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Higher demands of food led to higher nitrogen application to promote cropping intensification and produce more which may have negative effects on the environment and lead to pollution. While sustainable wheat production is under threat due to low soil fertility and organic matter due to nutrient degradation at high temperatures in the region. The current research explores the effects of different types of coated urea fertilizers and their rates on wheat crop under arid climatic conditions of Pakistan. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency by using eco-friendly coated urea products could benefit growers and reduce environmental negative effects. A trial treatment included N rates (130, 117, 104, and 94 kg ha -1 ) and coated urea sources (neem coated, sulfur coated, bioactive sulfur coated) applied with equal quantity following split application method at sowing, 20 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). The research was arranged in a split-plot design with randomized complete block design had three replicates. Data revealed that bioactive sulfur coated urea with the application of 130 kg N ha -1 increased chlorophyll contents 55.0 (unit value), net leaf photosynthetic rate (12.51 μmol CO 2 m -2 s -1 ), and leaf area index (5.67) significantly. Furthermore, research elucidates that bioactive sulfur urea with the same N increased partial factor productivity (43.85 Kg grain Kg -1 N supplied), nitrogen harvest index (NHI) 64.70%, and partial nutrient balance (1.41 Kg grain N content Kg -1 N supplied). The neem-coated and sulfur-coated fertilizers also showed better results than monotypic urea. The wheat growth and phenology significantly improved by using coated fertilizers. The crop reached maturity earlier with the application of bioactive sulfur-coated urea than others. Maximum total dry matter 14402 (kg ha -1 ) recorded with 130 kg N ha -1 application. Higher 1000-grain weight (33.66 g), more number of grains per spike (53.67), grain yield (4457 kg ha -1 ), and harvest index (34.29%) were obtained with optimum N application 130 kg ha -1 (recommended). There is a significant correlation observed for growth, yield, and physiological parameters with N in the soil while nitrogen-related indices are also positively correlated. The major problem of groundwater contamination with nitrate leaching is also reduced by using coated fertilizers. Minimum nitrate concentration (7.37 and 8.77 kg ha -1 ) was observed with the application of bioactive sulfur-coated and sulfur-coated urea with lower N (94 kg ha -1 ), respectively. The bioactive sulfur-coated urea with the application of 130 kg N ha -1 showed maximum phosphorus 5.45 mg kg -1 and potassium 100.67 mg kg -1 in the soil. Maximum nitrogen uptake (88.20 kg ha -1 ) is showed by bioactive sulfur coated urea with 130 kg N ha -1 application. The total available NPK concentrations in soil showed a significant correlation with physiological attributes; grain yield; harvest index; and nitrogen use efficiency components, i.e., partial factor productivity, partial nutrient balance, and nitrogen harvest index. This research reveals that coating urea with secondary nutrients, neem oil, and microbes are highly effective techniques for enhancing fertilizer use efficiency and wheat production in calcareous soils and reduced N losses under arid environments.

The winter maize area is rapidly spreading in south India in response to rising demand from the poultry and fish feed industries due to the absence of major environmental constraints. Further farmers’ are using the winter environment to expand maize area and production. Hence there is immense potential to increase the area under winter maize cultivation. There were no planned field experiments to explore and optimize the right time of sowing and quantity of fertilizer to be added previously due to the presence of negligible winter maize area. Farmers used to cultivate maize as per their choice of sowing time with the application of a quantity of fertilizer recommended for rainy season maize. There were no efforts made towards working on economic analysis including energy budgeting. And hence the investigation was conducted with the objective to explore the optimal planting period and fertilizer levels for winter maize through economic and energy budgeting. Planting windows (1st week of October, 2nd week of October, 3rd week of October, 4th week of October, and 5th week of October) and fertility levels (100 percent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 150 percent RDF, and 200 percent RDF) were used as factors in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The present investigation revealed that significantly higher winter maize productivity was achieved from the first and second week of October planting along with the application of 200% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer) followed by 150% RDF. Planting of winter maize during the first week of October recorded significantly higher grain yield (8786kg ha -1 ) and stover yield (1220 kg ha -1 ) and was found on par with sowing during the second week of October. Among fertility levels, significantly higher grain yield (8320 kg ha -1 ) and stover yield (1195 kg ha -1 ) was recorded with the application of 200% RDF and were found on par with the application of 150% RDF. Further interaction effect showed that higher dry matter production, more days for physiological maturity, higher accumulation of growing degree days, photothermal units, and heliothermal units were recorded from crops planted during the first and second week of October along with the application of either 200% or 150% RDF. However, higher nutrient use efficiency was recorded from the first and second week of October planted crop supplied with lower fertility level (100% RDF). Similarly, significantly higher net returns and gross returns, output energy, net energy, and specific energy were higher from crops planted during the first week of planting along with the application of 200% RDF. Whereas, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were higher with the first week of October planted crop applied with 100% RDF. From the overall interaction, it is recommended to plant winter maize during the first fortnight of October with the application of 150 percent RDF for sustaining higher maize productivity, energy output, and economics in the maize growing area of south India.

The fertilizing effects of biodigestate produced from biogas plants on crop and soil productivity are very scarce. Hence, a field study was conducted in 2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study evaluated the effects of biodigestate fertilizer, applied alone or in combination with urea, single superphosphate, or muriate of potash fertilizers at low (N1, K1, and P1) and high (N2, P2, and K2) rates on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays (L.)). The treatments were biodigestate alone (D), D + N fertilizer (urea) at 60 kg·ha−1 (DN1), D + N at 120 kg·ha−1 (DN2), D + P fertilizer (single superphosphate) at 30 kg·ha−1 (DP1), D + P at 60 kg·ha−1 (DP2), D + K fertilizer (muriate of potash) at 30 kg·ha−1 (DK1), D + K 60 kg·ha−1 (DK2), D + N1 + P1 + K1 (DN1P1K1), D + N2 + P2 + K2 (DN2P2K2) (10), and control. The 10 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results showed that both low and high rates of fertilizer application improved soil chemical properties, growth parameters, and yield of maize compared with the control. High fertilizer rates (N2, P2, and K2) significantly enhanced soil chemical properties and growth parameters, but lower rates (N1, P1, and K1) resulted in higher maize yield. DN1 fertilizer significantly increased maize yield compared with DN2, DP1, DP2, DK1, and DK2. Overall, the treatment of DN1P1K1 demonstrated the highest grain yield, likely due to optimal nutrient supply from N, P, and K fertilizers, along with an improved soil environment facilitated by the biodigestate. The study recommends a balanced and sustainable fertilizer application strategy of 60 kg·N·ha−1, 30 kg·P2O5·ha−1, and 30 kg·K·ha−1 with 2500 L·ha−1 of biodigestate to enhance maize production while minimizing cost and environmental impact. However, for those aiming for maize fodder production, a higher fertilizer rate of 120 kg·N·ha−1, 60 kg·P2O5·ha−1, and 60 kg·K·ha−1 with 2500 L·ha−1 of biodigestate is advised.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency and source-dependent Zn fertilization to achieve optimum Zn levels in rice and wheat grains remain global concern for human nutrition, especially in developing countries. To-date, little is known about the effectiveness of bioactive Zn-coated urea (BAZU) to enhance the concentration, uptake, and recovery of Zn in relation to agronomic efficiency in paddy and wheat grains. Field experiments were carried out during 2020-21 on the rice-wheat system at Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Multan, Punjab, Pakistan using four treatments viz.T1 (Urea 46% N @ 185 kg ha-1 + zero Zn), T2 (Urea 46% N @ 185 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 33% Zn @ 15 kg ha-1), T3 (BAZU 42% N @ 103 kg ha-1 + Urea 46% N @ 62 kg ha-1 + 1% bioactive Zn @ 1.03 kg ha-1) and T4 (BAZU 42% N @ 125 kg ha-1 + Urea 46% N @ 62 kg ha-1 + 1% bioactive Zn @ 1.25 kg ha-1) in quadruplicate under Randomized Complete Block Design. Paddy yield was increased by 13, 11, 12, and 11% whereas wheat grain yield was enhanced by 12, 11, 11, and 10% under T4 at Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore, respectively, compared to T1. Similarly, paddy Zn concentration was increased by 58, 67, 65 and 77% (32.4, 30.7, 31.1, and 34.1 mg kg-1) in rice whereas grain Zn concentration was increased by 90, 87, 96 and 97% (46.2, 43.9, 46.7 and 44.9 mg kg-1) in wheat by the application of BAZU (T4) at Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Lahore, respectively, in comparison to T1. Zinc recovery was about 9-fold and 11-fold higher in paddy and wheat grains, respectively, under BAZU (T4) treatment relative to T2 while, the agronomic efficiency was enhanced up to 130% and 141% in rice and wheat respectively as compared to T2. Thus, T4 application at the rate of 125 kg ha-1 could prove effective in enhancing the rice paddy and wheat grain yield along with their Zn biofortification (∼34 mg kg-1 and ∼47 mg kg-1, respectively) through increased agronomic and Zn recovery efficiencies, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms of which can be further explored in future.

Abstract The need to transition to more sustainable agriculture that is adaptable to environmental challenges, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental impact, represents the new paradigm of the moment. In this scenario, studies with the adoption of bioinputs in corn cultivation emerge as a viable option for the sustainability of agricultural activity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of doses of neem vegetable cake on the yield components of corn crops. An experimental design was used of randomized blocks was used, consisting of four doses of neem vegetable rendering (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 and 12 kg ha-1) and a treatment control without the presence of organic fertilizer. The result indicates the presence of a significant effect of treatments with the application of neem cake on the main components of corn yield, including grain productivity, suggesting that the high carbon content present in the organic product can induce phytochemical effects and biological changes. in the soil, making it more productive. It was found that, when administering the maximum experimental dose, compared to the control group, there was a significant effect (p≤0.01) of 21.3% on grain productivity, jumping from 2,140 kg ha -1, when did not apply organic fertilizer, to 2,596 kg ha-1 with the application of 12 kg of neem cake per hectare. It is noted that the increase in grain productivity was in the proportion of 38 kg ha-1 of corn for each kilo of neem cake applied. To facilitate interpretation and decision-making, an analysis of the economic viability of neem cake for rainfed corn was also determined, also identifying the maximum experimental dose of 12 kg ha-1, as the most economically viable, providing an increase in profit of around R $ 119.92 per hectare, in relation to the control. Resumo A necessidade de transitar para uma agricultura mais sustentável e adaptável aos desafios ambientais, com redução da dependência de fertilizantes químicos e minimização do impacto ambiental, representa o novo paradigma do momento. Nesse cenário, estudos com a adoção de bioinsumos na cultura do milho emergem como uma opção viável para a sustentabilidade da atividade agrícola. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de torta vegetal de neem nos componentes de rendimento da cultura do milho. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados constituídos pelas quatro doses da torta vegetal de neem (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 e 12 kg ha-1) e um tratamento testemunha sem a presença do adubo orgânico. O resultado indica a presença de um efeito significativo dos tratamentos com aplicação da torta de neem sobre os principais componentes de rendimento do milho, incluindo a produtividade dos grãos, sugerindo que o alto teor de carbono presente no produto orgânico pode induzir efeitos fitoquímicos e mudanças biológicas no solo, tornando-o mais produtivo. Verificou-se que, ao administrar a dose máxima experimental, em comparação com o grupo de controle, houve um efeito significativo (p≤0,01) de 21,3% na produtividade dos grãos, saltando de 2.140 kg ha -1, quando não aplicou o adubo orgânico, para 2.596 kg ha-1 com a aplicação de 12 kg da torta de neem por hectare. Nota-se que o incremento na produtividade dos grãos foi na proporção de 38 kg ha-1 de milho para cada quilo de torta de neem aplicado. Para facilitar a interpretação e tomada de decisão, determinou-se também a análise de viabilidade econômica da torta de neem para a cultura do milho cultivado em sequeiro, identificando também a dose máxima experimental de 12 kg ha-1, como a mais viável economicamente, proporcionando um incremento no lucro na ordem de R$119,92 por hectare, em relação a testemunha.

