Use Of Organic Fertilizers Research Articles

Selecting a stirrer and optimizing the process of mixing the substrate in the fermenter of biogas unit

The relevance of the work is related to the problem of soil degradation as a result of pollution by livestock waste and the need for timely disposal of waste into effective organic fertilizer and biogas. Increasing the share of the use of organic fertilizers makes it possible to develop organic farming technologies, and accordingly leads to the production of healthy crop products. The work investigated the process of substrate mixing in the fermenters of an operating pilot biogas plant. The technological line is designed for processing liquid organic waste, mainly manure or litter, by anaerobic digestion to produce innovative environmentally friendly organic fertilizers on an industrial scale. The purpose of the study was to select a stirrer and optimize the conditions for mixing the substrate in the fermenters of a biogas plant. The physicochemical properties of the substrate were studied by laboratory methods. The mathematical model of the mixing process is based on a semi-empirical description of the hydrodynamics of flows in the reactor, modernized taking into account the current state of the issue under the conditions of a fermenter with specific geometric characteristics. As a result of the work carried out, the optimal options for the geometric dimensions of the stirrers were determined (three variants for three-blade stirrers intermittent with a blade angle of 30°, differing in the size of the impeller and rotation speed) and the parameters of the mixing process were calculated. Based on a laboratory experiment and the results of calculating the sedimentation rate, the frequency of turning on the stirrer (once a day) and the time of its continuous operation to homogenize the suspension were determined. The results of the work can be used in the design of mixing devices and substrate mixing modes in bioreactors.

Sub-Optimal Dryland Management: Potential for Local Food Cultivation of Dioscorea sp. (Gembili) to Mitigate Food Security in Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java

Land in Tawangsari District, Sukoharjo Regency, had a limiting factor in water availability. One of the local commodities cultivated for generations on Dryland in this region is gembili (Dioscorea sp.). However, the gembili cultivation process has not produced optimal productivity and was threatened with extinction. Therefore, gembili cultivation and dryland use need to be optimized by carrying out integrated land management. Using dryland increases local food production and sustainability as alternative food and maintains national food security. This research used data on productivity, quantity, and type of fertilizer obtained through interviews with gembili farmers and secondary data on soil types obtained from BPP Tawangsari District, Sukoharjo Regency. The results showed that grumusol and lithosol had no significant effect (p >0.05) on gembili productivity. The results of average productivity were sequentially from grumusol and lithosol (6.1 tons.ha-1 and 7.1 tons.ha-1). Meanwhile, the use of organic fertilizer is 8.06% higher than organic fertilizer + inorganic fertilizer. The results of the multiple regression test for organic fertilizer had a significant effect (p< 0.05) on the productivity of Dioscorea sp..

Dynamics of humus in field crop rotations on drained lands

The purpose of the research is to study the influence of different types of field crop rotation, fertilizers, drainage and hydrothermal conditions on the dynamics of humus in reclaimed soil. The studies were carried out on the experimental fields of the All-Russian Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands (reclamation sites “Kuzminskoye Boloto 2”, “Semenovskoye” and “Gubino” in the Tver region). Waterlogged soils were drained using closed drainage (inter-drain distance is 18–20 m, drain depth is 0.9–1.2 m). The soils of the experimental plots are soddy-podzolic, light loamy, gleyic, formed on a moraine or thin binomial. Observations of the dynamics of humus were carried out in the grain-grass-row, grain-grass, grain and grain-row types of crop rotation. The influence of crop rotation on the content of humus in the soil was determined, first of all, by the composition, the structure of the crops grown and agricultural technology of their cultivation. Due to plant residues, 56.6–76.5 % of the volume of mineralized humus were restored in grain-grass-row crop rotation, 51.8 % in grain, 26.4 % in grain-row crop rotation. The most significant qualitative changes in the composition of humus were observed in grain-grass-row crop rotation: with a positive humus balance, the ratio of humic and fulvic acids increased from 0.63 to 0.74. The use of organic and mineral fertilizers significantly changes the balance of humus in the arable layer of the soil. With an organic-mineral fertilizer system, the annual loss of humus (in kg/ha) on the drained plot was 6.8–11.4 times less, on the non-drained plot – 2.1–2.6 times less than in the variant without fertilizers. Drainage of waterlogged soils increases the role of fertilizers in the accumulation of humus, reduces its losses and improves the quality parameters of humus – the ratio of humic and fulvic acids in the composition of humus under the influence of drainage increased from 0.61 to 0.88. The impact on the dynamics of humus of hydrothermal conditions has been established. In years with a dry first half of the growing season, an increase in humus content is observed; in excessively wet years, on the contrary, a decrease is observed. The correlation coefficients of humus content with hydrothermal conditions in May-June were – 0.84 (in 1985–1993) and 0.95 (in 2014–2022).

