Organic Inputs Research Articles

Assessing Organic Farming Adoption in Selected Districts of Tamil Nadu: Challenges, Practices, and Pathways for Growth

This study investigates the specific challenges and opportunities faced by organic farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on how region-specific practices influence the adoption and success of organic farming. It draws insights from a survey of 300 organic growers across five districts: Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Tirupur, and Villupuram. This study is particularly relevant because there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific challenges and opportunities faced by organic farmers in Tamil Nadu, with limited data on the long-term impact of government initiatives and region-specific management options, especially for smallholder farmers. Additionally, gaps exist in understanding the economic viability, market demand, and farmer perceptions of organic farming together with challenges like knowledge gaps, pest control, managing risks, and lower initial yields during the transition from conventional farming to organic farming. The research evaluated the factors affecting organic farming, including crop yield, the use of different organic formulations, the role of different information services, opportunities and challenges, and the impact on the perceived effectiveness of various agricultural outcomes. Various statistical analyses were performed, including K-means clustering, Poisson regression, and chi-square test. The results revealed significant variations in the adoption of various organic inputs and regionally practiced organic formulations. Crop residues (82.67%), Jeevamrith (78.33%), Amudhakaraisal (77.00%), and 3G-Extracts (74.00%) have high adoption rates, reflecting their perceived effectiveness and accessibility among farmers. However, the adoption of microbial bio-inputs such as Trichoderma viride (1.00%), Acetobacter spp. (19.00%), Azophos (consortium of phosphorus fixing microbes) (26.33%), and Azospirillum spp. (28.67%) was notably poor despite their known benefits for soil health and crop yield. The chi-square test also highlighted key challenges faced by farmers in adopting organic farming practices. The Poisson regression analysis showed significant positive impacts on crop growth and yield, disease resistance, insect control, overall plant health, and input efficiency due to organic farming. The study’s insights are essential for developing targeted strategies to overcome barriers, supporting the growth and sustainability of organic farming. Addressing these challenges and promoting effective information channels will better equip stakeholders to support organic growers, contributing to more resilient and productive agricultural systems in the region.

Conservation agriculture enhances crop productivity and soil carbon fractions in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

This study evaluates the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil carbon sequestration and crop productivity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, focusing on short-term effects over 3 and 5 years. Conducted at two distinct sites, Karnal and Samastipur, the research compares zero tillage, permanent raised beds, and conventional tillage systems across diverse cropping patterns. Initial findings after 3 years showed no significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks at Karnal, while Samastipur’s maize-mustard-mungbean rotation on permanent raised beds showed increased carbon stocks. Notably, after 5 years, significant differences in soil carbon stocks emerged at both sites, with improved organic matter input indicated by coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM) formation. The study confirms the potential of POXC and POC as early indicators for carbon sequestration in CA systems, highlighting the role of CA practices in enhancing soil health and crop productivity sustainably.

Reinforcing Nitrogen Nutrition Through Partial Substitution with Organic Nitrogen Enhances the Properties of Natural Rubber

The partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer is a crucial practice for enhancing crop production and quality, although its impact on natural rubber has rarely been explored. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different nitrogen application rates and varying proportions of organic nitrogen substitution on dry rubber yield, nitrogen nutrition, and natural rubber properties. Regarding nitrogen application, the control treatment received no nitrogen amendment, while the low-nitrogen treatment was amended with 138 g·tree−1·year−1 of nitrogen. The medium-nitrogen treatment received 276 g·tree−1·year−1 of nitrogen, and the high-nitrogen treatment received 552 g·tree−1·year−1 of nitrogen. In addition, the low-organic-nitrogen substitution treatment and medium-organic-nitrogen substitution treatment were amended with 276 g·tree−1·year−1 of nitrogen each. The results demonstrated that the 50% organic nitrogen substitution treatment resulted in the highest dry rubber yield across all sampling periods, ranging from 46.43 to 94.65 g·tree−1. Additionally, this treatment exhibited superior soil total nitrogen (1067.69 mg·kg−1), available nitrogen (84.06 mg·kg−1), and nitrogen content in roots (1.08%), leaves (3.25%), fresh rubber latex (0.27%), and raw natural rubber (0.44%) compared with other treatments. In terms of the physical properties of natural rubber, the 50% organic nitrogen substitution treatment resulted in advantages in the weight-average molecular weight (1.57 × 106 g·mol−1), number-average molecular weight (0.36 × 106 g·mol−1), plasticity retention index (97.35%), Wallace plasticity (40.25), and Mooney viscosity (81.40). For mechanical properties, natural rubber from the substitution treatment exhibited higher tensile strength (19.84 MPa), greater elongation at break (834.75%), and increased tear strength (31.07 N·mm−1). Overall, the substitution of 50% chemical nitrogen fertilizer with organic nitrogen fertilizer improved nitrogen nutrition in rubber trees by introducing organic nitrogen input, resulting in remarkable enhancements in natural rubber properties. Therefore, the incorporation of organic fertilizer as a substitution for 50% of chemical fertilizer is demonstrated as an effective strategy for improving both the yield and properties of natural rubber.

