Plant Nutrition Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MILLING CHISEL PLOUGHWITH SIMULTANEOUS LOCAL APPLICATION OF HYDROGEL

The given article is related to agricultural engineering and the design of milling chisel ploughwith special working bodies for cutting water-absorbing slots with simultaneous introduction of hydrogel mixture into them was developed to increase moisture accumulation in soil in the article. Improved technologies and techniques are needed to improve the quality and quantity of crops, in particular cereals, in order to improve their production. Most of the territory of Kazakhstan belongs to the zone of risky agriculture. Every year there are droughts that significantly reduce cereal yields. Many farmers are making large amounts of fertilizer in order to increase yields. However, there is the problem of unsustainable use of fertilizers. Thus, most of fertilizers introduced into soil is washed into its lower layers and becomes inaccessible to plant roots. Therefore, we propose to use local application of hydrogel retention mixture to accumulate nutrients and soil moisture. Its granules are able to absorb liquid, in volume many times larger than their own, and hold it for a long time. For better nutrition of plants, we offer to enrich hydrogel with fertilizers. Possible machines for application of hydrogel mixture are considered in «Analysis of possible methods of application of hydrogel with fertilizers in soil». It is noted that there are no units capable of carrying out local application of granules with fertilizers together with milling chisel ploughinto seeding area in the modern system of machines. Existing machines allow the application of hydrogel in dispersed or subsoil way, and local application of granules together with fertilizers is used for the first time and allows place hydrogel with saturated fertilizers. The choice of optimal method of application of hydrogel mixture pellet was produced and the machine design for its implementation was developed on the basis of common and private methods. Keywords:milling chisel plough, working body, design, hydrogel, moisture, soil, technology.

Влияние биологических и гуминовых препаратов на динамику подвижных форм азота в черноземе обыкновенном при возделывании нута

The results of a field experiment to study the influence of biological preparations on the dynamics of mobile forms of nitrogen in 2021-2023 are presented. The tests were carried out in the conditions of the Rostov region, on ordinary carbonate chernozems. The experimental design included bacterial (“Planriz”, “Geostim”) and humic (“BIO-Don 10”, potassium humate) preparations, as well as different nutrition levels (without fertilizers and azofoska 250 kg/ha). Mineral nitrogen is characterized by high mobility; data on hydrothermal conditions and the dynamics of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen by year and nutrition level are presented. It has been established that the use of humic preparations stimulates plant nutrition, which is expressed in negative dynamics compared to the control; this effect is enhanced by the combined use of bacterial and humic preparations. As a result, an increase in yield up to 28.0 % compared to the control and up to 24.9 % compared to the background.

Improving plant nutrition and growth through the use of minerals extracted from the sea on Aubergine and cucumber plants

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of a product (FertilTomix) obtained by an innovative extraction process from seawater with the addition of silver, copper and zinc on aubergine and cucumber plants. In addition, it was assessed whether the product improves the nutritional quality of the fruit. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in May 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), on aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Plants were placed in pots of ø 14 cm, 30 plants per thesis, divided into three replications of 10 plants each. The experimental groups were: i) control group; ii) conmmercial biofertilizer; iii) FertilTomix; iv) FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc. On 10 September 2024, plant height (aubergine), length of the central branch (cucumber), number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative weight, root volume, number and weight of fruits were determined. The nutritional properties of the fruits were also assessed, for aubergine (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin thiamnine, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, folate) and for cucumber (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, thiamine, vitamin K, folate). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, can significantly increase the height, number of leaves, vegetative and root growth, and leaf area of aubergine and cucumber plants. The product FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc worked better than as such, stimulating plant growth more. The trial also showed an increase in the number and weight of fruits in both aubergine and cucumber, in the theses treated with FertilTomix compared to the control and the commercial control with algae. The leaves also appeared larger and more intensely green in the theses treated with minerals extracted from the sea. The analysis of the mineral and vitamin content of the fruits showed a significant increase in minerals and vitamins in the fruits treated with FertilTomix for most of the analysed parameters, to a greater extent with FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc Conclusions: Various extracts obtained from seawater using an innovative mineral process were found to significantly increase plant growth. The test also showed an increase in the mineral and vitamin content of the fruit, probably influenced by the increased presence of bacteria in the soil, in the theses treated with marine extracts, as demonstrated in other tests with the same product. As well as for those wishing to reduce the use of industrial fertilisers, the results obtained are particularly interesting for those growing in arid environments or those without drinking water

Effects of Microbial Biostimulants on Maize and Its Pest, the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious pest of maize in the USA and Europe. Microbial plant biostimulants such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are designed to stimulate plant nutrition and growth, with some hypothesized to also possess insecticidal properties. We tested 10 biostimulants (four bacteria, five fungi, and one alga) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Most biostimulants did not affect the eggs, larvae, or adults of D.v. virgifera. However, in the laboratory, 10% of biostimulants improved egg hatching, and 40% killed some larvae, including the fungi Beauveria bassiana, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Trichoderma asperellum, and the bacterium Ensifer meliloti. Under potted-plant conditions in the greenhouse, these insecticidal effects were not detectable. However, several biostimulants slightly increased height and shoot length of uninfested maize plants, but reduced volume and length of their roots as well as above-ground biomass. Interestingly, 30% of the biostimulants enhanced the plant’s defence against larvae, for example, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, and E. meliloti. These may warrant further research into their modes of action as well as field trials to better understand and optimize their potential use in sustainable and integrated pest management.

Insights from a 19-year field study: optimizing long-term nutrient supply strategies for enhanced crop productivity and nutritional security in rice–wheat systems

What nutrient supply options can ensure maximum productivity and optimize the nutrient uptake of rice–wheat system (R-W system)? an experiment started in the year 1998 (19-year-old) to examine the impact of optimal nutrient supply (NS) strategies to maximize crop productivity and nutritional security in R-W system. To determine the best nutrient management strategies (BNMS), seven different NS methods were tested. These included (organic and mineral fertilizers), as well as combinations such as integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS), IPNS + B (berseem), and IPNS + C (cowpea), with the aim of enhancing the productivity and nutrient absorption of R-W system. Results showed that rice grain yield notably wide-ranging from 1.61 to 5.81 t ha−1 under different NS options and highest rice grain yield (mean of 19 years) was observed at IPNS + C (5.81 t ha−1), which was at par with IPNS (5.79 t ha−1), STCR (soil test crop response) (5.76 t ha−1) and IPNS + B (5.67 t ha−1) followed by 100% recommended dose fertilizer NPK (4.41 t ha−1), which equality with OF (organic farming) (4.04 t ha−1) and lowest was recorded in control plot (1.61 t ha−1). Wheat grain yield varied significantly from 1.43 to 5.86 t ha−1 under different NS options. The highest yield (mean of 19 years) was observed in treatments IPNS + B (5.86 t ha−1), IPNS (5.77 t ha−1), IPNS + C (5.48 t ha−1), and STCR (5.45 t ha−1), followed by OF at 4.49 t ha−1, NPK at 3.76 t ha−1, with the lowest in the control plot at 1.43 t ha−1. Additionally, total phosphorus and sulfur accumulation in rice (grain: 8.41 to 39.09 kg ha−1; straw: 6.02 to 23.54 kg ha−1) varied significantly across nutrient supply treatments. Overall, adoption of IPNS integration with legumes (IPNS + B and IPNS + C), can significantly improve productivity and nutrient accumulation in R-W systems. Incorporating legumes into farming practices is advised for sustained productivity and nutritional benefits.

Effect of copper on nitrogen uptake, transportation, assimilation processes, and related gene expression in Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis (L.)] under various nitrate-to-ammonium ratios.

