Crop Residues Research Articles

Indaziflam performance in coffee cultivation under different soil cover materials: agronomic efficacy, residual effect, and weed community

The objective of this study was to assess the performance of indaziflam under different soil cover materials in coffee cultivation, focusing on its agronomic efficacy, residual effects, and influence on the weed community. The studies were carried out at two farms: IPACER (sandy clay Oxisol – OXIsc) and Glória (clay Oxisol – OXIcl). Evaluation factors included the application of indaziflam (75 g a.i. ha−1), different soil cover materials (crop debris, organic compost, and bare soil), and the evaluation period was from 30 to 180 d after application (DAA). The agronomic efficacy and residual effect were assessed by injury level, and the indaziflam’s residual lifetime (RL50) was estimated using a first-order model. Phytosociological parameters, including absolute and relative frequency, density, abundance, and the importance value index, were evaluated. The results indicated that agronomic efficacy remained above 90% until 120 DAA in all treatments with indaziflam application, with RL50 exceeding 180 days. Weed indices were higher in areas without indaziflam, but treatment similarity analysis revealed that the weed community was primarily influenced by soil type, with a lesser impact from soil cover. Neither crop residues nor organic compost compromised indaziflam efficacy, indicating their suitability for coffee cultivation without the need to increase herbicide doses.

Valorizing Bio-Waste and Residuals.

The circular bioeconomy connects waste recycling with utilizing organic biomass waste for bioenergy, bio-based materials, and biochemical production. This integration promotes efficient resource utilization, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable economic growth. Several technologies such as composting, anaerobic digestion, biochar production, gasification, pyrolysis, pelletization, and advanced thermal conversion technologies are utilized to manage agricultural waste efficiently. Waste-to-energy systems and food waste valorization techniques are employed to convert agro-waste into renewable energy sources such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas through fermentation, transesterification, and anaerobic digestion. These biofuels offer renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable resources. Rice husk, a globally abundant agricultural waste, can be utilized for energy production through technologies like direct combustion and fast pyrolysis. Biobutanol, synthesized from acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation of agricultural residues like orange peel, presents a promising fuel option. Agricultural waste can also serve as feedstock for bio-based chemicals like organic acids, solvents, and polymers, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. Agro-waste materials like grass, garlic peel, and rice bran have shown potential for dye adsorption in wastewater treatment applications. Moreover, agricultural waste can be repurposed as animal feed, contributing to waste reduction and providing sustainable nutrition for livestock. Plant seeds and green biomass offer sustainable protein sources, while residues like straw and sawdust can be used for mushroom cultivation. Agro-waste biopolymers like starch and cellulose can be transformed into biodegradable plastics and biocomposites, offering eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, agro-waste materials like straw, rice husks, and bamboo can be processed into construction materials, reducing environmental impact in building projects. Extracts from plant residues and fruit pomace can be utilized in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Valorizing agro-waste for food, feed, fibers, and fuel offers opportunities to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, resulting in high-value products.

Exploring sustainable crop residue management practices: farmers’ perceptions in north India

ABSTRACT Purpose This research examined farmers’ adoption of Sustainable Crop Residue Management (SCRM) practices by validating the Protection Motivation theory (PMT) and Ecological Modernisation Theory (EMT) as theoretical underpinnings. This research validated the impact of factors like Coping appraisal, Social cognitive attributes, Habit, Risk perception, Supply chain practices and Health consciousness on actual adoption. The study further empirically analysed the impact of actual adoption on perceived sustainable performance. Design/Methodology/Approach A data set of 239 farmers from North Indian states was analysed to understand the perceptions of farmers. Only those farmers who were engaged in paddy and wheat cultivation were considered in this research. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to access and validate the hypothesized relationships. Findings Coping appraisal and supply chain practices emerged insignificant. Actual adoption had a significant and strong impact on perceived sustainable performance. Practical implication Based on the fact that farmers still need to adopt SCRM practices, the study provides significant pointers to the government, policymakers, and agricultural departments of North Indian states. Based on this study government needs to implement some focused policies had to be developed to boost farmers’ adoption. For example, targeted subsidies for machinery should be given to encourage farmers to adopt such practices. Theoretical Implications First, this research validates both PMT and EMT together in the context of SCRM practices. In addition, this research-validated a few other variables like Governments’ facilitative interventions, supply chain practices and perceived sustainable performance that previous studies failed to analyse, leading to a comprehensive model. Secondly, it creates a theoretical association among risk perception, social cognitive attributes, habit, government facilitative interventions, and supply chain practices. Originality/Value Due to the multitude of factors associated with paddy stubble burning, this research is an earnest effort to empirically analyse the variables influencing farmers’ decisions concerning the actual adoption of SCRM practices. This research is indeed a very initial attempt to comprehend the view-points of farmers to understand the reasons which make them go to crop residue burning despite awareness of the harmful effects of burning on human health and the environment.

