Deterioration Of Soil Fertility Research Articles

Изучение закономерностей передвижения, накопления влаги и химических веществ в агроэкосистемах по результатам лизиметрических исследований ФНЦ «ВИК им. В.Р. Вильямса»

Lysimetric studies were carried out at the lysimetric station of the Institute in different years in the agroecosystem "surface layer of air — plant — soil — infiltration runoff". These studies are highly appreciated in our country and in the world. They attract the attention of domestic and foreign researchers. With the help of lysimetric studies, it is possible to monitor the condition and development of plants, the dynamics of soil condition, the rate of deterioration of soil fertility, to anticipate and prevent possible waterlogging of irrigated lands in the shortest possible time. Lysimetric studies make it possible to determine the quality of irrigation water, establish the optimal irrigation period and rate, taking into account plant biology and hydrology of the site. Irrigation norms justified by lysimeters increase the efficiency of fertilizers, while maximally involving in the cycle the contained nutrients not only of the applied fertilizers, but also of the soil. Mobilization of plants' assimilation of basic nutrients (N, P, K, Ca) also allows to reduce losses due to leaching. The results obtained allow us to calculate the balance of nutrients in the soil and choose the best crops and fertilizer systems that ensure optimal productivity of agricultural land and reproduction of soil fertility.

Greening and agroecological assessment of the agricultural sector of the Karabakh region

State of the problem. During the occupation by Armenia of the Karabakh economic district of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the military degradation of agricultural lands and their use in agriculture and animal husbandry without observing agroecological rules led to the deterioration of soil fertility and the reduction of the optimality of agrarian landscapes. Object learning. The article presents modern ideas for re-doing the agroecological assessment of the lands and solving the actual agroecological problems of their use in agriculture for greening the development of the agricultural area in the Karabakh economic region. In the economic region, the main approach is given to methodological issues of agro-ecological assessment of soil quality, greening of efficient use of agricultural land, agro-ecological analysis of anthropogenic dynamics of soils, regional integration of assessment of agro-ecological quality of soils. In the design of agroecosystems in the Karabakh economic region, the agroecological approach of the differentiation of the area according to the soil-climate factors, the evaluation of the soil taking into account the geomorphological and climatic factors is given. At the same time, the importance of cadastral assessment and accounting of the modern ecological condition of the region's land resources, as well as the issues of their effective use and protection are explained. In the article, in order to ensure the development of the agrarian sector in the region, the importance of the complex agro-ecological re-evaluation of land resources, ways to eliminate the main indicators of land degradation and ecological requirements for the cultivation of plants, determination of territorial units characterized by variability of natural and climatic conditions, agro-production grouping of elementary areas of agro-landscapes and according to the agro-ecological assessment of the area, the ways of organizing the efficient use of land were investigated. Methodology. Generalization, historical, statistical, systematic analysis, and comparison methods were used to prepare the article. Research results. Environmental and economic stability may become more challenging in the future due to increasing anthropogenic pressure on agroecosystems in the economic region and poor infrastructure. Due to intensive land use, frequent erosion, river floods, and environmental pollution in the region can lead to a decline in the quality of agricultural land. Also, anthropogenic activities in the region can have a negative impact on the state and development of agroecosystems and the sustainable development of agriculture in the region, to optimize which it is considered necessary to improve and update the methods and technologies used in agriculture. The scientific novelty of the research. It is necessary to apply agroecological concepts and principles in the redesign, development, and management of sustainable agricultural systems in the economic region. The development of agroecosystems in the region should be ensured by alternative agricultural methodologies and approaches that combine the socio-economic and historical context of agriculture. The production of organic agricultural products, which do not harm human health and the natural environment, should be carried out, and the ecological condition of the soil should also be monitored regularly.

Influence of Irrigation Methods and Nano-fertilizers Application on the Yield of Transplanted Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Periyar Vaigai Command Area of Madurai

Background: Rice production and productivity must be increased despite water scarcity and deterioration of soil fertility by imbalanced fertilizer application. To meet the demand of the ever growing population, the production level must be increased to cope with minimum inputs and enhanced input-use efficiency. Efficient and effective method of irrigation and fertilizer application could address the emerging issue. Methods: The field study was conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute in Madurai to identify suitable irrigation methods and nutrient management practices with the aim of increasing the yield of rice under transplanted condition during Kharif 2022. The experiment was carried out in a split plot design with irrigation methods in the main plot and foliar spray of nano-fertilizers in combination with conventional fertilizers in the sub-plot. Result: Yield characters such as number of productive tillers m-2, panicle length (cm), panicle weight (g), number of grains and filled grains panicle-1 were recorded in addition to grain and straw yield (kg/ha). From this study it could be concluded that, irrigation through alternate wetting and drying along with combined application of 50% N and K through straight fertilizers + Nano N and K applied as foliar spray recorded higher yield attributes and yield of rice.

Changes in soil fertility under partial organic substitution of chemical fertilizer - A 33-year trial.

This study examined the changes in soil fertility in a maize cropping area when chemical fertilizer was partially replaced with straw or livestock manure over a 33 years period. Four treatments were included: (1) CK (no fertilizer application); (2) NPK (only chemical fertilizer application); (3) NPKM (chemical fertilizer partly replaced with livestock manure); (4) NPKS (chemical fertilizer partly replaced with straw). Soil organic carbon increased by 41.7% and 95.5% in the NPKS and NPKM treatments, respectively, over the 33-year trial compared with the initial concentration. However, SOC in NPK was significantly reduced by 9.8%. Soil total N, P and K both increased in NPKM and NPKS treatments compared to the original soil. Soil pH was significantly acidified from 7.6 to 5.97 in the NPK treatment during the experimental period. The NPKM and NPKS treatments buffered the acidification compared to NPK. Meta-analysis results showed that, compared with NPK, NPKM significantly raised soil bacteria and fungi populations by 38.7% and 58.6%, enhanced microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen by 66.3% and 63%, respectively; and increased sucrase, urease and catalase activities by 34.2%, 48.2% and 21.5%. NPKS significantly increased soil fungi and actinomycetes populations by 24.3% and 41.2%, respectively; enhanced microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen by 27.1% and 45%, strengthened sucrase and urease activities by 36% and 20.3%, respectively. Long term chemical fertilizer application leaded to the deterioration of soil fertility and environment. Partial replacement of organic materials to chemical fertilizers could significantly amend and buffer such negative effects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Changes in Fertility of Alluvial Meadow Soil under Different Fertilizer Systems in Vegetable Crop Rotation

In a laboratory and field experiment conducted in the climatic conditions of the Moscow region, it was found that after 2 rotations (6 years) saturated vegetable crop rotation (late white cabbage – carrots – table beets) on alluvial meadow medium loamy soil with annual application of biocompost at a dose of 6 t/ha (total of 18 t/ha), the humus content in the soil stabilized, a tendency to accumulation of alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen fraction (+6%) was noted and the consumption of mobile forms of phosphorus (–4%) and potassium (–6%), as well as soil decompression. The use of mineral fertilizers in single and one-and-a-half doses revealed a tendency to decrease the content of humus in the soil (by 3–4%), hydrolyzable nitrogen (by 7–8%) and the accumulation of mobile phosphorus (by 1–15%) and potassium (by 3–22%). The introduction of a low dose of mineral fertilizers led to a deterioration of soil fertility, a decrease in the content of humus (–5%), mobile phosphorus and potassium (by 5 and 17%). Slightly more effective was the introduction of biocompost annually at a dose of 3 t/ha. With the joint application of biocompost (6 t/ha) and a single dose of NPK, stabilization of the humus content in the soil at the initial level, accumulation of hydrolyzable nitrogen (by 9%), mobile phosphorus and potassium (by 5–6%) was noted. During 2 rotations, there was a decrease in the content of exchangeable calcium (by 1–10% from the initial level) and magnesium (by 3–11%) and weak acidification of the soil (a decrease in pHKCl by 1–2% from the initial indicator). It was found that the average productivity of arable land without the use of fertilizers was 50 t/ha, increased by 14 when the half dose was applied, by 28 when the single dose was applied, and by 42% when the half dose was applied, the use of biocompost at doses of 3 and 6 t/ha provided an increase in productivity by 8–16%. With the joint annual application of biocompost with a single dose of NPK, the average productivity of crop rotation increased by 26–35%.

