Mineral Fertilizers Research Articles

Effect of Different Irrigated Crop Successions on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Potassium Budget Under Mediterranean Conditions

Sustainability in agroecosystems relies on the optimized use of resources to achieve consistent yields while maintaining or improving soil health. The monitoring of soil quality is crucial when changes from rainfall-fed to irrigated crop systems occur. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different crop successions in the Mediterranean area under irrigation and different technical practices. The soil nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) and soil organic carbon (SOC) balances were observed in four fields with irrigated annual crops in a two-year succession timeframe, namely, sunflower–maize (P1), sunflower–clover (P2), maize–sunflower (P3), and alfalfa–alfalfa (P4). The SOC and nutrient balance, integrating the total irrigation, mineral fertilizers, and exported yield, was calculated for each farm. Except for maize–sunflower succession (P3), all fields presented a negative SOC balance at the end of the two-year crop succession, indicating losses from 2.84 to 4.91 Mg SOC ha−1 y−1. While in N-fixing plants the soil N decreased, in the remaining crops a surplus was observed, possibly leading to future N losses. The continuous depletion of soil P revealed a potential underestimation of this nutrient. Soil K appears to be related to specific crop management practices, namely, crop residue incorporation after harvest. In annual irrigated crops under Mediterranean conditions, crop succession can induce soil fertility degradation if conservation practices are absent.

EFFECT OF BIO-ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZATION, ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleraceae Var.botrytis)

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of three factors, the first was biofertilization with four types (without addition, combination of A.brasilense + A. chroococcum combination of G.mosseae + T. harzianum, and combination of the two previous combinations), The second factor four types of organic fertilizer(without adding,vermicompost ,Orgevit, a combination of the two previous organic fertilizers),and the third factor mineral fertilizer with two levels (0% and 50%) of the fertilizer recommendation in addition to the full fertilizer recommendation treatment (second comparison).RCBD was used with three replications. The results showed that the triple interaction of the biofertilization treatments added with the organic fertilizer combination of organic fertilizer with 50% of the mineral fertilizer recommendation showed the highest averages for the characteristics of growth and the total yield, which gave79.740 Mg ha-1, and the content of leaves and the curd from N, P and K after harvest and the content of the soil of N, P and K after harvesting, which amounted to 70.81, 38.19, 370.44 mg kg soil-1,in comparison with the no addition treatment which gave the lowest averages .

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST AND BIOFERTILIZATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF SOME SOIL NUTRIENTS, GROWTH AND YIELD OF SQUASH (Cucurbita pepo L.)

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of four application methods of vermicompost tea (without application, ground application, foliar spray, combination of - ground application + foliar spray) , four types of biofertilization (without application, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus megaterium, the combination consisting of S. maltophilia + B. megagaterium), and two levels (0, 50%) of the fertilizer recommendation in the availability of some soil nutrients and on the growth and yield of squash using as randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the triple interaction of the combination of application vermicompost tea with the combination of biofertilizer and 50% of mineral fertilizer was effect significantly and gave the highest values for some vegetative growth parameters. Which included the dry weight of the vegetative part, the length and weight of the root, and total yield which amounted 196.35 g plant-1, 65.33 cm, 60.31 g plant-1, 45.14 Mgha-1, respectively. the available of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in soil at the end of the experiment, which amounted 60.56, 38.20 and 191.38 mg kg-1soil in comparison with the treatment without addition, which gave the lowest rates.

Organic cropping systems balance environmental impacts and agricultural production

Agriculture provides food to a still growing population but is a major driver of the acceleration of global nutrient flows, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Policies such as the European Farm2Fork strategy aim to mitigate the environmental impact of land-use by fostering organic farming. To assess long-term environmental impact of organic food production we synthesized more than four decades of research on agronomic and environmental performance of the oldest system comparison experiment on organic and conventional cropping systems (DOK experiment). Two organic systems (bioorganic and biodynamic) are compared with two conventional (manure-based integrated and mineral-based) systems all with the same arable crop rotation including grass-clover, and manure from livestock integrated in all except the mineral-based system. Organic systems used 92% less pesticides and 76% less mineral nitrogen than conventional systems. Nitrogen use efficiency, that also considers biological nitrogen fixation, was above 85% for all systems. Organic fertilization with farmyard manure maintained or increased soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in the long term, especially in the biodynamic system with manure compost. Conventional mineral-based cropping reduced soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. Higher soil organic carbon stocks in organic cropping did not translate to increased N2O emissions, which were the main driver for 56% lower soil-based, area-scaled climate impact compared to the integrated conventional system with manure. Organic cropping systems, especially compost-based biodynamic, showed enhanced soil health, richness of micro- and macrofauna and weed species. Highest yields were achieved in integrated conventional system, with highest total nitrogen inputs and enhanced soil health compared to pure mineral fertilization. Yet, these benefits come at the cost of lower nitrogen use efficiency and higher N2O emissions. Despite a rigorous reduction of inputs yields of the organic systems achieved 85% of the conventional systems. We demonstrate at field level that organic cropping systems with reduced external nutrient inputs have less climate impact and a larger in-situ biodiversity, while providing a fertile ground for the future development of sustainable agricultural production systems.

Changes in Soil Humin Macromolecular Structure Resulting from Long-Term Catch Cropping

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long-term catch crop application on the structural properties of humin, which is considered the most recalcitrant fraction of soil organic matter. Soil samples from a 30-year field experiment on triticale cultivated with and without catch crops were analysed to determine the total organic carbon content and fractional composition of humic substances. Meanwhile, humin isolated from bulk soil was analysed to determine its elemental composition and spectroscopic properties measured with UV-Vis, fluorescence, and 13C-CPMAS-NMR. It was found that catch crop farming enhanced the formation of highly reactive humus substances, like low-molecular-weight fractions and humic acids, while decreasing the humin fraction. The higher H/C and O/C atomic ratios of humin and the UV-Vis, fluorescence, and 13C-CPMAS-NMR results confirmed a higher share of oxygen-containing functional groups in humin isolated from the soil with catch crop rotation, also corroborating its greater aliphatic nature. Under the conditions of our field experiment, the results indicated that organic residues from catch crops quickly undergo the decay process and are transformed mainly into highly reactive humus substances, which can potentially improve soil health, while mineral fertilisation alone without catch crops favours the stabilisation and sequestration of carbon.

Cultivation and Potential for Biomass Production for Energy and Seed Purposes of Tall Wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum (Host) Beauv.) Under Sandy Soil and Temperate Climate Conditions

An experiment was conducted to analyse the potential for obtaining biomass for energy purposes and tall wheatgrass (TWG) seeds grown under conditions of varying pre-sowing fertilisation with compost and mineral fertilisation with nitrogen on sandy soils. Field trials were conducted between 2012 and 2015. The study factors were compost from municipal green areas with I-doses of 0, 10 and 20 Mg∙ha−1 added before sowing and nitrogen II-doses of 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg∙ha−1 added each year in the form of ammonium nitrate. During the experiment conducted on sandy soils, a favourable effect of fertilisation on the morphological parameters of above-ground vegetative and generative parts was found. The experiment resulted in high dry matter yields (DMYs) in the range of 9.08–31.38 Mg∙ha−1 and high seed yields (SYs) (635 kg∙ha−1 to as much as 2397 kg∙ha−1), which depended on the applied fertilisation variant. The applied levels of compost fertilisation had a positive effect on the obtained dry matter yields (DMYs) and SY. Analysing the effect of the applied doses of mineral nitrogen fertilisation (40, 80 and 120 kg∙ha−1) on the dry matter yield of TWG under sandy soil conditions, it should be noted that this factor significantly increased the DMY and SY in all years of the study. At the same time, the response of plants to this factor of the study over the years varied and depended on weather conditions. The high energy yield (192.50 GJ∙ha−1–408.93 GJ∙ha−1) closely related to the high DMY indicates the high suitability of TWG as a new grass species under temperate climate conditions grown for biomass energy production and the possibility to harvest seeds when adequately cultivated.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Climate Change Mitigation

