Application Of Mineral Fertilizers Research Articles

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

In the smallholder farming areas located in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe, low and unreliable rainfall distribution and poor soil fertility are the major factors limiting crop production. The negative effects of these biophysical factors have been worsened by climate change. However, the major challenges have been the lack of sustainable, low-cost water and nutrient management technologies for these semi-arid regions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting (RWH) namely tied contours (TC), infiltration pits (IP) which were compared with the standard contour (STDC), and intergrated nutrient management (INM) where cattle manure was used as basal fertiliser and Ammonium Nitrate (AN) as top dressing, on maize yields. Results showed that fields with RWH had higher yields compared to STDC. Average maize yields were 2210 and 1792 kg ha−1 for TC and IP which were 88% and 52% above STDC (1176 kg ha−1) respectively. Increasing nitrogen (N) levels resulted in a further increase in maize yields. Return on investment was negative during drier years and was significantly higher in RWH systems compared with STDC during wet seasons. Farmers need to reduce mineral fertiliser application during dry seasons since little rainwater is captured. We conclude that contour based RWH and INM can be used as sustainable low cost methods of crop production. Higher fertiliser application rates when rainfall is limiting, do not result in increased return on investiment.

The harmfulness of weeds in the herbage of perennial grasses in the north-west of the Russian Federation

Relevance. In the structure of the acreage of the Northwestern region of the Russian Federation, a large proportion is occupied by perennial grasses, the herbage of which can potentially have severe weeds, and the harmfulness of weeds is high. Despite the current situation, the influence of weeds on the formation of an aboveground mass of grasses remains poorly understood.Methods. The purpose of the study is to assess the harmfulness of weed vegetation in the herbage of perennial grasses of the 1st and 2nd years of use in the north-west of the Russian Federation. The research was carried out in 2010–2018 in the fields of grain-grass-row crop rotation of the Menkovsky branch of the Agrophysical Research Institute located in the Leningrad region, in the structure of long-term experience with the application of mineral fertilizers and plant protection products.Results. Studies have shown that weeds cause significantly more harm (6.3 times) to perennial grasses of the 1st year of use than grasses of the 2nd year. Yield losses from the total value of the raw phytomass of weeds amounted to 15.75 c/ha (5.3%) and 2.51 c/ha (1%), including from 1 g/m2 at the time of mowing 0.150 c/ha (0.05%) and 0.07 c/ha (0.03%). The introduction of high doses of mineral fertilizers and the use of herbicides in the integrated crop protection system of grain-grass-row crop rotation led to a decrease in the harmfulness of weeds. In the perennial herbs of the 2nd year of use, the identified effects were significantly more pronounced than in the herbs of the 1st year. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers, the hazard coefficients decreased by 2.6 and 5.7 times, the protective measures systems — by 1.4 and 4.2 times, and the yield losses of green mass — by 2.6 and 10.7 times, 1.9 and 8.9 times, respectively, on grasses of the 1st and 2nd years of use.

Replacing nitrogen in mineral fertilizers with nitrogen in maize straw increases soil water-holding capacity

Soil water-holding capacity decreases due to long-term mineral fertilizer application. The objective of this study was to determine how replacing mineral fertilizer with maize straw affected the soil water retention curve, soil water content, soil water availability, and soil equivalent pore size. Replacement treatments in which 25% (S25), 50% (S50), 75% (S75), and 100% (S100) of 225 kg ha−1 nitrogen from mineral fertilizer (CK) was replaced with equivalent nitrogen from maize straw were conducted for five years in the Loess Plateau of China. The Gardner model was used to fit the soil water retention curve and calculate the soil water constant and equivalent pore size distribution. The results indicated that the Gardner model fitted well. Replacing nitrogen from mineral fertilizer with nitrogen from straw increased soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity over time. S25 increased field capacity and wilting point from the fourth fertilization year. S50 enhanced soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, and soil available water porosity from the fifth fertilization year, whereas S25 and S75 increased these from the third fertilization year or earlier. Soil specific water capacity, soil readily available water, soil delayed available water, soil available water, soil capillary porosity, and soil available water porosity could better reflect soil water-holding capacity and soil water supply capacity compared with field capacity and wilting point.

Обменный калий в чернозёме обыкновенном карбонатном при использовании гуматов на посеве гороха

The paper presents the results of a short-term field experiment on the calcic chernozem. The effect of the use of humates on the content of exchangeable potassium in the soil during the cultivation of peas was studied. The results showed that the use of potassium humate in a tank mixture with and without insecticide has a positive effect on the content of this element. Foliar application of BIO-Don has virtually no effect on the K2O content and has a positive effect only in combination with the application of mineral fertilizer and the use of pesticides. Keywords: CALCIC CHERNOZEM, HUMIC PREPARATIONS, POTASSIUM HUMATE, BIO-DON, EXCHANGEABLE POTASSIUM, PEAS

Влияние гумата калия и гуминового препарата BIO-Дон на фосфатный режим чернозёма обыкновенного карбонатного при возделывании гороха

The article presents the results of short-term field experiment for 2021-2023. The experiment is laid down in the hospital of agrochemistry and plant protection FSBSI FRARC. The effect of the use of potassium humate and the humic preparation BIO-Don on the content of mobile forms of phosphorus in the Calcic Chernozem during the cultivation of Alliance peas (Pisum sativum L.) was studied. The scheme of the experiment included options with the use of mineral fertilizer (azofoska 40:40:40) and without its use. Humic preparations were introduced foliar in a tank mixture with an insecticide during the bean formation phase and without the use of a chemical protection system. It has been established that the use of potassium humate and the humic preparation BIO-Don has a positive effect on the phosphate regime of the Calcic Chernozem. The application of azofoska mineral fertilizer in combination with the use of humates in a tank mixture with an insecticide contributes to the accumulation of mobile forms of phosphorus, which allows the soil to be classified from "elevated" to "very high" in terms of P2O5 content. Keywords: CALCIC CHERNOZEM, HUMIC PREPARATIONS, BIO-DON, POTASSIUM HUMATE, PEAS, MINERAL FERTILIZER, MOBILE FORMS OF PHOSPHORUS

Soil pH and phosphorus availability regulate sulphur cycling in an 82-year-old fertilised grassland

The application of lime and mineral fertiliser is known to mitigate soil acidification and improve soil quality in improved grasslands. However, the long-term effect of simultaneous lime and fertiliser amendments on soil carbon (C) and sulphur (S) cycling is still poorly understood. To examine if soil pH or nutrient availability are the dominant factors regulating C and S cycling, we evaluated the biodegradation of methionine (organic S), gross S transformation, and microbial S utilisation using 35S and 14C dual-labelling. Soil samples (0–10 cm) were collected from one unfertilised control and five annual limed (Ca) treatments with or without nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) fertilisers (Ca, CaN, CaNP, CaNPKCl, CaNPK2SO4) in an 82-year-old upland grassland experiment in Rengen, Germany. Long-term lime application increased soil pH values but significantly (p < 0.05) decreased soil organic C content. Fertilisation had no significant effect on microbial utilisation of 35S-labelled methionine, while microbial immobilisation of 35SO42− in the limed soils was significantly reduced compared to the control. This is attributed to either the increased soil pH or decreased C availability after liming. Microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) was significantly higher in soils with applied P fertiliser (i.e., CaNP: 0.66 ± 0.02, CaNPKCl: 0.68 ± 0.02, CaNPK2SO4: 0.65 ± 0.01) compared to the CaN treatment (0.58 ± 0.01). Moreover, compared to CaN, CaNP and CaNPKCl treatments significantly increased gross S turnover, while no significant effects were observed in the CaNPK2SO4 treatment. Soil P deficits decreased microbial CUE and S bioavailability. Although P fertiliser addition alleviated microbial P limitation when N fertiliser was added, S fertiliser (CaNPK2SO4) present constrained S transformation rates. Overall, the importance of P availability for global S cycling in grasslands is shown, especially under N-enrichment conditions. However, the subsequent potential for C loss from long-term liming should be carefully considered in grassland management.