Alleviating soil degradation caused by green bean continuous cropping: application of combined amendments

Context Management practices of conventional cropping that includes intense monoculture has led to soil health problems, such as deterioration of soil fertility and soil microbial diversity, leading to the proliferation of soil-borne diseases. Soil amendments using organic materials, calcium and disinfecting agents may be important management tools to promote healthier soils. Aims To determine the effects of combined soil improving amendments to mitigate problems associated with continuous cropping of green bean. Methods Soil samples were collected from the modified areas (SF) of combined application of organic amendments (biofertiliser, humic acid material), calcium amendments (lime, calcium magnesium compound fertiliser) and disinfection materials (carbendazim) and unmodified areas (CK) to compare the effects of chemical characteristics, allelochemicals and microbial community in soil under different soil modifications. Key results Results showed that combined modification could significantly increase soil pH, organic matter (SOM), available nutrients (N, P, and K), and decrease the contents of phenolic acids allelochemicals in soil. However, l-epicatechin increased. The combined modification could increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Actinobacteria, Nocardioides and Streptomyces, and decrease the relative abundance of microorganisms such as Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria that can cause soil-borne diseases. Conclusions Biological mechanism mapping showed that the application of combined amendments could effectively alleviate soil fertility problems associated with long-term cultivation of green bean. Implications The combined application of organic amendments, calcium amendments and disinfection materials can modify soil to promote the healthier agricultural soils in long-term vegetable growing areas.

PREDICTING THE EXPECTED VALUES OF THE MOST IMPORTANT VARIABLES DETERMINING THE FOOD SECURITY COEFFICIENT OF THE WHEAT CROP IN IRAQ UNTIL 2030

The research aims to predict the expected values ​​of the most important variables determining the food security coefficient of the wheat crop in Iraq for the period (2021-2030), where the food security coefficient of the wheat crop was calculated. The results showed that the wheat food security coefficient was about (0.97), which indicates that the value of the security coefficient Food is less than the correct one, but it is greater than (0.50), which is enough for more than six months, which requires maintaining the level of food security of wheat and seeking to increase that rate by the concerned state agencies, either by expanding the cultivation of the wheat crop or increasing imports, which It leads to an accumulation in the strategic stock sufficient for local consumption to enhance the food security of wheat and the ability to face the emergency conditions that the country may go through, and then predict the expected values ​​of the most important variables specific to the food security factor of the wheat crop in Iraq until 2030, and the exponential smoothing method will be used in predicting the expected values ​​of the most important variables specific to the food security coefficient in Iraq, through the results of predicting the expected values ​​of the most important variables specific to the food security coefficient of the wheat crop during the current period. A study, where the method of double exponential smoothing (DES) was adopted, and it appeared that the prediction of the cultivated area is declining during the future years, and one of the reasons for this decline is the deterioration of soil fertility due to salinization and erosion as well as environmental conditions, while the rest of the variables are expected to be on the rise in the coming years.

Assessment of soil erosion risks in response to land-use and land-cover changes in Coka watershed, Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Soil erosion is a serious problem arising from agricultural intensification and other anthropogenic activities which can cause deterioration of soil fertility and productivity. This study aims to estimate total amounts of soil loss using the RUSLE and NDVI models and identify major areas of concern for management interventions through site specific in the Coka watershed, Southern Ethiopia. The RUSLE model required the integration of thematic factors such as rainfall, length and steepness of the slope, land-use and land-cover, soil erodibility, and control practices. These factors were calculated using remote sensing data and GIS. The results indicated that total area coverage from study of watershed under the degree of severity of erosion and priority was <5(very low), 5 − 10 (low), 10 − 18 (moderate), 18 − 50 (high), 50 − 100 (very high) and >100 t ha–1yr–1 (severe). Soil loss rates ranged between 2.33 in bare land and 237.16 t ha–1yr–1 in forest. Based on the findings, erosion risk having estimated soil loss (≥ 18 t ha–1yr–1) which is above tolerable range for the country containing 73% (2723 ha) from the total area coverage of watershed. Thus, appropriate soil and water conservation practices should be adopted to restore degraded lands and environment by giving attention for erosion hotspot areas.

