Mineral Fertilizers Research Articles

Earth Observation Data Utilisation for Rock Phosphate Exploration in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT In this study, we processed Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data using partial subpixel mapping methods for delineating surface occurrences of fertilizer mineral i.e., phosphorite in dolomite and carbonate-bearing chert in the Aravalli Supergroup. We applied feature-oriented principal component analysis to derive an image composite for delineating the spatial extent of carbonate rich zones within the Lunaveda Group of rocks. Subsequently, we used image spectra of the surface exposure of rock phosphate of the existing mine at Khatama area as the reference for implementing adaptive coherence estimator (ACE) algorithm in the VNIR -SWIR bands of ASTER data to derive the abundance map of phosphorite. We confirmed the presence of phosphate in the identified phosphate anomaly zones during field surveys by implementing rapid colorimetric test that is proven for identifying the presence of phosphate in the samples. We also used the available surface geochemical data of P2O5 to establish the synergy between geochemical data and identified geochemical anomaly.

The influence of cultivation technologies on the contamination of spring wheat crops and yield in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod region

The article presents the results of research of the influence of various cultivation technologies on the contamination of spring wheat crops and its yield for 2022–2023 in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod region on light gray loamy forest soil. There were studied the technologies various in methods of primary soil tillage (traditional, minimal – Mini-till, without tillage – No-till), and intensification level (basic, intensive). Spring wheat of the ʻZlataʼ cultivar was cultivated in the chain of rotation: clean fallow – peas - spring wheat. During the research period, it was established that the No-till technology contributed to an increase in the total contamination of spring wheat crops on an average for two years in the "tillering" phase (before herbicide treatment) to 36.2 pcs/m2 (84.7 % higher than the total contamination of wheat crops when cultivated using Mini-till technology and by 118.1 % –using traditional technology) and in the phase of "full grain ripeness" (before harvesting) up to 30.1 pcs/m2 (110.5 % higher than the total contamination of wheat crops cultivated using Mini-till technology and by 155.1 % according to traditional technology). It has been established that intensification of wheat production (application of mineral fertilizers in a dose of N70P50K50 before pre-sowing cultivation; using fungicide and herbicide in the "tillering" phase) results on average among studied technologies in decreasing the total contamination of crops during the "full grain ripeness" phase on average for two years up to15.7 pcs/m2 which is 38.2 % lower compared to the basic intensification degree of wheat cultivation technologies. It was found that the cultivation of spring wheat using traditional technology and Mini-till technology provides high yields: 3.09–3.43 t/ha, that is 0.63–0.96 t/ha higher than its yield when cultivated using No-till technology. There were no differences in the level of yield of spring wheat over the years of observation when cultivating it using traditional and Mini-till technologies. The intensification of spring wheat production makes it possible to increase the level of its yield for each of the studied technologies.

Combining life-cycle assessment and linear programming to optimize social fertilizer costs

This paper focuses on the role of fertilizers within regional nutrient cycles. Bio-based fertilizers can contribute to regional nutrient circularity, but the question remains whether production and consumption of bio-based fertilizers is beneficial to the farmer and the environment. Therefore, both farmers’ private costs and environmental externalities should be taken into account. We formulate a farm-level multi-objective optimization model by considering a range of fertilizers, their costs and the environmental consequences associated with their production and use. The cost-minimization approach is applied to a conceptualized Flemish leek farmer aiming to safeguard nutrient uptake while being constrained by nutrient standards and the availability of on-farm residues. Our results suggest that mineral fertilizers have an important role in the fertilizer mix despite their environmental externalities. Nevertheless, there is also a role for bio-based fertilizers. These results have implications for farmers and policymakers wishing to internalize fertilizer externalities.

