Influence of a Novel Superabsorbent Slow-release Fertilizer and Water Deficit on Herbage Biomass and Oil Production of Thymus daenensis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Water Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Iran

Abstract

Fertilizers and water play critical roles in supporting plant growth, and enhancing the efficiency of their application is essential, especially in drought-affected regions, to maximize the utilization of these vital resources. In this study, our objective was to examine the impact of water deficit stress and a superabsorbent slow-release fertilizer (SSRF) on the growth, yield, and oil production of Thymus daenensis Čelak.. The experiments were conducted using a total of 27 drainage lysimeters to ensure accurate measurements and observations. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized factorial design, specifically investigating the effects of three fertilizer rates (0, 10, and 50 Mg/ha) and three irrigation regimes (50%, 70%, and 100% of water requirement). The synthesis of the SSRF involved the graft-copolymerization of acrylic acid and acrylamide onto sodium alginate and rapeseed meal biochar. The preparation of the biochar was carried out at a temperature of 300 ºC. The surface morphology analysis of the SSRF provided evidence for the successful occurrence of graft polymerization. Additionally, the graft copolymers exhibited a significant nitrogen content, which greatly contributed to their high free-absorbency capacity of 40%. as determined by the tea bag method. The results of the study indicate that water stress had a negative impact on growth, herbage production, and herbage content. Conversely, water stress had a positive influence on the essential oil content of the plants. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the application of 50 Mg/ha fertilizer resulted in a significant increase in biomass production compared to the other treatments.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. Adam D. How Far Will Global Population Rise. Nature. 2021;597:462–465.
  2. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. World Population Prospects 2019: Highlights (ST/ESA/SER.A/423). 2019. Available online: https://population.un.org/wpp/publications/files/wpp2019_highlights.pdf (accessed on 1 July 2022).
  3. Wu L., Liu M. Preparation and properties of chitosan-coated NPK compound fertilizer with controlled-release and water-retention. Carbohydr. Polym. 2008;72:240-247.
  4. Kriech A.J., Osborn L.V. Review of the impact of stormwater and leaching from pavements on the environment. J. Environ. Manage. 2022; 319:115687.
  5. Kontárová S., Přikryl R., Škarpa P., Kriška T., Antošovský J., Gregušková Z., Figalla S., Jašek V., Sedlmajer M., Menčík P., et al. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) coating: their effect on the growth of maize and the dynamics of N release in soil. Polymers. 2022;14:4323. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204323
  6. Kareem S.A., Dere I., Gungula D.T., Andrew F.P., Saddiq A.M., Adebayo E.F., Tame V.T., Kefas H.M., Joseph J., Patrick D.O. Synthesis and characterization of slow-release fertilizer hydrogel based on hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol and blended paper. Gels. 2021;7:262.
  7. Baki M., Abedi-Koupai J. Preparation and characterization of a superabsorbent slow-release fertilizer with sodium alginate and biochar. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018;135:45966.
  8. Tian C., Zhou X., Ding Z., Liu Q., Xie G., Peng J., Eissa M.A. Controlled-release N fertilizer to mitigate ammonia volatilization from double-cropping rice. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. 2021;119:123–137.
  9. Jia C., Lu P., Zhang M. Preparation and characterization of environmentally friendly controlled release fertilizers coated by leftovers-based polymer. Processes. 2020;8:417.
  10. Abedi-Koupai J., Eslamian S.S., Asad Kazemi, J. Enhancing the available water content in unsaturated soil zone using hydrogel, to improve plant growth indices. Ecohydrol. Hydrobiol, 2008;8:3-11.
  11. Rather R.A., Bhat M.A., Shalla A.H. An insight into synthetic and physiological aspects of superabsorbent hydrogels based on carbohydrate type polymers for various applications: A review. Carbohydr. Polym. Technol. Appl. 2022;3:100202.
  12. Das A., Ringu T., Ghosh S. et al. A comprehensive review on recent advances in preparation, physicochemical characterization, and bioengineering applications of biopolymers. Polym. Bull. 2023;80:7247–7312.
  13. Namsheer K., Rout C.S. Conducting polymers: a comprehensive review on recent advances in synthesis, properties and applications. RSC Adv. 2021;11:5659-5697.
  14. Sand A., Vyas A., Gupta A. Graft copolymer based on (sodium alginate-g-acrylamide): characterization and study of water swelling capacity, metal ion sorption, flocculation and resistance to biodegradability. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2016;90:37–43.
  15. Safakas K., Saravanou S.-F., Iatridi Z., Tsitsilianis C. Thermo-responsive injectable hydrogels formed by self-assembly of alginate-based heterograft copolymers. Gels. 2023;9:236.
  16. Saravanou S.F., Ioannidis K., Dimopoulos A., Paxinou A., Kounelaki F., Varsami S.M., Tsitsilianis C., Papantoniou I., Pasparakis G. Dually crosslinked injectable alginate-based graft copolymer thermoresponsive hydrogels as 3D printing bioinks for cell spheroid growth and release. Carbohydr. Polym. 2023;312:120790.
  17. Darwesh H., Mohamed, R.R., Soliman, S.M.A. Synthesis of novel antibacterial grafted sodium alginate copolymer-based adsorbent for wastewater treatment. Polym. Bull. 2023. In press. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-023-04754-0
  18. Li T., Lü S., Zhang S., Gao C., Liu M. Lignin-based multifunctional fertilizer for immobilization of Pb (II) in contaminated soil. J. Taiwan Inst. Chem. Eng. 2018;91:643–652.
  19. Li H., Yang L., Cao J., Nie C., Liu H., Tian J., Chen W., Geng P., Xie, G. Water-preserving and salt-resistant slow-release fertilizers of polyacrylic acid-potassium humate coated ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. Polymers. 2021;13:2844. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172844
  20. Azeem B., Shaaria K., Mana Z. Review on materials & methods to produce controlled release coated urea fertilizer. Procedia. Eng. 2016;148:282–289.
  21. Chen C., Xi Y., Weng Y. Recent advances in cellulose-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. Polymers. 2022;14:3335. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163335
  22. Abka-khajouei R., Tounsi L., Shahabi N., Patel A.K., Abdelkafi, S., Michaud P. Structures, properties and applications of alginates. Mar. Drugs. 2022;20:364. https://doi.org/10.3390/md20060364
  23. Bahreininejad B., Razmjoo, J., Mirzab M. Influence of water stress on morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits in Thymus daenensis. Int. J. Plant. Product. 2013;7(1):151–166.
  24. Norouzi Y., Ghobadi M., Saeidi M., Dogan H. Effect of nitrogen and cytokinin on quantitative and qualitative yield of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Agrotechniques in Industrial Crops. 2021;1(1):52-60. doi: 10.22126/etic.2021.6481.1012
  25. Wang C., Luo D., Zhang X., Huang R., Cao Y., Liu G., Zhang Y., Wang H. Biochar-based slow-release of fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: A mini review. Environ. Sci. Ecotechnology. 2022;10:100167.
  26. Amiri M.J., Bahrami M., Beigzadeh B., Gil A. A response surface methodology for optimization of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid removal from synthetic and drainage water: A comparative study. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2018;25:34277–34293.
  27. Amiri M.J., Roohi R., Arshadi M., Abbaspourrad A. 2,4-D adsorption from agricultural subsurface drainage by canola stalk-derived activated carbon: Insight into the adsorption kinetics models under batch and column conditions. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2020;27:16983–16997.
  28. Huanga M., Shen X., Sheng X., Fang Y. Study of graft copolymerization of N-maleamic acid-chitosan and butyl acrylate by γ-ray irradiation. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2005;36:98.
  29. Zhang M., Zhang S., Chen Z., Wang M., Cao J., Wang R. Preparation and Characterization of Superabsorbent Polymers Based on Sawdust. Polymers. 2019;11:1891.
  30. Qi Z., Hu X. Water absorbency of super absorbent polymer based on flexible polymeric network. Eur. Polym. J. 2022;166:111045.
  31. Osakabe Y., Osakabe K., Shinozaki K., Tran L-S.P. Response of plants to water stress. Front. Plant Sci. 2014;5:86. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2014.00086
  32. Abedi-koupai J., Mollaei R., Eslamian S.S. The effect of pumice on reduction of cadmium uptake by spinach irrigated with wastewater. Ecohydrol. Hydrobiol. 2015;15(4):208-214.
  33. Zhao W., Liu L., Shen Q., Yang J., Han X., Tian F., Wu J. Effects of water stress on photosynthesis, yield, and water use efficiency in winter wheat. Water. 2020;12:2127.
  34. Shao H.B., Chu L.Y., Jaleel C.A., Zhao C-X. Water-deficit stress-induced anatomical changes in higher plants. C. R. Biologies. 2008;331:215–225.
  35. Loudari A., Mayane A., Zeroual Y., Colinet G., Oukarroum, A. Photosynthetic performance and nutrient uptake under salt stress: differential responses of wheat plants to contrasting phosphorus forms and rates. Front. Plant Sci. 2022;13:1038672.
  36. Liang S., Li L., An P., Chen S., Shao L., Zhang, X. Spatial soil water and nutrient distribution affecting the water productivity of winter wheat. Agric. Water Manag. 2021;256:107114.
  37. Letchamo W., Gasselin A., Transpiration, essential oil glands, epicuticular wax and morphology of Thymus vulgaris are influenced by light intensity and water supply. J. Hortic. Sci. 1996;71:123–134.
  38. Bettaieb I., Zakhama N., Aidi Wannes W., Kchouk M.E., Marzouk, B. Water deficit effects on Salvia officinalis fatty acids and essential oils composition. Sci. Hort. 2009;120:271–275.
  39. Laribi B., Bettaieb I., Kouki K., Sahli A., Mougou A., Marzouk B. Water deficit effects on caraway (Carum carvi L.) growth, essential oil and fatty acid composition. Ind. Crops. Prod. 2009;30(3):372–379.
  40. Emami Bistgani Z., Siadat S.A., Bakhshandeh A., Pirbalouti A.G., Hashemi M. Interactive effects of drought stress and chitosan application on physiological characteristics and essential oil yield of Thymus daenensis Celak. Crop J. 2017;5:407-415.
  41. Yi Z., Jeyakumar P., Yin C., Sun H. Effects of biochar in combination with varied N inputs on grain yield, N uptake, NH3 volatilization, and N2O emission in paddy soil. Front. Microbiol. 2023;14:1174805.
  42. Satriani A., Catalano M., Scalcione E. The role of superabsorbent hydrogel in bean crop cultivation under deficit irrigation conditions: A case-study in Southern Italy. Agric. Water. Manag. 2018;195:114–119.
Journal of Medicinal plants and By-Products
Volume 13, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 1062-1071

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics