Multi-nutrient Fertilizer Research Articles

Effects of nutrient omission on grain and biomass yield of irrigated wheat (triticum aestivum) in Sekota district, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract The Ethiopian government has recently imported and distributed multi-nutrient fertilizers for farmers’ use without sufficient research findings. Hence, selecting the appropriate fertilizers based on the actual limiting plant nutrients is crucial for providing timely policy direction to import only fertilizers that could limit crop yield. A field study was carried out to identify the yield-limiting plant nutrients for wheat under irrigation at two farmer’s fields in the Woleh irrigation scheme of the Amhara region of Ethiopia in the 2022 irrigation season. A total of nine treatments, including control, NPSKZnB (all), NPSKZn (all-B), NPSKB (all-Zn), NPKZnB (all-S), NPSZnB (all-K), NKSZnB (all-P), PKSZnB (all-N), and RNP (all-KSZnB), were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCRD) with three replications. The Kekeba wheat variety was used as a test crop. The collected grain and biomass yield data were analyzed using R software, following the procedure. The results showed that fertilizer application significantly affected wheat grain yield. The highest grain yield (4443.5 kg ha−1) was obtained from NPKZnB (All-S) treatment, though this was not statistically different from the yield achieved with the recommended NP treatment. While the lowest grain yield was obtained from the control and nitrogen omitted treatment. There was no significant difference between and among the treatments except control, all-N, and all-P. The grain yield was reduced by 3181.6 kg ha−1 when N was omitted and 1817.8 kg ha−1 when P was omitted over all-S (NPKZnB). This showed that nitrogen and phosphorous are yield-limiting plant nutrients for wheat under irrigation in the study area. Therefore, the government should give emphasis to nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing fertilizers to increase wheat yield.

Foliar Sprays of Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer Containing Selenium Produce Functional Tomato Fruits with Higher Shelf Life.

Selenium (Se) is a nutrient whose daily intake is often below the recommended levels in people. Biofortification with Se is a method to increase this intake by raising the Se concentration in tomato fruits, an effect dependent on sources and modes of application. Additionally, Se application can promote the enhancement of other compounds in tomato fruits, altering their metabolism, which may increase the fruit's shelf life. This study aimed to determine how different strategies of applying a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing Se (SeMNF) can increase the Se content and other bioactive compounds and enhance the shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits. Different foliar fertilization strategies involving the use of SeMNF were evaluated in field trials conducted on commercial tomato crops. Indeterminate-growth tomatoes were used, and different Se doses and application strategies were tested. Harvesting was conducted in three phases according to fruit ripening. Each harvested fruit was assessed for the Se content, macro and micronutrients, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solids in tomato fruits. Doses of 15 g ha-1 of Se, split into three applications, increased the Se content in the fruits at 1 and 2 harvests. The application of SeMNF at Se doses above 10 g of Se ha-1 increased firmness, days of ripening, and the nutritional quality of the tomatoes (higher contents of carotenoids (+39%), lycopene (+33%), antioxidant activity (+16%), total phenolic compounds (+38%), and vitamin C (+14%) in a dose-dependent effect of the application strategy used. These results contributed to an increase in the shelf life of tomatoes, consequently reducing food waste.

Agronomic and Economic Performance of Rain-Fed Maize (Zea mays L.) Production under Varying Sowing Dates and Multinutrient Fertilizer Levels in Shire Area, Northern Ethiopia

The present study was carried out to examine the combined effects of varying seed sowing and multinutrient fertilizer levels on maize yield in Shire area, Northern Ethiopia, in two consecutive cropping seasons (2018-2019). The experimental plots were designed in a split plot design with three replications. Sowing dates were determined based on the rainfall criteria of the AquaCrop model. Accordingly, the sowing date treatments were set as June 1, June 7, June 12, and June 16 for the 2018 cropping season, and the corresponding sowing dates for the 2019 cropping season were May 26, June 3, June 8, and June 12. The multinutrient fertilizer levels included 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg·ha−1. Agronomic related data were subjected to the analysis of variance, and partial budget analysis was applied for the economic performance evaluation. Maize yield was agronomically and economically influenced by sowing dates and multinutrient levels. Relative yield superiority that varies between 48.9 and 87.7% was found for each 100 kg·ha−1 multinutrient applied. On the other hand, with 4–6 days shifted towards earlier sowing resulted in an average yield increase by 4.9–66.9%. Application of 300 kg·ha−1 multinutrient for the early sown maize seems agronomically the superior treatment. However, from the economic analysis perspective, early maize sowing combined with the application of 200 kg·ha−1 multinutrient fertilizer was reported as the most profitable treatment. Late sowing of maize with the application of multinutrient fertilizer beyond 200 kg·ha−1 resulted in negative economic returns. The regression analysis results also indicated that maize grain yield tends to increase with the level of multinutrient fertilizer application (R2 = 0.841–0.864), whereas yield decreased with the delay in sowing dates (R2 = 0.927–0.995). Hence, this study concluded that the treatments with the best agronomic performance are not necessarily the best in terms of profitability.

