Traditional Organic Fertilizers Research Articles

Nutrient runoff and leaching under various fertilizer treatments and pedogeographic conditions: A case study in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) fields of the Erhai Lake basin, China

To ensure water security, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in water and to reduce their inputs. We conducted a 2-year trial (2021–2022) in tobacco fields across three sites in the Erhai Lake basin, China, to comprehensively measure and summarize N and P loss through runoff and leaching for four fertilizer treatments: no fertilizer (CK); farmers' traditional organic fertilizer (FP); chemical fertilizer (CF); and a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer (OIC). The highest N concentrations were detected in leachate in the early tobacco growth stage, whereas the highest P concentrations occurred in runoff in the middle growth stage. Compared to FP, the OIC treatment improved nutrient uptake in flue-cured tobacco, while also reducing N loss through runoff and leaching by 45.37% and 19.34%, and reducing P loss by 7.22% and 8.26%, respectively. Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships of nutrient loss with soil organic matter content and nutrient inputs; elevation and soil water content exhibited varying correlations with different nutrients. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the effective management of agricultural non-point source pollution in the Erhai Lake basin and shed light on water pollution pressures worldwide.

The After-Effect of Organic Fertilizer Varies among Climate Conditions in China: A Meta-Analysis

Organic fertilizer is utilized to improve the organic carbon levels in arable soils, which is helpful for soil quality improvement and crop yield increase. However, the after-effect of organic fertilizer varies among regions with different temperature and precipitation conditions, and the extent of the impact remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of varying temperature and rainfall conditions on the accumulation of soil organic carbon after organic fertilizer application. A meta-analysis of 168 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2022 involving a total of 464 trials was conducted. The following was discovered: (1) In the major grain-producing areas of China, there was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between latitude and soil organic carbon content. Meanwhile, temperature and precipitation had a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) with soil organic carbon content. (2) The increase in temperature inhibited the increase in soil organic carbon storage. The improvement effect of organic fertilizer application in the low-temperature areas was significantly increased by 60.93% compared with the mid-temperature areas, and by 69.85% compared with the high-temperature areas. The average annual precipitation affected the after-effect of organic fertilizer as follows: 400–800 mm > 400 mm > more than 800 mm. (3) The influence of climatic conditions on the after-effect of organic fertilizer was more significant depending on the specific tillage practice. To increase organic fertilizer use efficiency and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, liquid organic fertilizers with abundant trace nutrients and amino acids, which take advantage of releasing nutrients more swiftly and have a better fertilization effect, could be an alternative to traditional organic fertilizers.

Biological soil conditioner with reduced rates of chemical fertilization improves soil functionality and enhances rice production in vegetable-rice rotation

Soil is an essential source of nutrients for crop growth, but excessive chemical fertilizer can lead to soil acidification and decreased sustainability. Organic fertilizer helps improve soil physicochemical properties and increase soil utilization efficiency. However, soil functionality and crop sustainability response to organic fertilizers need further research. In this study, multiple fertilizer practices (including different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer or soil conditioners, traditional organic fertilizer), various rice varieties, and other rotation systems were applied to test the effects of soil conditioners on crop yield and soil fertility. The results showed that crop yield sustainability and stability were significantly positively correlated with soil pH, EC value, and nitrogen (Pearson r > 0.5). In addition, improving soil quality was beneficial to increasing crop yield sustainability and stability (R2 > 0.5). Chemical fertilizers and soil conditioners can increase soil nutrient content and improve crop yield sustainability index (>0.8). Applying soil conditioners can enhance the activity of soil catalase and urease in paddy soil, especially in the 12 and 15 m3 ha−1 soil conditioner treatments due to soil microbial activity being affected by soil salinity and organic matter content. Soil conditioners increase the mass of Nitrospira species in soil, decompose nitrogen in the soil, and reduce soil nitrate and nitrite content, thereby improving soil pH and reducing the risk of soil acidification caused by excessive chemical fertilizer. Combining soil conditioners and chemical fertilizer (20 % less than traditional fertilization) can promote soil quality and fertility while improving crop yield sustainability and stability.

