Reduced Soil Fertility Research Articles

TOBACCO PRODUCTION AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ON FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN BANGLADESH: A REGIONAL STUDY

Tobacco cultivation has increased in Bangladesh over the past few decades, raising significant concerns due to its economic, environmental, and health impacts on farm households. This study explored the socioeconomic aspects of farmers' lives associated with tobacco production, calculated its costs and benefits, identified determinants of net revenue, and suggested potential improvements for related issues. Primary data were collected using a random sampling technique involving interviews with 420 tobacco farmers through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interactions. The financial analysis of tobacco production in Bangladesh employed cost-benefit and multiple linear regression techniques, while the economic analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics reveal that net returns average TK 30,466, with significant variation in production costs, particularly in land use, labor, and processing, highlighting the economic complexities of tobacco farming. The results of the regression analysis show that land use and labor costs significantly impact net returns in tobacco farming. Land costs reduce profits, while labor and processing costs increase them, explaining 76% of the variation in net returns. The analysis indicates a net return of TK 32,050 per bigha, with a profit of TK 71.22 per kilogram of tobacco produced. A majority of respondents believe that tobacco farming reduces soil fertility (49.29%) and requires significant fertilizer (76.19%), while a significant number view it as a lucrative opportunity (85.71%) supported by company encouragement (79.37%). Furthermore, 75.47% perceive tobacco farming as a health risk, with nearly half acknowledging its negative environmental impacts (49.29%). Although tobacco production offers higher profitability, it poses severe health and environmental risks. To mitigate these effects, tobacco companies should pay attention to this fact and provide healthcare subsidies to farmers so that they can contribute positively to the national economy. Thus, farmers will benefit, and our country's economy will improve with production as well.

Peningkatan Produktivitas Hasil Pertanian Melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Cair dari Tanaman Purun

The influence of the utilization of chemical fertilizers on agricultural land has a negative impact on the environment since it can reduce soil fertility and pollute air and water. Currently, the use of chemical fertilizers is starting to be reduced. The development of organic fertilizers derived from natural ingredients began to be developed, where the advantages of using organic fertilizers are easy to obtain, environmentally friendly, and low production costs. The Community Empowerment Assistance Lecturer Program was carried out in Tuwung Village, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. This program is carried out in order to empower farmers as an effort to increase the productivity of their agricultural products. The aims of this program are; 1). Provide training to farmers related to how to make liquid organic fertilizer from purun plants; and 2). Determine the effectiveness of the implementation of training on increasing farmers' knowledge in making liquid organic fertilizer. Training activities were presented to the introduction of purun plants and their potential as materials for making liquid organic fertilizer. Next, the activity continued with a demonstration of how to make liquid organic fertilizer from purun plants. Finally, the farmers were asked to practice directly making liquid organic fertilizer. The results of this training had an positive response on the knowledge and skills of farmers in Tuwung Village, Pulang Pisau Regency, in making liquid organic fertilizer. In addition, this activity is considered effective and efficient based on the results of the evaluation in accordance with the target achievement.

Effects of Long-Term Soil Tillage Practices on Soil Organic C Accumulation Characteristics in Double-Cropped Rice Paddy

Unreasonable soil tillage measures have caused a sharp decline in the soil carbon (C) pool capacity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy fields, have reduced soil fertility, and have threatened the safe production of rice. Based on long-term position–location experiments started in 2005, this paper systematically studied the effects of different soil tillage treatments (CT: no return of plowing straw to the field as control; CTS: return of plowing straw to the field; NTS: return of no-tillage straw to the field; RTS: return of rotary plowing straw to the field) on soil physical and chemical properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation characteristics in rice paddy fields, in order to clarify the impact of different long-term soil tillage measures on soil carbon cycle microecology in double-cropped rice paddy fields and provide a theoretical basis for soil SOC sequestration and the sustainable utilization of rice paddy fields in double-cropped rice paddy fields in southern China. The results were as follows: A total of 30.7–40.7% of the SOC stored in rice paddy fields was residue C derived from microorganisms, and 45.7–54.2% of SOC accumulation came from plant residue-derived C. Straw return treatments (CTS, RTS, and NTS) significantly increased soil lignin phenol content and promoted the accumulation of plant-derived SOC. Soil lignin phenol content in the RTS treatment was significantly higher than that in the CTS treatment (p < 0.05). Amino sugar content in rhizosphere soil was higher than that in non-rhizosphere soil. The measure of returning straw to the field increased amino sugar content in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere. C derived from plants was greater than that from microbial residues in double-cropped rice paddy fields in southern China. Hence, no-till/rotary tillage and straw return can improve the sequestration of soil SOC, which is of great significance for achieving “C neutrality” and alleviating the pressure on food security.

