International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Distribution of Different forms of Aluminium (Al) under Tea Plantations of Different Age in Eastern Bihar of India
No full textOn average, aluminium makes up 7–8% of the earth\u27s crust, making it the most prevalent metal on the planet and the third most abundant element (after silicon and oxygen). Al is present and widespread throughout the plant life cycle, although it serves no particular biological purpose. Al is mostly present in soil as minerals (aluminosilicates and aluminium oxides) therefore, organisms are typically not exposed to significant quantities of it. The paper aims to distribute different forms of aluminium (Al) under different age tea plantation plantations in Eastern Bihar of India. The study was carried out in different age tea plantations in the eastern region of India with the objective to find out the different forms of Al in the plantation. A representative soil sample was taken from each of the three (3) tea plantations that were taken into consideration for each treatment. Free oxides of iron and aluminium were extracted using the citrate-dithionite-bicarbonate (CBD) method. Following the tea plantation age, treatments were taken into consideration, viz. (i) T1: < 10 years old, (ii) T2: 10–20 years old, (iii) 20–30 years old, (iv) 30–40 years old, and (v) > 40 years old tea gardens. Results found that all forms of Al, such as exchangeable Al, Extractable Al, Non-exchangeable Al, Oxide form of Al/CBD extractable-Al, and Amorphous Al/Oxalate extractable Al concentration, increased with increasing the age of the tea plantation. Furthermore, all forms of Al showed significant and positive correlation with each other. Concentration of various forms of Al in tea soils followed in the order of Oxalate-Al > CBD-Al > Exchangeable Al > Extractable Al > Non-exchangeable Al. Forms of Al concentration gradually increase during tea cultivation over the years, which must be the cause of lowering soil acidity and affect nutrient availability to tea plant growth at old age plantations. Clay content of these soils varied from 19.75 to 21.83%, with a mean content of 20.94%. Water holding capacity found to be low due to light-textured soil, having ranged between 27.00 and 35.67% with an average of 30.76%. All soils were found to be moderately acidic, with soil pH ranging between 4.65 and 5.48, with an average of 5.01. From this study, it may be concluded that the content of all fractions of aluminium concentration increases with increasing age of the tea plantation and all exists exist in equilibrium condition conditions in the soil solution
Genetic Studies of Grain Yield and Resistance of Single Cross Maize Hybrids to Turcicum Leaf Blight
No full textMaize (Zea mays L.) is a vital cereal crop globally, yet its productivity is frequently constrained by foliar diseases such as Turcicum Leaf Blight (TLB), caused by Exserohilum turcicum. The present study is aimed to evaluate the genetic variability, combining ability, heterosis, and TLB resistance among 50 single cross maize hybrids developed through a line × tester mating design involving five lines and ten testers. The genotypes were evaluated for agronomic traits and TLB resistance under field conditions. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability for all traits, with grain yield exhibiting the highest heritability (99.09%) and genetic advance (64.18%). General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) analyses showed that both additive and non-additive gene actions contributed to trait expression. Hybrids such as JLML-97555 × JLSN-81 and JLML-01666 × JLSN-34 demonstrated high yield potential and favourable combining ability. Heterosis for grain yield was pronounced, with better-parent heterosis reaching up to 98%. Screening for TLB resistance showed that although all hybrids were resistant at tasselling, only 38% retained resistance at physiological maturity. Parental lines JLML-01888 and JLML-94333 and testers JLSN-34 and JLSN-73 conferred durable resistance. The findings emphasized the potential of combining ability analysis and hence, hybrids that integrate high yield and durable disease resistance were identified which serve as valuable material for maize improvement programs
Promising Novel Coconut Hybrids (TxT and DxT) with Ayiramkachi as a Common Parent
No full textHybridization is a key strategy for improving coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) productivity. However, the genetic potential of indigenous semi-tall varieties remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated nine novel F1 hybrids developed using the semi-tall genotype ‘Ayiramkachi’ (AYK) as a common parent to identify elite combinations with high yield and desirable agronomic traits. The hybrids, along with their parents, were evaluated from 2021 to 2023 for vegetative, reproductive, yield, and quality parameters. Significant variation (P<0.05) was observed for all traits. The hybrid Laccadive Micro x Ayiramkachi (LM x AYK) was the most outstanding, recording the highest annual nut yield (101.5 nuts/palm). For quality traits, Philippines x Ayiramkachi (PHI x AYK) yielded the highest copra content (218.96 g/nut), while West Coast Tall x Ayiramkachi (WCT x AYK) showed the highest oil content (68.5%). Conversely, the hybrid AYK x Malayan Yellow Dwarf (AYK x MYD) was the poorest performer in terms of both yield and quality. The study identifies LM x AYK as a promising candidate for commercial cultivation due to its superior nut yield and semi-dwarf stature, demonstrating the high utility of ‘Ayiramkachi’ as a parent for transmitting high female flower production and moderate palm height in coconut breeding programmes
