Natural Agriculture Research Articles

Sustainable Management Practices to Enhance Rainfed Soybean Productivity under Changing Climate

Soybean being rainfed crop encounters various problems associated with climate change. Flood, poor distribution of rainfall, dry spell at critical stage during cropping season, pest and disease incidence, imbalance nutrient application and soil degradation resulted stagnation in country soybean productivity (<1.0 tones ha-1). Therefore, adaption of climate smart sustainable management practices could be viable options. The development of crop specific sustainable management practices under changing climate is continuous process. Hence, effort has made to describe some of the sustainable management (conservation agriculture, integrated crop management, organic farming and natural farming) practices in rainfed soybean to enhance productivity, restore soil fertility and farm profitability under changing climate.

Influence of bio-fertilizer on morphology and yield of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

A field experiment is carried out at agriculture field of Agriculture Research Station, Amaravathi to study the influence of different levels of Jeevamrutha, seaweed and KNF (Korean Natural Farming). The main concept of this research workis to apply a mineral source in the form of Korean Natural forming, involving the culturing of Indigenous Micro Organisms (IMO). KNF emphasizes self sufficiency by limiting externals inputs and relyingonre cycled farm waste to produce biologically active inputs. The application of this method has given more yield in cowpea.The results reveals that application of jeevamrutha at 1000 lha-1 3% of sea weed Sargassumswartzii (SSE) and KNF at 5-3-2 nutriarichpellets, significantly influenced growth parameters like plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of pods per plant, length of pods, number of seeds per pod, seeds weight per plant and 100 seed weight.Application of KNF is more affective in producing higher grain yield in cowpea.

Stable isotopes reveal intertidal fish and crabs use bivalve farms as foraging habitat in Puget Sound, Washington

Bivalves such as oysters and clams have been farmed in intertidal zones across the Puget Sound region of the Salish Sea for thousands of years. The variety of gear types used on bivalve farms creates complex vertical structure and attachment points for aquatic epiphytes and invertebrates which increases habitat structural complexity, but may alter eelgrass cover in areas where bivalve farms and eelgrass meadows overlap. Eelgrass meadows are highly productive and ecologically foundational nearshore habitats that provide valuable ecosystem services including the provision of nursery, refuge, and foraging habitat. Aquaculture has been a key feature of the environment in the Puget Sound for millennia, however, little is known about how well aquaculture practices are integrated into the system, and what services they provide to mobile species assemblages relative to unfarmed eelgrass meadows. We used stable isotope mixing models to estimate, for several species of nearshore fish and crab in two areas of North Puget Sound, Washington, the percent diet originating from either a natural bottom habitat (eelgrass meadows), farm habitat (oyster farms), or pelagic planktonic sources. Our results indicate that several species of nearshore fish such as surf perch and staghorn sculpin derive a significant proportion of their diets from farm areas, while crabs derive most of their diets from eelgrass habitat, and stickleback derive a significant proportion of their diets from planktonic sources. The results indicate that foraging habitat uses are species specific, and that several species that spatially overlap bivalve farms obtained a large percentage of their diets from adjacent bivalve farm habitat.

Effect of Natural Farming on Soil Health, Growth, Yield and Quality of Sorghum-Oat Fodder Production System

The field experiment was conducted on fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) during the kharif and rabi season in 2022-23 at GPB Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD). Results revealed that the growth parameters of kharif sorghum and rabi oat viz., plant population (20.96 m-1 and 71.83 m-1), plant height (190.00 cm and 112.42 cm), Leaf: stem ratio (0.74 and 0.38), green fodder yield (274.46 q ha-1 and 263.9 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (68.61 q ha-1 and 65.97 q ha-1) and quality parameters viz., crude protein content (8.83 % and 7.84 %), crude protein yield (6.06 q ha-1 and 5.17 q ha-1), ADF (40.22 % and 44.31 %) and NDF (65.59 % and 73.61%) at harvest was improved by different organic treatments over control, being highest under FYM @ 5 t ha- 1 + Natural farming with mulch followed by FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Natural farming without mulch.

Gender and Climate Change: The Role of Women in Climate Change Processes

Gender and climate change research has revealed that the causes and effects of climate change differ by gender. Women are affected differently by climate change impacts, and this calls for their participation at the decision-making table in climate change discourse processes. Despite their vulnerable position in society, women are seen as change agents in natural resource management, farming, innovation, and caregiving. As a result, in economies which are heavily natural resource reliant, women are critical for establishing resilient systems and ensuring climate change adaptation. In this review, we hypothesize by answering the question, "What roles do women play in the climate change adaptation and mitigation processes?” We uncover evidence to support the hypothesis that women act as climate change negotiators, clean technology ambassadors, climate-smart agriculture ambassadors, and climate change activists in the climate change processes using a systematic review system meta-analysis inspired by PRISMA and the Publish or Perish review tool as a form of qualitative analysis. We used over 40 pieces of literature to foster the evidence of the study.

