Soil Application Research Articles

Studies on the Effect of Biofortification through Micronutrients Fortified Organics on the Soil Properties, Yield and Quality of Brinjal in Coastal Soil

Numerous multi-micronutrient fertilizers (MMF) have been developed during recent years to address the micronutrient deficiencies in crops but still micronutrient deficiency occurs in both soil and human beings. Biofortification is one of the techniques, which deliver the targeted element in edible part of the plants to overcome the malnutrition and hidden-hunger in burgeoning population. Based on the fact, the present field study was undertaken to study the effect of biofortification through micronutrients fortified organics on the performance of brinjal in coastal soil. The various treatments evaluated were T1 – Control (100% NPK/RDF alone), T2 – RDF + FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1, T3 – RDF + Vermicompost (VC) @ 12.5 t ha-1, T4 – RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 @ 25kg ha-1 + FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 SA (soil application), T5 – RDF + VC + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 SA, T6 – RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA (foliar application), T7 – RDF + VC + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA, T8 - RDF + Zn + Fe Fortified FYM (MNFFYM)@ 6.25 t ha-1, T9-RDF + Zn + Fe Fortified VC (MNFVC) @ 6.25 t ha-1, T10 - RDF + MNFFYM @ 6.25 t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA and T11 - RDF + MNFVC @ 6.25t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA. The treatments were studied under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and using Annamalai brinjal as test crop. Among that treatments, combined application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + micronutrients fortified vermicompost (MNFVC) @ 6.25 t ha-1 through soil application along with foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% at pre flowering stage (PFS) and at flowering stage (FS) recorded the highest growth, yield characters, yield and quality of brinjal. This treatment also recorded the significant higher nutrients availability and nutrients uptake by brinjal in coastal soil.

Reply to Discussion of “Experimental Study on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Rubberized Cemented Soil” by Abdellah Cherif Taiba, Youcef Mahmoudi, Mostefa Belkhatir

The authors appreciated the discussants for their suggestions on their recent paper regarding four key topics: the evaluation of the ductility index of rubberized cemented soil, comparative analysis between predicted models and actual results, providing guidance and suggestions for the application of rubberized cemented soil in engineering practice, and evaluating the environmental impact of rubberized cemented soil. These discussions have practical significance and are worth further research in order to contribute to the research and application of rubberized cemented soil.

Effect of Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms and Phosphorus Levels on Growth Yield and Quality of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Inceptisol

A field study was conducted to know the “Effect of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and phosphorus levels on growth, yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in inceptisol.” The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with sixteen treatments, replicated thrice during rabi season of 2019-20 at the Department Research Farm of SSAC, College of Agriculture, Latur. The treatments comprises four main (absolute control, Bacillus megaterium, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus awamori @ 10 ml kg-1 seed treatment) and four sub treatments (0,45,60 and 75 P2O5 kg ha-1). The results indicated that, the incorporation of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms viz. Aspergillius awamori @ 10 ml kg-1 seed in combination with soil application of 75 P2O5 kg ha-1 found to be effective in improving growth and yield attributing characters viz. number of root nodules, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content , grain yield and straw yield as compared to Aspergillus niger and Bacillus megaterium along with 60 P2O5 kg ha-1 and over control. Further results revealed that test weight and protein percentage was significantly influenced with the seed treatment of Aspergillius awamori @ 10 ml kg-1 seed in combination with application of 75 P2O5 kg ha-1.

Effective, Consistent, and Rapid Noncontact Application Methods for Seedling Basal Stem Infection by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, an economically devastating soilborne fungal pathogen known to cause disease across a wide range of plants, produces long-term inoculum called sclerotia that can germinate either carpogenically by ascospores infecting aboveground plant parts or myceliogenically to infect stem base and roots. Typically, for research purposes, S. sclerotiorum diseases are initiated by direct contact methods, using S. sclerotiorum mycelium agar plugs wrapped around the stem or sclerotia placed directly beneath root mass. However, reproducible noncontact methods leading to basal stem infection are not currently available. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop effective noncontact protocols that consistently generate basal plant stem infection from S. sclerotiorum in the soil. Using three host plant species (canola, lupin, and lettuce), we determined two methods that reliably produced basal stem infection. The first method, where mycelial agar plugs were positioned just below the soil surface at a distance of 5 mm from each seedling, led to 100% infection in all plants. The second method used pathogen-infested soil by mixing the soil with dry inoculum in the form of a powder prepared from mycelium-colonized organic substrates. Four substrates consistently produced 100% seedling infection at 4 days after inoculation (DAI): wheat bran, wheat grain, red rice, and hulled millet. In contrast, chia, canary, sesame, and ryegrass seed substrates resulted in less than 50% seedling infection at 10 DAI, and infection levels did not progress further. The two soil inoculation methods outlined in this study will enhance future research on the progression of S. sclerotiorum diseases, with the potential to screen disease-resistant host genotypes to basal S. sclerotiorum infection and, in particular, to test the effectiveness of soil applications of fungicides or biocontrol agents against S. sclerotiorum basal infection.

