Organic Nutrient Sources Research Articles

Response of Wheat Cultivars to Organic and Inorganic Nutrition: Effect on the Yield and Soil Biological Properties

The deterioration of soil biological health is the most important aspect associated with the sustainability of cereal-based food production systems. The application of organic nutrient sources is widely accepted and recommended for sustaining crop productivity and preserving soil fertility. Therefore, a study was carried out to assess the effects of different levels of farmyard manure (FYM10: 10 t ha−1, FYM20: 20 t ha−1, FYM30: 30 t ha−1), including inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on the soil and the biological properties of five high-yielding wheat cultivars (HD 2967, DPW 621-50, PBW 550, and WH 1105) over a three-year period (2014–2015 to 2016–2017). The results showed that the application of NPK produced significantly higher yields compared to different levels of FYM and the control during all the study years. The continuous addition of a higher rate of FYM at 30 t ha−1 was found to be beneficial in terms of enhancing crop yield gain, thereby bridging the yield gap to only 7.2% in the third year; the gap was 69.1% in the first year with NPK application. The microbial population and microbial biomass carbon were significantly higher in the FYM treatments compared to the NPK treatment. The activities of different soil enzymes were observed to be significantly maximum in the FYM30 treatment. Similarly, the addition of FYM significantly improved the soil respiration and microbial activity over the NPK and control treatments. Based on the principal component analysis, fluorescein diacetate, bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were observed as sensitive biological parameters for the assessing of soil biological health. The soil biological index (SBI) determined with the sensitive parameters was in the decreasing order of FYM30 (0.70), FYM20 (0.61), FYM10 (0.55), NPK (0.18), and control (0.15). Considering both the SBI and the sustainability yield index together, the performance of WH 1105 was found to be better compared to the rest of the wheat cultivars. Our results conclude that the application of FYM in the long run increases the crop yield (24.3 to 38.9%) and improves the soil biological process, leading to the improved biological index of the soil.

KONTRIBUSI TANDAN KOSONG DALAM MENINGKATKAN PENGARUH PUPUK ANORGANIK TERHADAP PRODUKSI KELAPA SAWIT

Sustainable intensification of oil palm plantations faces the challenge of decreasing soil fertility and increasing the price of inorganic fertilizers. Organic matter plays an important role in maintaining soil fertility. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) are the main co-product of palm oil mills that have the potential to be used as a source of organic matter and nutrient sources. This study aims to reveal the effect of the application of empty fruit bunches in increasing the effectiveness and substituting inorganic fertilizers for the components of oil palm production. The number of female inflorescence, the number of FFB and the average weight of FFB were observed for 3 years on palm aged 8, 9 and 10 years. Application of EFB + 70% recommended inorganic fertilizer. The recommended fertilizer is 8 kg per tree (N P K Mg 14-28-6-2 +0.5 B). EFB are applied as one layer of mulch with a size of 3x4 m on a dead net. The results showed that the application of empty bunches could increase the number of female flowers and the number of FFB in plants aged 9 and 10 years (1-2 years after application), while inorganic fertilizer EFB was only at the age of 8 years (0 years after application) for both production components. FFB weight one year after application of EFB+70% inorganic fertilizer (age 9 years ) was higher than 8 and 10 year aged plants. The application of EFB+70% inorganic fertilizer can increase the contribution of nutrients from fertilizers compared to the application of inorganic fertilizers solely.

Influence of organic nutrient sources on growth and yield of green chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

To validate the effect of organic manures on growth and yield of green chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) a field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during December 2021- June 2022. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments include basal application of organic inputs viz. FYM (25 t ha-1), Vermicompost (5 t ha-1), Ganajeevamrutha (200 kg ha‑1), Humic acid (25 kg ha-1), Ganajeevamrutha (200 kg ha‑1) + Jeevamrutha (500 l ha-1) along with standard check (recommended dose of NPK fertilizers with micronutrient spray). Foliar spray of Panchagavya (3%) and banana pseudostem sap (2%) at 45, 60 and 75 days after transplanting was done in all the treatments as separate sets. Growth and yield parameters were observed in randomly selected 5 plants from each treatment plot. Application of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers + Panchagavya @ 3% foliar spary (T11) recorded highest plant height (34.33 cm, 55.33 cm, 61.00 cm), number of branches plant-1 (6.53, 9.50, 11.00) on 30, 60, 90 DAT respectively. Number of flowers plant-1 (59.33, 80.00, 76.33) on 60, 75 and 90 DAT. Fruit length (8.41cm), fruit weight (3.82 g), number of fruit plant-1 (158.8) and yield plant‑1 (511.3 g) than all other approaches. Followed by organic treatment viz. application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + Panchagavya @ 3% FS (T1) recorded highest plant height (27.67 cm, 46.67 cm, 51.50 cm), number of branches plant-1 (5.53, 7.10, 8.97) on 30, 60, 90 DAT respectively. Number of flowers plant-1 (49.00, 71.27, 65.60) on 60, 75 and 90 DAT. Fruit length (7.66 cm), fruit weight (3.50 g), number of fruit plant-1 (133.0) and yield plant‑1(419.9 g plant-1) than control (T13). Hence these organic strategies can be adopted in organic chilli cultivation.

Proximate Composition and Fibre Fraction of Pearl Millet Fodder as Influenced by Different Nutrient Management Practices

Background: Quality traits of forage crops are largely influenced by various agronomic management practices at field conditions in different climatic strata. Judicious use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may sustain soil health, fodder productivity and quality. Keeping above facts in view an experiment was conducted for evaluation of nutrient management practices to increase fodder quality of pearl millet. Methods: The experiment was carried out during kharif season (2019-20) at Agronomy Research Farm, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal and laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments, viz., T1: Absolute control; T2: 100% RDF; T3: 100% RDF + Cow urine foliar spray; T4: 100% RDF + PGPR; T5: 100% RDF + PGPR + Cow urine foliar spray; T6: 75% RDF + Cow urine foliar spray; T7: 75% RDF + PGPR and T8: 75% RDF + PGPR + Cow urine foliar spray. Each treatment had three replications. Result: The results showed that the fodder proximate principles viz., dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and total ash content increase by 27.04, 21.33, 24.06 and 31.17% respectively, with T5 treatment than absolute control. The cell wall constituents such as neutral detergent fibre (63.99%), acid detergent fibre (39.50%) and acid detergent lignin (5.60%) were also lower in T5 treatment over the other treatments. It can be concluded that the fodder quality of pearl millet significantly better with application of T5 treatment, that was found statistically at par with T4 treatment. Which, will further strengthen and sustain the performance of livestock in terms of health and milk production.

Comparative effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on yield, soil properties, and economics of wheat under rice-wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various organic nutrient sources on wheat production, soil properties and economics of wheat crop at Kurukshetra, Haryana, during the rabi season of 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with a total of eight treatments based on different organic nutrients sources. Experimental results demonstrated that yield contributing parameters such as the number of effective tillers, grains per spike, test weight and spike length were significantly higher in T7 (RDF) followed by in T2 (FYM @ 15 t/ha), T1 (Vermicompost @7.5 t/ha) and other cow-based nutrient sources. Significantly higher net returns (₹ 31508 /ha) and Benefitcost ratio (1.39) were documented in T7 followed by in T1 and T2, respectively. Application of different organic formulations significantly improved microbial count (total bacterial, total fungi, azotobacter, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and potassium solubilizing bacterial count) in the soil rhizosphere over the inorganic source of nutrients. Due to stimulation of soil microbial activity by the application of various organic nutrient sources significantly improved the available NPK status of the soil and biological activity in the soil. Among various organic treatments, the highest available nitrogen and phosphorous were recorded under vermicompost applied plots whereas, the highest available potassium was recorded in Farm Yard Manure (FYM) treated plots. Hence, organic sources can be a suitable alternative over inorganic nutrient sources to sustain crop yield and productivity of the soil over a longer period of time.

