Low Soil Fertility Research Articles

From individual leaves to forest stands: importance of niche, distance decay, and stochasticity vary by ecosystem type and functional group for fungal community composition.

Community assembly is influenced by environmental niche processes as well as stochastic processes that can be spatially dependent (e.g. dispersal limitation) or independent (e.g. priority effects). Here, we sampled senesced tree leaves as unit habitats to investigate fungal community assembly at two spatial scales: (i) small neighborhoods of overlapping leaves from differing tree species and (ii) forest stands of differing ecosystem types. Among forest stands, ecosystem type explained the most variation in community composition. Among adjacent leaves within stands, variability in fungal composition was surprisingly high. Leaf type was more important in stands with high soil fertility and dominated by differing tree mycorrhizal types (sugar maple vs. basswood or red oak), whereas distance decay was more important in oak-dominated forest stands with low soil fertility. Abundance of functional groups was explained by environmental factors, but predictors of taxonomic composition within differing functional groups were highly variable. These results suggest that fungal community assembly processes are clearest for functional group abundances and large spatial scales. Understanding fungal community assembly at smaller spatial scales will benefit from further study focusing on differences in drivers for different ecosystems and functional groups, as well as the importance of spatially independent factors such as priority effects.

Effects of Inorganic Phosphorus and Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) under Kabul Conditions

In Afghanistan, the main reasons for low crop yields are low soil fertility. Growing human populations has resulted in shrinking land areas and decreased soil fertility. Also, the overuse of chemical fertilizers is considered to be the main cause of soil characteristics deterioration, such as soil fertility, soil biology, and soil physical properties. On the other hand, no research has been done to find the ideal phosphorus and organic (ORGOFERT) fertilizer rate for improving common bean production in Afghanistan. Thus, it is pertinent to determine the optimum phosphorus and organic fertilizer dose for common bean cultivation in Afghanistan, where this crop is grown expensively. In 2020, a field trial took place at the agriculture faculty research farm of Kabul University during the growing season. The trial utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each plot measured 200cm x 300cm, with plants spaced 40 cm apart in rows and 20 cm apart within rows. Different amounts of phosphorus and organic fertilizer were applied in the experiment. The results indicated that employing 50 kg of ORGOFERT and 80 kg of P2O5 fertilizers per hectare led to enhanced growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of green leaves per plant, as well as improved yield attributes including the number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight, and total grain yield per hectare. The ideal amount of phosphorous and ORGOFERT fertilizer to improve the growth and production of common beans under field conditions might be the rate of 80kg P2O5 + 50 kg ORGOFERT fertilizer ha-1 under Kabul's agro-ecological conditions.

Institutionalization of integrated pest management in the food estate development area, Sungai Mandau Subdistrict, Siak Regency, Riau

The food estate program aims to enhance national food production, regional development, food security, and the welfare of farmers. Sungai Mandau, a peatland area in Siak Regency, was opened in 2010 as a food estate for rice cultivation to meet the rice demand in Riau Province. However, peatland development for agriculture faces challenges such as low soil fertility, acidic soil pH, and nutrient deficiencies. This research aims to study the agronomic factors, land suitability, pest management, and agricultural institutions in the context of food estate development in Sungai Mandau. This study starts from August 2022 to April 2023. The method was in-depth interviews with fifty farmers to capture the condition of the Sungai Mandau food estate. Additionally, field observations were conducted on land, soil conditions, pests and diseases. The land condition of the Sungai Mandau food estate falls into suitability class S3 (the lowest suitability) for rice cultivation. Farmers' pest management practices are far from the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concept. The cultivation practices do not fully support IPM and are not in line with the land conditions. The lack of farmer knowledge is attributed to the ineffective roles of field agricultural extension officer (FAEO) and agriculture technopark (ATP), who should play a significant and close role with the farmers. Information dissemination at the cooperative and farmer group levels has not been effective for a long time. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a role in institutionalizing IPM, and this institutionalization can occur when all institutions and stakeholders actively participate.

