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Research Article
Different New Fertilizers Differentially Modulate Wheat Yield, Rhizosphere Microbiota and Soil Fertility
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
101-119
Received:
21 April 2025
Accepted:
13 May 2025
Published:
14 July 2025
Abstract: The use of alternative fertilizers offers a promising approach to improving soil health and crop productivity, yet their relative effects on rhizosphere microbial communities remain insufficiently understood. This two-year field study on the Huang-Huai Plain, China, assessed the impacts of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), organic fertilizer (OF), and microbial fertilizer (MF), relative to a conventional synthetic fertilizer (CF), on soil properties, wheat yield, and microbial community composition. Soil chemical parameters, microbial diversity (via 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing), and wheat yield were analyzed. OF significantly enhanced soil organic matter (14.97%), available nitrogen (28.70%), phosphorus (20.59%), potassium (33.06%), and grain yield (17.58%) compared to CF, likely due to sustained nutrient release and stimulation of microbial activity. In contrast, CRF decreased soil organic matter (−19.2%) and phosphorus availability, with only modest yield improvement (3.50%). MF enriched plant-beneficial taxa, including Bacillus and Arthrobacter, and improved yield by 9.39%. Fungal communities showed greater responsiveness to fertilizer type than bacterial communities, with OF and CRF promoting notable increases in fungal diversity. LEfSe analysis revealed treatment-specific microbial biomarkers such as Saccharothrix (OF), Azotobacter (CRF), and Nitrospira (MF), while correlation analysis linked Cyphellophora (OF) and Epicoccum (CRF) to yield enhancement. These findings underscore the potential of organic amendments to simultaneously boost soil fertility, microbial diversity, and crop productivity, outperforming controlled-release and microbial fertilizers. MF demonstrated promise for microbiome-targeted interventions, whereas CRF may pose risks to long-term soil health. This study supports microbiome-informed, organic-inclusive fertilization strategies for sustainable agriculture.
Abstract: The use of alternative fertilizers offers a promising approach to improving soil health and crop productivity, yet their relative effects on rhizosphere microbial communities remain insufficiently understood. This two-year field study on the Huang-Huai Plain, China, assessed the impacts of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), organic fertilizer (OF...
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Research Article
Using Roma Tomato to Study the Limits of Deficit Irrigation
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
120-125
Received:
4 June 2025
Accepted:
18 June 2025
Published:
21 July 2025
Abstract: A greenhouse study of deficit irrigation was conducted to understand the fraction of optimum evapotranspiration water requirement that limits growth and development of Roma tomato. Seedlings of the crop were germinated and transplanted into 20 cm diameter pots in a mixture of 2: 1 topsoil and perlite. The 200 seedlings were arranged in a randomized complete block replicated five times such that each block contained 40 seedlings. Deficit irrigation treatments included 100% (control), 75%, 50%, and 25% of the amount of control freshwater. Crop growth and development parameters studied include relative growth rate, fresh and dry vegetative biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, leaf area, stomatal conductance, and number of flower buds and flowers as a consequence of deficit irrigation. Results of the study indicate a two-tier effect of deficit irrigation on the crop with no growth loss at the vegetative growth phase even at 50% irrigation, but a significant reduction in flower bud initiation and flowering even at the 75% irrigation. Based on these results, it is recommended that deficit irrigation up to 50% of optimum evapotranspiration requirement of Roma tomato be adopted as a water conservation strategy at the vegetative growth phase, and a return to the full evapotranspiration water requirement at the onset of flower bud initiation.
Abstract: A greenhouse study of deficit irrigation was conducted to understand the fraction of optimum evapotranspiration water requirement that limits growth and development of Roma tomato. Seedlings of the crop were germinated and transplanted into 20 cm diameter pots in a mixture of 2: 1 topsoil and perlite. The 200 seedlings were arranged in a randomized...
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Research Article
Suitability Evaluation of Soils for Yam Cultivation in Coastal Plain Sands of Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
Kobia Janet,
Peter Kaananwii Dum*,
Orji Adaobi Obianuju
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
126-135
Received:
27 June 2025
Accepted:
10 July 2025
Published:
13 August 2025
Abstract: This study was carried out at Bodo in Gokana local Government Area of Rivers State. It is located between latitude 04.60750°N and longitude 007.26602°E with an elevation of 7m above the sea level. The study was aimed at evaluating the land suitability of soils developed from coastal plain sand and alluvium for yam Cultivation in Bodo. The soils were predominantly fine textured, with sub-angular blocky structure Soil colour varied across the various soil horizons from dark brown, brownish yellow, dark yellow to yellowish brown. The bulk density varied in the different horizons. Cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) ranged from low to high (10.67 - 55.25 cmol/kg), while the soil pH was strongly acid in all the 3 pedons with a mean of 4.45. Organic carbon and Total Nitrogen of the soils were generally low in the 3 pedons. Exchangeable sodium and Calcium were very high in the 3 pedons, while exchangeable potassium was very low. The land was marginally suitable (S3) cultivation due to limitations in soil properties (texture and depth to water table in pedon 2), wetness (poorly drained in pedon 2 and 3) and fertility (low nitrogen, organic carbon and exchangeable K), thus, does not meet the required criteria for yam production. Soil condition would however be improved for sustainable yam production by the incorporation of crop residues and farmyard manure to enhance soils nutrient availability as well as application of recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers for yam production.
Abstract: This study was carried out at Bodo in Gokana local Government Area of Rivers State. It is located between latitude 04.60750°N and longitude 007.26602°E with an elevation of 7m above the sea level. The study was aimed at evaluating the land suitability of soils developed from coastal plain sand and alluvium for yam Cultivation in Bodo. The soils wer...
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Research Article
Suitability Evaluation of Soils for the Cultivation of Okro (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Fluted Pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis F.) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Peter Kaananwii Dum*,
Thompson Faith Olu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
136-145
Received:
27 May 2025
Accepted:
27 June 2025
Published:
19 August 2025
Abstract: The study was conducted to assess the suitability of soils for the cultivation of okro and fluted pumpkin in Rivers State University Teaching and Research Farm, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Three mapping units were identified, and the suitability of the soils was determined using pertinent suitability standards. Data from three pedons were evaluated for morphological, physical and chemical properties of the soils. Soil colour ranged from very dark to grayish brown (10YR 3/2) and yellowish red (5YR 5/8), and texturally ranged from loamy sand to sandy clay loam and structurally, from friable to sub angular blocky, well drained and deep. Results obtained revealed that soils of the study area were very low in pH and varied from 4.77-5.29 (strongly acidic). The soils were generally low in organic carbon (0.12-1.17 gkg), organic matter (0.20-2.02 gkg), nitrogen (0.003-0.022 gkg), soluble potassium (0.05-0.15 Cmol/kg) and sodium (0.17-0.31 Cmolkg). Available phosphorus varied from 6.32-31.92 mgkg. The soils were marginally suitable (S3) for the cultivation of okro and fluted pumpkin in all pedons due to limitations in fertility and climate (pH, cation exchange capacity and mean annual rainfall). Appropriate measures should be taken in order to improve and maintain the fertility of soils for the cultivation of these three crops of interest (okro and fluted pumpkin) in the study area.
Abstract: The study was conducted to assess the suitability of soils for the cultivation of okro and fluted pumpkin in Rivers State University Teaching and Research Farm, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Three mapping units were identified, and the suitability of the soils was determined using pertinent suitability standards. Data from three pedons were evaluated for...
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,
Yang Cao
