Organomineral fertilizer as an alternative for increasing potato yield and quality

ABSTRACT Organomineral fertilizer has great potential to replace synthetic fertilizers. The goal of this study was to determine an optimal substitution rate of organomineral fertilizer for mineral fertilizer to increase potato yield and quality. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates and six treatments, namely four substitution rates of organomineral fertilizer application (25, 50, 75, and 100% of mineral fertilizer demand), one rate of mineral fertilizer application (100% of mineral fertilizer demand), and the control (no fertilizer application). The organomineral application rates were tested as an alternative to substitute 25 to 100% of mineral fertilizer. The potato yield (total and in-class) and quality and plant and soil nutrient contents were monitored. The pH and total soluble solid contents had positive correlations with yield. Potatoes accumulated higher contents of K > N > P in the leaves, stems, and tubers. The organomineral fertilizer application rate of 3.7 t ha-1 (equivalent to 100% of mineral fertilizer demand) was the optimal rate to increase potato yield and quality. Organomineral fertilizer is a viable alternative to increase potato quality and yield and to increase plant and soil nutrient contents.

Changes in Metal Distribution, Vegetative Growth, Reactive Oxygen and Nutrient Absorption of Tagetes patula under Soil Cadmium Stress

Phytoremediation with hyperaccumulator plants has been recognized as a potential way for the clearing of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. In this study, hyperaccumulator Tagetes patula was treated with seven concentrations of Cd, ranging from 0 to 300 mg kg−1. The Cd enrichment and nutrient contents in different organs during different growth phases were investigated. Under Cd concentrations ≤75 mg kg-1, the morphological growth of T. patula did not change significantly regardless of growth stage. However, when Cd concentration exceeded 150 mg kg−1, the morphological growth was remarkedly inhibited. The root/shoot ratio remained unchanged except for at 300 mg kg−1. In addition, Cd negatively influenced the flowering process at the concentration of 300 mg kg−1. Cd content increased significantly in Cd-treated plants. Nitrogen absorption was increased under Cd treatments, and phosphorus content was also increased under concentration ≤150 mg·kg−1. However, the potassium content in the flower was decreased under 300 mg kg−1. Furthermore, the contents of H2O2, O2− and malondialdehyde were increased during the seedling phase, especially when Cd concentration was ≥150 mg kg−1. In summary, T. patula showed a strong ability to tolerate Cd, and such ability might be explained by nutrient absorption and reactive oxygen clearness.

Planned Application of Sewage Sludge Recirculates Nutrients to Agricultural Soil and Improves Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Plants

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using sewage sludge (SS) biosolids as a low-cost soil fertilizer to improve soil characteristics and crop yields. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) plants were grown in soil supplemented with different concentrations of SS (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/kg). The results showed that SS soil application led to improved soil quality with a 93% increase of organic matter (at SS dose of 10 g/kg), decreased pH (a reduction from 8.38 to 7.34), and enhanced macro- and micro- nutrient contents. The levels of all the investigated heavy metals (HMs; Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the postharvest SS-amended soil were within the prescribed safe limits. The application of SS to soil considerably enhanced the growth parameters of okra plants. Total biomass increased 13-fold and absolute growth rate increased 10-fold compared to plants grown in nonamended (control) soils. Among the applied SS doses, the 10 g/kg SS dose led to the highest values of the measured growth parameters, compared to those of plants grown in control soils. The induced growth at 10 g/kg SS was accompanied by a substantial increase in metal content in roots, stems, leaves, and fruits; however, all levels remained within safe limits. Consequently, the data presented in this study suggest that SS could be used as a sustainable organic fertilizer, also serving as an ecofriendly method of SS recycling.

Influence of various commercially available organic manures on growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in mint plants (Mentha sp.)

A pot experiment was set up using completely randomized design (CRD) to compare the influences of different commonly available organic manures in the markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh on the growth parameters and nutrient contents in Mint plants (Mentha sp.). Eight different manures were used as treatments for the comparison, viz. ACI, Alo, Annopurna Vermicompost, Cow dung, Kazi, Mazim, Modern Vermicompost and Trichocompost GBD, along with a control, taking three replications of each treatment. After 2.5 months (75 days) the plants were harvested. Trichocompost GBD showed the highest average number of leaves (130.33 plant-1), plant height (27.67 cm plant-1), number of branches (11.00 plant-1) and number of stolons at harvest (1.67 plant-1). The maximum average single leaf area (2.01 cm2 plant-1) and fresh weight (1.68 g plant-1) were observed in Kazi. ACI was observed to have the highest dry weight (0.26 g plant-1), whereas cow dung had the longest root (8.57 cm plant-1). Nutrient accumulation in leaf and stem exhibited the highest N in ACI, highest P and K in Alo, and highest S in Kazi. Correlation analysis of the explored traits with nutrient concentration of plant shoots was performed to elucidate the impact of plant nutrient contents on the analysed parameters. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 73-84

Destabilization of the Bacterial Interactome Identifies Nutrient Restriction-Induced Dysbiosis in Insect Guts

Changes in diet play a role in reshaping the gut microbiome in animals, inducing dysbiotic configurations of the associated microbiome. Although studies have reported on the effects of specific nutrient contents on the diet, studies regarding the conditions altering the microbiome configurations and networking in response to diet changes are limited.

Effect of different dietary fibre sources on the zootechnical performance, feeding behaviour and intestinal physiology of growing and finishing pigs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different sources of fibre in the diets of fattening pigs on performance, feeding behaviour and intestinal physiology. A total of 60 barrows and gilts (initial body weight 28.4 ± 0.4 kg) were allotted to four dietary treatments: control (CON), lignocellulose (LC), mycelium (MYC) and corn gluten feed (CGF). Diets were calculated to provide balanced available nutrient contents. Including MYC in the diet resulted in an increased average daily gain (P < 0.05) compared to CON and CGF, and improved gain to feed ratio (P < 0.05) compared to LC. Pigs in CON (P < 0.05) ate the fewest but largest meals, whereas treatment CGF (P < 0.05) showed the opposite effect, resulting in the same daily feeder occupation time. Regarding intestinal physiology, in ileum, no differences were observed between the contents of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactic acid and biogenic amines. In the colon, MYC showed an increased concentration of acetic acid (P < 0.05) as well as the total content of SCFA (P < 0.05), compared to LC and CGF. Distinct fermentation profiles of ammonia were recorded in ileal and colonic digesta, although contents remained below harmful concentrations. Morphometrical measurements showed differences between the fibre sources LC and MYC, as well as LC and the CON in all investigated gut sections. These results provide evidence that the inclusion of specific dietary fibre sources/contents can positively influence the gut morphology and performance of pigs. However, further studies are needed regarding the mode of action and physico-chemical characteristics of the different fibre sources as a precondition for their successful application in pig diets.

Polyploidization Increases the Lipid Content and Improves the Nutritional Quality of Rice

Plant polyploidization is frequently associated with changes in nutrient contents. However, the possible contribution of metabolites to this change has not been investigated by characterizing the metabolite contents of diploid and tetraploid forms of rice (Oryza sativa L.). We compared the metabolites of a group of diploid–tetraploid japonica brown rice and a group of diploid–tetraploid indica brown rice based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 401 metabolites were identified; of these, between the two diploid–tetraploid groups, 180 showed opposite expression trends, but 221 showed the same trends (147 higher abundance vs. 74 lower abundance). Hierarchical cluster analysis of differential metabolites between diploid and tetraploid species showed a clear grouping pattern, in which the expression abundance of lipids, amino acids and derivatives, and phenolic acids increased in tetraploids. Further analysis revealed that the lipids in tetraploid rice increased significantly, especially unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids. This study provides further basis for understanding the changes in rice nutritional quality following polyploidization and may serve as a new theoretical reference for breeding eutrophic or functional rice varieties via polyploidization.

The nutrient content of N, P, K in Andisols and Arabica coffee leaves in Bener Meriah Regency, Indonesia

Bener Meriah Regency is one of the arabica coffee areas in Indonesia. Generally, most of arabica coffees are grown in Andisols. This research aims to determine the nutrient content of N, P, K in andisols and arabica coffee leaves in the Bener Meriah regency. Data were collected from a 10-year-old arabica coffee tree planted on Andisols located at an altitude of 1200-1400 m above mean sea level and divided in five classes with different slopes, using the survey method and analysed descriptively. The results showed that andisols Bener Meriah had a total N content ranging from 0.09-0.51%. The P-available ranged from 0.3-12.81 mg.kg-1 and P-total content of 159.4-1246.7 mg.kg-1. The K-exchangeable content ranged from 0.17-0.52 cmol kg-1. Arabica coffee leaves contain N ranging from 0.85%-3.00%. The P content ranged from 0.10%-0.23%. Meanwhile, the K content ranged from 1.55%-2.33%. Furthermore, there is a close relationship between soil N-total and the N-nutrient of coffee leaves, soil P-available and P-nutrient of coffee leaves, and soil K-exchangeable and K nutrient contents of coffee leaves with r values of 0.78, 0.97, and 0.68 respectively.

Composition differences between organic and conventional processed foods: a meta-analytical study

ABSTRACT: Comparisons between the nutritional quality of organic and conventional fresh foods are frequently reported in the literature; however, discussion about processed foods is less frequent. Therefore, this study compared the nutritional content of processed products from both production systems using a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, regarding aspects of raw material management and processing. The study reviewed scientific articles published between 2010 and 2020 and the data obtained were analyzed using the standardized mean difference method with Hedges’ adjustment and a random analytical model. Thirty-seven articles were selected, and the foods analyzed in the studies were grouped into five categories: meat products, dairy products, caught fish, wines, and fruit juices/pulps. In products of animal origin, the comparative focus shown was mainly that of the fatty acid profile, while in those of vegetable origin it was that of phytochemicals. Related to the comparison of nutrient contents, it was possible to verify the similarities in organic and conventional products in most studies; however, specific differences were verified (P < 0.05): organics contained more proteins (meat), omega 3 (dairy), and less linoleic acid (dairy and caught fish). Also, there were differences in the management of organic and conventional raw materials, and similarities in processing. Therefore, the choice for organic processed foods should not be made exclusively based on nutritional aspects, considering that the differences in nutrient contents in relation to those of conventional products are practically nonexistent.

Effect of magnesium fertilization on yield and nutrient status of rice in kole lands

The field experiments were conducted in farmer's field at five locations each of kole lands to study the effect of Magnesium (Mg) on yield and soil and plant nutrient status of rice during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments comprised of different levels of Mg viz; 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg Magnesium sulphate(MgSO4)/ha along with control. Observations on growth characters yield attributes, yield and soil and plant nutrient status were recorded. The results revealed that application of 100 kg MgSO4 / ha recorded the maximum number of panicles/m2 (419.13), number of grains/panicle (109.36), thousand grain weight (28.78 g), grain (9.27 t/ha) and straw yield (9.04 t/ha) of rice. The results of pooled data on plant and soil nutrient status revealed that application of magnesium had a positive effect on nutrient content and availability of nutrients in soil. A significant positive correlation was also noticed between Mg application, yield attributes, yield and nutrient contents. The study concluded that application of 100 kg MgSO4 / ha was found to be optimum for correcting the deficiency in Mg deficient areas of kole lands under below sea level farming.