International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Straw Versus Manure in Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration: Mechanisms, Efficiency and Synergies for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
No full textSoil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is a key strategy for mitigating climate change and enhancing agricultural sustainability. This review carefully compares straw and manure, which are both commonly used to increase SOC levels, by explaining how they work differently, their effectiveness, and their real-world effects. Although both manure and straw enhance SOC, the latter is more efficacious due to its robust constituents (such as lignin) and nutrient density, which foster enduring humus development and microbial activity, resulting in a 32–50% augmentation of SOC stocks. Straw breaks down quickly and has a high carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, which helps soil clump together; however, it needs to be used for a long time (more than 20 years) and managed carefully (like being buried deep at 35 cm) to noticeably increase SOC levels by about 16%. Significant differences in decomposition dynamics indicate that manure retains 45–58% of its carbon after one year, but straw retains just 27–48% due to accelerated mineralization rates. The amalgamation of manure and straw has synergistic effects that enhance carbon sequestration efficacy by 39.9%, prolong the carbon residence time below the surface by 20–30 days, and elevate crop yields by as much as 70.4% compared to individual applications. Although manure entails elevated handling expenses, it provides superior nutrient recycling and enhances soil health. Straw, on the other hand, has lower initial costs but, for practical and financial reasons, comes with the risk of long-term nutrient depletion. Case studies show that using combined methods works well, especially in dry and salty soils, where these methods can improve crop yields by 10–44%. Future work should focus on long-term field studies, understanding how microbes interact, and creating specific strategies for different regions to make the best use of modification techniques. This review advocates for the tailored incorporation of straw and manure into climate-smart agriculture models to improve SOC storage, resilience, and food security
Advancements and Applications of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Protein for Agricultural Sustainability
No full textThe enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins has emerged as an efficient and sustainable biotechnological method to enhance agricultural practices by converting complex proteins into bioavailable peptides and amino acids. This study explores the factors influencing enzymatic activity during the hydrolysis process, including temperature, pH and the concentrations of both the substrate and the enzyme. These factors are critical for optimizing the efficiency of protein breakdown, ensuring high-quality products. The resulting peptides play a vital role in plant nutrition, offering a potential solution for improving soil fertility, enhancing animal feed and developing sustainable crop fertilization methods. Genetic engineering and protein optimization can further improve enzyme performance for agricultural applications, such as enhancing nutrient uptake, promoting plant growth, and improving stress tolerance in crops. Additionally, they provide a valuable resource for enhancing animal feed, promoting nutrient cycling, and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This approach not only reduces agricultural waste and mitigates environmental impacts but also enhances productivity, supporting more sustainable farming practices and contributing to the long-term sustainability of global food systems
Seed Dormancy Breaking in Nightshade (Solanum trilobatum L.)
No full textNightshade (Solanum trilobatum L.) is one of the medicinal crops under Solanaceae family, often exhibits poor germination due to inherent seed dormancy. The present study was conducted to standardize the seed dormancy breaking treatments to improve the germination. The results clearly indicated that seeds treated with GA3 @ 200 ppm for 6 h recorded maximum seed germination (84%) along with high speed of germination (5.5), seedling length (3.25 cm root length and 3.82 cm shoot length), dry matter production (4.94 mg seedlings-10) and vigour index (584) when compared to treatments viz., KNO3 1.0% for 12 h (64%) and thiourea 0.5% for 6 h (50%), while the control recorded 38% of germination. The increase in duration of soaking with GA3 beyond 6 h. significantly reduced the seed germination with concomitant changes in seedling quality parameters. Hence, it could be concluded that breaking the seed dormancy through exogenous application of GA3, KNO3 and thiourea confirmed the presence of physiological dormancy in nightshade seeds and it could be effectively broken through soaking the seeds in GA3 @ 200 ppm for 6 h
Growth Regulators and Cucumber Yield: A Study on Vegetative Development and Yield Dynamics (Cucumis sativus L.)
