Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems Research Articles

Innovative fertilizers with added plant extracts in the cultivation of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus and in the control of Botrytis and powdery mildew

Research objective: The main objective of this article is to report the results obtained from the use of innovative fertilisers with added plant extracts in agriculture. In particular, this article will deal with two important topics: i) study of the effect of innovative fertilisers on the biomass of vegetable plants; ii) possible control on mortality due to diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew. The information reported in this research work can support the design of cultivation systems in which agricultural sustainability is fundamental due to the presence of plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic plant protection products. Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early January 2024. The plants used in the trial were Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group control, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Aktigen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iii) group with Lifegen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iv) group with QI-gen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); v) Group with Ecklonia maxima (EK): (peat 70% + pumice 20%), irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week). On 5 May 2024, plant height, number of leaves, primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, and number of dead plants (Botrytis and powdery mildew) were recorded. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of innovative fertilisers enriched with plant extracts can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control and the commercial Ecklonia maxima treatment for the agronomic parameters analysed, but the Qi-gen treatment was significantly the best for increasing vegetative and root biomass. Improvements were also found in plant height, leaf number and root length. The trial also revealed the significant effect on Botrytis control of the product Aktigen and on powdery mildew of the product Lifegen, in fact they reduced the mortality of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus seedlings. Conclusions: A number of scientific studies have shown that the application of biofertilizers can improve plant growth, productivity, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Because of their multiple properties, they have become increasingly important as advanced agricultural techniques in global agriculture. This type of product, which includes natural substances, will contribute significantly to ecologically and economically sustainable agricultural production systems in the coming years, as well as serving as the foundation for large-scale sustainable agriculture in the future.

Dealing with elemental toxicities in crops: hot topics and likely solutions

Abstract Background The widespread presence of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils coupled with a problem of Al phytotoxicity threatens sustainability of agricultural production system as well as natural ecosystems. Scope Understanding the role of membrane transporters responsible for uptake, translocation, and sequestration of above metal(oid)s and the modes of their regulation may be critical to tackle the above issue. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of membrane transporters mediating As, Cd and Al homeostasis in plants, highlighting unanswered questions and offering potential solutions. Amongst these, the following topics may deserve a special attention in future studies: (1) uncoupling transport of As and inorganic phosphorous in plant roots focusing on PHT1;1 transporters; (2) revealing the modes of their post-translational regulation, especially under hypoxic conditions; (3) better understanding of structure–function relations of various transporters isoforms for Cd, to uncouple transport of toxic Cd metals from that for essential micronutrients such as Fe, Zn or Mn; (4) revealing the role of non-selective cation channels (NSCC) in Cd uptake and revealing mechanisms of their regulation; (5) elucidate the role of various aquaporins in Al3+ uptake in plant roots; (6) understanding the role of slow vacuolar (SV) channels in Al sequestration in plant vacuoles; and (7) revealing the mechanistic basis of long-distant transport of toxic ions, with specific emphasis of phloem transport. Conclusion These multidisciplinary efforts strive to ensure global food safety by mitigating the impact of heavy metal pollution on agriculture and human well-being.

Insights on soil biological properties and crop yields under natural farming in western Himalaya

Sustainability of agricultural production systems is a major concern in context to present environmental conditions. Natural farming (NF) is being promoted as low-cost environment friendly option. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of NF vis-a-vis organic farming (OF) and conventional farming (CF) systems on soil microbial population, enzymatic activity, and microarthropod population under tomato crop in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, India. The results showed that bacterial population under NF increased by 42.8% and 24% in comparison to CF and OF, respectively. Similarly, the population of soil fungi and actinomycetes under NF increased by 80.5 and 67.7% over CF, and by 47.9 and 39.6% over OF, respectively. The soil dehydrogenase activity under NF (22.5µg TPF/g soil/h) was 150.6% higher than CF and 85.2% higher than OF. Similar trend was found for phosphatase and urease activity. Soil micro arthropod population after two years of experiment was also highest under NF followed by OF and CF. The system yield was statistically at par to each other, among different farming systems. All the soil biological parameters were significantly correlated with each other (P<0.001, N=42). However, the correlation of these parameters was not significant for crop yield.

Policy support strategies for organic farming extensification in Nigeria

AbstractTo achieve a more sustainable agricultural production system, the focus should extend beyond solely promoting the adoption of organic farming to include an emphasis on extensification. A synergistic approach involving Branding/informal certification, price premiums for organic produce, and government subsidies holds the potential to drive higher levels of organic farming extensification among smallholder producers. This study encompassed 415 organic growers engaged in varying degrees of organic farming. These participants were drawn from the Southeast region of Nigeria. Employing a multi-endogenous instrumental variable regression, the research uncovered compelling insights. Notably, it revealed that providing premiums for organic products and utilizing Branding or informal certification significantly supported growers' inclination to expanding the land area under organic agriculture. Conversely, government subsidies exhibited a negative influence on extensification rates. In light of these findings, it becomes imperative to envision a more robust future for organic farming in Nigeria that hinges on strategic investments in formal certifications, thereby facilitating enhanced integration of organic producers into larger domestic and global markets.

Challenges for crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India: a comprehensive gap analysis between practices and policies

IntroductionCrop diversification is a promising practice to improve the sustainability of agricultural production systems, contributing to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functions, and food security without compromising productivity. Although diverse cropping systems may be more labour-intensive and require good knowledge of the specific cropping system in the local context, they have high potential in managing many of the problems faced in current cotton production in India. However, the adoption of crop diversification is still moderate, with an overall crop diversification index (CDI) of 0.65 for all of India and state-wise CDI between 0.43 and 0.83.MethodsTherefore, a four-phased study was conducted to identify the main barriers to crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India and highlight levers that can foster their wide adoption to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study was carried out between January to October 2020 and consisted of i) a literature review of regional and national policy and planning, ii) situational analysis with a problem tree approach, iii) individual stakeholder interviews with stakeholders from the broader Indian cotton sector, and iv) a participatory feedback workshop with said stakeholders. A total of 51 stakeholders from 24 different organizations were interviewed, 37 of them on technical aspects of crop diversification and 21 stakeholders on market and policy aspects. The same stakeholders were invited to the participatory feedback workshop, where 26 participated in the session on different benefits of crop diversification practices, and the session on market and policy challenges counted 24 participants. The study focused on the main organic cotton producing states in India: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.Results and discussionIn our study, it became evident that many policies and governmental schemes exist to promote national food security, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural marketing infrastructure, but crop diversification is still not gaining momentum on the ground. Various levers were identified in the areas of market and procurement, capacity building and knowledge transfer, supply industry and infrastructure, and farmers and women empowerment, where the current policy landscape is failing to foster crop diversification effectively on the farm level.

Assessment of Performance in Cereal Fodder Crops with Relation to Seeding Rates and Cutting Stages

Cereal fodder crops serve as indispensable sources of nutrition for livestock, contributing significantly to the efficiency and sustainability of animal production systems worldwide. Maximizing the productivity and quality of these crops requires careful management, with seed rates and cutting stages playing pivotal roles in determining crop performance. Seeding rates play a critical role in crop establishment and growth, with both low and high rates affecting plant competition and ultimately yield. Cutting stages, on the other hand, are pivotal in determining the quality and nutrient composition of the forage. Optimal cutting stages vary depending on the intended use, such as hay, silage, or grazing and can significantly influence digestibility and overall nutritional value. The assessment of cereal fodder crops is therefore pivotal for optimizing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable livestock feed production. Understanding the intricate relationship between seeding rates, cutting stages and crop performance is essential for sustainable agriculture and livestock production systems, contributing to improved resource efficiency and economic viability.

Research on the Coupling between the Development Level and Efficiency of Green Agriculture in China

Accurately measuring the green development status of China's agriculture is of great significance for promoting the transformation of agricultural development modes, promoting green agricultural development models, and forming a sustainable modern agricultural production system. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific reference and practical guidance for the implementation of China's agricultural modernization and sustainable development strategy through in-depth analysis of the coupling between the development level of green agriculture in China and production efficiency. It has important theoretical and practical value for promoting the construction of agricultural ecological civilization. This article first analyzes the current situation and development efficiency of green agriculture in China. Then, the coupling between the development level and efficiency of green agriculture in China was analyzed. Finally, propose countermeasures and suggestions.