Upaya Peningkatan Produksi Kacang Hijau (Phaseolus radiatus L.) Melalui Pemberian Pupuk Hayati dan NPK

Mung beans (Phaseolus radiatus L.) were one of the agricultural commodities that have very good prospects for development in Indonesia. Mung beans were the third most important legume commodity after soybeans and green beans. In Indonesia, green bean productivity was still low and cultivation land was limited to marginal land with a productivity of 1.1 tonnes per hectare and a potential yield of 2 tonnes per hectare (BPS, 2019). Causing factors the decline in green bean production include low soil fertility, land conversion, climate factors and cultivation factors. Efforts to increase production were by increasing soil fertility by providing complete fertilizer (NPK) and adding biological fertilizer. So it is necessary to carry out research to increase growth and production of green beans with balanced NPK fertilizer and biological fertilizer. The aim of this research was to determine the application of biological fertilizer to the growth and production of mung bean plants, to determine the application of NPK fertilizer to the growth and production of mung bean plants, to determine the interaction between biological fertilizer and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of mung bean plants. The research was conducted in Paleran Village, Umbulsari District, Jember Regency. The research was carried out using a Randomized Block Factorial Design (RAKF) consisting of 2 factors with 3 replications. The data obtained were analyzed of varians followed by Duncan's 5% average test. The conclusion of this research was that biological fertilizer (C2) treatment with a concentration of 5 liters per hectare has an effect on the growth and production of mung beans, NPK (P3) fertilizer treatment with a dose of 400 kg per hectare has an effect on the growth and production of mung beans, there was an interaction between biological fertilizers 5 liters per hectare with 400 kg NPK fertilizer per hectare (C2P3) on mung bean production variables. It was recommended that the results of this research be used as recommendations for mung bean farmers to increase production on marginal land.

Status of endogenous endomycorrhizal fungi associated with cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> L.) in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

The Sudano-Sahelian part of Cameroon is known for its severe climatic conditions and low soil fertility. Local farmers use chemical fertilisers to increase crop production, usually without moderation. As a result, there is environmental pollution such as soil acidification, production of greenhouse gases, and increased eutrophication. To face this situation, scientific research recommends ecological solutions such as bio-fertilisers to enhance soil fertility. In this context, the mycorrhiza symbiosis technology deserves special attention. Indeed, it is a beneficial association between soil fungi (Glomeromycota) and the roots of more than 85% of plants; the evaluation of the agronomic potential of these microorganisms has shown spectacular results under field conditions. This study analyses the status of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the cowpea rhizosphere in the agro-ecological zone 1 of Cameroon. For this purpose, soil samples were collected from the Far North and North regions of Cameroon. Composite soil samples were obtained by mixing soils collected from three divisions per region. Cowpea was grown in pots on these composite soil samples for 3 months. At maturity, spores of mycorrhizal fungi were isolated and parameters including mycorrhization frequency and intensity, the specific spore’s density and richness were evaluated. The spores were characterised according to morpho-anatomical criteria. The results established that between localities, mycorrhization frequency varied between 7-19%; mycorrhization intensity, 7-17.28%; specific density, 0.66-44% and specific richness, 2-4%. Eight specimens of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in six genera were characterised: Acaulospora (A. kentinensis, A. myriocarpa); Ambispora sp; Diversispora epigae, Funneliformis mossea, Glomus (G. constrictum, G. manihotis, and G. maculosum) and Rhizophagus intraradices. G. constritum was predominant in all the studied sites, followed by R. intraradices, while Acaulospora myriocarpa was the rarest. These results pave the way for the selection of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi for ecological cowpea production in this area.

Invasive weed disrupts facilitation of nutrient uptake in grass-clover assemblage

Nutrient constraints in low-fertility soil were modified by different species combinations.Grass-clover assemblages benefited both species in terms of nutrient procurement.Interplay of competition and facilitation is demonstrated.An invasive weed removed essential nutrients from the grazing cycle.To investigate the interplay of competition and facilitation between plants in low-fertility pasture grasslands of New Zealand, we compared nutrient uptake and acquisition of key nutrients of three species from different functional groups. Combinations of Pilosella officinarum (mouse-eared hawk-weed, an invasive weed), Trifolium repens (white clover, a nitrogen fixer) and Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot, a pasture grass) were planted into a soil with low-to-deficient concentrations of key nutrients. Highest yields were achieved by the grass growing alone but, when the clover and grass had grown together, there were complementary benefits in terms of procurement of a wide range of nutrients from soil despite lower root biomass. The invasive weed negated these benefits, and soil nutrients were exploited less efficiently when Pilosella had grown alone or in a mixture with the other species. Competition from the weed removed the benefits of grass-legume coexistence. These findings are interpreted to suggest that requirements for legumes to be the main source of nitrogen in pasture grasslands may be compromised unless competitive weeds are controlled to avoid disrupted procurement of key nutrients. It is likely these constraints to nutrient procurement would similarly impact conservation grasslands.

