Mineral Fertilizers Research Articles

Effectiveness of use zeolite in vegetable growing in the footdown zone of southeast Kazakhstan

Natural zeolite from the Shankanay deposit is effective for use as an additive to mineral fertilizers when growing vegetable crops in the foothill zone of south-east Kazakhstan. Zeolite added to the soil with mineral fertilizers leads to an increase in the water-physical properties of dark chestnut soil. The water permeability of these options has increased noticeably. The use of zeolite and fertilizers helps to increase the mobile forms of nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium. The addition of zeolite reduces the concentrations of mobile forms of heavy metals in the dark chestnut soil under study. Thus, the concentration of cadmium in the soil in a 0-20 cm layer under sowing table beets when using 2 tons of zeolite decreased by 50% with a control value of 1.0 mg/kg, which does not exceed the maximum permissible concentration.A positive effect of zeolite fertilizer on the productivity of vegetable crops was revealed, which makes it possible to increase the total yield of table beet roots from 42.8 t/ha in control to 43.3-62.7 t/ha in fertilized variants with an increase in yield from 4.4 t/ha up to 19.9 t/ha. The yield of cabbage was 25.7 t/ha on the control, and increased by 6.5-16.5 t/ha on the fertilized variants. The use of zeolite and fertilizers contributes to the production of vegetables with good and high quality indicators. Application of both zeolite and fertilizers increased the dry matter, sugar and vitamin C content of the studied crops. The amount of nitrates in the products decreased with the addition of zeolite and increased in other variants of the experiment, but did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration. Thus, in the control variant, the nitrate content in cabbage heads was 223 mg/kg wet weight, in the variants with zeolite 2t/ha - 205 mg/kg, in beetroots - 248 mg/kg and 195 mg/kg, respectively.

The Effect of Fertilizers and Growth Regulators on the Productivity of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in the Dry Climate of Russia

Background: Safflower is an oilseed crop capable of forming seeds in extreme conditions, so it can be used as an alternative to sunflower, because their growing technologies are similar. Increasing the yield of safflower seeds can be achieved intensively using agrochemicals. The proposed research results provide information on the use of mineral, micro fertilizers and growth regulators. Methods: Research was carried out in the dry steppe zone of chestnut soils. In the spirit-factor experiment, which was located on a field with an area of 300 m2, in triplicate, using two sorts of safflower. Mineral fertilizers were applied to the soil during sowing and by foliar treatment during the “budding” phase. The obtained yield results were processed by analysis of variance. Result: As a result of the research, elite safflower seeds were obtained using one of the experimental options Ultamag Bor 30 g + Biostim Growth 30 g/10 liters of water of the Alexandrite variety with a yield of 1.8 t/ha with the highest profitability of their production of 414.2%. Analysis of variance of the yield data from the experiment showed that 87% of the yield of safflower seeds depended on the use of mineral fertilizers, 0.62% on the plant variety and agro technical measures for growing safflower plants-11.8%.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Vermi-Liquids as a Sustainable Alternative to Inorganic Nutrient Solutions in Hydroponic Agriculture: A Study on Diplotaxis muralis

Organic products are gaining popularity due to their positive impact on human health and the environment. While hydroponics is commonly used in vegetable production, it relies on mineral fertilizers derived from limited and non-renewable resources. As a result, farmers are actively seeking sustainable farming solutions. This study comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness of vermi-liquids (organic nutrient solutions) as a replacement for conventional inorganic nutrient solutions in promoting growth and nutrient acquisition in Diplotaxis muralis plants in a controlled environment. The results showed that plant biomass and SPAD values of D. muralis grown in Hoagland solution and enhanced vermitea (vermitea having relatively low pH and high EC) were higher compared to standard vermitea (high pH and low EC). The findings also revealed improved nutrient assimilation of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc in the enhanced vermitea plants. The heavy metal contents in D. muralis leaves were evaluated, too, and they were found to fall significantly below the safe threshold, rendering them safe for human consumption. However, the standard vermitea, with its high pH and low EC, performed poorly as a hydroponic solution. This research suggests that enhanced vermitea can completely replace chemical nutrient solutions in hydroponic agriculture. This substitution could lead to reduced production costs and improved product quality.

Performance of Cowpea as a function of residues of organomineral fertilizers applied in corn crop

Organomineral fertilizers can be an excellent alternative through exploitation of the residues left by application in previous crops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of cowpea fertilized with residual organomineral fertilizers from the first corn crop in southern Maranhense. The experimental design was randomized blocks, arranged in a split-plot design, with three replications. Two cowpea cultivars (BRS Tucumaque and BRS Nova era) were sown in the plots. The residues of three phosphate fertilizers were sown in the subplot (two of which were organomineral fertilizers and one phosphate fertilizer (single superphosphate). At cowpea harvest, five plants were collected per plot for the following variables: number of nodes on the main stem at maturity, number of legumes per plant, number of grains per legume and weight of one thousand grains, and yield in kg ha-1. The cowpea cultivars are influenced by the cropping system (with and without U. ruziensis and organomineral sources). However, in soils with high phosphorus contents, the absence of U. ruziensis and fertilization or the use of organomineral or super simple fertilization promoted higher grain yields. The cultivar BRS Tucumaque had the highest grain yield. Organomineral and mineral fertilizer residues showed effective alternatives for increasing phosphorus availability in areas with Urochloa ruziziensis.

Review of modern methods for optimizing apple mineral nutrition to increase yield and fruit preservation

Achieving sustainable fruit production and ensuring quality preservation are paramount in modern apple orchards. This review delves into contemporary methods designed to optimize mineral nutrition, aiming to bolster both yield and fruit preservation. Various strategies for enhancing apple orchard management are examined, with a focus on maximizing the efficacy of mineral fertilizers, maintaining balanced nutrition, and understanding the critical role of key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and boron. The review underscores the importance of comprehending plant nutrient requirements across different growth stages and phenological phases to attain sustainable, high-quality fruit production. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of continuous diagnostic assessments to tailor mineral nutrition practices to the specific needs of apple orchards, ensuring optimal performance and economic viability.

Bioenergetic assessment of the use of fertilizers for potatoes in the northern region of Kazakhstan

In field experiments, the high energy efficiency of the use of mineral fertilizers for potatoes on chestnut soils of northern Kazakhstan was revealed. The energy efficiency of the use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash fertilizers has been established. The energy consumption of nitrogen fertilizers per 1 kg of increase in the yield of the main product, depending on the doses of fertilizers, ranged from 6223,3 MJ (efficiency = 2,2 units) to 15129,6 MJ (efficiency = 1,0 units). The energy content of 1 kg of phosphorous fertilizers used by increasing the yield of potato tubers (c) was estimated from 11712 MJ (efficiency = 1,9 units) to 18300 MJ (efficiency = 2,5 units), which indicates high energy efficiency. Energy costs varied in the range of 5130,5 MJ against the background of N45K45 and 7208,3 MJ against the best variant of N45P90K45. The energy efficiency from the use of potash fertilizers is estimated at 2,2 units for variants K45 and K90 against the background of N45P45. Energy costs are reduced by obtaining 1 c of potato tubers in more efficient variants in terms of the energy efficiency of the fertilizers used. Knowing the energy costs (Ao, MJ) for growing crops and the energy content (Vf0, MJ/ha) in the yield of products, it is possible to conduct a bioenergetic assessment of the effectiveness of crop cultivation in the practice of applying fertilizers. The purpose of the research is to identify the bioenergetic efficiency of the use of mineral fertilizers for potatoes on chestnut soil in the conditions of the Northern region of Kazakhstan.

Soil properties and agronomic effects of repeated biochar amendment and fertilization in an urban horticultural system of Burkina Faso

Biochar application can improve soil quality and plant growth, particularly in combination with organic and mineral fertilization. However, data on its effectiveness in intensively managed (fertilized) gardens within the urban and peri-urban (UPA) agriculture of West Africa is sketchy. We, therefore, studied the medium-term effects of repeated biochar produced from agricultural residues, composted faecal amendments (ECOSAN), and inorganic fertilization on small-scale, intensive urban vegetable production in multiple crop rotations over four years. The experiment used a randomized factorial design comprising different soil management and irrigation practices on a Haplic Lixisol in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso during eight cropping cycles. Biochar amendment resulted in increased soil organic carbon (SOC) on plots under farmers’ practice (cattle manure + urea). Repeated biochar application at 20 t ha−1 increased SOC by 51 %. Mineral fertilization alone decreased SOC by 32 % (from 12.7 to 8.6 g C kg−1 soil) after 6 months with a progressive decline and soil acidification over time. During this period fertilization with ECOSAN at 16–23 t ha−1 per cropping cycle increased yields and soil pH from 6.5 to 7.4. Four years after its application biochar still increased total fresh matter yield of cabbage by 32 % but showed no effect on amaranth while repeated biochar application only increased total fresh matter yields of the first crop after reapplication. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was higher with mineral fertilizer (NPK) and mineral fertilizer in combination with organic fertilizer (FP) than with ECOSAN alone. The study demonstrates effect of biochar on SOC with less pronounced, crop-specific agronomic benefits.

Anaerobic digester liquor replacing chemical fertilizer in reducing greenhouse gas emissions under drip irrigation: Factors, pathways, and strategies

Anaerobic digester liquor (ADL) is a widely used alternative to mineral fertilizers, especially in the context of drip irrigation. However, differences in the manner in which drip irrigation systems are configured could alter the dynamics of the greenhouse gas emissions inherent in the use of ADL by the agricultural sector. Column experiments and structural equation modeling were used to explore the factors and pathways of drip irrigation methods (surface and subsurface drip irrigation) and substitution ratios of ADL (full, partial, and no substitution) on greenhouse gas emissions. The results showed that compared with surface drip irrigation, subsurface drip irrigation reduced daily and cumulative CO2 and N2O emissions but led to an increase in CH4 emissions. Similarly, substituting ADL for chemical fertilizers can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and when combined with subsurface drip irrigation, it can reduce the global warming potential (GWP) by up to approximately 50%. Over time, the contribution rates of the three greenhouse gases to the GWP remained essentially unchanged, mainly dominated by CO2 and N2O emissions. Drip irrigation methods and substitution ratios can drive differences in soil physiochemical properties. These differences directly or indirectly affect gas emission quantities and pathways. Soil water, carbon, and pores are important factors and mediators of gas-emission pathways. Overall, adopting the strategy of fully substituting subsurface drip irrigation of ADL for chemical fertilizer can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the carbon sequestration effect.

Enhancing Tomato Production by Using Non-Conventional Water Resources within Integrated Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Arid Regions

This research evaluated the importance of establishing an integrated sprinkler irrigation design connected to fish farm ponds in order to achieve environmental and financial benefits. To achieve the aim of the study, two field experiments were conducted at a private farm in the Nubaria area of Beheira Governorate during the 2022 and 2023 seasons to quantify all the benefits from using fish water effluent (FWE) in irrigation. The obtained results indicated that the effluent could represent a good source of irrigation and bio-fertilization. The yield of tomato was higher when using FWE for irrigation compared with using groundwater for irrigation (IW). This was due to the additional amounts of dissolved bio-nitrogen along with other nutrients present in the FWE. The proportion of dissolved nitrogen added by using FWE was 22.3 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2022 and 24.6 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2023, in addition to some other major elements such as phosphorus and potassium, which are also among the main nutrients needed by crops. It has also been noticed that the fertility of the sandy soil increased with the use of FWE for irrigation. One of the most important results was the possibility of reducing the addition of nitrogen mineral fertilizers by 25%, thus saving on N fertilizers when growing tomato. In addition to the vitality of the FWE and its macro- and microelements, algae, microorganisms, and other organic materials, the use of this type of water as an alternative source for irrigation, along with the reduction in the amount of added mineral fertilizers, will reduce the degree of groundwater contamination with mineral fertilizers and increase the income of farmers. It was also observed that the air temperature decreased during the growing season when compared with the temperature of uncultivated surrounding areas.

Effect of Mineral Fertilizers on the Biological Activity of Soils using Direct Seeding Technology

In the field, the effect of liquid mineral fertilizers and carbamide ammonium nitrate (LMF and CAN) in the agrocenoses of peas, chickpeas, coriander and flax on the biological activity of chernozems treated for a long time using null technology was studied. Among the biological parameters, the activity of enzymes involved in the carbon cycle (invertases, dehydrogenases), the intensity of soil respiration, the number of microorganisms, and the content of active carbon were evaluated. There is a difference in the effects of fertilizers on crops and different parameters of biological activity. The biological activity of the studied soils varied depending on the type of mineral fertilizer, as well as the cultivated crop.

Theoretical studies of the movement of mineral fertilizer granules in the mixing chamber of a centrifugal mixing plant

Relevance. The use of mineral fertilizers helps to improve soil fertility, stimulates the growth and development of plants, which is achieved due to the availability of necessary nutrients. In turn, it is important to observe the correct application of fertilizers, which allows you to control the level of nutrients in the soil, preventing both their excess and deficiency. Currently, the main application of fertilizers falls on complex mineral fertilizers, while one of their disadvantages is that they may contain nutrients that will not be in demand by the plant, which can lead to a violation of the ecological balance. One of the solutions to this problem is the use of flour mixtures. When using mixtures, the determining factor is the uniformity of mixing, which is largely determined by the equipment used. In this regard, the urgent task is to develop a mixing equipment that meets the necessary indicators.Methods. During the research, the processes occurring in the mixing chamber of the developed mixing plant were studied using methods of mathematical analysis, graphical and mathematical modeling.Results. As a result of the research, it was found that during the operation of the mixing plant, the mixing quality is determined by the rotation frequency of the conical rotor. At the same time, the granules of mineral fertilizers after leaving the conical rotor, pouring into the collecting funnel, continue their movement along a spiral trajectory. During the movement of the granules along the surface of the rotating cone, as well as when moving through the funnel, their trajectories will intersect with each other, which will lead to their active mixing.

OBTAINING HUMATE-, NITROGEN AND MOLYBDENUM-CONTAINING LIQUID ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZERS

The presence of humic substances (HS) and microelements in liquid organomineral fertilizers (LOMF) makes it possible to balance the mineral nutrition of plants and thereby increase the agricultural crops yield. The use of such fertilizers significantly increases the efficiency and reduces the costs of using mineral fertilizers. The aim of this work is to study the patterns of new types LOMF obtaining process, including macro- and microelements and physiologically active humic substances, and its composition and properties. Methods. Chemical analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer, infrared spectroscopy. Results and discussion. The processes of synthesis of LOMF through the interaction of sodium humate and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate were studied. Analysis of obtained results showed the same nature of the composition dependence and properties of the obtained LOMF on time. It was found that increasing the time from 10 to 120 min leads to an increase in the yield of humic acids (HAdaf) to 40.08%, the N content to 4.62% and Mo to 0.17%, the amount of COOH to 1.80 mg-eq/g and OHphen. groups – up to 0.71 mg-eq/g. It has been shown that with an increase in S:L ratio from 0.3:100 to 0.7:100, the HAdaf decreases to 36.97%, and the N and Mo contents increase, respectively, to 6.0 and 0.37%. Conclusion. The regularities of the time influence and S:L ratios on the composition and properties of LOMF samples have been established. It has been shown that an increase in time and S:L ratio contributes to an increase in the content of N and Mo, the carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups. The changes in these parameters have different effects on the HAdaf. The presence of HS, N, Mo, COOH and OHphen groups in the resulting products allows them to be used in agriculture and for restoring soil fertility.

Optimizing an Organic Method of Sugar Beet Cultivation and Yield Gap Decrease in Northern Poland

In the period of 2016–2018, two series of field studies on organic sugar beet growing (Beta vulgaris L.) were carried out in northern Poland on Luvisol loamy soil (medium–heavy) soil in Bałcyny and Płonne. The aim of this study was to decrease the yield gap between organic and conventional beets. Factors to increase the yield of organic beet were differentiated fertilization (cattle farmyard manure (FYM), compost, and Bioilsa) and choice of varieties (Eliska, Jampol, and Sobieski). The reference point was the conventional cultivation of the same sugar beet varieties, fertilized with manure and NPK mineral fertilizers, the prevailing standard of sugar beet cultivation in Poland. High sugar beet root yields exceeding the average yield in Poland by 25–30% were obtained in both studies, both in conventional and organic cultivation. Higher root and white sugar yields were obtained in the study conducted at Płonne (with similar soil conditions to those at Bałcyny), but they were characterized by higher temperatures during the growing season. The lowest root yields in both experiments were obtained by fertilizing the organic beet with compost (66.1 t per ha in Bałcyny and 78.13 t per ha in Płonne), which were 10.8% and 8.5% lower than the conventional crop, respectively. Higher root yields in organic cultivation were obtained by fertilizing the sugar beet with FYM, which reduced the differences from conventional beet to 7.7% in the study in Bałcyny and 2.1% in the study in Płonne. Thus, the results showed no need to convert cattle FYM to compost. The highest root yields in organic cultivation were obtained by fertilizing the sugar beet with Bioilsa N 12.5 supplemented with mineral fertilization of K, Mg, and S (Patentkali). This fertilization provided a yield of 78.1 t of roots per ha in Bałcyny, which is a reduction in the yield gap to 1.4%, a statistically insignificant value. Moreover, in the study at Płonne, organic sugar beet fertilized with Bioilsa and Patentkali yielded 86.7 t of roots per ha, compared to 85.6 t per ha of conventional beet, so a yield gap was not seen here. The choice of varieties was also of great importance for root and pure sugar yields in both farming systems. The lowest yields were obtained from the Eliska variety, and at Bałcyny, a change of beet cultivar to Jampol increased the organic root yield from 68.8 t per ha to 76.0 t per ha, while reducing the yield gap from 10.1% to 2.2%. At Płonne, replacing the Eliska variety with Jampol reduced the yield gap between organic and conventional roots from 6.6% to 0.3%.

Evaluation of slow-release fertilizers derived from hydrogel beads: Sodium alginate-poly (acrylic acid) and humic acid-encapsulated struvite for soil salinity amelioration

Soil salinity, a severe environmental factor, significantly reduces the productivity of crop plants by increasing salt and mineral fertilizer concentrations in the soil. As a result, the development of sustainable slow-release mineral fertilizers (SRFs) is critical for addressing salt-affected soils. This study aimed to synthesize struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) into hydrogel beads made from sodium alginate-poly (acrylic acid) in the absence (Sa@S) and presence (Sa@SHa) of humic acid (HA). The optimal conditions for struvite formation were at pH 9.0, resulting in a remarkable 73.21 %, 98.74 %, and 99.20 % for Mg, NH4-N and P removal, respectively. The SRFs study demonstrated that struvite had a significant release of Mg, P, and NH4-N, notably higher (P ≤ 0.05) than Sa@S and Sa@SHa. Experiments on swelling and soil water loss demonstrated that Sa@S yielded higher results in comparison to Sa@SHa. Furthermore, an experiment was conducted to study the impact of Sa@S and Sa@SHa on saline soil parameters over 20 days of incubation. The results showed both encapsulated struvite hydrogel beads reduced soil salinity, as indicated by the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Additionally, a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in soil electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium (Na) was observed for both hydrogel bead encapsulation treatments compared to the control soil. However, no apparent variance was observed in pH and soil organic carbon (SOC). Moreover, the levels of available phosphorus (P), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K) in the soil were observed to be increased (P ≤ 0.05).

Agrochemical Characteristics of Light-Gray-Brown Salt Characteristic Soils of the Kura Part of Azerbaijan

Various methods of agrotechnical and reclamation measures related to soil salinization in the Kura-Araz lowland are considered. The focus is on deep plowing, which breaks the capillary channels of the soil, reduces evaporation and prevents further salinization. The need for proper soil cultivation before sowing and adaptation of sowing norms in saline areas to ensure optimal plant growth is highlighted. An integrated approach to improving soil fertility is described, including the application of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as haymaking in the periods between irrigations. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of gypsum as a means to reduce absorbed sodium and improve soil structure, especially in areas with high salinity levels. The dosage of gypsum varies depending on the degree of soil salinity and can range from 5 to 15 t/ha. The authors emphasize that adequate water management and avoidance of over-irrigation are critical to preventing soil salinization.

Potatoes Performance in Rainfed Conditions on the Chernozems of the Gedabek District of Azerbaijan

The results of research for the period 2014-2017 are presented. Experimental work was carried out in the village of Chaldash, Gedabek district of Azerbaijan. The yield of potatoes of the Sevinj variety was determined depending on the number of inorganic fertilizers applied to the soil. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm. Absorbed ammonium nitrogen (N/NH4) and nitrate nitrogen (N/NO3) were determined. Soil samples were taken at 3 stages of plant development: budding, flowering and potato ripening. Conducted studies show that yields have increased noticeably in options where mineral and organic fertilizers are applied in different rates and proportions. The highest results were obtained in the variant N93P98K126+Gyps163+20 tons of manure.

CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF THE SOY MARKET IN UKRAINE

The growth of the population in the world provides increased demand for soy and its processing products. Because in low-income countries, soy and its processing products are used as a cheap vegetable protein for human nutrition, and in developed countries - as a valuable protein raw material in animal feed. The article calculates the cost of 1 kg of raw protein in protein feeds of plant and animal origin. The cost of vegetable feed per 1 kg of protein is 1.5-3.5 times lower than the cost of animal feed. The dynamics of global soybean production are shown, which indicates that in 2023/24 it was about 395 million tons. The main soybeanproducing countries are Brazil, the USA, and Argentina, whose share in the total world production is more than 80%. The dynamics of soybean production and processing in Ukraine is presented. The largest soybean processors in Ukraine are such companies as Bunge, AdamPolSoya, Cargill, Kreativ OEP, Kyiv-Atlantic, Royal Taste, Vinnytsia OEP and others. The soybean market in Ukraine demonstrates significant success both in cultivation and in export and processing. Despite the difficult conditions caused by military actions and economic challenges, Ukrainian farmers were able to reach historical highs in the production and export of soybeans, ensuring high product quality and competitive prices on the world market. Soy is an export-oriented crop, about ? of which is delivered abroad in the form of raw materials or processed products. The largest importers of Ukrainian soybeans are the European Union, Egypt and Turkey. In connection with the innovations in the supply of soybeans to the EU, soybean producers must not only grow (use of high-quality, certified seed material, mineral fertilizers, general production and administrative costs), but also have a certificate of traceability and confirmation of the absence of deforestation throughout the production chain. Since the violation of EUDR provisions can lead to serious consequences and sanctions, namely fines of up to 4% of the total annual turnover of the enterprise for the previous financial year, confiscation of products, temporary exclusion from procurement procedures and access to public funding, including tender procedures and subsidies

ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF USING THE POTENTIAL OF BIOENERGY CROPS FOR BIOGAS PRODUCTION AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR DIGESTATE APPLICATION

The research examines the prospects for using the potential of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine to study green technology innovations during economic development under martial law. Based on the study, it is proved that technological innovations in the agricultural sector contribute to economic development and improve the quality of agricultural land. The article analyses the successful implementation of the case of LLC Yuzhef-Mykolayiv Biogas Company, which has successfully restructured the production of a sugar plant and produces biogas and digestate with further processing into electricity and fertiliser. The modern capacities of the studied enterprise are highlighted, which allow to produce 2800 m3 of biogas and ensure the production of 5200 kWh of electricity, while consumption does not exceed 150 kW, at a load of 80%. The volume of digestate produced per year is 100,000 tonnes. In the regional context, innovative environmental technologies aimed at improving the quality of agricultural land have been introduced. An effective mechanism of spatial synergy with adaptation of this practice at most sugar factories through restructuring of production - creation of biogas production facilities on the basis of sugar factories - is proposed. As a long-term development perspective, the paper presents further creation of alcohol production facilities to use excess heat energy from mini-thermal power plants for the production of alcohol and bioethanol. Furthermore, this study confirms the non-linear effect of economic development; a significant result shows that the impact of green technology innovations on improving the quality of agricultural land (soil humus content, amount of mineral and organic fertilisers, pesticides, area of land under organic production, etc.) contributes to the increase in the level of regional economic development of the agricultural sector. The article clarifies the intermediary role of economic development of the agro-industrial complex. The results of the study implement the tasks of sustainable development, such as improving the environment through the innovation of green technologies and achieving regional synergy in green development.

Vertical distribution of microplastics in an agricultural soil after long-term treatment with sewage sludge and mineral fertiliser

Sewage sludge applications release contaminants to agricultural soils, such as potentially toxic metals and microplastics (MPs). However, factors determining the subsequent mobility of MPs in long-term field conditions are poorly understood. This study aimed to understand the vertical distribution of MPs in soils amended with sewage sludge in comparison to conventional mineral fertiliser for 24 years. The depth-dependent MP mass and number concentrations, plastic types, sizes and shapes were compared with the distribution of organic carbon and metals to provide insights into potentially transport-limiting factors. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene mass concentrations were screened down to 90 cm depth via pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. MP number concentrations, additional plastic types, sizes, and shapes were analysed down to 40 cm depth using micro-Fourier transform-infrared imaging. Across all depths, MP numbers were twice and mass concentrations 8 times higher when sewage sludge was applied, with a higher share of textile-related plastics, more fibres and on average larger particles than in soil receiving mineral fertiliser. Transport of MPs beyond the plough layer (0–20 cm) is often assumed negligible, but substantial MP numbers (42 %) and mass (52 %) were detected down to 70 cm in sewage sludge-amended soils. The initial mobilization of MPs was shape- and size-dependent, because the fractions of fragmental-shaped and relatively small MPs increased directly below the plough layer, but not at greater depths. The sharp decline of total MP concentrations between 20 and 40 cm depth resembled that of metals and organic matter suggesting similar transport limitations. We hypothesize that the effect of soil management, such as ploughing, on soil compactness and subsequent transport by bioturbation and via macropores drives vertical MP distribution over long time scales. Risk assessment in soils should therefore account for considerable MP displacement to avoid underestimating soil exposure.

Utilization of lysed and dried bacterial biomass from the marine purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum as a sustainable nitrogen fertilizer for plant production

Plant-based agricultural systems rely heavily on inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to increase yields and ensure food security for the rapidly growing global population. However, the production and overuse of synthetic fertilizers lead to significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, causing a critical need for the development of alternative and sustainable organic N fertilizers. Here, we demonstrate the effective use of lysed and dried bacterial biomass from the marine purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum as an alternative source of N fertilizer for the cultivation of Japanese mustard spinach (komatsuna, Brassica rapa var. perviridis). To assess the suitability of this processed bacterial biomass, containing approximately 11% N, as a N fertilizer, we examined the effects of its application on plant germination and growth (measured by leaf chlorophyll, maximum leaf length, and dry weight) under two different temperature regimes, comparing it to that of a conventional N-containing mineral fertilizer. Application at rates up to four times that of the mineral fertilizer had no negative effects on seed germination and plant growth. The bacterial biomass had to be applied at approximately twice the rate of mineral fertilizer to obtain similar plant growth parameters, roughly corresponding to the predicted 62% rate of mineralization of the bacterial N. Our findings confirm the ability of plants to take up N from the lysed and dried biomass of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria, demonstrating the potential for using R. sulfidophilum as a source of N fertilizer.