Nitrogen And Phosphorus Research Articles

Straw Return Substituting Potassium Fertilizer Increases Crop Yield, Efficiency, and Quality in Maize-Wheat Rotation System

The application of potassium fertilizer application and straw return are effective agronomic measures for increasing crop productivity; however, information on how straw return—when substituting potassium fertilizer—affects crop yield, efficiency, and quality in dryland remains limited. In this study, an experiment on a dryland summer maize and winter wheat rotation system was initiated in 2007. This study included four treatments: CK (no fertilizer and no straw return), NP (nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application without straw return), NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer application without straw return), and NPS (NP treatment with straw return, substituting potassium fertilizer as used in the NPK treatment). These treatments were employed to assess grain yield and fertilizer agronomic efficiency in 2015–2020. Additionally, we evaluated the content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as the protein content and protein yield in maize and wheat grains and the protein components in wheat grains in 2019–2020. The results showed that compared to the CK treatment, NP, NPK, and NPS treatments not only significantly increased the yield, protein yield, and fertilizer agronomic efficiency in both maize and wheat but also increased the content of protein and protein components in wheat grains. Compared to the NP treatment, the NPK treatment significantly increased the contents of N, K, globulin, and gluten in wheat grains by 5.11%, 21.59%, 10.06%, and 15.14%. Compared to NPK treatment, NPS treatment significantly increased the average yield of summer maize by 21.33% and 20.91%, respectively, as well as the annual yield by 9.99% and 13.59%, the N fertilizer agronomic efficiency of summer maize by 132.47%, and the annual N and P fertilizer agronomic efficiency by 42.83% and 64.36%, over the five-year period. The NPS treatment also significantly increased the summer maize protein yield and annual protein yield by 10.43% and 23.08%, as well as the content of protein components, the protein content, and P content in wheat grains by 4.93–13.58%, 7.81%, and 28.89%, respectively. In conclusion, NPS treatment can not only enhance crop yield, protein yield, and fertilizer agronomic efficiency in summer maize annually but also has the advantage of promoting wheat quality. NPS is an efficient strategy to improve crop yield, efficiency, and quality in a dryland maize–wheat rotation system.

Soil ecosystem multifunctionality is strongly linked with crop yield after four decades chemical fertilization in black soil

Soil ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), the ability of an ecosystem to perform multiple functions, remains uncertain in its contribution to crop production, especially in the context of long-term fertilization ecosystems. This study was carried out on a 40-year-old long-term fertilization experiment in black soil in China. Soil samples were collected from four treatments: control (CK); nitrogen (N) fertilizer; phosphorus (P) fertilizer; and a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) in both maize and wheat planting seasons. The results showed significant effects of N, P fertilizers and crop season on soil biotic and abiotic properties, especially on soil enzyme activities. Crop productivity and soil EMF showed a similar pattern across different treatments and both crop seasons, with significant higher values recorded in treatments with N addition (i.e. N and NP). Soil EMF was strongly associated with crop productivity in both maize and wheat seasons, while soil pH had a negative impact on crop yield. Random forest analysis revealed that microbial functional gene structure was significantly correlated with both soil ecosystem multifunctionality and crop yield. This suggested that fertilization leads to alterations in soil nutrients and the composition of functional microbial communities, subsequently impacting ecological functions and crop growth. These findings indicated that mineral fertilizers can enhance crop yield through soil EMF in the black soils, while exerted substantial impact on soil properties, raising concerns about the sustainability of soils under continuous chemical fertilization.

