Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Restoring the Soil and Sustaining the Future: A Global Review of Natural Farming Practices and Impacts
No full textSoil degradation, climate instability, and unsustainable food production models have created a global crisis in agricultural sustainability. Natural farming offers a potential solution by restoring soil health, minimizing external chemical inputs, and enhancing ecosystem services critical for food security. This review synthesizes evidence from three regional contexts: (1) South Asia, with a focus on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India; (2) East Asia, particularly Fukuoka farming in Japan; and (3) Latin America, emphasizing agroecological movements in Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico. A systematic evaluation of peer-reviewed literature, field trials, and regional case studies demonstrates that natural farming improves soil organic matter, enhances microbial diversity, sequesters carbon, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Empirical findings from controlled ZBNF trials in Andhra Pradesh reveal significantly higher yields, improved soil moisture, moderated soil temperatures, and greater earthworm abundance compared to conventional and organic systems. Comparable practices in Japan and Latin America show similar benefits, underscoring natural farming’s adaptability across diverse socio-ecological landscapes. Despite these advantages, challenges persist, including limited policy support, costly certification, knowledge gaps, and uneven adoption. Addressing these barriers requires integrated policy frameworks, market development, farmer-led innovations, and continued long-term scientific validation. Overall, natural farming represents more than a technical shift it is a paradigm for resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Its potential contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly soil health, biodiversity, and climate mitigation, positions it as a cornerstone of future agricultural transformation
Study of the Effect of Organic Fertilizer and Proline on Some Chemical Indicators of Strawberry
No full textA study was conducted at the nursery of the Najaf Agriculture Directorate from November 1, 2024, to March 25, 2025. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding Anti-Salting fertilizer at a concentration of (0, 5, and 10 ml.L-1) and proline amino acid at (0, 50, and 100 mg.L-1) to the strawberry Var. (Ruby Gem). Certain chemical indicators of strawberry seedlings were studied under the unventilated greenhouses. The experiment was implemented as a factorial experiment using a randomized complete block design. The number of treatments was nine, randomly distributed into three blocks. This resulted in a total of 27 experimental units. Means of vegetative and chemical characteristics were analyzed using GenStat (statistical analysis software). Means were compared using Duncan\u27s multiple range test at the probability of 0.05. Application of the anti-salt fertilizer at the rate of 10 ml.L-1 showed a significant effect on some chemical indicators of strawberry leaves over control treatments. These indicators include superiority in total chlorophyll content, carbohydrate content, nitrogen percentage (N%), and phosphorus percentage (P%). These indicators recorded 40.72 mg.100 g fresh weight -1, 29.8 mg. dry weight -1, 2.822%, and 2.079% respectively. Treating seedlings with proline (an amino acid) at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 increased leaf content of total chlorophyll, leaf content of carbohydrate, phosphorus percentage in leaves, and total sugar content in fruits. These characteristics reached 31.30 mg L-100 fresh weight, 25.06 mg.L-1 dry weight, 1.548%, and 19.45 mg.100 g fresh weight-1, respectively
Hydrogel-A Water Wise Paradigm for Soil Resilience: A Review
No full textHydrogels are three-dimensional crosslinked polymeric networks with remarkable water absorption and retention capacity. It acts as a "miniature water reservoir" that releases water slowly on demand from the root due to osmotic pressure differences. The functional groups of the hydrogel reduce soil nutrient loss through leaching, which allows for a reduction in fertigation recommendations.Their agricultural use has gained prominence as a strategy to mitigate water scarcity, improve soil properties, and enhance crop productivity.This review synthesizes current knowledge on the historical development, synthesis, and physicochemical properties of hydrogels, while critically examining their effects on soil physical, chemical, and biological functions. Their role in improving crop performance, remediating heavy metals, and contributing to soil resilience is highlighted. Biodegradability, environmental safety, practical applications, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed. Even though hydrogels represent a promising tool in sustainable agriculture, its effectiveness in acidic soils is low due to its lower swelling capacity under lower pH. Hence, further research is necessary to optimize their use across soil types and cropping systems
Effect of an Indigenous Isolates (Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas fluorescence) on Nutrient Content of Distillery Spent Wash (DSW)
No full textAn experiment was conducted during 2024-25 at the Soil and Water Management Research Unit, NAU, Navsari to evaluate the efficacy of microbes for degradation of DSW using FCRD with three treatments (M0-without inoculation, M1-Aspergillus niger at 1 g/L and M2-Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 ml/L) and five replications. Microbial inoculation significantly influenced nutrient composition and heavy metal content. Pseudomonas fluorescens (M₂) was the most effective in reducing nitrogen (32.16% reduction) and phosphorus (97.39 mg/L) with the greatest effect observed on the 10th day of incubation (M₂D₁). Sulphate content was also reduced under M₂D₁ (5,218.00 mg/L). In contrast, Aspergillus niger (M₁) efficiently reduced potassium (5,483 mg/L), sodium (407.6 mg/L), calcium (998.9 mg/L), magnesium (1,206.9 mg/L) and heavy metals, including iron, manganese, zinc and copper, particularly during early incubation (M₁D₁). The maximum reduction was observed on 10th day reflects peak microbial activity due to enhanced enzymatic action and metal biosorption. Overall, the findings indicated that these indigenous microbial isolates (Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas fluorescens) can effectively reduce major nutrients and heavy metals in DSW
From Seed to Sod: Investigating the Role of Growing Media in Turf Grass Germination for Premium Sod Quality
No full textAims: Our study aimed to address the low seed germination potential in turf grasses by using cost-effective growing media. The study was conducted at experimental farm of department of floriculture and landscaping in the year 2021-2022 in two experiments conducted during both the years in February-March. Three different cost-effective growing media; garden soil (T1), mixture of garden soil and leaf manure (2:1) (T2) and mixture of sand and leaf manure (2:1) (T3) were filled in growing trays and then seeds of four cool season turf grasses (perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, creeping bentgrass and creeping red fescue) were sown thinly in respective media. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design including 3 replications and daily germination counts were taken till 15 days. Data recorded was analysed using OPSTAT software and critical difference was calculated at 5% level of significance. The study highlights the superiority of 2:1 ratio garden soil and leaf manure for better germination attributes. This medium significantly reduces germination time, enhances seedling attributes, and proves optimal for achieving maximum seedling vigor which can contribute subsequently to uniform sod establishment
Influence of Different Levels of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil
No full textThe degradation of soil, characterized by the decline in soil organic matter, nutrient exhaustion, and the subsequent diminishment of soil fertility, stands as a prominent factor contributing to the subpar levels of agricultural productivity. Organic amendments (OAs) present a promising avenue for rectifying this degradation, exerting their potential by enacting improvements in both the physical and chemical attributes of the soil. This, in turn, leads to a marked enhancement in the growth and yield performance of crops. An experimental endeavor was meticulously undertaken, employing the Randomised Block Design (RBD) framework, and encompassing three replicates for each treatment. Data collected during the course of instantiation were statistically analyzed using SVPSS software. Within this ambit, nine distinct nutrient management practices were evaluated, which included the application of organic manures, namely vermicompost (VC) and neem cake (NC), alongside their amalgamations with inorganic fertilizers. The overarching objective was to gauge the ensuing impact on the physico-chemical facets of the soil. Upon a comprehensive analysis of the aforementioned research endeavor, it emerges as a discernible conclusion that the treatment combination denoted as T9 [RDF @ 100% + Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 + Neem cake @ 1.2 t ha-1] emerged as notably advantageous. This treatment not only exhibited a discernible positive effect but also led to a significant amelioration in the physico-chemical attributes of the soil. Consequently, it is prudent to advocate this particular treatment combination to farmers, as it not only augments the yield of potatoes but also serves to uphold the overall health and vitality of the soil, particularly under the specific agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj
Physiological Evaluation of Small Onion for Increasing Yield through Growth Regulators and Nutrient Mixture
No full textThe production and demand for onion are relatively high. India has occupied the second position with 5.5 lakh hectares of area under onion cultivation with 77 lakh tonnes of production next to China in the world. Tamil Nadu is the major small onion producer for nearly 70 percent of total area in India. This work aimed to studying the effect of plant growth regulators and nutrient mixtures on growth, physiology and biochemical changes and yield of small onion. A field experiment has been taken at Horticultural College and Research Institute for women, Trichy during Oct 2023 to study the influence of plant growth regulators and nutrient mixture on maximizing the growth and yield of onion. The treatment includes control, foliar spray of Brassinolide 1.0ppm, Salicylic acid 100ppm, GA3 100ppm, NAA 100 ppm and combination of K2SO4 (1 %) + CuSO4 (0.5 %) + ZnSO4 (0.5 %) by using RBD with four replication. Two foliar sprays of growth regulators and nutrient mixture has been given on 25 and 45 DAP. The growth characters Viz., Plant height (31.93 cm) and No. of leaves (20) were highest in Brassinolide 1ppm treated plants at 60 Days After Planting. The root length was significantly varied among the treatments. Among the treatments Salicylic acid 100 ppm recorded the maximum root length of (10.06 cm). The quality attributes of the bulbs include total Soluble solids (12.18%), Pyruvic acid content (2.57 µmolg-1) were found with the foliar spray of Brassinolide 1ppm. Among the treatments highest bulb yield was recorded by Brassinolide 1ppm. The yield increase was 12 % compared to control followed by Salicylic acid 100ppm recorded the highest yield
