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.

Simulation of the Ecosystem Productivity Responses to Aerosol Diffuse Radiation Fertilization Effects over the Pan-Arctic during 2001–19

The pan-Arctic is confronted with air pollution transported from lower latitudes.Observations have shown that aerosols help increase plant photosynthesis through the diffuse radiation fertilization effects(DRFEs).While such DRFEs have been explored at low to middle latitudes,the aerosol impacts on pan-Arctic ecosystems and the contributions by anthropogenic and natural emission sources remain less quantified.Here,we perform regional simulations at 0.2o×0.2ousing a well-validated vegetation model(Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere,YIBs)in combination with multi-source of observations to quantify the impacts of aerosol DRFEs on the net primary productivity(NPP)in the pan-Arctic during 2001-19.Results show that aerosol DRFEs increase pan-Arctic NPP by 2.19 Pg C(12.8%)yr^(-1)under clear-sky conditions,in which natural and anthropogenic sources contribute to 8.9% and 3.9%,respectively.Under all-sky conditions,such DRFEs are largely dampened by cloud to only 0.26 Pg C(1.24%)yr^(-1),with contributions of 0.65% by natural and 0.59% by anthropogenic species.Natural aerosols cause a positive NPP trend of 0.022% yr^(-1)following the increased fire activities in the pan-Arctic.In contrast,anthropogenic aerosols induce a negative trend of-0.01% yr^(-1)due to reduced emissions from the middle latitudes.Such trends in aerosol DRFEs show a turning point in the year of 2007 with more positive NPP trends by natural aerosols but negative NPP trends by anthropogenic aerosols thereafter.Though affected by modeling uncertainties,this study suggests a likely increasing impact of aerosols on terrestrial ecosystems in the pan-Arctic under global warming.

Phosphorus limitation on CO_(2)fertilization effect in tropical forests informed by a coupled biogeochemical model

Tropical forests store more than half of the world's terrestrial carbon(C)pool and account for one-third of global net primary productivity(NPP).Many terrestrial biosphere models(TBMs)estimate increased productivity in tropical forests throughout the 21st century due to CO_(2)fertilization.However,phosphorus(P)liaitations on vegetation photosynthesis and productivity could significantly reduce the CO_(2)fertilization effect.Here,we used a carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus coupled model(Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model;DLEM-CNP)with heterogeneous maximum carboxylation rates to examine how P limitation has affected C fluxes in tropical forests during1860-2018.Our model results showed that the inclusion of the P processes enhanced model performance in simulating ecosystem productivity.We further compared the simulations from DLEM-CNP,DLEM-CN,and DLEMC and the results showed that the inclusion of P processes reduced the CO_(2)fertilization effect on gross primary production(GPP)by 25%and 45%,and net ecosystem production(NEP)by 28%and 41%,respectively,relative to CN-only and C-on ly models.From the 1860s to the 2010s,the DLEM-CNP estimated that in tropical forests GPP increased by 17%,plant respiration(Ra)increased by 18%,ecosystem respiration(Rh)increased by 13%,NEP increased by 121%per unit area,respectively.Additionally,factorial experiments with DLEM-CNP showed that the enhanced NPP benefiting from the CO_(2) fertilization effect had been offset by 135%due to deforestation from the 1860s to the 2010s.Our study highlights the importance of P limitation on the C cycle and the weakened CO_(2)fertilization effect resulting from P limitation in tropical forests.

Microbial Fertilizer: A Sustainable Strategy for Medicinal Plants Production

Medicinal plants have aroused considerable interest as an alternative to chemical drugs due to the beneficial effects of their active secondary metabolites.However,the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in pursuit of yield has caused serious pollution to the environment,which is not conducive to sustainable devel-opment in thefield of medicinal plants.Microbial fertilizers are a type of“green fertilizer”containing specific microorganisms that can improve the soil microbial structure,enhance plant resistance to biological and abiotic stresses,and increase the yield of medicinal plants.The root exudates of medicinal plants attract different micro-organisms to the rhizosphere,which then migrate further to the plant tissues.These microbes can increase the levels of soil nutrients,and improve the physical and chemical properties of soil through nitrogenfixation,and phosphorus and potassium solubilization.In addition,soil microbes can promote the synthesis of hormones that increase plant growth and the accumulation of active compounds,eventually improving the quality of med-icinal plants.In 2022,the total value of the global microbial fertilizer market was$4.6 billion and is estimated to reach$10.36 billion by 2030.In this review,we have summarized the types of microbial fertilizers,the coloniza-tion and migration of microorganisms to plant tissues,and the beneficial effects of microbial fertilizers.In addi-tion,the prospects of developing microbial fertilizers and their application for medicinal plants have also been discussed.It aims to provide a reference for the rational application of microbial fertilizers in thefield of med-icinal plants and the green and sustainable development of medicinal plant resources.

