Coupling of reduced inorganic fertilizer with plant-based organic fertilizer as a promising fertilizer management strategy for colored rice in tropical regions

Colored rice is a type of high-quality,high-added-value rice that has attracted increasing attention in recent years.The use of large amounts of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in rice fields results in low fertilizer use efficiency and high environmental pollution.Organic fertilizer is a promising way to improve soil quality and sustain high yields.However,most studies focus on the effect of animal-based organic fertilizers.The effects of different ratios of plantbased organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on the grain yield and quality of colored rice have rarely been reported.Therefore,a two-year field experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to study the effects of replacing inorganic N fertilizers with plant-based organic fertilizers on the yield,nitrogen use efficiency(NUE),and anthocyanin content of two colored rice varieties in a tropical region in China.The experimental treatments included no nitrogen fertilization(T1),100% inorganic nitrogen fertilizer(T2),30%inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer(T3),60%inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer(T4),and 100% plantbased organic fertilizer(T5).The total nitrogen provided to all the treatments except T1 was the same at 120 kg ha-1.Our results showed that the T3 treatment enhanced the grain yield and anthocyanin content of colored rice by increasing nitrogen use efficiency compared with T2.On average,grain yields were increased by 9 and 8%,while the anthocyanin content increased by 16 and 10% in the two colored rice varieties under T3 across the two years,respectively,as compared with T2.Further study of the residual effect of partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers showed that the substitution of inorganic fertilizer with plant-based organic fertilizer improved the soil physiochemical properties,and thus increased the rice grain yield,in the subsequent seasons.The highest grain yield of the subsequent rice crop was observed under the T5 treatment.Our results suggested that the application of plantbased organic fertilizers can sustain the production of colored rice with high anthocyanin content in tropical regions,which is beneficial in reconciling the relationship between rice production and environmental protection.

Combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer alleviates the kernel position effect in summer maize by promoting post-silking nitrogen uptake and dry matter accumulation

Adjusting agronomic measures to alleviate the kernel position effect in maize is important for ensuring high yields.In order to clarify whether the combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer(CAOFCF)can alleviate the kernel position effect of summer maize,field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons,and five treatments were assessed:CF,100%chemical fertilizer;OFCF1,15%organic fertilizer+85%chemical fertilizer;OFCF2,30%organic fertilizer+70%chemical fertilizer;OFCF3,45%organic fertilizer+55%chemical fertilizer;and OFCF4,60%organic fertilizer+40%chemical fertilizer.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments significantly alleviated the kernel position effect by increasing the weight ratio of inferior kernels to superior kernels and reducing the weight gap between the superior and inferior kernels.These effects were largely due to the improved filling and starch accumulation of inferior kernels.However,there were no obvious differences in the kernel position effect among plants treated with CF,OFCF3,or OFCF4 in most cases.Leaf area indexes,post-silking photosynthetic rates,and net assimilation rates were higher in plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2 than in those treated with CF,reflecting an enhanced photosynthetic capacity and improved postsilking dry matter accumulation(DMA)in the plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments increased post-silking N uptake by 66.3 and 75.5%,respectively,which was the major factor driving post-silking photosynthetic capacity and DMA.Moreover,the increases in root DMA and zeatin riboside content observed following the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments resulted in reduced root senescence,which is associated with an increased post-silking N uptake.Analyses showed that post-silking N uptake,DMA,and grain yield in summer maize were negatively correlated with the kernel position effect.In conclusion,the combined application of 15-30%organic fertilizer and 70-85%chemical fertilizer alleviated the kernel position effect in summer maize by improving post-silking N uptake and DMA.These results provide new insights into how CAOFCF can be used to improve maize productivity.

Yield, Growth and Vegetative Development Parameters Response of Dry Beans to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers and Biofertilizer

As part of the promotion of common bean cultivation, fertilization methods will have to be proposed to growers. The aim of this study is therefore to develop a technical itinerary for dry bean fertilization. To this end, different types of chemical and organic fertilizers were evaluated on three dry bean varieties (HARI25/GHA19, HARI35/GHA19 and HARI36/GUI21). Seven (7) doses of chemical and organic fertilizers were used, including two controls (D0 with no fertilizer and D1, the reference dose using NPK base and cover fertilizers in the form of urea). The fertilization trial was set up as a Split-Plot design, with variety as the primary factor and dose as the secondary factor. The experiment was repeated three (3) times. The results showed that vegetative development parameters and fruit set rate varied according to the variety studied. For yield and its components, the treatments had a significant effect. Indeed, the response of varieties to fertilizers was specific. For each variety used, the optimum yield was obtained with a different treatment, thus highlighting the genotype effect of the dry bean varieties studied. Among the treatments tested, D4 (5 t organic fertilizer/ha) performed best in all three varieties, generating yield increases of 20%, 46% and 91% respectively.

Effects of mixed fertilizers formed by the compounding of two targeted controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers on yield,nitrogen use efficiency,and ammonia volatilization in double-cropping rice

One-time application of mixed fertilizer formed by the compounding of two controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers(CRUs)with targeted N supply during the periods from transplantation(TS)to panicle initiation(PI)and from PI to heading(HS)is expected to synchronize the double-peak N demand of rice.However,its effects on the yield and N use efficiency(NUE)of labor-intensive double-cropping rice were unknown.Two targeted CRU(CRU_(A)and CRU_(B))were compounded in five ratios(CRU_(A):CRU_(B)=10:0,7:3,5:5,3:7,and 0:10)to form five mixed fertilizers(BBFs):BBF1-5.A field experiment was performed to investigate the characteristics of N supply in early and late seasons under different BBFs and their effects on N uptake,yield,and ammonia volatilization(AV)loss from paddy fields of double-cropping rice.Conventional high-yield fertilization(CK,three split applications of urea)and zero-N treatments were established as controls.The N supply dropped significantly with the increased compound ratio of CRU_(B)during the period from TS to PI,but increased during the period from PI to HS.With the exception of the period from TS to PI in the late rice season,the N uptake of early and late rice maintained close synchronicity with the N supply of BBFs during the double-peak periods.Excessive N supply(BBF1 and BBF2)in the late rice season during the period from TS to PI increased N loss by AV.The effect of BBF on grain yield increase varied widely between seasons,irrespective of year.Among the BBFs,the BBF2 treatment of early rice not only stabilized the spikelets per panicle but also ensured a high number of effective panicles by promoting N uptake during the period from TS to PI and a high grain-filling percentage by appropriately reducing the N supply at the later PI stage,resulting in the highest rice yield.While stabilizing the effective panicle number,the BBF4 treatment of late rice increased the number of spikelets per panicle by promoting N uptake during the period from PI to HS,resulting in the highest rice yield.The two-year average yield and apparent N recovery efficiency of the BBF2 treatment during the early rice season were 9.6 t ha 1 and 45.3%,while those of late rice in BBF4 were 9.6 t ha 1 and 43.0%,respectively.The yield and NUE indexes of BBF2 in early rice and BBF4 in late rice showed no significant difference from those of CK.The AVs of BBF2 during the early rice season and of BBF4 during the late rice season were 50.0%and 76.8%lower,respectively,than those of CK.BBF2 and BBF4 could effectively replace conventional urea split fertilization in early and late rice seasons,ensuring rice yield and NUE and reducing AV loss in paddy fields.

Growth and Yield of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)Applied by Inorganic and Organic Fertilizer in Indonesian Tidal Soil

The aims of this study were to determine the dose of inorganic fertilizer of NPK combined with organic fertilizer from CM(Cow Manure)to grow paddy Inpara 8 variety planted in a tidal soil.This experiment was done in a green house and conducted from July to December 2020.This pot experiment used factorial completely randomized design with two factors and three replications.The first factor was NPK which consisted of two kinds of NPK fertilizers which were urea 200 kg/ha,SP-36100 kg/ha,KCl 100 kg/ha from recommended fertilization and urea 37 kg/ha,SP-3656 kg/ha,KCl 183 kg/ha from calculation of the specific location soil analysis(in situ data).The second factor was dosage of CM at 5,7.5 and 10 tons/ha respectively.The results showed that NPK fertilization from specific location combined with CM at 10 tons/ha was the best treatment for rice production in an infertile tidal swampland producing 2.20 tons/ha.

Application of organic fertilizer for improving soybean production under acidic stress

The presence of acidic soil in rural areas poses difficulties for agricultural production.One factor regulating soil pH is the overuse of inorganic fertilizer.The increased use of fertilizers in soybean production not only raises sustainability concerns but also contributes to soil acidity.Therefore,the use of organic fertilizer could offer a solution for addressing both issues related to soil acidity and sustainability.The purpose of this study was to investigate the manipulation of soil pH using organic fertilizer for soybean production under acidic stress.The planting medium,consisting of a mixture of topsoil,rice husk charcoal,and organic fertilizer(in a ratio of 2:1:1),was supplemented with 0.5 g of NPK fertilizer as a basal treatment in each planting medium.To regulate the soil acidity to pH 4,we added FeSO_(4) and allowed the mixture to incubate for 30 days.The results demonstrate that the application of three types of organic fertilizers chicken manure(P1),oil palm empty bunch fertilizer(P2),and vermicompost(P3)positively impacts the growth of three soybean varieties.The findings indicate that the application of P2 organic fertilizer can increase vegetative growth almost 50%in soybeans on acidic soil,including plant height,leaf count,and root length.Meanwhile,applying P3 organic fertilizer can boost reproductive growth responses in soybeans on acidic soil,such as pod number(from around 0-4 unit to 42-51 unit),grain number(from around 0-5 unit to 88-90 unit),and grain weight(from around 0-0.37 g to 12-25 g).Organic fertilizer has the potential to regulate soil pH,promoting higher yields of soybeans under acidic stress.

Determination of Egg Shell Structure and Mineral Composition Using SEM-EDS and Identification the Possibility to Produce Fertilizer

Throwing out egg shells without using them depreciates a vital source of calcium. As an egg shell contains twice the amount of calcium a person needs a day, it is considered as the richest source of calcium of natural origin. Egg shells have been traditionally and widely used in medicine, beauty science and food production for decades. In spite of that, there is a lack of new solutions that profoundly study mineral elements and beneficial components contained in egg shells for further usage as a product. Assuming we consume 2 eggs a day, the yearly consumption for a person is 730 eggs. As beneficial component, the egg shell structure and mineral elements, were determined in 3 types of samples (Mongolian eggs, Russian eggs, and iodized eggs) by SEM-EDS (Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy), a state-of-the-art research method. Consequently, it was established that egg shells consists of Ca (72.6% - 85.7%), Mg (2.7% - 4.5%), Si (0.3% - 0.6%), P (7.0% - 18.1%), S (0.5% - 2.0%), K (0.4% - 0.9%), I (2.6% - 3.0%), respectively. Additionally, the D3.8 × 120, 250, 500, and 1000 times zoomed images of shell structure (SEM) of each sample were examined, and the results were compared and evaluated. The reverse titration method examination has demonstrated that the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content in egg shells is 91% - 92.5%, and pH is 8.41 - 8.75. Ultimately, fertilizer containing 97.7% Ca without chemical additives has been extracted by grounding the eggshells to 4.4 μm, then preparing the mixture at the rate of 20:0.5 (shell: mix, enriched with mandarin and lemon peel) and adjusting its pH to 7.5 - 8.0. Further research on the impact of fertilizer on growing process of indoor flowers has been commenced.

Effects of Integrated Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Growth Parameters of Rice Varieties

We investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of indica rice variety Manawthukha and japonica rice variety Genkitsukushi.In a split-plot design,the two rice varieties were assigned as main plot factors,and the integrated treatments were the subplot factors,including no-N fertilizer(N0),50%chemical fertilizer(CF)(CF50),100%CF(CF100),50%CF+50%poultry manure(PM)(CF50PM50),50%CF+50%cow manure(CM)(CF50CM50),and 50%CF+50%compost(CP)(CF50CP50).CF100 was equivalent to N at 85 kg/hm2.Manure was applied based on the estimated mineralizable nitrogen(EMN)level,which is dependent on total N(%)of each manure type.Manawthukha rice plants were taller with higher tiller number and dry matter content.However,higher soil-plant analysis development(SPAD)values were measured in Genkitsukushi throughout the crop growth period,resulting in higher seed-setting rate(%)and greater yield.At the same N level,CF50PM50 application in both rice varieties resulted in higher SPAD values,plant height and tiller number than CF100.CF50PM50 containing total N more than 4%supplied synchronized N for the demands of the rice plants,resulting in maximum dry matter,yield and yield components.CF50CM50 and CF50CP50 treatments containing total N less than 4%resulted in lower yields which were similar to CF100.These results indicated that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers enhanced growth parameters and yields of Manawthukha and Genkitsukushi,while reducing the dose of chemical fertilizer.

Carbon sequestration rate,nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield responses to long-term substitution of chemical fertilizer by organic manure in a rice–rice cropping system

Combined application of chemical fertilizers with organic amendments was recommended as a strategy for improving yield,soil carbon storage,and nutrient use efficiency.However,how the long-term substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure affects rice yield,carbon sequestration rate(CSR),and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)while ensuring environmental safety remains unclear.This study assessed the long-term effect of substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure on rice yield,CSR,and NUE.It also determined the optimum substitution ratio in the acidic soil of southern China.The treatments were:(i)NPK0,unfertilized control;(ii)NPK1,100%chemical nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizer;(iii)NPKM1,70%chemical NPK fertilizer and 30%organic manure;(iv)NPKM2,50%chemical NPK fertilizer and 50%organic manure;and(v)NPKM3,30%chemical NPK fertilizer and 70%organic manure.Milk vetch and pig manure were sources of manure for early and late rice seasons,respectively.The result showed that SOC content was higher in NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments than in NPK0 and NPK1 treatments.The carbon sequestration rate increased by 140,160,and 280%under NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments,respectively,compared to NPK1 treatment.Grain yield was 86.1,93.1,93.6,and 96.5%higher under NPK1,NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments,respectively,compared to NPK0 treatment.The NUE in NPKM1,NPKM2,and NPKM3 treatments was higher as compared to NPK1 treatment for both rice seasons.Redundancy analysis revealed close positive relationships of CSR with C input,total N,soil C:N ratio,catalase,and humic acids,whereas NUE was closely related to grain yield,grain N content,and phenol oxidase.Furthermore,CSR and NUE negatively correlated with humin acid and soil C:P and N:P ratios.The technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS)showed that NPKM3 treatment was the optimum strategy for improving CSR and NUE.Therefore,substituting 70%of chemical fertilizer with organic manure could be the best management option for increasing CSR and NUE in the paddy fields of southern China.

Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Black Soil Fertility and Maize Yield

By two years （2007-2008） located fertilizer experiment, the effect of long-term combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on black soil fertility and crop yield was investigated in Shuangcheng City, Heilongjiang Province. The results showed that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers could increase the organinc matter, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium. At the same time, the increasing application of organic fertilizer could reduce the soil bulk density and improve the field moisture capacity. Field moisture capacity and organic matter of the combined application of high quantities of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers AtB5 treatment increased the fhstest, organic matter increased by 3.33 g. kg and field moisture capacity increased by 11.25% than the beginning of the experiment. Under the same fertilization, the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers＇ increasing production range was higher than the single chemical fertilizers＇ which was from 0.8% to 9.4%. The results showed that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers could increase the nutrient contents of soil and also was the highest productivity contribution to black soil fertility. It was the best fertilization structure of increasing productivity level and improving the soil fertility.