Timing of Nitrogen Treatment in Maize (Zea mays L.) Produced in Punjab’s Coarse Loamy Typic Haplustept Soil being Evaluated
No full textField experiments were performed at the Soil Science research farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, during the kharif season of 2022 and 2023. This experiment primary goal was to understand, biomass and nitrogen uptake pattern of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in coarse loamy Typic Haplustept soil. The experiment farm is located at latitude at 31°14’30.5’’N and longitude 75°41\u2752.1” E. The field trial was conducted in randomized block design with three replications in non-saline alkaline soil. Their wore two treatments: the recommended dose of fertilizer N @ 125 kg ha-1, P2O5 @ 60 kg ha-1, K2O @ 30 kg ha-1 was tested against the no fertilizer control. The PAU maize variety PMH-13 was sowing in kharif season of 2022 and 2023.The plant attribute data was collected at 3 days of interval starting after 23 days of sowing till maturity. Data on plant height, dry matter weight and total nitrogen was recorded for the plant sample after the plant achieved 3 leaves stage. The perusal of plant height data indicated for clear cut stages of maize growth at 42, 56, 65 and 89 days of sowing. However, the differences in growth stages are not clearly decipherable in dry weight in total nitrogen data. So, plant growth stage at 42 days is almost near to the knee-high stage and 65 days stage is near to the tasseling stage of the maize. These two stages match with the already recommended dose of nitrogen fertilizer. Plant height data indicate two more growth stages of maize at 56 and 89 days. So, for improving maize productivity and increasing fertilizer urea efficiency it is suggested that nitrogen fertilizer dose should be further splits to four top dressing application. However further field trials in different agro-climatic reigns are necessary for any final recommendation to the farmer
Characterization of Bacteria that Promote Growth from Spent Mushroom Compost and their Effectiveness on the Yield and Quality of White Button Mushrooms
No full textMicro-organisms in the substrate and mushroom casing are essential to the start and growth of primordial. For mushroom production, the discarded mushroom compost may be a useful source of bacteria that promote development. "Characterization of bacteria that promote growth from spent mushroom compost and their effectiveness on the yield and quality of white button mushrooms" is the title of the current study that was conducted. Spent mushroom compost (SMC) samples were gathered from various locations in Solan, including Chambaghat (DMR), Nauni (UHF), and local farmers (Dharja). In order to isolate the bacteria, nutrient agar medium was utilized. From discarded mushroom compost, 25 bacterial isolates from SMC were chosen and refined.
Twelve of the twenty-five bacterial isolates (seven from Nauni, four from the local farmer site, and fourteen from Chambaghat) produced P-solubilizer, fifteen nitrogen fixers, nine HCN, thirteen siderophores, and ten IAA. Out of 25 bacterial isolates, only two (GPB1 and GPB2) were chosen based on different PGPR characteristics. Bacterial isolate NS2 produced the highest amounts of siderophores (96.37%) on solid CAS medium and (286.21μg/ml) in liquid assay, IAA (79.60 μg/ml), HCN, and P-solubilization both qualitatively (93.3%) and quantitatively (214.76 μg/ml).
These two bacterial isolates (GPB1, GPB2) were tested for growth of white button mushroom in field experiment. Mushrooms innoculated with Treatment 7(GPB1+ GPB2 on casing and substrate) showed significant increase in yield (75 %) and biological efficiency in all three flushes over Uninoculated control. The treatment T7 (GPB1+ GPB2) registered 51.3 per cent increase in antioxidant enzyme assay content,67.83 per cent increase in protein content, 74.5 percent in carbohydrate content, 87.8 per cent increase in ash content over uninoculated control (T1). This treatment also increased NPK content of compost over uninoculated control. Hence these bacterial isolates have enormous potential to be used as biofertilizers for enhanced growth and quality of white button mushroom
Influence of Gliricidia Extract on Cowpea Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Performance under Greenhouse Conditions
No full textGliricidia sepium is highly regarded as a good soil improver as green manure. A Greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using sand medium for three weeks with the aim to determine the effect of Gliricidia extract from leaves at different concentrations (0, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) for irrigation purposes on Vigna unguiculate (cowpea) seed germination and seedling performance. The study showed significant (P<0.05) different amongst the different concentration of Gliricidia extract for cowpea seed germination percentage and seedling growth performance. The Gliricidia extract had stimulatory effect on the cowpea seeds germination and seedling performances at lower Gliricidia concentrations (< 10%) while inhibitory effect was observed at higher Gliricidia concentrations (> 15%). Similarly, all seedling development indicators, including seedling vigor index (SVI) and percentage phytotoxicity (PP), decreased considerably (P<0.05) with higher extract concentrations (>15) compared to lower concentrations (<10%). It was clear that Gliricidia extract had a negative and inhibiting influence on percentage seed germination and seedling growth parameters at higher concentration whilst it has positive and stimulatory impact on seed germination and growth parameter at lower concentrations