Successive Crops Research Articles

Impact of Cow Urine and Substrate Composition on Germination and Early Growth of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seedlings

Aim: This study evaluates the impact of cow urine and substrate composition on the germination and early growth of papaya (Carica papaya L.) seedlings, a critical phase for successful crop establishment. Study Design and Methodology: Conducted as a factorial experiment, it assessed eleven substrate or growing media combinations with and without cow urine treatment. Results: Results reveal that cow urine significantly reduces the time to 90 percent germination (T90) and enhances the germination index, indicating its stimulatory effect on seed metabolic activity. Treatments combining cow urine with substrates like soil, sand, vermiculite, cocopeat, and perlite (T10) showed the shortest T90 and highest germination index, suggesting cow urine accelerates germination. Additionally, cow urine application improved growth metrics such as relative growth rate (RGR) and total biomass accumulation, with T10 and T8 treatments yielding the highest values. Enhanced leaf relative water content (LRWC) and elevated proline levels in cow urine-treated plants indicate better water retention and stress resilience. Strong positive correlations were observed among proline content, RGR, and biomass accumulation, highlighting cow urine’s contribution to vigorous seedling growth and stress adaptation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that cow urine, in combination with optimized substrates, is a sustainable growth enhancer that promotes robust seedling development, suitable for organic farming practices aimed at papaya cultivation.

Soil Dynamics in Carbon, Nitrogen, and Enzyme Activity Under Maize–Green Manure Cropping Sequences

The diversification of cropping sequences has a positive impact on soil organic carbon, while improving nutrient cycling and crop yields. The objective of this research was to assess amylase, cellulase, C and N dynamics, and maize yield on a low fertility oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was conducted under field conditions during three maize crop succession cycles. The treatments consisted of cultivating maize during the summer, after sorghum and lablab cropped as green manure and fallow during the winter. Higher maize yields were achieved by sorghum–maize succession compared to monocropping, due to higher N fertilizer and biomass inputs to topsoil. Sorghum–maize succession also provided a higher proportion of stable C and N compared to other successions. Maize yields declined as tropical soil fertility intrinsically decreased along three crops succession cycles. Cellulase activity decreased over time, whereas amylase activity increased as the plant residues were already in advanced stages of decomposition. The sorghum–maize crop succession stood out compared to lablab and fallow as it provided the highest maize yields, while maintaining higher C and N levels, and amylase activity. This better performance was likely due to larger amounts of incorporated biomass and better mineral N fertilizer management.

Impact of Levels of Nutrient Management on Economics of Soybean-onion and Soybean-potato Cropping System

Background: Nutrient management and cropping sequence are two important factors which affect productivity and profitability of crop. Profitability is one the important part of the successful crop production. Soybean fixes atmospheric nitrogen in soil and partially fulfills the nitrogen requirement of succeeding crops. There is a need for a suitable substitute crop or cropping systems after soybean to improve the soil fertility and productivity to maximize the profitability. The plains of Maharashtra are well suited for onion and potato cultivation. There is scope for increasing the area, production and productivity of onion and potato crop. Majority of farmers in Maharashtra following soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea crop sequence while in present investigation soybean is grown in sequence with vegetable crop such as onion and potato which could help to increase profitability through higher net return and B: C ratio. Methods: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Six combinations of two crop sequences (soybean-onion and soybean-potato) and three levels of nutrient management viz., 50% RDF+FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N1), 75 % RDF+ FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N2) and 100 % RDF+ FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N3) were the main plot treatments in kharif season replicated three times in randomized block design. During rabi season each main plot treatment of nutrient management level was split into three sub plot treatments with three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer viz., 75% RDF (F1), 100% RDF (F2) and 125% RDF (F3) to rabi season crops resulting in eighteen treatment combinations replicated three times in split plot design. The data pertaining to growth characteristics, yield characteristics, economics of soybean (kharif) and onion or potato (rabi) was collected at regular interval in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Agronomy Farm, Dr. PDKV, Akola which was analyzed statistically in SPD (split plot design). Result: Soybean-onion crop sequence registered higher profitability in terms of GMR, NMR and B: C in comparison with soybean - potato crop sequence. Soybean crop supplied with 100% RDN+ 5 t FYM ha-1 + Biofertilizer (Rhizobium japonicum+ PSB+ Tricoderma viridi) recorded highest GMR, NMR and B:C ratio over lower levels of treatments in all year experimentation. Rabi crops treated with 125% RDF recorded GMR, NMR and B:C ratio over lower levels of treatments in all years of experimentation.

