Liquid Fertilizer Research Articles

Innovative organic nutrient management and land arrangements improve soil health and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in an organic farming system

IntroductionSoil health is vital for ecosystems, but excessive use of fertilizers, chemicals, and irrigation harms soil fertility, leading to reduced yields and degradation. Thus, exploring innovative land arrangements and nutrient management for staple crops such as wheat is essential. Organic farming offers a promising solution. This study hypothesized that an appropriate land arrangement, combined with split applications of farmyard manure (FYM) and liquid organic fertilizer, can enhance wheat productivity while also improving soil health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different sowing methods and organic nutrient management practices on the productivity of wheat and soil health.MethodsThis study aimed to examine the impact of sowing methods and nutrient management practices on soil health and organic wheat productivity during the winter seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Organic Farming Unit (Agronomy), Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design, with three land arrangements/sowing methods in the main plot and eight nutrient management approaches in the subplots.ResultsConcerning different land arrangements, the furrow irrigated raised bed sowing (FIRB) method resulted in the maximum wheat yield (4.34 t ha−1) compared with flat row sowing and zero tillage sowing. With respect to nutrient management practices, 75% of the recommended dose of N (RDN) through the FYM was basal + 25% RDN with the 1st irrigation + Jeevamrut application at 500 L ha−1 during sowing, and the 1st irrigation + Panchagavya spraying at 5% during the booting stage resulted in the highest grain yield (4.47 t ha−1). Both the zero tillage and FIRB land arrangements resulted in better soil biological activities and microbial counts than did flat sowing. The results indicate that sowing wheat via the FIRB method, with the recommended nitrogen dose applied through split applications of FYM along with liquid organic manures such as Jeevamrut and Panchagavya, can be an excellent option for organic wheat cultivation. This approach can enhance both yield and soil health.ConclusionSeventy-five percent RDN through FYM as a basal + 25% RDN during the 1st irrigation + Jeevamrut at 500 L ha−1 during sowing and the 1st irrigation + spraying of Panchagavya at 5% during the booting stage effectively increased the growth and yield of organic wheat. With respect to land arrangements, both FIRB and zero tillage resulted in better growth, yield, and soil biological properties. The practical utility of this study is the optimization of split applications of FYM and land arrangements for organic wheat cultivation.

Determining effective waste human hair hydrolyzing parameters combination and its typical physicochemical characteristics in synthesizing liquid nitrogenous organic fertilizer

Discarded Human hairs are considered as waste material in most parts of the world and its accumulation causing several environmental problems. However as a potential material resource, human hair has the advantage that it is completely biodegradable, renewable and available in every locality. Thus reutilizing human hair cut discards with a target of extracting a particular major nutrient supply, namely nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and so forth, can create a positive impact on solving soil’s infertility problems and less productivity issues of concerned agrarian communities. This study has tried to develop waste human hair based bio-fertilizer by primarily identify the better performing hydrolyzing mixture rang of formulation (H5), ratio of human hair waste mass to aqueous hydrolyzer mixture usages (1:5), favorable reacting time ( 90 min) and temperature ( 70 oC) values progressively. Then the physicochemical characteristics were analyzed to reveal the resulted final product’s viscosity (~ 76.0 cp.), density (~ 1.17 gm/l), pH (~ pH 9), organic nutrients availability concerning primary Macronutrients (~ 18:0.03:1 N-P-K ratio ), Secondary Macronutrients (~ 0.13:0:7 Ca-Mg-S ratio) and other trace micronutrient constituents; which are considered as requirements for the soil nutrient enrichments and plant growths.

Effects of Nitrogen Concentration in Nutrient Solution on Growth, Yield and Phytochemical and Aromatic Compounds of Persicaria minor Cultivated Using Hydroponics System

Persicaria minor, locally known as kesum and belonging to the family Polygonaceae, is a widely used aromatic herb in Malaysia. Cultivating kesum hydroponically using a deep-water culture (DWC) system presents an alternative method for growers to enhance crop yields. This system delivers a liquid fertilizer solution directly to the plant roots, eliminating the need for a growth medium or water flow. Kesum contains phytochemical compounds such as quercetin-3-glucuronide and quercitrin, which have medicinal properties. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of nitrogen concentration on the growth, yield, phytochemical (quercetin-3-glucuronide and quercitrin) and aromatic (aldehyde and caryophyllene) content of kesum cultivated in a hydroponic system. Plants were grown under four nitrogen concentration regimes: 200 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 50 mg/L, and 0 mg/L. The experiment was conducted under a side-netted rain shelter and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The plants were harvested eight weeks after planting. The result indicted those supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen exhibited the best growth performance and biomass yield, along with the highest levels of aromatic compounds (aldehyde C-10: 5.80% and aldehyde C-12: 12.23%). Plants treated with 50 mg/L of nitrogen produced the highest amounts of quercetin-3-glucuronide (98.261 µg/mL) and quercitrin (61.367 µg/mL) compared to other treatments. Additionally, plants receiving 200 mg/L of nitrogen had the highest caryophyllene content (12.53%). In conclusion, the deep-water culture system in hydroponics can effectively cultivate kesum, allowing for adjustments in nitrogen concentration to achieve optimal yields, phytochemical levels, or aromatic compound production based on specific objectives.

