Evaluation of Dolomite Phosphate Rock–N‐Viro Soil Mixtures for Growth of a Horticultural Crop in an Acidic Sandy Soil

Abstract

Most agricultural soils in the Indian River area, South Florida, are sandy with minimal holding capacity for moisture and nutrients. Phosphorus (P) leaching from these soils has been suspected of contributing to the eutrophication of surface waters in this region. Dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) and N‐viro soil are promising amendments to increase crop production and reduce P loss from sandy soils. Soil incubation and greenhouse pot experiments were conducted to examine the effects of Florida DPR–N‐viro soil mixtures on the growth of a horticultural crop in an acidic sandy soil and to generate information for developing a desired formula of soil amendments. Dolomite phosphate rock and N–viro soil application increased soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), extractable P, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). N–viro soil had greater effect on soil pH, organic matter content, and microbial biomass than the DPR. Comparatively higher nitrification rates were found in the N–viro soil treatment than the DPR treatment. A systematic decrease in soil‐extractable P was found with increasing proportions of N‐viro soil from the combined amendments. Greenhouse study demonstrated that the application of DPR and N‐viro soil significantly improved dry‐matter yield and increased plant P, Ca, and Mg concentrations of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Based on dry‐matter yield and plant N uptake, the combined amendments that contained 30% or 20% of DPR materials appear to be optimal but remain to be confirmed by field trials.     

Distribution and Availability of Heavy Metals in Raw and Acidulated Phosphate Rock–Amended Soils

Abstract

The effectiveness of the application of raw (PR‐1), and partially acidulated phosphate rock (PR), at 25% (PR‐25) and at 50% (PR‐50), was investigated to reduce extractability and plant uptake of Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in three calciorthids soils.Furthermore, the effects of soil treatments on metal extractability were evaluated by sequential extraction. Similarly, such effects were assessed on the phytoavailability of metals of maize (Zea mays L.) through a pot experiment. Water‐soluble and exchangeable metal fractions (the bioavailable fractions) were influenced distinctively by PR treatments and soil properties. In addition, decrease of soluble and exchangeable metal fractions was compensated by an increase in metal extracted from other fractions. Most bioavailable soil metals correlated significantly with their associated level in plant tissue. Finally, plant metal uptake decreased with PR treatments, suggesting that PR application was likely to be effective in controlling metal immobilization in these soils.     

Application of Mitscherlich–Bray Equation for Fertilizer Use on Groundnut

Field experiments were conducted at two locations in order to formulate phosphorus and potassium fertilizer recommendations of groundnut (Arachis hypogea) based on Mitscherlich–Bray equation. The treatments comprised four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) ha^?1) and three levels of potassium (0, 30, and 60 kg potassium oxide (K₂O) ha^?1) in all possible combinations. Theoretical maximum yield of groundnut was calculated by plotting log y (pod yield) versus 1/x (amount of nutrients applied). Fertilizer recommendation for various soil fertility levels and yield target were developed, and their validities were tested by conducting two field verification trials on the same soil. The results showed that although general recommended fertilizer dose resulted in highest yield of groundnut at both the locations, but value cost ratio and rate of increase in income were lowest with this fertilizer treatment, and 90% of maximum yield treatment was superior in terms of economics of fertilizer and risk factor.     

Glycine–Glomus–Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Interactions Lead to Fertilizer Phosphorus Economy in Soybean in a Himalayan Acid Alfisol

Effects of Glycine–Glomus–phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) interactions were studied on productivity, nutrient dynamics, and root colonization in soybean in a phosphorus (P)–deficient Himalayan acidic Alfisol in a greenhouse experiment. Treatments consisted of three vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) cultures, VAM_L [VAM culture, Glomus mosseae, developed by CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India], VAM_T [VAM culture, Glomus intraradices, developed by Centre for Mycorrhizal Research, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India], and VAM_I [VAM culture, Glomus mosseae, developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India], and a local PSB culture (Pseudomonas striata) alone or in combination with or without 75% of recommended phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) dose based on targeted yield concept following the soil-test crop response (STCR) precision model. Sole application of PSB or either of the above VAM cultures considerably enhanced VA-mycorrhizal root colonization and root weight besides crop productivity and nutrient uptake over control. A similar stimulatory effect with significant enhancement on mycorrhizal root colonization and root weight was observed with coinoculation of PSB and VAM cultures over the control. Dual inoculation of VAM and PSB cultures also resulted in significant improvement in grain and straw yield besides grain protein content, thereby revealing a synergistic interaction between VAM and PSB. Coinoculation with either of VAM_T (Glomus intraradices) or VAM_I (Glomus mosseae) + PSB + 75% P₂O₅ dose remained at par with sole application of 100% P₂O₅ dose with respect to crop productivity, nutrient content, nutrient uptake, and soil fertility status besides the greatest root colonization and root weight at flowering, indicating that Glycine–Glomus–PSB interactions in combination with 75% P₂O₅ dose based on STCR precision model lead to economization of fertilizer P by about one-fourth without impairing crop productivity and soil fertility in soybean in a Himalayan acidic Alfisol.     

Optimum Fertilizer Phosphorus Requirement for Maximum Productivity under Rice–Rice and Rice–Sunflower Systems in Semi-Arid Alfisols

A study was conducted at Hyderabad during 2009–11 to determine phosphorus (P) dose for rice–rice and rice–sunflower. Available P increased when 100% recommended P dose (RDP) was applied. P applied to rice gave at par yield under 100 or 75% RDP. In rice–rice, grain yield of 5668 and 5775 kg ha^?1 in kharif (5654 and 5760 kg ha^?1 in rabi) were attained with P@75 and 100% RDP. Kharif P residual effect in rabi affected rice yield. P@100/75% RDP in kharif and rabi gave grain of 5916/5973 and straw 6230/6673 kg ha^?1. P applied to sunflower revealed that yield was similar with 100 or 75% RDP. Sunflower yield was at par with P@100 or 75% RDP. 25% RDP in rice and sunflower may be reduced to attain similar yield of 100% RDP. In rice–rice, grain yield attained by 100% RDP in both seasons was 11.42t ha^?1 yr^?1, while 75% RDP gave yield of 11.45t ha^?1yr^?1.     

Changes in Nutrient Status During Preparation of Enriched Organomineral Fertilizers Using Rice Straw,Low‐Grade Rock Phosphate,Waste Mica,and Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganism

An experiment was carried out to study the changes in nutrient contents during preparation of enriched organomineral fertilizers using rice straw, low‐grade rock phosphate (RP), waste mica, and phosphate‐solubilizing microorganism (Aspergillus awamori). Composting reduced the total carbon (C) but increased total nitrogen (N) content with the progress of composting. This was reflected in the decrease of the C/N ratio. Significant increases in total phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were also observed where both RP and waste mica was added along with Aspergillus awamori. Ammonium N (NH₄ ⁺‐N) decreased while nitrate N (NO₃ ^?‐N) increased at the end of composting. Olsen P content increased up to 90 days, thereafter decreased up to day 150, whereas ammonium acetate K (NH₄OAc‐K) increased gradually with the progress of composting. The study thus revealed that crop residue could be converted into a value‐added product through composting technology using low‐grade rock phosphate and waste mica along with phosphate‐solubilizing microorganisms.     

Rice Yields Enhanced through Integrated Management of Cover Crops and Phosphate Rock in Phosphorus‐deficient Ultisols in West Africa

The relatively low solubility and availability of phosphorus (P) from indigenous phosphate rock could be enhanced by legumes in the acid soils of humid forest agroecosystems. Crotalaria micans L. was grown in a screenhouse without P or with P from triple superphosphate (TSP) and Malian Tilemsi Rock P. The P response of 20 cover crops was field‐evaluated using TSP and Rock P. In both experiments, the fertilized cover crops were followed by upland rice without mineral N or P application. Mean rice grain yield and agronomic residual P‐use efficiency were similar for both P sources. In the field, 1‐year fallow treatment of Canavalia ensiformis (velvet bean) supplied with Mali Rock P gave the highest rice grain yield of 3.1 Mg ha^?1, more than 180% that of 2‐year continuous unfertilized rice (cv. ‘WAB 56‐50’). Among continuous rice plots, ‘NERICA 2’ (interspecific rice) supplied with Rock P produced the highest yield (2.0 Mg ha^?1), suggesting that ‘NERICA 2’ might have greater potential to solubilize rock P. Results indicate that when combined with an appropriate legume, indigenous rock‐P can release sufficient P to meet the P requirement of the legume and a following upland rice crop in rotation.     

Evaluating Modified Atmospheric Correction Methods for Landsat Imagery: Image‐Based and Model‐Based Calibration Methods

Abstract

To increase the accuracy of remotely sensed data for agricultural forecasting, pixel values must be corrected for atmospheric effects and converted to spectral reflectance. The objective of this research was to compare two atmospheric correction methods of Landsat imagery under a range of atmospheric conditions. Ground‐based dark‐object subtraction (GDOS) is an image‐based calibration method that used in situ ground data that the dark‐object subtraction (DOS) method did not use, whereas atmospheric calibration (AC) is a model‐based calibration method that required a standard atmospheric profile refined with the use of in situ atmospheric data. GDOS and AC methods improved the reflectance values and had relationships with measured bands, which were approximately 1 to 1 in all bands. However, the GDOS generally had lower root‐mean‐square errors (RMSE) than AC. Data from this study suggest that at the present time the GDOS method may be more accurate than the AC method.     

Biochar and Conservation Agriculture Nexus: Synergy and Research Gaps for Enhanced Sustainable Productivity in Degraded Soils—Review

Degrading soil quality and productivity are major global challenges exacerbated by climate change and management practices. The dwindling global economy calls for other cost-effective approaches to address these challenges. This study reviewed a number of literatures on degraded soils, conservation agriculture (CA), and biochar soil amendment. The aim is to establish a base for more appropriate policy decisions and support for research on CA and biochar soil amendment nexus, which will enable the design of profitable and sustainable farming systems. Studies have highlighted the positive effects of CA practice, yet the adoption is low and some shortfalls have been reported. Likewise in the application of biochar as soil amendment, positive soil transformations have been recorded and some lapses. It is therefore imperative to explore the possibility of merging the two practices to see if the effects are complimentary, additive, or opposing in which case the positive values could be lost.     

Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilizer–Use Recommendations for Winter Wheat in a Mediterranean‐Type Environment using Tissue Nitrate Testing

Abstract

Although nitrogen (N) fertilizer use is essential for economic yields of modern field crops, whether rainfed or irrigated, the underlying concern is to maximize nutrient‐use efficiency and avoid excessive N use that results in deterioration of water quality from the environmental standpoint as well in the interest as human and animal health. Soil testing for N forms and total plant N analysis can contribute to the efficient use of N, but both strategies have limitations. Accordingly, tissue testing of the growing crop has been promoted as an alternative approach. Although such tests have been widely used in the West to monitor the N status of crops, they are rarely used in developing countries. A 2‐year field trial examined the potential of tissue testing of rainfed wheat in a typical Mediterranean environment in the Cukurova region of southern Turkey, because observations from wells in the region had suggested increasing and excessive nitrate levels, most probably from fertilizer N use. The trial, in essence, compared different levels of N fertilizer application based on farmers' traditional application in addition to considering soil mineral N with tissue N based on a color index to refine N application recommendations. The measurements were taken in conjunction with observations on wheat yields. The study showed that using the combined approach of soil and tissue nitrate resulted in lowering the N fertilizer recommendations without any lowering of crop yields, clear evidence that farmers had been using excessive amounts of fertilizer N in the absence of limited or no official guidelines. Thus, such tests should be promoted to replace traditional fertilizer application practices as a simple and easily used tool to improve N‐use efficiency for the farmer, in addition to reducing negative environmental impacts of such use. The quick tests can help promote the awareness of the potential negative effects of overuse of N fertilizer.     

Poultry Manure and Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Potassium Fertilizer Application and Their Residual Effects on Soil Physical Properties in Two Distinct Ecological Zones of Central Southern Nigeria

Poultry manure and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N–P–K) fertilizer application and their residual effects on soil physical properties were investigated with soils drawn from two distinct ecological zones, Agbede (derived savanna) and Obadan (forest), of Edo State of southern Nigeria in 2005 and 2006 rainy seasons. The treatments consisted of three levels of poultry manure (0, 4, and 6 tons/PM/ha) and four levels of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg NPK ha^?1), which were combined factorially, arranged in a randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. Poultry manure, combined application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer in 2005, and their residual effects in 2006 gave greater degree of saturation and soil moisture content and lower soil bulk density in both locations but were significantly better in the Obadan location in 2006. The lowest bulk densities of 1.16 and 1.15g cm² were obtained with the application of 6 tons PM ha^?1 + 50 kg NPK ha^?1 in Obadan soils in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Water-stable aggregate, porosity, void ratio, and air-filled porosity were greater in 2006 due to the residual effects of poultry manure and its combined application with NPK fertilizer than in 2005. In contrast, fertilizer application alone reduced void ratio, porosity, and air-filled porosity of the soils.     

Evaluation of Crop Responses to Applied Fertilizer Phosphorus and Derivation of Optimum Recommendations using the Mitscherlich–Bray Equation

Abstract

In this article, the responses of three important crops (rice, wheat, and soybeans) to applied phosphorous (P) were examined and economically optimum P fertilizer recommendations using the Mitscherlich–Bray model were derived for the three crops at four locations in India. Crop‐yield responses were related to extractable P concentrations estimated by the Olsen method, employing a modification of Mitscherlich's equation. The parameters were considered reliable enough to use for the estimation of fertilizer recommendations at different fertilizer cost–price ratios (p) and marginal rate of return (R). The b parameter value explains how much soil P can substitute for fertilizer P. Thus, for each incremental unit of extractable P, fertilizer P could be reduced by 2.0, 2.9, 1.5, and 1.5 kg P/ha for rice (Periyar), rice (Bhubaneswar), wheat (Hisar), and soybean (Raipur), respectively. Optimum fertilizer rates for rice, wheat, and soybean were generated for different soil P fertility levels. There is also need for such information for other soils and crops.     

Nanoplastic–plant interaction and implications for soil health

Nanoplastics (NPs) are accumulating in the soil environment at a rapid rate, which may cause serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. However, environmental behaviour and toxicity of NPs in the soil–plant system remain poorly understood. This review summarizes current studies on NP–plant interactions to unravel uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of NPs. NPs could be taken up by plant roots and transported upwards through the xylem to all organs of the plant, even to the edible parts such as the grain, thereby threatening human health. The interaction of NPs with plants affects plant transport of water and nutrients. Besides, it induces significant oxidative stress leading to inhibition of physiological and biochemical activities such as photosynthesis, and thus adversely affects plant growth and development. In addition, the co-transport of NPs with other soil pollutants may induce the combined toxic effects. This study also discussed the potential mechanism of NP–plant interactions based on previous experience with engineered nanomaterials. Finally, a comprehensive assessment of the key challenges in each area was presented, and future perspectives are offered.     

Calcium Carbide–Based Formulations Cause Slow Release of Acetylene and Ethylene in Soil and Nitrification Inhibition

Nitrification inhibition (NI) of applied fertilizer nitrogen (N) is a suitable approach to improve N-use efficiency. Formulated calcium carbide (CaC₂), a slow-release origin of acetylene, is a potent nitrification inhibitor; however, its efficacy in relation to different formulations has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, seven CaC₂ formulations viz. encapsulated; coated with beeswax, paraffin wax or paint, and matrix-I (21% CaC₂, 58% polyethylene and 21% plaster of paris), matrix-II (42% CaC₂, 48% polyethylene and 10% plaster of paris) and matrix-III (61% CaC₂, 34% polyethylene and 5% paraffin oil) were incubated with soil and their effectiveness in acetylene and ethylene release and NI potential were compared up to 91 days. In CaC₂ treatments, acetylene flux was decreased, whereas that of ethylene first increased and then decreased with time. During all the time intervals after day 7 of incubation, fluxes of acetylene and ethylene and NI were significantly greater with matrix I, followed by matrix II, paint-coated, and wax-coated CaC₂. No acetylene release was noted with encapsulated or matrix III formulations after day 35 of incubation. Among other CaC₂ formulations, matrix I, matrix II, and paint-coated CaC₂ were better precursors of acetylene and ethylene, and nitrification inhibitors in the soil.     

Robust Ionic Liquid–Based Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Method for Determination of Chromium(VI) in Saline Solutions

Robust ionic liquid–based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (IL-DLLME) is a fast and simple method for extraction and preconcentration of metal ions from samples with high salt content. This method can solve the problems associated with the limited application of the conventional IL-DLLME in these samples. In this procedure, the hydrophobic chelate of chromium with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) was extracted into the fine droplets of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Hmim][PF₆]), which was dispersed into the aqueous sample solution. Several factors that influence the microextraction efficiency were investigated. In optimum conditions a linear calibration graph in the range of 0.5–70 μg L^?1 of Cr in the initial solution with r = 0.9998 was obtained. Detection limit was 0.16 μg L^?1 and relative standard deviation (RSD) for 20 μg L^?1 of Cr was 2.68% (n = 10), respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of Cr(VI) in water samples and food additives.     

Utilization of Distillation Waste–Based Vermicompost and Other Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Improving Production Potential in Geranium and Soil Health

Vermicompost (VC) produced from distillation waste of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), farmyard manure (FYM) produced from animal excreta mixed with pine needle (Pinus sp.), and biofertilzer (Azotobacter) were utilized for this experiment. The plant growth attributes, biomass, and oil yield of geranium were significantly increased with integrated nutrient supply, and maximum increase was found in T₈ treatments (N₁₀₀P₆₀ K₆₀ + 5t VC). Soil organic carbon (C_org) significantly increased by 4.2% to 81.8% in T₄ and T₈ treatments, respectively, over the control. Data obtained on total nitrogen (N_t) and available N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) clearly showed that the integrated nutrient supply considerably improved the soil health and sustainability. The soil respiration and microbial biomass C (C_mic) and N (N_mic) were increased by the manures according to the application rate. The C_mic accounted for 1.8 to 2.7% of the soil C_org content and microbial N accounted for 3.9 to 5.8 % of N_t under different treatment combinations.     

Nollywood’s Coverage and Framing of Agriculture in the Transformation Agenda Period (2013–2014) in Nigeria

The study analyzed 108 films released during the transformation agenda period. The proportion, frequency, centrality and framing of agricultural content in the movies were reviewed. Data obtained were described using frequency counts and percentages. One out of three movies screened had agricultural content, which was either one or two scenes in the movie (80.0%). Such content was mostly peripheral (89.0%) to the themes of the films and negatively framed (60.0%). Potentials of the industry for agricultural purposes were poorly utilized by government. Government should partner with Nollywood to portray agriculture in a positive light for improved citizens’ attitude toward agriculture.