Soil Nutrient Depletion Research Articles

Elucidating sole application of farmyard manure and blended NPSB fertilizer effects on soil properties at Bench Shako and West Omo zone, South West Ethiopia

Soil nutrient depletion is the main problem in Ethiopia for agriculture sector. Comparison of organic and inorganic source of fertilizer is needed for soil physicochemical properties improvement. Hence, the current study was investigated to investigate the sole application of farmyard manure and blended NPSB fertilizer on soil properties. For this investigation, farm yard manure at three level (0,5, and 10 t ha-1) and NPSB at four level (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1). All collected data were analysed by GenStat software. Sole application of farm yard manure significantly improves soil bulk density ((1.23 gcm3 to 1.11 gcm3 at kuja Guraferda, and 2.22 gcm3 to 1.12 g/cm3 deka Maenit-Goldia) and soil moisture content from 12.14 % to 33.79 % at kuja, and 11.88 % to 36.01%at deka). More over application of farm yard manure improve soil pH (6.15) organic carbon (6.20 mg/kg) available phosphorus (18.94 mg/kg, total nitrogen (0.32), sulfur (18.27), boron, exchangeable base, cation exchange capacity, micronutrients (copper, manganese & zinc). Application of NPSB fertilizer improves only, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, sulfur and boron. Application of Farm yard manure significantly improve soil physicochemical properties than NPSB mineral fertilizer in comparison. Therefore, application of farm yard manure is more important than mineral NPSB fertilizer for sustainable soil physical and chemical properties improvement from soil management aspect. Thus, application farmyard manure at 10 t/ha is recommended for the studied soil at West Omo zone Maenit-Goldia district, Deka kebele, and Bench-Skako zone, Guraferda district at Koyi kebele, south west people regional state, South West Ethiopia.

Land Degradation and its Management in the Highlands Ethiopia a Review

Land is important component which provides us ecosystem service. However, currently human beings are facing major problems due to natural resources degradation. It is clear that, soil erosion is a more serious problem to developing countries including Ethiopia because their economies dependence on primary economic activities specially agriculture which totally depend on soil. Ethiopian highlands land degradation occurs in the form of soil erosion, nutrient depletion and deforestation. The present review focuses on the purpose of this paper is to review the nature and severity of land degradation, causes and effects of land degradation, measures and experiences in land management as well as to identify the gaps and constraints that fostered the problem of land degradation in the highlands of Ethiopia. The review also provides some opportunities for the adoption and scale up of appropriate technologies in land management.

Mineral Solubilizing Rhizobacterial Strains Mediated Biostimulation of Rhodes Grass Seedlings.

Minerals play a dynamic role in plant growth and development. However, most of these mineral nutrients are unavailable to plants due to their presence in fixed forms, which causes significant losses in crop production. An effective strategy to overcome this challenge is using mineral solubilizing bacteria, which can convert insoluble forms of minerals into soluble ones that plants can quickly assimilate, thus enhancing their availability in nutrient-depleted soils. The main objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize mineral solubilizing rhizobacteria and to assess their plant growth-promoting potential for Rhodes grass. Twenty-five rhizobacterial strains were isolated on a nutrient agar medium. They were characterized for solubilization of insoluble minerals (phosphate, potassium, zinc, and manganese), indole acetic acid production, enzymatic activities, and various morphological traits. The selected strains were also evaluated for their potential to promote the growth of Rhodes grass seedlings. Among tested strains, eight strains demonstrated strong qualitative and quantitative solubilization of insoluble phosphate. Strain MS2 reported the highest phosphate solubilization index, phosphate solubilization efficiency, available phosphorus concentration, and reduction in medium pH. Among tested strains, 75% were positive for zinc and manganese solubilization, and 37.5% were positive for potassium solubilization. Strain MS2 demonstrated the highest quantitative manganese solubilization, while strains MS7 and SM4 reported the highest solubilization of zinc and potassium through acidifying their respective media. The strain SM4 demonstrated the most increased IAA production in the presence and absence of L-tryptophan. The majority of strains were positive for various enzymes, including urease, catalase protease, and amylase activities. However, these strains were negative for coagulase activity except strains SM7 and MS7. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, six strains, namely, SM2, SM4, SM5, MS1, MS2, and MS4, were identified as Bacillus cereus, while strains SM7 and MS7 were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. These strains significantly improved growth attributes of Rhodes grass, such as root length, shoot length, and root and shoot fresh and dry biomasses compared to the uninoculated control group. The present study highlights the significance of mineral solubilizing and enzyme-producing rhizobacterial strains as potential bioinoculants to enhance Rhodes grass growth under mineral-deficient conditions sustainably.

Differential effects of cow dung and its biochar on Populus euphratica soil phosphorus effectiveness, bacterial community diversity and functional genes for phosphorus conversion.

Continuous monoculture leading to soil nutrient depletion may cause a decline in plantation productivity. Cow dung is typically used as a cheap renewable resource to improve soil nutrient status. In this study, our purpose was to compare the effects of different cow dung return methods (direct return and carbonization return) on soil microbial communities and phosphorus availability in the root zone (rhizosphere soil and non-rhizosphere soil) of P.euphratica seedlings in forest gardens and to explore possible chemical and microbial mechanisms. Field experiments were conducted. Two-year-old P.euphratica seedlings were planted in the soil together with 7.5 t hm-2 of cow dung and biochar made from the same amount of cow dung. Our findings indicated that the available phosphorus content in soil subjected to biochar treatment was considerably greater than that directly treated with cow dung, leading to an increase in the phosphorus level of both aboveground and underground components of P.euphratica seedlings. The content of Olsen-P in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil increased by 134% and 110%, respectively.This was primarily a result of the direct and indirect impact of biochar on soil characteristics. Biochar increased the biodiversity of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil bacteria compared with the direct return of cow dung. The Shannon diversity index of carbonized cow manure returning to field is 1.11 times and 1.10 times of that of direct cow manure returning to field and control, and the Chao1 diversity index is 1.20 times and 1.15 times of that of direct cow manure returning to field and control.Compared to the direct addition of cow dung, the addition of biochar increased the copy number of the phosphorus functional genes phoC and pqqc in the rhizosphere soil. In the biochar treatment, the abundance of the phosphate-solubilizing bacteria Sphingomonas and Lactobacillus was significantly higher than that in the other treatments, it is relative abundance was 4.83% and 2.62%, respectively, which indirectly improved soil phosphorus availability. The results indicated that different cow dung return methods may exert different effects on phosphorus availability in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils via chemical and microbial pathways. These findings indicated that, compared to the direct return of cow dung, biochar return may exert a more significant impact on the availability of phosphorus in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, as well as on the growth of P.euphratica seedlings and the microbial community.

Effect of Tillage Management and Soil Slope on Annual Soil Loss under Cereal Crops in Central India

The negative impacts of soil erosion on productivity are mainly attributed to the decline in soil fertility and water availability. Continuous tillage practices combined with removal of crop residue from the soil surface greatly increase the risk of soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Soil erosion creates many adverse impacts on the environment and soil health which influence the food security and the quality of life. In present study the effect of three tillage management (conventional tillage, ridge and furrow system and no tillage system) and soil slopes (1%, >1% to < 3%, >3 to <5% and >5%) on soil loss in twelve different soil series under cereal cropping in central India has been studied. The results of the study indicated that the tillage management plays an important role to reduce soil loss. No tillage system found showed minimum annual soil loss whereas the conventional tillage practice recorded the most. The soil loss found decreased with decrease in slope and vice-versa. The Bararia soil series found most vulnerable to the soil loss whereas the Dhodar soil series found resistant to soil loss across the slopes and tillage management practices studied under cereal cropping in central India.

