NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

Mineral and Organic Fertilizers' Effect on the Growth of Young Argane Trees (Argania spinosa L.) and Soil Properties under Vulnerable Conditions.

Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an endemic species to Morocco that has multiple uses. It plays multiple important roles in terms of its botanical, ecological, and economic properties. However, the domestication of this species will open up considerable economic opportunities for Morocco. Here, for the first time, we assessed the effect of different doses of compost and NPK fertilizers on the vegetative growth parameters, biochemical and antioxidant potential of the Argania spinosa plant, and soil properties. Over a two-year period (2022-2023), eight different treatments were applied across two experimental sites. These treatments included the following: T0 (Control), T1 (F1-80.50.70 g NPK/plant), T2 (F1-125.75.100 g NPK/plant), T3 (F2-160.100.140 g NPK/plant), T4 (F2-250.150.200 g NPK/plant), T5 (F1-2.5 kg/plant compost), T6 (F1-5 kg/plant compost), T7 (F2-5 kg/plant compost), and T8 (F2-10 kg/plant compost), with F1 and F2 being the frequencies of application. We compared several doses of fertilizers with no fertilization as a control. The results showed a significant influence of the compost and NPK fertilizer on the vegetative growth parameters. For the Tamjlojt site, the first year is important because treatments T3 and T4 significantly increased height by 71.94 ± 21.15% and 74.31 ± 12.31%, respectively. For the circumference, the results showed a significant improvement by the treatments T4 and T3, and T1 demonstrated the highest gain. For the collar diameter, all treatments showed a significant difference. The most notable difference was observed with treatments T3 and T7 with 115.63 ± 33.88% and 101.09 ± 20.84%, respectively. For the Rasmouka site, the second year was the most important. The treatments with the most important height increase were T7 and T8, with a value of 43.14 ± 10.06% and 36.44 ± 9.95%; the same was observed for collar diameter as a significant increase was found in T8 and T7 with a value of 55.05 ± 15.7% and 54.08 ± 9.64%. For the circumference parameter, the treatments that increased significantly this parameter were T8 and T7 with a value of 53.36 ± 15.11% and 50.34 ± 11.29% in 2023. In addition, the highest content of carbohydrates was recorded for the treatment T3 with a value of 148.89 ± 8.11 (mg EG/g). For phenolic determination, the highest value was 2532 ± 457.13 (µg GAE/mL), shown for treatment T1. For flavonoids, the treatments that showed a significant effect were T1 and T6 with a value of 2261.98 ± 184.61 and 1237.70 ± 95.65 (µg QE/mL), respectively. For the impact on soil properties, the electrical conductivity, at the Tamjlojt site, treatment T1 showed a significant increase to 1139.00 ± 241.30 (ms/cm), while at the Rasmouka site, treatment T8 showed a significant increase to 303.33 ± 9.33 (ms/cm). Concerning organic carbon, all treatments resulted in increased percentages of this parameter in the soil. For the Tamjlojt site, the T7 treatment had a significant positive effect on this parameter with a value of 0.87 ± 0.12%. For the Rasmouka site, the T3 treatment increased the percentage of organic carbon with a value of 1.17 ± 0.07%. In addition, the organic matter content showed an improvement with a value of 2.02 ± 0.12%. As there are no previous studies in Argania spinosa fertilization, this study greatly contributes to our understanding of the benefits of using different fertilizers at different doses, in particular T8 and T7 as organic fertilizers and T3, T4 as chemical ones, on argan growth, the biochemical and antioxidant properties of leaves, and its soil properties.

Growth and Yield of Celery (Apium Graveolens L.) in Organic Cultivation on Alluvial Soil

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a horticultural crop that is consumable and offers numerous health benefits. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how celery growth and yield cultivated on alluvial soil were affected by the interaction between liquid organic NPK fertilizer and chicken manure. The study utilized a field experiment that was designed completely randomized comprising two factors. The first factor was the dosage of chicken manure with three levels: C1: 50 g/pot, C2: 100 g/pot, and C3: 150 g/pot. The second factor was liquid organic NPK fertilizer with three levels: L1: 1%, L2: 2%, and L3: 3%. All treatment combinations were performed in triplicates. The results indicated that the interaction between chicken manure and liquid organic NPK fertilizer significantly affected the number of tillers and dry weight of celery yield. Chicken manure as a single factor significantly influenced the number of stems and tillers. Liquid organic NPK fertilizer as a single factor significantly influenced the number of tillers, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant height. The combination of chicken manure and liquid organic NPK fertilizer (C1L3) produced the highest number of stems per clump (79.44 stems) and the highest number of tillers per clump (9.78 tillers). The combination of C2L3 yielded the highest fresh weight (184 g) and dry weight (17.33 g). Keywords: Alluvial soil, Celery, Chicken manure, Liquid organic NPK fertilizer

