Soil conditioners

This study investigates the use of chabazitic zeolite as a soil amendment to enhance the growth and yield of Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry). Recognized for its high cation-exchange capacity and excellent water retention properties, chabazitic zeolite was incorporated into sandy loam soil at four concentrations: 0% (control), 2.5%, 5%, and 10% w/w. Over a 90-day period in a greenhouse, growth metrics including plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and fruit production were evaluated. Additionally, soil moisture levels and macronutrient availability (N, P, K) were monitored. Results demonstrated significant improvements in plant height, foliage development, chlorophyll content, and fruit yield at the 5% zeolite level. Compared to the control, this treatment increased fruit yield by 32%, improved leaf count by 25%, and enhanced chlorophyll content by 15%. Soil analysis revealed improved moisture retention and higher nutrient concentrations in the rhizosphere, promoting better nutrient uptake. However, a decline in plant performance at the 10% level suggests that excessive zeolite may reduce soil porosity, hindering root development and gas exchange. These findings highlight the potential of chabazitic zeolite to improve water and nutrient use efficiency in strawberry cultivation. Specifically, a 5% amendment was identified as the most effective dose for optimizing plant physiological performance and maximizing yield. This approach supports sustainable agriculture practices by reducing reliance on irrigation and fertilizers, and could be particularly beneficial in regions facing water scarcity and soil degradation.

The adsorption characteristics of synthetic organic polymers play a major role in their effects on the stabilization of aggregates. We hypothesized that high molecular weight polymers adsorb on both outer and inner surfaces of large aggregates (>1.0 mm), and thus enhance the resistance of aggregates to external forces (e.g., water drop impact). Adsorption of an anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) on aggregates of different sizes from a Worsham (Typic Ochraquults), and a Cecil (Typic Hapludults), Georgia, USA, and the resultant stability of the PAM-treated aggregates to wet sieving, were studied. Aggregates were packed in a small chamber, saturated with a polymer solution, and after 24 h leached with distilled water. PAM adsorption was calculated from carbon content in the leachate. Amount of adsorbed PAM from a 200 g/m 3 polymer solution ranged between 72 and 81 mg/kg in the Cecil; lower amounts (37±56 mg/kg) were obtained in the Worsham. Adsorption ef®ciency (ratio of the amount of PAM adsorbed to that added) remained unchanged in the Worsham, and decreased moderately in a linear fashion in the Cecil, with increases in aggregate size. Conversely, computed external surface area (ESA) of aggregates of the different size classes decreased hyperbolically with an increase in aggregate size. The signi®cant difference in the pattern of the adsorption and ESA curves may serve as an indication that PAM adsorption could have taken place on both outer and inner aggregate surfaces. Aggregate stability results showed that mean weight diameter (MWD) of PAM-treated intact as well as broken aggregates was higher than that of untreated aggregates. This observation supported the conclusion drawn from the adsorption study, namely that PAM adsorption may not be restricted to outer aggregate surfaces only. It further indicated that the favorable effect of PAM on stabilizing aggregates lasts also after the initial aggregates were broken at plains of weakness.

Foto(s) da capa: Sandro Hurtado 1 a edição 1 a impressão (2012): on line A reprodução não-autorizada desta publicação, no todo ou em parte, constitui violação dos direitos autorais (Lei no 9.610). Protocolo de avaliação agronômica de rochas e produtos derivados como fontes de nutrientes às plantas ou condicionadores de solo / Álvaro Vilela de Resende ...

This study was aimed at investigating the productivity of buckwheat taking into account growing regions, especially altitude, since this species does not have demanding soil requirements. The experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 in two localities: Valjevo (the village of Jasenica at 300 m altitude - 2009 and the village of Jovanja at 160 m altitude - 2010), and Nova Varos (the village of Radijevici at 1,065 m altitude). Soil of the experimental plots at both localities was characterized by acidic chemical reactions, with 3-5% of humus. In addition, the soil was rich in potassium, but poor in phosphorus. Within the objective test, with four replications, microbiological fertilizers Bactofil and Slavol were applied just before planting, alone or in combination with soil additives (hydrogel and zeolite). Half of each plot was fertilized foliarly, by the application of microbiological fertilizer Slavol using the concentrations of 50 ml per 10 liters of water. As compared with...

Manure from cattle was composted and used as fertilizer in a field experience organised on Eutric Fluvisols. There were studied the changes of chemical characteristics of soil under the influence of organic fertilization with or without mineral fertilization. Organic fertilization did not resulted in significant changes in soil reaction but mineral fertilization produced significant decreases of pH values. There was also observed a slight increase in organic carbon content in variants fertilised with composted manure, and after mineral fertilization also, but the increases were not statistically significant. Considering total nitrogen content were observed statistically significant increases after mineral fertilization with high doses (N 100 P 100). The combination of the two fertilization systems has led to best results at highest doses both for organic and mineral fertilizers. Ratio C/N did not lead to statistically significant changes after organic or mineral fertilization. The highest values of mobile phosphorus in the soil were recorded in variants fertilized with high doses of compost plus mineral fertilizer. Mobile potassium values were statistically significantly increased compared to the control under the influence of fertilization with compost made from cattle manure at a dose equivalent to 400 kg N/ha

Bio-toilet is a dry toilet where human excreta is trapped in a lignocelluloses soil matrix such as wood sawdust, then it is decomposed by aerobic  bacteria to organic compost rich in minerals such as N, P, and K. The study aimed to characterize the bio-toilet residue and its potential use as a soil conditioner for Jatropha curcas. The study was conducted in a private school of Daarut Tauhid in Bandung West Java. A bio-toilet S-50 type of Japan was constructed consisting of a composting chamber, mixer, heater, exhaust fan, and closet. The composting chamber was filled with 63 kg of Albizzia sawdust. Feces and urine was loaded daily by 54 students for 122-day observation. At the end of observation, the decomposed bio-toilet residue was evaluated for its physical properties such as bulk density (rb), porosity (%), and water retention (WR). Chemical properties such as pH, C/N ratio, N, P, and K, as well as microbiological properties such as numbers of bacteria, fungi, and worm eggs were...

Background Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel) is an ornamental indoor plant with promising cut flower market, as well as antiviral, pharmacological and ecological potentials. Water deficiency can have sound effects on the growth performance and aesthetic quality of such plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of zeolite, biochar, and zeo-char loaded nano-nitrogen application on the growth performance and biochemical components of peace lily under water shortage conditions. An experiment was conducted over two consecutive seasons (2021-2022

Electrical energy is the primary energy that exists in the world and plays a very important role in human life. The technology discovered almost entirely uses electrical energy to support its use. The rapid growth and development of population that occurs in the world must be in line with

In this work, sugarcane bagasse (SCB)-g-poly(acrylamide)/attapulgite superabsorbent composites (SBCs) were prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) onto SCBin presence of attapulgite (ATP) using N,N′methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker and potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator in aqueous solution. The composite structures were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The effect of the initiator, crosslinker amounts and attapulgite/hydrogel weight ratio (0.0-14.4 wt%) on the swelling capacity was investigated. The results indicated that highest swelling capacity in distilled water was 920 g/g, obtained with the composite containing 1.3 wt% KPS, 0.08 wt% MBA, 79.9 wt% AM, 5.3 wt% ATP and 13.3 wt% SCB. Different SCBs were loaded with urea and its release was evaluated over time, showing that the urea release rate decreased by increasing ATP amount up to14.4 wt%. Therefore, the SCB-g-poly(AM)/ATP composites could have promising applications also as controlled urea release fertilizer.

Soil salinity and sodicity are among the main problems for optimum crop production in areas where rainfall is not enough for leaching of salts out of the rooting zone. Application of organic and Ca-based amendments have the potential to increase crop yield and productivity under saline–alkaline soil environments. Based on this hypothesis, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of compost, Ca-based fertilizer industry waste (Ca-FW), and Ca-fortified compost (Ca-FC) to increase growth and yield of maize under saline–sodic soil conditions. Saline–sodic soil conditions with electrical conductivity (EC) levels (1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15, were developed by spiking soil with a solution containing NaCl, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and CaCl2. Results showed that soil salinity and sodicity significantly reduced plant growth, yield, physiological, and nutrient uptake parameters. However, the application of Ca-FC caused a remarkable increase in the stud...

Soil conditioners, such as biochar and zeolites, may play an important role in agriculture if they increase nutrient use efficiency, in particular, that of phosphorus (P), due to the depletion of phosphate rocks from which P‐fertilizers are manufactured. This study report results from a field trial, where maize was grown in summer and oats in winter, and from a pot experiment with maize. In the field, the use of biochar and zeolites, along with an untreated control in combination with various P rates (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg P2O5 ha−1), was tested. In the pot experiment, six treatments were included, biochar, zeolites and a non‐amended control with and without P application. Soil conditioners did not significantly influence tissue elemental composition or the dry matter (DM) yield of maize and oats in the field trial, nor the DM yield of maize in the pots. In the field trial, average maize DM yields varied from 14.3 to 15.6 t ha−1 and 11.8 to 13.7 t ha−1 and average oats DM yields fro...

Terjadinya pemanasan global disebabkan karena makin tingginya konsentrasi gas rumah kaca (GRK) di atmosfir. Pemanasan global akan memberi dampak yang buruk terhadap kehidupan mahluk hidup di bumi ini. GRK yang sangat berpengaruh terhadap naiknya temperatur atmosfir bumi adalah gas CO2 [karbon dioksida], NOx, metan dan freon. Salah satu GRK yang menjadi perhatian adalah gas CO2, karena gas CO2 kebanyakan dari kegiatan manusia seperti pembakaran bahan bakar fossil yang jumlahnya selalu meningkat setiap tahunnya. Sejak revolusi industri sampai sekarang terjadi akumulasi gas CO2 di atmosfir yang semakin besar, dengan konsentrasi CO2 sebesar 390 ppm. Hal ini ditengarai sebagai penyebab terjadinya pemanasan global dan perubahan iklim. Untuk menahan laju penambahan konsentrasi gas CO2 di atmosfir perlu adanya cara untuk mengurangi karbon di atmosfir. Salah satu cara untuk mengurangi karbon dioksida CO2 di atmosfir adalah dengan mengkonversi biomasa menjadi biochar dan selanjutnya biochar d...

Limbah tanaman sawit hasil pembongkaran siklus tanam pertama sebagai sumber bahan baku biochar tersedia dalam jumlah banyak pada lahan perkebunan kelapa sawit yang akan di replanting. Ketidaktahuan petani yang terhimpun Kelompok Tani Makmur Desa Damai Kecamatan Renah Mandaluh Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat dalam mengelola dan memanfaatkan limbah tanaman sawit menyebabkan bahan tersebut terbuang begitu saja di lapangan. Biochar merupakan amelioran yang dapat memperbaiki kesuburan tanah dari lahan yang digunakan untuk budidaya tanaman sawit terutama siklus tanam kedua. Tujuan dari program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah memberdayakan Kelompok Tani Makmur dalam mengelola sumber karbon organik in situ menjadi biochar untuk memperbaiki dan meningkatkan kualitas kesuburan tanah lahan pertanian secara berkelanjutan. Program pengabdian dilaksanakan melalui metode penyuluhan, bimbingan teknis pembuatan biochar, dan bimbingan pengaplikasian biochar pada lahan pertanaman siklus kedua atau replanting tanaman kelapa sawit. Hasil yang dicapai dari program pengabdian adalah petani mengakui mendapat pengetahuan baru tentang biochar dan pemanfaatan residu tanaman kelapa sawit hasil pembongkaran siklus penanaman pertama sebagai bahan baku biochar dan pemanfaatnya untuk meningkat kesuburan tanah lahan perkebunan kelapa sawit. Petani mengetahui teknologi dan dapat membuat biochar dengan teknologi yang sudah diperkenalkan.

