Levels Of P2O5 Research Articles

Optimizing Slow-Release Fertilizer Rate for Crop and Soil Productivity in Kimchi Cabbage Cropping Systems in the Highlands of Gangwon Province

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) improves Kimchi cabbage (KC) productivity in the Highlands of Gangwon Province in South Korea; however, optimum rates for the region are not established. This study investigated the optimum and most economical rate of SRF that maximizes KC yield, nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and enhances soil quality in two experiments at the Highland Agriculture Research Institute. Post-harvest soil N (mg kg−1), P2O5 (mg kg−1), K, Ca and Mg (cmolc kg−1), pH (1:5), electrical conductivity (EC; dSm−1) and organic matter (OM; g kg−1) were measured to assess soil quality. Added net returns (ANR) of treatments were evaluated. Recommended N rate (238 kg ha−1) for KC production was the basis for treatment applications. Treatments included no fertilizer control (‘nf’), full N recommendation SRF (SF1), ½ N recommendation SRF (SF0.5), double N recommendation SRF (SF2) and full N recommendation conventional fast fertilizer (FF). Results showed that SF0.5, SF1 and SF2 influenced the highest KC marketable yield in both experiments (66–74 and 42–66 Mg ha−1, respectively). SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 times the N recommendation produced the highest possible linear increases in marketable yield; and the most economical, with ANR > KRW 83 million ha−1 in the first experiment and > KRW 22 million ha−1 in the second. Crop N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptakes were highest among the three SRF rates in both experiments. SF0.5 influenced the highest (91%) NUE in the first experiment; however, it left 8 mg kg−1 N by the end of this experiment compared to the start-up 27.2 mg kg−1 N. Thus, nutrient mining occurred. Soil N increased between 23 and 135 mg kg−1 by SF 1 and 2 in both experiments. Soil EC spiked to 0.6 dSm−1 from the initial level of 0.2 dSm−1 by SF2 in the first experiment. Soil pH, P2O5, K, Ca and Mg levels post-harvest were comparable among treatments in both experiments. SF0.5, 1 and 2 increased soil OM by 7–16% above pre-experimental levels in the second experiment. In conclusion, SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 for KC produced the maximum corresponding KC yield and were the most economical. SRF rates ≤ 0.5 pose risks of nutrient mining, which could jeopardise native soil fertility. SF1 and 2 improved some soil quality indices (N and OM). However, SF2 potentiates risks of soil salinity and large P losses, and it is less economical. Therefore, for holistic sustainability of the cropping system, the optimum SRF rate should lie between 0.5 and 1 N recommendation.

Multi-stage magmatism and Sn-polymetallic mineralization in the Shuicheng Region, SW China

The economically important tin‑tungsten mineralization in southwestern China has attracted much interest in recent years, yet its age, tectonic setting, and genetic relationship to the host granites remain uncertain in most regions. Our focus in this study is the Shuicheng tin-polymetallic deposit, situated in the western sector of the Diantan Batholith, within the northern Tengchong Block. The granites in this area consist of two intrusive units, i.e., 1) biotite monzogranite (T1), with LA-ICP-MS zircon UPb ages ranging from 76.88 ± 0.43 Ma to 74.69 ± 0.57 Ma, whole-rock εNd(t) values ranging from −9.75 to −8.11, and zircon εHf(t) values from −12.19 to −8.85; and 2) alkali-feldspar granite (T2), with an LA-ICP-MS zircon UPb age of 52.16 ± 0.23 Ma, whole-rock εNd(t) values of −10.15 to −8.25, and zircon εHf(t) values of −9.64 to −8.06. These two intrusive events have been linked to prolonged low-angle subduction and retreat of the subducting Neo-Tethys Ocean Plate, respectively. The Shuicheng granites exhibit high concentrations of SiO2 and Al2O3, contrasted with low levels of FeOT, CaO, MgO, TiO2, and P2O5, suggesting that they are highly fractionated S-type granites. High abundances of Rb, K, U, and Hf, along with low contents of Ba, Sr, and Ti, further indicate significant fractionation and crystallization processes during magma evolution. Importantly, a transition from purely magmatic conditions to a magmatic-hydrothermal state occurred during the latter stages of magmatic evolution. This transition, associated with an amplified potential for tin mineralization, provides fresh insight into the role of magmatic processes in ore genesis, enriching our understanding of the tin‑tungsten mineralization history of the Tengchong region.

Optimization of phosphorus levels for enhancing groundnut productivity under different land configuration in semi-arid ecologies of Afghanistan

The present investigation entitled “Optimization of phosphorus levels for groundnut under different land configuration in Afghanistan” was carried out at Afghanistan National Agricultural Science and Technology University (ANASTU), Kandahar Province, Afghanistan during spring season of 2020. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with 15 treatment combinations and three replications. The main-plot consised of land configurations, viz. ridge and furrow (RF), broad bed and furrow (BBF) and flatbed (FB), while the sub-plots comprised of phosphorus levels, viz. absolute control, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg P2 O5 / ha. The results revealed that the plant growth in terms of dry matter accumulation (above ground and below ground) and number of branches/plant were maximum in BBF, followed by FB and minimum in RF. Adoption of BBF also recorded significantly higher pod yield (2,987 kg/ha) and harvest index (31.0). With respect to P levels, application of 60 kg P2O5 /ha produced significantly higher pod yield (3,363 kg/ha), biological yield (13,157 kg/ha) than other P2 O5 levels. Therefore, growing of groundnut on BBF with application of 60 kg P2 O5 / ha was found beneficial for achieving higher production and productivity under Afghanistan conditions.

Influence of Levels of Phosphorus on Yield Components and Yield of Zero Till Maize in Rice-maize (Zea mays L.) Sequence

Aims: Influence of levels of phosphorus on yield components and yield of zero till maize in rice-maize (Zea mays L.) sequence.
 Methodology: Field experiment was conducted during two successive years at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on rice-zero till maize sequence. The experiment was replicated thrice with 5 levels of P2O5 in rice and 3 levels of P2O5 in maize.
 Results: The direct application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 to maize recorded significantly higher value of yield components, grain and stover yield of maize over lower Phosphorus levels. The residual effect of 100% and /or 75% RDP (recommended dose of Phosphorus) applied to rice had a greater positive influence on the yield components and yield over lower phosphorus levels. The cumulative effect indicated that application of 100% RDP to both the crops and 75 % RDP to rice and 100% RDP to maize had a positive effect on maize and produced significantly greater yield components and yield over other phosphorus treatments.

Effect of vam and phosphorus on yield and quality of sunflower

The field experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu during July – October 2015 to study the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation (VAM) and different levels of phosphorus on yield and quality of hybrid sunflower cv. Sunbred.The experiment was conducted in factorial randomized block design with two replications. The treatments consisted of 5 levels of P2O5 (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100kg/ha) applied in the presence or absence of VAM inoculates. The results of experiment revealed that mycorhizal inoculated plants produced maximum seed and stalk yield, oil content, oil yield and protein content than non mycorhizal inoculation. Among the various phosphorus levels tried, P2O5 at 100 kg/ha recorded the maximum values for yield and quality. With regard to interaction effect, mycorrhizal inoculation with P2O5 @ 100 kg /harecorded maximum values for yield and quality of sunflower but it was on par with mycorrhizal inoculation with P2O5 @ 75 kg /ha. Lowest values of yield and quality were recorded in non- mycorrhizal inoculation with P2O5 @ 0 kg /ha.

System Productivity and Balance of Soil Phosphorus in Rice - Zero till Maize (Zea mays L.) Cropping System as Influenced by Levels of Phosphorus

Aims: To study the phosphorus requirement of Rice - zero till maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system on system productivity and soil available Phosphorus balance. Study Design: Randomized block design (two factors). Methodology: The field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at the College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Levels of P2O5 (kg ha-1) applied to rice (5 levels) and maize (3 levels) respectively were (P0-30, P0-45, P0-60, P10-30, P10-45, P10-60, P20-30, P20-45, P20-60, P30-30, P30-45, P30-60, P40-30, P40-45 and P40-60). Results: In terms of system productivity (maize grain equivalent yield kg ha-1 annum-1) of rice–maize cropping system, the P40-60 and P30-60 treatments were found better than other Phosphorus management strategies. The balance sheet of available Phosphorus in soil at the end of fourth season revealed that input-output balance was positive with P40-60 and P30-60 by specifying the application of 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and/or 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 to rice and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 to maize in rice-zero till maize cropping system.

Growth and Productivity of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Response to Seed Priming and Different Levels of Phosphorus

Acidic soil generally has lower availability of phosphorus. Grain legumes respond positively to higher levels of phosphorus in acidic soil. Seed priming also enhances growth of the crops by activating various metabolic processes in plants. A field experiment was carried out to determine the influence of seed priming and phosphorus levels on growth and productivity of cowpea at Bhojad, Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment plot was laid out in two factorial randomized complete block design with three replications and the planting was done in spring season of 2022. The treatment consisted of two levels of seed priming (no priming and priming with 0.2 % Ca (NO3)2 for 24 hours) and four levels of P2O5 (20,30,40 and 60 kg ha-1). The variations in different parameters of cowpea due to seed priming were significant (P < 0.05). Primed seed produced the highest grain yield (1.25 t ha-1), which was followed by non-primed seeds (1.16 t ha-1). Similar significant (p<0.001) differences in yield and yield-attributing (no. of grains/pods, test weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index) traits were found at different levels of P2O5, with the highest grain yield (1.44 t ha-1) was obtained when applied with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Significant (p<0.001) variations in grain yield were found as a result of the interaction between priming and P2O5 levels. The combination of priming and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 produced the highest grain yield (1.51 t ha-1). The results showed that the use of primed seed with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 would be beneficial for the farmers in the Terai region of Nepal.

Evaluasi Kesesuaian Lahan Sawah Berdasarkan Status Hara di Kecamatan Seluma Selatan Kabupaten Seluma

The low productivity of rice in Seluma Selatan District is caused by fertilization actions based on general recommendations and not based on site-specific recommendations. In fact, fertilization should be based on soil nutrient status, especially N, P and K. This study aims to determine the nutrient status and evaluate the suitability class of lowland rice in Seluma Selatan District, Seluma Regency. This study used survey methods, soil sampling, and laboratory analysis, then matched it with the soil fertility level classification system and land suitability classification. The results showed that the nutrient status of paddy fields in Seluma Selatan sub-district in low-medium rice fields was categorized. It is characterized by an acidic pH value and low P2O5 in providing nutrients for lowland rice plants. Evaluation of land suitability in Seluma Selatan sub-district shows that the land suitability classes are S2 and S3. The results of the evaluation of the most suitable land suitability for land unit 2 (Au.1.1.1) were quite suitable for S2n with available nutrient limiting factors at the P2O5 level and marginally suitable for S3n on land unit 4 (Hab.1.1.1) with available nutrient limiting factors at P2O5 and K2O levels. Efforts to improve the suitability class S2 (fairly suitable) can be increased to S1 class (very suitable) and the S3 land suitability class (marginally appropriate) can be increased to S2 (quite suitable) . Keywords: Land suitability, lowland rice, nutrient status

Biofertilizer reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizer on wheat production

