International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Utilization of Fruit Waste Compost to Enhance Growth and Yield of Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)
No full textThe present study was designed to investigate the effect of different decomposed fruit wastes with rates on the growth and yield of Malabar spinach (Basella alba). Recycling organic wastes into nutrient-rich compost can assist organic farming and maintain soil health, fertility, and productivity, as well as reduce pollution in the face of rising waste, especially in urban areas. So, the conversion of fruit peels into compost will be beneficial both for soil nutrition and environmental pollution from the sense of solid waste management. In this regard, an experiment was carried out to investigate the growth and yield of Malabar spinach at different composts with their rates of application. Jackfruit, banana, and mango peel compost and four different rates of application (0, 1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1) were undertaken as the experimental treatments. The factorial experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. From the experiment, it was investigated that mango peel compost resulted in the highest growth and yield attributes, followed by banana and jackfruit peel compost, respectively. On the other hand, compost application at 2000 kg ha-1 showed significantly higher results in growth and yield than 1500 kg ha-1, 1000 kg ha-1, and control, respectively. The study showed a strongly positive correlation for leaf number, shoot and root length, and plant fresh weight, but a negative or no correlation was investigated in plant dry weight for jackfruit peel compost. From the findings of this study, it can be suggested that, among the formulations, mango and banana fruit peel compost at a rate of 2000 kg ha-1 is beneficial for the growth and productivity of crops. The use of seasonal fruit peels for compost preparation may reduce the waste load from the environment and ultimate minimize environmental pollution. These results, however, are limited to a single-pot trial and cannot be applied to other situations. Field tests will be the main focus of future research to support this suggestion
Assessment of Soil Health and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as Influenced by FYM, Vermicompost and NPK Treatments under Semi-Arid Climatic Condition
No full textThe present study was formulated during the Rabi season of 2024-2025 at Research Farm, Mewar University Gangrar, (Chittorgarh) Rajasthan, to study the “Assessment of Soil Health and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Influenced by Ten treatments, i.e., T1; Control, T2; NPK 100% (20:40:20), T3; NPK 50% + FYM 50% T4; FYM 100% (10 t ha-1), T5; NPK 50% + VC 50%, T6; VC 100% (5 t ha-1), T7; FYM 50% +VC 50%, T8; NPK 50% + FYM 25% +VC 25%, T9; NPK 25% +FYM 50 % +VC 25% and T10; NPK 25% + FYM 25% + VC 50% under Semi-Arid Climate”. The experimental data was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Experimental data that was recorded at different days of interval that is 30, 60 and 120 days. The treatments T6 (1.44 Mg m3) and T7 (1.47 Mg m3) having lower bulk densities. The steady increase from T2 (0.33%) to T6 (0.40), and then T7 (0.37), T10 (0.37%) and T9 (0.36%) indicates a progressive enhancement of additional mixture in the soil. The improvement was recorded for nitrogen availability in treatments T6 to T10 (above 240 kg ha-1). The highest P and K were recorded in treatment T7 (27.64 kg ha-1) and T7 (365.53 kg ha-1), respectively. The bacterial, fungi and actinomycetes counts were observed highest in T6 (34.50×10⁶ g-1 of soil), T7 (24.86×104 g-1 of soil) and T4 (29×10⁶ g-1 of soil), respectively
Prediction of Seed Vigour and Viability Using Hyperspectral Imaging
No full textThe present review outlines the prospects for Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) implementation as a standard tool for predicting seed vigour, viability in commercial agriculture. The most extensively used optical detection methods for seed vitality mainly include machine vision detection, near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral detection, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and seed exhalation gas spectroscopy. Seed vigour and viability are integral to the performance of crops, from germination rates and seedling establishment to final yield potential. Traditional methods for assessing seed vigour and viability outcomes are reliant on time, labour, or both methods, which often result in destructive sampling of the seeds, making them cumbersome and unsuitable for high-volume seed quality assessment. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a new and fast analytical method which is non-destructive to the sample and has great potential to estimate seed vigour and viability. The reviews identify how both spectral features and spatial features can be combined to monitor subtle biochemical and structural differences of seeds regardless of whether the seeds are affected by ageing, mechanical damage or physiological stress. The review also presents HSI results that have spectral regions that can differentiate germinable seeds and non-germinable seeds, machine learning algorithms capabilities to improve yield, and the use of high-throughput systems with faster and real-time data presentations. The potential for HSI to be used in seed science is enormous and creates a transformational opportunity for more rapid, accurate, and non-destructive seed testing for vigour and viability
Effect of Biochar Application on the Physico-chemical Properties of Ferralitic Soils, Yield and Growth Parameters in Maize Cultivation: A Case Study in Wassande, Adamawa, Cameroon
No full textBiochar is a carbon-rich product obtained from thermochemical conversion of biomass mostly used for soil enrichment. This study aimed to assess soils fertilizing potential of biochar under maize cultivation in Wassande. The physico-chemical properties of the soil and biochar revealed an acidic soil (pH = 5.6) characterized by an average cation exchange capacity (CEC = 11.68 cmol/kg), a moderate sum of exchangeable bases (SEB = 7.5 cmol/kg) and a good saturation rate (V = 64.45%). Furthermore, the analyzed biochar demonstrated a basic pH (9.5), a moderate CEC (29.5 cmol/kg), a low SEB (2.5 cmol/kg) and a high saturation rate (V = 86.20%). The soil incubation with biochar at 10, 20 and 30% improved the nutrient release rate into the soil and performed significant improvement at 20%. Accordingly, at this optimal concentration, the pH values changed from 5.6 to 9.1, 7.8, 9.4 and 8.4, respectively within 1, 2, 4 and 6 months of incubation time. Similarly, the CEC parameter was progressed from 11.68 to 49.88, 21.14, 31.72 and 44.84 cmol/kg within the same treatment period. Thus, the saturation rate values were moved from 64.45% to 56.31%, 74.54%, 32.00% and 61.50%, while the SEB values were changed from 7.53 to 17.33, 15.68, 10.03 and 26.95 cmol/kg at the same periods of incubation. The field tests were performed on three random complete blocks (112.5 m2) with five different treatments: the control (TST), the treatment with chemical fertilizers (TNPK), the treatment with 20% of biochar at sowing (TBS), at germination (TBL) and at flowering stage (TBF). The results revealed that the soil amended with biochar was more suitable for maize growth and yield, especially when the biochar was applied at germination step. For this treatment, after 8 weeks, the plants reached an average height of 138.61±2.44 cm, with an average of 10.47±0.39 leaves per plant. The plot treated at germination stage showed the best yield (9.64 kg), followed by the plot improved under chemical fertilizers (7.41 kg) while the control soil yield was 5.22 kg. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that biochar is an excellent soil quality regulator, improving soil fertility and could be a versatile alternative to the current use of chemical fertilizers in farming practices
Present Status and Upcoming Research Strategies for Nepal\u27s Winter Legume Crops
No full textGrain legume cultivation is the fundamental part of the Nepalese agriculture production systems, as these crops can be grown in a wide range of land from fertile to degraded or marginal soils, and also because of the Dal-Bhat-Tarkari eating habits of its populace. These crops occupied about 11% of the country’s total cultivated land, and fourth in the area and production after rice, maize, and wheat. Grain legume crops are also called ‘poor mans’ meat’, and these crops have a significant role in increasing cropping intensity, crop diversification, soil improvement, and food and nutritional security. Among the grain legume crops, lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.; Cicer kabulium.), kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.), fababean (Vicia faba L.), and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) are the main legume crops for the winter season in Nepal. The Grain Legume Research Program (GLRP), Khajura has released and registered fourteen varieties of lentil, seven varieties of chickpea, and one variety of kidney bean for the cultivation in different agro-ecological domains with their improved cultivation practices, i.e., agronomic and disease and pest managements
Economics of Hybrid Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Cultivation Following Foliar Application of Micronutrients and Sulphur at Various Stages of Growth
No full textMustard (Brassica juncea L.) is an important oilseed crop in India, particularly during the Rabi season, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy. However, its productivity is often limited by imbalanced nutrient management, especially in soils with low fertility such as sandy loam. An experiment was carried out for two consecutive years during the Rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Crop Research Farm of the Samhigginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the economic impact of foliar application of micronutrients and Sulphur at different concentrations on mustard (Pioneer hybrid 45S46). The study aimed to determine the most cost-effective nutrient management practices through analysis of gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio. The experiment consisted of 16 treatments with three replications in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Foliar application of micronutrients and Sulphur at various concentrations were carried out at 45 and 65 days after sowing (DAS) with the objective to assess their impact on overall economics of mustard (Pioneer hybrid 45S46) cultivation in sandy loam soil of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Crop economics was calculated on the basis of inputs incurred during 2022-23 and 2024 for agricultural operations, followed by gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio (B:C). The two-year study concluded that gross return (Rs ha-1), net return (Rs ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio of different treatments were based on input output analysis. The data on gross return in different treatment varied significantly. The highest gross return was obtained in the treatment T11 (RDF + S 1.0%) during both years and pooled data (124112, 136255 and 130183Rs. ha-1, respectively) which was significantly higher than RDF. The data on net return revealed the highest net return (91937, 100180 and 96058 Rs. ha-1, respectively) was also obtained from the treatment T11: RDF + S 1.0% during both the years and pooled data. The benefit-cost ratio was significant among treatments. Maximum benefit-cost ratio was noted in treatment T11: S 1.0% during both the years and pooled data (2.86, 2.78 and 2.82) which was significantly higher than RDF
Enhancing Post-harvest and Fruit Quality of Capsicum Using Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
No full textThe impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) on a range of post-harvest and fruit quality metrics of capsicum under field experiments were examined in this study. At 50, 100, and 150 mg/L, TiO₂ NPs were sprayed on leaves and applied as seed treatments. Comparing the results to foliar treatments and the control, seed treatments, especially at 50 mg/L, considerably improved fruit quality parameters. The seed treatment with the greatest texture score (8.13), specific gravity (0.93), cuticle thickness (36.96 µm), penetration force (12.05 N), shearing force (78.18 N), moisture content (94.00%), shelf life (7.66 days), and capsaicin content (0.24%) were the 50 mg/L seed treatment. These improvements stemmed from enhanced photosynthesis, cellular structure, and nutrient uptake. Higher foliar concentrations (150 mg/L), on the other hand, demonstrated limited effectiveness and, under certain situations, negative effects that were probably caused by oxidative stress or metabolic imbalance. According to the results, TiO₂ NPs improve turgor pressure, encourage lignification, improve cuticle growth, and stimulate secondary metabolite pathways, all of which have an impact on plant physiology. Better fruit texture, firmness, water retention, and extended shelf life were the outcomes of these changes. The results of this study revealed that best method for improving the physical and biochemical characteristics of capsicum fruits was to apply seeds at low to moderate concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. These findings provide a promising avenue for improving fruit quality and post-harvest performance through nano-enabled agricultural practices. Further studies are recommended to explore long-term environmental impacts and mechanistic pathways
Economic Evaluation of Mungbean (Vigna rediata L. Wilczek) under Citrus (Citrus sps. L.) Based Agri-horti System in Semi-arid Region of Prayagraj, India
No full textThe present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on root nodulation and economic performance of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) under a citrus-based agri-horti system. The experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2023–24 at the College of Forestry, SHUATS, Prayagraj, employing thirteen nutrient management treatments combining various proportions of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with organic amendments such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, press mud, and poultry manure. The treatments were assessed under two cropping conditions: 10 years old citrus based agroforestry (AF) and open field. Results indicated that INM practices significantly influenced yield with Treatment T9 consistently outperforming others by recording the highest economic returns, including a maximum benefit-cost (B:C) ratio emphasizing the effectiveness of integrated nutrient strategies over single-source applications. Conversely, treatments with moderate yields but lower net returns highlighted the critical role of input efficiency in determining profitability. The findings underscore that INM not only enhances biological nitrogen fixation and crop productivity but also improves economic sustainability, making it a viable nutrient management approach for legume-based intercropping systems, particularly in citrus-based agri-horti models
Effect of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) on the Growth, Physiology and Yields of Associated Crops in Agroecosystems in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso, West Africa
No full textNeem is an exotic species used for reforestation, but its competitive effects on surrounding crops have not been thoroughly explored in Burkina Faso. This research aimed to assess the effect of neem on cowpea, millet, and sorghum within agroecosystems in Burkina Faso. The experimental design involved systematically allocating treatments based on the gradient of the tree\u27s effects, with three replicates of each crop, totalling nine neem trees. The treatments concerned three plots located based on their distance from the isolated neem trunk: one plot was situated directly under the crown, another was 11 m away from the trunk, and the third was 22 m away. Key parameters, such as stem length, crop leaf area index, photosynthetically active radiation, linear electron flux, grain and straw yields, were measured. Results indicated that fall crops, stem length, photosynthetically active radiation, linear electron flux, and crop leaf area index were significantly lower under the neem crown compared to areas outside the crown (P<0.05). For instance, the photosynthetically active radiation was significantly lower in plots situated directly under the crown compared to plots outside the crown at 22 m from the trunk, across all crops (P<0.05). Additionally, grain and straw yields were significantly reduced under the neem crown compared to the border and areas outside the crown for all crops studied (P<0.05). These findings suggest that neem has detrimental effects on intercropping within agroecosystems
Effect of Different Biofertilizers and Organic Manure on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis.) Cv. Pusa Deepali
No full textThe experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of Rama University, Mandhana, Kanpur, India, during 2024–2025, with the objective of studying the effect of organic fertilizers alone and integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of cauliflower. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. Based on the results obtained from the present investigation, it can be concluded that the highest growth and yield parameters including plant height (17.25 cm), number of leaves (15.84), leaf length (18.72 cm), leaf width (15.64 cm), days to first curd emergence (64.22 days), leaf area index (1.88), curd diameter (10.88 cm), root length (16.88 cm), stalk length (10.74 cm), fresh weight of curd (1.32 kg), dry weight of curd (0.316 kg), yield per plot (28.28 kg), curd yield per hectare (276 q/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (1.86) were recorded under Treatment T₅: Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha + Biofertilizer (Azotobacter) @ 5 kg/ha. The lowest values of these parameters were observed under the control treatment. Thus, the application of FYM along with biofertilizers is found to be an effective integrated nutrient management strategy for improving cauliflower productivity