20 research outputs found
The effect of winery solid waste compost application on maize growth, biomass yield, and nutrient content under greenhouse conditions
No full textA greenhouse study was conducted to assess the fertilizer value and determine the optimum application rate of five winery solid waste (WSW) composts containing varied filter material (FM) mixed proportions with grape marc and pruning canes using maize. The composts comprised of 4, 10, 20, 30, and 40% FM (w/w) designated C4FM, C10FM, C20FM, C30FM, and C40FM, respectively. Application rates of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 t ha?1 were used; while unamended control and inorganic NPK fertilizer treatments were included as references. The results showed that application of composts with 20% FM or more at 80 t ha?1 significantly increased the dry matter yield more than NPK fertilizer but full potential was not reached due to inadequate nitrogen supply. Maize shoot K content from compost treatments exceeded the critical nutrient level while the shoot Zn content from compost treatments with 20% FM or less also exceeded the critical level. The results revealed that these composts could serve as potential good sources of K and Zn for maize production, particularly, in sandy soils where these nutrients are often reported to be deficient. Quantitative estimate of the optimum rate of the composts for dry matter production ranged from 75 to 307 t ha?1
Nitrogen and potassium mineralization from winery solid waste composts in sandy and sandy loam soils
No full textNutritional Quality and Popability of Popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta) in Response to Compost and NPK 20-7-3 Application under Dryland Condition of South Africa
No full textThe dietary value of popcorn, an important snack, depends on its proximate and nutritional constituents, while the economic worth is based on popability and expansion traits of the kernels. There is paucity of information on how soil fertility influences or relates with popping potentials as well as quality of popcorn kernel in semi-arid region. Therefore, the proximate composition and popping parameters of popcorn in response to organic and inorganic fertilizers were investigated. The field trial was conducted in 2017-2019, and it comprised five amendment rates including 90 and 180 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer and 4 and 8 t ha-1 compost and unamended treatment as the control. The trial was arranged in randomized complete block design in triplicate. Data on kernel yield, biomass, and harvest index were evaluated. Kernels were analysed for proximate composition and popping indices using standard procedures. Across the two seasons, mean protein (8.1%) and fibre (10.2%) contents were highest in kernels from plots fertilized with NPK at 180 kg ha-1, while grains from plots fertilized with 8 t ha-1 compost had the highest moisture (19.3%) and starch (50.1%) contents. The highest kernel expansion of 54.18 cm3 g-1 and 77.6% popped kernels were obtained in plots fertilized with 4 t ha-1 compost. Most of the kernels (61%) were small-sized caryopsis. Popability is significantly associated with volume expansion (r=0.696). Proximate components and popability improved greatly in compost-augmented field relative to the unfertilized plots. Application of 4 or 8 t ha-1 sorted municipal solid waste compost to Luvisol enhanced growth and nutritional quality of popcorn. In view of promoting nutrient cycling towards improving soil fertility without compromising environmental health, compost is comparable and a good alternative to fossil-based mineral fertilizers
Complementary nutrient effects of separately collected human faeces and urine on the yield and nutrient uptake of spinach (<i>Spinacia oleracea</i>)
No full text A glasshouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined use of separately collected human faeces and urine as fertilizer for spinach ( Spinacia oleracea) production. Seven human faeces N : urine N combinations (1 : 7 to 7 : 1) each supplying 200 kg N ha—1 were evaluated along with sole human faeces, sole urine, inorganic fertilizer and an unamended control. Complementary application of the two resources, human faeces and urine, increased fresh and dry matter yields only in treatments having high proportions of urine. Nitrogen uptake followed the same trend but the opposite trend occurred for P uptake indicating that urine was a better source of N whereas human faeces were the better source of P. Potassium uptake was not influenced by the two resources. The minimal improvement observed in the fertilizer value of human faeces when co-applied with urine suggested that co-application of the two resources may not give an added yield advantage when compared with sole human faeces. </jats:p
Agronomic evaluation and identification of potential cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) genotypes in South Africa