Response of L. Scoparium and K. Robusta to biosolids and dairy shed effluent application in a low fertility soil

Biosolids and Dairy Shed Effluent (DSE) can contain high concentrations of plant nutrients, making them potential resources for enhancing forest tree species growth and soil fertility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of biosolids and DSE application on the growth and nutrient uptake of Leptospermum scoparium and Kunzea robusta, while also considering the potential accumulation of contaminants. The results demonstrated that amending low-fertility soil with 2600 kg N ha-1 of biosolids and 200 kg N ha-1 of DSE positively influenced the growth of both L. scoparium and K. robusta. This improvement was evident through increased biomass production and enhanced uptake of essential elements such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sulfur (S). Notably, L. scoparium exhibited superior growth when combined with DSE, while both species showed similar positive responses when combined with biosolids. However, it should be noted that the application of biosolids resulted in elevated concentrations of certain trace elements in the plants, whereas DSE did not. These trace elements included cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Despite the increase, the levels of these elements did not exceed unacceptable thresholds. Considering the potential influence of biosolids on plant rhizodeposition, it is recommended that future studies investigate the interactions between plant roots and microbes, particularly in relation to plant element uptake. This line of research would further enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the application of biosolids and DSE can effectively improve forest tree growth and nutrient uptake. However, careful management is necessary to mitigate the potential accumulation of trace elements. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing the use of biosolids and DSE in forestry practices, with potential economic and environmental benefits.

Influence of Soil Parameters and Sowing Technics on Different Genotypes of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.). R. Br

Productivity improvement by adapting varieties to their environment was a major concern in the Sahel countries. Climatic constraints and low soil fertility are the main factors conditioning millet yield. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of edaphic parameters, sowing technics, and fertilization on the improvement of eight genotypes of millet. For this, a trial including eight varieties of millet in split plot was installed on the experimental station of CERRA in Maradi in 2020 during the rainy season. Soil samples at a depth of 20 cm were collected at the beginning and the end of experiment. Soil pH, organic carbon, and assimilable phosphorus were determined. Two sowing technics, seed balls, and direct sowing were applied. In seed balls, two types of fertilizer were used: the NPK (15-15-15) and ash. Phenology parameters and grain yield of each variety was measured. A statistical analysis of these data showed that edaphic parameters do not significantly influence yield. However, a significant variation in grain yield was observed among genotypes. Specifically, the variety ICMV IS 89305 exhibited a significantly higher grain yield (789 +/- 590 kg ha-1) compared to ICVH 18 (348+/-289 kg ha-1). Moreover, the different types of treatments applied to the seedlings showed a significant difference in terms of grain yield. The SSB treatments yielded more (1101+/-541 kg ha-1) than the BSC (480+/-463 kg ha-1) and BSE (317+/-322 kg ha-1) ball treatments. These results highlight substantial variability both within and between treatments. The positive effect of seed balls and fertilizer included vary according to the context. Specifically, when rainfall is scarce, seed balls prove to be non-efficient in improving the yield of millet.

Effect of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Varieties on Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Midland of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

Low soil fertility comprised of low available phosphorus, total nitrogen and sulphur are the major yield limiting factors for faba bean production in the study area. A field experiment was conducted at Adola Sub-site station of Bore Agricultural Research Centre. The treatments consisted of two varieties namely Dalota and Habru with four levels of NPSB (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) in randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of the study conducted to evaluate the effect of application of Blended NPSB fertilizer and to determine economically viable blended NPSB rates that would boost chickpea productivity. Results showed significant effect of various levels of blended fertilizer on all tested parameters except on number of seed per pod and thousand seed weight. Application of 100 kg NPSB kg ha-1 gave highest number of primary branches per plant (3.02), plant height (50.02) and grain yield (2663 kg ha-1), net return (103376.5 ETB) with acceptable MRR (666.0%). Days to flowering (52.62), Days to maturity (108.96), number of pods per plant (40.31) had the highest value with 150 kg/ha with negative agronomic efficiency. Therefore, production of chickpea with the application of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 was most productive for economical production.

Improving semi-arid agroecosystem services with cover crop mixes.

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) production in the semi-arid US Northern High Plains (NHP) is challenged by frequent droughts and water-limited, low fertility soils. Composted cattle manure (compost) and cover crops (CC) are known to provide agroecosystem services such as improved soil health, and in the CC case, increased plant diversity, and competition with weedy species. The main concern of planting CC in winter wheat fallow rotation in regions that are more productive than the NHP, however, is the soil moisture depletion. It is unknown however, whether addition of CC to compost-amended soils in the NHP will improve soil properties and agroecosystem health without compromising already low soil water content. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of four CC treatments amended with compost (45 Mg ha-1) or inorganic fertilizer (IF) (.09 Mg ha-1 mono-ammonium phosphate, 11-52-0 and 1.2 Mg ha-1ammonium sulfate, 21-0-0) on the presence of weeds, soil and plant total carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation (BNF). Mycorrhizal Mix (MM), Nitrogen Fixer Mix (NF), Soil Building Mix (SB), a monoculture of phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth L.) (PH), and a no CC control (no CC) were grown in native soil kept at 7% soil moisture in a greenhouse for a period of nine weeks. When amended with compost, MM was the most beneficial (48 g m-2 BNF and 1.7% soil C increase). SB had the highest germination, aboveground biomass, and decreased weed biomass by 60%. It also demonstrated the second highest amount of BNF (40 g m-2) and soil C increase by 1.5%. On contrary, IF hindered BNF by almost 70% in all legume-containing CC treatments and reduced soil C by 15%.

Growth, Yield and Economic Advantage of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Response to NPSB Fertilizer and Planting Pattern

Haphazard and low soil fertility, low yielding verities and poor agronomic practices are among the major factors constraining onion production in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in East Showa Zone of Adami Tulu Jido Combolcha district in central rift valley areas at ziway from October 2021 to April 2022 to identify appropriate rate of NPSB fertilizer and planting pattern of onion varieties. The experiment was laid out in split plot design of factorial arrangement in three replications. The main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates and varieties (red coach and red king) significantly (p<0.01) influenced plant height, leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf number and fresh leaf weight, shoot dry matter per plant, and harvest index. Total dry biomass, bulb diameter, neck diameter, average fresh bulb weight, bulb dry matter, marketable bulb yield, and total bulb yield were significantly (p<0.01) influenced only by the main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates. In addition, unmarketable bulb yield was statistically significantly affected (p≥0.05) by the blended fertilizer rates and planting pattern. Moreover, days to 90% maturity of onion was affected by the main factor of NPSB fertilizer rate, variety and planting pattern. The non-fertilized plants in the control treatment were inferior in all parameters except unmarketable bulb yield and harvest index. Significantly higher marketable bulb yield (41 t ha-1) and total bulb yield (41.33 t ha-1) was recorded from 300 kg ha-1 NPSB blended fertilizer rate applied. Double row planting method and hybrid red coach onion variety had also gave higher growth and yields. The study revealed that the highest net benefit of Birr, 878,894 with lest cost of Birr 148,006 by the combinations of 150 kg blended NPSB ha-1 with double row planting method (40cm*20cm*7cm) and red coach variety which can be recommendable for higher marketable bulb yield and economic return of hybrid onion for small scale farmers in the study area. Also, for resource full producers (investors), highest net benefit of Birr 1,205,372 with higher cost (159,628 Birr) by application of 300 kg NPSB ha-1 is recommended as a second option. However, the research should be replicated both in season and areas to more verify the recommendations.

Registration of ‘USDA Diamondback’ slow‐darkening pinto bean

AbstractThe pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar ‘USDA Diamondback’ (Reg. no. CV‐353, PI 698822) was released by the USDA‐ARS in 2022 as a high‐yielding cultivar with an upright architecture and the slow‐darkening seed coat trait. It was bred for tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses in a “purgatory” plot purposely managed to have compacted soil, low soil fertility, and intermittent drought conditions. Conversely, selection for high yield potential was conducted in non‐stress trials with tillage, irrigations, and fertilizers applied for optimal production. USDA Diamondback exhibits wide adaption to production regions across the United States, as evidenced by an average seed yield of 3808 kg ha−1 across 14 location‐years in the Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery. Virus testing and resistance gene–linked markers indicate USDA Diamondback has a three‐gene combination (bc‐ud, bc‐1, and bc‐3) that confers durable resistance to all known strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus. A similar combination of pathogen and marker testing indicated that USDA Diamondback possesses the Ur‐3 and Ur‐6 genes for resistance to bean rust. The seed size, appearance, and canning quality characteristics of USDA Diamondback meets the industry standards for packaging and processing.

