Increase Crop Yield Research Articles

INNOVATIVE FOOD WASTE RECYCLING METHODS FOR AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

This systematic review investigates innovative food waste recycling methods and their contributions to agricultural sustainability, focusing on four key approaches: composting, anaerobic digestion, biochar production, and vermiculture. 45 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024 were analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review demonstrates that these methods significantly improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce environmental impacts. Composting enhances soil structure and moisture retention, while anaerobic digestion offers dual benefits of biogas production and nutrient-rich digestate. Biochar production improves soil aeration, water retention, and carbon sequestration, contributing to long-term climate change mitigation. Vermiculture, a low-cost method for small-scale farmers, produces high-quality compost with enhanced nutrient content. However, scalability and economic feasibility remain key challenges across all methods. Technological advancements, such as automation and machine learning, offer promising solutions to improve the efficiency and scalability of these recycling methods. The review identifies critical gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the long-term impacts of these methods and the economic barriers to their widespread adoption. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges and exploring policy interventions to promote broader implementation, particularly in under-resourced regions. These findings suggest that food waste recycling plays a vital role in achieving a circular agricultural economy and advancing global sustainability goals.

Effect of Coloured Plastic Mulches on Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Central Himalayan Region

Plastic mulches are used nowadays to significantly increase crop yield due to ease of use, transportation, and storability. The main objective and aim of this investigation is to examine the role of colored plastic mulch on growth, quality, and yield attributing traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the central Himalayan region. The field experiment contained mulches in red, black, yellow, silver, and a no mulch control from Oct 2019 to Feb 2020. Red plastic mulch improved growth, yield, and quality attributing characters compared to other mulches and control. Red mulched treatment maintained better soil moisture and better soil temperature (up to 6 °C) compared to control and other colored mulches. The yield of tomatoes ranged from 13.49 to 20.27 kg.m-2 with the maximum under red plastic mulch. A yield increase of 29.72 to 50.25 % was achieved using mulch as compared to control. The plant growth, quality, and flowering attributing traits also exhibited superiority under mulching over control with red mulch showing the best effect. Tomato fruits harvested from red mulch treatment exhibited the highest value of quality parameters such as TSS (5.20 °B), lycopene content (5.59 mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (16.86 mg/100g), and carotenoid content (3.51 mg/g FW).

An Overview of the Role of Vermicompost in Reducing Green House Gas Emissions, Improving Soil Health, and Increasing Crop Yields

Vermicomposting provides a green alternative to composting, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. As a result of existing waste management practices, greenhouse gases are released into the environment. Still, vermicomposting offers a sustainable solution by recycling organic waste into a soil amendment that improves soil health and increases crop yields. This study provides an in-depth overview of the benefits of vermicomposting, a practice that recycles organic waste materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called vermicompost, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil fertility, and boost crop yields by enhancing soil structure and microbial activity, thereby presenting vermicomposting as a sustainable way to recycle organic waste, while mitigating climate change, protecting soils, and boosting agriculture. This overview examines how vermicomposting organic waste lowers greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, improves crop yields through improved soil structure and fertility, and enriches soils by increasing microbial biodiversity and nutrient availability. Vermicomposting provides degradation and detoxification of organic waste with some nutrient-rich castings. The potential of these castings to improve soil health sparked interest among agricultural researchers. Crops fertilized with vermicompost thrived, producing higher yields and the nutrient density of the plants increased significantly. Emerging research reveals that vermicompost can fight against climate change. As an organic fertilizer, it enhances the ability of plants and soil to sequester carbon, decreasing greenhouse gases and also reducing emissions of methane and nitrous oxide compared to conventional fertilizers. With broader implementation, vermicomposting offers a meaningful path to combat climate change through regenerative agriculture.

