Levels Of Organic Fertilizer Research Articles

Effect of Different Levels of Organic and Phosphate Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Three Sunflower Genotypes (Helianthus annus L.) in Northern Iraq

A field experiment was carried out in the semiarid region of Talkif district, which is 35 km north of city of Mosul within Nineveh Governorate, during two growing seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 in sandy loom soil to study effect of three levels of organic manure (0, 400 and 800 kg.ha-1), a form of sheep manure, mixed thoroughly with the soil before planting, and three levels of phosphate fertilizers (0, 75, 150 kg ha-1 P2O5) added at once during soil preparation on yield and quality of three sunflower genotypes (Isera, Melabour and Velko). The experiment was carried out using a multifactorial randomized complete block design with three replicates for each experiment. Results indicate: effect of organic fertilizer was significant on all studied traits for both seasons. The treatment by adding organic fertilizer to soil with the amount of 800 kg.ha-1 gave the highest rate compared to addition of lowest ratio (400 kg.ha-1) and comparison treatment. Since Iraqi soil is poor in its content of phosphorus, which ranks second among the three most beneficial elements for plants, the addition of this element to soil at a rate of 150 kg.ha-1 led to a significant increase in all growth, yield and quality traits for both growing seasons. The genotypes of sunflower crop were significantly affected in all growth, yield and quality traits for both planting seasons. The Melabour genotype surpassed Velko and Isera genotypes in the studied traits for both growing seasons.

The Growth Response of Christi Thorn Seedlings to the Dates and Concentrations of (Ticamine Max) and the Liquid Organic Fertilizer (Vevter)

The study was carried out during the growing season (2022) in order to demonstrate the importance of application dates (every 15 and 30 days) and foliar spraying with three concentrations of Ticamine Max (0, 2 and 4 ml. L-1) and the addition of three levels of liquid organic fertilizer (Vevter) (0, 2 and 4 ml. L-1). In improving some growth characteristics of Christi thorn seedlings. The study was designed in a factorial experiment using the Randomized Completely Block Design (R.C.B.D). With three factors, with three replications, and with four seedlings per experimental unit, thus the number of seedlings used in the experiment is (2 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 4 = 216 seedlings). The most important results obtained indicated the significant superiority of the foliar spray at a concentration of 4 ml. L-1 of the amino fertilizer and the addition of liquid organic fertilizer at a concentration of 4 ml. L-1 in all studied traits (increase in height of seedlings, number of leaves, area of leaf, leaf area of seedlings, and concentration of carbohydrates in leaves), while there were no significant differences for the studied traits between the dates of addition.

Pengaruh Penambahan Kulit Singkong Terhadap Kualitas Pupuk Organik Cair dari Limbah Buah yang Diaplikasikan pada Tanaman Cabai Merah Keriting (Capsicum Annum L)

Every day the traditional market produces garbage from rotting fruit. According to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the incidence of waste produced in Indonesia is 23 million tons / year and 22.3% comes from traditional marketwaste. Fruit waste can be utilized into Organic Fertilizer Cwater (POC) in order to have a selling value and not pollute the environment. In thepreviousstudy, the additional material used was cassava and only measured the nutrient levels of Liquid Organic Fertilizer formed without application to the plant,so that in penelitian ini wasdone the addition of cassava peel in the manufacture of liquid organic fertilizers and its effectonthe growth of curly red chili plants. The method used is fermentation inside the reactor equipped with a temperature stabilizedbottle. Processing is carried out anaerobically for 2 weeks with a variety of additional materials in one of the reactors, namely the addition of cassava peel. The parameters to be observed are pH levels, viscosity, plant height and number of leaves. Based on the results of measurements of pH levels before fermentation and after fermentation, the pH of liquid organic fertilizers with the addition of cassava peel from 5 to 3 and pH of Liquid Organic Fertilizer without the addition of cassava peel from 6 to 4. The results of measurement of the viscosity level of Liquid Organic Fertilizer without cassava peel 9,544x10-4 N. s/m2 while liquid organic fertilizer without cassava peel 7,858x10-4 N. s/m2. This means that liquid organic fertilizer without cassava peel is more easily absorbed by the soil because the viscosity value is lower and close to the water viscosity value of7,768x10-4 N. s/m2. The application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to the curly red chili plant canget a maximum result of its effect by Liquid Organic Fertilizer without the addition of cassava peel.

