Organic Manure Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Sources of Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Economics of Cowpea (Vigna unguculata L.) var Ankur Gomati

A field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 7 treatments and 3 replications to study the effect of fertilizers, organic manures, biochar and crop residues on growth. yield and economics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Inceptisols of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India in 2022. A research variety Ankur Gomati was taken for this research trial. Recommended doses of fertilizers (N, P2O5 and K2O @ 25, 75 and 60 kg ha-1) was applied with inorganic fertilizers (Zn and B), organic manures (FYM, vermicompost, neem cake and poultry manure), biochar and crop residues (rice straw and wheat straw). Growth parameters such as the maximum plant height 46.96 cm, 70.21 cm and 92.22 cm, maximum number of branch plant-1 5.82, 7.56 and 9.79, highest number of leaf plant-1 28.32, 30.56 and 32.22, highest length of leaf as 5.37 cm, 7.31 cm and 9.18 cm were recorded in T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1 + Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1] at 30 DAS, 55 DAS and 70 DAS respectively. And yield parameters such as high pod length as 21.72 cm and 20.01 cm, highest number of pods plant-1 35.52 and 35.75, highest number of seed pod-1 10.01 and 10.21 and highest test weight 27.12 g and 26.23 g were recorded in T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1+ Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1] at 55 DAS and 70 DAS respectively. Highest yield 160.12 q ha-1 were obtained in treatment T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1+ Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1]. Maximum gross return ₹ 2,41,680 was recorded in treatment T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1+ Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1]. Maximum B:C ratio (2.80) was recorded in T4 [RDF + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + Rice Straw @ 6 t ha-1]. But maximum net return (₹ 1,47,624.1) was recorded in treatment T4 [RDF + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + Rice Straw @ 6 t ha-1]. The yield and growth parameters also significantly increased with the application of the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Growth and Yield Responses of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Tree Lopping and Organic Manure under Morus-Based Agri-Silvicultural System

Sustainable land management targets climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience against climate-related disasters and advocating sustainable practices. India has significantly contributed to shaping the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, in which agroforestry has emerged as a critical component. The tree-based intercropping practices implemented in agroforestry reduce competitive associations between woody and non-woody components, at the same time obtaining advantage of interactions that are beneficial. The present investigation was accomplished during the year 2019-20. The research trial was structured using a split-plot design to explore the possibilities of successfully cultivating Phaseolus vulgaris as an intercrop under Morus alba. The study incorporated 4 different levels of tree lopping (T0: 0 %; T1: 25 %; T2: 50 %; T3: 75 %) and 5 dosages of manure (S0: No manure; S1; FYM, S2: Jeevamrutha 5 %; S3: Jeevamrutha 10 %; S4: RDF+FYM). The results revealed that maximum values for above and below-ground growth parameters were recorded in treatment T3 (75 % lopping intensity) and treatment S4 (RDF + FYM). The treatments S1 (FYM) and S4 also significantly influenced soil parameters. Based on this investigation, it was inference that the integration of Phaseolus vulgaris with Morus alba provides the best possibility for diversity and enhanced profitability compared to a single species, if lopping is performed scientifically and a combination of manures are applied appropriately, besides offering numerous additional environmental gains.

Biochar for sustainable agriculture: Improved soil carbon storage and reduced emissions on cropland

Climate change, driven by excessive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural land, poses a serious threat to ecological security. It is now understood that significant differences exist in the responses of soil GHG emissions and soil carbon (C) sequestration to the application of different C-based materials (i.e., straw, organic manure (OM), and biochar). Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms by which differences in the properties of these materials affect soil GHG emissions is essential to comprehensively investigate the mechanisms through which variations in material properties influence soil GHG emissions. Herein, we conducted a field experiment to evaluate the responses of soil GHG emissions to cropland application of different C-based materials and employed molecular modeling calculations to explore the mechanisms by which differences in the properties of these materials affect soil GHG emissions. The results showed that biochar demonstrated superior resistance to biochemical decomposition and soil GHG adsorption capacity, leading to a significant reduction in soil GHG emissions due to its excellent physicochemical properties. The active surface properties of straw and OM enhanced their interaction with decomposing enzymes and accelerated their biochemical decomposition. Wheat-maize rotation with biochar application reduced CO2 emissions by 1089.8 kg CO2eq ha-1 and increased soil organic carbon by 141.8% compared to the control after one year. Collectively, these results contribute to the optimization of cropland application strategies for crop residues to balance soil C sequestration and soil GHG emissions, and to ensure sustainable agriculture and ecological security.

