Fertilizer Sources Research Articles

Effect on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under integrated nutrient management

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a heavy feeder and highly responsive to nutrient input, where the proper quantity and timing of nutrient supply is most critical component in achieving high productivity in potato cultivation. To assess the crop response and productivity, the potato variety ‘Kufri Jyoti’ was taken under different integrated nutrient management practices. The recommended dose of fertilizer was at 150:80:100 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha, 25 kg/ha of ZnSO4 and 15 kg/ha of Borax were applied during the experiment. The results indicated that there were highly significant effects of higher doses of nitrogen with recommended P and K combined applied with Zinc and Boron on tuber yield, plant NPK uptake efficiency and enzymatic activities. Results from the experiment expressed that the application of 125% RDN along with the application of Zn and B ensured maximum total tuber yield (24.73 t/ha), crop growth rate (5.222 g/m2/day), relative growth rate (0.066 g/g/day) at peak growth stages and quality such as starch (15.64%) and sucrose synthase activity (695 µg/g of fresh weight of tuber) of potato grown with the above nutrient management practices. This study indicated that production variation for higher nitrogen doses from inorganic sources of fertilizer existed among 16 different nutrient application treatments, and with better quality parameters.

Effects of Rainfall Intensity and Slope on Infiltration Rate, Soil Losses, Runoff and Nitrogen Leaching from Different Nitrogen Sources with a Rainfall Simulator

The combined effects of slope gradient, rainfall intensity, and nitrogen fertilizer source on infiltration, runoff, soil loss, and nitrogen (N) leaching in agricultural areas are not thoroughly understood, despite their critical importance in sustainable agriculture. Previous studies have focused on these factors individually, leaving a significant gap in knowledge regarding their synergistic impact. Investigating the interplay between slope gradients, rainfall intensities, and N fertilizer sources is vital to developing effective soil and water conservation strategies and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. This study is comprised of two experiments. Experiment 1 was designed as a 3 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, incorporating three levels of rainfall intensity (RI) (45, 70, and 100 mm/h), two slope gradients (5 and 8°), and three soil types (sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam), aimed at assessing runoff, infiltration, and soil loss. Experiment 2, laid out as 3 × 2 × 3 × 3 factorial, expanded on this, adding N fertilizer source (urea, CaCN2, and limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) at 130 kg/ha N) and assessing N leaching alongside the previous metrics. Both experiments used a rotating disc rainfall simulator and were replicated four times. Results revealed that steeper slopes (8°) led to increased runoff and soil loss, impeding infiltration, while gentler slopes (5°) facilitated greater infiltration and minimized soil loss. Rainfall intensity played a significant role, with 70 mm/h/5° combinations promoting higher infiltration rates (48.14 mm/h) and 100 mm/h/8° resulting in lower rates (37.07 mm/h for sandy loam and silt loam, 26.09 mm/h for clay loam). Nitrogen leaching varied based on N source; urea at 130 kg/ha N led to higher losses (7.2% in sandy loam, 6.9% in silt loam, 6.5% in clay loam), followed by LAN (6.9% in sandy loam, 6.7% in silt loam, 6.3% in clay loam) while CaCN2 at the same rate resulted in lower N losses (6.4% in sandy soil, 4.4% in silt loam, 4.2% in clay soil). This research highlights the critical need to consider both slope gradient and rainfall intensity in conjunction with appropriate nitrogen fertilizer sources when developing strategies to mitigate soil erosion and nutrient loss in agricultural settings.

Effect of Different Sources of Nitrogen and Bio Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L.) Var. Cerasiforme] in Polyhouse Conditions

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif-2022 with a view to identify the effect of different sources of nitrogen and bio fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato” [Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. cerasiforme] in polyhouse conditions. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design (RBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in RDF and application of organic nutrition. Under this experiment, overall, 10 treatment were taken. From the above experimental finding it may be concluded that the treatment T9 (75% N through urea + 25% N through FYM + Azotobacter (4 kg ha-1) + PSB (4 Kg ha-1) was found to be best in the terms of growth parameters like highest plant height (283.35 cm) at 120 DAT, maximum number of branches per plant (72.33 branches) at 120 DAT. In terms of earliness, it was found to have minimum days to attain 50% flowering (55.93 DAT). In terms of yield T9 had highest number of fruits per cluster (5.57 fruits), and fruit yield per hectare (25.88 t ha-1).

