Conventional nitrogen fertilization frequently results in soil degradation and environmental pollution. While the isolated effects of nitrogen reduction, organic amendments, or biochar have been explored, their synergistic interactions remain inadequately understood. This two-year field study in Yunnan, China, addressed this gap by evaluating the coupling effects of biochar (applied at 10, 15, and 20 t ha⁻¹) with three organic fertilizers (chicken manure, cattle manure, and earthworm castings) under a consistent 40% nitrogen reduction. The primary objective was to establish a technical pathway for synergistic fertilizer reduction, waste utilization, and sustainable soil management. Results demonstrated that the combination of earthworm castings and biochar (15 t ha⁻¹), designated as treatment F3B2, most significantly enhanced soil nutrient supply and microbial diversity. This treatment yielded the highest relative abundance of the top 10 bacterial genera and maximum bacterial Chao1 indices of 3028.06 and 3087.18 in the first and second years, representing increases of 10.13% and 18.50% compared to the control (CK), respectively. Agronomically, the F3B2 treatment increased tomato yield by 23.75% and vitamin C content by 14.65% in the second year. Furthermore, TOPSIS analysis consistently ranked F3B2 as the optimal integrated management strategy. This study provides a replicable paradigm for green and efficient production in protected vegetable cultivation systems. In conclusion, the integrated application of organic fertilizer and biochar under reduced nitrogen conditions synergistically optimizes soil health—particularly by enhancing the microbial community—and significantly promotes tomato growth, yield, and quality.

Herbicide residues in agricultural soils pose increasing concerns for environmental sustainability, food safety, and soil ecosystem functioning, particularly with the widespread use of sulfonylurea herbicides in intensive agriculture. This study investigated the fate of two sulfonylurea herbicides, mesosulfuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl, with emphasis on the influence of organic amendments (OAs) on their degradation kinetics, leaching behavior and associated soil biochemical and microbial activity responses. The incorporation of OAs significantly enhanced the degradation rates of both herbicides compared with unamended soil, with half-life (DT50) values reduced from 10.72 to 22.47days in unamended soil to 3.58 to 16.24days in amended soils. Among the tested amendments, the fastest dissipation was observed in press mud (PM)-amended soil, followed by farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), poultry manure (POM), dextrose (D), and cyclodextrin (CD). Increased degradation in amended soils was associated with higher dehydrogenase activity, indicating enhanced microbial activity. Several transformation products were identified during degradation, including metabolites M1, M2, M4, and M5 from mesosulfuron-methyl and I1, I2, I3, and I4 from iodosulfuron-methyl, which appeared earlier in amended soils. OAs significantly reduced herbicide leaching, with PM and FYM decreasing leachate concentrations by up to 70 to 100% compared to unamended soil. Bioassay results indicated reduced phytotoxicity, with IC50 values for Brassica juncea ranging from 0.0514 to 0.1089 and faster recovery observed in amended soils (10 to 45days) compared to unamended soil (30 to 90days). These results demonstrate that organic amendments, particularly PM and FYM, can enhance herbicide dissipation, reduce leaching losses, mitigate phytotoxic risks, and contribute to improved soil health and sustainable agricultural systems.

The current study was laid during 2 consecutive rabi seasons at the Experimental farm, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India. The experiment involved 9 treatments replicated thrice using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). A combination of organic and inorganic amendments was applied to evaluate their effects. The results from the study revealed that growth parameters viz. days to marketable curd maturity, plant height, leaf size index and number of leaves per plant showed maximum values in plots with recommended fertilisation package (125 N:75 P:65 K kg/ha + FYM (farmyard manure) at 250 q/ha). The scrutiny of purely organic module (50 % FYM (125 q/ha) + application of vermicompost (equivalent to N content of 50 % FYM + recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) through FYM on N equivalent basis) was found to be statistically at par with respect to majority of growth characters. Similarly, the yield and related traits i.e., curd depth, size index, weight and yield also showed maximum values through the INM (integrated nutrient management) module. The B:C ratio was also found highest (2.57:1) in INM treatment with at par values in pure organic treatments, involving vermicompost (VC) and FYM (2.50:1) either alone or in the different combinations.

Date palm is a vital fruit crop widely cultivated in developing regions, contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, and economic sustainability due to its rich content of carbohydrates, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the combined effects of vermicompost (VC) and micronutrients with amino acids (Trace-amino, TA) on the yield and fruit quality of Barhi date palm under the agro-climatic conditions of Qena Governorate, Southern Egypt. Seven treatments were applied, including three levels of VC (50, 75, and 100 mL L⁻¹) as a soil application combined with two foliar levels of TA (2 and 4 g L⁻¹), in addition to a control treatment (water spray). The results showed that all treatments significantly improved yield components, including fruit set, fruit retention, bunch weight, and yield per palm, as well as fruit physical and chemical characteristics compared to the control. The highest yield and best fruit quality were recorded with the application of VC at 100 mL L⁻¹ combined with TA at 4 g L⁻¹, followed by VC at 100 mL L⁻¹ with TA at 2 g L⁻¹ during both seasons.

The coiling of animal excreta has fascinated naturalists since Darwin's detailed observations of earthworm castings, yet the underlying physics remains poorly understood. We investigate lugworm (Arenicola marina) fecal castings as a natural system where soft biological material is extruded upward against gravity from subsurface burrows, spontaneously creating coiled morphologies. Through field observations at Roscoff, France, rheological measurements, controlled experiments, and theoretical modeling, we demonstrate that such "anti-gravitational" biological coiling follows the gravitational regime of elastic rope coiling theory, for which the coil radius is , where E is Young's modulus, d is the rope diameter, ρ is the rope density, and g is the gravitational acceleration. Using data from lugworm feces, a synthetic analog (pea dough), and spaghetti and rice noodle controls, we find , in quantitative agreement with mechanical theory. This contrasts with typical downward defecation in most animals, which transitions from the gravitational regime to an elastic (kinematical) regime as the fall height to the top of the pile decreases. Our findings provide a quantitative mechanical framework for understanding fecal morphology and reveal how directional differences in waste disposal create fundamentally different buckling regimes across the animal kingdom.

A two-year study was carried out at the D block farm of BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal during the rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the combined effect of coated urea fertilizer and organic manure on the performance of potato crop grown under newly formed alluvial soil conditions of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and treatment comprised of five treatment combinations such as T1- Control plot (N0); T2- 100% RDN through neem coated urea (NCU); T3- 75% RDN through NCU + 25% RDN through VC (vermicompost); T4- 100% RDN through polymer sulfur coated urea (PSCU); T5- 75% RDN through PSCU + 25% RDN through VC. The results showed that the application of 75% RD of N150P112K112 (N through PSCU) + 25% RDN through VC (10 t ha-1) recorded a significant impact on growth attributes, yield, and nutrient uptake. The highest taller plants (37.1 cm), maximum DMA (1024.7 g m-2), LAI (3.74) and CGR (27.0 g m-2 day-1), maximum tuber bulking rate (21.5 g m-2 day-1), with highest B grade tubers (13.41 Mg ha-1), maximum tuber yield (26.83 Mg ha-1) and haulm yield (4.56 Mg ha-1) were recorded in T5 which was significantly higher than other treatments. Similarly, the significantly highest amount of total NPK uptake by the crop (173.2, 55.9, and 585.3 kg ha-1), protein yield (63.4 kg ha-1), gross return (254.9 x 103Rs ha-1), net return (184.6 x 103 Rs ha-1) and B: C ratio (3.62) was noticed under T5 treatment as compared to the other treatments. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt a holistic nutrient management approach consisting of inorganic and organic in the proportion of 75% RD of N150P112K112 (N as PSCU) +25 % RDN through VC (10 t ha-1) in the split application of potato cultivation that optimizes the growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and quality eventually enhancing the agricultural productivity, profitability, food security, and sustainability.

This study investigates how soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) supplementation influence mitragynine accumulation in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), addressing the lack of quantitative thresholds in previous research. Seedlings from a uniform seed stock were cultivated in a controlled environment using a standardized soil mix (soil:peat moss:earthworm castings, 6:1:1). Following an initial growth phase, Ca and Mg were applied at three concentrations and in fixed Ca:Mg ratios (5:1, 10:1, 20:1) using gypsum and Epsom salt. Over a 45-day treatment period, growth parameters and mitragynine levels were assessed one week after the final application. Seedlings under control had the highest total biomass (102.35 g), significantly exceeding both the Mg-only and Ca:Mg treatments (64-84 g), and values above the typical upper threshold of 20 did not suppress growth, as evidenced by unchanged root-to-shoot ratios across treatments. In contrast, mitragynine accumulation was the highest under moderate Ca:Mg ratios (8-10), exhibiting a 2-14% increase relative to the control, suggesting that production of this alkaloid is more sensitive to nutrient balance than overall growth. These findings underscore the importance of nutrient ratios, rather than individual nutrient concentrations, in regulating both vegetative development and alkaloid production in kratom. Maintaining an appropriate Ca:Mg ratio can support efficient seedling growth as well as maximizing mitragynine levels. Preliminary field trials over a span of one month indicate that field-grown seedlings exhibit a similar result with high growth and mitragynine content in soils having a Ca:Mg ratio of 1:10. Future studies should test these responses under field conditions and over longer growth periods.

Depletion of soil fertility remains a major constraint to sustainable wheat production in Ethiopia, requiring the balanced use of organic and inorganic nutrient inputs. This study assessed the combined effects of vermicompost (VC) and nitrogen (N) fertilizers on wheat yield and yield components over two consecutive cropping seasons (2021 and 2022). Five VC rates (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 t ha−1) and three N rates (0, 69, and 138 kg ha−1) were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications and, a total of 45 plots. Prior to the experiment, soil sample was collected and analysed. The result indicated that soil texture was sandy loam, strongly acidic (pH 4.49), with low organic carbon (1.09%), total nitrogen (0.19%), and available phosphorus (2.60 ppm), and moderate CEC (15.25 cmol ( +) kg−1), highlighting the need for integrated nutrient management. The interaction between VC and N significantly improved key agronomic traits. Full-dose application of both inputs resulted in the tallest plants (75.76 cm) and longest spikes (4.91 cm). Biomass yield increased markedly, reaching 5.61 t ha−1 under the highest combined VC and N rates, compared with 1.62 t ha−1 in the control. Grain yield similarly improved, with the maximum (3.33 t ha−1) obtained from full-dose VC and N, while the lowest (0.99 t ha−1) was recorded in untreated plots. Economic analysis revealed that full-dose of N combined with half-dose of VC generated the highest marginal rate of return. The integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers is recommended to enhance soil fertility, improve wheat productivity, and support sustainable land management in Ethiopia.

In the mountainous regions, where irrigation water is scarce and temperatures are less than ideal, we aimed to explore the combined effects of mulching and organic manure on organic carbon fluctuations, microbial populations and enzymatic activities in soil under ginger. A two-year field study (2021 and 2022) was conducted at Dr. YS Parmar University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, using a split plot design. Main plot treatments included grass (straw) mulch, black plastic mulch (25 and 100 µ thickness). Sub plot treatments consisted of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and sheep-goat manure (SGM), alone or in combination. Grass mulch showed the highest soil organic carbon content (19.02 g kg− 1), viable bacteria (132.65 × 106 ± 1.66 cfu g− 1 soil), fungi (35.73 × 103 ± 1.86 cfu g− 1 soil), actinomycetes count (45.50 × 103 ± 0.78 cfu g− 1 soil) and enzymatic activities (646.17 ± 8.77 µg of p-NPP g− 1 soil hr− 1 acid phosphatase, 6.16 ± 0.15 mg TPF g− 1 soil per 24 h dehydrogenase and 17.84 ± 0.20 mg NH3-N g− 1 soil per hr urease) among mulches. Among the sub plot treatments, FYM combined with 50% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers) through FYM and SGM generated the best results in terms of soil organic carbon (17.63 g kg− 1) microbial counts (135.40 × 106 ± 2.58 cfu g− 1 soil viable bacteria, 39.93 × 103 ± 1.92 cfu g− 1 soil viable fungi and 44.48 × 103 ± 0.99 cfu g− 1 soil) and enzymatic activities (524.06 ± 11.33 µg of p-NPP g− 1 soil hr− 1 acid phosphatase, 6.55 ± 0.10 mg TPF g− 1 soil per 24 h dehydrogenase and 18.04 ± 0.17 mg NH3-N g− 1 soil per hr urease). Positive correlations were observed between soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, microbial populations and enzymatic activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed two key components explaining 94.5% of the total variance in soil health parameters under mulching and manuring, with PC1 (79.4%) dominated by organic carbon, microbial counts and enzymatic activities and PC2 (15.1%) mainly associated with enzymatic functions. The synergistic effects of grass mulch and FYM with SGM provide a blueprint for resilient soil ecosystems.

Feed insecurity remains a major limiting factor to livestock production in Ethiopia. This study evaluated the effects of fertilizer treatments on the yield, nutritional composition, and economic returns of Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), Desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin.), and Guinea (Megathyrsus maximus) grasses in northwestern Ethiopia. A factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at mid- and high-altitude sites. The treatments were: control, 100% vermicompost (VC), 70% VC + 30% urea, 30% VC + 70% urea, and 100% urea. Chemical composition parameters were analyzed, and crude protein yield per hectare (CPY t/ha) was quantified. The highest DMY (3.93 t ha⁻¹) and CPY (0.45 t ha⁻¹) of the grasses were recorded from 30% VC + 70% urea, followed by 70% VC + 30% urea. Sole VC produced moderate DMY (2.9 t ha⁻¹) but achieved the highest benefit-cost ratio (8.41). Mid-altitude conditions resulted in higher CP (9.6%) and CPY (0.37 t ha⁻¹) than high altitude. Napier grass recorded the highest CP (10.84%) and DMY (4.44 t ha⁻¹) among species. Integrated VC and urea maximized grasses yield, whereas sole VC represents a cost-efficient organic alternative for sustainable forage production and clean dairy value chains.

A pot experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University during 2023 and 2024 using a completely randomized design with three replications and 11 treatments: Control, Absolute Control, Wood Ash (WA), Poultry Manure (PM), Rice Residue (RR), Vermicompost (VC), Soybean Residue (SR), and combinations (WA+PM, WA+RR, WA+VC, WA+SR) to evaluate the role of Organic Materials for Improving Growth and Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Acid Soil of Nagaland. Each pot contained 11 kg soil, treated with corresponding organic amendments and incubated for one month before sowing pre-soaked seeds. Observations on plant growth parameters were recorded at different growth stages (25DAS, 50DAS, and harvest), along with yield attributes and yield. Results revealed significant positive effects of all organic amendments on growth and yield parameters. T₉ (wood ash + vermicompost) recorded the highest plant height, branches per plant, leaves per plant (25 DAS, 50 DAS, harvest), pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, seed yield (g pot⁻¹), and stover yield (g pot⁻¹), statistically at par with T₇ (wood ash + poultry manure). The lowest performance was observed in the absolute control, indicating the adverse effect of untreated acid soil on mungbean growth. Among single amendments, vermicompost (T₆) was most effective. The study indicates that combining wood ash with nutrient-rich organic manures, especially vermicompost, is an effective approach to ameliorate aluminium toxicity and enhance the growth and yield of mungbean in acid soils.

