Nitrogen Fertilizer Equivalence of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer and Synchrony of Nitrogen Mineralization for Maize Production

The use of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is being promoted globally. However, information on nitrogen (N) fertilizer equivalence (NFE) value and synchrony of N mineralization for crop production remains largely unknown. Comparative studies between BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) were undertaken under field conditions to determine synchrony of N release for maize uptake. The BSFFF, SAFI, and urea fertilizers were applied at the rates of 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg N ha−1. The yield data from urea treated plots were used to determine the NFE of both organic inputs. Results showed that maize from BSFFF treated plots had higher N uptake than that from SAFI treated plots. High N immobilization was observed throughout the active growth stages of maize grown in soil amended with BSFFF, whereas soil treated with SAFI achieved net N release at the silking stage. Up to three times higher negative N fluxes were observed in SAFI amended soils as compared with BSFFF treated plots at the tasseling stage. The BSFFF applied at 30 and 60 kg N ha−1 achieved significantly higher NFE than all SAFI treatments. Our findings revealed that BSFFF is a promising and sustainable alternative to SAFI or urea for enhanced maize production.

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Predicting Dry Bean Yields in Phenological Time

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.32.3.464c ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 464C-464

Author(s):

David Nuland ◽

R.G. Taylor ◽

Robert Hawley

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Management Practices ◽

Multiple Regression Model ◽

Weather Data ◽

Daily Maximum ◽

Growth Stages ◽

Related Factors ◽

Yield Data ◽

Dry Bean ◽

Current Season

A multiple regression model was developed to predict dry bean yields for the dry bean-growing region of western Nebraska. Within the context of the dry bean phenological growth stages, the model assesses the significance and magnitude of weather, climatic and irrigation disasters, and technology. Yield data was taken from four western Nebraska counties (Box Butte, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, and Sheridan) for 1940 to the present. Weather data used to predict yield were daily maximum and minimum temperatures and precipitation from a single weather station in each respective county. Farmers and industry personnel in each county provided historical recollections of years when county-wide disaster events occurred, such as hail and early frost. Four 21-day growth stages were defined as: emergence and stand establishment, rapid vegetative growth, flowering and pod development, and pod fill and maturation. The model predicts current season yields at the end of each growth stage as the season progresses. In 1995, the model predicted a yield of 1731 lb/A—3% below the final USDA estimate for Scott Bluff county. The 1996 predicted value is for 2162 lbs/A—the fifth largest in history. Providing accurate real-time yield predictions assess which weather-related factors are significant, and ranks the relative impacts of weather effects on dry bean yields. Technological progress in yield can also be measured. This information aids farmers in the selection of varieties and management practices that reduce yield losses, predicts regional crop production for agribusiness planning, and provides plant breeders the guidelines for variety development.

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

Soil Systems ◽

10.3390/soilsystems3040077 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 77 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

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.

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Conversion of Spent Coffee and Donuts by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae into Potential Resources for Animal and Plant Farming

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12040332 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 332

Author(s):

Hayden Fischer ◽

Nicholas Romano ◽

Amit Kumar Sinha

Keyword(s):

Organic Waste ◽

Glycogen Content ◽

Organic Fertilizer ◽

Organic Fertilizers ◽

Black Soldier Fly ◽

Hermetia Illucens ◽

Hermetia Illucens Larvae ◽

Nitrogen Phosphorus ◽

Dough Stage ◽

Plant Farming

Nutritionally unbalanced organic waste can be converted into potential resources for animal and plant farming by culturing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) and prepupae (BSFP). BSFL and BSFP are rich sources of protein and lipids, while the leftover excrement called “frass” can be used as an organic fertilizer. Using readily available resources, BSFL were cultured on spent coffee, donut dough or an equal blend for 35 days. Survival, productivity, daily pupation and biochemical composition of BSFL and BSFP were measured along with the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium values of the frass. Survival was highest in the blend compared (81%) to spent coffee (45%) or dough (24%); however, BSFL and BSFP were significantly longer and heavier from dough. Stage and food significantly influenced the protein, lipid and glycogen content of the BSFL and BSFP, which tended to be higher in the latter. While fatty acids were often significantly higher in BSFL fed spent coffee, the amino acid composition of BSFL was generally higher in dough. Frass from the blend had significantly highest nitrogen content, while potassium and phosphorus were significantly higher and lower from spent coffee, respectively. Although coffee and donut dough were suboptimal substrates for BSFL, a blend of these produced BSFL and frass that were nutritionally comparable to soybean meal and many organic fertilizers, respectively.

