ABSTRACT Climate change is affecting the way people carry out traditional practices, as there is a need for new approaches that cater to new environmental conditions. Synthetic fertilizer use has increased worldwide as it is easy to apply and shows quicker results. However, their use can cause detrimental environmental pollution and long-term problems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers on the growth performance, seedling morphology, and drought tolerance of Eucalyptus grandis seedlings. The average measured height was longer for seedlings treated with organic fertilizers than for those treated with biofertilizer and untreated seedlings. Similarly, the average number of leaves was higher for seedlings treated with organic liquid fertilizers compared to the untreated and those treated with biofertilizers under active management in the nursery. When subjected to prolonged water stress, the seedlings treated with organic fertilizers did not survive, while those treated with biofertilizers and those not treated survived. Further studies should assess the long-term water requirements and field survival of seedlings treated with liquid organic fertilizers. The experiment could be repeated over a long period to see if there is a difference in the survival of seedlings after transplant.

Sustainability challenges in hydroponic and aeroponic systems are primarily due to the limited use of liquid organic fertilizers (LOFs) and the suboptimal temperature conditions for plant growth. This study aims to address these issues by incorporating agrowaste-derived LOFs as an alternative nutrient source and utilizing a clay-dominant soil layer in the vertical aeroponic system to stabilize nutrient solution temperatures. The goal is to optimize both the productivity and efficiency of LOFs. Eight LOFs were developed using mustard oil cake, sugarcane, and kangkong leaves, and assessed on various parameters. Among these, formulations F6 and F4 exhibited optimal pH (4.50 and 5.0), electrical conductivity (18.20 and 18.10 dS/m), elevated levels of nitrogen (0.19% in both), phosphorus (0.017% and 0.018%), and potassium (1.10% in both). To address temperature fluctuations in the nutrient solution, a 1.5-in. layer of silty clay soil effectively stabilized nutrient temperatures, reducing variation from 30.90°C to 27.50°C in summer and from 22.63°C to 19.57°C in winter. Leafy vegetable Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) was used in this study, where various growth and nutritional parameters were evaluated over 45 days to assess the impacts of various treatments. Plants grown with liquid organic fertilizer F4 (treatment T4) achieved a yield of 484.80 g/unit plot, which was comparable to the non-organic treatment T2 at 505.30 g/unit plot with similar nutritional quality. These findings demonstrate that agrowaste-derived LOFs can serve as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers in aeroponic systems, offering both environmental and agronomic benefits.

Development and experimental analysis of an annular slit pneumatic granular fertilizer flow rate detection device based on fertilizer flow convergence technique

The increasing amount of household organic waste, such as onion peels, chili stems, and coffee grounds, requires effective management through its utilization as liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). This study aims to analyze the production process of liquid organic fertilizer and determine the nutrient content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) as indicators of fertilizer quality. This study employed an experimental method with a qualitative descriptive approach through an anaerobic fermentation process using EM4 and molasses for 10-14 days. The object of the study was liquid organic fertilizer produced from household organic waste, including onion peels, chili stems, and coffee grounds. Data were collected through direct observation during the fermentation process and laboratory testing of nutrient content. Data analysis was conducted descriptively through the interpretation of observational results and laboratory tests on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content. The results showed that the fermentation process proceeded optimally, indicated by a dark brown color change, a fresh acidic odor, and decomposed material texture. Laboratory test results revealed that potassium was the dominant nutrient compared to nitrogen and phosphorus. Although the nutrient content has not yet met national standards, the resulting liquid organic fertilizer has the potential to be used as an environmentally friendly supplementary fertilizer to support household organic waste management and sustainable agriculture.

