Impact of Changes in Agriculture Import Tariffs on Afghanistan's Food Availability and Macroeconomic Factors

Afghanistan grappled with a severe food insecurity crisis, with two out of every five individuals experiencing acute food insecurity. The country heavily relied on imports, with cereals accounting for 66 percent of imports and wheat accounting for 73 percent of calories. This study scrutinized the influence of changing agricultural import tariffs on macroeconomic variables and food availability. The short-term impact of agricultural import tariffs was evaluated using GAMS software, utilizing a computable general equilibrium model and a social accounting matrix. Four diverse scenarios were investigated, focusing on changes in import tariffs for various agricultural products. The findings revealed that lower tariffs resulted in augmented imports and declined domestic output, whereas the opposite trend occurred with tariff upsurges. Scenario C analysed the effect of a 50 percent change on the agricultural import tariff rate of 6.12 percent. Wheat imports increased nearly 1 percent with a decline in tariffs, while they diminished by almost 22 percent with a surge in tariffs. All agricultural categories were affected, except for opium and forestry. The study volumes, lower labor and capital sharing rates, higher supply prices, and lower domestic output. To ensure food security, the government needed to advocate for scenarios that reduced tariffs, particularly through a comprehensive liberalization policy

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Mulches on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties Under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir

Mulching is a widely adopted agronomic practice for improving soil health, conserving moisture, and enhancing crop productivity, particularly under temperate conditions. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 at SKUAST-Kashmir to evaluate the effects of different organic and inorganic mulches on soil physico-chemical properties and moisture–temperature regimes under potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments, including six colored polyethylene mulches and three organic mulches, along with an un-mulched control. Soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, available N, P₂O₅, K₂O, soil moisture, and temperature were assessed before and after the experiment. Results revealed significant improvements in soil properties under both mulch types compared to the control. Plastic mulches, particularly black and green polyethylene, reduced soil pH, EC, and bulk density while enhancing soil moisture retention and thermal conditions. Among organic mulches, farmyard manure mulch recorded the highest organic carbon, reduced EC, improved nutrient availability, and maintained favorable soil temperature and moisture levels. Overall, mulched treatments significantly increased available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the initial soil status and the un-mulched control. Black polyethylene mulch and farmyard manure mulch consistently outperformed other treatments in improving soil hydrothermal regimes. The findings highlight the potential of both organic and inorganic mulches to enhance soil quality and support sustainable potato production under temperate conditions

Comparison of Growth and Yield of Nine Different Tomato Varieties under Climatic Conditions of Maidan Wardak Province, Afghanistan

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), a member of the Solanaceae family, is one of the most important annual vegetables and is considered the second most significant vegetable globally after the potato. It is native to the southwestern region of the Americas. Maidan Wardak province is recognized as one of the key regions for tomato production in Afghanistan. However, the lack of identification of high-yielding and well-growing tomato varieties under the province’s climatic conditions is one of the major challenges in tomato cultivation and a primary reason for low yields. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the growth and yield of 9 different tomato varieties under the climatic conditions of Maidan Wardak province. The experiment was conducted in 2024 at the research farm of Wardak University, utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of the study showed significant differences among the various tomato varieties. The variety Avto 1219 CLN 3241H outperformed all others in several growth and yield parameters, including plant height (95.66 cm), number of clusters per plant (35.13), number of fruits per plant (31.78), fruit diameter (7.3 cm), fruit weight per plant (3.66 kgand yield per hectare (49.30 tons). Based on these findings, the Avto 1219 CLN 3241H variety is recommended for cultivation due to its superior growth and high yield potential

Thiosemicarbazone Ligands and TheirTransition Metal Complexes as Antioxidants: A Review

