Improve Soil Health Research Articles

Co-Composted Fecal Sludge Based Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Aman Rice Production

This study was undertaken to judge the efficacy and economic feasibility of cocomposted fecal sludge (CCFS) in increasing growth and productivity of transplant Aman (T. Aman) rice and to optimize CCFS dose for integration with chemical fertilizers to maximize T. Aman rice yield and economic return. This study was consisted of two factors included two T. Aman rice varieties namely, BRRI dhan 49 and Dhanigold; and 10 chemical fertilizer+CCFS combinations such as, recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer (RDF), CCFS @ 5 t ha-1, RDF+CCFS @ 2 t ha-1, RDF+CCFS @ 1.5 t ha-1, RDF+CCFS @ 1 t ha-1, RDF+CCFS @ 0.5 t ha-1, 75% RDF+CCFS @ 2 t ha-1, 75% RDF+CCFS @ 1.5 t ha-1, 75% RDF+CCFS @ 1 t ha-1 and 75% RDF+CCFS @ 0.5 t ha-1. A clear advantage of integrating CCFS with chemical fertilizers to increase rice growth and yield was evident in this study. The highest grain yield was recorded when CCFS @ 2 t ha-1 was integrated with recommended chemical fertilizers, and that was >7% higher than that obtained from the application of only recommended chemical fertilizers. But application of only CCFS @ 5 t ha-1 reduced grain yield by as much as 47%. The highest benefit:cost ratio for BRRI dhan49 and Dhanigold (1.66 and 1.61, respectively) were calculated from recommended chemical fertilizers application closely followed by application of recommended chemical fertilizers+CCFS @ 2 t ha-1 (1.55 and 1.49, respectively). In case of both the varieties, application of only CCFS @ 5 t ha-1 resulted in negative net return and <1 benefit:cost ratio (0.75 and 0.73, respectively for BRRI dhan 49 and Dhanigold) due to poorer yield and higher cost for CCFS. Encouraging findings of this study confirm that CCFS obtained from faecal sludge can be integrated with chemical fertilizers to increase the productivity of T. Aman rice. In terms of grain yield, recommended chemical fertilizers+CCFS @ 2 t ha-1 appeared as the best option, but application of only recommended chemical fertilizers was found a bit more economic than integration. Application of only CCFS without chemical fertilizers was found neither productive nor economic. To conclude, co-compost can be used to supplement chemical fertilizers for in rice cultivation, and thus will contribute to green agriculture by improving soil health and minimizing environmental pollution. It is therefore necessary to conduct multi-location trials for consecutive years on other crops as well to confirm the potentiality of co-compost as a manure to increase crop productivity, and as a soil conditioner for soil health improvement. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 149-159, 2024

Pulse crops as effective living mulches: An eco-conscious weed management approach

The evolution of weed management strategies from basic cultural techniques to novel, integrated approaches reflects technological advancements that promise further improvements in weed management strategies, fostering more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices. Using legume crops as living mulches for weed suppression has gained considerable attention in agricultural systems. This method involves strategically planting leguminous cover crops as intercrops to inhibit weed growth and improve soil health, potentially boosting crop yields through reduced weed pressure and enhanced nutrient availability. The successful implementation of living mulches requires careful selection of crop species, optimal planting density, and appropriate management practices. Choosing compatible legumes, optimizing planting geometry and employing suitable termination methods are essential for maximizing the weed-suppressing and soil-enhancing benefits of living mulches. The efficacy of intercropping systems in controlling weeds largely depends on intercrop components' growth rate and duration. Weed management strategies rely on understanding plant interactions, including the competitive ability of main crops at various growth stages to inhibit weed expansion. While intercropping shows promise for enhancing crop dominance over weeds, weed control efficiency varies among different intercrops due to factors affecting the intercrop-weed relationship. Smallholder farmers find this practice appealing for improving labour productivity and land use through intensification and resource utilization for maximum yield. Research on developing genotypes suitable for weed suppression and studies on combined herbicide applications and optimal dosage determination for effective control of mixed weed flora is necessary. The shift towards integrating pulse crops as a cornerstone in weed management strategies presents a promising avenue for research and application. The comparative analysis underscored in this review showcases the capacity of legumes to offer a viable alternative to synthetic herbicides and mechanical controls, paving the way for their increased adoption in diverse farming systems.

