Recommended Mineral Fertilizer Research Articles

Replacing Part of the Mineral Fertilizer by using Organic and Biological Fertilizers in the Sunflower

A field experiment was conducted in one of the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad - Jadriya during the spring season of 2022, with the aim of assessing the possibility of replacing chemical fertilizers with organic and biological fertilizers as an alternative for a portion of the chemical fertilizers and their impact on the yield and quality of sunflower seeds. Randomized Complete Bock Design (RCBD) with three replications was used, using split plot arrangement. The main plots included four fertilizer treatments: (100% mineral fertilizers (recommended), 50% recommended mineral fertilizers + organic fertilizer represented by Trichoderma harzianum fungus and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria, 50% recommended mineral fertilizers + organic fertilizer represented by Trichoderma harzianum fungus and Azotobacter chroccocum bacteria, and 50% recommended mineral fertilizers + organic fertilizer represented by Orgevit poultry waste supplemented with macro and micronutrients). The sub-plots included three cultivars (Ishaqi1, Flami, and Lilo). The results showed that the Ishaqi1 cultivar outperformed and gave the highest fertility percentage (75.22%) and number of seeds per head (757.78 seeds head -1), and weight of 300 seeds (15.80 grams) and a total seed yield (2.942 tons ha-1), and an oil content percentage of 41.00%. On the other hand, the Flami cultivar excelled in the percentage of filling (47.115%). The fertilizer treatment of 50% recommended mineral fertilizers + organic fertilizer represented by (Trichoderma harzianum fungus and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria) showed superiority in fertility percentage (79.69%), number of seeds per head (771.20 seeds head -1), filling percentage (47.397%), total seed yield (3.041 tons ha-1), and oil content percentage (42.17%).

Domestic Effluent Treated for the Cultivation of Anthurium (Anthurium Andraeanum Lind.)

Purpose: The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth and production of anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.) irrigated with dilutions of treated domestic effluent (EDT), aiming to reduce the use of water and recycle the nutrients present in the effluent. Theoretical framework: Faced with the scarcity and irregularity of rainfall in the Recôncavo da Bahia, it emphasizes the need and urgency in the search for alternative sources of water for irrigation, such as wastewater, with the potential to supply the water and nutritional demands of plants, especially those with less restriction, like ornamentals. Method/design/approach: The experimental design was completely randomized, using five dilutions of EDT (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) in drinking water, with four replications. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers and shoot dry mass were evaluated. Results and conclusion: Plants irrigated with EDT dilutions and fertilized with 50% of the recommended nitrogen and potassium showed growth and production similar to plants irrigated with water supply and fertilized with 100% of the recommended mineral fertilizer, which allows recommending the use of EDT for irrigation of anthurium with 50% reduction of mineral fertilization. Research implications: The results obtained reinforce the importance of taking advantage of the nutrient content present in the effluent, with the possibility of partially replacing mineral fertilizers, favoring savings in quality water and mineral fertilizers. Originality/value: Savings of good quality water and mineral fertilizers, in addition to providing a safe destination for the effluent.

MAIZE SEED INOCULATION WITH BIOAGENT AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD TRAITS

The presented study sought to use the plant growth-promoting microorganism (PGPM) as a biofertilizer in maize (Zea mays L.) seeds and determine its effects on the growth and productivity of maize, with two levels of mineral fertilizer (25% and 50% of chemical fertilizer) under Iraqi conditions. Laboratory studies confirmed no antagonism between Azotobacter chroococcum and other microorganisms used in this study. Field experiments carried out during crop season 2021 were in two different regions, Mosul (36°20′6″N, 43°7′8″E) and Kirkuk (35°28′5.02″N, 44°23′31.99″E) in the north of Iraq. The result showed biofertilizer superiority when combined with 25% and 50% doses of the recommended mineral fertilizer for maize growth and yield traits in the experiments in both locations. In Kirkuk city, the biofertilizer combined with 25% chemical fertilizer recorded superiority without significant difference from the biofertilizer combined with 50% mineral fertilizer. However, in Mosul city, the biofertilizer combined with 50% chemical fertilizer expressed a more superior and significant difference than other treatments for growth and yield traits in maize. The difference between the two regions might be due to chemical fertilizer residues in the soil.

Impact of different organic fertilizers on soil available nutrient contents, potato yield, tuber nitrate contents

In this study, field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different organic fertilizer and mineral fertilizer on mineral and different organic fertilizer treatments effect on available N, P, K contents, the yield of potato (Solanum tubevosum L.), cultivar Astana, nitrate contents of tuber under dark chestnut soil conditions in southeast of Kazakhstan during the spring and summer of 2022. The experiment was carried out in the field and laid out as complete randomized block design with four replicates. Thirteen treatments that are, control without fertilizer treatment, mineral fertilizer with recommended dose (N150P90K120) and eleven different organic fertilizers treatment were used. The results showed that available nutrient (N, P and K) contents of the post-harvest soil were affected by mineral and different organic fertilizers compared to the control. And, the available N, P and K contents in the soils taken from the biohumus (10 t ha-1) and cattle manure (40 t ha-1) treated plots were found to be higher than all of the other treatments and control. Similarly, plots treated recommended mineral fertilizer and different organic fertilizers had a significantly higher yield of potato tuber compared with control. When all applications were compared with each other, it was determined that the treatments that increased the potato yield the highest was the treatment of Biohumus (10 t ha-1) + BioZZ (5 L ha-1, 3 times). The highest nitrate content of tubers was obtained in mineral fertilizer with recommended dose (N150P90K120). Hence, these results suggest that organic production of potato (Biohumus, 10 t ha-1 + BioZZ 5 L ha-1, 3 times) could be an alternative to conventional production in Kazakhstan without reduction in yield, and with low nitrate content of tuber and high available nutrient contents in soil.

Role of Gypsum in Conserving Soil Moisture Macronutrients Uptake and Improving Wheat Yield in the Rainfed Area

Agricultural rainfed areas of Pakistan have been facing several issues in recent years, e.g., soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and soil dependency on rainfall for crop growth. Wheat is considered a major staple crop in Pakistan. The main concern in these regions is to conserve soil moisture as the crop depends on the moisture obtained by rainfall. Gypsum is considered one of the best moisture conservers, especially for rainfed areas. Hence, this study was initiated (1) to explore the effects of gypsum on soil moisture conservation and (2) to reveal the effects of gypsum on soil macronutrients, sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake, and, eventually, wheat yield. The study was conducted from July 2014 to April 2015 in the rainfed Pothohar region of Pakistan. The recommended mineral fertilizers (N120P80K60) along with the following gypsum treatments: T1 = gypsum @ 0 Mg ha−1 (0 kg plot−1), T2 = gypsum @ 1 Mg ha−1 (0.6 kg plot−1), T3 = gypsum @ 3 Mg ha−1 (1.8 kg plot−1), and T4 = gypsum @ 4 Mg ha−1 (2.4 kg plot−1) were applied. The Chakwal-50 wheat variety was sown, followed by gypsum application. The maximum moisture was recorded under the soil of treatment T4 each month. The soil moisture was conserved up to 21% (surface) and 23% (sub-surface) in January and February 2015, respectively, with a 4 Mg ha−1 gypsum application. The highest nitrogen (N, 448.68 kg ha−1), phosphorus (P, 50.6 kg ha−1), potassium (K, 185.7 Kg ha−1), sulfur (S, 9.75 kg ha−1), and calcium (Ca, 35.5 kg ha−1) uptake values were observed in treatment with a 3 Mg ha−1 gypsum application (p < 0.05). The mean values of the grain yield ranged between 1903.4 (T1) and 2387.2 (T4) kg ha−1. Compared with the yield under T1, the grain yields under treatment T2, T3, and T4 were increased by 11%, 24%, and 25%, respectively. The straw yield ranged between 2446 and 2767 kg ha−1. There was no noticeable impact of gypsum application rates on the straw yield of the wheat crop (p > 0.05). Overall, treatment T3 was found to be optimal for conserving soil moisture, a better nutrient uptake, and, ultimately, the wheat crop yield with less input cost.

Emissions of Greenhouse Gases and Ammonia From a Wheat Site Under Intensive Management Affected by Different Fertilization Practices

Highlights The recommended mineral fertilizers plus organic fertilizer treatments increased the soil total carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN) levels. The application of organic fertilizer markedly reduced the loss of NH3-N compared to the application of mineral nitrogen alone. CO2 and N2O emissions from the application of organic fertilizer were higher than those from the application of mineral nitrogen under long-term fertilization. Abstract. Greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emissions from wheat fields have been a serious challenge to agriculture and the environment. The integration of the use of inorganic N fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and crop residues and their environmental effects is needed under conventional tillage. In situ field experiments were established to evaluate the impact of different fertilization practices on soil greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from a winter wheat field. A fertilizer experiment was performed from 24th October 2019 to 11th June 2020 in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) field in China with six fertilization treatments: (1) unfertilized control (UC); (2) recommended mineral fertilizer application of 200 kg ha-1 N (RF); (3) RF plus 15 t ha-1 of organic fertilizer (RFLO); (4) RF plus 30 t ha-1 of organic fertilizer (RFMO); (5) RF plus 45 t ha-1 of organic fertilizer (RFHO); and (6) traditional mineral fertilizer application of 300 kg ha-1 N (TF). The results showed that the RF plus organic fertilizer treatments increased the soil organic total carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN) levels. Under long-term fertilization, the CO2 emissions from the RFLO, RFMO, and RFHO treatments were 18.3, 19.9, and 20.0 t ha-1, respectively, compared with those from the RF and TF treatments (13.2 and 16.0 t ha-1, respectively). In addition, the N2O emissions from the organic-inorganic fertilizer treatment were 7.6 kg ha-1 for the RFLO treatment, 12.4 kg ha-1 for the RFMO treatment, and 8.1 kg ha-1 for the RFHO treatment, which were higher than those from the RF and TF treatments (3.1 and 5.6 kg ha-1, respectively). The NH3 emissions from the RFLO, RFMO, and RFHO treatments (17.3, 26.2, and 22.4 kg ha-1, respectively) were lower than those from the RF (31.2 kg ha-1) and TF (49.7 kg ha-1) treatments under long-term fertilization. The methane emission potential of organic-inorganic fertilizer applications was 27.0% to 98.5% higher than a single application of inorganic fertilizer. Keywords: Ammonia, Carbon dioxide, Fertilization management, Nitrous oxide, Organic fertilizers, Winter wheat.

Potential of Biochar-Based Organic Fertilizers on Increasing Soil Fertility, Available Nutrients, and Okra Productivity in Slightly Acidic Sandy Loam Soil

Reducing chemical fertilizers is critical for maintaining soil health and minimizing environmental damage. Biochar-based organic fertilizers reduce fertilizer inputs, improve soil fertility, increase crop productivity, and reduce environmental risks. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to assess the potential of biochar-based organic and inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility and Okra yield. Seven treatments with three replicates were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Three treatments included biochar-blended formulations (i) biochar mixed with mineral NPK fertilizer (BF), (ii) biochar mixed with vermicompost (BV), and (iii) biochar mixed with goat manure (BM); two treatments included biochar enrichment formulations (iv) biochar enriched with cow urine (BCU) and (v) biochar enriched with mineral NPK fertilizer in aqueous solution (BFW), and the remaining two included control treatments; (vi) control (CK: no biochar and no fertilizers) and (vii) fertilized control (F: only recommended NPK fertilizer and no biochar). Mineral NPK fertilizers in BF, BFW, and F were applied at the recommended rate as urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP). Organic fertilizers in BV, BM, and BCU treatments were applied in equal quantities. All biochar-amended treatments showed improved soil chemical properties with higher pH, organic carbon, total N, and available P and K compared to the two non-biochar control plots (CK and F). Biochar blended with goat manure (BM) showed the highest effect on soil fertility and fruit yield. BM (51.8 t ha−1) increased fruit yield by 89% over CK (27.4 t ha−1) and by 88% over F (27 t ha−1). Similarly, cow urine-enriched biochar (BCU) (35 t ha−1) increased fruit yield by 29% and 28% compared to CK and F, respectively. Soil pH, OC, and nutrient availability (total N, available P, and available K) showed a significantly positive relationship with fruit yield. The study suggests that using biochar-based organic fertilizers, such as BCU and BM, could outperform recommended mineral fertilizers (F) and produce higher yields and healthy soils, thereby contributing to mitigating the current food security and environmental concerns of the country.

Influence of Mineral Fertilizer and Manure Application on the Yield and Quality of Maize in Relation to Intercropping in the Southeast Republic of Kazakhstan.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a valuable forage crop. It is also an essential and promising crop for the Republic of Kazakhstan, cultivated in the southern zone. Some new maize hybrids have been introduced, which have been beneficial for high yields with less fertilizer input. This study aims to introduce the new maize hybrid, Arman 689, for the judicial use of fertilizer and the high yield. This study was carried out in 2015 in the southeast region of Kazakhstan. There are five treatments with various mineral fertilizer and poultry manure doses: 1. control (T0), 2. P60 K100 (T1), 3. N100P60K100 (T2). 4. N100P60K100 + 40 tons of manure/ha (T3), and 5. N100P60K100 + 60 ton of manure/ha (T4). The fertilizers used were ammonium nitrate (N—34.6%), amorphous (N—11.0%, P2O5—46.0%), and potassium chloride KCl (K2O—56%). The results showed that the grain yield ranges from 5.51 t/ha (T0) to 8.49 (T4) t/ha. The protein contents in the maize grain varied from 9%(T0)–11.3%(T4). The grain nitrogen content accounted for 54.2 to 52.0%. The nutrient uptake results by different treatments indicated that nitrogen contributed to 41.5% of the total yield increase. Using manure in combination with mineral fertilizers reduced the payback of the applied resources, as the payback of T2–T4 was 8.8–9.1 kg of grain. With the application of recommended mineral fertilizer (NPK), the protein yield was 0.83 t/ha, 0.33, and 1.22 t/ha higher than T0 and T1 treatments, respectively. There was no significant yield difference under T3 and T4 treatments (p > 0.05). Overall, the treatment, NPK + 40 tons of manure, was proved the ultimate for the Arman hybrid in providing the optimum quantity and quality of maize, as well as reducing the payback cost (8.8–9.1 kg of grain). It is suggested to apply NPK-recommended doses along with manure in maize (Arman hybrid)-based intercropping systems to utilize the resources efficiently.

Effect of Mineral Fertilization and Plant Extracts on Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was carried out at Al-Hartiha Research Station of the college of agriculture, university of Basrah, during the winter season 2021-2022 to studying the effect of three levels of mineral fertilization NPK(0, Mineral fertilizer as recommended, 50% of recommended mineral fertilizer), and concentration extracts of licorice and m oringa leaf (0, spraying 50% of licorice extract, spraying 100% of licorice extract, spraying 50% of moringa leaves extract, spraying 100% of moringa leaves extract), on some growth characteristics of wheat. The experiment was applied according to the factorial method, using a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three replications. The results showed that the fertilizer recommendation 100% achieved the highest values of chlorophyll content of the flag leaf, the number of days to 50% flowering, plant height, flag leaf area, and the number of days to maturity (172.70 mg m-2, 102.33 day, 91.87cm, 26.67cm2 and 42.45 day), spraying with100% Licorice extract gave the highest content of chlorophyll, plant height, flag leaf area, and the number of days to 50% flowering and maturity (178.57 mg m-2, 90.22 cm, 26.33 cm and 42.78 day respectively). The interaction was significant in all characteristics, as the fertilizer recommendation spraying with 100% licorice extract achieved the highest chlorophyll content and flag leaf area, and it did not differ from the combination of 50% of the fertilizer recommendation and the concentration of 100% licorice extract in the chlorophyll content the area of the flag leaf and the number of days of to maturity.

