Organic Sources Research Articles

Potassium, Zinc, and Boron Nutrients Effect on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Yield in Wag-Lasta, Northern, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia using inorganic fertilizer started in the early 1970s. But it still depended solely on urea and DAP. Today, according to ATA and Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources K, Zn, B, S, and Cu are in deficit in Ethiopia and Amhara Region as well as in Wag-Lasta areas. But some studies conducted in Wag-Lasta and throughout the region in different crops indicate that these nutrients had no response on crop yields. So, this experiment was conducted in 2017 rain feed cropping season on five farmers’ parcels per location to verify the response of sorghum to potassium, zinc, and boron nutrients. The treatments were: NPS, NPSK, NPSZnB, and NPSZnBK, with the recommended rate of 46 and 23 kg ha-1 N and P2O5,respectivelyfor Sekota,23 kg ha-1N, andP2O5 for Lasta. Moreover, 150, 1.47, and 0.07 kg ha-1 KCl, Zn, and B, respectively used uniformly in both locations. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The collected data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.0. Analysis of variance revealed that the application of potassium, zinc, and boron had no significant effect (P ≤0.05) on sorghum yield and yield components at all sites. The exchangeable potassium content in the soil of the study sites is above the critical value level. The result disagrees with the soil fertility map which showed more than 98% of potassium deficiency and more than 80% NPSZnB deficiency. Hence, the application of K, Zn, and B nutrients had no yield advantage over the recommended N and P nutrients in the Wag-Lasta areas. Therefore, currently to increase production and productivity of crops in Wag-Lasta areas using of recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorous with organic fertilizer sources for each district is the best option rather than using K, Zn, and B nutrients.

Effect of Different Organic Sources on Seed Yield of rabi Fennel (Foeniculam vulgare P. Mill.) under Organic Farming

The present study is titled “Effect of different organic sources on seed yield of rabi fennel (Foeniculam vulgare P. Mill.) under organic farming. It was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm of the Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat during Rabi season of the year 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2019-20. Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a widely recognized and essential medicinal and aromatic plant from the Apiaceae family. This study also examines the impact of organic sourcess in fennel cultivation, highlighting their potential to improve soil structure and microbial biomass. Organic sources, derived from both animal and plant sources, are considered eco-friendly alternatives with long term benefits. Results from the study indicate that for growing rabi fennel under organic farming application of 75% RDN (67.5 kg N/ha) either through castor cake or FYM at the time of sowing along with seed inoculation with Azotobacter and PSB @ 5 ml/kg seed for obtaining higher seed yield and net returns. These findings suggest the potential of organic manures to improve the growth and yield of fennel. In conclusion, this provides an extensive overview of fennel, addressing its botanical characteristics, chemical composition, pharmacological attributes, traditional uses, and agricultural practices. The experimental data highlights the positive impact of organic manures on fennel growth parameters, offering valuable insights for sustainable cultivation practices.

ToF-SIMS evaluation of PEG-related mass peaks and applications in PEG detection in cosmetic products

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are used in industrial, medical, health care, and personal care applications. The cycling and disposal of synthetic polymers like PEGs pose significant environmental concerns. Detecting and monitoring PEGs in the real world calls for immediate attention. This study unveils the efficacy of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) as a reliable approach for precise analysis and identification of reference PEGs and PEGs used in cosmetic products. By comparing SIMS spectra, we show remarkable sensitivity in pinpointing distinctive ion peaks inherent to various PEG compounds. Moreover, the employment of principal component analysis effectively discriminates compositions among different samples. Notably, the application of SIMS two-dimensional image analysis visually portrays the spatial distribution of various PEGs as reference materials. The same is observed in authentic cosmetic products. The application of ToF-SIMS underscores its potential in distinguishing PEGs within intricate environmental context. ToF-SIMS provides an effective solution to studying emerging environmental challenges, offering straightforward sample preparation and superior detection of synthetic organics in mass spectral analysis. These features show that SIMS can serve as a promising alternative for evaluation and assessment of PEGs in terms of the source, emission, and transport of anthropogenic organics.