Sources of fertilizers on the phytotechnical characteristics, oxidative stress and thymol production of Thymus vulgaris L.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of different fertilizer sources on the phytotechnical characteristics, oxidative stress, and thymol production of Thymus vulgaris. The experiment was conducted in 3-dm³ pots containing soil:sand (2:1) + treatment (no fertilizer, organic fertilizer, or chemical fertilizer). The organic fertilizer was 8 kg m-2 of an equal mixture of bovine, goat, and quail manures. The variables assessed were leaf, stem, root, and total dry weights; chlorophyll and carotenoid contents; leaf nutrients; total polyphenols; total antioxidant capacity; oxygen radical absorption capacity; DPPH free radical scavenging activity; essential oil content; and thymol production, content, and yield. Organic fertilization significantly increased the variables assessed and reduced oxidative stress indicators. It resulted in gains in the dry weight of the plants and the accumulation of nutrients in dry leaves of T. vulgaris. For the quantitative parameters of the essential oil and thymol, organic fertilization was significantly higher than the other treatments, especially for thymol content and yield. T. vulgaris plants fertilized with organic fertilizer maximize their plant production and their yield of compounds of interest, such as thymol, possibly because these outputs indicate a balance between improved vegetative production and the elimination of reactive oxygen species.

Analysis of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) frass as a resource for a sustainable agriculture in the current context of insect farming industry growth

With the ongoing rapid growth of the human population, the industrial development of mass insect rearing for feed and food is gaining momentum. This approach has proved to be a more efficient and effective alternative to traditional livestock to produce animal protein. In this context, the Tenebrio molitor production sector emerges as highly promising in the edible insect market, being among the most commonly bred species in the large-scale insect rearing industry. A recent modification of the European regulatory framework in this matter has authorized insect-produced feed for pigs and poultry, which will boost the creation of new insect industries, resulting in huge quantities of frass, the insect excrement, that could be valorized. This by-product holds substantial amounts of nutrients and advantageous microorganisms that have enormous potential for organic farming. It typically exhibits high organic content and an abundance of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), alongside a narrow carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) ratio. In addition to providing plants with essential macronutrients, frass has been discovered to boost soil microbial biomass and introduce biomolecules and microbes that foster plant growth. The study of utilizing frass in sustainable agriculture is a relatively new and actively researched field in recent years. By conducting a comprehensive review of peer reviewed works, this article highlights the advantages associated with the effects of its use as organic fertilizer. Among these, the effect of frass as (1) a plant growth promoter and productivity enhancer and as (2) phytofortifyer against biotic and abiotic stresses, has been underlined in recent studies. With regard to its promoting effect, it has been observed that the effects of frass depend very much on its dose and the type of crop, with remarkably favorable results in many of the tests carried out. Hence, frass derived from the mass rearing of yellow mealworm for feed and food, could serve as an important and potent source of organic fertilizer in intensive horticultural crops or in high-value woody crops, contributing to a more sustainable agriculture, which can decrease the use of conventional synthetic agrochemicals.

Olive Mill Wastewaters Spreading on Agricultural Land: Results and Practical Management

Rich in water (88 to 95%), organic matter (6 to 14%) and mineral matter (1.5 to 4%), the olive mill wastewater or liquid effluent from the olive processing industry represents a certain fertilizer source. Four treatments (Control, 50, 100 and 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1 </sup>of OMWW) with an annual spreading of fresh OMWW, are applied to evaluate the effects of direct spreading of this by-product on the soil and the plant. From the first application, the level of organic matter changed significantly compared to the control soil without OMWW. In fact, three months after spreading, the respective levels of this substance increased from 0.42% in the control plot, to 0.91%, 1.02% and 1.47% respectively, for the spreading doses of 50, 100 or 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>. After several years, these same rates are only 0.84%, 0.91% and 0.95% for the respective doses of 50, 100 and 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>, indicating an intense activity of mineralization of organic matter under the effect of the soil microflora whose number has increased. The improvement in mineral status consequently improved the growth of olive groves with application doses of 50 and 100 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>. A decline in olive production was recorded with the dose 200 m<sup>3</sup> ha<sup>-1</sup>, which could be explained by the inhibitory effect probably resulting from a slight toxic action of polyphenols accumulated in the soil. Finally, it should be noted that the results of this research led to the development of Decree No. 1308/2013 of February 26, 2013, authorizing the spreading of 50 m3 ha 1 of fresh vegetable water.

Palm Oil Mill Effluent Disposal and Its Utilization in Agricultural Soil

In the study, soil samples were impacted with 10%, 50% and 100% (v/w) of the palm oil mill effluents. Soil physicochemical properties, soil stress marker enzymes, soil bacteria populations were studied using standard methods. Analysis of the physicochemical properties of the Palm oil mill effluent (POME) showed that POME in the presence of the reference showed the following: pH, conductivity, BOD5, TDS, TSS, TS at 5.67 ±0.014a , 610±0.023c , 4.87±0.025b, 372.1±0.015c , 539.55±0.04a, 911.6±0.032b mg/ml, respectively dissolved mineral such as Magnessium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and phosphate (PO3) were recorded at 9.82±0.05b , 14.52±0.05a, 13.23±0.04c and 8.69±0.01bc mg/ml respectively. Total organic carbon and organic matter contents were recorded at 81.87±0.01a and 100.7±0.02c mg/ml respectively. Organismal proliferation increase as the percentage of the POME per gram of the soil increase from 10-50% (v/w) while a downturn in the organismal counts decreases significantly at 100% (v/w). There was a noticeable decrease in the coliform counts/g of the organisms as the incubation days increases from day 0-14. Enzyme activity relatively decreases as the contaminant concentrations increases from 0-100 v/w. Lipases activity was seen relatively low in all the soil at low concentrations of the effluents (0-50 v/w). At high concentrations of the effluents, there was a significant increase in the enzyme activity. POME can be utilized as sustainable source of organic agro fertilizer when quantified; however poor incentive by peasant farmers may lead to abysmal utilization of the waste water and its negative impact in the soil with aftermath of low soil fertility and poor agricultural productivity.

Impact on sulfadiazine bio-accessibility in soils through organic diffusive gradients in thin films (o-DGT): Differentiation based on microplastic polymers, aging, and soil properties

Due to the similar sources of swage irrigation, organic fertilizer, and sludge application, microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics coexist inevitably in the agriculture soils. However, the impacts of MPs with different polymer types and aging status on the bio-accessibility of co-existing antibiotics in soils remained unclear. Therefore, we using the diffusive gradients films for organic compounds devices (o-DGT) to evaluated the distribution of sulfadiazine (SDZ) in both paddy soil and saline soil amended with 0.5 % (w/w) MPs. Four polymer types (polyethylene: PE, polypropylene: PP, polyamide: PA, and polyethylene terephthalate: PET) and two aging statuses (aged PE and aged PP) of MPs were used in this study. Results showed that soil properties significantly influence the partition of SDZ in soil and soil solution, and SDZ gained a lower degradation rate but higher mobility in saline soil. MPs pose different impacts on partition of SDZ between paddy soil and saline soil. Notably, PP reduced the labile solid phase-solution phase partition coefficient (Kdl) by 17.7 % in paddy soil, while PE, PP, and aPE increased the Kdl value by 2.00, 1.62, and 2.81 times in saline soil. Besides, in saline soil, all the MPs reduced the SDZ concentration in the soil solution, while significantly increased the SDZ in o-DGT phase. Conversely, MPs did not impact the SDZ's o-DGT concentration in paddy soil. Additionally, MPs increased the R value of SDZ in two soils, especially in saline soil. It suggested that MPs could potentially enhance the resupply of SDZ from soil to plants, particularly under saline conditions. Furthermore, aged MPs had a more pronounced effect on these indicators compared to virgin MPs in saline soil. Therefore, MPs in soil poses a potential risk for biota's uptake of SDZ, particularly in fragile environment. Moreover, the risk intensifies with aged MPs.

Proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers in onion cultivation

Organomineral fertilizers is an innovation in agriculture, since it uses organic matter enriched with minerals. The combination of mineral phosphate and organomineral fertilization can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and economical fertilization program for the crop. So, organomineral fertilization can be an alternative or complement to mineral fertilization. However, the careful selection of fertilizer sources and doses is essential to increase productivity in the onion crop and finding proportions between different fertilizers can be a promising choice for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of different proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers on the development, production and post-harvest quality of onion bulbs, cv. Sublime F1, under Cerrado conditions. The experiment was carried out in the field, in Cristalina, GO, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with four replications. Six treatments were used: five proportions of mineral fertilizer (M) with organomineral (OM) and the control (without additional fertilization). It was evaluated: length, width and number of leaves; productivity; soluble solids content; titratable acidity; and loss of fresh mass. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), at 1% (p≤0.01) and 5% (p≤0.05) of significance, and means compared by Tukey and Dunnett tests (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05). The fertilization proportions were submitted to regression (p≤0.05). The proportion of 50%M50%OM promotes higher bulb average mass and class 4 onion productivity. The proportions of fertilizers did not alter the postharvest characteristics (total soluble solids and total acidity) of the onion, which were affected only by the time of storage. Cultivar Sublime F1 showed good development for the region, conditions and fertilizers used.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils of a City in Guangdong Province Based on Source Oriented and Monte Carlo Models

Taking a city in Guangdong Province as the research area, the concentration and spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals in the surface soil were studied to clarify the situation of soil heavy metal pollution and priority control factors, providing basic data for the prevention and control of soil heavy metal pollution in the city. The content characteristics of heavy metals in 221 soil samples in the city were analyzed, and the potential health risk assessment and source analysis were carried out through the Monte Carlo model, the potential health risk assessment (HRA) model, and the PMF receptor model. It was found that heavy metals ω(As), ω(Hg), ω(Cd), ω(Pb), ω(Cr), ω(Cu), ω(Ni), and ω(Zn) in the soil of the city were 18.16, 0.43, 1.46, 68.57, 98.34, 64.19, 26.53, and 257.32 mg·kg-1, respectively, with a moderate to high degree of variation. Except for Ni concentration, the soil concentrations of other heavy metal elements exceeded the background values of soil in Guangdong Province to a certain extent, and the concentrations of Cd and Zn exceeded the national secondary standards, resulting in severe heavy metal pollution; the main sources of heavy metals were industrial sources, and natural parent materials, lead battery manufacturing, transportation, artificial cultivation, and pesticide and fertilizer inputs also had an undeniable impact on the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil. Heavy metals in the soil had a certain degree of tolerable carcinogenic health risk for both children and adults, whereas non-carcinogenic risks could be ignored. The potential health risk of children was greater than that of adults, and the main exposure route was through oral intake. The input sources of pesticides and fertilizers and As should be the main controlling factors for the health risks of heavy metals in the city's soil, followed by mixed sources and Cr. There were differences in the spatial distribution characteristics and relative pollution levels of heavy metals, and it is necessary to deepen zoning monitoring and control, strengthen soil pollution prevention and control, and reduce human input of heavy metals in soil.

Impact of combined cow dung and zinc on growth traits and yield of tomato

In the present study, the combined effects of cow dung (CD) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers on tomato growth and yield was studied. Seven (7) treatments as T0=CD0Zn0 (Control), T1=CD5Zn0, T2=CD0Zn1, T3=CD0Zn1.5, T4=CD5Zn2, T5=CD5Zn2.5, T6=CD5Zn3 were used in a RCBD with three replications using two factors like cow dung (0 and 5 t ha-1) and zinc fertilizers (0, 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 kg ha-1).The use of CD and Zn fertilizers had a substantial impact on all of the assessed growth, yield contributing attributes, and yield. The result revealed that the highest yield and yield contributing characters such as plant height (51.33, 73.00 and 105.00 cm at 35, 50 and 65 DAT, respectively), number of leaves plant-1 (17.00, 19.33 and 24.00 at 35, 50 and 65 DAT, respectively), number of branches plant-1 (11.00, 12.00 and 14.00 at 35, 50 and 65 DAT, respectively), maximum number of flower clusters plant-1 (7.00 and 15.60 at 50 and 65 DAT, respectively), number of fruits plant-1 (8.00 and 46.09 at 50 and 65 DAT, respectively), the highest individual fruit weight (73.00 g), weight of fruit plant-1 (4.83 kg), fruit length (7.50 cm), fruit diameter (4.17 cm) and yield (55.00 t ha-1) were produced at T6 (5 t CD ha-1 and 3 kg Zn ha-1) but lowest in T0 (control) in all parameters. The results of the study suggest that combining CD and Zn fertilizers is an excellent source of tomato fertilization, with T6 treatment (5 t CD ha-1 and 3 kg Zn ha-1) being found to be the most suitable due to the use of fewer treatment factors than recommended doses for obtaining economically viable yield.

Effects of Various Organic Fertilizer Sources and External Applications of Potassium Fulvate and Potassium Citrate on the Yield and Quality of Two Barley Varieties Grown under Salt Affected Soil

Effects of Various Organic Fertilizer Sources and External Applications of Potassium Fulvate and Potassium Citrate on the Yield and Quality of Two Barley Varieties Grown under Salt Affected Soil

Cover crops and poultry litter impact on soil structural stability in dryland soybean production in southeastern United States

AbstractThis study explored the efficacy of soil aggregate indices in quantifying soil structural development, utilizing 5‐year field experiment data from the Southeastern United States. The experiment utilized a split‐plot design with cover crops (native vegetation as control, cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), and mustard (Brassica rapa) plus cereal rye as the main factor and fertilizer source (no fertilizer as control, inorganic fertilizer with phosphorus, potassium, and elemental sulfur, and poultry litter) as the secondary factor. Aggregate size fractions were determined using the wet‐sieving method, and aggregate stability index (ASI), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and fractal dimension (FD) were calculated to assess soil structural stability. Main effects results indicated that cereal rye (55.11%) and poultry litter (50.97%) exhibited the highest ASI values. The highest MWD, GMD, and FD were observed under mustard plus cereal rye (1.187 mm), cereal rye (0.462 mm), and hairy vetch (2.573), respectively. Principal component analysis revealed that cover crops significantly improved soil aggregate structure and stability, overcoming limitations of sole fertilization practices. Regression analysis suggested that ASI, MWD, and GWD positively correlated with soil organic carbon, whereas FD negatively correlated with MWD, GMD, and ASI. Principal component analysis exhibited that FD decreased with increasing soil organic carbon, ASI, MWD, and GMD, demonstrating that lower FD values indicate enhanced soil aggregation and structure. Assessed indices, FD included, effectively gauged soil structural stability. These metrics should be prioritized in managerial decisions to support soil productivity and health in agricultural systems.

Green building future: algal application technology

In the context of rising global energy demands driven by population growth and urbanization, the construction industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase and subsequent energy consumption. Fossil fuel dependency for heating and energy needs exacerbates climate change, necessitating urgent solutions. Algal technology emerges as a promising strategy for green building practices, addressing energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Algae's unique ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis is harnessed by deploying photobioreactors on building exteriors. Studies indicate that each kilogram of dry algae consumes 1.83 kg of CO2 while offering applications as organic fertilizer, oil, and protein sources. This technology not only diminishes CO2 emissions but also transforms wastewater and generates bioenergy, catering to building energy requirements. Algal technology's economic and environmental significance becomes evident through carbon capture, energy generation, and circular waste management, aligning with sustainability principles. This study highlights the potential of algal technology to shape the future of eco-friendly conscious construction practices, providing avenues for reduced emissions, efficient energy utilization, and sustainable development.

Adoption of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biochar for alleviating the agro-physiological response of lavander (Lavandula angustifolia L.) subjected to drought stress

Increasing the productivity of crops in water deficit circumstances is of great significance in order to face the challenge of securing global food production. Nowadays, the use of biochar (BC) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered as one of the most effective methods for empowering plants to deal with drought stress. However, the literature regarding the effects of the simultaneous use of AMF+BC on plants under drought stress is scarce. Hence, the present study was conducted to consider the combined application of AMF and biochar on the physiological and biochemical properties of lavender under various levels of irrigation. The first factor includes three irrigation regimes of 90 % field capacity (FC), 60 % FC, and 30 % FC, respectively, corresponding to normal irrigation, mild and severe drought stress. The second factor included a fertilizer or microbial inoculant source, which were respectively: no inoculation (control), inoculation with AMF, BC, and co-application of AMF along with BC. The highest nutrient, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and fresh, and dry weight of lavender were recorded under normal irrigation conditions with combined application of AMF+BC. The combined application of AMF+BC was significantly effective in increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes against oxidative damage caused by drought stress and in reducing the accumulation of proline and malondialdehyde. An increase in phenolic, flavonoid, and concentration of essential oil was observed under mild stress and using AMF+BC, while the highest essential oil yield was recorded under a normal irrigation regime and treated with AMF+BC. The highest content of linalool, camphor, borneol, and linalyl acetate was obtained in mild stress by adding AMF+BC. It can be concluded that the use of AMF+BC combination treatment may be a useful strategy to improve the quantity and quality of lavender EO in drought-stress circumstances.

The fruit quality and nutrient content of kiwifruit produced by organic versus chemical fertilizers.

Currently, organic farming has become a feasible approach for the production of high-quality fruits. To evaluate the response of fruit quality and mineral nutrition contents of Hayward Kiwifruit affected by different organic and inorganic fertilizers, the present study was conducted in Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Center, Iran, in 2017-2021, as a randomized block design with three replications. The studied treatments were organic fertilizers (cow, vermicompost and Azolla) and chemical fertilizers. After 4 years of fertilization, the fruit's nutritional elements content and some fruit bioactive compounds were evaluated after 3 months of cold storage and then analyzed by the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The use of organic amendments boosted the calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron content of the kiwifruits compared to chemical fertilizers. The highest fruit potassium and phosphorus content were recorded in the cow manure treatment. The lowest amount of nitrate and the highest calcium, zinc, copper and manganese accumulation were recorded in the fruits treated with vermicompost. In addition to mineral nutrients, the dry matter, total soluble solids, total phenolic and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit were improved by the application of vermicompost amendment compared to the other fertilizer sources. However, the highest fruit vitamin C and total soluble carbohydrates were measured in the cow manure treatment. The PCA results of the fruit quality indices indicated that fertilization treatments were ranked as vermicompost (1.88) > cow manure (1.63) = chemical (1.60) > Azolla (1.54). It is concluded that the application of 40 kg of vermicompost or 40 kg of cow manure in the next rank in Hayward kiwifruit orchards in March (growth stage beginning of bud swelling) may be a more suitable approach for improving the nutritional quality of the fruit. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Picochloropsis malayensis gen. et sp. nov. (Chlorellales, Chlorophyta), an ammonium tolerant, polyphosphate‐accumulating microalga from seawater

SUMMARYThe significant concentrations of phosphate in wastewater can be considered as an important fertilizer source. Some microalgae uptake phosphate from wastewater and store it in the form of polyphosphate (polyP). Therefore, biological phosphorus recovery processes have been attracting significant attention recently. However, wastewaters are often rich in ammonium, and so microalgae used for phosphorus recovery should be tolerant of this component. In the present study, 151 microalgae were isolated from freshwater, brackish water and seawater. Among them, 11 strains showed higher growth rates in ammonium‐rich media. Of these, the strain SLG4‐06 originating from a marine environment showed the highest polyP accumulation rate and was selected as the most potential alga for phosphorus recovery from wastewater. Based on the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear‐encoded 18S rDNA and chloroplast‐encoded rbcL of strain SLG4‐06, we propose Picochloropsis malayensis gen. et sp. nov. for this strain in the Chlorellales, Trebouxiophyceae. Because P. malayensis can grow in both seawater and freshwater environments, it may be suitable for wastewater treatment in marine aquaculture ponds with widely fluctuating salinity levels.

NPK Biofertilizer Production from Banana Peel, Feather and Bone Ashes and their Comparative Advantage to 20:10:10 Inorganic Fertilizer

The possibility of formulating nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) biofertilizer from ashes of waste organic materials such as chicken feathers, bone and banana peels is investigated in this study by first subjecting the agricultural waste to 80-250 heat in a muffle furnace to produce ash. Kjeldatherm block digestion unit, UV spectrophotometer, and flame photometers, respectively helped in measuring the concentrations of N, P and K inherent in the fertilizer precursors as well as in 5 formulated blends (i.e., A, B, C, D & E). It was discovered that NPK in the single substrate and blends favorably compared with standard NPK 20:10:10 chemical fertilizer to some extent. Among single material fertilizer sources, feather ash with 0.179:1:0.134 NPK and bone ash with 0.009:1:0.021 NPK had the closest nutrient content with the standard, showing potential promise. On the other hand, Blend E is the same as the standard, followed by Blend A, B, D and C, which are hierarchically close in elemental composition to the standard. The choice of these biofertilizers is dependent on their nutrient compositions, the type of crops to be grown, and the soil mineral requirements. Most importantly, different NPK ratio organic fertilizers produced in this study can competitively be produced in a large scale to address huge costs associated with the NPK 20:10:10 standard commercial fertilizer. Blend E (NPK 20:10:10) can be formulated locally by farmers in rural areas easily using this particular agricultural residue or a host of other confirmed farm wastes.

Initial Growth of Red Tent Seedlings (Adenanthera Pavonina l.) In Soil Enriched with Different Doses and Nitrogenous Sources

Purpose: To evaluate the initial growth of red tent seedlings in different doses and sources of N. Theoretical framework: Based on scientific articles found on search engines and books in the area of soil fertility and plant nutrition. This is to support the explanation of how the morphological characteristics of seedlings, which explain their growth, are affected by nitrogen fertilization, depending on the dose and source of fertilizer applied. Method: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five doses of N and five replications, using urea and ammonium sulfate as sources, which were evaluated separately. The doses tested were: T0 – without addition of N; T1 – 50 mg dm-3; T2 – 100 mg dm-3; T3 – 150 mg dm-3; T4 – 200 mg dm-3, for each source tested. At the end of 90 days, the morphological characteristics of the seedlings were evaluated: height, diameter, height/diameter ratio, dry mass of the aerial part, dry mass of the root part, aerial dry mass/root dry mass ratio, height/aerial dry mass ratio and, Dickson quality index. Results and conclusion: Growth, dry mass production and seedling quality were greater at a dose of 200 mg dm-3 when using urea as a source of N. When the source was ammonium sulfate, the greatest growth in height occurred at a dose of 100 mg dm-3, however, the greatest growth in diameter, the greatest production of dry mass and quality, were observed at a dose of 200 mg dm-3. This is the recommended dose for the species studied. Research implications: These results indicate that nitrogen fertilization is essential for the quality growth of red seedlings, and the dose to be applied is essential for this to happen, since values lower than this dose may not allow the plant to perform at its maximum. growth potential. Meanwhile, higher doses do not guarantee greater growth and will result in unnecessary expenses and, probably, loss of growth due to toxicity. Originality/value: Using nitrogen fertilizers, in the correct dose for the species, increases its growth potential and guarantees the production of quality seedlings within the nursery.

Comparison of Struvite as a P Source with Chemical Fertilizers and Evaluation of Additional Contribution to Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Lettuce Grown on Acidic and Calcareous Soils

This study investigated the effects of two different struvites (Struvite1 (STR1) and Struvite2 (STR2)) with different P amounts on the P nutrition of lettuce grown in acid and calcareous soils and fertilizer efficiency against di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), triple superphosphate (TSP), and 20–20-20 (NPK fertilizer). Two distinct forms of STR1 and STR2 obtained from the biogas liquid digestate (LD, liquid fraction of a centrifuge decanter) at different molar ratios (NH4+/Mg2+/PO43−), STR1 (1.0/1.3/1.0), and STR2 (1.0/1.3/1.3) were used. The results showed that struvites were the most effective treatments for plant growth. STR1 and STR2 treatments increased the plant fresh weights by 2.7-fold in acidic soil and 2.1-fold in alkaline soil. As for the plant dry weights, STR1 and STR2 treatments increased the plant dry weights by 2.4–2.2-fold and 2.3–2.2-fold in acid and alkaline soils, respectively. Struvites were more effective on the total plant weights than other fertilizers. Struvite-applied plants yielded higher P concentrations, uptakes, and recovery than MAP, DAP, TSP, and 20–20-20 fertilizers for both soils. Due to its constituent Mg, STR1 and STR2 were found to be the most effective materials for the Mg nutrition of the plants. It was also determined that they contributed to the N and K nutrition of the plants more than most other fertilizers. In conclusion, it was seen that struvites are not only a good source of P but also a fertilizer material with a high agronomic value. Therefore, they can be evaluated as an alternative fertilizer source.