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The soil based potting mix (media) of four altered proportion of farmyard manure (FYM) and three different pot volumes were considered for quality seedlings production of tomato and chili in cylindrical shaped paper pots made of bio-degradable newspaper material (density 50 g m−2). The experimental factors include three paper pot sizes of 50 cm3 (V1), 70 cm3 (V2), and 90 cm3 (V3) volume and four potting mixes made of 90% (M1), 70% (M2), 50% (M3) and 30% (M4) of different FYM proportions with equal proportions of sand and top layered soil were used in the experimentation to study the seedlings growth characteristics at the stage of transplanting. Though several seedlings growth characteristics are involved to recognize the good seedling, but the experimental selection criteria was based on two most dominating characters, that is, height and dry weight of seedlings. After completion of the experiment, the data was statistically analyzed to for rectify combination of potting media mix with respect to pot volume for the large-scale production of seedlings. It was found that pot volume of 90 cm3 (V3) filled with M4 mix (includes 30% FYM, and rest of each 35% sand and top soil) were the best for growing vegetable seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was conducted to identify the best combination of proportion of vermicompost in soil-based potting mix and pot volume for the production of paper pot seedlings suitable for mechanical transplanting. The best combination of the potting mix and pot volume is the one that produces seedlings with high growth of root and shoot biomasses at the end of seedling stage, low in cost and light in weight. Cubical shaped paper pots of 50 cm3 volume filled with potting mix of 25% vermicompost and 75% soil and sand in equal proportion by volume was found to be best for the large scale production of paper pot seedlings of tomato, eggplant, and chili peppers. The paper pots were found to be firm at the end of seedling stage and variations in their dimensions could be accommodated in fully automatic transplanters with horizontal chain conveyor type seedling feeding and metering devices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Effect of four different proportions of farmyard manure (FYM) in a soil based mix and three different pot volumes on growth of tomato, eggplant and chili peppers in paper pots were studied. Recycled newspaper (density 50 g m−2) was used to prepare pots of volume 45, 82, and 126 cm3. Potting mixes made up of FYM, sand and soil with the FYM proportion ranging from 20% to 80% in equal proportion of sand and top soil were used. Seedling height and dry weight were measured at the end of the seedling stage. The best combination of potting mix and pot volume for the large scale production of seedlings was identified using non-dominated sorting technique. Paper pots of volume 82 cm3filled with a mix of 80% FYM and rest 20% with equal proportions of sand and top soil were found to be the best option for the large scale production of paper pot seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Water extracts from vermicomposts, commonly known as "teas," contain plant available nutrients and plant growth regulators. Their applications on plants have shown to increase seed germination, plant growth and yield, and suppress diseases. This experiment evaluates the effects of vermicompost teas, extracted from food and paper-waste vermicompost, on the rooting characteristics of stem cuttings. Stem cuttings from sugarcane and mint, and leaf cuttings from begonia were treated with four concentrations of vermicompost teas from food wastes: 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%, compared with water only control and a commercial rooting hormone, Dip 'N Grow, arranged in randomized complete block design with 10 replications. Rooting characteristics such number of roots, root density, and length of roots were assessed. Results showed that rooting of the stem cuttings from three plants responded differently to applications of vermicompost teas. Vermicompost teas applied at 2% showed as the optimum concentration for sugarcane and mint, while 1% vermicompost tea was optimum for begonia leaf cuttings. The increased rooting in stem cuttings was due to the combination of auxins, cytokinins, GA, and humic acids found in vermicompost teas extracted from food and paper waste vermicompost. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether interactions exist between concentration and length of application time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe availability of nutrients in the soil is a dynamic process that can fluctuate between states of deficiency and excess, causing significant stress on plants. In response to this stress, plants have evolved several physiological strategies to adapt and cope with these fluctuations. These strategies are aimed at improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization while minimizing the negative impact of nutrient stress. In this paper we explore the important roles and regulation of nutrient transporters in plant adaptation, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and sulfur transporters. The paper discusses the mechanisms through which plants utilize these transporters to adapt to nutrient deficiencies and optimize nutrient uptake and utilization. The paper presents a comprehensive review of current understanding in these areas, highlighting their importance for plant growth and development, as well as their potential applications in agriculture. Additionally, the paper identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for research. In this review, we contribute to understanding the complex mechanisms that underpin plant adaptation and nutrition, and provides valuable insights for improving crop production and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper used for seed germination tests may or may not contain limestone. The presence of limestone presented a pH buffer in this study that could interfere with studies addressing pH, calcium (Ca), or magnesium (Mg) effects on seedling development. Alternatively, pH of unbuffered chromatography paper was changed sufficiently by seedlings to confound research objectives that are pH dependent. Gradients across unbuffered substrate paper exceeded 1.5 pH units from a point under seedling roots to a distance 5 cm away. Precise measurements of effects of seedlings on substrate pH need to be taken in close proximity to the roots. Seedling effect on unlimed paper substrate pH varied across 25 taxa from a maximum rise of 1.4 units with zinnia to a decline of 1.1 units with tomato in the interim from sowing to separation of cotyledons. In general, pH levels in paper were higher when a basic complete nutrient solution with all nitrogen (N) in NO3 form was supplied compared to an acidic solution with N comprised of 40% NH4 + 60% NO3. In a peat moss:perlite substrate, 11 taxa altered substrate pH over a range of 0.6 units, much lower than on paper. While five taxa had similar pH enhancing or suppressing influences in the paper and peat moss: perlite substrates, six shifted the direction of the pH change. The effects of most taxa on pH were similar when fertilized with acidic or basic fertilizers. Exceptions included pansy (Viola x wittrockiana Gams.), petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm.-Andr.), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.), and verbena (Veberna x hybrida Voss) that responded to basic fertilizer with higher substrate pH rises than anticipated. Only modest shifts occurred in the order of taxa in terms of their effects on substrate pH over time in the peat moss:perlite substrate. Taxa that tended to raise peat moss:perlite substrate pH regardless of fertilizer type or time included pansy, petunia, and vinca (Catharanthus roseus G. Don) while those that lowered pH were celosia... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present situation, plants have to meet the food supply demand for a large and increasing population. In order to get high yield, it is essential for the plantations to be nourished with soil containing an appropriate amount of nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Various methods such as, physical (optical) and chemical (electrochemistry) have been adopted to analyze the soil nutrients. This paper reviewed optical methods of soil nutrient detection suitable for building a portable sensor because it can sense nutrients in dry soil samples directly without the need for complicated sample pretreatments. We concentrate and elaborate on optical methods of experimentation. Starting from laboratory testing standards followed in India we move on to off the lab crude methods like soil testing kits and colorimetric approaches. Further, we review the effective and utilitarian spectroscopic approaches and also the technologically advanced and latest methods like imaging systems, microfluidic, and micro-electromechanical system (MEMs) based sensors. However, optical methods are affected by environmental factors that affect the accuracy of sensor results. This paper then discusses boons and curses of optical methods of soil nutrient sensing. It also explains briefly the working of each method and mentions the most recent advancements made in the given testing method. We hope that this paper can serve as a guide for the experimenters and give a direction for carrying out further work required in developing a portable and efficient soil NPK detection sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSoluble fertilizers are among the main costs in strawberry production, so knowing the nutrients balance in plant tissue is essential. In this sense, the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method is presented as a multivariate analysis tool for the nutritional diagnosis of the crop. The main goal of this paper was to establish CND standards and critical nutrient levels in strawberries cultivated in a soilless system. This study uses the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method to analyze nutrient levels grown in a soilless system. Commercial production greenhouses were evaluated for yield and leaf nutrients contents to develop the standards. Data were collected from 52 plots, each consisting of diagnostic leaves from 10 plants, and subsequently analyzed to determine critical nutrient deficiencies and excesses. The CND methodology was sensitive in diagnosing the differences between high and low-yield populations. Thus, adjusting the critical nutrient levels for soilless strawberry cultivation was possible. Due to deficiency, the most limiting nutrients for strawberry production were N, Mg, and S, and Zn and Cu due to excess. Results indicate specific nutrient thresholds, with significant findings from the integration of all indices, it was possible to calculate the sufficiency ranges for soilless strawberry: N = 26–31, P = 4–7, K = 8–11, Ca = 10–15, Mg = 3–4, S = 0.3–0.5 in g kg−1, and B = 18–95, Cu = 1–2, Fe = 46–96, Mn = 80–203, Zn = 1–40, Mo = 1.3–2.7, Ni = 0.1–0.4 in mg kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractResearch on peat-free substrates is increasing due to the environmental concerns associated with peat extraction and with the aim of promoting sustainable horticultural practices. Previous research has shown that green compost mixed with coconut coir dust and stabilized wood fiber can be a valuable peat-free alternative for growing media. This study extends this knowledge by exploring the possibility of reducing fertilization levels by exploiting the nutrient content of green compost. In this paper we tested two ornamental herbaceous perennial plants, Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. and Dianthus barbatus L. For each species, we carried out five different substrate mixtures: 1) peat:pumice 70:30 v v−1; 2) coconut coir dust:pumice 70:30 v v−1; 3) coconut coir dust:green compost 55:45 v v−1; 4) green compost:stabilized wood fiber 60:40 v v−1; and 5) coconut coir dust:green compost:stabilized wood fiber 40:30:30 v v−1. For each mixture, we explored three different levels of fertilization: i) no fertilizer application; ii) low dosage of a controlled-release fertilizer at 2 g L−1; and iii) high dosage of the same controlled-release fertilizer at 4 g L−1. Plant biomass, biometric parameters, eco-physiological parameters, and plant mineral content were measured as performance indicators. The results showed that the nutrient surplus provided by the peat-free substrate, particularly when it contains green compost, can enhance the growth potential of the plants. Adding green compost to non-peat substrates can be an opportunity to optimize plant nutrition while reducing the presence of peat in plant nurseries and the use of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPrecision nutrient management is a modern approach for optimizing nutrient supply in fruit crops, ensuring that plants receive the actual amount of essential elements at the right time and place. Traditional nutrient management methods often undergo deficiencies, leading to over-fertilization, uneven distribution of nutrients, environmental pollution, and economic inefficiency. These review paper challenges can be addressed by providing real-time data of soil conditions, plant health and nutrient levels. This strategy depends on advanced technologies such as remote sensing, variable rate technology, fertigation, slow/control release fertilizer, and organic amendments to weave nutrient application to the specific needs of each crop and individual plant within a field. It is emphasized by its potential for plant growth and development, increased crop yield, optimized resource utilization and mitigated environmental concerns. By fine-tuning nutrient application, farmers can achieve better economic returns while promoting sustainable agriculture. Precision nutrient management for fruit crops is characterized by a scarcity of studies exploring the application of advanced technologies and data-driven approaches. There is a need for more in-depth investigation to develop and validate precision nutrient management strategies tailored to the unique requirements of different crops. Closing this research gap will contribute to sustainable and optimized fruit crop production. In conclusion, precision nutrient management represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, offering a more sustainable and efficient approach to nutrient application in fruit crops. By untried advanced technologies and data-driven insights, farmers can optimize their resource use, enhance crop performance, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn recent times, biochar has garnered significant interest as a viable remedy for enhancing soil quality and elevating crop output in problematic soils. This article delves into the repercussions of biochar on vegetable production in challenging soils, exploring its capacity to improve plant growth, nutrient accessibility, and its influence on soil microbial communities. A meticulous evaluation of pertinent literature exposes that the impacts of biochar on vegetable crop production can vary, contingent upon factors like biochar composition, application dosage, and crop variety. Moreover, biochar has the potential to interact with other soil additives and fertilizers, potentially influencing its efficacy. This research presents insights into the existing knowledge voids crucial for a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms through which biochar influences vegetable production in challenging soils. The primary focus of this paper is to emphasize the capability of biochar in ameliorating soil fertility and boosting vegetable yields in challenging soils, with an emphasis on the importance of further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of slow and controlled release fertilizers (S/CRFs) has been beneficial in enhancing fertilizer utilization and crop yields, improving food security. However, the massive use of conventional S/CRFs has also polluted soil, water, and air, which poses a challenge to the sustainability of modern agriculture. To address this, a more efficient and environmentally-friendly material for crop nutrition is needed. Chitosan gels have proven to be an ideal carrier for nutrient transport given their biodegradability and high adsorption characteristics. This paper reviews the cross-linking of chitosan gels, preparation methods, nutrient transport, and performance, and how they contribute to sustainable agriculture. In addition, we detail the contribution of chitosan gels fertilizers to greenhouse gas reduction, soil conditioning, and crop yield improvement. In conclusion, although further research is needed on chitosan gels fertilizers as S/CRFs, it is expected that their use could lead to improved nutrient efficiency and reduced environmental pollution from a long-term development perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum grain yield is constrained commonly by soil nutrient deficiency and water stress in semi-arid areas across Africa. Grain yields ranges from 500 to 650 kg ha−1 in some parts of African and even below 500 kg ha−1 in some countries like Mozambique and Zimbabwe without using any nutrient amendments. The use of mineral fertilizer supply nutrients readily in the soil and increasing their availability to crops and improve crop yields. Farmers in rural communities are resources constraint and not able to buy adequate mineral fertilizers and they need to amend mineral it with manure. Application of manure improves soil physiochemical properties and nutrient availability which play an important for plant growth and increasing yields. However, cattle manure commonly used by smallholder farmers is rich in plant residues and require decomposers to use a lot of mineral nitrogen as sources of energy for decomposition hence nitrogen becomes unavailable to plants. Combining mineral fertilizer and manure has a potential of improving yields from 500 to 5000 kg ha−1 depending on soil type and rainfall received in the area. However, semi-arid regions are associated with low and erratic rainfall which causes soil water stress and reduce yields. There is need to combine water management with mineral fertilizer, and organic manure to create a sustainable sorghum production in marginalized areas. This paper reviews the effects of mineral and organic fertilizer in improving sorghum production in semi-arid region and come up with way forward to meet food demand in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production sustainability is affected by climate change and land destruction, which exacerbates the challenge of food security. In addition to ensuring food security, fortification of products is a potential approach to enhance their nutritional quality and safety. Climate change has a significant effect on pre-harvest physiology. Water and soil salinity reduce the yield and quality of products. On the other hand, long-term drought stress reduces the supply of nutrients and cracks the pomegranate fruit. Therefore, it increases susceptibility to fungal diseases, which reduces commercial value. Pre-harvest factors significantly affect post-harvest physiology and quality characteristics related to storage life. Therefore, it is necessary to use efficient and cost-effective strategies to resist environmental stress and enhance yield. Meanwhile, the management of nutrients and plant growth regulators (PGRs) plays an essential role in plant resistance against abiotic stresses and determines their distribution and survival. Therefore, proper management practices are necessary for sustainable production. This paper reviewed and discussed recent advances regarding the foliar application of important nutrients, and PGRs, which increase the yield and quality of pomegranate fruit. In conclusion, foliar application of fertilizers, nanofertilizers, and nanoparticles include Fe, Zn, Ca, K, Br, Se and some PGRs such as salicylic acid and gibberellic acid, and kaolin can be used to increase yield, improve nutritional quality, reduce disorders and also decrease postharvest losses of pomegranate fruit during storage. However, further research in various commercial pomegranate cultivars is necessary to recommend for practical application at harvest and after cold storage of pomegranate fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicompost (VC) is the solid excreta of earthworms, produced through the metabolism of organic matter under aerobic conditions. Thus, vermicompost is a product of the biodegradation, non-thermophilic process of organic materials through interactions between microorganisms and earthworms. This odorless, light organic product of the vermicomposting process is casts, or castings that is rich in humus, large amounts of macro- and micro-elements. These properties will largely influence the penetration of plant roots, potential rooting volume, nutrient movement and uptake, water availability, and soil aeration. Soil texture is also a key factor in affecting moisture content of the soil and its chemical properties, such as its cation exchange capacity or the capability of the soil to hold positively charged ions. Therefore, the application of vermicompost to sandy soils is very beneficial, as they help increase the soil organic matter composition, which in turn aids in improving soil aeration, sustaining good soil aggregation, protecting against soil erosion, and increasing nutrient availability. Moreover, vermicompost contains various plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron that improve the nutrient content of different plant components such as roots, leaves, and fruits. There have been many studies on the application of various organic fertilizers to plants for alleviating the negative effects of salinity. This paper will cover the contribution of vermicompost as a biological fertilizer and its effects on soluble sugar and proline content, membrane stability, biochemical, physiological, and molecular factors to mitigate the negative effects of salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing population further risks the availability of land. A sustainable increase in the food production is needed to meet the future food and nutrition demand. Soil is the major natural source of plant nutrients and soil fertilization is one of the viable options to achieve greater crop production. A sustainable management of the soil is thus highly needed to maintain a sustainable livelihood. Smart fertilizers by the way of its availability and target based nutrient availability are considered to be a new and effective way to reach our sustainable livelihood target. This paper has tried to understand the concept of smart fertilizers and few options available for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is an aromatic medicinal plant also known as 'Gole Mohammadi'. Its cultivation is usually done on a large scale for decorative purposes and industrial uses such as perfumes, pharmaceuticals, culinary, tobacco, etc. Traditionally, the essential oil of Damask rose possesses many therapeutic activities, such as memory enhancement, relief of chest and stomach pain, control of menstrual bleeding, heart-strengthening, cure of constipation and digestive issues. It is important to augment the quantity and quality of essential oil. Treatments of various organic and inorganic fertilizers, plant growth regulators, and newly discovered elicitors on different high-yielding varieties of Damask rose, viz: - Miller cv. Kasan Pink, Yanina, Elenia, Svezheh, Trigintipetala Dieck, Ranisahiba, Noorjahan, Jawala, Super Jwala, Himroj, and Hot Himroj. The demand for Rose essential oil has increased rapidly, and this review paper discusses foliar methods to increase the essential oil and its active or chemical constituents. Foliar application, which is faster than traditional soil fertilization methods and can mitigate various soil problems like acidity, salinity, soil degradation, secondary salinization, and nutrient imbalance. Additionally, foliar application can also be an efficient method to deal with the increasing climatic changes, which have adversely affected Damask rose cultivation and caused deprivation among agriculturalists. In the future, sustainable agricultural fertilizers will be required to reduce the risks associated with Damask rose farming practices. Therefore, foliar application is a promising approach that could be further researched to improve sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhubarb is a popular food in Europe due to the purgative action. Cultivation is the key way to ensure sustainable development and utilization of this herbal plant. In this paper, standardized cultivation of Rheum tanguticum (a kind of rhubarb) was explored through a three-year field experiment which investigated the effect of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer on growth indexes, sennoside content of R. tanguticum at different harvesting stages. Results showed that P and K fertilizer significantly increased root length, root diameter and root fresh weight, the maximum root fresh weight was 894.22 g/plant. Sennoside content of three-year-old R. tanguticum applied K fertilizer was over 5.87% at each harvesting stage in the third growth cycle and it increased along with growing year. Sennoside content has no obviously increment at the same harvesting stage, it also has no positive correlation with different harvesting stages and the wilting stage > green stage > growth stage in the same year. This study demonstrated that P and K fertilizer had accelerated effect on growth of R. tanguticum at the same harvesting stage, but had no obvious influence on the sennoside content. This will provide experimental data and guidance for the standardized cultivation of R. tanguticum. The effect of different fertilizer (P, K) doses, harvesting stages and growth years on growth indexes and sennosides contents of R. tanguticum was firstly explored. A modified HPLC detective method was developed to quantify the sennosides content of R. tanguticum. The effect of different fertilizer doses on growth indexes of R. tanguticum was firstly explored. Variation of sennoside content after applying fertilizers was firstly explored. The effect of harvesting stages on growth indexes and sennosides contents was firstly explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was undertaken to evaluate the influence of zeolite and synthetic aggregates (SRA) produced with acidic red soil and paper waste, on the growth of French marigold (Tagetes patula), which is a popular ornamental plant in Japan. Five different media were studied: SRA only, SRA:Zeolite 3:1, SRA:zeolite 1:1, SRA: zeolite 1:3 and zeolite only. Mixing SRA with zeolite improved the physical and chemical properties of the media such as particle size distribution, bulk density, total porosity, water holding capacity, and pH compared to zeolite. SRA and zeolite at 1:1 gave the best maximum growth parameters of French marigold. Zeolite based mixtures increased the nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) concentrations in plant tissues compared to SRA medium. Addition of zeolite led to reduce K leaching from the substrate compared to SRA. SRA and Zeolite at 1:1 can be recommended as a better substrate for French marigold cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus greening, also called Huanglongbing (HLB), has affected citrus production globally. In Florida, the disease has decimated citrus production area and overall fruit yields. Emerging results show that some nutrients applied in a balanced and constant nutrition (BCN) program alleviate tree stress by improving root health, canopy size and tissue nutrient concentration. In this paper, we discuss the current strategies for managing citrus in Florida, and roles of macro- and micronutrients in citrus and other crops. Further, we discuss the role of macro- and micronutrients in potentially restoring root health and tree performance. We wrap up by discussing future research opportunities on the health