Effects of Organically Enhanced Biofertilizer and Fertilizer Briquettes on Mineral Nutrition, Quality, and Yield of Corn and Soil Health

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Effects of Organically Enhanced Biofertilizer and Fertilizer Briquettes on Mineral Nutrition, Quality, and Yield of Corn and Soil Health University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Masters Theses Graduate School 5-2014 Effects of Organically Enhanced Biofertilizer and Fertilizer Briquettes on Mineral Nutrition, Quality, and Yield of Corn and Soil Health John Heggie Winings University of Tennessee - Knoxville, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes Part of the Agricultural Science Commons, and the Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Winings, John Heggie, "Effects of Organically Enhanced Biofertilizer and Fertilizer Briquettes on Mineral Nutrition, Quality, and Yield of Corn and Soil Health. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2014. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/2762 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by John Heggie Winings entitled "Effects of Organically Enhanced Biofertilizer and Fertilizer Briquettes on Mineral Nutrition, Quality, and Yield of Corn and Soil Health." I have examined the final electronic copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree of Master of Science, with a major in Plant Sciences. Frank Yin, Major Professor We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: Fred L. Allen, Hubert J. Savoy, Arnold M. Saxton Accepted for the Council: Carolyn R. Hodges Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official studentecor r ds.) Effects of Organically Enhanced Biofertilizer and Fertilizer Briquettes on Mineral Nutrition, Quality, and Yield of Corn and Soil Health A Thesis Presented for the Master of Science Degree The University of Tennessee, Knoxville John Heggie Winings May 2014 Copyright © 2014 by John Winings All rights reserved ii Acknowledgements I would like to express my deep appreciation for Drs. Frank Yin, Fred Allen, Hubert Savoy, and Arnold Saxton for serving as members of my graduate committee and for their guidance and support during my tenure as a graduate student at the University of Tennessee. I would like to particularly thank my major professor Dr. Frank Yin for selecting me as one of his graduate students and thus providing me with this wonderful opportunity to pursue higher education in a field of study that I so much enjoy. I would also like to thank Bob Sharp for all his technical support in performing the field research for this study. I would also like to extend an expression of appreciation to the International Fertilizer Development Center, Unity Envirotech, LLC., and other financial contributors for funding the research of which I was a part, thereby making it possible for me to participate in and acquire advanced scientific training without financially compromising my family. I would also like to thank my dear, sweet wife Anni for her support and patience as I have pursued this Master’s Degree. She is a wonderful woman and has been an excellent full time mother to our precious little girls during this time of transition in our lives. Her devotion to our family and the magnitude of her personal sacrifice in behalf of our little children at the expense of other attractive or financially promising pursuits is without parallel. iii Abstract Interest in alternate fertilizers has increased in recent years in order to improve crop nutrition and soil health. The efficacy of these fertilizers on corn (Zea mays L.) production and quality has been scarcely documented. Two alternative fertilizers, organically enhanced NPSFe Unity biofertilizer (Unity) manufactured from sterilized organic additives extracted from municipal wastewater biosolids and NPKZn briquettes (briquettes) produced by compacting solid fertilizers into a super-granule between 1-3 grams, were evaluated for nutrient concentrations, growth, quality, and yield of corn, residual soil nutrient levels, and soil microbial community structure relative to the conventional fertilizers ammonium sulfate and urea at Jackson and Ames, TN from 2011 to 2013. Unity, briquettes, ammonium sulfate, and urea, and four N rates of 0, 85, 128/170, and 170/255 kg ha-1 [hectare] were assigned to the main and sub plots, respectively, in a split plot randomized complete block design with four replicates. Unity sometimes had lower N and P concentrations in plant biomass and grain, but resulted in greater Zn concentrations in plant biomass at higher N rates. Plant Fe concentration was not increased by the application of Unity. The briquettes did not consistently improve N, P, K, and Zn nutrition in the plant. Unity and ammonium sulfate resulted in higher plant S concentrations than the briquettes and urea. Unity increased soil organic C levels, but decreased diversity of soil microbes. The briquettes - produced lower soil NO3 -N [nitrate] concentrations particularly under wet soil conditions. Unity and ammonium sulfate generally maintained stronger plant growth through early to middle season of corn than the banded briquettes and split-applied urea. Physiological defects were fewer under briquette fertilization at lower N rates. Unity and the briquettes at lower N rates had greater grain yields; at higher N rates they were only comparable in grain yield to ammonium sulfate and urea. Unity and the briquettes also had greater grain yields under wet soil conditions. In conclusion, the agronomic benefits with the briquettes are not consistent compared to the conventional prilled fertilizers. Unity biofertilizer is a viable source to increase plant S nutrition and soil C sequestration. iv Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 Introduction and Literature Review ...........................................................................1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................2 Literature Review.......................................................................................................................9 Agronomic Use of Biosolid Fertilizer..................................................................................9 Agronomic Use of Fertilizer Briquettes .............................................................................13 Literature Cited ........................................................................................................................16 CHAPTER 2 Effect of NPSFe Biofertilizer and NPKZn Briquettes on Corn Mineral Nutrition and Soil Nutrient Levels ...............................................................................................................24 Abstract ....................................................................................................................................25 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................26 Materials and Methods .............................................................................................................29 Soil Description .................................................................................................................29 Corn Planting .....................................................................................................................29 Treatments..........................................................................................................................29 Off-Season Treatments ......................................................................................................32 Soil and Plant Sampling, Analysis, and Measurements .....................................................32 Statistical Analysis .............................................................................................................34 Results and Discussion ............................................................................................................35 Nutrient Concentrations in Plant Biomass and Grain ........................................................35 Nitrogen .................................................................................................................35 Phosphorus .............................................................................................................37 Potassium ...............................................................................................................38 Sulfur......................................................................................................................39 Iron .........................................................................................................................41 Zinc ........................................................................................................................42 Soil Nutrient Concentrations..............................................................................................44 Phosphorus .............................................................................................................44 Nitrate—N..............................................................................................................45 v Ammonium—N .....................................................................................................46
Recommended publications
  • Effects of Biofertilizers Combined with Different Soil Amendments on Potted Rice Plants
    RESEARCH 157 EFFECTS OF BIOFERTILIZERS COMBINED WITH DIFFERENT SOIL AMENDMENTS ON POTTED RICE PLANTS Arshad Javaid1* ABSTRACT This pot study investigated the effect of the combined application of two commercial biofertilizers viz. Biopower and EM (Effective Microorganisms) on rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield in soils amended with farmyard manure, green manure, and NPK fertilizers. Biopower is a product of the Nuclear Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan, which contains species of associative and endophytic diazotrophs. EM (effective microorganisms), a product developed by Japanese scientists, consists of co-existing beneficial microorganisms, mainly species of photosynthetic and lactic acid bacteria, as well as yeast. Applying Biopower adversely affected plant growth and yield in NPK fertilizer amendment. Conversely, this biofertilizer markedly enhanced plant growth and yield in green manure amended soil while its effect was not significant in farmyard manure amendment. In green manure amendment, applying EM enhanced grain yield by 46%. Co-inoculation of Biopower and EM evidently improved root and shoot growth in farmyard manure amended soil. This study concludes that the two biofertilizers clearly enhanced shoot biomass and grain yield in green manure amended soils. Key words: Associated N2-fixers, Biopower, effective microorganisms, rice, soil amendments. INTRODUCTION several bacteria may be isolated from sterilized surface roots of flooded rice plants, suggesting endophytic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is probably the most important colonization (Raimam et al., 2007). The most likely cereal in the world and serves as food for about 50% of candidates for biological N fixation in rice are species the world’s population (Ladha et al., 1997).
    [Show full text]
  • Optimal Rate of Organic Fertilizer During the Vegetative-Stage For
    HORTSCIENCE 52(9):1307–1312. 2017. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI11903-17 but the medicinal effects of CBD have re- cently been identified (Russo, 2011) leading some breeders to select for high CBD. Most Optimal Rate of Organic Fertilizer indoor production of cannabis occurs in two growth stages, vegetative and flowering, during the Vegetative-stage for which are controlled by photoperiod (Farag and Kayser, 2015). Modern day cultivation of Cannabis Grown in Two Coir-based cannabis takes place almost exclusively in- doors under artificial lighting using either solution culture systems or soilless growing Substrates substrates (Leggett, 2006; Potter, 2014). In Deron Caplan, Mike Dixon, and Youbin Zheng1 addition, many cannabis growers favor or- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G ganic production practices because consumers 2W1, Canada and regulating bodies often demand pesticide- free cannabis (Canada Gazette, 2016). Additional index words. Cannabis sativa, cannabis growth, floral dry weight, marijuana, THC, Online horticultural resources are avail- CBN able for cannabis production; however, lim- ited information is available in peer-reviewed Abstract. Cannabis producers, especially those with organic operations, lack reliable scientific literature. Furthermore, there is information on the fertilization requirements for their crops. To determine the optimal scant published scientific research on any organic fertilizer rate for vegetative-stage cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), five rates that aspect of organic cannabis production. Be- supplied 117, 234, 351, 468, and 585 mg N/L of a liquid organic fertilizer (4.0N–1.3P– cause of a lack of systematic horticultural 1.7K) were applied to container-grown plants with one of two coir-based organic research, current cannabis producers rely substrates.
    [Show full text]
  • Nutrient Management and Imbalances David H
    98 Nutrient Management and Imbalances David H. Gent, J Robert Sirrine, and Heather M. Darby Hop plants produce abundant biomass in the form of bines, leaves, and cones. High- yielding plants such as hop require adequate nutrition. Many of the various nutrients required by hop may be deficient or in excess of the crop’s needs. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of abnormal plant symptoms, especially if multiple production factors lead to the same symptom. General symptoms associated with nutrient imbalances are described in this section, as well as known nutrient interactions with diseases and arthropod pests. Fertilization recommendations are beyond the scope of this pest management guide and are not provided. Recommendations vary widely in published literature, differing among production regions, varieties, irrigation methods, soil types, and production goals. Readers should seek input from local experts for guidance appropriate to their region and situation. Boron Iron Boron deficiency can result in delayed Iron deficiency is first observed on emergence of shoots; stunting, distortion, young leaves as yellowing between veins, and crinkling of young leaves (Fig. 257); while veins remain green (Fig. 260, right- and yellowing and death of shoot tips (Fig. hand image, and Fig. 261). Iron deficiency 258). Leaves of affected plants may be small is most common in alkaline soils, although and brittle, and may develop a fluffy-tipped it can be induced in highly acidic soils appearance due to impaired development (approximately pH 5.7 or less) because of lobes (Fig. 259). Deficiencies are most of enhanced solubility and uptake of common in acid and/or sandy textured soils.
    [Show full text]
  • Phosphorus Biofertilizers from Ash and Bones—Agronomic Evaluation of Functional Properties
    Journal of Agricultural Science; Vol. 8, No. 6; 2016 ISSN 1916-9752 E-ISSN 1916-9760 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Phosphorus Biofertilizers from Ash and Bones—Agronomic Evaluation of Functional Properties Magdalena Jastrzębska1, Marta K. Kostrzewska1, Kinga Treder1, Wiesław P. Jastrzębski2 & Przemysław Makowski1 1 Department of Agroecosystems, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland 2 Department of Botany and Nature Protection, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Correspondence: Magdalena Jastrzębska, Department of Agroecosystems, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plac Łódzki 3, Olsztyn 10-718, Poland. Tel: 48-89-523-4829. E-mail: [email protected] Received: March 16, 2016 Accepted: April 25, 2016 Online Published: May 15, 2016 doi:10.5539/jas.v8n6p58 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v8n6p58 Abstract Renewable raw materials could be a valuable source of phosphorus for plants. The bioavailability of this element can be enhanced by phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria. Suspension biofertilizers have been produced from sewage sludge ash and animal bones and enriched with the bacteria Bacillus megaterium. The functional properties of these preparations were compared in field experiments (northeast Poland, 2014, four replications) on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare Mac Key) to conventional fertilizers (superphosphate, phosphorite), ash-water solution (without microorganisms) and a control treatment without P fertilization. The soil type and cultivation regime were adjusted to the requirements of spring wheat in line with good agricultural practice. The effects of biofertilizers on the following were investigated: wheat yield, ear density, number of grains in the ear, the weight of 1000 grains, harvest index, weed infestation, the weight and structure of crop residues, and the pH of soil.
    [Show full text]
  • Choosing a Soil Amendment Fact Sheet No
    Choosing a Soil Amendment Fact Sheet No. 7.235 Gardening Series|Basics by J.G. Davis and D. Whiting* A soil amendment is any material added not be used as a soil amendment. Don’t add Quick Facts to a soil to improve its physical properties, sand to clay soil — this creates a soil structure such as water retention, permeability, water similar to concrete. • On clayey soils, soil infiltration, drainage, aeration and structure. Organic amendments increase soil amendments improve the The goal is to provide a better environment organic matter content and offer many soil aggregation, increase for roots. benefits. Over time, organic matter improves porosity and permeability, and To do its work, an amendment must be soil aeration, water infiltration, and both improve aeration, drainage, thoroughly mixed into the soil. If it is merely water- and nutrient-holding capacity. Many and rooting depth. buried, its effectiveness is reduced, and it will organic amendments contain plant nutrients interfere with water and air movement and and act as organic fertilizers. Organic matter • On sandy soils, soil root growth. also is an important energy source for amendments increase the Amending a soil is not the same thing bacteria, fungi and earthworms that live in water and nutrient holding as mulching, although many mulches also the soil. capacity. are used as amendments. A mulch is left on the soil surface. Its purpose is to reduce Application Rates • A variety of products are available bagged or bulk for evaporation and runoff, inhibit weed growth, Ideally, the landscape and garden soils and create an attractive appearance.
    [Show full text]
  • Fixed Nitrogen in Agriculture and Its Role in Agrocenoses
    Agronomy Research 19(2), 601–611, 2021 https://doi.org/10.15159/AR.21.086 Fixed nitrogen in agriculture and its role in agrocenoses S. Tanchyk1, D. Litvinov1, A. Butenko2,*, O. Litvinova3, O. Pavlov1, A. Babenko1, N. Shpyrka1, V.Onychko4, I. Masyk5 and T. Onychko4 1National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Agrobiological faculty, Department of Agriculture and herbology, Heroyiv Oborony 12, UA03041 Кyiv, Ukraine 2Sumy National Agrarian University, Faculty of agricultural technologies and environmental, Plant growing Department, H. Kondratieva 160, UA40021 Sumy, Ukraine 3National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Agrobiological faculty, Department of Agricultural chemistry and quality of plant products, Heroyiv Oborony 12, UA03041 Кyiv, Ukraine 4Sumy National Agrarian University, Faculty of agricultural technologies and environmental, Department of Selection and seeds named after M.D. Honcharov, H. Kondratieva 160, UA40021 Sumy, Ukraine 5Sumy National Agrarian University, Faculty of agricultural technologies and environmental, Department of Agriculture, soil and agrochemistry, H. Kondratieva 160, UA40021 Sumy, Ukraine *Correspondence: [email protected] Received: February 23rd, 2021; Accepted: May 12th, 2021; Published: May 19th, 2021 Abstract. On typical low-humus black soils in short crop rotations with legumes (25–33%) and without them, it was found that depending on the set of crops in crop rotation and application of fertilizer rates, nitrogen yield per crop is from 355 kg ha-1 to 682 kg ha-1. The recommended fertilization system provided nitrogen compensation for crop yields by only 31–76%. Hence, in the plant-fertilizer system nitrogen deficiency varies from 161 to 370 kg ha-1. The greatest nitrogen deficiency in the soil is observed in crop rotation without the use of fertilizers with the following crop rotation: peas-winter wheat-grain maize-spring barley.
    [Show full text]
  • Improving Soil Nitrogen Availability and Rice Growth Performance on a Tropical Acid Soil Via Mixture of Rice Husk and Rice Straw Biochars
    applied sciences Article Improving Soil Nitrogen Availability and Rice Growth Performance on a Tropical Acid Soil via Mixture of Rice Husk and Rice Straw Biochars Gunavathy Selvarajh , Huck Ywih Ch’ng * , Norhafizah Md Zain, Palsan Sannasi and Siti Nuurul Huda Mohammad Azmin Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Campus Jeli, University Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan 17600, Malaysia; [email protected] (G.S.); norhafi[email protected] (N.M.Z.); [email protected] (P.S.); [email protected] (S.N.H.M.A.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +60-17-853-7510 Featured Application: This research focuses on using an environmentally friendly technology (mixture of rice straw and rice husk biochars) to sustainably minimize ammonia volatilization, increase soil nutrient retention, and improve rice plant nutrient uptake and use efficiency. The mixture of rice straw and rice husk biochars has a larger surface area and numerous pores to chelate ammonium and nitrate ions. This process will fundamentally reduce the loss of ammo- nia via volatilization from urea fertilizer being applied, thus reducing the excessive use of urea fertilizer in agricultural sector. The biochar at 5 and 10 t ha−1 significantly minimized ammo- nia volatilization by 33.5–40.7%. It resulted in an increase of nutrient uptake, use efficiency, and dry matter production of rice plant. This work may not only contribute to the reduction of urea fertilizer import bill of Malaysia, but also pave the way for better means of adding value to the agricultural waste to avoid environmental pollution. It also contributes to increasing rice produc- tion by solving the problem of ammonia loss from urea fertilizer in tropical acid soil.
    [Show full text]
  • BIOSOL for Revegetation
    BIOSOL for Revegetation Engineers, contractors and landscapers are confronted with a wide variety of issues when called to put a revegetation plan into action. Soil conditions are typically the number one problem hampering revegetation efforts due to soil disturbance. Soil disturbance and compaction can destroy a large majority of the soil life on every site. Therefore, it is important to add a high quality organic material that is going to activate and re-establish soil health to support long term plant growth. Biosol (Biosol & Biosol Forte) is recognized as a multi-nutrient fertilizer due to the complex organic compounds in the fermented organic material. Biosol is an all purpose natural organic fertilizer and soil amendment. Its high quality organic nutrients, organic substances and chitin are the stable, long lasting nutrients that help build plant and soil health. These nutrients are the difference between Biosol and most other fertilizers on the market today. The unique and high concentration of organically bound nitrogen (95% – 97%) is the key to long term plant growth. Biosol’s organically bound nutrients feed plants and soils during the growing season, allowing plants to utilize the nutrients when needed. These stable, organic nutrients eliminate the chance of nutrients leaching into ground water or being volatized into the atmosphere, reducing the opportunity that weeds have to grow on your site. Material Comparisons Biosol Poultry Chemical Composted Product Benefits Biosol Compost Forte Manure Fertilizer Fert/ Mix Positively
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization of Nutrient Disorders and Impacts on Chlorophyll and Anthocyanin Concentration of Brassica Rapa Var
    agriculture Article Characterization of Nutrient Disorders and Impacts on Chlorophyll and Anthocyanin Concentration of Brassica rapa var. Chinensis 1 1 1, 2 Patrick Veazie , Paul Cockson , Josh Henry y, Penelope Perkins-Veazie and Brian Whipker 1,* 1 Department of Horticultural Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; [email protected] (P.V.); [email protected] (P.C.); [email protected] (J.H.) 2 Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Current address is: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Marysville, OH 43040, USA. y Received: 3 September 2020; Accepted: 5 October 2020; Published: 8 October 2020 Abstract: Essential plant nutrients are needed at crop-specific concentrations to obtain optimal growth and yield. Foliar tissue analysis is the standard method for assessing nutrient levels in plants. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency or toxicity occur when the foliar tissue values become too low or high. Diagnostic nutrient deficiency criteria for Brassica rapa var. Chinensis (bok choy) is lacking in the current literature. In this study, green (‘Black Summer’) and purple (‘Red Pac’) bok choy plants were grown in silica sand culture, with control plants receiving a complete modified Hoagland’s all-nitrate solution, and nutrient-deficient plants induced by using a complete nutrient formula withholding a single nutrient. Tissue samples were collected at the first sign of visual disorder symptoms and analyzed for dry weight and nutrient concentrations of all plant essential elements. Six weeks into the experiment, the newest matured leaves were sampled for chlorophyll a, b, and total carotenoids concentrations for both cultivars, and total anthocyanin concentration in ‘Red Pac’.
    [Show full text]
  • Bio-Fertilizers- Power of Beneficial Microorganisms in Soils
    DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.04.001076 Nur Okur. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res ISSN: 2574-1241 Mini review Open Access A Review: Bio-Fertilizers- Power of Beneficial Microorganisms in Soils Nur Okur* Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Ege University, Turkey Received: May 01, 2018; Published: May 16, 2018 *Corresponding author: Nur Okur, Departmentof Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Ege University, Turkey Abstract uptake of nutrients by their interactions in the rhizosphere when applied through seed or soil. They accelerate certain microbial processes Bio-fertilizers are defined as preparations containing living cells or latent cells of efficient strains of microorganisms that help crop plants’ important components of integrated nutrient management, as they are cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to supplement thein the chemical soil which fertilizers augment for sustainablethe extent of agriculture. availability of nutrients in a form easily assimilated by plants. The use of bio-fertilizers is one of the Keywords: Bio-fertilizer; Sustainable agriculture; Liquid bio-fertilizer Abbreviations: PGPB: Plant Growth Promoting Bio-Fertilizer; KSB: Potassium Solubilizing Bio-Fertilizer; KMB: Potassium Mobilizing Bio- Fertilizer; SOB: Sulfur Oxidizing Bio-Fertilizer; NFB: Nitrogen Fixing Bio-Fertilizers Introduction Some strategies increasing the quality of the soil are needed to ensure sustainability in soil fertility. Increasing the population of a) more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers, availability of nitrogen
    [Show full text]
  • In-Season Use of Liquid Organic Fertilizers
    In-Season Use of Liquid Organic Fertilizers Richard Smith, University of California Cooperative Extension Monterey County Joji Muramoto, University of California Santa Cruz Liquid Organic Fertilizers • Most of the traditional liquid materials are made from fish wastes, grains and other materials such as guano • They have specific properties that make their use attractive to growers • They can be injected into drip systems which is of great interest in long-season strawberry production where the use of plastic mulch precludes being able to apply fertilizer later in the cropping cycle Liquid Organic Fertilizers • Tim Hartz did a study published in 2010 that looked at the mineralization characteristics of three commonly available material back then: ▪ Fish waste, seabird guano (6-1.3-1) ▪ Soy meal, plant extracts (4-1.6-1.6) ▪ Grain fermentation (2.6-2.8-2.3) Nutrient Composition Parameter Fish waste, Soy meal, plant Grain seabird guano extracts fermentation Total Nitrogen 6.0% 4.0% 2.6% Particulate-Na 0.5% 0.7% 0.6% Particulate-Na 8% 17% 23% (percent of total) a – particles that would not pass through No. 4 filter paper Nutrient Composition Parameter Fish waste, Soy meal, plant Grain seabird guano extracts fermentation Total Nitrogen 6.0% 4.0% 2.6% Ammonium-N 1.3% 0.5% 0.2% Nitrate-N <0.1% 0.7% 0.2% Total mineral 22% 30% 15% (percent of total) Nutrient Composition Parameter Fish waste, Soy meal, plant Grain seabird guano extracts fermentation Carbon:nitrogen 1.6 3.4 6.0 Total Phosphorus 0.6% 0.7% 1.2% Total Potassium 0.9% 1.4% 1.9% Nitrogen
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Multifunctional Biofertilizers on Tomato Plants Cultivated Under a Fertigation System ABSTRACT Malaysian Nuclear A
    Assessment of multifunctional biofertilizers on tomato plants cultivated under a fertigation system Phua, C.K.H., Abdul Wahid, A.N. and Abdul Rahim, K. Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia (MOSTI) E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) has developed a series of multifunctional bioorganic fertilizers, namely, MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIOFERT PG & PA and MF- BIOPELLET, in an effort to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizer for crop production. These products contain indigenous microorganisms that have desired characteristics, which include plant growth promoting, phosphate solubilising, antagonistic towards bacterial wilt disease and enhancing N2-fixing activity. These products were formulated as liquid inoculants, and introduced into a fertigation system in an effort to reduce usage of chemical fertilizers. A greenhouse trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of multifunctional biofertilizers on tomato plants grown under a fertigation system. Multifunctional biofertilizer products were applied singly and in combination with different rates of NPK in the fertigation system. Fresh and dry weights of tomato plants were determined. Application of multifunctional biofertilizer combined with 20 g NPK resulted in significantly higher fresh and dry weights as compared to other treatments. ABSTRAK Agensi Nuklear Malaysia (Nuklear Malaysia) telah membangunkan satu siri baja bioorganic pelbagai fungsi, iaitu MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIOFERT PG & PA and MF-BIOPELLET, dalam usaha mengurangkan pergantungan terhadap baja kimia dalam penghasilan tanaman. Produk ini mengandungi mikroorganisma setempat yang menpunyai ciri yang dikehendaki seperti penggalak pertumbuhan, pengurai fosfat, antagonis terhadap penyakit layu bakteria dan menggalak aktiviti pengikat N2. Produk ini difomulasi dalam bentuk cecair dan diperkenalkan ke dalam sistem fertigasi untuk mengurangkan penggunaan baja kimia.
    [Show full text]