Antioxidant molecules prevent the harmful reaction of oxidants inside the body by providing a single electron or hydrogen atom based on their mechanism. Different forms of oxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) could harm the proteins, lipids, and DNA. Due to the chain reactions of oxidants in the medium that exist, unwanted consequences could happen inside the body. The antioxidants by reacting with oxidants prevent the damages caused by the chain reaction of oxidants. Natural antioxidants are a well-known group of matters such as vitamins, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The antioxidant capacity/activity of natural antioxidants is studied comprehensively and reported in the literature. Synthetic antioxidants such as thiosemicarbazones either in the form of ligand or their metal complexes, could exhibit potent antioxidant capacity/activity comparable or sometimes more potent compared to the natural antioxidant. The existence of different electron donor groups in the structure of thiosemicarbazones such as hydroxyl and amine groups, could appear in the form of antioxidant capacity or activity. In the literature, various methods of determining the antioxidant capacity/activity of compounds such as thiosemicarbazones are reported. Among them, the three methods such as CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity), DPPH (2,2-di(4-tert-octyl phenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-acid) are well-known methods for the evaluating of antioxidant capacity/activity of thiosemicarbazones. In this review, the antioxidant capacity/activity of thiosemicarbazones by the last three methods is studied and the relationship between the structure of thiosemicarbazone ligands and their corresponding metal complexes with their antioxidant capacity/activity is analyzed

Effects of Nutrient Management on Growth, Agronomic Efficiency, and Economic Yield of Barley in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a major grain crop in the world, and Afghanistan. Indigenous nutrients are frequently the most limiting factors for crop output in the world's major agricultural areas, therefore good fertilizer use tactics generally result in significant financial gains for farmers. A field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Afghanistan National Agricultural Science & Technology University (ANASTU) Kandahar, Afghanistan. The experiment consisted of two barley varieties viz., Takhar Barley 013and Darulaman Barley 013 combined with 6 indigenous nutrient supply treatments. The set of treatment combinations were replicated three times in a factorial randomized block design. Among indigenous nutrient supply, agronomic use efficiency (AUE) of N (12.88 kg kg-N-1), P (25.75 kg kg-P-1), K (40.0 kg kg- K2O -1) and Zn (367.9 kg kg-Zn-1),  PFP of N (29.2 kg kg-N-1), P (58.3 kg kg-P-1), K (116.7 kg kg- K2O -1) and Zn (833.4 kg kg-Zn-1), gross returns (109085.4 AFN ha-1) and net returns (50089.5 AFN ha-1) were significantly higher with application of recommended rates of fertilizer application (NPKZn) as compared to omission of nutrients. Whereas, N omitted plots recorded significantly, whereas AUE over other nutrient omitted plots. Therefore, Takhar Barley 013 genotype along with recommended rate of fertilizers was found more productive and economically remunerative for cultivation in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Response of Onion Growth and Yield to Potassium Application in Alkaline Soils

Onion (Allium cepa L.)  is one of the most important commercial vegetables, which, after tomatoes, ranks second in the world, especially in Afghanistan. It is a great source of vitamins, protein, and amino acids, which are useful for human food and traditional medicine. This experiment was conducted in 2022 at the research farm of the agriculture faculty of Kabul University to find out the response of onion to potassium application in alkaline soil. The different levels of potassium (0, 11.25, 22.5, 33.75, 45, 56.25, 67.5, 78.75, and 90 kg per hectare) were used as treatments. The growth, quality, and yield attributes of onions were studied in this investigation. The research was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and the data was analyzed with Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR 2.0.1) software. The results show that the application of 22.5 kg per hectare potassium boosts both growth and yield attributes of onion. Farmers are suggested to apply this quantity of potassium through the sulfate of potash to produce a higher yield of onion

Geochemical and Petrographic Analysis of Metamorphic Rocks in Aliabad Mountain, Kabul Block, Afghanistan

The Kabul Block, a key geological feature in Afghanistan, comprises sedimentary, metamorphic, and volcanic rocks, including those of Aliabad Mountain. Despite its significance, Aliabad Mountain has received limited geochemical study. This research characterizes the lithological variations, chemical composition, and mineralogical properties of its metamorphic rocks to elucidate their protolith nature and tectonothermal history. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and petrographic analyses were conducted on 15 rock samples collected from five localities across Aliabad Mountain. Samples were powdered, pelletized, and analyzed using a calibrated XRF spectrometer. Results indicate a silicate-rich composition, with SiO₂ ranging from 60–72 wt%. One lithological unit shows elevated Fe (5.0–6.5 wt%), Ti (0.3–0.5 wt%), Mn (0.05–0.08 wt%), and Zr (0.015–0.02 wt%), suggesting a mafic or hydrothermally altered protolith. Another unit is enriched in phosphorus (0.1–0.5 wt%) and contains apatite and trace Cu (0.001–0.003 wt%), indicating a felsic, phosphate-bearing origin. Ni (0.002–0.004 wt%) and Co (0.008–0.012 wt%) were detected only in the oxide-rich lithology, while Au, Ag, Pd, Nb, and W were below detection limits, ruling out metallic mineralization. Petrographic analysis reveals biotite gneisses and amphibolites with sedimentary textures, supporting a paragneiss origin. These findings enhance understanding of the Proterozoic Kabul Block’s geological evolution and suggest potential for construction material sourcing due to the rocks’ stable mineralogy, despite limited economic mineral potential

