Fertilizer Nutrients Research Articles

Effect of Pineapple Peel Extracts on Organic Fertilizer Nutrients and Growth of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum Annuum)

Pineapple peel extract can be used for manufacturing organic fertilizer due to its high content of carbohydrates, protein, and sugar. The study aimed to find the effect of pineapple peel extract on fertilizer nutrients and the growth of cayenne pepper. The experiment employed an experimental method with a Randomized Block Design consisting of three combination pineapple extract treatments. The experiment was performed in 5 L of plastic containers for 15 days. The result showed that pineapple peel extract significantly affected fertilizer nutrients and the growth of cayenne pepper (p < 0.05). The extract of 2500 mL generated the highest height of the plant and the greatest number of leaves. The extract of 2000 mL produced low potassium and nitrogen. Lack of potassium and nitrogen could reduce plant height and change leaf color.

Fungal pathogens increase community temporal stability through species asynchrony regardless of nutrient fertilization.

Natural enemies and their interaction with host nutrient availability influence plant population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem functions. However, the nature in which these factors influence patterns of community stability, as well as the direct and indirect processes underlying that stability, remain unclear. Here, we investigated the separate and interactive roles of fungal/oomycete pathogens and nutrient fertilization on the temporal stability of community biomass and the potential mechanisms using a factorial experiment in an alpine meadow. We found that fungal pathogen exclusion reduced community temporal stability mainly through decreasing species asynchrony, while fertilization tended to reduce community temporal stability through decreasing species stability. However, there was no interaction between pathogen exclusion and nutrient fertilization. These effects were largely due to the direct effects of the treatments on plant biomass, and not due to indirect effects mediated through plant diversity. Our findings highlight the need for a multi-trophic perspective in field studies examining ecosystem stability.

Synthesis of slow-release fertilizer with coconut shell biochar and activated natural zeolite for red onion (Allium ascalonium)

<p>Using fertilizers is one of the efforts to increase crop productivity, but conventional fertilizers tend to be easily leached so it becomes ineffective. Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) is a modified fertilizer that releases nutrients slowly or gradually so that the use of fertilizer becomes more effective. SRF can be synthesized by mixing fertilizers with zeolite as a slow-release agent. Because natural zeolite contains many impurities that cover the pores of the zeolite, it is necessary to carry out an activation process to increase the pore capacity of the zeolite so that the process of absorption of nutrients in the SRF becomes more leverage. This study aimed to synthesize NPKSMg slow-release fertilizer with coconut shell biochar and activated natural zeolite for red onion plants (<em>Allium ascalonium</em>). Coconut shell biochar was used as a source of potassium. The activation process of natural zeolite was carried out by the desilication method using a basic solution of NaOH as an activator. Based on the results of research using activated natural zeolite on SRF, the surface structure of SRF became more porous, with a porosity percentage of 69.31%. In addition, the use of activated natural zeolites increased the absorption of nutrients in fertilizers. The use of biochar in SRF increased the percentage of porosity by 66.32%. The use of coconut shell biochar as a matrix and activated natural zeolite as a slow-release agent in SRF NPK S Mg for red onion plants has succeeded in increasing red onion yields.</p>

Restoring soil nutrient stocks using local inputs, tillage and sorghum-green gram intercropping strategies for drylands in Eastern Kenya

Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agro-ecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018–2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the inter-relationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.

Optimalisasi Pemberian Unsur Hara NPK dan Asam Humat pada Produktivitas Kacang Hijau (Vigna radiata L.)

Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers causes soil degradation which results in low Indonesian mung bean production. The use of humic acid is expected to improve the quality of the soil to increase mung bean production. This study aims to determine the response of mung bean plants to the application of NPK combined with humic acid. The experiment was designed using a randomized block design (RBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was NPK fertilizer consisting of 75, 150, and 225 kg/ha. The second factor is humic acid consisting of 0, 6, 9, and 12 kg/ha. The results showed that there was an interaction between the two treatments tested on the number of fertile nodes and dry seed weight per plot. In the number of productive branches, there was no significant difference between humic acid doses of 6, 9, and 12 kg/ha. Moreover, NPK 225 kg/ha showed the highest yields on plant height and number of pods. Seemingly, the use of humic acid improves various soil properties which in turn has a positive effect on the absorption of NPK fertilizer nutrients as shown in this study.