Short-term continuous cropping leads to a decline in rhizosphere soil fertility by modulating the perilla root exudates

Continuous cropping obstacles are a prevalent issue in agricultural production worldwide. However, the key factors leading to these obstacles differ among various crops. This study utilized high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics to assess the community structure of microbes and the types and abundance of metabolites in rhizosphere soil after different continuous cropping years of Perilla frutescens L. Britt. (perilla). The results indicate that differential metabolites in soils of varying continuous cropping years are primarily associated with pathways for cellular lipid formation, oxidative stress responses, and energy metabolism. These findings suggest that the changes in soil composition over time are linked to specific biological processes related to lipid formation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the soil, such as Sphingomonas, Gemmatimonas, and Blastococcus, decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while harmful fungi, such as Neocosmospora and Didymella, increased in response to the increase in continuous cropping years (p < 0.05). The symbiotic network between bacteria and fungi has become less dense and stable after continuous cropping. Enzymatic activities in rhizosphere soil decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, and available potassium declined significantly (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis identified 10 differential secondary metabolites that were closely related to the relative abundance of key microorganisms. Among them, cinnamic acid and flavonoid compounds are key factors leading to changes in microbial diversity, and they can regulate the microorganisms-soil- plants interactions. In summary, this study provides a novel scientific explanation for how continuous cropping can reduce soil fertility and a theoretical basis for subsequent cultivation strategies of perilla.

Black Sands of Iwo Jima: How the Past Can Improve the Future of Warfare

Heavy metal soil contamination persists on Iwo Jima’s Invasion Beach, a site of historical significance from WWII, renowned for its critical role in the Pacific theater and its distinctive black volcanic sand. Despite the sand being collected as war memorabilia, limited research has specifically addressed the heavy metal composition of this sand and the associated contamination risks. This study aims to quantify heavy metal concentrations in soil samples from Invasion Beach, compare them with those from non-affected areas, identify sources of contamination, and assess the environmental and health impacts of these metals. Using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), soil samples were analyzed from various locations on Invasion Beach and compared to non-affected control sites. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), to compare the heavy metal concentrations between Iwo Jima and background samples. The t-tests and ANOVA revealed significant differences in the concentrations of metals such as chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg), with p-values indicating strong statistical significance (p < 0.05). Mann-Whitney U tests further confirmed significant distributional differences for Cr, Hg, and Zn, while the MANOVA results highlighted a significant overall difference in metal profiles when considering all metals collectively (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.020, p = 0.049). These elevated levels are directly attributed to the intensive military activities and munitions used during the war, as evidenced by the specific metal signatures consistent with military debris. This underscores the potential environmental and public health risks, including disruptions to nutrient cycles, reduced soil fertility, impaired plant growth, and contamination of groundwater and surface water. This research emphasizes the urgent need for adopting environmentally friendly military technologies to minimize the ecological impact of warfare. It also highlights the importance of further studies, the development of sustainable alternatives, increased public awareness, and the implementation of environmental regulations, alongside long-term health monitoring of populations living near contaminated sites. There is limited literature on general soil contamination and the environmental effects of military operations, with no specific studies on Iwo Jima’s Invasion Beach. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical data on heavy metal concentrations and analyzing their sources.

