Pakistani Soils Research Articles

Investigating the Efficacy of Dry Region Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria for Growth Promotion of Maize and Wheat under Axenic Conditions

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role as a micronutrient, essential for the growth, development, and proper functioning of plants. Pakistani soils are deficient of micronutrient especially zinc. Supplementation of Zn fertilizers cannot do the job because only a small fraction of Zn is available to plants and rest is fixed in soil. To enhance the Zn availability different methods are being used which are expensive. Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) can be a potential candidate for solubilization of Zn and growth promoting activities in cereals. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of dry region bacterial strains of Bahawalpur for improving Zn uptake and growth improvement in wheat and maize. Rhizosphere samples of wheat and maize were taken from the dry regions of Bahawalpur and bacterial strains were isolated and tested for their Zn solubilizing ability and screened for urease, siderophore activity, exopolysaccharide production, phosphorus solubilization and plant growth promoting abilities. Under axenic conditions selected isolates were further screened to assessed for improving the growth of wheat and maize seedlings. The rhizobacterial isolates IUB-34, IUB-80, IUB-93 and IUB-96 performed best to improve growth, physiology, biochemical attributes and root colonization. The maximum increase in root and shoot lengths were recorded 32.2 and 35.7% in wheat under IUB-34 application and in maize 43.8 and 39.9%, respectively, under IUB-96 application as compared to uninoculated control. Furthermore, maximum root colonization was also recorded under IUB-34 in wheat and IUB-96 in maize seedlings. Moreover, the biochemical characterization of selected isolates showed IAA (Auxins) production, protease, catalase, cellulose degradation, HCN and ACC-deaminase activities by these strains. However, only IUB-34 and IUB-96 were found positive for oxidase activity. Therefore, study concluded that use of dry region ZSB can solubilize Zn and make it available for plant to improve growth of wheat and maize. So, these isolates may be utilized for coating urea as a biofertilizer to increase the biofortification in cereals.

Unlocking the potential of glyphosate-resistant bacterial strains in biodegradation and maize growth.

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine] is a non-selective herbicide with a broad spectrum activity that is commonly used to control perennial vegetation in agricultural fields. The widespread utilization of glyphosate in agriculture leads to soil, water, and food crop contamination, resulting in human and environmental health consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to devise techniques for enhancing the degradation of glyphosate in soil. Rhizobacteria play a crucial role in degrading organic contaminants. Limited work has been done on exploring the capabilities of indigenously existing glyphosate-degrading rhizobacteria in Pakistani soils. This research attempts to discover whether native bacteria have the glyphosate-degrading ability for a sustainable solution to glyphosate contamination. Therefore, this study explored the potential of 11 native strains isolated from the soil with repeated glyphosate application history and showed resistance against glyphosate at higher concentrations (200 mg kg-1). Five out of eleven strains outperformed in glyphosate degradation and plant growth promotion. High-pressure liquid chromatography showed that, on average, these five strains degraded 98% glyphosate. In addition, these strains promote maize seed germination index and shoot and root fresh biomass up to 73 and 91%, respectively. Furthermore, inoculation gave an average increase of acid phosphatase (57.97%), alkaline phosphatase (1.76-fold), and dehydrogenase activity (1.75-fold) in glyphosate-contaminated soil. The findings indicated the importance of using indigenous rhizobacteria to degrade glyphosate. Therefore, by maintaining soil health, indigenous soil biodiversity can work effectively for the bioremediation of contaminated soils and sustainable crop production in a world facing food security.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL IN PERSPECTIVE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FROM SUBDIVISION ROUNDU, DISTRICT SKARDU PAKISTAN

The study conducted in Sub Division Roundu assessed various soil characteristics, including conductivity, pH, organicmatter, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and nutrient content, with a focus on their suitability for plant growth. Soilsamples were collected from different locations for analysis. The conductivity values of the soil ranged from 22.3 to78.3, with Bilamik having the highest conductivity and Bagardo showing the least electrical conductivity. The areas withthe highest conductivity were Tormik, Bilamik, Harpo, and Gunji. The pH values of the 20 soil samples ranged from 5.1to 7.4, indicating that the soil pH was suitable for plant growth. Harpo had the highest pH value, while Shout had alower pH value. Surprisingly, the soil samples from Sub Division Roundu exhibited a medium level of organic matter,ranging from 48% to 76%, which is uncommon for Pakistani soil. Tormik and Gunji had the highest organic mattercontent, while Bagardo had the lowest. Total dissolved solids (TDS), representing inorganic salts in the soil, rangedfrom 9.8 to 32 in the samples. Bagardo had the lowest TDS value, whereas Bilamik showed a high TDS value. Thesalinity levels in the soil were generally low, except for minor salinity in soils from Dassu, Dambodas, Khumrah, andHarbot. However, the study revealed widespread deficiencies in nitrogen and phosphorus content in the soil, with onlymarginal amounts of potassium present in some regions like Tormik, Harpo, Gunji, and Bilamik. Around 85% of the soilsamples lacked sufficient nitrogen and phosphorus, while 15% had marginal concentrations. In contrast, potassium wassufficient in 79.8% of the samples, with 20.2% showing marginal amounts.

Morphological, Biochemical and Quality Control Analysis of Peas Genotypes under Cadmium Toxicity at the Seedling Stage

Cadmium toxicity is an emerging problem as it is the most abundant heavy metal in Pakistani soils. Peas are being grown near cities where an elevated level of cadmium persists. So, this study was conducted for the evaluation of 10 peas genotypes (TRIPLET, MID No. 2, Oskar, LM (OSE), METEOR, P-1, Rohina, PEA-09, LM-POIS, and LAMPO) under cadmium stress at the seedling stage in the greenhouse of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. There were 3 treatments of cadmium (0, 4, and 8 mg/kg soil) and each treatment was replicated five times in a completely randomized design. Different morphological traits i.e., fresh root weight, fresh seedling weight, root length, seedling length, dry root weight, dry seedling weight and biochemical traits i.e., Cd in the root, shoot, and soil were recorded by atomic absorption spectrometry. Generally, T1 reduced root and shoot parameters while 8 ppm Cd application comparatively enhanced the growth of peas genotypes. LM-POIS and LM (OSE) genotypes performed well under Cd stress and LM-POIS had also an elevated level of Cd in the shoot on the other hand TRIPLET and LAMPO were the least performing genotypes. It is suggested that Cd contamination significantly reduces pea growth; therefore, Cd-tolerant-peas genotypes should be developed or introduced. Further, Cd exposure in the soil should be minimized and already Cd-polluted soils should be remediated.

Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit.

Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-1) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.6%) four months prior to harvest reduced pre-harvest fruit drop, increase yield with improved quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit.

Integrated use of phosphorus and growth stimulant (actibion) improves yield and quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Background and objectivesSorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is an important summer fodder all over the world. Phosphorus (P) is an important macronutrient which plays significant role in the growth and development of crop plants. The P is deficit in most of the Pakistani soils. Bio-stimulants are organic compounds that could enhance vegetative growth, development, nutrients’ uptake and tolerance of the plants to abiotic stresses. MethodsThis two-years field experiment determined the effect of different P levels and growth stimulant (actibion) on yield and quality of forage sorghum. The P levels were 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1 and bio-stimulant (1250 ml ha−1) was applied at 20, 30 and 40 days after sowing (DAS), while distilled water was sprayed as control. ResultsThe results revealed that the highest values for plant height (241.70 and 237.03 cm), stem diameter (1.59 and 1.41 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.4 and 14.80), leaf area per plant (3016.8 and 2575.3 cm2), chlorophyll contents (46.17 and 44.34), fresh forage yield (47.83 and 45.33 ton ha−1) and dry matter yield (13.84 and 13.02 ton ha−1) were recorded with 60 kg ha−1 P and bio-stimulant application at 30 DAS. The similar trend was observed for crude protein (9.53 and 13.01 %). Total ash contents, plant P contents (0.17 % and 0.16 %) were improved when 90 kg ha−1 P was applied along with bio-stimulant application at 30 DAS. However, no application of P and bio-stimulant resulted in the highest values of NDF and ADF. ConclusionIt is concluded that 60 kg ha−1 P application along with foliar application of bio-stimulant at 30 DAS is optimum for improving yield and quality components of forage sorghum.

Cultural Archetypes of Indus valley in ‘Legends of Indus’ by Samina Qureshi

Folk tales, as the products of literary oral tradition, display many common characteristics in their form, content, and themes. However, at the same time, they have a local or national touch in them which differs them from the others. The five stories in this research reflect various modes and modes of Pakistani village life; they take us from the southeast, the ‘Thar’, through the Indus valley and the river of Punjab into the mountain land of the northwest. And present a flavor of Pakistani soil. National heroes in these folk tales represent the cultural diversities that constitute a perfect unity in which similarities, as well as differences among morals, values, value judgments, images, and traditions, are presented. So, this study aims to find out the Archetypal elements and compare the common characteristics of five folk tales from the Samina Qureshi book “The legends of Indus.” although they are from completely different, cultures and traditions. But they have some common values and traditions of society.

Termites Improve the Horizontal Movement of Carbonized Particles: A Step towards Sustainable Utilization of Biochar

Soil amendments containing carbonized materials increase the soil carbon reservoir, influence plant productivity, and, ultimately, help to clean the environment. There is data on the effect of such additions on soil physicochemical properties or plant growth, but few studies have focused on how these carbonized materials are distributed by termite species in the soil ecosystem. It is the first comprehensive study of the transportation of biochar (BC) by termite species under tropical environmental conditions in Pakistan. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that if termite species I) were involved in the distribution of biochar particles II) if yes, then how far these particles were transported during the study period (10 days) and III) check their preference between the enriched BC (EBC) and non-enriched BC. BC was enriched with the cattle slurry after its pyrolysis in the study. The results showed that EBC particles were significantly more widely distributed than non-enriched BC particles, but both types of BC were transported more than 4 cm (ring 4) within 10 days (at the end of the experiment). The current study also revealed that EBC was easily attached to the setae, cuticle, and legs of termites, implying that it could potentially be transported over a greater distance. Furthermore, transportation of EBC over larger distances indicated a potential preference of termite species between the EBC and BC particles. During the study, however, the preference among the termite species was also observed. Under the prevailing study conditions, the Coptotermes heimi and Heteroterme indicola species transported the EBC further than Microtermes obesi and Odontotermes obesus. These findings revealed that transportation preferences were observed among the four termite species. In conclusion, the current study found that termites were involved in the distribution of BC particles, with a preference for EBC and that these have the potential to transport BC particles more than 4 cm within 10 days. Furthermore, two species Coptotermes heimi and Heteroterme indicola may be more suitable candidates for EBC transpiration in Pakistani soils. It was necessary to conduct additional research into the effect of temperature on the transportation process.

Money-Laundering in Pakistan: Methods and means of Money Laundering and its connection with Terror Financing

Money laundering is a global issue causing threats to the security and stability of countries around the world. There are different means and methods used for money laundering all over the world. The purpose of this study is to define money laundering with special reference to Pakistan. The study starts with the delineation of the concept “Money Laundering”, its stages, methods to carry out such and its impact on national, regional and global socio-economic indicators. It discusses money laundering in Pakistan and significant channels that are deeply rooted in it. It analysis the loopholes in the previous laws, flaws in prosecuting agencies, and administrative drawbacks that permeated this issue on Pakistani soil. In the last part, this study discussed the current legal setup dealing with money laundering and finally review the legislation and agencies in Pakistan concerning Money Laundering.

Study on Environmental Impact Risk Assessment of Punjab Tunnel Construction

Vegetables have a great importance in agriculture sector. These crops share a great contribution to agriculture in national economy. There are many vegetables which can be grown in Pakistani climate and soil. Tunnel farming is a new technology for growing vegetables due to increase in population and small land for agricultural use. Government of Punjab is doing its effort to disseminate this technology among the farmers to enhance their vegetable production. Fruit and Vegetable Development Project (F&VDP) was also started by the Punjab government in 20 districts of the Punjab. The study was done in Faisalabad district of Punjab, Pakistan. In Faisalabad, there were 12 Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) under F&VDP, out of which six FFSs were randomly selected for the collection of data through interview schedule. From each selected FFS, 20 respondents were selected randomly making sample of 120 respondents. The data were analyzed through the computer software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Based on the findings of the present study, it was assessed that respondents got benefits from the project in term of increase in their income and their area under vegetable cultivation also increases. Similarly, farmers knowledge about plants growth also enhanced, quality of produce increased. It is suggested that the time period of the project should be extended and there should be facility of small credit schemes for poor farmers to ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, pesticides and fertilizers. It is proven that project has enhanced livelihood assets to sustain the family lives of farming community.

