Nutrient use Efficiency of different Organic Fertilizer and its Effect on Soil Properties and Yield of Brassica Alboglabra
Abstract
Inorganic farming, homemade organic fertilizer such as compost or enriched organic material had become one of crucial factors for nutrient management. Other than the limited source of N for organic fertilizer as the key factor for growth-limiting nutrients inorganic farming, the cost of fertilization is also affected by different organic fertilizer application rates. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (i) to determine the effect of these organic fertilizers on the soil properties (chemical and biological properties) and (ii) to evaluate the efficiency and growth performance of Kailan (Brassica alboglabra) as influence by the application of different organic fertilizer in the field. A study was conducted at an integrated organic farming research area in the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) at Serdang, Selangor for two consecutive cycles. The experimental treatments were focused on the different rates of organic fertilizer inputs (3-33 t/ha from organic sources) with soil alone as a control. The treatments were applied 14 days after transplanting using Brassica alboglabgra as a test crop. The study result found that a BIOC at 2 tonne kg/ha give significant different in nutrient use efficiency (NUE), however NC at 33 tonne kg/ha rate of organic input had improved most of soil properties NFshowed a great yield as well as their growth performances. Study findings have shown that the range of application rate of organic input depends on applicability of the organic fertilizer whether it can promotes nutrient uptake in plants and or can be scaled up to farm level to sustain organic system productivity.
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Introduction
Inorganic vegetable cultivation, inorganic fertilizer is not allowed with exception of naturally occurring mineral sources. The substitutes for inorganic fertilizer are mostly inorganic nutrient sources that can be grouped into such as animal sources, plant sources, green manures and compost (Aini et al., 2005) which can serve as alternative practice inorganic crop production. To improve soil fertility, application of organic fertilizer has become an important practical measure. Organic fertilizers can enhance soil microbial activity by promoting the utilization of nutrients and restoration of microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere soils. They can increase the mass and diversity of the soil microbiota, improve soil fertility, and stimulate soil enzyme activity, ultimately driving the carbon and nitrogen cycles (Huang et al., 2023). Additionally, organic fertilizers can introduce beneficial microorganisms into the soil, increase microbial diversity, and influence the structure and function of nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms. Therefore, organic fertilizers playa significant role in enhancing soil microbial activity, ultimately contributing to improved soil health and agricultural productivity (Wang et et ., 2013; Pu et al., 2022; Sivojiene et al., 2021).
Organic fertilizer is able to enhance soil microbial activity (Ren et al., 1996), increased microbial biomass (Suresh et al., 2004) and also improved soil structure (Bin, 1983; Dauda et al., 2008). Though high amounts of manure or composts are required initially at organic farm, the quantity of subsequent application may be reduce assoil physical, chemical and biological improve with time (Aini et al., 2005). Organic fertilizers can have varying levels of nutrient use efficiency depending on the type of fertilizer and the farming system. Organic farming systems are highly dependent on organic fertilizers, such as manure and compost, which can provide a range of nutrients to the soil (Chmelikova et al 2021). However, the nutrient content of organic fertilizers can be highly variable, and their release rates can be slower than synthetic fertilizers, which can impact nutrient uptake efficiency (Barlog, 2023). Additionally, organic fertilizers can contribute to soil organic matter, which can improve soil structure and water-holding capacity, ultimately contributing to improved nutrient uptake efficiency (Xingxua et al., 2023). Overall, the nutrient use efficiency of organic fertilizers can be improved through careful management practices, such as optimizing fertilizer application rates, timing, and placement, and through the use of complementary nutrient sources, such as cover crops and crop rotations (Oluwadunsin et al., 2022). Invariably, many cultivated soils of the world are scarce in one or more of the essential nutrients required supporting vigorous plants. Estimates of overall efficiency of applied fertilizer have been reported to be around or lesser than 50% for N, less than 10% for P, and about 40% forK (Baligar et al., 2001). Plants that are capable in absorption and utilization of nutrients prominently enhance the efficiency of applied fertilizers, decreasing cost of inputs, and avoiding losses of nutrients to ecosystems. To increase fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) and to reduce its negative influence on the atmosphere has been an important point in the world for along time. It can be particularly affected by fertilizer management as well as by soil and irrigation Management. There is increased demand for fertilizer nutrients to meet the global demand for food, However there are inadequate fertilizer resources available and rising public concern related to nutrient use side effects. This has led to calls for Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) to be improved, but not at the expense of decreased crop productivity. NUE depends on the plant’scapacity to take up nutrients efficiently from the soil, but also depends on inner transport, storage and remobilization of nutrient.
Conclusion
The use of different organic fertilizers in the cultivation of Brassica alboglabra can significantly influence nutrient use efficiency, soil properties, and crop yield. The effectiveness of these fertilizers depends on their composition and the soil'sexisting conditions. Organic fertilizers typically improve soil health by enhancing its physical structure, increasing microbial activity, and supplying essential nutrients. This leads to better nutrient availability and uptake by plants, often resulting in improved growth and yield of Brassica alboglabra. Moreover, the use of organic fertilizers is also beneficial for long-term soil fertility and environmental sustainability. However, specific outcomes can vary based on the type of organic fertilizer used, application rates, and the particular soil and environmental conditions. Application with organic fertilizer to the soil had increased most of its nutrients properties. Leafy vegetables such as for this experiment, Kailan (Brassica alboglabra) can be grown better in soil amended with organic fertilizer but the application rate and availability of all minerals should be considered. Furthermore, organic leafy vegetables are expected to be a quality product for human to consume and maybe profitable to producer and even environmental than those from conventional production system. Further studies are needed to determine optimal rates of organic fertilizer for proper growth and production of organic leafy vegetables.
