Alternative fertilization approaches in enhancing crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency: A review
Abstract
The greatest challenge of our time is to meet the global food demand by producing enough food without harming the environment. Over application and misuse of synthetic fertilizer is a major challenge that results in lower fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), stagnated crop yield, and environmental pollution. In this review study, three alternative fertilization options (AFOs), such as the use of organic fertilizer enhanced-efficiency fertilizer (EEFs), and secondary, and micronutrient fertilizers were evaluated. The adoption of appropriate fertilization practices was believed to improve crop yield and FUE over the conventional fertilization approach. As of late, the use of organic fertilizers has received more attention as a better alternative to counter the challenges posed by the inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers. The formulation of slow or controlled-release fertilizers contributes to preventing nutrient losses by slowing down nutrient release patterns in the soil and allowing better synchrony between crop nutrients requirement and nutrient supply. The use of secondary macronutrients and micronutrient also has considerable importance to improve nutrient uptake, grain yield, and quality. In summary, the review result showed that the adoption of AFOs can enhance crop yield and nutrient use efficiency.
Keywords:
Alternative fertilization options, Crop yield, Enhanced efficiency fertilizer, Micronutrients, Nutrient use efficiency, Organic fertilizerDownloads
References
Agegnehu, G., Nelsona, P., & Michael, B. (2016). Crop yield, plant nutrient uptake and soil physicochemical properties under organic soil amendments and nitrogen fertilization on Nitisols. Soil & Tillage Research, 160, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2016.02.003
Are, K. S., Adelana, A. O., Fademi, O., & Abel, O. (2018). Improving physical properties of degraded soil: Potential of poultry manure and biochar. Agriculture and Natural Resources, 51, 454–462, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anres.2018.03.009
Cai, A., Xu, M., Wang, B., Zhang, W., Liang, G., & Hou, E. (2019). Manure acts as a better fertilizer for increasing crop yields than synthetic fertilizer does by improving soil fertility. Soil & Tillage Research, 189, 168–175, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2018.12.022
Cen, Y., Guo, L., Liu, M., Gu, X., & Li, C. (2020). Using organic fertilizers to increase crop yield, economic growth, and soil quality in a temperate farmland. PeerJ. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9668
Chen, Y., Camps-Arbestain, M., Shen, Q., Singh, B., & Cayuela, M. L. (2018). The long-term role of organic amendments in building soil nutrient fertility: a meta-analysis and review. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 111, 103–125, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-017-9903-5
Chianu, J., Chianu, J., & Mairura, F. (2012). Mineral fertilizers in the farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 32, 545–566, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-011-0050-0
Dhillon, J. S., Eickhoff, E. M., Mullen, R. W., & Raun, W. R. (2019). World potassium use efficiency in cereal crops. Agronomy Journal, 111(2), https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.07.0462
Dhillon, J., Torres, G., Driver, E., Figueiredo, B., & Raun, W. R. (2017). World phosphorus use efficiency in cereal crops. Agronomy Journal, 109(4), 1670–1677, https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2016.08.0483
Ding, W., Xu, X., He, P., Ullah, S., Zhang, J., Cui, Z., & Zhou, W. (2018). Improving yield and nitrogen use efficiency through alternative fertilization options for rice in China: A meta-analysis. Field Crops Research, 227, 11–18, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2018.08.001
Du, Y., Cui, B., Zhang, Q., Wang, Z., Sun, J., & Niu, W. (2020). Effects of manure fertilizer on crop yield and soil properties in China: A meta-analysis. Catena, 193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2020.104617
Ejigu, W., G.Selassie, Y., Elias, E., & Damte, M. (2021). Integrated fertilizer application improves soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) yield on Nitisols in Northwestern Ethiopia. Heliyon, 7(2), e06074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06074
Geng, Y., Cao, G., Wang, L., & Wang, S. (2019). Effects of equal chemical fertilizer substitutions with organic manure on yield, dry matter, and nitrogen uptake of spring maize and soil nitrogen distribution. PLoS ONE, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219512
Giday, O., Gibrekidan, H., & Berhe, T. (2014). Response of teff ( Eragrostis tef ) to different rates of slow release and conventional urea fertilizers in vertisols of southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Advances in Plants & Agriculture Research, 1(5), 190–197, https://doi.org/10.15406/apar.2014.01.00030
Heffer, P., Armelle, G., & Terry, R. (2017). Assessment of fertilizer use by crop at the global level. (Issue International Fertilizer Industry Association).
Ishfaq, M., Wang, Y., Yan, M., Wang, Z., Wu, L., Li, C., & Li, X. (2022). Physiological Essence of Magnesium in Plants and Its Widespread Deficiency in the
Farming System of China. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 1–17, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.802274
Jena, B., Nayak, R. K., Das, J., Parida, R. K., & Sethi, D. (2016). Secondary and Micro Nutrient mapping in forest soils of Kandhamal district, Odisha. Agropedology, 26(01), 79–86, https://doi.org/10.47114/j.agroped.2016.jun10
Laekemariam, F., & Gidago, G. (2013). Growth and yield performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Variable rates of compost and Inorganic Fertilizer Integration in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia. American Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization Technology, 3(2).
Legesse, E.-E., Srivastava, A.-K., Kuhn, A., & Gaiser, T. (2019). Household Welfare Implications of Better Fertilizer Access and Lower Use Inefficiency: Long-Term Scenarios for Ethiopia. Sustainability, 11. https://doi.org/doi:10.3390/su11143952
Liu, X., Vitousek, P., Chang, Y., Zhang, W., Matson, P., & Zhang, F. (2016). Evidence for a Historic Change Occurring in China. Environmental Science and Technology, 50(2), 505–506, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b05972
Lu, X. (2020). A meta-analysis of the effects of crop residue return on crop yields and water use efficiency. PLoS ONE, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231740
Lubkowski, K., & Grzmil, B. (2016). Controlled release fertilizers. Polish Journal of Chemical Technology, 9(4), 81–84, https://doi.org/10.2478/v10026-007-0096-6
Natsheh, B., & Mousa, S. (2014). Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Application on Soil and Cucumber (Cucumis Sativa L.) Plant Productivity. International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 4(3), 166–170, https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijaf.20140403.03
Qinglong, Y., Fengxia, Z., Xucun, J., Peng, L., Shuting, D., Jiwang, Z., & Bin, Z. (2020). The combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increases soil organic matter and improves soil microenvironment in wheat-maize field. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 20, 2395–2404.
Qiao, C., Liu, L., Hu, S., Compton, J. E., Greaver, T. L., & Li, Q. (2015). How inhibiting nitrification affects nitrogen cycle and reduces environmental impacts of anthropogenic nitrogen input. Global Change Biology, 21(3), 1249-1257, https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12802
Roba, T. B. (2018). The Effect of Mixing Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Productivity and Soil Fertility. Open Access Library Journal, 5. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1104618
Sharma, L. K., & Bali, S. K. (2018). A review of methods to improve nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture. Sustainability, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010051
Thomas, C. L., Acquah, G. E., Whitmore, A. P., Mcgrath, S. P., & Haefele, S. M. (2019). The Effect of Different Organic Fertilizers on Yield and Soil and Crop Nutrient Concentrations. Agronomy, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9120776
Urra, J., Alkorta, I., & Garbisu, C. (2019). Potential benefits and risks for soil health derived from the use of organic amendments in agriculture. Agronomy, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9090542
Van Beek, C. L., Elias, E., Yihenew, G. S., Heesmans, H., Tsegaye, A., Feyisa, H., Tolla, M., Melmuye, M., Gebremeskel, Y., & Mengist, S. (2016). Soil nutrient balances under diverse agro-ecological settings in Ethiopia. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 106, 257–274, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-016-9803-0
Vejan, P., Khadiran, T., Abdullah, R., & Ahmad, N. (2021). Controlled release fertilizer: A review on developments, applications and potential in agriculture. Journal of Controlled Release, 339, 321–334, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.10.003
Vitousek, P. M., Katzenberger, J., Martinelli, L. A., Matson, P. A., Nziguheba, G., Ojima, D., Palm, C. A., Robertson, G. P., Sanchez, P., Townsend, A. R., & S, Z. F. (2009). Nutrient Imbalances in Agricultural Development. Science, 324, 1519–1520.
Wang, H., Xu, J., Liu, X., Zhang, D., Li, L., Li, W., & Sheng, L. (2019). Effects of long-term application of organic fertilizer on improving organic matter content and retarding acidity in red soil from China. Soil & Tillage Research, 195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2019.104382
Wang, X., Yang, Y., Zhao, J., Nie, J., Zang, H., & Zeng, Z. (2020). Yield benefits from replacing chemical fertilizers with manure under water deficient conditions of the winter wheat–summer maize system in the North China Plain. European Journal of Agronomy, 119, 126118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2020.126118
Wang Z, Hassan MU, Nadeem F, Wu L, Zhang F and Li X (2020) Magnesium Fertilization Improves Crop Yield in Most Production Systems: A Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10:1727. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.01727
World Bank. (2021). World Development Indicators. Fertilizer consumption [kg per hectare of arable land]. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.CON.FERT.ZS.
Yokamo, S., Xiaoqiang, J., Gurmu, F., Tettey, C. K., & Jiang, R. (2022). Cereal production trends, nutrient use efficiency and its management practices in agriculture: A review. Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science, 7(1), 114–120.
Zhang, W., Wang, Q., Wu, Q., Zhang, S., Zhu, P., Peng, C., Huang, S., Wang, B., & Zhang, H. (2020). The response of soil Olsen-P to the P budgets of three typical cropland soil types under long-term fertilization. PLoS ONE, 15(3), 1–17, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230178
Zhang, Xiaoying, Fang, Q., Zhang, T., Ma, W., Velthof, G. L., Yong, H., Oene, O., & Fusuo, Z. (2020). Benefits and trade-offs of replacing synthetic fertilizers by animal manures in crop production in China: A meta-analysis. Global Change Biology, 26, 888–900, https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14826
Zhang, Xin, Davidson, E., Mauzerall, D. L., Searchinger, T., Dumas, P., & Shen, Y. (2015). Managing nitrogen for sustainable development. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature15743
Zhu, S., Liu, L., Xu, Y., Yang, Y., & Shi, R. (2020). Application of controlled release urea improved grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241481
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2023 Agriculture and Environmental Science Academy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.