Source Of Potassium Research Articles

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND MINERAL PROFILE OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) IN EMBU, KENYA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Taro (<em>Colocasia esculenta</em>) is one of the underutilized crops in Kenya, grown under a wide range of environmental and edaphic conditions. This crop has exceptional dietary value and numerous culinary applications due to its edible leaves and corms. However, the mineral nutrient composition of taro in Kenya is still not well known due to a lack of scientific information concerning production. <strong>Objective. </strong>To determine the proximate composition and mineral profile of taro under different watering regimes and planting densities in Embu, Kenya. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Embu Research Centre, during the long rains (LR) 2021, and short rains (SR) 2021/2022. A factorial experiment with a split-plot layout arranged in a completely randomized block design was adopted. The watering regimes (100 %, 60 %, and 30 % based on the field capacity (FC)) were the main factor while the sub-factor was the planting density, with three replications. The planting densities used were 0.5 m × 0.5 m (40,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), and 1 m × 1 m (10,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), representative of high, medium, and low planting densities respectively. Proximate analysis and mineral content were determined. <strong>Results.</strong> Significant differences (<em>P < 0.05</em>) in seasons were noted for protein, fibre, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc in the taro corms. The high carbohydrate content observed in this study (35 – 39 %) indicates that taro tubers are a good source of nutritional energy. Potassium (> 5000 mg kg <sup>-1</sup>) and magnesium (> 1000 mg kg <sup>-1</sup>) were the most prevalent mineral elements in taro corms and leaves, with copper (< 25 mg kg <sup>-1</sup>) being the least prevalent. <strong>Implications.</strong> Consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as taro helps the body to utilize the necessary nutrients to combat malnutrition and promote food security in rural communities. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> Taro leaves can be recommended as leafy vegetables as they are good sources of potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc; and the corms have low fat and protein content, high calorific energy, and high carbohydrate content. Taro represents one of the main sources of energy in many parts of the tropics and its production can be recommended in sub-humid areas in Kenya.<strong></strong></p>

Associations Between Dietary Potassium Intake From Different Food Sources and Hyperkalemia in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

ObjectivePrevious studies reported mixed results on associations between dietary potassium intake and hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigated the association between potassium intake from different food sources and hyperkalemia in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD. MethodsA total of 285 patients were recruited at a university hospital and two city hospitals in Tokyo. Dietary potassium intake was estimated by a validated diet history questionnaire. Associations of potassium intake from all foods and individual food groups with serum potassium were examined by multivariable linear regression among potassium binder non-users. An association between tertile groups of potassium intake and hyperkalemia, defined as serum potassium ≥5.0 mEq/L, was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. ResultsAmong 245 potassium binder non-users, total potassium intake was weakly associated with serum potassium (regression coefficient = 0.147, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.018–0.277), while an association with hyperkalemia was not observed (first vs third tertile: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.29–3.26). As for food groups, potassium intakes from potatoes, pulses, and green/yellow vegetables were positively associated with serum potassium. Patients in the highest tertile of potassium intake from potatoes had higher odds of hyperkalemia as compared to those in the lowest tertile (aOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.19–14.34). ConclusionTotal potassium intake was weakly associated with serum potassium, but not with hyperkalemia. Potassium intake from potatoes was associated with hyperkalemia. These findings highlight the importance of considering food sources of potassium in the management of hyperkalemia in CKD.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Potassium Fertilizer Sources and Levels on Sesame Growth and Yield in Two Different Gypsum Soils

To investigate the effect of potassium fertilizer sources and level on sesame growth and yield in two different gypsum soils, two experiments were applied throughout the summer of 2022. The experiments included three factors, which were sources of potassium, potassium sulfate (KK2SO4) and potassium chloride (KKCL), potassium levels, 0 (K00), 75 (K75), 150 (K150), and 300 (K300) kg ha-1, and levels of gypsum in the soil, 6.02 (Soil06.02) and 15.87 (Soil15.87) %. Completely Random Block Design (CRBD) with three replications was used to apply the experiments. The results indicated that KK2SO4 significantly impacted plant height (18%), plant dry weight (8%), branch no (11%), capsules no. (5%), 1000 seeds weight (13%), yield (13%), and oil percentage (9%) compared with KKCL. Similarly, potassium at K300 was significantly higher compared with the other potassium levels. Also, gypsum Soil15.87 significantly impacted plant height (11%), dry weight (11%), capsules no. (5%), 1000 seeds weight (19%), yield (11%), and oil percentage (12%) compared with gypsum soil with 6%. The interactions between the two study factors and among the three study factors effected significantly all the study traits. These results will be beneficial for sesame production and management in the Saladin area, Iraq.

