Soil Fertility Conservation Research Articles

Long-term Impact of Zero Tillage and Residue Retention on Soil Nutrients and Microbial Biomass in a Maize-Mustard Cropping System

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare different cropping systems and tillage practices, specifically focusing on the maize (Zea mays L.)-mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system. The field experiment on maize (Zea mays L.)-mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system commenced in monsoon 2010 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Eight treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design, comprising four double cropping ZT (zero till) and two triple cropping ZT systems with or without crops residue retention along with two conventional till systems (control) [T1: ZTMZ-ZTM; T2: ZTMZ+BM-ZTM; T3: ZTMZ(+R)-ZTM(+R); T4: ZTMZ(+R)+BM-ZTM(+R); T5: ZTMZ-ZTM-ZTSMB; T6: ZTMZ(+R)-ZTM(+R)-ZTSMB(+R); T7: CTMZ-ZTM; T8: CTMZ-CTM] with three replications. Result showed that highest mineralizable nitrogen (388 kg ha-1) was found in T6 treatment (in 0-5 cm soil layer) whereas T8 treatment recorded the lowest mineralisable N (297 kg ha-1). ZTMZ(+R)-ZTM(+R)-ZTSMB(+R) treatment obtained a significant increase (81.3%) in Olsen extractable P over CTMZ-CTM treatment. MBP was observed to be maximum in T6 treatment (10.1 mg kg-1) whereas lowest values were recorded in T8 treatment (2.67 mg kg-1) in the upper layer. Therefore, under CA, utilization of microorganisms to increase the availability of P in soil is an attractive proposition for developing a more sustainable agriculture. This is relevant to the high-input production systems of the developed world, and also to developing countries where access to mineral fertilizers is restricted, which will give better results and outputs in future by giving easily available inputs without harming the environment and conserving soil fertility for future generations.

INFLUENCE OF SOLID LIQUID STATES RATIOS ON THE COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF HUMATE-CONTAINING ORGANO-MINERAL FERTILIZERS

Human economic activity leads to removal of nutrients from the soil along with the crop. Nutrients losses also occur because of natural processes (erosion, leaching, etc.). It is necessary to replenish the missing nutrients with the use of humate-containing organomineral fertilizers to preserve soil fertility and increase productivity. The purpose of this work is to study the processes of iron (III) phosphates interaction with potassium humate and to obtain humate-containing organomineral fertilizers. Methodology. Chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray phase analysis methods have been used. Results and discussion. The processes of obtaining humate-containing organomineral fertilizers by the interaction in the systems “iron dihydrogen phosphate - potassium humate”, “iron hydrogen phosphate - potassium humate” and “iron orthophosphate - potassium humate” have been studied. It has been determined that an increase in the S:L ratio from 1:3 to 1:6 leads to an increase in the content of the digestible forms of Р2О5 up to 44.70%, nitrogen up to 1.85% and the output of humic substances up to 79.23%. An analysis of the IRS data indicates the multicomponentness and complexity of the composition of humate-containing organomineral fertilizers samples. Conclusion. It has been shown that the absorption bands of humic compounds of various functional groups and various substitutions phosphates are superimposed, while the shape of the absorption bands distorted, and their maxima have shifted to the high- or low-frequency area. It has been found that, regardless the phosphate ionnature, an increase in the ratio of S:L leads to a decrease in the absolute content of total, water-soluble and assimilable forms of P2O5. Concurrently, the phosphate part almost completely converted into the assimilated form. It has been defined that adding of the potassium humate, makes all phosphorus, which is in the indigestible form in the iron phosphates, almost completely pass into a mobile and assimilable form. It has been revealed that the addition of potassium humate into the systems with iron phosphates of various degrees of substitution makes it possible to neutralize the residual acidity of the pulp, and the neutralization process proceeds without P2O5 retrogradation. The resulting products have good physical, mechanical and fertilizer properties.