Soil amendments with nanoparticles control cucumber wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporium

Management of Fusarium wilt, a destructive plant disease, mainly relies on chemicals, but research on novel and eco-friendly methods is needed due to the hazardous effects of chemical pesticides. This study explored the soil application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) to manage Fusarium wilt disease in cucumber plants. The antifungal activity of ZnONPs against in-vitro growth of Fusarium oxysporum was tested through food poisoning test on the potato dextrose agar medium. The in-vivo potential of NPs for managing Fusarium wilt was checked in pot experiment. In-vitro results confirmed the concentration-dependent in-vitro antifungal activity. The NPs application at 500 µg/ml and 600 µg/ml concentrations showed phytotoxicity and significantly inhibited seed germination and growth of cucumber plants. However, NPs at 300 µg/ml significantly suppressed the pathogenic effects of F. oxysporum on cucumber plants without any phytotoxic effect. The pathogen-inoculated cucumber plants grown in soil amended with NPs showed significantly enhanced growth, lower disease severity, and improved root physiology compared to untreated plants. The plants under NPs treatment showed higher chlorophyll and nitrogen content while decreased membrane permeability and malondialdehyde content. Along with direct antifungal activity, the application of NPs caused an increased expression of defense-related genes and higher activities of defense-related enzymes. These findings verified the efficiency of ZnONPs for suppressing Fusarium wilt disease in cucumber crops, thereby promoting a non-chemical and environmentally friendly approach to controlling Fusarium wilt disease.

Impacts of cobalt and zinc on improving peanuts nutrient uptake, yield and irrigation water use efficiency under different irrigation levels

The knowledge of proper fertigation across various irrigation levels is necessary for maximizing peanut yield and irrigation use efficiency in arid areas, and it also can effectively alleviate the risk of nutrient deficiency induced by water stress. This study evaluated the effectiveness of cobalt combined with two zinc application methods on peanut nutrient uptake, yield, and irrigation water use efficiency across varying irrigation levels. A split-split plot experiment was carried out in 2021 and 2022. Three peanut gross water requirement (GWR) levels (100%, 80%, and 60%) were designated for main plots. Subplots featured plants treated with either 0 or 7.5 mg L−1 of cobalt. The sub-sub plots assessed chelated zinc effects at rates of 0 and 2 g L−1 via foliar and soil applications. In comparison to the control (100% GWR), nutrient uptake decreased, with sodium being the exception, and there was an increase in soil pH at 60% GWR. The results showed also significant reductions in yield and water use by approximately 60.3% and 38.1%, respectively. At this irrigation level, applying zinc via soil, either alone or combined with cobalt, led to significant yield increases of 89.7% and 191.3% relative to the control. Also, it’s crucial to note that cobalt application negatively affected iron and copper at 60% GWR, but this impact was lessened with soil-applied zinc. Hence, under a similar circumstance, treating stressed peanut plants with additional foliar applications of iron + copper and applying zinc via soil, could enhance nutrient uptake and improve yield. On the other hand, at 80% GWR, a combination of foliar-applied zinc and cobalt, had a tremendous impact on the absorption of (nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc), resulting in enhanced agronomic traits and decreased water losses. Additionally, at this irrigation level, foliar zinc application alone yielded a 32.4% increase compared to the 80% GWR control. When combined with cobalt, there was a 70.0% surge in water use. Based on this knowledge, the study suggests using 80% GWR and treating peanut plants with a combination of foliar-applied zinc and cobalt. This strategy aids plants in countering the adverse effects of water stress, ultimately leading to enhanced yield and irrigation water use efficiency.

RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIOME, SOIL ENZYMES AND GROUNDNUT YIELD AS INFLUENCED BY ADDITION OF BIOCHAR AND FERTILIZERS IN IRRIGATED ALFISOL OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

The field experiment was conducted in irrigated Alfisols of North coastal Andhra Pradesh tostudy the effect of biochar and chemical fertilizers on rhizosphere microbiome, soil enzymes andyield performance of groundnut crop (variety K-6) during rabi, 2018-19. Biochar application tosoil significantly increased soil bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population. At pod developmentstage, the highest number of bacterial count (39.0 x106 CFU g-1 soil) was observed in T5 (100%RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) which was on par with all the biochar applied treatments (T3, T4, T6, T7,T8). The Biochar applied @ 6 t ha-1 (T5 & T8) significantly increased the bacterial population ascompared to non-biochar applied treatments (T1 & T2). Fungal and actinomycetes populationfollowed the similar trend of bacterial count. Soil urease activity was significantly superior inbiochar applied treatments (T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8) compared to non biochar applied treatments (T1and T2). With increased rates of biochar application the urease activity markedly increased insoil. Similar trend was noticed with respect to dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkalinephosphatase enzymes in soil in response to addition of biochar. At pod development stage, thehighest leaf area index (3.16) was recorded with 100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1(T5) which wassignificantly higher than T1 (control), T2 (100% RDF) and T6 (75% RDF + biochar @ 2 t ha-1). Thehighest drymatter accumulation of 2951 kg ha-1 at peg penetration and 6428 kg ha-1 at poddevelopment was observed in T5 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) which was on par with T3(100% RDF + biochar @ 2 t ha-1), T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 4 t ha-1), T8 (75% RDF + biochar @6 t ha-1) treatments. Groundnut pod yield was highest (4019.58 kg ha-1) in treatment received100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1, which was on par with T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) and T8(75% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1).

Quantitative and Qualitative Responses of Quinoa to Soil Application of Growth-promoting Microorganisms Under Water Stress

Quantitative and Qualitative Responses of Quinoa to Soil Application of Growth-promoting Microorganisms Under Water Stress

Boron nutrition improves peanuts yield and seed quality in a low B sandy soil

ABSTRACT Peanuts are mainly grown in sandy soils with low boron content, which may limit the crop yield, especially runner-type cultivars that have high-yields. Boron deficiency causes hollow heart in peanut seeds, reducing yield and seed quality, but the best strategy to supply boron to peanut is still not known. This study aimed to evaluate peanuts nutrition, yield, and seed quality as a function of boron rate, source, and application form. The study was conducted for two years in sandy soils with low boron in southeastern Brazil. Treatments included application of boron via soil: control (boron unfertilized), boric acid at 1.5 kg ha -1 of B, Ulexite (1.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of B), and sodium tetraborate (1.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of B) combined with foliar fertilization (sub-plots): 0, 400, 800 and 1200 g ha -1 of B (boric acid) with four replicates. Boron fertilization via soil and foliar increased peanuts yield by 20 % (1100 kg ha -1 ) and 14 % (700 kg ha -1 ) - the average of the two crops, respectively. Combined use of soil and foliar fertilizer was justified only in years with water deficit and when the rate applied via soil was low (<3.0 kg ha -1 ). Boron application via soil or application of 400 g ha -1 of B via foliar fertilization increased seed germination rate by 10 to 13 %. Boron fertilization increased the percentage of normal seedlings, seedling weight, and length and reduced the germination time. Foliar and soil boron applications efficiently improved peanut seed nutrition, yield, and quality. However, soil application performed better, showing a higher percentage of yield increase.

Recovery and regeneration of water-hardened magnetic composite biochar sphere for the removal of multiple heavy metals in contaminated soils

Biochar has exceeded expectations for immobilizing heavy metals (HMs), but the potential ecological risks of its long-term burial in soil limit its practical application on a large scale. To address this challenge, a novel separable water-hardened magnetic composite biochar sphere (WMBCS) was prepared and applied to remediate agricultural soils contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As. The first application of WMBCS is simultaneously effective in removing Cd (3.2–12.7%), Pb (3.3–13.1%), and As (5.0–25.6%) from soil, and the removal rates are enhanced with increasing soil moisture, application dose and incubation time. WMBCS is more efficient for removing Cd and Pb in mildly contaminated alkaline soils than in heavily contaminated acidic soils. Compared with other regeneration methods, shaking and ultrasound-assisted EDTA-2Na efficiently elutes HMs with a dissolution efficiency of over 75% within 4 h, accompanied by the lowest rate of mass loss (7.6%) and Fe leaching (475.1 mg kg−1). After 5 rounds of successive cyclic remediation, WMBCS exhibits high adsorption efficiency (26.5–30.6% for Cd, 25.4–30.2% for Pb, and 30.2–41.0% for As), magnetic separation efficiency (98.8–99.8%) and regeneration efficiency (92.3–95.4%). The main mechanisms involved in the adsorption and regeneration of WMBCS include ion exchange and chelation. WMBCS is an economical and eco-friendly material with vast unexplored potential for use in agriculture.

