Agronomic Practices Research Articles

Deciphering climate variability trends: unveiling the impact on household staple crop productivity in East Wallaga Zone, Ethiopia

This study looks at how Ethiopia’s East Wallaga Zone’s staple crop yields are affected by climate variability between 1990 and 2022. The main goal is to evaluate the effects of temperature and precipitation variations on the production of important crops, namely wheat and teff, in the highlands, midlands, and lowlands of various agroecological zones.The Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, CHIRPS, and TerraClimate were the sources of the climate data used to provide a thorough picture of the trends in temperature and precipitation during the study period. Significant spatiotemporal changes in the research area’s climate patterns were found through data analysis. To measure these fluctuations, important metrics like precipitation concentration, rainfall anomaly indices, and coefficients of variation were computed. Crop yield data from the Zonal Agricultural Office was also used in the study. A regression model was used to examine the association between climatic conditions and crop yields. With a response rate of 95% and a sample size that contained information from each of the three agroecological zones, strong statistical analysis was guaranteed.An 8.2% coefficient of variation in precipitation is one of the significant findings, indicating subtle but important changes in rainfall patterns, namely in the quantity and timing of wet days. Furthermore, a discernible rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures has occurred, particularly in lowland regions, and this has had an additional impact on crop yield.The research comes to the conclusion that although meteorological conditions have a major influence on crop yields, non-climatic factors including soil fertility, agronomic techniques, and technology improvements also have a major impact. The study suggests a three-pronged strategy to reduce the negative effects of climate change on agriculture: raising fertilizer use, strengthening agronomic practices, and increasing soil fertility. The report also emphasizes how important it is to combine measures for adapting to climate change with initiatives to resolve political unrest and advance sustainable agricultural methods.It is recommended that policymakers give equal weight to measures aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change in order to enhance agricultural productivity and guarantee food security in the area. In East Wallaga Zone and elsewhere, this strategy is crucial for improving lives and feeding the constantly expanding population.

Nitrate toxicity and health hazards: Problems and mitigation challenges

Abstract Nitrogenous fertilizers are considered an essential input for productive agriculture and the factor highly responsible for higher biomass production. Unfortunately, intensive mineral fertilization brings tremendous changes in soil fertility and productivity, but productivity decreases rapidly in cereal-based cropping systems or without legumes. The excessive use of mineral nitrogenous fertilizers reported an increase in potential health hazards and environmental problems such as groundwater contamination, eutrophication, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and methemoglobinemia in humans. With future applications’ elevated use and prognosis, this problem may expand to several folds in the approaching decades. Large consumption of defiled water or food with higher concentrations of nitrates (according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the permissible limit is 7 mg.kg −1 body weight per day) causes severe infant diseases such as Blue Baby Syndrome, respiratory ailments, gastric cancer, birth malformation and other health problems which earlier were rarely explained or explored worldwide. The unsustainable agronomic practices resulted in our soil being stripped of natural health and blind dependency on mineral fertilizers, ultimately leading to poor human and environmental health. There is an immediate need for new technologies related to farming systems to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in view of changing climate. Various sustainable practices such as applying organic manures, precision N management, Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) approach, and nitrogen (N) inhibitors hold tremendous potential to reduce the ill effects of nitrates and secure the food chain if adopted on a large scale.

Agronomic Management of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.): A Review

The faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a winter crop that can be cultivated as a versatile crop. It’s yield and quality being strongly influenced by environmental and agronomic factors, nutritional content, medicinal properties, and ability to fix nitrogen biologically. Therefore, to maximize advantages of faba bean cultivation, choosing the appropriate varieties, planting times, techniques, plant density, depth of sowing, and ensuring proper crop nutrients and irrigation is essential. For successful faba bean production in subtropical climates, it's important to assess the performance of different varieties under these specific conditions. Planting dates and soil temperature are crucial for germination, growth, and yield. At the same time, the crop's performance is also influenced by sowing methods, plant density, sowing depth, and water and fertilizer management. Integrating faba beans into cropping systems is expected to offer various ecological benefits. This paper reviews the existing literature on the agronomic practices of faba beans.

Enhancing the content of biologically active components in cluster tomatoes using organic fertilizers

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are a vital agricultural crop with significant nutritional value, attributed to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of tomatoes contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, positioning them as an important component of a balanced diet and beneficial for public health. The application of organic fertilizers containing fulvic and humic acids is particularly relevant to ensure the production of high-quality and nutritious tomatoes. These compounds, recognized as bio stimulants in plant cultivation, enhance physiological processes in plant cells. They stimulate protein and nucleic acid synthesis, activate enzymatic activity, and regulate metabolic pathways, thereby improving the biochemical composition of tomato fruits, increasing their nutritional quality, and enriching the content of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accumulation of bioactive compounds such as lycopene, total phenols, vitamin C, total sugars, and dry matter in cluster tomato fruits using an Armenian fertilizer containing fulvic and humic acids. Additionally, the research aims to provide practical insights into sustainable agriculture by identifying optimal agronomic practices that enhance the accumulation of these bioactive compounds in cluster tomatoes. The research was conducted on greenhouse-grown cluster tomato hybrids: Syune F1 (Armenian breeding), Prodezo F1 (Rijk Zwaan), Santiano F1 (Rijk Zwaan), Adventure F1 (Rijk Zwaan), and Climbo F1 (Syngenta) during the spring growing seasons from the years 2022 to 2024. The experiment utilized an organic fertilizer, and applied by abiding the following treatment scheme: 1. Control (St) — no organic fertilizer application, 2. Root treatment (RT), 3. Foliar treatment (FT), 4. Combined root and foliar treatment (RT-FT). Biochemical analyses of the tomato fruits were performed to quantify lycopene, total phenols, ascorbic acid, and total sugars using spectrophotometry, while dry matter content was determined via refractometry. Statistical data analysis was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study demonstrated that all treatment types with fulvic-humic fertilizer contributed to improving tomato fruit quality and the accumulation of biologically active components. The most effective treatment was the combined root and foliar application (RT-FT), which resulted in the highest values across all measured parameters. Depending on the hybrid, lycopene content increased by 11.1–15.9%, total phenols by 14.7–22.8%, when vitamin C by 13.1–15.9%, total sugars by 13.5–21.7%, and dry matter by 14.6–22.5% compared to the control. The 'Syune' and 'Climbo' hybrids exhibited the highest accumulation of lycopene and phenols, highlighting their potential for enhancing antioxidant properties. The 'Santiana' and 'Adventure' hybrids were notable for their elevated ascorbic acid content, making them particularly valuable for improving nutritional quality. The best results for sugar and dry matter accumulation were observed in the 'Syune' and 'Prodezo' hybrids, indicating improved flavor profiles in these tomato varieties. Keywords: tomatoes, lycopene, total phenols, ascorbic acids, total sugars, dry matter, organic fertilizer, fulvic acids, humic acids

How much energy can giant reed and Miscanthus produce in marginal lands across Italy? A modelling solution under current and future scenarios

AbstractPractical strategies for bioenergy planning in the face of climate change should rely on ready‐to‐use yield projections. Perennial grasses grown in marginal lands (MLs) provide abundant feedstocks to be converted into different energy vectors. The aim of this study was to provide a model‐based assessment of how much energy, in the form of biomethane and bioethanol, can be achieved by Miscanthus and giant reed across Italy. Marginal lands were here conceived as low profitable non‐irrigated areas, without mechanization and/or nature conservation constraints. Marginal lands eligible for simulations were selected crossing environmental factors and ecological requirements of the two crops. The biophysical model Arungro was calibrated considering rainfed/full‐irrigated systems using multiple‐site and multiple‐year datasets. The model was connected to a georeferenced database, with information on (i) current/future climate, (ii) agronomic practices, (iii) soil physics/hydrology, (iv) MLs, and (v) crop suitability to environment and simulations were performed at 500 × 500 m spatial resolution across all Italian regions. Under baseline conditions (i.e., 1981–2010), the total area of MLs available for energy crops (i.e., 49,100 km2) allowed to obtain 23,500 (giant reed) and 23,700 (Miscanthus) Giga‐m3 CH4‐STP of biomethane and 18,600 (giant reed) and 24,400 (Miscanthus) Giga‐liters of bioethanol. While the amount of energy carriers is expected to increase, on average, of +4.6% in 2055 and + 0.4% (mean of +9.2%—South, −2.4%—Center, −5.4%—North Italy) in 2085 for Miscanthus, giant reed‐based productions are projected to be more stable across the country and time frames (+6.7% in 2055; +2.8% in 2085). This study contributed to define a modular and detailed procedure aimed at quantifying attainable energy yields from bioenergy grasses in MLs. The consideration of fine‐resolution multiple‐scale heterogeneity allowed for an in‐depth investigation of biomass productivity, attainable energy yields, and related stability under current/climate change scenarios, highlighting critical spots and opportunities within the country.

The Influence of Agrotechnical Factors on the Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Triticale Grain

Due to the high yield potential, suitable agrotechnical properties, and nutritional value of the grain, the interest in growing triticale is increasing due to the high yield potential, suitable agrotechnical properties, and nutritional value. This species is primarily grown for fodder purposes, but numerous studies suggest its potential for human consumption, including bread production. Additionally, triticale is known for its greater resistance to adverse environmental conditions compared to other crops, even under varying agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted in southeastern Poland from 2019 to 2022. The study involved two cultivation systems (conventional and integrated) as one factor and three winter triticale cultivars (Belcanto, Meloman, and Panteon) as the other. The conventional system is based on the intensive cultivation of plants through the use of large amounts of fertilizers and crop protection products. The integrated system of cultivation is an alternative to the conventional system. This system aims to reduce the use of industrial inputs and, as a result, minimize the negative impact of agriculture on the natural environment. Cultivation under the conventional system resulted in higher grain yields and improved physiological parameter values. There was an increase in the leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and gas exchange parameters (photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (E)). The highest yields were achieved with the cv-Panteon and cv-Belcanto under the conventional system. The yields of these cultivars in the integrated system did not differ significantly from those of cv-Meloman under the conventional system. In the 2021/2022 season, the weather conditions were the most favorable during the triticale vegetation period, which resulted in the highest grain yield. The conventional system also resulted in higher thousand-grain weight (TGW), crude protein content, and grain test weight while lowering the falling number (FN) value. However, the cultivation systems did not significantly affect the grain uniformity, crude fat, fiber, or ash content, as well as wet gluten and gluten index (GI). The cv-Panteon exhibited the highest level of crude protein, crude fiber, and crude ash in its grain, suggesting its strong nutritional value and potential for use in human consumption. The cultivation of triticale in the integrated system, although associated with lower yields, causes less environmental pollution than cultivation in the conventional system. The appropriate selection of efficient cultivars grown in the integrated system allows for high grain yields with good quality parameters.

Physiological Adaptations of Vegetables to Climate Stress

Vegetables, being rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, proteins and antioxidants are essential for overcoming micronutrient deficiencies, offering higher incomes and more employment opportunities per hectare to smallholder farmers compared to staple crops. Major challenges faced by vegetable growers are increased terminal heat stress, rainfall variability leading to flooding, drought, irrigation water availability, salinity, incidence of pests and diseases, extreme weather events. These gets further worsened in the future due to climate change. Vegetables exhibit various physiological adaptations to cope with changing environmental conditions such as enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, improved water-use efficiency, and altered phenological development. Higher temperatures accelerate the life cycle of vegetables cause increased respiration, leading to earlier maturation and potentially lower yields. Increased frequency of heat waves can cause heat stress, affecting growth and development. Moreover elevated temperatures increase the incidence of pests and diseases, leading to higher crop losses. Changes in precipitation patterns alter water availability, impacting growth and productivity. Nevertheless drought conditions cause stomatal closure limiting water loss besides reducing CO2 uptake. Excessive rainfall can lead to waterlogging, disrupting root function and nutrient uptake. Variability in climate conditions lead to inconsistent yields, making it challenging for farmers and necessitating adaptive strategies to ensure crop resilience and productivity. Genetic improvement through breeding for heat and drought tolerance helps to develop resilient vegetables. Additionally, agronomic practices like mulching, organic farming, and resource conservation technologies help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Understanding these physiological responses could streamline sustainable vegetable production in the face of a changing climate.

Adaptations of Rice Seed Germination to Drought and Hypoxic Conditions: Molecular and Physiological Insights

Seed germination is crucial for plant survival, crop stand establishment, and achieving optimal grain yield. The main objective of this review is to explore the physiological and molecular mechanisms governing rice seed germination under aerobic (water stress) and anaerobic (hypoxic) conditions in direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems. Moreover, it discusses the recent genomic advancements and innovations to improve rice seed germination. Here, we discuss how coleoptile and mesocotyl elongation plays a vital role in anaerobic germination (AG) and the function of raised antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in maintaining Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) homeostasis for stabilizing seed germination in water-scarce conditions. This study comprehensively highlights the functions and dynamics of phytohormones—GA (gibberellic acid) and ABA (abscisic acid)—key regulatory genes, transcription factors (TFs), key proteins, and regulatory metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), in regulating seed germination under both conditions. Conventional agronomic and cultural practices, such as seed selection, seed priming, seed coating, and hardening, have proven to improve seed germination. Moreover, the utilization of molecular and novel approaches—such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR-Cas9) mediated genome editing, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide associations studies (GWAS), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), multi-omics, RNA sequencing—combined with beneficial quantitative trait loci (QTLs) has expanded knowledge of crop genomics and inheritance. These advancements aid the development of specific traits for enhancing seed germination in DSR.

