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Keywords = biofertilizer manure

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21 pages, 3085 KiB  
Article
Poultry Manure-Derived Biochar Synthesis, Characterization, and Valorization in Agriculture: Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature and Metal-Salt Modification
by Samar Hadroug, Leila El-Bassi, Salah Jellali, Ahmed Amine Azzaz, Mejdi Jeguirim, Helmi Hamdi, James J. Leahy, Amine Aymen Assadi and Witold Kwapinski
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9030085 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
In the present work, six biochars were produced from the pyrolysis of poultry manure at 400 °C and 600 °C (PM-B-400 and PM-B-600), and their post-modification with, respectively, iron chloride (PM-B-400-Fe and PM-B-600-Fe) and potassium permanganate (PM-B-400-Mn and PM-B-600-Mn). First, these biochars were [...] Read more.
In the present work, six biochars were produced from the pyrolysis of poultry manure at 400 °C and 600 °C (PM-B-400 and PM-B-600), and their post-modification with, respectively, iron chloride (PM-B-400-Fe and PM-B-600-Fe) and potassium permanganate (PM-B-400-Mn and PM-B-600-Mn). First, these biochars were deeply characterized through the assessment of their particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, pH at point-zero charge, mineral composition, morphological structure, and surface functionality and crystallinity, and then valorized as biofertilizer to grow spring barley at pot-scale for 40 days. Characterization results showed that Fe- and Mn-based nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto the surface of the post-modified biochars, which significantly enhanced their structural and surface chemical properties. Moreover, compared to the control treatment, both raw and post-modified biochars significantly improved the growth parameters of spring barley plants (shoot and root length, biomass weight, and nutrient content). The highest biomass production was obtained for the treatment with PM-B-400-Fe, owing to its enhanced physico-chemical properties and its higher ability in releasing nutrients and immobilizing heavy metals. These results highlight the potential use of Fe-modified poultry manure-derived biochar produced at low temperatures as a sustainable biofertilizer for soil enhancement and crop yield improvement, while addressing manure management issues. Full article
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22 pages, 7580 KiB  
Article
Bacterial and Physicochemical Dynamics During the Vermicomposting of Bovine Manure: A Comparative Analysis of the Eisenia fetida Gut and Compost Matrix
by Tania Elizabeth Velásquez-Chávez, Jorge Sáenz-Mata, Jesús Josafath Quezada-Rivera, Rubén Palacio-Rodríguez, Gisela Muro-Pérez, Alan Joel Servín-Prieto, Mónica Hernández-López, Pablo Preciado-Rangel, María Teresa Salazar-Ramírez, Juan Carlos Ontiveros-Chacón and Cristina García-De la Peña
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(8), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16080177 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 92
Abstract
Vermicomposting is a sustainable biotechnological process that transforms organic waste through the synergistic activity of earthworms, such as Eisenia fetida, and their associated microbiota. This study evaluated bacterial and physicochemical dynamics during the vermicomposting of bovine manure by analyzing the microbial composition [...] Read more.
Vermicomposting is a sustainable biotechnological process that transforms organic waste through the synergistic activity of earthworms, such as Eisenia fetida, and their associated microbiota. This study evaluated bacterial and physicochemical dynamics during the vermicomposting of bovine manure by analyzing the microbial composition of the substrate and the gut of E. fetida at three time points (weeks 0, 6, and 12). The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced, and microbial diversity was characterized using QIIME2. Significant differences in alpha diversity (observed features, Shannon index, and phylogenetic diversity) and beta diversity indicated active microbial succession. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phyla, with abundances varying across habitats and over time. A significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and the genera Chryseolinea, Flavobacterium, and Sphingomonas was observed in the manure treatments. In contrast, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and the genera Methylobacter, Brevibacillus, Enhygromyxa, and Bacillus, among others, were distinctive of the gut samples and contributed to their dissimilarity from the manure treatments. Simultaneously, the physicochemical parameters indicated progressive substrate stabilization and nutrient enrichment. Notably, the organic matter and total organic carbon contents decreased (from 79.47% to 47.80% and from 46.10% to 27.73%, respectively), whereas the total nitrogen content increased (from 1.70% to 2.23%); these effects reduced the C/N ratio, which is a recognized indicator of maturity, from 27.13 to 12.40. The macronutrient contents also increased, with final values of 1.41% for phosphorus, 1.50% for potassium, 0.89% for magnesium, and 2.81% for calcium. These results demonstrate that vermicomposting modifies microbial communities and enhances substrate quality, supporting its use as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture, soil restoration, and agrochemical reduction. Full article
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23 pages, 12145 KiB  
Article
Spatial Optimization of Bioenergy Production by Introducing a Cooperative Manure Management System in Bangladesh
by Zinat Mahal and Helmut Yabar
Resources 2025, 14(7), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14070111 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
This study anticipates cooperative manure management as a process for generating bioenergy from livestock manure, thereby reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study’s main objective was to identify clusters for cooperative society development and optimize suitable locations for biogas plant [...] Read more.
This study anticipates cooperative manure management as a process for generating bioenergy from livestock manure, thereby reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study’s main objective was to identify clusters for cooperative society development and optimize suitable locations for biogas plant establishment within a cooperative system. Scenarios were explored based on manure types using cluster and network analyses of geographic information systems (GIS). The study observed 13 clusters, which have the potential to produce 6045 million m3 of biogas that can be converted to 9068.64 GWh of electricity yearly. Biogas plants additionally produced 5491.04 kilotons of biofertilizer by reducing GHG emissions estimated to be 10.16 million tons of CO2eq in 2024. This study also optimized 10, 6, and 8 optimum locations for biogas plants according to the scenarios. To implement the findings, this study recommended a coordinated action plan based on the circular economy, which helps to obtain both environmental and economic benefits for a cooperative society. These cooperatives can be implemented for renewable energy production from livestock manure at the community level for sustainable energy generation in Bangladesh. Full article
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13 pages, 2916 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Biogas Production Using Flexible Biodigester to Foster Sustainable Livelihood Improvement in Rural Households
by Charles David, Venkata Krishna Kishore Kolli and Karpagaraj Anbalagan
Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095003 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 441
Abstract
With the global emphasis on sustainable growth and development, the depletion of natural energy reserves due to reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable sources remains a critical concern. Despite strides in transitioning to electrical mobility, rural and agricultural communities depend heavily on liquefied [...] Read more.
With the global emphasis on sustainable growth and development, the depletion of natural energy reserves due to reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable sources remains a critical concern. Despite strides in transitioning to electrical mobility, rural and agricultural communities depend heavily on liquefied petroleum gas and firewood for cooking, lacking viable, sustainable alternatives. This study focuses on community-led efforts to advance biogas adoption, providing an eco-friendly and reliable energy alternative for rural and farming households. By designing and developing balloon-type anaerobic biodigesters, this initiative provides a robust, cost-effective, and scalable method to convert farm waste into biogas for household cooking. This approach reduces reliance on traditional fuels, mitigating deforestation and improving air quality, and generates organic biofertilizer as a byproduct, enhancing agricultural productivity through organic farming. The study focuses on optimizing critical parameters, including the input feed rate, gas production patterns, holding time, biodigester health, gas quality, and liquid manure yield. Statistical tools, such as descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to validate and predict biogas output data based on experimental and industrial-scale data. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were also utilized to model and predict outputs, inspired by the information processing mechanisms of biological neural systems. A comprehensive database was developed from experimental and literary data to enhance model accuracy. The results demonstrate significant improvements in cooking practices, health outcomes, economic stability, and solid waste management among beneficiaries. The integration of statistical analysis and ANN modeling validated the biodigester system’s effectiveness and scalability. This research highlights the potential to harness renewable energy to address socio-economic challenges in rural areas, paving the way for a sustainable, equitable future by fostering environmentally conscious practices, clean energy access, and enhanced agricultural productivity. Full article
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13 pages, 2238 KiB  
Article
Impact of Phosphogypsum on Viability of Trichuris suis Eggs in Anaerobic Digestion of Swine Manure
by Olexandra Boyko, Viktor Brygadyrenko, Yelizaveta Chernysh, Viktoriia Chubur and Hynek Roubík
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051165 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Waste from livestock farms contains various pathogens, including eggs and larvae of helminths—pathogens of parasitic diseases harmful to animals and humans. One of the methods for their effective processing to obtain biofertilizer and biofuel is anaerobic digestion, which requires further improvement to completely [...] Read more.