Influence of main production variables to nutritional characteristics of winery effluent Kombucha

Determination of sugar, nitrogen and phosphorus consumption by kombucha culture is necessary in order to gain additional insight into the kombucha metabolic pathways, nutritional value of the produced beverages, and to set basis for optimising the conditions for large scale production. Kombucha beverage was made using effluent obtained from grape must clarification phase of white wine production. The fermentation medium was prepared by diluting the sterilized initial medium with approximately 16% of total reducing sugars to 3, 5, and 7% of total reducing sugars. The duration of the fermentation was nine days at 20, 25, and 30?C. Sugars, nitrogen and phosphorus content was measured using DNS, Kjeldahl and molybdenum blue method, respectively. The highest sugars content was in the initial medium (16.34%) and the lowest was after nine days of fermentation at 30 ?C with 3% initial sugars content (0.17%). Residual levels of sugars, nitrogen and phosphorus after three days were modelled using response surface methodology. The proposed mathematical models for sugars and nitrogen content showed an exceptional correlation with the experimentally obtained values. With this study the insight into kombucha?s consumption of basic nutrients, nutritional value of the obtained products and optimization of products composition was provided

Influence and selection of nitrogen and phosphorus compound fertilizers on emitter clogging using brackish water in drip irrigation systems

Emitter clogging is a major obstacle to the application of brackish water in drip irrigation systems, which can be aggravated with inappropriate fertilizer application. Among the major element fertilizers, nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) trigger a higher risk of clogging. However, the effect and selection of different types of NP compound fertilizers on emitter clogging remain unknown. This study investigated the effects of no fertilizer (CK), two types of industrial grade monoammonium phosphate (I_MAP) and diammonium phosphate (I_DAP), two types of agricultural grade monoammonium phosphate (A_MAP) and diammonium phosphate (A_DAP), and two types of new urea phosphate (UP) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on the clogging of three types of emitters. The results showed that the application of agricultural grade A_MAP and A_DAP fertilizers exacerbated emitter clogging compared to industrial grade fertilizers, decreasing the Christiansen of Uniformity (CU) by an average of 18.5%−22.8% and 21.4%−25.6%, respectively, mainly due to an increase in the content of insoluble particulate matter in the clogging material. Application of new UP and APP fertilizers reduced emitter clogging, increasing CU by 29.9%−37.1% and 10.2%−16.4%, respectively, compared to industrial grade fertilizers, mainly by decreasing the chemical precipitate content in the fouling material. Overall, the safe operation time of agricultural grade fertilizer system is about 1.2 years within the safe operation life (CU≥80%) of drip irrigation system, while the safe operation life of industrial grade and new NP compound fertilizers is about 1.6–3.4 times of that of agricultural grade fertilizers on average. It is suggested that in drip irrigation systems using brackish water, A_MAP fertilizer can be applied to annual crops whereas in perennial crops industrial and UP and APP should be applied. This study is of great significance for the application and promotion of brackish water drip fertigation technology.

Effect of removing the spring flush and phosphor-nitrogenous fertilizing on fruit yield and quality of the late fruiting of cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill

The aim of this work was to study the effect of removing the spring flush (scozzolatura practice) and phosphor-nitrogenous fertilizing on fruit yield and quality of the late fruiting of cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. To meet this objective, trials were carried out on an adult plantation of ‘Aissa’ cv in the experimental station of Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine in Agadir. The scozzolatura practice consisted of removing the whole spring flush of flowers and cladodes during full blooming (50% flowers in bloom). The amount of fertilization provided are: 0-0, 120-18 and 195-33 kg N-P2O5 ha-1. The soil of the site of trials contains a reserve of 30-12 kg N-P2O5 ha-1 and the treatments of fertilization studied are: (T0) (control without supply, only the reserve of soil) 30-12 kg N- P2O5 ha-1, (T1) 150-30 kg N-P2O5 ha-1 and (T2) 225-45 kg N-P2O5 ha-1. Obtained results showed that the scozzolatura practice reduced fruit yield, while it improved fruit size. Nitrogen and phosphorus (N-P) fertilizing increased fruit yield and size of scozzolaturated and not scozzolaturated plants with more effect on scozzolaturated plants and T2 treatment yielded more than the other treaments of fertilization. Interaction of the two factors scozzolatura practice and N-P fertilizing does not affect (p ˃ 0.05) fruit yield and size of scozzolaturated plants.

Investigating the effects of whole genome duplication on phenotypic plasticity: implications for the invasion success of giant goldenrod Solidago gigantea

Polyploidy commonly occurs in invasive species, and phenotypic plasticity (PP, the ability to alter one's phenotype in different environments) is predicted to be enhanced in polyploids and to contribute to their invasive success. However, empirical support that increased PP is frequent in polyploids and/or confers invasive success is limited. Here, we investigated if polyploids are more pre‐adapted to become invasive than diploids via the scaling of trait values and PP with ploidy level, and if post‐introduction selection has led to a divergence in trait values and PP responses between native‐ and non‐native cytotypes. We grew diploid, tetraploid (from both native North American and non‐native European ranges), and hexaploid Solidago gigantea in pots outside with low, medium, and high soil nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) amendments, and measured traits related to growth, asexual reproduction, physiology, and insects/pathogen resistance. Overall, we found little evidence to suggest that polyploidy and post‐introduction selection shaped mean trait and PP responses. When we compared diploids to tetraploids (as their introduction into Europe was more likely than hexaploids) we found that tetraploids had greater pathogen resistance, photosynthetic capacities, and water‐use efficiencies and generally performed better under NP enrichments. Furthermore, tetraploids invested more into roots than shoots in low NP and more into shoots than roots in high NP, and this resource strategy is beneficial under variable NP conditions. Lastly, native tetraploids exhibited greater plasticity in biomass accumulation, clonal‐ramet production, and water‐use efficiency. Cumulatively, tetraploid S. gigantea possesses traits that might have predisposed and enabled them to become successful invaders. Our findings highlight that trait expression and invasive species dynamics are nuanced, while also providing insight into the invasion success and cyto‐geographic patterning of S. gigantea that can be broadly applied to other invasive species with polyploid complexes.

Effect of NP and Blended NPSB Mineral Fertilizer on Black Cumin Yield in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L) is an important spice and medicinal plant cultivated in Ethiopia. However, the seed yield of the crop is low due to low soil fertility and poor soil fertility management. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) and blended nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and boron (NPSB) fertilizers on seed yield and yield components of black cumin. The experiment consists of three levels of N/P2O5 (20/15, 40/30, and 60/45 kg N/P2O5 ha–1 in the form of UREA and tri-super phosphate); and four levels of blended NPSB (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha–1) laid in RCBD design arranged in a factorial and replicated three time. The research was conducted during the 2017/18 primary season in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The interaction of NP and blended NPSB significantly influenced yield and yield components (P ≤0.01). The application of 40/30 kg N/P2O5 and 150 kg blended NPSB ha–1 resulted in the highest seed yield (1.85 t ha–1) and the highest net benefit of (78,137 ETB ha–1). Therefore, the application of 40/30 kg N/P2O5 and 150 kg NPSB ha–1 resulted in more than double the current national average yield and benefits black cumin-producing farmers in the central highlands of Ethiopia.

Differential Responses to Integrated Nutrient Management of Cabbage–Capsicum–Radish Cropping Sequence with Fertilizers and Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria

The present investigation was carried out to study the differential responses to assimilated nutrient management in the cabbage–capsicum–radish cropping system to develop an integrated plant nutrient supply. The experimental trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates and included assimilations of 15 various combinations: T1—recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs) + farmyard manure (FYM) (Control); T2—nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) + vermicompost (VC) (75% + 2.5 t/ha); T3—NP + VC (50% + 2.5 t/ha); T4—NP + enriched compost (EC) (75% + 2.5 t/ha); T5—NP + EC (50% + 2.5 t/ha); T6—NP + plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (75% + 5 kg/ha); T7—NP + PGPR (50% + 5 kg/ha); T8—NP + VC + PGPR (75% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T9—NP + VC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T10—NP + EC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T11—NP + EC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T12—NP + VC and EC (75% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha); T13—NP + VC and EC (50% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha); T14—NP + VC and EC + PGPR (75% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T15—NP + VC and EC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha) for two consecutive years. Seedlings of the cabbage cultivar were transplanted with a spacing of 45 × 30 cm, whereas the capsicum seedlings were transplanted with a spacing of 60 × 45 cm. The radish cultivar was sown directly in the field with a spacing of 30 × 7.5 cm. The yield and growth attributes of all three crops were notably impacted by the INM modules. The utilization of a combination of 75% of the recommended quantity of NP + VC and EC, along with PGPR, at a rate of 2.5 t/ha, during cabbage cultivation, led to a noteworthy rise in plant height, equatorial diameter, gross head weight, net head weight, and ultimately, the maximum head yield, as per the statistical analysis. In the case of capsicum, the treatment (T14) module demonstrated superior performance in terms of the major yielding components, namely, fruit size, fruit weight, and number of fruits per plant, resulting in the highest yield compared to the other modules, including RDFs. The cabbage exhibited high protein content and inorganic modules in terms of quality traits, whereas ascorbic acid and total soluble solids (TSSs) levels were high due to strong organic support across all three crops. Thus, it can be inferred that the integrated combination of 75% NP, VC, and EC at 2.5 t/ha, and PGPR, along with the basic application of the full recommended potash and farmyard manure (FYM), led to a reduction of 25% in fertilizers (NP), improved growth and yield, and higher annual net returns. Thus, this incorporation can be suggested as an economically efficient strategy for consistently attaining increased productivity with enhanced excellence.

