International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Assessing the Impacts of Coal Mining on Soil Quality in Kogi East, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigates the effects of coal mining on soil physical and chemical properties in Kogi East, Nigeria, focusing on two mined sites (Ika-Ogboyaga and Okaba) and one unmined control site (Abache). Soil samples were collected from 32 plots across mined areas and 16 plots in the unmined site using a 200m x 200m belt transect method. Samples were analyzed for particle size, bulk density, soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal concentrations using standard laboratory methods. Results show minimal differences in soil texture (sandy clay loam) across all sites, with slightly higher bulk density in mined areas (1.89±0.2g/cm3, 1.87±0.6 g/cm3), indicating soil compaction from mining activities. Chemical properties, including pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity, showed minor variations, while heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb) were within safe limits across all sites. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (F-value=0.00449; F-crit=3.1907; P-value=0.995511) showed no significant differences in most soil properties between mined and unmined areas, suggesting limited impact of coal mining on soil quality in the region. To improve soil health and sustainability the study recommended mitigating soil compaction, implementing vegetation rehabilitation with native species, conducting continuous soil monitoring, raising community awareness, and promoting sustainable mining practices
Parasitic Nematodes of Cashew Plants in Nurseries in Western Burkina Faso
No full textCashew production is a very important source of income for thousands of people in Burkina Faso and employs more than 45,000 households from production to marketing. The cashew tree is subject to many phytosanitary problems that can cause huge yield losses. An inventory of parasitic nematodes associated with cashew trees in nurseries in a farming environment was carried out for the first time. Cashew production is a very important source of income for thousands of people in Burkina Faso and employs more than 45,000 households from production to marketing. The cashew tree is subject to many phytosanitary problems that can cause yield losses. An inventory of parasitic nematodes associated with cashew plants in nurseries in a farming environment was carried out. The inventory revealed that ten (10) genera of nematodes are associated with the cashew plants in the nursery and the most frequent present in the soil are represented by Helicotylenchus dihystera (78.43%), Tylenchus sp. (62.75%), Pratylenchus brachyurus (39.22), Scutellonema cavenessi (33.33%) and Tylenchorhynchus sp. (19.61%). The most abundant nematodes were represented by Helicotylenchus dihystera and Tylenchus sp. with 336 and 53 nematodes/soil dm3 respectively. Five genera of nematodes are associated with the roots of cashew plants in nurseries, the most frequent of which are represented by Tylenchus sp. and Pratylenchus brachyurus at levels of 62.75 and 52.94% respectively. Population densities of root-extracted nematodes were low with a maximum of 2 nematodes/g of roots
Somatic Hybrids and Cybrids: Innovations in Vegetable Improvement
No full textSomatic hybridization through protoplast fusion is indeed a promising method for producing asymmetrical and unbalanced polyploid somatic hybrids in various plant species. This technique involves merging protoplasts from different plant species to create hybrids that possess desirable traits for both scion and rootstock improvements. By circumventing the limitations of sexual hybridization, such as male/female sterility and sexual incompatibility, somatic hybridization enables the incorporation of beneficial genes from closely related or even distantly related species. The success of somatic hybridization in horticulture is evident in various crops such as citrus, potato, brinjal (eggplant), tomato, mango, avocado, banana, strawberry, pear, and cherry. It facilitates the transfer of numerous uncloned genes that confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Unlike transgenic technology, which is often subject to regulatory constraints, somatic hybridization allows for the exchange of genetic material without the same legal formalities. Despite its potential benefits, somatic hybridization faces challenges and constraints compared to sexual hybridization. These include technical difficulties in protoplast isolation and fusion, as well as limitations in generating fertile hybrids and maintaining genome stability. However, advancements in genomic technologies provide optimism for overcoming these challenges. Improved understanding of plant genomes enables more precise manipulation and selection of desired traits through somatic hybridization. In conclusion, somatic hybridization is a crucial tool in modern plant breeding and crop improvement efforts. It expands the gene pool available for breeding programs by incorporating genetic variability from diverse sources, thus offering new opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. As research and technology continue to advance, somatic hybridization holds promise for addressing current and future challenges in global agriculture
Bee Forage Tree Resources for Wild Honeybees: A Case Study from Kodagu\u27s Sacred Groves and Coffee Agroecosystems
No full textWild honeybee populations are fundamental to biodiversity conservation and agricultural productivity, particularly as pollinators in tropical regions. This study investigated the diversity and seasonal availability of bee forage trees within sacred groves and coffee agro ecosystems in Kodagu, Karnataka, a biodiversity-rich area in the Western Ghats. Sacred groves, protected for cultural reasons, feature high floral diversity, providing continuous nectar and pollen resources, crucial for wild bee populations throughout the year. In contrast, coffee plantations, particularly in semi-evergreen systems, offer valuable yet seasonally limited forage, supplemented by selective native tree retention. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge associated with sacred groves and modern conservation practices, the research highlights how culturally protected landscapes contribute to year-round floral resources, crucial for sustaining wild bee populations. Sacred groves were found to consistently surpass coffee plantations in floral diversity and forage stability, particularly in semi-evergreen groves, which recorded the highest diversity and richness (H\u27 = 3.75, 52 species). In contrast, coffee plantations, enhanced by selective retention of native trees, offer seasonally valuable but limited forage, with moderate diversity (H\u27 = 3.35, 54 species). The study identifies key forage species unique to sacred groves and underscores their role in maintaining ecological resilience. These findings have practical implications for guiding community-based conservation programs, demonstrating that leveraging sacred groves and ecologically managed coffee agroecosystems can effectively balance biodiversity conservation with agricultural productivity. This integrated approach offers a model for sustaining pollinator populations vital to ecosystem health and crop yields
Optimizing Sponge Gourd Cultivation: Effects of Chemical Hybridizing Agents on Morphological Traits and Flower Development
No full textThe study investigates the effects of various chemical hybridizing agents (CHAs) on the morphological traits of Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) over two growing seasons (2023-2024 and 2024-2025) at the Vegetable Research Centre, JNKVV, Jabalpur. The research primarily focuses on vine length, number of primary branches, internodal length, nodes per vine, and flower development stages. Statistical analysis of the collected data reveals that the application of CHAs significantly enhances vine length at 30, 60, and 90 days after transplanting (DAT), with the highest growth observed in treatments involving GA3 (200 ppm) and Sulphonyl Urea (0.4 ml/L). Notably, vine lengths reached up to 6.88 m at final harvest for the most effective treatments. Furthermore, the number of primary branches and nodes per vine also increased substantially with CHA application, particularly with GA3 and Sulphonyl Urea. The timing of flower appearance was influenced by these treatments as well, with earlier flowering noted in Ethrel-treated plants. The study concludes that strategic application of CHAs can significantly improve growth parameters and flowering dynamics in Sponge gourd cultivation, suggesting potential for enhanced yield and agricultural practices. This research contributes valuable insights for horticulturists aiming to optimize growth conditions for this economically important crop
Effect of Organically Grown Cropping Systems on Soil Properties and their Correlation with Carbon Pools
No full textOrganic agriculture is gaining significance for its benefits in crop diversity, sustainability, and soil organic carbon enhancement. Considering these advantages, a study was conducted during Kharif 2021-22 at the Research Farm, Centre for Organic Agriculture Research and Training, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, to evaluate the effect of organically grown cropping systems on soil organic carbon dynamics and soil properties in vertisols. The experiment, laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), included seven treatments: T1 (sole Cotton), T2 (Cotton + Sunhemp, 2:1), T3 (Cotton + Blackgram, 2:1), T4 (Soybean + Pigeonpea, 3:1), T5 (Blackgram - Chickpea), T6 (Greengram + Sorghum, 2:1), and T7 (sole Sunhemp), replicated three times. Nutrients were supplied through FYM and vermicompost (50% N each), with phosphorus supplemented by Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM). Results indicated that the T2: Cotton + Sunhemp system recorded the lowest bulk density (1.42 Mg m-3), highest hydraulic conductivity (0.76 cm hr-1), and mean weight diameter (0.73 mm), reflecting improved soil structure. Also, soil pH (8.04-8.11) and electrical conductivity (0.13-0.15 dS m-1) decreased compared to initial values (8.12 and 0.16 dS m-1). The T2: Cotton + Sunhemp system also showed significant improvement in soil organic carbon (6.09 g kg-¹) and reduction in calcium carbonate 3.69% to 3.48%. Nutrient availability was significantly highest in the T4: Soybean + Pigeonpea system, with available nitrogen (209.27 kg ha-1), phosphorus (22.28 kg ha-1), and potassium (354.26 kg ha-1). CO2 evolution (35.4 mg 100 g-1 soil) and Dehydrogenase activity (47.66 μg TPF g-1 24 hr-1) was significantly highest in T2: Cotton + Sunhemp system. The T2: Cotton + Sunhemp system also showed the highest organic carbon (6.09 g kg-1), with very labile C (4.04 g kg-1), labile C (1.29 g kg-1), and less labile C (0.93 g kg-1) being highest in surface soil (0-20 cm). Non-labile C (5.13 g kg-1) was highest in T1: sole Cotton. Correlation analysis highlighted the importance of organic carbon, showing positive relationships with hydraulic conductivity, mean weight diameter, CO2 evolution, and dehydrogenase activity, while negatively correlating with bulk density and calcium carbonate. The study concludes that organically grown cropping systems, particularly T2: Cotton + Sunhemp system, significantly enhance soil health, carbon sequestration, and nutrient availability, supporting sustainable agriculture
Optimizing NPKS Fertilization for Onion Yield and Soil Health in Dinajpur, Bangladesh
No full textTo optimize the combination of major nutrients (N, P, K, S) for maximum yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) and profitable return without degrading the soil fertility, a field experiment was executed during the winter season of 2023–2024 at the HSTU Central Farm in Sadar Upazila, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with ten treatments: T1 = control (no fertilization); T2 = 0-60-80-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T3 = 50-60-80-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T4 = 100-60-80-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T5 = 100-0-80-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T6 = 100-20-80-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T7 = 100-40-80-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T8 = 100-60-0-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; T9 = 100-60-40-30 kg NPKS ha⁻¹; and T10 = 100-60-80-0 kg NPKS ha⁻¹. The findings showed that the greatest plant height (63.0 cm) and leaf length (55.9 cm), as well as superior metrics for bulb development and yield—bulb diameter (18.3 cm), single bulb weight (59.3 g), fresh leaf weight (9.95 g), fresh bulb yield (10.71 t ha⁻¹), and biological yield (20.7 t ha⁻¹) were obtained with the treatment T8. The maximum harvest index occurred with T9, suggesting that the extra quantity of potassium (40 kg K ha⁻¹) in this treatment T9 promoted sulfur acquisition and increased the partition of biomass to the bulbs. Treatment T8 had the highest residual sulfur in post-harvest soil, indicating that lower rates of sulfur than the currently recommended dose may be enough for subsequent crops. On the other hand, reduced residual sulfur in treatment T9 suggested effective sulfur uptake, when potassium was applied with sulfur. Results suggests that balanced application of potassium with nitrogen and phosphorus plays crucial role in not only improving harvest index but also maximizing the overall nutrient uptake efficiency
Response of Biofertilizers and Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Garlic
No full textA field experiment was conducted during winter season (Rabi) in the year 2023-24 at the Vegetable research farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD having three replications. The treatment factors consisted of two biofertilizers viz., PSB, Azotobacter and their combination and two micronutrients viz.,0.2 % and 0.4 % zinc sulphate and 0.2% and 0.4% borax. Biofertilizers were applied via seed treatment and micronutrients by way of foliar application. The application of biofertilizers and micronutrients had a significant effect on growth and yield of garlic over control. The treatment B3M2 (PSB+Azotobacter+0.4% zinc sulphate) recorded maximum plant height (68.47 cm), number of leaves (11.23), leaf length (49.58 cm), leaf width (1.61 cm), fresh weight of bulb (35.59g), number of cloves per bulb (48.77), fresh weight of 50 cloves (40.12 g), bulb yield (2.62 kg/plot) while minimum were recorded in control
The Role of Biofertilizers in enhancing soil and Productivity - A Review
No full textBiofertilizers, which provide a natural and green alternative to chemical fertilizers, are crucial to sustainable farming techniques. Through strategies such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the enlargement of soil microbial variety, those microorganism-derived compounds improve soil fertility and sell plant boom. This evaluation explores the definition and kimportance of biofertilizers, highlighting the variations among chemical fertilizers and organic nitrogen fixation. It categorizes biofertilizers into diverse sorts, inclusive of nitrogen-solving, phosphate-solubilizing, and mycorrhizal biofertilizers, and discusses their ecological benefits. The impact of biofertilizers on ecosystem fitness and soil reclamation of degraded lands is likewise tested, showing their position in restoring soil structure and fertility. Various application strategies, along with seed inoculation, soil remedy, and foliar sprays, are mentioned to maximize their effectiveness. Although biofertilizers have many advantages, along with the effectiveness of fees, sustainability inside the environment, and better crop yields, additionally they have drawbacks, along with issues with soil compatibility and shelf-existence. Finally, rising views on biofertilizers spotlight improvements in biotechnology and their ability to play a pivotal role in weather-clever and resilient agriculture. This assessment underscores the growing importance of biofertilizers as a sustainable answer for current agricultural demanding situations
Distribution of Potassium under Prominent Cropping Systems in Scarce Rainfall Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India
No full textSix prominent cropping systems in scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh viz., groundnut-horsegram, cotton-fallow, fallow-bengalgram, groundnut monocropping, paddy-paddy and paddy-groundnut cropping systems were selected to study the soil available potassium status and forms of potassium. Twenty soil samples from each cropping system were collected at 0-15 cm (surface soil) and 15-30 cm (sub-surface soil) depth. The available potassium content in the study area was varied from medium to high. The highest available K (216 and 148 mg kg-1), water soluble K (19.94 and 14.25 mg kg-1) and exchangeable K (196 and 133 mg kg-1) were recorded under paddy-paddy cropping system in both surface and sub-surface soils, respectively. The highest non-exchangeable K (609 and 441 mg kg-1) was recorded under paddy-groundnut cropping system in both surface and sub-surface soils, respectively. However, lattice K (34072 and 25614 mg kg-1) and total K (34666 and 26066 mg kg-1) were recorded highest under groundnut monocropping system in both surface and sub-surface soils, respectively