No full textCultivar development of cowpea with increased grain yield depends on evaluation and selection of genetically unique and complementary breeding lines. The objective of this study was to evaluate cowpea collections using agronomic traits to select promising parents to develop breeding population. Twenty-two cowpea genotypes were field evaluated using a randomised complete block design with three replications in two locations in South Africa. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic (G) and locations (L) differences for all agronomic traits evaluated. Significant differences were also observed for most of the traits due to G X L, G X Year (Y), L X Y and G X L X Y interactions effects. The genotypes tested at two locations showed considerable genetic variation for the following agronomic traits that varied for number of leaves (NL) (20.08–179.78), leaf length (LL) (12.36–67.72 cm), leaf width (LW) (4.78–22.02 cm), number of branches (NB) (6.81–13.85), number of pods per plant (NPPP) (14.33–54.04), number of seeds per pod (NSPP) (11.7286.28), pod diameter (PD) (5.75–22.73 mm), plant height (PH) (6.57–233.71 cm), pod length (PL) (3.94–100.92 mm), hundred seed weight (HSWt) (8.11–49.52 g) and grain yield (GY) (0.10-1.48 t ha−1). Grain yield was significant and positively correlated with all of the traits except leaf length. The principal component analysis (PCA) identified four principal components (PCs) contributing to 73.62% of the total explained variation amongst the tested genotypes. The selected cowpea genotypes for most of agronomic characteristics are useful and candidate genetic resources for the development of breeding population in cowpea breeding and enhanced production and productivity for food and nutrition in the country
Comparative Insights into the Microbial Diversity and Community Structure of Striga hermonthica-Infested Maize Rhizosphere
No full textThe damaging competition between crops and parasitic weeds has a negative impact on agricultural productivity; however, the impact of disturbance on the soil’s microbial community has received less attention. Hence, this study investigates the microbial composition and diversity of the maize rhizosphere infected with Striga hermonthica using a shotgun sequencing approach from two maize-growing fields (Eruwa, Nigeria and Mbuzini, South Africa). The rhizosphere soil DNA was extracted from infested soil using a Nucleospin soil genomic DNA extraction kit and sequenced on an Illumina platform. The dominant phyla were Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, Chlorobi, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, Thermotogae, Synergistetes, Ascomycota, Euryarchaeota, and Crenarchaeota. Bacteria phyla were observed to be of higher proportion in the rhizosphere soil samples obtained from Striga-infested maize field in Eruwa (Es) than those recovered from Mbuzini (Ms). The alpha diversity of microbial communities indicated insignificance differences (p > 0.05) between the five taxonomical groups (phylum, class, order, family, and genus), while the beta diversity produced a significant (p = 0.01, R = 0.52) difference in the microbial diversity of the infested soil. In summary, the study sheds light on the diversity and composition of the microbiome of Striga hermonthica-infested soil, which influences the microbial functions in the management and sustenance of plant health against parasitic weeds
Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac), a Versatile and Resourceful Food Spice with Cornucopia of Polyphenols
No full textInternational audienceIn recent years, utilization of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is upgrading not only in their culinary use and human nutrition, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry and veterinary practices. This is driven by accumulating evidence that support the ethnobotanical use of this plant; in particular, advanced knowledge of the content of nutritional, medicinal and techno-functional bioactive ingredients. Herein, we discuss polyphenolic compounds as the main bioactive ingredients in Rhus coriaria L., which contribute mainly to the significance and utility of this spice. Most of the antioxidant potential and therapeutic roles of sumac are increasingly attributed to its constituent tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Hydroxyphenyl pyranoanthocyanins and other anthocynins are responsible for the highly desired red pigments accounting for the strong pigmentation capacity and colorant ability of sumac. Certain polyphenols and the essential oil components are responsible for the peculiar flavor and antimicrobial activity of sumac. Tannin-rich sumac extracts and isolates are known to enhance the food quality and the oxidative stability of animal products such as meat and milk. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich sumac extracts and its bioactive ingredients could be exploited towards developing novel food products which do not only address the current consumers’ interests regarding organoleptic and nutritional value of food, but also meet the growing need for ‘clean label’ as well as value addition with respect to antioxidant capacity, disease prevention, and health promotion in humans
