Soil Plots Research Articles

Transformation of the Forest Litter Microbial Community Introduced in to the Agrocenosis Soil

The long-term use of pesticides in the forest nurseries of the Sverdlovsk region has led to a decrease in the quality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) planting material. As a way to reduce pesticide stress and create optimal conditions suitable for the conifers growth, a once use of forest litter (20 kg/m2) was proposed. This substrate is easier to obtain from a plantation near to the forest agrocenosis. However, by something cases, forest litter may be obtained from locations that are geographically far from the forest nursery. The article presents the results of a study the possibility of applying forest litter obtained from places located at different distances from the forest nursery in the bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soil and improving the quality of Scots pine planting material. In the field experiment, samples of the forest litter were taken near two forest nurseries and introduced into the soil of the experimental plots before sowing pine. Part of the plots contained roundup (3 l a. s./ha), the other remained without treatment. In each nursery, plots were created containing both litter from a nearby stand and from a more remote forest area. It was found that the peak of the transforming activity of the microbiocenosis in the introduced forest litter and decreasing of the pesticide contamination, most likely, will be observed in the first stages of the microbiocenosis introduction. The observed effect takes place regardless of the distance from the application site where the forest substrate was obtained.

Long-term organic farming impact on soil nutrient status and grain yield at the foothill of Himalayas

This study aimed to document the effects of the long-term organic farming (OF) on soil quality, agronomical parameters, crop productivity, and food grain yield compared to the conventional farming (CF) system. The crop used in this study is chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and the field was located at Pantnagar, India, in the foothills of Himalayas. The organic farming approach involved utilizing a blend of farmyard manure and vermicompost, combined with a biopesticide comprising neem oil and cow urine. Chickpea grain micronutrient analysis was done via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was found that the physicochemical properties of soil in the organic plot were improved compared to the conventional counterpart. At the post-harvesting stage, the organically managed field had higher soil organic carbon than the conventional field (OF-0.93± 0.05%, CF-0.75 ± 0.12%), higher available nitrogen (OF-317 ± 11 kg/ha, CF-240 ± 22 kg/ha), and more available phosphorus (OF-37.4 ± 1.3 kg/ha, CF-25.2 ± 2.5 kg/ha). The agronomical parameters of the chickpea crop were better under organic cultivation, with a significantly high nodule number, nodule dry weight, and grains per pod. Hence, the grain yield of the crop was better under organic cultivation, with the yield of 1,048 kg ha−1, whereas it was 896.5 kg ha−1 for conventional cultivation. The Fe and Zn contents of organically produced chickpea grains were almost double of their conventional counterpart. Therefore, organic cultivation led to better soil fertility, chickpea grain yield, and nutrient status of the crop. It will be beneficial for the nutritious and sustainable production of chickpeas in Himalayan regions.

Effect of Planting Geometry and Inorganic Fertilizers with Nano Urea Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation entitled “Influence of planting geometry and inorganic fertilizers with nano urea on productivity of rice crop (Oryza sativa L.).” was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad-224229 (U.P.) during Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Fifteen treatment combinations comprised of three planting geometry C1 (20 cm × 10 cm), C2 (20 cm × 15 cm) and C3 (20 cm × 20 cm) in main plot with five fertility levels F1 - 100% RDF (150:60:40), F2 [100% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)], F3 [75% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)], F4 [50% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)] and F5 - Control [no fertilizers] were executed in split plot design keeping fertility levels in sub plot with three replications. The soil of experimental plot was silty loam in texture with low in orgainic carbon and nitrogen médium in phosphorus and high in potassium. The treatment combination C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) along with F2 [100% RDF + two foliar applications of nano urea at 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)] demonstrated significantly elevated levels of quality and nutrient uptake, including protein content (%), yield (kg ha-1), NPK content (%), and NPK uptake (kg ha-1). This performance was comparable to the combination of C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) with F3 [75% RDF + two foliar applications of nano urea at 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)], and notably surpassed other treatments. In summary, the utilization of C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) coupled with F2 [100% RDF + foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)] exhibited superior outcomes across all parameters of quality and nutrient absorption, leading to increased rice crop yield and profitability over both study years.

The Effect of Senegal River Irrigation Water Quality on Soil Salinization: A Study of the Main Canal of the M’Pourie Plain in Mauritania

In this study, the Senegal River, being the main source of water, plays a crucial role in the area’s agricultural development. Irrigation on the M’Pourie plain using water from the Senegal River is carried out without any prior sanitation control. An evaluation of the quality of irrigation water and its impact on soil salinization in different agricultural plots soil salinity is crucial for the effective utilization of traditional irrigation water over extended periods. Comprehensive physico-chemical analyses were conducted across nine locations on the M’Pourie plain in Rosso during the dynamic seasons of 2021-2023. Nevertheless, a relatively small number of studies have employed soil salinity indexing methods to examine the consequences of river irrigation on soil salinity. The analysis and interpretation of the results obtained were based both on classic methods (average and correlations) and more advanced techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and the Piper diagram which allow characterization and a spatial typology of water. Analysis of the Piper diagram highlights the distinction between two groups of water, weakly and moderately mineralized, ranging from 52.22 μS.cm-1 in the dry season to 72.22 μS.cm-1 in the rainy season, presenting a sodium-potassium bicarbonate facies The variability of irrigation water supplies, proves to be important in the functioning of an agro-systems. Two modes of operation have become individualized: the dry phase mode, characterized by very strong mineralization of the water linked to a significant load of dissolved elements, and the wet phase mode, whose water quality is poorly mineralized but shows the impact that its irrigation water can represent in the loading of organic and mineral pollution and the need for strict control of these waters upstream before their agricultural use. The results of this study show the absence of risks of soil salinization in relation to the chemical nature of irrigation water and the impact of agriculture on the M’Pourie plain.

Powdery midlew is a dangerous disease of spring triticale in the far east

The studies were carried out in 2015–2022. in order to determine the degree of damage to collection samples of spring triticale by powdery mildew in the soil and climatic conditions of the Khabarovsk Territory of the Far East. The object of research is 84 samples of various ecological and geographical origins. The weather conditions during the research period were contrasting; with the normal precipitation for April–August being 466 mm, the excess was 16…263 mm; waterlogging contributed to an increase in relative air humidity to 100 %. The soil of the experimental plot is heavy loamy meadow-brown podzolized-gley. The distribution (R) of powdery mildew in triticale crops was high (80…100 %), the intensity of development (P) reached epiphytotic values annually. Collection varieties of spring triticale were distributed according to the intensity of disease development: moderately susceptible (13 samples), susceptible (35 samples), highly susceptible (36 samples). High correlation coefficients were calculated between the amount of precipitation in the booting-earing phase and the degree of infection of plants with powdery mildew (r = 0.861…0.897), and a linear regression equation was compiled that shows the dependence of the intensity of development of the powdery mildew pathogen and the amount of precipitation in the second ten days of June. Thus, spring triticale varieties were identified that have average susceptibility to powdery mildew pathogens (P = 30…40 %): Amore, Saur, Prag 409, Dagvo (Russia), Lana, Lotos (Belarus), Zgurivskiy, Oberig Kharkovskiy (Ukraine), 70 HN 458 (Canada), Je 57 (USA), Anoas 5, MX 51 (Mexico), Tleridal (Switzerland).

Promising potato hybrids in Siberia

The results of studying potato hybrids in the nurseries of preliminary and competitive variety trials are presented. The research was conducted in 2018–2022 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory in grain and fallow crop rotation. The soil of the experimental plot is represented by leached chernozem, low- and medium-moist heavy loam of granulometric composition. Experiment design, yield recording and data processing were carried out in accordance with the generally accepted recommendations for work with the crop. Based on the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, the weather conditions of the vegetation periods of the years of research can be characterized as slightly arid. The HTC was 1.1 in 2019 and 2021, in 2020, 2022 – 1,3. According to the results of the preliminary variety trials, lines A-114, A-326, A-529, A-635a exceeded or were at the level of the standard variety Krasnoyarsky Ranniy by the number of marketable tubers and yield. During 4 years of research in the nursery of competitive varietal trial, the studied breeding lines on average formed yields at the level or higher than the standard varieties. According to the elements of the yield structure in the competitive variety trial lines A-114, A-529 significantly exceeded the standard variety in marketability, as well as had a smaller number and weight of unmarketable tubers. Based on the results of the evaluation in 2019–2021 of the chemical composition of tubers for dietary and functional food, lines with low starch content (up to 14%) are proposed: A-114 (12.2%), А-672а (9.9), А-635а (12.7%). Based on the study in 2019–2022 of the line A-114 in competitive trials, preliminary and production multiplication, ecological assessment, application materials for admission to use and protection of the new potato variety Akrux were submitted to the State Variety Commission.

Biochar soil addition alters ant functional traits as exemplified with three species

The response of soil microorganisms and plants in soil ecosystems to biochar is well recognised. However, biochars’ impact on large soil animal, such as ants, is inadequately understood, with only limited studies focusing on the abundance and mortality rates of some specific ant species. In this study, soil physicochemical properties, and ant community diversity and functional characteristics were compared between experimental plots with and without biochar application. No significant differences in soil (soil physicochemical properties) or ants (ant community richness, species abundance, and morphological characteristics) were observed between the two plots before biochar application. However, the biochar-treated plot soil surface temperatures, pH, and soil water content were significantly higher after 48 weeks. Biochar application promoted Cardiocondyla nuda (by 426%) and Formica japonica abundance (by 93%), but decreased Solenopsis invicta invasive ant species richness (by 54%), consistent with the fact that changes in soil properties were more beneficial to the former two species. In addition, in biochar-treated plots, F. japonica and S. invicta generally showed larger body size (18% and 6.7%), larger eyes (2.7% and 4.0%), and longer femurs (6.3% and 7.9%), which enabled them to respond better to potential barriers, such as plants. Our results highlighted that, besides species abundance and community structure, certain ant functional morphological indicators were also informative in evaluating biochar ecological implications.Graphical abstract

Vigna marina as a Potential Leguminous Cover Crop for High Salinity Soils

The beach bean (Vigna marina) exhibits robust growth in habitats characterised by sandy substrates, limited nutrient availability, and elevated saline levels. The utilisation of V. marina, a potentially beneficial leguminous cover crop, allows for its cultivation in regions characterised by soil salinity, hence facilitating the alleviation of environmental stress and the promotion of nitrogen fixation within the soil. A study assessed the feasibility of V. marina as a leguminous cover crop, in which this legume was cultivated in both coastal and inland soils. Pueraria javanica and Mucuna bracteata, widely recognised as established leguminous cover crops, were used as the control in this experiment. The observations involved were total plant biomass, nitrogenase activity, and leaf chlorophyll content of the host plants. The experiment consisted of five replicates arranged in a randomised complete block design, respectively. The effects of commercialised rhizobial compost on the development of the leguminous plants planted in both plots were also investigated. The results indicated that V. marina flourished in coastal and inland soils with the highest leaf chlorophyll concentration throughout the eight weeks of growth. It showed that V. marina has the potential to outperform the other two established leguminous cover crops when planted in highly salinised soils. The results also showed evidence that V. marina was an excellent potential leguminous cover crop, especially for any agricultural plots of high salinity soils, compared to the other two well-established leguminous cover crops, P. javanica and M. bracteata.

The effect of quantitative traits on grain productivity of maize hybrids depending on climatic conditions

The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of quantitative traits on grain productivity of maize hybrids depending on moisture availability. The study was carried out on the breeding field of the laboratory for maize breeding and seed production of the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” in 2020–2023. The soil of the experimental plot was ordinary blackearth, with a humus layer thickness of 140 cm. The climate is characterized by aridity with unstable moisture. The years of the study were contrasting in temperature and moisture availability (HTC 0.49–0.83). Due to the uneven distribution of precipitation during a vegetation period of maize, the temperature regime through the months and moisture availability had even greater differences (HTC 0.11–2.28). The objects of research were 96 maize hybrids. The main method for developing hybrids was an interline hybridization. There has been identified a stable correlation between grain productivity and quantitative traits in each of the four years of study, when ‘one ear weight’ was r = 0.34±0.09 – 0.64±0.08 and ‘number of grains in a ear row’ was r = 0.35±0.09–0.58±0.08. The specific climatic conditions of some years of the study (one year out of four) influenced the lack of correlation between amount of productivity and quantitative traits with ‘number of ears per plant’ (r = 0.11 ± 0.10 in 2022), ‘number of grains per ear’ (r = 0.01±0.10 in 2023), ‘grain yield during threshing (r = 0.04±0.10 in 2023). The correlation between productivity and traits was subject to even greater variability depending on weather conditions with ‘ear attachment height’ (r = 0.01±0.10–0.40±0.09), ‘plant height’ (r = 0.16±0.10–0.38±0.09), ‘ear diameter’ (r = -0.02±0.10–0.43±0.09), ‘1000-grain weight’ (r = -0.14±0.10–0.45±0.09). In all years of the study, there were no correlation between productivity and such traits as ‘number of grain rows’ (r = -0.27±0.09–0.17±0.10) and ‘ear length’ (r = 0.01±0.10–0.29±0.09).

Effect of Different Nutrient Combinations on Quality of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Var. Saccharata.)

A field experiment was conducted at Post Graduate Instructional Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, India, during Rabi season 2020. The trial was laid out in Randomised Block Design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was clay loamy, medium in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, and high in available potassium. The sowing was done on 24 November 2020. The general recommended dose of fertiliser applied was 120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1+ 10 t FYM ha-1. Application of 125% general recommended dose of fertiliser along with a foliar spray of 2% 19:19:19 NPK at 30 and 45 DAS recorded significantly higher crude protein content in cob and stover (11.12%, 5.18%), Protein Yield (1878 kg ha-1).

Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID season 2023 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present study, the treatments consisting three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 Kg/ha), 75% RDF (45-22.5-22.5 Kg/ha) and 50% RDF (30-15-15 kg/ha) along with three different micro nutrients viz., Zinc - 0.5 kg/ha, Boron - 0.5 kg/ha and Iron - 0.5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3), low available nitrogen (278.93 kg/ha), medium available phosphorus (15.4 kg/ha) and medium available potassium (173.7 kg/ha). Results revealed that higher plant height (84.20 cm), plant dry weight (10.61 g), number of tillers/ hill (4.53), length of ears (9.20 cm), number of ears/plant (4.47), test weight (3.47 g), grain yield (1.22 t/ha), straw yield (2.80 t/ha) were recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF+ Boron 0.5 kg/ha). Maximum gross return (INR 48,408.33), net return (INR 30,913.33) and B:C ratio (1.77) were also recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF + Boron 0.5 kg/ha). It can be concluded that the application of NPK 100% RDF +Boron 0.5kg/ha (Treatment 8) recorded higher yield and benefit cost ratio in Foxtail millet.

Effect of Zinc and Panchagavya on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Effect of Zinc and Panchagavya on Growth and Yield of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)”, to study treatments consisting of three levels of Zinc viz. 10, 15 and 20 kg/ha and three levels of Panchagavya viz. 3, 4 and 5%. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.6), low in organic carbon (0.25 %), available N (183.8 kg/ha), available P (11.50 kg/ha) and available K (87 kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 9 (ZnSO4 20 kg/ha + Panchagavya- 5%) recorded significantly higher plant height (158.97 cm), plant dry weight (65.16 g) and length of ear (32.18 cm), No. of grains/ear (1824.66), test weight (8.02 g), grain yield (2.12 t/ha), stover yield (7.33 t/ha), gross return (INR 66509.00), net return (INR 46709.90) and B:C ratio (2.36) compared to other treatments.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in organic carbon (0.452%), nearly neutral in soil pH (7.1), high nitrogen (178.48 kg/ha), medium phosphorous (23.6 kg/ha), medium potassium (231.4 kg/ha). The experiment laid out in a randomized block design consists of three replications along with three cowpea varieties (viz., Kashi Nidhi, Kashi Unnati, Kashi Kanchan) and three solid organic manures (i.e. Poultry manure 2 t/ha, Goat manure 10.5 t/ha, Pig manure 15 t/ha) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that maximum plant height (52.73 cm), dry weight (15.03 g/plant), crop growth rate (12.57 g/m2/day), number of pods/plant (11.80), number of seeds/plant (11.50), test weight (81.00g), seed yield (2.40 t/ha), stover yield (4.10 t/ha). Maximum net returns (INR 79,515.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.30) which was significantly superior over other treatment T3 (Kashi Kanchan + Poultry manure 2 t/ha). It can be concluded that Kashi Kanchan variety with application of poultry manure 2 t/ha brought about significant improvement in the production and also proven economically viable in cowpea crop.

Optimization of seeding rates and nitrogen scheduling in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) under drought-prone environment in middle Indo-Gangetic plains

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2014 and 2015 at Patna, Bihar to optimise the seeding rates and nitrogen scheduling for direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under the rainfed drought-prone environment. The soil of the experimental plot was loamy, low in organic carbon (0.42) and available N (149.6 kg/ha), high in available phosphorus (25.8 kg/ha), medium in available potash content (183.6 kg/ha) and slightly alkaline (pH 7.7). The treatments consisted of 3 seeding rates (S1: 20 kg/ha; S2 : 30 kg/ha; and S3 : 40 kg/ha) in main-plot and four nitrogen schedules (N1 , 1/3 N as basal and 2/3 N at maximum tillering; N2 , 1/3 N as basal and 1/3 N at maximum tillering and 1/3 N at panicle initiation; N3 , 1/2 N at first shower/enough moisture availability preferably after first weeding and 1/2 N at maximum tillering; and N4 , 1/3 N at first shower/enough moisture availability preferably after first weeding, 1/3 N at maximum tillering and 1/3 N at panicle initiation stage) in sub-plot and replicated thrice in split-plot design. The results revealed that the grain yield was significantly higher with S3 (3.2 t/ha) than that to S1 (2.4 t/ha), but statistically at par with that obtained with S2 (3.1 t/ha). Varying nitrogen schedules did not affect the grain yield markedly. Comparatively higher grain yield was recorded with N4 (3.0 t/ha) followed by N3 (2.94 t/ha) and N1 (2.87 t/ha). The gross returns (32.1 ×103 /ha), net returns (15.9 × 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.64) were significantly higher with 40 kg/ha seed rate compared to 20 kg/ha ( 22.4 ×103/ha, 6.2 ×103/ha and 1.26 but statistically similar to 30 kg/ha ( 28.9 ×103 /ha, 13.4 ×103/ha and 1.55. The net returns were significantly higher with N4 closely followed by N3. Hence, growing of direct-seeded rice using 40 kg/ha seed rate along with split application of 1/3rd N at first shower/enough moisture availability preferably after first weeding, 1/3rd N at maximum tillering and 1/3rd N at panicle initiation stage is an ideal and sustainable approach in terms of productivity and profitability under rainfed drought-prone environment of Eastern India.

Features of the microbial biological “Flavobacterin” impact on the yield and quality of potato tubers of the Udacha variety

Relevance. Organic production is focused on maximizing the use of natural resources. Particular importance is attached to natural nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation provides agricultural systems with nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere and converted into forms accessible to plants. The microbial biological “Flavobacterin”, which exhibits nitrogen-fixing activity and also suppresses a wide range of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria, was created at the All-Russian Institute of Agricultural Microbiology.Methods. Field studies of the “Flavobacterin” effects on potatoes were carried out from 2018 to 2022 in an organic crop rotation located at the Experimental Station of the Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production Branch of FSAC VIM.Results. The soil of the experimental plot is soddy-podzolic, light loamy gleyic on residual carbonate moraine loam, characterized by a slightly acidic reaction and a high content of organic matter. Udacha variety potatoes were cultivated. The studies were carried out with organic fertilizer — BIAGUM compost, prepared from chicken manure by industrial method. Potato tubers were treated with a “Flavobacterin” when planting, and then on the leaves. Weather conditions in summer during the years of research differed significantly from each other. In all years of the study, with the exception of the dry year 2021, the application of “Flavobacterin” significantly increased potato productivity by an average of 4.4 t/ha, without compost. In the same years, the use of compost together with “Flavobacterin” increased potato productivity by an average of 2.6 t/ha compared to options where compost was used without biological.

Effect of Biofertilizers and Zinc Micronutrients on yield and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The research work was done out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj U.P( India), to study the effect of biofertilizers and zinc sulphate on growth and yield of Maize. The treatments consist of Bio-fertilizers PSB, Azotobacter,( PSB) + Azotobacter and ZnSO4 (20, 25, 30 kg/ha) done under RBD with ten treatments and replicated three times. The soil of research trial plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). The outcomes showed that the taller plants (159.03 cm), higher plant dry weight (162.70 g/plant), maximum crop growth rate (26.250 g/m2/day), number of cobs/plant (1.8), higher number of rows/cob (16.8), number of seeds per cob (553.4),were achieved by the application of PSB + Azotobacter + ZnSO4 30 kg/ha. Higher gross return (INR 1,49,119.5/ha), higher net return (INR 1,08,439.5.00/ha) and higher Benefit Cost ratio (2.66) were also obtained by the using of (Azotobacter 25 g/kg + PSB: 25 g/kg + 1% Zn+B 1 %).

Productive grass stands of pasture use for conditions of the Vologda region

Scientific research was carried out on the experimental field of the North-Western Research Institute of Dairy and Grassland Farming, a separate division of the Voluntary Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, located in the village of Dityatevo, Vologda Region. The soil of the experimental plot is soddy-podzolic and moderately cultivated. Pasture is a cheap and accessible food source for herbivores; it solves the problems of survival in crisis ecological, economic, and atypical climatic conditions. Pasture farming has significant animal health benefits, allowing them to consume desirable grass species. In the Russian Federation, pastures occupy about 30% of the area of agricultural land, and in the Vologda region, they occupy 13.3% (145.3 thousand hectares). The article describes ten years of research on the creation of pastures based on traditional and rare perennial grasses. In the composition of pasture grass stands, we studied cereal grasses (meadow timothy grass Vologda local and Leningradskaya 204, meadow fescue Sverdlovskaya 37, festulolium Allegro, perennial ryegrass VIK-66, awnless brome SibNIISKhoz-189, meadow bluegrass Limagi and Dar) and legumes (eastern goat’s rue Krivich, Lyad crown horned Solnyshko, meadow clover Carmine and Dymkovsky, creeping clover Belogorsky and Lugovik). Cereal and legume-cereal grass stands on average for 2011–2015. provided yields from 1.3 to 5.3 t/ha, metabolic energy output – 12.6–52.5 GJ/ha, and crude protein content ranging from 10.3 to 15.6% per 1 kg of dry matter; in 2017–2021, these figures were 2.3–8.4 t/ha, 23.4–87.6 GJ/ha, 13.4–18.9%, respectively.

Trialling a new method to attract feral cats (Felis catus) in situ – the Mata Hari Judas queen

Context Feral cats are a significant threat to wildlife in Australia and globally. Current feral cat management techniques have limitations that can result in wary, remnant individuals persisting in the landscape and reducing overall pest control efficacy, thus there is a need for additional innovative management techniques. Aims This research aimed to identify whether the Mata Hari Judas technique could be applied to female cats (queens) in situ as a means of attracting and assisting the capture of feral cats. Methods Three queens were induced into prolonged oestrus and contained in enclosures (vennels) in situ with traps attached to capture attracted feral cats. Two vennel treatments were trialled, one housing a Mata Hari Judas queen (queen vennel) and another using auditory and olfactory lures from a Mata Hari Judas queen (faux queen vennel) to compare the attractiveness of the two treatments at three study sites. Camera traps and soil plots were used to monitor and compare cat activity surrounding the vennels prior to, during and after the presence of a Mata Hari Judas queen or her lures. Key results Both vennel treatments attracted multiple feral cats of both sexes, and each trapped one male cat, demonstrating proof of concept for this technique. The queen vennel was significantly more attractive than the faux queen vennel, as demonstrated by higher frequency of cat detections and the duration of time feral cats spent at this vennel. Comparisons between monitoring periods and when the vennels were active showed significant differences in the frequency of cats attracted to the area, further supporting that both the queen and her lures were attractive to cats. Conclusions This research is the first instance where Mata Hari Judas queens have been successfully used in situ to attract and capture feral cats. Future studies should aim to assess this technique in a controlled area with a known cat population to allow for a direct comparison of efficacy with more traditional feral cat management methods. Implications With further refinement, the use of Mata Hari Judas queens in situ could provide an efficient technique for removing remnant cats.

Abiotic and biotic factors influencing small-scale corn production along a shade spectrum in arid urban agriculture settings.

Urban agriculture may be an avenue to help alleviate strain on the global production of staple crops like corn (Zea mays), but significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the optimization of staple crop production in urban settings, and especially in arid urban settings where different challenges exist for crop success. We sought to assess abiotic and biotic factors that impact sweet corn production in six arid urban agricultural plots with varying levels of shade stress, a known inhibitor of corn production. Corn successfully reached maturity in 50% of the studied plots (n = 18). Microbial richness and diversity were uniformly high in all plot soils and not indicated as a hinderance to corn production nor correlated with corn success. Multiple corn success metrics were positively correlated with average daytime light intensity (r = 0.74 to 0.84) and soil organic matter (r = 0.77 to 0.89), suggesting that these factors are critical aspects of successful corn production. In plots that did not receive optimal light exposure, exceptional soil health and morning vs afternoon sun exposure offset at least some degree of shade stress in these arid urban environments. Corn success metrics were negatively correlated with soil calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfate (r = -0.71 to -0.90), suggesting that minimizing or mitigating the buildup of salt constituents in soils is critical for successful corn production. Optimizing staple crop production in arid urban agricultural settings supports food chain stability and social and economic security of local communities. This work suggests abiotic and biotic drivers of corn success which can be utilized for crop optimization in these environments.

Influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under the Eastern Zone of UP, India

The present study highlights the influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): A Field Experiment yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L)". var. "ISF-764" was tested at Crop Research Farm during Rabi 2021–23. Ministry of Agriculture Sciences and technology United University, Prayagraj in the U.P. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) India ranks second in terms of planted area after food crops and is the world's fourth-largest producer of oilseeds in terms of output. The soil of the experimental plot had a sandy loam texture, was almost pH-neutral (7.5), had low organic carbon content (0.50%), and was readily available. N (228.59 kg/ha), available P (29.80 kg/ha) and available K (125.21 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists three level of S 20,30,40 kg/ha and three level of P 30,40,50 kg/ha with control (Farmer practice) were replicated thrice. Results obtained that higher plant height (173.33 cm), Number of branches (19.27), dry weight (117.89 g/day), yield attributes and yield viz., seed yield (2.20 t/ha), stover yield (2.98 t/ha) and Hi (42.44 %) were recorded with the application of 40 kg/ha S + 50 kg/ha P, economics viz. however, higher gross return (113804.07 INR/ha), net return (77799.97 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) was observed when 40 kg/ha S and 50 kg/ha P were applied. Application of 40 kg/ha S with 50 kg/ha P was therefore more productive and financially viable. It is concluded that treatment T9 with application of S 40 kg/ha + P 50 kg/ha was found to be the best that recorded highest plant height, number of capitulam / plant , dry weight (g), panicle length, number of panicles, number of grains per panicle, seed yield, straw yield, test weight and harvest index.