Inorganic NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

Respon Pertumbuhan Tanaman Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) Varietas Nauli F1 Melalui Pemberian Pupuk Kandang Sapi dan NPK 16-16-16

Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) is a type of vegetable plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Pakcoy plants originate from China and have been cultivated since the 5th century widely in southern China and central China and Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to determine the response of growth and yield of pakcoy mustard plants (Brassica rapa L.) through the provision of organic fertilizer Cow Manure and Inorganic fertilizer NPK 16-16-16. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK), consisting of 2 factors and 4 levels with 3 Replications. Where the first factor is Cow Manure (P) with 4 levels, namely = P0 Control P1: (1 kg/plot), P2: (2 kg/plot), P3: (3 kg/plot). And the second factor is NPK 16-16-16 fertilizer with 4 levels, namely: N0: control, N1: (25 grams/plot), N2: (50 grams/plot), N3: (75 grams/plot). The parameters observed are: plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands). Analysis of variance with Analysis of variance (Anova), continued with DMRT test at 0.05% level if there is a real treatment. The average height of pak choy plants that gave the highest value was in treatment P2 = 19.15, N0 = 17.72 In the 28th observation hst, the number of leaves in treatment P1 = 114.21, N2 = 12.49. Keywords: pakcoy, cow manure, NPK 16-16-16.

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.

Growth and Yield of Carrot Plants (Daucus carota L.) in Combined Doses of Chicken Cage Organic Fertilizer and NPK Inorganic Fertilizer

Growth and Yield of Carrot Plants (Daucus carota L.) in Combined Doses of Chicken Cage Organic Fertilizer and NPK Inorganic Fertilizer

Effect of pineapple waste biochar and compost application on the growth and yield of pineapple varieties in Ghana

IntroductionBiochar is one of the commonly used soil amendments for sustainable agriculture. The effect of biochar on crop yields depends on the quality of the biochar, which is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis conditions. Sole application of pineapple waste biochar and compost, and their combination has not been rigorously investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of pineapple waste biochar and compost applied solely or in combination on growth and yield of pineapple on a coastal savanna Acrisol in Ghana.MethodsThe split-plot design with three replications was used, with pineapple varieties as the main plot and fertilizer application rates as the sub-plots.Results and discussionThe results showed that sole application of biochar and compost or their combination as a soil amendment increased pineapple growth and yield as compared to the unamended soil. Biochar applied in combination with compost/or inorganic NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fertilizer significantly increased plant height and the number of leaves of pineapple plant, which resulted in improved fruits yield of the three (sugar loaf, MD2 and smooth cayenne) pineapple varieties at maturity over control, sole application of biochar, compost and inorganic NPK fertilizer. The Smooth cayenne variety outperformed MD2 and Sugar loaf variety.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results revealed that biochar applied solely or in addition to compost or inorganic NPK fertilizer has the capability to enhance soil quality and improve pineapple yield. Application of biochar in combination with compost/or inorganic NPK improves pineapple growth and yield.

Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Organik KoHeA+MF Terhadap Produksi Benih Padi Junjuang Varietas Unggul Lokal

Rice is a strategic food commodity whose production and productivity need to be increased to maintain the nation's food security.Seeds are one of the production inputs that have a significant contribution to the level of productivity.Therefore, various problems related to rice seed production must be addressed immediately. Problems related to fertilization can be solved by the application of organic fertilizer technology KoHeA +MF (organic fertilizer technology of chicken manure with bioactivator MOL banana poultry),this technology is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology.The research was conducted on the experimental land of the Payakumbuh State Agricultural Polytechnic, in June - October 2023.The research design was factorial arranged in a Randomized Group Design (RAK) with 3 replications. The first factor is the level of artificial fertilizer, namely A1: 0% NPK, A2: 25% NPK, A3: 50% NPK, A4: 75% NPK, A5: 100% NPK. The second factor is the dose of KoHeA+MF, D1: 0 tons ha-1; D2: 5 tons ha-1; D3: 10 tons ha-1, D4: 15 tons ha-1, D5: 20 tons ha-1 and D6: 25 tons ha-1.The experimental unit consisted of 90 experimental units. Data analysis using STAT program and DNMRT further test at 5% level. The results showed that the overall application of KoHeA+MF organic fertilizer and NPK inorganic fertilizer had a good effect on the growth and production of rice seeds. At the time of generative growth, KoHeA+MF organic fertilizer support the highest increase in the number of tillers at a dose of 10 tons ha-1 KoHeA+MF and 100 kg ha-1NPK

