Mineral Fertilizers Research Articles

Simulation of soil phosphorus dynamics and crop yield for organic and mineral fertilization treatments at two long-term field sites.

The efficacy of phosphorus (P) based fertilizers is frequently compromised by soil dynamics that render much of the applied P unavailable for crops. This study aimed to: (i) validate a new P model's prediction of plant-available P; (ii) analyze the effects of organic versus mineral fertilization on P availability and crop yield; and (iii) examine temporal changes in P pools under various fertilization regimes. Data were collected from two long-term field trials, Dikopshof and Bad Lauchstädt, in Germany, using organic (FYM), mineral (MIN), a combination of organic and mineral (MIX) fertilizers, and unfertilized treatments. The AgroC model, incorporating a new P module, accurately predicted P dynamics in cropped plots. At both sites, MIX presented the highest yield, P removal, total P and available soil P. After 120 years of repeated P fertilization, simulations at Dikopshof revealed a positive P balance in MIN (11.1 % with observed 13 %) and in MIX (15 % with observed 15 %), but negative in FYM (-4.9 % with observed -5 %). However, at Bad Lauchstädt, the P balance was negative in all treatments except in MIN (+1.04 %), indicating P depletion. Among crops, cereals showed the most variated yields, with P-use efficiency ranging from 50 % to 99 %, while sugar beet presented the highest P-use efficiency (up to 122 %). The lowest P application rates exhibited, FYM treatment, the highest P-use efficiency for all crops. Model pools were successfully linked to field-measured soil P fractions using CAL and DGT methods, providing initial predictions of various soil P fractions across different fertilization strategies.

Agroecological estimation of the effect of crop rotation and mineral fertilizers on productivity and quality of spring barley grain in the Central Blackearth region of Russia

The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of crop rotations and doses of mineral fertilizers on productivity, grain quality of spring barley and fertility of typical chernozem in the Central Сhernozem Region (CBR). The study was conducted in a multifactorial trial located on the watershed plateau of the research and production department No. 2 of the Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center in 2018 and 2022. The soil of the experimental plot was typical medium-loamy chernozem, with 5.9 % of humus. There have been studied such factors as grain-fallow-row and grain-grass-row crop rotations; with fertilizer doses and no fertilizers, N30Р30К30, N60Р60К60. The highest biological productivity of spring barley up to 5.99 t/ha was identified in the grain-fallow-row crop rotation with the dose of N60Р60К60. However, the presence of perennial leguminous grasses in the grain-grass-row crop rotation contributed to a smaller decrease in humus, the maximum loss of which in it was 0.14 %, which was 0.02 % lower than in the grain-fallow-row crop rotation. The trends of agroecological effect of crop rotations and mineral fertilizers on the indicators of spring barley grain production were estimated with a digital method, namely the Harrington desirability function. There has been established an “acceptable, satisfactory” effect of crop rotations and mineral fertilizers on the studied indicators (di = 0.50), but in relation to individual indicators of grain production, the level of effect of crop rotations varies significantly from di = 0.12 “completely unacceptable” to di = 0.83 “most acceptable”. The ecological properties of crop rotation are manifested in the estimation of its effect on the humus content in the soil: “acceptable, satisfactory” (di = 0.38–0.52). The comprehensive estimation of the effect of mineral fertilizers for most indicators has increased proportionally to their dose, reaching di = 0.49–0.65, which indicates their “acceptable, satisfactory” effect.

Fatty Acid Composition, Oxidative Status, and Content of Biogenic Elements in Raw Oats Modified Through Agricultural Practices

The chemical composition of raw oat grain is responsible for the high dietary value and health-promoting properties of oat products. This article presents the results of a study investigating the biofortification of grain in two oat genotypes—hulless and hulled—through agronomic treatments: chemical plant protection against weeds and fungi and mineral nitrogen fertilization. The applied agronomic treatments induced different changes in the fatty acid profiles, content of tocopherols, macronutrients, and micronutrients in the grain of hulled and hulless oats. Plant health contributed to higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and potassium in oat grain. In turn, nitrogen fertilization decreased the content of unsaturated fatty acids, potassium, and copper and increased the content of saturated fatty acids, calcium, and manganese in oat grain. At the same time, agronomic treatments reduced the tocopherol content of the grain, which implies that the nutritional value of oats increases in the absence of chemical plant protection agents. The correlations between the content of desirable chemical compounds and agronomic treatments were stronger in hulless oat grain, which may suggest that the agronomic modification of oat-based foods is more effective in this genotype. The content of exogenous alpha-linoleic acid C18:3 n-3 and alpha-tocopherol was higher in grain harvested from the control treatment (without chemical plant protection), whereas grain harvested from fully protected treatments accumulated more essential gamma-linolenic acid C18:3 n-6. The content of gamma-tocopherol and copper in oat grain was higher in the absence of nitrogen fertilization.

Effects of biochar, N-enriched biochar and urea on tomato seed germination, vegetative growth, and fruit traits.

Agronomic uses of biochar have been intensely explored in the last 15 years. Recently, a new generation of biochar-based fertilizers has been developed. Raw biochar (BCH), nitrogen-enriched biochar (N + BCH) or urea were added to a coir fiber-based substrate for tomato cultivation, to assess seed germination, growth and fruiting of two cultivars (Cuarenteno and Moneymaker). BCH stimulated seed germination and early radicle growth, possibly because of the presence of karrikins detected in both BCH and N-BCH (0.039 and 0.044 mg kg-1, respectively). However, BCH reduced growth in adult plants in both cultivars, probably because of ammonium retention, causing low-N-stress-related symptoms such as accumulation of flavonoids in the leaf. Urea was toxic for seed germination because of the fast release of ammonium, but caused a positive effect on adult plant growth and yield, increasing chlorophyll in both cultivars, quantum yield and ascorbic acid in cv. Cuarenteno, and decreasing flavonoids and peroxide in leaves of both cultivars. Unlike urea, N + BCH showed a positive impact on plant growth and yield, but without releasing high amounts of ammonium or negatively affecting seed germination. Nitrogen-rich amendments reduced phosphorus and increased iron leaf content in both cultivars. BCH can be effectively used as a growth medium constituent in nurseries for seedling production, whereas N + BCH offers a promising alternative to urea or other nitrogen mineral fertilizers for crop cultivation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of mini-till and no-till technologies on productivity and quality of malting barley grain

The purpose of the current work was to study the effect of mini-till, no-till and traditional agricultural technologies on productivity and quality of malting barley grain. Field trials were carried out in three crop rotation sequences ‘winter rye – spring wheat – barley’ on medium loamy gray forest soil of Chuvashia with 2.42 % of humus; 188 mg/kg of mobile phosphorus; 160 mg/kg of exchangeable potassium and 6.2 of exchangeable acidity. During the vegetation period of 2020, the hydrothermal coefficient was 1.04; in 2021 it was 0.60; and in 2022 it was 1.05. The object of the study was an early-maturing variety ‘Elf’. Traditional agricultural technology was based on autumn disk plowing and autumn plowing, early spring harrowing, seedbed cultivation and sowing with subsequent rolling. Mini-till cultivation included autumn disk plowing, spring cultivation and sowing with the multifunctional complex “Cultibar 9000”. No-till cultivation consisted of autumn treatment with the non-selective herbicide “Sprut Extra" and “direct” spring sowing “Cultibar 9000”. The seeding rate was 200 kg/ha. The dose of mineral fertilizers was N30P20К20. The crops were protected from weeds, diseases, and pests. On average, the largest (2.49 t/ha) productivity of malting barley grain was obtained using mini-till technology, and the smallest (2.34 t/ha) when using no-till. The mean productivity with traditional agricultural technology was lower than the maximum by 0.03 t/ha, but larger than the minimum by 0.12 t/ha. The analysis of the qualitative characteristics has shown a reliable effect of agricultural technologies on the brewing properties of barley grain. Thus, traditional technology contributed to obtaining grain of the 1st class, mini-till technology contributed to obtaining grain of the 2nd class, and no-till technology contributed to obtaining grain of the 3rd class of the interstate standard.

The effect of agrotechnical methods on productivity of new winter wheat varieties on ordinary blackearth

The current study was conducted in the pre-Azov agricultural area of the Rostov region in the stationary trial of the FSBSI FRARC in 2020–2023. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of elements of cultivation technology methods, such as methods of basic tillage, seed sowing rates and a level of mineral nutrition on productivity of new winter wheat varieties in the conditions of ordinary blackearth in the Rostov region. The objects of the study were two new winter wheat varieties ‘Bylina Dona’ and ‘Akapella’ developed in the FSBSI FRARC. The scheme of the trial included three factors for each variety. The experiment was repeated three times. When conducting the study, there was used the generally accepted methodology of a field trial. The effect of different rates of mineral fertilizers and seed sowing with different methods of basic tillage affected the grain productivity of new winter wheat varieties. As a result of three-year study, there has been found a positive effect of moldboard plowing and a seeding rate of 5 million pcs./ha against the background of N120Р80К80 kg/ha of active substance for both varieties, which provided the best productivity of 6.66–7.02 t/ha. There has been established a tendency for changes in productivity of new winter wheat varieties under the effect of the studied elements of agricultural technology, for which there have been identified individual factors and calculated the mean productivity independently of the other two factors, taking into account the experimental options for each of them. The largest mean grain productivity of the winter wheat varieties ‘Bylina Dona’ and ‘Akapella’ with 5.77 and 6.05 t/ha, respectively, was provided by the highest level of mineral nutrition, with a norm of N120Р80К80 kg/ha of active substance, which made it possible to improve productivity by 48.3–49.4 % compared to the control without fertilizers. There has been determined an optimal background of mineral nutrition N80Р60К60 kg/ha of active substance, which ensured the maximum feedback of grain due to fertilizers. The variety ‘Akapella’ in all experimental variants produced grain on 4.5–5.1 % higher than that of the variety ‘Bylina Dona’.

The Influence of Cultivation, Storage and Processing Technology on the Nitrate Content in Potato Tubers and Vegetable Crops as the Example of Ecologically and Hygienically Oriented Organic Agricultural Nature Management

The article presents the results of studies of the influence of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as storage and processing technologies on the level of nitrates in potatoes, carrots and cabbage. The study demonstrated that in order to obtain the high yield of environmentally friendly vegetable crops, it is necessary to use biohumus at a norm of 8 t/ha or the combination of 6 t/ha biohumus and N35P35K40. This treatment can provide the potato yield of 420-440 c/ha, carrots 223-240 c/ha, cabbage 500-520 c/ha, while not exceeding the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of nitrates. At a same time, studies have revealed that storage and processing of these vegetables under the required standard conditions can significantly reduce the amount of nitrates contained in the products. The work we have done shows an example of organic farming as the ecological and climatic project for carbon sequestration in soils, bioimprovement and bioprotection of soils, for increasing the yield and hygienic quality of the harvest. When processing the resulting vegetable products, toxic hazards to public health are eliminated and the ecological safety of the environment is ensured. Additional measures are needed to control the application of fertilizers to soils, the quality of agricultural products during collection, storage and processing.

The Possibility of Environmentally Sustainable Yield and Quality Management of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of the Cornetto Variety When Using Sapropel Extract

Sustainable development is one of the main directions of modern agriculture. First of all, sustainability in the agricultural sector can be achieved through the possible abandonment of traditional mineral fertilizers. Many decades of using these fertilizers have led to the degradation of arable soils and to soil and environmental pollution. As a result, this causes reductions in yields and the environmental quality of agricultural products and affects the health of the population. An alternative to traditional mineral fertilizers may be the use of innovative organomineral fertilizers obtained from local resources. These include manure, humus, compost, sediments, etc. In recent years, fertilizers obtained from the sapropels of the bottom sediments of lakes have become widespread. Their distinctive feature is the environmental friendliness and completeness of the content of chemical elements and substances necessary for the development and growth of plants. In addition, the methods of obtaining and applying these fertilizers allow us to talk about their effectiveness in use. The range of applications of these fertilizers is diverse, from use in the form of a dry extract applied directly to the soil to the use of liquid suspensions used at various stages of processing and from pre-sowing seed treatment to watering and spraying plants at different periods of vegetation. Moreover, an important aspect is the research work on the variational use of sapropel fertilizers on different crops, with different methods of production and concentrations and at different stages of processing. This publication contains the results of a study of the effect of the obtained innovative sapropel fertilizer on productivity, wheat grain quality, and economic efficiency (Triticum aestivum L.). To identify the optimal concentration of sapropel extract, laboratory studies were carried out to determine the germination energy and germination of wheat seeds of different varieties when they were soaked in various concentrations: 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 g/L. The best indicators of germination energy and germination of wheat seeds during treatment with the extract were obtained at a concentration of 1.2 g/L. The research was conducted at an accredited variety testing laboratory. A field experiment was conducted in the fields of the agrobiological station of North Kazakhstan University named after Manash Kozybayev. The treatment of the seeds was carried out by soaking them in sapropel extract to evenly distribute the substance. The scheme of the field experiment included the option of using foliar treatment with a solution of sapropel extract at the tillering stage. As a result of the application of the obtained extract in the field, environmental and socio-economic efficiency was noted. The conducted field studies note its positive effect and effectiveness on the morphological, qualitative, and quantitative indicators of the wheat harvest. In the areas where wheat seeds were pretreated, as well as where foliar treatment with the resulting sapropel suspension was carried out, the best yield indicators were revealed. In these variants of the experiment with pre-sowing and pre-sowing and foliar treatment with the sapropel extract solution, the yield was 3.63 and 3.81 tons per hectare, respectively. The introduction of sapropel extract at the stage of seed treatment before sowing, as well as foliar processing of wheat at the tillering stage, will increase the efficiency and profitability of the agricultural industry and obtain a synergistic effect in the form of socio-economic efficiency and environmental safety of production. In our opinion, this will contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture and the production of environmental products.

Integrated organic and mineral fertilizer strategies for achieving sustainable maize yield and soil quality in dry sub-humid inceptisols

Maize is one of the important cereal crops grown in rainfed regions of northwestern Himalayas, however, persistent use of chemical fertilizers coupled with poor soil nutrients and water holding capacity due to coarse textured soils poses serious threat to sustaining maize yield and soil health. To address these bottlenecks, a long-term experiment with application of organic manures and mineral fertilizer provides insights to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), crop yield and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) in rainfed area having low water use efficiency. A twelve years field experiment was conducted under dry sub-humid Inceptisols in northern India to study the potential impacts of organic and mineral fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, water use efficiency and soil quality. Ten treatments were assessed, involving different nitrogen levels (20, 30, and 40 kg N ha⁻¹) combined with 10 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of farmyard manure (FYM), in-situ green manure from sunhemp, and the incorporation of Leucaena leucocephala leaves at 5 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹, including an unfertilized control. Maize yield increased linearly with increasing nitrogen application rates. The combination of FYM @ 10t ha−1 and 40 kg N ha−1(T4) yielded the highest maize production. Manure addition improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and major soil nutrients (N, P and K) while unfertilized control showed decline in soil nutrients compared to their initial values. Compared with control, incorporation of 10 t ha−1 FYM increased SOC by 1.3, 1.41, 1.44 times at application rate of 20, 30, 40 kg N ha−1, respectively. Application of N@40 kg ha−1 + 10t FYM ha−1 showed highest rain water use efficiency (RWUE) and relative production efficiency index (RPEI) (2.74 kg ha−1 mm−1 and 82, respectively) and the lowest rank sum of 6. Highly significant positive relationship existed between RPEI and RWUE, RPEI and sustainability yield index (SYI), RWUE and SYI indicated the superiority of FYM in combination with mineral fertilizer. Regression models, correlating yield with monthly rainfall and crop growing periods, indicated that the integration of FYM (10 tha⁻¹) with 40 kg N ha⁻¹ was most effective in achieving the highest relative soil quality index (RSQI) of 76 and the greatest sustainability yield index (SYI) of 49.3%. Based on results, we recommend balanced fertilization (N@40 kg ha−1 +10t FYM ha−1) which is easily manageable by farmers as the optimal strategy for improving soil quality and achieving sustainable maize productivity in nutrient depleted Inceptisols of northern India.

Organomineral fertilization using biomass ash as raw material in the initial growth of Adzuki Bean

The need to find sustainable and viable alternatives for agricultural fertilization has driven research into the use of organo-mineral fertilizers. This study evaluated the initial development of Adzuki beans [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi] with organomineral fertilization, resulting from the combination of biomass ash and synthetic mineral fertilizers. Different doses of organominerals were applied (6.25, 12.5, 18.75 and 25.0 g dm-3), and various plant parameters were assessed. The results indicated that organomineral fertilization, especially at a dose of 25.0 g dm-3, had a positive influence on soil pH, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry mass, root volume and root dry mass. The organomineral proved to be effective in promoting the initial growth of Adzuki beans, offering an alternative to the exclusive use of mineral fertilizers.

Analysis of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Flows in a Rice-Growing Basin: The Case of the Maga Production Basin (Cameroon)

The availability of irrigation water has favored the development of agriculture in the Maga area, located in the Far North of Cameroon, with rice growing as the dominant agricultural activity. This activity is, however, known as a source of groundwater pollution through the infiltration of substances contained in inputs used for soil fertilization. The present study is a contribution to the analysis of the sources of contamination of the waters of the Maga rice basin by nitrogen and phosphate mineral compounds as well as the spatial distribution of these compounds. The monitoring of a network of fifteen wells and boreholes covering the rice-growing area during six campaigns made it possible to carry out the physicochemical characterization of subsurface and groundwater. The results obtained reveal that nitrates (NO3−) are present in water in low quantities, with averages per campaign ranging from 9.01 mg/L to 20.31 mg/L. On the other hand, ammonium (NH4+) and phosphates (PO43−) are in significant concentration. Their averages are of the order of 2.62 mg/L to 4.51 mg/L and then 0.65 mg/L to 5.58 mg/L for ammonium and phosphates, respectively. Mineral fertilizers used for soil amendment and degradation of organic matter, as well as the hydrolysis of minerals contained in the soil, contribute to the mineralization of water in the study area.

Influence of granule structure mineral fertilizers for their physical and chemical properties

Influence of granule structure mineral fertilizers for their physical and chemical properties

Fertilization with Olive Mill Pomace Compost Can Moderate Pest Damage in a Superintensive Olive Grove

Olive cultivation is a key agricultural activity in Spain, primarily for producing oil. The extraction process of olive oil from the drupe yields a by-product known as ‘alperujo’, which can be composted and utilized as fertilizer. This research examines the impact of composted ‘alperujo’ on arthropod assemblages in the tree canopy, comparing it to mineral fertilization over the years 2021 and 2022. The study was conducted in two olive groves with different management systems (superintensive and traditional). Two types of sampling methods were used for the canopy: visual survey and sweep net. Under superintensive management, the presence and damage of Eriophyidae (Acari; Trombidiformes) in the shoots was significantly lower in the compost treatment in 2022 (20% of the shoots were occupied/damaged) compared to the mineral treatment (60% of the shoots were occupied/damaged). Araneae abundance was significantly higher (p = 0.033) in the compost treatment compared to the mineral treatment. However, under traditional management, no clear effect on arthropod assemblage was observed. In conclusion, the addition of compost to the superintensive grove helped to limit the presence of some arthropod pests compared to mineral treatment, contributing to a more sustainable crop. Grove type management appeared to play a significant role in the arthropod assemblages and effect of compost addition, but future research utilizing a greater number of groves (replicates) and an extended observation period should be performed to confirm these results.

Economic-ecological assessment of multi-crop small-scale model farms in the Republic of Armenia (piloting results from Gegharqunik region)

Background: Biogenic elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are major pollutants of Lake Sevan's water, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. Untreated wastewater, sewage, agriculture, fish farming, and other activities are significant sources of these pollutants. Vegetable cultivation, heavily reliant on mineral fertilizers and chemicals, and livestock breeding contribute substantially to nitrogen pollution in the lake. However, improved vegetable growing practices, including small-scale agriculture using organic fertilizers, natural soil improvers, and eco-friendly bio-liquids as growth stimulants, can enhance the socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Lake Sevan basin. These practices promote environmentally friendly, water-saving land-use methods, reducing nitrogen leaching into the lake. Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental benefits of applying innovative agro-technology to small-scale farming in the Lake Sevan watershed (Gegharkunik region). Specifically, the study objectives are to determine the quality characteristics of crops grown in small-scale farms and compare these quality indicators between yields obtained through the proposed technology and traditional cultivation methods. Methods: Field trials of multi-crop systems were conducted on 0.25 ha land plots in four variations across four different locations in the Lake Sevan watershed. The trials were evaluated for various parameters. Nitrate content, dry matter, starch, vitamin C, and sugar levels were determined in potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, beets, and green beans, while fat content was measured in green beans and green peas. Results: Economic efficiency calculations revealed that utilizing the proposed innovative agro-technology in a multi-crop small-scale farm (0.25 ha) yielded a 20-25% increase compared to traditional cultivation with synthetic fertilizers, accompanied by notable environmental benefits. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that small-scale agricultural practices employing the proposed agro-technology have significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts on local farmers. Keywords: Cultivation of non-traditional crops, organic farming, small-scale farming, activities, economic and ecological evaluation, and food quality characteristics.

Effect of mineral and biological fertilizers on the formation of the microbiota of the root zone of the developed top-type peat bog under the planting of large-fruited cranberry plants in the conditions of Belarus

Effect of mineral and biological fertilizers on the formation of the microbiota of the root zone of the developed top-type peat bog under the planting of large-fruited cranberry plants in the conditions of Belarus

Use of small-sized units when spreading fertilizers on mountain slopes

BACKGROUND: The results of RD on a laboratory sample of the unit for spreading mineral fertilizers on mountain slopes, which can increase labor productivity and yield rate of mountain forage lands by 15–20%, are presented. AIM: Development of a small–sized laboratory sample of the unit for surface spreading of mineral fertilizers, ensuring accelerated restoration of productive and qualitative functions of natural grass stands of fallow forage lands. METHODS: The technical expertise and testing of the unit and the technology were carried out in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia — Alania (Dargava basin, the station of North Caucasian Research Institute of Highland and Piedmont Agriculture) at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level. The indicators of the test conditions and functional performance of the unit have been determined according to the OST 10.5.1-2000 industry standard. Surface fertilization was carried out according to the OST 10.7.1.-2000. “Testing of agricultural machinery. Machines for applying mineral fertilizers, lime materials and gypsum” industry standard. The study subject was the technology of spreading granular fertilizers, the design of the unit and working bodies: pendulum spreading devices, spreading rates and method of spreading fertilizers. RESULTS: A laboratory sample of the small-sized unit based on the KChG-2.4 cultivator of North Caucasian Research Institute of Highland and Piedmont Agriculture design for surface application of mineral fertilizers has been developed and manufactured. The block module is a hinged frame structure with a tow-lifting device, pendulum spreading tubes and rolling rollers installed on it. The considered motion of the mining unit is across the slope from top to bottom in a shuttle manner with rolling of the sown granules by rolling rollers. The tests were carried out on a rarefied section of the northern slope with a steepness of 13–16° in the area “Sugsadtanrag”. CONCLUSION: The practical application of the small-sized unit for surface spreading of mineral fertilizers with their subsequent rolling in areas in mountainous and foothill zones will ensure a reduction in the degradation processes of slope areas by accelerating the restoration of the quality and quantity of perennial grasses of fallow forage lands.

Influence of mineral fertilizers and liming on the dynamics of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, crop yield and quality of crop products of crop rotation link

In the field experiment was investigated the effect of repeated lime application on CO2 emissions from the soil, yield and quality of plant products against the background of mineral fertilizers N90P90K90, on dark gray forest heavy loamy soil. As a result of liming and improvement of the acid regime in the soil, prerequisites are created to enhance the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms in the experiment. It was revealed that an increase in biological activity (carbon dioxide emissions) against the background of the application of mineral fertilizers N90P90K90 and CaCO3 ensures high yield and product quality, contributes to favorable conditions for preserving soil fertility and to a greater extent stimulates the development of microorganisms using mineral forms of nitrate nitrogen. With the systematic use of mineral fertilizers N90P90K90 at the stage of crop rotation, an increase in the quality of cultivated crops was noted (the nutritional value of the green mass of clover; the content of crude protein, protein, gluten, starch in barley grain; the nature of grain in winter wheat). In different years of research, according to weather conditions, grain with a high content of crude gluten, protein, nature in winter wheat grain, starch in barley, ash nutrition elements in clover was obtained. The best option turned out to be using dolomite flour and (N90P90K90). All the considered quality indicators of winter wheat improved under the influence of fertilizers and lime, and the difference with the control was: protein – 0,64–1,78%; crude gluten – 1,6–4,3%; grain nature – 11–26 g/l. The highest productivity was obtained when applying mineral fertilizers and lime: barley – 3,53 t/ha, clover hay of the first year of use – 77,53 t/ha, winter wheat – 7,89 t/ha, compared with the control without the use of fertilizers.

Automated control complex of agrotechnology in precision farming

The paper presents a project of an automated complex for managing agricultural technology. The complex consists of two inseparable components, a control unit and an executive robotic technological machine. The control unit implements the modern theory of controlling a complex dynamic system, which is an agricultural field with sowing crops. The main distinctive feature of the proposed management theory is that the object of management is an agrocenoses, which includes sowing crops and weeds. This feature is transferred to the executive technological machine, through which the simultaneous application of mineral fertilizers and herbicide treatment is carried out. At the same time, the formation of optimal technological operations is carried out on the basis of Earth remote sensing data. Based on these data, the parameters of the state of the agrocenoses are assessed, and the resulting estimates are system-wide feedback through which agricultural technology is managed. The presented complex is of interest to specialists developing individual components of modern precision farming systems.

Influence of Crop Residue Management on Maize Production Potential

Residue management at the farm level is essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. This field experiment, initiated in 2005, provides maize data from 2016 to 2018. This study evaluates the impact of crop residue management and fertilization on maize yield and yield components. Maize was grown in a crop rotation sequence consisting of field pea (Pisum sativum L.), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.), and maize (Zea mays L.). The measures studied include aboveground biomass removal (K), aboveground biomass incorporation (R), mineral fertilizer application (F), and their combination (RF). The results indicate that R and RF significantly improve yield parameters, such as kernel number per ear (KNE), thousand seed weight (TSW), stalk yield, and harvest index (HI), compared to control (K) or aboveground biomass incorporation alone (R). Grain yield varied across the years, with significant increases being observed for the fertilizer treatments, particularly when combined with straw or stalk incorporation. A nominal increase in grain yield of 1.43 t ha−1 for the F treatment and 1.86 t ha−1 for the RF treatment represents an increase of 39% to 51% compared to K and R. Strong positive correlations were observed between grain yield and several factors, including ears per hectare (0.61), KNE (0.94), TSW (0.61), and HI (0.85). These findings underscore the role of crop residue management and promoting sustainable crop production.

Effect of Organic Fertilization Based on Cattle Dung in Village Cultivation of Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Immature Phase in Northern Ivory Coast

This study aimed to determine the dose of organic fertilizer adapted to the agroecological conditions of the Ferkéssédougou zone during the immature or vegetative phase with a view to improving agricultural productivity in rainfed sugar cane cultivation. The trial was conducted using a Fisher block experimental design with three (3) repetitions and six (6) treatments including the control treatment. The observations mainly focused on growth parameters. Health monitoring was also carried out to detect the presence of diseases. Regarding growth parameters, no statically significant effect of fertilizers was observed between treatments. However, the fertilizers used had a positive impact in terms of gain compared to the control. Thus, three (3) groups of fertilizers stood out. Group 1 was composed of mineral manure at the normal dose (350 kg/ha of NPK), organic manure at the normal dose (20t/ha), double dose of compost (40 t/ha) and the organo-mineral mixture, namely the normal dose of compost (20t/ha) + half dose of mineral fertilizer (175 kg/ha of NPK). These treatments promoted good emergence, good elongation of the plants with large diameters and a large number of internodes. Group 2, composed only of half a dose of compost (10 t/ha), allowed us to have a large number of stems. For group 3, corresponding to the control treatment, no growth parameter was correlated. No symptoms of major illnesses were observed during the observations. The M1400/86 variety used is resistant to termite attack.