Unlocking the Potential of Fertilizer and Pesticide Integration: Investigating the Promoting Effect of Organic Water-Soluble Fertilizers on Pesticide Degradation for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract: 
 In the present study, the dynamic degradation profile of the pesticide acaricide was investigated in the presence of varying concentrations of organic water-soluble fertilizers. Field experiments were carried out to assess the influence of organic water-soluble fertilizers on pesticide degradation rates. It was found that, under specific conditions, organic water-soluble fertilizers can promote the degradation of pesticides. To elucidate the factors responsible for this observation, both biological and abiotic aspects were examined. With regard to the biological factors, plant peroxidase activity was analyzed at different concentration levels of organic water-soluble fertilizers during the course of the field experiments. It was determined that organic water-soluble fertilizers can enhance peroxidase activity. Concerning the abiotic factors, high-pressure mercury lamps were utilized in ultraviolet (UV) degradation experiments on the acaricide, incorporating various concentrations of organic water-soluble fertilizers. Furthermore, washing experiments simulating rainwater effects were conducted on representative vegetable species from the Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae and Amaranthus tricolor families. The results of the UV degradation experiment showed no significant difference in the acaricide degradation rate, regardless of the presence or absence of organic water-soluble fertilizers. Additionally, the washing experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of organic water-soluble fertilizers in reducing pesticide residues in common vegetable varieties. The findings of this study have important implications for pesticide management and agricultural practices, emphasizing the potential of organic water-soluble fertilizers in facilitating the degradation of pesticides and minimizing their environmental impact.

Effect of Organic Sources and Fertilizer Levels on Physiological Response of Garlic by Using Infrared Gas Analysis (IRGA) in Western Rajasthan, India

Crop growth and yields are negatively affected by sub-optimal water supply and abnormal temperatures due to physical damages, physiological disruptions, and biochemical changes. A better understanding of garlic responses to organic and inorganic sources conducted A two years field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, SKRAU, Bikaner during Rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment comprising total 32 treatment combinations; eight sources of organic materials (Control (M0), FYM @ 20 t ha-1 (M1), Groundnut husk (GNH) @ 20 t ha-1 (M2), Wool waste (WW) @ 20 t ha-1 (M3), FYM @ 10 tha-1 + GNH @ 10 t ha-1 (M4), WW @ 10 t ha-1 + GNH @ 10 t ha-1 (M5), WW @ 10 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 (M6), WW @ 6.67 t ha-1 + FYM @ 6.67 t ha-1 + GNH @ 6.67 t ha-1 (M7) and four fertilizer levels (Control (F0), 50% RDF (F1), 75% RDF (F2) and 100% RDF (F3) in split plot design with three replications. Result indicated that maximum improvement in photosynthetic rate was recorded under the wool waste applied @ 20 t ha-1 with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer.

Cannabis Hunger Games: nutrient stress induction in flowering stage - impact of organic and mineral fertilizer levels on biomass, cannabidiol (CBD) yield and nutrient use efficiency.