Impact of Bacillus Inoculation on Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Structure: A Review

The rhizosphere is a specialized zone where plant roots interact with the soil microbiome. Among various beneficial microbes, the genus Bacillus stands out due to its diverse functionalities and potential to boost plant growth and resilience. Bacillus is a key genus of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) known for enhancing nutrient availability, producing phytohormones, and inducing plant resistance to pathogens. Inoculating Bacillus species into the rhizosphere can significantly alter the bacterial community's structure and composition. These alterations are driven by the competitive and cooperative interactions between Bacillus and the native rhizosphere microorganisms. Incorporating soil microorganisms into the host plant's beneficial bacterial community improves soil nutrient cycling and nutrient use efficiency. Using microbial inoculants is an effective strategy to address crop succession challenges, enhance microbial community structure, and improve soil fertility, thereby promoting crop growth. This review thoroughly examines the current understanding of how Bacillus inoculation impacts rhizosphere bacterial community structure.

Escarole and Endive: Nutritious Leafy Vegetables with High Potential for Floridians

Escaroles and endives are two leafy vegetables of the Compositae family rich in nutrients and minerals. Both crops are uncommon in the United States, but both are planted in wintertime in Florida and in other states such as California and New Jersey. This publication aims the public and inform of their use in the leafy vegetable industry in Florida. As other leafy vegetables, escaroles and endives are susceptible to pests and diseases and other physiological disorders such as pink rib at postharvest. Using the correct management practices and the correct cultivars adapted for Florida could help producers in fields and in the home garden to achieve a successful crop.

Effect of Different Irrigated Crop Successions on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Potassium Budget Under Mediterranean Conditions

Sustainability in agroecosystems relies on the optimized use of resources to achieve consistent yields while maintaining or improving soil health. The monitoring of soil quality is crucial when changes from rainfall-fed to irrigated crop systems occur. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different crop successions in the Mediterranean area under irrigation and different technical practices. The soil nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) and soil organic carbon (SOC) balances were observed in four fields with irrigated annual crops in a two-year succession timeframe, namely, sunflower–maize (P1), sunflower–clover (P2), maize–sunflower (P3), and alfalfa–alfalfa (P4). The SOC and nutrient balance, integrating the total irrigation, mineral fertilizers, and exported yield, was calculated for each farm. Except for maize–sunflower succession (P3), all fields presented a negative SOC balance at the end of the two-year crop succession, indicating losses from 2.84 to 4.91 Mg SOC ha−1 y−1. While in N-fixing plants the soil N decreased, in the remaining crops a surplus was observed, possibly leading to future N losses. The continuous depletion of soil P revealed a potential underestimation of this nutrient. Soil K appears to be related to specific crop management practices, namely, crop residue incorporation after harvest. In annual irrigated crops under Mediterranean conditions, crop succession can induce soil fertility degradation if conservation practices are absent.

Influence of organic manures on yield parameters of guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Lucknow 49

The present investigation on “Influence of organic manures on yield parameters of guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Lucknow 49” was conducted in a farmer’s field located at Suthamalli village under Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu during 2023-24. The study aimed to evaluate the application of organic manures, specifically combinations of farmyard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, and neem cake significantly enhanced the yield parameters of guava cv. Lucknow 49 compared to untreated control conditions. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design in three replications with fourteen treatments. The treatments were designed by combination of FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure and neem cake at different levels. The results of the present study indicated that the yield parameters viz., number of flowers/tree (162.16 and 173.36), number of fruits/tree (151.97 and 163.52), fruit set percentage (93.71 % and 94.32%), fruit length (6.71 and 6.98 cm), fruit diameter (6.89 and 7.10 cm), fruit weight (189.22 and 193.27 g) and yield/tree (29.83 and 34.18 kg) was found to be the highest in two successive crops, the treatment which received soil application of FYM 10 kg + vermicompost 5 kg + poultry manure 2.5 kg + neem cake 5 kg/tree followed by vermicompost 5 kg + poultry manure 2.5 kg + neem cake 5 kg/tree. The least values for all the yield parameters were noticed in the untreated control.

Modeling soil organic matter changes under crop diversification strategies and climate change scenarios in the Brazilian Cerrado

In Brazil, land conversion and agricultural management have historically accounted for the largest share of the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the Cerrado region being one of the most affected areas. Although cropping diversification has been proposed as a potential strategy to mitigate GHG emissions through soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, the long-term effects of these systems in the Cerrado are unknown. The DayCent model was used to simulate the impact of crop diversification and tillage on SOC dynamics until 2070 (∼50 years), including common crop succession systems and crop rotations associated with cover crops under climate change scenarios. First, we calibrated and evaluated the DayCent model using plant and soil observations from three sites in the region, where Pearson coefficients (r values) ranged from 0.50 to 0.94 (calibration sites) and 0.53–0.99 (validation site) for crop yields, SOC, and nitrogen. We then used the model to investigate how cropping systems and climate interact to control SOC levels. Results indicate that SOC stocks would decrease under the long-term (∼50 years) soybean-cotton succession, regardless of soil management (-0.04 to −0.17 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Crop diversification with crop rotation and cover crops (i.e., millet, ruzigrass, sunn hemp) had the highest SOC accrual potential (∼0.71 Mg C ha−1 year−1), resulting in SOC stocks of up to 130 Mg C ha−1 by 2070. Ruzigrass, either single or intercropped with maize on crop succession systems, showed substantial potential for SOC sequestration (∼0.55 Mg C ha−1 year−1) and could be a viable strategy if implementing more complex rotations is not feasible. The SSP2 – 4.5 and SSP5 – 8.5 climate change scenarios increased SOC stocks by 6.3 and 8.2 % in SOC across treatments by 2070, respectively. Results suggest that diversified cropping systems are a promising strategy for increasing SOC sequestration, and they offer valuable guidance for enhancing current management practices in the region.

Effect of Green Cowpea Manure on the Quality Properties of Sandy Soils Under the Specific Conditions of the Dry Climate in Romania

This study was carried out on the rotation of cowpea-rye + cowpea in successive crops for green manure-sorghum grains, with the objective of increasing the fertility of sandy soils by incorporating green cowpea manure into the soil in combination with chemical fertilization with NPK. In this sense, after harvesting the rye plant, the cowpea was sown, which was then incorporated into the soil during the formation of the beans in the pod. Before incorporating the cowpea biomass into the soil, the initial fertility status of the soil was assessed, and in the spring, the soil was sown with sorghum grain in two fertilization variants (N80P80K80 and N150P80K80). The soil chemical analyses carried out at the end of the vegetation cycle of the sorghum plant showed that by incorporating 52.4 t/ha green cowpea biomass (9.24 t/ha dry biomass), the quality properties of the soil were significantly improved, with annual increases of 0.17–0.29 g/kg in total nitrogen, 9.5–13.33 mg/kg in extractable phosphorus, 11.33–24 mg/kg in exchangeable potassium, and 0.08–0.12 g/kg in organic carbon, also depending on the sorghum fertilization system. It has also been shown to reduce the acidity of the soil pH and improve the water holding capacity of the soil.

Rhizosphere microbial community assembly as influenced by reductive soil disinfestation to resist successive cropping obstacle.

