Standard Fertilizer Research Articles

Long-term experiments to identify response patterns of available soil nitrogen, rice, and soybeans to rice straw compost in a paddy-upland rotation field in Akita, Japan

ABSTRACT Compost application can enhance soil fertility and is consequently presumed to increase crop production in Japan’s paddy-upland rotation fields. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rice straw compost (RSC) application on available soil nitrogen (Av-N) levels and rice and soybean plants in a paddy-upland rotation field using data obtained from a long-term field experiment. Data collected between 2005 and 2020 were analyzed from a long-term paddy rice – upland soybean rotation field. The experimental design employed a split-plot arrangement, with RSC application (with and without RSC) representing the whole plot, N fertilizer application (no nitrogen vs. standard fertilizer) representing the split-plot, and years representing the replication factor. The datasets included eight years of rice and soybean cultivation, and the chemical properties of postharvest soil spanned 16 years. The data was analyzed via analysis of variance. Applying RSC increased the Av-N concentration significantly by 63%–67%. The RSC application significantly increased the N concentration in rice shoots at the mature stage by 8%–12% but decreased it in soybean shoots after the seed emergence stage by 4%–8%. Consequently, the rice yield displayed clear responses to RSC application, whereas the soybean yield did not. The lack of soybean yield response might be due to an inhibitory effect of the Av-N gain attributable to the RSC application on biological nitrogen fixation. While applying compost can enhance Av-N content as well as rice productivity in paddy-upland rotation fields, its impact on soybean productivity requires careful evaluation.

Enhanced tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and soil biological properties through integrated use of soil, compost, and foliar fertilization under greenhouse conditions

This study investigates the combined effects of standard soil fertilization, composted animal manure, and foliar fertilization on tomato yield, soil nutrient content, and soil biological properties under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted from March to October 2023 using a completely randomized block design with four replications. The treatments included: 1) Control (no fertilization), 2) Standard soil fertilization (30 kg N/da, 8 kg P2O5/da, 40 kg K2O/da), 3) Standard soil fertilization + composted animal manure (2 t/da), 4) Standard soil fertilization + foliar fertilization (1 kg 17-17-17/100 liters of water every 20 days), and 5) Standard soil fertilization + compost + foliar fertilization. Tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Roma) were transplanted into pots filled with clay soil. Throughout the experiment, soil moisture content was maintained at field capacity. Plants were harvested on October 30, 2023, and data on fruit yield, soil nutrient content (NPK), and soil biological properties (microbial biomass C, CO2 production, and dehydrogenase enzyme activity) were recorded. The highest yield (4.5 kg/plant) was observed in the treatment combining standard soil fertilization, composted animal manure, and foliar fertilization, representing a 275% increase compared to the control (1.2 kg/plant). The standard soil fertilization treatment alone yielded 2.8 kg/plant (133.3% increase), while the combination with composted animal manure yielded 3.5 kg/plant (191.7% increase), and with foliar fertilization, 3.9 kg/plant (225% increase). Soil analyses showed significant increases in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the combined treatments. The highest biological properties were also recorded in the combined treatment.

Enhancing soil fertility, inorganic fertilizer efficiency, and oil palm productivity through bio-compost application in oxium biodegradable sacks on former mining land-podzols: Insights from a field study in Indonesia

Sandy podzolic soils, prevalent on former mining lands, present significant agricultural challenges due to their coarse texture, depth, acidity, and low fertility. This study evaluated the impact of bio-compost fertilizer, delivered in biodegradable oxium sacks, on soil quality and oil palm productivity in these soils. Conducted over 12 months in a 4-year-old oil palm plantation in East Belitung Regency, Indonesia, the research compared various combinations of bio-compost and inorganic fertilizers with a control group. The findings revealed that the integration of bio-compost with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers markedly improved soil quality and decreased dependence on chemical inputs. Specifically, applying 50 kg or 75 kg of bio-compost per palm along with 50 % or 75 % of the standard inorganic fertilizer dose was particularly effective. This approach increased oil palm productivity to 14.50–15.87 tons per hectare per year. The method provides a sustainable solution for the palm oil industry and small farmers, improving soil fertility and productivity in degraded podzolic soils. The use of oxium biodegradable sacks allowed for a gradual release of nutrients. Future research should further explore the potential of bio-compost as a soil conditioner and its long-term environmental impacts across various soil types.