Indoor medicinal cannabis cultivation systems enable year-round cultivation and better control of growing factors, however, such systems are energy and resource intensive. Nutrient deprivation during flowering can trigger nutrient translocation and modulate the production of cannabinoids, which might increase agronomic nutrient use efficiency, and thus, a more sustainable use of fertilizers. This experiment compares two fertilizer types (mineral and organic) applied in three dilutions (80, 160 and 240 mg N L-1) to evaluate the effect of nutrient deprivation during flowering on biomass, Cannabidiol (CBD) yield and nutrient use efficiency of N, P and K. This is the first study showing the potential to reduce fertilizer input while maintaining CBD yield of medicinal cannabis. Under nutrient stress, inflorescence yield was significantly lower at the final harvest, however, this was compensated by a higher CBD concentration, resulting in 95% of CBD yield using one-third less fertilizer. The higher nutrient use efficiency of N, P, and K in nutrient-deprived plants was achieved by a larger mobilization and translocation of nutrients increasing the utilization efficiency of acquired nutrients. The agronomic nutrient use efficiency of CBD yield - for N and K - increased 34% for the organic fertilizers and 72% for the mineral fertilizers comparing the dilution with one-third less nutrients (160) with the highest nutrient concentration (240). Differences in CBD yield between fertilizer types occurred only at the final harvest indicating limitations in nutrient uptake due to nutrient forms in the organic fertilizer. Our results showed a lower acquisition and utilization efficiency for the organic fertilizer, proposing the necessity to improve either the timing of bio-availability of organic fertilizers or the use of soil amendments.

Fortified Organic Manure and NPK Fertilizer Levels: Influence on Soil Properties, Yield and Micronutrients Biofortification of Brinjal in Coastal Soil

Coastal saline soils are nutrient impoverished where nutrients are in starved state, thus applying increased rate of NPK along with micronutrients fortified organics would greatly improve the soil fertility as well as nutritional quality and yield of vegetable crops. Therefore, we examined the effect of micronutrients fortified organics and NPK levels on the soil properties, yield and quality of brinjal in coastal saline soil. A field experiment was conducted at Ponnanthittu coastal village, near Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu during August – December 2022 in sandy saline soil (EC-1.58 dSm-1; pH-8.54) nature with low organic carbon (2.31 g kg-1), available NPK of 135.56, 9.45 and 157.30 kg ha-1 and the available zinc (0.69 mg kg-1) and iron content (3.87 mg kg-1). The treatments adopted in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications and different levels of NPK viz., control, 100, 125 and 150% recommended levels as factor A and different micronutrients fortified organics viz., 100% Zn Fortified Composted Coir pith (Zn FCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1), 100% Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (Fe FCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1) and 100% Zn + Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (Zn + Fe FCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1 as factor B were studied with brinjal. Study results indicated that application of 125 % NPK along with Zn + Fe fortified composted coir pith (Zn + Fe FCCP) was significantly increased the availability of major and micro nutrient status, nutritional quality and yield of brinjal over other treatments in coastal saline sandy soil.

Effect of different levels of organic fertilizer on growth, yield and economic benefits of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

An experiment was carried out at A-to-Z Agro Farm Bagatipara, Natore, Bangladesh from October to December 2020, to study the growth, yield and economic benefits of radish (Raphanus sativus L, V: Rocky 45) as influenced by different levels of organic fertilizer (Kazi organic fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising four treatments with three replications. The treatment combinations were T0 (no organic fertilizer), T1 (organic fertilizer 5 t ha-1), T2 (organic fertilizer 10 t ha-1), T3 (organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1), respectively. Data were recorded from different stages of plant growth on plant height at different days after sowing, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, root length, root diameter, fresh weight of root per plant, gross yield and marketable yield. All the recorded parameters were statistically significant among the treatments. The tallest plant (40.92 cm) was recorded from T3 (organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1), whereas the shortest plant height plant (25.84 cm) was obtained from the control T0 (no organic fertilizer). Highest number of leaves (16.56), leaf length (33.02 cm), leaf breadth ((8.74 cm), root length (19.33 cm), root diameter (3.50 cm), fresh weight of root per plant (129.89 g), gross yield (36.37 t ha-1), marketable yield (36.37 t ha-1) and also the highest benefit cost ratio (2.67) was found in treatment T3 (organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1) whereas lowest data recorded from control T0 (no organic fertilizer). Results conclude that application of organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1 for radish cultivation gave better growth, yield and economic benefits.