Effect of Soil Fertility and Planting Density on the Partitioning of the Above-Ground Biomass of Eucalyptus in a Plantation (Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo)

Afforestation and reforestation are useful approaches to improve carbon sequestration. With the advent of forest plantations, growing environment conditions have become increasingly restrictive for light, soil nutrients, and interactions between trees to acquire available resources. Tree biomass data are essential for understanding the forest carbon cycle and plant adaptations to the environment. The distribution of tree biomass depends on the sum of multiple stand conditions. The data are from a dedicated experiment with two very contrasting areas of fertility, and two planting densities, including a high density at planting in order to achieve thinning. The plant material consists of the high-performance clones of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis and the reference clone E. PF1. We hypothesize that the distribution of biomass changes as the intensity of competition changes and that this is accelerated by the fertility of the sites in time. The results indicate that fertilization, planting density and clones have an impact on biomass partitioning.

Analysis on Demonstration Application of Silicon Fertilizer in Field Cultivation of Rice

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the scientific application of silicon fertilizer in rice cultivation,one of the staple crops.[Methods]In 2022,Yandu District carried out a special experiment and field demonstration study on the effects of foliar application of Zhengda water-soluble silicon fertilizer on rice production.[Results]The preliminary results showed that①Zhengda water-soluble silicon fertilizer could effectively improve the growth and development of rice and improve the population quality.The peak number of tillers,productive tiller percentage,number of effective panicles and number of effective grains per panicle increased by 6.7%,5.8%,5.5%,and 1.2%,respectively.②The yield and processing quality were improved.After applying silicon fertilizer,the yield per unit area increased by about 6.8%,and the unpolished rice yield,milled rice yield and head rice yield increased by 0.7%,1.94%and 2.15%respectively.[Conclusions]The demonstration application of silicon fertilizer in field cultivation of rice in Yandu District further proves previous research conclusions and has important practical significance.

Geospatial Analysis of Urban Heat Island Effects and Tree Equity

In recent decades, Urban Heat Island Effects have become more pronounced and more widely examined. Despite great technological advances, our current societies still experience great spatial disparity in urban forest access. Urban Heat Island Effects are measurable phenomenon that are being experienced by the world’s most urbanized areas, including increased summer high temperatures and lower evapotranspiration from having impervious surfaces instead of vegetation and trees. Tree canopy cover is our natural mitigation tool that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis, protects humans from incoming radiation, and releases cooling moisture into the air. Unfortunately, urban areas typically have low levels of vegetation. Vulnerable urban communities are lower-income areas of inner cities with less access to heat protection like air conditioners. This study uses mean evapotranspiration levels to assess the variability of urban heat island effects across the state of Tennessee. Results show that increased developed land surface cover in Tennessee creates measurable changes in atmospheric evapotranspiration. As a result, the mean evapotranspiration levels in areas with less tree vegetation are significantly lower than the surrounding forested areas. Central areas of urban cities in Tennessee had lower mean evapotranspiration recordings than surrounding areas with less development. This work demonstrates the need for increased tree canopy coverage.

