Search

Infant/toddler food (ITF) contamination with As is a severe issue of concern due to the fact that food is the second leading source of As after drinking water in the aspect of toxicity induced by nutrition. This study aimed to perform a preliminary assessment of As contamination in commercially available ITF in Libya, thus revealing possible exposure of consumers to As. ITF samples were purchased at supermarkets and were divided as follows: i) ITF containing cereal mixture (ITF-mix); ii) ITF containing wheat (ITF-wheat); and iii) ITF containing rice (ITF-rice). The total concentration of As was detected after wet digestion using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The highest mean concentration of As was detected for ITF-rice in comparison to other ITF samples. Sources of As in food are both, natural and human-induced; the main source of ITF contamination with As could be industrial food processing, manufacturing and storage, as well as cultivation specifics of crops. The study revealed the significance of monitoring or supervision over food safety, especially regarding ITF as these products are intended for the most vulnerable groups of consumers.

Plastic waste is now a major environmental problem worldwide, and it has worsened in the last few years. Scientists are studying how much plastic is in the environment, how dangerous it is, and how to learn it. This study looked at research papers on microplastics’ effects on plants listed by Scopus from 2011 to 2022. The goal was to see how this body of knowledge has grown and expanded over time and guess what it will do. The authors used the VOSviewer package and Scopus analytics for the bibliometric study. A total of 380 manuscripts, written by 159 authors, were taken out. Much study is being done on particle size, quantity, bioaccumulation, and environmental and community effects. Rillig, M.C., Das Berlin-Brandenburgisches Institut für Biodiversitatsforschung, Germany, is thought to be the most productive and often-cited researcher. The Ministry of Education China is the most essential printing house. China is the leader in terms of the number of papers and study partnerships. It is best to look at the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soil has the potential to contaminate plants and agricultural products with negative impacts on humans and living creatures. Therefore, identifying and quantifying MPs in potato farms is essential to evaluate. This study aims to estimate MPs pollutants in potato farms. This study found that potato farm components (potato seedlings, soil, organic fertilizer, potato, irrigation water and potato chips) had a total MPs content of 104 particles. The higher abundance of MPs 2.83 mL–1 was recorded in Pujon Kidul irrigation water and lower abundance of MPs 0.03 g–1 was noted in Potato chip – “OK” brand. Considering size of microplastic the maximum size of MPs 5.449 mm was calculated in Pujon Kidul irrigation water and minimum size of MPs 0.172 mm was noted in Pujon Kidul 3rd growing media. The colors of MPs identified are transparent, black, blue, red, yellow, and green. In addition, the MP’s shape was 68.2 % of fibre, 26.9 % of filament, 3.8 % fragment, and 1.1 % of granules in potato farm components. The emerging pollutants must be addressed because microplastic degradation causes them to spread more widely, accumulating over tens to hundreds of years as a hidden danger.

Microplastic (MPs) contamination investigations have been carried out on 16 cooking oil brands, especially palm cooking oil. MPs analysis used modified fenton oxidative degradation and identification through light optical microscopy. The investigation results presented that all cooking oil brands were dirtied with MPs. The most minor abundance of MPs (0.07 ± 0.09) mL–1 particle is in the Tl. brand, a premium cooking oil. that matches imported canola oil (Ma. brand). Bulk cooking oil is contaminated with the highest MPs (0.37 ± 0.05) mL–1 particle, but the contamination can be reduced with packaging, as shown in the Minyakkita brand (0.28 ± 0.05) mL–1 particle. Red palm oil has contamination i.e., (0.23 ± 0.05) mL–1 to (0.50 ± 0.05) mL–1 particle. Investigations at three street vendors of fried food showed that the snacks were contaminated with MPs. Black fiber particles dominate the pollution in cooking oil and fried snacks. It’s suspected that MP pollution has occurred during the CPO process. Considering MPs’ harmful impacts on human health, comprehensive research should be conducted to minimize MP pollution in palm cooking oil. This action must be carried out as a campaign for healthy Indonesian palm oil cooking.

