Tag Archives: fertilizer

1251-1265 Y. Olifir, T. Partyka, O. Havryshko, H. Konyk, H. Panakhyd, N. Kozak and V. Ivaniuk
Iron content and qualitative composition in a waterlogged agricultural soil under long-term agrogenic influence, Western Ukraine
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Iron content and qualitative composition in a waterlogged agricultural soil under long-term agrogenic influence, Western Ukraine

Y. Olifir¹*, T. Partyka¹, O. Havryshko¹, H. Konyk¹, H. Panakhyd¹, N. Kozak¹ and V. Ivaniuk²

¹Institute of Agriculture of Carpathian Region of National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 5, Hrushevskoho Str., UA81115 Obroshyne, Lviv region, Ukraine
²Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, 1, Volodymyra Velykoho Str., UA80381 Dublyany, Lviv region, Ukraine
*Correspondence: olifir.yura@gmail.com

Abstract:

Iron, a typomorphic element of hydromorphic and semi-hydromorphic soils, significantly influences soil formation processes. Despite being relatively well studied, there is a lack of data on the content of its mobile compounds in Albic Pantostagnic Luvisol. Therefore, the study’s main objective is to determine the amount, profile distribution, and seasonal dynamics of Fe compounds in a waterlogged agricultural soil subjected to different levels of long-term anthropogenic influence. Research conducted in a long-term stationary experiment shows that the composition of mobile forms of iron in Albic Pantostagnic Luvisol is dominated by the oxide form Fe³⁺. The highest Fe³⁺ content (160.6 mg kg^-1) was found in the humus-eluvial layer of the control soil without fertilizer, while Fe²⁺ compounds reached 46.6 mg kg^-1 at рН_KCl 4.30. Long-term application of an organo-mineral fertilization system combined with liming by hydrolytic acidity reduced the content of mobile iron compounds to 128.0 mg kg^-1, of which Fe²⁺ accounted for 12.64 mg kg^-1 at рН_KCl 5.45. Under an identical fertilization system with liming by pH buffering capacity, the Fe²⁺ content was 28.0 mg kg^-1, with a total content of 118.0 mg kg^-1 and рН_KCl of 5.54. In the natural conditions of forest and fallow land, the highest contents of mobile iron were 231.7 and 383.1 mg kg^-1 in the 0–20 cm horizon with a significant predominance of Fe³⁺ compounds, 210.1 and 366.3 mg kg^-1, respectively.

Key words:

acidity, Albic Pantostagnic Luvisol, fertilizer, iron, liming

208-219 S. Villegas, L. Rocha-Meneses, M. Luna-delRisco, C. Arrieta-González and M. González-Palacio
Analysis of the potential of livestock excreta for urea production through anaerobic digestion: challenges and opportunities in Latin America
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Analysis of the potential of livestock excreta for urea production through anaerobic digestion: challenges and opportunities in Latin America

S. Villegas¹*, L. Rocha-Meneses², M. Luna-delRisco¹, C. Arrieta-González¹ and M. González-Palacio¹

¹University of Medellín, Faculty of engineering, Carrera 87 #30-65, postal code 050026, Medellín, Colombia
²Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Forestry and Engineering,
56 Fr.R. Kreutzwald Str., EE 51006 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: svillegas@udemedellin.edu.co
All authors contributed equally to this work

Abstract:

Urea is one of the most demanded fertilizers worldwide and in Latin America. The high dependence on international markets to meet the region’s urea demand, the high consumption of fossil energy for its production, and greenhouse gas emissions increase agricultural production costs and create the need to seek alternative processes for urea production to reduce these adverse effects. In this sense, this work explores the possibility of producing urea in Latin America from the ammonia and CO₂ generated in the anaerobic digestion process of livestock excreta under conditions that favor the production of both gases. The results indicate that it is possible to meet the demand for urea for agricultural use by utilizing 15% of its theoretical potential obtained from livestock excreta. This new alternative for obtaining urea brings economic benefits, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and fosters social development. However, it faces legal, infrastructure, and technological barriers that may hinder the adoption of this technology in rural areas of Latin America.

Key words:

anaerobic digestion, fertilizer, Latin America, livestock excreta, urea

183-192 M. Pourebrahimi Foumani, H. Savoy, N. Atotey and X. Yin
Effect of potassium application rate and timing on alfalfa yield and potassium concentration and removal in Tennessee
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Effect of potassium application rate and timing on alfalfa yield and potassium concentration and removal in Tennessee

M. Pourebrahimi Foumani¹, H. Savoy², N. Atotey³ and X. Yin¹*

¹University of Tennessee, Department of Plant Sciences, West Tennessee Research and Education Centre, 605 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301-320, USA
²University of Tennessee, Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, 2506 E J. Chapman Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
³University of Tennessee, Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, West Tennessee Research and Education Centre, 605 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301-320, USA
*Correspondence: xyin2@utk.edu

Abstract:

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage crop in the world and potassium plays a significant role in achieving high yields. A field experiment was conducted during the 2012–2014 growing seasons at the University of Tennessee in Springfield. The experimental design was a split-split plot that included four levels of potassium (K) application rates (0, 67.25, 134.50, and 269.00 kg K₂O ha^-1) as the main plots and two K application times (green-up and split) as the subplots, and harvest dates as sub-subplots. The results demonstrated that the dry matter yield (DM) increased significantly with each increment in K application rate up to 134.50 kg K₂O ha^-1; however, the highest K fertilizer application (269 kg K₂O ha^-1) did not result in a significant yield increase relative to 134.50 kg K₂O ha^-1, because some luxury consumption of K occurred at the highest rate due to yield leveling off while K₂O uptake continued to rise. Potassium concentration and K removal increased with K fertilizer at rates beyond those that maximized yield, indicating luxury consumption of K. The greatest K concentration and removal were recorded at 269 kg K₂O ha^-1 in all harvest months. The split application was more beneficial than applying full K at the time of green-up due to higher dry matter, K concentration, and K removal in alfalfa. In conclusion, 134.50 kg K₂O ha^-1 is adequate for maximizing alfalfa yield; split application of K is sometimes superior to the single dose of K fertilizer in alfalfa production.

Key words:

concentration, dry matter yield, fertilizer, Medicago sativa, nutrient removal

977-998 H.H.A. Ibrahim, A.A.H. El-Khawaga, I.E. Ramadan, H.H.M. Hassan and A. Abdelsalam
Qualitative traits of various Egyptian clover varieties under efficiency of bio-chemical phosphorus fertilization and lithovit regimes
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Qualitative traits of various Egyptian clover varieties under efficiency of bio-chemical phosphorus fertilization and lithovit regimes

H.H.A. Ibrahim¹*, A.A.H. El-Khawaga¹, I.E. Ramadan¹, H.H.M. Hassan² and A. Abdelsalam¹

¹University of Zagazig, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy,
Al Wehda Al Zraaia St, Moawwad, Zagazig 2, Sharkia Governorate, 44519, Egypt
²Forage Crops Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), 9 Cairo University Rd, Oula, Giza District, Giza Governorate, Egypt
*Correspondence: hebahany1996@gmail.com

Abstract:

This investigation was performed at the Agriculture Research Station, Faculty of Agric. Zagazig Univ., Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, throughout the winter seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of ten bio-chemical fertilization and lithovit regimes on forage quality of 1^st and 3^rd cuts of various Egyptian clover varieties (Berseem, Trifolium alexandrinum L.) q.e. Helaly, Gemmeza 1, Sakha 4, Serw 1, Giza 6 and local variety. The ten fertilization regimes were F₁, control; F₂, chemical phosphorus 15.5 P₂O₅ kg fad^-1; F₃, bio-phosphorus fertilizer ‘phosphorein’; F₄, 50% of F₂ + phosphorein; F₅, 25% of F₂ + phosphorien; F₆, F₂ + lithovit; F₇, F₃ + lithovit; F₈, F₄ + lithovit; F₉, F₅ + lihtovit; F₁₀, sole lithovit. Giza 6 Egyptian berseem variety ranked first in forage quality because of its high content of each CP (%), NFE (%), TDN (%), and DP (%) in the 3^rd cut. The local berseem variety ranked the least over the six Egyptian clover varieties with the highest ash (%) in the 1^st cut. Other varieties were in between. Allusion to the bio-chemical phosphorus fertilization and lithovit regimes, application of any phosphorus fertilization regimes surpassed the control treatment in most nutritive values. Application of F₉ fertilization regime (25% chemical P + bio-fertilizer ‘phosphorien’ + nano-fertilizer ‘lithovit’) tended to produce high forage quality with high content of CP (%) in the 1^st cut, TDN (%) in both 1^st and 3^rd cuts as well as DP (%) in the 1^st cut.

Key words:

Egyptian clover, fertilizer, lithovit, Phosphorus, quality

2220–2232 J.A. Chávez, J.L. Alcántara-Flores, R.C. Almiray-Pinzón, E. Díaz-Cabrera, R. Pérez-Avilés, M.E. Patiño-Iglesias and M.A. Mora-Ramírez
Vegetative growth response of beets and lettuce to stored human urine
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Vegetative growth response of beets and lettuce to stored human urine

J.A. Chávez¹, J.L. Alcántara-Flores²*, R.C. Almiray-Pinzón³, E. Díaz-Cabrera³, R. Pérez-Avilés², M.E. Patiño-Iglesias² and M.A. Mora-Ramírez³*

¹University of Puebla, Faculty of Phys. Sci. Math., Avenida San Claudio y 18 Sur, Col. San Manuel, Edif., FM1-101B, Ciudad Universitaria, postal code 72570, Pue., Puebla, México
²University of Puebla, Science Institute, Av. San Claudio, Edif FM8 111-D, San Manuel, 72570 Puebla, Pue., México
³University of Puebla, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Physico Mathematics, Av. San Claudio y 18 Sur, 72570 Puebla, Pue.,
*Correspondence: jlaf7@yahoo.com.mx; marco.x.mora@gmail.com

Abstract:

In this work, we present the experimental results of the effect of stored human urine (SHU) on the growth of beets (Beta vulgaris L) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L). We apply different amounts of SHU according to the recommended dose of nitrogen, considering soil from farmland and vermiculite as substrates. The last allows us to determine with high precision the isolated effect of SHU over the vegetative development of beet plants, without considering other nutrients present in common soils. Experimental results demonstrate that the application of SHU has no significant effects on lettuce vegetative growth under our soil conditions. In contrast, SHU can be used successfully as a fertilizer of beets. The optimum dose was found at 120 kg N ha^-1 and resulted in average dry weight of 125 g. However, if the dose exceeds the optimum levels, the growth of the plant is inhibited. Beets fertilized with SHU does not pose any hygienic risk for human consumption. Our findings represent a promising alternative to propose expanding the use of SHU as fertilizer in medium-sized greenhouses and to provide benefits to families in rural areas, with little or no available water supplies.

Key words:

beets, fertilizer, human urine, lettuce, nitrogen

1568–1576 M. Dąbrowska, A. Świętochowski and A. Lisowski
Physicochemical properties and agglomeration parameters of biogas digestate with addition of calcium carbonate
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Physicochemical properties and agglomeration parameters of biogas digestate with addition of calcium carbonate

M. Dąbrowska*, A. Świętochowski and A. Lisowski

Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Forestry Machinery,
Faculty of Production Engineering, Nowoursynowska 166, PL02-787 Warsaw, Poland
*Correspondence: magdalena_dabrowska@sggw.pl

Abstract:

The aim of the work was to determine the physical properties of digestate from biogas production – either with or without the addition of calcium carbonate and to determine the parameters of its compaction. The material for research was obtained from an agricultural biogas plant specialized in processing cattle manure, vegetable pomace, chicken manure and maize silage. The parameters of compaction of digestate were experimentally determined and its net calorific value was calculated based on the gross calorific value. Physical properties were determined according to standards. The moisture content of liquid digestate was 96%. Mechanical separation allowed to decrease the water content by 19% and addition of 20% of calcium carbonate by 30%. It was found that digestate with addition of calcium carbonate is not suitable to use for energy purposes, because of its low net calorific value (5.2–5.9 MJ kg^-1), however it can be used for fertilizer purposes in relation to its chemical composition. Without additives, the net calorific value was 14.9 MJ kg^-1, but due to the high moisture content of the raw material it is unprofitable to dry it and burn. On the other hand, it was proved that it is possible to obtain pellets of appropriate density out of the digestate using 40 mm of the die height and 0.3 g of single portion of the material.

Key words:

binder, digestate, energy, fertilizer, pellets

822–832 I. Skudra and A. Ruza
Effect of nitrogen fertilization management on mineral nitrogen content in soil and winter wheat productivity
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Effect of nitrogen fertilization management on mineral nitrogen content in soil and winter wheat productivity

I. Skudra¹ and A. Ruza²

¹Latvian Rural Advisory and Training centre, Street Rigas 34, LV3018 Ozolnieki region, Ozolnieki parish, Ozolnieki, Latvia
²Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Street Liela 2, LV3001 Jelgava, Latvia
E-mail: ilze.skudra@llkc.lv; antons.ruza@llu.lv

Abstract:

In recent years farmers must use integrated crop growing principles. One of the most important principle is to balance usage of mineral elements in crop cultivation, especially nitrogen management. Excessive and unbalanced usage of nitrogen fertilizer reduces nitrogen use efficiency and increases nitrate leaching in surface and groundwater. The dynamics of nitrogen forms in soil at different depths and different plant growth stages are studied to increase the productivity of winter wheat, promoting nitrogen uptake in plants and reducing nitrogen leaching during the vegetation period. Field experiments were carried out at the Research and Training Farm Vecauce of the Latvia University of Life Science and Technologies from 2012 till 2015. Researched factors were nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate: 0 – control, 85, 153, 187, and N rate determined by chlorophylmeter (Yara N-tester) 180 (2012/2013), 150 (2013/2014), 205 (2014/2015) N kg ha^-1, nitrogen and sulphur (S) fertilizer rate – N175+S21 kg ha^-1, and conditions of the growing seasons: 2012/2013, 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. The content of nitrate (NO₃–N) nitrogen and ammonium (NH₄–N) nitrogen was determined in the soil layers 0–20 cm, 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm at the growth stages (GS) 30–32, 49–51, 69 and 90–92. All trial years the amount of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in soil decreased during vegetation, but increased with increasing fertilization dose. Nitrate nitrogen content was significantly influenced by year in 0–40 cm soil layer (P < 0.01) and by nitrogen fertilizer in the 20–40 cm soil layer. Ammonium nitrogen content had significant influence only on nitrogen fertilizer at 20–40 cm soil layer (P < 0.05). Average grain yields did not show significant correlation with the nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in different soil layers and plant growth stages, except nitrate nitrogen content in soil layer 40–60 cm at GS 30–32 and ammonium nitrogen content in soil layer 40–60 cm at GS 69 and GS 90–92.

Key words:

ammonium nitrogen, fertilizer, nitrate nitrogen, wheat

143–149 R. Mieldažys, E. Jotautienė, A. Pocius and A. Jasinskas
Analysis of organic agricultural waste usage for fertilizer production
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Analysis of organic agricultural waste usage for fertilizer production

R. Mieldažys*, E. Jotautienė, A. Pocius and A. Jasinskas

Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Institute of
Agricultural Engineering and Safety, Studentu g. 15b, LT-53361, Akademija, Lithuania
*Correspondence: ramunas.mieldazys@asu.lt

Abstract:

Waste management, especially biodegradable (organic) waste, is highly relevant in agriculture. Increasing the intensity of agricultural production inevitably increases pollution of soil, water and air due to chemical, biological and other effects because of untidy agricultural waste. Currently there is a search for new and more rational ways to use waste for new forms of energy, making fertilizer, building materials and other products. One of the processes of biodegradable waste management is pelleting; i.e., the processing of recyclable materials into organic ecological products.
The SWOT analysis-expert, literature survey methods were used for the analysis of animal and plant origin organic agricultural waste’s suitability for production of fertilizer. The analysis has shown that the granulation of animal waste allows making better use of nutrients, significantly reduces the amount of fertilizer needed to be deposited into the soil and reduces the cost of storing, transportation and spreading into the soil. SWOT analysis motivated the need for further research of manure waste and its pelletizing.

Key words:

agricultural plant wastes, Composted manure, fertilizer, pelletizing, SWOT

451-454 L. Narits
Effect of Top-fertilizing of Raw Protein and Glucosinolates Content of Winter Turnip Rape
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Effect of Top-fertilizing of Raw Protein and Glucosinolates Content of Winter Turnip Rape

L. Narits

Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, J.Aamisepa 1, EE48309 Jõgeva, Estonia;
e-mail: Lea.Narits@jpbi.ee

Abstract:

Rapeseed is a major oil–yielding crop, ranking third place after soybeans and oil palm in the world. Rapeseed contains as average 36–38% crude protein and content of anti–nutritional compounds, among which glucosinolates have received the major attention. The object of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the nitrogen rate and different application times to the crude protein and glucosinolate content of winter turnip rape. The trials were carried out at the Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute in the 2007–08, 2008–09 and 2009–10 growing seasons. Ammonium sulfate (nitrogen content 21%, sulphur 24%) was used as top–fertilizer. Three different nitrogen rates, 120, 140 and 160 kg N ha−1 and three different application times were used: A) once at the beginning of spring growth (oilseed rape growing code 26), B) A + when the main stalk was 10 cm (code 33), C) B + start of flowering (code 60) (a total of nine different variants) in equal portions. The results indicate that the quantity of the fertilizer has not as strong an impact as application time on the glucosinolate content. The lowest glucosinolate content was obtained from the variant of one N application. The highest protein content was obtained from the variant of three times split-N.

Key words:

fertilizer, glucosinolates, protein, winter turnip rape

191-197 L. Balezentiene and E. Klimas
Effect of organic and mineral fertilizers and land management on soil enzyme activities
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Effect of organic and mineral fertilizers and land management on soil enzyme activities

L. Balezentiene and E. Klimas

Lithuanian University of Agriculture, Studentų 11, Akademija LT– 53361, Kaunas distr.;e–mail: ligita.balezentiene@lzuu.lt

Abstract:

Sustainable and rational management of agrophytocenoses depends on various bio-indices and methods of application, particularly the development and protection of soil resources (Lai et al., 2002). Among other indices, enzyme activity is proposed as a universal index of soil fertility and contamination (Dilly et al., 2003). To ascertain and to make a comparison of bioactivity variation during the vegetation period, soil (Endophypogleyi-Eutric Planasols-Ple-gln-w, artificial drainage) samples were collected from rotation fields of different fertilizing and farming systems (intensive (IF) and organic (OF)) at the Training farm of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture during 2007–2008. N application stimulated urease and saccharase activity in different farming systems (OF and IF) and fertilizing management (manure and mineral fertilizers). When comparing mean soil bioactivity values of 2 years the highest manure effect was detected in the application year (winter wheat treatment) and conditioned the highest urease (8.21 mg NH +–4N g-1) and saccharase (24.52 mg CG g-1 24 h-1)activity but gradually decreased later. The lowest mean of urease (3.62 mg NH +–4N g-1) andsaccharase (22.07 mg CG g-1 24 h-1) activity occurred in IF soil where mineral fertilizers were applied. Soil bioactivity properties (urease and saccharase activity) were positively correlated with soil nutrients (Corg., Ntotal). Urease and saccharase activity properties reflect changes of fertilizer type and management and thus can be used as bio-indicators of soil fertility.

Key words:

farming system, fertilizer, saccharase, urease