Instant Insights: Fertiliser Use in Agriculture

Five peer-reviewed literature reviews on fertiliser use in agriculture are presented in this collection, covering biofertilizers, animal excrement, mineral fertilisers, sustainable fertilizer developments, decision support systems, and foliar fertilizer sprays. The reviews discuss the role of these fertilizers in improving crop yield and quality, as well as their effects on soil health.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited

This comprehensive collection presents five peer-reviewed literature reviews on the topic of fertiliser use in agriculture. In the first chapter, the role of biofertilizers and consortia of microorganisms in enhancing the effectiveness of organic fertilization is explored. The chapter also examines the use of animal excrement, such as manures, slurry, and guano, as fertilizers.

The second chapter delves into the management of mineral fertilizers and organic manures, focusing on their effects on soil health. It examines soil organic carbon and nitrogen levels, soil acidification, and soil microbiology. The third chapter takes a historical, current, and future perspective on fertilizer developments, with a particular emphasis on achieving global sustainability. It reviews advancements in using efficient fertilizer sources to meet the needs of growing modern crop cultivars and hybrids.

The fourth chapter explores the use of decision support systems in determining fertiliser application decisions. It highlights direct methods, such as simulation models, yield forecasts using data-driven approaches, and yield forecasts based on water supply. The chapter also discusses indirect techniques, such as yield forecasts based on weather data and crop growth models.

The final chapter focuses on the implementation of foliar fertilizer sprays in agriculture to improve crop yield and quality, as well as enhance plant performance under abiotic and/or biotic stress threats. The chapter discusses the benefits of foliar fertilization, including increased nutrient uptake, improved plant growth, and enhanced stress tolerance. It also explores the various types of foliar fertilizers available, their application methods, and the potential challenges associated with their use.

Overall, this collection provides a valuable insight into the current state of research on fertiliser use in agriculture, highlighting the role of biofertilizers, animal excrement, mineral fertilizers, decision support systems, and foliar fertilization in improving crop yields and quality. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801462136