Impact of Zinc and Molybdenum Fertilization on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Bundelkhand Region
No full textA pot experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2019-20 at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi U.P, to find out the suitable doses of Zn and Mo for chickpea crop. The experiment was carried out in CRD with 3 replication having nine treatments as T0- RDF (20:40: 20 kg ha-1), T1- Zn 20 kg ha-1 + Mo 0 kg ha-1, T2- Zn 30 kg ha-1 + Mo 0 kg ha-1, T3- Zn 0 kg ha-1 + Mo 1 kg ha-1, T4- Zn 20 kg ha-1 + Mo 1 kg ha-1, T5- Zn 30 kg ha-1 + Mo 1 kg ha-1, T6- Zn 0 kg ha-1 + Mo 2 kg ha-1, T7- Zn 20 kg ha-1 + Mo 2 kg ha-1 , T8- Zn 30 kg ha-1 + Mo 2 kg ha-1. The results indicated that growth, yield attributes and yield viz. plant height, branches plant-1, dry weight of plant, No. of pods plant-1, No. of seeds pod-1, grain yield, biological yield and stover yield were increased significantly and found better all treatments, over control, except T1. The highest values in respect to plant height (33.86cm, 34.09%), branches plant-1 (8.00, 60%), dry weight of plant(19.74 g plant-1, 38.52%) , No. of pods plant-1 (50.33, 14.39%), No. of seeds pod-1 (1.50, 150%) grain yield (32.27 g plant-1, 39.51%), stover yield (72.95 g plant-1, 45.54%) and biological yield (40.68 g plant-1, 42.81%) recorded in T5 followed by T3 and T8. The maximum nutrient concentration and its corresponding uptake of N,P,K content in grain (3.66 %N, 0.59%P, 0.72%K) and in straw (2.20 %N, 0.34%P, 1.57%K) recorded in T5, followed by T4 and T8. The Zinc and molybdenum concentration in grain (58.09 mg kg-1 and 1.59 mg kg-1) and in straw (56.56 mg kg-1 and 1.02 mg kg-1) were registered in T8. The highest uptake of NPK and Zn (0.208 g pot-1, 0.033 g pot-1,0.087 g pot-1 and 4.13 mg pot-1, respectively) in T5 and Mo uptake (0.086 mg pot-1) in T8. Maximum protein content in seed (22.88%) was observed in (T5) followed by T4 and T8. The T5 (Zn 30 kg ha-1 + Mo 1 kg ha-1) treatment was proved most superior in respect to growth, yield, nutrient concentration and corresponding uptake among treatments. The application of Zn and Mo with different doses enhanced the soil quality and increase the nutrient availability in soil
Transforming Market and Slaughterhouse Wastes into Compost for Sustainable Agriculture
No full textAims: Management of organic waste from markets and slaughterhouses is a major challenge for African cities. The disposal of these wastes in landfills or simple abandonment without treatment constitutes a significant pollution source to surface and groundwater due to the infiltration and runoff of organic and mineral compounds. The present study aims to simultaneously use those wastes for agricultural use through composting to mitigate water pollution and establish sustainable waste management.
Study Design: Market and slaughterhouse wastes were firstly collected. One part of these has been dried before composting process. Both dried wastes and composts from the above mentioned process were characterized by weighting and physico-chemical analyses. Then the effect of composts has evaluated on crops development and yields. In fine, this effect has been optimized with biochar produced with rice husks.
Place and Duration of Study: Market wastes were collected at Sinistre Market and slaughterhouse wastes were collected at municipal slaughterhouse of Korhogo, between December 2024 to January 2025. Composting and plot experiments were carried out from February 2025 to March 2025
Methodology: Wastes were collected from Sinistre Market over 22 days and at municipal slaughterhouse of Korhogo over 55 days. Before composting process, wastes have been weighted and one part dried. Composting process have used Berkley method (18 days), which consists in superimposing layers of dry materials rich in carbon and fresh materials rich in nitrogen to form piles (pyramidal pile) of at least 0.90 m³ which will undergo periodic reversals. A sample of 1 kg of each produced compost was taken, dried and following physico-chemical parameters were analyzed: total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, calcium, sulfur, carbon. Laboratory Analyses were done by using Mehlich 3 method, along with an infrared spectrometer. The influence of resulting compost on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) crops has been evaluated compared to control and NPK treatment.
