Organic Fertilizer Rates Research Articles

Impact of Some Organic Manure with Chemical Fertilizers on Growth, Yield of Broad Bean (<i>Vicia faba</i> L.) Grown in Newly Cultivated Land

The possibility of improving growth and yield of broad bean (Vicia fabaL.) plants grown in newly cultivated land was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2018 and 2019. For achieving this aim, broad bean plants were fertilized with different rates of organic fertilizers (poultry or farmyard manures) and minerals (NPK). Different growth parameters, chemical constituent and yield were determined in this study. The results indicated that organic fertilized plants achieved higher values of different growth parameters (plant height, number of branches, plant leaf lets blade area and dry weight / plant) and yield and its components (number of pods / plant, no of seeds / pod, weight of seeds / pod, weight of 100 seeds and weight of seeds / plant). The best results were obtained when the plants were fertilized with high rate of poultry manure (8 tons) and NPK fertilizers (50 kg ammonium nitrate 33.5% + 200 kg superphosphate 15.5% + 50 kg potassium Sulphate 48%). The present results also show that the concentration of chlorophyll. A, b, carotenoids, crude proteins, total free amino acids, total carbohydrates, total sugars, reducing sugars an non soluble carbohydrates recorded the higher values in both leaves and seeds of those plants fertilized with either poultry or farmyard manures when compared with those fertilized with NPK. The present study clearly shows that the best effect was recorded by supplying the plants with poultry manure(8 tons + NPK nutrients (50 kg ammonium nitrate 33.5% + 200 kg superphosphate 15.5% + 50 kg potassium Sulphate 48%).

Effects of Different Application Rates of Organic Compound Fertilizer on Young Squash Growth and Soil Chemical Properties under Plastic Film House

To determine the replacement ratio of organic compound (OC) for basal application of inorganic fertilizers, the effects of different rate of OC on young squash (Cucurbita moschata) plant growth and soil chemical properties of plastic film house were investigated. The OC were applied at 50% (OC50+N50), 100% (OC100), and 150% (OC150) as the basal amount of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer recommended by soil fertility test, and the treatment were compared with inorganic NPK and PK treatment. The yield of young squash in OC150 treatment was similar to NPK treatment and higher than PK. In OC50+N50, OC100, and OC150 treatments, nitrate concentration and electrical conductivity (EC) were similar to NPK treatment. Relative nitrogen use efficiency of young squash ranged 17~37%. These results suggest that OC application as the basal dressing at the 150% level could be best rate to minimize nutrient accumulation of soil and to ensure the yield of young squash. Further study is required to evaluate effect of long-term application of OC on soil sustainability and young squash productivity. Changes of young squash yield according to replacement ratio of basal amount of nitrogen fertilizer with organic compound (OC) fertilizer. N, P, K, and OC mean nitrogen, phosphate, potash fertilizer, and organic compound, respectively. Treatment Fresh fruit weight Relative yield index† kg/10a % PK 8,607b† 96.0 NPK 8,960ab 100.0 OC50+N50 8,980ab 100.2 OC100 9,013ab 100.7 OC150 9,350a 104.5 †DMRT (p < 0.05). †Relative yield of other treatments to NPK treatment.

PENGARUH DOSIS PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TERUNG (Solanum melongena L.)

This research aimed to know the effect and optimum rates of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of Eggplant. The research used Randomized Block Designconsisted of 5 rates of liquid organic fertilizer;(M0 = control/without fertilizers, M1 = 1 liters ha-1, M2 = 1 ha-2 litres, M3 = 3 liters ha-1, M4 = 4 liters ha-1). The observed variable is the height of plants, number and leaf area, length of fruit, fruit diameter, number of fruit, the weight of fruit per plant, weight of fruit per hectare, fresh residues per plant, and fresh residues per hectare and harvest index. The result of experiment showed the rates of liquid organic fertilizer effect on percentage of the growth and yield of eggplant; they are; height of plants(6,22%), leaf number (28,20%), leaf area (29,58%), length of eggplant (43,11%), eggplant diameter (9,00%), number of eggplant (22,03%), weight of eggplant per plant (25,62%), weight of eggplant per hectare (16,70%), fresh residues per plant (28,58%), residues per hectare (34,93%), and harvest index (53,91%). Optimum rates of liquid organic fertilizer which effect on the growth and yield of eggplant are about 4 litre ha-1.