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD), which involves creating anaerobic conditions and incorporating large amounts of organic materials into the soil, has been identified as a reliable strategy for reducing soilborne diseases in successive cropping systems. However, limited research exists on the connections between soil microorganism composition and plant diseases under various types of organic material applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of distinct RSD strategies (control without soil amendment; RSD with 1500 kg ha-1 molasses powder; RSD with 3000 kg ha-1 molasses powder; RSD with 3000 kg ha-1 molasses powder and 37.5-41.3 kg ha-1 microbial agent) on the plant disease index, bacterial community composition and network structure in rhizosphere soil. RSD treatments significantly reduced the occurrence of black shank disease in tobacco and increased soil bacterial diversity. High amounts of molasses powder in RSD treatments further enhanced disease inhibition and reduced fungal abundance and Shannon index. RSD also increased the relative abundance of bacterial phylum Firmicutes and fungal phylum Ascomycota, while decreasing the relative abundance of bacterial phyla Chloroflexi and Acidobacteriota and fungal phylum Basidiomycota in rhizosphere soil. A multiple regression model identified bacterial positive cohesion as the primary factor influencing the plant disease index, with a greater impact than bacterial negative cohesion and community stability. The competition among beneficial bacteria for creating a healthy rhizosphere environment is likely a key factor in the success of RSD in reducing plant disease risk. RSD, especially with higher rates of molasses powder, is a viable strategy for controlling black shank disease in tobacco and promoting soil health by fostering beneficial microbial communities. This study provides guidelines for soil management and plant disease prevention. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular mechanisms of heterosis under drought stress in maize hybrids Zhengdan7137 and Zhengdan7153.

Maize is one of the most successful crops in utilizing heterosis which significantly improves maize stresses resistance and yield. Drought is a destructive abiotic stress that significantly reduces crop yield, particularly in maize. Drought stress and re-watering frequently occur during the growth and development of maize; however, the molecular mechanisms of heterosis under drought stress and re-watering have rarely been systematically investigated. Zhengdan7137 and Zhengdan7153 are two maize hybrid varieties with robust heterosis, and separately belongs to the SS×NSS and Reid×Tangsipingtou heterotic groups. 54 transcriptomes of these two hybrids and their parental inbred lines were analyzed under well-watering (WW), water-deficit (WD), and re-watering (RW) conditions using RNA-Seq. In this study, we identified 3,411 conserved drought response genes (CDRGs) and 3,133 conserved re-watering response genes (CRRGs) between Zhengdan7137 and Zhengdan7153. When comparing CDRGs and CRRGs to overdominance and underdominance genes, we identified 303 and 252 conservative drought response overdominance genes (DODGs) and underdominance genes (DUDGs), respectively, and 165 and 267 conservative re-watering response overdominance genes (RODGs) and underdominance genes (RUDGs), respectively. DODGs are involved in stress response-related processes, such as L-phenylalanine metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and heat response, whereas DUDGs are associated with glucose metabolism, pentose-phosphate shunt, and starch metabolism. RODGs and RUDGs contribute to the recovery of hybrids from drought stress by upregulating cell propagation and photosynthesis processes, and repressing stress response processes, respectively. It indicated overdominant and underdominant genes conservatively contributed to hybrid heterosis under drought stress. These results deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drought resistance, uncover conservative molecular mechanisms of heterosis under drought stress and re-watering, and provide potential targets for improving drought resistance in maize.

Biopriming using microbial consortia and biostimulants as a technique to increase seed quality of Solanum melongena L. by modifications in morphological and metabolic constituents