Soil Microbial Community Responses to Cyanobacteria versus Traditional Organic Fertilizers

This study explores the impact of diverse organic fertilizers, including a non-traditional cyanobacteria-based alternative, on soil microbial communities in varying soil types and depths. The research aims to elucidate the effects of these fertilizers on soil microorganisms in certified organic cucumber (Cucumis sativus) field and peach (Prunus persica) orchard settings. Fertilizers were applied either on the soil surface or banded 5 cm below the soil surface, and microbial ester-linked fatty acids (EL-FAMEs) were analyzed in collected soils. Notably, cyanobacteria and Neptune hydrolyzed fish emulsion fertilizers induced significant alterations in the microbial communities of cucumber plots, enhancing microbial biomass and favoring the proliferation of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and actinomycetes compared to other treatments. In the peach orchard, fertilizer choice differentially impacted microbial communities, especially in the first year and at greater soil depths. Notably, the supplementation of poultry manure with cyanobacteria fertilizer resulted in augmented microbial biomass and relative fungal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundances compared to poultry manure alone. These shifts have promising implications for organic vegetable and fruit cultivation. The study further underscores the potential of cyanobacteria-based fertilizers to reduce reliance on traditional options and minimize manure application, promoting self-sufficiency and benefiting soil microorganisms, plant growth, and the ecosystem. Thus, the research emphasizes the importance of exploring and adopting cyanobacteria-based fertilizers to bolster sustainable agricultural practices.

Disentangling the impact of biogas slurry topdressing as a replacement for chemical fertilizers on soil bacterial and fungal community composition, functional characteristics, and co-occurrence networks

The application of biogas slurry topdressing with drip irrigation systems can compensate for the limitation of traditional solid organic fertilizer, which can only be applied at the bottom. Based on this, we attempted to define the response of soil bacterial and fungal communities of maize during the tasseling and full maturity stages, by using a no-topdressing control and different ratios of biogas slurry nitrogen in place of chemical fertilizer topdressing. The application of biogas slurry resulted in the emergence of new bacterial phyla led by Synergistota. Compared with pure urea chemical topdressing, the pure biogas slurry topdressing treatment significantly enriched Firmicutes and Basidiomycota communities during the tasseling stage, in addition to affecting the separation of bacterial and fungal α-diversity indices between the tasseling and full maturity stages. Based on the prediction of community composition and function, the changes in bacterial and fungal communities caused by biogas slurry treatment stimulated the ability of microorganisms to decompose refractory organic components, which was conducive to turnover in the soil carbon cycle, and improved multi-element (such as sulfur) cycles; however it may also bring potential risks of heavy metal and pathogenic microbial contamination. Notably, the biogas slurry treatment reduced the correlation and aggregation of bacterial and fungal symbiotic networks, and had a dual effect on ecological randomness. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the alterations occurring in soil microbial communities when substituting chemical fertilizers treated with biogas slurry topdressing, and promote the efficient and sustainable utilization of biogas slurry resources.

Effects of fertilizer produced from agro-industrial wastes on the quality of two different soils

ABSTRACT A newly developed sustainable fertilizer, known as SB, was created by blending organic and mineral components using agro-industrial waste, sulphur, and orange residue, bound together with bentonite. It was extensively tested on two distinct soils with different chemical and biological properties, comparing its effectiveness to traditional chemical (NPK) and organic (horse manure, HM) fertilizers, with unfertilized soil as a control (CTR). The introduction of SB did not alter soil texture but significantly impacted soil chemistry and biology. It positively influenced the labile fraction of soil organic matter, resulting in a 15% increase in soil microbial biomass, total phenolic content, cations, bacterial colonies, and enzyme activities, with varying effects depending on soil characteristics. SB demonstrated a beneficial effect on both soil types, with optimal concentrations determined to be 2.8 for Motta and 4.2 for Lazzaro, highlighting the importance of soil characteristics in fertilizer effectiveness. In conclusion, SB represents a promising innovation for transitioning from traditional agriculture to a more sustainable and circular approach, offering economic and environmental benefits by reducing waste disposal costs and decreasing reliance on mineral fertilizers in line with circular economy principles. This study emphasizes the need to consider soil properties when optimizing fertilizer use.