The present study investigates the capacity of solutions derived from organic fertilisers to enhance the yield and quality of tomatoes (both grafted and ungrafted) cultivated in greenhouses. Three fundamental fertilisation applications were conducted: an organic tomato waste compost solution (CS), a wood ash solution (WAS), and an inorganic (NPK; 20-20-20 + ME) fertilisation control. The administration of organic fertilisers was conducted at a rate of 0.5L per plant per week, formulated as a solution with an EC value of 2 dS m- 1, which is widely regarded as being optimal for the cultivation of tomatoes. Overall, wood ash solution has proven prominent in tomato cultivation. While the highest growth and yield (3.56kg/plant) values were obtained from the WAS application, similar results were achieved with the control application. In general, grafted tomato seedlings showed higher results in terms of yield values. Wood ash solution stood out in terms of firmness, while compost solution stood out in terms of vitamin C values. The firmness and vitamin C values of grafted plants were also found to be lower than those of ungrafted plants. Organic liquid fertilizers can be considered as an alternative or complementary approach to chemical fertilizers. However, using WAS in combination with a strong nitrogen source on soils with low organic matter content will increase success.

Limited availability of high-quality organic resources, inconsistent nutrient content, and unestablished nutrient-release patterns hinder the effective utilization of organic materials for soil fertility management. To address this, the present study characterizes the total nutrient content of fourteen organic materials and analysed their NPK fertilizer value following standards established by the Tanzanian Bureau of Standards (TBS) and African Standards for Organic Fertilizers (ARS). Four high-potential materials: comfrey, azolla, fish meal, wild sunflower and their mixtures were further tested in a fermentation experiment to examine nutrient release dynamics and their potential for direct-soil incorporation. The experiment was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), in Morogoro region, Tanzania. In a screenhouse experiment, 150 g of the powdered material was fermented in 1.8 litres of water in pots for 84 days, in a Completely Randomized Design. Fermented samples were collected at 14-day intervals and analysed for available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Results showed that fish meal had the highest NPK fertilizer value (21.23%), while rabbit urine had the lowest (0.3%). Peak nitrogen release reached 849.2 mg/L at 28 days in fish meal, and potassium 143.32 mg/L at 28 days in comfrey. Phosphorus release peaked (7.1 mg/L) at 42 days in fish meal, and calcium (29.8 mg/L) at 84 days in wild sunflower. Fish meal demonstrated its potential as a high-quality organic material for direct application or inclusion in liquid fertilizer formulations. Its combined formulation with azolla and comfrey could result in a balanced liquid NPK organic fertilizer suitable for a wide range of crops. These findings provide empirical evidence to guide the direct use of local organic resources for sustainable soil fertility management and the formulation of liquid organic fertilizers.

This study explores the use of metallurgical slag extracts as a liquid mineral fertilizer for maize cultivation. Slag samples were obtained from the former lead smelter in Shymkent and the Zhezkent Mining and Processing Plant. Elemental analysis identified the slag from the second storage area of the Shymkent smelter as the least contaminated with potentially toxic elements and enriched in macro- and micronutrients. Slag extraction was conducted via chemical leaching using potassium sulfate and ammonia solutions in a hydrogen peroxide medium, yielding Cu2+ and Zn2+ concentrations of 423.751 mg/L and 86.649 mg/L, respectively. The resulting extracts were diluted with distilled water at a ratio of 1:10 (potassium sulfate extract) and 1:200 (ammonia extract) and applied to assess early seed development and subsequent maize yield. Seed germination rates were comparable to those of the control group (100%). After 90 days of growth, maize plants treated with the ammonia-based extract showed positive effects on root system development, stem growth, and cob formation. The concentration of potentially toxic elements in the dry plant biomass remained within permissible limits. These findings demonstrate the potential for the safe agricultural use of these extracts while ensuring the rational utilization of industrial waste.

Papaya leaves contain the enzyme papain which can help microorganisms degrade collagen and elastin in fish waste, thus accelerating the hydrolysis of protein into amino acids and free nitrogen. The research aims to analyze the effect of adding papaya leaves with various concentrations and fermentation times on increasing the volume and quality of liquid organic fertilizer made from fish waste. This research was conducted at the Integrated Laboratory of Lambung Mangkurat University in Banjarbaru, Indonesia. This study used a factorial randomized block design with two factors, namely the concentration of papaya leaves (0 g, 30 g, 60 g, and 90 g) and the fermentation time (3, 7, and 14 days). The addition of papaya leaves in the fermentation process of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) from fish waste had an effect on increasing the volume of LOF the highest was obtained on the 14th day with the addition of 30% papaya leaves, while the highest nitrogen and phosphorus content was achieved in fermentation for seven days with a concentration of 10–20%. Keywords: Liquid Organic Fertilizer, Fish Waste, Papaya Leaves

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), and complete ammonia oxidizers (comammox) play a crucial role in nitrification, which is an essential process in terrestrial nitrogen cycling. However, their metabolic potential and relative contributions to soil nitrification in upland soils remain unclear. In this study, the metabolic pathways and the interaction of AOA, AOB, and comammox of upland soil in northern China was conducted by combination of 13C-stable isotopes and multiple inhibitor methods. Meanwhile, under acetylene inhibition, the urea treatment in WI2 soil exhibited remarkably high 13C labeling proportions in AOA and comammox, reaching 80.3% and 64.2%, respectively, compared with the other soils. This suggests that long-term application of organic liquid fertilizer may induce shifts in microbial community composition and functional potential. Furthermore, inhibition of AOA reduced the 13C-labeled abundance of comammox, indicating that comammox may depend on metabolites produced by AOA. Across all soil treatments (CK, WI1, and WI2), the nitrification potential of AOA and AOB acting together was lower than the sum of their respective nitrification potentials when operating independently. However, in the WI2 treatment, the co-occurrence of AOA and AOB increased the nitrification potential of comammox from 22%–26% to 29%–46%, indicating that the presence of AOA and AOB can enhance the nitrification potential of comammox in upland soils with high organic matter content. The results of this study provide the knowledge of the genetic and metabolic associations among soil nitrifying microbial communities.

Sungai Pinang Village, Rambutan District, Banyuasin Regency is an area with agricultural and household activities that generate a significant amount of organic waste, particularly vegetable residues and fruit peels. However, the utilization of this waste is still not optimal and is often discarded, potentially causing environmental pollution. Therefore, this community service activity aims to provide education and empower the community in processing organic waste into eco-enzyme as an environmentally friendly liquid organic fertilizer. The method used is an educative-participatory approach through observation, surveys, socialization, and direct practice in making eco-enzyme. This activity actively involves the community in the waste processing stages, including material collection, mixing, and fermentation. The results indicate an increase in community knowledge and understanding of organic waste management, as well as the ability to independently produce eco-enzyme. Furthermore, the eco-enzyme produced can be utilized as a liquid organic fertilizer to support the growth of horticultural plants in home gardens. Thus, this activity not only provides a solution to waste problems but also supports sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, this program plays an important role in increasing environmental awareness and community independence in managing organic waste.

Urban farming activities at Keboen Gizi RT 13, Bekasi City have declined since 2022, despite previously contributing to local food security. This community service program aimed to revitalize these activities by enhancing partners’ capacity in managing organic waste into liquid and solid organic fertilizers and utilizing them for medicinal plants (TOGA). The method applied was a staged Transfer of Knowledge (ToK) approach, consisting of socialization, hands-on training (learning by doing), and field application with intensive mentoring. This approach also emphasized experiential reflection to improve previous practices. The results showed an improvement in participants’ understanding and skills in producing local microorganisms (MOL), bio-enzymes, and solid compost. Initial fermentation failures were successfully corrected through technical standardization, resulting in safer and more stable processes. The application of organic fertilizers to TOGA improved plant growth, enhanced soil quality, and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers. Overall, the program was effective in strengthening community independence and supporting a circular economy-based urban farming system.

The evolving nature of India’s agricultural sector presents persistent challenges in operational efficiency, particularly for small-scale agrarian communities. Conventional manual fertilizer application is labour-intensive and physically demanding, often leading to operator exhaustion and sub-optimal crop nourishment. While high-end motorized or tractor-trailed equipment exists, the associated capital costs remain prohibitive for marginal farmers. This research presents the engineering of a manually operated, dual-row liquid fertilizer micro-doser. Utilizing purely mechanical principles, the system ensures precise nutrient delivery directly to the root zones. The device is constructed on a stable four-wheel mild steel chassis. An eccentric crank-driven assembly automates an internal pressure pump, drawing from a 16L HDPE reservoir to provide continuous discharge without reliance on batteries or fossil fuels. Initial field trials indicate that the prototype effectively doubles ap

Large amounts of fish processing waste, by-products and low-value fish are produced globally, but their utilization efficiency is low. They are rich in substances that promote plant growth, with a potential application for producing fertilizer products. The fermentation broth for fish protein liquid fertilizer was prepared using synergistic technology of microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis by using mackerel (Pneumatophorus japonicus) as materials. Mackerel was first enzymatically hydrolyzed using flavor proteases, followed by inoculation with Bacillus subtilis for fermentation. The bacteria-enzyme synergistic fermentation conditions were optimized through single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The optimal fermentation parameters were determined as: temperature of 37 °C, fermentation time of 72 h, inoculum size of 3.0% (V/m), and pH of 7.5. The hydrolysis degree of mackerel after the synergistic action of microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis was significantly enhanced compared with the single enzyme hydrolysis and microbial fermentation without pretreatment by flavor proteases. The mackerel fermentation broth was rich in free amino acids, demonstrating excellent potential for application as an effective fish-based liquid fertilizer.

Tofu liquid waste contains organic materials that can be utilized as liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). This study aims to determine the effect of dose and interval of LOF from tofu liquid waste on tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum. L). This study, conducted from April to July 2024 in Gajah Bendo Village, Pasuruan, examined the impact of tofu liquid waste-based Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) on tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum. L). Utilizing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors in triplicates, the researchers tested four dosage levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 ml/plant) and three application intervals (6, 10, and 14 days). The results of the study found that the combination of LOF tofu liquid waste dosage at a dose of 300 mL/plant with an application interval of 14 days resulted in the fastest flowering age compared to other treatment combinations. However, the combination of dosage and application interval treatments did not significantly affect the parameters of plant height, number of fruits, and fruit sets. The LOF application even tended to reduce the harvest weight of tomato fruit compared to the control treatment. Future research can focus on the optimal fermentation time of liquid waste to prepare LOF and apply the LOF on tomato plants under more controlled conditions such as in a greenhouse.

Abstract Sustaining crop yield is a growing challenge due to soil fertility loss and climate change. As a result, fertiliser application is increasing to sustain yield and counteract low fertiliser use efficiency. Developing nutrient-efficient fertilisers, for example by combining biochar with fertilisers, is thus crucially needed. In this context, the development of biochar-mineral complex (BMC) fertilisers into liquefied products suitable for broadacre application is highly innovative. This study aimed to explore the agronomic benefits and economic viability of four novel liquefied BMCs designed for application within a pasture cropping system. The different forms of developed BMCs included two non-enriched BMCs (BMC1 and BMC2) that were micronised using different techniques, a phosphorus (P)-enriched BMC (BMC3), and a nitrogen (N)-enriched BMC (BMC4), all applied both with- and without co-fertilisation. Soil biochemistry, plant NP uptake, NP balances, plant yield and cost–benefit were examined. Pasture yield was significantly higher using BMC1 and BMC3 with co-fertilisation than without, most likely due to improved P availability, as evidenced by positive P balances. Yield was significantly enhanced under BMC4 at 42.20 t ha −1 , compared with BMC1 at 21.90 t ha −1 , BMC2 at 19.41 t ha −1 , BMC3 at 25.81 t ha −1 , the fertilised control at 18.75 t ha −1 and non-fertilised control at 11.53 t ha −1 . Only BMC4 showed positive NP balances, suggesting that pasture did not absorb N and P from the existing soil reserve. Soil microbial composition and abundance were not affected by the applied BMC treatments in short term. The benefit–cost ratio ranged from 1.94 to 2.54, indicating economic viability of the BMC products and suggesting a great potential of biochar-based fertilisers for wide adoption to other crops. Graphic abstract

The article focuses on the problem of poultry manure processing. Biotechnological methods for obtaining a liquid biopreparation for plants based on chicken manure are considered. All studies were conducted at the All-Russian Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands (Tver Region). Based on the results of the experiments, optimal parameters for the process of obtaining a biopreparation using a soft extraction technique were selected. Since many compounds are present in chicken manure in water-soluble form, most of them go into solution during extraction. When using liquid fertilizers, plants receive nutrition in the form of a concentrated solution and such stimulation can be carried out, if necessary, throughout the entire growing season. Chicken manure from a year ago was extracted at a temperature of 70 °C with an aqueous solution of sodium chloride in different concentrations (3, 5 and 7%) and for different durations of exposure (2, 4 и 6 hours). Having studied the obtained extracts, the optimal extraction mode was determined: the ratio of the initial raw material and extractant is 1:10, the concentration of the sodium chloride solution is 5%, the exposure time is 6 hours. When the specified parameters were met, high enzymatic activity was observed in the resulting biopreparation: catalase (2.45 U/ml), cellulase (0.28 μg glucose/0.2 g/day) and invertase (168 mg glucose/g/day). The highest carbohydrate content was also recorded: reducing sugars (0.20%), glucose (0.10%) and fructose (0.23%). A favorable microflora consortium was identified: the number of mixed microorganisms was 4.0×10 7 CFU/ml, lactic acid microorganisms – 2.6×10 5 CFU/ml. The biopreparation effectiveness was determined in a laboratory experiment on seed germination and development of flax plants of the Nadezhda variety. When the flax seeds were treated with the biopreparation, the length of the sprouts reliably increased (by 19.3% at a dose of 5 ml/l, by 16.9% at a dose of 10 ml/l), and by 21.5% at a dose of 15 ml/l), the mass of dry sprouts increased more than 2–3 times (in all dilutions), which proves the effectiveness of the new biopreparation.

The article presents the results of research on the effect of agrochemical agents used in the crop hemp agrocenosis to protect against weeds on the contamination and economically useful signs of cultivated plants. The experiments were conducted in the Penza region on technical hemp of the Central Russian ecotype of the Nadezhda variety in 2021–2024. The biological effectiveness of protective measures when sprayed with Lontrel Grand and Miura herbicides was 59–77 and 54–86%. With the combined effect of all the factors studied, this indicator was within the range of 64–89 and 77–98%, respectively. Treating seeds with the substances that have growth-stimulating properties allowed for an increase in field germination by 5–7%. Agrochemicals used in various weed control methods have increased the survival rate of hemp plants by 10–16% by harvest time. The weakening of competition between cultivated and weed plant shad a significant positive effect on morphometric parameters. Seed treatment contributed to an increase in the length of the inflorescence by 6–10%, leaf top dressing – by 3.7%. Moreover, spraying the leaves with Izagri Vita caused an increase in stem diameter by 2.4%. The formation of a high increase in the yield of stems (1.47 and 1.50 t/ha) occurred due to herbicide weeding with the studied preparations against the background of treatments of seed material (Artafit, AgroVerm Ekran) and vegetative plants (Izagri Vita). The presented protection scheme, which includes seed treatment and fertilization with a liquid complex fertilizer per leaf, depending on the type of herbicide (against dicotyledonous or monocotyledonous weeds), provided an increase in seed yield of 0.33–0.40 and 0.29–0.41 t/ha.