Disposal of used oils as a prospective method of production of biodiesel

The article is devoted to the improvement of the production technology of diesel biofuel from waste oils, which are a significant source of environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. Used oils that are not properly disposed of cause serious environmental problems, including water and soil pollution. The use of waste oils for the production of biofuel is a promising technology that allows reducing the amount of pollution and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Biodiesel from waste oils has significant environmental, economic and sustainable advantages. The main goal of the article is a detailed analysis of modern technologies for the production of diesel biofuel from waste oils and an assessment of their improvements and impact on ecology, economy and society. The article discusses innovative approaches to the processing of used oils, their purification and preparation for further use. An analysis of the main methods of transesterification, hydrogenation, esterification and enzyme catalysis, as well as the latest technologies, such as ultrasonic and microwave intensification of biofuel production, was carried out. New technological solutions for the preliminary preparation of used oils with a high content of free fatty acids using a combination of acid catalysts are proposed, and a technological scheme of the full production cycle is developed. The rational parameters of the equipment for the preliminary preparation of used oils with a high content of free fatty acids have been determined. Recommended conditions include hydrogenation temperature not higher than 80°С, duration of the process not less than 40 minutes; separation of the water-protein part by centrifugation at a rotation frequency of the centrifuge rotor of 3000 rpm for 20 minutes; the esterification reaction temperature is no more than 60°C; molar ratio of alcohol to oil 9:1; acid catalyst concentration within 1-15%; the intensity of mixing in the reactor is 31.42 s-1; the duration of the process is not less than 120 minutes. It was established that it is advisable to use potassium hydroxide for the transesterification reaction. The use of potassium hydroxide is beneficial because the potassium salts formed during the technological process of diesel biofuel production can be used as mineral fertilizers. According to the results of the research, the optimal parameters for the transesterification reaction were chosen: the amount of methanol - 20% by mass. from the weight of the oil, the KOH 1 catalyst is 1.5%, the temperature of the process is 60°C and the duration is 60-70 minutes. Examples of successful implementation of these technologies in various countries of the world, in particular in Europe, the USA and Asia, are presented. Additionally, recommendations are provided for further research and technology development, including the need to improve waste oil purification methods, optimize transesterification processes, and integrate renewable energy sources. The prospects and challenges of the industry of biofuel production from waste oils are considered, in particular the issues of regulatory support, financial incentives and investment attraction.

Nutrient Allocation and Growth Responses of Senegalia polyphylla under Varied Fertilizer Regimes for Effective Forest Recovery.

To restore invaded areas, planting fast-growing native species such as Senegalia polyphylla (DC.) Britton & Rose (Fabaceae) is widely used. However, invasive grasses reduce light availability, alter fire regimes, and compete for water and nutrients, hindering the growth of native trees. Fertilization practices influence the competition dynamics between natives and invasives by altering soil fertility. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of mineral and organic fertilization on the nutritional status and growth of S. polyphylla cultivated during the first 120 days after transplanting. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design comprising five treatments and four replications, along with the unfertilized control (0-0%) as an additional treatment. Dystrophic red latosol and different proportions of mineral and organic fertilizers were used. The variables evaluated included dry mass of aboveground parts and roots, nutrient content in leaves, and nutrient use efficiency. The results showed that fertilizations with high nutrient concentrations (100-0% and 75-25%) resulted in greater accumulation of N, P, and K in the leaves, while balanced fertilization (50-50% and 25-75%) led to greater root dry mass. These results emphasize the importance of strategically choosing fertilizer formulations to promote the healthy development of seedlings in areas subject to interference from invasive grasses.

Productivity of spring barley at different seeding rates and doses of fertilizers

In the forest-steppe of the Euro-North-East of the Russian Federation (The Republic of Mordovia), the research has been carried out to optimize methods for cultivating spring barley of the Zazersky 85 cultivar, which allow to increase yield and improve grain quality. The experiment was carried out in 2020–2022 on leached medium-humic heavy loamy chernozem. There were studied seeding rates (4.5; 5.0; 5.5 million germinating seeds/ha) and doses of fertilizers (Ν0Р0К0; Ν32Р32К32 – before sowing (background); background + Ν30-60-90 – in top dressing). It has been established that increasing the seeding rate from 4.5–5.0 to 5.5 million significantly reduced the barley grain yield by 0.61–0.70 t/ha, respectively, on average over the years of the research. The crop yield increased significantly under the influence of mineral fertilizers – by 1.62–3.42 t/ha compared to the control (2.68 t/ha). In general, the highest grain yield (6.29–6.47 t/ha) was obtained when sowing barley at rates of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha by the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and Ν60-90 as a top dressing in the tillering phase. Under the influence of fertilizers, the quality parameters of grain changed: the grain unit increased by 15–33 g/l, the weight of 1000 grains – by 0.63–1.53 g, the protein content – up to 13.2 %; the film content decreased by 0.3–0.7 abs.%. The highest grain uniformity (93.0–94.8 %) was observed at the seeding rate of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha in the variants with nitrogen fertilizers (Ν60-90) against the background of Ν32P32K32. The highest profitability of grain production of the Zazersky 85 barley cultivar (103,18 %) was obtained at the seeding rate of 4.5 million germinated seeds per 1 ha with the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and N60 as a top dressing in the tillering phase.

ЗАЩИТНЫЕ СВОЙСТВА МОДИФИЦИРОВАННЫХ БИТУМНЫХ ПРАЙМЕРОВ ДЛЯ ПРОТИВОКОРРОЗИОННОЙ ЗАЩИТЫ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ТЕХНИКИ И ОБОРУДОВАНИЯ

In order to protect agricultural machinery from atmospheric corrosion during the nonworking period, it is possible to use bitumen primers (BP), which are compositions of petroleum bitumen with the addition of solvents and, possibly, other additives. The protective properties of compositions based on the bitumen primer "Orgkrovlya No. 1" diluted with white spirit with modifying additives on samples of 08kp steel were studied in the work. Accelerated corrosion tests in 0.5 M NaCl solution showed the following: dilution of BP with 40 wt. % white spirit when applied in one layer leads to a decrease in the protective efficiency to 75%, 67 wt. % - to 37%; the introduction of additives (5 wt.%) of P2 paraffin into the diluted BP with 40 wt. % white spirit increases its protective efficiency (Z) to 98%, KO-SZhK - up to 87%, Emulgin - up to 94%; When diluting BP with 67 wt.% white spirit, the maximum Z = 60% is provided by the addition of 1 wt.% drying oil +1 wt.% POOM. Accelerated tests in the G-4 heat and humidity chamber and the salt spray chamber showed the best results for BP coatings diluted with 40 wt.% white spirit and with the addition of 5 wt.% P2 paraffin. The highest values of protective efficiency in the G-4 heat and humidity chamber for BP diluted with 67 wt.% white spirit are provided by coatings with 2 wt.% drying oil (Z = 97%), 5 wt.% POOM (Z = 97%), 1 wt.% drying oil +1 wt.% POOM (Z = 96%). According to the 9-month results of full-scale bench tests of modified BP diluted with 40 wt.% white spirit, the best results are provided by the coating with the addition of 5 wt. % paraffin P2 and Emulgin. These 2 additives effectively protect steel in a concentrated solution (200 g/l) of mineral fertilizer borofoska.

Biochar in conjunction with reduced doses of mineral fertilizers increased yield attributes and yield of rice (cv. BRRI dhan29)

Biochar in conjunction with reduced doses of mineral fertilizers increased yield attributes and yield of rice (cv. BRRI dhan29)

Mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer microdosing interactions in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under greenhouse conditions.

Soil fertility is a major constraint to agricultural development in the Sahel region of Africa. One alternative to reducing the use of mineral fertilizers is to partially replace them with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Mineral fertilizer microdosing is a technique developed to enhance fertilizer efficiency and encourage smallholder farmers to adopt higher mineral fertilizer applications. A pot experiment was set up to study the effects of AMF inoculation on the mineral nutrition of pearl millet under mineral fertilizer microdosing conditions. The experimental setup followed a randomized complete block design with five replicates. The treatments tested on millet were an absolute control and eight microdoses derived from the combination of three doses of 15- 10-10 [nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] mineral fertilizer (2 g, 3 g, and 5 g per pot), three doses of urea (1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per pot), and three doses of organic manure (OM) (200 g, 400 g, and 600 g), combined with and without AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis and Rhizophagus aggregatum). The parameters studied were growth, root colonization by AMF, and mineral nutrition. Plant height, stem diameter, root dry biomass, and percentage of root mycorrhization were measured. The results revealed a significant effect of the fertilizers on the growth of pearl millet compared to the control. AMF and OM treatments resulted in the highest biomass production. AMF combined with microdoses of NPK improved N and calcium (Ca) concentrations, while their combination with organic matter mainly improved the K concentration. Combining AMF with microdosed NPK and compost enhanced zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) concentrations. Root colonization varied from 0.55 to 56.4%. This investigation highlights the positive effects of AMF inoculation on nutrient uptake efficiency when combined with microdosing fertilization.

