Enhancing garlic propagation through functional biopolymer-based propagules coatings: A bio-nanotechnological strategy.

Integrating agricultural, chemical, and technological knowledge is crucial for developing bio-nanotechnologies to improve agricultural production. This study explores the innovative use of biopolymeric coatings, based on sodium alginate and sodium alginate + Laponite® (nanoclay), containing biostimulants (tryptophol and thymol) or not, on garlic cloves. These coatings were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Greenhouse bioassays showed improvements in garlic shoot plant biomass with both treatments: sodium alginate biopolymer and sodium alginate biopolymer plus Laponite®. In the field experiment, garlic plants treated with sodium alginate, in combination with conventional pesticide treatments, resulted in better quality garlic bulbs, where larger garlics were harvested in this treatment, reducing commercial losses. In tropical garlic crops, obtaining plants with greater initial vigor is essential. Our results highlight the potential of these bio-nanotechnological strategies to enhance garlic propagation, ensuring environmental protection and food security.

Biodegradable Cassava Starch/Phosphorite/Citric Acid Based Hydrogel for Slow Release of Phosphorus: In Vitro Study.

Phosphorous (P) is one the most important elements in several biological cycles, and is a fundamental component of soil, plants and living organisms. P has a low mobility and is quickly adsorbed on clayey soils, limiting its availability and absorption by plants. Here, biodegradable hydrogels based on Cassava starch crosslinked with citric acid (CA) were made and loaded with KH2PO4 and phosphorite to promote the slow release of phosphorus, the storing of water, and the reduction in P requirements during fertilization operations. Crosslinking as a function of CA concentrations was investigated by ATR-FTIR and TGA. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and P release, under different humic acid concentration regimens, were studied by in vitro tests. It is concluded that hydrogel formed from 10% w/w of CA showed the lowest WAC because of a high crosslinking degree. Hydrogel containing 10% w/w of phosphorite was shown to be useful to encouraging the slow release of P, its release behavior being fitted to the Higuchi kinetics model. In addition, P release increased as humic acid contents were increased. These findings suggest that these hydrogels could be used for encouraging P slow release during crop production.

Supraparticles as slow-release fertiliser in seedling potential growth of Eucalyptus urograndis and greenhouse gas flux impacts.

Slow-release urea fertilisers have been shown to present acceptable values for plant yield and mitigate the harmful effect of soil emission gases. This study synthesises a slow-release fertiliser containing fumed-nanosilica, nanofibrillated cellulose as well as sodium alginate as a urea carrier to analyse the growth parameters of Eucalyptus urograndis seedlings and potential emission of soil gases, N2O, CH4, CO2 and ammonia volatilisation. The developed supraparticles, arranged layered nanoparticle structure, presented a decrease in the normal nitrogen content of urea of 19%, which is attributed to the binding of this element. A good electrostatic interaction between the elements was confirmed by the FTIR with 20% of nitrogen content from its chemical composition and an increase in thermal degradation of the main components when synthesised. The profile of urea release presented to be as first-order with 85% of this compound was released only after 60 days. These characteristics led to statistically increased growth of Eucalyptus seedlings compared to the controls, which improves with higher dosages of urea. Values of biomass and characteristics of the plant were used for principal component analysis which resulted in good cluster formation based on the upward concentration of urea added to the plant. Nevertheless, flux gases were statistically higher for certain time periods on lower urea particle concentration, while increased concentration presented N2O emissions within standard rates with no significant variation in the other measured gases, which was attributed to the soil microbial targeted consumption. Therefore, this material can be beneficial in the agriculture industry.

Phosphorus sources in the growth and quality of arabica coffee seedlings produced in tubes / Fontes de fósforo no crescimento e qualidade de mudas de café arábica produzidas em tubetes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and quality of arabica coffee seedlings produced in tubes under different sources of phosphorus (P). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with ten treatments (control, Osmocote®, three doses of pelleted organomineral, three doses of mashed organomineral, MAP, coated MAP) and four replications, three plants per plot. The dose of organomineral, MAP, and MAP coated was based on the recommendation of P2O5for the formation of coffee seedlings.For Osmocote®, the manufacturer's recommendation was used depending on the amount, in dm³, of substrate. After 180 days of transplanting, the growth characteristics of the plants (leaf dry matter, stem, and roots) were evaluated, and the aerial part and root system ratio and Dickson's quality index were calculated, as well as regression equations were adjusted for the evaluated parameters. For the growth and quality of seedlings, it was observed that in fertilizations with pelleted and branched organomineral, coated MAP and Osmocote®, the highest averages were obtained for the contents of dry matter, height, diameter of the collection and quality indexes, when compared to the other sources of P2O5.The dose that provides the maximum growth and quality of coffee seedlings for the treatments with organomineral was calculated, this being equal to 6 g/dm³ of P2O5for bran and pelleted organomineral. According to the results, the sources that promoted the formation of a vigorous seedling, with an adequate supply of nutrients and a good quality standard are pelleted organonineral fertilization and MAP, reducing the risk of losses and consequently the need to discard the seedlings in the nursery.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento e a qualidade de mudas de café arábica produzidas em tubetes sob diferentes fontes de fósforo(P). O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em delineamento de blocos casualizados com dez tratamentos(controle, Osmocote®, três doses de organomineral peletizado, três doses de organomineral farelado, MAP, MAP revestido)e quatrorepetições, três plantas por parcela. A dose de organomineral, MAP e MAP revestidofoi baseada na recomendação de P2O5para a formação de mudas de café. Para Osmocote®, foi utilizada a recomendação do fabricante emfunção da quantidade, em dm³, de substrato. Após 180 dias do transplante, foram avaliadas as características de crescimento das plantas (matéria seca de folhas, caule e raízes), calculadas a razão parte aérea e sistema radicular e o índice de qualidade de Dickson, bem como ajustadas equações de regressão para os parâmetros avaliados. Para o crescimento e qualidade das mudas, observou-se que nas adubações com organomineral peletizado e farelado, MAP revestido e Osmocote®, as maiores médias para os teores de matéria seca, altura, diâmetro da coletae índices de qualidade, quando comparados as outras fontes de P2O5.Foi possível identificara dose que proporciona o máximo crescimento e qualidade de mudas de café para os tratamentos com organomineral, sendo esta igual a 6 g/dm³ de P2O5para o organomineral farelado e peletizado. De acordo com os resultados, as fontes que promoveram a formação de uma muda vigorosa, com aporte adequado de nutrientes e um bom padrão de qualidade são a adubação organomineral peletizada e MAP, reduzindo o risco de perdas e consequentemente a necessidade de descarte das mudas no viveiro.(AU)

Do enhanced efficiency potassium sources increase maize yield in soil with high potassium content?

Enhanced efficiency potassium fertilizers can be a management tool that is crucial to crop sustainability in maize (Zea mays L.). However, there is a need for studies aimed at validating the use of these fertilizers in different production environments. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of maize under sources and rates of K through conventional and enhanced efficiency fertilizers in soil with high available K content. The experiment was carried out for two years in an Oxisol (605 g kg-1 of clay) with high K content (6.7 mmolc dm-3). Three sources were used, one conventional (KCl), one obtained by additives sprayed on the fertilizer surface (KCl-C), and one obtained by compacting KCl powder and adding additives (KCl-CC), associated with three K2O rates as top-dressing (50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and a control without K2O. In all treatments, 48 kg ha-1 of K2O was applied in the sowing furrow. In the first year, maize yield increased linearly for both the KCl and KCl-C sources. The maximum yield (7,967 kg ha-1) for the KCl-CC was obtained at 88 kg ha-1. In the second year, the maximum yields for the KCl (7,553 kg ha-1) and KCl-C (8,166 kg ha-1) were obtained with 20 and 67 kg ha-1 K2O, respectively, while for the KCl-CC maize yield did not change. Enhanced efficiency K sources promote increases in maize yield ranging from 4.3 % to 7.1 %. Top-dressing K fertilization in high-fertility soils is a viable alternative for producers focused on increasing maize yield, mainly when enhanced efficiency sources are used.(AU)

Application of special fertilizers and their effects on the agronomic aspects of maize and soil fertility

