Sustainable Agriculture Research Articles

Improved Microbial Carbon Use Efficiency With Low Tillage Intensity: Evidence and Research Gaps

ABSTRACTHigh microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in agricultural soils can limit the return of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) from organic matter mineralisation and potentially increase soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation through the formation of microbial biomass and necromass. Therefore, soil management practices that increase microbial CUE are relevant for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. We conducted an exploratory literature review and evidence synthesis to compare microbial CUE between conventional tillage (CT) and low‐intensity tillage systems (reduced tillage, RT and no‐tillage, NT). The synthesis of 50 paired observations from 11 studies showed an overall increase in microbial CUE of 12% in soils under low‐intensity tillage compared to CT (p = 0.02). Separate tillage contrasts of RT and NT versus CT (i.e., RT/CT and NT/CT) also showed higher microbial CUE for soils under low‐intensity tillage with p = 0.06 and p = 0.05, respectively. The increase in CUE is likely due to improved substrate availability for microbial growth and/or changes in the microbial community induced by the contrasting tillage systems. However, the limited availability of quantitative data linking tillage‐induced changes in these drivers to microbial CUE constrains further analysis. We also extracted available SOC data from the eligible studies, but this data did not provide evidence that increases in microbial CUE were correlated with increases in SOC content. Future studies should extend the emerging empirical data set and clarify the abiotic and biotic drivers through which tillage practices can be refined for better SOC management and climate change mitigation strategies. Further studies should also aim to better understand the link between microbial CUE and SOC dynamics, which is important for the representation of CUE in global SOC models.

Vine Pruning Residues and Wine Fermentation By-Products: A Non-Exploited Source of Sustainable Agriculture, Albania Case

Albania, situated in southeastern Europe, enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is well-suited for grape cultivation. The vineyard area totals 7.202 million hectares. Since the 1990s, the country has experienced a resurgence in its rich winemaking traditions, which have gained considerable attention over the last decade. Alongside its significant wine production, large amounts of vine pruning waste and fermentation by-products are generated, estimated at over 50,000 t of prunings and 35,900 t of grape pomace annually. This waste is often burned, and the ash is used as fertilizer, releasing considerable CO2 emissions, and contributing to greenhouse gas levels. However, recycling these prunings into fertilizer by chipping and grinding them in the vineyard presents a sustainable choice, providing key minerals, nitrogen, phosphorus, and various micronutrients, thereby reducing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers in farming. Characterized by small plantations, the vine pruning issue needs site-specific, economically feasible solutions for the farmer. Additionally, there is unexplored potential for applying wine fermentation pressing residues as fertilizer for agricultural land or vineyards. The Albanian wine sector has significant untapped opportunities, such as employing vine pruning ash as a mineral fertilizer to help achieve sustainability goals.

Cyto- and Genotoxicity of Selected Plant Extracts and Microbial Metabolites with Confirmed Activity Against Phytopathogens of Potato Seed (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of potential biocontrol agents for use against phytopathogens of potato seed (Solanum tuberosum L.). Plant extracts from Allium sativum L., Syzygium aromaticum L. Merr. & Perry, Salvia officinalis L., and Curcuma longa L., as well as metabolites of bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KB2 LAB 03 and yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima TK1, were investigated. The chemical characteristics of the plant extracts and the metabolic profiles of the tested microorganisms were evaluated by GC-MS. An insect cell line from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) and human cervix adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) were used to evaluate cytotoxicity in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The single-cell electrophoresis assay was used to estimate DNA damage. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the microbial metabolites depended on their chemical profiles and pH. The plant extracts induced stronger DNA damage in the Sf-9 cell line than in HeLa cells. The garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract showed the highest cytotoxicity against Sf-9 insect cells (IC50 41.6 mg/mL). The sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract showed the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC50 49.6 mg/mL). This study is the first to investigate not only the potential of these novel biocontrol agents for plant disease control, but also their safety for humans and biodiversity within the context of sustainable agriculture.

