scholarly journals Pelletized Soy-based Bioplastic Fertilizers for Container-crop Production

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 1417-1426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth G. McCabe ◽  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
James A. Schrader ◽  
David Grewell ◽  
Jake Behrens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Soilless Substrate ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Common Application

Research examining biocontainers for container-crop production has demonstrated that bioplastics made from soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can supply mineral nutrients to plants. Using soybean-based bioplastics and biochar (BC), we created pelletized fertilizer designed to be incorporated into soilless substrate. We evaluated the growth of ‘Honeycomb’ marigold (Tagetes patula L.), ‘Montego White’ snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.), and ‘Laser Synchro Scarlet’ cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.) grown with pelletized soy-based bioplastic fertilizers [soy-bioplastic polymer (SP.A) compounded with poly(lactic) acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), containing 15% or 25% BC] or a synthetic controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). Our objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of prototype SP.A-based fertilizers and compare their performance to that of a traditional CRF for growing common greenhouse crops. In our first experiment, treatments of 0, 346, or 691 g nitrogen (N)/m3 of substrate from different fertilizer types were applied to marigold in containers with 15.2-cm top diameter, and in our second experiment, 0, 211, 423, 819, or 1638 g N/m3 were applied to marigold, snapdragon, and cyclamen in containers with 11.4-cm top diameter. Marigolds grown in larger containers accumulated more shoot dry mass (SDM) when supplied with 346 or 691 g N/m3 from each type of the SP.A-based fertilizers than did plants in the nonfertilized control group. Plants supplied with synthetic CRF accumulated similar or greater SDM than plants supplied with the same rate of N from SP.A-based fertilizers. In smaller containers, marigold and cyclamen provided with 211 or 423 g N/m3 from SP.A-based fertilizers accumulated more SDM than nonfertilized plants. Snapdragon provided with SP.A-based fertilizer grew poorly, and plants of this species died before the end of 5 weeks when provided the high and heavy rates of SP.A-based fertilizers. Plants fertilized with CRF had the largest SDM across the three species at most fertilizer concentrations. Tissue N concentration and N uptake were greater for plants provided with SP.A-based fertilizers at most N rates (211, 423, 819 g N/m3) or synthetic CRF (all four rates) than for nonfertilized plants. The effectiveness of prototype SP.A-based fertilizers was better at common application rates (211 and 423 g N/m3), but showed a diminishing return at high and heavy rates of application (819 and 1638 g N/m3). The SP.A-based fertilizers made with PLA copolymer were more effective than those made with PHA. Our results serve as proof-of-concept that pelletized soy-based bioplastic fertilizers can be effective for meeting the nutrient needs of plants during containerized-crop production, but formulations require further development to improve their properties for use with a broad range of species and application rates.

scholarly journals Rates of nitrogen from nitric and ammoniacal sources required by upland rice genotypes originating from Brazil and Colombia

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hector Augusto Sandoval Contreras ◽  
Mario Sandoval Contreras ◽  
Renan Ribeiro Barzan ◽  
João Pedro Silvestre ◽  
Osmar Rodrigues Brito
Keyword(s):  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Upland Rice ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Agronomic Efficiency ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
N Rates

The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial growth, nitrogen (N) uptake, and agronomic efficiency after the use of N fertilizers in upland rice cultivation. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse by using pots filled with surface-layer (0 to 20 cm) soil collected from the municipality of Jaguapitã, Paraná. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 replications. A factorial scheme of 5 × 2 was used, in which the factors were 5 N rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha-1 N) and 2 cultivars of rice (Fedearroz Lagunas [Colombian] and IAPAR- 9 [Brazilian]). The N sources tested were ammonium sulfate (Experiment I) and calcium nitrate (Experiment II). The following variables were evaluated: number of tillers per pot (NTP), dry mass of the shoots (DMS), N content in the dry mass (NCDM), and agronomic efficiency of N fertilizer (AEN). The data obtained in the experiments were evaluated using analysis of variance, and mean values were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% significance for rice cultivar effects or adjusted to polynomial regression equations for N rates. Use of calcium nitrate yielded higher values of NTP, NCDM, and AEN. The cultivar Lagunas showed higher NTP, while IAPAR-9 showed higher DMS. An increase in N rates, for both sources, resulted in the increase of NTP, DMS, and NCDM; however, AEN was decreased.

