Carbon and Zeolite Based Slow Release Fertilizer Formulations Enhances Nutrient Use Efficiency and Yield in Chilli
M. K. Farha *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
R. Gladis *
Agricultural Research Station, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, India.
B. Rani
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
B. Aparna
Department of Organic Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, India.
S. Sarada
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, India.
Biju Joseph
Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Allapuzha, Kerala Agricultural University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To develop slow release fertilizer formulations using humic acid, charcoal and zeolite and to evaluate nutrient availability, nutrient use efficiency and yield in chilli.
Study Design: This experiment was conducted through completely randomized design with 14 treatments and 3 replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was appraised at the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani between September 2022- December 2022.
Methods: Carbon and zeolite based slow release fertilizer formulations (SRF) containing all the major, secondary and micronutrients were prepared using compatible fertilizer materials (urea, rajphos, muriate of potash, phosphogypsum, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and borax), carrier materials (zeolite, humic acid and charcoal) and the binding agent (carboxy methyl cellulose) in the ratio of 1:1 and 1: 0.5 in the form of pellets. These formulations were applied to chilli and evaluated nutrient use efficiency and yield.
Results: The pellets were highly stable and weight ranged between 4.0 and 4.5 g. The highest fruit yield of chilli observed was 581.2 g/ plant. The available nitrogen (320.86 kg ha-1), phosphorus (87.15 kg ha-1), potassium (214.35 kg ha-1), calcium (351.13 mg kg-1), magnesium (106.54 mg kg-1), sulphur (9.32 mg kg- 1), boron (0.46 mg kg-1) and zinc (4.25 mg kg-1) was found to be highest in treatment receiving 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as humic acid based slow release formulation applied in two splits (basal and 1 MAP). The apparent recovery percentage of nitrogen 78.2%, phosphorus 86.33% and potassium 98.70% and partial factor productivity of 25.98 g g-1 were recorded due to the application of pellets.
Conclusion: Carbon and zeolite based slow release fertilizer formulations in the form of pellets are very effective compared to conventional fertilizers due to their gradual pattern of nutrient release which better meets plant demand, minimizes leaching and therefore nutrient use efficiency and ultimately crop yield. Application of slow release formulations significantly increases the nutrient availability in soil, nutrient use efficiency, growth and yield of chilli.
Keywords: Fertilizer, humic acid, charcoal, zeolite
How to Cite
Downloads
References
Karthik A, Maheswari MU. Smart fertilizer strategy for better crop production. Agricultural Reviews. 2021; 42(1):12-21.
Mihok F, Macko J, Oriňak A, Oriňaková R, Kovaľ K, Sisáková K, Petruš O, Kostecká Z. Controlled nitrogen release fertilizer based on zeolite clinoptilolite: Study of preparation process and release properties using molecular dynamics. Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 2020;3:200-209.
Yu L, Lu X, He Y, Brookes PC, Liao H, Xu J. Combined biochar and nitrogen fertilizer reduces soil acidity and promotes nutrient use efficiency by soybean crop. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2017;17: 599-610.
Agustina TE, Rizky I, Utama ME, Amal MI. Characterization and utilization of zeolite for NPK slow release fertilizer (research note). International Journal of Engineering. 2018;31(4):622-8.
Merhaut DJ, Blythe EK, Newman JP, Albano JP. Nutrient release from controlled-release fertilizers in acid substrate in a greenhouse environment: leachate electrical conductivity, pH, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations. Hort. Science. 2006;41(3): 780-7.
Navya M. P. Development of multinutrient fertilizer tablet and evaluation in chilli. Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. Kerala Agricultural University; 2019.
Budiono MN, Rif’an M. The effects of zeolite-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and sulfur on the dynamics of N, P, K, and s soil nutrients, growth and yield of shallot (Allium cepa L.). In 2nd and 3rd International Conference on Food Security Innovation (Icfsi 2018-2019). 2021;288-292. Atlantis Press.
Kharisun K, Rif’an M, Budiono MN, Kurniawan RE. Development and testing of zeolite-based slow release fertilizer nzeo-sr in water and soil media. Sains Tanah-Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology. 2017;14(2):72-82.
Bansiwal AK, Rayalu SS, Labhasetwar NK, Juwarkar AA, Devotta S. Surfactant-modified zeolite as a slow release fertilizer for phosphorus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006; 54(13):4773-9.
Soltys L, Myronyuk I, Tatarchuk T, Tsinurchyn V. Zeolite-based composites as slow release fertilizers. Physics and Chemistry of Solid State. 2020;21(1):89-104.
Morgan KT, Cushman KE, Sato S. Release mechanisms for slow-and controlled-release fertilizers and strategies for their use in vegetable production. Hort. technology. 2009;19(1):10-2.
Guo Y, Ma Z, Ren B, Zhao B, Liu P, Zhang J. Effects of humic acid added to controlled-release fertilizer on summer maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency and greenhouse gas emission. Agriculture. 2022;12(4):448.
Selladurai R, Purakayastha TJ. Effect of humic acid multinutrient fertilizers on yield and nutrient use efficiency of potato. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2016;39(7):949-56.
Guo B, Yang J, Lu R,Yu S. Effects of Komix of growth and fruiting of ‘Red Fuj’Apple. Journal of Fruit Science. 2000;17:73-75.
Shuixiu H, Ruizhen W. A study on the effect of komix humic-acids-containing organic fertilizer on spring soybean. Jiangxi Agricultural University Journal. 2001;23: 463-466.
Du H, Xue S, Sun Z. Effects of different application rates of humic acid compound fertilizer on leave nutrient accumulation and physiological mechanism of grape. Chinese Journal of Eco-Agriculture. 2007;15:49-51.
Urrutia O, Erro J, Guardado I, San Francisco S, Mandado M, Baigorri R, Claude Yvin J, Ma Garcia‐Mina J. Physico‐chemical characterization of humic‐metal‐phosphate complexes and their potential application to the manufacture of new types of phosphate‐based fertilizers. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 2014; 177(2):128-36.
Tian C, Zhou X, Liu Q, Peng JW, Wang WM, Zhang ZH, Yang Y, Song HX, Guan Cy. Effects of a controlled- release fertilizer on yield, nutrient uptake, and fertilizer usage efficiency in early ripening rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B. 2016; 17(10):775.