International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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A Review on Biochar-Based Restoration of Degraded Soils Through Effective Preparation and Application
No full textSoil degradation refers to the decline in the land productive capacity due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Its major causes include soil erosion, waterlogging, acidification, salinization, nutrients loss, and unsustainable human activities, all of which negatively impact soil health over time. One effective approach to rehabilitating degraded soils is the use of soil amendments. Biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment produced through pyrolysis of organic materials, has been widely recognized for its ability to enhance the physico-chemical properties and long-term fertility of soil. This paper reviews effect of biochar on soil properties, its preparation, feedstock selection, temperature for pyrolysis, particle size, and application rate of biochar on degraded soils for reversing soil deterioration. The best choice for producing economical biochar is to use the cheapest raw material that is easily accessible locally. Slow pyrolysis (temperature between 250°C to 500°C and heating rate less than or equivalent to 100°C/min) produces more biochar than fast pyrolysis (temperatures more than 500°C and heating rate more than 1000°C/min) and considered as the favoured method. Small or nano particle-sized biochar is always more effective than pure, non-ground biochar. Nano-sized biochar effectively reduced the runoff rate, soil erosion, and helped the nitrate to move towards the deep profile by increasing the pore size of degraded soil structure. Although, there have been no recorded detrimental effects from applying a higher amount of biochar in the soil, the expense of application may increase
Impact of Chelated Iron and Zinc Application Methods on Soil Properties and Micronutrient Availability during Rice Growth Stages
No full textZn and Fe are the most limiting nutrients for plant development and metabolism. This study evaluated the impact of Fe and Zn supplementation alternate methods such as biopriming, nutripriming, foliar and basal application. A randomized block design with 10 treatments under a rice system including RDF alone (T10), and combinations of iron (Fe) or zinc (Zn) or both applied through basal application, bio-priming, nutripriming, and foliar spray: T1–Fe (basal + foliar), T2–Fe (bio-priming + nutripriming), T3–Fe (basal + bio-priming + nutripriming), T4–Zn (basal + foliar), T5–Zn (bio-priming + nutripriming), T6–Zn (basal + bio-priming + nutripriming), T7–Fe+Zn (basal + foliar), T8–Fe+Zn (bio-priming + nutripriming), and T9–Fe+Zn (basal + bio-priming + nutripriming).This study evaluated the influence of different iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) management strategies on soil chemical properties and the availability of DTPA-extractable Fe and Zn at critical growth stages of rice under a rice-based cropping system. Treatments involved sole and combined applications of Fe and Zn via basal, foliar, biopriming, and nutripriming methods. Soil chemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), oxidizable carbon, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and macronutrients (N, P, K), showed no statistically significant variation across treatments, although numerical differences were observed. The combined application of Fe and Zn (T9: basal + nutripriming + biopriming) consistently resulted in the highest DTPA-Fe and Zn concentrations across tillering, flowering, and post-harvest stages. DTPA-Fe ranged from 20.46 to 29.99 mg kg⁻¹ at tillering, while DTPA-Zn ranged from 0.77 to 1.47 mg kg⁻¹. A general declining trend was observed for both nutrients as the crop progressed. Results affirm that integrated micronutrient application enhances soil Fe and Zn bioavailability, demonstrating the potential of agronomic biofortification strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies in rice-based systems
Depth wise (“0 to 15” and “15 to 30” cm) Distribution of Soil Physical Properties of Dausa Tehsil of Dausa District of Rajasthan, India
No full textAn investigation on Depth wise (“0 to15” and “15 to 30” cm) distribution of Soil physical properties of Dausa tehsil of Dausa district of Rajasthan was undertaking in the year 2021. 242 soil samples were collected at two depth (“0 to 15” and “15 to 30” cm) and analysed. Different results were recorded. The sand content varies from 73.00 to 82.80 and 71.30 to 81.30 per cent, silt content varies from 9.10 to 14.20 and 9.50 to 15.60 and clay content ranged from 7.90 to 12.80 and 8.60 to 13.30 per cent. The bulk density was ranged from 1.45 to 1.54 and 1.46 to 1.55 Mg m-3, while, particle density was ranged from 2.49 to 2.67 and 2.51 to 2.68 Mg m-3. The percent porosity was varying from 38.40 to 45.69 and 38.34 to 44.78%. under surface (“0 to 15” cm) and sub-surface (“15 to 30” cm) layers respectively. Based on sand, silt and clay contents, these soils classified into sandy loam and loamy sand textural classes. Out of 121 sub-surface soil samples 13 (10.74%) fell in loamy sand and 108 (89.26%) samples fell in sandy loam texture class. Therefore, the majority of soils were belonged to sandy loam category
Assessment of Soil Physical Properties of Barog Dhillon Watershed in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh under Different Land Uses
