Manure Incorporation Research Articles

Factors Influencing Ammonia Concentrations above Corn Fields after Dairy Manure Application

Ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) loss from agriculture decreases crop yield potential and environmental quality. Incorporating animal manures by chisel plowing (CP) can reduce NH3 loss but may increase crop residue loss compared to lower disturbance incorporation methods and vertical tillage (VT). Few studies have evaluated VT efficacy for incorporating manure and reducing NH3 concentrations compared to traditional tillage tools, such as CP. Six trials during 2013 to 2016 were conducted to evaluate the impacts of manure incorporation method (CP, VT, or broadcast) and weather conditions at the time of application on NH3-N concentrations at a dairy research farm in central Wisconsin, USA. Passive samplers measured NH3-N concentrations at 30-cm above the ground during the first 0 to 24 and 24 to 48 h post-manure application/incorporation. Average NH3-N concentrations for CP and VT were 44 to 86% of broadcast and similar for most trials, while crop residue coverage for VT was greater than CP (39 and 22% of control plots, respectively). Concentrations of NH3-N were correlated with the amount of plot area covered by manure for the first (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001) and second measurement periods (r = 0.85, p < 0.0001). Results show that VT had comparable NH3-N concentration reductions to CP while conserving more crop residue.

Residual Effect of Organic Manures on Rice Fallow Summerblackgram (Vigna Mungo L.)

Field experiments were undertaken to ascertain the residual effect of organic manures on black gram crop in a rice-blackgram cropping sequence during summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 at Thoppur, Thirupparankundram, Madurai. Twelve treatments comprising various sources of nutrients (green manure, neem cake, enriched FYM, Panchagavya, tamarind seed powder) in a randomized block design with three replications laid out for rice were used to study the residual effect by growing blackgram in sequence. Basal incorporation of green manure @ 6.25 t/ha along with split application of vermicompost in four equal splits @ 4 t/ha as basal, at active tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stages + Panchagavya @ 3 per cent as foliar spray twice at active tillering and panicle initiation stages recorded the highest plant height, leaf area, dry matter production and grain yield. Increase in grain yield of 42.8 and 47.7 % was observed, respectively, during summer 2017 and summer 2018 over absolute control due to the residual effect of same treatment. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 235-241, 2023 (June)

Long-Term Organic Manure Substitution Increases Yield and Phosphorus Use Efficiency in a Double-Rice System by Altering Soil Phosphorus Uptake and Apparent Balance

The excessive use of chemical phosphorus (P) fertilizer can lower grain yield and P use efficiency (PUE) by aggravating soil acidity. Substituting organic manure for chemical fertilizer can alleviate the problem, although the long-term effect of organic manure incorporation is unknown. We conceptualized that substituting organic manure for chemical fertilizer may result in higher crop yields and PUE. Therefore, the impact of long-term fertilizer treatments: (i) CK (control), (ii) PK (phosphorus and potassium fertilizer), (iii) NP (nitrogen and P fertilizer), (iv) NK fertilizer, (v) NPK fertilizer, and (vi) NPKM (30% NPK fertilizer plus 70% manure) on rice yield, PUE, P uptake, and apparent balance (APB) was investigated. The results showed that rice yield under different fertilizer treatments ranged from 6.2 to 11.8 t ha−1 (1984–1995), 7.9 to 12.7 t ha−1 (1996–2007), and 6.6 to 12.8 t ha−1 (2008–2018). The rice yield under NPKM was greatly improved compared to other treatments, except with that of NPK (1984–1995). Soil organic carbon (SOC), available P and phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) under NPKM were significantly higher than other treatments during 1984–2018. Soil pH (1984–2018) was greatly higher under CK and NPKM than under other treatments. Soil total P under PK, NP, NPK, and NPKM was significantly higher than under CK and NK (1984–2018). Compared to other treatments, P uptake was significantly higher under NPKM, except with that of NPK (1984–1995 and 2008–2018). The average PUE (1984–2018) was 10.7, 20.2, 36.1, and 44.2 kg kg−1 under PK, NP, NPK, and NPKM, respectively. The APB under NPKM was significantly lower as compared to PK, NP, and NPK treatments. Therefore, we conclude that in addition to improving soil organic carbon, cations inputs from organic manure can be a factor for the increase in soil pH, making organic manure substitution for chemical fertilizer a more efficient strategy for increasing PUE and crop yield.

