Differences of yield and nitrogen use efficiency under different applications of slow release fertilizer in spring maize

Excessive or insufficient application of fertilizer has raised broader concerns regarding soil and environmental degradation.One-time application of slow release fertilizer (SF) has been widely used to reduce yield gap with potential maize yield and improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).A 2-year field experiment (2018–2019) was conducted to evaluate the effects of SF rates from 0 to 405 kg N ha^(–1) (named F0,SF225,SF270,SF315,SF360,and SF405) and 405 kg N ha^(–1) of common fertilizer(CF405) on the grain yield,biomass and N accumulation,enzymatic activities related with carbon–nitrogen metabolism,NUE and economic analysis.Results indicated that the highest grain yields,NUEs and economic returns were achieved at SF360in both varieties.The enzymatic activities related with carbon–nitrogen metabolism,pre-and post-silking accumulation of biomass and N increased with increasing SF rate,and they were the highest at SF360 and SF405.The grain yield at SF360had no significant difference with that at SF405.However,the N partial factor productivity,N agronomic efficiency and N recovery efficiency at SF360 were 9.8,6.6 and 8.9% higher than that at SF405.The results also indicated that the average grain yields,NUE and economic benefit at SF405 were 5.2,12.3 and 18.1% higher than that at CF405.In conclusion,decreasing N rate from 405 kg ha^(–1)(CF) to 360 kg ha^(–1)(SF) could effectively reduce the yield gap between realized and potential maize yields.The N decreased by 11.1%,but the yield,NUE and economic benefit increased by 3.2,22.2 and 17.5%,which created a simple,efficient and business-friendly system for spring maize production in Jiangsu Province,China.

Characteristics and Performance of Novel Water-Absorbent Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizers

In this article, a research on the characteristics and performance of water-absorbent slow release nitrogen fertilizer （WASRNF） using infrared spectroscopy （IR）, scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）, differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）, and thermogravimetry analysis （TGA）, was present. The results indicate that the water absorbency and nitrogen analysis of WASRNF is 103 g g^-1 and 30%, respectively, and WASRNF exhibits approximately neutral pH and very low salt index. WASRNF is a copolymer of nitrogen fertilizer and super absorbent polymer （SAP） monomers which is formed through hydrogen bond interaction, and the molecule contains hydrophilic groups, which is responsible for the absorption and water retention capacity of the molecule. WASRNF is a gel that exhibits the ability to swell, but does not dissolve in water. WASRNF shows non-homogenous nature as a whole, but in local zone it is homogenous, the copolymer molecule shows chain network that is the physical structure responsible for absorption and retention of water in WASRNF. The water retained in WASRNF exists as free and nonfreezing bound and freezing bound water states, with the free and the nonfreezing water accounting for more than 95% of water retained in WASRNF, and the nonfreezing bound water for less than 5%. WASRNF functions in delaying the release of nitrogen from it, thereby serving a novel slow release nitrogenous fertilizer.

Starch Modification for Slow Release of Herbicide Encapsulated with Concentrated Starch Paste

An attempt on starch modification has been made to increase the paste concentration of potato starch for reducing the energy consumption required for the encapsulation of herbicide within starch matrix by encapsulating 2, 4-D as model herbicide. The matrix behaviors were evaluated in terms of the herbicide content, capability of swelling in water, encapsulation efficiency, and the rate of herbicide released from the matrix. To increase paste concentration of starch for decreasing the energy consumption in dry process, potato starch was acidified before the encapsulation. However, the matrix prepared in such a way showed that it weakened the control to the herbicide encapsulated, which increased the rate of herbicide released from the matrix. By introducing covalent bonds among starch molecules, the problem with the control and release rate can be completely solved. Moreover, the effects of formaldehyde amount, medium pH, herbicide content, and particle size on the matrix behaviors and release rate were also investigated. The newly developed matrix shows low capability of swelling and slow release, and reduces water evaporation in dry process by about 40% during matrix preparation.

