International Journal of Manures and Fertilizers
International Journal of Manures and Fertilizers (IJMF), ISSN 2756-3863 is an Unpaid Open Access, Fully Refereed and Peer Reviewed International Journal. Notably, it is a Referred, Highly Indexed, Online International Journal . IJMF is published as a Monthly Journal with 12 issues per year. We also host International and National Conferences to publish their research work. IJMF covers all disciplines including Arts, Science, Commerce, Social-Sciences, Management and Engineering. IJMF always strives to be a platform for Academicians, new Researchers, Authors, Engineers, Technocrats and Engineering Scholars. Since inception, IJMF is continuously publishing original and best quality research articles. The Journal was under International Scholars Journal (ISJ PUBLISHING COMPANY) Till December 2024.
Evaluating Wetland Water Quality and Aquatic Plant Dynamics in the Dhemaji and Jorhat Regions of Assam
The wetlands of the Brahmaputra floodplain in Assam represent critical freshwater ecosystems that support diverse aquatic biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services to local communities. This study evaluates the water quality parameters and aquatic macrophyte diversity in selected wetlands of Dhemaji and Jorhat districts of Assam, India. Using standard analytical methods (APHA, 2012), physico-chemical parameters including pH (6.8-7.9), dissolved oxygen (4.5-9.4 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1.8-4.2 mg/L), transparency (35-210 cm), and nutrient concentrations were analyzed across three seasons during 2019-2021. Macrophyte surveys documented 68 aquatic plant species belonging to 28 families, with Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and Nymphaeaceae being the dominant families. The Water Quality Index (WQI) values ranged from 68.6 to 74.8, indicating poor water quality status across all studied wetlands. Significant correlations were observed between dissolved oxygen and species richness (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) and between transparency and macrophyte diversity (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). The invasive species Eichhornia crassipes showed alarming proliferation with relative frequency ranging from 28.4% to 38.2%. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation interventions and sustainable management strategies to preserve these ecologically significant wetland ecosystems.
Wetland ecosystem, Water quality index, Aquatic macrophytes, Brahmaputra floodplain, Biodiversity conservation
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Fungicidal Evaluation of Metal Complexes with Schiff Bases Derived from Sulfonamide Drugs and Salicylaldehyde
The escalating prevalence of fungal resistance to conventional fungicides poses a significant threat to global food security and public health, underscoring an urgent need for the development of novel antimicrobial agents with alternative mechanisms of action.
Schiff bases, Metal complexes, Sulfonamide, Antifungal activity, Transition metals, Fungicidal evaluation, Structural characterization, Salicylaldehyde
Synthesis and Biological Study of Some New α-amidoalkylated Azole and Azine Derivatives
Heterocyclic compounds, particularly azoles and azines, represent cornerstones of modern medicinal chemistry due to their profound biological activities. This study describes the efficient synthesis of a novel series of α-amidoalkylated derivatives, hybrid molecules incorporating these privileged heterocyclic systems. The targeted compounds were successfully prepared via a versatile and operationally simple one-pot α-amidoalkylation reaction, utilizing N-acyliminium ion chemistry as a key strategic approach. A diverse library of compounds was synthesized in good to excellent yields, and their structures were unequivocally confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, including IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. All synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro biological potential. The screening revealed significant antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, as well as fungal pathogens, with several compounds exhibiting promising Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values. Furthermore, selected compounds demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and A549), as determined by the MTT assay, while showing comparatively lower toxicity towards normal human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells, indicating a degree of selective toxicity. A preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis was established, identifying the nature of the heterocyclic core (azole vs. azine) and the substituents on the amidoalkyl side chain as critical determinants for biological potency. These findings position the novel α-amidoalkylated azole and azine derivatives as promising lead compounds for the further development of new antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
: α-Amidoalkylation, Heterocyclic hybrids, Azole derivatives, Azine derivatives, Antimicrobial activity, Cytotoxicity, N-Acyliminium ion, Structure-activity relationship (SAR)
Green Business Approaches: Navigating Challenges And Practices
This article discusses the "green" movement, which is gaining popularity throughout the globe. This study set out to do two things: first, define "green business" more precisely; and second, see whether there is any correlation between economic development and public awareness levels at the national level and the degree to which "green" concepts permeate businesses there. In this article, the writers examine the various definitions of "green business," define the key players in the "greening" movement in the corporate world, define "green" and the practices that make a company "green," and compare and contrast these definitions with one another. The second objective of the study was to use a quantitative empirical research approach, which included surveying participants using a questionnaire that was either sent to them via email or collected from them personally. The writers surveyed people in Ireland and Lithuania. Methods of correlation analysis were used to handle and analyze the main data that was acquired using the SPSS application. According to the findings, there is a significant gap between the "green" stances and actions of Irish and Lithuanian businesses. While the former are more worried about the expenses than the advantages of going green, the latter are cognizant of the fact that going green can lead to increased profits. DOI: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/10.2025-17157494