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate (ZnSO₄·H₂O) Toxicity in Medaka Embryos: Impacts of Water Type on Lethal Concentration

Zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) is widely used in industrial and agricultural applications; however, its release into the environment raises concerns about its potential toxicity to the aquatic ecosystem. This study assesses the acute toxicity of zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO₄·H₂O) on Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus) embryos by examining mortality across three water types: pure water, deionized water, and dechlorinated tap water. Embryos were exposed to ZnSO₄ concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/L for 96 hours, with mortality recorded at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Mortality increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with no deaths observed in control groups. Toxicity was highest in pure water (LC₅₀ = 0.6676 mg/L), followed by dechlorinated tap water (LC₅₀ = 0.9583 mg/L), and lowest in deionized water (LC₅₀ = 1.021 mg/L). Water chemistry significantly influences ZnSO₄ toxicity, as ionic composition affects zinc uptake and its toxic effects. These results underscore the importance of site-specific water quality assessments in aquatic risk assessments. Further studies on long-term sublethal effects and metal bioaccumulation are needed to improve ecotoxicological risk assessments

Environmental Fate and Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly utilized in agriculture, electronics, and medicine, raising concerns about their environmental fate and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to review the fate, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of ZnO NPs in aquatic ecosystem. This review was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Finding indicates that ZnO NP fate in aquatic ecosystems is governed by key environmental factors, including pH, ionic strength, and DOM. ZnO NPs tend to aggregate in high-salinity environments, whereas acidic conditions enhance dissolution, leading to increased Zn²⁺ ion release and potential toxicity. Smaller ZnO NPs exhibit higher reactivity and bioavailability, increasing their potential for bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation of ZnO NPs is influenced by concentration, exposure time, and particle size, with smaller nanoparticles being more readily absorbed by aquatic organisms. Toxicity varies depending on exposure duration and environmental conditions, with DOM playing a mitigating role by reducing Zn²⁺ ion availability. Additionally, ZnO NP exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, and behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, highlighting the need for regulations and tailored risk assessments that account for water chemistry variations to mitigate ecological risks. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, including multi-species interactions and trophic transfer, to improve mitigation strategies

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Fungicides on Potato Brown Leaf Spot Alternaria alternata in Greenhouse

One of the successful strategies to increase the yield of potatoes is the management of diseases and pests during the whole growing period. Potato brown spot caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr) Keissler is one of the most destructive diseases of potatoes worldwide. The present study compared two different fungicide programs under greenhouse conditions during 2022. Firstly, the resistance of five local potato varieties (Lora, Kofre-hemaloni, Kofre-Gibson, Evalovetion, and Morabell) was evaluated under greenhouse conditions to the pathogen to find the most susceptible variety for further experiment. The degree of infection by the pathogen was calculated. The study demonstrated that the Lora variety had the most tolerance, and the Morabell variety was sensitive to the pathogen. Then, the effects of three common chemical fungicides (Mancozeb®80%, Penconazole®20%, and Topguard®30% (Flutriafol (6.94% + tebuconazole (20.8%) were tested against the pathogen using the most sensitive potato variety (Morabell) in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) under greenhouse condition. The means of infection was calculated over ten days. Specific doses of the fungicides had a significant effect in reducing disease. The severity of the disease decreased with the increased use of all the applied fungicides. The study revealed that Mancozeb and Penconazole with 1g per liter doses were the most effective treatment in controlling brown leaf spots in potatoes