Unbalanced Fertilization Research Articles

Response of wheat to combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus along with compost

To achieve food security and increase crop productivity in a sustainable way, keeping soil fertile and balanced fertilization is vital. Soil fertility declining and unbalanced fertilization is one of the bottlenecks to sustainable agricultural production. To overcome these problems, a field experiment was investigated, with the aim of exploring the potential of organic and inorganic nutrient sources with their optimal application and integration for sustainable wheat production. The experiment was conducted in a factorial approach with three replications, where one factor was the level of the NP (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) fertilizer and the other compost, set in a randomized complete block design. Four levels of the N:P fertilizer (control, 27.6%:18.4%, 41.4%:32.2% and 55.2%:46%) were combined with three levels of compost (0, 3 ton/ha and 6 ton/ha), giving 12 treatments combination. From the data collected and analyzed, integrated application of the NP fertilizer and compost significantly increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus but had no effect on soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Application of 6 ton/ha compost was higher with plant height, spike length, number of seeds per spike, 1000 seeds weight, and biological yield. The sole application of the NP (55.2%:46%) produced (6.19 ton/ha) grain yield whereas combined application of the NP (55.2%:46%) along with the compost (6 ton/ha) produced the higher grain yield (8.16 ton/ha). This clearly revealed that application of 75% recommended inorganic NP fertilizers combined with compost resulted in increased wheat yield by 27.45% over sole application of inorganic fertilizer indicated that the integrated approach could enable to save up to 25% of commercial fertilizers and increase the yield of wheat.

Effect of Socio-Economic on Farmers' Decisions in Using Lowland Rice Production Inputs in Indonesia

In Indonesia, rice was produced by small-scale farmers where yields were still generally low. This was because small-scale farmers still used poor quality seeds and unbalanced fertilizers. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the socio-economic factors that affected the adoption of quality seeds in lowland rice farming and the use of fertilizers on quality seeds. This research used a double-hurdle model to answer the objectives of research and used 329 farmings which were selected randomly in Central Sulawesi Indonesia. The results show that the gender variable only affected the use of fertilizer on quality seeds. Education, access to credit, sources of income (income diversification), access to extension, meetings with farmer groups were found to be positively correlated with the decision to adopt quality seeds in lowland rice farming and use of fertilizers to quality seeds, while the number of dependents of the household head was negatively correlated. The land area of lowland rice was positively correlated with the adoption of quality seeds in lowland rice farming but negatively correlated with the number of fertilizers used for quality seeds. Based on these findings, the role of extension workers and farmer groups was needed in disseminating quality seeds, and through credit institutions, it was necessary to provide credit facilities to rice producers (farmers) so that rice productivity could be increased.

Distribution of Micronutrients in Selected Pedons of Sugarcane Growing Vertisols in Northern Karnataka State of India

Micronutrients deficiency is a major limiting factor for increasing yield and productivity of major crops in India. Recent findings of multiple micronutrients interactions have evidenced the indispensable role played by micronutrients in plant nutrition. Though they are needed in smaller quantities, however, their availability in the Right amount, at the Right time, and for the Right crop has been a major limiting factor for improving the productivity and yield of Sugarcane in northern Karnataka state of India. This study was conducted to assess the level of Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) deficiencies in Sugarcane growing Vertisols of six micro-watersheds in northern Karnataka. The six selected micro-watersheds were intensively traversed and six representative pedons of standard dimensions were dug and horizon-wise soil samples collected and analyzed for various micronutrients using standard analytical procedures. Based on the optimum critical levels of micronutrients, B, Fe and Zn were deficient, ranging from 0.15 - 0.64, 1.23 - 5.92 and 0.11 - 0.64 mg⋅kg−1 respectively while Cu and Mn were in excess, ranging from 1.54 - 7.62 and 1.22 - 7.03 mg⋅kg−1 respectively. The distribution of B, Fe and Zn were inversely proportional to soil depth whereas that of Cu and Mn were irregular, which is an indication of the influence of pedoturbation in these soils. With the current rate of agricultural intensification, unbalanced fertilizer application, depletion of nutrients and no replenishment by smallholders, the results reveal that the current deficiency levels may increase further if appropriate and timely actions are not taken. We therefore recommend the use of site-specific nutrient management, balanced fertilizer application and good agronomic practices. These can enhance nutrient use efficiency in the study area.

Mitigating magnesium deficiency for sustainable citrus production: A case study in Southwest China

Citrus is the biggest fruit crop in the world. Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is becoming a major limiting factor for sustainable citrus production globally, especially in China. Acidified soil, low Mg availability and poor nutrient management by small growers impact citrus fruit yield and quality, and its ecological environments. Grower surveys were therefore conducted to evaluate the extent and the underlying causes of Mg deficiency in the citrus orchards in Danling County, a typical citrus production county in Southwest China. A large, detailed citrus grower survey, along with soil and plant analyses, revealed that 73% of orchard soil and 93% of citrus leaf samples were Mg-deficient in the study region. Further, more than 50% of the local agrochemical technology providers did not identify citrus Mg deficiency symptoms. As a result, the orchard soil had negligible input of Mg (average 11 kg MgO ha−1), but received a large excess of nitrogen (average 712 kg N ha−1), phosphorus (average 364 kg P2O5 ha−1), and potassium fertilizers (average 565 kg K2O ha−1) annually. This unbalanced fertilization aggravated soil Mg depletion in 89% of citrus orchards. To rectify Mg deficiency, field experiments with crop nutrient demand and supply-based optimal nutrient management, including Mg application and reduced rates of NPK fertilizer (OPT+Mg), were conducted in two orchards over two cropping seasons. Compared with farmer practices, OPT+Mg treatment resulted in higher fruit yield (average 3.7 t ha−1), nutrient use efficiency, fruit quality and gross profit, with reduced environmental costs. In summary, this case study helped develop a social and technological strategy to mitigate Mg deficiency for profitable and sustainable citrus production in the major citrus producing region in China, and possibly in other counties with similar soil and environmental conditions.

Krashignyan: A Farmer Support System

Agriculture is the primary component of the Indian economy. It is the primary source of food supply and is essential to our livelihoods. The majority of Indians rely on agriculture for their employment. Agriculture production declines as a result of unpredictable weather, wrong selection of crops, unbalanced fertilizer use, and a lack of market awareness. Farmers face numerous challenges in traditional farming, and many times, farmers fail to select the appropriate crop for cultivation. Crop growth is affected by a variety of factors such as weather, soil parameters, and fertilizers. A crop recommendation system is proposed in this paper to assist farmers in selecting the appropriate crop based on the location, weather data, crop sowing season, and soil parameter. Various Machine Learning techniques, such as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Gaussian Naive Bayes, and XGBoost Classifier methods, were used for recommendation. The XGBoost classifier gives the best results with a 97% accuracy, hence the final model was developed using the XGBoost classifier. This system will help farmers in selecting the best crop for their fields while increasing agricultural yield.

Microbial keystone taxa drive crop productivity through shifting aboveground-belowground mineral element flows

Unbalanced fertilization of nutritional elements is a potential threat to environmental quality and agricultural productivity in acid soil. Harnessing keystone taxa in soil microbiome represents a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity as well as reducing the adverse environmental effects of fertilizers, with the goal of agricultural sustainability. However, there is a lack of information on which and how soil microbial keystone taxa contribute to sustainable crop productivity in acid soil. Here, we examined soil microbial communities (including bacteria, fungi, and archaea) and soil nutrients, and the mineral nutrition and yield of maize subjected to different inorganic and organic fertilization treatments over 35 years in acid soil. The application of organic fertilizer alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers sustained high maize yield when compared with the other fertilization treatments. Microbial abundances and community structures rather than their alpha diversities explained the main variation in maize yield among different treatments. Sixteen soil keystone taxa (a fungal operational taxonomic unit and 15 bacterial operational taxonomic units) were identified from the microbial co-occurrence network. Among them, five keystone taxa (in Hypocreales, Bryobacter, Solirubrobacterales, Thermomicrobiales, and Roseiflexaceae) contributed to high maize yield through increasing phosphorus flow and inhibiting toxic aluminum and manganese flow from soils to plants. However, the remaining eleven keystone taxa (in Conexibacter, Acidothermus, Ktedonobacteraceae, Deltaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Elsterales, Ktedonobacterales, and WPS-2) exerted the opposite effects. As a result, maize productivity varied among different fertilization treatments because of the altered maize mineral element flows by microbial keystone taxa. We conclude that microbial keystone taxa drive crop productivity through shifting aboveground-belowground mineral element flows in acid soil. This study highlights the importance of microbial keystone taxa for sustainable crop productivity in acid soil and provides deep insights into the relationships between soil microbial keystone taxa, crop mineral nutrition, and productivity.

EFFICIENCY OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON LONG YEARS HERBAGES

The article presents the results of a study of the long-term herbage of the 71st year of using the
 herbage in the Central Region of the Non-Chernozem Zone of Russia, which over the past 25, against an
 unfertilized background and with an unbalanced fertilization with fertilizers, was transformed into a
 pasture type with a content of grassland grains up to 50%. Against the background of the influence of
 mineral fertilizers (NPK), the grass stand of the hay type remains, in which the content of foxtail reaches
 74%, and with a higher dose of nitrogen fertilizers (N 180) of awnless rump up to 70%.
 The productivity of pasture-type herbage was 55.9 gJ / ha MA, or about 4.5 thousand fodder.
 units from 1 ha 200 - 850 kg / ha of crude protein (CP). The productivity of the hay type increased to 80.4
 GJ / ha MA, or about 6.5 thousand fodder. units from 1 ha, 756 - 1206 kg / ha JV on average for 1993-
 2017 The collection of essential nutrients is in direct proportion to the productivity and quality of the feed
 with different fertilization systems.
 The consumption of nutrients by unfertilized grass stands is provided due to the natural fertility of
 sod-podzolic medium loamy soils on pasture grass stands fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers, nitrogen
 collection increased up to 1.8 times. On grass stands of hay type - 2.6-4.3 times compared to unfertilized
 grass stand. The utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizers on pasture-type herbage was 37 - 65%, phosphorus
 fertilizers - 22-24%, potash fertilizers - 51-100%, on hay-type grass stands, respectively, 48-84, 24-53 and
 106-120%.

Contributions of Climate and Soil Properties to Wheat and Maize Yield Based on Long-Term Fertilization Experiments.

Identifying the contributions of climate factors and soil fertility to crop yield is significant for the assessment of climate change impacts on crop production. Three 20-year field experiments were conducted in major Chinese wheat-maize cropping areas. Over the 20-year period, crop yield and soil properties showed significantly dissimilar variation trends under similar climate changes at each experimental site. The correlation between climatic factors and crop yield varied greatly among the fertilization regimes and experimental sites. Across all the fertilization regimes and the experimental sites, the average contribution rates of soil properties to wheat and maize yield were 45.7% and 53.2%, respectively, without considering climate factors, and 40.4% and 36.6%, respectively, when considering climate factors. The contributions of soil properties to wheat and maize yield variation when considering climate factors were significantly lower than those without considering climate factors. Across all experimental sites and all fertilization regimes, the mean contribution rates of climate factors to wheat and maize yield were 29.5% and 33.0%, respectively. The contribution rates of the interaction of climate and soil to wheat and maize yield were 3.7% and −0.9%, respectively. Under balanced fertilization treatments (NPK and NPKM), the change in the contribution rate of soil properties to wheat or maize yield was not obvious, and the average contribution rates of the interaction of climate and soil to wheat and maize yield were positive, at 14.8% and 9.5%, respectively. In contrast, under unbalanced fertilization treatments (CK and N), the contribution rates of soil properties to wheat or maize yield decreased, and the average contribution rates of the interaction of climate and soil were negative, at −7.4% and −11.2%, respectively. The above results indicate that climate and soil synergistically affected crop yields and that, with the optimization of the fertilization regime, positive interactions gradually emerged.

Influence of fertilization on growth and yield of onion under semi-arid conditions

ABSTRACT Potential yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) in semi-arid regions is reduced by abiotic (soil infertility, poor agronomic practices, and unbalanced fertilization) and biotic (use of low yielding varieties, insect pest, and diseases) challenges. Soil infertility causes up to 60% yield loss in onion. This study was undertaken to assess the influence of manure and phosphorus (P2O5) fertilizer levels on growth and bulb development of onion under semi-arid conditions. Manure at 30 or 60 kg/5 m2 or 0.24, 0.48 or 0.62 g/plant for phosphorus and treatments combined at each application rate were used. Application of phosphorus and manure at 0.24 to 0.48 g/plant and 30 kg/5 m2 plot, respectively, improved vegetative and bulb development and weight. A combination of 30 kg/5 plot manure and 0.48 g/plant phosphorus produced an economic benefit based on number and weight of marketable bulbs. Application of 0.24 to 0.31 t∙ha−1 of P2O5, increased number of unmarketable bulbs. ‘Red Bombay’ performed better than ‘Red Mantle.’ Individual or combination application of P2O5 at 0.12 to 0.31 t∙ha−1 and organic manure at 60 t∙ha−1 may produce adequate yield, and ‘Red Bombay’ maybe a better choice than ‘Red Mantle’ under semi-arid conditions. Application of manure and phosphorus improves vegetative and yield in onion cultivars. Use of 30 kg/5 m2 of manure and a combination of 30 kg/5 m2 and 0.48 g/plant manure and P2O5, respectively, appear to improve yield.

Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur Nutrients on Growth and Yield Attributes of Bread Wheat

Wheat is one of the most important cereals cultivated in Ethiopia. The production and productivity of bread wheat are mainly constrained by the removal of soil nutrients from the soil, application of unbalanced fertilizer treatments and traditional farm management practices. Soil is one of the most important natural resources and medium for plant growth. It is a major source of nutrients needed by plants for growth. The objective of this review was design to pay attention to guide the effect and deficiency of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur nutrients in plant growth of bread wheat. Nutrients are the essential components influence proper growth, development and quality of plants just like all other living organisms. Nitrogen is highly valuable plant nutrient and it is found in all plant cells, in plant proteins and hormones, and in chlorophyll. Phosphorous is an essential component of major cell proteins and nucleotides that are mainly responsible for development of different plant structures and helps transfer energy from sunlight to plants, stimulates early root and plant growth, and activate the maturity period. Sulfur is a ingredient of amino acids in plant proteins and is involved in energy-producing processes in plants and responsible for many flavor and odor compounds in plants. The deficiency and unbalanced application of nutrients are highly affected the growth, yield and quality of bread wheat. The use of right amount of fertilizer application based on crop requirement has a significant result for sustainable crop production.

LAND CREATIONS AND FARMING SYSTEM TO INCREASE OF RICE PRODUCTIVITY AND FARMER’S INCOME (CASE STUDY IN BATANG TAMPO IRRIGATION SYSTEM - LINTAU BUO)

It is estimated that around 95 percent of national rice production is supplied from paddy fields, so the paddy fields is very strategic in national food securities. Therefore, the potential carrying capacity and productivity of rice fields must be maintained and developed. But on the contrary the productivity of paddy fields in Sub Das Tampo, Lintau Buo Utara, Tanah Datar District, West Sumatra, there is an indication of a decrease in paddy productivity in the last 10 years (Agita and Ayendra 2018). Decreased paddy productivity is indicated as a result of 1.) Drainage or nutrient deficit due to harvest carried out more than what is given through fertilization or addition of nutrients from irrigation water, 2). Excess or lack of certain nutrients due to unbalanced fertilization, 3). Decreased of soil organic content in the land and 4). Decrease in the quality of rice field management, especially: a). the use of inorganic fertilizers which causes low organic matter content and soil texture becomes porous quench, so it is less able to hold water, b). use of rotary plow in tillage for a long time which causes the processing layer and the depth of the root zone to become shallower ( into 10-15 cm), c). less intense of crop maintenance. This research was carried out by creating of soil tillage from 10-15 cm to 20-25 cm using a plow and increasing of organic matter by adding manure of 50 tons / ha (5% soil tillage zone ) to the rice fields in the Farmers Group of Tanjung Mutiara in Tampo Irrigation System, Nagari Lubuk Jantan , Kecamatan Lintau Buo Utara. The results of the study showed an increase in land productivity from an average of 3.2 tons / ha to 4.6 tons / ha and increase farmers' income by Rp 1.200.000 / ha.Key words : land creation, soil tillage, productivity

