Suchergebnisse

Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) are plants that are needed as a kitchen spice. Production decreases along with decreasing planting area and land fertility levels, so a solution is required to increase land fertility using biocompost. They should also require large amounts of N, P and K for their growth and development. This research aims to determine the effect of Trichoderma spp. biocompost application and NPK fertilization on the growth and yield of shallot plants. The experiment used a completely randomized factorial design consisting of two factors, namely biocompost dosage (b), which consists of four levels: 1) without biocompost (b0), 2) 1.25 t/ha (b1), 3) 2.50 t/ha (b2), 4) 3.75 t/ha (b3), and the NPK dose factor (n) has four levels, namely: 1) 400 kg/ha (n1), 2) 300 kg/ha (n2), 3) 200 kg/ha (n3), 4).100 kg/ha (n4). The research results show the following. Application of Trichoderma spp. biocompost had a significant effect on the number of tillers at 6 WAP, number of tubers per hill, wet tuber weight, dry tuber weight, tissue P and K nutrient uptake values and had no significant effect on plant height, number of leaves and tissue N nutrient uptake values. Various doses of NPK fertilizer substantially affected the number of tillers at 6 WAP, number of tubers per hill, wet weight of tubers per hill, dry weight of tubers and tissue N, P and K nutrient uptake values. It had no significant effect on plant height and number of leaves. Secondly, there is an interaction effect of the two treatments on tissue N and P nutrient uptake values, with the highest N uptake value obtained in a combination of 2.50 t/ha (b2) of biocompost with a 300 kg/ha (n2) (b2n2) NPK fertilizer dose. In contrast, the highest P uptake value was obtained in a combination of 3.75 t/ha (b3) of biocompost with an NPK fertilizer dose of 200 kg/ha (n3). The best yield tendency was obtained in a combination of 2.5 tons/ha (b2) of biocompost with a 300 kg/ha (n2) NPK fertilizer dose (b2n2).

The USEPA's revised total maximum daily load (TMDL) for Lake Champlain has Vermont scientists and legislators seeking effective means for curbing phosphorus loads in the Lake Champlain Basin. Developed lands are a critical nonpoint source for phosphorus loading, and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) ecologically and effectively slow and/or capture nutrients and other pollutants characteristic of urban stormwater runoff. Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), buoyant mats fitted with wetland plants, are an inexpensive and effective option for improving the water quality of runoff. In urban settings, FTWs are frequently applied to wet stormwater ponds as retrofits. While there are studies demonstrating the efficacy of this practice worldwide, there is currently no research on FTW performance for Vermont's climate. The goal of this experiment is to evaluate some commonly used and untested plant species for phosphorus removal. A greenhouse microcosm study was performed using twelve Vermont-native emergent wetland plant species. The plants were grown hydroponically in simulated floating treatment wetlands for a period of twelve weeks. Species tested included common genera for this application, among other less commonly used macrophytes: Carex, Schoenoplectus, Pontederia, Sparganium, Scirpus, Sagittaria, Iris, Asclepias, Symphyotrichum, Lobelia, and Zizania. Plants were grown in high (control) and low (simulated stormwater) nutrient solutions of tap water and diluted 7-9-5 NPK fertilizer. After harvest, plants analyzed for total phosphorus concentration of whole-plant biomass using ICP-AES. In low nutrient conditions, Sparganium, Scirpus, Carex comosa, Asclepias, Schoenoplectus, and Pontederia, respectively, accumulated the most phosphorus in their tissues. The results of nutrient uptake analysis, when considered with qualitative root and shoot growth habit in this setting, will inform plant selection for a FTW to be launched in South Burlington, Vermont in May 2016.

AbstractThree brands of NPK fertilizers that contain variable concentrations of natural radioactivity are commonly used in tobacco plantations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Tobacco plants are known for hyper-accumulation of natural radionuclides, particularly 238U. This study investigated if the elevated radioactivity in phosphate fertilizers could enhance radioactivity in soils and tobacco plant leaves. The 232Th, 238U, and 40K radionuclide levels in NPK-fertilized soils and tobacco leaves were measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The research included a one-year reference experiment with tobacco growing in plots, a ten-year semi-controlled experiment in well-managed tobacco farms, and a field survey of radioactivity in soils and tobacco leaves at three traditional tobacco fields in Migori (Kenya), Urambo (Tanzania), and Kanungu (Uganda). The findings demonstrated that soils and tobacco leaves exposed to NPK fertilizers with increased radioactivity had activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K that were considerably higher (at all sites) than in the control samples (with no use of NPK fertilizers). As the continued application of NPK fertilizers raises concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K in agricultural soils, the study assessed radiological risks for humans from exposure to agricultural soils enriched with phosphate fertilizers, and it was found to be below the exposure limit of 1 mSvy-1 suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, tobacco consumers, both by snuffing and smoking, may face significant radiological risks, as the snuffing and smoking resulted in effective doses that were 2.41 to 6.53 and 1.14 to 2.45 times greater than the average yearly dose that the general public receives from inhalation of natural radionuclides (United Nations Scientific Committee on Atomic Radiations estimates). Furthermore, the results indicate that the lifetime excess cancer risk for tobacco snuffers and smokers ranged from 5 × 10-5 to 24.48 × 10-3 and 2.0 × 10-5 to 9.18 × 10-3, respectively. The influence of phosphorus-derived fertilizer containing relatively high natural radioactivity, potential human radiation exposure, and radiological risk due to gamma radionuclides is estimated and discussed. The results reveal that applying phosphate fertilizers enhances natural radioactivity in soil and is subsequently influenced by soil to tobacco plant uptake. Therefore, the study recommends that countries use fertilizers with lower radionuclide content to conserve soil quality and reduce gamma-emitting radionuclides in tobacco plants.

AbstractSoilless culture systems offer an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient alternative to traditional cultivation systems fitting within the scheme of a circular economy. The objective of this research was to examine the sustainable integration of recycling fertilizers in hydroponic cultivation—creating a nutrient cycling concept for horticultural cultivation. Using the nutrient film technique (NFT), three recycling-based fertilizer variants were tested against standard synthetic mineral fertilization as the control, with 11 tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Pannovy) per replicate (n = 4) and treatment: two nitrified urine-based fertilizers differing in ammonium/nitrate ratio (NH4+:NO3−), namely (1) "Aurin" (AUR) and (2) "Crop" (CRO); as well as (3) an organo-mineral mixture of struvite and vinasse (S+V); and (4) a control (NPK). The closed chamber method was adapted for gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, and CO2) from the root zone. There was no indication in differences of the total shoot biomass fresh matter and uptake of N, P and K between recycling fertilizers and the control. Marketable fruit yield was comparable between NPK, CRO and S+V, whereas lower yields occurred in AUR. The higher NH4+:NO3− of AUR was associated with an increased susceptibility of blossom-end-rot, likely due to reduced uptake and translocation of Ca. Highest sugar concentration was found in S+V, which may have been influenced by the presence of organic acids in vinasse. N2O emissions were highest in S+V, which corresponded to our hypothesis that N2O emissions positively correlate with organic-C input by the fertilizer amendments. Remaining treatments showed barely detectable GHG emissions. A nitrified urine with a low NH4+:NO3– (e.g., CRO) has a high potential as recycling fertilizer in NFT systems for tomato cultivation, and S+V proved to supply sufficient P and K for adequate growth and yield. Alternative cultivation strategies may complement the composition of AUR.

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) exhibits luxuriant foliage, making leaf pruning essential to enhance sunlight interception. Additionally, supplementing with additional fertilizer helps offset the impact of gradual harvesting. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the effect of leaf pruning and additional fertilizer on the growth and yield parameter of winged beans in the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) experimental station at Leuwikopo, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. A randomized complete block design was used with two factors and three replications, namely leaf pruning intensities (0, 15, and 30% leaf pruning) and rates of additional fertilizer (0, 6.25, 12.5, and 18.5 g NPK 16-16-16/plant). The observed variables were plant height, leaf number, root length, leaf nutrient, auxin content, nutrient uptake, and young pods yield. The findings revealed that the interaction of pruning intensities and additional fertilizer rates significantly influenced leaf number and root length. Specifically, plants receiving a treatment combination without pruning and 6.25 g of additional fertilizer/plant exhibited the highest leaf number. In contrast, those subjected to 15% leaf pruning showed the greatest root length. Leaf nutrient levels, auxin content, and nutrient uptake exhibited noticeable improved with the addition of fertilizer. Meanwhile, a higher phosphorus and organic carbon content was observed in the 15% pruning treatment, and the young pods yield were not affected because the Fairuz variety reached its potential yield. Based on the results, the most recommended treatment is a combination without leaf pruning, supplemented with 6.25 g of additional fertilizer/plant.

AbstractHigher demands of food led to higher nitrogen application to promote cropping intensification and produce more which may have negative effects on the environment and lead to pollution. While sustainable wheat production is under threat due to low soil fertility and organic matter due to nutrient degradation at high temperatures in the region. The current research explores the effects of different types of coated urea fertilizers and their rates on wheat crop under arid climatic conditions of Pakistan. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency by using eco-friendly coated urea products could benefit growers and reduce environmental negative effects. A trial treatment included N rates (130, 117, 104, and 94 kg ha-1) and coated urea sources (neem coated, sulfur coated, bioactive sulfur coated) applied with equal quantity following split application method at sowing, 20 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). The research was arranged in a split-plot design with randomized complete block design had three replicates. Data revealed that bioactive sulfur coated urea with the application of 130 kg N ha-1increased chlorophyll contents 55.0 (unit value), net leaf photosynthetic rate (12.51 μmol CO2m-2s-1), and leaf area index (5.67) significantly. Furthermore, research elucidates that bioactive sulfur urea with the same N increased partial factor productivity (43.85 Kg grain Kg-1N supplied), nitrogen harvest index (NHI) 64.70%, and partial nutrient balance (1.41 Kg grain N content Kg-1N supplied). The neem-coated and sulfur-coated fertilizers also showed better results than monotypic urea. The wheat growth and phenology significantly improved by using coated fertilizers. The crop reached maturity earlier with the application of bioactive sulfur-coated urea than others. Maximum total dry matter 14402 (kg ha-1) recorded with 130 kg N ha-1application. Higher 1000-grain weight (33.66 g), more number of grains per spike (53.67), grain yield (4457 kg ha-1), and harvest index (34.29%) were obtained with optimum N application 130 kg ha-1(recommended). There is a significant correlation observed for growth, yield, and physiological parameters with N in the soil while nitrogen-related indices are also positively correlated. The major problem of groundwater contamination with nitrate leaching is also reduced by using coated fertilizers. Minimum nitrate concentration (7.37 and 8.77 kg ha-1) was observed with the application of bioactive sulfur-coated and sulfur-coated urea with lower N (94 kg ha-1), respectively. The bioactive sulfur-coated urea with the application of 130 kg N ha-1showed maximum phosphorus 5.45 mg kg-1and potassium 100.67 mg kg-1in the soil. Maximum nitrogen uptake (88.20 kg ha-1) is showed by bioactive sulfur coated urea with 130 kg N ha-1application. The total available NPK concentrations in soil showed a significant correlation with physiological attributes; grain yield; harvest index; and nitrogen use efficiency components, i.e., partial factor productivity, partial nutrient balance, and nitrogen harvest index. This research reveals that coating urea with secondary nutrients, neem oil, and microbes are highly effective techniques for enhancing fertilizer use efficiency and wheat production in calcareous soils and reduced N losses under arid environments.