Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Characterization of Compost Made from hen Manure and Wood Ash and Its Effect on Soil Properties, Production and Nutritional Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
No full textThe effect of a compost based on chicken manure and wood ash on the production and nutritional quality of tomatoes was evaluated. The mixtures of the constituents of each compost were made at variable m/m proportions: 25/75 (C1); 50/50 (C2); 75/25 (C3) and 100/0 (C4). Tomato cultivation in pots was done in completely randomized random blocks with 5 repetitions, and 3 compost/soil m/m proportions (5%, 10% and 15%). The physicochemical and biochemical parameters of the compost and the amended soil, as well as the production and nutritional quality of the fruits, were evaluated. The compost showed higher pH values than the unamended soil. The C3 variant exhibited the highest pH (9.97±0.00). The C/N ratio varied from 14.78±0.67 to 15.30±0.35 values higher than that of the unamended soil (11.86±0.27); exchangeable ion concentrations were higher in the compost. The microbial biomass and the enzyme activities of the compost were significantly higher than those of the unamended soil, the greatest values were obtained with the C3 variant. pH, EC, C/N ratio, and exchangeable ion concentrations were higher in all treated soils than in soils amended with chemical fertilizer. Tomato production was higher with the variant (15% C3) with a value of 156.00 ± 1.00 fruits, the soil amended with chemical fertilizer having given 14.00 ± 1.00 fruits. Biological tomatoes obtained with compost were richer in lycopene, vitamin C, phenolic compounds and minerals than those obtained with chemical inputs (Chemical tomatoes). The compost has improved the production and nutritional quality of the tomato, which is an efficient alternative for sustainable agriculture
The Role of Zeolite and NPK Fertilizer on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth in Inceptisol, Southern Solok District
No full textThe research objective was to determine the role of zeolite in increasing the efficiency of NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of maize in Inceptisol Southern Solok. This research was conducted in July - November 2022, in Sangir District, Southern Solok Regency, West Sumatra with an elevation of 998 m above sea level, the soil type is Inceptisol, with a soil pH of 5.76, belonging to the slightly acidic. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement of treatments in 2 treatment factors. The 1st factor was the dose of zeolite from 0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1, the 2nd factor was NPK fertilizer (15-15-15) with a dose of; 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1, arranged in 3 blocks. The data obtained was analyzed using the F test with a significance level of 5%, and then using the DNMRT follow-up test with a significance level of 5%. The parameters; soil pH, plant height, leaf area index, weight of 100 maize kernels, moisture content of 14%; and yield per hectare. The data obtained were presented in the form of tables and figures, establishing the interaction relationship between the two treatments in the form of graphs. The resulted was giving 100 kg ha-1 NPK was able to provide optimal NPK nutrient uptake, plant height and LAI at 54 DAP. The combination of 100 kg ha-1 zeolite and 200 kg ha-1 NPK provided optimal yields of dry shelled maize reaching 5.44 tonnes ha-1
Contribution of Cattle Dung as an Alternative to Mineral Fertilization of Soils in Tomato (Lycopersicom esculenta) Production
No full textThe use of chemical fertilizers, which in the long term constitutes a source of environmental degradation, has led farmers to use organic sources as alternative soil amendments. However, use of organic fertilizers alone may not restore the fertility of highly degraded soils, hence the need for the integration of organic and mineral fertilizers. The objective of the study was to improve soil fertility and tomato productivity. The study was carried out using a Fisher block design, with three replicates established on sandy soils. Treatments T0 (control treatment), Tpp (500 kg ha-1of NPK), T1 (40 kg ha-1of cattle dung + 167 kg ha-1of NPK), T2 (40 kg ha-1of cattle dung + 250 kg ha-1of NPK), T3 (40 kg ha-1of cattle dung + 375 kg ha-1of NPK), T4 (40 kg ha-1of cattle dung + 500 kg ha-1of NPK) and T5 (40 kg ha-1of NPK of cattle dung) were applied to elementary plots of 20 m2 (5 m x 4 m). Cattle dung was applied one week before transplanting was done. On the other hand, split application of mineral fertilizer was done at transplanting and at the start of flowering. The height of the plants, the circumference at the collar, the diameter of the fruits, the average number of fruits and weights of harvested fruits were evaluated on 4 plants of the effective plot. The results obtained revealed that the addition of cattle dung to the soil made it possible to reduce the quantities of chemical fertilizer commonly used by tomato producers. Thus, T3 treatment (40 kg/ha of cattle dung as a single contribution of basal fertilizer + 375 kg/ha of NPK), or ¾ of the dose of chemical fertilizer commonly applied by producers, made it possible to improve the agronomic parameters of the tomato and obtained the highest tomato yields (16292.25 kg/ha). The cattle dung combination at a dose of 40 kg/ha + 375 kg/ha of NPK 15 15 15 is therefore, the optimum dose to provide for better tomato production
Effect of Shifting Cultivation on Soil health and Microbial Diversity in Junnar Taluka of Pune District
No full textBackground: Swidden cultivation, slash and burn cultivation, and bush-fallow agriculture are other names for shifting cultivation. Around the world, its name is different. Crop type and farming methods have an impact on the physico-chemical properties of the soil. Soil health is also influenced by the quantity and biomass of microorganisms present.
Aims: The goal of the current study was to determine how soil bacterial communities and soil quality in Pune district\u27s western ghat region were affected by shifting farming.
Study Design: 18 soil samples from 4 villages of the Junnar tehsil were collected after harvesting the cultivated crop.
Place and Duration of Study: The sample was collected within the 2 to 4 acres of the shifting cultivation plots identified in the villages in the western ghat region of Pune district.
Methodology: The soil samples were collected after harvesting every crop and from the fallow land. Analysis of Physico–Chemical properties of soil samples was performed. Bacteria were isolated and identified from the soil samples. Statistical analysis was done to interpret the obtained results.
Results: The fallow land and crop (Varai, Khursani, Sawa, Nachani, and Hulga) harvested soils were among the soil samples. Different numbers of ten distinct bacterial genuses were isolated from each soil. When compared to fallow soil, the Total Viable Count (TVC) of the crop harvest soil was shown to have significantly dropped. It was also discovered that certain soil characteristics improved throughout the fallow period.
Conclusion: The results pointing out the importance of the length of the fallowing on the soil health and thus on the crop yield
Effect of Different Soil Types and Plant Densities on Growth Dynamic and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) in Peninsular Malaysia
No full textAims: Soils and plant densities are two of the major factors affecting sweet corn growth and yield. Although many worldwide studies were done to evaluate the effect of these factors on sweet corn, it is still necessary to do more study in this area because environmental factors will give significant effect to growth and yield of sweet corn. The objective of this study is to assess yield optimization through different plant densities for different type of soils for sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation.
Study Design: The experiment was carried out from February to May 2018 using split-split plot design with four replications. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with probability value of @ 0.05 using LSD was used to analyze the obtained data. Regression analyses were performed using Nonlinear Regression Model (NLIN Procedure); Logistic Growth Model y=A/(1+be-cx) and their rate of change was calculated using its derivate, dy/dx = (Abce-cx)/(1+be-cx)2.
Methodology: A variety of sweet corn seed Akik SC422 at (i) four soils which were riverine soil (Tanah Merah, Kelantan), BRIS (Bachok, Kelantan), peat (Simpang Renggam, Johor) and sedentary soil (UPM, Serdang, Selangor) assigned as the main plots with (ii) 1 and 2 row(s) per bed plant arrangements as subplots at (iii) 25 cm and 50 cm planting distances formed as sub-subplots.
Results: Interaction between peat at 2-row per bed plant arrangement at 25 cm planting distance produced the highest potential plant height while peat at 1-row per bed plant arrangement at 50 cm planting distance the best in highest potential in stem diameter. The interaction between peat with 1-row per bed plant arrangement at 50 cm planting distance; low plant density produced the highest in cob weight, cob length, cob diameter, thousand kernel’s weight and total sugar content. This was reflected by higher growth rates of photosynthesis rate, leaf area per plant and relative chlorophyll content of each individually plant. However, the interaction between peat with 2-row per bed plant arrangement at 25 cm planting distance; high plant density produced the highest in quantity per hectare.
Conclusion: Results of this study confirms that significant differences in the plant growth, physiological attributes and yield components of sweet corn grown on different soil types, plant arrangements and planting distances
Phytoremediation of Copper and Arsenic Contaminated Soil Using Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras) and Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) Plants
No full textHeavy metal toxicity in the soil causes harmful effects on plants as well as on human health. They are introduced into the soil by different means like smelting, burning of coal, and excess use of fertilizers, sewage sludge, and pesticides. Among different heavy metals Copper and arsenic are very important but their higher concentrations cause several morphological and biochemical in plants. They become part of the food chain when fruits and vegetables are grown in contaminated soil and can cause serious health issues to consumers. On the other hand, ornamental plants are used for aesthetic beautification and could be explored for the phytoremediation of soil heavy metals. A recent study was conducted to observe the phytoremediation potential of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras) and chrysanthemum against different levels of Copper (80 and100µg/kg of soil) and arsenic (80 and 100 µg/kg) in the soil under completely randomized design. Data of accumulated quantity of heavy metals were noted after the flowering stage of both plants by dividing into four parts including roots, stem, leaves, and flowers. Both Gladiolus and chrysanthemum accumulated significant amounts of Cu and As in roots, stem, leaves, and flower. Gladiolus and chrysanthemum accumulated 367, 456, 796 and 1278ppm Co and 356, 571, 832 and 1478ppm As respectively. Chrysanthemums took up significant amounts of Cu in the stem and easily translocated from stem flowers. The translocation ability of chrysanthemum was higher for both metals compared to Gladiolus. The data were analyzed by mini tab statistics 8.1
Effects of Nitrogen Concentration on Growth, Yield and Phytochemical Content of Persicaria minor Cultivated Using Hydroponics System
No full textPersicaria minor or locally known as kesum from the family Polygonaceae is a common herbal plant found in Malaysia. Hydroponic cultivation of kesum using deep water culture (DWC) system can be an alternative option for kesum growers in increasing crop yields. The deep water culture system is a method in which liquid fertiliser solution is given directly to the plant roots without any medium and water flow. The study’s main objective was to determine the effects of nitrogen concentration on growth, yield and phytochemical content of kesum cultivated using hydroponic system. Plants were grown under one of four nitrogen concentration solution regimes and the experiment was conducted under a side netted rain shelter. The four treatments comprised of 200 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 0 mg/L of nitrogen concentrations. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications. Plants were selected randomly and harvested eight weeks after planting. Plants grown supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen concentration gave the best growth performance and biomass yield. They produced the highest plant height (78 cm) and fresh biomass yield (174 g per plant). Meanwhile plants supplemented with 50 mg/L of nitrogen concentration produced the highest Quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G) (98.261 mg/mL) and Quercitrin (61.367 mg/mL) compound compared to the other treatments. However, plants treated with 0 mg/L of nitrogen concentrations exhibited major nutrients deficiencies symptoms and die after 3 weeks of planting. Hence, it can be concluded that the kesum plants cultivated using hydroponics’ deep water culture system supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen concentration gave the highest plant growth and biomass yields. However, to obtain higher Quercetin-3-glucuronide and Quercitrin compound, 50 mg/L of nitrogen concentration is recommended
Effect of Indole Butyric Acid and Zinc Sulphate in Different Media on Rooting of Olive Cuttings
No full textOlive (Olea europaea L.) is an oil fruit crop with the physiological potential to survive and produce in rain-fed areas. In Pakistan, it is grown in upper Punjab and Baluchistan due to their climate suitability for better production. Due to the increasing trend of olive oil, peoples show more interest in planting disease-free plants for better oil production. The successful nursery of olives mainly depends on growth substrates with rooting hormones like Indole butyric acid. A recent study was conducted to observe the influence of growing substrate and combination of IBA with zinc sulphate during the vegetative stage of two cultivars of olive. Semi-hardwood olive cuttings were treated with indole butyric acid (IBA) at a level of 3000 ppm with zinc sulphate at 2000 ppm and 3000 ppm and cultured on various types of soil in pots under plastic tunnel conditions under completely randomized design with three factors and each treatment replicated thrice. Both varieties with all treatments significantly affect all traits. The maximum number of shoots were recorded in the media that contain sugarcane press mud with 3000ppm IBA and 3000ppm zinc sulphate that showed the maximum number of shoots (5. 66), branches (6. 66), shoot length (17. 01), number of roots (5. 33), root diameter (0. 23), plant survival percentage (73. 66) and root length (16. 86). In contrast, the minimum number of shoots (1. 0), branches (1. 00), shoot length (3. 77), number of roots (1. 00) root diameter (0. 01), plant survival percentage (44. 33), root length (4. 92) were observed in control media in cultivar Ottobrattica with the treatment of IBA at 3000 ppm+ zinc sulphate 2000 ppm. Results from all treatments revealed a favorable correlation between medium and IBA when combined with zinc sulphate for all measured growth parameters. The 50% sugarcane press mud, 50% silt soil with IBA 3000 ppm+ zinc sulphate 2000 ppm proved to be the best approach for better germination of olive cuttings in pots. The resulting outcomes play a significant role in the better germination percentage under dry climatic conditions. Analysis of variance was used to examine the data obtained (Statistix 8.1). The least significant test (LSD) was used to compare significant means at a 5% probability level
Effects of Source and Rates of Potassium Fertilizer on Yield Traits and Potassium Use Efficiency of Potato in a Kenyan Ferralsol
No full textAims: Potassium (K) is one of the nutrient elements taken up in large amounts by potatoes, yet there is little research output on K fertilization of the crop in Kenya, due to the assumption that its natural soil reserves are sufficient for the production of most crops. The study objective was to determine the influence of two K sources (muriate of potash – KCL and sulphate of potash – K2SO4) on K use efficiency and tuber yield components of potatoes in one agro-ecological zone of Kenya.