Screening of Slow Release Solvents for Plant Volatiles

[Objective] The paper was to study the slow release effects of eight common kinds of slow release solvents on n-hexane, and to provide a reference for the construction of slow release system of attractants or repellents synthesized by plant volatiles. [Method] The effect of slow release solvents on volatile quantity and release rate of n-hexane was compared by weight loss method. [Result] Under indoor natural conditions [(22±2) ℃,RH 50%±10%], the slow release effect of lubricating oil on n-hexane was the best, followed by liquid paraffin. The best ratio of slow release solvent(lubricating oil and liquid paraffin) and n-hexane was 5∶1 and the best mixing time was 3 h, which improved the slow release effects of n-hexane by6.3 and 4.7 times, and prolonged the half-life of n-hexane by 1.3 and 1.0 times, respectively. Slow release solvents mainly affected the post-half-life period of n-hexane, and the release rates of n-hexane mixed with lubricating oil and liquid paraffin were decreased by 10.4 and 7.7 times, respec-tively. During the half-life period, the release rates of n-hexane were decreased by 1.3 and 1.0 times, respectively. [Conclusion] Two kinds of slow release solvents with good slow release effect on volatile n-hexane are screened out, and the proportion and mixing time of slow release solvent and volatile are determined, which will provide technical support for the construction of plant volatile slow release system.

Comparison on the Pharmacokinetics and Weight Reduction of Clobenzorex Slow Release and Immediate Release Formulations in Obese Patients

Clobenzorex is an anorexigenic drug that is widely used in Mexicofor the treatment of obesity, since it helps to reduce body weight. This drug is available as immediate release capsules. To improve compliance to treatment, it was developed a new slow release formulation. In order to establish its usefulness, oral pharmacokinetics and weight reduction of slow release and immediate release formulations of clobenzorex in obese patients were compared. Sixty patients with a BMI higher than 27 kg/m2 were included in the study. Two groups of 30 patients were formed, one of them received 30 mg immediate release formulation b.i.d. and the other group received one 60 mg slow release formulation once a day, since under this scheme these formulations are prescribed. Blood samples were obtained at selected times during the first day and once weekly during 4 weeks. After the last dose, samples were obtained at selected times during 48 h. Plasma levels were determined by HPLC-MS/MS and pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. Reduction in Cmax due to increased tmax, as well as, increased half-life were observed with the slow release formulation in comparison with immediate release formulation. Although lower plasma levels of clobenzorex were reached with the slow release formulation, reduction of body weight was similar with both products. Based on the results, it was concluded that slow release formulation of clobenzorex is an adequate formulation of clobenzorex, since pharmacokinetics and effects observed are compatible with a once a day administration.

Comparative performance of different urea coating materials for slow release

Approximately 70%of the applied urea fertilizer may be lost into the environment.This loss is due to leaching,decomposition and ammonium volatilization in soil,water and air.Through coating,the slow release technology can be used to reduce losses and to increase the fertilizer efficiency.Sulfur has been used as a coating material,but the coating cracks easily because of its friability,sometimes being peeled off from the urea surface.In this study,four types of materials,namely,gypsum,cement,sulfur and zeolite,were mixed and used as coating materials to search for the most effective and cheap coating materials.The primary reasons for selecting these materials were improving fruit quality and preventing plant diseases,providing a plant nutrient,increasing soil fertility and water retention.The materials were also selected based on their availability,processiblity and price.The effects of the coating materials,thickness,drying time,sieving and sealant on the crushing strength and dissolution rate of urea were investigated.Coated urea with the same proportion of gypsum-sulfur exhibited high crushing strength and lower dissolution rate.However,the performance was further enhanced by applying molten paraffin wax on the hot urea surface.SEM images demonstrated that the micro-structure of gypsum-sulfur coated urea after sieving resulted in a smoother coated layer.The efficiency of the coated urea was improved by26%using gypsum-sulfur（20%total coating）,3%paraffin wax and sieving the coating materials before application.

Preparation and Characterization of Nano-silver Loaded Montmorillonite with Strong Antibacterial Activity and Slow Release Property

Nano-silver loaded montmorillonite （Ag-MMT） was prepared by ion-exchange and then a UV-photoreduction two-step approach was applied. The silver content in Ag-MMT determined by Volhard method was about 6.4 wt%. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized Ag-MMT were characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The results showed that the Ag nanoparticles were spherical and their diameters were about 15-20 nm. Moreover, the structure of MMT did not change. The minimum inhibition concentration （MIC） of Ag-MMT was 100×10-6 and the sterilizing efficiency （SE） of Ag-MMT was approximately 100% against Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 （E. coli. In addition, the slow release property of silver in Ag-MMT was also demonstrated.

Effects of slow or controlled release fertilizer types and fertilization modes on yield and quality of rice

There is limited information about the influence of slow or controlled release fertilizer（S/CRF） on rice yield and quality. In this study, japonica rice cultivar Nanjing 9108 was used to study the effects of three different S/CRFs（polymer-coated urea（PCU）, sulfur-coated urea（SCU）, and urea formaldehyde（UF）） and two fertilization modes（both S/CRF and common urea（CU） as basal fertilizer, S/CRF as basal and CU as tillering fertilizer） on rice yield and quality. CU only was applied separately as control（CK）. Results showed that, rice grain yield, chalky kernel rate, chalky area, overall chalkiness, and the content of gliadin, glutenin, and protein, all showed the trends of UF〉PCU〉SCU within the same fertilization mode, and showed the trends of S/CRF as basal and CU as tillering fertilizer〉both S/CRF and CU as basal fertilizer within the same type of S/CRF. In contrast, the contents of amylose, amylopectin, and starch, as well as taste value, and peak and hot viscosity showed trends of SCU〉PCU〉UF, and the trends of both S/CRF and CU as basal fertilizer〉S/CRF as basal and CU as tillering fertilizer. Among S/CRF treatments and fertilization modes, taste values of cooked rice were positively correlated with amylose, amylopectin, and starch contents, as well as gel consistency, peak viscosity, hot viscosity, and cool viscosity, while negatively correlated with globulin, gliadin, glutenin, and protein contents. The types of S/CRF and fertilization modes are important for improving rice yield and quality. Compared to CK, higher yield and similar quality of rice was achieved with UF as basal and CU as tillering fertilizer, and similar yield with improved appearance and eating and cooking quality of rice was achieved with either both UF and CU as basal fertilizer, or PCU as basal and CU as tillering fertilizer.

Synthesis and Performance of Polyurethane Coated Urea as Slow/controlled Release Fertilizer

Polyurethane coated urea slow/controlled release fertilizer was prepared based on urea granules, isocyanate, polyols and paraffin. Isocyanate reacted with polyols to synthesize the polyurethane skin layer on urea granules surface. Paraffin serves as a lubricant during syntheses of polyurethane skin layers. The structure and nutrient release characteristics of the polyurethane skin layers were investigated by FTIR, SEM and TG. Urea nitrogen slow-release behavior of the polyurethane coated urea was tested. The experimental results indicated that compact and dense polyurethane skin layers with a thickness of 10-15 lam were formed on urea surface, the urea nitrogen slow-release time can reach 40-50 days. Paraffin proves to play a key role in inhibiting water to penetrate into urea, but excessive addition would decrease the polyurethane crosslinking density.

Release Characteristics of Different N Forms in an Uncoated Slow/Controlled Release Compound Fertilizer