Scarce availability of chemical fertilizers threatens sustainability of wheat production in Nepal. Combined application of chemical and biofertilizer can reduce chemical fertilizer and enhance the yield under limited fertilizer availability. A field experiment was carried out to assess the combined application of chemical and biofertilizer on the growth and yield of spring wheat at Rampur, Chitwan from November 2020 to April 2021. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with four nitrogen and P2O5 levels (0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended dose) in vertical plots and three biofertilizer application methods (not applied, seed applied and soil applied) in horizontal plots with three replications. The research results revealed significant interaction between nitrogen and P2O­5 levels and biofertilizer application methods. The highest grain yield (4624.48 kg ha-1) of wheat was obtained with 100% levels of N and P­­­2O5 with soil applied biofertilizer at par with 75% levels of N and P­­­2O5 with soil applied biofertilizer (4457.54 kg ha-1). The total nitrogen uptake was higher in biofertilizer applied wheat as compared with no application of biofertilizer although statistically not significant. The yield increment in 100% and 75% N and P­­­2O5 levels with soil applied biofertilizer over same level N and P­­­2O5 with no biofertilizer application were 10.96% and 29.60% respectively. The higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio were obtained with 75% and 100% N and P2O5 levels with soil and seed applied biofertilizers. The result indicates that 25% recommended dose of N and P2O5 could be reduced by soil application of biofertilizer without compromising the grain yield of wheat. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 10(4): 245-253.

Yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) increased by more than two-folds through nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in the highlands of North-Western Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a huge potential to increase the production and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) mainly in north-western regions where current potato yields are less than 10 t ha−1. Soil fertility and disease are the major yield-limiting factors of potato in this part of the country. Three-year’s on-farm research was conducted to get the optimum economic levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients for the major potato-growing areas of north-western Ethiopia. A factorial experiment with four levels of N (46, 92, 138, and 194 kg ha−1), three levels of P2O5 (46, 69, and 92 kg ha−1), and one pilot treatment with no NP nutrient inputs was used. A randomised complete block design with three replications was used. The findings of the research showed that more than 40 t ha−1of potato could be attained (about four times the current productivity) in the study areas through NP nutrient management. The yield was increased significantly with an increased rate of N at all sites (p < 0.01). The yield difference was nonsignificant (p > 0.05) between P levels for most of the sites and years. The financial analysis of the findings for Yilmana Densa district indicated that applying 138 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha−1, together, gave a marginal return of (Birr/Birr) 70.9, whereas 138 N and 69 P2O5 kg ha−1 resulted in 10.7. For the South Gondar, 138 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha−1 gave a marginal return of 24.3 (Birr/Birr). Therefore, based on the farm gate price of potato and the cost of fertilizer, 138 N, combined with 69 P2O5 kg ha−1, is recommended for the Yilmana Densa. For the South Gondar, 138 N, combined with 46 P2O5 kg ha−1, is recommended.

Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Addition on Agronomic Characters, Photosynthetic Performance and Anatomical Structure of Alfalfa in Northern Xinjiang, China

The productivity of alfalfa is associated with a large amount of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P); the addition of exogenous N and P fertilizers can fully exploit the growth potential of alfalfa. However, there is uncertainty about the relationship between changes in alfalfa productivity and photosynthetic physiology and anatomy. We conducted field fertilization experiments on alfalfa in the second and third years under drip irrigation, as well as measurement of the photosynthetic physiology, anatomical structure and agronomic traits of alfalfa at different levels of N (0, 120 kg·ha−1) and different levels of P2O5 (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg·ha−1). The results showed that the dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein (CP), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and specific leaf weight (SLW) were increased by 2.10~11.82%, 4.95~11.93%, 4.71~7.59% and 2.02~7.12% in the N application treatment compared with the non-N application treatment, while the DMY, CP, Pn and SLW were increased by 3.19~17.46%, 1.99~8.42%, 6.15~24.95% and 2.16~11.90% in the P application treatment compared with the non-P application treatment. N and P increase the thickness of the spongy tissue (ST) of alfalfa, which will facilitate the entry and exit of gas and water, and will further affect the photosynthetic indexes, such as stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr), of alfalfa leaves. Increased palisade tissue (PT) thickness will also enhance the adaptability of plant leaves to strong sunlight, thereby increasing the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and light saturation point (LSP). Fertilization treatment showed the highest utilization efficiency for low light and better adaptation to strong light, but the Rd decreased. The comprehensive scores of principal component analysis for anatomical structure, photosynthetic performance and agronomic traits were N1P2 &gt; N0P2 &gt; N1P3 &gt; N1P1 &gt; N0P3 &gt; N0P1 &gt; N1P0 &gt; N0P0. Therefore, the application of N and P fertilizers contributed to the adaptive changes in alfalfa leaf anatomy and the improvement of photosynthetic capacity, which were beneficial to the improvement of alfalfa dry matter yield, growth traits and nutritional quality, with the most obvious improvement effect obtained with the application of 120 kg·ha−1 of N and 100 kg·ha−1 of P2O5.

Sustainable method of phosphorus biowaste management to innovative biofertilizers: A solution for circular economy of the future

This paper presents the possibility of applying bacterial strains from the Bacillus group in the microbial solubilization of phosphorus-bearing waste materials. Fishbones, bones and ash from sewage sludge incineration were used as renewable phosphorus sources. Bacterial consortia in combinations of 1–4 strains were used for phosphate solubilization, including B. thuringiensis, B. megaterium, B. subtilis and B. cereus. Fishbones showed the highest degree of bioavailable phosphorus (20.5% of total content, of which 99.1% was bioavailable). The combination of two raw materials fishbone and sewage sludge ash (1:1) gave the best results of solubilization efficiency (over 70%) using a consortium containing 3 bacterial strains. A consortium consisting of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis, the activity of which resulted in the highest phosphorus concentration in the culture medium, was selected for larger scale tests. The produced application batch of liquid biofertilizer contained 0.54% P2O5 and high levels of micronutrients including iron (0.16%). The biological effectiveness of biofertilizer was confirmed in plant studies, where strong root stimulation (up to 33%) and an increase in chlorophyll content (over 20%) were observed for seeds soaked in biofertilizer. This form of application is being recommended over plant nutrition with granular phosphorus fertilizers. Through the use of waste materials, the research conducted in this paper fits into the topic of sustainability.

Yield and morpho-physiological performance of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) genotypes as affected by phosphorus and zinc

Meeting nutritional needs and removing restrictions of nutrient uptake ensures quinoa production. This research has been conducted over a two year (2018–2020) in Khuzestan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center to appraisal the role of P and Zn elements on changing quinoa genotypes performance by modifying photosynthetic processes and nutrients uptake. This experiment was run as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three factors and three replicates. In this study, four levels of P2O5 fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha−1), three rates of ZnSO4 (0, 4 and 8 kg ha−1), and three genotypes of quinoa (Giza 1, Q26, Titicaca) were examined. Regarding results, the desirable performance of Giza 1 and Titicaca genotypes was observed in 100 kg ha−1of P2O5 fertilizer and 4 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 treatment. An eight kg ha−1 of ZnSO4 had a negative effect on the quinoa physiological indices. The number of grains per plant was identified as the essential feature, with 94.75% justification of grain yield changes. Nutrient’s analysis exhibited the highest grain quality in top levels of P2O5 and ZnSO4 application, which differed with control mode. Pearson correlation results were implied that grain yield correlated positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.01) with chlorophyll index (CI), number of panicles per plant (NPP), number of grains per plant (NGP), and 1000-grain weight. Upmost photosynthetic power and nutrients efficiency were allocated to Q26 genotype at 150 kg ha−1 level of P2O5 accompanied by 4 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 foliar application, which led to higher grain production.

Study on Integrated Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manure on Available Nutrients, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Scented Rice

Field experiments were conducted at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the year 2017 and 2018 to study the integrated effect of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure on available nutrients, yield and nutrient uptake in scented rice. Before the test crop experiment, fertility gradient experiment was conducted by using kharif rice (cv. Ranjit) as an exhaust crop to create three fertility gradient strips. After harvesting the gradient crop, test crop experiment was conducted in the same field with scented rice (cv. Keteki joha) by superimposing 24 combination treatments consisting of five levels of N (0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), four levels of P2O5 (0, 5, 10 and 20 kg ha-1), three levels of K2O (0, 10 and 20 kg ha-1) and three levels of vermicompost (0, 2 and 3 t ha-1) in each of these fertility gradient strips. Results show that application of integrated nutrient management approach brought about a positive influence on organic carbon, nutrient availability, crop yield and nutrients uptake by scented rice. Combined application of 60 kg N, 10 kg P2O5 and 10 kg K2O per hectare along with 3 tons of vermicompost per hectare resulted in the highest concentration of available NPK in soils, the highest crop yield and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by rice.

Rhizosphere effect on phosphorus availability to soybean in Vertisols

ABSTRACT Vertisols of India are calcareous and have a heavy texture with high clay content but low to medium content of Olsen estimated phosphorus (P). The on-farm and on-station trials revealed that Vertisols with various levels of P2O5 responded negligibly to fertilizer application on soybean crops. In Vertisols, the inorganic P is primarily associated with Ca (Ca-P), which gradually solubilizes under acidic conditions surrounding rhizosphere. Hence, in order to correlate both the findings, the current study investigated the rhizosphere/rhizoplane pH. The study used agar plate technique to observe that the pH of the rhizosphere and rhizoplane soils, which was observed to be acidic although the soil pH was 7.6. The correlation between P uptake and soil-available P measured using the four test methods (Bray 2, Olsen, Truog, and Mehlich 3) revealed that Bray 2 had high correlation with the amount of P absorbed by soybean. Bray 2 method extracts approximately 10 times more P from Vertisols than does the Olsen extractant. This could be a plausible reason for insignificant difference in crop post fertilizer application due to sufficient P fertility of the Vertisols. Hence, Bray 2 method was established as a suitable method for the extraction of P from Vertisols, in which the pH of the extraction solution was the most acidic, among the selected four extraction methods and had high correlation with the amount of P absorbed by soybeans. Hence, this method is recommended for P estimation for Vertisols present in Central India. Essentially, this study provided information that an accurate measurement of P availability is required to explain the non-responsive nature of soybean to P fertilizers in Vertisols. Additionally, the current study emphasized the need for optimum recommendations of P from the view point of rhizosphere; it may facilitate the reduction of the application rates of P to the crops, without reducing the crop yields.

Nutritional value of cactus pear grown under different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and two harvest frequencies

This study evaluated the effects of N/P fertilization on the chemical, mineral composition, and in vitro degradation kinetics of cactus pear cv. Gigante. The research was conducted in Quixadá and Tejuçuoca, CE, Brazil. Nine N/P combinations were evaluated from five levels of N (10, 70, 100, 130, and 190 kg ha−1 year−1), five levels of P2O5 (10, 70, 100, 130, and 190 kg ha−1 year−1), and two harvest frequencies (annual and biannual). The experiment was performed in a split [...]

Improved Alfalfa Phosphate Utilization Using Zeolite Amendments in Low pH Soil

Soil amendments are used to increase the solubility of phosphate rocks (PRs) such that they can supply phosphorus (P) to high P-demanding crops. Zeolites are naturally occurring aluminosilicate minerals that can solubilize PRs and increase P nutrient supply. This study sought to evaluate the effects of zeolite addition in PR mixtures in dry matter yield (DMY), nutrient accumulation, and alfalfa’s agronomic efficiency. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse where treatments comprised of two zeolites types (clinoptilolite and stilbite), three P sources (triple superphosphate-TSP, Morocco PR, and Cajati PR), five P levels (0, 22, 44, 87, and 131 mg kg−1), and five zeolites ratios (w/w) based on P2O5 levels (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200%). Eleven cuts of alfalfa were taken to quantify DMY and P accumulation. Alfalfa dry matter yield and P accumulation increased due to P fertilization. Reactive PR (Morocco) was more effective than TSP to increase alfalfa DMY and P accumulation. Phosphorus levels in soil did not increase with reactive PR (Morocco) fertilization and zeolite amendment. Zeolite stilbite just increased P solubilization and accumulation by alfalfa plants in a 150–200% ratio (zeolite/PR) with the low-reactive PR (Cajati). Under this experiment’s conditions, zeolite was not an efficient amendment combined with P soluble and reactive PR sources to increase alfalfa DM yield and P accumulation. Large amounts of zeolite were necessary to provide the low-efficiency PR source solubilization to satiate alfalfa P demand.