STUDIES ON INTERCROPPING SNAP BEAN WITH PEPPER IN EARLY FALL SEASON AND INFLUENCE OF THAT ON GROWTH, YIELD AND VALUES OF LAND EQUIVALENT RATIO

Different intercropping systems between sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annum cv. California wonder) as a main crop with snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Valantino) as intercrop were examined under two rates from mineral fertilization. The field experiments were executed during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018. The results showed that the plants of sweet pepper which fertilized by added100% of the recommended mineral fertilization of sweet pepper +50% of the recommended mineral fertilization of snap bean and planting snap bean on the other side of sweet pepper gave augmentvalues with significant increase on most vegetative growth parameters, yield and its quality in both growing seasons in addition the maximum increase in net return, benefit cost ratio and land equivalent ratio (LER).. Meanwhile total green pods yield for snap bean per feddan significant increase when snap bean was planted on the other side of sweet pepper plants and between them under same fertilizer rate in both seasons.

Influence of Organic Fertilization on Agro-morphological Traits and Mineral Nutrient Content in Bean Grains

Plant residues such as animal feed weeds and bean straws are excellent sources of raw material for the production of organic fertilizers. In view of this, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization on the agromorphological and nutritional aspects in bean grains. The experiment was implemented in the field, in a randomized block design, with three replications, in a split plot scheme, with two types of organic compound (elephant grass enriched with cattle manure) and (bean straw enriched with cattle manure) applied in six increasing doses (0.0, 33.32, 66.65, 100.00, 133.32 and 166.65%) control treatment (recommended mineral fertilization). It was possible to identify interaction between the type of compound and the doses applied only to PL. With a yield of 2.8 t ha-1, mineral fertilization did not differ from treatment with 0.0% organic fertilizer. The dose of 166.65% organic fertilizer increased grain yield reaching 3.8 t ha-1 compared to 2.4 t ha-1 obtained in the treatment with 0.0%. In addition, this treatment increased the K content in the grains. On the other hand, the application of 133.32% of organic fertilizer can be indicated for the increase in mg content in the grains.

USE OF HUMIC SUBSTANCES AND MICROORGANISMS IN JAPANESE CUCUMBER PRODUCTION

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a crop of great economic and social importance within the vegetable agribusiness in Brazil, being consumed in all Brazilian regions. The use of microorganisms or substances that can positively influence the improvement of one or more plant characteristics is already a necessity in agriculture. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the vegetative development and production of the Japanese cucumber crop using products based on humic substances and nutrient-providing microorganisms. The use of 100, 50 and 0% of the recommended mineral fertilizer for the culture was tested, as well as a set of three products composed of microorganisms and a product based on Humic Substances, with two levels of fertilizer each (50% of the recommended mineral fertilizer and without mineral fertilizer). The use of products associated with 50% of the recommended mineral fertilization provided the achievement of production levels equal to or greater than those found when using 100% of the fertilization. For the variables of vegetative development, equal results were found for the treatments with the use of products associated with 50% of the fertilization and the treatment with 100% of the chemical fertilization recommended for the culture.

Effect Irrigation Quality and Mineral Fertilization on Barley Productivity (Variety 244) and Some Nutrients Availability

An experiment was conducted in fields of Agricultural Research office/Al-Dibuni Research Station in Clay Loam soil, to study the coexistence with irrigation salinity using different water qualities with a recommended mineral fertilizer by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, and evaluate the role of this fertilizer in maintaining the nutritional balance in soil and barley productivity. A Factorial Experiment Design was used According to RCBD design. The results showed that mineral fertilization of 100% fertilizer recommendation was significantly superior in all measured characteristics (nitrogen and phosphorus availability in soil, EC, plant height, leaf area, number of branches, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index) which gave (46.31, 27.29 mg kg−1, 5.59 dSm−1, 67.44 cm, 20.41 cm2plant−1, 7.66 branch plant−1, 44.08g, 3.16, 11.19 Mg ha−1, and 28.24%, respectively) compared with control treatment. The addition of irrigation different types affected on the measured characteristics, as the S1 treatment gave a significant values in each of (nitrogen and phosphorus availability in soil, EC, leaf area, number of branches, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index) which gave (40.27, 23.39 mg kg−1, 5.10 dSm−1, 16.97 cm2plant−1, 6.91 branch plant−1, 40.31 g, 3.02, 10.13 Mgha−1, and 29.98%) compared with S2 treatment. The results showed the double interaction F4S3 treatment had a significant effect in all the measured characteristics(nitrogen and phosphorus availability in soil, leaf area, number of branches, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index) which gave (48.61 and 28.97mg kg−1 and 20. 92 cm2plant−1, 8.06 branch plant−1, 45.75g, 3.22, 11.47 Mgha−1, and 28.07%, respectively) compared with F1S2 treatment, noting F4S3 treatment did not significantly of F4S1 treatment.

EVALUATION EFFECT OF APPLICATION METHODS OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF HUMIC SUBSTANCES ON POTATOES PLANT GROWTH, PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY IN NEWLY RECLAIMED SANDY SOIL UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MINERAL FERTILIZERS

The present work was conducted to: evaluate the effect of application methods of CT, HA and FA individually or in combination without and with recommended mineral fertilizers doses (RMFD) (50 and 100%), on potato growth and their yields. To achieve these objectives, a field experiment during winter seasons of 2019 was conducted at El Nagah Village, El-Tahrir Region, El Beheira Governorate, Egypt (Latitude 30o.40´N- Longitude 30o.33´E) (represented newly reclaimed sandy soil). The layout of the experiment was a split- plot design, with the main plots arranged in a randomized complete blocks design with three replicates. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L) plants cultivar Spunta, as a tuber crop. Three application methods of the used organic amendments were applying. These methods were: soil application (through drip irrigation Drip), foliar spray Spray and the alternative between them Spray/Drip. The application methods of Spray/Drip was carried out by applying half amount of each organic amendments applying as soil application and the other 50% was applied as foliar spray). This study including the treatments of control (without any applications of organic amendments treatment). The used CT was added at a rate of 200 L fed-1. FA and HA were added at a rate of 6 and 10 Kg fed-1. respectively. The used mineral fertilizers (NPK) were applied at two rates (50 and 100% of recommended dose for the potato plants. After 40 and 65 days from sowing, dry matter yields (DMY) of the growing plants (shoots) and at harvesting, tuber yield per fed. feddan=4200 m2), as well as quality traits their elemental composition, mainly contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium were determined. The obtained results indicated that, DMY (shoots and tuber) of potato plants received the combined application of CT+ HA+ FA were the highest values under all application methods compared to their individual application, under both levels of mineral fertilization, at 40 and 65 days after sowing for shoots as well as at harvesting for tubers. The maximum values of N, P and K contents of potato shoot at 40 and 65 days after sowing and in tubers were obtained from double application (Spraying/Drip (method treatments of the in-combination treatments of organic amendments under both levels of recommended mineral fertilization. Accordingly, the duple application Spray/Drip methods of organic amendments, considered a more beneficial application methods in the cultivation of potato plants (Spunta cultivar) in newly reclaimed sandy soils due to it resulted in a high tuber yield, quality and reducing the environmental pollution as a result from reducing the additions of the mineral fertilizer with the in combination organic amendments.

The Thesis Entitled: EVALUATION OF APPLICATION METHODS OF COMPOST TEA AND FULVIC AND HUMIC ACIDS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON PLANT GROWTH

The present work was conducted to: a) Evaluate the effect of application methods of (CT), (HA) and (FA) individually or in combination on potato growth and their yields. b) Evaluate the effect of compost tea (CT), or humic (HA) or fulvic (FA) acids individually or in combination with 50 or 100% of recommended mineral fertilizers on potato growth. To achieve the abovementioned objectives of this study, a field experiment (winter seasons of 2019) was conducted at El Nagah Village-Tahrir regions, Beheira Governorate, Egypt (Latitude 30o.40´N- Longitude 30o.33´E) (sandy soils represented newly reclaimed soil). The layout of the experiment was a split- plot design, with the main plots arranged in a randomized complete blocks design, with three replicates. Two different major crops were employed as test plants i.e., potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), where the tested measurements may listed as follows: I)- For potato plants, fresh and dry weights of the growing plants (shoots), tuber yield per fed. feddan=4200 m2) as well as quality traits of the tuber and their elemental composition were determined identically as done for common bean plants grown in sandy soils. II) For common bean plants, nodulation, fresh and dry weights of the growing plants (shoots and grains), grain and straw yields per fed, as well as quality traits of the seed and their elemental composition, mainly contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and zinc of common bean plants grown in sandy soils were determined.. After 40 and 65 days from sowing, dry matter yields (DMY) of the growing plants (shoots), tuber yield per fed. feddan=4200 m2), as well as quality traits their elemental composition, mainly contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium were determined. Three application methods of the used organic amendments were applying, these methods were: soil application (through drip irrigation Drip), foliar spray Spray and the alternative between them Spray/Drip. The last application methods Spray/Drip, half amount of each organic amendments were applying as soil application and the other 50% were applied as foliar spray). Control (without any applications of organic fertilizers) and three organic amendments i.e. CT, FA and HA were used in this study. The CT was prepared in the laboratory, then added at a rate of 200 L fed-1. Fulvic acid (FA) and HA were added at a rate of 6 and 10 Kg fed-1. respectively. The used mineral fertilizers (NPK) were applied at two rates (50 and 100% of recommended dose for the potato plants. The obtained results indicated that, the duple application Spray/Drip methods of organic amendments, considered as a more beneficial treatment in the cultivation of potato plants (Spunta cultivar) at newly reclaimed sandy soils due to it resulted in a high yield, quality and reducing the environmental pollution as a result from reducing the additions of the mineral fertilizer with the in combination organic amendments.

Organic Amendment and Mulching Enhanced the Growth and Fruit Quality of Squash Plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) Grown on Silty Loam Soils

Adoption of suitable organic fertilizers and soil mulching are useful tools to enhance soil quality, which will inevitably lead to improved growth and yield of crops. Little is known about the soil organic amendments and Azolla (Azolla pinnata) under soil organic mulching on the growth and yield of squash plant (Cucurbita pepo L.). A comparative study mainly focused on the impacts of organic fertilizer treatments on soil fertility and squash growth under wheat straw mulch was conducted on wooden boxes filled with silty loam soil. Wheat straw, as an organic mulch, and five organic-fertilization treatments were added to the soil. Wheat straw with a size of <2 cm was added to the soil surface with a 2 cm thickness. The fertilization treatments were: control (CO), chemical fertilizer (CF), compost (CT), vermicompost (VC), and dry Azolla (DA). Wheat straw mulch had positive effects on the soil properties, growth, and yield. The maximum fruit yield was obtained from the soil fertilized with DA under wheat straw mulch, while the lowest one was found in the control without mulching. Azolla and organic fertilizers showed a remarkable superiority over the mineral fertilization in increasing the soil fertility as well as the growth and quality of squash fruits; this superiority increased under the wheat straw mulching system. The application of recommended mineral fertilization (CF), compost (CT), vermicompost (VC), and dry Azolla (DA) under wheat straw mulch increased the soil available-N by 2, 20, 12, and 29%, respectively, above the control (CO), while these organic fertilizers without mulching increased the soil available-N by 11, 32, 26, and 48%, respectively. The production of vegetable crops such as squash plants requires the addition of organic fertilizers and mulching to increase yield and quality of fruits.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Adaptation Practices for Maize Production in Eastern Ethiopia

Climate change and variability is affecting maize (Zea mays L.) production in eastern Ethiopia but how farmers perceive the challenge and respond to it is not well documented. A study was conducted to analyze smallholder maize farmers’ perception of climate change/variability and identify their adaptation approaches and barriers for adaptation in the eastern highlands of Ethiopia. Meteorological data were assessed to provide evidence of the perceived change. A survey was conducted in six major maize-producing kebeles with a total of 364 respondents. A multi-stage sampling method was employed for selecting the sample units for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit model. The results indicated that 78% of the sampled smallholder maize farmers perceived increasing temperatures while 83% perceived decreasing amounts of rainfall. About 75% of the farmers indicated that they became aware of climate change and variability from their own experience and perceived deforestation as the main cause. The farmers perceived that drought, diseases and pests, dwindling soil fertility, and declining crop yields were the major impacts of climate change that affected maize production. The farmers’ major adaptation practices include adjusting planting dates, using improved maize varieties, intercropping, recommended mineral fertilizers, supplementary irrigation, and soil and water conservation measures. Econometric analysis revealed that low educational level, shortage of land, large family sizes, age, lack of access to irrigation water, lack of access to credit, and lack of access to extension services were the most important barriers to climate change adaptation in the area. It is concluded that farmers cultivating maize in the study area have perceived climate change and use certain adaptation strategies to counter its negative impacts on maize production. This implies that policies should be geared towards strengthening farmers’ efforts to adapt to climate change and alleviate the existing barriers in promoting adaptation strategies for enhancing the productivity of maize.

Ефективність вирощування жита озимого на осушуваних ґрунтах Полісся в умовах змін клімату

Goal. To study the formation of productivity and quality of winter rye grain at different levels of organo-mineral nutrition. Methods. Field — for stationary experiment, laboratory — to determine the quality of soil and grain by conventional techniques, processing of experimental data by using a computer program Microsoft Office Excel. Results. Observations of 2016-2020 on the dynamics of moisture reserves in sod-podzolic drained soil showed that during the formation and filling of grain stocks of productive moisture in the layer 0-100 cm decreased to a critical level of 60-80 mm. In the conditions of low soil moisture supply under the biological fertilizer system (by-products of winter rape) 2.69 t/ha of grain were obtained (11.6% increase to absolute control). Against the background of by-products, the application for zone rate of the recommended mineral fertilizers N60P60K60 grain yield increased to 3.61 t/ha. The highest grain productivity was observed with the use of an increased (intensive) rate of mineral fertilizers N90P90K90 with a separate application of nitrogen in 3 stages on the background of by-products — 3.94 t/ha. The fullness of rye grain did not significantly depend on the fertilizer system. The weight of 1000 seeds was 37.9-40.2 g, the nature of the grain was in the range of 641-663 g/l. The protein content with fertilizer application in the variants was 11.8-12.2%, on an increased background — 13.0, which is 1.2% more than in the biological fertilizer system. Conclusions. The highest level of profitability of growing winter rye was in the biological system of fertilizers using by-products of winter rape 152%. Although the use of the increased N90P90K90 fertilizer system in combination with by-products resulted in the highest grain yield and protein content, the profitability of growing winter rye decreased to 70%. That is, the cost of mineral fertilizers increases the cost and reduces the profitability of grain production.

Effect of biological, organic and mineral fertilization on the concentrations of some macro and micro nutrients in cauliflower plant (Brassica oleracea L.)

An experimental study was conducted at the University of Anbar in 2019, with a randomized complete block design RCBD with three replicates to study the effects of some fertilizers in concentration of some minerals in cauliflower. A bio-fertilizer of Azobacter chroococcum (P1), Pseudomonas fluorescents (P2) and mixture of P1 and P2 (P3). Organic fertilizers were of two levels, O1 and O2, where manual fertilizers are O, 50% and 100% of recommended dose. Results showed that fertilizers increased concentration of each of N, P, K and Fe in the vegetative parts of cauliflower, besides the significant effect of P3. Mineral and organic fertilizers increased same minerals in cauliflower vegetative tissue. However, the 50% and 100% of recommended mineral fertilizer were not significantly different.

Effect of a <em>Pseudomonas fluorescens</em>-based Biofertilizer on Sweet Potato Yield Components

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of a Pseudomonas fluorescens-based biofertilizer on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam) yield. The application was by immersion of cuttings before sowing for 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes with combination doses of 0, 50 and 100% of NPK mineral fertilizer in a randomized block design with three replications (12 treatments-combinations). During the harvest (130 days after planting), some measurements related to yield components were recorded on ten randomly selected plants from each plot. All treatments with Pseudomonas’ immersion showed a positive productive response. With 100% NPK and the immersion in the biofertilizer for 15 min showed the highest yield (56.09 tha-1), followed by the other treatments with 100% NPK and without statistical differences among them. The treatment with 50% NPK and the immersion in Pseudomonas for 15 min (49.58 tha-1) had no statistical differences with the control variant (100% NPK, 51.60 tha-1). Based on the results, it can be concluded that this biofertilizer could be an appropriate alternative to increase the sweet potato yield, saving the 50% of the current quantity of the recommended mineral fertilizer, through a more friendly environmental techniques to promote a sustainable, efficient and productive agriculture.