Mycotoxins in vegetating corn plants from experimental mono-sowing

The aim of present study was to reveal the mycotoxin contamination of vegetative maize (Zea mays L.) plants during the periods of leaf formation and panicle emergence. Early maturing hybrids of the varieties Krasnodarsky 194 MV, Ladozhsky 175 MV and Competence®, resistant to fungal diseases, were grown in the spring-summer period of 2023 on the experimental field of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy (Moscow) with sod-podzolic soil and the application of NPK fertilizers 16:16:16. For mycotoxicological analysis, aerial parts of plants were collected weekly from the phase of formation of the 3rd leaf (18 days after sowing. Samples of seedlings, leaves and stems (total number – 172), after drying, were ground in a laboratory mill and extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and water in a volumetric ratio of 84:16 with a consumption of 10 ml per 1 g of sample. Mycotoxin content was determined in extracts after 10-fold dilution with phosphate-salt buffer solution pH 7.5 by indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay. T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxiscirpenol, roridin A, sterigmatocystin and PR toxin were absent in the samples. Corn seedlings and leaves contained cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), emodin (EMO), mycophenolic acid (MPA), alternariol (AOL), ergot alkaloids (EA), aflatoxin B1 (AB1) and single samples – zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OA) and citrinin (CIT) in concentrations from 16 up to 35 μg/kg. Fumonisins of group B are found only in early seedlings. The permanent contaminant of the stems was MPA, whereas EA and CIT were absent. In the seedlings and leaves of all hybrids, the detection of AOL and EA remained stable during the change of development phases, as did the average concentrations of CPA (about 100 μg/kg), AOL (from 17 to 27 μg/kg), EMO (35–58 μg/kg), MPA (28–41 μg/kg), EA (6–18 μg/kg) and AB1 (2 μg/kg). In the stems of plants in phases 7–9 of leaf and sweeping, variation in cases of detection of CPA, EMO, AOL, AB1 and OA was noted by varieties.

Enriching NPK Mineral Fertilizer with Plant-Stimulating Peptides Increases Soilless Tomato Production, Grower Profit, and Environmental Sustainability.

The need to increase agricultural production to feed a steadily growing population may clash with the more environmentally friendly but less efficient production methods required. Therefore, it is important to try to reduce the use of chemical inputs without compromising production. In this scenario, natural biostimulants have become one of the most sought-after and researched technologies. In the present study, the results of a greenhouse experiment on hydroponic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are presented, which involved comparing the use of ordinary NPK fertilizer (Cerbero®) with the use of NPK fertilizers enriched with 0.5% protein hydrolysate of plant origin (Cerbero Green®) at both standard (100%) and reduced (70%) fertilization rates. The results highlight how the use of Cerbero Green® fertilizers improves the production performance of tomatoes. More specifically, they show that the use of Cerbero Green® leads to higher marketable yields, especially under reducing fertilizer use, ensuring a positive net change in profit for the grower. In addition, carbon footprint analysis has revealed that the use of Cerbero Green® reduces the environmental impact of hydroponic tomato growing practices by up to 8%. The observed higher yield of hydroponically grown tomatoes even with reduced fertilization rates underlines once again the key role of natural biostimulants in increasing both the economic and environmental sustainability of horticultural production.

Sintesis dan Karakterisasi Pupuk Multinutrien Calcium-Ammonium-Phosphate (CAP) Berbahan Cangkang Kupang Merah

Fertilisers and composites are two types of materials that can be used to improve soil fertility. However, these two materials have some differences. One of them is in the manufacturing process, fertilisers can be made in various ways, while the composite manufacturing process can only be done by biological processes. The objectives of this paper are (1) To determine the effect of acidity degree (pH) on the formation of Calcium-Ammonium-Phosphate particles, (2) To determine the optimisation of Calcium Ammonium Phosphate from red mussel shells by precipitation method, and (3) To determine the characteristics of Calcium-Ammonium-Phosphate produced using SEM-EDX and XRF analysis. The type of research used uses experimental research. The results and conclusions drawn are (1) The solubility of CaHPO4 decreases with increasing pH so that the weight of the resulting product increases in the precipitation method, (2) The best condition for making calcium ammonium phosphate fertiliser with red shell material is in the condition of red shell weight of 30 grams and pH 7, (3) The chemical composition contained in the CAP product with the condition of 20 grams of shell weight at pH 5 is Ca content of 74.76%, and phosphorus content of 23.5%, (4) The particle size at pH 3 weight of 20 grams ranges from 830 nm - 1970 nm and the particle size at pH 3 weight of 30 grams ranges from 1980 nm - 5220 nm. Therefore the fertiliser product does not include nano particles, (5) The CAP fertiliser product meets the SNI standards for NPK fertiliser and dolomite fertiliser.

Biomass of Shoots and Roots of Multicomponent Grasslands and Their Impact on Soil Carbon Accumulation in Arenosol Rich in Stones

To prevent the degradation of light-textured soils, it is advisable to use them for grasslands. These soil management systems help with the faster accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby improving the soil’s properties and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural land. In this experiment, we studied the distribution of multi-component perennial grass roots in the Arenosol profile and their impact on SOC sequestration in temperate climate zones. Our research aimed to identify differences in root biomass at depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm and to assess their correlation with SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the soil. The roots, shoots, and soil samples of fertilized and unfertilized grasslands were collected at the flowering stage and after the final grass harvest two years in a row. Our findings revealed that, in sandy loam Arenosol rich in stones, 12.4–15.9 Mg ha−1 of root biomass was accumulated at 0–50 cm of soil depth. The application of NPK fertilizers did not significantly affect grass root biomass, but significantly affected shoot biomass. Most roots (84–88%) were concentrated in the 0–15 cm layer. On average, 5.10–6.62 Mg ha−1 of organic carbon (OC) was stored in the roots of perennial grasses within 0–50 cm of soil depth. We found that the SOC content in the 0–50 cm soil layer correlated more strongly (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) with C accumulated in the roots of the corresponding layer than with shoot biomass (r = 0.41, p = 0.04). However, a significant correlation was found between DOC and shoot biomass (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and between DOC and the biomass of residues (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), explaining the significant increase in DOC in the 30–50 cm soil layer and indicating the leaching of mobile soil organic matter (SOM) substances from the above-ground biomass using fertilizers.

Unravelling the impact of varied organic fertilizer sources on the vegetative and reproductive traits of okra growth and development

Nepal's pursuit of sustainable food production and rural livelihoods faces challenges amid evolving environmental pressures. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivation, integral to Nepalese agriculture, demands innovative approaches to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This study investigates the efficacy of varied organic fertilizers on okra growth and development, aiming to identify sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. The research was conducted at the G.P. Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre in Sundarharaicha, Morang, Nepal, from June to August 2023. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments replicated three times was employed, including recommended NPK dosage and various organic sources. Observations on plant height, primary branches, pods per plant, pod length, diameter, weight per pod, and yield per plant were recorded. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations among treatments. The highest yield was obtained with the recommended NPK dosage (108.84 g/plant), closely followed by biofertilizers like 100% mustard cake (103.70 g/plant) and goat manure (104.28 g/plant). The lowest yield was observed in the control group (76.99 g/plant). Notably, NPK fertilizer consistently outperformed organic alternatives in promoting okra growth and yield. However, among organic fertilizers, mustard cake and goat manure emerged as promising alternatives, showcasing comparable results to synthetic fertilizers. These findings underscore the importance of balanced nutrient management in optimizing okra productivity. Future research should explore integrated nutrient management strategies, combining organic and synthetic inputs, to enhance sustainability and resilience in Nepalese agriculture.

Optimization of fertilizer use efficiency, soil quality and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) growth with biochar under drip irrigation conditions irrigation conditions

Biochar (BC) is an eco-friendly product characterized with high content of carbon and usually obtained by heating biomass without oxygen. Utilizing BC as organic material to amend the problematic soils and improve plant growth and yield has been proved previously. This study investigated the effect of vetiver grass biochar (VGB) on fertilizer use efficiency, soil quality, and oil palm growth performance. A net house experiment was conducted at the Farm Unit, UiTM Sarawak Branch, between August 2022 and March 2023. A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications was devised. Treatments applied were: T0) absolute control; T1) 100% NPK fertilizer; T2) 100% vetiver grass biochar; T3) 50% vetiver grass biochar + 50% NPK fertilizer; and T4) 25% vetiver grass biochar + 75% NPK fertilizer. The BC application significantly improved the fertilizer use efficiency through reducing the rate of fertilizer applied. It also significantly enhanced most soil-measured chemical properties and soil nutrients. The growth performance of oil palm plant was significantly enhanced by BC application in terms of plant height, hump diameter, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and plant biomass. The BC application demonstrated its usefulness in managing soil and cultivating oil palm plant sustainably by reducing the rate of fertilizer applied and improve the fertilizer use efficiency. Based on the output, we suggest that treatment T3 (50% vetiver grass biochar + 50% NPK) can be used to improve the growth performance of oil palm.

Phycoremediation of Potato Industry Wastewater for Nutrient Recovery, Pollution Reduction, and Biofertilizer Production for Greenhouse Cultivation of Lettuce and Celery in Sandy Soils

Microalgae-based wastewater treatment offers an eco-friendly opportunity for simultaneous nutrient recovery and biomass generation, aligning with the circular bioeconomy concept. This approach aims to utilize the nutrients of potato industry wastewater (PIW) for algal growth while mitigating the environmental impact of this industrial byproduct. This study focused on cultivating three cyanobacterial strains, Anabaena oryzae, Nostoc muscorum, and Spirulina platensis, in PIW and synthetic media for 30 days to assess feasibility. Growth performance was monitored by measuring chlorophyll content, dry weight (DW), optical density (OD), and pH at 3-day intervals. The high-performing cyanobacterial biomass from the laboratory findings was formulated into a biofertilizer, which was then evaluated in a controlled greenhouse experiment on celery and lettuce plants. The biofertilizer replaced conventional NPK mineral fertilizers at different levels (25%, 50%, and 75%), while a control group received 100% chemical fertilizer. The results showed favourable growth of all three cyanobacteria strains and their mixture in PIW throughout the experiment. The mixed cyanobacteria followed by Spirulina platensis exhibited the highest growth rates, achieving chlorophyll contents of 3.75 and 2.30 µg·mL−1, DWs of 1.79 g·L−1 and 1.63 g·L−1, and ODs of 0.41 and 0.38, respectively, surpassing the other treatments. The formulated biofertilizers, Spi-PIW (Spirulina platensis + potato industry wastewater) and Cyano-PIW (mixed culture+ potato industry wastewater), significantly enhanced plant height, root and stem lengths, and the number of leaves per plant in celery and lettuce compared to the control group. These biofertilizer treatments also improved chlorophyll contents, as well as macro- and micronutrient levels, in the two crops. Additionally, the application of these biofertilizers improved certain sandy soil properties, i.e., pH, total organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In conclusion, utilizing PIW as a substrate for cultivating cyanobacteria strains and producing high-quality liquid bio-organic fertilizers holds potential for reducing recommended NPK fertilizer doses by 25–50% in celery and lettuce growth, providing an environmentally friendly approach.

Effect of continuous FYM and fertilizer applications over nine years utilizing STCR based targeted yield equations on transfer and uptake of micronutrients in an acid Alfisol under a maize-wheat cropping system

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based nutrient management in regulating soil micronutrient status and optimizing crop productivity under a maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was initiated during monsoon 2007, consisted of eight treatments viz., control, farmers’ practice, general recommended dose, soil test-based, STCR based targeted yield of 25 (wheat)/30 (maize) and 35 (wheat)/40 (maize) q ha−1 with FYM @ 5 t ha−1 and without FYM. Results revealed that the soil available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn exhibited depletion in unfertilized plots over initial status. However, the STCR (Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply; IPNS) based targeted yield approach of fertilizer application maintains higher values of DTPA extractable micronutrients in comparisons to all other treatments. After nine continuous years, the highest DTPA- extractable Fe (27.6 mg kg−1), Mn (25.1 mg kg−1), Zn (1.25 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.75 mg kg−1) were recorded in treatment where, FYM was added along with fertilizers for targeted yield of 35 q ha−1. The micronutrient uptake by wheat was higher in STCR (IPNS) treatments. Low SRC values of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn indicated that long-term prescription based chemical fertilizers and FYM application can meet the plant nutritional requirement of wheat crop. Hence long-term STCR based integration of FYM (with NPK fertilizers) has an advantage in regulating the supply of micronutrients in soil-plant system and addressing the micronutrient deficiencies.

Effect of NPK fertilization and seed rate on barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield, yield component and nitrogen dynamics in semi-arid conditions

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of varying of NPK fertilization doses and seed rates on barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield, yield components, and inorganic nitrogen (NH4-N and NO3-N) dynamics in semi-arid conditions without artificial irrigation. Material and Methods: The field experiment was conducted at the Gobustan Experimental Station from October 2018 to June 2019, utilizing the "Celilabad-19" barley variety. A randomized complete block design with four replications was employed, incorporating various seed rates and NPK fertilizer treatments. Plant and soil samples were collected at different phenological stages, and analyses included grain and straw yield, yield parameters, total N content of plant, and soil NH4-N and NO3-N levels. Results and Discussion: The results the treatment with a seed rate of 140 kg/ha and N60P45K45 fertilizer application consistently demonstrated the highest aboveground biomass, grain, and straw yields. This treatment exhibited optimal N content during the Full Maturity stage of plant. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has provided insights into optimizing barley cultivation practices in semi-arid climates, such as seed rate and NPK fertilizer dose. With a seed rate of 140 kg/ha and N60P45K45 fertilizer application, the highest yield and performance indicators were achieved in the “Celilabad-19” barley variety.

Long-term different fertilization practices restructured the functional carbon pools in a paddy soil through distinct mechanisms

Fertilization is a common management practice for improving soil organic matter (SOM), which is a crucial indicator of soil fertility. Nevertheless, how long-term fertilization affects functional SOM fractions and its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a 12-year field experiment, initiated in 2011, was conducted in Xinzhu village, Zhejiang province, China. Four different fertilizer treatments (without any fertilizers application, Control; sole application of inorganic fertilizers, NPK; combined application of NPK with cattle manure, NPKM; and combination of NPK fertilizers and return of rice straw, NPKS) were selected in this field trial. Functional carbon (C) pools, microbial community structure and SOM composition in both topsoil (0−15 cm) and subsoil (15−30 cm) were explored using the physical and chemical fractionation, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis and solid-state 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry (13C NMR) assays. Compared to the control, the NPK combined with organic amendments had significantly higher organic carbon contents of unprotected pools (cPOM and fPOM) in both topsoil (39−277 %) and subsoil (43.1−91.3 %), respectively. Organic carbon accumulated the most within iPOM (1.99 g kg−1 soil) and H-d(Silt+Clay) fractions (1.41 g kg−1 soil) under NPKM in the topsoil, suggesting that physical and chemical protection played the pivotal role after manure addition. Furthermore, NPKM increased the abundance of bacterial and fungal PLFAs in both topsoil (31.4 % and 24.5 %) and subsoil (173 % and 175 %), while NPKS elevated the alkyl/O-alkyl C ratio but reduced the aromaticity in topsoil, compared to inorganic fertilization alone. Partial least squares path modelling showed that fertilization had a direct impact on silt+clay associated C (0.6) in topsoil, POM-C (0.76) in subsoil, and microbial community structure (0.88 and 0.87) in both soil layers. Redundancy analysis revealed that in the NPKM treatment, the key factors affecting functional carbon pools were the total PLFA and the ratio of gram-positive to gram-negative bacterial PLFA, while for the NPKS treatment, it was the alkyl C/O-alkyl C ratio. In conclusion, long-term fertilization had a strong effect on functional carbon fractions through multiple mechanisms in different soil layers, involving changing microbial community and SOM composition.

Efek Konsentrasi Eko-Enzim dan Pupuk NPK Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kopi Liberika (Coffea Liberica W Bull Ex Hiern) Tungkal Jambi

This study aims to investigate the influence of various concentrations of Eco-Enzyme and NPK fertilizer on the growth of Liberika Tungkal Jambi coffee seedlings and to determine the optimal concentrations of Eco-Enzyme and NPK fertilizer for the growth of Liberika Tungkal Jambi coffee seedlings. The study utilized a Randomized Block Design (RAK) consisting of 6 treatment levels, as follows: P0 = No Eco-Enzyme (100% Inorganic Fertilizer), P1 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 50 mL. + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, P2 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 100 + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, P3 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 150 mL. + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, P4 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 200 mL. + 50% Inorganic Fertilizer, and P5 = Eco-Enzyme Concentration 250 mL.+ 50% Inorganic Fertilizer. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, total leaf area, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and root shoot ratio.The research findings indicate that the application of Eco-Enzyme and NPK fertilizer had an impact on the growth of 6-month-old Liberika Tungkal Jambi coffee seedlings, particularly in terms of the number of leaves and total leaf area. The concentration of Eco-Enzyme at 50 mL.+ 50% Inorganic Fertilizer yielded the best growth results for the coffee plants.

NPK Fertilizer Effects on Growth and Flowering of Chinese Carnation

NPK Fertilizer Effects on Growth and Flowering of Chinese Carnation

NPK fertilization for the first years of physic nut cultivated in two regions

The physic nut is an oilseed plant that has stood out as an alternative source for biodiesel. However, using it in this way requires determining the edaphoclimatic conditions and adequate fertilization to guarantee maximum productivity. This study objectived to evaluate and establish adequate rates of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) to maximize the growth and productivity of physic nut in two edaphoclimatic conditions. Two experiments were performed over two consecutive years, one under Quartzarenic Neosol in the municipality of Diamantina and the other under Red-Yellow Latosol in the municipality of Governador Valadares. The treatments comprised rates of N: 0, 25, 50, 100 kg ha−1; P: 0, 35, 70, 140 kg ha−1; and K: 0, 40, 80, 160 kg ha−1. Plant growth was evaluated every 30 days until flowering. Seed and oil productivity was also assessed, with one harvest in Diamantina and two harvests in Governador Valadares. The edaphoclimatic condition of Governador Valadares was a determining factor in providing greater growth and productivity of the physic nut when compared to that of Diamantina. The application of N rates was unnecessary for the growth and productivity of the physic nut in Diamantina. Thus, phosphate fertilization was unnecessary in Governador Valadares and potassium fertilization was unnecessary for both regions. In Diamantina, 84 kg ha−1 and 87 kg ha−1 of P is recommended for growth and maximum productivity, respectively. Whereas, in Governador Valadares, 49 kg ha−1 and 55 kg ha−1 of N is recommended for growth and maximum crop productivity, respectively.

Effect of Nano and non-Nano NPK Fertilizers on growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) Grown under Covered and Un Covered Conditions.

This study included the effects of two planting methods (plastic house and open field) or (covered and uncovered) conditions, three levels of nano NPK fertilizer (approximately 0, 3, 6 g.l-1 ) and three levels of non-nano NPK fertilizer(0, 3, 6 g.l-1 ) were included in this trial (2x3x3=18) with three replicate experimental units (54). Nano and non-nano NPK fertilizers sprayed plants after a week from transplanting and other spraying are donetwo times with an interval of 15 days between each spray.

Topping and NPK fertilization alter seed germination, plant growth and active components of Valeriana amurensis.

Valeriana amurensis, a tall herbaceous plant, has been traditionally utilized as a herbal remedy both in China and Russia. This study was set to explore how to cultivate high quality seedlings, considering factors such as seedling time, seeding density, shading, and plastic film mulching. In addition, we investigated the impact of topping and fertilizer on the growth and quality of V. amurensis. According to the percentage of seed germination, the seeds of V. amurensis were sowed with 0.88 g m-2 density using plastic film mulching from late April to mid-May (germination percentage was more than 30%). The optimal Transplanting time was identified as late September, ensuring a high survival rate of 98%. Generally, topping showed the most improved growth indices in late fruit period (21.87 for number of radical leaves) and withering period (6.50 for number of buds and 234.81 for number of roots). Topping increased the yields of valtrate (10.91 mg per plant), valepotriates (809.51 mg per plant) and essential oil (395.64 mg per plant) in withering period. Nitrogen fertilizer promoted maximum root growth and increased the biomass of V. amurensis. Meanwhile, N fertilizer significantly increased the yields of valtrate to 10.46 mg per plant and valepotriates to 772.32 mg per plant among three types of fertilizers. Seedlings are obtained according to rational sowing factors and transplanting time. Topping and nitrogen fertilization emerge as superior strategies to enhance the growth and medicinal quality of this valuable plant. This study provides actionable insights for the cultivation V. amurensis.

Aplikasi Ekstrak Mimosa invisa L. dan Pupuk NPK Dosis Rendah dalam Pengendalian Hama dan Patogen Padi Gogo

This study aimed to determine the effect of Mimosa invisa L. weed extract application and a low dose of NPK fertilizer on the intensity of pest attack and pathogen infection on upland rice. This research has been done using Split Plot Design with 3 replications. The main plot was the dose of NPK fertilizer (50% and 100% NPK). The subplot was the concentration of weed extract (0, 1.25, 1.67, 2.5, and 5% concentrations). The variables observed include the intensity of grasshopper and case worm attack, Cercospora sp. that causes brown spots, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae that causes bacterial leaf blight. The results showed that the application of weed extract under a low dose (50% NPK) has not been able to suppress the intensity of grasshopper and case worm attacks, and the intensity of the pathogen causes brown spots and bacterial leaf blight. However, 2,5% and 5% concentrations of weed extract can potentially suppress pathogen infection that causes brown spots on upland rice. Keywords: grasshopper, brown spots, Mimosa invisa L.weed extract, case worm, bacterial leaf blight, NPK fertilizer

Ten years of urea fertilization alter the pqqC‐harbouring community and increase soil inorganic phosphorus mobilization

AbstractThe bacterial communities that harbour the pyrroloquinoline quinone gene (pqqC‐harbouring bacteria communities) play a pivotal role in the mobilization of inorganic phosphorus (Pi). However, there is limited knowledge regarding the connection between soil pqqC‐harbouring bacterial communities and Pi fractions, as well as the factors that can regulate them, particularly under different fertilization strategies in the agricultural soil. High‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate the pqqC‐harbouring communities from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) season in a 9‐year field experiment, including without fertilization (control), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization (NK), NPK fertilization (NPK) and the combined application of chemical NPK and organic fertilizer (NPKM), and to explore their relationships with Pi fractions and their regulatory factors. Long‐term N fertilization and crop type substantially changed the community composition of pqqC‐harbouring bacteria but had no effect on their diversity. In two crop seasons, long‐term N fertilization significantly increased the content and proportion of moderately labile Pi (aluminium‐ and iron‐bound P) and available P (AP) and significantly decreased the proportion of recalcitrant Pi (calcium‐bound P) compared with the control. Specifically, AP increased by 79%–778%, Fe‐P by 64%–88%, and Al‐P by 71%–308%, while Ca‐P decreased by 10%–59%. N fertilization increased the relative abundance of Micromonospora, which was significantly positively correlated with moderately labile Pi and AP. Moreover, the relative abundance of some Streptomyces increased by 391% in the sweet potato season, and they were positively correlated with AP. Structural equation modelling revealed that the interplay between the pqqC‐harbouring community composition and Pi mobilization was mainly governed by pH, underscoring the role of pH in shaping the communities of Pi‐mobilizing microbes and their effect on Pi mobilization processes. This study emphasized how N fertilization and crops reshape Pi‐mobilizing microbial communities, which in turn affects Pi mobilization and P availability. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into optimizing P cycles and availability through N fertilization strategies.

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Potato is a crucial food and cash crop with high yield potential in many parts of the Bajhang district. However, achieving optimal yields can be hindered by inconsistent NPK fertilizer application rates and suboptimal potato variety selection, including instances where no fertilizers are used at all by the farmers. To address these challenges and determine the most effective NPK fertilizer rates and potato varieties, a field experiment was conducted in Surma rural municipality of Bajhang district. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to evaluate the effects of four NPK fertilizer rates (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:100:60, and 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and three potato varieties (Khumal Seto, Cardinal, and Bajhang Local), on growth, yield, and economic profitability. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), indicated that the highest values for plant height, canopy diameter, number of leaves, number of main stems, tuber weight, fresh weight of leaves and stems, average tuber diameter and number of marketable tubers per hill were consistently observed higher in either the Khumal Seto or Bajhang Local potato varieties. Similarly, these results were particularly prominent with the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha. Economic analysis demonstrated that the Khumal Seto variety showed superior performance in terms of gross benefit, net benefit, and benefit-to-cost ratio (NPR 1,805,714.29, NPR 1,306,168.83, and 3.61, respectively) when compared to other varieties. Similarly, the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha resulted in higher economic returns (NPR 1,645,714.29, NPR 1,129,908.83, and 3.19). In conclusion, using higher levels of mineral fertilizers (150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) with high yielding and well adapted potato varieties such as Khumal Seto and Bajhang Local significantly enhances growth, yield, and profitability in potato cultivation, as demonstrated by the findings of this study.