Effects of a Microbial Inoculant and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth,Photosynthesis and Yield of Sweet Corn

Summary

A microbial inoculant known as Effective Microorganisms or EM is a mixed culture of naturally-occurring, beneficial microorganisms (predominantly lactic acid bacteria, yeast, actinomycetes, photosynthetic bacteria and certain fungi) that has been used with considerable success to improve soil quality and the growth and yield of crops, particularly in nature farming and organic farming systems. Despite this success, the exact mechanisms of how this EM elicits such beneficial effects is largely unknown. Consequently, a study was conducted to determine the effects of EM and organic fertilizer on the growth, photosynthesis, and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) under glasshouse conditions, compared with chemical fertilizer. An organic fertilizer consisting of a mixture of oilseed mill sludge, rice husk and bran, and fish processing waste, was inoculated and fermented with EM as the microbial inoculant. The organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer were then applied to respective pots to compare the growth, yield and physiological response of sweet corn plants. EM applied with the organic fertilizer was shown to promote root growth and activity, and to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and capacity, which resulted in increased grain yield. This was attributed largely to a higher level of nutrient availability facilitated by EM application over time. Interestingly, during the early stage of the experiment, the growth and dry matter yield of plants that received organic fertilizer were actually lower than those treated with chemical fertilizer that provided higher initial levels of macronutrients. However, during the intermediate and late growth stages, EM increased the nutrient availability of the organic fertilizer to a higher level, than the chemical fertilizer. Consequently, even though there was an early lower growth rate for plants that received EM-fermented organic fertilizer compared with chemical fertilizer, the final biomass and grain yield from organic fertilizer was equal to or higher than from chemical fertilizer.     

Effects of Organic Fertilizers and a Microbial Inoculant on Leaf Photosynthesis and Fruit Yield and Quality of Tomato Plants

Summary

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of applications of an organic fertilizer (bokashi), and chicken manure as well as inoculation of a microbial inoculant (commercial name, EM) to bokashi and chicken manure on photosynthesis and fruit yield and quality of tomato plants. EM inoculation to both bokashi and chicken manure increased photosynthesis, fruit yield of tomato plants. Concentrations of sugars and organic acids were higher in fruit of plants fertilized with bokashi than in fruit of other treatments. Vitamin C concentration was higher in fruit from chicken manure and bokashi plots than in those from chemical fertilizer plots. EM inoculation increased vitamin C concentration in fruit from all fertilization treatments. It is concluded that both fruit quality and yield could be significantly increased by EM inoculation to the organic fertilizers and application directly to the soil.     

Effect of a Microbial Inoculant on Stomatal Response of Maize Leaves

Summary

Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the effect of a microbial inoculant on the stomatal response of maize leaves (Zea mays L.). The microbial inoculant investigated is known as Effective Microorganisms or EM and consists of a mixed culture of naturally occurring, beneficial microorganisms. Research has shown that EM applied to soils and plants can improve soil properties and enhance the growth, yield and quality of crops. The exact mechanisms or modes-of-action of how EM cultures elicit beneficial effects on plant growth and metabolism is not known. However, it is likely that some of these cultures can synthesize phytohormones (i.e., auxins and others) or growth regulators that stimulate plant growth. Consequently, the effects of EM and partial illumination on stomatal response of intact and excised maize leaves were evaluated. Potted plants were dried to the wilting point and rehydrated with either a 1:100 dilution of EM and water or water alone applied to the soil. Sudden illumination of plants maintained in the dark showed that the leaf stomata of the EM-treated plants opened more rapidly than water-treated control plants. When leaves were excised and subjected to dehydration, the stomata closed more slowly (i.e., remained open longer) for the EM-treated plants compared with the water-treated control plants. There was no effect of EM on cuticular conductance in any of the experiments. The results of this study indicate that EM cultures contains bioactive substances that can significantly affect leaf stomatal response.     

Effect of Organic Fertilizer and Effective Microorganisms on Growth,Yield and Quality of Paddy-Rice Varieties

Summary

The effect of an organic fertilizer inoculated with Effective Microorganisms (EM) on the growth, yield and quality of 13 paddy-rice varieties varying with maturation period was studied. EM inoculation increased kernel enlargement after the panicle formation stage and also increased ear number and length and kernel number. The yield of brown rice from EM inoculation was higher for the standard fertilizer rate and lower for the higher rate of organic fertilizer. EM inoculation increased the glutinousness and the total quality index of glutinous rice varieties. Under 1993 weather conditions, early and medium-ripening non-glutinous varieties and glutinous varieties were suitable for nature farming with EM-inoculated organic fertilizer.     