More than rubber: Exploring the benefits and practicalities of diverse intercropping systems in rubber plantations

Conventional monocrop rubber farming, while profitable, has led to significant environmental and socio-economic issues. These include deforestation, reduced soil fertility, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions. Economically, smallholder farmers face risks due to fluctuating rubber prices and income dependency on a single crop. This situation has resulted in low incomes, labour shortages, and, in some cases, abandonment of rubber plantations. Intercropping, or modern rubber agroforestry, offers a promising solution to these challenges. This approach involves planting other crops or trees alongside rubber, increasing revenue, enhancing soil properties, conserving moisture, reducing erosion and improving overall rubber crop yield. Various crops such as fruits (Salaca palm, gnetum, banana and lemon), vegetables (Cucumber, arrowroot, french bean, chilli, mung bean, broad leaf pumpkin, yam, cowpea and egusi melon), spices (Ginger, turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg) and medicinal plants (Sarpagandha, kalmegh, lesser galangal, satavar and long pepper) can be successfully grown with rubber. However, implementing intercropping systems comes with challenges, including potential adverse effects on rubber growth and yield if not appropriately managed. Farmers must implement good agricultural practices and integrated farming strategies to achieve sustainable economic and ecological benefits from rubber-based intercropping. This includes careful selection of cultivars, optimal planting and spacing, regular maintenance and balanced fertilizer application. This review explored essential intercropping practices and highlighted successful case studies within rubber plantations. While more complex than traditional monocropping, a well-managed intercropping system can provide diverse income sources, improve agro-biodiversity and contribute to more sustainable rubber farming practices.

Soil microbiological assessment on diversified annual cropping systems in China

Recent studies have demonstrated that monocropping of flue-cured tobacco can lead to various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, accumulation of allelopathic substances, and disturbance in soil microbial flora. While diversification in cropping systems has proven effective in alleviating monocropping barriers, however, further exploration is needed to understand the potential microbial mechanisms involved in this process. In our study, we set five cropping systems (RR: rice monocropping; TR: tobacco-rice rotation over 20 years; TRA: tobacco-rice-astragalus rotation; TRW: tobacco-rice-wheat rotation; TRO: tobacco-rice-oilseed rape rotation) to explore the impact on crop yield and quality, soil chemical properties, and microbial diversity. The results showed that the yield and gross margin were significantly decreased. Following diversification in cropping systems, particularly after implementing the TRA treatment, the yield and gross margin increased by 27.35% and 38.67%, respectively, compared to the TR treatment. Additionally, the presence of tobacco in the soil resulted in acidification, reduced soil fertility, and suppression of soil microorganism diversity and metabolite abundance. With diversification in cropping systems, there was an increase in soil pH, carbon and nitrogen cycle enzyme activities, and the relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms (acidobacteria, nitrospirillum, and ascomycota) and soil metabolites. Diversification in cropping systems has the potential to increase crop biomass, soil fertility, and soil microbial environment. Our results suggest a scientific foundation for implementing effective nutrient management practices and rational crop rotation systems.

Characterization and source apportionment of heavy metal pollution in soil around red mud disposal sites using absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression and positive matrix factorization models.

In recent years, industrial waste and agrochemicals have reduced soil fertility and productivity, significantly impacting food security and ecosystems. In China, areas near red mud deposits from the aluminum industry show severe heavy metal contamination. This study examines agricultural soil near a red mud site in Shanxi Province, analyzing Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, As, Cu, and Zn levels and distribution. Geostatistical methods and GIS are utilized to assess heavy metal pollution using the single factor index, the Nemerow integrated index, and the Hakanson potential ecological risk index. Absolute Principal Component Scores-Multiple Linear Regression (APCS-MLR) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) models are used for quantitative analysis of pollution sources. Research indicates that the average concentrations of eight heavy metals exceed the natural background values of Shanxi, placing them at a severe pollution level with moderate ecological risk. Specifically, indices for As, Pb, and Cr are 3.79, 3.38, and 3.26, indicating severe pollution; Cd, Cu, and Hg at 2.36, 2.62, and 3.00 suggest moderate pollution; Ni at 1.87 shows mild pollution, while Zn at 0.97 is not polluted. Hg presents the highest ecological risk with a coefficient of 120.00, followed by Cd (70.69) and As (37.92). Spatial analysis shows significant correlations among Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni, while Cr, Cd, Hg, and As show greater variability and weaker correlations. Both models identify five main sources: industrial activities, agricultural fertilizers, red mud leachate, energy combustion, and natural geological backgrounds, with respective contribution rates in the APCS-MLR model at 27.7%, 24.6%, 18.1%, 15.2%, and 14.4%, and in the PMF model at 29.2%, 21.5%, 16.9%, 16.7%, and 15.7%. This study offers a scientific basis for controlling soil pollution in the region, filling a literature gap.

ВЪЗДЕЙСТВИЕ НА STRIP-TILL ТЕХНОЛОГИЯТА ВЪРХУ СИСТЕМИТЕ НА ЗЕМЕДЕЛИЕТО

Farmers face the challenges of climate change and rising production costs, forcing them to apply the most efficient farming practices in order to achieve sustainable agriculture. More and more farmers are rethinking traditional tillage methods and introducing changes to implement more agroecological practices. Intensive farming brings with it negative consequences such as reduced soil fertility, loss of organic carbon, reduced biodiversity, and the excessive use of natural resources, which threatens sustainable agriculture. It is therefore important to place equal emphasis on both increasing crop productivity and focusing on, implementing, and using agri-environmental practices. Choosing the appropriate practice, such as working towards a no-till system or a more balanced strip-till approach, will lead to a positive impact on agriculture and the environment. The goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of agroecological practices, in particular strip-tillage, on environmental protection. The research methodology covers a literature review on the concept of strip-tillage technology, an analysis of the effects of the adoption of this technology in agriculture, and an assessment of the future prospects of strip-tillage for environmental protection.

Soil nitrogen-related functional genes undergo abundance changes during vegetation degradation in a Qinghai-Tibet Plateau wet meadow.

Our research investigates how the degradation of meadows affects the tiny organisms in soil that help plants use nitrogen, which is essential for their growth. In the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a region known for its unique ecosystems, we found that as meadows deteriorate-due to climate change and human activities-the number of these beneficial organisms significantly decreases. This decline could reduce soil fertility, impacting plant life and the overall health of the ecosystem. Understanding these changes helps us grasp how environmental pressures influence soil and plant health. Such knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to preserve these vulnerable ecosystems and ensure they continue to sustain biodiversity and provide resources for local communities.

Strengthen farmers' fertilizer self-sufficiency in the tourist area with a reduce-reuse-recycle system

Mining activities at Tebing Breksi are a vital source of income for the community in Sambirejo village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. However, these activities have caused several environmental issues, such as lowered pH levels, reduced soil fertility, shallow soil profiles, and water scarcity. Additionally, mining has led to biodiversity loss and land degradation, making post-mining reclamation essential to restore the area's environmental and social functions. This project aimed to enhance the community’s skills in soil analysis and the production of liquid organic fertilizer using effective methods. The activities took place in the Tebing Breksi tourist area, located in Nglengkong, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency. The project included a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), soil fertility analysis using test kits, and the creation of liquid organic fertilizer from household waste. During the FGD, it was discovered that the local community had not received prior training on producing fertilizer from household and organic waste. Until then, they relied on expensive commercial fertilizers to quickly stabilize soil pH. Through this training, the community learned how to perform rapid soil chemical analysis and produce liquid organic fertilizer independently. As a result, they can now apply the fertilizer locally, improving soil conditions and reducing their reliance on costly commercial products.

Pre-and post-landslide analyses for sustainable development in Kiarapandak area, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract The landslide in Kiarapandak has destroyed several dwellings, impaired farming and agriculture, and critical land formation. Analysing the conditions before and after the landslide is essential for supporting sustainable development, protecting the community, and mitigating environmental damage. This investigation employs Google Earth imagery, site surveys, field observations, landslide typology, and vulnerability assessments. The research area, Kiarapandak, is categorized as a landslide-prone typology Zone B with a predominantly 21%–40% slope and more than 40%. The vulnerability level is high. In the critical land created by the landslide, there is a reduction in soil fertility due to surface stripping, increased erosion, and surface runoff, causing sedimentation and river flooding. Land rehabilitation efforts are necessary to improve the quality of land resources in the post-landslide area and support the ecosystem while generating economic value for affected landowners. An agroforestry system, with a vertical arrangement of species strata, can be implemented in the post-landslide location to serve ecological and financial functions and optimize land resource quality through fertilizer application.

Determinants Of Adoption Of Soil Conservation Technologies Among Smallholder Farmers In Izzi Local Government Area Of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study examined the determinants of adoption of soil conservation technologies among smallholder farmers in Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents for the study. Data collected with the aid of structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farmers in the area had average age of 47 years and operated on 1.5 hectares of land with an average farm income of ₦152,125. Further analysis revealed that the smallholder farmers had an adoption index of 2.21 which implied that they used at least two (2) soil conservation technologies with an average source of information of 2.72 showing that they got information on soil conservation technologies from at least three different sources. Furthermore, results revealed erosion, deforestation, reduced soil fertility and indiscriminate bush burning as the forms of soil degradation existing in the area while adopted coping strategies were crop rotation, use of organic manure, intercropping practices, appropriate use of fertilizer, use of mixed cropping system and planting of trees. The results of OLS multiple regression analysis showed that the coefficient of multiple determination (R2 ) of the regression model was 0.760. This implies that seventy-six percent (76%) of the variations in level of soil conservation technology adoption were accounted for by the independent variables socio-economic characteristics of the smallholder farmers included in the model. The result of factor analysis identified social, institutional and economic factors as constraints militating against adoption of soil conservation technologies among the smallholder farmers in the study area. The rejected hypothesis concluded that there is a significant relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder farmers and their adoption of soil conservation technologies in the area. Based on the findings, the study recommends; that local government authorities and NGOs working in areas that are prone to soil fertility losses should introduce programmes that will train and promote soil conservation technologies to be adopted by farmers to improve productivity; provision of Infrastructural facilities such as good road network to ensure easy movement of agricultural inputs to the farmers field; and Agricultural extension services which are saddled with the responsibility of disseminating timely, complete actionable information should be re-positioned and strengthened to ensure smallholder farmers access to information, through appropriate channels.

Ecosystem services in mountain pastures: A complex network of site conditions, climate and management

Mountain pastures offer a multitude of ecosystem services (ES) such as fodder for ruminants, habitat for pollinators, climate change mitigation, aesthetic landscape for recreation, and biodiversity conservation. We aimed at analysing to which extend these ES are influenced by small-scale gradients of climate, site conditions and management – and to disentangle relationships among ES and the factors influencing them. Therefore, we quantified ES on six mountain summer farms in two contrasting regions in Switzerland: the Northern Alpine Foothills (lower elevation, higher precipitation, calcareous bedrock) and the Eastern Central Alps (higher elevation, lower precipitation, silicious bedrock). We measured six ES indicators (forage quantity, forage quality, carbon storage, colour abundance, resources for pollinators, plant diversity) and related them to explanatory factors of climate (temperature and precipitation), site conditions (soil fertility, soil acidity, terrain slope) and management (local grazing intensity, remoteness) in 66 study plots, i.e., 11 per farm. A holistic picture of the complex relationships among these factors was drawn by various statistical approaches: allometric line fitting, variance partitioning, and structural equations modelling. We found a huge heterogeneity of ES indicators and explanatory factors on each farm: the variability within farms was even higher than between regions. Variance partitioning and structural equations modelling demonstrated strongest influence of climate and site conditions and revealed trade-offs among ES indicators: High forage quantity and quality were associated with low plant diversity and grassland aesthetics, whereas diversity, aesthetics and pollinator resources were positively correlated with each other. ES indicators were explained by a range of climatic and topographic factors: High precipitation reduced plant diversity, whereas temperature increased forage quantity and quality; slope reduced soil fertility, forage quantity, forage quality and carbon storage; soil fertility in turn increased forage quantity; the farther away a pasture was from the main farm building, the lower was the forage quantity and the higher the plant diversity. Although allometric relations among local grazing intensity and ES indicators were strong, the direct influence of the management factors measured on ES was surprisingly small: Cattle preferred areas of high forage quantity and quality, and carbon storage was higher in these areas. On the other hand, places less visited by cattle offered more pollinator resources, and showed higher aesthetics and plant diversity. Trade-offs among ES prevent the realisation of all ES at the same place, but heterogeneity of mountain pastures allows to realise a broad bundle of contrasting ES on each individual summer farm.

Enhancing Leafy Vegetable Growth and Yield with Goat Urine, Moringa Leaf, and Banana Stem-based Liquid Organic Fertiliser

Pak choy and mustard greens are traditionally grown with many inorganic fertilisers, which can reduce soil fertility when applied frequently. The adoption of organic fertilisers offers a sustainable solution to this challenge. This study investigates the impact of liquid organic fertiliser (LOF) derived from goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems on the growth and yield of pak choy and mustard greens. The research design employed a randomised complete block design with four treatments and ten replications. These treatments included a control group, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK, inorganic fertiliser), 100% LOF, and a 50% NPK + 50% LOF blend. The application of LOF, sourced from goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems, demonstrated a significant influence on nearly all plant parameters. Notably, the 100% LOF treatment yielded the highest results for fresh leaf weight (26.46 g), fresh stalk weight (39.64 g), dry leaf weight (4.57 g), stem diameter (48.27 mm), Soil Plant Analysis Development value (SPAD, 40.73 units), plant height (31.59 cm), leaf width (8.45 cm), and leaf length (13.33 cm) for pak choy. Additionally, 100% LOF also produced the highest results for fresh leaf weight (21.34 g), dry root weight (0.31 g), stem diameter (21.53 mm), SPAD value (32.40 units), plant height (31.59 cm), leaf width (10.40 cm), and leaf length (15.65 cm) for mustard greens. This study demonstrates that a blend of goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems can be used as a LOF that can replace inorganic NPK fertilisers in growing pak choy and mustard. It not only addresses issues with soil fertility but also contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices.

DAMPAK KAWASAN INDUSTRI BATA MERAH TERHADAP KONDISI LAHAN DI DESA LEGU KECAMATAN SATAR MESE KABUPATEN MANGGARAI

This research aims: 1) to determine the impact of the red brick industry on land conditions, 2) the population used in this reseerch was 30 people and the samples tsken were 15 people, consisting of 5 red brick industry owners, 6 workers, 3 people from the community near the red brick industrial area, and 1 village official, namely the head of Legu Village. This research is qualitative research and the method used in this research is descritive method. Data collection methods use interviews, observation and documentation methods. The development of the red brick industry in Legu Village has had an impact, both positive and negative, and for the positive in has increased income for the people who work and opened up employment opportunities for the community and the negative impact has been that the large amount of land used to meet the needs oh the red brick industry has caused damage, on lands, such as erosion of the surface of the land which results in reduced soil fertility, as well as the large amount of land being converted for the red brick industry which will result in a lot of damage to the land. The existence of the red brick industry in Legu Village provides income for workes and owners of the red brick industry which provides opportunities for those who need work to meet their daily living needs. The development of the red brick industry in Legu Village, which in this case can damage the land used, but can increase income for workes to meet their daily needs.

Vermicompost Supply Enhances Fragrant-Rice Yield by Improving Soil Fertility and Eukaryotic Microbial Community Composition under Environmental Stress Conditions.

Heavy-metal contamination in agricultural soil, particularly of cadmium (Cd), poses serious threats to soil biodiversity, rice production, and food safety. Soil microbes improve soil fertility by regulating soil organic matter production, plant nutrient accumulation, and pollutant transformation. Addressing the impact of Cd toxicity on soil fungal community composition, soil health, and rice yield is urgently required for sustainable rice production. Vermicompost (VC) is an organic fertilizer that alleviates the toxic effects of Cd on soil microbial biodiversity and functionality and improves crop productivity sustainably. In the present study, we examined the effects of different doses of VC (i.e., 0, 3, and 6 tons ha-1) and levels of Cd stress (i.e., 0 and 25 mg Cd kg-1) on soil biochemical attributes, soil fungal community composition, and fragrant-rice grain yield. The results showed that the Cd toxicity significantly reduced soil fertility, eukaryotic microbial community composition and rice grain yield. However, the VC addition alleviated the Cd toxicity and significantly improved the soil fungal community; additionally, it enhanced the relative abundance of Ascomycota, Chlorophyta, Ciliophora, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycta in Cd-contaminated soils. Moreover, the VC addition enhanced the soil's chemical attributes, including soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), total nitrogen (TN), and microbial biomass C and N, compared to non-VC treated soil under Cd toxicity conditions. Similarly, the VC application significantly increased rice grain yield and decreased the Cd uptake in rice. One possible explanation for the reduced Cd uptake in plants is that VC amendments influence the soil's biological properties, which ultimately reduces soil Cd bioavailability and subsequently influences the Cd uptake and accumulation in rice plants. RDA analysis determined that the leading fungal species were highly related to soil environmental attributes and microbial biomass C and N production. However, the relative abundance levels of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycta were strongly associated with soil environmental variables. Thus, the outcomes of this study reveal that the use of VC in Cd-contaminated soils could be useful for sustainable rice production and safe utilization of Cd-polluted soil.

Climate-smart water management practices for sustainable agriculture in Uganda

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to assess climate-smart water management practices for sustainable agriculture in the Lake Mutanda catchment area, Kisoro District, Uganda. The study was led by specific objectives, specifically: assessing the effects of flooding on agricultural productivity, and smallholder farmer's responses to rainfall variability for the past 20–30 years, investigating climate-smart water management practices for sustainable agriculture, and analyzing the seasonal variations of the physicochemical water quality parameters. The study used a mixed research design, which used mixed methodologies to collect and analyze data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A straightforward random sampling approach was used to determine the sample size. Three hundred and ninety-seven respondents participated in the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using the R programming language, and qualitative data was analyzed using ATLAS.ti. The study identified climate-smart water management practices like mulching, terracing, contour farming, conservation tillage, agroforestry, and fertilizer management. Most of the respondents (29.7%) cited a reduction in soil fertility, 57.9% of the total sampled respondents had noticed changes in rainfall variability, and 67.3% reported a decrease in rainfall. The majority (38% of the participants) use mulching to reduce running water into the catchment areas. Turbidity, temperature, and DO were beyond the WHO-permitted levels.

Liquid Nano Urea: Step Forward to Smart Agriculture- A Review

Chemical fertilizer is necessary for the growth and development of crops. However, the efficiency of conventional chemical fertilizers is very low. Nowadays, fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) is the focus of agriculture cultivation practices to meet economic and environmental challenges. Around half of the total agricultural production relies on urea fertilizer, and the reduction in soil fertility has led to 3.56%. Liquid Nano Urea (LNU) can play a vital role in ensuring food security in Bangladesh. It can replace 50 % of conventional urea and can save subsidies to the govt. In addition, it is environmentally safe and reduces production costs, ensuring an increase in the total yield of 8-20%. Ensuring 90% work efficiency, the utilization of cutting-edge technologies and modern innovation in agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and efficiency in farming. Only two sprays of LNU can change the whole scenario of food safety. Recommended dose of optimize the use of nano urea for improved crop productivity and sustainability. The proper application of nano urea holds immense potential for enhancing crop production efficiency and sustainability.

Evaluation of soil microbial activity after application of Paenibacillus polymyxa-based biofertilizer in wheat field experiment

The establishment of eco-friendly principles in agriculture requires, from one side, a reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, and on the other, a maintenance of consistent yield and high plant productivity. Such substantial shift in the contemporary agricultural practices can be achieved only if a wide variety of alternative options is available. Furthermore, in order to become part of agricultural practices these options have to be affordable in a broad scale and effective against the loss of biodiversity and reduced soil fertility. The current study presents data about the metabolic activity and microbial community` structure in two soil samples – one treated with chemical fertilizer and another treated with chemical fertilizer reduced by 25% dose and supplemented with commercially available biofertilizer. Metabolic activity and properties of microbial soil communities were assessed by the BIOLOG® EcoPlate technique. The estimated parameters included average well-color development (AWCD) and utilisation of six guilds of substrates. Several functional indexes that are used for evaluation of community diversity and evenness were also estimated. The AWCD, expressed either as total activity or as guilds utilisation during the EcoPlate incubation period of seven days did not reveal significant difference between variants. However, most of the estimated functional indexes consistently indicated higher microbial diversity and more balanced structure of microbial community in the biofertilizer-supplemented variant. The results clearly implied that the biofertilizer based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria can positively influence the structure of soil communities and its application could be beneficial for soil fertility and plant productivity. Keywords: diazotroph, biofertilizer, BIOLOG® EcoPlate, functional indexes, metabolic activity, microbial communities