Dissolved organic phosphorus concentrations in the surface ocean controlled by both phosphate and iron stress

Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) has a dual role in the surface ocean as both a product of primary production and as an organic nutrient that fuels primary production and nitrogen fixation, especially in oligotrophic gyres. Although poorly constrained, the geographic distribution and environmental controls of surface ocean DOP concentrations influence the distributions and rates of primary production and nitrogen fixation in the global ocean. Here we pair DOP concentration measurements with a metric of phosphate stress, satellite-based chlorophyll a concentrations and a satellite-based iron stress proxy to explore their relationship with upper 50 m DOP stocks. Our results suggest that phosphate and iron stress work together to control surface ocean DOP concentrations at basin scales. Specifically, upper 50 m DOP stocks decrease with increasing phosphate stress, while alleviated iron stress leads to either surface DOP accumulation or loss depending on phosphate availability. Our work extends the relationship between DOP concentrations and phosphate availability to the global ocean, suggests a linkage between marine phosphorus cycling and iron availability and establishes a predictive framework for DOP distributions and their use as an organic nutrient source that supports global ocean fertility.

Integrated nutrient management on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cv. “Arka Rakshak” under north-eastern ghats region of India

Tomato, a heavy nutrient feeder requires large quantities of chemical fertilizers which increased the crop productivity, however, badly affected the soil productivity and environmental quality. This situation demands integration of organic manures without reducing the productivity. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India during rabi season of the year 2020-21 to scrutinize the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients (INM) on the growth, yield, nutrient availability and soil nutrient status to tomato. Nine nutrient treatments with 100, 75 and 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) in combination with vermicompost (VC), farmyard manure (FYM) with biofertilizers viz., Azotobacter and Azospirillum were laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. The study revealed that the integration of organic manures in combination with inorganic fertilizers significantly improved overall plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of tomato than sole application of the inorganic sources of nutrients. The findings revealed that the treatment 50% RDN + 25% N through VC + 25% N through FYM was superior in terms of all growth and yield parameters under study. However, highest values for all the quality parameters were exhibited by treatment 50% RDN + 50% N through FYM + BF’S. Total nutrient uptake in regard to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by tomato plant recorded significantly highest in 50% RDN + 25% N through VC + 25% N through FYM. Similarly, the residual soil fertility in respect to organic carbon, available N, P and K were improved significantly by various treatments and found highest in the treatment 50% RDN + 25% N through VC + 25% N through FYM. Hence, the use of integrated nutrient management becomes indispensable for maximizing tomato yield, sustaining soil health and quality.

Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management Treatments on Growth Yield and Economics of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Soybean, being an important pulse as well as oil seed needs special mention to overcome crisis in edible oil production in the country. It is also called as “Gold of soil”. An experiment was conducted at College of Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) during kharif (Soybean) and rabi (Amaranthus) season of the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. An agronomical investigation entitles effect of integrated nitrogen management in soybean and their residual effect on grain amaranthus under irrigated condition. The experiment soil was medium in organic carbon (0.40%), available phosphorus (36.20 kg/ha) and available potassium (209 kg/ha) with soil pH (8.15). There were ten integrated nutrient management treatments arranged in Randomized block design with four replications. Integrated used of the organic and inorganic sources of plant nutrients on growth and yield attributes is very crucial for the assurance of food securities. Different observation on the crop parameters were carried out during course of investigation. Integrated nitrogen managements did not exert any significant response on plant population recorded at 20 DAS and at harvest and plant height at 30 DAS. All growth and yield parameters viz., plant height at 60 DAS, plant height at harvest, number of branches/plant, root nodules/plant, dry weight of root nodules, seed yield and straw yield were recorded significantly higher with the application of 50% RDN through vermicompost + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer (T3) sustainable agricultural productivity might be due to achieved through wise used of integrated nutrient management. At present soybean is one of the most important economical crops and having good nutritional response on healthy diet and information of same cropping sequence was not available for farming community so planned study on the application of organic sources of nutrients viz., vermicompost, FYM, bio-fertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB) under middle Gujarat conditions.

15-year fertilization increased soil organic carbon stock even in systems reputed to be saturated like permanent grassland on andosols

Previous long-term experiments conducted more than 10 years ago, showed that long-term application of organic fertilizer increased soil organic carbon (SOC) of grasslands. However, it was usually assumed that, independent of the successive additions of fertilizer, soils have an upper limit to their SOC due to the inability of the soil mineral phase to fix additional carbon. Andosols of the volcanic Reunion Island are typically very rich in carbon and are usually considered as saturated in SOC. To assess the long-term effect of different types of fertilization on SOC in these soils, SOC concentrations were recorded at yearly intervals for 15 years in one arenosol site and in two andosols sites across a topo-sequence. The types of fertilization tested included inorganic, organic, and a mix of inorganic and organic nutrient sources. The addition of organic fertilizers increased soil carbon in the top (0–15 cm) horizon in both the arenosol and the two andosols (up to +250% in the arenosol and up to +41% in the andosol), whereas inorganic fertilizers and the control treatment did not always result in a significant increase in SOC. After 15 years, no plateau was reached in C stocks even with the highest fertilization rates. Our results suggest that SOC build-up was mainly due to inputs of organic fertilizer C, rather than to increased C inputs due to the fertilizer-induced increased crop yield. In the andosol, all the fertilization treatments led to higher concentrations of carbon in the deeper layers. This suggests that SOC inputs lead to downward migration of OC to deep horizons. For C-rich soils like andosols, assessing the variations in carbon in the deep horizon is thus critical in estimating the effects of soil management on carbon sequestration.

Evaluating biological properties of topsoil for post‐mining ecological restoration: different assessment methods give different results

Salvaged native topsoil is a scarce, highly valuable resource in post‐mining restoration, being the main source of organic matter and nutrients and a major repository of plant propagules and soil microbes. During the mining process, topsoil is often stockpiled, and factors such as stockpile depth, season of stripping, and storage time can adversely affect topsoil functionality. We aimed to determine if soil functionality differs between undisturbed native reference topsoils and stockpiled topsoils of various age and origin, and whether measures of soil microbial community composition, soil respiration, and plant growth provide comparable assessments of soil functionality. We investigated this using select biological assessments of undisturbed native reference topsoils and stockpiled topsoils collected from seven mine sites representing a range of climate, soil, commodity, and vegetation types across the major mining province of Western Australia. Biotic properties of stored topsoil were idiosyncratic and variable across mine sites, and results differed based on the biotic measure being assessed. Biomass was generally lower for plants grown in stockpiled topsoils than for plants grown in native reference topsoils across mine sites. However, no single biotic measure provided an accurate assessment of soil functionality as reflected in plant growth responses. Overall, stockpiling adversely affected soil functionality and further research is needed to improve topsoil management procedures that may be site‐ and biome‐specific.

Yield Performance of Wheat Under Different Practices of Tillage and Integrated Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers

Tillage management and fertilizer application are important components of wheat plant growth and productivity. Yet limited data are available on the consequences of simultaneous tillage and integrated fertilization on wheat production and soil chemical characteristics in the heavy soil of Sothern parts of Iraq. Hence, split-split plots were used to conduct a field experiments at two locations. The primary plots were divided into three tillage techniques that are no tillage (NT), tine cultivator (TC) and moldboard plow (MP). Five selected combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources were arranged in sub plots including the traditional chemical fertilizer application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (CF), farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), 50% CF+FYM and 50% CF+PM application, in addition to control treatment, and three wheat cultivars (Al-Rasheed, IPA-99 and Abu Ghraib-3) were allocated to sub-sub plots. The results showed positive superiority of MP and TC in the growth parameters, yield components, wheat yield and some soil properties at both experimental locations. Likewise, the MP and TC had the lowest bulk density, while MP had the lowest electrical conductivity and the highest soil pH. The results also revealed that organic and inorganic amendments affected plant growth, yield components, grain yield significantly. The 50% CF+PM and 50% CF+FYM gave significantly higher thousand grain weight, spikes number at the 2nd location, wheat yield, and tillers per square meter at the 2nd location. Furthermore, soil bulk density, pH and electrical conductivity were significantly affected by all organic and inorganic treatments. The results also indicated that the highest spikes number, grain yield, chlorophyll content SPAD were recorded by IPA-99 cultivar at both locations. Moreover, under experiment conditions, the flag leaf chlorophyll content was significantly related to grain yield.

Soil fertility of rice- blackgram cropping sequence as influenced by different organic sources of nutrients

Residual effects of organic manures on rice-blackgram cropping sequence, during 2017 and 2018 at Thoppur, Thirupparankundram, Madurai were studied at field levels. Twelve treatment combinations comprising various sources of nutrients (Green manure @ 6.25 t/ha, neem cake@250 kg/ha, Enriched FYM @1.0 t/ha, tamarind seed powder @ 100 kg/ha, vermicompost @ 4 t/ha, Panchagavya @ 3%, Multi varietal seed technique, herbal pest repellant spray @ 10%, state recommendation) in a Randomized Block Design with three replications laid out for rice, were used for rice fallow blackgram. The mean soil available N (345 kg/ha), phosphorous (33 kg ha-1) and potassium (310 kg/ha) of 2 cropping cycles were significantly superior with the application of green manure @ 6.25 t/ha along with split application of vermicompost in four equal splits @ 4 t/ha as basal, at active tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stages + Panchagavya @ 3 per cent as foliar spray twice at active tillering and panicle initiation stages. A similar trend was also observed with respect to soil chemical and biological properties viz., soil pH, organic carbon, fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes population in the same treatment. The results of present study confirm the benefits of organic sources of manures on the nutrient retention characteristic of soil and will be conducive to improve the soil fertility for achieving sustainable soil health. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(2): 289-296, 2022 (June)

Development, Fruit setting and Pomological characteristics in Strawberry (Fragaria ananasa Duch.) as affected by Biofertilizers under vertical farming system. Cv. Winter dawn

A field experiment was carried out during 2021-2022 to see the Development, Fruit setting and Pomological characteristics in Strawberry ( Fragaria ananasa Duch.) as affected by Biofertilizers under vertical farming system. Cv. Winter dawn with 10 treatments including control in combinations of organic and microbial sources of nutrients (Vermicompost, FYM, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and PSB) replicated thrice with 3 plants per replication in Randomized Block Design. Observations were recorded for vegetative growth, fruit yield, quality. In different combinations (biofertilizers and organic manure) the treatment T9 (Soil (50%) +Vermicompost (50%) + Azotobacter (2g) + Azospirillum (2g) recorded highest plant height, plant spread, number of leaves and leaf area as compared to T7 (Soil (50%) + FYM (50%) + PSB (2g) + Azotobacter (2g). Plant treatment T9 (Soil (50%) +Vermicompost (50%) + Azotobacter (2g) + Azospirillum (2g)) registered earliest flowering and also highest number of flowers per plant. The maximum fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield were recorded with plants treated with T9 (Soil (50%) +Vermicompost (50%) + Azotobacter (2g) + Azospirillum (2g) followed by T7 (Soil (50%) + FYM (50%) + PSB (2g) + Azotobacter (2g) at 90 DAP followed by T8 (Soil (50%) + coir pith (50%) + Azospirillum (2g) + PSB (2g) treatment. The maximum Benefit: Cost ratio (1: 3.39) was recorded in the T9 (Soil (50%) +Vermicompost (50%) + Azotobacter (2g) + Azospirillum (2g) than T7 (Soil (50%) + FYM (50%) + PSB (2g) + Azotobacter (2g) due to its lower cost of production. The highest yield and best quality fruit were recorded in the combination of T9 (Soil (50%) +Vermicompost (50%) + Azotobacter (2g) + Azospirillum (2g).

Nutrient source, management system and the age of the plantation affect soil biodiversity and chemical properties in raspberry production