Grain, Yield and Quality of Transplant Aman Rice and Soil Nutrients Status with Application of Fertilizers and Green Manures

A field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during 2014 on transplant aman rice var. BR11 (Mukta) under different levels of chemical fertilizers and green manures to evaluate its grain yield, grain quality and soil fertility status with incorporation of green manures. The experiment was carried out in a split- plot design with three replications. The level of fertilizers (0, 100, 75, 50% of recommended dose, RFD) was placed in main -plot and levels of green manures management (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1 each Mimosa invisa (Lajjaboti) and Sesbania spp. (Dhaincha) in sub-plot. Recommended dose of fertilizers of 83N, 21P, 37K, 11S and 1.5 Zn kg ha-1, were applied in the form of urea, triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MoP), gypsum and zinc sulfate, respectively. Sixty-day old Mimosa invisa and Sesbania spp. were in - vitro incorporated before aman transplantation. Combined application of 75% RFD along with Mimosa invisa @ 10 t ha-1 was proved to be the best management in producing higher grain yield (7.25 t ha-1) and that was at par with treatment 50% RFD plus Mimosa invisa @ 10 t ha-1. Quality of grain was increased markedly in respect of amylose, carbohydrate, and protein as well. Furthermore, the treatment improved soil nutrient status in respect of organic matter, nitrogen, sulfur and Zn over no incorporations of green manures. So, addition of green manure like Mimosa invisa could cut fertilizer cost by 25-50%.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 67-72

Yield, water, and carbon footprint of rainfed rice production under the lens of mid-century climate change: a case study in the eastern coastal agro-climatic zone, Odisha, India.

Water and carbon footprint assessment can be a good indicator of sustainable agricultural production. The present research quantifies the potential impact of near-future (2026-2050) climate change on water footprint (WF) and carbon footprint (CF) of farm-level kharif rice production of three locally grown varieties (Khandagiri, Lalat, and Swarna) in Odisha, India, under the two RCP scenarios of 4.5 and 8.5. The crop yield, water resources utilization, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using the calibrated and validated DSSAT crop simulation model. The precipitation and temperature estimates from three regional climate models (RCM), namely HadGEM3-RA, RegCM4, and YSU-RSM were downscaled using the quantile mapping method. The results revealed a considerably high increase in the total WF of the Khandagiri, Lalat, and Swarna rice varieties elevating up to 101.9%, 80.7%, and 71.8% respectively during the mid-century for RCP 4.5 scenario, and 67.3%, 66.6%, and 67.2% respectively for RCP 8.5 scenario relative to the baseline WF. Moreover, compared to the green WF, the blue WF was projected to increase significantly (~ 250-450%) in the future time scales. This could be attributed to increasing minimum temperature (~ 1.7°C) and maximum temperature (~ 1.5°C) and reduced precipitation during the rice-growing periods. Rice yield was projected to continually decline in the future period (2050) with respect to the baseline (1980-2015) by 18.8% and 20% under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios respectively. The maximum CF of Swarna, Lalat, and Khandagiri rice were estimated to be 3.2, 2.8, and 1.3 t CO2eq/t respectively under RCP 4.5 and 2.7, 2.4, and 1.3 t CO2eq/t respectively under RCP 8.5 scenario. Fertilizer application (40%) followed by irrigation-energy use (30%) and farmyard manure incorporation (26%) were the three major contributors to the CF of rice production. Subsequently, management of N-fertilizer dose was identified as the major mitigation hotspot, simultaneously reducing carbon footprint and grey water footprint in the crop production process.

Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation Promotes Soil Microbial Stability and Antagonistic Bacteria Abundance in Greenhouse Vegetable Production Systems

Excessive water and fertiliser inputs, as well as long-term monocropping, not only cause resource waste and environmental pollution but also drive soil degradation and the occurrence of soil-borne diseases. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a widely used technique in greenhouse vegetable production to replace the use of agrochemicals in disinfestation and improve product quality. While the short-term effects of ASD on the soil microbial community have been well documented in the past 15 years, only a few studies have investigated the multiseason effects of ASD, particularly on the soil microbial community composition and stability, as well as on pathogens and antagonistic microorganisms. Field experiments were conducted in three adjacent greenhouses used for tomato production for at least 20 years. Three treatments were included: CK (control: no irrigation, no plastic film covering, incorporation of chicken manure), ASD (irrigation, plastic film covering, and incorporation of rice husks), and ASD+M (ASD plus incorporation of chicken manure). Results showed that (1) ASD significantly reduced the diversity of soil bacteria and fungi and improved the complexity and stability of the soil bacterial community at the end of the ASD, but the soil microbial diversity recovered to the level before the experiment after 1.5 years. (2) Compared with CK, ASD significantly increased the relative abundance of antagonistic bacteria Bacillus, Paenibacillus and Streptomyces, decreased the relative abundance of pathogens Fusarium and the quantity of nematodes and could still effectively eliminate soil pathogens after 1.5 years. (3) Chicken manure application did not increase the pathogenic microorganisms Fusarium and nematodes, but it significantly decreased the relative abundance of antagonistic bacteria. Our results highlight that ASD not only showed an inhibitory effect on soil-borne diseases after 1.5 years but also significantly increased the relative abundance of antagonistic bacteria. However, the additional incorporation of chicken manure for ASD should be avoided due to its negative effects on the abundance of antagonistic bacteria and its contribution to environmental pollution due to N leaching and increased emissions of GHG N2O.

Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat under a Basmati Rice–Wheat Cropping System in North-Western India

Restoring soil fertility in farming systems is essential to sustain a crop and its productivity. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the residual effects of the combined application of fertilizers and manures on yield, concentration and uptake of nutrients in wheat under basmati rice-wheat cropping system. The treatments applied in the present study involve T1: control, T2: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1), T3: poultry manure (6 t ha−1), T4: press mud (15 t ha−1), T5: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1), T6: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), T7: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T8: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T9: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T10: 75% RDN, T11: farmyard manure (15 t ha1) + 75% RDN, T12: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T13: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T14: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T15: 100% RDN. The residual effects of organic manures significantly improved the growth parameters and yield attributes. Among different residual treatments, the use of farmyard manure + 75% NPK showed maximum plant height (125.2 cm), number of tillers (68.0 m−1), chlorophyll content (45.0) and yield (50.84 q ha−1 for grain and 80.43 q ha−1 for straw, respectively). Additionally, the incorporation of farmyard manure + 75% RDN demonstrated the highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grain (7.37, 3.31 and 4.93 g ha−1, respectively) and straw (1.72, 1.05 and 12.63 g ha−1, respectively). The maximum zinc, copper, iron and manganese concentrations were observed to be 32.0, 3.1, 52.1 and 17.6 mg kg−1 in grain and 8.2, 2.1, 374.6 and 20.5 mg kg−1 in straw, respectively. Similarly, the highest uptakes were observed to be 67.6, 15.5, 263.8 and 89.6 g ha−1 in grain and 173.3, 16.8, 3026.9 and 170.6 g ha−1 in straw, respectively. Thus, the integrated application of farmyard manure with 75% RDN could be used to sustain wheat productivity and maintain soil fertility which otherwise deteriorates due to the sole application of inorganic fertilizers.

Water quality benefits of weather-based manure application timing and manure placement strategies

The timing of manure application and placement of manure significantly affects manure nutrient use efficiency and the amount of nutrient lost from a field. Application of manure prior to a minimal precipitation period, and manure application through incorporation, reduces risks associated with nutrient loss through surface runoff. The current study aims to explore potential water quality impacts related to manure application strategies on the timing of application and approach (surface broadcasting or incorporation). The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to represent manure application scenarios and quantify potential water quality impacts in Susquehanna River Basin located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A baseline (business-as-usual) scenario was developed with manure application based on crop planting date and manure storage availability, and surface broadcasting as the application approach. The baseline was compared with a strategically timed manure application considering weather forecasting and manure incorporation. The strategic, weather-based manure application approach reduced TN and TP loading at the outlet by 4% and 6%, respectively. Manure incorporation simulations considering low-disturbance injection showed significant reduction of about 19% for TN and 44% for TP at the watershed outlet. Winter closure of manure application could reduce organic nutrient loss. Winter application of manure in 21% of row cropped areas (2% of whole watershed area) increased organic N and P loading by 10% and 4%, respectively, at watershed outlet.

Parameters of the soil-holding part of the slurry spreader

The aim of the study is the theoretical substantiation of the parameters of the soil-holding part of the slitter for manure incorporation into the soil. A slitter with soil-holding part to the tool for application of organic fertilizers was developed. The basic principles and methods of classical mechanics, mathematical analysis and statistics were used in this study. The analytical dependences for determining the parameters of the soil-holding part of the creeper were obtained. The length of the soil-holding part of the creeper depends on the speed of the machine, the angle of installation and the height of the jogger blade, the angle of the natural slope of the soil, the coefficient of friction of the soil and manure, and also their fall height. It is set that at an angle of friction of soil 23-37º, an angle of a natural slope of soil 30-41º and speed of unit movement 1,4 m/s, the length of a soil-holding part is equal 0,15-0,25 m.

Influence of biochar amendments on the soil quality indicators of sandy loam soils under cassava–peanut cropping sequence in the semi-arid tropics of Northern Lombok, Indonesia

Low nutrient retention and soil organic matter depletion are the major challenges of the cropping system in the sandy loam soils of Northern Lombok, Indonesia. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of biochar-based organic amendments on the soil quality of sandy loam soils under cassava (Manihot Esculenta, Crants)–peanut (Arachis Hypogeae L.) cropping sequence. The treatments were as follows: biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) and rice straw (3 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) (B1); biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>), cattle manure (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>), and rice straw (3 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) (B2); biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) and cattle manure (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) (B3); biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) and cattle manure (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) plus rice straw mulch (3 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) applied on surface soils (B4), and without organic amendments (B0) as control. Results showed that the biochar-based organic amendments significantly improved several soil quality indicators such as SOC, total N, available P, Ca, cation-exchange capacity (CEC), and aggregate stability but had no significant effect on pH, K, and Mg. Improvement in soil quality was strongly indicated by an increase in the growth and yield of cassava and peanuts. Treatments B1, B2, B3, and B4 generally had a comparable effect on soil parameters and tended to improve the growth and yield of cassava and peanuts. Cassava was responsive to treatments B2 (biochar, cattle manure, and rice straw) and B3 (biochar and cattle manure) with its actual yield of 27 tons ha<sup>−1</sup>, which is a 40% increase compared with that in the control. As a secondary crop growing after cassava, peanuts also exhibited higher yields in all amended plots compared with that in the control. The highest yield was obtained in B2 (1.38 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>), followed by B4 (1.36 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>), B1 (1.33 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>), and B3 (1.25 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>). In conclusion, the incorporation of biochar, cattle manure, and crop residues (rice straw) into soils is a promising option to maintain soil quality and sustainably produce cassava and peanuts in the sandy loam soils of the semi-arid tropics of Lombok, Indonesia.

Can green manure contribute to sustainable intensification of rainfed rice production in Madagascar?

Green manure can be a source of nutrients for crops to spare some of the mineral fertilizer required for sustainable intensification of agriculture in smallholder context. We explored with a calibrated model the potential of legume green manure to help spare mineral fertilizer for sustainable intensification of rainfed rice production in Madagascar highlands. This study builds on a two-year rice experiment with rice and green manure as previous crop. The experiment investigated the response of rainfed rice growth to the incorporation into the soil of i) rice residue only (C:N ratio of 44.9) and ii) mucuna + crotalaria green manures (C:N ratio of 18.7). Two levels of fertilizer were investigated: manure only (5 t DM ha −1 ) (F1) and manure (5 t DM ha −1 ) in combination with mineral fertilizer (136 kg N ha −1 ) (F2). The crop model STICS was calibrated against observed soil water and soil mineral N, plant N uptake, aboveground biomass and grain yield to reproduce the impact of residue type and fertilizer input on mineralization of organic N in soil and in crop residue, crop growth and grain yield. The calibrated crop model was then used to explore rice response to mineral N fertilizer, with or without green manure, for the historical climate (1994–2018). Relative Root Mean Square Error (rRMSE) of model simulations fell within the observed relative variation in grain yield due to treatment effect. With green manure, mineral N available for rice increased compared with the situation without green manure, leading to greater agronomic use efficiency of N fertilizer. Green manure helped spare mineral fertilizer to achieve a reference yield set at 75 % of potential yield. This reference yield (3.67 t ha −1 on average across years) was reached with 40 kg N ha −1 with 6 t ha −1 of green manure, and 100 kg N ha −1 without green manure. The analysis of rice yield inter-annual variability indicated that (i) N leaching increased with total seasonal rainfall, which undermined the benefits of green manure on rice productivity in wetter years, and (ii) the increase in rice productivity allowed by the green manure did not fully compensate the rice yield foregone with the cultivation of the green manure. The calibrated model can be a useful tool to explore additional management strategies that will help maximize the benefit of green manure for sustainable intensification of rice-based cropping systems, especially in low-input cropping systems. • Impacts of green manure incorporation into the soil was assessed using modeling approach. • Rice response to mineral N fertilizer and green manure was evaluated with historical climate. • N available for crop increased with the use of green manure. • Green manure helped spare mineral fertilizer to achieve potential yield. • Benefits of green manure is undermined in wet years partly due to N leaching.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Low Disturbance Liquid Dairy Manure Incorporation into a Live Winter Cereal Cover Crop-Corn System

Dairy manure is an important nutrient source for crops but can also contribute to ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While incorporating manure into the soil reduces nutrient loss potential in surface runoff, impacts on GHGs are unclear. Here, our objective was to quantify NH3, nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes for two seasons after liquid dairy manure was spring-applied to a live winter cereal cover crop-corn system with different incorporation methods. Broadcast application and no manure controls were compared to manure incorporated by vertical tillage (VT) or chisel plowing (CP). Corn yields did not differ in 2018 but were greater for CP in 2019. Mean NH3 emissions for VT were 70 and 23% of broadcast and 7 and 11% of broadcast for CP in 2018 and 2019, respectively. While VT N2O-N fluxes were also about 70% lower than broadcast both years, CO2 fluxes were larger for VT. On average, CP and VT had 16 and 4% lower global warming potential (GWP) index values than broadcast, respectively. Despite differing effects on N2O, our results showed that CP more effectively conserved NH3 while reducing GWP from liquid manure compared to VT, stressing the importance of site-specific soil-manure-tillage interactions when quantifying dairy system GHG fluxes.

Effect of Rates and Sources of N Fertilizer Application on Dynamics of Rice Brown Leaf Spot Disease (Bipolaris oryzae) Incidences in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Nitrogen inputs; sources or application amounts are key determinants of yield determination and determination of resistance or sensitivity to pathogen activities. This study aimed at assessing the impact of source and rate of application of N fertilizers on Rice Brown Leaf Spot (RBLS) disease incidences and dynamics in lowland irrigated rice crops. Leaf N using relative leaf chlorophyll content, leaf N concentration and crop yield were assessed during the wet 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons and dry 2019 and 2020 seasons in the field research facility of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. The conventional systems (The Department of Agriculture recommended inorganic fertilizer application at 100% N), integrated system (50% N with conventional through inorganic fertilizer and 25% N with organic manure mixture), and organic system (50% of N conventional through organic manure) were tested using a new improved rice variety Bg300, using a randomized complete block design with six replicates. Wet and dry seasons were contrastingly different in disease prevalence, where critical levels of incidences were visible earlier in the wet season compared to the dry season. Initial stages of the study, organic systems resulted in higher disease incidences, thus reaching infections of the full crop before conventional and integrated. Several seasons of continuous organic manure incorporation enhanced the resistance of organic systems to RBLS disease compared to the rest. The leaf N concentrations were higher in conventional, thus the RBLS incidences were relatively low, due to negative correlations between disease incidences. Rice yields also resulted in a significant negative correlation with disease incidences and were diminished in integrated and organic systems later. The yield suppression due to diseases such as RBLS in organic transition can be overcome by using an integrated approach and building a balanced substitutable nutrient management strategy.

Study on the Application of Fly Ash for Soil Amelioration

In this study, pot culture experiments were carried out to investigate the most suitable level of fly ash for the amelioration of soil that can enhance the management of fly ash. The fly ash recovered from the Mong Duong 2 coal-fired thermal power plant and had the main chemical composition of oxygen (43%), Si (26%), Al (15%), K (9%), and Fe (6%). The addition of fly ash to light texture soil increased some of the basic properties of the soil, such as moisture, cation exchange capacity, mechanical composition, and organic matter content. The results of the performance evaluation of an experimental crop (soybeans) showed the effects of the amended soil on the growth of the experimental plants, namely the number of fruits, number of nodules, and their dry biomass. The incorporation of manure into the sandy soil was amended with fly ash in the pot experiment as a single application of fly ash may not provide enough nutrients for plant growth despite its ameliorant effect on soil structure. The appropriate fly ash addition rate from 10-30% w/w is recommended in soil amelioration applications based on the results of this study. This research opens up an application direction for fly ash, a by-product generated from the operation of coal-fired power plants in Vietnam.