Sewage sludge organic fertilizer as a promoter of initial growth of Euterpe edulis Mart., an endangered palm

Purpose The overharvesting of the endemic palm tree Euterpe edulis Mart. (Arecaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest hotspot and the destination given to the sludge produced from urban sewage treatment are both serious environmental issues caused by human activities. In order to find solutions or alternatives for both the issues, we aimed to investigate the effect of increasing rates of a sewage sludge organic fertilizer (SSOF), produced by composting sewage sludge and solid waste, on the initial growth of E. edulis. Methods We mixed sand with 0, 62.5, 125, and 250 kg·m−3 of SSOF in 8 L (21 cm height × 24 cm top diameter × 20.5 cm base diameter) pots and then planted a seedling of E. edulis in each pot. We assessed the seedlings’ height and stem diameter relative growth rate (RGR), biomass, root to shoot ratio, and shoot macronutrient (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur) concentrations in relation to fertilizer levels. We also evaluated the relation between plant height and diameter over time for each fertilization level. Results We found that height and stem diameter RGRs, biomass accumulation, and N and P shoot concentrations of E. edulis were positively related to SSOF levels between 120 and 250 kg·m−3 in the substrate. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that SSOF can be further used as an alternative to sewage sludge disposal and contribute to E. edulis cultivation, and, hence, its conservation.

Влияние удобрений на изменение питательного режима серо-коричневых почв под озимой пшеницей

The article shows the influence of mineral and organic fertilizer norms on gray–brown soils and changes in the nutritional regime in winter wheat soils under irrigation in the Ganja–Gazakh region. It was found that the application of mineral and organic fertilizers for winter wheat in gray–brown soils significantly affected the change in the nutrient regime of the soil, significantly increasing the amount of nutrients easily absorbed by plants in the plowed and subsoil layers of the soil, as compared to the control (unfertilized) option, effective fertility increased, which in turn had a significant impact on productivity. At the end of the growing season, depending on the norm of mineral fertilizers in the soil layer 0–60 cm, ammonia nitrogen is 13.1–14.1, nitrate nitrogen is 7.2–7.4, mobile phosphorus is 7.0–8.0 and exchangeable potassium — 15.6–19.2 mg/kg, depending on the rate of organic fertilizers at the end of the growing season, ammonia nitrogen 12.6-–13.7, nitrate nitrogen 5.3–5.7, mobile phosphorus 6.2–6.6 and metabolic potassium while it increased by 20.4–21.2 mg/kg.

Direct Estimation of Maize Leaf Area Index as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Rates in Guinea Savanna

Leaf area index (LAI) plays an important role in radiation capture, crop growth and yield formation. However, there is limited quantitative data on the influence of poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer rate (NPK) on LAI, as estimated directly. Using a split-plot design with three replications, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three PM rate (0, 2 and 4 t/ha) as main plot and three NPK rate (0:0:0, 60:30:30 and 120:60:60 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha) as sub plot, on LAI and maize grain yield. The maize was planted at a density of 106,666 plants/ha; two rows on a ridge, one plant per stand at 75 &amp;times; 25 cm. Linear regression was used to establish predictive equations among correlated variables and to describe the degree of associations. The application of PM in maize increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) number of leaves/plant (NL) at 8 and 10 weeks after sowing maize (WASM). NL, leaf area constant at 6 and 10 WASM, leaf area (LA) and LAI were significantly affected by NPK. LAI correlated positively with NL, LA and grain yield. The coefficient of determination between actual and estimated LA was in the range of 0.85-0.97. The PM &amp;times; NPK interaction was significant on maize grain yield. The results suggest that small-scale maize farmers faced with challenges in obtaining and transporting large quantities of poultry manure can use 2 t PM/ha with either 60:30:30 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha or 120:60:60 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha to increase grain yield of maize.