Development of the design of pre-sowing mounted leveller TEA-7

Crop cultivation technology is a complex of agronomic practices, carried out in a certain order, aimed at meeting the biological requirements of the crop and obtaining a given amount and quality of yield. The tasks can be solved by using different technological methods, which are selected individually not only for the crop as a whole, but also as the best option for each variety or hybrid, as applied to specific soil and climatic conditions. Development of new technologies and elements of cultivation technology, their maximum coordination with the biological requirements of crops and individual approach to each variety (hybrid) will allow to maximize the potential of the cultivated crop. In modern conditions, resource-saving technologies are one of the priority areas in modern agriculture, the development of which has become a priority task, because in modern crop production there are a number of problems: reduction of profitability of agriculture, significant depreciation of machinery fleet and the trend towards deterioration of soil fertility.

The production process of peas (Pisum sativum L.) under the influence of Ryzohumin and biostimulants in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Soil fertility deterioration and crop resistance weakening are among the undesirable consequences of the agricultural production intensifcation. The use of microbiological preparations and biostimulants complexes in the crops cultivation technology stimulates their growth processes, optimizes mineral nutrition, increases yields in adverse conditions. The paper aims to study the features of separate and joint influence of microbiological preparation Ryzohumin and biostimulants (Stimpo, Rehoplant) on growth, development, photoassimilating apparatus and yield formation processes in peas of Devis variety in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. During the experiment, the number of root nodules was calculated, the leaf area index, the content of chlorophyll were determined, and the netto-photosynthesis productivity was calculated. The structural elements of the biological productivity of pea crops were recorded. It was established that the joint effect of Ryzohumin with biostimulants (Stimpo, Rehoplant) increased the number of root nodules on pea plants at different stages of the vegetation. The tested preparations increased the leaf area index of pea crops at maximum in 1.5 times during vegetative growth and in 1.6 times during generative development. The combined use of Ryzohumin with biostimulants allowed to form a larger area of the pea plants leaf surface than when was used in separate application. In the case of joint interaction of Stimpo with Ryzohumin, the productivity of nettophotosynthesis at the phase of 5–6 stipules-budding exceeded by 21–27 % and at the phase of flowering-bean formation exceeded by 7–14 % the best option with separate use of preparations. The use of Ryzohumin, Stimpo and Rehoplant resulted in an increase in the number of beans on plants by 22 %, 4 % and 11 %, respectively, and compared to the control. The obtained biological yield of peas under combined application of Ryzohumin with Stimpo exceeded by 12–14 %, and Ryzohumin with Rehoplant – by 6–11 %, comparing with the yield of pea crops, where the studied preparations were used separately. The obtained data confrm the future perspective to research of the pea crops productive processes under the influence of biological preparations. Key words: peas, biostimulator, Ryzohumin, Rehoplant, Stimpo, photoassimilation apparatus, yield.

Effects of cultivation soils and ages on microbiome in the rhizosphere soil of Panax ginseng

To protect the limited forest resources, forestry soils for Panax ginseng cultivation is gradually replaced by farmland, but the extent to which soil type and cultivation age affects soil microbiome in the ginseng rhizosphere is not well known. By using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S and ITS2 rRNA genes, we tested the effects of two soil types (forest, and farmland) and three cultivation ages (four, five, and six years) on soil microbiome in the ginseng rhizosphere from nine locations in Jilin Province, China. Relative abundance and diversity of rhizosphere microbes differed among soil samples, and Ascomycota, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla. Soil type positively influenced fungal community, while cultivation age had more positive effect on bacterial than on fungal community. Richness and diversity of fungal community was greater in forest than in farmland soils, while these parameters for bacterial communities were lower in forest than in farmland soils. A deterioration of soil fertility and continuous cultivation increased the proportion of pathogens such as Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon, but reduced the proportion of beneficial and neutral fungi and bacteria. The observed changes in soil properties (pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium) caused by soil type and cultivation age could be explained by the variations in the microbiome. A network analysis indicated that farmland and increasing cultivation age augmented the proportion of pathogens but diminished the proportion of beneficial and neutral fungi and bacteria. The present study showed that the rhizosphere microbiome differed between forest and farmland soils. Cultivation age had a stronger influence on bacterial than on fungal community. These findings suggested that soil microbiome dynamics may be a bioindicator of soil quality, and defining the microbial players involved in various cultivation ages will promote the selection and adoption of favorable ginseng cultivation lands.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ ИЗГОТОВЛЕНИЯ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКИ АКТИВНОЙ ЭКОДОБАВКИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ПРИРОДНЫХ, МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ И БАКТЕРИАЛЬНЫХ РЕСУРСОВ

The article deals with the problem of soil salinization, focuses on the problem of deterioration of soil fertility and the quality of agricultural land. The technology of manufacturing an energetically active eco-additive is proposed, which includes lactobacilli, salt-resistant bacteria of the Caspian Sea, nitrogen-forming bacteria and bacteria obtained from rainwater (strain D1) related to saprophytic bacteria. A technology of production of an energy-active eco additive is also proposed, which, in addition to saprophytic microbes and unicellular algae, includes calcined algae, sulfur and biomass of plant origin (waste), which are a source of alternative energy. The use of the last component of eco additive has a detrimental effect on pathogenic fungi and a positive effect on bacteria and algae. This makes it possible to widely use eco-additive in saline lands and greenhouses to combat pathogenic fungi and aridity, in addition, it contributes to an increase in the number of bacteria in the soil that contribute to the rapid decomposition of chemical minerals and also increase soil fertility.

INTRODUCTION OF PERENNIAL WHEAT TO CONSERVE THE BIODIVERSITY AND SOIL FERTILITY OF THE SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN

Currently, due to the increase in acreage for agriculture, the most important indicator of the environment is the deterioration of soil fertility.&nbsp; A perennial wheat plant is being grown and adapted in the greenhouses for the first time in Kazakhstan since 2020. The length of the ears of annual wheat averaged 12-12.5 cm, the ears of the variety of perennial wheat-15-16 cm. The longest Ear reached 17 cm in length. In greenhouse conditions, new types of fertilizers with the addition of sulfur were used for the growth and development of perennial wheat. In conclusion, it should be noted that in greenhouse conditions, under the condition of applying fertilizers with the addition of sulfur, compared with the control variant, the growth and development of perennial wheat had higher indicators.&nbsp; In the conditions of arable land, the composition of soils was determined, an agrobiological experience of growth and development was carried out.&nbsp;

Застосування добрив на основі осадів стічних вод для додаткового фосфорного живлення рослин

Goal. To substantiate the use of fertilizers based on sewage sludge (SS) to increase soil fertility and crop yields through additional phosphorus nutrition. Methods. Field experiment — to determine the effectiveness of new types of bio-fertilizers based on SS, mathematical — to analyze and evaluate the reliability of the results. Results. In recent decades, there has been a decline in the livestock industry, which in turn has affected the decline in the production of organic fertilizers and, as a consequence, the deterioration of soil fertility and reduced agricultural productivity. This situation has led to the search for new types of fertilizer resources and the development of effective measures to increase the composition of phosphorus compounds available to plants. These are sewage sludge. One of the promising areas for solving the problem of soil enrichment with available phosphorus compounds for plants may be the composting of SS in urban treatment plants. The result of composting is an available organic product with the participation of phosphate-mobilizing microorganisms, which can be used in agricultural production. Conclusions. The prospects of using non-traditional organic fertilizers — SS and composts based on them — in increasing crop yields are shown. Thus, the main application of the studied types of non-traditional organic fertilizers based on SS of biological treatment plants (BTP) “Pivdenna” and “Pivnichna” (Odessa) with vegetable fillers (winter wheat straw, sunflower seed husk) under corn for grain yield provided an increase of yield ability of crop by 31.6–50.0%.

Prospects for the Cultivation of Vicia Sativa L. in Mixed Crops on Green Manure in Novgorod Region

Interest in the cultivation of mixed crops increases every year in proportion to the growth of the appearance of problems associated with the deterioration of soil fertility, the rise in the cost of resources and the strengthening of weather anomalies in the country. The problem of decreasing soil fertility and the continuing increase in prices for mineral fertilizers will eventually lead to the introduction of alternative methods of accumulating humus in the soil using low-cost technologies in forage production. In our country, in which the path of intensive development of animal husbandry has been chosen as the main industry in agriculture, feed should make up 80% of all products obtained from agriculture. Studies on the cultivation of vetch (Vicia sativa L.) for green manure purposes have shown that thanks to the deep root system of the vetch-green manure, the soil loosens naturally without the need to dig up arable land. Rotting in the ground, the root leaves empty areas filled with water and air. The conducted studies of the use of vetch in mixed crops for green manure purposes allow recommending joint sowing 1:1 (through a row) vetch with oats as an alternative way to single-species sowing of vetch.

Soil fertility and nutrient uptake of rice influenced by plant growth promoting microbes, seaweed extract and humic acid fortified in situ rice residue compost

Purpose Intensive rice cultivation, non-addition of organic matter and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers lead to soil fertility deterioration; on other side, farmers are burning huge quantities of rice residue causing severe air pollution warrants pragmatic disposal solution. In situ composting is considered as a potential alternative to destruction of crop residues. Moreover, fortification of crop residue with beneficial microbes and bio stimulants increase the availability of nutrients which constitutes an integral component in sustainable agriculture.The objective was to evaluate the effect of in situ rice residue compost fortification with PGPM consortia, humic acid and seaweed extract on the soil nutrient availability and uptake by rice. Method The experiment was conducted in a RBD at field condition. Rice was grown under 10 treatments comprising a control (100 % NPK) and nine treatments (in situ rice residue, fortified FYM, fortified in situ rice residue along with 100, 75 and 50 % NPK). Results In situ rice residue fortified with PGPM consortia, humic acid and seaweed extract significantly improved the soil carbon, nutrients' availability (macro and micro) and soil fertility. Combined application of fortified rice residue compost with 75% NPK resulted in significantly higher rice yields (grain 6.03 t ha-1 and straw 8.57 t ha-1) and nutrient uptake. Conclusion In situ rice residue composting provides promising straw disposal method as well as recoups lost share of organic matter and nutrients to soil. Farmers may adapt in situ compost to restore soil health without causing environmental hazard and also sustain crop productivity.

Food Security Concerns and Sustainable Agricultural Production in Egypt

Agriculture is one of Egypt’s most important sectors and a principal economic and social concern. The challenge to Egypt’s agriculture is to sustainably expand agricultural production to meet escalating domestic demand for food and serve as a pathway out of poverty. However, the agricultural sector faces many difficulties and challenges that have characterized the sector in recent decades. This paper outlines the key characteristics of Egypt’s agriculture and the significant threats to agricultural production and productivity. Besides, it summarizes current trends in productivity growth rates of the major grain crops. The overall objective of the article is to analyze the impact of food security concerns on agriculture sustainability in Egypt and the consequences of unsustainable agriculture systems on food security. The nexus of food security concerns – the growing number of poor people, increasing demand for food, escalating food prices, resource constraints to increase food production, struggling economy, and the burden of food imports- has stimulated agricultural intensification. On the other hand, unsustainable cropping systems could lead to the exhaustion of scarce water resources, deterioration of soil fertility, and pollution of water and land resources. Such consequences caused by agricultural intensification jeopardize Egypt’s ability of food production into the future.

Selection of Parameters for Soil Quality Following Compost Application: A Ranking Method

Intensive agricultural practices with excessive use of chemical fertiliser have led to the deterioration of soil fertility where soil losses its ability to sustain a consistent crop system with high yield. Compost is a potential substitution to chemical fertiliser. As a biological additive, compost can improve soil quality and crop productivity, controlling plant diseases and reduce nutrient loss and water pollution. However, the effect of compost application to enhance the quality of the soil may be inconsistent due to the slow release nature of the nutrients, compost quality, types of feedstocks and other factors. To evaluate the effects of compost application, it may involve a large number of parameter analyses, which can be costly and time ineffective. There is no indicator to reduce the number of analyses concerning the effect of compost application on soil fertility. In this study, a ranking method is proposed to identify the minimum number of parameters able to track the effect of compost application on soil fertility and the environmental impact. A total of 23 soil parameters were selected through literature review and ranked for their importance to show the effect of compost use. The ranking method was developed based on (1) the reporting frequency of environmental and soil fertility parameters and (2) impact of the selective parameter to the environment. Soil C and N contents were found to be the most frequently reported parameters (85 and 90 %) to affect soil fertility upon compost application. Both contents in the soil also change significantly before and after compost application. Heavy metals and N2O emissions were found to impact the environment most due to the toxicity of heavy metal to the environment and human health and high global warming potential of N2O. Based on the ranking method, nine parameters (N, NO3--N, P, K, micro-nutrients, heavy metals, C, pH and N2O emissions) were selected. 60 % of soil analyses were reduced following this ranking method. For the future study, a weightage system could be implemented on each criterion to decide the more essential parameters to be evaluated based on different soil or crop type and under different agricultural practices.

Simulation of the effects of forest harvesting under changing climate to inform long-term sustainable forest management using a biogeochemical model

Process ecosystem models are useful tools to provide insight on complex, dynamic ecological systems, and their response to disturbances. The biogeochemical model PnET-BGC was modified and tested using field observations from an experimentally whole-tree harvested northern hardwood watershed (W5) at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire, USA. In this study, the confirmed model was used as a heuristic tool to investigate long-term changes in hydrology, biomass accumulation, and soil solution and stream water chemistry for three different watershed cutting intensities (40%, 60%, 80%) and three rotation lengths (30, 60, 90 years) under both constant (current climate) and changing (MIROC5-RCP4.5) future climate scenarios and atmospheric CO2 through the year 2200. For the no future cutting scenario, total ecosystem stored carbon (i.e., sum of aboveground biomass, woody debris and soil) reached a maximum value of 207 t C ha−1 under constant climate but increased to 452 t C ha−1 under changing climate in 2200 due to a CO2 fertilization effect. Harvesting of trees decreased total ecosystem stored carbon between 7 and 36% for constant climate and 7–60% under changing climate, respectively, with greater reductions for shorter logging rotation lengths and greater watershed cutting intensities. Harvesting under climate change resulted in noticeable losses of soil organic matter (12–56%) coinciding with loss of soil nutrients primarily due to higher rates of soil mineralization associated with increases in temperature, compared with constant climate conditions (3–22%). Cumulative stream leaching of nitrate under climate change (181–513 kg N ha−1) exceeded constant climate values (139–391 kg N ha−1) for the various cutting regimes. Under both climate conditions the model projected greater sensitivity to varying the length of cutting period than cutting intensities. Hypothetical model simulations highlight future challenges in maintaining long-term productivity of managed forests under changing climate due to a potential for a deterioration of soil fertility.

Customized Fertilizers- An Artefact in Indian Agriculture: A Review

Indian agriculture is suffering from low crop productivity and poor sustainability as its land suffers from varying degrees of soil fertility depletion. There exists a wide gap between amount of nutrients removed by crops and added through fertilizers resulting in reduced yields is due to mineral deficiency. Besides, there are issues of poor fertilizer response and reduced fertilizer use efficiency. Therefore, the holistic approach should be soil-climate-crop specific. It is essential to supply both macro and micronutrients to cater the needs of the crop. As Indian soils are deficit in supplying nutrients especially nitrogen and zinc, customized fertilizer is one option, being a multi-nutrient carrier of both macro and micro nutrients, is tailored to meet the region, soil, crop specific needs designed through specialised smart fertilizer technology, manufactured through systematic granulation process. These, customized fertilizer boost crop yields and arrest soil fertility deterioration over long run in a sustainable manner.