Split Application Research Articles

Efficacy of fertilizer nitrogen source, stabilizer, and application timing for corn nitrogen nutrition

AbstractEnhancing fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in corn (Zea mays L.) production is critical for closing yield gaps, increasing producer profitability, and promoting environmental stewardship. In 2014 and 2015, a field experiment was conducted to determine the potential for fertilizer N stabilizer products to improve NUE of granular urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution applied to strip‐till corn. A urease inhibitor (UI) or nitrification inhibitor (NI) or both were added at labeled rates to urea or UAN solution for a target rate of 180 kg N ha−1. At V3, a single application of broadcast granular urea and subsurface banded UAN solution with and without fertilizer N stabilizers was made. A split application (50% at V3; 50% at V6) of subsurface banded UAN solution served as a control representing a standard grower practice. Fertilizer N stabilizers improved components of NUE, such as grain N recovery efficiency (GNRE) and partial factor productivity (PFP). A single full rate UAN application did not differ in terms of grain yield each year but did result in less PFP and GNRE in 2015 as compared to the grower standard practice. A timely one‐time full season N rate subsurface banded application of UAN treated with UI and NI to improve NUE could be a viable substitute for the practice of multiple fertilizations. Untreated broadcast urea was inferior to UAN as a N source for corn, but when treated with both a UI and NI, NUE was improved.

Split application of phosphorus fertilizer increased wheat grain weight under post-anthesis drought stress by delaying programmed cell death of endosperm

Drought is one of the important factors affecting wheat yield. However, the effect of split application of phosphorus fertilizer on the programmed cell death (PCD) of wheat endosperm cells under different post-anthesis water treatments is still unclear. In this study, three phosphorus fertilization methods (P1, all phosphorus fertilizer was applied at the spring green-up stage; P2, 50 % and 50 % of phosphorus fertilizer were applied at the spring green-up stage and jointing stage, respectively; P3, 40 %, 30 %, and 30 % of phosphorus fertilizer were applied at the spring green-up, jointing, and grain filling stages, respectively) were designed. Besides, two post-anthesis water treatments were designed: WT, full irrigation treatment; DT, drought stress treatment. Then, the effects of P1, P2, and P3 treatments on the endosperm cell development, nuclear number, nuclease activity, DNA fragmentation, DNA content, grain weight, and phosphorus content of winter wheat variety “Xindong 23” under WT and DT conditions were determined at different stages after anthesis. The results showed that under WT and DT conditions, the degree of nuclear deformation and nuclear membrane depression in P3 treatment was milder than that in P1 and P2 treatments. The ACPase amount in P3 treatment was more than that in P1 and P2 treatments. The number of endosperm nuclei in P3 treatment was higher than that in P1 and P2 treatments. Under DT condition, the endosperm DNA content of wheat grains collected 14–35 days post anthesis (DPA) in P3 treatment increased, and the peak time of genomic DNA fragmentation in P3 treatment was later, compared with those in P1 treatment. Under DT condition, the grain weight and grouting rate in P3 treatment were higher than those of P1 treatment at 7–28 DPA, and the 1000-grain weight of P3 was the highest under both WT and DT conditions, reaching 47.03 and 40.57 g, respectively. Under WT and DT conditions, compared with P1 treatment, the protein content change rate (3.16 % and 5.59 %, respectively) and the total phosphorus content change rate (34.36 % and 35.08 %, respectively) of wheat grains in P3 treatment were the highest. In summary, under the DT condition, split application of phosphorus fertilizer (P3, spring green-up stage stage: jointing stage: filling stage = 4: 3: 3) could increase the phosphorus uptake and utilization of wheat plants and grains, suppress the DNA fragmentation of endosperm cells, and delay the deformation and disintegration of nuclei, which ultimately delayed the PCD in endosperm and realized high grain weight and protein content.

Enhancing PEC hydrogen generation efficiency: Robust ZnO-GaN hierarchical nanowires loaded with NiS for superior charge separation and transportation

We present a method for the sequential fabrication of a three-dimensional hierarchical structure, comprising ZnO nanowires (NWs) grown atop Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) GaN NWs using Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) for applications in photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC-WS). To enhance the PEC performance and photostability of the system, we performed NiS anchoring. The optimized 60 NiS/ZnO-GaN hierarchical nanowires (HNWs) exhibited a remarkable 23-fold enhancement (1.62 %) in photoconversion efficiency at 0.75 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) compared to GaN NWs passivated with ZnO deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) (0.07 %), alongside an 18.9-fold increase in photocurrent density (7.6 mAcm−2 @ 1.23 V vs RHE). Additionally, these hierarchical structures demonstrated exceptional photostability over a period of 10 hours (36000 s) at 0.8 V vs RHE. The hierarchical assembly is crucial in achieving high photoconversion efficiency and photostability. The rational design of hierarchical NW photoanodes synergistically enhances both photocurrent and photostability, paving the way for facile integration of II-VI with III-V materials and potentially unlocking advancements in next-generation energy harvesting and conversion devices.

Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) as affected by split and foliar application of potassium

A field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season 2021–22 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute located at New Delhi to find out the effect of potassium management on yields, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard. Eight treatments combinations of different doses, methods and time of potassium application i.e. No K = 0 kg K/ha; 100% MOP (muriate of potash) as basal; 2 Foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering; 50% MOP as basal + 50% MOP as top dressing at branching; 50% MOP as basal + 2 foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering; 75% MOP as basal + 25% MOP as top dressing at branching; 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 at branching; 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 before flowering were tested. Grain (1.89 t/ha) and straw yields (6.74 t/ha), harvest index (21.88%) and NPK uptake (93.9, 18.5 and 113.3 kg/ha) were significantly higher under 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of 2.5% KNO3 before flowering. However, the treatment i.e. 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 before flowering remained significantly at par with 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 at branching and 75% MOP as basal + 25% MOP as top dressing at branching in yield and profitability term. Enhanced net returns amounting to 65,873/ha and a benefit: cost ratio of 1.86 were recorded on the application of 75% MOP as basal fertilizer combined with a single foliar spray of KNO3 before flowering. This remained comparable to most treatments, except the control, 100% MOP applied as basal, the method involving two foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering, 50% MOP as basal combined with 50% MOP as top dressing at branching, and the approach combining 50% MOP as basal with 2 foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering.

An inertial hyperplane projection method for split feasibility problems and applications

ABSTRACT In this paper, we propose a new projection algorithm to solve the split feasibility problem in Hilbert spaces. This method involves a new strategy that projects the inertial term onto the intersection of the feasible set and a half-space. The strong and weak convergence of the new algorithms under standard assumptions are established. We examine the performance of our method on sparse signal processing and image deblurring problems. The reported numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Impact of Split Nitrogen and Potassium Applications on Nutrient Content and Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Budgam- Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, to evaluate the Nutrient Content (Nitrogen and Potassium) and their uptake by Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by split application of Potassium and Nitrogen. The experiment was set up in a split-plot design replicated thrice with Potassium splits as main plot factor and nitrogen splits as sub plot factor which resulted in 15 treatment combinations, viz. of potassium @ 30 kg/ha [K1: 100% as basal dose-(RFP); K2: 50% as basal dose + 50% at active tillering; K3: 25 % as basal dose + 75% at active tillering] and 5 treatments of nitrogen @ 120 kg/ha in split ratios of [N1 : 50% as basal + 25% at jointing + 25% at booting stage (RFP); N2:25% as basal dose + 75% at active tillering; N3 : 25% as basal dose +50% at active tillering + 25% at booting; N4 : 50% as basal + 50% at active tillering; N5 : 0% as basal + 75% at active tillering + 25% at booting]. The results of pooled data (2 yrs.) revealed that nutrient content and uptake (nitrogen and potassium) of wheat crop at various phenological stages were significantly more with the application of Potassium in two equal splits in the ratio of 50:50 as compared to the treatment where potassium was applied in one split as 100% basal dose. With the application of potassium in two equal splits (50:50), increase in Nitrogen, Potassium content(%) their uptake and dry matter accumulation by wheat crop was significantly higher as compared to recommended fertilizer application (K1). Application of nitrogen in three splits with reduced basal dose in the ratio of 25:50:25 resulted in an increase of Nitrogen, Potassium content (%), their uptake and dry matter accumulation at all phenological stages by wheat crop and at physiological maturity there was an increase by 2.40%, 7.4%, 10.17 %, 8.83% in Nitrogen, Potassium content (%), their uptake and dry matter accumulation respectively, as compared to recommended practice.

Surface Engineering of Anodic WO3 Layers by In Situ Doping for Light-Assisted Water Splitting.

This study presents a novel approach to fabricating anodic Co-F-WO3 layers via a single-step electrochemical synthesis, utilizing cobalt fluoride as a dopant source in the electrolyte. The proposed in situ doping technique capitalizes on the high electronegativity of fluorine, ensuring the stability of CoF2 throughout the synthesis process. The nanoporous layer formation, resulting from anodic oxide dissolution in the presence of fluoride ions, is expected to facilitate the effective incorporation of cobalt compounds into the film. The research explores the impact of dopant concentration in the electrolyte, conducting a comprehensive characterization of the resulting materials, including morphology, composition, optical, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical properties. The successful doping of WO3 was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Mott-Schottky analysis. Optical studies reveal lower absorption in Co-doped materials, with a slight shift in band gap energies. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis demonstrates improved PEC activity for Co-doped layers, with the observed shift in photocurrent onset potential attributed to both cobalt and fluoride ions catalytic effects. The study includes an in-depth discussion of the observed phenomena and their implications for applications in solar water splitting, emphasizing the potential of the anodic Co-F-WO3 layers as efficient photoelectrodes. In addition, the research presents a comprehensive exploration of the electrochemical synthesis and characterization of anodic Co-F-WO3, emphasizing their photocatalytic properties for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It was found that Co-doped WO3 materials exhibited higher PEC activity, with a maximum 5-fold enhancement compared to pristine materials. Furthermore, the studies demonstrated that these photoanodes can be effectively reused for PEC water-splitting experiments.

A split herbicide application strategy reduces surface runoff

AbstractHerbicides, such as MCPA and clopyralid, may be transported to surface waters via runoff, which can have unintended environmental consequences. A split herbicide application strategy, wherein applications are spread across a season, may improve herbicide effectiveness, although impacts of this strategy on runoff mitigation have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) quantify the impact of split‐dose applications of MCPA and clopyralid on herbicide losses in surface runoff and (2) assess the impact of split‐dose applications of MCPA on the quantity and classification of MCPA‐degrading soil bacteria. Intact grassed soil sods were placed in 1 m‐long × 0.25 m‐wide × 0.1 m‐deep laboratory flumes, onto which either MCPA or clopyralid were applied in one full‐dose (13.5 kg MCPA ha−1; 2 kg clopyralid ha−1) or two split‐doses (each 6.75 kg MCPA ha−1; 1 kg clopyralid ha−1) 42 days apart. On days 2, 7 and 21 following herbicide applications, flumes were subjected to controlled rainfall simulations at an intensity of 11 mm h−1, and the herbicides in the runoff were quantified. MCPA and clopyralid concentrations in the runoff were highest immediately after the initial application. Both herbicides were below the limit of detection (0.1 μg l−1 for MCPA and 0.45 μg l−1 for clopyralid) by 44 days. No herbicides were detected in the runoff following the second split‐dose application. For MCPA, this was attributed to an adaptation in the microbial community with the emergence of bacteria possessing the tfdA class III gene in the soil. These results support split‐dose herbicide application as a strategy for agricultural management.

Enhanced catalytic performance of Pd/PMAc-g-CNT composite for water splitting and supercapacitor applications

Enhanced catalytic performance of Pd/PMAc-g-CNT composite for water splitting and supercapacitor applications

Performance of bajra napier hybrid under varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 nutrition in humid tropics

A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to assess the influence of varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 application on the performance of bajra napier hybrid during the period October 2020-September 2021. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with nine treatments and a control replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels of magnesium [m1: 80 kg ha-1, m2: 100 kg ha-1 and m3: 120 kg ha-1] and three frequencies of application [f1: Split application once in 6 months, f2: Split application once in 4 months and f3: Split application once in 3 months] and a control treatment. Considering the performance of bajra napier hybrid, varying levels and frequencies of MgSO4 application had a significant influence on the growth, yield, biochemical and quality attributes as well as the soil nutrient status after the conduct of the experiment and economics of cultivation. Interaction effect of the treatment combinations revealed higher tiller count (27.07), leaf: stem ratio (1.99), green fodder yield (GFY) (1891.30 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (DFY) (473.00 q ha-1), crude protein content (10.06 %) and benefit-cost ratio (2.11) with split application of 100 kg ha-1 MgSO4 once in 6 months.