Effect of Microbial Inoculation on Soil Microorganisms and Earthworm Communities

Summary

A field experiment was conducted in 1991 to assess the effect of Effective Microorganisms (EM) on soil microorganisms and earthworm communities. Three treatments were applied to the experimental plots including compost + EM, compost alone, and chemical fertilizer alone. Soil samples were taken in autumn 1996 and spring 1997 to characterize treatment effects. Soil was analyzed for changes in microbial biomass and earthworm populations and biomass. Preliminary results indicated that (a) EM increased the soil microbial biomass, which was significantly higher in the spring than in autumn, and offset the adverse effects of cold temperatures; and (b) EM enhanced the growth and activity of earthworms in the topsoil which was readily apparent in autumn when the soil was in a relatively stable condition, but EM had little effect on earthworm populations and biomass in the spring.     

Use of Effective Microorganisms to Suppress Malodors of Poultry Manure

Summary

A serious problem and major constraint to the development of more efficient and sustainable animal and poultry production system in China is the generation of malodors from manure in rearing facilities and from handling, storage and use of these wastes after removal, particularly in the urban and suburban sectors. Because of their high malodor potential, these wastes are not effectively recycled on agricultural land. A cooperative research study was conducted with the International Nature Farming Research Center (INFRC), Atami, Japan to evaluate the use of a microbial inoculant, Effective Microorganisms or EM, to suppress mal-odors of poultry manure. Feeding trials consisted of adding EM either to drinking water and feed, or to both water and feed, and comparing the results with non-EM controls. EM markedly reduced the malodor level of the poultry manure, associated mainly with a dramatic decrease in the ammonia (NH₃) levels (i.e., 42 to 70% lower than the controls). The amino acid content of the feed increased 28% after it was inoculated and fermented with EM. EM also improved the growth and disease resistance of the birds and net returns in the marketplace. These results indicate that EM use in poultry operations has great potential for suppressing malodors of manure, improving sustainable production, and protecting the environment, all on a cost-effective basis.     

Effects of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Growth and Quality of Cucumber and Lettuce

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizae were inoculated into phosphorus-deficient soil fertilized with either organic or chemical fertilizer with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as the first crop and lettuce (Lactu-ca sativa L.) as the second crop but without additional fertilization and AM inoculation. AM increased dry matter and fruit yield of cucumber significantly in the unfertilized, organic-fertilized and P-deficient plants compared with the fully chemical-fertilized plants. AM inoculation increased the available phosphorus in plant and soil by around 30% for all treatments except for those chemically-fertilized. The rate of AM infection did not differ significantly among the fertilization treatments, but the infection intensity was higher in unfertilized, organic-fertilized and phosphorus-deficient treatments than chemical-fertilized treatment. The residual effects of AM-inoculated to cucumber were evident for lettuce in all pre-treatments that were unfertilized and un-inoculated for the second cropping. Without P-fertilization, neither crop could grow optimally even when the soil was inoculated with AM, suggesting that AM could not serve as a substitute for phosphorus fertilizer. However, the other beneficial effects of AM on crop growth and yield could not be fulfilled with phosphorus fertilizer.     

生物有机肥对小麦根腐病的防效及其机理初探

为研究生物有机肥对小麦根腐病的防效并初步分析其影响机理,采用盆栽试验法,分析微生物菌有机肥、复合生物有机肥、商品有机肥和发酵干鸡粪对小麦根腐病的防治效果以及对土壤酶活性、土壤养分和作物产量等的影响。结果表明,复合生物有机肥和微生物菌有机肥对小麦根腐病的防效分别为29.38%和27.91%,明显优于其他肥料;施用有机肥均能明显提高小麦根部土壤中脲酶、中性磷酸酶和蔗糖酶的活性,显著增加土壤速效养分含量,且以复合生物有机肥和微生物菌有机肥处理土壤的磷酸酶活性和有效磷含量增幅最大;复合生物有机肥能显著促进小麦生长,其株高、地上干重、根干重、穗粒数、千粒重、产量分别较对照增加8.08%、37.32%、37.50%、14.27%、17.16%和40.77%,差异均达到显著水平,微生物菌有机肥处理的地上干重也显著高于对照。总之,复合生物有机肥和微生物菌有机肥能有效提高土壤中性磷酸酶活性,促进磷素循环,增强拮抗和有益微生物对禾谷镰孢菌的抗性并促进小麦生长。     

