Poor Soil Research Articles

Ecological and conservation status of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa: A rare and endangered tree species in the flora of Libya

Preserving isolated plant populations and defining their geographic range, especially for rare and threatened species, is vital in conservation ecology. The current study examined the ecological status and potential conservation trajectories of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa (Sm.) Neilr in the only Libyan area with significant populations of this tree. The habitat was identified, and its climatic, edaphic, and vegetation characteristics were analyzed. The species' landscape distribution was studied, with regeneration and mortality percentage estimated, along with influencing factors. The results revealed that the soil in the area is predominantly sandy in texture and infertile. The accompanying vegetation cover is comprised of 112 species and dominated by dwarf plant species. Previous records of this tree species east of Derna City are no longer extant. The study documented 4135 scattered trees covering an area estimated at around 260 hectares, with another 24 individuals located along the road to Al-Qubah city. The average height of the trees was 2.33 m, while the average canopy area and volume per individual were 38.18 m2 and 174.30 m3, respectively. The percentage of regeneration was estimated at 16.42%, while the mortality was 3.07%. Despite their apparent resilience to poor soil properties, arid climate, and proximity to the sea, this tree is primarily threatened by unsustainable human activities, resulting in habitat alteration and landscape modification. Therefore, urgent and efficient management measures are required to preserve this taxon at the national level. This should involve designating the study area as a protected zone to ensure long-term ecological conservation and sustainable management

Biofilmed multifarious rhizobacterial isolates of tomato rhizosphere of North-Western Himalayas promote plant growth in tomato

BackgroundTomato production is often limited by poor soil health and nutrient deficits, which lower agricultural productivity. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) provide a sustainable approach to improve plant development and soil fertility.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to 1) isolate and screen PGPR from the rhizosphere soil of tomato-growing regions in Himachal Pradesh, India; 2) evaluate the selected PGPR for biofilm production; 3) characterize and molecularly identify the biofilm-producing isolates; and 4) assess their efficacy in enhancing tomato plant growth.MethodsForty bacterial isolates were collected from soils in Dharon Ki Dhar, Shillai, Balh, and Berthin and tested for PGPR characteristics. These included phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and the production of hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Siderophore production and biofilm formation were also assessed. The most potent biofilm-producing isolates were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing.ResultsAmong the isolates, 28 solubilized phosphate (up to 91.2% with MB-7), 26 fixed nitrogen, 18 produced hydrogen cyanide, and 16 produced ammonia. All isolates produced IAA, with MB-7 and BB-3 producing the highest quantities (89.1 and 85.1 µg/mL, respectively). BB-3 exhibited the highest percentage of siderophore production (86.2%). BB-3 and MB-7 were potent biofilm producers. Molecular analysis identified BB-3 as Brucella rhizosphaerae and MB-7 as Delftia lacustris. Inoculation with D. lacustris greatly enhanced tomato plant growth—plant height increased by 49.14%, shoot fresh weight increased by 32.47%, and root length increased by 45.00%—as compared to uninoculated control.ConclusionD. lacustris shows significant potential as a bioinoculant for increasing tomato plant growth and can potentially be used effectively in sustainable agriculture approaches.

Importance of prickly pear (Opuntia spp) cultivation for sustainable agricultural systems and climate change resilient

The cultivation of prickly pear (Opuntia spp) represents a strategic alternative for the development of sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. Its ability to adapt to extreme conditions such as poor soils, prolonged droughts, and high temperatures, combined with its metabolism, allows it to maximize the use of water and nutrients, contributing to soil conservation and mitigating erosion and climate impacts. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in food security due to its nutritional and forage value, as well as its potential for biofuels and phytoremediation. Mexico is the world leader in prickly pear production, with more than 864,000 tons annually, distributed across 27 states, generating significant income for approximately 20,000 producers. Its marketing, traditionally fresh, has diversified into the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and energy sectors, opening international markets such as Europe and Asia. Furthermore, prickly pear cultivation has a strong cultural and historical component in Mexico, linked to national identity and ancestral practices. However, it faces challenges such as pests, diseases, and limitations in the value chain, including quality and traceability issues. The lack of technical, economic, and regulatory resources hinders its sustainable expansion. Therefore, public policies, research, and technical support are needed to enhance its comprehensive use, fostering an agroecological transition that promotes economic, social, and environmental resilience in vulnerable regions.

Understanding late medieval farming practices: an interdisciplinary study on byre remains from the historical centre of Brussels (Belgium)

During the preventive archaeological excavation in the cellar of the site of petite Rue des Bouchers in the historical centre of Brussels (Belgium), the waterlogged remains of a thirteenth century AD sunken byre (potstal) were discovered. The exceptional preservation instigated a multiproxy approach, including micro-archaeology, micromorphology, phytolith and endoparasite egg analysis on thin sections, palynology and the study of plant macroremains on the fill of the structure. Beyond permitting to detail the content and the multiple origins of the fill (including excremental waste and urines, fodder and bedding material, plaggen and/or soil sods, household and construction waste), this study also provides detailed insights into the foddering customs, hygienic conditions within the stable, and the health status of the animals kept. On a more general scale this study documented late medieval farming practices in Brussels, more specifically the need to collect substantial amounts of manure to add as fertilizer onto the cultivated poor sandy soils.

A survey and analysis of germplasm resources of food crops in Hainan Province

Abstract Germplasm resources are the foundation for improving crop varieties and a strategic asset for global food security. They also advance plant breeding, agricultural biotechnology and the production of essential agricultural goods. To assess the distribution, diversity and conservation status of food crop germplasm in the Hainan Province, China, we conducted a detailed survey of the Hainan Island. Between 2017 and 2022, we collected 330 food crop germplasm resources, encompassing 16 cereal crops, including rice, maize, sweet potato. The collected germplasm resources exhibited traits of high resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, including common diseases and drought stress, as well as superior quality and adaptability to poor soil conditions such as sandy land. However, challenges such as low productivity and hybrid degradation were identified. These resources were primarily found in Haikou City, Baisha County, Danzhou City, Wuzhishan City and Sanya City. Additionally, we collected several ancient local varieties and endangered germplasm resources such as ‘Jiezi rice’ and ‘Wuzhishan maize’. This study serves as a reference for the conservation, development and utilization of local food crop germplasm resources in Hainan Province and lays the foundation for breeding and developing new varieties.

Abiotic environments prevail over plant functional traits in shaping phyllosphere fungal communities of temperate grasslands in China

Abstract Phyllosphere fungi play critical roles in plant health and ecosystem functioning. While previous studies have explored the diversity and composition of phyllosphere fungal communities in various ecosystems, they have typically focused on either epiphytic or endophytic fungi at single sites and rarely addressed both groups simultaneously across broad environmental gradients. As a result, the relative importance of abiotic environments, plant traits, and dispersal processes in shaping phyllosphere fungal communities remains unclear, particularly with respect to differences between epiphytic and endophytic fungi. We collected 231 leaf samples from nine sites in temperate grasslands of northern China, and explored the effect of abiotic environments and plant traits on the diversity and structure of phyllosphere fungi at broad spatial scales. Our analysis revealed that aridity, poor soil conditions and leaf pH decreased the relative abundance of endophytic saprophytic fungi, and plants with a “fast-growing” strategy promoted the relative abundance of phyllosphere pathogenic fungi. The positive effects of aridity and poor soils on the richness of endophytic fungi were undermined by soil fungal richness, while the richness and Pielou’s evenness of epiphytic fungi was inhibited by the availability of soil resource. Soil organic carbon emerged as a key factor influencing the composition of phyllosphere fungal communities, and dispersal limitation was relatively weak and comparable between endophytic and epiphytic fungi. Our findings provide empirical evidence that abiotic environments prevail over plant traits in structuring phyllosphere fungi at broad spatial scales and reveals assembly patterns that differ from those reported in previous single-site or forest-based studies.

Soil fauna hazard index to identify the risk of exposure to biocidal substances

Chemical pollution in the soil compartment can lead to considerable biodiversity loss and poor soil quality. Soil fauna inside and near agroecosystems, agricultural landscapes, and cattle grasslands provide various ecosystem services that contribute to sustaining human well-being. Interviews were conducted with farmers in two Costa Rican provinces to identify the active ingredients used in agricultural and livestock farms. Using a soil fauna hazard index, 27 agrochemicals and 18 veterinary drugs were categorized as hazardous substances to soil invertebrates. The scientific literature reports the effects of exposure to many of these substances on various levels of biological organization, therefore, it is critical to promote appropriate practices in their use to reduce environmental effects.