Cation vacancy modulated Cu3P-CoP heterostructure electrocatalyst for boosting hydrogen evolution at high current densities and coupling Zn-H2O battery

Exploiting highly efficient, cost-effective and stable electrocatalysts is key to decreasing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics energy barrier. Herein, the alkaline HER kinetics energy barrier can greatly reduce by the joint strategies of the cation vacancy and heterostructure engineering, which is seldom explored and remains ambiguous. In this study, an efficient and stable copper foam-supported Cu3P-CoP heterostructure electrocatalyst with cation vacancy defects (defined as Cu3P-CoP-VAl/CF) was designed for HER via the successive coprecipitation, electrodeposition, alkali etching and phosphorization treatments. As anticipated, the as-obtained Cu3P-CoP-VAl/CF electrocatalyst reveals a remarkable catalytic activity for HER with a low overpotential of 205 mV at a current density of 100 mA·cm−2, a high turnover frequency value of 1.05 s−1 at an overpotential of 200 mV and a small apparent activation energy (Ea) of 9 kJ·mol−1, while shows superior long-term stability at large current densities of 100 and 240 mA·cm−2. Systematic experiment and characterization data demonstrate that the formed cation vacancy could optimize the Ea, leading to the decrease of the kinetic barriers of Cu3P-CoP/CF heterostructure, as well as the established heterogeneous interface induced a synergistic effect between biphasic components on boosting the kinetics toward HER. The results of density functional theory disclose that the synergistic effect of Cu3P-CoP heterostructure could decrease the energy barrier and optimize Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption, resulting in the enhancement of intrinsic catalytic activity of Cu3P-CoP-VAl/CF. More significantly, the alkali-cell assembled by Cu3P-CoP-VAl/CF (cathode) and RuO2/CF (anode) behaves outstanding water splitting performance, delivering a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 at a relatively small applied voltage of 1.58 V, along with encouraging long-term durability. In addition, the alkaline Zn-H2O battery with Cu3P-CoP-VAl/CF as the cathode has been fabricated for the simultaneous generation of electricity and hydrogen, which displays a large power density of up to 4.1 mW·cm−2. The work demonstrates that rational strategy for the design of competent electrocatalysts can effectively accelerate the kinetics of HER, which supplies valuable insights for practical applications in overall water splitting.

Optimum N-rate and effect of split N fertilization timing on yield and quality in spring oat varieties

Split nitrogen (N) application to oats delays final decisionson total application rate, which could help achieve the economic optimum fertilization rate (OptN) and reduce nitrogen losses. Later topdressing allows adjustment of fertilizer level at a stage when it is easier to predict nitrogen supply from soil. The objectives were: to investigate whether topdressing can be applied after stem elongation and to assess effects on yield and quality in different oat varieties; and to study the variation in optimum N-rate and the possibility to predict and readjust it during the growing season. In 14 field experiments conducted in Sweden 2020–2022, the effect of split nitrogen application, with topdressing at growth stage (GS) 32, GS45, or GS55–61, on yield and quality in six different oat varieties was evaluated. Late topdressing increased grain protein concentration and decreased fat content, but variety was more important for target quality. Compared with a single early application, late topdressing did not affect yield significantly. Year and site influenced yield and quality, similarly for all varieties, but had an impact on the effect N-treatment had on protein. A multiple regression analysis showed that yield at OptN and N-uptake in unfertilized plots at GS31–47, can explain the variation in OptN and thus be used to estimate OptN. Topdressing as late as at GS45–61 increased the chances both of higher protein and more accurate prediction of OptN. Therefore, recommendations for late topdressing can be preferable if there is a target for high protein or if there are incentives to use crop sensors for late and accurate adjustments of N fertilization rates between and within fields. The recommendations should not be dependent on variety.

Optimized silicon fertilization regime weakens cadmium translocation and increases its biotransformation in rice tissues

In acidic paddy fields of South China, rice (Oryza sativa L.) faces the dual challenges of cadmium (Cd) toxicity and silicon (Si) deficiency. Although previous studies have highlighted the functions of Si application timing and strategies in mitigating Cd-stressed rice, the precise mechanisms underlying the health restoration of Cd-toxic rice and the assurance of grain safety remain elusive. This study explored Cd translocation and detoxification in the shoots of rice regulated by various Si fertilization regimes: Si(T) (all Si added before transplanting), Si(J) (all Si added at jointing), and Si(TJ) (half Si added both before transplanting and at jointing). The findings revealed that the regime of Si(TJ) was more beneficial to rice health and grain safety than Si(T) and Si(J). The osmotic regulators such as proline, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins were significantly boosted by Si(TJ) compared to other Si treatments, and which enhanced membrane integrity, balanced intracellular pH, and increased Cd tolerance of rice. Furthermore, Si(TJ) was more effective than Si(T) and Si(J) on the Cd sequestration in the cell wall, Cd bio-passivation, and the down-regulated expression of the Cd transport genes. The concentrations of Cd in the xylem and phloem treated with Si(TJ) were reduced significantly. Additionally, Si(TJ) facilitated much more Cd bound with the outer layer proteins of grains, and promoted Cd chelation and complexation by phytic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids. Overall, Si (TJ) outperformed Si(T) and Si(J) in harmonizing the phycological processes, inhibiting Cd translocation, and enhancing Cd detoxification in rice plant. Thereby the split Si application strategy offers potential for reducing Cd toxicity in rice grain.

The Impact of Different Phosphorus Fertilizers Varieties on Yield under Wheat–Maize Rotation Conditions

The global phosphate (P) rock shortage has become a significant challenge. Furthermore, the misalignment between crops, soil, and P usage exacerbates P rock wastage in agriculture. The distinctions among various types of phosphorus fertilizers influence the phosphorus cycle, which subsequently impacts biomass, the number of grains per ear, the weight of a thousand grains, and, ultimately, the overall yield. In a four-year field experiment conducted from 2017 to 2021, we assessed the impact of various P fertilizer types on crop yield in a continuous wheat–maize rotation system. Prior to planting the crops, P fertilizers were applied as base fertilizers at a rate of 115 kg P2O5 ha−1 during the wheat season and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 during the maize season. Additionally, nitrogen (N) was applied at rates of 120 kg ha−1 for wheat and 180 kg ha−1 for maize. The P fertilizers used included ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, calcium–magnesia phosphate, ammonium phosphate, and calcium superphosphate. Urea was used as the N fertilizer with a split application—60% at planting and 40% at the jointing stage for wheat or the V12 (twelve leaf collar) stage for maize. The results showed that different P fertilizers increased the average yield of wheat and maize by 21.2–38.0% and 9.9–16.3%, respectively. It was found that ammonium polyphosphate, calcium superphosphate, and monoammonium phosphate were more suitable for application in a summer maize–winter wheat rotation system on loess soil.

Oxygen-vacancy-rich Ru nanoclusters doped NiCo metal-organic framework for driving overall water electrolysis and supercapacitors

Due to the growing demand for clean renewable hydrogen fuel, the rational design of electrode materials' composition and structure holds significant importance in achieving efficient energy storage and conversion in electrochemical energy devices. In this study, we synthesize NiCo-MOF74/NF substrate using a one-step hydrothermal method, after which we successfully deposit a layer of Ru metal nanoclusters on the substrate by electrodeposition. Ru NCs@NiCo-MOF74/NF exhibits an exceptionally large specific surface area and excellent interface effects, demonstrating outstanding performance in both overall water splitting and supercapacitor applications. In a 1 M KOH alkaline solution, the device requires only 1.47 V output voltage to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting. As a supercapacitor, the unique nanoflower structure of Ru NCs@NiCo-MOF74/NF enables fast and reversible Faradaic reactions, providing high specific capacitance and rate performance. It shows a high areal capacitance of 1.664 mAh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2, indicating excellent charge storage capacity. Assembled into an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with Ru NCs@NiCo-MOF74/NF as the positive electrode, the device achieves a high energy density of 511.88 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 545.68 μW cm−2. After 5000 cycles, the capacitance retention rate is approximately 100 %, demonstrating remarkable cycling stability. This paves the way for the synthesis of multifunctional catalysts, opening up new possibilities in the field.

Effect of Various Improved Technology in Wheat Production Zone of Nepal

The study was held in 2024 in the Kailari, Gauriganga, Godawari, and Dhangadhi local level of Kailali District of Nepal to evaluate and identify the factors impacting the adoption of a number of sophisticated technologies in the research area. Data were collected from 200 respondents utilizing a semi-structured interview form, using simple random selection. The factors influencing the adoption of better technologies in wheat production were identified using a logistic regression model. Age, gender, ethnicity, and area of cultivation are socioeconomic elements that have been linked to the adoption of appropriate agricultural practices, as well as training, technical advice, and membership. The adoption of seed replacement was positively significant (P<0.1) as a result of the training. The adoption of seed varieties was positively significant (P<0.05) for cultivated area. The farmers who were involved in farmer groups or Cooperative had 2.209 times higher odds for the adoption of improved seed compared to the odds for farmers who were not involved in farmer groups. Advice from the technician had a positively significant (P<0.05) impact on the date of sowing. The use of more frequent irrigation was positively significant (P<0.05) in relation to the age of the household head. The split nitrogen application was positively significantly influenced by super zone membership (P<0.05).

Produção de alface crespa utilizando água residuária da mandioca como fonte de potássio

ABSTRACT Cassava wastewater (CWW) is a natural biofertilizer successfully tested as a source of K in long-cycle crops; however, it still needs to be better evaluated in short-cycle crops. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CWW as a source of K in the growth, yield, and physicochemical quality of curly lettuce. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, in a randomized block design arranged in a 5 × 2 + 1 factorial scheme, with four replicates. Five CWW doses were evaluated as an exclusive source of K: 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1 of K2O; two forms of application: 1-total dose at planting: 2-application of 50% of the dose at planting + 50% of the dose in topdressing, and an additional treatment: 100% mineral fertilization at 120 kg ha-1 of K2O dose, using KCl as the source. The number of leaves (NL), plant height (PH), fresh mass (FM), dry mass (DM), moisture (MO), ashes (ASH), fibers (FB), lipids (LIP), proteins (PTN), and carbohydrates (CHO) contents were evaluated. All agronomic attributes of lettuce showed lower values when fertilized only with CWW than mineral fertilization. Lettuce fertilized only with CWW, depending on total or split application and dose, showed higher ASH, FB, LIP, PTN, and CHO contents reaching 4.05, 3.97, 1.75, 7.11, and 3.63%, respectively, compared to mineral fertilization. The CWW can potentially be used as a complementary K source in lettuce cultivation, as its exclusive use does not replace traditional mineral fertilization.

Ecofriendly Utilization of Distillery Spentwash for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet

The Post Biomethanated Distillery Spentwash (PBDSW) is effective organic liquid manure derived from sugar industry waste materials. Spentwash contain high amount of nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium and Sulfur. In addition, it contains sufficient amount of micronutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Boron and Molybdenum. The spentwash application on land is beneficial to control the water pollution and agricultural production. The experiment was performed with different doses of Post Biomethanated Distillery Spentwash (PBDSW) as a source of nutrients in various proportions with inorganic fertilizer using pearl millet as the test crop. The results of the experiment showed that the application of PBDSW at the rate of 100 KL ha-1 in combination with NPK recorded higher ear head, grain and stover yield as compared to other substitution level, split application and control.

The effect of nitrogen-sulphur fertilizer with nitrification inhibitor on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nutrition

The high input of nitrogen is often required in today's agriculture, especially for the most cultivated crops largely involved in human and animal nutrition, such as winter wheat. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient in the soil, and the high doses of N are often associated with possible losses through volatilization or leaching. One of the possible options to increase nitrogen use efficiency is the application of fertilizers with inhibitors. The main objective of the presented three-year experiment established under the field conditions at the two experimental sites was to examine the effect of nitrogen-sulphur fertilizer (ammonium nitrate sulphate) with the inhibitors of nitrification (IN) (dicyandiamide and 1,2,4 triazole). In addition to the nitrogen content in two forms, this fertilizer also contains sulphur, which can possibly enhance the utilization of nitrogen due to their well-known synergy. The treatments included in the experiment were: 1. Unfertilized, 2. N technology 3. N + S technology and 4. N + S + IN. The total dose of applied N for every fertilized treatment was 159 kg/ha. Treatments 2 and 3 were fertilized with three split doses of N, treatment 4 was fertilized only two times due to the addition of IN (a higher dose of fertilizer in the second application). The results obtained from the three-year experiment showed a significantly higher yield of grain (8.18 t/ha) after the fertilization with N + S + IN in comparison with N + S (7.67 t/ha) and N (7.61 t/ha), which proved the positive effect of IN on nitrogen use efficiency during the vegetation. The differences between qualitative parameters of wheat grain (hectolitre weight, protein and gluten content) were evaluated as statistically insignificant for each fertilized treatment. This similar result is likely due to the IN application, which provided a continuous nitrogen supply during vegetation comparable to the three split nitrogen applications. Thus, our results showed, that the addition of IN to the higher dose of fertilizer applied earlier in the vegetation can provide comparable results in terms of quality to the technologies based on three split fertilizations. The three-year experiment established at two experimental sites has proved, that the application of ammonium sulphate nitrate fertilizers with IN in a higher dose is a better option to the commonly used nitrogen technology, which was also supported by the economic evaluation and the highest net profit.

Effect of split application of nitrogen at different growth stages on grain yield in late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of split application of nitrogen at different growth stages on grain yield in late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)