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Crop Response to Leaf and Seed Applications of the Biostimulant ComCat® under Stress Conditions

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11061161 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1161

Author(s):

Roland Gerhards ◽

Fructueuse N. Ouidoh ◽

André Adjogboto ◽

Vodéa Armand Pascal Avohou ◽

Berteulot Latus Sètondji Dossounon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seed Treatment ◽

Crop Production ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Nutrient Deficiency ◽

Natural Compounds ◽

Application Rate ◽

Winter Barley ◽

Block Designs ◽

Crop Response ◽

Yield Data

Although clear evidence for benefits in crop production is partly missing, several natural compounds and microorganisms have been introduced to the market as biostimulants. They are supposed to enhance nutrient efficiency and availability in the rhizosphere, reduce abiotic stress, and improve crop quality parameters. Biostimulants often derive from natural compounds, such as microorganisms, algae, and plant extracts. In this study, the commercial plant extract-based biostimulant ComCat® was tested in two field experiments with maize in the communities of Banikoara and Matéri in Northern Benin and six pot experiments (four with maize and two with winter barley) at the University of Hohenheim in Germany. Maize was grown under nutrient deficiency, drought, and weed competition, and winter barley was stressed by the herbicide Luximo (cinmethylin). ComCat® was applied at half, full, and double the recommended field rate (50, 100, and 200 g ha−1) on the stressed and unstressed control plants as leaf or seed treatment. The experiments were conducted in randomized complete block designs with four replications. The above-ground biomass and yield data of one experiment in Benin were collected. The biostimulant did not promote maize and winter barley biomass production of the unstressed plants. When exposed to stress, ComCat@ resulted only in one out of eight experiments in higher barley biomass compared to the stressed treatment without ComCat® application. There was a reduced phytotoxic effect of cinmethylin after seed treatment with ComCat®. Crop response to ComCat® was independent of the application rate. Basic and applied studies are needed to investigate the response of crops to biostimulants and their mechanisms of action in the plants before they should be used in practical farming.

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Challenges and Solutions for Biogas Production from Agriculture Waste in the Aral Sea Basin

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9020199 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 199

Author(s):

Olimjon Saidmamatov ◽

Inna Rudenko ◽

Urs Baier ◽

Elbek Khodjaniyazov

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Biogas Production ◽

Organic Fertilizer ◽

Modern Society ◽

Aral Sea ◽

Middle Income ◽

Current Form ◽

Aral Sea Basin ◽

Energy Needs ◽

Biomass Resources

Energy plays an essential role in the modern society and can serve as one of the vital parameters of socio-economic development. Despite developments in technology, over three billion persons living in rural parts of the low- and middle-income countries continue to cover their energy needs for cooking through traditional ways by burning biomass resources. This paper as a case study focuses on the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan, possessing a well-developed agricultural production with high livestock numbers and intensive crop production. The manure of the livestock farms is not used efficiently and the energy supply of the farms depends primarily on centrally produced gas and electricity. Some areas are not yet connected to the gas grid. Agriculture causes huge environmental damages in its current form. The benefit of biogas production would therefore be fivefold: (1) local energy source, (2) mitigation of environmental impacts, (3) reducing CH4-emissions, (4) producing organic fertilizer as a side product and (5) additional earnings for farmers.

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Agro-Environmental Sustainability of Anaerobic Digestate Fractions in Intensive Cropping Systems: Insights Regarding the Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Crop Performance

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11040745 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 745

Author(s):

Federico Grillo ◽

Ilaria Piccoli ◽

Ivan Furlanetto ◽

Francesca Ragazzi ◽

Silvia Obber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Management Practices ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Inorganic Nitrogen ◽

Organic Fertilizer ◽

N Uptake ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Veneto Region ◽

Liquid Digestate ◽

Crop Performance ◽

Use Efficiency

Digestate is an anaerobic digestion by-product rich in inorganic-nitrogen (N) that can be used as an organic fertilizer. Digestate agronomic efficiency and its impact on the environment have not yet been studied in detail, therefore this study tries to fill this gap. The agro-environmental sustainability of digestate fractions was evaluated in a holistic way by comparing the best management practices available in the Veneto Region agroecosystem. A farm experiment involving mineral fertilizer and both liquid and solid digestate fractions was established involving silage winter wheat and silage maize as main crops. Agro-environmental sustainability was investigated coupling crop performance analysis (e.g., yield, N uptake and N use efficiency (NUE)) with a novel proposed agro-environmental sustainability index (AESI) (i.e., product of the dry yield and NUE). The results showed that the liquid digestate fraction gave agronomic performances comparable to mineral fertilizers and a satisfying AESI while solid digestate showed lower performances. In conclusion, liquid digestate fractions might be an effective substitute for mineral fertilizers in the Veneto region agroecosystem reaching encouraging levels of agro-environmental sustainability. On the contrary, longer-term experiments are requested to evaluate solid digestate fraction sustainability.

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Long-term effect of cropping system and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer on production and nitrogen economy of grain crops in a Brown Chernozem

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/p03-215 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 85 (1) ◽

pp. 81-93 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

C. A. Campbell ◽

R. P. Zentner ◽

F. Selles ◽

P. G. Jefferson ◽

B. G. McConkey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Use ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Crop Production ◽

N Uptake ◽

Yield Response ◽

Average Response ◽

Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽

N Yield ◽

P Fertilizer

Assessment of the long-term impact of fertilizers and other management factors on crop production and environmental sustainability of cropping systems in the semi-arid Canadian prairies is needed. This paper discusses the long-term influence of N and P fertilizers on crop production, N uptake and water use of hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and the effect of the preceding crop type [flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and fall rye (Secale cereale L.)] on wheat grown on a medium-textured, Orthic Brown Chernozem at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. We analysed 36 yr of results (1967–2002) from eight crop rotation-fertility treatments: viz., fallow-wheat receiving N and P (F-W, N + P), three F-W-W treatments fertilized with (i) N + P, (ii) P only, and (iii) N only; two other 3-yr mixed rotations with N + P (i) F-flax-W (F-Flx-W) and (ii) F-fall rye-W (F-Rye-W); and two continuous wheat rotations (Cont W), one receiving N + P and the other only P. Growing season weather conditions during the 36-yr period were near the long-term mean, but the first 22 yr were generally drier than normal while the last 14 yr (1989–2002) had average to above-average growing conditions. This was partly responsible for grain and N yield being greater in the latter period than in the first 22 yr. The 36-yr average response of wheat grown on fallow to P fertilizer was 339 kg ha-1, while the response to N fertilizer over this period was only 123 kg ha-1. The 36-yr average response of wheat grown on stubble to N was 344 kg ha-1 for F-W-(W) and 393 kg ha-1 for Cont W. Neither flax nor fall rye influenced the yield response of the following wheat crops. Annualized grain production for F-W (N + P), F-W-W (+ N) and F-W-W (+ P) rotations were similar (1130 kg ha-1 yr-1); this was about 15% lower than for F-W-W (N + P), 40% lower than for Cont W (N + P), and 5% lower than for Cont W (+ P). Annualized aboveground N yield for Cont W (N + P) was 57% higher than for Cont W (+ P). Regressions were developed relating straw to grain yields for wheat, flax and fall rye. The amount of NO3-N left in the soil was directly related to amount of N applied and inversely to N removed in the crop. Thus, F-(W)-W (+ N) left about 28% more NO3-N in the rooting zone than F-(W)-W (N + P), while F-W-(W) (N + P) left 20% more than F-W-(W) (+ P), and Cont W (N + P) left 39% more than Cont W (+ P). F-Rye-W (N + P) left much less NO3-N in the soil than any other fallow-containing system and similar amounts to Cont W (N + P). Key words: Yields, grain protein, N and P fertilizer, straw/grain regressions, water use, soil nitrate

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Participatory soil quality assessment: The case of smallholder farmers in Ethiopian highlands

Soil Research ◽

10.1071/sr04021 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 42 (7) ◽

pp. 793 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Teklu Erkossa ◽

Karl Stahr ◽

Thomas Gaiser

Keyword(s):

Quality Assessment ◽

Soil Quality ◽

Crop Production ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Soil Management ◽

Triticum Aestivum L ◽

Soil Functions ◽

Yield Data ◽

Management Interventions ◽

Soil Quality Assessment

The study was conducted at Caffee Doonsa (08°88′N, 39°08′E; 2400 m asl), a small watershed in the central highlands of Ethiopia, in order to identify farmers’ goals of soil management and the indicators they use in selecting soils for a certain function, and to categorise the soils in different quality groups with respect to the major functions. Thirty-six male farmers of different age and wealth groups participated in a Participatory Rural Appraisal technique. They listed and prioritised 12 soil functions in the area and itemised the soil quality indicators (characteristics). Based on the indicators, the soils in the watershed were classified into 3 soil quality (SQ) groups (Abolse, Kooticha, and Carii). The SQ groups have been evaluated and ranked for the major soil functions. For crop production, Abolse was graded best, followed by Kooticha and Carii, respectively. The grain and straw yield data of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) taken from the SQ groups confirmed the farmers claim, in that Abolse gave the highest grain yield (4573 kg/ha), followed by 4411 and 3657 kg/ha for Kooticha and Carii, respectively. Local insights should be included in systematic soil quality assessment, and in planning and implementation of various soil management interventions.

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Plant uptake of nitrogen adsorbed to biochars made from dairy manure

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94337-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Leilah Krounbi ◽

Akio Enders ◽

John Gaunt ◽

Margaret Ball ◽

Johannes Lehmann

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Crop Production ◽

Liquid Fraction ◽

N Uptake ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Dairy Manure ◽

Production Costs ◽

Available N ◽

Dairy Waste ◽

Pre Treatment

AbstractThe conversion of dairy waste with high moisture contents to dry fertilizers may reduce environmental degradation while lowering crop production costs. We converted the solid portion of screw-pressed dairy manure into a sorbent for volatile ammonia (NH3) in the liquid fraction using pyrolysis and pre-treatment with carbon dioxide (CO2). The extractable N in manure biochar exposed to NH3 following CO2 pre-treatment reached 3.36 g N kg−1, 1260-fold greater extractable N than in untreated manure biochar. Ammonia exposure was 142-times more effective in increasing extractable N than immersing manure biochar in the liquid fraction containing dissolved ammonium. Radish and tomato grown in horticultural media with manure biochar treated with CO2 + NH3 promoted up to 35% greater plant growth (dry weight) and 36–83% greater N uptake compared to manure biochar alone. Uptake of N was similar between plants grown with wood biochar exposed to CO2 + NH3, compared to N-equivalent treatments. The available N in dairy waste in New York (NY) state, if pyrolyzed and treated with NH3 + CO2, is equivalent to 11,732–42,232 Mg N year−1, valued at 6–21.5 million USD year−1. Separated dairy manure treated with CO2 + NH3 can offset 23–82% of N fertilizer needs of NY State, while stabilizing both the solid and liquid fraction of manure for reduced environmental pollution.

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In situ nitrogen mineralization and nutrient release by soil amended with black soldier fly frass fertilizer

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94269-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dennis Beesigamukama ◽

Benson Mochoge ◽

Nicholas Korir ◽

Changeh J. Ghemoh ◽

Sevgan Subramanian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Acidity ◽

Organic Fertilizer ◽

Soil Health ◽

Nutrient Release ◽

Tropical Soils ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Black Soldier Fly ◽

Amended Soils ◽

Cropping Seasons ◽

Bacteria And Fungi

AbstractAlthough black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is effective on crop performance, information on nitrogen (N) mineralization and nutrient release capacity of soils amended with BSFFF is lacking. This study utilized field incubation experiments to investigate the ammonification, nitrification, microbial populations, and quantities of nutrients released by soils amended with BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) for a period equivalent to two maize cropping seasons. For the control treatment, no BSFFF or SAFI was added. Results indicated that most of the N in BSFFF amended soils was available in the ammonium form, while soils treated with SAFI had higher nitrate concentration. The BSFFF amended soils experienced shorter net immobilization periods of N (30–60 days) compared to SAFI treated soils (60–95 days). Increased rates of mineralization (3–10 times) and nitrification (2–4 times) were observed in soils treated with BSFFF during the second season of application. The BSFFF treated soils showed significantly higher N, phosphorus, and magnesium release than the control. Repeated application of BSFFF led to increased N release by three-folds in the soil. Furthermore, soil amendment with BSFFF increased the populations of bacteria and fungi, reduced soil acidity, and increased phosphorus (two-folds) and magnesium (two–four-folds) release than SAFI treated soils. Our findings highlight the crucial role of BSFFF in improving soil health by addressing the challenges of soil acidity, phosphorus fixation and nutrient mining, which is characteristic of most tropical soils.

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