Search

Potassium nutrition has been used in controlling fungal and bacterial diseases of plants. However, this has not yet been tested on control of Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense -Foc), a major fungal disease constraining apple banana production. This study was set up with a general objective to investigate the effects of potassium on tolerance to Fusarium wilt in apple bananas using chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance and severity of Fusarium wilt symptoms as indicators. A screen house pot experiment was set up using tissue culture plantlets of apple bananas cv Ndiizi. Treatments comprised of different sources of potassium (Manure, inorganic K and potassium solubilizing bacteria -KSB) in a full factorial combination. Manure and Muriate of potash (MOP) were applied at rates equivalent to 150 kg K/ha and KSB (Frateuria auranta) at a rate of 1 l/ha. Fusarium wilt was inoculated in half the pots at 8 weeks after planting. Measurements on chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance as well as growth parameters were taken on weekly basis from the time of inoculation. Fusarium wilt significantly reduced stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content of the plants. Application of integrated potassium management (KSB x MOP x Manure) significantly reduced Fusarium wilt symptom expression. Key words: Chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, Fusarium oxysporum sp. Cubense, manure, potassium.

Yellow Achu soup used to eat achu is an emulsion composed primarily of red palm oil and water stabilized by potash as an emulsifier, is regarded as one of the prestigious traditional foods in Cameroon. However, the yellow achu soup faces a problem of stability due to the inability of the potash from plantain peel alone, commonly called Nikkih, to emulsify and stabilize it. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effect of incorporation of potash from Ficus carica fruit peel to potash from plantain peel, Nikkih, on the emulsification, emulsion stability, and acceptability of yellow achu soup. To this effect, ashes obtained from plantain peels and Ficus carica fruit peel were extracted with water to get their respective crude extracts, potash, with concentrations of 0.07g/ml or 1g/15ml. A mixture experimental design was used to mix different proportions of the plantain peels to Ficus carica fruit peel potash to get 7 samples of the emulsifier, ranging from 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 30:70 0:100 denoted as IKM, KIM, MKI, IMK, MIK, KMI, and KKI respectively. The yellow achu soup obtained thereafter was prepared by mixing thoroughly 20ml of partially bleached palm oil, 10ml of emulsifier solution, and 70ml of water at 800C. The pH, emulsification index, foaming capacity, and foam stability of the resulting soup were analyzed followed by an evaluation of its acceptability. The pH of the mixture varied from 11.75 to 11.01, with a pH of 11.53 obtained for the plantain peel crude extract, IMK, and the lowest pH of 11.01 ± 0.01 obtained from the Ficus carica fruit peel ash extract, KKI. The highest alkalinity of 11.75 ± 0.02 for the mixture was obtained at a mixture ratio of 60:40 for sample IMK. The pH of the resulting yellow achu soup decreased as the incorporation ratio increased, with the highest pH of 11.49 using only the plantain crude extract, IKM, to the lowest pH of 10.58 using only the Ficus carica fruit peel ash extract, KKI. The foaming capacity of the yellow achu soup varied from 10.76 ± 2.78% representing the highest for sample IMK while the lowest value was 5.36 ± 0.18% using sample KIM. The foam stability varied from 11.89 ± 2.34% for sample IMK to 4.67 ± 0.79% for sample KIM. Sample MIK displayed the highest emulsifying activity with a value of 65.15±0.30% and 58.79±8.70% after 24 hrs and 48hrs respectively, while KIM had the lowest emulsifying activity of 34.21±0.54% after 24 hours and 34.17±0.23 after 48hours. Out of the ten panelists involved in the sensory evaluation, 50% generally accepted sample MIK, 20% accepted IMK and KMI while 10% preferred MKI. The incorporation of the Ficus carica fruit peel potash to Nikkih serves as a good strategy to improve on the functional properties and acceptability of yellow achu soup.

The field experiment was conducted, in the fields of Hamelmalo Agricultural College, to evaluate the response of sowing-dates and PK (Phosphorous and Potassium) fertilizer levels on phenological aspects, yield and yield components of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L). The experiment was done through a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) where each treatment was replicated three times. The two factors were: sowing-dates which was composed of three sowing dates; namely, middle kiremti (end of July i.e., mid-summer), late kiremti (middle of August- late-summer) and early qewee (early September-early autumn) and P: K fertilizers which was composed of five rates (0kg/ha, 125 kg/ha (75:50), 150 kg/ha (90:60), 175 kg/ha (105:70) and 200 kg/ha (120:80). Results showed that, the highest significant mean values of leaf area (389.4cm2), leaf numbers (28.2) were recorded from middle kiremti sowing date coupled with 320kg/ha and 175kg/ha PK rates respectively. Besides this the highest significant values of both number of fruits (43.8) and total yield (15.26t/ha) were obtained from highest PK rate coupled with late kiremti and middle kiremti respectively. The sole effects of the PK rates as well as the sowing dates were found to be significant on all the parameters mentioned above including individual fruit weight. It is therefore the sowing during late kiremti coupled with application of 200kg/ha kg/ha was the best for getting the best economic returns.

Fertilizer is the most important component for every crop. Specially nitrogen fertilizer plays a vital role for crop production. With maximum use of fertilizers farmers get good result even in same crop varieties and soil. According to the study farmers are believing that if we apply more fertilizer then there will be maximum production. Due to more fertilizer doses the plant tissues are more succulent and can be easily digested by insects. So, most of the insect pests are attracted towards rice crop. There is major three fertilizers which are helping plants for completing their life cycle. These are Nitrogen, which comes from urea application, Phosphorus received from DAP, SSP, TSP and Potassium from Muriate of potash. Nitrogen provides green leafy parts due to carbon element and increase leaf area index which helps in better Photosynthetic rate. Phosphorus is helping in better root growth and establishment and in flower setting or emergence, potassium provides strength to plant for making resistance against of insect/pests’ infestation. The doses of NPK are always recommended but according to different studies it has been reported that excess number of fertilizers are majorly responsible for causing disturbance in the balance ratio of plant’s metabolism. It was also reported that by increasing nitrogen dose the yield is increased but insect/pest attack is also increased. In this case application of potassium and ZnSO4 is also required to control them in different crops. Anhydrous ammonia also contains nitrogen up to 82%, which is reported as highest, but it is not that much recommended for all crops due to its toxicity level. Due to its highest ammonia, it is recommended that it should be applied at once in the soil by injection or below from the root zone depth of any crop. It was reported that plant hight was good but plant colour, no. of tillers, no. of effective tillers all is less from normal urea fertilizers.

