Relative Agronomic Effectiveness Research Articles

Effect of Mineral Fertilization and Microbial Inoculation on Cabbage Yield and Nutrition: A Field Experiment

Cabbage serves as an important food and nutrition source for numerous communities in the world, yet its production requires substantial quantities of chemical fertilizers. In this study, we assessed the impact of both increasing nitrogen and phosphorus mineral (NP) fertilization, along with the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on the N and P uptake, quality, and yield of cabbage. To this end, we conducted two consecutive field experiments following a randomized block design with four replicates and two factors: NP doses and PGPB inoculation. PGPB inoculation used a bacterial consortium comprising Azospirillum brasilense D7, Herbaspirillum sp. AP21, and Rhizobium leguminosarum T88. Our results showed a significant influence of both biofertilization and NP fertilization across both crop cycles; however, no interaction between these factors was observed. In the first crop cycle, 75% of NP mineral fertilization (equivalent to 93.6 kg ha−1 of N and 82.1 kg ha−1 of P) positively impacted yield and N uptake. Also, microbial inoculation significantly influenced crop yield, resulting in a 9-ton increase in crop yield per hectare due to biofertilization. In the second crop cycle, we observed a significant positive effect of mineral fertilization on cabbage yield and nutritional quality. The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) index showed that combining biological fertilization with 50% and 75% of the NP fertilization, respectively, increased yield by 66% and 48% compared to the commercial NP dosage without PGPB. Collectively, our results demonstrated that within our experimental setup, NP fertilization dosage can be reduced without any detrimental impact on yield. Moreover, biofertilization could enhance cabbage quality and yield in field conditions.

Enhancing Upland Rice Growth and Yield with Indigenous Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Isolate at N-Fertilizers Dosage

Upland rice farming plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates on the growth of upland rice. The bioassay and pot experiments were conducted to select the capable isolates of PGPR and to investigate the effect of the PGPR inoculant on the N fertilizer efficiency and agronomic traits of upland rice. The bacterial isolates were identified through a biochemical analysis and tested under controlled greenhouse conditions. The selected PGPR inoculant was formulated as a liquid biofertilizer (LB). The three capable isolates were obtained to fix nitrogen, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), organic acid, and nitrogenase activity and were identified through a biomolecular analysis as Delftia tsuruhatensis strain D9, Delftia sp. strain MS2As2, and Bacillus sp. The application of the LB into the soil at a dose of 10 L ha−1 and 50 kg ha−1 N resulted in a grain yield of 29.81 g pot−1 and a relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) value of 235.08%, signifying a significant improvement over the conventional method. Several variables, including the number of grains, number of panicles, root length, 1000-grain weight, population of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and nitrogen uptake exhibited a strong correlation with the grain yield, accounting for 97.80% of the observed variation. These findings show the enormous potential of PGPR isolates, specifically of Delftia tsuruhatensis strain D9, Delftia sp. strain MS2As2, and Bacillus sp., in significantly enhancing the upland rice output in Indonesia. Furthermore, the use of an LB as a biofertilizer in conjunction with nitrogen fertilization provides a viable and sustainable way to increase yields and enhance the overall sustainability of the region’s upland rice farming systems.

Responses of Soybean with a Biofertilizer contains Ochrobactrum sp., Alcaligenes sp., and Bacillus sp. and the various doses of NPK fertilizer in Inceptisols, West Java

In the development of biofertilizers, it is necessary to carry out field tests to determine their effectiveness. This objective research is to know the ability of Ochrobactrum sp., Alcaligenes sp., and Bacillus sp. consortium on responses of soybean, carried out on Inceptisols Bogor, West Java. The research consists of seven treatments they control, a recommended dose of NPK, and five combinations of the microbial consortium with various dosages of NPK. The Urea, SP36, and KCl recommended dose measured by the upland soil test kit is 50, 100, and 100 kg ha−1. The research showed that NPK50% and NPK75% combined with microbial consortium as biofertilizer give soybean yield of 2.89 t ha−1 and 2.93 t ha−1, while the recommended NPK (NPK100%) yielded a soybean of 2.82 t ha−1. Biofertilizers can reduce the dose of NPK used by as much as 50%, equivalent to Urea 25 kg ha−1, 50 kg ha−1 SP36, and 50 kg ha−1 KCl, increase soybean yield by 13-21%, and improve relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) value by 143-173%. Biofertilizer utilization is a promising strategy for inorganic fertilizers efficiency, increasing soybean yield in Inceptisols soil, and being environmentally friendly.

