This collection features five peer-reviewed literature reviews on fertiliser use in agriculture.
The first chapter examines the role of biofertilizers and consortia of microorganisms to improve the effectiveness of organic fertilization, before moving on to consider the use of animal excrement, including manures, slurry and guano.
The second chapter assesses the management of mineral fertilisers and organic manures in relation to its effects on soil health in terms of soil organic carbon and nitrogen, soil acidification and soil microbiology.
The third chapter discusses the history, current status, and future needs of fertilizer developments in light of the goal of achieving global sustainability. It reviews developments in using efficient fertilizer sources to meet the needs of advancing yields of modern crop cultivars/hybrids.
The fourth chapter reviews some of the approaches used by decision support systems to determine fertiliser application decisions. The chapter highlights direct methods and indirect techniques: simulation models, yield forecasts using data-driven approaches and yield forecasts based on water supply.
The final chapter explores the implementation of foliar fertilizer sprays in agriculture for improving crop yield and quality, as well as improving plant performance under abiotic and/or biotic stress threats.
Chapter 1 - Organic fertilizers and biofertilizers: Lidia Sas Paszt and Slawomir Gluszek, Research Institute of Horticulture, Poland; 1 Introduction 2 Biofertilizers 3 Consortia of microorganisms to improve the effectiveness of organic fertilization 4 Animal excrement: manures, slurry and guano 5 Products and by-products of animal origin 6 Products and by-products of plant origin for fertilizers 7 Composts 8 Untreated minerals and by-products of selected industrial processes 9 Biochar 10 Conclusion 11 Where to look for further information 12 References Chapter 2 - Optimising fertiliser use to maintain soil health: Bijay-Singh, Punjab Agricultural University, India; 1 Introduction 2 Effects of fertiliser use on soil organic matter, carbon and nitrogen 3 Effects of fertiliser use on soil microorganisms 4 Effect of nitrogen fertilisers on soil acidity 5 Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) 6 Use of controlled and slow-release fertilisers, urease and nitrification inhibitors 7 Improving fertiliser placement 8 Integrated use of mineral fertilisers and organic manures for enhancing soil health 9 Future trends and conclusions 10 Where to look for further information 11 References Chapter 3 - Developments in the use of fertilizers: Bryan G. Hopkins, Brigham Young University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Nutrient pollution and resource depletion 3 Achieving more sustainable use of fertilizers 4 Developments in nitrogen fertilizers 5 Developments in phosphorus fertilizers 6 Developments in potassium fertilizers 7 Developments in sulfur fertilizers 8 Developments in calcium, magnesium, and micronutrient fertilizers 9 Case study 10 Conclusion and future trends 11 Where to look for further information 12 References Chapter 4 - Decision support systems (DSS) for better fertiliser management: Dhahi Al-Shammari, Patrick Filippi, James P. Moloney, Niranjan S. Wimalathunge, Brett M. Whelan and Thomas F. A. Bishop, The University of Sydney, Australia; 1 Introduction 2 Direct methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support 3 Indirect methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support: simulation models 4 Indirect methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support: yield forecasts using data-driven approaches 5 Indirect methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support: yield forecasts based on water supply 6 Decision support in action: case studies 7 Case study 1: nitrogen fertiliser applications using a data-driven approach 8 Case study 2: nitrogen fertiliser decision-making based on soil moisture predictions 9 Comparing the two approaches 10 Conclusions and future trends 11 References Chapter 5 - Advances in foliar fertilizers to optimize crop nutrition: Victoria Fernández, Technical University of Madrid, Spain; and Héctor A. Bahamonde, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Argentina; 1 Introduction 2 Importance of absorption for spray effectiveness: key factors involved 3 Application of foliar sprays for sustainable production: applied aspects 4 Conclusion and future trends 5 Where to look for further information 6 References
Bryan G. Hopkins is a Professor at Brigham Young University and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist. He is the Coordinator for the Soil Science Society of America--North American Proficiency Testing Program. He has degrees from Ricks College, Brigham Young University, and Kansas State University in Agronomy & Horticulture with specialties in soil biophysical chemistry and plant nutrition. He has published dozens of peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and hundreds of research reports and given countless presentations.
