Food production requires application of fertilizers containing phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium on agricultural fields in order to sustain crop yields. However modern agriculture is dependent on phosphorus derived from phosphate rock, which is a non-renewable resource and current global reserves may be depleted in 50–100 years. While phosphorus demand is projected to increase, the expected gl...

Increasing demand for more jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) production requires understanding the specific fertilization needs of jujube trees. This study was conducted to compare fruit yields, phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of jujube in response to different fertilizers. Application of organic fertilizer appeared to enhance the phenolics and antioxidant activity accumulation of jujub...

The effect of twelve different rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in southern Nigeria was evaluated between June and October, 2007. The results of the study showed that application of 120kgN/ha + 0kgP/ha and 60kgN/ha + 40kgP/ha significantly increased the growth of maize than other treatments. The application rate of 120kgN/ha +40kgP/ha signi...

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of farmyard (cattle) manure (FYM) and inorganic nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) fertilizers on growth and tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The treatments consisted of factorial combination of 4 levels of FYM (0. 10, 20 and 30 t h-1) and three levels of inorganic NP fertilizers (0, 33.3%, 66.6% recommended rates) laid out in a Random...

This article discusses how a Systems Thinking (ST) approach to student learning, employing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) interventions, at several different universities in Sydney, Australia was incorporated into a broader trans-disciplinary research project, the aim of which was to examine how urine diversion in an urban, institutional setting might form the basis of phosphorus collection—phosp...

Hydroxylapatite – Ca5(PO4)3(OH) – is the main mineral in bones, giving them their compressive strength, and, as found in nature, is often called phosphate rock. Phosphate rock is commercial mined for its phosphorus, for use in fertilizers and other purposes. Its formation is sometimes used to remove phosphorus from wastewaters, including manures. It is often also known as hydroxyapatite (that i...

The activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides K, Ra and Th have been measured in different brands of fertilizer samples in Saudi Arabia using sodium iodide gamma spectrometry. The results of measurements showed that the mean (ranges) of specific activities for Ra, Th and K activities in the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are 64 (35.8 120.7), 17 (3.2 56.8) and 2...

Urine contains about 50 % of the phosphorus (P) and about 90 % of the nitrogen (N) excreted by humans and is therefore an interesting substrate for nutrient recovery. Source-separated urine can be used to precipitate struvite or, through a newly developed technology, nitrified urine fertilizer (NUF). In this study, we prepared (33)P radioisotope- and stable (15)N isotope-labeled synthetic NUF (...

Agrochemical is evolved by the contraction and combination of words agricultural and chemical, and is a generic term used for the various chemical products typically used in agriculture. Agrochemicals essentially help in intensifying crop production and to reduce the effects of pests and parasites on farm animals. Agrochemical basically refers to the broad range of pesticides and fertilizers. A...

Nutrient losses to surface waters following fertilization contribute to eutrophication. This study was conducted to compare the impacts of fertilization with inorganic fertilizer, swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) manure or poultry (Gallus domesticus) litter on runoff water quality, and how the duration between application and the first runoff event affects resulting water quality. Fertilizers were...