Tag Archives: Agro-ecology

313–329 B. Mazurenko, L. Honchar, A. Yunyk, R. Kovalenko, O. Shutyi and S. Kalenska
Optimization of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizationfor maximizing root yield and inulin yield in chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)
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Optimization of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizationfor maximizing root yield and inulin yield in chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

B. Mazurenko*, L. Honchar, A. Yunyk, R. Kovalenko, O. Shutyi and S. Kalenska

Department Plant Science, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str., 15, UA03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
*Correspondence: mazurenko.bohdan@nubip.edu.ua

Abstract:

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is an important industrial crop for inulin production, but the optimization of mineral fertilization under fertile chernozem soils remains insufficiently defined. Under such conditions, additional fertilizer inputs may not proportionally increase root and inulin yield and may lead to higher residual nutrient levels after harvest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus-potassium fertilization on root biomass traits, crude inulin content, inulin yield, and post-harvest soil nutrient status of root chicory grown in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a two-factor design with incremental PK and N rates. Cluster analysis and pairwise correlation coefficients were calculated between these parameters. The proposed approach to determining the optimal fertilizer rates for maximizing yield in individual years indicated values of N130P66K110, N150P60K100, and N120P72K120, with an average of N130P66K110. The highest inulin yield reached 5.80 t ha⁻¹, compared with 2.88 t ha⁻¹ in the unfertilized control. Crude inulin concentration varied less than biomass-related traits, indicating that industrial raw material output depended primarily on root productivity rather than on large changes in inulin concentration alone. Post-harvest soil analysis showed that nitrogen fertilization increased residual hydrolysable nitrogen, whereas PK fertilization mainly increased mobile phosphorus at higher application rates. Thus, optimization of chicory fertilization under fertile chernozem conditions should be considered not only as a strategy for maximizing root and inulin yield, but a way to improve nutrient-use efficiency and avoid unnecessary nutrient surpluses.

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571-584 M. Zhylina, P.P. Karnozhytskyi, D. Miroshnichenko, V. Konohrai, V. Sterna and J. Ozolins
The effect of growth stimulants based on humic acids from Ukrainian lignite and biochar from agricultural residues on the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
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The effect of growth stimulants based on humic acids from Ukrainian lignite and biochar from agricultural residues on the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

M. Zhylina¹²*, P.P. Karnozhytskyi³, D. Miroshnichenko³⁴, V. Konohrai⁵, V. Sterna² and J. Ozolins¹

¹Riga Technical University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Paula Valdena Street 3, K-1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Stende Research Centre, Dizzemes, Dizstende, Libagu parish, Talsu County, LV-3258, Latvia
³Department of Oil, Gas and Solid Fuel Processing Technology, National Technical University Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, 2, Kyrpychova Str., UA 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
⁴Coal Department, State Enterprise Ukrainian State Research Institute for Carbochemistry (UKHIN), UA 61023 Kharkov, Ukraine
⁵Education-Scientific Institute of Natural and Agrarian Sciences, the Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, 81 Shevchenko Boulevard, UA 18031 Cherkasy, Ukraine
*Correspondence: maryna.zhylina@gmail.com

Abstract:

Significant amounts of plant-based waste are generated annually in the agricultural and food industries, including straw, corn residues, nutshells, and fruit pits. Disposing of this waste often relies on basic methods that avoid further processing, presenting an urgent environmental challenge. One efficient solution is converting biomass into biochar, which serves as a soil amendment. Developing cost-effective recycling methods has become critical with the increasing scarcity and rising cost of raw materials. The Dnipro Lignite Coal Basin in Ukraine offers extensive lignite reserves, enabling the production of affordable, high-quality humates for soil enhancement. In this study, wheat and barley straw were pelletized with barley bran at a 90:10 ratio. Pyrolysis was conducted at 500 °C with a heating rate of 5 °C·min⁻¹ and a one-hour holding time. The resulting biochar was added to a lettuce cultivation substrate at a 1:10 biochar-to-peat ratio. Humic substances derived from lignite were applied in 3% and 9% aqueous solutions, and environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, were monitored throughout the 35-day trial. Results showed that granulated biochar increased lettuce rosette diameter by 7.5% compared to perlite substrates and by 11.6% compared to peat. Additionally, 3% humate solutions enhanced rosette diameter by 11.6% and biomass weight by 25.77%. These findings confirm that biochar from agricultural residues and lignite-derived humates effectively boost lettuce yield and quality.

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