The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in Solanum lycopersicum production in the agricultural system: a review
No full textFood safety is a significant challenge worldwide, from plantation to cultivation, especially for perishable products such as tomatoes. New eco-friendly strategies are needed, and beneficial microorganisms might be a sustainable solution. This study demonstrates bacteria activity in the tomato plant rhizosphere. Further, it investigates the rhizobacteria’s structure, function, and diversity in soil. Rhizobacteria that promote the growth and development of tomato plants are referred to as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). They form a series of associations with plants and other organisms in the soil through a mutualistic relationship where both parties benefit from living together. It implies the antagonistic activities of the rhizobacteria to deter pathogens from invading tomato plants through their roots. Some PGPR are regarded as biological control agents that hinder the development of spoilage organisms and can act as an alternative for agricultural chemicals that may be detrimental to the health of humans, animals, and some of the beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere soil. These bacteria also help tomato plants acquire essential nutrients like potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N). Some rhizobacteria may offer a solution to low tomato production and help tackle food insecurity and farming problems. In this review, an overview of soil-inhabiting rhizobacteria focused on improving the sustainable production of Solanum lycopersicum
Harnessing the Rhizosphere Soil Microbiome of Organically Amended Soil for Plant Productivity
No full textSoil degradation remains an ongoing process that is exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Consequently, these processes decrease soil organic matter and nutrient contents, soil biological functions, and plant productivity. The addition of organic amendments (OAs) to the soil is a widespread practice to enhance soil quality and the health of agricultural soils. One of the most significant microbial hotspots controlling the processes, dynamics, and cycling of nutrients, carbon and water in terrestrial ecosystems is the rhizosphere. Understanding the continuing transformations of OAs and the distribution of different factors (C, nutrients, and microbial activities) across and along roots is crucial in the rhizosphere. The application of OAs to soil increases soil organic matter and nutrients, water holding capacity, improves soil structure and stimulates soil microbial activity and biomass. This review evaluates the role of the rhizosphere microbial community in organically amended soils for promoting plant growth and health. The diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome and the mechanisms used in plant protection are discussed
Trenchant microbiological-based approach for the control of Striga: Current practices and future prospects
No full textStriga species are obligate parasitic weeds most of which are members of the Orobanchaceae family. They are commonly associated with staple crops and constitute threats to food security, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. They pose deleterious impacts on staple cereal crops like maize and pearl millet, resulting in 7–10 billion dollars yield losses or, in extreme infestations, entire crop losses. Farmers' limited knowledge about the weed (genetics, ecology, nature of the damage caused, complex life cycle, interactions with its host and associated microbes) and their attitude toward its control have negatively affected its management and sustainability. With the present Striga management such as mechanical, chemicals, cultural and biological measures, it is extremely difficult to achieve its active management due to nature of the association between host plants and parasites, which requires highly selective herbicides. The use of soil microbes has not been well explored in the management of Striga infection in African countries. However, many soil microorganisms have been considered viable biological control techniques for fighting parasitic weeds, due to their vast action and roles they play in the early stage of host-Striga interaction. Their application for pest control is well perceived to be cost-effective and eco-friendly. In this review, we gave a comprehensive overview of major knowledge gaps and challenges of smallholders in Striga management and highlighted major potentials of microbial-based approach with respect to the mechanisms of host-Striga-microbe interactions, and the metagenomics roles on Striga management that include understanding the microbe and microbial systems of Striga-infested soil
