Soil Fertility Research Articles

A review of grass species yields and growth rates in Northland, New Zealand

ABSTRACT Pastoral farming is a major land use in New Zealand's Northland region, with 3,171 farm holdings and a total area of 637,500 hectares in 2022. The region's pasture grasses include temperate (C3) and subtropical and tropical (C4) grasses which support dairy, and sheep and beef production from grazing. In lowland areas, C3 and some annual C4 grasses are prevalent where cultivation occurs, while perennial C4 grasses dominate areas with low soil fertility and summer dry conditions. Grass-based pasture growth rates (kg dry matter/ha/day) from published and unpublished sources were assembled into the AgYields database. Among the resident and sown grasses tested in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Whangarei and Dargaville, perennial ryegrass represented ∼60% of the total data points. Dominant kikuyu pastures represented 23% and the remaining species represented 17%. Rates of growth ranged from 5 to 120 kg DM/ha/day, being lowest in late autumn-winter and highest in early summer. Data were compared and agronomic traits (i.e. drought tolerance, biomass production and tillering) are discussed to assess species suitability for the Northland environment. The medium-term prospect suggests an urgent need to improve research into management of cocksfoot and tall fescue-based pastures to provide viable alternatives to overcome the decreasing persistence of perennial ryegrass.

Linking phosphorus fertility to soil microbial diversity and network complexity in citrus orchards: Implications for sustainable agriculture

Continuous input of chemical fertilizers causes soil acidification, land degradation, and water eutrophication, but its impact on soil microbial communities and co-occurrence patterns of microboes is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of chemical fertilizer on bacterial community diversity and ecological network at 75 citrus sites in a watershed where chemical fertilizer is continuously applied. In addition, 25 natural forest sites adjacent to citrus sites were used as references to compare the potential effects of land conversion from natural forests to citrus orchards on soil bacterial diversity and microbial network. The results showed that the cultivation of citrus results in soil phosphorus (P) accumulation, with significantly higher available and mineral-bound phosphate contents than those found in soils of natural forests. Citrus soil average soil available P was 73.2 mg/kg, which was 20 times higher than that in forest soils. As the P content accumulates, soil bacterial Shannon index linearly decreases from 7.06 to 5.93 and is significantly lower than that of adjacent natural forest soils (7.13). Low P fertility soils have higher microbial network complexity and stability, containing more microbial communities and tighter relationships between microbes compared to higher P fertility soils. Soil P content and soil pH regulates soil microbial network complexity and stability. In addition, soil bacterial community structure in soils of natural forests is significantly different from that in citrus soils, and the bacterial community structure in high P soils is different from that in medium and low P soils. Soil P fertility reduces the relative abundance of dominant communities including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes, and also changes the relative abundance of some functional microbial communities, such as some phosphorus cycling microorganisms, including Acetobacteraceae and Beijerinckiaceae. In conclusion, soil phosphate accumulation severely alters soil bacterial community diversity, complexity, stability, and functionality. This could have negative impacts on soil functional stability and the sustainability of citrus orchards.

Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 activated nitrogen-related bacteria and genes in thermophilic stage of compost

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 on the bacterial community and nitrogen metabolism genes in the aerobic composting of pig manure. The experimental treatments were set up as control (C), 1% Ca(H2PO4)2 + 2% MgSO4 (CaPM1), and 1.5% Ca(H2PO4)2 + 3% MgSO4 (CaPM2), which were used at the end of composting for potting trials. The results showed that Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 played an excellent role in retaining nitrogen and increasing the alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) contents of the composts. Adding Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 changed the microbial community structure of the compost. The microorganisms associated with nitrogen retention were activated. The complexity of the microbial network was enhanced. Genetic prediction analysis showed that the addition of Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 reduced the accumulation of nitroso-nitrogen and the process of denitrification. At the same time, despite the reduction of genes related to nitrogen fixation, the conversion of ammonia to nitrogenous organic compounds was promoted and the stability of nitrogen was increased. Mantel test analysis showed that Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 can affect nitrogen transformation-related bacteria and thus indirectly affect nitrogen metabolism genes by influencing the temperature, pH, and organic matter (OM) of the compost and also directly affected nitrogen metabolism genes through PO43− and Mg2+. The pot experiment showed that composting with 1.5% Ca(H2PO4)2 + 3% MgSO4 produced the compost product that improved the growth yield and nutrient content of cilantro and increased the fertility of the soil. In conclusion, Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 reduces the loss of nitrogen from compost, activates nitrogen-related bacteria and genes in the thermophilic phase of composting, and improves the fertilizer efficiency of compost products.Key points• Ca(H2PO4)2 and MgSO4 reduced the nitrogen loss and improved the compost effect• Activated nitrogen-related bacteria and altered nitrogen metabolism genes• Improved the yield and quality of cilantro and fertility of soil

Restoration of the soil fertility under Cr(VI) and artificial drought condition by the utilization of plant growth-promoting Bacillus spp. SSAU2.

The study explores the potential of an indigenous halo-tolerant microbe identified as Bacillus spp. SSAU-2 in enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth for sustainable agricultural practices under the influence of multiple abiotic stresses such as Cr(VI), high salinity, and artificial drought condition. The study investigated various factors influencing IAA synthesis by SSAU-2, such as pH (5 to 11), salinity (10 to 50g/L), tryptophan concentration (0.5 to 1%), carbon (mannitol mand lactose), and nitrogen sources (peptone and tryptone). The highest IAA concentration was observed at pH 10 (1.695mg/ml) and pH 11 (0.782mg/ml). IAA synthesis was optimized at a salinity level of 30g/l, with lower and higher salinity levels resulting in decreased IAA concentrations. Notably, the presence of mannitol and lactose significantly augmented IAA synthesis, while glucose and sucrose had inhibitory effects. Furthermore, peptone and tryptone played a pivotal role in enhancing IAA synthesis, while ammonium chloride exerted an inhibitory influence. SSAU-2 showed a diverse array of capabilities, including the synthesis of gibberellins, extracellular polymeric substances, siderophores, and hydrogen cyanide along with nitrogen fixation and ammonia production. The microbe could efficiently tolerate 45% PEG-6000 concentration and effectively produce IAA in 15% PEG concentration. It could also tolerate high concentration of Cr(VI) and synthesize IAA even in 50ppm Cr(VI). The findings of this study provide valuable insights into harnessing the potential of indigenous microorganisms to promote plant growth, enhance soil fertility, and establish sustainable agricultural practices essential for restoring the health of ecosystems.

Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Dynamics under Different Legume-based Agroforestry Systems in Semi-arid Conditions of Haryana

Background: In order to support livelihoods, enhance food security, restore ecosystem services, and reduce pressure on forests, soil fertility can be improved by utilizing alternative land-use systems, such as agroforestry. Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different agroforestry systems on soil chemical properties and nutrient availability (macro and micro) during different seasons in Hisar, Haryana. Different systems include Poplar (Populus deltoides), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Melia (Melia composita), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) based agroforestry system (Cowpea-Wheat) and sole cropping of Cowpea-Wheat (as control). Soil samples were collected from 0-15 and 15-30 cm of soil depth during five seasons i.e., winter, spring, summer, rainy and autumn. Result: Soil EC, SOC and available macronutrients and micronutrients were significantly affected by the depth of sampling, systems and seasons while soil pH was not significantly affected by seasons. Lower soil pH and EC was observed from agroforestry systems as compared to sole cropping. Soil Organic Carbon, availability of N, P, K and S was significantly higher under tree based systems as compared to control. Maximum DTPA extractable Mn, Zn and Cu was observed under poplar based system while highest DTPA extractable Fe was observed under Melia based system during both the years. Significantly higher SOC and nutrient availability was observed during autumn, rainy and spring seasons as compared to winter and summer seasons, while reverse trend was observed for soil pH and EC among the seasons. Soil Organic Carbon, availability of macro and micronutrients decreased with increase in soil depth. Overall, the soil chemical properties and nutrient status of soil were comparatively better under tree based systems than sole cropping of Cowpea-Wheat.

Modeling with the controlling effects of inorganic fertilizers, earthworm population and soil fertility on agricultural crop production

Modeling with the controlling effects of inorganic fertilizers, earthworm population and soil fertility on agricultural crop production

Molecular identification and characterizations of rhizobacterial isolates collected from lentil rhizosphere of Indo-gangetic plains.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are also known to colonize in the soil rhizosphere and prevent the development of other soil borne pathogens residing in the root surface. These microorganisms play a vital role in growth and development of the plant and also enhances the soil fertility by enriching the soil with different beneficial nutrients. This study was aimed at isolation of different rhizobacteria and their molecular characterization in search of efficient bacterial strains with multiple growth regulating activities. A total 36 bacteria were isolated from lentil root nodule as well as soil from different lentil growing fields with a view to screen/evaluate their plant growth promoting potential. Morphological characterization of isolated rhizobacterial candidates were done by observing the colonies on YEMA and nutrient agar media. Determination of CFU, Congo red test and gram staining tests were done to further screen them according to their morphology. All the isolates were then undergone molecular phylogenetic analysis using the partial sequences of the 16S rDNA. Based upon the Gram staining test, all the isolates were negative in gram reaction except six Bacillus isolates, PSB2 and AB3. Results of Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for Nucleotide Sequences (BLASTn) from 16S rDNA gene sequences showed that these isolates are genetically diverse. A total of 15 isolates of Rhizobium, 6 isolates of Bacillus, 3 isolates of Pseudomonas, 2 isolates of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, 4 isolates of actinomycetes were identified by molecular sequencing of their 16S rDNA region and comparing them with the other isolates enlisted in the database of NCBI for the similarity percentage, query coverage. The purpose of the present study was to select native rhizosphere bacteria from the lentil nodule and soil of Lentil field and to evaluate their plant growth promoting potential as an alternative of chemical fertilizer for sustainable, environment friendly agriculture and assessment of their phylogenetic characterization.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Indian Diet

Micronutrient deficiency in the Indian diet poses a significant health challenge, impacting millions across the nation. The inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine, can lead to severe health issues, including anaemia, impaired cognitive development, and compromised immune function. One crucial factor contributing to micronutrient deficiency is soil pollution, which directly affects the nutritional content of vegetables and fruits. Soil pollution results from the presence of contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste, negatively impacting soil health and composition. As plants absorb nutrients from the soil, polluted soil leads to diminished nutrient uptake by crops, exacerbating the micronutrient deficiency in the food chain. The contamination of soil with heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals by plant roots. Consequently, vegetables and fruits grown in polluted soil may exhibit lower concentrations of vital micronutrients, even if individuals consume the same quantity of produce. This compromised nutritional quality directly contributes to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the Indian population. Addressing this issue necessitates a multi-faceted approach. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and soil remediation techniques, can help reduce soil pollution and enhance soil fertility. Additionally, promoting awareness about the importance of diversified diets and dietary supplements can empower communities to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Government initiatives, research collaborations, and public-private partnerships are essential to developing and implementing strategies that tackle both soil pollution and micronutrient deficiency in the Indian context, fostering a healthier and more resilient population. Keywords: Nutrients, Micronutrients, Indian diet, Vitamins, Supplements.

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

The Progress/Status of Ecological Assessment on the Intensive Land Use in Selenge and Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia

Abstract. The study area, it includes Darkhan-Uul and Selenge provinces of Mongolia, is included in the most favourable natural-geographical areas, and the migration of people with livestock from the peripheral areas has led to an increase in the population, as well as a sharp increase in the number of grazing animals, resulting in the effects of natural and human activities. give an evaluation, develop the basis for the proper use of the land in the future. In Mongolia, the methods and principles of land evaluation differ depending on the general classification and purpose of land, so considering these characteristics, land evaluation is carried out by (1) the Department of Agriculture, (2) the Department of Urban Development, Industry and Mines, (3) the Department of Roads and Networks, (4) it is divided into types of land with forest reserves (Tserenbaljir, B. Naranchimeg, 2004). In the "instructions for land evaluation" issued by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1976, in the assessment of land quality, in addition to the main indicators of soil fertility and moisture, climate, land cover and use, chemical pollutions such as an alkaline acidity. In the ecological assessment study, data on land use, soil, vegetation, climate, natural conditions, resources, socio-economic, satellite and field studies were collected in numerical and tabular form. The Ecological assessment in intensive land use is divided into qualitative and quantitative assessment. The Qualitative assessment predicts ecological properties. The Quantitative methods use multi-species numerical methods to record ecological elements and calculate the overall percentage of ecological characteristics.

Biochar in Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Productivity and Disease Resistance

Biochar, derived through pyrolysis, presents a promising solution to the challenges faced in sustainable agriculture. This review delves into the diverse advantages of employing biochar to enhance crop yields while promoting environmental responsibility. Its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature not only enrich soil fertility but also contribute to carbon capture, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, while its effectiveness in disease control may vary, biochar shows potential in bolstering crops against environmental pressures. By altering soil characteristics, it encourages the growth of beneficial microbes and improves nutrient availability, ultimately supporting plant vitality. Moreover, integrating biochar into agricultural systems may prompt biochemical and physiological changes that activate plant defences against pathogens. This study thoroughly assesses biochar's impacts on soil health, crop output, and disease prevention, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing sustainable farming practices. Embracing biochar as a strategic resource offers great potential for cultivating resilient and environmentally friendly farming methods, marking a significant step towards sustainable crop disease management.

Effect of Mulberry Stalk Biochar on Soil Nutrients Status and Productivity of Mulberry (Morus alba L.)

Biochar as an organic amendment improves soil attributes, with a potentially significant effect on soil fertility. The main objective of this study was to quantify the effect of biochar addition on nutrients status in mulberry cultivated soil. A field experiment was conducted in the mulberry crop to know the effect of soil application of mulberry stalk biochar on nutrients build up in soil at farmer’s field at Sidlaghatta (TQ), Chikkaballapura District during 2020-2021 (rabi2020, summer and kharif-2021). A randomized block design was employed with eight treatments replicated thrice T1: Control (NPK375:140:140 kg ha-1 alone) T2: POP (FYM (25 t ha-1) + NPK 375:140:140 kg ha-1) T3: Soil application of biochar @ 5 t ha-1T4: Soil application of biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 T5: Soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1T6: Soil application of biochar @ 5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1T7: Soil application of biochar @7.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1T8: Soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1NPK is common for all the treatments. Combined soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1 (T8) increased the leaf yield (13.07 t ha-1) by 21 % over control (10.45 t ha-1 Significantly higher soil primary, secondary and micronutrients were recorded in T8 (soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1) followed by treatment T7 which received soil application of biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1. The lower soil primary, secondary and micronutrients were recorded in T1 which is devoid of biochar. The findings revealed that utilization of mulberry stalk as a biochar has positive effect on the improvement of nutrient status and it could partly replace chemical fertilizers and promote organic farming in a circular economy concept.

Dolomitic lime and silicate in no‐till: Nutritional status, soil fertility, and soybean agronomic performance

AbstractLimestone is the most widely used agricultural input for soil acidity correction and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) fertilization. However, other materials have the potential to fulfill these purposes, such as steel slags, also known as silicates. Silicates have higher solubility than limestone, serving as agents for increase pH in no‐till, in addition to being a source of Ca, Mg, and silicon (Si). This study aimed to compare the effects of surface application of dolomitic lime and calcium magnesium silicate on soil chemical properties, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] nutritional status, and grain yield under no‐till. The experiment was installed in the northwest Paraná State, Brazil, on a Rhodic Eutrustox. Lime and silicate rates were applied by broadcasting before the sowing of soybean. Silicate treatment increases soil Ca2+, pH, and base saturation up to a depth of 0.10 m. By contrast, liming effects on soil chemistry were restricted to the 0.05 m top layer after 24 months of application. The acidity correction and Ca2+ supply to greater soil depths and the increased leaf Si as a beneficial element provided by silicate treatment contributed to increasing soybean yield in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. Lime application, regardless of the rate, did not improve soybean yield. Waste from the steel industry can be used as acidity correctives and source of Si, Ca, and Mg, improving the agronomic performance of soybean.

Effects of integrated nutrient management and fertilizers on the yield of baby corn in Punjab's climatic context

The combined impacts of climate change and increased chemical fertilizer use are diminishing soil fertility, thereby reducing agricultural productivity and farmland yield potential. This study investigates the effect of integrated nutrient management on baby corn. Results showed that the highest cob length (14.28 cm) and green fodder yield (45.56 t ha-1) were achieved using elevated levels of nitrogen (160 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (120 kg ha-1), supplemented with zinc (6 kg ha-1) and Azotobacter. Soil nutrient availability was assessed, indicating that treatment with 160 kg N + 100 kg P + 6 kg Zn + Azotobacter results in available nitrogen levels of 277.2 kg ha-1 and the highest organic carbon content (0.26%). Available phosphorus content (ranging from 24.1 to 24.3 kg P ha-1) is observed with 120 kg P. Nutritional quality parameters were also influenced by nutrient levels, with the treatment of 160 kg N + 120 kg P + 6 kg Zn + Azotobacter showing the highest total soluble solids (11.2% brix) and protein content (17.9%). The treatment of 140 kg N + 100 kg P + 6 kg Zn exhibits the maximum fiber content (26.5%). In summary, the study underscores the positive impact of biofertilizers and zinc on fodder yield and soil properties. Integrating biofertilizers and micronutrients is recommended for sustaining agriculture and maintaining soil health over the long term.

Integrated Application of Silicic and Humic Acid Seed Priming for Enhanced Germination and Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

Background: Lentil is second most important nutritionally dense pulse crop of India due to its ability to fix nitrogen, helps to maintain soil fertility and increase yield of other crops grown in rotations. Seed priming is a good innovative technology for improvement of emergence and plant stand under various stress conditions and also could enhance various defense mechanisms in seeds against biotic and abiotic stresses. The present study aimed to examine the effect of seed priming with silicic acid (3 mM @18 hr), humic acid (600 ppm @18 hr) and combination of humic and silicic acid (100 ppm + 1 mM @ 16 hr), that may reduce harmful effect of stress at seedling stage and improve early seedling vigor. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation during 2022-2023, seed quality and yield quality attributing parameters i.e. germination percentage, seed vigor index-I and II, total chlorophyll, emergence percentage, final plant stand, final plant stand emergence, plant height, secondary branches, tertiary branches, number of pod per plant, average number of pod per plant, pod cluster, seed yield per plot and yield per plot were recorded in both laboratory and field conditions. Result: The results demonstrated a positive effect of seed priming on seed quality parameters against the stress. The highest seed quality and yield quality attributing parameter was recorded in treatment (T5) combination of humic and silicic acid as compare to control. The chemical priming with combination of humic and silicic acid was found to be most effective treatment to enhance plant stand establishment against stress.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and phytochemical profile of Pennisetum glaucum cultivated in central-southern Morocco and imported from India

Alternative methods of producing food sustainably are being considered due to rapid expanding population, increasing food needs, declining agricultural soils fertility, and ongoing drought. To achieve that, we examined the pharmacological, functional, and nutritional characteristics of two cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which are distinguished by their ability to tolerate a variety of climates compared to other cereal grains. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of two seeds cultivars: one cultivated in Morocco and the other grown in India. In addition to having a higher energy value (403.91 Kcal), higher protein (9.13 %) and lipid content (7.11 %), and a lower capacity for self-oxidation than the Indian variety due to its fatty acid composition, the content of phenolic compounds of Moroccan millet is well concentrated in its seeds, making it more powerful as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic plant. The ethanolic extract of Moroccan pearl millet showed the greatest total phenolic content (36.278 mg GAE/g extract), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 152.286 and 252.480 μg/mL respectively), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 84.439 μg/mL and 224.103 μg/mL respectively). The evidence gathered in this study indicates that P.glaucum possesses characteristics that qualify it as a food, medicinal, and productive plant.

Aquaculture Floc Waste Addition Facilitates Soil Fertility, Growth Performance of Crown Daisy (Glebionis Coronaria (L.) Cass. ex Spach) and Community Composition of Rhizobacteria

Aquaculture Floc Waste Addition Facilitates Soil Fertility, Growth Performance of Crown Daisy (Glebionis Coronaria (L.) Cass. ex Spach) and Community Composition of Rhizobacteria

Factors influencing small holder farmers adoption of climate SMART agriculture practices in Welmera Woreda, Central Ethiopia

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs.

Influence of cultivation methods on the soil aggregate state in the context of weed development in winter wheat plantations

Weed control in winter wheat crops is an important issue. There is a risk of increasing populations of certain weed species that are resistant to some of herbicides used for winter wheat crops. This could be controlled by a combination of agronomic, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. After introducing winter wheat into the rotation and improving tillage, the weediness of regular black soils with perennial root and emerged weeds were significantly reduced. The formation of nodal and rudimentary roots had a significant effect on the productivity of winter wheat under different soil moisture conditions. The highest yield of winter wheat was obtained when sown at the optimum time, with higher stem density and ear productivity due to better grain fullness. We studied what effects did the tillage methods have on the aggregate state of the soil in relation to weed development in winter wheat crops, finding that the structural and aggregate composition of the soil played an important role in winter wheat crops, influencing both the development of the crop root system and the water-physical balance of the chernozem, as well as naturally influencing the course of erosion processes in the experimental plots, and having a universal dynamic in terms of adaptation of aggregation and disaggregation processes. Prolonged mechanical stress on soil can cause destruction of its structure. For instance, continuous ploughing or moldboardless tillage with little or no manure application may permanently reduce soil fertility by increasing humus mineralisation. Subsequently, these factors may cause a significant decline in the soil's structural and aggregate composition, resulting in larger amounts of dusty particles smaller than 0.25 mm and cloddy particles larger than 10–12 mm. The soil's structural condition before sowing winter wheat in early September, on average for 2011–2016, indicates increased dispersion of the tilth layer (0–10 cm) in the experimental variants where shallow disc tillage of 10–12 cm was applied. Increase in the number of clods larger than 10 mm in the areas where moldboardless tillage had been applied can be attributed to significant soil drainage. The soil's aggregate state was rated as good, with 8.7% in the 0–10 cm soil layer and 1.7% of clods > 10 mm in the 0–30 cm layer. In 2014–2016, it was rated as satisfactory, with 7.4% and 9.8% of clods > 10 mm, respectively. Shallow disc cultivation resulted in slightly worse indicators: 6.6% and 8.3% of clods > 10 mm in soil layer 0–10 cm and 0–30 cm, respectively, in 2011–2013; and 7.2% and 6.9% of clods > 10 mm, respectively, in 2014–2016. In general, the parameters of optimal structural condition were positive. The tillage method used had a considerable effect on weed growth and development, particularly for those with a root and rhizome structure. It also affected the prevalence and development of pests and diseases in winter wheat. Agrotechnical methods of weed control do not guarantee complete destruction of weeds. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Post-harvest residues (4–5 t/ha) can provide almost complete protection against weeds by covering the soil surface. However, pests and diseases may spread more easily due to preservation of fungal spores on the surface of plant residues and preservation of pest larvae in the straw and soil. The distribution of weed seeds in the soil was altered when the rotational tillage of common chernozems in winter wheat cultivation technology had been replaced with energy–saving minimum tillage (shallow flat-cutting disc tillage). This resulted in the concentration of most of the weed seeds (85–90%) in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm).

Decrease in fertility of typical chernozem due to long-term anthropogenic pressure in grain-beet crop rotations

The saturation of sugar beet rotations under different fertilizer application systems and long-term cultivation induces significant changes in soil properties, leading to decreases in humus content, mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The study was conducted in a stationary multifactorial experiment in grain-beet crop rotations: crop rotation, row-crop, and grain-row crop rotations with the application of 40 t/ha of manure under sugar beets + NPK 100:90:90 and a variant without fertilizers. The paper presents the results of monitoring changes in humus content during each rotation, reduction of humus reserves in the plow layer, and physicochemical and agrochemical soil indicators. In the variants without fertilizers, we observed 0.24–0.41% decline in humus content in all crop rotations during 3 rotations of ten-field crop rotations (30 years). Overall, there occurred 0.89–1.00% decrease over 50 years of anthropogenic influence, equivalent to 31.8–35.7 t/ha, or 23.1–26.1% of initial reserves per hectare. Despite application of 40 t/ha of manure + NPK 100:90:90 under sugar beets, humus loss was 27.5 t/ha in the row-crop rotation and 16.8 t/ha in the grain-row crop rotation. Fertilizer application led to increase in exchangeable and hydrolytic soil acidity. With the application of 6.7 t/ha of manure + NPK 53:42:42 per 1 ha of crop rotation area, there was a tendency towards increase in mineral nitrogen content, mobile phosphorus doubled to 280.1–302.8 mg/kg compared to the variant without fertilizers, and exchangeable potassium decreased regardless of the fertilization system, which was associated with its utilization by plants. Sugar-beet yield increased to 44.76 t/ha in the crop-rotation under the organo-mineral-fertilizer application system, exceeding the spring wheat rotation by 4.63 t/ha and the variants without fertilizers by 2.45–2.72 times. Therefore, the modern fertilizer application system under sugar beets did not ensure stabilization of humus content in the soil and increased its acidity. It is necessary to more broadly use cover crops in crop rotations, incorporate crop residues, and apply biological preparations to improve soil fertility.