Top Dressing Research Articles

Preparation of Biofertilizers from Banana Peels: Their Impact on Soil and Crop Enhancement

Disposing of banana peels (BPs) as bio-organic waste is an environmental challenge. Rich in potassium, BPs are often discarded despite their agricultural value. Reports on the valorization of BP are increasing, but no review has focused on BP fertilizer preparation methods. This study aims to review and analyze these methods to guide researchers and agriculturists in optimizing BP utilization, promoting sustainable waste management, and effective agricultural practices. This review has uncovered significant findings. A composite of banana and orange peels emerged as the most favoured and widely used approach, closely followed by dried BPs. This study highlighted the substantial impact of fertilizer application methods such as top and basal dressing. Most of the results revealed that the peels significantly improved the growth parameters of various plants. However, for biochar, the plant height was insignificant between treatments, further emphasizing the importance of the application method used. Banana peels are a valuable resource for biofertilizer synthesis. The banana–orange peel composite exhibits outstanding fertilizer properties. More new studies should go beyond the seedling stage, especially to harvest. This would give more information on the performance and viability of BP fertilizers.

Productivity, quality and suitability for processing of various potato varieties when grown in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation

Relevance. The study of the reaction of potato varieties, especially new ones, to the use of a complex of agrotechnical techniques, including foliar top dressing with water-soluble fertilizers, is an urgent task. For this purpose, 4 potato varieties of different ripeness groups (Red Scarlett, Nevsky, Golubizna, Grand) were studied in two regions of Russia using agrochemicals Agrovin Micro. Methods. The article presents experimental data on the study of biometric indicators, yield and quality of potatoes for non-root top dressing in conditions of leached chernozem and sod-podzolic sandy loam soils of the Central region of Russia. The objects of research were potato varieties of various ripeness groups. Foliar fertilization of plants with agrochemicals Agrovin Micro was carried out in the phases of germination, budding and 20 days after the last treatment in two consumption rates – 1.0 and 2.0 l / ha. Control – without processing (K) with background N90Р90К135.Results. On average, over the years of research, the best options for all varieties turned out to be options with the use of additional leaf treatment with an agrochemical at a maximum dose of 2 liters /ha. Due to three-fold foliar top dressing for the critical phases of potato plant growth, the greatest yield increases and maximum values of dry matter and starch content to the mineral background were obtained. In the conditions of the Tambov region, the increase in yield, depending on the variety, ranged from 24.2 to 59.3% or 6.0-10.5 /ha and in the conditions of the Moscow region – 3.3-28.9% or 1.2-7.1 t/ha. The most suitable for processing into fried potato products from the studied varieties turned out to be Red Scarlett and Grand. All other things being equal, the color index of crispy potatoes and fries on these varieties was higher than the Nevsky variety by 1.0-1.5 points.

Combining Site-Specific Nutrient Allocation Tools Can Decrease Input Demands in No-Till Wheat Farming

ABSTRACT Wheat cultivated under conservation agriculture faces challenges in nutrient management due to altered soil dynamics and heavy residue loads. This often necessitates excessive nutrient applications to address the nutritional demands of the crop. Conducted at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre during the winter seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22, this study explored the effects of different nitrogen (N) application strategies on the ‘HD 2967’ wheat cultivar planted amidst rice residues using a super-seeder. The Nutrient Expert® (NE) combined with LCC-based N top dressing (NE+LCC) demonstrated the most optimal nutrient balance, leading to a 5.9% increase in grain yield and a 42.8% increase in dry matter accumulation compared to traditional methods. The composite SSNM treatments like NE+SPAD and NE+LCC recorded 48.9% and 41.9% higher SPAD values, respectively, as compared to RDF. The NE treatments resulted in significant savings, with a reduction of 60% in phosphorus usage and 5% in potassium. Economically, the NE treatment proved superior, showcasing a 12.7% higher net return compared to the RDF approach. The study concludes that site-specific nutrient management, facilitated by advanced tools like LCC and SPAD, when integrated with software-driven strategies, boosts wheat yield and fosters sustainable farming practices. This approach minimizes environmental impacts by optimizing nutrient applications and aligns with the sustainability development goal of responsible consumption and production.

Dependence of Photosynthetic Activity and Yield of Plum Varieties on the Use of Non-Root Fertilizing in the Arid Zone of the Northern Caspian Sea

In 2021–2023, the effect of non-root fertilizer application on photosynthetic activity and yield of plum varieties in the arid zone of the Northern Caspian Sea was studied. It was found that the leaf surface area on average during the growing season in the variant of the combined use of Aquarin + Ultramag boron + + Ultramag calcium exceeded the control by 50%. An increase in photosynthetic potential was noted when treated with Aquarin and Master fertilizers by 25.0 and 42%, respectively. The maximum increase in yield (12.8 t/ha) was obtained during leaf processing in the variant of the combined use of Aquarin + + Ultramag boron + Ultramag calcium preparations, which exceeded the control by 34.7%. It should be noted that the best responsiveness to non-root top dressing was distinguished by the Gigantic variety, whose yield was 13.2 t/ha, which was 39% more than the control.

Зависимость кормовой ценности эспарцета песчаного от листовых подкормок

In the feed production system of the Lower Volga region, more than 60% of forage crops are located on irrigated lands. Only these lands can be considered a guaranteed source of sustainable food supply. More than 80% of the feed from their gross production is harvested from irrigated lands, therefore, studies on the dependence of the feed value of sandy esparcet on leaf fertilizing are certainly relevant. The aim of the research was to increase the efficiency of esparcet cultivation in the conditions of the Lower Volga region by improving the use of mineral fertilizers. Experiments to study the dependence of the feed value of esparcet in the form of green mass on leaf fertilizing with water-soluble mineral fertilizers were conducted from 2017 to 2023 on irrigation in the zone of light chestnut soils in the Prigorodnoye SEC of the Svetloyarsky district of the Volgograd region. Mineral fertilizers were applied in the form of leaf fertilizing during the period of active growth of the esparcet according to the following schemes: 1. Control (without leaf dressing); 2. Monophosphate at the rate of 0.5 kg/ha per top dressing; 3. Monophosphate with adhesive at the rate of 0.5 kg/ha per top dressing. As a result of the experiments conducted, it was found that in the variant using potassium monophosphate, the yield of the green mass of the Rusich variety was 8.2 t/ha, or 18.8% more, and in the variant using potassium monophosphate with an adhesive by 11.7 t/ha, or 26.8% more compared to the control variant. The largest accumulation of feed units of 12.8 t/ha was found in the Rusich variety on the variant of leaf fertilizing with potassium monophosphate with an adhesive, which turned out to be 0.6 t/ha more than in the experiment from 2017 to 2019. The highest content of digestible protein of 2.21 t/ha was found in the Rusich variety on a variant of leaf fertilizing with potassium monophosphate with an adhesive. The largest amount of metabolic energy of 101.7 GJ was contained in the Rusich variety on a variant of leaf fertilizing with potassium monophosphate with an adhesive. The lowest amount of metabolic energy was contained in the Sandy 22 variety in the control variant without leaf fertilizing and averaged 70.3 GJ for 2021-2023.

Фотосинтетическая деятельность козлятника восточного при применении стимуляторов роста

In the feed production system of the Lower Volga region, more than 60% of forage crops are located on irrigated lands. Only these lands can be considered a guaranteed source of sustainable food supply. More than 80% of feed from their gross production is harvested from irrigated lands, therefore, studies on the dependence of the feed value of the eastern goat from leafy top dressing are certainly relevant. The aim of the research was to increase the efficiency of cultivation of the Eastern goat in the conditions of the Lower Volga region by improving the use of mineral fertilizers. Experiments to study the dependence of the productivity of goat husk in the form of green mass on treatments with growth stimulants were conducted from 2016 to 2023 on the irrigated site of the Prigorodnoye SEC of the Svetloyarsky district of the Volgograd region on light chestnut soils with irrigation regime 70...85...70 % NV sprinkler machine "Valey". The article presents research materials on the cultivation of Oriental goat on light chestnut soils of the Lower Volga region. The largest area of the leaf surface of the eastern goat in the experiment, on average, over seven years of use, was established in the Jubilee variety on the variant of using the growth stimulator Mival-Agro and was equal to 49.3 thousand m2/ha. The maximum photosynthetic potential of the oriental goat was established in the Jubilee variety on the variant of using the growth stimulator Mival-Agro and was equal to 9.71 million m2 x day/ha. In the Kazbek variety, the net photosynthesis productivity (NPF) ranged from 1.79 g/m2 day in the Megamix-Pro growth stimulator variant to 1.88 g/m2 day in the control variant without the use of growth stimulants. The net photosynthesis productivity of the Krivich variety was 0.10-0.30 g/m2 day more than that of the Kazbek variety, the same, or 0.28 g/m2 day more than that of the Jubilee variety and ranged from 1.89 g/m2 day on the variant of the Megamix-Pro growth stimulator to 1.90 g/m2 a day on the option of using the growth stimulant Mival-Agro and on the option without the use of growth stimulants.

