Efficiency Of Nitrogen Fertilization Research Articles

Use of sunn hemp on the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in sugarcane cultivars

Brazil is a reference in sugarcane production and management; today the state of Goiás is the second largest national producer of the crop. Thus, for the increment in productivity to be greater in one crop compared to another, it is necessary to adopt cultivation practices and practices of financial interest. This work aimed to demonstrate the effect of Nitrogen (N) cycling by sunn hemp in the cultivation of three varieties with different maturity cycles (IAC91-1099 early, RB985476 medium, and RB975242 late) grown in two managements of fertilizations with and without nitrogen in cover, in which the differences of K in the formulations were supplied, in the municipality of Edéia, Goiás. The trial was set up in an entirely randomized delineation in a 3x2 factorial scheme, with 3 varieties and 2 fertilization managements. It was concluded that an efficient planting of sunn hemp can be effective in supplying the N needs of the crop, contributing to the generation of more robust technical and agronomic processes for the sugarcane crop.

Nitrogen source regulates soil nitrification and nitrogen losses more than nitrification inhibitor and herbicide: A laboratory evaluation

AbstractIncreased environmental nitrogen (N) losses have prompted the use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, including nitrification inhibitors. However, the comparative effects of nitrification inhibitors with conventional nitrogen fertilizers and herbicides on soil nitrification and nitrogen losses remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of a nitrification inhibitor (Instinct NXTGEN), two nitrogen sources (broadcast urea vs. injected aqueous ammonia), and a preemergence herbicide (Acuron) on (1) soil nitrification through a 25‐day soil incubation experiment and (2) NH3 volatilization, NO3‐N leaching, and N2O‐N emissions through a 31‐day soil column study in loamy sand soil. In both experiments, treatments included combinations of nitrification inhibitor versus no inhibitor, two nitrogen sources, and preemergence herbicide versus no herbicide. Results revealed that nitrogen source significantly influenced nitrification, with injected aqueous ammonia reducing nitrification by 33% compared to surface broadcast urea. Nitrification inhibitors and herbicide had no effect on soil nitrification. Injected aqueous ammonia reduced NH3 volatilization by 87% compared to surface broadcast urea, but the effect of the nitrification inhibitor on NH3 volatilization was inconsistent across both nitrogen sources. Injected aqueous ammonia led to 39% higher cumulative nitrogen (NO3‐N + NH4‐N) leaching than urea, while the nitrification inhibitor had an inconsistent effect on NO3‐N leaching across both nitrogen sources. No significant differences in N2O‐N emissions were observed among treatments, and the herbicide had no effect on any measured parameters. These findings suggest that nitrogen source plays a more critical role in regulating soil nitrogen losses than nitrification inhibitors or herbicides.

Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Using Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilizers on the Growth of Safflower (<i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> L.)

Nutrient imbalance is one of the prevalent problems in the semi-arid region. The study aimed to investigate the effects of sole and simultaneous application of nitrogen and sulfur on safflower yield in a semi-arid region. A field trial was designed to explore the combined use of sulfur (S0: control, S1 and S2: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 S via sulfur phosphate composites, S3 and S4=: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 of S via elemental sulfur, S5 and S6: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 of S via zinc sulfate) and nitrogen (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) on the growth and seed production of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in a west of Iran with mesic active calcixerepts soil that had medium to low fertility. The utilization of large amounts of nitrogen greatly increased the height of the first pod from the ground surface (P ≤ 0.05), and the highest amount was recorded in S 6+ N80 conditions (65%). Leaf chlorophyll content was significantly affected by nitrogen consumption (P ≤ 0.01) and the highest chlorophyll was recorded in S4, S5, and S6 treatments having high levels of nitrogen. A similar trend was observed for the canopy width and the application of nitrogen, zinc sulfate, and elemental sulfur could increase this component by 33%. The highest number of heads was achieved with the use of S5 + N80 and S2 + N80, which was 15% more compared to the control. The application S2 + N80 increased seed number in capitulum by 25% over the control. The application of S along with high levels of nitrogen improved the seed yield by 45% (1334 ± 78.35 kg ha-1). However, only the application of sulfur could improve the harvest index (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that applying moderate to high amounts of zinc sulfate and elemental sulfur, in combination with N80, enhanced safflower growth characteristics and improved seed yield components, likely due to synergistic interactions between the elements. Altogether the use of zinc sulfate or elemental sulfur as a logical and effective management solution can increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer and improve nutritional balance.