Effect of K and Zn Application on Biometric and Physiological Parameters of Different Maize Genotypes

Potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) are mineral nutrients required for adequate plant growth, enzyme activation, water retention and photosynthetic activities. However, Pakistani soils are alkaline and have serious problems regarding Zn deficiency. The current study aims at finding the nutrient–nutrient interaction of K and Zn to affect maize plants’ (i) physiological processes and (ii) productivity. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted at the research area of the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Two maize genotypes, DK-6142 (hybrid) and Neelam (non-hybrid), were used with three K fertilizer doses, i.e., 0, 60 and 100 kg ha−1 in all possible combinations with three Zn fertilizer doses, i.e., 0, 16 and 24 kg ha−1. The treatments were replicated under a completely randomized block design. The results elucidated that the combined application of K and Zn with K60 + Zn16 treatment significantly increased agronomic, productive, and physiological attributes. It has improved fresh biomass (89%), dry biomass (94%), membrane stability index (142%), relative water content (200%) and chlorophyll contents (191%) as compared to the control. Moreover, the mineral uptake of K and Zn was significantly improved with their maximum fertilization rate in hybrid genotype compared to non-hybrid and CK.

Integrated phosphorus nutrient sources improve wheat yield and phosphorus use efficiency under sub humid conditions.

Majority of Pakistani soils are deficient in phosphorus. Phosphorus is usually applied in form of synthetic fertilizer. However integrated use of P from synthetic and organic sources can be more profitable and beneficial on sustainable basis. Field trials were conducted at research farm University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK, Pakistan for two consecutive years to check the comparative effects of synthetic fertilizer and organic manures applied alone and in combinations on the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), wheat yield and yield components. Shafaq-06 cultivar of wheat was used as test cultivar. Ten treatments were included: (I) Control (P0) without application of fertilizer; (II) SSP @ 60 kg/ha (P60SSP); (III) SSP @ 90 kg/ha (P90SSP); (IV) SSP @ 120 kg/ha (P120SSP); (V) PM @60 kg/ha (P60PM); (VI) PM @90 kg/ha (P90PM); (VII) PM @120 kg/ha (P120PM); (VIII) SSP @30 kg/ha + PM @30 kg/ha (P30SSP+30PM); (IX) SSP @45 kg/ha + PM @45 kg/ha (P45SSP+45PM); (X) SSP @60 kg/ha + PM @60 kg/ha (P60SSP+60PM) which were laid out under the Randomized Complete Block Design. Significantly higher values for yield of grain (2397 kg/ha) was recorded with PM + SSP @ 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 each. Likewise, FPUE, PIR of wheat and AFPUE was quite higher with combined use of PM and SSP i.e. P60SSP+60PM treatment. Additionally, increase in PUE, wheat yield and yield components associated with combined treated plot would help to minimize the use of high cost synthetic mineral fertilizers and represents an environmentally and agronomically sound management strategy.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Halophilic Strain Citrobacter braakii AN-PRR1, Isolated from Rhizospheric Soil of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) from Pakistan.

ABSTRACTCitrobacter braakii AN-PRR1 is a potential salt-tolerant, plant growth-promoting rice rhizobacterium isolated from Pakistani soil. The 4.9-Mb draft genome sequence contributes to its taxonomic classification and will reveal the genes putatively responsible for its osmoprotectant and plant growth-promoting activity.

Sustainable phosphorous management in two different soil series of Pakistan by evaluating dynamics of phosphatic fertilizer source.

Phosphorous (P) plays the prominent role to promote the plants storage functions and structural roles, as it is recognized as a vital component of ADP, ATP, Cell wall as well as a part of DNA. Soils acts as the sink to supply P to plants because soil pH and its physical condition are the main factor which regulate the solubility and availability P element. Phosphorus is not deficient in Pakistani soils but its availability to plants is the serious matter of concern. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate P dynamics in two different soil series of Pakistan (Bahawalpur and Lyallpur) using Maize as test crop. The treatments applied were T0: Control (without any fertilizer), T1: Recommended DAP @648 mg pot−1, T2: Half dose DAP @324 mg pot−1, T3: Recommended rate of TSP @900 mg pot−1, T4: Half dose TSP @450 mg pot−1. Soil analysis showed that Bahawalpur soil has sandy clay loam texture with 33% clay and Lyallpur series has sandy loam texture with 15.5% clay; furthermore, these soil contain 4.6 and 2.12% CaCO3 respectively. Results showed an increase in P concentration in roots (23 mg kg−1) with the application of half dose of TSP in Lyallpur series and lowest in Bahawalpur series (14.6 mg kg−1) at recommended dose of DAP. Concentration of P in shoots responded the same; increase at half dose of TSP (16.7 mg kg−1) and lowest at full dose of DAP in Bahawalpur series as (15.58 mg kg−1). Adsorbed P (17 mg kg−1) was recorded highest in Bahawalpur soil with more clay amount in pot with DAP application but lower in Lyallpur soil series (14 mg kg−1) with the application of applied TSP. The PUE was recorded highest in Lyallpur series with the application of half dose of TSP and it was 61% more than control and was Highest in Bahawalpur series was with the application of recommended dose of DAP is 72% more than control treatment. On estimation; results showed that applied sources made an increase in P availability than control, but TSP gave better P uptake than DAP unless of rates applied. Soil of Lyallpur series showed better uptake of P and response to applied fertilizers than Bahawalpur series which showed more adsorption of P by high clay and CaCO3 amount. Conclusively, the study suggested that soil series play a crucial role in choosing fertilizer source for field application.

Deciphering the Potential of Bioactivated Rock Phosphate and Di-Ammonium Phosphate on Agronomic Performance, Nutritional Quality and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat is one of the leading staple crops in many countries. Phosphorus (P) plays an important role for wheat growth and yield as it takes part in many metabolic pathways. Even for soluble phosphatic fertilizers, most of the Pakistani soils, being alkaline and calcareous in nature, show phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) not more than 10–25%. The major issue is the unavailability of P due to fixation and precipitation reactions with soil particles. Composting of rock-phosphate with animal and poultry manures supplied with bio-stimulated phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) not only enhances the RP solubilization but also serves as a potent source of P for plants. Composted/bio-activated rock-phosphate (B-RP), prepared by group of three bacterial strains i.e., Pseudomonas sp. (E11), Bacillus sp. (MN54) and Enterobacter sp. (MN17) aided with molasses (5%) and urea (10%), was tested alone and in various combinations with di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). In this pot trial, the combined application of B-RP and DAP was found superior to the sole application of B-RP. Even the combination of B-RP and DAP sharing equal amount of recommended P showed better results as compared to the sole application of DAP, giving improved shoot biomass (25%), total P-uptake (67%), recovery efficiency of P (75%), dry matter (29%), crude protein (29%), and other yield, physiological and nutritional quality parameters of wheat. So, it could be concluded that integrated use of B-RP and DAP with equal proportion of recommended P could serve as a better management practice for not only improving quantity but also the quality of the wheat grain.

Assessment of Conflict between India and Pakistan

The conflict between India and Pakistan is a major source of crisis which must be resolved if peace and development are to prevail in this region. One approach for identifying the costs of conflict and the strategies for minimizing them is the conflict resolution curve model formulated through regret analysis (based on costs). The application of this model in the present context suggests alternative strategies, one being that India should encourage more formal bilateral trade. However, this solution is not feasible given the repeated terrorist attacks on India from Pakistani soil and the suspension of trade ties between the two nations. Another alternative is for India to strengthen its preparedness diplomatically, and this is happening through the Financial Action Task Force and other channels.

An overview on radiometric assessment and excess lifetime cancer risk of soil in Pakistan by using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector.

The aim of this study is to compare the natural radioactivity and excess life time cancer risk (ELCR) factor of soil in different regions of Pakistan during last decade. Soil contains various elements and compounds including naturally occurring radioactive elements (238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs). Human being, animals and plants are in health risk by contaminations of natural radioactivity in soil and environmental radiometric pollution. Transferring of large amount of the natural radioactive elements in human body by nutrients may cause carcinogenic effects in human body. Pakistani soil has six types as Indus Basin Soil, Bongar Soil, Khaddar Soil, Indus delta soil, Mountainous soil and Sandy Desert Soil. In some northern region of Pakistan, naturally occurring radioactive rocks like uranuium-238 and iridium concentrations present in Gharwandi, Aram, Kingri S, Vitakri Fort Munro, Dera Bugti, Kohlu and Sibbi districts. In this reviewed data, gamma rays spectroscopy used to determine the concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K with the help of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors. Only the data of HPGe detector collected because of comparisons of different regions of Pakistan. Mostly, different gamma rays energy peaks of relevant daughter radionuclides of radioactive element were used such as the energy peak lines of daughter radionuclides 214Pb (295.21 and 352KeV) and 214Bi (609 and 1,120KeV) used for calculating the 226Ra concentration in soil. In the recent study, it is concluded that average values of concentrations of natural radioactivity in soil in central and north regions of Pakistan are higher than permissible limit but found permissible range in south region of Pakistan. Mean values of ELCR factor were found higher, equal and lower in central, north and south regions than permissible limit, respectively. Generally, no serious health hazard due to natural radioactivity in soil were found.

Sorption-Desorption Characteristics of Benzimidazole Based Fungicide Benomyl on Physicochemical Properties of Selected Pakistani Soils and their Minerals

Sorption-Desorption Characteristics of Benzimidazole Based Fungicide Benomyl on Physicochemical Properties of Selected Pakistani Soils and their Minerals

Grain Yield, Nutrient Accumulation and Fertilizer Efficiency in Bread Wheat under Variable Nitrogen and Phosphorus Regimes

Balanced crop nutrition is one of the important tools necessary for sustaining crop productivity, maintaining soil fertility and ensuring food security worldwide. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential plant macronutrients, nevertheless, most of the Pakistani soils exhibit moderate to severe deficiency of these nutrients. Furthermore, considerable genetic variations exist among wheat genotypes for nutrient acquisition and utilization which illustrate their differential nutrient requirements to produce higher yields. A field experiment was conducted in order to formulate balanced fertilizer recommendations for newly evolved wheat genotype SD-998 to achieve maximum yield potential. Ten treatments viz., 0-0 (control), 90-23, 90-45, 90-70, 120-30, 120-60, 120-90, 150-40, 150-75 and 150-110 kg N-P2O5 ha-1 were applied according to randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed that growth, yield and yield related attributes as well as nutrient accumulation were significantly (P ? 0.05) influenced by varying N and P rates. The maximum plant height (100.8 cm), number of tillers per plant (10), spike length (10.3 cm), number of grains per spike (66), 100-grain weight (4.10 g) and grain yield (4990 kg ha-1) was recorded in treatment having 150-110 kg N-P2O5 ha-1. The highest P recovery efficiency (20.8 %), agronomic N efficiency (19.4 kg kg-1) and agronomic P efficiency (36.8 kg kg-1) were attained at 120-30, 90-70 and 150-40 kg N-P2O5 ha-1, respectively. However, the highest total N accumulation (140.8 kg ha-1), P accumulation (21.0 kg ha-1), N recovery efficiency (71.1 %) and profit (Rs. 73625 ha-1) were noticed at 150 kg N plus 110 kg P2O5 ha-1. Thus, 150-110 kg N-P2O5 ha-1 (N:P2O5 in 4:3 ratio) was suggested as the most balanced and economical dose for the tested wheat genotype.

Sugar beet yield and industrial sugar contents improved by potassium fertilization under scarce and adequate moisture conditions

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an industrial crop, grown worldwide for sugar production. In Pakistan, sugar is mostly extracted from sugarcane, soil and environmental conditions are equally favorable for sugar beet cultivation. Beet sugar contents are higher than sugarcane sugar contents, which can be further increased by potassium (K) fertilization. Total K concentration is higher in Pakistani soils developed from mica minerals, but it does not represent plant available K for sustainable plant growth. A pot experiment was conducted in the wire-house of Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences at University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. K treatments were the following: no K (K0), K application at 148 kg ha−1 (K1) and 296 kg ha−1 (K2). Irrigation levels were used as water sufficient at 60% water holding capacity and water deficient at 40% water holding capacity. The growth, yield and beet quality data were analyzed statistically using LSD. The results revealed that increase in the level of K fertilization at water sufficient level significantly increased plant growth, beet yield and industrial beet sugar content. The response of K fertilization under water deficient condition was also similar, however overall sugar production was less than that in water sufficient conditions. It is concluded from this study that K application could be used not only to enhance plant growth and beet yield but also enhance beet sugar content both under water-deficient as well as water-sufficient conditions.