Influence of Phosphorus and Phosphate-solubilizing Bacteria on Soil Microbial Dynamics in Mustard under Gmelina-Based Agroforestry

The impact of phosphorus (P) levels and phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB) inoculation techniques on soil microbial dynamics in mustard (Brassica juncea) grown in agroforestry systems based on Gmelina arborea is examined in this study. Three phosphorus levels (30, 40, and 50 kg/ha) and three PSB inoculation techniques (soil, seedling, and combination soil + seedling) were used in the split-plot design experiment, which was carried out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Research Farm in Jabalpur. Azotobacter, Rhizobium, total bacteria, and fungi were among the soil microbial communities that were examined after harvest. The findings showed that phosphorus levels had no discernible impact on the number of microorganisms. Nonetheless, PSB inoculation techniques showed notable results; in every category, the soil + seedling inoculation combination consistently produced the greatest microbial populations. For instance, the populations of Azotobacter, Rhizobium, and fungi were 28.55 CFU × 10⁵ g⁻¹, 20.58 CFU × 10⁶ g⁻¹, 45.15 CFU × 10⁶ g⁻¹, and 7.72 CFU × 10⁵ g⁻¹, respectively. These results highlight how PSB inoculation and agroforestry systems can work together to improve soil health and nutrient dynamics, which will support sustainable mustard farming methods.

GREEN ECONOMICS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MIXED CROPPING” - A CASE STUDY OF COCONUT CULTIVATION IN D.K. DISTRICT

Green economics seeks to promote sustainable development while integrating environmental, social, and economic goals. Mixed cropping, a practice of growing multiple crops simultaneously on the same land, is a key strategy for enhancing agricultural biodiversity, improving soil health, and increasing farmers' resilience to climate change. This study examines the role of mixed cropping in coconut cultivation in the Dakshina Kannada (D.K.) District of Karnataka, India, a region known for its significant coconut production. Through a review of literature and analysis of recent data, the study explores the economic, environmental, and social benefits of mixed cropping in coconut farming. The findings suggest that mixed cropping in coconut orchards, involving crops like areca nut, banana, and pepper, can provide farmers with diversified income sources, reduce soil erosion, enhance water retention, and improve biodiversity. The paper also highlights the challenges, such as market uncertainties and the need for better policy support, while discussing the potential for scaling up these practices across other coconut-growing regions in India.

Enhancing Agricultural Practices: Exploring the Benefits of Paddy Straw Management Technologies Adopted by Potato Growers in Jalandhar District, Punjab, India

This study was conducted in the Jalandhar district of Punjab in 2020-21, chosen purposefully due to its status as the region with the highest potato cultivation area. The list of potato growers was obtained from the District Horticulture Department in Jalandhar. Five blocks—Nakodar, Adampur, Bhogpur, Jalandhar East, and Jalandhar West—with the maximum potato cultivation area were selected from this list. A sample of 200 potato growers was then chosen using a proportionate cum random sampling method. Following the adoption of paddy straw management technologies, 52.5 % of potato growers reported a decrease in fertilization costs whereas 85 % of potato growers observed that increased in the cost of preparation of land during used of paddy straw management technologies by Rs.3035 because of high rate of diesel consumption. Additionally, 37 % observed an improvement in soil health, while 40.5% noted an increase in potato yield. The majority of potato growers incorporated paddy straw into their potato fields. However, an equal percentage of growers (17%) either used paddy straw to make bales or burned it. Notably, the adoption of paddy straw chopper, mulcher, and Mould board plough by potato growers led to a significant increase in potato yield. The results also indicated that for yield, the t - values for two tailed significance level of the difference between sample means for the response was 0.000 cost of production due to adoption of all the technologies by the potato growers. Therefore, statistically significant differences at level of 0.05 were observed in all five technologies used for paddy straw management in potato cultivation.

Effects of two Bacillus velezensis strains isolated from different sources on the growth of Capsicum annum

Microbial inoculants offer an environmentally friendly approach to enhance plant growth and control disease. In this study, two Bacillus velezensis strains, HKSSLJEBR3 (R3) and Ya-1 were isolated from pepper plant roots and tropical rainforest soil, respectively. Both strains exhibited strong antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici, with inhibition rates of 48.54 ± 0.66% for R3 and 49.35 ± 1.44% for Ya-1. In greenhouse trials, R3 significantly boosted pepper growth, with a 22.12% increase in plant height, 46.44% more leaves, and 56.29% greater fresh weight. These enhancements were likely due to the strong affinity between R3 and pepper plants. Both strains also improved soil quality, with R3 increasing available potassium (AK) by 5.13% and soil organic matter (SOM) by 4.03%, while Ya-1 showed more significant increases. Metagenomic analysis revealed that both strains altered the rhizosphere microbiome, with R3 promoting Pseudomonas and suppressing Fusarium. These results suggest that the R3 strain has strong potential for enhancing pepper growth, improving soil health, and reshaping the rhizosphere microbiome.

