Effects of different fertilizer formulas on the growth of loquat rootstocks and stem lignification

Supraparticles as slow-release fertiliser in seedling potential growth of Eucalyptus urograndis and greenhouse gas flux impacts

Slow-release urea fertilisers have been shown to present acceptable values for plant yield and mitigate the harmful effect of soil emission gases. This study synthesises a slow-release fertiliser containing fumed-nanosilica, nanofibrillated cellulose as well as sodium alginate as a urea carrier to analyse the growth parameters of Eucalyptus urograndis seedlings and potential emission of soil gases, N₂O, CH₄, CO₂ and ammonia volatilisation. The developed supraparticles, arranged layered nanoparticle structure, presented a decrease in the normal nitrogen content of urea of 19%, which is attributed to the binding of this element. A good electrostatic interaction between the elements was confirmed by the FTIR with 20% of nitrogen content from its chemical composition and an increase in thermal degradation of the main components when synthesised. The profile of urea release presented to be as first-order with 85% of this compound was released only after 60 days. These characteristics led to statistically increased growth of Eucalyptus seedlings compared to the controls, which improves with higher dosages of urea. Values of biomass and characteristics of the plant were used for principal component analysis which resulted in good cluster formation based on the upward concentration of urea added to the plant. Nevertheless, flux gases were statistically higher for certain time periods on lower urea particle concentration, while increased concentration presented N₂O emissions within standard rates with no significant variation in the other measured gases, which was attributed to the soil microbial targeted consumption. Therefore, this material can be beneficial in the agriculture industry.

Synergism of Industrial and Agricultural Waste as a Suitable Carrier Material for Developing Potential Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agricultural Production of Eggplant

The study investigates biochar from agriculture waste and flyash from coal power station as possible carrier materials for two plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacterial strains Burkholderia sp. L2 and Bacillus sp. A30 for enhanced eggplant growth and yield. Biochar-based biofertilizers with/without flyash showed higher viability up to 270 days of storage period. The maximum percentage of seed germination was observed in L2-based biochar and flyash + biochar (1:1) bifertilizer. Moreover, the L2 + biochar+flyash produced a maximum percentage increase in fruit yield with significant (p < 0.05) improvement in plant growth parameters. Post-harvest soil status also showed enhanced physical (water holding capacity, moisture content), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity, NPK), and dehydrogenase activity. The study suggests that biofertilizer of L2 strain with agriculture waste generated biochar and flyash as carrier materials can tremendously enhance the productivity of eggplant and could act as a substitute for chemical fertilizer thus solving their disposal problem by sustainable waste management.

Ginger Extract and Fulvic Acid Foliar Applications as Novel Practical Approaches to Improve the Growth and Productivity of Damask Rose

Plant biostimulants (BIOs) have been identified as among the best agricultural practices over the past few decades. Ginger extract (GE) and fulvic acid (FA) are a new family of multifunctional BIOs that positively affect development processes in plants. However, the underlying mechanisms that influence these development processes are still unknown. The objective of this study was to determine how GE and FA affect the plant growth and productivity in damask rose. Furthermore, the mechanisms of these BIOs that regulate the performance of this plant were investigated. Damask rose plants were foliar-sprayed with GE (5, 10 and 15 mg L^-1) or FA (1, 3 and 5 g L^-1), while control plants were sprayed with tap water. The results showed that GE or FA foliar applications enhanced plant height and branch number much more than the control; however, FA treatment was more effective than GE. Intriguingly, flower number, flower yield, relative water content, and total chlorophyll content were all improved by either GE or FA, paying attention to reducing the blind shoot number per plant. Relative to the control, foliar application with 15 mg L^-1 GE or 3 mg L^-1FA increased the flower number by 16.11% and 19.83% and the flower yield per hectare by 40.53% and 52.75%, respectively. Substantial enhancements in volatile oil content and oil yield were observed due to GE and FA treatments, especially with the highest concentrations of both BIOs. The treatments of GE and FA considerably improved the total soluble sugars, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and total carotenoid content, more so with FA. Additionally, the contents of N, P, K, Mg, Fe, and Zn elements were also enhanced by applying either GE or FA, especially at higher levels of both BIOs. In sum, our findings illuminate the potential functions of exogenous application of GE and FA in improving the growth, flower yield, and volatile oil yield in damask rose through enhancing the phytochemical and nutrient profiles. Applications of GE and FA can, thus, be a promising approach for enhancing the productivity of damask rose.