Currently, one of the main challenges is the mitigation of the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector. Conventional agriculture, with the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests, and the improper use of mineral fertilizers, contributes to climate change by causing increased greenhouse gases and groundwater pollution. Therefore, more innovative technologies must be used to overcome these problems. One possible solution is nanotechnology, which has the potential to revolutionize the conventional agricultural system. Active nanoparticles can be used both as a direct source of micronutrients and as a delivery platform for bioactive agrochemicals to improve crop growth, yield, and quality. The use of nanoparticle formulations, including nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-fertilizers, and nano-emulsions, has been extensively studied to improve crop health and shelf-life of agricultural products. Comprehensive knowledge of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles opens up new opportunities to improve cropping practices through the enhancement of properties such as disease resistance, crop yield, and nutrient use. The main objective of this review is to analyze the main effects of climate change on conventional agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. It also focuses on how the introduction of nanoparticles into conventional practices can improve the efficiency of chemical pest control and crop nutrition. Finally, this review examines in depth the last 10 years (2014–2024) of scientific literature regarding the use of nanoparticles in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The impact of cultivation technology elements on the productivity of the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) variety ‘Hoverla’ in the Prykarpattia region

Purpose. To study the formation of the productivity of the ‘Hoverla’ soybean variety using different elements of cultivation technology. Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical (calculation­comparative, mathematical­statistical). Results. The effectiveness of spring chisel ploughing for the cultivation of the soyabean variety ‘Hoverla’ in the soil and climatic conditions of the Prykarpattia region was established. The positive effect of the studied tillage methods on the phytosanitary condition of the crop was noted. In particular, the combination of autumn ploughing and spring chisel ploughing with the application of N30P30K30 mineral fertiliser and double foliar spraying of crops with a growth regulator led to an increase in the competitiveness of plants against weeds and reduced the number of weeds by 46.2% compared to the control. The implementation of the above measures also contributed to an increase in yield to 2.48 t/ha, or 57.0% on average over three years. At the same time, the yield of forage units and digestible protein increased by 1.35 and 0.3 t/ha respectively. Conclusions. Spring chisel ploughing, together with autumn ploughing and a rational combination of the predecessor’s by­products, the proposed doses of mineral fertiliser and growth regulator in the conditions of the Prykarpattia region, helped to reduce the weediness of crops by 46.2% and increase the yield of the ‘Ho­verla’ soybean variety by 57.0%.

Organic Fertilization Improves Soil Multifunctionality in Sugarcane Agroecosystems

Soil multifunctionality is closely tied to soil health, yet a comprehensive understanding of this link in agricultural soils is lacking. The aim of this study was to understand how long-term fertilization practices affect the provision of multiple services by comparing the multifunctionality of soils. The three objectives were to (i) determine whether the effect of fertilization is consistent across soil types, (ii) describe the effect of the different fertilizers on soil multifunctionality, and (iii) identify soil chemical properties that can be easily used proxies of soil multifunctionality. The descriptors belong to three functioning indexes associated with nutrient availability, carbon transformation, and soil structure maintenance. This study is the first to investigate the effect of a variety of organic fertilizers on the health of three soil types by combining physical, chemical, and biological indicators in sugarcane agroecosystems. An increase in soil multifunctionality was obtained, with no effect on yield. The effect of fertilizers was consistent across soil types. Filter mud and green waste compost significantly increased the multifunctionality and functioning indexes compared to mineral fertilizer. Modifications in soil properties did not fully explain the observed variations. Our results confirm the high potential of organic fertilization to improve multifunctionality and provide ecosystem services.

Effect of Water Regime and Organic Amendment on Agromorphological Parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grown in the Open Field on Gleysol in Diabo Department, Central Côte d’Ivoire

The aim of the study was to improve the productivity of the PADMA 108 F1 tomato grown in the field on gleysol in the off-season by the combined application of a water regime and an organic amendment. The study took place in the off-season (July-August) in 2022 at Yomian-Kouadiokro (7°49N, 5°9W) in the Gbêkê region and Diabo department of central Côte d'Ivoire. The methodology consisted in clearing a hydromorphic fallow (a gleysol) of about 10 years and delimiting microplots in randomized Fisher blocks of 3 replicates. In each replication, 12 microplots of 5m2 were distributed in 3 blocks, each comprising 4 treatments (poultry manure and sawdust composts, NPK12-22-22 fertilizer and the no-fertilizer control). In each microplot, tomato seedlings were transplanted into 10 pots. At transplanting, fertilizers were applied as a basal fertilizer at a rate of 0.5Kg/pack (poultry droppings and sawdust) and 85g/pack of NPK at the foot of the tomato compared with the control. After planting, a regular watering of 60 liters of water was applied to each block using a watering can (10L), subjecting the seedlings to a specific watering regime of 7 waterings/week, 4 waterings/week and 2 waterings/week. The results showed a highly significant specific effect of watering 7 times/week and of the organic amendment (poultry droppings) on the agromorphological parameters with the highest values compared with the other treatments. On the other hand, the best values for tomato agromorphological parameters were obtained with the combined effect of watering 2 times/week with organic amendments (poultry manure compost), NPK 12-22-22 mineral fertilizer and sawdust compost to some extent. In conclusion, this study shows that to improve the productivity of the PADMA 108 F1 tomato in the ecosystem studied in the off-season, a watering regime of 2 waterings per week is appropriate, regardless of the type of treatment applied (organic or mineral fertilizers).

Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta

Salinity, resulting from climate change and excessive mineral fertilization, burdens farmers and negatively impacts soil and water ecosystems in the Northeastern Nile Delta. Organic and biological approaches are crucial for addressing these issues. This study examined the effects of individual and combined inoculations with cyanobacteria, yeast, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), with or without K-Humate and reducing Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers application rates to crop quality of wheat and faba bean. In preliminary laboratory experiments, the interactive effects of these microbiomes on plant antioxidant and soil enzyme production were examined under salinity stress. Results showed that co-inoculation, especially with K-Humate, yielded superior outcomes compared to individual inoculations. These findings were validated by a field trial conducted in saline-alkaline soil in the Northeastern Nile Delta region. All biological treatments 25% of recommended doses, and enhancing salinity tolerance, increasing yield, and improving enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, including soil enzyme activity, AMF colonization, spore density, and the total numbers of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and yeast. These effects were further amplified by K-Humate and were more pronounced with combined inoculations than with individual ones, leading to improved soil fertility and significant increases in both crop quantity and quality compared to control treatments. The triple treatment, combining cyanobacteria, yeast, and mycorrhizae in the presence of K-Humate while reducing the mineral NPK rate by 75%, achieved superior increases in the productivity of wheat grains and faba bean seeds, reaching 54.72% and 128.92%, respectively, compared to the 100% NPK mineral control. This treatment also significantly improved crop quality, with notable increases in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and protein percentages in wheat grains and faba bean seeds. Microbiomes-interaction increased potassium uptake over sodium, enhancing the plant’s potassium/sodium ratio and improving salt stress tolerance. This approach reduces reliance on costly mineral fertilizers, enabling bio-organic farming in marginal lands, optimizing resource utilization, and preserving natural resources.

Agricultural legacy shapes plant diversity patterns in mountain grasslands of Maramureș and Bukovina: A cross‐border perspective (Ukraine, Romania)

Abstract We investigated farming practices and grassland plant diversity patterns in the historical regions of Maramureș and Bukovina, located in the central Eastern Carpathians of Romania and Ukraine. We explored the influence of social and historical factors on recent grassland plant diversity, including changes and modifications in land use and grassland management practices. We used stratified random sampling to select 48 grassland parcels in eight villages on the Ukrainian‐Romanian borderlands. We identified the factors that affect the composition and diversity of grassland vascular plants and bryophytes at multiple spatial scales and compared the frequency and timing of historical and recent grassland management practices to distinguish between preserved and modified agricultural traditions. In most of the grassland parcels studied (83% in Romania and 78% in Ukraine), traditional land use persisted. Local plant species richness was primarily influenced by management practices, outweighing the impact of topography and soil factors. Regular mowing at appropriate intensity increased the richness of vascular plants, while grazing promoted the richness of bryophyte species. Modifications to farming systems, observed in all studied villages, were mainly due to declining population and livestock numbers. Although the timing of spring and autumn grazing in hay meadows still adhered to tradition, mowing schedules shifted earlier, especially for the first cut of two‐cut hay meadows. Traditional corralling, fertilization and hayseed application have become rare or discontinued in certain villages, while controlled burning has increased. Past use of mineral fertilizers in Ukrainian villages during the Soviet era influenced the recent diversity and composition of vascular plant species, favouring nutrient‐demanding species. Social factors and agricultural policies indirectly affect biodiversity in semi‐natural grasslands, leaving a tangible footprint even in the most remote areas of the Carpathian Mountains. We provide basic recommendations to preserve the remarkable biodiversity of the region. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The Effect of Biobased N and P Fertilizers in a Winter Wheat–Ryegrass Crop Rotation

Novel recycled fertilizers could help close environmental nutrient cycles in the circular economy. To better understand their performance and residual value, commercially available biobased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers (BBFs) were tested in a two-year crop cycle of winter wheat and ryegrass. The N fertilizer replacement value of N-BBFs ranged from 47 to 80% in the main crop. Not all BBFs led to a similarly high N concentration in the mineral reference wheat straw. However, full and early fertilization with incorporation could make the fertilizing effect of N-BBFs more reliable. The P fertilizer replacement value ranged between 105 and 161% for the crop cycle. We assume that the N contained in biobased phosphorus fertilizers can be seen as unproblematic for losses during winter and can serve as a starter fertilizer already present in the soil for the succeeding crop in spring. In general, biobased P fertilizers had a higher residual value than biobased N fertilizers. However, these residual values were comparable to those of mineral fertilizer references. While P-BBFs proved to be a sustainable and reliable nutrient source for a crop cycle, the N-BBFs used as the main crop fertilizer were found to be more prone to environmental influences.

Impact of soil bacteria on amylose synthesis in maize kernels under the substitution of manure nitrogen for mineral fertilizer nitrogen

Long-term and large-scale application of mineral fertilizer destroys soil microbial structure and crop quality. To reduce the harm of mineral fertilizer, a 6-year localization experiment was conducted to study the effects of replacing 0 % (CF), 25 % (M25), 50 % (M50), 75 % (M75), and 100 % (M100) of 225 kg ha−1 mineral fertilizer nitrogen with manure nitrogen on soil bacterial community structure and crop quality. The results showed that an increase in soil Longimicrobiaceae elicited a reduction in amylose. The impact of soil bacteria on the soluble sugar showed no significant difference. Compared with CF, substitution treatments significantly reduced Ktedonobacteria and C0119 by 53.42–81.28 %, and significantly decreased cyanobacteria, cellulolysis, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, phototrophy, photoautotrophy and oxygenic photoautotrophy by 3.27–196.58 %, and significantly increased dark sulfur oxidation, dark thiosulfate oxidation, nitrogen fixation and chitinolysis by 15.73–508.50 %. M50, M75, and M100 significantly reduced Holophagae and Subgroup 7 by 24.96–37.91 % relative to CF. M75 significantly increased Chao index, whereas significantly reduced Simpson index compared with M25. The Simpson indices of M75 and M100 were significantly lower than that of CF. Bacillaceae and Env.OPS 17 can be used as the main basis for the classification of soil samples in the equivalent substitution of nitrogen mineral fertilizer with manure.

Jerusalem Artichoke: Nitrogen Fertilization Strategy and Energy Balance in the Production Technology of Aerial Biomass

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a plant with considerable potential for energy generation due to its rapid growth, high biomass yield, and resistance to environmental stresses. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the nitrogen fertilization strategy on the yield and energy balance in the production technology of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) in a perennial cropping system. The article presents the results of a three-year experiment which was conducted in Poland to determine the effect of different N rates (0, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha−1) supplied with mineral fertilizers and liquid digestate on the energy balance in the production of JA aerial biomass. The experiment had a randomized block design with three replications. The demand for energy in JA cultivation reached 16.2–26.3 (year 1) and 2.9–14.6 GJ ha−1 (years 2 and 3). Energy inputs in the cultivation technology were reduced by 17–19% (year 1) and 35–47% (years 2 and 3) when mineral fertilizers were replaced with digestate. Jerusalem artichoke yields were lowest in the technology without fertilization (12.5 Mg ha−1 DM). Dry matter yield increased significantly (by 43–55%) after the application of 75 kg N ha−1, regardless of fertilizer type. The energy output of biomass peaked (230.1 GJ ha−1) in response to a mineral fertilizer rate of 75 kg N ha−1. In turn, the highest energy gain (218.5 GJ ha−1) was noted after the application of digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha–1. The energy efficiency ratio was highest in the technology without fertilization (20.1) and after the application of digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha−1 (19.7). Regardless of the factors that limit agricultural production, the energy balance of JA biomass production was most favorable when JA was fertilized with digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha−1. The results of this study may pave the way for future research on novel agronomic strategies for sustainable bioenergy production, including nutrient recycling.

Fertilization shapes microbial life strategies, carbon and nitrogen metabolic functions in Camellia oleifera soil

Mineral, organic and microbial fertilizers are crucial for maintaining and improving soil quality, ecosystem functions, and fruit yield in Camellia oleifera plantations. However, how the application of these fertilizers shapes the life strategies and functions of soil microbial communities is unclear. Here, we conducted a one-year field experiment with three types of fertilizers: mineral (NPK), manure (Man), and microbial (MicrF), and analyzed soil properties, bacterial and fungal communities to assess microbial life strategies, functional traits and their determinants. The application of MicrF strongly increased the diversity of both soil bacterial (by 6.4%) and fungal communities (by 23%). Organic matter inputs from Man and MicrF had greater effects on the life strategies of bacteria than fungi: the dominant r-strategy bacteria (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria) increased with Man and MicrF, but K-strategists (Acidobacteria) decreased. Conversely, the abundance of r-strategy fungi (Ascomycota) decreased, but that of K-fungi (Basidiomycota) increased. Predictions of the functions indicated that microbial fertilization accelerated the bacterial carbohydrates, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, while also increasing the prevalence of wood saprotrophic fungi. The changes in the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the microbial communities induced co-metabolism priming effects, which were mainly regulated by soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen contents, and carbon-nitrogen ratio. The application of MicrF is an effective approach to increase the diversity and multifunctionality of soil microbial communities in Camellia oleifera plantations, including organic matter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into the fertilizer regimes based on microbial ecological strategies and functional profiles in Camellia oleifera plantations.

Effects of mineral fertilization (NPK) on combined high temperature and ozone damage in rice

BackgroundIncreasing concern has recently been highlighted regarding crop damage due to extreme weather events caused by global warming and the increased production of ground-level ozone. Several studies have investigated rice growth in response to fertilization conditions under various environmental stress conditions; however, studies on growth development in response to fertilization conditions under combined high-temperature/ozone treatment conditions are scarce. In this study, we aimed investigate the growth and physiological development of rice under combined high temperature and ozone treatment conditions and to reveal the damage-mitigation effects of NPK fertilization treatments.ResultsThe plants were treated with varying levels of NPK [N2 (N-P-K: 9.0-4.5-4.0 kg/a), P2 (4.5-9.0-4.0 kg/a), K2 (4.5-4.5-8.0 kg/a), and control (4.5-4.5-4.0 kg/10a).] under combined high-temperature (35 ℃) and ozone (150 pb) treatment conditions. Analysis of the growth metrics, including plant height, leaf age, dry weight, and the plant height/leaf age (PH/L) ratio were revealed that combined high-temperature/ozone treatment promoted the phenological development indicated by increasing leaf age but decreased the plant height and dry weight indicating its negative effect on quantitative growth. The effects of this combined high-temperature/ozone treatment on growth were alleviated by NPK fertilization, particularly in K2 treatment but worsened in N2 treatment. Visible damage symptoms in rice leaves induced by exposure to the combined stressors was also alleviated by the K2 treatment. At the physiological level, K2 treatment reduced the expression of OsF3H2, which is associated with antioxidant activity, suggesting that potassium improved stress tolerance. Additionally, expression of genes related to abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism showed increased OsNECD (ABA synthesis) and decreased OsCYP707A3 (ABA degradation) in the K2 treatment, promoting a stronger adaptive stress response. Stomatal conductance measurements indicated a slight increase under K2 treatment, reflecting enhanced regulation of stomatal function during stress.ConclusionThe study highlights the potential of potassium fertilization to mitigate combined high-temperature and ozone stress in rice, suggesting it as a strategy to improve crop resilience and optimize fertilization. The findings offer insights into fertilization treatments and can guide future research on stress tolerance in crops.