green business, environmental awareness, green attitudes and practices
Indian Agribusiness and Globalisation: Prospects and Challenges
The agricultural sector in India is undergoing a metamorphosis since the economic liberalisation of 1991-92. Globalisation’s effects in this sector are showing healthy signs of transition from inhibitive to innovative farming and from subsistence to a sustainable one. The vast changes from traditional farming to hi-tech agribusiness have opened new vistas for socio-economic growth and development in the country. Globalisation of agribusiness paved way for high competition, fast technological changes, mobility of capital and rapid dismantling of barriers in the international tradability of goods and services. All these demand for increasing professionalism in the management of agriculture and allied activities. Agribusiness management therefore aims at developing analytical and cognitive skills of entrepreneurs dealing with agriculture and allied activities on individual as well as on institutional basis. Agribusinessmen are now following better strategies and managerial techniques for value added agriculture to improve quantitatively and qualitatively. The global character of perfectly competitive market demands standardised products, need for reorganisation of input supply to output marketing channels, broadening the vision of agriculture by including both on-farm and off-farm activities. The objectives of this study include: analysis of agribusiness in India from the globalisation perspective, identification of principal areas of agribusiness which need specialised managerial techniques, exploring the prospects of agribusiness in the present time of globalisation, examining the challenges faced by agribusiness in context of globalisation, suggesting measures to improve effectiveness and efficiency in view of changing global scenario. Methodology includes various types of data collected primarily through secondary sources. It includes information collected from studies, reports, books, articles, periodicals and web sites, data from government, non government, national and international organisations. The findings reveal that globalisation has caused developed a more scientific and professional approach towards agribusiness, develop world class infrastructure, boost agricultural growth through diversification, create employment opportunities, increase productivity, enhance quality, better utilisation and strengthening of manpower resources. At the same time, it is not free from challenges like inequalities in the distribution of income among countries and also within countries, loss of national sovereignty, and differential treatment in the matter of trade agreements. Suggestive measures include need to address the socio-economic imbalances particularly at the grass root level, facilitate rapid innovation, reduce bureaucracy by streamlining government procedures to make them more transparent, ensure that Indian agribusinesses are not the victims of unfair trade practices. Good governance in agribusiness is needed to meet the risks, uncertainties and challenges and avoid further crises. It will ensure empowerment, development of infrastructure to improve standard of living and boost economic performance and equity in the agricultural sector.
Globalisation, Agribusiness, Agribusiness Management
Effects of fertilizer Modification on Maize Production in Nigeria
The paper studies the effects of the liberalization of the Nigerian fertilizer sector, vis-à-vis the sustenance of the present dual fertilizer distribution arrangement, on maize production in Nigeria. Time series data was collected for the period 1990- 2006. A multiple regression model was specified with aggregate fertilizer use, maize hectarage and a dummy variable designed to capture the effects of the changes induced by fertilizer liberalization measure, as explanatory variables. Aggregate maize output was the dependent variable. Results of this study indicate that a significant decrease in aggregate maize production followed the Federal Government’s liberalization of the fertilizer sector in 1997. The statistically significant decrease in Maize production is attributable to the statistically significant decrease in fertilizer use during the fertilizer liberalization period. The paper concluded that the sustenance of the present dual fertilizer distribution arrangement has a negative effect on maize production in Nigeria.
Effects, fertilizer liberalization, maize production, Nigeria.
Use of gas sensors in beef manure nutrient content estimations
The purpose of this study was to develop a gas sensor array to estimate the manure nutrient contents. Three metal-oxide gas sensors including methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were used. Forty manure samples were collected from four beef operations in Southwest North Dakota. Manure samples were sent to be analyzed for moisture content, total-nitrogen (Total-N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N). Regression equations were developed showing the relationships between sensor array readings and the lab results. The sensor array was able to estimate manure N, P, and K with correlation coefficients of 0.80, 0.76 and 0.70, respectively.
Waste management, animal manure, crop nutrient, gas sensors.
Effect of vermicompost and other fertilizers on cultivation of tomato plants
Field trials were conducted using different fertilizers having equal concentration of nutrients to determine their impact on different growth parameters of tomato plants. Six types of experimental plots were prepared whereT1 was kept as control and five others were treated by different category of fertilizers (T2-Chemical fertilizers, T3-Farm Yard Manure (FYM), T4-Vermicompost, T5 and T6- FYM supplemented with chemical fertilizers and vermicompost supplemented with chemical fertilizer respectively).The treatment plots (T6) showed 73% better yield of fruits than control, Besides, vermicompost supplemented with N.P.K treated plots (T5) displayed better results with regard to fresh weight of leaves, dry weight of leaves, dry weight of fruits, number of branches and number of fruits per plant from other fertilizers treated plants.