Effect of Different Level of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Nutritional Status of Inceptisol and Growth Attributes of Radish

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season (December 2021 – March 2022) on central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three levels of NPK 0% 50% and 100% and three levels of vermicompost 0% 50% and 100%. The result shows that application of different levels combination of NPK and vermicompost increased growth, yield of radish and improved soil physical and chemical properties. It was recorded from the application of NPK and Vermicompost in treatment T9 [NPK @ 100% + Vermicompost @ 100%] shows maximum bulk density 1.232 Mg m-3 and 1.240 Mg m-3, particle density 2.401 Mg m- 3 and 2.406 Mg m-3, percent pore space 47.64% and 42.47%, water holding capacity 50.24% and 45.76%, pH 7.25 and 7.32, EC 0.56 dS m- 1 and 0.68 dS m-1, organic carbon 0.48% and 0.45%, available nitrogen 318.42 kg ha-1 and 310.06 kg ha-1, available phosphorus 28.02 kg ha- 1 and 25.78 kg ha-1, available potassium 197.24 kg ha-1 and 193.62 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm respectively in all treatments.

Pengaruh Jenis dan Konsentrasi Pupuk Organik Cair Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Kailan (Brassica Oleraceae L.) dengan Sistem Hidroponik Substrat

In Indonesia, kailan plants are classified as new plants but have quite large prospects, however, kailan production in Indonesia is still relatively low and is not comparable to the increasing demand for kailan and the availability of agricultural land which is still limited. The use of liquid organic fertilizer with the application of a substrate hydroponic cultivation system is a good alternative in a cultivation system to increase yields in terms of quality and quantity. It is necessary to do research on the effect of the right type and concentration of liquid organic fertilizer for kailan plants. This study aims to determine the effect of the right type of liquid organic fertilizer and the concentration of good liquid organic fertilizer on the yield of kailan plants. The research was conducted in August-October 2022 which took place in Patrang, Jember Regency. This study used the RAL method (Completely Randomized Design) which was arranged in a factorial manner consisting of 2 treatment factors which were applied to kailan plants which were repeated 3 times. The first factor is the type of liquid organic fertilizer (P), which consists of three levels, namely: Rabbit Urine (P1), Nasa (P2), and Cow Biourine (P3). The second factor was the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (K) which consisted of 4 levels, without POC treatment (K0); 10 ml/l water (K1); 20 ml/l water (K2); 30 ml/l water (K3); 40 ml/l water (K4). The data obtained will be analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Treatments with significantly different effects were further analyzed using Duncan's test at the 5% level. Based on the data and discussion of the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the best type of liquid organic fertilizer concentration treatment is the Nasa liquid organic fertilizer type treatment, while the more efficient liquid organic fertilizer concentration treatment used to be applied in the kailan cultivation system is the kailan plant treatment. concentration of liquid organic fertilizer 30ml/L. There is an interaction between the types of liquid organic fertilizer treatment at the concentration level of liquid organic fertilizer on the plant wet weight parameter.

Alternate micro-sprinkler irrigation and organic fertilization decreases root rot and promotes root growth of Panax notoginseng by improving soil environment and microbial structure in rhizosphere soil

It is a challenge to improve Panax notoginseng production and soil environment in arid area of Southwest China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to propose a new and promising alternate micro-sprinkler irrigation (D2) to cope with the challenge based on moderate deficit micro-sprinkler irrigation (D1) and slight deficit micro-sprinkler irrigation (D3). A two-year greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the root rot incidence of Panax notoginseng among of the D1, D2 and D3 treatments by analyzing the soil water content (SWC), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), nitrogen (SMBN), total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK), soil available nutrients(AN, AP and AK), soil enzyme activity, soil microbial structure, plant growth parameters, plant dry matter, nutrients uptake (N, P and K), and root rot incidence. Experiment treatments consisted of three irrigation amounts (D1, D2 and D3) and four organic fertilizer levels [500 (F1), 1000 (F2), 1500 (F3), and 2000 (F4) kg hm−2] in 2017 and 2018, respectively. All treatments were designed using a randomized complete block with three replications. The results indicated that no significant differences in growth parameters [PH (plant height), SD (stem diameter), and LAI (leaf area index)] of Panax notoginseng were found among of the D1, D2 and D3 treatments in 2017 and 2018. Compared with the D1 and D3, the D2 treatment significantly increased shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), total N, P, K uptake and decreased SMBC, SMBN, TP, TK, AN, AP, AK and root rot incidence in 2017 and 2018. The result suggested the D2 treatment had greater production advantages than the D1 and D3 treatments. In addition, compared with the F3 treatment, other F treatments (F1, F2, and F4) in the D2 treatment significantly enhance total plant dry matter, total N, P and K uptake. However, root rot incidence significantly increased with the increase of application F levels, and D2F3 can significantly decrease fungi/bacteria and fungi/actinomycetes in rhizosphere soil of healthy Panax notoginseng in 2018. According to analyzing the root rot incidence of different application F treatments, we found that 1500 kg hm−2 in the alternate micro-sprinkler irrigation might be recommended as an appropriate application F level to decrease root rot incidence of Panax notoginseng in the semi-arid area of Southwest China.

Multivariate effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer mixtures on growth of Lactuca sativa L.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the multivariate effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer mixtures on growth of Lactuca sativa L. For this purpose, a complete multivariate randomized design was performed, with 5 replicates in 20 parcels, to which the treatments were randomly distributed. The data on the number of leaves per plant and the height of lettuce was obtained at harvest in the study field where the experiment was conducted. The compliance with the basic assumptions of normality and multivariate homogeneity of the experimental residuals was significantly demonstrated, evidencing the adequacy of the model. Likewise, the levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers had significant effects on the number of leaves and height of the lettuce plant collectively and individually.

Response of Soil Aggregate Stability to Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Organic Fertilizer Addition: A Meta-Analysis

Soil is a highly significant resource for human survival, and agglomerates, as the basic unit of the soil structure, not only enhance the soil fertility and control the biological validity of nutrients but also strengthen the soil’s erosion resistance. The mass application of fertilizers may significantly affect crop growth and the soil structure, and the rational application and dispensing of fertilizers will be an urgent issue to be addressed. Therefore, the effect of fertilizer application on the stability of water-stable soil aggregates needs to be studied under different meteorological and soil conditions to draw more general and feasible conclusions. Our meta-analysis of data from 220 independent observations from 56 published studies found that fertilizer application increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) by an average of 18% compared to the no-fertilizer treatment. Among the nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and organic (OM) fertilizer treatments, the organic fertilizer treatment had a more significant stimulatory effect on the MWD (26%). Among the different fertilizer levels, a low level of phosphorus (<40 kg·ha−1 yr−1), a high level of N (>120 kg·ha−1·yr−1), and a low level of organic fertilizer (<5000 kg·ha−1·yr−1) increased the MWD by 19%, 14%, and 41%, respectively. Across the soil types and land use types, the response to the MWD was positive for red soils and paddy fields, and the organic fertilizer’s stimulatory effect was more significant than that of the chemical fertilizer. The correlation analysis showed that the response rate of the MWD was negatively correlated with the response rate of the soil pH and bulk density (BD) and positively correlated with the response rate of the soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial mass carbon (MBC). Meanwhile, the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) showed that the meteorological factors were the main factors affecting the stability of the soil aggregates, while the secondary factors were the soil’s physical and chemical properties. Therefore, this study found that the long-term use of organic fertilizer instead of partial fertilizer is better than the use of chemical fertilizer alone, while more attention should be paid to the influence of temperature and rainfall on the stability of fertilizer in aggregate soil in the future.