Effect of Organic Fertilizer and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on N2O Emissions from Fluvo-aquic Soil in the North China Plain

The North China Plain is an important grain production area in China. Due to the low content of soil organic carbon, increasing the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer would not lead to a continuous increase of maize yield at present. The combined application of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer is widely regarded as a measure to simultaneously increase grain yield and soil organic carbon; however, the effect of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer application on N2O emissions from farmland in the North China Plain is unclear. Here, N2O emissions and crop yields in cropland under the combined application of different types and rates of organic fertilizers plus inorganic N fertilizer were measured in the North China Plain. The field experiment included eight treatments:no N fertilizer (CK), inorganic fertilizer (NPK), 40% cow manure N plus 60% inorganic fertilizer N (CM), 40% chicken manure N plus 60% inorganic fertilizer N (FC), 40% pig manure N plus 60% inorganic fertilizer N (FP), 20% cow manure N plus 80% inorganic fertilizer N (1/2CM), 20% chicken manure N plus 80% inorganic fertilizer N (1/2FC), and 20% pig manure N plus 80% inorganic fertilizer N (1/2FP). The N2O fluxes were significantly correlated with soil water-filled pore space during the maize season (P<0.05). There was a significant linear relationship between N2O fluxes and soil dissolved organic carbon content during the maize season in all treatments except the NPK treatment. In the maize season, N2O emission was 0.50 kg·hm-2 under CK treatment, and increased to 2.28 kg·hm-2 under NPK treatment. However, when the proportion of manure N to total N applied was reduced from 40% to 20%, N2O emissions were significantly reduced by 33.6%, 43.7%, and 12.1% under 1/2CM, 1/2FC, and 1/2FP treatments, respectively. The difference in application rate of organic manure N did not significantly affect maize yield. The reduction of N2O emission at the low manure application rate compared with the high manure application rate was likely due to the decrease in dissolved organic carbon in soils.

Response of Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merrill) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

The effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield performance of soybean was evaluated at ALIAS R &amp; DE Center, Pampanga State Agricultural University, PAC, Magalang, Pampanga from December 2017 to March 2018. It was laid out in the field according to the procedures of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments tested were T1 – No fertilizer application, T2 – 500 kg/ha of Power Organic, T3 – 21.74 kg/ha of Urea and 150 kg/ha of Super Phosphate, T4 – 250 kg/ha of Power Organic + 10.87 kg/ha of Urea and 75 kg/ha of Super Phosphate, T5 – 375 kg/ha of Power Organic + 5.44 kg/ha of Urea and 37.5/ha of Super Phosphate, T6 – 125 kg/ha of Power Organic + 16.31 kg/ha of Urea and 112 kg/ha of Super Phosphate. Results revealed that all organic and inorganic fertilizers applied crops were significantly different in terms of days to flowering, plant height at flowering, length of pods, weight of 100 seeds and computed seed yield per hectare. Cost and return analysis reveals that the highest net income and return of investment was derived from the combination of 50 % organic and 50 % inorganic fertilizer. Conjunctive use of organic and inorganic fertilizer, that is, 50 % recommended rate of organic fertilizer (Power organic) along with 50 % recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer (Urea and Super Phosphate) can enhance the growth and yield performance of soybean and can help the farmer to increase their production with higher net income.

Effects of organic fertilizer levels and spray rates of organic solution on tomato yield (Lycopersicum estulentum Mill.)

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate effects of organic fertilizer levels and spray rates of organic solution on tomato yield. A 4 x 3 factorial field experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design was conducted in Spring - Summer season 2018 at the experimental site of Faculty of Agronomy (Vietnam National University of Agriculture). The two factors included (1) organic fertilizer rates with four levels (0, 11, 13.5, &amp; 16 tons/ha) and (2) sprayed concentration of HB101 organic solution with three levels (0, 0.15, &amp; 0.3 mL/L). The amount of water used for 1 ha was 10.000 L. The experimental results showed that increased amounts of organic fertilizer and HB101 solution doses positively increased the number of flowers per inflorescence, number of inflorescences per plant, number of fruits per plant, average weight of fruit, and tomato yield. Meanwhile, combinations of 16 tons/ha of organic fertilizer and HB101 solution at the concentrations of 0.3 mL/L and 0.15 mL/L gave the highest tomato yield with 44.0 tons/ha and 42.6 tons/ha, respectively. The highest profit margin obtained with the treatment of nonapplication of organic sources was 3.8. However, the highest economic profit was obtained with the treatment of 16 tons/ha of organic fertilizer combined with 0.15 mL/L HB101.

Design and study on lightweight organic fertilizer distributor

Long-term large-scale use of chemical fertilizers will destroy soil fertility, reduce fertilizer efficiency of chemical fertilizers, and lead to crop yield reduction. The application of organic fertilizer can improve soil fertility, provide favorable conditions for crop growth, and promote crop yield. In order to improve the utilization rate and operation efficiency of organic fertilizer in hilly areas and promote the sustainable development of agriculture, this paper designs and studies a lightweight organic fertilizer distributor combined with the current situation of fertilization in hilly areas of China. The lightweight organic fertilizer distributor studied in this paper adopts the top-row row fertilizer method, which mainly consists of the top-row fertilizer apparatus with horizontal scrapers, the horizontal scraper elevating mechanism, the control system and the subsidiary mechanism. In this paper, the mechanical model of horizontal scraper is established and the mathematical model of fertilizer output of fertilizer dispenser is built by analyzing the principle of fertilizer dispensing. The design of each hardware circuit has been completed and the fertilizer control algorithm of the fertilizer applicator has been determined. The performance test of the fertilizer dispenser and the performance test of the whole fertilizer dispenser are carried out. The results show that the control system works steadily and reliably. When the forward speed of the fertilizer applicator is normal (0.5–1.2 m/s) and the set amount of fertilizer application is 900–2100 kg/hm2, the fertilization amount is accurate, the maximum deviation between the actual amount of fertilizer application and the set amount of fertilizer application is less than 10%; the fertilization uniformity is good and the variation coefficient of uniformity is less than 7%, the actual amount of fertilizer application per unit area, the uniformity of fertilizer application and the forward speed of the fertilizer applicator are good. It has nothing to do with the design requirements.

Effect of Foliar Spray with Proline and Humic Acid on Productivity and Essential Oil Content of Chamomile Plant Under Different Rates of Organic Fertilizers in Sandy Soil

Two field experiments were carried out at Experimental Farm of Fac. of Environ. Agric. Sci.,Arish Univ., El-Arish, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt during the two successive winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to study the effect of foliar spray of proline and humic acid with some organic fertilizers on growth, productivity and oil content of Matricaria chamomilla L. The plants were fertilized with chicken manure and farmyard manure at (0, 10 or 20 m3 fed.-1 of each). All the above mentioned fertilization treatments received calcium super phosphate (15.5%P2O5) at 200 kg fed.-1 and potassium sulphate (48% K2O) at 50 kg fed.-1. While foliar spray with humic acid and proline at (0, 50,100 or 150 mgl-1).The obtained results showed that chicken manure addition at 20 m3 fed.-1with humic acid foliar spray at 150 mgl-1 recoded the highest values for all growth parameters as well as yield components (expressed asfresh weight­of yearly flower heads/ plant, dry weight­of yearly flower heads/ plant and yield of yearly flower heads/ feddan). Also, the same treatment recoded the highest values of the major components (which expressed as farnesene, α-Bisobolol Oxide B, α-Bisobolol, chamazuline and α-Bisobolol Oxide A) of chamomile oil (%) compared to the other treatments under study.

