Fertilizer Requirements Research Articles

Enhancing Yield, Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Brinjal Through Soil Test Crop Response Approach

ABSTRACT Fertilizer requirement for the crop should be based on yield response to the added fertilizer nutrient, nutrient requirements of a crop, nutrient supply from indigenous sources and the fate of added fertilizers to the soil in the short and long term. Thus, the soil test crop response (STCR) approach can be adopted for calculating fertilizer requirements by crops. The field experiments were conducted at the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, in three phases. Soil test data, yield and NPK uptake by brinjal crop were used for achieving four important basic parameters, viz. nutrient requirement, contribution of nutrients from fertilizers, soil and organic manure, to develop the targeted yield equation and these equations were validated in comparison with Low-Medium-High (LMH) approach and generally recommended dose (GRD). It was found that 1.11, 0.46, and 0.30 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O respectively were required for producing one quintal of brinjal fruit under integrated approach. The contribution of NPK from soil toward crop uptake was 26.07%, 5.94% and 36.89% respectively; from organic manure was 16.15%, 8.66% and 31.55% respectively and from fertilizers was 42.27, 11.73 and 170.84% respectively. The STCR integrated approach with FYM, at the target yields 35 and 30 t ha−1, enhanced the fruit yield to an extent of 12.90% and 9.94%, respectively, over GRD. It also exhibited higher NPK uptake and use efficiency and better profitability. Hence integrated STCR targeted yield approach could be sustainable nutrient management option(s) for improving the productivity of brinjal.

Selective applications of excisional surgical treatments of cervical precancers

Cervical precancers encompass high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and adenocarcinoma in situ. Treatment of precancerous lesions can reduce cervical cancer mortality and prevent the development of invasive cervical cancer. The choice of treatment regimen needs to follow the principle of individualization and should be based on a combination of factors, including the patient's age, fertility requirements, pregnancy status, pathological type, type of colposcopic transformation zone, patient's follow-up conditions, and the experience of the treating provider. This article presents an opinion regarding the appropriate indications for excisional surgery and total hysterectomy in the management of precancerous lesions of the cervix, with the aim of establishing standardized therapeutic approaches for the treatment of precancerous lesions of the cervix.

Pineapple Cultivation in Uttar Pradesh Central Zone: Challenges and Opportunities

Pineapple cultivation in the central zone of Uttar Pradesh represents a dynamic agricultural endeavor, characterized by both challenges and opportunities. This abstract explores the unique factors that farmers face in this region, shedding light on the potential for this tropical fruit's growth and economic contribution. The central zone of Uttar Pradesh experiences a diverse climate, ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Pineapple, originally a tropical fruit, demands consistent warmth [1]. This climatic variability presents a significant challenge for pineapple growers, who must adapt their cultivation practices to ensure optimal growth and yields. Moreover, the soil quality in this region often falls short of the sandy loam and fertility requirements that pineapple plants thrive in [2]. Soil testing and enhancement become critical tasks for farmers looking to establish a suitable environment for pineapple cultivation. Pests and diseases further compound the challenges. Pineapple plants are susceptible to a range of issues, including mealybugs, aphids, and the dreaded fusarium wilt. Effective pest and disease management strategies are vital to maintaining healthy crop yields while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides [3]. Additionally, many farmers in the central zone may lack the requisite technical knowledge and skills needed for successful pineapple cultivation. Access to training and extension services, as well as modern farming practices, becomes essential to enhance agricultural techniques and overcome these challenges. On the flip side, there are significant opportunities awaiting pineapple growers in this region [4]. Pineapples are increasingly sought after for their unique flavor and nutritional value, creating a robust market demand in both local and national markets. Farmers have the potential to tap into this growing demand and enhance their income through pineapple cultivation. Furthermore, integrating pineapple cultivation into existing cropping systems offers an avenue for crop diversification, reducing dependency on a single crop and enhancing overall farm sustainability. Value addition through processing, such as converting pineapples into juice, jam, or canned fruit, allows farmers to expand their product range, increase shelf life, and reduce post-harvest losses [5]. Government support in the form of initiatives and subsidies designed to promote horticulture and agricultural diversification provides a crucial opportunity for pineapple growers to access financial and technical assistance.

Effects of multispecies and monoculture forages on nutrient digestibility and fermentation responses using an in vitro rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC)

Enteric methane (CH4) emissions are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. A number of different CH4 mitigation strategies have been proposed, and the inclusion of alternative forages into grazing systems could be a practical and feasible option. Multispecies swards comprise a mixture of forage species and can increase grassland productivity, reduce nitrogen fertiliser requirements, and reduce fertiliser-associated nitrous oxide emissions. This study investigated the potential benefit of multispecies swards in reducing ruminal CH4 production. Using the in vitro rumen simulation technique, we compared the effects of different forages (perennial ryegrass, timothy, red clover, white clover, chicory, ribwort plantain and their equi-proportional mixture) on CH4 and gas production, ruminal fermentation parameters and nutrient digestibility. We also compared these responses to perennial ryegrass produced with a higher nitrogen application rate (300 N). The experiment was conducted over 21 d, with the initial 14 d allowed for dietary adaptation. Over the subsequent 7 d, there were significant effects of forage type on CH4 production, ruminal fermentation and digestibility. Ribwort plantain, chicory and white clover showed lower CH4 production; with chicory producing 73% and 57% less CH4 (mmol d−1) compared to 300 N perennial ryegrass and 150 N perennial ryegrass incubation, respectively. Chicory had 72% lower CH4 produced per gram of organic matter digested (mmol g−1) than that of 300 N perennial ryegrass. Chicory and 300 N perennial ryegrass had greater (P < 0.01) organic matter and nutrient digestibility (DM, CP, NDF, and ADF) than other forages. Greater ammonia nitrogen concentration was observed in chicory and both clover species, compared to the other forage species (P < 0.01). In general, the response of the six-species mixture was not significantly different to the average response of the six component monocultures. Thus, from these data, the performance of multispecies swards for these responses (in general) was predictable from the performance of the component monocultures. These results showed that different grassland forages, especially chicory and white clover, have the potential to reduce ruminal CH4 emissions and could be a promising anti-methanogenic alternative to chemical CH4 inhibitors and feed additives. More generally, the relatively wide variation in CH4 abatement potential across a small sample of plant species suggests the merit of wider screening to identify grassland species with high CH4 abatement potential in vitro.

Assessing the influence of water fertilizer, and climate factors on seed cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation in Xinjiang Agricultural Regions

Cotton is an important raw material, and its production has a profound impact on global economic and social development. Developing a further understanding of the optimal growing environment for cotton would help establish a reasonable management system and improve seed cotton yield. In the present study, we established a water-fertilizer coupling mathematical model based on the comprehensive analysis of existing field experimental data; this model was used to determine the optimal water and fertilizer requirements when the seed cotton yield reached a maximum in different regions. In addition, the grey relational degree between the climate factors and seed cotton yield during the cotton-growing period were analyzed using grey relational analysis, including average air pressure (AAP), sunshine duration (SD), average relative humidity (ARH), average maximum temperature (MAXT), average temperature (AT), average minimum temperature (MINT), and rainfall (RF). The results showed that the optimal irrigation levels were determined as 675.61 mm for southern Xinjiang and 345.59 mm for northern Xinjiang. In addition, the ideal fertilizer application rates (N −P −K) were found to be 150.26–115.66–76.28 kg/ha for southern Xinjiang and 290.32–162.57–72.22 kg/ha for northern Xinjiang. These optimal practices resulted in yield potentials of 7140.30 kg/ha for northern Xinjiang and 8693.69 kg/ha for southern Xinjiang. Simultaneously, AAP, MAXT, SD, AT, and ARH exhibited a strong influence on seed cotton yield in Xinjiang. Conversely, RF and MINT had minimal impact on seed cotton yield. This research determined the optimal water and fertilizer requirements and highlighted the significance of climate factors in Xinjiang agricultural regions. These findings offer a scientific foundation and practical guidance to enhance seed cotton yield, water and fertilizer efficiency, optimize management practices, and address climate fluctuations during the cotton-growing season.

In the quest for sustainable management of liquid fraction of manure - Insights from a life cycle assessment

To mitigate the risk of eutrophication and minimize adverse environmental impacts, surplus manure in nitrate-vulnerable zones is frequently divided into a liquid and solid fraction. Managing the liquid fraction (LF) typically presents a greater challenge due to its substantial volume. This study aimed to assess the environmental impacts by region and trade-offs of managing surplus LF with inventory data from pilot facilities using a life cycle assessment (LCA). The LF-treatment technologies assessed were (i) nitrification-denitrification (NDN) with field application of effluent (ii) NDN with ammonia stripping and nitric acid scrubbing as a pre-treatment step followed by polishing in constructed wetlands, and (iii) nutrient up-concentration using vacuum evaporation and/or membrane filtration.The LCA results suggested that 60 to 80 % of the environmental impacts occurred locally. Nutrient up-concentration from LF via membrane filtration (reverse osmosis) and vacuum evaporation indicated a better environmental performance, albeit with high uncertainty when compared to the other scenarios. Although ammonia stripping-scrubbing showed environmental benefits, these were offset by high environmental burdens from fugitive N2O emissions and energy demand during NDN. Furthermore, the study identified that managing the effluent after NDN, a source of potassium (K), requires a nuanced approach from policymakers. Firstly, when K fertilization requirements are not met, direct land application of the effluent as a fertigation source can be a viable option. This minimizes the need for synthetic K fertilizer production and its ensuing freshwater ecotoxicity impacts. However, tertiary treatment of NDN effluent via constructed wetlands can be considered to prevent deterioration of soil from the influx of K. Policymakers are encouraged to engage with local stakeholders to tailor solutions based on these trade-offs. Furthermore, future research should focus on the implications of K on soil quality as well as the life span of nutrient up-concentration technologies for LF.

Parameter optimization of the spiral fertiliser discharger for mango orchards based on the discrete element method and genetic algorithm.

In order to solve the problems of inaccurate fertilization, unstable fertilization and low fertiliserutilization rate in mango orchard. A small spiral fertiliser discharger was designed based on the agronomic characteristics of fertilization in mango orchard. The fertilizing performance test and parameter optimization of thespiral fertiliser discharger were carried out by combining bench and simulation test. Firstly, the main influencing factors of the fertilizing performance of the spiral fertiliser discharger were analyzed by theoretical calculation formula, and the range of its value was preliminarily determined. At the same time, the digital and discrete element models of the spiral fertiliser discharger were established. Then,the discrete element model of granular fertiliser was established on the basis of the physical and related mechanical simulation parameters of granular fertiliser obtained by experimental statistics.Taking the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability as the response value, the method of singlefactor simulation fertilizing test was used to explore the parameters that have a significant influence on the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability. The response surface method (RSM) was used tosimulate the fertilizing performance of three significant parameters. Based on the quadraticregression orthogonal rotation combination design test, a second-order regression mathematicalmodel between the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability and the significant parameters wasestablished. The variable coefficient of fertilizing stability was as small as possible. The geneticalgorithm (GA) was used to optimize the regression model. Finally, the verification test of thefluidity and applicability of different fertilisers was carried out. The results of single factor test showed that the diameter of spiral blade, pitch and rotationalspeed of fertilizing shaft have significant influence on the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability.The optimal parameter combination of the spiral fertiliser discharger was obtained: 98.44 mm for thediameter of spiral blade, 54.8 mm for the pitch, and 24.43 r/min for the rotational speed of fertilizingshaft. The verification results showed that the average relative error of the test was small, and themass flow rate of different fertilisers and the variable coefficient of fertilizing stability could meetthe agronomic requirements of fertilization in mango orchards. The reliability of the discrete elementsimulation test results and research methods of the spiral fertiliser discharger was verified. The results and methods of this study can provide reference for the development of mangoorchard fertilization machinery and related fertilizing performance test.

Soil test crop response based site specific integrated nutrient management in mungbean

Imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizers has brought many soil fertility problems. Soil test crop response (STCR) approach aims to estimate precise fertilizer requirement for target yield under varying soil test values and gaining prominence for site-specific nutrient management. A field experiment to estimate STCR based fertilizer requirement for targeted yield of mungbean was conducted during 2019–2020 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. Three fertility gradient plots of varying soil fertility levels were created by applying graded dose of N, P2O5 and K2O and growing wheat as an exhaust crop. Each of three soil fertility gradient plot was divided into 24 subplots (21 plots with different combinations of varying levels of N, P2O5, K2O and FYM, remaining 3 plots as controls) and mungbean was grown as main crop. Results revealed the requirement of 6.72, 0.883, and 3.52 kg of N, P and K, respectively for producing one quintal of mungbean grain. Soil, FYM, fertilizer and fertilizer along with FYM contributed 28.06%, 5.94%, 113.22%, and 135.01% for N; 24.73%, 3.18%, 15.1%, and 18.85% for P; 13.19%, 7.21%, 39.52%, and 55.84% for K, respectively. This information is used to develop STCR based fertilizer prescription equations along with ready reckoners of fertilizer doses at different soil fertility levels and yield targets of mungbean for providing balanced fertilization. The maximum response of mungbean in terms of grain and protein yield was obtained with the application of 20:50:30 kg ha−1 N: P2O5: K2O, respectively.

Risk factors predicting pathological degradation after cervical excision in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II P16-positive patients over 25 years old: a cross-sectional study.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a collective term for pre-cancerous lesions associated with cervical invasive carcinoma. Treatment options depend on the development and progression of the disease. Especially for patients with CINII grade who are aged 25 years and older and have fertility requirements, it is a clinical challenge to determine whether to proceed with conservative or excisional treatment. Excisional treatment increases the risk of overtreatment outcomes, such as cervical insufficiency, preterm labor, miscarriage, and premature rupture of membranes, in young women with childbearing potential. P16 immunohistochemical staining has greatly improved the consistency of CINII patient's diagnosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors predicting pathological degradation after cervical excision in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II P16-positive patients over 25 years old, and to provide information to help optimize clinical treatments patients with CINII disease. Single-factor and logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for pathological downgrading in the CINII/P16-positive (+) group. The predicted probability of pathological downgrading in the CINII/P16(+) group of patients was calculated according to the logistic regression model to generate a new variable multi-indicator association for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve plotting to determine the predictive ability. A total of 248 women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Statistical analysis showed that the CINII/P16(+) group had a higher pathological downgrading rate compared with the CINIII group after cold knife conization (CKC) (χ2=6.26, P=0.012). Univariate factors showed that the differences were statistically significant when comparing age, number of biopsy-involved quadrants, menopausal status, and involvement of glands, respectively (P<0.05). In contrast, the differences were not statistically significant when comparing cytological findings, type of transformation zone, high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) testing, abortion status, pregnancy frequency, time from diagnosis to CKC and Ki67 percentage between the two groups. Multifactorial logistic regression showed that the extent of biopsy CINII involvement [odds ratio (OR), 1.589], menopausal status (OR, 4.031), and glandular involvement (OR, 5.549) were all independent risk factors for pathological downgrading in the CINII/P16(+) patient group (P<0.05). The order of significance of the areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) was as follows: combined multiple indicators (AUC 0.716) > gland involvement (AUC 0.625) > biopsy CINII involvement extent (AUC 0.614) > menopausal status (AUC 0.565). A higher rate of pathological downgrading after CKC was found in CINII/P16-positive patients who were aged over 25 years. Overtreatment exists in patients with CINII/P16-positive diagnosis. Independent factors for pathological downgrading were identified by the factors including if the lesion involved the gland, the extent of CINII involvement on biopsy, and menopausal status.

Effects of legumes and fertiliser on nitrogen balance and nitrate leaching from intact leys and after tilling for subsequent crop

Grass-legume leys combine multiple agronomic benefits, several of which are associated with symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation. However, the best combinations of legume abundance and N fertilisation to achieve high productivity at low nitrate leaching are not yet established. Nitrate leaching risk of pure grass swards (Grs), grass-legume mixtures (Mix) and pure legume swards (Leg) at a fertiliser level of either 50, 150 or 450 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (N50, N150 and N450) was studied during two key periods: the intact ley for forage production and after tilling for subsequent winter wheat in crop rotation. The risk of nitrate leaching was determined from (i) monitoring of the nitrate concentration in the soil solution (NCSS) and (ii) the soil mineral N (SMN) content. Furthermore, the soil surface N balance was assessed by measuring N input from fertiliser and symbiosis, and N output with harvested biomass. During the period of intact plant cover, soil surface N balance of Grs swards was strongly negative at N50 and N150 with negligible NCSS and SMN. At N450, the positive N balance of Grs swards resulted in a high leaching risk after three years of cultivation (NCSS ≤ 13 mg NO3-N L−1 and SMN ≤ 20 kg N ha−1). For Mix swards, the N balance was close to zero at N50 and N150, which led to similarly low NCSS and SMN. At N450, the N balance of Mix swards was beyond zero, resulting in significantly increased NCSS and SMN (≤ 30 mg NO3-N L−1 and ≤ 35 kg N ha−1). For Leg swards, the N balance was far beyond zero at all fertilisation levels, resulting in a leaching risk even at N50 (≤ 8 mg NO3-N L−1 and ≤ 23 kg N ha−1). During the period following tilling the leys, SMN was similar or lower for Mix compared to Grs swards (≤ 43 vs. ≤ 62 kg N ha−1 at N50 and N150, 72 vs. 68 kg N ha−1 at N450), while it was significantly higher for Leg swards (SMN ≤ 95 kg N ha−1). We conclude that grass-legume mixtures combine high yields, low fertiliser requirements, and low nitrate leaching better than either pure grass or pure legume swards. This holds true both during the period with intact plant cover and after tillage for the subsequent crop.

Oxidative phosphorylation rather than glycolysis is the primary energy source for sperm motility in the mussels Mytilus edulis

Broadcast-spawning marine mussels rely on high sperm motility for successful fertilization in the dynamic seawater environment. Mitochondria are typically considered the primary source of ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); however, the ATP generation pathways of mussel sperm have not been fully characterized. To better understand the importance of both OXPHOS and glycolysis for mussel sperm function, we conducted experiments inhibiting these pathways in sperm from Mytilus edulis. Our results indicate that oligomycin, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial ATP synthase, immediately decreased sperm motility rate, velocity, and ATP content, while 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a glycolysis inhibitor, had no effect. The OXPHOS inhibitor rotenone also partially reduced sperm motility rate and velocity. Interestingly, no evidence was found for the inhibitors' effects on the content of energy-rich compounds (lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins) in the mussels' sperm, indicating only modest energy demand to fuel sperm motility. Based on these findings, we conclude that OXPHOS is the primary energy source for sperm motility in marine mussels. Our study sheds light on the intricacies of mussel sperm physiology and highlights the importance of understanding the energy requirements for successful fertilization in broadcast-spawning marine invertebrates.

Fertility Status of Soils of Patuakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh

Soil is a heterogeneous body and different soil have different fertilizer requirement for crop production depending on fertility status. This research work was conducted to evaluate the fertility status of the soils of the research field of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU). The soils of PSTU were collected and analyzed for the determination of following soil parameters viz. particle size distribution, texture, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulphur and exchangeable potassium. The results showed that the particle size distribution of the collected soils varied significantly with each other. A remarkable variation was observed in textural classes of the soils. The textural classes of the soils were sandy loam, clay and clay loam. The soils were neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction and the pH ranged from 7.01 to 7.73. The organic matter content was very low and ranged from 0.50 to 0.96%. The soils were found to be deficient in total nitrogen with a range of 0.06 to 0.11%. The available phosphorus, available sulphur and exchangeable potassium content of collected soils ranged from 8.76 to 15.90 ppm, 1.04 to 3.06 ppm and 0.12 to 0.26 meq/100 g soil, respectively. The fertility status of the soils was very low to medium level due to very low organic matter content.

Factors associated with fertility intention among women with systemic lupus erythematosus in China: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to explore the status and influencing factors of fertility intention in women of childbearing age with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 158 SLE patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from February 2021 to February 2022 were selected for a cross-sectional study. The dependent variable in this study was the fertility intention of lupus women of childbearing age, so the questionnaire was selected: "In view of your disease, do you plan to have children? Yes/no" as the measurement statement. Lupus patients were divided into fertility intention groups and non-fertility intention groups. The questionnaire survey comprises following scales: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and others. Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression were used for analysis. The results showed that 20.9% of lupus patients in this study had a fertility intention. The fertility intention was associated with age, reproductive history, reproductive concerns, sexual distress, fatigue, family function, social support, depression, and sleep. Binary logistic regression showed that physical fatigue (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.048-12.07) and personal health (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.065-5.853) had significant predictors of fertility intention. Our study identified a lower fertility intention in SLE patients who had reproductive concerns, sexual distress, family dysfunction, and fatigue. We encourage healthcare institutions to provide counseling services to all the SLE patients who have fertility intention and focus more on those who have requirements for fertility.

Female Infertility in Chronic Kidney Disease.

This review summarises the current literature regarding infertility in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD), describing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, investigations, and management options. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, with proposed mechanisms including disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, psychological factors, and gonadotoxic effects of medications such as cyclophosphamide. Diagnostic investigations in CKD patients seeking to conceive should be considered earlier than in the healthy population. Investigations should include hormonal profiling, including markers such as Anti-Mullerian Hormone and imaging such as ultrasound, to evaluate ovarian reserve and identify gynaecology pathology. Treatment options for infertility in CKD patients include GnRH agonists to preserve ovarian function during cyclophosphamide treatment, as well as assisted reproductive technologies including in vitro fertilisation and ovulation induction. However, these treatments must be tailored to the individual's health status, comorbidities, fertility requirements, and CKD stage. In conclusion, fertility is an important consideration for women with CKD, necessitating early investigation and tailored management. Early discussions regarding fertility are important in order to understand patients' family planning and allow for prompt referral to fertility services. While challenges exist, ongoing research aims to clarify the underlying mechanism and optimise treatment strategies, which are crucial for improving quality of life and overall health outcomes.

One-time application of controlled-release bulk blending fertilizer enhances yield, quality and photosynthetic efficiency in late japonica rice

Controlled-release urea (CRU) releases nitrogen (N) at the same pace that rice takes it up, which can effectively improve N use efficiency, increase rice yield and improve rice quality. However, few studies have described the effects of CRU application on the photosynthetic rate and endogenous enzyme activities of rice. Accordingly, a two-year field trial was conducted with a total of seven treatments: CK, no N fertilizer; BBF, regular blended fertilizer; RBBF, 20% N-reduced regular blended fertilizer; CRF1, 70% CRU+30% regular urea one-time base application; CRF2, 60% CRU+40% regular urea one-time base application; RCRF1, CRF1 treatment with 20% N reduction; and RCRF2, CRF2 treatment with 20% N reduction. Each treatment was conducted in triplicate. The results showed that the N recovery efficiency (NRE) of the controlled-release bulk blending fertilizer (CRBBF) treatments was significantly greater over the two years. There were significant yield increases of 4.1–5.9% under the CRF1 treatment and 5.6–7.6% under the CRF2 treatment compared to the BBF treatment, but the differences between the reduced-N treatments RBBF and RCRF2 were not significant. Photosynthetic rates under the CRF1 and CRF2 treatments were significantly higher than under the other treatments, and they had significantly greater RuBPCase, RuBisCO, glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activities. Additionally, the soil NH4+-N and NO3−-N contents under the CRBBF treatments were significantly higher at the late growth stage of rice, which was more in-line with the fertilizer requirements of rice throughout the reproductive period. CRBBF also led to some improvement in rice quality. Compared with the BBF and RBBF treatments, the protein contents under the CRBBF treatments were reduced but the milling, appearance, eating and cooking qualities of the rice were improved. These results showed that the application of CRBBF can improve the NRE, photosynthetic rate and endogenous enzyme activities of rice, ensuring sufficient N nutrition and photosynthetic material production during rice growth and thereby achieving improved rice yield and quality.

An exploration of preferences for soil health practices in potato production

Given the renewed interest in promoting healthy soils in agricultural production via practices such as cover crops, decreased fumigations, or biological fertilizers, this article explores U.S. potato farmers' preferences for soil health-related production practices. We conduct a discrete choice experiment (DCE) under which hypothetical practices varied based on their effect on pests, fertilizer requirements, irrigation needs, additional soil testing/education, and expected net returns. Surveys were deployed to potato growers using convenience sampling online—through practitioner journals—and in person—at industry meetings. Standard descriptive statistics of the sample are presented and the DCE experiment was analyzed using a mixed multinomial logit model. Results suggest that when considering a new practice, farmers are highly sensitive to changes in net returns (p ​< ​0.001), and somewhat responsive to changes in fertilizer requirements, irrigation, and pests (p ​< ​0.01). However, potato growers appear indifferent to changes in workload, education, or soil testing requirements. While potato growers’ responses to the survey suggest they are highly concerned with soil health, conventional practices (e.g., 2–3 years rotations, standard tillage, fumigation) are still common. Additionally, we find that complexity in implementation, uncertainty in economic benefits, and capital constraints are the most common barriers to adopting novel soil health practices.

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Requirements of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium for Wheat Production (Sharq El-Owainat – Western South Egypt)

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Requirements of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium for Wheat Production (Sharq El-Owainat – Western South Egypt)

An Acquisition Based Optimised Crop Recommendation System with Machine Learning Algorithm

The agricultural sector makes a significant economic impact in India. It contributes 19.9% to the national GDP. The prosperity of the country's economy greatly affects the country's progress and the quality of life for Indian citizens. The vast majority of farms still use antiquated methods rather than adopting a data-driven strategy to increase output and earnings. It is considered a cornerstone of India's financial structure. Since achieving independence, increasing output through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies has been a top priority. Such cutting-edge technology is the application of machine learning algorithms to forecast agricultural outcomes such as harvest size, fertilizer requirements, and the effectiveness of specific farming implements. In this research, a model was built using an optimization and an ensemble of methods to improve the precision and consistency of prediction. Classifiers based on Support Vector Machines (SVM), K Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Decision Trees (DT), and Logistic Regression (LR) were competed against those based on voting and stacking in the ensemble technique. With an accuracy of 99.32%, the Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm was utilized to recommend the best crop to be harvested.

Straw mulch decreased nitrogen fertilizer requirements via regulating soil moisture and temperature to improve physiology, nitrogen, and water use efficiency of wheat

AbstractThe infrequent rainfall caused drought‐prone conditions, particularly in semiarid regions of China, where most of the precipitation occurs in summer season. Thus, the summer rainwater conservation is very important for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. Therefore, a 2‐year field experiment was conducted on straw mulch along with nitrogen (N) fertilizer to improve physiology, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), wheat yield, and water use efficiency (WUE). Maize (Zea mays) was a rotated crop after wheat, and therefore, maize straw mulch (S1, 0 kg ha−1; S2, 4500 kg ha−1; S3, 9000 kg ha−1) was in the main plots, and N fertilizer (N1, 0 kg ha−1; N2, 192 kg ha−1 [80%]; N3, 240 kg ha−1 [100%]) was in the subplots. The interaction of S3N3 and S3N2 produced 59.2% and 43.8% higher net photosynthesis and enhanced its characteristics at booting stage compared with that of S1N1. Higher Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values (49.1% and 41.0%) and leaf area (85.6% and 61.0%) were measured with S3N3 and S3N2 treatments at booting stage compared with S1N1. Both S3N2 and S3N3 had increased wheat N‐uptake (91% and 103%, respectively) compared to S1N1. While S3N3 and S3N2 enhanced soil moisture conservation, NUE (19.7% and 22.8%) and WUE (47.2% and 47.2%) improved the growth yield of wheat compared to S1N1. Higher wheat grain yield (7604 kg ha−1) was obtained from interaction of S3N2. Therefore, interaction of S3N2 is a viable approach for improving the winter wheat crop performance in terms of NUE, WUE, and wheat yield for semiarid areas in China.

Crop residue retention increases greenhouse gas emissions but reduces chemical fertilizer requirement in a vegetable-rice rotation

Retaining crop residues on site after harvesting can maintain soil fertility, reduce fertilizer requirements and restore soil organic carbon on intensively cultivated land. However, how crop residue retention and reduced chemical fertilizer application affect greenhouse gas emissions and crop yield in vegetable-rice rotations is poorly understood. We studied the effect of chemical fertilizer application alone (control, without straw retention), straw retention with 100 % nitrogen fertilizer application (STF) or with three levels of reduced chemical fertilizer application (SFR1, SFR2 and SFR3) in a vegetable-rice rotation in a mesocosm system. In the vegetable season, crop yield was maintained but the agronomic efficiency (AE) was higher in SFR1, SFR2 and SFR3 as compared to STF and the control. In the rice season under flooded condition, the methanogens were higher in SFR1, SFR2 and SFR3 compared to the control, but not different between STF and SFR1. The STF showed higher methane and nitrous oxide emissions, but carbon dioxide emissions and AE remained unaffected compared to the control in the vegetable-rice rotation. The SFR2 and SFR3 treatments maintained crop yields, increased AE, and decreased N2O emissions as compared with STF, but the CH4 emissions were 29.8 % lower in SFR2 than SFR3 in the vegetable-rice rotation. We concluded that straw retention with reduced chemical fertilizer application can maintain crop yield in a vegetable-rice rotation but has the potential to increase CH4 emissions in the rice cultivation season.