Restoring Soil Health Research Articles

Screening and scoping of precursors associated to the production of Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer

In the rural scenario, cow-excreta-based bio-fertilizer development necessitates the utilization of cheaper protein and sugar sources such as jaggery and gram flour respectively. This article addresses the screening and identification of critical precursors associated with the development of low-cost and macronutrient-rich cow dung-based Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer solid formulations. Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) statistical tool was deployed to screen and identify critical precursors among jaggery (A), gram flour (B), moisture content (C), soil (D) and pH (E). Two diverse parametric ranges (SH and SL) were considered to evaluate the chosen parametric range on the screening outcomes using Minitab 16.0 (USA). Ammonium nitrogen (AN) and phosphate (P) were considered as response variables in the conducted investigations. Thereby, twenty-four duplicate sets of experiments were performed from May to July. For a variation in A-C, D and E from 0.005 to 0.04 kg/L, 0.05–0.4 kg and 3–8, the AN and P varied from 49.8 ± 0.18 to 388.6 ± 0.73 and 606.5 ± 3.08 to 1248.1 ± 1.89 mg/L respectively. Pareto charts associated along with analysis of variance (ANOVA) characteristics affirmed high confidence level (95%), lower p-value (<0.05), higher F-value for screened parameters, etc. Best screened parameters were identified by PBD for their compositional fitness towards the improvement of nutrient content in the Jeevamrutha formulation. The major findings of this work shall contribute towards enhanced sustainability of the rural economy and minimized utility of hazardous chemical fertilizers for the sustained restoration of soil health and quality.

SUSTAINABLE SUGARCANE CROPPING IN CHINA

<List> <ListItem><ItemContent> ● Cost escalation and declining profits evident in sugarcane production in China. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> ● Monoculture and fertilizer overuse causes poor soil health, crop productivity plateau. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> ● Matching crop nutrient demand and supply key to recovery of sugarcane soils. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> ● Inorganic inputs need to be replaced with organic sources to restore soil health and sustainability. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> ● Integrated multidisciplinary solution for sustainable sugarcane cropping system needed. </ItemContent></ListItem></List> Demand for sugar is projected to grow in China for the foreseeable future. However, sugarcane production is unlikely to increase due to increasing production cost and decreasing profit margin. The persisting sugarcane yield plateau and the current cropping system with fertilizer overuse, soil acidification and pests and diseases remain the major productivity constraints. Sugarcane agriculture supports the livelihood of about 28 million farmers in South China; hence, sustaining it is a socioeconomic imperative. More compellingly, to meet the ever-increasing Chinese market demand, annual sugar production must be increased from the current 10 Mt to 16 Mt by 2030 of which 80% to 90% comes from sugarcane. Therefore, increasing sugar yield and crop productivity in an environmentally sustainable way must be a priority. This review examines the current Chinese sugarcane production system and discuss options for its transition to a green, sustainable cropping system, which is vital for the long-term viability of the industry. This analysis shows that reducing chemical inputs, preventing soil degradation, improving soil health, managing water deficit, provision of clean planting material, and consolidation of small farm holdings are critical requirements to transform the current farming practices into an economically and environmentally sustainable sugarcane cropping system.

Changes in soil organic matter fractions induced by cropland and pasture expansion in Brazil's new agricultural frontier