Compost tea supplied by partial root-zone drying irrigation affected growth and productivity of eggplants and cucumbers grown in succession

ABSTRACT Partial root-zone drying irrigation techniques and application of compost tea are practices that, when used separately, have demonstrated beneficial effects on crop productivity in organic farming, with efficient use of natural resources. The aim of this work was to investigate effects of the combination of applying compost tea and using partial root-zone drying irrigation on the growth of eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) grown in succession, on the quantity and quality of the fruits produced, and on soil nutrients after the two growing seasons. The objective was to assess how the two factors, irrigation technique and fertilising method, and the combination of the two, influenced the parameters investigated. Application of compost tea via partial root-zone drying irrigation resulted in well-developed plants and high yields with good quality fruit for both eggplants and cucumbers and did not lead to depletion of soil nutrients, compared with the use commercial organic fertilizers or standard irrigation. Most of the investigated parameters were affected by the interaction of the two factors, though the yield of both crops was more affected by the irrigation technique, while the fertilising approach had a greater effect on the quality of the cucumber fruit. Nevertheless, the combination of compost tea with partial root-zone drying irrigation resulted in competitive performance against the other treatments, whilst reducing the use of resources. The findings showed the effectiveness of applying compost tea by partial root-zone drying irrigation and this was recommended for organic agriculture systems.

Influence of Slurry-Fertigation of Maize (Zea Mays) Production on Nutrient-Depleted Sand-Loam Soil

Attempt to improve the standard of living and maintain a natural environment with crop production for a healthy man living, the use of different soil amendments to upgrade agricultural soils are of great concern in this millennium. The use of animal wastes for crop production and to reduce the menace of these wastes in man’s environment must also be considered. Hence, a field experiment was carried out at Lagos State University of Education, Michael Otedola Campus, Teaching and Research Farm, Epe Lagos using pig and poultry wastes; prepared into a slurry and applied at different rates for maize production under field conditions. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments; which are: NFE-Control, Pig dung (0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 kg/ 3.6 m2) and Poultry dung (0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 kg/ 3.6 m2) and replicated three times. From this study, animal waste slurry for maize production increased both the vegetative growth and maize grain yield. Maize Plant Height (PH, cm), at 4 weeks after sowing ranged from 19.8±8.8 – 33.1±8.8 under NFE and Poultry dung (0.6kg) applications, and 50.8±18.9 – 93.4±18.9 under NFE and Pig manure (1.8kg) application at 6 weeks after sowing. Both Poultry and Pig dung slurry at 0.6kg - 1.8kg/3.6 m2 on nutrient-depleted soil gave grains yield ranging from 1.1 to 2.0 t/ha. As a result, the application of these dungs increased the growth and yield of maize and is thus recommended for maize production.

Combine effects of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on maize–sesame cropping sequence of middle Gujarat

AbstractIncreasing uses of nutrients have played a major role in increasing the food supply to a continually growing world population. However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers results in significant losses, inefficient utilization, and nutritional imbalance. However, poor soil management, inadequate nutrient application, and extreme weather conditions have all contributed to soil degradation. Prudent usage of integrated nutrient management (INM) is the greatest alternative to provide nutrients to crop needs and enhance soil conditions to repair the soil's nutrient depletion. To examine the impact of INM on the yield of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) and its lasting effects on succeeding summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under irrigated conditions during 2019–2020 to 2021–2022 at College Agronomy Farm, Bansilal Amrutlal (B. A.) College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India, a field trial was conducted on loamy sand soil of Agro‐Climatic Zone–XIII, Gujarat Plains, and Hills region, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 12 treatments. The improved growth, yield, and protein content of the maize crop were obtained by the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 25% recommended dose of nutrient (RDN) through vermicompost + nitrogen–phosporus–potassium (NPK) consortium (soil application). In the subsequent sesame crop, residual effects of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through farm yard manure (FYM) + NPK consortium (soil application) together with 50% RDF (50:25:00 NPK kg/ha) were reported, which led to higher crop growth and yield. Under the conditions of middle Gujarat, the application of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through the FYM + NPK consortium (soil application) led to a greater system net realization in the maize–sesame sequence.

The Drivers of Consumers' Purchase Intentions for Organic Food Products: A Review of the Literature

Using synthetic chemicals in agriculture has adversely affected the environment and health, such as soil nutrient depletion, ecosystem damage, eutrophication, the accumulation of hazardous substances in the human body, and respiratory illnesses. Efforts to meet food needs have triggered agricultural intensification by applying excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides and planting plant varieties that are greedy for nutrients. If allowed to continue, it will lead to a significant decline in the quality of agricultural land. One of the things that can reduce farmers' dependence on external inputs is organic farming. This method can increase soil fertility by increasing the number of organisms in the soil. This research aims to analyze the existing implementation of organic agriculture, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.

Yield Constraints of Sikkim Mandarin (Citrus reticulate) and Possible Management Strategies: A Review

The Sikkim Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is one of the most important fruit crops of Sikkim for ages. The valleys of the Tista and Rangeet rivers and their tributaries of Sikkim and the adjoining Darjeeling district of West Bengal offer an ideal Himalayan climate for the cultivation of Sikkim Mandarin. Analysis shows that during 2020-21 Sikkim produced 26.65 MT of mandarin from 13.26 thousand hectares of land with a productivity of 2.01MT /ha. It was seen that there had been an increase of 1.68-thousand-hectare area in 2020-21 from 2014-15 producing an additional 7.66MT. However, while area and production have increased, productivity has plummeted by 38.69 per cent over the period from 2014-15 to 2020-21. Due to multiple reasons, poor returns from the citrus orchards have ushered farmers' unwillingness to invest in mandarin. The constraints like declining soil productivity and non-adherence to soil amelioration measures, the incidence of pests and diseases like the fruit fly, and citrus dieback etc, and lack of marketing channels and proper storage as well as preservation units are a few to name. There is a need of increasing productivity to maintain the glory of the species. The major strategy/approach would be to manage the basic problem which is the nutritional management of the cropping area. Studying the soil and scientifically managing it alone may wipe -off basic problems like the incidence of some pests and diseases and soil nutrient depletion. Taking other appropriate measures to control pests and diseases should be the next important strategy. Finding the loopholes in the storage and marketing of Sikkim Mandarin and defining appropriate strategies to mitigate those remain the major scope of this study. This review is based on available secondary data and observations made on farm visits.

Meteorological variables, water balance, biomass and nutrients accumulation by cassava intercropped with Crotalaria juncea

Increasing cassava yield in response to growing consumer market demand requires good management practices to avoid degradation caused by soil nutrient depletion. The objective of this work was to evaluate components of macronutrient production and extraction of cassava in consortium with the legume Crotalaria juncea. A statistical design was used in randomized blocks, with four replications, in plots subdivided in time. In the plots were the treatments presence and absence of cassava consortium with C. juncea, the subplots were formed by 11 evaluation periods every 30 days for the production components and 6 evaluation periods every 60 days for the extraction of nutrients. The following were evaluated: production components (partitioned yields and total wet and dry mass - t ha-1) and extraction of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur - kg ha-1). The water balance of the crop was determined on a monthly scale. The annual evapotranspiration of cassava was 1,273 mm in the 12-month cycle. The agricultural productivity of roots, stakes, stem, leaves, shoot and total biomass of cassava was 18.4, 1.8, 7.2, 2.7, 9.9 and 30.1 t ha-1, respectively. The dry mass yield of roots, stakes, stem, leaves, shoot and total was 5.1, 0.8, 2.1, 0.9, 3.0 and 8.9 t ha-1, respectively. There was a higher extraction of nitrogen by cassava, 119 kg ha-1, followed by calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur. The cassava consortium with C. juncea did not interfere in the variables studied.

Animal detection in farms using machine learning

Agriculture is extremely important to a countrys development. Agricultural issues have consistently stymied the countrys progress. Farmers face a slew of problems, including a lack of water for irrigation, crops withering due to climatic changes, nutrient-depleted soils, and crop damage from pests and wildlife. In recent decades, innovation has developed to provide effective solutions to a large number of these difficulties. In any event, agricultural protection from wild animals has not been fully addressed until now. The fields have been destroyed by elephants, monkeys, and wild boars. The production of crops is diminished when wild animals trample them or eat them. The presence of wild animals on farmland has always been a contentious issue for farmers. Deer, wild boar, moles, elephants, and monkeys are just some of the animals that might ruin a harvest. When the farmer isn't there, these animals may eat the crops and wander the field, which is bad for the harvest. Because of this, yields might drop significantly, and supplementary financial protection could be necessary to cope with the fallout. This problem has to be solved as soon as possible, and a workable solution needs to be found and put into action. Accordingly, the goal of our programme is to address this problem. Wireless sensors might be used to set off an alarm in the event of an animal intrusion, communicating the situation to the proprietor and forest authorities with an attached photo. This provides an early warning so that measures may be taken according to the intruder type.

Optimization of plant density and fertilizer application to improve biofortified common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield on Nitisols of South-Kivu, Eastern D.R. Congo

Soil nutrient depletion and poor farming practices are serious challenges limiting crop productivity in soils of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R. Congo). An experiment was conducted in two cropping seasons to assess the effect of plant density (25 plants m2 and 33 plants m2) and fertilizer application (with and without NPK) on the yield and yield components of three biofortified common bean varieties (HM21-7, RWR2245 and RWR2154). The experiment involved two plant densities, two fertilizer rates and three varieties arranged in a split-split plot design with three replications. Results showed that yield significantly varied with plant density, variety and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05). The best performing variety in terms of grain yield was HM21-7 (1.5 t ha−1) as compared to RWR2154 (1.09 t ha−1) and RWR2245 (1.14 t ha−1). The NPK fertilizer increased the grain yield by 38.2%. Grain yield increased also with the plant density, highest grain yield being recorded on higher plant density (1.37 t ha−1) as compared to low lower plant density (1.25 t ha−1). Agronomic efficiency (AE) was influenced by the variety, with the highest AE obtained on RWR2245 (23.27 kg kg−1) and on high plant density (20.34 kg kg−1). Therefore, we concluded that increasing the plant density by reducing the plant spacing, using NPK fertilizer and high yielding varieties provide with an opportunity to improving common bean yields on Nitisols dominating the highlands of eastern D.R. Congo.

Physiological and Nutrient Responses to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, or Potassium Deficiency of Hydroponically Grown Strawberry

Nutrient-depleted soil is a major constraint for crop production, particularly for fruits. Here, we investigated the different response of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) deficiency on the growth and development of strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) in sand culture under greenhouse conditions. Compared with K, the lack of N or P is more unfavorable to strawberry growth and development. N deficiency affected shoot-root (S/R) ratio at different growth stages, and decreased the shoot biomass. P deficiency greatly increased the N content but decreased K content of the plants, which means P is of advantage to regulate the absorption and utilization of N and K nutrients in plants. Meanwhile, P has a profound influence on fruit quality, such as total soluble (TSS) sugar content. K deficiency is not conducive to fruit coloring and the formation of high-quality commercial fruits. The results contribute to a better understanding of the difference of N, P, or K deficiency on strawberry growth, nutrient absorption, and fruit quality during the whole growth period.

Niche breadth of Amazonian trees increases with niche optimum across broad edaphic gradients.

Understanding how biotic interactions and environmental filtering mediated by soil properties shape plant community assembly is a major challenge in ecology, especially when studying complex and hyper-diverse ecosystems like tropical forests. To shed light on the influence of both factors, we examined how the edaphic optimum of species (their niche position) relates to their edaphic range (their niche breadth) along different environmental gradients, and how this translates into functional strategies. Here we test four scenarios describing the shape of the niche breadth - niche position relationship, including one neutral scenario and three scenarios proposing different relative influences of abiotic and biotic factors on community assembly along a soil resource gradient. To do so, we used soil concentration data for five key nutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg and K), along with accurate measurements of 14 leaf, stem and root traits for 246 tree species inventoried in 101 plots located across Eastern (French Guiana) and Western (Peru) Amazonia. We found that species niche breadth increased linearly with species niche position along each soil nutrient gradient. This increase was associated with more resource acquisitive traits in the leaves and the roots for soil N, Ca, Mg and K concentration, while it was negatively associated with wood density for soil P concentration. These observations agreed with one of our hypothetical scenarios in which species with resource conservation traits are confined to the most nutrient-depleted soils (abiotic filter), but they are outperformed by faster-growing species on more fertile conditions (biotic filter). Our results refine and strengthen support for niche theories of species assembly, while providing an integrated approach to improve forest management policies.

A scenario modelling approach to assess management impacts on soil erosion in coffee systems in Central America

Soil erosion is one of the major causes of soil degradation worldwide, because it causes the depletion of soil organic carbon, nutrients, and water holding capacity. In Central America, coffee production is vulnerable to soil erosion since it often occupies steep slopes with high annual precipitation. To assess management options to control erosion, soil and vegetation field data were collected from 90 Costa Rican and 96 Guatemalan coffee plantations, mainly shaded, distributed in six coffee production areas. Soil erosion was modelled using the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation), integrating soil and vegetation cover field data, with remote sensing data. Management scenarios were developed to assess the role of two principal coffee management strategies in mitigating soil erosion: increasing vegetation cover, and soil conservation practices. Average estimated erosion rates of 17 and 7 Mg ha−1 yr−1 were predicted for plantations of Costa Rica and Guatemala, respectively, with erosion from coffee plantations representing between 23% and 40% of the estimated erosion of the watershed within which they were situated. If all plantations achieved vegetation cover equivalent to the best 25% of plantations, the estimated erosion would be reduced by 7% in Costa Rica and 8% in Guatemala. If all plantations implemented soil conservation practices, estimated erosion would be reduced by 11% in Costa Rica and 35% in Guatemala. With the two combined management strategies a reduction of estimated erosion of 17% and 40% was predicted in Costa Rica and Guatemala, respectively. The reduction in erosion from soil conservation or better vegetative cover varied among regions within countries depending on current management, local climate, and topography. These results show the importance of coffee system and soil management practices in moderating erosion from highland coffee production, and how RUSLE analyses can identify priority practices in different regions supporting more effective policies to reduce soil erosion.

Response of Faba Bean (&lt;em&gt;Vicia faba&lt;/em&gt; L.) Grain Yield to Biofertilizer Rates and Inter Row Spacings at Kaffa Zone, South Western Ethiopia

Purpose: Soil nutrient depletion and crop management practices are the significant factors affecting faba beans production over the world. Biofertilizers can improve soil fertility and health. Moreover, it adds essential nutrients and improves water retention in the soil. Thus, its use is unquestionable to maintain soil fertility and enhance crop production. Hence, biofertilizer rates and inter-spacings were used to enhance faba bean production. Research Method: The Field trials were performed to determine the response of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grain yield to bio-fertilizer rates and row spacings in the main growing season in 2019 at Kaffa zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. Factorial combinations of four rates of bio-fertilizer (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75kg/ha) and three inter-row spacings (30, 40, and 50cm) were carried out in RCBD with three replications. The LSD test was done at α = 0.05 level of probability. Findings: The results of ANOVA presented that the main effect, as well as the interaction effects of biofertilizers and row spacing, have a significant effect on the yield of faba bean. The pods/plants number, hundred seed weight, and HI are mainly affected by biofertilizer rates and row spacings. The combination of 0.75kg/ha of biofertilizer rates and 50cm of space between rows recorded the maximum pods per plant in number, the weight of hundred seeds, grain yield, and harvest index. The highest grain yield (2540±276kg/ ha) was attained with the application of 0.75kg/ha of bio-fertilizer and 50cm of distance between rows, whereas, the lowest (1083.3±117.7kg/ha) was observed from the null treatments and the smaller spacing between rows (30cm). Generally, the significantly maximum yield was obtained because of the maximum rate of bio-fertilizer with the widest inter-row spacing in this experiment. Therefore, inoculation of bio-fertilizer at a dosage of 0.75kg/ha with a row distance of 50cm was found to be optimum for the maximum yield of faba bean in Southwestern Ethiopia and other similar agroecologies. It is further recommended that this result is from only one season at one site and hence this study may be repeated in space and time to reach a concrete recommendation. Research Limitation: Additional authentication and trials across similar agroecology would be essential to make conclusive recommendations since the field trials were directed for sole cropping season and a site. Originality/ Value: This is an organic fertilizer that could be used by farmers and investors in the future, to increase the production of faba bean.

Nutraceutical Potential and Processing Aspects of Moringa oleifera as a Superfood

Abstract: Plants are used by almost 80% of the world's population for health and healing, and medicinal and aromatic plants account for 25% of all integrated pharmaceuticals. Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose herbal plant that is utilized as a portion of human food and a therapeutic alternative all over the world. According to studies, it has been discovered as a plant with a wide range of health benefits, including nutritional and medicinal characteristics. It can live on nutrient-depleted soils and is drought-resistant, and it flourishes in wet tropics and scorching dry regions. With a pH of 5.0–9.0 and a minimum annual rainfall need of 250 mm and a maximum annual rainfall demand of over 3000 mm, it can endure a wide variety of rainfall. Moringa is a plant that can aid in the fight against climate change. Moringa’s ability to respond to water stress and its tolerance to it were investigated in this study. Moringa is used in traditional medicine all over the world for a variety of ailments, including skin infections, anemia, anxiety, asthma, blood impurities, bronchitis, chest congestion, cholera, infections, fever, glandular, swelling, headaches, abnormal blood pressure, hysteria, pain in joints, pimples, psoriasis, respiratory disorders, scurvy, semen deficiency, sore throat, sprain, tuberculosis, for intestinal worms, lactation, diabetes, and pregnancy. Moringa oil is prized in the cosmetic business because of its unique properties. Moringa oil is light and easily absorbed by the skin. It's ideal for massage and aromatherapy purposes. Although M. oleifera's nutritional value is lower than that claimed by popular nutritional claims, its abundance in food-insecure areas and wide range of nutrients keep it viable as a nutritious food source for populations in low- and middle-income countries. Malnutrition, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and overnutrition, is more widespread than hunger per se and affects most nations around the world. The diversity and quality of food produced and consumed are crucial in reducing the triple burden of malnutrition. In this climate, fruit, vegetables, and nuts are quickly becoming the focus of the nutrition community. Moringa's diet is higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than in saturated fatty acids (SFAs).

Measuring integrated smallholder soil fertility management practices in Megech watershed, Tana sub-basin, Ethiopia

Nowadays, a combination of natural and man-made factors has led to a decline in the physical and chemical quality of the soil. In Ethiopia, declining soil fertility and quality that lead to low agricultural production are made worse by soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Adoption and implementation of integrated soil fertility management strategies have emerged as inevitabilities in terms of development in Ethiopia generally and in the Tana sub-basin of northwest Ethiopia specifically. This study was created to evaluate the Megech watershed's integrated smallholder soil fertility management methods' adoption factors, status, and scope. A total of 380 individual farmers were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics and econometric estimating methods were combined in the study. The findings supported the use of inorganic fertilizer, tree planting, organic fertilizer, stone bunds, and soil bunds by households as the primary methods for managing soil fertility. The outcomes of the econometric model also show that households' adoption decisions for integrated soil fertility management practices are highly interdependent. Additionally, there were similar underlying factors that affected the status and intensity of implementing integrated soil fertility management practices. The research concluded that effective soil management policies and programs should be designed, and implemented by smallholder farmers, agricultural experts, research centers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve the quality of soil for sustainable food production. Moreover, raising the affordability of financial services and strengthening smallholder farmers' access to education help to increase their income, which in turn encourages the use of integrated soil fertility management practices.

Impact of Native Quercus robur and Non-Native Quercus rubra on Soil Properties during Post-Fire Ecosystem Regeneration

Following disturbances, ecosystems are more susceptible to invasion by non-native species. Furthermore, it is important to determine the impact of alien tree species on soil regeneration processes during secondary succession. In this study, we analyzed the effect of native and late successional common oak (Quercus robur) and non-native red oak (Q. rubra) on soil physicochemical (pH, carbon, and nutrient content) and microbial properties (microbial biomass [Cmic] and respiration [RESP]) nearly 30 years after severe fire disturbance. Post-fire soils under Q. rubra had organic horizons with a greater mass, lower pH values, and depleted nutrient (N, Ca, K, Mg, and P) contents than soils under Q. robur. The impact of Q. robur as a late successional species on soil properties 30 years after a disturbance was similar to that of pioneer species (Scots pine, European larch, common birch, and black alder), as is indicated in previous studies. Most of the studied physicochemical (bulk density, soil organic carbon, N, Ca, K, and P content) and microbial (RESP and Cmic) soil parameters under Q. robur were within the ranges found for post-fire soils under pioneer tree species. Only the pH and Mg and Na contents in organic horizons were higher under Q. robur than under pioneer species. Our results indicate that Q. robur could be a valuable addition to reforestation sites after fire disturbance, especially in more fertile microhabitats. Due to the depletion of soil nutrients, care should be taken when introducing Q. rubra during the reforestation of post-fire sites, especially in larger groups.