Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Effect of Foliar Nutrition on Growth Parameters of Bhindi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
No full textA field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod, Kerala, during 2024–2025, to study the influence of foliar nutrition and its split application on growth attributes in bhindi. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with fourteen treatment combinations and three replications. Treatment had two main factors (i) Foliar nutrition F1: Micro sol (2%), F2: 19:19:19 (0.5%), F3: Nano urea (0.4%), F4: Supernatant solution of cow dung (10 %), F5: 19:19:19 (0.5%) + Micro sol (2%), F6: Nano urea (0.4%) + Micro sol (2%), F7: Supernatant solution of cow dung (10 %) + Micro sol (2%) and (ii) Number of split applications S1: 15 DAS, 30DAS and 45 DAS, S2: 15DAS, 30DAS, 45 DAS and 60DAS. Results indicated that treatments varied significantly for all growth characteristics. F₅, comprising 19:19:19 (0.5%) + Micro sol (2%), had a maximum plant height, number of branches, leaf length, leaf width, and dry matter production, followed by Nano urea 0.4% + Micro sol 2% (F₆). Split applications at four intervals (S₂) were superior to three-split applications (S₁). The study clearly shows that the combined foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) and Micro sol (2%) at four split intervals can enhance nutrient uptake and improve the growth attributes in bhindi
Yield and Economic Performance of Finger Millet Genotypes under Varying NPK Fertilizer Doses in Rainfed Conditions
No full textAims: To evaluate the influence of graded NPK fertilizer levels on the growth, yield and profitability of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) genotypes under rainfed conditions, and to identify the most productive and economically viable genotype–fertilizer combination.
Study Design: Split Plot Design (SPD) with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Andhra Pradesh, India, during Kharif, 2018.
Methodology: The experiment comprised three fertilizer levels [75% RDF (37.5:30:18.75 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹), 100% RDF (50:40:25 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹) and 125% RDF (62.5:50:31.25 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹)] and five finger millet genotypes (PR-10-35, KOPN-942, GPU-45, GPU-67 and PR-202). Observations were recorded on growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield and economic indicators including gross returns, net returns and benefit–cost ratio.
Results: Growth, yield attributes and grain yield consistently increased progressively with higher fertilizer levels. Application of 125% RDF produced the highest grain yield (3198.6 kg ha⁻¹). Among genotypes, PR-10-35 recorded the highest grain yield (3260.5 kg ha⁻¹), statistically comparable with PR-202 (3186.4 kg ha⁻¹). The PR-10-35 at 125% RDF combination gave the highest net returns (₹ 50,378 ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (2.92), demonstrating clear economic superiority.
Conclusion: The genotype PR-10-35 combined with 125% RDF proved most productive and profitable under rainfed conditions of the Godavari Zone of Andhra Pradesh. This combination can be recommended to farmers to enhance productivity and economic returns in similar rainfed agro-ecologies
Regenerative and Conservation Agriculture as Climate Solutions: Evidence for Soil Carbon Gains and Emission Reductions
No full textRegenerative and conservation agriculture are widely promoted as “climate-smart” strategies that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while sustaining food production. However, expectations for agricultural soils as a major negative-emission technology remain contested. The central issue is whether these practices can reliably increase soil organic carbon (SOC), reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, and support farm livelihoods. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on the impacts of regenerative and conservation agriculture on SOC stocks, GHG balances, and farmer livelihoods. It clarifies definitions and conceptual overlaps between the two approaches, linking them to contemporary understanding of SOC dynamics and carbon accounting. The analysis draws on recent global meta-analyses and long-term experiments to evaluate practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, diversified rotations, organic amendments, agroforestry, and improved grazing systems. These practices typically raise SOC in surface soils and can improve yields and resilience, but the size of the effect varies strongly with climate, soil type, baseline management and time horizon. Evidence on net GHG outcomes is more mixed: while practices such as reduced tillage and cover cr ops often lower CO₂ emissions from fuel use and erosion, their effects on nitrous oxide (N₂O) are highly variable, and increases in N₂O can offset part of the climate benefit from SOC accrual. We discuss how these biophysical outcomes intersect with farmer incentives, equity considerations and the integrity of rapidly expanding soil carbon credit schemes. Finally, we identify key research and policy priorities for aligning regenerative and conservation agriculture with robust climate mitigation, including improved monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), better integration of yield and risk metrics, and governance frameworks that prioritise “carbon for soils, not soils for carbon
Effect of Dormancy Breaking Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Vigor of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.)