In alkaline soil conditions, the availability of essential nutrients for plant growth becomes limited, posing a significant challenge for achieving optimal maize growth and yield. Exploring the impact of biochar and waste irrigation on soil alkalinity and maize production in arid regions has received limited attention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three levels of acidified biochar (0, 5, and 10 Mg ha −1 ) in two growing seasons of maize—spring and autumn. The treatments were applied following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Biochar was applied only in the autumn season, and its residual effects were evaluated in the spring season. The study found that using acidifying biochar at a rate of 10 Mg ha −1 significantly increased maize yield by 35.8% compared to no application and by 16.4% compared to a rate of 5 Mg ha −1 . In the autumn, applying acidified biochar at 10 Mg ha −1 reduced soil pH by 3.65% and 6.41% compared to 0 and 5 Mg ha −1 . In the spring, the same application led to a decrease in soil pH by 5.84% and 7.37% compared to the lower rates. Additionally, using 10 Mg ha −1 of acidifying biochar increased soil phosphorus concentration by 87.6% and soil potassium concentration by 38.0% compared to not using biochar, and by 46.2% and 35.0% compared to the 5 Mg ha −1 application. These findings suggest that the reduction of soil pH by applying biochar at a rate of 10 Mg ha −1 facilitated an increase in nutrient availability in the soil, consequently leading to higher maize yield. Notably, no significant differences were observed in maize productivity and soil properties between the spring and autumn seasons. Therefore, this study paves the way for further exploration into the long-term effects of acidifying biochar on maize productivity and soil properties in similar agroecological contexts.

The global demand for crop production is rapidly growing due to the continued rise in world population. Crop productivity varies generally with soil nutrient profile and climate. The optimal use of fertilizers might help to attain higher crop yield in canola. To circumvent nutrient imbalance issues in soil, two separate field trials were conducted to determine (a) the best source of nitrogen (N) between ammonium sulfate (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 ) and ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3 ), (b) significance of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and potassium (K), in an attempt to enhance canola yield and yield attributes. Both experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The nitrogen source in the form of NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and NH 4 NO 3 (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha) was applied in the rhizosphere after 3 and 7 weeks of sowing, referred to as experiment 1 (E1). In another separate experiment (E2), the canola crop was sprayed with four level of GA 3 (0, 10, 15, 30 g/ha) and K (0, 2.5, 3.5, 6 g/ha) individually or in combination by using hydraulic spryer, 30 days after sowing (DAS). The data was collected at different growth stages of canola and analyzed statistically. The E1 trail showed that N fortification in the form of NH 4 NO 3 (100 kg/ha) and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 (30 kg/ha) had a positive effect on the plant height, number of branches, fruiting zone, seed yield per plant, seed yield per hectare of canola except oil percentage. Moreover, canola plants (E2) also displayed a significant improvement on all studied features with high doses of GA 3 (30 g/ha) and K (6 g/ha) individualy and in combined form. The correlation coefficient analysis of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 and NH 4 NO 3 was highly significant to plant height, number of branches, fruiting zone, seed yield per plant, seed yield per hectare of canola In a nutshell, compared to both source of N, NH 4 NO 3 was more efficient and readily available source of N. GA 3 being a growth elicitor and potassium as a micronutrient serve as potential source to improve yield and to manage nutrient profile of canola.