Solubilization of K and P nutrients from coal gangue by Bacillus velezensis.

Coal gangue piles not only occupy significant amounts of arable land but also cause serious environmental pollution. Therefore, finding sustainable methods for the clean utilization of CG is imperative. Although previous studies have shown that bacteria can promote the solubilization of available phosphorus and available potassium from CG, their impact on promoting plant growth remains understudied. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the potential of Bacillus velezensis in enhancing the effectiveness of CG as a mineral fertilizer to support alfalfa growth. The evidence presented in this study provides an ecological strategy for the utilization of CG.

Symbiotic N2 fixation in cowpea varieties is markedly enhanced by inoculation with elite Bradyrhizobium strains

Because of its excellent ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] makes a significant contribution to soil sustainability and productivity in the resource limited tropical regions. However, due to in part to ineffectiveness and limited availability of bio-inoculant, its symbiotic N contribution and yield remained low in the field. Therefore, this study examined the effect of elite cowpea infecting Bradyrhizobium strains (CP-24 and CP-37) on shoot biomass and symbiotic nitrogen contributions of four cowpea varieties (Keti, TVU, Black eye bean, and White wonderer trailing). For this a two-year field experiment was carried out at three sites using a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. The natural abundance of the 15N technique was used to compute the symbiotic N contribution. Bradyrhizobium inoculation led to significantly higher nodule formation, % Ndfa, amounts of N fixed, and shoot biomass, demonstrating the effectiveness and ability of the strains to enhance soil fertility. Inoculating cowpea with CP-24 strain increased shoot N content, % Ndfa and N fixed by 40%, 15%, and 41%, respectively, in comparison to the un-inoculated control. Furthermore, the inoculant by variety interaction had a significant effect on nodule number, nodule dry weight, and amount of N fixed, with TVU and White Wonderer trailing in combination with CP-24 exhibiting the most outstanding performance. There was also a strong positive correlation between biomass accumulation and N fixed, as well as N fixed and seed yield. Therefore, Bradyrhizobium inoculation on cowpea varieties TVU and White Wonderer trailing with CP-24 strain is recommended at all three tested sites and similar agro-ecologies for improved symbiotic N contribution and associated yield advantage of cowpea. This study highlights that, the use of elite and crop specific Bradyrhizobium strains can boost symbiotic nitrogen contribution, soil fertility, and the yield performance of legumes. Thus, it helps resource-poor farmers who are suffering from rising mineral fertilizer cost to achieve food security while reducing climate change risks.

Influence of Artemisia dubia Wall and Pig Manual Digestate on Winter Wheat Productivity and Grain Quality

Sustainable agriculture aims to use biological resources to improve crop quality and productivity. This approach promotes alternatives, such as replacing synthetic pesticides with biological ones and substituting mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers. Field trials were conducted using two different factors: fertilizer treatments (ammonium nitrate and pig manure digestate) and plant protection treatments (pesticides, Artemisia dubia Wall biomass mulch, and strips). After harvesting the winter wheat, the productivity and quality (weight of 1000 grains, protein, gluten, starch, sedimentation of grains) were evaluated. The two-year studies showed that pig manure digestate positively affected winter wheat grain quality. Mugwort biomass outperformed other plant protection options in three key grain quality indicators (protein, gluten, and sedimentation). Furthermore, in 2023, the highest grain yield of 5798 ± 125 kg ha−1 was observed in the pesticides and pig manure digestate treatment. The quick impact and mode of action of vegetation pesticides were more easily felt over the two years of study, leading to the highest yield of wheat grains compared to other plant management measures. This study shows that mugwort biomass can positively influence wheat grain quality, a significant milestone in utilizing nonfood crops as alternatives for agricultural productivity.