No full textAn experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the College of Agriculture/ University of Kufa on 15/10/2025. The aim dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) seeds to investigate the effects of different concentrations and durations of gibberellic acid (GA3) soaking, and their interactive effects with germination indices and early seedling growth, as a factorial experiment (3 × 3) completely randomized design, with three replications. The first factor included levels of GA3 (0, 100, 200 mg.L-1), while another one comprised soaking durations at (12,24, and 36 hours). Highly significant differences were recorded for both main factors and their interaction, across all studied traits, according to statistical analysis results. The inter action treatment (seed in 200 mg.L-1, 24 hours oaking duration) attained maximum values across almost all indicators. This resulted in the highest germination percentage of 94.00%, accompanied by a mean germination time of 3.23 days, a coefficient velocity germination of 0.31, an average plumule length of 8.23 cm and radicle length of 8.93 cm, seedling dry weight of 0.05 g, seedling vigor index value at 1717.30 besides total chlorophyll content at15.63 mg100g⁻¹ fresh weight all being maximum values recorded for these parameters. It was highly significantly different from the control treatment (soaking in distilled water for12hours) that attained minimum values among all attributes studied
Synergistic Effects of Agroforestry on Carbon Sequestration and Climate Adaptation: A Comprehensive Review
No full textThe synergistic effects of agroforestry on carbon sequestration and climate adaptation strategies, emphasizing its role in sustainable agriculture and land management. Agroforestry plays a important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation by integrating trees, crops, and livestock to enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and increase ecosystem resilience. A systematic analysis of recent literature from journals and policy reports to evaluate the impact of agroforestry on carbon sequestration and climate adaptation. Agroforestry systems, including agrisilviculture, silvopasture, and agrosilvopastoral practices, contribute significantly to carbon sequestration through aboveground biomass accumulation, root carbon storage, and soil organic matter enhancement. The ability of agroforestry to mitigate climatic extremes, such as droughts, extreme temperatures, and soil erosion, underscores its importance in enhancing agricultural resilience. The adoption of agroforestry-based carbon sequestration strategies is supported by international climate policies, including the Paris Agreement, REDD+, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while financial mechanisms such as carbon trading and payment for ecosystem services (PES) offer incentives for farmers. Despite its benefits, agroforestry faces barriers such as policy fragmentation, high implementation costs, and the need for standardized carbon measurement methodologies. Technological advancements, including genetic improvement of tree species, precision farming, and climate-smart agroforestry strategies, present opportunities to enhance its effectiveness. Future research should focus on multidisciplinary approaches integrating remote sensing, soil science, and socioeconomic analysis to optimize agroforestry’s carbon sequestration potential. Government policies should prioritize financial support, capacity building, and land tenure security to scale agroforestry adoption. Strengthening institutional frameworks and leveraging climate finance mechanisms will be essential for mainstreaming agroforestry into national and global climate action plans. Expanding research on carbon sequestration measurement and incentivizing farmer participation through payment for ecosystem services are key to scaling agroforestry solutions. A multi-disciplinary approach combining ecological, economic, and policy innovations is essential to unlocking the full potential of agroforestry in combating climate change and ensuring long-term sustainability
The Impact of Zinc Nutrition on Weed Competitiveness in Rice
No full textThe experiment was conducted at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India, during the Kharif Season 2022-2023 to study the influence of different zinc nutrition treatments on weed competitiveness in rice. The treatments were T1- Soil application of ZnSO4 at 20 kg ha-1 T2- Nutri priming with Nano Zn at 0.05% T3- Nutri priming with Nano Zn at 0.05% + Foliar spray with Nano Zn at 0.05% at maximum tillering stage T4-Nutri priming with ZnSO4 at 0.5% T5- Nutri priming with ZnSO4 at 0.5% + Foliar spray with Nano Zn at 0.05% at maximum tillering stage T6- Foliar spray with Nano Zn at 0.05% at maximum tillering stage and panicle initiation stage T7- Foliar spray withZnSO4 at 0.5% at maximum tillering stage and panicle initiation stage T8- Control (Recommended dose of nutrients without application of P and Zn). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The predominant weed flora was grasses. The highest weed smothering efficiency was recorded in T3 and T2 at 20 days after transplanting (DAT) and 40 DAT. The lowest weed persistence index was recorded in T3. It can be concluded that Nutri priming with Nano Zn at 0.05%, followed by foliar spray with Nano Zn at 0.05% at the maximum tillering stage, enhanced the weed competitiveness in rice
The Role of Biochar in the Behavior of Positive Ions and Dispersion Parameters in Two Soils of Different Textures
No full textThe study included the selection of two sites for two different textured soils within Nineveh Governorate - Iraq, with the aim of knowing the role of biochar in the chemical behavior of positive ions (Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+) as well as dispersion parameters (SAR, MCAR, CROSS). Soil samples were collected from the surface layer and brought to the laboratory, after drying and sifting them with a sieve with a 4 mm diameter, biochar was added to them at three levels (0%, 2% and 4%) of the soil weight. These soils were filled with plastic columns (column length 25 cm and diameter 7 cm). The experiment was carried out by adding water to each column in a volume equal to the pore volume PV, and alternating wetting was carried out for ten consecutive cycles with a period of 10 days between each cycle. After the end of the first cycle PV1, the fifth cycle PV5 and the tenth cycle PV10, each soil column was cut into two depths (0-10 cm) and (10-20 cm). The soil was analyzed to determine the role of the number of wetting cycles on the positive ions and dispersion parameters under the influence of biochar. The results of this study indicated that there is a clear variation in the values of the dissolved positive ions released from the two study soils when using different wetting periods and for different levels of biochar addition. As for the wetting periods, there was a gradual increase in the values of both Ca+2 and Mg+2 with the increase in the number of hydration periods, starting from the first cycle PV1 after 10 days and up to the tenth cycle PV10 after 100 days. Regarding Na+ and K+, we noticed that there was no consistent behavior of increasing or decreasing values with the number of wetting periods, in some treatments, there was a release up to the fifth pore volume, after which there was a decrease in the release process, and in others, there was adsorption up to the fifth pore volume, after which there was a decrease in the amount of adsorbed ions, which clearly indicates the saturation of the exchange surfaces with these ions and their return to the solution. As for the levels of biochar added to the two study soils, they had a clear role in increasing the values of the four dissolved positive ions with the increase in the level of addition and in all wetting periods. When comparing the two study soils, the values of the released positive ions in the clay loam soil were generally higher compared to the clay soil. As for the dispersion measures, the lowest values for each of SAR, MCAR and CROSS were in the clay soil and the highest in the clay loam soil
Impact of Irrigation Intervals, Potassium Silicate and Organic Acids on Improving Water Relationships and Triticum sativa Yield in Sandy Soils
No full textWheat production in hot, arid climates demands a lot of water; thus, it needs to be drought resistant. Irrigation management and supplementation are critical, and accumulative pan evaporation (APE) evaluation is a useful way. The goal of this study was to determine how varied irrigation schedules, utilizing various APE and both inorganic and organic conditioners, affect wheat crop yield and drought tolerance. We carried out a field experiment at the Ismailia Agricultural Research Station in Egypt\u27s Ismailia Governorate. The split-plot design was used with three replications, and wheat was grown across two winters (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). The main plot received three irrigation treatments (2, 1.5, and 1 based on APE). The sub-main plots had five different treatments: a control group (T1), 1000 mg SiO₂ L-1 as potassium silicate (T2), T2 plus 50 mM citric acid (T3), T2 plus 20 mM acetic acid (T4), and T2 with both 50 mM citric acid and 20 mM acetic acid (T5).Water consumptive use (WCU) and water usage efficiency (WUE) were calculated for seasons, as well as wheat crop yield, total nutrient content, and some soil chemical properties. The study indicated that WCU varied between 1365 to 2067 m³fed-1 and 1371 to 2051 m³fed-1 for wheat crop in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, respectively. Also, interaction between coefficients of APE and adding KSi with organic acids significantly boosted wheat production, improved how well water was used, increased the total nutrients in the wheat, enhanced the soil\u27s chemical properties, and made nutrients more available during both growing seasons In conclusion, using irrigation treatment 2 APE in conjunction with T5 was the optimum treatment and is suggested when wheat Giza 171 is planted in sandy soil with spray watering in northeast Egypt
Quality Improvement in Tomato through Integrated Application of Nano and Conventional Fertilizers in Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India
No full textBackground: The overuse of conventional fertilizers in tomato cultivation has led to reduced nutrient use efficiency and environmental concerns. Integrating nano-fertilizers with conventional sources offers a sustainable approach to enhance fruit quality and nutrient efficiency under field conditions.
Methodology: The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of integrated application of conventional and nano-fertilizers on the quality parameters of tomato (under field conditions in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out during the summer season of 2023 in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 11 treatment combinations involving different levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with foliar-applied nano-NPK at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% concentrations. The standard RDF was applied through conventional sources, while nano-NPK was applied at 30 and 60 days after transplanting.
Results: The results revealed significant improvements in fruit quality attributes under integrated nutrient treatments compared to the absolute control and sole RDF. Among all treatments, T7 (80% RDF + 1.0% nano-NPK) recorded the highest total soluble solids (4.56 °B), reducing sugar (2.69%), total sugar (3.55%), antioxidant activity (41.58%), and total chlorophyll content (1.80 mg g⁻¹). The highest ascorbic acid content (83.50 mg 100⁻¹ g) was observed under T4 (80% RDF + 0.5% nano-NPK), indicating improved physiological and biochemical traits. The absolute control (T11) consistently recorded the lowest values across all parameters.
Conclusion: The enhanced performance of integrated treatments may be attributed to improved nutrient use efficiency, greater metabolic activity, and enhanced biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites promoted by nano-fertilizer application. The study demonstrates that the conjoint use of nano and conventional fertilizers, particularly at 80% RDF + 1.0% nano-NPK, is an effective and sustainable strategy for improving tomato fruit quality while reducing chemical fertilizer input
Effect of Lime, Boron and Farm Yard Manure on Cauliflower Yield and Soil Fertility in Acidic Soils of Keonjhar District in Odisha, India
No full textA field trial was conducted during 2012-13 and 2013-14 (Rabi seasons) to assess the combined effect of lime, boron (B), and farmyard manure (FYM) on soil fertility and productivity of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in acidic soils of Keonjhar District, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), replicated thrice, with eighteen treatment combinations consisting of two levels of FYM, three levels of lime, and three levels of boron. The treatments included different combinations of lime (0%, 0.1 LR, 0.2 LR), boron (0, 0.5 kg/ha + 0.25% foliar spray, 1.0 kg/ha), and FYM (0 t/ha, 5 t/ha). The recommended dose of nitrogen (150 kg/ha) plus 75 kg ha-1 as basal dose, phosphorus (60 kg/ha), and potassium (80 kg/ha) was applied uniformly across all treatments using urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash, respectively. Combined application of lime, boron, and FYM significantly improved some soil properties, such as soil pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, exchangeable calcium, and available boron. Additionally, it reduced the toxicity of available iron, creating a favorable environment for cauliflower growth. Among the eighteen treatments, the combination of FYM at 5 t/ha, lime at 0.2 LR, and boron at 1.0 kg/ha resulted the highest dry matter and curd yield. This treatment produced 29.8% increase in curd yield and a 40% increase in dry matter yield compared to the control. The findings suggest that integrated soil management practices involving lime, boron, and FYM can enhance both soil fertility and cauliflower productivity in acidic soils