The influence of potassium and defoliation of ryegrass on the formation of acidic subsurface layers in stock urine patches

Soil Research ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Condon ◽  
A. S. Black ◽  
M. K. Conyers
Keyword(s):  
N Uptake ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Soil Columns ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Downward Movement ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Subsurface Layers ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the influence of simulated urine solutions containing various KCl and urea-N rates on the formation of acidic subsurface layers in soil columns. A factorial design was implemented with application rates equivalent to 0, 21, 42, 63, and 84 g urea-N/m2 and 0, 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g KCl-K/m2. The addition of N caused the formation of acidic subsurface layers at depths between 0.02 and 0.10 m. The magnitude of the resultant net acidification and the depth of the most acidic layer increased with N rate. More acidification occurred at depth at the higher N rates due to the downward movement of NH4+-N. The inclusion of K in the simulated urine produced less acidity in the surface layers and more acidity at depth as the K application rate increased owing to competition between K+ and NH4+-N for exchange sites, allowing more NH4+-N to move to depth. The residual acidity in the soil at the completion of the experiment was found to be greater than the alkalinity of plant material. Therefore, acidic subsurface layers are likely to persist after plant death and decomposition. We also examined the impact of defoliation on the resultant pH profiles formed following simulated urine addition. Defoliation accentuated the magnitude of acidic subsurface layers, possibly due to changes in the rate of N uptake. The influence of defoliation was minor compared with the main effects of N addition.

scholarly journals The effect of cutting frequency and nitrogen fertilizer rates on dry matter production, nitrogen uptake and herbage nitrate content.

1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-251
Author(s):  
L. Sibma ◽  
T. Alberda
Keyword(s):  
N Uptake ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
N Application ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
N Application Rate ◽  
Cutting Frequency ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

In 3 trials with perennial ryegrass given N in the range 0-1000 kg/ha and from 3 to 28 times/yr, DM production, N uptake and NO3 content in relation to N application rates and cutting frequencies of herbage were compared. Higher N application rates increased the herbage yield more at longer growing periods than at higher cutting frequencies. N uptake was positively affected by the application rate and not or only slightly by the cutting frequency. Consistent with this, appreciably high N conc. (max. 5.4%) were found on av. in the herbage at high fertilizer N rates and frequent cutting than at lower rates and less frequent cutting (1.6%). NO3 content increased during the growing season, especially as the N application rate was higher and the growing periods longer. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

scholarly journals Nitrogen Dynamics in an Established Alfalfa Field under Low Biochar Application Rates

Soil Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine S. Rocci ◽  
Steven J. Fonte ◽  
Joseph C. von Fischer ◽  
M. Francesca Cotrufo
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Cycling ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Alfalfa Field

Sustainable nitrogen (N) management in agroecosystems is crucial for supporting crop production and reducing deleterious N losses. Biochar application with N-fixing legumes offers promise for increasing soil N retention and input. Strategic, low application rates (112 kg ha−1) of pine and coconut feedstock biochars were tested in an established alfalfa (Medicago sativa) field. Soil inorganic N and plant growth, N concentrations, and δ15N were monitored over a growing season to follow mineral N availability, and plant N uptake and sourcing. Microbial and gene abundance and enzyme activity were measured to assess the potential for N cycling processes to occur. Biochar application had minimal effects on measured parameters. However, significant temporal dynamics in N cycling and correlations between alfalfa δ15N and soil N availability indicate differing plant N sourcing over time. Our findings indicate that low application rates of biochar in established alfalfa fields do not significantly affect N cycling, and that managing alfalfa to maximize N fixation, for example by intercropping, may be a better solution to increase N stocks and retention in this system. To determine when biochar can be beneficial for alfalfa N cycling, we need additional research to assess various economically-feasible biochar application rates at different alfalfa growth stages.

scholarly journals Soy-composite Biocontainers Allow for Reduced Fertilizer Inputs during Container-crop Production

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (7) ◽  
pp. 927-934
Author(s):  
Kenneth G. McCabe ◽  
James A. Schrader ◽  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
David Grewell ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Potential Reduction ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Sustainable Materials ◽  
Plastic Containers

Bioplastics and bioplastic composites are a group of emerging sustainable materials that exhibit favorable characteristics for use in horticulture-production containers. Biocontainers made from composite materials of soy [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] bioplastic and poly(lactic) acid (PLA) have been shown to release nitrogen (N) at a rate suitable for supporting plant growth. We hypothesized that fertilizer applications can be reduced while maintaining adequate nutrition levels for plant production when using soy-based containers. To test this hypothesis and quantify potential reduction of fertilizer, we grew marigold ‘Honeycomb’ (Tagetes patula L.) in five prototypes of soy-composite biocontainers [soy bioplastic compounded with PLA or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)] and a petroleum-plastic (polypropylene) control container with five fertilizer treatments supplying 1) 60N‒4P‒49K; 2) 75N‒5P‒61K; 3) 105N‒7P‒85K; 4) 150N‒10P‒122K; or 5) 300N‒20P‒244K mg. At harvest, plants grown in all soy‒PLA composite biocontainers and protein + PLA biocontainers had higher concentrations and contents of N and P compared with plants grown in petroleum-plastic containers across all fertilizer treatments. Shoot K concentrations were highest for plants grown in all soy‒PLA and soy‒PHA biocontainers compared with plants grown in petroleum-plastic containers across all fertilizer treatments, whereas shoot K concentrations in plants grown in protein + PLA biocontainers were equal to or lower than plants in petroleum-plastic containers. Total plant dry weight was greater for plants grown in biocontainers made of 50% soy‒50% PLA and protein + PLA than for plants grown in control containers across all fertilizer treatments except at the highest rate of fertilizer in which plants received 300N‒20P‒244K mg. Our results support the hypothesis that fertilizer inputs can be reduced when using soy-composite biocontainers. Biocontainers made with equal parts soy bioplastic and PLA showed strong potential for achieving adequate plant growth with reduced fertilizer input. Our results demonstrate that fertilizer can be reduced by as much as 80% when growing marigold in containers made of 50% soy‒50% PLA for 6 weeks.

