Fertilizer Nutrients Research Articles

Total alpha radioactivity in fertilizers used in the Indian state of West Bengal using CR-39 SSNTDs: Presentation of a comparative view for different types of fertilizers

Use of fertilizers in agriculture soils is a worldwide practice to increase the yield of agricultural products. Fertilizers may contain radioactive elements may be present along with plant’s nutrients in fertilizers. Migrated radioactive elements from the fertilized soils can find their entry into the environment and human body through several ways, which may lead to induce a potential radiological risk to human health. In the present study, total alpha radioactivity concentration in 68 samples of 18 different types of organic and inorganic fertilizers which are commonly used for cultivation in West Bengal and other states of India has been measured using a track-etch technique. Calibration of the CR-39 track detectors used in this measurement has been done using a distributed alpha-radioactive reference source material of IAEA-448 soil, obtained from Reference Materials Group of International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA). The obtained source mass dependent calibration factors of CR-39 detectors have been used to estimate the alpha radioactivity of the fertilizer samples eliminating the self-absorption of alpha-particles in the sample. The estimated alpha radioactivity values have been found to vary from 29.4 Bq.kg-1 to 114.2 Bq.kg-1, 2.2 Bq.kg-1 to 13.1 Bq.kg-1 and 485.0 Bq.kg-1 to 1125.8 Bq.kg-1 respectively for organic, non-phosphatic and phosphatic fertilizers. The highest alpha radioactivity is exhibited by phosphatic fertilizers and lowest alpha radioactivity is exhibited by non-phosphatic fertilizers. Alpha radioactivity is found to be strongly correlated with phosphate content of the fertilizers. The alpha radioactivity values obtained in our study are consistent with the studies reported worldwide with few exceptions. Considering radiological as well as other aspects, farmers should be encouraged to use non-phosphatic fertilizers in combination and try to avoid phosphatic fertilizers as far as practicable.

Effect of Different Sources and Levels of Zinc on the Nutrient Content, Uptake and Fertility Status of Wheat

Indian farmers face challenges in wheat production due to poor soil nutrients and imbalanced fertilizer use, making zinc-supplemented fertilizers vital for boosting productivity. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital global food crop, rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients, with India being a major producer, although many regions face significant zinc deficiency in their soils. A field study was conducted during Rabi 2021-2022 at Wheat Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experimental soil collected from the wheat research unit field was slightly alkaline in reaction, medium in organic carbon, moderately calcareous, low in available N, medium in available P, remarkably high in available K, marginal in available S, and sufficient in micronutrients but deficient in Zn. The nine treatments T1 to T9 are applied in the plots in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The higher nutrient content and N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn uptake was recorded with the soil application of RDF + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 30 kg ha-1. It is concluded that the soil application of ZnSO4 @ 30 kg ha-1 along with a recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) at the time of sowing recorded the highest nutrient content, nutrient uptake and improvement in soil fertility.

Computational and experimental approaches to explore defense related enzymes conferring resistance in Fusarium infected chilli plants by regulating plant metabolism through nutritional products.

Nutritional status being the first line of defense for host plants, determines their susceptibility or resistance against invading pathogens. In recent years, the applications of plant nutrient related products have been documented as one of the best performers and considered as alternatives or/and supplements in plant disease management compared to traditional chemicals. However, knowledge about application of plant nutrient related products for the management of destructive fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici and their impact on the components of the antioxidant defense system, especially in chilli plants, still needs to be discovered. Therefore, in this current study, we aimed to evaluate two nutrient fertilizers viz. Krystafeed and Micro Plus at three different concentrations by soil drenching method for their effects against the Fusarium wilt of chilli and investigate the components of the antioxidant defense system of chilli plants. Correlation and computational analysis on the components of antioxidant defense system in various pathways were performed to predict the suitable binding sites of mineral ions. Results indicated that the combination of Krystafeed and Micro Plus was found the most effective with (27.01, 26.59%) disease incidence, followed by Micro Plus (29.56, 32.35%) and Krystafeed (38.21, 41.15%), both in greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. Moreover, the combination of Krystafeed and Micro Plus significantly increased the concentration of SOD (27.53, 108.96)%, POD (37.29, 45.65)%, CAT (19.33, 95.33)%, H2O2 (22.13, 118.98)%, TPC (27.39, 17.37)%, chlorophyll a (21.80, 35.74)%, chlorophyll b (57.57, 18.25)%, total chlorophyll (30.21, 19.83)%, Tocopherol (13.08, 33.66)%, TrxR (5.03, 36.56)%, MDA (13.84, 54.79)%, ascorbate (4.72, 17.28)%, Proline (5.94, 59.31)%, and phytoalexin (Capsidiol) (11.33, 55.08)% in the treated plants of resistant and susceptible chilli varieties, respectively, as compared to the untreated plants. Pearson's correlation heat-map analysis showed that all the enzymes of antioxidant defense system were found positively correlated with each other. It is concluded that the improvement of crop resistance by the application of plant nutrient related products may be viable alternatives to synthetic chemicals for managing Fusarium wilt disease of chilli and potentially other pathogens.

Optical Sediment Trap for In Situ Monitoring of Sinking Marine Particles

The ocean’s biological carbon pump (BCP) comprises a set of physical and biological processes that impact how carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, the land, and the ocean. Sinking particles, such as “marine snow,” are a key mechanism of the BCP, where the depth of remineralization of carbon from these particles governs the extent to which carbon releases back into the atmosphere or sequesters in the deep ocean (Siegel et al., 2021). In addition, this sinking flux is a key energy source for deep water and benthic ecosystems. Studying these particles remains challenging, however, making it difficult to quantify carbon flux on a global scale. Global climate change further decreases the predictability of oceanic carbon flux due to the indirect changes induced by warming, ecosystem shifts, and acidification. Other human-induced alterations of the ocean’s carbon cycle, such as proposed marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques like ocean alkalinity enhancement or nutrient fertilization, stand to further complicate carbon quantification and the ability to establish a carbon flux baseline from which future measurements can be compared and contextualized.

Farmers buying behaviour towards secondary nutrients fertilizers in southern Tamil Nadu

Secondary nutrient fertilizers (SNFs) play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity in India. These nutrients are important for improving soil health and crop yields; however, their usage is constrained by several challenges. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the purchasing behaviour of farmers towards SNFs in Tamil Nadu. A sample of 120 farmers from four district in southern Tamil Nadu was selected to assess their purchasing behaviour regarding SNFs. The data was analysed using, factor analysis and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The results indicated that interpersonal influence, product satisfaction and experience, branding and marketing efforts, and financial accessibility were the primary factors driving the purchase of SNFs. Conversely, high costs, limited access to credit, and poor soil solubility were identified as major barriers to their usage. Although farmers were generally aware of SNFs, their understanding of the full range of benefits these fertilizers provide for plant growth and soil health was incomplete. The study emphasized the need for increased awareness programs, affordable pricing strategies, and improved access to credit facilities to encourage the broader adoption of SNFs. Such measures could lead to improved leading to farming practices and higher crop yields in Tamil Nadu.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF WATER AND NUTRIENT BALANCE INTERACTIONS IN CLOSED HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS

This article presents a study aimed at modeling the interactions of water and nutrient balances in hydroponic systems, which are increasingly recognized as an environmentally sustainable and highly efficient method for growing plants without soil. Hydroponic systems provide optimal nutrient delivery to plants through a water solution maintained in a closed cycle, reducing water and fertilizer usage compared to traditional agriculture. However, the effectiveness of such systems largely depends on precise regulation of water and nutrient balances to ensure proper plant growth and optimize resource use. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive model that considers the dynamics of water and nutrient environments within the hydroponic system and predicts plants' requirements for essential nutrients. The article examines key parameters that influence nutrient balance in hydroponics, including pH level, concentrations of essential micro- and macronutrients, nutrient uptake rates by plants, evaporation, transpiration, temperature variations, and the nutrient ratio in the solution. Achieving stable water and nutrient balance requires accounting for all these factors and adjusting system parameters according to external conditions and the plants' growth stage. The study’s methodology is based on a combination of mathematical modeling and experimental data, enabling the creation of an adaptive model for the hydroponic system. The article details the model structure, including input variables (temperature, humidity, nutrient concentration), exchange processes (uptake and transpiration), and output variables (optimal nutrient element concentrations). The modeling results facilitate the control and adjustment of the nutrient solution, minimizing water and fertilizer usage while ensuring maximum plant yield. The practical significance of the developed model lies in its applicability for managing hydroponic farms of various scales, from home setups to industrial agricultural enterprises.

Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern in the United States is associated with sustainability trade-offs

BackgroundThe Mediterranean diet pattern has been consistently associated with health benefits but less is known about the association with environmental and economic sustainability in the United States (US). This information is needed to support sustainable policy agendas and provide consumers with evidence-based information needed to make informed food choices. This study fills this research gap by evaluating the environmental sustainability and diet cost associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern in the US.MethodsDietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018, n = 17,079) were merged with data on environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative energy demand, water scarcity footprint), agricultural resource demand (land, fertilizer nutrients, and pesticides), and food prices from multiple publicly available databases. The Mediterranean Diet Score was used to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern and environmental impacts, agricultural resource demand, and diet cost. Sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate adjustment of loss and waste and food-away-from-home prices.ResultsGreater adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern was associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions (p < 0.001), land use (p < 0.001), fertilizer nutrient use (p < 0.001), and pesticide use (p < 0.001), higher water scarcity footprint (p < 0.001) and diet cost (p < 0.001), and no change in cumulative energy demand (p = 0.147). These changes were driven primarily by reduced intake of animal-sourced foods such as beef dishes, meat sandwiches, and dairy, as well as decreased intake of refined carbohydrate foods such as refined grain dishes and soft drinks.ConclusionsThis nationally representative study demonstrates that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern is associated with sustainability trade-offs. These findings have implications for the development of sustainable dietary guidelines and clinical practice guidelines that can be used to inform consumer food choices.

Genome size influences plant growth and biodiversity responses to nutrient fertilization in diverse grassland communities.

Experiments comparing diploids with polyploids and in single grassland sites show that nitrogen and/or phosphorus availability influences plant growth and community composition dependent on genome size; specifically, plants with larger genomes grow faster under nutrient enrichments relative to those with smaller genomes. However, it is unknown if these effects are specific to particular site localities with speciifc plant assemblages, climates, and historical contingencies. To determine the generality of genome size-dependent growth responses to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization, we combined genome size and species abundance data from 27 coordinated grassland nutrient addition experiments in the Nutrient Network that occur in the Northern Hemisphere across a range of climates and grassland communities. We found that after nitrogen treatment, species with larger genomes generally increased more in cover compared to those with smaller genomes, potentially due to a release from nutrient limitation. Responses were strongest for C3 grasses and in less seasonal, low precipitation environments, indicating that genome size effects on water-use-efficiency modulates genome size-nutrient interactions. Cumulatively, the data suggest that genome size is informative and improves predictions of species' success in grassland communities.

Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Dari Limbah Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Dengan Penambahan Aktivator Effective Microorganisms - ( Em4 ) Dan Mikro Organisme Lokal Bonggol Pisang Sebagai Peningkat Nutrien Produk

Empty oil palm fruit bunches have been utilized as raw material for organic fertilizer. This research aims to determine magnesium levels, nitrogen levels, phosphorus levels, potassium levels in organic fertilizer from empty oil palm fruit bunch waste with the addition of effective microorganisms - 4 (EM4) activator and local banana hump microorganisms as product nutrient enhancers and compared with N levels. , P, K contained in the Minister of Agriculture Regulation Number 70/Permentan/SR. 10/140/2011. Tests were tested using the Kjedahl method, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of this study showed that the highest magnesium levels in samples (30 ml EM4 60 ml MOL) and (30 ml EM4 90 ml MOL) were 0.58%, the highest phosphorus levels in samples (90 ml EM4 150 ml MOL) and (150 ml EM4 90 ml MOL) which is 0.25%, The highest nitrogen content of some of the best samples is shown in the sample (90 ml EM4 150 ml MOL) with a result of 37%, The highest potassium content of some of the best samples is shown in the sample (150 EM4 150 MOL ) with a yield of 1.14%. The levels of N, P, K in this organic fertilizer do not meet the quality requirements for organic fertilizer with a minimum of 2%, but the high concentration of effective microorganisms - 4 (EM4) has a big influence on the decomposer of empty oil palm fruit bunches and local microorganisms of banana hump can increase organic fertilizer nutrients. .

Are healthier diets more sustainable? A cross-sectional assessment of 8 diet quality indexes and 7 sustainability metrics.

A comparison of commonly used diet quality indexes (DQIs) and their association with multiple indicators of sustainability has not been performed, which limits policy action. To evaluate the associations between 8 DQIs and 7 sustainability indicators in a nationally representative sample in the United States. In this cross-sectional analysis, dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018, n = 18,522 ≥20 y) were merged with data on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), cumulative energy demand (CED), water scarcity footprint (WSF), land, fertilizer nutrients, pesticides, and food prices from multiple publicly available databases. Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020), Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (aHEI-2010), Mediterranean Diet Score (Med), Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMed), Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI), Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) for the United States, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Index (DASH), and Nutrient-Rich Foods Index 9.3 (NRF9.3). The relationship between each DQI and sustainability indicator was assessed using linear regression. Greater scores on most or all DQIs were associated with lower daily per capita GHGE (β = -0.908 to -0.250 carbon dioxide equivalents per 1 unit increment in diet quality z-score), CED (β = -2.699 to 0.202 MJ), land (β = -0.002 to <-0.001 ha), and fertilizer nutrients (β= -0.026 to 0.007 kg). By contrast, greater scores on most or all DQIs were associated with greater WSF (β = 343-649 L equivalents) and diet cost (β = 0.037-1.125 US$), and had mixed associations with pesticide use (β = -0.001 to <-0.001 kg). Greater scores on aHEI-2010 and hPDI were associated with the greatest ratio of favorable-to-unfavorable sustainability outcomes (5:2 each), followed by PHDI (4:1), Med and aMed (4:2 each), HEI-2020 and DASH (3:2 each), and NRF9.3 (3:4). All DQIs had sustainability trade-offs, but those that emphasized plant-based foods, rather than nutrients or animal-based foods, were associated with more favorable sustainability outcomes.

Adaptive Agronomic Strategies for Enhancing Cereal Yield Resilience Under Changing Climate in Poland

Climate-driven changes have raised concerns about their long-term impacts on the yield resilience of cereal crops. This issue is critical in Poland as it affects major cereal crops like winter triticale, spring wheat, winter wheat, spring barley, and winter barley. This study investigates how soil nutrient profiles, fertilization practices, and crop management conditions influence the yield resilience of key cereal crops over a thirteen-year period (2009–2022) in the context of changing climate expressed as varying Climatic Water Balance. Data from 47 locations provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing were analyzed to assess the combined effects of agronomic practices and climate-related water availability on crop performance. Yield outcomes under moderate and enhanced management practices were contrasted using Classification and Regression Trees to evaluate the relationships between yield variations and agronomic factors, including soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilization, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The study found a downward trend in Climatic Water Balance, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on regional water resources. Crop yields responded positively to increased agricultural inputs, especially nitrogen. Optimal soil pH and medium phosphorus levels were identified as crucial for maximizing yield. The findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management and adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on cereal production. The results provide insights for field crop research and practical approaches to sustain cereal production in changing climatic conditions.

Modeling soil acidity (pH) dynamics under extreme agroclimatic conditions in Horro Guduru Wallaga Zone, northwestern Ethiopia.

Soil plays a critical role in nutrient availability, microbial activity, and fertility in agriculture. However, the effects of agroclimatic conditions on soil pH are not well understood, particularly in the Horro Guduru Zone of Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the soil pH under extremely wet and dry conditions across 3 shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5. Baseline agroclimatic data (1981-2010) and future projections (2041-2070) were obtained from the European Commission Climate Change Services. Soil pH data at a 250m resolution were extracted from the FAO-UNESCO global soil map. Missing values, multicollinearity, and outliers were addressed before modeling. Predictive models, including neural networks, generalized regression, and bootstrap forests, were validated, with the generalized regression model showing the best performance. The results indicate that soil pH decreases under consecutive dry‒wet conditions and increases with increasing maximum day temperatures across all scenarios. Soil pH is significantly influenced by the number of consecutive dry days, consecutive wet days, and maximum day temperature. The SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 scenarios resulted in improved pH levels, whereas SSP5-8.5 led to a decrease in soil pH, averaging 5.79 and decreasing to 5.54. These findings suggest that under SSP5-8.5, soil health and farming productivity may be compromised. This study emphasizes the need to adjust soil management practices based on prevailing climatic conditions to ensure soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Situating the discourse of recycled nutrient fertilizers in circular economy principles for sustainable agriculture

Situating the discourse of recycled nutrient fertilizers in circular economy principles for sustainable agriculture

Genetic Diversity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Low Level of Nitrogen

Maize (Zea mays L.) is India's second most significant crop, behind rice. As a cross-pollinated crop, hybrid vigour is commonly used to achieve the best production potential. The selection of various genotypes is a primary goal in the maize hybrid breeding programme. Maize is a voracious feeder and requires a lot of fertiliser. The biggest limits on maize production in India are low soil nitrogen and high fertiliser costs. Jharkhand consumes only 82.5 kg of total fertiliser nutrients per acre. In order to discover genetically varied maize genotypes for nitrogen usage efficiency, the current study evaluated 121 maize genotypes in a randomised block design with two replications at low nitrogen levels. Plant height, days to 50% pollen shed, days to 50% silk, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), days to75% maturity, number of leaves per plant, root length, stover yield per plant, grain yield per plant, and harvest index were all recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the morphological trait data. Analysis of variance revealed substantial (p≤0.05) variations in morphological features between maize genotypes. For statistical analysis, a clustering method was used to locate various genotypes with greater genetic distance in order to develop good heterotic combinations. One hundred twenty one genotypes were divided into six clusters using the dendogram-by-ward minimum variance approach. Cluster III and V had the greatest inter-cluster distance (79.26), followed by cluster III and VI (74.77) and cluster II and III (73.80). The many heterotic combinations developed from these clusters can be employed in subsequent breeding programmes to produce low nitrogen-requiring hybrids with a low yield penalty.

The Influence of Risk Perceptions on Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Nutrient-enhanced Microgreens

Microgreens are young plants used as ingredients and flavoring in various dishes. Their production time is short, and their production methods can be altered to enhance the nutritional content. To date, consumers’ preferences for microgreens that display different esthetic and nonesthetic traits have not been addressed. Additionally, consumers’ perceived risk of production methods used to enhance nutrition has not been investigated. An online survey and choice experiment involving a sample of 821 consumers in Tennessee were performed to investigate these topics. A mixed logit model was used to analyze the data. Both esthetic and nonesthetic traits influenced the consumers’ preferences. Green microgreens were preferred and valued more than light or dark purple microgreens. When fertilizer was used during production to enhance nutrients, consumers perceived the microgreens as riskier to the environment and for personal consumption relative to microgreens with light-induced nutrient enhancement. Using lighting during production to enhance nutrients generated a $0.47 to $0.79 premium relative to no nutrient enhancement. In general, if participants’ perceived risk aligned with the nutrient enhancement attribute (i.e., light, fertilizer), then their willingness to pay for the microgreens decreased. This was amplified for the fertilizer nutrient enhancement attribute more than it was for the light enhancement attribute. In-state production and microgreen height also impacted consumer preferences for microgreens.

A bioassay of crop response to fertilizer nutrients in soils from a chronosequence of reclaimed natural gas pipeline rights‐of‐way

AbstractConstruction of underground pipelines on cropland impacts the soil ecosystem, resulting in crop yield losses persisting for several years after right‐of‐way (ROW) reclamation. Information on whether higher than recommended fertilizer application rates could improve productivity of reclaimed ROWs is scarce. The objective of this growth room bioassay was to determine the productivity response of a chronosequence of reclaimed ROW soils to differential fertilizer rates. Bulk soil samples were collected from the 0 to 20 cm soil layer on two ROWs of different ages (i.e., time since reclamation, TSR). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial treatment structure with three replications per treatment. The factors were TSR (4 and 10 year plus undisturbed (off‐ROW) sites) and fertilizer application rates (no fertilizer (Check); recommended rate (100%) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S); and 150% of the recommended N, P, K, and S rates). The recommended nutrient rates produced 66% lower canola dry matter yield (DMY) and 45% lower wheat DMY in the 4‐year ROW soil relative to the off‐ROW soil. Increasing the rate to 150% of the recommended rate significantly increased canola and wheat DMY in the 4‐year ROW soil to levels similar to those in the off‐ROW soil receiving the recommended rate. Nitrogen uptake by canola and wheat was 30%–45% lower, while P uptake was 40%–55% lower in the ROW soils than in the off‐ROW soil. These results indicate incomplete recovery of the ROW soils within at least the first 4 year following completion of reclamation. However, crop yields were not significantly different between the 10 year ROW and the off‐ROW at 100% fertilizer rate suggesting that productivity had been restored to off‐ROW levels by year 10 following reclamation. Findings from this study will contribute towards the formulation of strategies for improving the productivity of reclaimed ROWs on cropland.

Integrated modelling of fertilizer and climate change scenario impacts on agricultural production and nitrogen losses in Austria

The European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy aims at reducing nutrient losses and fertilizer use, but has been criticized for its expected negative impacts on European economy, agriculture, and food supply. We apply an integrated modelling framework to analyze potential effects of fertilizer reductions on land use, nitrogen losses, and agricultural output of two fertilizer and four climate change scenarios. The fertilizer scenarios comprise a uniform 20 % reduction of mineral N fertilizer (f20) and a combination of several fertilizer restrictions (fcm). The model results indicate that the restrictions in fertilization lead to decreases in crop production of 6 to 9 %, whereas intensive and extensive grassland production increases. N losses to air, water, and soil are substantially reduced by 9 % (f20) and 20 % (fcm), yet fall short of the intended 50 % reduction. The regional heterogeneity of the model results shows that tailored measures need to be elaborated by taking climate change developments, the regional heterogeneity of prevalent farming systems, and bio-physical conditions into account. Uniform measures applied to the national policy context fall short to attain policy targets cost-effectively. N emission capping, taxes or managerial measures such as crop rotational N balancing are options to be explored in future research.

Causal relationship between fertility nutrients supplementation and PCOS risk: a Mendelian randomization study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is mainly ameliorated through drugs or lifestyle changes, with limited treatment options. To date, numerous researchers have found that fertility nutrient supplements may benefit female reproductive health, but their direct impact on polycystic ovary syndrome risk remains unclear. Our research employs Mendelian Randomization to assess how fertility nutrients affect PCOS risk. Initially, we reviewed 49 nutrients and focused on 10: omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, dehydroepiandrosterone, vitamin D, betaine, D-Inositol, berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, and metformin. Using methodologies of Inverse Variance Weighting and Mendelian Randomization-Egger regression, we examined their potential causal relationships with PCOS risk. Our findings indicate omega-3 fatty acids reduced PCOS risk (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.94, P=0.016), whereas betaine increased it (OR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.09-6.17, P=0.031). No definitive causal relations were observed for calcium, dehydroepiandrosterone, vitamin D, D-Inositol, and metformin (P>0.05). Drug target Mendelian Randomization analysis suggested that increased expression of the berberine target gene BIRC5 in various tissues may raise PCOS risk (OR: 3.00-4.88; P: 0.014-0.018), while elevated expressions of curcumin target gene CBR1 in Stomach and epigallocatechin gallate target gene AHR in Adrenal Gland were associated with reduced PCOS risk (OR=0.48, P=0.048; OR=0.02, P=0.018, respectively). Our research reveals that specific fertility nutrients supplementation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, berberine, and curcumin, may reduce the risk of PCOS by improving metabolic and reproductive abnormalities associated with it.

Multivariate Analysis and Optimization Scheme of the Relationship between Leaf Nutrients and Fruit Quality in ‘Bingtang’ Sweet Orange Orchards

Citrus trees require a balanced and adequate supply of macronutrient and micronutrient elements for high yield and fruit quality. Foliar nutrient analysis has been widely used in fruit-tree nutrient diagnosis and fertilization calculation. However, there is no information on ways to produce optimal fruit quality in sweet oranges. In the present study, fruit and leaf samples were collected from 120 ‘Bingtang’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] orchards during four consecutive years (2019–2022). Parameters of leaf nutrition and fruit quality were analyzed based on these samples. Diagnostic results based on leaf classification standards indicated that the most deficient elements were Ca, Mg, and B, followed by N and Zn. Fruit quality, determined by single fruit weight (SFW), fruit shape index (FSI), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C (Vc), and maturation index (MI = TSS/TA) during fruit maturation, exhibited inconsistent responses to leaf mineral nutrition concentrations. The leaf-nutrient optimum values for high quality of the ‘Bingtang’ sweet orange fruit were ranges of 2.41–4.92% N, 0.10–0.28% P, 1.30–2.11% K, 2.99% Ca, 0.26–0.41% Mg, 340–640 mg/kg S, 89.65–127.46 mg/kg Fe, 13.48–51.93 mg/kg Mn, 2.60–13.84 mg/kg Cu, 15.59–51.48 mg/kg Zn, and 53.95 mg/kg for B. These results suggest the leaf-nutrient optimum values for diagnosis can be used not only to identify the nutrient constraints but also to provide guidance for the establishment of fertilization regimes in citrus cultivation.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for NPK Fertilizer in Specialty Coffee: Insights from Pagar Alam, Indonesia

Robusta coffee cultivation in Pagar Alam City has not been carried out optimally because most farmers do not practice precision farming patterns in the use of production inputs to increase coffee plant productivity, including the use of unsubsidised coffee-specific fertilisers. In order to be accepted by farmers, fertiliser companies must pay attention to the willingness to pay of farmers for these fertilisers. For this reason, the study aims to: (1) determine farmer perceptions of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser, (2) determine the value of farmers’ willingness to pay for unsubsidised NPK fertiliser for coffee in Pagar Alam City, and (3) determine the effect of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser and other factors on farmers' WTP in Pagar Alam City. The research location was determined purposively with the consideration that Pagar Alam City is one of the highest coffee producing areas in Indonesia. A total of 100 coffee farmers were used as samples and interviewed using a prepared questionnaire. Data on farmers' willingness to pay was obtained by using the contingent valuation method (CVM). Descriptive analysis was used to determine the level of farmers' perception of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser. Multiple linear regression methods was used to analyze the effect of nutrient content, ease of use and fertiliser quality and other factors on farmers' WTP. The results showed that the average value of farmers' WTP for unsubsidised NPK fertiliser for coffee was IDR 11,160 per kg which is lower than the price of unsubsidised NPK fertiliser commonly paid by coffee farmers. The study found that fertiliser quality, ease of fertiliser uses and fertiliser nutrient content, farm income level, land size, age, farming experience, household size and farmer membership status in farmer groups significantly affect the farmers’ WTP.