Two field experiments were conducted under Egyptian conditions at Kaha Vegetables Research Farm, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre to study the effect of the high nitrogen and potassium levels and two growth regulators, Cytokinin at 2.5 ppm and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) at 100 ppm on the growth and seed yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cv. Sids 40. The obtained results showed that increasing nitrogen and potassium fertilizer up to 150 % NK. of the recommended rate (120 kg N + 72 kg K2O fed-1), significantly improved most studied growth traits (plant length, number of leaves, leaf area, total fresh weight, total plant dry weight), bulb characters, chemical constituents, yield, and yield components. Moreover, 150 % NK combined with GA3 + CPPU foliar spraying resulted in the highest average bulb weight, average glove weight and bulb. The obtained results confirm that garlic seed yield could be improve by N, K nutrition and foliar application of GA3 and CPPU.

Finding a rich and natural source of potassium nutrient is a major challenge facing banana cultivation. In this study, four different sources of Potassium: potassium sulphate, slow release (feldspar), bio-fertilizer (yeast & potassin) and potassium thiosulphate were used to evaluate their effects on growth & fruit production of Grand Nain banana cultivar grown at Luxor Governorate condition, Egypt. The results indicated that using yeast or feldspar alone or in combination as a source of potassium and potassin significantly increased all growth aspects, yield and fruit quality compared to fertilize by potassium sulphate (check treatment); Moreover, there were insignificant differences in these studied traits due to fertilize with yeast, feldspar alone or in combination as well as spraying potassium thiosulphate or potassin. Using yeast or feldspar plus yeast were very effective in enhancing all growth aspects, yield, bunch traits and fruit characteristics compared to untreated ones; So, it is evident from the foregoing result that using feldspar or yeast alone or in combination improved the growth, nutritional status and fruiting of Grand Nain banana plants;. In addition, they are beneficial in organic farming production since they improve the soil structure and fertility; also, reduce the cost of production and environmental pollution.

A field experiment was conducted at College Agronomy Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during summer, 2019 and 2020 comprising four intercropping treatments i.e. pearlmillet sole, pearlmillet+greengram, pearlmillet+cowpea, pearlmillet+clusterbean and three fertility levels viz., 75 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF. Among the different intercropping system examined, sole pearl millet (I1) accumulated significantly less content of N and P in pearl millet grain and straw as compared to intercropping with pulses treatments. Pearl millet + green gram (I2) recorded significantly higher N and P uptake by pearl millet straw than other intercropping systems. The sole pearl millet (I1) was at par with pearl millet intercropped with green gram (I2) had significantly higher K content and uptake in pearl millet grain and straw. In case of fertility levels, nitrogen and phosphorus content and uptake in pearl millet grain and straw were recorded significantly higher by application of 100 % RDF. Significantly higher N, P and K uptake by pearl millet grain and straw in pooled results were produced by treatment combination of pearl millet + green gram (I2) intercropping along with 75 % RDF (F1).

This study evaluated the effects of mineral fertilizer rates on biochemical properties, cooking quality traits and root yield of sweetpotatoes. The experimental design was 4 x 4 factorial in randomized complete block with three replications. The treatment factors were four varieties of sweetpotato (Ligri, Bohye, Dadanyuie and Apomuden) and four fertilizer amendments (T1: 30-30-30 kg /ha NPK, T2: 30-30-60 kg NPK+50 kg Muriate of Potash, T3: 30-30-90 kg/ha NPK+ 100 kg Muriate of Potash and T4: Control (No fertilizer). Results showed that the fertilizer rates did not influence root yield but variety had significant difference (P

Generally, coastal sandy soil has low water content and potassium nutrients. One way to fix this is by adding organic matter and potassium fertilizers. Sugarcane press mud compost as organic material acts as a slow-release fertilizer, it has an effect long enough to support plant growth. A pot experiment was carried out to test the probability of combining sugarcane press mud compost and potassium fertilizer to improve the vegetative growth of corn plants in coastal sandy soils. This research was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor is the dosages of sugarcane press mud compost (0, 20, 25, 30, 35 tons per hectare). The second factor is the dosages of potassium fertilizer (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg K2O per hectare). After applying basal fertilizer (120 kg N per hectare and 90 kg P2O5 per hectare) and the treatment factor has been applied, the corn seed is planted and grown until vegetative growth or at flowering. The results showed that sugarcane press mud compost and potassium fertilizer interacted with the effect of shoots fresh and dry weight, fresh weight, and root dry weight. The combination treatment of 25 tons of sugarcane press mud compost per hectare and 90 kg K2O per hectare (B2P2) resulted in the highest fresh weight and dry weight of shoots. Meanwhile, the combination of 0 tons of sugarcane press mud compost per hectare and 120 kg K2O per hectare (B0P3) produced the highest fresh weight and plant roots' dry weight. The two treatments did not interact in influencing plant height and potassium content in the corn leaf tissue. Both the sugarcane press mud treatment (20, 25, 30 and 35 tons per hectare), and the application of potassium fertilizer (60 and 90 kg K2O per hectare) significantly increased plant height growth. The highest dosage of sugarcane press mud compost (35 tons per hectare) and potassium fertilizer (120 kg K2O per hectare) produces potassium content in plant leaf tissue

Gracilaria salicornia, a common invasive algal species found in Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaiʻi and around the world, is a potential potassium fertilizer source, but requires high application rates. This stu...

To enhance growth and productivity of roselle plant, two field experiments were done during the two consecutive summer season of 2019 and 2020 at Experimental Farm (Ghazala Farm), Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt. This study included different pinching time treatments (after 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks from sowing date) as the main factor and potassium fertilization rate (0.0, 25, 50 and 75 kg K2O/ feddan) as sub-factor as well as their combinations to improve growth, yield, anthocyanin content and some chemical contents of Hibiscus sabbdariffa plant. Results could be summarized as follow: The longest roselle plants were recorded with the control treatment (pinched after 4 weeks from sowing date), whereas pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date increased number of branches/plant. Also, apical bud pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date recorded the highest number of fruits per plant, dry sepals yield/plant and per feddan. Delaying pinching date from 4 to 8 weeks gradually increased anthocyanin content. In addition, total chlorophyll content as well as total carbohydrates, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and potassium percentages were increased with delaying pinching date especially after 12 weeks, in most cases. Potassium fertilization rate at 75 kg per feddan recorded the highest values of growth, yield components and the chemical constituents with significant differences between this rate and the other rates under study. Generally, the combination treatment between pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date and 75 kg potassium fertilization rate had significant effect in most parameters compared to the other combination treatments during both seasons.