Impacts and Demonstration Effects of Applying Long-acting Slow-release Fertilizer on Economic Yield of Peanut

[Objectives]To study the impacts and demonstration effects of long-acting slow-release fertilizer application on economic yield of peanut.[Methods]The 25,30,35,40,45,50 kg of long-acting slow-release fertilizers were applied to 667 m 2 of peanuts,and different amounts of urea were applied together.[Results]Applying 40 kg of long-acting slow-release fertilizer and 10.45 kg of urea had the best effect.Compared with the application of ordinary compound fertilizers,the plants did not age prematurely,the leaf diseases were mild,the stems and leaves remained dark green when harvested,and the stems and leaves had a longer functional period.Bearing shoots increased by 1.7,single-plant full pods increased by 2.4,double-seed peanuts increased by 3.2,empty pods decreased by 0.5,and single-seed peanuts decreased by 0.7.The experimental demonstration results show that the spring-sowed peanuts had an average yield increase of 29.0-67.2 kg/667 m 2,and the yield increase rate was 7.35%-16.89%,and the difference was extremely significant.[Conclusions]In the high-yield cultivation of peanuts,the application of long-acting slow-release fertilizer can be promoted to improve peanut production.

Impact of Fertilizer Types on Photosynthetic and Biological Effects of Direct-seeded Brassica napus at Flowering Stage

[Objective] The aim was to investigate the effects of fertilizer type on di- rect-seeded rapeseed and to explore effective fertilizing. [Method] Four treatments including different types of fertilizers were set in the test. Growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters at flowering stage such as plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry matter, net photosynthesis, light energy conversion effi- ciency （Fv/Fm） and SPAD value, were investigated. The effects of fertilizer treat-ments on the yield of rapeseed were evaluated as well. [Result] Both multi-functional fertilizer and controlled release fertilizer could improve plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry matter, SPAD value, net photosynthesis, non-photochemical quenching （NPQ）, etc., which helped increase yield and stress resistance. [Conclusion] Both multi-functional fertilizer and controlled release fertilizer could improve yield significantly while multi-functional fertilizer （MFF） was better than controlled release fertilizer （CRF）.

Effects of Slow Release Fertilizer on the Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Carnation and Its Environmental Protection Effect

[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of slow release fertilizer on the yield,economic benefit and nutrient use efficiency of carnation and environmental pollution.[Method] Taking carnation（Dianthus caryophyllus）as research object,the application effect and environmental protection effect of slow release fertilizer on carnation were discussed through field plot test.[Result] The main agronomic characters of carnation improved after the application of slow release fertilizer;compared with Conv-F treatment,the yield of carnation with slow release fertilizer increased by 18.67%-20.83%,and its economic benefit increased by 105 500 yuan/hm2,while the ratio of output to input improved by 74.29%;under the same NPK ratio and nutrient amount,the yield,economic benefit and ratio of output to input of carnation after the application of slow release fertilizer increased by 2.11%,14 800 yuan and 16.2%,respectively;besides,the application of slow release fertilizer improved the nutrient use efficiency of carnation,and N,P and K nutrient use efficiency in Opt-F-0.7% treatment increased by 13.88%,8.57% and 30.14% compared with Conv-F treatment.[Conclusion] Slow release fertilizer could not only reduce the waste of fertilizer resources and improve fertilizer use efficiency but also decrease the pollution caused by nutrient loss,which had important practical significance for protecting ecological environment and promoting the sustainable development of agriculture.

Characters of Bio-organic Fertilizer and Trails on Its Effect When Applied to Peach

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of bio-organic fertilizer and its effect when applied to peach.[Method] Through launching demonstration trial on the application of bio-organic fertilizer in the major fruit producing areas in Liaoning Province,the effects of bio-organic fertilizer on peach growth and soil were investigated.[Results] After application of bio-organic fertilizer,both the peach yield and fruit quality were improved to some extent,of which yields was increased by 16.4％ compared with the control,and vitamin C and total sugar contents were also significantly increased; application of bio-organic fertilizer also improved the contents of total nitrogen,rapidly available phosphorus,available potassium and organic matter in soil,and reduced the soil volume weight.[Conclusion] Bioorganic fertilizer can significantly improve fruit yield and quality,as well as improving orchard soil and protecting the environment,thus possessing a bright application prospect in the production of green fruits.

Preliminary Report on Application Effects of Slow-release Formula Fertilizer in Tea Plants

In order to accelerate the construction of green production mode for tea in Hubei Province, improve the yield of tea and use efficiency of fertilizers, and improve the quality of tea, application effects of special slow-release formula fertilizer in tea plants were investigated in Wuhan. The results showed that compared with conventional fertilization, application of tea plant-specific slow-release formula fertilizer improved the yield of tea by more than 30%. The amino acid content in tea was increased by 21.05% and 30.82%, respectively, and the income was increased 27 696 （33.88%） and 27 624 （33.79%） yuan/hm2, respectively.