Results: Collecting data revealed substantial generated wastes: about 1,244 kg of fresh market wastes was collected and 26,000 kg of fresh viscera from the slaughterhouse collected. Physicochemical analyses confirmed high nutrient content of obtained composts, with concentrations of nitrogen ranging from 4 to 4.3 g/kg, phosphorus contents from 4.6 to 6.3 g/kg, and potassium lelvels from 19.4 to 20.6 g/kg. the application of produced composts improved significantly the growth and yield of okra. The best results has been achieved with compost from slaughterhouse dry matter in association with fresh market matter and ¼ to ½ quantity of biochar, yielding 3.2 kg, compared to 0.42 kg in control plots.
Conclusion: These results indicate that co-composting of market and slaughterhouse wastes reduces the environmental impact of wastes disposal, while providing a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture
Improving Beneficial Microbial Population in Soils of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) through Nutrient Management in the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India
No full textA field study was carried out during the rabi season of 2019 at the Agricultural Experimental Farm of Calcutta University located at Baruipur, West Bengal after the harvest of Kharif rice to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management in baby corn (Zea mays L.) on soil microbial population in lower Gangetic alluvial land. The experimental plot was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice having eight integrated nutrient management treatments viz., 100% recommended dose of NPK (RDF: N 120 kg ha-1, P2O5 60 kg ha-1 and K2O 60 kg ha-1); 75% of NPK + 2.5 t of vermicompost ha-1 + 2.4 litre ha-1 of seaweed extract spray; 75% NPK + 5 t ha-1 of FYM + 2 t ha-1 of vermicompost; 50% NPK + 2.5 t ha-1 of FYM + 1.5 litre ha-1 of humic acid spray; 75% NPK + 4.5 litre ha-1 of seaweed extracts spray; 75% NPK + 2.5 t ha-1 of vermicompost + 2.4 litre ha-1 of humic acid; 0.2 t ha-1 of Neem pellets + 7.5 t ha-1 of FYM + 2.5 t ha-1 of vermicompost + 2 litre ha-1 of seaweed extract spray; Control in soil pH of 6.2 and the land was medium low land with clay loam texture. Microbial populations were determined in this study, and results showed that baby corn recorded a greater number of microfloral populations after harvest viz., fungi-(102.00) × 104 and (105.00) × 104, actinomycetes-(23.00) × 105 and (26.00) × 105 total bacteria-(102.00) × 106 and (113.00) × 106 under the treatment comprised of 75% NPK with 2.5 t vermicompost ha-1 and seaweed extract 2.5 litre ha-1 whereas lower microbial count was recorded in the control plot
Policy on Integrating Soil Health into Climate and Carbon Market Frameworks: A Pathway to Resilient Food Systems and Verified Carbon Drawdown
No full textThe climate crisis necessitates urgent and multifaceted strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While energy transition dominates discourse, the terrestrial biosphere, and agricultural soils in particular, represent a critical and underutilised sink for atmospheric carbon. The study aims to explore how integrating soil health practices into climate and carbon market frameworks can enhance food system resilience while ensuring verified carbon sequestration. This policy paper argues for the systematic integration of soil health principles into national climate policies and international carbon market frameworks. We detail the scientific rationale behind soil carbon sequestration, highlighting its co-benefits for agricultural resilience, water security, and biodiversity. The paper examines the current challenges within voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), including issues related to measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV), permanence, leakage, and additionality. We present a suite of policy recommendations aimed at governments, standard-setting bodies, and private market participants to overcome these barriers. By adopting a "soil-health-first" approach that values ecosystem services beyond carbon, we can unlock a powerful, natural climate solution that supports both planetary health and agricultural livelihoods. Data from key studies accentuate the significant potential, estimating global soil carbon sequestration capacity at 2-5 Gt CO₂e per year. Soil health is not a silver bullet for the climate crisis, but it is a foundational element of any successful strategy to achieve a net-zero future. By adopting the recommendations outlined in this paper, stakeholders can unlock the immense potential of the earth beneath our feet to help stabilise the atmosphere above it. The time to invest in soil health is now
Floristic Diversity and Carbon Sequestration of Cocoa Agroforestry Systems in Nawa and Indénié-Djuablin Regions, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textIn the fight against the global challenges of climate change, carbon storage in agroforestry systems is seen as a biological mitigation strategy. The floristic diversity of agroforestry systems acts as a driver of carbon sequestration by increasing total biomass, stabilising soil carbon and ensuring the system\u27s resilience to disturbances. The richer, more diverse and more structured the agrosystem, the more effective and sustainable its role as a carbon sink. In Côte d\u27Ivoire, farmers are increasingly practising agroforestry, particularly in cocoa cultivation. However, the estimated carbon stock of cocoa-based agroforestry systems (AFS) has not been enough measured at the local level, particularly in main production areas such as Nawa and Indénié-Djuablin. This study aims to assess the estimate carbon stock in the Nawa and Indénié-Djuablin regions.