Identification of patterns of the stress-strain state of a standard plastic tank for liquid mineral fertilizers

In this study, using the method of probabilistic deterministic planning (PDP), the optimum design parameters of a standard polyethylene tank used worldwide for transporting liquid mineral fertilizers (LMF) were determined. By the finite element method, the effect of the density of liquid mineral fertilizer, tank wall thickness and four motion modes (braking, acceleration, jump and landing) on the strength of standard polyethylene tanks was studied. According to the results of the study, the five most informative areas in the tank design were identified, for which the values of maximum stresses (σmax) were obtained: filler neck, pockets, walls, tap-in points and wall transition to the tank roof. As the LMF density increases, σmax in the tank increases linearly. Increasing the tank wall thickness by 1.5 times reduces the maximum stresses by 30 to 50 %. It was found that motion mode has a significant effect on the stress-strain state of a standard tank. The “heaviest” mode for a standard tank is “braking”. The “acceleration” motion mode causes σmax of no more than 60 % of the “braking” mode values. The “lightest” mode is “landing”, in which σmax is no more than 28 % relative to “braking”. Based on the PDP method, equations were derived for calculating maximum stresses depending on LMF density, wall thickness and motion mode of the tank. Nomograms were built that make it possible to quickly determine the wall thickness of a standard tank without calculations, depending on external factors. The results of the study can be used in practice when designing safe and durable tanks for transporting liquid mineral fertilizers.

Reduced Effect of Commercial Leonardite and Seaweed Extract on Lettuce Growth under Mineral, Organic, and No Fertilization Regimes

In this study, two commercial products based on the main groups of contemporary biostimulants—a commercial leonardite and a seaweed extract—were tested with the objective of assessing the conditions under which they can enhance lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) performance, particularly to determine if synergies with conventional fertilization methods can be observed. The experimental protocol was arranged as a factorial design with two factors: organic or mineral fertilization × plant biostimulant. The organic or mineral fertilization factor included five levels: two rates of a nitrogen (N) fertilizer (40 (Nmin40) and 80 (Nmin80) kg ha−1 of N), the same N rates applied as an organic amendment (Norg40 and Norg80), and an unfertilized control (N0). The plant biostimulants used were a commercial leonardite (leonardite) for soil application before planting, a commercial seaweed extract (algae) for foliar application during the growing season, and a control without plant biostimulant. Leonardite significantly increased lettuce dry matter yield (DMY) compared to the control only in the first growing cycle (11.5 and 13.5 g plant−1) and showed no significant interaction with conventional fertilization. It also consistently increased phosphorus (P) levels in the plant tissues. The seaweed extract did not show any effect on the plant, nor did it have any interactions with conventional fertilization regarding DMY. In contrast, with mineral fertilization, lettuce DMY increased from 8.0 and 4.0 g plant−1 (N0) to 22.2 and 12.0 g plant−1 (Nmin80) in the first and second growing cycles, respectively. The response to organic fertilization was lower, yet DMY still increased from 4.0 to 8.1 g plant−1 in the second growing cycle. Generally, this type of plant biostimulant is tested under some form of environmental stress, where it often yields positive results. In this study, the optimal cultivation conditions maintained for the lettuce in the pots likely explain the limited response to the biostimulants. This study suggests that the product labels should more clearly indicate whether they are recommended for general cultivation conditions or specifically for situations where a particular environmental stress can be anticipated.

N supply and yield of sugar beet after cover cropping: effects of cover crop species and management

Despite long-time practice, the effect of cover crop (CC) cultivation on N supply and yield of subsequent sugar beet (SB) is not clear for the temperate climate of Central Europe. To elucidate, four field trials with oil radish, spring vetch, saia oat, and winter rye CCs were conducted on typical loessial soil in Germany. Mineral fertilizer N dose was varied as second factor: zero (N0) and optimum dose (Nopt). Biomass characteristics before winter, soil mineral nitrogen content in spring (SMN), and sugar yield and total plant N content of SB were measured. The CC N effect (Neff), calculated as the difference in SB N uptake after CC minus bare fallow, was computed for the periods sowing-summer (July/August) and summer-harvest. On average, sugar yield was decreased after rye and increased after vetch CC compared to bare fallow which was more pronounced under N0 than Nopt. In the period sowing-summer, characterized by a high SB N demand, Neff was close to 0 kg N ha–1 after rye and up to +30 kg N ha–1 after vetch. In contrast, Neff in summer-harvest was negative, amounting up to –80 kg N ha–1 after radish and rye. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between Neff in the period sowing-summer and the sugar yield difference between the cover crop treatments and bare fallow (R2 = 0.29). A multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.68) indicated that high CC biomass combined with a large negative spring SMN difference between CC treatment and fallow caused a large yield penalty, which can be compensated for by elevated N fertilization. Moreover, CC management ensuring either a limited CC biomass or low SMN difference of CCs compared to fallow by e.g., later sowing, less vital CC species or early CC termination, will likely secure higher SB yield after CCs than fallow.

Life cycle assessment of power-to-methane and renewable methane production technologies

The role of renewable energy, such as biogas or renewable methane is important for decarbonisation of the energy sector. This study analyses environmental impacts of renewable methane production from seven different technologies including wind- and solar-powered electrolysis and methanation with direct air-captured CO2, anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge, pig and dairy manure, and food waste, as well as landfill gas upgrade. Life cycle impact assessment using ReCiPe 2016 method found that sewage sludge system exhibited the highest global warming impact due to electricity consumption during digestate dewatering by centrifuge, whereas anaerobic digestion of pig manure in a covered lagoon with digestate dewatering in Geotube® demonstrated the lowest impact. When centrifuge and Geotube® were compared for the same production system, Geotube® had 78 % lower global warming impact than dewatering with centrifuge. Overall, less energy and resource requirements, and environmental credits assigned to avoided products, such as mineral fertiliser and air-captured CO2 led to lower impacts, where seven out of 11 production systems presented lower global warming impacts than natural gas, indicating potential reduction of emissions by substituting natural gas with renewable methane. Increasing efficiency of wind and solar electricity appeared to be more sensitive than increasing efficiency of electrolyser, while transport distance of the landfill gas had significant effect on the global warming impacts. Production of renewable methane from waste can be promoted by various supports, such as carbon credits, amendment of national gas standard, and waste management policies for energy recovery.

The use of olive mill pomace compost increases the population of certain ground/soil organisms in olive groves

Olive is one of the largest crops in Spain, primarily for oil extraction from drupes. This process produces a by-product called ‘alperujo’, which can be composted and used as fertilizer. This study investigated the impact of ‘alperujo’ compost on ground/soil invertebrate inhabitants compared to mineral fertilization in two groves with different crop management types (superintensive and traditional) during 2021 and 2022. Anystidae/Erythraeidae (Acari; Trombidiformes) and Acari (Other) were more abundant in the compost treatment in both groves, but significant only in the superintensive grove. Some other ground/soil inhabitants, such as Anthicidae (Coleoptera), Araneae, and Gastropoda were generally more present in the compost treatment of the superintensive grove. No significant effect of fertiliser treatment was observed for other ground/soil organisms. Future studies with more replicas and over a longer period of time should be performed to confirm these results, but they can be considered of interest to push forward the implementation of ‘alperujo’ compost in the olive fertilization, favouring a circular economy and a sustainable agriculture.

Phosphorus recovery potential revealed by substance flow analysis of the Indian food, agricultural and sanitation system

Phosphorus is a finite resource that is in high demand due to its essential role as a fertiliser. We undertook a substance flow analysis of phosphorus for India's agri-food system to identify where the biggest losses of phosphorus occur and which flows could be targeted to move phosphorus from a linear use and waste approach to a circular approach encompassing recovery and re-use. A novel aspect of the analysis was the inclusion of sanitation systems in India. National phosphorus flows were calculated annually for the five years 2015–2019, and the mean was then used to provide a representative annual flow. The analysis showed that India is dependent on imports for 95% of applied mineral phosphorus fertiliser and has a low phosphorus-use efficiency of 32%. The largest recoverable flow is human excreta (urine and faeces), equivalent to 21% of the current phosphorus applied in mineral fertiliser in India. Phosphorus recovery from septic tanks, the most prevalent sanitation system in India, could alone replace 8% of phosphorus applied in mineral fertiliser in India. Alongside the ongoing development of sanitation systems in India this provides an opportunity to ensure that nutrient recovery is included in sanitation developments.

Customized Plant Growth Promotion with Soil- and Cultivar-Compatible Microbial Biofertilizers

Organic fertilizers and microbial biofertilizers are now widely recognized to effectively complement traditional mineral fertilizers for plant growth. The present study shows that bio-organic fertilizers can be enhanced by the addition of functional plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that provide additional benefits to plants. We hypothesized that not all beneficial soil bacteria are functional in different farm soils and plant varieties; hence, the most effective PGPR that are suitable to each farm’s individual cropping conditions were selected. Five different field soils and their respective crops were tested for compatibility with six microbial biofertilizers (including three new bacterial strains) to supplement a commercially available bio-organic fertilizer. In pot trials with lucerne plants, four out of the six microbial treatments led to significant (p < 0.05) growth promotion benefits (up to 79.8% more leaves and dry weight) compared to mock-treated or bio-organic fertilizer-only-treated control plants. A trial with industrial hemp demonstrated that compatibility with PGPR occurs in a cultivar-specific manner, leading to growth promotion ranging from −3.4% to 68.9%, with each cultivar displaying a preference for a different PGPR. Finally, pot trials with Rhodes grass and two different soils demonstrated high yield increases compared to control plants, with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 33YE being most effective for one soil and Bacillus velezensis UQ9000N/Pseudomonas lini SMX2 for the other soil. Yield advantages reduced after several cuts of grass, but a repeat biofertilizer treatment at 69 days after the initial treatment restored high yield advantages, with the same PGPR again being most effective. These results demonstrate the importance of customization of microbial inoculants to identify the most compatible PGPR–cultivar–soil interaction. The customization of microbial biofertilizers to soils and plant cultivars, combined with complementary fertilizer applications, can potentially lead to more reliable and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Spatial distribution and factors influencing the accumulation of toxic metals in soils in mountain agroecosystems, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The concentrations of toxic metals (TM) were analyzed in 498 samples of agricultural soils used for intensive vegetable cultivation in the watershed of Barracão dos Mendes, Brazil. The goal of this study was to characterize the distribution of these elements and the main natural and anthropogenic factors affecting their accumulation. In general, the average concentrations of TM were higher than the reference quality values for cultivated soils in the region, with the exception of Cr, Co, Ni and Mn, and the average concentration of Cd was ten times greater. Three sources of variation in the distribution of TM concentrations were identified: one related to topographic relief, another related to lithology, and one related to the massive use of agrochemicals. These factors contributed to TM accumulation in the soil; moreover, the transport of toxic metal-enriched clay by runoff resulted in higher concentrations of these elements in the lower parts of the slope. The long-term application of massive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides resulted in the accumulation of Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb and Cd in the vegetable cultivation soils and promoted the enrichment of macronutrients, mainly P and K. Moreover, the spatial distribution of TM in the agricultural soils of this mountain agroecosystem was affected by intensive vegetable cultivation, which altered the natural TM distribution dynamics determined by variations in topographic relief and lithology. In intensive cultivation areas, the TM distribution was also influenced by soil management practices such as tillage along the slope direction and massive mineral and organic fertilization.