Optimizing Potassium and Iron Levels for Enhanced Sunflower Yield in Peshawar Valley

Sunflower cultivation is integral to meeting the demand for edible oil seeds, necessitating the optimization of plant nutrient application for optimal crop production. A field trial conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the summer of 2022 aimed to assess the impact of varying potassium and iron levels on sunflower yield and yield components. Four levels of potassium (0, 30, 45, and 60 kg ha-1) and four levels of iron (0, 5, 10, 15 kg ha-1) were investigated using a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications, maintaining one control plot in each replication. Iron sulfate and Muriate of potash were utilized as sources of iron and potassium, respectively. Results revealed that applying potassium at a rate of 60 kg ha-1 led to maximum head diameter (18.38 cm), thousand-achene weight (47.56 g), biological yield (7476 kg ha-1), and grain yield (2039 kg ha-1) accompanied by taller plants (169.3 cm). Similarly, iron application at a rate of 15 kg ha-1 resulted in increased plant height (159.2 cm), maximum head diameter (18.01 cm), 1000 achene weight (47.8 g), biological yield (7416 kg ha-1), and grain yield (2062 kg ha-1). Notably, the effect of iron on plant height was non-significant. Based on the findings, the application of potassium at 60 kg ha-1 and iron at 15 kg ha-1 is recommended for achieving higher sunflower yields in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley. This study revealed the significance of tailored nutrient management strategies for maximizing sunflower productivity in specific region

Granulated fertilizers are more efficient in reducing potassium leaching losses than combining biosolids with inorganic sources

ABSTRACT Widespread use of soluble mineral fertilizers derived from non-renewable sources has raised concerns about environmental impacts, energy expenditures, and sustainability. Combining biosolid and mineral sources of phosphorus and potassium to produce organomineral fertilizers (OMF) can be used as an alternative nutrient source while reducing the environmental impact of sewage residues. As this approach simultaneously provides nutrients and incorporates organic matter, we hypothesized the presence of an organic source (biosolid) granulated with mineral sources of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) would reduce leaching due to the benefits of the organic source and the slower release caused by granulation. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of different OMFs on the leaching losses of nutrients. Two forms of isolated N, P, and K sources (granulated and non-granulated), five OMFs with different NPK proportions (1-2-0, 1-4-0, 1-0-2, 1-2-2, 1-2-4), and a control (unfertilized) were evaluated over ten weeks in a leaching column experiment. Non-granulated potassium sulfate exhibited the highest K leaching and did not differ from OMFs with K in their formulation (granulated PS, 1-0-2, 1-2-2, and 1-4-2). Planned contrasts showed that granulation was particularly effective at reducing K leaching, resulting in a 70 % reduction compared to non-granulated PS. While formulation and granulation showed a trend of potential benefits in reducing N-(NO 3 - + NO 2 - ) leaching, the effect was not statistically significant. Interaction between fertilizer treatments and leaching events was marginally significant for NH 4 + leaching, indicating temporal variations of OMFs in nutrient dynamics may be influenced by mineralization. As granulation modulated how OMFs affected nutrient leaching dynamics, this highlights the importance of the physical characteristics of fertilizers for effective nutrient management.

Biogenic potassium: sources, method of recovery, and sustainability assessment

Abstract Nutrient management methods based on ecosystems are crucial for providing agricultural nutrient needs while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer usage. With increasing agricultural production, the global demand for potassium is increasing, with India importing potassium from countries like Canada, USA, Israel, and Russia. Biomass-fired industries generate biomass ash as a residue so management of the resultant ash is important. Agricultural residue ashes contain abundant potassium so could potentially be used for fertilizer application. This review describes different potassium sources and recovery processes, including chemical precipitation, water extraction, solvent extraction, membrane separation, and ionic exchange. Extraction time, temperature, and solid to solvent ratio affect the recovery of potassium from biomass ash. Water extraction is the most commonly used method for potassium recovery from biomass ash. The environmental impact of potassium fertilizer recovered from biomass ash is less than that of mining source of potash. This paper discusses topics not covered in previous reviews, such as different biosources of potassium, latest recovery methods, and life cycle assessment of these methods. The gaps identified in the reports are addressed, and future research opportunities are presented.

