Fertility Levels Research Articles

Effect of Recommended and Graded Doses of Biochar with and without ZMB Biofertilizer and Zinc on the Growth Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Students' Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, to assess the impact of graded doses of biochar, varying fertility levels, and the addition of biofertilizers and zinc on rice cultivation under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Nine treatments were applied, including combinations of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), biochar (5 t ha⁻¹ and 2.5 t ha⁻¹), biofertilizer (ZMB), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (50% RDF), T4 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T5 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), T6 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄), T7 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T8 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), and T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄). The rice variety NDR 2065 was used as the test crop. Growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, root length, root volume, number of tillers, and panicle length were evaluated. The results showed that the treatment T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄) produced the highest growth and quality parameters, indicating a significant improvement in rice performance. The study suggests combining biochar, biofertilizers, and zinc under reduced fertilizer levels can enhance rice growth and productivity in sodic soils, offering a sustainable approach to soil fertility management.

Cereal-legume intercropping enhances the quality of feedstock for lignocellulosic bioethanol production by reducing the carbon: nitrogen ratio

Bioethanol production from cereal straw is a sustainable alternative to meet the current energy demand, but its low nitrogen (N) content and high carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio are problematic during bioethanol processing. Intercropping cereals with legumes may increase the N content and reduce the C/N ratio in the harvested straw biomass. In order to investigate the combined production of food, feed, and suitable feedstock (low C/N ratio) for lignocellulosic bioethanol production, a field experiment on cereal-legume intercropping was carried out in southern Sweden. In the experiment, autumn-sown cereals (wheat, triticale, and rye) were grown as monocrops with two different N fertilization levels (60 and 120 kg N ha−1) or intercropped with autumn-sown or spring-sown (undersown) clover-grass, autumn-sown or spring-sown (undersown) alfalfa, or autumn-sown faba bean. Total grain dry matter yield, cereal grain protein content, straw dry matter yield, and straw biomass C/N ratio were estimated. The results showed that the intercrops produced more straw biomass and had a lower C/N ratio, but produced less grain, than cereal monocrops. Among the cereals, rye showed significantly higher grain and straw yields, but lower grain protein content, in all treatments. Among the intercrop treatments, cereal with spring-sown clover-grass produced higher grain and straw yields and had a significantly lower C/N ratio (38:1) than the other treatments. Thus, cereal with spring-sown (undersown) clover-grass is a promising cropping system for lignocellulosic bioethanol production.

Analysis of the Synergistic Effect of Endophytic Bacteria and Metabolites on Yield in Soybean Roots Under Biochar with Nitrogen Fertilization

The appropriate application of nitrogen fertilizers and biochar to the soil is beneficial for soybean growth, and a combination of biochar and nitrogen can improve low-nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. However, the effect of the combination of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on soybean roots is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the changes in endophytic bacterial communities and metabolites in soybean roots under different combinations of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer treatments by setting different fertilization levels and using high-throughput sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics techniques. The results showed that applying 20 t/ha of biochar and 180 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer (C2N1) resulted in the highest soybean yield. By studying the endophytic bacterial community in soybean roots, it was observed that the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota, and the dominant genera were Bradyrhizobium, Streptomyces, and Rhizobacter. Moreover, a metabolic pathway analysis revealed that glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor biosynthesis was the most significant metabolic pathway in the C0N1 vs. C0N0 comparison group, and glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most significant metabolic pathway in the C2N1 vs. C1N1 comparison group; they were both associated with regulatory mechanisms such as plant growth promotion and nutrient cycling. Structural equation modeling indicates that both endophytic bacteria and metabolites have a significant positive impact on yield. Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium are observable variables with significant positive effects on endophytic bacteria, while Phe-Thr and 7-allyloxycoumarin are observable variables with significant positive effects on metabolites. Endophytic bacteria not only have a direct impact on crop yield, but also indirectly affect crop yield through their effects on metabolites. This study has important scientific value and guiding significance for improving soybean yields.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizer and Humic Acid on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Soil after Harvest of Rose

