Optimal Nutrient Management Research Articles

Reuse of Pretreated Household Wastewater for Decentralized Food Production

This study evaluates the feasibility of using pretreated domestic wastewater (PDW) for food production in a hydroponic system. In the face of increasing water shortage problems and rising fertilizer costs, PDW combined with a limited amount of fertilizer is evaluated for its effects on plant growth, biomass yield, and product safety. The results showed that lettuce grown with PDW and mineral fertilizers reached a fresh weight of 116, while the use of organic fertilizers increased the yield to 127 g, compared to only 54 g with raw water. Nitrate concentration (NO3) was higher in lettuce grown with organic fertilizers (1044.33 ± 144.04 mg/kg) than with mineral fertilizers (623.33 ± 85.62 mg/kg), but the values remained well below the acceptable limit of 5000 mg/kg for safe consumption. Analysis of heavy metals confirmed that levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were significantly lower than the maximum permissible values set by FAO and EU regulations. In addition, no phthalates were detected in the lettuce biomass, confirming the safety of the materials used in the hydroponic system. The use of PDW in hydroponic crops significantly reduces dependence on potable water and synthetic fertilizers, contributing to sustainable resource management. This approach not only reduces production costs, but also reduces the water footprint of crops, which is crucial in the context of global water availability problems. The findings support the validity of using PDW in decentralized food production as a sustainable solution for regions facing water and fertilizer shortages. Further research will focus on optimizing nutrient management and environmental conditions to increase system efficiency and food safety.

Optimizing nutrient management strategies to achieve higher productivity, greater nutrient use efficiency in eggplant and maintenance of soil health

Failure of management practices to achieve a better balance between nutrient supply and nutrient demand by eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a major cause of low productivity. Most of the published studies lack sufficient information on the role of best management practices in achieving greater nutrient use efficiencies vis-a-vis nutrient balance in relation to crop demand and nutrient supplying capacity of the soil. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the application of synthetic fertilizers alone and a combination of synthetic fertilizers with farmyard manure (FYM) on fruit yield, nutrient availability, nutrient use efficiency, and nutrient balance in an eggplant over 4 years (2018-21). Application of 100%-recommended dose of fertilizer (100%-RDF) along with FYM (100%-RDF+FYM) increased fruit yield by 47% (72 t ha−1) than the application of 100%-RDF (49 t ha−1) alone. The increase in soil organic (SOC) stocks over the control (7.3 Mg ha−1) of the experiment was greatest in 100%-RDF+FYM (9.9 Mg ha−1) and lowest in the 100%-RDF (8.8 Mg ha−1) treatment. This was consistent with a maximum increase in availability of nitrogen (137 kg ha−1), phosphorus (40 kg ha−1), and potassium (193 kg ha−1) in soil. The maximum SOC and available nutrients in 100%-RDF+FYM resulted in enhanced agronomic efficiency and nutrient recovery of N, P, and K. Apparent N and P balance (except 100%-RDF) were positive in all fertilization treatments. While the apparent potassium balance was negative in all treatments. The 100%-RDF+FYM could be a sustainable fertilizer management practice to maintain soil health and improve eggplant productivity.

Sulphur distribution and fractionation in calcareous soils: Impact of long-term organic and inorganic inputs in rice-based systems

This study examines the long-term effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil sulphur (S) dynamics and fractionation in rice-based cropping systems on calcareous soils, addressing critical gaps in understanding S distribution and availability. The findings reveal that prolonged fertilization significantly influences S content across various soil depths, with the most pronounced increases in available S occurring at 30-45 cm, particularly in plots treated with compost. Compost amendments were especially effective in enhancing S availability, promoting greater S accumulation compared to inorganic fertilizers alone. The fractionation analysis highlighted that fertilization strategies and cropping systems affected different S fractions, with organically bound sulphur being the dominant form. Total S content increased substantially with the application of both organic and inorganic fertilizers, with compost at 5 t ha-1 showing the greatest impact. The study also demonstrated that S concentrations increased with soil depth, influenced primarily by organic inputs such as compost. These results emphasize the crucial role of organic inputs, particularly compost, in improving S availability and its distribution within the soil profile, which is essential for optimizing nutrient management in rice-based cropping systems. The research underscores the importance of adopting long-term fertilization strategies that combine organic and inorganic inputs to enhance soil health, sustain crop productivity, and ensure the efficient cycling of essential nutrients like sulphur. By providing insights into the interplay between fertilization practices and sulphur dynamics, the study offers valuable guidance for sustainable agricultural management in rice based systems, particularly in calcareous soils, where the use of compost can significantly boost available S levels and improve overall soil fertility.

Optimizing nutrient management through integration is crucial for enhancing okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) growth and yield

Optimizing nutrient management through integration is crucial for enhancing okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) growth and yield

Optimizing nutrient management for Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) in the Alfisols of Southern India through modeling soil, plant, and fertilizer interactions

Balanced nutrition will be rewarding to profitable and sustainable yield of Kodo millet. In this context, soil test crop response (STCR) experiments on kodo millet were conducted from 2020 to 2022 to assess relationships between yield, soil, plant, and fertilizer nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and calibrate optimum nutrient doses for attaining yield targets. The Basic parameters, i.e., nutrient requirements, contributions of nutrients from fertilizers, soil, and organic manure were derived. The NPK nutrients required to produce one kg of grain yield were 0.049, 0.0047 and 0.035 kg, respectively, under the STCR NPK alone and 0.050, 0.0046 and 0.037 kg, respectively, under the STCR NPK + FYM approach. The STCR NPK + FYM approach for the targeted yield of 1700 kg ha–1 resulted in a higher grain yield (1710 kg ha–1), which was significantly greater than the general recommended dose and soil fertility rating approach. The developed STCR equations are valid, as the percent deviation of the grain yield from the targeted yield was within ± 10%. The implementation of the STCR approach not only surpassed the effects of the other fertilizer recommendation approaches in terms of grain yield but also increased NPK uptake, nutrient use efficiency and economic returns.

Advancements and future perspectives in nutrient film technique hydroponic system: a comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis.

In the context of climate change, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture has become increasingly critical. To ensure sustainable food production, it is essential to adopt cultivation techniques that maximize resource efficiency, particularly in water and nutrient usage. The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is one such hydroponic system, designed to optimize water and nutrient use, making it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture. This bibliometric review examines the evolution of NFT research from 1977 to 2023, focusing on the growing interest in this method as a solution to the agricultural challenges posed by climate change. Through the analysis of 774 scientific documents, this review highlights an upward trend in NFT-related studies, with a noticeable shift from conference proceedings to peer-reviewed journal articles, particularly in recent years. Acta Horticulturae has been a leading journal in this field, underscoring the significance of early conference contributions. Lettuce and tomatoes have emerged as the primary crops studied in NFT systems, demonstrating the technique's broad applicability. Research on lettuce has primarily focused on nitrate accumulation and biofortification, aiming to improve both the nutritional quality and safety of the crop. Studies on tomatoes have explored challenges related to oxygen concentration in the nutrient solution, where innovations such as the Nutrient Drip Technique (NDT) and the New Growing System (NGS) have shown promise in addressing these issues. Other key areas of NFT research include the effects of water salinity on crop growth and the integration of NFT with aquaponics systems, highlighting its potential for sustainable, water-efficient crop production. However, challenges such as nutrient imbalances and disease management persist. This review underscores the growing relevance of NFT in the pursuit of environmentally sustainable agriculture. Continued innovation and research are essential to optimizing nutrient management, refining environmental controls, and exploring new crop varieties, thereby enhancing the potential of NFT for sustainable farming systems.

Exploring the Synergistic Role of Zinc in NPK Fertilization on the Agronomic Performance of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Safflower is a multipurpose, underutilized annual crop that could be an alternate oilseed crop for normal and marginal lands around the world. Zinc as a nutrient plays a critical role in enzyme activity and nutrient absorption, leading to improved productivity and quality of oilseeds. However, imbalances between NPK and Zn can result in antagonistic interactions, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, this field experiment at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, was conducted to explore the synergistic effects of NPK and Zn on safflower growth, yield, and oil content. Safflower accession (UAF-SAFF-100) was treated with ten different combinations of zinc and NPK having different concentrations, i.e., T0 = control, T1 = NPK at 40:40:40 kg ha−1, T2 = NPK at 50:50:40 kg ha−1, T3 = NPK at 60:60:40 kg ha−1, T4 = NPK at 70:70:40 kg ha−1, T5 = NPK at 80:80:40 kg ha−1, T6 = T1 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, T7 = T2 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, T8 = T3 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, T9 = T4 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1, and T10 = T5 + zinc at 7.5 kg ha−1. The results indicated that the application of T9 (NPK @ 70:70:40 kg/ha−1 + zinc @ 7.5 kg/ha−1) showed the most promising results in terms of growth and yield attributes. This treatment significantly improved key metrics such as capitulum diameter, the number of capitula per plant, seed yield, petal yield, and oil content. Thus, this treatment (T9) is proposed as an effective strategy for enhancing safflower growth and productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study underscores the importance of optimizing nutrient management to achieve superior crop performance and suggests that tailored NPK and Zn applications can be a promising approach to maximizing safflower yield and oil quality.

Enhancing NPK Detection in Agriculture through Electrochemical Sensors Utilizing 2D Nanomaterials

NPK electrochemical soil sensors are essential tools for sustainable agriculture, enabling farmers to optimize nutrient management practices, improve crop productivity, and protect the environment for future generations. Those sensors are designed to primarily measure the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil. These are essential nutrients for plant growth and health, and monitoring their levels can help optimize fertilizer application and improve crop yield, while minimizing environmental impact, effectively supporting precision agriculture practices.Novel 2D nanomaterials can enhance the electrochemical properties of the sensors, enabling them to detect trace levels of nutrients with high precision. The operation principle of the sensors is based on the electrochemical reactions occurring at the surface of 2D nanomaterials when they come into contact with target ions in the soil solution through an ion-selective membrane. The presence and concentration of these ions cause changes in the electrical properties of the nanomaterial, which are then measured and correlated with the nutrient levels. By applying specially designed composite nanomaterials made of transition metal dichalcogenides, Mxenes, Graphene-based materials, conjugated conducting polymers, and ion-selective membranes, it is possible to precisely and stably measure soil ion content as batch, or continuous readout. These materials offer high surface area-to-volume ratios, excellent electrical conductivity, and sensitivity to changes in the chemical environment, making them ideal candidates for sensing applications. The laboratory experiments show that various combinations of nanomaterials in composites at the sensor working electrode have a high impact in increasing the selectivity of the ISM towards omitting ions in soil, repeatability of measurements, and durability of the sensor, compared to the electrodes with only ISM on top. Several nitrate ionophores and ISM cocktails are tested and compared toward ionic selectivity.The electrochemical sensors are controlled by the electronic circuitry, designed to give input and readout of the data from the sensing elements, as well as for sensor conditioning and calibration, data storage, and wireless communication. Various electrochemical methods through controlling electronics, like Open circuit potentiometry, Chronopotentiometry, and Chronoamperometry are employed for sensor control and data collection. Those methods were tested and compared in terms of the response time and durability of the sensor.Overall, the integration of electrochemical sensors with 2D nanomaterials represents a significant advancement in precision agriculture, offering farmers the tools they need to efficiently manage nutrient levels in soil and improve crop productivity, contributing to traceability and quality assurance in food production.*This work is supported through the ANTARES project that has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement SGA-CSA. No. 739570 under FPA No. 664387. https://doi.org/10.3030/739570 Figure 1

Combined Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Mechanisms by Which the Interaction Between Sulfur and Nitrogen Affects Garlic Yield and Quality

Nitrogen and sulfur are essential macronutrients in plant growth and development, and their interaction profoundly influences gene expression, metabolic activities, and adaptability in plants, directly affecting plant growth and yield. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a crop of significant economic and medicinal value. However, despite the critical role of the nitrogen–sulfur interaction in garlic’s adaptability, yield, and quality, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were employed to investigate the effects of combined sulfur and nitrogen application on garlic bulb tissues. The results show that the combined application of sulfur and nitrogen significantly increased the diameter and weight of garlic bulbs by 14.96% and 35.47%, respectively. The content of alliin increased by 28.48%, while the levels of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and gibberellin (GA) increased by 15.82%, 12.94%, 32.34%, and 48.13%, respectively. Additionally, the activities of alliinase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced by 7.93%, 4.48%, and 19.74%, respectively. Moreover, the application of sulfur and nitrogen significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and peroxidase (POD) activity in garlic bulbs by 29.66% and 9.42%, respectively, thereby improving garlic’s adaptability and growth potential. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially expressed genes in several key pathways, including plant hormone signal transduction, RNA degradation, glutathione metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis identified 80 differentially abundant metabolites primarily consisting of amino acids, indole carboxylic acids, and fatty acids. The integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses highlighted the pivotal roles of glutathione metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways in the synergistic effects of sulfur and nitrogen. This study not only provides critical scientific evidence for understanding the mechanisms underlying the nitrogen–sulfur interaction’s impact on the yield and quality of garlic but also offers a scientific basis for optimizing nutrient management strategies to enhance garlic yield and quality.

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Enhanced Performance in Kadiri Lepakshi Groundnut

The study was conducted to determine the optimal fertilizer levels for Kadiri Lepakshi groundnut. The experiment consists of eight treatments and was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The present investigation was conducted at Integrated Farming System demonstration plot, ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru Karnataka, during the summer of 2022 and Kharif 2023. Five plants from the sampling area were randomly selected and observations on growth and yield parameters were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The results revealed that among the various nutrient levels, application of 100 % RDF combined with Phosphogypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 resulted in significantly higher values for plant height (32.95 cm), number of branches per plant (12.60) and dry matter production at harvest. This treatment also led to a substantial increase in the total number of pods per plant (59) and filled pods per plant (48) in groundnut, performing on par with the treatment that included 100% RDF, Gypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 (with 57 and 44 pods, respectively) when compared to other treatments. The similar trend was observed with respect to pod yield (2327 kg ha-1), kernel yield (1580 kg ha-1), and haulm yield (3594 kg ha-1). So, the application of 100% RDF with Phosphogypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 significantly enhanced growth attributes (plant height, branches per plant, and dry matter production) and yield parameters (pods per plant, filled pods, pod yield, kernel yield, and haulm yield) in groundnut. This indicates that Phosphogypsum is an effective source of calcium and sulfur for boosting groundnut yield.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of ‘Burlat’ Sweet Cherry to Pre-Harvest Foliar Application of Calcium and Seaweed Extracts

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly valued fruit, and optimal nutrient management is crucial for enhancing yield and fruit quality. However, the over-application of chemical fertilizers in cherry cultivation leads to environmental issues such as soil degradation and nutrient runoff. To address this, foliar application, a more targeted and eco-friendly fertilization method, presents a promising alternative. This study evaluates the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of calcium (Ca) (150 and 300 g hL−1) and seaweed extracts (75 and 150 mL hL−1), both individually and in combination, on the physiological and biochemical responses of ‘Burlat’ sweet cherry trees. Key physiological parameters, including plant water status, photosynthetic performance, and leaf metabolites, were analyzed. Results show that trees treated with seaweed extracts or with combined Ca and seaweed application had improved water status, higher sugar, starch, and protein content, as well as enhanced antioxidant activity and phenolic content compared to those treated solely with calcium. However, the combined treatment did not significantly enhance overall tree performance compared to individual applications. This study highlights the potential of seaweed-based biostimulants in sustainable cherry production.

Changes in Nutrient Surpluses and Contents in Soils of Cereals and Kiwifruit Fields

Knowledge of nutrient surpluses in soils is critical to optimize nutrient management and minimize adverse environmental effects. We investigated the nutrient surpluses in soils in two regions over 25 years (1992 to 2017) in the south Loess Plateau, China. One region has cereals as the main crop, whereas in the other region, the main cereal crops was changed to kiwi orchards. The inputs of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increased rapidly (by 74%, 77%, and 103% from 1992 to 2017 in the cereal region; and by 91%, 204%, and 368% in the kiwifruit region), while the nutrient outputs were relatively stable, which resulted in increasing nutrient surpluses (the annual averaged surpluses of N, P, and K were 178, 62, and 12 kg ha−1 y−1 for the cereal region; and 486, 96, and 153 kg ha−1 y−1 for the kiwifruit region) and lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The higher N surplus in the orchard-dominated region caused high nitrate N accumulation (3071 kg N ha−1 of 0–5 m in 11–20 y in the kiwifruit orchard) in deeper soil profiles. Similarly, high P and K surpluses in the orchard-dominated region increased soil available P and K. This highlights that comprehensive measures should be taken to control nutrient surpluses, which will help balance nutrient inputs and outputs and minimize nutrient losses in intensive horticultural crop systems.

Study of Anaerobic and Aerobic Fertilizers of Organic Waste Treatment

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient for plant growth, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and ecosystem sustainability. Organic waste-based fertilizers offer a sustainable solution to boost soil phosphorus levels while addressing waste management challenges. This study evaluated the phosphorus content of anaerobic and aerobic fertilizers derived from organic waste, focusing on factors that influence phosphorus dynamics during composting. Composting methods and feedstock composition affected phosphorus transformation and availability, with temperature, moisture, aeration, and microbial activity playing pivotal roles in mineralization, immobilization, and solubilization. The experiment used market waste, pineapple peel, dry leaves, sawdust, water, sugar, manure, and EM4. The composting process involved weekly monitoring of pH, temperature, and compost height. The results showed that the pH of the anaerobic compost ranged from 7.2 to 7.4, meeting the SNI 19-7030-2004 standard. The mature compost color was brownish-black, which also complied with the standard. Phosphorus contents as P2O5 were 1712 mg/kg in aerobic fertilizer and 2653 mg/kg in anaerobic fertilizer. Phosphorus is crucial for root development, water, and nutrient absorption, and enhances plant tolerance to drought. It also affects flower and fruit formation, affecting crop yield quality and quantity. This study highlighted the importance of understanding phosphorus dynamics to optimize nutrient management and improve organic waste utilization in agriculture. Future research should explore the phosphorus transformation mechanisms and innovative composting techniques to enhance phosphorus availability for plant uptake

Environmental impacts and nitrogen-carbon-energy nexus of vegetable production in subtropical plateau lake basins.

Vegetables are important economic crops globally, and their production has approximately doubled over the past 20 years. Globally, vegetables account for 13% of the harvested area but consume 25% of the fertilizer, leading to serious environmental impacts. However, the quantitative evaluation of vegetable production systems in subtropical plateau lake basins and the establishment of optimal management practices to further reduce environmental risks are still lacking. Using the life cycle assessment method, this study quantified the global warming, eutrophication, acidification, and energy depletion potential of vegetable production in a subtropical plateau lake basin in China based on data from 183 farmer surveys. Our results indicated that vegetable production in the study area, the Erhai Lake Basin, was high but came at a high environmental cost, mainly due to low fertilizer efficiency and high nutrient loss. Root vegetables have relatively high environmental costs due to the significant environmental impacts of fertilizer production, transportation, and application. A comprehensive analysis showed that the vegetable production in this region exhibited low economic and net ecosystem economic benefits, with ranges of 7.88-8.91 × 103 and 7.35-8.69 × 103 $ ha-1, respectively. Scenario analysis showed that adopting strategies that comprehensively consider soil, crop, and nutrient conditions for vegetable production can reduce environmental costs (with reductions in global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), and energy depletion potential (EDP) by 10.6-28.2%, 65.1-73.5%, 64.5-71.9%, 47.8-70.4%, respectively) compared with the current practices of farmers. This study highlighted the importance of optimizing nutrient management in vegetable production based on farmers' practices, which can achieve more yield with less environmental impacts and thereby avoid the "trade-off" effect between productivity and environmental sustainability.

Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on soil respiration in a soybean cropping system

Abstract Soil respiration is an important pathway of carbon release from the terrestrial biosphere to the atmosphere, which plays a key role in ecosystem carbon cycling. However, the response and mechanism of soil respiration to nitrogen and phosphorus addition in legume plants are still unclear. Here, a pot experiment planted with soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition on soil respiration. Four treatments were designed: control, N addition, P addition, and both N and P addition. Soil respiration was measured twice a month from June to September in 2022. Our results showed that nutrient addition treatments presented significantly negative effects on soil respiration. In particular, nitrogen addition not only directly affected soil respiration, but also indirectly impacted soil respiration by altering soil nitrate nitrogen content. Elevated soil nitrate nitrogen content could inhibit soybean root nodule number and reduce biomass allocation to roots, thereby decreasing soil respiration. Furthermore, phosphorus addition and nitrogen–phosphorus co-addition strongly inhibited soybean nodulation by changing soil pH value, thus inhibiting soil respiration of soybean. The findings provide baseline information for optimizing nutrient management in legume crops.

Optimizing nutrient management for sustaining sugarcane yield throughintegration of biochar, digested sludge, liquid slurry and ash applicationswith inorganic fertilizers

A field experiment was laid out during 2023-24 at ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of various nutrient management options on growth performance, yield and quality of sugarcane. Optimized integration of organic sources were evaluated with inorganic nutrient sources in randomized block design with three replications. The result revealed that a significantly higher plant height (407.8 cm), number of tillers (191 × 103/ha), leaf area (511.7 dm2), leaf area index (6.81) and cane yield (91.2 t/ha) of sugarcane were obtained with the integration of 100% synthetic along with 4 t/ha solid digest, which was at par to 100% NP + K through liquid digest, 100% synthetic + 6 t/ha biochar and 100% NP + K through Ash, while the lowest were observed under treatment receiving organic manure alone i.e. 100% N through solid digestate, might be owing to very slow mineralization process of nutrients. These treatments also resulted in an effective combination of organic and inorganic nutrient sources with regard to increased 0brix reading.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of YellowSarson (Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson) under guava (Psidium guajava) basedagri-horti system

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of yellow sarson under guava based agri-horti system. The field ex- periment comprised 8 treatment, viz., T1 , Control; T2 , 100% RDF + 30 kg S + 5 kg Zn; T3 , 50% RDF + 15 kg S + 2.5 kg Zn + 2.5 t/ha FYM+ 2 spray of nano urea; T4 , 50% RDF + 15 kg S + 2.5 kg Zn + 5 t/ha FYM+ one spray of nano urea; T5 , 75% RDF + 22.5 kg S + 3.7 kg Zn + 2.5 t/ha FYM + 2 spray of nano urea; T6 , 75% RDF + 22.5 kg S + 3.7 kg Zn +5 t/ha FYM + 1 spray of nano urea; T7 , 100 % RDF + 30 kg S + 5 kg Zn + 2.5 t/ha FYM; T8 , 100% RDF + 30 kg S + 5 kg Zn + 5 t/ha FYM, was laid out in randomized block design, with 3 replications. The results revealed that application of 75% RDF + 22.5 kg S + 3.7 kg Zn +2.5 t/ha FYM + 2 spray of nano urea at 30-35 DAS and pre-flow- ering stage (T5 ) gave significantly higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height (141.03 cm), dry matter accumulation (37.76 g/plant), no. of siliqua (142/plant), siliqua length (6.67 cm), test weight (3.43 g) as well as seed yield (1.49 t/ha) and stover yield (3.54 t/ha) as compared to control. The highest amount of nitrogen, phos- phorus, potassium and sulphur uptake by plant was also observed in the treatment T5. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and researchers aiming to optimize nutrient management strategies and improve crop productivity in similar agri-horti systems.

Determining the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the Growth of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Rajat Rekha

Tuberose, a valuable ornamental crop, requires optimized nutrient management to maximize its potential. With increasing concerns about chemical fertilizer usage, integrated nutrient management (INM) offers a sustainable alternative. This study investigated the effects of INM on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Rajat Rekha, exploring combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers to promote growth and productivity. The results showed that integrated nutrient management significantly enhanced growth parameters. Specifically, the treatment combining 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) with 2 kg Farm Yard Manure (FYM)/m2, 300g Vermicompost (VC)/m2, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Azospirillum (T15) yielded superior results. This treatment reduced days to sprouting (12.10 and 14.18), and improved plant height (40.8 and 41.7 cm), leaf length (48.0 and 48.6 cm), leaf width (1.78 and 1.80 cm), and leaf number (60.8 and 61.4). These findings suggest that integrated nutrient management can enhance Tuberose productivity while minimizing chemical fertilizer reliance. The identified optimal treatment combination offers a viable strategy for sustainable Tuberose cultivation, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Future research can focus on scaling up these results and exploring potential applications in other ornamental crops.

Impact of plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, yield, and quality attributes of Anna apple cultivar under semi-arid conditions

The unique challenges posed by semi-arid climates, including soil nutrient limitations and organic matter decline, underscore the importance of effective nutrient and organic substance management to ensure optimal yields, quality, and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during two succeeding years, 2020–21 and 2021–22, to identify optimal nutrient management strategies of different plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, flowering, quality, and yield attributes of the “Anna” apple cultivar. The experiment consisted of nineteen treatments in an RBD system. The plant growth parameters [leaf area (33.64 cm2) and trunk girth (13.16 cm)] when applied 2.0% Urea (N) + 15% Cow urine-T12. Whereas, the number of flower buds (232.83/m2) and flowering duration (39.00 days) were found better with T6. Similarly, [fruit volume (158.95 cm3), number of fruit (63.33/tree) and fruit drop (70.54%)] and [TSS: acid ratio (22.60), reducing sugars (7.17%), non-reducing sugars (2.83%), total protein (0.97 g 100 g−1), starch index (3.59)] were superior with the application of treatment T6. Higher content of boron (80.09 ppm) was estimated in treatment T6, zinc (24.69 ppm) in T9, iron (134.67 ppm) in T1, and manganese (59.94 ppm) in T12 during the experimentation. Therefore, it was concluded that treatment T12 was most effective for enhancing plant growth while treatment T6 was found superior for flowering, high yield, and quality of apple cv. Anna fruit under semi-arid conditions.

Postponed Application of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Mitigates the Damage of Late Spring Coldness by Improving Winter Wheat Root Physiology.

Late spring coldness (LSC) is the main limiting factor threatening wheat yield and quality stability. Optimal nutrient management is beneficial in mitigating the harms of LSC by improving wheat root physiology. This study proposed a nutrient management strategy that postponed the application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), effectively strengthening wheat's defense against LSC. This experiment used the winter cultivar "Yannong19" (YN 19) as plant material for two consecutive years (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). Two fertilizer treatments were used: traditional P and K fertilizers application (R1: base fertilizer: jointing fertilizer = 10:0) and postponed P and K fertilizers application (R2: base fertilizer: jointing fertilizer = 5:5); wheat plants at the anther connective formation stage shifted to temperature-controlled phytotrons for normal (T0, 11 °C/4 h) and low temperatures (T1, 4 °C/4 h; T2, -4 °C/4 h) as treatments of LSC. The results showed that under low temperature (LT) treatment, compared with R1, the R2 treatment increased the concentrations of osmotic adjustment substances (soluble sugars and soluble protein contents by 6.2-8.7% and 3.0-8.9%), enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities by 2.2-9.1%, 6.2-9.7% and 4.2-8.4%), balanced the hormone concentrations (increased IAA and GA3 contents by 2.8-17.5% and 10.4-14.1% and decreased ABA contents by 7.2-14.3%), and reduced the toxicity (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide content and O2·- production rate by 5.7-12.4%, 17.7-22.8% and 19.1-19.1%) of the cellular membranes. Furthermore, the wheat root physiology in R2 significantly improved as the root surface area and dry weight increased by 5.0-6.6% and 4.7-6.6%, and P and K accumulation increased by 7.4-11.3% and 12.2-15.4% compared to R1, respectively. Overall, the postponed application of P and K fertilizers enhanced the physiological function of the root system, maintained root morphology, and promoted the accumulation of wheat nutrients under the stress of LSC.