Garden Soil Research Articles

Sensitive and accurate DNA metabarcoding of parasitic helminth mock communities using the mitochondrial rRNA genes

Next-generation sequencing technologies have accelerated the pace of helminth DNA metabarcoding research, enabling species detection in bulk community samples. However, finding suitable genetic markers with robust species-level resolution and primers targeting a broad species range among parasitic helminths are some of the challenges faced. This study aimed to demonstrate the potential use of the mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes for parasitic helminth (nematodes, trematodes, cestodes) DNA metabarcoding. To demonstrate the robustness of the 12S and 16S rRNA genes for DNA metabarcoding, we determined the proportion of species successfully recovered using mock helminth communities without environment matrix and mock helminth communities artificially spiked with environmental matrices. The environmental matrices are human fecal material, garden soil, tissue, and pond water. Our results revealed the robustness of the mitochondrial rRNA genes, through the high sensitivity of the 12S rRNA gene, and the effectiveness of the 12S and 16S primers targeting platyhelminths. With the mitochondrial rRNA genes, a broad range of parasitc helminths were successfully detected to the species level. The potential of the mitochondrial rRNA genes for helminth DNA metabarcoding was demonstrated, providing a valuable gateway for future helminth DNA metabarcoding applications like helminth detection and biodiversity studies.

Phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge: A cleaner approach

AbstractWorldwide, tannery sludge management has become a big challenge due to containing heavy metals, especially chromium. In this study, phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge by Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is presented. Heavy metals‐chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tannery sludge were found at 12686, 371, 265, and 66 mg/kg, respectively. Separately, Napier grass was harvested on raw tannery sludge and garden soil and examined for 16 and 20 weeks after the sowing of seeds. Metal extraction from tannery sludge in Napier grass was found in a series of Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb; the most accumulation was reported in shoot parts of plants in the order of shoots > roots > leaves. Accumulation of Cr in Napier grass at 16 and 20 weeks was 37% and 66%, respectively. An increasing trend of heavy metal gathering in the plant was found significantly by extending the harvesting period from 16 to 20 weeks. Translocation of Cr and Pb was greater than unity (1.623 and 1.339) indicating the suitability of phytoextraction. Further, Napier grass is a rapid‐yielding tropical grass, which showed a high degree of growth tolerance that could be used for treating heavy metals contaminated tannery sludge.

Microvirga puerhi sp. nov., isolated from Puerh tea garden soil.

Strain WGZ8T was isolated from a soil sample of Puerh tea garden in Pu'er city, Southwest China. The isolate was rod-shaped, Gram-stain negative, facultative anaerobic, non-motile. Growth occurred within 0-3.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimal concentration, 0-1.0%), pH 5.0-11.0 (optimal pH, 7.0) and 10-40°C (optimal temperature, 28°C). 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis revealed that WGZ8T belonged to the genus Microvirga. Its major cellular fatty acids were C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C16:0, C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c. The profile of polar lipids included phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The only respiratory quinone was detected as ubiquinone 10 (Q-10). The genome size of strain WGZ8T was 5.17MB, and the content of DNA G + C was 61mol%. Based on the results of digital DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic results, strain WGZ8T could be concluded as a novel species of the genus Microvirga, for which the name Microvirga puerhi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WGZ8T (= CGMCC 1.19171T = JCM 35317T).

Short Communication: Metabolites of Albizia inhibit in vitro growth of phosphate solubilizing microbial consortia isolated from tea garden soil of Darjeeling hills, India

Abstract. Saha S, Ghosh A, Acharyya S, Bhattacharya M. 2022. Short Communication: Metabolites of Albizia inhibit in vitro growth of phosphate solubilizing microbial consortia isolated from tea garden soil of Darjeeling hills, India. Biodiversitas 23: 2865-2870. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) play a crucial role in maintaining the nutritional status and fertility of the soil. PSMs help in solubilizing the metallic phosphate salts of soil into available phosphate anions for easy uptake by plants. However, this beneficial group of microorganisms also face different challenges for survival from its immediate surroundings. This study was carried out to assess the effect of shade tree litters on the PSM consortia isolated from different tea garden soils of Darjeeling hills, since shade trees are an integral part of tea plantations. Albizia odoratissima, Albizia chinensis and Albizia procera, widely used in tea gardens as shade trees were selected. GC-MS analysis was carried out to detect the metabolites produced by the litters. Twenty-three compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activities were detected. Major peak was found in A. odoratissima, followed by A. chinensisand least in A. procera. Compounds like 1-heptanol, 2-propyl-, neophytadiene, phytol and squalene were common in all three extracts and are considered to provided antimicrobial activity to Albizia. A proportional relation has been observed between magnitude of inhibition zones and peak area percentage in Albizia spp. PSM isolates from shade tree gardens were observed to be more tolerant toward the leaf extracts.

