Fertilizer Application Rates Research Articles

Yield, Quality, and Nitrogen Leaching of Open-Field Tomato in Response to Different Nitrogen Application Measures in Northwestern China.

The overuse of fertilizers in open-field tomato leads to soil deterioration through nutrient leaching and increases the risk of agricultural non-point source contamination. Currently, the combined effects of different fertilization methods on soil nitrogen leaching and tomato production are still unclear. Therefore, the most effective fertilization method for open-field tomato should be discovered by examining how different fertilization methods affected tomato yield and quality, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and soil nitrogen leaching. Compared with CK (no fertilization), fertilization significantly increased the yield, total sugar (TS), total soluble solids (TSS), and vitamin C (vC) contents of fruits (p < 0.05), and OPT (optimal fertilization, controlled release nitrogen application, 240 kg ha-1) had the largest effect on increasing yield, quality, and net profit. However, when the fertilizer application rate reached 375 kg ha-1, these indices decreased. Nitrogen leaching concentrations, leaching amount, and titratable acids (TAs) increased with increased nitrogen application rates. Compared with other treatments, OPT reduced the total leaching amounts of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) by 30.09-51.79%, 24.89-50.03%, and 30-65%, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that OPT achieved the highest overall score in terms of yield, quality, and nitrogen leaching conditions. The partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) further reveals that applications of high amounts of nitorigen have a positive effect on soil nitrogen leaching. The amount of nitrogen leaching vegetatively affects tomato yield and quality, while plant uptake of nitrogen positively affects tomato production. These findings confirm the importance of using controlled-release fertilizers and reducing nitrogen inputs to control nitrogen leaching and enhance open-field tomato yields.

Impact of varied rates of NPK fertilizer on the microbial diversity of Jatropha zeyheri tea leaves under greenhouse conditions

Fertilization of Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) is an effective strategy for improving tea yield and quality. Even though, NPK fertilization enhances tea yield and quality, addressing soil deficiencies to boost growth, but also impacts soil microbes, influencing nutrient cycling and yield. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of different NPK fertilizer application rates on microbial composition of J. zeyheri tea under greenhouse conditions. Six treatments constituting NPK fertilizer rates (2:3:2 ratio) @ 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 g were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with five replications. 130 days after initiating treatments, leaves were harvested and oven-dried for 72 h at a temperature of 60°C. After laboratory preparations, microorganisms on tea leaves were determined by the principle most probable number using the Tempo reader (BioMerieux, Rodolphe, Durham, United States) instrument. Treatments had a highly significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) on Bacillus cereus contributing 39% in total treatment variation (TTV), whereas increasing NPK fertilizer rates had significant effects (P ≤ 0.05) on Enterobacteriaceae contributing 58% in TTV. Increasing rates of NPK fertilizer did not influence total coliforms contained in J. zeyheri tea leaf tissues. Bacillus cereus and Enterobacteriaceae over increasing NPK fertilizer rates exhibited positive quadratic relations, with density dependent growth pattern. Fertilizer requirements for Bacillus cereus and Enterobacteriaceae under greenhouse conditions were optimized at 1.75 g fertilizer/plant. In conclusion, Bacillus cereus and Enterobacteriaceae were affected by increasing NPK fertilizer rates.

Influence of Organic Granular Fertilizer, Chemical and Granular Organic Fertilizer with Hormone Mixed Formula (Ho), and Chemical Fertilizer to the Yield and Starch Content of Cassava

