Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Selected Health Beneficial Bioactive Compounds and Aroma Profile of Red Topepo Sweet Pepper

Phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of red sweet pepper cv Topepo grown in soil amended with different organic fertilizers were compared with that grown in unamended soil. Organic fertilizers are an environmentally friendly alternative to recovery infertile soils that resulted from the intensified agricultural practices in red Topepo production. The aim was to discriminate the effects of organic fertilizers one from each other on the quality of red Topepo to find out the better sustainable fertilization practice for its cultivation. Results showed that compost from vegetable residues (CV) enhanced the synthesis of total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, carotenoids, anthocyanins, as well as carbohydrates, antioxidant activities, and aroma profiling, compared to horse manure (HD), compost from olive pomace (CO), and control (CTR). The results indicated a specificity between the quality of red Topepo and compost composition, highlighting that vegetable residues increased the synthesis of secondary metabolites, enhancing sustainably, the nutraceutical, sensorial, and economic value of red Topepo. The fertilizer composition resulted largely responsible for the synthesis of bioactive compounds, flavor, and aroma of this fruit.

Can the Application the Silicon Improve the Productivity and Nutritional Value of Grass–Clover Sward in Conditions of Rainfall Shortage in Organic Management?

To improve sward efficiency and maintain high feed quality in organic farming—as well as compensate for yield losses under anticipated drought periods—alternative fertilization practices should be considered. In this context, this study aimed to assess the response to summer drought of grass–clover sward in organic cultivation under various conditions of foliar fertilization with silicon (Si) (without Si, Si applied with multicomponent fertilizer Herbagreen, Si applied with growth stimulator Optysil). The research was conducted at the certified organic field in the 3rd, 4th and 5th year of mowing utilization (from 2015 to 2017). The studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of Si application on the yield of the grass–clover sward, especially under multicomponent fertilizer. Both fertilizers increased roots mass, but growth stimulator (containing mainly Si) had a stronger impact, especially with rainfall scarcity. In such conditions the application of Si decreased flavones concentration in plants and increased values of chlorophyll index. This study also indicated the potential for applying Si fertilizers to improve content of nutrients (crude protein, organic matter digestibility, potassium and phosphorus) in the sward. The results of presented studies may be used in fertilization practice of organic crop for enhancing sward productivity and to compensate for yield losses under condition of rainfall deficiency.

Effects of varieties and boron on growth and yield of summer tomato

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of varieties and boron (B) levels on growth and yield of summer tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) at the Germplasm Centre in the Department of Horticulture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali during the period from May, 2018 to September, 2018. Fifteen treatments were comprising (i) three summer tomato varieties (BARI hybrid tomato 4, 8 and 10) and (ii) five levels of boron as boric acid (0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 kg B ha-1) in all combinations. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used in the earthen pot (0.79 ft3) experimentation. The effects of varieties and boron levels showed significant variations (p <0.05) on growth and yield of summer tomato at different days after transplanting. Among the varieties at final count plant-1, delayed flowering (32.6 days), the highest plant height (93.8 cm), number of leaves (99.93), no. of branches (26.27), no. of flower clusters (18.53), no. of flowers (82.73), no. of fruits (51.87), longest fruit length (41.87 mm) and maximum fruit width (48.0 mm), weight of individual fruit (55.71 g) and total weight of fruits (2892.88 g) were observed in BARI hybrid tomato 8. In contrast, the lowest plant height (87.3 cm), no. of leaves (86.47), no. of branches (24.06), no. of flower clusters (15.87), no. of flowers (66.07), no. of fruits (37.33), weight of individual fruit (43.60 g) and total weight of fruits (1630.57 g) were found in BARI hybrid tomato 4; and early flowering (31.93 days), shortest fruit length (33.07 mm) and maximum fruit width (34.60 mm) were noticed in BARI hybrid tomato 10. Among the boron levels at final count plant-1, early flowering (29.67 days), the maximum no. of flower clusters (18.44), no. of flowers (89.11), no. of fruits (46.22) and total weight of fruits (2364.29 g) were recorded in 2 kg B ha-1 treatment; the maximum plant height (96.50 cm), no. of leaves (102.89), no. of branches (28.11), longest fruit length (42.89 mm) and maximum fruit width (46.78 mm) and weight of individual fruit (51.74 g) were obtained in 3 kg B ha-1 treatment. Conversely, delayed flowering (34.67 days), minimum plant height (83.50 cm), no. of leaves (87.56), no. of branches (21.78), no. of flower clusters (15.89), no. of flowers (63.56), no. of fruits (40.33), shortest fruit length (31.78 mm) and minimum fruit width (34.67 mm), weight of individual fruit (47.47 g) and total weight of fruits (1936.00 g) were recorded in control (0 kg B ha-1) treatment. Our results suggest that the inclusion of B (2–3 kg ha-1) with the current fertilization practice will enhance the growth and yield of summer tomato grown at AEZ (agro-ecological zone) 13 while BARI hybrid tomato 8 could be recommended as one of the promising varieties.

ite specific nutrient management and its effect on growth and yield of winter maize

An experiment was conducted on farmer’s field in Khajura, Banke for site specific nutrient management (SSNM) in hybrid maize (Rajkumar) during winter season of 2016. The climatic condition of the experimental location was humid sub-tropical and sandy loam soil occurring intense summer and severe winter. Average annual rainfall of 1000 -1500 mm occurs in the location. The experiment was replicated 4 times in Randomized complete block design having plot size of 4.8 x 3 m2. Row to row spacing was maintained at 60 cm and plant to plant at 25 cm for each plot. There were six treatments including farmers fertilization practice (27.6:27.6:18 NP2O5K2O kgha-1) as a check, recommended dose of fertilizer (160:60:40 NP2O5K2O kgha-1), site specific nutrient management (212.9:66.8:280.8 NP2O5K2O kgha-1), 75% SSNM (372.6:116.9:491.4 NP2O5K2O kgha-1), FP-N, FP-P, SSNM-K (27.6:27.6:280.8 NP2O5K2O kgha-1) and SSNM-N, FP-P, FP-K (212.9:27.6:27.6 NP2O5K2O kgha-1). Among the treatment combination; application of SSNM we can increase the yield by 193% over farmer fertilization practice. Recommended dose of fertilizer and 75 percent SSNM also increase the yield by 138% and 130.4% respectively compared to farmer fertilization practice. 88% and 53.5% more increment could also be obtained through the application of only SSNM dose of nitrogen and SSNM dose of potassium respectively over farmer fertilization practice.

Yield components of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) in different sowing technologies on acidic sandy soil

Nearly a quarter of the agricultural utilized area of our country is made up of sandy soils. Sandy soils are poor in nutrients, and, therefore, the effectiveness of farming is basically determined by the method of maintaining soil fertility and the fertilization practice. The hairy vetch called Vicia villosa Roth (Sandy Roth.), also known as a sand pioneer, plays a significant role in the exploitation of sandy soils. Its cultivation was started in Hungary in the late 1800s. It is primarily used as green fodder, most recently as a green manure and as a soil protection plant. The lupine is grown mainly as a supportive plant, which was previously rye, and today it is triticale. The ratio of the two plants to each other and the spatial location of plants depend on the method of sowing. The aim of our work was to present the yields of some of the grain grown in different sowing methods and some of its crops.

Sustainable Production of Sweet Sorghum as a Bioenergy Crop Using Biosolids Taking into Account Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Currently, little data are available on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sweet sorghum production under temperate climate. Similarly, information on the effect of bio-based waste products use on the carbon (C) footprint of sorghum cultivation is rare in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomical and environmental effects of the application of biosolids as a nitrogen source in the production of sweet sorghum as a bioenergy crop. The yield of sorghum biomass was assessed and the GHG emissions arising from crop production were quantified. The present study focused on whether agricultural use of sewage sludge and digestate could be considered an option to improve the C footprint of sorghum production. Biosolids—sewage sludge and digestate—could be recognized as a nutrient substitute without crop yield losses. Nitrogen application had the greatest impact on the external GHG emissions and it was responsible for 54% of these emissions. CO2eq emissions decreased by 14 and 11%, respectively, when sewage sludge and digestate were applied. This fertilization practice represents a promising strategy for low C agriculture and could be recommended to provide sustainable sorghum production as a bioenergy crop to mitigate GHG emissions.