Deciphering waste bound nitrogen by employing psychrophillic Aporrectodea caliginosa and priming of coprolites by associated heterotrophic nitrifiers under high altitude Himalayas

Himalayan ecosystem is characterized by its fragile climate with rich repositories of biodiversity. Waste collection and disposal are becoming increasingly difficult due to topographical variations. Aporrectodea caligenosa, a versatile psychrophillic soil dweller, is a useful biocatalyst with potent bio-augmented capability for waste treatment at low temperatures. Microcosm experiments were conducted to elucidate the comprehensive nature of biogenic nitrogen transformation to NH4+ and NO3− produced by coupling of earthworm-microbes. Higher biogenic recovery of NH4+-N from coprolites of garden soil (47.73 ± 1.16%) and Himalayan goat manure (86.32 ± 0.92%) with an increment of 14.12 and 47.21% respectively over their respective control (without earthworms) with a linear decline beyond 4th week of incubation was reported. NO3–-N recovery progressively sustained in garden soil and goat manure coprolites during entire incubation with highest 81.81 ± 0.45 and 87.20 ± 1.08 µg-N g−1dry weight recorded in 6th and 5th week of incubation respectively and peak increments as 38.58 and 53.71% relative to respective control (without earthworms). Declined NH4+–N in coprolites at low temperature (15.0 ± 2.0 °C) evidenced increased nitrification rates by taking over the process by abundant nitrifying microbes. Steady de-nitrification with progressive incubation on an average was 16.95 ± 0.46 ng-N g−1 per week and 21.08 ± 0.87 ng-N g−1 per week compared to 14.03 ± 0.58 ng-N g−1 per week and 4.50 ± 0.31 ng-N g−1 per week in respective control treatments. Simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (SHNAD) was found to be a prominent bioprocess at low temperature that resulted in high and stable total nitrogen and nitrate accumulation from garden soil and goat manure with relative recovery efficiency of 11.12%, 14.97% and 14.20%; 19.34%. A. caligenosa shows promising prospects for mass applicability in biogenic N removal from manure of Himalayan goat.

Evaluation of water footprint of urban renewal projects. Case study in Seville, Andalusia

This publication presents a methodology for the evaluation of the water footprint of urban renewal projects. The indirect water footprint is obtained by adding together the embodied or virtual water of the materials incorporated in the 12-month project, while the direct footprint is mainly due to the green areas and rainwater collection system over its 40-year life span. The methodology, originally defined for the agricultural sector, is adapted to an urban system that includes gardens and sustainable urban drainage systems. In an innovative way, the present work analyses the amortisation of the indirect water footprint of the construction products by improvements in the city water cycle. The project involves street renewal with water-sensitive criteria, with five green areas, and road and pavement construction. The methodology identifies changes in garden designs, soil drainage, and rainwater-collecting systems in terms of blue, green, and grey water footprints. Five scenarios of a project in Seville, Spain are studied. The indirect water footprint of the project is 2.6 times higher than that in a standard project, but, due to annual savings of 65% in its direct water footprint, the breakeven point is reached in the 10th year.

