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Agronomy
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Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products
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Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 7492

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wenhai Mi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
Interests: soil fertility; soil nutrient cycling; controlled-release fertilizer; nitrogen fertilizer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Meng Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-Arid Arable Land in Northern China, The Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: plant nutrition; biofortification; plant biostimulants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fertilizers have been widely used to maximize both the quantity and quality of agricultural products. The excessive input and improper application of fertilizers, however, not only result in the wastage of valuable fertilizer resources and intangible assets but also contribute to environmental pollution and ecological imbalance. Since the establishment of mineral nutrition in the 1840s by Justus von Liebig, fertilizer products have continuously updated and upgraded to enhance the efficiency of fertilizer nutrient and application services. These innovations include coated fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizer, nano fertilizers, value-added fertilizers, smart fertilizers, biostimulants, and fertilizer additives. In addition, new fertilizer products have also been developed to meet the requirements in application technologies like fertilizer sprayers, spraying drones, no-tillage sowing-fertilizing machines, and integrated drip irrigation systems for water and fertilizer management. The latest advancements in the application and underlying mechanism of new fertilizer products present significant potential for optimizing the efficiency and sustainability of fertilizers for humans.

The bottom line: Better fertilizer, bigger harvest, more profits.

Dr. Wenhai Mi
Dr. Meng Xu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fertilizer
  • fertilizer effect
  • fertilizer tool
  • fertilizer sprayer
  • fertilizer use efficiency
  • fertilization
  • urea
  • ammonium phosphate
  • compound fertilizer
  • foliar fertilizer
  • value-added fertilizer
  • biostimulant
  • nano fertilizer
  • modified fertilizer
  • smart fertilizer

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3003 KiB  
Article
Field Evaluation of Urea Fertilizers Enhanced by Biological Inhibitors or Dual Coating
by Ben E. Brace and Maxim J. Schlossberg
Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2118; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092118 - 17 Sep 2024
Viewed by 640
Abstract
Relative to soluble N sources, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) support steady turfgrass growth and dense canopy quality while abating N loss as nitrate, ammonia, and/or N2O from turfgrass systems. Modern EEFs provide turfgrass managers greater operational effect and versatility in their nutrient [...] Read more.
Relative to soluble N sources, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) support steady turfgrass growth and dense canopy quality while abating N loss as nitrate, ammonia, and/or N2O from turfgrass systems. Modern EEFs provide turfgrass managers greater operational effect and versatility in their nutrient management efforts and compel field characterization of their temporal response. Likewise, field confirmation of commercial EEF nutrient recovery helps stakeholders select the appropriate EEF for their specific application. Our research objective was to quantify the temporal response of Kentucky bluegrass growth/yield, canopy density and color, and fertilizer N recovery to a practical application of conventional urea or an enhanced-efficiency granular fertilizer. In May 2014 and June 2018, Kentucky bluegrass plots were fertilized by granules of conventional urea, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT)-, and dicyandiamide (DCD)-stabilized urea, or polymer-/sulfur-coated urea (PSCU) at a N rate of 43.9 kg ha−1 (0.9 lbs/1000 sq. ft.). The dependent variable response over the two growing seasons was highly affected by efficiency enhancement. Following the repeated 16.5-week evaluations, the mean percent of fertilizer N recovered from conventional urea, stabilized urea, and PSCU totaled 57.5, 68.4, and 89.1%, respectively. In the 23 to 51 days from treatment (DFT), recovery of PSCU-N significantly exceeded that from conventional or stabilized urea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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14 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Different Humate Ureas on Soil Mineral N Balanced Supply
by Shengjun Bai, Lingying Xu, Rongkui Ren, Yue Luo, Xiaoqi Liu, Jingli Guo, Xu Zhao and Wentai Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081856 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 474
Abstract
Urea supplements, such as humic acids, could enhance fertilizer nitrogen use effectiveness. Melting is superior to mixing for humate urea application; however, the effects of diverse humate ureas from various coal sources on soil N supply remain unclear. This study compared the properties [...] Read more.