Recently, the so-called Matopiba region (northeastern Brazil) has experienced an accelerated agricultural expansion, with large areas of native vegetation (NV: Cerrado biome) converted to extensive pasture (PA) and cropland under no-tillage (CL). However, because soils from this region contain a large amount of sand (> 60%) and a high susceptibility to erosion, concerns have been raised about the impacts of land-use change (LUC) on soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics. Therefore, we assessed the magnitude that agricultural expansion affects SOM fractions in the most common LUC scenarios observed in the Matopiba region. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 1-m in three adjacent sites (i.e., NV, PA, and CL) located in a representative agricultural area of the region. Soil organic matter was physically fractioned into particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM); and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) were determined in SOM fractions, in addition to in bulk soil samples. Additionally, the C management index (CMI) was used as a proxy to infer soil health changes. The conversion from NV to PA decreased C (by ~28 Mg ha−1 at 0–100 cm) and N (by ~0.5 Mg ha−1 at 0–50 cm) stocks at an annual loss rate of ~1.3 and 0.02 Mg ha−1, respectively. Carbon loss occurred in both POM and MAOM fractions, which were lower in ~36% and 34%, respectively, compared with NV (0–100 cm). This C depletion resulted in the smallest CMI value (75%) in the 0–30 cm soil layer in PA. The conversion from NV to CL had no effect on total C and N stocks (0–100 cm), but impacted C dynamics in SOM fractions. A lower value was observed for MAOM-C (~22%) in the 30–70 cm layer compared to NV, but the C accrual in the POM fraction (~24%) in the uppermost soil layers (0–30 cm) offset MAOM-C loss. This increase in the POM stocks enhanced the CMI, which was 37% higher than NV for the 0–30 cm layer. Our results revealed that PA expansion in the Matopiba region, besides declining C and N levels, reduced soil health as indicated by the low CMI values. On the other hand, land conversion from NV to CL did not impact C and N stocks and increased CMI. However, we advocated that agriculture expansion over NV areas is not a sensible option to promote the region's sustainable development. It should be prioritized on degraded PA areas and be based on best management practices as a strategy to recarbonize PA soils and restore soil health. This is paramount to mitigate climate change and increase sustainable food production in the Matopiba region over time.

Organic fertigation system in saline‐sodic soils: A new paradigm for the restoration of soil health

AbstractA continuous decline in soil organic C (SOC) and an increase in salt‐affected areas are a challenge to future sustainability. We searched on the scientific databases of Web of Science, Scopus (Elsevier) database, and Google. We reviewed 101 studies of the last 25 yr with the following keywords: drip irrigation, fertigation system, liquid biochar, liquid organic, organic fertigation, saline‐sodic soils, and salinization. Our objectives were to identify knowledge gaps to direct future organic research and assess the effect of organic amendments on meeting the plant's N, P, and K requirements in saline‐sodic soils. The review showed that organic fertigation systems reduce salt concentration in irrigation water and inhibit glutamine synthetase by N‐fixing diazotrophs. The system increases photosynthetic activities in plants, microbial biomass C, bacterial colonization, plant–mycorrhizal association, and phospholipid‐derived fatty acids from microbes. It increases essential soil nutrients, including SOC; increases salt/water stress tolerance; and reduces Na+ ion toxicity in plants by regulating abscisic acid pathways in saline‐sodic soils. It creates a conducive environment for phosphatase, dehydrogenase, urease, protease, α‐amylase, and gibberellins. This review sketches the role of silicic acid, salicylic acid, and liquid organics in plant growth mechanisms: enhanced photosynthesis, increased salt/water tolerance, and reduced Na+ toxicity. It suggests novel strategies to develop a task force to promote a community–corporate farming system to adopt cost‐effective green technologies for bioresource regeneration, diverse market production, and social capital generation. We develop a synergy between organic fertigation system and community–corporate farming to bring much‐needed agricultural sustainability.

Frequent stover mulching builds healthy soil and sustainable agriculture in Mollisols

Returning plant residue to farmland maintains or enhances the fertility and productivity of soils to offset degradation of soil quality in cultivated agricultural ecosystems. Although stover mulching serves as a manageable, efficient practice that has been widely used to restore soil health and to sustain ecosystems, it is unclear how changing the frequency and quantity of stover mulching in the long run affects the soil ecosystem, and it remains elusive what the underlying mechanisms are that associated with the features and responses of belowground microbiomes in the process. Here, we investigated a China Mollisol subjected to a 10-year, no-till management scheme with two-level frequencies (i.e., high frequency with continuous mulching per year and low frequency with interval mulching every 3 years) and two-level quantities (i.e., low quantity, 33%, and high quantity, 67%) of maize stover mulching. We found that the frequency, but not the quantity, significantly influenced life-history strategies of bacterial communities and crop yields. Specifically, frequency of stover mulching significantly affected structure of bacterial communities in deeper soil layers at 5–10 cm and 10–20 cm; at 5–10 cm, high frequency of stover mulching showed significantly higher bacterial diversity and richness than low frequency mulching. The complex and close-knit co-occurrence network of bacterial communities in soils under high frequency stover mulching was associated predominately with copiotrophs (e.g., Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria) and potential metabolic functions that involved carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids; under low frequency stover mulching, the simple and loose co-occurrence networks were associated with oligotrophs (e.g., Arthrobacter) and potential functions that involved cell processes. We also found that high frequency stover mulching maintained the storage of soil organic carbon, improved the stocks of soil total phosphorus at 16.0% and potassium at 4.7%, and enhanced crop productivity at 14.1% than low frequency, independent of the quantity of stover mulching. Together, we suggest maintaining a low-quantity while high-frequency of mulch might efficiently boost soil health without compromising crop yields and as well optimize the use of stover. Our study revealed that applying a small quantity of stover mulching at high frequency might be sufficient for regenerative agriculture by efficiently improving soil health.

Soil and land use factors control organic carbon status and accumulation in agricultural soils of Lower Austria

Policies for restoring soil health and mitigating climate change require information on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and their spatial and temporal variation, and related sequestration potentials. Using the province of Lower Austria as environmentally diverse model region, we present a detailed analysis of SOC stocks, saturation potentials and deficits along with SOC monitoring data for the past three decades.Using the provincés soil database (sampling 1991) we estimated the saturation potential for mineral-protected C (Csat) by boundary line regression to the particle fraction <20 µm (f<20µm). Compared to published work, parameterization by Lower Austrian data yielded considerably larger Csat values which agree well with independent maximum organic C load estimates based on specific surface area. Csat is particularly small in topsoils of regions with non-calcareous igneous rock, but large on fine-textured quaternary and tertiary sediments, and weathering residuals of carbonate rock. During the past three decades, the medians of SOC in grassland topsoils (0–20 cm) increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 29.7% from 39.4 to 51.1 g kg−1, corresponding to annual accumulation rates of 0.87 Mg C ha−1. SOC in cultivated soils increased by 17.1% from 12.7 to 14.8 g kg−1 (0.20 Mg C ha−1 y−1). Because of the large initial C gap, the observed SOC accumulation is not related to Cdef but likely reflects improved soil management.

Crop Litter Has a Strong Effect on Soil Organic Matter Sequestration in Semi-Arid Environments

The agricultural soils in the Mediterranean are characterized by low stocks of soil organic matter (SOM) because of the intensive management practices and constraints on litter inputs to the soil imposed by environmental conditions (low precipitation, high evapotranspiration). To date, several studies have provided evidence for a low potential of Mediterranean agroecosystems, especially on its southern part, to store C, even under soil conservation practices (e.g., non-tillage), questioning the capacity of commonly applied practices to restore soil health, mitigate climate change and improve resilience of agroecosystems to climate extremes. Using paired orchards of avocado and olive trees, we show that soils in the South Mediterranean have a high potential for C storage that depends strongly on crop type and soil properties. Soils planted with avocado trees showed higher SOM contents compared to olive trees mainly in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm) which were linked to higher inputs and litter chemistry. Our findings enable us to re-define achievable thresholds of SOC (≈8%) in Southern Mediterranean soils to store C, to quantify the effect of different cropping systems, and the period required to reach this potential and how this potential is affected by soil properties. Thus, the findings have profound implications for the design of soil conservation practices compatible with Mediterranean conditions and developing initiatives describing achievable targets of SOM restoration depending on soil properties and cropping systems.

Logging residues promote rapid restoration of soil health after clear-cutting of rubber plantations at two sites with contrasting soils in Africa

Soil health is defined as the soil's capacity to deliver ecosystem functions within environmental constraints. On tree plantations, clear-cutting and land preparation between two crop cycles cause severe physical disturbances to the soil and seriously deplete soil organic carbon and biodiversity. Rubber, one of the main tropical perennial crops worldwide, has a plantation life cycle of 25 to 40 years, with successive replanting cycles on the same plot. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of clear-cutting disturbance on three soil functions (carbon transformation, nutrient cycling and structure maintenance) and their restoration after the planting of the new rubber crop, in two contrasting soil situations (Arenosol and Ferralsol) in Côte d'Ivoire. In this 18-month diachronic study, we intensively measured soil functions under different scenarios as regards the management of logging residues and the use or not of a legume cover crop. We investigated the relationship between soil macrofauna diversity and soil heath. At both sites, clear-cutting and land preparation disturbed carbon transformation and nutrient cycling significantly and, to a lesser extent, structure maintenance function. When logging residues were applied, carbon transformation and structure maintenance functions were fully restored within 12 to 18 months after disturbance. By contrast, no restoration of nutrient cycling was observed over the study period. A legume cover crop mainly improved the restoration of carbon transformation. We found a strong relationship (P ≤ 0.001; R2 = 0.62–0.66) between soil macrofauna diversity and soil health. Our overall results were very similar at the two sites, despite their contrasting soil conditions. Keeping logging residues in the plots and sowing a legume in the inter-row at replanting accelerated the restoration of soil functions after major disturbance caused by clear-cutting and land preparation. Our results confirm the necessity of taking soil macrofauna diversity into account in the management of tropical perennial crops.

Plant-Microbe Interaction: Aboveground to Belowground, from the Good to the Bad.

Soil health and fertility issues are constantly addressed in the agricultural industry. Through the continuous and prolonged use of chemical heavy agricultural systems, most agricultural lands have been impacted, resulting in plateaued or reduced productivity. As such, to invigorate the agricultural industry, we would have to resort to alternative practices that will restore soil health and fertility. Therefore, in recent decades, studies have been directed towards taking a Magellan voyage of the soil rhizosphere region, to identify the diversity, density, and microbial population structure of the soil, and predict possible ways to restore soil health. Microbes that inhabit this region possess niche functions, such as the stimulation or promotion of plant growth, disease suppression, management of toxicity, and the cycling and utilization of nutrients. Therefore, studies should be conducted to identify microbes or groups of organisms that have assigned niche functions. Based on the above, this article reviews the aboveground and below-ground microbiomes, their roles in plant immunity, physiological functions, and challenges and tools available in studying these organisms. The information collected over the years may contribute toward future applications, and in designing sustainable agriculture.

Biomass ash formulations as sustainable improvers for mining soil health recovery: Linking soil properties and ecotoxicity

There is a growing need to recover degraded soils to restore their essential ecosystem services and limit damages of anthropic activities onto these systems. Safe and sustainable solutions for long-term recovery must be designed, ideally by recycling existing resources. Using ash from combustion of residual forest biomass at the pulp and paper industry is an interesting and sustainable strategy to recover mining soils. However, formulations must be found to limit the potential toxicity associated with soluble salts and chloride that ash contains. Here, we assessed the effectiveness of three field ash-based amendments for the recovery of three highly acidic soils from Portuguese abandoned mines. Three amendments were tested: an un-stabilized mixture of ash and biological sludge, granulated ash, and granulated ash mixed with composted sludge. One year after application in open field plots (in the scope of LIFE No_Waste project), soil health restoration was evaluated through (i) soil physico-chemical characterization and (ii) soil habitat functions though standardized ecotoxicological tests.This study highlights that stabilized materials provided nutrients, organic matter and alkalinity that corrected soil pH and decreased metal bioavailability, while controlling the release of soluble salts and chloride from ash. This soil improvement correlated with improved soil model organisms’ reproduction and survival. For similar amendment, the native soil properties studied (as soil native electrical conductivity) affected the level of organism response.This work provides evidence that ash stabilization, formulation and supplementation with organic matter could be sustainable strategies to restore highly degraded mining soils and to recover their ecological functions. It further highlights the importance of analyzing combined effects on soil physico-chemical properties and ecological function recovery to assess restoration strategy efficiencies in complex multi-stressor environments.

Soil fertility and nutrient uptake of rice influenced by plant growth promoting microbes, seaweed extract and humic acid fortified in situ rice residue compost

Purpose Intensive rice cultivation, non-addition of organic matter and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers lead to soil fertility deterioration; on other side, farmers are burning huge quantities of rice residue causing severe air pollution warrants pragmatic disposal solution. In situ composting is considered as a potential alternative to destruction of crop residues. Moreover, fortification of crop residue with beneficial microbes and bio stimulants increase the availability of nutrients which constitutes an integral component in sustainable agriculture.The objective was to evaluate the effect of in situ rice residue compost fortification with PGPM consortia, humic acid and seaweed extract on the soil nutrient availability and uptake by rice. Method The experiment was conducted in a RBD at field condition. Rice was grown under 10 treatments comprising a control (100 % NPK) and nine treatments (in situ rice residue, fortified FYM, fortified in situ rice residue along with 100, 75 and 50 % NPK). Results In situ rice residue fortified with PGPM consortia, humic acid and seaweed extract significantly improved the soil carbon, nutrients' availability (macro and micro) and soil fertility. Combined application of fortified rice residue compost with 75% NPK resulted in significantly higher rice yields (grain 6.03 t ha-1 and straw 8.57 t ha-1) and nutrient uptake. Conclusion In situ rice residue composting provides promising straw disposal method as well as recoups lost share of organic matter and nutrients to soil. Farmers may adapt in situ compost to restore soil health without causing environmental hazard and also sustain crop productivity.

Optimizing interaction between crop residues and inorganic N under zero tillage systems in sub-humid region of Kenya

Conservation agriculture practices involving zero tillage and residue retention are promising nutrient management strategies for soil health restoration. Despite their potential positive impact on soil fertility, improved crop yields and increased revenues for smallholder farmers; their effect on nitrogen inputs and crop growth is not clearly understood. This may limit their potential as a nutrient management strategy that may remedy soil degradation and boost crop yields for farmers. This study investigated how different tillage practices, crop residues and inorganic nitrogen (N) options affect maize production, soil fertility and economics of smallholder farming systems. The study was conducted in a short-term (2 years) on-station trial, under randomized complete block design with three replications in a maize monocrop system. Six treatments, involving three different rates of maize stover residue (0, 3 and 5 t ha−1) and inorganic N (0, 3 and 5 t ha−1) inputs, respectively, were assessed under conventional and zero tillage systems. Mineral N and organic C were assessed at four depths (0–10 cm, 10–30 cm, 30–60 cm and 60–90 cm) whereas soil aggregate distribution was assessed at 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm and 15–20 cm depths. Application of inorganic N as the only input increased (p ≤ 0.05) grain yield (with the yields doubling in the short rains (SR) of 2015 and increasing by 1.4 times in long rains (LR) of 2016) compared to unfertilized control treatment. Treatment, soil depth and the time of sampling significantly affected soil mineral N concentration (p ≤ 0.05). Soil organic C reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with sampling depths, but no differences were observed across treatments. At 0–5 cm depth, the proportion of large macroaggregates in zero tillage increased (48%; p ≤ 0.05) after application of crop residues at 5 t ha−1 relative to 3 t ha−1. Zero tillage treatment with application of 5 t ha−1 of residue and 80 kg N ha−1 was the most dominant and most profitable compared to the other treatments. This treatment had a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 2.9 (in the short rains season of 2015) and 3.0 (long rains of 2016 seasons). Its marginal rate of return (MRR) was 368% (in the 2015 short rains season) and 416% (in the 2016 long rains season). This makes it a good nutrient management strategy with potential of optimizing maize yields.

Plant Disease Management: Leveraging on the Plant-Microbe-Soil Interface in the Biorational Use of Organic Amendments.

Agriculture is faced with many challenges including loss of biodiversity, chemical contamination of soils, and plant pests and diseases, all of which can directly compromise plant productivity and health. In addition, inadequate agricultural practices which characterize conventional farming play a contributory role in the disruption of the plant-microbe and soil-plant interactions. This review discusses the role of organic amendments in the restoration of soil health and plant disease management. While the use of organic amendments in agriculture is not new, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its safe and proper deployment. Hence, a biorational approach of organic amendment use to achieve sustainable agricultural practices entails the deployment of botanicals, microbial pesticides, and organic minerals as organic amendments for attaining plant fitness and disease suppression. Here, the focus is on the rhizosphere microbial communities. The role of organic amendments in stimulating beneficial microbe quorum formation related to the host-plant-pathogen interactions, and its role in facilitating induced systemic resistance and systemic-acquired resistance against diseases was evaluated. Organic amendments serve as soil conditioners, and their mechanism of action needs to be further elaborated to ensure food safety.

Sustainable management of paddy crop residues: effects on methanotrophs diversity and value for soil health restoration

AbstractIn recent years, improved paddy crop varieties, advanced tools and technologies have resulted in a huge quantity of crop residues (CRs) production. Hence, appropriate sustainable management of the paddy CRs produced annually is needed. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of rice husk biochar (RHB) amendments on soil physico‐chemical characteristics, methanotrophs diversity, and functionalpmoAgenes numbers in paddy soil. ThepmoAgene (27 kDa) encodes the β‐subunit of the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO), an enzyme responsible for methane oxidation found in most of the methanotrophs. A marked variation in methanotrophs diversity, functionalpmoAgenes abundance, and physico‐chemical parameters in paddy soil have been noted across the given amendments. The RHB significantly improves soil physico‐chemical status and enhances methanotrophs community structure and number ofpmoAgene numbers in paddy soils. The various soil physico‐chemical parameters were improved due to RHB + microbial inoculant treatments. Maximum rice grain yield (5.91 ± 0.07 t ha−1) and methanotrophic functionalpmoAgene numbers (57.25 ± 0.88 × 107 g−1paddy soil) were found in the RHB + microbial inoculant treated plot compared to untreated (control) plot. The predominant methanotrophic bacteria identified by the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) in RHB treated paddy soils wereMethylovulumandMethylobactermembers of the Methylococcaceae family. Consequently, the methanotrophs community study based on DGGE analysis shows that RHB could be a beneficial amendment to increase the methanotrophic community composition in paddy soils. Overall, the results suggest that the RHB amendment could markedly enhance soil conditions and methanotrophs abundance via regulating soil physico‐chemical properties in nutrient‐deprived and degraded paddy agriculture soils.

Real Time Simulation of the Number of Microbial Populations for Fertility Optimization in Inseptisol Soils Using Smart Biosoidam Technology

This research was conducted on inseptisol soils, especially for vegetable plantations, aimed to determine the ability of the soil layer to distribute nutrients and restore soil health and fertility due to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Through microbial activity that is controlled by spreading through a horizontal biohole, this study observes in real time through a micro controller the changes in soil acidity, infiltration rate, electrolyte conductivity levels and porosity levels through soil infiltration rates. Through simulations with the variable microbial population, it can be seen the level of EC and other parameters against the time of observation in real time. From the observations of graphs and EC standards, it can be seen that the ability of the soil. Until day 45 the soil fertility level has not reached=1500 uS/cm with a microbial population=103/cfu. Support the planting schedule both during the vegetative growth period and during the generative growth period, so that we will know when the right time to do is: Soil recovery, initial planting and when the tubers/flowers/fruit begin to be conditioned. until cooked based on nutrient values observed through sensors that convert analogue parameters by the micro controller into digital information transmitted by Wi-Fi in real time. The initial condition before simulating the soil fertility value with the Electrolyte Conductivity (EC) parameter is 744 uS/cm, the simulation results are: Simulation A: To start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on the 15th day with a EC E=1050 uS/cm and in the generative period it is reached on the 23th day with a EC=1518 uS/cm. Simulation B: To start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on the 22th day with a EC=1008 uS/ cm and at the generative period it is reached on the 38nd day with a EC=1539 uS/cm . Simulation C: to start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on day 37 with a EC=1025 uS/cm and during the generative period it cannot be observed because on observation until day 45 the electrolyte conductivity has not reach=1500 uS/ cm.

Fertility Optimization in Humus Soils Using Digital Smart Biosoidam Technology with Real Time Simulation of the Number of Microbial Populations

This research was conducted on humus soils, especially for vegetable plantations, aimed to determine the ability of the soil layer to distribute nutrients and restore soil health and fertility due to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Through microbial activity that is controlled by spreading through a horizontal biohole, this study observes in real time through a micro controller the changes in soil acidity, infiltration rate, electrolyte conductivity levels and porosity levels through soil infiltration rates. Through simulations with the variable microbial population, it can be seen the level of EC and other parameters against the time of observation in real time. From the observations of graphs and EC standards, it can be seen that the ability of the soil fertility level has not reached=1500 uS/cm with a microbial population=103/ cfu supports the planting schedule both during the vegetative growth period and during the generative growth period, so that we will know when is the right time to do: soil recovery, initial planting and when the tubers/flowers/fruit begin to be conditioned. Until cooked based on nutrient values observed through sensors that convert analogue parameters by the micro controller into digital information transmitted by Wi-Fi in real time. The initial condition before simulating the soil fertility value with the Electrolyte Conductivity (EC) parameter is 744 uS/cm, the simulation results are: Simulation A: To start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on the 8th day with a EC=1053 uS/cm and in the generative period it is reached on the 19th day with a EC=1529 uS/cm. Simulation B: To start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on the 17th day with a EC=1007 uS/ cm and at the generative period it is reached on the 36nd day with a EC=1520 uS/cm. Simulation C: to start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on day 32 with an EC=1050 uS/cm and during the generative period it cannot be observed because on observation until day 45 the electrolyte conductivity has not reach=1500 uS/cm.

Simulation of the Number of Microbial Populations for Fertility Optimization in Gromosol Soils Using Digital Smart Biosoidam Technology

This research was conducted on gromosol soils, especially for vegetable plantations, aimed to determine the ability of the soil layer to distribute nutrients and restore soil health and fertility due to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Through microbial activity that is controlled by spreading through a horizontal biohole, this study observes in real time through a micro controller the changes in soil acidity, infiltration rate, electrolyte conductivity levels and porosity levels through soil infiltration rates. Through simulations with the variable microbial population, it can be seen the level of EC and other parameters against the time of observation in real time. From the observations of graphs and EC standards, it can be seen that the ability of the soil to because until day 45 the soil fertility level has not reached=1500 uS/cm with a microbial population=103/cfu. Support the planting schedule both during the vegetative growth period and during the generative growth period, so that we will know when the right time to do is: soil recovery, initial planting and when the tubers/flower/fruit begin to be conditioned. Until cooked based on nutrient values observed through sensors that convert analog parameters by the micro controller into digital information transmitted by wifi in real time. The initial condition before simulating the soil fertility value with the Electrolyte Conductivity (EC) parameter is 744 uS/cm, the simulation results are: Simulation A: To start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on the 18th day with a EC=1050 uS/cm and in the generative period it is reached on the 27th day with a EC=1500 uS/cm. Simulation B: To start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on the 27th day with a EC=1020 uS/ cm and at the generative period it is reached on the 45nd day with a EC=1326 uS/cm. Simulation C: to start the growth period (vegetative) is achieved on day 34 with an EC=1000 uS/cm and during the generative period it cannot be observed because on observation until day 45 the electrolyte conductivity has not reach=1500 uS/ cm.

Sustainable and efficient utilization of weed biomass for carbon farming and productivity enhancement: A simple, rapid and ecofriendly approach in the context of climate change scenario

Climate change being very real and dangerous to our planet, immense efforts are underway to evolve mitigation measures to scale down the emission of greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. Among the technological frameworks laid out to offset anthropogenic emission, carbon farming is considered to have co-benefits of restoring soil health and productivity enhancement. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to explore the carbon farming potential of weed biomass, which otherwise are considered as threats to agriculture, environment and biodiversity. The study was designed to transform the weed biomass to carbon rich humic substance using various activators such as urea, cow dung, microbial consortium (Bacillus subtilis), and a farm derived liquid organic formulation namely jeevamrutham. Results of the study indicated that among the activators, farm derived organic formulation was very effective in converting the weed biomass to carbon rich humic substance within a short period of 70–75 days. Apart from carbon, the humic substance produced from weed biomass was also endowed with essential nutrients, diverse microorganisms, increased resistance to pathogens, desirable quality for organic farming and consequent productivity enhancement. This approach for weed management, being environment and climate friendly, is popularized among women self-help groups, farmers, foresters etc. for enhanced livelihood as well as environmental safety.

Enhancement of soil physico-chemical properties post compost application: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology comprehending Central Composite Design

The application of compost has been recognized as one of the most promising approaches for preserving soil quality and crop production. The present study exhaustively investigates the impact of Water Hyacinth Compost (WHC), Hydrilla verticillata Compost (HVC) and Vegetable Waste Compost (VWC) on soil nutrient quality and engineering properties [Bulk Density (BD), water retention and specific gravity]. For the study, six different proportions constituting 5, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 45% of the composts by weight of the soil were taken. The soil compost mixtures were evaluated at different periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 days) for various nutrients [Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)], BD, water retention capacity, change in specific gravity and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) values. It was observed that when the percentage of compost was increased to 15–45%, it resulted in enhanced nutrient value of the soil. Also, for WHC, HVC and VWC 60 days was sufficient to improve the soil quality to its maximum extend. Based on the optimized physico-chemical properties generated from the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model, it was found that compared to WHC and HVC, the VWC performed better results viz., generating low BD (0.87 g/cm3), high water retention capacity (45.63%) and degree of saturation (77.49%) of the soil. While WHC, HVC and VWC can be used to improve soil nutrient content and overall physico-chemical parameters in long terms, VWC could be more efficient and beneficial to degraded soil for restoring soil health.

Improvement of Medicago sativa Crops Productivity by the Co-inoculation of Sinorhizobium meliloti\u2013Actinobacteria Under Salt Stress

Biotic and abiotic stresses are severely limiting plant production and productivity. Of notable importance is salt stress that not only limits plant growth and survival, but affects the soil fertility and threatens agricultural ecosystems sustainability. The problem is exacerbated in fragile arid and semi-arid areas where high evaporation, low precipitation and the use of salty water for irrigation is accelerating soil salinization. Legumes, considered very nutritious foods for people and providing essential nutrients for ecosystems are a fundamental element of sustainable agriculture. They can restore soil health by their ability to fix nitrogen in a symbiotic interaction with the rhizobia of the soil. However, salt stress is severely limiting productivity and nitrogen fixation ability in legumes. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mainly actinobacteria promote plant growth by producing phytohormones, siderophores, antibiotics and antifungal compounds, solubilizing phosphate and providing antagonism to phytopathogenic microorganisms. In addition, actinobacteria have beneficial effects on nodulation and growth of legumes. In this study, actinobacteria isolated from different niches and having PGP activities were used in co-inoculation experiments with rhizobia in Medicago sativa plants rhizosphere submitted to salt stress. The results indicate that drought- and salinity-tolerant Actinobacteria with multiple PGP traits can potentially increase alfalfa growth under saline conditions, in the presence or absence of symbiotic rhizobial bacteria. Actinobacteria discovered in this study can, therefore, be suitable biofertilizers in the formulation of agricultural products improving plant development, health and productivity in saline soils, a necessary alternative for modern agriculture and sustainable development.