Legacy Lead in Urban Garden Soils: Communicating Risk and Limiting Exposure

Lead (Pb) exposure has long been recognized as a hazard to human health. Urban garden soils often contain elevated levels of Pb, mainly from legacy sources, which is a main barrier for urban gardening. The capacity of gardeners to access, understand, and act on scientific data related to soil contamination is also variable. This synthesis paper briefly summarizes the current scientific knowledge on soil Pb in urban gardens. Our objective is to produce clear recommendations about assessing actual risks and limiting exposure. First, we synthesize the nature and extent of soil contamination with Pb, and then describe how the bioavailability and risk of this contamination to humans is assessed. We then go on to potential exposure pathway through plants and remediation methods to improve soil health and reduce human exposure. We have developed best management practices for practitioners that include: (1) urban soil testing should be prioritized because of the high probability of Pb contamination, and urban gardening should not begin until thorough testing or remediation has been done; (2) documentation of land-use history should be required in all property transactions so that the potential for soil (and other) contamination can be clearly identified; (3) amendments cannot be relied upon as a treatment for contaminated soils to reduce risk to gardeners because they do not always make contaminants less harmful; (4) certain crops (such as fruiting vegetables) are much less susceptible to contamination than others and thus should be prioritized in urban gardens; (5) wherever feasible, raised beds filled with upcycled local mineral and organic materials are the preferred substrate for urban gardening. Further monitoring of potentially contaminated and remediated soils as well as effective communication with the public are necessary to ensure human safety.

Integrated Application of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizer Enhances Soil Organo-Mineral Associations and Nutrients in Tea Garden Soil

Soil quality is one of the main factors that affect the growth and quality of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plantations. The formation of the organo-mineral complex is one of the critical factors that influence the evolution of soil fertility. This study used chemical analyses and spectroscopy to study the effects of inorganic and organic fertilizer on the soil nutrients and organo-mineral complex in tea garden soil. SR-FTIR analysis revealed that clay minerals were connected as nuclei with the capacity to bind carbon, and that this interaction was aided by organic fertilization. Specifically, the O-H has the quickest reaction to aliphatic-C, next by Si-O, Fe-O, and Al-O in OM70. The soil pH of organic and inorganic fertilization treatments are obviously lower than the no fertilization (CK) treatment. Furthermore, OM70 and OM100 had notably higher pH values in fertilized soil. Organic fertilization (OM70) treatment significantly increased Soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous, potassium (AP, AK), as well as the concentration of total and exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ in soils when compared to no fertilization (CK) and inorganic fertilization (NPK). Together, these results can provide the scientific theoretical basis for the study on the understanding of the sequestration of SOM and confirmed the feasibility of organic fertilization in improving soil fertility and supporting organo-mineral interactions, thereby making a contribution to carbon storage in tea plantation ecosystems.

Tumebacillus amylolyticus sp. nov., isolated from garden soil in Korea

A starch-degrading novel strain, designated as strain ITR2T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a garden near Dongguk University located in Goyang, Republic of Korea. The strain was identified as Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed the novel strain to form a separate clade with Tumebacillus permanentifrigoris Eur1 9.5T (98.3 %) while also clustering with Tumebacillus flagellatus GST4T (97.9 %). Strain ITR2T grew optimally at temperatures of 20-30 °C, at pH 6.0-7.0 and at NaCl concentrations of 0-1 %. The sole quinone was menaquinone-7 and the cell-wall peptidoglycan comprised alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine and meso-diaminopimelic acid (type-A1γ peptidoglycan). The major fatty acids (>10%) of the novel strain were C16 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0, while the major polar lipids were phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified phospholipid. Other polar lipids of the novel strain included, two unidentified glycolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain ITR2T and its reference strains (T. permanentifrigoris DSM 18773T and T. flagellatus GST4T) were 21.3 and 23.9 %, respectively, while the average nucleotide identity values were 78.5 and 81.2 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 54.9 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data obtained in the present study, we propose Tumebacillus amylolyticus sp. nov. to be a novel species within the genus Tumebacillus. The type strain is ITR2T (=KCTC 43280T=NBRC 114753T).

Land-Use Conversion Altered Topsoil Properties and Stoichiometry in a Reclaimed Coastal Agroforestry System

Reclaimed coastal areas were mostly used for agricultural purposes in the past, while land-use conversion was initiated in recent decades in eastern China. Elucidation of the effects of land-use conversion on soil properties and stoichiometry is essential for addressing climate change and ecological conservation. In this study, five land-use types in a reclaimed area were chosen to compare the differences of soil properties and stoichiometry, which comprised paddy, upland, upland-forest, forest, and vegetable garden, with a soil age of about 100 years. The results indicated that these land-use types significantly differed in soil water concentration, pH, bulk density, soil salt concentration, soil organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, and total phosphorus, as well as C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios. Positive correlations were found among soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus; and among pH, bulk density, and soil salt concentration. Total phosphorus and soil organic carbon contents were the main factors shaping the topsoil among the land-use types. Contents of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in paddy and vegetable garden soils were higher than that in upland and upland-forest soils, while bulk density, pH, and soil salt concentration showed the opposite trends. Forest soil demonstrated intermediate values for most properties. And the highest C:N occurred in the upland and vegetable garden, the highest C:P in paddy and vegetable garden, while the lowest C:N and C:P occurred in upland-forest. The highest and lowest N:P occurred in paddy and upland, respectively. The stoichiometric characteristics presented a narrow range of the ratio, and the C:N:P averaged 48:3:1 similar to the stoichiometry of average Chinese cropland soils. Rotations including legume, the use of organic fertilizers, and appropriate fertilization strategies were suggested for improving cropland management.