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions. High-quality seeds are crucial for successful crop production, necessitating rapid and uniform field emergence. In the new wave of the Green Revolution, organic wastes were replaced by agrochemicals. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 to standardize biopriming techniques for brinjal using various organic inputs and microbial cultures to improve seed quality. Brinjal seeds cv. PLR 2 were treated with organic inputs (Panchagavya, Egg fermented extract, Fish fermented extract and effective microorganism solution) and liquid microbial cultures (Azospirillum and Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph). The bioprimed seeds were assessed for their physiological attributes and anatomical and biochemical changes. Compared with the control, biopriming with 2% Fish fermented extract significantly improved the germination rate (19.4%), germination energy (40.9%), root length (44.4%), shoot length (24.4%) and seedling vigour index (68.1%). This increase was attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds in the fish by-products, which promoted root development and nutrient absorption. The biochemical parameters revealed increased ?-amylase activity, protein, and amino acid content in the bioprimed seeds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed beneficial root volatile compounds in the roots of treated seeds. An evaluation of the plant growth-promoting activities of the biopriming agents revealed the superiority of fish-fermented extract over other bioagents. Therefore, this method promotes sustainable agriculture and improved crop productivity, providing a scientific basis for biopriming as a viable alternative to conventional seed treatments.

An allometry perspective on crops.

Understanding trait-trait coordination is essential for successful plant breeding and crop modeling. Notably, plant size drives variation in morphological, physiological, and performance-related traits, as described by allometric laws in ecology. Yet, as allometric relationships have been limitedly studied in crops, how they influence and possibly limit crop performance remains unknown. Here, we review how an allometry perspective on crops gains insights into the phenotypic evolution during crop domestication, the breeding of varieties adapted to novel conditions, and the prediction of crop yields. As allometry is an active field of research, modeling and manipulating crop allometric relationships can help to develop more resilient and productive agricultural systems to face future challenges.

Micro computed tomography analysis of barley during the first 24 hours of germination

BackgroundGrains make up a large proportion of both human and animal diets. With threats to food production, such as climate change, growing sustainable and successful crops is essential to food security in the future. Germination is one of the most important stages in a plant’s lifecycle and is key to the success of the resulting plant as the grain undergoes morphological changes and the development of specific organs. Micro-computed tomography is a non-destructive imaging technique based on the differing x-ray attenuations of materials which we have applied for the accurate analysis of grain morphology during the germination phase.ResultsMicro Computed Tomography conditions and parameters were tested to establish an optimal protocol for the 3-dimensional analysis of barley grains. When comparing optimal scanning conditions, it was established that no filter, 0.4 degrees rotation step, 5 average frames, and 2016 × 1344 camera binning is optimal for imaging germinating grains. It was determined that the optimal protocol for scanning during the germination timeline was to scan individual grains at 0 h after imbibition (HAI) and then the same grain again at set time points (1, 3, 6, 24 HAI) to avoid any negative effects from X-ray radiation or disruption to growing conditions.ConclusionHere we sought to develop a method for the accurate analysis of grain morphology without the negative effects of possible radiation exposure. Several factors have been considered, such as the scanning conditions, reconstruction, and possible effects of X-ray radiation on the growth rate of the grains. The parameters chosen in this study give effective and reliable results for the 3-dimensional analysis of macro structures within barley grains while causing minimal disruption to grain development.

Understanding the Significance of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides in Seed Physiology

Seed vigour and longevity are pivotal agronomic traits with profound implications for crop yield, food security, and the global economy. Seed longevity, often defined by the duration of seed viability, is crucial for effective gene bank management, influencing seed regeneration cycles and ensuring the long-term conservation of plant genetic resources. The inevitable process of seed deterioration, driven by a complex network of biochemical reactions, leads to altered metabolism and damage to critical cellular components such as membranes, DNA, mitochondria, proteins, and the antioxidative defence system. In recent research, Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) have emerged as key contributors to enhancing seed vigour and longevity. These sugars perform multiple functions in plants, including tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, regulation of seed germination, and maintenance of desiccation tolerance, all of which are essential for overall seed health. Studies suggest that RFOs significantly bolster seed vigour and longevity through mechanisms such as cytoplasmic vitrification, water replacement, and osmoprotection in dried seeds. These oligosaccharides are particularly abundant in the seeds of leguminous crops and are also found in roots and specialized storage organs. The glassy state formed by RFOs is vital for protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhancing the stability of enzymes, and preventing deleterious conformational changes in proteins. Furthermore, delaying the degradation of RFOs has been shown to inhibit premature germination, underscoring their critical role in early seedling development and successful crop establishment.