Urea supplements, such as humic acids, could enhance fertilizer nitrogen use effectiveness. Melting is superior to mixing for humate urea application; however, the effects of diverse humate ureas from various coal sources on soil N supply remain unclear. This study compared the properties of two humic acids from different coal sources (HA1, weathered coal; HA2, lignite coal), and their impact on soil mineral N supply and the nitrate–ammonium ratio under flooded and 60% water-filled pore space (WFPS) over a 14-day incubation. Humate ureas stimulated soil mineral N accumulation and balanced the soil nitrate–ammonium ratio at 1:1; however, no significant difference existed between the two humate ureas under 60% WFPS. Humate urea enhanced soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) retention and delayed nitrate nitrogen (NH4−-N) release, leading to soil mineral N retention, especially in lignite humic acid urea (H2AU) treatments from lignite under flooding. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and linear regression revealed that humic acids elevated soil redox potential (Eh) and electrical conductivity (EC), stimulating soil N mineralization and adjusting the optimal nitrate–ammonium ratio. Humate urea improved soil mineral N supply compared to traditional urea treatments, and humic acids from lignite were more beneficial for crop cultivation from a mineral soil N supply perspective. These findings enhance our understanding of humate urea benefits and aid in optimizing humic acids application for N management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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17 pages, 2631 KiB  
Article
Prospects for Enhanced Growth and Yield of Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) Using Organomineral Fertilizers for Reclamation of Disturbed Forest Lands in European Part of Russia
by Sergey S. Makarov, Vera S. Vinogradova, Olga E. Khanbabaeva, Tatyana A. Makarova, Anton I. Chudetsky and Anastasia I. Sokolkina
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071498 - 10 Jul 2024
Viewed by 492
Abstract
This article presents the results of research on the use of a new granular organomineral fertilizer for growing plants of half-highbush cultivars of the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). The purpose of the research is studying the effect of a new granular [...] Read more.
This article presents the results of research on the use of a new granular organomineral fertilizer for growing plants of half-highbush cultivars of the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). The purpose of the research is studying the effect of a new granular organomineral fertilizer on the agrobiological characteristics of V. angustifolium plants on a peatland in the conditions of the north of the European part of Russia. The developed composition of organomineral fertilizer (NPK 8:8:8, Fe 0.5%, Zn 0.2%, Cu 0.4%) differs from existing fertilizers in a more balanced ratio of micro- and macroelements and the content of vermicompost containing spore forms of bacteria Bacillus subtilis H-13, B. mucilaginosus, and Azotobacter chroococcum. The use of a new organomineral fertilizer on high-moor peat (pH 2.9) contributed to the highest yield of V. angustifolium fruits (190.2 g/bush), which is 1.2 times more than other mineral fertilizers (NPK, etc.). The best morphophysiological indicators of V. angustifolium plants (leaf area, total and working surface of the roots, root weight) when using the developed organomineral fertilizer were noted in September. An increase of 1.2–1.3 times in the collection of dry matter and sugars in fruits was revealed, compared with other fertilizer options, while the vitamin C content practically did not change. New organomineral fertilizer contributes to the optimal supply of the necessary micro- and macroelements throughout the growing season and increases the productivity of V. angustifolium plants when growing depleted peat deposits in the natural and climatic conditions of the European part of Russia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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18 pages, 1971 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Slow-Release Fertilizer Rate for Crop and Soil Productivity in Kimchi Cabbage Cropping Systems in the Highlands of Gangwon Province
by Mavis Badu Brempong, Yangmin X. Kim, Gye-Ryeong Bak and Jeong-Tae Lee
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071428 - 30 Jun 2024
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) improves Kimchi cabbage (KC) productivity in the Highlands of Gangwon Province in South Korea; however, optimum rates for the region are not established. This study investigated the optimum and most economical rate of SRF that maximizes KC yield, nutrient uptake [...] Read more.
Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) improves Kimchi cabbage (KC) productivity in the Highlands of Gangwon Province in South Korea; however, optimum rates for the region are not established. This study investigated the optimum and most economical rate of SRF that maximizes KC yield, nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and enhances soil quality in two experiments at the Highland Agriculture Research Institute. Post-harvest soil N (mg kg−1), P2O5 (mg kg−1), K, Ca and Mg (cmolc kg−1), pH (1:5), electrical conductivity (EC; dSm−1) and organic matter (OM; g kg−1) were measured to assess soil quality. Added net returns (ANR) of treatments were evaluated. Recommended N rate (238 kg ha−1) for KC production was the basis for treatment applications. Treatments included no fertilizer control (‘nf’), full N recommendation SRF (SF1), ½ N recommendation SRF (SF0.5), double N recommendation SRF (SF2) and full N recommendation conventional fast fertilizer (FF). Results showed that SF0.5, SF1 and SF2 influenced the highest KC marketable yield in both experiments (66–74 and 42–66 Mg ha−1, respectively). SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 times the N recommendation produced the highest possible linear increases in marketable yield; and the most economical, with ANR > KRW 83 million ha−1 in the first experiment and > KRW 22 million ha−1 in the second. Crop N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptakes were highest among the three SRF rates in both experiments. SF0.5 influenced the highest (91%) NUE in the first experiment; however, it left 8 mg kg−1 N by the end of this experiment compared to the start-up 27.2 mg kg−1 N. Thus, nutrient mining occurred. Soil N increased between 23 and 135 mg kg−1 by SF 1 and 2 in both experiments. Soil EC spiked to 0.6 dSm−1 from the initial level of 0.2 dSm−1 by SF2 in the first experiment. Soil pH, P2O5, K, Ca and Mg levels post-harvest were comparable among treatments in both experiments. SF0.5, 1 and 2 increased soil OM by 7–16% above pre-experimental levels in the second experiment. In conclusion, SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 for KC produced the maximum corresponding KC yield and were the most economical. SRF rates ≤ 0.5 pose risks of nutrient mining, which could jeopardise native soil fertility. SF1 and 2 improved some soil quality indices (N and OM). However, SF2 potentiates risks of soil salinity and large P losses, and it is less economical. Therefore, for holistic sustainability of the cropping system, the optimum SRF rate should lie between 0.5 and 1 N recommendation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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16 pages, 4746 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Different Phosphorus Fertilizers Varieties on Yield under Wheat–Maize Rotation Conditions
by Chutao Liang, Xiaoqi Liu, Jialong Lv, Funian Zhao and Qiang Yu
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061317 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1632
Abstract
The global phosphate (P) rock shortage has become a significant challenge. Furthermore, the misalignment between crops, soil, and P usage exacerbates P rock wastage in agriculture. The distinctions among various types of phosphorus fertilizers influence the phosphorus cycle, which subsequently impacts biomass, the [...] Read more.
The global phosphate (P) rock shortage has become a significant challenge. Furthermore, the misalignment between crops, soil, and P usage exacerbates P rock wastage in agriculture. The distinctions among various types of phosphorus fertilizers influence the phosphorus cycle, which subsequently impacts biomass, the number of grains per ear, the weight of a thousand grains, and, ultimately, the overall yield. In a four-year field experiment conducted from 2017 to 2021, we assessed the impact of various P fertilizer types on crop yield in a continuous wheat–maize rotation system. Prior to planting the crops, P fertilizers were applied as base fertilizers at a rate of 115 kg P2O5 ha−1 during the wheat season and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 during the maize season. Additionally, nitrogen (N) was applied at rates of 120 kg ha−1 for wheat and 180 kg ha−1 for maize. The P fertilizers used included ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, calcium–magnesia phosphate, ammonium phosphate, and calcium superphosphate. Urea was used as the N fertilizer with a split application—60% at planting and 40% at the jointing stage for wheat or the V12 (twelve leaf collar) stage for maize. The results showed that different P fertilizers increased the average yield of wheat and maize by 21.2–38.0% and 9.9–16.3%, respectively. It was found that ammonium polyphosphate, calcium superphosphate, and monoammonium phosphate were more suitable for application in a summer maize–winter wheat rotation system on loess soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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14 pages, 2423 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of N Transformation of Humic Acid Urea in Different Circle Layers of the Fertisphere: A Simulated Experiment
by Min Liu, Meng Xu, Liang Yuan, Shuiqin Zhang, Yanting Li and Bingqiang Zhao
Agronomy 2024, 14(1), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010223 - 20 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1293
Abstract
Due to its broad yield-increasing effect and low cost, humic acid urea (HAU) has become one of the leading modified fertilizers worldwide. The fertisphere is the primary space where urea (U) granules participate in the soil nitrogen cycle, forming a nutrient concentration gradient [...] Read more.
Due to its broad yield-increasing effect and low cost, humic acid urea (HAU) has become one of the leading modified fertilizers worldwide. The fertisphere is the primary space where urea (U) granules participate in the soil nitrogen cycle, forming a nutrient concentration gradient centered on the point of fertilization. The closer the circle layers to the urea granule in the fertisphere, the higher the nitrogen concentration. However, HAU in this microregion remains poorly understood. The differences in the transformation process from the inside to outside circle layers of the U and HAU fertispheres were simulated and studied using soil incubation experiments under 20, 10, 2, 1, and 0.2 g kg−1 nitrogen inputs. The 20 and 10 g kg−1 inputs represent the layers closest to the urea granule. Within the first seven days, HAU treatment showed higher concentrations of soil ammonia-N content than U treatment within the two layers closest to the fertilizer core, while exhibiting lower concentrations under the farthest two layers. Under 2 g kg−1 nitrogen input, the nitrate nitrogen under the HAU treatment was significantly higher than that in the U treatment, indicating a higher nitrification rate. During the 42-day incubation period, soil mineral nitrogen content under the HAU treatment was higher than that for the U treatment in the two closest circles. On the 42nd day, the residual urea-N under the HAU treatment was significantly higher than that for the U treatment when the nitrogen input was higher than 1 g kg−1. The effect of higher fertilizer preservation and supply capacity of HAU in Fluvo-aquic soil was achieved by changing the urease activity and nitrification rate in fertisphere ranges closer to the fertilizer core. An improved understanding of the high-efficiency mechanism of HAU in the fertisphere process will contribute to the development of new-generation high-efficiency urea products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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Review

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48 pages, 1411 KiB  
Review
Fertilizers Based on Nanoparticles as Sources of Macro- and Microelements for Plant Crop Growth: A Review
by Natalia A. Semenova, Dmitriy E. Burmistrov, Sergey A. Shumeyko and Sergey V. Gudkov
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1646; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081646 - 27 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1475
Abstract
The necessity for efficacious, sophisticated methodologies to facilitate agricultural intensification in the context of global population growth is widely accepted. One of the principal methods for enhancing the yield of plant agricultural products is the application of fertilizers. In light of the rapid [...] Read more.
The necessity for efficacious, sophisticated methodologies to facilitate agricultural intensification in the context of global population growth is widely accepted. One of the principal methods for enhancing the yield of plant agricultural products is the application of fertilizers. In light of the rapid advancement of nanotechnology over recent decades, the potential of utilizing fertilizing systems based on nanoparticles and nanomaterials—termed “nanofertilizers”—as an alternative to classical mineral fertilizers is increasingly being explored. Due to their unique properties, nanofertilizers demonstrate a number of qualities useful for agriculture. These include high activity, more accurate dosing, targeted delivery of fertilizers to plants, reduced accumulation in soils and groundwater, high durability, and so forth. This review presents a synthesis of data on the efficacy of nanofertilizers over the last decade, focusing on macro-based (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micro-based (Fe, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Mo) nanoformulations for agricultural crops. We analyzed over 200 publications, published mainly over the last decade, on the topic of “nanofertilizers”. An analysis of published data on the effectiveness of using nanoparticles as applied fertilizers was carried out, and the effectiveness of using nanofertilizers was compared with traditional chemical fertilizers for a number of elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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