Towards anaerobic digestate valorization to recover fertilizer nutrients: Elaboration of technology and profitability analysis

The study aimed to develop a technology for creating granular fertilizers, containing amino acids, based on food waste digestate. Pork hemoglobin (Ntot: 14.9 ± 1.5%, C: 47.2 ± 4.7%) served as an additional source of nitrogen and organic carbon. The proposed method comprises four unit processes: (1) chemical hydrolysis of raw materials with a mixture of sulfuric (VI) acid and phosphoric (V) acid, (2) neutralization with solid potassium hydroxide and correction of the composition with minerals (sulfate salts of copper, manganese, zinc and iron), (3) granulation with a mixture of biomass combustion, potato starch and peat, and (4) drying the granules. The prepared formulation meets the requirements of European Parliament Regulation 2019/1009 and is classified as PFC 1(B)(I): solid organo-mineral fertilizer (N: 4.49 ± 0.45%, C: 35.0 ± 3.50%, P2O5: 2.83 ± 0.57%, K2O: 4.78 ± 0.96%). The forms of nutrients were determined in accordance with current PN-EN standards. The effect of amino acid fertilizer on cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus, W. Legutko) was studied in 10-day germination tests under normal, salinity and drought conditions. It was noted that a low dose of the preparation under normal conditions had a stimulating effect on root development, while higher supplementation positively affected the aboveground parts of the plants. Under drought conditions, plants accumulated higher amounts of free amino acids, particularly glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and tryptophan. A significant portion of the study focused on the economic analysis, which included financial calculations for the production of the proposed fertilizer, an evaluation of profitability, and a sensitivity analysis.

Two birds, one stone: Rational design of Bi-MOF/g-C3N4 photocatalyst for effective nitrogen fixation and pollutants degradation

With the goal of transforming wastewater into suitable irrigation water, the combined approach of pollutant degradation and nitrogen fixation holds immense potential. This strategy not only purifies water by removing contaminants but also supplies vital nitrogen fertilizer nutrients to crops. However, designing a photocatalyst with efficient photocatalytic activity is a significant challenge. In our study, we present a novel composite photocatalyst, featuring a bismuth-based metal-organic framework (Bi-MOF) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). This composite exhibits remarkable performance in pollutants degradation and ammonia production. The complex multi-channeled interior of Bi-MOF facilitates effective N2 or organic molecule adsorption, while g-C3N4 generates abundant photocarriers in response to visible light. The hetero-interface between Bi-MOF/g-C3N4 ensures efficient photocarriers separation. Notably, ammonia yield achieved 209.96 μmol h−1 gcat−1 and 168.56 μmol h−1 gcat−1 in Rhodamine B and glyphosate solutions, respectively, under air bubbling, surpassing levels in N2-fed pure water by 1.8 and 1.5-fold. Optimal Rhodamine B and glyphosate degradation rates stood at 0.3496 min−1 and 0.0067 min−1. This study offers valuable insights for transforming polluted water into clean, nutrient-rich agricultural irrigation water, addressing crucial sustainability concerns.

Optimising reaction variables for the preparation of superabsorbent iron fertiliser hydrogel using sugarcane bagasse: A sustainable approach to improve crop nutrient release

Iron (Fe) is a vital micronutrient essential for crop growth and development. Utilisation of bio-based, environmentally friendly functional polymers is inevitable for society. As an alternative to the conventional Fe fertiliser, the present study aimed to synthesise a higher Fe percentage containing hydrogel with organic substances that can facilitate the slow release of nutrients, reduce fertiliser nutrient fixation, and minimise environmental pollution. The reaction variables were optimised for the preparation of superabsorbent using sugarcane bagasse and nano-zeolite-based slow-release Fe fertiliser (SR Fe) hydrogel. This was formulated by graft, co-polymerising acrylic acid, acrylamide, sugarcane bagasse, and nano-zeolite with N,N'-methylene bis-acrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. Based on the swelling percentage, the reaction variables of the SR Fe fertiliser were standardised. The crosslinker (MBA - 10 wt%), the initiator (APS - 10 wt%), the filler (Nano-zeolite - 10 wt%), the monomer acrylamide composition (AAm - 2g), the acrylic acid content (AA - 7 ml), the reaction temperature (60oC), and the drying temperature (40oC) were chosen based on desirable swelling percentage and loaded with Fe fertiliser. The Fe fertiliser was loaded to sugarcane bagasse in different ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2). The present study showed that the SR Fe fertiliser with the highest percentage of Fe (6.4%) in the ratio of sugarcane bagasse to Fe fertiliser of 1:2 could be used as an effective SR Fe fertiliser to supply nutrients slowly to crops to meet their nutrient needs and improve nutrient use efficiency.

Shelf-life enhancement of bio-inoculants through synergistic effects of encapsulation technology and osmotic protectants

A novel protective capsule for encapsulating microorganism inoculants was developed based on a core/shell structured hydrogel doped with osmotic regulators, with the aim of protecting against salts stress. The resulting capsules showed favorable mechanical toughness, high encapsulated efficiency, low cell leakage and increased resistance against salt attack. Different types of sugar alcohol molecules were selected as the osmoprotectants and their effectiveness in retaining the microbial count of trichoderma harziana under adverse conditions was examined. It was found that by using trehalose-doped core/shell structured hydrogels as the microbial carrier, the survival rate and mycelial growth rate of trichoderma harziana increased during incubation in sodium chloride solution and on sodium chloride-containing solid medium. Furthermore, the shelf-life of the microorganisms demonstrated a significant increase from log 5.72 cfu/g to log 7.30 cfu/g after an incubation period of 180 days in compound fertilizers with 15 % nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK) content. This novel microbial encapsulated system showed remarkable preservation of microorganism inoculants under salt stress from fertilizer nutrients, suggesting a noticeable practical potential in agriculture.

A Comparative Study on the Nutrients in Organic Fertilizers and Garden Soil in Tirunelveli

Organic fertilizers are natural compounds made from waste or by-products and human assistance is limited to physical extraction or processing steps. Examples of commonly used organic matter include sewage sludge, food processing waste, composted animal manure, and urban biosolids. In this study, an attempt was made to examine the nutritional value of Lyroderma lyra (giant pseudo-vampire bat) bat guano, garden soil, and earthworm compost. Essential elements (macro elements - N, P, K, NO3, NO2, Pi, PO3), trace elements (Na, C, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cl), meso elements (Mg, Ca, SO4)) from this study The identified non-essential elements (Al), toxic elements (Ba) and pH were analysed and compared. Earthworm compost is rich in No3, No2, Pi, PO3, Ca, Mg, SO4, C, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cl. On the other hand, bat guano is rich in N, K and Na. The garden soil was rich in Cl, Mg, Ca, N. No toxic element was found in the garden soil but found in very low levels in both vermicompost and bat guano. In summary, these elements improve soil health and gradually release necessary nutrients into the soil as essential elements. This study suggests the need for prior soil studies and the need to better balance the effects of different organic matter on plant growth.

Study on N application and N reduction potential of farmland in China.

The frequent occurrence of extreme weather in recent years poses a significant threat to food production. Ensuring food production and rationalizing the use of agricultural resources require addressing the problem of the improper application of chemical fertilizers. Several effective measures have been implemented in China to reduce agricultural non-point source pollution. Among them, the reduction of excessive nitrogen fertilizer application proves to be the most effective approach in controlling surface pollution from cultivation. Currently, it is crucial to clarify and quantify crop nutrient fertilizer requirements while evaluating the potential for reducing nitrogen fertilizer usage in China. Nitrogen requirements for major crops grown in China were assessed based on the theory of crop nutrient balance, assuming constant grain production as a guarantee. In this paper, we analyze the potential for nitrogen reduction through short-term, medium-term, and long-term scenario predictions. The results show that in the next 3 years, China has a reduction potential of 34.98%, but this potential is not sustainable. Over the next 10 years, there is a reduction potential of 15.04%, with most provinces experiencing a balanced state of soil nitrogen cycling. Hainan, Beijing, Shaanxi, and Fujian have higher reduction potential, with possible reductions of 69.95%, 64.14%, 60.72%, and 54.10%, respectively. However, there are still provinces in China where nitrogen fertilizer is insufficient, leading to soil nitrogen consumption. Specifically, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, and Shandong Provinces need to increase their nitrogen fertilizer applications by 87.00%, 35.97%, and 8.31%, respectively. The long-term scenario analysis over the next 30 years shows a reduction potential of 40.96%. Among the regions analyzed, Hainan, Beijing, Shaanxi, Fujian, and Ningxia have higher nitrogen fertilizer reduction potentials, with values of 78.97%, 78.48%, 74.25%, 67.87%, and 67.72%, respectively. However, Heilongjiang Province still needs to increase nitrogen fertilizer application by 44.20% to address soil nitrogen depletion. Conversely, Tibet and Qinghai, with high organic fertilizer yields, lower chemical fertilizer usage, and low nitrogen loss coefficients, are well-suited for organic agriculture development. For areas with high organic fertilizers usage and a risk of fertilizer loss, we recommend implementing the organic-inorganic mixed fertilization planting mode.