O-035 Euploidy’s hidden potential: emerging insights from abnormal fertilized embryos

Abstract Study question Can pregnancies be achieved from abnormally fertilized embryos? Summary answer After conducting parental origin PGTA testing to confirm ploidy status, achieving pregnancy and live births becomes feasible. What is known already A major limitation in IVF is the availability of viable embryos per cycle. Particularly relevant for patients with poor prognosis in response to controlled ovarian stimulation. In these couples, the limited number of oocytes results in a significant reduction of the chance to achieve a live birth. In IVF, zygotes displaying successful extrusion of the 2PB and 2PN are considered “normally fertilized” and cultured further to be used for treatment. In contrast, zygotes showing a single or more than 2PN are deemed abnormally fertilized. However, some can ultimately develop into normal embryos, which may lead to live birth. Study design, size, duration This is a single centre retrospective observational study of 125 blastocysts classified as abnormal through standard fertilization check post-IVF (50 embryos) and ICSI (75 embryos) Embryos were subjected to genetic testing utilizing a validated targeted next-generation sequencing-based PGT-A protocol. The protocol's proven efficacy lies in distinguishing between haploid, diploid and triploid samples, a distinction made possible by the parallel analysis of genotyping data and chromosome copy number variations. Participants/materials, setting, methods The participants in this study were couples who underwent IVF cycles using PGT-A between 2021-2024. Embryos were divided into two groups based on their fertilization method Group A involved blastocysts derived from In vitro fertilization (IVF) = 50. Classified 1PN, micro 3PN, 3PN, and 4PN. Group B blastocysts derived from Intracytoplasmic sperm injection Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) =75 Classified 1PN, micro 3PN, 3PN, and 4PN. Main results and the role of chance Group A: Involved embryos resulting from IVF; 54% were diploid, with 15% being euploid from 3PN. From 1PN, 92% were diploid, and 54% were euploid. Micro PN had a 100% diploid rate, of which 33% were euploid. No diploid embryos were reported from 4PN fertilization. Group B: Involved embryos resulting from ICSI; 36% were diploid, and 14% were euploid from 3PN. From 1PN, 53% were diploid, and 40% were euploid. Micro PN had a 100% diploid rate, with 23% being euploid. 4PN had a 50% diploid rate and no euploid embryos. On the other hand, 0.4% (17/4822) of 2PN-classified embryos were reported as haploid, and 1.4% (68/4822) of the 2PN-classified embryos were reported as polyploid. Eighty-nine percent of haploidy and polyploidy in ICSI originated maternally, while 71% of polyploidy in IVF originated paternally and only one embryo was haploid resulted from IVF was maternally originated. Remarkably, three live births were reported: one from 1PN, one from Micro PN, and the third from 3PN. Limitations, reasons for caution The data are observational and were retrospectively analyzed, so unknown confounders could not be assessed. Wider implications of the findings To our knowledge, this is the most extensive cohort study analyzing embryos resulting from abnormal fertilization. It has implications for clinical practice and gives an extra chance for patients, particularly those with a low number of eggs, in response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Trial registration number n/a

Assessing the compost of Prosopis farcta and Alhagi maurorum as organic fertilizer for potato growth and yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Growing potatoes requires great care because it needs large nutrients. Proper fertilization is a critical aspect of improving yield. This study comprises a field experiment to assess the impact of several fertilization approaches on the crop performance of potato (cv. Montreal). In this context, we used eight distinct fertilizer treatments: control (T0), standard mineral fertilizer (T1), substance mushroom spent (T2), cow + poultry manure (T3), compost (T4), 50% standard mineral fertilizer comprising substance mushroom spent (T5), 50% standard mineral fertilizer augmented with cow + poultry manure (T6) and 50% standard mineral fertilizer augmented with compost (T7). The results indicate that control treatment gave least days to mean germination time. While the standard mineral fertilizer (T1) had the highest values in chlorophyll content in leaves, single tuber weight, tuber count per plant, and plant yield. On the other hand, (T6) showed significant increment in number of tubers per plant. Meanwhile, (T7) treatment produced higher marketable yield and tuber per plant. Whereas, there are not significant difference among treatments in number of arial stems. on the other hand, these results were the lowest for the control treatment. Hence, the fertilization approach extensively impacts vegetative development and tuber yield.

Influence of Microalgae Biomasses Retrieved from Phycoremediation of Wastewaters on Yield of Lettuce, Soil Health, and Nitrogen Environmental Fate

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three microalgae strains, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Klebsormidium sp. K39, on the enhancement of lettuce yield and soil fertility and in mitigation of nitrogen losses in groundwater, focusing on some aspects of the complex soil-plant system. The experimental trials were carried in pots, and involved the application of microalgae cells at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg kg− 1 of soil), alone or in combination with standard mineral fertilization. The yield, main morpho-biometric parameters, and protein content of lettuce seedlings, as well as the activities of key enzymes involved in the nitrogen pathway (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthase, and glutamate synthetase) at both root and shoot levels, were monitored and the results were compared to not-inoculated control plants. The nitrate leached due to over irrigation was also evaluated. Furthermore, even the effects of microalgae biostimulants on soil biochemical activity were analysed by monitoring fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase, and urease activities. All treatments significantly improved lettuce growth, especially when combined with mineral fertilization, providing comparable levels to the control plants treated only with microalgae cells. Furthermore, microalgae treatments positively influenced soil biological activities, as evidenced by increased of the potential biochemical index of soil fertility (Mw). In conclusion, microalgae soil treatments may be considered as a viable strategy to assist growers in reducing the use of mineral fertilizers, with a view to improve plant growth as well as soil biological activity.

Effect of Zinc, Iron and Biofertilizer on Physical Property of Soil under Chickpea Cultivation

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, insightful information about the potential advantages of using micronutrients in cultivation of chickpea, particularly the “Sadabahar” variety. In the study, Bulk density Mg m-3); Particle density (Mg m-3); Pore Space (%); Water holding capacity (%) was calculated by methods suggested by Muthuvel et al. [1]. The details of nano mixed micronutrients treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).Zinc and Iron improve root development and microbial activity, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Rhizobium further promotes root nodulation and organic matter decomposition, increasing soil aggregation and moisture retention. This balanced nutrient and microbial application optimizes soil physical properties, leading to superior water holding capacity and pore space.

Research on fertilization decision method for rice tillering stage based on the coupling of UAV hyperspectral remote sensing and WOFOST.

The use of chemical fertilizers in rice field management directly affects rice yield. Traditional rice cultivation often relies on the experience of farmers to develop fertilization plans, which cannot be adjusted according to the fertilizer requirements of rice. At present, agricultural drones are widely used for early monitoring of rice, but due to their lack of rationality, they cannot directly guide fertilization. How to accurately apply nitrogen fertilizer during the tillering stage to stabilize rice yield is an urgent problem to be solved in the current large-scale rice production process. WOFOST is a highly mechanistic crop growth model that can effectively simulate the effects of fertilization on rice growth and development. However, due to its lack of spatial heterogeneity, its ability to simulate crop growth at the field level is weak. This study is based on UAV remote sensing to obtain hyperspectral data of rice canopy and assimilation with the WOFOST crop growth model, to study the decision-making method of nitrogen fertilizer application during the rice tillering stage. Extracting hyperspectral features of rice canopy using Continuous Projection Algorithm and constructing a hyperspectral inversion model for rice biomass based on Extreme Learning Machine. By using two data assimilation methods, Ensemble Kalman Filter and Four-Dimensional Variational, the inverted biomass of the rice biomass hyperspectral inversion model and the localized WOFOST crop growth model were assimilated, and the simulation results of the WOFOST model were corrected. With the average yield as the goal, use the WOFOST model to formulate fertilization decisions and create a fertilization prescription map to achieve precise fertilization during the tillering stage of rice. The research results indicate that the training set R2 and RMSE of the rice biomass hyperspectral inversion model are 0.953 and 0.076, respectively, while the testing set R2 and RMSE are 0.914 and 0.110, respectively. When obtaining the same yield, the fertilization strategy based on the ENKF assimilation method applied less fertilizer, reducing 5.9% compared to the standard fertilization scheme. This study enhances the rationality of unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing machines through data assimilation, providing a new theoretical basis for the decision-making of rice fertilization.