Mitigation strategies for greenhouse gases to ensure food security

Global warming and food insecurity are global concerns, with agriculture being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, from agricultural activities significantly impact climate change. Approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. Nitrous oxide is 300 times stronger than carbon dioxide and is mainly produced from organic manure and fertilizers. Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, is released during fermentation, manure management, and burning of residues. Carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change, is emitted through farming practices, fertilizers, pesticides, and deforestation. Climate change affects food security by directly impacting crop production and indirectly affecting food availability, cost, and supply chains. Hunger rates have been increasing globally, emphasizing the need to control global warming to reduce food insecurity. This review highlights various mitigation strategies for controlling greenhouse gases from agriculture with improved crop productivity. Soil characterization techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography, tracer and chamber-based methods, help to understand the soil composition for greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. Soil amendments, like biochar application can effectively reduce emissions by modifying microbial activity and biogeochemical processes. Controlled irrigation practices, minimum and zero tillage, and efficient nitrogen fertilizer usage also contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation and improves crop productivity. Strategies such as slow release of fertilizers and the use of inhibitors help to increase nitrogen usage efficiency and reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Implementing these strategies globally is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing global warming, and ensuring food security.

Effects of sowing date and nitrogen applications on the energy efficiency of facultative wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a Pannonian environment

Energy efficiency analysis provides a deeper understanding of non-renewable energy dependent cropping systems. In this study, we examined the crop yield and energy efficiency of facultative rainfed wheat (WW – winter wheat, WS – spring wheat) and mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1) in two growing seasons 2019/20 and 2020/21 in Central Europe. WW out performed WS significantly overall (2019/20: +30.3 to +47.9 %; 2020/21: +18.9 to +37.3 %) in terms of energy efficiency indicators. The impact of N fertilization on energy efficiency was minimal, largely due to one dose application of mineral N fertilizer. The highest estimated net-energy output (NEO) was observed at 160.2 kg N ha−1, which may not sustainable for this pedo-climatic region due to potential N emissions risks. Zero N fertilization showed best performance in terms of energy use efficiency (EUE), energy intensity (EI), and energy productivity (EP). The ERG z-score, which combines NEO and EUE into a single bi-dimensional indicator, indicated an optimal N fertilization level of 72.0 kg N ha−1.

Efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers and biological preparations for winter rye on soddy-podzolic soil of different cultivation status

There was studied the influence of soddy-podzolic light loamy soil of different cultivation status on the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers application with varying doses of nitrogen and biological preparations applied against the mineral background, in Pskov region. On moderately cultivated soil the linear dependence of grain yield on nitrogen rates was established. An increase in nitrogen doses from 20 to 80 kg a. i./ha resulted in obtaining an additional yield compared to the control variant, which is dependent on soil pH: yield growth by 6% to 42% was recorded on soil with pH of 5.6; from 8% to 73% – on soil with pH of 5.3; from 32% to 69% – on soil with pH of 5.2; from 66% to 175% – on soil with pH of 4.8. Payback from applied fertilizers rose with increasing doses of nitrogen. Soil properties also influenced the payback value. The maximum payback, 12 kg of grain per 1 kg of NPK, was recorded when N80P40K70 with split nitrogen fertilizing was applied to the soil with pH = 4.8. The introduction of biological products to the variant with mineral fertilizers (N20P40K70 + N20) contributed to an increase in grain yield : the introduction of microbiological preparation Bisolbifitis provided additional 7.55%; spraying of foliar fertilizers – 3.67%–8.78%. On the soil with long-term cultivation status the dependence of yield on the doses of applied nitrogen in the range from 20 to 80 kg a. i./ha looked like a polynomial. Maximum yield was obtained in different years when nitrogen was applied at rates from 40 and 60 kg a. i./ha. An increase in the dose of nitrogen from 20 to 40 kg was accompanied in 2019 by an increase in the yield of grain from 11.2% to 22.6%. An increase in nitrogen rates from 20 to 60 kg in 2020 and 2021 resulted in the growth of grain yield from 20% to 65%. Respectively. When the most effective doses of nitrogen were applied the payback from fertilizers was 5 kg of grain per 1 kg of NPK in 2019; 7 kg of grain per 1 kg of NPK in 2020; and 10 kg of grain per 1 kg of NPK in 2021. On the soil cultivated and improved for a long-term the effect of foliar fertilizers with biological preparations Kodamine B-Mo and K-Humate-Na was less significant (3–3.5%).

