Manipulation of nitrogen leaching from tea field soil using a Trichoderma viride biofertilizer

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Mycology

Background:

• Chemical fertilizers increase agricultural pollution, including nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching.
• Subtropical tea fields face environmental challenges from conventional farming practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma viride biofertilizer in mitigating nitrogen leaching in tea fields.
• To assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of mass-producing T. viride biofertilizer from waste.

Main Methods:

• Field experiments comparing nitrogen leaching under T. viride biofertilizer and urea application.
• Statistical analysis, including stepwise linear regression, to identify factors influencing nitrogen leaching.
• Simulation modeling using the water balance simulation model (WaSiM-ETH).
• Assessment of waste reutilization methods for biofertilizer production.

Main Results:

• T. viride biofertilizer reduced nitrogen leaching to 12.38 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, significantly lower than urea (53.46 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹).
• Soil nitrate concentration and interflow were identified as key factors driving nitrogen leaching.
• Mass production of T. viride biofertilizer using sweet potato starch wastewater and rice straw is cost-effective and feasible.

Conclusions:

• T. viride biofertilizer is an effective strategy to alleviate nitrogen leaching in subtropical tea fields.
• Sustainable biofertilizer production from agricultural waste offers a viable solution for pollution reduction.
• Implementing these practices can be considered a best management strategy for sustainable agriculture.