Productivity of spring barley at different seeding rates and doses of fertilizers

In the forest-steppe of the Euro-North-East of the Russian Federation (The Republic of Mordovia), the research has been carried out to optimize methods for cultivating spring barley of the Zazersky 85 cultivar, which allow to increase yield and improve grain quality. The experiment was carried out in 2020–2022 on leached medium-humic heavy loamy chernozem. There were studied seeding rates (4.5; 5.0; 5.5 million germinating seeds/ha) and doses of fertilizers (Ν0Р0К0; Ν32Р32К32 – before sowing (background); background + Ν30-60-90 – in top dressing). It has been established that increasing the seeding rate from 4.5–5.0 to 5.5 million significantly reduced the barley grain yield by 0.61–0.70 t/ha, respectively, on average over the years of the research. The crop yield increased significantly under the influence of mineral fertilizers – by 1.62–3.42 t/ha compared to the control (2.68 t/ha). In general, the highest grain yield (6.29–6.47 t/ha) was obtained when sowing barley at rates of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha by the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and Ν60-90 as a top dressing in the tillering phase. Under the influence of fertilizers, the quality parameters of grain changed: the grain unit increased by 15–33 g/l, the weight of 1000 grains – by 0.63–1.53 g, the protein content – up to 13.2 %; the film content decreased by 0.3–0.7 abs.%. The highest grain uniformity (93.0–94.8 %) was observed at the seeding rate of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha in the variants with nitrogen fertilizers (Ν60-90) against the background of Ν32P32K32. The highest profitability of grain production of the Zazersky 85 barley cultivar (103,18 %) was obtained at the seeding rate of 4.5 million germinated seeds per 1 ha with the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and N60 as a top dressing in the tillering phase.

Enhanced Efficiency Organo-Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer improves Yield and Quality of Red Amaranth

Crop production with increased yield in a sustainable manner requires less environmental impact. Therefore, a pot experiment was accomplished to investigate the effect of newly developed enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizer and conventional N fertilizers on the growth, yield, nutritional quality, and N use efficiency of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor cv. BARI lalshak 1). All the pots were placed at the experimental pot-house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University following a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Brown coal-urea (BCU) was applied as enhanced efficiency N fertilizer following top dressing and basal application strategy where urea and diammonium phosphate were applied as conventional N fertilizer. All the N fertilizers were applied at five rates viz., 0, 50, 75, 100, 150 kg N ha ̶ 1. The growth parameters and biomass yield of red amaranth were significantly impacted by varying amounts and types of N fertilizers. The highest dry biomass yield was obtained at 150 kg N ha ̶ 1 whereas the highest number of branch plant ̶ 1 was found at 100 kg N ha ̶ 1. Again, the highest biomass N concentration was found at 100 kg N ha ̶ 1. Application of a higher dose of fertilizer showed the highest N concentration in the post-harvest soil. Overall, the growth parameters and biomass N concentration were the highest in BCU basal-treated soil. In contrast, BCU top-dressed soil showed a higher N concentration after harvest than all other treatments. Based on the overall findings, the use of higher-efficiency organo-mineral N fertilizer has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for traditional N fertilizers in the context of sustainable crop production with reduced environmental effects. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 37-44, 2023

Residual effect of biochar on microbial biomass and enzyme activities of soil cultivated with grape varieties: a two -year field assessment

Biochar has received increasing attention as a soil conditioner, being known for its ability to confer numerous benefits to the soil. Derived from the thermal decomposition of organic materials under low levels of oxygen, biochar concentrates essential nutrients and carbon while having low carbon dioxide emissions. Our hypothesis is that biochar applied as a top dressing can improve soil microbial attributes even after two years in a soil cultivated with different grape varieties. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a field experiment using different doses of cashew wood biochar applied to two grape varieties and evaluated its residual effect on microbial biomass and soil enzymatic activities. The design used was a randomized block design, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with five replications: four doses of biochar (0, 5, 10 and 15 ton ha-1) and two grape varieties (Cabernet sauvignon and Malbec). Soil collection was carried out at a depth of 0-20 cm, to evaluate total organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and soil enzymatic activities. Our findings revealed that the effect of grape varieties on soil biological properties was more pronounced than the biochar dose, indicating that there is a small residual effect of biochar doses after 2 years of application. Overall, our study provides important insights into the residual effect of biochar on soil microbial attributes and is considered an ecologically sustainable alternative, as it solves the problem of waste reuse and provides a disposal that brings benefits to soil properties.

Changes in composition, yield, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the Ocimum tenuiflorum L. essential oils as affected by fertilizers

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of multifunctional microbial fertilizer and inorganic macronutrient fertilizers N, P, K on plant biomass, essential oil yield, chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown in Hanoi, Vietnam. Among the four formulas tested, F2 emerged as the most favourable, comprising a basal fertilization of 10 tons of decomposed manure, 15 kg of multifunctional microbial fertilizer, 150 kg of P fertilizer, and 75 kg of K fertilizer, together with top dressing of 200 kg of N fertilizer and 75 kg of K fertilizer per hectare. This formula yielded the highest tulsi dry biomass (4.73 ton/ha), essential oil yield (0.831%), and essential oil production (39.29 L/ha), which were significantly different (p < 0.001) from those of the remaining formulas. In addition, the concentration of the essential oil main compound - eugenol (63.1%) of tulsi in F2 was also the highest, which may be the cause of the strongest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli (IC50 of 320, 273 µg/mL, respectively), and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (IC50 of 400 µg/mL), as well as antioxidant activity (IC50 of 0.165 µg/mL) compared to the other formulas tested. The results suggested the role of both multifunctional microbial fertilizer and inorganic macronutrient fertilizers N, P, K on growth and essential oil biosynthesis in tulsi. These findings are important in identifying the most efficient fertilization formula for cultivating tulsi, serving the needs of the cosmetic and medicinal industries.

Биопрепараты как факторы повышения продуктивности сои

Abstract. In 2021–2023, in the forest-steppe zone of North Ossetia – Alania, research was carried out on the use of biological products (growth regulator “Giberelon” and microfertilizer “Ul’tramag Kombi”) on soybean crops of Vilana, Irbis, Vita varieties. The purpose of the work is to improve the technology of soybean cultivation, aimed at improving productivity and grain quality through the use of biological products. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the foothill zone of the republic, the influence of biologics (growth regulator and micronutrients) on photosynthetic activity, the size and quality of soybean crops of various ripeness was studied. Methods. The object of research was three high-yielding soybean varieties - Vilana, Irbis, Vita (breeding of the Federal Research Center of the V. S. Pustovoit Research Institute of Oilseeds). Among the biological products used were "Giberelon" (70 g/ha), a plant growth stimulator based on gibberellic acids; "Ultramag Combi" (2 l/ha) – a concentrated complex micronutrient for leafy top dressing of cereals. Observations and records were carried out according to generally accepted methods of field experience. Results. It has been established that the use of biological products “Giberelon” and “Ul’tramag Kombi” increases the symbiotic activity of soybeans and the amount of fixed nitrogen in the air. During the growing season, the largest number of active nodules were formed in plots where plants were treated with “Ul’tramag Kombi” microfertilizer. With the use of “Ul’tramag Kombi” microfertilizer, the mass of nodules also increased by 18.7–19.9 g compared to the control. The biological products used stimulated plant growth, where the highest plant height was noted for varieties ranging from 79.1–115.1 cm. The yield of soybean crops using the growth regulator “Giberelon” (with an application rate of 70 g/ha) increased by 0.13–0.25 t/ha, with the use of “Ul’tramag Kombi” microfertilizer (with an application rate of 2 l/ha) – by 0.28–0.47 t/ha. The average level of profitability for all studied varieties of experimental variants was 65.25 %, which is 28.75 % higher than the control variants.

Viability and agronomic efficiency of using Bacillus licheniformis to complement nitrogen fertilization and pre-treatment and storage of mayze seeds

The objective of the study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency and viability of using the bacteria Bacillus licheniformis to complement nitrogen fertilization in top dressing and in the pre-treatment and storage of maze seeds. The study was conducted in the municipalities of Candói- PR and Lapa-PR (phase 1) and in the municipalities of Serranópolis do Iguaçu–PR and São Miguel do Iguaçu (phase 2). Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis presents agronomic efficiency similar to nitrogen control and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense during the harvest period. Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis 90 days before sowing is capable of reducing the application of N-fertilizer by 25% without compromising the yield of maze grains in the second harvest period.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ВИДОВ УДОБРЕНИЙ ПРИ ВЫРАЩИВАНИИ КНЯЖЕНИКИ АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ (RUBUS ARCTICUS L.)

The objective of research is to develop a nutrition system for Arctic brake. The paper presents the results of research on growing Arctic brake (Rubus arcticus L.) on acidic light sod-podzolic soils in the natural and climatic conditions of the Kostroma Region. Two soil fertilization options were used: 1) azophoska 400 kg/ha (N60P60K60 as the main fertilizer + N30P30K30 top dressing); 2) the developed nutrition system, including the main organomineral fertilizer containing humic substances and bacterial spores (Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus mucilaginosus) and 3 top dressings with solutions of the mineral fertilizer Akvarin in May, June and September (10 %, 6 and 3 %, respectively). Local application of organomineral fertilizers at a dose of 500 kg/ha with 3 additional feedings of water-soluble mineral fertilizers of the Akvarin brand containing macro- and microelements has a beneficial effect on increasing the microbiological activity of the soil, ammonifiers by 25.8 %, phosphate-mobilizing bacteria by 39.1 %, its agrochemical indicators, inclu¬ding the content of organic matter by 0.4 %, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium by 7.6–12.4 mg/kg, the survival rate of R. arcticus plants, the formation of the bush habitus, with the additional formation of partial shoots by 35 pcs/bush, the physiological activity of plants, expressed in an increase in the productivity of photosynthesis by 38 % and a significant increase in the yield of berries to 53.2 g/m2 (by 47.6 %). Expanding the possibility of forming R. arcticus plantations on acidic sod-podzolic soils will increase the occupancy rate of fallow soils and put them into operation. Production of berry products in the Kostroma Region as an ecologically safe region will provide enterprises engaged in the preparation of baby and dietary food with high-quality medicinal raw materials.

Влияние минеральных удобрений в различных сочетаниях на урожайность и качество зерна яровой мягкой пшеницы в условиях Предкамья Республики Татарстан

The results of two-year experiments to study the effect on the yield and grain quality of spring soft wheat of a full dose of mineral fertilizers in various combinations for pre-sowing cultivation, as well as foliar top dressing at a dose of N30 in the tillering and milk ripeness phase are reported. Fertilizers increased grain yield to varying degrees and had different effects on the technological qualities of grain. According to the grain yield of spring wheat of the Ulyanovsk 105 variety, on average for 2 years, the best options were: N90P90K30 (an increase of 3,6 t /ha) and N30P90K30 + N30 with top dressing in the tillering phase (an increase of 3,71 t/ha). According to the Tulaykovskaya Nadezhda variety, the best is the introduction of a complete mineral fertilizer (N30P90K30) with one and two top dressing (an increase in yield of 0,53 and 0,57 t/ha). Mineral fertilizers had a positive effect on grain quality in both varieties of spring wheat. The grain quality of the Ulyanovsk 105 variety is significantly improved under the influence of fertilizers. The vitreous content of the grain in the control was 52% in 2022 and 64% in 2023. In all variants with fertilizer, it is in the range of 60,0-79,0% in 2022 and 68,5-75,9% in 2023. In the Tulaykovskaya Nadezhda variety, the vitreous content of grain in 2022 increased from 45% in the control to 49 ...60% in other variants, and in 2023, respectively, from 57 to 60 ... 71%. The content of the mass fraction of gluten in the grain of the control variant in 2022 was 17,1%, protein 10,5%. The use of fertilizers contributed to an increase in the amount of gluten to 28,8%, protein to 11,6...13,8%. A similar situation was observed in 2023. The highest content of protein and gluten in the grain of the harvest of 2022 and 2023. it was observed in the variant with one and two nitrogen fertilizers (13,5...13,8% and 14,5...14,9%), 26,0...28,8 % and 33,0...33,6%, respectively.