Over the course of the previous decade, there has been a growing apprehension regarding the presence of MPs. This concern has arisen because of the detrimental effects of MPs pollution on the well-being of both animals and people. This study explores the potential implications of MPs contamination on mice. This study examined the impact of microplastics on mice by feeding four food experiment; P0 (pellet BR1), P1 (potato from Pujon Farm), P2 (potato mixed 300 µg PET) and P3 (potato mixed 600 µg PET). Body weight, feces weight, and left feed were observed in this study. Food contaminated with microplastics (MPs) has a negative effect on appetite, feces weight and body weight of mice. This process has an impact on reducing the weight of feces, appetite, body weight of mice and weight of mice. It is suspected that MPs in rat digestion increase concentrations of mice corticosterone metabolites and carcass fat, suggesting an adaptation of metabolism to this situation. Another impact is expected the decrease in microbial richness in the intestines of mice, causing a decrease in mice weight and body weight of mice. The high concentration of MPs entering the digestive tract can also reduce the rats’ appetite.

This study aimed to assess the ability of bacteria living in bamboo roots to suppress the pathogen Phytophthora infestans in Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Granola Kembang—G2. The research was conducted in Pujon Village, Malang Regency, East Java, from March to June 2022, using a factorial experiment arranged at random groups. The first factor is Plant Grow Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), i.e. P1, PGPR derived from bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl) roots; and P2, PGPR from Biopharma. The second factor is the concentration of PGPR, namely 10 mg L–1 (C1), 20 mg L–1 (C2), and 30 mg L–1 (C3). There was no significant interaction between the PGPR source and the PGPR concentration treatment on the observed variables except tuber weight ha–1. The PGPR source did not show significant differences in the intensity of disease attacks, the number of tubers plant–1, and the percentage of tuber damage. PGPR concentrations showed significant differences in these three variables. The concentration of PGPR, which effectively and efficiently suppresses disease, is 20 mg L–1 (C2), which is suitable for potato tuber production is 30 mg L–1 (C3).

Background: Nitrogen (N) availability is crucial in regulating plants' abiotic stress resistance, particularly at the seedling stage. Nevertheless, plant responses to N under salinity conditions may vary depending on the soil's NH4+ to NO3− ratio. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of different NH4+:NO3− ratios (100/0, 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25) on the growth and physio-biochemical responses of soybean seedlings grown under controlled and saline stress conditions (0-, 50-, and 100-mM L− 1 NaCl and Na2SO4, at a 1:1 molar ratio). Results: We observed that shoot length, root length, and leaf-stem-root dry weight decreased significantly with increased saline stress levels compared to control. Moreover, there was a significant accumulation of Na+, Cl−, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) but impaired ascorbate-glutathione pools (AsA-GSH). They also displayed lower photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b), K+ ion, K+/Na+ ratio, and weakened O2•−-H2O2-scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase under both saline stress levels, while reduced ascorbate peroxidase, and dehydroascorbate reductase under 100-mM stress, demonstrating their sensitivity to a saline environment. Moreover, the concentrations of proline, glycine betaine, total phenolic, flavonoids, and abscisic acid increased under both stresses compared to the control. They also exhibited lower indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, cytokinins, and zeatine riboside, which may account for their reduced biomass. However, NH4+:NO3− ratios caused a differential response to alleviate saline stress toxicity. Soybean seedlings supplemented with optimal ratios of NH4+:NO3− (T3 = 25:75 and T = 4 50:50) displayed lower Na+ and Cl− and ABA but improved K+ and K+/Na+, pigments, growth hormones, and biomass compared to higher NH4+:NO3− ratios. They also exhibited higher O2•−-H2O2-scavenging enzymes and optimized H2O2, MDA, and AsA-GSH pools status in favor of the higher biomass of seedlings. Conclusions: In summary, the NH4+ and NO3− ratios followed the order of 50:50 > 25:75 > 0:100 > 75:25 > 100:0 for regulating the morpho-physio-biochemical responses in seedlings under SS conditions. Accordingly, we suggest that applying optimal ratios of NH4+ and NO3− (25/75 and 50:50) can improve the resistance of soybean seedlings grown in saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity caused a widespread detrimental issue that hinders productivity in agriculture and ecological sustainability, while waste-derived soil amendments like biochar have drawn attention for their capacity to act as a mitigating agent, by enhancing the physical and chemical features of soil, and contributing to the recovery of agricultural waste resources. However, the information concerning biochar and salinity