Synergistic Effect of Organic Inputs on the Morphophysiological Traits of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

The present investigation was conducted from 2023 in Chengam, Tiruvannamalai district. The objective was to evaluate the impact of various organic treatments on the growth and yield characteristics of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The experiment was carried out is Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replication thrice. Among the ten different treatments applied, the combination of FYM @ 25 t ha⁻1 + VC @ 2.5 t ha⁻1 + Seaweed extract @ 2% (T9) consistently outperformed other treatments. This treatment significantly enhanced growth characteristics viz., plant height (35.01, 60.33, 86.71 and 110.34 cm), number of leaves plant-1(291.34, 540.56, 850.41 and 1010.66), leaf area (482.33, 1673.20, 3581.23 and 4468.67 cm²) and leaf area index (0.65, 1.33, 2.32 and 3.23), number of primary branches plant-1 (21.45, 25.37, 32.17 and 39.46) and secondary branches plant-1 (64.72, 76.45, 96.56 and 109.34), plant spread (north -south) (25.32, 33.39, 40.26 and 50.38 cm), plant spread (East- west) (40.56, 55.89, 65.47 and 71.45 cm), at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT. The findings indicate that the integration of organic inputs of treatment, T9 (FYM @ 25 t ha⁻1 + VC @ 2.5 t ha⁻1 + Seaweed extract @ 2%) is highly effective in optimizing the growth of sweet basil.

Impacts of long-term different fertilization regimes on microbial utilization of straw-derived carbon in greenhouse vegetable soils: insights from its ecophysiological roles and temperature responses

As the largest organic carbon input in the agroecosystems, crop residues can increase soil carbon sequestration and crop production in greenhouse vegetable fields (GVFs). However, the soil microbiological mechanisms driving straw decomposition in GVFs under different incubation temperatures and fertilization treatments are not clear. Thus, soil samples were collected from a long-term field experiment included chemical fertilizer application alone (CF), 2/4 fertilizer N+2/4 organic fertilizer N (CM), 2/4 fertilizer N+1/4 organic fertilizer N+1/4 straw N (CMS), 2/4 fertilizer N+2/4 straw N (CS), and incubated with 13C-labeled straw at different temperatures (15, 25, and 35°C) for 60 days. Organic-amended treatments (CM, CMS, and CS), especially CMS treatment, increased soil bacterial Alpha diversity before and after straw addition. Straw decomposition process was dominated by soil Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes for each treatments. The effect of incubation temperature on soil microbial community composition was higher than that of fertilization treatments. Soil Alphaproteobacteria and Actinomycetia were the most predominant class involved in straw decomposition. Gammaproteobacteria (Pseudomonas, Steroidobacter, Acidibacter, and Arenimonas) were the unique and predominant class involved in straw decomposition at medium and high temperatures as well as in the straw-amended treatments. Organic-amended treatments, especially straw-amended treatments, increased the relative abundance of glycosyl transferases (GT) and auxiliary activities (AA). Alphaproteobacteria, Actinomycetia, and Gammaproteobacteria had higher relative contribution to carbohydrase genes. In summary, the long-term organic-amended treatments altered the structure of soil microbial communities and increased soil bacterial diversity, with the CMS having a greater potential to enhance resistance to external environmental changes. Soil Alphaproteobacteria and Actinomycetia were responsible for the dominance of straw decomposition, and Gammaproteobacteria may be responsible for the acceleration of straw decomposition. Fertilization treatments promote straw decomposition by increasing the abundance of indicator bacterial groups involved in straw decomposition, which is important for isolating key microbial species involved in straw decomposition under global warming.