Liquid organic matter from banana peel improves morpho-physiological traits of coffee seedlings

Due to its economic advantage, the Robusta coffee clones BP 308 and BP 939 are widely grown. Many factors affect coffee growth during the cultivation practice, especially in the availability of adequate nutrients at the nursery stages. Apart from inorganic fertilizer application, organic matter needs to be applied in the nursery stages to support plant growth, such as applying liquid organic matter (LOM) derived from banana peel waste. This study was conducted to find out how the LOM of banana peels affected the morphological and physiological responses of BP 308 and BP 939 clone Robusta coffee seedlings and what proper dosages of LOM were needed. The experiment was conducted at the Ciparanje Experimental Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor from January to April 2022. This experiment used a randomized block design method consisting of 10 treatments and 3 repetitions. The treatments tested included 1.5 g of NPK inorganic fertilizer; 10 mL.L-1.plant-1 LOM ; 20 mL.L-1.plant-1 LOM; 30 mL. L-1.plant-1 LOM and 40 mL. L-1 .plant-1 LOM that was given to both clones, namely BP 308 and BP 939. The results of this experiment showed that there were differences in the effect of LOM between BP308 and BP939 on the morphological response such as an increase in plant height and leaf number, on the physiological response such as chlorophyll index and stomatal conductance at the 3 months after treatment (MAT). The BP939 was partly better in response to LOM of 10 mL.L-1.plant-1on plant height, the BP308 was partly better in stomatal conductance.

Growth and Yield of Meranti Tomatoes (Lycopercium pipinelifoliu) Effect of Chrysanthemum Flower Waste Organic Fertilizer (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and Mutiara NPK Anorganic

The purpose of this study was to obtain the right dose of organic fertilizer combination of chrysanthemum flower waste and NPK Mutiara inorganic fertilizer to support the growth and efficiency of nutrient absorption levels of tomato meranti plants. The method used in this study was a complete randomized design (RAK) with 4 treatments and each treatment was repeated 6 time. The treatment made is P0: 500 kg ha-1 NPK Mutiara (100% NPK); P1: Dose of Organic Fertilizer Chrysanthemum Waste 15 Tons ha-1 + 25 % NPK; P2: Dose of Organic Fertilizer Chrysanthemum Waste 10 Tons ha-1 + 50 % NPK; P3: Dose of Organic Fertilizer Chrysanthemum Waste 5 Tons ha-1 + 75 % NPK. With observation parameters, namely plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of upper plants, dry weight of lower plants, total dry weight of plants, leaf area index, net assimilation rate, and plant growth rate. The results showed that with the addition of organic matter of chrysanthemum waste fertilizer combined with NPK inorganic fertilizer was able to support the growth of meranti tomato plants in the vegetative phase of plants with a combined dose of chrysanthemum fertilizer 5 tons Ha-1 + 75% NPK showed the best results on plant height parameters, number of leaves and dry weight of plants.

Long-term fermented organic fertilizer application reduce urea nitrogen-15 loss from plastic shed agricultural soils

Continuous application of fermented organic fertilizer can improve soil quality, while the performance of nitrogen (N) in the improved soils is rarely investigated. To investigate the fate of applied N in the soils with organic management history, the 15NH2CO15NH2 (15N abundance of 19.6 %) was employed as the exogenous N source to conduct an experiment in the Chinese cabbage and tomato rotation system under plastic shed condition. The cultivated soils have received 15-year of effective microorganism (EM) fermented organic fertilizer (EM-OF), N, P, K inorganic fertilizer (NPK-IF) and no fertilizer (NoF). The 15N use by cabbage and tomato, the soil 15N forms, as well as the 15N distribution were observed. Results showed that the 15N use efficiency of cabbage in the EM-OF, NPK-IF and NoF soils were 55.1 %, 37.3 % and 26.6 % respectively, showing significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences. The succeeding crop tomato could take up the soil residual 15N, and the highest 15N reuse efficiency was 7.1 % that detected in the NoF soil. The total 15N loss (6.0 %) from the rotation system was the lowest in the EM-OF soil, compared to that in the NPK-IF and NoF soils. It was concluded that the long-term fermented organic fertilizer applied soils can reduce urea 15N loss from plastic shed agriculture, mainly through improving the in-season crop 15N use efficiency.

Long-term organic fertilization reshapes the communities of bacteria and fungi and enhances the activities of C- and P-cycling enzymes in calcareous alluvial soil

Soil microbial communities and extracellular enzymes are pivotal in governing the dynamics of soil carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) cycling. Nevertheless, comprehending the underlying regulatory factors and intricate interactions among these vital indicators remains an inadequately explored aspect, especially within the scenario of long-term fertilization. Long-term fertilization experiments were conducted on calcareous alluvial soil. The five fertilization regimes selected were as follows: without fertilization treatment (CK); inorganic NK fertilization treatment (NK); inorganic NPK fertilization treatment (NPK); organic fertilization treatment (M); and combined inorganic NPK with organic fertilization treatment (NPKM). The soil physicochemical properties, β-glucosidase (BG), and alkaline phosphomonoesterase (ALP) activities were determined, together with microbial (bacterial and fungal) community DNA sequences and subsequent bioinformatics analysis after 38 years of different fertilization. The results showed that the content of soil organic carbon (SOC) and available P and the activities of BG and ALP were the highest after M and NPKM treatments, which were 79–104 %, 26–36 times, 161–171 %, and 75–91 % higher than CK, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the bacterial and fungal community structures in M and NPKM treatments were similar, but the community structures in non-organic fertilization treatments (CK, NK, and NPK) were significantly different from those in organic fertilization treatments. The indicator species and correlation analysis combined revealed that most indicator species in organic fertilizer treatments were significantly positively correlated with soil BG and ALP, while most indicator species in non-organic fertilizer (CK and NK) treatments were significantly negatively correlated with soil BG and ALP. Organic fertilization treatments favored the growth of the bacterial genus Lysobacter and the fungal genera Acremonium and Mortierella and were significantly positively correlated with BG and ALP activities. Redundancy analysis revealed that SOC is the most important factor in shaping microbial community structure. Co-occurrence network analysis showed organic fertilization had higher network complexity, more keystone taxa, and more associations among microbial taxa compared with non-organic fertilization (CK + NK). Structural equation models revealed that microbial community structure is the direct driving factor of BG and ALP activities and their interactions, and SOC modulated the relationship between microbial community structure and BG and ALP activities. This study highlights how the application of organic fertilizer enhanced the C- and P-cycling enzyme activities, reshaped the soil microbial communities, and regulated these crucial indicators and their interactions by SOC.

EFFECT OF AQUEOUS PLANT EXTRACTS AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON THE GERMINATION, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE (Zea mays)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Plant extract and inorganic fertilizer on the germination and early seedling growth of maize, Bio-fertilizers have the ability to symbiotically relate to the roots of plants. These living microorganisms help to transform complicated organic material into basic compound, helping the plant to grow and nurture in a natural way. Aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica was obtained using cold maceration method the experiment was designed in a completely randomize design both in the in vitro and field experiments, the germination rate, plumule and radicle lengths as well as the dry matter accumulations of the maize plant were determined. The extract was diluted using serial dilution method to obtain 100,75,50, & 25% of the extract and an inorganic fertilizer NPK. Aqueous extract of the plant demonstrated ability to stimulate the germination, growth and development of maize crop. The effect of the extracts increases with increase in the concentration of the extracts with the best activity in 100% concentration of the extract, which was as effective as the Inorganic fertilizer in all the parameters considered used in the studies. Application of organic biofertilizer is recommended as it increases the yield and early germination of the plant.

Keadaan bahan kering bibit kelapa sawit dengan aplikasi kompos tankos dan Bacillus sp.

Organic fertilizer in the form of compost is possible to be continuesly applied in oil palm plantations, including in nurseries. This is one of the efforts to support the realization of sustainable oil palm plantations. This experiment aims to examine the effect of adding compost made out of empty oil palm bunches (EOPB) and bacteria Bacillus sp. applied either singly or in combination between the two to the state of the dry matter of oil palm seedlings. The experiment was carried out at the Ciparanje Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University from February to May 2022. The experiment was a field test using a randomized block design consisting of nine treatments, repeated three times. The treatments included NPK inorganic fertilizer, Bacillus sp. (25 mL and 35 mL), EOPB compost (100 g, 150 g and 200 g) given to each oil palm seedlings. The experimental results showed that the administration of Bacillus sp. 25 mL/seedling alone had good effect on the dry weight of the roots and dry weight of the oil palm seedlings, while the addition of 150 g/seedling EOPB compost alone had a good effect on the dry weight of the oil palm seedling shoots. The condition of the dry matter of the seedlings with the provision of Bacillus sp. and EOPB compost is as good as oil palm seedlings which are only given NPK fertilizer so that in this case the EOPB compost and Bacillus sp. can be used as an alternative fertilizer to be applied in oil palm nurseries.

Diluted pyroligneous vinegar promoted Rhododendron growth by changing functional genes involved in N cycling in the rhizosphere

Excessive chemical fertilization in protected horticulture has caused nutrient accumulation, reduction of soil biodiversity, and subsequently soil degradation. Pyroligneous vinegar is a byproduct of pyrolysis for biochar production. While there has been an increase in interest in using pyroligneous vinegar as an amendment to improve soil quality, a paucity of data exists of its effect on the growth of acidophilous plants such as azalea (Rhododendron). To address this, we investigated the changes in the growth of azalea and soil microbial abundance, specifically those involved in nitrogen cycling in the rhizosphere with amendment of conventional inorganic NPK fertilizer (NPK) and four dilutions of pyroligneous vinegar each with matched NPK content. The results showed that the treatments of pyroligneous vinegar increased plant biomass (51%-99%), root length (29%-81%) and surface area (63%-151%), and nitrogen use efficiency (83%-299%) compared to NPK alone. The pyroligneous vinegar treatments decreased soil pH and increased the contents of rhizosphere soil dissolved organic carbon and nitrate, and changed potential denitrification activity. Compared with NPK, pyroligneous vinegar increased archaeal and bacterial amoA genes (AOA and AOB) abundances (45% − 79% and 39% − 75%, respectively) in nitrification, but inhibited the denitrification gene abundances (i.e. nirS and nirK abundance up to 21% lower). Pyroligneous vinegar increased the ratio of nosZ/(nirS + nirK), suggesting an increased potential to lower nitrous oxide emissions.Correlation analysis indicated that nitrogen use efficiency correlated positively with AOA and AOB, but negatively with nirS and nirK abundance. Therefore, our study suggests that pyroligneous vinegar could improve the growth of acidophilous plants and increase their nitrogen use efficiency by changing nitrogen cycling related functional genes, and could be a potential soil amendment in protected horticulture.

The effect of some environmental growth stimulators on physiological characterizations of canola seedlings under drought stress

A key feature toward the protection of earth’s natural resources is that both scientists and engineers must come to more effective management of different fertilizers and microbiomes in soil environments. To investigate the effects of environmental factors like inorganic NPK fertilizer, organic amino acids, poultry manure, wood vinegar, biologically effective microorganisms and Spirulina algae, under drought stress, an experiment was conducted. The treatments were added to each pot of the Canola (Brassica napus L.) in two turns with an interval of 12 days. Shoot fresh weight, relative water content, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, proline and antioxidant content were measured. Canola seedlings grow the most with Spirulina algae treatment, it shows that Spirulina algae caused rapid growth of seedlings compared to other treatments. Drought stress increased antioxidants, and proline and decreased the relative water content. Spirulina algae, amino acids and fertilizer contain a lot of nitrogen, which increases canola seedling growth and also increases their water demand. Environmental growth stimulators including inorganic, organic and biological factors can help plant survive in normal and stressful conditions by environmental management.

The Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Bokashi Feses Ayam Broiler Dan NPK Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Tanaman Sawi Caisim (Brassica Juncea L.)

Mustard plant (Brassica juncea L.) as one of the horticultural plant species from the Brassicaceae family which has great potential to be cultivated in Indonesia. The productivity of mustard greens has decreased due to several factors, one of which is the insufficient nutrients needed by plants during the vegetative and generative stages of the plant. In addition, the factors that affect the cultivation of mustard plants are declining soil quality, uncertain climate change, and attacks by plant-disturbing organisms (OPT). With this problem, it is necessary to add nutrients to the soil, the added nutrients are organic fertilizer bokashi broiler chicken feces and inorganic fertilizer NPK. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between broiler feces bokashi fertilizer and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of caisim mustard plants. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of 2 factors with 3 replications. The first factor of bokashi fertilizer consists of 3 levels, namely B1: 25 grams/polybag; B2: 30grams/poly bag; B3 : 35 gram/poly bag. The second factor is NPK fertilizer which consists of 3 levels, namely N1: 0.63 gram/polybag; N2: 0.47 gram/poly bag; N3: 0.31 gram/poly bag. The data obtained was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and if it was significantly different, it would be further tested by Duncan's Multiple Range Test or Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a 95% confidence level. The results showed (1) the interaction of broiler feces bokashi fertilizer and NPK fertilizer showed a significant difference in plant height and plant fresh weight variables and other variables showed no significant different effect. (2) Broiler faeces bokashi single fertilizer treatment gave significantly different results on root length and plant fresh weight variables with the best dose being B3 : 35 gram. (3) the single fertilizer treatment gave highly significant different results on the number of leaves variable and not significantly different on the growth rate variable and chlorophyll content variable with the best dosage being N3: 031 gram.

Long-term nitrogen fertilization and sweetpotato cultivation in the wheat-sweetpotato rotation system decrease alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity by regulating soil phoD-harboring bacteria communities

The alkaline phosphomonoesterase (ALP)-harboring community (phoD-harboring community) plays a crucial role in the conversion of organic phosphorus (P) into available P (AP). However, the response mechanisms of phoD-harboring communities to fertilization strategies, crop types, and their interactions within the wheat-sweetpotato rotation are poorly understood. A nine-year field experiment of different fertilization strategies was established under the wheat-sweetpotato rotation. After harvesting the crop, we collected soil samples without fertilization (CK), inorganic NK fertilization (NK), inorganic NPK fertilization (NPK), and a combined application of inorganic NPK and organic fertilizer (NPKM). We employed high-throughput sequencing and enzymology techniques to analyze the composition and functional activity of phoD-harboring bacterial communities as well as their correlation with soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that long-term nitrogen (N) fertilization, especially inorganic N, significantly reduced soil pH and ALP activity while increasing AP compared with CK. The AP content in sweetpotato season was significantly higher than that in wheat season. Inorganic N fertilization dramatically reshaped the communities of phoD-harboring bacteria and decreased diversity. The phoD-harboring bacterial communities in sweetpotato season were significantly different from those in wheat season. The N fertilization significantly reduced the relative abundance of Acuticoccus, Methylibium, Rhizobacter, and Roseivivax, which was positively correlated with ALP activity. These groups in sweetpotato season decreased significantly compared with wheat season. A structural equation model indicates that pH and AP play a significant role in regulating the phoD-harboring bacteria communities, ALP activity, and their interactions. We demonstrate that fertilization strategies and crop types have a substantial impact on the phoD-harboring bacteria communities and functions, which are closely linked to soil pH and AP levels. Our study highlights the detrimental effects of soil acidification resulting from inorganic N fertilization on P-cycling bacterial communities and functions. However, the combination of inorganic and organic fertilizer can mitigate these adverse effects.

Effects of Different Kinds of Fertilizers on the Vegetative Growth, Antioxidative Defense System and Mineral Properties of Sunflower Plants

Long-term use of inorganic fertilizers can increase soil acidity, be harmful to the environment, and leaving bad effects on human health. Organic fertilizer application is one of the safer alternatives with numerous benefits, such as supplying nutrients for plant growth. Sunflower is one of the most important grown oilseed crops in the world. Sunflower plants need a supply of essential nutrients for their optimal growth. As a result, the aim of this research is to explore the effect and mechanism of two organic fertilizers from different sources (sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), compost coupled with biofertilizer (CCB)) and NPK inorganic fertilizer as a control on enzyme activity, physiological traits, and the uptake of mineral contents and heavy metals in sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus L.). Fresh or dry mass (FM, DM), osmolytes and secondary metabolites, photosynthesis pigments, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules were all determined. Both sugarcane bagasse ash and compost coupled with biofertilizer resulted in a high value of fresh and dry mass, plant height, and chlorophyll content. The results revealed that the use of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and compost coupled with biofertilizer increased osmolyte contents (soluble proteins and soluble sugars), antioxidants system enzyme/molecule (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and TGS) and secondary metabolites. However, the highest value of proline, total free amino acids, and phenolic compounds in sunflower plants was determined after NPK fertilizer application. On the contrary, it lowered Na, Na/K ratio, and Cd content. Data showed that organic fertilizers enhanced the accumulation of Cl, PO4, and SO4 content in sunflower plants. Generally, CCB and SBA treatments increased Cu, Zn, and Pb accumulation in sunflower plants. Using organic fertilizers with chemical NPK fertilizer can improve the chemical, physical, and biological soil properties.

Evaluation of Tillage and Mulch Practices on the Growth of Selected Cereal and Legume Crops in the Foothills Agro-ecological Zone of Lesotho

The trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of tillage and mulch practices on growth response of maize and selected forage legumes. With three replications, the experiment was carried out using a split-plot design. Mulch and no mulch were used as the major plot treatments Mulch was maize straw left from the previous cropping season. The subplot treatments were different tillage practices namely Minimum (0.2 m) and Deep tillage (0.35 m).The research was carried out in the Foothills of Lesotho in Ha-Matela in Nazareth, east of Maseru District, during summer season for four months (December, January, February, and March). A mouldboard plough was used to prepare the experimental field, and it was harrowed to get fine tilth. The broadcasting method was used to plant the legume species namely soybean (Glycine max L), lablab (Lablab purpureus L) and grazing vetch (Vicia villosa), whereas a planter was used to sow maize seeds at a rate of two per hole, 0.25 m apart, and 0.05 m deep. For maize and the forage legumes, 12.5 kg of NPK inorganic fertilizer was applied per plot. Low moisture content and poor soil conditions under minimum tillage and no-mulch resulted in low plant growth. Maize and forage legumes plant height was significantly (P<0.05) higher under deep tillage and mulch. Vegetative characteristics in respect of leaf, stem, and root lengths were also significantly (P<0.05) higher under deep tillage and mulch. Cereal maize had a low and positive correlation relationship between its growth indices whereas; legume crops had a high correlation relationship and were significant. Therefore, maize and forage legumes may be produced under deep tillage and mulch to support improved plant growth.

The role of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle) as soil protectant in improving soil physical, chemical, and biological properties

One of the aquatic weeds inhibiting agricultural production is hydrilla. The plants are simply removed not far from the bunds to prevent them from competing with cultivated plants. However, hydrilla can be used to improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. As an indicator of production, chili plants were planted in the trial field in Purworejo Village, Ngantang Sub-district, Malang District from October 2020 to January 2021 to test the dose of hydrilla compost. The treatments tested consisted of hydrilla compost doses of 5 t.ha⁻¹ (P₁), 10 t.ha⁻¹ (P₂), 15 t.ha⁻¹ (P₃), and 20 t.ha⁻¹ (P₄), and NPK (16:16:16) inorganic fertilizer dose of 250 kg.ha⁻¹ (P₅) as control. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference (F<0.05) in the number of flower results. Meanwhile, there was a significant effect on the number of fruits, fruit weight, and percentage of flowers into fruits (F>0.05). Hydrilla compost contained 17.3% organic C element, while the inorganic fertilizer contained 4.27%. Hydrilla compost contained decomposing microorganisms, including Pseudomonas luorescent group, Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. The optimum dose of hydrilla compost for chili plants is 20 t.ha⁻¹.

Biochar, compost and/or NPK fertilizer affect the uptake of potentially toxic elements and promote the yield of lettuce grown in an abandoned gold mine tailing

Background and study objectives: The low soil quality status and the high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) found in gold mine tailings make them unfit for crop production. Assessing the possibility of mine tailings for crop production after mining is important since the presence of these PTEs harms food safety and human health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of biochar, poultry litter compost, and inorganic fertilizer on the uptake of PTEs and the soil quality improvement of tailings from a decommissioned mine tailing in Ghana.Materials and methods: Rice husk biochar, poultry litter compost, and NPK were applied alone or in combination to the abandoned mine tailings at the rate of 5 t ha−1. After a 42-day pot experiment, we extracted the content of nutrients and PTEs in the soil and plant, and determined their uptake by the Lactuca sativa L.Results and discussion: Rice husk biochar, poultry litter compost and NPK applied alone or in combination significantly increased the soil pH, organic matter, available P as well as the CEC (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+) but reduced the exchangeable acidity in the mine tailings. Additionally, tailings amended with NPK increased the N uptake by 42%. Also, tailings amended with 2.5 t ha−1 biochar + 2.5 t ha−1 NPK increased both P and K uptake by 128% and 101%, respectively. For PTE uptake (i.e., Pb, Hg, As, Cd, and Cr), biochar, poultry litter compost and their combinations reduced the Hg uptake (mg kg−1) in the pot by a maximum 49% as compared to the control. Plausible formation of metal-hydroxo complexes at high pH with its consequent strong adsorption of Hg and presence of exchangeable K which contributed to the ion binding strength of the amended mine tailings reduced mobility and uptake of Hg by the lettuce. However, biochar, compost, and/or inorganic fertilizer enhanced Cd, Cr, and Pb uptake, which may pose lettuce food chain contamination problems for the inhabitants.Conclusion: As a result, we conclude that the use of inorganic NPK fertilizer and rice husk biochar can be used to improve the soil quality of abandoned gold mine tailings for safe food production, minimize Hg uptake by lettuce, and lower the associated environmental risk.

Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth of Chili Plants: a Comparative Analysis

The purpose of this study was to analyze the comparison of organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers to the growth of chili plants. In general, fertilizers are divided into two groups: organic and inorganic. The types of fertilizers produced by fertilizer producers have been increasingly diverse and spread in the market. However, what is comparable to buying fertilizer is the elements in the fertilizer itself. The method used in this study was an experimental method by testing the growth of five pots of chili plants that were given compost (organic) and five pots that were given NPK (inorganic) fertilizer. After 40 days of observation, plants that were given organic grew taller than plants that were given inorganic fertilizers. Chili plants with organic fertilizers experienced an increase in plant height by 42.94 cm from an initial height of 45.4 cm to 88.34 cm. Meanwhile, chili plants with inorganic fertilizer experienced an increase in plant height by 35.04 cm from the initial height of 45.4 cm to 80.04 cm. This happens because of the difference in the content of the two fertilizers.