Potassium Management for Corn Growth, Yield and Sweetness under Sabah Sandy Soil

A study was conducted to determine the effect of potassium (K) with organic fertilizers on the growth, yield and sweetness of reddish waxy corn. The treatments were: (T1) standard fertilizer rate of 60 kg ha-1 K2O without organic fertilizer (control); (T2) 30 kg ha-1 K with organic fertilizer; (T3) 90 kg ha-1 K with organic fertilizer and (T4) 120 kg ha-1 K with organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer used was 1.5 t ha-1 Bokashi and 20 t ha-1 chicken manure biochar (CMB). The planted corn received 120 kg ha-1 N and 60 kg ha-1 P2O5. The experimental design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six replications. Stem girth, number of leaves, the height of the first cob, fresh weight of the first cob, 100 grains weight, cob girth, cob length and sweetness (Brix scale, %) data were analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) at 5% significant levels. The Least Significant Different (LSD) was used to compare the means for significantly different results. Significant differences in growth were obtained at (p<0.05) in waxy corn for the number of leaves, the height of the first cob, length of cob, and girth between the control and all treatments. However, there is no significant difference for the sweetness of waxy corn for all treatments. Mean total for growth parameters; the number of leaves, stem girth and height of the first cob from soil surfaces and mean total for yield parameters; cob girth, length of cob, fresh weight of cob, 100 grains weight and the number of kernels was significantly higher for all treatments of T2, T3 and T4 compared to control the treatment of T1. The study showed no significant difference in the sweetness of waxy corn with increasing potassium application, resulting in increased total soluble content. Similar studies for a different rate of organic fertilizers and soil analysis can be done to ascertain further the effects on growth, yield, and sweetness parameters of reddish waxy corn with selected soil properties.

Enhancing the use of coated urea fertilizer and assessing its effect on growth and yield performance in grain corn

Use of urea fertilizer is currently increasing to meet the agricultural demand. However, the efficiency and optimization of urea application in agriculture is uncertain. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the efficacy of slow-release urea and standard urea fertilizer. Reductions in the N rate of the slow release was assessed by measuring the different growth performance and yield at the field. A 25% reduction in N content using coated urea gave similar growth performance and yield compared to standard practice The findings indicated that there was no significant difference in stem diameter, number of leaves and chlorophyll content between the control treatment and slow-release urea. Grain yield and yield components like cob length, number of grains per cob, weight of grain per cob and 1000 grain weight obtained in the field was similar when applying the slow-release urea with the yield and yield components obtained from standard practice as a control. We conclude that this slow-release urea can be used in extensive cropping of corn while promising at least the same yields than standard practices with reducing impact on environment and nitrogen losses in the soil.

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.

Investigating the Impacts of Wastewaters on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Seed Germination and Growth

There is an opportunity for agriculture to utilize the many different waste streams in our world and capitalize on what would otherwise be viewed as waste products. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is an emerging technology for converting wet biomass to bio-crude oil, while aquaponics is a practice tracing back to indigenous communities around the world; both technologies have the potential to sustainably provide the necessary nutrients for crop growth. Food systems worldwide are actively transitioning to address the many challenges of climate change in a sustainable and efficient manner. Urban agriculture (UA) has the potential to generate localized crops in densely populated areas year-round, but has its challenges, involving high capital requirements, especially for vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture, and being energy intensive due to artificial lighting and fossil fuel-based synthetic fertilizers. This study investigated the potential for aquaponic and HTL effluents to be used in hydroponic systems through a seed germination screening experiment. Buttercrunch lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds were placed in Ziploc plastic bags on paper towels saturated with the wastewater treatments for 10 days while their total length of growth was routinely measured from the tip of the root to the tip of the cotyledons. The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) aquaponic effluent with a 5.8× times higher nitrate concentration and 4.25× higher ammonia concentration outperformed the Bevier aquaponic effluent and improved any other source water it was combined with. Results also showed that seed germination was not inhibited in the presence of 2–8% solutions of hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase (HTL-AP), which performed on par with standard hydroponic fertilizer; solutions of a higher percentage, though, may lead to inhibitory effects in plants, and those of a lower percentage may not provide enough nutrients in the proper forms to sustain plant growth. However, the nutrient analyses revealed that there is still much to investigate regarding the combination of wastewaters to provide a complete, well-rounded, and sustainable source for hydroponic crop production.

Use and quantification of efficient microorganisms in the development and production of peppers (Capsicum spp.)

The societal pressure for more sustainable agricultural practices drives interest in organic farming, especially within family agriculture, although it has not yet reached the efficacy of traditional agriculture. Effective Microorganisms (EM) hold promise as supplements to organic fertilization, as they accelerate organic matter decomposition and enhance nutrient availability for plants. This study investigated the impact of two types of EM collected in Alegre and Barra de São Francisco, Espírito Santo State, on pepper cultivation, comparing them with commercial EM and standard organic fertilization. Parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number and mass of fruits, and microbial composition were analyzed. The Alegre EM stood out, yielding better growth and production metrics. The Barra de São Francisco EM also had a positive impact, particularly on fresh aerial part mass and height. Microbiological analysis revealed differences in microbial communities among the EM. It is concluded that the use of EM in conjunction with organic fertilization can benefit pepper cultivation.

Phosphorus Uptake Model of Oil Palm Seedlings in the Main Nursery

Oil palm is generally cultivated on tropical soils that have low levels of chemical fertility and various physical fertility. Environmental factors, genetics, and cultivation techniques generally influence oil palm productivity. This study aimed to obtain a model of oil palm growth and phosphorus (P) uptake in the main nursery. The oil palm growth model was carried out through literature studies and field trials. The trial was conducted at Leuwikopo Trial Farm (Bogor Agricultural Institute) IPB University from May 2021-January 2022. The experiment was designed using a non-factorial randomized block design with five replications. The experiment consisted of one treatment with five levels of P fertilization: P0 = no fertilizer; P1 = 50% standard fertilization; P2 = 100% standard fertilization; P3 = 150% standard fertilization; and P4 = 200% standard fertilization. The fertilizer dose of 100% using the standard fertilization for oil palm of the Damimas variety was 28 g P seedling-1. This study concluded that the model of oil palm nutrient P uptake for the main nursery was able to simulate oil palm nutrient uptake as shown by actual measurements (observations in the field). The dry weight simulation results fell within the range of standard deviation values for average measurements in the field. The nutrient uptake simulation model is thus a valid tool for planning the optimal fertilization of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

Film-straw dual mulching improves soil fertility and maize yield in dryland farming by increasing straw-degrading bacterial abundance and their positive cooperation

Film-straw dual mulching (FMSS) has been utilized successfully for corn production in dryland farming. However, the mechanisms by which FMSS improves soil fertility and maize yields remain obscure. Therefore, a three-year field trial with four treatments, including conventional tillage (blank, BL), FM with standard fertilization (FMSF), and with straw incorporation (FMSS), was conducted between 2018 and 2020. The results demonstrated that FMSS significantly increased the concentrations of soil organic carbon (SOC, 17.48%) and total and available nitrogen and phosphorus (TN, 34.48%; TP, 16.90%; AN, 23.34% and AP, 40.95%) in the 040 cm soil profile, resulting in a 31.0% increase in maize yield. FMSS had no significant effect on soil bacterial diversity; however, it selectively increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, and Acidobacteria but decreased those of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Nitrospirae, and dynamically regulated bacterial life strategies (mainly from k-strategies to r-strategies), thereby forming an efficient straw-degrading functional community. These three straw-degrading bacteria demonstrated a cooperative relationship, and increased labile and recalcitrant straw carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) decomposition rate, nutrient release, and soil fertility. FMSS improved the straw-degrading bacteria abundance, regulated their life strategies, promoted positive cooperation that increases straw decomposition, and increased SOC, TN, TP, AN, and AP, thereby significantly improving soil fertility and maize yield. Therefore, FMSS is an efficient management practice that can replace FM and increase maize yields in dryland farming.

Effect of Micronutrient Fertilization on Production and Soil Fertility in Maize

Balanced fertilization in both macro and micronutrients is one strategy in soil fertility management to prevent microelement deficiencies. This fertilization type could increase plant growth and production as well as maintain soil fertility. This research aimed to examine the role of micro fertilization on supporting plant productivity and soil fertility. Research that was conducted in Dau, Malang, East Java was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 9 treatments, ie B0 (Control), B1 (100% standard fertilization), B2 (100% standard fertilization and 50% ZnCuB), B3 (100% standard fertilizer and 100% ZnCuB), B4 (100% standard fertilizer and 150% ZnCuB), B5 (75% standard fertilizer and 50% ZnCuB), B6 (75% standard fertilizer and 100% ZnCuB), B7 (75% basic fertilizer and 150% ZnCuB), and three replications of each. 100% of basic fertilization referred to 440 kg Urea/ha, 250 kg SP-36/ha, and 350 kg KCl/ha, while 100% micro fertilizer ZnCuB (4:6:6) was 19 kg/ha. Reducing 25% of basic fertilizer combined with 150% of micro fertilizer (28.5 kg/ha ZnCuB) resulted in a significant increase in plant growth and production by 54% to control. Furthermore, micronutrient fertilizers could maintain soil fertility as well as prevent soil acidification.

Site properties, environmental factors, and crop identify influence soil bacterial communities more than municipal biosolid application

Reducing the environmental impact of Canadian field crop agriculture, including the reliance on conventional synthesised fertilisers, are key societal targets for establishing long-term sustainable practices. Municipal biosolids (MSB) are an abundant, residual organic material, rich in phosphate, nitrogen and other oligo-nutrients, that could be used in conjunction with conventional fertilisers to decrease their use. Though MBS have previously been shown to be an effective fertiliser substitute for different crops, including corn and soybean, there remain key knowledge gaps concerning the impact of MBS on the resident soil bacterial communities in agro-ecosystems. We hypothesised that the MBS fertiliser amendment would not significantly impact the structure or function of the soil bacterial communities, nor contribute to the spread of human pathogenic bacteria, in corn or soybean agricultural systems. In field experiments, fertiliser regimes for both crops were amended with MBS, and compared to corn and soybean plots with standard fertiliser treatments. We repeated this across four different agricultural sites in Quebec, over 2021 and 2022. We sampled MBS-treated, and untreated soils, and identified the composition of the soil bacterial communities via 16S rRNA metabarcoding. We found no indication that the MBS fertiliser amendment altered the structure of the soil bacterial communities, but rather that the soil type and crop identities were the most significant factors in structuring the bacterial communities. Moreover, there was no evidence that the MBS-treated soils were enriched in potential human bacterial pathogens over the two years of our study. Our analysis indicates that not only can MBS function as substitutes for conventional, synthesised fertilisers, but that they also do not disrupt the structure of the resident soil bacterial communities in the short term. Finally, we suggest that the use of MBS in agro-ecosystems poses no greater concern to the public than existing soil bacterial communities. This highlights the significant role MBS could potentially have in reducing the use of conventional industrial fertilisers and improving agricultural production, without risking environmental contamination.

Evaluation of urea loaded nanoclay biopolymer composites with Zn and P solubilizing microbes for nitrogen uptake and use efficiency in maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) 2022 (July 2022–October 2022) and winter (rabi) 2022–23 (November 2022–March 2023) seasons at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to evaluate a series of Zn and P solubilizing microbial culture enriched nanoclay biopolymer composite (NCBPC) loaded with nitrogenous fertilizer (urea) and the efficiency of the products for maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment consisted of 10 treatments, viz. T1, Control; T2, 100% N though urea; T3; T5; T7; and T9, 75% N as urea loaded NCBPC-A (prepared using acrylic acid + acrylamide + mango kernel flour) alone or along with P or Zn or P + Zn solubilizers; T4; T6; T8 and T10, 75% N as urea loaded NCBPC-B (prepared using acrylic acid + acrylamide + maize flour) alone or along with P or Zn or P + Zn solubilizers in a randomized block design (RBD) and replicated thrice. In both maize and wheat crop, highest grain (5.09 and 5.32 t/ha) and straw yield (6.56 and 7.45 t/ha), apparent N recovery (51.26 and 47.26%) and agronomic efficiency (12 and 13.3 kg grain yield obtained/kg N application) were obtained in treatment T10 followed by T9. In addition, total N uptake significantly enhanced by 20.1–28.4% in maize and 22.1–30.8% in wheat (T9 and T10); apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR) improved by 12.9–18.2 and 15.2–21.1% and agronomic efficiency (AE) triggered by 19.5–21.2 and 15.4–20.8% in maize and wheat crops respectively, under T9 and T10 treatments over standard urea fertilization (T2). Thus, the study concludes that, 25% N requirement could be cut down through application of 75% N (urea) loaded NCBPCs in conjunction with Zn or P or Zn + P solubilizing microbial culture as compared to sole urea application under maize-wheat cropping system.

Economic evaluations of assisted reproductive technologies in high-income countries: a systematic review.