Organic input incorporation for enhancing sustainability and economic viability of cowpea in North-Western Himalayan region

Organic input incorporation for enhancing sustainability and economic viability of cowpea in North-Western Himalayan region

Opportunities and Challenges on Natural Farming

Natural Farming, an ecological and sustainable agricultural practice, emphasizes minimal human intervention and the use of natural resources for crop cultivation. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemical inputs, Natural Farming integrates practices such as minimal tillage and organic inputs like cow dung and plant-based preparations. This case study explores Natural Farming practices among farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on their experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The study includes detailed case studies of three farmers in Coimbatore District and each farmer employing different natural farming techniques and facing unique obstacles. The findings reveal that Natural Farming offers significant benefits, including reduced farming costs, improved soil health, and enhanced market opportunities for organic produce. Farmers reported that these practices lead to better crop resilience and higher-quality produce, often fetching premium prices. However, challenges persist, including difficulties in weed control, pest and disease management, labor shortages, and delay in certification, which can affect market access and profitability. The study underscores the potential of Natural Farming to transform agricultural practices by promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. It also highlights the need for supportive interventions, such as enhanced market access, comprehensive farmer training, and government support to address the identified challenges and maximize the benefits of Natural Farming. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Natural Farming's role in sustainable agriculture and its implications for farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Organic Farming for Residue-Free Production

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable agricultural practice aimed at producing food without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and environmental sustainability while ensuring residue-free food production. The key principles of organic farming include crop rotation, composting, natural pest management, and the use of organic inputs such as manure and biological controls. These practices not only enhance soil fertility and biodiversity but also contribute to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Residue-free production in organic farming is achieved through rigorous adherence to organic standards and certification processes. Organic certification ensures that farmers comply with strict regulations regarding inputs, practices, and traceability throughout the production chain. Consumers increasingly prefer organic products due to concerns about chemical residues in food and their potential impact on health. Organic farming promotes transparency and consumer trust by offering products that are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The global market for organic products continues to expand, driven by growing consumer awareness and demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options. Organic farming presents opportunities for farmers to access premium markets, improve farm profitability, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as certification costs, market access barriers, and competition with conventional agriculture remain significant. Future research and development in organic farming are crucial to addressing these challenges and enhancing the scalability and efficiency of residue-free production. Innovations in organic pest management, soil health management, and sustainable agriculture practices will further support the growth of organic farming worldwide. Overall, organic farming stands as a promising solution for residue-free food production, promoting human health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in agriculture.

Fertilization shapes microbial life strategies, carbon and nitrogen metabolic functions in Camellia oleifera soil

Mineral, organic and microbial fertilizers are crucial for maintaining and improving soil quality, ecosystem functions, and fruit yield in Camellia oleifera plantations. However, how the application of these fertilizers shapes the life strategies and functions of soil microbial communities is unclear. Here, we conducted a one-year field experiment with three types of fertilizers: mineral (NPK), manure (Man), and microbial (MicrF), and analyzed soil properties, bacterial and fungal communities to assess microbial life strategies, functional traits and their determinants. The application of MicrF strongly increased the diversity of both soil bacterial (by 6.4%) and fungal communities (by 23%). Organic matter inputs from Man and MicrF had greater effects on the life strategies of bacteria than fungi: the dominant r-strategy bacteria (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria) increased with Man and MicrF, but K-strategists (Acidobacteria) decreased. Conversely, the abundance of r-strategy fungi (Ascomycota) decreased, but that of K-fungi (Basidiomycota) increased. Predictions of the functions indicated that microbial fertilization accelerated the bacterial carbohydrates, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, while also increasing the prevalence of wood saprotrophic fungi. The changes in the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the microbial communities induced co-metabolism priming effects, which were mainly regulated by soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen contents, and carbon-nitrogen ratio. The application of MicrF is an effective approach to increase the diversity and multifunctionality of soil microbial communities in Camellia oleifera plantations, including organic matter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights into the fertilizer regimes based on microbial ecological strategies and functional profiles in Camellia oleifera plantations.

Productivity of Wheat Landraces in Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions under Conventional and Organic Input in a Semiarid Mediterranean Environment

Wheat landraces are locally adapted populations that are suitable for low-input agronomic management and constraining pedo-climatic conditions. The productivity of landraces under high-input and optimal conditions is usually lower than modern wheat varieties. The present study compared the response of Sicilian wheat landraces and modern varieties to organic management, including organic fertilization, and conventional management, including mineral fertilization and chemical weed control, under rainfed condition and supplementary irrigation in a field trial conducted on a xerofluvent soil in a semiarid Mediterranean climate. Modern varieties were on average more productive than landraces, although certain landraces achieved comparable yields, in particular under organic management. The increase in grain yield under conventional management in comparison with the organic management was higher for modern varieties than landraces. The loss of productivity in rainfed conditions was lower for landraces compared to modern varieties. The grain quality traits were similar between landraces and modern varieties and in both cases the conventional management led to an improvement of the traits. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of traditional wheat landraces to low-input agricultural systems and offer valuable insights into improving the sustainability and productivity of wheat production in Mediterranean environments.

Effect of Kappapycus alvarezii seaweed liquid extract on growth, yield and chemical constituents of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens l’ Herit. ex Aiton)

The application of seaweed-based fertilizers is an important renewable resource and gaining considerable attention in the present scenario of agriculture and horticulture as organic nutrient input and growth promoters. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of seaweed liquid extract on growth, yield, and chemical constituents of the important aromatic plant geranium. The experiments were conducted in the CSIR-CIMAP, Research Center, Bengaluru (Karnataka, India) during the Rabi season of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The results of pooled data over two years revealed that application of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed liquid extract (KSWE) along with RDF at a concentration of 15% significantly improved the plant height (71.37 ± 0.69 cm), plant canopy (68.24 ± 1.60 cm), herb yield (42.71 ± 2.45 t ha−1year−1) and oil recovery (0.36 ± 0.02%) as compared over RDF. An account of 23.14% and 23.87% increase in herbage and essential oil yield was recorded over RDF. The functional relationship between herb and oil yield of geranium with different concentrations of seaweed extract applied at different crop stages was strongly correlated (r 2=0.97 and r 2=0.91, respectively). The chemical profile of essential oil reveals that higher amounts of linalool (7.5%) isomenthone (6.65%), geranial (1.29%), geranyl formate (3.81%), and the highest citronellol to geraniol (C:G ratio) ratio of 2.14 was noticed in the treatment which receives 15% KSWE along with RDF. The study clearly exhibits the notable benefits in the performance of geranium with the application of 15% of aqueous seaweed extract from Kappaphyscus alvarezii both in quantitative and qualitative terms.

Impact of bulky manures and fermented liquid formulations in enhancing the quality parameters of sweet pepper

Indigenous fermented liquid formulations (Panchagavya, Jeevamrut and Amritpani) are rich sources of beneficial microflora and fauna, vitamins, minerals and growth-promoting hormones. Small and marginal farmers of North-West Himalayan region popularly grow sweet pepper as commercial crop. Poultry manure and vermicompost are two cheap nutrient sources, popular among these growers. So, inorder to investigate the combined effect of these organic inputs, two-year field experiment with seven treatments and three replications; with randomized block design; comprised of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) which was applied through vermicompost and poultry manure along with Panchagavya (5%), Jeevamrut (5%), Amritpani (5%) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria which was isolated from experimental location, applied to all treatments, except T1; was carried out to study the response of these inputs on quality parameters of sweet pepper. Results revealed that treatment T2 that comprised of 90% RDN including Panchagavya, Jeevamrut, Amritpani and PGPR led to noticeably improvement in growth and quality parameters viz. chlorophyll-a (0.52 mg g−1), chlorophyll-b (0.73 mg g−1), ascorbic acid (29.47 mg 100 g−1), protein content (28.90%), capsaicin content (0.23 mg g−1), number of primary branches (8.20), average fruit weight (62 g), fruit yield (290.58 quintals ha−1), number of flowers per plant (24.97), leaf area index (4.73) and shelf life (6.03 days). Hence, it is concluded that the combined use of these inputs has the potential to enhance growth and quality characteristics of sweet pepper in achieving sustainable crop productivity.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Growth, Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Chinese Pink

Seed is the ultimate economic input in any crop production programme. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic inputs on seed production of radish at Organic Block of Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during Rabi season of 2019-20 & 2020-21. Various combinations of organic and liquid manures were replicated thrice in the form of twelve treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) Factorial. The pooled data of two years revealed that treatment with Vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + Jeevamrit @ 10 per cent was rated as best treatment for majority of characters like days to 50 per cent initiation of bolting (61.00), days to 50 per cent flowering (93.33), number of primary branches per plant (11.13), plant height (171.50 cm), pod length (5.82 cm), number of seeds per pod (5.01), seed yield per plot (225.25 g) & hectare (417.13 kg) and seed quality parameters like 1000 seed weight (12.02 g), seed germination (97.03 %), seedling length (28.26 cm), seedling dry weight (8.87 mg), seed vigour index-I (2742.07) and seed vigour index-II (860.42). Vermicompost along with jeevamrit recorded 61.41 per cent increase in yield over control. Hence application of vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + jeevamrit @ 10 per cent can be recommended for getting higher seed yield and better growth for organic seed production of radish.

Organic geochemistry and 1D-basin modeling in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand: Implications for deltaic-source rocks of the cenozoic oil and condensate reservoirs

The Taranaki Basin in New Zealand is an area of active exploration for oil and condensate. This research focuses on integrating geochemical characteristics and 1-D basin modeling to Late Cretaceous to Miocene source rock systems, along with oil and condensate data from fifty-seven wells in the Taranaki Basin. The geochemical study reveals that the oil and condensate samples were generated from clay-rich source rocks, containing mixed organic matter, with large amounts of terrestrial organic matter input. These source rocks were deposited in fluvial to fluvio-deltaic environments under oxic conditions. The presence of oleanane in both oil and condensate samples suggests that the source rocks had a significant terrestrial component and deposited during the Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic. Using various biomarker proxies, oil-source rock correlation along with 1-D basin modeling revealed that the oil and condensate were mainly derived from the Late Cretaceous Rakopi and Paleocene Farewell formations at different maturity stages. The oils were generated within the peak-mature oil window, while the condensates primarily resulted from the secondary cracking of oil taking place in the source rock within the gas generation window. This finding is consistent with the 1-D basin modeling results. The model shows that the Paleocene Farewell source rock has achieved the primary stage of oil generation (0.55–0.95 Easy %Ro), contributing to most of the discovered oils in the Cenozoic reservoir rocks. Meanwhile, the Late Cretaceous Rakopi source rock reached the gas window with a higher vitrinite reflectance of more than 1.30 Easy %Ro, indicating greater gas generation potential.

Distinct contributions of microbial and plant residues to SOC during ecosystem primary succession in a Tibetan glacier foreland

Soil organic carbon (SOC) rapidly accumulates during ecosystem primary succession in glacier foreland. This makes it an ideal model for studying soil carbon sequestration and stabilization, which are urgently needed to mitigate climate change. Here, we investigated SOC dynamics in the Kuoqionggangri glacier foreland on the Tibetan Plateau. The study area along a deglaciation chronosequence of 170-year comprising three ecosystem succession stages, including barren ground, herb steppe, and legume steppe. We quantified amino sugars, lignin phenols, and relative expression of genes associated with carbon degradation to assess the contributions of microbial and plant residues to SOC, and used FT-ICR mass spectroscopy to analyze the composition of dissolved organic matter. We found that herbal plant colonization increased SOC by enhancing ecosystem gross primary productivity, while subsequent legumes development decreased SOC, due to increased ecosystem respiration from labile organic carbon inputs. Plant residues were a greater contributor to SOC than microbial residues in the vegetated soils, but they were susceptible to microbial degradation compared to the more persistent and continuously accumulating microbial residues. Our findings revealed the organic carbon accumulation and stabilization process in early soil development, which provides mechanism insights into carbon sequestration during ecosystem restoration under climate change.

Partial replacement of inorganic fertilizer with organic inputs for enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, grain yield, and decreased nitrogen losses under rice-based systems of mid-latitudes

In the rice-based system of mid-latitudes, mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer serves as the largest source of the N cycle due to an insufficient supply of N from organic sources causing higher N losses due to varying soil and environmental factors. However, aiming to improve soil organic matter (OM) and nutrients availability using the best environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable cultural and agronomic management practices are necessary. This study aimed to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and grain yield in rice-based systems of mid-latitudes by partially replacing inorganic N fertilizer with organic inputs. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to evaluate the effects of sole mineral N fertilizer (urea) and its combinations with organic sources—farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry compost—on different elite green super rice (GSR) genotypes and were named as NUYT-1, NUYT-2, NUYT-3, NUYT-4, NUYT-5, and NUYT-6. The study was conducted during the 2022 and 2023 rice growing seasons at the Rice Research Program, Crop Sciences Institute (CSI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, one of the mid-latitudes of Pakistan. The key objective was to determine the most effective N management strategy for optimizing plant growth, N content in soil and plants, and overall crop productivity. The results revealed that the combined application of poultry compost and mineral urea significantly enhanced soil and leaf N content (1.36 g kg− 1 and 3.06 mg cm− 2, respectively) and plant morphophysiological traits compared to sole urea application. Maximum shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) were observed in compost-applied treatment with the values of 77.62 g hill− 1 and 8.36 g hill− 1, respectively. The two-year mean data indicated that applying 150 kg N ha⁻1, with half provided by organic sources (10 tons ha⁻1 FYM or poultry compost) and the remainder by mineral urea, resulted in the highest N uptake, utilization, and plant productivity. Thus, integrated management of organic carbon sources and inorganic fertilizers may sustain the productivity of rice-based systems more eco-efficiently. Further research is recommended to explore root and shoot morphophysiological, molecular, and biochemical responses under varying N regimes, aiming to develop N-efficient rice varieties through advanced breeding programs.

Blue Carbon Assessment in the Salt Marshes of the Venice Lagoon: Dimensions, Variability and Influence of Storm‐Surge Regulation

AbstractSalt marshes are intertidal coastal ecosystems shaped by complex feedbacks between hydrodynamic, morphological, and biological processes. These crucial yet endangered environments provide a diverse range of ecosystem services but are globally subjected to high anthropogenic pressures, while being severely exposed to climate change impacts. The importance of salt marshes as “blue carbon” sinks, deriving from their primary production coupled with rapid surface accretion, has been increasingly recognized within the framework of climate mitigation strategies. However, large uncertainties remain in salt marsh carbon stock and sequestration estimation. In order to provide further knowledge in salt marsh carbon assessment and investigate marsh carbon pool response to management actions, we analyzed organic matter content in salt marsh soils of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) from 60 sediment cores to the depth of 1 m and estimated organic carbon stock and accumulation rates in different areas. Organic carbon stocks and accumulation rates were highly variable in different marshes, being affected by organic and inorganic inputs and preservation conditions. Our estimates suggest that the studied marshes store 17,108 ± 5,757 tons of carbon per square kilometer in top 1‐m of soil and can accumulate 85 ± 25 tons of carbon per square kilometer per year. However, flood regulation may reduce the annual marsh CO2 sequestration potential by more than 30%. Our results contribute valuable information for regional carbon assessments, reinforcing the need for integrated coastal management policies to preserve the ecosystem services of coastal environments, and underscore the importance of considering local variability and methodological variations.

Different patterns of bacterioplankton in response to inorganic and organic phosphorus inputs in freshwater lakes - a microcosmic study

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting factor in fresh waters and is also the main cause of water eutrophication and deterioration, However, the practical effect of elevated P level on bacterioplankton is less evaluated. In this study, we investigated the bacterioplankton in a 96 hours microcosm experiment with P additions in two forms (organic/inorganic P, OP/IP) and three levels (final conc., 0.040, 0.065 and 0.125 g/L), aiming to find out the response pattern of bacterioplankton in coping with the increasing P levels. Results showed a more dramatic change of water properties and bacterioplankton between P forms (OP and IP) than among the addition levels, and a more remarkable effect of OP addition than the IP. Both OP and IP treatments significantly decreased the water pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3--N) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and reduced the α-diversity of bacterioplankton and relative abundance of Cyanobacteria, but increased the abundance of Proteobacteria. The IP addition decreased Actinobacteria abundance (especially for HgcI) and showed higher denitrification potentials, while the OP addition depressed the Bateroidota and exhibited lowed methylotrophic functions, but such trends decreased with increasing addition concentrations. The network analysis showed that both IP and OP additions increased the proportion of positively correlated edges and reduced the network complexity and stability, but the OP network was more stable than the IP network. The study clarifies the response pattern of bacterioplankton to the P input with different forms and levels, and deepens our understanding of the eutrophication process, which provides a scientific basis for the management and control of freshwater lakes facing eutrophication.

Economic optimization of sustainable soil management: a Dutch case study

Soil quality is pivotal for crop productivity and the environmental quality of agricultural ecosystems. Achieving sufficient yearly income and long-term farm continuity are key goals for farmers, making sustainable soil management an economic challenge. Existing bio-economic models often inadequately address soil quality. In this study, we apply the novel FARManalytics model, which integrates chemical, physical, and biological indicators of soil quality indicator, quantitative rules on how these indicators respond to farmers’ production management over time, and an economic calculation framework that accurately calculates the contribution of production management decisions towards farm income. This is the first study applying this model on existing arable farms. FARManalytics optimizes crop rotation design, cover crops, manure and fertilizer application and crop residue management. Nine Dutch arable farms were analyzed with a high variation in farm size, soil type, and cultivated crops. First, we assessed farm differences in soil quality and farm economics. Second, we optimized production management to maximize farm income while meeting soil quality targets using farm-specific scenarios. Third, we explored the impact of recent policy measures to preserve water quality and to increase the contribution of local protein production. The results show that the case farms already perform well regarding soil quality, with 75% of the soil quality indicators above critical levels. The main soil quality bottlenecks are subsoil compaction and soil organic matter input. We show that even in front-runner farms, bio-economic modeling with FARManalytics substantially improves economic performance while increasing soil quality. We found that farm income could be increased by up to €704 ha−1 year−1 while meeting soil quality targets. Additionally, we show that to anticipate on stricter water quality regulation and market shift for protein crops, FARManalytics is able to provide alternative production management strategies that ensure the highest farm income while preserving soil quality for a set of heterogenous farms.

Exploring possibilities of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) production under organic management

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) was introduced as part of the Indian government's efforts to diversify and modernize agriculture in the region. Its introduction has helped J&K farmers to increase their income through higher market prices and to gain access to new markets and trade opportunities. It being a nutrient-demanding crop, farmers use high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and if consumed as salad or half-boiled in many culinary dishes, these chemicals are likely to impact the health of consumers and affect the environment. Therefore, alternative usage to these chemicals using combinations of organic inputs was aimed at producing a healthy crop of broccoli. It was concluded that the application of FYM@ 25 t/ha as a basal dose in the presence of seedling dip treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 0.5 kg/ha + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria @l kg/ha + Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria @ 750 ml/ha) along with the scheduled application of Neem oil +Baeuveria bassiana at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days of interval after disease symptoms was found superior in obtaining higher curd yield (109.57 q/ha) and seed yield (604.96 kg/ha).