No full textBioregulators, commonly known as plant hormones, play a pivotal role in the development and productivity of crops. This study investigates the impact of various growth regulators on the vegetative and yield dynamics of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), a vital horticultural crop with significant economic and nutritional value. By examining the effects of specific growth regulators on cucumber plants, the research aims to enhance our understanding of how these substances influence growth patterns, flowering, fruit set and ultimately, yield. The findings have the potential to inform agricultural practices and optimize cucumber production, contributing to improved food security and sustainable farming practices. The experiment was carried out during summer season 2021 at Vegetable Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. The trial was accomplished in a randomized block design with three replications and 13 treatments. Plant growth hormones viz., GA3 (50, 100 and 150 ppm), NAA (25, 50 and75 ppm), AgNO3 (125, 250 and 350 ppm) and ethrel (100, 200 and 300 ppm) were applied as foliar spray at two true leaf stage. The findings of the effects of plant growth regulators on cucumber growth, presented in this abstract serve as a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists and farmers seeking to optimize cucumber cultivation practices and meet the increasing demand for this popular vegetable crop
Response of Crop Growth and Yield to Long-term Fertilization and Manuring in Inceptisols of Western Maharashtra under a Soybean & Wheat Cropping System
No full textThe present investigation was undertaken during the year 2023–24 (8th cycle) at the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri, to evaluate the long-term effects of integrated nutrient applications on a soybean–wheat in Inceptisol. The long-term field experiment was initiated with the objective of developing a suitable integrated nutrient supply and management system for sustaining productivity under this cropping system. The experimental layout followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments replicated four times. The treatments consisted of different levels of the Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) at 50%, 75%, and 100%, in combination with various organic inputs namely farmyard manure (FYM), wheat cut straw (WCS), and green manure (GM) applied during the Kharif season. In the Rabi season, only chemical fertilizers were applied at different RDF levels without organic amendments. Among the treatments, the application of 50% nitrogen through FYM along with 50% RDF during Kharif and 75% RDF during Rabi (T6) recorded significantly higher grain yields of soybean (3092 kg ha-1) and wheat (3535 kg ha-1). These yields were statistically at par with those obtained under T10 (50% N through GM + 50% RDF) and T5 (100% NPK). Furthermore, treatment T6 also exhibited a significant positive influence on the growth and yield attributes of both soybean and wheat, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing crop performance in the Inceptisol soils of Western Maharashtra
Determining the Effect of Phosphorus and Micronutrients on Yield and Economics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
No full textA fieid study took place in Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) to determine the “Effect of Phosphorus and Micronutrients on yield and Economics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). The results revealed that treatment 7 [Phoshorus (70 kg/ha) + Zinc(10 kg/ha)] recorded significantly higher number of panicles/plant (12.76), number of grains/panicle (126.5), test weight (16.6 g), grain yield (5. 34 t/ha), straw yield (7.24 t/ha), harvest index (42.45 %) and maximum gross returns, (1,70,880.00 INR/ha), net return (1,18,075.50 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (2.23) was recorded compare to other treatments
Effect of Nano Nitrogen and Chelated Zinc Foliar Spray on Growth and Yield Attributes of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)
No full textThe present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nano nitrogen and chelated zinc foliar application on the growth, yield, and quality attributes of guava (Psidium guajava L.) during the 2024–2025 season at Career Point University, Kota. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 16 treatment combinations comprising four levels of nano nitrogen (0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 ml/lit) and four levels of chelated zinc (0, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%). Results revealed that foliar application of nano nitrogen at 6.0 ml/lit (N3) and chelated zinc at 0.4% (Z2) significantly enhanced plant height, plant spread, number of flowers per shoot, fruit set percentage, and fruit bearing percentage, while significantly reducing fruit drop. The highest performance across most growth and yield parameters was recorded under the combined treatment N3 × Z2. This study concludes that the integrated foliar application of nano nitrogen and chelated zinc is a promising strategy for improving guava productivity under field conditions
Response of Sweet Corn to Intercropping and Fertility Level
No full textA field experiment was conducted to study the effect of intercropping and fertility level on yield and economics of sweet corn at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during rabi season of 2022-23. The experiment was conducted with split plot design having three main plots and five sub plots with three replications. The main plots were sole sweet corn, sweet corn + radish and sweet corn + beans; whereas the sub plots include the fertility levels of 0:0:0, 40:20:20, 80:40:40, 120:60:60 and 160:80:80 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1. Observations were taken on plant growth, yield attributing factors, yield and economics. There was reduction in growth and yield of sweet corn due to competition from intercrops. The highest green cob yield of 10.07 t ha-1 was obtained from sole sweet corn, which was statistically superior over yield obtained from sweet corn taken with any of the intercrops. However, maximum green cob equivalent yield of 12.66 t ha-1 was obtained in sweet corn + radish intercropping system. In case of fertility levels, optimum yield of green cob (10.61 t ha-1) was recorded with application of 120 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O ha-1. The green cob equivalent yield attained the optimum value (14.32 t ha-1) with application of 120 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O per hectare. Maximum net profit of ₹ 111.3 thousand per hectare was obtained when radish was intercropped with sweet corn. From the findings of this experiment, it can be inferred that application of 120 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O per hectare to sweet corn and sweet corn + radish intercropping system is suitable to obtain optimal yield of sweet corn, green cob equivalent yield and net profit
Impacts of Climate Change on Leaf Litter Chemistry and Decomposition in Forest Ecosystems
No full textChemistry and decomposition of leaf litter are integral to the carbon cycle in forest ecosystems. As leaves detach from trees, they accumulate on the forest floor, forming organic matter that serves as a source of energy and nutrients for soil microorganisms. Leaf litter decomposition releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and returns nutrients to the soil, which plants absorb. Climate change is expected to affect leaf litter chemistry and decomposition in forests significantly. Elevated temperatures may accelerate leaf litter decomposition, increasing carbon dioxide emissions. However, higher temperatures could worsen soil water stress, reducing water availability for plant growth and potentially slowing decomposition. Changes in precipitation patterns, such as increased drought frequency, can influence leaf litter chemistry and decomposition. Drought conditions may reduce soil moisture, slow decomposition and alter nutrient balance within leaf litter. Increased rainfall can enhance decomposition by providing moisture to support decomposer organisms. The chemical composition of leaf litter influences its decomposition rate. Leaves from different tree species contain varying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients, affecting decomposition patterns. The chemistry and decomposition of leaf litter are key components of the carbon cycle within forest ecosystems, influenced by environmental and biotic factors. As climate change advances, these processes will be affected in complex ways, highlighting the importance of understanding their mechanisms. This understanding is essential for sustainable forest management in a changing world
Performance Assessment of Pigeonpea and Millet Intercropping in Different Systems
No full textIn this investigation effort has been made for evaluation of pigeonpea-millet intercropping systems under rainfed kharif upland condition in coastal Odisha. The trial was targeted for the horizontal expansion of both pulses and millets and enhance productivity per unit land area for poverty alleviation. Field experiment was conducted at the Nutri-Crops Research Station, OUAT, Berhampur. Altogether 10 treatments including 6 intercropping combinations with four sole crops of pigeonpea (GRG-152), finger millet (Shreeratna), proso millet (TNAU-202) and little millet (OLM-217) were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The yield of individual component crops in intercropping combinations were always less than their respective yield in sole crops. The percentage of reduction in grain yield of pigeonpea in intercropping system was found minimum (4.38%) with proso millets in 2:5 proportion and maximum (23.78%) with finger millet in 1:3 proportion, as compared to the sole crop yield. However combined yield expressed as pigeonpea equivalent yield were always found higher than the sole crops of both component. Performance of paired row sowing (mean PEY 1873kg /ha) was found superior to that of single row intercropping (mean PEY 1780 kg /ha). Intercropping with finger millet was found most remunerative (mean PEY 1918 kg/ha) followed by that with proso millet (mean PEY 1858 kg /ha). Pigeonpea+finger millet (2:5) recorded maximum pigeonpea equivalent yield of the system (1999 kg/ ha), maximum net return (Rs.90,446/-), B:C ratio (2.65). The next remunerative system was pigeonpea sown with proso millet in 2:5 proportion (PEY 1894 kg/ ha), which also recorded maximum LER(1.68) of the system. It was concluded that the pigeonpea with finger millet or proso millet in 2:5 proportion may be recommended under kharif rainfed upland situation for eastern and south eastern coastal plain zone of Odisha for higher productivity and profitability