Impact of Nitrogen Management Practices on Total Nitrogen in the Fruits of High Productive Hamlin Orange Trees

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 498e-498
Author(s):  
S. Paramasivam ◽  
A.K. Alva
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Fine Sand ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Perennial Crop ◽  
Total N ◽  
N Removal ◽  
Leaf N Concentration ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Orange Trees

For perennial crop production conditions, major portion of nutrient removal from the soil-tree system is that in harvested fruits. Nitrogen in the fruits was calculated for 22-year-old `Hamlin' orange (Citrus sinensis) trees on Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reticulata) rootstock, grown in a Tavares fine sand (hyperthermic, uncoated, Typic Quartzipsamments) that received various N rates (112, 168, 224, and 280 kg N/ha per year) as either i) broadcast of dry granular form (DGF; four applications/year), or ii) fertigation (FRT; 15 applications/year). Total N in the fruits (mean across 4 years) varied from 82 to 110 and 89 to 111 kg N/ha per year for the DGF and FRT sources, respectively. Proportion of N in the fruits in relation to N applied decreased from 74% to 39% for the DGF and from 80% to 40% for the FRT treatments. High percentage of N removal in the fruits in relation to total N applied at low N rates indicate that trees may be depleting the tree reserve for maintaining fruit production. This was evident, to some extent, by the low leaf N concentration at the low N treatments. Furthermore, canopy density was also lower in the low N trees compared to those that received higher N rates.

Evaluation of Zeolite-based Soilless Root Media for Potted Chrysanthemum Production

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 465e-465
Author(s):  
Janet L. Carlino ◽  
Kimberly A. Williams ◽  
Earl R. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Nutrient Leaching ◽  
Fresh Mass ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Control Medium ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
Root Media ◽  
Soluble Fertilizer

Chrysanthemum growth and nutrient leaching of three clinoptilolite-based root media, which were formulated and provided by Boulder Innovative Technologies, Inc. and ZeoponiX, Inc., were compared to the performance of control plants grown in Sunshine Mix #2 (3 peat: 1 perlite, v/v). The control received 210 mg·L–1 N from an 18N–4P–15K soluble fertilizer at each irrigation. The experimental zeolite-based medium NZ, which contained untreated zeolite and received the same soluble fertilizer as the control, leached lower concentrations of NH4-N, K, and PO4-P for most of the production cycle compared to the control. Medium EZ1 was formulated to provide N, P, and K as fertilizer nutrients and produced plants similar to the control based on ratings, height, width, and dry mass, but not fresh mass, at harvest when the fertilizer rate was half of that applied to the control, 105 mg·L–1 N. Medium EZ2, which did not receive P or K from soluble fertilizer, produced plants similar to the control based on rating, height, and dry mass, but not width or fresh mass, with soluble fertilizer input reduced to only N. Tissue N, P, and K concentrations of plants grown in media EZ1 and EZ2 were lower than those of control plants. With further refinements, these zeolite-based products show promise for decreasing nutrient leaching during crop production and allowing for application of lower rates of soluble fertilizers.

scholarly journals Semi-Transparent Organic Photovoltaics Applied as Greenhouse Shade for Spring and Summer Tomato Production in Arid Climate

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1152
Author(s):  
Rebekah Waller ◽  
Murat Kacira ◽  
Esther Magadley ◽  
Meir Teitel ◽  
Ibrahim Yehia
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Organic Photovoltaics ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
High Light ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tomato Crop ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Control Section

Recognizing the growing interest in the application of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with greenhouse crop production systems, in this study we used flexible, roll-to-roll printed, semi-transparent OPV arrays as a roof shade for a greenhouse hydroponic tomato production system during a spring and summer production season in the arid southwestern U.S. The wavelength-selective OPV arrays were installed in a contiguous area on a section of the greenhouse roof, decreasing the transmittance of all solar radiation wavelengths and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) wavelengths (400–700 nm) to the OPV-shaded area by approximately 40% and 37%, respectively. Microclimate conditions and tomato crop growth and yield parameters were measured in both the OPV-shaded (‘OPV’) and non-OPV-shaded (‘Control’) sections of the greenhouse. The OPV shade stabilized the canopy temperature during midday periods with the highest solar radiation intensities, performing the function of a conventional shading method. Although delayed fruit development and ripening in the OPV section resulted in lower total yields compared to the Control section (24.6 kg m−2 and 27.7 kg m−2, respectively), after the fourth (of 10 total) harvests, the average weekly yield, fruit number, and fruit mass were not significantly different between the treatment (OPV-shaded) and control group. Light use efficiency (LUE), defined as the ratio of total fruit yield to accumulated PAR received by the plant canopy, was nearly twice as high as the Control section, with 21.4 g of fruit per mole of PAR for plants in the OPV-covered section compared to 10.1 g in the Control section. Overall, this study demonstrated that the use of semi-transparent OPVs as a seasonal shade element for greenhouse production in a high-light region is feasible. However, a higher transmission of PAR and greater OPV device efficiency and durability could make OPV shades more economically viable, providing a desirable solution for co-located greenhouse crop production and renewable energy generation in hot and high-light intensity regions.

scholarly journals Raw and Fermented Alfalfa Brown Juice Induces Changes in the Germination and Development of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Plants

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1076
Author(s):  
Döme Barna ◽  
Szilvia Kisvarga ◽  
Szilvia Kovács ◽  
Gábor Csatári ◽  
Ibolya O. Tóth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Root And Shoot Length ◽  
Horticultural Practice ◽  
Brown Juice

Organic and ecological farming programs require new and efficient biostimulants with beneficial properties for the sustainable and safe production of seedlings and ornamental plants. We examined the effect of non-fermented and lacto-fermented alfalfa brown juice (BJ) on seed germination and the vegetative, physiological, and anatomical properties of French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ‘Csemő’) plants which were treated with 0.5–10% fermented and non-fermented BJ, with tap water applied as a control. Applying 0.5% fermented BJ significantly improved seed germination compared with non-fermented BJ, resulting in an increase of 9.6, 11.2, 10.9, and 41.7% in the final germination percent, germination rate index, germination index, and vigor index, respectively. In addition, it increased the root and shoot length by 7.9 and 16.1%, respectively, root and shoot dry mass by 20 and 47.6%, respectively, and the number of leaves by 28.8% compared to the control. Furthermore, an increase in contents of water-soluble phenol, chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoid was reported upon the application of 0.5% fermented BJ, while peroxidase activity decreased. Our results prove that alfalfa BJ can be enrolled as a biostimulant as part of the circular farming approach which supports the sustainable horticultural practice.

INFLUENCE OF THE SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION ON RICE YIELD AND NITROGEN AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY WITH DIFFERENT N APPLICATION RATES

2009 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
LIMEI ZHAO ◽  
LIANGHUAN WU ◽  
YONGSHAN LI ◽  
XINGHUA LU ◽  
DEFENG ZHU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
N Use Efficiency ◽  
System Of Rice Intensification ◽  
N Application ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Rice Intensification ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
N Rates ◽  
N Use

SUMMARYField experiments were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to investigate the impacts of alternative rice cultivation systems on grain yield, water productivity, N uptake and N use efficiency (ANUE, agronomic N use efficiency; PFP, partial factor productivity of applied N). The trials compared the practices used with the system of rice intensification (SRI) and traditional flooding (TF). The effects of different N application rates (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg ha−1) and of N rates interacting with the cultivation system were also evaluated. Resulting grain yields with SRI ranged from 5.6 to 7.3 t ha−1, and from 4.1 to 6.4 t ha−1 under TF management. On average, grain yields under SRI were 21% higher in 2005 and 22% higher in 2006 than with TF. Compared with TF, SRI plots had higher harvest index across four fertilizer N rates in both years. However, there was no significance difference in above-ground biomass between two cultivation systems in either year. ANUE was increased significantly under SRI at 80 kg N ha−1 compared with TF, while at higher N application rates, ANUE with SRI was significantly lower than TF. Compared with TF, PFP under SRI was higher across all four N rates in both years, although the difference at 240 kg N ha−1 was not significant. As N rate increased, the ANUE and PFP under both SRI and TF significantly decreased. Reduction in irrigation water use with SRI was 40% in 2005 and 47% in 2006, and water use efficiency, both total and from irrigation, were significantly increased compared to TF. With both SRI and TF, the highest N application was associated with decreases in grain yield, N use efficiency and water use efficiency. This is an important finding given current debates whether N application rates in China are above the optimum, especially considering consequences for soil and water resources. Cultivation system, N rates and their interactions all produced significant differences in this study. Results confirmed that optimizing fertilizer N application rates under SRI is important to increase yield, N use efficiency and water use efficiency.

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