Waste from livestock farms contains various pathogens, including eggs and larvae of helminths—pathogens of parasitic diseases harmful to animals and humans. One of the methods for their effective processing to obtain biofertilizer and biofuel is anaerobic digestion, which requires further improvement to completely suppress the viability of pathogenic microorganisms in mesophilic conditions. To this end, the use of anaerobic digestion under sulfate reduction conditions to suppress pathogens using biogenic hydrogen sulfide is promising. Consequently, this study aims to study the effect of a sulfur-containing additive such as phosphogypsum on the disinfection of pig manure during anaerobic digestion. Egg mortality was already found to increase significantly compared to the control (80% and more), even at a minimum concentration of phosphogypsum (5%), on the fifth day of the experiment. At the same time, the maximum effect (100% mortality of Trichuris suis eggs) was recorded at a 10% concentration of phosphogypsum, starting from the 10th day of the study. Our experiment showed that changes in anaerobic digestion conditions using phosphogypsum could positively affect digestate disinfection. However, further research is needed to optimize the conditions of the process for an effective combination of disinfection with the production of environmentally safe organic fertilizers and high-quality biogas with a high level of methane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Agro-Microbiology)
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27 pages, 3102 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Assessment and Resource Utilization of Agro-Processing Waste in Biogas Energy Production
by Viktor Koval, Dzintra Atstāja, Liliya Filipishyna, Viktoriia Udovychenko, Halyna Kryshtal and Yaroslav Gontaruk
Climate 2025, 13(5), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13050099 - 11 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 945
Abstract
Biogas production from agricultural waste reduces methane emissions and addresses climate change challenges by converting livestock and organic waste into energy. This study analyzed biogas production in agricultural enterprises under the European Green Deal, the advantages of biogas as an energy source, and [...] Read more.
Biogas production from agricultural waste reduces methane emissions and addresses climate change challenges by converting livestock and organic waste into energy. This study analyzed biogas production in agricultural enterprises under the European Green Deal, the advantages of biogas as an energy source, and the use of digestate in agriculture. The raw material for biogas production from agro-industrial wastes in Ukraine has been investigated, showing that the country’s biogas production potential amounts to 34.59 billion m3, including 0.65 billion m3 from processing plant wastes. The main types of biomass that can be used for biogas production in Ukraine are crop residues (71.4%), manure (26.6%), and food industry waste (2.0%). The implementation of biogas production projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.98 billion tons of CO2 and increase profits through electricity sales. This study examines the barriers and prospects for the development of electricity generation from biogas in Ukraine in the context of the integration of Ukraine’s energy system into the EU energy space. Directions for developing the biogas industry, focusing on electricity production within the framework of European decarbonization initiatives, will enhance the energy security of Ukraine and the EU. Estimating the energy production from agricultural waste allows for determining biogas output from organic waste. A regional biogas cluster model was developed based on the agro-industrial complex, which combines the production of biogas, electricity, water, and biofertilizers with increased efficiency and regional sustainable development. Full article
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19 pages, 4066 KiB  
Review
Integrating Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming: Best Practices and Application Techniques
by Anjana J. Atapattu, Tharindu D. Nuwarapaksha, Shashi S. Udumann and Nuwandhya S. Dissanayaka
Crops 2025, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5020017 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1653
Abstract
Organic fertilizers are a revolutionary concept in coconut farming as they provide a package for sustainable coconut production. This review examines the multiple advantages of organic fertilization methods and types of organic fertilizers, which include compost, vermicompost, livestock manure, green manure, crop residues, [...] Read more.
Organic fertilizers are a revolutionary concept in coconut farming as they provide a package for sustainable coconut production. This review examines the multiple advantages of organic fertilization methods and types of organic fertilizers, which include compost, vermicompost, livestock manure, green manure, crop residues, and biofertilizers. The review focuses on the best practices, application methods, time of application, frequency and rate of application of nutrients for coconut palm at various developmental stages. The study provides a detailed and systematic review of the environmental, economic and social impacts of organic fertilization. Benefits include enhanced soil health, biodiversity promotion, carbon sequestration, cost effectiveness, quality improvement of the yield, food security and possibilities of creating rural income. Issues including resource accessibility difficulties, nutrient deficiencies, and intensive labor requirements are explored in detail, as well as future trends that focus on advanced technologies, new research areas, and policy approaches. Thus, the study reviews organic fertilization as a coherent concept that can be applied to coconut production and other goals of environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development of agriculture. Full article
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31 pages, 2301 KiB  
Article
Design Improvements and Best Practices in Small-Scale Biodigesters for Sustainable Biogas Production: A Case Study in the Chillon Valley, Perú
by Yoisdel Castillo Alvarez, Reinier Jiménez Borges, Carlos Diego Patiño Vidal, Fanny Mabel Carhuancho Leon, José Santos Pinares Buendia and Jose Alberto Samaniego Nolasco
Energies 2025, 18(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020338 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2002
Abstract
Agribusiness ranks second as the sector with the highest greenhouse gas emissions linked to methane, constituting a crucial challenge for global sustainability. Although its impact on climate change is considerable, small rural farmers do not have effective technologies to manage the organic waste [...] Read more.
Agribusiness ranks second as the sector with the highest greenhouse gas emissions linked to methane, constituting a crucial challenge for global sustainability. Although its impact on climate change is considerable, small rural farmers do not have effective technologies to manage the organic waste derived from their daily activities. In this context, anaerobic digestion is an innovative solution that converts waste into biogas and biofertilizers, promoting a sustainable and circular approach. However, its implementation faces significant barriers due to inadequate designs and poor operational practices, which makes its adoption difficult in rural areas. This applied theoretical research seeks to overcome these barriers by improving the design and operation of small-scale biogas plants. The system studied operates at 70% of its capacity, with a hydraulic retention time of 20 days and a feed of 4 kg organic matter. The substrates considered were 30% organic waste and 70% bovine manure, achieving an average production of 63.75 L CH4/kg of organic matter, which exceeded the usual yields of small biodigesters. A mathematical model was created and applied to the case study with an R2 correlation of 98% and a pseudo-R2 of 89.5%, evidencing a remarkable predictive capacity. This biogas plant model is efficient and sustainable, and it is presented as a viable solution for small rural farmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A4: Bio-Energy)
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16 pages, 1737 KiB  
Review
Life Cycle Assessment of the Production of Biofertilizers from Agricultural Waste
by Ilaria Orlandella and Silvia Fiore
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020421 - 8 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
This study reviewed 98 references on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the conversion of agricultural waste into biofertilizers. Feedstocks were manure (39%), organic/food/wood waste (30%), and crop waste (26%). Biofertilizers were digestate, compost, biochar, and pellets, and full-scale application was prevalent. Approximately [...] Read more.