Effect of air flow resistance due to gasification system components on the dual fuel engine performance

India is an agricultural country and has large supply of biomass resource. The agricultural residues are thermo-chemically converted to producer gas. This study looks at how gasification system components affect the efficiency of dual-fuel engines by creating airflow resistance. By transforming biomass into producer gas, which can be utilized in dual-fuel engines in addition to traditional fuels, gasification systems are vital in the production of renewable energy. Engine performance may be negatively impacted by the airflow resistance introduced by gasification system components such as filter, coolers, and scrubbers. The research work is to develop producer gas fueled reciprocating engines. Performance test has to be conducted on four stroke double cylinder CI engine. The gasifier is not fired. Air is sucked through the gasifier and send into the engine. The engine performance is studied by various parameters. Three schemes are used to find the performance of the engine. The scheme one is operation of the engine allowing it to suck air directly from atmosphere through air box. The scheme two is operation of the engine allowing it to suck air from atmosphere simultaneously through the gasification system and through the air box. The scheme three is operation of the engine allowing it to suck air from atmosphere through gasification system only. Based on the findings, it is clear that higher airflow resistance decreases engine efficiency and power production while causing changes in exhaust emissions. Previous research may have concentrated on dual-fuel engine performance without taking into consideration the airflow resistance brought on by gasification components such cooling systems, scrubbers, and filters. The impact of these resistances on engine generator performance characteristics is probably what this study looks at.

Pesticide runoff from conventional tillage, minimum tillage, and no-tillage cropping systems: Meta-analysis of published North American data.

Pesticide applications may soon be regulated by laws predicated on the presupposition that reducing tillage, and thereby increasing soil surface crop residue cover, decreases sorbed and soluble agrochemical losses in surface runoff and erosion. This analysis was conducted to determine whether pesticide transport via surface runoff and erosion could be manipulated by tillage practices. Estimates of the amounts of crop residue cover within each tillage practice were averaged from data reported in the original articles. Response ratios of the paired means of runoff, erosion, and pesticide losses and concentrations from the effects of tillage practices were meta-analyzed as paired Student's t-tests using inverse-variance weighted least squares means from data reported from research experiments conducted in the United States and Canada and published between 1984 and 2006. Transitioning from conventional tillage to minimum tillage increased crop residue cover 5.4-fold while concurrently reducing runoff, sediment, and soluble and sorbed pesticide losses 26%, 64%, and 15%, respectively, despite an 11% increase in pesticide concentrations in runoff. Conversely, converting from conventional tillage to no-tillage increased crop residue cover 15.3-fold, reduced runoff 43%, and decreased sediment loss 87%, yet had no effect on pesticide losses because eliminating tillage increased pesticide concentrations in runoff 77%. Soil, environmental, time, and physiochemical factors were not included in the analysis due to lack of data. Consequently, minimizing rather than eliminating tillage may be effective at decreasing agrochemical losses in surface runoff and erosion, but more research is needed to examine the potential effects of cofactors to make recommendations to reduce pesticide runoff.

Pig Slurry Fertilization Changes the Pyrolytic Signature of Humic Substances in Calcareous Soil

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of progressive pig slurry (PS) rates, applied over a 12-year period, on the molecular composition of soil organic matter in a calcareous soil. Annual organic matter rates of PS ranged from 1.0 to 4.8 Mg ha−1. Humic acids (HAs) were extracted from field plots treated with PS, including a control (no PS applied). These HAs were analysed using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The proportions of the 122 major compounds released from the soil HAs indicated that PS stimulated humification processes, with the degree of enhancement depending on the application rate. The applied PS contained a high proportion of aliphatic compounds, but only steroids and triterpenes accumulated in the HA soil fraction, and this was only observed at low PS rates. These results suggest that the application of PS leads to a dose-dependent increase in alkyl compounds, mainly alkanes and olefins. Aromatic compounds also showed a dose-dependent increase, but not in terms of the demethoxylated compounds typical of mature humic substances found in the original soil. Instead, the increase in aromatics was observed in the form of methoxyphenols, suggesting a recent incorporation of lignin derivatives from crop residues into the HA.