A long-term soil fertility experiment in maize (Zea mays) – rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. toria) cropping system was initiated in Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Lumbini Province, Banke, Khajura (the then Regional Agricultural Research Station) since 1994. The field experiment was designed in the randomized complete block including nutrient as treatment at nine rates (0–0–0 nitrogen – phosphorus – potash (N–P2O5–K2O) kg/ha, 60–0–0 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha, 60–40–0 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha, 60–40–20 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha, 30–20–10 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha, 30–20–10 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha + 30 cm stover from previous maize, 60–40–20 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha + 30 cm stover from previous maize, farmyard manure 10 t/ha and 30–20–10 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha + farmyard manure 6 t/ha) and was replicated three times. Rapeseed crop yield attributes including days to flowering, plant height, siliqua per plant, 1000 grains weight, seed yield and straw yield and soil fertility parameters including soil pH, soil organic matter content, soil total nitrogen content, soil available phosphorus content and soil available potash content were monitored from 1994 to 2018 growing seasons. There was a significant effect (p < 0.01) of nutrient treatments in the days to flowering, plant height, siliqua per plant, 1000 grains weight, seed yield and straw yield. The highest mean seed yield (445 kg/ha) was obtained from the nutrient application at the rate of 30–20–10 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha + farmyard manure 6 t/ha during 1994 – 2018. Yield trend analysis revealed nutrient treatment with farmyard manure both FYM 10 t/ha and 30–20–10 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha + FYM 6 t/ha had significant positive (p < 0.001, R2 > 0.30) trend of rapeseed seed yield with the maximum 1000 kg/ha rapeseed yield in 2018. Soil analysis results after rapeseed harvest in 2018 showed two nutrient treatments including farmyard manure had significant high soil organic matter (SOM > 1%), soil available phosphorus content (P2O5 > 55 kg/ha) and soil available potash content (K2O > 550 kg/ha). In the long-term, integrated nutrient management applying 30–20–10 N–P2O5–K2O kg/ha + FYM 6 t/ha was the optimal nutrient management option for rapeseed production in maize – rapeseed cropping system at Khajura and similar agro-ecological conditions.

The present study was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Agricultural Research Station, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt over 2018 and 2019 rice growing seasons. This investigation aimed to study the effect of potassium sulphate foliar application on the productivity and grain quality characteristics of rice (Sakha 109 variety). The potassium sulphate was applied at the concentration of 1% K2SO4 at various growth stages. The examined treatments were; K1: Control (distilled water‎ spray), K2: spray at 20 day after transplanting (DAT), K3: spray at 35 DAT, K4: spray at 50 DAT, K5: spray at 20 and 35 DAT, K6: spray at 20 and 50 DAT, K7: spray at 35 and 50 DAT, K8: spray at 20, 35 and 50 DAT. The experiment was planned in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. At harvest, the studied characteristics were plant height, number of panicles per hill, panicle length, panicle weight, number of filled grains per panicle, unfilled grains percentage,1000-grain weight and total yield of both grain and straw per hectare. The grain quality characteristics (Hulling, milling, head rice, nitrogen content and potassium content) were measured at different storage periods (0, 3, 6 and 9 months after harvest). The results showed that all studied traits were significantly affected by potassium treatments. Potassium application improved the grain quality characteristics at different storage periods. Foliar application of potassium three times at different growth stages (K8) surpassed other treatments in terms of yield quantity and quality.

Application of mineral fertilizers is an effective way to increase crop yield. It is unclear whether their long-term application can effectively improve soil fungal community composition. In this study, we investigated soil nutrient properties, yield, and soil fungi community composition using ITS rRNA sequencing based on a 38-year wheat–maize rotation field experiment on the Gleyic Cambisols without calcium carbonates. The results showed that long-term application of mineral fertilizer improves soil total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium, yield, and fungal community abundance. The predominant fungi divisions changed from Zygomycota in the control check treatment to Basidiomycota and Ascomycota in the mineral fertilizer treatments. Bray-Curtis distances revealed that the fungi varieties were distinctly different among treatments. The fungal community composition was different between nitrogen fertilizer application alone and in combination with potassium fertilizer. The results suggested that the different levels of potassium fertilizer input between nitrogen fertilizer application alone and in combination with potassium might result in different fungal community patterns in the wheat–maize rotation system on the Gleyic Cambisols without calcium carbonates in the North China Plain.

Experiments were conducted in laboratory and pot conditions to determine the effects of urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP), muriate of potash (MOP) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) on hatching of Heterodera avenae. Two concentrations of each fertilizer were tested in lab for which 10 cysts and 5 ml of each concentration were taken in 5 cm diameter Petri plates. Observations were recorded at weekly intervals up to six weeks. Urea, DAP, SSP and MOP inhibited hatching and ZnSO4 increased it. After six weeks, hatching was least (5.45%) in higher dose of urea and greatest (46.9%) in higher dose of ZnSO4. In pot experiment, two doses of urea and single dose of SSP, MOP, and ZnSO4 were applied in H. avenae-infested soil and WH-1105 wheat was sown. Observations on nematodes in roots, soil and remaining cyst contents were recorded 40 days after sowing. Among all the fertilizers, least nematodes in soil and roots were found at higher dose of urea and greatest number in ZnSO4.

A field experiment was conducted on clay soil at Agriculture Research Center Station, Giza, Egypt, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., var. 448) plants were grown during the winter season of 2020-2021. Nanofertilizers were prepared by ball-milling and investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) measuring the potassium fertilizer particle sizes. Four treatments were apply as 100% of recommended dose (traditional K fertilizer-control treatment) 60, 30, 10% K NFs and two sources of KNFs as K-humate(bio-source) and K-gluconate(organo-source), and two methods of K fertilizer apply as soil and foliar. The K-compound were sprayed with 1000g/400 liter fed-1. The aim of this study improving the use of potassium fertilizers by applying nanotechnology, raising tomato yields and reducing K loss. The data appeared that tomato yield and their quality showed more response to foliar application, K-humate at rate 10% of K NFs, and showed that the KNFs foliar spray application at rate of 10% reduced losses of K through soil depths.

A pot experiment was designed for two consecutive years of (2018 and 2019) to investigate the effect of optimal use of potassium fertilizer by applying at different rates 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg K kg-1 10 kg pot-1 soil. Rice cv. HUR-36 (Malaviya Dhan-36)] crop was transplanted by maintaining four seedlings in each pot and potassium fertilization effect on plant growth and yield attributes of rice was recorded. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design (CRD) with seven treatments viz., T1: absolute control (0:0:0), T2: 60:30:0 mg kg-1, T3: 60:30:10 mg kg-1, T4: 60:30:20 mg kg-1, T5: 60:30:30 mg kg-1, T6: 60:30:40 mg kg-1 and T6: 60:30:50 mg kg-1 corresponding to 120, 60, 60 (N:P2O5: K2O) kg ha-1. The experiment was conducted in triplicate. The data pertaining to experiment revealed that plant height, effective no. of tillers, chlorophyll content and grain and straw yield were significantly increased as the scheduled rates of potassium fertilizer application increases. In treatment T5 receiving 60:30:30 mg kg-1, potassium was general recommendation but due to intensive cropping of rice, mining of K was noticed. Therefore, increased dose of potassium should be recommended to maintain the replenishment of K in soil system and other side benefit cost ratio should not affect negatively. The treatment received extra doses of T6 to T7 (60:30:50 mg kg-1) showed highest growth in plant and yield of rice but in steady state which is not beneficial economically. Hence, in T7 benefit cost ratio will be poor. In the present experiment, T6 maintains all fulfillment of K whether in plant or soil system.

