Studying the effect of tillage depth combined with organic amendments and different nitrogen fertilization on improving calcareous soil properties and wheat productivity

Calcareous soil suffers from deprived organic materials, structural properties, increased water holding capacity, deep percolation, crusts and cracks formation, which hinders the roots dispersion and decreases permeation speed. This inhibits the soil physical, hydraulic properties, and its nutritional status. The research objective is to enhance the calcareous soil status and its productivity using eco-friendly conditioners. A Split-split plot field experimental study has been laid at El-Nubaria Agri. Res. Stat., in 2018 and 2019 winter seasons with three replications. The main factor was two depths of tillage: (T1) surface tillage (0 – 15 cm) and (T2) deep tillage (0 – 60 cm). The sub-main factor was three types of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization, control (C1) without N application, ammonium nitrate (F1) and urea formaldehyde (F2), while the sub-sub main factor was the types of soil amendments: no amendment (cont.), sugar beet waste (W), K-Humate (KH), Sulphur (S) and compost (Comp). Results have indicated that greater values of organic matter OM and aggregate measured were gained by the surface tillage treatment and using both sugar beet wastes (W) and compost applications. The combination between the deep tillage (T2) and ammonium nitrate (F1) and sugar beet waste (W) has increased the wheat grains and straw yield (ton ha-1) and 1000-grains weight (g). Sugar beet waste can be recommended as an economic conditioner enhances the calcareous soil to make it more productive

Heavy metal tracing from gold mining soil to vinasse in the downstreaming process of sweet sorghum to bioethanol

Soils in gold mining areas have the potential to contain heavy metals from rock weathering.  Such soil was planted with sweet sorghum to increase land productivity in Boto Village, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java during the dry season.  The harvested crop was not used for food, but processed into biofuels through fermentation and distillation.   Accordingly, the aim of this research was to trace the presence of several heavy metals in vinasse, a by-product of sweet sorghum stem juice fermentation process, from plants grown on soil in a community of gold mining area.  Two varieties of sweet sorghum, Samurai 1 and Samurai 2, were cultivated on this soil. Then, they were harvested and the sorghum stem extract was fermented to produce ethanol.  Distillation process was carried out on the fermented juice to increase the ethanol concentration, leaving behind vinasse.  Chemical analysis was carried out on the chemical properties of the soil (pH, CEC, Organic-C, total-N, available-K, and potential-P), and content of the heavy metals of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cu in the soil, juice, and vinasse.  The soil exhibits a neutral reaction, low salinity, organic-C, total-N, available P and CEC.  The levels of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cu in soil are 7.8%, 0.1%, 76.00 ppm, 23.81 ppm. In the juice, these concentrations were 9.66, 21.14, 1.49, 1.64 in ppm. In the vinasse, they were 5.29, 28.15, 1.05, 0.73 ppm, respectively.  These results indicate that heavy metals in soils could be absorbed by sorghum crops and they were absorbed in the stems of Samurai 1 and 2 sweet sorghum varieties, extracted into the juice, and partially remained in the vinasse

Soil physico-chemical properties and microbial diversity on chilli anthracnose disease severity in Northern Karnataka, India

Chilli anthracnose disease causes a huge commercial loss in the globe. Studying soil physico-chemical properties is crucial to understand chilli anthracnose because these properties significantly affect the efficacy of biocontrol agents and herbicides used to manage the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relative percentage of disease incidence (% DI) of chilli anthracnose in dominant chilli growing areas of Northern Karnataka in India and its relationship to soil properties. The soil physico-chemical (texture, moisture, density, pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, and B) properties, microbial (fungi and bacteria) diversity of 17 soil samples were analysed by standard protocols and evaluated their correlation with % DI, using Pearson correlation and cluster analysis method. Highest % DI was found in Shira with more value of pH (8.45), and Mg (14.63 meq 100 g-1), whereas in Nela with more value of EC (0.38%), moisture (46%), and Ca (33.83 meq 100 g-1), and also in the regions where the beneficial microbes were less in number (Tegg, Shira, Agad and Nela). The results obtained from Pearson correlation indicated that % DI was positively correlated to moisture (r=0.851**, P=0.01), EC (r=0.488*, P=0.05) and negatively correlated to Pseudomonas sp. (r=-0.322*, P=0.05). The present study provides comprehensive information about the role of physical, chemical and biological properties of soil characteristics responsible for the development of anthracnose disease prevalence and reducing soil quality as well as chilli production under natural conditions

Estimation of water use efficiency (WUE) for efficient irrigation level of oil palm during the main nursery phase