土壤氮激发效应及其微生物机理研究进展

土壤氮激发效应是土壤养分释放、植物养分吸收过程中的关键机制。对土壤氮素激发的深入了解,不仅有助于农业生产上更加合理制定氮肥运筹,从而提高氮肥的利用率,也有利于评估和控制环境污染并提供有效的治污方法。本文在介绍土壤氮素激发效应概念和机制的基础上,评估目前土壤氮素激发效应的主流测定方法及其在实际应用中的优劣,重点阐述了外源添加物(无机氮肥、有机物料和根系分泌物)对土壤氮素激发效应的作用效果及其微生物机理。土壤氮激发模式中,外源添加物对土壤C/N比的影响可能是土壤氮激发效应作用的关键。当系统中有效C冗余时,施用无机氮肥,促进土壤有机氮的分解,从而表现正的激发效应;反之,有效C不足但有效N富集时,则表现为固氮微生物活性相对增强,从而出现负的激发效应。微生物是激发效应的推动者。本文通过共代谢理论、微生物热区理论和微生物能量与物质转化理论三个理论假说解析了微生物在土壤氮激发过程中可能的作用机制,从而深化对激发效应的认识,为进一步明确土壤激发效应的微生物机制、因素之间的互作效应及通过激发效应为提高氮肥利用效率提供有效途径。     

土壤氮激发效应及其微生物机理研究进展

土壤氮激发效应是土壤养分释放、植物养分吸收过程中的关键机制。对土壤氮素激发的深入了解，不仅有助于农业生产上更加合理制定氮肥运筹，从而提高氮肥的利用率，也有利于评估和控制环境污染并提供有效的治污方法。本文在介绍土壤氮素激发效应概念和机制的基础上，评估目前土壤氮素激发效应的主流测定方法及其在实际应用中的优劣，重点阐述了外源添加物(无机氮肥、有机物料和根系分泌物)对土壤氮素激发效应的作用效果及其微生物机理。土壤氮激发模式中，外源添加物对土壤C/N比的影响可能是土壤氮激发效应作用的关键。当系统中有效C冗余时，施用无机氮肥，促进土壤有机氮的分解，从而表现正的激发效应；反之，有效C不足但有效N富集时，则表现为固氮微生物活性相对增强，从而出现负的激发效应。微生物是激发效应的推动者。本文通过共代谢理论、微生物热区理论和微生物能量与物质转化理论三个理论假说解析了微生物在土壤氮激发过程中可能的作用机制，从而深化对激发效应的认识，为进一步明确土壤激发效应的微生物机制、因素之间的互作效应及通过激发效应为提高氮肥利用效率提供有效途径。     

生物有机肥和EM菌剂对菜园连作土壤微生物的影响

采用盆栽试验,连续种植3批菜心,研究生物有机肥和EM菌剂对连作9 a和6 a的菜园土壤微生物群落结构和功能多样性的影响。结果表明：与化肥处理相比,施用生物有机肥能够提高连作土壤中细菌、放线菌、丛枝菌根真菌和革兰氏阴性细菌(G-)的相对含量及G-/G+(革兰氏阴性细菌/革兰氏阳性细菌)比值,并降低土壤真菌的相对含量;随着种植批次的增加,土壤中G-、G+含量降低,G-/G+比值上升,生物有机肥和EM菌剂配施化肥处理G-含量普遍高于化肥处理;与化肥处理相比,施用生物有机肥土壤微生物AWCD值、Simpson指数、McIntosh指数均提高,土壤微生物活性、多样性和均一度提高。     

EM菌在夏花生小麦两熟制双高产栽培上的应用

用有效微生物（EM）活菌制剂进行夏花生小麦两熟制双高产栽培试验，结果表明，施用EM堆肥的夏花生荚果产量较对照增产26．15％，且后效作用明显，后茬作物小麦产量较对照增产18．91％。     

Long-term effects of mulch,fertilization and tillage on cassava grown in sandy soils in northern Colombia

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is often cultivated in sandy soils that are very low in nutrients and organic matter. Under such conditions, yields often decline when the crop is grown successively without fertilizer application. An 8-year on-farm trial was conducted on sandy soils in northern Colombia to study effects of (1) surface mulching with residues of the grass Panicum maximum, (2) moderate applications of N, P and K fertilizer and (3) tillage on crop productivity, root quality and soil properties. Mulch applications significantly increased root and top biomass, increased root dry matter content while reducing its yearly variation, and decreased root HCN, particularly in the absence of fertilizer. Mulch applications also significantly reduced soil temperatures within the top 20 cm and increased soil organic carbon, K, P, Ca and Mg. Without mulch, soil pH decreased over the years. Annual applications of 21 kg ha⁻¹ P resulted in a build-up of soil P, whereas no build-up of soil K was observed with applications of 41 kg K ha⁻¹. The application of N, P and K fertilizer significantly increased root and top biomass and reduced root HCN, especially if no mulch was applied. Where both mulch and fertilizer applications were absent, root yield and top biomass declined over the years. Tillage, except when combined with fertilizer application, had no effect on root yield, top biomass, root dry matter or HCN contents. Neither were effects of tillage observed in any of the studied soil parameters. The trial indicated that, to sustain cassava productivity in poor sandy soils, applications of plant mulch and/or chemical fertilizer are highly desirable.     

Effect of anaerobic digestion residue vs. livestock manure and inorganic fertilizer on the hygienic quality of silage and haylage in bales

An increased recycling of nutrients from organic waste to support feed and food production is important for achieving sustainability. However, organic waste may contain undesired microorganisms that may increase the risk of impaired hygienic quality of feeds when used in forage‐cropping systems. This study aimed to investigate how the hygienic quality of silage and haylage was affected after fertilization of grassland with organic fertilizers [anaerobic digestion residue (ADR) pasteurized before spreading, or liquid cattle manure] compared with inorganic NPK fertilization. The experiment was performed on the same grass ley for 2 years, with fertilization carried out before each harvest (year 1, two harvests; year 2, one harvest). The crop was conserved as silage (300 g DM kg^?1) and haylage (500 g DM kg^?1) in bales (ca 40–55 kg) stored for 1, 5 or 10 months before opening, including effects of storage time and conservation method (silage or haylage) on hygienic quality. Results showed that ADR‐treated crops did not produce silage or haylage with higher microbial counts in comparison with manure‐treated crops on any occasion. The fermentation pattern in silage and haylage from ADR‐treated crops was similar to the pattern in manure‐treated crops. The use of inorganic fertilizer sometimes produced lower pH and higher content of lactic acid in silage, compared with using organic fertilizers. In conclusion, ADR could be used as an organic fertilizer for forage crops without increased risk of impaired hygienic quality compared with using liquid manure or inorganic NPK fertilizers.     

Nature Farming Practices for Apple Production in Japan

Summary

Apples were grown in a study using nature farming practices, including organic fertilizer to supply nutrients, microbial inocu-lants for biocontrol of pest insects, and low- or non-pesticides measures. When low- or non-pesticide measures were adopted, the numbers of pest insects increased accordingly; however, the populations of beneficial organisms and natural predators of pest insects also increased. Even though the reduction in pesticide use caused some fruit damage, the enhanced biocontrol of pest insects by increased numbers of natural predator insects more than compensated for the damage. Thus, low- or non-pesticide nature farming practices were cost-effective because they increased biocontrol of pest insects and decreased the amount of pesticide needed and the cost of application.     

A framework for determining the efficient combination of organic materials and mineral fertilizer applied in maize cropping

Application of organic manures and composts in crop production has been strongly encouraged in many places but often without due consideration to their quality and price. Since organic amendments can vary greatly in composition and mineralization rate, a framework is needed to make rational choices on their use as replacements of inorganic fertilizer, especially when considering poor quality organic materials. A field experiment was carried out with maize grown annually for 5 years on a Rhodic Kandiustox in Thailand to test response to mineral fertilizer (at 0-0 to 125-55 kg N-P ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), compost (0.59% N, 0.31% P and 0.55% K at 0-7500 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and stubble removal. The DSSAT model was calibrated to predict yields using the first year's trial data and then used to predict treatment yields for the following 4 years. The Seasonal Analysis module of DSSAT using Dominance Analysis showed that mineral fertilizer (125-55 kg N-P ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) with stubble return gave the highest net profit whereas the highest rate of compost without mineral fertilizer gave the biggest loss. The yield response was attributed primarily to N supply rather than P. Effects of compost, mineral fertilizer, stubble management, and their interactions on yield and profit were not related to bulk density or soil available water capacity even though soil organic matter (SOM) levels increased. With stubble return, the highest rate of mineral fertilizer increased SOM whereas with compost application or stubble removal it did not. The DSSAT simulation of yield indicated that the low quality compost would only be as profitable as mineral fertilizer if the N concentrations are 3-4 times higher than the present compost (1.8-2.4% N) or if the compost price is greatly reduced. The DSSAT yield simulation and Seasonal Analysis provided a framework whereby the suitability of compost as a N fertilizer replacement for maize could be determined based on its composition, rate of application and price. Further validation of this approach is needed where the organic amendments have significant effects on soil physical properties and where other nutrients besides N are a significant factor in the crop yield response.     

Application of Microbial Fertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture

Summary

This paper summarizes the conception and development of microbial fertilizers and inoculants in China that are used to improve soil quality and the growth, yield and protection of crops. The results presented show the relative effects of these microbial products applied singly or with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, crop yield and protection. The paper discusses current trends in the development and use of microbial fertilizers in China and suggests areas of high priority research.     

不同秸秆还田方式对黑土土壤氮素和物理性状的影响

通过大田试验对不同秸秆还田方式下黑土农田生态系统土壤氮素和物理性状进行研究。结果表明,不同秸秆还田处理土壤容重降低0.09～0.19 g/cm3;土壤比重增加19.82%～29.49%;土壤总孔隙度增加18.23%～22.26%。过腹还田处理增加土壤全氮含量;秸秆直接还田处理和腐解还田处理土壤全氮含量低于常规栽培方式(对照)和无秸秆处理;不同秸秆还田处理增加了土壤铵态氮和微生物量氮含量;过腹还田处理降低了土壤硝态氮含量,提高了土壤可溶性有机氮含量;秸秆直接还田处理和腐解还田处理增加了土壤硝态氮含量,降低了土壤可溶性有机氮含量。因此,不同秸秆还田方式配施微生物菌剂,结合先进的栽培方式是增加土壤有效氮素的有效途径,有利于退化黑土的可持续利用。     

Effects of Crop Residue and Nitrogen Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Two Dryland Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars

Abstract

In most southern parts of Iran, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues have been traditionally burned or removed; that is often criticized for soil organic and nutrient losses, reducing soil microbial activity and increasing CO₂ emission. A 2-years (2005?2007) field study was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, to evaluate the influence of crop residues management and nitrogen (N) rates on dryland wheat. The experiment was conducted as strip split plot with four replications. Horizontal plots were three crop residues rates (0, 500 and 1000 kg ha-¹), vertical plots consisted of two dryland current wheat cultivars (CVs) (Azar 2 and Nicknejad), and sub-plots were three N rates (0, 35, and 70 kg N ha-¹). Increasing crop residue rates increased soil organic carbon. Number of spike per plant, grains per spike, grains per plant and 1000-grain weight of both CVs significantly increased with increased N and residue rates in both years. The lowest grain yield was obtained from 1000 kg ha-¹ residue incorporation without N application showing the soil N imbalance. The optimum crop growth and the highest grain yield was achieved from the highest crop residues and N rates, indicating that the most reliable system for dryland wheat production in the region is complete residues incorporation into the soil following disking, seeding with chisel seeder and application of 70 kg N ha-¹.     

Biological Control of Common Bunt (Tilletia tritici)

Summary

Common bunt (Tilletia tritici syn. T. caries) is a significant seed-borne plant disease in organic agriculture. General measures in ecological crop protection like crop rotation and manuring have in practice failed to control this disease, and direct seed treatment may be necessary to ensure yield and food quality. The present study indicates that biological control can be successfully used without negative effects on seed germination and vigor. A combination of biocontrol agents and milk powder improves the efficacy of biocontrol. Application of compost to the soil increases the frequency of this disease. The potential role of biocontrol within the principles of ecological disease management is discussed.