Tomato plants, vermicompost, chemical fertilizers.
Rio A.Sandhu, Mithun R.S and Harvinder P
Effects of fertilizer on the productivity of Amaranthus cruentus in an ultisol environment
A field study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria in 2007 and 2008 to evaluate the effect of palm oil mill effluent and NPK fertilizer on the performance of Amaranthus cruentus. The trial involved three levels of palm oil mill effluent (0. 5 and 10 t ha-1) and three levels of NPK (0, 150 and 300 kg ha-1) using a factorial arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results revealed that the effluent and NPK fertilizer had positive effects on dry matter partitions, relative yield, relative agronomic effectiveness and chlorophyll content of A. cruentus. Integration of 5 t POME and 300 kg NPK ha-1 had the optimum total dry matter (9.65 t ha-1), relative yield (2.08), relative agronomic effectiveness (1.91) and total chlorophyll content (58.80 mg g-1).
Amaranthus cruentus, chlorophyll content, dry matter, relative agronomic, effectiveness.
The effects of farm yard manure on cadmium and lead accretion in Amaranth (AMARANTHUS OLERACEA L.)
Two pot experiments were carried out to study the effect of farm yard manure (FYM) on Cd and Pb accumulation by Amaranth. Six levels of FYM (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1) were applied to Cd and Pb treated soil separately in the pot experiments. The weight of the shoot and root of Amaranth significantly increased following the application of FYM to both Cd and Pb treated soil. The application of FYM in soil significantly decreased Cd and Pb content in Amaranth. Cadmium content in the shoot and root gradually decreased with the increase in level of FYM up to 20 t ha-1. On the other hand, FYM at 10 t ha-1 and above drastically reduced the Pb content in both parts of AMARANTH. The contents of both Cd and Pb in the shoot and root of Amaranth showed a significantly negative correlation (r = -0.84 to - 0.87) with the rates of FYM applied to the soil.
Farm yard manure (FYM), heavy metal, phytoremediation, cadmium (Cd) uptake, lead (Pb) uptake.
The effect of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on yield and yield components of crops based on different cropping systems in south west Nigeria
Field experiments were conducted in two villages (Oniyo and Moloko Ashipa) representing two agro ecologies in the south west area of Nigeria during 2000 and 2001 cropping seasons. The objective was to determine the effects of NPK fertilizer and poultry manure on the yield and yield components in cassava/maize/melon systems. The factors were (1) cropping systems: cassava/maize/melon, sole cassava, sole maize and sole melon; and (2) fertilizers: no fertilizer, NPK 15-15-15 (400 kg/ha), poultry manure (5 t/ha), 2.5 t/ha poultry manure + 200 kg/ha NPK 15- 15-15 and mineral fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15). Intercropping had no significant effect on cassava root yield but it reduced maize and melon seed yield compared to sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values were however higher under intercropping than sole cropping. Crop yields were statistically the same under NPK alone and NPK + poultry manure but significantly higher than both poultry manure alone and control in both locations.
Poultry manure, NPK, Cropping system, intercrop.
Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Botswana College of Agriculture, Botswana.
The impact of crude oil pollution on the edaphic physicochemical parameters and the influence of incorporation of different types of organic manures in the polluted soils were investigated. The factorial set of treatments were six levels of crude oil pollution (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 ml), while amendment treatments were done after two weeks of pollution treatment, using the following organic manures: poultry manure (PM), cow dung manure (CM), saw dust manure (SM), poultry + cow dung manure (PM + CM), poultry + saw dust manure (PM + SM) and cow dung + saw dust manure (CM + SM) with two sets of control: pollution + no amendment and no pollution + no amendment. Results indicated that crude oil pollution significantly affected the edaphic physicochemical parameters at P ≤ 0.05. The percentage total organic carbon, total organic matter and total hydrocarbon content (THC) significantly increased two weeks after crude oil pollution while the pH, percentage total nitrogen, phosphorus and exchangeable bases (Ca, K and Mg) significantly decreased. The results also showed that the different amendment treatments significantly decreased crude oil toxicity at different degrees by improving the nutrient content and decreasing the total hydrocarbon content of the soil. The results indicated the order of their remediation potential as PM > PM+CM > CM > PM+SM > CM + SM > SM. Thus, PM followed by PM + CM are highly recommended for amendment of crude oil polluted soil for enhanced agronomic performance due to their narrowing effect on carbon : nitrogen (C:N) ratio which is an index of improved soil fertility.
Crude oil, organic manures, amendment, physicochemical parameters, toxicity.
Chinedu Okafor, Chukwuma Dave, and Clem Ebube
Analysis on the effects of kraal manure accretion on soil nutrient status through time
This study investigated the influence of the accumulation of animal wastes on the soils of active kraal sites through time. This investigation involved the sampling and analysis of the soils of kraals that had been in use for periods ranging from 2 to over 45 years. Soil sampling and analysis were done both in the dry and wet seasons for comparative purposes. The properties of the kraal soils were compared with those of control sites. Samples were taken from 25 kraals categorized into 5 age (length of use) groups: < 5years; 6 - 10; 11 - 20; 21 - 40; > 40 years. The soils were sampled at two depths, 0 – 15 and 15 – 35 cm. Soil parameters analyzed included particle size distribution (%), bulk density (g/cm3), pore space (%), moisture content (%), pH in water and in potassium chloride solution, EC (μS/cm), organic matter (%), CEC (meq/100g), exchangeable bases: Ca++(cmolc/kg), Mg ++(cmolc/kg), K+(cmolc/kg), Na+(cmolc/kg); nitrogen: NH4-N (mg/kg), NO3-N (mg/kg), TKN (%), and Olsen P (mg/kg). Results showed a direct correlation between length of active kraal utilization and impact of animal waste concentration on the soil with correlation coefficients as high as r = 0.99 and r = 0.95 for pH and OM respectively. Nutrient levels in kraal soils of all ages were significantly higher (P = 0.05) than those of the control site soils. Most nutrient elements showed increases ranging from about 2 - 30 times greater than in the control site soils. Soil nutrient levels were higher in the dry season than in the wet season. The nutrient enrichment in the kraals extended deep into the soil, at least, to the 35 cm depth. The organic and nutrient enrichments of the soils also had very positive effects on soil moisture and structural characteristics. However, this highly localized nutrient enrichment of kraal soils is detrimental to the long term sustainability of arid ecosystems and soil productivity. The nutrients concentrated in kraals have been harvested from the surrounding areas by grazing animals and transferred to the kraal sites. In a situation of sedentary kraaling that exists in semi arid lands of Botswana where rotation of kraal sites or the harvesting of animal manure from kraals for use as soil manure is not commonly practiced, the concentration of soil nutrients at scattered kraal spots causes an imbalance in the spatial pattern of soil and plant productivity in the arid land ecosystem. The entire ecosystem is made poorer by this phenomenon.
Active kraal, sedentary kraaling, soil nutrients, semi arid.
Effects of cattle and poultry manures on organic matter content and absorption complex of a sandy soil under cassava cultivation (Manihot esculenta, Crantz)
This study examined the A and B horizons of deep, developed and moderately unsaturated sandy ferrallitic soils amended with cattle and poultry manures under cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivation. Therefore, a plot experiment was carried out by using a randomized complete blocks design in 4 replications and fields treatments which included unfertilized (control) and one dose (10 t/ha) of both manures. The study of the different fractions of animal manures showed that the poultry had the greatest content of C (organic carbon), N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Ca (calcium) and C:N ratio (p < 0.01). However, the value of Mg (magnesium) in the studied manures was not significantly different (p < 0.01). The manure treatment significantly increased the soil organic matter contents from 0.46 to 2.8 and 1.1% respectively with poultry and cattle manures (p < 0.01). Organic fertilizer significantly increased the cation exchange capacity from 1.7 to 12.75 and 3.8 me:100 g and the bases saturation content from 47 to 80 and to 76% respectively with the poultry and cattle manures (p < 0.01). The organic fertilizer showed significant effect on earthworms populations Hyperiodrilus africanus (Oligochaeta, Eudrilidae) in the soil, with 128 and 85% respectively about the poultry and cattle manures compared to the control (p < 0.01).
Cattle manure, poultry manure, cassava, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, bases saturation content.
Dakul A. Kwallat, Miram Shatt and Kipre Presi
Phytotoxicity of compost and uncompost poultry manure
Different uncomposted and composted poultry manure types (laying hen and broiler), mixed at increasing rates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) with two amended peat substrates, were tested to study the phytotoxicity using the cress (Lepidium sativum, L.) germination method. The results showed that composting generally reduced the phytotoxicity of the manure mixtures. The germination index was highest in both amended peat substrates. When the peat substrates were mixed with uncomposted poultry manure, only the rate of 25% of uncomposted poultry manure from laying hens showed reduced toxicity. These was not phytotoxicity when the poultry manure was composted in rates of 25, 50 and 75% of deep-pit manure from laying hens and in rates of 25 - 50% of the poultry manures from stock piled, deep litter and broiler litter in mixtures with both peat substrates.
Uncomposted poultry manure, composted poultry manure, phytotoxicity, germination index, ammonia concentration, electrical conductivity.
Chaudhary Josué, Calzado W. Junz and Avina P.
Nitrogenous fertilizer effects on quantity and quality standards of balm (Melissa officinalis L.)
An experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to study the nitrogenous fertilizer influence on quantity and quality values of balm (Melissa officinalis L.) at Iran Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands during 2005. The factor studied included nitrogenous fertilizer of ourea (0, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg ha-1). The analysis of variance showed that N fertilizer had significant effect on biological yield, essential oil percentage, essetial oil content, plant height and tiller number (P 0.01). Highest biological yield (6788 kg ha-1) and plant height (61.63 cm) were produced by application of 90 kg N ha-1 and highest tiller number (32.6 tiller/plant), essetial oil percentage (0.2577%) and essetial oil content (16.05 kg ha-1) were obtained under application of 60 kg N ha-1. The results showed that optimal application of N fertilizer increased quantity and quality values of balm, but application of inordinate N fertilizer reduced all plant values. Consequently, our finding may give applicable advice to farmers and medicinal and aromatic plants researches for management and proper use of N fertilizer in farming of balm.
Nitrogenous fertilizer, biological yield, essetial oil percentage, essetial oil content and Melissa officinalis L.
Rez E. Na, Payam R. Babak and Minoo S. Nejaddehghan
Hindrances to the use of Manure in phosphorus and sediment in run-off
Surface application of animal manure increases nutrients at the soil surface with increased potential for nutrient loss in runoff. Non-application setbacks are often required with the intent to reduce nutrient loss to surface water. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of setback distance on phosphorus and sediment in runoff. The research was conducted in eastern Nebraska on 24 ha of a terraced field with a 4 to 7% slope and predominantly Yutan silty clay loam Mollic Hapludalf soil. Experimental units were drainage areas served by risers for the tile-outlet terrace system. The seven treatments included no manure applied and setbacks with radii of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 m; the setback distances were limited on the terrace side by the top of the terrace bund. Composted feedlot manure was applied at approximately 74 Mg ha-1 with 222 kg Pha-1 applied. Over a two-year period, the mean precipitation was 770 mm per year and six major runoff events occurred. Setback distance did not affect dissolved P, particulate P, total P, and sediment concentrations or losses except that sediment loss was greater by 51% with increased setback distance, confirming the value of manure in reducing soil erodibility. Sediment and P concentrations were related to time since the on-set of a runoff event and peak intensity of rainfall events. The results show that manure application setbacks around risers on fields protected with tile-outlet terraces are ineffective in reducing P and sediment runoff.
Ajith J. Saad, Abdullah E. Ibrahim and Kumar C
Poultry Droppings and inorganic fertilizer to improve pearl millet yield in Niger
Low soil fertility and insufficient rainfall are the major constraints limiting pearl millet yields in Niger. Farmers use organic amendments from diverse sources as an integral component for meeting crop nutritional needs. In the Maradi region of Niger, a private poultry farm produces tons of poultry manure annually, much of which is applied to pearl millet in farmer’s fields. A field survey was conducted in 2004 to assess farmers’ perceptions, use and management of poultry manure. The survey results indicate that the poultry manure application rates varied from 1600 to 2300 kg ha-1. However, the farmers were concerned about nutrient levels present, the best application procedure, and the crop response to applications of poultry manure in combination with inorganic fertilizer. On-farm studies conducted in 2004 through 2006 indicated that application of 2 t ha-1 poultry manure increased pearl millet grain yield by 56% and stover yield by 53%. Poultry manure plus 40 kg ha-1 of 15-15-15 (6 kg N ha-1 6kg ha-1 P2O5 6 kg K2O ha-1) dry fertilizer increased grain yield by 117% and stover yield by 94%. The cost/value ratio was 3.59 for poultry manure alone and 3.92 when the inorganic fertilizer was added. On-station experiments in 2005 and 2006 examined the effects of adding 10, 20 and 30 kg P ha-1 to the 2 t ha-1 of poultry manure, no further increase in yield was found, likely due to relatively high P concentration in the poultry manure. These studies indicate that 2 t ha-1 of poultry manure is recommended for pearl millet production. Further research on the application of N fertilizer in combination with poultry manure is merited.
Chicken manure-enhanced soil fertility and productivity: Effects of application rates
The utilization of chicken manure as an organic fertilizer is essential in improving soil productivity and crop production. We carried out the study to assess the effects of chicken manure on soil chemical properties and the response of application rate on the yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) as well as the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. To quantify these effects, we added chicken manure to samples of Calcisols, Arenosols and Luvisols at application rates: 5, 10, 20 and 40% chicken manure. The addition of chicken manure irrespective of application rate did not change the acidity or pH of Calcisol, suggesting its hypo-buffering capacity. While the results reveal increases of EC with increasing rate, at rate above 40%, the ECs were above the critical salinity level of 4 mS/cm indicating potential threat to soil productivity. The exchangeable bases increased with application rate, suggesting the positive effects of chicken manure in enhancing soil fertility. Similarly significant increase of nitrogen and phosphorus were observed following the addition of chicken manure. Initially the spinach yield increases up to optimum rate of 0.06, 0.07 and 0.16 g/plant for Luvisol, Arenosol and Calcisol, respectively and subsequently drops after critical threshold values; 15, 5 and 1% for Calcisol, Arenosol and Luvisol, respectively. Interestingly above the rate of 40%, the yield was almost zero for all soils, suggesting the ineffectiveness of chicken manure in enhancing soil productivity.
Chicken manure, soil chemical properties, soil types, spinach (Spinacia oleracea).
Evaluation of water quality and impact of effluents from fertilizer factories to the Lakhya River
A study was carried out in Polash and Ghorasal Urea fertilizer factories to assess the impact of effluent on water quality of the Lakhya River. Comprehensive waste water sampling by grab sampling method and flow measurement by float velocity method were carried out for five weeks (one sample per week) at five sampling stations at Polash and Ghorasal Urea fertilizer factories during June to July, 2007. Water quality samplings by grab sampling method were also carried out for five weeks (one sample per week) at four stations in the Lakhya River at the same time and River flows on the period of October 2006 to September 2007 were collected from Institute of Water Modelling. Effluents at both the factories and water sample from selected points in the river were analysed for pH, temperature, DO, BOD5, COD, NH3-N, NH4-N, TS, TSS, and TDS during June to July, 2007 at the Environmental Engineering Laboratory of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh. The results showed that the effluents were alkaline while the level of DO, BOD5, COD, NH3-N, NH4-N, TS, TSS, and TDS relatively high and 17425-20012 kg/day Ammonia load discharged from fertilizer factories into the Lakhya River. The upstream water was near to neutral pH (average pH, 7.66 ± 0.102) with high dissolved oxygen but low in the levels of the other parameters. The river water after the effluent receiving points was basic (average pH, 8.16 ± 0.08) and the levels of other parameters were high due to heavy pollution load especially Ammonia discharged from fertilizer factories. The results suggested that water in the river was polluted and not good for human consumption. It is therefore recommended that the disposal of improperly treated or untreated wastes should be stopped to save the river water from further deterioration.
Industrial effluents, Impact, river water, pollution, water quality.
Qualities of yam tubers grown on typic paleudults: hybrid yam and fertilizer effects
Most fertilizer studies on yam are concerned with its effect on tuber yields. In this study yam tuber moisture, starch, ash and dry matter contents of three hybrid yams Dioscoreae rotundata (TDr 89/02677, TDr 89/02565 and TDr 89/02665) grown with nine combinations of N, P and K fertilizers (F0, F1, F2, F 3, F4, F5, F 6, F7, and F8) on a Typic Paleudult in southeastern Nigeria were evaluated after harvest. The soil was characterized. Results showed that the soil was acidic with a pH (H20) of 4.96 and deficient in total N (0.11%) and exchangeable K (0.06 cmol/kg) . The quality parameters were not significantly influenced by hybrid yams. Fertilizer rates increased dry matter and starch contents of yam tubers except at 90 kg N, 8 kg P and 25 kg K/ha which had 0.83 and 0.56% depressant effects on starch and dry matter, respectively. Highest significant improvement (9.5%) in starch content was achieved at a fertilizer rate of 60 kg N, 8 kg P and 50 kg K/ha, indicating the potentials of fertilizer in improving qualities of yam tubers on acid soils of soils of southeastern Nigeria.
Fertilizer, hybrid yam, starch, dry matter, Typic Paleudult.
Effect of irrigation with wastewater and the use of foliar fertilizer on some forage uniqueness of foxtail millet (SETARIA ITALICA)
In order to study effects of treated wastewater, with complete fertilizer sprayed on some forage quantitative and qualitative characteristics of foxtail millet (SETARIA ITALICA), A split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design (R.C.B design) with three replicates was carried out at the Agriculture Institute of Zabol University in south east Iran during 2009 growing season. Treatments included three levels of irrigation namely, irrigation with tap water at all stages of grows (control), irrigation with wastewater and tap water alternately, irrigation with wastewater for all growing stages, as the main plot and sprayed with three levels of complete fertilizer (NATBA-LIB): non-spraying (control), Sprayed with 600 g of complete fertilizer in each hectare, sprayed with 1200 g of complete fertilizer in each hectare, as were the subplots. According to the results, the irrigation with wastewater and complete fertilizer sprayed had a significant effect on yield and forage quality characteristics. Among the irrigation treatments, irrigation with wastewater for all growing stages cause increase of grain yield and forage quality characteristics such as soluble carbohydrate, crude protein, ash, dry matter digestibility and significant decrease in cell wall, cell wall without hemi cellulose and lignin percentage. Also the highest grain yield and dry matter digestibility were obtained from 1200 g of fertilizer sprayed in comparison with sprayed with 600 g of complete fertilizer and control treatments. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage millet, using the treated wastewater and complete fertilizer has recommended.
Irrigation, nitrogen, micronutrients, yields.
Salehi V.K. Pani, Hosein Farzan and Amir T. Pooyan
Effects of the composition of poultry manure and rock phosphate on soil available and yield of maize and cowpea
The effect of rock phosphate (Sokoto and Ogun rock phosphates) amended with poultry manure on soil available phosphate (P) and yield of maize and cowpea grown sequentially was evaluated for four cropping seasons. The results obtained showed superiority of single super phosphate (SSP) application over either Sokoto or Ogun rock phosphates. However, complementary application of the Sokoto and Ogun rock phosphates with poultry manure increased maize plant height by 12 and 6, and 19 and 8%, respectively. Also, percent phosphorus contents in maize and cowpea leaf tissues increased respectively by 33 and 22, and 22 and 25% in 2000, and by 25 and 6, and 16 and 18%, respectively in 2001. Maize grain yield was increased by 33 and 26, and 18 and 25%, respectively, while that of cowpea was increased by 25 and 32, and 49 and 38% in 2000 and 2001, respectively when compared with application of rock phosphate alone. Single super phosphate treated soil had the highest residual P values in all the three sampling periods. The effectiveness of rock phosphate as a P sources for crop production was remarkably enhanced by solubilizing effect of poultry manure. Its low rate (2 t ha-1) in combination with rock phosphate gave almost similar effects like higher rates (3 and 4 t ha -1) of applications.
Rock phosphates, poultry manure, available phosphorus, maize, cowpea.
Ajibade A.,Olabiyi B. Bola and Fayinka J.
Manufacture of yeast using acid-hydrolyzed cassava and poultry manure extract
Cassava is made up of starch as its major nutritive reserve. Starch which is one of the most important products synthesized by plants is consumed as food and can be used in industrial processes. This investigation seeks to explore the availability of cassava as a source of glucose as well as poultry manure as a source of nitrogen in the production of yeast. Cassava flour was hydrolyzed with 0.5% (v/v) concentrated H2SO4 as carbon source for the production of yeast. It was found that pH 6.5 gave optimum yeast growth. Increased concentrations of acid-hydrolyzed cassava and poultry manure extracts led to significant (P < 0.05) increase in yeast biomass after 36 h culture. The residual glucose concentration was also determined and was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increase in the concentration of poultry manure extract. Therefore, yeast can be produced using acid hydrolyzed cassava flour as carbon source with poultry manure extract as nitrogen source. The methods described in this work can be used in the development of a rapid method of producing glucose and simple sugars from cassava through acid hydrolysis and combining this with poultry manure for yeast production.
Yeast, poultry manure extract, acid-hydrolyzed cassava.
Aerobic Composition of water lettuce for Making of phosphorus enriched organic manure
In this study, rock phosphate (RP- compost) enriched composts were prepared by mixing rock phosphate with water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) with and without effective microbes. The treatment comprised of four types and includes control plant material (water lettuce), water lettuce and rock phosphate (WL+RP), water lettuce, rock phosphate, effective microorganisms (WL+RP+EM) and water lettuce, rock phosphate, effective microorganisms and urea (WL+RP+EM+Urea). The present investigation indicates that the nutrients availability was enhanced in the compost with the time span. RP-compost had higher total and available P than normal compost. Inoculation with effective microorganisms increased total P, available P and other nutrient contents in the compost like N, K, Zn and B. The trend of pH shows the production of organic acids in the compost was in the ascending order in the initial days, and it was descending after 45 days. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the compost increase with the time span which shows the availability of the nutrients. The soluble phosphorus was decreased in the initial days of the composting while trend became ascending after 45 days of the composting. The trend of the nitrogen release was similar to the phosphorus, but the released nitrogen remained below the content in the control. The trend of available P in the treatments remained as it was decreasing in the control but the availability of the phosphorus was increased in the other treatments particularly in the treatment where WL, RP, EM and urea was applied. This treatment was recorded as P enriched compost, because carbon to nitrogen ratio was also stabilized in this treatment. Thus, RP enriched compost could be an alternative and viable technology to utilize both low grade RPs and re-use water lettuce plant efficiently.
Compost, rock phosphate, water lettuce, effective microbes, urea.
Mian K. Abdul, Klam E. Jinna and Mohammed Ali
The results of NPK fertilizer application on growth and yield of banana in Northern Oman
Banana is the leading fruit crop in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It represents the second most important fruit crop after date palm in the Sultanate of Oman, a subtropical arid country in the Middle East. Banana is grown as an intercrop throughout Oman but it is commercially cultivated on a large scale in the Dhofar (southern) region of and in Al-Batinah (coastal) region in the North. A field experiment was carried out in the traditional banana growing district, Al-Suwaiq, in Al-Batinah Region, during 2005-2006. The objective of the study was to determine the proper rate of NPK fertilizers that would maximize the potential yield of commercially-grown banana ( Musa acuminata Colla, Cavendish cv. 'Williams'). Three levels of chemical fertilizers were applied, viz. N (300, 600 and 900 g/ mat/yr), P (50, 100 and150 g/mat/yr) and K (250, 500 and 750 g/mat/yr) in addition to non- fertilized control (no NPK applied) treatment. The results indicated that vegetative growth parameters (that is, leaf number, leaf area, stem height, and stem circumference) of non- fertilized control plants were neither significantly different nor produced better vegetative growth when compared to fertilized plants. The fertilizer treatment T3 consisting of N (600 g/mat /yr), P (100 g/mat /yr) and K (500 g/mat /yr) numerically influenced the yield and fruit characteristics like total bunch weight, middle-hand weight and number of fingers per middle-hand, of ‘Williams’ banana as compared to other treatments. Hence, this fertilizer dose of NPK was recommended for cultivation of ‘Williams’ banana in northern coastal region of Oman.
Bunch weight, fingers, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, Musa spp. arid-region, Oman
The result of quantity and placement distances of inorganic 15-15-15 fertilizer in improving soil fertility and yield of maize in a tropical rain forest zone of Nigeria
The high cost of mineral fertilizer in crop production had necessitated an investigation into the optimum fertilizer rate for profitable maize production. The study was conducted in Akure (7°15’N, 5°12’E) in Nigeria in 2007 and revalidated in 2008. The experimental design was a split plot method in a randomized complete block with fertilizer quantity as the main plot and fertilizer placement distance of maize plant as the sub plots. The NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer rates in the main plot were 0,150,200,250 and 300 kg NPK/ha, while distances of application of the maize plants that formed the subplots were 10, 15 and 20 cm. Improved maize growth parameters were observed in plots treated with fertilizers at 300 and 250 kg per hectare and at placement distances of 10 and 15 cm with higher yield and corresponding higher net revenue. The economic analysis confirmed the efficient use of fertilizer to lift small holder maize farming from subsistence levels to a more business-oriented agricultural economy.
Optimum fertilizer use, inorganic fertilizer, soil fertility, maize performance and yield.
Soybean reaction to the utilization of poultry manure and Phosphorus fertilizer in the Sub-humid Savanna of Nigeria
Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2003 and 2005 in Samaru in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria to test the response of two soybean varieties to application of poultry manure and phosphorus fertilizer levels. Soybean varieties TGx 1448-2E and TGx 1019-2EB were grown without and with 1t/ha of poultry manure and four levels of P (0, 13.2, 26.4 and 39.6 kgP/ha) in all possible factorial combinations using randomized complete block design with four replicates. TGx 1448-2EB was shorter, had more pods and heavier seeds than TGx 1019- 2EB. Grain yield and total dry matter per hectare were higher in TGx 1448- 2EB. Application of manure consistently influenced most parameters in both years. Manure application increased leaf area index, plant height, nodule dry weight, total dry matter per plant and per hectare, number of pods per plant and grain yield per hectare. Phosphorus application increased leaf area index, plant height, nodule dry weight, total dry matter per hectare and grain yield per hectare. Highest grain yield was obtained with 26.4 kgP/ha which was not significantly different from yield obtained with 39.6 kgP/ha. Regression model showed a quadratic response and the agronomic optimum was 23.3 kgP/ha for a grain yield of 1.7 t/ha when averaged over both years. Application of 1 t/ha of poultry manure significantly (P<0.05) increased grain yield. Averaged over both years, application of 1 t/ha of manure increased grain yield by 33.7% compared with plots without poultry manure. There were no interactions between poultry manure and phosphorus fertilizers in any of the years or when weighed over the years.
Soybean, poultry-manure, phosphorus-fertilization.
Plant architecture and its responses to high planting density and low fertilizer of reduced culm number mutants in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Plant architecture is of major agronomic importance as it determines the potential grain yield depending on environmental conditions in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Here, we characterized plant architecture and its response to low fertilizer and high planting density in five rice “reduced culm number (rcn)” mutants; “rcn1-2, rcn2, rcn4-2, rcn5 and rcn6”, originating from rice cultivar ‘Shiokari’, with ‘Shiokari’ as a parental control. Under control condition, a positive correlation was observed between tiller number and plant height showing that each rcn controls both apical and axillary shoots elongation. High density and low fertilizer had the negative effects on tillering and main shoot development involving main culm length, leaf number, panicle length, spikelet number on main culm in ‘Shiokari’. The degrees of negative effect on main shoot development by the present environmental stresses were depended on ‘rcn’ genotype. Among them, ‘rcn6’ constantly developed main shoot architecture under low fertilizer or high density planting.
Tillering, reduced culm number mutant, low fertilizer, high density, rice.