Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Research Articles

Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Sulphur and Boron

At the Agronomy Field Unit, ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, a field experiment was carried out in kharif 2017 to examine the impact of sulphur and boron on sesame yield and quality (Sesamum indicum L.). Twelve treatments were reproduced three times in the experiment, which was set up using a factorial RCBD design. The application of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) with 30 kg sulphur and 5 kg borax per ha resulted in significantly higher seed yield (470.00 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (3126 kg ha-1) than the application of the recommended dose of fertilisers with 40 and 5, 40 and 2.5, 30 and 5 kg sulphur and borax per ha (461.56 and 2826.67, 455.13 and 2733.33, 445.67 and 2626.67 kg per ha, respectively). Increased nutrient uptake of nitrogen (40.23 kg ha-1) phosphorus (15.01 kg ha-1) potassium (45.23 kg ha-1) sulphur (13 kg ha-1) and boron (162.4 ppm) was primarily responsible for increased seed and stalk yield. The application of the recommended dose of fertilisers with 40 kg sulphur and 5 kg borax per ha resulted in higher seed protein (10.72%). This matched RDF + 40 kg sulphur + 2.5 kg borax (10.66%). RDF+30 kg sulphur + 5 kg borax per ha produced the highest C: B ratio (3.5).

The Early Effects of an Agrivoltaic System within a Different Crop Cultivation on Soil Quality in Dry–Hot Valley Eco-Fragile Areas

The co-allocation of photovoltaic arrays with crops presents a promising strategy to mitigate the conflict between photovoltaics and agricultural land. However, there is a notable lack of quantitative research on the impact of agrivoltaic system on land quality in fragile areas. In this study, peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were cultivated in photovoltaic array in the dry–hot valley of southwest China, with an off-site native land serving as the control. Sixteen soil physicochemical and biochemical parameters were measured in the gap and under-panel and control area. Results demonstrated that the agrivoltaic system significantly enhanced soil moisture, organic carbon, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium nutrients, microbial biomass, and urease activity. It also led to varying degrees of increase in soil pH and electrical conductivity, along with reduced soil sucrase and phosphatase activity. In comparison to the control, the agrivoltaic system notably improved soil quality and multifunctionality. Specially, gap cultivation had a more pronounced positive impact on soil quality than under-panel cultivation, and the cultivation of peanuts had a greater effect on soil quality and multifunctionality improvement than ryegrass. This study provides fundamental data to support the improvement of land quality in photovoltaic developed regions, and to alleviate the conflict between photovoltaics and agricultural land.

Dual‐purpose cowpea grain and fodder yield response to variety, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizer, and environment

AbstractAddressing the challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa will require innovative agriculture production systems that support multiple objectives. Dual‐purpose cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] varieties are expected to offer greater grain yields for human consumption and high‐quality fodder for livestock in semiarid regions of Senegal. However, limited information is available on the effects of varieties and fertilizer on dual‐purpose cowpea. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the grain and fodder yield of five newly released cowpea varieties (Kelle, Leona, Lizard, Sam, and Thieye) compared to traditional variety (Yacine) with fertilizer (nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium 6‐20‐10) and no‐fertilizer application. Genotype × environment × management experimentations were conducted across three cowpea production zones of Darou Mousty (400 mm per year), Bambey (500 mm per year), and Boulel (700 mm per year) over three growing seasons (2019–2021) to compare the growth and yield parameters of the cowpea varieties. Results of the study showed a 40% grain yield advantage from the greater yielding (Leona) variety in this study compared with the lower yielding (Lizard) variety. There was an additional 22% grain yield increase from the application of fertilizer compared with the unfertilized treatment. The variety (Leona) that produced the most grain also produced the most fodder yields. There was 67% fodder yield advantage from Leona compared with fodder yield from the older variety Yacine. Across varieties, application of fertilizer increased fodder yield by 15% compared to the unfertilized control. Average grain yield in high‐yielding environment (Boulel 2019, Darou Mousty 2019, and Bambey 2021) was 100% greater compared with average grain yield in low‐yielding environments (Boulel 2021, Darou Mousty 2021, and Bambey 2019). Compared to Yacine, dual‐purpose varieties increased net returns by 15%–58% or 13%–42% with early‐ and late‐season cowpea sales, respectively. However, fertilizer application was profitable only when cowpea grain and fodder were sold later in the season. In general, cowpea number of branches, pod number, and pod yield increased with fertilizer application. We concluded that producers can adopt dual‐purpose varieties and proper fertilizer management to increase grain yield, fodder availability, and profitability of cowpea production in Senegal.

Влияние осадков сточных вод на тест-растения и агрохимические свойства почв

Purpose: to assess the fertilizing value of sewage sludge. Materials and methods. The material used for research was sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants in Novocherkassk with a three-year stay period on the sludge map. The research was carried out as a part of a vegetation experiment on soils selected from agricultural lands in Aksai district Rostov region. According to the analysis, the soils are non-degraded, non-saline with a low humus content and an average nutrient content. The granulometric composition of soils is dominated by coarse silt fractions. Sewage sludge, on the contrary, is characterized by a high content of organic matter and nutrients; sand fractions predominate in the granulometric composition. Radish and watercress were used as test plants as they were the most sensitive to the presence of contaminants. Soil bioproductivity was assessed by seed germination, total biomass, and average biomass per plant. Results and discussions. The best germination of plant seeds was noted in variants with the application of sewage sludge to soils in comparison with both the control and the variant of using fertilizers in similar doses of the active substance. Under the influence of sewage sludge, changes in the qualitative composition of soils were noted: the amount of nitrates, phosphates, calcium ions and sulfates increased, and the content of organic matter increased. Conclusions. The positive effect of sewage sludge on plants has been determined: the radish yield increased by 55 % with the use of sewage sludge, and by only 10 % with the use of azofoska (nitrogen-phosphorus potassium fertilizer); the watercress yield increased by 29 % against the background of the use of sewage sludge and by 2 % against the background of the use of azofoska. In variants with the application of sewage sludge, an increase in the content of organic matter by an average of 30 % is observed. In soil samples with sewage sludge, an increase in the nitrogen content by 30–59 %, phosphorus by 67–78 % compared to the control was noted, and when azofoska was added, in comparison with control samples, the amount of nitrogen increased by 5–23 %, and phosphorus by on average by 50 %.

Utilization of Sludge from the Communal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the Asrama Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (DLH) Jagakarsa of South Jakarta City as Basic Material for Organic Fertilizer

Asrama DLH Jagakarsa has a communal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that produces sludge that has not been treated. Asrama DLH residents directly apply the sludge from the communal WWTP as fertilizer for plants. Fecal sludge contains organic substances that provide nutrients to plants. However, there is a possibility that it still contains pathogenic bacteria and metals that can be harmful to plants. This research aims to utilize the fecal sludge from Asrama DLH Jagakarsa WWTP as organic fertilizer with additional ingredients in the form of humic acid. During fertilizer manufacturing, the bacteria and metals are removed. The analysis used includes the composting process conditions analysis, characteristics tests to determine the content of feces and fertilizers, and analysis of the application to plants. Analysis of the conditions in the composting process is the analysis of the pH value of organic fertilizers. Characteristic tests include soil variation (V1), WWTP sludge (V2), and organic fertilizer (V3). Analysis of the application of plant growth was carried out by testing the variation of soil 100% (P1), soil 80% + 20% fecal sludge (P2), and soil 80% + 20% organic fertilizer (P3). The laboratory analysis includes the analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPP), and water content which will be compared with the quality standard of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture Number 261 of 2019. The plant that is used as an indicator of the success of organic fertilizer in plant growth is the kale plant. The best value was obtained in the variation of organic fertilizer (V3), namely the NPP content and water content, respectively, which were 4.52%, 2.57%, 0.05%, and 19.84%. This shows that organic fertilizer increases NPP elements and plant growth.

Multi-stage fertilizer recommendation for spring maize at the field scale based on narrowband vegetation indices

Crop fertilizer recommendations that are site-specific and can be adjusted in multiple growth stages can result in improved nutrient management, fertilizer use efficiency, and grain yield. There are considerable challenges to collecting a large number of soil and crop samples using the traditional methods, so a modern approach to developing fertilizer recommendations is urgently needed. In this study, we used the topdressing recommendation method based on unmanned aerial vehicle-based hyperspectral images and conducted a long-term nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) combined fertilizer experiment in a spring maize cropping system. The hyperspectral imagery was acquired at multiple critical stages (jointing, silking, and maturity) in the experimental field containing 120 microplots during 2019–2020. The leaf nitrogen content (LNC) and yield measurement data for each microplot were also collected in multiple stages. Ten narrowband vegetation indices (VIs) were derived from the hyperspectral imagery as effective indicators for the estimation of the crop N status and grain yield. To develop topdressing recommendations for multiple stages, first, the optimal NPK fertilizer amounts, which were applied as the total fertilizer requirement to achieve the highest yield, were obtained. Second, the thresholds of the narrowband VIs, which justify if topdressing N fertilizer is needed, were calculated using the regression model established based on the relative yield and VIs. Finally, the N fertilizer amounts already applied in the jointing and silking stages were obtained based on the response of the narrowband VIs to the N fertilizer amounts. The results reveal that the optimal amount of N fertilizer is 180 kg ha−1, and the grain yield can be improved by using a combination of P and K fertilizers. Five VIs were significantly correlated with both the LNC and yield in the jointing and silking stages, and the thresholds of these VIs, below which topdressing fertilizer is needed, were identified at 95% of relative yield. The five VIs all presented high fitting accuracies with the amount of N fertilizer applied. However, there were noticeable differences in the sensitivities of the VIs in the jointing and silking stages. Therefore, we developed a cost-effective approach and provide multi-stage fertilizer recommendations at the field scale for the spring maize cropping system. This method can also benefit other precision agriculture applications if incorporated with remote sensing techniques.

Predicting Soil Carbon Sequestration and Harvestable C-Biomass of Rice and Wheat by DNDC Model

Several biogeochemical models have been applied to understand the potential effects of management practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, crop growth, and yield. In this study, the denitrification and decomposition (DNDC) model was used to simulate soil SOC dynamics and harvested C-biomass in rice–wheat rotation under organic/inorganic fertilization with conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT). Before calibration, DNDC underpredicted harvestable grain C-biomass of rice where percent difference (PD) varied from 29.22% to 42.14%, and over-simulated grain C-biomass of wheat where PD was −55.01% with 50% nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) and 50% animal manure applied under the CT treatment. However, after calibration by adjusting default values of soil and crop parameters, DNDC simulated harvestable grain C-biomass of both crops very close to observed values (e.g., average PD ranged from −2.81% to −6.17%). DNDC also predicted the effects of nutrient management practices on grain C-biomass of rice/wheat under CT/RT using d-index (0.76 to 0.96) and the calculated root mean squared error (RMSE of 165.36 to 494.18 kg C ha−1). DNDC simulated SOC trends for rice–wheat using measured values of several statistical indices. Regression analysis between modeled and observed SOC dynamics was significant with R2 ranging from 0.35 to 0.46 (p < 0.01), and intercept ranging from 0.30 to 1.34 (p < 0.65). DNDC demonstrated that combined inorganic and organic fertilization may result in higher C-biomass and more SOC sequestration in rice–wheat systems.

Effect of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil under Various Depths on Different Cropping Systems in Ayodhya, India

A research work conducted during 2018-19 at Agronomy farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) to evaluate the fertility status and effect of different cropping systems on soil physico-chemical characteristics and their correlation. The 300 representative soil samples with 4 depths viz. 0-15, 15-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm soil samples were taken with manually driven post hole auger and processed for soil analysis from different plots of Agronomy farm. Results revealed that physico-chemical properties viz. particle Density, bulk density pH, EC, organic corban, nitrogen phosphorus potassium Sulphur and zinc varied vertically and horizontally in cultivated and fallow lands. The soils were sandy loam, clay loam, loam and silt loam. The frequency distribution of soil bulk density of entire farm ranged from 1.128-1.58 Mgm-3, particle density ranged 2.50-2.76 Mgm-3 and soil chemical properties, like, pH ranged from 7.2-11.5, the E.C. is found in ranged from .13-1.01 dSm-1. While organic carbon was ranged from 1.4-6.70 g kg-1. and notable available Nitrogen in Agronomy farm was low in ranged from 170.15-221.36 kgha-1.The Phosphorus availability was found in ranged from 6.01-16.87 kgha-1 , while Potassium was found in ranged from 163.20-220.98 kgha-1. How ever the availability of Sulphur, was found in ranged from 8.62-18.32 kgha-1, Zinc ranged from in Agronomy farm 0.28-0.81mgkg-1. The significant positive correlation were observed among soil B.D with N, B.D with P, B.D with K, B.D with S, P.D. with S, P.D. with Zn. While the significant negative correlations were observed among PD with O.C., Zn with P, Zn with K and Zn with S in whole Agronomy Farm.

Psychological Effects of Arbuscular Mychorrhiza Fungi Reducing Chemical Fertilizer on The Growth of Oil Palm Seedling

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, supplying nutrients such as phosphorus. AMF can absorb, accumulate, and transport large amounts of phosphate in their hyphae before releasing it to plant cells in root tissues. The purpose of this research is to assess the feasibility of using AMF to reduce fertiliser levels in oil palm seedlings. Plant growth, foliar and rachis status, gas exchange, soil physiochemical, and spore count are among the parameters measured and analysed. Treatments were arranged in a randomized completed block design (RCBD) with 10 replications in four blocks. The finding showed that reducing Tekam Organic Fertilizer (TOF) and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium fertiliser rates by 15% with AMF could have an effect on plant growth differences (height, number of leaves, girth size, chlorophyll and leaf area)Total biomass, leaf weight ratio (LWR), and root-shoot ratio all have had significant relationships with growth performance. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance For plant growth data (palm height, number of leaves, and leaves area (LA) and root biomass of oil palm seedlings, the use of AMF has the potential to reduce the use of Tekam Organic Fertilizer (TOF) and Nitrogen Phosphate Potassium (NPK) fertilisers by 15%. The soil analysis results confirmed that the application increases plant growth, which increases availability.

Effects of Biochar on the Fluorescence Spectra of Water-Soluble Organic Matter in Black Soil Profile after Application for Six Years

At present, extracting water-soluble organic matter (WSOM) from agricultural organic waste is primarily used to evaluate soil organic matter content in farmland. However, only a few studies have focused on its vertical behavior in the soil profile. This study aims to clarify the three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum characteristics of the WSOM samples in 0-60 cm black soil profile before and after different chemical fertilizer treatments after six years of fertilization. Fluorescence spectroscopy combined with fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies are used to divide four different fertilization types: no fertilization (T0), nitrogen phosphorus potassium (NPK) (T1), biochar (T2), biochar + NPK (T3), and biochar + N (T4) in a typical black soil area. The vertical characteristics of WSOC are also analyzed. The results showed that after six years of nitrogen application, T2 had a significant effect on the fluorescence intensity of Zone II (decreasing by 9.6% in the 0-20 cm soil layer) and Zone V (increasing by 8.5% in the 0-20 cm soil layer). The fluorescent components identified in each treatment group include ultraviolet radiation A humic acid-like substances (C1), ultraviolet radiation C humic acid-like substances (C2), and tryptophan-like substance (C3). As compared with the land with T1, the content of C2 in the 20-60 cm soil layer with T2 was lower, while that of C2 in the surface and subsoil with T3 was higher. In addiiton, there were no significant differences in the contents of C1, C2, and C3 by comparing the soils applied with T3 and T4, respectively. The composition of soil WSOM was found to be significantly influenced by the addition of a mixture of biochar and chemical fertilizers. The addition of biochar alone exerted a positive effect on the humification process in the surface soil (0-10 cm). NPK treatment could stimulate biological activity by increasing biological index values in deeper soil layers (40-50 cm). Nitrogen is the sovereign factor that improves the synergism effect of chemical fertilizer and biochar during the humification process. According to the UV-Vis spectrum and optical index, soil WSOM originates from land and microorganisms. This study reveals the dynamics of WSOC in the 0-60 cm soil layer and the biogeochemical effect of BC fertilizer treatment on the agricultural soil ecosystem.

Combined Effects of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Yields of Maize and Soil Nutrient Availability

The excessive application of mineral fertilizers in maize cultivation leads to progressive soil contamination in the long term and increases the cost of production. An alternative to reduce over-fertilization is to perform a partial replacement with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). A pot experiment which was followed by two field experiments was performed with and without the application of indigenous AMF in combination with five nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilization rates (100% NPK = N120P60K60; 75% NPK = N90P45K45; 50% NPK = N60P30K30; 25% NPK = N30P15K15; control = N0P0K0). The objective was to investigate whether the soil application of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi inoculum combined with NPK fertilization can provide higher maize yields and soil-available N, P, and K than chemical fertilization can alone. The greenhouse results showed that the application of AMF with a 50% NPK treatment significantly increased the plant’s growth, root colonization, leaf chlorophyll content, and N, P, and K tissue content. The results from the field conditions showed that there was a highly significant yield after the treatment with AMF + 50% NPK. The study also revealed that mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased the available soil N and P concentrations when it was combined with a 50% NPK dose. This suggests that the inoculation of fields with AM fungi can reduce the chemical fertilizer application by half, while improving soil chemistry. The results suggested that AMF inoculation can be used in integrated soil fertility management strategies.

New Insights from Soil Microorganisms for Sustainable Double Rice-Cropping System with 37-Year Manure Fertilization

Long-term intensive use of mineral fertilizers in double rice-cropping systems has led to soil acidification and soil degradation. Manure fertilization was suggested as an alternative strategy to mitigate soil degradation. However, the effects of long-term mineral and manure fertilization on rice grain yield, yield stability, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil total nitrogen (TN) content, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Based on a long-term experiment established in 1981 in southern China, we compared four treatments: no fertilizer application (Control); application of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK); NPK plus green manure in early rice (M1); and M1 plus farmyard manure in late rice and rice straw return in winter (M2). Our results showed that 37 years of NPK, M1, and M2 significantly increased rice grain yield by 54%, 46%, and 72%, and yield stability by 22%, 17%, and 9%, respectively. M1 and M2 significantly increased SOC content by 39% and 23% compared to Control, respectively, whereas there was no difference between Control and NPK. Regarding soil TN content, it was significantly increased by 8%, 46%, and 20% by NPK, M1, and M2, respectively. In addition, M2 significantly increased bacterial OTU richness by 68%, Chao1 index by 79%, and altered the bacterial community composition. Changes in soil nutrient availability and bacterial Simpson index were positively correlated with the changes in grain yield, while shifts in bacterial community were closely related to yield stability. This study provides pioneer comprehensive assessments of the simultaneous responses of grain yield, yield stability, SOC and TN content, nutrient availability, and bacterial community composition to long-term mineral and manure fertilization in a double rice-cropping system. Altogether, this study spanning nearly four decades provides new perspectives for developing sustainable yet intensive rice cultivation to meet growing global demands.

EFFECT OF VARIOUS IRRIGATION LEVELS AND FERTILIZER MATERIALS ON WATER USE AND YIELD OF ONION UNDER CHECK BASIN IRRIGATION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of various irrigation levels and fertilizer materials on water use and yield of onion crop (Allium cepa L.). The experiment was carried out at the Irrigation Research Farm which is located at latitude 110 11’ N longitude 70 38’E and 686m above the mean sea level in the Northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria (semi-arid zone). A randomized block design was used, with four irrigation levels and three fertilizer materials in three replications. Water was conveyed to the check basins using calibrated 7.5cm diameter Plastic pipes under observation using stopwatch. The minimum crop water use was 275.4mm corresponding to the treatment 25% irrigation level and chicken droppings (CH) while the maximum CWU was 405.2mm corresponding to 100% irrigation level and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK). The crop water use efficiency varied from a minimum value of 1.24kg/m3 recorded at 25% irrigation level and NPK to a maximum value of 2.41 kg/m3 recorded at 100% irrigation level and CD. The highest irrigation water use efficiency of 1.02kg/m3 was recorded at 25% irrigation level and CH while the corresponding lowest value of 0.23kg/m3 was recorded at the 75% irrigation level and NPK. This implies that irrigation water use efficiency has an indirect relationship with irrigation level. The biomass yield ranged from the minimum of 22.0 t/ha recorded at the 75% irrigation level and NPK to the maximum of 39.2t/ha obtained from 100% irrigation level and CH. After curing, the yield ranged from 13.9t/ha to 25.6t/ha obtained from 25% irrigation level and CD and 100% irrigation level and CH respectively.

Oil palm leaf ash's effect on the growth and yield of Chinese cabbage (<i>Brassica rapa</i> L.)

<abstract> <p>The production of Chinese cabbage (<italic>Brassica rapa</italic> L.) has not been able to keep up with consumers' demand. Appropriate application of fertilizers is a key element in boosting plant productivity. One of the problems faced when fertilizing is that plant nutrient uptake has low efficiency. The application of basic nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilizers is typically the main emphasis of traditional agriculture, whereas the need for micronutrients, including Si, receives less consideration. Organic and inorganic materials are sources of Si nutrients. Currently, organic materials include straw or rice husks. The use of oil leaf palm waste as a source of nutrients is relatively still rare. The oil palm leaf ash in the production of Chinese cabbage is still not yet been researched. This analysis aims to know the optimal of oil palm leaf ash for the growth and yield of Chinese cabbage. The growth parameters measured 40 days after planting: leaf number, plant height, crown diameter, and fresh weight were impacted by the usage of oil palm leaf ash. A combination of oil palm ash at a concentration of 3.75 kg/m<sup>2</sup> and manure at a concentration of 1500 kg/m<sup>2</sup> produced the greatest results. In general, the usage of oil palm leaf ash affected the growth of Chinese cabbage, but the results could not be statistically separated from the role of manure as a source of NPK for plants. It was also demonstrated that the use of oil palm leaf ash increased the resistance of Chinese cabbage to armyworms. Therefore, Si for agriculture it can be utilized from oil palm leaf ash as a natural source.</p> </abstract>

Effects of different doses of ammonium nitrate applications on nutrient content in some types of grass: nutritional support

This study was conducted under ecological conditions of Çanakkale (Turkey) province to investigate the effects of different ammonium nitrate (33% N) dose (0, 50 and 100 g m-2) on nitrogen, protein, macro-micro nutrient analyses of 3 different commonly cultivated grass varieties (Lolium perenne TOPGUN, Festuca rubra SERGEİ and Poa pratensis AVALANCHE). Plant nitrogen-protein analyses (nitrogen, protein) were determined besides plant macro-micro nutrient analyses (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ıron, manganese) of grass plants were determined. In the study, in addition to having information about the mineral content of grass species removed from the soil, the potential of the cuttings, which are formed when the grass plants are mowed, when used as green manure or compost has been determined.Fertilizer treatments increased nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and protein contents of grass clippings and decreased calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese contents. In general, it was determined that the application of ammonium nitrate (33% N) at a dose of 100 g m-2 increased the nitrogen, protein, phosphorus and potassium amounts of plants compared to the application of ammonium nitrate (33% N) at a dose of 50 g m-2. Especially nitrogen phosphorus potassium fertilizers are among the fertilizers applied in intensive amounts in the agricultural sector. It is seen that nitrogen-containing ammonium nitrate fertilizer applied to grass plants increases the nitrogen content of grass plants. When the results of the study were examined, important information was obtained about how the fertilization density affects the nutrient content of the grass plants according to the species.

Statistical optimization of a sustainable fertilizer composition based on black soldier fly larvae as source of nitrogen

In the present work, a statistical optimization of a sustainable coating for core–shell NPK (Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Potassium) fertilizers was investigated. The environmental green coating was enriched in nitrogen using a biomass and renewable source, namely the nitrogen rich fraction of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia Illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae) reared on vegetable waste. A rational approach was proposed with the aim of calculating the best formulation of the coating, considering both its manufacturing behavior, such as adhesion to the core, and its physical properties, such as homogeneity or plasticity. From a circular economy perspective, together with the nitrogen-rich fraction from BSFL (from 51 to 90 wt.%), water and glycerol were considered for the coating formulation in different proportion: from 10 to 32 wt.% and from 0 to 17 wt.% respectively. The Design of Experiments technique was implemented to limit the total number of tests for the coating formulation (18 tests). ANOVA was employed, with the aim of obtaining mathematical models to derive a better precise and objective formulation. The results show that the use of glycerol can be avoided, as well as only a limited amount of water (11 wt.%) is necessary to obtain an optimized coating formulation, thereafter, satisfying the more relevant technological and physical properties for the coating manufacturing.

Bio-organic fertilizer production from industrial waste and insightful analysis on release kinetics

The present study has been designed to utilize industrial and agricultural solid waste for NPK (Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Potassium) bio-organic fertilizer production and its optimized use. The collagenic material of wet blue leather (WBL) from leather industry was used as nitrogen source, after H3PO4 acid-mediated chromium removal. Chicken meat-bone meal (CMBM) and rice husk ash (RHA) are abundantly available locally, had used as P, K, and Ca sources. The presence of N, P, K, Ca in the produced bio-organic NPK fertilizer were 10.76, 11.03, 3.41, 13.64, respectively as per mixing ratio of ingredients. In this study it was effect on the chili plant (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and revealed 1.15 and 1.03 fold higher plant growth, 1.40 and 1.18 fold higher total chlorophyll content than untreated soil (control), and chemical fertilizer. The liberation of fertilizers components from their source, transport of fertilizer components in the soil, and absorption in plant roots have been studied using mathematical models indicating the optimum fertilizer use for better productivity and to reduce loss of extra fertilizer and eutrophication. The formulation showed excellent water retention capability (3.2 L/kg), which might increase soil water availability to the plants and eventually reduce water demand and labour cost. DNA intercalation study proved there is no harm to use this fertilizer.

Potential of Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus BF2P4-5 as a Biofertilizer for the Growth Promotion of Tomato Plants

BF2P4-5 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tomato plants, and its potential to promote plant growth was investigated in tomato plants. An in vitro test revealed that the strain could fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and potassium, and synthesize indole acetic acid. The bacterial strain was identified and characterized as a kind of Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus based on the analysis of culture characteristics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequence (GenBank accession number OP135548.1). pH 7.0, 15% NaCl, and 35 °C temperature were ideal for optimal strain growth under culture conditions. Tomato plants grown on a cocopeat substrate were inoculated with BF2P4-5 suspension (OD600 2.0). Positive control plants were inoculated with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK) fertilizer. This BF2P4-5 strain and NPK treatments were complemented with a negative control, in which only tap water was applied to tomato roots, thus, establishing three distinct treatment modalities with five replications each. Two months of greenhouse trials of inoculated tomato plants improved growth parameters. Interestingly, in most of the growth metrics evaluated, tomato plants treated with strain BF2P4-5 showed little to no variation with NPK fertilizer treatment, including plant height, stem length, girth, leaf number per plant, and chlorophyll content, when compared to uninoculated plants. Furthermore, the conditions for the cocopeat plants, including pH, EC, and moisture, were within acceptable limits. Furthermore, inoculation with BF2P4-5 increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content available in the cocopeat medium. The results showed that the strain exhibited traits for the promotion of plant growth and could be deployed as an eco-friendly microbial biofertilizer for tomatoes and probably other essential crops.

Synergistic Effect of Azotobacter nigricans and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Fertilizer on Agronomic and Yieldtraits of Maize (Zea mays L.).

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) Azotobacter spp. is the most promising bacteria among all microorganisms. It is an aerobic, free-living, and N2-fixing bacterium that commonly lives in soil, water, and sediments. It can be used as a biofertilizer for plant growth and nutrient utilization efficiency. Maize is the highly consumed cereal food crop of the cosmopolitan population, and the sustainable maize productivity achieved by applying bacteria in combination with nitrogen phosphorus potassium (NPK) is promising. In the present study, a bacterial isolate (PR19). Azotobacter nigricans, obtained from the soil of an organic farm was evaluated for its plant growth promoting potential alone and in combination with an inorganic fertilizer (NPK) included. The bacterial cultue (PR19) was screened for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting characteristics, sequenced by the 16S rDNA method, and submitted to NCBI for the confirmation of strain identification. Further, the inoculation effect of the bacterial culture (PR19) in combination with NPK on growth and yield parameters of maize under pot were analyzed. Based on phenotypic and molecular characteristics, PR19 was identified as Azotobacter nigricans it was submitted to NCBI genbank under the accession No. KP966496. The bacterial isolate possessed multiple plant growth-promoting (MPGP) traits such as the production of ammonia, siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ACC Deaminase (ACCD). It showed phosphate solubilization activity and tolerance to 20% salt, wide range of pH 5–9, higher levels of trace elements and heavy metals, and resistance to multiple antibiotics. PR19 expressed significantly increased (p < 0.001) antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH) under the abiotic stress of salinity and pH. In vitro condition, inoculation of maize with the PR19 showed a significant increase in seed germination and enhancement in elongation of root and shoot compared to untreated control. The combined application of the PR19 and NPK treatments showed similar significant results in all growth and yield parameters of maize variety SHIATS-M S2. This study is the first report on the beneficial effects of organic farm isolated PR19-NPK treatment combinations on sustainable maize productivity.

Long-Term Organic-Inorganic Fertilization Regimes Alter Bacterial and Fungal Communities and Rice Yields in Paddy Soil.

Microorganisms are the most abundant and diverse organisms in soils and have important effects on soil fertility. In this study, effects of the long-term fertilization treatments no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer (nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK)), and organic–inorganic fertilizer (NPK and organic fertilizer (NPKM)) on rice yield and soil bacterial and fungal community diversity, structure, composition, and interaction networks were evaluated. Of the three treatments, the highest rice yield was in NPKM. Bacterial richness was significantly higher in NPKM than in NPK. Fertilization treatment significantly altered β diversity of communities, species composition of bacterial and fungal communities, and structure of soil microbial networks. The most complex bacterial and fungal interaction co-occurrence network with the highest average degree and numbers of edges and nodes was in NPKM. Relative abundance of the plant growth-promoting fungus Trichoderma increased significantly in NPKM compared with CK and NPK. The results of the study indicate that bacterial richness and microbial community member interactions (network complexity) might be suitable indicators of soil biological fertility. This research provides new insights on the effects of different fertilization regimes on responses of soil bacterial and fungal communities and their contributions to crop yield. New indicators such as bacterial richness and complexity of microbial interaction networks are also identified that can be used to evaluate soil biological fertility.