Objective: The purpose of this study was to the influence of fertilizers and the use rate of fertilizer for soil improvement on the yields, and starch content of cassava. Method: The experiment design was in RCBD with 9 treatments, which were as follows; T1 (Control), T2 (ORG 50 kilograms/rai.), T3 (ORG 100 kilograms/rai.), T4 (HO-1 50 kilograms/rai.), T5 (HO-1 100 kilograms/rai.), T6 (HO-2 50 kilograms/rai.), T7 (HO-2 100 kilograms/rai.), T8 (CHEM 50 kilograms/rai.), and T9 (CHEM 100 kilograms/rai.) The experiment plots were located at Pasao, Muang District, Uttaradit Province, from June 2017 – June 2018. by using the DMRT method at 95% confidence. Results and Conclusions: The result showed that yield components, the use of HO-2 fertilizer 100 kilograms/rai. The formula of yield quality for cassava. It has the mean number of tubers per plant 17.00 tuber/ plant, number of root length 47.75 cm., and the cassava tuber circumference 25.25 cm. significantly different at 95%. While the components of average weight/tuber 0.67 kilograms/tuber and yield weight/tree 10.55 kilograms/plant were the highest among other treatments. But there was no statistical difference at 95%. However, when considering the highest average yield per rai, It was found that using HO-2 fertilizer 100 kg/rai gave a higher yield than other treatments (5,110 kilograms/rai). The rate of 100 kilograms/rai resulted in a higher percentage of cassava starch content than other methods (30.50%), which was statistically significantly different at 95%, better than using chemical fertilizers, organic granular fertilizers, and without fertilizers (Control). In terms of cost and profit, It was found that using 100 kg/rai of HO-2 fertilizer resulted in the highest profit from product sales per rai of 10,458 baht/rai, which was higher than using chemical fertilizers and organic granular fertilizer. Moreover, HO fertilizer was a choice to manage soil and fertilizer that affects the cassava product quality in Uttaradit Province. Research implications: The hormone mixed formula (HO) fertilizer 100 kilograms/rai had certain impact on the improvement on chemical properties and the soil physical appearance than not putting the fertilizer, that the HO-2 100 kilograms per rai was suitable for increasing the productivity and percentage of starch content of cassava. Originality/value: This study evaluates fertilizer types and application rates on cassava yield and starch content in Uttaradit Province, Thailand. Using a randomized complete block design, it provides insights into soil fertility and productivity improvement. The study also assesses profitability, offering practical insights for farmers.

Effect of Silicon based Fertilizer and Biochar from Crop Residues on Dry Matter Accumulation and Si Uptake by Rice Crop in Central Vietnam

Background: Silicon (Si) has been considered a beneficial element for many plants. Si-rich biochar (Sichars) from rice husk or peanut shell have been suggested to be a potential source of bioavailable Si for Si-accumulator plants. Our study aimed to assess the Si-fertilization efficiency from chemical fertilizer and rice husk and peanut shell biochars on rice dry matter and shoot Si uptake. Methods: Pot trials were conducted in two crop seasons in 2023 (from February to April - spring season and from May to July- summer season) in the close net house. Treatments included 1 treatment with pure soil (control), 4 treatments with Si and N–P–K fertilizers and 6 treatments with biochar amendments and N-P–K fertilizers. These pot experiments were designed in the randomized complete block (RCBD) with 4 replications. Result: Shoot dry matter increased from 35.6 to 66.7% compared with control in different rates of Si fertilizer application and was also found the highest values in RHB and PSB at 15 g/kg soil application. Different Si and biochar application rates had a significant effect (P less than 0.05) on Si uptake by rice shoot. Therefore, Si-rich biochar considers as potential material for providing available Si to maintain the required level of available Si in soil and plant for healthy and high crop production.

Optimizing the manure substitution rate based on phosphorus fertilizer to enhance soil phosphorus turnover and root uptake in pepper (Capsicum).