Characterization of potassium-solubilizing fungi, Mortierella spp., isolated from a poplar plantation rhizosphere soil.

Potassium-solubilizing microorganisms are capable of secreting acidic chemicals that dissolve and release potassium from soil minerals, thus facilitating potassium uptake by plants. In this study, three potassium-dissolving filamentous fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a poplar plantation in Jiangsu Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, 18S, and 28S showed that these three isolates were most similar to Mortierella. These strains also possessed spherical or ellipsoidal spores, produced sporangia at the hyphal tip, and formed petal-like colonies on PDA media resembling those of Mortierella species. These findings, along with further phenotypic observations, suggest that these isolates were Mortierella species. In addition, the potassium-dissolution experiment showed that strain 2K4 had a relatively high potassium-solubilizing capacity among these isolated fungi. By investigating the influences of different nutrient conditions (carbon source, nitrogen source, and inorganic salt) and initial pH values on the potassium-dissolving ability, the optimal potassium-solubilization conditions of the isolate were determined. When potassium feldspar powder was used as an insoluble potassium source, isolate 2K4 exhibited a significantly better polysaccharide aggregation ability on the formed mycelium-potassium feldspar complex. The composition and content of organic acids secreted by strain 2K4 were further detected, and the potassium-dissolution mechanism of the Mortierella species and its growth promotion effect were discussed, using maize as an example.

Studying the Efficacy of Some Organic Compounds as a Source of Potassium Fertilization and their Effect on the Wheat-Peanut Crop System in Sandy Soil

To encourage sustainable agriculture and increase net revenue for the agricultural community, the use of expensive chemical fertilizers should be reduced and replaced with locally produced organic byproducts. For this reason, a field experiment was conducted on sand soil at Ismailia Agric. Res. Station in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the impact of various organic K rates 0, 50%, 75%, and 100% from the recommended plant dose) and three different K organic sources i.e., seaweed (SWE), yeast sludge (YS), and filter mud cake (FMC), in two successive seasons of wheat (Triticum sativac. v. Giza 168) as a winter crop and peanut (Arachis hypogaeac. v. Giza 6) as a summer crop season; to study how responsive they are to different potassium rates and sources applied to crop productivity. After both crops were harvested, the chemical features of the soil were also assessed. The current findings state that the use of varied organic K rates and sources boosted the yield components of wheat and peanut crops, as well as the nutritional total content in straw, grains, or seed of both wheat and peanut, as compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the application of all treatments improved pH, EC, OM, and cation exchangeable capacity (CEC); the availability of P, K, and soluble K followed a similar pattern after the wheat-peanut crop was harvested. Furthermore, the highest increases resulted from 75% of the recommended K dose, and the best organic sources of K were YS and SWE for wheat and peanut, respectively. In conclusion, the use of tested organic potassium sources is a good alternative to mineral potassium fertilizers, is economical, which is reflected in crop yield, and is environmentally friendly.

First Report of Penicillium oxalicum Causing Leaf Blight on 'Hongyang' Kiwifruit in China.