Characterization of irrigation water quality of groundnut belt of erstwhile Mahbubnagar district of Telangana

An investigation was performed to characterize the irrigation water quality of the groundnut belt in the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district, Telangana for which 35 irrigation water samples from both canal and groundwater sources from the study area were collected through a preliminary survey in the selected farmer’s fields. The samples which were analyzed for pH, EC, RSC, SAR Mg/Ca ratio and Kelly’s ratio in the laboratory interpreted that the pH was slightly alkaline (pH: 7.58) with medium salinity (0.64 dS/m) and high Mg/Ca (1.15) ratio though the RSC (5.05) and SAR (2.68) fall in the safe ranges and were classified under C2S1 and C3S1 irrigation water classes. Considering the pH range in the irrigation water, proper management of the soil through incorporation of organic manures at regular intervals is suggested in all the regions of the groundnut belt (highly and marginally potential zones) having pH above 7.50 to prevent mounting up of soil pH when irrigated continuously over a period of time.

Effects of animal manure and nitrification inhibitor on N2O emissions and soil carbon stocks of a maize cropping system in Northeast China

The incorporation of animal manure (AM) in soil plays an essential role in soil carbon sequestration but might induce higher soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The use of nitrification inhibitors (NI) is an effective strategy to abate N2O emission in agro-ecosystems. However, very few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of applying NI under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers for increasing soil carbon sequestration and reducing N2O emissions simultaneously in Northeast China. Here, a four-year field experiment was conducted with three treatments [inorganic fertilizer (NPK), inorganic fertilizer + manure (NPKM), and inorganic fertilizer with NI + manure (NPKI + M)], in a rainfed maize cropping system in Northeast China. Plots of different treatments were kept in the same locations for 4 years. Gas samples were collected using the static closed chamber technique, and nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration in gas samples was quantified using a gas chromatograph. Soil organic carbon sequestration rate (SOCSR) was calculated based on the changes in SOC from April 2012 to October 2015. Averaged over the four years, AM incorporation significantly increased soil N2O emissions by 25.8% (p < 0.05), compared to NPK treatment. DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) significantly decreased N2O emissions by 32.5% (p < 0.05) relative to NPKM treatment. SOC content was significantly elevated by 24.1% in the NPKI + M treatment than the NPK treatment after four years of manure application (p < 0.05). The annual topsoil SOCSR for the NPKM and NPKI + M treatments was 0.57 Mg ha−1 yr−1 and 1.02 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of NPK treatment (− 0.61 Mg ha−1 yr−1, p < 0.05). AM addition significantly increased the aboveground biomass and crop yields of maize in the fourth year. Overall, combined application of DMPP, inorganic fertilizer and AM is strongly recommended in this rainfed maize cropping system, which can increase maize yield and SOC sequestration rate, and mitigate N2O emission.

Effect of in situ incorporation of three types of green manure on soil quality, grain yield and 2-acetyl-1-pyrrolline content in tropical region

Fragrant rice is widely consumed worldwide due to its pleasant aroma and better cooking qualities. Incorporation of green manure plays a good substitutable role in reducing chemical fertilizer applications while enhancing soil fertility. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of in situ incorporation of different green manures on soil physio-chemical properties, nitrogen (N) uptake, grain yield and the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) of subsequently grown fragrant rice across two seasons. Treatments included fragrant rice grown with fallow (T0 as control), with incorporation of rice biomass in field (T1), with incorporation of Sesbania biomass in field (T2), and with incorporation of Stylosanthes biomass in field (T3). Results showed that yields of T1, T2 and T3 were increased by on average of 13.1%, 29.1% and 23.9%, respectively, across two seasons compared with T0. And 2-AP contents in rice grains under T1, T2 and T3 were increased by 44.6–56.5%, 97.2–138.1% and 75.2–174.6%, respectively. Further analysis indicated that in situ incorporation of leguminous green manure significantly decreased soil bulk density, while increased the soil total organic carbon, and N availability. Thus, the plant N uptake and the partial factor productivity for N fertilizer (PFPN) were markedly increased by incorporation of leguminous green manure. Results suggested in situ incorporation of leguminous green manure was beneficial to sustain the production of fragrant rice in tropical regions. The mechanisms underlying the improvement of 2-AP content of fragrant rice with incorporation of the leguminous green manure will be addressed in the future.