Effectiveness of modified nitrogen fertilizer on soil chemical properties and rice plant growth in the textile industrial area

The imbalance of nutrients and heavy metal contamination is a challenge in increasing plant growth surround the textile industry area. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the dosage of Biologically Agent N Organo Mineral Fertilizer (Biomix-N) as a fertilizer and an ameliorant in paddy soil contaminated with textile liquid waste. This study used a randomized block design of eight treatments with four replications. Parameters observed were soil chemical properties after application of Biomix-N (Na-ex, total N, EC, Cd, and pH), rice plant growth (plant height and tiller number), Cd concentration in the plant, and relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE). Data analysis used analysis of variance, Duncan's test at a 5% level, regression, and correlation analysis. The results showed that Biomix-N 500 kg ha-1 affected the value of EC and total N, while it did not affect Na-ex, Cd, pH and Cd uptake by the paddy plant. Biomix-N fertilization affects the height and number of tillers of rice plants at the age of 70 DAP. Biomix-N fertilization 500 kg ha-1 gave an RAE value of 126-176% compared to the control treatment. The total N content of the soil has a high value of coefficient determinant and correlation (R2= 0.76; R = 0.9) on the growth of rice plants. Applying Biomix-N 500 kg ha-1 equal to 300 kg ha-1 of urea was an effective dose for paddy soil surround the textile industrial area.Keywords: Cadmium, nutrient balance, soil amendment

Evaluation of Kitchen Waste Recycling as Organic N-Fertiliser for Sustainable Agriculture under Cool and Warm Seasons

Kitchen waste could be processed and recycled into safe fertilizers/soil improvers for sustainable agriculture through different methods: (1) Dried pellets from model kitchen waste treated with anaerobic effective microorganisms; and (2) Anaerobically digested kitchen waste. For comparison, a commercial mineral fertilizer was used. These methods were applied in two separate glasshouse experiments: one under cool (mainly winter) conditions (X–IV) and one under warm (mainly summer) conditions (VI–X) consisting of 3–4 subsequent harvests in northern Poland. Comparing the food waste agronomic performance after anaerobic digestion and effective microorganism treatments, especially under different climatic conditions, is a novel approach. Kitchen waste served as a much better fertilizer than mineral fertilizer, but only during the cool season. In addition, it provided 20–40% more plant yields for dosages >120 kg N/ha and a similar N uptake. In the warm season, in comparison to effective microorganism-incubated kitchen waste, its anaerobic digestion improved the relative agronomic effectiveness twice after 30 days of growth (82% versus 43%). However, the total effectiveness for anaerobically digested kitchen waste versus pelleted and effective microorganism-incubated kitchen waste was 32% versus 27% (N utilization-wise) and 36% versus 21% (plant biomass yield-wise). The Monod kinetic model was applied for the internal efficiency of N utilization; for the best fitting procedure, R2 > 0.96 for the cool season and R2 > 0.92 for the warm season. Kitchen waste introduced to the soil provided better soil properties than mineral fertilizer. The study contributes to the biological systems for waste recycling in agriculture, bioproduction processes, and the global food chain.

Application of Leather Waste Fractions and Their Biochars as Organic Fertilisers for Ryegrass Growth: Agri-Environmental Aspects and Plants Response Modelling

The automotive upholstery industry, which processes bovine leathers, has struggled with vast amounts of solid waste, of which the majority are fractions, such as shavings and splits and offcuts, both containing chromium (Cr) and free of Cr. In this work, a novel leather waste-to-fertiliser approach has been tested: four lightly processed (incubation with effective microorganisms) and three aggressively processed (using pyrolysis or hydrolysis processes) tanned leather waste fractions were used. They were applied as organic nitrogen-based fertilisers in two separate glasshouse experiments, consisting of four subsequent harvests, under spring–autumn conditions in northern Poland. The Cr stressing effect caused by bovine shavings containing Cr and splits and offcuts containing Cr stimulated an increase in ryegrass growth after 30 days, providing twice the dry matter yield than bovine shavings free of Cr and splits and offcuts free of Cr, then (after 90 and 120 days) it inhibited growth. The Monod kinetics model was developed using the best fitting procedure (R2 > 0.94) for the efficiency of internal N use in ryegrass for the lightly processed fractions of tanned leather-waste fractions and each harvest. In the case of the processed leather waste-fractions, the relation was quasi linear, evidencing less growth inhibition and no over-fertilisation effects. The acid hydrolysate of bovine shavings containing Cr showed the best performance, reaching a relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE, N utilization-based) equal to 89%, 95%, 19%, and 38% for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days, respectively, and 71% in total. For the lightly processed fractions, it was lower than 12%. The future perspective should focus on steps including scaling up the tests to field conditions; transportation, storage, and application methods; effectiveness for other crops; usage in crop rotation systems; environmental impact assessment; production carbon footprint; commercial potential; and optimizing the production processes.

Potato growth, yield and quality affected by calcium and nitrogen (CaN) compound fertilizers on andisol soil type in Lembang

The use of artificial chemical fertilizers that are very intensive and not in accordance with the availability of soil nutrients, has a negative impact on decreasing agricultural soil fertility and vegetable productivity. The aim of this experiment was to obtain an effective and efficient dose of compound fertilizer (Ca and N) for potato plants in Andisol soil type, Lembang. The experiment was carried out at Margahayu Experimental Field of Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (IVEGRI) (1250 m asl), from June to November 2021. A randomized block design was used with 8 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of without N fertilizer, standard N single fertilizer, and 6 doses of compound fertilizer (33% Ca and 17% N). The results showed that, in general, CaN compound fertilizers increase the growth of potato plants. The application of compound fertilizer at 75% of N standard (300 kg/ha of CaN fertilizer) was the most effective dose for fertilizing potato plants on Andisol soil type in Lembang. This dose can save the use of N by 25% with a Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE) value of 140%. This study showed that the use of CaN compound fertilizers at a dose of 300 kg/ha can not only reduce fertilizer input into the soil, but also increase potato yields.

Agronomic Performance and Productivity of Plant-Cane Sugarcane Under The Application of Various Dosage of Biofertilizer and Inorganic Fertilizer

Fertilization is one of the essential interventions in sugarcane cultivation. This research aimed to investigate solid biofertilizer (BF) effectiveness in various doses and combination with inorganic fertilizer (IF) on sugarcane agronomic performance and productivity so that the best dose combination of the two types of fertilizer on sugarcane can be observed. The field experiment was executed in the pattern-B sugarcane planting season/rainy season (October 2020) until the milled sugarcane harvest age at Afdeling Kaliputih, Kendenglembu, PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. The experiment was performed with a randomized block design with three replicates. The treatment was a combination of doses of BF and IF, i.e., 1) without any fertilization; 2) 0% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF; 3) 0% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; 4) 100% IF + 0 kg ha-1 BF; 5) 75% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; 6) 75% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF; 7) 50% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; 8) 50% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF; 9) 25% IF + 1,000 kg ha-1 BF; and 10) 25% IF + 500 kg ha-1 BF. Observed parameters were: 1) Seed germination (SG) percentage at 1 month after planting (MAP); 2) the number of stalks and tillers/clumps at 3 and 6 MAP; 3) Stalk height at 3, 6, and 11 MAP; 4) Stalk diameter at 6 and 11 MAP; 5) Sugarcane productivity, commercial cane sugar (CCS), and sugar crystal productivity at 12 MAP; and 6) Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE). Results showed no significant difference among all the treatments in sugarcane SG percentage. Applying mixed BF and IF did not significantly affect the number of tiller/clumps, the number of stalks, stalk height, and stalk diameter of sugarcane at 6 and 11 MAP compared to the treatments of 100% IF. Among all the treatments, the highest sugarcane productivity, commercial cane sugar, and sugar crystal productivity were at the treatment 25% IF + 1,000 kg BF (135 ton ha-1), 50% IF + 500 kg BF (9.23%), and 75% IF + 500 kg BF (11.8 ton ha-1), respectively.

The Application of Several Organic Fertilizers for Production Increase and Brix Content of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Saccharate)

The tendency of chemical fertilizers used (inorganic) in food crop cultivation farming by the farmers is caused by their practicality. However, the continuous use of chemical fertilizers can damage the crops and their environment, including sweet corn. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. Saccharate) contains high sugar content because it naturally mutates to a recessive gene that controls sugar conversion to starch in corn endosperm. The purpose of this research were to know the effect of several organic fertilizers on productivity increase as well as Brix content of sweet corn. This research was conducted from June to August 2021 in Waempubbu Village, Amali District, Bone Regency and Laboratory of Food Process, Agriculture Faculty, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi. This research used the design of a split plot by using completely randomized design (CRD). The main plot was sweet corn varieties: Talenta (v1) and Bonanza (v2). Meanwhile, the subplot was organic fertilizers which are control (p0), compost (p1), soil ameliorant (p2), compost + soil ameliorant (p3), liquid organic fertilizer/LOF (p4), compost + LOF (p5), soil ameliorant + LOF (p6) and compost + soil ameliorant + LOF (p7). According to the results, the Bonanza variety showed high average productivity, 22.50 tons per hectare. The treatment of organic fertilizer that reveals the high average productivity is combines compost + soil ameliorant + LOF (p7). The interaction of treatment that reveals the highest productivity is an interaction between Bonanza variety with the treatment of soil ameliorant + LOF (p6), which is 27.07 tons per hectare with Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE) value is 1366.67%. The treatment of compost fertilizer + soil ameliorant + LOF (p7) exhibits the content of Brix (10.50%) and becomes the highest productivity.

Effectivity of inorganic fertilizer NPK (15-15-6) to growth and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) on alfisol soil

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of NPK (15-15-6) fertilizer on the growth and yield of lowland rice. It was carried out on irrigated rice fields in the second season (March-June), on Alfisol soil (25 m asl). RCBD experimental design with 8 doses of fertilizer treatment and 3 replications. Treatment: a) without fertilizer, b) local recommendation of NPK (15-15-15) 300 + Urea 200 kg/ha, c) NPK (15-15-6) 200 + Urea 0 kg/ha, d) NPK (15-15-6) 300 + Urea 0 kg/ha, e) NPK (15-15-6) 400 + Urea 0 kg/ha, f) NPK (15-15-6) 200 + Urea 200 kg/ha, g) NPK (15-15-6) 300 + Urea 200 kg/ha, and h) NPK (15-15-6) 400 + Urea 100 kg/ha. The results showed that the application of NPK (15-15-6) 300 + 200 urea kg/ha had a significant effect on plant height, productive tillers and yield. The yield was 7,448 t/ha and the RAE (Relative Agronomic Effectiveness) value was 106.46, while the recommended fertilizer yield was 7.20 t/ha and the RAE value was 100. NPK fertilizer (15-15-6) dose of 300 + 200 Urea kg/ha can recomedate as an alternative NPK fertilizer in lowland rice.

A Poultry Litter-Derived Organomineral Phosphate Fertilizer Has Higher Agronomic Effectiveness Than Conventional Phosphate Fertilizer Applied to Field-Grown Maize and Soybean

Inadequate disposal of poultry litter (PL) may promote eutrophication of water bodies due to its high nutrient content, including phosphorus (P). Thus, recycling P from PL to produce organomineral fertilizer (OMF), reduces the dependence on finite mineral P reserves, and also reduces P losses from soil. In this context, a field experiment was carried out to assess the agronomic effectiveness of a granular PL-derived OMF applied to maize and soybean in a highly weathered tropical soil. OMF was compared to single superphosphate (SSP) at five P rates between 0 and 70 kg ha−1. The shoot dry weight (SDW) and grain yields of soybean and maize were affected by P rates; however, no difference between OMF and SSP was found. A similar trend was observed for soil P and P uptake. The leaf P content and soil pH were not affected by either P sources or P rates. Although there was no difference between OMF and SSP on the crop yields, OMF had the highest relative agronomic effectiveness based on the SDW. These results show that the production of granular OMF from PL is a viable alternative to conventional P fertilizers and reduces the dependence of mineral P reserves.

The effect of the consentration of macro-nutrient-liquid-foliar- NPK and dosage of NPK 15-5-15 fertilizer to improve the quality of red chilies (Capsicum annum L.)

The research objective was to known the concentration of NPK liquid foliar macro nutrient and the dosage of NPK fertilizer to improve the quality and yield of red chilies and benefit increase. The study was conducted in Batu City (923 m asl) from December 2018 to June 2019. The study used a Randomized Block Design with 4 (four) replications consist of 7 (seven) treatments and 1 (one) control, namely: F0 (without fertilizer), F1 recommended fertilizer (900 kg.ha−1 NPK), F2 (225 kg.ha−1 NPK + 0.5 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), F3 (450 kg.ha−1 NPK + 1.0 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), F4 (675 kg.ha−1 NPK + 1.5 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), F5 (900 kg.ha−1 NPK), F6 (1,125 kg.ha−1 NPK + 2.5 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer), and F7 (1,350 kg.ha−1 NPK + 3 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer). Data analyzed with ANOVA and DMRT (α=5%). The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, thickness of fruit pulp, and yields. The most economical treatment of Relative Agronomic Effectiveness or RAE has more than 100%. F4 (675 kg.ha−1 NPK + 2 ml.l−1 of NPK liquid foliar fertilizer) reached 102.27 % and F5 treatment (900 kg.ha−1 NPK + 2 ml.l−1 of NPK liquid foliar fertilizer) reached 117.90 %. Financial analysis showed that F5 is the most profitable. Treatment F5 (900 kg ha−1 NPK + 2 ml.l−1 NPK liquid foliar fertilizer) produced the highest R/C of 3.74.The quality of chili refer to thickness of fruit pulp treatment F5 reached highest was 1.72 mm.

Total root dry weight per soil volume in maize by application of organic fertilizer reducing use of N, P and K fertilizer on terraced land

Corn plants are usually cultivated on dry land so that soil and crop management is required. The aim of this study was to know the total root dry weight per soil volume with the application of BK organic fertilizer to reduce the use of N, P and K fertilizers. The study was carried out by Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. Treatment consisted of 11 levels, with and without application of BK organic fertilizer and various level of NPK doses. Data analyzed by ANOVA and DMRT and the effectiveness of organic fertilizer was measured by equation of RAE (Relative Agronomic Effectiveness). The results showed that BK organic fertilizer significantly affected yields and root dry mass. Suggested treatment was K (1.5 t ha−1 bokashi + 300 kg ha−1 NPK + 150 kg ha−1 urea) with RAE reached 239.5%. Total root dry mass was 9.27 g cm−3 and the highest yield was 11.38 t ha−1. Treatment with 1.5 t ha−1 bokashi + 300 kg ha−1 NPK + 150 kg ha−1 Urea reduces the use of 50 kg ha−1 of Urea and 100 kg ha−1 of NPK fertilizer.

The efficacy of biofertilizer contains Bradyrhizobium japonicum isolates on soybean yields grown in Inceptisols, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

The use of biofertilizers is growing rapidly and promising for food crops and horticulture. They are capable to improve soil fertility, increase crop growth and yield, and environment friendly. Soybean is a strategic commodity in Indonesia. Various ways of cultural practice to improve soybean yield have been reported. The biofertilizer containing six Bradyrhizobium japonicum isolates with husk charcoal powder carrier material has been tested on soybean in Cibungbulang Bogor. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Bradyrhizobium japonicum biofertilizer on soybean growth and the yield on Inceptisols Cibungbulang Bogor. The experiment was a randomized block design consisted of seven treatments with four replications. The treatments were (1) Control, no fertilizer (2) 100% NPK (3) Biofertilizer, (4) Biofertilizer + 25%NPK, (5) Biofertilizer + 50% NPK, (6) Biofertilizer + 75% NPK and (7) Biofertilizer + 100% NPK. The results showed that the promising treatment to improve soybean yield was Biofertilizer + 50% NPK and Biofertilizer + 75% NPK as indicated by significantly increase of soybean yield from 18.56 to 25.77% compared to the treatments of 100% NPK, reduced NPK fertilizer 25 to 50%. The values of Relative Agronomic Effectiveness were 191% and 165%. This study implies that the application of biofertilizer gave a positive result both on the growth and yield of soybean.

The effectiveness of aglime ameliorant to improve soil pH and maize (Zea mays L.) growth and production in Langkat Regency

Tropical climatic conditions accompanied by high rainfall are supporting factors for soil acidification in Indonesia's drylands. One of the conventional management technologies that are most widely used to improve soil acidity is liming. This study observed the effectiveness of various doses of Aglime ameliorant for improving acid soil and its effect on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.). The study was conducted in Pasar VI Kwala Mencirim Village, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra from June to October 2020. The experimental design of this study was a non-factorial randomized bock design consisted of 7 treatments of Aglime ameliorant dosage with four replications. The results showed that the application of various doses of Aglime ameliorant was able to increase soil pH, height, and maize production which the highest pH value, height, and production were obtained at Aglime dose of 5 tons Ha-1 (AL 5). The effectiveness of Aglime ameliorant to increase soil pH is reflected in the relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) which is overall > 95% (101,7 – 274,5%) for the tested Aglime dose of 1 to 5 tons per hectare (AL1-AL5).

Long-term effect of biochar-based fertilizers application in tropical soil: Agronomic efficiency and phosphorus availability

Incorporation of phosphorus (P) into an organic matrix may be an effective strategy to increase plant P use efficiency in high P-fixing soils. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs), produced from poultry litter (PLB) and coffee husk (CHB) enriched with phosphoric acid and magnesium oxide, in combination with triple superphosphate (TSP) on plant growth and soil P transformations. Treatments were prepared as: TSP, CHB, PLB, CHB + TSP [1:1], CHB + TSP [3:1], PLB + TSP [1:1] and PLB + TSP [3:1]; with numbers in brackets representing the proportion of BBF and TSP on a weight basis. Cultivations were: Mombasa grass, maize, and common bean interspersed with fallow periods. After cultivations, a sequential extraction procedure was employed to determine P distribution among different P pools. A kinetic study was performed and revealed that TSP released approximately 90% of total P, and BBFs less than 10% in the first hour. BBF alone or in combination with TSP presented higher or similar biomass yields, relative agronomic effectiveness, and P uptake when compared with TSP. As for the soil, BBFs increased non-labile P fractions, which can be due to pyrophosphate formed during pyrolysis. According to these results, BBFs could totally or partially replace conventional soluble P fertilizers without compromising crop yield either in the short and long-term.

Efficacy of phosphate solubilizing Actinobacteria to improve rock phosphate agronomic effectiveness and plant growth promotion

In the rhizosphere, plant growth is facilitated by plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPRs like Actinobacteria can increase level of phosphate available to plants through P solubilization or mineralization. In this study we evaluated the ability of nine Phosphate Solubilizing Actinobacteria (PSA) to release P from rock phosphate (RP) and to promote maize growth and yield under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Plate bioassay and pots culture experiment were conducted to investigate the effects of these PSA on maize plants development. High reactive rock phosphate (BG4, from Gantour phosphate mine, Morocco) and triple superphosphate (TSP) from Morocco were used as positive controls. BG4, is a reactive RP directly used to increase the P status of soil according to the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP). For the other treatments, plants were grown in soil amended with low reactive RP obtained from the Khouribga phosphate mine (Morocco) and inoculated with selected PSA strains. Our findings have indicated that, PSA inoculation resulted in increasing of the assessed growth parameters and nutrient content in maize seedlings. Four of the tested strains (BC3, BC10, BC11 and P18) showed high performance efficiency in RP-solubilization and improved plant P nutrition and growth under low-P conditions i.e. amended with low reactive RP. Furthermore, inoculation with these latter strains also showed an important production of acid and alkaline phosphatase in the rhizosphere of the maize. The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) index showed that BC3(Streptomyces griseorubens) and BC11 (Norcardiopsis alba) increased the yield by 135.33 and 126.91% over the positive controls BG4. These strains can be considered as the most efficient to use rock phosphate as a crude phosphate fertilizer. Overall, our results demonstrate that PSA could constitute a promising solution to valorize low reactive RP in agriculture. The 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified these isolates belong to Streptomyces and Nocardiopsis genera.

Aplikasi Kotoran Sapi untuk Perbaikan Sifat Kimia Tanah dan Pertumbuhan Vegetatif Bibit Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) pada Media Sub Soil

Standar media tanam untuk bibit kelapa sawit adalah top soil dengan kan-dungan bahan organik yang cukup. Meskipun demikian, pada kondisi tertentu seperti di lahan mineral marjinal dimana top soil sudah tererosi berat, sehingga top soil sulit didapat. Pada kondisi demikian maka sub soil digunakan sebagai media tanam. Sifat fisik, kimia, dan biologi sub soil umumnya kurang memenuhi syarat untuk digunakan sebagai media tanam, namun sifat tersebut masih mungkin diperbaiki dengan me-nambahkan bahan pembenah tanah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi bahan pem-benah tanah dalam bentuk kotoran sapi (notasi O, taraf 0 dan 5%) dan pemupukan anorganik standar (notasi S, taraf 0; 25; 50; 75; dan 100%) terhadap perubahan sifat kimia media sub soil dan pertumbuhan bibit kelapa sawit. Penelitian disusun meng-gunakan rancangan acak kelompok dengan 7 perlakuan yaitu kontrol (O0S0), standar pupuk anorganik (O0S100), dan 5 perlakuan lainnya yang merupakan kombinasi antara 5% kotoran sapi dengan berbagai taraf standar pupuk anorganik (O5S0, O5S25, O5S50, O5S75, dan O5S100). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi 5% kotoran sapi meningkatkan ketersediaan bahan organik, kapasitas tukar kation, dan hara tersedia di media sub soil. Meskipun O5S50 (kombinasi aplikasi 5% kotoran sapi dan 50% pupuk anorganik standar telah menghasilkan nilai Efektivitas Agronomi Nisbi (EAN) di atas 100%, pertumbuhan vegetatif bibit kelapa sawit terbaik diperoleh pada per-lakuan O5S100 (kombinasi aplikasi 5% kotoran sapi dan 100% dosis pupuk anorganik standar).

Effectiveness of MZ2000 Mycorrhizal Biofertilizer on The Growth of Sengon Seedlings

Mycorrhizal biofertilizers contain fungi that are capable of entering and symbiotic mutualism into plant roots and increasing the ability of plants to absorb nutrients. Fertilizer effectiveness testing is needed to protect consumers from the adverse effects of using biofertilizers. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of MZ2000 mycorrhizal biofertilizers and to know mycorrhizal root infections in sengon seedlings in nurseries. The combination treatment of 30 g MZ2000 mycorrhizal biofertilizer with 5 g NPK fertilizer gave the best sengon growth results although it was not significantly different in several parameters compared to the combination treatment of MZ2000 fertilizer dosage and other NPK fertilizers, with the value of agronomic relativity (Relative Agronomic Effectiveness / RAE) 580.80% for high growth and 288.72% for growth in stem diameter and incremental benefit cost ratio (IBCR) analysis of farming by 2.48. So that the dosage of the combination treatment of mycorrhizal biofertilizers and NPK fertilizer is most agronomically and economically effective. With the effectiveness of the fertilizer, the MZ2000 mycorrhizal biofertilizer can be declared to have passed the field effectiveness test.

ASSESSMENT OF PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY FROM UNREACTIVE TOGO PHOSPHATE ROCK BY LEGUME AND CEREAL CROPS IN TWO GHANAIAN SOILS

Purpose: In recent years, phosphate rock (PR) for direct application has been tested in tropical acid soils as a potential alternative to conventional water-soluble P fertilizers like Single Superphosphate (SSP) and Triple Superphosphate (TSP). However, direct application of PR with low reactivity does not always give satisfactory results. Legume and cereal crops represent a strategy that can be used to solubilize P from some of these unreactive PRs. The objective of this study was to assess the availability of P from unreactive Togo Phosphate Rock (TPR) relative to TSP by six (6) crop species in two Ghanaian soils.
 Methodology: The study was conducted in the greenhouse of the Crop Science Department, University of Ghana. Three P rates, 0mg, 50mg and 100mg P of TPR and TSP were applied to a kilogram of soil per pot in the two soil series. Randomized Complete Block Design was used to do the analyses.
 Results/Findings: Application of TSP resulted in higher dry matter and P uptake irrespective of the soil type. Among the legumes, cowpea gave the highest dry matter yield. Fairly, a similar trend was obtained with the application of TPR. Among the cereals, the average P uptake by sorghum from TPR was the highest, followed by maize and millet in the Nzema soil. In the Adenta series, P uptake by maize was the highest, followed by sorghum and millet. Phosphorus (P) uptake by the cereals from TPR was generally better in the Adenta than the Nzema soil.
 Unique contribution to theories, practice and policy: Results show increasing the rate of TPR to 100mg P/pot resulted in an increase in dry matter yield and P uptake in both soils, but was inferior to 100mg P/pot TSP application. Consequently, the rate of application of TPR should always be high if farmers want the best from their investments. Again, the low relative agronomic effectiveness of TPR for all the crops, proved the low reactivity of the material and its subsequent low performance compared with the water-soluble P. The low reactivity and the high molar mass of PO43-/CO32- of the TPR will always make it difficult for P to be made available from the TPR despite the acidity of the soil, the high density of the crops and the ability of the tested crops to exude organic acids, which facilitate phosphorus availability from TPR, therefore making TPR unsuitable for direct application.