Effects of nitrogen fertilizers, bio-fertilizer and molasses on yield quality of sugar beet plants (Beta vulgaris L.)

Mussel shells, with their calcium carbonate content, serve as a natural pH buffer, aiding in neutralizing acidic soils and, consequently, enhancing nutrient availability for plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treating soils with mussel shells as a soil pH amendment on the agronomic characteristics and productivity of Rosmarinus officinalis. A pot experiment was set up for two growing years. The treatments were amended using different doses of mussel shells. Overall, the treatments were the following: C: unamended soil (control); T1: 0.1%; T2: 0.3%; T3: 0.5%; T4: 1%; T5: 3%; T6: 6%. Plant height was higher in pots amended with 6% mussel shells and reached the value of 32.2 cm in the first year and 51 cm in the second. The application of mussel shells increased the branch length by 53.4–58.7% and the number of branches per plant by 61.3–62% in T6 compared to the control. The total yield of fresh and dry weight in the 1st and 2nd year was ordered as follows: T6 > T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C. In conclusion, while the established optimal quantity for neutralizing soil pH is 300 g of mussel shells per 10 kg of soil, it has been observed that a ratio of 600 g of mussel shells proves more effective in terms of both the productivity and agronomic characteristics of rosemary.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Effect of Mussel Shells as Soil pH Amendment on the Growth and Productivity of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Cultivation

Lolas,

Molla,

Georgiou

et al. 2024

“…Studies have shown that the use of molasses and its mixtures with organic and mineral fertilizers improves soil fertility and increases the yield of spinach, sugar beet, corn, lettuce, and other plants [26][27][28][29][30]. Molasses mixtures increase the amount of carbon, nitrogen, and potassium in the soil and its availability to plants, thus improving the conditions of plant germination and growth and the quality indicators of the harvested crop [27,30,31]. The use of molasses and its mixtures for sandy soil is especially useful as it improves soil productivity and increases the activity of enzymes in the soil, the aggregation of soil particles, and the availability of nutrients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, it is very important to continue research on growing plants in open ground, greenhouses, and pots and educate plant growers [32]. The use of molasses as a production waste for plant fertilization is important for optimizing agriculture and reducing agricultural environmental pollution [31,35].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Influence of an Innovative Bioproduct on Soil and Substrate Characteristics during Strawberry Cultivation

Buragienė,

Lekavičienė,

Adamavičienė

et al. 2024

Farming systems should be sustainable in order to protect the soil from diseases and pests while preserving the environment and generating economic and social benefits. The use of biological products can help reduce the negative characteristics that damage the soil and increase the likelihood of healthy plant growth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biotreatment on the physical properties of different soils and substrates as well as strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) yield. In the laboratory trials, “Asia” strawberries were grown one by one in special containers on different soils and substrates: loam (L), clay (C), sandy loam (SL), compost soil (CS), and coconut fiber (CF). The soils and substrates were treated once a week with a biological product based on molasses and magnesium sulfate and fertilized with a complex fertilizer: NPK11-11-21 + K2O + Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn, enriched with potassium. Soil and substrate temperature, moisture, density, total porosity, aeration porosity, electrical conductivity as well as strawberry yield were measured in the test containers containing the plants. Studies have shown that the use of bioproducts does not significantly improve the physical properties of soils and substrates. However, the trend of the results shows that using the bioproduct for a longer period of time would have a greater effect on the physical properties of the soils and substrates, especially for peat-based substrates prepared for greenhouse use. Berry yields increased significantly (46.6% and 100%) with biotreatment in the CS and CF variants.

“…The former ones directly impact plant growth through processes like phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation. The latter ones shield plants from pathogens' damaging effects [20,[23][24][25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamics of Agronomic Characteristics and Plant Diversity in Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora Paláu) Cultivation in Greece

Molla,

Solomou,

Tziouvalekas

et al. 2024

Nowadays, there is an increasing negative environmental effect of using chemical fertilizer. For this reason, the use of biofertilizers is promoted in the agriculture sector. The purpose of this investigation was to carry out an evaluation of the effects of biological fertilizer (biofertilizers are organic materials that can be used to improve soil properties) use on the growth and agronomic characteristics of Aloysia citrodora. To achieve this aim, a two-year randomized complete blocks field experiment was carried out in central Greece. The experiment included four biological fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 N kg ha−1) with three replications. Plant height, dry stem, dry leaves, dry total yield and leaf area index (LAI) were measured during the two growing years. The results showed that in the first and second studied years, the maximum plant height and total dry yield were observed in the BF150 treatment. Moreover, LAI was ameliorated by applying the BF100 and BF150 treatments in both studied years. A key finding in this study is that the A. citrodora ecosystem favors herbaceous plant species richness. Also, soil factors (soil organic matter, P and K) promote positive herbaceous plant diversity within the A. citrodora ecosystem. Finally, A. citrodora could be a promising medicinal plant, cultivated under Mediterranean climatic conditions.