Agronomic evaluation and economic efficiency of fertilization strategies in OxG oil palm nurseries at the Latitud 0 Experimental Station

EFFECT OF BIODEPOSIT ELIXIR ORGANIC FERTILIZER ON THE AGRONOMIC AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF TWO TOMATO VARIETIES (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) GROWN UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production requires sustainable fertilization practices to improve productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of different BioDeposit Elixir organic fertilizer application rates on the agronomic and economic performance of two tomato varieties under field conditions in Côte d’Ivoire. A field experiment was conducted during the 2024-2025 cropping season using a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of two varieties (Petomech+ and Cobra 26 F1) and five application rates (0, 12, 15, 20, and 25 mL per 10 m²), with three replications. Morphological, phenological, yield, fruit quality, postharvest, and economic traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test at P < 0.05. BioDeposit Elixir significantly affected most traits. Significant variety × BioDeposit Elixir dose interactions were observed for stem collar diameter, plant height, flowering time, fruit diameter, fruit fresh weight, gross yield, and shelf life. The 25 mL rate generally produced the highest values. Cobra 26 F1 showed superior performance for several traits, including plant height, fruit diameter, gross yield, and shelf life. The number of leaves, number of flowers, fruit appearance, harvest timing, and blossom-end rot incidence were mainly affected by the variety and/or BioDeposit Elixir dose without significant interaction. The 25 mL rate also resulted in the highest net economic value under both selling price scenarios (700 and 900 XOF kg⁻¹). Overall, BioDeposit Elixir improved several agronomic, postharvest, and economic traits, with responses depending on the trait and variety. The 25 mL rate provided the best overall performance under the experimental conditions.

Effectiveness of Eco-Enzyme Fertilizer in Enhancing the Growth of Kailan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra)

Kailan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) is a leafy vegetable with high economic value whose productivity is strongly influenced by nutrient availability and growing media conditions. Eco-enzyme fertilizer has emerged as a promising environmentally friendly organic fertilizer that may enhance plant growth through the improvement of nutrient availability and biological activity in the growing medium. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different eco-enzyme fertilizer concentrations in improving the growth of kailan. The research was conducted at the experimental field in Titigalar Hamlet, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with one factor consisting of four eco-enzyme fertilizer concentrations: 0, 50, 100, and 150 mL L⁻¹ of water. Each treatment was replicated three times, resulting in 12 experimental units. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll content. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at the 5% significance level. The results showed that eco-enzyme fertilizer application had a highly significant effect on all observed growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll content. Increasing eco-enzyme concentrations enhanced vegetative growth compared with the untreated control. The application of eco-enzyme at 100 mL L⁻¹ produced the most favorable vegetative growth, as indicated by superior plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and chlorophyll content. These findings demonstrate that eco-enzyme fertilizer is effective in promoting kailan growth and has considerable potential as an environmentally friendly organic fertilizer to support sustainable kailan cultivation.

Organic and inorganic fertilization differently affect the agronomic performance of two okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) varieties and soil fertility

Okra is a key vegetable in West Africa, but poor fertilization practices and low soil fertility constrain its productivity. This study evaluated the responses of two okra varieties (AVOK1504 and Konni) to twelve fertilization treatments, including poultry manure (PM), foliar biostimulant (ABC grower), NPK, Urea, and K 2 SO 4 , applied alone or in combination. A split-plot design with three replications was used, with “Variety” as the main factor and “Fertilizers” as the sub-factor. The field trial was implemented over two seasons (years 2021 and 2022) at Abomey-Calavi (Southern Benin) with Sudano-Guinean climatic conditions. Growth parameters, yield components, soil properties, and climatic data were collected. Analysis of variance with the least significant difference at p < 0.05, was performed to assess statistical differences in growth parameters, yield, and yield components. Fertilization regimes significantly influenced plant height, stem diameter, branching, and leaf development ( p < 0.001). T2 induced early flowering and fruiting for the Konni variety, whatever the season: respectively 38.3 and 39.3 days after sowing (season1) 47 and 48 days after sowing (season2). Konni yielded significantly higher than AVOK1504 regardless the season ( p < 0.001). Sole organic fertilizer and its combinations with mineral fertilizers enhanced growth and yield, with 10 t/ha PM (T2), 10 t/ha PM + 200 kg NPK + 50 kg Urea + 50 kg K₂SO₄ (T6) and T7 (T6 + 250L/ha ABC grower) achieving the highest yields: 4.3 t/ha, 5.3 t/ha and 5.8 t/ha, respectively, for Konni against 5.1 t/ha, 4.8 t/ha and 5.3 t/ha, respectively, for AVOK1504. Sole PM at 10 t/ha (T2) showed similar statistical yield performance as T6 and T7, despite its low inputs composition, and additionally most effectively enhanced soil pH, total N, Ca, and Mg. Notably, none of the treatments increased soil organic carbon or available phosphorus, an unexpected result given the high carbon content of the PM applied. Findings highlight the agronomic benefits of integrated nutrient management for optimizing okra productivity and soil health. These results inform fertilizer recommendations and sustainable soil fertility management strategies for okra-producing regions in Benin and similar agroecological zones.

Efficacy of Nutripearls Fertilizer on Yield Components and Productivity of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2022 at the Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.), to evaluate the effects of Nutripearls, an organic acid-based granular fertiliser, on the yield components and productivity of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. JR 206). The trial was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with nine treatment combinations involving graded levels of the Recommended Dose of Fertilisers (RDF) and Nutripearls applied at the tillering and panicle initiation (PI) stages. The results demonstrated significant variations among treatments in yield attributes and overall productivity. Application of 100% RDF + Nutripearls @ 50 kg/ha at the tillering and PI stages (T2) recorded superior growth and yield parameters, including the maximum number of effective tillers (406.5/m2), panicle length (27.87 cm), and sound grains per panicle (196.27), along with the lowest number of sterile grains per panicle (6.47). Consequently, T2 produced the highest straw yield (7582.20 kg/ha) and harvest index (43.91%), markedly outperforming both 100% RDF alone (T8) and the untreated control (T9). Higher doses of Nutripearls (75 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha) did not offer significant improvements over the 50 kg/ha rate. Overall, integrating Nutripearls at 50 kg/ha alongside 100% RDF can enhance nutrient availability and crop partitioning efficiency, indicating its potential for maximising transplanted rice yields under the experimental conditions.

Akta Agrosia Evaluation of Yield and Competition Indices in Sweet Corn ( Zea mays saccharata L.)-Soybean ( Glycine max ) Intercropping System

Optimizing Quinoa Cultivation: Combined NPK Fertilization as a Key Agronomic Practice Steering Yield, Growth, and Nutritional Quality

Background: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), valued as a nutrient-dense grain, has seen expanded cultivation in China. However, its yield and quality are often unstable due to suboptimal fertilization practices, and the specific regulatory roles of macronutrients (N, P, K) remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of combined NPK fertilization on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of quinoa. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted in a controlled climate chamber using the “Jingli 1” cultivar. Plants were subjected to four fertilization treatments: NPK, PK, NK, and NP. Results: The NPK treatment significantly enhanced growth throughout the development cycle, increasing total root length (45.0±8.5%), root surface area (32.8±6.2%), plant height (20.0±5.0 cm), and dry matter accumulation (71.6±15.3%). It also improved nitrogen use efficiency and key yield components, including panicle length (5.63±1.22 cm), thousand-grain weight (0.34±0.02 g), and grain weight per plant (1.41±0.23 g). Nutritionally, the NPK treatment elevated the content of essential amino acids (284.10±52.75 mg/g), total free amino acids (2414.65±428.30 mg/g), and increased levels of protein, starch, and fat. Deficiency analyses revealed distinct limitations: nitrogen deficiency primarily constrained aboveground growth and yield; phosphorus deficiency strongly inhibited root development and dry matter accumulation; while potassium deficiency had comparatively minor effects. The synergistic application of NPK fertilizers is crucial for optimizing quinoa production. It promotes robust root and shoot growth, enhances nitrogen uptake, and simultaneously achieves high yield and superior nutritional quality, providing a scientific basis for optimized quinoa cultivation practices.