Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Advanced Sustainable Agricultural Practices: A Review
No full textThe role of PGPR in nutrient cycling, soil structure improvement, and soil pH modification. Traditional agriculture relies heavily on chemical inputs, which pose significant threats to the environment and deplete natural resources. The environmental challenges posed by chemical-based agriculture and emphasize the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the face of climate change. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial soil microorganisms that enhance plant growth through various direct and indirect mechanisms, offering a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. PGPR have emerged as a sustainable alternative, fostering plant development, and enhancing stress resilience. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying signalling pathways and stress management mechanisms is essential to maximizing their potential. Plant health has been demonstrated, nutrient uptake has improved, and environmental stress has been reduced with the help of PGPR. PGPR facilitate nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, and organic matter decomposition, enhancing nutrient availability and promoting plant growth. Their ability to produce exopolysaccharides contributes to soil aggregation, improving soil structure and water retention. Additionally, PGPR modifies rhizosphere pH, enhancing nutrient solubility and availability. PGPR also promote crop yield by enhancing root and shoot growth, improving seed germination, and increasing stress tolerance against drought, salinity, and heavy metal contamination. PGPR provides effective biocontrol against pathogens through antibiosis, competition, and induced systemic resistance (ISR), contributing to improved crop resilience. Despite their potential, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of PGPR, including inconsistent field performance, limited shelf-life, compatibility issues with native soil microbiota, and regulatory barriers. Emerging approaches such as genetic engineering, multi-strain consortia, and nano-formulations are being developed to enhance PGPR efficacy and stability under diverse environmental conditions. Integrating PGPR with organic and chemical fertilizers presents a promising strategy for achieving higher yields while minimizing environmental impact. Research should focus on understanding PGPR-plant signalling pathways, optimizing formulation techniques, and developing policies to promote their commercial use. Collaborative efforts between researchers, industries, and policymakers are essential to enhance the application of PGPR in sustainable agriculture. Widespread adoption of PGPR-based technologies could significantly contribute to global food security, environmental sustainability, and the reduction of chemical inputs in agriculture. The potential of PGPR as a valuable tool for enhancing agricultural productivity through environmentally friendly practices. Future research should focus on developing efficient, cost-effective formulations and enhancing collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industries to ensure global food security and environmental sustainability
A Review on Nanotechnology in Soil Science: Recent Advances in Soil Remediation, Fertilization and Carbon Sequestration
No full textNanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach for improving soil health and agricultural productivity through its applications in soil remediation, fertilization, and carbon sequestration. In soil science, nanotechnology involves the use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) such as nanoparticles, nanofibers, nano clays, and carbon-based nanomaterials to address challenges related to soil contamination, nutrient management, and carbon sequestration. Recent advancements in nanotechnology-based soil management, focusing on the role of nanomaterials such as nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), biochar, graphene oxide, nano clays, and metal oxide nanoparticles. Soil remediation using nanomaterials demonstrates high efficiency in removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens through adsorption, catalytic degradation, and redox reactions, achieving contaminant removal rates exceeding 90%. Nano fertilizers enhance nutrient use efficiency by 30-40%, promoting crop productivity and minimizing nutrient losses. Carbon sequestration efforts using biochar and graphene oxide have been shown to increase soil organic carbon storage by 15-40% through improved soil aggregation and organic matter stabilization. Despite promising results, challenges related to potential toxicity, long-term stability, scalability, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks persist. Addressing these concerns requires the development of eco-friendly nanomaterials, standardized testing protocols, and comprehensive risk assessments. Integrating nanotechnology with precision agriculture, digital farming, and biotechnology offers opportunities for synergistic effects that enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability. Collaborative efforts involving researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are essential for advancing nanotechnology-based solutions to address global challenges related to soil degradation, food security, and climate change mitigation. Continued research and international cooperation will be important in optimizing the safe and effective use of nanotechnology in soil science
Effect of Phosphorus Levels and Foliar Application of Boron on Nutrient Content and Uptake in Summer Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.)]
No full textPhosphorus and boron are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in improving nutrient enrichment, and seed quality in legumes, especially under low-productivity conditions. Therefore, to evaluate the effect of phosphorus and boron application on enrichment of seed and straw of green gram, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, MJRP College of Agriculture and Research, Achrol, Jaipur, Rajasthan. The experiment comprised of three levels of phosphorus (40, 50 and 60 kg ha-1) and 4 foliar applications of boron (0, 0.2% at 20, 0.2% at 35 and 0.2% at both 20 & 35 days after sowing) under a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The results of the study revealed that application of phosphorus and boron have synergistic effect on P and B content in seed and straw of green gram. Highest content of P and B in seed and straw was found when 60 kg ha-1 P along with foliar application of boron at 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS (days after sowing). Application of P and B also improve protein content but their interaction was found non-significant. The combined application of 60 kg ha⁻¹ phosphorus and foliar boron at 0.2% at both 20 and 35 days after sowing significantly enhances phosphorus and boron content in seed and straw of green gram, thereby improving nutrient enrichment under low-productivity conditions
Biological Control of Southern Blight in Tomato Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Using Trichoderma spp. under In-vitro and In-vivo Conditions
No full textTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important crop often affected by southern blight, caused by the soil-borne fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, leading to significant yield losses. Conventional management using chemical fungicides faces challenges including pathogen resistance and environmental hazards, necessitating sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of three Trichoderma species (T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. asperellum) against S. rolfsii under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In vitro dual culture assays demonstrated significant inhibition of pathogen mycelial growth, with T. harzianum showing the highest antagonistic effect (64.95% inhibition), followed by T. viride and T. asperellum. Subsequent pot experiments assessed disease incidence and plant growth parameters in tomato plants challenged with S. rolfsii. All Trichoderma treatments significantly reduced disease incidence compared to the inoculated control, with the combined application of all three species achieving the highest disease suppression (85.93%) comparable to the chemical fungicide mancozeb (92.85%). Moreover, Trichoderma treatments enhanced plant growth, reflected in increased shoot and root lengths and biomass. These results highlight the efficacy of Trichoderma spp. as eco-friendly biocontrol agents, capable of suppressing southern blight and promoting tomato growth. Integrating Trichoderma bioagents offers a sustainable approach to managing S. rolfsii, reducing reliance on chemical fungicides and contributing to environmentally safe crop production
Effect of Sulphur and Boron on Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
No full textBoron plays an important role in new cell development in meristemetic tissues, proper pollination and fruit or seed formation and nodule formation in legumes. Sulphur also helps in the formation of plant proteins, and it is essential for the formation of chlorophyll and improves root growth. Sulphur is involved in the formation of vitamins and enzymes required for the plant to conduct its biochemical processes. The present study aimed to determine the effect of sulphur and boron on nutrient uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). An experiment was conducted at ICAR- Krishi vignyan Kendra, Kalaburagi during Rabi 2023. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with ten treatments replicated thrice. A total of 11 treatments were used for the study and the recommended dose of FYM was applied to all the treatments, except control. The cost of cultivation was computed taking into consideration the cost of various operations and inputs used for raising the crop. The gross returns are computed using the prevailing market price for the produce. The experimental data recorded were analysed statistically as per the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique. The experimental results revealed that T10 - RPP + 30 kg ha-1 Sulphur + 5 kg ha-1 Borax recorded significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen (93.41 kg ha-1), phosphorus (22.77 kg ha-1), potassium (54.23 kg ha-1), sulphur (21.12 kg ha-1), boron (42.28 g ha-1) and total uptake of iron, manganese, zinc and copper status of plant (251.89, 110.28, 68.6 and 40.68 g ha-1 respectively in chickpea). However, it was on par with T9 - RPP + 30 kg ha-1 Sulphur + 2.5 kg ha-1 Borax, T8 - RPP + 20 kg ha-1 Sulphur + 5 kg ha-1 Borax and T7 - RPP +20kg ha-1 Sulphur + 2.5 kg ha-1 Borax. Significantly lowest total uptake of nutrients was recorded in (T1) absolute control. Higher uptake of DTPA-extractable micronutrients such as zinc, iron, copper, and manganese at harvest in the T10 treatment (Recommended package of practice + 30 kg ha-1 sulphur + 5 kg ha-1 borax) can be attributed to several key factors. Sulphur enhances soil conditions by acidifying it, which increases the solubility and availability of these micronutrients, particularly in alkaline soils where their availability is often reduced
A Review on Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Integrated Nutrient Management in Paddy Crop