Efficiency of molasses waste when growing potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) as a new promising organic fertilizer

It has been established that the waste of the alcohol and sugar industry (molasses innovative fertilizer) contains a complex of nutrients, which indicates the feasibility of their use as fertilizers for growing crops. This use of these types of waste will help solve the problem of their utilization, as they accumulate in significant volumes in the areas adjacent to the factories, in storage ponds. At the same time, the issue of reducing soil depletion of key nutrients due to the shortage of traditional organic fertilizers and the high cost of mineral fertilizers will be partially resolved. According to the results of field studies, the effectiveness of using waste in potato fertilization systems on soddy-loamy, bound sandy soil has been proven in order to obtain consistently high yields. In particular, it was found that the introduction of this type of waste at a rate of 10 t/ha ensures the formation of tubers weighing 92.7 g and 66 mm in diameter, and with a twofold increase in the rate — 109.3 g and 74 mm, respectively. These biometric parameters provided potato yields of 19.7 t/ha when using waste at a rate of 10 t/ha and 26.6 t/ha when using 20 t/ha. A positive effect on the quality indicators of potato tubers was recorded when using waste as fertilizer, in particular, the starch content was at the level of 16.6–16.7%. A positive effect of molasses innovative fertilizer on abStract 154 agroecological journal • no. 1 • 2023 the agrochemical parameters of the soil was also found, which is manifested in an increase in the content of nutrients in the tilth layer of soil (0–20 cm): nitrate forms of nitrogen (N–NO3) by 2.0–7.2 mg/kg, ammonium forms of nitrogen (N–NH4) — 0.4–1.1 mg/kg, mobile forms of phosphorus (P2O5) — 5.4–8.4 mg/kg and mobile forms of potassium (K2O) — 26.6– 40.6 mg/kg. The possibility of using waste in combination with mineral fertilizers was noted, which balances the fertilizer system and provides additional growth of potato tuber yield.

Особливості росту дволіток веслоноса (Polyodon spathula Walbaum, 1792) в умовах ставового господарства Лісостепу України

Purpose. To investigate the peculiarities of growth of age-1+ paddlefish depending on water temperature and quantitative parameters of zooplankton development in ponds of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Methodology. Age-1+ paddlefish, a North American zooplanktophagus were reared in polyculture with cyprinids in a 72-hectare pond using semi-intensive technology. The stocking density of age-1 paddlefish with an average weight of 86.5 g was 59 fish/ha, with a total stocking density of 2,402 fish/ha for all objects of polyculture. The intensification measures included fertilization of ponds with traditional organic fertilizers and feeding of carp with feed mixtures based on waste from the processing of agricultural raw materials of plant origin. The study of the intensity of development of the natural food supply and physicochemical parameters of water was carried out according to the methods generally accepted in hydrobiology and hydrochemistry. Determination of piscicultural parameters and growth characteristics of age-1+ paddlefish was carried out using methods common in ichthyology based on the dynamics of body weight gains in absolute and relative values. Findings. The conditions of the pond environment during most of the period of rearing of age-1+ paddlefish met the biological requirements of this species. A periodic decrease in the content of oxygen dissolved in water to 3.3-3.5 mgO2/dm3 was noted, which could negatively affect the growth of fish. Water temperature during the fish breeding period varied between 9.8-26.5oC. The average seasonal biomass of phytoplankton and zooplankton of the pond was 16.49 mg/dm3 and 3.92 g/m3, respectively, with a predominance of Cladocera and Copepoda (respectively, 61.0 and 34.5% in the average seasonal biomass) in the quantitative composition of zooplankton. As a result, age-1+ paddlefish reached an average weight of 1318.3 g with a fish productivity of 45.6 kg/ha and a total pond fish productivity of 1162.6 kg/ha. Maximum relative weight gains of paddlefish of 4.25–4.37% per day were observed during the first half of the growing season (mainly in June) at a water temperature of 22–25oC during the period of increase in zooplankton biomass from 3.79 to 10.11 g/m3. Originality. New data were obtained on the growth characteristics of paddlefish depending on environmental conditions of the ponds of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Practical value. The study results can be used in the process of improving pond aquaculture technologies in Ukraine. Key words: pond aquaculture, paddlefish, growth, zooplankton, water temperature.

Agroecological Efficiency of Traditional and New Organic Fertilizers

Agroecological Efficiency of Traditional and New Organic Fertilizers

Closing the food waste loop: Analysis of the agronomic performance and potential of food waste disposal products

The recycling of urban food waste (FW) is of great importance to the sustainable and low-carbon urban development. Focusing on the solid residues of FW aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion, this study selects three FW disposal products (FWDPs) and compares their nutrient compositions with the main traditional organic fertilizers in China through a literature review; carries out a seven-season field experiment with 30% of the nitrogen in FWDPs substituted for equal chemical nitrogen to explore the impacts on vegetable yields; and uses a field questionnaire to investigate farmers' awareness of FWDPs. FW aerobic compost and FW digestate solid residue can significantly increase seven-season total yields by 21.5% and 17.2% respectively compared with conventional chemical fertilizer alone, and maintain the same yield level with conventional combined application of chicken manure and chemical fertilizer, proved to be effective on crop yield as organic fertilizers. The case study of Xiamen indicates that FWDPs have great potential to produce organic fertilizers and reduce the application amount of pure chemical fertilizers by 5.6% under current conditions, where around one-third of restaurant FW is disposed of using anaerobic digestion technologies. Measures like formulating supportive regulations, expanding government propaganda, and producing qualified and cost-effective commercial organic fertilizers with FWDPs will improve farmers’ knowledge and acceptance of FWDPs.

The application of enzymatic fermented soybean effectively regulates associated microbial communities in tea soil and positively affects lipid metabolites in tea new shoots.

Compared with traditional organic fertilizer, fermented soybean is a better fertilizer resource in tea plantations. The application of organic fertilizer is a feasible practice to mitigate the soil degradation caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, which can effectively regulate soil microbial communities in tea plantations. However, the effects of fermented soybean on soil microbial communities, soil metabolites and metabolites in tea new shoots have not been systematically demonstrated, and their interactions have never been studied. Here, we investigated the responses of the soil microbial community, soil metabolites and metabolites of tea new shoots to urea fertilization (UF), naturally fermented soybean fertilization (NFS) and enzymatic fermented soybean fertilization (EFS), and analyzed the relationships between soil microbes, soil metabolites and metabolites in tea new shoots. The results showed that soil bacterial communities were dominated by Pseudomonas, Romboutsia, Candidatus_Nitrosotalea and Helicobacter, and soil fungal communities were dominated by Peziza, Fusarium, Candida and Cheilymenia at the genus level. In EFS, bacterial genera (Glutamicibacter and Streptomyces) and fungal genera (Candida and Actinomucor) presented high abundances, which were correlated with soil carbohydrate and lipid including D-Mannitol, D-Sorbitol, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid and (Z)-13-Docosenoic acid. Enzymatic fermented soybean fertilization also affected the lipid metabolites in tea new shoots. Glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids significantly increased in EFS, which positively correlated with some soil microbial communities. Besides, the application of fermented soybean fertilizer could increase the contents of TP, AP and AK, which were also important environmental factors affecting the structure of soil microbial community in tea plantation. It was concluded that fermented soybean fertilization could improve soil nutrition, regulate associated microbial communities, and positively affect lipid metabolites in tea new shoots. This study not only explores the relationships between soil microbes and metabolites in tea plants, but also provides feasible technical guidance to cultivate high-quality tea using soybean as high-grade fertilizer.

Commercial organic fertilizer substitution increases wheat yield by improving soil quality