In contemporary agriculture, the substitution of manure for chemical fertilizer based on phosphorus (P) input in vegetable production has led to a significant reduction in P fertilizer application rates, while, the effect of manure substitution rates on soil P transformation and uptake by root remain unclear. This research conducts a pot experiment with varying manure substitution rates (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% and 100%) based on P nutrient content to elucidate the mechanisms through which manure substitution affects P uptake in pepper. The result showed that shoot and root biomass of pepper gradually increased as manure substitution rate from 10% to 40%, and then gradually decreased with further increases in the substitution rate. Soil alkaline phosphatase activity and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization gradually increased with manure substitution rates improvement. Specifically, when the substitution rate reached 30%-40%, the alkaline phosphatase activity increased by 24.5%-33.8% compared to the fertilizer treatment. In contrast, phytase activity and the relative expression of phosphate transporter protein genes in the root system was declined after peaking at 30% manure substitution. Additionally, soil available P remained moderate under 30%-40% substitution rate, which was reduced by 8.6%-10.2% compared to that in chemical fertilizer treatment, while microbial biomass P was comparable. In the current study, soil labile P similar to or even higher than that in chemical fertilizer treatment when the substitution rate was ≤40%. Correlation heatmaps demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between soil available P and factors related to labile P and moderately labile P. This finding suggested that substituting 30%-40% of chemical P with manure can effectively enhance root length, AM colonization, soil enzyme activity, soil labile P, and consequently improve P uptake in pepper. These findings provide valuable insights for future organic agricultural practices that prioritize P supply, aiming to standardize organic P management in farmland and achieve high crop yields and maintain soil health.

Potassium deficiency reduces grapevine transpiration through decreased leaf area and stomatal conductance

Plants require potassium (K) to support growth and regulate hydraulics. Yet, K's effects on transpiration are still speculated. We hypothesized that K deficiency would limit grapevine water uptake by limiting canopy size and stomatal conductance (gs). Hence, we constructed large (2 m3) lysimeters and recorded vine transpiration for three years (2020–2022) under three fertilization application rates (8, 20, or 58 mg K L−1 in irrigation).Maximal K availability supported transpiration up to 75 L day−1, whereas K-deficient vines transpired only 60 L day−1 in midsummer. Limited vine growth and canopy size mainly accounted for reduced transpiration under low K conditions. Hence, considering K demand in addition to supply, we compared K deficiency effects on vines bearing 20 or 50 fruit clusters and found that reduced gs further limited transpiration when yields were high. Although fruits were strong K sinks, high yields did not alter K uptake because lower vegetative growth countered the additional K demands.Potassium deficiency leads to lower transpiration and productivity. Yet, internal mineral allocation compensates for fruit K uptake and masks biochemical indices or physiological proxies for K deficiency. Thus, decision support tools should integrate mineral availability, seasonal growth, and yield projections to determine grapevine water demands.

The effects of pastoral hill country natural landscape features and land management practices on nitrate losses and its potential attenuation for improved water quality

AbstractPastoral farming on hill country landscapes influences nitrogen (N) dynamics and its losses to freshwater. This study reviewed the current literature identifying key effects of pastoral hill country landscape features and land management practices on nitrate losses to receiving waters. The review also highlighted the potential effects of inherent landscape features on nitrate attenuation pathways for better water quality outcomes. Intensive land use activities involving high rates of fertiliser application, higher stocking rates and cattle grazing, relative to sheep grazing, are more likely to increase nitrate loss, especially on lower slopes. However, soils with a high carbon (C) storage capacity such as allophanic soils potentially limit nitrate loss via denitrification in subsoil layers. Hill country seepage wetlands also offer an opportunity to attenuate nitrate loss, though their efficacy is largely impacted by hydrological variations in their inflows and outflows. By enhancing the natural nitrate attenuation capacity of seepage wetlands, mapping and strategic use of high subsoil denitrification potential, effective riparian management, efficient fertiliser and grazing practices and the incorporation of these farm management strategies into Freshwater Farm Plans (FWFPs), wider environmental and farm productivity/profitability goals, including improved water quality, would be achieved on pastoral hill country landscapes.

