Sorghum Agronomic Performance and Soil Chemical and Microbiological Properties as Influenced by Burkina Faso Phosphate Rock-Enriched Composts

Purpose The low availability of phosphorus (P) severely limits crop production in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated phosphate rock-enriched composts on soil properties and sorghum growth for use as environment-friendly fertilizers. Methods Treatments were sorghum straw, compost (Comp), Phosphate Rock (BPR), BPR-enriched compost (P-Comp), BPR-soil-enriched compost (P-Comp-Soil), nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK, 60-90-30), and control without phosphorus and organic material (CT). Sorgum straw and composts were applied at 1.34 tons ha-1. The amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in treatments, except in CT, were adjusted to 60, 90, 30 kg ha-1, with urea, BPR, and KCl, respectively. Sorghum vr. Kapelga was cultivated and soil samples were collected on days 52, 93, and 115 (harvest) for analysis. Results NPK and P-Comp-Soil provided the best sorghum yields. Soil available P was less in these treatments. P-Comp-Soil-amended soils recorded higher populations of bacteria (16S rRNA), acid phosphatase (aphA), phosphonatase (phnX), glucose dehydrogenase (gcd) and its cofactor pyrroloquinoline quinone (pqqE) genes. Phosphate-specific transporter (pstS) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) abundances were generally higher in P-Comp-Soil soils, especially at the early growth stage. This active microbial activity in the P-Comp-Soil added to its initially higher available P justified a better nutrient uptake and yields comparable to NPK. Multivariate analysis also revealed the contribution of nitrogen, carbon, and exchangeable cations in sorghum growth. Conclusion This study demonstrated that direct phosphate rock application is not effective in sub-Saharan African upland cultivation. Alternative to chemical fertilizers, soils may be amended with phosphate rock-enriched composts, a niche of beneficial microbes improving soil health.

Phosphorus dynamics during early soil development in a cold desert: insights from oxygen isotopes in phosphate

At the early stages of pedogenesis, the dynamics of phosphorus (P) in soils are controlled by microbial communities, the physicochemical properties of the soil and the environmental conditions. While various microorganisms involved in carrying out biogeochemical processes have been identified, little is known about the actual contribution of microbial processes, such as organic P hydrolysis and microbial P turnover, to P cycling. We thus focused on processes driven by microbes and how they affect the size and cycling of organic and inorganic soil P pools along a soil chronosequence in the Chamser Kangri glacier forefield (Western Himalayas). The rapid retreat of the glacier allowed us to study the early stages of soil formation under a cold arid climate. Biological P transformations were studied with the help of the isotopic composition of oxygen (O) in phosphate (δ18OP) coupled to sequential P fractionation performed on soil samples (0–5 cm depth) from four sites of different age spanning 0 to 100–150 years. The P bound to Ca, i.e., 1 M HCl-extractable P, still represented 95 % of the total P stock after approximately 100 years of soil development. Its isotopic composition was similar to the parent material at the most developed site. Primary phosphate minerals, possibly apatite, mostly comprised this pool. The δ18OP of the available P and the NaOH-extractable inorganic P instead differed from that of the parent material, suggesting that these pools underwent biological turnover. The δ18OP of the available P was mostly controlled by the microbial P, suggesting fast exchanges occurred between these two pools possibly fostered by repeated freezing–thawing and drying–rewetting cycles. The release of P from organic P becomes increasingly important with soil age, constituting one-third of the P flux to available P at the oldest site. Accordingly, the lighter isotopic composition of the P bound to Fe and Al oxides at the oldest site indicated that this pool contained phosphate released by organic P mineralization. Compared to previous studies on early pedogenesis under alpine or cold climate, our findings suggest a much slower decrease of the P-bearing primary minerals during the first 100 years of soil development under extreme conditions. However, they provide evidence that, by driving short-term P dynamics, microbes play an important role in controlling the redistribution of primary P into inorganic and organic soil P pools.

Investigation of soil properties and pesticide intensity in crop lands at Tangail region of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to investigate the soil properties and pesticide intensity in rice, banana and brinjal growing agricultural land of Delduar and Sakhipur upazila of Tangail district during July 2019 to June 2020. Forty five soil samples were collected from different crop land at the study area and analyzed in the Soil Resource Development Institute to determine the soil properties as pH, total organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), available sulfur (S), available zinc (Zn), exchangeable potassium (K), exchangeable magnesium (Mg) and exchangeable calcium (Ca). However, pesticide used intensity was also evaluated through questionnaire survey with farmers and stakeholders in the study area. Results showed that pH, OM, available N, exchangeable Ca and exchangeable Mg content were significantly higher in rice growing land than banana and brinjal. On the other hand, available P, exchangeable K and available Zn content were substantially higher in brinjal growing land than rice and banana. The OM showed significant positive correlation with soil pH, available N, available S, exchangeable Mg and exchangeable Ca (r=0.37, 0.99, 0.31, 0.59 and 0.63, respectively), indicated rice growing land built up these soil properties through increasing soil OM. The available P showed significant and positive correlation with K and Zn (r=0.55 and 0.74, respectively), but negative correlation with exchangeable Mg and exchangeable Ca (r=-0.53 and -0.32, respectively). The exchangeable K showed significant and positive correlation with available Zn (r=0.45) but negative correlation with exchangeable Mg (r=-0.37). The Mg showed significant negative correlation with available Zn (r=-0.45) but positive correlation with exchangeable Ca (r=0.87). Results also revealed that pesticide used intensity was higher in brinjal followed by banana and minimum in rice crop. Study suggests that farmers require up-to-date information on soil nutrient status so that they may use the proper utilization of fertilizers and avoid using excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides in their crop land. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 85-94, Dec 2021