Use of small-sized units when spreading fertilizers on mountain slopes

BACKGROUND: The results of RD on a laboratory sample of the unit for spreading mineral fertilizers on mountain slopes, which can increase labor productivity and yield rate of mountain forage lands by 15–20%, are presented. AIM: Development of a small–sized laboratory sample of the unit for surface spreading of mineral fertilizers, ensuring accelerated restoration of productive and qualitative functions of natural grass stands of fallow forage lands. METHODS: The technical expertise and testing of the unit and the technology were carried out in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia — Alania (Dargava basin, the station of North Caucasian Research Institute of Highland and Piedmont Agriculture) at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level. The indicators of the test conditions and functional performance of the unit have been determined according to the OST 10.5.1-2000 industry standard. Surface fertilization was carried out according to the OST 10.7.1.-2000. “Testing of agricultural machinery. Machines for applying mineral fertilizers, lime materials and gypsum” industry standard. The study subject was the technology of spreading granular fertilizers, the design of the unit and working bodies: pendulum spreading devices, spreading rates and method of spreading fertilizers. RESULTS: A laboratory sample of the small-sized unit based on the KChG-2.4 cultivator of North Caucasian Research Institute of Highland and Piedmont Agriculture design for surface application of mineral fertilizers has been developed and manufactured. The block module is a hinged frame structure with a tow-lifting device, pendulum spreading tubes and rolling rollers installed on it. The considered motion of the mining unit is across the slope from top to bottom in a shuttle manner with rolling of the sown granules by rolling rollers. The tests were carried out on a rarefied section of the northern slope with a steepness of 13–16° in the area “Sugsadtanrag”. CONCLUSION: The practical application of the small-sized unit for surface spreading of mineral fertilizers with their subsequent rolling in areas in mountainous and foothill zones will ensure a reduction in the degradation processes of slope areas by accelerating the restoration of the quality and quantity of perennial grasses of fallow forage lands.

Variations in the level of available phosphorus with changes in the status of water-soluble organic matter derived from different organic materials in soil

The combined application of organic material and phosphorus fertilizer is an effective method to enhance phosphorus use efficiency for plant growth. This is partly because the presence of water-soluble organic matter (WSOM) derived from different organic materials can enhance the level of available phosphorus in the soil; however, it is poorly understood how this level varies with changes in the WSOM status (i.e., decomposed, dissolved, and retained) in the soil depending on WSOM types. This study aimed to (i) understand how changes in the WSOM status enhances the available phosphorus level in the soil, and (ii) determine the WSOM type that contributes to such enhancement. The incubation test showed that fractions of 73%–92% and 8%–27% of WSOM-derived organic carbon were retained and dissolved, respectively, at the beginning of incubation, while 31%–45% was decomposed during the incubation period. The WSOM derived from cattle manure compost (CM) and sewage sludge compost (SSC) that was initially retained was maintained until the late stage of the incubation test, whereas that derived from hydrothermal decomposed liquid fertilizer (HDLF) was rapidly desorbed during the first 14 days of the incubation period. The available phosphorus level was higher under the combined application of CM- and SSC-derived WSOM than under the single phosphorus application throughout the incubation period, while it was high only during the first 3 days of incubation under the application of HDLF-derived WSOM. The amounts of retained organic carbon at each sampling point during the incubation period compared to those at the beginning were positively and linearly correlated to the available phosphorus levels that were enhanced by the WSOM present in the soil. This study for the first time provides quantitative experimental evidence that 1) the longer the WSOM continues to be retained, the higher the amount of available phosphorus remaining in the soil, and 2) the available phosphorus level decreases with WSOM sorption or decomposition. Furthermore, it was shown that highly humified WSOM has a great potential for the maintenance of higher available phosphorus levels. This study provides the insight that a combined application of highly humified organic materials with a chemical fertilizer is necessary for not only cost effective but also sustainable fertilization design.