Importance of Providing Soils with Mobile Potassium in Increasing the Yield and Efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilizers

The results of a study devoted to the study of the effect of the content of mobile potassium in various soils on the yield of major crops and the effectiveness of the use of nitrogen fertilizers for them are presented. According to the data obtained, the availability of mobile potassium in soils plays a very significant role in increasing the yield of cereals, potatoes and flax. To the greatest extent, this affected sod-podzolic soils, on which the yield increase was higher due to an increase in their potash level and a higher return on nitrogen fertilizers. Among the studied crops, winter wheat stood out, which reacts better than others not only to an increase in the K2O content in the soil, but also in general to their agrochemical cultivation. On sod-podzolic and gray forest soils, its yield increased 3 times, on leached chernozems – 2.5 times, whereas on the same soils, the yield of spring wheat increased 1.2–1.3 times, potatoes – 1.5 times and flax, depending on the predecessor – 1.7–1.9 times. The dependence of the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers on the content of mobile potassium in soils has been established.

Efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilization in Millet Irrigated with Brackish Water

Nitrogen fertilization can provide greater nutritional support and mitigate salt stress in the millet crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses and agronomic performance of millet crop subjected to nitrogen fertilization and irrigation water salinity. The study was carried out in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with four replications, with five doses of nitrogen (40; 60; 80; 100 and 120 kg ha−1 of N), and two levels of electrical conductivity for the irrigation water: 0.3 and 4.0 dS m−1. We concluded that salt stress increased leaf sodium levels and had a negative impact on stalk and panicle dry mass, leaf gas exchange, mineral element concentrations (K, P, and Ca), and water use efficiency. The use of lower-salinity water associated with increased nitrogen fertilization provides greater stalk and panicle dry mass, photosynthesis, water use efficiency, chlorophyll index, leaf potassium concentration, and biomass production. The adverse effects of salt stress were evident in decreased transpiration and stomatal conductance, alongside reductions in leaf phosphorus and calcium levels, coupled with elevated leaf sodium concentrations, particularly as nitrogen fertilization rates increased in potted millet plants. These findings offer insights for devising strategies aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of salt stress on millet plant nutrition through targeted nitrogen fertilization approaches.

Study of Steroid Estrogen Loss in Soil after the Application of Composted Manure as a Fertilizer

Steroid estrogens (SEs) play a significant role as endocrine-disrupting substances, and one of their major sources is animal manure. However, there is limited information available regarding the loss of SEs in farmland soil after the application of commercial composted animal manure or fertilizers. To address this gap, our study aimed to simulate rainfall and flood irrigation scenarios and investigate the loss characteristics of SEs, as well as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) in runoff from soil–manure mixtures. The results demonstrated that the loss concentrations of SEs (73.1 ng/L of the mean E2β active equivalent factor) presented a potential environmental risk. Additionally, substituting composted manure with commercial organic fertilizers lead to a significant reduction in TP (maximum 56%) and TN (maximum 24%) loss. Consequently, the application of commercial organic fertilizers offers considerable advantages in maintaining nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization efficiency while controlling SEs loss. Furthermore, our study explored the synergistic pollution mechanism among these pollutants and observed significant correlations between SEs and TN, TP, and COD loss concentrations, indicating the simultaneous occurrence and migration of these pollutants in agricultural non-point source pollution. These results provide valuable insights into the environmental risk associated with SEs from agricultural non-point sources.

Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENFs) can reduce nitrous oxide emissions and maintain high grain yields in a rain-fed spring maize cropping system

ContextEnhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENFs) have provided opportunities for the simultaneous mitigation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and increases in crop productions. However, the practice of combining EENFs with optimal fertilization under conditions of misaligned water and fertilizer inputs in rain-fed spring maize systems remains inadequately understood. ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the factors controlling N2O emissions under the soil climatic conditions in rain-fed plastic mulching cropping systems treated with different nitrogen (N) fertilization rates and EENFs, and to determine the most effective N fertilization measure to reduce N2O emissions while maintaining crop yields. MethodsA 3-year field experiment was conducted in a spring maize system located in the semiarid rain-fed region of the Loess Plateau, applying two types of EENFs: a nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) and a slow-release fertilizer (SRF). It comprised five fertilization treatments: unfertilized (CK), conventional N rate (CON, 200 kg N ha−1), optimal N rate (OPT, 160 kg N ha−1), OPT with the addition of DCD (OPT+DCD), and OPT using SRF (OPT-SRF). ResultsThe average annual cumulative N2O emissions over the 3-year experimental period ranged from 0.74 to 1.87 kg N2O-N ha–1. Fertilizer N contributed 26−60% to annual N2O emissions. The highest N2O fluxes (50–161 μg N2O-N m–2 h–1) typically occurred within the initial 10 days following fertilization, likely induced by strong nitrification processes, constituting 12–19% of the annual N2O emissions during this brief period. In comparison to the CON treatment, the OPT, OPT+DCD, and OPT-SRF treatments resulted in significant reductions in annual N2O emissions of 24%, 46%, and 34%, respectively, without causing any significant decrease in maize grain yields. The application of DCD led to increased ammonium (NH4+-N) concentrations while reducing nitrate (NO3–-N). Conversely, using SRF resulted in a decrease in both NH4+-N and NO3–-N concentrations. ConclusionsUsing EENFs at the ideal fertilization rate significantly curtailed yearly N2O emissions without adversely affecting maize yields in a rain-fed plastic mulching spring maize system prevalent in the Loess Plateau. Most N2O emissions occurred post-fertilization, with rainfall events further influencing these emissions. ImplicationsOur findings recommend the incorporation of nitrification inhibitors, such as DCD, as the most effective fertilizer measure for reducing N2O emissions in the rain-fed region of the Loess Plateau.

Effects of water-nitrogen interactions on NH3 and N2O emissions and yield in winter wheat cropland

To investigate the effects of different irrigation and nitrogen application modes on nitrogen gaseous loss in winter wheat farmland, we conducted a field experiment at Changqing Irrigation Experiment Station in Shandong Province, with two irrigation levels (80%-90% θf(I1) and 70%-80% θf(I2)) and three nitrogen application levels (conventional nitrogen application of 240 kg·hm-2(N1), nitrogen reduction of 12.5% (N2), and nitrogen reduction of 25% (N3)). The results showed that ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission rate peak appeared within 2-4 days after fertilization or irrigation. The ammonia volatilization rate during the chasing fertilizer period was significantly higher than that during the basal fertilizer period. Compared with other treatments, the ave-rage ammonia volatilization rate of I2N2 treatment during the chasing fertilizer period was reduced by 10.1%-51.6%, and the average nitrous oxide emission rate over the whole growth period was reduced by 15.4%-52.2%. The ammonia volatilization rate was significantly positively associated with surface soil pH value and ammonium nitrogen content, while the nitrous oxide emission rate was significantly positively associated with nitrate content in topsoil. The accumulation amount of soil ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission ranged from 0.83-1.42 and 0.11-0.33 kg·hm-2, respectively. Moderate reduction of irrigation water and nitrogen input could effectively reduce cumulative amounts of ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission from winter wheat farmland. The cumulative amounts of ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission under I1N3 and I2N2 treatments were signi-ficantly lower than those under other treatments. The highest winter wheat yield (5615.6 kg·hm-2) appeared in I2N2 treatment. The irrigation water utilization efficiency of I2 was significantly higher than that of I1, with the maximum increase rate of 45.2%. Compared with N1 and N3 treatments, the maximum increase rate of nitrogen fertilizer productivity and agricultural utilization efficiency in N2 reached 15.2% and 31.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the treatment with 70%-80% θf irrigation level and 210 kg·hm-2 nitrogen input could effectively improve the utilization efficiency of irrigation water and nitrogen fertilization and reduce gaseous loss from winter wheat farmland.

Effects of Different Organic Fertilizer Substitutions for Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Foxtail Millet

Conventional fertilizer management can destroy the structure of soil. Replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers can improve soil quality and nitrogen use efficiency. We aimed to study the effects of organic fertilizer substitutions for chemical nitrogen fertilizer on soil fertility and nitrogen use efficiency in order to clarify the effectiveness of the available nutrient management measures in improving soil quality and increasing foxtail millet yield. A field experiment was carried out over two consecutive years, and a total of six treatments were set up: no fertilizer (CK), chemical nitrogen fertilizer alone (N), the substitution of 25% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with bio-organic fertilizer (N25A1), the substitution of 25% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with fermented mealworm manure (N25B1), the substitution of 50% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with bio-organic fertilizer (N50A2), and the substitution of 50% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with fermented mealworm manure (N50B2). The results of this study show the following: (1) Compared with chemical nitrogen fertilizer, the substitution of organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer reduced the bulk density and solid phase of the soil, and it increased the total porosity, water content, liquid phase, and gas phase of the soil. (2) Compared with nitrogen fertilizer, the use of an organic fertilizer increased the contents of nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and total nitrogen in the soil by 13.59~52.56%, 4.47~18.27%, and 4.40~12.09%, respectively. The content of alkaline nitrogen increased by 1.70~32.37%, and the contents of soil available potassium, available phosphorus, and organic matter also increased. (3) The activities of sucrase, urease, glutaminase, and asparaginase were improved by replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer. The N25 treatments performed better than the N50 treatments, and fermented mealworm manure performed better than biological organic fertilizer. (4) A moderate application of organic fertilizer (N25) can increase the grain yield, ear weight, grain weight, and 1000-grain weight of foxtail millet, whereas excessive application of organic fertilizer (N50) can reduce foxtail millet yield. (5) Replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer can improve the agronomic use efficiency, physiological efficiency, biased productivity, harvest index, and apparent use efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer. In this study, the substitution of 25% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with fermented mealworm manure was the best combination for restoring crop productivity and soil quality.

Nitrogen: from discovery, plant assimilation, sustainable usage to current enhanced efficiency fertilizers technologies – A review

ABSTRACT From 1913 onwards, the global situation changed from a scenario of nitrogen (N) scarcity to an abundance of ammonia (NH 3 ) produced synthetically via the Haber-Bosch process. Several N compounds have been synthesized since then, with urea becoming the main source of N, accounting for 55 % of current N consumption. However, N efficiency in agroecosystems is low and, normally, N recovery in cultivated plants is less than 50 %. This occurs because a large amount of reactive N is lost to the environment, inducing various forms of pollution, threatening human and environmental health, in addition to causing a negative economic impact on the farmer. The main processes responsible for low N efficiency are NH 3 volatilization, leaching, and N denitrification. Considering global NH 3 volatilization losses of 14 %, it can be assumed that up to 8.6 million Mg of urea are lost every year in the form of NH 3 . For each ton of NH 3 produced, 1.9 to 3.8 Mg of CO 2 is emitted into the atmosphere. Therefore, increasing N use efficiency (NUE) without compromising yield is a necessity and a challenge for crop improvement programs and current management systems, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), which contain technologies that minimize the potential for nutrient losses compared to conventional sources, are an alternative to increasing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization. Currently, EEFs are classified into three categories: stabilized, slow-release, and controlled-release. This study aims to understand the technologies used to produce EEFs and the factors that govern their availability to plants. This review covers the following topics: the discovery of N, N dynamics in the soil-atmosphere system, N assimilation in plants, strategies to increase NUE in agrosystems, NH 3 synthesis, NH 3 volatilization losses, N fertilizer technologies, the importance of characterization of EEFs, conventional nitrate or ammonium-based fertilizers to reduce gaseous losses of NH 3 and future prospects for the use of N fertilizers in agriculture.

Can Foliar-Applied Omeprazole Improve the Yield, Assimilation, Recovery and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Bean Plants?

The low efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilizers is a frequent problem in agriculture that impacts the environment. Omeprazole (OMP) has been reported to promote N uptake and assimilation in tomato, basil, and corn. However, information about the effect of omeprazole on N assimilation, recovery, and N use efficiency parameters for bean plants is limited. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of foliar applications of OMP at 0, 1, 10, and 100 µM on nitrogen assimilation, growth, yield, nitrogen use efficiency parameters, and recovery percentage in green bean plants. Green bean plants cv. Strike grown in pots were used. Biomass, yield, nitrate reductase activity, photosynthetic pigments concentration, soluble amino acids and protein concentrations, total nitrogen concentration, nitrogen use efficiency parameters, and nitrogen recovery were analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the application of OMP at 1 µM increased yield and biomass, promoted N assimilation through higher NR enzyme activity, higher amino acid concentration, higher N use efficiency coefficient, and allowed a more efficient nitrogen recovery percentage.

Efficiency of neem (Azadirachta indica) as a nitrification inhibitor under laboratory conditions

The use of nitrification inhibitors is a technology that can increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization, and synthetic and natural products can be used for this purpose. However, the use of these products is still poorly studied in tropical regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the nitrification of nitrogen, under laboratory conditions, with urea covered with doses of neem leaf or cake, using DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) for comparison. The treatments consisted of a 2 x 4 + 2 factorial scheme, with the first factor represented by neem sources (leaf and cake), used to cover the urea and the second factor by neem doses, these doses being 0, 10 , 20 and 40% of the total applied N (200 mg kg-1, using urea as a N source) and two additional treatments: control (soil without nitrogen fertilizer) and urea + DMPP. Ammonium and nitrate contents were evaluated right after incubation (time 0) and on the 7th, 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th day after the start of incubation. For the ammonium content in the soil, there was influence of source and dose on the fifteenth day of incubation, with linear increments for both sources; and for nitrate levels, there was a significant effect (p<0.01) of neem doses on the 7th and 15th days of incubation, with a reduction in levels depending on the doses for the two sources tested. Significant differences (p<0.01) were found between additional and factorial treatments and between additional treatments for ammonium levels from the 7th to the 90th day of incubation. There was no significant interaction, in any of the dates, between neem sources and doses for ammonium and nitrate contents in the soil. Covering the urea with neem leaf and cake was efficient in reducing the levels of nitrate in the soil up to 15 days after incubation, resulting in higher levels of ammonium in the soil until this date. However, DMPP was more efficient in reducing nitrification, promoting inhibition up to 60 days of incubation.

Effect of NBPT-DCD (Urease and Nitrification Inhibitor) on Nitrogen Loss, N Uptake and Oil Palm Yields (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) bn Typic Dystrudepts Soil

Incorporating N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) as a urease inhibitor and Dicyandiamide (DCD) as a nitrification inhibitor can enhance the efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilization. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of urease and nitrification inhibitors (NBPT and DCD) on N loss in urea fertilizer, N absorption, and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) yield. Researchers conducted the field trial using a single-factor, completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experimental treatments included nitrogen (N) fertilization with 5 different levels. The levels were: 100% urea (2.75 kg/plant/year: 1.50 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 1.25 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N0), 80% urea + NBPT-DCD (2.20 kg/plant/year: 1.20 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 1.0 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N1), 60% urea + NBPT-DCD (1.65 kg/plant/year: 0.90 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 0.75 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N2), Urea dosage of 80% (2.20 kg/year: 1.20 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 1.00 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N3), and Urea dosage of 60% (1.65 kg/plant/year: 0.90 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 0.75 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N4). The findings revealed that the application of Urea in combination with NBPT-DCD (inhibitors of urease and nitrification) led to a reduction in N loss by 30.33-37.48% and an increase in N absorption compared to Urea without NBPT-DCD. Oil palm trees grew on Typic Dystrudept soil. The plants received 2.20 kg of urea treatment per plant. The researchers combined Urea with NBPT-DCD. These trees had better outcomes than others. They had less N volatilization and better N absorption. They also had higher fresh fruit bunch productivity. The others received N fertilization but not NBPT-DCD.

Optimizing wheat prosperity: innovative drip irrigation and nitrogen management strategies for enhanced yield and quality of winter wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai region.

To examine the impacts of varied water and nitroge combinations on wheat yield and quality under drip irrigation in the Huang-Huai-Hai area, a field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons of winter wheat from 2019 to 2021. Traditional irrigation and fertilization methods served as the control (CK), with two nitrogen application rates set: N1 (180 kg/ha) and N2 (210 kg/ha). The irrigation schedules were differentiated by growth stages: jointing, anthesis (S2); jointing, anthesis, and filling (S3); and jointing, booting, anthesis, and filling (S4), at soil depths of 0-10 cm (M1) and 0-20 cm (M2). Results indicated that compared to CK, the 3 and 4 times irrigation treatments comprehensively improved grain yield (GY) by 8.0% and 13.6% respectively, increased the average plant partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (PFPN) and irrigation use efficiency (IUE) by 57.5% and 38.2%, and 62.2% and 35.8%, respectively. The gluten content (GC) of 3 irrigations was 1.6% higher than CK, and other metrics such as dough tenacity (DT), softness (ST), water absorption (WAS), and gluten hardness (GH) also showed improvements. Furthermore, the contents of amylose, amylopectin, and total starch under 3 irrigations significantly increased by 9.4%, 11.4%, and 9.8%, respectively, with higher than 4 irrigations. The crude protein content and soluble sugar content in 3 irrigations rose by 6.5% and 9.8% respectively over two years. These irrigation treatments also optimized gelatinization characteristics of grains, such as breakdown viscosity (BDV), consistency peak viscosity (CPV), consistency setback viscosity (CSV), pasting temperature (PeT), and pasting time (PaT). The study demonstrated that appropriate drip irrigation can effectively synchronize water and nitrogen supply during critical growth stages in winter wheat, ensuring robust late-stage development and efficient transfer of photosynthetic products into the grains, thus enhancing grain mass and yield. This also led to improved utilization of water and fertilizer and enhanced the nutritional and processing quality of the grain. However, excessive irrigation did not further improve grain quality. In conclusion, given the goals of saving water and fertilizer, achieving excellent yield, and ensuring high quality, the N1S3M1 treatment is recommended as an effective production management strategy in the Huang-Huai Hai area; N1S3M2 could be considered in years of water scarcity.

The impact of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculation with nitrogen fertilization on baby corn yield and cob quality

In response to the escalating costs and diminishing efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers, the agricultural community is actively seeking sustainable alternatives that leverage natural nitrogen sources derived from biological N-fixation processes to enhance crop yield. This study investigates the combined effects of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculation and varying nitrogen fertilizer doses on soil fertility, nutrient availability, and the yield and quality parameters of baby corn (Zea mays. L). The study involved the application of five nitrogen levels (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg N ha-1) in conjunction with Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculum on HM-4 variety of baby corn, employing a comprehensive experimental design with five treatments and four replications. All treatments demonstrated increased ear count and weights of ear, silk, husk, edible cob, and biomass compared to the control. The study highlights the potential of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae inoculation in synergy with reduced nitrogen fertilizer to enhance total N contents in soil and positively impact baby corn yield and cob quality parameters. Optimal results were achieved with a 50% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer (150 kg N ha-1), emphasizing the importance of integrated nutrient management. The findings contribute valuable insights to sustainable agriculture, offering a promising strategy for increased baby corn production, improved nutritional quality, and environmental conservation. This integrated approach, involving microbial inoculation and nitrogen management, emerges as a key element in modern agricultural practices, promoting both productivity and nutritional content in baby corn crops.

Controlled-Release Nitrogen Mixed with Common Nitrogen Fertilizer Can Maintain High Yield of Rapeseed and Improve Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency.

Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of different proportions of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer mixed with quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer on the yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency of direct-seeding rapeseed. Using a conventional nitrogen application rate of 180 kg ha-1 as a control, a total of 5 types of available nitrogen fertilizers and different proportions of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers were mixed for fertilizer treatment. The proportion of available nitrogen fertilizer used was 135 kg ha-1, and the addition ratios of the five types of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers were 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%, respectively (i.e., the proportion of controlled-release nitrogen to the total nitrogen application amount). These ratios were represented as N135R0, N135R1, N135R2, N135R3, and N135R4, respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, or the grain yield under the treatment of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer mixed with quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer for proportions of 30-50% (N135R1~R3) when compared with the control, and a stable yield was achieved. Mixing controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer under reduced nitrogen application can significantly improve the apparent utilization rate of rapeseed nitrogen fertilizer, but it first increases and then decreases with the increase of the controlled-release nitrogen mixing ratio, reaching its highest under the N135R2 treatment. The agronomic utilization efficiency and partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer first increased and then decreased with the increased proportion of controlled-release nitrogen, and both reached their highest utilization with the N135R2 treatment. The mixed treatment of controlled-release nitrogen did not affect soil urease activity, but significantly increased soil sucrase activity. The mixed treatment of controlled-release nitrogen also increased soil microbial biomass nitrogen and carbon content. Especially in the flowering stage, the soil microbial biomass nitrogen and carbon content was significantly higher under a controlled-release nitrogen mixing ratio of 30-50%. At the same time, it had a similar effect on soil inorganic nitrogen content. Therefore, a controlled-release nitrogen mixing treatment provided sufficient nitrogen for the key growth period of rapeseed. Under the condition of reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer by 25% based on the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied to conventional rapeseed, the application of controlled-release urea mixed with common nitrogen fertilizer mixed at a ratio of 30-50% can be an effective way to maintain grain yield levels and improve nitrogen utilization efficiency.

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ROLE IN GRAIN CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTH-EAST KAZAKHSTAN

Seeking to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers for grain crops led to conducting this study on developing methods using 15N in 2015–2017 at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture, Almalybak Village, Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan. Nitrogen use efficiency using the stable isotope 15N in microfield experiments revealed that the assimilation of nitrogen fertilizers by grain crops largely depends on the norms, timing, fertilization method, and varietal parameters of the concerned crop. Based on morphophysiological methods of monitoring plant development conditions, the nitrogen fertilizers’ role based on the development has been affirmative, with the optimal timing of their application also determined. Results show that grain crops use nitrogen productively with partial application at the beginning of tillering and tubing, respectively, and stages III and V of organogenesis. With the use of nitrogen fertilizers, the significant varietal differences were evident. The help of an isotope label established the accurate nitrogen utilization coefficients of fertilizers based on the options ranging from 14.7% to 32.2%. Using the isotope method provides an opportunity for further development of practicing the most efficient techniques of applying fertilizers, which is an imperative method for determining the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers.