NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

Carbon balance in Maize (Zea mays L.) with various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers

Fertilization in agricultural cultivation has an important role in the carbon cycle. This study aims to evaluate using organic fertilizers with inorganic fertilizers that can produce high carbon sequestration with low CO2 emission levels in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation. There were seven combinations of NPK and organic fertilizers, namely ¼ NPK + 1 OF (C), ½ NPK + 1 OF (D), ¾ NPK + 1 OF (E), 1 NPK + 1 OF (F), ¾ NPK + ¼ OF (G), ¾ NPK + ½ OF (H), ¾ NPK + ¾ OF (I), and two controls, namely no fertilizer (A) and standard NPK (350 kg/ha, SP36 150 kg/ha, KCl 75 kg/ha) (B). Organic fertilizer was applied one week before planting, SP-36 and KCl fertilizer at planting, and urea fertilizer at 0, 14, and 28 HST. Maize was planted with a spacing of 20 x 70 cm. Parameters observed included CO2 emissions, soil pH, C-Organic, C-microbial, and plant growth parameters. The combined use of NPK and organic fertilizer significantly increased soil carbon stocks (33.25-64.04 Mg/ha) and carbon sequestration by plants (3.76-5.98 Mg/ha). Therefore, using organic and inorganic fertilizer can be considered more environmentally friendly and effective in managing carbon balance on farmland and has great potential to contribute to climate change mitigation through increased soil and plant carbon sequestration.

The Effects of Organic Fertilizers and NPK on Growth and Yields of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata. L) in Kano Plains Kisumu, Kenya

Excessive use of inorganic mineral fertilizers as an agronomic practice has resulted in the depletion of soil organic matter of soils of many regions thereby rendering such soils infertile and unable to maintain sustainable production. The use of organic amendments provides the immediate strategy for compensating for soil carbon depletion thereby reducing land degradation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of six organic amendments on the growth and yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) as compared to the conventional use of inorganic fertilizer NPK. The organic amendments were Boom Max, Ecoplanting, Evergrow, Dung slurry, Filter mud, and Market waste slurry applied to the soil at 8.33 t/ha against NPK (9:15:20) at 250 kg/ha. The experiment was laid in a RCBD. Data on growth and yields was collected on 10 tagged plants per plot. The results showed differences among treatments. Mature composts (Boom Max, Ecoplanting, and Evergow) resulted in a significantly (p< 0.05) higher germination percentage (53.49% on average) compared to that of Filter mud (41.50%) and the slurries (34.18% on average) while all the composts resulted in 25% higher number of branches on the average in season two as compared to the bio-slurries. In season three, Boom Max gave the highest germination percentage (41.02%) which was significantly higher than those of Evergrow (29.80 %), Filter mud and Dung slurry (27.18% on average) and NPK and Market waste slurry (5.64% on average) but not different from that of Ecoplanting. Five of the amendments had significantly better germination rates than NPK by an average of 20%. There were no significance differences (P≤0.05) in growth parameters between the mature composts and the NPK fertilizer, suggesting that the mature composts were equally efficient in nutrient supply to the crop as did the NPK fertilizer for plant growth. The application of organic amendments produced significant improvements in fresh leaf yields of the cowpea crop, with the highest yield recorded from the Boom Max applied plot (5781 kg on average), which was not different from others in seasons one and three but significantly different from that of NPK in season three. It can be concluded that depending on choice or type of amendment, organic manures are capable of producing similar or better results of crop growth and yields as the inorganic fertilizers.

Effect of Cumulative Amendment of Soil with Fly Ash in Combination with Other Nutrients on Change in Grain Yield, Crude Protein, NPN and True Protein Contents of Rice

An experiment was planned and conducted at Instructional Farm (IF), Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar in the years 2022 and 2023 during the Kharif seasons to study the effect of the cumulative addition of nine varieties of nutrients on the yield and protein contents of two varieties of rice namely Gayatri and Vandana. The applied fly ash (FA) was alkaline in nature whereas the soil was acidic. The grain yield of the Kharif crop in 2022 (Gayatri) varied from the lowest of 31.56 qha-1 to the highest of 37.21 qha-1. It varied from the lowest of 38.66 qha-1 to the highest of 43.82 qha-1 in 2023. The crude protein content varied from the lowest of 7.97% to the highest of 9.16% in 2022 but it varied from the lowest of 7.31% to the highest of 8.39% in 2023. The non-protein nitrogen (NPN) content varied from the lowest of 7.97% to the highest of 9.16% in 2022 but it varied from the lowest of 7.31% to the highest of 8.39% in 2023. The true protein content varied from the lowest of 6.90% to the highest of 7.97% in 2022 but it varied from the lowest of 6.12% to the highest of 7.50% in 2023. It was observed that the grain yield, crude protein, non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and true protein content decreased by the application of FA over control (only NPK fertilizer). The crude protein content decreased in all the treatments in 2023 over its 2022 counterpart whereas NPN increased by the cumulative addition of nutrients. This resulted in higher values of true protein content in the grains in the year 2023. Grain yield increased in all the treatments in 2023 over the previous year resulting in higher yield of true protein content. Hence more amount of protein rich grains per hectare can be obtained by the cumulative addition of nutrients in spite of varietal difference of the grains.

Gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose/iron-based metal-organic framework nanocomposite hydrogel as a promising biodegradable fertilizer release system: Synthesis, characterization, and fertilizer release studies

Application of fertilizers is a routine method in agriculture to increase the fertility of plants However, conventional fertilizers have raised serious health and environmental problems in recent years. Therefore, the development of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels based on natural polymers with the capability for fertilizer controlled release has attracted much interest. In the current research, a novel nanocomposite hydrogel based on gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose polymers enriched with an iron based metal- organic framework (MIL-53 (Iron)) was prepared. The prepared nanocomposite hydrogel was loaded with NPK fertilizer to obtain a slow release fertilizer system. The structural properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel were investigated using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The swelling and fertilizer release behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogel were evaluated in conditions. Results showed that by adding iron-based metal organic framework to the hydrogel matrix, the water absorption capacity of the hydrogel system was increased to 345.8 (g/g). Fertilizer release studies revealed that the release of fertilizer from the nanocomposite matrix has a slow and continuous release pattern. Therefore, the synthesized nanocomposite has an appropriate strength and high potential to be used as a slow-release fertilizer system.

Effects of Native Rhizobia on Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Production and Soil Properties in Daloa, Center-West of Côte d’Ivoire

The field experiment study was conducted at the experimental station of Jean Lorougnon Guede University in Daloa to evaluate the potential effects of native rhizobia strains on soybean production and soils properties. The experiment was layout in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments include seven native strains, one exotic strain (Bradyrhizobium japonicum IRAT FA3), one synthetic fertilizer NPK 12-22-22 formulation and one negative control (no fertilizer, no inoculation). Agronomic parameters (plant height, plant dry biomass, nodule number plant-1, pod number plant-1, pod weight plant-1, seed yield ha-1) and soil parameters (pH, total nitrogen, orgnanic carbon, organic matter and available phosphorus) were measured. Results showed that all tested native rhizobia enhanced nodules number, plant growth and soybean yield as compared to negative control. Among these native rhizobia, RSC119 and RSC504 induced more nodules than the introduced strain B. japonicum IRAT FA3. RSC119, RSC309 and RSC508 produced more pods and seed yield than the introduced strain B. japonicum IRAT FA3 and the synthetic fertilizer NPK 12-22-22. RSC508 induced the highest pods number plant-1 (102 pods) and seed yield (4.2 t.ha-1). Moreover, these local bacteria had positive effects on soil properties following the soybean’s harvest. Among these bacteria, RSC119 enhanced mostly total nitrogen, organic matter and available phosphorus, then RSC508 significantly reduced soil acidity. This study therefore suggests that local rhizobia are effectiveness and could be use as inoculum to improve soybean productivity and soil properties restoration.

ANALYSIS OF POTATO FARMING PRODUCTION FACTORS

There have been many research results that show that production factors affect agricultural production. However, a thorough analysis of production factors has not been carried out much. In addition, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the efficiency of potato production factors in Indonesia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the production factors that significantly affect potato production and the efficiency of the use of production factors. A Cobb-Douglas production function analysis was carried out to determine the influence of production factors on potato production. Furthermore, an allocative efficiency analysis was carried out to determine the efficiency of using production factors. The study results showed that the production factors of land area, seed, urea fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, fungicide, land cultivation labor, and harvest labor positively and significantly affected potato production. This study also found that only the input factor of planting labor had a significant adverse effect on potato production. In the allocative efficiency analysis, it was found that the use of production factors of seed, urea fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, fungicide, land cultivation labor, and harvest labor is inefficient, so these production factors must be increased in their use. On the other hand, the production factor of the land area shows inefficient results, so the land area must be reduced to achieve optimal efficiency.

Best Combination of Liquid Organic Fertilizer with NPK Fertilizer for Cocoa Seedling Growth (Theobroma cacao L.)

One strategy for achieving sustainable agriculture is the reduction of inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are reduced by substituting them with organic fertilizers. This study aimed to identify the optimal combination of LOF with NPK fertilizers to promote the growth of cocoa seedlings in polybags. The study used completely randomize design. The treatment design, namely the combination of LOF with NPK fertilizers, consisted of five distinct combinations: control, 100% LOF, 100% NPK, 75% LOF +25% NPK, 50% LOF + 50% NPK, and 25% LOF + 75% NPK. The parameters observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, total leaf area, plant dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, soil physical properties, soil water content, soil analysis, and seedling quality index. The results showed that treatment 25% LOF + 75% NPK increased the percentage of plant height by 73.47%, stem diameter by 42.13%, number of leaves by 67.36%, total leaf area by 75.30%, plant dry weight by 45.70%, shoot dry weight by 24.81%, root dry weight by 95.54%, and seedling quality index by 90.65%. LOF can reduce the use of NPK fertilizer by 25% in cocoa seedling

Utilization of Quality Organic Fertilizer at P4S Sari Sedana, Badung, Bali

This Community Partnership Program (CSP) conducted in Desa Selat, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, has achieved significant advancements in organic agricultural development. The program focused on the implementation of both hard and soft technologies. Hard technologies included the development of high-quality organic fertilizers using local waste materials such as livestock manure, biochar, Trichoderma, NPK fertilizers, and dolomite, processed with simple equipment. These innovations addressed local waste management issues and enhanced agricultural productivity. Soft technologies involved comprehensive training on production management, business operations, and marketing strategies, which empowered the P4S Sari Sedana Group with essential skills for sustainable operation. The program demonstrated high relevance to local needs, effectively transforming waste into valuable resources and introducing environmentally friendly production methods. It also fostered active community participation and generated substantial environmental and economic benefits, including increased soil fertility and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. The project produced several key outputs: high-quality organic fertilizer, enhanced community skills, scientific publications, intellectual property registration, and online media coverage. Future sustainability will be supported through institutional capacity building, market expansion, product innovation, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

PENGEMBANGAN CABAI KATOKKON (Capsicum annuum L. var. sinensis) DI LUAR HABITAT ASLINYA

This research aims to develop Katokkon chilies outside their natural habitat with different environmental conditions. Increase soil fertility levels in areas with low fertility levels by adding manure and NPK fertilizer. The study used a two-factor randomized block design (RBD): NPK fertilizer and cow manure. NPK fertilizer consisted of 2 grams, 4 grams, 6 grams per 10 kg of soil, and control (without NPK fertilizer). Cow manure treatment consisted of 0.5 kg, 1 kg, and 1.5 kg per 10 kg of soil and without cow manure (control). Each treatment was repeated 3 times and consisted of 3 plants for each observation unit. The research results show that developing katokkon chili plants outside their natural habitat is still possible. Providing 0.5 kg of cow manure had the best effect on the parameters of plant height, fruit weight, and production of Katokkon chili plants. Adding 2 g NPK fertilizer provided the best growth in terms of plant height, fruit weight, and production parameters. However, the addition of 6 g NPK fertilizer affected the productive branch parameters of Katokkon chili plants. There was a real interaction between 0.5 kg cow manure and the addition of 2 g NPK fertilizer on the parameters of plant height, fruit weight per plant, and production of Katokkon chili plants

Evaluation of NPK, Nitrogen (N)-Phosphorus (P)-Potassium (K), fertilizer to escalate Tetraselmis sp. production

Abstract Culture of Tetraselmis sp. requires Conway medium fertilizer with a complete and appropriate composition to support its growth. However, Conway fertilizer is quite expensive to be afford by farmer. One alternative fertilizer that can be used is commercial NPK fertilizer which is relatively cheap and easy to be obtained. NPK fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium which are useful for the growth of plankton, including Tetraselmis sp. This research aimed to evaluate the production performance of Tetraselmis sp. using NPK fertilizer at semi-scale mass level. This study used a completely randomized design with three replications and three experiments (A = Conway as control, B = commercial NPK fertilizer with a ratio of N 16%, P 16%, K 16%, and C = commercial NPK fertilizer with an N content ratio of 6 %, P 20%, K 30%). The parameters of this study were population density, cell size, and nutritional content of Tetraselmis sp. The results showed that the peak population density and cell diameter did not differ in each treatment, although treatment C had the highest density (3.63±1.22 × 106 cells/ml). Protein content had values that were not significantly different (21.93–23.16%). The highest fat value was owned by treatment (6.8%). The research results showed that the use of NPK fertilizer in semi-scale mass cultures of Tetraselmis sp produced density, cell size and nutritional protein content that were not significantly different from Conway fertilizer. It is indicated that NPK fertilizer could be used as media of Tetraselmis sp. due to its cheap price and same performance.