Productive and Environmental Consequences of Sixteen Years of Unbalanced Fertilization with Nitrogen and Phosphorus—Trials in Poland with Oilseed Rape, Wheat, Maize and Barley

Two factorial field experiments were carried out between 2003 and 2018 in the Experimental Stations in Eastern and Western Poland using four crop rotations with winter oilseed rape, winter wheat, maize and spring barley. The initial value of phosphorus (P) in Grabów soil was 69.8 mg P·kg−1 soil and in Baborówko soil it was 111.3 mg P·kg−1 soil (Egner-Riehm Double-Lactate DL). P fertilizer was added annually at 39 kg P·ha−1 under winter oilseed rape, 35 kg P·ha−1 under maize and 31 kg P·ha−1 under wheat and barley using superphosphate and nitrogen (N), which was added at five levels (30–250 kg N·ha−1) per year as ammonium nitrate in addition to controls with no added fertilizer. Through the several years of the experiment, P fertilizer had no effect on crop N use efficiency (NUE) nor crop productivity. There was significant soil P mining particularly in the high-N fertilizer trials causing a reduction in the content of available soil P by up to 35%. This work recommends that, based on soil P analysis, P fertilizer should not be added to high-P soils. This practice may continue uninterrupted for several years (16 in this case) until the excess soil P has been reduced. This mechanism of removal of “legacy” P from soil has major implications in reducing runoff P into the Baltic Sea drainage area and other water bodies.

Assessment of site specific nutrient management on the productivity of wheat at Bhairahawa, Nepal

Low and unbalanced fertilizer application rate are the major factors contributing to the poor yield of wheat in Nepal. The Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) provides the field specific recommendations in a cost effective and precise manner. A field experiment was done at National Wheat Research Program (NWRP), Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal during 2019- 20 to evaluate the site specific nutrient management approaches in order to enhance wheat productivity. The SSNM dose was determined at NWRP by using omission plot techniques. The calculated SSNM dose (148:65:71 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), was compared with SSNM + Zn + B, (148:65:71:5:1 N: P2O5:K2O Zn : B kg ha-1), Research recommended dose (RRD, 150:50:50 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1); National recommended dose (NRD, 100:50:25 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), Nutrients expert dose (NED,110:50:73 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), and farmers dose (FD, 80: 40:15 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) in a RCB design with four replications. The data on growth, yield attributes and yield were collected and analyzed using Genstat Statistical package. Results showed that research recommended dose (RRD) along with SSNM dose and SSNM +Zn +B were statistically similar (p>0.05), but these treatments were comparatively superior over rest of the treatments for yield attributes and yield. Hence it can be concluded that wheat yield can be improved through adoption of SSNM and RRD of fertilizers at Bhairahawa condition.

Significant dose effects of fertilizers on soil diazotrophic diversity, community composition, and assembly processes in a long‐term paddy field fertilization experiment

AbstractAlthough diazotrophs are major participants in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) processes, the variations in community structure and assembly processes in response to long‐term fertilization with different fertilizer application are still ambiguous, especially under various doses with balance or not. Using nifH amplicon sequencing, we investigated the soil diazotrophic communities in a paddy field which received 20‐year fertilization including control (CK), balanced fertilization (three doses of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at same ratio (NPK, 2(NPK), and 3(NPK)), unbalanced fertilization (three ratios, (2 N)PK, N(2P)K, and NP(2K)), and manure (M). Our results showed that the diazotrophic diversity increased with the long‐term fertilization, but it was tapering‐off with doses increment. However, the community dissimilarities increased with fertilizer doses. These variations were attributed to the trade‐off between the variation of soil pH and nutrients. The increasing of fertilizer doses induced the transformation of community assembly processes, which changed from mainly dominated by deterministic processes in CK, NPK, NP(2K) and M to stochastic processes in the other treatments. Our findings suggest that the long‐term fertilization, especially different fertilizer doses, strongly affect soil diazotrophic diversity, community structure, and assembly processes, which could help to improve the sustainable agricultural management in the future.

Soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition jointly affect crop yield

AbstractBalanced fertilization with N, P, and K fertilizers (NPK) is usually recommended to increase crop yield, while little is known on whether the effectiveness differs in soils with different fertilization histories. A greenhouse experiment grown with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and fertilized with NPK was conducted using soils that had been under five fertilization histories, including NPK, unbalanced fertilizers without one of the major elements (NP, PK, and NK), and an unfertilized treatment (Nil), for 18 yr. Wheat biomass and nutrient uptake from the PK treatment was 23–114% higher, from the NP was similar (except for N uptake), and from the NK and Nil was 14–58% lower, relative to the NPK treatment. Network analysis revealed positive associations of wheat biomass with available P (AvaP) and some specific taxa (i.e., Flavisolibacter and Pontibacter enriched in PK treatment and Microbacterium and Nocardioides depleted in NK and Nil treatments), besides positive associations between AvaP and Microbacterium and Nocardioides abundances. Genus Baccillus enriched in PK treatment was identified as the keystone taxa. These results suggest that significantly induced crop yield in PK treatment by a single season application of balanced fertilizers may be associated with higher AvaP and stimulation of microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and crop growth promotion, while lower yield observed in NK treatment may be related to lower AvaP and suppression of microorganisms involved in soil P availability. Our findings implied that besides balanced fertilization, more strategies are required for quickly improving crop yield according to soil nature.

PHYTO-CLIMATIC OBSERVATIONS ENSURING THE INCREASE OF THE COTTON YIELD

The factors affecting on the decrease of cotton productivity are discussed in the article. With this purpose, the foundation for the research work on the study “Influence of external factors and components of agro-technical cultivation on the degree of falling fruit organs of cotton” was laid in 2011. The research work had been carried out in four-rowed plots with 100 m of length, 12 variants with four-fold repetition. The total area of experimental plot formed 11520 m2. The results of observations and calculations based on studies conducted under three sharply differing irrigation regimes, two plant densities and the use of micro-elements in two periods are analyzed. There are a lot of difficulties in growing a systematically stable crop from cotton fields. One of them is falling of fruit organs. Falling of fruit organs of cotton plant (bud, flower, ovary) due to physiological decline and violation of agro-technical measures forms 50-60% and sometimes more. Falling of fruit organs also depends on hereditary factors. Lack or abundance of moisture content of the soil, unbalanced fertilizers, strong winds, excessive heat, damage by diseases and pests, etc. Reinforce the falling process, which leads to lower yields. An urgent task is to study ways for regulating the global problem - to reduce the fall of the fruit organs in order to increase productivity. The influence of phytoclimate, plant density and microclimate was studied under three different irrigation regimes. Systematic observations over the soil temperature had been conducted from the beginning to the end of the vegetation period. As a result of the study, it was found that the soil under the vegetative layer warms up later. There is a continuous heat exchange between the soil surface and the lower layers. The study of the relationship between the temperature conditions and the growth and development of plants is of great significance in the practice of agricultural crops. For this purpose, the effect of changes in soil temperature on cotton field under the influence of irrigation regimes on productivity, growth and development of plants is determined. The influence of irrigation - the most important element of the complex of agro-technical methods - on change of soil temperature, duration of the each irrigation, soil cooling depth, productiveness, growth and development of plants is studied in the article. Key words: fruit organs, fall, irrigation regime, hard, optimal, high, soil temperature, maximum and minimum temperatures

Internal and external factors of rice farming in the coastal area

This research aims to determine and described internal and external factors, which become the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of rice farming in the coastal area of Maros Regency. A sampling of the study area was carried out by the census method by taking the entire population into a sample of 23 farmers who were members of the Pajalayya Baru Farmer Group and key informants as many as two people consisting of village officials and extension workers. The result of this research identifies that there were four aspects of internal and external factors that influenced the development of rice farming in Kurri Caddi, which were strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths consist of the available workers, cultivation land, farming experiences, farmer’s productivity. The weaknesses consist of the lack of skills of the farmer, uncertified seed, unbalanced fertilizer use, bad-timing tillage, and farmers are reluctant to use new farming innovation. The opportunities consist of the emergence of new forms of employment, a group of farmers that provide the distribution of farming supports and facilities and strong community self-help. Threats consist of problems of road transportation facilities, attack of pests and diseases, Abrasion and erratic weather.

Effects of combined organic/inorganic fertilizer application on growth, photosynthetic characteristics, yield and fruit quality of Actinidia chinesis cv ‘Hongyang’

In China, Hongyang Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinesis) is considered to be economically valuable because of its appealing red flesh, unique flavor and beneficial metabolites. A continuous 3-year field experiment was conducted in a private orchard in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China, to determine the effect of different NPK ratios and organic fertilizer application on growth and yield. Approximately 162 vines were selected in a completely random design with nine fertilization treatments (PK; NK; NP; NPK; 2NPK; N2PK; NP2K; NPK + OM (organic matter)). Data on leaf number, leaf area, stem diameter, photosynthetic parameters, leaf N, P and K, chlorophyll content, yield and fruit quality were collected from individual kiwi vines for each treatment during the years 2011–2013. The application of inorganic fertilizer significantly increased fruit yield, leaf number, and leaf area and stem diameter increment as well as leaf photosynthetic rates and the concentrations of N, P and K in the leaves. However, the fruit yields were reduced in the unbalanced fertilizer treatments, NP, NK, and PK and in excess nutrient treatments, 2NPK, N2PK, NP2K, in contrast to the optimum NPK treatment. This was due to lower leaf photosynthetic rates and fewer photo-assimilates being available to the fruit. Moreover, the addition of organic fertilizer along with inorganic fertilizer (optimum NPK) did not increase plant growth, photosynthetic rates or fruit yields compared with only NPK fertilizer application, but significantly enhanced the fruit quality as a result of improving fruit chemical composition, such as soluble solids and reduced sugar.

Cải thiện năng suất lúa OM5451 trên vùng đất phèn nặng thông qua sử dụng phân urea humate, kali humate và phân hỗn hợp NPK chậm tan có kiểm soát tại Hậu Giang

The study is aimed to change traditional practices of rice cultivation (using conventional, unbalanced fertilizers and too many seeds) of farmers in acid sulfate soils with 2 rice crops/year in Hoa An commune, Phung Hiệp district, Hậu Giang province. Cultivation model under the improved farming method (improved model) using NPK slowly released fertilizer, urea humate, potassium humate and reduced seeding amount were conducted through two rice crops (Winter-Spring 2018 - 2019 and Summer-Autumn 2019) with an area of ​​3000 m2 / model. The results showed that the improved model had a higher pHH2O, the amount of available phosphorus in the soil increased, the Al3+ and H+ content decreased, significantly different from the control model. The productivity of the improved model rice was (6.19 tons/ha) significantly higher than that of the control model (5.67 tons/ha) in the Winter-Spring crop. In the following crop (Summer-Autumn crop) there was no statistically significant difference in rice yield between the improved model (5.57 tons/ha) and the control model (5.05 tons/ha). The improved model helped farmers save 30% of the seed sowing seed, 50% of the amount of N and P fertilizers, and gain higher profits (by 5.4 and 3.5 million VND/ha, respectively for Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn crops).

Study of Nitrate Status in Tomatoes and Cucumbers Distributed in the Alborz Province Market

Nitrate is one of the most important pollutants that is accumulated mainly due to unbalanced fertilizer use and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in plant organs. Most of the nitrate in our body comes from vegetables. In Iran, tomatoes and cucumbers are consumed vegetables in the food basket of people. Therefore, the study of nitrate pollution in these products and the identification of the sources of pollutants and providing appropriate solutions for the relative reduction of contamination is necessary.