Economy-wide impact of climate smart agriculture in India: a SAM framework

In the context of climate change, the Indian agricultural sector treads in a certain duality between promoting food security in response to the increasing population, but at the same time in ensuring environmental sustainability, and sustained economic growth, especially in developing countries like India. The concept of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) emerged from the recognition of this duality. Using the Indian Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) 2017–18, the economy-wide effects arising out of agricultural interventions were estimated, keeping accord with the impacts on sectoral outputs and household incomes from the adoption of varying CSA interventions such as Conservation Agriculture, System of Rice and Wheat Intensification (SRI-SWI) and Natural Farming, fitting the three-pillared criterion of CSA—(1) Productivity (2) Adaptation and (3) Mitigation. Additionally, a shift in cropping patterns from Paddy and Wheat to less emission-intensive crops was also studied. Results show that SRI-SWI provides the highest economy-wide impacts while accounting for lower GHG and water footprint. Alternative crops such as Maize, Sorghum, and Millet have minimal increase in income and output effects while having lower water and carbon intensity compared to rice and wheat. The current study would sensitize policymakers to prioritize suitable policy and institutional measures for upscaling climate smart interventions in India.

Variation in pollen load composition carried by wild bee species in native and nearby agricultural environments in south‐eastern Australia

Abstract Understanding the mechanisms by which wild bees survive in modified landscapes is important for their conservation and management as pollinators. Pollen is a critical resource for the completion of bee life cycles, so we investigated how the pollen loads carried by native bee communities change between natural forests and farms dominated by exotic crops and weeds in an agricultural region of south‐east Australia. We found that individual bees tended to carry higher proportions of exotic pollen on farms compared with forests (after accounting for whether they were captured on exotic or native flowers), and the diversity of pollen carried by bees did not differ significantly between native forest and farm sites or along native forest cover gradients. This suggests that the native bees found on farms, which are predominantly different species compared with those found in native forests, are not disadvantaged by the dominance of exotic plants in these habitats (though impacts on larval nutrition were not investigated). While some native bees carried crop pollen, others almost exclusively carried the pollen of agricultural weeds (e.g., Arctotheca and Brassica species), such that some native bee species may pollinate and benefit from crops, whereas others may only persist on farms if agricultural weeds are tolerated.

Yield and economics of brahmi crop under natural farming

Yield and economics of brahmi crop under natural farming

Effect of the upkeep method, in natural habitat or farm maintenance

The research was performed on 116 fallow deer individuals, including 58 free-living and 58 farmed individuals. The age of the fallow deer ranged from 1.5 to 3 years. The research involved the use of free-living fallow deer carcasses acquired as a result of a cull during huntings in the Zamrzenica Forest Inspectorate, in the kujawskopomorskie province, whereas the farmed fallow deer carcasses were made available for research by the Bomafar Cervidae farm. Of all the individuals for each upkeep method, a group of does and a group of bucks were separated. The aim of the paper was to determine and to compare the values of the metrics of the alimentary tract in two different populations of fallow deer, namely living in a natural hunting ground and kept in the farm system. The morphometric measurements were performed on the carcasses without internal organs. The measurements were taken using the metal tape at the accuracy down to 1 millimetre. The measurements of the intestine length and the capacity of stomachs concerned the unpreserved material. The intestines not emptied from the contents were measured once they were spread on a wet non-adhesive surface. The results of the research demonstrated that the metrics of the digestive tract in fallow deer depend considerably on the method of the animal upkeep and on its sex and there were significant differences in the relative length of intestine and its respective sections.

Integrative habitat management strategies for sustainable insect pest control in natural farming systems

Integrative habitat management strategies for sustainable insect pest control in natural farming systems

Agroecology and Sustainable Citriculture

Sustaining citriculture amidst climate change has become a more daunting challenge considering simultaneous occurrence of multiple nutrient deficiencies triggered by depleting carbon stock of soil coupled with glaring impact of global warming on crop performance. Despite paradigm shift from purely inorganic to either organic or the combination of two, agroecological applications have always occupied a center-stage in sustainable citriculture. Development of microbial consortium (microbial concoction), rhizosphere hybridization, identification of microbial corridor and microbial hot spot in a field, besides storing carbon in plant vegetative framework, are some of the upcoming ways to realize the multiple dimensions of agroecology in sustaining the citriculture in years to come with emphasis on on-farm research. These efforts have to be further matched with other natural resource conserving options like conservation agriculture, organic farming, natural farming to name a few important ones

Comparison of heterosis for traits governing shelf life of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) fruits under conventional and natural farming systems

Comparison of heterosis for traits governing shelf life of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) fruits under conventional and natural farming systems

Diverging Views on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Insights from Farmers in Northern Karnataka

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is promoted as an alternative farming method to achieve sustainability and build a climate-resilient agricultural system. The perception of farmers towards ZBNF determines its adoption. For the study was conducted in 2020 two districts of Northern Karnataka were chosen and respondents were categorised into adopters, planners, and non-adopters. From each group, 50 respondents were selected. The Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to test the significant difference followed by the post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni test. Significant differences were found in 13 out of 15 statements, particularly concerning the necessity of indigenous cattle (H = 16.71, p < 0.001), labour intensity (H = 17.59, p < 0.001), and the reduction in yield during the first year of ZBNF (H = 32.16, p < 0.01). Planners and adopters differed significantly on statements such as ZBNF’s labour-intensive nature (p = 0.006) and its independence from heavy machinery (p = 0.003). The Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc test highlighted differences across three groups on statements like all types of crops can be cultivated in ZBNF and there is no pesticidal residual effect of ZBNF products on human health. These distinct perceptions highlight the need for targeted outreach strategies based on farmers’ perception.

G × E interaction studies under natural farming and inorganic production system in maize (Zea mays L.)

G × E interaction studies under natural farming and inorganic production system in maize (Zea mays L.)

Immune System and Nutrition in Fish

Fish have a complex immune system consisting of various defense mechanisms to protect their bodies from disease-causing organisms and external threats. While fish's immune system shares some similarities with that of humans, it also has some differences. Understanding and researching the immune system of fish in recent years has become crucial for combating infections in both natural habitats and fish farms. The health of fish depends not only on environmental factors but also on the strength of their immune systems. In fish farms, the risk of infectious diseases spreading increases due to high fish density and limited living spaces. Therefore, fish producers employ various methods to strengthen the immune system of fish. Immunostimulants play a significant role in this context. These compounds, which stimulate both specific and non-specific immune systems in fish, can enhance resistance to infectious diseases. The immune system of fish can vary depending on species and environmental conditions. Factors such as nutrition, stress, water temperature, and water quality can affect the immune system of fish. Thus, in situations like fish farming or aquarium maintenance, measures such as maintaining proper water conditions, providing balanced nutrition, practicing hygiene, and implementing disease prevention strategies should be taken into account to support the health of fish.

디즈니랜드와 에버랜드의 브랜드 경험 비교 연구

This study aims to explore the direction of development of domestic theme parks by reflecting the trend of increasing utilization of storytelling-based brand experience strategies. To this end, the app of Everland, Korea's leading brand, was compared with the official app of Disneyland, a global brand. According to the results, Disneyland's app has built a brand experience through an immersive storytelling strategy that allows Disney contents to be experienced in a physical space. And Everland's app built a brand experience with a storytelling strategy that was later formed in the process of developing from a natural farm to a complex resort. Disneyland app's magical experience storytelling strategy focuses on smooth progress on special days, removing complaints that hinder immersion in the experience, and leaving memories. On the other hand, apart from providing storytelling content, Everland's app focuses on customized curation, economical, fast, and convenient services that reflect customers' preferences. In conclusion, the difference between the storytelling strategies of the two brand experiences is clear. Therefore, if Everland re-examines the difference, it will find another opportunity. And the results will also provide important implications for the domestic theme park industry.

Productivity and economic feasibility of vegetable-based cropping system under organic and natural farming conditions in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Organic and natural farming are considered as an alternative to modern agriculture for sustaining soil and environmental health, and better quality of agricultural produce free from pesticide residues. The consumer concern for the same is more for vegetables and fruits as they generally are consumed raw and have higher frequency of purchase. Field experiments were conducted in northwest India during 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the performance of pea-okra- radish cropping system under organic and natural farming practices with paddy straw mulch and no-mulch conditions. The treatments consisted of farmyard manure (FYM) to supply recommended nitrogen to the crops, natural farming practices-250 kg FYM/ha + on-farm preparations (NF), FYM + NF and FYM + vermicompost (VC). The FYM, FYM + NF and FYM + VC were at par with each other but were significantly superior to NF and unfertilized control in respect of economic yields of all the crops. The economic yields of pea, okra, and radish were 40.11, 46.48 and 25.99 per cent higher with FYM than NF. Paddy straw mulch gave significantly higher economic yields (11.10, 12.56 and 19.28 per cent in pea, okra and radish) compared to no-mulch. Though the economic yields were higher with FYM + NF but the benefit-cost ratios for all the crops were higher with FYM alone due to higher cost of production in other treatments.

Genotype by environment (G × E) interaction analysis for seed yield and other contributing traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) across conventional and zero budget natural farming production systems in north-western Himalayas

Development of high-yielding and stable linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes in Himachal Pradesh under zero budget naturalfarming system (ZBNF) is an absolute need. A study was conducted to evaluate 30 elite genotypes of linseed for yield and stability across sixteen different environments over two years using Additive main effects and a multiplicative interaction model. For seed yield the environment, genotype and genotype x environment interaction (GEI) effects were highly significant (p <0.001), with contributions to total observed variation of 89.74, 0.81 and 8.08%, respectively. Out of the two production systems, ZBNF was observed to show consistently poor mean yields as compared to the conventional system across all locations. However, locations Kangra and Dhaulakaun performed better under the ZBNF system than Palampur and Bajaura. ZBNF was also identified as less discriminating with weak interactive forces. As per Eberhart and Russell model, the most stable and high-yielding genotype was Surbhi whereas, as per AMMI model, the ASV and GSI values indicated Giza-7 (G18), KL-285 (G16), KL-311 (G1) and Surbhi (G28) as stable and high in grain yield. For yield attributing traits such as primary branches per plant genotypes Janki (G27) and KL-314 (G4), for secondary branches per plant genotypes KL-263 (G10) and Janki (G27), for seeds per capsule genotypes KL-279 (G13), Binwa (G30) and Him Alsi-2 (G19), for trait biological yield per plant Jeewan (G22), for harvest index KL-236 (G6) and Him Alsi-1 (G26) and for 1000 seed weight genotypes Him Alsi-1 (G26) and KL-285 (G16) showed, high stability along with high mean performance and therefore could be selected. Genotype KL-284 (G15) showed specific adaptation under ZBNF system of Bajaura and is therefore recommended for production under respective environments after further evaluation

Comparative Effect of Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming, Organic and Inorganic Systems of Nutrition on Performance of Fodder Sorghum and Pearl Millet Hybrids

Aims: To evaluate different nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSK HPKV, Palampur during Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019
 Methodology: Ten nutrient management practices i.e. absolute control (T1), 5% Jeevamrit (T2), 10% Jeevamrit (T3), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit (T4), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit (T5), 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T6), 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T7), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T8), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T9) and recommended NPK through inorganic sources (T10) were tested in randomized block design with three replications.
 Results: The results indicated that integrated nutrient management i.e. 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK through inorganic sources remaining at par resulted in better crop growth (plant height, shoot number, leaf stem ratio, percent proportion), higher fodder yield (green and dry fodder yields), NPK uptake and crude protein yield than rest of the organic (10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit) and natural farming (Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit and Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit) nutrient management treatments. Application of recommended NPK resulted in highest net returns (79049 INR/ha) and net returns per rupee invested (2.09).
 Conclusion: Integrated and inorganic nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids appeared best practices for realising higher yield than organic and natural farming nutrient management practices.

Food system resilience: Unraveling power relations and the Matthew effect in farmers networks

Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) are new-generation food systems meant to address development concerns in rural India. While FPCs were established on cooperative ideals, legacy power relations often persist, with certain actors exerting decisive control over market connections and resources. As FPCs emerge from their pre-existing socio-economic conditions, their resilience is predicated on maintaining robust value chain relationships. In this study, we applied a multi-layered approach with network tools on field data to investigate the Matthew effect, where cumulative advantages to elites maintain or amplify inequality. We focused on network power discrepancies and democratic participation in two selected natural farming FPCs. Social network analysis (SNA) and two other visualization approaches, Self-organizing Maps and Parallel Categories Plots, have been deployed to analyse the member networks and FPC ecosystems, before and during the CoVID-19 pandemic. The FPC exhibiting a strong Matthew effect, with a legacy of preferential relationships, showed lower resilience under uncertainty compared to the other FPC, whose legacy of grassroots efforts involving marginal and women farmers managed to avert the Matthew effect. The findings offer valuable insights for the local governance of inclusive food systems and have global relevance, especially for addressing SDGs 5 (gender equality) and 10 (reduced inequalities).