No full textRice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop globally with a consumption rate that supports more than one half of the population worldwide. Nonetheless, efficient management of nutrients and fertilization (FUE) for rice continues to be a challenge. Low nutrient use efficiency (NUE), environmental consequences, and high production cost are the result of excessive and imbalanced fertilizers. We are discussing recent developments of nutrient management approaches including Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), CRF, and organic amendments, which would enhance FUE. Particular emphasis will be placed on the contribution of precision agriculture, biofertilizers, and agronomic interventions to fertilizer use efficiency in an economically sound and sustainable manner. It further outlines the interactions of water management and nutrient absorption, particularly how irrigation practices can dictate the level at which nutrients are absorbed. Finally, this review also highlights the genetic and agronomic innovations that have been applied to improve NUE in modern rice varieties. Conclusions policy driven climate smart nutrient management strategies are necessary to achieve sustainable rice production with minimum environmental hazards in the future. The implications of this study include the suggestion for farmers, researchers and policy makers to improve nutrient management practices towards sustainable rice production
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill Sp]
No full textBackground: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a diploid species (2n = 2x= 22), often cross-pollinated, with a genome size of 833.1 Mbp. The inheritance of quantitative traits is often affected by variation in other traits, resulting from pleiotropy or genetic linkage. Understanding the relationships between yield and its components is crucial for developing effective selection strategies.
Aim: This study aimed to conduct correlation and association analyses for grain yield and yield-contributing features in order to select genotypes with acceptable attributes for use in crop improvement programs.
Methodology: The experiment was conducted in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, during Kharif 2024. The experimental material comprised 13 pigeonpea genotypes along with three checks (TS-3R, BRG-5, PRG-175). These were evaluated for ten characters namely days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length (cm), 100 seed weight (g), protein content (g/100g) and seed yield per plant (g). Correlation and path analysis were estimated. Data was recorded and statistical analysis was carried out using R software.
Results: Association studies showed that seed yield per plant had a significant positive correlation with the number of pods per plant and was most strongly correlated with plant height, followed by days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of secondary branches per plant, and protein content. Direct selection for days to 50 per cent flowering, number of seeds per pod, pod length, number of pods per plant and plant height may be advantageous for selecting the high-yielding genotypes in pigeonpea. Indirect effects of the number of seeds per pod on seed yield via the days to 50 per cent flowering, 100 seed weight, protein content, plant height and number of secondary branches per plant. Therefore, this trait appears to be a key contributor to seed yield and should be a focus in selection programs aiming to increase seed yield.
Conclusion: Through this study, it is clear that yield improvement programs could prioritise traits like the number of secondary branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, plant height and seed yield per plant in breeding programmes
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Vindhyan Hill
No full textWheat is the second most important food grain after rice, contributing nearly 20% of the total food grain supply. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2024–25 at the Agronomy Farm, SAGE University, Bhopal to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield, and soil fertility of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment comprised seven treatments laid out in randomized block design with three replications, including combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), and bio-fertilizers (Azoto-bacter, PSB, KSB).Results revealed that treatment T7 (75% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ + Azoto-bacter + PSB + KSB) significantly enhanced growth of attributes such as plant height, tiller number, and dry matter accumulation compared to control treatment, and it was statistically at par with T2 (100% RDF) and T4 (75% RDF + FYM + Azoto-bacter). Yield attributes (grain yield, effective tillers, grain weight per plant) and economic returns (GMR, NMR, B:C ratio) were also highest under T7. Post-harvest soil fertility showed improvement in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Thus, integrating 75% RDF with FYM and bio-fertilizers is not only agronomical efficient but also sustainable for long-term soil health and productivity of wheat crop
Influence of Sensor Based Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Management on Soil Parameters of Mulberry Garden
No full textAim: India, the world’s second largest silk producer (40.44%), still faces sericulture expansion challenges due to limited land and freshwater availability for mulberry. Although drip irrigation is widely practiced, the systems themselves cannot determine when or how much to irrigate, which often leads to under- or over-irrigation by the farmer. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of sensor based drip irrigation and nitrogen management on soil nutrient parameters of mulberry garden.
Study Design: There were nine treatment combinations comprising of three different drip irrigation and nitrogen management methods, replicated three times and laid out in strip plot design.
Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during 2022-2023 at Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore.
Methodology: In conventional drip irrigation, the irrigation was scheduled based on irrigation water/cumulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) approach whereas in Yellow SMI (YSMI) based drip irrigation, the irrigation was scheduled based on soil moisture sensor and in soil moisture sensor based drip Irrigation, irrigation was scheduled using soil moisture depletion approach. The soil properties were analyzed before and after the experiment by following standard procedures. Data generated were subjected to ANOVA using O.P stat software.
Results: The results showed that sensor based drip irrigation (16.22 ha cm) can save 12.32% of water when compared to conventional drip irrigation (18.50 ha cm) in mulberry. The significantly higher available nitrogen (270.37 kg ha-1), phosphorous (49.78 kg ha-1) and potassium (170.98 kg ha-1) were recorded in sensor based drip irrigation @ 50% DASM applied plots whereas significantly higher calcium (5.87 c. mol/kg) and magnesium (1.91 c. mol/kg) content were recorded in sensor based drip irrigation @ 50% DASM and conventional drip irrigation @ 0.8 CPE plots respectively. The micronutrients such as iron and manganese significantly increased with respect to 100% RDN application.
Conclusion: Sensor based drip irrigation at 50% DASM with NDVI based nano urea application has shown better results on soil primary and secondary nutrient status and also water productivity of mulberry. This proposed system not only reduces labour on irrigation but also eradicates the difficulties faced by the farmers due to delay in onset of monsoon
Optimizing Plant Density and Fertility for Medium Duration Maize Hybrids in Andhra Pradesh, India
No full textAims: To evaluate the effect of planting density and fertility levels on the growth, yield and economics of medium-duration maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids during kharif season in Andhra Pradesh, and to identify the most productive and profitable hybrid–management combination.
Study Design: Split–split plot design with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Andhra Pradesh, India, during kharif, 2020.
Methodology: The experiment comprised two planting densities (60 × 20 cm and 50 × 20 cm), two fertility levels [100% RDF (200:60:50 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹) and 150% RDF (300:90:75 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹)] and five medium-duration hybrids (JKMH 15303, DKC 9194, HT 18607, BIO 9544 and CMH 08-292). Observations on plant height, phenology, yield attributes, grain yield and stover yield were recorded. Economic analysis included gross returns, net returns and benefit–cost ratio.
Results: Plant density and fertility levels had no significant effect on yield attributes or grain yield; however, numerically higher yields were recorded at wider spacing (60 × 20 cm) and 100% RDF. Among hybrids, DKC 9194 produced the highest grain yield (8616 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yield (10,585 kg ha⁻¹). The hybrid also resulted in maximum net returns (₹ 95,700 ha⁻¹) and the highest benefit–cost ratio (2.51) under 60 × 20 cm spacing with 100% RDF, indicating superior profitability compared to other treatment combinations.
Conclusion: Hybrid DKC 9194 with 100% RDF at 60 × 20 cm spacing proved most productive and economically viable under kharif conditions in Andhra Pradesh. Adoption of this combination may enhance maize profitability without requiring higher fertilizer input