Effect of Phosphorus and Polyamine Fertilizers on Kufi Apple Transplants Growth

This experiment was conducted in the Lath-house/Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design/College of Agriculture and Forestry/University of Mosul on Kufi apple transplants (Malus domestica L.) at one year old, planted on plastic containers containing 9 kg of soil, by using the a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) for each experimental unit, with two factors, three replications, and four transplants, the first factor was three levels of phosphorus (0,100 and 200 mg P kg−1 soil), second factor was three levels of organic polyamine fertilizer (0,1.5 and 3 gm l−1). The transplants were fertilized with phosphorus once during the season on 26/4/2021,while Polyamine fertilizer was applied five times during the season, 20 days between them, first application was done in 26/4/2021. The results obtained showed that the application of phosphorus at a concentration of 200 mg P kg−1 soil significantly increased transplant leaves area and section length only as compared with control and 100 mg P kg−1soil treatments, while polyamine fertilizer at a concentration of 3 gm−1 significantly increased dry weight of vegetative growth and roots dry weight as compared with control and 1.5 gm−1 treatments and transplant leaves area and section diameter parameters as compared with control treatment only. The interaction between the concentrations of phosphorus and polyamine reveals that there was a significant effect on all studied parameters, the treatment of 200gm P kg−1 soil + 3 gm polyamine l−1 gave the highest means of leaves number, leaf area, transplant leaves area and ratio of roots dry weight /dry weight of vegetative growth, meanwhile 100gm P kg−1 soil + 3 gm polyamine l−1 treatment gave the highest means of section length, section diameter, dry weight of vegetative growth and roots dry weight.

GOAT PEA (SECURIGERA SECURIDACA L.) SEED YIELD AND PHYTOCHEMICALS IMPROVEMENT THROUGH CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The presented trial carried out at the District Baqubah, Diyala Governorate, Iraq, assessed the effects of three planting dates (15 October, 05, and 25 November 2018) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 150, 250, and 350 kg ha-1) on the seed yield and chemical composition of the goat pea (Securigera securidaca L.). The experiment in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement had three replications. The results showed that the 15 October planting was significantly superior in the percentage and yield of oil and the total content of phenols and glycosides, which amounted to 3.86%, 14.17 kg ha-1, 1.23 mg g-1, and 29.44 mg g-1, respectively. The organic fertilizer treatment, 350 kg ha-1, proved superior and provided the highest oil yield (14.48 kg ha-1), while organic fertilizer, 250 kg ha-1, was higher in the oil content (3.90%) and phenols (1.21 mg g-1). The interaction between 15 October planting and organic fertilizer, 250 kg ha-1, revealed a significant increase in oil percentage and the total content of phenols and glycosides, which amounted to 4.01%, 1.24 mg g-1, and 29.68 mg g-1, respectively. However, the interaction of the 15 October planting with organic fertilizer, 350 kg ha-1, was superior in the oil yield (15.23 kg ha-1).

Forage Radish Cover Crops Improve Soil Quality and Fruit Yield of Lycium barbarum L. in an Arid Area of Northwest China

Intercropping orchards with cover crops is an important practice for achieving sustainable soil management. However, little research has addressed the development of a soil quality index (SQI) to evaluate cover crop effects on orchard soil quality. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether cover cropping improves soil quality and fruit yield of Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) while reducing or replacing organic fertilizer application. The main treatments were the traditional management of L. barbarum as a monocrop (M) and intercropping Goji with radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as an annual cover crop (I). Within the main treatments, different levels of organic fertilizer were applied at 0 kg·plant−1 (M0), 2 kg·plant−1 (M1), and 4 kg·plant−1 (M2). After six years of planting, we analyzed the changes in soil quality caused by cover cropping with different organic fertilizer levels based on the SQI method. Goji yields were used for validation of the SQI derived from a minimum data set of soil quality indicators. In contrast with traditional monocropping, cover cropping increased soil total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus contents (by 78.60%, 30.30%, and 138.08%, respectively). There were also increased microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents (by 79.01% and 184.01%, respectively), enhanced urease and sucrase activities (by 41.02% and 56.81%, respectively), and reduced bulk density (by 1.92%) in the soil as a result of cover cropping. Compared with IM0 treatment, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents considerably increased under IM1 treatment, whereas soil available nitrogen and potassium contents as well as electrical conductivity increased under IM2 treatment. The SQI, which varied among treatments in the order IM1 > IM2 > MM2 > MM1 > IM0 > MM0, was positively correlated with Goji yield. From the soil quality and Goji yield perspective, cover cropping with a medium level of organic fertilizer is the optimal soil management practice for the L. barbarum planting system in arid areas of Ningxia, Northwest China.

