No-till Research Articles

An insightful multicriteria model for the selection of drilling technique for heat extraction from geothermal reservoirs using a fuzzy-rough approach

Geothermal energy stands out as an exceptional renewable resource for power generation, offering a consistent power production without the intermittency issues. Despite its potential to deliver a consistent supply of electricity on demand, geothermal adoption is hindered due to substantial costs. Utilising the most effective drilling method can alleviate this challenge by boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs. The primary goal of this study is to identify the best drilling method for extracting heat from geothermal reservoirs. This optimised approach facilitates better access to geothermal reservoirs, leading to increased heat recovery rates and improved project viability. Traditional methods often fall short in evaluating optimal drilling alternatives due to uncertainties. To address this, our research introduces an innovative paradigm that integrates novel T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Rough (T−SHFR) set, method for the removal effects of criteria with a geometric mean and ranking alternatives with weights of criterion hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. By leveraging the novel T−SHFR concept, our approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of various factors. This holistic evaluation ensures an exhaustive comprehension of the decision-making environment. The study reveals that reservoir characteristics play a significant role in selecting a sustainable drilling alternative. Furthermore, directional drilling appears as the most promising method with higher energy yields followed by slim hole drilling. The robustness and credibility of these findings are established through sensitivity and comparative analyses, indicating the potential applicability of this MCDM method to analogous challenges in different contexts. The findings of the ranking techniques were validated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, which revealed a positive and notable correlation. This research will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of geothermal energy projects.

Energy Evolution Characteristics and Hydraulic Fracturing Roof Cutting Technology for Hard Roof Working Face during Initial Mining: A Case Study

In the process of mining, a large area of hard roof will be exposed above a goaf and may suddenly break. This can easily induce rock burst and has a significant impact on production safety. In this study, based on the engineering background of the hard roof of the 2102 working face in the Balasu coal mine, the spatial and temporal characteristics of the strain energy of the roof during the initial mining process were explored in depth. Based on a theoretical calculation, it is proposed that hydraulic fracturing should be carried out in the medium-grained sandstone layer that is 4.8–22.43 m above the roof, and that the effective fracturing section in the horizontal direction should be within 30.8 m of the cutting hole of the working face. The elastic strain energy fish model was established in FLAC3D to analyze the strain energy accumulation of the roof during the initial mining process. The simulation and elastic strain energy results show that, as the working face advances to 70–80 m, the hard roof undergoes significant bending deformation. The energy gradient increases with the rapid accumulation of strain energy to a peak value of 140.54 kJ/m3. If the first weighting occurs at this moment in time, the sudden fracture of the roof will be accompanied by the release of elastic energy, which will induce rock burst. Therefore, it is necessary to implement roof cutting and pressure relief before reaching the critical step of 77 m. To this end, the comprehensive hydraulic fracturing technology of ‘conventional short drilling + directional long drilling’ is proposed. A field test shows that the hydraulic fracturing technology effectively weakens the integrity of the rock layer. The first weighting interval is 55 m, and it continues until the end of the pressure at the 70 m position. The roof collapses well, and the mining safety is improved. This study provides an important reference for hard roof control.

Sustainable practices in brazilian and global agriculture in the 21st century

With population growth, the demand for food is increasing, making sustainable practices in agriculture essential to ensure food security, reduce production costs, and mitigate environmental impacts such as climate change. It is crucial to improve the quality and quantity of food production without causing harm to the environment, preserving existing agricultural areas without expanding into new regions. The objective of this literature review is to present information on some contemporary agricultural techniques used in Brazil and around the world that promote sustainability in the 21st century. Practices such as no-till farming, crop rotation, the cover crops use, integrated crop-livestock-forestry system, and the use of beneficial microorganisms exemplify the available sustainable approaches. It is concluded that these practices have great potential for more conscious agriculture, but more studies on their application are needed. The pursuit of sustainable agriculture is a necessary path, not an option.

Technology Development with Zero Tillage and Stubble Residue Management for Sustainable Soil Health and System Productivity in Wheat-maize Cropping Pattern

Conventional farm operations comprising traditional soil tillage and burning stubble residues become the cause of concern for soil sickness threatening sustainable system productivity. Wheat and maize constituting one of the predominant cropping systems strive with the commitment of substantial contribution to the world food security front. A better understanding of these alarming issues insisted on us to explore ‘Conservation Agriculture’ practices designing a field experiment with tillage and crop residue management. The study from 2019 to 2022 derived phenomenal achievement with Zero Tillage (ZT) and Minimal Tillage (MT) in compliance with crop residue retention (+ R); while, the eventuality of stubble burning (- R) deteriorated soil health, especially with Conventional Tillage (CT). Results illustrated significantly higher system productivity (11.60 - 12.0 t ha-1) in terms of wheat equivalent yield at (ZT+R) stands followed by those (11.34-11.64 t ha-1) at (MT + R), significantly higher than those (10.52 - 10.59 t ha-1) at conventional (CT-R) stands and those (10.63-10.78 t ha-1) at (CT+R) stands. Soil health also significantly improved at (ZT + R) stands accounting for higher soil porosity (39.45%), pH (7.64), electrical conductivity (0.370 dS m-1), hydraulic conductivity (10.56 mm h-1), soil organic carbon (0.458%), and N, P and K contents (272.5, 18.36 and 254.8 kg ha-1) than at conventional (CT -R) stands. Therefore, the study could develop a viable cutting-edge agro-technology fostering sustainable maize-wheat production in a system perspective mode. Nonetheless, the stewardship of zero tillage along with stubble residues could also be envisaged for the mitigation of soil sickness, too.

Impact of Agricultural Activities on Climate Change: A Review of Greenhouse Gas Emission Patterns in Field Crop Systems.

This review paper synthesizes the current understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from field cropping systems. It examines the key factors influencing GHG emissions, including crop type, management practices, and soil conditions. The review highlights the variability in GHG emissions across different cropping systems. Conventional tillage systems generally emit higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) than no-till or reduced tillage systems. Crop rotation, cover cropping, and residue management can significantly reduce GHG emissions by improving soil carbon sequestration and reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities for mitigating GHG emissions in field cropping systems. Precision agriculture techniques, such as variable rate application of fertilizers and water, can optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impacts. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees and crops, offer the potential for carbon sequestration and reducing N2O emissions. This review provides insights into the latest research on GHG emissions from field cropping systems and identifies areas for further study. It emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable management practices to reduce GHG emissions and enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems.

What evidence exists on the effect of the main European lowland crop and grassland management practices on biodiversity indicator species groups? a systematic map

BackgroundThe intensification of the agricultural practices in Europe over the last decades has drastically transformed the agroecosystems. The simplification of the landscape, the loss of semi-natural habitats and the application of chemicals on crops led to biodiversity decline in agricultural landscapes, raising substantial concerns about the loss of essential ecosystem services, such as pollination or pest control. Depending on the location, the scale and the regional context, different indicator species groups (ISGs) are regularly surveyed to assess the state and trend of biodiversity changes in agroecosystems. Although the high diversity of these ISGs allows assessing different biodiversity aspects (e.g., trophic levels, bio-physical compartments, scale of indication), it complicates the interpretation of the results and thus their practical application. In addition, species diversity metrics are various, from simple species counts to more complex measurements of diversity indices, sometimes with antagonistic responses. Here, to meet the pressing need for synthesis in this complex topic, we follow a standardized systematic map protocol to collect and summarize the literature reporting field evidence of the effects of the main agricultural management practices (AMPs) in arable crops, grasslands and ecological infrastructures on a set of ISGs in European lowland farming areas.MethodsSearches of literature were made using online publication databases, search engine and specialist websites in English. Gathered publications were screened for relevance following inclusion/exclusion criteria published in a prior protocol. We extracted and mapped information about experimental design, monitoring methods, ISGs and AMPs studied and the diversity measures presented in each included publication. These parameters are structured in available data coding sheets.ResultsThe search gathered 20,162 references from which 1208 remained after full text eligibility screening. Main areas studied are in Western Europe, and the number of studies increased exponentially from 1984 to 2022. Most publications are experimental and on-farm studies which assess AMPs effects at the field scale. Main studied AMPs are fertilization, grazing, organic farming, tillage, mowing and herbicide application. Most ISGs used to study their impacts are flora, carabids, spiders, birds, bees and annelids, often combined with other ISGs. The combinations between AMPs and ISGs studied are detailed as well as monitoring methods. The most used diversity measures are abundance, species richness, Shannon index, evenness, and community composition.ConclusionsWe identified several knowledge clusters: (1) organic farming, fertilization, tillage, grazing and mowing impact on a wide range of ISGs, (2) flora response to agricultural practices, (3) annelids response to agronomic interventions that impact soil structure (e.g., tillage, fertilization, crop rotation, crop residue management), (4) butterflies and orthopterans response to mowing and grazing effects in grasslands, (5) the use of bird monitoring for the impact for assessing the efficiency of AES implementation at the landscape scale. We highlight that further research should be conducted on ISGs that are until now poorly studied regarding agricultural practices, such as amphibians, reptiles, gastropods, millipedes and centipedes. More field evidence of the effects of diversification practices such as intercropping, undersowing, intermediate cropping, and agroforestry are needed to draw conclusions on their benefits on biodiversity.

Attributes and Fertility Ranking of Lade Soils in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A major constraint restraining agricultural production in Nigeria is the scarcity of gen on soil property. The concomitant improper land use results in land degradation and dwindled agrarian efficiency. Consequently, this study seeks to assess the physicochemical attributes and classify and rank Lade soils according to fertility potential. The free survey was conducted to collect representative soil data. Six (6) profile pits designated L1 to L6 were dug to characterize the mapping units using soil samples obtained from horizons in respective profiles for the study of physical and chemical characteristics employing standard laboratory techniques. Profile description and soil classification at the Great Group level followed USDA guidelines. Fertility Capability Classification system was used to evaluate the soils for arable cropping. Soil was indicative of a relatively high structural index (>9%), strong to slightly acidic (4.0 – 6.3). Organic carbon (8.02 – 9.24 g kg -1 ), available P (9.66 – 25.76 mg kg -1 ) and total N (0.09 – 0.34 g kg -1 ) were mostly moderate. Extractable bases ranged from high to very high while soil color diverse from dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) on the surface to reddish brown (2.5YR 4/3) in the subsoils. Soils L1 - L6 were classified as Endoaqualfs, Kandiustalfs, Haplustalfs, Haplustalfs, Plinthustalfs and Kandiustalfs, respectively. Potential suitability for arable crop place pedons L1 and L3 in class S2 (moderately suitable), whereas other pedons were rated as S3 (marginally suitable). The study gives an insight into the judicious use of inorganic fertilizer combined with good residue management and drainage for fertility improvement of the soil. Keywords : Characterization, Fertility capability classification, nutrient status, sandstone, soil taxonomy

Differential recruitment of plant growth-promoting bacteria community by soybean rhizosphere in no-tillage and integrated crop-livestock

Agricultural practices influence plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and, particularly can drive the recruitment of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). This study assessed the PGPB community in soil under no-tillage (NT) and in the rhizosphere of maize and grass under integrated cro-livestock (ICL) to evaluate their influence on the recruitment of PGPB in the rhizosphere of soybean. Soil samples from the soybean rhizosphere under NT and ICL were collected and compared to samples collected from bulk soil and the rhizosphere of maize and grass in ICL, using the 16 S rRNA approach. The structure of the PGPB community differed (21.8% of variation) when comparing the rhizosphere of soybean in NT and ICL. The soybean rhizosphere in NT enriched distinct PGPB compared to those observed in ICL. The proportion of specialist PGPB was higher in the rhizosphere of soybean in ICL (33.8%) than in NT (26.5%). Regardless of the agricultural system, the rhizosphere of soybean showed a similar number of nodes, but ICL promoted a higher number of edges in the soybean rhizosphere. Bacillus and Mycobacterium were identified as the main keystone taxa in the rhizosphere of soybean in NT. In contrast, Streptomyces and Sphingomonas were keystone taxa in the rhizosphere of soybean in ICL. This study demonstrated distinct recruitment of PGPB by the rhizosphere of soybean based on agricultural systems, i.e., NT and ICL.

