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.

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.

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.

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.

Evaluating the Effects of Sustainable Chemical and Organic Fertilizers with Water Saving Practice on Corn Production and Soil Characteristics

The rapidly growing world population,water shortage,and food security are promising problems for sustainable agriculture.Farmers adopt higher irrigation and fertilizer applications to increase crop production resulting in environmental pollution.This study aimed to identify the long-term effects of intelligent water and fertilizers used in corn yield and soil nutrient status.A series of field experiments were conducted for six years with treatments as:farmer accustomed to fertilization used as control(CON),fertilizer decrement(KF),fertilizer decrement+watersaving irrigation(BMP1);combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer+water-saving irrigation(BMP2),and combined application of controlled-release fertilizer(BMP3).A significant improvement was observed in soil organic matter(14.9%),nitrate nitrogen(106.7%),total phosphorus(23.9%),available phosphorus(26.2%),straw yield(44.8%),and grain yield(54.7%)with BMP2 treatment as compared to CON.The study concludes that integrating chemical and organic fertilizers with water-saving irrigation(BMP2)is a good approach to increasing corn productivity,ensuring water safety and improving soil health.The limitations of the current study include the identification of fertilizer type and its optimum dose,irrigation water type,and geographical position.

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.

Drivers of the Chemical Quality of Market Gardening Soils in the Urban and Peri-Urban Environment of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso): Impact of Fertilizers Sources and Sites Location

Urban and peri-urban agriculture plays a key role by providing many goods and services. In particular, it provides diversified food and employment for vulnerable groups (youth and women). However, it often involves negative externalities due to non-conventional soils fertility management practices. This study aimed to investigate the chemical quality of soils over six (06) sites of the market gardening area of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) as affected by fertilizers uses and sites location. Thirty (30) representative market gardening farms, located in urban, semi-urban and rural areas, were randomly selected from a baseline survey database. Within each farm, composite soil samples made up of 3 individual cores were taken over the 0 - 15 cm soil depth for determining soils carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus contents and pH-water. These data were normalized and summarized to compute a synthetic Soil Fertility Index (SFI). The data processing was focused on a Principal Component Analysis and an Ascendant Hierarchical Classification in order to make a typology of the vegetable farms. Fertilizers management effects on soils quality were compared through Variance Analysis (ANOVA) following a GLM procedure in Rstudio software. As main results, soils chemical parameters, except for available K, were affected by the location of the sites. Soils in urban farms are less acidic (on average pH = 6.9), while semi-urban and rural sites (Samadeni, Nakaguana) have more acidic soils. However, the latter site had the highest values of C and N. Moreover, the long-term application of organic matter sources results in improving of the chemical quality of the market garden soil. The SFI is positively correlated with the rate of applied organic fertilizers, and the cultivation duration. On the other hand, soil quality tends to decrease with the expansion of the area, due to a dilution effect of the organic fertilizer doses. All these results suggest that there is a real scope to reinforce the position of the market garden as an opportunity for recycling organic wastes and sequestration of carbon by promoting relevant fertilization packages that strongly rely on organic matters sources (Compost, Biochar, etc.).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Substitution of chemical fertilizer by Chinese milk vetch improves the sustainability of yield and accumulation of soil organic carbon in a double-rice cropping system

The double-rice cropping system is a very important intensive cropping system for food security in China. There have been few studies of the sustainability of yield and accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the double-rice cropping system following a partial substitution of chemical fertilizer by Chinese milk vetch (Mv). We conducted a 10-year (2008–2017) field experiment in Nan County, South-Central China, to examine the double-rice productivity and SOC accumulation in a paddy soil in response to different fertilization levels and Mv application (22.5 Mg ha^–1). Fertilizer and Mv were applied both individually and in combination (sole chemical fertilizers, Mv plus 100, 80, 60, 40, and 0% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers, labeled as F100, MF100, MF80, MF60, MF40, and MF0, respectively). It was found that the grain yields of double-rice crop in treatments receiving Mv were reduced when the dose of chemical fertilizer was reduced, while the change in SOC stock displayed a double peak curve. The MF100 produced the highest double-rice yield and SOC stock, with the value higher by 13.5 and 26.8% than that in the F100. However, the grain yields increased in the MF80 (by 8.4% compared to the F100), while the SOC stock only increased by 8.4%. Analogous to the change of grain yield, the sustainable yield index (SYI) of double rice were improved significantly in the MF100 and MF80 compared to the F100, while there was a slight increase in the MF60 and MF40. After a certain amount of Mv input (22.5 Mg ha^–1), the carbon sequestration rate was affected by the nutrient input due to the stimulation of microbial biomass. Compared with the MF0, the MF100 and MF40 resulted in a dramatically higher carbon sequestration rate (with the value higher by 71.6 and 70.1%), whereas the MF80 induced a lower carbon sequestration rate with the value lower by 70.1% compared to the MF0. Based on the above results we suggested that Mv could partially replace chemical fertilizers (e.g., 40–60%) to improve or maintain the productivity and sustainability of the double-rice cropping system in South-Central China.

Appraisal of Biofertilizers in Rice: To Supplement Inorganic Chemical Fertilizer

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of inoculating rice seedlings with biofertilizers(Azospirillum and Trichoderma) in order to reduce the use of chemical inorganic nitrogen(N)fertilizer on rice variety BU Dhan 1. The plant performances were better when 25% less inorganic N was applied with Trichoderma and combined application of Trichoderma and Azospirillum. Plants contained the highest chlorophyll concentrations when they were treated with 75% N + Trichoderma. Considering the yield attributes, 75% N + Trichoderma and 75% N + Trichoderma + Azospirillum performed similar to the control. The grain yield of rice was similar to the recommended dose even with 25% less N application. Application of Trichoderma resulted higher yield, followed by combined application with Azospirillum. Results revealed the greater scope of applying biofertilizer(Trichoderma) to supplement chemical N fertilizer with optimum yield of rice.

Impacts of chemical fertilizer reduction and organic amendments supplementation on soil nutrient,enzyme activity and heavy metal content

Excessive use of agro-chemicals(such as mineral fertilizers) poses potential risks to soil quality. Application of organic amendments and reduction of inorganic fertilizer are economically feasible and environmentally sound approaches to develop sustainable agriculture. This study investigated and evaluated the effects of mineral fertilizer reduction and partial substitution of organic amendment on soil fertility and heavy metal content in a 10-season continually planted vegetable field during 2009–2012. The experiment included four treatments: 100% chemical fertilizer(CF100), 80% chemical fertilizer(CF80), 60% chemical fertilizer and 20% organic fertilizer(CF60+OM20), and 40% chemical fertilizer and 40% organic fertilizer(CF40+OM40). Soil nutrients, enzyme activity and heavy metal content were determined. The results showed that single chemical fertilizer reduction(CF80) had no significant effect on soil organic matter content, soil catalase activity and soil heavy metal content, but slightly reduced soil available N, P, K, and soil urease activity, and significantly reduced soil acid phosphatase activity. Compared with CF100, 40 or 60% reduction of chemical fertilizer supplemented with organic fertilizer(CF60+OM20, CF40+OM40) significantly increased soil organic matter, soil catalase activity and urease activity especially in last several seasons, but reduced soil available P, K, and soil acid phosphatase activity. In addition, continuous application of organic fertilizer resulted in higher accumulation of Zn, Cd, and Cr in soil in the late stage of experiment, which may induce adverse effects on soil health and food safety.

Effects of Organic Manure Application with Chemical Fertilizers on Nutrient Absorption and Yield of Rice in Hunan of Southern China

To evaluate the effect of organic manure application with chemical fertilizers on rice yield and soil fertility under long-term double-rice cropping system, a six year field experiment was conducted continually in the paddy soil derived from Quaternary red clay in Hunan Province of southern China. Four different treatments, i.e., no nitrogen with chemical P and K (PK), swine manure only (M), N, P and K chemical fertilizers only (NPK), and half chemical fertilizers combined with half swine manure (NPKM) with four replications were included. Each N, P and K application rate was the same at all the treatments (except the N application rate at PK) and N application rate was 150 kg N ha-1. All fertilizers were applied to soil tillage layer with once application as baseal fertilizers. The nutrients uptake rate, grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil organic matter content at each treatment were investigated. The NPKM treatment achieved the highest mean annual yield of 12.2 t ha-1 (68% higher than that of PK). Higher dry matter accumulation and nutrients absorption were observed during the middle-late growth period in the NPKM treatment, with higher panicle number per unit and filled-grain number per panicle. Its average nitrogen use efficiency was 36.3% and soil organic matter increased by 18.5% during the experimental period in the NPKM treatment, which were significantly higher than those in the NPK treatment. Organic manure application with chemical fertilizers increased the yield and nitrogen use efficiency of rice, reduced the risk of environmental pollution and improved soil fertility greatly. It could be a good practical technique that protects the environment and raises the rice yield in this region.

Effect of Combined Application of Organic Fertilizer and Chemical Fertilizer in Different Ratios on Growth,Yield and Quality of Fluecured Tobacco

The effect of different ratio of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco was studied.Using randomized blocks design,the data of the test materials K326 were analyzed by using variance analysis,significance test and other methods.The release efficiency of organic fertilizer in the soil was slower,and the effect of organic fertilizer on the growth of tobacco plants was worse than that of chemical fertilizers,and under 25% organic fertilizer + 75% chemical fertilizer treatment,the quality of the fluecured tobacco was good.Under the treatment of 50% organic fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer,the production of flue-cured tobacco was high and the ratio of first-class tobacco was high.It is suggested that the organic fertilizer application ratio should be 25%-50% in the agricultural production.