Piston used to compact soil samples 38 Moisture values at Site 1 for March field study 45 Moisture values at Site 2 for March field study 47 Moisture values at Site 1 for June field study 50 Moisture values at Site 2 for June field study 51 CO2 evolution from soils amended with inorganic fertilizer at a bulk density of 1.1 Mg M-3 58 CO2 evolution from soils amended with inorganic fertilizer at a bulk density of 1.4 Mg M-3 59 8 CO2 evolution from soils amended with inorganic fertilizer at a bulk density of 1.6 Mg m-3 60 CO2 evolution from soils amended with inorganic fertilizer at a moisture content of 0.20 g g-1 62 CO2 evolution from soils amended with inorganic fertilizer at a moisture content of 0.24 g g-1 63 11 CO evolution from sludge amended and unamended z soils 66 CO, evolution from sludge amended soils at 1.4 Mg m-3 bulk density and 0.24 to 0.30 g g-1 moisture contents. . 68 3 CO2 evolution from soils amended with organic and inorganic amendments 72

Community empowerment has been carried out at the Kumala Lestari Islamic boarding school, located in Sukaresmi Village, Cianjur Regency, Indonesia. The community was involved in the manufacture of bioactive compostable charcoal (ARKOBA) and its application in agricultural areas. The study was conducted through comparison of rice planting using chemical fertilizers-pesticides and those with ARKOBA-liquid smoke. The yield amount was measured by paddy crop productivity per hectare after 4 month period. The study was conducted by production of biochar from sawmill waste using a modified drum reactor. The reactor temperature
was set into 400–450°C, while the retention time was set into 6 hours. The process produces charcoal and liquid smoke. ARKOBA production was carried out by mixing compost: charcoal: activator, with a composition of 85%: 10%: 5%. Meanwhile, the ARKOBA dose was set to 400 kg/1000m2
. The result shows that the productivity of rice threated was higher than those of chemical fertilizers. Rice productivity was recorded at 3.2 tons/ha against 2.98 tons/ha in the Ciranjang and 4 tons/ha compared to 3.1 tons/ha in the Sukaresmi demonstration plot. Mixing ARKOBA and liquid smoke threatment provides a surplus of around 7.4–29% than chemical applications and becomes recommended technology for increasing rice productivity.

Keywords: ARKOBA, pesticide, fertilizer, rice field, productivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of fruit-crop management (mango, guava and coconut) on the composition and distribution of soil arthropods (mesofauna and macrofauna) during seasonal periods in the Curu Valley region of the State of Ceará, Brazil. The study was carried out during the following periods: rainy/dry (July/August 2013), dry (October/ November 2013), dry/rainy (January/February 2014) and rainy (April/May 2014). Pitfall traps were used to capture the arthropods. After sorting, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and the Pielou evenness index were calculated. Diversity values were compared in pairs using Student's t-test (α = 0.05) in the SAS v 9.0 software (2002). The similarity of the areas and groups was evaluated by multivariate analysis employing the techniques of principal component (PCA) and factor (FA) analysis in the Statistica ® software (2014). The abundance and diversity of soil arthropods in the cultivation of fruit trees vary according to the type of management and to the seasonal period in the region. The Acari, Collembola and Formicidae groups were the most abundant in each area and during the four periods of the study. The area cultivated with coconut shows better soil conditions for maintaining the arthropod community in the soil.

In light of the current water scarcity, one strategy for reducing water consumption in irrigated agriculture is to reduce the amount of irrigation water compared to full crop irrigation or in other words deficit irrigation. Deficit irrigation management may be a critical issue due to climate change. Incorporation of different soil conditioners can improve soil hydro-physical properties and mitigate negative effects in water-stressed conditions. Recent review articles either addressed specific crop behavior under water deficit or covered a single type of soil conditioners. This manuscript represents an inclusive review providing insight into deficit irrigation methods incorporated with different soil conditioners. Crop response to deficit irrigation is discussed in the light of some mathematical models. Three main types of soil conditioners are covered: bentonite, biochar, and super-absorbent polymers. Mechanisms associated with effects of each conditioner to enhance soil water retention is highlighted as well. Previous study findings were discussed comparatively and future prospective, recommendations and challenges were addressed.

Rezime: U ovom radu ispitivana je produktivnost heljde u zavisnosti od lokaliteta gajenja, prvenstveno nadmorske visine, kao i od primene mikrobioloških đubriva i oplemenjivača zemljišta. Ogledi su izvedeni tokom 2009. i 2010. godine na dva lokaliteta: u ravničarskom lokalitetu Valjeva (u 2009. godini, selo Jasenica koje se nalazi na 300 m nadmorske visine i u 2010. godini, selo Jovanja na 160 m nadmorske visine) i brdsko-planinskom lokalitetu Nova Varoš (selo Radijevići, na 1.065 m nadmorske visine). Zemljište na oglednim parcelama u oba lokaliteta je bilo kisele hemijske reakcije, sa 3−5% humusa, slabo obezbeđeno pristupačnim fosforom i dobro obezbeđeno kalijumom. U okviru cilja ispitivanja, u četiri ponavljanja, na ispitivanim lokalitetima primenjena su mikrobiološka đubriva Baktofil i Slavol neposredno pred setvu, samostalno ili u kombinaciji sa oplemenjivačima zemljišta (hidrogel i zeolit). Polovina svake elementarne parcele bila je prihranjena folijarno, mikrobiološkim đubrivom, Slavolom u koncentraciji od 50 ml na 10 l vode. U odnosu na kontrolnu varijantu (bez primene đubriva), u svim varijantama đubrenja sa prihranjivanjem su dobijeni veći prinosi zrna. Značajno veći prinosi zrna heljde su dobijeni na prvom lokalitetu, posebno u varijanti kombinovane primene Slavola i oplemenjivača zemljišta hidrogel. Ključne reči: đubriva, heljda, nadmorska visina, oplemenjivači zemljišta, prinos.