and nutrition of HLB-affected citrus trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofertilizer application is becoming a sustainable alternative for plants micronutrients supply. Seed nutrient priming before seeding reduces non-target dispersion; although, applying nanofertilizer in correct concentration must be narrowly chosen to prevent germination and development issues. Here, we evaluated corn seedlings development and germination after seed priming with Mn3O4 nanoparticle (NP), Mn3O4 bulk and MnCl2. Sterile seeds were soaked for 8 hours in priming solutions of 0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg L−1 for each Mn sources. The seeds vigor and germination were evaluated after 7 days on germination paper. Root, shoot and total lengths were measured as well as root, shoot and total dry biomass. Compared to the control, the Mn3O4 NP and Mn3O4 bulk promoted beneficial effects. Mn3O4 NP seed-priming exhibited a concentration dependent profile in improving seedling growth, with greatest benefit around 20 mg L−1, providing higher germination, vigor, dry biomass and length than control and the other source tested. Particle size plays an important role in the reactivity of Mn3O4 NP. On the other hand, seeds primed with soluble source did not differ from the control. These findings support NP-seed priming as an alternative to delivery micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was focused on the use of allicin as inhibitor which binded with less valuable by-product, palm stearin on urea fertilizer as to increase its efficiency in soil. The coated urea was prepared in three models: urea + palm stearin (UPS), urea + allicin (UAL), urea + allicin + palm stearin (UALPS), whereas pure urea prills act as control (U) sample. The efficiency of the coating materials were investigated through characterization study and this followed by investigation on its N-transformation in soil through quantification of urea-N and ammonium-N remained in soil. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) results proved palm stearin as a compatible binder for urea-allicin system as no significant chemical reaction or weight losses occurred compared to control sample, based on their spectrum respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images demonstrated that the micro-structure of UALPS resulted in a smoother coated layer besides hardness test exhibits higher crushing strength. All coated urea fertilizer showed significantly higher nitrogen in urea form (urea-N) in soil compared to control sample. Consequently, nitrogen in ammonium form (ammonium-N) in coated urea fertilizer was lower than uncoated urea as this has proved the coating material has delayed the urea-N release. Besides, UALPS and UAL possess lowest ammonium-N content since the presence of allicin in their coating material had reduced the urease activity in the soil. In overall UALPS, found to be more efficient in reducing the hydrolyzation rate due to the dual effects of material, which may inhibit urease activity and reduce nitrogen (N) releases rate from fertilizer microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, to overcome the multi-manifestations of climate change, fresh water scarcity, and pressing need of the growing food demand, Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation technology, promises to provide high quality, healthy, fresh, residue free vegetables and fruits locally. This review paper provides an insight into the field of hydroponics, its benefits and setbacks. It also highlights the expertise required for undertaking hydroponics cultivation "along with the current trend prevailing in it and with an overview of the major companies dealing in the same". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generalized cumulative uptake formula of nutrient uptake by roots following our previous formula (Reginato-Tarzia, Comm. Soil Sci. and Plant., 33 (2002), 821-830) is developed. Cumulative nutrient uptake obtained by this formula is compared with the simulated results obtained by the Claassen and Barber (Claassen and Barber, Agronomy J., 68 (1976) 961–964) and Cushman (Cushman, Soil Sci. Soc., 43 (1979) 1087–1090) formulas. A mass balance is analyzed for the three formulas of cumulative nutrient uptake in order to decide which of them is correct. Moreover, the mass balance is also verified through a computational algorithm using data obtained from literature, and we compute the potassium (K) uptake for maize for low and high soil concentrations using the three mentioned formulas. The theoretical analysis shows that Claassen and Barber, and Cushman formulas do not verify, in general, the mass balance condition. The Claassen and Barber formula only verifies this condition when the influx is constant and root grows linearly. The Cushman formula verifies the mass balance when the influx is constant regardless of the law of root growth. Reginato and Tarzia formula always verifies the mass balance whatever be the representative functions for the influx and the law of root growth. Moreover, we propose a redefinition of the averaged influx from which the Williams formula (Williams, J. Scientific Res., 1 (1948) 333–361) can be deduced. We remark that Williams formula is a consequence of our definition of temporal-weight-averaged influx for all root growth law expressions. Also, we present a comparison of influx and cumulative uptake of cadmium (Cd) with data extracted from literature. Cumulative uptake is obtained through the Barber–Cushman model and our moving boundary model by using the redefinition of averaged influx on root surface and the correct cumulative uptake formula presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two different types of coal fly ash-based pellet aggregates (PA) with 5 mm [small PA (SPA)] and 10 mm [large PA (LPA)] diameters were produced from coal fly ash (CFA) and paper waste (PW). Both types of PA were utilized as soil amendments to enhance poor physicochemical properties of problematic grey soil in Okinawa, Japan for the cultivation of Brassica campestris. Grey soil was amended with SPA alone, LPA alone and both SPA and LPA. The growth and yield parameters of Brassica campestris were determined. PA addition as a soil amendment improved the physicochemical properties of the amendment mixtures compared to grey soil without any amendments. Moreover, PA addition increased the growth and yield parameters of Brassica campestris compared to grey soil control. It can be concluded that PA can be utilized as a soil amendment to improve the crop production in problematic grey soil in Okinawa, Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The successful sustainable production of high-quality and high-yielding tomatoes, particularly, by deploying precision agriculture with less water, nutrient, and energy consumption in a controlled environment has important roles in supporting plant and ecosystem sustainability, human nutrition and diet, and economic development worldwide. Among such methods, aquaponics provides more advantages