EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON NITRATE ACCUMULATION IN VEGETABLES AND MINERAL NITROGEN IN TROPICAL SOILS OF MOROGORO, TANZANIA

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCELINA A BAITILWAKE ◽  
SARA DE BOLLE ◽  
JOOST SALOMEZ ◽  
JEROME P MREMA ◽  
STEFAAN DE NEVE

SUMMARYNitrogen (N) nutrition is a key factor for vegetable growth and yield. However, different rates of nitrogen fertilization may trigger different responses to vegetables. A survey was conducted to investigate the effect of soil fertility management practices on nitrate concentration in vegetables. The survey results were used to plan experiments on the effect of chicken and cattle manures on nitrate levels in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) and amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus) grown in Tanzania and the patterns of mineral nitrogen in soils under open field conditions. Chicken or cattle manure at 200, 300 kg N ha−1and 170 250 kg N ha−1for Chinese cabbage and amaranthus respectively, and control were compared in a randomized complete block design. We observed a higher nitrate content in fertilized Chinese cabbage at day 30 than at day 44 after sowing, ranging from 3243 to 4993 mg kg−1fresh matter regardless of the N source and rates. Only application of manures at high levels (250 kg N ha−1) induced significantly (p< 0.05) higher nitrate contents in amaranthus at day 28 after sowing, although there was a clear indication of nitrate accumulation even at 170 kg N ha−1application. Soil NH4+-N + NO3−-N in both Chinese cabbage and amaranthus plots were increased with increasing N application rates and differences between control and amended soils were significant (p< 0.01). There was a positive relationship between NO3−concentration in vegetables and NO3−-N in the rooted top soil layer (0–15 cm). However, higher NH4+concentrations depressed NO3−build up in crops and a significant negative relationship between soil (NH4+-N)/(NO3−-N) ratio and crop NO3−content was found. It is concluded that low manure application rates result in similar yields to high rates but reduces nitrate accumulation in vegetables and excess mineral nitrogen in soils.

2017 ◽  
pp. 31-43
Author(s):  
Berta Ratilla ◽  
Loreme Cagande ◽  
Othello Capuno

Organic farming is one of the management strategies that improve productivity of marginal uplands. The study aimed to: (1) evaluate effects of various organic-based fertilizers on the growth and yield of corn; (2) determine the appropriate combination for optimum yield; and (3) assess changes on the soil physical and chemical properties. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, with 3 replications and 7 treatments, namely; T0=(0-0-0); T1=1t ha-1 Evans + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T2=t ha-1 Wellgrow + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T3=15t ha-1 chicken dung; T4=10t ha-1 chicken dung + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T5=15t ha-1 Vermicast; and T6=10t ha-1 Vermicast + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1. Application of organic-based fertilizers with or without inorganic fertilizers promoted growth of corn than the control. But due to high infestation of corn silk beetle(Monolepta bifasciata Horns), its grain yield was greatly affected. In the second cropping, except for Evans, any of these fertilizers applied alone or combined with 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 appeared appropriate in increasing corn earyield. Soil physical and chemical properties changed with addition of organic fertilizers. While bulk density decreased irrespective of treatments, pH, total N, available P and exchangeable K generally increased more with chicken dung application.


Author(s):  
S. O. Olanipekun ◽  
A. O. Togun ◽  
A. K. Adebayo ◽  
F. B. Anjorin

Farmers use Inorganic Fertilizers (IF) to improve kenaf yield in Nigeria. However, the detrimental effects of mineral fertilizers and its high cost calls for the use of organic fertilizers that are locally available and environment friendly. Combination of Organic Fertiliser (OF) with IF may reduce the bulkiness of OF while harnessing the benefit of both for higher yields. Field trials were conducted at Ibadan and Ilora in 2013 and 2014 to investigate the effects of combined fertilizers on the growth and yield of kenaf. Organic and IF (NPK 20:10:10) fertilizers as: (i) 160 kg ha-1 (sole organic), (ii) 100 kg ha-1 (sole IFl), (iii) Organic and IF at 50:50 ratio and (iv) control (no fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Results showed that plant height (220.17 cm, 216.80 cm) and stem diameter (2.27 cm, 1.16 cm). Bast fiber (2.27 t/ha, 2.27 t/ha) and seed yield (1.69 t/ha, 1.78 t/ha) in Ibadan and Ilora respectively were significantly higher in plots with combined fertilizer. Combined fertilizers had the highest fiber and seed yield above sole application and control (no fertilizer application). Hence it is recommended for kenaf cultivation in Southwest Nigeria.


AGRICA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-89
Author(s):  
Josina Irene Brigetha Hutubessy

This research aims at investigating the effect of some organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of green onion plants. The kind of organic fertilizers which can give optimum growth and yield of green onion plants is Bokashi fertilizer. The design used in this experiment is Randomized Block Design (RBD). The treatment used is P0 = without fertilizer or 0 kg swath?1, P1= chicken manure 15 tons ha?1 or 2.4 kg swath?1, P2= cow manure 15 tons ha?1 or 2.4 kg swath?1, P3= vermicompost fertilizer 15 tons ha?1 or 2.4 kg swath -1, P4= bokashi fertilizer 15 tons ha?1 or 2.4 kg swath?1. The observed variables are the height of the plants, the number of leaves, the leaf width, the number of seedlings, fresh residue tan?1, the weight of fresh clump leaves tan?1, the weight of fresh clump leaves ha?1, the number of clump stem?1, and the weight of clump stem?1. Bokashi fertilizer application gives a very real effect to the variable of plants height growth with a total of 37.91%, the number of leaves amounted to 34.81%, the leaves width amounted to 51.35%, the number of seedlings amounted to 48.47%, the fresh residue tan?1 amounted to 44.81%, the weight of fresh clump leaves tan?1 amounted to 19.27%, the weight of fresh clump leaves ha?1 amounted to 50.84%, the number of clump stem?1 amounted to 39.60.%, and the weight of clump stem?1 amounted to 51.98%. Kind of organic fertilizers which can provide the optimum growth and yield of green onion plants is Bokashi fertilizer 15 tons ha?1.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-167
Author(s):  
Khairullah Khairullah ◽  
Mahdiannoor Mahdiannoor ◽  
Norhasanah Norhasanah

       Corn as a food ingredient ranks second after rice, besides it is also used as animal feed ingredients and industrial raw materials. Low productivity of corn due to varied soil fertility and not using superior varieties. To increase high yields, fertilization is needed, both chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as podsolic soil. The purpose of this study (i) to determine the response of growth and yield of maize to the provision of rubber processing industry waste on podsolic soil (ii) get the best dose of rubber processing industry waste for the growth and yield of corn plants on podsolic soil. The study was conducted in the village of Haruyan Seberang RT 05 Rw 02 Kec. Haruyan Kab, Hulu Sungai Tengah, from April - June 2012, used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 5 treatments and 5 replications, so that there were 25 experimental units. The factors tested were the administration of several doses of rubber industry waste, namely (k0) without treatment, (k1) 10 t.ha-1 = 3.4 kg.plot-1, (k2) 20 t.ha-1 = 6.8 kg.plot-1, (k3) 30 t.ha-1 = 10.2 kg.plot-1 and (k4) 40 t.ha-1 = 13.6 kg.plot-1. The results showed the response of corn stalk diameter aged 21 and 28 DAP, number of leaves aged 14 DAP and length of corn cobs planted; there was no response of plant height aged 14, 21 and 28 DAP, stem diameter of 14 DAP, number of leaves aged 21 and 28 DAP and weight of ear of crop on treatment of dosing of rubber industry waste. The best dose of rubber processing industry waste for growth and yield of corn plants is 40 t.ha-1 (13.6 kg.plot-1).


Author(s):  
Pujiyanto .

Andisols  are characterized  by  dominance  of  amorphous  minerals  which form strong and stable bonding with organic matter, therefore Andisols always contain high organic matter. For that reason, organic fertilizer is generally not applied  on  Andisols,  because  it  is  assumed  that  it  will  not  give   any  positive effect  on  growth  or  yield.  The  experiment  was  aimed  to  evaluate  response  of mature Kartika 1  Arabica coffee variety (seven years old) cultivated on  Andisols applied with organic matter derived from cow dung manure. The experiment was carried out at Andungsari  Experimental Station located in Bondowoso District, East  Java. Elevation of the site was 1,150 m asl., with rainfall type of C (Schmidt &  Fergusson).  The  experiment  was    arranged  according  to  completely randomized  block  design  with  four  replications  to  evaluate  effect  of  ninecombination  treatments  of  application  rates  at   application  depths  of  50,  100, and 150 cm. The  range of organic fertilizers rates were  0 - 13.5 kg/tree/year. The experiment revealed that cow dung manure applications on Arabica coffee cultivated  on  Andisols  significantly  increased  yield  at  the  average  of  33% compared  to  the  untreated  crop.  No  significant  effect  of  the  treatment  onvariables of leaf water deficit and soil moisture content during dry season and root  density.  At  range  of  application  depths  of  50  -  150  cm,  the  deeper  the organic matter applications, the higher the yield will be.Key words: Andisols, Arabica coffee, organic matter, cow dung manure


HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1074C-1074
Author(s):  
Hector Valenzuela ◽  
Ted Goo ◽  
Ray Uchida ◽  
Susan Migita

Home gardening is a popular year-round recreational activity in Hawaii that helps to increase community food security in suburban and rural communities where high levels of poverty and unemployment exist. Updated fertilizer recommendations and accurate information about the latest products allows home gardeners to improve crop growth, and to minimize nutrient imbalances in the soil, pest problems, and environmental risks from nutrient runoff or leaching. Two field experiments were conducted in Oahu, Hawaii, to evaluate several new products in the market for the production of two home-garden Chinese cabbage varieties. The treatments included Miracle Grow, a new Miracle Grow Plus formulation, Plant Power 2003 nutrient solution, a Maui Liquid Compost product, and a standard fertilizer control (150 kg·ha-1 N rate). Each treatment consisted of a 6-m long row with 30-cm plant spacing in the row. Each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized block design, for a total of 40 plots (two varieties × five treatments × four replications). Data collected included soil fertility before initiation and after experiment completion, tissue nutrient analysis, plant height collected twice during the growing cycle, and head weight and length measured at harvest time. The variety Pagoda was more responsive to fertilizer applications, showing an average of 30% yield increases between the best and poorest treatment, compared to 20% for `China Express'. Overall, the Miracle Grow formulations outperformed the other products. The tissue nutrient data showed tissue nutrient levels above those recommended by the Extension Service. The treatments with highest yield response also showed greater symptoms of “black heart” from possible boron deficiency.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iwan Gunawan

The study aims to get an optimum dose of Azolla organic fertilizer that provides maximum growth and yield of rice crops. The experiments are arranged in complettely randomized block design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments tested were fresh Azolla biomass dose embedded in the ground to accompany the provision of Azolla that left to grow on the surface of the water of the rice fields. Treatments dose of fresh Azolla biomass awere M0 = control (without organic fertilizer Azolla); M1 = 100 g.pot-1 ; M2 = 200 g. pot-1; M3 = 300 g. pot-1 ; and M4 = 400 g. pot-1. The experimental results show that: (1) organic fertilizer Azolla improve the growth and yield of rice paddy fields, and (2) Results of maximum 56.35 grams of dry grain per plant with an optimal dose of organic fertilizer as much as 48.102 ton.ha -1. Keywords: Organic fertilizers, Fresh Azolla, growth, yield, rice paddy.


Author(s):  
I. R. Danbima ◽  
I. J. Tekwa ◽  
A. T. Gani

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of groundnut shell incorporation rates on the growth and yield of maize. Research methods: The study was carried out at the students’ demonstration farm of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, in 2018. Seeds were sown on a prepared land treated with four (4) doses of groundnut shells (0, 25, 50 and 75 tons/ha) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated 4 times. Each plot was marked out at 2.0 m length × 2.0 m width with 0.5 m gap between the replicated plots and blocks. Maize growth parameters were determined at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing and maize yield parameters were determined at 10 and 12 weeks after sowing (WAS). Findings: The groundnut shell application rates increased maize growth parameters such as, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leave area index, and stem girth, number of cobs per plant and cobs weight. The results revealed that plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index and stem girth were significantly (P≤ 0.05) influenced by the treatments, except for the control treatment at 2- WAS. The higher application rates (50 and 75 t/ha) of groundnut shell significantly (P≤ 0.05) influenced the plant growth components better than the 25 and 0 t/ha treatment rates. Research limitations: There were no limitations to report. Originality/Value: The results suggests that groundnut shell incorporation rate at 50 t/ha could be recommended as the most appropriate and profitable for high performance of maize plants in Mubi. The results generally suggest that maize plants may tolerate even higher rates of groundnut shell incorporation beyond the rates used in the study.


Author(s):  
Chawe Dlamini ◽  
Michael T. Masarirambi ◽  
Paul K. Wahome ◽  
Tajudden O. Oseni

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is a leafy vegetable that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. The leaves are cooked, if still tender they are used in salads. Over the years, Emawati have adopted the use of inorganic fertilizers as they are easy to apply and come with recommended application rates. However, their main drawback is that they are environmentally unfriendly especially when washed into rivers, streams and other water bodies. For this cause, the use of animal manures has been promoted. Four-week-old Swiss chard seedlings were transplanted on the 4th of February, 2016 in 1.5 x1.5 m plots with an inter and intra row spacing of 45 cm and they were irrigated twice a day during the first week and every second day from the second week until the end of the experiment. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Department Farm, Faculty of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Luyengo Campus of the University of Swaziland to determine the effects of chicken manure application rates on growth, yield and quality of Swiss chard. Four chicken manure application rates (10, 20, 40 and 80 t/ha) and a recommended 900 kg/ha, inorganic basal fertilizer with a 125 kg/ha LAN top dressing fertilizer used as a control. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates was used. The study showed that the application of 80 t/ha of chicken manure improved the growth and yield of Swiss chard. It is recommended that farmers may use 80 t/ha of chicken manure because it gave the best results compared to the other treatments. The highest fresh shoot mass (237.5 g) was obtained in plants treated with 80 t/ha of chicken manure while the lowest fresh shoot mass (100.0 g) was obtained in plants fertilized with inorganic fertilizers. It was concluded that 80 t/ha was the best under the conditions of this study and it was found that fresh mass at the end was the most important parameter to consider.


Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyi Moe ◽  
Aung Htwe ◽  
Thieu Thu ◽  
Yoshinori Kajihara ◽  
Takeo Yamakawa

The decline in rice yields as a result of excessive chemical fertilizer (CF) inputs is a matter of great concern in rice-growing regions of Asia. In two-year’s field experiments, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) status, growth characteristics and yield of rice were examined by application of poultry manure (PM), cow manure (CM) and compost (CP). Organic fertilizers were applied as EMN (estimated mineralizable N) based on their total N content. Six treatments were assigned in a randomized complete block design: (1) no-N fertilizer (N0); (2) 50% CF (CF50), (3) 100% CF (CF100); 50% CF + 50% EMN from (4) PM or (5) CM or (6) CP. Compared with CF100, the CF50PM50 (total N ≥ 4%) accumulated higher N, P and K content in leaf, sheath, panicle and seeds, resulting in greater growth and yield. The CF50PM50 increased yield by 8.69% and 9.70%, dry matter by 4.76% and 5.27% over CF100 in both years. The continuous application of CF50CM50 (total N < 4%) and CF50CP50 (total N < 4%) treatments led to similar NPK contents but higher yields than those of CF100 treatment in 2018. In conclusion, the organic fertilizer (total N ≥ 4%) with the EMN method enhances higher N availability in each year. Continuous application of organic fertilizer (total N < 4%) over two years effectively increased N availability in the second year. The 50% organic fertilizer (total N ≥ 4%) and 50% CF led to increased NPK availability and rice yields over the 100% CF treatment, reducing CF usage and leading for sustainable agriculture.


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