A field experiment on “Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer and humic acid on yield and quality of rosa sp was carried out during Rabi season at PG Research unit, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of four levels of water soluble fertilizer (19:19:19) viz., Control, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g and three levels of humic acid viz., Control, 500 ppm and 750 ppm giving twelve treatment combinations replicated thrice. The collected soil samples were processed and analysed for different soil parameter like soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, available nitrogen, available phosphorus available potassium and available sulphur using standard analytical methods. Results revealed that pH of all the samples of study area was in the neutral to alkaline. Electrical conductivity of all the samples were found normal (<1.0 dsm-1). The organic carbon content of the study area varies from low to medium. The availability of NPK after harvesting was found superior in treatment combination (F4H3), which involved application of 400 g 19:19:19 with 750 ppm humic acid.

Influence of Seed Priming, Plant Geometry and Conjunctive Use of Fertilizers, FYM and Vermicompost on Productivity and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Background: Nutrients requirement of crops can easily be met by the application various fertilizers alone but in long run their continuous use deteriorate soil health and may retard the productivity of crops also. Further cost escalation and timely availability of fertilizers and other inputs lead to uneconomic production. Integrated nutrient management (INM) practices including reduced levels of fertilizers with locally available organic sources of plant nutrients, low cost and no cost inputs may be answer to the problems. Very meagre work has been done in past on different aspects on green gram crop. Present study aimed at evaluating and quantify the performance of summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.) crop as affected by seed hydropriming, plant geometry and nutrient applications through fertilizers, FYM, vermicompost and their combinations for maximizing the productivity and economic viability. Methods: The low cost seed hydropriming, no cost treatments of 2 plant geometries of (i) G1 (30´10 cm) and (ii) G2 (30´20 cm) and 5 treatments of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices (N) viz; (i) N1 (20+40+20 kg NPK/ha (RDF), (ii) N2 (100% RDF equivalent FYM), (iii) N3(100% RDF equivalent vermicompost) (iv) N4(50% RDF from fertilizer+50% RDF equivalent FYM) and (v) N5 (50% RDF from fertilizer+50% RDF equivalent vermicompost) were evaluated in field experiments using split-split plot design having 3 replications. Result: The main conclusion is that practices of seed hydropriming and planting geometry of 30´10 cm proved superior for realizing maximum productivity and profitability. Integrated application of fertilizer equivalent to 50% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) coupled with 50% nutrients through organic sources like farmyard manure and or vermicompost (treatments N4 and N5) proved most effective over organic sources alone (FYM and vermicompost through treatments N2 and N3) and 100% RDF through fertilizers (N1) for summer green gram cultivation on sustainable basis. The results of the present work will be useful for majority of farmers particularly pulse crops growers to bridge the gap between present level of productivity and potentially realizable productivity of moong bean crop on cost effective and sustainable basis.

Enhancing Growth and Yield of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.): Influence of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer Applications

The indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers depletes soil fertility and reduces crop yields. Limited information exists on nutrient management for Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.). A field experiment conducted from 2016-17 to 2019-20 at Rahuri (MS) evaluated the effects of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer levels on Tulsi yield. The randomized block design (RBD) experiment included 12 treatments combining chemical fertilizers (N:P2O5:K2O) at three levels (30:20:10, 40:30:20, and 50:40:30 kg ha⁻¹) with or without farmyard manure (FYM) at 5 or 10 t ha⁻¹, alongside FYM-only and control treatments. The results showed that, the treatment T9 (50:40:30 kg ha⁻¹ + FYM 10 t ha⁻¹) significantly improved plant height, branches per plant, fresh and dry herbage yield, and soil nutrient status (N, P, and K) over the control. T9 also achieved the highest economic returns with a superior B:C ratio, closely followed by T8 (40:30:20 kg ha⁻¹ + FYM 10 t ha⁻¹). This study concludes that combining higher inorganic fertilizer levels with FYM (10 t ha⁻¹) optimizes growth, yield, and soil fertility in Tulsi cultivation.

Calcium and boron, with and without amino acids, in foliar fertilisation in soybean

ABSTRACT The aim was to verify the viability of foliar fertilisation of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) in soybeans (Glycine max) in soils with various fertility levels. The experiment was carried out in four agricultural seasons and designed in randomised blocks, with three treatments and seven replications. The treatments were as follows: control, and Ca and B spraying on soybean plants without and with amino acids. Spraying was carried out at the flowering of the crop one time. It was concluded that there were significant differences in the yield components in the two crops, when the experiment was installed in soils with lower fertility, in which the foliar fertiliser with amino acid stood out. When there was a significant difference in productivity, the B content was altered; the value in the grains that received the product with amino acids was greater than the treatment without amino acids and above the treatment in which the plants were not sprayed with foliar fertilisers. Therefore, we highlight that Ca and B foliar fertilisation is especially required for soils with low CEC and Ca contents. However, this technique will likely not improve soybean performance for soils with no nutrient deficiency.

TaFAR9 and TaFAR10 synergistically regulate fertility conversion of photo-thermo-sensitive genic male sterility lines in wheat by modulating ROS homeostasis

Photo-thermo-sensitive genic male sterility (PTGMS), which exhibits varying fertility levels under different environmental conditions, is a crucial method for heterosis utilization in wheat. However, the mechanisms underlying fertility conversion remain unclear. In the study, three BS type PTGMS lines were analyzed to study fertility conversion characteristics. The results indicated that the fertility conversion occurred during meiosis and was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) under a sterile environment. TaFAR9 encoding a novel fatty acyl CoA reductase was identified using transcriptome sequencing. Expression analysis suggested that TaFAR9 was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with high expression levels in anthers. Furthermore, the down-regulation of TaFAR9 expression displayed characteristics of male sterility, accompanied by the accumulation of ROS. Cytological analysis revealed abnormal development in the anther and pollen walls of TaFAR9-silenced lines. Additionally, TaFAR9 and TaFAR10 were confirmed to physically interact using molecular docking simulation, yeast two-hybrid, luciferase complementation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. The reduced expression of TaFAR10 also exhibited male sterility and ROS burst. Moreover, the co-silencing of TaFAR9 and TaFAR10 produced sterility phenotypes that were similar to those observed when silencing TaFAR9 or TaFAR10 individually. Transcriptome analysis suggested that the ROS burst in BSMV: TaFAR9/10 anthers can result in cellular metabolic disorders. These findings indicate that TaFAR9 and TaFAR10 may form heterodimers that synergistically regulate fertility conversion in PTGMS lines by modulating ROS metabolism. And this study offers a fresh insight into the regulatory processes involved in fertility conversion in PTGMS lines.

Optimizing Cutting Interval and Nitrogen Fertilizer Level for Enhanced Panicum (Panicum maximum L.) Forage Yield and Quality in Egypt

Optimizing Cutting Interval and Nitrogen Fertilizer Level for Enhanced Panicum (Panicum maximum L.) Forage Yield and Quality in Egypt

IMPROVEMENT OF METHODS AND TECHNICAL MEANS OF WATER EROSION CONTROL DURING CULTIVATING POTATOES ON A PROFILED FIELD SURFACE

BACKGROUND: Potato is a crop that requires the creation of a fine-grained structure of the upper tuber-inhabited soil layer to form tubers of the correct shape, as well as to ensure conditions for good soil separation during harvesting. For this purpose, most technologies for cultivating this crop provide for the formation of a profiled field surface. One of the results of global climate change is an increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall during the growing season. At the same time, the presence of a profiled surface on fields with even a slight slope leads to significant risks of water erosion during heavy rains due to water flowing from the ridge walls into the row spacing. This leads to annual irreparable losses of the fertile soil layer. Therefore, in order to ensure the preservation of the level of natural soil fertility and eliminate the risks of water erosion when using intensive potato production technologies in the context of global climate change, it is necessary to improve the technological methods and technical means used to form a profiled field surface. AIM: The aim of the study is to protect soil from water erosion during potato cultivation on a profiled field surface by improving technological methods and technical means used to form a profiled field surface, as well as substantiating the parameters and modes of their operation. METHODS: The object of the research is a non-powered rotary dyker mounted on a row-crop cultivator-subsoiler. To select rational parameters of the dyker's blades theoretical studies were conducted on the basis of which the rotor diameter of its blades was selected. The following assumptions were adopted as initial data for determining the technological parameters of the dyker: intensity of rainfall; depth of the loosening tines of the row-crop cultivator-subsoiler; the rate of rain absorption by capillaries on medium-loamy soils at a certain degree of field slope. The theoretical calculation of the technological parameters of thedyker was performed on the basis of the constructed trajectories of the rotor center and its blades during the work process. The calculation of the parameters of the dyker was carried out taking into account that the front and rear walls of the mini pit are formed by its blade by pushing loose soil during rolling with a step t relative to a fixed point at a certain depth h, the step of the dyker's blades t is determined by the design parameters of the rotor: diameter D and the number of blades on it. RESULTS: To determine the number of mini pits per linear meter the volume of water that gets between the rows during a downpour was calculated depending on their interrow width. The calculation results showed that with a precipitation intensity of 15 mm/h the number of mini tip per linear meter of the profiled surface of the field varies from 2.4 to 3.1 pcs/m. These data made it possible to determine the rational parameters of the dyker for protection against water erosion of the fields located on slopes when cultivating potatoes on the profiled surface. CONCLUSION: An effective method for preventing water erosion on the profiled surface of a field when cultivating potatoes is deep loosening between rows with simultaneous formation of mini pits at the bottom of the furrow. For this purpose it is proposed to use a non-powered rotary pit cultivator. When using a dyker with a rotor diameter of 600 mm the number of mini pits per linear meter varies from 2.4 pcs/m with a inter row spacing of 70 cm to 3.1 pcs/m with a inter row spacing of 90 cm. For reliable protection of soils from water erosion with a inter row spacing of 70 cm it is enough to install 4 blades on the rotor, with inter row spacing of 75 and 80 cm best result available with 5 blades per rotor and with a width of 90 cm 6 blades per rotor will be required.

Balance Sheet (Kg/Ha) As Influenced by Treatment Combination of TurfVigor, Agriplex, and Fertilizer Levels

An investigation on the effect of TurfVigor (microbial fertilizer) and Agriplex (chelated liquid nutrient) along with fertilizer levels on palak, yield, and quality of palak was conducted at the Horticultural Research Station University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, in 2018. This research aims to determine the minimum consumption of nutrients in palak through the soil using a solution of low-consumption elements. Foliar application of TurfVigor at (1%) has increased the leaf area per plant of palak (358.89 Sq.m), and TurfVigor (2%) has increased the total chlorophyll content (0.94mg/g), total dry weight per plant (0.32g) and yield per plot (3.48kg) in the third harvest. The number of leaves per plant and leaf area index were significantly higher (5.98 and 1.39) in the 75 percent recommended dose of fertilizer application. The better performance of these fertilizers could be attributed to producing a maximum number of leaves, dry weight, and total chlorophyll content with a 100 percent fertilizer dose, a spray of 2 percent TurfVigor, and 0.65 percent Agriplex.

Soil microorganism biodiversity in pule (Alostonia scholarus L.) and candlenut trees (Aleurites moluccana L.) at Wijaya Kusuma Campus Surabaya

A beautiful and fresh environment is visible with lush trees that illustrate the level of soil fertility and the diversity of microbes in it. Plant growth and development are influenced by the abundance of soil microbes, which reflect soil fertility and soil biological properties. Wijaya Kusuma Campus Surabaya is a campus whose slogan is Keluruhuran Jiwa Berbenah Lingkungan (Keji Beling) as a form of concern for the environment and the desire to create a healthy environment, it is necessary to explore the existence of potential microbes from the roots of trees in the campus environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the number and type of soil microbial isolates isolated from the rhizosphere of pule (Alostonia scholarus L.) and candlenut (Aleurites moluccana L.) trees on the Wijaya Kusuma Campus Surabaya. This research is exploratory descriptive qualitative research. Research methods include microbial isolation in the rhizosphere of pule and candlenut plants, macroscopic and microscopic characterization of microbes, KOH test, and catalase test. Data were analyzed descriptively describing the number and type of isolates. The results of the study concluded that the isolation results from the Pule tree obtained 12 colonies of fungi and the Candlenut tree obtained 6 colonies. The genus found were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. In addition, 27 bacterial colonies were found on the pule tree and 23 bacterial colonies on the candlenut tree, namely the genus Bacillus sp. The isolate results obtained can be used as microbial observation material in biology learning.

FARMER GROUP EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE FIELD SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED PLANT-MANAGEMENT (SL-PTT) PROGRAM IN BERU-BERU VILLAGE KALUKKU DISTRICT MAMUJU REGENCY

Developing the food crops sector is one of the key strategies to stimulate future economic growth. Besides being a major source of foreign exchange, this sector is the source of life for most of the Indonesian population. The increasing population has raised concerns over the state of "food insecurity" in the future. Therefore, to meet the food needs in the West Sulawesi province, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock initiated the Field-School of Integrated Plant Management (SL-PTT) program. This study is entitled "FARMER GROUP EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE FIELD-SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED PLAN-MANAGEMENT (SL-PTT) PROGRAM IN BERU BERU VILLAGE KALUKKU DISTRICT MAMUJU REGENCY". The implementation of this program faces some issues such as the model applied in the program, the factors influencing the production and income, and the development pattern. This study aims to identify the implementation of the SL-PTT program in Beru-Beru Village including the inhibiting factors. This study was conducted in Beru-Beru Village, Kalukku District, Mamuju Regency. This study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques covered observations, interviews, and documentation. Based on the results of the observation, the SL-PTT program has been successfully implemented. In practice, it manages to achieve the predetermined targets and objectives as well as involve farmers to participate in the improvement of agricultural yields. The inhibiting factors in the implementation of this program, include no response from the government for farmer groups who implement the SL-PTT program, lack of farmer group administrator effort to hold the counseling group meetings, different levels of soil fertility, different economic capabilities, unprepared use of agricultural technologies, and the limited budget allocation. Considering those challenges, the government of West Sulawesi province is expected to help increase the budget allocation for the implementation of this program, recruit the mentoring team based on technical competence aspects, and give insight to the community about the SL-PTT program.

Leaf yield quality of Swiss chard Beta vulgaris spp. cicla as influenced by ammonium: nitrate Ratio and Organic Fertilizer

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of NH4+:NO3- ratio and spraying with seaweed extract on the quality indicators of Swiss chard. Nitrate or ammonium fertilization was used alone at a concentration of 400 mg. L-1, or a balanced combination of both at a ratio of 200:200 mg L-1 in combination with spraying with SWE extract at levels of 0, 3, 6 g L-1. Generally, the results showed that the studied quality indicators were affected differently by different fertilization levels and combinations. As, the results showed that the interaction of NH4+:NO3- ratio (200:200) and seaweed extract at a concentration of 6 g L-1 led to the highest significant increase in leaf content of ascorbic acid to 44.92 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight and protein to 6.62%. However, other qualitative indicators, leaf content of oxalic acid 87.85 mg/100 g-1, oxalic acid/calcium ratio 1.73, and number of calcium oxalate crystals 265.13 crystals, recorded the highest values in the nitrate 400: 0 ammonium treatment in combination with the presence of SWE at a concentration of 3 g/L-1.

Enhancing black gram “[Vigna mungo (l.) Hepper]” nutrient uptake and yield through integrated use of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer application

Black gram is an important legume crop cultivated throughout the world for its protein content and economic importance. The integrated nutrient management practice is the key strategy to increase the production and productivity of black gram to meet the protein needs of the growing population. There is an immediate need for organic manure application along with inorganic fertilizer for increasing the nutrient uptake efficiency of crops. The goal of the field experiment was to maximise the delivery of nutrients by recycling residue from the cropping system's related components. Different organic manures and the appropriate dosages of NPK fertilisers were used in the studies from 2019 to 2021 and the field was laid out in split plot statistical design with 5 main plots viz., M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and 3 Sub plots were fixed with different fertilizer levels viz., S1, S2 and S3. The significant influences on growth and yield attributes of black gram were observed. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake in grain and haulm yield significantly increased with the application of M2S1 compared to other combinations tried in both years. This experiment highlights the effectiveness of integrated nutrient management (INM) using organic manure and inorganic fertilizers. This approach can improve crop yield while promoting sustainability by reducing reliance solely on chemical fertilizers.

Variability of new self-pollinated maize lines’ response to CMS depending on the sterility source and weather conditions of the year

The wide introduction of new maize hybrids into production is possible only if they are transferred to a sterile basis. This requires data on the lines’ response to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). The purpose of the current study was to classify new self-pollinated maize lines according to their ability to fix and restore based on various sources of sterility and contrasting weather conditions during the conducted estimation. The study was carried out at the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2022–2024. The conditions during the study were contrasting (HTC = 0.49 – 2022, HTC = 0.83 – 2023, HTC = 0.22 – 2024). As the sterility sources there were used the forms М1 and М2 with different sterilizing capacity of the Moldavian (‘M’) type, and the forms С1, С2 with different sterilizing capacity of the Bolivian (‘C’) type of CMS. The objects of the study were 15 new constant (I6) self-pollinated maize lines and 60 test-cross hybrids obtained from analyzed crossings. The response of the self-pollinated lines depended on the source of sterility and the weather conditions of the year of study. The fertility level of testers with the participation of the sources M2 and C2 was higher than that of testers of the sources C1 and M1. In the arid year of 2024, the selfpollinated lines SK 7, SK 9 and SK 11 reduced the fertility level according to the ‘C’ type from partial fertility (class 2) to complete sterility (class 0), or from complete fertility (class 5) to partial fertility (class 3). According to the ‘M’ type, there was a fertility decrease in the lines SK 11 and SK 12. There have been identified such new self-pollinated maize lines as SK 1, SK 6, SK 7, SK 8, SK 14 and SK 15, which are sterility fixers of the ‘M’ type of CMS. These lines are valuable as maternal forms when transferring maize hybrids developed with their participation to a sterile basis. There have been identified the lines SK 5 and SK 9 as the natural fertility restorers of the ‘M’ type, which are valuable for use as paternal forms of hybrids. According to the ‘C’ type of CMS, the sterility fixers SK 5, SK 12, SK 14 and the constant fertility restorers SK 2, SK 3, SK 6, SK 10 and SK 13 are of the greatest interest.

Evaluation of mycorrhizae transplantation from Panicum maximum as biofertilizer for paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka

Indiscriminate chemical fertilization in paddy fields is causing detrimental global impacts, therefore exploration of bio-based sustainable alternatives to compensate requirement of chemical fertilizers is necessary. This study was designed to evaluate use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) obtained from roots of a spontaneous weed grass (Panicum maximum), which demonstrated an average AMF root colonization of 75-85%, as self-produced biofertilizer for rice cultivation. Field trial was carried out in paddy field at Monaragala, Sri Lanka. Two traditional rice (Oriza sativa L.) varieties (Suwadel and Kuruluthuda) were selected, and Randomized Complete Block Design was employed with three replicates in eight different treatment plots per block. Different chemical fertilizer regimes (100%, 50% and 25% of recommended fertilizer dose) and no amendments as controls were applied. AMF inocula were applied alone or supplemented to fertilized treatments (100% +AMF, 50% +AMF, 25% +AMF, AMF alone). Treatment plan was implemented separately for two varieties. Rice yield and percentage of AMF root colonization were quantified at harvest. Results revealed that grain dry weight for Suwadel was significantly higher (p<0.05) in treatments supplying AMF in addition with chemical fertilizer at optimal dose (100%) or 50% reduced, compared to other treatments. Highest number of seeds was observed in plants treated with 100% fertilizer, but result was not significantly different (p>0.05) from 50% +AMF and 100% + AMF treatments. Treatments with AMF inocula alone showed highest percentages of AMF colonization in Suwadel. Inverse connection was observed between fertilizer level and AMF colonization. Differently from Suwadel, no AMF colonization was observed in Kuruluthuda variety and no significant differences were observed in harvest for treatments with and without AMF application. According to results, usage of AMF inocula as on-field prepared biofertilizer combined with 50% of chemical fertilizer is effective in improving sustainable agriculture but efficacy of application strictly depends on crop variety.

THE INFLUENCE OF MINERAL FERTILIZATION AND ROTATION IN WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM) CROP

Wheat is a crop that efficiently uses chemical fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrogen being the chemical element that causes higher yield increases. The superiority of wheat yield achieved by using nitrogen is natural, considering that nitrogen represents the "pivot of fertilization", the decisive factor in increasing wheat yields, and phosphorus has a smaller effect. Following the conditions during September - August 2022-2023, the yield data obtained for autumn wheat at ARDS Turda are presented according to the fertilization level and the preceding plant. The results presented the effect of interactions and complementarity determined by NxP fertilization of wheat on vertical chernozem (pararendzinic cambic chernozem) from SCDA Turda. The Andrada wheat variety created by SCDA Turda was used. The factors taken in the analysis are: factor A: phosphorus doses applied entirely in autumn under the base plow with 5 gradations P0, P40, P80, P120, P160; factor B: nitrogen doses N0, N40, N80, N120, N160 for wheat grown after maize and N0, N30, N60, N90, N120 for wheat grown after soybean, applied fractionally 50% in the fall after the rising of the crop and 50% in the spring at the resumption in vegetation.

Study of allelic diversity of the Rf1 gene in grain sorghum samples

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one of the important grain crops in world production. In order to develop valuable heterotic hybrid lines, breeders use cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), which is mainly based on the A1 (milo) cytoplasm in Russia. This type of CMS is controlled by several genes, one of which is the Rf1 gene. The purpose of the current work was to study the allelic diversity of the Rf1 gene in breeding and collection grain sorghum samples. Genomic DNA of grain sorghum was isolated by the CTAB method from young sprouts. The quantity and quality of DNA were estimated by a spectrophotometer. For PCR analysis, there was used a specific molecular marker Xtxp18, which established a wide allelic diversity of the 30 grain sorghum samples studied. The comparison of the results of molecular analysis and the fertility level of samples in field conditions has shown that the greatest share in the fertility formation belonged to the alleles Rf1j (30 %) and Rf1d (32 %) in the group of fertility restorer samples (B); and the alleles Rf1a (23.33 %), Rf1d (23.33 %) and Rf1c (15 %) in the group of fertile plants not involved in crossing. Alleles Rf1a, Rf1d and Rf1c had a high percentage of association with field fertility of the samples (similar to the effect of the Rf1j allele), and therefore can be used in grain sorghum breeding aimed at developing fertility restorer lines. In order to breed grain sorghum to develop fertility restorer lines, it can be recommended to use samples with the Rf1j allele (associated with fertility), in which it was revealed to a greater extent, and the samples themselves belonged to the group of fertility restorers 21/22, 22/22, 23/22, 24/22 and 27/22. In order to develop sterile lines, there can be used grain sorghum genotypes with the Rf1e allele (associated with sterility) 7/22, 8/22, 9/22 and ZSK 1497/21 after confirming their fixation ability in field conditions.

Effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on quality parameters of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is crucial for malt production in the beverage industry, driving the need for sustainable practices to improve grain yield and quality. Fertility management and biofertilizers enhance nutrient availability and soil health, but their combined effects on 1malt barley quality require further study. A field experiment was conducted during rabi season 2020–21 and 2021–22 with the objective to evaluate the response of malt barley to fertility levels and biofertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (Factorial) with 15 treatment combinations comprised of three fertility levels, i.e. application of 70 kg N + 40 kg P2 O5 + 25 kg K2 O/ha, 60 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + 20 kg K2 O/ha and 50 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 15 kg K2O/ha with 5 liquid biofertilizers, i.e. control, Azotobacter, PSB, KMB and Azotobacter + PSB + KMB. The result revealed that malt barley crop fertilized with 70 kg N + 40 kg P2 O5 + 25 kg K2O/ha recorded highest protein content (11.6%) and average grain weight (43.8 mg) which was significantly higher over rest of fertility levels. While the highest starch (61.8%) and malt content (82.6%) in grain recorded under application of 50 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 15 kg K2 O/ha. The results showed that seed inoculation with liquid biofertilizers Azotobacter + PSB + KMB significantly improved protein content (11.4%) and average grain weight (43.6 mg) of malt barley crop. While the highest starch (62.0%) and malt content (82.7%) in grain recorded under control. The study concludes that higher fertility levels and combined biofertilizer application (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB) enhance protein content and grain weight in malt barley, while lower fertility levels favour higher starch and malt content.