In September 2022, leaf blight symptoms (Fig. 1) were detected on six-year-old kiwi trees (Actinidia chinensis cv. 'Hongyang') in Xuzhou municipality (117.29º E, 34.23º N), Jiangsu Province. Early-stage disease symptoms included light brown necrotic lesions of irregular shape ranging in length from 0.2 to 2.4 cm, which turned into leaf blight after approximately 2 weeks. Those symptoms were similar to those previously reported during a Pestalotiopsis sp. infection on kiwi trees in Turkey (Karakaya 2001). Approximately 20% of the leaves from 300 trees examined in one kiwi orchard, 3000 m2 in size, showed the disease symptoms. Ten leading edges of symptomatic leaves were sterilized with 2% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, rinsed twice with sterile ddH2O and cultured at 26ºC for 3 days on PDA medium containing 50 µg/ml chloramphenicol. The fungal colonies were collected, and the single spore isolation method was used to obtain four isolates. The obtained isolates showed white aerial mycelia that turned greyish after 2 days of cultivation on PDA medium at 26ºC. ITS (OR054113, OR054153-OR054155), TUB2 (OR060951-OR060953, OR249978), and CMD (OR255947-OR255950) genes were amplified using the ITS1/ITS4, BT2a/BT2b and CMD5/CMD6 primers, respectively (Visagie et al. 2014a). The obtained ITS, TUB2, and CMD sequences shared 99.81%-100%, 96.72%-96.96%, and 90.17%-92.58% homology compared to the ex-type strain P. oxalicum CBS 219.30 (MH855125, KF296462, and KF296367), while the obtained ITS and TUB2 sequences showed 99.62%-99.81%, and 96.46%-96.72% identity compared to the representative strain P. oxalicum DTO 179B9 (KJ775647 and KJ775140) (Visagie et al. 2014b). The sequences obtained also showed high homology compared to P. oxalicum HP7-1 (ITS: 99.81%-100% homology; TUB2: 98.98%-99.38% homology; CMD: 94.71%-95.10% homology) (Li et al. 2022). A molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA X with representative Penicillium strains retrieved from GenBank (Fig. 2). Microscope observations revealed the presence of curved septate hyphae. Conidia were colorless, unicellular, and ellipsoidal (5-8 μm in length; > 2000 observations), whereas conidiophores were mainly monoverticillate (approximately 20% of the conidiophores were biverticillate) (50-70 μm in length; 43 observations) and contained cylindrical phialides (13-15 μm in length). These findings are consistent with P. oxalicum morphology (Wu et al. 2022; Zheng et al. 2023). The pathogenicity of the four isolates was screened using healthy non-detached 'Hongyang' kiwi leaves. Fifteen leaves from five different two-month-old trees were used for each isolate, with three repetitions. For inoculation, a 10 mL solution containing 1 × 106 spores/mL was sprayed on the leaves. Sterilized water was used in the control experiment, which was carried out using fifteen leaves from five different two-month-old trees, with three repetitions. Inoculated trees were stored at 26ºC and 60% relative humidity for 2 days. All the infected leaves had necrotic lesions and leaf blight symptoms comparable to those found in the field, but the control leaves had no lesions. The pathogen was recovered, and its identity was confirmed by ITS sequencing and morphology analysis, fulfilling Koch's postulates. P. oxalicum is a common cause of blue mould in postharvest fruits (Tang et al. 2020). P. oxalicum has been recently reported as the causal agent of leaf spot in pineapple (Wu et al. 2022; Zheng et al. 2023), and leaf blight on maize (Han et al. 2023). Although Alternaria sp., Glomerella cingulate, Pestalotiopsis sp., Phomopsis sp., and Phoma sp. were previously isolated from kiwi leaves with blight symptoms (Kim et al. 2017), this is the first report of P. oxalicum causing leaf blight on kiwi trees worldwide. P. oxalicum is a well-known source of mycotoxins, such as secalonic acid (Otero et al. 2020), indicating that its presence in kiwifruit orchards may pose a significant risk to human health. The discovery of this hazardous pathogen in kiwi trees must drive the development of management strategies. Kiwifruit is an important dietary source of vitamins, fiber, folate, and potassium, and China is the major producer of kiwifruit, with more than 1.2 million metric tons harvested in 2021. This report will help to generate a better understanding of the pathogens affecting kiwifruit orchards in China.

Impact of Potassium-Solubilizing Microorganisms with Potassium Sources on the Growth, Physiology, and Productivity of Wheat Crop under Salt-Affected Soil Conditions

Salinity adversely affects plant growth and productivity worldwide. To overcome salinity and other abiotic stresses, safe, ecofriendly biofertilizers that stimulate productivity have been experiencing rising demand, alongside decreasing use of mineral fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the growth, yield, physiological and biochemical parameters of wheat crop as a response to two potassium-solubilizing microorganisms (KSMs), Trichoderma asperellum and Bacillus circulans, with 50% or 75% of the recommended amount of K fertilizer (potassium sulphate), combined with no or 25% feldspar as well as 1.5% potassium sulphate (K-leaf) as foliar application, and all treatments were compared with a control treatment under salt-affected soil conditions, during two winter seasons in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to set up the experiment. Results showed that the vegetative growth, yield, physiological and biochemical parameters were affected under salt-affected soil conditions. Nevertheless, inoculation with T. asperellum and B. circulans with potassium application mitigated the deleterious effect of salt-affected soil conditions by improving growth parameters, photosynthetic pigment content, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase) content, total soluble sugars, relative water content, potassium content in leaves, grains yield, and some biochemical constituents in the grains and straw. Meanwhile, these treatments decreased proline content, Na+ content in leaves, and the Na+/K+ ratio as compared to the control treatment. The most pronounced treatment, inoculation by B. circulans with 1.5% K-leaf as foliar application, significantly increased grain yield by 16.41% relative to the control treatment. It could be concluded that inoculating wheat with KSMs T. asperellum and B. circulans with 1.5% K-leaf as foliar application will increase wheat salinity tolerance and wheat productivity and decrease the detrimental effect of salinity on wheat growth and grain yield quantity and quality under salt-affected soils conditions.

Potassium: A Frontier in Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a significant public health concern, particularly in aging populations, leading to fractures, decreased mobility, and reduced quality of life. While calcium and vitamin D have long been recognized as essential for bone health, emerging research suggests that potassium may play a crucial role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. This manuscript explores the relationship between potassium and osteoporosis, delving into the mechanisms, epidemiological evidence, and potential therapeutic implications of potassium in bone health. Furthermore, the manuscript discusses the sources of dietary potassium, its impact on bone metabolism, and the future directions in research and clinical practice regarding potassium's role in osteoporosis management.

Sub-Doppler laser cooling and magnetic trapping of natural-abundance fermionic potassium

We demonstrate the largest number of 40K atoms that has ever been cooled to deeply sub-Doppler temperatures in a single-chamber apparatus without using an enriched source of potassium. With gray molasses cooling on the D 1-line following a standard D 2-line magneto-optical trap, we obtain 3×105 atoms at 10(2) µK. We reach densities high enough to measure the temperature via absorption imaging using the time-of-flight method. We magnetically trap a mixture of mF=−3/2,−5/2 and −7/2 Zeeman states of the F=7/2 hyperfine ground state confining 5×104 atoms with a lifetime of 0.6 s or ∼103 atoms with a lifetime of 2.8 s—depending on whether the temperature of the potassium dispensers was chosen to maximize the atom number or the lifetime. The background pressure-limited lifetime of 0.6 s is a reasonable starting point for proof-of-principle experiments with atoms and/or molecules in optical tweezers as well as for sympathetic cooling with another species if transport to a secondary chamber is implemented. Our results show that unenriched potassium can be used to optimize experimental setups containing 40K in the initial stages of their construction, which can effectively extend the lifetime of enriched sources. Moreover, the demonstration of sub-Doppler cooling and magnetic trapping of a relatively small number of potassium atoms might influence experiments with laser-cooled radioactive isotopes of potassium.

Effect of split application of potassium on nutrient recovery efficiency, soil nutrient balance, and system productivity under rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS)

Improving nutrient use efficiency and system productivity with a positive nutrient balance in rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is vital for long-term food security. Two-year field trials were conducted with the objective of computing the effect of different rates, time, method, and source of potassium (K) fertilization on nutrient recovery efficiency, nutrient balance, and system productivity in a dry direct-seeded RWCS with eight treatments. The two-split (half basal and half at panicle initiation) application of 60 kg K2O/ha resulted in 37.5% and 19.2% increase in recovery efficiency of K in rice and wheat, respectively over basal application of 60 kg K2O/ha. Besides, the split-application of K increased the nitrogen recovery efficiency in rice and wheat by 11.2% and 10.8%, respectively. Similarly, the phosphorus recovery efficiency was increased by 3.6% and 7.4% in rice and wheat, respectively. The split application of 60 kg K2O/ha also increased the K harvest index (% of the total K absorbed is transferred to grain) by 0.7% and 2.7% in rice and wheat, respectively over applying entire K at basal. Similarly, the system productivity (11.26 t/ha) was increased by 8% over applying entire K at basal. In the absence of top-dressing of K (30 kg/ha), two foliar-sprays of 2.5% K provide equal benefits of top dressing. Application of 90 kg K2O/ha lowered the K negative balance (−99 kg/ha/year) considerably compared to two-split application of 60 kg K2O/ha (−152.5 kg/ha/year). Thus, optimization of K fertilization in RWCS will increase the system productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and sustainability.

Precambrian to Pleistocene 40Ar/39Ar dating of clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions

Abstract Clinopyroxene is a rock-forming mineral that commonly hosts melt inclusions in mafic to intermediate composition volcanic and plutonic rocks. It is highly resistant to alteration compared to other co-existing phenocrysts such as plagioclase. Several recent studies have 40Ar/39Ar dated clinopyroxene in Neoproterozoic to Miocene basalts and dolerites. To assess the viability of the technique at the youngest end of the geologic time scale, we performed 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating experiments on clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions from a variety of mafic lithologies and tectonic settings. Most samples produced precise plateau ages including several Quaternary basalts to andesites as young as 0.6 Ma. All data are indistinguishable from new and/or published 40Ar/39Ar ages on groundmass or plagioclase from the same samples. The source of potassium (K) and resulting 40Ar* within clinopyroxene has been debated, but thus far has only been inferred based on 40Ar/39Ar data. Using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) we show that there is negligible K in the clinopyroxene host, but substantial K (e.g., 1–4 wt%) in trapped melt inclusions and minor amounts in plagioclase inclusions. Thus, melt inclusions, which are common in phenocrysts in basaltic magmas, can be used to obtain accurate and precise 40Ar/39Ar ages for difficult-to-date volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Precambrian to the Pleistocene.

Desempenho de remineralizadores inoculados com microrganismos como fonte de potássio e outros nutrientes

ABSTRACT The consumption of potassium (K) fertilizers in Brazilian agriculture exceeds the national production of this input by more than ten times, indicating the need for alternatives to reduce imports of these products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the remineralizing rocks phonolite and olivine melilitite as sources of K and other nutrients, as well as the effects of inoculation with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium on the solubilization of these rocks in the soil. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using a randomized block design, with four replications, in a factorial arrangement consisting of three K sources (potassium chloride, phonolite, and olivine melilitite), three rates (150, 300, and 600 kg ha-1 K2O), with and without inoculant, and two controls without K (one with and one without inoculant). The experimental units consisted of pots containing 3 kg of soil and a strawberry plant grown for eight months. The treatment with olivine melilitite inoculated with rhizobacteria favored phosphate solubilization when applied the highest rate. Olivine melilitite remineralizer, alone or inoculated with rhizobacteria, increased K+ and Ca2+ contents in the soil when applied at the intermediate and highest rates (300 and 600 kg ha-1 K2O), highlighting this remineralizer as an alternative potassium source for plants.

Waste ashes from burned sunflower hulls as new fertilising materials

Closing the loop – An EU action plan for the circular economy identified the Fertilisers Regulation revision as a key legislative proposal to boost the market for secondary raw materials. The European Commission has adopted recently EU Fertilising Products Regulation EU 2019/1009 expanding its scope to secondary-raw-material-based products (from biogenic wastes and other secondary raw materials). During the industrial processing of sunflowers, sunflower husks used as alternative fuels resulting in the generation of waste ash. Sunflower ash is a known material as a good and cheap source of potassium. In present study the tested samples of ashes is characterized as a starting raw material for the producing fertilizers in an accredited and authorized Laboratory for fertilisers quality. The tested samples is not loaded with heavy metals and the risk of recycling contaminants has not been assessed. According to the content of available (water-soluble) elements, the content of soluble phosphorus and micronutrients is very low, while potassium is completely water-soluble (40 to 50% K2O m/m), therefore, the tested ashes can be regarded as a good raw material as a source of potassium component in the final product. The pH reaction of the samples is extremely alkaline, therefore it is necessary to neutralize pH reaction in the industrial processing of this raw material, or to restrict the final product for use on acid reaction soils.

Preparation, Characterization, and Nutritional Analysis of Napham: An Indian Traditional Smoke-Dried-Fermented Fish Paste

Napham, a unique smoked-dried-fermented fish paste, is a traditional delicacy prepared by the Assamese Bodo people. This research focuses on the process of Napham preparation and explores its nutritional benefits. To make Napham, sundried and smoked trash fishes, along with Alocasia macrorrhiza stems, are ground and stuffed into immature bamboo tubes, where they ferment for 2-3 months. Although Napham possesses a distinct taste and texture that may not appeal to everyone, the fermentation process significantly enhances its nutritional value by increasing its vitamin content, improving fatty acid profiles, and enhancing amino acid profiles. The study reveals that Napham is a remarkable source of protein (63.65 ± 0.83 g/100 g), potassium (667.87 ± 3.48 mg/kg), sodium (531.48 ± 3.43 mg/kg), and magnesium (56.23 ± 1.53 mg/kg). Napham contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid (10.10 ± 0.002%), α-linolenic acid (6.47 ± 0.062%), arachidonic acid (4.65 ± 0.031%), eicosapentaenoic acid (1.08 ± 0.007%), and docosahexaenoic acid (3.44 ± 0.036%). Furthermore, Napham is rich in essential amino acids such as methionine (227.407 µmol/L), isoleucine (478.525 µmol/L), leucine (797.944 µmol/L), valine (640.867 µmol/L), phenylalanine (320.573 µmol/L), lysine (1066.557 µmol/L), and histidine (104.525 µmol/L), complementing its nutritional profile.

Coconut Water Induces Clinical Remission in Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

Background and AimsCoconut water is anti-inflammatory, can manipulate the gut microbiome and is a rich source of potassium. Gut microbiome modulation improves outcomes in UC, and potassium possesses in vitro anti-inflammatory property. We evaluated the effect of coconut water as an adjunct therapy for patients with mild-moderate UC. MethodsThis single-center double-blind placebo-controlled trial randomized patients with mild-moderate(simple clinical colitis activity index-SCCAI:3–9) endoscopically active UC(ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity-UCEIS>1) in 1:1 ratio to coconut water + standard medical therapy-SMT(CW) vs placebo + SMT. 400ml of coconut water was administered for 8weeks. Primary outcome measure was clinical remission(SCCAI ≤2) and secondary outcome measures were clinical response(SCCAI decline ≥3) and adverse events at 8weeks. Microbiome was analyzed at baseline and 8weeks. ResultsOf 121 patients screened, 95 were included for modified intention to treat analysis(49-CW, 46-placebo)[mean age-37.2±11.2years; males-54.1%; disease duration-48(IQR:24–90)months; pancolitis-26.1%; SCCAI-5(IQR:4 – 6); UCEIS-4(IQR:3 – 5)]. Clinical response[57.1% vs 28.3%, p=0.01, OR-3.4(95%CI:1.4 – 7.9)], remission[53.1% vs 28.3%, p=0.02, OR-2.9(95%CI:1.2 – 6.7)] and proportion of patients with fecal calprotectin(FCP)<150μg/g[30.6% vs 6.5%, p=0.003, OR-6.3(95%CI:1.7 – 23.6)] were significantly higher in CW. The relative abundance of bacterial taxa which had a significant or trend towards negative correlation with SCCAI, UCEIS, or FCP, increased at 8weeks in CW, and this effect was independent of disease activity and dietary fiber. Adverse events were comparable and no patient developed hyperkalemia. ConclusionCoconut water was more effective than placebo for induction of clinical remission in patients with mild to moderate UC.The trial was prospectively registered on clinical trials registry India (No: CTRI/2019/03/01827)

Potassium and Sulfur Fertilizer Sources Influence Alfalfa Yield and Nutritive Value and Residual Soil Characteristics in an Arid, Moderately Low-Potassium Soil

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) requires a large amount of potassium (K) for maintaining forage yield and stand persistence. Therefore, soil inherently low in K levels must be supplemented with K fertilizers. Although several commercial K fertilizers are available on the market, choosing an appropriate K-supplementing source for a particular soil can be crucial in boosting alfalfa yield and nutritive value. A two-year study was conducted in an arid southern New Mexico location near Tularosa to evaluate the efficacy of three K commercial fertilizer sources in improving alfalfa yield and nutritive value in a moderately low potassium (84 ppm) soil. Nine K treatments or combinations and a no-K control were tested in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. Overall, supplementation of 160 kg ha−1 of K2O in all treatments resulted in a significant increase in alfalfa seasonal forage yield and nutritive value compared to the control. Sulfate of potash combined with ammonium sulfate (AS) produced greater seasonal yield compared to other fertilizers (muriate of potash and potassium nitrate) or combinations with gypsum (p &lt; 0.05). This treatment combination also showed greater crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, tissue Fe and S, and soil residual sulfate-S and nitrate-N. A positive correlation between sulfur abundance and nitrogen availability in alfalfa production was evident in the study. Addition of AS to all three K fertilizers yielded better seasonal forage yield than K fertilizers alone or K fertilizers in combination with gypsum. Adding gypsum to the K-fertilizers appeared to have negative effect on the seasonal forage yield. Future research should evaluate various combinations of the levels of K and S to determine the most reasonable balance.

Effect of various potassium sources on suru sugarcane ratoons under different irrigation regimes in inceptisols

Effect of various potassium sources on suru sugarcane ratoons under different irrigation regimes in inceptisols