Place and Duration of Study: The experimental site was the University of Eldoret farm in Kenya, located at latitude 0o574942’ N and longitude 35o300772’ E, during the middle - second rains season (S1) and middle rains season (S2) of 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Methodology: Treatments were: 0 kg K ha-1 (control), 60,120,180 and 240 kg K ha-1 in S1 and 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 kg K ha-1 in S2, supplied in the form of KCL and K2SO4. Treatments were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design in 2x5 and 2x6 factorial arrangements in S1 and S2 respectively. The potato variety planted was Destiny. Data collected included: Agronomic efficiency of K (AEK,), total tuber yield, two categories of seed yield (Size 1 tubers with diameters of 28- 45 mm; Size 2 tubers with 46 - 60mm diameter), total seed yield and ware yield (tubers with diameters over 60mm).
Results: During the drier S1, the application of 120 kg K ha-1 in the form of K2SO4 significantly (P < .001) increased the yield of size 1 tubers, total seed yield and total tuber yield. The total tuber yield increment from this K rate was only 12.6 % of the varietal potential yield, and its AEK was 0.042 tonnes of tubers kg-1 K. Therefore its application may not be economically viable. During the moisture-sufficient S2, all K fertilizer treatments in the form of KCl and 90 kg K ha-1 in the form of K2SO4, contributed a yield increase of 58.1 - 68.6% and slightly exceeded varietal yield potential. Additionally, 30 kg K ha-1 of KCL gave the highest AEK of 0.5 tonnes of tubers kg-1 K and consistently enhanced the yield of all potato sizes, except size 1.
Conclusion: Under similar ecological conditions as S2, potato farmers can achieve the highest AEK and potential tuber yield with the application of 30 kg K ha-1 of KCL. However, more trials on K nutrition in potatoes need to be done in diverse environments
Effect of Organic Source of Nutrients on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
No full textOrganic source of nutrient has effect on soil physico-chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage. To determine the effect of organic source of nutrients on soil physio-chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), field experiment was conducted on acidic sandy loam soil of Horticulture farm at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, from 5th December 2020 to 26th March 2021.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Special NPK granules, Carbon based, Vermicompost, Obifert, Neem seed cake, Poultry manure, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Mustard oil seed cake and Goat manure were used as treatments along with control. Application of poultry manure significantly increased plant height (22.33 cm) with least number of unfolded leaves (7.33), highest head diameter (106.40 cm) and head yield (45.51 t/ha) of cabbage. Bulk density was not statistically significantly influenced by the application of organic source of nutrients. Significantly higher available Phosphorous content in soil was found with the application of mustard oil seed cake (118.58 kg/ha) and available Potassium content was higher with the application of Goat manure (206.69 kg/ha). Nitrogen content of cabbage head (3.25%) and cabbage root (1.43%) was significantly higher with the application of Poultry manure. Mustard oil seed cake obtained highest Nitrogen harvest index (94.46%) and Nitrogen recovery percentage (66.47%). The yield efficiency (228.13kg head/kg N) was highest with the application of poultry manure. To attain highest yield of cabbage with higher Nutrient use efficiency and enhanced physico-chemical properties of soil, application of Poultry manure might be optimum for acidic sandy loam soil of Chitwan