Agroecological assessment of short crop rotation on sod-podzolic soil

In the conditions of drained lands with unsatisfactory work of reclamation systems, in the Polissia zone it became possible to grow commercially attractive crops, in particular, such as winter rapeseed and corn for grain. A short-rotation crop rotation was analyzed: lupine — winter rapeseed — winter rye — corn, on the basis of which various variants of the fertilization system were studied, including by replacing litter manure with siderate and by-products of all crops in combination with the recommended for the zone and increased (intensive) mineral norms fertilizers. The goal of the task was to determine the optimal agrochemical support for grain crop rotation to obtain stable crop productivity and preserve soil fertility. It was noted that during the 2016–2020 research, during the growing season of agricultural crops, the reserves of productive moisture in the meter-long layer of drained sod-podzolic sandy soil decreased to 60–80 mm, that is, to a critical level. It was established that the overall productivity of the crop rotation depended on its saturation with corn, the grain yield of which was 6.01–7.13 t/ha on average over 5 years at different levels of organic and mineral nutrition. The highest yield of grain and fodder units from 1 ha of crop rotation area (4.23 and 4.52 tons, respectively) was obtained when by-products were applied together with an increased rate of mineral fertilizers (N67P84K91). It was established that the replacement of litter manure with the by-products of grain, leguminous and oilseed crops as an organic fertilizer, together with the use of the recommended (N45P56K61) and increased (N67P84K91) mineral fertilizer rates, does not reduce the productivity of crop rotation, ensures a deficit-free nitrogen balance and the annual accumulation of humus in the amount of 320 and 440 kg, respectively, which guarantees extended reproduction and increased soil fertility.

Analysis of the structure and fertility of agricultural land in western Ukraine and its monetary assessment

An important sector of the Ukrainian economy is agriculture, which is based on the fertility of agricultural land, in particular, the land of the western region of Ukraine. Analysis of the structure, fertility of agricultural land, and its monetary valuation can provide insight into its productivity and potential for agricultural development. The purpose of the study is to analyse the structure and fertility indicators of agricultural land in the west of Ukraine, demonstrate their main characteristics, and compare land prices in the western regions of Ukraine. In the study, the materials of the land directory of Ukraine and regional reports on the state of the environment of the west of Ukraine were used, involving analysis and comparison of the state of land resources by the content of humus, mobile compounds of phosphorus and potassium, easily hydrolysed nitrogen, their material and monetary assessment. After analysing the structure of the land fund of the west of Ukraine (13125.5 thousand hectares), it was identified that agricultural land accounts for more than half of the total area (56.1%), and forests and other wooded zones – about a third of the total area (32.8%). Built-up land, open wetlands, open land without vegetation cover or with little vegetation cover, and other land account for less than 10%. Among agricultural land, the largest share is arable land, a little less is hayfields and pastures, and the least is perennial plantations and fallows. The total value of agricultural land in the western administrative regions is markedly different. The highest land value is in Khmelnytskyi and Ternopil regions (1.71 and 1.09 billion USD), and the smallest – in Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia (489.90 and 317.21 million USD). 1420223 shares were leased on the territory of western Ukraine. The largest number of them was leased in Khmelnitsky and Ternopil regions (25.2 and 20.7%), and the smallest – in Zakarpattia (1.0%). Thus, the total area of land cultivated by farmers is 330.8 thousand hectares, the largest in the Ternopil and Khmelnytskyi regions (23.3 and 22.7%). The findings of the study will contribute to the adoption of managerial decisions on conducting efficient agriculture and the preservation of soil fertility of agricultural lands in the region under study. Monetary assessment of these territories is useful for the country’s population in the context of changes in the law on the land market in Ukraine, and in the implementation of an environmentally balanced agricultural policy

DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR CLEANING OIL-CONTAMINATED SOILS BASED ON BIOMATERIALS

Currently, one of the modern priority tasks for Environmental Protection is the search for highly efficient oil and oil product sorbents. Purpose: to research the sorption properties of biomass in the process of cleaning soils contaminated with petroleum products. In this article, the sorption properties of natural materials – rice husks and reeds, a s well as waste from the woodworking industry – sawdust used to clean oil-contaminated soil were studied. When cleaning oil-contaminated soil, it was found that sawdust, reeds, rice husks can be presented as sorbent. Multicomponent systems from the above-mentioned plant waste have shown the prospect of their use as environmentally friendly materials for cleaning up the consequences of oil pollution. In the model system, they sorbed more than 70% of the hydrocarbons introduced into the system. Such complex sorbents have shown the possibility of their reuse. The influence of oil pollution of the soil on various groups of biomass of types of residues of plant raw materials has been studied. The stimulating effect of oil and petroleum products on the development of sorbents is shown, and the mechanism of their development process is constructed. The results of the analysis of the sorption of hydrocarbons in sorbents are presented. A good agreement of the obtained model with experimental data is shown. The model well describes the behavior of the sorption properties of biomass in oil-contaminated soil. Creation of sorption technology for oil-contaminated soil purification using natural sorbents. The degree of influence of the research results on the scientific and technical level is significant, since the issues of using various carbon composite materials for soil purification of petroleum products will be resolved, which will allow obtaining the most effective method of improving soil structural aggregates and preserving soil fertility. The results of the study are aimed at potential consumers in the oil and gas, petrochemical, biotechnological and environmental environment, which provides a qualitative solution to urgent socio-economic, scientific and technical problems for the development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Assessment of the suitability of soils for the production of organic plant production at the local level of territory development

The development of organic production in Ukraine is a promising and relevant issue today. Organic farming has many advantages, including the preservation of soil fertility, reduced environmental impact, and the provision of high-quality and safe products. A farm that utilizes its fertile soil for organic production can have a positive impact on the quality of its products and increase their value on the market. It is important to note that maintaining organic farming requires systematic work to support soil fertility. That is why it is recommended to regularly conduct agrochemical analyses and implement restorative measures to increase soil fertility. The article provides scientific evidence that the soils of the agricultural company “Bazis” located in the Uman district of Cherkasy region are suitable for the production of organic crops. To do this, an assessment of the territorial location relative to possible sources of anthropogenic impact and radiation contamination of the territory was carried out. In the settlement, there is no landfill for solid household waste and storage facilities for pesticides and chemicals. The main polluting enterprises are located 12 km away, in the district center, Uman. Сontinuous agrochemical land survey of agricultural land was conducted. This analysis allowed us to establish that the soils have an optimal level of humus and nutrients, do not contain harmful metals and other toxic substances. Thus, it can be stated that the soils of the farm of the agricultural company “Bazys” of the Uman district, Cherkasy region are suitable for growing organic plant products, which guarantees the quality and safety of the produced products.

Vertical migration of nutrients and water-soluble organic matter in the soil profile under pre-sowing seed treatment with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

Studies conducted in a stationary lysimeter experiment in the conditions of the washing water regime have shown that the use of PGPR for pre-sowing seed inoculation of agricultural crops reduces vertical migration of biogenic nutrients and water-soluble organic matter down the soil profile. The effect of seed inoculation with PGPR on the reduction of nutrient losses was not specific to the type of rhizobacteria and was similar for crops grown on different mineral fertilizers backgrounds (spring barley and winter rye seeds were inoculated with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria—Azospirillum brasilense 410 and A. brasilense 18-2, respectively, while maize seeds were inoculated with the phosphate-mobilizing Paenibacillus polymyxa KB). Seed inoculation has decreased nitrogen leaching down the soil profile by 4–9 kg/ha, phosphorus compounds—by 0.5–3.0 kg/ha, potassium—by 0.6–3.0 kg/ha, calcium—by 6–42 kg/ha, magnesium—by 3.0–6.0 kg/ha, water-soluble organic matter—by 0.8–8.0 kg/ha, subject to crop and norms of mineral fertilizers. Maize seeds inoculated with phosphorous-mobilizing P. polymyxa KB under crop cultivation on the cattle manure background did not affect the intensity of nutrient migration. On the other hand, the combination of green manure (narrow-leaved lupine as an intermediate crop) with pre-sowing seed inoculation had significantly reduced nutrient losses beyond the root zone soil layer. It is concluded that the use of PGPR in crop production on mineral and green manure backgrounds contributes to the preservation of soil fertility by limiting biogenic nutrients and water-soluble organic matter leaching with the water drainage down the soil profile. Pre-sowing seed inoculation had no significant effect on the vertical migration of nutrients in the soil on the background of cattle manure, due to the highly competitive environment created with the introduction of microorganisms from organic fertilizer, preventing the establishment of close interactions between PGPR and plants.

Justification of parameters of working body of deep loosener

The article presents the analysis results on the study of physical-mechanical properties of soils in Uzbekistan and experimental studies on the influence of parameters and rational geometric shape of working tools on the quality of soil tillage while reducing energy costs. It has been established that soil moisture and hardness in the periods of basic and pre-sowing tillage differ significantly according to weather conditions, agrophonous background, and sowing and harvesting technology of agricultural crops. The peculiarities of different soils and the main directions of preserving and increasing their fertility are considered. The problems of optimization of physical properties and issues of the fertility state of irrigated soils are highlighted. Special attention is paid to the problems of improving soil's basic physical and mechanical properties. The use of effective technologies for improving and ameliorating irrigated lands, increasing fertility, and reducing and preventing soil salinization is proposed. For prevention of decrease and preservation of soil fertility, purposeful measures on improvement of physical properties of soils are recommended, the mechanism of which solution is the application of innovative technology of processing providing purposeful growth and development of root system, moderate moisture of soil, increased water permeability, moisture stocks, and reduction of salinization. To prevent intensive moisture evaporation after deep tillage, it is recommended to carry out agrophobic treatment by maximum leveling and creating a shallow crumbly surface layer. To substantiate the parameters of the deep loosener were based on the fact that the degree and magnitude of soil deformation depend on both the shape and parameters of interacting working bodies and on the physical and mechanical properties of the cultivated medium.

PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT POTATO VARIETIES UNDER PLASTIC MULCHING CONDITIONS AT DAILEKH, NEPAL

Mulching helps preserve soil fertility by preventing moisture loss, maintaining soil temperature, limiting weed growth, promoting microbial growth, and minimizing soil erosion. An experimental study was conducted to assess the effect of plastic mulching and control conditions (as main factors) on yield attributes of five potato varieties, namely Khumal Seto-1, Desiree, Cardinal, Kufri-Jyoti, and C-88 (as sub-factors), in Dailekh, Nepal during. A Split-plot design was employed comprising altogether ten treatments with three replications each. R-Studio software was used to analyze the data and attribute the responses to growth and yield parameters. The Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to differentiate the treatment means at 5% level of significance. Mulching treatment was found to be significantly more effective than no mulch for all the vegetative growth attributes. Compared to no mulch, the use of plastic mulch produced the greatest plant height (38.66 cm) at 75 DAS, highest number of marketable tubers (11.64), and the total number of tubers per hill (13.04), marketable tuber yield (3.93 kg/m2), and a significantly higher total tuber yield of 25.48 t/ha. Similarly, total tuber yield was found to be highest for Khumal Seto-1 (25.32 t/ha) and least for Kufri-Jyoti (22.38 t/ha). The benefit-cost analysis was found to be significant for the mulch condition and Khumal Seto-1, with promising ratios of 3.28 and 3.48, respectively. Thus, Khumal Seto-1 under plastic mulching may be used for better productivity of potatoes in Dailekh, and moreover, other readily available and accessible mulch options, including organic mulch-materials, can be utilized.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Agri-Food Industry: A comprehensive review

Agriculture plays a crucial role in our existence by supplying food, raw materials, and employment opportunities. In Morocco, it serves as the backbone of the economy, employing 40% of the workforce and contributing approximately 13% to the country's GDP [1]. IoT (Internet of things) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as other advanced computing technologies, have long been used in the agri-food industry. The primary focus of this paper is to assess the diverse utilization of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture, specifically in tasks like irrigation, weeding, and spraying. These applications employ sensors and integrated systems in robots and drones, effectively reducing water and chemical usage, preserving soil fertility, optimizing labor, and enhancing productivity and quality. The research identifies the most common AI strategies used in the industry. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of significant trends and provided researchers and practitioners with valuable insights for future research endeavors in addition to challenges hindering AgriTech applications in Moroccan farms.

The role of the dairy sector in the sustainable development of Central Black Earth region

The aim of the work is to identify the problems and peculiarities of the development of the dairy complex of the Central Black Earth Region (CDR). The specifics of the natural environment of the territory, the dynamics and heterogeneity of dairy farming development, threats to the sustainable development of municipalities and regions of the Black Earth Region require a serious study of the impact of this complex, as one of many, on the stable development of the entire region. Materials and methods. To achieve the set goal, historical, systematic, cartographic, statistical, and competitive methods of research were applied, using data from the statistical collections "Regions of Russia", "Agriculture in Russia", "Russian Statistical Yearbook", and "Agriculture, Hunting and Hunting, Forestry in Russia". The analysis of these data shows that the number of cattle and cows in the CDR, except for the Voronezh region, has been decreasing in the post-Soviet period. However, there is some growth in milk yields due to the use of the latest technologies and high-performance breeds of cattle. Results. The dairy complex of the CDR, designed to meet the needs of the population in dairy products, in modern conditions is still characterized by a variety of forms of production organization, with a predominance of medium-sized farms. In addition, the development of livestock breeding allows to a large extent to ensure the preservation of soil fertility by increasing the use of organic fertilizers and expanding the area of cultivation of fodder crops, as well as to increase employment and economic efficiency of agriculture. Based on the trends and features of improvement, it can be concluded that the dairy complex of the CDR, among others, can contribute to achieving a balanced state between the natural environment, social and economic spheres. Further growth of large-scale production in holdings and stand-alone enterprises should be combined with the development of the small-scale sector, taking into account cooperation and integration with leading milk-producing companies.