RESPON PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN JAGUNG PULUT TERHADAP PERLAKUAN PRUNING TONGKOL KEDUA DAN PENYEMPROTAN PUPUK PELENGKAP CAIR

This study was conducted to determine the response of corn plants to the second cob pruning treatment and liquid complementary fertilizer (LCF) spraying on the Growth and Production of Waxy Corn Plants (Zea mays ceratina L.). This study was conducted at the Experimental Garden of Pabentengan Bajeng Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, from September to December 2018. The materials used in this study were local waxy corn seeds, liquid complementary fertilizer (Bram Evolution) urea and NPK fertilizer. The Split Plot Design method was used. The main plot is without pruning and with pruning, while the sub-plot is Spraying Liquid Complementary Fertilizer (LCF) consisting of 4 levels, namely without LCF spraying, spraying with a concentration of 10 mL/L water, 20 mL/L water, and 30 mL/L water, 8 treatment combinations repeated 3 times to obtain 24 experimental units. The results of this study indicate that pruning the second cob increases the dry weight of the plant, seed weight per plant, seed weight per plot, and seed weight per hectare. LCF spraying and the interaction between pruning and LCF spraying treatments did not affect the observed parameters

Effect of levels of mulberry shoots biochar, farm yard manure and NPK fertilizer on quality parameters of tree mulberry leaf

Effect of levels of mulberry shoots biochar, farm yard manure and NPK fertilizer on quality parameters of tree mulberry leaf

Rhizostimulation of Hydrocarbon Degrading Microorganisms Using Chrysopogon zizanioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Species During Bioattenuation of Hydrocarbon Polluted Soils

Background: This study was carried out to compare the rhizostimulation potentials of C. zizanioides and E. camaldulensis on microorganisms cfu during the phytoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated potted soils. The objectives were to: i). determine the best treatment for the rhizostimulation of the microbial population in soils during the bioattenuation process. ii). examine the most efficient plant species in the Phytostimulation of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms during the bioattenuation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils. iii). identify the various bacterial and fungal colonies associated with the bioattenuation of hydrocarbon. Materials and Method: The design was the Split-Split Plot experiment (4 x 4 x 2). The main plot factors were the crude oil contamination (4 levels), the sub-Plot factors were the soil amendments (4 levels) while the subsub-Plot factors were the plant species (2 levels). Results: Results indicated that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in rhizostimulation potentials of the plant species in different crude oil contamination levels and in the different soil amendments for both bacteria and fungi. Although E. camaldulensis species was involved in biostimulation of microbial cfu, C. zizanioides was found better efficient (16.13 x 106 soil bacteria cfu g g -1 at 9 WAT and 10.04 x 106 soil fungal cfu g g -1 at 12 WAT respectively. Microorganisms found involved in bioattenuation of hydrocarbon include Bascillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp for bacteria and Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., and Penicillium spp for fungi. The most frequently occurred genus of microorganisms were Bacillus and Rhizopus. Conclusion: In conclusion, C. zizanioides was recommended as efficient rhizostimulating plant species. It was concluded that the mixture of both the grass and woody plant species are required for optimum growth and stimulation of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms during phytoremediation procedure in the field. Additionally, bacterial and fungal cfu was observed to have increased with increasing hydrocarbon concentration under the influence of the two plant species and the applied landfarming treatments of a mixture of NPK (g g-1) and Cowdung (3:1 v/v) fertilizer. The most frequently occurred genus of microorganisms were Bacillus and Rhizopus.

Spirulina biomass loaded with iron nanoparticles: A novel biofertilizer for the growth and enrichment of iron content in rice plants

The current investigation was focused to develop a nano-iron-based phycofertilizer to enhance crop quality in an environment-friendly manner. Biosynthesis of nano-iron occurred when Spirulina biomass was exposed to a 0.05M FeCl3 solution for 48h at pH 5.5 in the dark, resulting in the synthesis of spindle-shaped nano-iron both inside and outside the cells. The particles' sizes were 24.77 ± 5.264 nm as observed in transmission electron microscopy. Further characterizations were carried out using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The performance of various fertilizers, including those derived from phycosynthesized nano iron (INP), dried Spirulina biomass (SB), and nano-iron loaded Spirulina biomass i.e., nano-phycho-fertilizer (NPF) was compared against conventional NPK fertilizer. The results from field applications indicated significant improvements in rice, with NPF outshining the rest. Notably, NPF demonstrated a remarkable 37.6% increase in shoot length, a 47% boost in crop productivity, and a 15% rise in grain weight of rice compared to NPK. Both unpolished and polished grains of NPF-treated plants contained higher iron contents (44% and 28%) than the NPK-treated plants. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness analysis underscored the superiority of NPF over conventional fertilizer, representing it as a highly effective and eco-friendly nano-iron-based phycofertilizer.

The Effect of Mycorrhiza and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Supplementation on Zea mays saccharata Sturt. Growth and Productivity Grown on Low Nutrients Soil

Marginal land has low nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Addressing nutrient deficiencies on marginal land requires a strategic approach. Biological fertilizers like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic interactions. In addition, organic fertilizers such as compost could provide organic matter and improve soil structure to increase plant growth and productivity. Combining these three fertilizers with the addition of low doses of NPK fertilizer can increase the growth and productivity of maize crops on sub-marginal land. This study aims to determine the effect of AMF, consortium of PGPR, and a low dose of NPK on the growth and productivity of maize and soil nutrients on sub-marginal land by measuring plant growth up to 8 WAP (week after planting) (parameters: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, stomatal density) and productivity (parameters: cob length, cob weight with husk, fresh weight, dry weight) and levels of N, P, and K elements at 8 WAP in the soil after planting. All treatments showed an increase in the level of N and K elements, while the P element showed a decrease compared to the control (soil without treatment). Moreover, each parameter did not show a significant difference, but the P2 (Compost + PGPR consortium + AMF + 50% of NPK) treatment showed the best growth and productivity. Overall, the data showed the utilization of PGPR and AMF combination was able to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer by 50%.

Effect of levels of mulberry shoots biochar, farm yard manure and NPK fertilizer application on mulberry shoots biochar to tree mulberry on cocoon parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L

Effect of levels of mulberry shoots biochar, farm yard manure and NPK fertilizer application on mulberry shoots biochar to tree mulberry on cocoon parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L

Enhancing Spinach Performance: Effectiveness of Nano-fertilizers in Conjunction with Conventional NPK Fertilizers

Enhancing Spinach Performance: Effectiveness of Nano-fertilizers in Conjunction with Conventional NPK Fertilizers

Estimation of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Arpa River Based Soil of Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Abstract: This research explores the investigation and significance of electrical conductivity in the quality of agricultural soil. Soil electrical conductivity is an indirect measurement that is associated with several physical and chemical characteristics of soils. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil is directly correlated with the concentration of nutrients and inversely correlated with the soil depth. The soil electrical conductivity (EC) values are indicative of the salinity level in the soil. greater EC values correspond to greater salt concentrations in the soil, whereas lower EC values indicate lower salt concentrations. A total of six soil samples were collected from various points along the Arpa River and sent to the soil test laboratory for examination. All samples were analysed using conventional techniques. For this investigation, one of the crucial soil parameters that was taken into consideration is electrical conductivity (EC). The objective of this study is to assess agricultural land using electrical conductivity. The measured electrical conductivity ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 dS/m. The anticipated value is between 0 and 2 decisiemens per metre (dS/m). All soil samples exhibit a standard level of electrical conductivity. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurements and total dissolved solids (TDS) may be used to determine the necessary quantity of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilisers

Yield and nutrient use efficiency of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid plant under different NPK fertilization rates

Yield and nutrient use efficiency of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid plant under different NPK fertilization rates

Response of N uptake, N-total and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) due to fertilization with granulated solid organic fertilizer and NPK in Inceptisol soil

Sweet corn productivity is greatly influenced by proper cultivation techniques, of which fertilization is one of the main factors. Effective fertilization not only supports plant growth but also affects nutrient uptake and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of granulated solid organic fertilizer and NPK fertilizer on nitrogen (N) uptake, soil N-total content, and sweet corn yield in Inceptisol soil. The research was conducted from February to June 2024 at the Experimental Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University with treatments including control, NPK fertilizer, and various combinations of granular organic fertilizer and NPK. The results showed that the combination of granule organic fertilizer and NPK significantly increased nitrogen uptake and N-total content in the soil compared to the single NPK application. In addition, sweet corn yield, as measured by cob weight per plant, per plot, and per hectare, also increased significantly with the fertilizer combination treatment. This study supports the use of fertilization strategies that integrate organic and inorganic fertilizers as an effective way to increase sweet corn productivity on soils with limited fertility, such as Inceptisol. The application of a combination of 1 NPK + 1 granulated organic fertilizer was the best combination in increasing N uptake, N-total and sweet corn yield.