No full textThe present investigation was conducted to assess the physical characteristics of soils under various land uses—agricultural land, forest land, grassland, and scrubland, in a project and non-project areas of the Barog-Dhillon watershed Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. A survey of random sampling was carried out, and representative soil samples were collected from two profiles of depth: 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm. Indicators for soil physical health assessment included bulk density, particle density, porosity, aggregate size distribution, maximum water holding capacity, ccumulative infiltration and infiltration rate characteristics of soil .The highest bulk density was observed in scrubland, with mean values of 1.57 and 1.60 g cm⁻³ in the surface and sub-surface soils of the watershed project and non-project areas, respectively. In contrast, grassland exhibited the lowest bulk density, with values of 1.30 and 1.32 g cm⁻³ in surface and sub-surface soils of the respective areas. Similarly, the highest particle density was recorded in scrubland soils (2.67 and 2.72 g cm⁻³) while grassland soils showed the lowest, at 2.35 and 2.40 g cm⁻³, in the project and non-project areas, respectively. The highest average porosity values, 45.95% and 44.98%, were recorded under forest land use in both soil layers. The proportion of soil aggregates larger than 5 mm was greatest in forest land, with average values of 8.23% and 7.97% (surface) and 8.31% and 8.05% (sub-surface) in the project and non-project areas, respectively. Scrubland soils had the lowest values (2.58%, 2.30% and 2.30%, 2.02%, respectively). Maximum water holding capacity was also highest in forest land (45.25% and 46.26%) in surface and sub-surface layers of the project and non-project areas, while the lowest was noted in scrubland (38.91% and 41.38%). Infiltration rate followed a similar trend, highest in forest land (9.1 and 6.6 cm hr⁻¹) and lowest in scrubland (2.8 and 2.0 cm hr⁻¹). Cumulative infiltration was also greatest in forest soils (45.8 and 33.0 cm) and lowest in scrubland (14.00 and 10.20 cm), across both watershed categories. The study clearly indicates that soils within the watershed project area possess superior physical properties compared to the non-project area, highlighting the positive impacts of watershed management practices
Effect of Panchgavya and Organic Manure in Some Yield Parameters of Black Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
No full textA field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Himalayan University Agricultural Farm, Jollang, Itanagar, to evaluate the effect of Panchgavya in combination with bulky organic manure on the productivity and quality of black sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The study employed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated three times, involving various combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), and Panchgavya.
Significant variations were observed among treatments with respect to seed yield, stalk yield, and harvest index. Among the treatments, T7 (100% RDF + 100% FYM + 5% Panchgavya) recorded the highest values for all yield parameters, demonstrating a synergistic effect of integrating chemical and organic nutrient sources. The results indicate that the combined application of RDF, FYM, and Panchgavya can enhance the growth, yield, and quality of black sesame under the agro-climatic conditions of Arunachal Pradesh
Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Genotypes for Quality Contributing Traits
No full textPlant traits are influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. For traits governed by quantitative inheritance, the total observed variation includes both heritable (additive) and non-heritable (dominance and epistasis) components. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important horticultural crop in the Solanaceae family, with a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 24. It is widely consumed in various forms—fresh, in salads, as a cooking ingredient, or processed into products such as tomato paste, peeled or diced tomatoes, juices, and soups. Tomatoes are a rich source of vital nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy and balanced diet. Due to its nutritional and commercial value, there is a growing need to identify suitable genotypes that exhibit superior quality traits. The present study explores about genetic variability and correlation studies in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes for quality contributing traits. To explore different genotypes, a field experiment was conducted at the Regional Research Station, Karnal and Laboratory of the Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the rabi season of 2016-17. Among all genotypes, maximum Fruit Firmness (1.75 kg/cm2) found in Punjab Upma, Specific Gravity (1.30 g/cm3) in genotype DVRT-5, Total Soluble Solids (5.50%) in genotype PNR-7, Ascorbic acid (26.39 mg/100g) in genotype DVRT-3 and Acidity (0.84%) in genotype DVRT-6. Based on this study, these genotypes can be used for sustainable tomato production. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for tomato growers and researchers. High heritability estimates for traits like acidity, specific gravity, fruit firmness, and ascorbic acid content indicate that these are largely controlled by genetic factors and can be effectively improved through selection. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of tomato genotypes with enhanced internal fruit quality
Effect of PGR and Micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cauliflower (Brassica olereacea var. botrytis L.) Cv Pusa Deepali
No full textA field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2024 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Allied Industries, Rama University, Kanpur (U.P.), Kanpur, to study the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and micronutrients on the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica olereacea var. botrytis L.) cv Pusa Deepali. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments, each replicated thrice. The treatments include T1 (control), T2 GA3 @ 60 PPM, T3 GA3 @100 PPM, T4 NAA @100 PPM, T5 NAA @150 PPM, T6 Boron @ 2%, T7 GA3 @ 60 PPM + Boron 2%, T8 GA3 @ 100 PPM + Boron @ 2% and T9 NAA @ 100 PPM + Boron @ 2% and T1 Control No PGR and no micronutrient (Control) are used. The results showed that the treatment involving use of T8 GA3 @ 100 PPM + Boron @ 2% was recorded highest plant growth, yield and quality of cauliflower as compared to other treatments
Effect of Saline Irrigation Water and Growing Media on Germination of Seednut of Hybrid Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
No full textA field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Station (Fruit Crops), Junagadh Agricultural University, Mahuva to assess the “Effect of saline irrigation water levels and different growing media on germination of hybrid coconut cv. DxT (Mahuva) Cocos nucifera L.” during 2022-23 and 2023-24. The experiment was conducted to evaluate two factors with four and five levels. Amongst the two factors, one was different levels of saline irrigation water viz., S1: Saline irrigation water with EC<2.0 dS m-1, S2: Saline irrigation water with EC=4.0 dS m-1, S3: Saline irrigation water with EC=6.0 dS m-1 and S4: Saline irrigation water with EC=8.0 dS m-1 and another was different soil growing media viz., M1: control (soil only), M2: Soil: Sand @ 1:1 (v/v), M3: Soil: Sand: FYM @ 1:1:1 (v/v), M4: Soil: Sand: Vermicompost @ 1:1:1 (v/v) and M5: Soil: Sand: Cocopeat @ 1:1:1 (v/v). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept (FRBD) with three replications. Total sixteen seednuts of hybrid coconut cv. DxT (Mahuva) sown in each plot with the spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm. The application of irrigation with desired EC levels was done during dry period. The results obtained from the present investigation revealed that the application of saline irrigation water levels greater than EC 4.0 dS m-1 (S3 and S4) affected coconut seednut germination and days for germination (first and complete). The application of irrigation water with EC<2.0 dS m-1 obtained significantly higher numbers of seednut germinations during 2022-23 (13.33), 2023-24 (14.27) and pooled (13.80). The soil media containing organic materials especially Cocopeat and FYM as component exerts positive impact on early and total germination of seednuts, and days to first germination. The use of Soil: Sand: Cocopeat @ 1:1:1 (v/v) obtained significantly higher total germination (13.50) in pooled and found at par (13.00) with Soil: Sand: FYM @ 1:1:1 (v/v)
Impact of Liquid Bioformulations on Mulberry Leaf Quality and Physiological Traits
No full textAims: The present study aimed to assess the impact of a liquid organic growth promoter comprising Orgafol, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and beneficial microbial inoculants (Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and VAM) on key physiological and biochemical traits of Morus indica cv. V1, with the objective of improving mulberry leaf quality for sustainable sericulture.
Study Design: The research was conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) under controlled greenhouse conditions.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Sericulture, Forest College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Mettupalayam, India; conducted over a growth period of 65 days.
Methodology: Ten treatment combinations were formulated using Orgafol in combination with various microbial inoculants and PGRs. These were applied at four graded concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 ml/plant) to potted mulberry plants. The study evaluated leaf moisture content (LMC), moisture retention capacity (MRC), total chlorophyll content, and soluble protein using standard biochemical and physiological methods. Statistical analysis was performed using OPSTAT and SPSS software at the 5% significance level.
Results: Treatment T9 (Orgafol + NAA + Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria) consistently recorded the highest values: LMC (78.48%), MRC (80.79%), chlorophyll (4.43 mg g⁻¹), and protein content (23.33%). All measured traits showed a dose-dependent improvement. Differences between treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The integrated use of liquid bioformulations significantly improved mulberry leaf physiological and biochemical traits. These inputs serve as effective, sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and support eco-friendly sericulture practices
Aerobic Composting of Antibiotic-contaminated Manure: Degradation Processes and Their Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
No full textIntroduction: The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production results in significant excretion of unmetabolized residues in manure, posing risks such as the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Composting has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate these risks.
Aims: This review formed a foundation for manure incubation regarding the fate and effects of three antibiotics – Tylosin, Enrofloxacin, and Oxytetracycline on manure GHG ammonia (NH3) emissions, and fertilizer quality. It synthesizes existing evidence on antibiotic degradation during composting, highlighting the influence of composting conditions, additives, and their effects on greenhouse gas emissions.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was done following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Systematic searches were performed in three databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, for original articles using a combination of Query terms and an established inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: The 66 studies that met the criteria were from 21 countries. Outcomes show that composting conditions (temperature, aeration, moisture), additive types (e.g., biochar, zeolite), and microbial inoculants play critical roles in antibiotic degradation and GHG emission dynamics. Thermophilic composting promotes degradation of labile antibiotics, while persistent compounds may require extended treatment.
Overall, the review identified that physicochemical and microbial processes drive antibiotic degradation, suggesting that specific additives enhance these pathways, influencing GHG emissions.
Conclusion: Composting is a viable strategy for managing antibiotic-laden manure and calls for further research into advanced treatments, bioaugmentation, and integration with other waste management technologies