Impact of Biochar on Nitrogen-Cycling Functional Genes: A Comparative Study in Mollisol and Alkaline Soils

Biochar has gained considerable attention as a sustainable soil amendment due to its potential to enhance soil fertility and mitigate nitrogen (N) losses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar application on the abundance of key N-cycling genes in Mollisol and alkaline soils, focusing on nitrification (AOA, AOB, and nxrB) and denitrification (narG, norB, and nosZ) processes. The experiment was conducted using soybean rhizosphere soil. The results demonstrated that biochar significantly altered the microbial community structure by modulating the abundance of these functional genes. Specifically, biochar reduced narG and nosZ abundance in both soil types, indicating a potential reduction in N2O emissions. In contrast, it promoted the abundance of nxrB, particularly in alkaline soils, suggesting enhanced nitrite oxidation. The study also revealed strong correlations between N-cycling gene abundances and soil properties such as pH, EC (electrical conductivity. Biochar improved soil pH and nutrient availability, creating favorable conditions for AOB and Nitrospira populations, which play key roles in ammonia and nitrite oxidation. Additionally, the reduction in norB/nosZ ratios in biochar-treated soils suggests a shift towards more efficient N2O reduction. These findings highlight biochar’s dual role in enhancing soil fertility and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in Mollisol and alkaline soils. The results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of agricultural soils through biochar application, emphasizing its potential to optimize nitrogen-cycling processes and improve soil health. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of biochar on microbial communities and nitrogen-cycling under field conditions.

Agroforestry Systems: A Pathway to Resilient and Productive Landscapes

Agroforestry, the integration of trees, crops, and livestock on the same land, offers a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental challenges. This review highlights the important role agroforestry systems play in promoting resilient and productive landscapes, particularly in the face of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Agroforestry systems, including alley cropping, silvopasture, and home gardens, provide significant ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health, water conservation, and enhanced biodiversity. These systems not only stabilize microclimates and reduce soil erosion but also improve soil fertility and water infiltration, making them vital for climate adaptation. Socio-economically, agroforestry diversifies income sources for smallholder farmers by generating products like timber, fruits, and fodder, while contributing to food security through year-round crop availability and improved nutrition. Despite these benefits, the adoption of agroforestry faces substantial barriers, including socio-cultural resistance, knowledge gaps, inadequate policy support, and limited access to markets and credit. High initial costs, perceived risks, and competition for resources between trees and crops further impede its widespread implementation. Addressing these challenges requires enhancing extension services, policy reforms, financial incentives, and market access to support smallholder farmers. Future directions emphasize integrating agroforestry into national agricultural policies and climate action plans, supported by research on optimizing species selection, pest management, and sustainable resource use. By the synergies between agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and Sustainable Development Goals, agroforestry presents a viable pathway for transforming agricultural systems into more resilient, productive, and sustainable models. Scaling up agroforestry can help restore degraded lands, sequester carbon, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Enhancing Soil Health and Tea Plant Quality Through Integrated Organic and Chemical Fertilization Strategies

As the global demand for high-quality tea increases, adopting sustainable agricultural practices is crucial to maintaining environmental health and improving crop productivity. Employing organic fertilizers has the potential to boost agricultural output and improve soil health, as well as curb the spread of pests and diseases. The purpose of this survey was to determine the impact of a range of organic fertilizer mixtures on both tea plants and rhizosphere soil characteristics in tea plantations. This study investigated the response of Jin Guanyin tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants to various organic fertilizer ratios: 2/3 chemical fertilizer + 1/3 organic fertilizer (JTC), 1/2 chemical fertilizer + 1/2 organic fertilizer (JHOC), 1/3 chemical fertilizer + 2/3 organic fertilizer (JTO), and organic fertilizer only (JOF), with chemical fertilizer alone (JCF) as the control. The experiment was conducted in Xingcun Town, Wuyishan, Fujian Province, China, on 13 October 2021. Key metrics measured included tea plant growth indicators, soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial functional diversity. Results show that JTC and JTO produce the largest leaf area and bud weight, significantly surpassing those in JCF. JCF demonstrated the longest new tip length and highest bud density, while JHOC achieved the highest chlorophyll content, significantly exceeding JCF. Soil analysis revealed that total nitrogen, available nitrogen, organic matter, and pH were highest in JOF, significantly overtaking JCF. Conversely, total phosphorus, available potassium, and available phosphorus levels were highest in JCF. JHOC also had the highest total potassium content compared to JCF. Soil enzyme activity assessments showed that polyphenol oxidase and urease activities peaked in JTC, significantly exceeding those in JCF. JHOC exhibited the highest acid phosphatase activity, while JTO exhibited the highest protease activity. Catalase activity was highest in JOF, both significantly surpassing JCF. Microbial functional diversity analysis indicated that combined organic fertilization improved soil microorganisms’ utilization of carbon sources, significantly enhancing the Shannon diversity index and evenness. Key carbon sources identified included α-cyclodextrin, D-galacturonic acid, and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid. Overall, JHOC emerged as the optimal fertilization strategy, yielding superior growth indicators, enhanced soil physicochemical properties, increased enzyme activity, and improved microbial functional diversity compared to JCF. This study has important value for guiding the rational application of fertilizers in tea gardens, improving the soil environment of tea gardens, enhancing the quality of tea leaves, and achieving sustainable tea production.

Soil health improvements under cover crops are associated with enhanced soil content of cytokinins.

Cytokinins (CKs) are phytohormones produced by plants and other soil life. including bacteria, fungi, insects, and earthworms. These organisms can release CKs to the soil, which may have positive implications for soil health and plant growth. However, no studies have examined phytohormones as soil health indicators. In custom-designed rhizo-pots that separated rhizosphere and bulk soils, the cover crops tillage radish and cereal rye were used to manipulate soil health parameters: soil pH, soil organic matter, soil active carbon, soil microbial community diversity, and extracellular enzyme activities involved in C, N and P cycling. Data were compared to impacts of cover crops on CKs that were purified from the complex soil and measured with HPLC-HRMS/MS. From soil we detected free base-CKs (trans-zeatin (tZ), isopentenyladenine (iP)), riboside-CKs (RB-CKs), cis-zeatin riboside (cZR), isopentenyladenosine (iPR) and four methylthiolated CKs: 2-methylthio-zeatin (2MeSZ), 2-methylthio-zeatin ribosides (2MeSZR), 2-methylthio-isopentenyladenine (2MeSiP), and 2-methylthio-isopentenyladenine riboside (2MeSiPR). These CK levels were significantly enhanced in cover cropped soil compared to uncultivated soil, and reflect a positive relationship between soil CK profiles and other soil health parameters - notably, between total CK and active C levels and soil microbial community diversity. This is the first detailed soil CK analysis and assessment of its potential use as a novel, reliable, short-term soil health parameter. The increased CK concentrations in cover cropped soils likely reflects the activity levels of soil life (plants, microbes, animals) and provides a rationale to use CKs as tools to evaluate soil health as influenced by agricultural management strategies.

Innovative Organic Fertilizers and Cover Crops: Perspectives for Sustainable Agriculture in the Era of Climate Change and Organic Agriculture

Anthropogenic activities have resulted in land desertification in various regions of the world, leading to the degradation of critical soil characteristics such as organic matter (OM) content, nutrient stock, and prevailing biodiversity. Restoring such degraded soils through organic matter amendments and diversified crop rotations is thus an intrinsic part of organic farming. This review discusses a wide range of organic farming impacts on soil health and crop productivity by focusing on organic fertilizers and crop diversification. Conventional fertilizers were considered vital for agricultural production to harvest high crop yields. Nevertheless, they are now deemed as environmentally hazardous and an obstacle to sustainable agroecosystems due to intensive chemical inputs that damage the soil over time and have long-lasting impacts. Conventional fertilization results in nutrient depletion, loss of microbial diversity, organic matter reduction, and deterioration of physical characteristics of the soil. Conversely, organic fertilization makes use of naturally existing resources to improve soil health. Organic amendments such as biochar, manure, and fermented grass improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties and promote the growth and diversity of beneficial soil microorganisms—important in nutrient cycling and soil stability. They facilitate the uptake of nutrients, hinder crop pathogen growth, mitigate heavy metals, and decompose xenobiotic organic substances. Moreover, growing cover crops is also a major strategy to improve soil health. Diversified crop rotation with combinatorial use of organic fertilizers may improve soil health and agricultural yields without any detrimental impacts on the environment and soil, ensuring sustainable food production, safety, and security. This integrated approach contributes to minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and their effects on environmental health. It also contributes to reducing agricultural inputs along with enhancing OM, soil microbial diversity and biomass, nitrogen fixation, and carbon sequestration. Therefore, cover crops and organic fertilization may offer sustainable agroecosystems and climate change mitigation.

Assessing microplastics contamination and characteristics in organic soil amendments in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana

The study examines the increasing use of organic soil amendments (OSA) due to declining soil fertility and the high cost of synthetic fertilizers, alongside growing concerns about microplastics (MPs) accumulating in soil, which negatively impact soil, crop, and food quality. This research assessed the presence and characteristics of microplastics in Municipal Solid Waste Composts (MSWC) and dry sewage sludge (DSS) within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana. The study analyzed two sources of MSWC (MSWC 1 and MSWC 2) and two sources of DSS (Sludge 1 and Sludge 2), with five samples each, for microplastic concentrations. A reference soil sample, collected from a depth of 0-25 cm, was also tested. The microplastics were extracted using acid digestion (30 % H2O2 at 70 °C), density separation with a ZnCl2 solution, and vacuum filtration. Results revealed that Sludge 1 had the highest concentration of microplastics (4316 ± 968 MPs kg-1), followed by MSWC 1 (3572 ± 1196 MPs kg-1), MSWC 2 (3104 ± 418 MPs kg-1), and Sludge 2 (2024 ± 562 MPs kg-1). The soil sample had the lowest concentration of 232 ± 62 MPs kg-1. Statistical analyses (Kruskal Wallis and Dunn’s multiple comparisons) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in microplastic concentrations among the samples. The composition of microplastic polymers varied among the samples. The soil sample predominantly contained cellophane (91.67 %) and polyvinyl propionate (8.33 %). MSWC 1 contained urethane alkyd (31.11 %), polyethylene (26.67 %), and polyester (20 %), while MSWC 2 had polyethylene (24.10 %), polyester (20.48 %), cellophane (18.07 %), and polypropylene (15.66 %). Sludge 1 was dominated by polyethylene (35.29 %), polypropylene (30.25 %), cellophane (15.13 %), and urethane alkyd (11.76 %), whereas Sludge 2 mainly contained polyester (42.86 %), cellophane (23.21 %), urethane alkyd (21.43 %), and polyethylene (12.50 %). Microplastics were prevalent in the MSWC and sewage sludge which were obtained from the GAMA, with significantly higher concentrations than those in the soil samples. Further research is needed to develop strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution in OSAs to improve soil health.

Development of High-Quality Organic Fertilizer from Biomass Waste and the Application of Biochar in Local Areas of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand

This study investigates the production of high-quality organic fertilizers from biomass waste in the Ban Wa Yai community of Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices amidst challenges such as soil degradation and reliance on chemical fertilizers. The primary objective was to develop organic fertilizers that enhance soil health and support plant growth while utilizing locally sourced biomass materials, including cow and buffalo manure, finely ground fermented leaf scraps, and weed debris. A fermentation process lasting 15 to 30 days was used, integrating biochar to improve nutrient profiles and microbial activity. Results showed optimal pH levels of 8.04 after 15 days and 7.94 after 30 days of fermentation, beneficial for addressing the region’s acidic soil conditions (pH 4.67 - 5.38). The germination index (GI) was notably high at 129 ± 1.86 after 30 days, indicating effective growth promotion potential. Analytical assessments confirmed nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in the organic fertilizers met or exceeded organic standards, supporting plant nutrition and fostering healthy microbial ecosystems. The organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) content were approximately 40 - 60 % higher than commercial alternatives, enhancing soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Additionally, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels improved the nutrient profile, with Ca slightly exceeding standard limits, which helps ameliorate soil acidity. Economic analysis indicated a 40 % reduction in fertilizer costs for local farmers, promoting a shift towards organic practices. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of self-reliance and the sufficiency economy philosophy in fostering sustainable agriculture practices within the Ban Wa Yai community. By utilizing local resources and transitioning from chemical fertilizers to high-quality organic fertilizers, the community enhances agricultural productivity while promoting economic independence and resilience. Such initiatives exemplify the potential for integrating traditional practices with modern agricultural methods to ensure a sustainable future. HIGHLIGHTS The study developed high-quality organic fertilizers from local biomass waste, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Ban Wa Yai community. Fermentation resulted in optimal pH and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), surpassing commercial fertilizer standards and improving soil health. Transitioning to organic fertilizers led to a 40 % cost reduction for farmers, promoting self-reliance and aligning with the sufficiency economy philosophy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Challenges and Opportunities of Tractor Adoption by Smallholder Farmers in Gambella Region, Ethiopia