In the southeastern of Côte d'Ivoire, ferralsols are characterized by poverty in exchangeable bases, especially potassium, which appears to be the predominant mineral element for oil palm cultivation. In this study, we used improved palm cultivars treated with different rates of potassium fertilizer to determin the effect on oil palms. The experiments were conducted on the CNRA station in La Mé and PALMCI in Ehania (Côte d’Ivoire), following a system block system design comprising of five treatments and four repetitions. Treatments included 5 rates of potassium fertilizer (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) corresponding to 1; 1.5; 2; 2.5; 3 kg of KCl/tree/year. This study indicates that the different rates of KCl applied, had influence on all of the experimental parameters, namely: yields (TR) and its components (NR; PR and PMR). Yields on the Ehania plantation were significantly higher than those on La Mé. Yield ranged from 18.8 Tons/ha/year (T1) to 22.1 Tons/ha/year (T3) in La Mé, and from 21.2 to 25.6 tons/ha/year in Ehania. The theoretical maximum rates were 2.4 kg of KCl/tree/year in La Mé, compared to 1.9 kg/tree/year on the Ehania plantation. Therefore, these rates will be used in the future extension of potassium fertilizer, in the cultivation of oil palm, in the southeastern of Côte d'Ivoire.

India is a major producer and consumer of seed spices. There are numbers of studies have been done on soil and crop parameters of these but there is lacuna on the study of soil bacterial community analysis in the seed spices. Soil microorganisms are known to play critical role in soil biochemical processes, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and also influences plant performances. With the objectives to know microbial community composition and soil chemical and biological properties in rhizosphere of two seed spices plants- cumin and coriander we collected five soil samples from rhizosphere of cumin (NRCSS-SL-1 and NRCSS-SL-3) and coriander (NRCSS-SL-2, NRCSS-SL-4 and NRCSS-SL-5) grown in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Electrical conductivity (0.32–0.53 ds/m), organic carbon (0.03–0.64%), total nitrogen (223–258 kg/ha), total phosphorous (30–47.3 kg/ha) and total potash (206–388 kg/ha) were varied in samples. In biological properties bacterial and fungal populations were varied between 98.33 and 210 c.f.u. × 104 g−1 soil and 32–69.33 c.f.u. × 103 g−1 soil, respectively. Different soil enzyme activities dehydrogenase (37.96–57.68 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1), acid phosphatase (14.66–24.72 µg p-NP g−1 soil h−1), and alkaline phosphatase (27.08–37.58 µg p-NP g−1 soil h−1) were varied in samples. Soil chemical and biological activities were found highest in NRCSS-SL-2 followed by NRCSS-SL-5 and lowest in NRCSS-SL-1. Amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was done in the collected samples to identify and quantify the bacterial community structure. A total 37 phyla were observed with varying abundances in different samples. Next generation sequencing shows that three phyla were present in order of Firmicutes (26–43%) > Proteobacteria (23–29%) > Actinobacteria (11–22%) and they were dominating in all the soil samples. Relative abundance of order Bacillales was highest (26–35%), followed by Rhizobiales (8–10%) and Actinomycetales (7–11%) in samples. There were many orders which found in very low abundance and moreover some were not present in all soil samples but these may play significant role in the soil ecosystem. The study concludes that rhizosphere soil of seed spices harbors wide range of unculturable microbes and climatic conditions have impact on their community structure. Microbial activities in terms of microbial colony count and enzyme activity are also influenced by soil chemical properties.

Corn is one of the most consumed cereals in Cote d'Ivoire. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of the soaking time of corn kernels with or without potash on the fungal and physicochemical quality of their flour. The method used consisted of determining the pH of the different samples using a pH meter. For the water content, the method used was oven drying. Concerning the fungal load, the mould count was done on the DRBC medium and the subculture on the MEA medium. All these analyses were carried out with flour samples of two corn varieties (yellow and white corn with or without potash) according to three durations (6, 9 and 12 h) of grains soaking. The results obtained show that yellow or white corn flours without potash are acidic with pH values between 4.2 and 6.1 while those with potash are basic, with pH ranging from 7.7 to 9.9. The moisture content of all the flours obtained just after grinding the grains varies between 31.7 and 37.6%. Significant differences were observed between the water contents of the flours obtained at the three different soaking times. Thus, the water contents of the flour obtained after 6 h of soaking the grains are lower than those obtained after 9 and 12 h of soaking. All cornmeal samples analyzed showed high fungal loads (105 to 109 CFU/g). However, a slowdown in fungal growth was observed with the flour samples with potash. The different moulds isolated from corn flour and identified belong to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor and Rhizopus. The genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are potential producers of mycotoxins and therefore capable of causing poisoning in consumers of these flours.

Perennial forage grass production has the potential to improve smallholder livelihoods in the tropics. However, nutrient management is often challenging, especially on infertile sandy soils. This study tested whether typical nutrient management limits the productivity and sustainability of perennial forage grass systems on sandy soils. Nutrient balances were estimated for four fields of either Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania or Urochloa hybrid Mulato II. Nutrient limitations were then evaluated in a nutrient omission experiment. All soils were sandy (< 10% clay), neutral to acidic (pH (CaCl2) 4.6 to 6.7) and had plant-limiting concentrations of total nitrogen, extractable potassium and extractable sulfur. Nitrogen inputs were typically higher than outputs, with balances ranging from −16 kg ha−1 yr−1 to 293 kg ha−1 yr−1, yet concentrations in forage shoots were low at all sites. Phosphorus balances ranged from −5 kg ha−1 yr−1 to 77 kg ha−1 yr−1 and concentrations in forage shoots were adequate. Potassium inputs were low, resulting in balances from −79 kg ha−1 yr−1 to −138 kg ha−1 yr−1 at locations that did not apply inorganic potassium fertilizer. Potassium concentrations in forage shoots were low and omission of potassium resulted in severely depressed biomass production. Inorganic sulfur fertilizers were not applied to forages and the sulfur balance varied from −1 kg ha−1 yr−1 to −24 kg ha−1 yr−1. Sulfur concentrations in shoots were correspondingly low and production was depressed when sulfur was omitted in the experiment. Balanced nutrition was not achieved, despite substantial fertilizer inputs, resulting in deficiencies of potassium and sulfur, inefficient use of nitrogen and excesses of phosphorus. If current practices continue, potassium and sulfur depletion, phosphorus accumulation and soil acidification can be expected. Recommendations for balanced nutrient management that accounts for high rates of removal in biomass, variable concentrations in organic fertilizers, and leaching potential, are needed to sustain the productivity of perennial forages on tropical sandy soils.

A study was conducted to observe the demographic characteristics of farmers, to assess the use of fertilizers application by farmer and to identify the current status of cropping pattern in the study area. The demographic profiles of 60 respondents stated that the age ranged from 30 to 78 years and land holding ranged from 0.10 to 2.80 ha. The majority of farmers (40%) had a primary educational level. Farmers utilized the different kinds of fertilizers (urea, NPK compound, phosphorous, special potash and foliar) depending on crops and time of applications, and 68% of respondents used cattle manure as basal. Response on farming experience indicated that six different levels of 3 to 60 years. The most cropping patterns observed in the study area were rice-black gram, rice-fallow, maize-tomato, maize- tomato and lablab bean intercropping, maize-lablab bean, okra-tomato. In addition, some of the farmers cultivated horticultural crops such as banana, guava and ambarella. There is a highly significant positive relationship on farm size with cropping pattern. This study suggested that farm size, inputs, market price, labors and farmer’s willingness would influence the fertilizer usage and cropping patterns. Key words: Demographic characteristics, fertilizer use, cropping patterns.

Relevance. In the situation of radioactive contamination, the main factor in reducing the transition of radionuclides from soil to green feed is the use of potash fertilizer, the effect of which on the yield of fodder crops in light soils with low local fertility is not sufficiently studied, therefore, the goal of the studies is to establish the role of potash fertilizer in increasing the yield of fodder crops.Methods. Studies were carried out on lupine yellow, alfalfa variable, sudanese grass, millet, stockade beast, meadow timothy, annual raigras, oats, reed double-tine, meadow oatmeal, national team hedge in the south-west of the Bryansk region on floodplain sod cucumber, sod-podzolista.Results. The highest productivity of 23.1–26.2 t/ha of green mass was found when cultivating yellow lupin. It was found that the best efficiency of fertilizer systems in the cultivation of fodder lands was revealed on floodplain sod stubble sandy soil, for each added kg received from 59.0 to 72.5 kg of crop increase.

The study was conducted for 48 days to assess the use of kaun as a source of mineral for Hest African Dwarf sheep. The study was in two parts. Experiment l involved the use of milled kaun mixed with formulated concentrate consisting of wheat offal (50%), palm kernel cake (25%) and dried brewer's grains (25%). Experiment II was the use of dissolved kaun administered to the animals in form / drenching. Each group of animals in experiment 1 was allocated to experimental diet containing milled kaun (0.00, 0.14, 0.28, 0.45 and 0.56g/kg body weight/ram. day) and to kaun solution (0,2,4,6 and 8g: 10ml of water/ram/day) in experiment II. In Experiment I, significant (P0.05) effects of the diets were observed on faecal and urinary mineral outputs of the rams fed kaun supplemented diet. The concentration of these minerals was higher at the end of the experiment than at the beginning thereby giving positive balance. Significant (P

The haematological and serum profile of Kano brown bucks fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal was investigated for 63 days. Twelve growing Kano Brown bucks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with three animals per treatments in a completely randomized block design. Treatment A was the control diet without neem leaf meal while treatments B, C and D had 10%, 20% and 30% potash-treated neem leaf inclusion levels respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for analysis of haematology and biochemical parameters. The mean value of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell counts and white blood cell counts were significantly (p>0.05) different across all treatments. The mean and standard deviation were 29.00, 90.10; 10.06, 0.39; 9.50, 0.55; 10.5, 1.11; 30.20, 0.08; 10.41, 0.85 and 33.02, 0.45 for PCV, Hg, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC respectively. Mean corpuscular volume was significantly (p

The nutrient and anti-nutrient content of raw, boiled, and boiled with potassium sesquioxide(akanwu) Mucuna sloanei seed meal(MSSM) were investigated. A total of 120 day old broiler chickens were used. There were 4 treatments each replicated into 3 with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four treatment diets were formulated. Diet 1 served as control containing raw Mucunal, while diets 2, 3, and 4 had boiled Mucuna, Mucuna boiled with ankanwu and boiled Mucuna mix with enzyme, respectively added to them at 5% level of inclusion. The birds were allowed 7 days to get stabilized before being randomly assigned to the experimental diets that lasted for 49 days. The crude protein content of the raw was significantly higher (P

Potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) are often used in the field of vegetable and horticultural crops. In this study, a strain of Bacillus pseudomycoides was used as the KSB strain and different c...

L’objectif de ce travail était de définir un itinéraire de culture favorable à la croissance des plants d’ananas MD2 en fonction des saisons de mise en culture dans la localité de Bonoua, au Sud - Est de la Côte d’Ivoire. Les effets de trois lits de plantation (terrain plat, billon sans un film polyéthylénique et billon recouvert avec un film polyéthylénique) ; de deux densités de plantation (50000 et 70000 plants/ha) ; de quatre types de fumure [F1 (Urée + Potasse) ; F2 (Urée + Potasse + Oligoéléments) ; F3 (Urée + Potasse + Engrais complet) et F4 (Urée + Potasse + Engrais complet + Oligoéléments)] et de deux fréquences d’application de fertilisants (3AP et 7AP) ont été testés. Au terme de la phase végétative du cycle, les comparaisons intersaisons des paramètres mesurés ont montré que quels que soient les traitements appliqués, le nombre de feuilles vivantes et la longueur de la feuille D les plus importants, ont été obtenus lorsque les plantings ont été réalisés à la grande saison pluvieuse. Les masses des feuilles D ont été supérieures au seuil de 70 g pour les plantings effectués pendant la petite et la grande saison pluvieuse, ainsi qu’à la grande saison sèche. La confection de billons a permis aux plants d’ananas MD2 d’avoir une bonne croissance végétative en saison sèche dans la localité de Bonoua.Mots clés : Ananas MD2, croissance, feuille D, saison, Fertilisant, Côte d’Ivoire. English Title: Effects of bedding, planting density and fertilization on the vegetative growth of pineapple (Ananas comosus L., var. MD2) at different planting seasons in the Bonoua zone in Côte d'Ivoire The objective of this work was to define a cultivation itinerary favorable to the growth of MD2 pineapple plants according to the growing seasons in the locality of Bonoua, in the South - East of Côte d'Ivoire. The effects of three planting beds (flat ground, ridge without a polyethylene film and ridge covered with a polyethylene film); two planting densities (50,000 and 70,000 seedlings/ha); four types of manuring [F1 (Urea + Potash)]; F2 (Urea + Potash + Trace elements); F3 (Urea + Potash + Complete fertilizer) and F4 (Urea + Potash + Complete fertilizer + Trace elements)] and two fertilizer application frequencies (3AP and 7AP) were tested. At the end ofthe vegetative phase of the cycle, inter-season comparisons of the measured parameters showed that, regardless of the treatments applied, the most important number of live leaves and leaf length D were obtained when the plantings were carried out during the long rainy season. The D-leaf masses were above the threshold of 70 g for plantings carried out during the short and long rainy seasons, as well as during the long dry season. The making of ridges allowed the MD2 pineapple plants to have a good vegetative growth during the dry season in the locality of Bonoua.Keywords: Pineapple MD2, growth, leaf D, season, Fertiliser, Côte d’Ivoire.

Two field experiments were carried out at Al-Hussein Agricultural Society Farm, Giza Governorate, Egypt, during 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 growing seasons to study the effect of three irrigation intervals [every 3 days (the conventional practice), 5 and 7 days], two levels of zeolite (zero and 500 kg/fed) and four levels of potassium fertilizer the first one in the form of potassium sulphate as a control [100% of the recommended K-dose], which was applied to the soil and three foliar doses of nano- potassium (500, 1000 and 1500 mg /l) on yield and quality of sugar beet grown under drip irrigation system in a sandy soil. The treatments were arranged in a complete block design in a split-split plot with three replications. Results revealed that increasing irrigation interval from 3 up to 7 days significantly reduced biochemical and physiological traits and root and sugar yields/fed. Soil application of zeolite achieved the highest values of all the parameters studied as compared to the untreated soil. Spraying beets with 1500 mg /l of nano-K gave the same trend of the recommended K-dose. Water use efficiency (WUE) for sugar yield increased with decreasing the amounts of applied irrigation water. Under conditions of the present work, adding 500 kg of zeolite/fed to the sandy soil, spraying beets with 1500 mg l-1 as nano-K fertilizer and irrigating the crop every 5 days using drip irrigation can be recommended to get the highest root and sugar yields as well as to save water and increasing water use efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen causing oral candidiasis. Commercially available antifungal agents are effective in eliminating C. albicans, however, their toxicity and high cost are undesirable. Potash Alum is a naturally occurring salt with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Therefore, Potash Alum may be effective against C. albicans. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans to Potash Alum. METHODOLOGY: Swab samples from 19 patients attending the Oral medicine department of Rehman College of Dentistry were transferred to tubes containing Sabouraud Dextrose Broth. After identification of C. albicans by Gram-staining, a solution of 2-5 x 105 CFUs/mL C. albicans was prepared and subjected to MIC and MFC determination by the standard broth microdilution method. Potash alum concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL were used. Commercially available Nystatin was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Our results showed that 10 mg/mL of Potash Alum (PA) solution was able to inhibit growth of most of the clinical isolates of C. albicans. In 5 samples, even 5mg/mL was effective in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans. Potash alum demonstrated fungistatic rather than a fungicidal action against C. albicans. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that potash alum has a fungistatic action against C. albicans in vitro. In addition, the optimum in vitro concentration of potash alum solution effective in inhibiting growth of C. albicans was found to be 10mg/mL. KEYWORDS: Candida albicans, potash alum, nystatin, antifungal HOW TO CITE: Irshad M, Younas M, Qureshi AU, Hameed A. Determination of minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of potash alum against clinical isolates of candida albicans. J Pak Dent Assoc 2020;29(4):235-238.

Plant growth-promoting (Indole acetic acid producing, phosphate solubilizing and siderophore producing) and chemical fertilizer adaptive variants of endophyte Acidovorax valerianellae CCR1 (JQ424873) with cross nodulating Sinorhizobium fredii SSR1 (JQ424873) were blended with a half dose of fertilizers for integrated nutrient management (INM) to enhance the productivity of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Plant attributes showed enhancement in the growth of pigeon pea when used with lower concentration of urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP) and gypsum, termed as inducer doses determined by sub-lethal concentration (LC50). Plant parameters described as early and late phase of growth (days after sowing; DAS) were enhanced significantly as compared to control and found to be statistically significant. The enhanced plant growth and yield parameters revealed integrated effect of SSR1 and CCR1 when blended with a half dose of chemical fertilizers. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizers attained about 20% increase in yield over control whereas, blend of SSR1 and CCR1 reduced (half) dose of chemical fertilizers enhanced the average yield of the plant by 49–40% over the control. Thus, it is propounded that the increase in the pigeon pea production with the use of fertilizer adaptive endophyte and rhizobia was highly positive. The chemotaxis phenomenon proved both the bacteria as a voracious root colonizer, thereby improving the plant growth directly, hence, these were redefined as fertilizer adaptive bacteria (FAB).

The experiment was conducted at Rice Research Station, Chinsurah, West Bengal, India during June-November 2010, 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the different doses of nitrogen and potash fertilizers on the incidence of Scirpophaga incertulas and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis in Swarna (MTU 7029) variety. Among the three straight fertilizers, N was applied at three split doses while P2O5 and K2O were applied basally. Eight treatments with different doses of N:P2O5:K2O viz. 40:40:20, 40:40:40, 80:40:20, 80:40:40, 80:40:60, 120:40:40, 120:40:60 and 0:40:0 were laid out in RCBD with three replications. The observations on dead heart (DH), white ear head (WE) and leaf folded (LF) were noted down. The pooled data of three consecutive years revealed the lowest DH% and WE% in 80:40:40 (3.96% DH and 4.70% WE) while lower LF% was recorded in 80:40:60 (1.75%) and 80:40:40 (2.02%). Percent DH, WE and LF were comparatively higher in both 120:40:60and 120:40:40. However, the treatments supported higher plant height and tillers hill-1, panicles hill-1 and 1000 grain weight which resulted in the highest grain (4926 kg ha-1) and straw (6028 kg ha-1) yield in 120:40:60 followed by the treatment 80:40:60 with 4907 kg ha-1 and 5972 kg ha-1, respectively. The results reflected that higher pest damage due to N at the dose of 120 kg ha-1 could be compensated by K2O @ 60 kg ha-1 which boosted the yield. Based on benefit-cost ratios, the treatments 80:40:40 and 80:40:60 proved cost effective.

