ growth, physiological status and intestinal condition. Hence, eggshell powder or eggshell extracted with A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate can be used as an organic calcium source to replace limestone.

Effect of inorganic and organic nitrogenous sources on soil fertility, nutrient uptake and economics of paddy (Oryza sativa) crop in Indo-Gangetic plains

Effect of inorganic and organic nitrogenous sources on soil fertility, nutrient uptake and economics of paddy (Oryza sativa) crop in Indo-Gangetic plains

Optimizing Growth and Yield in Aerobic Rice through IoT-based Drip Irrigation and Fertigation

Aim: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different IoT based drip irrigation and fertigation management practices on growth and yield of aerobic rice. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a strip plot design with 4 main plots (Horizontal) and 3 sub-plots (Vertical) that are allocated randomly and replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: kharif and rabi seasons of 2022-23 & 2023-24 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Methodology: The horizontal plot treatments were Nitrogen management practices (4) i.e., Control (N1), 100 % RDN (100% inorganic) (N2), 100 % RDN (50% inorganic & 50% organic) (N3) and 125 % RDN (100 % inorganic) (N4). Vertical plots treatments were Irrigation management practices (3) which include Saturation (I1), 10 % DASM (I2) and 20 % DASM (I3). Organic nutrient sources were given as soil application and the inorganic sources were applied through fertigation. Sensor based (IoT) irrigation scheduling was done. Results: Nitrogen application of 125% RDN with 100% inorganic consistently resulted in higher growth parameters (plant height (110.4 cm and 93.9 cm), number of tillers m-2 (392.2 and 291.8) and plant dry weight (11814.8 kg ha-1 and 9557.0 kg ha-1) during kharif & rabi respectively) followed by 100% RDN (100% inorganic) and 100% RDN (50% inorganic & 50% organic) in pooled data. Saturation irrigation resulted in taller plants with greater growth parameters (plant height (109.8 cm and 91.0 cm), number of tillers m-2 (412.3 and 283.6) and plant dry weight (10916.0 kg ha-1 and 9463.4 kg ha-1) during kharif & rabi respectively) compared to deficit irrigation treatments. Treatment of 125% RDN with 100% inorganic resulted in the higher yield attributes (no. of panicles m-2 (154.3 and 141.1), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (142.3 and 124.0), panicle weight (3.1 g and 3.3 g) during kharif & rabi respectively) and yield (4790.2 kg ha-1 and 4583.8 kg ha-1) which was statistically similar with 100% RDN (100% inorganic) and 100% RDN (50% inorganic & 50% organic). Saturation expressed higher yield attributes (no. of panicles m-2 (149.5 and 139.2), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (135.0 and 121.6), panicle weight (3.0 g and 3.2 g) during kharif & rabi respectively) and yield (4554.0 kg ha-1 and 4425.5 kg ha-1) which was on par with 10% DASM. The interaction was found to be non-significant. Conclusion: Nitrogen application of 125% RDN and 100% RDN through fertigation were found to have statistically similar growth, yield parameters and yield. IoT based irrigation at 10% DASM was found to be on par with saturation treatment among all the growth, yield parameters and yield of aerobic rice.

English

In modern agriculture, soil salinity stress has been extensively studied by researchers owing to its disastrous impacts on soil and plant health. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient. Crucial role of Zn in regulating plant growth under salinity stress has been well documented. Current research consisted of two studies, first study was aimed at comparing three organic (i.e. sugarcane filter cake, farmyard manure and poultry manure) and inorganic sources (i.e. zinc oxide, zinc sulphate and zinc nitrate) of Zn for improving Zn uptake by salt tolerant wheat varieties in a pot trial. Whereas, in second experiment the effect of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; inorganic) alone and in combination with sugarcane filter cake (SFC; organic) was evaluated in sustaining wheat growth under naturally salt affected soil. Results from pot trial suggested that among different organic sources, SFC application significantly enhanced the plant height (12.52%), spike length (9.07%) and number of fertile tillers (25%), whereas, application of ZnSO4 among the inorganic sources resulted in notable enhancements in plant height (7%), number of fertile tillers (24%), and spike length (8%) compared to their corresponding treatments. In addition, wheat variety Sehar-2006 proved to be the most efficient wheat variety under salinized conditions. Whereas the findings of the field trial revealed ZnSO4 application @ 24 kg ha-1 in combination with SFC 1 % w/w improved the plant height (2%), grain yield (81%), K+/Na+ ratio (1.4 fold), catalase (8%) and peroxidase (3%) activities.

Effect on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under integrated nutrient management

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a heavy feeder and highly responsive to nutrient input, where the proper quantity and timing of nutrient supply is most critical component in achieving high productivity in potato cultivation. To assess the crop response and productivity, the potato variety ‘Kufri Jyoti’ was taken under different integrated nutrient management practices. The recommended dose of fertilizer was at 150:80:100 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha, 25 kg/ha of ZnSO4 and 15 kg/ha of Borax were applied during the experiment. The results indicated that there were highly significant effects of higher doses of nitrogen with recommended P and K combined applied with Zinc and Boron on tuber yield, plant NPK uptake efficiency and enzymatic activities. Results from the experiment expressed that the application of 125% RDN along with the application of Zn and B ensured maximum total tuber yield (24.73 t/ha), crop growth rate (5.222 g/m2/day), relative growth rate (0.066 g/g/day) at peak growth stages and quality such as starch (15.64%) and sucrose synthase activity (695 µg/g of fresh weight of tuber) of potato grown with the above nutrient management practices. This study indicated that production variation for higher nitrogen doses from inorganic sources of fertilizer existed among 16 different nutrient application treatments, and with better quality parameters.

Influence of mineral source and inclusion levels of iron, copper, and zinc on the oxidative stability of extruded cat food

This study aimed to compare inorganic sources (sulfates) and chelated organic sources (proteinates) of minerals on the oxidative stability and shelf-life of extruded cat food. Five complete foods were formulated, including a negative control without supplementation of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn). The other formulations were obtained by supplementing the negative control formulation with these microminerals in organic or inorganic form at one (1x) or two (2x) times the FEDIAF (2021) requirement level for adult cats. The effects of supplementation on oxidative stability and shelf-life were determined before and after extrusion and during the 365-day storage period. The levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants (BHA and BHT) were significantly lower after extrusion (P < 0.05). While inorganic and organic mineral sources did not differ, the negative control retained higher levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants compared to mineral sources and levels. After extrusion, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were reduced by 22.82% ± 1.8%, 22.91% ± 1.9%, and 19.32% ± 2.5%, respectively, with no mineral source and level effects. The Concentrations of synthetic antioxidants were significantly lower after extrusion, with a retention of 49.72% in the negative control and 35.09% ± 1.23% in the other treatments. Storage studies showed that fatty acids declined over time without significant treatment differences (P > 0.05). As expected, the most evident change was that of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Synthetic antioxidant levels also lowered during storage, with significant differences among treatments (P < 0.05). The highest losses were observed in formulations supplemented with inorganic sources. These differences affected peroxide value, which was influenced by both supplementation level and source. At the end of 365 days of shelf life, the peroxide value in foods supplemented with inorganic minerals was 92.3% (1×) and 49.7% (2×) greater than in foods with the same level of organic minerals. The negative control formulation had the lowest peroxide value among all treatments. From this data, we can conclude that the source of the microelements Fe, Cu, and Zn does not influence the oxidative stability of cat food during the extrusion process; however, the inorganic sources (e.g., sulfates) favor the oxidation during storage, which may be attenuated using less reactive, organic trace mineral sources, such as proteinates.