Tractor adoption by smallholder farmers in the Gambella region is essential for increasing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The sampling methods employed included purposive sampling to select kebelles and a lottery method for sample respondents. Primary data were collected through surveys, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and field observations, while secondary data were obtained from government statistics, academic publications, non-governmental organization reports, market information, and historical records. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages. Regarding opportunities for tractor adoption, the study found that 9% of smallholder farmers used tractors to improve soil health, 20% to reduce labor costs, and 16% to enhance market access, 7% to reduce post-harvest losses, and 48% to increase productivity. Conversely, the study identified major constraints, with 27% citing high initial investment, 40% noting lack of credit access, 18% reporting limited technical expertise, and 15% indicating inadequate infrastructure as barriers to tractor adoption. To maximize adoption opportunities, government agencies and private companies should offer financial incentives and loans to support farmers’ tractor investments. Additionally, to address these adoption challenges, government, local, and non-governmental organizations should provide subsidies, low-interest loans, and technical training programs to enable smallholder farmers to purchase or rent tractors, thus enhancing access to mechanized services and improving agricultural productivity and efficiency.

Factors governing crusting formation in soils in Southern Mali, West Africa: Evaluation of susceptibility indices

In Southern Mali and neighboring semi-arid Sahel regions, soil crusting and sealing are common and significant phenomena for people who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. These processes form hard, impermeable layers on the soil surface, reducing water infiltration, increasing runoff and erosion, and hindering germination, seedling emergence, and productivity. Factors such as rainfall intensity, topography, soil attributes, and poor management practices contribute to these phenomena. Here, we aimed to analyze soil attributes affecting crust formation and evaluate them using indicators like the structural stability index (StI), particle separability index (PSI), and crusting susceptibility index (CSI). Soils samples from agricultural and native areas in Southern Mali were analyzed for physical, chemical, mineralogical, and micromorphological attributes. Results revealed that the soils in these regions have high silt and fine sand content and low organic carbon content. Poor soil management, leading to prolonged periods of bare soils, significantly contributes to crusting. Kaolinitic clays, Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents did not appear to affect crusting. The PSI revealed a high risk of aggregate disruption in both agricultural and native lands, demonstrating soil vulnerability to degradation. The StI showed limited risk of structural degradation in native lands, while agricultural soils were more susceptible to crusting. The CSI indicated moderate crusting susceptibility across the regions. By examining the three indices related to texture attributes and organic carbon, this study provides insights into estimating susceptibility to crusting through the evaluation of the risk of soil structural degradation, particle separation, and overall soil susceptibility to surface crusting, all of which underscore the need for improved soil attributes. It emphasizes the importance of implementing effective soil management strategies, particularly the adoption of cover crops, to enhance organic carbon content and increase vegetation cover. These measures are essential for improving soil health and minimizing the risk of crusting.

Influence of Granular Biostimulants on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Rice (Oryza Sativa) in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Rice (Oryza sativa), the primary food source for over half of the global population, is critical to food security but faces productivity challenges from suboptimal fertilizer use and associated environmental degradation in India. Addressing these issues necessitates innovative strategies that enhance crop performance while maintaining ecological balance. Biostimulants, known for their role in enhancing nutrient efficiency and crop resilience, offer a promising solution for optimizing fertilizer use and improving soil health. This study evaluates the efficacy of AGMA Bio Stimulant Granules on the growth, yield, and soil health of rice during the kharif season of 2023 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal. A randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications was employed, including combinations of AGMA granules with 100% and 80% recommended NPK doses. Results demonstrated significant improvements in growth parameters, yield attributes, and soil nutrient availability with AGMA application. Treatments T2 and T5, integrating AGMA granules with 100% and 80% NPK, respectively, achieved the highest grain yields, with T5 showing a 19% yield increase over the control. Soil health indicators, including organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, improved significantly, while electrical conductivity decreased. The study concludes that AGMA Bio Stimulant Granules enable a 20% reduction in NPK fertilizer use without compromising yields, underscoring their potential to support sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Efficacy of Bat Guano as a Plant Fertiliser on Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in Sustainable Agriculture