Soil Application of Bacillus subtilis Regulates Flavonoid and Alkaloids Biosynthesis in Mulberry Leaves.

Flavonoids and alkaloids are the major active ingredients in mulberry leaves that have outstanding medicinal value. Bacillus subtilis can effectively activate the plants defense response and regulate the plant secondary metabolism. In this study, we explored the effects of soil application of B. subtilis on the content of flavonoids and the most important alkaloids (1-deoxynojirimycin, DNJ) in mulberry leaves. Significant decreases in flavonoid content were observed in tender leaves and mature leaves after treatment with B. subtilis; at the same time, significant increases in DNJ content were observed in tender leaves. Based on widely targeted LC-MS/MS and high-throughput approaches, we screened out 904 differentially synthesized metabolites (DSMs) and 9715 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG analyses showed that these DSMs and DEGs were both significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, flavonoid synthesis and plant hormone signal transduction. Further correlation analysis of DEMs and DEGs showed that 40 key genes were involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, with 6 key genes involved in DNJ biosynthesis. The expression of CHS, CHI, F3H, F3'H, FLS, UGT and AOC significantly responded to B. subtilis soil application. This study broadens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the accumulation of flavonoids and alkaloids in mulberry leaves.

Effect of Combined Application of Nano Urea and Custom Blended Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer for Growth and Yield of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus)

A study was carried out to evaluate the impact of combined application of nano urea liquid fertilizer and custom blended thermochemical organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of the gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) variety "Natasha" under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2021-2022 inside a naturally ventilated polyhouse in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani using 3-month-old tissue culture plantlets of gerbera variety ‘Natasha’. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 10 treatments and 15 replications. The results of the study revealed fortnightly foliar application of nano urea and soil application of thermochemical organic fertilizer custom blended with rajphos and MOP @ 1.2 g N: 0.8 g P2O5: 2 g K2O per plant significantly improved the parameters like plant spread, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf area and number of suckers per plant. Flower diameter, number of flowers produced per month, length of the flower stalk and bloom life were greatly improved by fortnightly soil application of thermochemical organic fertilizer custom blended with urea, rajphos and MOP @ 1.2 g N: 0.8 g P2O5: 2 g K2O per plant.

Effect of Application of Secondary Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station, Honnavile, Shivamogga on sandy clay loam soil to study the response of maize to secondary nutrients application. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of nine treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of package of practice (POP) (T1), POP + soil application of two levels of calcium, i.e., 25 and 50 kg ha-1 through lime (T2 and T3), dolomite (T4 and T5, which amount to 15.02 and 30.04 kg ha-1 of magnesium, respectively) and gypsum (T6 and T7, which amount to 19.96 and 39.91 kg ha-1 of sulphur, respectively). Treatments T8 and T9 consisted of POP + combined application of all three secondary nutrients through lime, magnesium sulphate and bentonite sulphur to meet the same level of nutrient as treatments T2 to T7. Among the treatments, application of POP + calcium @ 25 kg ha-1 through lime + 15.02 kg ha-1 of Mg + 19.6 kg ha-1 of S (T8) showed significantly higher values for growth parameters viz., plant height (196.65 cm), leaf area (4804.70 cm2), leaf area index (5.55) total dry matter (273.80 g plant-1) and yield parameters viz., cob length (16.93 cm), number of grains cob-1 (511.08), kernel yield (6772 kg ha-1) and stover yield (8221 kg ha-1). Similarly the same treatment recorded significantly higher grain protein content (8.99%) compared to other treatments. However the test weight, harvest index and oil content of maize remained unaffected due the applied secondary nutrients.

Soil Contamination by Heavy Metals and Radionuclides and Related Bioremediation Techniques: A Review

The migration of heavy metals and radionuclides is interrelated, and this study focusses on the interaction and complex influence of various toxicants. The rehabilitation of radioactively contaminated territories has a complex character and is based on scientifically supported measures to restore industrial, economic, and sociopsychological relations. We aim for the achievement of pre-emergency levels of hygienic norms of radioactive contamination of output products. This, in its sum, allows for further economic activity in these territories without restrictions on the basis of natural actions of autoremediation. Biosorption technologies based on bacterial biomass remain a promising direction for the remediation of soils contaminated with radionuclides and heavy metals that help immobilise and consolidate contaminants. A comprehensive understanding of the biosorption capacity of various preparations allows for the selection of more effective techniques for the elimination of contaminants, as well as the overcoming of differences between laboratory results and industrial use. Observation and monitoring make it possible to evaluate the migration process of heavy metals and radionuclides and identify regions with a disturbed balance of harmful substances. The promising direction of the soil application of phosphogypsum, a by-product of the chemical industry, in bioremediation processes is considered.

The Use of Magnesium Fertilizer Can Improve the Nutrient Uptake, Yield, and Quality of Rice in Liaoning Province

In this study, the effects of the soil application and foliar spraying with magnesium fertilizers on rice yield and quality in Liaoning Province were investigated. Field experiments were conducted at Kaiyuan, Xinmin, and Dawa in 2022 and 2023. Magnesium fertilizers were used in the soil as magnesium sulfate monohydrate and silicon–magnesium fertilizer and on leaves was magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. The results showed that the application of 12 kg magnesium hm−2 in the soil at the Kaiyuan site can significantly increase rice yield by 14.8% compared with sites without magnesium fertilizer. The use of silicon–magnesium fertilizer showed a more obvious yield increase of 22.2%. The application of 3 kg magnesium hm−2 or 6 kg magnesium hm−2 on the leaf surface increased the rice yield at Kaiyuan by 19.4% and 21.6% and at Xinmin by 17.8% and 5.4%, respectively. The yield increase was more significant under the optimal fertilization treatment compared with the conventional fertilization treatment. The application of magnesium fertilizer increased the magnesium, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents in rice shoots and the potassium and crude protein contents in rice grains. The effect of foliar spraying with magnesium fertilizers was more obvious than soil application. Therefore, the magnesium fertilizer used on the leaf surface plays an important role in improving rice yield and quality in rice-growing areas with relatively rich soil magnesium content. Magnesium fertilizer can compensate for the yield decrease caused by the reduced use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers by promoting nitrogen and phosphorus absorption in rice. Conclusively, the application of magnesium fertilizer is a promising measure to improve rice production in Liaoning province under a reduced nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer background.

Primary study on frass fertilizers from mass-reared insects: Species variation, heat treatment effects, and implications for soil application at laboratory scale

Insect farming has gained popularity as a resource-efficient and eco-friendly method for managing organic wastes by converting them into high-quality protein, fat, and frass. Insect frass is a powerful organic fertilizer that enriches the soil with essential plant nutrients and enhances plant defense mechanisms through chitin stimulation. Given the importance of frass commercialization for many insect farmers and the use of increasingly diverse organic wastes as insect feedstocks, there is a need for legal guidelines to enable clean production practices. The recent introduction of a legal definition for frass and heat treatment requirements by the EU commission marks a significant step towards standardizing its quality; however, little is known about the processes shaping its nutritional profiles and contributing to its maturation. Our study addresses key knowledge gaps in frass composition and production practices. Here, we analyzed the physicochemical, plant-nutritional, and microbiological properties of black soldier fly, yellow mealworm, and Jamaican field cricket frass from mass-rearing operations and assessed the impact of hygienizing heat treatment on fertilizer properties and frass microbiota. The results showed that frass properties varied significantly across insect species, revealing concentrations of plant-available nutrients as high as 7000 μg NH4+-N, 150 μg NO2–NO3--N, and 20 mg available P per g of total solids. Heat treatment reduced microbial activity, biomass, and viable counts of pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. In terms of frass microbiome composition, alpha diversity showed no significant differences between fresh and heat-treated frass samples; however, significant differences in microbial community composition were observed across the three insect species. Despite heat treatment, soil application of frass reactivated and boosted soil microbial activity, inducing up to a 25-fold increase in microbial respiration, suggesting no long-term detrimental effects on microorganisms. These findings not only enhance our understanding of insect frass as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer but also have implications for regulatory frameworks, underscoring its promising potential for soil health and nutrient cycling. However, it is important to recognize the primary nature of this research, conducted at laboratory scale and over a short term. Future studies should aim to validate these findings in agricultural settings and explore additional factors influencing frass properties and its (long-term) interaction with soil ecosystems.

