Soil Fertility Problems Research Articles

Fertilizer Micro-dosing: Evaluating the Yield Response of Sorghum to Different Levels of Fertilizers Applied on the Planting Pit at Mereb-Lekhe District

Next to drought, poor soil fertility is the single major cause of crops nutrient starvation in Tigray specifically at Mereb-lekhe district. Farmers of the study area use different organic and inorganic fertilizers separately and in combination to overcome soil fertility problems for sorghum production. However, the pace of sorghum production stays constant and occasionally decreases with time. Fertilizer efficiency; the type, rate and method of fertilizer application they use were thought to be the reasons for the steady or declining sorghum production. Hence, this study was initiated to determine the yield response of sorghum to microdose fertilizer application. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were; farmers’ practice or blanket recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) (50kg ha-1 Urea & 100 kg ha-1 DAP), recommended compost at a rate of 7ton ha-1, 75% of recommended NP, 50% of recommended NP, 25% of recommended NP, 75% recommended NP+25% recommended compost, 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost and 25% recommended NP+75% recommended compost. All treatments were applied with microdosing method except the recommended N and P is broadcasting method. The highest sorghum grain yield (4201 kg ha-1) and straw yield (19107 kg ha-1) were obtained from treatment recommended compost at a rate of 7 ton/ha and 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost, respectively. This study showed that combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer gave a better economic advantage for sorghum crop. Hence, it could be concluded that use of compost at a rate of 7 ton ha-1 and the 75% recommended N and P could increase production and productivity of sorghum by the application of micro dosing than broadcasting method.

Socio-economic and Bio-physical Characterization of Wadego Watershed, Oda-Bultum Woreda, West Hararghe zone, Ethiopia

Baseline characterization is important component of watershed development of rural development and natural resource management strategies in many countries. Hence, the study was designed to; assess and document major biophysical and socio-economic constraints and potentials of Wadego watershed. Firstly, Wadego watershed boundary was delineated and its map was developed based on the preliminary outlet identified with the help of GPS reading. The households for interview were selected randomly from the small householders in the watershed based on proportional to population size. Accordingly, data was collected from 120 sample respondents using various instruments such as: key informant interview using semi-structured checklist, focused group discussion, expert interview, unstructured questionnaire and field observation on bio-physical resources and different concerns of watershed management. Collected data was summarized using descriptive statistics. The result indicated, out of the total 120 sample respondents socio-economic status were; 87.5% of them were male while the rest 12.5% were female, 93% were married, 51% were un educated. The major crops grown in the watershed were Maize, Sorghum, Khat, Teff and others while, Barley and Field Pea were the least grown ones. The result of the survey has indicated 37% uses improved variety, while 64% uses local variety. According to respondents, the slop class of the watershed was 56, 29, and 15% flat, medium and steeply slops respectively. Moreover, soil fertility class was 25%, 54% and 21% low, medium and high respectively in the watershed. Generally, the survey result have characterized and documented bio-physical and socio-economic status as: average land owned half hectare, densely populated, different slope class in the watershed, land shortage, feed problems, presence of soil fertility and erosion problems, climatic problems etc. in the watershed. Accordingly, researchable issues on different prioritized problems concerning to; soil fertility management, soil and water conservation, Agroforestry practice, forage development and forestry practices in the watershed have given prioritization and therefore, adapted and generated technologies nearby research center i.e. Mechara Agricultural Research Center and any concerned research institutions and also development work oriented NGO’S has to intervened the watershed by research development work. Accordingly, intervention areas forwarded are: Creating awareness on climate variability and change and SWC techniques, introducing different biophysical soil and water harvesting technologies, demonstration and awareness creation, Participatory demonstration on different Agroforestry and plantation forestry practices, introducing multipurpose plant species like Bamboo variety in the watershed.

Biophysical Resource Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials of Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia

Baseline characterization helps to understand the initial livelihood condition of the people in the watershed before and after the intervention of the project to measure the amount of change attained by the project. The objective of the study was to characterize baseline information on the existing biophysical resource used as benchmark for planning and impact monitoring and to identify and major constraints and potential in the watershed. The watershed was selected depending on agro-ecological representation, prevalence of resource management and land degradation problems and accessibility for intensive follow-up. Based on the preliminary outlet identified during the watershed selection process, the watershed boundary was delineated using GPS data and the map of watershed was geo-referenced and digitized for its contour, roads, rivers, and other features. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study and primary data was collected through field observation, household survey, focus group discussion and interview of the key informants. From the total 103 household heads living in the watershed, 62 household heads were selected as a respondent for the study. The collected data was managed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel 2010. The results of the study showed that about 29.4% of the watershed slope was characterized by flat lands, 45.7% moderate slope and 24.9% steep lands. As well as soil fertility status of cultivated land in the watershed were 33.9% low, 55.9% moderate and 10.2% high. The results of the study showed that the major constraints identified by sampled household heads were decline of soil fertility, soil erosion, climate change, land shortage, and deforestation were significantly contributed to the low crop yield in the watershed. About 27.4% of the sampled households had encountered decline of soil fertility problems, 25.8% of sample farmers encountered soil erosion problem, and 22.6% of sample farmers encountered climate change problem in the watershed. From the identified major constraints, the highest priorities were given for decline of soil fertility, soil erosion problem, shortage of feed and fodder, and decline of crop productivity respectively. In the watershed, immediate short-term actions should be taken particularly participatory integrated watershed management were recommended.

Identifying limiting nutrient(s) for better bread wheat and tef productivity in acidic soils of north‐west Amhara, Ethiopia

AbstractFood crop productivity is still low because of the decline of soil fertility in Ethiopia, particularly in north‐western Amhara. Fine‐tuning the source and rate of nutrients is required to solve soil fertility problems along landscape positions. Therefore, this study was initiated to investigate the need to apply selected nutrients to tef and wheat in acidic soils. This nutrient omission study was conducted in 74 farmers’ fields of Gozamen and Machakel districts. The omitted nutrients were sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Potassium (K) was added, consisting of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B (All+K). Nitrogen plus phosphorus (NP) and no fertilizer treatments were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Furthermore, 50% and 150% of the All+K treatments were also included. The finding revealed that the application of different nutrient types at variable rates had a significant role in the grain and biomass yield of both test crops in the acidic soils. No tef yield and the lowest yield of bread wheat were obtained from the no fertilizer application treatment. The application of All+K had no significant yield advantage compared to NP fertilizer alone. This implies that N and P are the most yield‐limiting nutrients to produce tef and bread wheat, whereas KSZnB nutrients are not yield limiting. Therefore, refining the rates of N and P in acidic soils is needed for the economical use of fertilizers. Finally, applying blended fertilizers without empirical evidence is not recommended for smallholder farmers in the study area.

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv.viciae Potential Assessment using Dosha faba Bean Isolates from Central and North Gondar, Ethiopia

Purpose: The objective this study was to evaluate nitrogen fixation effectiveness, survival and compatibility of the isolates of on two different soils that came from Dabat and Shentia sites at Gondar, Ethiopia. The author recommends that the isolates test their nitrogen fixing potential under field conditions in slightly acidic and neutral soil before being used as commercial biofertilzer inoculants. The present study provides potential nitrogen fixer input for agricultural research centers. Methodology: Soil physicochemical analysis and most probable number were done according to their standard procedure. Three top strains were selected as inoculants for faba beans grown on the slightly acidic Shentia soil and the slightly neutral Dabat soil with their control. The symbiotic effectiveness of the strains was evaluated based on plant agronomy and total nitrogen of the plant. The results of the strains analyzed by SPSS version 26. Findings: The highest rhizobium population size was 5.8 x102 cells g-1 soil, while the lowest was 1.7 x102 cell g-1 soil observed at the Dabat and Shentia sites, respectively. There is limited nitrogen and phosphorus content other were enough. It was significant difference inter-strain difference in the all agronomic parameter of all treatments in soil compared to each based on agronomic parameter, but across soils there was no significant different except shoot fresh weight. The result of these studies showed that two Rhizobium leguminosarum bv.viciae isolates and other combinations of them had considerable effect on agronomic properties. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The application of biological nitrogen fixation through Rhizobium inoculums is promoted as a solution to the problem of poor soil fertility in areas where legumes are cultivated. In most of the developing countries, including Ethiopia, biological nitrogen fixation technology has not fully flourished, so this study was initiated to evaluate fixation potential of isolates.

Economic analysis of inefficiency in wheat production: An empirical study from India

The study undertook an effort to trace the production inefficiency between different farm sizes (i.e., marginal, small, semi-medium, and medium farms) for wheat crops in Uttar Pradesh, India. Using a sample of 320 farmers from the U.P., the study employed the stochastic production frontier (SPF) approach to determine the level of inefficiency using key inputs such as land, irrigation, fertilizer, seed, pesticides, equipment, and labour. Further, factors such as age, farm size (FS), soil fertility problem (SFP), awareness spearheaded by the panchayat (ASP), inaccessibility to certify seeds (ICS), and Simmons land fragmentation index (LFI) that accounted for inefficiency among various farm sizes have been taken into account. The study found that the inefficiency factors used in the study are hindering wheat production. The study exhibits significant differences among farm-wise inefficiency in Uttar Pradesh and therefore suggests the possibility of increasing the production of wheat crops in the state. The study recognizes that for farms with above-two-hectare land, production is relatively higher as compared to small and marginal farms’ production. Thus, farms above 2 hectares are, in real terms, recognised as true economic holdings in the study, as they are less inefficient relative to others. The study suggests policy measures to improve the symmetrical information regarding input usages and interventions to reduce marginalisation in the state.

The Effect of Nitrogen-Enriched Partially Burnt Paddy Husk on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza Sativa)

Paddy husk can be defined as a material that can be easily accessed by small-scale, resource-poor farmers in Sri Lanka. It is being produced in large quantities during the production of milled rice as by-products. Currently, most paddy husk is underutilized or left unused due to their intrinsic properties. Partially burnt paddy husk (PBPH) is an organic material that is prepared by incomplete combustion of paddy husk. The use of PBPH as a soil amendment to fix soil fertility problems has been well recognized. It contains a higher porous structure and an enhanced adsorption capacity, therefore, has the ability to slow down nutrient leaching by capturing nutrients in its porous structure. In the present study, a farmer-friendly, biochar-based organic nitrogen fertilizer was developed by nitrogen-enriching PBPH using nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizers in order to determine its effect on the growth and yield of rice. A pot experiment was conducted at the Rice Research and Development Institute, Bathalagoda based on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments and five replicates.The treatments included T1 (Gliricidia extract+PBPH), T2 (cow urine+PBPH), T3 (poultry manure+PBPH), T4 (fish tonic+PBPH), T5 (compost tea+PBPH), T6 (urea+PBPH), T7 (PBPH only) and T8 (no treatment). Nitrogen (N) content of raw materials, liquid fertilizers, N-enriched PBPH, and N uptake of plants were determined using Kjeldahl method. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of PBPH were determined by using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and Flame Photometer, respectively. Plant height and greenness (SPAD results) were recorded as growth parameters and finally, number of tillers, panicles, grains per pot and grain weight per pot were obtained as the yield parameters. Significantly, the highest N content was found in urea liquid fertilizer (3.42%) whereas the lowest was found in Gliricidia extract (0.35%). Significantly, the highest N content (1.735%) of N-enriched PBPHs was found in T6 (urea+PBPH), while the lowest (0.058%) was found in T7 (PBPH only). Significantly, the highest N uptakes (1.98% and 1.86%) of rice plants were found in T6 (urea+PBPH) and T4 (fish tonic+PBPH) respectively while the lowest (0.56%) was found in the T8 (no treatment). SPAD readings, the number of panicles, tillers and grain yield, and biomass were significantly increased in all treatments over T7 (PBPH only) and T8 (no treatment) treatments. The overall study concluded that the application of N-enriched PBPH has improved the growth and yield of rice, therefore it can be used as a farmer-friendly, sustainable, and organic nitrogen source in paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka.
 Keywords: Nitrogen, Partially burnt paddy husk, Nitrogen enrichment

EVALUATION OF SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CARROT PERFORMANCE AS INFLUENCED BY INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF POULTRY MANURE AND COCOA POD HUSK IN THE RAINFOREST AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

The high cost of inorganic fertilizer, difficulties involved in its use, its scarcity, coupled with its adverse effects associated with its continuous use on soil quality prompted the need to research into cheap, locally available organic materials to combat soil fertility problems. Field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the effects of the integrated application of poultry manure (PM) and cocoa pod husk (CPH) on soil chemical properties, growth, leaf nutrients content and yield of carrot at Igba in the rainforest ecology of southwest Nigeria. The treatments consisted of PM and CPH each at three levels (0, 5, 10 t ha-1) in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment laid into randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data were collected on soil chemical properties, growth parameters, leaf nutrients content and yield parameters. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System Institute Package (SAS, 2000). The soil was slightly acidic (pH 5.5.), low in nitrogen (0.12g kg), available phosphorus (8 mg kg-1). Integrated application of PM and CPH significantly (P< 0.05) improved soil pH, organic carbon, total N, available P, exchangeable bases and lowered exchangeable acidity. Plots with integrated application of PM and CPH had higher values of soil pH, exchangeable bases, ECEC, total N, total organic carbon, available P and lower values of exchangeable acidity and micronutrients than the plots with their sole applications. There were reductions in soil pH, exchangeable bases, ECEC, total N and organic carbon in the control plots in the second cropping seasons. Growth parameters were better enhanced in plots with the integrated application of PM and CPH than either of their sole. There were significant improvements in plant height, leaf length and shoot diameter in the second cropping season in plots amended with PM, CPH and their integrations as against control plots where reductions in the growth characteristics were obtained. The leaf content of N, P, K and Ca were significantly (P< 0.05) enhanced in plots with integrated application of PM and CPH than the plots with their sole application. Carrot root yield characteristics were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced in plots with the integrated application of PM and CPH than plots with the sole application of PM or CPH. Root yield was increased in the second cropping season in plots treated with the sole application of PM, CPH and their integrations, while there were reductions in root yield parameters in the control plots. Improvements in soil nutrients status, growth, leaf nutrients content and root yield of carrot in both cropping season in the amended plots when compared to the control plots, imply that integrated use of PM and CPH could be used in the enhancement of production of carrot on sustainable basis in the study area.

International Scientific and Practical Conference “Problems of Soil Fertility in Current Agriculture” dedicated to the 70th anniversary of virgin and abandoned lands development (Krasnoyarsk, June 24–28, 2024)

International Scientific and Practical Conference “Soil fertility problems in current agriculture” (hereinafter referred to as Conference) took place on June 24–28, 2024, in Krasnoyarsk (Russia) to mark 70 years since virgin and long-abandoned lands were put into the agricultural use. The Conference attracted more than hundred participants, including three full and two corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 doctors and 46 candidates of sciences, as well as postgraduate and doctoral students, researchers from the scientific centers and institutes of Krasnoyarsk and other regions of Russia, and also from Kazakhstan and Belarus. Sectional topics were as following: changes in soil and agrochemical properties during agricultural land use; urgent issues in soil degradation and soil-protection agriculture; assessment and regulation of soil fertility and agricultural productivity; the role of species and cultivar composition of agrocenoses in soil production capacity; digital technologies in agriculture, remote and ground monitoring of agroecosystems; history of virgin and abandoned lands development. The plenary lectures and other Conference materials are published in a book “Soil fertility problems in current agriculture” (2024). Besides the plenary and sectional events, the Conference participants attended a field trip to see experimental fields and soil profiles in Krasnoyarsk Region and Khakassia and enjoyed excursions around Krasnoyarsk and the National Park “Krasnoyarskiye Stolby”. The Conference provided a forum for discussing diverse and the most urgent issues of current agriculture and for getting acquainted with new approaches, concepts and technologies, applied in various spheres of agronomy for solving land use and soil preservation problems. The Conference participants, emphasizing its importance, expressed their confidence that Conference results and resolution will promote the progress of the agricultural industry in Russia.

Современное состояние почв лесных питомников таежной зоны Европейской части России

When producing planting material in the taiga zone, it is extremely important to assess problematic sites in forest nurseries. Attention should be paid to poor soil quality, which can significantly affect the growth rate of seedlings and the yield of standard planting material. The article considers a comprehensive assessment of soil conditions in forest nurseries of the taiga zone of the European part of Russia. The research was conducted in six forest nurseries. Agrochemical and physical properties of soils were determined. The content of organic matter in the soils of forest nurseries is low, mobile forms of phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen are insufficient for optimal growth and development of coniferous seedlings. The level of acidity in the soils of nurseries in the taiga zone of the European part of Russia turned out to be favorable. Half of the studied forest nurseries have increased density of soil composition, which can lead to the formation of soils with low pore volume, limiting air intake and moisture retention in the soil. A decrease in the intensity of seedling growth and yield of standard seedlings may occur due to the lack of technological measures such as weed control, lack of irrigation, etc., but one of the most important reasons is the insufficient supply of soils with mineral and organic substances. Equalization of soil fertility parameters in forest nurseries can be achieved by application of necessary fertilizers and by means of cultivation. The results of the presented work will make it possible to draw the attention of specialists engaged in the cultivation of planting material in the taiga zone of the European part of Russia to the problem of low soil fertility.

Обобщенная модель управления потоками органического углерода и азота на мелиорированных землях

Purpose: to develop a systematic approach to solving the problem of soil fertility based on a model for managing the flows of organic carbon and nitrogen on reclaimed lands. Materials and methods: the working hypothesis of the study is the assumption of the possibility of creating a system of tools for regulating the flows of organic carbon and nitrogen, working within the framework of the principle of nature-likeness and ensuring comprehensive regulation of soil formation factors and increasing the agroecosystem productivity. Results. The conceptual model for managing organic carbon and nitrogen flows on reclaimed lands was developed. The model includes a quantitative calculation of the organic carbon and nitrogen cycles in agroecosystems, the development of scenario forecasts, the development of a control decision and assessment of its execution consequences, the determination of the basic controller’s parameters, the determination of the composition and options for using the controller’s tools, the organization of process monitoring and the assessment of scenario forecasts for actual data. The controller structure of carbon and nitrogen cycle processes for agroecosystems is detailed by the model. The controller includes tools for influencing small nitrogen and carbon cycles, possible ways to implement the tool in a practical application and technologies through which the impact is carried out, with parameters and restrictions specified for a particular case. The basic controller tools are: the plant physiological activity regulation, the phytomass accumulation regulation, the phytomass turnover regulation, the circulation of animal waste regulation, the C:N ratio regulation, the regulation of soil microbiota activity. Conclusions: a conceptual model for managing the flows of organic carbon and nitrogen including a system of tools for the integrated regulation of soil formation factors and increasing the productivity of agroecosystems has been developed.

A Logistic Regression Analysis for Problems Faced by the Farmers in Sambalpur

The primary objective of this paper is to recognize the issues facing farmers in the agriculture industry. Food things are the most great to guarantee the quality of life. Logistic regression is a suitable analytical technique for this kind of study, since it can be applied to investigate the variables influencing Sambalpur farmers and identify the causes of the issues they face. According to the results, a subset of the model’s variables is determined to have the biggest impact on a farmer's decision to continue using their traditional farming methods. Production-related problems, a manpower shortage, a lack of pesticides and fertiliser, a lack of technical know-how, poor irrigation infrastructure, a lack of marketing resources, and technology and equipment and machinery related to marketing, financial concerns, and a lack of soil fertility problems are some of these variables. The factors including some issues of farmers have encountered with production, marketing, and financing. This study contributes to the encouragement of farmers to enhance productivity and generate more items. It was decided that an intriguing report with pertinent details would be appropriate to investigate the locations. Using a meeting schedule that was specifically created for the purpose, the necessary information was obtained from the farmers. The utmost care was made to provide crucial clarifications in colloquial language so that the respondents may react as accurately and unequivocally as possible.

Production of 6 Geno Types of Garlic (Sesamumindicum L.), Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico

Synthetic fertilizers solved soil fertility problems, which increased yields per unit area, although they led to high economic, environmental and social costs.1,2 Continue to be preferred by producers for plant growth, in more than 70% of agricultural lands with corn they apply nitrogen fertilizers, Guerrero is no exception, it is still using nitrogen fertilizers through out the State, however, it is frequently lost due to volatilization and erosion,3 and has also caused pollution to the environment.

Effect of Applying Mineral Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers on N, P, and K Uptake and Use Efficiency of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) on Acidic Soil in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Soil fertility problem is a major constraint to faba bean production in Wolaita Zone in Ethiopia. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in Kokate Marachare sub-district during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons to determine the optimum N, P, and K fertilizers for enhanced uptake and use efficiency of faba bean. Three rates of N (0, 23, and 46 kg N ha–1), P (0, 46, and 92 kg P2O5 ha–1), and K fertilizer (0, 30, and 60 kg K2O ha–1) were tested using RCBD with three replications. Data on agronomic efficiency (AE), agro-physiological efficiency (APE), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE), and utilization efficiency of N, P, and K nutrients were analyzed. The results revealed N, P, and K uptake efficiency (UE) indices of faba bean were significantly influenced by the main effects of the rate of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. Thus, applying 23 kg N ha–1, 46 kg P2O5 ha–1, and 30 kg K2O ha–1 resulted higher N, P, and K AE, respectively (33.70 kg kg-1, 13.43 kg kg-1, and 27.32 kg kg-1); PE (76.87 kg kg-1, 104.51 kg kg-1, and 118.83 kg kg-1); APE (40.49 kg kg-1, 104.51 kg kg-1, and 68.07 kg kg-1); ARE (84.48%, 2.00%, and 40.30%); and UE (63.47 kg kg-1, 2.52 kg kg-1, and 56.08 kg kg-1). Therefore, 23 kg N ha–1, 46 kg P2O 5ha–1, and 30 kg K2O ha–1 are recommended for the higher N, P, and K uptake and use efficiency of faba bean.

The effect of using of organic and mineral origin raw materials in agriculture on soil fertility

The presented work relates to ecology, chemical technology, in particular, methods for the production of fertilizers from sewage sludge and agriculture.The scale of production activity increases with population growth, so the problem of optimizing the interaction between man and nature is relevant and its solution is of great importance in improving the environment. Wastewater is one of the by-products of anthropogenic activities. When it is cleaned, a precipitate (sludge) is formed. The volume and the toxicity of sludge are, of course, increasing due to urban growth and the intensification of industrial production. About 25-30 kg of dry sediment is formed per person per year in European countries.There is no single rational and environmentally safe, currently tested technology for sludge disposal in our republic, and its appearance is unlikely to be created shortly since the sediments of different treatment facilities have different physicochemical and biological properties, as well as entirely different qualitative and quantitative compositions of elements.Purifying and disposing of such waste (sludge) is a serious environmental problem. The main principles of its solution are a set of environmental and economic interests of society, environmentally safe disposal and use of sludge, and their involvement in the economic cycle. The problem of using waste for fertilizer has various aspects and it is inseparable from the problem of soil fertility and ecology.The exceptional importance of organic matter in increasing soil fertility has long been known. In this regard, application of organic-mineral complexes that affect the productivity and quality of plants, determination of effective fertilizer norms and application of new technologies are an urgent issue and are of great theoretical and practical importance.The fertility of the soil is very dependent on the intensity of the biological processes taking place in it. Sufficient moisture, organic matter and a favorable reaction of the soil solution are required for the activity of microorganisms in the soil.He worked on the technology of organic-mineral complex preparation and applied it under agricultural plants (cotton) in order to achieve the set goal in the direction of solving this issue.

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.

Perceptions and Characterization of Local Knowledge on Soil Fertility Management by Maize Farmers in Central Benin

The problem of soil fertility leads farmers, according to their perception, to practice local and or introduced methods to manage the productivity of their farm. This study aimed to document local knowledge on soil fertility management by maize farmers in central Benin. A semi-structured survey was used to collect information from 1248 maize farmers in six communes in central Benin. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis. Results showed that farmers consider declining soil fertility as one of the major constraints to maize production. About 45% of the farmers surveyed linked declining soil fertility to unsuitable fertilization practices. Maize farmers' soil fertility management methods are mainly based on synthetic chemical fertilizers such as urea (46%), NPK (15-15-15), NPKSB (14-23-14-5-1) and NPKSBZn (13-17-17-0.5-2.5) and Triple Superphosphate (45% P2O5). The application rates differed according to the type of fertilizer. Socio-demographic characteristics such as area planted, age, experience in maize production, membership in a farmer's organization, level of education, gender and income level of the farmer significantly determine the type of soil fertility management method practiced. These factors should be taken into account by extension programs.

Humus state and nutrient regime of typical chernozem depending on fertilisation in short crop rotations

The fertiliser system is the most effective factor in the intensification of crop cultivation technologies. The basis for scientifically sound fertiliser application systems, along with obtaining the planned level of yield of the appropriate quality, is the study of the organic matter content and soil nutrient regime during crop rotation. The purpose of this study was to determine the mineral nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and humus content in typical chernozem under different fertilisation systems in short-term crop rotations. To solve the problem of soil fertility, an important approach is to conduct field and laboratory research to determine changes in the humus state according to Tyurin, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium regimes of the soil according to Machigin, and dispersion methods to determine the reliability of experimental data. As a result of the research, it was found that the highest humus content in the soil was recorded under the organic-mineral fertilisation system at the end of the second rotation in the grain crop rotation by 0.13% compared to the fruit crop rotation. The use of a mineral fertiliser system in a row crop rotation reduced the humus content by 0.12%. An increase in the humus content of typical chernozem was recorded under fruit crop rotation and grain-row crop rotation. The organic-mineral fertilisation system tended to increase the mineral nitrogen content of the soil compared to the other systems. The mineral nitrogen content of the mineral fertilisation system decreased by 5.5 mg/kg of soil compared to the unfertilised variant. Under the organic-mineral and mineral fertilisation system, the content of mobile phosphate increased in all crop rotations. The content of mobile phosphorus in the tilled crop rotation was substantially reduced compared to the fruit crop rotation and grain-row crop rotation. The highest content of exchangeable potassium in the soil was recorded under the mineral fertilisation system. The materials of the publications are of practical importance in the analysis of the main elements of mineral nutrition of typical chernozem in short crop rotations

Effects of Bio-Organic Fertilizer on Soil Infiltration, Water Distribution, and Leaching Loss under Muddy Water Irrigation Conditions

This study analyzes the soil water infiltration characteristics under muddy water irrigation and bio-organic fertilizer conditions in the current context of muddy water irrigation rarely being used in agricultural production and in combination with the problems of water resource shortages and low soil fertility in arid and semi-arid regions. An indoor one-dimensional soil column infiltration device was used for studying the effects of four muddy water sediment concentration levels (ρ0: 0; ρ1: 4%; ρ2: 8%; ρ3: 12%) and four bio-organic fertilizer levels (FO0: 0; FO1: 2250 kg·hm−2; FO2: 4500 kg·hm−2; sFO3: 6750 kg·hm−2) on soil water infiltration, evaporation characteristics, and leaching loss. The results demonstrated that a higher muddy water sediment concentration and fertilization level resulted in a smaller wetting front distance and cumulative infiltration amount within the same time, but the infiltration reduction rate (η) gradually increased. The three infiltration models (Kostiakov, Philip, and Horton) were fitted, and it was discovered that all three had good fitting results (R2 > 0.8), with the Kostiakov model displaying the best fit and the Horton model exhibiting the worst fit. The cumulative evaporation amount and evaporation time in muddy water irrigation and fertilization conditions was consistent with the Black and Rose evaporation models (R2 > 0.9), the Black model was proved to be higher than the Rose model. In comparison to ρ0, muddy water irrigation increased conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the leaching solution, but it reduced cumulative evaporation, soil moisture content, the uniformity coefficient of soil water distribution, and leaching solution volume. Compared with FO0, the application of bio-organic fertilizer increased soil water content and reduced soil water evaporation while also reducing the leaching solution volume, conductivity, and TDS in the leaching solution. The results of this research can provide scientific reference for the efficient utilization of muddy water irrigation and the rational application of bio-organic fertilizer.

The long-term impact of the integrated crop-livestock system on carbon emission, sustainability and livelihood security of small and medium farmers

In India, 80 per cent of the farmers are small and marginal farmers. They primarily depend on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood security. The rice-rice cropping system reduces farm income, declined soil fertility and other soil degradation problems. The farming system approach is a holistic tool to address the problems of mono-cropping through diversification that enhances farm income, production and employment. A field study was conducted during 2011–2018 to study the impact of the rice-based integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) for profitability, carbon emission and sustainability. Recycling of resources and residues led to higher productivity (58.9 %) and net profit (48.5 %) over the initial year by adopting rice-based ICLS. This system had a net profit of $ 3097/year and generated 776 man T days/ha/year employments. In ICLS, the recyclable farm waste material of 28.98 tons is converted into organic manures of 16.03 tons and saves the fertilizer’s cost of $ 504 per year. It can be a sustainable model with a sustainable yield index (0.11) of for wet situations with less carbon-emitting and profitable.