Fertility Levels Research Articles

PENGEMBANGAN CABAI KATOKKON (Capsicum annuum L. var. sinensis) DI LUAR HABITAT ASLINYA

This research aims to develop Katokkon chilies outside their natural habitat with different environmental conditions. Increase soil fertility levels in areas with low fertility levels by adding manure and NPK fertilizer. The study used a two-factor randomized block design (RBD): NPK fertilizer and cow manure. NPK fertilizer consisted of 2 grams, 4 grams, 6 grams per 10 kg of soil, and control (without NPK fertilizer). Cow manure treatment consisted of 0.5 kg, 1 kg, and 1.5 kg per 10 kg of soil and without cow manure (control). Each treatment was repeated 3 times and consisted of 3 plants for each observation unit. The research results show that developing katokkon chili plants outside their natural habitat is still possible. Providing 0.5 kg of cow manure had the best effect on the parameters of plant height, fruit weight, and production of Katokkon chili plants. Adding 2 g NPK fertilizer provided the best growth in terms of plant height, fruit weight, and production parameters. However, the addition of 6 g NPK fertilizer affected the productive branch parameters of Katokkon chili plants. There was a real interaction between 0.5 kg cow manure and the addition of 2 g NPK fertilizer on the parameters of plant height, fruit weight per plant, and production of Katokkon chili plants

Thermodynamic Sustainability Assessment of Turkish Cash and Feed Crops: Evaluations and Recommendations

ABSTRACTThis work analyzes the sustainability status of cash crops (rice, wheat, and sunflower) and feed crops (silage and clover) cultivation in Turkey through thermodynamic sustainability assessment technique, emergy analysis (EA). EA offers insights into agricultural system's dependence on external resources, environmental loading, and renewability by classifying the resources that drive agricultural production as renewable, nonrenewable, and purchased. Data belonging to 17 agricultural systems evaluated in this work are gathered through survey method by interviewing the farmers. EA results reveal that production of cash crops is essentially unsustainable due to high dependence on externally purchased inputs fertilizer, diesel, and nonrenewable input water. Of cash crops, rice production has the lowest system renewability and the highest environmental loading. In feed crops, silage production is mainly unsustainable and clover production is in transition state in terms of sustainability. Feed crop production creates less environmental loading than cash crop production mainly due to being partially integrated with husbandry. Coinciding with this, the level of organic fertilization is found to be the determining factor in the sustainability status of the feed crop systems. Transforming these systems to sustainable ones requires increasing system's self‐sufficiency through enhanced circularity (increased nutrient recycling) and functioning of natural processes. Consequently, we recommend growing crops in polycultures rather than monocultures to benefit from sister plant and predator–prey relations, integrating crop production with animal rearing (natural fertilization) and utilizing waste‐origin bioenergy. For resource efficiency, we suggest adopting methods such as drip irrigation and utilization of biodegradable polymer‐coated fertilizer grains to prevent fertilizer runoffs.

Nitrogen fixation and fertilization have similar effects on biomass allocation in nitrogen-fixing plants.

Plants adjust their allocation to different organs based on nutrient supply. In some plant species, symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live in root nodules provide an alternate pathway for nitrogen acquisition. Does access to nitrogen-fixing bacteria modify plants' biomass allocation? We hypothesized that access to nitrogen-fixing bacteria would have the same effect on allocation to aboveground versus belowground tissues as access to plentiful soil nitrogen. To test this hypothesis and related hypotheses about allocation to stems versus leaves and roots versus nodules, we conducted experiments with 15 species of nitrogen-fixing plants in two separate greenhouses. In each, we grew seedlings with and without access to symbiotic bacteria across a wide gradient of soil nitrogen supply. As is common, uninoculated plants allocated relatively less biomass belowground when they had more soil nitrogen. As we hypothesized, nitrogen fixation had a similar effect as the highest level of fertilization on allocation aboveground versus belowground. Both nitrogen fixation and high fertilization led to ~10% less biomass allocated belowground (~10% more aboveground) than the uninoculated, lowest fertilization treatment. Fertilization reduced allocation to nodules relative to roots. The responses for allocation of aboveground tissues to leaves versus stems were not as consistent across greenhouses or species as the other allocation trends, though more nitrogen fixation consistently led to relatively more allocation to leaves when soil nitrogen supply was low. Synthesis: Our results suggest that symbiotic nitrogen fixation causes seedlings to allocate relatively less biomass belowground, with potential implications for competition and carbon storage in early forest development.

Effects of fertilizer levels, foliar nutrient sprays and seed treatment with biofertilizers on nutrient uptake, available nutrients and microbial status at harvest of kharif soybean (Glycine max L. Merill).

Effects of fertilizer levels, foliar nutrient sprays and seed treatment with biofertilizers on nutrient uptake, available nutrients and microbial status at harvest of kharif soybean (Glycine max L. Merill).

Response of summer fodder sorghum as influenced by preceding rabi sorghum varieties, residual effect of zinc, iron and varied fertilizer levels directly applied to fodder sorghum

Response of summer fodder sorghum as influenced by preceding rabi sorghum varieties, residual effect of zinc, iron and varied fertilizer levels directly applied to fodder sorghum

Variation in CSR plant strategies along soil and climate gradients: A comparison between rocky outcrops and nearby rangelands

AbstractQuestionRocky outcrops in mountains represent unique ecosystems characterized by a series of stress‐inducing features on living organisms. Despite numerous studies focusing on plant diversity and species community composition in these ecosystems, less attention has been given to understanding plant strategies in response to their challenging environment. This is essential, especially considering the existence of numerous endemic species facing climate change and human disturbances.LocationThe study was conducted in six sites located in rocky outcrops and their nearby rangelands across a rainfall gradient (160–910 mm) and under different soil fertility levels in northern Iran.MethodsWe used competitor, stress tolerator and ruderal (CSR) strategies as functional groups to examine the responses of plant communities to environmental variation. The composition of plant species and functional traits were evaluated in ninety 1‐m2 plots. The influence of 10 soil and 5 bioclimatic factors on CSR plant strategies was examined along the rainfall gradient.ResultsOur results showed changes in CSR strategies from stress‐tolerant species (S) in rocky outcrops toward intermediate strategies (S/CSR) in rangelands. Soil organic carbon, electrical conductivity and sand were consistently correlated with shifts from S towards C and R strategies in rangelands. Silt and sodium (Na) affected the presence of S strategies in outcrops. The stressful conditions induced by a fine soil texture and Na in outcrops were particularly effective in establishing the dominance of the S strategy.ConclusionsWe identified patterns of shifts in CSR plant strategies that align with changes in environmental gradients. Although stress‐tolerant species (S) were the dominant strategy in most cases, this shifted towards intermediate strategies (SR and CSR) under more benign environmental conditions. In outcrops, these changes were primarily aligned with soil parameters, whereas in rangelands, both soil and climate variables were correlative. However, these correlations varied between soil and climate factors, as well as between outcrop and rangeland landscapes.

Optimized nitrogen and potassium fertilizers application increases stem lodging resistance and grain yield of oil flax by enhancing lignin biosynthesis

The lodging issue is a significant factor that hinders the enhancement of oil flax production efficiency in northern China. Crop lodging or not, and lignin content in the stems are closely related, and how nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilization interaction regulate lignin biosynthesis in the stems of oil flax requires further in-depth study. Therefore, the research aims to enhance the lodging resistance and facilitate an increased yield of oil flax. We are examined the interaction of different nitrogen fertilizers (75, 150, and 225 kg N ha-1) and potassium fertilizers (60 and 90 kg K2O ha-1) on oil flax lignin metabolism, lodging resistance, and grain yield in 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The results indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels and their interaction treatments are facilitated lignin accumulation, achievement of lodging resistance and high yield. Compared to CK, the 75-150 kg N ha-1 in combination with 60 kg K2O ha-1 treatments significantly enhanced the enzyme activities (TAL, PAL, POD, and CAD) and the gene expressions (4CL1 and F5H3) for lignin syntheses, lignin content dramatically increased 29.63-43.30%, improved stem bending strength and lodging resistance index, and grain yield increased 23.27-32.34%. Correlation analysis indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer positively regulated the relative enzyme activities and genes expression for lignin to facilitated lignin biosynthesis and accumulation, and enhanced stem bending strength and lodging resistance index. Positive correlations were found among the relative enzyme activities and gene expressions for lignin, lodging resistance and grain yield. To summarize, 75-150 kg N ha-1 in conjunction with 60 kg K2O ha-1 treatment was promoted to lignin biosynthesis and accumulation, enhanced the lodging resistance and grain yield of oil flax in the dryland farming region of central Gansu. Furthermore, it served as a technical guide for cultivating stress tolerance and high-yield oil flax in the dryland farming region.

Effect of fertility levels and moisture conservation techniques on growth characters of maize under rainfed ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh

Effect of fertility levels and moisture conservation techniques on growth characters of maize under rainfed ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh

Effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonolba (L.) Taub.

Effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonolba (L.) Taub.

Effects of fertilizer levels and foliar nutrient sprays on growth and yield of kharif soybean (Glycine max L. Merill)

Effects of fertilizer levels and foliar nutrient sprays on growth and yield of kharif soybean (Glycine max L. Merill)

Effect of fertility levels and sowing methods on wheat yield, nutrient content and soil nutrient availability under mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh

Effect of fertility levels and sowing methods on wheat yield, nutrient content and soil nutrient availability under mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh

Carbon and nitrogen metabolisms in rice growing with different levels of nitrogen fertilization under alkaline soil

Carbon and nitrogen metabolisms in rice growing with different levels of nitrogen fertilization under alkaline soil

Response of Malt Barley to NPSZnB and Urea Fertilizers Across Soil Types and Agro-ecologies, Arsi Zone of Oromia, South-Eastern Ethiopia

Field trials were conducted on farmers’ fields during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the optimum NPSZnB and urea fertilizer rates for selected crop, soil, and climatic conditions, as well as to assess the economic feasibility of blended and urea fertilizer rates for malt barley by varying levels of NPSZnB fertilizer (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and recommended NP in combined RCBD with three replications on growth performance and yield. The post-harvest soil analysis results of experimental sites revealed that the use of treatments significantly (p< 0.05 and p< 0.001) altered pH, total N, available P, and organic matter for samples taken from malt barley crop experimental sites. Application of different fertilizer levels significantly affected post-harvest pH and organic carbon contents. A significant improvement was observed in soil chemical contents compared to the contents of the soil before treatment application at Lemu-Bilbilo district. Combined levels of NPSZnB and urea fertilizer rates significantly affected grain and above-ground biomass yields at Lemu-Bilbilo and Kofele districts. The maximum grain and biomass yield (6197 and 11018 kg ha-1) in 2019 and minimum (3646 and 6875 kg ha-1) in the 2018 cropping season were obtained, respectively at Lemu-Bilbilo district up on the application of NPSZnB and urea fertilizers. Similarly, significant grain and biomass yield (5554 and 10412 kg ha-1) were obtained from the application of 250 + 200 and 250 + 150 kg ha-1 NPSZnB with urea fertilizer, respectively. The maximum grain and biomass yield (5244 and 10092 kg ha-1) in 2019 and minimum (3477 and 7736 kg ha-1) in 2017 and 2018 cropping season were obtained, respectively at Kofele district from the application of NPSZnB and urea fertilizers. Similarly, a significant grain and biomass yield (5125 and 9826 kg ha-1) were obtained from the application of 250 + 150 and 250 + 200 kg ha-1 NPSZnB + urea, respectively.

Effect of fertilization and flower bud dormancy breaker on yield and fruit quality of crystal guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) crystal variety or often called crystal guava is a type of fruit that has recently become increasingly popular in the community and is highly favored by consumers. The advantages of this guava compared to other guavas are fast fruiting (8 months after planting has started production), small habitus so that the population per hectare is high, the fruit is large with thick pulp, tastes good, fresh, and crunchy, very few seeds only 4-6 per fruit, even many are seedless (seddless), and the appearance of the fruit is attractive. With its various advantages, the crystal guava population in Bali has grown very rapidly since the last 5 years, but farmers complain that although certified superior seeds are used, the production, quality and continuity of the fruit produced are not as expected. The continuity of fruit harvest is not sustainable because many naturally induced flower buds do not develop into flowers due to dormancy. The aim of this study was to increase the production and quality of crystal guava fruit through fertilization and the application of flower bud dormancy breakers. The research was conducted in Semanik Village, Petang District, Badung from January to July 2024. The experiment was arranged in a 2-factor factorial with 9 replications, using a group randomized design. The first factor was fertilization consisting of 3 levels; fertilization as the farmer's way/control (P1), fertilization with N, P, K, and Ca (P2), and fertilization with N, P, K, Ca and microfertilizers Zn, and Cu (P3), while the second factor was the application of flower bud dormancy breaker type consisting of 3 levels; without dormancy breaker/control (Dt), Ethreel dormancy breaker (De), and KNO3 dormancy breaker (Dk). The results showed that fertilization level P2, namely the provision of urea, TSP, KCl and calcium fertilizer in the form of gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) at a dose of 250 g, 300 g, 300 g, and 1,250 g/plant respectively and fertilization level P3, namely the provision of urea, TSP, KCl and gypsum at a dose of 250 g, 300 g, 300 g, and 1,250 g/plant coupled with the provision of micro-fertilizers ZnSO4 and CuSO4 tend to increase the growth, production and quality of crystal guava fruit. Similarly, the application of Ethreel and KNO3 flower bud dormancy breakers tended to increase the number of new buds per plant, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and percentage of grade A fruits.

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.

Soybean planting date affects the relationships between soil test values and grain yield

AbstractMany soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growers in the US Midwest rely on soil test values for evaluating the crop's fertilizer needs. However, threshold values for Illinois were calibrated to soybean yield in the 1960s when the production systems and yield potential were much different than today. The objective of this study was to determine which and how well soil test values predict yield of unfertilized soybean. Preplant soil samples, collected from 133 trials across Illinois from 2014 to 2021, were analyzed for 14 chemical attributes and compared to unfertilized soybean grain yields from those same studies. Pearson correlation coefficients (r), principal factor analysis, and latent variable regression models were used to determine those soil attributes most closely associated with grain yield and yield components. The association of planting date and yield (r = −0.56) led to dividing the data set into five planting date groups. Soil fertility levels resulted in a strong correlation with yield for Late or Very‐late planting groups, but not for the Early or Very‐early groups. A factor analysis of soil attributes largely resulted in retention of two factors, identified as Soil Organic Charge and Soil Fertility, across the planting‐date groups. Regression of these factors with yield confirmed that soil fertility had a greater influence on grain yield for late‐planted soybeans than early‐planted and that these differences were associated with average seed weight. Therefore, positioning late‐planted soybeans in higher fertility fields and early‐planted soybeans in lower‐fertility fields could reduce the need for supplemental fertilization.

PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF Physalis peruviana FRUIT APPLYING DIFFERENT DOSES OF SIMPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

The present study aimed to investigate and determine the most relevant fertilization levels of Simple Superphosphate to increase fruit production and improve fruit quality for fresh consumption. The experiment was conducted at the EPAMIG Experimental Field in Lambarí, Minas Gerais, from September 2021 to November 2022. Five fertilization levels were tested: 150 grams/plot, 300 grams/plot, 600 grams/plot, and 1200 grams/plot, along with a control group (no fertilization). A significant increase in fruit production was observed at the higher dose (1200 grams/plot) compared to the control, representing a 54.06% increase in fruit production. Additionally, the total fresh biomass production increased by 19.43%, the number of primary and secondary branches per plant increased by 48.99%, the branch length increased by 4.26%, and the canopy diameter increased by 6.83% when compared to the control. All these characteristics were significantly different at the 95% confidence level according to the Scott-Knott test. We concluded that 300 grams/plot was the best fertilization dose to achieve higher production and acceptable quality.

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.

Growth, yield, andrographolide content and total antioxidant activity of Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees] under variable nitrogen rates and organic manures application in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Kalmegh is an important medicinal crop because of the most important biologically active phyto-chemical called andrographolide. Production of higher herbage yields with appropriate quality in terms of andrographolide is largely dependent upon efficient nutrient management. This study aimed to assess the effect of organic manures application and variable nitrogen rates on growth, yield, andrographolide content and total antioxidant activity of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three levels of organic manures [M1- Control, M2- vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 and M3- poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1] and four fertility levels [F1- 0: 50: 50, F2- 50: 50: 50, F3- 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 and F4- 75: 50: 50 kg ha−1 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively] replicated thrice. The highest dry herbage yields and andrographolide content of kalmegh were recorded with vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 followed by poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 during both the years while, lower yields due to control. Dry herbage and andrographolide yield were found to be highest in M2×F3 compared with M1×F1. Our study concluded that the application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 along with 75 kg ha−1 N in two splits and 50 kg ha−1of each P2O5 and K2O resulted higher yield and andrographolide content which, would provide better soil nutrient status in sustainable manner without affecting ecological balances.

Effect of CO2 Elevation on Tomato Gas Exchange, Root Morphology and Water Use Efficiency under Two N-Fertigation Levels.

Atmospheric elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) decreases plant nitrogen (N) concentration while increasing water use efficiency (WUE), fertigation increases crop nutrition and WUE in crop; yet the interactive effects of e[CO2] coupled with two N-fertigation levels during deficit irrigation on plant gas exchange, root morphology and WUE remain largely elusive. The objective of this study was to explore the physiological and growth responses of ambient [CO2] (a[CO2], 400 ppm) and e[CO2] (800 ppm) tomato plant exposed to two N-fertigation regimes: (1) full irrigation during N-fertigation (FIN); (2) deficit irrigation during N-fertigation (DIN) under two N fertilizer levels (reduced N (N1, 0.5 g pot-1) and adequate N (N2, 1.0 g pot-1). The results indicated that e[CO2] associated with DIN regime induced the lower N2 plant water use (7.28 L plant-1), maintained leaf water potential (-5.07 MPa) and hydraulic conductivity (0.49 mol m-2 s-1 MPa-1), greater tomato growth in terms of leaf area (7152.75 cm2), specific leaf area (223.61 cm2 g-1), stem and total dry matter (19.54 g and 55.48 g). Specific root length and specific root surface area were increased under N1 fertilization, and root tissue density was promoted in both e[CO2] and DIN environments. Moreover, a smaller and denser leaf stomata (4.96 µm2 and 5.37 mm-2) of N1 plant was obtained at e[CO2] integrated with DIN strategy. Meanwhile, this combination would simultaneously reduce stomatal conductance (0.13 mol m-2 s-1) and transpiration rate (1.91 mmol m-2 s-1), enhance leaf ABA concentration (133.05 ng g-1 FW), contributing to an improvement in WUE from stomatal to whole-plant scale under each N level, especially for applying N1 fertilization (125.95 µmol mol-1, 8.41 µmol mmol-1 and 7.15 g L-1). These findings provide valuable information to optimize water and nitrogen fertilizer management and improve plant water use efficiency, responding to the potential resource-limited and CO2-enriched scenario.