NPK Treatment Research Articles

Impacts of rhizoremediation and biostimulation on soil microbial community, for enhanced degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in crude oil-contaminated agricultural soils.

Hydrocarbonoclastic bacterial strains were isolated from rhizosphere of plants growing in crude oil-contaminated sites of Assam, India. These bacteria showed plant growth-promoting attributes, even when exposed to crude oil. Two independent pot trials were conducted to test the rhizodegradation ability of the bacterial consortium in combination of plants Azadirchta indica or Delonix regia in crude oil-contaminated soil. Field experiments were conducted at two crude oil-contaminated agricultural field at Assam (India), where plants (A. indica or D. regia) were grown with the selected bacterial consortium consisting of five hydrocarbonoclastic bacterial isolates (Gordonia amicalis BB-DAC, Pseudomonas aeruginosa BB-BE3, P. citronellolis BB-NA1, Rhodococcus ruber BB-VND, and Ochrobactrum anthropi BB-NM2), and NPK was added to the soil for biostimulation. The bacterial consortium-NPK biostimulation led to change in rhizosphere microbiome with enhanced degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in soils contaminated with crude oil. After 120 days of planting A. indica + consortium + NPK treatment, degradation of PHs was found to be up to 67%, which was 55% with D. regia with the same treatment. Significant changes in the activities of plant and soil enzymes were also noted. The shift is bacterial community was also apparent as with A. indica, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria increased by 35.35%, 26.59%, and 20.98%, respectively. In the case of D. regia, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were increased by 39.28%, 35.79%, and 9.60%, respectively. The predicted gene functions shifted in favor of the breakdown of xenobiotic compounds. This study suggests that a combination of plant-bacterial consortium and NPK biostimulation could be a productive approach to bioengineering the rhizosphere microbiome for the purpose of commercial bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated sites, which is a major environmental issue faced globally.

Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Bawang Merah (Allium Ascalonicum L.) Akibat Pemberian Kompos Limbah Pasar Tradisional Dan Pupuk Npk Pada Tanah Spodosol

The aims of this study was to determined the effect of aplication waste compost traditional market and NPK to growth and yield of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) in the spodosols. This research was yield out in November 2018 until January 2019, at the installation of experimental garden of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangkaraya. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consist two factors, processing waste compost traditional market was K0 = 0 tons / ha (Control), K1 = 5 tons / ha, K2 = 10 tons / ha, K3 = 15 tons / ha and NPK treatment was, P0 = 0 kg / ha (Control), P1 = 300 kg / ha, P2 = 400 kg / ha. Each treatment was repeated 3 (three) replications to obtain 36 experimental units. To determined the effect of the treatment given to the yield of the observation, an analysis was carried out. If there was a real influenced from the yield of the analysis, then it will be continued with the BNJ test at the level of ɑ 5%. The yield of the average number of shallot tillers indicate that the combination of distribution waste compost traditional market (K) and NPK (P) with K3P1 treatment (15 tons / ha and 300 kg / ha) was the best combination of variable number of tillers 12,33. The aplication waste compost traditional market at a dose of 10 tons/ha able to increased plant height while 48,16 cm. Dose of 15 tons/ha able to increased number of tillers 9,56, fresh weight 91,80 g and dry tuber weight 53,73 g. While granting NPK at a dose of 400 kg/ha able to increased fresh weight 87,14 g, and dry tuber weight on shallots 49,49 g.

Changes in soil fertility under partial organic substitution of chemical fertilizer - A 33-year trial.

This study examined the changes in soil fertility in a maize cropping area when chemical fertilizer was partially replaced with straw or livestock manure over a 33 years period. Four treatments were included: (1) CK (no fertilizer application); (2) NPK (only chemical fertilizer application); (3) NPKM (chemical fertilizer partly replaced with livestock manure); (4) NPKS (chemical fertilizer partly replaced with straw). Soil organic carbon increased by 41.7% and 95.5% in the NPKS and NPKM treatments, respectively, over the 33-year trial compared with the initial concentration. However, SOC in NPK was significantly reduced by 9.8%. Soil total N, P and K both increased in NPKM and NPKS treatments compared to the original soil. Soil pH was significantly acidified from 7.6 to 5.97 in the NPK treatment during the experimental period. The NPKM and NPKS treatments buffered the acidification compared to NPK. Meta-analysis results showed that, compared with NPK, NPKM significantly raised soil bacteria and fungi populations by 38.7% and 58.6%, enhanced microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen by 66.3% and 63%, respectively; and increased sucrase, urease and catalase activities by 34.2%, 48.2% and 21.5%. NPKS significantly increased soil fungi and actinomycetes populations by 24.3% and 41.2%, respectively; enhanced microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen by 27.1% and 45%, strengthened sucrase and urease activities by 36% and 20.3%, respectively. Long term chemical fertilizer application leaded to the deterioration of soil fertility and environment. Partial replacement of organic materials to chemical fertilizers could significantly amend and buffer such negative effects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Potential of Integrated Nutrient Management to Rehabilitate the Dieback-Affected Mango Cultivar Sammer Bahisht Chaunsa

The mango cultivar Summer Bahisht (SB) Chaunsa is the most sensitive and susceptible to dieback disease among other cultivars. Despite the environmental variables, low nutritional value contributes to the drastic prevalence of the disease. Therefore, it was hypothesized that providing balanced nutrition through an integrated nutrient approach could rehabilitate plants affected by dieback disease. Treatments were NPK at the recommended dose (control), NPK + farmyard manure, NPK + press mud, NPK + poultry litter, and NPK + city effluent, and NPK + sulfur. Sulfur was applied at 3 kg per plant, while the organic amendments were applied at 100 kg per plant NPK was applied at the recommended dose per square feet of tree canopy. Leaf samples were taken 5 months after treatment application. Results were analyzed through two-way ANOVA analysis using R statistical language software. Although the disease recovery rate was slow and we did not find any plant that recovered one year after treatment application, the reduction in disease was prominent in the treatment where poultry litter + NPK was applied. The poultry litter with the recommended NPK treatment showed 20% and 50% reductions in disease intensity in the 2nd and 3rd years of the experiment, respectively, as compared to NPK alone.

Distinct characteristics of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere soils of sweet potato storage roots and fibrous roots following long-term fertilization

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) has two special root systems, namely, storage roots and fibrous roots. However, the response of the bacterial community characteristics in the rhizosphere soils of the two types of roots to long-term fertilization is not clear. Here, a long-term fertilization experiment was established under wheat–sweet potato crop rotation in 2011. We sampled the rhizosphere soils of storage roots and fibrous roots under three fertilization treatments (i.e., NK, no P; NPK, chemical P fertilizer; and NPKM, inorganic combined with organic fertilizers). The diversity and composition of the bacterial community and the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa and their relationships with soil properties were investigated at the stage of sweet potato expansion. The results showed that compared to the NK treatment, the NPK treatment significantly increased soil available P (AP) in the rhizosphere of storage roots and fibrous roots by 503 % and 668 %, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 25 % and 18 %, and available K (AK) by 3.5 % and 12.3 %, respectively. However, compared to the NK treatment, the Chao1 index was significantly decreased under the NPK treatment in both storage roots and fibrous roots. In addition, compared to storage roots, bacterial α-diversity and soil β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase activities significantly improved in the rhizosphere of fibrous roots (P < 0.001) under the NPKM treatment. Chryseobacterium, Acinetobacter and Myroides were the dominant bacterial genera in the rhizosphere soil of storage roots under the NPKM treatment. Furthermore, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated that the structure of the bacterial community was markedly altered in the rhizosphere soils of storage roots and fibrous roots under the NPKM treatment. Moreover, a complex network of bacterial communities was formed in the rhizosphere of storage roots rather than that of fibrous roots. Based on redundancy analysis (RDA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), the results revealed that the diversity and structure of the bacterial community were primarily driven by the AK concentration in the rhizosphere soil of the storage roots. In summary, long-term fertilization reshaped the bacterial community in the rhizosphere soils of two types of sweet potato roots by altering the properties of the rhizosphere soils.

Yield and Antioxidant Quality of Habanero Chili Pepper by Supplementing Potassium with Organic Products

Habanero chili pepper has great economic importance in Mexico, but its production is limited due to different factors that affect quality. Given the high demand and prices of the fruit, the production of this crop is spreading to other regions in search of new production systems. The aim of this research work was to assess the yield and antioxidant components of the fruit by supplementing potassium from organic sources. The “Campeche”, “Palenque”, and “Jaguar” varieties were studied in five NPK treatments; replacing the % of potassium with humus and compost: (T1) 240-200-120+50% of K from liquid earthworm humus; (T2) 240-200-180+25% of K from liquid earthworm humus; (T3) 240-200-120+50% of K from vermicompost; (T4) 240-200-180+25% of K from vermicompost; and (T5) 240-200-240 (control, 100% chemical nutrition). For yield components, there were significant differences, highlighting the importance of the nutrition source for the yield and weight of fruits per plant. The control (T5) presented a value of 39 t·ha−1 and was similar to treatments T2 and T3 with a supplement of 25 and 50% organic K. For the polar and equatorial diameter of fruit, as well as for plant height and leaf area, treatments supplemented with 50% organic K (T1 and T3) were more effective. For the varieties evaluated, no differences in yield and fruit weight were found; however, Campeche produced more fruits per plant with a greater equatorial diameter, while Palenque obtained fruits with a greater polar diameter and taller plants. The results of antioxidant compounds show that organic K supplementation improves the quality of total carotenoids, β-carotenes, and xanthophylls compared to 100% chemical fertilization, since total carotenoid content is improved by 54.2%, β-carotenes by 46.4%, and xanthophylls by 37.8%, respectively. The Campeche variety was the one that presented the best fruits with the highest antioxidant quality. These results indicate a positive effect of the combined application of chemical fertilizer with worm humus on yield and its components in pepper and other crops and show an economic, ecological, and sustainable alternative to the production of habanero chili pepper.

Improvement of tomato yield and quality using slow release NPK fertilizers prepared by carnauba wax emulsion, starch-based latex and hydrogel nanocomposite combination

The modern agriculture is working on introducing new generation of fertilizers that apt to slow down the nutrients release to be more in synchrony with plant’s need throughout growth season, enhance fertilizer performance, and decrease nutrient losses into the environment. The aim of this research was to develop an advanced NPK slow-release fertilizer (SRF) and investigate its effect on yield, nutritional and morphological responses of tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as a model crop. To this goal, three water-based bio-polymeric formulations including starch-g-poly (acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) nanocomposite hydrogel, starch-g-poly(styrene-co-butylacrylate) latex, and carnauba wax emulsion were synthesized and used for production of NPK-SRF samples. Different samples of coated fertilizers (urea, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate granules) were prepared using different ratios of latex and wax emulsion, and for phosphorus and potash (R-treatment). Moreover, some of coated fertilizers (15 and 30 wt.%) was replaced with nanocomposite hydrogel containing fertilizers, named D and H treatments, respectively. The effect of SRF samples were compared with commercial fertilizers (NPK treatment) and a commercial SRF (T treatment), on the growth of tomato in the greenhouse, at two different levels (100 and 60). The efficiency of all the synthesized formulations were higher than NPK and T treatments, and among them, H100 significantly improved the morphological and physiological characteristics of tomato. For instance, amount of residual elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) as well as micro elements of calcium, iron and zinc in tomato cultivation bed and accordingly the uptake of these elements in the roots, aerial parts and fruits were increased in the R, H, and D treatments. The highest yield (1671.54 g), highest agricultural agronomy efficiency of fertilizer, and the highest dry matter percentage (9.52%) were obtained in H100. The highest amount of lycopene, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was also observed in H100. Nitrate accumulation in tomato fruit in the synthesized SRF samples were decreased significantly compared to NPK100, and the lowest amount was observed in H100, which was 55.24% less than NPK100. Accordingly, it is suggested that combination of natural-based nanocomposite hydrogels along with coating latexes and wax emulsions can be a successful method to synthesize efficient NPK-SRF formulations for improvement of crop growth and quality.