Influence of Liquid Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati during summer, 2024 to study the influence of liquid bio fertilizers and different levels of fertilizers on growth and yield of sesame. Results revealed that the application of 100% RDF + seed treatment + soil application of liquid bio fertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB and KSB) reported higher plant height( 99 cm), leaf area index(1.72), dry matter accumulation (3341 kg ha-1), seed (945 kg ha-1) and stalk (1890 kg ha-1) yield as compared to other treatments. The grain yield of sesame with100% RDF + seed treatment + soil application of liquid bio fertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB and KSB) was enhanced by 26.5% and 24.3% when compared to the 100% RDF alone. The lowest seed yield (380 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (830 kg ha-1) was registered with absolute control.

Implementasi Pertanian Berkelanjutan melalui Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Cair di Karot, Kabupaten Manggarai

Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers causes a decrease in soil fertility, which can reduce crop production. Making liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from vegetable and fruit waste can reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and support sustainable agriculture. The Golo Curu Permai farmer group has never implemented sustainable agriculture. This activity aims to reduce synthetic fertilizers' use to support sustainable agriculture and increase the knowledge and skills of farmer groups in producing liquid organic fertilizers independently. This activity was carried out at the Golo Curu Permai farmer group in Karot Village, Langke Rembong District, Manggarai Regency, with a total of 15 participants and through activity methods in the form of coordination and field surveys, extension, training or demonstration and evaluation. Evaluation is carried out by analyzing the initial test results before training (pre-test) and after training (post-test). The results of this activity show that the knowledge and skills of farmer groups after participating in training in making POC from organic waste increased by 30% from 50% to 85%.

Оценка технологии полосовой обработки почвы и внесения минеральных гранулированных удобрений на урожайность и качество продукции кукурузы

The evaluation of the developed strip tillage sowing tool with simultaneous application of mineral granular fertilizers on the yield and quality of corn products in field conditions on the basis of LLC Bashkir-Agroinvest Tavros Group was carried out. The infestation of corn plants with diseases, pests, yield of green mass, grain and quality in terms of starch and crude protein content was determined depending on the depth of strip processing (18, 22, 25 cm) and the dose of mineral fertilizer (100, 150, 200, 250 kg/ha). The maximum yield of the green mass of corn (56.8 t/ha), grain (10.63 t/ha) was formed at a depth of 22 cm of tillage and the application of mineral fertilizers at a dose of 200 kg/ha. The content of crude protein in corn grain varied from 9.3 to 13.8%, the starch content from 52.2 to 64.4%. Keywords: STRIP TILLAGE, SOWING, GREEN MASS YIELD, QUALITY, PROTEIN, STARCH

The Effect of Some Biological Fungicides and Liquid Organic Fertilizers on Sigatoka Disease on ‘Mas’ Banana Plants (Musa acuminata Colla)

Banana (Musa acuminata Colla) is a tropical fruit with great economic potential and export prospects. According to the Directorate General of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, banana production from 2009 to 2014 fluctuated due to attacks by Plant Destruction Organisms (PDO), particularly Sigatoka disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella musciola. This study investigated biological agents like Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp., along with liquid organic fertilizers, to control the disease without synthetic fungicides.The research, conducted at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, used a split-plot design with two factors: biological pesticides (Tricogreen, Natural Glio, Trico-G) and liquid organic fertilizers (rabbit urine POC, shrimp shell MOL, banana hump MOL). The experiment had nine treatment combinations with three plant samples each. Results showed that biological pesticides significantly reduced Sigatoka disease intensity, with the J3P3 treatment (Trico-G and Banana Hump MOL) achieving the lowest infection rate of 29.55%, reducing disease intensity by 70.45%. Liquid organic fertilizers also improved plant growth, increasing leaf number and leaf area. This indicates that biological agents and organic fertilizers effectively manage Sigatoka disease and promote healthy banana plant growth.

Kitchen Waste Digestate and Digestate Biochar Fertilizer for Turfgrass Management and Nutrient Leaching

Slow-release fertilizer is generally used in turfgrass management to maintain quality turf without inducing excess vertical growth, to avoid frequent mowing. This study was designed to verify whether kitchen waste digestate and digestate biochar could serve as slow-release fertilizers to promote turf quality and reduce nutrient leaching risk in two turfgrass species over two years in controlled pot experiments. The results showed that the nutrient release of granular fertilizers made from kitchen waste digestate and digestate biochar was a two-phase process (an initial rapid phase, followed by a slow-release phase). The kitchen waste digestate showed higher nitrogen and phosphorus release ratios than the biochar and sheep manure. Compared to the reference sheep manure, fertilization with kitchen waste digestate and biochar increased the leaf chlorophyll content by 48.6% and 27.9%, and reduced senescent leaves by 15.6% and 11.1%, respectively, at 23 d after fertilization, leading to higher turf quality. Fertilization with kitchen waste digestate biochar significantly reduced the nutrient leaching risk compared to fertilization with kitchen waste digestate and sheep manure. Our results demonstrated the potential of reusing kitchen waste digestate and digestate biochar as slow-release fertilizers for promoting turf quality in turfgrass management.

Application of Internet of Things (IoT) on Monitoring EC and pH Values for Fertigation System

This paper introduces a novel Internet of Things (IoT) based fertigation control system designed to enhance traditional agricultural practices in Malaysia, particularly in rural areas. The system integrates a fertigation approach, combining fertilization and irrigation, with smart devices and a NodeMCU ESP32 microcontroller to automate the tracking of data from liquid fertilizer mixtures. By utilizing EC and pH sensors, the system accurately monitors the nutrient concentration and pH levels of the fertilizer mix, with data displayed on an IoT platform for real-time observation and control. This approach mitigates common issues such as overfertilization and inefficient nutrient use, offering significant improvements over manual data collection methods. The system's performance was validated, showing successful monitoring and control of the fertilization process, leading to enhanced plant health and crop quality. Key findings indicate that the system's integration with IoT technology provides a more efficient, automated solution for managing fertilizer applications, reducing labor and time while ensuring optimal plant nutrient levels. The study also highlights the potential for future development, including the integration of additional sensors and advanced data analytics to optimize fertigation practices further. The implementation of this IoT-based system represents a significant advancement towards sustainable agriculture, offering practical benefits for Malaysian farmers and setting a foundation for further innovation in fertigation technology.

Hydroponic Lettuce Cultivation with Organic Liquid Fertilizer: Examining Bacterial Inhibition and Phosphate Solubilization

This study explores organic hydroponic cultivation as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers amid global supply challenges. With rising costs and the depletion of conventional nitrogen sources, organic liquid fertilizers are gaining attention for their microbial enrichment processes (MEP) that convert organic matter into plant-accessible nutrients. This experiment focuses on lettuce cultivation using two organic liquid fertilizers, Power Fish and POF vol. 2, in controlled environments. The results show that there are significant differences in plant growth parameters such as leaf number, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and root length across different fertilizer treatments. Key findings include that effective management practices, including pH control and regular nutrient application, are crucial for maintaining microbial activity and optimizing nutrient uptake efficiency. Additionally, Bacillus sp. and Xanthomonas sp. were isolated from these fertilizers and dual-cultured with rot fungi, Pythium sp. and Fusarium sp. This dual cultivation demonstrated inhibitory activity against these pathogens, showcasing the potential of these microorganisms in promoting biofilm-mediated disease resistance in organic hydroponic systems. The study also emphasizes the phosphate solubilization capabilities of isolated bacteria, essential for sustainable nutrient cycling. Overall, organic hydroponic systems present a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture, reducing dependency on chemical inputs while enhancing crop productivity and resilience to environmental stressors.

Measures to protect hemp from harmful organisms

Relevance. When cultivating seed hemp, comprehensive crop protection is necessary throughout the entire development cycle “from seed to seed”. A comprehensive system of environmentally oriented protective equipment during pre-sowing and foliar treatment of seeds and plants can provide a favorable phytosanitary environment.Methods. The research work was carried out in accordance with the methodological guidelines for conducting field and vegetation experiments with cannabis and the methodology of field experience with the basics of statistical processing of research results.Results. Etching with the insectofungicide “Celest Top, KS” in pure form and in tank mixtures showed a high degree of protection of seeds from infection during germination. The use of “Celest Top, KS” in its pure form and in combination with the growth regulator “Artafit, VRK” and the liquid fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” is most effective against hemp fleas. Etching “Artafit, VRK”, “Celest Top, KS” and mixtures with the fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” and foliar top dressing with the antistressant “Artafit, VRK” contributed to an increase in the indicators of the crop structure. A high yield of seeds and stems was obtained on variants with the “Megamix. Seeds” fertilizer, the increase in seed yield was 0.03 t /ha, stems — 0.16 t /ha relative to the control. The use of the fertilizer “Megamix. Seeds” together with the growth regulator “Artafit, VRK” and the insectofungicide “Celest Top, KS” increased the yield of seeds by 0.28 and 0.17 t/ha, the yield of stems by 2.2 and 3.32 t/ha.

Pertumbuhan Tanaman Sawi (Brassica juncea L.) Terhadap Aplikasi Pupuk Organik Cair

The mustard plant is one of the horticultural commodities that is popular with the public because it has high fiber and nutritional content so it has high economic selling value. Various cultivation techniques that can be done to increase mustard greens production are by applying liquid organic fertilizer which can increase plant growth and production. Liquid organic fertilizer is an organic fertilizer designed as a balanced food complete with macro and micro nutrients for various types of plants. This research aims to determine the effect of mustard greens growth and production on the provision of liquid organic fertilizer. This research used a non-factorial randomized block design (RAK) with 5 treatment levels. The first factor is the use of liquid organic fertilizer (P0: 0 cc/l; P1: 2 cc/l; P2: 4 cc/l; P3: 6 cc/l; P4: 8 cc/l).The results showed that liquid organic fertilizer had a significant effect on leaf area but had no significant effect on plant height. The most efficient concentration of liquid organic fertilizer for the growth and production of mustard greens is 6 cc/liter. Keywords : mustard greens, liquid organic fertilizer, growth

Morfologi Terung (Solanum melongena L.) Pada Berbagai Dosis Biochar Sekam Padi dan Penambahan Pupuk Organik Cair

Eggplant production in Indonesia remains relatively low and has not been able to meet market demands. Long-term use of inorganic fertilizers has led to declining organic matter content in soil, soil degradation, and environmental pollution. To address these issues, agricultural waste such as rice husk can be converted into charcoal or biochar to improve soil quality degraded by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. In addition to biochar as organic material, other organic inputs like liquid organic fertilizer can potentially improve soil physical properties. This research aims to determine the effect of giving rice husk biochar and the correct dose, to find out the effect of applying liquid organic fertilizer and the right concentration and to find out the interaction between giving rice husk biochar and liquid organic fertilizer on eggplant growth and production.The study employs a Randomized Block Design (RBD) factorial with 2 treatment factors. The first factor involves rice husk biochar application at 4 levels (A0: control, A1: 0.6 tons/ha or approximately 30 g/plant, A2: 1.2 tons/ha or approximately 60 g/plant, and A3: 1.8 tons/ha or approximately 90 g/plant). The second factor is liquid organic fertilizer application at 4 levels (B0: control, B1: 0.1 mg/l, B2: 0.3 mg/l, and B3: 0.5 mg/l). The results of the study indicate that rice husk biochar application can increase plant height and leaf number, the best dose for rice husk biochar is 90 g/plant.Application of liquid organic fertilizer has not been able to affect plant height and number of eggplant leaves. Keywords : eggplant, rice husk biochar, liquid organic fertilizer

Growth of Indigofera zolingeriana with differences in source of cuttings and planting media

This study investigates the effect of different cutting types and planting media on the growth of Indigofera zollingeriana, a valuable forage crop. The research used a factorial randomized block design (2 x 2) with 40 experimental units. The treatments included two cutting sources—stem cuttings (A1) and shoot cuttings (A2)—and two planting media—natural soil (B1) and natural soil supplemented with liquid organic fertilizer from rabbit urine (B2). Growth parameters such as the number of leaves, plant height, and stem diameter were measured. The results indicate that cutting type significantly affects leaf production, with shoot cuttings (A2) producing a higher number of leaves than stem cuttings (A1) (P<0.05). However, the planting media and its interaction with the cutting type had no significant impact on plant height and stem diameter (P>0.05). These findings suggest that using shoot cuttings could enhance the propagation and growth of Indigofera zollingeriana for sustainable forage production. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of organic fertilizer on biomass yield.