The water requirement of oil palm depends on the growth phase (e.g., higher demand during vegetative expansion), environmental conditions (e.g., increased under high vapour pressure deficit), and agricultural practices (e.g., reduced demand through effective water management). Therefore, the water used for oil palm nurseries should be used efficiently to preserve environmental sustainability. The main objective of this research was to determine the water use efficiency (WUE) of oil palm during the main nursery phase. The study evaluated several irrigation strategies inside and outside the greenhouse, including fixed daily watering (two liters per seedling), irrigation based on actual evapotranspiration (ETa), rainfall-dependent watering, and no irrigation. In the outdoor treatments, one group of seedlings was irrigated according to ETa, but watering was withheld when daily rainfall exceeded five mm, while another group received two liters per day only when rainfall was below five mm.  These two treatments showed the highest daily evapotranspiration rates, greater vegetative growth, and higher biomass accumulation compared to the other treatments. Notably, the ETa-based treatment was recorded as having the highest water use efficiency (WUE). This study concludes that water loss during evapotranspiration is the main determining factor for irrigation volume. Therefore, irrigation in oil palm nurseries should be based on ETa to improve efficiency and lower costs. These findings offer practical guidance for farmers or plantation management to support more sustainable and cost-effective irrigation practices

Differential herbicide persistence and shifts in soil bacterial communities in Alfisol and Inceptisol

Weeds significantly reduce crop yields and promote herbicide use, accounting for 80% of agricultural pesticides. However, herbicide persistence and toxicity adversely affect soil microbial communities, impacting soil health and productivity. This study compared the effects of organic (Vinegar-weed-care: acetic acid) and chemical herbicides (PrimextraGold: Atrazine + S-metolachlor; Imazapyr: Isopropyl amine) on soil bacteria in Alfisol and Inceptisol from Ibadan, Nigeria. Soils were analysed for physical properties and microbial DNA, and herbicide degradation was tracked using GC-MS at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Alfisol exhibited higher fertility with pH 6.2, organic carbon 3.9 g kg-1, nitrogen 0.7 g kg-1, and phosphorus 25.9 mg kg-1, compared to Inceptisol (pH 5.5, organic carbon 1.9 g kg-1, nitrogen 0.6 g kg-1, phosphorus 20.8 mg kg-1). Herbicide persistence was greater in Alfisol: metolachlor (84.94%) and Imazapyr (61.00%) vs. Inceptisol (52.55% and 50.15%, respectively). Organic herbicide metabolites also persisted more in Alfisol (35.13%) than in Inceptisol (28.00%). In non-sterile Alfisol, biodegradation of PrimextraGold and Imazapyr was lower (43.46% and 10.30%) than in sterile soils (53.97% and 16.17%), while the organic herbicide biodegraded more in non-sterile (23.49%) than in sterile (17.08%). In non-sterile Inceptisol, Imazapyr degraded less (8.94%–31.72%) than in sterile (29.49%–34.75%), but atrazine degraded more in non-sterile (61.96%–68.17%). Organic acetamide degraded better in non-sterile Inceptisol (23.42%–90.5%) than in sterile (12.47%–30.7%). Chemical herbicides reduced Candidatus Udaeobacter, Pedosphaera, and Chthoniobacter in Alfisol, while organic herbicides enhanced them in both soils. These findings highlight the ecological benefits of soil-friendly organic herbicides

Spatial-based analysis for risk erosion hazard in Jordan

Soil erosion is a critical environmental issue in Jordan, particularly due to the country’s fragile ecosystems, steep slopes, and varying climatic conditions. It poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation, and land sustainability. This study aims to provide a detailed spatial assessment of soil erosion risk across Jordan and identify erosion-prone zones to support informed decision-making in land management. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, was employed to estimate soil loss and map erosion severity. The model incorporated essential factors including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, vegetation cover, and conservation practices. Erosion rates were categorized into three classes: low (0–10 tons ha-1 year-1), moderate (10–50 tons ha-1 year-1), and high (>50 tons ha-1 year-1). Results revealed that 94% of Jordan’s land is subject to low erosion risk, 5% to moderate risk, and approximately 1% to high risk. The areas most vulnerable to erosion are located in the northern and central highlands and parts of the Jordan Valley, primarily due to their steep topography and higher precipitation levels. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating RUSLE with GIS to identify critical erosion hotspots and inform targeted soil conservation strategies, contributing to more sustainable land use planning in arid and semi-arid regions like Jordan

Oxidized alkaline biochar and phosphate solubilizing bacteria mixture enhances direct seeded maize yield in an acid soil

Maize is an important cereal in many developed and developing countries of the world.  One of the primary challenges for maize cultivation is soil acidity. Acidic soil is a major constrain in achieving food security requiring sustainable solutions. Biochar, a pyrogenic carbon-rich material, carries reactive surfaces (i.e., high surface area and variable surface charges). Therefore, it facilitates nutrient retention in soil and gradual release to plants, thereby supporting crop growth. However, the combine effects of functionalized biochar with microbes on phosphorus (P) bioavailability and plant performance remain unclear. This study investigates the application of different oxidized biochars (i.e.,fresh rice husk biochar (RHB), pH adjusted oxidized RHB and control) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and control) on soil properties including phosphorus dynamics and the performance of maize grown in an acid soil.  Biochar was oxidized using 10% hydrogen peroxide while the pH was adjusted to 8.5. Maize was grown in pots having 20 kg of soil or soil-biochar mixture. Overall, biochar and microbes treatments increased soil phosphorus bioavailability and maize yield with a greater effects in the oxidized biochar giving a significant biochar × microbes interactions. Specifically, oxidized biochar when applied with Pseudomonas aeruginosa  increased P availability by 380 % which then contributed to yield increment (291%). We also observed a significant reduction in available aluminum (Al) concentration (40% ) compare to the control. These improvement in yield might have occurred due to an increase soil pH, P bioavailability (r2= 0.74), and a reduction in Al toxicity (r2= 0.36).Findings of this study could have significant implications for crop production in acidic soil

Preserving soil properties and enhancing cauliflower yield with black plastic mulch in Bangladesh

Poor soil health and inefficient farming practices significantly challenge sustainable agriculture and crop productivity in Bangladesh. This study evaluated the impact of various mulching techniques on soil properties, cauliflower yield, and carbon sequestration in Bangladesh to identify the optimal mulching strategy for sustainable cauliflower production and carbon sequestration. A field experiment in the Bogura district evaluated the effects of various mulching materials—newspaper, rice husk, rice straw, black plastic, craft paper, and no mulch—on soil physicochemical properties and cauliflower production. Data measurement and monitoring assessed soil properties, mulch degradation rates, and cauliflower quality, with organic carbon determined using Walkley and Black's method. Results showed significant impacts of mulching on soil parameters and cauliflower yield. Black plastic mulch increased soil temperature by approximately 6°C and conserved soil moisture by 13.2% compared to the no-mulch (control). Organic mulches, especially rice husk, were superior in conserving soil carbon (21.3 g Kg-1) and increasing available nitrogen (22.4 mg Kg-1), phosphorus (36.5 mg Kg-1), and soil pH (7.4). Although all treatments increased electrical conductivity (EC), the control showed the highest EC value (405.5 µS cm -1). Among organic mulches, craft paper had the highest degradation rate followed by newspaper and rice straw mulches. Cauliflower yield varied with mulch type, with black plastic producing the highest yield (1162.0 g), followed by rice straw (1050.0 g), rice husk (983.0 g), craft paper (821.0 g), and newspaper (752.0 g). These findings suggested black plastic mulch for maximizing cauliflower production in Bangladesh and similar conditions

Methane (CH₄) emissions exceeding the threshold from chilli cultivation mulching practices in Sleman Regency, Indonesia

Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, although there is limited information on its emissions dynamics in dryland horticulture. Chilli cultivation practices comprising fertilization and mulching may influence CH₄ emissions through alterations in soil temperature and moisture. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different mulching practices on CH₄ emissions and determine the threshold for sustainable chilli cultivation in tropical dryland conditions. A field experiment was conducted in Sleman, Indonesia, using a randomized block design with three mulch treatments. These included unmulched treatment (M0), organic mulch (M1), and plastic mulch (M2), each replicated three times. Gas sampling was performed biweekly for 112 days using the closed chamber method. Soil temperature and Volumetric Water Content (VWC) were recorded using in situ sensors. The results showed that mulch treatments significantly influenced CH₄ emissions (p < 0.001). M1 produced the highest average CH₄ flux (0.114 mg m⁻² h⁻¹), followed by M2 (0.043 mg m⁻² h⁻¹) and M0 (0.016 mg m⁻² h⁻¹). All treatments exceeded the calculated CH₄ threshold of 0.145 mg m⁻² h⁻¹ under certain conditions. These results showed the need for careful mulching selection to reduce environmental impact and support the development of CH₄ emissions threshold for sustainable dryland horticulture

Effects of different application ratios of biochar-organic compound fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on soil nutrition content and yield of maize

Overuse of traditional chemical fertilizers may result in environmental pollution and a decrease in the quality of farm produce. By contrast, applying biochar-organic compound fertilizers can enhance soil structure, increase soil fertility, and mitigate pollution levels. This study explores the intricate mechanisms of the combined application of biochar-organic compound fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on soil chemical properties and corn growth. The aim is to elucidate the theoretical foundations supporting the widespread adoption of biochar-organic compound fertilizers. A total of 6 treatments were set up, among which the CK treatment did not apply fertilizer, the CF treatment used bovine excrement organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer, the T1 to T4 treatments used biochar-organic compound fertilizers and replaced 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% bovine excrement organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer. The results showed that applying biochar-organic compound fertilizers enhanced the slow-release properties of soil available nutrients, increased corn yield, and improved grain quality. Notably, when biochar-organic compound fertilizers were employed instead of 100% bovine excrement organic fertilizer, the yield surpassed that of other treatments, exhibiting a remarkable 9.30% increase compared to the CF treatment. Through comprehensive analysis, it was determined that using biochar-organic compound fertilizer to replace 60% of bovine excrement organic fertilizer is a scheme that can balance both fertilizer efficacy and cost and is recommended to farmers. This research can contribute to promoting the green transformation of agriculture and help achieve the goal of "carbon neutrality"