Long-Term Cropping Management Practices Affect the Biochemical Properties of an Alabama Ultisol

Interest in improving the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems has focused on identifying management practices that promote soil health. No tillage, cover cropping, and amending soils with broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) litter are commonly adopted conservation practices that have been shown to improve soil fertility and crop yield. However, the overall influence of these conservation practices on soil health in the southeastern US are not well understood. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of tillage, broiler litter (BL) applications, and cropping systems on soil biochemical properties. Soils were collected from field research plots under long-term management (>than 25 years of tillage, 15 years of broiler litter application, and 15 years of cropping system). Soil microbial biomass, C, N, and P, amidohydrolases, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated as indicators of soil health. Adopting tillage and BL into the agricultural management system modified the biochemical parameters of the soils evaluated. Most of these modifications occurred in the 0–5 cm depth. Higher microbial biomass carbon (MBC; 85%) and nitrogen (MBN; 10%) and enzyme activities of asparaginase (65%) and glutaminase (70%) were observed in the 0–5 cm depth under no tillage (NT) compared to conventional tillage (CT), indicating greater biological activities were established in these soil ecosystems. Broiler litter applications increased microbial biomass N and activities of asparaginase and glutaminase in both soil depths. In addition, microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) was increased following BL application in the 0–5 cm depth. The results suggest that long-term management of NT and BL additions can improve the health of eroded southeastern US soils by altering the soil biochemical parameters.

The Use of Financial Tools in Small-Scale Irrigated Crops to Assess Socioeconomic Sustainability: A Case Study in Tocantins-Araguaia Basin, Brazil

To expand financial knowledge and promote the socioeconomic sustainability of agricultural production systems, this work applied financial instruments to small-scale irrigated crops, making use of agricultural projects from the Bom Sucesso/Santa Cruz Settlement, located in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, Brazil. The economic viability indicators of two irrigated okra production systems (furrow and drip) were calculated using the following indicators: Net Present Value, Modified Internal Rate of Return, Cost–Benefit Index, Discounted Payback, and Average Cost of Production. And a risk assessment through sensitivity analysis, a tornado chart, and Monte Carlo simulation was performed in a simplified financial model. The economic viability results showed that both irrigated systems were economically viable, although the okra drip system had lower indicators and reduced financial resilience, with a 58% probability of success, while the furrow system’s was 89%. The crops’ financial return was mainly influenced by okra’s sale price and productivity, followed by harvesting and planting costs. The financial tools applied in this study demonstrated some key factors to assess socioeconomic sustainability, such as the necessity to increase producers’ organizational capacity and to achieve technical improvements, which could result in market power, competitive sale prices, lower input costs, and greater productivity. The applied instruments increased financial management and have the potential to the build economic and social strength in the area of small-scale irrigated crops, and they can be replicated using simplified tools for producers, companies, and policy makers.

Evaluating ecological sustainability of mechanized and traditional systems of damaskrose production using extended exergy analysis

Environmental resource efficiency is a major challenge in the management of agroecosystems and their sustainability. The Extended Exergy Analysis (EEA) is a novel approach that assesses the total amount of resources extracted from the environment to produce agroecosystem products. This study applied the EEA to compare the sustainable development of Damask rose flower production in two mechanized and traditional systems in Nehbandan County, South Khorasan province, using the data of 2021–2022. The EEA calculated the flows of labor, capital, and environmental costs in the systems based on the first and second thermodynamic laws. The results showed that the traditional system had lower cumulative exergy consumption (CExC) and environmental modification cost than the mechanized system, indicating higher ecological sustainability. The extended exergy indices, such as the special capital conversion of energy and material input (kcap), the special capital conversion of product sale (KCAPEEA), extended exergy cost (eec) and the cumulative degree of perfection (CDP), also revealed that the traditional system was more cost-effective, economical, technologically efficient, and closer to the optimal conditions than the mechanized system. To achieve a sustainable agricultural crop production system, new patterns and models for selecting inputs and reducing environmental costs are recommended.

Genome-wide association study of early liveweight traits in fat-tailed Akkaraman lambs.

Small ruminants, especially sheep, are essential for sustainable agricultural production systems, future food/nutrition security, and poverty reduction in developing countries. Within developed countries, the ability of sheep to survive on low-quality forage intake could act as buffer against climate change. Besides sheep's importance in sustainable agricultural production, there has been less ongoing work in terms of sheep genetics in Near East, Middle East and in Africa. For lamb meat production, body weight and average daily gain (ADG) until weaning are critical economic traits that affects the profitability of the industry. The current study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are significantly associated with pre-weaning growth traits in fat tail Akkaraman lambs using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 196 Akkaraman lambs were selected for analysis. After quality control, a total of 31,936 SNPs and 146 lambs were used for subsequent analyses. PLINK 1.9 beta software was used for the analyses. Based on Bonferroni-adjusted p-values, one SNP (rs427117280) on chromosome 2 (OAR2) had significant associations with weaning weight at day 90 and ADG from day 0 to day 90, which jointly explains a 0.8% and 0.9% of total genetic variation respectively. The Ovis aries natriuretic peptide C (NPPC) could be considered as a candidate gene for the defined significant associations. The results of the current study will help to increase understanding of the variation in weaning weight and ADG until weaning of Akkaraman lambs and help enhance selection for lambs with improved weaning weight and ADG. However, further investigations are required for the identification of causal variants within the identified genomic regions.

Expressing Added Value in Food Supply Chains

Value-added food supply chains are chains that maintain positive social, environmental, and community values which are integrated into the production process from the primary producer to the final consumer, ensuring economic, social, and environmental sustainability, thus forming a sustainable agricultural and food production system. The evaluation of the value added in each chain is based on indicators, which are a tool to measure changes in the actual situation or to show performance trends in achieving the progress set by the objectives. The presented indicators are based on publicly available statistics and foreign literature that allow measuring value added in specific livestock chains at aggregate level (beef production, pork production and dairy production) and are based on publicly available statistics in the Republic of Slovenia. The need to produce indicators of value added in livestock food supply chains arises from the large differences in structural changes in the sector itself and in the development and economic performance of the various livestock industries.

Harnessing the potential of endophytes: Sustainable solutions for enhancing forage crop resilience and soil fertility

Environmental changes pose significant challenges to sustainable agriculture, adversely affecting crop production and soil fertility. Factors such as drought, salinity, pathogens, and soil type exert their influence on the behavior of fodder crops by altering their morphological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms, ultimately leading to reduced yields and productivity. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop mitigation strategies aimed at enhancing the tolerance of forage crops to both biotic and abiotic stresses, addressing a critical challenge in sustaining their growth.
 In recent times, the use of biofertilizers has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, holding promise for sustainable horticultural, agricultural, and forestry production systems. Notably, endophytic microorganisms play a pivotal role in promoting plant growth through direct or indirect mechanisms. Additionally, endophytic bacteria actively regulate gene expression responsible for the production of antioxidant enzymes, various phytohormones, siderophores, and ROS scavenging enzymes, all of which contribute to supporting the growth of host plants even in extreme environments. Consequently, there is a growing focus on understanding and validating the mechanisms through which beneficial plant endophytes interact to combat both biotic and abiotic stresses.
 This review emphasizes the potential of endophytes as biofertilizers, biocontrol agents, and contributors to the mitigation of abiotic and biotic stresses, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining the development of forage crops and soil fertility.

The impact of farm size on sustainability of beef cattle farms: A case study of the Samsun province, Turkey

ABSTRACTMany global agricultural problems, such as the decline of agricultural land, soil pollution, climate change, water scarcity, and rural poverty threaten the sustainability of agricultural production systems. This study aimed to (i) develop a methodology to measure the sustainability of beef cattle farms, (ii) measure economic, social and environmental sustainability, and (iii) determine the impact of farm size on the sustainability of beef cattle farming. The study data were collected from 155 beef cattle sample farms via face-to-face surveys in Samsun Province, Turkey. A multi-stage process was employed to measure sustainability. The most important factors contributing to sustainability were determined as the debt-asset ratio, beef yield, and production cost for economic sustainability; the adequacy of educational institutions in the village or district and misunderstanding with neighbours for social sustainability; paying attention to meteorological conditions for pesticide use and nature conservation for environmental sustainability. The composite sustainability index was determined as 0.43 in small farms, 0.51 in medium farms and 0.61 in large farms. It has been found that an increase in the farm size had a positive impact on economic, social, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle farming. The methodology and indicators developed can be used to ensure the sustainability of different agricultural sectors.

Growth-promoting microorganisms in the development of orchid seedlings of Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, and Dendrobium genera

The demand for sustainable agricultural production systems is increasing, and using growth-promoting microorganisms in plants has stood out because it decreases or even replaces chemical fertilizer use, reducing production costs. This study aimed to evaluate the response of some microorganisms applied to the seedlings of primary orchids cultivated in Brazil (Phalaenopsis sp. 'Taisuco Swan', Cymbidium atropurpureum, and Dendrobium secundum). The experimental design was completely randomized. There were seven treatments (absence of microorganisms – control, Trichoderma sp. in sodium alginate, Trichoderma sp. in clay, Trichoderma sp. in sodium alginate and clay, Trichoderma sp. in a liquid medium, Azospirillum brasilense + Bacillus subtilis in a liquid medium, and Bacillus pumilus in a liquid medium), four replications, and three plants per plot. The seedlings were grown in a greenhouse and evaluated 190 days after microorganism inoculation. The evaluation of morpho-physiological characteristics differed according to the particularities of each genus. The Bacillus pumilus and Azospirillum brasilense + Bacillus subtilis rhizobacteria in a liquid medium for Phalaenopsis sp. 'Taisuco Swan' and the Trichoderma sp. fungus in a liquid medium for Cymbidium atropurpureum increased seedling growth and development. Azospirillum brasilense + Bacillus subtilis in a liquid medium for the Dendrobium secundum orchid promoted more root biomass. Using beneficial microorganisms in orchid cultivation is promising, and seedling growth and development depend on their inoculation and the morpho-physiological characteristics of each plant.

Phosphorus Plays Key Roles in Regulating Plants' Physiological Responses to Abiotic Stresses.

Phosphorus (P), an essential macronutrient, plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of plants. However, the limited availability of phosphorus in soil presents significant challenges for crop productivity, especially when plants are subjected to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures. Unraveling the intricate mechanisms through which phosphorus participates in the physiological responses of plants to abiotic stresses is essential to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems. This review aims to analyze the influence of phosphorus supply on various aspects of plant growth and plant development under hostile environmental conditions, with a special emphasis on stomatal development and operation. Furthermore, we discuss recently discovered genes associated with P-dependent stress regulation and evaluate the feasibility of implementing P-based agricultural practices to mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stress. Our objective is to provide molecular and physiological insights into the role of P in regulating plants' tolerance to abiotic stresses, underscoring the significance of efficient P use strategies for agricultural sustainability. The potential benefits and limitations of P-based strategies and future research directions are also discussed.

Crops Nutrient use Efficiency

During the post-war "green revolution," the paradigm for obtaining high yield was based on the response of plants to the use of energy and fertilizers (considered at the time as limitless sources) and intense mechanization, with the consequent development of high-yield varieties (HYVs), which brought a significant increase in agricultural productivity. However, with the oil crisis in the 1970s, the era where the environment was modified (irrigation, heavy fertilization, mechanization, and other practices) to adapt it to the needs of the crops came to be outdated. Thus, the new emerging era in agriculture needs to be based on the adaptation of the plant to the environment, developing sustainable agricultural production systems (no-tillage, green manure, agroforestry, and other agrosystems), with production stability and advanced technologies, but with low-cost, as the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) or the use of microorganisms growth promoters. In addition, areas once considered marginal to agriculture, under abiotic stresses and poor soils, such as the Brazilian Savannah "Cerrado," are now exploited for agricultural production to sustain the world's growing population. Therefore, the key to the agriculture of the future, especially in these marginal areas, so common in the tropical region, is the selection and cultivation of plants with greater efficiency in the use of nutrients, the so-called low input varieties (LIVs), associated with the diffusion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Recent Insights into the Use of Antagonistic Yeasts for Sustainable Biomanagement of Postharvest Pathogenic and Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Fruits with Their Prevention Strategies against Mycotoxins.