Performance of Rice-Wheat Cropping System under Different Production Systems in Irrigated Subtropics of Jammu

The present study was conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Research Farm, FSR Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus Chatha. The experimental site is located at a latitude of 32°40′ N, longitude of 74°58′ E, and an altitude of 332 m above mean sea level. The region experiences an annual rainfall of 1050-1115 mm, with 70% occurring between June and September. The study evaluated the performance of a rice-wheat cropping system under four production systems: P1 (Absolute control), P2 (Organic farming), P3 (Conventional farming), and P4 (Natural farming). Results revealed that conventional farming consistently achieved significantly higher productivity in both crops. For rice, conventional farming recorded the highest grain yield (28.49 q/ha) and straw yield (55.06 q/ha), outperforming organic farming (25.53 q/ha and 53.45 q/ha) and natural farming (24.67 q/ha and 51.46 q/ha). Similarly, for wheat, conventional farming resulted in the highest grain yield (39.98 q/ha) and straw yield (53.32 q/ha), compared to organic farming (35.52 q/ha and 50.13 q/ha) and natural farming (30.87 q/ha and 48.09 q/ha). A slight improvement in grain and straw yields was observed during the second year across all production systems, except the absolute control. The findings demonstrate the superior performance of conventional farming for maximizing crop productivity in the irrigated subtropical conditions of Jammu while highlighting the potential for further optimization of organic and natural farming systems for sustainable agriculture.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies in Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an essential legume for sustainable agriculture and human nutrition, exhibits considerable genetic variability that holds promise for varietal improvement. This study evaluated 40 diverse chickpea genotypes during the Rabi season of 2021–22 at the Oil Seed Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Significant genetic variability was observed across key agronomic traits, including days to 50% flowering (73.67–95.67), plant height (25.55–42.47 cm), days to maturity (125.33–150.00), and grain yield per plant (8.38–18.63 g). Traits such as 100-seed weight (37.71–65.48 g), biological yield (11.14–31.84 g), and harvest index (21.83%–36.13%) demonstrated high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for traits like pods per plant, biological yield, and 100-seed weight, suggesting these are promising targets for selection in breeding programs. Early flowering genotypes and those with superior seed weight and grain yield emerged as candidates for improving productivity and adaptability under diverse agroecological conditions. Additionally, traits with strong positive correlations with seed yield, such as the number of pods per plant and biological yield, offer valuable insights for breeding strategies.

Yield and Quality Effects of Co-cultivating Barley and Triticale with Legumes in Hydroponic Fodder Production

Background: The rising demand for sustainable farming practices, especially in regions with constrained land and water resources, has led to the spread of hydroponic systems for green fodder production. Cereals are commonly used in these systems due to their high adaptability, biomass production and ability to meet livestock energy requirements. However, integrating legumes into these cereal-based systems offers potential nutritional benefits, such as increased protein content and improved feed digestibility, which are essential for optimizing livestock productivity. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of co-cultivating barley and triticale with various legumes (common vetch, forage pea, soybean and sunn hemp) on the yield and quality in hydroponic fodder production. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications, involving mixture ratios of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% legumes. Some parameters were evaluated: vegetation height, forage yield, dry matter, crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, metabolizable energy, digestible dry matter, dry matter intake, relative feed quality and some mineral contents (Ca, Mg, K, P). Data were analyzed using ANOVA to determine significant effects of treatments. Result: The inclusion of legumes, particularly at 5% and 10% mixture ratios, significantly improved forage yield and key quality traits, such as crude protein content, digestible dry matter, metabolizable energy and relative feed value. Mixtures containing 10% legumes consistently performed best, balancing yield and quality traits. Both barley- and triticale-based mixtures containing 10% soybean and forage pea demonstrated the most promising results, offering high yields and a favorable nutrient composition. Legume supplementation also increased mineral content while reducing neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, thereby improving overall digestibility. Additionally, triticale was also found to be a suitable substitute for barley in hydroponic systems. These findings suggest that the co-cultivation barley and triticale with legumes can enhance the nutritional composition and productivity of hydroponic fodder, providing a sustainable solution for livestock feed production.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Vermicomposts Derived from Agri-Food Sector Waste in Wheat Cultivation (Triticum aestivum L.)

Purpose of the study: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vermicomposts derived from agri-food sector waste in wheat cultivation (Triticum aestivum L.). The research focused on the impact of various types of vermicompost on plant growth, development, yield, and root system structure. Methodology: The research was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Vermicomposts were obtained through the biological processing of organic waste using earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta). The experiment involved six substrate variants with varying proportions of garden soil, rapeseed meal (DMRE), and cattle manure (DCE). The effectiveness of the substrates was assessed based on wheat germination rates, biomass, and root system development. Main findings: Vermicomposts enriched with cattle manure, particularly at a 25% DMRE proportion, provided the best conditions for wheat growth, enhancing germination rates, biomass, and root system development. Pure rapeseed meal (DMRE) was the least effective, highlighting its limited utility as a standalone fertilizer. The results suggest that moderate use of vermicomposts combined with cattle manure benefits yield and plant health. Application of the study: The findings can be applied in agricultural practices to develop effective wheat fertilization strategies while ensuring sustainable organic waste management. The use of vermicomposts may increase agrarian production efficiency and promote sustainable farming. Originality/Novelty of the study: This study contributes significantly to research on using vermicomposts derived from agri-food waste as eco-friendly and efficient fertilizers, offering innovative solutions for sustainable wheat production.