Immobilization of Cr3+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ added to calcareous soil amended with composted agro-industrial residues

The bioavailability of trace metals in soils poses a major threat to the environment, especially with massive mineral fertilizers added to increase plant yield. A plot experiment was conducted for the effectiveness evaluation of compost and vermicompost, recycled from agro-industrial wastes, in immobilizing chromium, cadmium, and lead added to calcareous soil (artificially contaminated). Moreover, immobilization efficiency was compared to the natural occurrence of these metals in the soil without metal addition (uncontaminated soil). In both soils, amendments and mineral fertilizers were applied at three different levels alone and combined to each other. The experimental design was arranged in factorial complete randomized blocks using contamination, organic and mineral fertilizer levels, and their combination as categorical factors. The distribution of metal fractions and their bioavailability in soils and bioaccumulation in wheat grains were evaluated. Soil alkalinity, the contents of soil organic carbon and nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil micronutrients were significantly improved under vermicompost and compost compared to mineral fertilizer and control. Vermicompost was more effective than compost in reducing metals bioavailability in contaminated soils by increasing the immobilized organic fractions, but it regressed when combined with mineral fertilizers. The bioavailability of the naturally occurring metal levels in uncontaminated soil did not change significantly compared to contaminated soil. Likewise, wheat yield, plant biomass, and nutrient enrichment in wheat grains improved due to enhanced soil nutrient availability. These composted agro-industrial residues, by-products from food industries, can be classified as environmentally-friendly soil amendments for their great potential to enrich soil nutrients, reduce mineral fertilizer addition, enhance plant growth, and stabilize Cr, Cd, and Pb in contaminated calcareous soils under wheat plants.

Integrating low levels of organic fertilizer improves soil fertility and rice yields in paddy fields by influencing microbial communities without increasing CH4 emissions

Although organic fertilizer is usually recommended for improving soil quality and crop yields, it inevitably enhances methane (CH4) emissions. Effective measures to mitigate CH4 emissions while ensuring crop yields are urgently needed. A two-year experiment was performed to examine the effects of organic-inorganic fertilizer combinations on CH4 emissions, the CH4-related microbial community, soil biochemical characteristics, and rice yields during dual rice growing seasons in 2020–2021 at two locations (i.e., Nanning and Yulin City, Southern, China). The treatments were as follows: no N fertilizer (Neg-CF), 100 % chemical fertilizer (CF) (Pos-CF), 60 % cattle manure (CM) + 40 % CF (High-CM), 30 % CM + 70 % CF (Low-CM), 60 % poultry manure (PM) + 40 % CF (High-PM), and 30 % PM + 70 % CF (Low-PM). CH4 fluxes and related functional microorganism abundances were investigated using the closed chamber method and molecular procedures, respectively. The addition of organic manure significantly improved rice grain yields and soil properties, including total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC), and pH compared to the Pos-CF. Similarly, integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers led to significant increases in seasonal CH4 emissions, global warming potential (GWP), and the abundance of CH4-related soil microbes. Average increases in SOC, TN, CH4 emissions, and GWP in the High-PM treatment relative to the Pos-CF were 44.7, 36.4, 20.6, and 24.4 %, respectively, in Nanning; and 28.9, 33.3, 23.4, and 20.8 % in Yulin City, averaged across the years. Moreover, co-fertilization resulted in the highest increase in methanogenic diversity and abundance relative to Pos-CF only. Applying high proportions of manure improved the abundance of methanogenic soil archaea related to CH4 production compared with the plots with low proportions of manure. Interestingly, lower manure amendments produced the highest rice grain yields and lowest CH4 emissions while maintaining high soil qualities. In addition, regression analysis exhibited that SOC was highly positively associated with CH4 emissions. Above all, controlling the proportions of organic manure and CF may be a feasible approach for enhancing rice yields and soil quality while mitigating CH4 emissions. Of the treatments tested, the combination of 30 % organic manure (i.e., CM or PM) with 70 % CF (urea) performed the best. This study showed that combining manure and CF at a 30:70 ratio was the most effective approach for improving soil health and rice yields while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Comparing System of Wheat Intensification with Normal Practices Under Different Levels of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer in Southeast Region of Afghanistan

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of NPK and FYM under normal practice and system of wheat intensification (SWI). The soil of the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (8.4); and available N (117.3 kg ha-1), medium in available P (13.85 kg ha-1) and high in available K (270 kg ha-1). Mazar 99 variety of wheat was chosen for the study. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 24 treatments combination and three replications on a plot size of 1.5 x 3 m. Different cropping system (Broadcast method of sowing and system of wheat intensification) and different levels of NPK (50, 75 and 100%) were taken in main plot. Different levels of farm yard manure (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) were assigned to sub plot in a split plot design. Application of 100 percent RDF under system of wheat intensification significantly influenced growth and growth attributes of wheat at different crop growth stages. Application of 100% RDF under system of wheat intensification (SWI) registered significantly higher plant height (23.4, 52.3, 77.7 and 82.9 cm), and dry matter accumulation (60, 257, 753 and 964 gram) at tillering, blooming, flowering and maturity stages and number of leaves (1130.0, 1722.3 and 2020.8) and number of tillers (187.9, 280.2 and 310) of wheat was also registered higher in same treatments at tillering, blooming and flowering stages of wheat respectively as compared to rest of the treatments.
 Different treatments of cropping system and different levels of RDF and FYM significantly influenced yield and yield attributes of wheat. Among the cropping system, M4 (100% RDF + SWI) registered significantly higher grain yield (3794.3 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6096.8 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. Application of 100 percent farm yard manure recorded significant and maximum grain yield (3553.7 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. While, the minimum grain yield (3060.8 kg ha-1) was recorded in S1 due to application of 0% FYM. Similarly, application of 100 percent farm yard manure recorded significantly higher straw yield (5935.5 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. However, the lower grain yield (3060.8 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5373.4 kg ha-1) was observed in S1 due to application of zero percent farm yard manure. The interaction of 100% RDF + SWI with 100 % FYM showed highest grain yield (4060.0 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6450.0 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. vOn the basis of economic analysis it is concluded that wheat cv. ‘Mazar 99’ sown under system of wheat intensification treated by 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (120-60-60 kg NPK/ha) accompanied with 20% N through FYM proved to be the most remunerative dose which will increase the grain yield of wheat by 33 percent as compared to M1S1 due to application of 100% RDF + 0% FYM under broadcast method of sowing. However, SWI will increase the net return by 36 percent as compared to broadcast method of sowing.

Effect Different Levels of Organic Fertilizer and Agricultural Sulfur on the Growth and Yield of Potato Solanum tuberosum L.

A field experiment was conducted in one of the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad / Al-Jadriya in the spring season 2021 to know the effect of adding different levels of organic matter (poultry manure) and agricultural sulfur on the growth and yield of potatoes. The experiment included two factors: the addition of three levels of organic matter (0-10-20) Mg h-1, symbolized by OM0, OM1, and OM2 in sequence, and agricultural sulfur (0-1000-2000) kg h-1 and symbolized by S0, S1 and S2 in sequence. The treatments were distributed according to a randomized complete block design. The dry weight of shoots, number of tubers plant-1, total yield, starch and protein content of tubers and percentage of dry matter in tubers were calculated. The results showed that treatment S2 gave the highest dry weight of 8.41 Mg ha-1 compared to treatment S0 which gave 4.64 Mg ha-1 and treatment M2 gave 7.37 Mg ha-1 compared to treatment M0 which gave 5.92 Mg ha-1 and the interaction between the two factors M2S2 gave the highest dry weight 9.0 Mg ha-1. The interaction between the two factors M2S2 gave the highest number of tubers plant-1 was 9.4 compared to the measurement treatment 5.1. The interaction between the two factors M2S2 gave a higher yield of 59.56 Mg ha-1 compared to the measurement treatment 25.74 Mg ha-1. The M2S2 interaction treatment gave the highest values for the qualitative characteristics in potatoes, which are the percentage of starch, protein and dry matter 13.02, 8.4 and 19.09%, respectively.