Effects of Several Organic Fertilizers on Organic Peach

The research explored the effects of compound management model on soil fertility and peach tree production, involving free-range chicken and returning chicken manure to fields. The results showed that the effects of chicken manure on soil fertility were poorer compared with organic fertilizers, but the former would bet-ter promote peach tree growth and improve yields. On the other hand, the peach fruits applied with chicken manures were smal in size and poor in commercial val-ue. What’s worse, disease rate reached 31.2% and the fruits could not be stored for a long term. Therefore, the compound management model combining agriculture and animal husbandry should intensify epidemic prevention to take place of organic fertilizers.

Spatial and temporal analysis of urban heat island effect over Tiruchirappalli city using geospatial techniques

Alterations made to the natural ground surface and the anthropogenic activity elevate the surface and air temperature in the urban areas compared with the surrounding rural areas,known as urban heat island effect.Thermal remote sensors measure the radiation emitted by ground objects,which can be used to estimate the land surface temperature and are beneficial for studying urban heat island effects.The present study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in the effects of urban heat island over Tiruchirappalli city in India during the summer and winter seasons.The study also identifies hot spots and cold spots within the study area.In this study,a significant land surface temperature difference was observed between the urban and rural areas,predominantly at night,indicating the presence of urban heat island at night.These diurnal land surface temperature fluctuations are also detected seasonally,with a relatively higher temperature intensity during the summer.The trend line analysis shows that the mean land surface temperature of the study area is increasing at a rate of 0.166 K/decade with p less than 0.01.By using the spatial autocorrelation method with the urban heat island index as the key parameter,hot spots with a 99 percent confidence level and a 95 percent confidence level were found within the urban area.A hot spot with 95 and 90 percent confidence level was identified outside the urban area.This spike in temperature for a particular region in the rural area is due to industry and the associated built-up area.The study also identified cold spots with a 90 percent confidence level within the rural area.However,cold spots with a 95 and 99 percent confidence level were not identified within the study area.

Impact of the Urban Heat Island Effect on Ozone Pollution in Chengdu City,China

With the advancement of urbanization,the urban heat island effect and ozone pollution have become hot issues in urban research.The urban heat island effect can impact ozone conversion,but its mechanism of action is unclear.In this study,the effects of the urban heat island effect on ozone concentration in Chengdu City,China,were investigated by comparing the ozone concentration under different heat island levels with ozone data from March 2020 to February 2021 and the temperature and wind field data of ERA5-Land during the same period.The results showed that:1)regarding the distribution characteristics,the ozone concentration in Chengdu presented a‘high in summer and low in winter’distribution.The ozone concentration in summer(189.54µg/m^(3))was nearly twice that in winter(91.99µg/m^(3)),and the ozone diurnal variation presented a‘single peak and single valley’distribution,with a peak at 16:00.2)For the characteristics of the heat island effect,the heat island intensity in Chengdu was obviously higher in spring than in other seasons,and the diurnal variation showed a‘single peak and single valley’distribution,with the peak and trough values appearing at 9:00 and 17:00,respectively.Spatially,the eastern part of Chengdu was a heat island,while the western and northwestern parts were mostly cold island.3)The correlation analysis between heat island intensity and ozone concentration showed a significant positive correlation but with a 7–8 h time lag.Ambient air temperature was not the main factor affecting ozone concentration.The heat island effect impacts the ozone concentration in two ways:changing the local heat budget to promote ozone generation and forming local urban wind,which promotes ozone diffusion or accumulation and forms different areas of low and high ozone values.

Coupling Effect of Water and Fertilizer on Soybean Yield and Nutrient Absorption

Soybean cultivar Bei 92-28 was tested in this experiment in 2000 to study the coupling effect of water and ferilizer on soybean yield.The results showed that the effect of irrigation varied among the levels of fertilizer application,and vice versa;pods per plant,seeds per pod.and 100-seed weight had positive correlations with soybean yield,but the degrees of correlations of different treatments were various;LAI and dry matter accumulation could be significantly increased when watered and applied fertilizer with different levels,but high fertilizer application treatment didn't obtain the highest yield;watering could increase the absolute absorption amount of N,P,K in seeds,but the accumulation rates were various.