Effect of different Sources and Rates of Organic Fertilization on Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris var. Saccharifera L.) Yields and its Quality Grown under Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soils

At Kalabsho Experimental Farm, Dakahlia Governorate, Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, two experiments were done in the field throughout seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to decide the effect of sources of organic fertilizers (farmyard manure FYM, compost CO and poultry manure PM) and its rates ( 0, 3, 5 and 7 t fed-1) on yields and its components and quality of sugar beet cv. Plino under newly reclaimed sandy soil conditions. A strip-plot design with 3 replications was used in these experiments. The obtained results showed that organic fertilizing of sugar beet plots with PM induced a gradual increment and produced in the utmost values of all studied yields and its components and quality parameters as contrasted with supplementary treatments within the two growing seasons. Application the utmost rate of organic fertilizers (7 t fed-1) formed the utmost values of yield and yield components and N, P and K contents in roots and foliage in mutually seasons. Although, the utmost values of sucrose and quality percentages resulted from using the organic fertilizers at 3 t fed-1 and the utmost values of sodium percentage were resulted as of control treatment in mutually seasons. Thus, it is suggested that fertilizing sugar beet fields with poultry manure (PM) at 7 t fed-1 would get the most out of sugar beet over the environmental circumstances of newly reclaimed sandy soils in Kalabsho distract, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

Role of Rhizobium, Organic fertilizer rates and Sulfur on Soil fertility, Nitrogen Balance and productivity of Broad Bean under South Sinai Conditions

Role of Rhizobium, Organic fertilizer rates and Sulfur on Soil fertility, Nitrogen Balance and productivity of Broad Bean under South Sinai Conditions

Modeling CH4 and N2O emission patterns and mitigation potential from paddy fields in Shanghai, China with the DNDC model

The flooded paddy field ecosystem is an important source of CH4 and N2O emissions from agricultural lands. Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC), a process-based model, was used in this study to evaluate the effects of different field management practices on CH4 and N2O emissions from flooded paddy fields in Shanghai, China. The results indicated that the predicted seasonal patterns of CH4 (R2 = 0.76, ME = 0.71) and N2O (R2 = 0.71, ME = 0.67) emissions were in line with the observations from our experimental paddy field under traditional management practices. The total CH4 and N2O fluxes from paddy fields in the Shanghai region in the 2013 rice season reached 32,300 and 175 tons, respectively, and varied widely across 101 simulated rice-cultivating towns. A sensitivity analysis indicated that CH4 emissions were positively correlated with the organic fertilizer rate, the straw returned fraction, the tillage depth and the soil organic carbon (SOC) content and negatively correlated with the soil clay fraction. N2O emissions had a positive relationship with precipitation, the urea rate, the tillage depth and the SOC content and a negative relationship with the soil pH and the clay fraction. Based on the sensitivity analysis, four field management variables, including the fertilization rate, the irrigation method, the straw returned fraction and the tillage depth, were selected to construct several management scenarios for the DNDC scenario simulation tests. The simulated results indicated that reducing the rate of fertilization by 20% combined with moistening irrigation (keeping the paddy soil saturated with water but not covered with a layer of water) was the best practice for long-term sustainable management of paddy fields. This best management practice could reduce integrated emissions of CH4 and N2O (CO2-equivalent) by 33%, while maintaining optimal rice yields. However, straw returning and deep plowing increased CH4 emissions from paddy fields in Shanghai.

Correlation between Solvita Labile Amino-Nitrogen and CO2-Burst Soil Health Tests and Response to Organic Fertilizer in a Turfgrass Soil

ABSTRACTThe Solvita Soil Labile Amino-Nitrogen (SLAN) and Soil CO2-Burst (SSCB) tests are used in soil health assessments. Field experiments were conducted from 2014–2016 in Connecticut, USA to: (1) determine if SLAN and SSCB concentrations are correlated for a sandy loam soil under predominately Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] turfgrass lawns, and (2) compare the response of SSCB–C and SLAN–N concentrations in relation to varying rates of an organic fertilizer. Concentrations of SLAN–N were positively and significantly (P < .001) correlated with concentrations of SSCB–C for all years, both species, and combinations of years and species (r = 0.477 to 0.754). The response of SSCB–C and SLAN–N concentrations to organic fertilizer rates were positively linear and significant (P < .01) in all cases but one (2014 tall fescue SSCB–C concentrations). Rates of change across fertilizer rates were generally greater for SLAN–N concentrations. There was greater variation within the SSCB test than within the SLAN test. The results suggest that the SLAN and SSCB tests are well-correlated and both may be able to provide an estimate of a turfgrass soil’s N mineralization potential.

EFFECT OF MINIRAL, ORGANIC AND BIO-FERTILIZERS COMBINATIONS ON GROWTH, YIELD COMPONENTS AND VOLATILE OIL OF Matricaria chamomilla PLANT

Two field experiments were carried out at a Private Farm named Royale herbs in El-bawiti Village, El Wahat El-Bharia District, Giza Governorate, Egypt during the two consecutive seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to study the effect of different fertilizer types (mineral, organic and bio fertilizers) treatments on vegetative growth, yield components and volatile oil as well as total carbohydrates percentage of chamomile plant. The performance of organic fertilization (compost and humic acid) and biofertilization (nitobein or/and phosphorein) were compared with standard, commercial rates of N, P, K and Mg fertilizers with respect to the growth, yield and essential oil of Matricaria chamomilla. In the two successive seasons, plants treated with chemical fertilization showed a significant increase in vegetative growth (plant height, number of branches per plant, fresh and dry weights per plant) compared to the other types of fertilizers under study. The highest rate of chemical fertilizers (N, P2O5, K2O and MgO at 125, 100, 62.5 and 30 kg/faddan, respectively) recorded the highest value in each yield component (flower heads number per plant as well as flower heads air-dry weight per plant and per faddan) compared to the other ones under study, in most cases. In the same time, organic fertilization (30 m3 compost + 1 kg humic acid/ faddan) recorded an increase in these yield components compared to the other organic fertilizer rates in both seasons. Also, fertilization at (1 kg of nitrobein + 30 m3 compost/faddan) recorded a significant increase in volatile oil percentage of chamomile plant compared to either of sole chemical or biological fertilizer rates under study.

New Pelleted Plant-Based Fertilizers for Sustainable Onion Production

Pelletized plant-based fertilizers Ekofert K (red clover) and Ekofert L (lucerne) was compared to non-fertilized control and mineral N-fertilization (100 kg N ha-1) in sustainable onion cultivation (2012–2013). The organic fertilizers at pre-plant rates equivalent to 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1 were applied on a field fertilized with compost (25 t ha-1). The fertilizers Ekofert K and L significantly increased onion production as compared to the basic fertilization with compost alone. The increase in yield was favorably correlated with the applied fertilizer rates. The lowest rate of organic fertilizers ensured a yield at the level of mineral fertilization at the rate of 100 kg N ha-1 as single application. The higher rates of Ekofert K and L (180, 240 kg N ha-1) resulted in a marketable yield increase relative to single mineral fertilization. The use of organic as well as mineral fertilization increased nitrogen and chlorophyll contents in onion leaves, compared to the non-fertilized control treatment. The increase was positively correlated with fertilizer rates. The N-NO3 content in onion bulbs was in general not influenced by the application of organic fertilizers, compared to non-fertilized control treatment. Nitrogen content in the top soil (0–30 cm) was the highest after 5 weeks from incorporation of the fertilizers and diminished in following 4 weeks on average by 46% due to plant development and intensive nutrient uptake. After onion harvest, continued mineralization of soil organic matter and lack of uptake by plants increased average nitrogen content nearly to the level at stage of early plant growth. The N-NO3 content in soil increased with rates of the Ekofert fertilizers. In subsoil horizon (30–60 cm), the N-NO3 content was 2.5 times lower than in topsoil and significant only for the highest rate of the fertilizers.