Effect of Compound (NPSB) Fertilizer Type on Yield and Nutrient use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Beko Village in Yeki District, Southwest Ethiopia

Farmer in different parts of Ethiopia uses a similar type of fertilizer and amounts that are below the crop requirements, even the low soil fertility which limits crop production in general. To solve the over-blanket fertilizer application over different agroecology Ethiopian Soil Information System (EthioSIS) mapped the soil fertility and recommended types of fertilizer for a specific location. A NPSB type of fertilizer where recommended for Beko village, but the rate of this fertilizer type was not studied so far. So, this field experiment was conducted to determine the rate of NPSB fertilizer type and nutrient use efficiency of maize during the 2018 cropping season. A total of eight treatments with four replications were laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design. Treatments were control (zero fertilizer), previously blanket recommended nitrogen and phosphorus (92 N+ 69 P2O5) kg/ha, 150 NPSB +100 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 200 NPSB +100 urea + 100 K2O kg/ha, 250 NPSB +100 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 150 NPSB +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 200 NPSB +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha and 250 NPSB +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha. Data were statistically analyzed by statistical analysis system (SAS) and mean treatment differences were compared by least significant differences (LSD). An analysis of variance indicated that application of NPSB fertilizer was not influenced plant height, ear height, ear length, cob length, number of ears per plant, thousand seed weight, harvest index, and shelling percentage as compared to the previously blanket recommended Nitrogen and Phosphorus (NP) fertilizer but grain and above-ground dry biomass were influenced except the application of 150 NPSB +100 urea. Application of 250 NPSB + 100 urea gave the highest maize grain yield (8828.2 kg/ha). Application of NPSB fertilizer improved the nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency of maize compared to the previously blanket recommended NP. The highest N use efficiency (64.75 kg/ha) was obtained from the application of 200 NPSB +100 urea, while the lowest N use efficiency (23.89 kg/ha) was from the previously blanket recommended NP fertilizer. As economic analysis indicated that the application of 150 NPSB +100 urea is recommended for the study area.

Temporal effects of climate and soil fertility‐mediated maize yield and its sustainability: A case study in subtropical China

AbstractThe sustainability of food production systems requires accurate assessments of the combined impacts of climate change and soil fertility on crop yield. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the interactions of climate and soil fertility for the determination of crop yield and sustainability. For this study, we investigated how climate and soil fertility affected maize yield and its sustainability over a 30‐year experiment on red soil. Seven fertilization treatments were selected (CK (no fertilizer), N (chemical nitrogen), NP (chemical nitrogen and phosphorus), NK (chemical nitrogen and potassium), NPK, M (pig manure), and NPKM (NPK and M)). The link between grain yield and the sustainability yield index (SYI) increased exponentially (p < 0.001). Manure (M and NPKM) improved the concentrations of soil nutrients considerably compared to chemical fertilizer treatments (N, NP, NK, and NPK). The explanatory rates of selected climatic and soil parameters for grain yield and its SYI varied from 56.6% to 66.9%. Soil available nutrients (AP and AK) and total nutrients (TN and TP) regulated grain yield and the SYI at low and high soil fertility, respectively. Redundancy analysis showed a negative correlation between temperature throughout the maize growing season, grain yield, and the SYI, excluding the NPKM treatment. Correlations between temperature, grain yield, and the SYI were reduced as soil fertility increased. Climate (44.0%) and nutrient inputs (40.2%) under chemical and manure fertilization contributed the most to the observed yield. Path analysis explained 68% and 77% of the variations in grain yield under chemical fertilizers and manure treatments, respectively. Additionally, the results suggested that as air temperatures are predicted to rise early maize should be planted earlier and late maize should be planted later to optimize grain yield. Together, this study emphasized that improving soil quality and adjusting planting schedules in agricultural management practices can attenuate the negative impact of climate warming on grain yield sustainable production in the global subtropical regions.

Response of Two Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Cultivars to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization under Rain Fed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons(2002/2003 and 2003/2004) in the Experimental Farm of the Faculty ofAgriculture, University of Sinnar, Abu Naama, Sudan. The objective wasto study the response of two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars tonitrogen and phosphorus fertilization under rain fed conditions. Thetreatments were four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, 120 kgN/ha) and fourphosphorus levels (0, 50, 100, 150 kgP 2 O5 /ha). Urea (46% N) andtriplesuperphosphate (48% P 2 O5 ) were used as sources of nitrogen andphosphorus, respectively. Two improved sesame cultivars, Khidir andPromo, were used in the study. The experiment was laid out in a split-splitplot design with four replicates. Nitrogen treatments were assigned to themain plots, whereas cultivars and phosphorus treatments were allotted tothe sub and sub-sub plots, respectively. The results showed that bothnitrogen and phosphorus had significant effects on plant height, shoot dryweight, height to the first capsule, capsule number/plant, percentages ofcapsules on the main stem and the branches and seed yield. The cultivarsshowed significant differences in some growth and yield attributes, withPromo exhibiting better growth and giving higher yield than Khidir.There was significant interaction between cultivars and nitrogen on seedyield in both seasons

TECHNOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF THE REDUCTION OF ECOLOGICALLY HARMFUL EMISSIONS OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INTO THE ENVIRONMENT (review)

The purpose. To study the influence of various factors on the emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds into the environment for the optimization of technological management and prospective planning of research in pig farming, as well as increasing the efficiency of the use of nutrients by pigs in their group housing. Methods. The material for the research was literature from the library of the Institute of Pig Breeding and AIP of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine and scientific works of scientists from Google Academy, Pub med, base-search.net, core.ac.uk, ouci.dntb.gov.ua. The following research methods were used in the research process: general scientific (typology, classification, analysis and synthesis, abstract-logical) and interdisciplinary (structural-system approach), historical (problematic-chronological, descriptive, source and historical analysis and synthesis), with their help systematized scientific data on the technological management of reducing ecologically harmful emissions of animal husbandry into the environment. The results. Management strategies used in science and practice to improve the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus use in pig production are discussed, namely: genetic selection, castration, slaughter weight, precision feeding, and manure management systems. Since the diet significantly affects the possible losses of nitrogen and phosphorus, it must be taken into account when evaluating management strategies. The amount of nitrogen released depends on the amount of absorbed nitrogen, the amount of absorbed nitrogen, the balance of amino acids in the diet and the animal's need for nitrogen and amino acids. For group-housed animals, polyphasic feeding systems should be used, as daily polyphasic feeding tailored to the individual animal's amino acid and other nutrient needs is likely to be most effective. Specific amino acid intake should be balanced using the ideal protein concept. With better knowledge of the needs of individual animals and the commercial availability of certain amino acids, the total level of crude protein in the diet can be reduced within certain limits. However, further research is needed on the minimum level of crude protein that provides maximum performance. The correct use of feed additives and enzyme preparations in rations contributes to the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus emissions. By combining optimal feeding and management, nitrogen assimilation efficiencies approaching 60% can be achieved in the near future. Prospective manure collection and processing systems contribute to an even greater reduction of environmental emissions. Conclusions. The use of effective management systems and precise feeding in pig farming contributes to the increase of assimilation of nitrogen and phosphorus from feed, respectively, to the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus emissions to the environment. Key words: emissions, pigs, nitrogen, phosphorus, excretion, amino acids, genetic selection, castration, slaughter weight, animal age.

Twenty—eight years long chemical fertilization effects on soil potassium status under rice-wheat-green gram cropping sequence

ABSTRACT A long-term experiment was initiated on potassium (K)-rich clay soils in a rice-wheat-green gram cropping sequence to assess the feasibility of K fertilizer recommendation. Treatment consists of absolute control, farmyard manure to rice (25 t ha−1), 50% nitrogen and phosphorus (NP), 100% NP (257:160 kg NP ha−1), 50% NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium), 100% NPK (257:160:135 kg NPK ha−1), NP (257:127 kg NP ha−1) and NPK (257:120:67 kg NPK ha−1) as per soil test, 50% N, 100% N (257 kg N ha−1) to the sequence. NP and NPK application as per soil test significantly increased the yield of rice (4.15 and 3.92 t ha−1), wheat (2.59 and 2.56 t ha−1), green gram (0.66 and 0.62 t ha−1) and rice equivalent yield (8918 and 8660 kg ha−1) and net returns (1018 and 959 US $ ha−1), respectively. Sustainable yield index for rice, wheat and green gram was 0.53–0.63, 0.32–0.45 and 0.10–0.23, respectively. Apparent nutrient balance for N (38.7–120.9 kg ha−1) and P (43.6–113.5 kg ha−1) was positive and negative for K (−34.9 to −154.8 kg ha−1). Residual water-soluble (3.3 and 4.0 mg kg−1), exchangeable (84.2 and 95.1 mg kg−1) and available K (87.2 and 98.9 mg kg−1) were higher with full K dose.

Fertilization Regulates Grape Yield and Quality in by Altering Soil Nutrients and the Microbial Community

Rational fertilization is a win-win strategy for rural incomes and environmental restoration in ecologically fragile regions. However, the long-term cumulative grape productivity response to soil fertility has rarely been quantified. Here, long-term fertilization experiments (over 15 years) in the desert–oasis transitional zone of Sinkiang, China, were used to evaluate the interactions among grape yield, quality, fertilization, soil nutrients, and microbial communities. There were five treatments, as follows: CK0 (no planting and no fertilizing); NP (synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus); M (manure only); NPM1 (0.25 times NP and 0.33 times M); and NPM2 (NP and 0.5 times M). The grape yield increased with the application of total nitrogen. The soluble solids and reducing sugar contents had significant positive linear correlations with grape yield, but the opposite trend was found between grape yield and titratable acidity and tannin contents. The redundancy analysis showed that fertilization, soil nutrients (soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and dissolved organic nitrogen), and microbial communities (ratio of fungi to bacteria, ratio of Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive bacteria, and total phospholipid fatty acids) accounted for 31.9%, 19.7%, and 26.8% of the grape yield and nutritional ingredients, respectively. The path analysis identified that fertilization, soil nutrients, and the microbial communities were significantly positively associated with the grape yield, soluble solids, and reducing sugars, while their associations with titratable acidity, tannins, and phenols were significantly negative. These results suggested that fertilization is a viable strategy for regulating grape yields and grape quality because it alters soil fertility in ecologically fragile regions.

Environmental nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient variability triggers intracellular resource reallocation in Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Rhodophyta)

The variability in anthropogenic input of nutrients to coastal water has profound impacts on the ecology of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis, a rhodophyte that is protein-rich and economically valuable for food and industry. However, little is known about how this alga responds to the dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) nutrients. In this study, G. lemaneiformis was grown in batch cultures under three nutrient regimes (low-, medium- and high-NP abundances, with a constant N:P ratio of 10) to investigate the physiological, biochemical and transcriptional responses to the variation in N and P nutrient abundances. Under high-NP treatment conditions, G. lemaneiformis exhibited a high growth rate and contents of phycoerythrin, Chl a and soluble protein, but lower contents of soluble sugar and activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase. Besides, we found a negative correlation between the soluble sugar and soluble protein (R2 = 0.86), suggesting reallocation of intracellular resources modulated by extracellular NP nutrients. Furthermore, the carbon content decreased under high-NP conditions, indicating G. lemaneiformis biomass accumulation at the expense of per unit weight carbon content. In addition, we found that arginine was the main storage form of N in G. lemaneiformis, and its content increased 1017 times in a two-week period under N- and P- enriched conditions. Moreover, the phycoerythrin was the main biologically active N-compound used by G. lemaneiformis for growth, compared to soluble protein and Chl a, under N- and P-deficient conditions. These findings demonstrate that even under constant stoichiometry, the environmental variability of nutrient abundance shapes biochemical landscapes in the algal cell and provides baseline information to help design G. lemaneiformis cultivation to obtain higher protein or higher soluble sugar with respect to NP nutrition.

Mowing and phosphorus affect plant diversity and soil carbon and nitrogen storage under nitrogen enrichment in the semi-arid alpine steppe

Plant diversity strongly affected the grassland productivity and soil C and N storage. Nitrogen enrichment weakens the stability of the ecosystem through decreased biodiversity. Mowing is a viable management tool for the maintenance of diversity in grasslands. However, it is unclear how plant diversity affects soil C and N storage in mowing (or phosphorus) under N enrichment in the semi-arid alpine steppe. In the present study, a 3-year trial has investigated the effects of nitrogen, mowing (or phosphorus), and their interactions on plant diversity and soil C and N storage in a semi-arid alpine steppe in Qilian mountains, northern China. We found that aboveground biomass (AGB) was significantly increased in N (nitrogen added alone) and NP (both nitrogen and phosphorus added), significantly decreased in M (mowing) across the three years (2019–2021) (P < 0.05), and significantly increased by 21.4% in the third year in MN (nitrogen added at the time of mowing). Plant diversity was significantly decreased in N and NP, but had no significant effect under M, MN, and P across the three years. We found that SOC stock was significantly decreased by 13% in the 0–10 cm soil layer in N, while increased by 6% at the 10–20 cm soil layer in MN. In contrast, NP had no significant effect on SOC stock and TN stock, while both NO3–N and AP significantly increased. M increased the relative biomass of sedge and forb, while N increased the relative biomass of grass and decreased the relative biomass of forb. Forb is positively correlated with C storage and negatively correlated with N storage, while the grass is the opposite. Therefore, the results indicated that mowing modulated the effects of N addition on diversity loss and carbon stock loss. In contrast, phosphorus is ineffective for the negative effect of nitrogen on grassland species diversity.

STUDY ON FLAME RETARDANT LEACH RESISTANT OF MODIFIED POPLAR WOOD

After flame retardant and enhancing treatment, fast-grown poplar face the problem of leaching of pharmacy, which affected the effective permanence of the retard and further use is limited. In this paper, we study the fixed effect of low molecule phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin on nitrogen and phosphorus (N-P) inorganic flame retardant compositeunder the condition of high relative humidity. The change oflateralsizes and quality of the specimens were emphasized in the experiment. Results reveal that the greater the concentration of flame retardant was,the greater weight gain percentage of the samples was, and the more serious leach was in the test, after the specimen was modified with the flame retardant.When weight gain percentage of the specimens is same, the greater the concentration of PF resin test solution was,better effect of the leachresistant will be obtained with the concentration of PF test solution increased.The PF resin with 25% concentration had the best effect to reduce the leach of N-P inorganic composite retards. From the comparative analysis above, it was advisable to indicate the PF resin with 25% concentration had the best effect to reduce the leach of N-P inorganic composite retards.