ABSTRACT Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotations are dominant food production systems in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India. However, indiscriminate use of inputs poses a threat to the long-term sustainability of these systems. Organic agriculture offers a viable alternative for enhancing productivity while conserving resources. Hence, a field experiment (2021 and 2022) investigated the sixteen-year impact of different organic nutrient management regimes on plant growth, N-accumulation, yields, and economic returns of organic basmati rice production. The strip plot design comprised two rice-based cropping systems: basmati rice-wheat-green gram (CS1) and basmati rice-wheat-sesbania (CS2) and seven organic nutrient management practices: T1, no manure application; T2, farmyard manure (FYM); T3, vermicompost (VC); T4, FYM+crop residue (CR); T5, VC+CR; T6, FYM+CR+ biofertilisers (BF); and T7, VC+CR+BF. Results showed significant effects of both the cropping systems and the nutrient practices. CS2 recorded higher plant growth, N-accumulation, grain yield, and economic return than CS1. Integrated use of organic sources improved dry matter production by 22–25% over sole applications. N-accumulation peaked in T6 at 25 DAT and T7 at 55 DAT, with increases of 20.8% and 46.7%, respectively, relative to T1. Grain and straw yields increased by 74–80% and 46–50% in T6 and T7 compared to T1. Gross returns were also 68–74% higher with integrated treatments. The cropping system with sesbania green manure combined with integrated organic amendments (T6 and T7) was shown to be the most effective and sustainable long-term approach for producing higher yields and ensuring financial security of the rice-wheat agro-ecosystem.

Abstract In the context of climate change, drought increasingly threatens global food security. Developing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices to mitigate yield and quality losses has become imperative. This study evaluates the combined effects of vermicompost (VC) and grafted rootstocks on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) performance under water stress in both greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse experiment, grafted (G) and non-grafted plants were grown in pots amended with 0, 1, 2, and 3% VC and subjected to three irrigation regimes (100%, 70%, and 30% of field capacity). The field trial involved the application of 2% VC under control (1.00 Epan), mild (0.70 Epan), and severe drought stress (0.30 Epan) conditions. The ‘G x VC’ combination improved yield under drought in both greenhouse and field, especially under severe stress. Grafted plants treated with VC showed enhanced total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and flavonoid accumulation.Vermicompost also contributed to enhanced soil properties such as water retention, infiltration, and aggregate stability. These results suggest that integrating grafted seedlings with vermicompost application offers a viable strategy to improve eggplant productivity and nutritional quality under drought stress, contributing to resilient and sustainable horticultural systems. This study provides a foundation for developing environmentally friendly drought management strategies with practical potential.

The long-term sustainability of intensive vegetable production systems is threatened by soil degradation and environmental pollution from chemical inputs. A comprehensive seven-year field experiment (2018–2025) was conducted to identify effective organic strategies for tomato (var. PKM-1) cultivation on a medium black soil in Parbhani, India. The study evaluated ten nutrient management regimes in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Treatments included variations of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), neem cake, Jivamrut applications, and an integrated organic package. Pooled results demonstrated that 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through vermicompost (T₂) significantly (p < 0.05) outperformed other treatments, yielding the highest tomato fruit yield (22.60 t/ha), gross monetary returns (₹271,690/ha), net monetary returns (₹184,169/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (3.03). This treatment also produced superior fruit quality, evidenced by the highest lycopene content (9.77 mg/100 g), number of fruits per plant (23.86), and individual fruit weight (48.55 g). Treatment T₂ was statistically on par with T₃ (50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through VC) for most agronomic and economic parameters. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed that T₂ and T₉ significantly enhanced the soil’s chemical fertility (available N, P, K, and micronutrient status). Nutrient uptake studies confirmed the efficient translation of soil health improvements into plant nutrient assimilation. The study also meticulously tracked year-on-year variations in yield and soil properties, revealing consistent performance trends and the gradual improvement of soil fertility under specific organic amendments. This seven-year, single-site study on a medium black soil demonstrates that, under the tested semi-arid tropical conditions, the consistent application of vermicompost emerged as the most effective organic nutrient management strategy, delivering competitive productivity, economic viability, and enhanced soil fertility. The results suggest that vermicompost can be a cornerstone practice for organic tomato systems in similar agro-ecologies, though validation across a wider range of environments is recommended.

Jute, frequently referred to as Bangladesh’s “golden fibre,” continues to play a vital role in the country’s agrarian economy, supporting industrial sustainability and sustaining rural livelihoods. This study investigated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic nutrient management on the growth and fibre yield of BJRI Kenaf-5 at Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, during the 2023 growing season. The experiment was established using a randomized complete block design with three replications and six nutrient management treatments. These treatments involved the application of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF: 132–50–40 kg N–P–K ha⁻¹) in combination with various organic amendments, including cow dung (CD), poultry manure (PM), and vermicompost (VC). Key growth parameters—such as plant population, plant height, base diameter, fibre yield, and stick yield—were systematically recorded. The results demonstrated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among the treatments, highlighting the influence of integrated nutrient management on both vegetative growth and fibre production in BJRI Kenaf-5. The integrated treatment T6 (100% RDF + CD 1.5 t ha⁻¹ + PM 1.5 t ha⁻¹ + VC 1.5 t ha⁻¹) produced the highest fiber yield (3.36 t ha⁻¹) and stick yield (6.73 t ha⁻¹), representing a 75.9% increase in fiber yield over the control. Plant height was highest under T5 (3.11 m), while maximum base diameter was observed in T4 (19.63 mm). Principal component analysis explained 99.1% of total variance, confirming strong positive associations among growth parameters. Pearson’s correlation revealed highly significant relationships (r = 0.96–0.99) between vegetative growth and yield traits.The results demonstrate that integrated nutrient management significantly enhances biomass accumulation and fiber productivity in BJRI Kenaf-5, suggesting T6 as an optimal nutrient strategy for sustainable kenaf cultivation in the agro-ecological conditions of Kishoreganj.

Nitrogen use efficiency is one of the sustainability criteria which get altered as a response to varied interventions like water conservation practices and source of nitrogen in rainfed agriculture. A two-year’ investigation was conducted to evaluate in-situ moisture conservation practices and different nitrogen sources for nitrogen uptake and NUE in rainfed sorghum on alfisols of the semi-arid region of India. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design replicated thrice. Main plot treatments were in-situ moisture conservation practices like conservation furrow (CF) and ridge and furrow (RF), while sub-plot treatments were different nitrogen sources like chemical fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and poultry manure(PM). Diverse agronomic indices viz., recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency, agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity were derived to assess the NUE. The results demonstrated that CF and RF methods of in-situ moisture conservation exhibited equal response pertaining to N uptake, Soil N and nitrogen use efficiency. However, nitrogen uptake was higher through partial substitution of the recommended dose of nitrogen with PM (67.8 kg ha-1), FYM (63.8 kg ha-1) and VC (63.9 kg ha-1) along with synthetic fertilizers in integration. Soil fertility in the form of mineral N (NH4-N + NO3-N) was improved by combined use of chemical and organic sources of N. Higher crop recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency, agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity were higher with inclusion of organic manures, especially in integrated manner. The experimental findings suggested that, in rainfed sorghum cultivation in semi-arid tropic of India, conjunctive use of 75% RDN through synthetic fertilizer and 25% RDN through PM or FYM or VC along with conservation furrow or ridge and furrow practice could be adopted for improved NUE.

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2024 at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, to evaluate the effects of humic acid (HA) and vermicompost (VC) on the growth, yield and soil nutrient status of Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.). The trial followed a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications, including combinations of HA (5 and 10 L ha-1) and VC (2 and 4 t ha-1), along with a control. The treatment combining HA at 10 L ha-1 and VC at 4 t ha-1 showed a significantly improvement in plant height (198.4 cm), tiller number (3.2 per plant) and yield-related traits. It produced the highest grain yield (2065.8 kg ha-1) and stover yield (2706.2 kg ha-1). Nutrient uptake was also maximized under this treatment, with nitrogen (67.8 kg ha-1), phosphorus (14.2 kg ha-1) and potassium (66.4 kg ha-1) uptake being highest. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed improved fertility, with increased available N, P, K and organic carbon. These findings suggest that the combined application of HA and VC substantially enhances crop performance and soil health, offering a sustainable approach for Bajra cultivation in Typic Haplustept soils.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is sensitive to abiotic factors that can severely diminish crop yields. The combined use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients enhances soil fertility and crop productivity. However, site and crop-specific integration levels are essential for optimal outcomes. This study aimed to identify the optimal N/P₂O₅, biochar (BC), and vermicompost (VC) combination to improve the physiological traits, growth, yield components, and yield of maize (BH-661) under rainfed agriculture. A field experiment was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25) to identify the optimal combination of N/P₂O₅, BC, and VC for improving physiological traits, growth, yield components, and yield of maize. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 3 × 3 RCBD design with three replicates. Treatments included three levels each of N/P₂O₅ (0/0, 120/69, 240/138 kg ha⁻¹), BC (0, 4, 8 t ha⁻¹), and VC (0, 5.02, 10.04 t ha⁻¹). Data were collected on days to 90% physiological maturity (DPM), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), plant height (PH), ear length (EL), ear number per plant (ENPP), grain number per ear (GNPE), number of rows per ear (NRPE), thousand grain weight (TGW), biological yield (BY), and grain yield (GY). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that maize phenology, growth, yield components and GY were significantly different (p < 0.01). The highest GY (12.13 t ha⁻¹), PH (320.5 cm), and GNPE (647.11) were recorded under integrated applications, particularly the combined application of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + 69 kg P2O5 ha⁻¹ + 8 t BC ha⁻¹ + 10.04 t VC ha⁻¹ (T24) in soils that received a uniform lime application of 0.63 t CaCO3 ha⁻¹. The lowest values were observed in the control (T1). Notably, 120/69 kg N/P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ + 4 t BC ha⁻¹ + 5.02 t VC ha⁻¹ (T14) consistently produced high economic yields (12.09 t ha⁻¹) and the highest net benefit (289,124 ETB ha⁻¹) with a marginal rate of return of 149.067%. Combining 120/69 kg N/P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, 4 t BC ha⁻¹, and 5.05 t VC ha⁻¹ (T14) is recommended to enhance maize yield and profitability in the area. Further multi-season, multi-location studies with additional data on physiological, molecular and nutritional traits are needed to validate and consolidate these findings.

Earthworm mediated microbial quorum sensing accelerates organic matter transformation during vermicomposting of dewatered sludge.

Cauliflower is an economically significant vegetable crop grown widely in Pakistan's Pothwar region, although production is limited by poor fertility of the soil and increasing costs of inputs associated with conventional chemical-based agriculture. This study investigated the effects of vermicompost (VC) and farm yard manure (FYM), two organic substances, on cauliflower growth, yield, and soil fertility in the Pothwar region during the winter of 2024–2025. Five treatments was tested using a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications: T₁ (Control), T₂ (FYM 20 t ha⁻¹), T₃ (VC 10 t ha⁻¹), T₄ (FYM 10 + VC 5 t ha⁻¹), and T₅ (FYM 15 + VC 7.5 t ha⁻¹). The hybrid cauliflower variety CFL-1522 was transplanted at 50×50 cm spacing, with data collected at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after transplanting. For every investigated parameter, the results revealed highly significant differences between treatments (P&lt;0.01). The highest plant height was obtained by treatment T5. (63.5 cm at 120 DAT), more number of leaves (24.8 per plant), largest leaf area (length: 48.2 cm; width: 27.4 cm), and largest canopy size (52.8 cm). Days to curd initiation and harvest were reduced by 8.4 and 10.4 days, respectively, in T₅ compared to control. Curd quality parameters showed remarkable improvements: individual curd weight increased 110.8%, curd diameter increased 43.4%, and curd height increased 44.2%. Marketable yield reached 32.8 t ha⁻¹ in T₅, shows a 164.5% increase when compares with control treatment (12.4 t ha⁻¹). Analysis of the soil after harvest showed significant increases in fertility: soil organic matter increased 201.4%, available nitrogen increased 216.3%, available phosphorus increased 243.5%, and available potassium increased 206.3%. Vermicompost and farm yard manure (T5) applied together worked better than single amendment treatments. For smallholder farmers in the Pothwar region, this organic amendment system is extremely environmentally friendly and cost-effective due to the significant increases in soil fertility and yield.