Response Of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) To The Integrated Application Of NPK, Desert Lion Foliar And Urea Fertilizers

A field trial was conducted to investigate the effect of NPK 15:15:15 at 50:30:30 kg ha-1, Desert-Lion foliar fertilizer (DL) at 25 ml/15 l water, Urea at 50 kg ha- 1, P2O5 and K2O at 30 kg ha-1+Desert-lion foliar fertilizer at 25 ml/15 l water (DPK) and P2O5 and K2O at 30 kg ha-1+ urea at 50 kg ha-1 + Desert-lion foliar fertilizer at 25 ml/15 l water (DPKU) on the performance of okra. A randomized complete block design was used with four replications. Data were collected on growth and yield components. The DPKU, DPK, sole urea and NPK exhibited superior performances in plant height, leaf and branch per plant compare with the sole DL and the control. The DPKU, DPK, NPK and sole urea recorded 40, 39, 38 and 37 fruits per plant respectively, compared to 23 and 35 registered by sole DL and the control respectively. The NPK, DPKU, DPK and sole urea recorded significant total fruit yields of about 7.5 t ha-1, 7.5 t ha-1, 6.5 t ha-1 and 6 t ha-1 respectively, whiles sole DL and the control produced 2.5 t ha-1 and 1.5 t ha-1 yields respectively. The treatment combinations, sole Urea and NPK performed higher than the sole DL. Therefore, for high yield of okra, the DL at 25 ml/15 liters of water should be applied with basal application of 30 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and K2O + urea at 50 kg ha-1 at flowering.

Effects of long-term fertilization patterns on bacterial community structure and soil nutrients in dryland of yellow soil.

Understanding the responses of soil bacterial community to long-term fertilization in dryland of yellow soil could provide theoretical basis for establishing scientific fertilization system and cultivating healthy soil. Based on a 25-year long-term fertilization experiment on yellow soil, we collected soil samples from 0-20 cm layer under different fertilization treatments: no fertilization (CK), balanced application of N, P and K fertilizers (NPK), single application of organic fertilizer (M), combined application of constant organic and inorganic fertilizer (MNPK), and 1/2 organic fertilizer instead of 1/2 chemical fertilizer (MNP). Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to examine the effects of different fertilization patterns on soil bacterial community structure and soil nutrient content. The main driving factors of soil bacterial community were explored. The results showed that soil pH and organic matter content under treatments with organic fertilizer increased by 11.4%-13.5% and 28.8%-52.0%, respectively, compared to that under NPK treatment. Long-term fertilization did not affect soil bacterial α diversity, but significantly affected soil bacterial β diversity. Compared with CK and NPK treatment, treatments of M, MNP, and MNPK significantly changed soil bacterial community structure, and increased the relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Anaerobes. Four fertilization treatments increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, and decreased the relative abundance of Actinomyces and Campylobacter, compared to CK. Soil pH was the most important factor affecting soil bacterial community structure. Fertilization-stimulated rare microbial taxa (Pumilomyces and Anaerobes) were more sensitive to changes in different environmental factors and were the main drivers of the formation of community versatility. In conclusion, organic fertilizer improved soil properties and fertility and changed soil bacterial community structure, which are conducive to cultivating healthy soil.

Impact of Nano NPK Fertilizer and Humic Acid Application on Vegetative Growth of Three Strawberry Cultivars

The experiments was carried out in an unheated Plastic house unit of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design / College of Agriculture and Forestry / University of Mosul for the years 2021-2022 with the aim of enhancement of vegetative growth of three cultivars of Strawberry, Festival, Ruby Gem and Liberation D, Orleans. Factorial experiment according to the split-plot system so that the cultivars were placed in the main-plot, while the nano-fertilization treatments NPK with three concentration 0, 1.5 and 3 g.l−1 and humic acid with three levels 0, 3 and 6 ml.l−1 put in the sup-plot using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates, and means were compared by Duncan’s test at 5% level. Results of the experiment could be summarized as follow: The cultivars under this study were differed in some of the studied traits, especially the significant superiority of the strawberry cultivar Liberation D, Orleans over the two strawberry cultivars Festival and Ruby Gem in the number of leaves, the area of one leaf, the leaf area of a plant, and the dry weight of vegetative system. Cultivars Festival and Liberation D, Orleans were superiority on Ruby Gem in leaf chlorophyll content and root dry weight. Foliar fertilization with nano NPK fertilizer, especially at a concentration of 3 gm..l−1, led to a significant increase in the number of leaves and dry weight of vegetative system, while the concentration of 1.5 gm.l−1 was significantly increased in the area of one leaf and the leafy area of strawberry plant compared to the control treatment. Fertilization with humic acid at the level of 6 ml.l−1 was significantly increased in the number of leaves, the concentration of chlorophyll in the leaves, the dry weight of vegetative and roots system, the area of one leaf and the leaf area of plant compared to the control treatment.

Effects of Foliar NPK Application on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Content of Sweet Corn Grown on Rengam Series Soil

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different rates of macronutrients as a foliar spray on the growth performance, yield, and nutrient content of sweet corn grown in the Rengam soil series. The treatments consisted of five rates of macronutrients as a foliar fertilizer at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % NPK. Foliar NPK was applied 25 and 50 days after sowing to the sweet corn seedlings. The results showed that fresh cob weight, cob number, flowering, and dry matter yield of sweet corn significantly increased at the rate of 75%, and 100% of NPK foliar fertilizers. The macro and micronutrient concentrations in ear leaf, mature leaves, stem, cob, and flowers of 75 and 100% NPK treated corn were significantly increased over the control plants. The macronutrient content in the whole plant was also significantly higher at 75% and 100% NPK treatments. Fe and Mn contents in the whole plant were also the highest in 75% and 100% NPK treatments. Macronutrient concentration in ear leaf and whole corn plants significantly correlated with the fresh cob yield of corn. It is concluded that foliar application of N, P, and K macronutrients (75 to 100% NPK) enhanced the yield and quality of sweet corn.

Partially substituting chemical NPK fertilizers and their impact on Eureka lemon trees (Citrus limon L. Burm) productivity and fruit quality

The main aim of this study is to improve productivity, physical and chemical properties of the fruits and fruit quality of Eureka Lemon trees while lowering production costs by investigating the use of different NPK alternative sources (slow release, and bio) to reduce the use of chemical NPK fertilizers. Ten treatments of NPK fertilizers were applied. The results indicate that the highest values of yield (111.0 and 114.0 kg/tree) were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both first and second seasons, respectively. The lemon fruit weight ranged from 131.3 to 152.4 and 131.4 to 153.5 g for first and second seasons, respectively, for all treatments under study. The highest values of fruit length and fruit diameter were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons. The highest values of juice quality parameters (TSS, juice acidity, TSS/acid ratio and vitamin C concentration) responded favorably to higher chemical NPK treatment rates. The highest values of TSS, juice acidity, TSS/Acid ratio, and vitamin C concentration were 9.45%, 6.25%, 1.524 and 4.27 mg/100 g, respectively, were found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons. Meanwhile, the lowest value of total sugar was found with 100% chemical NPK (control) for both two seasons.

Effect of irrigation and fertiliser doses on sweet corn yield, water consumption and water utilization

The experiment was conducted within a framework of a two-factor long-term trial at the Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation, in Szarvas, Hungary. This was a special field experiment, in which lysimeters have been installed in the middle of 32 m2 field plots. The main factor was the water supply with 4 levels: i1: non-irrigated control; i2: irrigated with one third of the optimal water supply; i3: irrigated with two thirds of the optimal water supply; i4: optimum irrigated plot, according to the requirement of sweet corn test plant. The amount of released irrigation water was 0, 54, 106 and 158 mm per year on average over 5 years. Within every water supply treatment there were 4 nutrient supply rates (N): N1, N2, N3, N4 = 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha−1 NPK fertiliser substance in ratio 2:1:1. The number of replications was 4, and the experiment was arranged in split-plot design. In the studied years, the amount of precipitation varied between 92 and 264 mm from sowing to harvesting.The effect of fertiliser was less in the non-irrigated treatments compared to that of the irrigated ones, and the yield was increased only up to 200 kg ha−1 NPK treatment level. The NPK dose of 300 kg ha−1 proved to be optimal in the irrigated treatments in which the utilization of fertilizer doses increased parallel to the improving water supply. In addition, the ratio of first class products (cobs longer than 20 cm) increased to a greater extent than the yield as a result of irrigation and fertilization. Water requirement of sweet corn proved to be between 400–450 mm resulting in an average yield of 20–24 t ha−1, of which 18–20 t ha−1 came from marketable cobs. The amount of evapotranspiration fluctuated between 270–440 mm during the five years, depending on the quantity of water supply, but it changed to a lesser extent than the amount of the yield. Increasing the fertilizer dose practically did not affect ET in non-irrigated plants, but increased it by 20–30 mm in irrigated ones. The change was not significant.The productivity of ET was only 30–45 kg ha−1 mm−1 in the non-irrigated treatment, while it was 50–55 kg ha−1 mm−1 in the irrigated treatments, with higher values at the higher fertiliser rates. The productivity of irrigation water exceeded far over the productivity of ET at adequate nutrient supply. The yield increase per 1 mm of irrigation water was on average 60 kg ha−1 mm−1, which was considerably higher than the productivity of ET of non-irrigated plants (39 kg ha−1 mm−1). There was a positive correlation between the yield and ET, and a negative correlation between the yield and specific water consumption. Irrigation and fertilization increased the average yield to a greater extent than evapotranspiration, so as the average yield increased, the ET per unit of yield decreased, i.e. the productivity of evapotranspirated water increased.

Significant Effects of Long-Term Application of Straw and Manure Combined with NPK Fertilizers on Olsen P and PAC in Red Soil

The application of manure (M) and straw (S) will increase the Olsen P and phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) in soil. Clarifying the increasing trend of Olsen P and PAC is crucial for rational fertilization. This study fitted the equation between the accumulated P surplus, Olsen P, and PAC in four treatments for 28 years and analyzed the changes and rates of P fractions. The results showed Olsen P and PAC increase linearly with NPK and NPKS treatments; for every 100 kg ha−1 of P surplus, Olsen P increased by 5.9 and 6.7 mg kg−1, and PAC increased by 0.52% and 0.50%. With M and MNPK treatments, the sigmoid curve equation was the best fitting method. The equilibrium values were 167 and 164 mg kg−1 for Olsen P, and 10.4 and 10.2 mg kg−1 for PAC. There was a correlation between Al-P, Ca2-P, Resin-P, NaOH-Pi, C/N, SOC, and pH, which had the highest interpretation rates for Olsen P and PAC. Manure is significantly better than straw in improving Olsen P in red soil. It is recommended to reduce the amount of manure applied for a long time to avoid a zero increase in Olsen P.

Influence of long-term fertilization on soil aggregates stability and organic carbon occurrence characteristics in karst yellow soil of Southwest China.

Current research has long focused on soil organic carbon and soil aggregates stability. However, the effects of different long-term fertilization on the composition of yellow soil aggregates and the characteristics of the occurrence of organic carbon in the karst region of Southwest China are still unclear. Based on a 25-year long-term located experiment on yellow soil, soil samples from the 0-20 cm soil layer were collected and treated with different fertilizers (CK: unfertilized control; NPK: chemical fertilizer; 1/4 M + 3/4 NP: 25% chemical fertilizer replaced by 25% organic fertilizer; 1/2 M + 1/2 NP: 50% chemical fertilizer replaced by organic fertilizer; and M: organic fertilizer). In water-stable aggregates, soil aggregates stability, total organic carbon (TOC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC), carbon preservation capacity (CPC), and carbon pool management index (CPMI) were analyzed. The findings demonstrated that the order of the average weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GWD), and macro-aggregate content (R0.25) of stable water aggregates was M > CK > 1/2M +1/2NP > 1/4M +3/4NP> NPK. The MWD, GWD, and R0.25 of NPK treatment significantly decreased by 32.6%, 43.2%, and 7.0 percentage points, respectively, compared to CK treatment. The order of TOC and EOC content in aggregates of different particle sizes was M > 1/2M +1/2NP > 1/4M +3/4NP> CK > NPK, and it increased as the rate of organic fertilizer increased. In macro-aggregates and bulk soil, the CPC of TOC (TOPC) and EOC (EOPC), as well as CPMI, were arranged as M > 1/2M +1/2NP > 1/4M +3/4NP> CK > NPK, but the opposite was true for micro-aggregates. In bulk soil treated with organic fertilizer, the TOPC, EOPC, and CPMI significantly increased by 27.4%-53.8%, 29.7%-78.1%, 29.7-82.2 percentage points, respectively, compared to NPK treatment. Redundancy analysis and stepwise regression analysis show that TOC was the main physical and chemical factor affecting the aggregates stability, and the TOPC in micro-aggregates has the most direct impact. In conclusion, the primary cause of the decrease in SOC caused by the long-term application of chemical fertilizer was the loss of organic carbon in macro-aggregates. An essential method to increase soil nutrient supply and improve yellow soil productivity was to apply an organic fertilizer to increase aggregates stability, storage and activity of SOC in macro-aggregates.

The Effects of Plastic Mulching Combined with Different Fertilizer Applications on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Intensity, and Apple Yield in Northwestern China

Plastic mulching reduces weeds, conserves soil water, and boosts crop yield. However, most studies are insufficient when determining how plastic mulching affects greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly when used in conjunction with fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of plastic mulching and fertilizers on GHG emissions in apple orchards. A 3-year field experiment was conducted with two factors: mulching and fertilizers; (1) mulching treatments: plastic film (PM) and no mulching (NM); and (2) four fertilizer treatments: control (CK), organic fertilizer (M), inorganic fertilizer (NPK), and organic combined with inorganic fertilizer (MNPK), arranged in a two factorial randomized complete block design. The results showed that the mean annual N2O emissions ranged from 0.87 to 5.07 kg ha−1 in PM and from 0.75 to 2.90 kg ha−1 in NM. The mean CO2 emissions ranged from 2.10 to 6.68 t ha−1 in PM and from 1.98 to 4.27 t ha−1 in NM. MNPK contributed more to N2O and CO2 emissions in both PM and NM. The mean CH4 uptake rate ranged from 1.19 to 4.25 kg ha−1 in PM and from 1.14 to 6.75 kg ha−1 in NM. M treatment contributed more to CH4 uptake in both PM and NM. NKP treatments had higher greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) in PM and NM, while MNPK and NPK treatments had higher greenhouse gas potential (GWP) in PM and NM, respectively. These results suggest that plastic film mulching significantly raises the potential for soil GHG emissions and increases apple yield.

Effects of Combined Application of Chemical Fertilizer and Biochar on Soil Physio-Biochemical Properties and Maize Yield

Excessive, long-term chemical fertilizer application adversely affects soil quality and maize yield. The combined application of biochar with chemical fertilizer can increase maize yield and improve soil fertility. A four-year field experiment was conducted to determine soil physio-biochemical properties and maize yield under a soybean–maize rotation in the black soils of Northeast China. There were five treatments, including no fertilization (CK), fertilizer (NPK), fertilizer + biochar (15.75 t·hm−2, BC1), fertilizer + biochar (31.50 t·hm−2, BC2), and fertilizer + biochar (47.25 t·hm−2, BC3). Compared with CK, the number of macroaggregates and the average weight diameter of soil aggregates in BC2 treatment increased significantly by 10.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The soil pH in the study area was 7.03, and it increased in all treatments except for BC1. The highest pH of 7.17 was recorded in NPK and BC2 treatments, which was around the optimal soil pH. In contrast to the CK and NPK treatments, the biochar application increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content. The BC2 treatment improved soil C/N and increased the copy number of soil bacteria by 25.6% compared to CK. The combined application of chemical fertilizer and biochar was better than NPK treatment alone, and improved soil mechanical composition and fine soil particle contents (powder and clay). Mixed biochar with chemical fertilizer application also significantly increased maize yield and the weight of 100 grains increased from 9.5% to 10.9% compared to CK. The maize yield of the three fertilizer and biochar treatments was higher than treatments with applied chemical fertilizer alone, in the order of BC2 &gt; BC3 &gt; BC1 &gt; NPK &gt; CK (BC2 treatment increased by 34.8%). Additionally, the maize yield was significantly and positively correlated with soil aggregates, organic carbon and total nitrogen (p &lt; 0.05) as well as the 100-grain weight (p &lt; 0.01). The application of 31.50 t·hm−2 (BC2 treatment) of biochar can enhance soil physicochemical properties and improve maize yield.

Vermicompost Leachate a Viable Bio-stimulant for Tomato Growth and Yield (Solanum lycopersicum)

Background: The influence of inorganic fertilizer has posed considerable challenges on increasing food production worldwide. A careful plan is required to increase the yield and quality of crops. A profound knowledge on the use of organic manure involvement in plant growth and development could be beneficial for food production. The use of acceptable inorganic and different concentrations of vermicompost has been used in an attempt to enhance crop growth and development with the aim of increasing food production. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of vermicompost tea concentrate extracted from cow manure and grass cutting on physiological responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).Vegetative growth and yield of tomato was stimulated by mineralization of organic waste coupled with the mesophilic action of earthworm. Vermicompost is a by-product of earthworm tissues. It is a nutrient source rich in essential components for plant growth and development. Methods: An investigation was conducted in pot media under exposed natural conditions from August 2020 to November 2020 at Mangosuthu University of Technology. In this experiment, the growth of tomato plants were subjected to different vermicompost concentrations and amended with NPK fertilizer were studied. Sandy loam soil of about 5 kg were weighted into pot media (2.0mheight, 2.3m diameter). The experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design consisting of five treatments with five replicates per treatment. Treatments included: Positive control (PC), 5%VCL+NPK, 10% VCL+NPK, 20%VCL+NPK and the inorganic (NPK). Result: revealed that there were significant differences at (P less than 0.01) among the treatments with respect to plant height and number of leaves from week three to week eight. Similar trends were found with 5% VCL+NPK, 10% VCL+NPK, 20% VCL+NPK and the NPK treatments. This may be due to phytohormone release from earthworm tissue. Tomato flower inflorescence was significant at (P less than 0.01). Tomato fruit, different components at harvest which were, weight wet and dry weight were higher with NPK treated at (P less than 0.01) than the 5% VCL+NPK, 10% VCL+NPK. Root length in 20% concentration was considerably higher than the other treatments. The results showed that minimum supplementation with inorganic fertiliser may be necessary with vermicompost leachate in order to successfully grow crops in nutrient deficient soil.

Crushed amygdaloidal basalt rock and its effects on tomato production

Abstract&#x0D; Sustainable agriculture plays an important role in agricultural productivity, in which it seeks to reduce dependence on conventional synthetic fertilizers (imported from Europe) and promote the use of alternative, low-cost and environmentally friendly sources. An experiment was carried out in the municipality of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with the objective of evaluating the efficiency and agronomic viability of using a mineral product (amygdaloid basalt powder) as an agricultural input on tomato productivity Solanum lycopersicum. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with six treatments and four replications, at doses 0 (treatment 1 - control), 1.0 ton ha-1 of rock dust (treatment 2), 2.5-ton ha-1 of rock dust (treatment 3), 3.5-ton ha-1 of rock dust (treatment 4), 4.5-ton ha-1 of rock dust (treatment 5), and recommended fertilization for tomato 5-20-20 NPK (treatment 6 - standard). The treatments were applied in December 2018 and the transplant took place in February 2019. According to the conditions under which the experiment was submitted and analyzing the results obtained, it can be inferred that the application of 1-ton ha-1 of amygdaloidal basalt in the soil increased parameters such as root length, stem diameter, green and dry mass of shoots and roots, number of flowers/plants, number of fruits/plant and productivity in tomato Solanum lycopersicum. It is a viable, sustainable, and low-cost strategy that contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) and can be replicated in Brazil and worldwide.

Substitute half dose of macro fertilizers with liquid organic fertilizers on sweet corn plants (Zea mays saccharata) on Inceptisol Soil in Indonesia

Corn is a promising commodity economically for cultivation. Apart from not requiring a long harvest time, sweet corn has a high selling value, without a long post-harvest process. The location of research was conducted in rice fields in Tawangargo Village, Karangploso District, Malang Regency. Altitude ± 749 m above sea level. The implementation was carried out from December 2019 to July 2020. The research design was carried out using a Complete Randomized Block Design, with 2 factors. Factor 1, is the recommended fertilizer dosage of 3 doses (0, ½, and 1 dose), and the second factor is the dose of liquids fertilizer organic (0, 4, 8, and 12 g / l) with 4 repetitions, with intervals of 7-10 once a day. Giving 4 ml / l dose of inorganic fertilizer at an interval of once a week, together with 1 recommended dosage of Makro fertilizer affects the growth and yield of sweet corn plants. The highest production per ha in this treatment was 13,339 kg. The highest RAE value is 325.6% in the recommended 1 dose of NPK treatment plus 4 g / l of "liquids fertilizer organic". The economic approach is by calculating the R/C ratio, the treatment with the highest RAE is the R/C ratio of 8.59 with a net income of Rp. 176,785,041, -