Then, this research was conducted on a sample size of 10 plantations and in each of them, a sampling scheme was etablished. In order to determine the floristic diversity of the AFs, we identified the species present using the forest survey method. We also determined the species richness of the inventoried species by calculating the Shannon, Simpson and Pielou biodiversity indices. The carbon stock of the AFS was estimated on the basis of above-ground, below-ground biomass and soil carbon stock. We first measured the DBH of trees at 1.3 meters and that of cocoa trees at 30 centimeters above the ground. The DBH measurements then enabled us to calculate the density, basal area, above-ground and below-ground biomass according to the allometric models. Finally, soil carbon stock was estimated based on the results of laboratory analysis of soil samples taken from the plantation and standard methodological guidelines.
Nawa contained the most diverse AFS (31 species) compared to 23 species in Indénié-Djuablin. The AFS in these two regions were mostly young (86%), and the carbon stock varied according to tree density, which in turn varies according to history, previous cultivation, and particularly associated species. The average density (cocoa trees and shade trees) was 805 trees.ha-1 (Nawa) and 686 trees.ha-1 (Indénié-Djuablin), and the average carbon stock was 66 tC.ha-1 (Nawa) and 36 tC.ha-1 (Indénié-Djuablin).
The AFS studied store more than monocultures but less than old-growth agroforests. The carbon storage data from this study could serve as a reference for generating carbon certification scenarios. This study was conducted on a limited sample size due to financial constraints. Furthermore, it would be interesting to continue the research by comparing the species of shade trees inventoried according to their ability to fix carbon, improve soil fertility or regulate the microclimate through shading
Effect of Different Concentrations of Sodium Nitroprusside on Plant Growth and Flowering Characters in California Poppy
No full textIn the present study, the effect of different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside on plant growth and flowering characters in California poppy plants was investigated. The field experiment was carried out during 2021-2022 at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. There were 8 treatments of sodium nitroprusside (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000,1200, 1400 and 1600μM), including control. All the growth and flowering parameters of California poppy were significantly influenced due to various levels of SNP. All the growth parameter was statistically influenced by the application of SNP. Maximum fresh weight of the flower (9.96 g) and dry weight of the flower (1.27 g) were observed with treatment SNP 1000μM. Whereas, maximum bud diameter (8.75 cm), peduncle length (20.32 cm), flower diameter (66.96 mm), number of flowers per plants (106.17) and flower withering (4.97 Days), earlier flower opening (73.89 DAT), maximum plant height at 90 DAT (52.49 cm), plant spread (76.30 cm) at 90 DAT, number of leaves of per plant (865.38), number of secondary branches (110.58), stem diameter (9.70 mm) and dry weight of leaves (1.48 g) were recorded with SNP @ 1200μM. Maximum bud appearance (74.58 DAT) was seen with treatment SNP 1400μM
Spectrum of Action of a Natural Total Herbicide Based on Cocoa Juice and Papaya Leaf Extract on a Fallow Plot in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire
No full textAims: The general objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and spectrum of action of a bioherbicide based on cocoa juice and papaya leaf extract as a sustainable alternative to glyphosate.
Study Design: The experiment design was a block of Fisher with four repetitions.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out on a fallow land in Daloa Department, Central Western Côte d’Ivoire, from April to June 2025.
Methodology: Treatments applied to the study design were five doses of the tested bioherbicide (16.6 l/ha, 11.08 l/ha, 8.33l/ha, 5.55 l/ha, 2.78 l/ha, and 8 l/ha), an untreated plot and a glyphosate dose (8 l/ha). Their efficacy was assessed every two weeks using C.E.B. scale.
Results: The applied methodology revealed that the tested biological herbicide is as effective as glyphosate at the dose of 16.6 l/ha with a weed mortality rate around 93% and killed all the weed species on the study site except one: Spermacoce verticillata. However, weed vegetation resumption took place from the 45th day after the implementation of the essay.
Conclusion: The use of the local plant extracts appears to be a promising alternative to glyphosate, better suited to small producers. Its application to Spermacoce verticillata at different life stages may allow to detect if there are stages of development when this species can be controlled