than conventional and hydroponic cultivations by reusing the wastewater and, thereby, improving energy, water and nutrient use efficiency, financial gain, as well as plant and ecosystem sustainability. However, it requires more biological and technical knowledge to maintain the system's balance and optimal condition. The proper management of the greenhouse climate and the controlled environmental system, agricultural practices, inputs, and nutrients recycling are the foremost determinant factors of effectiveness, cost-efficiency, productivity, as well as plant and ecosystem sustainability. The knowledge of optimal growth and recycling conditions in aquaponics is still developing. Due to the differences of the materials and methods of the related studies and various types, combinations, and contents of growth media substrates and fertilizers, genetic diversities and differential responses, optimal growth conditions and interactive effects of the (micro)organisms, a deep understanding of the influence of the mentioned factors are required to reach the optimum results. Therefore, the most efficient tomato culture practices in aquaponics and most importantly in the vermi-ponic unit are discussed in this paper to provide insight into developing the most successful cost-effective sustainable systems for tomato production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter levels combined with drought periods during the growing season have adverse impacts on rain-fed potato production in coarse textured soils of eastern Canada. Using pulp fiber residues (PFR) may build up soil organic matter, improve crops yield and nutrient uptake, and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation in this region. A box experiment with 3 rates of PFR [0, 45, and 90 Mg ha- 1 dry mater carbon (C) basis] with or without supplementary drip irrigation was established in a sandy loam soil in New Brunswick, Canada. Red clover, barley, and potato were cultivated as three crops of the rotation in 1999, 2000, and 2001, respectively. The PFR only applied before red clover in fall 1998. Selected soil chemical and physical properties were measured before planting and after harvest. Crops yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation were determined at harvest. Soil organic-C content, bulk density and water holding capacity were improved by PFR application. Red clover and barley biomass production were significantly increased by PFR application. This effect was promoted by supplemental irrigation. Potato tuber yield was not affected by PFR and it was higher in rain-fed compared to supplementary irrigated system. Although, there was some initial evidence of N immobilization but generally PFR application increased N, P, and K bioavailability. This research has demonstrated that PFR can successfully be used as soil amendment in coarse textured soils without any adverse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have shown hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a metabolic messenger that increases plant tolerance to various stress conditions. However, little is known about its effect on the mobilization of seed reserves in the establishment of seedlings. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of pretreatment with H2O2 in salt-tolerance and mobilization of reserves during the germination of seeds and establishment of sunflower seedlings. Seeds were pre-imbibed for 24 hr in solutions containing: deionized water (control); H2O2 (1 mM); NaCl (100 mM). Subsequently, seeds were distributed on germitest paper, moistened with deionized water or saline solution (100 mM NaCl). In seedlings not pretreated with H2O2, the salinity increased Na+ and Cl− ions contents and reduced the growth of sunflower seedlings. However, pretreatment of seeds with H2O2 reduced the negative effect of salinity, promoted an increase in salt-tolerance by the reduction of Na+ and Cl− uptake, lower energy cost for osmoprotection by compatible solutes accumulation, and by the higher equilibrium in the mobilization of the cotyledon reserves for the development of the embryonic axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced nutrition can improve the growth of oil palm seedlings grown under limited nutrient condition in tropical peat soil. However, optimum levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrition of oil palm seedlings, grown in tropical peat soil at nursery stage, have not been reported. This paper examines the growth, biomass accumulation, nutrient concentration, and partitioning in the plant parts of oil palm seedlings at different levels of N, P, and K nutrition. Six levels of N, P2O5, and K2O were used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Parameters measured at harvest include plant height, leaf number/plant, stem diameter, and SPAD chlorophyll value, biomass accumulation, and nutrient concentration in palm parts. Findings revealed that, treatment levels of N, P2O5, and K2O nutrition at 22, 22, and 40 g/plant showed significant effects and enhanced oil palm seedlings vegetative growth in tropical peat soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six organic sources of nutrients including commercial organic fertilizer (CF), poultry litter (PL), green compost (GC), wood chips (WC), shredded paper (SP), grass clippings (GR), and extracts from water (NF, as a control) were investigated under controlled conditions. One-year-old MM.106 apple (Malus×domesticaBorkh.) trees grown under greenhouse conditions in 10 L pots were treated with nutrient solutions. All treatments were applied proportionally based on the volume ratio of material recommended for organic apple orchard field production. A nutrient solution from GC provided the greatest total nitrogen (N) input over the 12-week experimental period, followed in order by the GR, PL, WC, CF, SP, and NF treatments. The PL- and GR-treated plants had the largest stem diameter, largest leaf area, longest stem extension, and fastest dry matter production rate, as well as greater carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation, SPAD readings, N accumulation, and N use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus production in Florida is ranked first in the United States. Success of the citrus industry in the state relies heavily on sound water and nutrient management practices. Recently, citrus production has been declining due to the escalating prevalence of the citrus greening(Liberibacter asiaticus)and canker(Xanthomonas axonopodis)diseases. One option being explored is the manipulation of nutrient management scenarios to increase and enhance tree productivity. The paper presents a review of the management, analytical and application methods of three major nutrients Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) on Florida's sandy soils with low organic matter (OM) and high leaching potential due to heavy annual rains (∼1200 mm). The NPK management options for Florida citrus are compared with those of other citrus producing regions around the world. Also, the