Эффективность комплексного применения минеральных удобрений и биопрепарата Мизорин на посевах люцерны сорта Айслу в почвенно-климатических условиях Республики Татарстан

Field experiments on alfalfa crops of the Aisylu variety were conducted in 2020-2022 on the basis of the Agrobiotechnopark of the Kazan State Agrarian University (Narmonka village of the Laishevsky municipal district of the Republic of Tatarstan). The soils of the experimental site are gray forest with the following agrochemical indicators: the content of humus according to Tyurin is 3.0%, mobile phosphorus is very high (> 250 mg/kg) and exchangeable potassium is increased (145 mg/kg according to Kirsanov). The reaction of the soil medium was close to neutral (pH 6.6). The aim of the research was to develop methods to increase the yield and quality of the green mass of alfalfa on the basis of the use of various types of mineral fertilizers and the biological preparation Mizorin. The scheme of the experiment included the following options: control (without fertilizers and biologics); root dressing in spring and after the first mowing with ammonium nitrate of 100 kg/ha; root dressing in spring and after the first mowing with nitrogen strip of 100 kg/ha; root dressing in spring and after the first mowing with ammonium nitrate of 100 kg/ha in combination with leaf dressing with the biopreparation Mizorin 2 l/ha; root dressing in spring and after the first mowing with a 100 kg/ha nitrogen strip in combination with a leaf dressing with the biopreparation Mizorin 2 l/ha. Early spring feeding of alfalfa and after the first mowing with ammonium nitrate at the rate of 100 kg / ha provided additional 4.7 t/ha of green mass. In the variant of azofoska top dressing, the yield increase increases to 29.8 t/ha of the green mass of the research object. The maximum yield of the studied crop was obtained in variants of combining root and leaf fertilization, the increase in green mass increased to 64.4 and 92%, respectively.

Comparative seed yields of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.): evaluating seeds sources and fertilizers

Abstract The use of high-quality seeds from high-yielding rice varieties (HYV) is crucial for enhancing grain yield. Yet, the supply of certified seed meets only 57.3% of the total rice seed demand, leading some farmers to plant non-certified local rice seeds. A study examining the effects of seed sources and fertilization on seed yields was conducted in Bogor Village, Sukra District, Indramayu Regency during the Dry Season of 2019. The treatments consisted of two factors: A. Seed sources (Local non-certified seed (Local-NC), HYV non-certified seed (HYV-NC), and HYV-certified seed) and B. Fertilization methods (Recommended Fertilizer (RF), RF+BioF, RF+P as top dressing, and RF+N as top dressing). These were designed in a Complete Block Design with three replications. Results showed that Local-NC was more susceptible to BPH and RSB than HYV varieties. Additionally, Local-NC had the highest percentage of off-type plants and produced the lowest grain and seed yields. The addition of P or N fertilizer to RF during the heading stage notably improved the panicle number per hill, 1000-grain, seed yields and rendement. Our findings suggest that optimal rice seed yields can be achieved by planting HYV– certified seeds and applying either RF + 18 kg P ha−1 or RF + 11.5 kg N ha−1 as top dressing.

Knowledge and adoption gaps of Stylosanthes seed production practices followed by farmers of Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

A study was carried out to know the knowledge and adoption levels of recommended practices of Stylosanthes crop by farmers. The study was conducted in 12 randomly selected villages of 3 blocks of Anantapur district by surveying 120 farmers using a structured interview schedule. The results revealed that knowledge levels were poor for the application of fertilizers (00%), seed treatment (7.5%), top dressing (25%) and row spacing (59.17%). Correspondingly, four practices that the respondents did not adopt were use of recommended seed rate, sowing without seed treatment, not following recommended spacing and fertilizer application at the time of sowing. Herd size and the irrigated area had a positive relationship with the knowledge level of respondents. Herd size, herd composition and cropping pattern showed positive and one variable risk orientation showed a negative and significant relationship with the level of adoption of Stylosanthes seed production practices. The study thus brings out the dire need to enhance the knowledge and adoption of critical practices for enhancing seed yield and quality of Styosanthes hamata.