Transcriptome analysis and transcription factors response to transplanting and topping time of upper leaf in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Tobacco, as an annual industrial crop, is significantly affected by agronomic practices such as transplanting and topping, which can influence the yield and quality of the upper leaves. However, the processes by which transcription factors integrate both agronomic practices remain unclear. In this study, eight treatments were designed based on varying transplanting and topping periods. RNA-seq was employed to analyze the transcriptional expression and identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and transcription factors (TFs). Subsequently, a rigorous quality inspection and data cleaning process yielded 1,302,152,358 high-quality reads. The comparative analysis of 8 treatments identified a total of 4265 DEGs. Utilizing K-means analysis, these DEGs demonstrated 9 distinct expression patterns. GO and KEGG annotation revealed a significant association of these DEGs with photosynthesis and secondary metabolism. 10 hub genes including AFC2, SIGB, PGSIP8, BIG5, OSP1, RL13, PDC1, NtORF and EBG were identified through WGCNA analysis. 41 differentially expressed TFs were identified through transcription factor analysis. Among them, 10 TFs namely ABR1, ERF26, HAT5, HSF24, LUH, AGL8, TIFY5A, TIFY10A, WRKY4, and WRKY40 are directly associated with plant stress resistance. 5 TFs such as ERF110, IDD7, ATB40, NAC81, and NAC83 have been identified as positive regulators of growth and development, while 3 TFs such as BH130, TCP4, and WRKY53 have been found to negatively impact growth and development. Furthermore, 4 TFs have been implicated in hormone and light signaling pathways, namely CIGR1, BLH1, WRKY42, and EIN4. The identified hub genes and TFs suggest that early transplanting and topping (B1D1C) contribute to enhanced stress resistance in tobacco. This may result in more developed stomata on tobacco leaves, as well as an increase in leaf thickness and a reduction in leaf size.

Changes in selenium bioavailability in selenium-enriched paddy soils induced by different water management and organic amendments

Combined effects of water management and agricultural organic waste return on selenium (Se) bioavailability and mechanisms in Se-enriched paddy soils remain unclear. We investigated the effects of continuous flooding (CF) and alternating wet and dry (AWD), two types (cotton straw biochar [BC] and sheep manure [SM]) and concentrations (10 and 50 g·kg−1) of organic amendments on soil Se bioavailability, bacterial community structure in naturally Se-enriched soils (1.69 mg·kg−1). Results showed that 10 g·kg−1 SM treatment was the most effective in increasing Se bioavailability, especially under AWD treatment, whereas BC treatment reduced it. Compared with CF treatment, AWD treatment increased the Se content of root surface iron plaque and rhizosphere affinity for Se, and promoted the conversion of soil weakly organic matter bound Se to soluble-Se and exchangeable-Se. BC and SM addition significantly altered soil solution Fe(II), dissolved organic carbon, and soil bacterial community structure and function, including sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (Thiobacillus) and Se-reducing bacteria (Pseudarthrobacter), under different water management regimes. Notably, these bacteria showed a significant correlation with bioavailable Se. The present study provides theoretical guidance for agronomic practices in Se-enriched paddy soils.

Film mulching can alleviate soil quality decrease and produce high maize yield under different irrigation strategies

Plastic film mulching (PM) combined with irrigation is widely adopted to improve crop yields, water and nitrogen efficiency, especially in arid farming areas. Despite its benefits, the effects of this method on soil quality and its subsequent impact on crop productivity and resource efficiency have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we formulated a soil quality indicator (SQI) from five years of field experiments in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID) of Northwestern China. The treatments included border irrigation as the control treatment (CK), CK combined with PM (BI_PM), and three water level drip irrigation treatments combined with PM. Three threshold values of soil matric potential for drip irrigation were −10 kPa (HDI_PM), −30 kPa (MDI_PM), and −50 kPa (LDI_PM). We then examined the SQI changes based on measured multiple soil properties and assessed their implications for maize yield, irrigation water productivity (IWP), and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN). We found: (1) from 2016 to 2020, HDI_PM achieved the highest average yield (15.77 t ha–1), IWP (3.73 kg m–3), and PFPN (63.18 kg kg–1), showing increases of 54.77 %, 84.90 %, and 96.93 % over the control treatment, respectively; (2) no significant variations in the SQI were observed for HDI_PM in 2020 in the topsoil (0–30 cm) and subsoil (30–60 cm) compared to the initial condition. However, CK, BI_PM, MDI_PM, and LDI_PM showed reductions in SQI in both soil layers, primarily due to decreased soil organic carbon (SOC) and structural stability, along with increased sand content and soil salinity; (3) according to the linear mixed-effects model, a low SQI (< 0.43), elevated temperatures, and drought indices negatively impact yield. Hence, we advocate for HDI_PM to maximize yield and PFPN. To enhance soil quality, identifying agronomic practices that increase SOC and reduce soil salinity in the HID is crucial.

Effect of drip irrigation and boron application on enhancing seed production of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) in Northwest China

Sainfoin has gained considerable attention in the forage, medicinal, and food industries due to its exceptional nutritional profile and rich bioactive compounds. However, knowledge of agricultural practices for its seed production, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, remains limited. We conducted a three-year field experiment from 2021 to 2023 to evaluate the effects of four irrigation frequencies (2, 3, 4, and 5 applications of 50mm each) and four boron concentrations (0, 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9%) on seed yield, quality, water use efficiency (WUE) and economic benefits in sainfoin. Our findings revealed a negative parabolic relationship between seed yield and both irrigation amount and boron concentration. The highest yields were achieved with four irrigations (200mm) combined with a 0.6% boron application, resulting in seed yield of 696.69kg/hm2 in 2021, 1200.94kg/hm2 in 2022, and 1687.91kg/hm2 in 2023. This optimal combination also exhibited superior WUE and economic benefits compared to other treatments. Higher irrigation frequency increased seed dimensions (length, width, and height), but it had a negative impact on both germination percentage and speed. The impact of boron on seed quality varied with irrigation levels. All yield components, except for 1000-seeds weight, showed significant positive correlations with seed yield (P < 0.001). A structural equation model indicated that the number of reproductive branches per plant was the most significant contributor to seed yield. Our findings enhance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying seed yield responses to irrigation and boron application in sainfoin, offering valuable insights for agronomic practices aimed at improving seed yield in sainfoin and similar crops.

Effect of Sowing Date and Nitrogen Rates on Morphometric Features and Photosynthetic Performance in Sugar Beet

Sugar beet is a critical crop for global sugar production, and optimizing its growth and yield requires a thorough understanding of the effects of agronomic practices such as sowing date and nitrogen fertilization. This study was conducted in the WULS-SGGW Experimental Field in Miedniewice, Poland, during two growing seasons. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization on the morphometric features and photosynthetic performance of the Lubelska sugar beet variety grown in Luvisols soil. The experiments were arranged as split-plot designs (SPDs) with four replications. The factors of the experiment were the sowing date (optimal and delayed by two weeks) and nitrogen fertilization at doses of 0, 60, and 120 kg N·ha−1. The photosynthetic activity of sugar beet plants was measured four times during the growing season using chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters. Morphometric features were determined by collecting sugar beet plants after each chlorophyll fluorescence measurement. The obtained results demonstrate the significant effect of nitrogen doses on the morphometric parameters of aboveground biomass. Increasing nitrogen doses also differentiated chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, such as FV/F0, FV/FM, PIABS, ET0/CS0, and ET0/CSM. A two-week delay in sowing affected both the fluorescence parameters and morphometric features of sugar beet, highlighting the interaction between agronomic practices and plant physiology.

Trends and Drivers of Avocado Production in Ethiopia: A Review

Global avocado production has seen a significant increase over the past few decades. The area harvested and production quantities have grown substantially, reflecting the rising demand for avocados worldwide. In Ethiopia, avocado production has been experiencing significant growth and the Ethiopian government, in collaboration with international organizations has been working intensively for avocado crop development in the country. These efforts have led to an increase in both the area under cultivation, production and productivity. The data from Food and Agricultural Organization indicated that the area under avocado cultivation in Ethiopia was 9,754 ha in 2000 and through up and downward fluctuations, substantial jump were seen in 2020 hitting 30,588 ha. For about more than a decade from 2000-2013, the volume of avocado production reveals a steady increase and the most significant growth were observed from 2016-2020, with production rising to 81,431.76 metric tons in 2017 and reaching 245,335.63 metric tons in 2020. The productivity of avocado in Ethiopia has experienced notable fluctuations in the last two decades. Even though there was a slight decline in subsequent years, the current productivity 5.8tons per hectare remained relatively high compared to the early 2010s. Favorable agro-ecological conditions, growing domestic demand, and government initiatives to promote and produce, high-yield, disease-resistant varieties, nutritional value, development of export markets, establishment of different processing factories in different parts of Ethiopia, government initiative and international support are factors responsible for expansion and development of avocado crop in Ethiopia. However, challenges such as limited access to quality seeds and planting materials, insufficient irrigation systems, very weak market chains, climate change, root rot and pests, low agronomic practices, lack of market and price information, perishability nature of the crop, lack of proper storage, weak access to transportation and extension services still need to be addressed. Addressing the issues, the future of avocado production and productivity in Ethiopia look promising and positive trends, with the potential to contribute significantly to the food security and economic development.

Conversion of Kappaphycus alvarezii macroalgae biomass enriched with fulvic acid into a foliar biostimulant for plant (Oryza sativa L.) growth and stress protection

BackgroundThe incorporation of circular economy into agricultural processes is necessary to improve the efficiency of agronomic practices in the future. The biomass of macroalgae as well as humic substances is sustainable options for stimulating the efficient use of nutrients in plants. This study aimed to evaluate the modes of action of a potential plant biostimulant composed of an aqueous extract of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed plus fulvic acid (KAF) applied to rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaves. The aqueous extract was obtained from the fresh biomass of the macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii and the fulvic acid was extracted from a cattle manure vermicompost (FAVC). Both fractions (KAlv-sap and FAVC) were characterized using 1H NMR. The bioactivity of KAF was evaluated in experiments with four treatments: control (foliar application of water), FAVC (foliar application of FAVC), KAlv-sap (foliar application of seaweed extract), and KAF (foliar application of FA + KAlv-sap). In rice, the expression of genes related to K+ and N transport, plasma membrane H+-ATPases, and oxidative stress defense enzymes were evaluated. Metabolites and N, K, and P contents, as well as photosynthetic efficiency and root morphology, were quantified.ResultsThe 1H-NMR spectra showed that KAF is rich in organic fragments such as sugars, nitrogenous, aromatic, and aliphatic compounds in general. Foliar application of KAF resulted in a 7.1% and 19.04% increase in the dry mass of roots and leaves, respectively. These plants had 19% more roots and 11% more total root length. The application of KAF increased in the plant sheaths the N and K contents by up to 50% and 14%, respectively.ConclusionsThe mechanism of action by which KAF triggered these changes seemed to start with an improvement in the photosynthetic efficiency of plants and regulation through increased expression and suppression of genes related to K+, N, H+-ATPase transporters, and oxidative metabolism. KAF might become a sustainable plant biostimulant that promotes plant growth, development, and defense against abiotic stresses.Graphical

Identification of resistance sources and genomic regions regulating Septoria tritici blotch resistance in South Asian bread wheat germplasm.

The Septoria tritici blotch (STB) [Zymoseptoria tritici (Desm.)] of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is characterized by its polycyclic and hemibiotrophic nature. It is one of the most dangerous diseases affecting wheat production worldwide. Durable resistance is largely decided by the combined effect of several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) having a minor effect. Currently, STB is not important in South Asia. However, STB expanding and wider adaptability, changing climatic conditions, and agronomic practices can create a situation of concern. Therefore, dissection of the genetic architecture of adult-plant resistance with genome-wide association mapping and selection of resistant sources for adult plant STB resistance were carried out on a panel of South Asian germplasm. We discovered the 91 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with STB resistance; 23 QTNs were repetitive across the different years and models. Many of these QTNs could differentiate the mapping panel into resistant versus susceptible groups and were linked to candidate genes related to disease resistance functions within linkage disequilibrium blocks. The repetitive QTNs, namely, Q.CIM.stb.2DL.2, Q.CIM.stb_dh.2DL.3, Q.CIM.stb.2AL.5, and Q.CIM.stb.7BL.1, may be novel due to the absence of co-localization of previously reported QTLs, meta-quantitative trait loci, and STB genes. There was a perfect negative correlation between the stacking of favorable alleles and STB susceptibility, and STB resistance response was improved by ∼50% with the stacking of ≥60% favorable alleles. The genotypes, namely, CIM20, CIM56, CIM57, CIM18, CIM44, WK2395, and K1317, could be used as resistant sources in wheat breeding programs. Therefore, this study could aid in designing the breeding programs for STB resistance before the onset of the alarming situation of STB in South Asia.

Effects of Cow-based Preparations and Mulching on Weed Management and Nodulation in Chickpea under Intercropping System

Mulching is one of agronomic practices with goals of lowering soil evaporation, preserving moisture, regulating soil temperature, inhibiting weed development, and enhancing microbial activity. It is mostly predicated on the recycling of biomass within the farm, with a focus on biomass mulching, the use of cow dung and urine preparations within the farm and preserving soil aeration. A field experiment was conducted for two years during the spring season (2019-20 and 2020-21) at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh (India), which comprises different combination of ghanjeevamrit (mixture of urine, dung, jaggery and chickpea flour), jeevamrit (mixture of urine, dung, jaggery, chickpea flour, handful soil, and water) and mulching (added at rate of 10 t ha-1). The weed count, weed dry matter, and yield of wheat as well as chickpeas were studied under sub-temperate humid zone (India). Data showed that application of cow-based preparations (ghanjeevamrit- added at rate of 0.5 t ha-1, jeevamrit-1st spray at rate 5%, 2nd spray 7.5% and subsequent sprays 10% jeevamrit in the water with the rate of 200 L acre-1 at 21 days interval) and mulching significantly affected weed count, dry matter, weed control efficiency and number of nodules of chickpea. Based on data of both years significantly lower weed count and dry weight at 120 DAS (before that weed count and dry weight was not affected significantly) was recorded in treatment T7(ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit + mulching) which was statistically at par with T3 (mulching), T5 (ghanjeevamrit + mulching), T6 (jeevamrit + mulching) and T8 (control). At 150 DAS, significantly lower weed count was recorded in T5 which was at par with T3 and T6 and a significantly highest count was recorded in T4 (ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit). At harvest, the highest weed count and dry weight of weed were found in treatment T2 (jeevamrit), T4, T1 (ghanjeevamrit), and T8. Similarly, the weed control efficiency was recorded numerically highest under T7 treatment. Minimum weed count and weed dry weight were found in the T7 treatment. Significantly highest nodule count in chickpea was recorded in T7 followed by T4, whereas the lowest was recorded in T8. Therefore, this study highlights the combined use of cow-based preparations with mulching to decrease weed count, dry matter as well as the number of nodules of chickpea increases under natural farming.

Influence of photothermal quotient in the critical period on yield potential of cereals–A comparison of wheat and barley

ContextResearch in grain crops has focused on understanding the critical period (CP) for yield formation to develop genetic and agronomic options that minimize stress or resource limitation during this time. While the link between the photothermal quotient (PTQ) in the CP and yield potential is known for wheat, it needs re-evaluation with current genetics and agronomy, and is less explored in barley, especially in high productivity areas. ObjectiveOur aim was to determine if a) the PTQ-yield relationship in wheat has evolved with new cultivars and agronomic practices, and b) if barley shares similar CP timing and duration with wheat or requires species-specific adjustments in high production zones. MethodsFrom trials In the Australian high production zones, we compiled a dataset (25 site-years) of high-yielding wheat and barley from carefully managed field experiments. The sites analysed had barley and wheat varying in genetics and management across different photothermal environments and where seasonal water supply exceeded 400 mm, and were not constrained by nutrients, allowing us to evaluate the sensitivity to relationship between radiation and temperature during the CP on yield potential. ResultsWe created a new PTQ-based yield potential frontier for wheat and barley, measuring yield increase per PTQ unit. The best model used PTQ data from 20 days before to 10 days after flowering. In barley, changes in the CP timing and length didn't affect the results as expected. The slope of the relationship was lower for barley, indicating lower yields at higher PTQ compared to wheat, highlighting their physiological differences. ConclusionsOur study shows Australia's wheat and barley yields, over 15 Mg ha−1 in wheat and >12 Mg ha−1 in barley respectively, are more influenced by PTQ during the CP than by seasonal water when water supply estimates exceed 400 mm in Australia. We present a simple, physiologically sound PTQ equation as a yield benchmark for wheat (WPYptq= 10.62PTQ-2.85) and barley (BPYptq= 6.73PTQ+1.65). ImplicationsEfforts in agronomy and breeding should aim at enhancing resource availability and partitioning during the CP and aligning the CP with environmental conditions. The straightforward PTQ model for predicting yield potential in Australia's higher production areas matches complex simulations well, aiding in optimizing production systems and guiding future yield potential research.

Effects of tillage practices on water storage and soil conservation in red soil slope farmland in Southern China

Under the current conditions of global climate change, many unreasonable tillage practices exacerbate soil erosion and seasonal drought in agriculture. The red soil slope farmland makes up a significant portion of agricultural land in southern China. It is crucial to enhance the water storage and soil conservation effects (WSE) by adopting appropriate agronomic practices on the red soil slope farmland, which ensures regional agriculture’s sustainable development. Therefore, this study employed a combination of experimental plot positioning observations and artificially simulated rainfall experiments to analyze the WSE of four tillage practices: Conventional tillage (CT), Downslope ridge tillage (DT), Cross-slope ridge tillage (RT), and Plastic Mulching (PM). This study proposed the optimal tillage practices based on a comprehensive evaluation of their effects. The results indicate that there is a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between tillage practices and growth stages on soil water retention and infiltration characteristics. Under the same growth stage conditions, PM can reduce soil bulk density by 0.03–14.29% (p < 0.05) and increase temperature, soil moisture content, and total porosity by 4.00–6.67%, 0.68–18.23%, and 1.30–13.47% (p < 0.05), respectively, demonstrating the best water retention capabilities among the four tillage practices. However, during the rainfall-runoff process, the surface runoff amount (SRA) generated by PM and DT accounts for 68.15% and 90.83% of the total runoff, respectively, which is detrimental to soil water infiltration during rainfall. Both practices exhibit poor resistance to soil erosion and demonstrate low water storage and soil conservation effect index (WSEI) values of 0.38 and 0.33, respectively. Secondly, RT’s SRA constitutes only 9.42% of the total runoff, which is beneficial for increasing the cumulative soil water infiltration amount (CIA) during rainfall. Among the three tillage practices, namely RT, DT, and CT, RT demonstrates strong soil water retention capabilities. It can significantly reduce the kinetic energy of soil erosion, enhance soil erosion resistance, and exhibit the highest WSEI of 0.84. Furthermore, CT exhibits a moderate WSEI of 0.75. In summary, from the perspective of WSEI, RT is the tillage practice that should be prioritized for promotion in the cultivation process of red soil slope farmland. Our research results can provide a scientific basis for constructing optimal tillage mode and improving the WSE of southern China’s red soil slope farmland.

Natural and Organic Input-Based Integrated Nutrient-Management Practices Enhance the Productivity and Soil Quality Index of Rice–Mustard–Green Gram Cropping System

The effects of integrated nutrient-management (INM) practices on soil quality are essential for sustaining agro-ecosystem productivity. The soil quality index (SQI) serves as a tool to assess the physical, chemical, and biological potential of soils as influenced by various edaphic and agronomic practices. A multiyear (2018–2021) field experiment was performed at the University Organic Research Farm, Narendrapur, West Bengal, India, to investigate the influence of integrated and sole applications of different conventional fertilizers, organic (e.g., vermicompost), and natural farming inputs (e.g., Dhrava Jeevamrit and Ghana Jeevamrit) on SQIs and crop productivity of rice–mustard–green gram-based cropping systems. A total of 12 parameters were selected for the assessment of SQI, amongst which only four, namely pH, organic carbon %, total actinomycetes, and bulk density, were retained for the minimum data set based on principal component analysis (PCA). In this study, the maximum SQI value (0.901) of the experimental soil was recorded in the INM practice of 25% organic and 25% inorganic nutrient inputs, and the rest with natural farming inputs, which augments the SQI by 24% compared to the 100% inorganic nutrient treatment. Amongst the different soil parameters, the highest contribution was from the pH (35.18%), followed by organic carbon % (26.77%), total actinomycetes (10.95%), and bulk density (6.98%). The yields in different cropping systems varied year-wise across treatments. Notably, the highest yield in rainy rice was estimated in the 100% organic treatment, followed by INM practices in the subsequent years, and finally, the combination of organic and natural inputs in the final year. In the case of mustard, the combination of organic and natural inputs resulted in the highest productivity in the initial and last years of study, while the 100% organic treatment resulted in higher productivity in subsequent years. Green gram showed a dynamic shift in yield between the 100% organic and integrated treatments over the years. Further, a strong correlation was also established between the soil physico-chemical parameters and the SQI. Overall, this study concludes that the natural and organic input-based INM practice enhances the soil quality and crop productivity of the rice–mustard–green gram cropping system under the coastal saline zone.