Partial organic substitution weakens the negative effect of chemical fertilizer on soil micro-food webs

Soil biotic communities play vital roles in enhancing soil nutrient cycling and soil fertility.Long-term excessive nitrogen(N)application is disadvantageous to the stability of soil food webs and affects arable soil health and sustainable utilization.Proper organic substitution is essential to improve soil health and alleviate the disadvantages of excessive chemical fertilization.However,the biological effects of various organic amendments on soil micro-food webs are poorly understood.In order to explore the effects of various organic amendments including stover,biochar and manure on soil micro-food webs(microbial and nematode communities),a field plot experiment with maize having five treatments viz.,100%urea(100%N),70%urea(70%N),70%urea plus stover(Stover),70%urea plus cattle manure(Manure)and 70%urea plus biochar(Biochar)was conducted.Manure treatment increased the carbon(C)to N use efficiency of soil microbes,which contributed to the retention of soil C,while Biochar treatment elevated soil organic C(SOC)and soil p H.Additionally,Biochar treatment mitigated the negative effects of soil acidification on the soil micro-food web and reduced the abundance of plant parasites.Overall,the biological effect of organic amendments was distinguished from chemical fertilization(100%N and 70%N)through principal co-ordinates analysis.Negative relationships among soil properties,microbial and nematode biomass in the 100%N treatment were diminished in treatments where chemical fertilizer was reduced.The bottom-up effects on soil food webs were observed in organic substitution treatments.In conclusion,organic amendments improved soil fertility by regulating soil microbial and nematode communities in the cropland ecosystem,alleviated the negative effects of chemical fertilizer on the micro-food webs and controlled the trophic cascades among soil biota.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Chemical Fertilizer by Bio-organic Fertilizer Kunyijian on Yield and Quality of Tobacco Leaves

To explore the application effect of bio-organic fertilizer Kunyijian in flue-cured tobacco and provide scientific basis for its application in production,a plot trial was conducted with K326,a flue-cured tobacco variety,in the Science and Technology Test Base of Xundian County,Yunnan.Taking local fertilizer consumption(control 1)and 70%local fertilizer consumption(control 2)as controls,the following replacement groups were designed:under uniformly replacement 70%local fertilizer consumption,(i)organic fertilizer∶microbial agent=80∶1(kg),+600 kg/ha,+900 kg/ha,+1200 kg/ha,+1500 kg/ha Kunyijian;(ii)organic fertilizer∶microbial agent=40∶1(kg),+900 kg/ha Kunyijian.The results show that in the treatment of 70%local fertilizer consumption+1200 kg/ha Kunyijian[organic fertilizer∶microbial agent=80∶1(kg)],the comprehensive performance of flue-cured tobacco was significantly better than that in the control groups,the yield of tobacco leaves reached 2237.1 kg/ha,the output value was 45505.2 yuan/ha,and the average price of the tobacco leaves was 20.53 yuan/kg.The performance of flue-cured tobacco in the treatment of 70%local fertilizer consumption+1500 kg/ha Kunyijian ranked second.The performance of other fertilization treatments was not good,but it did not differ significantly from that of control 1.In terms of chemical composition of tobacco leaves,partial replacement of chemical fertilizer by bio-organic fertilizer Kunyijian,was beneficial to increase the sugar content and reduce the nicotine and total nitrogen contents in tobacco leaves,especially the treatment of 70%local fertilizer consumption+900 kg/ha Kunyijian[organic fertilizer∶microbial agent=80∶1(kg)],and it was also beneficial to increase the chlorine content in tobacco leaves,especially the treatment of 70%local fertilizer consumption+1500 kg/ha Kunyijian[organic fertilizer∶microbial agent=80∶1(kg)].Therefore,it is feasible to use the bio-organic fertilizer Kunyijian to replace 30%of chemical fertilizer in tobacco production.The rate is recommended to be 900-1500 kg/ha[organic fertilizer∶microbial agent=80∶1(kg)].It is suggested to further strengthen the demonstration and promotion of Kunyijian.

Effect of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Application on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Small-Sized Tomatoes

Tomatoes in Japan are generally cultivated under management systems that use chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. However, the continuous use of these fertilizers and pesticides damages the soil environment and reduces the number of soil microorganisms. Organic farming has a relatively low environmental impact compared to conventional farming techniques, but typically has lower and more unstable yields. In this study, we investigated the effect of organic and chemical fertilizer application on growth, yield, and quality of small-sized (cherry) tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes were cultivated using organic and chemical organic fertilizers. Average weight and lateral diameter were significantly higher under organic fertilizer than under chemical fertilizer. In addition, shoot dry weight was significantly higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. Lycopene content was significantly higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. The total carbon (TC), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available phosphoric (SP) and exchangeable potassium (SK) contents, C/N ratio, and pH were significantly higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. Bacterial biomass, nitrite (NO? 2-N) oxidation activity, nitrification (N) circulation activity, and phosphoric (P) circulation were higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. From these results, the study indicates that appropriate controls such as TC, total nitrogen (TN), and C/N ratio of organic fertilizer increased microbial biomass and enhanced nutrient circulation such as N circulation activity and P circulation activity. These results can be used to improve current organic farming practices and promote soil conservation.