A crop simulation model is adopted to calculate the potential yield in a certain location. The data sets generated in each scenario (2021–2022) were used to evaluate the InfoCrop model. A field experiment using a randomized complete block design was conducted at the Agronomy Department’s research field, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. The following two factors: 1) factor A: sowing dates (Planting date 1: PD 1 = 5 th November and Planting date 2: PD 2 = 15 th November 2021) and 2) factor B: Trichoderma biofertilizers (T 1 = control, T 2 = 50% chemical fertilizer + 2,000 kg ha -1 Trichoderma biofertlizer, T 3 = fully chemical fertilizer; and T 4 = fully 3,000 kg ha -1 Trichoderma biofertilizer). Three BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) released varieties (V 1 = BARI Sarisa-14, V 2 = BARI Sarisa-16, and V 3 = BARI Sarisa-17) used for the completion of the experiment. The Trichoderma biofertilizer and planting dates had a significant influence on yield and yield attributes of mustard. Results showed that plant height, leaf width, leaves per plant, pods per plant, harvest index, maturity date, and yield were significantly affected by Trichoderma biofertilizer treatments, two different conditions, and varieties. The regression analysis indicated a significant linear relationship between two different growing conditions especially for harvest index PD 2 >PD 1 (0.88>0.83), grain yield (0.94>0.90), flowering date (0.95>0.91) and maturity date (0.95>0.90). It was found that the model significantly overestimated all the parameters with an acceptable error range (<15%) while growth and yield characteristics including flowering and maturity dates and yield were simulated and results were compared to observed data. BARI Sarisa 16 had the highest simulated yield of 2.5 t ha -1 and showed a high yielding variety among the used varieties in the experiment. As a result, it can be concluded that if the InfoCrop growth model is carefully calibrated, it will be an excellent tool for evaluating and identifying the best yielding variety.

Biochar is a carbon-rich product, which is processed by pyrolyzing biomass to improve soil properties and maintain environmental sustainability. This study aim was to investigate the effect of biochar and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, growth, and yield. Four treatments and four replications have been used for the experimental plots using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Soil physiochemical properties have been investigated based on soil samples within 0–30 cm depth in each plot. The two types of biochar (grass and chat waste) have been used for the treatments. The pyrolyzing temperature required for grass and chat waste is 250°C and 1100°C, respectively. The plant height, total yield, and the marketable and nonmarketable yield of onion have been examined. The analysis showed that treatment with grass biochar and inorganic fertilizer had a similar effect on soil properties but chat (Catha edulis) biochar had a lower effect on soil properties. The total yield and days to 70% maturity have been increased due to the cumulative treatment of grass biochar and inorganic fertilizer. The biochar of grass and inorganic fertilizer have been significantly increased in marketable bulb yield, but unmarketable yield becomes decreased. The chat waste and controlled treatments shown an increased unmarketable yield and declined marketable bulb yield. Overall, biochar can substitute the inorganic fertilizer, which can help to improve the w soil fertility and environmental sustainability. Therefore, biochar has a win-win solution.

Background Sesame ( Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50–55% oil, 20% protein, 14–20% carbohydrate and 2–3% fiber. Several environmental factors are known to adversely affect yield and productivity of sesame. Our overall aim was to improve the growth, yield and quality of sesame cv. TS-3 using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and saving the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers (NP) by 50%. Field experiment (randomized complete block design) was conducted during the months of July to October of two consecutive years 2012–2013. Azospirillum (AL) and Azotobacter (AV) were applied as seed inoculation alone as well as along with half of the recommended dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) fertilizers (urea and diammonium phosphate) at the rate of 25 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha respectively. Results Here we report that A. lipoferum along with half dose of NP fertilizers (ALCF) were highly effective in increasing the agronomic and yield traits of sesame as compared to the control. A. vinelandii plus NP fertilizers (AVCF) exhibited higher seed oil content. Minimum acid value, optimum specific gravity and modified fatty acid composition were observed in ALCF treatment. Increase in oleic acid by ALCF is directly linked with improved oil quality for health benefits as oleic acid is the fatty acid which creates a balance between saturation and unsaturation of oil and for the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects. Conclusion It is inferred that ALCF treatment improved plant growth, seed yield and oil quality of sesame pertaining to good quality edible oil production.