Azolla Liquid Fertilizer (Azolla pinnata) And Chicken Manure Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Shallots

This study aims to see the effect of giving Azolla liquid organic fertilizer and chicken manure on the growth and yield of shallots. The research method used a factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) consisting of 2 factors with 16 combinations and 3 blocks. The first factor is the provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 ml / l water / m2, 200 ml / l water / m2, 400 ml / l water / m2, 600 ml / l water / m2. The second factor is the provision of chicken manure consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 kg / m2, 0.5 kg / m2, 1.0 kg / m2 and 1.5 kg / m2. The provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer has a significant effect on the parameters of the number of tillers, the number / plant, the wet weight of bulbs / plant, the dry weight of bulbs / plant. The provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer 600 ml / liter of water / m2 gave the best effect on all observation parameters. The provision of chicken manure gave a significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of shoots, number of bulbs/ plant, wet weight of bulbs/plant, dry weight of bulbs/plant. The dose of chicken manure of 1.5 kg/m2 showed the best effect for all observation parameters. The interaction between the provision of liquid organic fertilizer azolla and chicken manure did not differ significantly in all treatments. Keywords: Azolla, Chicken Manure, Red Onion

Use of Fatty Acids in Fertilizer Formulation: A Systematic Review

Synthetic fertilizers have been a subject of socio-environmental challenges. A more sustainable approach is necessary to develop these farm products. Thus, this review presents a strategy for fertilizer production by utilizing fatty acids and by-products derived from renewable sources. However, given the scarcity of data on the topic in scientific journals, this review used the PRISMA report methodology from patent databases. Results show that China is this field’s most significant intellectual property holder. Patents were predominantly vegetable-based (60%), mixed (14%), and animal- based (8.47%), with innovations including liquid fertilizers of plant and animal-based fatty acid esters, as well as the use of controlled-release technology. 80.60% of fertilizers were applied to the soil, followed by foliar application (12.75%) and seed application (0.60%). Notable contributions included fertilizers acting as pesticides and anti-caking agents. Thus, we realize the urgency of continuing scientific research to pursue more responsible and efficient agricultural practices.

Influence of Cow Dung Extract Complemented with Nutrient Solution on the Growth Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L)

Limited studies have focused on plant growth performance using organic-based solutions complemented with mineral elements in a hydroponic system. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as influenced by cow dung extract combined with a hydroponic nutrient solution. Treatments considered as four different levels of aerated cow dung extracts (C), viz., C1 = 50 g l-1, C2 =100 g l-1, C3 =150 g l-1 and C4 =200 g l-1 and four strengths of standard nutrient solution (S), viz, S1 = 30% of standard nutrient solution, S2 = 40% of standard nutrient solution, S3 = 50% of standard nutrient solution and S4 = 60% of standard nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out using a deep flow technique in a semi-greenhouse. Various growth and physiological parameters were measured in this experiment. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis with 4 replicates by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS. In the case of growth parameters, the tallest plant (23.54 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant (17.01) broadest leaf (13.32 cm), and the highest fresh weight (112.05 g/plant) were recorded from C3 while the lowest in C1. For hydroponic nutrient solution, the tallest plant (23.13 cm), the maximum number of leaves per plant (16.66), the widest leaf breath (14.17 cm), and the highest fresh weight (116.0 g/plant) were recorded from S4 while the lowest in S1. On the other hand, physiological traits viz. leaf area, net assimilation ratio, and relative growth rate were statistically higher in C3 and lowest in C1. In the nutrient solution, all physiological parameters were highest in S4 and the lowest in S1. In the case of the interaction effect, the highest fresh weight and almost all the parameters were found best in C3S4 and the lowest in C1S1. Therefore, the analysis showed that in terms of growth promotion properties hydroponic nutrient solution along with cow dung extract had a substantial impact and C3S4 was the most preferable treatment combination. Based on these findings, in a hydroponic system, an inorganic nutrient solution combined with organic liquid fertilizer derived from cow dung extract (as an alternative nutrient source) requires further improvements to achieve optimal growth and yield.

Strengthen farmers' fertilizer self-sufficiency in the tourist area with a reduce-reuse-recycle system

Mining activities at Tebing Breksi are a vital source of income for the community in Sambirejo village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. However, these activities have caused several environmental issues, such as lowered pH levels, reduced soil fertility, shallow soil profiles, and water scarcity. Additionally, mining has led to biodiversity loss and land degradation, making post-mining reclamation essential to restore the area's environmental and social functions. This project aimed to enhance the community’s skills in soil analysis and the production of liquid organic fertilizer using effective methods. The activities took place in the Tebing Breksi tourist area, located in Nglengkong, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency. The project included a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), soil fertility analysis using test kits, and the creation of liquid organic fertilizer from household waste. During the FGD, it was discovered that the local community had not received prior training on producing fertilizer from household and organic waste. Until then, they relied on expensive commercial fertilizers to quickly stabilize soil pH. Through this training, the community learned how to perform rapid soil chemical analysis and produce liquid organic fertilizer independently. As a result, they can now apply the fertilizer locally, improving soil conditions and reducing their reliance on costly commercial products.