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio pasa por evaluar el efecto del-Terracottem- en la actividad microbiana del suelo mediante la medida de la respiración edáfica y la pérdida de nitrógeno mineral por lixiviación. El ensayo se ha realizado en condiciones de laboratorio controladas y con suelos naturales. Materiales y metodos. Para el experimento, se han diseñado varios tratamientos: i) suelos naturales a los que se les ha adicionado compuestos nitrogenados de libre disponibilidad (Kg N ha-1); ii) suelos naturales a los que se les ha adicionado carbohidratos de libre disponibilidad (1% de solución de glucosa); iii) suelos naturales a los que se les ha adicionado una mezcla de compuestos nitrogenados de libre disponibilidad (Kg N ha-1) con carbohidratos (1% de solución de glucosa). En cada variante se han testeado diferentes dosis del polímero. Resultados. Los resultados han demostrado que la actividad respiratoria del suelo es independiente de la disponibilidad de compuestos como el...

A novel mineral-based superabsorbent hydrogel composite, poly (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid-co-acrylic acid-co-acrylamide)/ground basalt: CS-g-P(AMPS-co-AA-co-AM)/BST/BST, is prepared under microwave irradiation. The structural and morphological characterization of hydrogel is assessed using FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability of the hydrogel composite is explored using thermogravimetric analysis. The swelling kinetics of the hydrogel and the influence of the pH and the ionic strength of the surrounding solution on water absorbing capacity are also studied. The antibacterial activity of the superabsorbent composite against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) assayed by the inhibitory zone tests has shown that the introduction of ground basalt enhances the inhibition of the bacteria growth by simple contact with the hydrogel. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no published scientific works that examine the synergistic bactericidal potency of combining ground basalt and chitosan-based hydrogels.

Currently, little is known about the edaphic insect fauna associated with forest ecosystems with parica (Schizolobium parahyba var. Amazonicum) (Fabaceae) in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. The species presents great economic value to the timber market; however, insects with potential damage to this crop have been identifi ed in periodic surveys. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in commercial plantations of different ages in the dry and rainy seasons, the abundance and dominance of major functional groups of insects in forest ecosystems with parica. Collection was carried out using pitfall traps exposed for 24 h. Insect identifi cation contemplated order and family. The results showed that the number of insects was directly related to the precipitation regime, because the total density of the insect fauna in the rainy season was 61% higher than in the dry season. During the study period, 17,595 insects belonging to 11 orders and 37 families were captured. The order Hymenoptera was the most abundant in the dry season, representing 92.20% of the individuals captured. The highest number of families (15) was found in the order Coleoptera. In the rainy season, the two and three year-old plantings showed greater richness of orders (9), but fewer families (22 and 21), respectively. Five-year-old plantings were the richest regarding families (26), mainly for being more stable environments. The most important functional groups were herbivores, predators, and social insects. RESUMO: Atualmente, pouco se sabe sobre a entomofauna edáfi ca associada aos ecossistemas fl orestais com paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) (Fabaceae), na Amazônia brasileira. A espécie possui grande valor econômico para o mercado madeireiro; no entanto, há insetos com potenciais de danos a esta cultura e que podem ser identifi cados a partir de levantamentos periódicos. Objetivou-se avaliar, em plantios comerciais com diferentes idades, nos períodos seco e chuvoso, a abundância e a dominância dos grupos funcionais dos principais insetos presentes em ecossistemas fl orestais com paricá. A coleta foi com armadilhas do tipo pitfall, expostas durante 24 horas. A identifi cação contemplou ordem e família. Os resultados demonstraram que o número de insetos teve relação direta com o regime hídrico, pois a densidade total da entomofauna na época chuvosa foi 61% superior à do período seco. Foram capturados 17.595 insetos, pertencentes a 11 ordens e 37 famílias. A ordem Hymenoptera foi a mais abundante no período seco, representando 92,20% dos indivíduos capturados. O maior número de famílias (15) foi na ordem Coleoptera. No período chuvoso, os plantios de dois e três anos apresentaram maior riqueza de ordens, em número de nove; entretanto, houve menor número de famílias, 22 e 21, respectivamente. Os plantios de cinco anos, por serem ambientes mais estáveis, foram os mais ricos, com 26 famílias. Os grupos funcionais de maior importância foram os herbívoros, os predadores e os insetos sociais.

This work aimed to evaluate the employment of the soil arthropod community as a bioindicator of land reclamation on a loan area in Mabea fistulifera Mart. plantation under different types of fertilization, in central-western Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design within plots (type of fertilization applied in the planting line). The quarterly sampling of the organisms occurred along two years, by means of pitfall traps, in six treatments (08 traps / treatment): area without intervention (SI); planting without fertilization (D0); planting with application of mineral fertilizer (DAM); three different doses of an organic compound (industrial residue) obtained from the pulp production, 10 Mg ha-1 (D10), 15 Mg ha-1 (D15), and 20 Mg ha-1 (D20). Each trap was considered a sample unit. The animals were identified in high taxonomic groups (order, class, family). There was no clear pattern of the effect of the treatments on the structure (total and average richness, uniformity, diversity, total abundance) of the community. However, the principal component analysis indicated that D20 increased the abundance of a higher number of taxonomic groups / trophic guilds, in comparison to the other treatments.

It is well established that organic matter application can enhance soil phosphorus (P) bioavailability in acid, weathered soils. It is yet unclear to what extents this also holds for irrigated rice in flooded soils where, in principle, organic matter may unlock soil P due to reductive dissolution of Fe-(III) minerals. This study was set up to identify if farmyard manure (FYM) can enhance the use efficiency of soil-P and mineral fertilizer-P in irrigated rice after excluding N and K effects. Field trials with factorial supplies of FYM and banded mineral P fertilizer (Triple Superphosphate or TSP) were set up at three irrigated rice fields in Madagascar with equal annual applications during three consecutive years. All treatments received a blanket N and K application. The FYM rates were within local agronomic rates and TSP rates were maximally 80 kg P ha −1. Total P application from FYM and TSP increased rice grain yields of 4.2 Mg ha −1 at the +NK-control to, on average for all years and fields, 5.5 Mg ha −1 at highest P doses. Grain yield generally responded to TSP but not to FYM. Total P uptake in grain and straw increased with total P application. Positive effects of FYM on P uptake were mainly related to its P application to irrigated rice soils. The soil P balances amended with FYM only, i.e. the common local farmers practice, were negative. At adequate N and K supply, effect of FYM application on increasing soil or fertilizer P use efficiency was not detectable in irrigated rice; it mainly recycles P.

It is well established that organic matter application can enhance soil phosphorus (P) bioavailability in acid, weathered soils. It is yet unclear to what extents this also holds for irrigated rice in flooded soils where, in principle, organic matter may unlock soil P due to reductive dissolution of Fe-(III) minerals. This study was set up to identify if farmyard manure (FYM) can enhance the use efficiency of soil-P and mineral fertilizer-P in irrigated rice after excluding N and K effects. Field trials with factorial supplies of FYM and banded mineral P fertilizer (Triple Superphosphate or TSP) were set up at three irrigated rice fields in Madagascar with equal annual applications during three consecutive years. All treatments received a blanket N and K application. The FYM rates were within local agronomic rates and TSP rates were maximally 80 kg P ha −1. Total P application from FYM and TSP increased rice grain yields of 4.2 Mg ha −1 at the +NK-control to, on average for all years and fields, 5.5 Mg ha −1 at highest P doses. Grain yield generally responded to TSP but not to FYM. Total P uptake in grain and straw increased with total P application. Positive effects of FYM on P uptake were mainly related to its P application to irrigated rice soils. The soil P balances amended with FYM only, i.e. the common local farmers practice, were negative. At adequate N and K supply, effect of FYM application on increasing soil or fertilizer P use efficiency was not detectable in irrigated rice; it mainly recycles P.

Agricultural production is influenced by the water content in the soil and availability of fertilizers. Thus, superabsorbent hydrogels, based on polyacrylamide, natural cashew tree gum (CG) and potassium hydrogen phosphate (PHP), as fertilizer and water releaser were developed. The structure, morphology, thermal stability and chemical composition of samples of polyacrylamide and cashew tree gum hydrogels with the presence of fertilizer (HCGP) and without fertilizer (HCG) were investigated, using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA/DTG) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Swelling/reswelling tests, textural analysis, effect of pH, release of nutrients and kinetics were determined; the ecotoxicity of the hydrogels was investigated by the Artemia salina test. The results showed that PHP incorporation in the hydrogel favored the crosslinking of chains. This increased the t...

Organic agriculture as a system of sustainable agricultural production today is essential part in the development of value chains of products that have high nutritional value and environmental characteristics. Soybean is an important source of protein and oil, both for food and feed and belongs to one of the most important field crops. Continuous work on improving cultivation technology in organic systems of agricultural production is of great importance for expanding sustainable farming systems. Limited mineral nutrition in organic production has resulted in a large number of studies that were aimed primarily at increasing yields, as well as the quality of the final product, where the application of foliar fertilizers and fertilizers generally occupies an important place. The research aimed to present the possibility and importance of the application of fertilizers in organic soybean production. Three preparations (Italpollina NPK 4:4:4, Biofor soja, Wuxal ascofol) on soybean varie...

The research was conducted to determine the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in relation to the altitude in Serbia. The database included a total of 1,140 soil profiles. SOC were investigated at different the altitudes (0-200 m, 200-500 m, 500-1,000 m, 1,000 - 2.000 m) and at two soil depths (0-30 cm and 0-100 cm). Statistical correlation was done for five regions where locations were grouped according to the spatial distribution. The results showed that the highest mean values of SOC were measured on the terrain that includes mountains with the altitudes of 1,000-2,000 m and covers an area of 11.5% of the territory of Serbia. The lowest obtained result is related to the lowland areas with the largest number of locations. Greater variability in the results of SOC stocks were found at the higher altitudes and the greatest on the low mountains of 500-1,000 m altitude. There is a medium to strong statistical dependence of the altitude with the SOC stocks at two soil depths (0-30 cm and...

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment techniques on the soil Chemical properties of Sudan Savannah, Nigeria. MSW was collected from multiple metropolitan sites and mixed together. The composite sample was used to produce biochar and compost treatments. The effect of MSW treatment techniques on the qualities of soil was assessed by applying treatments and controls (untreated MSW) to soil at various rates. Soil samples were collected four weeks after treatment application, processed and analyzed in the laboratory. Results showed significant difference (*P≤0.05) in soil Mg and Zn, as well as highly significant difference at (**P≤0.01) in soil EC and K values. Biochar is recommended for acidic soil to improve soil pH, whereas compost is suggested for increasing soil organic matter and microbial activity. The use of untreated MSW is primarily advised for long-term soil deterioration solutions.

Composting fiber ex-fibercyclone and oil palm midrib are the alternative method in waste management and the yielded organic residues that have potential to enhance soil and to assists plant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of oil palm midrib and fiber composted by palm oil mill effluent (POME) and microbial inoculant provided commercially. This study was arranged in randomized block design (RBD) and the design was divided into 2 groups based on the type of solid waste samples used. Within each group the solid waste (SW) was tested as follows: P1 = SW was inoculated by activator A (Control); P2 = SW was mixed with cow manure and inoculated by activator B; P3 = SW was mixed with cow manure and inoculated by POME; P4 = SW inoculated by activator B; and P5 = SW inoculated by POME. Physico-chemical status were periodically tested along the experiment. The results of this research showed that composting process had formed mesophilic temperature with the highest at 39.25 0 C; with a range of pH 6.02-8.29 and conductivity 0.35-1.84 mS/cm at week 16. The C/N ratio of compost product at the end of composting was 7.05-12.41. Results revealed that the final of compost C:N ratio <20 and the macronutrient content fulfilled the requirement of Indonesian Standard Quality of Compost which potentially used as an alternative growing media for plant.

Ovo istraživanje je deo projekta TR31059: Novi koncepti oplemenjivanja sorti i hibrida povrća namenjenih održivim sistemima gajenja uz primenu biotehnoloških metoda finansiranog od strane Ministarstva prosvete, nauke i tehnološkog razvoja (2011-2014).

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) is considered as one of the prominent fertilizers that improve soil health and productivity. To evaluate the effects of MSWC on plant growth, an experiment was conducted by using sole MSWC and with a combination of inorganic fertilizer. The sole MSWC was applied at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1. In case of MSWC with inorganic fertilizer, MSWC was applied equally (5 t ha-1) and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied at 100 and 50 kg ha-1, respectively. Nitrogen was the only variable nutrient. Nitrogen was applied three different doses (25, 50 and 100 kg ha-1) along with control. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was grown as experimental plant and maximum yield (72.7±6.3 t ha-1) of tomato was found when sole MSWC was applied at 15 t ha-1 and was significantly higher than other treatments. When MSWC was applied in combination with inorganic fertilizer, the combination 5 t ha-1 MSWC +100 kg N ha-1 +100 kg TSP ha-1 +50 kg MoP ha-1 produce...

The Caatinga is characterised by deciduous plant species. The practice in this ecosystem is the production of firewood which, when carried out with no technical criteria, contributes to a reduction in the biodiversity and degradation of the biome. Forest Management Planning has been approved by the Ministry of the Environment; a lower impact on the environment is expected, as there is still little information on the effect on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of soil fauna in areas that adopt a Forest Management Plan. Five areas were selected that adopt Forest Management Planning: Area T1, unexploited for six months; Area T2, unexploited for 2-3 years; Area T3 unexploited for 5-6 years; Area T4, unexploited for 10-11 years; and the Control Area (unexploited). Four pitfall traps were installed in each area. The Shannon-Weaver (H’) Index, the Pielou Uniformity Index (e) and the Species Richness Index were calculated for the purpose of estimating the exi...

Pšenica i ječam su najvažnijih ozimi usevi u Srbiji, kao i u drugim zemlјama našeg regiona. U protekloj sezoni pšenica je bila zasejana na oko 575.500 ha i ostvareni su prinosi od 4,39 t/ha koji su bili na nivou petogodišnjeg proseka (Saopštenje PO16, br. 260, od 25.09.2019). U poslednjih pet godina u Republici Srbiji imali smo širok raspon prosečnih prinosa pšenica od svega 3,9 t/ha (2014. godina) pa čak do 4,9 t/ha (2018. godina). Upravo ova varijabilnost pokazuje da se prinos strnih žita nalazi pod kontrolom velikog broja faktora, poput spolјašnje sredine, sorte, agrotehničkih mera, kao i njihove interakcije (Jaćimović i sar., 2016). Pojedini faktori spolјašnje sredine, kvalitet zemlјišta i tehnologija proizvodnje su predvidlјivi i ne razlikuju se mnogo između različitih sezona. Sa druge strane, temperatura i padavine variraju između sezona i značajno utiču na rast i razviće useva, a samim tim i na formiranje prinosa i kvaliteta strnih žita (Jocković i sar., 2010). Proizvodnja st...

Many problems facing sandy, calcareous and heavy clay soils and restricts plant growth, nutrients availability and sustainable agriculture. Soil amendments are considered to be the most realistic soil management methods to improve soil chemical and physical properties. Improving some soil physical and chemical properties, study the correlation between soil properties and their effect on plant growth and nutrients uptake by faba bean plant (Vicia faba L. var.716) were the main purpose of this study. To achieve this purpose three factorial pot experiments were conducted by addition rates (0, 5 and10 ton. fed-1) of farmyard manure (FYM), phosphate rock (PhR) and rice straw (RS) either alone or mixed to sandy, calcareous sandy loam and clay soils. Soils were incubated with the studied treatments for 15 days before planting. The main results showed that the addition rates of soil amendments led to slightly increase in soil salinity, total porosity and significant increase in organic matter content in the experimental soils. Bulk density and pH decreased with increased the rates of FYM and PhR either alone or mixed with RS. Decreasing in hydraulic conductivity in sandy and sandy loam soils, while it increases in clay soil. Generally, there are negative correlations between soil organic matter and both of hydraulic conductivity and bulk density in sandy and sandy loam soils, while, organic matter and hydraulic conductivity gave a positive effect in clay soil. Changes in soil properties had a positive effect of faba bean growth and macro nutrients uptake. The highest rates of the studied materials showed a significant increase in fresh and dry weight, NPK content and uptake of faba bean plant. Integrated use of the highest rates of FYM and PhR with RS were the best option for sustaining physical and chemical properties, enhancing faba bean growth and nutrients uptake of the studied soils.

Manure from cattle was composted and used as fertilizer in a field experience organised on Eutric Fluvisols. There were studied the changes of chemical characteristics of soil under the influence of organic fertilization with or without mineral fertilization. Organic fertilization did not resulted in significant changes in soil reaction but mineral fertilization produced significant decreases of pH values. There was also observed a slight increase in organic carbon content in variants fertilised with composted manure, and after mineral fertilization also, but the increases were not statistically significant. Considering total nitrogen content were observed statistically significant increases after mineral fertilization with high doses (N 100 P 100). The combination of the two fertilization systems has led to best results at highest doses both for organic and mineral fertilizers. Ratio C/N did not lead to statistically significant changes after organic or mineral fertilization. The highest values of mobile phosphorus in the soil were recorded in variants fertilized with high doses of compost plus mineral fertilizer. Mobile potassium values were statistically significantly increased compared to the control under the influence of fertilization with compost made from cattle manure at a dose equivalent to 400 kg N/ha

The research was conducted to determine the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in relation to the altitude in Serbia. The database included a total of 1,140 soil profiles. SOC were investigated at different the altitudes (0-200 m, 200-500 m, 500-1,000 m, 1,000 - 2.000 m) and at two soil depths (0-30 cm and 0-100 cm). Statistical correlation was done for five regions where locations were grouped according to the spatial distribution. The results showed that the highest mean values of SOC were measured on the terrain that includes mountains with the altitudes of 1,000-2,000 m and covers an area of 11.5% of the territory of Serbia. The lowest obtained result is related to the lowland areas with the largest number of locations. Greater variability in the results of SOC stocks were found at the higher altitudes and the greatest on the low mountains of 500-1,000 m altitude. There is a medium to strong statistical dependence of the altitude with the SOC stocks at two soil depths (0-30 cm and...

Controlled Release Urea Fertilizers-based hydrogels matrices was synthesized by graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto the rice straw cellulose backbones in the presence of silica fillers using simultaneous graft copolymerization by gamma irradiation as initiator. Evidence of the silica presence on grafted cellulose was obtained from FTIR. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystalline was reduced through silica fillers added. The effect of silica content on grafting efficiency, gel fraction, Young modulus, swelling degree, and urea loading were examined. It was found that grafting efficiency and gel fraction decrease with increasing silica added inversely with Young modulus. Water swelling and loading urea fertilizers into hydrogels matrices were conducted and the results showed that swelling degree and urea fertilizers loading increased first and then decreased with increasing silica added. The effect of the silica fillers had implications in the mechanism of controlled...

Chitosan, a natural biopolymer, is used for drug delivery application. But its potential application is limited by its low solubility in aqueous media. The present study was designed to prepare carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), a water soluble derivative of chitosan, and evaluate the prospective of crosslinked CMC-Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles for controlled delivery of isoniazid. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission emission microscopy (TEM). The effects of MMT and glutaraldehyde on nanoparticles were assessed with regard to encapsulation efficiency, percentage swelling degree, and cumulative release. Percentage swelling degree and cumulative release were studied in pH medium 1.2 and 7.4 for 6 h. The cumulative release was studied by UV-visible spectrophotometer. Cell viability study was performed by MTT assay analysis. FTIR and NMR study indicated the successful preparation of CMC. FTIR study confirmed the interaction of MMT with CMC. The exfoliation of MMT layers and molecular level dispersion of isoniazid in CMC was examined by XRD and TEM. SEM study showed that the surface of the CMC-MMT nanoparticles was smooth compared with those of CMC nanoparticles. Swelling and release of isoniazid from the nanoparticles increased with the decrease in the MMT and glutaraldehyde content. The percentage swelling degree and cumulative release was more in pH 1.2. Cell viability study revealed that CMC was not cytotoxic, and the nanoparticles containing MMT was less cytotoxic than those of MMT free nanoparticles. CMC-MMT nanoparticles can be exploited as potential drug carrier for controlled release applications.

In this work a residue of dry-batch anaerobic digestion (DB) from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, its composted homologous (CDB), and a municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) were characterized for their main physico-chemical traits and biological stability [oxygen uptake rate (OUR)]. These were then compared in soil incubations at 200 mg N kg-1 , to assess carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization. The products' nitrogen apparent recovery fraction (ARF) was assessed in a pot trial on Italian ryegrass. DB showed the highest OUR, followed by CDB and the more stable MSWC: 161.7; 20.7 and 5.7 mmol O 2 kg-1 VS h-1 , partially in agreement with the potentially mineralizable C pools in soil: 58.4; 16.6 and 19.5 % and their kinetics (k, 0.1906; 0.1405 and 0.1377 day-1). Composting greatly reduced the total carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from 7,950 to 3,449 mg kg-1 in DB and CDB, even higher than MSWC (1,936 mg kg-1). After intense N-immobilization in soil (-22.3 %), DB finally reduced the gap (-6.9 %), also having a positive ARF (5.0 %), while CDB had greater N-immobilization (-12.9 %) and a negative ARF (-3.4 %). MSWC showed 3.8 % N-mineralization, and an intermediate ARF (2.7 %). The management of DB for plant nutrition therefore seems difficult since DB can furnish nitrogen not easily synchronizable with plant growth due to its release pattern characterized by initial immobilization. Composting increased stability but amplified N-immobilization due to the high C:N ratio of the bulking agent. A prolonged and more balanced composting process can reduce this restriction, aligning CDB with MSWC.

The production of environmentally friendly SAP using biodegradable natural resources such as chitosan was synthesized for water saving and controlled-released fertilizer. Chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide)/attapulgite superabsorbent composites (CTS) were created by crosslinking N,N&#39;-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) with chitosan (Ch), acrylamide, and attapulgite (ATP) and initiating the reaction with potassium persulfate (KPS). Spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope were used to characterize the composite structures. It was done to determine how certain characteristics, such as the initiator percentage, crosslinker ratio, and clay content, affected the composite&#39;s ability to swell. The results confirmed that the thermal stability of the composite was improved by the addition of ATP. The maximum swelling was attained when the KPS concentration was 0.1 g. However, the addition of 0.2...

In this study, an eco-friendly controlled release fertilizer cellulose-based hydrogel was prepared from cellulose fibers derived from wastepaper, epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a crosslinker and carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) as a gelling agent. A maximum swelling capacity of 2000% was achieved for cellulose hydrogel with optimum composition. The soil moisture contents in the presence of optimized cellulose hydrogels were determined using the digital moisture meter. Maximum soil moisture of 36.5% was obtained in topsoil, followed by 30.1% in wet clayey soil and 23.4% in sandy soil after 7 days. Urea as a model fertilizer was loaded onto the cellulose hydrogels to control the release of fertilizer. The maximum loading capacity of urea in cellulose hydrogel is 0.51 g/g. The urea-controlled release profiles of the cellulose hydrogel in distilled water and various types of soils were investigated. The formulation of cellulose hydrogels was observed to facilitate the gradual release of urea, w...

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) is considered as one of the prominent fertilizers that improve soil health and productivity. To evaluate the effects of MSWC on plant growth, an experiment was conducted by using sole MSWC and with a combination of inorganic fertilizer. The sole MSWC was applied at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1. In case of MSWC with inorganic fertilizer, MSWC was applied equally (5 t ha-1) and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied at 100 and 50 kg ha-1, respectively. Nitrogen was the only variable nutrient. Nitrogen was applied three different doses (25, 50 and 100 kg ha-1) along with control. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was grown as experimental plant and maximum yield (72.7±6.3 t ha-1) of tomato was found when sole MSWC was applied at 15 t ha-1 and was significantly higher than other treatments. When MSWC was applied in combination with inorganic fertilizer, the combination 5 t ha-1 MSWC +100 kg N ha-1 +100 kg TSP ha-1 +50 kg MoP ha-1 produce...

Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked stable network insoluble in water, which gives them a remarkable capacity to absorb both water and biological fluids. Hydrogel has been synthesized from natural or synthetic polymers and/or monomers, which have made tremendous advancements in many different applications. Composite hydrogel is a type of hydrogel prepared by grafting hydrophilic groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxylic acid (-COOH), imide (-CONH), sulfonic acid (-SO 3 H), amine (-NH 2), and amide (-CONH 2), into the polymer chain's backbone and adding some additives such as kaolin, zeolite, or even different types of nanoparticles. Whereas the polymeric composite hydrogels exhibit stimuli for different properties such as pH, temperature, or light, which may affect swelling, mechanical properties, and self-healing, which in turn play vital roles in different areas. Hence, numerous efforts have been made to synthesize polymer-based composited hydrogels via physical or chemical crosslinking techniques to enhance their physiochemical, biological, and many other properties. Many researchers are currently paying attention to hydrogels and their applications, including wastewater treatment and purification, medical and biomedical applications, agricultural applications, and many other industrial applications. The aim of this review is to summarize the classification of composite hydrogels based on their chemical and physical crosslinking techniques, in addition to the different polymers and additives used to prepare composite hydrogels. Furthermore, the impact of hydrogel on health and the environment has been discussed. Other significant issues were also presented, including the challenges that face hydrogel production and application, which have been discussed.

Synthetic polymer hydrogels and modified natural polymer hydrogels are widely and increasingly used in agriculture, health care textiles, effluent treatment, drug delivery, tissue engineering, civil concrete structure, etc. Among them, the use of hydrogels in agricultural and horticultural sectors as matrices for the controlled release of water, various primary and secondary nutrients has drawn significant attraction from researchers, scientists, and industry persons due to their smartness with reference to controlled release characteristics based on plant requirement. Since the use of these hydrogels for controlled release application ensures the minimum utilization of water and plant nutrients in fields. Besides, this will bring down the overloading of fertilizer, soil contamination, and water pollution such as eutrophication, nitrate pollution, and micronutrient imbalance. This chapter is focused on the class of hydrogels that are used for the controlled release application in th...

Limbah tanaman sawit hasil pembongkaran siklus tanam pertama sebagai sumber bahan baku biochar tersedia dalam jumlah banyak pada lahan perkebunan kelapa sawit yang akan di replanting. Ketidaktahuan petani yang terhimpun Kelompok Tani Makmur Desa Damai Kecamatan Renah Mandaluh Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat dalam mengelola dan memanfaatkan limbah tanaman sawit menyebabkan bahan tersebut terbuang begitu saja di lapangan. Biochar merupakan amelioran yang dapat memperbaiki kesuburan tanah dari lahan yang digunakan untuk budidaya tanaman sawit terutama siklus tanam kedua. Tujuan dari program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah memberdayakan Kelompok Tani Makmur dalam mengelola sumber karbon organik in situ menjadi biochar untuk memperbaiki dan meningkatkan kualitas kesuburan tanah lahan pertanian secara berkelanjutan. Program pengabdian dilaksanakan melalui metode penyuluhan, bimbingan teknis pembuatan biochar, dan bimbingan pengaplikasian biochar pada lahan pertanaman siklus kedua a...

Objective: This study involves the synthesis of Gum tragacanth (gt) based interpenetrating polymer network (ipn) and its utilization for sustained release of anti-ulcerative drug i.e. pantoprazole sodium. Methods: IPN was synthesized from Gum tragacanth, polyacrylic acid (gt-cl-paa) hydrogel. gt-cl-paa was kept in distilled water. Further, acryamide (aam) and methylmethacrylate (mma) was added and then kept for overnight. Later on, lipase and glutaraldehyde were added. Homopolymers and the unreacted monomers were removed using acetone. Synthesized IPN was dried at 50 °C for further study. Synthesized ipn was swelled in water and the drug was added to it. The drug was entrapped in the pores of the synthesized ipn and then drug release behavior was studied using uv-vis spectrophotometer. Results: Gt, paa and mma based crosslinked IPN were synthesized using lipase-glutaraldehyde as initiator-crosslinker system. The synthesized IPN was pH sensitive and possessed the desired swelling capacity required for the controlled and systematic liberation of pantoprazole sodium at 37 °C. The kinetic of drug release was studied and found that lateral diffusion (DL) of drug was higher as compared to the initial diffusion (DI). The prepared IPN can be used as prospective carrier for prolonged drug delivery. Conclusion: A novel pH sensitive and colon targeted IPN was synthesized. It acts as an effective device for the controlled release of drug pantoprazole sodium.

The present work deals with the synthesis of environment friendly Gum tragacanth, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) using potassium persulfateascorbic acid as an initiator and glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. The structure and morphology of the synthesized IPN was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM of synthesizeation of IPN showed morphological variations from the backbone due to grafting of poly (acrylic acid) chains and interpenetrating of poly(methacrylic acid) chain onto Gum tragacanth. The nature of synthesized IPN was determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Synthesized IPN was used for the controlled release of potassium chloride, potassium nitrate and urea in the soil. The results showed that synthesized IPN released 1096.45 ppm potassium chloride, 757.11 ppm potassium nitrate and 816.86 ppm urea after 40 hours; this showed slow release of fertilizer for prolonged time, which is very much required in the agriculture sector. Thus, the synthesized IPN is very effective for controlled release of fertilizer.