Which assited reproductive technology (ART) interventions in high-income countries are cost-effective and which are not? Among all ART interventions assessed in economic evaluations, most high-cost interventions, including preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) for a general population and ICSI for unexplained infertility, are unlikely to be cost-effective owing to minimal or no increase in effectiveness. Approaches to reduce costs in order to increase access have been identified as a research priority for future infertility research. There has been an increasing number of ART interventions implemented in routine clinical practice globally, before robust assessments of evidence on economic evaluations. The extent of clinical effectiveness of some studied comparisons has been evaluated in high-quality research, allowing more informative decision making around cost-effectiveness. We performed a systematic review and searched seven databases (MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, ECONLIT, SCOPUS, and CINAHL) for studies examining ART interventions for infertility together with an economic evaluation component (cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility, or cost-minimization assessment), in high-income countries, published since January 2011. The last search was 22 June 2022. Two independent reviewers assessed publications and included those fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Studies were examined to assess the cost-effectiveness of the studied intervention, as well as the reporting quality of the study. The chosen outcome measure and payer perspective were also noted. Completeness of reporting was assessed against the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standard. Results are presented and summarized based on the intervention studied. The review included 40 studies which were conducted in 11 high-income countries. Most studies (n = 34) included a cost-effectiveness analysis. ART interventions included medication or strategies for controlled ovarian stimulation (n = 15), IVF (n = 9), PGT-A (n = 7), single embryo transfer (n = 5), ICSI (n = 3), and freeze-all embryo transfer (n = 1). Live birth was the mostly commonly reported primary outcome (n = 27), and quality-adjusted life years was reported in three studies. The health funder perspective was used in 85% (n = 34) of studies. None of the included studies measured patient preference for treatment. It remains uncertain whether PGT-A improves pregnancy rates compared to IVF cycles managed without PGT-A, and therefore cost-effectiveness could not be demonstrated for this intervention. Similarly, ICSI in non-male factor infertility appears not to be clinically effective compared to standard fertilization in an IVF cycle and is therefore not cost-effective. Interventions such as use of biosimilars or HMG for ovarian stimulation are cheaper but compromise clinical effectiveness. Lack of both preference-based and standardized outcomes limits the comparability of results across studies. The selection of efficacy evidence offered for some interventions for economic evaluations is not always based on high-quality randomized trials and systematic reviews. In addition, there is insufficient knowledge of the willingness to pay thresholds of individuals and state funders for treatment of infertility. There is variable quality of reporting scores, which might increase uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness results. Investment in strategies to help infertile people who utilize ART is justifiable at both personal and population levels. This systematic review may assist ART funders decide how to best invest to maximize the likelihood of delivery of a healthy child. There was no funding for this study. E.C. and R.W. receive salary support from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) through their fellowship scheme (EC GNT1159536, RW 2021/GNT2009767). M.D.-T. reports consulting fees from King Fahad Medical School. All other authors have no competing interests to declare. Prospero CRD42021261537.

Phytochemical screening and effects on spermatogenesis of extracts from leaves of Flueggea virosa (Roxb, ex Willd.) Royle and Heliotropium indicum L., two plants used against infertility in North of Ivory Cost

Male infertility constitutes a public health problem today in developing countries. But populations are faced with very high costs and difficult access to specialized centers in order to benefit from quality care. These obstacles lead couples in distress to turn to medicinal plants to treat possible causes of infertility. The aims of this study is to evaluated effects of Flueggea virosa and Heliotropium indicum, two plants from northern Ivory Coast on spermatogenesis in Wistar rats male. Aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of the two plants leaves were first analysed through phytochemical screening by the staining and precipitation methods. Then effects of their two aqueous extracts were evaluated on spermatogenesis in Wistar rats. Each extract was administrated at concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight orally to test Wistar rats. A reference standard fertilizer product, Fertilo Forte Denk (FFD) was used at 5 mg/kg body weight as positive control to treat Wistar rats. After 30 and 60 days of treatment, mobility, viability, density and morphology of rat’s spermatozoa were evaluated by observation under an optical microscope. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, gallic tannins, catechic tannins, alkaloids and saponosides in all the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of F. virosa and H. indicum. For spermatogenesis effects in Wistar rats, the study highlights that aqueous extracts from leaves of F. virosa and H. indicum induce an increase in the number, an improvement of the mobility and viability of spermatozoa after 60 days of treatment. But this increase is more significant (P < 0.001) in rats treated with F. virosa compared to control and group treated with FFD. According to these results, aqueous extracts from F. virosa and H. indicum leaves improve quality of sperm in rats. These data might justify the use of these two plants in treatment of certain cases of male infertility.