Evaluating the impact of phyto-hormones on the morpho-biochemical traits of soybean through seed treatment and foliar application

Global climate variations, mainly extreme temperatures reduce crop production and contributed to global food insecurity. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) improve physiological efficiency, photosynthetic capacity, and assimilate partitioning in field crops. However, their influence on soybean (Glycine max L.) yield and seed quality is under-researched. This study investigates the synergistic effects of auxin (2,4-D) and gibberellin (GA3) at 60 and 90 mg L−1 concentrations. This study investigates the impact of phytohormones, specifically gibberellic acid (GA3) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), on the morphological and biochemical traits of soybean (Glycine max L.) through seed treatment and foliar application. These Growth regulators were applied through seed treatment at the time of sowing and foliar application at the time of flowering initiation stage. The experiment was designed using a RCBD arrangement and each block replicated thrice time. Seed treatment with 2,4-D at 90 mg/L showed that maximum plant height (116.80 cm), first node height (8.04 cm), No. of branches per plant (18.67), root length (18.12 cm) stem diameter (0.05 cm), no. of pods per plant (32.60), seed yield (1532.30 kg ha−1), biological yield (4109.30 ha−1), and harvest index (39.36 %). The GA3 (seed treatment) at conc. of 90 and 60 mg L−1 resulted in a significantly increased no. of nodule fresh weight, nodules per plant, and dry weight respectively. But the no. of seeds per pod did not showed significant results throughout the study. However, the foliar applied of 2,4-D at 90 mg L−1 resulted in significantly increased leaf area index (LAI) compared to the seed treatment. PGRs had a significant influence on quality traits. Thus, the application notably improved the potential of soybean and successful oilseed crop. Therefore, it is showed that using PGRs are extremely helpful for attaining higher growth, yield production, and improved quality of soybean.

Impact of winter coverage crops and nitrogen fertilization on soil respiration and nitrogen mineralization in no-tillage systems

Microbiological activity in soil is crucially important to maintaining soil quality. Soil is sensitive to management practices, and microbiological activity plays a crucial role in processes like transforming organic N into inorganic fractions. The objective of this study was to assess how winter coverage crop residues influence soil respiratory activity and N mineralization during successive corn crop developments under a no-tillage regime. We employed a randomized block experimental design with subdivided plots and three replications. The main plots comprised various coverage crops (Black Oats, Ryegrass, Rye, White Lupin, Common vetch, Turnip, consortia of Oats + Vetch and Oats + Vetch + Turnip, while subplots received doses of N-mineral (0 and 180 kg ha-1) during the corn growth stage. We evaluated the respiratory activity of microorganisms and levels of inorganic N in the soil throughout the corn crop cycle. The consortia of coverage crops exhibited distinct responses in respiratory rates, with Oats + Vetch having superior results compared to Oats + Vetch + Turnip. We observed positive responses in nitric N (N-NO3-) due to the mineralization of common vetch residues within the first fifteen Days After Sowing (DAS). However, N-mineral doses from nitrogen fertilization during the corn coverage age phase did not alter the respiratory of the microorganisms nor did it alter the concentrations of N-NH4+ in the soil. Mineral fertilization resulted in the immediate availability of N in the form of N-NO3-.

Diversification of crops and intensification of canola impact the diversity, community structure, and productivity in successive crop systems: A study on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in roots and rhizosphere