Antennal olfactory responses in the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is considered as the “crown jewel” of the insect feed industry and circular economy, significantly contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and enabling circular management of organic waste, animal manure, and plant residues. Despite their industrial importance, limited knowledge about adult BSF biology has hindered optimal mass production. In this context, the present paper aims to explore the olfactory capabilities of both male and female BSF in response to various odorants commonly associated with organic decomposition in substrates suitable for mate encounters and egg laying. This will be achieved by performing electroantennographic recordings and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations on the antennal sensilla. Our results demonstrate for the first time the supposed olfactory capabilities of BSF antennae and present a first dataset of substances emitted by decaying organic matter detected by both male and female flies. Additionally, the current EAG recordings allowed comparisons with molecular data previously obtained through in silico and in vitro methods, highlighting the need for caution and strongly supporting a multidisciplinary approach as the best tool for investigating insect chemical ecology. These findings advance our understanding of BSF chemical ecology, which is crucial for effective reproduction and could significantly optimize global breeding systems

Vermicomposting organic waste with Eisenia fetida using a continuous flow-through reactor: Investigating five distinct waste mixtures

In this study, the vermicomposting of source-separated organic solid waste was investigated using Eisenia fetida in a continuous flow-through reactor. This novel approach is capable of simulating the complex interactions and dynamics of a full-scale vermicomposting system, offering valuable insights into the optimization of organic waste management. The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the quality of vermicompost produced in the reactor and determine its compliance with regulatory standards. For this purpose, food waste, yard waste, and pruning waste were mixed in different proportions to create five waste mixtures, which were then subjected to an 8-week pre-composting process. Subsequently, vermicompost was produced from the pre-composted waste mixtures using a continuous flow-through reactor that allows for long-term operation without disturbing the worms. While the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) content of the vermicomposts ranged from 2.04% to 2.48%, the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the vermicomposts was between 25.68% and 32.64%. Therefore, the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio was calculated to be between 12.60 and 13.66. The quality of the final compost product showed that it met the limitations suggested in the European Fertilizer Regulation for the main physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals. It is concluded that vermicomposting in a continuous flow-through system reactor would be applicable to different organic waste streams.

Cryopreservation of Human Adult Ventricular Tissue for the Preparation of Viable Myocardial Slices.

Living myocardial slices (LMS) are ultrathin sections of adult myocardium that can be maintained in culture. These slices provide a unique platform for studying interactions between cardiomyocytes (CMs), other cardiac cell types, and the extracellular matrix while maintaining the cytoarchitecture and electrical phenotype of CMs over extended periods. Despite their advantages over other cardiac models, LMS have limitations, particularly their reliance on slice quality. The primary factor influencing the quality of the slices is the method used to process the cardiac tissue block. Current methods typically require immediate slice preparation following the excision of the tissue block, which restricts the timing of experiments. To address this limitation, we developed a simple procedure for cryopreserving human adult myocardium, allowing the preparation of LMS at a later stage. The protocol provides a list of required equipment and reagents, as well as a detailed description of the methodology for processing the myocardium and slice preparation. We present typical results demonstrating that cryopreserved human cardiac tissue retains biomass and structural integrity comparable to freshly obtained myocardium. Furthermore, we assessed the LMS derived from both fresh and cryopreserved samples. Histological analysis confirmed the preservation of viability, normal cytomorphology, and gap junctions between CMs in all LMS after 24 h and up to 5 days of culture in the absence of electrical stimulation. Cryopreservation extends the interval between tissue collection and LMS preparation, facilitating longer-term and more complex experiments. Further research into the impact of cryopreservation on various cardiac cell types will promote better donor organ management and efficient banking of cardiac samples from a multitude of donors and disease states. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation and preservation of human adult myocardium Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of adult living myocardial slices from cryopreserved blocks.