Influence of mineral, organic, organomineral fertilization on winter hardiness components of columnar apple tree (&lt;i&gt;Malus domestica&lt;/i&gt; Borkh.)

Intensive biological technologies of apple-tree cultivation with application of organic and mineral fertilizers form high nitrogen nutrition, thus leading to prolonged growth of fruit plants and reducing their winter hardiness. Columnar apple tree fail to demonstrate high potential for winter hardiness. Therefore, research into regularities and mechanisms behind the influence of nutritional status of columnar apple tree on indicators of plant winter hardiness is considered relevant. The research was aimed at establishing the influence of mineral, organic, organomineral fertilization on the components of winter hardiness of columnar apple trees grown on podzolic soil. Materials and methods. The research involved the ‘Triumph’, ‘President’, ‘Ostankino’ columnar apple varieties, as well as organic and mineral fertilizers. The experiment was conducted in 2016–2021 in the agrochemical experiment station of the Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Moscow region) on podzolic soil of medium-loam particle size distribution. The experimental design included 4 variants: 1) control without fertilizers; 2) N90K90; 3) organic fertilizers 100 t/ha; 4) N90K90 organic fertilizers 100 t/ha. Naa (ammonium saltpeter), KCl mineral fertilizers were applied annually, organic fertilizer (horse manure with sawdust) was applied in 2014. Winter hardiness components and plant samples were analyzed according to generally accepted methods. According to the research into the influence of mineral, organic, organomineral fertilization on the components of winter hardiness of columnar apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) grown on podzolic soil in the conditions of the Moscow region, the fertilizer is found inefficient in terms of providing the optimal level of nitrogen nutrition of columnar apple tree plants, except for ‘Triumph’ variety when getting organic fertilizers at a dose of 100 t/ha. In January, fructose prevailed in the sugars of annual shoots of columnar apple tree plants. The ‘Triumph’ and ‘President’ varieties showed a tendency to increase in the content of fructose and glucose as compared with the control when getting organic fertilizers and their combination with mineral fertilizers. The same tendency was observed in the ‘Ostankino’ variety for the content of ascorbic acid in annual shoots, whereas this indicator of the ‘Triumph’ and ‘President’ varieties demonstrated the opposite trend. The ascorbic acid content in annual shoots in winter appeared consistent with its content in August shoots and remained independent on the content in leaves in August. With a decrease in temperature to -40 °C (component II of winter hardiness), the ‘Triumph ‘and ‘Ostankino’ varieties suffered reversible damage to the vegetative buds from 0 to 2.0 points, the ‘President’ variety introduced with 100 tons/ha organic fertilizers demonstrated an increase in damage to the vegetative buds to 3.17 points. The greatest damage to reproductive buds in the ‘President’ and ‘Ostankino’ varieties (3.85-3.91 on the control) was observed in component II of winter hardiness. The application of mineral and organic fertilizers increased these damages to complete death of reproductive buds. Injuries to bark, cambium in all variants of the studied varieties did not exceed 2.0 points. Wood appeared more damaged in the ‘Ostankino’ variety (up to 4.03 points in the combined application of N90K90 and 100 t/ha of organic fertilizers) as well as in the Triumph variety (up to 3.80 points in the N90K90 variant). As for component III of winter hardiness, an irreversible damage was noted for reproductive buds of the studied varieties in all variants of the experiment. In terms of component IV of winter hardiness, irreversible changes occurred in reproductive buds to the greatest extent (complete death in the ‘Triumph’ and ‘President’ varieties); in the tissue under reproductive buds, to the greatest extent in the ‘President’ variety (3.07 points in the variant of 100 tons/ha of organic fertilizers) and in the ‘Ostankino’ variety (2.76 points in N90K90), at the core, the maximum damage was noted in the N90K90 variant in the ‘Triumph’ (3.22 points) and ‘Ostankino’ (2.76 points) varieties.

Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions in modelled cereal crop production under Polish agricultural conditions: An example spring barley

Based on the analysis of statistical data, the average area under cultivation and average yields of barley in Poland in 2010–2020 were calculated. Barley is one of the most important cereals grown in Poland. Its cultivation area occupied an average of 920,595 ha in these years, with average yields of 3.66 Mg∙ha−1. Barley is a cereal grown mainly as a spring cereal. The average area under spring species in these years accounted for 95% (875,771 ha) of the total area under this cereal, and the average yield of spring varieties was 3.60 Mg∙ha−1. In order to estimate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia (NH3), the sources of emissions – inorganic fertilisers, fuel consumption – were analysed for selected barley cultivation technologies, differentiated by yield level, and variant model production technologies were developed to obtain projected yields. Emissions were calculated for individual greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4 and CO2) and they were recalculated according to the greenhouse potential of each gas (GWP – global warming potential) to be able to compare the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions for the analysed variants. Greenhouse gas emissions for cultivation technology ranged from 134.53 to 136.48 kg CO2eq for 1 Mg yield. A more accurate Tier 2 method was used to estimate NH3 emissions, taking into account soil conditions and climate zone. The estimated ammonia emissions from the application of mineral fertilisers were from 0.99 kg to 2.35 kg for 1 Mg yield.

Effect of fertilization and microbial preparations on productivity of chickpea (&lt;i&gt;Cicer arietinum&lt;/i&gt; L.)

The aim of the study was to optimize the nutritional status and increase the productivity of chickpeas through the application of mineral and organic-mineral fertilizers as well as microbial preparations based on nitrogen–fixing, phosphorus–mobilizing, and potassium-mobilizing microorganisms. The research was conducted in 2019-2021 in the Poltava Research Agricultural Station (Ukraine). NPK fertilizers were applied at a dose, of 20, 80, and 80 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. Before sowing, the seeds were inoculated with the microbial preparation BiNitro Chickpea (BN) and Biofosforyn (BF). Foliar feeding was carried out with the microfertilizer Freya–Aqua™ C(12) Legumes (F). The development of chickpea leaf area and the intensity of organic matter production were largely determined by the supply of the main macronutrients to the plants. The introduction of NPK significantly increased leaf area and net photosynthetic productivity, while the effect of BN, BF, and F on the values of these indices was not significant. Their effect was manifested during the accumulation of aboveground biomass and the formation of yield structure elements. An increase in the seed yield was shown in relation to the application of NPK, microbial preparations, and micronutrient fertilizers. Regardless of the NPK, the highest yield was shown in the variant of the combination of BN+BF+F.

Enhancing crop productivity and resilience by promoting soil organic carbon and moisture in wheat and maize rotation

Soils with high organic carbon (SOC) have been shown to enhance crop yields while minimizing climate-induced losses. However, the resilience impacts and mechanisms by which high SOC enhances crop performance have not been fully explored. Here, eight-year rotations of winter wheat and summer maize managed with chemical fertilizer input alone (CF) or with cattle manure (OM) or with peat and vermiculite (PV) were conducted, and various soil properties were measured alongside crop growth, nitrogen (N) uptake, and grain yield, with seasons categorized as dry or normal based on precipitation amounts. The OM and PV treatments increased SOC by 57% and 78% relative to the CF, respectively, and improved soil nutrient availability and the soil quality index. Soil moisture content in the 0–30 cm layer increased by 3.5–26.6%, but was less influenced in the 30–90 cm soil layers. Annual yield of wheat plus maize increased by 13% and 12% in OM and PV compared to the CF, and the yield sustainability index increased by 29% and 17%. Yield gains were more pronounced in dry compared to normal seasons, ranging from 19% to 28% and 12–15% for wheat. At least in part, the relative advantages of OM and PV treatments under drying conditions were associated with accelerated growth and N uptake rate from sowing to stem elongation for wheat and maize. Among the factors influencing yield in the present study, soil moisture exerted the greatest positive total effect on yield. Overall, the results highlight that enhanced SOC resulting from combined application of organic amendments and mineral fertilizer was positively associated with yield by promoting soil quality and water availability, with a more pronounced benefit under water-limited conditions.