Groundwater Contamination with Nitrate and Human Health Risk Assessment of North East Alluvial Plains of Bihar, India

Groundwater is natural resources which supplies almost half of all drinking water in the world and plays a key role in food production. Consuming water containing high nitrate concentration have immediate effect on infant and could cause the risk of diseases Methemoglobinemia in which blood lacks the ability to carry sufficient oxygen to the individual body cells. As difference in nitrate concentration in water, made it important to study the undesirable effect of it. In rural areas, groundwater contamination is a problem related to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers by local farmers. Shallow groundwater plays a vital role in water use and the yield of Maize. Nitrogen application significantly affects crop uptake and utilization of water from irrigation, but little is known about groundwater use. Farmers are applying nitrogen on an average 278 kg/ha in Kharif maize, which is about 131.72% more than the RDN of Kharif maize i.e. 120 KgN/ha. The mean value of N application by farmers ranges from 251-323 kg/ha. The Maximum rate of N application was observed in Khagaria (323 kg N/ha) followed by Madhepura (275.08 kg N/ha) and minimum in case of Saharsa district (251.16 kg N/ha). The application rate of nitrogenous fertilizer, varying from 109.25% to 169.16% over the RDN, resulting in NO3- leaching. The groundwater and surfacewater from 12 villages was collected and various quality parameters were analysed. The nitrate in ground water varied (1.87- 6.19 mg/L) and surface water (1.87 – 3.84 mg/L) being maximum concentration of nitrate in Madhepura district. The present study on nitrate leaching in soil, its level of contamination in ground water and human health risk assessment by chronic daily intake of nitrate and Hazard Quotient (H.Q) values in the study area of Khagaria, Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul has been carried out in the eastern alluvial region of Bihar.

Cotton cultivar response to potassium fertilizer under irrigated and dryland conditions

AbstractCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars vary in their response to environmental factors. Recently, interest in cotton cultivars' response to varying potassium (K) fertilizer application rates and irrigation has increased. As such, the effect of cotton varieties (early and mid‐maturing), K fertilizer application rates, and irrigation on cotton growth, development, and yield were investigated in Starkville, MS, on two soil mapping units (SMUs): a Leeper silty clay loam (LSCL) and a Marietta fine sandy loam (MFSL). Cotton plant height was positively correlated with SMU, especially LSCL, reaching 60–110 cm on average, in both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Cotton lint yield, fiber quality, and leaf K concentration responded to K and irrigation, and these responses were SMU specific. Particularly, in LSCL, the early‐maturing cultivar, DP 1518 B2XF, responded to K application rate in a positive linear manner in terms of lint yield under both irrigated and rainfed conditions, whereas mid‐maturing DP 1646 B2XF did not. Moreover, lint yield in irrigated MFSL soil increased with K application rate, whereas no responses were observed in rainfed conditions. These data suggest that irrigation, SMU, and cultivar combination could have an impact on K response of cotton and should be considered when making fertility recommendations or decisions.

Effect of tillage, fertilizers and storage structures on quality shelf life of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) in south west Nigeria

This study examined the effect of tillage, fertilizers and storage structures on quality shelf life of white yam in South West Nigeria. The study was a factorial experiment consisting of Tillage, Fertilizers and Storage Structure. The tillage system involved Heap Tillage (HT) and Ridge Tillage (RT), while Fertilizers involved Poultry Manure (PM), N15P15K15 (NPK) and Control (CLT) and two types of Storage Structures namely; Traditional Barn (TB) and Open Sided Storage Structure (OSSS) were combined to form the treatments. The experiment was a 2x3x2 factorial combination arranged in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were replicated three times for each location respectively. A total of 72 ridges and 144 heaps were used to make a population of 288 plants per location. The tubers were weighed to ensure uniformity before planting. The plot size was 18mx18m square with a pathway of 1.0m between blocks making a total of 324 square metres. At harvest, the tubers were weighed immediately. They were then kept separately in the two storage structures namely: Traditional Barn (TB) and the Open Side Storage Structure (OSSS) for a period of 3 months. After the 3rd months of storage, the tubers were examined and data collected. The weight of each tuber from each storage structure was taken periodically to evaluate the weight loss and assess the keeping quality periodically. The findings of this study demonstrated the significant influence of tillage, fertilizers, and storage structures on the quality, shelf life, nutrient use efficiency, and nutrient composition of white yam. Excessive fertilizer application was found to increase rotting and deterioration levels. Hence, farmers and stakeholders should carefully consider fertilizer application rates to minimize post-harvest losses and enhance food security. Further investigations are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed effects and to optimize fertilizer management practices for yam storage. Organic fertilization enhances the nutrient use efficiency and nutritional quality of yam, while appropriate storage structures, play a crucial role in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the harvested tubers. Based on the result of the study, open sided storage should be considered by producers of yams for storing their harvested tubers due to the facts that, it performed well in minimizing nutrient lost, weight loss and decay to considerable level and prevented pests/rodents attack on yam tubers.