This study reviewed 98 references on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the conversion of agricultural waste into biofertilizers. Feedstocks were manure (39%), organic/food/wood waste (30%), and crop waste (26%). Biofertilizers were digestate, compost, biochar, and pellets, and full-scale application was prevalent. Approximately 64% of references cited anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting, often combined. Thermochemical and mechanical processes were less (24%) involved, mostly incineration and gasification (10% each) and pyrolysis (4%), with few cases of pelletization. Approximately 30% of references coupled LCA with an economic analysis tool. All references considered the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) categories Global Warming Potential (GWP), Ozone Depletion Potential, Eutrophication, and Acidification. In overall AD, compared to other technologies, displayed the largest average impacts, particularly when the chosen functional unit (FU) involved manure. Composting provided lower average impacts compared to AD, and FU referring to organic/food waste largely topped manure. Thermochemical processes exhibited the smallest average impacts, compared to AD and composting, particularly when the FU was related to food/organic waste. In conclusion, further research is needed to explore technologies (particularly thermochemical and mechanical) applied at full-scale in different contexts and to the assessment of economic and social sustainability, identified as main knowledge gaps. Full article
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24 pages, 1867 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Soil Microbial Activity and Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) Yield in Organic Farming Through Biofertilizer and Green Manure Applications
by Rafał Górski, Alicja Niewiadomska, Anna Płaza, Agnieszka Wolna-Maruwka, Dorota Swędrzyńska, Katarzyna Głuchowska and Robert Rosa
Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2845; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122845 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 989
Abstract
At present, there is growing consumer interest in Triticum spelta L., which has high nutritional value. This species is recommended for cultivation in organic farming. In this system of agriculture, biofertilizers are an alternative to mineral fertilization. Biofertilizers stimulate plant growth by providing [...] Read more.
At present, there is growing consumer interest in Triticum spelta L., which has high nutritional value. This species is recommended for cultivation in organic farming. In this system of agriculture, biofertilizers are an alternative to mineral fertilization. Biofertilizers stimulate plant growth by providing nutrients through the biological fixation of molecular nitrogen from the air or by increasing the availability of insoluble nutrients in the soil and by synthesizing substances that stimulate plant growth. Green manure biomass and root secretions provide growth material for soil microorganisms, and microorganisms return nutrients to the soil and plants through nutrient decomposition and conversion. Considering the many benefits of using biofertilizers and growing cereals with cover crops for green manure in cereal rotations, field research was carried out on an organic farm to evaluate the soil microbes and the amount of biomass from green manures and their follow-up effect on Triticum spelta L. yields using biofertilizers. Two factors were researched: (I) biofertilizers: control object (no biofertilizer), Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum Br 17, Arthrobacter agilis + Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, and combined application of atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria with phosphate solubilizing bacteria; (II) green manures: control object (no green manure application), Trifolium pratense L., Trifolium pratense L. + Lolium multiflorum L., and Lolium multiflorum L. The results show that the most favorable abundance of microorganisms determined in the soil after harvesting Hordeum vulgare L. was recorded after the application of biofertilizers containing atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria under a mixture of Trifolium pratense L. with Lolium multiflorum L. Plowing green manure from a mixture of Trifolium pratense L. with Lolium multiflorum L. resulted in an average increase of 39% in grain yield of Triticum spelta L., while the application of a biofertilizer containing Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum Br 17 + Arthrobacter agilis + Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum resulted in an average increase of 63%. The proposed spelt wheat cultivation technique can be recommended for agricultural practice due to the positive response of grain yield, but it may also be an important direction for further research to reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment. Full article
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28 pages, 2588 KiB  
Review
Food and Waterborne Cryptosporidiosis from a One Health Perspective: A Comprehensive Review
by Munwar Ali, Yaru Ji, Chang Xu, Qazal Hina, Usama Javed and Kun Li
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223287 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2933
Abstract
A sharp rise in the global population and improved lifestyles has led to questions about the quality of both food and water. Among protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium is of great importance in this regard. Hence, Cryptosporidium’s associated risk factors, its unique characteristics compared [...] Read more.
A sharp rise in the global population and improved lifestyles has led to questions about the quality of both food and water. Among protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium is of great importance in this regard. Hence, Cryptosporidium’s associated risk factors, its unique characteristics compared to other protozoan parasites, its zoonotic transmission, and associated economic losses in the public health and livestock sectors need to be focused on from a One Health perspective, including collaboration by experts from all three sectors. Cryptosporidium, being the fifth largest food threat, and the second largest cause of mortality in children under five years of age, is of great significance. The contamination of vegetables, fresh fruits, juices, unpasteurized raw milk, uncooked meat, and fish by Cryptosporidium oocysts occurs through infected food handlers, sewage-based contamination, agricultural effluents, infected animal manure being used as biofertilizer, etc., leading to severe foodborne outbreaks. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, Nitazoxanide (NTZ), provides inconsistent results in all groups of patients, and currently, there is no vaccine against it. The prime concerns of this review are to provide a deep insight into the Cryptosporidium’s global burden, associated water- and foodborne outbreaks, and some future perspectives in an attempt to effectively manage this protozoal disease. A thorough literature search was performed to organize the most relevant, latest, and quantified data, justifying the title. The estimation of its true burden, strategies to break the transmission pathways and life cycle of Cryptosporidium, and the search for vaccine targets through genome editing technology represent some future research perspectives. Full article
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16 pages, 1217 KiB  
Article
Developing Guidelines for Azolla microphylla Production as Compost for Sustainable Agriculture
by Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Nuengruethai Srikan, Preuk Chutimanukul, Rusama Marubodee and Hiroshi Ehara
Resources 2024, 13(11), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13110158 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 3220
Abstract
Azolla is a substitute compost that has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling in agricultural systems for sustainable development. In this study, four experiments were conducted to compare the Department of Agriculture (DOA, Thailand)’s methodology for determining the suitable type and rate of [...] Read more.
Azolla is a substitute compost that has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling in agricultural systems for sustainable development. In this study, four experiments were conducted to compare the Department of Agriculture (DOA, Thailand)’s methodology for determining the suitable type and rate of animal manure and the optimal light intensity for the growth and yield of Azolla (Azolla microphylla). The results revealed that applying 100% pig manure gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to the other manures. However, there was no discernible (p > 0.05) difference in yield across the various doses (20.16, 30.16, and 40.16 gN m−2) of pig manure treatments, for which the minimal pig manure dosage of 20.16 gN m−2 was chosen. For further experimentation in the optimal light intensity, the 40% shading gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to no shading or 20 and 60% shading (p ≤ 0.01). When compared with the DOA Thailand methodology (1.27 kg m−2 of cow manure and covered with a size 32 mesh net), the findings indicated that the modified method (20.16 gN m−2 of pig manure + 40% shading) gave a 16% greater Azolla yield than that under the DOA Thailand methodology. The current finding method can produce a monthly fresh biomass of A. microphylla of 40.7 t ha−1 year−1 with higher contents of total N (4.92%) and lower C:N ratio (≤10:1) that could release minerals relatively rapidly. Its use can be encouraged by farmers to produce their own ecofriendly biofertilizer or soil amendment for sustainable agriculture. Full article
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14 pages, 635 KiB  
Review
The Use of Anaerobic Digestate for Greenhouse Horticulture
by Julė Jankauskienė, Kristina Laužikė and Samanta Kaupaitė
Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102437 - 21 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Agricultural crop production practices are being developed for organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming systems. Developing efficient and resourceful crop fertilizers is significantly important for future agriculture. Various biofertilizers, such as animal manures, composts, and vegetable byproducts, have been successfully applied in agriculture. [...] Read more.
Agricultural crop production practices are being developed for organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming systems. Developing efficient and resourceful crop fertilizers is significantly important for future agriculture. Various biofertilizers, such as animal manures, composts, and vegetable byproducts, have been successfully applied in agriculture. Anaerobic digestate, organic matter obtained from animal or plant waste processing during anaerobic digestion into biomass, has become popular due to its versatility, multiple purposes, and facile application methods. Digestate has recently been widely used in agriculture to enrich the soil with nutrients and thus increase crop yields. Several studies have shown that anaerobic digestate is a valuable fertilizer that can be used as a biofertilizer in field and greenhouse horticulture. Also, research has been carried out on the use of digestate in hydroponic horticulture. This review presents the research results and discusses the possibilities of using anaerobic digestate in greenhouse horticulture. Its objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of digestate from various sources and its impact on the growth, progress, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown vegetables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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19 pages, 1500 KiB  
Article
Impact of Poultry Manure-Derived Biochar and Bio-Fertilizer Application to Boost Production of Black Cumin Plants (Nigella sativa L.) Grown on Sandy Loam Soil
by Yasser A. Sayed, Ahmed M. Ali, Mostafa F. Ibrahim, Mohamed E. Fadl, Cristiano Casucci, Marios Drosos, Antonio Scopa and Hassan M. Al-Sayed
Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101801 - 13 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2885
Abstract
Biochar derived from poultry manure increases nutrient availability and promotes plant growth. This study investigated the effect of biochar with mycorrhizal and/or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on soil fertility, chemical properties, oil, and seed yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) plants. A [...] Read more.
Biochar derived from poultry manure increases nutrient availability and promotes plant growth. This study investigated the effect of biochar with mycorrhizal and/or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on soil fertility, chemical properties, oil, and seed yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) plants. A split-plot design with three replicates was employed, with biochar derived from poultry litter (BC) applied at rates of 0, 5, and 10 t ha−1, with beneficial microbes such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) affecting the growth of Black Cumin plants, and some soil properties, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM) and fertility index (FI), showing significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among biochar and/or bio-fertilizer treatments. All biochar treatments with or without bio-fertilizers significantly increased pH, EC, OM and FI in comparison to the control treatment. The results demonstrated that applying biochar at the highest rate (10 t ha−1) increased fresh and dry capsule weights by 94.51% and 63.34%, respectively, compared to the control treatment (C). These values were significantly increased by 53.05 and 18.37%, compared to untreated plants when combined with AMF and PGPR. Furthermore, when biochar was applied in conjunction with both AMF and PGPR, fresh and dry capsule weights saw significant increases of 208.84% and 91.18%, respectively, compared to the untreated control treatment. The interaction between biochar, AMF, and PGPR significantly improved plant growth, yield, soil properties, and the fixed and volatile oil content of Black Cumin. These findings suggest that the combined application of biochar, AMF, and PGPR enhances nutrient availability and uptake, leading to improved growth and higher yields in Black Cumin plants, resulting in increased yield production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)
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27 pages, 882 KiB  
Review
Crop Nutrition and Soil Fertility Management in Organic Potato Production Systems
by Anita Ierna and Miriam Distefano
Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080886 - 21 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4966
Abstract
Organic farming is a comprehensive production management system that fosters and improves the health of agroecosystems, encompassing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a crucial crop in organic farming systems, standing out as one of [...] Read more.
Organic farming is a comprehensive production management system that fosters and improves the health of agroecosystems, encompassing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a crucial crop in organic farming systems, standing out as one of the most highly demanded organic products on the market. Among all crops, with potatoes, there is a very large yield gap between organic and conventional systems, attributable mainly to its intensive nutrient demands. The present review, considering the most relevant scientific literature worldwide, discusses the contemporary state of knowledge on crop nutrition and soil fertility management in organic potato crop production, analyzing the effects of animal manures, green manures, organic amendments, and biostimulants on organic potato tuber yield and quality. Overall, the main findings show a particular combination is needed to effectively maintain good soil fertility, satisfy the nutritional needs of the crop, and overcome the difference in potato yield between organic and conventional farming methods while meeting consumer demand. This combination entails using an animal manure or leguminous green manure with an organic soil amendment, and even better with a biofertilizer, such as a mycorrhizae-fungus-based one. It also emerged that more targeted studies are needed to select appropriate cultivars for organic potato farming systems to optimize this environmentally friendly production method. Full article
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