Optimization of methods of cultivation of seed hemp with an ordinary method of sowing

Relevance. The application of new techniques in the technology of cannabis cultivation is an important direction for the stabilization and growth of the efficiency of the hemp industry. The selection of the optimal seeding rate in combination with non-root treatment with an ordinary seeding method will solve the issue of realizing the productivity potential of a new variety of Lyudmila seeded hemp.Methods. In order to optimize the cultivation methods of a new variety of cannabis Lyudmila, studies were conducted in accordance with the methodological guidelines for registration tests of fungicides in agriculture, methodological guidelines for production testing of research and development. The indicators of photosynthetic activity of plants in crops were determined by the method of A.A. Nichiporovich. The mathematical processing of experimental data was carried out by the method of dispersion analysis.Results. Field germination was 66–75% of the laboratory, plant safety was higher at a seeding rate of 3 million/ha (220.4 pcs/m²). The leaf area was increased in variants with a seeding rate of 2.0 and 2.5 million/ha due to optimal plant placement. Non-root treatments with «Izagri Phosphorus» and «Humate+7» preparations increased the leaf area during all stages of ontogenesis. Non-root treatments and seeding rates affected the accumulation of total and long fiber – high yields of stems (11.9–15.9 t/ha) and fiber (3.43–5.04 t/ha) were obtained using the «Izagri Phosphorus» treatment option. The thickening of the stem increased the yield of the stems to 14.96 t/ha, and the yield of total fiber to 4.56 t/ha. The maximum seed yield (on average 1.0 t/ha) was obtained when sowing with a seeding rate of 2.0 million/ha, with the addition of non-root top dressing, the yield increased by 6.7–23.6%.

Optimizing Grain Zinc Biofortification in Bread Wheat: Innovative Fertilization Strategies for Field Conditions

Zinc deficiency in humans is of worldwide concern. The aim of this study is to enrich grains with Zn through soil application at different doses and foliar application from various sources. For this purpose, two independent field experiments have been conducted. In Experiment I, Zn (ZnSO4.7H2O) was applied through soil as basal and top dressing. The treatments were Zn0: control, Zn1: 5 kg Zn ha−1 as basal, Zn2: 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 as basal and 2.5 kg Zn ha−1 as top dressing and Zn3: 5 kg Zn ha−1 as top dressing. In Experiment II, Zn was applied as foliar from different sources (ZnSO4.7H2O, Zn-Methionine, Zn-Polyol and Zn-EDTA) at different growth stages with or without urea. In both experiments, Zn concentration in the grain and leaves of wheat and grain yield increased while phytic acid and PA/Zn molar ratio decreased due to soil or foliar Zn application. It was determined that the application of ZnSO4.7H2O in the soil at the top dressing period in Experiment I and the application of ZnSO4.7H2O and Zn-Methionine forms together with urea in Experiment II were effective methods in increasing grain yield and grain Zn concentration. The application of ZnSO4.7H2O from both soil and foliar sources, especially in combination with urea, has proven to be highly effective in the Zn biofortification of wheat grains. It is possible to assert that the use of ZnSO4.7H2O, which is cost-effective compared to other sources, could contribute significantly to enhancing zinc nutrition in humans.

Efficiency of the main application of fertilizers and top dressing of eggplant under drip irrigation on ordinary chernozems of the Rostov region

Relevance. Fertigation is the application of fertilizers, in which nutrients are dissolved in water for irrigation. This method is relevant when growing eggplant in the Rostov region, allowing effective use of fertilizers, since nutrients enter directly into the roots of plants, which eliminates their loss to evaporation or weathering. During fertigation, there is no need to carry out separate procedures for fertilization and irrigation, operations are combined into one, which reduces time and costs. The Rostov region is characterized by variable climatic conditions, including drought and strong winds. Fertigation ensures uniform and constant nutrition of plants, allowing them to better adapt to weather conditions, and can help increase yields by optimizing plant growth and development conditions.Material and methodology. In the conditions of the Rostov region, on ordinary heavy loamy chernozems, studies were conducted on the cultivation of eggplant on different backgrounds of the main application of mineral fertilizers in calculated doses before planting and using root fertilizing with complex fertilizers with trace elements with irrigation (fertigation), as well as leaf fertilizing with organomineral fertilizer Arksoil during the growing season.Results. It was revealed that mineral fertilizers and top dressing accelerated the growth and development of plants, and in the best case, the increase in indicators was 2 times higher compared with the control, while the height of the main stem, the number of lateral shoots and the number of ovaries on the plant, as well as the average weight of the fruit, significantly increased, which ensured an increase in plant productivity. The combined use of basic fertilizer and complex soluble fertilizers in the drip irrigation system has significantly increased plant productivity and increased yields to 77.82 t/ha. The application of high doses of fertilizers in combination with fertigation with water-soluble fertilizers did not actually affect the quality of fruits. The content of dry matter and nitrates remained at an optimal level.