Effects of different fertilization sources on Olea europaea (Oleraceae)

This review highlights the importance of olive trees growing in the southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It also discusses the importance (1) of the different fertilizations forms in the determination of the various soil physicochemical and leaf chemical properties, olives yield, oil yield and quality, and (2) oil quality parameters. Cover crops can be beneficial to soil properties. The incorporation of organic manures is also beneficial to improve plant and soil physical and biological properties, which allows a better root development and longevity, and nutrient absorption. Additionally, organic crops can increase the oil yield and quality in comparison to non-organic treatments. Foliar fertilization can be a very efficient system for supplying N, P and K to olive trees. However, several applications are required to meet the needs of the crop. Olive yield decreases significantly when soil fertilization with N is eliminated for several consecutive years in comparison to the fertilization that is carried out annually. Nutrient overfertilizationcan lead to several negative effects from the environmental point of view. Fertilization with P might be unnecessary due to the extensive root system of the olive trees. Olive have a high K requirement since large amounts of K are removed each year at harvest. However, fertilization with different levels of K had negligible effects on oil quality. Oil quality parameters were first associated with N concentrations in leaves and fruits. The phenolic content of the oil decreased linearly in relation to the increase of N in the leaves, which indicates a competition between the synthesis of proteins and the phenolic compounds.

The Impact of Feedlot Manure Application on Hydrology, Soil Carbon, and Nutrient Loss

ABSTRACT Feedlot manure is a potentially valuable resource to provide plant nutrients and improve soil. A field experiment was undertaken with the objective of determining the effect of feedlot manure applications on hydrology, and nutrient loss. The five treatments imposed over a three-year period were no manure or inorganic fertiliser (NM), a moderate annual manure application + N (MAN), a high initial application + N in year 1 (HIN) and an inorganic fertilizer treatment (I) applied in each year. Relay crops of sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) and triticale (Triticosecale spp. cv. Madonna) were grown throughout the 3 years. EnviroCSAN multisensor capacitance probes were used for soil water measurement. Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was measured in-situ using an automatic recording disc permeameter. Steady-state infiltration was determined at two tensions (40 and 10 mm). Soil moisture was consistently higher on the HIN treatment despite higher crop production. Surface runoff was highest in the NM treatment. At the end of 3 years, infiltration rate was highest in the I and M treatments. Highest losses of N occurred in the I and highest K loss in in M. Runoff P concentration exceeded an acceptable concentration in more than 86% of runoff events. Incorporation of feedlot manure into soil with minimum disturbance, coupled with relay cropping can have substantial benefits for both nutrient cycling and hydrology.

Suppression of Meloidogyne incognita Infection on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Using Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Poultry Manure

An experiment was conducted to assess the suppression of root-knot nematode on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) using neem (Azadirachta indica) and poultry manure. The experiment was conducted at the screen house of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Idi-Ishin, Ibadan Oyo State. Tomato seedlings, Roma, Cobra, Nadira, Lindo, Kiara, and Panther cultivars are grown in pots filled with steam-sterilized soil. Seedlings were treated with neem extract (Azadirachta indica), poultry manure and a combination of neem and poultry manure which were assigned at 0.4g each to inoculated pots of root-knot nematode (5,000 juveniles of nematodes) which 5ml was applied per tomato stand. The treatments applied in the trials reduced root-knot nematode populations in the soil with corresponding increases in plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and fruit yield over the control. There was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in the root galls from the treated pots with maximum nematode eggs (1200.00) and juveniles (980.00) observed in untreated pots followed by neem extract application (101.50 eggs) and (720.00 juveniles), poultry manure application (415.00 eggs) and 89.50 juveniles while minimum root-knot nematode eggs of 82.50 and 415.00 juveniles were obtained in neem plus poultry manure. This research recommends the incorporation of poultry manure in nematode-infested soils.