Influence of soil amendment of different concentrations of amino acid water-soluble fertilizer on physiological characteristics, yield and quality of “Hangjiao No.2” Chili Pepper

Amino acids are well known as natural stimulators of plant growth and are widely used to promote crop yield and quality. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of amino acid (s) as a foliar spray on a variety of plant species. However, the effects of soil amendment of different concentrations of amino acid water-soluble fertilizer on the physiological characteristics, yield, and quality of pepper remain unclear. Following this, three experimental sets of amino acid water-soluble fertilizer in the ratio 1.8: 2.7: 3.6 kg including control (CK) were conducted in Lintao county, Gansu province. The treatments were applied through furrow method at 6 weeks after planting. The results showed that physiological characteristics of the pepper plants, such as chlorophyll a (1.35 mg g−1), and b (0.67 mg g−1), total chlorophyll (2.02 mg g−1), carotenoid (0.63 mg g−1), ETR (26.25 µmol m−2s−1), Fv/Fm (0.75), Qp (0.92) contents of the leaves were increased by the 1.8 kg treatment while NPQ (71.37%) and root activity (2185.52 µg g−1 h−1) were improved by the 3.6 kg treatment compared to the control. Fertilization with 2.7 kg of amino acid water-soluble fertilizer also had a significant influence on fruit length (25.50 cm), and yield of pepper (37.92 t ha−1) while fruit diameter (24.51 mm), firmness (5.30 kg cm−2), fresh (48.10 g) and dry (4.71 g) weights were higher in the 1.8 kg treatment compared to the control. The lowest rate of fertilizer (1.8 kg) applied again resulted in a significant increase in soluble protein (79.79%), capsaicin (5.80 mg g−1), dihydrocapsaicin (1.08 mg g−1), vitamin C (72.33%) and the essential and non-essential amino acid contents of the pepper which ranged from (235.15 to 11.16 µg g−1) and (1,605.10 to 16.63 µg g−1) respectively, while soluble sugar (9.02%) was enhanced by 3.6 kg treatment compared to the control. The findings suggest that soil amendment with low concentration of amino acid water-soluble fertilizer (1.8 kg) could be successfully used to improve the physiological characteristics and fruit quality of peppers in vegetable production.

Fertilization methods and substrate particle size differentially affect growth and macronutrient status of Laelia anceps subsp. anceps

The effects of three fertilization methods (FM) using the Peters Professional® 30N-10P-10K water soluble fertilizer were analyzed: fertilization in irrigation water (FIW), foliar fertilization (FF), and their combination (FIW + FF), as well as two substrate particle sizes (SuPS): larger particle size (LPS) and smaller particle size (SPS), on the growth and macronutrient status of Laelia anceps subsp. anceps (Orchidaceae). A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was established. Aerial and root growth, dry weight and concentration of macronutrients N, P, K, Ca, and Mg in leaves, pseudobulbs, and roots were all evaluated. The interaction of the study factors resulted in a greater number of leaves, while by simple effects, greater leaf area, number of pseudobulbs, root volume, and dry matter of leaves and roots were obtained, when FIW and LPS were used. With FF, greater growth in root volume was observed. There were no differences in the concentration of N in the growth organs analyzed, but due to the interaction of factors, a higher concentration of P, K, Mg, and S was observed in roots, mainly with FIW + FF and SPS; although for P, there was a higher concentration in FIW and LPS. In the case of SPS, the concentrations of K and S were higher in leaves, and in pseudobulbs P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were higher. The results showed that there are positive effects on plant growth when FIW and LPS are used, while higher concentrations of nutrients in leaves, pseudobulbs and mainly in roots are observed when using SPS.

Present Scenario, Constraints, and Prospects of Vegetable Cultivation under Protected Structures in Haryana

The present study was conducted in the Sonepat, Karnal, and Hisar districts of Haryana, and the selection was based on the predominance of vegetable cultivation under protected structures. This study was based on both primary and secondary data. The study revealed that the total area under different types of protected structures in Haryana during 2017-18 was 756.99 ha, in which the highest area under a naturally ventilated polyhouse (403.84 ha) followed the net house (353.15 ha). The area under walk-in-tunnels (0.81 ha) was very less. It was concluded that major production constraints were nematode infestation, high cost of polyhouse material, a higher infestation of insect pest and diseases, short life of polysheet, higher cost of water-soluble fertilizer, fear of failure of technology, high cost of plant protection chemicals, higher seed cost and lack of latest package practice knowledge and application of pesticides. Marketing constraints in Haryana state were lack of minimum support price and fluctuation in produce prices was major marketing constraints followed by unorganized marketing and lack of scientific storage while lack of guidance for proper marketing place, suitable packaging material, and transportation facility were least problematic.

Efficiency of non-root treatment with microfertilizers in the cultivation of spring rapeseed

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the effect of foliar fertilizing with microfertilizers on the yield and quality of oilseeds of spring rapeseed. The research was conducted in 2018-2019 under the conditions of the field experience of the Bunin Yelets State University. In crops of spring rape varieties Reef determined the effects of micronutrients Yara Vita Brassitrel and of a mixture of micronutrients Yara Vita Brassitrel and Yara Vita Bortrak. Yara Vita Brassitrel is a water-soluble fertilizer in the form of a powder, which includes Mg, S, B, Mn, Mo. Yara Vita Bortrak is a liquid fertilizer with a maximum concentration of boron. Non-root fertilizing with these fertilizers was carried out in the phases of 4 real leaves and stalking. There were no differences in the onset of the development phases of spring rapeseed depending on the use of microfertilizers Yara Vita Brassitrel and Yara Vita Bortrak. The positive effect of the studied microfertilizers on the biometric parameters of spring rapeseed was established. The use of the studied micronutrients contributed to the increase in activity clorofila clorofila a and b, carotenoids, the amount of pigments and leaf area assimilating the surface of plants of spring rape. Application of micronutrient fertilizers Yara Vita Brassitrel contributed to the growth of additional plant productivity 1,34 t/ha, a mixture of micronutrients Yara Vita Brassitrel + Yara Vita Bortrak 1,96 t/ha, with yields on the control option 16,25 kg/ha. Keywords: SPRING RAPESEED, MICROFERTILIZERS, YIELD, BIOMETRIC INDICATORS, NON-ROOT PROCESSING

Improving of spring wheat grain quality when using the water-soluble fertilizer “Akvarin 5”

The study of the effect of the chelate complex “Akvarin 5” on grain productivity and quality was conducted on sodpodzolic soil in 2017-2019. The objects of the study were the spring wheat varieties ‘Daria’ (a standard), ‘Sudarynya’, ‘Ladya’, ‘Kamenka’. The purpose of the study was to determine the efficiency of the water-soluble mineral fertilizer with a complex of microelements “Akvarin 5”, produced by the local industry, on grain productivity and quality of various spring wheat varieties. The highest grain productivity was obtained with the use of mineral fertilizers in combination with additional fertilizing of 3 kg/ha of “Akvarin 5”. The productivity increase was 0.53–0.64 t/ha with 0.19–0.24 t/ha of НСР0.5 in comparison with the control. Spring wheat additional fertilizing with water-soluble fertilizer in its pure form increased protein in grain on 0.27–0.94% in comparison with the control, and when fertilizing “Akvarin 5” according to the N26P38K38 background, this indicator increased to 9.69–11.09%. When treating sowings with 1.5 and 3.0 kg/ha of “Akvarin 5” in its pure form, gluten content in grain increased to 18.71–20.30% in all varieties (in the control it was 17.71–18.91%). Treating of growing plants with “Akvarin 5” against the background of mineral fertilizers promoted the varieties to form grain with 19.89–21.26% of gluten. When treating spring wheat sowings with the water-soluble complex “Akvarin 5”, the cost of grain reduced by 14.4–17.5%, profitability raised on 17.7–22.6 in comparison with the control.

Dynamics of chitosan based NPK-nanofertilizers in greenhouse cucumber production system

Aim: To study the effect of NPK-nonofertilizers on growth, reproductive and yield parameters as well as nutrient recovery efficiency in greenhouse cucumber. Methodology: The performance of greenhouse cucumber cultivar KPCH-1 was studied using six treatments namely 100% RDF(90:75:75 kg ha-1) through water soluble fertilizer (WSF), 60% RDF as nanofertilizer, 50% RDF as nanofertilizer, 40% RDF as nanofertilizer, 30% RDF as nanofertilizer and absolute control. Growth, reproductive and yield parameters of greenhouse cucumber as well as nutrient use efficiency were assessed during cropping period. Results: The plants administered with 60% RDF through nano-fertilizer showed12.07%, 11.85% and 15.72% higher increase in leaf area at 30 and 60 DAS as well as at final harvest, respectively, over 100% RDF through WSF. The greenhouse cucumber fertigated with 40% RDF as nanofertilizer recorded maximum number of pickings and number of fruits per vine accounting for maximum increase in marketable yield compared to WSF. The cucumber plants administered with 40% RDF as nano-fertilizers also recorded maximum apparent N, P and K recovery efficiency. Interpretation: Nano-fertilizers have ability of controlled release of desired nutrients at their site of action. Despite of lower concentration, higher yield obtained at 40% nano-NPK fertilizer was associated with high nutrient recovery by nanofertilizers. Key words: Chitosan, Greenhouse cucumber, Nano-fertilizers, Horticultural traits

Diversity of microbial communities and soil nutrients in sugarcane rhizosphere soil under water soluble fertilizer

The dynamics of soil microbial communities are important for plant health and productivity. Soil microbial communities respond differently to fertilization. Organic water soluble fertilizer is an effective soil improver, which can effectively improve soil nutrient status and adjust soil pH value. However, little is known about the effects of water soluble fertilizers on soil microbial community, and the combined effects on soil nutrients and sugarcane productivity. Therefore, this study sought to assess the effects of water soluble fertilizer (1,050 kg/hm2 (WS1), 1,650 kg/hm2 (WS2)) and mineral fertilizer (1,500 kg/hm2 (CK)) on the soil microbial community, soil nutrients and crop yield of sugarcane. The results showed that compared with CK, the application of water soluble fertilizers (WS1 and WS2) alleviated soil acidity, increased the OM, DOC, and AK contents in the soil, and further improved agronomic parameters and sugarcane yield. Both WS1 and WS2 treatments significantly increased the species richness of microorganisms, especially the enrichment of beneficial symbiotic bacteria such as Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes, which are more conducive to the healthy growth of plants. Furthermore, we found that soil nutrient contents were associated with soil microbial enrichment. These results indicate that water soluble fertilizer affects the enrichment of microorganisms by improving the nutrient content of the soil, thereby affecting the growth and yield of sugarcane. These findings therefore suggest that the utilization of water soluble fertilizer is an effective agriculture approach to improve soil fertility.