Effect of soilless growing media compositions on quality flower production of potted Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

The suitability of soilless growing media compositions was evaluated for quality flower production of potted Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cultivar Anmol at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2014-16. The rotted cuttings were grown in six different potted media compositions – control: garden soil + (farmyard manure (FYM) 2: 1), cocopeat + FYM (1: 1), cocopeat + FYM (2: 1), vermiculite + FYM (1: 1), vermiculite + FYM (2: 1) and cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1: 1: 1). The results revealed that the cocopeat + FYM (2:1) exhibited maximum plant height, number of leaves and root suckers per plant whereas; vermiculite + FYM (2:1) gave highest flower diameter and duration of flowering. The days to bud appearance, colour break stage and full bloom were delayed in cocopeat based media. However, significant vegetative growth with better flowering time and quality was obtained in cocopeat + vermiculite t + FYM (1:1:1). Thus for sustained quality flower production of potted Chrysanthemum cv. Anmol, cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1:1:1) media was ideal with better plant morphological development.

SCREENING AND ISOLATION OF ASPARAGINASE PRODUCERS FROM SOIL SOURCE AND ITS APPLICATION IN FOOD PRODUCTS

Asparaginases have applications in the medical and food industry as part of an anticancer strategy and as a mechanism to reduce acrylamide content in food. Suspension of garden soil sample was plated on nutrient agar plate. Colonies were picked and screened for asparaginase activity on minimal media. Cultures were selected based on qualitative/quantitative assays. Culture characterization and identification was carried out with the help of microscopic and biochemical techniques, checking culture growth parameters on varied pH and temperatures. Application of the crude enzyme obtained from the asparaginase positive isolates was carried out by performing assays using a frozen ready-to-cook food sample - potato smileys. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) of untreated and treated food samples was also performed to determine the levels of asparagine in the samples. Out of a total of 36 isolates, four were selected for the study; which were later identified as Pseudomonas putida. The assays showed enzyme activity in all four cultures. Most of the isolates were found to grow at 37°C and pH of 7 and 10. Effect of the enzyme on asparagine content in the potato smiley was also detected. Treated samples showed more absorbance than the untreated sample. TLC method indicated that treated samples showed aspartic acid spots, thus showing effect of the enzyme while untreated sample plate showed no asparagine spots suggesting that low amounts of asparagine are present in the sample, or the raw potato used.

Bringing citizen science to life: Evaluation of a national citizen science program for public benefit

The Australian citizen science research programs, VegeSafe and DustSafe, are novel and wide-reaching. Together, they capture the largest number of community-generated domestic garden soil and indoor house dust samples and associated trace metal analysis of any similar programme globally, totalling 26,500 samples from 7,200 homes in Australia alone. All citizen science research programs need to balance often conflicting expectations and imperatives of the researchers and the participants. This paper assesses VegeSafe and DustSafe participant and researcher outcomes against common goals of citizen science programs, including participant engagement, accessibility, motivations and learning in order to evaluate the programs’ impact and usefulness. Questionnaire data from 522 questionnaires were analysed which showed that VegeSafe and DustSafe have: enhanced participants’ involvement in science (76%), understanding of science (62%); addressed specific community concerns (91%); and were considered useful (93%). The success of the VegeSafe and DustSafe programs can be measured by the number of samples received, households engaged and its geographic footprint across Australia's most populated cities. The participant questionnaire provided deeper insight into positive participant outcomes, including participant autonomy in the scientific process and changes in attitudes and behaviours towards science. Many participants adopted interventions to mitigate potential toxic trace metal exposure in their domestic spaces after receiving their results. The VegeSafe and DustSafe programs provide valuable examples of how to establish programs to meet community needs effectively, educate the community and bring about positive change to ultimately improve community health.

