Effect of Organic Based N Fertilizer on Dry Matter (Zea mays L.), Ammonium and Nitrate Recovery in an Acid Soil of Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Problem statement: Exchangeable ammonium (NH 4 + ) could be recovered by humic and fulvic acids from humic substances. The ability of these acids in fixing or retaining NH 4 + has been demonstrated in many findings and reports. Both acids could affect the plant growth, nutrients uptake by enhancing photosynthesis rate and root growth among others. Thus, in this study, the effect of both acids (in liquid form) on soil exchangeable NH 4 + , dry matter production and available nitrate (NO 3¯) was investigated. Approach: Humic molecules were isolated using standard procedures, followed by liquid organic N fertilizers formulation. Organic based N fertilizers were applied to soil in pots at 10 Days After Planting (DAP) and 28 DAP. Treated soils and plant parts were sampled at 54 DAP or at tasselling stage. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, ammonium and nitrate content. The plant samples were weighed to assess dry matter production. Results: Under acid condition, organic based liquid N fertilizers (fulvic acid or both, humic and fulvic acids) increased accumulation of NH 4 + in soil. The presence of carboxylic groups in humic molecules increased NH 4 + retention with increasing soil's stock labile carbon. However, low percentage of these acids reduced their full effect on dry matter production. The availability of nitrate was not statistically different for all treatments. Low soil pH could had reduced nitrification processes and simultaneously soil NO 3¯ content. Conclusion: Liquid form of humic and/or fulvic acids could play an important role in enhancing urea efficiency. However, their contribution needs to be studied in detail in relation to humic molecules characteristics. This study had a potential in the development of liquid and foliar organic fertilizers.

Effects of Selected Functional Bacteria on Maize Growth and Nutrient Use Efficiency

“…The plants were monitored up to tasselling stage at 56 DAS. Tasselling stage is the final development stage of maize before it reaches productive stage [ 71 ].…”

Reducing Acidity of Tropical Acid Soil to Improve Phosphorus Availability and Zea mays L. Productivity through Efficient Use of Chicken Litter Biochar and Triple Superphosphate

“…The moisture was then maintained at 60% water holding capacity. The maize plants were monitored and harvested at tasseling stage (52 days after sowing) because this growth stage is a major determinant of maize yield [16,17]. Nutrient and dry weight accumulation can also increase greatly around tasseling stage.…”

Assessment of Co‐Compost Quality by Physico‐Chemical and Exploratory Data Analysis

“…Organic farming is one of the key objectives for sustainable soil management due to several reasons including the improvement of soil protection and carbon sequestration in the context of climate change, soil aggregation , reduce runoff, and soil erosion from typical hilly region , microbial biomass , the production of binding carbohydrates and humic substances and soil fertility and at the same time it attracts higher financial premium. On this backdrop of information, it can be inferred that composted organic amendment used in organic farming should be one of the strategies towards environmentally favorable and safe agricultural management options . However, the progress of organic agriculture in India is very slow and only 41 000 ha of the total cultivated land is under organic farming, which is a mere 0.03% of the total cultivated area in India .…”

“…Beside composition and physico‐chemical changes during composting, quality of compost is dependent on its stability and maturity . A large number of literature related to the physico‐chemical changes in organic matter during composting have been reported [ and reference therein]. The reliable variables considered for compost maturity are pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total potassium (TK), total phosphorus (TP), heavy metals , and germination index (GI) .…”