Instant Insights: Fertiliser Use in Agriculture

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.

• Chapter 1 - Organic fertilizers and biofertilizers: Lidia Sas Paszt and Slawomir Gluszek, Research Institute of Horticulture, Poland; 1 Introduction2 Biofertilizers3 Consortia of microorganisms to improve the effectiveness of organic fertilization4 Animal excrement: manures, slurry and guano5 Products and by-products of animal origin6 Products and by-products of plant origin for fertilizers7 Composts8 Untreated minerals and by-products of selected industrial processes9 Biochar10 Conclusion11 Where to look for further information12 ReferencesChapter 2 - Optimising fertiliser use to maintain soil health: Bijay-Singh, Punjab Agricultural University, India; 1 Introduction2 Effects of fertiliser use on soil organic matter, carbon and nitrogen3 Effects of fertiliser use on soil microorganisms4 Effect of nitrogen fertilisers on soil acidity5 Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM)6 Use of controlled and slow-release fertilisers, urease and nitrification inhibitors7 Improving fertiliser placement8 Integrated use of mineral fertilisers and organic manures for enhancing soil health9 Future trends and conclusions10 Where to look for further information11 ReferencesChapter 3 - Developments in the use of fertilizers: Bryan G. Hopkins, Brigham Young University, USA; 1 Introduction2 Nutrient pollution and resource depletion3 Achieving more sustainable use of fertilizers4 Developments in nitrogen fertilizers5 Developments in phosphorus fertilizers6 Developments in potassium fertilizers7 Developments in sulfur fertilizers8 Developments in calcium, magnesium, and micronutrient fertilizers9 Case study10 Conclusion and future trends11 Where to look for further information12 ReferencesChapter 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 Introduction2 Direct methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support3 Indirect methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support: simulation models4 Indirect methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support: yield forecasts using data-driven approaches5 Indirect methods for determining crop nitrogen requirements for decision support: yield forecasts based on water supply6 Decision support in action: case studies7 Case study 1: nitrogen fertiliser applications using a data-driven approach8 Case study 2: nitrogen fertiliser decision-making based on soil moisture predictions9 Comparing the two approaches10 Conclusions and future trends11 ReferencesChapter 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 Introduction2 Importance of absorption for spray effectiveness: key factors involved3 Application of foliar sprays for sustainable production: applied aspects4 Conclusion and future trends5 Where to look for further information6 References