Influence of Inorganic Nitroge N-Nutrients on Copper Toxicity in &lt;I&gt;Anacystis nidulans&lt;/I&gt; and Cyanophage As-I Resistant Mutant

The effect of different nitrogen sources on growth and copper toxicity was studied in the unicellular cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans and Gyanophage AS-1 resistant mutant (An/AS-1). The mutant An/AS-1 was characterised by slow growth rate but was more senstitive to copper than its parent. In both the strains, the presence of high nitrate concentrations, which supported better growth of algae, reduced the algicidal effect of copper. However, other inorganic nitrogen sources such as nitrite and ammonium caused more inhibition and reduced the specific growth rate.

Influence of complex enzyme drug and phytase on growth, digestibility and use of nutrients of wheat and soya compound feed and mineralization of the drumstick in broiler chickens

Plant feeds contain anti-nutritional factors. Thus, non-starchy polysaccharides are poorly digested and can serve as a barrier to enzyme access to nutrients. Phytate can form a complex with other divalent cations (Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn), amino acids. Phytate is the largest reserve of phosphorus in plants, but this compound cannot be effectively absorbed by poultry, which requires the inclusion of expensive inorganic sources of phosphorus in feed. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the possible effects of separate and combined inclusion of the complex enzyme drug Sunzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and the phytase-containing enzyme drug Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value) on the digestibility and absorption of nutrients of wheat and soybean compound feed by broiler chickens. During the experiment, 204 day-old broiler chickens were divided according to the principle of analogues into 4 groups of 51 heads in each. The broiler chickens of the control group received compound feed without enzyme drugs, the 1st experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient), the 2nd experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value), the 3rd experimental group received compound feed with Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value). Compound feeds were fed from one day to 42 days of age. In order to determine the digestibility of the main nutrients in compound feeds of broiler chickens aged 35–42 days, a physiological experiment was carried out based on the results of which a animal science analysis of the fed compound feeds and litter was carried out using generally accepted methods. When studying feed and litter, the mass fraction of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, fiber, nitrogen-free extractives, ash, calcium and phosphorus were determined. It was found that compared with the control group broiler chickens received Sunzyme and Sunface 5000 had higher coefficients of digestibility and nutrient utilization of wheat and soybean compound feeds and as a result achieved a high average final live weight with low feed intake per unit of gain during the rearing period.

Selenium inorganic sources applied to soil: Effects on gas exchange and anatomical changes of radishes

Selenium (Se), in low doses, provides several beneficial effects, such as plant resistance to various abiotic stresses (e.g. drought stress and low/high temperatures). However, Se excess causes toxicity, with harmful impacts such as a decline in yield. Here, we studied the effects of fertilization with different Se sources and doses applied via soil on Se accumulation, toxicity, as well as on gas exchange, and anatomy of leaves and roots of radish plants. A randomized experimental design was adopted with three replications in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement: two Se sources (sodium selenate – Na2SeO4 and sodium selenite – Na2SeO3·5H2O), three Se doses applied on soil (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg dm−3), and one control treatment (without Se application). Each experimental unit consisted of one pot containing six radish plants. Selenate at 1.8 mg Se dm−3 increased the Se accumulation and radish dry matter. Selenite generally caused significant changes in the anatomical part, mainly in the conductive tissues of the leaves. In leaves with selenite fertilization, it was estimated that the maximum Se accumulation would be 5.9 µg plant−1 with a rate of 2.0 mg Se dm−3. However, it was impossible to estimate the maximum Se accumulation with selenate fertilization because as the dose increased, there were also increases in accumulation, thus presenting a linear regression. The maximum Se accumulation in radishes would be 10.7 µg Se plant −1 with 1.2 mg Se dm−3 by selenite and 45.8 µg Se plant−1 with 5.0 mg Se dm−3 by selenate. Although the highest dry mass production occurred with the 1.8 mg Se dm−3 through selenite, it is recommended to use smaller doses to provide adequate Se consumption selenate. The gas exchange and the anatomy of the plants changed due to Se fertilization through selenate and selenite.

Response of N, P &amp; K Uptake Pattern under the Different Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Potato, Solanum tuberosum L., Crop

The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design treatments 8 viz. T1 Control,T2 FYM @ 30 t/ha) + biofertilizer (PSB), T3 poultry manure @ 5 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB),T4 vermicompost @ 7.5 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB), T5 FYM @ 10 t/ha + poultry manure @ 1.7 t/ha +vermicompost 2.7 t/ha + biofertilizer (PSB), T6 67% RDF through inorganic sources + 33% RDF through organic sources i.e. FYM + biofertilizer (PSB), T7 33% RDF through inorganic sources + 67% RDF through organic sources i.e. FYM + biofertilizer (PSB) and T8 Farmer practices (through organic). All the treatment combinations were replicated three times. The soil of the experiment field was silty loam in texture and medium in fertility status with the pH values 8.1, organic carbon 0.31%. The available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 140.0, 15.2, and 240 kg ha-1 respectively.

Nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N): a nearly unexplored indicator that provides useful information in viticulture

The study of the natural abundance of nitrogen-stable isotopes is an aspect of viticulture research that has received limited attention. While stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen have received significant attention, nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) remains a less studied yet potentially informative parameter. This paper explores the implications of δ15N measurements in grapevines, shedding light on its utility as an indicator for nitrogen sources, plant water status, and within-field variability. The study examines the influence of nitrogen sources, dose, and sampling organs on δ15N values, revealing distinct trends in petioles, berries, and seeds. Organic fertilisers led to higher δ15N values compared to inorganic sources, while increasing nitrogen doses exhibited a much weaker effect on δ15N. Moreover, δ15N values vary spatially within vineyards, associating with its topography and potential soil composition, soil management and water availability. Our results highlight the importance of considering δ15N in viticulture, suggesting its integration with δ13C for comprehensive insights into nitrogen cycling and soil management practices. The findings advocate for further research to harness the full potential of δ15N as a valuable tool in viticultural studies.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Lentil Cultivation: Improving Soil Fertility, Nutrient Content, and Economic Returns

Context: -Overuse of chemical fertilizers reduces soil fertility, which highlights the need to switch to integrated farming practices for sustainable growth. Purpose: – A field experiment was conducted to analyse the effects of various integrated nutrient management strategies on soil fertility generally, nutrient level fluctuations in the soil, plant uptake, and nutrient content and economic consequences in lentil farming. Method: – Eight different treatments representing various nutrient sources were used in the experiment, which used a Randomized Block Design. Each treatment had three replications. Result: – The results indicated that there was no significant difference among 8 different treatments for soil pH and EC. The available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium in soil and content in straw and seed were found highest in T 8 while protein content in seed was also found highest in T 8 (24.85 %) followed by T 7 (24.50 %). But the economics of cultivation indicated T 4 to be the best with the highest B:C ratio (1.96). Conclusion: – The proper and balanced usage of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient increased soil accessible nutrient pool and there was abundant of the remainder of nutrient in the soil. The impact of combined RDF, rhizobium, vermicompost and FYM may be the reason in higher nutrient content in soil, plants and quality of lentil. Implication: – The practice of integrated nutrient management strategies are for improving lentil cultivation's soil fertility, nutrient uptake, protein content, and overall economic viability.

Nickel-rich ternary cathode material as a novel capping layer to improve lithium iron phosphate electrochemical performance

We use a facile high-temperature solid-phase method to coat a layer of Ni-rich ternary material (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2) on the surface of lithium iron phosphate. This active coating greatly improves the intrinsic conductivity of LiFePO4. Compared to the conventional carbon material cladding, since this cladding layer is electrochemically active, the problem of decreasing the proportion of active material due to the addition of a cladding layer can be avoided to a certain extent. Compared with the samples capped with conventional organic carbon source (151.2 mAh g−1) and inorganic carbon source (155.9 mAh g−1) at 0.2 C, the discharge specific capacity was as high as 165.7 mAh g−1. Capacity retention after 200 cycles is up to 98 %, which is much higher than that of glucose and graphene oxide (GO)-coated samples (95.9 %, 96.6 %). Even when charging and discharging cycles are performed at different multipliers (2C and 10C), the retention rate remains higher than the latter.