Potassium plays an important role in the metabolism of plants, growth, development and yields. Worldwide, KCl is commonly used as source of K fertilizer in agricultural crops. The present experiment was taken up to assess the response of various sources of K on physiological attributes, yield and quality parameters of sugarcane. Treatments were no K application, potassium ammonium sulphate (H4KNO4S-9:0:30:20, NPKS ratio), slow release K fertilizer (0:0:45:0), sulphate of potash/potassium sulphate (K2SO4-0:0:50:17.5), muriate of potash (KCl-0:0:50:0) and muriate of potash (KCl) + elemental S @ 40 kg ha−1. Application of K2SO4 recorded 15.8% improvement in tiller population (during peak tillering stage) and 22.2% improvement in dry matter accumulation (at the harvest stage) over the KCl. About 12.33–24.16% increments in crop growth rate and the highest net photosynthetic rate (19.91 µmol m−2 s−1) were also recorded with application of K2SO4. Application of K fertilizers improved the availability of potassium in soil by 8.17% (254.2 kg ha−1). Potassium uptake in sugarcane crop ranged from 245 to 347 kg ha−1. The highest individual cane length (311 cm) was measured with application of K2SO4. Application of K2SO4 brings forth about 23.8% increments in millable canes, 14% in cane weight and 33.8% in cane yield over no K. Application of K also increased mean sucrose content in juice by 0.58 unit (17.0 pol per cent juice) over no use of K. Overall effect of K application on increasing sugarcane yield and sucrose content simultaneously brought forth improvement in commercial cane sugar (CCS) by 29.43% (10.50 t/ha) over no use of K. However, application of K2SO4 also improved CCS by 25.89% (11.67 t/ha) over the application of KCl.

This study was conducted to examine the potential of inducing salinity stress on cylindrical paper pot tomato seedlings to inhibit overgrowth. Potassium fertilizers, sulfate of potash (K2SO4), muriate of potash (KCl), and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4), were prepared as two solutions of (5 and 10) dS·m-1 salinity level, respectively, to investigate the influence on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedling growth. We also investigated the adaptability and survivability of treated tomato seedlings with high-salinity potassium (10 dS·m-1 KCl) to harsh environmental conditions (water deficit, low temperature, and storage conditions). Repeated addition of high-salinity level KCl, K2SO4, or KH2PO4 markedly decreased the dry matter of shoot and root, leaf area, and net assimilate rates (NAR) but increased the stem diameter of seedlings. Among the three sources, the relative growth rate of plant height (RGRH) was most sensitive to KCl addition; increasing salinity levels of KCl solution decreased the RGRH of seedlings. The compactness, which directly reflects the stocky growth index, increased in KCl or KH2PO4 treatments. After a week’s water deficit, severely wilted seedlings were observed in control seedlings (untreated with KCl), but no wilted seedlings were observed in the KCl treated seedlings, and the relative water content (RWC) of the untreated seedlings significantly decreased by 23 %, while that of the pretreated seedlings only decreased by 8 %. The increase in ion leakage of KCl treated seedlings at low temperatures was less than that of untreated seedlings. Furthermore, there was far lower damage proportion on pretreated seedlings at (9, 12, and 15)°C storage temperatures after 20 days, compared with on unpretreated seedlings. Our results suggest that high-salinity potassium fertilizer, especially KCl, is effective in preventing tomato seedling overgrowth, while it also improves tolerance.

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to find out influence of intercropping system and integrated nitrogen management in maize (popcorn) (Zea mays everta L.) - chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) intercropping during rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19. There were sixteen treatment combinations comprised of four intercropping systems viz., S1: maize sole, S2: chickpea sole S3: maize - chickpea 1:1 and S4: maize - chickpea 2:2 placed as main plot treatments and four integrated nitrogen management viz., N1: 100 % RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen), N2: 75 % RDN + 25 % vermicompost N3: 75 % RDN + 25 % FYM and N4 : 50 % RDN + 25 % vermicompost + 25 % FYM set as sub plot treatments in split plot design with four replications. The soil of experimental plot was loamy sand in texture. The soil was low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorous and in potash. Results revealed that maize crop intercropped with chickpea with 1:1 ratio recorded significantly higher cob length, cob girth, weight of cob, number of grains/cob, grain yield and stover yield of maize, and significantly higher plant height, number of nodules/plant, number of pods /plant, seed yield, dry fodder yield and harvest index of chickpea and higher maize equivalent yield. Integrated nitrogen management had remarkable impact on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of maize - chickpea intercropping and significantly higher plant height, cob length, cob girth, weight of cob, number of grains /cob, grain yield, stover yield, protein content of maize, and number of nodules/plant, number of pods/plant, seed yield and haulm yield, harvest index, protein content of chickpea as well as maize equivalent yield were obtained with the crops fertilized with 50 % RDN + 25 % vermicompost + 25 % FYM.

Fried groundnut cake, popularly called kulikuli, is obtained by frying the cake obtained from groundnut oil extraction. Addition of potash during defatting of groundnut is believed to increase oil yield and improve kulikuli quality, but there is little or no scientific information explaining this. This study investigated the yield, physical and chemical properties of oil extracted from groundnut with the addition of potash at 0.16, 0.32, 0.48 and 0.64%. The proximate and sensory attributes of the kulikuli produced were also determined. Groundnut yield increased from 14% to 27% with increasing addition of potash, presumably due to the emulsifying properties of potash. Potash addition significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the refractive indices, percentage impurity and colour of the oil samples. Oil extracted without potash had the lowest iodine value (85.12 mg/100 g), saponification value (202.2 mg KOH/g), acid value (6.46 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (5.66 meq/Kg). The kulikuli had moisture in the range of 1.45 - 3.00%; carbohydrate, 20.6 - 40.4%; protein, 30.5 - 40.8%; ash, 4.45 - 5.05%; and fat, 23.5 - 30.6%. Kulikuli sample without potash was the most preferred based on taste and aroma while sample with 0.64% potash was the most preferred based on crunchiness, colour, breakability and overall acceptability. The study confirmed the hypothesis that potash addition during extraction of oil and production of kulikuli increases oil yield and some of the quality attributes of the kulikuli. Keywords: Groundnut, potash, oil yield, kulikuli, quality attributes

Calonectria leaf spot, caused by Calonectria pteridis, is a serious problem in Eucalyptus crops in both nursery and the field. Under ideal conditions, the disease can cause severe defoliation. It is known that calcium and potassium are directly related to the plant's resistance to pathogens. Thus, the knowledge of how a balanced fertilization of Ca and K interferes in the distribution of these nutrients at the infection site would contribute to elucidate the resistance of the plant related to its nutrition. This study investigated the effect of calcium and potassium fertilizer application on the content and distribution of these nutrients in the symptomatic leaf area, transition zone and asymptomatic leaf area over time. Eucalyptus seedlings were grown in nutrient solution under different Ca and K treatments (6 mmol/L K + 4 mmol/L Ca, 6 mmol/L K + 8 mmol/L Ca and 9 mmol/L K + 12 mmol/L Ca) and inoculated with C. pteridis. Leaves were removed at 24, 48 and 72 hr after inoculation (hai) and evaluated by X‐ray microanalysis. The highest calcium content among the different leaf areas was observed in the symptomatic area, and the levels in this area increased over time, with the highest mean value observed at 72 hai in the 6K + 8Ca treatment. In the other treatments, the mean calcium content peaked at 48 hai and then decreased. A similar pattern in asymptomatic tissue was observed for potassium in the 6K + 8Ca treatment. Fertilization with calcium and potassium directly affected the demand and availability of nutrients at different times during infection. These results demonstrate that plant defence responses and their continuity over time during infection rely on balanced calcium and potassium fertilization because these nutrients are directly involved in plant resistance to the pathogen.

Polyhalite is a multi-nutrient mineral ore containing potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). Historically, it has enjoyed minor use as a fertilizer, but the opening of a new mine in the UK will make larger quantities available. Therefore, an examination of the performance of crops fertilized with polyhalite, or selected commercial alternatives, was pertinent and is reported here.Four field trials were carried out between 2013 and 2016 to investigate the response of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and forage maize (Zea mays L.) to different application rates of polyhalite, potassium chloride (muriate of potash, MOP) and potassium sulphate (sulphate of potash, SOP) fertilizers. Potassium and S nutrition were the focus of these trials as they limit field production more often than Mg and Ca.Polyhalite was found to be an effective source of both K and S for crop production. In three out of four trials, application of polyhalite resulted in similar or greater K offtake compared with both MOP and SOP; MOP application resulted in greater K offtake in one trial. In three out of four trials, application of polyhalite resulted in similar or better S offtake compared with both MOP and SOP; SOP application resulted in greater S offtake in one trial. Polyhalite and MOP treatments produced similar total dry weight in all four trials, but were slightly inferior to SOP treatment.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of fermentation on the microbial loads of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Eviscerated samples of Atlantic cod were fermented in three media: sterile distilled water, 14% saline medium and 14% salt with potash for 24 hours. The fermented Atlantic cod samples were oven-dried at 600C for one hour and thereafter, 1000C for three hours, cooled and stored in plastic baskets at ambient temperature for four weeks. Analyses of the dried fermented Atlantic cod was carried out weekly for Salmonella shigella, total bacterial, Staphylococcal, total fungal and total coliform counts. Results from the mean values indicated variations in the effects of the additives and processing treatments over the 24 hours fermentation period which were significant (p < 0.05). The dressed fish sample fermented with both salt and potash (DRSFP), recorded the least mean microbial counts during the 4-week storage period, followed by the sample which was fermented with salt (DRSF) while the highest occurrence of microorganisms was recorded in the sample which was fermented with sterile distilled water (DRF). Hence, fermentation of fish with salt and potash is recommended. Meanwhile, in relation to the standard recommended microbial limits, the loads of microbes on the fermented Atlantic cod samples from the three treatments still fall within the safe and acceptable level. Keywords: Gadus morhua, Fermentation, Salt, Potash, Microbial load

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian dosis pupuk fosfor dan kalium serta interaksi keduanya terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman talas. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kebun Percobaan 2 dan Laboratorium Fisiologi Tumbuhan Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam Banda Aceh dari bulan Februari sampai Agustus 2018. Unit-unit penelitian disusun berdasarkan Rancangan Acak Kelompok pola faktorial 3x3 dengan 3 ulangan dan dilanjutkan dengan uji Beda Nyata terkecil taraf 5% pada hasil uji F yang signifikan. Adapun faktor yang diteliti adalah dosis pupuk fosfor 3 taraf yaitu 100, 200 dan 300 kg SP36 ha -1 dan dosis kalium 3 taraf yaitu 200, 300, dan 400 kg KCl ha -1 . Dosis fosfor berpengaruh sangat nyata terhadap jumlah daun tanaman talas umur 2 dan 10 MST serta bobot umbi basah dan berpengaruh nyata terhadap tinggi tanaman umur 2 MST, bobot berangkasan basah, dan jumlah umbi tanaman talas. Pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman talas terbaik dijumpai pada dosis pupuk fosfor 200 kg ha -1 . Dosis kalium berpengaruh sangat nyata terhadap jumlah daun tanaman umur 2 MST dan berpengaruh nyata terhadap bobot berangkasan basah tanaman talas. Pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman talas terbaik dijumpai pada dosis kalium 300 kg ha -1 . Terdapat interaksi yang tidak nyata antara perlakuan dosis fosfor dan dosis kalium terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman talas. The Effect of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Doses on the Growth and Yield of Taro Plants ( Colocasia esculenta L. Schott var. Antiquorum ) Abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dosing phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as well as their interactions with the growth and yield of taro plants. This research was carried out in Experimental Garden 2 and Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala Darussalam University, Banda Aceh from February to August 2018. The research units were compiled based on Randomized Block Design 3x3 factorial pattern with 3 replications and continued with Real Difference test Honest level of 5% on significant F test results. The factors studied were the dosage of phosphorus fertilizer with 3 levels, namely 100, 200 and 300 kg ha -1 and potassium doses with 3 levels namely 200, 300, and 400 kg ha -1 . The dosage of phosphorus had a very significant effect on the number of leaves of taro plants aged 2 and 10 MST and the weight of wet tubers and significantly affected plant age 2 MST, wet weighted weight, and the number of taro tubers. The growth and yield of taro plants are best found at a dose of 200 kg ha -1 phosphorus fertilizer. The dosage of potassium fertilizer had a very significant effect on the number of plant leaves aged 2 MST and had a significant effect on the wet weight of taro plants. Growth and yield of taro plants are best found at potassium doses of 300 kg ha -1 . There were no significant interactions between the treatment of phosphorus doses and potassium doses on the growth and yield of taro plants. Abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dosing phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as well as their interactions with the growth and yield of taro plants. This research was carried out in Experimental Garden 2 and Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala Darussalam University, Banda Aceh from February to August 2018. The research units were compiled based on Randomized Block Design 3x3 factorial pattern with 3 replications and continued with Real Difference test Honest level of 5% on significant F test results. The factors studied were the dosage of phosphorus fertilizer with 3 levels, namely 100, 200 and 300 kg ha -1 and potassium doses with 3 levels namely 200, 300, and 400 kg ha -1 . The dosage of phosphorus had a very significant effect on the number of leaves of taro plants aged 2 and 10 MST and the weight of wet tubers and significantly affected plant age 2 MST, wet weighted weight, and the number of taro tubers. The growth and yield of taro plants are best found at a dose of 200 kg ha -1 phosphorus fertilizer. The dosage of potassium fertilizer had a very significant effect on the number of plant leaves aged 2 MST and had a significant effect on the wet weight of taro plants. Growth and yield of taro plants are best found at potassium doses of 300 kg ha -1 . There were no significant interactions between the treatment of phosphorus doses and potassium doses on the growth and yield of taro plants.