Enhancing growth and yield of crops with nutrient-enriched organic fertilizer at wet and dry seasons in ensuring climate-smart agriculture

Abstract

Purpose Rapid nutrient depletion in soils is one of the major problems that affect food production and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have linked the growth of food crops with seasonal variation and differences in weather conditions. This study was conducted to assess the effects of various organic fertilizer formulations (OFFs) on the growth and yield of selected crops (Zea mays L.; Glycine max, TX 114 and Dioscorea rotundata Poir) during rainy and dry seasons to ensuring climate-smart agriculture. Methods The OFFs used were plant-based (PB), animal-based (AB), rock-based (RB), organic mixture (OM-mixture of PB, AB and RB), synthetic/chemical (SC) while ordinary compost without fortification served as control. Effects of OFFs on growth parameters (number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, leaf area, and crop yield) of maize, yam and soybeans were assessed in plot experiments across the two seasons. Results The RB gave highest growth performances in maize and soybean plots at both seasons when applied at 2.5 t ha −1 . It also improved yam growth when applied at 2.5 t ha −1 (rainy season) and 3.0 t ha −1 (dry season) more than any other fertilizer. The largest yield of maize in the dry season was obtained from plots with PB at 2.0 t ha −1 . The AB at 2.0 t ha −1 gave the largest soybean yield in the rainy season. Conclusions Organic fertilizers enriched especially with rock-based and plant-based materials have the potential to ameliorate the threat of climate change and seasonal variation to food security.

Yield and morphological characteristics of Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) in response to mineral fertilizer application

“…The results of this experiment showed that fertilizer treatment combinations had significant differences in all the morphological parameters of burdock (Arctium lappa L) investigated. This may be attributed to the variation in the different rates of fertilizer application used in the study (Ichami et al, 2019;Hammed et al, 2019). These results are in line with Qasim (2018), who reported significant differences in growth and yield parameters of burdock as influenced by different levels of nitrogen fertilization and harvesting time, but with the highest effect at 100kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer application in burdock plant, while in this study, the application of 635kg/ha had the greatest influence.…”

Sterilization of Harmful Microorganisms in Hydroponic Cultivation Using an Ultraviolet LED Light Source

“…Therefore, it is important to inhibit the proliferation of bacterial or fungal pathogens around the culture medium or root area via complete sterilization when reusing culture fluids. (3,4) Sterilization includes chemical, heat, and ultraviolet sterilization. Ultraviolet sterilization is aimed at purifying water using semiconductor light sources.…”

Effect of Site-Specific Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Fertility under Cotton-Wheat Cropping System of Punjab Pakistan

“…Chemical fertilizers in combination with organic manures can be effectively used to level off the yield stagnation [6]. Because organic amendments have the potential to ameliorate the threat of climate change and seasonal variation to food security [7]. The efficient use of chemical fertilizers requires an optimum level of organic matter in the soil that can be achieved by integrated use of chemical and organic fertilizers including composts [8][9][10].…”