Fertility Levels Research Articles

Effects of lignite-based sulphur fertilizer levels on soil properties and growth of Brassica napus

Lignite and sulphur are instrumental in enhancing the growth and yield-related traits of Brassica napus, commonly known as rapeseed. This study aimed to explore the effects of lignite-based sulphur fertilizers on Brassica napus production. Spanning two consecutive seasons, the experiment included treatments with a control group, three levels of elemental sulphur (30, 40, and 50 kg ha-1), and three levels of lignite-based sulphur fertilizer (30, 40, and 50 kg ha-1). Employing a randomized complete block design with four replications, the study revealed that applying lignite-based sulphur fertilizer at a rate of 50 kg ha-1 led to significant improvements in various growth parameters, such as plant height, primary and secondary branches per plant, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, biological yield, seed yield, thousand seed weight, and oil yield. Notably, substantially higher seed and oil yields were achieved with the application of 50 kg ha-1 of lignite-based sulphur fertilizer. In semi-arid climates, to maximize rapeseed yield, yield components, and quality, it is advisable to utilize lignite-based sulphur fertilizer at a rate of 50 kg ha-1.

Phytoremediation Potential of Flax Grown on Multimetal Contaminated Soils: A Field Experiment.

The aim of this study was to assess the phytoremediation potential of fiber flax (Linum usitatissimatum L., var. Calista) cultivated in a soil contaminated with multiple metals, under real field conditions. A two-year (2022 and 2023) field experiment was conducted in a site contaminated with elevated concentrations of Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn due to mining and metallurgical activities. Three different nitrogen fertilization levels were tested (N0: 0 kg N ha-1, N1: 30 kg N ha-1, N2: 60 kg N ha-1), and both spring and winter sowings were conducted. At full maturity, growth parameters and yields were measured. The phytoremediation potential of flax was assessed in terms of the metal concentrations in the above-ground biomass and of the metal uptake (i.e., the potential removal of the soil metals in g ha-1 and per year). Flax demonstrated a shorter growth cycle, with shorter and thicker plants and higher yields when sown in spring compared to winter sowing. Plant growth and productivity were not evidently influenced by additional nitrogen fertilization during plant growth. The cadmium bioaccumulation factor was 1.06, indicating that flax accumulates this metal. For Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn, the corresponding values were 0.0, 0.04, 0.004, and 0.02, suggesting that this crop excludes these metals. The order of the higher uptake in plant tissues was as follows: Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni. In conclusion, flax demonstrated tolerance to heavy metals in the soil, effectively supporting soil restoration through cultivation. Additionally, flax showed potential as a cadmium accumulator while excluding nickel, copper, lead, and zinc.

Soil Nitrogen Fertility Influences the Growth and Yield of American Elderberry but Is Less Impactful than Genotype and Environment on Other Horticultural Characteristics

A long-term horticultural experiment was conducted at two geographically distinct sites in southern Missouri in 2011–15 to study the response of American elderberry [Sambucus nigra (L.) subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli] to various soil nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels. Three commercially available elderberry cultivars (‘Adams II’, ‘Bob Gordon’, and ‘Wyldewood’) were used. The three cultivars were each assigned to 16 of 48 four-plant plots in a completely randomized manner at each site. Four replications of four N fertilizer treatments (0, 56, 112, 169 kg⋅ha−1 N) were randomly assigned to each cultivar’s plots and applied for 4 years (2012–15). Fruit yields, plant growth, phenology, and pest incidence were determined each year. Fruit quality was assessed by analyzing basic juice characteristics as well as organic acids, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, and polyphenols from 2012–14 samples. Leaf tissue analysis determined the plants’ mineral contents in 2012–14. Most factors evaluated were significantly affected by site, year, and cultivar, whereas the effects of N fertilizer treatment were less definitive. Fruit yields and plant growth increased with increasing N levels. For example, plants fertilized with 0, 56, 112, and 169 kg⋅ha−1 N produced 123, 137, 155, and 161 fruiting cymes per plot (5.8 m2), respectively. The eriophyid mite incidence was higher on fertilized plants, but other pests were not influenced by the N treatment. Basic fruit juice characteristics (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, polyphenols) were not influenced by the N treatment, whereas total anthocyanins were statistically higher in unfertilized plants. Levels of organic acids and carbohydrates in juice varied statistically among N treatments, but patterns were difficult to discern. Leaf N concentrations were correlated with N fertilizer levels—2.75% N with the highest fertilizer level compared with 2.55% N in unfertilized plants. Leaf levels of most other macronutrients varied, but consistent patterns did not emerge, and none of the micronutrients was different among N treatments. Although elderberry plants responded positively to increased N fertilizer levels in terms of plant growth and fruit yield, genetics (cultivar) and environment (site, year) were more influential on most other experimental factors evaluated.