Response of maize yield and nitrogen recovery efficiency to nitrogen fertilizer application in field with various soil fertility.

Appropriate nitrogen (N) management system is essential for effective crop productivity and minimizing agricultural pollution. However, the underlying mechanistic understanding of how N fertilizer regulates crop yield via soil properties in soils with different fertilities remains unresolved. Here, we used a field experiment that spanned 3 cropping seasons to evaluate the grain yield (GY), aboveground biomass and N recovery efficiency (NRE) after treatment with five N fertilizer application rates (N0, N75, N112, N150, and N187) in soils with three levels of fertility. Our results indicated that the highest GY across low, moderate, and high fertility soils were 1.5t hm-2 (N150), 4.9t hm-2 (N187), and 5.4t hm-2 (N112), respectively. The highest aboveground biomass and NRE were observed at N150 for all three levels of soil fertility, while only the N uptake by aboveground biomass of low and high fertility soils decreased at N187, confirming that excessive N fertilization results in a further decline in crop N uptake. The relationship between GY, NRE and N fertilizer application rates fit the unary quadratic polynomial model. To achieve a balance between grain production and environmental benefits in N fertilizer, appropriate N fertilizer rates were determined to be 97.5kg hm-2, 140kg hm-2 and 131kg hm-2 for low, moderate and high fertility soils, respectively. Structural equation modeling suggested that GY was significant correlated with soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and N directly in low fertility field, with SMBC directly in moderate fertility field, and via SOC and NO3 -N in high fertility field. Therefore, a soil-based management strategy for N fertilizers could enhance food security while reducing agricultural N fertilizer inputs to mitigate environmental impacts.

New phosphorus losses via tile drainage depend on fertilizer form, placement, and timing.

Agricultural phosphorus (P) losses are harmful to water quality, but knowledge gaps about the importance of fertilizer management practices on new (recently applied) sources of P may limit P loss mitigation efforts. Weighted regression models applied to subsurface tile drainage water quality data enabled estimating the new P losses associated with 155 P applications in Ohio and Indiana, USA. Daily discharge and dissolved reactive P (DRP) and total P (TP) loads were used to detect increases in P loss following each application which was considered new P. The magnitude of new P losses was small relative to fertilizer application rates, averaging 79.3g DRP ha-1 and 96.1g TP ha-1 , or<3% of P applied. The eight largest new P losses surpassed 330g DRP ha-1 or 575g TP ha-1 . New P loss mitigation strategies should focus on broadcast liquid manure applications; on average, manure applications caused greater new P losses than inorganic fertilizers, and surface broadcast applications were associated with greater new P losses than injected or incorporated applications. Late fall applications risked having large new P losses applications. On an annual basis, new P contributed an average of 14% of DRP and 5% of TP losses from tile drains, which is much less than previous studies that included surface runoff, suggesting that tile drainage is relatively buffered with regard to new P losses. Therefore old (preexisting soil P) P sources dominated tile drain P losses, and P loss reduction efforts will need to address this source.