Background and Objective: Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically important vegetable crop in the Philippines, but productivity is often limited by declining soil fertility and reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Bat guano tea (BG tea), a nutrient-rich organic liquid fertilizer, has the potential to improve crop performance; however, its dose–response relationship under local conditions remains insufficiently quantified. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different BG tea concentrations on growth, biomass allocation, and yield of eggplant under pot conditions.Methodology: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments (0, 10, 25, 55, 75, and 100 mL pot⁻¹) and three replications was conducted. BG tea was prepared from air-dried guano, diluted, and applied weekly for seven weeks after transplanting. Growth traits, root characteristics, phenology, and yield were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with mean separation by LSD (P < 0.05), and effect size quantified using eta squared (η²).Main Results: BG tea application significantly affected vegetative growth and yield (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations (75–100 mL pot⁻¹) enhanced plant height, leaf production, root volume, and biomass accumulation. The highest yields were obtained at 75 mL pot⁻¹ (1.43 ± 0.09 t ha⁻¹; +27.68%) and 100 mL pot⁻¹ (1.37 ± 0.08 t ha⁻¹; +22.32%), although these were not statistically different from the control. Lower concentrations (10–55 mL pot⁻¹) resulted in reduced yield. A strong treatment effect was observed (η² = 0.97), indicating that BG tea concentration accounted for most yield variation. Excessive application (100 mL) promoted vegetative growth without proportional yield gain.Conclusions: Moderate BG tea application (approximately 75 mL pot⁻¹) optimized growth-yield balance under pot conditions. While BG tea shows promise as an organic nutrient source, further field validation and comparison with conventional fertilization are required before broad recommendations.

Cow bone serves as a sustainable source for organic phosphorus extraction and eco-friendly waste disposal. This study investigates the production of liquid fertilizer from cow bones through acidification (50%, 60%, and 70% nitric acid) and subsequent neutralization with ammonia. Quantitative analysis revealed total phosphorus concentrations of 3850 ± 120 mg/L (0.385% w/w), 4620 ± 145 mg/L (0.462% w/w), and 5280 ± 160 mg/L (0.528% w/w) for 50%, 60%, and 70% acid-treated samples, respectively. Total nitrogen content ranged from 1.85 ± 0.08% to 2.43 ± 0.11% w/w, with nitrate-nitrogen comprising 68-72% and ammonium-nitrogen 28-32%. Calcium concentrations ranged from 1,250 ± 65 to 1,840 ± 85 mg/L. Phosphorus recovery efficiency increased from 62.3 ± 2.8% to 78.1 ± 3.2% with increasing acid concentration. The fertilizers exhibited pH of 6.4-6.9 and electrical conductivity of 4.8-6.2 mS/cm. UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed shifts in absorption peaks following treatment, indicating molecular structural changes. FTIR analysis confirmed removal of organic components (disappearance of -C-H bonds at 2922.2 cm-1 and 2853.3 cm-1) while preserving essential phosphate ions (1004.5-1030.6 cm-1) and nitrogen-containing functional groups (1628.8-1638.2 cm-1). This study provides quantitative evidence supporting the potential of cow bone-derived liquid fertilizer as a sustainable alternative for addressing agricultural nutrient deficiencies while minimizing waste.

The problem of household waste management remains a challenge in the Neighborhood Association (Rukun Tetangga) 05 and Community Association (Rukun Warga) 02 areas of Sawah Lebar Village, Bengkulu City. Most residents lack the awareness and skills to manage organic waste, resulting in waste being simply thrown away and causing environmental pollution. This community service activity aims to empower residents to process household waste into liquid organic fertilizer that is beneficial for plants and the environment. The implementation method is carried out in a participatory manner through stages of socialization, training in making liquid organic fertilizer, fermentation practices, mentoring, and evaluation of results. The results of the activity show an increase in community knowledge and skills in processing organic waste into useful products. Most participants have been able to produce liquid organic fertilizer independently with good results, marked by changes in color, aroma, and pH that meet the standards for natural liquid fertilizer. This program also has an impact on reducing the volume of organic waste in the environment and increasing community awareness of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability. This activity has succeeded in becoming a practical solution in turning waste problems into opportunities for community empowerment.