Effect of intra-row spacing, gibberellic acid concentration and N:P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>:K<sub>2</sub>O ratio on growth and yield of potato variety Royal

The potato variety Royal is suitable to make French fries due to its frying qualities. However, the tubers lack the long-oval shape which is preferred in processing of French fries. Despite the lower nitrogen (N) requirement of variety Royal, farmers apply same recommendation ignoring the varietyspecific needs. Thus, two experiments were conducted to (a) evaluate the possibility of changing tuber shape by manipulating intra-row spacing and gibberellic acid (GA3) application and to (b) identify the best N:P2O5:K2O ratio to optimize growth and yield. The first experiment was conducted with 45 cm inter-row spacing, as a two-factor factorial RCBD. Factors one and two were intra-row spacing (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 cm) and foliar-applied GA3 concentration (0, 150, 200, and 250 ppm), respectively. In the second experiment, recommended N:P2O5:K2O ratio, 8.0:3.5:8.5, (Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka) with organic manure (control) and the same without organic manure were compared with three other N:P2O5:K2O ratios. Each treatment had 4 replicates, with 12 plants per replicate in both experiments. Data were analysed with Two-Way ANOVA in the first experiment and One-Way ANOVA in the second, using Minitab 17. Tukey’s mean comparison test was used to compare the mean values of both experiments. Intra-row spacing and GA3 interaction did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the tuber yield and shape. By increasing IRS, yield per plant increased, but yield per unit land area (YPL) decreased. The effect of GA3 on tuber yield was not significant (P>0.05). GA3 at 200 ppm recorded the highest number of long-oval tubers (62% increment). N:P2O5:K2O ratio had no significant (P>0.05) effect on growth, yield, and quality. Therefore, a fertilizer ratio with low nutrient input will be more sustainable and cost-effective for potato variety Royal with lower nutrient needs. Closer intrarow spacing (15 cm) with 200 ppm GA3 can be recommended for higher YPL with higher number of long-oval tubers.

Assessing the Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Groundnut Root Growth and Post-Harvest Soil Properties in Brown Forest Soil of South Odisha

The globe faces food security difficulties because of population increase and resource degradation, both worsened by climate change. Applying chemical fertilizer along with cereal-based cropping systems degrades soil health with respect to physical, chemical, and biological properties, which also results in low crop land productivity. However, adopting legume-based cropping systems with integrated nutrient management provides an appropriate way to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, a field trial was conducted on groundnut in 2018 and 2019 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors as seed inoculation (solid carrier-based Rhizobium (SR) and liquid carrier-based Rhizobium (LR)) and nutrient management (N1: 100% N (fertilizer), N2: 75%N (fertilizer) + 25% N (FYM), N3: 50%N (fertilizer) + 50% N (FYM), N4: 25% N (fertilizer) + 75% N (FYM) and N5: 100% N (through farmyard manure, FYM) in ten treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The result revealed that seed inoculation with SR and LR showed an almost similar trend in root length, dry weight and nodule, post-harvest soil pH, organic carbon and Rhizobium population in the soil in both years, which remained statistically at par. However, SR showed the highest value for root growth. Among nutrient management, 100% N (through inorganic fertilizer) recorded the highest root length (11.72, 19.75 and 23.9 cm) and dry weight (0.394, 1.075 and 1.141 cm) at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) respectively. Further, in the pooled data, the interaction effect of seed inoculation and nutrient management significantly impacted both root length and root dry weight. The nutrient management treatment and interaction effect of both factors, seed inoculation and nutrient management, significantly influenced soil organic carbon % and Rhizobium population. The highest and equal value of organic carbon in the soil (0.46%) was recorded from NM3, NM4 and NM5 and the highest Rhizobium population (64.5 x 106 CFU g-1 soil) from 100% N (FYM). The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. Integration of Rhizobium as seed inoculation, fertilizer, and organic manure (FYM) influenced soil properties and root growth, enhancing crop productivity.

Soil mesofauna diversity in agricultural systems of Slovenia using the QBS index and its modifications

Soil mesofauna plays a key role in maintaining soil health by supporting the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling and the maintenance of soil structure. In this study of Slovenian agricultural ecosystems, we used four modifications of the QBS index, a soil biological quality index based on soil mesofauna. We compared diversity in arable fields under different tillage intensities, a strawberry field and an orchard, managed with either organic or integrated pest management methods (IPM). The results show significant differences in the mesofaunal communities in the soil. Minimum tillage promoted higher biodiversity, especially of Collembola, compared to conventional tillage. In fruit production systems, the ratio of Collembola to Acarina differed from that of arable fields, skewing in favour of Collembola, possibly related to the use of copper-containing pesticides in organic orchards and systemic herbicides in IPM systems. The QBS index values for soil health varied considerably between systems. Only QBS modifications considering the abundances of organisms (QBS-ab and QBS-a) were able to distinguish between different system-management groups. This study provides insights into the limitations of the originally proposed QBS-ar index to discern the effects of farming intensity on the soil mesofaunal community. Results suggest that minimum tillage and organic management practices can promote healthier soil ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of sustainable soil management for the promotion of soil biodiversity. Future research should aim to incorporate a broader range of agricultural practices and assign fauna to a higher taxonomic rank to further explain the effects on soil mesofauna diversity.

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Nodulation, Yield Performance, and Quality Attributes of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Nodulation, Yield Performance, and Quality Attributes of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

Optimizing Care for Women through Gynecologic Organ Considerations During Cystectomy: A Pre-Operative Checklist of Important Considerations

Bladder cancer is a relatively rare malignancy; however, women are more likely to present with muscle invasive disease and require radical cystectomy.1 Radical cystectomy is a life-altering operation, requiring thoughtful consideration of both urologic and gynecologic organs. In order to improve the standard of care for women undergoing radical cystectomy, Urologists should adopt a thorough, patient-centered approach to surgical planning. This narrative review provides a review of the extant literature pertaining to the management of gynecologic organs in women undergoing radical cystectomy including the management of the cervix, uterus, and adnexa.

Effect of Organic Manures and Bio-fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus L.) under Western Uttar Pradesh Conditions

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, during 2023. All treatments were applied in a randomized block design with three replications, including T0- Control (No manures), T1- 100% N as FYM, T2- 100% N as FYM + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya, T3- 100% N as FYM + NPK Microbial Consortium, T4- 100% N as FYM + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium, T5- 100% N as Vermicompost, T6- 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya, T7- 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium, and T8- 100% RDF. The application of treatment 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium (T7) was found significantly superior in terms of number of new branches per pillar (12.67, 16, 18.67 and 20.33) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after treatment, plant canopy spread (5.10 and 5.27 m2) at initial and harvest stage, number of flower per pillar(24), days taken from flowering to fruit harvest (29.93), number of fruits per pillar(19.33), length of the fruit (9.81cm), width of the fruit (9.02cm), fruit weight (390.85 g), peel thickness (3.65 mm), specific gravity(1.12), fruit yield per pillar (7.55 kg), fruit yield per hectare (8.38 t/ha), TSS (14.17° ⁰Brix), ascorbic acid content (8.74 mg/100 g) and minimum titratable acidity (0.24 %) of dragon fruit. The study highlights the potential of integrating organic manures and bio-fertilizers to enhance the growth, yield and quality of dragon fruit, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Further research can explore the long-term impacts of these organic treatments on soil health, nutrient dynamics, and their adaptability to different agro-climatic regions for broader applicability.

Optimalisasi Budidaya Maggot oleh Bank Sampah Dadali melalui Program MELIMPAH : Sinergi Ekonomi dan Keberlanjutan Lingkungan

The waste problem is a serious issue that can have a major impact on the environment and human life, with around 24% of waste in Indonesia not being managed, including in the city of Bekasi. One of them is household organic waste which is often disposed of carelessly without being managed first, which can cause air pollution and environmental damage. Thus, effective organic waste management, such as through the cultivation of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggots, offers environmentally friendly and economical solutions, so that PT Pertamina EP Zone 7 Tambun Field, in collaboration with the surrounding community, initiated a maggot cultivation program through the Dadali Waste Bank, Kalibaru Village, Bekasi, to reduce the volume of waste and increase environmental and economic sustainability.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Yield Attributes and Nutrient Content and Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Nagaland Condition

Background: Sunflower is an important oilseed crop. At present, the production of sunflower crop is less due to poor nutrient management practices. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers not only increases the cost of production but also leads to deterioration of soil and human health. The integrated use of nutrients from fertilizer and organic manure sources seems to be the need of the hour. Thus, integrated nutrient management holds great promise in meeting the growing nutrient demand of modern agriculture. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted during pre-kharif season (March-June) of 2022 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of Sunflower. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications and consisted of seven treatments viz., T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Result: T7 (FYM 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN) recorded highest in yield attributing characters i.e., head diameter (14.50 cm), number of seeds head-1 (783.33), seed yield (26.67 g pot-1) and stover yield (48.33 g pot-1). Maximum NPK uptake for both seed and stover was recorded highest in FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN. Maximum available soil N was recorded in T7(FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN) with 328.96 kg ha-1 while maximum available soil P and K was recorded in T2 {100% RDF (60:40:60) kg ha-1} with 29.25 kg ha-1 and 230.79 kg ha-1, respectively.

Influence of Solenopsis invicta Buren on soil chemical properties, silicon pools, and phytolith assemblages in organic agricultural soils

ABSTRACT Ants mediate ecosystem services that can modulate crop performance and overall agroecosystem functioning. Our study investigated how the activity of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) influences soil chemical properties, soil silicon pools, and soil phytoliths. We hypothesized Solenopsis invicta Buren activity would increase the macronutrient content, available silicon for plants (PASi), and amorphous silicon (ASi) in nest soils, which is related to changes in the phytolith assemblage. This study was conducted on agricultural soil under organic management, covering an area of approximately 70 ha in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Thirty paired soil and nest samples were collected at a depth of 0.20 m and analyzed to obtain values for soil macronutrients and silicon pools (PASi and ASi) and to perform phytolithic analyses. Phytolith extraction from the samples was undertaken using a protocol that involved removed coatings, clay fractions, and iron oxides through density separation, followed by the determination of the phytolith concentration and identification of a minimum of 200 phytoliths per sample using a Zeiss Axioskop 40 optical microscope. Results indicated an increase in total organic carbon (TOC), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels and in all forms of Si studied. Ants also affected phytolith assemblages, and there was an increase in morphotypes associated with dicotyledonous plants in the nest soil. We assumed these results were derived from bioturbation promoted by ants, predatory activity, and the interaction of some prey and phytoliths, leading to biologically enhanced weathering. By uncovering and describing this novel role for a widely distributed and highly abundant organism in Neotropical soils, we propose that these alterations, particularly in the biogeochemical cycle of silicon, should be added to the list of ecosystem services provided by ants. This study presents the first evidence of alterations in silicon pools and phytolith assemblages caused by the action of ants.

Profitability and technical efficiency of Binadhan-17 cultivation in the Haor areas of Bangladesh

The Haor region contributes approximately 20% of Bangladesh’s total rice production, and this study focused on the Binadhan-17 rice variety in three key Haor districts including, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona. The research aimed to assess the costs, returns, and technical efficiency of Binadhan-17 cultivation, surveying 180 randomly selected farmers from the region. Using a stochastic frontier production function model and descriptive statistics, the study found that the average production cost per hectare was BDT 76,863, with fixed costs accounting for 35.90% and variable costs for 64.10%. The average net return per hectare was BDT 44,289, and the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.58, with Sunamganj having the highest BCR (1.62), followed by Kishoreganj (1.57) and Netrokona (1.54). Significant positive relationships were found between human labor, land preparation, and insecticide costs at the 1% level, while seed, urea, and organic manure costs were significant at the 10% level, and TSP was significant at the 5% level. Around 68.33% of farmers achieved outputs close to the maximum frontier level (91%–99%), with an average technical efficiency of 89.40%, indicating a 10.60% production loss due to inefficiency. The study also identified several challenges faced by farmers, including difficulties in obtaining timely seed and labor, limited knowledge of production technologies, high fertilizer prices, and lack of capital, offering insights for policymakers to enhance rice production in the short term. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(2), 58-66

Prevention and management of plant protection product transfers within the environment: A review.

The intensification of agriculture has promoted the simplification and specialization of agroecosystems, resulting in negative impacts such as decreasing landscape heterogeneity and increasing use of plant protection products (PPP), with the acceleration of PPP transfers to environmental compartments and loss in biodiversity. In this context, the present work reviews the various levers for action promoting the prevention and management of these transfers in the environment and the available modelling tools. Two main categories of levers were identified: (1) better control of the application, including the reduction of doses and of PPP dispersion during application thanks to appropriate equipment and settings, PPP formulations and consideration of meteorological conditions; (2) reduction of post-application transfers at plot scales (soil cover, low tillage, organic matter management, remediation etc. and at landscape scales using either dry (grassed strips, forest, hedgerows and ditches) or wet (ponds, mangroves and stormwater basins) buffer zones. The management of PPP residues leftover in the spray tanks (biobeds) also represents a lever for limiting point-source PPP pollution. Numerous models have been developed to simulate the transfers of PPPs at plot scales. They are scarce for landscape scales. A few are used for regulatory risk assessment. These models could still be improved, for example, if current agricultural practices (e.g. agro-ecological practices and biopesticides), and their effect on PPP transfers were better described. If operated alone, none of the levers guarantee a zero risk of PPP transfer. However, if levers are applied in a combined manner, PPP transfers could be more easily limited (agricultural practices, landscape organization etc.).

Effects of Organic Manure and Recommended Dosage of Fertilizer on Nodulation, Chlorophyll Content of leaves, Availability of Nutrients and Soil Properties Under Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Cultivation

Background: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different sources of organic manure on nodulation, chlorophyll content of leaves, availabilities of nutrients and soil chemical properties compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Methods: The study was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2022. The experiment laid out in Randomized Block Design, replicated three times having nine treatments i.e., T1- Absolute control; T2- Vermicompost 100% on N equivalent basis; T3- Farmyard manure 100% on N equivalent basis; T4- Vermicompost 50% + Farmyard manure 50%; T5- Vermicompost 75%+Farmyard manure 25%; T6- Vermicompost 25%+Farmyard manure 75%; T7- RDF 100% inorganic; T8- RDF 50% inorganic+Vermicompost 50%; T9- RDF 50% inorganic+Farmyard manure 50%. Result: The results indicated that application of vermicompost at 100% nitrogen equivalent basis increased root nodulation, chlorophyll content of leaves and improved soil properties. The application of 100% RDF also enhanced the nutrient availabilities and nutrient uptake in clay loam soil.

Insect frass from upcycling vegetable by-products with cereals: Effects on the soil properties, plant development and soil invertebrate fitness

The use of insects in organic management systems is expanding due to their ability to recycle waste into valuable co-products for agriculture, notably frass, constituted by the insect's excrements, larval exuviae, and remaining undigested feedstock. This study aimed to assess the effects of different application rates of frass (0.16, 0.32, 0.64, 1.28, 2.56 and 5.12%) produced by black soldier fly Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) on the survival and reproduction of two non-target invertebrate species, the enchytraeid Enchytraeus crypticus and the collembolan Folsomia candida, and early development of three representative species of crops as onion Allium cepa, turnip Brassica rapa and tomato Solanum lycopersicum. Chemical analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in the soil properties. Results showed that BSFL frass did not impact the invertebrates' survival while significantly enhancing the production of E. crypticus juveniles (after 21 days). F. candida juveniles remained similar (after 28 days). Seed germination decreased at the highest frass rate (5.12%), while the development was promoted at intermediate rates (0.64%–1.28%). The different outcomes may be linked to changes in certain soil parameters, such as the soil pH and electrical conductivity, the soil organic matter, and the availability of nutrients. In summary, frass posed no risk to the tested invertebrate species but may hinder seed germination at high rates, representing a risk for agricultural production. Nevertheless, intermediate rates of BSFL frass promoted plant development, showing potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers. Further research is needed to ensure its safe and efficient application in agriculture.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Improving the Soil Sustainability and Crop Productivity: A Review

The excessive of chemical fertilizers with minimal organic inputs in modern agriculture are resulted in nutrient deficiencies and environmental problems. The inorganic chemical fertilizers cannot sustain plant nutrition in highly intensive agricultural systems. Sustainable yield and crop performance are difficult to improve without balanced application of nutrient management practices. The integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies involved the application of vermi-compost, green manure, cover crops, crop residues, vermi-compost and farmyard manure. Since organic manure cannot synchronized the concentrated requirement of plant nutrients as per crop demands, hence balanced integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers helps to improve the crop productivity and economic returns to famers. Therefore, INM strategy has come up as field specific approach in modern era. The INM strategy build-up the organic matter which improve the crop performance and efficient management of water and nutrients. However, optimizing the timing, rate, source and methods of nutrient application is helpful in achieving the higher apparent recovery efficiency and crop production synchronization with crop demands.