Organic fertilizer application combined with seed inoculation using rhizobacteria on tomato yield and quality

Organic fertilizer application combined with seed inoculation using rhizobacteria enables increases in industrial tomato production. The objective of this work was to assess the synergistic effect of organic fertilizer application and seed inoculation with rhizobacteria on tomato yield and quality. A randomized complete block experimental design with four replication was used, in a 6×3 factorial arrangement consisted of six fertilizer sources (mineral fertilizer; cattle manure; and organic composts based on tomato, sugarcane bagasse, tomato + sugarcane; and tomato + sugarcane + banana stalk) and three different seed inoculation with rhizobacteria (a control, without inoculation; inoculation with RZB 18; and inoculation with LEMB 17). The evaluated fruit characteristics were: commercial and non-commercial yields; firmness; soluble solids content (SSC); industrial yield; titratable acidity (TA); SSC to TA ratio, and pH. The rhizobacteria significantly affected all evaluated characteristics. The highest mean industrial yields were obtained with the application of mineral fertilizer (7.59), tomato-based compost (7.99), and sugarcane bagasse-based compost (7.95 Mg ha-1). Although seed inoculation with rhizobacteria did not affect fruit yield and quality, organic composts based on tomato and sugarcane bagasse residues might be used as organic fertilizer for industrial tomato production.

Increasing the Uniformity of Application of Mineral and Lime Fertilizers

Introduction. Modern agricultural production is based on the use of resource-saving technologies for agricultural production. An important element of these technologies is the use of mineral fertilizers and special importance is given to the uniformity of applying them. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at improving the process of applying mineral and lime fertilizers through the development of a pneumatic centrifugal working body. Materials and Methods. For the theoretical studies, there were used the principles of mathematics and theoretical mechanics. The experimental studies were carried out at the testing ground of the Institute of Mechanics and Energy of Mordovia State University. The quality assessment of the operation of the unit equipped with experimental working bodies was carried out in accordance with GOST 28714-2007. Results. To better distribute mineral fertilizers of heterogeneous granulometric composition over the field surface, there has been proposed a working element, the operating principle of which is based on the total use of mechanical and pneumatic effects on the granules of the agricultural inputs. The use of the developed working bodies makes it possible to increase the uniformity of fertilizer application by 17.6%. Discussion and Conclusion. As a result of the conducted study, there has been proven the effectiveness of using the developed pneumocentrifugal working body, which makes it possible to increase the uniformity of distribution of mineral and lime fertilizers.

Contamination and suitability of soils for growing bio products in Russia

The area of impact zones of industrial contamination, oil and oil products spills, motor vehicle emissions, radioactive substances, as well as pesticides and mineral fertilizers application on agricultural lands of the Russian Federation is calculated. The share of the territory under consideration in the total area of agricultural lands of the country does not exceed 3%. Soils in the zone of contamination influence are considered to be potentially polluted and should be included in the monitoring program of agricultural land. Soils outside the zone of influence of pollutant dissemination are uncontaminated. Regular monitoring of contamination of these soils should not be carried out, which will reduce the costs of monitoring. More than 97% of the Russian agricultural land is represented by uncontaminated soils and is suitable for the production of bio products. Regular monitoring of contamination of these soils should not be conducted, which will reduce the cost of the survey, including sample collection, preparation and analysis. In view of the lack of soil contamination, the transition to the cultivation of bio products should be based on declarative approach. In this case, bio production should meet the requirements of special cultivation technologies and the product quality standards.

Fertilizer regime and cultivar affect barley growth and rhizobiome composition

To combat climate change and environmental pollution, agriculture must reduce mineral fertilizer use and adopt sustainable, low-input, and organic practices. In such systems, plants depend on the soil microbiome for nutrient acquisition and growth. Thus, enhancing plant-microbiome interactions is vital for maintaining or even increasing production sustainably. Modern plant breeding has led to barley cultivars that yield high under substantial mineral fertilizer application. However, this selective breeding may have diminished traits essential for plant-microbiome interactions, making these cultivars less suitable for sustainable agriculture. In contrast, older cultivars might have preserved traits from their common wild ancestor, enabling them to prosper under low nutrient conditions. This study evaluated four modern elite barley cultivars and three older (pre-1980). Grown under various fertilizer regimes, we assessed their root microbiome using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our objectives were: i) to determine the impact of nutrient availability on plant nutrient uptake and biomass production, and ii) to understand how the time since domestication (domestication age), individual cultivar, and fertilizer regime influence the root microbiome. We found that without fertilizer, old cultivars had superior biomass production and higher leaf concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, iron, zinc, and copper than modern cultivars. This indicates that older barley cultivars may have retained their wild ancestors' capability to synergize with the soil microbiome, enhancing nutrient acquisition in low-input systems. Notably, the diversity of the rhizo-microbiome was not significantly affected by domestication age but varied with individual cultivar and fertilizer treatment.

Potato Biofortification: A Systematic Literature Review on Biotechnological Innovations of Potato for Enhanced Nutrition

Potato biofortification is a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing the nutritional content of potatoes, addressing widespread nutrient deficiencies and contributing to global food security. This systematic review examines the existing literature on various aspects of potato biofortification, encompassing genetic, agronomic, and biotechnological strategies. The review highlights the nutritional significance of potatoes, emphasizing their role as a staple food in many regions. Genetic approaches to biofortification involve the identification and use of natural variations in potato germplasm to develop varieties with elevated levels of essential nutrients. This includes targeting key micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins, through traditional breeding methods. The review explores the genetic diversity within potato germplasm and the potential for breeding programs to develop nutrient-rich varieties. Agronomic practices play a crucial role in potato biofortification, with studies demonstrating the impact of tuber priming and the application of mineral fertilizers on nutrient concentrations in potatoes. The review delves into the intricacies of agronomic biofortification, emphasizing the importance of precise dosages and timing for optimal results. Biotechnological tools, including transgenic and non-transgenic approaches, are discussed in the context of potato biofortification. The review evaluates the efficiency and ethical considerations associated with the development of biofortified transgenic potatoes and emphasizes the significance of non-transgenic approaches in addressing consumer concerns and regulatory barriers. Overall, this systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of potato biofortification research. It synthesizes findings from diverse studies, offering insights into the potential of biofortified potatoes to address hidden hunger and contribute to improved nutritional outcomes. This review also identifies knowledge gaps and areas for future research, guiding the direction of efforts to harness the full potential of potato biofortification for global food and nutrition security.

Nitrogen and carbon stocks in sandy soil cultivated with corn subjected to 17 years of animal manure and mineral fertilizer application

Animal manure can be used as a source of nutrients in cropping systems throughout the world. However, in subtropical climates, the impacts of animal manure application over multiple years on crop productivity and on the total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks in the soil profile are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how animal manure application carried out over more than 17 years can impact corn productivity and TOC and TN stocks in different soil layers. This long-term study was conducted from 2004 to 2021 under no-till conditions in southern Brazil. The treatments included pig slurry (PS), cattle slurry (CS), pig deep litter (PDL), mineral fertilizer (NPK) and a control (no fertilizer application). To determine soil TOC and TN stocks, soil samples were collected from the 0.00–0.10, 0.10–0.20, 0.20–0.30, 0.30–0.40 and 0.40–0.50 m layers in December 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. Corn productivity was evaluated for the 2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17, and 2020/21 crops. The highest yields and TOC and TN stocks were observed in soils with pig deep litter and cattle slurry application. In the sandy soil under a no-till system after 26 animal manure applications over 17 years, the highest TOC and TN stocks were observed in the 0.00–0.10 m layer. On average, the TOC stocks obtained for the 0.00–0.10 m layer were 11.21, 14.88, 15.82, 22.59 and 15.16 Mg ha−1 for the control, PS, CS, PDL and NPK treatments, respectively. The soil TN stocks in the 0.00–0.10 m layer were 1.06, 1.40, 1.65, 2.03 and 1.43 Mg ha−1 for the control, PS, CS, PDL and NPK treatments, respectively. The application of pig deep litter to the soil over 17 years resulted in a notable increase in TOC and TN levels, playing a crucial role in increasing the productivity of maize crops.

