Organic Carbon Levels Research Articles

Assessment of Reclaimed Mined Area of Sahastradhara, Dehradun by Soil and Vegetation Analysis

This study investigates the impact of forest area mining on reclaimed limestone mined areas in Sahastradhara, Uttarakhand, India. Initiated in 1989-90, eco-restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating the mined areas resulted in restoration ages of 25, 24, and 23 years across different sites. The study comprehensively examined vegetation and soil physicochemical properties at various depths, revealing the dominance of species like Murrayakoenigii, Acacia catechu, Vitex negundo, Eupatorium adenophorum, Grevillea robusta, and Lantana camara. Soil analyses unveiled variations in moisture content, bulk density, and coarse fragment percentage across the sites, a rise in organic carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen levels, showcasing soil improvement post-restoration. Correlation analyses unveiled interrelationships between soil properties, emphasizing the importance of organic matter in influencing soil acidity. Vegetation analyses at different sites revealed evolving plant communities, with prominent species contributing to the ecological richness. The Importance Value Index (IVI) and Shannon Weiner Index (H') provided insights into species dominance and biodiversity. The results showed that the soil pH was slightly basic, and the available phosphorus and nitrogen levels were within the optimal range for plant growth. However, the bulk density and electrical conductivity values were higher than the recommended range. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between mining activities, vegetation dynamics, and soil health, guiding future ecological restoration endeavors in similar contexts. The study concluded that the eco-restoration work carried out in the area has been successful in restoring the vegetation, but further assessment is required to ensure the long-term success of the restoration efforts.

Graphene oxide–carbon nanotube composite membrane for enhanced removal of organic pollutants by forward osmosis

Composite membranes constructed using both graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were designed to strengthen the forward osmosis (FO) technology for the removal of organic contaminants. The nano-membrane was chemically treated with organic acids, which were citric acid in this case for more efficiency in permeability and pollutant removal. The efficiency of the composite membranes in organic pollutants removal was estimated by checking the levels of COD (chemical oxygen demand), TKN (total nitrogen analysis), and (TOC) organic carbon in the water sample before and after applying the technology. The analysis of the study recommends that the nano-membranes may be appropriately used to reduce organic pollutants significantly, to 98.20% efficiency, in addition to elevating water quality standards. This was caused by the higher degree of selectivity and permeability of the membranes that was consequent to the treatment of the organic acid. In brief, the employment of citric acid in the pre-treatment procedures for the preparation of composite graphene oxide-carbon nanotube membranes for FO technology could take water cleaning technologies a step ahead toward sustainable technology. The application of the composite membrane with graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes is not only efficient in cleaning out organic contaminants but it has a lot of added benefits. These membranes are easily manufactured with a long lifespan which, in turn, makes them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Also, forward osmosis technology reduces the energy demand compared to other water remediation methods, making it a more sustainable solution. The final point of this article is that the using of composite graphene oxide-carbon nanotube membranes treated with an organic acid, such as citric acid, in FO technology not only assists with the water treatment problem but also elevates sustainablility due to its effectiveness and is environmentally friendly.

Impacts of the tillage systems on the production of green corn (Zea mays L.) in long‐term plots in Northeastern Brazil

AbstractIn the current global context of climate change and the increasing demand for sustainability, optimizing agricultural production is very important in order to meet the demands for food and to mitigate environmental impact. To achieve sustainable agricultural production, particularly in regions with tropical soil and climate conditions, is necessary to adopt conservation‐oriented techniques. This includes no‐tillage system, the use of soil‐cover crops, and the application of inoculants. The objective of this research was, at the end of the 22nd cropping season, to assess the influence of soil compaction in the production of green corn (Zea mays L.) in a long‐term field experiment. This study was conducted under different soil tillage systems in a Red‐Yellow Ultisol from the Coastal Tablelands of northeastern Brazil. Three soil tillage systems were applied: Conventional Tillage (CT), Minimum Tillage (MT), and No‐tillage (NT). These were combined with four previous crops: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), crotalaria (Crotalaria juncacea), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and millet (Pennisetum glaucum), as well as two levels of nitrogen fertilizer application: (1) 100% of the recommended N dose, and (2) 50% of the recommended N dose plus Azospirillum brasilense inoculant. The experimental design consisted of strip plots with subplots divided and randomized within each strip, with three replications. Soil compaction was assessed using parameters of soil density (SD) and soil mechanical resistance to penetration (MRP) in conjunction with moisture content (MC). The principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that conservation‐oriented systems exhibited greater soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, leading to increased productivity of commercial green corn cobs. The synergistic effect of diversifying previous crops and adopting conservation tillage systems, especially in soils under long‐term tillage, resulted in heightened productivity of commercial green corn ears.

Lead and zinc chemical fraction alterations in multi-metal contaminated soil with pomelo peel biochar and biochar/apatite incubation

The issue of heavy metal soil contamination is widespread, and the negative effects of heavy metals on the ecosystem depend on their chemical speciation in contaminated soil. Pomelo peel-derived biochar produced at 300 °C (PPB300) and 500 °C (PPB500) and its combination with apatite ore (AP) was applied to immobilize lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in agricultural multi-metal polluted soil. Soil amendments including biochar (PPB300 and PPB500) at concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 10%, as well as a mixture of biochar and apatite (AP) at 3:3% and 5:5% weight ratios, were introduced into the soil matrix. The chemical forms of Pb and Zn in incubated soil samples and control soil (CS) were studied utilizing the Tessier’s sequential extraction procedure. The chemical partitioning of heavy metals was carried out using Tessier’s extraction protocol, yielding fractions representing exchangeable (F1), carbonate (F2), Fe/Mn oxide (F3), organic matter (F4), and residual (F5) forms. Quantification of Pb and Zn concentrations was accomplished via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Observations revealed notable elevations in pH, organic carbon (OC), and electrical conductivity (EC) levels within the treated soil relative to the control soil (p < 0.05). After incubating PPB300, PPB500, and AP for 30 days, there was a reduction in the exchangeable fraction of Pb and Zn by approximately 64% and 58% respectively. This reduction was achieved by transforming heavy metals from mobile fractions to immobile fractions using five primary mechanisms: chemical and physical adsorption, electrostatic attraction, the formation of complexes via interactions with active groups, cation exchange processes, and precipitation events mediated by phosphate, carbonate ions, or hydroxyl ions within an alkaline environment. Therefore, pomelo peel-derived biochar and the blend of biochar/apatite show promise as materials for mitigating heavy metal pollution in soil.

Variations in macrofaunal communities along sand physico-chemical gradient across the intertidal zones on island beaches

Island beaches, once mistakenly considered as 'ecological deserts', are actually unique ecosystems that support abundant macrofaunal communities. However, limited studies have examined the variations and determinants of macrofaunal communities across the intertidal zones on island beaches, which is crucial for shedding light on the underlying ecological processes and enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts. Here, we explored the variations in macrofaunal communities along sand physico-chemical gradient across four intertidal zones on nine representative beaches, within the largest land-bridge archipelago in eastern China. Our findings revealed that species richness, density, and Shannon-Wiener diversity of macrofaunal communities were notably higher in the lower intertidal zones, exhibiting a positive correlation with elevated levels of sand moisture (M), electrical conductivity (EC), available potassium (AK), and grain size (GS). Conversely, macrofaunal Simpson diversity displayed an inverse pattern, with heightened values observed in the vegetation zone. The Saprophagous, Predaceous, and Omnivorous groups of macrofaunal communities demonstrated an increase with higher levels of EC, AK, and M in the lower intertidal zones. Furthermore, Phytophagous group of macrofaunal communities tended to inhabit the vegetation zones characterized by elevated levels of sand total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and organic carbon (OC). Primarily, our findings indicate that sand nutrition, moisture, and salinity play pivotal roles in shaping the variations of macrofaunal communities on island beaches. These insights offer valuable perspectives into the holistic responses of macrofauna on island beaches to changes in sand physico-chemical properties, serving as a crucial theoretical foundation for the assessment, conservation, and restoration of island beaches.

Influence of bamboo - soybean agroforestry system on soil chemical characteristics in northern transitional zone of Karnataka

A prospective avenue for sustainable land management in India involves the utilization of a bamboo-centered agroforestry system. A scientific research was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the Main Agricultural Research Station in Dharwad to investigate the soil chemical characteristics within an agroforestry framework centered around bamboo and soybean. The composite samples were analyzed for several chemical attributes including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. The experiment featured five distinct treatments denoted as T1 (Bambusa balcooa + Soybean), T2 (Dendrocalamus stocksii + Soybean), T3 (Dendrocalamus asper + Soybean), T4 (Bambusa vulgaris + Soybean), and T5 (Sole soybean). Notably, the soil pH exhibited a decline under the bamboo-based agroforestry system when compared to the exclusive soybean cultivation. However, there was no statistically significant variance observed in soil electrical conductivity (EC) between the control and the agroforestry systems. Moreover, the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were notably higher in the bamboo-centric agroforestry system compared to the sole soybean cropping. Consequently, the sustained adoption of a bamboo-focused agroforestry system has the potential to enhance soil chemical attributes and enrich nutrient status over the long term.

Nitrogen addition enhances nitrogen but not carbon mineralization in aggregate size fractions of soils in a Pinus massonia plantation

IntroductionAtmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition can impact the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (total N) by altering the soil N availability. However, the effect of N input on the mineralization of SOC and total N in various soil aggregate size fractions requires further clarification.MethodsThe soil samples were collected from a Pinus massoniana plantation situated in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China. Over a period of three years, the soils from the plantation were subjected to four different levels of nitrogen addition (0 [N0], 30 [N30], 60 [N60], and 90 [N90] kg N ha−1 yr−1). The impact of N addition on the mineralization of SOC and total N in aggregates was evaluated through an incubation experiment, encompassing four aggregate sizes (2000 − 8000, 1000 − 2000, 250 − 1000, and &amp;lt; 250 μm).ResultsThe &amp;lt; 250 μm fraction showed the highest levels of cumulative C mineralization, while the lowest levels were observed in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction. Compared to the &amp;lt; 250 um fraction, a drop of 9 − 21% in cumulative C mineralization was observed in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction, indicating that soil aggregates enhance the stability of C in the soil. Cumulative N mineralization levels were consistently at their lowest in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction, indicating aggregates reducing mineralization-related N loss. Adding N to forest soil samples led to a reduction in cumulative C mineralization. In contrast, an opposite trend was observed in the cumulative N mineralization after adding N in microaggregates. Nitrification was the main contributor to net N mineralization. SOC and total levels increased in response to N30 and N60. N addition leads to an increase in the weight ratio of the 1000 − 2000 μm fraction. Moreover, N90 was linked to decreases in microbial biomass C and N.DiscussionThese findings confirm that the structural characteristics of soil aggregates play a crucial role in sequestering organic carbon and total N sequestration in the presence of N deposition, while highlighting N loss from the soil caused by N input.

Batch electrocoagulation system for the treatment of Borneo urban river in relation to the industrial zone

Urbanization activities on Borneo Island have degraded the water quality of some urban rivers due to increased anthropogenic activities which leading to elevated levels of total organic carbon (TOC) and reduced access to clean water sources. As such, this study aims to develop a batch electrocoagulation treatment system to reduce the TOC levels in Borneo urban river for domestic consumption. Correspondingly, this study analyses the effect of electric current and residence time on TOC reduction efficiency. Subsequent, this study has found that the TOC levels in treated urban river water met domestic consumption safety standard by utilizing a batch electrocoagulation treatment system at 5 A of electric current and 25 minutes of residence time. The treatment system achieves 82.83% of maximum TOC reduction efficiency by decreasing the initial TOC levels from 5.65 mg/L to 0.97 mg/L. The energy operating cost analysis done in this study has reported that electrocoagulation treatment system could generate 116.51 g Al(OH)3 per meter cubic of urban river water at a cost of United States Dollars (USD) 0.32 per m3. Additionally, the reduction of TOC levels in urban river by using in-situ aluminium hydroxide coagulants follows Freundlich isotherm model with a regression coefficient of 0.99, thus, exhibiting a multilayer adsorption. The aluminium hydroxide coagulants could reduce TOC from urban river at 1.40 min−1 of adsorption rate and 0.20 mg/g of maximum adsorption capacity. From the energy dispersive X-ray analysis conducted, this study has observed the presence of electrocoagulation flocs that are constituted with aluminium hydroxide coagulants and carbon element which indicated the occurrence of adsorption process. Overall, this study demonstrates that the batch electrocoagulation treatment system could be utilized to reduce the TOC level from Borneo urban river with an adsorption process which is deemed suitable for domestic consumption at a reasonable cost.

Effects of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Health in Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L.) Cultivation

Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a promising environmentally friendly soil enhancer and biostimulant, play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by influencing soil properties and plant growth. This research investigates the chemical properties of three biochar types [bamboo (BB-char), corn cob (CC-char), and coffee grounds (CG-char)] derived from different biomass sources and their impact on soil quality and Chinese kale growth. The results reveal significant differences in chemical properties among different types of biochar. Particularly, CG-char showed the greatest pH value and phosphorus content, with an average of 10.05 and 0.44%, respectively. On the other hand, CC-char had the highest potassium content, with an average of 2.16%. Incorporating biochar into degraded soil enhances soil structure, promoting porosity and improved texture, as evidenced by scanning electron microscope images revealing distinct porous structures. Soil chemistry analyses in treatment T2–T14 after a 42-day cultivation demonstrate the impact of biochar on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and organic carbon levels in comparison to the control treatment (T1). Furthermore, the research assesses the impact of biochar on Chinese kale growth and photosynthetic pigments. Biochar additions, especially 5% BB-char with AMF, positively influence plant growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Notably, lower biochar concentrations (5%) exhibit superior effects compared to higher concentrations (10%), emphasizing the importance of optimal biochar application rates. The study also delves into the total phenolic content in Chinese kale leaves, revealing that the synergistic effect of biochar and AMF enhances phenolic compound accumulation. The combination positively influences plant health, soil quality, and nutrient cycling mechanisms. Overall, the research indicates the multifaceted impact of biochar on soil and plant dynamics, emphasizing the need for tailored application strategies to optimize benefits in sustainable agriculture.

Enhancing Soil Health and Sustainability: The Impact of Melia Dubia-based Agroforestry in a Semi-Arid Region of Haryana, India

This study investigates the impact of a Melia dubia-based agroforestry system on soil properties in Gillan Khera, Fatehabad district, located in the semi-arid region of Haryana. Soil samples were collected from a 7-year-old plantation with a 3m × 3m spacing, where three oat varieties were intercropped. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, soil moisture, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were analysed at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Results revealed a decrease in soil pH and EC under trees, with values decreasing from 8.09 to 7.89 and 0.46 to 0.44 dSm-1, respectively. However, intercropped conditions exhibited higher levels of nitrogen (131.38 kg/ha), phosphorus (16.00 kg/ha), potassium (301.10 kg/ha), and organic carbon (0.46%) at both soil depths. Additionally, there was more soil moisture under the plantation. These findings suggest a positive correlation between tree growth and soil health. The study recommends the Melia dubia-based agroforestry system as a promising approach for enhancing soil fertility and promoting environmental sustainability.

The After-Effect of Organic Fertilizer Varies among Climate Conditions in China: A Meta-Analysis

Organic fertilizer is utilized to improve the organic carbon levels in arable soils, which is helpful for soil quality improvement and crop yield increase. However, the after-effect of organic fertilizer varies among regions with different temperature and precipitation conditions, and the extent of the impact remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of varying temperature and rainfall conditions on the accumulation of soil organic carbon after organic fertilizer application. A meta-analysis of 168 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2022 involving a total of 464 trials was conducted. The following was discovered: (1) In the major grain-producing areas of China, there was a significant positive correlation (p &lt; 0.01) between latitude and soil organic carbon content. Meanwhile, temperature and precipitation had a significant negative correlation (p &lt; 0.01) with soil organic carbon content. (2) The increase in temperature inhibited the increase in soil organic carbon storage. The improvement effect of organic fertilizer application in the low-temperature areas was significantly increased by 60.93% compared with the mid-temperature areas, and by 69.85% compared with the high-temperature areas. The average annual precipitation affected the after-effect of organic fertilizer as follows: 400–800 mm &gt; 400 mm &gt; more than 800 mm. (3) The influence of climatic conditions on the after-effect of organic fertilizer was more significant depending on the specific tillage practice. To increase organic fertilizer use efficiency and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, liquid organic fertilizers with abundant trace nutrients and amino acids, which take advantage of releasing nutrients more swiftly and have a better fertilization effect, could be an alternative to traditional organic fertilizers.

Analysis of Soil Chemical Properties to Application of Poultry and Cow Manure from Different Housing and Stacking Types Following Telfairia occidentalis (HOOK F.) Production

This study examines response of different housing and stacking types of poultry and cow manure on soil chemical properties. Soil chemical analysis were examined before and after manure application in order to assess whether manure from different housing and stacking types affected the soil chemical properties. The findings of the study shows manure from different housing and stacking types had significant effect on chemical properties of the soil. Poultry manure was observed to have more significant impact on the chemical properties of the soil than cow manure, and the housing and stacking type of the manure played a role in regulating the levels of nutrients produced as well as total organic carbon levels. The findings suggest that poultry and cow manure application from different housing and stacking types could significantly enhance the organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium content in the soil. This study consequently conclude that manure from different housing and stacking types play significant role in affecting soil chemical properties which in turn improve soil fertility and sustain soil productivity.

Rice straw increases microbial nitrogen fixation, bacterial and nifH genes abundance with the change of land use types.

Soil microorganisms play an important role in soil ecosystems as the main decomposers of carbon and nitrogen. They have an indispensable impact on soil health, and any alterations in the levels of organic carbon and inorganic nitrogen can significantly affect soil chemical properties and microbial community composition. Previous studies have focused on the effects of carbon and nitrogen addition on a single type of soil, but the response of soil microorganisms to varying carbon and nitrogen inputs under different land soil use types have been relatively understudied, leaving a gap in our understanding of the key influencing factors. To address this gap, we conducted a study in the tropical regions of Hainan province, focusing on four distinct land use types: natural forest soil (NS), healthy banana soil (HS), diseased banana garden soil (DS), and paddy soil (PS). Within each of these environments, we implemented five treatments: CK, RS (rice straw), RSN (rice straw and NH4NO3), RR (rice root), and RRN (rice root and NH4NO3). Our aim was to investigate how soil bacteria response to changes in carbon and nitrogen inputs, and to assess their potential for biological nitrogen fixation. The results showed that the addition of rice straw increased the absorption and utilization of nitrate nitrogen by microorganisms. The addition of rice roots (RR) did not increase the absorption capacity of inorganic nitrogen by microorganisms, but increased the content of poorly soluble organic carbon. Most importantly, the addition of rice straw increased microbial respiration and the utilization efficiency of N2 by microorganisms, and the further addition of ammonium nitrate increased microbial respiration intensity. With the change of soil type, the rice straw increases microbial nitrogen fixation, bacterial and nifH genes abundance. Meanwhile, microbial respiration intensity is an important factor influencing the differences in the structure of bacterial communities. The addition of inorganic nitrogen resulted in ammonium nitrogen accumulation, reduced microbial richness and diversity, consequently diminishing the soil microorganisms to resist the environment. Therefore, we believe that with the change of soil types, corresponding soil nutrient retention strategies should be devised and incorporated while reducing the application of ammonium nitrogen, thus ensuring healthy soil development.

Farming systems and soil fertility management practices in smallholdings on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

In the northern part of Tanzania, the slopes of Mount (Mt.) Kilimanjaro are the most important areas, both in terms of socio-economic development and ecological succession. The main agricultural systems in the area are banana-based (in the highlands) and maize-based (in the lowlands), with strong interlinkage between them via residual transfer from the lowlands to the mountains. This study assessed the soil fertility status between the two contrasting farming areas of highland and lowland farms in Hai district along the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. To achieve this, smallholder farmers along the slope [from above 1000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l) banana-based down to maize-based, i.e., less than 1000 m.a.s.l] who practice crop residual transfer from maize-based to banana-based farming systems were selected. Qualitative information regarding the demographics, farming practices, and soil fertility management in the two areas were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Soils from both areas (highland and lowland farms) were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for the key soil properties. The demographic results show that agriculture is mostly done by adults and elders (&amp;gt;40 years old). Manure was most commonly reported to be used in the highlands, while inorganic fertilizers were mainly used in lowland areas. The major challenges for soil fertility management are a shortage of manure and high cost of inorganic fertilizers. The results of soil nutrients revealed that lowland zones (&amp;gt;1000 m.a.s.l) had significantly (p&amp;lt; 0.01) lower levels of nitrogen (0.14%) and organic carbon (OC) (1.22%) compared with highland zones. Extractable phosphorus (P) was significantly lower in both the highland and lowland zones, at 9.3 mg kg-1 and 8.2 mg kg-1, respectively, compared with other nutrients. However, potassium (K+) was significantly (p&amp;lt;0.01) lower [0.34 cmol (+) kg-1] in the highland zone compared to lowland areas. The data show that there is a severe depletion of soil nutrients in the lowland area of Hai district. Notwithstanding the efforts of the small-holder farmers; the study comes to the conclusion that increasing agricultural yield and the sustainability of farming systems require replenishing the nutrients in the soil along the slope of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on lacustrine ecosystems of the Kashmir Valley, NW Himalaya, India

AbstractDue to the significant sedimentation and anthropogenic pressures, the Kashmir Himalaya lakes (Dal, Wular, Manasbal) located within and in the vicinity of urban settlements are experiencing massive degradation. The unique climate, geographic setting, and rock degradation owing to the tectonic uplift of the area, contribute to increased sedimentation in these lakes. The sewage and other anthropogenic pressures have also increased various minerals including nitrogen influx in these lakes. Total organic carbon levels in the Dal Lake are high and range from 2.72% to 25.12%, with nitrogen levels ranging from 0.92% to 9.81%. The total organic carbon of Wular and Manasbal Lakes ranges from 0.83% to 4.52%, and 3.11% to 13.74% with nitrogen ranging from 0.06% to 0.5% and 0.20% to 1.96%, respectively. The estimated sedimentation rates for the Wular, Manasbal, and Dal Lakes are 0.125 cm/yr, 0.44 cm/yr, and 0.93 cm/yr. Given these factors and the geographic setting of Kashmir Himalaya, it is believed that under the sustained threat of climate change and anthropogenic pressure, mitigation strategies to control sedimentation and pollution are unavoidable for the long‐term survival of these valuable ecosystems. This review examines contributing factors, explores potential consequences, and proposes mitigation measures, to save these important aquatic ecosystems from further deterioration.

Effect of Different Transplanting Dates on Performance of Different Varieties on Growth of Broccoli

The field trail was undertaken on the crop broccoli in the Rabi season of 2022-23 at Agriculture Research Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab to find out the “Effect of different transplanting dates on performance of different varieties on growth of broccoli”. The soil of the experimental plot had a slightly alkaline texture, a naturally occurring pH of 7.5, level of organic carbon (0.62%) and available amounts of N (430.32 kg/ha), P (17.54 kg/ha) and K (251.65 kg/ha). The experiment was designed in Factorial randomized block design (FRBD), replicated with three times and included nine treatments i.e. D1V1 (5th November + Rani Hybrid), D2V1 (15th November + Rani Hybrid), D3V1 (25th November + Rani Hybrid), D1V2 (5th November + Palam Samridhi), D2V2 (15th November + Palam Samridhi), D3V2 (25th November + Palam Samridhi), D1V3 (5th November + Bobby Hybrid), D2V3 (15th November + Bobby Hybrid) and D3V3 (25th November + Bobby Hybrid). The results indicated that significantly higher growth parameters viz., number of leaves per plant, plant height, leaf length, width and plant spread was observed on the 15th November transplanting as compared to 5th November and 25th November transplanting dates. In conclusion establishment of variety Palam Samridhi showed an excellent result on the 15th November transplanting date as compared to other transplanting dates.

Residual Effect of Humic Acid, PSB and Phosphorus Nutrition on Soil Chemical Properties after Harvest of Rice Crop under the Subtropical Condition of Jammu

Field experiments were conducted during Kharif season of 2022 at the Research Farm, WMRC, SKUAST- J, Chatha. The soil of the experimental site was sand clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen but medium in phosphorus and potassium. The experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD with three factors replicated thrice. Twenty treatment combinations comprising of five Humic acid treatments (Control, Soil Application of Humic acid @ 2.5kg/ha &amp; 5kg/ha (Market ready), and Soil Application of Humic acid @ 2.5kg/ha &amp; 5kg/ha (FYM), two PSB treatments (With and without PSB) and two levels of Phosphorus nutrition (100% Recommended N:100% Recommended P - 15:40 kg/ha and 100% Recommended N:75% Recommended P - 15:30 kg/ha). The utilization of Humic acid at a rate of 5 kg/ha, sourced from both Market Ready and Farm Yard Manure (FYM), combined with seed treatment employing (PSB) and a nutrient application of 100% recommended nitrogen (N): 100% recommended phosphorus (P) - 15:40 kg/ha, exhibited a more pronounced and favorable residual impact on soil properties. This was evidenced by notable improvements in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, surpassing their initial values but shows in non-significant results. Furthermore, this treatment employing humic acid application, PSB &amp; Phosphorous nutrition showed improvement in seed yield and straw yield but failed to show significant results in residual rice crop.

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth Attributes and Yield of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern &amp; Coss] in Vindhya Plateau Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

In the Rabi season of 2022, a field experiment was conducted in the Vindhya plateau region of Madhya Pradesh at the agricultural field of SAGE University Bhopal. The objective was to investigate the impact of nitrogen and sulfur nutrition on the growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experimental soil, characterized as sandy loam with a slightly alkaline pH, exhibited good drainage. Despite having a moderate amount of available phosphorus and potassium, the soil had low levels of organic carbon and nitrogen, with a low electrical conductivity of 1.65 dS/m (1:2, soil: water).&#x0D; The experiment comprised 27 nitrogen and sulfur treatment combinations in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments included three nitrogen levels (100, 120, and 140 kg ha-1) and three sulfur levels (20, 40, and 60 kg ha-1). The mustard variety Giriraj was cultivated, and the study focused on evaluating the effects of these treatments on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake.&#x0D; Results indicated that various mustard crop attributes, such as plant height, number of green leaves-1, branches plant-1, siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1, and 1000 seed weight, as well as yields (biological, seed, and oil yield), exhibited significant increases with rising nitrogen levels from 100 kg N ha-1 to 140 kg N ha-1. Similarly, applying 60 kg S ha-1 resulted in maximum plant height, number of green leaves, dry matter production, oil yield, and the highest net returns among sulfur levels.&#x0D; The combination of 140 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg S ha-1 proved to be cost-effective, leading to increased yields, net returns, and a higher B:C ratio compared to other nitrogen and sulfur levels. Therefore, this study recommends the application of 60 kg S ha-1 and 140 kg N ha-1 for enhancing mustard crop yields, net returns, and the benefit-cost ratio.

Environmental assessment of Heavy Metals in Sedi - ments of Tigris, Euphrates, Shatt Al-Arab rivers and northern west of Arabian Gulf.

The most prevalent environmental contaminants found in sediments that suggest the presence of effluents from both home and industrial sources are thought to be heavy metals. The aim of this study was to assess the accumulation of heavy metals at surface sediment samples that were collected in order to measure the amounts of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Fe., to re-evaluate the environmental conditions and concentration of the analyzed elements in the sediment to detect any pollution of heavy metals in the studied area by using contamination factors (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF) and geo accumulation index (I-geo). To ascertain the connection between the sediment’s total organic carbon (TOC) level and heavy metal pollution, measurements were taken in addition of it. Using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer, studies were conducted., The mean values of the element in the sediments ranged as: Cu (13.45 μg/g at location 2 to 32.44 μg/g at location 9), Zn (20.76 μg/g at location 1 to 42.49 μg/g at location 10), Pb (9.78 μg/g at location 2 to 30.04 μg/g at location 9 and 10), Cd (7.89 μg/g at location 2 to 18.72 μg/g at location 7) and Fe (459.89 μg/g at location 1 to 833.83 μg/g at location 7) dry weight. The geochemical results show that the distribution and concentration of the heavy metals in the studied sediments is within the average concentration given for the FAO/WHO reported, and the sediment of the studied area is still free from pollution, except Pb and Cd in some local areas, which shows higher concentrations than those reported for world sediments.

Effects of an efficient straw decomposition system mediated by Stropharia rugosoannulata on soil properties and microbial communities in forestland

Cultivation of Stropharia rugosoannulata with straw in forestland is effective for straw biodegradation and can prevent the waste of straw resources and environmental pollution and generate economic benefits. However, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) input into forestland, such as soil properties and microbial succession. In this experiment, 0 (CK), 10 (SA), 20 (SB), 30 (SC), 40 (SD), and 50 (SE) kg/m2 straw were used to cultivate S. rugosoannulata, and two soil layers (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm) of the cultivated forestland were analyzed. The results indicated that SMS significantly promoted nutrient accumulation in forestland. The bacterial alpha diversity in the SC treatment group was greater than that in the control and gradually decreased to the control level with interannual changes, while the trend of fungal alpha diversity was opposite to that of bacterial alpha diversity. Furthermore, the SC treatment group positively affected soil nitrogen metabolism-related microorganisms for two consecutive years and significantly promoted tree growth. Habitat niche breadth and null model analysis revealed that bacterial communities were more sensitive than fungal communities after SMS input. Linear mixed model (LMM) analysis revealed that SMS supplementation significantly positively affected bacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidota) and significantly negatively affected fungi (Coniochaetales). The constructed fungal-bacterial co-occurrence networks exhibited modularity, and the five types of bacteria were significantly correlated with soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AAP) and available nitrogen (AN) levels. The structural equation model (SEM) showed that bacterial diversity responded more to changes in soil nutrients than did fungal diversity. Overall, 30 kg/m2 of straw decomposition and 2 years of continuous cultivation were beneficial to soil health. This study provides new insights into the rational decomposition of straw and maintenance of forestland ecological balance by S. rugosoannulata.