Marginal Soils Research Articles

Strength Behaviour of Marginal Soil Reinforced with Grass Roots

Strength Behaviour of Marginal Soil Reinforced with Grass Roots

Metal mobility in an anaerobic-digestate-amended soil: the role of two bioenergy crop plants and their metal phytoremediation potential

Panicum virgatum and Pennisetum alopecuroides, two non-food bioenergy crops, were evaluated for their capacity to phyto-manage trace metals (Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, and Cu) from municipal solid waste digestate after its application to a marginal soil. For that, 90-day vertical soil column mesocosm (columns with 0.6 × 0.2 m) experiments were carried out to assess 1) the impact of digestate application on the health of marginal soil, 2) plant effect on digestate-borne trace metals’ mobility along the soil profile (measuring total metal levels and fractionation in different soil layers by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and 3) plant growth performance and trace metal (Pb, Zn, and Cu) uptake capacity. The results showed that trace metals were mostly confined in the 0–0.2 m soil horizon over the course of the experimental period, migrating from the digestate-amended soil layer (0–0.1 m) to the layer underneath (0.1–0.2 m) within the first 21 days and remaining stable afterward. No evidence of the trace metals’ mobility to deeper soil layers was detected. Migration of trace metals was reduced in the presence of P. virgatum and P. alopecuroides, suggesting a phytoremediation (phytostabilization) effect. For both plant species, no trace metal accumulation in the roots was observed (bioconcentration factor <1), although both plants showed a potential for Zn translocation for aboveground tissues (translocation factor >1). The growth of both plants was positively affected by municipal solid waste digestate application, which also improved soil quality (increased concentration of total organic carbon and available phosphorus, as well as cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity).

Performance of Cotton (Gossipium hirsutum L.) Varieties under High Density Planting System in Alfisols of Telangana, India

Aims: Cotton productivity is lower in India than the global average due to inadequate soil moisture during boll formation stage due to cessation of south west monsoon. Cotton is mainly grown under rainfed conditions in marginal and shallow soils, cultivating short duration cotton varieties with high density could improve productivity in the rainfed regions. So, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the three cotton varieties and a hybrid under four high density spacings.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice.
 Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted for three years during Kharif 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Nagarkurnool District of Telangana state, India. The experimental site was located at 16.51703° North latitude and 78.2469° East longitude and an altitude of 478 m above mean sea level.
 Methodology: Treatments consisted of 4 spacings (45×10 cm, 60×10 cm, 75×10 cm and 90×10 cm) under main plots and 3 non bt cotton varieties (Suraj, WGCV-48 and ADB-39) and 1 Bt Cotton hybrid Jadoo was included as 4th treatment under subplots during 2015 and 2016. The soil at the site was Alfisol with low organic carbon (0.24%) and N (210 kg ha-1), high in available P (75 kg P2O5 ha-1) and available K (455 kg K2O ha-1). The crop was cultivated under rainfed conditions. Intercultivation and hand weeding was done and kept weed free. Gross plot size of 9 m × 3 m was maintained for each treatment. Nitrogen dose of 40 kg N ha-1, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 20 kg K2O ha-1 was applied. The single plant data was collected on five tagged plants in each plot of each treatment and yield data was collected from the net plot area.
 Results: Seed cotton yield was significantly influenced by the spacing and the varieties. The pooled data of 3 years revealed that cotton crop under 90×10 cm spacing (2054 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield than the crop under 75×10 cm (1854 kg ha-1), 60×10 cm (1723 kg ha-1) and 45×10 cm (1603 kg ha-1). The pooled data of 3 years revealed that the seed cotton yield in hybrid Jadoo (2189 kg ha-1) was significantly higher than the three varieties. The seed cotton yield in all the three varieties (Suraj, WGCV-48 and ADB-39) was on par with each other during all the years under study.
 Conclusion: High density spacing of 90×10 cm, recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield than the other tested spacing. Among the varieties and the hybrid, cotton Jadoo outperformed all the cotton varieties and seed cotton yield of cotton varieties (Suraj, WGCV-48 and ADB-39) was on par with each other.

Valorization of sorghum ash with digestate and biopreparations in the development biomass of plants in a closed production system of energy

Replacing chemical fertilizers with non-toxic waste that meet all fertilizing purposes, including ash from plant biomass and their management is becoming the important goal of sustainable agriculture concerning energy plants production in a closed system. This study aims to explore a novel strategy for utilizing natural sorghum ash together with digestate and ecological compounds, to replace synthetic fertilizers, for the energy plant development improvement and thus reduction of the environment pollution. Sorghum, as an energy plant, cultivated in low quality sandy and podzolic soils, in Central and North Poland climate, was fertilized with different doses of YaraMila Complex, a synthetic fertilizer (0, 150, 300 kg ha−1 Each dose was supplemented with different amounts of sorghum ash (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 t ha−1), used alone or with addition of APOL-HUMUS (soil improver; 10 L ha−1), biogas plant digestate (30 m3 ha−1) and Stymjod (nano-organic leaf fertilizer; 5 L ha−1). Added to each YaraMila Complex dose, the applied ash amounts (optimally 2–4 t ha−1), increased growth of plants, crop biomass, index of chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, content of intercellular CO2, activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase, RNase and dehydrogenase and energy properties. Sorghum ash used with the lesser YaraMila Complex doses of 0 or 150 kg ha−1 caused the enhanced growth of plants more than the doubled YaraMila Complex amounts applied alone (150 or 300 kg ha−1, correspondingly). Additionally, applied biogas plant digestate, APOL-HUMUS and Stymjod further increased the plant growth. This indicates that the application of natural sorghum ash accelerates energy plant development, can reduce by half the recommended synthetic fertilizer doses on poor and marginal soil and enables the cultivation of sorghum in a closed production cycle.

Influence of Suction on the Interface Characteristics of Unsaturated Marginal Lateritic Soil Backfills with Composite Geosynthetics

Influence of Suction on the Interface Characteristics of Unsaturated Marginal Lateritic Soil Backfills with Composite Geosynthetics

Evaluating relationships between seed morphological traits and seed dormancy in Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

IntroductionQuinoa is a high-value, nutritious crop that performs well in variable environments, marginal soils, and in diverse crop rotations. Quinoa’s many attributes make it an ideal crop for supporting human health in global communities and economies. To date, quinoa research has largely focused on traits in adult plants important for enhancing plant phenotypic plasticity, abiotic stress, disease resistance, and yield. Fewer studies have evaluated quinoa seed dormancy and suggest that most modern quinoa varieties have weak or no seed dormancy, and a narrow window of seed viability post-harvest. In other crops, diminished seed dormancy is a major risk factor for preharvest sprouting (PHS; germination on the panicle due to rain prior to harvest) and may also pose a similar risk for quinoa.MethodsThis study (1) developed a dormancy screening assay to characterize seed dormancy strength in a large collection of quinoa varieties, (2) investigated if morphological variables including seed coat color, seed coat thickness, seed shape including eccentricity which evaluates the roundness or flatness of a seed, and other agronomic traits like crude protein content and seed moisture, contribute to quinoa seed dormancy, and (3) evaluated the use of a phenetic modeling approach to explore relationships between seed morphology and seed dormancy.ResultsDormancy screening indicated seed dormancy ranges in quinoa varieties from none to strong dormancy. Further, phenetic modeling approaches indicate that seed coat thickness and eccentricity are important morphological variables that impact quinoa seed dormancy strength.ConclusionsWhile dormancy screening and phenetic modeling approaches do not provide a direct solution to preventing PHS in quinoa, they do provide new tools for identifying dormant varieties as well as morphological variables contributing to seed dormancy.

Enhancing plant performance on marginal soils.

Enhancing plant performance on marginal soils.

Evapotranspiration of advanced perennial bioenergy grasses produced on marginal land in the U.S. Midwest

The production of dedicated energy crops for biofuel and co-products can help develop a sustainable and viable bioeconomy under a changing climate. The co-production of perennial bioenergy and commodity crops in an agricultural landscape has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide numerous ecosystem services. However, as production of advanced, higher-yielding cultivars occurs, their impact on water resources needs to be considered. Estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) of perennial grasses compared to commodity crops are not always consistent in the literature. In this study, ET was estimated using an energy-balance model with Landsat satellite imagery and ground-based weather data to compare the large-scale production of advanced switchgrass cultivars (‘Independence’, ‘Liberty’, and ‘Carthage’), predecessor cultivars (‘Shawnee’ and ‘Sunburst’), and other perennial grasses (big bluestem and a low-diversity mixture) to corn grown continuously on marginal soils in the U.S. Midwest. Results showed significant differences in ET between corn and perennial grass treatments at four of the five field sites. However, differences between crop treatments were not consistent across sites, nor were the differences between advanced and predecessor switchgrass varieties. Production year played a large role in daily and cumulative ET across all sites. Differences in crop biomass yield between establishment and post-establishment years may contribute to these interannual differences. Site and interannual variations in precipitation and temperature may also be major contributing factors. Overall, the results of this study indicate that differences in ET between perennial bioenergy grasses and corn are likely dependent upon location of production and weather conditions.

Silicic and Humic Acid Priming Improves Micro- and Macronutrient Uptake, Salinity Stress Tolerance, Seed Quality, and Physio-Biochemical Parameters in Lentil (Lens culinaris spp. culinaris).

Lentil is an important grain legume crop which is mostly grown on marginal soils that hamper its productivity. Improvement of salt tolerance in lentils is considered to be a useful strategy of utilizing salt-affected lands in an economic manner. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of seed priming using silicic acid and humic acid both seperately and in combination to improve salt stress tolerance among three different lentil varieties: IPL-316 (tolerant), PSL-9, and PDL-1 (susceptible). The concentrations and durations of treatments were standardized under the normal condition and the salinity stress condition. Salt stress hindered seedling emergence and biomass production and accelerated Na+ toxicity and oxidative damage at the seedling stage in untreated seeds. Nevertheless, chemical priming improved early seedling emergence, increased root length, shoot length, and seed vigor index I and II, and reduced the mean germination time. A significant quantitative change in biochemical parameters under normal and salinity stress conditions was observed in IPL-316,viz. Specifically, for IPL-316, the following parameters were observed (values under the normal condition and values under salt stress conditions, respectively): chlorophyll-a (16 and 13 mg/g Fw), chlorophyll-b (25 and 16 mg/g FW), total chlorophyll content (42 and 30 mg/g FW), relative leaf water content (92% and 82%), total soluble sugars (26 and 33 ug/g FW), free amino acid (10 and 7 mg/g FW), total phenol (26 and 24 mg of GAE/g FW), total protein (35 and 29 mg/g FW), carbohydrate (208 and 173 mg/g FW), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (29 and 35 unit/min./g FW), proline (0.28 and 0.32 u mol/g FW), catalase (CAT) (84 and 196 unit/mL/g FW), and peroxidase (POX) (217 and 738 unit/mL/g FW). Furthermore, histochemical analysis of H2O2 and O2-, micronutrients, and macronutrients also increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.31 and 0.47 nmol/mL FW) content decreased using silicic and humic acid priming under salt stress conditions. The combination of silicic and humic acids improved seedling growth and reduced oxidative damage in lentil plants under salt stress conditions. The combination of silicic and humic acid priming hastened seedling emergence, seed quality parameters, and biochemical parameters under salt stress over respective control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of integrated chemical priming in lentils for salinity stress. In conclusion, chemical priming using a combination of silicic and humic acid performed better in terms of seed quality due to enhanced antioxidant machinery, better membrane stability and osmolyte protection, and enhanced nutrient uptake under salt stress conditions.

Effect of nano-gypsum on mechanical properties cement admixed marginal silty soil

Even though the chemical stabilization is by far the most common ground improvement technique, very few studies have been conducted on the joint incorporation of two or more additives (cement-nanogypsum mix) to stabilise soft soil. This study investigates the effect on the mechanical properties of cement-stabilised silty soft soil (CSS) using nano-gypsum (NG). Unconfined compression strength (UCS) test trials were conducted to achieve soft soil conditions. The effect of NG and cement on soft soil was investigated by performing Atterberg limit, compaction, UCS, and Direct shear tests. The soil was treated with four percentages (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of cement and with three percentages (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) of NG by its dry unit weight. The test results showed that the plasticity index of the soil was reduced significantly by the addition of stabilizers (Cement-NG mix) making the soil stiffer. The compaction tests suggested that optimum cement content was 20% for CSS and for cement-NG mix maximum strength was achieved at cement: NG proportion of 20:1. The unconfined compression strength (UCS) was increased by 9.11 times in comparison to untreated soft soil at cement: NG proportion of 20:1.5. The direct shear test (DST) suggested that there was an increase in cohesion by 4.44 times in comparison to the untreated sample at the soil–cement-NG combination of 78.5: 20: 1.5. However, the angle of internal friction remained almost unchanged. The development of cementitious substances was confirmed through XRD spectroscopy. Microstructural and chemical properties were observed using combined FESEM-EDAX analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The multivariate linear regression (MLR) predictive model was developed for the unconfined compressive strength and failure strain as a function of various parameters considered in the study. The test results demonstrated that the combination of cement and NG can result in remarkable improvement in the geotechnical properties of soft soil. The use of NG may also reduce the demand for cement in deep cement mixing technique, which eventually reduces the carbon footprint and renders the ground improvement technique, ecologically beneficial.

Genetic parameters of various local corn cultivars in high salinity stress

Future demand for maize will not be easily met due to climate change and its development using marginal soils that are stressed by salinity. This study aims to identify the genetic parameters of corn plants under high salinity stress. The research was arranged in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) consisting of six local maize cultivars, namely Gento, Lanca, Pulut, Lokal, Lei, and Sigi Merah. Each treatment was repeated four times. The results showed that two traits had a high coefficient of genotypic diversity, four traits had a high coefficient of phenotypic diversity and six traits had high heritability and genetic progress. Plant height, the greenness of the leaves, age of male flower release, age of blooming female flowers, the position of the ear, harvest age, length of cob without stalks, and diameter of the cob were positively and significantly correlated with yield. Plant height and cob height can be used as criteria for increasing maize yields through indirect selection. In future studies suggest that various local maize cultivars can be applied to situations of high salinity stress.

Moringa Growth Response in Treatment of Bokashi Composition and Dosage of Moringa Leaf (Moringa oleifera) Using Subsoil

Subsoil soil which is at a depth of more than 30 cm below the topsoil is a marginal soil for agricultural cultivation but has great potential for utilization. Improvement of subsoil soil with the use of organic fertilizers alone has been widely carried out. However, the use of moringa leaf bokashi fertilizer is thought to be able to improve the subsoil physically and chemically. The aim of the research was to find out the composition of the best moringa leaf bokashi fertilizer and the right dosage for the growth of moringa. Research using Completely Randomized Design. The first factor was the composition of moringa leaf bokashi, biochar and cow manure (K), namely K1 ratio of moringa leaves: biochar: cow manure (1:1:1); K2: (2:1:1); K3 (3:1:1). The second factor is the dose of moringa leaf bokashi fertilizer. Bo: control 5; B1:10; B2: 20; B3: 30; B4: 40 tons per hectare. The results showed that the K1 composition showed the highest plant height, number of primary roots, and canopy wet weight. A dose of 10 tons per hectare (B1) showed the best growth of Moringa seedlings with the highest dry weight of canopy. Keywords: Bokashi, Composition, Dosage, Moringa leaves, Moringa seedling

Differences In Nutrient Content In Peat Land And Permanent Production Forest Area In Sei Paham Village, Sei Kepayang District, Asahan District

Peat soils are classified as marginal soils and are prone to disturbance, so efforts to increase land productivity must be followed by efforts to prevent ecosystem damage. This study aims to analyze differences in nutrient content in peat land and permanent production forest areas in Sei Paham Village, Sei Kepayang District, Asahan District . Taking 5 soil sample points was carried out using a proposive random sampling method . The soil sample is then placed in a sterile plastic bag and immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis. The parameters of the soil analysis carried out included pH , C-total, N, P, K, Ca, Na, Mg, CEC and C/N. The results showed that in permanent production forest, the nutrient content was higher than peatland in all parameters of soil chemical analysis.

The effects of application of biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches on chemical properties of ultisols and the growth of cacao seedlings

It is necessary to redevelop cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) commodity due to the decrease of cacao planting areas in Indonesia since the last decade. One of the ways is by providing a growing medium to produce cacao seedlings with good quality, such as by adding ameliorant i.e., oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) biochar to marginal soil of Ultisols. This research aimed to study and obtain the best OPEFB biochar dose to improve the chemical properties of Ultisols and the growth of cacao seedlings. This research was conducted in the Experimental Field of the 3rd Campus Andalas University from August 2021 until February 2022 using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments of OPEFB biochar (0, 60, 90, 120, 150 tons/ha) and 4 replications, each experimental unit consisted of two plants, so that 40 plants were prepared in total. Data obtained were analyzed using F Distribution Test at 5% and further analyzed using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) for statistically significant results. The results showed that the application of OPEFB biochar at 120 tons/ha was the best dose to give significant results on the chemical properties of Ultisols (pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium) and several growth variables of cacao seedlings (stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, shoot dry weight, and shoot-root ratio).Keywords: ameliorant, biochar, nursery, oil palm empty fruit bunch, Ultisols

Genetic Distance and Gene flow in Two Breeds of Nigerian Indigenous Goats Using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphic Marker

Due to their hardness in severe weather, capability to yield milk and meat, fast generation times, and goats constitute an indispensable part of rural agricultural systems due to their capacity to withstand the substandard diets that are provided by restricted grazing on marginal soils. Gene flow, genetic distance, genotype frequencies, and alleles were investigated using two native goat breeds from Nigeria. Investigational goat populations included Red Sokoto (50) and WAD (45). For each animal, an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) container was filled with approximately 5 milliliters of aseptic blood taken. Polymorphism of restriction fragment length and Agarose gel electrophoresis were carried out after the DNA samples were isolated and purified.Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), gene allele frequency, anticipated and observed heterozygousities (He and Ho, respectively), and populations were compared based on their genetic distances. The degree of genetic diversity was great.According to the findings, Red Sokoto and WAD exhibited the highest genetic similarity (0.9996) and the lowest genetic distance (0.0004) between the two populations. If more animals from different goat breeds are collected, improved genetic research and marker-assisted selections in goat improvement programs would be achievable.

Assessing marginality of Camelina (C. sativa L. Crantz) in rotation with barley production in Southern Europe: A modelling approach

Camelina (C. sativa L. Crantz) is a promising biofuel crop with high potential for cultivation on marginal soils. In this work, seed yields have been modelled to assess suitable areas based on experimental field trials, meteorological data from the Monitoring Agricultural ResourceS (MARS) gridded agro-meteorological in Europe, soil properties from LUCAS, topography and land cover. Potential yields for Camelina-Barley rotation (CAMBAR) were modelled for the past 20 years using the mechanistic crop growth model ARMOSA that can estimate quantitatively several soil and water parameters and future forcing scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) using the generation model HadGEM2-ES. The term marginal land is found in the literature to indicate unused agriculture land such as abandoned, underused, degraded and fallow. In this work, marginality is considered the economic feasibility of cultivation, which aims to identifying land where cost effective agricultural production is not possible under a given set of conditions. Marginal lands were identified when the average Camelina seed yield from the crop growth modelling was lower than average in European countries based on a comprehensive literature assessment. The analysis was targeted at regions with a predominantly Mediterranean climate. Simulation by the mechanistic crop model was carried out on a 25 km grid for soil texture, soil carbon average stock, slope and aspect found in the MARS agricultural area mask. Spatial data and subsequent editing and processing of each simulation were allocated to a 500 m spatial resolution via a Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The study area covers around 500,000 km2. The CAMBAR scenario obtained an average yield of 2468 kg ha-1 yr-1, with standard deviation (+- 641) due to fluctuations for extreme weather patterns. Regarding soil organic carbon (SOC), CAMBAR showed an increase of + 43 kg ha-1 yr-1, which aligns with other studies carried out in Mediterranean or continental climates under crop rotation with minimum tillage and straw retention. The results of the present scenarios showed a slight increase in SOC stock (0.1–0.15 % yr-1). In regions with sufficient precipitation throughout the crop cycle, the increase of SOC is lower than the entire study area average, and in few cases, the SOC stock was drastically decreased. However, the model shows that SOC stock can increase when Camelina is introduced in rotation with cereals in areas with high desertification risk. In Spain, in the regions of Castilla La Mancha, Castilla y León and Comunidad de Madrid accounting for 40% of the total area of investigation in Spain, equivalent to an area of 88,233 km2, the SOC increase was + 188, + 255 and + 236 kg ha-1 yr-1, respectively. The results of this work constitute a key contribution to policy development at the sub-national, national and EU level, through the investigation of low LUC/ILUC biofuel from marginal areas before these are lost due to land degradation processes and other anthropogenic impacts. Mapping the marginal areas is fundamental to showing potential for producing advanced biofuel crops.

Potential of Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Marginal Saline Soil as a Biofertilizer Agent: A Comparative Study with Trichoderma esperellum

This study aimed to assess the potential of Aspergillus flavus, isolated from marginal saline soil, as a biofertilizer agent by comparing its in vitro diversity with the biological agent Trichoderma esperellum (collected from the UMSIDA Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory). The research was conducted at the Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo. Macroscopic and microscopic morphological tests were performed on Aspergillus flavus isolated from rice root soil. The sensitivity test of the biological agents on saline soil showed no influence on their growth. Notably, the findings indicated that Aspergillus flavus exhibited faster growth on saline soil compared to its growth on PDA-c media. Moreover, the combination of PDA-c and saline soil in ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 significantly enhanced the growth response of A. flavus by 50% and 70%, respectively, two days after inoculation. These results suggest the promising potential of Aspergillus flavus as a biofertilizer agent to enhance soil fertility in saline environments. 
 Highlights:
 
 Potential of Aspergillus flavus: The study aimed to determine the potential of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, isolated from marginal saline soil, as a biofertilizer agent. The research activity included comparing its diversity in vitro with the biological agent Trichoderma esperellum.
 Morphological Tests: The fungus Aspergillus flavus was subjected to macroscopic and microscopic morphological tests. Morphological observations of the growth of biological agents were carried out macroscopically and microscopically.
 Sensitivity of Biological Agents: The test of the sensitivity of biological agents on saline soils showed no influence on the growth of biological agents on saline soil media.

A multi-dimensional study on finger millet crop scenario in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh

Ragi is a staple millet crop due to its suitability for marginal soils and low input requirements. The study used simple random sampling with 150 farmers from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Ten farmers were selected from each of the 15 identified villages. The study observed significant changes in agricultural area: Srikakulam experienced an 87.8% increase, Vizianagaram witnessed a 69.49% decrease, and Visakhapatnam had a 1.26% increase. In terms of production, Srikakulam showed a remarkable increase of 126.14%, while Vizianagaram had a decrease of 65.49%. Visakhapatnam experienced a minor decrease of 1.84% in production. Productivity varied, with Srikakulam demonstrating a 20.33% increase, Vizianagaram experiencing a decrease of 13.51%, and Visakhapatnam showing no change. The varietal spread of the Vizianagaram finger millet variety was distributed as follows: 40% in Andhra Pradesh, 38% in West Bengal, and 25.33% in Telangana. Among the finger millet varieties, Sri Chaitanya was observed in 20.8% of the area, Bharathi in 7.5%, and Champavathi in 6%. Adoption rates of improved ragi varieties were as follows: Vegavathi (33.34%), Bharathi (32.67%), Sri Chaitanya (23.34%), and Indrâvati (10%). Sowing methods varied, with 34.67% of farmers using direct sowing, 18% opting for transplantation, and only 8% applying seed treatment. The preferred sowing seasons were Kharif (50%), summer (35.34%) and Rabi (14.67%). Regarding nursery transplantation, 61.34% of farmers transplanted at 21 days for short-duration varieties. Fertilizer management practices showed that 48.67% of farmers used 4 tonnes of FYM, while 24.67% applied the recommended NPK dose. Inter-cropping patterns included Ragi+ Redgram (54%) and Ragi+ Bhendi (30%). Pest management strategies revealed that 70.67% of farmers used tricyclozole through foliar application for blast management, 56% used pseudomonas foliar application and 54% employed tricyclozole seed treatment. Shoot borer management was practiced by 58.67%, and sucking pest management by 49.34% of ragi farmers. The primary constraints identified were poor economic conditions (85%), low remunerative prices for millets (80%), high fertilizer costs (75%), and unfertile soils (74%). These findings provide insights into the agricultural practices, outcomes, and challenges faced in different districts or regions.

Yield enhancement and grain vis-à-vis malt quality of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes as influenced by clipping and foliar application of zinc

Barley is mostly grown under rainfed condition on poor to marginal soils having deficit soil moisture and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which limits the barley productivity and grain quality. Zn spray could improve the productivity and grain quality in these soils. Therefore, this two-year field study was conducted to assess the influence of barley genotypes and clipping stages vis-à-vis Zn foliar application in barley productivity and grain quality. The experiment consisted of three barley genotypes; DWRUB 52, PL 807, and PL 426 and five clipping management; control, clipping at 50 d after sowing (DAS), clipping at 60 DAS, clipping at 50 DAS and ZnSO4 foliar spray @ 0.5% at anthesis + early milk stages and clipping at 60 DAS and ZnSO4 foliar spray @ 0.5% at anthesis + early milk stages. Barley genotype PL 426 showed in maximum lodging, protein content and yield, grain hardness, and husk content, while, DWRUB 52 gave the highest grain yield, Zn content, starch content, hectoliter weight, and bold grain proportions. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at anthesis + early milk stages significantly enhanced the grain yield of 12.5 and 12.7% with clipping at 50 DAS and 9.0 and 8.8% with clipping to 60 DAS than control crop during the first and second year, respectively. Zn content, protein content and yield, bold grains, and diastatic power were significantly improved over control with these treatments. Zn foliar application in combination with clipping may be opted to maximize the barley productivity, Zn concentration, and grains quality.

Antibacterial Activities of Cassia angustifolia Leaf Ethanolic Extract against Various Multiple Drug Resistant Microorganisms

Cassia angustifolia (Indian Senna), a plant from the Fabaceae family, is an important medicinal plant of India and it is drought tolerant, hence it is cultivated under rain fed condition in marginal soils by small and marginal farmers of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and other Indian states. In this study, the antibacterial activities of ethanolic extract of Cassia angustifolia leaves were assessed against ATCC microorganisms - gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC 25923). The result showed that C. angustifolia leaf extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both tested ATCC microorganisms. In this plant, Resin, Phenol, Coumarins, Alkaloids, Saponin, Steroid, etc, the phytochemical contents and the laxative principle Sennoside A and Sennoside B (two crystaline glucosides), which may be responsible for the observed antimicrobial activities. From these findings, we suggest that C. angustifolia (Indian senna) may be a possible source of natural antimicrobial agents, which could be used to develop new drugs for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections. Further studies on C. angustifolia on a large scale may open a new scope for other researchers to carry it.