Response of oilseed flax to different level of mineral nutrition in the forest-steppe of Western Siberia

The article presents the results of studying the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on the water regime of meadow-chernozem soil, yield and oil content of flax seeds in 2022–2023. on a stationary experiment at the field forage production laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Omsk ASC” in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe of the Omsk region. The objects of observation are oilseed flax of the Northern variety and meado-chernozem soil. The scheme of the experiment included the following options: factor A — medium soil availability of mobile phosphorus (50-100 mg/kg according to F.V. Chirikov, background 0), increased (100–120 mg/kg, background I and 140–150 mg/kg, background II), high (150– 200 mg/kg, background III); factor B — phosphorus fertilizer (P0, P60); factor C — nitrogen fertilizer (N0, N30, N60). In this case, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers were superimposed on backgrounds of varying soil phosphorus supply. Climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) determined the initial reserve of total moisture in the soil when sowing oil flax, which was at the level of 82% of the lowest moisture capacity in a meter layer and did not depend on the background phosphorus supply. Mineral fertilizers increased crop productivity. Its highest yield was observed against the background of an increased supply of soil with mobile phosphorus (1.71 t/ha) with the pre-sowing application of ammonium nitrate and ammophos. The oil content of flax, on the contrary, decreased when using fertilizers. Its highest indicators (39.5%) were observed against background II when using phosphorus fertilizers.

Detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and provenance of Cenozoic deposits in the Qaidam basin, northern Tibetan Plateau and comparison with detrital zircon and apatite records

The single-grain detrital multi-mineral dating techniques are powerful tools for tracing sediment provenance. However, natural biases in sediment source-to-sink systems may lead to heterogeneous sink signals based on detrital single-grain ages. Differing provenance interpretations may arise from detrital multi-mineral geochronologic data because of the potentially diverse origins and transport behaviors of the analyzed detrital minerals. To test this hypothesis, we present new single-grain detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar dating results from the Cenozoic Qaidam basin and compile published detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar, detrital zircon U-Pb, and detrital apatite fission track age data to interpret muscovite provenance and to explore the potential inconsistencies among multi-dating results and related controlling mechanisms. Our results indicate that detrital muscovite grains from most Cenozoic deposits have a similar, dominated 300–400 Ma age range, with subordinate 200–300 Ma and 400–500 Ma. The new and compiled 40Ar/39Ar age data demonstrate that detrital muscovite records from the Cenozoic Qaidam basin are stratigraphically variable. Samples from middle fine-grained deposits-dominated strata, representing the paleo-megalake period, exhibit a relatively wider age range compared to those from lower and upper coarse-grained deposits-dominated strata, indicating a probable control of sedimentary environments. Comparisons of detrital muscovite, zircon, and apatite records indicate that the detrital zircon age spectra have the oldest ages, the widest age ranges, and the largest number of age groups. Detrital zircon and apatite age spectra exhibit higher spatial variations than detrital muscovite records, likely due to the distinct source-to-sink behaviors of these minerals. The magmatic, metamorphic, and uplift history of source terranes, along with system closure temperatures, originally determine detrital mineral age records, i.e., high-temperature systems yield older ages, and vice versa. Parent-rock types, mineral fertility, and weathering resistance control the numbers and probabilities of the detrital age clusters. Differences in mineral shape, density, and transport and depositional processes (i.e., different transport loads of light, platy minerals vs. heavy, granular minerals) may cause variations in age spectra. These differences in detrital mineral behaviors warrant more attention in multi-mineral dating-based sediment provenance studies. Additionally, 40Ar/39Ar age data compilation based on global Cenozoic sedimentary basins and modern rivers indicates that detrital muscovite records have potentials to determine tectonic settings, but climate-induced exhumation signals need to be distinguished before interpretation.

The impact of mineral and organic fertilizers on potato yield, quantitative and qualitative indicators, and functional value

The impact of mineral and organic fertilizers on potato yield, quantitative and qualitative indicators, and functional value