Integrated use of organic and synthetic fertilizers improves soil functioning, growth, yield and quality attributes of maize

The combined use of organic and chemical fertilizers may prove to be an excellent option for maintaining soil health, increasing fertilizer use efficiency, and improving crop quality and yield of maize. So, with this objective in mind a pot experiment was conducted to find out the effectiveness of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the yield and quality of maize crop. Two organic fertilizer levels (FYM and Press-mud @ 2% and 4% of each) were tested separately and in combination with recommended NPK fertilizers (160: 80: 60 kg ha-1). The experimental units were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. The results showed that the combined use of NPK + press mud @ 4% caused a significant increase in grain numbers per cob (8.6%), weight of grains per cob (11.5%), grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, stalk yield, and oil and protein contents up to 11.5%, 6.3%, 19.7%, 12.6% and 12.0%, respectively as compared to the control treatment. The oil and protein contents were also improved significantly over the sole application of NPK fertilizer. Soil health was also improved due to the combined use of synthetic fertilizer with 4% press mud and 2% FYM. It is concluded that integrated use of NPK fertilizers and press mud @ 4% not only increased the quality and yield of maize, but it also improved soil health.

Comparative effectiveness of the use of mineral and organic fertilizers in the cultivation of onions in an annual crop

We conducted a comparative study of the effect of mineral and organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of 5 medium-ripened domestic onion varieties in an annual crop on the alluvial meadow soil of the Moscow region. Laboratory and field experiments were carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Agrochemistry of the VNIIO branch of the FNCO in 2020–2022 on sufficiently cultivated medium-loamy alluvial meadow soils of the central part of the Moskvoretsky floodplain. In the experiment with the 5th varieties and the 3rd variants of the mineral fertilizer system, the commercial yield of onions was 53.0 t/ha, whereas with the use of an organic fertilizer system – 58.4 t/ha. Accordingly, the increase in yield relative to the control without fertilizers in the first case was equal to 106, in the second – 117%, marketability – 93 and 95%. It has been established that when determining the need of plants for nutrients during the growing season, it is preferable to use methods of leaf diagnostics. On average, for 5 varieties of onion, the yield increase, according to the results of plant diagnostics, turned out to be 13% more than in variants with NPK doses calculated according to soil diagnostics. Biochemical quality indicators for all onion varieties and all fertilizer variants did not differ statistically significantly from the control. The quality of onion products practically did not depend on the applied fertilizer systems. The organic fertilizer system provided the best supply of nutrients to onions in the phase of the beginning of bulb formation, which was crucial for obtaining the greatest yield in an annual crop. On average, for 3 variants of the organic system, the soil contained 2.34 mg/100 g of mineral nitrogen in the phase of the beginning of bulb formation, whereas with the use of the mineral system – 1.65 mg/100 g, or 42% less.

Productivity of onion depending on the seeding fraction and feeding with water-soluble complex mineral fertilizers

The productivity of agricultural crops is determined by the choice of varieties, planting material, the optimal time of sowing and planting depending on the climatic conditions of the region, the use of organic and mineral fertilizers, and care methods. Planting material plays an important role in the growth and development of onions and the formation of yield. Onions are very demanding in terms of nutrition, this is due to the length of the growing season, growth rates and poorly developed root system. To obtain high and high-quality onion yields, it is necessary to use fertilizers in an accessible form. Water-soluble complex mineral fertilizers quickly and evenly penetrate deep into the soil. Fertilizers improve the growth and development of plants, regulating nutrition processes, increase the yield and quality of the resulting products. As a result of many years of research, it was found that optimizing the mineral nutrition of onions through the use of fertilizers in active form provides a significant increase in the yield of onions. A comparative assessment of the productivity of onions when grown from sets of different fractions using water-soluble complex mineral fertilizers in the conditions of the Udmurt Republic has been little studied.Materials and methods. The purpose of the research: to improve the technology of cultivating onions depending on the fraction of the set and fertilizing with water-soluble complex mineral fertilizers. In 2020–2021 On onions of the Stuttgarter Riesen variety, a two-factor experiment was carried out to study the effect of fertilizing with Aquarin and Rastvorin fertilizers when using different fractions of sets for planting. The studies were carried out using generally accepted methods.Results and its discussion. In the Udmurt Republic, the optimal for planting Stuttgarten Riesen onions is the medium and large fraction of the set, and the positive effect of water-soluble complex mineral fertilizers Aquarin and Rastvorin on the yield and its structure has been revealed. However, it is more economically profitable to use the fine fraction of sets when growing onions.

Manure derived hydrochar reduced phosphorus loss risk via an alteration of phosphorus fractions and diversified microbial community in rice paddy soil

Phosphorus (P) loss caused by the irrational use of manure organic fertilizer has become a worldwide environmental problem, which has caused a potential threat to water safety and intensified agricultural non-point source pollution. Hydrothermal carbonization is method with a low-energy consumption and high efficiency to deal with environmental problems. Application of pig manure-derived hydrochar (PMH) to soil exhibited potential of sustainable development compared with the pristine pig manure (PM). However, the effects of PMH on the distribution of P among the fractions/forms and the interaction between microorganisms and P forms and its relevance to the potential loss of P in paddy fields has not been clarified. Therefore, in this study, a soil column experiment was conducted using the untreated soil (control), and the PM, PMH1 (PMH derived at 180 °C), and PMH2 (PMH derived at 260 °C) treated soils (at the dose of 0.05 %) and rice was cultivated to investigate the effects of PM and PMH on the P fractions, mobilization, ad potential loss via the induced changes on soil microbial community after a complete growing season of rice. The trend of P utilization was evaluated by P speciation via continuous extraction and 31P NMR. The addition of PMH reduced the proportion of residual P in soil by 23.8–26.3 %, and increased the proportion of HCl-P and orthophosphate by 116.2–158.6 % and 6.1–6.8 % compared to PM. The abundance of gcd gene developed after the application of PMH2, which enhanced the mobile forms of soil P utilization via secreting gluconic acid. The network diagram analysis concluded that the changes in various P forms were mainly related to Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, Firmicutes and Acidobacteria. The results illustrated that PMH mitigate the potential risk of P loss more than PM by altering P fractions and affecting soil microbial community.

Morpho-agronomic performance M5 mutant generation of aceh rice (Oryza sativa L.) of different organic fertilizer treatment

The use of organic fertilizers is one of the efforts made to increase the levels of organic matter in the soil, especially paddy soil. This study aims to determine the effect of organic fertilizer of different treatments on the morpho-agronomic performance of the M5 mutant generation of Aceh rice (Oryza sativa L ). This research was conducted in ARRI, Aceh Rice Research Institute Banda Aceh, from April to July 2023. In this study, the experimental design used was a split-plot design with three replications where the subplots were nested in the main plot. The factors studied included the dose of organic fertilizer, which consisted of three levels: 0 ton ha-1, 5 ton ha-1, and 10 ton ha-1. The rice lines consisted of 5 groups: Mustajab Varieties, UM 14, UM 69, UM 8, and UM 89. The research results show that best of organic fertilizer was found with doses 10 tonnes ha-1 provides a significant effecton the number of tillers in harvest time 12,34 tillers. The best line/variety was found in the UM-89 treatment line with number of panicles 9,79 which was significantly different from the Mustajab variety which had a 7,88 panicles.