Path analysis of farmer knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward lumpy skin disease in beef cattle

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) poses a significant threat to cattle populations and the livelihoods of farmers in Thailand. This study uses path analysis to explore the interrelationships among the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of beef cattle farmers regarding LSD. A total of 384 farmers provided data on their sociodemographic characteristics and responses to KAP-related questions. Path analysis was employed to examine how KAP components interact and how demographic factors influence these relationships. The analysis revealed strong positive relationships between farmers’ knowledge and attitudes (β = 0.96, p < 0.001) and between attitudes and practices (β = 0.08, p < 0.008). Farmers with greater knowledge of LSD were more likely to adopt positive attitudes toward disease control and implement effective management practices. Additionally, knowledge had a direct influence on farmers’ practices (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), indicating that improved awareness of LSD is linked to better disease management. By strengthening knowledge, these efforts can positively influence attitudes and practices, leading to more effective control strategies. As the first KAP study on LSD in Thailand, this research highlights the critical role of targeted education programs in improving farmers’ understanding of LSD. Ultimately, enhancing disease management through education can help reduce the economic impact of LSD on Thailand’s livestock sector and promote sustainable farming practices.

Metal ferrite nanocomposite treatment reduced oxidative stress to improve the growth dynamics of Cucumis sativus in hydroponics

Abstract Green synthesized nanoparticles have various applications but their use for improving plant productivity and agricultural sustainability recommends their usage as nano-fertilisers. In this context, the present study reports the positive influence of hydroponically exposed green synthesized Tri-metal ferrite TiO2-Al2O3-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites (TMFN) on Cucumis sativus (cucumber). Cucumber is rich in polyphenols and an important part of the human diet because of its water-rich and low-calorie nature. A considerable increase in the length of shoot-roots, relative water content, and chlorophyll level of cucumber was observed on TMFN exposure. An increase of 25–82 and 94–220% in carbohydrate and protein levels on TMFN treatment was observed. Likewise, the phenols, flavonoids, and free radical scavenging potential of the plants were increased by 22-88, 64-211, and 4-18%, respectively, on TMFN exposure. As a result, there was an observable decrease of 62-86 and 14-68% in the oxidative stress indicators, MDA and H2O2, respectively. A simultaneous and significant increase in the inorganic nitrate, nitrite content, nitrate reductase, and glutamate synthetase activity was evident. However, ammonia content and glutamate dehydrogenase activity decreased significantly by 27-82 and 31-85%, respectively. Overall, the TMFN induced significant morphological and biochemical changes in cucumber indicated their probable role as potential plant growth promoters. However further research is required for understanding the molecular and genetic aspects of the effects of green synthesised TMFN on other plants as well as crops grown hydroponically.&amp;#xD;

Antifungal Efficacy of Essential Oils and Their Predominant Components Against Olive Fungal Pathogens

The antifungal effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) and their predominant components were tested on 14 phytopathogenic fungi isolated from olive trees. Commercial EOs from holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.), Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum Ness), lemon (Citrus × limon), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), oregano (Origanum compactum Benth), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and components eugenol, e-cinnamaldehyde, limonene, menthol, carvacrol, and thymol were used. Antifungal efficacy was tested on six species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family: Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. &amp; De Not.; Diplodia mutila (Fr.) Fr.; D. seriata De Not.; Dothiorella iberica A.J.L. Phillips, J. Luque &amp; A. Alves; Do. sarmentorum (Fr.) A.J.L. Phillips, Alves &amp; Luque; and Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook &amp; Samuels) Crous, Slippers &amp; A.J.L. Phillips. Other tested species included Biscogniauxia mediterranea (De Not.) Kuntze, B. nummularia (Bull.) Kuntze; Cytospora pruinosa Défago; Nigrospora gorlenkoana Novobr.; N. osmanthi Mei Wang &amp; L. Cai; N. philosophiae-doctoris M. Raza, Qian Chen &amp; L. Cai; Phaeoacremonium iranianum L. Mostert, Grafenhan, W. Gams &amp; Crous; and Sordaria fimicola (Roberge ex Desm.) Ces. &amp; De Not. The results show that Chinese cinnamon and oregano EOs, along with their components, completely inhibited the growth of all tested fungi, indicating their potential as biological control agents in sustainable agriculture. In contrast, the least effective treatments were the EOs derived from lemon and peppermint, as well as the components limonene, menthol, and thymol. Notably, the fungi Do. iberica and N. gorlenkoana were among the most sensitive to all the treatments applied.

Exploring the intricacies of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria interactions: an omics review

Abstract Background Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the rhizosphere. PGPR play a role in stimulating plant growth and development and enhancing plant resistance and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. To effectively fulfil their roles, PGPR engage in intricate interactions with one another, a phenomenon that occurs within the rhizosphere. Mainbody. This collaborative synergy among PGPR species within the rhizosphere is essential for them to perform their functions optimally. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms and dynamics of PGPR-PGPR interactions, particularly at the transcriptomic level, remain the subject of ongoing research. Scientists are actively exploring and studying how these microorganisms interact and coordinate their activities within the rhizosphere, shedding light on the molecular processes underpinning their cooperative efforts. In this review, we undertake a thorough examination centred on the communication systems that regulate interactions among PGPR in the rhizosphere. Our examination delves into the mechanisms by which this communication triggers alterations at both the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Additionally, we assess the cutting-edge omics technologies currently available to study these intricate processes. Conclusion Understanding the modes of communication and molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions is crucial for harnessing their full potential, particularly in sustainable agriculture. By exploring transcriptomic and metabolomic alterations driven by these interactions, as well as the integration of advanced omics technologies, researchers can uncover new insights into decoding these complex processes, paving the way for innovative strategies to enhance sustainable agriculture.

Enhancing phosphorus availability and dynamics in acidic soils through Rice straw biochar application: a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for crop growth, but its bioavailability is often limited in acidic soils, which are prevalent in many agricultural regions, including South China. These soils are characterized by low phosphorus availability and high levels of phosphorus fixation, which exacerbate the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Over-reliance on phosphate fertilizers has led to environmental concerns, such as phosphorus accumulation and eutrophication. This study investigates the potential of straw biochar to improve phosphorus dynamics in two typical South Chinese soils: high-phosphorus paddy soil and low-phosphorus lateritic red soil. Using a range of biochar application rates, we examined the effects on phosphorus fractions, phosphatase activity, and microbial biomass phosphorus. The results indicate that biochar significantly increased phosphorus availability, enhanced soil enzyme activity, and boosted microbial phosphorus content, especially in the phosphorus-deficient red soil. These findings underscore the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution for enhancing phosphorus management, improving soil fertility, and reducing environmental risks in South China and similar regions. This research contributes valuable insights into biochar’s practical applications in sustainable agriculture, offering a promising approach to improve phosphorus use efficiency and soil health.

Digging deeper into the impacts of different soil water systems on the date palm root architecture and associated fungal communities

Abstract In arid regions, excessive water use threatens agricultural sustainability and overall livelihoods. It is essential to minimize water consumption to address these issues. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an emblematic crop of arid regions and a major water consumer. Adapting current irrigation systems to be more water-efficient systems could help cope with the water consumption of this crop. Microbial communities associated with plants are essential for agricultural sustainability and could improve the water use efficiency in regions threatened by water scarcity. These communities should thus be seriously taken into account when adapting agrosystems to the current global change setting. However, no information is presently available on the effects of the different soil water systems on date palm microbial communities. This study highlights the impact of different soil water systems (flooding and drip irrigation, natural conditions and abandoned farms) on date palm root fungal communities at different soil depths (40, 80 and 140 cm deep). The findings revealed that the soil water systems had a marked impact on fungal communities and that drip irrigation reduced the fungal diversity but increased the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We showed that these effects were similar at all sampling depths. Finally, as the root architecture is a major determinant of water uptake, we reveal different behaviors of the root architecture under these different soil water systems to 160 cm depth. The findings of this study give new insights into the date palm root architecture and associated fungal communities, particularly in the context of the water availability crisis, which drives the adaptation of agricultural systems.

