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Hermetia illucens frass improves the physiological state of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its nutritional value under drought
To counterbalance the growing human population and its increasing demands from the ecosystem, and the impacts on it, new strategies are needed. Use of organic fertilizers boosted the agricultural production, but further increased the ecological burden posed by this indispensable activity. One possible solution to this conundrum is the development and application of more environmentally neutral biofertilizers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two doses of Hermetia illucens frass (HI frass) with the commercial cattle manure in the cultivation of basil under drought. Soil without the addition of any organic fertilizer was used as a baseline control substrate for basil cultivation. Plants were grown with cattle manure (10 g/L of the pot volume) or HI frass at two doses (10 and 12.5 g/L). The health and physiological condition of plants were assessed based on the photosynthetic activity and the efficiency of photosystem II (chlorophyll fluorescence). Gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere were also assessed to verify the effect of fertilizer on soil condition. In addition, the mineral profile of basil and its antioxidant activity were assessed, along with the determination of the main polyphenolic compounds content. Biofertilizers improved the fresh mass yield and physiological condition of plants, both under optimal watering and drought, in comparison with the non-fertilized controls. Use of cattle manure in both water regimes resulted in a comparably lower yield and a stronger physiological response to drought. As a result, using HI frass is a superior strategy to boost output and reduce the effects of drought on basil production.
The influence of Hermetia illucens L. frass on the health, stress, and development of barley
Barley cultivation faces challenges from changing climate conditions, including the increasing threat of drought. This study explored the potential of a fertilizer derived from Hermetia illucens L. frass to enhance the development and health of spring barley under optimal and drought conditions. The experiment, conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, employed various fertilization treatments, including cattle manure and two doses of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer. Comprehensive assessments were made through visual observations and physiological measurements, including chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, and CO2 exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The results demonstrated that the application of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer significantly improved barley vigor and health compared to the control and cattle manure treatments, especially under drought stress. Physiological measurements revealed positive effects on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Leaf gas exchange parameters also reflected improved photosynthetic activity, with the H. illucens L. frass-treated plants outperforming others. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of insect-derived fertilizers, particularly H. illucens L. frass, as a sustainable and effective way to enhance crop resilience to drought. As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, incorporating such novel fertilizers may offer a promising avenue for sustainable crop production.
Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions
Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimes—optimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plants—such as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.
How Tillage System Affects the Soil Carbon Dioxide Emission and Wheat Plants Physiological State
The cultivation or ‘tillage’ system is one of the most important elements of agrotechnology. It affects the condition of the soil, significantly modifying its physical, chemical, and biological properties, and the condition of plants, starting from ensuring appropriate conditions for sowing and plant growth, through influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis and ultimately, the yield. It also affects air transmission and the natural environment by influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially. Ultimately, the cultivation system also has an impact on the farmer, providing the opportunity to reduce production costs. The described experiment was established in 1998 at the Brody Agricultural Experimental Station belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Poznań (Poland) on a soil classified as an Albic Luvisol, while the described measurements were carried out in the 2022/2023 season, i.e., 24 years after the establishment of the experiment. Two cultivation methods were compared: Conventional Tillage (CT) and No Tillage (NT). Additionally, the influence of two factors was examined: nitrogen (N) fertilization (0 N—no fertilization, and 130 N–130 kg N∙ha−1) and the growth phase of the winter wheat plants (BBCH: 32, 65 and 75). The growth phase of the plants was assessed according to the method of the Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie (BBCH). We present the results of soil properties, soil respiration, wheat plants chlorophyll fluorescence, and grain yield. In our experiment, due to low rainfall, NT cultivation turned out to be beneficial, as it was a key factor influencing the soil properties, including soil organic carbon (SOC) content and soil moisture, and, consequently, creating favorable conditions for plant nutrition and efficiency of photosynthesis. We found a positive effect of NT cultivation on chlorophyll fluorescence, but this did not translate into a greater yield in NT cultivation. However, the decrease in yield due to NT compared to CT was only 5% in fertilized plots, while the average decrease in grain yield resulting from the lack of fertilization was 46%. We demonstrated the influence of soil moisture as well as the growth phase and fertilization on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the soil. We can clearly confirm that the tillage system affected all the parameters discussed in the work.
Critical evaluation of the performance of rhamnolipids as surfactants for (phyto)extraction of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn from copper smelter-affected soil
Effects of biopreparations based on Bacillus and Trichoderma, combined with mineral and organic fertilization and a Pisum sativum L. forecrop on improving the tolerance of Maize plants to drought stress
The increased frequency of extreme weather phenomena, such as heat waves and drought, adversely affects the condition of plants. The need to strive for more sustainable methods of growing plants requires undertaking researches that focus on strengthening the immunity of plants using methods that have a positive impact on both crops and the natural environment. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and compare the effects of selected microbiological preparations based on Bacillus bacteria and Trichoderma symbiotic fungi, combined with mineral (NPK) and organic fertilization (manure) and a Pisum sativum L. forecrop on improving the tolerance of maize plants to drought stress. The pot experiment was carried in 2023 as a two-factor experiment in three replicates. Physiological parameters were assessed based on measurements of photosynthetic efficiency (A - CO2 assimilation rate, E - Transpiration Rate, Gs – Stomatal Conductance) and chlorophyll content (CCI) and fluorescence (F0 - initial fluorescence, Fm - maximum fluorescence, Fv/Fm - maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, Yield - quantum yield of the photochemical reaction in PSII, ETR – electron transport rate, NPQ - Non - Photo-chemical Quenching), as well as soil respiration (NCER- Net CO2 Exchange Rate, W flux- Net H2O Exchange Rate, Ce- Soil Respiration) and biometric measurements (dry mass of shoots and roots).The measurement of photosynthesis efficiency under drought stress clearly indicated the highest, significant effect caused by Trichoderma preparation with both fertilizers. In the control, CO2 assimilation was practically inhibited due to drought (98% drop), while in the plants in which the Trichoderma preparation was used together with half dose of NPK and manure, there was only a slight decrease (1% and 13% respectively). A greatest, significant improvement in the DM of roots under drought was noted in plants in which the Pisum forecrop was applied together with NPK and manure (230% and 168% respectively). Pisum forecrop and treatments with microbiological preparation containing Trichoderma, make it possible to reduce the fertilization dose by at least half. This is particularly important in view of the global trend of increasing drought stress and efforts to improve soil quality.
Effect of Synthetic and Biological Plant Growth Stimulants and Soil Amendments on the Development of Maize in Various Soil Moisture Conditions
Currently, methods are being sought to reduce the effects of drought. The conducted research tested the effect of potassium polyacrylate, β-cyclocitral, and Rhizophagus irregularis on the development of maize (Zea mays L.). The first of the substances mentioned was mixed with the soil; the others were used as seed dressings. The effect of substances and microorganisms on the height and weight of plants, chlorophyll fluorescence and the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere was tested in greenhouse conditions. Plant development was tested at optimal soil moisture levels and in drought conditions. Field experiment determined the effect of the abovementioned preparations on the height of maize, the level of grain yield and seed parameters. The hydrothermal index was calculated for the entire vegetative season of plants. All preparations used had a positive effect on the development of test plants. Significant improvement was found for many parameters compared to the control combination plants, including maize weight and grain yield. This was confirmed for various soil moisture conditions. An increase in grain yield was noted by 0.6–1.3 t ha−1 compared to the control. The tested substances and microorganisms may, therefore, be a good solution for protecting plants against the effects of drought.
Impact of Crop Sequence and Fertilization on Potato Yield in a Long-Term Study
The research was conducted during the years 2007–2013, on the base of a long-term study established in 1958, at the Experimental Station Brody (52°26′ N; 16°18′ E), belonging to the Poznań University of Life Sciences. Varieties of potatoes resistant to cyst nematodes were grown in a seven-course crop rotation (potato—spring barley—alfalfa—alfalfa—spring oilseed rape—winter wheat—winter rye) and in continuous monoculture. The presented study from the years 2007–2013 covers the next 8th rotation of the 7-field crop rotation (since 1958). With regard to continuous cultivation, this is the period between the 50th and 56th year of the potato monoculture. The experiment included 11 fertilization variants, of which the following 7 were included in the study: 1—control object without fertilization, 2—manure, 3—manure + NPK, 4—NPKCa, 5—NPK, 6—NP, 7—NK and 8—PK. Every year, mineral and organic fertilization was applied in the following doses per 1 ha: N—90 kg, P—26 kg, K—100 kg, manure—30 t and Ca—0.7 t. Potato cultivation in monoculture resulted in a significant reduction in tuber yield compared to crop rotation and a reduction in the number of tubers per plant and the average weight of one tuber. Manure fertilization, especially in combination with NPK mineral fertilizer, had a more favorable effect on the level of potato yielding and the content of N, P, K and Mg in tubers compared to only mineral fertilization, but decreased the content of dry matter, starch and Ca. The results of long-term experiment indicate that the most effective in potato cultivation is the combined application of both manure and full mineral fertilization (NPK) with the proper sequence of plants (crop rotation).