which affect the physicochemical characteristics of soils, crop physiology, and growth is limited. To investigate whether biochar mitigates the salinity stress on wheat crop seedlings, we grow them with salinity stress (120 mM), and biochar (20 tons ha−1), and its interactive effects. The soil properties of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil available phosphorus (SAP) decreased in the saline soil by 36.71%, 46.97%, 26.31%, and 15.00%, while biochar treatment increased SOC, DOC, and SAP contents by 7.42%, 31.57%, and 15.00%, respectively. On the other hand, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) contents decreased in all the treatments compared to the control. The root growth traits, SPAD values, leaf nitrogen, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and reactive oxygen species decreased in the saline treatment while increasing in the biochar and interactive treatment. Thus, these activities resulted in higher leaves and root biomass in the biochar treatment alone and interactive treatment of salinity and biochar. According to principal component analysis, redundancy analysis, and the mantel test, using biochar in conjunction with salinity treatment was found to be more effective than salinity treatment alone. The results of this study suggest that biochar can be used as a sustainable agricultural technique and a means of mitigation agent by lowering soil salinity while increasing the biomass of crops. Biochar improves the physical and nutritional quality of soil and plant function. Salinity stress declined the physiological activities and biomass of the crop. Biochar mitigates the salinity stress in soil and enhances the plant functioning. Exposure to both treatments enhances the antioxidant enzyme activity and biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the important crop so production improvement is must be done to sufficient the needs. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria has become a feasible, efficient and sustainable approach to increase maize productivity. This study investigated the effect of several rhizobacteria consortia formulations and bacterial density on the growth and yield of five maize cultivars in Indonesia. The experiment was carried out using a nested-split plot randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of two rhizobacteria consortia formulation (granule and liquid) as nested, four rhizobacterial density (0, 107, 108, and 109 cfu mL–1) as main plot, and five maize cultivars (Bisi 18, Bisi 2, Pertiwi 3, Bisi 228, and Bisi 220) as subplot. The growth and yield data were analyzed through ANOVA and by means using DMRT α 5 % to determine the best treatment. Application of rhizobacteria consortia formulation on five maize varieties did significantly affect the growth and yield of maize although bacterial density did not showed the same results. Rhizobacteria consortia with granule formulation appeared significantly higher yield performance than liquid. Pertiwi 3 tended to produce higher average yield than other varieties for both rhizobacteria consortia formulation although the varieties did not significantly contribute on ear weight variables.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of liquid NPK fertilizer with a composition of 12:9:7 on sweet corn plant. The research was conducted at the Mojosari Research Station, Mojokerto district, East Java, Indonesia, in September to December 2020, using a randomized complete block design with eight treatments and repeated four times. The treatments consisted of one treatment without fertilization (control), one treatment dose of 300 kg phonska + 300 kg urea per ha (recommendation), six treatments of liquid NPK fertilizer. Application of liquid NPK fertilizer is done by dissolving in water as much as 200 mL per plant. The results showed that the application of liquid NPK fertilizer had an effect on plant height, stem diameter, stover weight, cob length, ear diameter, and cob weight. The application of liquid NPK fertilizer at a dose of 12.5 cc L-1 gave the same or comparable response to the standard fertilization treatment with an agronomic effectiveness level > 95 %.

This study used a completely randomized design with six treatments consisting of four types of liquid organic fertilizer, NPK Mutiara fertilizer, and control (without fertilizer) which was repeated four times. The results showed that the treatment of liquid organic fertilizer had a significant (P < 0.05) to very significant (P < 0.01) effect on the growth and yield of marigold flower plants. The highest weight of marigold flowers per plant was found in the treatment of liquid organic fertilizer mixed with plant waste, livestock waste, and fish waste of 79.70 g, followed by treatment of liquid organic fertilizer of fish waste at 59.13 g, liquid organic fertilizer from livestock waste at 51.43 g, NPK Mutiara fertilizer of 34.78 g, plant waste of 28.17 g, and the lowest flower weight per plant was found in the control (without fertilizer) of 25.57 g per plant. The mixed liquid organic fertilizer treatment gave the best effect, which was able to increase the number of marigold flowers up to 246 %, flower diameter 114 %, flower fresh weight 137 %, and flower weight per plant up to 311. 69 % compared to the control.

A popular beverage globally attributable to its energizing properties and distinctive flavor, coffee is one of the majorly produced agricultural merchandise. With the reputation, nonetheless, comes a sizeable waste in its production process. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and improve circular economy —coffee pulp and husk waste into functional food, i.e., coffee cherry flour. This study examined the amino acid composition and contents originating from four locations: Ijen Farm, Karang Ploso Farm, Mengani Farm, and La Boitê. In triplication, samples were filtrated, derivated, and analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The obtained data were then computed to determine the amino acid retention times and peak areas to facilitate the quantification of amino acid concentrations within the samples. ANOVA was involved in evaluating the significance of amino acid level variations, and then nonparametric correlation and cluster tests were conducted for a dendrogram presentation. The result stated that Serine, Histidine, Threonine, Alanine, Cysteine, Methionine, and Isoleucine are positively correlated to the area characteristics, while Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Arginine, Proline, Tyrosine, Valine, Lysine, Leucine, and Phenylalanine are of negative association. This finding suggests that locally-grown coffee cherry flour should be feasible for functional food beneficial to health.

This study aimed to analyze gluten free biscuits’s from purple sweet potato flour, rice bran flour, and coffee cherry flour; using completely randomized design method. The treatments applied were the ratio of adding purple sweet potato flour, bran flour and coffee cherry flour B0 (100 %: 0 % : 0 %); B1 (80 % : 20 % : 0 %); B2 (60 % : 30 % : 10 %); B3 (40 % : 40 % : 20 %); B4 (20 % : 50 % : 30 %); B5 (0 % : 60 % : 40 %) with four repetitions. The results showed that there was a significant effect between the proportions of the composite use of purple sweet potato flour, bran flour and coffee cherry flour on moisture content, ash content, fiber content, fracture power, color intensity and organoleptic taste. The best formulation was treatment B2 which had 5.05 % moisture content, 2.82 % ash content, 8.80 % protein content, 25 fat content, 05 %, carbohydrate content 58.28 %, crude fiber content 7.63 %, antioxidant activity 83.68 %, color intensity (L = 41.15; a = +5.05; b = +5.97), power broken 6.118 N, texture 4.52 (Slightly not crunchy), taste 5.40 (neutral), and aroma 5.60 (neutral).

Compost is considered not only to improve soil nutrients but also as a carrier of microplastic (MPs) pollution on agricultural land. Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative review approach that employs statistics, data mining, and mathematics to identify new academic trends. It is increasingly more prevalent and is utilized in several academic disciplines. To evaluate the evolution and extension of this body of knowledge and to forecast its future path, the present study analyzed Scopus-indexed research publications on compost from 2018 to 2022. To perform the bibliometric analysis, the VOSviewer software and Scopus Analytics were used. A total of 111 journal articles (n = 77) and conference papers (n = 3) were extracted. The number of research documents published by 111 authors was steadily increasing annually. China is the leading country in the number of publications and research collaborations. The current results offset global scientific efforts on MPs contamination in compost and inform that there is potential for compost to be a carrier of MPs contaminants in plants.

The safety of human health and agricultural production depends on quality of farmland soil. Multivariate statistical analysis and positive matrix factorization (PMF) have revealed source apportionment of six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in a farmland soil of Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The results showed significantly enriched Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in this area. The results from Pearson's correlation coefficient and principal component analysis (PCA) methods have identified both natural sources (Cr and Ni) and anthropogenic sources (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn). The PMF model in combination with spatial distribution of six heavy metals, have confirmed that Cd and Zn were predominantly from agricultural sources; Cr and Ni were attributed to natural sources; Pb and Zn were originated from mixed sources of transportation and industry. The Cu was derived from atmospheric deposition. The Multivariate statistical method has qualitatively identified pollution sources, and then combined with quantitative calculation of PMF model. The two methods have verified each other, which has improved feasibility of source apportionment results. This study could provide a reference in preventing and controlling soil pollution effectively from source for local authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is among the highest organic waste-generating countries, with an average of 12 × 106 t yr-1. After being processed, organic waste is highly potential to contribute to animal farming, and "aking rice" is one such product. After cleaning and rinsing, rice remains are sundried to reach a water content of < 14 %. However, no literature or findings are yet to discover whether "aking rice" is palatable for poultry. Therefore, this study is focused on determining "aking rice" palatability to see its chance to substitute corn and rice bran with an experimental design of three replications employing three treatments of corn (T1), "aking rice" (T2), and rice bran (T3). Broiler chickens aged 35 d with an average body weight of 1 870 g were involved - each treatment unit was of three, making a total of 27 chickens. Data gained from the experiment were run through one-way ANOVA, followed by an LSD test should any differences in the treatments occur. The result showed that consumption on T2 (59.89 g) was higher than on T1 (42.19 g) and T3 (9.22 g). As of feeding duration, T2 (680 s) was also higher than T1 (610 s) and T3 (140 s). Conclusively, "aking rice" has a better palatability rate than corn and rice bran, making it feasible for recommendation as a substitute for the other two base feed materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere occurs as the result of various chemical, physical, and biological processes. The presence of CO2 around atmosphere greatly affects the agroforestry and agroindustry of coffee. This study aimed to describe the CO2 cycle in agroforestry and agroindustry of Gayo Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) and net CO2 ha-1 of coffee plantation. CO2 cycle was analyzed based on the movement of CO2 around the agroforestry and agroindustry of coffee. CO2 cycle model describes net CO2, CO2 emission, CO2 reduction, and CO2 sequestration. Net CO2 ha-1 of coffee plantation was 162.75 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1, with CO2 emission was 203.84 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1, CO2 reduction was 3.10 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1, and CO2 sequestration was 363.49 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1. This research formulates the calculation of equivalent carbon emissions in the arabica coffee production system in the field and primary processing, using various methods (remote sensing analysis and calculation of direct and indirect equivalent carbon emissions). The CO2 cycle positively impacts the sustainability of agroforestry and agroindustry of Gayo Arabica coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2017–2018 (October–March) at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar research farm to examine the influence of different nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels on two different oat varieties: Australian and Ukrainian. The treatments included control and three levels of nitrogen and phosphorus at 30, 60, and 90 kg ha−1. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The findings showed that the oat varieties were significantly different from one another in yield and yield parameters. The Australian variety recorded higher emergence (49 plants m−2), days to emergence (15 days), days to flowering (122 days), days to maturity (145 days), plant height (142.7 cm), number of leaves (6.03 leaves plant−1), number of tillers (92.2 tillers m−1), biological yield (8,179.2 kg ha−1), and grain yield (3,725.6 kg ha−1) than the Ukrainian variety. Similarly, different N and P levels, the maximum days to emergence, days to flowering, and days to maturity were recorded in a control plot. The application of 105 kg N + 90 kg P ha−1 was statistically similar to the application of 105 kg N + 60 kg P ha−1. Maximum emergence (60 plants m−2), number of leaves (7.0 leaves plant−1), plant height (118.6 cm), number of tillers m−1 (102.6), biological yield (9,687.5 kg ha−1), and grain yield (4,416.7 kg ha−1) were determined in Australian variety. Based on the findings of this study, the Australian variety performed better in terms of yield and yield components and the application of N and P fertilizers at the rate of 105 kg N + 60 kg P ha−1 produced the best results in both oat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Leaf nitrogen (N) concentration plays an important role in biochemical and physiological functions, and N availability directly influences rice yield. However, excessive N fertilization is considered to be a root cause of environmental issues and low nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, the selection of appropriate nutrient management practices and organic amendments is key to maximizing nitrogen uptake and maintaining high and sustainable rice production. Here, we evaluated the effects of different 15N-labelled nitrogen sources (urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate at 315 kg ha−1) with or without biochar (30 t ha−1) on paddy soil properties, root growth, leaf gas exchange, N metabolism enzymes, and N uptake in the early and late seasons of 2019. We found significant differences among N fertilizer sources applied with or without biochar (P < 0.05). Across the seasons, the combination of biochar with N fertilizers significantly increased soil organic carbon by 51.21% and nitrogen availability by 27.51% compared with N fertilizers alone. Correlation analysis showed that rice root morphological traits were strongly related to soil chemical properties, and higher root growth was measured in the biochar treatments. Similarly, net leaf photosynthetic rate averaged 9.34% higher, chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration 12.91% higher, and Chl b concentration 10.05% higher in the biochar treatments than in the biochar-free treatments across the seasons. Notably, leaf 15N concentration was 23.19% higher in the biochar treatments in both seasons. These results illustrated higher activities of N metabolism enzymes such as NR, GS, and GOGAT by an average 23.44%, 11.26% and 18.16% in the biochar treatments across the seasons, respectively. The addition of biochar with synthetic N fertilizers is an ecological nutrient management strategy that can increase N uptake and assimilation by ameliorating soil properties and improving the morpho-physiological factors of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applieation of maeronutrients in less amount along with improper applieation method(s) are the major faetors for low yield. Experiments were designed with the objeetives to determine the optimum rate of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) along with suitable applieation method to minimize nutrients losses. The experimental site was New Developmental Farm of the University of Agrieulture Peshawar and experiments were eondueted for two eonseeutive years i.e. 2010-11 and 2011-12. After analysis, the results indieated that both N and K signifieantly affeeted days to phenology (anthesis and maturity). Days to phenology inereased linearly with inerease in rate of N and K and more days to phenology were reeorded when both were at their highest rates. Similarly plant height, leaf area/tiller, flag leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration, grain yield, N uptake by grains and straw were inereased with inereasing level of N and K and attained maximum value when N and K was applied at the rate of 180 and 90 Kg/ha, respeetively. Nutrients applieation method signifieantly affeeted plant height, leaf area/tiller, flag leaf area, grain yield and N uptake by straw and grains with maximum values for these traits were reeorded when nutrients (N and K) were applied in sueh a eombination that 15% nutrients were supplied through foliar and 85% through soil applieation. Applieation methods had a non-signifieant effeet on days to phenology, leaf area index and leaf area duration. It is eoneluded from the results that applieation of N and K at the rate of 180 and 90 Kg/ha respeetively in sueh a way that 15% is applied through foliar spray and 85% through soil applieation improved growth, yield and N uptake of wheat erop under the semi-arid elimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two years field trial was conducted to determine the effect of various irrigation schedules and nitrogen rates on the yield and its components of wheat crop. Irrigation treatments comprised of five levels i.e. 120, 230, 360, 470 and 600 mm of water as I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5, respectively. Similarly, the amount of nitrogen applied as treatment varied as 0, 40, 80, 120 and 140 kg N ha-1 i.e. N0, N1, N2, N3 and N4, respectively. The findings revealed that irrigation schedule significantly affected various agronomic traits of wheat as maximum number of tillers m-2, grains spike-1, thousand grain weight and grain yield were observed for the I4 plot where 470 mm of irrigational water was applied, while the lowest values of all these parameters were found for I1 treatment where the least (only 120 mm) water was applied across both years. The results further revealed that in terms of N applied almost similar results were obtained for most of the studied traits as N3 treated plots (where 120 kg N ha-1 was applied exhibited maximum number of tillers, thousand grain weight, grains spike and grain yield followed by N4, while the minimum values of these parameters were observed in those plots where no nitrogen was applied, irrespective of the year. It can be concluded that efficient utilization of vital inputs like water and nitrogen is needed for agricultural and environmental sustainability and to ensure high grain yield of wheat crop. An ideal combination of irrigational water and N-rate comprises of applying 470 mm of water coupled with 120 kg of N ha-1. This combination is not only economical for the farmers but also offers potential to minimize the chances of pollution due to over application of nitrogen thus guarantying sustainability of the agricultural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment entitled "Enhancing wheat yield through integrated nitrogen and weeds management practices" was carried out at Agronomy Research Farms, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during 2015-16. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement. The treatments of nitrogen application (organic material alone (FYM), inorganic material alone (urea) and combination of 50% organic + 50% inorganic material) were allocated to main plots. The treatments of weeds management practices (i.e. control, hand weeding (30 days after sowing), pre-emergence herbicide application (Affinity), herbicide application (Affinity) 20 days after sowing, herbicide application (Affinity) 40 days after sowing and herbicide application (Affinity) 60 days after sowing were assigned to sub plots. The results indicated that integrated nitrogen application (50% FYM + 50% urea) has delayed number of days to anthesis (123 days) and maturity (150 days) in wheat crop and showed maximum plant height (87.58 cm), grains spike-1(50 grains), thousand grains weight (39.24 g), grain yield (3146 kg ha-1) and harvest index (38.05%). The treatment of integrated nitrogen application (50% FYM + 50% urea) showed significantly lowest weeds density (32 weeds m-2) and minimum weeds dry weight (4.36 g m-2). Application of herbicide (Affinity) 20 days after sowing has produced lowest weeds m-2 (11 weeds m-2), weeds dry weight (1.09 g m-2) highest grains spike-1 (53), 1000-grains weight (42.27 g), grain yield (3738 kg ha-1) and harvest index (39.24%). It is concluded that application of 130 kg ha-1 as integrated nitrogen (50% FYM + 50% urea) along with herbicide application (Affinity) 20 days after emergence has significantly improved yield and yield components of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic manure and mineral nitrogen both plays an important role in improving soil fertility and crop productivity. Field experiment was conducted at The Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during winter 2015 to investigate the effect of organic sources (cattle, sheep and poultry manure each at 5 t ha-1) and nitrogen levels (0, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg ha-1) on dry matter partitioning of wheat under tillage systems (conventional and deep tillage). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement, having three replications. Tillage systems and organic sources were used as main plot factor, nitrogen levels as subplot factor. The results revealed that organic sources, nitrogen levels and tillage system significantly affected dry matter partitioning of wheat. Application of poultry manure improved dry matter partitioning into different plant parts at heading and physiological maturity as compared to sheep and cattle manure. Application of nitrogen at the higher rates (125 to 150 kg N ha-1) enhanced dry matter partitioning at heading and physiological maturity than lower N rates and control. Likewise, wheat sown with deep tillage system resulted in increased dry matter partitioning into different plant parts than conventional tillage system. We concluded from this study that integrated use of inorganic nitrogen (125 kg N ha-1) and poultry manure (5 ton ha-1) improve dry matter partitioning of wheat under deep tillage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silybum marianum L. is medicinally important for its active principle component silymarin. Silymarin regenerates damaged hepatic tissues. On the basis of such regenerative properties, the radical scavenging activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) of different tissues and the phenotypic difference of the hepatoprotective species, S. marianum L. were evaluated. There was less phenotypic difference in purple and white varieties of S. marianum. Assay of the antioxidant potential of different parts of the plant revealed that significantly higher activity (78.2%) was observed in seeds of the purple flowering plant than seeds of white flowering plant (49%) after different time intervals. Young leaves collected from white flowering plant exhibit 64.8% activity, which is higher than the purple flowering plant (55.1%). Significantly, same activity was observed in mature leaves of white (52%) and purple flowering plants (50%). The main stem collected from both the varieties exhibits similar activity from 50 to 52%. A 67.2% activity was recorded for mature roots of white flowering plant followed by roots of the purple variety (65%). The present study revealed that seeds and roots of both the varieties scavenge and detoxify more DPPH free radicals than other plant parts and can be used as a source of natural antioxidants and food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are most important crops after cereals having provide a range of essential nutrients and nitrogen fixation for soil fertility particularly for the subsequent crops and yield productivity. In order to improve the nutritional profile of mungbean a study was arranged at Agronomy Research Farm, Agriculture University of Peshawar in summer season 2018. The objectives of the study is to find out impact of different doses of molybdenum and phosphorus application on productivity and nutrients status of mungbean (Vigna radiate L.). The trial was laidout in randomized complete block design having three replicates. The experimental findings revealed that all the nutritional attributes and yield were significantly influenced with molybdenum and phosphorus addition except potassium uptake by grains and straw. Higher seed yield (772.45 kg ha-1) and harvest index (26.18 %) with application of 1.5 kg ha-1 molybdenum while more protein content (21.91 %), carbohydrates (60.36 %), nitrogen content in grain (3.76 %) and straw (1.10 %), phosphorus uptake in grain (0.380 %) and straw (0.186 %) was achieved with molybdenum applied at rate of 2.5 kg ha-1. Whereas in case of phosphorus use maximum seed yield (810.88 kg ha-1) and harvest index (26.92 %) was observed with 60 kg ha-1 P application while highest protein content (22.08 %), carbohydrates (60.37 %), nitrogen content in grain (3.60 %) and straw (1.19 %), phosphorus uptake in grain (0.418 %) and straw (0.21 %), potassium uptake in grain (1.96 %) and straw (1.30 %) was achieved with P applied at 90 kg ha-1. Higher doses of phosphorus and molybdenum enhance all the quality attributes of mungbean. It concluded from the experimental findings that mungbean crop with (1.5 kg ha-1 Mo and 60 kg ha-1 P) for seed yield and (2.5 kg ha-1 Mo and 90 kg ha-1 P) for enhancement of nutrients uptake of mungbean performed better than other doses and thus recommended for higher productivity and qualitative attributes in agro climatic condition of study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major yield limiting factor across the globe and their proper management plays a vital role in optimizing crop yield. This field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of soil and plant nitrogen N and P ratio on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in alkaline calcareous soil. The study consisted of various levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, and 160 kg ha−1 as urea) and phosphorus (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 as diammonium phosphate), and was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement having three replications. The result showed that the addition of 160 kg N ha−1 significantly improved biological yield (10,052 kg ha−1), grain weight (3120 kg ha−1), chlorophyll content at tillering stage soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value (35.38), N uptake in straw (33.42 kg ha−1), and K uptake in straw (192 kg ha−1) compared to other N levels. In case of P, 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 had resulted maximum biological yield (9852 kg ha−1), grain yield (3663 kg ha−1), chlorophyll content at tillering stage (SPAD value 34.36), P (6.68 mg kg−1) and K (171 kg ha−1) uptake in straw. The sole use of N and P have positively influenced the biological and grain yield but their interaction didn't response to biological yield. The present study reveals that SPAD value (chlorophyll meter) is the better choice for determining plant N and P concentrations to estimate the yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf nitrogen (N) concentration plays an important role in biochemical and physiological functions, and N availability directly influences rice yield. However, excessive N fertilization is considered to be a root cause of environmental issues and low nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, the selection of appropriate nutrient management practices and organic amendments is key to maximizing nitrogen uptake and maintaining high and sustainable rice production. Here, we evaluated the effects of different 15 N-labelled nitrogen sources (urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate at 315 kg ha -1 ) with or without biochar (30 t ha -1 ) on paddy soil properties, root growth, leaf gas exchange, N metabolism enzymes, and N uptake in the early and late seasons of 2019. We found significant differences among N fertilizer sources applied with or without biochar ( P  < 0.05). Across the seasons, the combination of biochar with N fertilizers significantly increased soil organic carbon by 51.21% and nitrogen availability by 27.51% compared with N fertilizers alone. Correlation analysis showed that rice root morphological traits were strongly related to soil chemical properties, and higher root growth was measured in the biochar treatments. Similarly, net leaf photosynthetic rate averaged 9.34% higher, chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration 12.91% higher, and Chl b concentration 10.05% higher in the biochar treatments than in the biochar-free treatments across the seasons. Notably, leaf 15 N concentration was 23.19% higher in the biochar treatments in both seasons. These results illustrated higher activities of N metabolism enzymes such as NR, GS, and GOGAT by an average 23.44%, 11.26% and 18.16% in the biochar treatments across the seasons, respectively. The addition of biochar with synthetic N fertilizers is an ecological nutrient management strategy that can increase N uptake and assimilation by ameliorating soil properties and improving the morpho-physiological factors of rice., Competing Interests: The authors declared that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.)