Effect of Land Use Change on Soil Physico-chemical Characteristics in Sungai Batang, east part of Maninjau caldera

Land-use change from the forest to others will affect the soil’s physicochemical properties. The research was conducted to identify soil physicochemical properties affected by land-use change in Sungai Batang, the east-south part of Maninjau caldera. The research used a survey method from which soil was sampled at four different types of land use (forest, bushland, mixed garden, and paddy soil) at 0-30 cm depth with three replicates. The results show that the soil in Sungai Batang was still developing. It was indicated by coarse soil texture (clay loam to sandy clay loam). Land-use change from the forest to other uses has altered some soil physicochemical properties. It increased soil bulk density and decreased total soil porosity, permeability rate, SOM content, and total-N. However, there was an increase in soil characteristics, especially soil P-availability, CEC, Ca- and Na-exchangeable . While the soil pH (H2O), K-and Mg-exchangeable stayed the same. In general, land use changed from forest to other use, mostly farming land degraded physicochemical characteristics of the soil derived from volcanic materials in Sungai Batang. That was mainly due to the decrease in SOM content.

Evaluating the feasibility of muck from slurry shield tunnels as a growth medium for landscaping

ABSTRACT Muck from slurry shield tunnels (MSST) is a complex mixture. Directly transporting this muck to dumping grounds not only increases the costs but also raises environmental concerns due to its unusual properties. In this study, a formula has been studied that can turn the MSST into an environment friendly soil. The treatment process can realize the harmless disposal and effective utilization of MSST. In the laboratory study, three different types of growing media (MSST, MSST with 1% fly ash, and local garden soil) were used to grow ryegrass in a series of pot experiments, and the seed germination, chlorophyll content, root characteristics, root activity and physical and chemical properties of the growing media were examined. The results showed that MSST and MSSTF (MSST with added fly ash) can be used as a soil matrix for ryegrass because they exhibited a technical performance comparable to that of local garden soil (LGS), and the physicochemical parameters of the soil matrix were enhanced compared with the standard values of CJT 340–2011. Although the additive (fly ash) and different types of substrates can affect plant growth and the properties of harvested soils, the level of variation decreases with the stage of growth. As waste recycling is the primary objective of this work, MSSTF is the ideal substrate to use. The treatment process is easy to handle, and represents a sustainable option and an environmentally friendly, beneficial use of MSST.Implications: Muck discharged from slurry shield tunnel construction has put great pressure on the environment and construction cost because of a large number shield tunnels emerging in cities. Directly transporting the discharged muck waste to dumping site not only increases the machinery and labor costs but also raises environmental concerns. Therefore, we explore the way of recycling the discharged muck from slurry shield tunnel as a growth medium for landscaping which was proved to be feasible by a series of pot experimental study. Recycling the discharged muck from shield tunnel as the growth medium for landscaping instead of using purchased raw materials not only can dramatically reduce project costs but also can obviously minimizing the consequent environment pollution. Such technology can contribute to sustainable developments and cleaner construction of infrastructures.

Surveys of community garden affiliates and soils in Houston, Texas.

Although urban community food gardens have the capacity to strengthen and support neighborhoods in need, the benefits of such operations must be considered in tandem with the potential risks associated with urban environmental contamination. Therefore, research is needed to characterize existing community gardens in urban areas. In the present study, a survey of Houston, TX, community gardeners (N = 20) was conducted to better understand their risk-based knowledge and perceptions, current gardening practices, and willingness to implement risk mitigation measures. Soil samples collected from the beds (N = 22) and surrounding grounds (N = 24) of existing community garden sites in Houston, TX, were screened for trace and heavy metals using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The survey indicated that community gardeners had few concerns with regard to potential soilborne hazards and were generally willing to use diverse strategies to reduce potential hazards related to garden soil contamination. Ground and garden bed soil collected from community gardens were found to have excess concentrations of arsenic compared to federal health screening limits. The information provided here provides insight into possible discordance between community gardening risk perception and contamination risk that could be addressed through outreach, engagement, and remediation approaches.

Long-term pruning modulates microbial community structure and their functional potential in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) soils

Tea tree pruning, an essential agronomic practice for maintaining the plant's table height, leads to the gradual accumulation of allelochemicals and accompanying changes in the physicochemical and biological properties of tea garden soils. The accumulated allelochemicals coupled with disturbance in the soil properties including soil microbiota gradually lead to ‘soil-sickness’ impeding the establishment of newly-planted tea saplings (replanting) and tea crop productivity. Although pruning is an essential and regular practice in tea management, its effect on the soil properties and the microbial populations is less understood. We used a metagenomics approach to decipher and compare the microbial community structure and functional characteristics in tea soils under pruning and non-pruning practices. Principal component analysis indicated the metagenomes of the two sample plots to be unique with key microbial taxa and metabolic pathways. The plot with pruned crops had significantly lesser microbial abundances and richness, but it harbored a relatively higher proportion of biologically important soil bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Candidatus Solibacter, Rhodopseudomonas and Nitrobacter. This indicated that a specific population and its associated soil functions play a significant role in plant growth and survival under stress conditions. The metabolic functions related to microbial growth and reproduction were prevalent in both metagenomes as revealed through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) and Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COGs) analyses. The pruned-plot-metagenome contained six metabolic pathways linked to different stress-responsive metabolisms (starch, arginine and proline, pyrimidine, ribosome, and peroxisome). Although long-term pruning in tea plantations can decrease the microbial abundance, richness, and functions in soil, plants under these stress conditions may selectively encourage the growth and colonization of functionally-important microorganisms to aid in their survivability.

ISOLATION OF SOME KERATINOPHILIC FUNGI FROM SOIL

Soil has diverse types of fungi which are pathogenic. Geophilic fungi are mixture of several types of fungi where keratinolytic are very common and normal farmyard ,garden soil ,domestic soil have keratinophilic mycoflora. Sample collected showed Microsporum gypsum (9.53%), Trichphyton terrestrial (1.59%), Chrysosporium sp. (1.28%), Chrysosporium keratinophillum (15%), Chrysosporium qeenslandicum appeared to be most abundant keratinophilc fungi i.e. (24.73%). Saprophytic fungi which colonize on skin ,nails, hair and cause skin infections called dermatophytes. These types of fungi can easily form colonies in keratin rich substances. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Coccidioides, Fusarium, Microsporum, Piedraia, Scopulariopsis and Trichophyton fungi were also observed. They can easily degrade polypeptides chains biologically which are very difficult in normal condition. In the present study the occurrence of keratinin degrading fungi in soil were analysed. The microbiological and pathological analysis was done.

Impact Assessment of Soil Parameters Affected by Gas Flaring in Tea Garden in Dibrugarh District of Assam, India

The gas flare is considered as the challenging and environmental problem and hence this experiment was taken to study the physical and chemical properties of soil of tea garden effected by gas flare located in south of Kothaloni OCS in Dibrugarh district of Assam during September 2019- March 2020. The design selected was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The soil samples were collected from (40-50) metres, (50-60) metres, (60-70) metres, (70-80) metres and control site (150-160) metres away from the flare site in two different seasons namely autumn and rainy seasons. Soil physical parameters such as soil temperature, soil moisture ,bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity and soil chemical parameters sucha as pH, organic carbon content, electrical conductivity, available nutrients (NPK) were studied. Soil temperature recorded highest (29.83°C) at distance (40-50) metres away from the gas flaring site and decreased with its increased distances from the flaring site while soil moisture recorded lowest (11.48%) at distance (40-50) metres which increased with far away distances from the flaring site. Rest of the studied soil parameters viz., bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, pH, organic carbon content, electrical conductivity and available nutrients (NPK) recorded non significant variations along distances and seasons.

Standardization of media and container for improving seed and seedling growth in papaya (Carica papaya) cv. Red Lady

An experiment was conducted to standardize the suitable media and type of the container for improving seed germination and seedling growth of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady during 2019–20. Five different types of media and three types of containers were used for study. Present experiment was conducted in a Complete Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with 15 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The observations were recorded on seed germination attributes and seedling growth parameters. The results showed that the plastic containers were found better followed by earthen pots and polybags using media mixture of soil + cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1:1) for improving seed germination (94.76%). However, the maximum plant height (17.40 cm), number of leaves (12.03), stem girth (6.42 mm), leaf area (131.02 cm2), root length (18.60 cm) and seedling survival (97.30%) was observed in the earthen pots having rooting media mixture made up of garden soil + cocopeat + vermicompost + FYM (1:1:1:1). The seed germination and plant growth parameters, root length and seedling survival was recorded in polybags.