Synthesis of Rare Earth Metal Oxides Based on Monasite Sand with pH Variations

In the island of Bangka Belitung, the presence of monazite is quite abundant, monazite minerals contain rare earth metals. Rare Earth Metals are groups of elements that have similar properties, for example neodymium, cerium, lanthanum, and others. Rare earth metal applications are very potential in various fields. In this research, the synthesis of rare earth metals by sol gel method at pH variations of 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 was carried out. In this case, only changes in the levels of P2O5, La2O3, CeO2, and Nd2O3 compounds were observed. The results showed an increase in levels of rare earth metals. This is indicated by the increase in La2O3 levels by 4,421% from the initial level at pH 7.5 CeO2 which has increased levels by 7,166% at pH 7.5, and Nd2O3 which has increased levels of 5.116% at pH 6.5. On the other hand, of P2O5 has decreased significantly (22.037%)&#x0D; &#x0D; Keyword: Monasite, Rare Earth, Sol Gel, pH

Effect of starter nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates on yield and yield components, grain protein content of groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) and residual soil nitrogen content in a semiarid north Ethiopia

Increasing costs of chemical fertilizers, environmental concerns of their application and demand for protein foods, placed an extensive interest in growing of legume crops for human nutrition, and soil fertility replenishment. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on parameters of phenology, growth performance, grain yield, yield components, grain protein content of groundnut, and residual soil nitrogen content in the northern Ethiopia during the growing season of 2017. Three levels of N (0, 15 and 30 kg ha−1) and four levels of P2O5 (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg ha−1) were set in factorial combinations of randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that an average total biomass yield increased by 22.5% for separate individual application of 15 kg N ha−1 and by 16.6% for 46 kg P2O5 ha−1 compared to control plots. Haulm yield increased by 29.17% for plots treated with N fertilization compared to control plots. Average pod yield increased by 85.4% for a combined application of 15 kg N ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha−1 fertilizers compared to the control plots. Plots fertilized with the highest combined rates of N and P have attained lower grain yield compared to the combined application of 15 kg N ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha−1. The highest grain protein contents were obtained for a combined application of 30 kg N ha−1 and zero P, and 15 kg N ha−1 plus 46 kg P2O5 ha−1. The highest N harvest index was obtained for control treatments and for plots treated with combined application of 15 kg N ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha−1. Residual soil N content increased by 119% on plots with combined application of 15 kg N ha−1 and 46 P2O5 ha−1 compared to control plots. Based on our results, combined application of 15 kg N ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha−1 was recommended for increasing grain yield, grain protein content and residual soil nitrogen. The results of this study are crucial to improve groundnut productivity, grain protein content and also to provide implication on soil fertility management in a crop rotation system.

Agronomic performance of Banana ‘FHIA 18’ in response to phosphate fertilization

AbstractPhosphorus (P) use efficiency can be improved for banana (Musa ssp.) crops. The recommended phosphate fertilization rates can be reduced, depending on the cultivated genotype. The goal of this study was to identify the most appropriate P fertilizer recommendation for the banana cultivar FHIA 18. The rates of P applied in three production cycles were as follows: 0 (without fertilization), 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 kg ha−1 of P2O5 yr−1. The cultivar FHIA 18 requires an application of 55% of the recommended P fertilization (22 kg ha−1 P2O5) in the second and third cultivation cycles to reach maximum growth because of the increased pseudostem diameter. The results showed an increase in available soil P with increasing levels of phosphate fertilizers. Furthermore, the maximum P content in diagnostic leaves was obtained with 90% of the recommended phosphate fertilization rate (36 kg ha−1 of P2O5 yr−1). Yield increased with increasing P2O5 levels, reaching a maximum value (62.93 kg−1 plant−1 yr−1) with a lower P2O5 level than that recommended for other banana cultivars in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Thus, the cultivar FHIA 18 requires 26 kg ha −1 of P2O5 to reach its maximum yield.