Rhizosphere Growth-Promoting Bacteria Enhance Oat Growth by Improving Microbial Stability and Soil Organic Matter in the Saline Soil of the Qaidam Basin

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, a critical ecological barrier and major livestock region, faces deteriorating grasslands and rising forage demand under its harsh alpine climate. Oat (Avena sativa L.), valued for its cold tolerance, rapid biomass accumulation, and ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soils, can expand winter feed reserves and partly alleviate grazing pressure on native rangelands. However, genetic improvement alone has not been sufficient to address the environmental challenges. This issue is particularly severe in the Qaidam Basin, where soil salinization, characterized by high pH, poor soil structure, and low nutrient availability, significantly limits crop performance. Rhizosphere growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) are environmentally friendly biofertilizers known to enhance crop growth, yield, and soil quality, but their application in the saline soil of the Qaidam Basin remains limited. We evaluated two PGPR application rates (B1 = 75 kg hm−2 and B2 = 150 kg hm−2) on ‘Qingtian No. 1’ oat, assessing plant growth, soil physicochemical properties, and rhizosphere microbial communities. The results indicated that both treatments significantly increased oat productivity, raised the comprehensive growth index, augmented soil organic matter, and lowered soil pH; B1 chiefly enhanced above-ground biomass and fungal community stability, whereas B2 more strongly promoted root development and bacterial community stability. Structural equation modeling showed that PGPR exerted direct effects on the comprehensive growth index and indirect effects through soil and microbial pathways, with soil properties contributing slightly more than microbial factors. Notably, rhizosphere organic matter, fungal β-diversity, and overall microbial community stability emerged as positive key drivers of the comprehensive growth index. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing PGPR dosage in alpine forage systems and support the sustainable deployment of microbial fertilizers under saline soil conditions in the Qaidam Basin.

Influence of selected environmental variables on the germination of Eucalyptus costata

Eucalyptus costata is a widespread eucalypt species used in restoration works. It is common to the Mallee, a vegetation type in the semiarid temperate region of southern Australia, characterised by hot summers and mild winters, generally reliable but highly variable rainfall, and nutrient poor soils composed primarily of sands. An understanding of the germination biology of Eucalyptus costata may assist in its successful establishment. We studied the impacts of light, temperature, salinity, moisture and sowing depth on the germination of E. costata in the laboratory and considered the results in a restoration context. Germination was lowest under the highest temperature regime (35°C/25°C), high salt concentrations (>100 mM) and low water potentials (taking 14 MPa of humidity per day to germinate). Sowing depths greater than 2 cm reduced seedling emergence. These results suggest that E. costata’s germination requirements are shallow sowing in low salinity soils during periods of cool or mild wet weather, consistent with winter and spring planting.

Morphological and molecular insights of root dynamics in rice-fallow lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Abstract Lentil is a promising crop for diversifying the vast, untapped rice-fallows of South Asia. However, augmenting lentil productivity in this niche remains a key challenge due to poor soil biophysical properties. Research gap on root trait variation warrants harnessing genotypic variability of lentil root system to shed light on root developmental plasticity. The present study aimed to assess the genotypic variability of 24 lentil genotypes in root traits under differential tillage practices of rice-fallow systems and identify key root traits contributing to root architectural plasticity. Additionally, the role of genes controlling root development in lentil was elucidated. The results revealed substantial genetic variability in root traits and the prospective lentil genotypes had better total root length, surface area, volume, and lateral root numbers. Significant correlations among vital root traits providing a win-win opportunity for the researchers to target these traits for improving resource acquisition in challenging environments. Notably, this study is the first to elucidate the role of triphosphate tunnel metalloenzyme 3 (LcTTM3), and auxin transporter like protein 5 (LcLAX5) in root development, as genotypes with a robust root system exhibited significantly higher transcript-level variation for these genes. Based on a summation rank index, four superior genotypes (2011S 56234-1, ILL-10961, L-1112-19, and ILL-7978) were identified as ideal candidates for cultivation in rice-fallow systems, irrespective of tillage practices. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of root development and its role in nutrient and water uptake efficiency to reduce yield risks and enhance system resilience in lentil.

A Review of the Research and Development and Application of Multifunctional Organic Fertilizers based on the Improvement of Impoverished Soil

With the continuous impact of high-intensity agricultural development and climate change, the cultivated land in some parts of my country has shown a trend of impoverishment, such as low organic matter content, poor soil nutrients, and decreased microbial activity, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of agriculture. Starting from the causes of impoverished soil, this paper systematically sorted out its main characteristics and distribution patterns, and summarized the research progress and application effects of multifunctional organic fertilizers in improving soil fertility, improving soil structure, and enhancing biological activity. The key technical paths of multifunctional organic fertilizers, such as design concepts, raw material selection, functional microbial addition, and nutrient slow release, were analyzed in detail. At the same time, combined with actual application cases in typical regions, the improvement potential and promotion model of different types of impoverished cultivated land were discussed. Finally, the article puts forward the current problems and future development directions, in order to provide theoretical support and technical paths for improving the quality of impoverished cultivated land in my country.