This study examined the release characteristics of different N forms in an uncoated slow/controlled-release compound fertilizer （UCRF） and the N uptake and N-use efficiency by rice plants. Water dissolution, soil leaching, and pot experiments were employed. The dynamics of N release from the UCRF could be quantitatively described by three equations： the first-order kinetics equation [N1=N0 （1-e^-kt）], Elovich equation （N1=a ＋ blnt）, and parabola equation （N1=a ＋ bt^0.5）, with the best fitting by the first-order kinetics equation for different N （r= 0.9569^＊＊-0.9999^＊＊）. The release potentials （No values estimated by the first-order kinetics equation） of different N in the UCRF decreased in the order of total N 〉 DON 〉 urea-N 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 NO3^-N in water, and total N 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 DON 〉 urea-N 〉 NO3^--N in soil, respectively, being in accordance with cumulative amounts of N release. The constants of N release rate （k values and b values） for different N forms were in decreasing order of total N 〉 DON 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 NO3^--N in water, whereas the k values were urea- N 〉DON 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 total N 〉 NO3^--N, and the b values were total N 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 DON 〉 NO3^--N 〉 urea-N in soil. Compared with a common compound fertilizer, the N-use efficiency, N-agronomy efficiency, and N-physiological efficiency of the UCRF were increased by 11.4%, 8.32 kg kg^-1, and 5.17 kg kg^-1, respectively. The ratios of different N to total N in the UCRF showed significant correlation with N uptake by rice plants. The findings showed that the first-order kinetics equation [Nt=N0 （l-e^kt）] could be used to describe the release characteristics of different N forms in the fertilizer. The UCRF containing different N forms was more effective in facilitating N uptake by rice compared with the common compound fertilizer containing single urea-N form.

Effects of Different Slow-release Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Ratooning Rice

The effect of slow-release fertilizer application on reducing the fertilization times of ratooning rice was explored by carrying out plot experiments using different slow-release fertilizer formulas.The results showed that compared with conventional fertilization of farmers(TCK),there were no significant differences in plant heights of the first rice crop and ratoon rice crop and the number of tillers was slightly increased,by applying different ratios and types of slow-release fertilizers,indicating that reducing fertilization times did not affect rice growth.Compared with the TCK,the yields of treatments T1,T2,T3 and T4 of slow-release fertilizers increased to a certain extent.The yield of the first rice crop increased by 14.7%,16.7%,23.5% and 17.5%,respectively,the yields of the ratoon rice crop increased by 6.3%,5.8%,7.4% and 8.1%,respectively,and the yields of the two rice crops increased between 10.8% and 16.1%,indicating that reasonable combined application of slow-release nitrogen and fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer could meet the nutrient requirements of ratooning rice at different growth stages,and the application of slow-release fertilizers could reduce the fertilization times of ratooning rice.Based on the combination of rice yield and slow-release fertilizer cost in the first rice crop and ratoon rice crop,the T 3 formula was preferred,that is,urea-formaldehyde slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was used as the base and tillering fertilizer,and polyurethane-coated slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was used as the panicle-sprouting fertilizer.

Effect of Starch Sources on the Release Rates of Herbicides Encapsulated

The effects of starch sources on the behaviors of starch matrices and on the rates of herbicides released from the matrices were studied for slow release. The starches considered include native corn starch, wheat starch, potato starch and cassava starch. The matrices were prepared through encapsulating 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic or 2,4,5 trichlorophenoxyacetic acids as model herbicides with hot-gelatinized starch pastes. The encapsulation was evaluated in terms of herbicide content, swellability, encapsulation efficiency, and release rate. The results show that starch sources play an important role on the matrix behaviors and on release rates. The rate of 2,4-D released follows the order： wheat starch 〈 potaot starch 〈 corn starch 〈 cassava starch. And for the rate of 2,4,5-T, this order is nearly the same only with an exception that the late two kinds of starch are similar. It is also demonstrated that herbicides with different water solubility show different release rates, no matter what type of starch is used as the matrices.

Preparation of Arsenic Trioxide Albumin Microspheres and its Release Characteristics in Vitro

Arsenic trioxide albumin microspheres (As_2O_3-BSA-NS) were prepared by using methods of chemical cross-linking. The desirability function (DF), calculated according to the size (<1 μm) distribution, drug loading and drug trapping efficiency, was introduced as a total index for the microspheres formulation. Four factors, inculding W/O ratio, decentralization speed, BSA concentration and stirring stabilization time, were selected and arranged in an orthogonal experimental table. The release characteristic was studied by the drug release experiment in vitro. The four factors affected DF differently. Decentralization speed behaved as the maximum (P<0.01), followed by BSA concentration (P<0.05) and the W/O ratio dose (P<0.05). Stirring stabilization time did not influence DF (P>0.05). The release experiment in vitro showed that As_2O_3 in As_2O_3-BSA-NS was released more slower than pure As_2O_3. It was concluded that regular As_2O_3-BSA-NS may be prepared by the methods of chemical cross-linking, which was optimized by orthogonal experimental analysis of different factors, and the microspheres can release As_2O_3 slowly.

Effects of an environmental friendly slow-releasing woodchip fertilizer on cabbage production

Wood from three tree species was used for making slow-releasing woodchip fertilizer. Fertilizer made from Populus tomentiglandulosa retained the highest amounts of N （29.04%）, P205 （26.03%） and K20 （16.93%）. On the other band, woodchip fertilizer made from Pinus koraiensis retained the lowest amounts of N （26.22%）, P205 （21.80%） and I（20 （14.49%）. A field experiment was performed in a 50 m^2 experimental plot at Gangwon Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Chuncheon, Korea from August to November 1999. The effects of a general fertilizer along with compost and slow releasing woodchip fertilizer without compost on the cabbage production were observed. Cabbage production parameters, such as top height, head weight, head height, head width, number of outer and inner leaves, leaf width and head length, increased in the field where Larix kaempferi woodchip fertilizer was added as a basal dose. The result showed that the woodchip fertilizer made from Pinus koraiensis had faster releasing properties compared to other woodchip fertilizers. Without adding any compost in the woodchip fertilized field, woodchip fertilizer showed a superior outcome over a general chemical fertilizer. Although the amount of woodchip fertilizer was larger compared to that of a chemical fertilizer, it increased cabbage production.

Quantitative Evaluation on the Comprehensive Benefit of Controlled-Release Fertilizer in Typically Middle-Low Yield Rice Field

Quantitative evaluation and analysis was made to the soil nutrients,rice yield,rice and fertilizer utilization rate,and economic and ecological benefits of the slow controlled release fertilizer in typical rice fields with middle-low yield by comparing the one-time application and split applications of slow-or controlledrelease fertilizer（ CRF） with farmers fertilizer practice as the control,with the aim to explore the effect of CRF. Results showed that compared with the control,the application of CRF could meet balance nutrients required for rice growth,and the effective panicles and seed-setting rate were higher in the treatment groups of FVOL,SVOL,LADVOLwhich applied CRF. As for soil nutrients,soil pH maintained balance in FVOL,FCAI,SVOL,LADVOL. In addition,differences in soil nutrient reduction amount reached the extremely significant level between FVOLand SXNK.SVOLwhich applied CRF provided reasonable regulation of N,P and K release rate,which showed advantages over blending fertilization and farmers fertilizer practice. Comprehensive analysis found that the application of CRF could make rice tillering growth and decline leveled off,which effectively improved the quality of rice population,and it also had higher input-output ratio than that of the control and good economic benefits. In general,CRF suits to be used widely on rice crop in the regions with medium-low yield.

Pyraclostrobin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanospheres: Preparation and characteristics

We used poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) as a carrier polymer for pyraclostrobin-loaded nanospheres. Using the ultrasound emulsification-solvent evaporation method, the physicochemical characteristics and release properties of the pyraclostrobin-loaded nanospheres were studied by dialysis. The optimal nanospheres prepared had a diameter of 0.6 μm, an active ingredient loading of 17.2%, and a loading rate of 89.7%. Infrared spectroscopy data and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that pyraclostrobin was successfully embedded in the carrier PLGA, and photostability tests indicated enhanced ultraviolet resistance of pyraclostrobin-loaded PLGA nanospheres nanospheres. Release property testing indicated that smaller particles had a faster release rate. Nanospheres also had a faster release rate in slightly acidic and slightly basic environments than in a neutral condition. Agitated nanospheres had a faster release rate than immobile nanospheres. The cumulative release kinetics of pyraclostrobin-loaded nanospheres was consistent with the first order kinetic equation and the Weibull equation.

Complications of dexamethasone implants:risk factors,prevention,and clinical management

AIM:To evaluate major complications after intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implants(Ozurdex)and their clinical management.METHODS:In a retrospective observational study between 2014 and 2016 at two university hospitals,we reviewed the clinical records of 1241 consecutive macular edema patients treated with the dexamethasone implant,and separated severe adverse events in the injection procedure from those that were post-injection complications.We evaluated the cause and the outcomes in each case.RESULTS:In twenty-one procedures(1.69%)we noticed significant complications during and after intravitreal injection of the dexamethasone implant.Complications related to the injection procedure were in one case,that a second implant was injected by mistake in the same eye on the same day.In another case,the implant lodged in the sclera during retraction of the injector needle.Leaking scleral tunnel at the injection site led to hypotony in another case.There were 10 cases of post-injection displacement of the implant into the anterior chamber and one case with a migrated and trapped device between the intraocular lens and an artificial iris.Displacement typically occurred in patients with preexisting risk factors:eyes with complicated intraocular lens implantation,iris reconstruction or iris defects or pseudophakic eyes after vitrectomy were prone to develop this complication.Displacement led to secondary corneal decompensation with pseudohypopyon.One case developed an endophthalmitis,and we observed four cases of retinal detachment.Two eyes presented with long-lasting hypotony due to ciliary insufficiency.CONCLUSION:Treatment with the dexamethasone implant may cause various expected or unexpected complications that may have serious consequences for the patient and require further surgery.To reduce complications,clinicians should evaluate certain risk factors before scheduling patients for dexamethasone implant treatment and use proper injection techniques.

Effect of Soil Fertilizer Application on Soil Nutrient Migration and Tea Quality of Plateau-Puerh Tea

In order to solve the problem of chemical fertilizer application balance of Pu’er tea in Taiwan, the effects of different fertilization treatments on land nutrient migration and tea quality were explored, and the basis for rational fertilization of tea gardens was provided. In this study, the effects of different fertilization treatments on tea quality indexes were studied by three different sets of fertilization treatments in tea gardens. Three sets of different fertilization treatments were set up in the experiment: conventional fertilization treatment (T1), slow-release fertilizer reduction by 20% (T2) and slow-release fertilizer reduction by 30% (T3), and the quality index of tea under different fertilization treatments, as well as the alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus and total nitrogen and total phosphorus content in surface water of the soil were measured and analyzed. The results showed that: 1) compared with T1, the soil available phosphorus in T3 decreased by 23.5%, and the alkalinelyzed nitrogen increased by 20.5%;2) compared with T1, the total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations of surface water in the T2 and T3 treatments were at a low level compared with T1;compared with T1, T2 decreased by 71.4%, and T3 decreased by 68.6%;3) compared with T1, T3 was able to maintain the quality indicators of amino acids, tea polyphenols and soluble sugars in tea in a high and stable range. Therefore, under the condition of conventional fertilization and reduction, a 30% reduction in slow-release fertilizer is currently more suitable for the fertilization technology of Menghai County Tea Garden.

Effect of γ-PGA Coated Urea on N-Release Rate and Tomato Growth

The anionic polymer γ-polyglutamic acid （γ-PGA） was used to coat urea and slow its dissolution. Three types of slow release urea （SRU） fertilizers （polymer coated urea with pore constriction, polymer coated urea with enzyme inhibitor and polymer coated urea with pore constriction and enzyme inhibitor） were prepared and tested for the N-release rate. After using SRU, the effect on the tomato growth was analyzed. The extracts of SRU were analyzed for NH3/NH4＋-N and NO3--N. The N-release rate was used to determine the optimum ratio of ingredients. The results show that the three types of SRU met the dissolution rate standards recommended by the Com- mittee of European Normalization. γ-PGA SRU increased the chlorophyll content of tomato （flowering stage） by an average of 100% compared with that grew in untreated urea. The results from soil analysis （0-60 cm in tomato pots） indicate that the content of NH3/NH4＋-N in SRU-treated pots was 25%-61% higher than that in soil from urea-treated pots during the growing period, while the content of NO3--N was nearly 50% lower after the tomato had been harvested. Newly formulated SRU fertilizer increases nitrogen up- take and reduces loss of applied nitrogen. Plant growth is enhanced, a valu- able resource is conserved, and the aquatic environment benefits from de- creased level of nitrate in agricultural run-off.