Finger millet; its processing, value added products and marketing strategies: A review

Finger millet is rich in nutrients and minerals. It is an annual herbaceous plant widely grown in arid and semi-arid areas in Africa and Asia. It is well adapted to grow under low soil fertility, low moisture and hot environmental conditions. Finger millet has nearly 7 %protein. The ash content has been found nearly 1.7 to 4.13 %. Finger millet is the richest source of calcium and iron. Due to anti-nutrients present in finger millet, it has restrictions in food preparation and to remove these, it undergoes different processing treatments after that it can be used for food preparation. Large number of foods is prepared from processed finger millet and they are supplied. These all include large number of procedures. Therefore, this review focuses on processing, value addition and different marketing strategies for its promotion.

Экспрессия транскрипционных факторов CBF (C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR) у проростков ржи посевной (Secale cereale L.) при холодовом стрессе

Winter rye is one of the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high adaptability, winter hardiness and ability to yield on low-fertility soils, winter rye helps stabilize the gross grain harvest. For the vast majority of crop plants, the main stress-causing environmental factor is temperature. This is especially true for its lower values in cultivation areas. The response to low temperatures in plants is formed at the cellular level. Genes and transcription factors responsible for cold resistance are activated, which ensure plant survival. One of the most important mechanisms capable of activating the adaptive response of rye to cold is the CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor) family of transcription factors. The aim of this work was to identify the expression level of some genes of the ScCBF family (ScCBF1, ScCBF4, ScCBF14, ScCBF18) in seedlings of sowing rye (Secale cereale L.) under cold stress. S. cereale seedlings were divided into four groups based on the duration of cold stress (1, 6, 12, 24 h). One control group was not exposed to cold stress. RNA of seedlings from different cold stress groups was analyzed by real-time PCR. The study showed that the expression levels of ScCBF1, ScCBF4, ScCBF14, and ScCBF18 genes changed to varying degrees in response to low positive temperature. The highest level of normalized expression of ScCBF1 and ScCBF14 genes was observed under 6-hour cold stress. In the case of ScCBF4 gene, the highest level of its normalized expression was observed under 24-hour cold stress. The level of normalized expression of ScCBF18 gene reached its peak under 12-hour stress.

Assessment of the long-term effect of Miscanthus sacchariflorus growth on soil properties

The aim of the study was to assess the effectt of different-age plantations of Miscanthus sacchariflorus cv. Soranovsky on the gray forest soil properties in the forest-steppe of West Siberia, Russia. Location and time of the study. The experimental part of the research was carried out at the Research Experimental Station of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS (Novosibirsk) in 2018-2020. Methodology. The methods employed in the stydu were the most common ones for chemical and physical analyses of soils and plant samples. Results. Differently aged plantations of Miscanthus sacchariflorus allowed obtaining 12-15 tons of dry mass per 1 hectare for 14 or more years without reducing the productivity. Miscanthus sacchariflorus can grow effectively in soils with low fertility. The humus content in light-textured soil increased by 0.3-0.4% over 11 years of Miscanthus growth, as compared with the fallow soil. Miscanthus sacchariflorus plantations showed a positive environment-forming effect, favourably affecting ecological and agronomic soil properties of the agrocenoses. Conclusions. Miscanthus has broad adaptation potential in relation to low-fertility lands, preventing their progressive degradation, improving the ecological and agrochemical state of the ecosystems and facilitating agronomic production. Miscanthus has a beneficial environment-forming effect on low-fertility soils by enriching them with mineral nutrients and improving their humus and texture condition.

Improvement of N, P, and K availability of post-brick mining soil to increase maize yield by applying different types of biochar

The low fertility of post-brick mining soil may be improved by applying biochar to the soil because biochar is an excellent soil amendment, although its quality varies depending on the raw materials used. Therefore, soil fertility, nutrient availability, and crop yields are affected by the type and amount of biochar added to soils. This study examined the effect of types and dosages of biochar on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium availability of post-brick mining soil to increase maize yield. The treatment combinations of biochar dosages (0 t ha-1, 15 t ha-1, 30 t ha-1, and 45 t ha-1) and biochar types (coconut shell, wood, and rice husk biochars) were arranged in randomized block design with three replications. Each treatment plot measuring 4 m x 4.5 m was planted with maize seeds with a planting space of 80 cm x 25 cm. Urea (135 kg N ha-1), SP36 (36 kg P2O5 ha-1), and KCl (110 kg K2O ha-1) were applied as basal fertilizers. The results showed that at eight weeks after biochar application, the amount and type of biochar positively affected maize yield. The application of rice-husk biochar at 30 t ha-1 resulted in the highest maize yield. The application of each type of biochar at 45 t ha-1 yielded the highest increase in the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil.