Performance of lentil (Lens culinaris) under various organic and inorganic sources of nutrients under sandy loam soil

Performance of lentil (Lens culinaris) under various organic and inorganic sources of nutrients under sandy loam soil

Substantial contribution of inorganic carbon sources to CO2 emissions in calcareous vineyard soils in Germany

AbstractIn light of climate change and increasing global temperatures, it is important to equally prioritize the study of inorganic carbon dynamics in calcareous soils within temperate ecosystems, as has been done for arid or semiarid environments. A significant area of vineyards in Germany is established on calcareous soils. However, the potential influence of inorganic carbon on CO2 emissions in these vineyards has not been sufficiently explored when evaluating the carbon footprint of management practices in relation to carbon storage. Therefore, we aimed to differentiate between organic and inorganic sources of CO2 emissions from six vineyard soils located in the southwest of Germany that had previously received organic soil amendments (OA). Inorganic carbon content varied between 8 and 55 g kg−1 across different sites, with variations observed in the inorganic‐to‐organic carbon ratio. Soil samples were incubated under standard laboratory conditions for 48 h, and the source of emitted CO2 was determined using a two‐end‐member mixing model. The contribution of inorganic carbon to CO2 emissions was influenced by the quantity of inorganic carbon, with an increase in contribution with increasing inorganic‐to‐organic carbon ratio. On average, abiotic sources accounted for 5% to 40% of the emitted CO2 at the different sites, with one site showing no significant contribution of inorganic carbon. CO2 production from inorganic carbon was higher in the subsoil compared with the topsoil, likely related to the higher content of inorganic carbon in the subsoil. Notably, there was no discernible influence of OA on carbonate dissolution. This study emphasizes the significance of considering abiotic sources of CO2 emissions in addition to soil respiration in calcareous soils and highlights the need for further investigation to apply these findings at the field scale.

Soil health and sugarcane productivity management through integrated nutrient management by using different organic manure sources and planting geometries in lateritic soils of Konkan region of Maharashtra

Soil health and sugarcane productivity management through integrated nutrient management by using different organic manure sources and planting geometries in lateritic soils of Konkan region of Maharashtra

Preparation and application of rosin@apatite hybrid material with new natural surfactants based on in-situ reaction by sol-gel method

Due to the combination of organic and inorganic advantages, organic@inorganic hybrid materials have important applications in drug-loading, water-treatment and other fields. Rosin@apatite (AP) hybrid materials with various morphologies were designed and obtained by in situ reaction using two novel rosin-based phosphoester surfactants as organic phosphorus sources. The hybrid materials combined multi-ring, multi-electron groups of natural rosin diterpene and strong physical adsorption properties of apatite. Block and sheet rosin@AP hybrid materials were prepared by sol–gel method with mild reaction conditions. The materials have excellent adsorption capacity of phenol (9.2 mg g−1) and loading capacity (492 mg g−1) of adriamycin (DOX) induced by π–π stacking interaction with rosin bases. The content of rosin based organic materials in hybrid materials is as high as 47.5% by thermogravimetric analysis. The formation mechanism of hybrid materials was speculated in detail.

Crop growth and productivity of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) influenced by organic nutrient sources under Guni method of cultivation

Crop growth and productivity of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) influenced by organic nutrient sources under Guni method of cultivation

Influence of organic sources and organic formulations on the biological properties of soil in soybean-onion cropping sequence

Influence of organic sources and organic formulations on the biological properties of soil in soybean-onion cropping sequence

Studies on organic source of nutrients on yield attributes and productivity of finger millet in finger millet-groundnut cropping sequence

Studies on organic source of nutrients on yield attributes and productivity of finger millet in finger millet-groundnut cropping sequence

Behavioral Intention of Paddy Farmers Towards Adoption of Organic Sources for Soil Nutrient Management Consequent to Policy Decision to Ban Agro-chemicals in Sri Lanka: A Case Study

