Search Results (132)

Given the importance of potatoes in Brazilian agribusiness and the need to establish sustainable production systems, interest has increased in the implementation of more efficient fertilization methods for the cultivation. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the response of the cultivars Ágata and Atlantic to fertilization with a pelleted organomineral source in comparison to conventional fertilization performed with a mineral source. A causal block design was used with five treatments [100% of the recommendation for fertilization with mineral sources 03-35-06; and 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% of the recommended dose with organomineral fertilizer (02-20-05)] in four replications, totaling 20 plots. The application of the organomineral in plant fertilization can be an interesting source of fertilizer for the cultivation of Ágata and Atlantic potatoes and can be applied with dose adjustments. For the cultivar Ágata, the doses of 100% and 80% organomineral fertilizer together with mineral fertilization resulted in the highest total yields. The lower doses (60% and 40%) made it possible to obtain a higher percentage of special potatoes, considered to be of the highest commercial value, than 80% of the organomineral fertilizers and 100% mineral standard. For the Atlantic cultivar, the total yield responses to organomineral were like those obtained with exclusively mineral fertilization. These findings indicate that organomineral fertilizers can be used efficiently with adjusted doses, maintaining productivity and tuber quality while potentially reducing fertilizer input costs and environmental impacts, contributing to more sustainable potato cropping systems. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and physicochemical characteristics of broccoli grown under different doses and sources of special phosphorus (P) fertilizers and their residual effect on the soil, in Cerrado mineiro. A randomized block design arranged in a split-plot scheme was employed, where three P sources—T1 = Conventional monoammonium phosphate (CMP); T2 = Polymerized monoammonium phosphate (PCMP); T3 = Granulated organomineral fertilizer (GOF)—along with four P₂O₅ rates—1–0 (No P); 2–50% (200 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅); 3–75% (300 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅); and 4–100% (400 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅)—were assessed. Evaluations included the number of leaves (NL), head fresh (HFM) and dry mass (HDM), yield (YLD), soil fertility at harvest, plant nutritional status, and the physicochemical quality of the harvested broccoli. It was observed that GOF provided the best agronomic performance (HFM, HDM and YLD) of the broccoli and the greatest residual effect in the soil compared to PCMP and CMP. The moisture, ash, protein, lipid, total titratable acid and ascorbic acid contents were not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the fertilizers used, on the other hand, total soluble solids and hydrogen potential showed the highest and lowest values, respectively, with CMP. The best agronomic performance, the highest phosphorus content in the soil and plant and the best physical–chemical quality of the broccoli occurred at a dose of 100% (400 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅) of the recommendation for the crop in all three fertilizers evaluated. Full article

In this study several phosphorus fertilizers were evaluated under controlled production conditions using Lactuca sativa var. baby leaf and a clay-loam soil of pH 6.5 as a plant–soil model system. Various inorganic (phosphate rock, monoammonium phosphate, struvite), organic (bone meal and bone meal pelletized with compost) and organomineral fertilizers (phosphate rock, monoammonium phosphate, struvite pelletized with compost) were compared. The soil properties, crop yield, morphological aspects and metabolomics of the plants were analyzed. After 45 days of the growing cycle, the organomineral fertilizers (OMFs) composed of compost and monoammonium phosphate (OMF₂(MAP+C)) or struvite (OMF₃(STR+C)) exhibited the best yield results: 101.37 g and 83.21 g, respectively. These treatments also exhibited the best phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) results: 7.40% and 8.33%, respectively. The yield of plants treated with MAP was 56.01 g, and its PUE was 5.33%. The yield of plants treated with STR was 62.10 g and the PUE was 4.67%. Accordingly, the development of OMFs with compost had a positive effect regarding MAP and STR fertilization. Lettuce fertilized with organic bone meal fertilizers had the lowest yield and nutrient use efficiency. The non-targeted metabolic study of green tissue revealed an overactivation of the TriCarboxylic Acids-TCA cycle and amino acid biosynthesis in plants fertilized with bone meal and phosphate rock treatments, likely as a plant stress response. The overall conclusion of this work is that the development of OMFs with compost is a good strategy to increase soil P availability and, accordingly, plant P uptake and %PUE. Full article