Effect of Chemical Fertilization of Food Legumes on the Physical, Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Soil: Case of Chlef and Mostaganem, Algeria

Background: The use of chemical fertilizers is gaining importance for increasing crop productivity in Algeria. Application of these fertilizers in food legumes are also increasing due to poor native soil nutrients. Use of chemical fertilizers in food legumes may have varying impact on soil properties, which needs to be evaluated. Methods: In this study, various techniques were employed to evaluate the effect of chemical fertilizers on soil properties. Physicochemical and microbiological properties of soils of Chlef and Mostaganem were studied and correlations between the different parameters were assessed and compared with natural soil properties. Result: The comparison of the results clearly demonstrated the effect of chemical fertilizers on soil microbial life, particularly evident in root colonization and the mycorrhizal potential index (MPI). Chemical fertilizers reduced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by threefold or more compared to natural soil. Among the microbiological parameters studied, a significant increase was recorded in natural soil samples compared to those treated with chemical fertilizers.

Corrective and maintenance P fertilization on sugarcane yield in multi-sites of south-central Brazil

ABSTRACT Corrective phosphate is a usual practice in poor soils to improve P levels and yield potential. However, the broadcast P application in soils with high P fixing capacity may have low efficiency. This study evaluated sugarcane yield response to corrective phosphate (broadcast application and incorporated) and in planting maintenance phosphate application in four sugarcane sites during three crop cycles in South-Central Brazil. The experimental design was a factorial 2 × 5: presence or absence of corrective phosphate and five rates of P 2 O 5 as maintenance , with four repetitions. A reactive phosphate rock (Bayovar, 29 % of total P 2 O 5 , 14 % soluble in citric acid 2 %) was broadcast applied at a rate of 150 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 , while monoammonium phosphate was used in planting furrow in rates varying from 0 to 200 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 . Sugarcane stalk yield, total recoverable sugar, and sugar yield were evaluated in each site for three consecutive harvests with no re-application of P. Corrective phosphate fertilization combined with maintenance P statistically improved sugarcane yields in 4 of 12 sites-years, showing a yield gain of 4.2 Mg ha -1 compared to control. On the average of the literature review, corrective phosphate combined with maintenance P improved sugarcane yield of 7.8 Mg ha -1 . In addition, the corrective P had a positive isolated effect in the other two ratoon cycles and a negative in one. maintenance P application isolated (rates of 100-200 kg ha -1 P 2 O 5 ) improved sugarcane stalk yield in an average of three harvest, with a mean yield gain of 6.5 Mg ha -1 . On average, of all cycles, the CP combined with maintenance P or the isolated practices (at the same rate) increased sugarcane yield from 92 Mg ha -1 of control to 97-98 Mg ha -1 . Phosphorus fertilization slightly improved total recoverable sugar, so sugar yield improvement was most associated with yield enhancement. Corrective P combined with maintenance P can be a strategy for improving the sustainability of P usage in sugarcane production, including a potential reduction in P input in the cane-plant cycle, aligned to a positive residual effect on the ratoons.

Would contrasting abiotic factors affect reproductive phenology of Hancornia speciosa in Northeastern Brazil?

ABSTRACT Hancornia speciosa is a widespread species that occurs on poor sandy soils of South America, especially in Brazil, where it is known as “mangabeira”. In addition to being avidly sought after by the fauna, its fruits represent an important resource for extractivism. This study aimed to understand reproductive phenodynamics of H. speciosa growing inland and by the coastline areas, where climatic aspects drastically differ. Circular statistics showed low to moderate seasonality. Although the phenophases manifested in the same seasons, there was a 25–45 days advance in the inland populations average dates that may be a conserved response to the recurrent water deficit compared to the coastline area. Generalized Linear Models indicate that photoperiod and monthly mean temperature were the most influential variables on the intensity of phenophase expression. There was no significant difference in the intensity of flower and ripe fruit between the two regions, despite the differences among rates of accumulated monthly precipitation, suggesting that physiological adaptations allow both populations to maintain an equivalent reproduction rate. In addition to contributing to plant ecology research, this study also offers support to extractive communities by providing arguments to help them engage in discussions about anthropogenic impacts on the sustainable management of H. speciosa.

Peri-urban agricultural management impacts the soil nutrient status of Nitisols in the central highlands of Kenya

ABSTRACT In sub-Saharan Africa, urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) plays an important role in improving food and nutrition security amid rapid urbanization in the region. Poor soil fertility has been suggested as the primary reason for low crop productivity in the region, however UPA is often associated with soil nutrient accumulation in other developed or recently developed nations. There is still a lack of evidence regarding soil nutrient status of UPA in this region. To understand the current soil fertility status and the impacts of soil nutrient management, an evaluation of soil profiles, surface soil conditions, and current nutrient management was conducted in Kiambu County, which is a part of the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan Region of Kenya. Soil samples were collected from both the Tigoni experimental station and 26 surrounding small-scale peri-urban farms. All three soil profiles were classified as Eutric Nitisols with well-developed soil structure, adequate cation exchange capacity, relatively high phosphate retention, and high base saturation. The surface soil nutrient status between the Tigoni experimental station and the surrounding farms showed significant differences except for exchangeable K, which is likely derived from the parent materials. Available phosphate (Truog-P) levels were excessively high, exceeding 1000 mg‑P2O5 kg−1 in three commercial farms, and nearly half of the farms were in the excessive range, contrary to the past findings in other counties in Kenya. In contrast, phosphate levels at the experimental station were mostly deficient. Exchangeable Ca levels followed a similar trend to Truog-P, while Mg was deficient relative to K at the experimental station and relative to both K and Ca in the commercial farm fields. The use of animal manure is considered a major factor contributing to the high P and Ca levels observed in the peri-urban farm fields. Future studies are needed to explore the relationship between the current variable soil fertility status and vegetable productivity. Additionally, the introduction of a low-cost soil testing method is necessary to establish a system for optimizing the soil conditions.

Exploring the fertilizer value of vermicompost and poultry manure to enhance soil health and yield of sweet bitter-leaf Vernonia hymenolepis

Poor soil fertility is a major crop production constraint, which is commonly resolved using chemical fertilizers that may eventually cause deleterious effects on the environment. Alternatively, poultry manure and vermicompost can serve as sustainable options to improve soil and crop performance. This field study at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea in Cameroon, aimed to evaluate the fertilizer value of poultry manure and vermicompost, their influence on earthworm population, and yield of sweet bitter-leaf (Vernonia hymenolepis). The trial was established as randomized complete block design with six treatments (untreated control, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC), PM + NPK, and VC + NPK. The content of N, P and K in vermicompost was significantly (P < 0.05) higher by 82%, 50%, and 93%, respectively, compared to field soil, and 40%, 27% and 39% compared to poultry manure. Earthworm population was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in plots amended with vermicompost (575) compared to poultry manure (441), VC + NPK (356), PM + NPK (262), control (234), and NPK (121). Vermicompost exerted 160% and 200% additional nutrient value on sweet bitter-leaf yield compared to poultry manure and NPK, respectively, while poultry manure exerted 125% additional nutrient value compared to NPK fertilizer. Integrated application of VC + NPK increased sweet bitter-leaf yield significantly (P < 0.05), followed by PM + NPK, vermicompost, PM, NPK, and control. Sweet bitter-leaf yield correlated (P < 0.05) positively with soil nitrogen (r = 0.93) and plant available soil phosphorus (r = 0.96). These results highlight the fertilizer value of vermicompost, the ability to improve earthworm abundance, and boost crop productivity.

Oil characteristics of genetically improved cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cajuputi): An assessment of a cajuput breeding program in Indonesia

: Cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cajuputi) is an essential oil-producing tree with significant economic and medicinal value in Indonesia. While breeding program have aimed to improve oil yield and 1,8-cineole content, there is notable absence of research integrating genetic improvements with advanced analytical techniques to comprehensively evaluate oil quality and plantation site suitability. This study addresses this gap by assessing the chemical composition, purity, and physicochemical properties of cajuput oil derived from improved seeds, alongside evaluating plantation site suitability across diverse regions in Indonesia. The samples were collected from eight locations: Aceh Besar-Aceh, Pekanbaru-Riau, North Lampung-Lampung, Tanggamus-Lampung, Gunungkidul-Yogyakarta, Bojonegoro–East Java, Bima-West Nusa Tenggara (WNT), and Biak Numfor-Papua. Oil analysis was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), molecular distillation, and physicochemical tests, while soil chemical properties were analyzed to assess site suitability. The results revealed 80 chemical compounds dominated by 1,8-cineole (48.49 - 69.32%), followed by caryophyllene and terpineol. Molecular distillation increased 1,8-cineole content by 9.8 to 27.7% and adjusted the refractive index to meet Indonesian National Standard (SNI). Nine out of 21 samples conformed to SNI standard for all parameters. Soil analysis indicated suboptimal conditions in all locations due to nutrient deficiencies, low pH, and poor soil texture. However cajuput trees demonstrated strong adaptability to marginal soils. This study highlights the feasibility of integrating genetic improvements with advanced analytical techniques for sustainable cajuput oil production across diverse environmental conditions in Indonesia. It provides a foundation for optimizing plantation strategies and enhancing oil quality to meet growing market demands.

A multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model to optimize biochar application schemes for potato cultivation in North China.

The North China region is a major potato production area, but water scarcity and poor soil fertility limit potato growth. Biochar is a promising approach to improve soil quality and enhance crop productivity. However, the effects of different biochar pyrolysis temperatures and application rates on potato growth, economic benefits, quality, water and fertilizer use efficiency, and soil nutrient retention remain unclear. A field experiment was conducted during 2023-2024 to evaluate the effects of biochar pyrolysis temperatures (T1: 300°C, T2: 500°C, T3: 700°C) and application rates (C1: 10 t ha-1, C2: 20 t ha-1, C3: 30 t ha-1) on comprehensive potato cultivation performance. A multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (PFCE) model was used to determine the optimal biochar application strategy. Potato growth indicators, water and fertilizer use efficiency, starch, and vitamin C content exhibited a parabolic trend, with the C2T2 treatment performing best. Net income was highest for the CK treatment in 2023 and for C2T2 in 2024. Reducing sugar content was lowest in C2T2; soil nitrate nitrogen accumulation was lowest in C3T2; soil available phosphorus was lowest in C1T3; and soil available potassium was lowest in CK. PFCE analysis indicated that C2T2 achieved multi-objective optimization for yield, quality, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Based on PFCE results and practical production considerations, applying biochar at 400-500°C pyrolysis temperature and 18-20 t ha-1 application rate is recommended for North China to maximize comprehensive benefits.

Revitalising black gram agriculture: A comprehensive review of foliar nutrient strategies for enhanced yield

Black gram production in Tamil Nadu has been steadily declining due to several challenges like dependence on rainfall, poor farming practices, and low nutrient absorption from the soil. These problems are even more serious in rice fallow areas, where the leftover soil moisture is not enough for the roots to take in nutrients effectively. To overcome these issues, this study looks into foliar nutrient application, a method where nutrients are sprayed directly on the leaves, to improve plant growth and yield. The research focuses on how different foliar nutrients, such as DAP, urea, TNAU Pulse Wonder, borax, ammonium molybdate, salicylic acid, triacontanol, and Polyfeed, can help blackgram plants grow better and produce more. Reviewing earlier studies and results, this manuscript shows that foliar feeding is a promising technique to support pulse farming, especially in areas with limited water and poor soil conditions. It offers useful information for farmers and researchers to improve blackgram production through better nutrient management.

A Review Study to Assess Skirted Foundation's Performance

Innovative structural supports, known as skirted foundations, are primarily employed in offshore engineering. Skirted foundations extend below the footing like conventional shallow foundations and carry loads to deeper soil layers. A "skirt" is a wall that surrounds the foundation from one side or more, is connected to the foundation, and functions as a single unit. These skirts are essential for improving overall stability and transferring loads to more stable subsurface layers, which improves the foundation's performance. Significant features of skirted foundations make them promising for economics and appropriate for use in constructions with large loads and poor soil conditions. It has been demonstrated that skirted foundations are a more effective alternative to conventional foundations like piles, piers, etc. It is regarded as economical because of the reduction of employing building materials, less machinery, and a smaller workforce, as well as the saving of time necessary for installation. This review paper summarizes previous experimental and numerical investigations on skirted foundations and surveys their characteristics; the important conclusions can be summarized: The ratio of skirt length to foundation width (2) gave the best results in improving bearing capacity and minimizing settlement. The ultimate load increased when the skirt inclination increased from 10° to 30° because an attachment area was established between the inclined angle and the soil. Circular skirts can result in higher bearing capacity and lower settlement than square skirts when both are placed under comparable conditions. Also, skirted foundations are suitable for supporting shallow foundations in seismic zones.