Effect of Adding NPK-Chitosan Fertilizer and Organic Matter on phosphorus and potassium content of Corn (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah's research station in Garmat Ali during 2022 agricultural season. The study aimed to investigate the impact of three types of fertilizers (commercial NPK as a control and two types of prepared NPK-Chitosan organic fertilizers) at four addition levels (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 ton ha-1) and two levels of organic matter (0% and 2.5%) on the availability of nitrogen and potassium in loam sandy soil and yield of corn (Zea mays L.). The results indicated a significant effect of fertilizer type on increasing Phosphorus and Potassium Content of corn plant. The highest values of Phosphorus and Potassium Content for corn were 6.15 and 47.07 gm kg-1 respectively for the added fertilizer type. The NPK-Chitosan fertilizer in a 1:3 coating ratio achieved the, 3.62 and 31.01 kg ha-1, respectively, followed by the treatment of NPK-Chitosan fertilizer with a 1:3 mixing ratio and a fertilizer level of 2 tons/ha, which yielded The results showed a significant effect of fertilizer level on increasing Phosphorus and Potassium Content of the corn plants. Phosphorus and Potassium Content increased with higher levels of added fertilizer. The level 2 achieved the highest values of Phosphorus and Potassium Content for the vegetative part corn plants, reaching 2 tons per hectare.4.22 and 37.91 gm kg-1, and with a significant difference from level 1 and 1.5 tons per hectare, level 2 also outperformed level 0 tons per hectare (the control treatment). Similarly, the organic matter showed a significant effect the results indicated a significant interaction between the type and level of fertilizer, as well as the level of added organic matter to the soil, on Phosphorus and Potassium Content of the yellow corn plants. The NPK-Chitosan fertilizer with a 1:3 coating ratio added at the level of 2 tons per hectare outperformed the other treatments, yielding the highest phosphour contentand grain yield.

Scenarios of Delayed First Births and Associated Cohort Fertility Levels

Fertility rates among individuals in their 20s have fallen sharply across Europe over the past 50 years. The implications of delayed first births for fertility levels in modern family regimes remain little understood. Using microsimulation models of childbearing and partnership for the 1970–1979 birth cohorts in Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, and Norway, we implement fictive scenarios that reduce the risk of having a first child before age 30 and examine fertility recovery mechanisms for aggregate fertility indicators (the proportion of women with at least one, two, three, or four children; cohort completed fertility rate). Exposure to a first birth increases systematically in the ages following the simulated reduction in first-birth risks, leading to a structural recovery in childbearing that varies across countries according to their fertility and partnership regimes. Full recovery requires an increase in late first-birth risks, with greater increases in countries where late family formation is uncommon and average family sizes are larger: in scenarios where early fertility declines substantially (a linear decline from 50% at age 15 to 0% at age 30), first-birth risks above age 30 would have to increase by 54% in Great Britain, 40% in Norway and Sweden, and 20% in Italy to keep completed fertility constant.

Ecological assessment of pastures semi-deserts and dry steppes of Azerbaijan

The absence in the scientific literature of criteria for assessing the ecological status of pasture lands, insufficient knowledge of the use of predictive methods and technology for carrying out special agrochemical measures, as well as issues of permissible loads, served as the basis for choosing the topic of research work. For the first time, in the conditions of pastures in Azerbaijan, an environmental and energy assessment of soil-landscape complexes was carried out. A detailed and final quality assessment was drawn up on soil scale, and the coefficient of their comparative merit was determined. A scientifically based system of agrochemical measures for the superficial and fundamental improvement of pastures has been developed. The final bonitet scale, reflecting the level of fertility of soil varieties, showed that the soils of the Jeyranchol massif turned out to be the most fertile at 62 points, compared with them, the pasture soils of Ajinohur on average across the massif received 53 points, Gobustan 51 points, and the Kura-Araz lowland 55 points. On average, pasture lands in Azerbaijan are valued at 55 points, which indicates the need for agro-reclamation measures. The types of forage plants are distributed as follows: i) Cereals 116, 12%; ii) Asteraceae 109, 11.2%; iii) Legumes 82, 8.4%; iv) Brassicas 59, 6.2%; 6%; v) Cloves 50, 5.3%; vi) Lamiaceae 42, 4.6%; vii) Linear 40, 4.2%; viii) Goosefoot 6, ix) Gimletaceae 32 species, 3.4%; x) Umbrellas 38, 4.4%; xi) Other 339 types, 35.5%.

Electric field-based air nanobubbles (EF-ANBs) irrigation on efficient crop cultivation with reduced fertilizer dependency

The advent of air nanobubbles (ANBs) has opened up a wide range of commercial applications spanning industries including wastewater treatment, food processing, biomedical engineering, and agriculture. The implementation of electric field-based air nanobubbles (EF-ANBs) irrigation presents a promising approach to enhance agricultural crop efficiency, concurrently promoting environmentally sustainable practices through reducing fertilizer usage. This study investigated the impact of EF-ANBs on the germination and overall growth of agricultural crops in soil. Results indicate a substantial enhancement in both germination rates and plant growth upon the application of EF-ANBs. Notably, the introduction of ANBs led to a significant enhancement in the germination rate of lettuce and basil, increasing from approximately 20% to 96% and from 16% to 53%, respectively over two days. Moreover, the presence of EF-ANBs facilitates superior hypocotyl elongation, exhibiting a 2.8- and a 1.6-fold increase in the elongation of lettuce and basil, respectively, over a six-day observation period. The enriched oxygen levels within the air nanobubbles expedite aerobic respiration, amplifying electron leakage from the electron transport chain (ETC) and resulting in heightened reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, playing a pivotal role in stimulating growth signaling. Furthermore, the application of EF-ANBs in irrigation surpasses the impact of traditional fertilizers, demonstrating a robust catalytic effect on the shoot, stem, and root length, as well as the leaf count of lettuce plants. Considering these parameters, a single fertilizer treatment (at various concentrations) during EF-ANBs administration, demonstrates superior plant growth compared to regular water combined with fertilizer. The findings underscore the synergistic interaction between aerobic respiration and the generation of ROS in promoting plant growth, particularly in the context of reduced fertilizer levels facilitated by the presence of EF-ANBs. This promising correlation holds significant potential in establishing more sustainability for ever-increasing environmentally conscious agriculture.

Impact of fertility levels and tillage techniques on wheat growth and yield in a rice-wheat cropping system

Impact of fertility levels and tillage techniques on wheat growth and yield in a rice-wheat cropping system

Effect of fertility levels on growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties in central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Effect of fertility levels on growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties in central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Evaluation of push-pull technology for pest and soil fertility management on maize in north western Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) production in north western Ethiopia is severely constrained by the parasitic weed striga (Striga hermontica), the stemborer (Busseola fusca) pest, and poor soil fertility due to continuous mono cropping. An intercropping system known as push-pull technology is a novel soil and pest management strategy for improving soil fertility and controlling agricultural pests by using repellent "push" plants (such as desmodium, Desmodiumintortum)and trap "pull" plants (such as napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum). The aims of the study were (i) to evaluate the effectiveness of the push-pull technology against stemborer and striga infestation, (ii) to investigate the impact of the push-pull technology on improving grain yield, and (iii) to assess effect of the push-pull technology on soil fertility. The study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in 3 districts in north western Ethiopia. Three farmers from each district, who practiced the technology, were randomly selected for the study. Each farmer had a set of two treatments (plots): a push-pull technology (PPT) and maize monocrop (MC) treatments. Data were collected on the percentage of maize plants damaged by stemborers, the number of striga plants that emerged, plant height, grain yield, available phosphorus (P), available potassium (K), total nitrogen (TN), organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM) and bulk density (BD). There were significant reduction in stemborer damage (2.8 %) and striga count (4.1 Striga plants/m2) in the push-pull treatment compared to the maize monocrop plots (15.4 % and 21.8 striga plants/m2, respectively). Maize plant height (2.34 m) and grain yield (5.3 t ha−1) were significantly higher in the push-pull plots as compared to the sole crop (1.9 m and 3.0 t ha−1, respectively). Similarly, there were significantly higher P (20.06 mg/kg soil), K (406.86 mg/kg soil), TN (2.5 g/kg soil), OC (42.9 g/kg soil), OM (73.8 g/kg soil) levels considered to be moderate to high fertility status in the push-pull as compared to monocrop plots (11.17 mg/kg soil, 347.93 mg/kg soil, 1.6 g/kg soil, 29.8 g/kg soil, and 51.2 g/kg soil, respectively) which is rated from low to moderate soil fertility level. Moreover, bulk density was significantly lower in PPT (0.92 g/cm3) than in MC (0.95 g/cm3) plots. This suggests that push pull technology is effective in reducing striga and stemborer damage and improves soil fertility status which results in better grain yield.

KARAKTERISTIK PRODUK CAIR CO-PYROLYSIS SAMPAH PLASTIK DAN PELUMAS BEKAS

The increasing usage of plastic is proportional to the amount of plastic waste today. The plastic usage makes the human live easier especially for packaging purposes. However, it also has a negative impact to the environment. This is due to it cannot easily decompose. Therefore, it can reduce the level of soil fertility. Besides plastic, lubricant waste from motor vehicles can induce an environmental problem as well since it is categorized of hazardous material (B3) waste. Currently, the use of plastic waste has been widely carried out by correlating into liquid fuel through thermal cracking or pyrolysis treatment. It produces liquid and it can be used as an alternative liquid fuel. This study uses the co-pyrolysis method for treating the used plastic waste with used lubricants. The composition ratios used are 10:0, 10:2, 10:4, 10:6, and 10:8. The highest acquisition of liquid products was in the composition ratio of 10:6 as much as 24.67% with a calorific value of 11015.33 cal/g. Then the highest calorific, density, and viscosity values were obtained, namely at the 10:8 composition ratio of 11061.67 cal/g, 0.8906 g/mL, and 0.927 cSt. It was concluded that the mixing of used lubricants in the co-pyrolysis of LDPE plastic waste was able to increase the calorific value of the liquid product produced.

Identification of Available Nutrients NPK of Oil Palm Soil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) in the Phase of Plants Not Yet Producing Fruit

Oil palms that experience nutrient deficiencies will affect their vegetative and generative growth and even cause plant death. This study aims to determine the chemical properties of soil in oil palm plantations at the plant phase before producing fruit. This study was conducted at an oil palm plantation owned by PTPN III Kebun Aek Nabara Utara, Labuhanbatu Regency, and analyzed at the Soil Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. The method used is the observation method, sampling in the field, and analysis in the laboratory to obtain quantitative data. Observation parameters include soil pH, C-organic, Total Nitrogen, Available P, Cation Exchange Capacity, and Base Saturation. The results of the study showed that the level of soil fertility at the research location was included in the low category. The main limiting factor that causes low soil fertility is the low organic matter content of the soil and to improve the soil fertility status at the research location so that the availability of nutrients for plants is more sufficient

Modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among younger and older married youth women in Ethiopia: Evidence from Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019.

Utilization of modern contraceptives increases over time but it was still low and varies across ages among married youth woman. This study revealed the prevalence of modern contraceptives and its associated factors among younger and older married youth women. A cross-sectional study design was applied to the sample of EMDHS 2019. Multilevel logistic regressions were carried out using STATA version 16 to identify the individual and community-level factors of modern contraceptive utilization. Adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significant determinants of modern contraceptive utilization. In the EMDHS 2019, a total of 3290 married women between ages 15 and 34 were included. Among these 1210 (36.7%) and 2080 (63%) women, they were age groups of 15-24 and 25-34 years, respectively. Modern contraceptive utilization among women aged 15-24 and 25-34 years was 54.23% and 52.6%, respectively. Injection is a commonly used modern contraceptive method. In this study, factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among women aged 15-24 years include women who had primary education [AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.02-4.83], who had three or more children in the household [AOR = 14.29; 95% CI: 1.61-126.25], Protestants [AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.61], five to seven households [AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17-0.69], and region [AOR = 6.98; 95%:2.30-21.16]. On other hand, factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among women aged 25-34 were women who had one or two under-five children in the household [AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.03-2.68] and region [AOR = 3.54; 95%CI: 1.79-6.97]. More than 50% of participants used modern contraceptives in both age groups and, the associated factor of modern contraceptive utilization varied among this age group. Health managers and policymakers need to consider age group, region, educational status, religion, and fertility level in planning of family planning program.

Effect of foliar application frequency and different levels of nano fertilizer on growth and development of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

The aim of this study was investigation of PHARMAX nano fertilizer and its frequency of foliar application effects on morphological characteristics, straw yield, fruit yield, percentage and yield of essential oil of (Coriandrum sativum L.). A factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. Factors were included frequency of foliar application (tillering stage and two weeks after the first foliar application) and concentration of nano fertilizer (0, 1, 3 and 5 ml/L). Finally, the results were statistically analyzed using MSTAT-C software and the mean data were compared with Duncan test at the statistical level of 5 %. The results showed that a significant effect of number of foliar sprays on plant height, number of umbrellas/plant, number of umbrellas/square meter, number of grain/umbrella, grain yield, straw yield, single plant grain weight, single plant biomass yield, percentage and essential oil yield. In addition, different concentrations of nano fertilizer had a significant effect on most traits except the number of grain/umbrella, 1000-Grain weight and essential oil percentage. The interaction of two factors on all traits except number of umbrellas/plant, number of grain/umbrella and percentage and yield of essential oil was significant. With increasing the concentration of nano fertilizer from 0 to 5 ml/L, the number of umbrellas/square meter, grain yields, straw and essential oil yield, increased 62.5, 74.1, 74.3, 186.8 % respectively. In addition, increasing the frequency of foliar application increased the mentioned traits. According to the results, it seems that the treatment of twice-foliar application and concentration of 5 ml/L nano-fertilizer was the best treatment due to increased yield and other traits.

Effectiveness of PhosAgro NPK and Gumiton under cultivating potatoes in radioactive soil contamination conditions

Based on the results of three-year production tests, the effectiveness of the use of PhosAgro NPK complex fertilizer and a new organ-mineral complex based on Gumiton peat in potato cultivation technologies on radioactively contaminated sod-podzolic soils in the Novozybkovsky district of the Bryansk region was assessed. Soils differed in the level of fertility and in the density of137Cs pollution. It was shown that leaf treatment of 1 l/ha Gumiton plantings in the potato budding phase without fertilizer contributed to a 19 – 58% increase in tuber yield relative to control, depending on the year. The introduction of PhosAgro NPK fertilizer at a dose of 0.5 t/ha ensured an increase in potato yield by 22 – 42% relative to the control. The joint use of fertilizer and the drug increased the tuber harvest by 12 – 19%, compared to the PhosAgro NPK variant and by 37 – 68% relative to control. The multiplicity of the decrease in137Cs intake into tubers during the treatment of potato plantings with Gumiton was up to 6.4 times in relation to the control, with the combined use of the drug and fertilizer – up to 3.4 times in comparison with the PhosAgro NPK variant. The use of Gumiton and PhosAgro NPK guaranteed the production of potato tubers with137Cs content in accordance with SanPiN 2.3.2 standards. 2650-10. The use of the Gumiton organic-mineral complex and PhosAgro NPK complex fertilizer for production of regulatory clean potato products should be recommended on radioactively contaminated sod-podzolic soils of the Bryansk region.

Optimizing Irrigation and Fertilization to Simultaneously Improve Potato Tuber Yield, Water and Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Net Income in Northwest China

Irrigation, fertilization, and variety are important factors affecting potato production in northwest China. Field experiments (2021 and 2022) were performed to investigate the effects of irrigation and fertilization on the plant growth and soil microbial population of different potato varieties. Three irrigation levels were used, i.e., 100% ETc (W1), 80% ETc (W2), and 60% ETc (W3), with ETc standing for crop evapotranspiration. Three fertilization levels were used (N-P-K), i.e., 240-120-300 kg ha−1 (F1), 180-90-225 kg ha−1 (F2), and 120-60-150 kg ha−1 (F3). Three variety types were used, i.e., Feiurita (V1), Longshu 7 (V2), and Qingshu 9 (V3). These factors significantly influenced tuber yield (TY), net income (NI), and water productivity (WP). TY, NI, WP, total nitrogen accumulation (TNA), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) peaked at F2. Fertilization significantly impacted soil bacteria quantity (SBQ), fungi quantity (SFQ), and actinomycetes quantity (SAQ). TY, NI, SBQ, SFQ, and SAQ were highest at W2. Soil microbial population was strongly correlated with TY, NI, WP, TNA, and NUE. Comprehensively, this study suggests that irrigation that is varied from 248 to 266 mm, and fertilization (N-P-K) that is varied from 149.09-74.55-186.36 to 212.73-106.36-265.91 kg ha−1 can promote the potato industry’s sustainable development and provide important references for the optimal field management of potato cultivation in northwest China.

Effect of Tillage Practices and Fertilization Levels on Nutrient Uptake and Content in Grain and Straw of Wheat under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

The present investigation was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, CSAUAT, during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out into Split plot design with three replicates. The parameters were observed plant viz. nitrogen content in grain and straw (%), nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (kg ha-1), phosphorus content in grain and straw (%), phosphorus uptake in grain and straw (kg ha-1), potassium content in grain and straw (%), nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (kg ha-1). Basis on the pooled data the results of study revealed that in case of tillage practices maximum nitrogen content in grain and straw (1.80 and 0.53%), Nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (93.34 and 36.26 kg ha-1). Phosphorus content in grain and straw (0.31 and 0.20%) Phosphorus uptake in grain and straw (16.23 and 13.80 kg ha-1), Potassium content in grain and straw (0.42 and 1.38%), Potassium uptake in grain and straw (22.15 and 93.88 kg ha-1) respectively was reported in conventional tillage whereas in case of various fertility levels maximum nitrogen content in grain and straw (1.83 and 0.59%), Nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (100.31 and 35.06 kg ha-1). Phosphorus content in grain and straw (0.35 and 0.25%) Phosphorus uptake in grain and straw (18.16 and 16.63 kg ha-1) respectively, Potassium content in grain and straw (0.45 and 1.41%), Potassium uptake in grain and straw (24.97 and 101.03 kg ha-1) respectively with the application of 125% RDF+ tebunconzole.

Response of Soil Chemical Properties under Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Field to Integrated Application of Lantana camara L. Weed Vermicompost and NPS Mineral Fertilizer

Recently, the beauty of the environment, native forest plants, and crops were encroached with invasive weeds, and thus scientific community was concerned with searching for optional management of these horrible weeds. Accordingly, vermicomposting of invasive weeds with the purpose of utilization management was evaluated as an alternative option and cost-effective management. Utilization management included keeping the environment safe from expanding invasive weeds by using these weeds as vermicomposting materials. Consequently, vermicompost was produced from L. camara invasive weed and this produced vermicompost was interactively used with chemical fertilizer to appraise its effect on soil chemical properties after the tef crop was harvested. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial combination with three replications. Four levels of L. camara vermicompost amendment (0, 2, 4, and 6 t·ha−1) and four levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg·ha−1) were used in the combination of the treatments. Disturbed composite soil sampling at a depth of 20 cm was carried out, one sample before planting and 48 samples after harvesting of the tef crop. The results showed that the combined addition of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers at the rate of 6 t·ha−1 and 200 kg·ha−1, respectively, significantly increased plant-available phosphorus (Av. P). Reversely, the pH of the soil remained unchanged when the soil was treated with the integration of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer or at their separate individual application. Most of the soil chemical properties, i.e. soil organic carbon (SOC), electrical conductivity (EC), Av. P, total nitrogen (TN), carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C : N), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found to be improved when the soil was amended with the highest dose of sole L. camara vermicompost fertilizer. The two-year consecutive organic fertilizer fertilization rate increased SOC from 63.64% to 107.56%, EC from 8.70% to 22.22%, Av. P from 40.87% to 143.13%, TN from 50% to 100%, C : N ratio from 8.14% to 11.58%, and CEC from 42.11% to 63.67% versus untreated plot. Single-application NPS chemical fertilizer has only an encouraging effect on Av. P and CEC of soil. The principal driving factor for any change in soil chemical properties was the L. camara vermicompost amendment. Therefore, using L. camara weed as a vermicompost can enhance soil fertility. This study offers the opportunity to convert the large biomass of L. camara weed into vermicompost through vermicomposting.

Diagnostic study of nitrogen nutrition in cotton based on unmanned aerial vehicle RGB images

Nitrogen fertilizer levels significantly affect crop growth and development, necessitating precision management. Most studies focus on nitrogen nutrient estimation using vegetation indices and textural features, overlooking the diagnostic potential of color features. Hence, we investigated cotton nitrogen nutrition status using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image features and the nitrogen nutrient index (NNI). Random frog algorithm - and random forest-screened image feature sets significantly correlated with the NNI, which were substituted into four machine learning algorithms for NNI estimation modeling. The composite scores (F) of optimal image feature sets were calculated using the coefficient of variation method for comprehensive cotton nitrogen nutrient diagnosis. Validation of the model for determining the critical nitrogen concentration in cotton yielded a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.89, root mean square error RMSE = 0.50 g (100 g)-1, and mean absolute error MAE = 0.44, demonstrating improved performance. Additionally, our novel NNI estimation model constructed based on the optimal image feature sets exhibited R2c = 0.97, RMSEc = 0.02, MAEc = 0.02, R2v = 0.85, RMSEv = 0.05, and MAEv = 0.04. Polynomial fitting of the composite index with NNI indicated that the model was reliable and yielded the following diagnostic criterion: 0.48 &lt; F2 &lt; 0.67 indicated nitrogen overapplication, whereas F2 &lt; 0.48 or F2 &gt; 0.67 indicated nitrogen deficiency. This study demonstrates the superior effectiveness of using UAV RGB image feature sets for NNI estimation and the quick, accurate diagnosis of cotton nitrogen levels, which will help guide nitrogen fertilizer application.

Response of Inorganic Fertilizer and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Seed Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and plant growth regulator on seed yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was formulated and conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 at vegetable seed production plot, Department of Horticulture (Vegetable &amp; Floriculture), BAC, Sabour Bhagalpur. The experiment was conducted to determine seed production ability at four levels of fertilizers viz, (F0-control, F1-N40:P30:K40, F2-N60:P40:K50,&amp; F3-N8P50:K50) as well as seven levels of PGRs viz, P0 (Control), P1 (GA3 @ 50ppm), P2 (GA3 @100 ppm), P3 (GA3 @ 150 ppm), P4 (NAA @ 50 ppm), P5 (NAA @ 100 ppm) and P6 (NAA @ 150 ppm). Inorganic fertilizers were applied at 20 days and PGRs as foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after stecklings transplanting. The experiment was conducted in RBD (Factorial) and replicated thrice. the combined effect of inorganic fertilizers and Plant growth regulators F2P3 significantly gave maximum diameter of pod (7.64 mm), length of pod (56.61mm), number of seeds/pod (6.18), 1000- seed weight (15.12g) and seed yield (18.23q/ha) and plant height is non significant. The treatment combination F3P6 gave the maximum number of branches (8.06). Hence, F2P3 treatment combination is a best combination for seed yield of radish and enhancing seed yield is our ultimate goal. As we performed the study in a particular location, we recommend multilocation trials in different agro-climatic regions to study and final confirmation of the results.