Bioindustry Development of Environment Friendly Organic Granular Fertilizer at Farming Groups in West Kalimantan Indonesia

Management of organic fertilizers from cattle waste can increase economic growth in rural areas that are environmentally friendly and sustainable (a green economy). This study aims to obtain granular organic fertilizer products on the Farmer Group scale (home industry), which can increase added value and income of farmers to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. The management of this granular organic fertilizer utilizes site-specific (in-situ) technological innovations and the use of local resources that can restore sustainability. The analytical methods used are comparative analysis, namely comparing bulk fertilizer and granule fertilizer on efficiency and effectiveness, analysis of organic fertilizer from cattle waste using experimental design and institutional engineering. To achieve this goal, the research uses a rural agro-industry approach based on local agricultural resources and applies appropriate technological innovations. The results showed that the management of granular organic fertilizer from cattle waste can improve product quality and efficiency in the use of organic fertilizers. The management of this granular organic fertilizer is carried out using social engineering and strengthening of farmer group agribusiness institutions in rural areas that are environmentally friendly so that they can be sustainable. The utility of granular organic fertilizer is more efficient because it does not dissolve easily and is not carried away by water flows when done in irrigated agriculture or wetlands.

Concentration Banana Peel Liquid and Dose Chicken Manure Fertilizer toward growth Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Lettuce is a vegetable plant originating from West Asia. Lettuce plants in Indonesia can be panted from the owlands to the highlands by considering selecting varieties. The high demind of Lettuce is not followed by an increase in production, low lettuce production is due to poor soil fertility and low levels of nutients in the soil due to excessive use of inorganic fertilizers and not paying attention to dosage. The use of organic fertilizer can increase soil fertility which is damaged by the use of inorganic fertilizer. The research was aimed to know effect of application the concentrstion of banana peel liquid based organic fertilizer and chicken manure fertilizer on the growth and yield of lettuce. The research was conducated in Sukajadi Barat Rt/Rw 001/005, Sukajadi Villager, Cibaliunh district, Pandeglang city, Banten. The method used Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) Concentration Banana peel liquid; 15%, 25%, and 35%. Dose chicken manure fertilizer; 71 g/polybag, 106 g/polybag, 141 g/polybag. The result research showed giving banana peel liquid influential real against all parameters except plant fresh weight. The giving chicken manure fertilizer influential real against all parameters except plant fresh weight. The conclusion of this research is the giving banana peel liquid at a concentration 25% gives the best results and chicken manure fertilizer at a dose 106 g/polybag gives the best results.

Long-term application of organic manures and chemical fertilizers improve the organic carbon and microbiological properties of soil under pearl millet-wheat cropping system in North-Western India

An on-going long term field experiment started in Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (India) under the pearl millet-wheat cropping system was selected to study the effect of long-term application of organic manures and fertilizers on soil organic carbon and microbiological properties. Highest soil organic carbon (SOC: 1.18 %), dissolved OC (DOC: 64.74 mg kg−1) content, microbial biomass C (MBC: 618.40 mg kg−1), dehydrogenase (DHA: 72.83 μg TPF g−1 24 hr−1), alkaline phosphatase (APA: 685.44 μg PNP g−1 soil hr−1) and aryl sulfatase (ASA: 12.56 μg PNP g−1 soil hr−1) activities were observed with the application of 15 Mg FYM+150 kg N+30 kg P2O5 ha−1. Integrated application of chemical fertilizers with pressmud showed superiority in the improvement of microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN: 73.73 mg kg−1) and urease activity (69.54 μg NH4+ g−1 hr−1) than FYM or poultry manure plus NP. Beneficial impacts of the sole application of organic manures on SOC, DOC, MBC content, DHA, APA, and ASA were found in order as: FYM > pressmud > poultry manure. Impacts of nutrient management practices on soil carbon fractions decreased with depth. Poultry manure application, either alone or in combination with NP fertilizers was inferior to FYM and pressmud. The SOC had a positive relationship with MBC (R2 = 0.95) and MBN (R2 = 0.75) and, also showed a highly positive and significant correlation with microbiological properties of soil. This dynamic equilibrium among soil properties indicated that the nutrient management practices that improve SOC could lead to improve soil fertility and accrued microbiological properties in these soils. This study revealed that conjuctive use of organic manures and chemical fertilizers have positive impact on soil fertility and microbiological properties as compared to sole application of organic manures or fertilizers; and among organic manures, FYM was superior to pressmud followed by poultry manure.