Do agroecological practices control Ralstonia solanacearum wilt on solanaceous crops? A meta‐analysis

AbstractThe effectiveness of agroecological management strategies (AEMS) in controlling bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) remains a critical question. A quantitative review was conducted based on publications reporting agroecological bacterial wilt management practices under on‐station or on‐farm field conditions in electronic libraries, without geographical restrictions, on tomato, pepper, eggplant and potato. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 papers were retained, resulting in 644 and 146 observations of bacterial wilt incidence (BWI) and yield, respectively. The effectiveness of AEMS for each crop was evaluated based on BWI and crop yield. The effect size was calculated as the natural logarithm of the response ratio, and confidence intervals were determined by bootstrapping. Varietal control, biological control (used of biological control agents) and combinations of many AEMS were the most reported practices, both under on‐station and on‐farm conditions. The use of plant extracts (Thymus spp., Crotalaria spp.), grafting, solarization, soil amendments (manure, compost) and crop rotations (with maize, beans) were also reported. All AEMS significantly reduced bacterial wilt incidence and increased yields compared to the untreated plots. Grafting, combinations of control methods, varietal control and biological control were the most effective agroecological practices in reducing BWI and increasing yield in tomato and eggplant. Varietal control was the most effective compared to biological control on pepper. The effectiveness of AEMS also varied with crop susceptibility and origin, climatic zone and soil acidity. This study highlights the potential of AEMS in reducing BWI and increasing crop yield in infested soils.

Does Renewable Energy (RE) Contribute to Rural Livelihood? Evidence from Nepal

This study examines the contribution of renewable energy (RE) on rural livelihoods in Nepal using a mixed-methods approach with the consideration of socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Data were gathered through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions across various local levels in Nepal. The findings indicate that the adoption of RE technologies, particularly solar energy, has significantly improved agricultural productivity, income levels, and overall living standards. Solar-powered irrigation systems have enabled farmers to increase crop yields, enhancing food security and income diversification. The study highlights the essential role of community involvement and local governance in the successful implementation and sustainability of RE projects. Despite the initial high costs of RE technologies, the long-term benefits, including reduced energy costs and enhanced environmental sustainability, outweigh these challenges. The reduction in the use of traditional biomass fuels has led to improved air quality and health outcomes in rural households. This research highlights the potential of renewable energy to transform rural livelihoods in Nepal, advocating for continued support and investment in RE initiatives to ensure sustainable development in remote and underserved regions.

Combined Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Linkage Mapping Identifies Genomic Regions Associated with Seedling Root System Architecture (RSA) under Different Nitrogen Conditions in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) in the roots of seedlings is beneficial for increasing crop yield. Creating marker-assisted selection for wheat root traits can assist wheat breeders in choosing robust roots to maximize nutrient uptake. Exploring and identifying the effect of different N supply conditions on root system architecture (RSA) is of great significance for breeding N efficient wheat varieties. In this study, a total of 243 wheat varieties native to the Yellow and Huai Valley regions of China were utilized for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Furthermore, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 123 lines derived from the cross between Avocet and Chilero was utilized for linkage examination. A hydroponic seedling experiment using a 96-well tray was conducted in the lab with two treatments: normal N (NN) and low N (LN). Five RSA traits, including the relative number of root tips (RNRT), relative total root length (RTRL), relative total root surface area (RTRS), relative total root volume (RTRV), and relative average root diameter (RARD), were investigated. GWAS and linkage analysis were performed by integrating data from the wheat 660 k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip and diversity arrays technology (DArT) to identify genetic loci associated with RSA. The results showed that, based on the ratio of RSA-related traits under two N supply conditions, a total of 497 SNP markers, which are significantly associated with RSA-related traits, were detected at 148 genetic loci by GWAS. A total of 10 QTL loci related to RSA were discovered and identified by linkage mapping. Combining two gene localization methods, three colocalized intervals were found: AX-95160997/QRtrl.haust-3D, AX-109592379/QRnrt.haust-5A, and AX-110924288/QRtrl.haust-7D/QRtrs.haust-7D. According to the physical location of the colocalization of these two sites, between 39.61 and 43.74 Mb, 649.97 and 661.55 Mb, and 592.44 and 605.36 Mb are called qRtrl-3D, qRnrt-5A, and qRtrl-7D. This study has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of selecting root traits in wheat breeding programs, offering valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of NUE in wheat. These results could help in breeding wheat varieties with higher NUE by implementing focused breeding strategies.

Effects of Tillage and Straw Mulching on Soil Hydrothermal and Nutrient Content in Agricultural Soil

Long-term intensive tillage has led to soil environment degradation, reduced fertility, and difficulty in increasing crop yield in the Mollisol region of northeast China. In order to improve the soil’shydrothermal environment and nutrient content, we conducted field experiments to investigate the effects of different tillage practices and the amount of straw mulching on soil hydrothermal environment and nutrient content in agricultural soils in seasonal permafrost areas. Four treatments were established: no-tillage without straw (NT0), no-tillage with half straw mulching (NT1), no-tillage with full straw mulching (NT2), and rotary tillage without straw (CK) as the control treatment. The results indicate that the no-tillage with straw mulching treatments increased the soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) content, accompanied by improvements in the soil’s water content and regulation of soil temperature changes, as compared to the CK treatment. Specifically, the soil’s NH4+-N and NO3−-N content in the NT2 treatment were significantly increased by 25.65% and 38.81%, respectively. Our study indicates that NT2 treatment is the most suitable tillage practice and straw-returning method in the Mollisol region of northeast China. This study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the efficient utilization of farmland soil in seasonal permafrost areas.

Effect of climate, crop, and management on soil phosphatase activity in croplands: A global investigation and relationships with crop yield

Agricultural and livestock production cover more than a third of the Earth's land surface and are crucial to food supply. Soil extracellular enzymes play an important role in the transformation of elements and compounds in soil, particularly acid (ACP) and alkaline (ALP) phosphatases (both, APases). These enzymes have a vital role in releasing phosphorus (P) from organic matter. However, the effect of climate variables and agro-ecosystem management on APase activity in croplands remains unclear, as does its eventual relationship with agricultural productivity. Therefore, we compiled a global database of APase activity in croplands (between 1977 and 2022) and we analysed 5876 observations across 474 papers to study climate variables, crop family, and management effects on ACP and ALP activity, and their relationship with yield. ACP activity is reduced by higher temperatures (p<0.001) and lower rainfall (p=0.002). There was an interaction effect of temperature and precipitation on ALP activity (p=0.046), with the negative effect of temperature being stronger with high precipitation, and low precipitation showing low ALP activity levels at any temperature. The crop family greatly influenced APase activity (p<0.001). Management practices affected ACP and ALP activity differently; ACP activity was positively influenced by organic fertilization combined with, crop rotation or irrigation by an average of 15.6 % and 30.7 %, respectively. ALP activity was mainly positively influenced by the interaction of two different factors: organic or inorganic-organic fertilization and reduced or zero tillage. Further understanding of soil enzyme mechanisms would aid global food security and yield. As ACP activity doubles from 100.0 to 200.0 mg pNP kg−1h−1, the crop yield increases by more than two-fold, an outcome not demonstrated in croplands until now. These results could enhance yield potential through the promotion of APase activity, and the consideration of climate variables and agro-ecosystem management, which could ultimately improve cost-benefit ratios for sustainable crop growth.

Harvesting Rainwater and Utilizing for Supplemental Irrigation to Enhance Crop Productivity under Rainfed Conditions: A Case Study of North Eastern Ghats Zone of Odisha

Rainwater harvesting-cum-supplemental irrigation is an important strategy to enhance crop water productivity under rainfed conditions. This study was conducted to assess efficacy of farm pond in harvesting rainwater and utilizing for irrigation to okra-radish cropping sequence during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Phulbani, Odisha. In this study, runoff harvested from a catchment area of 0.5 ha and stored in farm pond was quantified. Also, seepage and evaporation losses from the farm pond were determined along with computation of area that could be irrigated from the stored water. Three irrigation treatments were considered, namely, T1 – life-saving irrigation to okra and one protective irrigation of 5 cm to radish, T2 –life-saving irrigation to okra and two protective irrigations of 5 cm each to radish, T3 – control without any protective irrigation. Rainwater harvesting potential of the study areavariedfrom8.3% to 8.9% of rainfall. Evaporation and seepage losses from the pond varied from30.6% to27.4% and from18.21% to 17.4% during 2018 and 2019, respectively. About 26.35% and 24.8% of the harvested rainwater was utilized for providing life saving irrigations to 0.4 ha cropped area during Kharif and Rabi seasons in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Treatment T2 consisting of one life saving irrigation to okra and two irrigations to radish resulted in the highest okra equivalent yield (OEY) of 10,156 kg ha-1 and 10,228 kg ha-1during 2018 and 2019, respectively. Crop water productivity was found to be the highest, i.e.,0.63 and 0.632 kg m-3 during 2018 and 2019, respectively for treatment T2. Therefore, pond water can be used for providing life-saving irrigation to the vegetable crops, which resulted in higher returns due to increased crop yields. It will also be possible for the farmers to go for the second crop in Rabi season.

Nitrogen reduction enhances crop productivity, decreases soil nitrogen loss and optimize its balance in wheat-maize cropping area of the Loess Plateau, China

In winter wheat-summer maize double cropping, fertilization changes the nitrogen (N) balance in the soil N pool, grain N uptake, N loss, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), ultimately impacting crop productivity and environmental health. For agricultural systems to maintain yields at lower environmental costs, N budgets must be balanced. Still, there is a deficiency in the reporting of N budgets of farming systems that incorporate all N flows. We evaluated the effects of various N fertilizer application rates on soil N balance and crop productivity in the 2017–2021 winter wheat-summer maize growing seasons. These rates included non-N fertilization (N0), 75 kg·N·ha−1 (N75), 150 kg·N·ha−1 (N150), 225 kg·N·ha−1 (N225), and conventional N fertilizer application rate, 300 kg·N·ha−1 (N300). Our analysis was based on a long-term field fertilization experiment and in-situ observation (established in 2010). The results show that fertilization significantly increased crop yields (wheat: 29.2 %–97.6 %; maize:25.4 %–98.1 %; annal: 27.0 %–96.7 %), among which N225 showed the highest increase value, compared with N0. Moreover, the N225 maximized grain N uptake by 201.0 %, reducing N losses and increasing N sequestration compared to the conventional N application rate of N300. N balance changes from negative to positive as the N application rate increases (wheat: −63.78–85.24 kg·ha−1; maize: −55.77–82.25 kg·ha−1; annal: −119.58–167.46 kg·ha−1·yr−1). Combining years of N inputs and outputs, the N225 is more balanced. Therefore, our study shows that an appropriate reduction of N fertilizer (N225) can help maintain agricultural productivity and promote N sequestration in farmland by reducing environmental N loss. Maintaining the virtuous cycle of N in the farmland ecosystem is beneficial and essential for the efficient utilization, high yield, and sustainable development of farmland resources.

Organic waste recycling application increases N availability and mitigates N2O emission without crop yield penalty in the North China Plain.

Agricultural organic waste recycling can supply nutrients for crop production and partially replace chemical nitrogen fertilizers, which is beneficial for waste management and environmental protection. Nevertheless, comprehensive evaluation of the effects of different organic materials applications on crop yield and the environment is limited. Therefore, in this study, a comprehensive investigation of the synergistic effects of straw, pig manure, and biogas residue recycling on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) systems was carried out in the North China Plain. Field experiments were conducted from 2019 to 2021, comprising five treatments: straw (ST), pig manure (PM), and biogas residue (BR) partially replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer, sole application of chemical nitrogen fertilizer (CF), and a control with no nitrogen application (WN). The results showed that organic materials significantly increased soil total nitrogen (3.04%-9.10%) and N recovery efficiency (REN; 42.21%-44.99%), but pig manure was more beneficial in increasing crop yields (3.50%), especially wheat yields (8.72%), and REN was significantly higher than that of the other treatments. Organic materials performed differently in wheat and maize seasons, and wheat yield could be improved by organic materials return. Organic materials stimulated N2O emission in wheat season (4.28%-32.20%), while biogas residue inhibited the N2O emission in maize season (47.47%). The negative effect of straw and biogas residue on yield decreased with increasing years of return, and pig manure continued to contribute to yield. In conclusion, pig manure is the optimal alternative that can increase crop yield, soil N content, and REN without stimulating N2O emissions.

Appropriate flame-spraying treatment exacerbates thermal oxidative degradation of residual polyethylene films

In dryland farming, plastic film mulching can significantly increase crop yields, but the resulting residues impair soil health. Heretofore, only few studies had examined how heat treatment facilitates the rapid degradation of polyethylene (PE) residual films. Herein, we characterized the variations in micro-morphology, functional groups, and crystallinity of PE residual films after moderate heat exposure using a self-made flame-spraying equipment. The results revealed that solid residues (SR) obtained from flame-spraying showed a gravimetric weight loss of 9.39 %–15.35 % compared with untreated PE residual films (UPF). Scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed considerable pits, cracks, and visible roughness in appearance and an increase in the oxygen-to‐carbon (O/C) atomic ratio. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified characteristic oxygen-containing functional groups and double bonds. X-ray diffraction showed that flame-spraying treatments did not alter the crystal form of polymer, but increased the crystallinity. Higher flame-spraying temperatures resulted in larger oxygen-containing bond indices and lower crystallinity, suggesting a more severe decomposition of PE residual film. The possible volatile gaseous products at different reaction temperatures were predicted using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR). Degradation of the PE residual film started at 220 °C, and concentrated release of major products such as long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and CO2, occurred in the temperature range of 340 °C–440 °C. These results highlighted the effectiveness of the moderate flame-spraying method in accelerating rapid decomposition of residual films, and a flame-spraying temperature range of 220 °C–340 °C should be recommended to avoid potential environmental risks induced by the release of large quantities of degradation products. This study will contribute to enhance our understanding of the thermal oxidative degradation behavior of PE waste and provide a scientific basis for the rapid and clean establishment of PE residual films mitigation in agricultural fields.

Fertilizer reduction and biochar amendment promote soil mineral-associated organic carbon, bacterial activity, and enzyme activity in a jasmine garden in southeast China

Reducing chemical fertilizers and biochar amendment is essential for achieving carbon neutrality, addressing global warming, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Biochar amendment, a carbon rich soil additive produced through biomass pyrolysis, enhances soil fertility, increases crop yield, and improves soil carbon storage. However, research on the combined effect of fertilizer reduction and biochar amendment on soil mineral associated organic carbon (MAOC) in jasmine gardens is limited. This study aims to determine if biochar can reduce industrial fertilizer usage without compromising soil quality. This study focuses on jasmine cultivation in southeastern China, employing four treatments: conventional fertilization (CK), biochar amendment without fertilizer (BA), fertilizer reduction (FR), and fertilizer reduction with biochar amendment (FRBA). The effects on MAOC, microbial abundance, and enzyme activity were investigated. The FRBA treatment significantly increased MAOC content by 19.98 % compared to CK (P < 0.05). The BA and FRBA treatments enhanced the diversity of soil bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Azospirillum, and Cutibacterium, which are associated with soil organic carbon sequestration and nutrient decomposition. The RandomForest model identified β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), electric conductivity (EC), β-1, 4-Glucosidase (BG), soil potential of Hydrogen (pH), soil bulk density (BD), and β-D-cellobiosidase (CBH) as key soil traits promoting MAOC accumulation (P < 0.05). The results indicate that BA and FRBA improve soil bacterial community structure, enzyme activity, and MAOC content, promoting soil carbon accumulation through environmental factors and dominant bacteria. This study encourages future fertilization protocols that enhance fertilizer efficiency and carbon storage in crop soils.

Response of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Practice on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Fenugreek (Trigonella corniculate L.)

Integrated nutrient management methods assist improve fenugreek (Trigonella corniculate L.) development and yield by integrating the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. These methods enhance soil fertility, increase nutrient availability, and improve plant health, all of which lead to increased crop yield, growth and quality. Future policies must place a high priority on the economical, sustainable, and efficient use of nutrient resources for the purpose to increase agricultural output. Thus, proper crop, water, soil, and land management along with integrated nutrient management are necessary for sustainable agriculture. Improved soil qualities and increased nutrient availability for agricultural plants come from the use of organic manures in conjunction with inorganic fertilizers. This enhances fenugreek growth, yield, and quality measures. The synthesis of carbohydrates, phytohormones, and even biofertilizers is enhanced by a nutritious diet. It also builds up the soil's organic status, which raises the availability of other nutrients and contributes to the maximum growth of crops. Vermicompost, farmyard manure, rhizobium, phosphorus- and potassium-soluble bacteria (PSB) are among the materials used in methi cultivation that support sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, nutrient availability, and general crop health, all of which lead to higher methi yields and quality. Organic matter is a storehouse of nutrients; applying both organic and inorganic fertilizer together can boost yields, improve soil fertility, raise crop input-use efficiency, and reduce the need for expensive fertilizers. This crop responds effectively to N provided through a combination of organic and inorganic sources. Majority of the nitrogen applied from different sources is not used by the first crop and is always reflected in the crop that follows. Therefore, it is necessary to assess how integrated nutrition management affected fenugreek's yield and nutrient uptake.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Loci and New Candidate Gene Controlling Seed Germination in Rice

Improving seed germination and seedling development can potentially increase crop yield and improve quality in direct-seeded rice. This study aimed to detect loci or genes associated with rice seed germination. We reported the phenotypic analysis of seed germination in 103 rice accessions across two years, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify loci underlying the genetic regulation of seed germination. A total of seven genetic loci were found to be associated with seed germination, including five loci that overlapped with the previously reported loci/genes, and two novel loci. Of these, two loci (qGP2 and qGP4.1) were stable across different environments. GP4 (Germination percentage 4), encoding a 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, was identified as the candidate gene of the major locus qGP4.1. A sequence analysis of GP4 revealed that four functional polymorphic sites in the coding region were significantly associated with germination percentage. The disruption of GP4 by gene editing resulted in faster seed germination and seedling establishment. Taken together, we have identified GP4 as a novel gene involved in rice seed germination, and we provide a potential target gene for improving rice seed vigor via gene editing or molecular breeding.

Actuation Drones in Agriculture: Advancing Precision Pest Management through Biocontrol and Modern Techniques

As global food demand surges, agricultural technology is essential for addressing challenges like environmental degradation, pollution, and water scarcity. Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), present a promising solution for precision agriculture by providing real-time, accurate data that enhances decision-making in crop management. In pest control, drones offer targeted delivery of natural enemies and biopesticides, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. This precision can lead to increased crop yields, reduced environmental impact, and improved livelihoods for farmers by lowering operational costs and optimizing resource use. Despite their potential, adopting drone technology in agriculture faces regulatory challenges, such as the need for certifications, flight restrictions, and operational guidelines. Addressing these regulatory hurdles is crucial for broader implementation. Moreover, collaboration among stakeholders—including researchers, policymakers, agricultural extension workers, and industry players—is vital for advancing drone-assisted pest management and ensuring its practical adoption in diverse farming environments. As we navigate these challenges, actuation drones hold immense promise for transforming pest management practices globally, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security. Further research, development, and stakeholder engagement are necessary to fully realize the potential of drones in integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

Deep Vertical Rotary Tillage: A Sustainable Agricultural Practice to Improve Soil Quality and Crop Yields in China

Deep vertical rotary tillage (DVRT) is an innovative soil tillage technology that has been widely adopted in China and shown significant potential in enhancing soil quality, optimizing water use efficiency, and increasing crop yields across diverse ecological and agronomic conditions. DVRT utilizes a vertical spiral drill bit for deep plowing, which preserves soil structure, reduces soil compaction, and improves water retention, making it particularly effective in regions facing climatic challenges such as drought. This review synthesizes the effects of DVRT on soil’s physical and chemical properties, crop root systems, photosynthesis, and water use efficiency, demonstrating its advantages in promoting robust root development and improving nutrient utilization. Although the technology has been applied successfully across various crops and regions, its nationwide adoption remains limited. This paper emphasizes the need for further research to refine the theoretical framework of DVRT and develop tailored strategies for different local conditions. Additionally, integrating DVRT with other agronomic practices and advancing machinery design, supported by policy measures, is essential for maximizing its benefits. In conclusion, DVRT presents a promising approach for sustainable agriculture in China, contributing to improved soil quality, increased crop yields, and enhanced food security.