Exploring various types of biomass as adsorbents for heavy metal remediation: a review.

The intensifying problem of heavy metal contamination in water sources has led to the need for efficient and sustainable remediation technologies. Biomass-based adsorbents have emerged as a promising solution due to their cost-effectiveness, renewability, and environmental advantages. This review thoroughly analyzes recent advancements in biomass-based adsorbents for heavy metal remediation. It evaluates different types of biomass materials, such as agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and aquatic plants, highlighting their adsorptive capacities, modification techniques, and operational efficiencies. The review also explores the mechanisms of metal uptake, such as ion exchange, adsorption, and complexation, and discusses the performance of different biomass adsorbents. Furthermore, it highlights the key challenges and limitations associated with biomass-based adsorbents, such as regeneration issues, stability concerns, and scalability. By consolidating current research and technological developments, this review aims to offer insights into optimizing biomass-based adsorbents for practical applications and outlining future research directions in heavy metal remediation.

Comprehensive Study of Lipophilic Compounds from Various Cereal Straws (Wheat, Triticale, Rye, and Tritordeum)─a Promising Source of Valuable Phytochemicals.

The lipid compositions of wheat, triticale, rye, and tritordeum straws were thoroughly analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major lipophilic compounds identified included n-fatty acids (1185-3538 mg/kg), β-diketones (891-2043 mg/kg), steroid compounds (1358-1954 mg/kg), high molecular-weight esters (444-1560 mg/kg), and n-fatty alcohols (402-1825 mg/kg). Additionally, smaller amounts of n-alkanes (140-574 mg/kg), phytol and phytyl esters (106-358 mg/kg), 2-hydroxyfatty acids (77-155 mg/kg), acylglycerides (41-277 mg/kg), tocopherols and tocopheryl esters (21-67 mg/kg), and n-aldehydes (10-23 mg/kg) were detected. The abundance and wide diversity of lipophilic compounds present in these agricultural residues highlight their great potential as a rich source of valuable phytochemicals for various industrial applications, positioning cereal straws as highly attractive feedstocks in the context of the lignocellulosic biorefinery.

Catalytic hydrogenation of agricultural residues to green diesel: Process optimization with FeMo/Al2O3 catalyst

ABSTRACT Limitations of converting agricultural residues into green diesel include high production costs, particularly for catalysts and hydrogen, and technical viability. Safety risks also arise from high-pressure hydrogenation, requiring precautions and specialized equipment. This research evaluates green diesel from agricultural residues via hydrogenation with FeMo/Al2O3 under optimized conditions. Utilizing FeMo/Al2O3 heterogeneous catalysts, the process demonstrates high precision and efficiency. The catalytic hydrogenation reactors, specifically designed for converting cellulosic biomass into green diesel, ensure both effectiveness and safety, particularly when managing the high pressures and temperatures required. Notably, the highest yield occurs at a specific temperature, with returns decreasing when operating beyond this optimal temperature range. Outcomes derived from experimentation and MATLAB data analysis, exploring catalyst efficiency, green diesel production, catalyst stability, reusability, techno-economic assessment, cost and environmental impact assessment, and life cycle analysis. Petroleum diesel has the highest emissions at 0.88 kg CO2/MJ, followed by biodiesel at 0.8 kg CO2/MJ, and green diesel with the lowest emissions at 0.1 kg CO2/MJ. This indicates that green diesel emits the least amount of greenhouse gases, with petroleum diesel emitting nearly nine times more than green diesel. .

Coping with Drought in Mastung District, Balochistan: Farmers' Perspectives and Adaptation Strategies

Drought is a recurring disaster in Balochistan, significantly affecting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. This study explores the farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies in Mastung District, Balochistan. Using primary data collected through questionnaire surveys and interviews, study analyzes the coping mechanisms adopted by local farmers to mitigate the adverse effects of drought. Findings indicate that storing grain, storing crop residues, use of drought-resistance crop and saving money are the drought coping mechanism. However, there is a need for more comprehensive drought mitigation strategies to ensure long-term resilience. Challenges such as water scarcity, financial constraints, and lack of institutional support hinder effective adaptation. The study highlights the need for sustainable water management policies and diversification of livelihood sources.

Extraction of cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals from a new cultivar of pineapple (Ananas comosus ‘Vitória’) from the Amazon region

AbstractThe expansion of the agroindustrial sector has led to a significant increase in crop residues, particularly from large‐scale pineapple production. Pineapple leaves, a major byproduct, are often burned in plantations or improperly discarded, causing environmental harm. As lignocellulosic materials, rich in cellulose, these leaves present an opportunity for value‐added applications. This study aimed to extract and characterize lignocellulosic components from pineapple leaves, including moisture content, ash, extractives, holocellulose, cellulose, alpha‐cellulose, and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) via mechanical milling, as well as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via acid hydrolysis (H2SO4, 60% m/m). Characterization techniques included X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that pineapple leaves contain approximately 55% cellulose, a significant proportion for CNC and CNF extraction of Type I cellulose. The crystallinity index was 48% for cellulose, 71% for CNFs, and 84% for CNCs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the methods used. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the presence of cellulose and revealed reduced lignin‐related bands (1620 and 1606 cm−1) in nanocellulose samples. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated lower thermal stability in CNCs due to sulfate groups introduced during acid hydrolysis. Scanning electron microscopy imaging showed that fresh samples exhibited a lamellar structure with smooth surfaces due to waxes and amorphous materials, where as extracted cellulose had a rougher texture following their removal. The Dynamic light scattering and AFM confirmed the nanoscale dimensions of CNCs and CNFs, validating the extraction process.

Effect of Different Crop Residues Mixture, Weed Biomass and Vegetable Waste on Quality of Vermiwash

A field experiment was conducted at the Centre for Organic Agriculture Research and Training (COART) Farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. PDKV. Akola. The chemical and biological properties like pH, EC, N, P, K, Carbon content, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, SO4, ESP, micronutrient analysis and microbial population were used for analysis quality of vermiwash. It was revealed that, treatment T3 i.e. vegetable waste (70%) + cow dung slurry (30%) was found to be higher in pH (7.78), EC (1.06 dS m-1), carbon content (0.073%) and micro nutrient like Na (79.75 ppm) than the rest of the treatment. Treatment (T1) soybean straw 20% + cow dung slurry 30% recorded significantly highest in NPK content (192.78, 26.78 and 176.72 ppm), Fe (2.35 ppm), Mn (0.64 ppm), Zn (0.74 ppm), Cu (0.44 ppm), Ca (212 ppm), Mg (176.75 ppm), S (176.75 ppm), Cl (20.75 ppm), ESP (49.70), microbial population like fungi, bacteria & actinomycetes (8.50, 230, 3.00 x 104 CFU g-1), GMR (₹ 13639), NMR (₹ 1792) and B:C ratio (1.15) than rest of the treatment, but it was at par with treatment T3 i.e. vegetable waste (70%) + cow dung slurry (30%).

Biochar Amendment Increases Peanut Production Through Improvement of the Extracellular Enzyme Activities and Microbial Community Composition in Replanted Field

Peanut yield and quality are often threatened by soil degradation under continuous cropping. Biochar has been known to improve the soil microbial community and plant resistance. However, studies on its functions to reduce soil degradation losses and improve the peanut yield are limited. A field peanut experiment was conducted in an Alfisol soil and biochar was applied at a rate of 20 t ha−1 in 2022. The biochar was prepared from woodchip (WB) and maize straw (MB) feedstocks alone, as well as with co-composted biochar of the same feedstocks with pig manure labeled as WBSC and MBSC amendment, respectively. The conventional organic manure was applied as a control treatment (OM). All plots were base-fertilized with a mineral compound fertilizer of N-P2O5-K2O (16-16-16, %) at 600 kg ha−1. Topsoil (20 cm) and plant samples were collected at the time of peanut harvest. Soil quality, enzyme function, peanut growth traits, microbial abundance, and community composition were analyzed. Compared to OM, peanut yields increased by 22%, 23%, and 18% under WB, WBSC, and MBSC, respectively. The content of oleic acid increased by 4–5%, while the content of linoleic acid decreased by 7–9%, respectively, under biochar–compost treatments. However, biochar amendment alone showed non-significant changes in these fatty acids. The soil extracellular enzyme activity increased by 3.7–5.5% with biochar amendments and 6.4–10.1% with biochar–compost application. The enzyme activity ratio of hydrolase to non-hydrolase, of C cycling to N cycling, and of P cycling increased by 11.4–15.9%, 20.9–33.8%, and 14.7–23.5% under biochar amendments and by 20.5–25.0%, 17.4–39.0%, and 23.5–32.3% under biochar–compost, respectively. Overall, crop residue biochar enhanced peanut yield and quality by improving soil aggregation, enzyme functionality, and fungal community in line with the soil nutrient supply.

Rice straw ash as supplementary cementitious materials for concrete: optimizing water soaking duration of rice straw to remove alkalis

In 2016, global cement consumption reached 4.65 billion tonnes, accounting for 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Reducing the reliance on cement is an effective strategy for mitigating cement’s climate impacts. This study investigates rice straw ash (RSA) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for concrete. To enable large-scale RSA production via rice straw combustion at bioenergy plants, the effect of varying water-soaking durations (3, 6, 24, and 72 h) on the leaching of salts and heavy metals from rice straw was assessed. The resulting leachate was treated by reverse osmosis, producing clean water for irrigation and a potassium-rich fertilizer concentrate. The soaked rice straw was combusted to produce RSA samples (RSA 0 for unsoaked straw, and RSA 3, RSA 6, RSA 24, and RSA 72 for soaked durations) for evaluation as SCM based on physicochemical properties, pozzolanic reactivity and strength activity index (SAI), available alkalis, and alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) mitigation.Results revealed that a soaking duration of just 3 h was effective at removing harmful compounds detrimental to combustion systems. All RSA samples exhibited high pozzolanic reactivity (heat release > 335 J/g and calcium hydroxide consumption > 130 g/100 g RSA) and SAI exceeding 120%. Furthermore, soaking was effective in enhancing ASR mitigation, achieving an 85% expansion reduction with RSA 3. This study demonstrates the potential of rice straw as bioenergy feedstock and its ash as a viable SCM for concrete, offering a pathway to reducing cement consumption while creating value-added uses for agricultural residues.

Environmentally Persistent Free Radical Emissions from Indoor Burning of Pelletized Biofuels.

Pelletization of biomass fuels has been promoted as an effective alternative to mitigate particulate matter (PM) emissions from the residential burning of raw biomass materials; however, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), a class of harmful components in PM, from the biomass pellet burning have been rarely studied yet. Here, laboratory-based combustion experiments were conducted to characterize EPFRs for different pellets burned in cooking and heating stoves and compared with those for the corresponding uncompressed biofuels. Emission factors (EFs) of EPFRs for biomass pellets ranged from 2.97 × 1017 to 2.33 × 1019 spins/kg, following a log-normal distribution, with a geometric mean of 4.21 × 1018 spins/kg. These EPFRs were carbon-centered free radicals adjacent to oxygen atoms. Emissions varied largely across different fuel-stove combinations, with the combustion efficiency and combustion temperature as key influencing factors explaining 49% of the variations in EFPR EFs. Compared to raw fuels, pelletized fuels showed 50-80% lower EPFR EFs and 40-70% lower EPFRs per PM but more different EPFR types, and there was no significant change in the degree of oxidation of the EPFRs. The burning of pellets made from crop residues in a clean cookstove can reduce nearly 90% EFPRs from the raw biomass burning, which is different from the reduction degree in PM mass. This study provides valuable data in promoting the understanding of EPFR formation and deployment of biomass pellets in the protection of air quality and human health.

Geospatial Analysis of Crop Residue Burn Areas and Their Dates for Emission Mitigation Strategies

Geospatial Analysis of Crop Residue Burn Areas and Their Dates for Emission Mitigation Strategies

Advances in Hydrothermal Carbonization for Biomass Wastewater Valorization: Optimizing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrient Management to Enhance Agricultural and Ecological Outcomes

This study presents a novel approach that integrates hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology with circular economy principles to optimize the management of nitrogen and phosphorus in agricultural wastewater. Given the increasing global resource scarcity and continuous ecological degradation, the valorization of biomass wastewater has become a critical pathway for the promotion of sustainable development. Biomass wastewater, which contains crop residues, forestry leftovers, and food processing byproducts, has long been regarded as useless waste. However, this wastewater contains abundant organic matter and possesses significant renewable energy potential. The valorization of biomass wastewater can significantly reduce environmental pollution. Through the optimization of the HTC process parameters, we achieved an improvement in the quality and yield of carbonized products, facilitating the efficient recycling and utilization of resources. This research demonstrates that HTC technology can transform agricultural wastewater into valuable biofertilizers, biomass energy, and organic feed, while simultaneously reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating the environmental impact of agricultural activities. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the application of HTC technology in agricultural ecosystems, highlighting its beneficial role in nitrogen and phosphorus management, resource utilization efficiency, and environmental pollution reduction. The findings of this study suggest that HTC technology holds significant potential in optimizing agricultural wastewater treatment, promoting resource recycling, and advancing sustainable agricultural development. Furthermore, this research offers theoretical support and practical guidance for the implementation of HTC technology in agricultural ecosystems, which is of paramount importance in fostering circular economic development and achieving sustainable agriculture.

Pretreatment of Biomass with Gamma Rays and Electron Beam for Ethanol Production via Enzymatic Hydrolysis: A Brief Review

Lignocellulosic biomass, sourced from non-edible plant materials like bagasse, straw, and other agricultural residues, represents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Effective pretreatment is essential for modifying the structural integrity of biomass, thereby increasing the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for enzymatic hydrolysis. This paper analyzes two pretreatment methodologies, highlighting the role of gamma-ray and electron beam irradiation. These methods leverage photons and high-energy particles to induce structural and chemical modifications in lignocellulosic biomass, which facilitate a more efficient breakdown into fermentable sugars during hydrolysis. This work showed that both irradiation methods not only increase the yield of fermentable sugars but also do it without the need for hazardous chemicals, thus presenting an environmentally benign alternative to conventional pretreatment methods and presents the potential of these irradiation techniques in streamlining bioethanol production processes, advocating for further research and technological development to fully harness their benefits in industrial applications.

An Analytical Study on the Challenges and Strategies for Enhancing the Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSATs)

Climate change has led to rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall, threatening millions globally, especially in developing countries with limited resources. The rural poor, relying on agriculture, forestry, and fishing, are among the hardest hit. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) was introduced by the FAO in 2010 to enhance productivity while ensuring sustainability. CSA includes practices like crop residue management, soil and water conservation, nutrition management, and pest control. CSA integrates adaptation and mitigation, addressing climate change while improving food security. This study in Chhattisgarh state assessed to reveal constraints of adaptation of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSATs) among 360 farmers, selected through random sampling. Data was collected through an interview schedule and analysed using the Garrett ranking technique. Key challenges hindering CSATs adoption include limited information, inadequate weather-based advisory services, lack of technical training, difficulties in accessing quality inputs, and poor equipment maintenance. Farmers recommended reliable weather forecasting, modern training, and easy access to agricultural inputs for combating climate changes. Enhancing information dissemination, technical support, and resource availability is vital to overcoming these barriers, promoting CSAT adoption, and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.

The Role of Organic Matter in Soil for Improving Crop Productivity and Soil Health

Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most important natural resources and the basis of soil fertility. The term SOM generally refers to the total organic carbon (C)- containing substances in soil. The total mass of organic C in soils has been estimated at 22 × 1014 kg, similar to the total of all other C reservoirs on the earth’s surface (21 × 1014 kg). 1 SOM contents range from less than 1% in sandy and desert soils to 1%-5% (w/w) in the surface horizons (top 15 cm) of typical mineral and agricultural soils, to almost 100% in organic soils. Even at the lowest levels, the role of SOM in all processes occurring in the soil is ascertained to be highly relevant. SOM plays a crucial role in the global carbon balance that largely governs global climate change, and organic matter in soil profiles contains four to six times as much carbon as all of the world's vegetation. These include enhancing soil aggregation, boosting nutrient exchange, retaining soil moisture, decreasing compaction and surface crusting, and increasing water infiltration into the soil. Since SOM is the best way to incorporate natural soil production, it ought to be used as a soil quality indicator. Therefore, boosting SOM pools in agricultural ecosystems is crucial for reestablishing soil health, ensuring sustainable crop production, and storing CO2 in the atmosphere. To increase the biomass production required to raise the SOM level in the soil, it is, therefore, crucial to implement practices like crop rotation, minimizing tillage operations, using cover crops, applying animal manures, green manures, crop residues, and composts, as well as using chemical fertilizers.