Effect of Integrated Use of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Salinity Tolerance in Rice

Salinity is a serious problem for soil and water in Bangladesh. It limits normal year round crop production. To reduce this problem, this experiment was conducted in farmers’ field of two sites at south coastal region of Bangladesh for two consecutive years. Six treatments viz., T1: Control (no organic material and chemical fertilizer), T2: 100% recommended chemical fertilizers (NPKS), T3: 2 t ha-1 rice husk biochar + 100% recommended chemical fertilizers (NPKS), T4: 3 t ha-1 poultry manure + chemical fertilizers (NPKS) with IPNS basis, T5: 3 t ha-1 vermicompost + chemical fertilizers (NPKS) with IPNS basis, T6: 3 t ha-1 Mazim organic fertilizer + chemical fertilizers (NPKS) with IPNS basis were used in this experiment. The design of the experiment was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The T. Aman rice (var. BRRI dhan52) was used as test crop. The results revealed that the maximum yield and yield contributing parameters were found in T3 treatment. Results also revealed that all the organic amendments integrated with chemical fertilizers were capable to increase soil fertility level by reducing salinity. Among them, T3 treatment was best because highest organic carbon, total nitrogen, available sulphur, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and lowest electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium of post-harvest soils were found in this treatment. Therefore, integrated use of rice husk biochar and chemical fertilizers could be the better approach for enhancing food security through increasing crop production in southern saline region as well as whole Bangladesh.

Repeated Solid Digestate Amendment Increases Denitrifying Enzyme Activity in an Acid Clayey Soil

The use of organic fertilizers to replace chemically synthesized fertilizers has assumed an important role in managing plant nutrition and soil fertility. The various organic matrices currently available as organic byproducts and digestates are relatively abundant and have shown promising effects in terms of plant-available nutrients. However, like mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers must be carefully managed to avoid negative effects on the environment, especially when they are repeatedly applied over time. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the single (DIG) and repeated application (DIGP) of solid anaerobic digestates compared to an unamended control (CTR) on the denitrifying enzymatic activity (DEA), which is responsible for nitrous oxide emissions into the atmosphere, and some related soil properties, such as total soluble nitrogen (TSN), nitrate (NO3−-N), extractable carbon (Cextr), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and basal respiration (Rbas), for a period of ~3 months after application. The application of solid anaerobic digestates progressively boosts N and C concentrations in the soil, with the degree of enhancement directly correlated with the frequency of application over the sampling period. Depending on the textural properties of soils, there was a notable rise in denitrification enzyme activity (DEA), particularly during the DIGP treatment, suggesting that clay soils are highly susceptible to denitrification under suitable conditions. The results of this study recommend the careful management of soils subjected to repeated digestate amendment to prevent the occurrence of conditions conducive to denitrification and the promotion of N2O emissions.

Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Cair Bonggol Pisang Untuk Mendukung Sistem Pertanian Organik Di Lembang Burasia, Kecamatan Bittuang, Kabupaten Tana Toraja

Organic Waste Management and its utilization. The aim of organic waste management and the use of banana hump liquid organic fertilizer is to reduce agricultural waste and increase its benefits in the agricultural cycle for the community in Lembang Burasia. With this program, the community can find out how to make liquid organic fertilizer by utilizing waste and materials found around the community. These activities include (1) socializing the use of banana weevils to become POC; (2) Training on how to make POC from banana tubers; (3) making banana tubers into POC; (4) application of the use of banana weevils as POC. This activity can run well in accordance with the planning and objectives of the activity. The implementation of this activity received support from both the head of Lembang and local residents, which was indicated by their involvement in implementing the activity. The results of this activity have also provided special skills for local residents who have been directly involved in the process of making banana weevil POC.

Potensi Ancaman dan Upaya Mitigasi Emisi Gas Rumah Kaca di Sektor Pertanian Indonesia : Tinjauan Sistematis atas Literatur

Agriculture in Indonesia is a vital sector that can fulfill food needs and provide livelihoods. However, agriculture also contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Indonesia's agricultural sector contributes around 14% of emissions globally and 7% nationally. Greenhouse gas emissions such as methane gas CH4, carbon dioxide CO2, and nitrous oxide N2O are generated from agricultural activities ranging from land preparation, fertilization, transportation of agricultural products, to processing in factories. These greenhouse gas emissions influence the climate change that occurs and affect the increase in temperature and rainfall patterns. In mitigation efforts, this study noted several steps taken. Energy conversion, such as the use of biogas from animal manure can reduce CH4 emissions and the use of pellets from palm waste processing can reduce CO2 emissions. Reforestation with special carbon-absorbing plants to reduce CO2 emissions. The use of organic fertilizers as a partial replacement for inorganic fertilizers is useful in reducing CH4 and N2O emissions. Through this systematic review, it is expected to contribute to the understanding of the role of the agricultural sector in greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia and provide insight into mitigation efforts that can be applied in achieving sustainable agriculture.