The paper presents a comprehensive study of the processing possibilities for phosphogypsum, a large-tonnage chemical industry waste, into highly sought-after products, such as ultraviolet pigments, and alkalizing reagents for the preparation of organomineral fertilizers. The materials obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that the phosphogypsum thermal treatment process in the presence of a reducing agent (charcoal, sunflower husk) allowed us to obtain new products with a high added value. For the first time, the possibility of obtaining various products by varying process conditions was established. The process of thermal reduction of phosphogypsum in the presence of charcoal at temperatures of 800–900 °C and an isothermal holding time of 60 min resulted in us obtaining samples capable of glowing when irradiated with ultraviolet light. This effect is due to the formation of a composite material based on calcium sulfide and calcium sulfate in the system. The process of the regenerative heat treatment of phosphogypsum at temperatures of 1000–1200 °C resulted in us obtaining a composite material consisting of calcium oxide and sulfate, which can be used for fractionating liquid waste from livestock farming and to obtain organomineral fertilizer. The technological methods developed allow the usage of chemical industrial waste and agricultural waste in secondary processing to produce highly innovative products that will contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals, in particular, “Ensuring rational consumption and production patterns”. Full article

Organo-mineral fertilizers can slow N release to plants, reducing N losses to the environment and enhancing N use efficiency (NUE). Yet, this greater NUE is not always coupled to greater crop yields, which warrants further investigation. Here, we assessed the relationship between N-NH₃ losses from volatilization and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) biomass and N status. The following treatments were tested: conventional urea (U, 45% N), urea treated with NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) (U + NBPT, 45.6% N), S-coated urea (U + S; 37% N), Se-coated urea (U + Se; 45% N), organo-mineral fertilizer Azoslow 29 (OMF, 29% N + 50% Azogel^®). The above treatments and non-fertilized control were tested in two soils (LVd and LVAd, 71 and 25% clay, respectively). Semi-open static collectors were used to determine N-NH₃ volatilization 1, 2, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 23, 29, and 36 days after application of treatments. Wheat was cultivated for 35 days, and shoot dry mass and total leaf N were determined after harvest. Cumulative N-NH₃ losses from OMF (27 and 32% of N applied in the LVd and LVAd soils, respectively) did not differ from U and (26–32%) and U + Se (24–31%), likely due to organic matter inputs enhancing urease activity in soils. Nevertheless, OMF resulted in 2–4 times greater wheat dry matter than U, U + Se, and U + S, with similar dry mass of U + NBPT for LVAd soils. OMF application enhanced total N removal in wheat leaves relative to the unfertilized control and most N sources. N-NH₃ losses did not reduce biomass yield, but were negatively linked to N accumulation in wheat. The OMF enhanced wheat biomass and nutrition while sustaining environmental quality and promoting circularity in agroecosystems. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and yield of broccoli grown under different sources and rates of specialty phosphorus (P) fertilizers in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design arranged in a split-plot scheme, testing three P sources: (1) conventional monoammonium phosphate (CMP); (2) polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (PCMP); and (3) organomineral fertilizer (Org). Four application rates were evaluated: 0 (no P applied), 50% (200 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅), 75% (300 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅), and 100% (400 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅) of the recommended phosphorus rate for broccoli, with four replications. The parameters assessed included plant nutritional status, soil fertility at harvest, number of leaves (NL), fresh head weight (FHW), dry head weight (DHW), and broccoli yield (YLD). In the first growing cycle, broccoli showed the highest NL (24), FHW (1.05 kg plant⁻¹), DHW (0.27 kg plant⁻¹), and YLD (18.81 Mg ha⁻¹) values when PCMP was applied, which was 5, 25, 8 and 23% higher than Org and 20, 25, 14 and 34% higher than CMP. In the second cycle, broccoli showed higher values of NL (23), FHW (1.85 kg plant⁻¹), DHW (0.26 kg plant⁻¹), and YLD (33.01 Mg ha⁻¹) where Org was applied, which was 4, 15, 8 and 5% higher than CMP and 2, 24, 4 and 14% higher than PCMP, respectively. All the variables evaluated showed the highest values at the 100% dose. Broccoli yield in the same area was 124%, 153%, and 115% higher in the second cycle compared to the first for CMP, PCMP, and Org, respectively. The greatest residual effect on soil fertility was observed in the area treated with the Org. Full article

The use of agro-industrial waste, such as wood ash or biomass ash, has been adopted as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers for providing nutrients to plants. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of primary and secondary macronutrients in soil cultivated with chrysanthemum under different types of fertilization management: organic, organomineral, and mineral, with and without liming. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 185 days, using a randomized blocks design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme: five fertilization types (incubated and unincubated wood ash, organomineral fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, and control) and two levels of liming (without liming and 70% base saturation) with five replicates. The soil used was Oxisol. The phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur contents in the soil after cultivation were analyzed. There was a 77% increase in potassium in treatments with ash compared to treatments without ash. The corrected soil presented 173.2 mg dm⁻³ of potassium, compared to 153.6 mg dm⁻³ in the uncorrected soil, an increase of 11.6%. The calcium levels increased by 60% with the application of ash (incubated or not) and organomineral fertilizer, compared to soils without ash. Liming increased calcium by 1.12 cmol_c dm⁻³. Fertilizers with ash associated with liming resulted in higher magnesium levels. The sulfur content varied according to the fertilizer, with non-incubated ash showing the highest value (69.11 mg dm⁻³) compared to the control (11.08 mg dm⁻³), a difference of 83.96%. Organomineral fertilizer is an alternative for increasing the availability of macronutrients in the soil, allowing a second cropping cycle without the need to manage soil fertility, contributing to sustainable agriculture, encouraging the reuse of waste, and reducing the use of mineral fertilizers. Full article

This paper assesses the thermodynamic stability of clay minerals in the upper organo-mineral horizon of podzolic soil, as well as in the rhizosphere of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.). Moreover, it determines the impact of soil organic matter on the thermodynamic stability of clay minerals. Calculations of ΔG_f and the saturation index (SI) for clay minerals in laboratory experiments simulating soil conditions without soil moisture outflow allowed us to find out that the thermodynamic stability of clay minerals decreased in the series kaolinite > illite > vermiculite > chlorite. In the rhizosphere of spruce, kaolinite, vermiculite and illite have the lowest, and in the soil under maple-the highest thermodynamic stability, which is associated with differences in the properties of soil organic matter of rhizospheres of different tree species. Laboratory experiments on the sorption of soil humic acid (HA) on clay minerals demonstrated that sorbed HA decreased the thermodynamic stability of biotite and increased the thermodynamic stability of kaolinite and muscovite. Thermodynamic stability of clay minerals decreased with increased proportion of sorbed thermolabile organic matter. Full article

Agricultural land abandonment is a widespread phenomenon found in many regions of the world. There are many studies on post-agricultural changes in temperate, arid, semi-arid regions, etc., but studies of such soils in boreal or Arctic conditions are rare. Our study aims to fill the gaps in research on the processes of post-agricultural soil transformation, with a focus on the harsh climatic conditions of the Arctic and Subarctic regions. Parameters of soil organic matter (SOM) are largely reflected in the quality of soil, and this study investigates the dynamics of SOM properties in Subarctic agricultural soils in process of post-agrogenic transformation and long-term fertilization. Using a chronosequence approach (0–25 years of abandonment) and a reference site with over 90 years of fertilization, we performed elemental (CHN-O) analysis, solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy of SOM, PXRD of soil and parent material, and multivariate statistical analysis to identify the connections between SOM composition and other soil properties. The results revealed transient increases in soil organic carbon (SOC) during early abandonment (5–10 years; 3.75–4.03%), followed by significant declines after 25 years (2.15–2.27%), driven by mineralization in quartz-dominated soils lacking reactive minerals for organo-mineral stabilization. The reference site (the Yamal Agricultural Station) maintained stable SOC (3.58–3.83%) through long-term organic inputs, compensating for poor mineralogical protection. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy highlighted shifts from labile alkyl-C (40.88% in active fields) to oxidized O-alkyl-C (21.6% in late abandonment) and lignin-derived aryl-C (15.88% at middle abandonment), reflecting microbial processing and humification. Freeze–thaw cycles and quartz dominance mineralogy exacerbated SOM vulnerability, while fertilization sustained alkyl-C (39.61%) and balanced C:N (19–20) ratios. Principal Component Analysis linked SOC loss to declining nutrient retention and showed SOM to be reliant on physical occlusion and biochemical recalcitrance, both vulnerable to Subarctic freeze–thaw cycles that disrupt aggregates. These findings underscore the fragility of SOM in Subarctic agroecosystems, emphasizing the necessity of organic amendments to counteract limitations of poor mineralogical composition and climatic stress. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the most important self-fertilizing field plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It has no significant requirements regarding growing conditions but has a very good reaction to fertilization. The current research evaluated the significance of the effects of individual applications of mineral (NPK) and organo-mineral (OMF) fertilizers, as well as their individual combination with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂), on the yield, morphological traits [mean number of leaves per plant—MNLP, minimum leaf length (cm) per plant—MinLL, maximum leaf length (cm) per plant—MaxLL, number of ears per plant—NEP], and physiological parameters (nitrogen balance index—NBI, content of chlorophyll—Chl, flavonoids—Flv, anthocyanins—Ant) of organic and pelleted (graded) oat plants, comparing the treatments and in relation to the control. The experiment was performed in semi-controlled glasshouse conditions, in pots, from the fourth week of March to the fourth week of June 2024, using Vertisol soil. This soil is characterized as light clay with an acid reaction. Physiological parameters were measured using a Dualex leaf clip sensor. The results obtained showed that physiological parameters in both oat types significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the treatments applied and in relation to the control, whereas the morphological traits did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) between the treatments. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the yield of both oat types were most pronounced in the OMF + Slaked Lime treatment (organic: 4.49 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 4.61 g pot⁻¹) in relation to the control (organic: 2.48 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 2.63 g pot⁻¹). The pelleted oats showed slightly better results for the effects of different treatments across all tested parameters compared to organic oats. In conclusion, the best results were obtained with the use of OMF + Slaked Lime, which could be proposed as the optimal fertilization treatment for pelleted and organic oat cultivation based on this research. Full article

The production of Ocimum basilicum (basil) crop depends upon the availability of all nutrients in the soil solution. There is a lack of information about its performance, at tropical conditions, using new fertilizer formulations, such as organo-mineral fertilizers, mainly under protected cultivation. These types of fertilizers combine benefits of the main fertilizers used in agriculture (organic and chemical). Therefore, organo-mineral fertilizers enhance soil health, provide a balanced nutrient supply, improve crop yields and quality. and promote environmental sustainability, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for sustainable crop production. This work aimed to evaluate the biomass and essential oil of basil varieties, with organo-mineral fertilization in different agricultural systems. Each experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with three replications in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, being two varieties of basil (“Sweet Dani” and “Cinnamon”) and four fertilizers: organo-mineral source, mineral source, organic source and the natural fertility of the soil. The evaluated characteristics were plant height, fresh biomass of plants, content, yield and the chemical composition of the essential oil. The organo-mineral sources of fertilizer provide better values for fresh biomass (average of 1175.90 and 1032.83 g per plant via greenhouse cultivation and field cultivation, respectively), essential oil yield (14.57 and 11.89 g per plant via greenhouse cultivation and field cultivation, respectively) and the dominant compounds for both cultivars of O. basilicum. Protected cultivation is the better environmental condition for obtaining the highest performance of O. basilicum cultivars about biomass and essential oil. The content of essential oil is not affected by the agricultural systems (greenhouse and field). The major compounds of essential oil under Brazilian crop conditions are Linalol and (E)-mehyl cinnamate in “Cinnamon” and neral and geranial (citral) in “Sweet Dani”. Full article

This study investigates the post-agricultural transformation of Plaggic Podzols in a Subarctic environment, focusing on the Yamal region, Western Siberia. Agricultural practices historically altered the natural Histic Entic Podzols, leading to their conversion into anthropogenic soils with enhanced organic matter and nutrient profiles. Using a chronosequence approach, soil profiles were analyzed across active and abandoned agricultural fields to assess changes in soil properties over 25 years of abandonment. Results revealed a significant decline in SOC (2.73 → 2.21%, r² = 0.28) and clay (5.26 → 12.45%, r² = 0.84), which is reflected in the values of SOC/clay and SOC/(silt + clay) ratios. Nevertheless, the values of the ratios are still above the thresholds, indicating that the “health” of the soils is satisfactory. We detected a decrease in N_t (0.17 → 0.12%, r² = 0.79) and consequently an increase in the C:N ratio (18.6 → 22.1), indirectly indicating a decrease in SOM quality. Nutrient losses (NPK) with increasing abandonment periods were pronounced, with their concentrations indicative of soil quality degradation. Trace metal concentrations remained below pollution thresholds, reflecting minimal ecological risk according to Igeo, RI, and PLI indexes. The results highlight the necessity for further research on organo-mineral interactions and SOM quality assessment. The findings provide insights into the challenges of soil restoration in Polar regions, emphasizing the role of climate, land-use history, and management practices in shaping soil health and fertility. Full article

The European Union (EU) advocates for a sustainable agricultural model with reduced synthetic fertiliser use. This study compares different high-P organo-mineral pellet fertilisers (OMFs) and their effects on crop yield. A trial was conducted under controlled conditions in ryegrass (Lollium perenne L.) pots with different organo-mineral fertilisation strategies at sowing with adjusted doses of P (120 kg P ha⁻¹) and N (200 kg N ha⁻¹). Pellets were developed from compost enriched with bone meal (OMF-BON), struvite (OMF-STR), and monoammonium phosphate (OMF-MAP). Conventional fertilisers (Complex15 and MAP) and alternative unpelletised/pelletised sources (STR and BON) were also tested. The experimental design included an unfertilised control (C), and treatments were carried out in triplicate (N = 24). Over 40 days, three cuttings (10, 25, and 40 days) were collected to determine fresh/dry biomass, nutrient content, and N, P, and K extraction efficiency. Soil labile parameters were influenced by the application of fertilisers especially OMF-MAP, OMF-STR, and MAP. MAP and STR yielded the highest nutrient extraction and biomass production, followed by their pelletised forms (OMF-MAP and OMF-STR). These results highlight the potential of pelletised organo-mineral fertilisers as sustainable alternatives to conventional sources. Full article

Human hair, commonly considered a discarded organic waste, is a keratin-rich material with remarkable potential for sustainable agriculture as an innovative resource. This study systematically explored the potential of non-composted human hair hydrolysates as eco-friendly and nutrient-rich liquid fertilizers, emphasizing their ability to enhance agricultural sustainability and mitigate organic waste accumulation. Eight distinct hydrolysates prepared with alkaline solutions were evaluated for their effects on plant growth using red-hot chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) as the primary model under greenhouse conditions. The present study introduces a novel approach by employing an advanced digital image analysis technique to quantitatively assess 37 distinct plant growth parameters, providing an unprecedented depth of understanding regarding the impact of liquid human hair hydrolysates on plant development. Additionally, the integration of pilot-scale field trials and multi-species evaluations highlights the broader applicability and scalability of these hydrolysates as sustainable fertilizers. Collectively, these features establish this research as a pioneering contribution to sustainable agriculture and bio-waste management. The top-performing hydrolysates (KCaMgN, KMgN, KCaN) demonstrated significant enhancements in plant growth metrics, with fresh weight reaching up to 3210 mg, projected leaf area of approximately 132 cm², and crown diameter of 20.91 cm for the best-performing formulations, outperforming a commercial organomineral fertilizer by 20–46% in overall growth performance. Furthermore, observational studies on various species (such as bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae), avocado (Persea americana), lemon (Citrus limon L.), Mazafati date (Phoenix dactylifera L.), and red mini conical hot pepper (Capsicum annuum var. conoides) and field trials on long sweet green peppers (Capsicum annuum) confirmed the broad applicability of these hydrolysates. Toxicity assessments using shortfin molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) validated the environmental safety of plants cultivated with hydrolysates. These findings highlight that human hair hydrolysates offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, contributing to waste management efforts while enhancing agricultural productivity. Full article

Crop residue returning to field inputs considerable nitrogen (N) into soils, which greatly influences the function and sustainability of the agricultural system. However, little is known about the transformation and physical stabilization of maize residue-derived N in soil matrix in response to changing N availability. To explore the distinct regulation of organo-mineral complexes on maize residue N translocation, a 38-week microcosm incubation was carried out amended with ¹⁵N-labeled maize residue in a Mollisols sampled from Gonghzuling, Northeast of China. Unlabeled inorganic N was added at different levels (0, 60.3 mg N kg⁻¹ soil (low level), 167 mg N kg⁻¹ soil (medium level), and 702 mg N kg⁻¹ soil (high level)). ¹⁵N enrichment in bulk soil and the separated particle size fractions were determined periodically in the bulk soils and the subsamples were analyzed. At the early stage of the incubation, the maize residue N concentration declined significantly in the sand fraction and increased in the silt and clay fractions. Temporally, the ¹⁵N enrichment in the silt fraction changed slightly after 4 weeks but that in the clay fraction increased continuously until the 18th week. These results indicated that the decomposing process controlled maize residue N translocation hierarchically from coarser into finer fractions. From the aspect of functional differentiation, the pass-in of the maize residue N into the silt fraction was apt to be balanced by the pass-out, while the absorption of clay particles was essential for the stabilization of the decomposed maize residue N. The inorganic N level critically controlled both the decomposition and translocation of maize residue in soil. High and medium inorganic N addition facilitated maize residue N decomposition compared to the low-level N addition. Furthermore, medium N availability is more favorable for maize residue N transportation and stabilization in the clay fraction. Comparatively, high-level inorganic N supply could possibly impede the interaction of maize residue N and clay minerals due to the competition of ammonium sorption/fixation on the active site of clay. This research highlighted the functional coupling of organic–inorganic N during soil N accumulation and stabilization, and such findings could present a theoretical perspective on optimal management of crop residue resources and chemical fertilizers in field practices. Full article