Effects of Different Analog Water-soluble Fertilizers on Flue-cured Tobacco

This study aimed to investigate the application effect of analog water-soluble fertilizer as an alternative of flue-cured tobacco-specific topdressing fertilizer. A field experiment was conducted, and the dry matter accumulation, intrinsic chemical composition, smoking quality and economic benefit of flue-cured tobacco were compared between analog water-soluble fertilizer and conventional fertilizer, The results showed compared with conventional fertilizer, analog water-soluble fertilizer increased the dry matter accumulation in flue-cured tobacco by 4.90%-16.70%, increased the yield of flue-cured tobacco by 6%-15%, and increased the output of flue-cured tobacco by 5%-14%. In terms of chemical composition, the flue-cured tobacco applied with analog water-soluble fertilizer was better than that applied with conventional fertilizer, except the nicotine content in the upper leaves, the potassium content in the middle leaves and the reducing sugar content. The smoking quality of both the upper and middle leaves of flue-cured tobacco in the analog water-soluble fertilizer treatment groups was better than that in the conventional fertilizer treatment group. In short, analog water-soluble fertilizer was better than conventional fertilizer, with advantages of lower cost （reduced by 381.60 yuan/hm2）, lower application amount （reduced by 165 kg/hm2） and higher utilization efficiency.

Effects of Streptomyces <i>Biofertilizer</i>to Soil Fertility and Rhizosphere’s Functional Biodiversity of Agricultural Plants

In the present study, a biofertilizer on the basis of Streptomyces fumanus gn-2 was used for the treatment of wheat and soybean seeds (dose 104 spore/ml) before planting them in soil with low fertility in order to determine the effect of this biological agent on germination rate;the growth of seedlings, shoots, and the maturation phase of plants;the rhizosphere’s functional biodiversity;and the resistance of these plants to pathogens. Seeds were soaked in the suspension for a period of two or three hours. During the growing season of the crop, no additional fertilizing and spraying of a biopesticide against diseases or pests occurred. Despite the soil having low fertility, low quantities of organic matter, and not having been before used for the cultivation of agricultural plants, this biofertilizer showed a strong stimulatory effect on the growth of seeds and seedlings of wheat and soybeans. The average germination and seed vigor increased by 1.5 - 2.0 times, and the phenophases were accelerated to three to five days. In all phases of vegetation, the ammonifying bacteria in the presence of an antagonist (a biological agent) developed rapidly and were constantly present in significant numbers in the rhizosphere. Streptomyces fumanus introduced into non-sterile soil entered into competition with the local soil microflora and had the ability to colonize the rhizosphere system of plants. The use of a formulation of Streptomyces gn-2 has improved the composition of rhizosphere microflora, attracting saprophytic microorganisms: ammonificators and oligotrophs. The presence of the biocontrol microorganism Streptomyces fumanus in the rhizosphere plays an important role in enhancing the growth and development of useful groups, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Influence of Different Fertilization Levels on Maize Yield and Fertilizer Effect Based on the "3414" Experimental Design Scheme

In order to provide scientific basis for rational fertilization of maize under different soil quality and fertility,the effect of combined application of NPK on yield and fertilizer effect of different maize varieties was studied by using "3414" experimental design scheme in this paper. The results showed that there were significant differences in ear length,ear diameter,barren ear tip length,kernel number per spike,kernel weight and yield among different fertilization treatments. Fertilization can improve the agronomic characters of maize and increase the yield.The yield increase of maize in two experimental plots( MHQ and HZY) was 11. 0%-64. 3% and 0. 2%-61. 9%,respectively. There was obvious interaction effect among nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium fertilizers,the yield of maize was the highest at the level of medium nitrogen,medium phosphorus and medium potassium fertilization,and the fertilizer effect was in the order of N > P_2O_5> K_2O. The results of curve fitting showed that the recommended application rates of N,P2_O_5 and K_2O in MHQ plot were 373. 7,74. 8 and 79. 9 kg/ha,respectively; the recommended application rates of N,P_2O_5 and K_2O in HZY plot were 419. 7,75 and 75 kg/ha,respectively.