Fungi-induced postharvest diseases are the leading causes of food loss and waste. In this context, fruit decay can be directly attributed to phytopathogenic and/or mycotoxin-producing fungi. The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals aim to end hunger by 2030 by improving food security, sustainable agriculture, and food production systems. Antagonistic yeasts are one of the methods presented to achieve these goals. Unlike physical and chemical methods, harnessing antagonistic yeasts as a biological method controls the decay caused by fungi and adsorbs and/or degrades mycotoxins sustainably. Therefore, antagonistic yeasts and their antifungal mechanisms have gained importance. Additionally, mycotoxins' biodetoxification is carried out due to the occurrence of mycotoxin-producing fungal species in fruits. Combinations with processes and agents have been investigated to increase antagonistic yeasts' efficiency. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive summary of studies on preventing phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins in fruits, as well as biocontrolling and biodetoxification mechanisms.

Energy and carbon budgeting in a soybean–wheat system in different tillage, irrigation and fertilizer management practices in South-Asian semi-arid agroecology

The sustainability of agricultural production systems is significantly threatened due to climate change and land degradation. Agricultural practices like conventional tillage with imbalanced fertilizers, and indiscriminate irrigation have serious environmental implications like higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, we assessed the three-year productivity, effectiveness of energy, and carbon (C) footprint of soybean–wheat system under different tillage techniques [zero-till flat beds (ZTFB), conventional till-raised beds (CTRB), and conventional till- flat beds (CTFB)], irrigation regimes [irrigation at 25%, 50%, and 75% depletion of available soil moisture (DASM)] and fertilizer rates [50% and 100% recommended rates of fertilizers (RRF). The study was conducted for three years in a fixed-field plots using split-split plot design with three replications. The results show that conventional till-raised bed (CTRB) recorded higher system crop productivity (9.5–15.2%), energy-efficiency (17.3), C-output (6424), C-efficiency (11.7), C-sustainability index (9.73), net-returns (1035 US$ ha−1) and the least C-footprints (0.19) over conventional till-flat beds (CTFB) and zero till-flat beds (ZTFB). Whereas, residue mulched ZTFB plots exhibited ∼24.2% higher system water productivity and consumed less energy (∼77.0%) over others. Irrigation applied at 25% depletion of available soil moisture (DASM25%) led to higher system productivity (5.96 Mg ha−1), energy output (232.6 GJ ha−1), energy-efficiency (13.4) and C-output (6657.4 kg CE ha−1) compared to DASM75% and DASM50%. Interestingly, C-footprints increased with ZTFB while least C-footprints were found under CTRB and CTFB. Consequently, the adaptation of CTRB with optimal irrigation and fertilizers will be a viable alternative for achieving improved system production, energy efficiency with a lower C-footprint under semi-arid regions.

Interaction studies of Serendipita indica and Zhihengliuella sp. ISTPL4 and their synergistic role in growth promotion in rice.

Rapid urbanization and globalization demand increasing agricultural productivity. Soil nutrient supply capacity is continuously decreasing due to soil erosion, degradation, salt deposition, undesired element, metal deposition, water scarcity, and an uneven nutrient delivery system. Rice cultivation requires a large amount of water which is becoming detrimental due to these activities. There is a need to increase its productivity. Microbial inoculants are becoming increasingly important in achieving sustainable agricultural production systems. The current study was conducted to investigate the interaction between the root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica (S. indica) and the actinobacterium Zhihengliuella sp. ISTPL4 (Z. sp. ISTPL4) and their synergistic effects on the growth of rice (Oryza sativa L). Both S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4 showed positive interactions. Growth of S. indica was observed at different days after Z. sp. ISTPL4 inoculation, and stimulated growth of S. indica was observed when Z. sp. ISTPL4 was inoculated at 5 dafi (days after fungal inoculation). Z. sp. ISTPL4 promoted the growth of S. indica as it increased spore germination. Furthermore, confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed a 27% increase in the spore size of S. indica in the presence of Z. sp. ISTPL4. In a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis increased production of alanine and glutamic acid was observed in their sequential co-culture as compared with individual cultures. Sequential inoculation of S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4 significantly increased the biochemical and physical characteristics of rice as compared with their individual inoculum. Biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll content, total soluble sugar, and flavonoid content in the rice increased by up to 57%, 47%, and 39%, respectively, in the presence of the combined inoculum of S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4. This will be the first study, to the best of our knowledge, which shows the fungus and actinobacterium interaction and their synergistic roles in the growth promotion of rice. Furthermore, this novel combination can also be used to boost the growth of other crops to increase the agricultural yield.