Organic fertilizer increases pumpkin production by improving soil fertility.

Compared with long-term and continuous application of large amounts of chemical fertilizers, fertilizers with microbial organic nutrient sources can improve soil environment, increase soil fertility and increase crop yield. In view of the current low soil fertility and poor soil environment leading to low crop yield and instability in the arid regions of northwest China, the effects of organic fertilizer with microbial nutrient sources on soil nutrients and pumpkin yield were studied in 2022 and 2023 in this region. The fertilizer application level was used as control factor, with four treatments of low level (L), medium level (M), high level (H), and a conventional fertilizer control (CK). The results showed that the high application level of organic fertilizer was more beneficial to the growth of pumpkin, and the stem diameter, vine length, and leaf area of pumpkin under H treatment were the highest from 2022 to 2023. Compared to CK, the average soil bulk density was significantly decreased by 8.27-18.51% (P< 0.05); the soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, available potassium, and nitrate nitrogen under H treatment were increased by an average of 32.37%, 21.85%, 18.70%, and 36.97%, respectively. Under different organic fertilizer treatments, the pumpkin yield under M treatment was the highest, reaching 30926.18 kg·ha-1, followed by H treatment. compared to CK, M and H treatments increased the yield by 25.26% and 7.01%, respectively, and improved water use efficiency by 14.18% and 2.21%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of soil nutrients, pumpkin growth dynamics and yield in 2022 and 2023 showed that soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, available potassium, nitrate nitrogen, and water use efficiency were significantly positively correlated with pumpkin yield (P<0.01). In conclusion, H and M treatments can improve soil fertility promote pumpkin growth and development, and ultimately increase pumpkin yield. In summary, medium organic fertilizer level (M=5700 kg·ha-1) is recommended as the fertilization scheme for local pumpkin cultivation.

Study of biological and ecological characteristics of plants resistant to salt and drought conditions, technology of planting them in some places

The article presents a general classification of plant species adapted to growing in areas with relatively low salinity and soil fertility, including biological and ecological characteristics of plants resistant to drought conditions, and comments on the technology of planting them in some places

The effect of root cutting on the availability of organic carbon stock in oil palm plants (elaeis guneensis jacq)

Palm oil (Elaeis guenesis jacq) is an important commodity in Indonesia. Assessments of the underlying causes of yield gaps in oil palm production systems worldwide are lacking in exploring existing knowledge about oil palm productivity from a crop physiological perspective. Modifying the roots of oil palm plants through root cutting can affect the availability of carbon stocks in the soil because roots are one of the sources of organic carbon input into the soil. The purpose of the study was to analyses the effect of cutting the roots of oil palm plants on the availability of carbon stocks and soil fertility for these crops. The land where the study took place had a relatively low soil fertility status, there were several parameters observed showing low availability status in the soil. The low content of nutrients in the soil causes limited soil in providing nutrients to support plant growth.

Yield Response of Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to NPS Fertilizer

Low soil fertility status and reduced biological nitrogen fixation are some of the major constraints in limiting chickpea yield. Thus, an experiment was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of blended NPS fertilizer rates on the yield and yield components and economic advantages of chickpea varieties. The experiment was done using randomized complete block design with five NPS rates (0, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg ha-1) and three chick pea varieties (Arerty, Shasho and Teketay) in three replications. The result showed that the main effect of variety had significant effect on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, population at harvest, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, 100 seed weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. Application of NPS significantly influenced number of pod per plant, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. In addition, the pooled effect of the two factors showed highly significant differences on days to 50% germination, population at emergence and primary plant branches. Hence, Arerty variety showed an increased yield throughout the applied rates and attained its highest yield (3166.70 kg) at 125 kg ha-1 NPS applied along with the highest profit gaining. Shasho variety also showed a positive yield response at all treated plots as compared to the control; but attained maximum yield (2861 kg ha-1) at 100 kg ha-1 NPS applied. However, maximum profit was attained at rate of 75 kg ha-1 NPS. Teketay variety attained highest yield (3138.70 kg ha-1) at 100 kg ha-1 NPS applied; however its highest benefit to cost ratio (1.73) with highest economic benefit was reached at 50 kg ha-1 NPS applied. Thus, based on results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that using 100kg, 75kg and 50kg of NPS fertilizer ha-1 application for Arerty, Shasho, and Teketay varieties respectively improved productivity of chickpea with economically significant amount at the vicinity of the research area.