Maize has a high nutritional requirement, especially regarding NPK fertilization. However, conventional fertilization with these nutrients presents a high loss potential, mainly by volatilization, leaching, adsorption, and fixation, which may reflect on the development and yield of maize plants. Using fertilizers with increased efficiency seeks to mitigate these limitations, reducing potential losses due to gradual nutrient release. This study aimed to compare the nutrition, growth, and production of maize plants subjected to different doses and special NPK fertilizers fully applied at planting and their residual effect on the soil. It was a randomized block design in a 3x4 factorial scheme with four replications. The first factor consisted of conventional mineral, polymer-coated, and organomineral + PGPB fertilizers. The second factor included doses of 0, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-¹ of NPK. The study evaluated vegetative growth, foliar nutrition (N, P, and K), yield growth components, productivity, profitability, and residual K content in the soil after cultivation. The conventional mineral fertilizer produced more dry biomass in the aerial part. Profitability was similar between conventional and special fertilizers. However, the latter performed better overall in vegetative and productive growth, showing a potential reduction of the applied doses without compromising grain yield, especially in organomineral + PGPB fertilization. This treatment also presented a higher residual effect of K on the soil.

Relationship between different sources of non-protein nitrogen and supplementation times on performance and metabolism of grazing Nellore cattle during the dry season.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation with two sources of non-protein nitrogen at different feeding times on the performance, ingestive behavior, and rumen metabolism of growing Nellore bulls during the dry season. Exp. 1: One hundred and twenty Nellore bulls, weighing 206 ± 39 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 12 months of age, were divided into 20 paddocks, and they were used in randomized block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate performance and ingestive behavior. Exp. 2: 12 rumen cannulated animals with 509 ± 59 BW, divided into 4 paddocks, were used in a triple Latin square 4 × 4 in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate metabolism. The factors were 2 non-protein nitrogen sources (urea or slow-release urea) and 2 feeding times (07:00 or 13:00 at 4 g/kg BW of supplement). There was no influence of non-protein sources, supplementation time, or their interaction on the grazing time or the trough time during daytime, nighttime, or total (P ≥ 0.16). There were no interactions or factor effects on ADG (P ≥ 0.45) or final body weight (P ≥ 0.39). There was an interaction between supplementation time and collection time (P < 0.01) on ruminal pH. Animals supplemented in the morning had greater total SCFA at 18 h after supplementation (P = 0.03). The supplementation time and the non-protein nitrogen sources did not alter the ingestive behavior or animal performance of young Nellore cattle.

Assessing potassium release in natural silica sand from novel K-enriched sewage sludge biochar fertilizers.

Enrichment of biochars to produce slow nutrient release fertilizers with minimal losses to the environment is a promising strategy. However, the release of potassium (K) from biochar-based fertilizer produced from sewage sludge (SS) is still poorly studied. In the present 30-day incubation study, the dynamics of K release were evaluated from SS biochar-based fertilizers enriched with potassium chloride (KBF) in different forms, subjected to two levels of silica sand moisture (10 and 20%). The KBF was evaluated in the form of granules, pellets and powder, in addition to pure KCl mineral fertilizer. During the incubation period water-soluble K extractions were performed, where the K contents were adjusted to K release kinetic models. An additional experiment was performed to assess the effect of KBFs and KCl on K leaching. In general, at both moisture levels all KBFs presented a slower K release compared to pure KCl mineral fertilizer, reducing the release rate by up to 77%. The K release dynamics were affected by the type of biochar fertilizer (granule, pellet and powder) and the silica sand moisture level. The behavior of KBFs as slow-release fertilizers is strongly dependent on the silica sand moisture level. At the 10% moisture level, biochar fertilizers in the form of pellets and granules can be classified as slow-release fertilizers with the potential to increase the efficiency of K use in agriculture. Furthermore, compared to the chemical fertilizer, KBF reduced the amount of leached K, diminishing the risk of this nutrient polluting the groundwater. Our results must be further assessed in real conditions using soil as a suitable medium for agronomic and environmental evaluation. Therefore, future studies should consider the dynamic of K and other nutrients from KBFs in distinct soil types.

Asbestos cement waste treatment through mechanochemical process with KH2PO4 for its utilization in soil pH correction and nutrient delivery.

The manufacture of asbestos materials has been banished worldwide due to their toxicity, but discarding the existing wastes remains a challenge. We investigated an alternative mechanochemical method to treat asbestos-cement materials by loading them with potassium and phosphorus from KH2PO4 during the milling process to obtain a product used as liming and soil conditioner. The results showed total asbestos fibrous elimination after 7 to 8 h of milling. The materials showed a slow-release fertilizer profile. The liming property is maintained when the asbestos-cement weight proportion used is equal to or higher than KH2PO4. A comparative soil experiment with limestone also indicates that lower doses of the K- and P-enriched detoxified asbestos cement were required to reach similar liming effects. Maize cultivation (greenhouse) was used to evaluate its performance showing higher biomass production for the sample loaded with potassium and phosphorous.

Polymeric Microparticles of Calcium Pectinate Containing Urea for Slow Release in Ruminant Diet.

In ruminant feeding, mechanisms for controlling the rate of ammonia release in the rumen are important for increasing the efficiency of transforming dietary nitrogen into microbial protein. Three microencapsulated formulations, with increased urea concentrations of 10 (MPec1), 20 (MPec2) and 30% (MPec3) from the w/w, based on the mass of citrus pectin solution, employ the external ionic gelation/extrusion technique. The properties of microencapsulated urea were examined as a completely randomized design with 5 treatments each with 10 replicates for evaluation, and the ratios of dietary to free urea were compared using 5 fistulated male Santa Ines sheep in a Latin 5 × 5 square design. The degradation kinetics showed that the rate of controlled release from the microencapsulated systems was significantly reduced compared with that of free urea (p < 0.05). The population density of ruminal protozoa increased when sheep received the microencapsulated urea (p < 0.05). The disappearance of dry matter and crude protein reached a degradation plateau during the first minutes for the MPec1 and MPec2 systems and was slower for MPec3. The MPec1 and MPec2 systems presented higher (p < 0.05) blood serum concentrations of albumin, urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and total cholesterol and did not affect (p > 0.05) the other blood metabolites. The MPec2 systems are recommended because they consist of microspheres with more (p < 0.05) controlled core release, delaying the peak of urea released in the rumen and BUN without affecting (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and temperature. Microencapsulation with calcium pectinate provided better utilization of urea, reducing the risk of ruminant intoxication.

Slow release fertilizer prepared with lignin and poly(vinyl acetate) bioblend.

Controlled or slow release fertilizers have been recommended to enhance crop yield, while minimizing environmental and economic issues related from current fertilizer applications. However, alternative biodegradable and non-toxic coating material should be suggested to produce biocoated fertilizers. Here we propose the use of lignin and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) as biocoating materials for preparing slow release urea fertilizer. The blend of PVAc and lignin at a mass ratio of 75:25 improved the characteristics of the formed film and increased the nitrogen release time if compared to the pure polymers. The nitrogen release time from urea granules coated with a polymeric layer of 154.3 ±â€¯5.5 µm formed by lignin and PVAc was 36 times greater than from bare urea. The increase in the polymeric coating from 52.6 ±â€¯5.2 to 80.2 ±â€¯6.1 µm decreased the curvature of the nitrogen release data by a factor of at least 1.7, while the curvature was decreased in at least 1.3 with the increase in the polymeric coating from 80.2 ±â€¯6.1 to 158.9 ±â€¯10.6 µm. The adjustment of nitrogen release data to the Peppas-Sahlin model indicated the Fickian diffusion is more predominant than relaxation contributions, since the used polymers did not present considerable swelling. Thus, the blending of PVAc and lignin at 25 wt% of lignin and 75 wt% of PVAc is suggested as a biocoating material for producing slow release fertilizers.

Influence of the use of slow-release phosphate fertilizers on the growth and production of chili peppers / Influência do uso de fertilizantes fosfatados de liberação lenta no crescimento e produção de pimenta malagueta

In general, fertilization recommendations for pepper are old and scarce. Because pepper is a semi-perennial crop with high yield potential and dependence on phosphorus (P), an extremely important element, as it participates in several metabolic processes, it is necessary to look for efficient alternatives for phosphate fertilization, due to its low availability and high adsorption capacity in most Brazilian soils. Slow-release fertilizers have been shown to be an excellent alternative to conventional mineral fertilization. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of P on growth and yield of hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the JK campus of UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, Brazil, arranged in a completely randomized design with eleven treataments (absence of fertilization, mineral treatment, organic treatment and four slow-release phosphate sources: pelleted organomineral, granulated organomineral, MAP coated and triple formulated, at doses of 150 and 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Growth variables, fresh and dry matter accumulation and yield were evaluated 180 days after planting. The pelleted and granulated organomineral treatments at the dose of 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5,promoted the best results for the parameters dry mass of root, number of fruits per plant, fresh and dry mass of fruits and total yield. Such results can be explained by the better efficiency of P release and the better absorption of this nutrient by the plant, making it an excellent option in relation to conventional sources commonly adopted.

De modo geral, as recomendações para adubação da cultura da pimenta são antigas e escassas. E por se tratar de uma cultura semi-perene com alta produção e dependência de fósforo (P), elemento de suma importância, por participar de diversos processos metabólicos, torna-se necessário buscar alternativas eficientes para a adubação fosfatada, devido a sua baixa disponibilidade e alta capacidade de adsorção na maioria dos solos brasileiros. Os fertilizantes de liberação lenta têm se mostrado como uma excelente alternativa em relação a adubação convencional mineral. Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de P no crescimento e produção da pimenta malagueta (Capsicum frutescens L.). Realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação no Campus JK da UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com onze tratamentos (ausência de adubação, tratamento mineral, tratamento orgânico e quatro fontes fosfatadas de liberação lenta: organomineral peletizado, organomineral granulado, MAP revestido e formulado triplo, nas doses de 150 e 300 kg ha-1de P2O5). Foram avaliadas variáveis de crescimento, acúmulo de matéria fresca e matéria seca e produtividade aos 180 dias após o transplantio. Os tratamentos organomineral peletizado e granulado 300 kg ha-1de P2O5promoveram os melhores resultados para os parâmetros massa seca do sistema radicular, número total de frutos, massa fresca emassa seca de frutos e produtividade total. Tais resultados podem ser explicados pela melhor eficiência da liberação do P pelos fertilizantes e melhor absorção do nutriente pela planta, tornando-se uma excelente opção em relação as fontes convencionais comumente adotadas.

Influence of the use of slow-release phosphate fertilizers on the growth and production of chili peppers / Influência do uso de fertilizantes fosfatados de liberação lenta no crescimento e produção de pimenta malagueta

In general, fertilization recommendations for pepper are old and scarce. Because pepper is a semi-perennial crop with high yield potential and dependence on phosphorus (P), an extremely important element, as it participates in several metabolic processes, it is necessary to look for efficient alternatives for phosphate fertilization, due to its low availability and high adsorption capacity in most Brazilian soils. Slow-release fertilizers have been shown to be an excellent alternative to conventional mineral fertilization. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of P on growth and yield of hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the JK campus of UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, Brazil, arranged in a completely randomized design with eleven treataments (absence of fertilization, mineral treatment, organic treatment and four slow-release phosphate sources: pelleted organomineral, granulated organomineral, MAP coated and triple formulated, at doses of 150 and 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Growth variables, fresh and dry matter accumulation and yield were evaluated 180 days after planting. The pelleted and granulated organomineral treatments at the dose of 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5,promoted the best results for the parameters dry mass of root, number of fruits per plant, fresh and dry mass of fruits and total yield. Such results can be explained by the better efficiency of P release and the better absorption of this nutrient by the plant, making it an excellent option in relation to conventional sources commonly adopted.(AU)

De modo geral, as recomendações para adubação da cultura da pimenta são antigas e escassas. E por se tratar de uma cultura semi-perene com alta produção e dependência de fósforo (P), elemento de suma importância, por participar de diversos processos metabólicos, torna-se necessário buscar alternativas eficientes para a adubação fosfatada, devido a sua baixa disponibilidade e alta capacidade de adsorção na maioria dos solos brasileiros. Os fertilizantes de liberação lenta têm se mostrado como uma excelente alternativa em relação a adubação convencional mineral. Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de P no crescimento e produção da pimenta malagueta (Capsicum frutescens L.). Realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação no Campus JK da UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com onze tratamentos (ausência de adubação, tratamento mineral, tratamento orgânico e quatro fontes fosfatadas de liberação lenta: organomineral peletizado, organomineral granulado, MAP revestido e formulado triplo, nas doses de 150 e 300 kg ha-1de P2O5). Foram avaliadas variáveis de crescimento, acúmulo de matéria fresca e matéria seca e produtividade aos 180 dias após o transplantio. Os tratamentos organomineral peletizado e granulado 300 kg ha-1de P2O5promoveram os melhores resultados para os parâmetros massa seca do sistema radicular, número total de frutos, massa fresca emassa seca de frutos e produtividade total. Tais resultados podem ser explicados pela melhor eficiência da liberação do P pelos fertilizantes e melhor absorção do nutriente pela planta, tornando-se uma excelente opção em relação as fontes convencionais comumente adotadas.(AU)

Association of ionophores, yeast, and bacterial probiotics alters the abundance of ruminal microbial species of pasture intensively finished beef cattle.

The effect of the association of non-protein nitrogen, yeast, and bacterial probiotics on the ruminal microbiome of beef cattle intensively finished on pasture was evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of a group of animals kept on pasture that received low consumption supplementation (LS) and four groups that received for 98 days, 17.5 g concentrate kg-1 body weight. The supplements were composed of the association of additives: urea (U), slow-release non-protein nitrogen (U+SRN), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; U+SRN+Y), and bacterial probiotics (live strains of bacteria; U+SRN+Y+BP). All supplements also contained salinomycin and virginiamycin. After slaughtering the animals, samples of ruminal content were collected to quantify groups of fibrolytic bacteria (Ruminococcus albus and Fibrobacter succinogenes), non-fibrolytic (Prevotella ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, and Streptococcus bovis), Archaea, and ciliate protozoa, using the qPCR technique. The abundance of F. succinogenes was the same for the LS animals and those that received the supplement U+SRN+Y (1.42×108 copies mL-1) but higher than the other treatments. Supplementation reduced by 90% the abundance of S. bovis compared to the LS. The inclusion of yeast increased the abundance of fibrolytic bacteria by 2.2-fold. For animals that received the supplement U+SRN+Y+BP and the LS, there was no difference for non-fibrolytic bacteria (3.07×109 copies mL-1). The use of yeasts and sources of non-protein nitrogen in high-concentrate diets for beef cattle stimulates the growth of fibrolytic bacteria, which can contribute to the reduction of digestive disorders and metabolic diseases in animals that receive diets with high concentrate in pasture intensive termination systems.

Long-term effect of biochar-based fertilizers application in tropical soil: Agronomic efficiency and phosphorus availability.

Incorporation of phosphorus (P) into an organic matrix may be an effective strategy to increase plant P use efficiency in high P-fixing soils. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs), produced from poultry litter (PLB) and coffee husk (CHB) enriched with phosphoric acid and magnesium oxide, in combination with triple superphosphate (TSP) on plant growth and soil P transformations. Treatments were prepared as: TSP, CHB, PLB, CHB + TSP [1:1], CHB + TSP [3:1], PLB + TSP [1:1] and PLB + TSP [3:1]; with numbers in brackets representing the proportion of BBF and TSP on a weight basis. Cultivations were: Mombasa grass, maize, and common bean interspersed with fallow periods. After cultivations, a sequential extraction procedure was employed to determine P distribution among different P pools. A kinetic study was performed and revealed that TSP released approximately 90% of total P, and BBFs less than 10% in the first hour. BBF alone or in combination with TSP presented higher or similar biomass yields, relative agronomic effectiveness, and P uptake when compared with TSP. As for the soil, BBFs increased non-labile P fractions, which can be due to pyrophosphate formed during pyrolysis. According to these results, BBFs could totally or partially replace conventional soluble P fertilizers without compromising crop yield either in the short and long-term.

Aging of biochar-based fertilizers in soil: Effects on phosphorus pools and availability to Urochloa brizantha grass.

Water-soluble phosphate fertilizers release phosphorus (P) to soils promptly, causing P fixation and low plant availability in highly weathered tropical soils. Therefore, the development of strategies to improve P use efficiency is needed. We hypothesized that biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs) can provide available P to plants and improve P use efficiency when compared with soluble fertilizers. Thus, triple superphosphate (TSP) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were pyrolyzed with and without magnesium oxide (MgO) and poultry litter to produce slow-release P BBFs. A pot experiment under greenhouse conditions was performed to evaluate agronomic efficiency of BBFs compared with TSP in an Oxisol. The treatments were incubated over 100 days after the application of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 of P. Three controls were used, including 200 mg kg-1 of P as TSP incubated for 100 days (named TSPincubation) and applied immediately before sowing (named TSPplanting) and a negative control (without P). Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) was cultivated in pots for three cycles of 40 days each. After cultivation, a sequential extraction procedure was used to determine the P distribution among different P pools. The shoot dry matter yield in the first cropping cycle was higher at the highest P rate for TSPplanting. PLB-H3PO4-MgO showed 9% increase in the shoot dry matter when compared with TSPincubation in the first cropping cycle. In subsequent cropping cycles, all BBFs promoted higher biomass yield when compared with TSPplanting. There was an increase in the labile and moderately labile P fractions in soil after cultivation with PLB-TSP. The results suggest that BBFs can enhance P use efficiency in tropical soils in the middle- to long-term run due to slow-release profile that prevent P fixation and promote higher residual effect of fertilization.

Analysis of NH3-N Slow Release systems for fiber digestibility of low-quality forage: in vitro approach

Urea is a common non-protein supplement used in ruminant feed; however, excessive consumption may lead to poisoning by NH3. Although the slow release of urea into the rumen has shown to be an essential aspect for ruminant feed, to date only a few studies have addressed this matter. In this study we examined the influence of five different NH3-N slow release systems based on clay-urea nanocomposites on the fiber digestibility of low-quality forage (sugarcane straw) in vitro. Physical properties of nanocomposites were evaluated and their effects on digestibility were tested in vitro using pristine urea as a positive control (level of 1 % of DM of sugarcane straw sample) and sugarcane (with no additives) as a negative control. Ammonia release and digestibility were evaluated at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96-h. Generally, all nanocomposites increased (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber over control under all the conditions stipulated, but the samples with hydrogel content were more expressive. We concluded that an ideal release rate and optimum environment for microbial synthesis are necessary to maximize the digestion of sugarcane.

Analysis of NH3-N Slow Release systems for fiber digestibility of low-quality forage: in vitro approach

Urea is a common non-protein supplement used in ruminant feed; however, excessive consumption may lead to poisoning by NH3. Although the slow release of urea into the rumen has shown to be an essential aspect for ruminant feed, to date only a few studies have addressed this matter. In this study we examined the influence of five different NH3-N slow release systems based on clay-urea nanocomposites on the fiber digestibility of low-quality forage (sugarcane straw) in vitro. Physical properties of nanocomposites were evaluated and their effects on digestibility were tested in vitro using pristine urea as a positive control (level of 1 % of DM of sugarcane straw sample) and sugarcane (with no additives) as a negative control. Ammonia release and digestibility were evaluated at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96-h. Generally, all nanocomposites increased (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber over control under all the conditions stipulated, but the samples with hydrogel content were more expressive. We concluded that an ideal release rate and optimum environment for microbial synthesis are necessary to maximize the digestion of sugarcane.(AU)

Effects of slow-release urea on in vitro rumen fermentation parameters, growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites of beef cattle / Efeitos da uréia de liberação lenta nos parâmetros de fermentaçãono do rúmen em vitro, desempenho de crescimento, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e metabolitos séricos de gado de corte

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of slow-release urea (SRU) on in vitro rumen fermentation parameters, growth performances, nutrient digestibility, and serum metabolites of beef cattle. The single factor design was applied in both experiments. Three diets with different nitrogen sources including soybean meal (Control group), slow-release urea (SRU group), and common urea (Urea group) was designed (concentrate to forage ratio was 4:6). The diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, 75% of the soybean meal in the control diet was replaced by 1.41% SRU and 1.15% urea in SRU group and Urea group, respectively. In experiment 1, five healthy Jinjiang cattle (average body weight (BW) was 380 ± 17.1 kg) with permanent rumen fistulas were used in in vitro ruminal fermentation experiment. The results showed that supplementing SRU increased the dry matter degradation rate (DMD), digestible organic matter (DOM) and propionic acid concentration in cultivated fluid, and SRU supplementation decreased pH, NH3 -N, total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetic acid, butyric acid concentration and microbial growth efficiency (MOEFF) in cultivated fluid. In experiment 2, eighteen Simmental crossbred cattle BW= 315 ± 5.2 kg) were stratified by BW and then assigned to the three groups to have equal BW among groups. The results showed that supplementing SRU reduced the average dry matter intake (ADMI), apparent digestibility of ether extract (EE), the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the levels of IgG and IgA, and the production of thiiodothronine (T3) in serum, SRU supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter (OM) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in serum. These results indicated that some soybean meal could be replaced by SRU and urea in the production of beef cattle. In addition, compared with urea, SRU had a good sustained-release effect. The replacement of some soybean meal by SRU in the diet had no adverse impact on rumen fermentation, growth performance, and serum metabolites of beef cattle.(AU)

Os dois experimentos foram conduzidos para investigar os efeitos da uréia de liberação lenta nos parâmetros de fermentaçãono do rúmen em vitro, desempenho de crescimento, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e metabolitos séricos de gado de corte. O design de fator único foi aplicado em ambos os experimentos. As três dietas com diferentes fontes de nitrogênio, incluindo farelo de soja (Grupo de controle), uréia de liberação lenta (Grupo de uréia de liberação lenta) e uréia comum (Grupo de uréia) foi designado (concentre-se em relação forrageira foi de 4: 6). As dietas foram formuladas para serem isoenergéticas e isonitrógenas, 75% da farinha de soja na dieta controle foi substituída por 1,41% de uréia de liberação lenta e 1,15% de uréia no Grupo uréia de liberação lenta e Grupo uréia, respectivamente. No experimento 1, cinco gados Jinjiang saudáveis (peso corporal médio (PC) de 380 ± 17,1 kg) com fístulas ruminais permanentes foram utilizadas no experimento de fermentação do rúmen em vitro. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação de uréia de liberação lenta aumentou a taxa de degradação da substância seca, substância orgânica digestível e concentração de ácido propiônico no líquido cultivado, e a suplementação de SRU diminuiu o pH, NH3-N, ácido graxo volátil total, ácido acético, concentração de ácido butírico e eficiência de crescimento microbiano no fluido cultivado. No experimento 2, dezoito gados mestiços Simmental (PC = 315 ± 5,2 kg) foram estratificados por PC e, em seguida, atribuído aos três grupos para ter PC igual entre os grupos. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação de uréia de liberação lenta reduziu a ingestão média da substância seca, digestibilidade aparente do extrato etéreo, a atividade da glutationa peroxidase, os níveis de IgG e IgA, e a produção de tiiodotronina (T3) no soro, a suplementação de uréia de liberação lenta aumentou a digestibilidade aparente da concentração de substância seca e substância orgânica e concentração de alanina aminotransferase no soro. Esses resultados indicaram que algum farelo de soja pode ser substituída por uréia de liberação lenta e uréia na produção de gado de corte. Além disso, comparado com a uréia, uréia de liberação lenta teve um bom efeito de liberação sustentada. A substituição de algum farelo de soja por uréia de liberação lenta na dieta não teve impacto adverso na fermentação ruminal, desempenho de crescimento e metabolitos séricos de gados de corte.(AU)

Hydrochars produced with by-products from the sucroenergetic industry: a study of extractor solutions on nutrient and organic carbon release.

Hydrothermal carbonization transforms biomass into value-added material called hydrochar. The release of nutrients (P, N, Ca, Mg, and K) and organic carbon (TOC) from hydrochar in different extractive solutions was investigated in this study. Two sets of hydrochar were produced: (i) hydrochar prepared from sugarcane bagasse and vinasse mixture (BV-HC) and (ii) hydrochar prepared by the addition of H3PO4 to this mixture (BVA-HC). Both hydrochar types released significative amounts of nutrient and organic carbon, mainly Ca (5.0 mg g-1) in the mixture (KCl, K2SO4, NaOH, 1:1:1) extractive solution and TOC (72.6 mg g-1) in the NaOH extractive solution, for BV-HC. Nutrient release was influenced by pH and ionic strength. The release of P, Ca, and Mg was affected by the presence of insoluble phosphate phases in BVA-HC. The release of nutrients P, N, Ca, Mg, and K and organic carbon demonstrated that hydrochar has potential for soil application purposes.