Characterization and Classification of Soil Along a Toposequence and its Implications on Crop Production in Dundaye District Sokoto, Nigeria

This study characterized and classified soils along a toposequence and its implications on agricultural activities in Dundaye district of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Two pedons on three (3) different topographical positions (summit, shoulder and foot slope) on a toposequence were studied. The Summit was on relatively flatland with an elevation of 283m above sea level; shoulder was a gently sloppy land with an elevation of 271m above sea level, while the foot slope was on a low land with an elevation of 262m above sea level. Morphological properties of the soils revealed that soils of the upper slope were shallow and perfectly drained and were generally sandy in texture. Those on shoulder were deep and well drained while those at the foot slope have subangular blocky structure with evidence of biological activities at the surface. Physical properties of the soils indicate a relatively high bulk density and high porosity. The dominant exchangeable bases were Ca and Na. The soils were slightly acidic in reaction with pH range of 5.3 to 5.4, 5.2 to 5.4 and 6.5 to 6.7. Organic matter content of the soils was generally low range from 0.33 to 0.37, 0.08 to 0.16 and 0.88 to 0.93. The soils were rated low in nitrogen. The results of available phosphorus show an irregular distribution in the profiles. The soils were rated having very low available phosphorus. The implication of these on crop production is that: the pH value was rated slightly acidic to neutral which favours the cultivation of grain crops. The low organic matter content recorded on most of the soils cannot sustain crop production on long time bases. Therefore, the study recommend that the organic matter content must be substantially increased through effective crop residue management; use of mineral and organic fertilizer; addition of more organic manure and crop residue for optimum plant growth.

Farmers’ perceptions on organic fertilisers towards circularity – a case study in Sweden

ABSTRACT Adequate treatment of organic manures and digestates from livestock production should reduce environmental impacts and provide well-defined and attractive biofertlisers for a crop production market, which can promote the closure of the nutrient cycle in agriculture. In this sense, a survey was conducted during the autumn of 2021 to investigate Swedish farmers’ perspectives on organic fertilisers use. The survey consisted of an online questionnaire, which was distributed broadly in the social media, homepages, different types of networks and at course events in order to reach all types of farms. There were 22 questions focused on current use, reasons for current use and preferences for future use. The analysis of the 99 fully responded surveys, demonstrated that 43% of the respondents think that they will increase their use of organic fertilisers in the coming 5–10 years and 60% think that they will use manure digestate in different forms (both solid and liquid fractions). Soil improvement was the main reason to use organic fertilisers, but there were also preferences for organic fertilisers with fast release of nutrients. The risk of soil compaction was the main reason not to use organic fertilisers and based on the responses, pellets and granulates seem to be more interesting than liquids and solids in general. Animal manures dominate the current use of organic fertilisers in Sweden however, other types of organic waste such as digestate and digestate derived fertilisers seems appealing to Swedish farmers. In conclusion, from this survey with 62% of the respondees in crop production, we found several indications of that there is a potential for increased use of organic fertilisers in Sweden on farms with limited use today. We found an openness, a broad interest and a demand for different types of products of different forms and origin. Since this demand in the end will almost always depend on the price of products in relation to the price of mineral fertilisers, which are fluctuating, we see the need of policy incentives in order to stimulate initiatives for the development towards increased circularity of nutrients.

