Effects of Slow-release Fertilizers and Sugarcane-specific Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Sugarcane

The effects of slow-release fertilizers and sugarcane-specific fertilizers on the growth and quality of sugarcane were studied to provide a theoretical basis for cultivation of sugarcane with lower costs but higher efficiency. Field experiments were carried out in two major sugarcane areas in Guangxi and three fertilization treatments were studied: single application of compound fertilizers( treatment I),compound fertilizers + slow-release fertilizers( treatment II) and sugarcane-specific base fertilizers + sugarcane-specific topdressing( treatment III). Effects of equal fertilization conditions of treatment I,II and III on growth,yield and sugar of sugarcane were studied. The three fertilization treatments had little effects on emergence,tillering,and effective stems of sugarcane,but compared with the treatment of compound fertilizer( treatment I) with a ratio of N,P,and K of 1∶1∶1,treatment II using slow-release fertilizers as topdressing had better growth,higher plant height and stem diameter,so the yield was higher. Treatment III designed sugarcane-specific fertilizers with proper ratio according to fertilizer demands of sugarcane. Besides,the treatment III sugarcane-specific base fertilizers,containing certain amount of organic matters,could promote the sugar accumulation of sugarcane. Therefore,the sugarcane yield of treatment III was higher than that of treatment II. In conclusion,slow-release fertilizers and sugarcane-specific fertilizers can significantly increase sugarcane yield,especially sugarcane-specific fertilizers. Sugarcane-specific fertilizers have reasonable ratio and contain certain amount of organic matters,and can increase sugar content,obtain significant economic benefits,so it is worth popularization in large areas.

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.

Effects of Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield and Nitrogen Accumulation of Summer Maize in Shajiang Black Soil Area

[Objectives] This study was conducted to verify the field application effect of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on summer maize in Shajiang black soil area by simultaneous sowing and fertilization, and explore the application scope and nitrogen metabolism mechanism, so as to lay a foundation for fertilizer reduction and efficiency improvement. [Methods] With maize variety Beiqing 340 and sulfur-coated urea as experimental materials, five nitrogen application levels were set, namely, control (C0), slow-release nitrogen 70 kg/hm^(2) (C70), slow-release nitrogen 140 kg/hm^(2) (C140), slow-release nitrogen 210 kg/hm^(2) (C210) and slow-release nitrogen 280 kg/hm^(2) (C280). The phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were all in accordance with the unified standard. [Results] With the application rate of slow-release nitrogen increasing, the nitrogen accumulation in organs increased first and then decreased after tasseling stage of maize. In order to reduce the fertilizing amount and increase efficiency, 210 kg/hm^(2) of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was the best fertilizing amount for summer maize in Shajiang black soil area. [Conclusions] This study provides reference for fertilizer reduction, efficiency improvement and sustainable development of summer maize in Shajiang black soil area.

Candelilla Wax as Natural Slow-Release Matrix for Fertilizers Encapsulated by Spray Chilling

Efforts to improve crop yields with efficient use of fertilizers are needed to guarantee global food security.Enhanced slow-release fertilizer systems(SRFs)encapsulated in biodegradable matrices are being developed to address this global concern.From a wide range of strategies for SRFs development,we explored a natureinspired solution based on the plant cuticle model and its function as a membrane for water and nutrient transport control.Here,Candelilla wax,extracted from Candelilla wild plants(Euphorbia antisyphilitica),is studied as a renewable slow-release matrix for fertilizers encapsulated by a modified spray chilling process.From this process,microencapsulates containing 40 wt%of phosphorus fertilizer are obtained with distinctive sizes and chemical characteristics,presenting a slow-release behavior.Considering the abovementioned features,novel insights into fertilizer release mechanisms based on plant cuticle models are discussed.

Effect of Biofertilizers on the Agromorphological Parameters of Three Okra Cultivars in Southern Côte d’Ivoire

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an herbaceous plant of the Malvaceae family. In Côte d’Ivoire, okra production is estimated to be over 193,000 tons. This low production is largely due to poor soils and hardly covers the needs of the population. To remedy this, growers systematically use mineral fertilizers. However, these fertilizers pollute the environment. To find an alternative to chemical fertilization and increase production, the effect of biofertilizers (Spaawet, Retone, Super Gro) compared with NPK mineral fertilizer was evaluated on Divo, Teriman, and Djonan F1 cultivars. The trial was set up in a factorial block design with three replications. Plant height, number of functional leaves, and crown diameter were assessed at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The time to 50% flowering, production time, and fruit yield were calculated. The results showed that the biofertilizer Retone induced the highest heights and number of functional leaves, with averages of 61.89 cm and 29.88 leaves, respectively. The diameter at the crown (17.77 mm) was highest with the NPK mineral fertilizer, and the shortest 50% flowering time, with an average of 47.61 days, was also obtained with the biofertilizer Retone. The NPK mineral fertilizer produced the longest production time, with an average of 35.25 days. The highest yields were obtained using Retone (11.07 t/ha) and NPK (9.52 t/ha) fertilizers. The “Divo*Retone” interaction produced the highest yield with an average of 12.19 t/ha. The biofertilizer Retone could therefore be used as an alternative fertilizer to chemical fertilization in okra crops, given its effect on the parameters assessed.

Optimization of slow-release fertilizer application improves lotus rhizome quality by affecting the physicochemical properties of starch

To achieve the dual goals of high yield and good quality with low environmental costs,slow-release fertilizer(SRF)has been widely used in lotus cultivation as new type of fertilizer instead of traditional nitrogen fertilizer.However,the optimal amount of SRF and how it would promote lotus rhizome quality remain unclear.This study was designed to investigate the photosynthetic characteristics and the synthesis,accumulation,and physicochemical properties of lotus rhizome starches under six SRF levels(CK,S1,S2,S3,S4,and S5).Compared with CK(0 kg ha^(–1)),the net photosynthetic rate(P_(n))and SPAD values of leaves remained at higher levels under SRF treatment.Further research showed that SRF increased the lotus rhizome yield,the contents of amylose,amylopectin,and total starch,and the number of starch granules.Among the six SRF levels,S3(1035 kg ha^(–1))showed the greatest difference from CK and produced the highest levels.With the increasing SRF levels,the peak,hot and final viscosities decreased at first and then increased,but the setback viscosity and pasting temperature increased.In order to interpret these changes at the molecular level,the activities of key enzymes and relative expression levels of starch accumulation related genes were analyzed.Each of these parameters also increased under SRF treatment,especially under the S3 treatment.The results of this study show that SRF,especially S3(1035 kg ha^(–1)),is a suitable fertilizer option for lotus planting which can improve lotus rhizome quality by affecting starch accumulations related enzymes and genes.These results will be useful for SRF application to high-quality lotus rhizome production with low environmental costs.

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.

Improvement of soil fertility and rice yield after long-term application of cow manure combined with inorganic fertilizers

Fertilization is an effective technique to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.The long-term effects of different fertilizers on soil considerably vary.Over 38 consecutive years of different fertilization positioning experiments in a double cropping rice field of Qiyang Red Soil Experimental Station,seven different fertilization treatments including CK(no fertilization),NPK(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizer),M(cow manure),NPKM(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium with cow manure),NPM(nitrogen and phosphorus with cow manure),NKM(nitrogen and potassium with cow manure),and PKM(phosphorus and potassium with cow manure)were applied to study the effects on rice yield,soil fertility,and nutrient apparent balance in a paddy field.The results showed that the annual average yields of rice in NPKM,NPM,NKM,PKM,M,NPK and CK treatments ranged from 6214 to 11562 kg ha-1.Yields under long-term organic and inorganic treatments(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were 22.58,15.35,10.53 and 4.41%,respectively,greater than under the NPK treatment.Soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),available nitrogen(AN)and available potassium(AK)concentration with long-term organic and inorganic treatment(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were significantly higher than in inorganic fertilizer(NPK)treatments.Soil total phosphorus(TP)and available phosphorus(AP)contentration with organic fertilizer combined with inorganic N and P fertilizer treatment(NPKM,NPM and PKM)were significantly higher than with inorganic fertilizer alone(NPK treatments).The average annual rice yield(11562 kg ha-1),SOC(20.88 g kg-1),TN(2.30 g kg-1),TP(0.95 g kg-1),TK(22.50 g kg-1)and AP(38.94 mg kg-1)concentrations were the highest in the NPKM treatment.The soil AN concentration(152.40 mg kg-1)and AK contentration(151.00 mg kg-1)were the highest in the NKM treatment.N and P application led to a surplus of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil,but NPKM treatment effectively reduced the surplus compared with other treatments.Soils under all treatments were deficient in potassium.Correlation analysis showed that SOC,TN,AN,TP,and AP contentration was significantly correlated with rice yield;the correlation coefficients were 0.428,0.496,0.518,0.501,and 0.438,respectively.This study showed that the combined application of N,P,and K with cow manure had important effects on rice yield and soil fertility,but balanced application of N,P,and K with cow manure was required.

Hybrid rice yield response to potted-seedling machine transplanting and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application combined with urea topdressing

Machine transplanting and the application of slow-release nitrogen(N) fertilizer(SRNF) have played vital roles in the modernization of rice production. We aimed to determine the effects of potted-seedling transplanting—a new machine-transplanting method—and SRNF on hybrid rice yields. A 2-year splitplot experiment(2016–2017) was conducted in Meishan, Sichuan province, China, using two machinetransplanting methods(potted-seedling and blanket-seedling) and three N treatments. Total green leaf area, high-effective leaf area and its rate at heading, net photosynthetic rate of flag leaves 7 days after heading, glutamate synthase(GOGAT) and glutamine synthase(GS) activity after heading, dry matter production, and N accumulation at heading and maturity increased under the potted-seedling method or 70% SRNF as a base + 30% urea application at the panicle initiation stage(SBUP). Stem diameter and number of small and of all vascular bundles at the neck–panicle node in potted-seedling plants increased as a result of increasing numbers of effective panicles, secondary branches, and spikelets. In pottedseedling plants, treatment with SBUP increased the number of large and total vascular bundles at the panicle–neck internode and the number of differentiated and surviving secondary branches and spikelets and decreased the number of ineffective tillers and degenerated secondary branches and spikelets. We conclude that the potted-seedling machine transplanting method and SRNF combined with urea topdressing can strengthen the source–sink relationship in rice, resulting in higher yields.

Delaying application time of slow-release fertilizer increases soil rhizosphere nitrogen content,root activity,and grain yield of spring maize

Application of slow-release fertilizer(SF)is a nutrient-management measure aimed at improving maize nutrient use and yield and saving labor cost.One-time application of SF at sowing usually results in nutrient deficiency during the post-silking stage,owing to the long growth period of spring maize.This study was conducted to investigate the effects on spring maize of SF application stage(zero,three-,and six-leaf stages,designated as SF0,SF3,and SF6,respectively)on grain yield,total soil rhizosphere nitrogen(N)content,and root activity,in comparison with the conventional fertilization mode(CF,application of compound fertilizer at sowing time,and topdressing urea at six-leaf and tasseling stages)at the same fertilization level as the control.Compared with no fertilization(F0)and CF,SF increased grain number and weight.The maize cultivars Suyu 30(SY30)and Jiangyu 877(JY877)produced the highest grain yield and net return under SF6 treatment over the three years.SF6 increased enzymatic activities including oxidoreductase,hydrolase,transferase,and lyase in rhizosphere soil at silking(R1)and milking stages(R3).SF6 increased the total N contents of rhizosphere soil by 7.1%at R1 and 9.2%R3 stages compared with SF0.The activities of antioxidant enzymes in roots were increased under SF6 treatments at R1and R3.The mean root activities of SF0,SF3,and SF6 increased by 7.1%,12.8%,and 20.5%compared with CF at R1 and by 8.8%,13.0%,and 23.5%at R3.Delaying the application time of SF could increase grain yield by increasing total N content of rhizosphere soil,delaying root senescence,and increasing root activity at the late reproductive stage.Applying SF at the six-leaf stage is recommended as an effective fertilization strategy for the sustainable production of spring maize in southern China.

Effect of slow-release iron fertilizer on iron-deficiency chlorosis, yield and quality of Lilium davidii var.unicolor in a two-year field experiment

Iron deficiency chlorosis of Lilium davidii var. unicolor is often the case in practice in alkaline soils of northwest region of China. It is difficult to control iron chlorosis because of high cost and short effective work time of conventional iron fertilizers. In this study, a 2-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two slow-release fertilizers on the suppression of iron deficiency chlorosis, soil chemical properties, and the yield and quality of L. davidii var. unicolor. Results show that both coated slow-release iron fertilizers and embedded slow-release iron fertilizer effectively controlled iron-deficiency chlorosis. The application of slow-release iron fertilizers significantly increased plant height and chlorophyll content of L. davidii var. unicolor at different growth stages. Furthermore, coated iron fertilizer application significantly increased starch, protein, soluble sugar and vitamin C content of L. davidii var. unicolor, and it also significantly improved total amino acid content, with increases in essential amino acids(Trp, Leu, Lys, Phe, Val, and Thr contents) and in nonessential amino acids(Asp, Glu, Cit, Ihs, Acc, Ala, Pro, and Cys contents). It was concluded that application of coated slow-release iron fertilizer could be a promising option for suppression of iron deficiency chlorosis and deserves further study.

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

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

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.).

The dynamic response of a high-density polyethylene slow-release structure under launching overload

Based on the 60 mm artillery grenade,a slow-release structure was designed to reduce the severity of ammunitions response to accidental thermal stimulation and improve the thermal stability of ammunitions.The slow-release structure was made of high-density polyethylene(HDPE) and connected the fuse and the projectile body through internal and external threads.To study the safety of the slowrelease structure under artillery launching overload,mechanical analysis of the slow-release structure was simulated via finite element analysis(FEA).The impacts of various factors(e.g.,fuse mass,number of threads,and nominal diameter of internal threads of the slow-release structure) on the connection strength of the slow-release structure were studied.A strength-prediction model based on the fuse mass and internal thread parameters was established by fitting the maximum effective stress of the slowrelease structure.This led to good prediction results.In conclusion,this study provides references and theoretical support for the design of thermal protection structures insensitive to ammunition.

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

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

Repositioning fertilizer manufacturing subsidies for improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China

China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the environment remains inadequately evaluated.Moreover,although green and low-carbon technologies offer environmental advantages,their widespread adoption is hindered by prohibitively high costs.This study analyzes the impact of removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies and explores the potential feasibility of redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in the diffusion of these technologies.Utilizing the China Agricultural University Agri-food Systems model,we analyzed the potential for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes regarding food security and environmental sustainability.The findings indicate that removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies has reduced greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions from agricultural activities by 3.88 million metric tons,with minimal impact on food production.Redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in green and low-carbon technologies,including slow and controlled-release fertilizer,organic-inorganic compound fertilizers,and machine deep placement of fertilizer,emerges as a strategy to concurrently curtail GHG emissions,ensure food security,and secure robust economic returns.Finally,we propose a comprehensive set of government interventions,including subsidies,field guidance,and improved extension systems,to promote the widespread adoption of these technologies.

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.

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.

Growth of tandem long-mat rice seedlings using controlled release fertilizers:Mechanical transplantation can be more economical and high yielding

The traditional soil-based rice seedling production methods for mechanical transplanting are resource-intensive,time consuming and laborious.The improvement and optimization of nutrient management in soil-less nursery raising methods like tandem long-mat seedlings(TLMS)are necessary for the resource-efficient cultivation of rice.In the present study,a controlled-release fertilizer(CRF)-polymer-coated compound fertilizer with 3 months release period(PCCF-3M)was applied as seedling fertilizer(SF),and five different dosages of SF(SF-0,SF-10,SF-20,SF-30,and SF-40)were compared with an organic substrate as the control(CK).Among all SF treatments,the best results were obtained with the application of 20 g/tray of SF(SF-20),as the seedling quality and machine transplanting quality were comparable to those of CK.In contrast,the lower dosages(SF-0 and SF-10)resulted in low nitrogen content and reduced shoot growth,while the higher dosages(SF-30 and SF-40)resulted in toxicity(increased malondialdehyde accumulation)and inhibited the root growth.Similarly,SF-20 increased panicle number(5.6-7.0%)and yield(4.3-5.3%)compared with CK,which might be related to the remaining SF entangled in the roots supporting the tiller growth of rice seedlings in the field.Moreover,SF-20 reduced the seedling block weight(53.1%)and cost of seedling production(23.5%)but increased the gross margin,indicating that it was easy to handle and economical.Taken together,our results indicate that SF-20 is a cost-effective way to promote the growth and transplanting efficiency of rice seedlings.To our knowledge,this study is the first to determine the optimum dosage of CRF for the soil-less production of rice seedlings.

Effects of Microelement Fertilizers on Main Economic Characters and Yield of Peanut

The main purpose of this study was to explore and master the optimal types and application methods of microelement fertilizers suitable for peanut cultivation in Linyi City.The results showed that the application of zinc,magnesium,sulfur,calcium and other microelement fertilizers to peanut plants had a certain yield-increasing effect,and zinc had the most significant yield-increasing effect.Compared with the control check(CK),the yield per unit area increased by 1431 kg/hm^(2),equivalent to an increase of 38.4%.Meanwhile,according to field investigation and observation,the treatment of increasing zinc fertilizer had a certain promotion effect on peanut emergence rate,seedling growth potential,and yield components.