Unintended food safety impacts of agricultural circular economies, with case studies in arsenic and mycotoxins

For millennia, food systems worldwide have employed practices befitting a circular economy: recycling of agricultural and food waste or byproducts, environmentally sustainable production methods, and food preservation to reduce waste. Many modern-day agricultural practices may also contribute to a circular economy through the reuse of waste products and/or reducing agricultural inputs. There are, however, food safety impacts. This paper describes two sustainable agricultural practices that have unintended positive and negative impacts on food safety: alternative rice cultivation practices and no-till agriculture. We highlight how alternative rice cultivation practices have intended benefits of water conservation and economic savings, yet also unintended effects on food safety by reducing foodborne arsenic levels while increasing cadmium levels. No-till agriculture reduces soil erosion and repurposes crop residues, but can lead to increased foodborne mycotoxin levels. Trade-offs, future research, and policy recommendations are discussed as we explore the duality of sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.

Application of fungal inoculants enhances colonization of secondary bacterial degraders during in situ paddy straw degradation: a genomic insights into cross-domain synergism.

Rice cultivation generates huge amounts of on farm residues especially under mechanical harvesting. Paddy straw being recalcitrant hinders sowing of upcoming rabi crops like wheat and mustard. Non-environmental sustainable practice of on-farm burning of the paddy residues is being popularly followed for quick disposal of the agro-residues and land preparation. However, conservation agriculture involving in situ residue incorporation can be a sustainable option to utilize the residues for improvement of soil biological health. However, low temperature coupled with poor nitrogen status of soil reduces the decomposition rate of residues that may lead to nitrogen immobilization and hindrance in land preparation. In this direction, ecological impact of two approaches viz priming with urea and copiotrophic fungus-based bioformulation (CFB) consisting of Coprinopsis cinerea LA2 and Cyathus stercoreus ITCC3745 was studied for in situ degradation of residues. Succession of bacterial diversity was deciphered through high throughput whole metagenomic sequencing along with studies on dynamics of soil microbial enzymes. Treatments receiving CFB (T1) and urea (T2) when compared with bulk soil (absolute control) showed an increase in richness of the microbial diversity as compared to control straw retained treatment control (T3). The β diversity indices also indicated sufficient group variations among the treatments receiving CFB and urea as compared to only straw retained treatment and bulk soil. Priming of paddy straw with CFB and urea also induced significant rewiring of the bacterial co-occurrence networks. Quantification of soil ligno-cellulolytic activity as well as abundance of carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZy) genes indicated high activities of hydrolytic enzymes in CFB primed straw retention treatment as compared to urea primed straw retention treatment. The genomic insights on effectiveness of copiotrophic fungus bioformulation for in situ degradation of paddy straw will further help in developing strategies for management of crop residues in eco-friendly manner.

Optimization strategies for carbon neutrality in a maize-soybean rotation production system from farm to gate

Agricultural food production stands as a primary source of global greenhouse gas emissions, with residue management widely acknowledged as an effective avenue to achieve carbon neutrality. However, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint of agricultural residue production, processing, and recycling from farm to gate. Here we conducted a hybrid approach that integrated the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model and life cycle carbon footprint to co-optimize water and residue management, targeting carbon neutrality and yield increase. The results revealed that controlled drainage with sub-irrigation (CDSI) served as a potent water management strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (15.65 %) while increasing yield (24.34 %) compared to free drainage. Regardless of the type of bioproduct, incorporating CDSI with downstream residue utilization exhibited substantial potential for carbon-negative emissions, reducing the average farm carbon footprint to −1538.15 kg CO2 eq yr−1. Among those scenarios, the CDSI with bioethanol scenario particularly stands out with its robust carbon mitigation capability (−1994.94 kg CO2 eq yr−1), driven by the enormous energy demand throughout the agricultural production process and the environmental friendliness of bioethanol, which substantially exceeds that of gasoline. However, challenges such as high plant construction costs and extended investment payback periods associated with residue conversion underscore the need for the urgent establishment of national subsidies and market mechanisms to foster carbon neutrality in agricultural production.

Assessment of Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Oxolinic Acid in Rainbow Trout and Determination of InVitro Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria From Diseased Fish.

In response to the heightened risk of bacterial diseases in fish farms caused by increased demand for fish consumption and subsequent overcrowding, researchers are currently investigating the efficacy and residue management of oxolinic acid (OA) as a treatment for bacterial infections in fish. This research is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacokinetics of OA. The present study investigates pharmacokinetics of OA in juvenile rainbow trout. The fish were given a 12 mg kg-1 dose of OA through their feed, and tissue samples were collected of the liver, kidney, gill, intestine, muscle, and plasma for analysis using LC-MS/MS. The highest concentrations of the drug were found in the gill (4096.55 μg kg-1) and intestine (11592.98 μg kg-1), with significant absorption also seen in the liver (0.36 L/h) and gill (0.07 L/h) (p < 0.05). The liver (0.21 L/h) and kidney (0.03 L/h) were found to be the most efficient (p < 0.05) at eliminating the drug. The study also confirmed the drug antimicrobial effectiveness against several bacterial pathogens, including Shewanella xiamenensis (0.25 μg mL-1), Lactococcus garvieae (1 μg mL-1), and Chryseobacterium aquaticum (4 μg mL-1). The study concludes significant variations among different fish tissues, with higher concentrations and longer half-lives observed in the kidney and intestine. The lowest MIC value recorded against major bacterial pathogens demonstrated its therapeutic potential in aquaculture. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding OA pharmacokinetics to optimize antimicrobial therapy in aquaculture.

Strategic tillage of no-till decreased surface and subsurface losses of dissolved phosphorus.

Enrichment of soluble P on the surface layer of long-term no-till (NT) soils, and consequent increase in dissolved P losses, is a concern for which occasional plowing has been suggested as a remedy. We measured the effect of such strategic tillage (ST) on surface and subsurface P losses from 0.5-ha field plots on clay soil for 4years. Two NT plots had discharged threefold dissolved molybdate-reactive P (DRP) losses compared to annually plowed soil conventional tillage (CT). ST by plowing to 20-cm depth was applied on one of the NT plots, whereas the other remained under NT. ST done in July was sown with canola (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera) to establish plant cover before winter. Summed 4-year DRP loss from ST treatment was 60% lower compared to NT (0.78vs. 1.96kg ha-1), accompanied with 11% higher particulate P (PP) loss (4.39vs. 3.97kg ha-1). CT plots produced slightly lower DRP losses (0.53-0.76kg ha-1) than ST, but higher PP losses (6.02-7.96kg ha-1). Bioavailable P (BAP) losses from ST were lower than from the other treatments if >7% of PP turns bioavailable. After ST, soil P stratification first vanished, but started to develop again when NT was resumed. Occasional tillage of NT soils mitigates DRP losses over several years, and it was at the study site the preferred mitigation option in reducing BAP losses.

Tillage practices on soil penetration resistance, soil infiltration, percolation and yield of rice (Oryza sativa) in rice-based cropping system

The experiment was conducted during 2019–23 at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore), Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu to analyse the effect of conservation tillage methods on bulk density, soil penetration resistance and soil infiltration rate of clay soil and rice yield in rice-based cropping system. Experiment consisted of three tillage practices, viz. conventional tillage/puddling (CT); zero tillage (ZT); and minimal tillage/dry ploughing (MT) and two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars (ADT 43 and CORH 3), replicated four times. The result of the study revealed that the bulk density was significantly lower with zero tillage due to presence of crop residues and addition of organic matter. The mean infiltration rate under zero tillage was 0.16 cm/h as compared to puddling (0.14 cm/h) and dry ploughing (0.20 cm/h). The study further showed that the mean soil percolation rate was significantly altered by the tillage methods and soil percolation rate was 0.12 cm/h in zero tillage as compared to puddling (0.10 cm/h) and dry ploughing (0.16 cm/h). In contrary to the other physical properties, the soil penetration resistance was in the order of dry ploughing&gt;zero tillage&gt;puddling. The mean soil penetration resistance under zero tillage was reduced from 690–500 Kpa, 740–600 Kpa and 760–620 Kpa respectively at 0–5, 5–10 and 10–15 cm depth as compared to puddling. The results further indicated that the yield parameters and rice did not differ among the different tillage practices.

Managing harvesting residues: a systematic review of management treatments around the world

Abstract Dead woody materials are naturally part of the forest ecosystem introduced through the process of tree mortality or intentionally through stand management practices which result in harvesting residues. The management of harvesting residues includes a range of solutions that vary from site to site, from context to context. The purpose of this review is to determine the current state-of-the-art of harvesting residue management treatments at a global scale. Our review indicates that there are few studies that compare residue management and treatment options, considering the variety of impacts and effects that can be generated. This is surprising as residue management affects residue quantity and distribution and is relevant for numerous ecological processes. The retention of fine and coarse residues can generate positive effects and impacts on various aspects of forest ecosystems including (i) biodiversity, by promoting stand regeneration and providing habitats for fauna at different levels; (ii) soil properties, by decreasing the risk of erosion and soil compaction while retaining moisture at ground level; and (iii) soil nutrients, by replenishing C, N, and micronutrient stocks. On the contrary, harvesting residues can provide material for bioenergy production and potentially other fiber industries. The removal of residues can also reduce wildfire risks and dampen insect outbreak dynamics. In this work, we provide a general outline of the role of residues as well as a summary of current management options adopted around the world. The intention of the work is to provide an information base for stakeholders including forest managers and policymakers in identifying and assessing potential alternatives for their current local practices.

Development of a new type of highly effective etchant solution for glue residue in wafer-level packaging process

We synthesize an etchant solution designed to remove polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) residues from semiconductor wafers during wafer-to-wafer processing in advanced semiconductor packaging (AVP). The etchant solution is produced by combining hexane, a nonpolar swelling solvent, with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF), a fluorine-based compound, to enhance PDMS etching. We evaluate the etching rate of PDMS using various solvent mixtures, including 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 1-octyl-2-pyrrolidone (NOP), with different concentrations of TBAF (1.0–5.0 wt%). Notably, NOP, which contains octyl groups, demonstrates the highest PDMS etching rate, particularly when combined with 70.0 wt% hexane. The optimized solution, F3-NOP/H70, achieves an etching rate of 85.7 μm/min. Further testing confirms that the F3-NOP/H70 solution effectively removes PDMS residues from wafer surfaces without damaging dielectric layers, such as the photosolder resist and photosensitive polyimide. These results indicate that the F3-NOP/H70 solution efficiently dissolves and removes PDMS residues and preserves the integrity of adjacent wafer components, making it a promising candidate for AVP applications. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate solvent systems for residue removal in semiconductor manufacturing and offers a practical solution to enhance device quality and reliability. This approach can potentially be applied at various stages of semiconductor processing, where residue management is essential.

Comparing the financial benefits of different grain production systems in South Africa’s summer rainfall region

There is growing evidence that soil degradation, among other factors, has led to both the decline and constraint of agriculture in southern Africa. Conservation and regenerative agriculture (CA/RA) have been proposed as a grain crop production system that could slow down, halt or even reverse some of these disturbing trends. But the question remains whether it is financially viable. We sought to find an answer to this question by comparing the financial returns of a CA/RA system over a 20-year period to its alternatives, namely conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) production systems. The cumulative free cash flow (CFCF) of the average between the realistic and conservative CA/RA scenarios in year 20 is considerably higher than that of the other systems under investigation. The CFCF for CA/RA in year 20 in Mpumalanga is estimated to be R86 million, compared to -ZAR51 million for CT and about ZAR4 million for NT. That is a net difference between ZAR137 million (compared to CT) and ZAR82 million (compared to NT). In the Maluti area, the CFCF for the CA/RA production system is estimated at ZAR26 million, compared to -ZAR66 million for CT and -ZAR19 million for NT. In the North-West production area, the CFCF for the CA/RA production system is estimated at ZAR35 million, compared to -ZAR9 million for CT and about ZAR21 million for NT. The differences between the CFCF of the CA/RA system and the other systems represent the financial opportunity cost of not converting to the CA/RA system.

The influence of soil types and agricultural management practices on soil chemical properties and microbial dynamics

Soil provides essential nutrients for plant growth, but excess salts hinder development, making crops more vulnerable under climate change conditions. Soil microorganisms play a significant role in nutrient cycling. However, limited information is available on microbial behavior/community changes, and functional diversity in different soil types (normal, sodic, and highly sodic) and cropping systems [rice-wheat (RW); rice-wheat-mungbean (RWMb); maize-wheat-mungbean (MWMb)] and management practices in the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. We investigated the influence of different soil types on physical and chemical properties at the surface level (0–15 cm) in relation to soil microbial population, activities, and functional diversity, focusing on community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) under different agriculture systems. Seven treatment combinations of soil types, cropping systems, and management practices were evaluated. Soil pHs were found to be lower in zero-till (ZT)-based sodic soil than in conventional-till (CT) sodic soil. Soil organic carbon (SOC) (0.91 and 0.90%) content and available N (154.46 and 132.74 kg ha−1) were higher with the ZT-based system under normal (N) soils (ZT-RWMb-N and ZT-MWMb-N) than in CT-based normal soil (0.67 and 121.04 kg ha−1). Similarly, higher SOC and N (0.85 and 76.11 kg ha−1) were found under ZT management in sodic soils (S) than under CT management (0.73% and 121.05 kg ha−1). Substrate utilization (amino acids, amines, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, phenolic compounds, and polymers) increased with the incubation period. During 0–120 h of incubation, the highest utilization of amino acids, amines, carboxylic acids, phenolic compounds, and polymers was observed for ZT-MWMb-S soils, while the lowest was recorded for ZT-MWMb-N soils. Under high salt conditions, soil enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, etc.) declined significantly compared to normal soils, affecting soil chemical and physical conditions. Microbial population and enzyme activities decreased with increasing salt stress across all cropping systems. These findings suggest that adopting efficient crop management practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity on microbial diversity and soil health, thereby enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity in salt-affected regions.

Termite gut microbiome being a rich source of potential lignocellulolytic bacterial strains

A study was carried out to identify prospective cellulose degrading bacteria isolated from termite gut collected from various agriculture sites. Eight of the bacterial isolates displayed a very distinct zone of clearing on CMC (Carboxylmethyl cellulose) agar media after staining with 1% Congo red, indicating that they may have cellulose degrading ability. On a CMC agar plate, CRDB6 had the largest colony diameter (3.08 cm) as well as clear zone diameter (0.96 cm), however CRDB 1 has maximum cellulolytic activity (1.45 cm) followed by CRDB5 and CRDB6 (1.33 cm and 1.28 cm) respectively. CRDB3, CRDB4 and CRDB9 showed Gram negative reaction among crop residue degrading bacterial isolates, while the remainder showed Gram positive reaction. The morphological characteristics of the bacteria isolates, such as colony shape, elevation, margin, colour and opacity, differed. Isolates CRDB6 produced highest β-glucosidase activity (12.66 m L-1) followed by CRDB1 (12.20 mg m L-1) and CRDB5 (10.21 m L-1) in Luria broth culture. Indole acetic acid production (with tryptophan) was greater in CRDB1 (389.33 mg/ml), CRDB6 (356.9 m L-1) and CRDB3 (315.96 m L-1) while as P-solubilization potential was peaked in CRDB6 (2.41 m L-1) followed by CRDB4 (1.76 m L-1) and CRDB3. Overall, isolate CRDB6 exhibited the highest cellulolytic activity as compared to rest of the bacterial isolates. These results will help in preparing bacterial consortia for the management of crop residues.

Pasture Performance: Perspectives on Plant Persistence and Renewal in New Zealand Dairy Systems

Pasture systems dominate the landscape of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and are an integral component of sustainable and resilient livestock production. Predicting the response, performance, and dynamics of pasture species and adapting management practices is key to the long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resilience of the agricultural sector. However, there is limited information on the long-term productivity, performance, and persistence of forage cultivars and species for pasture production systems, particularly when linked to grazing and animal performance. Here, we sought to reduce scientific uncertainty, inform modelling efforts, and contribute to a predictive framework for understanding pasture performance, persistence, and renewal. Inter-annual pasture renewal (direct drilling and cultivation) rates vary by region and year, reflecting both opportunity and problem-based drivers, with the highest pasture renewal rates in Waikato and Canterbury on the North and South Island, respectively.