critical tissue and soil nutrient concentrations for optimal and high citrus production are discussed. The review paper should provide important nutrient management guidelines to citrus growers in Florida and other regions with similar climatic and soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, the establishment and growth of medicinal species Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. were studied through inoculation with two mycorrhizal fungi species, Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices, in arid/semi-arid Bahar-Kish rangelands, Iran in 2012 and 2013. The root colonization percentage of Ziziphora, as well as their establishment and growth were enhanced in 2013 using G. mosseae. In this year, less rainfall and higher temperature decreased the survival, growth and morphological traits of the studied plants. Growth and establishment of the inoculated plants using G. intraradices improved in 2013, while inoculation with G. mosseae showed more beneficial effects in 2012. In both years, the strain, the growth and establishment percentage of seedlings in inoculated treatments with mycorrhizal species were significantly improved. According to the results, G. intraradices mycorrhizal fungi is recommended as a biological fertilizer in increasing the forage production and the initial establishment of Ziziphora in arid and semi-arid rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study verified the concentration over time of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) in the leaves, stems, fruits, and roots of tomato plants. An indeterminate growth variety with ball-type fruits suited for greenhouse cultivation was used. The results showed that the distribution of minerals in the different organs of the plant varies over time. The minerals N, P, and K showed a tendency to decrease their concentration, while the concentration of Ca and S increased and that of Mg remained constant over time. The leaves had the highest concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. The concentrations of K, for both leaf and stem, ranged between 20 and 30 g kg−1. N and K were the most extracted minerals, while P was the least extracted mineral. The information presented in this paper allows a better fertilization plan for growing tomatoes inside greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic aggregates (SA) were developed as alternative potting media for ornamental plant production. Four different types of SA were developed from low productive acidic soil and paper waste with adding different types of compost amendments. Compost amendments used in the experiment were cattle manure compost, chicken manure compost, and leaf manure compost. Popular ornamental plant french marigold (Tagetes patula) was used in this experiment. SA with different compost amendments gave considerable physical and chemical parameters compared to commercial zeolite media. Moreover, plant grown in SA media showed better growth and nutritional parameters compared to plant grown in zeolite media. The plant height, number of flowers per plant, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight and root dry weight obtained from three different compost based SA were increased by in the ranges of 8.14--14.41%, 5.66--9.46%, 25.52--31.47%, 9.44--16.13%, 6.14--9.23%, 2.40--8.47% and 8.85--17.05%, respectively, compared to zeolite control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased phosphorus (P) efficiency is needed to sustain agriculture productivity on soils with low available P. Significant differences were found among Brassica cultivars for growth, P utilization, and remobilization under P deficiency (see our companion paper, Aziz et al., 2011a). To identify the possible mechanisms of P acquisition from low soluble P compounds, four cultivars (‘Rainbow’, ‘CON-1’, ‘Dunkeld’, and ‘Peela Raya’) were selected to ascertain the relationship of their differential P acquisition and growth with their root length in soil and with organic acid release pattern in solution culture experiments. For this purpose their growth and P acquisition from phosphate rock (PR) was compared with calcium di-hydrogen phosphate (Ca-P) when adding uniform dose of 100 mg P kg−1 soil separately from the two sources. Biomass accumulation, root length, root fineness, plant P uptake and ash alkalinity was significantly (P < 0.01) different in plants of all the four cultivars when supplied with PR or Ca-P in soil. Minimum biomass produced by ‘Peela Raya’ grown with either P source was followed by ‘CON-1’, ‘Dunkeld’, and ‘Rainbow’ in ascending order. Shoot dry matter production had a significant positive correlation with root dry matter production (r = 0.85, P < 0.01), root length (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) and root P uptake (r = 0.95, P < 0.01). Cultivars varied significantly for organic acid secretion in solution culture experiment. Higher quantities of secreted citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid in solution culture experiment were measured for ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dunkeld’ cultivars. Efficient performance of these two cultivars for growth and P uptake was associated with their longer roots and more secretion of organic acids especially citric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper mills often burn wood waste to fuel their boilers. The ash from a Mississippi pulp mill boiler was evaluated for potential use as an amendment to peat moss-based greenhouse substrates for production of young tomato plants. Between 0 and 50% ash was added to a custom-blended peat moss-based substrate, and these were compared to a commercially available substrate without ash. Addition of ash increased substrate pH, conductivity (EC), bulk density and water holding capacity, while reducing airspace and average particle size. In general, tomato plants grown in 0–40% ash had similar growth indexes as plants grown in commercial substrate. Increasing amounts of ash decreased tomato shoot nitrogen (N), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentration, and increased concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and boron (B). These results indicate that pulp mill ash has the potential to be used as a substrate component for greenhouse container production of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A filter-paper bioassay method was used to investigate the differential response of 23 barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes to boron (B) toxicity. Two-day-old seedlings with equal radicles were treated with 10 (B10) or 100 (B100) ppm B for 10 d. Root and shoot growth was not affected by B10, but root growth was significantly reduced by B100. The shoot growth at B100 was either unaffected or affected to a smaller extent than the root. A significant inverse correlation was found between B content of seed and seed germination, and between root growth and B contents of root and shoot under B100. The barley genotypes with lower B contents in seeds had a higher germination, longer root length, and accumulated less B in roots and shoots when treated with B100. The B-tolerant genotypes with longer roots had lower B contents in their seed, root, and shoot and vice versa. These results suggest that a great variation exists among barley genotypes in response to high B application. There was no difference between naked (uncovered) and covered varieties in response to B100. The B tolerance could be attributed to the lower B content of seed and lower uptake or accumulation of B in the root and shoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted to test the effect of ground covering rice production system (GCRPS) on rice yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and water utilization coefficient. Cultivating lowland rice variety in upland condition by using of plastic film (T1), paper film (T2), or rice straw mulching (T3) to cover the ground resulted in similar yield as for paddy rice (T5), but the yield was significantly greater than that of upland rice cultivation system without mulching (T4). Water utilization coefficient of mulching treatments (T1, T2, and T3) increased from 178% to 219% compared to T5. About 69% irrigation water was saved when shifting lowland paddy rice into GCRPS. The nitrogen (N) nutrition state in flag leaf (FL) and 3rd leaf backward (LBW) showed no statistical difference between T1 and T5. However, N content of FL and 3rd LBW of T1 was significantly greater than that of T4. The amount of N uptake, NUpE and NUE of T1, T2, and T3 was remarkably greater than those of T4. Increment of nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency (INfUE) increased 12.1%, 12.5%, and 8.7% in treatments of T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Therefore, cultivating lowland rice variety with mulching treatment not only increased water coefficient, but increased NfUE significantly under upland condition as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimisation of plant nitrogen-use-efficiency (NUE) has a direct impact on increasing crop production by optimising use of nitrogen fertiliser. Moreover, it protects environment from negative effects of nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide production. Accordingly, nitrogen (N) management in agriculture systems has been major focus of many researchers. Improvement of NUE can be achieved through several methods including more accurate measurement of foliar N contents of crops during different growth phases. There are two types of methods to diagnose foliar N status: destructive and non-destructive. Destructive methods are expensive and time-consuming, as they require tissue sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis. Thus, many farmers find destructive methods to be less attractive. Non-destructive methods are rapid and less expensive but are usually less accurate. Accordingly, improving the accuracy of non-destructive N estimations has become a common goal of many researchers, and various methods varying in complexity and optimality have been proposed for this purpose. This paper reviews various commonly used non-destructive methods for estimating foliar N status of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The paper describes investigation on bioaccumulation of mineral elements and identification of plants based on the concentrations of the elements in the plant leaves. Five native plant species (Elytrigia repens, Plantago major, Urtica dioica, Chelidonium majus, and Taraxacum officinale) were studied. To exclude the effects from different growth conditions and developmental stages, the plants were collected simultaneously from the same site (park in St. Petersburg, Russia). It was found that for all plants high concentrations of potassium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium (K, Na, P, and Mg) were typical, while concentrations of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were the lowest. The most significant difference was found between concentrations of elements in monocots and eudicots. Among other species, T. officinale had the highest concentrations of almost all elements. Excellent separation of the plants into different groups which was due to different element concentrations in the plant leaves was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we presented a simple and inexpensive model of hydroponic system in laboratory. The six halopriming treatments were used in research. One-third strength nutrient solutions used in hydroponic systems. The ionic and osmotic stresses were induced by adding sodium chloride (NaCl) or polyethylenglycol-6000 to the nutrient solution. Each treatment was conducted three replications in a completely randomized design. The results showed that haloprimig significantly decreased the management (MGT) of Lolium perenne as compared with control. Haloprimed with NaCl for 72, 48 h and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) for 24 and 72 h showed significant difference as compared with non-treated seed in same stress level. Indeed, it shows that exposure to sodium chloride and magnesium chloride had a priming effect and seedling emergence was significantly increased in comparison to control. The beneficial effects of NaCl on seed germination is due to the uptake of Na+ and Cl- ions by the seed, thus maintaining a water potential gradient allowing water uptake during seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out in Southern Italy from 2007 to 2010 adopting a two-year rotation of tomato and maize. In this paper, the results of maize cultivation were reported, with the aim to investigate the effects of different water qualities and fertilizers on yield and soil properties. The following treatments were compared: mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer and irrigation with fresh water (FWF); mineral N fertilizer and irrigation with saline water (SWF); Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) compost and irrigation with fresh water (FWC); MSW compost and irrigation with saline water (SWC). These treatments were compared with an unfertilized control and irrigation with fresh-water (FW0) and an unfertilized control and irrigation with saline water (SW0). At harvest, yield, grain moisture content, dry matter, grain protein, starch, fat content and soil characteristics were determined. The treatments with compost increased the average grain yield of the 11% compared to mineral fertilizer treatments. Furthermore, the grain yield in SWC increased of the 19% respect to average of SWF and SW0, indicating that MSW compost applied as amendment mitigated the adversely effects of saline water. Compost application significantly increased the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). In particular, the FWC and SWC treatments showed an average increase of the 25% compared to the mean TOC value of FWF and SWF. Moreover, at the end of the experiment, electrical conductivity decreased in SWC treatment respect to the SWF (−21%). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]