Traditional organic fertilizer substitution is an effective measure for increasing crop yield and soil quality while reducing chemical fertilizer input. However, the effects of commercial organic fertilizer substitution (COFS) on soil quality and wheat yield, and the underlying mechanisms, are unknown. In this study, agricultural fields with low fertility (LF) and high (HF) fertility soils were selected for a two-year (2018–2019) field experiment in the oasis region of Northwest China. Three fertilization treatments with three replications (no fertilization, CK; local conventional chemical fertilizer application, LCF; and 20 % of inorganic nitrogen (N) was substituted by commercial organic fertilizer, COFS) were established to study the effects of COFS on wheat growth, yield, nutrient-use efficiency and soil quality. The results showed that compared with LCF in 2018 and 2019, COFS in LF and HF promoted wheat growth, improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), and increased yield (by 1.52 %–3.05 % and 1.16 %–1.39 %) and soil quality (by 15.09 %–28.63 % and 22.53 %–64.82 %) by improving most soil indicators (e.g., soil organic matter (SOM) and available nutrients). Moreover, SOM and available nutrients significantly affect soil quality and wheat yield, which can monitor changes in soil quality and wheat yield. In conclusion, our study revealed that the mechanism of COFS in HF and LF increased wheat yield by improving soil quality. COFS is recommended for agricultural production, but its continuous application requires monitoring changes in SOM and available nutrients to adjust fertilization to guarantee soil quality and crop yield. This study provides guidance for the scientific application of COFS to improve farmland productivity and soil quality and helps to promote healthy and sustainable agricultural development.

ЕCOLOGICAL STATE OF SOILS IN IRSHAVA AND KAMIANSKE UNITED TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES

Soil is the main means of production in agriculture. One of the main dominant factors of transformation and deterioration of soils is human economic activity. The plowing of agricultural lands, depletion of soil cover, industrial pollution, excessive degradation are among them. Reducing the area of agricultural lands directly affects agriculture and leads to lower yields. It can cause an environmental and economic crisis, both in a particular region and in the country as a whole. Therefore, the study of the state of agricultural lands years is paid more and more attention and is an urgent task of researchers in recent.
 The article is devoted to the study of the current ecological condition of soils in Irshava and Kamianske united territorial communities, Zakarpattia region. The assessment was performed on the following indicators: the content of humus, microelements (Zn, Pb), nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, acidity, nitrates, nitrites. The obtained results showed that exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations in the selected soil samples for any of the elements (Zn, Pb) is not observed. The highest value of the eco-pollutants content was set for the Irshava city, especially for areas close to the road. In addition, it should also be taken into account that the intensive use of lands for agriculture with the introduction of mineral and traditional organic fertilizers in medium doses increases the level of heavy metals in soils. The studied soils have the low content of total lead: from 11.6 to 18.1 mg / kg. This value of Pb concentration in the samples is caused by the relationship between fixed forms of ecopolyutant and humus content. Humus content in studied areas equals 0,75 – 1,45% and corresponds to the low supply of soils with organic matter and the composition of soil-formed rocks.
 The soils of these areas were found to have a medium acid pH of 4,6-5,04 and correspond to a low humus content, obviously due to the high level of the agricultural lands plowing and a decrease in the amount of the organic fertilizers. But in general, the soils of this farm are fit for growing fruit crops.
 Keywords: soil, degradation; soil cover; soil fertility; degradation processes; soil protection; heavy metals; humus; soil quality deterioration; land protection.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL CONDITION OF AGRICULTURAL SOILS IN UKRAINE

The article presents the results of assessing the ecological condition of agricultural soils in Ukraine. The purpose of the research is to study the assessment of the ecological condition of agricultural soils in Ukraine. The research results show that contamination with cesium-137 of above 37 kBq/m2 on the agricultural land in Ukraine covers 461.7 thousand hectares, among which arable lands occupy 345.9 thousand hectares. 8.8 million hectares of agricultural land have been examined, and it has been found that 12 regions remain contaminated with various toxicants. It has been established that the largest areas of agricultural land contaminated with cesium-137 can be found in Zhytomyr region – 156 thousand hectares, Cherkasy region – 76, Rivne region – 52, Chernihiv region – 52, Vinnytsia region – 50 and Kyiv region – 34 thousand hectares. In recent years, in Cherkasy and Vinnitsa regions, there have not been identified agricultural products contaminated at the levels that exceed permissible ones. In Rivne region, the most difficult situation is with the contamination of agricultural products with cesium-137, where more than 18.6 thousand hectares of peatlands are contaminated. Contamination of agricultural lands with strontium in Ukraine is observed on a much larger scale than those with cesium. Strontium-90 in the range of 0.74-5.55 kBq/m2 contaminated 4.6 million hectares, which occupies 52% of the area under research. Research results indicate that the total area of contaminated land in Ukraine is about 9 million hectares, among them 4.2 million hectares are contaminated with radiation, 2.0 million hectares are contaminated with heavy metals, 2.8 million hectares are contaminated with toxicants of organic and inorganic origin. It has been established that contamination with heavy metals from agro-industrial sources to the levels approaching the maximum permissible level (MPL) is possible only on the lands where chemicals have been used for a long time without proper control. It has also been found that application of mineral fertilizers and traditional organic fertilizers in medium doses can raise the level of heavy metals in soils with the current values of MPC only for hundreds of years.

HUMIC ACIDS COMPOSITION OF ARABLE SOD-PODZOLIC SOIL AFTER LONG-TERM APPLICATION OF TRADITIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

The elemental composition and structure of humic acids (HA) of arable sodpodzolic soil (Eutric Albic Retisols (Abruptic, Loamic, Cutanic) was studied inPerm Agricultural Research Institute – division of PFRC. Application of traditional and unconventional organic fertilizers was fulfilled in long-term stationary experiment. The carbon content in HA of sod-podzolic soil varied from 30.7 to 34.6; hydrogen – 28.9-35.5, oxygen – 21.1-27.9, nitrogen – 1.9-2.2%. The Н/С ratio for all treatments was >1, the structure of the supramolecular associations of humic acids is predominantly aliphatic. Long-term use of manure, sewage sludge (SS) and their combination with mineral fertilizers led to the enrichment of humic acids with nitrogen. The maximum degree of HA oxidation was observed with the use of cattle manure. The FTIR spectra of humic acids had absorption bands of carboxyl, hydroxyl, methyl, methylene, methoxyl and other groups in a wide wavelength range. At 1720 cm-1, an absorption band was recorded, which had a high intensity in the control variant and was due to oscillations of the >C=O group of carboxylic acids. With an increase in the load of the anthropogenic factor on the soil (application of organic and mineral fertilizers), a decrease in its intensity is observed. The structure of supramolecular HA aggregates of the control variant, with the introduction of NPK and unconventional organic fertilizer – SS, is characterized by a higher content of aromatic fragments, as evidenced by a clear existence of the absorption band at 1628 cm–1. Cattle manure application promoted the formation of humic acids with a branched aliphatic structure.

A Comparison of Some Traditional and Nontraditional Organic Fertilizers for Murcott Tangerine Trees Production and Fruit Quality

A Comparison of Some Traditional and Nontraditional Organic Fertilizers for Murcott Tangerine Trees Production and Fruit Quality

Economic efficiency of the use of broiler chicken wastes as organic fertiliser in the spring wheat production

This article analyzes the current state of broiler poultry in Ukraine. As a result of increasing the scale of production, the volumes of poultry waste increase proportionally. One of the promising areas increasing the sustainability of the domestic broiler poultry industry is the production of organic-mineral fertilizers, the use of which helps to preserve soil fertility and to increase the economic efficiency of this industry. To determine the efficiency of production of organic-mineral fertilizers based on chicken manure, their introduction into the cultivation of spring wheat was studied, using the following indicators: yield, production of additional products per unit area, grain costs, yield profit and the resulting level of profitability of the production chain. When investigating the dynamics of the profitability of poultry manure on the basis of statistical data, it was found that this indicator during 2016–2018 varied in the range of 5–7%. The increase in spring wheat yield (yield profit) was analyzed, as this indicator is the primary factor determining the level of profitability of the production chain. The efficiency of the use of chicken manure fertilizers in comparison with traditional organic fertilizers is confirmed by the increase of spring wheat yield by 12–24%. It was proved that the optimal dose of chicken manure fertilizers is a dose of 5–7 t/ha. Thus, in the cultivation of spring wheat, such fertilizers are a low-cost and resource-saving element. Given that the current state of Ukrainian agriculture is mainly determined by its poor economical state, the use of wastes of the broiler industry (manure and possibly also litter) is a promising way to make this industry sustainable and to enhance agricultural production with cheap and in principle environment-friendly fertilizers. It is concluded that the production of organo-mineral fertilizers from chicken manure as a by-product of animal origin is a relevant, economically feasible, effective and promising way in agriculture in the current socio-economic situation, because it allows to preserve and improve soil fertility and increase economic efficiency of poultry production.

Biostimulation of Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis-Cultivar Sesquipedalis (Yardlong Bean)-by Brevibacillus sp. B65 in Organoponic Conditions.

In the current research, the effects of fluid inoculum of Brevibacillus sp. B65, a plant growth promoting microorganism (PGPM), on growth of V. unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis cultivated in organoponic conditions were evaluated in comparison with traditional inorganic and organic fertilizers. Plant growth promotion of Yardlong bean was assessed through the effects of four different treatments on plant growth and development traits, as well as on crop yield. The four treatments were NPK-inorganic fertilizer (T1), organic matter alone (T2), fluid inoculum of B65 alone (T3) and inoculum supplemented with organic matter (T4). The inoculum of B65 supplemented with organic matter improved different traits of plant growth and development such as seed germination, root development, plant and leaves growth, flowering, as well as crop yield. The main impact of the inoculation mixture was on seed emergence. In the present research, it was demonstrated that biostimulation of Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis through inoculation of PGPM Brevibacillus sp. B65 supplemented with organic matter, may replace traditional organic and inorganic fertilization strategies. The nature of the positive influence of strain B65 on the legume is not well understood yet; however, it could be attributed to bacterial phytostimulation through auxin and ethylene production, as well as P mobilization. Additionally, organic matter supplementation demonstrated a stimulating effect on B65 traits. This is of utmost importance and will have a main impact on the sustainable development of agronomical practices.

Organic farming practices utilizing spent microbial biomass from an industrial fermentation facility promote transition to copiotrophic soil communities.

Organic farming has become more prevalent in recent years as consumer demand for organic food and fiber has rapidly grown. Until recently, organic fertilizers and soil amendments have largely been based on the practices of returning crop residues, manures and related agricultural wastes back to crop production areas. One rapidly growing segment in commercial organic fertilizer development is the use of spent microbial biomass (SMB) from industrial fermentation processes. While SMB is widely accepted in many organic farming systems (OFS), little is known concerning the effectiveness, environmental impact, and influence on prokaryotic communities in soils receiving this treatment. In this study, a comparative analysis of bacterial communities associated with OFS and conventional farming systems was performed over a growing season for a field containing yellow dent corn (Zea mays). A statistically significant increase in microbial population α-diversity, along with a strong recruitment of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria populations, was observed in soils treated with SMB when compared to areas in the field that utilized conventional farmer practices. These phyla are members of the copiotrophic subgroup, and considered a signature for the use of traditional organic fertilizers. These results provide valuable new information that SMB functions similarly to traditional organic fertilizers in promoting a high level of functional prokaryotic diversity and plant growth-promoting bacteria, but in contrast do not contribute directly to viable microorganisms in the soil due to the sterilization of SMB prior to land application.

Soil fertility management in apple orchard with microbial biofertilizers

Intensification of horticulture in Russia involves planting of new high-density orchards with drip irrigation and fertigation as well as intensification of the exploitation of traditional orchards. This approach involves an increase in mineral fertilizer application imposing the risk of soil fertility loss. For several reasons, the use of traditional organic fertilizers like manure in orchards is currently marginal. Although bacteria-based biofertilizers cannot substitute mineral fertilizers completely, they can significantly reduce the need for mineral fertilizer application. The effect of microbial biofertilizers of the brands “Azotovit” (Azotobacter chroococcum), “Phosphatovit” (Bacillus mucilaginosus), as well as a mixture of bacteria and the fungus, “Organic” (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma harzian) was studied in two field experiments. In the experiment #1, the preparations “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit” were delivered through a drip irrigation system in various combinations with mineral fertilizers. In experiment #2, the preparation “Organic” was also applied to the soil with irrigation water, also in combination with the mineral fertilizer. When solely applied, none of the studied preparations changed significantly the soil nutrient content and yield as compared with the variant fertilized by the mineral fertilizer at the maximum studied application rate. The combination of the microbial biofertilizer and mineral fertilizers applied at a low rate ensured the yield commensurate to that obtained under high-rate application of the mineral fertilizer.