Technical and technological provision of ecologically safe production of agricultural products, harmonized with natural human needs

Purpose. Determine the relevance of technical and technological support for ecologically safe production of agricultural products, harmonized with natural human needs. Methods. Comparative-analytical, agro- analytical and statistical research methods were used. Results. By analyzing the results of scientific research and practical recommendations of nutritionists and producers of agricultural products, a set of measures aimed at preserving the state of the environment, orienting people to natural nutrition and maintaining the appropriate level of soil fertility was determined. Conclusions 1. The use of large doses of chemically produced nutrients by plants has had a negative impact on the environment and the quality of food products. 2. One of the urgent problems of agricultural production is the emission of greenhouse gases from the production of food products of animal husbandry and poultry farming. 3. The use of livestock and poultry waste without transforming it into organic fertilizers through composting leads to soil contamination with heavy metals and harmful organisms. 4. To preserve soil fertility, it is necessary to attract natural elements, the deposits of which are sufficient in Ukraine, as well as sources of plant origin. Keywords: global warming, production of food products of animal origin, natural human nutrition, organic fertilizers, compensation of organic fertilizers in the soil.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSING OF ORGANIC POULTRY WASTE AND ITS USE IN AGRICULTURE

Up-to-date biotechnologies are involved in the biological transformation of organic poultry waste into an environmentally friendly fertilizer that can preserve soil fertility and significantly improve yields. Currently, no more than 35% of livestock manure is used as a fertilizer in Uzbekistan. The use of poultry manure at poultry farms in Uzbekistan has been poorly addressed today. Poultry manure is discarded outside the poultry farms, where it is either filled with pits not suitable for storage or unloaded in a specially designated area. Afterwards, it is not used and causes tremendous damage to the environment. At the same time, bird droppings contain high macro and microelements, which form the basis for their value as organic fertilizers. The article analyzes and summarizes the practical use of biotechnological processing of bird droppings into a fertilizer and its further application on strawberry seeds as one of the reasonable solutions to the economic and environmental safety of poultry production under industrial conditions. The relevance of the topic. The solution to the problem of manure recycling is to improve the environmental situation, soil fertility and crop yields. The research is aimed at processing organic poultry waste and the impact of organic fertilizer, which is based on chicken manure, on soil fertility and crop yields. The laboratory and field studies on poultry waste management have been carried out on the territory of OOO Silver Eagle Plus (LLC) poultry farm in Tashkent region using the method of anaerobic fermentation and assessment of organic fertilizer quality as the most rational one for agriculture. The studied objects have been organic waste from OOO Silver Eagle Plus (LLC) poultry farm in Tashkent region, meadow soil and Joydori strawberry seeds. The research results have shown that the method of methane digestion is effective against pathogens in organic poultry waste; the process increases the number of useful bacteria and the generation of metabolites such as organic acid. Biotechnological poultry waste disposal reduces the processing time of the source material by 1.5 times. The study has revealed that the application of organic fertilizer based on chicken droppings has had a positive impact on soil structure, which has enhanced its aeration and ensured proper vegetative root system development. KEYWORDS: biotechnological processing, poultry farming, organic waste, anaerobic digestion, biofertilizer, soil fertility, ecology.

Sustavi obrade tla u funkciji ekološke stabilnosti

Stationary field experiment pertaining to the winter wheat in Croatia was performed during the three seasons. This study’s intention was to examine and diagnose the effect of tillage systems (TS) on soil chemical properties (soil acidity, phosphorus [P], potassium [K], and organic matter content). The TSs were as follows: CT — ploughing up to 30 cm depth, DT — disking up to 8-12 cm depth, LT — loosening up to 35 cm depth, and NT — no-tillage. The experimental design was a randomised block design in four repetitions, in which the basic TS plot amounted to 540 m2. Soil sampling for 0-30 cm soil layer was performed prior to setting up the experiment and subsequent to the three seasons with a total of 320 soil samples. Chemical analysis was performed according to standard pedological procedures. Economic indicators were calculated using economic equations and standards, whereas statistical analysis was performed with SAS 9.3 and Microsoft Excel 2016. Generated results indicate that the expressed accumulation of phosphorus and potassium appeared with a distinct vertical stratification in the systems with shallower tillage or no-tillage. At the same time, these TSs ensured the soil organic matter and soil fertility preservation. A conservable agricultural production of reduced soil tillage systems has its efficiency and vigor while providing soil degradation.

How the Composition of Substrates for Seedling Production Affects Earthworm Behavior

The constant increase in the intensity of agricultural production simultaneously increases the risk of negative effects of long-term agricultural practices. By-products of agricultural, forestry, and food production, as well as other types of organic waste, can be used as raw materials in the production of organic fertilizers and substrates for seedling cultivation through various processes of biological stabilization. In this way, the amount of waste is reduced, which contributes to the preservation of soil fertility and the sustainable use of resources. During waste processing and the stabilization of organic matter can be improved by using earthworms (vermicomposting). The aim of this study was to determine how different substrates, composed of different components and their mixtures, affect the earthworm Eisenia andrei. The effects of investigated substrates on the survival and behavior of earthworms were monitored. In addition, the effect of tested substrates on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was also assessed. The results showed that the most suitable substrates were leaves with horse manure and grape pomace alone and in combination with rock wool and sawdust. The obtained results provide important information on components and mixtures that have the greatest potential in the production of organic fertilizers and substrates for growing seedlings.

Influence of predecessors, mineral fertilizers and humate on the infestation of crops with weeds and the yield of chicory roots

Relevance. For the cultivation of environmentally friendly products, the preservation of soil fertility and environmental protection, the question of the prospects for longterm use of various fertilizer systems is very important. With an acute shortage of manure, a mineral-biological fertilizer system is promising, when an estimated dose of mineral fertilizers is applied against the background of annually sown siderates. Such a system of fertilizer application makes it possible to increase yields, product quality, significantly reduce the shortage of organic matter in the soil, improve its structure and biological activity. The inclusion of the employed steam with the most effective precursors, doses of mineral macro and micro fertilizers and humic acids in the rowed link of crop rotation can reduce the contamination of crops and significantly increase the yield of root chicory root crops.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in 2017-2021 located in the Rostov district of the Yaroslavl region.Results. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that on turf-podzolic medium-loamy soils of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation, it is economically feasible to use technology for the cultivation of root chicory using an oatpea mixture as a precursor in combination with the introduction of mineral fertilizers into the soil at a dose of N60P60K120 and the treatment of vegetative plants with boron and humate. When using this technology, the contamination of crops decreases, their photosynthetic potential and the yield of root crops increases, the cost of production decreases, and the profitability exceeds 104%.

Role of endophytic bacteria in salinity stress amelioration by physiological and molecular mechanisms of defense: A comprehensive review

• In drylands, salinity stress reduces production and crop yield. • CRISPR CAS/Cas9, miRNAs, CAM pathways and plant breeding used to cope with the drastic effects of salt stress but costly on ground levels. • Plants that have been inoculated with Endophytes have a higher resistance to salinity. • By inducing systematic resistance, endophytes were able to remove saline stress. • Resistant halotolerant endophytes that have a longer shelf life need to be develop. Climate change is a major concern for sustainable agriculture in the twenty-first century, as it has an impact on crop production and soil fertility, which may increase the risk of famine. Of the array of issues pertaining to climate change, salt stress is one of the most significant factors affecting crop production all over the world. Plants undergo different morphological, physio-chemical, and molecular adaptations to deal with salinity stress. However, several mitigation strategies are also used to cope with the drastic effects of salt stress. Microbial-based solutions, in particular, are highly desirable in sustainable agriculture as they provide a natural, cost-effective, and environmentally safe approach for improving plant growth and yield. Endophytic bacteria not only preserve soil fertility but also boost plant growth under salt stress situations. These bacteria mitigate salt stress by lowering the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and facilitating nutrient availability. Moreover, the endophytic bacteria also regulate the expression of genes responsible for producing various phytohormones, antioxidant enzymes, siderophores, volatile organic compounds, and ROS-scavenging enzymes, and other substances. The current research extensively explored the potential pathways involved in plant growth modulation and salinity stress mitigation by endophytic bacteria. Bacterial endophytes as a plant's second genome might be a natural strategy for improving a plant's growth and yield under salt stress conditions.

Integration of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and ponska fertilizer as a soybean fertilization method that is adaptive to climate change

Climate change, such as altering rainfall patterns and increasing the risk of extreme droughts cause degradation of soil chemical properties, deficiency of soil nutrients and reduction of plant growths and productions. Therefore, an alternative strategy is necessary to overcome those issues. A method of appropriate fertilization was likely to be applied to conserve soil fertility and maintain sustainable plant growth which might benefit facing the issues. This study examined the integration fertilization between phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and PONSKA fertilizer on changes in soil chemical properties and plant growth under greenhouse conditions. The trial pot were applied using a completely factorial randomized design of two factors with three replication for each combined treatment. The first factor was PSB inoculation with three levels (B0=0. B1= 5 and B2 = 10 ml. plant-1) and the second one was PONSKA fertilizer application with three doses ( P1=100. P2=150. P3= 200 kg. ha-1). The results showed that neither the interaction treatments nor each factor significantly affect the soil pH-H2O and the total content of N and organic C. Each factor of PSB and PONSKA fertilizer, respectively, significantly affected available P content. A PSB level of 10 ml. plant-1 indicated the highest P content (15.5 ppm), while the PONSKA doses of 150 and 200 kg. ha-1 insignificantly affected but the availability of P content was higher that of P1 parameter. Even though, the single factor of PSB and PONSKA fertilizer significantly affected the shoot of dry weight, the level of roots, and the number of active root nodules, they were insignificantly affected the shoot/root ratio. Treatment of B1 and B2 showed an insignificant difference in the dry weight of roots (1.61 g plant-1) and active root nodules (55.23-62.31) but desired effects of those treatments were higher than that of B0 parameter. The treatment B2 yielded the highest dry weight of shoots. Moreover, the composite of PONSKA fertilizer and PONSKA dose of 150 (P1) and 200 kg ha-1 (P2) yielded the shoot dry weight, root dry weight and number of active root nodules higher than the P1 parameter. A combination of P2 and B1 results in 22.97 g. plant-1 of seed bean. Therefore, a PONSKA dose of 150 kg. ha-1 added by a PSB of 5 ml.plant-1 was likely to be an alternative fertilization method to cope the issues of climate change.

Litter mixing promoted decomposition rate through increasing diversities of phyllosphere microbial communities.

Decomposition of forest litter is an essential process for returning nutrients to the soil, which is crucial for preserving soil fertility and fostering the regular biological cycle and nutrient balance of the forest ecosystem. About 70% of the land-based forest litter is made up primarily of leaf litter. However, research on the complex effects and key determinants of leaf litter decomposition is still lacking. In this study, we examined the characteristics of nutrient release and microbial diversity structure during the decomposition of three types of litter in arid and semi-arid regions using 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing technology as well as nutrient content determination. It was revealed that the nutrient content and rate of decomposition of mixed litters were significantly different from those of single species. Following litter mixing, the richness and diversity of the microbial community on leaves significantly increased. It was determined that there was a significant correlation between bacterial diversity and content (Total N, Total P, N/P, and C/P). This study provided a theoretical framework for investigating the decomposition mechanism of mixed litters by revealing the microbial mechanism of mixed decomposition of litters from the microbial community and nutrient levels.

Phyto-Friendly Soil Bacteria and Fungi Provide Beneficial Outcomes in the Host Plant by Differently Modulating Its Responses through (In)Direct Mechanisms.

Sustainable agricultural systems based on the application of phyto-friendly bacteria and fungi are increasingly needed to preserve soil fertility and microbial biodiversity, as well as to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Although there is considerable attention on the potential applications of microbial consortia as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents for crop management, knowledge on the molecular responses modulated in host plants because of these beneficial associations is still incomplete. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the different mechanisms of action triggered by plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) to promote host-plant growth and improve its defense system. In addition, we combined available gene-expression profiling data from tomato roots sampled in the early stages of interaction with Pseudomonas or Trichoderma strains to develop an integrated model that describes the common processes activated by both PGPMs and highlights the host’s different responses to the two microorganisms. All the information gathered will help define new strategies for the selection of crop varieties with a better ability to benefit from the elicitation of microbial inoculants.