Integrated Use of Organic and Bio-fertilizers to Improve Yield and Fruit Quality of Olives Grown in Low Fertility Sandy Soil in an Arid Environment

Olive productivity should be improved through stimulating nutrition,particularly under poor fertility soils.Consequently,the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of applying organic and bio-fertilizers on the physiological growth,yield and fruit quality of olive trees under newly reclaimed poor-fertility sandy soil in an arid environment.During a field experiment carried out at El-Qantara,North Sinai,Egypt over two consecutive seasons(2019-2020 and 2020-2021),olive Kalamata trees were evaluated under three organic fertilizer treatments alone or in combination with three bio-fertilizers treatments.Organic fertilizer was applied as goat manure(16.8 kg/tree/year),or olive pomace(8.5 kg/tree/year)in mid-December of each season vs.untreated trees.The bio-fertilizers were applied as N-fixing bacteria(150 g/tree)was inculated in early March of each season,or amino acid mixture(1.5%)was applied three times,at 70%of full bloom,21 days after full bloom,and a month later in comparison to a non-fertilized trees(control).The cultivar used was Kalamata,a dual-purpose cultivar for oil and table olives whose value increases when processed as table olives.The results indicated that the goat manure followed by olive pomace significantly enhanced photosynthetic pigments(chlorophyll a,b,and carotenoids),leaf mineral contents(N,P,K,Ca,Mg and Fe),tree canopy volume,number of flowers per inflorescence,number of inflorescences per shoot,initial fruit set,fruit retention.For fruit quality,fruit length and width,fruit weight,and total fruit yield was increased compared to the non-fertilized control.Likewise,The bio-fertilizer N-fixing bacteria followed by the amino acid mixture significantly improved all of the aforementioned parameters.Accordingly,it is recommended,both environmentally and economically to utilize organic and bio-fertizers,particularly goat manure combined with N-fixing bacteria,in low-fertility soil to sustain olive production as well as reducing mineral fertilization.

Borderline Products between Bio-fertilizers/ Bio-effectors and Plant Protectants： The Role of Microbial Consortia

In the delicate normative balance, at European Union （EU） level of the borderline products （i.e., between plant protectants and bio-fertilizers/bio-effectors） containing microbial consortia （MC） instead of single microbial strains, the most relevant factors influencing the categorization of the products are the intention of use, the cell density and the mode of action. For the latter, the basic difference between the two types of products is that a plant protectant has a targeted activity on plant pathogens, while a bio-fertilizer acts indirectly by nourishing and fortifying the host plant （healthier plant）, thus inducing a generalized resistance to the onset of pathological status, irrespective of its origin and nature. Case-studies are presented on the effectiveness of MC as bio-fertilizers/bio-effectors on different crops. Bio-fertilizers exhibit a double effect--biotic and abiotic, leading to the fortification of the crop plant linked to its more effective water and nutrient uptakes as well asto a generalized healthier status. This in turn leads to a higher resistance to diseases. In addition, bio-fertilizers play a relevant role on the reduction of environmental impacts due to chemical fertilizers, e.g., by facilitating the uptake of phosphorus （P）, thus reducing the need of P fertilization. Although finding a scientifically-based balance between regulatory need and marketing constraint is not always an easy task, the availability of scientific advancements combined to common sense should help in describing positive effects and risk profiles of MC in agriculture.

Bio-Fertilizer Improved Oil Palm Seedling Growth

In most farming systems newly introduced commercial fertilizers to be accepted, adopted and used by farmers, their effectiveness and appropriate application rates must be exhibited. This study was conducted to validate the effect and rates of a bio-fertilizer (super agric) on oil palm seedling growth. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three application rates of 0, 4 and 8 ml/L of water (treatments) replicated thrice. Following the application of super agric to oil palm seedlings for a period of six months, observations drawn from the analysis of growth data were as follows: Three months after treatment, super agric significantly (P < 0.05) increased the height and breadth of oil palm seedling compared to those which were not applied with super agric. The results also showed that when super agric was applied at a rate of 4 ml/L, the leaf length and breadth were higher compared to the control were super agric was not used. Furthermore, applications of super agric improved oil palm seedling nitrogen uptake by 31% in treatment groups as compared to the control which explained the height and breadth increase in the oil palm seedlings that were applied with super agric. On the other hand, the effect of super agric application on phosphorus uptake by seedlings was not significant. Although the height, breadth, leaf width and length were all significantly affected by super agric application, the number of oil palm leaves and spears were not affected for the period the experiment was conducted. Six months after application of super agric the growth of oil palm seedlings was favorably impacted, hence we recommend super agric to be promoted among oil palm seedling growers.

Efficiency of Bio-Fertilizing as One of the Natural Alternatives to Improve the Growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni Trees and for Sustainability

A field experiment was carried out at Ismailia Research Station, Ismailia Governorate from 2020-2022 to improve the growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni by using a combination of mineral fertilizer (NPK) and biological fertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megatherium, and Bacillus circulant) as recommended dose under new sandy soils conditions. Split plot designed with four treatments (Control, (50% Mineral fertilizer (M.) + 50% Biological fertilizer (Bio.)), 100% M. and 100% Bio.) of each species. Vegetative growth, leaf area, tree biomass, stored carbon, basal area, tree volume, and in the soil both of microbial account and mineral content were determined. The experimental results showed no significant differences between studied species among the most studied parameters except for Khaya senegalensis which gave the highest significant difference in root biomass and below-stored carbon than Swietenia mahagoni. Evidently, the highest significant growth parameters were 100% mineral fertilizer followed by (50% M. + 50% Bio.) as compared with control. No significant difference between 100% M. and (50% M. + 50% Bio.) of shoot dry biomass (15.19 and 12.02 kg, respectively) and above-stored carbon (0.28 and 0.22 Mt, respectively). Microbial account and mineral content in soil were improved after cultivation of tree species compared to before planting and control, especially with 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer treatment. In conclusion, a treatment containing 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer has led to the ideal Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni growth in sandy soil for cheaper and sustainable.

Effects of bamboo charcoal-based bio-fertilizer on wine bamboo sap yield and nutrient composition

To explore fertilization methods for wine bamboo cultivation in southwestern semi-arid areas of China, this study analyzed annual changes in sap yield and nutrient composition from May 2013 to March 2015 by using bamboo charcoal-based bio-fertilizer （ZT） and organic fertilizer treatments （CK）. The study also provided basic data for functional beverage preparation and for application of ZT. The results of the two experimental cycles revealed that under the ZT treatment, sap was available for collection from May, the beginning of the rainy season, to November, the beginning of the dry season. The period of abundance was July to October with the highest yield of sap of 3.18 L stalk-1 in September, 2014, still lower than the moso bamboo sap, which was likely due to the scale of sap production of monopodial bamboos being different from that of sympodial bamboos. In January, trace amounts of sap were still detected, suggesting that the effect of the treatment was significant. Moreover,in the dry season, soil water content and soil temperatures at 10-15 cm depths indicated that the fertilizer had the ability to maintain soil temperatures and moisture. In both fertilizer treatments, the correlation between the collected sap and environmental parameters was significant. In the ZT treatment for the entire 2 years, the effectual environ- mental factors were soil water at 10-15 cm, air tempera- tures, and wind speeds. The same determining factors were observed for the rainy season. In the CK treatments, the effectual environmental factors for the entire year and the rainy season were soil water at 0-5 cm and air moisture. The bamboo charcoal-based bio-fertilizer elevated the potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and total phosphorus content, simultaneously increasing the sap yield, protein and reducing sugar contents, and with a relative increase in sap pH. The wine bamboo sap con- tained 18 amino acids. Glutamic acid, alanine and proline were the most abundant. Compared to the controls, the treatment showed higher levels of all amino acids. Thus, the ZT treatment could be more beneficial to the development of root systems because the function of heat preservation and moisture retention prolong the sap collection period, increase sap yields, and elevate mineral element, conventional nutrients, and amino acid contents with evident fertilization effects and broader application prospects.

Improved drought tolerance in Festuca ovina L.using plant growth promoting bacteria

Numerous ecological factors influence a plant’s ability to live and grow,in which dryness is a substantial constraint on plant growth in arid and semi-arid areas.In response to a specific environmental stress,plants can use the most effective bacteria to support and facilitate their growth and development.Today,plant growth promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)is widely used to reduce drought stress on plant growth.In this study,the effects of drought on Festuca ovina L.germination,growth,and nutrient absorption were investigated using PGPR in a factorial test with a completely random design under four water regimes.Soil water content was kept at 100%FC(field capacity),70%FC(FC),50%FC,and 30%FC.The treatments were inoculated with Azotobacter vinelandii,Pantoea agglomerans+Pseudomonas putida,and a mixture of bio-fertilizers.Results showed that the effects of drought stress were significantly reduced(P<0.05)when A.vinelandii and P.agglomerans+P.putida were used separately,however,the combined treatment of bio-fertilizers had a greater influence on seed germination than the single application.P.agglomerans+P.putida under 30%FC condition resulted in higher increases in stem,root length,and plant dry biomass.The highest uptake of nutrients was observed for the combined treatment of bio-fertilizers under 30%FC condition.Therefore,the use of A.vinelandii and P.agglomerans+P.putida,applied separately or combined,increased tolerance to drought stress in F.ovina by increased germination indices,dry weight,stem length,and root length.Because of the beneficial effects of PGPR on the growth characteristics of plants under drought conditions and the reduction of negative effects of drought stress,inoculating F.ovina seeds with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas is recommended to improve their growth and development characteristics under drought conditions.PGPR,as an affordable and environmentally friendly method,can improve the production of forage in water-stress rangelands.

Effect of Diazotrophs and Chemical Fertilizers on Production and Economics of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>, L.) Cultivars

The effect of diazotrophs and chemical fertilizers on yield attributing characters and economics of okra cultivation was evaluated. Application of highest dose of NPK @100% in combination with vermicompost (5 t ha-1) and biofertilizers with FYM increased the fruit yield of okra (cultivar Mahyco-10) considerably with yield varying between 80.00 q ha-1 to 227.13 q ha-1 and 80.49 q ha-1 to 229.62 q ha-1 during 2010 and 2011 respectively. In okra cv. Utkal Gaurav the fruit yield varied from 47.68 q ha-1 to 129.84 q ha-1 in 2010 and 47.27 q ha-1 to 131.35 q ha-1 in 2011. As regards the net return, highest net profit of Rs 87,630 and Rs. 89,370 ha-1 from the okra was realized over an investment of Rs. 71,360 ha-1 during both the years with a benefit cost ratio of 2.23 and 2.25 when 100% NPK integrated with vermicompost @5t ha-1 and biofertilizers with FYM applied in okra cv.Mahyco-10. The highest net return of Rs. 14,350 in 2010 and Rs. 15,260 in 2011 with an investment of Rs. 63,550 each year was found in cultivar Utkal Gaurav under highest level of nutrient application.

Ecological Safe Growing of Chickpea in the Area of Steppe of Ukraine

This work is devoted to developing of the ecologically safe technology of chickpea cultivation by using microbial biopreparations, based on the effective heterotrophic （nodulating, growth-promoting and phosphate mobilizing bacteria, and microorganisms-antagonists of the phytopathogenes） and phototrophic microorganisms （cyanobacteria）. These preparations were used for pre-sowing treatment of seeds and for treatment of the plants in the vegetation period for optimization of symbiotic nitrogen fixation and growing of ecologically safe production （without application of mineral fertilizers） in the steppe non-irrigated areas of Ukraine.

Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria from Seagrass Rhizosphere Soil

Phosphate-solubilizing bacterial strains(6 Nos.) were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of two seagrasses(Halophila ovalis(R.Br.) Hook and Halodule pinifolia(Miki) Hartog) in the Vellar estuary.Experimental studies found that the strain PSSG6 was effective in phosphate solubilization with Phosphate Solubilization efficiency index E = 375 ± 8.54,followed by the strain PSSG5 with Phosphate Solubilization efficiency index E = 275 ± 27.3.Of the 6 strains isolated,the strains PSSG4 and PSSG5 be-longed to the genus Bacillus,and PSSG1,PSSG2 and PSSG3 were identified as Citrobacter sp.,Shigella sp.,and Klebsiella sp.,respectively,by conventional method,and PSSG6 was identified as Bacillus circulans using conventional and molecular methods.

Mineral phosphate solubilization activity of gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus under P-limitation and plant root environment

The ability to solubilize insoluble inorganic pho- sphate compounds by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus was studied using different cul-ture approaches. Qualitative plate assays using tricalcium phosphate as the sole P-source showed that G. diazotrophicus produced solu-bilization only when aldoses were used as the C-source. Extracellular aldose oxidation via a pyrroloquinoline quinone-linked glucose dehy-drogenase (PQQ-GDH) is the main pathway for glucose metabolism in G. diazotrophicus. In batch cultures with 5 g l-1 of hydroxyapatite as the P-source and glucose as the C-source, more than 98% of insoluble P was solubilized. No solubilization was observed neither using glyc-erol nor culturing a PQQ-GDH mutant of G. di-azotrophicus. Solubilizaton was not affected by adding 100 mmol l-1 of MES buffer. Continuous cultures of G. diazotrophicus showed significant activities of PQQ-GDH either under C or P limi-tation. An intense acidification in the root envi-ronment of tomato and wheat seedlings inocu-lated with a G. diazotrophicus PAL5 was ob-served. Seedlings inoculated with a PQQ-GDH mutant strain of G. diazotrophicus showed no acidification. Our results suggest that G. di-azotrophicus is an excellent candidate to be used as biofertilizer because in addition to the already described plant growth-promoting abili-ties of this organism, it shows a significant mineral phosphate solubilization capacity.

A Sustainable Agriculture Production Model of Pampanga State Agricultural University in Central Luzon, Philippines

Alternative Low-Input Agriculture Systems （ALIAS） center advocates organic and sustainable food production system through farm/field demonstration and piloting. The center undertakes activities, including research and development, extension and training, technology dissemination, linkaging and promotional activities. The study established a campus-based demonstration technology showcasing ALIAS to facilitate easy technology diffusion. The objectives of this research were to promote： （1） bio-fertilizers and plant-based pesticides in managing insect pests and diseases of organic vegetables and fruit crops; （2） lotus-tilapia integration as a new modality of farming system in frequently flooded areas; （3） honeybee as pollinators to enhance productivity of organic vegetable and fruit crops; （4） Adlai as intercrop to organic vegetable and fruit crops in support to rice sufficiency; （5） native chicken-coffee integration. The results show that： （1） microbial inoculants and plant-based pesticides are effective in controlling diseases and insect pest, respectively; （2） lotus integration in tilapia production system have no negative effect on the tilapia yield; （3） honeybees as pollinators enhances fruit setting by 42%-68% in different crops; （4） Adlai is a viable intercrop for organic vegetable and fruit crops; （5） native chicken integration was found to be beneficial in terms of soil fertility, insect pest control, natural weeding practices and cultivation in the coffee plantation.

Bio-Compost as a Soil Supplement to Improve Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Tomato is one of the most important fruit crops in the world which is consumed in a variety of ways. The high cost of chemical fertilizers has led to some farmers turning to alternative methods of production, such as the use of bio-fertilizers. Most organic waste may be changed into fertilizer at a low cost of production. The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) the effect of the application of bio-compost on growth, yield, and quality of tomato;2) to determine the effects of different bio-compost applications on growth, yield and quality of tomato. The field was marked out into eight blocks. It consisted of four treatments with two replications per treatment. The bio-fertilizer was applied to plots and incorporated into the soil. This study showed that the application of bio-fertilizers made from food waste only, cow dung only, and food waste and cow dung improved plant growth, number of leaves, plant height and fruit yield. However, the differences were not statistically significant except for the number of leaves. The study also revealed that the application of bio-fertilizer lowered the number of days to flowering, fruiting, and ripening by 50% as compared to the control group. Promoting the adoption and use of bio-compost made from different waste stream hold the promise to increase tomato production.

Potential of organic waste to energy and bio-fertilizer production in Sub-Saharan Africa:a review

Many growing cities of Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA)are marred by the inefficient collection,management,disposal and reuse of organic waste.The purpose of this study was to review and compare the energy recovery potential as well as bio-fertilizer perspective,from the organic waste volumes generated in SSA countries.Based on computations made with a literature review,we find that the amount of organic wastes varies across countries translating to differences in the energy and bio-fertilizer production potentials across countries.Organic wastes generated in SSA can potentially generate about 133 million GWh of energy per year.The organic waste to bio-fertilizer production potentials range from 11.08 million tons to 306.26 million tons annually.Ghana has the highest energy and bio-fertilizer potential among the SSA countries with a total per capita of 630 MWh/year and 306.26 million tons,respectively.The challenges and technical considerations for energy and bio-fertilizer approaches in the management of organic waste in SSA have also been discussed.This study is of help to the readers and strategic decision makers in understanding the contribution of bioenergy and bio-fertilizer to achieving sustainable development goals,namely,7(Affordable and Clean Energy)and 13(Climate Action)in SSA.

Divergent consequences of bio-resources on morphological plasticity and biochemical responses in early-stage leguminous species:Sustainable productivity approaches

Inorganic resources can be detrimental to the environment when exploited.In comparison,organic resources help balance the soil’s carbon and nitrogen(C/N)ratio,enhance soil fertility and benefit ecological protection.Current climate crises,rapid urbanization,and fast population growth are causing many natural forests to be converted to agricultural and industrial lands to fulfill ever-increasing food and developmental requirements.Application of different bio-resources becomes necessary for sustainable productivity of available lands.This study explores the effects of various organic amendments on the growth,morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of three leguminous tree species:Dalbergia sissoo,Vachellia nilotica,and Acacia ampliceps,concerning sustainable productivity.One-year-old healthy,disease-free,and homogenous seedlings were used as study material in a greenhouse pot experiment.Four organic amendments,i.e.,compost(CMP),cow dung(CD),poultry manure(PM),and biochar(BC),along with a control(CK)treatment,were applied.Results showed that all the organic amendments performed significantly better(P<0.05)than CK.CD produced the most significant results,followed by BC application,while PM influence was the least.Among all treatments and species,the maximum values of root length,root biomass,chlorophyll content,carotenoids,catalase,and total phenolic content were recorded under the CD treatment.Whereas for plant height and collar diameter,no big differences were observed between CD and BC(P=0.054).While comparing species,V.nilotica growth was significantly enhanced under organic amendments,followed by A.ampliceps.Combined and comparative results of studied parameters conclude that CD and BC were the most effective organic amendments,which greatly improved the growth of experimental leguminous tree species;this makes these two biofertilizers a powerful tool for sustainable agricultural productivity.Our study contributes toward an enhanced understanding of plant’s morpho-physiological responses,biochemical growth patterns,controls,and activities under different bio-fertilizers.