The Relationship between Differences of Slope Class with Soil Chemical Characteristics in Jolotigo Tea Plantation Scope of PTPN IX

Tea plantations are mostly more suitable to be cultivated in areas with highland characteristics to get its’ subtropical climate which is great for the growth of tea. This requirement showed that tea plantations are also cultivated in areas with different ranges of slope and this condition could affect soil chemical properties such as soil nutrient content, including soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) and contents of N, Available P, K and Mg inside the soil. This study was conducted to analyze the correlation on different slope levels with soil nutrient contents by collecting the secondary data of land slope and soil chemical properties, analyzed statistically with a simple correlation method. The result showed there was no significant correlation between the slope levels and contents of soil chemical properties. Most of the soil chemical properties have a negative correlation to different slope gradients such as soil pH (r = -0.391), SOC (r = -0.348), total N ( r = -0.169), Available P (r = - 0.039), K content (r = -0.135), Mg content (r = -0.027). where the highest levels of nutrients were found at the lowest level of slope based on the site data. Soil chemical properties are needed to be considered in many tea plantations with different levels of slope and could be used as a recommendation in planning for conservation or restoration of degraded land or soil.

Relationships Between Some Physical-Chemical Properties and Nutrient Content of Wheat Cultivating Soils of Büyük Menderes Basin

This study was conducted to examine the soil fertility of the Büyük Menderes Basin, where wheat is widely cultivated. Soil samples were taken from 50 different points at a depth of 0-30 cm and various physical and chemical properties and amounts of nutrient elements were determined. With regard to the results of the study, the soils were generally sandy-clay-loam in texture, with slightly alkaline reaction, limy, rich in organic matter and showed no risk of salinity. The examined soils were found to be insufficient as 34% for total N, 14% for available K, 26% Mg, 10% Fe, 94% Zn and 98% Mn contents while all of the soils were determined as sufficient in terms of available P, Cu and Ca contents. When relationships between nutrient elements and soil physical-chemical properties were examined, negative correlations were found between soil pH and EC, organic matter, total N, available K, Zn; lime contents and available Mg, Fe, Cu; clay and available K and Mn contents. The positive correlations were found between EC and available K, Ca and Zn; organic matter % and total N, available K, Cu, Zn and Mn; sand % and available Mn; clay % and available Fe contents. Investigation of relationships between plant nutrients demonstrated that, there were positive correlations between total N and available K, Cu, Zn, Mn; available P and Zn; available K and Cu, Zn, Mn; available Ca and Fe; available Mg and Fe, Cu; available Fe and Cu, Mn; available Cu and Mn contents. The results of the study showed that attention should be paid to fertilization programs to fertilization with Zn and Mn, which were found to be insufficient in the greater part of the basin’s soils, and also to nitrogen deficiency is observed, as this directly affects the protein content of wheat.

Challenges, Roles, and Axiology of Indonesian Digital Literacy During the Pandemic

Digital literacy is one of the new media, which has a vital role in Indonesian people's lives, especially during the pandemic. In this article, the author will discuss the challenges faced by the community in implementing digital literacy, the role and value of axiology contained in digital literacy during a pandemic. Indonesian society is expected to have good digital literacy skills to balance these urgent needs, especially during a pandemic. This article aims to increase public awareness of the importance of understanding digital literacy. Besides, make efforts to utilize digital literacy to the fullest and realize the challenges faced. This research method uses a combined approach. The results show that digital literacy is critical in various aspects and has axiological value. However, Indonesia still has several challenges implementing digital literacy during the pandemic. Therefore, the government and society are expected to work together to improve the ability and understanding of digital literacy. However, this article still needs to be reviewed further due to the limited data and time available.

Potential of Paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) and Cow Manure For Available Nutrients Supply On Sandy Beach Soil

The primary macronutrients are required in large amounts for optimum plant growth. Sandy beach soil that is widely distributed, has a granular structure and is poor in primary macronutrients. Cow manure can improve the struktur of soil and Paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) can increase the availability of primary macro nutrients. This study aims to determine the effect of cow manure and Paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) on the nutrient availability of sand beach soil. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors, the first factor was the dose of cow manure consisting of 3 levels 0; 2.5 and 5% of the weight of the soil. The second factor is the dose of Paitan (Thitonia diversifolia) which consists of 4 levels of 0; 2.5; 5 and 7.5%. of soil weight To determine the effect of treatment, variance analysis (ANOVA) was used and followed by a follow-up test using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a test level of 5%. The results showed that the application of cow manure and Paitan (Thitonia diversifolia) had a significant effect on increasing N available , P available and K available nutrients. The application of 5% cow manure and Paitan (Thitonia diversifolia) 5% has the potential to increase N available , P available and K available. sand beach soil is the highest

Effects of short-term nitrogen and phosphorus addition on leaf stoichiometry of a dominant alpine grass

The effects of increasing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition on the nutrient stoichiometry of soil and plant are gaining improving recognition. However, whether and how the responses of N cycle coupled with P of the soil–plant system to external N and P deposition in alpine grassland is still unclear. A short-term external N and P addition experiment was conducted in an alpine grazing grassland in the KunLun Mountain to explore the effects of short-term N and P addition on the nutrient stoichiometry in soil and plant. Different rates of N addition (ranging from 0.5 g N m−2 yr−1 to 24 g N m−2 yr−1) and P addition (ranging from 0.05 g N m−2 yr−1 to 3.2 g P m−2 yr−1) were supplied, and the soil available N, P, leaf N and P stoichiometry of Seriphidium rhodanthum which dominant in the alpine ecosystem were measured. Results showed that N addition increased soil inorganic N, leaf C, leaf N, and leaf N:P ratio but decreased soil available P and leaf C:P. Furthermore, P addition increased soil available P, leaf P, soil inorganic N, leaf N, and leaf C and reduced leaf C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios. Leaf N:P was positively related to N addition gradient. Leaf C:P and leaf N:P were significantly negatively related to P addition gradient. Although external N and P addition changed the value of leaf N:P, the ratio was always lower than 16 in all treatments. The influences of P addition on soil and plant mainly caused the increase in soil available P concentration. In addition, the N and P cycles in the soil–plant system were tightly coupled in P addition but decoupled in N addition condition. The nutrient stoichiometry of soil and leaf responded differently to continuous N and P addition gradients. These data suggested that the alpine grazing grassland was limited by P rather than N due to long-term N deposition and uniform fertilization. Moreover, increasing P addition alleviated P limitation. Therefore, the imbalanced N and P input could change the strategy of nutrient use of the grass and then change the rates of nutrient cycling in the alpine grassland ecosystem in the future.

Site Specific Nutrient Management Options for Achieving Higher Yields in Cotton and Chickpea under Rainfed Condition

A study was undertaken to delineation of spatial variability of soil fertility status in order to prepare soil available nutrient maps for improved productivity in different crops grown in the study area of Kurnool revenue division in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh state using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The Knowledge of spatial-variability is critical for site specific nutrient management in soil fertility to obtain higher yields. Soil sample (350) were collected from surface from 350 selected sites for preparing precise digital maps using point, line and polygon tools of the Geographic Information System (GIS) with ArcGIS software 10.3 was used for database creation and for creating the union of various thematic maps. The spatial variability maps were generated and delineated into different zones for N, P and K. Soil available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium spatial variability values generated from the thematic maps of Kurnool division were used to establish fertilizer recommendations for cotton in kharif and Chickpea in rabi during 2018-19 seasons. The recommended doses of Nitrogen (RDN) that worked for cotton were 401 to 450, 351 to 400, > 450 and < 350 kg ha-1 for the areas with Nitrogen availability of 140 to 210, 210 to 280, <140 and > 280 kg/ha, respectively. The Phosphorous fertilizer recommendation for soils with available P of < 30 kg/ha and > 30 kg/ha was figured out as > 250 kg ha-1 and < 250 kg ha-1, respectively. For soil available Potassium recorded 230 to 560, < 230 and > 560 kg/ha, the K recommendation was figured out as 301 to 400, > 401 and < 300 kg/ha, respectively. Recommended doses of Nitrogen (RDN) was worked out for chickpea were 51 to 75, > 76 and < 50 kg/ha for the areas with available N ranges of 184 to 280, < 184 and > 280 kg/ha, respectively. The Phosphatic fertilizer recommendation for soils of available P of < 23.5 and 23.5 to 40 kg/ha was figured out as > 200 kg/ha and 171 to 200 kg/ha, respectively. For the soil available potassium recorded 253 to 412, 413 to 570, < 253 and > 570 kg/ha, the K recommendation was figured out as 66 to 100, 31 to 65, > 100 and < 30 kg/ha, respectively.

ValuED: A Blockchain-based Trading Platform to Encourage Student Engagement in Higher Education

The provision of higher education has been changing ever more quickly in the UK and worldwide, as a result of technological, economic, and geopolitical factors. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated such changes. The “student experience”—the interaction of students with their institution and with each other—has been changing accordingly, with less face-to-face contact. In this work, we have explored a way to improve student engagement in higher education. We describe “ValuED”, a blockchain-based trading platform using a cryptocurrency. It allows students both to buy and sell goods and services within their university community and to be rewarded for academic engagement. ValuED involves a reputation system to further incentivise participants. We describe the implementation and piloting of this platform and draw conclusions for its future use. The platform’s source code is publicly available.