Profiling the diversity of the village chicken faecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing data to reveal patterns of gut microbiome signatures

IntroductionThe production environment of extensively raised village chickens necessitates their adaptability to low-resource systems. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in supporting this adaptability by influencing health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and functional capacities of the faecal microbiome in village chickens from Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.MethodsUsing a combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing technologies, we analysed 98 16S rRNA and 72 metagenomic datasets. Taxonomic profiles and functional gene annotations were derived, focusing on microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and potential zoonotic pathogens.ResultsTaxonomic analysis showed that the predominant phyla in both provinces were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Escherichia and Shigella were prevalent, with Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae identified as major contributors to the gut microbiome. ARGs were identified, with MarA, PmrF, and AcrE detected in KwaZulu-Natal, and cpxA, mdtG, and TolA in Limpopo. These genes primarily mediate antibiotic efflux and alteration.DiscussionThe detection of zoonotic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. highlights potential health risks to humans through the food chain, emphasizing the importance of improved household hygiene practices. This study underscores the role of the gut microbiome in village chicken health and adaptability, linking microbial diversity to production efficiency in low-resource settings. Targeted interventions and further research are crucial for mitigating zoonotic risks and enhancing sustainability in village chicken farming.

Do beetles indicate more predators and fewer pests in Lao PDR organic farms?

Summary Agricultural intensification has led to significant species losses and has been associated with a decline in ecosystem services provided by insects. In Asia, particularly in Lao PDR (Southeast Asia), biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices such as the production of organic crops have been promoted to address these challenges, although intensification has continued. In this study, we examined beetle community composition in three organic farms (using, for example, manure and compost and not employing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides) and three conventional farms (using, for example, synthetic fertilizers and insecticides) in Vientiane (Lao PDR). Our results indicate that total beetle abundance was similar between farm types, while species richness was greater, predators were over 18 times more abundant and insect pests were 9 times less abundant in organic compared to conventional farms. These findings can inform government organic farming policy in Lao PDR and the promotion of sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia generally.

Complex Microbial Fertilizer Promotes the Growth of Summer-Sown Short-Season-Cultivated Cotton and Increases Cotton Yield in the Yangtze River Basin by Changing the Soil Microbial Community Structure

The summer-sowing short-season cotton cultivation model is an important method for simplified and mechanized cotton planting in the Yangtze River Basin. However, the effects of microbial fertilizers on cotton growth and soil under this model remain unclear. In 2023, we conducted a systematic analysis on the application of microbial fertilizers (compost) at varying levels (CK, MF1, MF2, and MF3) during different growth stages of cotton (bud, flowering, bolling, and boll opening). Results showed that appropriate microbial fertilizer application (MF2 and MF3) enhanced soil bacterial and fungal diversity, enriched beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Acidobacteriota and Candidatus Udaeobacter), improved soil nutrient availability, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (POD, SOD), while reducing membrane lipid peroxidation (MDA). These effects led to significant improvements in yield traits, such as cotton plant height, number of fruiting branches and bolls, boll weight, and coat weight. The highest microbial fertilizer application level (MF3) resulted in a 54.35% increase in seed yield and a 75.37% increase in lint yield compared to CK. PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) and multivariate statistical analyses revealed that microbial fertilizer application fine-tuned soil microbial community composition, emphasizing the dynamic balance of the microbial ecosystem. This study provides scientific support for optimizing microbial fertilizer strategies to enhance the yield and quality of summer-sown short-season cotton and promote sustainable agriculture.

Mapping Soil Organic Matter in Black Soil Cropland Areas Using Remote Sensing and Environmental Covariates

The accurate prediction of soil organic matter (SOM) content is important for sustainable agriculture and effective soil management. This task is particularly challenging due to the variability in factors influencing SOM distribution across different cultivated land types, as well as the site-specific responses of SOM to remote sensing data and environmental covariates, especially in the black soil region of northeastern China, where SOM exhibits significant spatial variability. This study evaluated the variations on the importance of different remote sensing imagery and environmental covariates in different cultivated land zones. A total of 180 soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from Youyi County, Heilongjiang Province, China, and multi-year synthetic bare soil images from 2014 to 2022 (focusing on April and May) were acquired using Google Earth Engine. Combining three types of environmental covariates such as drainage, climate and topography, the study area was categorized into dry field and paddy field. Then, the SOM prediction model was constructed using random forest regression method and the accuracy of different strategies was evaluated by 10-fold cross-validation. The findings indicated that, (1) in the overall regression analysis, combining drainage and climate variables and multi-year synthetic remote sensing images of May could attain the highest prediction accuracy, and the importance of environmental covariates was ranked as follows: remote sensing (RS) &gt; climate (CLI) &gt; drainage (DN) &gt; Topography (TP). (2) Zonal regression analysis was conducted with a high degree of precision, as evidenced by an R2 of 0.72 and an impressively low RMSE of 0.73%. The time window for remote monitoring of SOM was different for dry field and paddy field. More specifically, the optimal time frames for SOM prediction in dryland were identified as April and May, while those for paddy fields were concentrated in May. (3) In addition, the importance of diverse environmental covariates was observed to vary with the cultivated land types. In regions characterized by intricate topography, such as dry fields, the contributions of remote sensing images and climate variables assumed a heightened importance. Conversely, in paddy fields featuring flat terrain, the roles of climate and drainage variables played a more substantial role in influencing the outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate environmental inputs for improving SOM prediction accuracy.

