Impact of Agritechnologies on the Biomass and Nutritional Parameters of Crops: A Study of Corn, Soybean, and Pea in Southeast Kazakhstan

Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural system that respects and relies on natural ecological systems. Its principles exclude the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead it is based on management practices that sustain soil quality and health. Composting of organic residues and the use of compost in agriculture bring back plant nutrients and organic matter to the soil that otherwise would be lost. Nevertheless, there are some potential risks associated with compost use, such as the accumulation of heavy metals or organic pollutants, which must not be neglected. Some types of organic farms, such as stockless farms or vegetable farms, have difficulties sustaining soil humus using only organic farming sources. For such farms, using biowaste compost from separately collected organic household waste might be a solution, which in addition helps to close nutrient and organic matter loops of the whole society. Here we compile information on beneficial effects and potential risks associated with compost use and on crop yields and quality, with compost under an organic farming perspective. The most important benefit of using compost is the increase in soil organic matter (SOM). Under temperate climate conditions, 6–7 t ha−1 year−1 (dry wt.) compost is sufficient to maintain the soil humus level of medium-textured soils; higher rates increase the soil humus content. Regular compost addition enhances soil fauna and soil microbial biomass and stimulates enzyme activity, leading to increased mineralization of organic matter and improved resistance against pests and diseases, both features essential for organic farming. Through the significant increase in the soil’s content of organic carbon, compost fertilization may make agricultural soil a carbon sink and thus contribute to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect. Phosphorus and potassium in compost become nearly completely plant-available within a few years after compost application. The nitrogen-fertilizer value of compost is lower. In the first years of compost application, N mineralization may vary from −15% to +15%. Nitrogen recovery in the following years depends on the site- and cultivation-specific mineralization characteristics and will roughly be the same as that of soil organic matter (SOM). Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) increases with compost use, improving nutrient availability. Moderate rates of compost of 6–7 t ha−1 year−1 dry wt. are sufficient to substitute regular soil liming. In the available micronutrient status of the soil, only minor changes are to be expected with high-quality composts. Increasing soil organic matter exerts a substantial influence on soil structure, improving soil physical characteristics such as aggregate stability, bulk density, porosity, available water capacity, and infiltration. Increased available water capacity may protect crops against drought stress. Plant-disease suppression through compost is well established in container systems. In field systems, the same processes involving the suppression of pathogens by a highly active microflora supported by the supply of appropriate organic matter are likely at work. When using high-quality composts, such as specified by the EU regulation 2092/91, the risk of heavy metal accumulation in the soil is very low. Nitrogen mineralization from compost takes place relatively slowly and there are virtually no reports of uncontrollable N-leaching. Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) in high-quality composts usually approach the usual soil background values. Also the overall hygiene and hygiene concerning plant diseases and weeds are not a problem if quality composts produced in a monitored system are used. Most studies found positive yield effects of biowaste compost. However, the effect of biowaste compost applied at moderate rates usually takes some years to develop. It depends on the factors determining nutrient mineralization from soil and compost and also on crop-related factors such as the nutrient requirements and uptake dynamics of the respective crop rotation. Crops with longer growth periods can make better use of compost. Many vegetable crops respond favorably to compost fertilization, often immediately after the first application. Crop quality is usually not affected by compost fertilization in cereals and slightly positively influenced in vegetable crops.

Broccoli holds strong economic potential as a high-value horticultural crop. In response to rising consumer demand for healthier food, organic broccoli farming presents an opportunity to enhance farmers' income and support sustainable agriculture. This study aims to (1) compare the financial performance of organic and non-organic broccoli farming and (2) identify the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of organic practices in Ngablak Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Indonesia. A total of 100 farmers (50 organic and 50 non-organic) were selected through purposive sampling. Financial analysis and independent sample t-tests reveal that organic farming, while incurring higher total costs, significantly outperforms non-organic farming in terms of revenue, income, profit, and efficiency, with an average R/C ratio of 3.66 compared to 1.75. Binary logistic regression results show that age and participation in agricultural extension services significantly affect farmers' decisions to adopt organic farming. Younger farmers and those involved in extension activities are more likely to transition to organic systems. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening extension programs and engaging younger farmers to promote sustainable horticultural development.

Organic wheat production systems have lower yields compared with intensive conventional production and often do not achieve the grain protein content and quality thresholds set by millers and bakers. In contrast, organic production methods were reported to result in higher concentrations of nutritionally desirable micronutrients and lower concentrations of the toxic metal Cd in wheat grain and wholegrain flour. However, although N-availability and variety characteristics are known to affect both gain yields and bread-making quality, the exact reasons for the yield gap and differences in grain processing and nutritional quality between organic and conventional spring wheat production in the UK are poorly understood. The overall aim of this study was therefore to determine to what extent changes in variety choice and fertilization regimes may reduce the yield gap and improve processing quality without affecting nutritional quality in organic spring wheat production. To achieve this aim, we compared crop health, yield, grain processing, and nutritional quality parameters in spring wheat produced using (i) six contrasting spring wheat varieties grown with a standard fertilization regime and (ii) one variety widely used by organic farmers (Paragon) with nine different fertilization regimes in (iii) three UK sites/farms with contrasting pedoclimatic conditions. Significant differences in foliar disease severity, grain yield, and quality parameters were detected between six contrasting spring wheat varieties when grown under organic management regimes. Specifically, the varieties Paragon and Tybalt were identified as the best-performing varieties with respect to foliar disease resistance and grain yield under organic farming conditions and also produced high processing and nutritional quality across the three UK sites. However, the highest grain yields were obtained by Paragon at the Gilchester site and Tybalt at the Sheepdrove and Courtyard sites, while the highest protein contents were produced by Tybalt at the Gilchester site and Paragon at the Sheepdrove and Courtyard sites, which suggests that there is a need for site-specific wheat variety selection in the UK organic sector. Although organic fertilizer input type and level also affected wheat performance, differences between fertilization regimes were smaller than those observed between the five contrasting varieties, which suggests that improvements in spring wheat breeding/selection have a greater potential for increasing crop yield and quality in the organic sector compared with changes to fertilization practices. Overall, results suggest it is feasible to breed/select spring wheat varieties that combine high protein, vitamin E, and micronutrients with low toxic metal (Cd, Pb) concentrations when produced under organic farming conditions. These findings also support the hypothesis that differences in variety choice by organic and conventional farmers have contributed to the differences in nutritional quality between organic and conventional wheat products reported in previous studies.

Mutation breeding is one of the effective techniques used for improving desired traits such as yield quality and quantity in economic crops. The present study aims to develop oil and protein contents in addition to high yield attributes in soybean using gamma rays as a mutagen. Seeds of the soybean genotypes Giza 21, Giza 22, Giza 82, Giza 83 and 117 were treated with gamma rays doses 50, 100, 200 and 300 Gy. Plants were then scored based on morphological parameters correlated with yield quantity including plant height, seed weight and valuable protein and oil contents. Mutant lines exhibiting the highest yield attributes were selected and used as parents for M2 generation. The M2 progeny was further assessed based on their ability to maintain their yield attributes. Twenty mutant lines were selected and used as M3 lines. The yield parameters inferred a positive effect of gamma irradiation on the collected M3 mutant lines compared to their parental genotypes. 100 Gy of gamma rays gave the highest effect on the number of pods, branches and seeds per plant in addition to protein content, while 200 Gy was more effective in increasing plant height, number of pods per plant, and oil content. Six mutant lines scored the highest yield parameters. Further assessment inferred an inverse relationship between oil and protein content in most of the tested cultivars with high agronomic features. However, four mutant lines recorded high content of oil and protein besides their high seed yield as well, which elect them as potential candidates for large-scale evaluation. The correlation among examined parameters was further confirmed via principal component analysis (PCA), which inferred a positive correlation between the number of pods, branches, seeds, and seed weight. Conversely, oil and protein content were inversely correlated in most of yielded mutant lines. Together, those findings introduce novel soybean lines with favorable agronomic traits for the market. In addition, our research sheds light on the value of using gamma rays treatment in enhancing genetic variability in soybean and improving oil, protein contents and seed yield.