Soil biodiversity is the driving force behind most soil processes. While potentially improving plant productivity and food quality, it can be negatively affected by land use and soil management. Raspberry production is part of the cultural identity of ‘La Comarca Andina’ placed within “Andina Patagonica” world biosphere reserve. In this study we assessed soil (a) chemical quality and (b) microbial biodiversity in raspberry production as affected by management (certified organic vs. current conventional practice), the source of organic nutrients (commercial vs. on-farm) and the age of the plantation. We sampled twelve plots from neighboring family farms, classified according to the management system and the source of organic nutrients, based on information recovered regarding organic certification, type of agri-food system, weeding and pests control practices, use of chemical fertilizers, tillage regime and type and rate of application of main organic amendments. In each plot we assessed soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic C (SOC), total N, extractable P, soil basal respiration (SBR), biodiversity indexes (Shannon, inversed Simpson and Richness), and bacterial community structure considering separately raspberry rows and inter-rows. The effects of the management system, the source of organic nutrients and the age on soil properties varied between row and inter-row. In the row, these factors had no effects on soil chemical properties; while the source of organic nutrients affected SBR, Shannon index and bacterial community structure. Conversely, in the inter-row, no effects of the factors were detected on SBR (the only biological property analyzed), while the management, the source of organic nutrients, age, or their interactions affected EC, extractable P and total N. Finally, associations were found between soil chemical properties and soil microbial biodiversity. In the row, diversity indexes were positively correlated with SOC and total N, while the extractable P gradient explained 42% of the variability found in community structure, likely as a result of long-term use of high P soil amendments on P-mobilizing bacteria. These findings provide initial insights on the performance of management systems and practices applied by farmers in raspberry production, and the interactions between chemical and biological components of soil quality.

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrient on Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Broccoli

The study was conducted at Jashore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh during 2019-20 and 2020-21 to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on yield, quality and shelf life of broccoli through Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and ten treatments which were: T1 = Soil test based 100% NPK, T2 = Vermicompost 4 t ha-1 + soil test based 50% NPK, T3 = Vermicompost 2 t ha-1 + 100% NPK, T4 =Tricho-compost 2 t ha-1 + 100% NPK, T5=FYM 6 t ha-1 + 100% NPK, T6 = Tricho-compost 4 t ha-1 + 50% NPK, T7 =FYM 12 t ha-1 + 50% NPK, T8= Vermicompost 1 t ha-1 + 125% NPK, T9= Tricho-compost 1 t ha-1 + 125% NPK, T10= FYM 3 t ha-1+125% NPK. Completely Randomized Design was designed to determine the shelf life of broccoli with three replications considering three factors; (i) Organic and inorganic nutrient sources; (ii) storage materials at room temperature (iii) storage materials at cold storage. Findings revealed that treatment T3 produced significantly maximum marketable curd yield 30.57 and 30.23 t ha-1 and the highest Benefit Cost Ratio (3.70 and 3.66) in the respective years. The treatment T2 effectively increased post-harvest quality attributes and also recorded the highest shelf life 8.36 and 8.55 days at room temperature (14-240 C with RH 60-65%), 26.33 and 27.25 days at cold storage (4° C with RH 90-95%) condition using High -Density Polyethylene (HDP; 15 micron) vacuum pack during the years of 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

Influence of organic fertilizers and silicon on the physiology, yield, and nutraceutical quality of the strawberry crop

A suitable combination of organic sources of nutrients can allow an adequate growth, yield of the strawberry crop, and decrease the use of chemical fertilizers to the benefit of the environment and consumers. Likewise, silicon can help plants to withstand adverse environmental, biological, and edaphic conditions, increasing and improving production quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of organic fertilization: one of animal origin (fish); one of vegetable origin (corn), and one of animal and vegetable origin (fish - corn) plus a chemical treatment such as control (Steiner), with three silicon concentrations of 0, 15 and 20 ppm. Growth parameters, physiological parameters, as well as nutraceutical performance and quality were evaluated in strawberry fruits of the Camino Real cultivar, under a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (4 x 3). The results of vegetative growth and physiological parameters of the treatments with organic fertilization showed statistically equal values ​​to the control treatment, likewise for the yield and nutraceutical quality. The addition of silicon to the doses studied did not cause effects on any of the variables studied. The results suggest that it is totally feasible to replace chemical fertilization with organic, obtaining identical results.

A Practice to Enhance Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Viable Microbial Count as Effected by Organic Nutrient Sources in Garden Pea under Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Excessive use of agrochemicals and fertilizers in the post era of green revolution has led to a long term toxic effect on soil and threatened the fragile ecosystem. Application of inorganic inputs has increased the productivity of produce, but has severely impacted environment and soil health. In the light of this view, there is a need to conserve soil by adopting organic farming systems. Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial with three replications comprising of twelve treatment combinations of four levels of organic manure and three levels of liquid manure. Biofertilizers (Rhizobium + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria) were applied @ 200 g/10 kg as seed and 5 kg/ha as soil application uniformly to all the treatment combinations. Result: Results revealed that treatment combination of M3J2 (FYM @ 15 t/ha + jeevamrit @ 10 per cent drenching) + biofertilizers resulted in maximum organic carbon (1.37%), nitrogen (375.31 kg/ha), phosphorus (62.62 kg/ha), potassium (345.33 kg/ha), viable microbial count (195.25 cfu/g of soil) along with lowest pH and electrical conductivity.

Earthenware-based biofilter configuration for Spirulina cultivation on nutrients recycled from food-industry waste streams: A preliminary study

This study integrates an earthenware-based biofilter into photobioreactors (PBR), to allow Spirulina growth on organic nutrient sources. The earthenware acted as permeable membrane, enabling the bio-oxidation of soluble organics and the diffusion of mineralised ions to the photobioreactor. When fed with lactic acid fermentation effluents (organic loading rates of 11.1 mg-COD L−1PBR d−1 and 1.7 mg-Total-N L−1PBR d−1), Spirulina growth rate (19.4 mgdry mass L−1 d−1) was up to the mark with respect to a control with Zarrouk medium. However, the protein content was of 34% w/wDM (as compared to 57% in the control), likely due to insufficient mineral-N supply under the tested system-configuration. The dissolved photosynthetic oxygen established a redox potential gradient (300–400 mV) across the membrane, acting as an electron sink towards consistent COD removal rates (9.0 ± 0.7 mg-COD L−1 d−1). Configurations with higher biofilter/photobioreactor volume ratios should be tested, to improve nitrogen supply rates.

Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Padi Sawah Organik pada Berbagai Jenis dan Waktu Aplikasi Pupuk Hijau Legum Tahunan

Abstract— Green manure is a source of soil organic matter and nutrients for organic lowland rice, especially nitrogen. The use of various species of perennial legume green manure as a source of nitrogen that the right application time is not widely reported. The research objectives are to examine the effect of the interaction of application time of several species of perennial legume green manure on physiological characteristics, growth and yield of organic lowland rice, and to find the right application time of several species of perennial legume green manure to support growth and organic rice yields. We used a factorial RCBD, consisting of two factors and three groups, and control. The first factor is the species of perennial legume green manure, consisting of four species, namely: Turi, Gliricidia, Lamtoro, and Cow Manure. The second factor is the time of application of perennial legume green manure, consisting of three levels, namely: 4 weeks before planting rice seeds, 2 weeks before planting rice seeds, and at the same time planting rice seeds. The results showed that the growth and yield of organic lowland rice was influenced by the species and timing of perennial legume green manure application. The optimal application time to Turi leaves is 1.06 weeks before planting rice seeds with grain yield 9.29 t/ha, the optimal application time to Gliricidia leaves is 1.85 weeks before planting with grain yield 10.24 t/ha, and the optimal application time Lamtoro leaves is 2.58 weeks before planting with grain yield of 9.78 t/ha.

Integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients in french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The present experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 to study the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments of inorganic fertilizers (NPK 80:80:40 kg/ha) along with organic source combinations (25, 50 and 75% N through FYM and vermicompost) tested against the control (no fertilizer). Based on 2 years’ pooled data, application of 75% NPK through inorganic source + 25% N through vermicompost produced highest number of pods/plant (25.98), pod length (14.38 cm), pod width (1.29 cm), average single pod weight (4.33 g), green pod weight/plant (41.67 g) and green pod yield (7.71 t/ha) and earned maximum net return of `1,12,212.0/ha. The treatment with 100% NPK through inorganic source @80:80:40 kg/ha produced green pod yield of 6.17 t/ha with net return `83,225.0/ha. The B:C ratio (3.67) was also higher under the treatment with 75% NPK through inorganic source + 25% N through vermicompost. Inorganic fertilizers (75% NPK) and vermicompost (25% N) proved to be the best treatment for enhancing yield and economics of french bean under central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, the practice of 75% NPK through inorganic integration with 25% N through vermicompost may serve as alternative of NPK inorganic fertilizers and may also be recommended to exploit the better eco-friendly economic green pod yield of french bean.