Synthetic/chemical fertilizers has been rapidly increased due to extensive agricultural activities to meet the demand for food to sustain an ever-expanding global population which has become a pressing concern. There is a need for development of sustainable agricultural practices which promote the use of natural fertilizers to improve soil health and support high value crops for cultivation. Bat guano, an organic fertilizer composed of bat excrement, has gained attention as a promising substitute for synthetic fertilizers, offering numerous benefits to plants and soil health as it’s highly rich in nutrient contents. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a versatile annual herb, with multifarious uses can be used for exploring natural fertilizers for enhancing quality and crop productivity. Hence present study was under taken to examine the impact of bat guano application on the growth and productivity of fenugreek. Amongst all the treatments, the highest germination was recorded in 50% guano with soil amendments treatment resulting in 99% germination rate followed by 100% guano (96.3%). Least germination rate was observed in control with only 85.3%. Also, 50% was best treatment with maximum plant height of about 16.3 cm within 4 weeks period compared to vermicompost (15.9cm) and control (11.3cm). Similarly, leaves number per plant was also maximum in 50% guano (10.33 leaves/plant) followed by vermicompost (10 leaves/plant). NPK content of plant and soil were also analysed using standard techniques which provides valuable insights into the existing soil composition, enabling informed decisions on how to use bat guano effectively to correct nutrient deficiencies and support optimal crop growth. Further studies are recommended to assess the benefits from the use of Bat Guano as a plant fertilizer in sustainable agriculture.

Nutrient retention and availability of biochars prepared by co-pyrolysis of vinasse with sugarcane filter cake

The disposal of vinasse, a nutrient-rich by-product of ethanol production, is challenging because of the low pH and emissions of harmful gases and smells. Here, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of mixtures of filter cake and vinasse (0.25 w/v to 1 w/v) at 550℃. The effects of filter cake to vinasse ratios on the biochar yield, pH, ash content, total nutrient (P, K, Ca, and Mg) content, and nutrient availability were investigated. Increasing the filter cake to vinasse ratio increased the biochar yield and ash content and lowered the biochar pH from 10.3 for 0.25-BC to 8.2 for filter cake biochar (FC-BC). Lower filter cake to vinasse ratios increased the total K content from 7.9 g∙kg‒1 for FC-BC to 75.9 for 0.25-BC. Nutrient recovery in the biochars was high (79.5% to 130.2%). Whereas P, Ca, and Mg extractability in water was &lt;5%, the K extractability was 80% for 0.25-BC and decreased to 7.6% for FC-BC. Extractability of K, P, Ca, and Mg in 2% formic acid from vinasse-containing biochars was high (&gt;50%). These results highlight the potential suitability for use in agricultural applications. Conversion of vinasse into value-added biochar could reduce waste treatment cost and improve soil health.

The Role of CNN in Soil Detection

Soil is an important part of agricultural production and environmental health, and its physical and chemical properties directly affect crop growth and ecosystem stability. However, traditional soil testing methods such as gravimetric and time-domain reflectance (TDR) techniques, although accurate, have limitations such as being time-consuming, costly and complicated to maintain. To improve the quality of soil, the researchers proposed the method of combining Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) convolutional models with soil detection. In this paper, this will be collated and the measurements will be classified into three categories: soil water content detection based on CNN, soil contamination detection based on CNN, and soil microbial detection based on CNN models. Such classification can be effectively combined with hybrid models such as CNN, Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN), among others. The results show that the hybrid model has higher accuracy and stability in predicting soil water content, microbial activity and heavy metal contamination, which helps to improve soil health monitoring and management. Future research can further combine multiple models to improve the accuracy and application range of soil testing.

Revealing the Crucial Role and Future Prospects of Biofertilizers for Improving Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Eco-Friendly Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia

Revealing the Crucial Role and Future Prospects of Biofertilizers for Improving Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Eco-Friendly Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia