Low Nitrogen Levels Research Articles

Agronomic Performance and Grain Yield of Low-Nitrogen-Tolerant Maize Varieties in Two Different Agro-Ecologies

The soil of Ekiti State is low in nitrogen due to continuous cropping, erosion and leaching, which has led to decrease in crop yield. A possible approach to increase maize yield even in soil with low nitrogen nutrient is the use of varieties that are tolerant to soil with low nitrogen. Experiments were conducted in two locations: Ikole-Ekiti (derived savanna) and Ikere-Ekiti (tropical rainforest) in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Four low nitrogen tolerant maize varieties developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan, Nigeria were obtained; TZEE-W Pop STR C₅, TZEE-W Pop HDT C₃ STR C₅, 2017 TZEE-W HDT STR and 2016 TZEE-W Syn Pop DT STR F₂. Three rates of nitrogen fertilizer, 0 Kg N/ha, 30 kg N/ha and 60 kg N/ha were applied. The three factors experiment were laid out in split-split plot design. Days to silking, anthesis-silking interval, flag leaf, plant height and grain yield significantly (p≤0.05) varied with the location, nitrogen rates and varieties. The results indicated that 60 kg N/ha reduced the grain yield of maize compared to 30 kg N/ha which improved the grain yield of the maize varieties in the two locations (Ikole-Ekiti: 1506.04 kg/ha and Ikere-Ekiti: 952.82 kg/ha). TZEE-W Pop HDT C₃ STR C₅ significantly had the highest grain yield among the varieties in Ikole-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti. High nitrogen application reduced the grain yield production of the maize varieties. Thus, low nitrogen level such as 30 kg N/ha is favourable for higher grain yield of low nitrogen tolerant maize varieties.

Sifat Kimia Tanah pada Budidaya Talas Beneng (Xanthosoma undipes K.Koch) di Berbagai Ketinggian

Soil is important in agriculture because of its chemical properties, which can affect plant growth. Understanding soil chemical characteristics at various elevations is expected to help identify the optimal elevation for Beneng taro cultivation. This study aims to identify the chemical properties of soil used for Beneng taro cultivation at different elevations to determine optimal conditions for plant productivity. The research uses a descriptive quantitative method conducted in three villages at varying elevations: Talaga Warna Village in Pabuaran District (343 meters above sea level), Juhut Village in Karangtanjung District (±615 meters above sea level), and Kaduengang Village in Cadasari District (±761 meters above sea level). The study was carried out from August to October 2024. Sampling was conducted using a composite method with a diagonal sampling technique. The soil chemical parameters analyzed include pH (measured by penetration method), C-Organic (Walkley and Black method), Total Nitrogen (Kjeldahl method), Total Phosphorus and Total Potassium (25% HCl extraction method), and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) using the NH4OAc method at pH 7. Soil chemical analysis was performed at the Agroecotechnology Soil Laboratory, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, and Laboratory IPB. Research findings will be presented in tables and maps using ArcGIS software. Results indicate that soil chemical properties for Beneng taro cultivation vary across elevations. The soil at different elevations is generally acidic, with very low levels of Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Total Potassium, as well as low C-Organic content, while soil CEC is categorized as moderate. This study provides a scientific basis for enhancing Beneng taro production by considering optimal elevation and suitable soil conditions.

What to feed mallards to support their health and to minimize nitrogen and phosphate excretion?

Feedingmallards is a popular activity worldwide. Bread, which is most commonly fed, is relatively high in carbohydrates and salt and low in calcium and phosphorus, posing potential risks to the duck's health. Because the impact of a feeding ban is often minimal, it is preferable to identify healthier alternatives for feeding the mallards. In addition, these alternatives should have relatively low nitrogen and phosphorus levels to minimize excretion through droppings, protecting the plant diversity in the water. For mallards being fed occasionally, feed materials with a low dry matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus content can be used, such as lettuce, apple, banana, and kale. When human feeding contributes significantly to the total feed intake, it is essential to provide a dietary mixture that meets the nutrient requirements of mallards. An example of such a mixture consists of 20% corn, 5% rapeseed, 9% dried mealworms, 26% apple, and 40% poppy seeds. Feeding kale exclusively could be considered an alternative, but further research into long-term effects is necessary.

Nitrogen Addition Increased the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Permafrost Peatland Due to the Abundance of Soil Microbial Functional Genes Increasing in the Great Khingan Mountains, Northeast China

Permafrost peatlands are sensitive to changes in nitrogen levels because they are largely nitrogen-limited ecosystems. However, the microbial mechanisms by which the addition of nitrogen increases the emission of greenhouse gasses from permafrost peatlands remain unclear. This study was conducted to decipher the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and soil microorganisms under nitrogen addition. Here, we performed a 154-day experimental investigation in order to assess the release of greenhouse gasses such as CO2, CH4, and N2O from the soils. Additionally, we examined the correlation between the rates of these gas emissions and the presence of crucial microbial functional genes in the soil. The results showed that the addition of low (0.01 g kg−1), medium (0.02 g kg−1), and high (0.04 g kg−1) levels of nitrogen increased the cumulative CO2 emissions by 2.35%–90.42%, respectively. The cumulative emissions of CH4 increased by 17.29%, 25.55% and 21.77%, respectively. The cumulative emissions of N2O increased 2.97, 7.49 and 7.72-fold. The addition of nitrogen increased the abundance of functional genes in the bacteria, fungi, methanogens, denitrifying bacteria, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil by modifying abiotic soil variables and providing sufficient substrates for microorganisms. The results indicated that the addition of nitrogen can significantly promote the emission of greenhouse gasses by increasing the abundance of functional microbial genes in the soil of permafrost peatlands. These findings highlight the importance of considering nitrogen deposition and the nitrogen released from thawing permafrost when predicting the future greenhouse gasses emitted from permafrost peatlands.

Factors determining the invasion pattern of Ageratina adenophora Spreng. in Kumaun Himalaya India

Factors such as topography, soil composition, and nutrient availability significantly influence the density patterns of Ageratina adenophora. Understanding these dynamics addresses a gap in our knowledge of the species' adaptive mechanisms in mountainous regions. Furthermore, the impact of habitat features along road corridors on the population dynamics of invasive plants remains underexplored, particularly regarding the effects of disturbance levels, light availability, and soil properties on their establishment. A species-specific rapid ecological assessment was conducted using stratified random sampling, with parallel transects of 50 × 2 m established in triplicates at 20 m intervals. This resulted in 43 main transects across the identified plots and 67 parallel transects in adjacent habitats. The number of individuals of A. adenophora and its clumps were recorded from each quadrat. Chemical and physical parameters of soil were measured for soil collected from 0 to 15 cm depth. Linear Mixed Model analysis revealed a significant negative effect of elevation (p<0.05) on the density of clumped individuals (Estimate: −0.31, t-value: −3.05), total individuals (Estimate: −0.27, t-value: −2.61), and clump number (Estimate: −0.30, t-value: −4.78). Western aspect also showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in clumped individuals (Estimate: −1.83, t-value: −2.80), total individuals (Estimate: −2.24, t-value: −3.47), and clump number (Estimate: −0.81, t-value: −1.97). Total A. adenophora density was highest near settlements (133 ind. m², Estimate: 1.19) and grasslands (103 ind. m², Estimate: 1.16), but lowest in broadleaf forests (26 ind. m²). Density decreased significantly with increasing distance from road verges (Estimate: −0.24, t-value: −2.34). Soil moisture content positively influenced total individuals (Estimate: 0.19, t-value: 2.75), clumped individuals (Estimate: 0.23, t-value: 3.20), clump numbers (Estimate: 0.05, t-value: 1.09), and individuals per clump (Estimate: 0.37, t-value: 3.28). Available nitrogen positively influenced non-clumped individuals (Estimate: 0.17, t-value: 2.04) but negatively affected individuals per clump (Estimate: −0.25, t-value: −2.21), indicating that lower nitrogen levels correlate with higher individual density per clump. Hence, effective restoration efforts are needed including soil improvement, invasive species removal and control, and the planting of native species.

Deciphering nitrogen dynamics in aeroponics: physio-biochemical and enzymatic responses influencing nitrogen use efficiency in contrasting potato genotypes

Excessive use of nitrogen (N) in crops, such as potatoes, can lead to economic and environmental repercussions. We hypothesized that potato genotypes with resilient root systems and high genetic capabilities for nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) could effectively mitigate these challenges. Consequently, we investigated intraspecific variations and characteristics within six distinct potato genotypes exhibiting diverse NUEs in response to varying nitrogen levels in an aeroponic system. The morpho-physiological and biochemical properties showed significant genotypic variations, especially related to the N-assimilating enzyme levels and root characteristics. Notably, the root systems of all genotypes demonstrated greater responsiveness to low nitrogen levels, with genotype C17 showcasing the most substantial root system irrespective of nitrogen concentration. Root morphological traits displayed robust positive correlations with NUtE, primarily influenced by genotype rather than nitrogen concentration. Conversely, nitrogen levels, displaying positive correlations with NUpE, influenced growth and activities of N-assimilating enzymes. Based on their distinct root systems, metabolic activities, and NUE profiles, genotypes C17 and C11 were determined to be N-efficient and N-inefficient, respectively. This study provides novel insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency in potato genotypes under aeroponic conditions, offering potential targets for breeding programs, optimizing fertilizer management and cultivation strategies to improve crop performance under nitrogen-deficient conditions. Future investigations, employing multi-omics approaches, will elucidate key genes and pathways in nitrogen metabolism, potentially offering avenues to enhance root architecture and improve NUE.

Genetic Diversity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Low Level of Nitrogen

Maize (Zea mays L.) is India's second most significant crop, behind rice. As a cross-pollinated crop, hybrid vigour is commonly used to achieve the best production potential. The selection of various genotypes is a primary goal in the maize hybrid breeding programme. Maize is a voracious feeder and requires a lot of fertiliser. The biggest limits on maize production in India are low soil nitrogen and high fertiliser costs. Jharkhand consumes only 82.5 kg of total fertiliser nutrients per acre. In order to discover genetically varied maize genotypes for nitrogen usage efficiency, the current study evaluated 121 maize genotypes in a randomised block design with two replications at low nitrogen levels. Plant height, days to 50% pollen shed, days to 50% silk, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), days to75% maturity, number of leaves per plant, root length, stover yield per plant, grain yield per plant, and harvest index were all recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the morphological trait data. Analysis of variance revealed substantial (p≤0.05) variations in morphological features between maize genotypes. For statistical analysis, a clustering method was used to locate various genotypes with greater genetic distance in order to develop good heterotic combinations. One hundred twenty one genotypes were divided into six clusters using the dendogram-by-ward minimum variance approach. Cluster III and V had the greatest inter-cluster distance (79.26), followed by cluster III and VI (74.77) and cluster II and III (73.80). The many heterotic combinations developed from these clusters can be employed in subsequent breeding programmes to produce low nitrogen-requiring hybrids with a low yield penalty.

Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Wheat as Influenced by Nitrogen, Vermicompost and Biofertilizer Application at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

High cost, unavailability, and imbalance use of chemical fertilizers and environmental degradation are challenging sustainability of wheat production in Nepal. Integration of vermicompost, biofertilizer (Azotobacter chrococcom) and chemical fertilizer can improve the situation. A field experiment was conducted to assess the combined application of vermicompost, chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat at Rampur Chitwan from November 2021 to April 2022. The experiment was laid out in a strip-split plot design with five N levels as horizontal factors (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of recommended dose), two vermicompost levels (0 and 5 t ha-1) as the vertical factor, and two biofertilizer levels (with and without application) as the sub-plot factor with three replications. Data on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat, nitrogen uptake were collected, analyzed and presented. The research result revealed a significant influence of biofertilizer and nitrogen levels on grain yield of wheat. Full dose of nitrogen resulted a significantly higher grain yield (4441.71 kg ha-1) than other nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75 % of recommended dose with grain yield 2792.11, 2982.20, 3771.17. 4231.63 kg ha-1 respectively). Biofertilizer application had significantly higher grain yield (3726.76 kg ha-1) compared with no biofertilizer application (3560 kg ha-1). There was significant interactions between biofertilizer application and nitrogen levels on number of grains per spike and sterility percent of wheat. The number of grain per spike was highest with 100% recommended N with biofertilizer application (47.52 grains/spike) followed by 75 % recommended N with biofertilizer application (46.53 grains/spike). The sterility % was lowest (6.47 %) with 100 % N with biofertilizer application followed by 75 % N with biofertilizer application (6.72 %). Total nitrogen uptake was significantly higher (119.04 kg ha-1) for full dose of nitrogen as compared with lower nitrogen levels (0, 25. 50, 75 % recommended N levels). Biofertilizer application also resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake (89.89 kg ha-1) as compared with no Biofertilizer application (79.89 kg ha-1). Integration of biofertilizer, with chemical fertilizer 75 - 100 % recommended N level could increase the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat in Chitwan.

The alleviating effects and mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MC14 on hyperuricemia in mice

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a chronic disorder resulting from purine metabolic dysregulation. This research explored the alleviating effects and potential mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MC14 on HUA in a mouse model. Further, it investigated the impact of MC14 intervention on the intestinal flora and metabolites of HUA model mice. Results indicated that the activity of MC14 in alleviating HUA may be linked to its abilities to lower serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, reduce inflammation, alleviate renal tissue damage, enhance uric acid excretion, inhibit the overactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, suppress hepatic adenosine deaminase and xanthine oxidase activities, competitively absorb nucleosides and nucleobases, and regulate the intestinal flora. Our research demonstrates that MC14 is a potential candidate for developing novel therapeutics for hyperuricemia.

Responses of soil properties and foliar traits of a dominant tree species Pseudotsuga sinensis to rocky desertification in a karst ecosystem

Rocky desertification is a prevalent environmental challenge across karst landscapes that hinders regional sustainable development. Understanding how soil properties and plant traits respond to increasing levels of rocky desertification is crucial for developing effective restoration strategies. Here, we investigated soil characteristics and intraspecific leaf stoichiometric traits of Pseudotsuga sinensis across a gradient of rocky desertification in a karst ecosystem. We employed principal component analysis to assess changes in soil properties and leaf chemical traits and used leaf trait network analysis to explore shifts in trait network topology. Our results revealed that severe desertification sites had soil with high bulk density and pH, and low levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as soil organic carbon. Leaf stoichiometry shifted markedly along the gradient, with elevated nitrogen limitation and cation imbalance in degraded sites. Trait network analysis showed that network diameter and modularity increased while connectance decreased with rocky desertification, indicating reduced integration among traits. On the other hand, higher adaptation capacity to environmental harshness under moderate level of rocky desertification was also observed. These findings suggest that both soil properties and leaf traits would experience substantial shifts across rocky desertification gradient, with increasing functional fragmentation and nutrient limitation as degradation intensifies. Based on our results, we propose management strategies targeted to different levels of rocky desertification to mitigate its negative impacts and promote ecosystem recovery.

Chemometric Discrimination of the Geographical Origin of Rheum tanguticum by Stable Isotope Analysis

Rheum tanguticum is one of the primary rhubarb species used for food and medicinal purposes, and it has recently been gaining more attention and recognition. This research represents the first attempt to use stable isotopes and elemental analysis via IRMS to identify the geographical origin of Rheum tanguticum. A grand total of 190 rhubarb samples were gathered from 38 locations spread throughout the provinces of Gansu, Sichuan, and Qinghai in China. The carbon content showed a decreasing trend in the order of Qinghai, followed by Sichuan, and then Gansu. Nitrogen content was notably higher, with Qinghai and Sichuan displaying similar levels, while Gansu had the lowest nitrogen levels. Significant differences were noted in the δ13C (−28.9 to −26.5‰), δ15N (2.6 to 5.6‰), δ2H (−120.0 to −89.3‰), and δ18O (16.0‰ to 18.8‰) isotopes among the various rhubarb cultivation areas. A significant negative correlation was found between %C and both longitude and humidity. Additionally, δ13C and δ15N isotopes were negatively correlated with longitude, and δ15N showed a negative correlation with humidity as well. δ2H and δ18O isotopes exhibited a strong positive correlation with latitude, while significant negative correlations were observed between δ2H and δ18O isotopes and temperature, precipitation, and humidity. The LDA, PLS-DA, and k-NN models all exhibited strong classification performance in both the training and validation sets, achieving accuracy rates between 82.1% and 91.7%. The combination of stable isotopes, elemental analysis, and chemometrics provides a reliable and efficient discriminant model for accurately determining the geographical origin of R. tanguticum in different regions. In the future, the approach will aid in identifying the geographical origin and efficacy of rhubarb in other studies.

Effects of Elevated CO2 and O3 on Aboveground Brassicaceous Plant-Insect Interactions.

Atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3), influence plant-insect interactions, with variable effects. The few studies that have investigated the direct effects of elevated CO2 (eCO2; 750-900 ppm) or elevated O3 (eO3; 60-200 ppb) on insects have shown mixed results. Instead, most research has focused on the indirect effects through changes in the host plant. In general, the lower nitrogen levels in C3 brassicaceous plants grown at eCO2 negatively affect insects and may result in compensatory feeding. Phytohormones involved in plant resistance may be altered by eCO2 or eO3. For example, stress-related jasmonate levels, which lead to induced resistance against chewing herbivores, are weakened at eCO2. In general, eCO2 does not affect herbivore-induced plant volatiles, which remain attractive to natural enemies. However, floral volatiles and herbivore-induced plant volatiles may be degraded by O3, affecting pollination and foraging natural enemy behavior. Thus, eCO2 and eO3 alter plant-insect interactions; however, many aspects remain poorly understood.

Impact of Additives and Packing Density on Fermentation Weight Loss, Microbial Diversity, and Fermentation Quality of Rape Straw Silage

To investigate the effects of the combined addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and sucrose on the fermentation weight loss (FWL), fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of ensiled rape straw under varying packing density conditions. After harvesting, the rapeseed straw was collected, cut into 1–2 cm pieces, and sprayed with sterile water to adjust the moisture content to 60%. The straw was then divided into two groups: one treated with additives (1 × 105 CFU/g fresh material of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and 10 kg/t fresh material of sucrose), and the other sprayed with an equivalent amount of sterile water as the control (CK). The treated materials were thoroughly mixed and packed into silos at densities of 450, 500, and 550 kg/m3. FWL was recorded on days 1, 3, 6, 15, 20, and 45 of fermentation. On day 45, the samples were analyzed for fermentation quality, microbial counts, and microbial diversity. FWL increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in both the treated (LS) and control groups during fermentation. The LS group showed higher lactic acid (LA) levels (p &lt; 0.05) and lower ammonia nitrogen levels (p &lt; 0.05) compared to CK. The CK group had significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) counts of Coliforms and lower bacterial counts (p &lt; 0.05) than LS. The dominant genera in the silage were Xanthomonas, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lentilactobacillus. In the LS group, the relative abundances of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus ranged from 16.93% to 20.43% and 15.63% to 27.46%, respectively, with their combined abundance being higher than in CK. At a packing density of 500 kg/m3, the relative abundances of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus in the LS group were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in CK. Increasing packing density and applying additives to rape straw silage effectively reduced FWL, improved fermentation quality, boosted the relative abundance of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, and decreased the presence of undesirable bacteria such as Enterobacter and Bacillus.

Flotation separation of maghara coal in Egypt for the removal of hazardous Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater

ABSTRACT Due to its serious toxicity, wastewater contaminated with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has become an increasing environmental concern. Herein, a novel flotation separation of maghara coal in Egypt for Cr(VI) removal was proposed to separate coal to three types of maceral group fractions including liptinite, vitrinite, and inertinite via controlling in density as a function in the degree of coalification. The results implied that the activated inertinite macerals (AIM) have the highest carbon and lowest nitrogen levels among the entire maceral groups. The Langmuir isotherm model exhibited a high adsorption capacity of the AIM sample (1226. 21 mg/g) compared to pre-flotation separation sample (877.55 mg/g). Therefore, the flotation separation of maghara coal played a vital role in the Cr(VI) removal. The residuary concentration of Cr(VI) after adsorption onto AIM was close to 0.037 mg L−1 at pH = 2, which satisfies the industrial wastewater discharge standard. In addition, the removal of Cr(VI) onto AIM surface has been demonstrated to be highly effective via the adsorption and reduction process. The oxygen-containing functional groups could strengthen the interaction between Cr(VI) and AIM surface through the reducing reactions. The accelerating effect of organic acids was investigated for the capture of Cr(VI) and the efficiency in the presence of tartaric acid was improved up to 99.96% within 48 h compared to other organic acids. Therefore, this research provides a sophisticated strategy for separating coal to highly efficient adsorbents for wastewater remediation.

Optimal balance of organic detritus and feed for fish growth and water quality improvement through regulating nutrients cycling

In order to explore the effects of different feed composition on the nutrient level and microbial loop structure in aquaculture ponds, a field simulation experiment in aquaculture ponds was conducted by adding different proportions (0%, 20%, 40% and 60%) of bagasse to fish feed for combined feeding. The addition of bagasse significantly reduced the levels of various forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, especially with the addition of 60% bagasse. In the treatments without addition and with 20% bagasse added, nitrogen and phosphorus levels remained relatively high, which should be attributed to the decomposition of feed and the release of sediment, ultimately stimulating the abundant reproduction of algae. Bacterial growth was limited due to insufficient supply of organic carbon, and the growth of fish relied more on the components of the feed. With the addition of 60% bagasse, the high organic carbon and low nitrogen and phosphorus levels could not support the growth of phytoplankton, bacteria, and zooplankton. It is inferred that organic carbon may be more degraded into carbon dioxide, ultimately limiting the growth of fish. Adding 40% bagasse achieved a balanced level of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, establishing a healthy and stable microbial loop structure (including phytoplankton, bacteria, and zooplankton). Most nutrients were converted into plankton, which then became natural food for fish, ensuring complete nutrient utilization. This is beneficial for both water quality improvement and fish reproduction. Therefore, adding a moderate proportion of bagasse to the feed can maximize the effects of water quality improvement, fish reproduction, and even the quality of fish meat.

Intercropping in Coconut Plantations Regulate Soil Characteristics by Microbial Communities

Intercropping is a commonly employed agricultural technique that offers numerous advantages, such as increasing land productivity, enhancing soil health, and controlling soil-borne pathogens. In this study, Artemisia argyi, Dioscorea esculenta, and Arachis pintoi were intercropped with coconuts and compared with naturally growing weeds (Bidens pilosa), respectively. The regulatory mechanism of intercropping was examined by analyzing the variability in soil properties and microbial community structure across different intercropping modes and soil depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm). The results indicate that intercropping can increase the diversity of soil bacteria and fungi. Moreover, as soil depth increases, the changes in microbial communities weaken. Intercropping reduced soil SOM and increased pH, which is directly related to the changes in the abundance of Acidobacteria in the soil. In various intercropping systems, the disparities resulting from intercropping with A. pintoi are particularly pronounced. Specifically, intercropping with A. pintoi leads to an increase in soil potassium and phosphorus levels, as well as an enhancement in the abundance of Bacillus sp., which plays a crucial role in the suppression of plant pathogenic fungi within the soil ecosystem. The results of the correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) suggest that the impacts of three intercropping systems on microbial composition and soil indicators exhibit considerable variation. However, a common critical factor influencing these effects is the soil phosphorus content. Furthermore, our findings indicate that intercropping resulted in lower soil nitrogen levels, exacerbating nitrogen deficiency and masking its impact on the microbial community composition.

Soil Fertility Status of Paddy (Oryza Sativa L.) Growing Soils of Different Agro-climatic Zones, Telangana, India

The main occupation of Telangana State, India, is agriculture. Achieving food security requires intelligent management to increase land use productivity and production per unit area because of the expanding population and decreasing amount of agricultural land per capita. In this sense, assessing the productivity and fertility of the soil is a necessary step toward sustainable agricultural development. In the current study, paddy grown different soils in the districts of Telangana State were assessed for soil fertility using random sampling approach. This study was conducted to analyze the fertility characteristics of paddy cultivated soils in different districts of Telangana State. Collected 275 soil samples at 0-15cm depth under paddy crop grown during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The samples were found to be slightly acidic to alkaline in nature and low amount of soil organic matter. Soil nutrients such as available nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) ranged from 50-401 kg ha-1, 17-147 kg ha-1 and 60-842 kg ha-1 in red soil, 63-314 kg ha-1, 33-126 kg ha-1 and 95-460 kg ha-1 in black soil and 73-312 kg ha-1, 25-158 kg ha-1 and 153-458 kg ha-1 in alluvial soil, respectively. The paddy cultivated soil survey results conclusively indicate that the soil samples reveals normal soil reaction, electrical conductivity and low organic carbon (0.48% average) and widespread low nitrogen levels (91% of samples). Conversely, phosphorus availability is high (82% of samples) with an average content of 82 kg P2O5 ha-1, and potassium levels are notably elevated (57%).

Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in Soil under Native Pastures in the Pantanal Wetland Biome, Brazil

The Pantanal has a high diversity of native pastures that provide food for many wild and domestic animals. Pantanal cattle raising is practiced in an extensive grazing-based system that varies according to the flood levels in the area. This study aimed to evaluate the fractions of soil organic matter in areas of native pastures under different uses and to quantify C and N stocks in sandy soils of the Pantanal. Soil samples from three native pastures differentiated by the predominance of Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Axonopus purpusii, and Mesosetum chaseae under different land use systems (continuous grazing and no grazing for five years) were collected and used to quantify the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and humic fractions. The dynamics of SOM are modified in grazed areas of the Pantanal, with influence on C and N, including their stocks. Native pastures of Axonopus purpusii and Hymenachne amplexicaulis showed an increase in organic matter after five years without grazing, while Mesosetum chaseae showed lower soil density and nitrogen levels. The highest C stock was observed in ungrazed areas of H. amplexicaulis (127.41 Mg ha−1 in the 0–40 cm layer). The dynamics of nitrogen in Pantanal pastures are influenced by the type of vegetation and land management, with higher nitrogen content in the surface layer (0–10 cm) and an increasing C/N ratio with soil depth, indicating lower nitrogen availability.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Natural Farming vs. Chemical Fertilizers for Sustainable Marigold Production under Mid-hills of Himalayas

Natural farming, using desi-cow waste to boost soil biology, is widely adopted. Jeevamrit enhances soil health and organic carbon without heavy reliance on farmyard manure (FYM), supporting sustainable agriculture and lowering the carbon footprint. In Himachal Pradesh, lower nitrogen, optimal phosphorus and higher potassium levels reduce nutrient needs, highlighting the need for tailored farming. During this study data was collected manually which leads to errors and inconsistencies during data handling, which were addressed through rigorous data editing and verification. Our study compared Jeevamrit to chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of marigold. Jeevamrit @ 2 L/m2 via drenching in the mother block, followed by harvesting cuttings for rooting, allowed monthly plantings across seasons. Soil health improved in Jeevamrit-treated plots, leading to better marigold quality and higher marketable flowers and yields compared to RDF-treated plants. The current study indicates that plants treated with Jeevamrit @ 2 L/m2, and the plants treated with the recommended dose of fertilizers (NPK @ 30:20:20 g/m² during field preparation), plants raised from the first harvesting flush of cuttings and planted during the summer season, exhibited a comparable benefit-cost ratio i.e. 2.36 and 2.39 respectively. Nonetheless, the benefit-cost ratio was marginally higher for plants exclusively supplied with the recommended dose of fertilizers (NPK @ 30:20:20 g/m2). This study provided a detailed comparative cost and benefit analysis of natural farming (using Jeevamrit) versus chemical fertilizers (RDF) in marigold production, emphasizing the financial feasibility and seasonal impacts on yield and profitability. The outcome of the investigation suggests that plants treated with Jeevamrit (2 L/m2) can be used as an sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers, especially for marigold production in the Himalayan region’s Mid-hills, warranting a benefit-cost analysis.

Enhancing the Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Wheat Grown with Low Mineral Nitrogen Level through Zeolite, Sorbitol and Copper

Enhancing the Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Wheat Grown with Low Mineral Nitrogen Level through Zeolite, Sorbitol and Copper