Exploration and characterization of Gayam (Inocarpus fagifer): Conservation foundation for sustainable tropical ecosystems

The conservation of the Inocarpus fagifer plant, commonly known as Gayam, is a significant focus in protecting important tropical ecosystems. This research aims to assess the preservation and development of Gayam in the Conservation Garden Area of Postgraduate Science Education at Bengkulu University. The study employed a descriptive quantitative and qualitative approach, utilizing primary and secondary data collection methods. The analysis involved examining the growth rate of Gayam seedlings, environmental conditions, and factors influencing preservation. The findings revealed that Gayam has the potential for widespread distribution in Indonesia, with various local names. However, Gayam does not dominate at the seedling stage, making seed preservation crucial. The characteristics of Gayam, including its crown, stem, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, define this plant. Preservation success is influenced by factors such as moisture content, temperature, storage medium, and light intensity. The observations of light intensity in the conservation area indicated favorable conditions for photosynthesis. To maintain Gayam seedlings, watering, fertilizing, and pest control are necessary. The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers, as well as organic pesticides, supports the growth of the seedlings. A comprehensive understanding of these aspects is essential for enhancing the preservation and potential expansion of Gayam in the Bengkulu University Master of Science Education Conservation Area. This research contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation efforts and the sustainability of tropical ecosystems in Indonesia, particularly through the preservation of Gayam plants, which play important ecological, economic, and social roles.

Exploring the factors influencing urban farmers’ perception and attitude toward the use of excreta-based organic fertilizers in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia

This study assesses the factors influencing urban farmers’ intentions to adopt excreta-based organic fertilizers in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia, to address the pressing global resource use challenge, particularly the linear system of organic nutrient use and the practice of closing the nutrient loop. To do this, the study applies the Combined Model of Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Acceptance Model (C-TPB-TAM) to examine the links between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and farmers’ intentions. Surveys that were given to a sample of urban farmers in Arba Minch City were used to get the data. The results shed light on the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to use organic fertilizers and offer useful information for resolving the problem of resource use in the context of urban agriculture. The findings specifically show how attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use significantly affect farmers’ intentions. However, it was discovered that the subjective norm did not significantly affect the farmer’s intention. These results highlight how critical it is to address farmers’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use to encourage the adoption of sustainable farming methods and close the nutrient loop. Farmers can help mitigate the negative environmental effects of the linear nutrient system and speed up the transition to a more resource- and sustainably efficient agriculture system by implementing organic fertilizers. This study not only adds to the body of knowledge but also has applications for practitioners and policymakers who want to encourage the use of organic fertilizers. To better understand the adoption of organic fertilizer in various locations and nations, future research projects should think about extending the geographical reach and examining real adoption behavior. We can encourage sustainable agricultural practices and work toward a more resource-oriented and resilient future by building on these lessons.

Identification of optimal organic fertilizer subsidy policies under dual uncertainty via a self-calibrated fuzzy-boundary interval programming method

The effective design of organic fertilizer subsidy policies requires a precise understanding of their socio-economic and environmental impacts under uncertainty. However, previous methods face challenges in accurately simulating policy impacts due to the lack of a calibration process for observations and their inability to handle the dual uncertainty, where intervals and fuzziness coexist within a parameter. To fill such gap, a fuzzy-boundary interval positive mathematical programming (FIPMP) model was proposed. FIPMP improves upon previous positive mathematical programming (PMP) by handling dual uncertainties expressed as fuzzy-boundary intervals in both the objective function and constraints. FIPMP can also calibrate to observed values and address constraint-violation issues. This study further integrated the inventory analysis (IA) method into the FIPMP framework (IA-FIPMP), which enabled the impact analysis of organic fertilizer subsidy policies on TN and TP loads. Applied to a case study in Chengde City, Northern China, IA-FIPMP simulated the effects of various subsidy policies, prioritizing profit maximization and considering water resources and environmental constraints. The recommended optimal subsidy levels ranged from 300 to 600 yuan/ton, depending on the water availability and pollution discharge permits. The recommended subsidy levels could lead to a maximum reduction of 140,000 kg in TN loads and 9000 kg in TP loads, as well as a maximum increase of 3.3 times in the organic fertilizer use area. The study further reveals that quality-based subsidy policies outperform area-based subsidy policies in promoting organic fertilizer utilization and increasing farmer income. Compared to interval PMP and interval credibility-constrained PMP, FIPMP expands the capability of uncertainty treatment by handling dual uncertainties and enhances model robustness by balancing system benefits and violation risks. FIPMP can be used to simulate the impacts of other types of policies.