The widespread cultivation of canola, conventionally still considered a non-host plant for AM fungi, coupled with its increasing frequency in crop rotations, raises concerns about its impacts on soil microbial diversity and overall crop productivity. The main objective of this study is to assess the influence of different crop succession systems, incorporating canola, on AM fungal diversity and community structure in both the roots and in the rhizosphere, as well as on productivity of each crop present within the succession. Doubling the frequency of canola occurrence in a 4-year crop succession did not reduce the productivity of the other crops in the succession, nor did it result in a decrease in AM fungal biodiversity in the roots or rhizosphere of these crops. Interestingly, the diversity of AM fungi was higher in canola roots compared to wheat roots, indicating that canola might serve as a rudimentary host of AM fungi. The succession systems did, however, alter the AM fungal community structure in both roots and rhizosphere environments, exhibiting positive or negative correlations with crop productivity. This suggests that a simple modification of the cropping system could potentially be employed to manipulate root or rhizosphere microbiomes. Results of this study add to the growing body of evidences that plants that were thought to be non-AM fungi host, such as plants from the Brassicaceae family, could in fact interact with AM fungi.

Enhanced Hydroponic Farming with Crop Suitability Prediction

Hydroponics, a soil-less cultivation technique, offers efficient resource utilization and enhanced crop yields. However, precise water quality control is essential to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and successful crop growth. This research paper presents a comprehensive IoT-based water quality monitoring system specifically designed for hydroponics, incorporating pH, turbidity, and temperature sensors. The system can acquire data from sensors, data processing, and data visualization in real time. The sensor data is seamlessly transmitted from Arduino to ESP8266 and securely stored on the ThingSpeak cloud platform. Utilizing web scraping techniques, the collected data is extracted from ThingSpeak and seamlessly integrated into a user-friendly website. On the website, a machine learning (ML) model, trained on required data, automatically processes the realtime sensor readings and performs crop suitability predictions. The system enables continuous and automated monitoring of key water quality parameters, ensuring optimal conditions for hydroponic crop growth. The deployed ML model demonstrates remarkable performance in predicting water suitability for different crops. The model provides real-time predictions on the website by utilizing the data, empowering hydroponic farmers with data-driven insights to optimize crop selection based on water quality. To evaluate the system’s efficacy, extensive experimentation, and validation have been conducted using hydroponic setups with various crop types.

Faba bean in crop rotation shapes bacterial and fungal communities and nutrient contents under conventional tillage of triticale

Legumes in cropping sequence can strongly moderate soil biodiversity and its biochemical status, which could influence soil fertility and productivity. However, their impact on soil microbes and their relationships with soil chemical variables during the subsequent crop growth is not understood enough. In this study, we analyzed the changes in bacterial and fungal communities structure through 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing, respectively, across crop rotation with faba bean (faba bean-wheat-triticale, F) and without faba bean (wheat-wheat-triticale, W). Rhizosphere and bulk soil samples were taken during the triticale growth stages (stem elongation and maturity). Soil enzymatic activity and chemical properties were also determined. Study factors (crop rotation, soil compartment, growth stage) affected N, C, and P transformations, as indicated by the activity of soil enzymes, and F was more beneficial than W for protease, urease, and acid phosphomonoesterase activities, as opposed to cellulase activity. Changes in the chemical properties led to the shift in soil microbial communities with different bacterial and fungal communities' responses. F treatment enhanced the abundance of the bacterial genera representatives such as Streptomyces and Candidatus Udaeobacter while suppressing the abundance of Jatrophihabitans and Terrabacter. Crop rotation significantly influenced fungal genera and a greater abundance of Helgardia, Pseudogymnoascus, Monocillium, Fusarium, Chaetomium, and Vishniacozyma under F than W was noted and the adverse situation was noted for Peziza and Rhizopus. Rotation type significantly affected the alfa-diversity of the fungal, but not bacterial community. Beta-diversity analyses (nMDS, cluster) indicated that the main factor grouping samples were soil compartment and growth stage for the bacterial and fungal microbiome, respectively. The PERMANOVA results revealed significant effects of all factors on bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Different soil chemical variables governed bacterial and fungal communities. Corg, pH, P, Mg, and Corg, pH were the most important soil factors regulating bacterial and fungal community structure by crop rotation, respectively. Bacterial and fungal communities were more related to the content of Ntot in rotation with than without faba bean. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper insight into the relation between the faba bean in cropping sequence and soil microbiome, and modulation crucial soil conditions for the productivity of the successive crop.