Quantifying the temporal stability of international fertilizer trade networks

Abstract The importance of fertilizers to agricultural production is undeniable, and most economies rely on international trade for fertilizer use. The stability of fertilizer trade networks is fundamental to food security. However, quantifying the temporal stability of a fast-growing system, such as the international fertilizer trade, requires a multi-dimensional perception. Therefore, we propose a new method, namely the structural inheritance index, to distinguish the stability of the existing structure from the influence of the growing process. The well-known mutual information and Jaccard index are calculated for comparison. We use the three methods to measure the temporal stability of the overall network and different functional sub-networks of the three fertilizer nutrients N, P and K from 1990 to 2018. The international N, P and K trade systems all have a trend of increasing stability with the process of globalization. The existing structure in the fertilizer trading system has shown high stability since 1990, implying that the instability calculated by the Jaccard index in the early stage comes from the emergence of new trade. The stability of the K trade network is concentrated in large sub-networks, meaning that it is vulnerable to extreme events. The stable medium sub-network helps the N trade become the most stable nutrient trade. The P trade is clearly in the role of a catch-up player. Based on the analysis of the comparisons of three indicators, we concluded that all three nutrient trade networks enter a steady state.

Organics, clay, and nanomaterials for efficient nutrient management and crop production in sandy agroecosystem

Sandy soils are found all across the world, and in Asia, they cover over 86,000 km2. Sandy agroecosystem provides a significant soil resource for the livelihoods of millions of people. Low levels of organic matter, clay, high hydraulic conductivity, and limited exchange capacity of sandy soils require an external source of fertilizer nutrient material. The applied nutrients are primarily leached causing pollution of water bodies and low nutrient use efficiency. In order to properly manage nutrients for increasing the fertility and productivity of crops in sandy agroecosystems, this paper summarises the findings of various laboratory and crop experiments.

Importance of Zinc and Molybdenum for Sustainable Pulse Production in India

Pulses are of paramount importance in Indian agriculture next to cereals and oilseeds in terms of acreage, production and economic value. Pulses are important sources of protein in a vegetarian diet, especially in India, where a large part of population is vegetarian and protein malnutrition is rampant and has not yet received adequate attention for micronutrient fertilization. To reduce the demand and supply gap, government of India launched various programs in pulses. Still, prime attention is required to meet the food security challenges, especially in case of pulse sector. In order to increase the pulse productivity while sustaining at high levels, greater attention on nutrient managements including micronutrients are among the promising technologies in pulse production. Among those micronutrients, zinc (zn) and molybdenum (Mo) are of major concerns. Mo acts as a cofactor for the enzymes namely nitrogenase and nitrate reductase, which take lead roles in bio-logical fixation and subsequent assimilation of nitrogen in legumes. Thus, Mo plays an important role in metabolism and biosynthesis of nitrogen into protein. Besides this, it facilitates the various physiological and biochemical process in pulses. Application of Mo enhances the bioavailability of other essential nutrients to crops. Plants subjected to zinc deficiency display alterations in the activity of many enzymes and decreased protein synthesis. Foliar spray of nutrient fertilizers at the critical stages of rainfed condition, application of micronutrients and secondary nutrients has been great focus in boosting up pulses productivity in India. Thus, this article represents critical review on constraints of low pulse productivity, role of Zn and Mo fertilization to gear up the present pulses productivity to larger extent while sustaining the productivity of pulses in India.