Long-Term Effects of Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Soil Fertility for a Winter Wheat-Maize System in Jiangsu, China

Winter wheat-maize rotations are dominant cropping systems on the North China Plain, where recently the use of organic manure with grain crops has almost disappeared. This could reduce soil fertility and crop productivity in the long run. A 20-year field experiment was conducted to 1) assess the effect of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on yield and yield trends of both winter wheat and maize, 2) monitor the changes in soil organic matter content under continuous wheat-maize cropping with different soil fertility management schemes, and 3) identify reasons for yield trends observed in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, over a 20-year period. There were eight treatments applied to both wheat and maize seasons: a control treatment (C); three inorganic fertilizers, that is, nitrogen (N), nitrogen and phosphorus (NP), and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); and addition of farmyard manure (FYM) to these four treatments, that is, M, MN, MNP, and MNPK. At the end of the experiment the MN, MNP, and MNPK treatments had the highest yields, about 7 t wheat ha-1 and 7.5 t maize ha-1, with each about 1 t ha-1 more than the NPK treatments. Over 20 years with FYM soil organic matter increased by 80% compared to only 10% with NPK, which explained yield increases. However, from an environmental and agronomic perspective, manure application was not a superior strategy to NPK fertilizers. If manure was to be applied, though, it would be best applied to the wheat crop, which showed a better response than maize.

Combined Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Hybrid Rice (Palethwe-1)

We investigated the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of hybrid rice (Palethwe-1) in the dry and wet seasons of 2015. Four quantities of inorganic fertilizer were used in the main plot [0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)] based on the recommended amounts of 150 kg N ha-1, 70 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 120 kg K2O ha-1, while different organic manures were applied to subplots [no organic manure (O0), cow manure (Oc), poultry manure (Op), and vermicompost (Ov);all at 5 t·ha-1] as part of a split-plot experimental design with three replicates. In both seasons, significant differences in growth parameters including number of tillers hill-1, soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values, total dry matter, yield, and yield components were observed in plants supplied with different inorganic fertilizers. The 100% NPK (I100) fertilizer produced the maximum yield but similar yields were achieved in plots supplied with 50% NPK (I50) and 75% NPK (I75). Significant differences in growth and yield parameters were also found in crops supplied with organic manures. Although identical quantities were supplied, Op produced the best growth parameters in both seasons including total dry matter, yield, and yield components. Oc also performed well. Combining inorganic and organic fertilizers demonstrated that I50 together with Op (5 t·ha-1) provided similar growth, total dry matter, and yield parameters to I100 in both seasons. Oc (5 t·ha-1) plus I75 also achieved similar yields to I100. This study demonstrates that the combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures has the potential to reduce chemical fertilizer usage without decreasing the yield of hybrid rice, and can enhance the growth, yield, and yield components of Palethwe-1.

Growth, Yield and Yield Characteristics of Three Pepper Cultivars to Fertilizers Application in the Mount Cameroon Region

This study determined the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of three pepper cultivars in the Mount Cameroon Region. Pepper seedlings were treated with six treatments (T1 = no fertilizers (control), T2 = 250 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T3 = 350 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T4 = 450 Kg/ha NPK 20:10:10, T5 = 20 Mg/ha poultry manure (PM), T6 = 30 Mg/ha PM). The effects of fertilizers had a significant effect on vegetative growth and yield of Capsicum chinense cv. “Big Sun” plants had the maximum plant height (39.09 cm) and mean collar diameter (6.02 mm) in plots treated with poultry manure at 20 Mg/ha (T5) and 30 Mg/ha (T6) respectively. The highest yield (33.63 Mg/ha) was in Capsicum chinense cv. Safi plants supplied with 30 Mg/ha poultry manure (T6) and the lowest yield (10.44 Mg/ha) was in Capsicum frutescens in control plots (T1). The highest fruit diameter (11.08 mm) and longest fruits (18.39 mm) were observed in Capsicum chinense cv. Big Sun plants supplied with 30 Mg/ha poultry manure. Capsicum frutescens fruits had the highest concentration of N (2.39%), P (0.42%) and K (3.06%). Essential oils analysis shows that there were 179 essential oils from pepper fruits of Capsicum chinense cv. Safi, with major essential oil been 3,4-dimethyl-benzaldehyde and main essential oils were alpha Terpinene and alpha Pinene based on their abundance. Fruits of Capsicum chinense cv. Big Sun had two-hundred and eight essential oils with major essential oil been 1,3,5-Trimethyl-1-H-pyrazol-4-amine and main essential oils were Caryophyllene oxide and Cymene, based on their abundance. Fruits of Capsicum frutescens had one-hundred and eighty-one essential oils with major essential oil been Limonene, and main essential oils were Carvacrol and D-limonene with respect to abundance. Results show that 20 Mg/ha poultry manure was the most cost effective in the production of pepper in Buea Cameroon.

Effects of Combined Application of Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer and Reduced Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Enzyme Activity and Yield of Purple Cabbage(Brassica oleracea var.capita rubra)in Yuanmou County

[Objectives]In response to the issue of soil improvement in Yuanmou County,the effects of combined application of biochar-based organic fertilizer and reduced nitrogen fertilizer on soil nutrients,soil enzyme activity,and yield of purple cabbage(Brassica oleracea var.capita rubra)were investigated in the field base of Institute of Thermal Zone Ecological Agriculture,Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Yuanmou County.[Methods]A total of 13 treatments were set up by applying biochar-based organic fertilizer at three levels of 15,30 and 45 t/hm^(2)(T_(1),T_(2),T_(3)),combined with top application of nitrogen fertilizer(urea)at four levels:375(N_1),300(N_(2)),225(N_(3))and 0 kg/hm^(2),with non-fertilizing treatment as control check(CK),in order to explore the optimal ratio for the combined application of biochar-based organic fertilizer with nitrogen fertilizer.[Results]The application of biochar-based organic fertilizer could significantly improve soil nutrients,enzyme activity,and purple cabbage yield.The improvement effect of combined application with nitrogen fertilizer was higher than that of single application of biochar-based organic fertilizer,and the improvement effect was enhanced with the application amount of biochar-based organic fertilizer increasing.The contents of organic matter and total nitrogen were the highest in treatment T_(3)N_(3),of which the values increased by 81.39%and 56.09%compared with the CK,respectively.The contents of soil hydrolyzable nitrogen,available phosphorus,and available potassium were all the highest under treatment T_(3)N_(2),with increases of 92.76%,171.01%and 235.50%,respectively.There was a significant positive correlation between the activity of soil catalase,urease,and sucrase and organic matter,total nitrogen,and available nutrients.The overall soil enzyme activity was relatively higher in treatment T_(3)N_(2).The yield of purple cabbage treated with biochar-based organic fertilizer combined with nitrogen fertilizer could reach 85750 kg/hm^(2),which was 94.78%higher than that treated with biochar-based organic fertilizer alone.Based on comprehensive analysis,the optimal combination ratio was 45 t/hm^(2)of biochar-based organic fertilizer and 300 kg/hm^(2)of urea(T_(3)N_(2)).[Conclusions]This study provides data support for the promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizers and reduced fertilizer in agricultural soil in the Dam area of Yuanmou County.

Requirements and Safeguard Measures for Using Soil Fertilizer in Organic Agriculture:A Case Study of Fushun City in Liaoning Province

This paper summarized the requirements of organic agriculture for soil environment,fertilizer application and irrigation water quality,put forward safeguard measures for organic agriculture in terms of soil,fertilizer and water,and finally came up with recommendations for strengthening the use of soil fertilizers in organic agriculture.

Integrated Effects of Rhizobial Inoculum and Inorganic Fertilizers on Wheat Yield and Yield Components

An experiment was conducted in pots under natural condition with two factor factorial completely randomized design (CRD) (CRD) to investigate the integrated effect of rhizobia inoculums and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of wheat crop at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during 2012-2013. The experiment was comprised of four inoculums (no, lentil, peas and chickpeas) and two NPK levels (recommended 120:90:60 kg·ha-1 & 20% less of recommended). It was observed that inoculation of wheat by rhizobia significantly increased tillers per plant by a maximum of 42%, plant height by 13%, grain per spike by 16%, 100 grain weight by 10%, biological and grain yield by 10% over un-inoculated (control) treatment. Among inoculums, peas inoculum was found to be the most efficient for all traits except plant height where chickpea inoculum performed better. Similarly recommended NPK significantly increased tillers per plant by 33%, plant height by 19%, grain per spike by 9%, 100 grain weight by 10%, biological yield by 8% and grain yield by 10% compared with 20% less of recommended NPK. Interactive effect of inoculum x NPK was significant for tillers per plant, grain per spike, grain yield and non-significant for plant height, 100 grain weight and biological yield. However, it was evident from the results that inoculation improved all traits both under recommended and 20% less of recommended NPK. The persistent good performance of peas and lentil rhizobial inoculation in wheat growth exhibited that this could be used as a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for wheat and other cereal crops in prevailing soil and climatic conditions.

Determining the Effects of Selected Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yields of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum: Var. Rio Grande Tomatoes) in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan

Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in almost every meal is not exceptional and its availability in the market all year round is very important to farmers as well as consumers because it is highly demanded as a vegetable par excellence;which is either eaten raw in salads, cooked or processed into liquid ingredients. This study investigates the impact of chicken, goat, and cow manure treatments on tomato plant growth response to height, leaf length, and width, as well as fruit yield. The experimental field trials were conducted over two planting seasons in Mundri West County. It followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) approach, consisting of four blocks. Each block contained three treatments replicated four times and a control group. The data of measured parameters from all 16 plots were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Gen Stat 14th Edition software. The findings indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among all the different organic manure applications on tomato plant growth parameters compared to the control group. Chicken manure resulted in the tallest tomato plants (30.1 and 37.9 cm), longest leaves (9.9 and 10.4 cm), and widest leaves (2.1 and 2.5 cm) in both seasons respectively. The study showed plots treated with chicken manure had a highly significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of aphids (1.0) and white flies (1.4) with the lowest value compared to those with cow and goat manure applied. Additionally, chicken manure led to the highest yields (39.30 and 49.49 tons/ha) in both seasons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that using chicken manure effectively improves the performance of Rio Grande Tomatoes, and thus, farmers are encouraged to utilize chicken manure to maximize their tomato yields.

Effects of Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in the Mount Cameroon Region

This study evaluates the effects of green manure, inorganic fertilizers and their combinations on the growth and yield of soybeans in the Mount Cameroon Region. The experiment involved 10 treatments which include, 5 Mg/ha green manure, 180 Kg P/ha triple superphosphate fertilizer (P), 180 Kg/ha NPK (20:10:10), 2 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg P/ha, 3 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg P/ha, 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 Kg P, 2 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg NPK/ha, 3 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg NPK/ha, 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 kg NPK and a control. Plant growth characters were assessed every 14 days for a period of 70 days for the late (August) and early (March) planting seasons. The results indicated that plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure had the highest plant heights of 60.7 cm, and this was significantly different from the control which had the least height (52.76 cm). Stem collar diameter was significantly (p 0.001) increased with treatments in both seasons. Plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure recorded the highest stover yield (10.59 Mg/ha), and this was significantly different from the control which had the least (6.64 Mg/ha). Plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure had the highest days to flowering (38 days), while plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 Kg NPK had the least (33 days) which was significantly different (p 0.01). The highest number of pods per plant was observed in plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure (57 pods per plants), which was significantly different from the control (39 pods per plant). Plants supplied with 5 Mg/ha green manure + 90 Kg NPK recorded the highest grain yield (4.97 Mg ha-1), while the lowest grain yield was observed in the control (2.22 Mg ha-1). Results from this study can be used by soybeans farmers in the Mount Cameroon region to enhance productivity of this crop and thereby improving their living standards and food security in Cameroon.

Local Knowledge of Farmer Communities in the Use of Organic Fertilizers to Increase Cashew Production in Buton Utara Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Local knowledge has an important role in agricultural practices.This study aims to describe the local knowledge of farming communities about the use of organic fertilizers as a strategy to increase cashew production in Buton Utara Regency,Southeast Celebes,Indonesia.The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques using in-depth interviews and observation.The research results showed that the farming community in this area has in-depth local knowledge of how to make and apply effective organic fertilizers sourced from the surrounding natural environment.However,there are challenges in access to the organic materials needed and constraints in the widespread implementation of organic fertilizers.This study recommends strengthening education and training programs to increase farmers’awareness and skills in using organic fertilizers.