Pemberdayaan Mayarakat Melalui Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) Reguler Unkriswina Sumba Dibidang UMKM, Pangan Lokal, Pertanian, dan Pendidikan di Desa Mata Lombu

Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) is one of the lecture programs that must be provided and implemented by every university in order to achieve one of the goals and tri dharma, namely Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM). Mata Lombu is one of the villages selected to carry out the KKN program, but as a village in Indonesia, it is generally not free from several problems. Based on observations and social analysis carried out, there are various problems that need to be addressed including: (1) lack of community understanding regarding local food processing, (2) lack of understanding of farmers regarding preventing pests in crops, (3) lack of literacy and numeracy among students. Elementary and junior high schools in the village, (5) limited access to clean water, and (6) limitations of MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) in creating jobs. Based on a number of problems found during observations and social analysis, and the description in the background, the main objective of all these programs is to fulfill community service and empowerment in Mata Lombu Village through a project action planning framework or Project Action Plan (PAP). The series of Unkriswina Sumba Regular KKN activity methods includes the stages of program planning, implementation and evaluation. The results of this activity show that this activity can increase insight, understanding and new knowledge regarding local food, making bokashi fertilizer, making natural pesticides, and tutoring, and can increase crop yields, food security, reduce the impact of environmental pollution, and increase value. increase the economy of village communities.

OsRopGEF10 Attenuates Cytokinin Signaling to Regulate Panicle Development and Grain Yield in Rice

Cytokinins, which play crucial roles in shoot development, substantially affect grain yield. In rice, the OsRopGEF10-OsRAC3 module is associated with cytokinin signaling and crown root development. However, the effects of RopGEF-mediated cytokinin signaling on rice shoot development and grain yield remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of OsRopGEF10 in SAM development and the underlying mechanism. We showed that overexpression of OsRopGEF10 inhibited SAM and panicle development, leading to decreased grain yield. Intriguingly, the overexpression of a specific amino acid mutant of OsRopGEF10, designated gef10-W260S, was found to promote panicle development and grain yield. Further analysis using the BiFC assay revealed that the gef10-W260S mutation disrupted the recruitment of rice histidine phosphotransfer proteins (OsAHP1/2) to the plasma membrane (PM), thereby promoting cytokinin signaling. This effect was corroborated by a dark-induced leaf senescence assay, which revealed an increased cytokinin response in the gef10-W260S ectopic expression lines, whereas the overexpression lines presented a suppressed cytokinin response. Moreover, we revealed that the enhanced panicle development in the gef10-W260S lines was attributable to the upregulated expression of several type-B response regulators (RRs) that are crucial for panicle development. Collectively, these findings revealed the negative regulatory function of OsRopGEF10 in the development of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) via interference with cytokinin signaling. Our study highlights the promising role of OsRopGEF10 as a potential target for regulating SAM and panicle development in rice, revealing a valuable breeding strategy for increasing crop yield.

Selection of reference genes for expression profiling in biostimulation research of soybean

BackgroundPlant biostimulants constitute a promising environmentally friendly alternative for increasing crop yield and tolerance to unfavorable conditions. Among various types of such formulations, botanical extracts are gaining more recognition as products supporting plant performance. Moreover, novel tools such as cold-plasma or low-pressure microwave plasma discharge are being proposed as techniques that might improve their efficacy. Elucidation of the biostimulant’s mode of action requires complex research at a molecular level. Transcriptional changes occurring after biostimulant spraying might be investigated using RT-qPCR. However, this technique requires data normalization against stable endogenous controls.ResultsHere, we tested the expression stability of ten candidate genes in soybean plants exposed to various biostimulants treatment. Selection of the best-performing reference genes was conducted using four algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt method). According to the obtained results, Bic-C2 (RNA-binding protein Bicaudal-C) and CYP (cyclophilin type peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase) showed highest expression stability, while expression of EF1B (elongation factor 1-beta) fluctuated the most among a tested set of candidate genes.ConclusionsOverall, we recommend using Bic-C2 together with CYP for the RT-qPCR data normalization in soybean biostimulation experiments. To our best knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of reference genes stability in plants subjected to biostimulant treatment. The results of this study will aid in further biostimulant research in crop plants, facilitating analyses performed on the transcriptional level.Graphical