This stu dy was aimed at investigating the behavioral intention towards and factors influencing adoption of organic soil nutrient management by paddy farmers, consequent to the banning of agro-chemicals in April 2021 in Sri Lank a. A questionnaire survey, supplemented by key informant discussions was used to collect the primary data after six months of the banning when farmers were preparing for the next Maha season (starting from Novemb er 2021). Paddy farmers (N=120) from the Mahaillu ppallama irrigation block of the Mahaweli system H in Anuradhapura district were randomly selected as the respond ents. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as the conceptual framework of the study. The study revealed that the majority (85%) of farmers did not agree with the sudden decision of the government to ban agro-chemicals to enable a complete transformation of agriculture to one that is totally organic. Only 11% of the farmers preferred a fully organic paddy production system. The majority (58%) preferred to use both organic and inorganic fertilizers. However, 31% of the farmers preferred conventional farming as usual. Perceived difficulties were the major barriers for farmers to use organic f ertilizers. Attitude on production, age, perceived knowledge of organic agriculture, and farming income significant ly affected (P < 0.1) paddy farmers’ intention to adopt organic fertilizers. It is concluded that a scientifically designed gradual transition would be more appropriate for nutrient management in paddy cultivation.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS: ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NEEM AND TULSI LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIAL THREATS

In the Indian context, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing concern, with a reported 60,000 neonatal fatalities and an aggregate of 1,339,500 deaths either directly attributable to or associated with AMR. This epidemiological data underscores the imperative for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. The transition towards agents derived from organic sources is advocated to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting eco-friendly practices. The qualities of natural herbs, including their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other bioactive properties are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on environmental conditions. Emphasizing their role in reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting eco-friendly practices, the abstract highlights how these herbs contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil health improvement, and overall ecosystem resilience. By examining case studies and current research, the abstract underscores the importance of integrating natural herbs into environmental strategies and policies for achieving sustainable development goals. Empirical evidence thus derived within the scientific conditions attests to the antimicrobial prowess of extracts from Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), and Azadirachta indica (Neem). Investigations employing ethyl alcohol as a dissolving agent for these botanicals have been conducted to corroborate and elucidate their efficacious role in the synthesis of organic antimicrobial agents.

Symbiotic bacteria diversity and metabolome analyses of Nostoc sphaeroides grown under different organic carbon sources

Organic carbon source plays a fundamental function in the metabolism and production of photosynthetic microorganisms. Herein, this study explored the effects of carbon source additions (glucose, sucrose and sodium acetate) on growth and biochemical components of the economic cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides. The effects of sucrose and sodium acetate on its metabolomics changes, as well as the diversity and community composition of symbiotic bacteria, were analyzed. Results showed that sucrose noticeably enhanced the relative growth rate of N. sphaeroides. The content of phycocyanin was significantly greater under sodium acetate than under other carbon sources. Some metabolites associated with amino acid biosynthesis was significantly enriched under sodium acetate, implying its critical role in phycocyanin synthesis. Sodium acetate had a significant impact on the diversity and community composition of symbiotic bacteria. Additionally, partial symbiotic bacteria were shown to be involved in the amino acid metabolism of N. sphaeroides. These findings provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of N. sphaeroides on its metabolic responses to carbon source changes and the synergy of its symbiotic bacteria, contributing to the establishment of effective carbon source supply strategies for artificial cultivation and resource restoration.

The H2 potential of the Colombian coals in natural conditions

Coal gasification to manufacture dihydrogen (H2) has long been known as a surface process. Recent works have also highlighted the H2 generating potential of the Organic Matter (OM). The evolution of OM generates H2 all along the process but this gas is only expected to remain as free H2 after the maturation and expulsion of the hydrocarbons (HC) which means at a high temperature of above 200 °C. In this paper we studied the potential of three different tertiary coals from Amaga, La Jagua de Ibirico and Barrancas, all located in Colombia. Their H2 yields were studied using a pyrolyser and the kinetic of the H2 generation were quantified. All the studied coals are immature to early mature as source rock (SR) with large TOC content, between 66 and 83%, and good H2 potential. The highest values were found for the Barrancas area where the potential reached 25 mg H2/g TOC. The temperature corresponding to the peak of H2 generation is between 740 and 800 °C depending of the heating rate. This corresponds to the 200–300 °C for the H2 kitchen, even if the H2 generation starts before as already observed for continental organic rich source rock. Comparison with the other coals shows that H2 potential is linear with TOC. In the Colombian coals, the H2 yield in mg H2/g of rock is around 1/4 of the TOC content. In average, these coals have so a H2 yield about 10 000 mmol H2/kg of rock, two orders of magnitude above the “best” olivines. It should nevertheless be kept in mind that the extrapolation of these laboratory data to sedimentary basins remains unconstrained and will need to be refined when well data and modelling tools are available.

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in the hilly region of Nepal

The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers plays a crucial role in farming practices in Nepal, depending on their availability. Applying fertilizers like compost, vermicompost, goat manure, and NPK has shown significant effects on various aspects of plant growth and yield. This study was conducted in Diktel, Khotang district of Nepal, from March 14th to June 7th, 2023, aiming to evaluate how different organic and inorganic sources affect the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). The experiment followed a one-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, involving five treatments: T1: 100% Compost manure, T2: 100% Vermicompost, T3: 100% Goat manure, T4: 100% NPK, and T5: Control. The results clearly showed that both vegetative and reproductive traits were significantly varies among several treatments utilized in the experiments at 0.1% level of significance. Compost application consistently showed better results across most growth and yield parameters assessed. Growth parameters included plant height, leaf count per plant, leaf length, and leaf width, while yield parameters included beetroot diameter, beetroot length, root yield, and leaf yield. Organic compost manure particularly stood out, displaying significantly larger beetroot diameter (4.85 cm) and greater beetroot length (9.3 cm). Additionally, compost manure led to notably increased root yield (13.95 t/ha) compared to the control treatment, which recorded a lower root yield (6.28 t/ha). Overall, all treatments outperformed the control in terms of growth and yield parameters. These findings suggest that organic compost manure is the most favorable choice for achieving high-quality beetroot production in the hilly regions of Nepal.

Significance and Applications of the Thermo-Acidophilic Microalga Galdieria sulphuraria (Cyanidiophytina, Rhodophyta).

Galdieria sulphuraria is a thermo-acidophilic microalga belonging to the Cyanidiophyceae (Rhodophyta) class. It thrives in extreme environments, such as geothermal sulphuric springs, with low pH, high temperatures, and high salinity. This microalga utilises various growth modes, including autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic, enabling it to exploit diverse organic carbon sources. Remarkably, G. sulphuraria survives and produces a range of bioactive compounds in these harsh conditions. Moreover, it plays a significant role in environmental remediation by removing nutrients, pathogens, and heavy metals from various wastewater sources. It can also recover rare earth elements from mining wastewater and electronic waste. This review article explores the diverse applications and significant contributions of G. sulphuraria.

Downed woody debris varies with climate and harvesting treatment in Douglas-fir forests of British Columbia, Canada

Downed woody debris is important for biodiversity, forest regeneration, and carbon, nutrient, and water cycling, and past studies have examined how the coarse fraction is affected by climate or harvesting. In a field study in Douglas-fir dominated forests, we expand existing knowledge by investigating the interacting effects of climate and harvesting on downed woody debris of all sizes. Across a 900-km long latitudinal gradient in British Columbia, we found that coarse woody debris (CWD, >7.5 cm diameter) in humid climates contained 700% greater carbon stocks, had 500% greater volume, and was more diverse than in arid climates. Pre- and post-harvest, small and fine woody debris comprised a higher proportion of total woody debris carbon stocks in arid than moist climates, especially after clearcutting and seed tree treatments. Harvesting generally decreased total CWD volume, but it was not depleted on any site. Harvesting substantially reduced the volume of large, highly decomposed CWD except at the two most arid sites, and losses of large CWD increased with increasing tree removal. These losses were accompanied by a pulse of fresh, small diameter CWD and SWD which are short-term organic nutrient sources but have less habitat value than larger pieces and contribute to fuel loads. Because CWD was less abundant in arid than humid mature forests, care must be taken on arid sites to avoid its depletion during harvesting, especially clearcutting, where future woody debris inputs will not occur for decades.

Effects of Combined Organic Selenium and Zinc Supplementation on In Vitro Ruminal Enzyme Activities and Relative Populations of Several Bacterial Species

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential animal microminerals. Combining Se and Zn (Se-Zn) as a feed additive in its influence on rumen fermentation patterns is still very limited, so further investigation is needed. The present study explored the supplementation impact of combined Se-Zn from organic sources on rumen enzyme activity and relative abundance of several bacterial species through an in vitro method. Five treatments, each with six replicates were used in the study. The first group treated without Se and Zn supplementation (T0, control), the second group treated with 0.3 ppm Se + 60 ppm Zn (T1), the third group treated with 0.45 ppm Se + 60 ppm Zn (T2), the fourth group treated with 0.3 ppm Se + 90 ppm Zn (T3), and the fifth group treated with 0.45 ppm Se + 90 ppm Zn (T4). The parameters observed included rumen microbial enzyme activities (carboxyl methyl cellulase, amylase, protease) and the relative abundance of rumen microbes (Ruminococcus sp., Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus sp., Prevotella ruminicola, and Eubacterium ruminantium). Results indicated that carboxyl methyl cellulase (CMC-ase) and amylase activities raised in T2, T3, and T4 in comparison to T1 and T0 treatments. Protease activity and protein enzyme content increased in T2 compared to all treatments. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus sp. and Ruminococcus albus was higher in T2 and T3 compared to T0 treatment. Furthermore, an elevated Ruminococcus flavefaciens was indicated in T2 compared to other treatments. The T2, T3, and T4 led to higher abundances of Eubacterium ruminantium, Prevotella ruminicola, and Ruminococcus albus compared to T0 and T1. It is concluded that organic Se and Zn enhanced the relative abundance of several bacterial species and the activity of enzymes in the rumen; optimal results are recommended when combining 0.45 ppm Se + 60 ppm Zn.

Application of different organic amendments influences the different forms of sulphur in the soil of pea – onion – cauliflower cropping system

A study was conducted in sandy clay loam soils in a subtropical zone of Bihar to evaluate the effect of frequent application of organic amendments on sulphur fractions. Different organic amendments, including farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), panchagawya, and neem cake, were applied through nine treatments that resulted in a significant increase of water-soluble S, available S, heat-soluble S, adsorbed S, and organic S in organic treatment compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and control treatment. The maximum increment was observed in the treatment where the recommended dose of nitrogen was replaced by 75% recommended dose of nitrogen substituted farmyard manure + 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (vermicompost) along with azotobacter + PSB + one foliar spray of panchagawya. The total S content varied widely from 382 to 736 mg kg-1. Increment in all the forms of sulphur is observed as a result of the application of different organic nutrient sources. All the forms of sulphur share a mutual positive and significant correlation with each other. Regression analysis suggested that the availability of sulphur was dominated by organic sulphur, which alone can explain 97.8% of the variation in availability of available sulphur in soil.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth Parameter and Yield Attribute of Wheat in Inceptisolof Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

The insufficient availability and escalating expenses of fertilizers present significant constraints to crop production, exacerbating the growing disparity between nutrient demand and supply. The overreliance on agrochemicals like synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides not only endangers human health but also degrades soil quality and environmental integrity. This study examined the impact of applying recommended doses of fertilisers (RDF) in conjunction with organic amendments in a pot experiment carried out throughout the 2020–2021 wheat growing season. Significant improvements were found for the following wheat plant attributes: straw and grain yields; height; greenness index; spike count; spike length; and weight of 1000 seeds. The treatment utilizing 50% RDF and 50% poultry manure (T5) demonstrated the most pronounced improvements across these parameters. These findings highlight integrated nutrient management's crucial importance as a modern agricultural requirement.