Soil Nutrient Balance and Stock on Smallholder Farms at Agew Mariam Watershed in Northern Ethiopia

IntroductionSoil nutrient balance is used to evaluate the state of soil fertility, rate of nutrient depletion, sustainability of land productivity, the environmental wellbeing of an area, and to take appropriate management decisions. This study was conducted to quantify soil nutrient balance and stocks on smallholder farms at the Agew Mariam watershed in northern Ethiopia in the 2020/21 main season.MethodsInflows and outflows of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) into, and out of barley, tef, and wheat farms were determined through, field measurement, laboratory analysis, and interviews. The balance quantification was done by subtracting nutrient outputs from the inputs. ResultsThe N partial balance of barley, tef and wheat was -66, -9.8, and -50.7 kg ha-1 yr-1 respectively. The P balance was also -5.9, 0.9, and -2.6 kg ha-1 yr-1 for barley, tef, and wheat respectively. Whereas, K balance was -12.3, -3.2, and -5.4 kg ha-1 yr-1 from barley, tef, and wheat respectively. The balance results revealed that N, P, and K had negative values except for P in tef. Grain yield and crop residue removal were the major paths of nutrient loss. The stock of N was 1295, 1510, and 1240 from barley, tef, and wheat kg ha-1respectively. While, the P stock was 63, 18.7, and 27.5, kg ha-1 from barley, tef, and wheat farms respectively. Similarly, K stock was 1092.7, 1059.4, and 1090.6 kg ha-1 from barley, tef, and wheat cropping systems respectively. ConclusionsReversing the imbalance between inflows and outflows via adding organic and inorganic fertilizers is critically essential for the study area.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Rice Yield, Soil Fertility, and Carbon Sequestration

Reliance on inorganic fertilizers with less or no use of organic fertilizers has impaired the productivity of soils worldwide. Therefore, the present study was conducted to quantify the effects of integrated nutrient management on rice yield, nutrient use efficiency, soil fertility, and carbon (C) sequestration in cultivated land. The experiment was designed with seven treatments comprising of a zero input control, recommended inorganic fertilizers (RD), poultry manure (PM) (5 t ha−1) + 50% RD, PM (2.5 t ha−1) + 75% RD, vermicompost (VC) (5 t ha−1) + 50% RD, VC (2.5 t ha−1) + 75% RD, and farmers’ practice (FP) with three replications that were laid out in a randomized complete block design. The highest grain yield (6.16–6.27 t ha−1) was attained when VC and PM were applied at the rate of 2.5 t ha−1 along with 75% RD. Uptake of nutrients and their subsequent use efficiencies appeared higher and satisfactory from the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The addition of organic fertilizer significantly influenced the organic carbon, total carbon, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium contents in post-harvest soil, which indicated enhancement of soil fertility. The maximum value of the organic carbon stock (18.70 t ha−1), total carbon stock (20.81 t ha−1), and organic carbon sequestration (1.75 t ha−1) was observed in poultry manure at the rate of 5 t ha−1 with 50% RD. The soil bulk density decreased slightly more than that of the control, which indicated the improvement of the physical properties of soil using organic manures. Therefore, regular nourishment of soil with organic and inorganic fertilizers might help rejuvenate the soils and ensure agricultural sustainability.

Economic and Technical Feasibility of AnchoisFert Organic Fertilizer Production

Is the production of the “AnchoisFert” organic fertilizer via the circular economy process based on omega-3 lipid extraction of milled anchovy fillet leftovers with citrus limonene followed by mild drying economically and technically viable? This study answers this question and identifies the main obstacles, chiefly of economic and organizational nature, to be overcome prior to commercialization of this new organic fertilizer. Along with non-variable and proven efficacy, successful competition with conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers requires affordable cost and regular supply. This, inter alia, requires to establish new and mutually beneficial relationship between bioeconomy firms and fish processing companies.

Pendapatan dan Efisiensi Teknis Usaha Tani Jernang (Daemonorops Draco) di Desa Lamban Sigatal Kecamatan Pauh Kabupaten Sarolangun Provinsi Jambi

The purpose of this research is to find out; (1) jernang farming activities in Lamban Sigatal Village, Pauh District, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province (2) analyzing production costs in jernang farming in Lamban Sigatal Village, Pauh District, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province (3) analyzing jernang farming income in Lamban Sigatal Village, Subdistrict Pauh, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province. This research was conducted in Lamban Sigatal Village, Pauh District, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province, this research was conducted in June 2021, with a total sample of 15 data used in the study. The analytical method used in this study was carried out in a qualitative descriptive way, to answer objectives one, two, and three, which were obtained from the results of interview reports and observations.. Based on the results of the study indicate that the average total cost is Rp. 10,597,544 /Harvest Period consists of a fixed fee of Rp. 70,550/Harvest Period and a variable fee of Rp. 10,526,993 // Harvest Period. The average income obtained by farmers is Rp. 86.400.000 / Harvest Period, for an income of Rp. 75,802,456/Harvest Period. Jernang plants use organic and inorganic fertilizers. Fertilizer is given in several stages, first given before or at the same time as planting, fertilizer is inserted into the planting hole at a dose of 2 kg per planting hole or NPK 100 g per planting hole. Furthermore, continued fertilizer was started after the plants were 6 months old. NPK with doses between 50-100 grams per plant which is done every 6 months. Fertilization of compost or manure is also done by placing it around the plants. Harvesting of fruit is done once every 3 months to get optimal results and the average yield of jernang is 1,080 Kg/Harvest Period. Marketing is done indirectly by delivering the jernang to the buyer's location

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Physio-Chemical Properties of Papaya

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and physio-chemical properties of papaya (Carica papaya) from February to December 2019. The experiment was designed into twelve treatments [T1 = Control, T2 = 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizers), T3 = 50% RDF+ 50% MOC (Mustard Oil Cake), T4 = 50% RDF+ 50% VER (Vermicompost), T5 = 50% RDF + 50% PM (Poultry Manure), T6 = 25% RDF+ 75% MOC, T7 = 25% RDF + 75% VER, T8 = 25% RDF+ 75% PM, T9 = 100% MOC, T10 = 100% VER, T11 = 100% PM and T12 = MOC + VER + PM] at the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The effect of treatments varied significantly for most of the characters studied. Results showed that the plant growth, yield contributing traits, fruit yield and quality of papaya significantly increased in T10 treatment compared to other treatments. The maximum amount of dry matter of fruit (4.37%), TSS (18.17 %), total sugar (9.43 g/ 100g), reducing sugar (6.34 g/ 100g), β- carotene (0.24 mg/ 100g), mineral as Ca (0.39%), Mg (0.33%) and K (2.08%) were found in T10 treatment and the minimum amount were found in the control T1. The maximum amount of non-reducing sugar was obtained from T12 (3.93 g/ 100g) and the minimum from T3 (2.23 g/ 100g). Ascorbic acid was found maximum in T7 (24.99 mg/100g) and minimum from T11 (22.00 mg/100g). A significant influence of T10 treatment on growth, yield and physio-chemical characters was observed. The application of 100% vermicompost which influenced growth, yield and physio-chemical properties of papaya in Salna series of Red Brown-terrace soil is suggested. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(2) : 69-83

Soil carbon and nitrogen regulation using organic and inorganic fertilizers for leaf physiological activity, grain yield and nutritional quality improvements in rice

Organic fertilizers are widely used in agriculture production and change the soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents, thus improving crop production. The increased amount of soil C and N exhibit a greater potential to improve the leaf physiological activity, yields and grain quality of rice by improving soil fertility indices. To understand the relationship between soil C and N contents with leaf physiological activity and grain quality; organic fertilizers (i.e., cattle manure (CM) and poultry manure (PM)) coupled with chemical fertilizer (CF) was applied at the different proportion. The recommended rate of N 150 (kg ha−1) was provided from manure and CF using six treatments, i.e., T1— CF0; T2—100% CF; T3—60% CM + 40% CF; T4—30% CM + 70%CF; T5—60% PM + 40% CF, and T6—30% PM + 70% CF. Results showed that soil organic C (SOC), total N (TN), leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn), SPAD values, grain yield and grain quality attributes were significantly increased with combined organic and inorganic fertilizer application. Averaged over the years, T6 treatment significantly improved SOC, TN, Pn, starch content (SC), amylose content (AC), and grain yield by 16%, 12%, 9%, 7%, 12%, and 24%, respectively, compared to CF-only. However, no significant differences among T4 and T6 were observed for studied parameters. In addition, the linear regression exhibited that SOC (R2= 0.70** & R2=0.50*) and TN (R2= 0.62* & R2=0.58*) were positively correlated with grain SC and AC, respectively. Likewise, Pn (R2= 0.51* & R2=0.62*) were also positively associated with SC and AC, respectively. The correlation analysis showed that improving SOC and TN played a key role in enhancing leaf physiological activity and grain nutritional quality. Thus, the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers at a 30:70 ratio is a promising option for the improvement of soil fertility and grain yield of rice as well as grain nutritional traits.

A review of research in soil fertility management and plant nutrition of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Nigeria

The paper reviewed researches conducted in soil fertility management and plant nutrition of cashew in Nigeria. It also examines the history and importance of cashew to the Nigerian economy. The paper highlights ways of improving soil fertility and plant nutrition in cashew cultivation through the use of different sources of organic fertilizers which are cheap and readily available for the farmers rather than total dependence on costly chemical fertilizers. Also highlighted, are some recommended rates of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the cultivation of cashew from research findings. The paper also discussed status of Nigeria cashew production, research efforts, achievements, constraints, and areas of possible improvement in relation to soil fertility management and plant nutrition.

Impact of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Morphological and Biochemical Components of Arachis hypogaea L.

The present investigation aims to study the comparative effect of different treatments of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and biochemical constituents of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The plants were raised in the field with different treatments of fertilizers like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Azospirillum (AZM), market waste compost (MWC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The plant samples were collected after 15, 30, 60 and 90 days for the measurement of different growth parameters. The analysis of the morphological and biochemical parameters such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, total leaf area, chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’, total chlorophyll, amino acids, starch and total sugar was made at different days intervals. The effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth parameters and biochemical constituents of leaves was significantly increased in all the treatments. In general, bio-fertilizer applications are to boost the effectiveness of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Azospirillum (AZM) and market waste compost (MWC) on nodulation and yield of groundnut. The organic fertilizers treated plants showed better performance than the inorganic fertilizers and control.

Influence of Ammonium Sulphate from anaerobic pasteurization digester latrines (APDLs) effluent on soil pH

Improper disposal of human waste is one of the most serious health problems in developing countries due to pollution of the environment. The use of chemical fertilizers for agriculture increase the plant growth to meet the food security of the world, but also causes environmental problems including lowering of soil pH. On the other hand, anaerobic pasteurization digester systems enable the recovery of nutrients from human faces and urine for the benefit of agriculture, thus helping to preserve soil fertility. Therefore, the present work aims to assess the potential of using ammonium sulphate processed from anaerobic pasteurization digesters latrines (APDLS) effluent to stabilize soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated four times. The treatments were Ammonium sulphate, Compost manure, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and control. The results showed that soil pH increased significantly (p<0.05) from 4.7 -4.9 before planting to 5.6 - 5.7 after planting. The organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as the interaction between the fertilizer and time did not have significant effect on soil pH (p > 0.05). The Ammonium sulphate recovered from APDLs final effluent could act as effective as a chemical fertilizer without significant reduction in the yield.