Effect of Biochar, Compost, Chicken Manure and Mineral Fertilization on Total Uptake of NPK of Wheat and Barley in Sandy Soil

Wheat and barley are the most important agricultural crops in many countries around the world, just behind rice and maize in importance. Hence, two field experiments with design of spit plot were carried out in winter season of 2014-2015 at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, Mansoura University, Egypt to investigate total uptake of N, P and K by wheat (Sakha 68) and barley (Gemeza123) under different application rates of mineral and organic fertilizers, as well as grain Protein yield of Kg fed-1. Treatments of organic were chicken manure, compost and biochar, while the studied mineral fertilizer treatments took with rates of 50,75,100 and 125 % .The results revealed that total removed (uptake) of NPK by wheat plant were 80.88, 15.79, and 123.54, respectively; while with barley plant they amounted by 61.60, 11.21, and 56.83 were assigned with the treatment of chicken manure + 125% of recommended NPK treatments. Also, the best interaction was found between chicken manure + 125% mineral treatments which gave the highest value of protein uptake which were 310.60 and 278.76 kg fed-1 compared with other interactions of wheat and barley crops. It can conclude that Chicken manure + 125% mineral treatments were the superior in most amendments and gave the highest values of total NPK uptake and protein yield which in turn lead to improve crop productivity as well as sustain soil health and fertility.

Effect of varying rates of organic fertilizer on the growth and fibre yield of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Hibiscus cannabinus L. or kenaf is a fast growing and multipurpose annual crop planted for its horticultural and economic importance. Little is known about its response to different rates of organic fertilizer in Nigeria. The objective of the study was therefore to evaluate the effects of different rates of commercially produced organic fertilizer (Aleshinloye organic fertilizer to be precise) on crop growth rate, vegetative growth and biomass accumulation in kenaf Five different rates of organic fertilizer equivalent to: 0, 70, 100, 130 and 160 kg N ha-1 replicated three times were used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). There were contrasting results on the effects of fertilizer rates on growth and physiology of kenaf. Significant effects were observed for some agronomic parameters such as plant height, stem diameter and fibre yield. The application of organic fertilizer at varying rates increased the bast fibre yield of the Ifeken 400 variety of kenaf from 67.29 g/m2 (control) to 98.70, 147.88 and 157.40 g/m2, in those grown on soil amended with 70, 100 and 130 kg N ha-1 of organic fertilizer respectively. Organic fertilizer could be utilized for the cultivation of kenaf in Nigeria but the rate to apply depends on the nutrient content of the organic fertilizer.Keywords: Kenaf, Growth, Organic fertilizer, rates and fibre yield

Predicting Cool‐Season Turfgrass Response with Solvita Soil Tests, Part 2: CO2–Burst Carbon Concentrations

Current turfgrass fertilizer recommendations do not account for plant‐available soil N mineralized from labile C fractions. The Solvita Soil CO2–Burst (SSCB) test can measure mineralizable C via soil CO2 respiration. This study was conducted across 3 yr (2014–2016) in Connecticut to determine: (i) if SSCB–C concentrations are correlated to responses from predominately Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] lawns, and (ii) the probability of turfgrass responses being equal to or greater than responses from common urea rates in relation to SSCB–C concentrations. Randomized complete block design field experiments were set out with 23 rates of organic fertilizer (0–2000 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and four different rates of urea (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Yearly spring soil samples were analyzed for SSCB–C concentrations and correlated with turfgrass responses. Growth and quality responded positively and linearly (P &lt; 0.001) to SSCB–C concentrations, but variability was high and correlations were relatively weak. When spring soil SSCB–C concentrations were ≥91, 113, 166, and 211 mg kg−1, there was a ≥90% probability that overall combined responses across species and variables would be equal to or greater than responses obtained from urea rates of 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The SSCB test has promise for predicting the probability of soils supporting turfgrass whose performance equals or exceeds benchmark values. This would be helpful in guiding N fertilization, but high variability within the test may limit its predictive ability.