Half-Century Scientometric Analysis: Unveiling the Excellence of Fungi as Biocontrol Agents and Biofertilisers

Reducing the use of chemical inputs is becoming a major challenge in developing sustainable agriculture. Fungi, known as biocontrol agents (BCAs) and biofertilisers, are crucial in scientific research and are celebrated for their efficacy, eco-friendliness, and multifaceted roles. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on 5349 articles related to fungi as BCAs and biofertilisers over the past half-century using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The publications on fungi, such as BCAs and biofertilisers, have increased significantly over the last 20 years, with a maximum growth rate of 33.7%. The USA and China lead in this field. Keyword clustering analysis revealed that entomopathogenic fungi, including Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera, can be used to manage plant pests. It also showed that fungi can be used as biofertilisers to promote plant growth. The analysis of research trends shows that Beauveria bassiana in biological control is highly significant. This study also showed that entomopathogenic fungi control plant pests by infiltrating the insect cuticles. Trichoderma spp. exert biocontrol effects by producing antibiotics. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can trigger plant defence mechanisms by modulating secondary metabolite synthesis. This study contributes to the current knowledge of fungi as BCAs and biofertilisers and can guide future research.

The Rhizospheric Alkali-Halotolerant Bacillus sp. KhSb-159 Enhanced Growth Parameters of the Mung Bean Crop.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth through various direct and indirect mechanisms. In this investigation, we isolated a potential PGPR, Bacillus sp. KhSb-159, from the rhizosphere of Sorghum bicolor L. located at Kharaghoda, Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), Gujarat (India). The isolated Bacillus sp. KhSb-159 displayed distinctive characteristics, forming circular, sticky, opaque, moderate-sized colonies with brown pigmentation. Interestingly, this strain exhibited growth at an alkaline pH of 9, even in the presence of 1M NaCl (w/v). Further analysis revealed its capacity to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, siderophores, and the ability to solubilize phosphate. In addition, KhSb-159 showed extracellular enzyme secretion, including amylase, protease, and cellulase. Bacillus sp. strain KhSb-159 demonstrated its potential to enhance the growth of mung bean crops which is a significant agricultural application. The treated seeds exhibited improvements in various growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, plant biomass, number of leaves, number of roots, fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, fresh weight of root, dry weight of root, fresh weight of leaves, and dry weight of leaves. Overall, Bacillus sp. strain KhSb-159 would be a good choice for bioformulation in sustainable agriculture due to its diverse range of abilities. This study has implications for the advancement of eco-friendly farming methods and offers insightful information about using rhizobacterial strains to maximize plant growth.

Impact of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition on the morpho-physiological, biochemical, yield traits and uptake of nutrients by mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

ABSTRACT Mung bean is a vital legume crop in Pakistan, contributing significantly to both dietary needs and agricultural sustainability due to its rich nutrient content and soil-enhancing properties through nitrogen fixation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of vermicompost, simple compost and NP fertiliser on the morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield characteristics of mung bean. Treatments included vermicompost, compost and their combinations with NP fertiliser. Key parameters assessed were plant height, crop germination, leaf size, nodule viability, pod length, grain protein content and yield attributes. Results indicated that while vermicompost alone improved growth and productivity, the combination of 50% vermicompost with 50% NP fertiliser yielded the highest productivity. Intermediate results were observed with a mixture of 25% vermicompost, 25% compost and 50% NP fertiliser, whereas the control (100% NP fertiliser) and compost treatments alone resulted in the lowest productivity and decreased soil fertility. The study concluded that integrating organic and chemical fertilisers, particularly at a 50:50 vermicompost to NP fertiliser ratio, is optimal for enhancing mung bean yield and soil health.