Improving vegetable yield and optimizing its quality through nutrient management have long been central to plant nutrition and horticultural science. Copper (Cu) is recognized as an essential trace element that promotes plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which Cu influences nitrogen (N) metabolism remain largely unknown, with limited studies exploring the interaction between Cu and varying nitrate-to-ammonium (nitrate/ammonium) ratios. In this study, Chinese cabbage was exposed to two Cu concentrations (0 and 0.02 mg L-1) in combination with three nitrate/ammonium ratios (10/90, 50/50, and 90/10) under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that Cu application increased plant biomass, nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activities, the expression of NR (NIA) and GS2 (Gln2) genes, and N content in both shoots and roots. Additionally, Cu treatment decreased nitrate and free amino acid contents, as well as the expression of nitrate transporters NRT1.1 and NRT2.1 in roots while increasing these four parameters in shoots. Additionally, these effects were significantly modulated by the nitrate/ammonium ratios. In conclusion, Cu may facilitate nitrate transportation, enhance nitrate reduction, promote ammonium assimilation, and influence the transformation of organic N compounds, highlighting its potential role in improving N metabolism in Chinese cabbage.

Time to flowering of ornamental orchids

Objective: To analyze features of time to flowering of orchids and some strategies for its control in cultivation for ornamental purposes. Design/methodology/approach: Information from various authors and our own data is shown, in relation to the management of flowering time of ornamental orchids, based on treatments of environmental effects, plant growth regulators (PGRs) and nutrition. Findings/conclusions: It is possible to reduce the flowering time of orchids by environmental modifications, mainly temperature and photoperiod. This can also be achieved by nutritional management, mainly macro-nutritional, and through organic nutrition and PGRs. However, much more information is needed, especially for native orchid species with ornamental potential.

Interactions of nitrogen and phosphorus in plant nutrition - Analysis of a 60-years old field experiment

Abstract Background and aims The aims are to determine to which extent different plant species increase nitrogen (N) acquisition in response to phosphorus (P) addition and P acquisition in response to N addition as well as to analyze resulting nutrient limitations. Methods The field experiment is replicated at ten sites in Sweden and comprises three fertilization regimes (low, medium, and high) each consisting of a control and a N, P, and NP treatment. Yields as well as N and P contents of the yields of four species (winter wheat, spring barley, oat, and sugar beet) were analyzed over 60 years. Results The relative increase in yield P in response to N fertilization was larger than the relative increase in yield N in response to P fertilization for three species. Synergistic NP co-limitation was observed for all species at some sites. The synergistic growth effect in response to NP addition occurred at more sites at high than at low fertilization. At one nutrient-poor site, all species in all fertilization regimes were (synergistically) NP co-limited. Sugar beet was (synergistically) NP co-limited at all sites in all fertilization regimes. Conclusion Species differed in nutrient acquisition, but most species used added N more effectively to acquire P than they used added P to acquire N. Synergistic NP co-limitation was observed for all plant species at some sites, and it increased with fertilization rate, which is likely due to the limits to which plants can use N to acquire P and P to acquire N.

Seedling Growth and Nutritional Status of Elaeagnus angustifolia and Robinia pseudoacacia as Response to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and K-Humate

ABSTRACT This study aimed to reveal the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizae and K-humate on some of the morphological characteristics and growth of Russian olive (RO; Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) and black locust (BL; Robinia pseudoacacia L.). The indigenous mycorrhizal spores (Claroideoglomus claroideum, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Claroideoglomus luteum, and Funneliformis mosseae) collected from rhizospheres of RO and BL trees in afforestation sites located in Central Anatolia. In addition, commercial mycorrhizal mixture and K-humate were used as treatments. Five treatments (1—indigenous mycorrhizal fungi, 2—K-humate, 3—indigenous mycorrhizal fungi + K-humate, 4—commercial mycorrhizal fungi, and 5—control) were assigned in a completely randomized design for both tree species. Four months after the treatments, inoculation rate, above-ground seedling height, fresh and dry weight, root collar diameter, length, fresh, and dry weight, leaf area index, shot-to-root dry weight ratio, seedling height to root collar diameter ratio, and Dickson quality index were determined. Plant and soil analyses were carried out to determine the effects of treatments on plant and soil nutrition. Indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and K-humate combinations had positive effects on the morphological characteristics and nutritional status of the seedlings. The indigenous mycorrhizal and K-humate interaction showed the most pronounced effects on RO growth and nutrition.

Unlocking higher yields in Urochloa brizantha: the role of basalt powder in enhancing soil nutrient availability

This study investigates the effect of basalt powder on soil fertility through changes in its chemical characteristics and the response of Urochloa brizantha to different application doses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using two distinct soil types: Oxisol (OX) and Typic Quartzipsamment (TQ). Basalt powder dosages were determined based on the calcium levels required to adjust calcium contents in each soil (Ca2+) to recommended levels for the U. brizantha,ranging from 0 to 4 times the recommended amount. After 170 days of incubation, soil samples were collected for analysis to evaluate soil attributes. U. brizantha was then planted to assess the efficiency of basalt powder, which was harvested at 40 days after sowing (first cut) and 70 days after sowing (second cut). The accumulation of nutrients and shoot dry mass (SDM) production were subsequently measured. The findings revealed that applying the highest dose of basalt powder (96 Mg ha−1) substantially elevated pH, and increased concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), copper (Cu), boron (B), and silicon (Si) in Oxisol (OX), while decreasing aluminum (Al3+) contents in the same soil. Furthermore, an average increase in the SDM of both U. brizantha harvests was observed, with a 6% increase in TQ and a 27% increase in OX. Additionally, an increase in the accumulation of P, K, Ca, Mg, and sulphur (S) in the shoot dry mass of the plants was observed with the basalt powder doses. These findings suggest that basalt powder has the potential to be an environmentally friendly alternative for soil fertilization, with positive impacts on soil chemical attributes and plant growth and nutrition.

Interactions between host plant quality and non‐consumptive predator effects on oviposition and larval behaviour of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Abstract The presence of predators can induce non‐consumptive effects on prey that result in subsequent changes to prey behaviour and defence. We investigate the interaction between top‐down non‐consumptive effects of various stages of the predator Coccinella septempunctata L.(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (larvae and adult) and bottom‐up effects of host nutrition on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) oviposition and larval host choice. We also compare the effect of presence of intact predators, predators without mandibles, confined predators and a no predator control treatment on P. xylostella larval growth, survival and herbivory. Host plant nutrition influenced the host choice of adult female P. xylostella; no interaction was observed between bottom‐up host plant nutrition and the presence of C. septempunctata adults or larvae on oviposition or larval host choice by P. xylostella. Predator presence impacted larval feeding and weight gain. The presence of free‐moving C. septempunctata adults without mandibles that could not predate P. xylostella reduced mean leaf consumption by P. xylostella larvae to 1.88 ± 0.21 cm2 and reduced weight gain to 2.12 ± 0.16 mg. Despite differences in leaf damage and larval weight gain, survival remained consistent across the non‐consumptive treatments. Intact C. septempunctata larvae reduced leaf damage and subsequent P. xylostella larval weight gain. The presence of larval predators across the non‐consumptive treatments, however, had no effect on feeding damage or weight gain. Results of our investigation indicate that C. septempunctata causes some non‐consumptive effects on P. xylostella that depend on predator life stage, level of confinement and prey life stage. It is likely that P. xylostella responds to multi‐modal cues in predator detection.

Optimal Light Intensity for Lettuce Growth, Quality, and Photosynthesis in Plant Factories.

In agriculture, one of the most crucial elements for sustained plant production is light. Artificial lighting can meet the specific light requirements of various plants. However, it is a challenge to find optimal lighting schemes that can facilitate a balance of plant growth and nutritional qualities. In this study, we experimented with the light intensity required for plant growth and nutrient elements. We designed three light intensity treatments, 180 μmol m-2 s-1 (L1), 210 μmol m-2 s-1 (L2), and 240 μmol m-2 s-1 (L3), to investigate the effect of light intensity on lettuce growth and quality. It can be clearly seen from the radar charts that L2 significantly affected the plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area. L3 mainly affected the canopy diameter and root shoot ratio. The effect of L1 on lettuce phenotype was not significant compared with that of the others. The total soluble sugar, vitamin C, nitrate, and free amino acid in lettuce showed more significant increases under the L2 treatment than under the other treatments. In addition, the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were opposite to each other. The comprehensive evaluation of the membership function value method and heatmap analysis showed that lettuce had the highest membership function value in L2 light intensity conditions, indicating that the lettuce grown under this light intensity could obtain higher yield and better quality. This study provides a new insight into finding the best environmental factors to balance plant nutrition and growth.

Unveiling drivers of conservation agriculture amidst climate challenges: A coastal Bangladeshi case study

Conservation agriculture practices play a pivotal role in augmenting agricultural productivity while concurrently fostering biodiversity, mitigating soil erosion, and enhancing plant nutrition. This study aims to delve into the determinants influencing the adoption behavior of farmers regarding conservation agriculture practices, categorizing them into medium adoption, less adoption, and non-adoption groups. Primary data were meticulously gathered from three distinct regions within the coastal areas of Bangladesh, encompassing a total of 450 respondents. Descriptive statistics were employed to delineate the socio-economic status of farmers, while multinomial logistic regression was utilized to identify factors affecting conservation agriculture adoption. This study also employed to find out the severity of different climate problem faced by the farmers. Analysis of organizational communication patterns revealed that medium adopters maintained a more substantial connection with diverse organizations compared to other groups. Descriptive statistics elucidated that both medium and less adopters of conservation agriculture had undergone more training, possessed higher farm incomes, and exhibited greater levels of education compared to non-adopters. Further exploration through factor analysis unveiled that increased training significantly influenced farmers' decisions to embrace conservation agriculture practices, concurrently enhancing their knowledge of agricultural methodologies. The study identified positive relationships between crop income, cultivable land, different channel communication exposure, climate change perception and training duration with the adoption of conservation agriculture. Finally, the results underscore the importance of organizational monitoring systems and frequent farmer engagement, alongside an augmentation in training initiatives. These measures are posited to yield more favorable outcomes in promoting conservation agriculture practices among farmers. Alongside, Conservation agriculture play a key role for achieving sustainable land use and climate action.

CNN driven nutrient deficiency detection in plants using real-world leaf images

In agriculture, our farmers currently lack efficient methods to classify and identify plant nutrient deficiencies or diseases, leading to ineffective remedial measures. However, the potential for early detection of plant nutrient deficiencies using colour gradients or leaf patterns, coupled with the advancements in Image Processing, Deep Learning (DL), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), offers a promising future. This paper presents deep learning-based methods to segregate nutrient deficiencies using leaf images, a potential game-changer for the industry. Our research has the potential to revolutionize plant nutrition management, inspiring a new wave of efficient and effective practices in agriculture. We analyzed the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) dataset and applied an image augmentation mechanism to enhance the training process with the available dataset. By utilizing Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and learning algorithms, we minimised loss and improved accuracy. The model, incorporating over 1.5 million parameters, has shown promising results in predicting deficiencies accurately. We propose an SGD-based training mechanism to balance localization and classification tasks, a step towards a more efficient and effective approach to plant nutrition management.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial secondary metabolites in augmenting heavy metal(loid) phytoremediation: An integrated green in situ ecorestorative technology.

In recent times, increased geogenic and human-centric activities have caused significant heavy metal(loid) (HM) contamination of soil, adversely impacting environmental, plant, and human health. Phytoremediation is an evolving, cost-effective, environment-friendly, in situ technology that employs indigenous/exotic plant species as natural purifiers to remove toxic HM(s) from deteriorated ambient soil. Interestingly, the plant's rhizomicrobiome is pivotal in promoting overall plant nutrition, health, and phytoremediation. Certain secondary metabolites produced by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) directly participate in HM bioremediation through chelation/mobilization/sequestration/bioadsorption/bioaccumulation, thus altering metal(loid) bioavailability for their uptake, accumulation, and translocation by plants. Moreover, the metallotolerance of the PGPR and the host plant is another critical factor for the successful phytoremediation of metal(loid)-polluted soil. Among the phytotechniques available for HM remediation, phytoextraction/phytoaccumulation (HM mobilization, uptake, and accumulation within the different plant tissues) and phytosequestration/phytostabilization (HM immobilization within the soil) have gained momentum in recent years. Natural metal(loid)-hyperaccumulating plants have the potential to assimilate increased levels of metal(loid)s, and several such species have already been identified as potential candidates for HM phytoremediation. Furthermore, the development of transgenic rhizobacterial and/or plant strains with enhanced environmental adaptability and metal(loid) uptake ability using genetic engineering might open new avenues in PGPR-assisted phytoremediation technologies. With the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for identifying metal(loid)-impacted lands and an appropriate combination of normal/transgenic (hyper)accumulator plant(s) and rhizobacterial inoculant(s), it is possible to develop efficient integrated phytobial remediation strategies in boosting the clean-up process over vast regions of HM-contaminated sites and eventually restore ecosystem health.

Secrets Beyond the Basics in Plant Nutrition: The Potential of Titanium, Zirconium, Chromium and Iodine:Mini Review

Secrets Beyond the Basics in Plant Nutrition: The Potential of Titanium, Zirconium, Chromium and Iodine:Mini Review

Mitigating acid rain stress and enhancing aquaponics lettuce quality through root protection

Aquaponics is a sustainable eco-agricultural technology that combines aquaculture with horticulture. However, there is still limited research on the effects and preventive measures of acid rain on aquaponics vegetables. Herein, we conducted an experiment to decipher the combined effect of acid rain (pH 5.0, 4.0, and 3.0) and the protecting treatments (AR and AG) on the lettuce, in which plant growth, photosynthetic system, antioxidant system, nutrition and mineral elements were investigated. The results indicated that acid rain was the main factor affecting the growth of lettuce. Without acid rain, the various indicators of lettuce did not alter under AR and AG treatments. As pH decreased, lettuce yield and quality gradually decreased. Acid rain stimulated the antioxidant system and reduced root vitality and nutrient absorption. AG treatment mitigated the harm of acid rain on lettuce root vitality, soluble sugars, nitrate, and ascorbic acid content. At pH 4.0, AG treatment had the greatest mitigating effect. While at pH 3.0, AG treatment had no effect on the SOD activity, total phenolic and soluble sugar content of lettuce. These findings indicated that protecting the roots can mitigate the impact of acid rain on the edible and nutritional value of aquaponics lettuce. As pH decreased, this mitigating effect gradually diminished. In summary, the detrimental effect of acid rain on aquaponics lettuce was inevitable, yet protective root treatments offered a viable strategy to mitigate this stress. This research established a foundation for the enhancement of aquaponics systems resilience to acid rain.

Enhancing aquaponic cultivation in Indonesia: A comparative study of bioball biofilters with different additives

Abstract The development of aquaponic cultivation in Indonesia remains limited despite its potential to significantly boost farmers’ and communities’ income. In aquaponics, fish are regularly fed, while plants solely rely on nutrients derived from leftover feed and fish waste, without external supplementation. Biofilters play a crucial role in aquaponic systems, providing a growth medium for microorganisms that convert fish feces’ ammonia into nitrates, essential for plant nutrition. In general, biofilters use bioball material, so as to optimize the biofilter, this study compares the effectiveness of different materials, namely activated charcoal, shells, and coconut fiber, when incorporated into bioball biofilters within aquaponic systems. The research was conducted on an aquaponic installation featuring an NFT system utilizing PVC pipes. The experiment involved 45 tilapia fish, each measuring 7-11 cm and weighing 10-15 grams, alongside red lettuce plants planted in 10 holes per pipe, with 6 replications. After 45 days from planting, the plants were harvested, and observations were made on both plant and fish growth. The growth of red lettuce plants in the biofilter installation with shells addition (BS) showed the best results based on parameters such as plant height, leaf width, plant dry weight, and shoot:root ratio. The installation with coconut fiber addition (BS) showed the best results in terms of number of leaves. BA installation with activated carcoal addition (BA) showed the best results in terms of number of Leaf chlorophyll. The highest percentage of survival for Nile tilapia was observed in the BS and BA installation with a rate of 88.89%, followed by 78.57% in the BC installation, and 60.46% in the BB installation.

Combined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi with Meso‐rhizobium improves nutrient uptake, growth performance, and moisture stress tolerance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

AbstractBiofertilizers can be better alternatives to chemical fertilizers to enhance plant nutrition and productivity as they improve the soil fertility and crop productivity in an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective manner. A pot experiment was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019 in southern Ethiopia to evaluate the combined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Meso‐rhizobium (MR) on biomass yield, nutrient uptake, and moisture stress tolerance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (variety: Habru). The experiment was executed as a factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments were control (non‐fertilized), sole AM fungi inoculation, AM fungi inoculation with phosphorus fertilizer (20 kg P ha−1) and MR, and sole inorganic fertilizers (20 kg P;10 kg N ha−1) at four different moisture levels (optimum throughout the growing season, stressed at vegetative, flowering, and seed filling stages). The results demonstrated that biomass yields were limited by moisture stress, especially at vegetative and flowering stages of chickpea. Sole and co‐application of AMF with MR and inorganic P increased biomass yields on average by 19%, 39%, and 33% under water stress conditions, respectively, compared to the non‐inoculated control. The application of AMF with MR and inorganic P also significantly increased nodulation, AMF colonization, and nutrient uptake, but these effects were dependent on soil moisture status. In conclusion, there are potential advantages to be gained from sole and combined AMF application with rhizobium to improve growth and productivity of chickpea through enhanced nutrient and water uptake, though the results of this pot experiment should be validated through field trials.

Hybrid Modeling and Management of Lodging in Subtropical Fiber Flax: Optimizing Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Cultivation

ABSTRACT Subtropical fiber flax faces significant challenges due to crop lodging, exacerbated by the high N regimes needed for increased fiber production. This study examines impact of balanced P and K applications under varied N regimes on lodging resistance, fiber yield, and quality of flax. Field experiments with 12 NPK treatments revealed that while 120:19:38 kg N, P, K ha−1 achieved highest plant height, stem-diameter, and fresh-weight while increased lodging percentage and reduced fiber quality when P and K were not balanced. Conversely, balanced P and K applications mitigated negative effects of high N, significantly reducing lodging and enhancing fiber yield, quality. Optimal fiber quality, including fiber length and bundle tenacity, was observed with 90:19:38 kg N, P, K ha−1. The novelty of this study lies in integration of stochastic and ML approaches to develop hybrid models for lodging. By combining LASSO with ANN, NLSVR, and RF techniques, hybrid models outperformed individual models in lodging prediction. Specifically, LASSO-NLSVR provided most accurate predictions due to its nonlinear mapping capabilities. Key predictive factors included fiber content, linear density, and tensile strength at 60 days post-sowing, offering valuable insights for breeders and agronomists to improve flax lodging resistance and fiber quality in subtropical climates.