Enhanced nutrient recovery from anaerobically digested poultry wastewater through struvite precipitation by organic acid pre-treatment and seeding in a bubble column electrolytic reactor

Limited mineralization of organic phosphorus to phosphate during the anaerobic digestion process poses a significant challenge in the development of cost-effective nutrient recovery strategies from anaerobically digested poultry wastewater (ADPW). This study investigated the influence of organic acids on phosphorus solubilization from ADPW, followed by its recycling in the form of struvite using a bubble column electrolytic reactor (BCER) without adding chemicals. The impact of seeding on the efficiency of PO43− and NH3-N recovery as well as the size distribution of recovered precipitates from the acid pre-treated ADPW was also evaluated. Pre-treatment of the ADPW with oxalic acid achieved complete solubilization of phosphorus, reaching ∼100% extraction efficiency at pH 2.5. The maximum removal efficiency of phosphate and ammonia-nitrogen from the ADPW were 88.9% and 90.1%, respectively, while the addition of 5 and 10 g/L struvite seed to the BCER increased PO43− removal efficiency by 9.6% and 11.5%, respectively. The value of the kinetic rate constant, k, increased from 0.0176 min−1 (unseeded) to 0.0198 min−1, 0.0307 min−1, and 0.0375 min−1 with the seed loading rate of 2, 5, and 10 g/L, respectively. Concurrently, the average particle size rose from 75.3 μm (unseeded) to 82.1 μm, 125.7 μm, and 148.9 μm, respectively. Results from XRD, FTIR, EDS, and dissolved chemical analysis revealed that the solid product obtained from the recovery process was a multi-nutrient fertilizer consisting of 94.7% struvite with negligible levels of heavy metals.

Evaluation of natural radioactivity and assessment of dose increase due to the use of fertilizers produced in Poland

Some types of fertilizers may contain various amounts of natural radionuclides like 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K (Kuzmanoviæ et al. in J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331(12):5825–5834, 2022. 10.1007/s10967-022-08646-x; H Hamamo et al. in J Radioanal Nucl Chem 194(2): 331–336, 1995. 10.1007/BF02038431; M García-León et al. in J Radioanal Nucl Chem 197(1): 173–184, 1995. 10.1007/BF02040229). In this study 16 samples of commercially available fertilizers produced in Poland were selected for preliminary radiological evaluation. The samples were measured by means of low background gamma spectrometry. The results showed high concentrations of 40K in potassium and multinutrient fertilizers (2.3–13.8 kBq kg−1), and relatively high concentrations of uranium and radium isotopes in phosphate fertilizers. The obtained results allowed to calculate radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate increase and increase in annual effective dose equivalent.

Glauconitic Siltstone: additive for ammonia retention and reduction of nitrogen volatilization loss

Glauconitic siltstone is sedimentary rock used as raw material to produce a multinutrient fertilizer that can combine with urea to increase their agronomic efficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate glauconitic siltstone as additive to reduce nitrogen losses by ammonia volatilization in nitrogen fertilizers. The experiment used randomized block, in a portion subdivided over time, following a 6 x 8 factorial with four replications and treatments comprising glauconitic siltstone mixture at a dose of 100 kg N ha-1 (control, without the application of nitrogen; conventional urea – 45% N; commercial fertilizer registered with the trade name of Super N®; urea with addition of glauconitic siltstone: 9% N; 20 and 31% N) and the remaining portion divided in the collection time at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 days after fertilizer application. The collection of the volatilized ammonia was made in a semi-opened free static chamber. The use of glauconitic siltstone associated with urea provided a reduction in loss by volatilization from 10 to 27% in relation to conventional urea. The treatments with application of urea with the urease inhibitor showed the lowest volatilization rate and delay in the volatilization peak, which occurred 17 days after fertilizer application. In addition to providing nutrients to the plants, glauconitic siltstone reduces ammonia losses.