Response of wheat to combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus along with compost

To achieve food security and increase crop productivity in a sustainable way, keeping soil fertile and balanced fertilization is vital. Soil fertility declining and unbalanced fertilization is one of the bottlenecks to sustainable agricultural production. To overcome these problems, a field experiment was investigated, with the aim of exploring the potential of organic and inorganic nutrient sources with their optimal application and integration for sustainable wheat production. The experiment was conducted in a factorial approach with three replications, where one factor was the level of the NP (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) fertilizer and the other compost, set in a randomized complete block design. Four levels of the N:P fertilizer (control, 27.6%:18.4%, 41.4%:32.2% and 55.2%:46%) were combined with three levels of compost (0, 3 ton/ha and 6 ton/ha), giving 12 treatments combination. From the data collected and analyzed, integrated application of the NP fertilizer and compost significantly increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus but had no effect on soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Application of 6 ton/ha compost was higher with plant height, spike length, number of seeds per spike, 1000 seeds weight, and biological yield. The sole application of the NP (55.2%:46%) produced (6.19 ton/ha) grain yield whereas combined application of the NP (55.2%:46%) along with the compost (6 ton/ha) produced the higher grain yield (8.16 ton/ha). This clearly revealed that application of 75% recommended inorganic NP fertilizers combined with compost resulted in increased wheat yield by 27.45% over sole application of inorganic fertilizer indicated that the integrated approach could enable to save up to 25% of commercial fertilizers and increase the yield of wheat.

Effect of long-term fertilization on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints in northwest China: A field scale investigation using wheat-maize-fallow rotation cycles

Improving agriculture intensity implies desirable crop productivity at a noteworthy environmental cost. A comprehensive comparative analysis of carbon footprint (CF) and greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) of the two major and contrasting cropping systems is of paramount importance, which is rarely done. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to assess the alleviating potential, and differences in CF of wheat and maize crops within irrigated and rain-fed cropping systems. The two 25-year experiments included a winter wheat-summer maize cropping under irrigated conditions with five treatments: Control without fertilization (CK), combination of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP), NP plus potassium (NPK), NPK plus crop straw (S) (SNPK), and dairy manure (M) integrated with NPK (MNPK); and a winter wheat-summer fallow system under rain-fed conditions with four treatments as stated above except SNPK. Results showed that high N input increased total GHG emission and CF across cropping systems in question. The mean GHGs’ emissions ranged from 2000.9 to 7586.7 kg ha−1 for irrigated cropping system, and 192.5–1834.6 kg ha−1 for rain-fed cropping system. Over the 25 years, without considering SOC gain, the mean CF values for irrigated and rainfed cropping systems ranged from 0.51 to 0.62 and 0.16–0.50 kg CO2 kg−1 of grain, respectively. When SOC gains were involved in, the mean CF values for the two investigated cropping systems ranged from 0.22 to 0.42 and −0.26 to 0.29 kg CO2 kg−1 of grain, respectively (in exclusion of SNPK). SOC sequestration played an important part in reduction of CF. Our research may provide valuable information to promote the optimization of agricultural practices and guide the design/choice of future farming systems in the region and where with similar environmental conditions.

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF NP FERTILIZERS CAN BOOST THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUS L.)

Nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) are two most important essential nutrients promoting plant growth and yield traits of all crops. NP fertilizers are easy to use and quick in releasing nutrients. A field experiment was conducted at Oilseed section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam to determine the effects of different doses of NP fertilizers on the time of maturity, vegetative growth and yield and yield related traits of sunflower variety HO-1. The six NP fertilizer levels viz. T1 = 0-0 (control), T2 = 80-40, T3 = 100-50, T4 = 150-50, T5 = 120-50 and T6 = 120-75 NP kg ha-1 were set in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed that all the parameters of sunflower were significantly affected (P &lt; 0.05) by different NP fertilizer doses. It was observed that maximum 184.25 (cm) plant height, 6.66 (cm) stem girth, 28.19 (cm) head diameter, 1161.92 seeds head-1, 90.33 (g) seed index and 2172.00 (kg ha-1) seed yield was achieved by applying 150-50 NP fertilizer kg ha-1. It was also noted that 150-50 NP kg ha-1 promoted the sunflower crop to mature early by enhancing vegetate growth. The poor performance for all growth, yield and maturity parameters were observed in the treatment where no NP fertilizer was applied (control). It was concluded that growth and seed yield was increased by increasing the application of NP fertilizers up to 150-50 NP kg ha-1 and thus recommended to get better growth and yield performance of sunflower crop in locality