Effect of fertilizer application methods and drip irrigation on the productivity of columnar apple plants on sod-podzolic soil

The field agrochemical experiment conducted in 2021–2023 was designed to study the influence of drip irrigation and two methods of mineral fertilizer application on the components of productivity of columnar apple plants when grown on cultivated loamy textured sod-podzolic soil in the conditions of Moscow Oblast. Drip irrigation, solid fertilizer application, and fertigation were found to have different eff ects on plant productivity indicators. Th e eff ects largely depend on the cultivar and weather conditions. Drip irrigation in conjunction with solid fertilizers increased plant productivity to the greatest extent. Thus, the ‘Ostankino’ cultivar yielded by up to 2.16 kg/tree more, i. e. the productivity rose by 27.1 % compared to the controls. In the ‘President’ cultivar, yield per tree increased by up to 2.18 kg/tree (by 35.4 % compared to the controls). The irrigated and fertilized variants of the experiment were distinguished by higher vegetation productivity values for the ‘President’ cultivar plants. For this cultivar, the highest total growth rate was in the fertigation-drip irrigation variant with an increase of up to 459.2 cm/tree in 2022. Th e average growth over two years was 16.5% higher than in the control group. In the ‘Ostankino’ cultivar, the total length value of shoot growth during irrigation and solid fertilizer application decreased compared to the control group by up to 245.2 cm/tree. On average, over two years it decreased by 15.7 % compared to the controls. In the fertigation-drip irrigation variant, there was a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen content in the soil compared to the other variants. As a result, the total mineral nitrogen content in the soil layer to a depth of 60 cm was minimal. Th e highest value of ammonium content and total nitrogen in the rhizosphere were observed in the variant with drip irrigation and solid fertilizer application.

Effect of lime, blended fertilizer and vermicompost on maize (Zea mays) yield in Assosa district, north-western Ethiopia

Application of organic and mineral fertilizers improves crop productivity and availability of plant nutrients. Further investigation into their integral application is crucial to obtaining optimum crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at experimental field station in Benshangul Gumuz, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia to investigate the response of maize (Zea mays L.) yield to lime, blended NPSZnB fertilizer and vermicompost. Two lime levels, three vermicompost levels, and three blended fertilizer levels were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The integral application of organic fertilizer with blended fertilizer with lime significantly affected the agronomic parameters. Grain yield, number of grains per cob, 1000-seed weights, plant height, and days to 50% tasseling were parameters most affected by the amendments. Integral application of 50% of the recommended rate of blended fertilizer and vermicompost with lime improved maize yield by 53%, while the application of NPSZnB and vermicompost individually improved maize yield by 34% and 22% over the control treatment. One tonne of vermicompost and lime could substitute 38 kg and 23 kg of blended fertilizer, respectively. In conclusion, the integrated application of NPSZnB and vermicompost with the recommended amount of lime was the best soil fertility management option. In terms of grain yield and net benefit, 4 t/ha lime, 2.5 t/ha vermicompost and 100 kg/ha blended fertilizers were recommended for optimum maize production in the Assosa area and similar agroecologies.

Increasing silage maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency as a result of combined rabbit manure and mineral nitrogen fertilization

Combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is crucial to obtaining high crop yields, increasing the utilization of nutrients by plants, and limiting their dispersion, thus protecting the environment, which underscores the importance of sustainable and minimally invasive agriculture. The aim of the field experiment was to determine the effect of application of rabbit manure (RM) and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) on the dry matter (DM) yield of maize and on nitrogen content, uptake, and use efficiency (NUE). RM application was tested at levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60 t·ha−1, and Nmin application at 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg·ha−1. Significant differences were noted in yield and in the content and uptake of nitrogen depending on both experimental factors. Increasing the application of RM and Nmin led to an increase in the yield of harvested maize and in the content and uptake of nitrogen. In terms of DM yield and nitrogen uptake (yield of crude protein), the most beneficial fertilizer variant was 60 t·ha−1 RM applied together with 100 kg·ha−1 Nmin. The highest NUE value was obtained following application of 20 t·ha−1 RM together with 150 kg·ha−1 Nmin.

Effects of combined application of animal slurry and mineral fertiliser on rice yield and soil nitrogen cycle microbes

Effects of combined application of animal slurry and mineral fertiliser on rice yield and soil nitrogen cycle microbes