Background: Use of organic manures to meet the nutrient requirement of the crop would be an inevitable practice for sustainable agriculture. Since organic manures generally improve the physical, chemical and biological properties along with conserving soil moisture and thus resulting in enhanced crop productivity along with maintaining the quality of crop production. Organic farming in recent years is gaining significance due to the realization of inherent advantages it confers in sustaining crop production and also in maintaining dynamic soil nutrient status and safe environment. Organic farming is also concerns to produce the quality food and human health, so that this research and studied the interaction effect of vermicompost and poultry manure on groundnut crop in Chitrakoot condition. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Rajola Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot in kharif 2019. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of poultry manure and vermicompost applications. The morphological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in experimental farm and departmental laboratory. Result: The combination dose of V3P3 (6 ton ha-1 vermicompost and 4 ton ha-1 poultry manure) was found to be best giving the maximum values. The effect of V3 on the number of pod per plant and number of seed per plant was maximum 15.20 and 3.22 and effect of P3 on the number of pod per plant and number of seed per plant was maximum 14.156 and 3.11 respectively. The interaction of vermicompost and poultry manure of the V3P3 combination was recorded maximum 17.13 per plant. Seed per pod interaction of vermicompost and poultry manure of the V3P3 combination also recorded maximum 3.66 per pod. Effect of vermicompost and poultry manure on 100 kernel weight was maximum in V3 (42.55 g) and P3 (41.00 g) respectively. The shelling percentage also was recorded maximum in V3 (69.77) and P3 (67.77) and interaction of both parameters was recorded non significance. Effect on yield (q/ha) was recorded maximum in V3 (1.05) and P3 (0.99) and the interaction was recorded maximum in V3P3 combination (1.27). The effect of vermicompost on oil percentage, protein percentage and oil yield (kg/ha) was recorded maximum 48.46, 21.33 and 1573.5 in V3 respectively. The effect of poultry manure recorded maximum in P3 (48.03), 20.68 and 1411.2 kg/ha oil percentage, protein percentage and oil yield respectively. The interaction of vermicompost and poultry manure was recorded maximum with the combination of V3P3 and found 49.52 oil percentage, 21.76 protein percentage and 1696.00 kg/ha oil yield. The results indicated that all these parameters were significantly increased due to vermicompost and poultry manure application. Their interaction was also significant. It was evident that a combination dose of V3P3 (6 ton ha-1 vermicompost and 4 ton ha-1 poultry manure) was found to be best giving the maximum values.

Soil microbial biomass carbon, an essential component of soil organic matter, serves as an indicator of microbial activity and can influence soil fertility and overall agroecosystem productivity. The conventional farming practices employed in the cultivation of these crops have raised concerns related to environmental sustainability, soil health and long-term productivity. The present investigation was carried out with an objective to study the impact of organic farming and natural farming practices on soil microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities in arecanut-black pepper cropping system at Horticulture Research and Extension Center, Sirsi. The treatments included (1) Integrated nutrient management practices (INM), (2) Organic farming practices, (3) Natural farming practices, (4) Chemical farming practices. The details of the four treatments imposed in arecanut and black pepper are T1: INM (100:40:140 g N/P/K per palm per year + 25 ton of Farm yard manure (FYM) + 5-6 ton of vermicompost + biofertilizers was applied as recommended by the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot). T2: Organic farming (25 ton of FYM + 5-6 ton of vermicompost + biofertilizers were applied), T3: Natural farming (Ganajeevamrutha 400 kg/acre in split doses during the pre-monsoon (200 kg/acre) and post-monsoon (200 kg/acre) period. Jeevamrutha was sprinkled on soil (200 l/acre) at 15-day intervals) and T4: Chemical farming (100:40:140 g N/P/K per palm per year was applied as recommended by the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot). Pre-incubation of soil samples was done to restore the normal biological activities. A known quantity of soil was moistened to field capacity (60% of MWHC) and incubated at 37 ± 2 0C in a BOD incubator, three days for dehydrogenise and 7 days for phosphatase.Data obtained during the investigation was subjected for a factorial RCBD. By taking nutrient management practices and soil depth as factors. Statistical analysis was performed at a 5 % level of significance using OPSTAT software. The study reveals that the higher microbial biomass carbon (270.20 mg kg-1), microbial biomass nitrogen (28.42 mg kg-1), dehydrogenase (18.55 ug TPF g-1 24 hr-1) and acid phosphatase (19.22 ug PNP g-1 h-1) activity was recorded at the surface soil (0-20cm) of organic farming practice followed by natural farming practice as compared to integrated nutrient management practice and chemical farming practice. The study also reveals that natural farming and organic farming practices contribute positively to soil health by enhancing the soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities. So, it can be concluded that both organic and natural framing practices contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health, which is essential for long-term crop productivity and ecosystem resilience.

Converting to organic dairy farming: Consequences for production, somatic cell scores and calving interval of first parity Holstein cows

Organic farming often relies on slow‐releasing nitrogen sources like farmyard manure (FYM), which frequently fail to meet the rapid nitrogen demands of nutrient‐exhaustive crops such as fodder maize. This nitrogen deficiency results in reduced growth, lower biomass, and diminished forage quality, ultimately affecting livestock nutrition and farm productivity. We hypothesized that integrating FYM with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and a 3% foliar spray of panchagavya could enhance soil health, nutrient availability, and energy fractions, thereby improving the yield and quality of fodder maize under biofarming conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this integrated nutrient management approach (treatment T 7 ) on soil properties, microbial activity, energy content, and fodder maize yield over a three‐year period (2018–2020). Key findings revealed that treatment T 7 (100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM + PGPR +3% foliar spray of panchagavya) significantly improved soil organic carbon (5%–15%), soil organic matter (4.85%–14.56%), available nutrients (1.75%–18.84%), microbial populations (65.4%–137.65%), and enzymatic activities (56.6%–167.6%) compared to the control treatment (T 1 ) using recommended chemical fertilizers. Although T 7 resulted in a modest reduction in green fodder (8%–12%) and dry fodder yield (9%–13%) relative to chemical fertilizers, the ecological benefits—including enhanced soil health, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity—justify this trade‐off. These results recommend T 7 as a viable strategy for organic fodder production, promoting long‐term soil sustainability while balancing yield and ecological benefits under biofarming systems.

Effect of intercropping normal-leafed or semi-leafless winter peas and triticale after shallow and deep ploughing on agronomic performance, grain quality and succeeding winter wheat yield

Monocropped and intercropped winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) either with winter faba bean (Vicia faba L.) or winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) were evaluated in a two year field experiment (2003/2004 and 2004/2005) by complete randomized block designs. The locations were two long-time organically managed experimental stations of the University of Göttingen: Reinshof, brown warp soil, silty loam and Deppoldshausen, shelly limestone decomposition, silty loam and an organic farm in Stöckendrebber, alluvial sand, loamy sand. Wheat variety Bussard in pure stand was cultivated with 300 (100 %) or 60 (20 %) kernels per m² as well as varied in 15, 30 or 75 cm row distance. The grain legumes winter faba bean (variety Hiverna) and winter pea (variety Cheyenne) as sole crops were grown at 30 and 80 kernels per m², respectively. The substitutive mixtures were established with 20 % wheat and 80 % legumes of the recommended density and the different spatial arrangements (mixed intercropping, row intercropping or row strip intercropping). The crops were not treated with manure. On wheat growth stage BBCH 25, 65 and 89 crop harvests and soil samplings for yield and Nmin analyses were undertaken. The quality parameters of wheat flour such as protein content, wet gluten content, SDS sedimentation value, volume in micro backing test and falling number were determined. Furthermore, N-yield, N2-fixation of the winter grain legumes, transfer of symbiotically fixed nitrogen from legumes to wheat and the N-Balance were calculated.Monocropped wheat grown with 60 kernels per m² reached same yields as monocropped wheat grown with 300 kernels per m² because of compensation by tillering and grains per ear. The grain yield of monocropped wheat amounted between 2,4 and 43,3 dt DM ha-1. The legumes generated grain yields between 27,2 and 67,3 dt DM ha-1 and 13,2 and 34,6 dt DM ha-1, faba bean and pea respectively. Grain yields in mixture were normally lower for both species. However the relative yield total (RYT) in mixture was usually greater 1. Mixtures outvalued both respective sole crop yields only in one location (Stöckendrebber). The factor row distance had no effect on grain yield except for location Reinshof in the year 2004. There was a strong competition of faba bean to wheat on the location Reinshof. It was shown by low yields, low crowding coefficients and thousand kernel weights of wheat in mixture with faba bean.The quality of wheat in mixtures especially with faba bean in row strip intercrop increased in protein content up to 15,3 % in grain over the sole cropped wheat. In average of all locations and years protein contents of wheat were 9,2 and 9,8 % in 100 % and 20 % sole crops and 12,3 and 10,6 % in mixture with faba bean and pea. Increased row distance up to 75 cm (10,9 % protein content in average of all locations and years) also led to improved wheat quality compared to 15 and 30 cm row distance (10,2 and 10,4 %). There were positive correlations between protein content and the other quality parameters except the falling number. As a result of the pod parts in whole kernel flour the SDS sedimentation values were high (50 to 95 ml) and the volume in micro backing test were low (220 to 320 ml per 100 g flour).The investigations have demonstrated that a temporal and spatial Nmin gradient in soil by competition with grain legumes caused in a better backing quality of the wheat grown in mixture. That was the fact in monocropped wheat with row distance of 75 cm and particularly in row strip intercrop. Moreover the wet gluten content was depending on Nmin content at anthesis. Transfer of symbiotically fixed nitrogen by faba bean up to 10,2 kg N ha-1 and pea up to 13,1 kg N ha-1 were verified in wheat biomass (Reinshof 2004), which probably increased quality of wheat grown in mixtures. In addition there was a positive regression of the wet gluten content from N content at anthesis.Monocropped faba bean assimilated 313,1 kg N ha-1 nitrogen from atmosphere (N2-fixation) and 109,6 kg N ha-1 from soil on average (Reinshof 2004). In biomass of sole pea at ripening on average 111,4 kg N ha-1 from N2-fixation and 28,7 kg N ha-1 from soil assimilation were determined (Stöckendrebber 2005). In mixtures the N2-fixation and the N-assimilation from soil of the legumes were lower than in sole crop. However the proportion of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa) was higher in mixture than in sole crops.

Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.

Organic farming has garnered significant attention as a sustainable agricultural practice with profound implications for human health, environmental stewardship, and economic stability. As a holistic approach to agriculture, organic farming emphasizes the use of natural processes and inputs, rejecting synthetic chemicals in favor of methods that enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. This review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of organic farming by exploring its principles, practices, and outcomes. It delves into the multifaceted advantages of organic farming, including its environmental benefits such as reduced pollution, enhanced soil health, and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, it addresses the health benefits for consumers and farmers, including improved nutritional quality of food and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and its numerous advantages, organic farming faces several limitations that hinder its widespread adoption. These include lower yields compared to conventional farming, high certification costs, and market access challenges. Furthermore, the variability in organic standards across different regions poses additional hurdles. This review critically evaluates these challenges and discusses potential solutions to overcome them. The future of organic farming lies in the integration of innovative practices, supportive policies, and effective market development strategies. Research and development efforts are crucial to optimizing organic farming techniques and improving their resilience to climate change. Government policies must support organic farming through subsidies, research funding, and streamlined certification processes. Additionally, raising consumer awareness and enhancing supply chain infrastructure are essential for expanding market access for organic products.

Long-term organic farming improves the red soil quality and microbial diversity in subtropics

Organic farming is gaining acceptance all over the world due to associated benefits of quality food, enhanced soil health, environment protection, conservation of natural resources and taking care of human health. However, concern is whether farmers will change their farming systems which they have been practicing from long and shift to organic farming. The attitude and perceptions of farmers on organic farming systems have an impact on their behavioral tendencies. Consequently, the attitude is being shaped by various factors which stand as driving and restraining forces for the desired change. Boost to organic farming is important for sustainable agriculture. Various factors like profitability, cost, consumers demand, impact on health, availability of fertile soil, community co-operation, government initiatives and support affect the adoption of organic farming practices. This research paper aims to analyse the factors which influence the inclination and adoption of organic farming by small and marginal farmers in India using STEM-based approach and ANOVA. 483 farmers comprising of fruit, cereal and vegetable growers have been taken for the survey and structured questionnaire has been used. The result may help the government/policy makers to take such decisions which will increase organic farming and long-term benefits in terms of good health and economic growth

Consumers have become more aware of healthy and safe food produced with low environmental impact. Organic agriculture is of particular interest in this respect, as manifested by 5.768 million hectares managed pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 in Europe. However, there can be a considerable risk that the avoidance of chemical inputs in organic farming will result in poor food quality. Here the results of a study on the quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a 21 year agrosystem comparison between organic and conventional farming in central Europe are reported. Wheat was grown in a ley (grass/clover) rotation. The 71% lower addition of plant‐available nitrogen and the reduced input of other means of production to the organic field plots led to 14% lower wheat yields. However, nutritional value (protein content, amino acid composition and mineral and trace element contents) and baking quality were not affected by the farming systems. Despite exclusion of fungicides from the organic production systems, the quantities of mycotoxins detected in wheat grains were low in all systems and did not differ. In food preference tests, as an integrative method, rats significantly preferred organically over conventionally produced wheat. The findings indicate that high wheat quality in organic farming is achievable by lower inputs, thereby safeguarding natural resources. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry