Soil Productivity Research Articles

Deciphering the differences of bacterial communities between high- and low-productive wheat fields using high-throughput sequencing.

Microbial communities have been demonstrated to be essential for healthy and productive soil ecosystems. However, an understanding of the relationship between soil microbial community and soil productivity levels is remarkably limited. In this study, bulk soil (BS), rhizosphere soil (RS), and root (R) samples from the historical high-productive (H) and low-productive (L) soil types of wheat in Hebei province of China were collected and analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The study highlighted the richness, diversity, and structure of bacterial communities, along with the correlation networks among different bacterial genera. Significant differences in the bacterial community structure between samples of different soil types were observed. Compared with the low-productive soil type, the bacterial communities of samples from the high-productive soil type possessed high species richness, low species diversity, complex and stable networks, and a higher relative abundance of beneficial microbes, such as Pseudoxanthomonas, unclassified Vicinamibacteraceae, Lysobacter, Massilia, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. Further analysis indicated that the differences were mainly driven by soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN), and electrical conductivity (EC). Overall, the soil bacterial community is an important factor affecting soil health and crop production, which provides a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of microbes in low-productivity soil types.

A Comparative Study of Long-Term Conventional and No-Tillage Practices on the Basis of Available Soil Nutrients, Soil Organic Carbon and Crop Productivity in Black Soils of Central India

Crop residue removal in conventional tillage (CT) can cause the depletion of soil nutrients (such as N, P, K) and organic carbon resulting in negative nutrient balance/depleted soil fertility. No-tillage (NT) is seen as a good substitute for CT in terms of preserving soil fertility and enhancing the soil productivity. The present study carried out in black soil of central India comprising of 2 tillage systems and 3 crop rotations to compared the effects of long-term conventional and no-tillage practices on available soil nutrients, soil organic carbon and crop yield differences in different cropping systems. Conventional tillage and No-till were factored into, soybean-wheat, maize-wheat and maize-gram systems. The long-term no-tillage treatment resulted in higher soil organic carbon (0.95%), available soil nitrogen (222.61 Kg ha-1), phosphorus (24.62 Kg ha-1) and potassium (583.63 Kg ha-1) contents at the 0–10 cm depth than the conventional tillage treatment. Crop productivity in terms of soybean grain equivalent yield (SGEY) was significantly higher in NT (41.42 quintal ha-1) compare to CT (35.36 quintal ha-1). The study proven that no-tillage is an effective strategy to improve soil fertility (organic carbon and available nutrients) and crop yield of different cropping systems in black soils of central India.

Residue retention and precision nitrogen management effects on soil physicochemical properties and productivity of maize-wheat-mungbean system in Indo-Gangetic Plains

Maize-based crop systems are promoted in large scale in South Asia because they are more sustainable and efficient than rice-based systems. In the present study, using two combinations of crop residue management practices (CRM) with four precision nitrogen (N) management (PNM) systems, we assessed the impacts on soil physicochemical characteristics [soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density (BD), soil penetration resistance (PR)] and crop yields in 6 years old continuous zero tillage (ZT) practices under maize-wheat-mungbean cropping system in a sandy loam soil of northwestern India. The highest SOC (5.73 g/kg) was observed in Zero Tillage with Residue Retention (ZT + R) plots. Zero-tillage with residue retention (ZT + R) significantly reduced the bulk density over the zero-tillage with no residue retention (ZT-R) across the soil depth. The bulk density in ZT + R was 6.5 and 10.7% lower at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm soil depth, respectively, than under ZT-R. The penetration resistance (PR) was significantly lower in ZT + R than in ZT-R across the soil depth. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in ZT + R was 7.4% higher at 0–15 cm depth and 11.9% higher at 15–30 cm depth than under ZT-R treatment. Among PNM treatments, the sequence of treatments in SOC content was 50%N + Green Seeker (GS) >33%N + GS > RDN > 70%N + GS. The system productivity (maize equivalent yield) under ZT + R in combination with 50%BN + GS was 15.0% higher than crops grown under ZT-R with RDN. The wheat equivalent yield under the ZT + R treatment is found to be higher (5.97) in the 50%BN + GS, which was 18% higher than the recommended dose of nitrogen treatment (5.04) and 28% higher than the 70%BN + GS treatment (4.68). Results demonstrated that plots with residue retention performed better, showing a 10% increase in system productivity. The study concludes that a ZT-based system with maize-based crop rotations (MWMb) with crop residue retention and precision nitrogen management can improve soil properties and system productivity in northwestern India.

Mitigation of salt stress in rice (oryza sativa l.) growth and yield in coastal saline soil using crop residue-driven organic amendments under varying moisture conditions

The increasing salinity in coastal areas due to climate change significantly hinders rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, a crucial food source for over half of the global population. This study evaluates the effects of organic amendments and moisture conditions on the vegetative growth and yield of rice varieties in a saline field in the Khulna district of Bangladesh. The field experiment was conducted from February to May 2020, using rice straw compost (RSC), sawdust (SD), rice husk (RH), and mustard seed meal (MSM) at varying rates (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1) under moist (70% soil moisture) and saturated (>100% soil moisture) conditions. The experiment featured BRRI dhan 28 (salt-sensitive) and BRRI dhan 47 (salt-tolerant) varieties. Key metrics evaluated in the study included the productive to unproductive tillers ratio (PTR), spikelet sterility, percent filled grains, straw yield, and grain yield. Results indicated significant (p ≤0.05) improvements in PTR, reduction in spikelet sterility, increased grain filling, and higher straw and grain yields with applying organic amendments, especially MSM. The highest PTR for BRRI dhan 47 (0.86) was achieved with MSM at 5 t ha-1 under moist conditions, while BRRI dhan 28 reached a PTR of 0.81 with RH at 10 t ha-1 under saturated conditions. Spikelet sterility was minimized (9/panicle) with MSM at 5 t ha-1 under saturated conditions for both varieties. Percent filled grains peaked (88.9%) with MSM at 5 t ha-1 for BRRI dhan 28. Enhanced straw yields were observed, with BRRI dhan 47 achieving 8.76 t ha-1 with MSM at 10 t ha-1. Grain yield increased significantly, with BRRI dhan 28 yielding 5.75 t ha-1 under similar conditions. The study confirms that organic amendments of MSM > RSC > SD > RH can effectively mitigate salt and moisture stress, thereby improving rice productivity in saline soils. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 1-13, 2024 (July)

Increased sugarcane productivity and environmental improvement in acid sulfate soils: A win–win system

AbstractThis paper describes a sugarcane farming system on acid sulfate soils (ASS) in coastal, eastern Australia which has improved crop production, increased carbon sequestration, enhanced soil health and controlled drainage discharge to estuaries. The farming system has evolved as a collaboration between innovative sugarcane farmers, researchers and government agencies. The collaboration started when discharge from the farmed coastal floodplain ASS acidified an entire estuary in eastern Australia, wiping out all gilled and benthic organisms for 18 months. The event produced major conflicts between fishers, farmers, the community, entrained researchers and local and state governments. It led to a major initiative to develop sugarcane farming systems which enhanced environmental benefits and increased crop production. Such a win–win system has applicability to other locations with variable resource use conflicts. The system of cane land management adopted on the Tweed site is described.

Enhancing soil fertility, inorganic fertilizer efficiency, and oil palm productivity through bio-compost application in oxium biodegradable sacks on former mining land-podzols: Insights from a field study in Indonesia

Sandy podzolic soils, prevalent on former mining lands, present significant agricultural challenges due to their coarse texture, depth, acidity, and low fertility. This study evaluated the impact of bio-compost fertilizer, delivered in biodegradable oxium sacks, on soil quality and oil palm productivity in these soils. Conducted over 12 months in a 4-year-old oil palm plantation in East Belitung Regency, Indonesia, the research compared various combinations of bio-compost and inorganic fertilizers with a control group. The findings revealed that the integration of bio-compost with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers markedly improved soil quality and decreased dependence on chemical inputs. Specifically, applying 50 kg or 75 kg of bio-compost per palm along with 50 % or 75 % of the standard inorganic fertilizer dose was particularly effective. This approach increased oil palm productivity to 14.50–15.87 tons per hectare per year. The method provides a sustainable solution for the palm oil industry and small farmers, improving soil fertility and productivity in degraded podzolic soils. The use of oxium biodegradable sacks allowed for a gradual release of nutrients. Future research should further explore the potential of bio-compost as a soil conditioner and its long-term environmental impacts across various soil types.

Monitoring soil carbon in smallholder carbon projects: insights from Kenya

Voluntary carbon market schemes facilitate funding for projects promoting sustainable land management practices to sequester carbon in natural sinks such as biomass and soil, while also supporting agricultural production. The effectiveness of VCM schemes relies on accurate measurement mechanisms that can directly attribute carbon accumulation to project activities. However, measuring carbon sequestration in soils has proven to be difficult and costly, especially in fragmented smallholdings predominant in global agriculture. The cost and accuracy limitations of current methods to monitor soil organic carbon (SOC) limit the participation of smallholder farmers in global carbon markets, where they could potentially be compensated for adopting sustainable farming practices that provide ecosystem benefits. This study evaluates nine different approaches for SOC accounting in smallholder agricultural projects. The approaches involve the use of proximal and remote sensing, along with process models. Our evaluation centres on stakeholder requirements for the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification system, using the criteria of accuracy, level of standardisation, costs, adoptability, and the advancement of community benefits. By analysing these criteria, we highlight opportunities and challenges associated with each approach, presenting suggestions to enhance their applicability for smallholder SOC accounting. The contextual foundation of the research is a case study on the Western Kenya Soil Carbon Project. Remote sensing shows promise in reducing costs for direct and modelling-based carbon measurement. While it is already being used in certain carbon market applications, transparency is vital for broader integration. This demands collaborative work and investment in infrastructure like spectral libraries and user-friendly tools. Balancing community benefits against the detached nature of remote techniques is essential. Enhancing information access aids farmers, boosting income through improved soil and crop productivity, even with remote monitoring. Handheld sensors can involve smallholders, given consistent protocols. Engaging the community in monitoring can cut project costs, enhance agricultural capabilities, and generate extra income.

Impact of 240 g/L glyphosate IPA on weed control and upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield in a no-tillage system

Glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide is known as one of the effective chemical solutions in weed control, especially in no-tillage systems. No-tillage systems offer advantages in upland rice cultivation by reducing soil damage and production costs. However, the main challenge in the application of no-tillage systems is the presence of pre-planting weeds that can compete with plants in the absorption of growth factors such as nutrients, light, and water. This experiment aims to test herbicide doses that effectively suppress weed growth and optimize the growth and yield of upland rice with the no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 at Ciparanje Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The experiment used Randomized Block Design (RBD), consisting of 7 treatments, each repeated four times. The treatments consisted of 5 doses of glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide 2.00, 3.00; 4.00, 5.00; 6.00 L/ha with no-tillage system; manual weeding; and control with perfect tillage system. Experimental results showed that glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide at a dose of 3.00 - 6.00 L/ha with the no-tillage system can be used to replace the perfect tillage system because it can suppress the growth of broadleaf weeds, namely Ageratum conyzoides, Cleome rutidosperma, Mollugo pentaphylla and Synedrela nodiflora, and grass Digitaria ciliaris. No phytotoxicity symptoms were found, and had a favorable effect on rice plant growth regarding population size and tillers. The yield of rice plants with the highest milled dry grain yield was 4.45 t/ha.

Zinc and Boron Foliar Application Effects on Primed Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Growth and Productivity

Mung bean is recognized for its abundant high-quality protein content. For human consumption, it is a high-quality protein source and also serves various purposes crops, its arvested residue is used for green manuring and also used for fodder purposes. The research aimed to assess the impact of foliar micronutrient application on primed mung bean (Vigna radiata). The experimental procedures were executed in the sandy loam soil prevalent in the central plain region of Punjab. The investigation was conducted during the Zaid season 2022, focusing on the (SML-1827) mung bean variety. Specifically, the research assessed the impact of foliar micronutrient applications involving zinc and boron at 15 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) on primed mung bean growth characteristics. The experimental design employed a Randomized Block Design, incorporating 11 distinct treatment combinations, each replicated thrice. The investigation revealed that foliar micronutrient treatment on primed mung bean substantially influenced growth and yield parameters. Growth indicators for mung bean exhibited a positive trend when zinc and boron were jointly applied to primed seeds with gibberellic acid, followed by a decline in the control group, which experienced typical growth conditions devoid of growth regulators and micronutrients. Specifically, the highest recorded plant height was 70.1 cm in the T9 (GA(50 mg.L-1) + ZnSO4 (0.5%) + B (1%)) treatment, while the lowest height was 58 cm in the T0 (control) treatment. Similarly, the most significant fresh weight was observed in T9 (GA(50 mg.L-1) + ZnSO4 (0.5%)+ B (1%)) treatments at 136.8 g, with the lowest weight recorded in T0 (control) treatments at 86.6g. the most significant grain yield was achieved in T9 112 g.m-2, followed by T10 (SA(150 mg.L-1)+ ZnSO4 (0.5%)+B (1%)) at 105.7 g.m-2. This study suggests micronutrients and growth regulators can be sustainable agricultural inputs to enhance soil health and productivity.

Nutrient and Heavy Metal Content of Three Leafy Vegetables (Talinum fructicosum (L.) Juss., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Solanum macrocarpon L.) from an Effluent-Receiving Wetland in the Douala Bassa Industrial Development Zone, Cameroon: Implications for

Objective: Contamination by heavy metals in soil, water, and agricultural products is a significant concern, particularly affecting wetland ecosystems. This investigation aimed to assess the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, As, Zn, and Ni) and nutritional values in three highly cultivated leafy vegetables (Talinum fructicosum (L.) Juss., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Solanum macrocarpon L.) collected from a polluted coastal wetland. Additionally, we evaluated the potential health hazards for both adults and children.” Methods: The mature and young leaves with succulent stems were collected during the dry and rainy seasons, transported to the laboratory, processed and then analysed for nutritional contents according to standard methods, and heavy metals was measured with atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: The three leafy vegetables were found to be low in fat (0.85±2.19%), protein (3.01±9.06%), ash (0.68±5.03%), and carbohydrates (1.34±4.54%). During both seasons, the Cd (0.45±2.49%), Cu (208.34-927.41%), and Zn (29.39±3554.5%) content in leafy vegetables was extremely high, surpassing the WHO/FAO safe limits. The Hazard Index (HI) values were all greater than (>) one (1) for both adults (32.259±67.31) and children (67.310±489.89). Total carcinogenic health risk (TCR) values for Pb, Cd, and AS due to consumption of the three vegetables for adult (0.008±0.052) and children (0.018±0.109) also exceeded the maximum threshold value of 10−4. From our findings, inhabitants who consume these contaminated vegetables are exposed chronically to metal pollution with carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Conclusion: In the light of these finding, policies and regulations should be reinforced regarding the discharge of untreated effluents into the environment and the prohibition of the growing of leafy vegetables should be strengthened.

Monitoring soil productivity using Remote sensing and GIS techniques in El- Qaliobia Governorate, Egypt

Monitoring soil productivity using Remote sensing and GIS techniques in El- Qaliobia Governorate, Egypt

Factors influencing adoption and use of Tephrosia vogelii in Malawi: Role of by-laws and other drivers

Soil nutrient deficiency poses great challenge to efforts aimed at improving agricultural productivity in Southern Africa. Agroforestry fertilizer tree technologies have potential to improve soil productivity in cropping systems. As such understanding the socio-economic and biophysical drivers in promoting adoption, and use of Tephrosia vogelii (T. vogelii) would provide requisite knowledge to stakeholders who promote integration of fertilizer tree technologies. This study conducted an analysis of effectiveness of by-laws, other socio-economic drivers, and biophysical factors in promoting the adoption and use of T. vogelii in Kasungu district in the central region of Malawi. The study used multistage sampling technique and data from 432 farmers. A Double Hurdle model was used where Probit regression and Truncated regression models were incorporated in the first and second hurdle, respectively. The study found that by-laws, seed availability, frequency of extension officer's visits before planting, technology provider and field characteristics influenced adoption and utilization intensity of T. vogelii in Kasungu district, Malawi. Awareness creation on developed by-laws and enforcement, promoted the adoption of intercropping of T. vogelii in the maize-based cropping system.

Study on the performance mechanism of alumina-alkali activator synergistic solidified lunar soil simulant

The utilization of lunar in-situ resources is an important way to realize the construction and operation of Moon scientific research base. The effect of alumina-alkali activator on the mechanical properties of solidified lunar soil simulant was studied by using basaltic lunar soil simulant as raw material, adding alumina and alkali activator for solidification treatment. Characterisation of hydration products in the simulated lunar soil using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The solidified mechanism of lunar soil simulant under the synergistic effect of alumina-alkali activator was discussed. The results showed that the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the solidified lunar soil simulant show an increasing trend, and the highest compressive strength was 17.29MPa, which was 57% greater than that of the control group. The energy evolution process inside the specimen can be divided into four stages: damage initiation, damage increase, damage mutation and damage acceleration. The incorporation of alumina can promote the geopolymerization reaction between the alkali activator and the lunar soil’s mineral composition to generate plenty of (N,C)-A-S-H gels that can fill the pores in the particles, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the solidified lunar soil simulant. Finally, the microscopic reaction mechanism model of alumina-alkali activator synergistic solidified lunar soil simulant was established.

Unraveling the characteristics of microplastics in agricultural soils upon long-term organic fertilizer application: A comprehensive study using diversity indices

Microplastics negatively impact soil health and productivity. Organic fertilizers constitute significant contributors of microplastics in agricultural soils. Nevertheless, comprehensive data on the diversity of microplastics in long-term fertilized soils remain unavailable. In this study, we assessed the presence of microplastics in soils subjected to application of three different organic fertilizers (pig manure, chicken manure, and sludge composts) over 12 years, and evaluated the potential ecological risks posed by microplastic accumulation. The average microplastic abundance in soil was 368.88 ± 207.97 (range: 90–910) items/kg. Microplastic abundance differed among fertilization treatments, with substantial increases of 16.67%, 71.67%, and 61.43% upon low to high application of the three treatments, respectively. Overall, the microplastics predominantly comprised fibers (70.94%) and fragments (25.25%), of which a substantial proportion constituted light-colored microplastics (transparent and white). The size of microplastics was mainly concentrated in the 1–2 mm range (39.96%), with rayon, polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene being identified as the major types. The risk assessment indices of the three treatments were 229.38, 257.64, and 175.89, respectively, and were all classified as level 4 (high risk). The microplastic diversity integrated index and principal component analysis revealed that microplastics were uniformly distributed throughout the 0–20 cm soil depth consequent to tillage activity. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution in long-term fertilized soils and serve as a scientific basis for reducing microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.

Selection of Suitable Organic Amendments to Balance Agricultural Economic Benefits and Carbon Sequestration.

Long-term excessive use of fertilizers and intensive cultivation not only decreases soil organic carbon (SOC) and productivity, but also increases greenhouse gas emissions, which is detrimental to sustainable agricultural development. The purpose of this paper is to identify organic amendments suitable for winter wheat growth in the North China Plain by studying the effects of organic amendments on the economic benefits, carbon emissions, and carbon sequestration for winter wheat fields and to provide a theoretical basis for the wide application of organic amendments in agricultural fields. The two nitrogen rates were N0 (0 kg ha-1) and N240 (240 kg ha-1), and the four organic amendments were straw, manure, mushroom residue (M R), and biochar. The results showed that, compared to N0, N240 significantly increased the yield by 244.1-318.4% and the organic carbon storage by 16.7-30.5%, respectively, but increased the carbon emissions by 29.3-45.5%. In addition, soil carbon stocks increased with all three types of organic amendments compared to the straw amendment, with the biochar treatment being the largest, increasing carbon storage by 13.3-33.6%. In terms of yield and economic benefits, compared to the straw amendment, the manure and biochar amendments increased winter wheat yields by 0.0-1.5% and 4.0-13.3%, respectively, and M R slightly decreased wheat yield; only the economic benefit of the M R amendment was greater than that of the straw amendment, with an increase in economic benefit of 1.3% and 8.2% in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, respectively. Furthermore, according to the net ecosystem productivity (NEP), N0 was the source of CO2, while N240 was a sink of CO2. The TOPSIS results showed that N240 with a mushroom residue amendment could be recommended for increasing soil carbon stocks and economic benefits for winter wheat in the NCP and similar regions. Low-cost M R can increase farmer motivation and improve soil organic carbon, making a big step forward in the spread of organic materials on farmland.

Evaluation of soil erosion rate using geospatial techniques for enhancing soil conservation efforts

According to reports, Ethiopia is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa with the worst affected by soil erosion. It has both on-site and off-site consequences on biophysical and socioeconomic settings in an area. The study area is heavily affected by soil erosion forming diverse erosion structures, particularly in the upper course of the watershed. Hence, this work seeks to estimate the geographically distributed annual soil loss rate and mapping of soil erosion hazard hotspot areas in the watershed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) adapted to Ethiopian conditions. The RUSLE parameters, such as rainfall erosion factor (R-factor), soil erodibility factor (K-factor), slope steepness and slope length factor (LS-factor), land cover factor (C-factor), and conservation practice factor (P-factor) were considered as data input for the analysis to quantify the soil loss rate in the study area. A digital elevation model (DEM) with a 12.5 × 12.5-meter resolution was employed for catchment delineation and determination of the LS factor.The mean yearly rainfall data from the surrounding rain gauge stations was used to analyze the R-factor. The results of the current conditions showed that the average typical soil loss rate from the entire watershed is 23.8 t ha-1 yr-1, and the quantity of soil loss from the study area ranged from 0 to 776.71tan /ha-1 yr-1. Nonetheless, Tiro Afeta experiences mean soil erosion at a rate of roughly 50.2 t ha-1 yr-1, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 11 t ha-1 yr-1. Determining the sustainability of soil production requires assessment, particularly in cases where significant yearly soil erosion occurs. Due to intensive agricultural activities in the Xiro Afeta watershed, significant soil erosion is predominantly occurring in thissteep upper region. Consequently, this area urgently requires appropriate soil protection measures.

Enhancement of nutrient use efficiency with biochar and wood vinegar: A promising strategy for improving soil productivity.

The co-application of biochar and wood vinegar has demonstrated the potential to enhance premium crop production. The present study reveals the effects of co-applying rice husk biochar and wood vinegar (both foliar and soil application) on soil properties and the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) in a two-season pot experiment. The soil pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved organic carbon contents in combination treatments of wood vinegar and biochar were increased more when wood vinegar was applied to soils rather than to leaves, and the parameters were observed to surpass those for chemical fertilizer treatments. The biomass of Chinese cabbage shoots was significantly increased by 60.8- and 27.3-fold in the combined treatments compared to the control when 1% wood vinegar was sprayed to the leaves (WF1) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Higher contents of vitamin C, soluble protein and soluble sugar were also observed in the combined wood vinegar and biochar treatments compared to chemical fertilizer treatments and the control; for example, the vitamin C content of plant shoot in WF1 was 21.3 times that of the control. The yield and quality of plants were decreased across all treatments in 2023 compared to 2022 but the combination treatments still displayed superiority. The co-application of wood vinegar and biochar enhances the growth and improve the quality of Chinese cabbage through improving the soil properties and plant photosynthesis. Moreover, the foliage application of wood vinegar is more preferable compared to soil application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Partial Organic Substitution Fertilization Improves Soil Fertility While Reducing N Mineralization in Rubber Plantations

Overuse of chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizers leads to N leaching and soil degradation. Replacing chemical N fertilizers with organic fertilizers can enhance soil nutrition, reduce N loss, and improve soil productivity. However, the effects of combining organic and chemical fertilizers on soil N components and N transformation remain unclear. A 12-year field study included four treatments: no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), 50% chemical N fertilizer combined with co-composted organic fertilizer (CFM), and composted (CFMC) organic fertilizer. The results showed that CFM and CFMC significantly enhanced SOC, TN, LFON, DON, NH4+-N, and MIN levels compared to CF. The CFM and CFMC treatments enhanced the soil N supply capacity and N pool stability by increasing the N mineralization potential (N0) and decreasing the N0/TN ratio. The CFM and CFMC treatments decreased net N ammonification rates by 108.03%–139.83% and 0.44%–64.91% and net mineralization rates by 60.60%–66.30% and 1.74%–30.38%, respectively. Changes in N transformation have been attributed to increased soil pH, enzyme activity, and substrate availability. These findings suggest that partial organic fertilizer substitution, particularly with co-composted organic fertilizers, is a viable strategy for enhancing soil fertility, improving soil N supply and stability, and reducing N loss in rubber plantations.

Effect of zinc in absence and presence of limestone on soybean grown in three different soil types

Liming is essential for enhancing economic viability and increasing crop production in acidic soil in tropical and subtropical regions. However, continuous limestone application has been associated with cationic micronutrient deficiency, including zinc (Zn). In an experiment under greenhouse conditions using three soils of different textural classes (Typic Alfisol, Typic Oxisol, and Typic Entisol), we evaluated the growth of soybean after fertilization with limestone and Zn. We applied dolomitic limestone at two rates (equivalent to 0 and 5.0 Mg ha−1) and Zn at four rates (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg−1), each with four replicates. These three soil types exhibited distinct nutrient availability. Liming significantly altered soil chemical attributes, particularly causing considerable reduction in Zn availability in Typic Alfisol. Furthermore, liming led to a reduction in Zn concentration in soybean leaves and grains in all the three soil types. Grain yield (GY) increased in the presence of liming, and yield was further enhanced with increasing Zn concentrations. Positive effect was also seen on photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (g s), and leaf N, Ca, and Zn concentrations, except on P concentration. Even with adequate nutrient concentrations and limestone application, sandy soils had a lower GY.

Investigating the influence of eco-friendly approaches on saline soil traits and growth of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Soil salinization significantly impacts agricultural lands and crop productivity in the study area. Moreover, freshwater scarcity poses a significant obstacle to soil reclamation and agricultural production. Therefore, eco-friendly strategies must be adopted for agro-ecosystem sustainability under these conditions. A study conducted in 2022 and 2023 examined the interaction effects of various soil mulching materials (unmulched, white plastic, rice straw, and sawdust) and chitosan foliar spray application (control, 250 mg L-1 of normal chitosan, 125 mg L-1 of nano chitosan, and 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan) on the biochemical soil characteristics and productivity of common beans in clay-saline soil. Higher organic matter, available nutrient content, and total bacteria count in soils were found under organic mulching treatments (rice straw and sawdust). In contrast, the white plastic mulching treatment resulted in the lowest values of soil electrical conductivity (EC) and the highest soil water content. Conversely, chitosan foliar spray treatments had the least impact on the chemical properties of the soil. Plants sprayed with 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan exhibited higher chlorophyll content, plant height, fresh weight of shoots and roots, seed yield, and nutrient content compared to other chitosan foliar spray applications. All treatments studied led to a significant reduction in fungal communities and Na% in plants. The combined effect of organic mulch materials and foliar spray application of 62.5 mg L-1 nano chitosan appeared to enhance biochemical saline soil properties and common bean productivity.