Effect of different NPK fertilization timing sequences management on soil-petiole system nutrient uptake and fertilizer utilization efficiency of drip irrigation cotton

In order to elucidate the effects of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization timing sequences management on nutrient absorption and utilization in drip irrigation cotton, field experiments were conducted from 2020 to 2021. There are six timing sequences management methods for NPK fertilization (S1–S6: 1/3Time N–1/3Time PK–1/3Time W, 1/3Time PK–1/3Time N–1/3Time W, 1/2Time NPK–1/2Time W, 1/4Time W–1/4Time N–1/4Time PK–1/4Time W, 1/3Time W–1/3Time NPK–1/3Time W), among which S6 is the current management method for field fertilization timing sequences, and S7 is the non N. The results showed that during the main growth stage, S5 accumulated more nitrate nitrogen (NO3–-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) content in soil between 20 and 40 cm, and accumulated more available phosphorus content in soil between 5–15 cm and 15–25 cm, S5 reducing N leaching and increasing P mobility. It is recommended to change the timing sequences management method of NPK fertilization for drip irrigation cotton to 1/4Time W–1/4Time PK–1/4Time N–1/4Time W, which is beneficial for plant nutrient absorption and utilization while reducing environmental pollution.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Sawi (Brassica juncea L.) Akibat Pemberian Pupuk Organik dan Anorganik

This study aimed to determine the effect of applying several organic fertilizers (Papua Nutrient liquid fertilizer, Green Tonik liquid organic fertilizer, Nasa liquid organic fertilizer, Agrica liquid organic fertilizer) and inorganic fertilizers (CPN, NPK 16 : 16 : 16 fertilizer, Solution liquid fertilizer, Urea + KCl + TSP, SP 36) on the growth and production of mustard greens. The design used in this study was a randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments which were repeated 3 times. The research treatments were S0: Without Treatment, S1: Papua Nutrient (10 ml/liter of water), S2: POC Green Tonic (3 ml/liter of water), S3: POC Nasa (2 ml/liter of water), S4: POC Agrica ( 5 ml/ liter of water), S5 : CPN fertilizer (5 gram/ plant), S6 : NPK 16 : 16 : 16 (5 gram/ plant), S7 : Liquid chemical fertilizer solution (4 ml/ liter of water), S8 : Urea + KCL + TSP (5 grams/plant) and S9 : SP – 36 (5 grams/plant). Data were analyzed using variance. If the treatment has a significant effect, then the analysis is continued using the Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) with a 95% confidence level. The results showed that the application of several organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers showed a significant effect on plant height 3 WAP, number of leaves 3 WAP, number of leaves 4 WAP and plant fresh weight per plot, and had a very significant effect on plant height 4 WAP, leaf width and plant fresh weight per plant. The fertilizer treatment that showed the best results on average was NPK 16: 16: 16 (S) and Urea + KCl + TSP (S8) fertilizers, while the fertilizer treatment that showed the lowest results was Papua Nutrient fertilizer (S1).

The transcription factors, STOP1 and TCP20, are required for root system architecture alterations in response to nitrate deficiency

Nitrate distribution in soils is often heterogeneous. Plants have adapted to this by modifying their root system architecture (RSA). Previous studies showed that NITRATE-TRANSPORTER1.1 (NRT1.1), which also transports auxin, helps inhibit lateral root primordia (LRP) emergence in nitrate-poor patches, by preferentially transporting auxin away from the LRP. In this study, we identified the regulatory system for this response involving the transcription factor (TF), SENSITIVE-TO-PROTON-RHIZOTOXICITY1 (STOP1), which is accumulated in the nuclei of LRP cells under nitrate deficiency and directly regulates Arabidopsis NRT1.1 expression. Mutations in STOP1 mimic the root phenotype of the loss-of-function NRT1.1 mutant under nitrate deficiency, compared to wild-type plants, including increased LR growth and higher DR5promoter activity (i.e., higher LRP auxin signaling/activity). Nitrate deficiency-induced LR growth inhibition was almost completely reversed when STOP1 and the TF, TEOSINTE-BRANCHED1,-CYCLOIDEA,-PCF-DOMAIN-FAMILY-PROTEIN20 (TCP20), a known activator of NRT1.1 expression, were both mutated. Thus, the STOP1-TCP20 system is required for activation of NRT1.1 expression under nitrate deficiency, leading to reduced LR growth in nitrate-poor regions. We found this STOP1-mediated system is more active as growth media becomes more acidic, which correlates with reductions in soil nitrate as the soil pH becomes more acidic. STOP1 has been shown to be involved in RSA modifications in response to phosphate deficiency and increased potassium uptake, hence, our findings indicate that root growth regulation in response to low availability of the major fertilizer nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, all involve STOP1, which may allow plants to maintain appropriate root growth under the complex and varying soil distribution of nutrients.

Strategies for fertilizer management to achieve higher yields and environmental and fertilizer benefits of rice production in China

The challenge in China is to retain high yields while lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the context of the increasing global and Chinese demand for rice yield. Better fertilizer management is a key factor that favors intensive rice systems toward more intensive, diverse, and sustainable development to obtain higher yield and environmental benefits. Thus, we used a data-intensive approach to estimate yield, fertilizer productivity (FP) and GHG emissions based on fertilizer and soil characteristics across major Chinese rice-producing regions. The common rice production model showed medium yield, low emission intensity and FP, and low or high GHG emissions. Approximate 41 % and 10 %, 34 % and 3 %, 8 % and 2 %, and 8 % and 1 % probabilities for medium and high yield (MY and HY)-low emission intensity (LI)-low GHG emissions (LG)-high FP (HF) (MY-LI-LG-HF and HY-LI-LG-HF) were achieved in Northeast, South, Southwest, Central and East China, respectively, by adjusting basal, tillering and panicle fertilization and soil pH, N, P and K. Our results provide insights for adjusting soil nutrient traits and fertilizer inputs according to regional production potentials for higher yields and FP and lower GHG emissions in China.

In-situ retention of nitrogen, phosphorus in agricultural drainage and soil nutrients by biochar at different temperatures and the effects on soil microbial response

This study conducted a two-year experiment to investigate the impacts of biochar with various temperatures (350 °C, 500 °C, and 650 °C), on the reduction of pollutants in agricultural runoff and the enhancement of soil fertility. The results showed that the biochar significantly reduced the concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in farmland runoff. Moreover, higher-temperature biochar demonstrated greater efficacy in decreasing pollutants in farmland drainage. Treatment with RB650 resulted in a reduction of the total nitrogen and total phosphorus output load by 29.31–30.67 % and 21.92–25.21 %, respectively, compared to RB350. Furthermore, biochar exhibited substantial enhancements in soil fertility. This was supported by heightened soil organic matter content, increased availability of nutrients, and a noteworthy (P < 0.05) upsurge in pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus content observed in the second year following the application of biochar. Biochar has the potential to enhance soil enzyme activity and affect microbial community composition, thereby facilitating nutrient cycling. The findings illustrated the regenerative and recyclable characteristics of biochar's adsorption activity throughout crop growth. This process enables sustained improvement in soil nutrient retention capacity and fertility. Thus, it emphasizes the potential of biochar as an in-situ model for nutrient retention and recycling, offering an effective approach to mitigate agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution and enhance soil fertility.

VTE1 and VTE3 Gene Expression During Vitamin E Production in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Treated with Different Fertilization.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Sunflower is one of the important commodities in agriculture. The oil content in sunflower seeds has been widely used as cooking oil, but in Indonesia, the utilization of this oil is still relatively low. In addition, sunflowers also contain vitamin E which is useful as an antioxidant, so it can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine gene expression at the RNA level towards vitamin E biosynthesis using different fertilization treatments. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Sunflowers that had been given different fertilizers were taken in three flowering phases, R3, R5 and R8. Flower samples were isolated until RNA was obtained. The isolation results were tested using real-time PCR to determine the relative gene expression of the &lt;i&gt;VTE1&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;VTE3&lt;/i&gt; genes. After the sunflower seeds were fully ripe, vitamin E content was tested in each treatment and the results were compared with the relative gene expression obtained. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results obtained were fluctuating, but in general, the relative gene expression obtained in the &lt;i&gt;VTE1&lt;/i&gt; gene increased in the R3 phase and then decreased in the R5 and R8 phases. Whereas, in the &lt;i&gt;VTE3&lt;/i&gt; gene, the relative gene expression obtained experienced an increase in the R3 and R5 phases and then decreased in the R8 phase. The highest vitamin E content was obtained by sample P3 (4218 μg mL&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;) and the lowest was obtained by sample P2 (1798 μg mL&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;). &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; A balanced ratio of 92:46:30 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; of major nutrient fertilizer involving N, P and K could increase vitamin E content in sunflowers. Such a combination exhibited stable expression of the &lt;i&gt;VTE1&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;VTE3&lt;/i&gt; genes in all phases of flowering.