Field and In vitro Study of Pronos and Dormulin against Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew Diseases of Grape

Downy mildew and powdery mildew are destructive diseases of grapes which require application of fungicides. Fungicides are expensive and cause ecological contamination and resistance. Pronos and Dormulin are 'Multi nutrient fertilizers' which were evaluated against the diseases. The field experiments were conducted against powdery mildew (Sangli, Maharashtra) and downy mildew (Theni, Tamil Nadu) in grapes. In vitro experiment against downy mildew conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes laboratory. In vitro study comprised of 12 treatments. In the case of downy mildew, a field experiment was set with 7 treatments. The foliar application of Dormulin flowering @ 5 g/L of water, and Pronos @ 1.5 g/L of water recorded the lowest percent disease index on leaves, and they were at par with Dormulin (vegetative) followed by 3 sprays of Dormulin (flowering) @ 5 g/L ofwater. In the case of powdery mildew, experiment was set with 10 treatments. On leaves, Pronos (curative) and Pronos (Prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L of water and Dormulin 1 flowering (curative) @ 5 g/L of water showed the lowest percent disease index on leaves than the untreated control. Therefore, Dormulin flowering @ 5 g/L and Pronos @ 1.5 g/L for downy mildew and Pronos (curative) and Pronos (Prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L water and Dormulin 1 flowering (curative) @ 5 g/L for powdery mildew were claimed to be effective for controlling diseases. In vitro study showed that Dimethomorph at 1g/L of water was found to be superior over all the treatments with high disease suppression followed by Pronos @1.5gm/L, Dormulin-V1- Flowering grade, and Dormulin-V2- Flowering grade @ 10g/L with slight sporulation. Marketable yield was significantly higher with Pronos (curative) which was on par with Dormulin application as compared to control and fungicide treatment. Use of mineral nutrients in an appropriate proportion is one of the new approaches for plant disease management.

The Use and Impact of Multi-Nutrient Fertilizers in Kenyan Smallholder Cropping Systems

Despite the documented advantages to multi-nutrient fertilizer application their use remains low across smallholder cropping systems in Kenya. A better understanding of the key influences that foster (and restrict) their use can chart a path for new ways to encourage innovation on-farm.

Cereal yields in Ethiopia relate to soil properties and N and P fertilizers

There is an urgent need to increase cereal yields in the Ethiopian Highlands to ensure national food security. A major crop response-to-fertilizer program was set up in 2017–2019 as part of the CASCAPE project in the Ethiopian Highlands. It covered 33 experiments on maize, teff and wheat in five reference soil groups (Nitisols, Luvisols, Vertisols, Leptosols and Andosols). Five levels of multi-nutrient fertilizer (50–300 kg NPSZnB ha− 1 and 100 kg urea ha− 1) were applied. At the lower fertilizer level, average yields were 5500, 1500 and 3300 kg ha− 1 for maize, teff and wheat, respectively. At the highest rate, yields were 7900, 2100 and 5000 kg ha− 1. Maize and wheat yields were strongly correlated to the reference soil groups, but not to rainfall differences. Wheat yields were also positively correlated to soil organic carbon levels, underpinning the need to apply integrated soil fertility management. Comparing NPSZnB fertilizers with NPS and DAP fertilizers revealed a lack of statistically significant advantage for the fertilizers including Zn and B. As B was present in fine-granular form in the fertilizer bags, being prone to segregation, firm conclusions on the need for this micronutrient cannot be drawn. The use of ‘recommendation windows’ is suggested to group results into concrete packages at district levels and below, preferably combined with soil maps since soil types were correlated with maize and wheat yields. The windows could then be the starting point to develop ‘last mile’ fertilizer use policies, relevant to farmers and the way they manage their fields in the landscape.

Foliar Application of Selenium Associated with a Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer in Soybean: Yield, Grain Quality, and Critical Se Threshold.

Selenium uptake and its content in soybean grains are affected by Se application methods. This study evaluated the impact of Se foliar application combined with a multi-nutrient fertilizer (MNF) on soybean, establishing a Se threshold to better understand the relationship between Se content in grains and yield of two genotypes (58I60 Lança and M5917). Two trials were conducted in a 4 × 2 factorial design: four Se rates (0, 10, 40, 80 g Se ha-1) and two methods of foliar Se application (Se combined or not with MNF). Foliar fertilizers were applied twice, at phenological stages of beginning of pod development and grain filling. Grain yield increased with the application of MNF, yet Se rates increased Se contents linearly up to 80 g Se ha-1, regardless of the use of MNF. Lança and M5917 genotypes had grain Se critical thresholds of 1.0 and 3.0 mg kg-1, respectively. The application of Se favored higher contents of K, P, and S in grains of genotype Lança and higher contents of Mn and Fe in grains of genotype M5917. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing different Se fertilization strategies as well as genotypic variations when assessing the effects of Se on soybean yield and grain quality.

Enhancing sustainable agri-food systems using multi-nutrient fertilizers in Kenyan smallholder farming systems

Persistent food insecurity in the global south has triggered calls for sustainable development worldwide. Moreover, more than a quarter of the world's population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies or hidden hunger. The population bulge, declining soil fertility and inadequate/inappropriate use of farm inputs in Sub-Saharan Africa place it in a precarious position. Multi-nutrient fertilizer blends have been mooted as a key innovation in closing yield gaps and boosting food and nutrition security. This study assessed the extent of multi-nutrient fertilizer blends utilization and yield response across agroecological zones and their on-farm profitability under Kenyan smallholder farmer conditions. We collected data through a detailed household survey conducted in eight counties in Kenya representative of high, medium, and low productivity zones using a sample of 1094 smallholder farmers. Multi-nutrient fertilizers increased maize yields significantly (P < 0.05), eliciting a 400% yield increase compared to the control and 108% greater maize yield than conventional fertilizers in the high potential zone. Conversely, at 3.7 t/ha conventional fertilizers elicited a significant (P < 0.05) yield response in Irish potatoes in the high potential areas. Multi-nutrient fertilizers increased on-farm profitability of crops, specifically for potato production systems where a benefit: cost ratio (BCR) of more than 2 was observed. Farmers may break even when they use multi-nutrient fertilizers on maize particularly in the low potential areas. Therefore, there is considerable potential for multi-nutrient fertilizers to increase crop productivity while being economically viable across agroecological zones and cropping systems. However, the uptake of multi-nutrient fertilizers among farmers is quite low across the country, except for small pockets where limited interventions have been carried out. This calls for sustained efforts to scale multi-nutrient fertilizers with a focus on clear messaging that stresses the need to apply appropriate rates of various nutrients including the secondary nutrients and micro-nutrients.

Effects of NPSB and foliar application of copper fertilizers on yield and yield components of maize in Halaba, Southern Ethiopia

Maize is one of the most economically important cereal crops produced by millions of farmers in Ethiopia. It is believed that practical information on the use of multi-nutrient fertilizer blends involving the actual limiting nutrients for specific site and crop may improve maize production and contribute to food security. Hence, an experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to evaluate NPSB with and without Cu fertilizer and to determine the optimum rate for maize production in Halaba area. NPSB fertilizer with and without Cu was arranged in nine treatments. The treatments were:(1) no fertilizer (control), (2) NPSB: 69 kg N + 23.5 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B/ha, (3) NPSB: 92 kg N + 31 kg P + 13 kg S + 1.4 kg B/ha, (4) NPSB: 115 kg N + 39 kg P + 17 kg S + 1.7 kg B/ha, (5) NPSB: 138 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B/ha, (6) NPSBCu: 69 kg N + 23.5 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha, (7) NPSBCu: 92 kg N + 31 kg P + 13 kg S + 1.4 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha, (8) NPSBCu: 115 kg N + 39 kg P + 17 kg S + 1.7 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha and (9) NPSBCu: 138 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha. Two farms were used for the trial and the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Different crop parameters were measured and analyzed using SAS 9.3 program. Economic analysis was also performed to investigate thefeasibility of fertilizer treatments for maize production. Based on statistical analysis, ttreatment 5 (NPSB: 138 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B/ha) gave significantly higher maize yield compared to all other fertilizer treatments and the control. The highest net benefit (33,329 ETB/ha) was also obtained from this treatmentwith acceptable marginal rate of return (557%) even under the projected 20% input price increment.

Response of barley to different rates of NPS and NPSB Fertilizers in the highland of Bule Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

One of the main constraints for sustainable barley production is lack of information on the use of multi-nutrient fertilizers, involving the actual limiting nutrients for specific site. On farm experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons on two farmers’ field to evaluate the effect of NPS and NPSB, and to determine their optimum rates for barley production in Bulle woreda. The experiment consisted of nine treatments, including control (no fertilizer)(T1); four rates of NPS at 46 kg N. 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S/ha (T2), 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S/ha(T3), 92 kg N, 39 kg P, 17 kg S/ha (T4), 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S/ha (T5); and four rates of NPSB at 46 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S, 1.07 kg B/ha(T6), 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S, 1.4 kg B /ha (T7), 92 kg N, 39 kg P, 17 kg S, 1.7 kg B/ha(T8) 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S, 1.07 kg B/ha (T9) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Except the absolute control, all plots received 50 kg K/ha. Results of ANOVA indicated that application of NPS and NPBS significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved plant height, biomass and grain yield compared to control. NPS application at 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P and 10 kg S + 50 kg K/ha followed by NPSB at 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S and 1.4 kg B + 50 kgK/ha recorded highest barley grain yield and resulted in 5271 and 5158 kg/ha, respectively, while the lowest yield was recorded for the unfertilized plot. In general, effects of NPS or NPSB were not significantly different, suggesting that farmers’ could invest in NPS for increased barley production. This treatment also gave higher net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return even under projected (20%) input price increment.t Therefore, we could recommend the application of 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P and 10 kg S + 50 kg K/ha (142 kg NPS + 142 kg urea + 100 kg KCl kg/ha) for barley production in the study area. The response of barley to NPSB (inclusion of B in NPS) and NPS effect on barley with respect to RNP still needs to be widely investigated.

Silvicultural Treatments Affect Growth and Foliar Nutrients in a Young Ponderosa Pine Stand

Abstract Foliar nutrient status, diameter, and height growth were investigated for young ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands grown under six fertilizer and herbicide treatments (including control) in southeast Washington to diagnose foliar nutrient status and evaluate the effects of silvicultural treatments on growth rates. Two application methods of fertilizer (one “best guess” multi-nutrient fertilizer blend) and herbicide applications (broadcast or spot) were used in the study. Broadcast herbicide application produced higher tree growth responses than spot application. The two broadcast application methods improved diameter increments by 43.3%, whereas the average response of the three spot application methods during the third growing season was only 14.5%. Height growth response for these same two treatments was much less than the diameter response. Fertilizer application in addition to herbicide did not significantly increase tree growth over herbicide alone. Foliar nutrient response to fertilization based on foliar vector analysis was inconsistent, possibly due to nutrient imbalances resulting from the one multi-nutrient blend used in our experiment. Control of grass completion produced a rapid posttreatment early growth trajectory and suggested that stand establishment was successful in this plantation. Our results should also be useful in naturally regenerated young ponderosa pine forests subject to heavy grass competition. Study Implications: Given the increasing need for reforestation in the western United States, results from our study should provide useful information for forest managers. Stand establishment is a critical phase for ponderosa pine stands. Broadcast herbicide application in a recently established plantation produced a rapid early growth trajectory. In this experiment, reducing severe sod grass competition was the most important factor that increased tree growth. Our results may also apply to naturally regenerated ponderosa pine stands. Fertilization with a multi-nutrient fertilizer blend did not significantly increase tree growth as a separate treatment or when combined with herbicide. Foliar nutrient response to fertilization was inconsistent, possibly due to nutrient imbalances resulting from the multi-nutrient fertilizer blend used in our experiment. Fertilization rate and nutrient composition trials are needed to develop effective fertilization treatments in young ponderosa pine stands. Based on our results, fertilizing without vegetation control is not recommended when there is heavy grass competition. The grasses proliferated following only fertilization to the detriment of the trees. For the conditions in our study, we cannot recommend adding fertilizer in addition to the herbicide as a treatment because fertilization did not significantly increase tree growth over herbicide alone. We feel fertilization rate and nutrient composition trials are needed to develop effective fertilization treatments in young ponderosa pine stands. The establishment of ponderosa pine forests is vital for the future timber they may produce and the ecological benefits they provide. We recommend broadcast herbicide as an effective silvicultural treatment to control competing vegetation (from grasses in our experiment) during the stand establishment of ponderosa pine. As demonstrated in our study, the rapid posttreatment early growth trajectory from vegetation control suggests that stand establishment was successful.

Nutrient release from biodegradable polymer-coated multi-nutrient fertilizer granules in calcareous soils

Nutrient release from biodegradable polymer-coated multi-nutrient fertilizer granules in calcareous soils

Changes in biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzyme activity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by the addition of coated multi-nutrient fertilization in calcareous soil

Sulphur and micronutrients play a vital in the growth and development of plants due to their catalytic effect on many metabolic processes. A field experiment was conducted to explore the changes in various biochemical constituents and antioxidants enzyme activities in response to coated multi-nutrient fertilization. The experiment consisted of five organic acids (citric acid, humic acid, fulvic acid, salicylic acid) and amino acid (glycine) coated multi-nutrient fertilizer sources applied at five different levels (0, 5, 10, 12.5 and 15 kg ha-1). Groundnut leaf samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical constituents such as proline, soluble protein and antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase activities at harvest stages. The results revealed that, application of fulvic acid coated multi-nutrient fertilizer at 15 kg ha-1 registered lesser proline (5.93 µmoles g-1) and higher soluble protein (22.2 mg g-1) content, superoxide dismutase (8.93 EU mg-1), catalase (18.2 µg H2O2 min-1 g˗1), peroxidase (6.11 µg min-1 mg˗1) and carbonic anhydrase (14.8 EU mg-1) activities at harvest stage followed by 12.5 kg humic acid coated multi-nutrient fertilizer. The lesser response was noted with NPK control in influencing the biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzymes. It was concluded that fulvic coated multi-nutrient fertilizer at 15 kg ha-1 was the better source for improving the biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzymes of groundnut in calcareous soils.

Organic acid and amino acid coated multi-nutrient fertilizer granules (MNFG): synthesis and characterization

Organic acid and amino acid coated multi-nutrient fertilizer granules (MNFG): synthesis and characterization

Improving potassium use efficiency of sugarcane through the use of polyhalite

BackgroundSugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an important crop in the production of food and energy in tropical and subtropical regions. To provide plants with what they need, highly concentrated fertilizers are often deployed which can result in imbalances in plant nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency of polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2H2O) as an alternative source of multinutrients for sugarcane compared to single sources of K, Ca, Mg and S.MethodsA glasshouse experiment was carried out on a low-K Entisol from the sugarcane cultivar CV7870. A completely randomized design was used with different K fertilizer management strategies as follows: four K dosages (0, 21, 42 and 63 mg dm−3) associated to distinct sources, namely: polyhalite (PHY); potassium chloride (KCl); potassium chloride+polyhalite in a 1:1 ratio (½KP), and potassium chloride combined with phosphogypsum and kieserite balancing Ca, Mg and S dosages as supplied by pure polyhalite (KGK). Two growth cycles in 6 dm3 soil pots were evaluated: cane plant harvested at 131 days after transplanting, and ratoon harvested at 253 days after transplanting for the determination of dry matter production. Immediately before harvesting in both cycles, leaf nutrient content (K, Ca, S and Cl) was determined using a hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.ResultsIn general, shoot dry matter and nutrient uptake were higher with the highest K dosage applied and K sources containing Ca and S in the formulation PHY; ½KP; and KGK, for both growth cycles. However, when these sources were provided at the lowest dosage, high agronomic efficiency was observed in all nutrients assessed. Consequently, the cultivar CV7870 was responsive to K application. However, increments in the K dosage resulted in low agronomic efficiency.ConclusionsThis study indicates that PHY is an effective fertilizer for sugarcane farmers seeking to improve nutrient uptake in a low-K Entisol for both cane plant and ratoon. A mix of PHY and KCl is a potential multi-nutrient fertilizer for managing sugarcane production.

Application of humic acid compound fertilizer for increasing sweet potato yield and improving the soil fertility

Combined application of humic acid (HA) and multi-nutrient fertilizer improve nutrient utilization and increase crop yield. To give insight about the application of HA compound fertilizer in sweet potato production, a field experiment was conducted the effect of humic acid-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer (HA-NPK) on soil nutrient contents, soil enzyme activity, soil microorganism community structure and yield of sweet potato. Results showed that compared to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer (NPK) treatment, the activated humic acid- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer (HA-NPK1) and non-activated humic acid- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer (HA-NPK2) treatment significantly increased the plant biomass and storage root yield. Increase in yield from application of HA-NPK1 was significantly larger than those from HA-NPK2. The HA-NPK1 treatment greatly increased the content of readily available phosphorus, potassium and soil organic matter, enhanced the enzyme activity of soil urease, invertase, alkaline phosphatase and catalase. The numbers of soil bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in the HA-NPK1 treatment were significantly higher than the NPK treatment. In conclusion, the application of the activated HA-NPK in sweet potato production could be used effectively to increase soil quality, facilitate the growth of sweet potato and increase its yield under similar conditions to this work.

Coated multi-nutrient fertilizers : effect on kernel yield, biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzymes in groundnut grown on a calcareous soil

Coated multi-nutrient fertilizers : effect on kernel yield, biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzymes in groundnut grown on a calcareous soil