Changes in soil profile organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties as impacted by long‐term manure and inorganic fertilizer rates under a corn–soybean rotation system

AbstractUsing manure appropriately may enhance organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties while avoiding the negative impact on the environment. However, how manure impacts soils, especially at lower depths, is still not well studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of different manure and inorganic fertilizer application rates on soil profile organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties under corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.)–spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation at Beresford (established in 2003) and Brookings (established in 2008) sites in South Dakota. The treatments included low manure (LM), medium manure (MM), high manure (HM), medium fertilizer (MF), high fertilizer (HF), and control (CK). Four replicated intact soil cores were collected from all the treatments at 0‐ to 10‐cm, 10‐ to 20‐cm, 20‐ to 30‐cm, and 30‐ to 40‐cm depths. Considering treatments by depth interactions, the LM and MM decreased bulk density (ρb) by 6.9%–22.1%, as compared to the CK at 0–30 cm for either site. The HM decreased ρb by 16.4%–24.7%, as compared to the HF at 30–40 cm for either site. On observing treatment as the main effect, the MM and HM increased the soil water retention (SWR) at 0 and −5 kPa compared to MF, HF, and CK in Brookings, and the MM increased the SWR at −30 kPa as compared to the MF in Beresford at 0‐ to 40‐cm depths. The data suggest that continuous manure application may enhance organic carbon and hydro‐physical properties at lower depths. Therefore, this study concluded that long‐term manure application showed greater improvements when compared to long‐term application of inorganic fertilizer alone. It can improve hydro‐physical properties, thereby stabilizing the soil structure and improving water retention at lower depths.

Effect of pineapple waste biochar and compost application on the growth and yield of pineapple varieties in Ghana

IntroductionBiochar is one of the commonly used soil amendments for sustainable agriculture. The effect of biochar on crop yields depends on the quality of the biochar, which is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis conditions. Sole application of pineapple waste biochar and compost, and their combination has not been rigorously investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of pineapple waste biochar and compost applied solely or in combination on growth and yield of pineapple on a coastal savanna Acrisol in Ghana.MethodsThe split-plot design with three replications was used, with pineapple varieties as the main plot and fertilizer application rates as the sub-plots.Results and discussionThe results showed that sole application of biochar and compost or their combination as a soil amendment increased pineapple growth and yield as compared to the unamended soil. Biochar applied in combination with compost/or inorganic NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fertilizer significantly increased plant height and the number of leaves of pineapple plant, which resulted in improved fruits yield of the three (sugar loaf, MD2 and smooth cayenne) pineapple varieties at maturity over control, sole application of biochar, compost and inorganic NPK fertilizer. The Smooth cayenne variety outperformed MD2 and Sugar loaf variety.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results revealed that biochar applied solely or in addition to compost or inorganic NPK fertilizer has the capability to enhance soil quality and improve pineapple yield. Application of biochar in combination with compost/or inorganic NPK improves pineapple growth and yield.

Fertilizer use efficiency and economic viability in maize production in the Savannah and transitional zones of Ghana

Increasing fertilizer use is highly justified for sustainable agricultural intensification if yield response, fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), and economic viability of fertilizer application are high. Despite the increasing fertilizer application rates in Ghana, yields only marginally increased. Also, the recent fertilizer price hikes post COVID-19 revived concern for economic analysis of fertilizers. This study analyzed the FUE and economic viability of fertilizer use in maize production in Guinea/Sudan Savannah and Transitional/Deciduous zones of Ghana. Survey data from 2,673 farmers in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 production seasons were used. The average agronomic efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP), and value-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use were 2.2 kg of grains per kilogram of fertilizer, 18.3 kg grains per kilogram of fertilizer, and 1.8 Ghana cedis of marginal yield per Ghana cedi spent on fertilizer, respectively. Fertilizer use was economically viable for only 28.1% of farmers with a VCR of 2 or higher, while 52.5% reached the break-even point with a VCR of at least 1. Various fertilizer formulations, including NPK plus sulfur, and adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices, particularly improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and minimum tillage, improved maize yield response to fertilizer and thus the FUE. These low efficiency and economic viability of fertilizer use are prevailing conditions in other sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries and these do not guarantee sustainable food security and improved livelihood of the farmers in the region. Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), together with relevant stakeholders, should provide guidance on ISFM and intensify farmer education through farmer associations to increase the adoption of ISFM. The local government should work with other relevant stakeholders to improve the market conditions within the agriculture sector, for instance, by linking farmers to city markets for favorable output prices.

Effects of Phosphorus Fertilization on Growth, Yield and Economic Efficiency of Cotton (Gossypium hirustum L.) under Northeast climate of Afghanistan

A Cotton experiment was laid out at the agronomic research farm of agriculture faculty of Kunduz University in spring season of 2023 to investigate effects of phosphorus fertilization of growth and yield parameters of cotton crop (Gossypium hirustum L.) under Northeast climate of Afghanistan. The experiment conducted in Randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The treatment consists: control without phosphorus fertilizer application, application of 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5/ha. Result showed that the highest plant height (98.44 cm), Leave area index (2.78), Sympodial Branches/plant (12.88), Bolls/plant (27.66), cotton lint yield (1750 kg/ha), cotton seed yield (3979 kg/ha), cotton lint yield (182742 AFN/ha), cotton seed yield (77964 AFN/ha), gross return (260707 AFN/ha), net return (209867 AFN/ha) and benefit Cost of ratio (6) were recorded from treatment with 90 kg p2o5/ha following with application 60, 30 and Control treatments respectively. It can be possible to conclude that proper phosphorus fertilization is crucial for optimizing cotton production in this region. The study highlights the potential for improved cotton cultivation practices and increased economic returns for farmers in the Kunduz province of Afghanistan through the implementation of optimal P fertilizer application rates.

Effects of Soluble Organic Fertilizer Combined with Inorganic Fertilizer on Greenhouse Tomatoes with Different Irrigation Techniques

A reasonable fertilization rate and appropriate irrigation technology can lead to the green development of greenhouse tomatoes. The purpose of this study was to explore suitable irrigation technology for greenhouse tomatoes and the appropriate application rate of the soluble organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer combination. In 2021 and 2022, the effects of different irrigation techniques and fertilization treatments on tomato plant growth, fruit quality, yield, and efficiency were studied. The irrigation techniques in this study were drip and Moistube irrigation, and there were seven types of fertilization treatment, namely, no fertilization treatment (CK); low-volume (T1, 330 kg/hm2), medium-volume (T2, 660 kg/hm2), and high-volume inorganic fertilizer treatments (T3, 990 kg/hm2); and three inorganic fertilizer treatments of low-volume inorganic fertilizer (T1, 330 kg/hm2) combined with low-volume (F1, T1 + 75 kg/hm2), medium-volume (F2, T1 + 225 kg/hm2), and high-volume (F3, T1 + 375 kg/hm2) organic fertilizer. A total of 14 experimental treatments were implemented for irrigation and fertilization. The results of the two-year experiment show that the growth effect on the height, stem diameter, and leaf area index of tomato plants was the best using the treatment of low-concentration inorganic fertilizer combined with medium-concentration organic fertilizer with Moistube irrigation and drip irrigation. Using the two irrigation methods, the application of soluble organic fertilizer increased the yield and improved the fruit quality of the tomato. The maximum yield increased by 28.52%, the soluble sugar content increased by 14.49%, the vitamin C content increased by 45.04%, and the lycopene increased by 18.79%. The entropy-weight TOPSIS model was used to comprehensively evaluate 14 evaluation objects with different irrigation methods and fertilization treatments. The results of the two-year experiment show that the best fertilization treatment under Moistube irrigation and drip irrigation conditions was low-concentration inorganic fertilizer combined with medium-concentration soluble organic fertilizer, which was combined with the best fertilization treatment, and the most suitable irrigation method for greenhouse tomato cultivation in the Loess Plateau was Moistube irrigation. The results of this study also provide practical experience and theoretical support for adaptive irrigation and the integrated management of water and fertilizer.

Nanostructured materials in agriculture: The influence of bismuth ferrite and graphitic carbon nitride on maize growth performances in Samaru, Nigeria

This study explores the application of nanostructured materials, specifically metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), magnesium-doped bismuth ferrite (Bi0.7Mg0.3FeO3), and a heterojunction of g-C3N4 and bismuth ferrite (g-C3N4/BiFeO3), in influencing maize growth and performances in Samaru, Nigeria. The study involves the synthesis and characterization of these nanostructured materials, confirming their structural integrity and stability for photocatalytic applications. The greenhouse experiment employs a range of treatments, including a control (no fertilization), +P +K inorganic fertilizer, the recommended farmer's fertilizer rate (120:60:60), and varied levels of the synthesized nanostructured materials (1 g, 2 g and 3 g). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design, and maize (SAMMAZ 15) was used as test crop. Graphitic carbon nitride consistently exhibits the highest plant height, while the recommended rate and magnesium-doped bismuth ferrite exceled in stem girth. Root dry weight was significantly higher in the recommended rate and bismuth ferrite treatments, emphasizing their positive influence on root development. Similar trends were observed in shoot dry weight, with the recommended rate outperforming other treatments. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of treatment levels, identifying level 2 (2 g) as optimal for improved maize performance, aligning with the recommended rate of traditional fertilizer application. While nanostructured materials showed promising performances compared to the control, their impact on growth is comparable to conventional fertilizers. This research provides valuable insights into the potential of nanostructured materials in promoting maize growth, emphasizing the need for further exploration of their mechanisms and optimal application levels in agricultural practices.

Growth and Yield of Shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum Group) with Application of Amino Acid Biostimulant Dosages

Intensive shallot cultivation needs high application rates of inorganic fertilizers that can cause environmental problems. Therefore, it is essential to lessen the rate of inorganic fertilizers by environmentally friendlier approaches, such as the application of biostimulants like amino acids. The present study determined the most effective dosage and application method of amino acid biostimulant to increase shallot yield and growth while using only half the amount of inorganic fertilizers. The research was arranged in a randomized complete block design with two factors and four blocks as replications. The first factor was the dose of amino acids biostimulant (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 L/ha), and the second factor was the application method (through leaves and soil). Data were observed on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), boron (B), indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin, zeatin, kinetin, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), chlorophyll as well as the growth and yield of shallot. The results showed that the application of amino acids biostimulants increased IAA, gibberellin, and kinetin content in both application methods. Amino acids biostimulants increased N, P, K, B, Mn, and chlorophyll. Amino acids biostimulant 1 L/ha was the best dosage to increase leaf diameter, leaf dry weight, total dry weight, number of bulbs (5.63 per plant; 44%), and productivity (16.46 tons/ha; 33.77%). The application through the leaves improved NRA, leaf area, and crop growth rate. It was indicated that amino acid biostimulant through leaves provides a useful instrument for plant growth, allowing the reduction of inorganic fertilizer without compromising crop yields.

Evaluating responses by ChatGPT to farmers’ questions on irrigated lowland rice cultivation in Nigeria

The limited number of agricultural extension agents (EAs) in sub-Saharan Africa limits farmers’ access to extension services. Artificial intelligence (AI) assistants could potentially aid in providing answers to farmers’ questions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of an AI chatbot assistant (ChatGPT) to provide quality responses to farmers’ questions. We compiled a list of 32 questions related to irrigated rice cultivation from farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Six EAs from the state were randomly selected to answer these questions. Their answers, along with those of ChatGPT, were assessed by four evaluators in terms of quality and local relevancy. Overall, chatbot responses were rated significantly higher quality than EAs’ responses. Chatbot responses received the best score nearly six times as often as the EAs’ (40% vs. 7%). The evaluators preferred chatbot responses to EAs in 78% of cases. The topics for which the chatbot responses received poorer scores than those by EAs included planting time, seed rate, and fertilizer application rate and timing. In conclusion, while the chatbot could offer an alternative source for providing agricultural advisory services to farmers, incorporating site-specific input rate-and-timing agronomic practices into AI assistants is critical for their direct use by farmers.