Integrative soil application of N and foliar Spirulina platensis improves morpho-physiological responses and tuberose yield oil in sandy soil

Integrative soil application of N and foliar <i>Spirulina platensis</i> improves morpho-physiological responses and tuberose yield oil in sandy soil

Assessment of the Change in Soil Properties and Aggregates Formation of Freshly Restored Texturally Different Marginally Salt-Affected Soils Under Various Soil Amelioration Strategies

ABSTRACT Climate change and salt-affected soils detrimentally affect crop production in arid regions. Reclaiming these soils for crops and carbon sequestration can mitigate climate change and enhance food security. A laboratory-scale experiment was conducted on a wheat-maize crop rotation system for three consecutive years to check the effectiveness of organic amendments in reclaiming marginally salt-affected soils, improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and improving food grain production. This study included five treatments namely control (T1), gypsum alone at 100% gypsum requirements (G100), and its combinations with different organic amendments and 50% gypsum requirements (farm manure (FYM+G50), poultry manure (PM+G50), and green manure (GM+G50)) were used. Results indicated that sandy clay loam textured soil showed highest potential for its properties improvement after 45 days, i.e., EC decreased up to 3.9 dS m−1, pH 7.9 and, SOC increase up to 0.25%. After the fallow period, three consecutive years of crop production study indicated up to 39 and 70% increase in wheat and maize yields, respectively, compared to inorganic fertilizer alone. Maximum soil aggregation was noted in treatment with gypsum and farmyard manure application in loam soils (50%). The maximum soil organic carbon accumulation over the whole experiment was recorded in farmyard manure application in combination with gypsum (0.44 g kg−1) in both loam and sandy clay loam soil, while 0.31 g kg−1 in the clay loam soil. Based on the results, it was concluded that reclaiming marginally salt-affected soils enhances food crop production and incorporating manures improves soil through aggregation and carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change.

Cost Reduction Economical Drip Layout for Enhancing Productivity, Profitability and Soil Fertility in Maize and Cotton under Semi-arid Condition

Background: Single economical cost reducing drip lay out for major annual crops with paired row geometry is an alternate solution to overcome constraints faced by the farmers and increase the income. Further to achieve high crop production and sustainable agricultural development, it is necessary to compare the effects of different dripline spacings and fertilization rates on maize and seed cotton yield. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli to evaluate the suitability of single economical drip layout and to optimize the fertilizer level in modified geometries as well as to assess the impact of geometries in water and productivity of maize and cotton. Result: The results revealed that, the economics was in favor with 1.20 m lateral spacing and application of 100% recommended N and K through drip fertigation and P as soil application (L2F2) having higher gross return, net return and BCR in maize and cotton. 1.2 m spacing between two laterals with 4Iph emitter at 0.6 m interval with recommended dose of 100% N and K trough fertigation and P as soil application is recommended to achieve higher productivity and monetary return form cotton and maize.

Comparative effects of humic acid and charcoal on soil, growth, and biomass properties of lupine (Lupinus albus L.)

Recently, charcoal and humic acid application in soils is a burgeoning area of research due to its profound impact on soil properties and crop yields. Charcoal contributes to improved soil structure, enhanced water-holding capacity, and increased carbon sequestration while humic acid, a component of organic matter, enhances nutrient retention and availability, fostering healthier plant growth and long-term soil health. The experiments were conducted on November 20, 2022, at Grdarasha Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq. Two organic sources (humic acid and charcoal) were used to improve soil chemical properties, growth, and biomass characteristics of white lupines. Humic acid at the levels of (0, 10, and 15 g m-2), respectively along with 1 kg m-2 of charcoal. Results showed that essential elements and heavy metals in soil were increased and improved with adding humic acid and charcoal, and then well-affected root ability to uptake nutrients. The great values of germination rate, leaf number (LN), and fresh and dry shoot weights were found when charcoal was stirred to the soil (83.33%, 15.67 LN plant-1, 10.91, and 2.24 t ha-1), respectively. While the longest root length was recorded when humic acid applied at rate of 10 g m-2 (24.22 cm), it was true about the enhancement of cluster roots. Despite that, humic acid at the rate of 15 g m-2 caused to improve fresh and dry root and shoot weights, which were compared to control treatment. The final results indicated that by adding humic acid (H), and charcoal (CH) could improve soil chemical properties, and then may affect positively microorganisms, which can promote plant growth by transforming, solubilizing, and mobilizing soil nutrients. As well, lupinus seemed as phytoremediation (uptake) in case of some heavy metals.