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Oilseed crops play a vital role in the economy of Pakistan, yet the production of oilseeds is far less than the demand for them. White mustard (Sinapis alba L.) is an emerging crop, that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is considered to be an alternative to all other oilseed crops for dry temperate climates. White mustard develops rapidly, and has a large canopy and deep rooting system; hence, it can draw up nutrients from deeper layers. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of nitrogen on S. alba agro-morphological attributes and enhance nutrient use efficiencies. During the Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21, an experiment was conducted at the University Research Farm, Chakwal Road, Rawalpindi. The study included seven treatments, i.e., T1-Control, T2-20, T3-40, T4-60, T5-80, T6-100, and T7-120 kg·ha−1. Each treatment was replicated three times, and the study utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed that nitrogen at 100 kg·ha−1 was the optimal concentration and significantly increased the agro-morphological parameters, i.e., plant height (47.01%), primary branches (41.36%), secondary branches (45.33%), 1000 seed weight (54.35%), siliques/plant (41.57%), seeds/silique (52.30%) biological yield (68.38%), seed yield (54.90%), harvest index (11%), and oil yield (38.84%), as compared to the control. Moreover, protein contents and oil contents were significantly increased (5.15% and 6%, respectively), as compared to the control, while glucosinolate content was decreased (4.36%). Similarly, maximum agronomic efficiency (AE), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE) (53%), physiological efficiency (PE), and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) were also improved, as compared to the control. Hence, N application at a concentration of 100 kg·ha−1 can be recommended for S. alba under the present cropping system of Pothwar.

Sesame cultivars perform differently in various environments comprising specific locations and years. Micronutrient fertilizers increase crop yields and can enhance resistance to environmental hazards and contribute to potential yield. For assessing the effect of environment and micronutrients, field experiments were carried out at three different locations (BARI, URF and NARC) of Pothwar region, Pakistan, in two succeeding years (2014, 2015). Four sesame cultivars and three micronutrients (Zn, B and Mn) with a control treatment were used in RCB design with a split-plot procedure and four replications. The results showed significant differences in the main effects of all tested factors (cultivars, micronutrients, locations and years). Maximum mean values of plant height, capsules plant−1, biomass yield and seed yield were recorded for SG-30, while TH-6 was the lowest for these parameters. Maximum mean values of capsule length, capsule weight, seeds capsules−1 and the weight of 1000 seeds were recorded for TH-6 but vice versa for SG-30. Maximum capsule length and seeds capsule−1 were observed at NARC, while other growth and yield attributes were maximum at BARI and URF, including biomass yield and seed yield. The interactive effect of cultivar × location × year was highly significant for all growth and yield traits except capsule length. Sesame cultivars revealed a differential response for all traits at three locations during both years. Application of micronutrients significantly augmented all growth and yield features of sesame. Micronutrient fertilizers (i.e., ZnSO4 at 10 kg ha−1, borax at 10 kg ha−1 and MnSO4 at 5 kg ha−1) would increase yield and yield-attributing traits in low- or medium-precipitation areas where suitable cultivars have been designated.

Drought is a major constraint in drylands for crop production. Plant associated microbes can help plants in acquisition of soil nutrients to enhance productivity in stressful conditions. The current study was designed to illuminate the effectiveness of desert rhizobacterial strains on growth and net-return of chickpeas grown in pots by using sandy loam soil of Thal Pakistan desert. A total of 125 rhizobacterial strains were isolated, out of which 72 strains were inoculated with chickpeas in the growth chamber for 75 days to screen most efficient isolates. Amongst all, six bacterial strains (two rhizobia and four plant growth promoting rhizobacterial strains) significantly enhanced nodulation and shoot-root length as compared to other treatments. These promising strains were morphologically and biochemically characterized and identified through 16sRNA sequencing. Then, eight consortia of the identified isolates were formulated to evaluate the growth and development of chickpea at three moisture levels (55%, 75% and 95% of field capacity) in a glass house experiment. The trend for best performing consortia in terms of growth and development of chickpea remained T2 at moisture level 1 > T7 at moisture level 2 > T4 at moisture level 3. The present study indicates the vital role of co-inoculated bacterial strains in growth enhancement of chickpea under low moisture availability. It is concluded from the results that the consortium T2 (Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ-11 + Bacillus subtilis RP-01 + Bacillus mojavensis RS-14) can perform best in drought conditions (55% field capacity) and T4 (Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ-11 + Enterobacter Cloacae RP-08 + Providencia vermicola RS-15) can be adopted in irrigated areas (95% field capacity) for maximum productivity of chickpea.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) production in the rainfed area of Pothwar Pakistan is extremely vulnerable to high temperature. The expected increase in temperature due to global warming should result in shorter crop life cycles, and thus lower biomass and grain yield. Two major factors control wheat phenological development: temperature and photoperiod. To evaluate wheat development in response to these factors, we conducted experiments that created diverse temperature and daylength conditions by adjusting the crop sowing time. The study was conducted during 2013–14 and 2014–15 using five spring wheat genotypes, four sowing times, at three sites under rainfed management in Pothwar, Pakistan. Wheat crops experienced more cold days with early sowing, but later sowing dates resulted in higher temperatures, especially from anthesis to maturity. These treatments produced large differences in phenology, biomass production, and yield. To investigate whether growing degree days (GDD) and photoperiod algorithms could predict wheat phenology under these changing conditions, GDD was calculated based on the method proposed by Wang and Engel while photoperiod followed the approach introduced in the APSIM crop growth model. GDD was calculated separately and in combination with photoperiod from germination to anthesis. For the grain filling period, only GDD was calculated. The observed and predicted number of days to anthesis and maturity were in good agreement, showing that the combination of GDD and photoperiod algorithms provided good estimations of spring wheat phenology under variable temperature and daylength conditions.

Objectives: The indigenous oilseed crops are facing the problems of insects, diseases attack with poor yield potential. Canola needs high water requirement and also > 50 % shattering losses. Therefore, farmers are compelled to cultivate alternative crops. Sinapis alba is the best replacement of winter rapeseed due to superior phenotypic plasticity for dry temperate climate like Pakistan Pertinent sowing time augments the soil and climatic resources efficiency in a specific ecological zone to expose various phenological stages for appropriate growth and development to achieve potential yield. Methods: Field experiments were performed to appraise the suitable sowing date at three locations (NARC, SAWCRI and Talagang) in Pothwar plateau of Pakistan. Six sowing dates from 1st October up to 15th December with fifteen days interval were quart replicated in RCBD during two 2017–18 and 2018–19. Explicated environment of various locations prudently influenced Sinapis alba performance and yield attributes to accomplish potential yield during both years. Among sowing dates, 15th October enormously promoted morphological development to attained maximum mean values of pods plant−1, 1000-seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Among locations, SAWCRI nurtured highest number of plants−2, plant height, primary and secondary branches, pods plant−1, seed pod-1, 1000-seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Variability in Agro-meteorological indices of three locations significantly influenced the interactive effect of year × location × sowing dates for growth and yield attributes of Sinapis alba. It was observed that 15th October sowing at SAWCRI attained 2.25 t ha−1 seed yield that was 10.9 % and 24.4 % higher from the optimal dates at NARC and Talagang that accomplished 84.43 %. 91.12 % and 95.76 % more yield from the delayed (15th Dec) sowing at three locations. Conclusion: Better coordination of soil and climatic conditions with 15th October sowing for growth and development signified the monumental importance of optimal sowing date as the benchmark of superior crop productivity to improve the livelihood of the farmers.

The experimental work presented in this study was carried out with the hypothesis that plant derived smoke enhanced the morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of a cereal crop, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Furthermore, this study supported the hypothesis that plant derived smoke acts as vegetative growth promoter, inexpensive, rapid and most appropriate eco-friendly bio-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. Plant derived smoke was generated by burning of plant material (leaf, straws etc) in a specially designed furnace, and seeds were treated with this smoke for different time duration. Four level of plant derived smoke (1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h) along with control were tested on four wheat cultivars in CRD repeated pot experiment. The smoke-related treatments modified number of morphological, physiological and biochemical features of wheat. Compared with the control, aerosol smoke treatment of the seeds significantly improved root length (2.6%), shoot length (7.7%), RFW (0.04%), SFW (0.7%), SDW (0.1%) and leaf area (63.9%). All the smoke-related treatments significantly promoted RWC (17.3%), water potential (1.5%), osmotic potential (1.4%) and MSI (14.6%) whereas a pronounced increase in chlorophyll a (24.9%), chlorophyll b (21.7%) and total chlorophyll contents (15.5%) were recorded in response to aerosol-smoke treatments. Plant derived smoke exposure applied for short time i.e. 1 h & 2 h induced significant results as compared to prolonged PDS exposure (3 h and 4 h). The best results were observed in Pak-13 and Glaxy-13 wheat cultivars. These findings indicated that the plant-derived smoke treatment has a great potential to improve morphological, physiological and biochemical features of wheat crop.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of bromoxynil herbicide on soil microorganisms, with the hypothesis that this herbicide caused suppression in microbial activity and biomass by exerting toxic effect on them. Nine sites of Punjab province (Pakistan) those had been exposed to bromoxynil herbicide for about last ten years designated as soil 'A' were surveyed in 2011 and samples were collected and analyzed for Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC), Biomass Nitrogen (MBN), Biomass Phosphorus (MBP) and bacterial population. Simultaneously, soil samples from the same areas those were not exposed to herbicide designated as soil 'B' were taken. At all the sites MBC, MBN and MBP ranged from 131 to 457, 1.22 to 13.1 and 0.59 to 3.70 µg g-1 in the contaminated soils (Soil A), which was 187 to 573, 1.70 to 14.4 and 0.72 to 4.12 µg g-1 in the soils without contamination (soil B). Bacterial population ranged from 0.67 to 1.84x10(8) and 0.87 to 2.37x10(8) cfu g-1 soil in the soils A and B, respectively. Bromoxynil residues ranged from 0.09 to 0.24 mg kg-1 at all the sites in soil A. But no residues were detected in the soil B. Due to lethal effect of bromoxynil residues on the above parameters, considerable decline in these parameters was observed in the contaminated soils. Results depicted that the herbicide had left toxic effects on soil microbial parameters, thus confirmed that continuous use of this herbicide affected the quality of soil and sustainable crop production.

In present study, different foliar treatments were applied on peanut to check their ameliorative effect on Fe deficiency. In hydroponics experiments, foliar applications of FeSO4, Fe-EDTA, sequestrene and ferric chloride were applied to check their effect on Fe deficiency chlorosis in two varieties of peanut already screened as BARI-2000 (Fe deficiency tolerant) and BARD-699 (Fe deficiency sensitive). Sequestrene proved to be more effective in increasing the growth of plant. Photosynthetic rate increased up to 58 and 70% in BARI-2000 and BARD-699 respectively as compared to control with foliar application of sequestrene. Similarly higher active Fe concentration was recorded in both genotypes. Up to 14 and 41% increase in active Fe concentration was observed. Various morpho physiological parameters including root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh and shoot dry weights, SPAD values, photosynthetic and transpiration rates showed that BARD-699 was more responsive to foliar applications, while foliar application of sequestrene can be used in correcting Fe deficiency in both genotypes. Active Fe was significantly correlated with different morphological parameters in both genotypes. The results of presense experiment suggested that foliar applications were helpful in correction Fe deficiency in peanut and growth can be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canola oil has been used in the Pakistan for the treatment of various diseases and skin infections. Oil was extracted with n-hexane from the seeds of canola (Brassica napus L.) and was evaluated for free fatty acid value. Four microorganisms namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas originals, and Klebsiella pneumonia, has known to cause some infections treatable with these oils were investigated. The results showed that all oil shown inhibitory effects against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas originals but no inhibitory effects was found against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathic crop water extracts mixtures integrated with herbicides alongwith lower rates of haloxyfop 10.8 EC were evaluated to control weeds in groundnut under rainfed system in the Department of Agronomy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan during 2009 and 2011. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with nine treatments viz. control (T1) control, hand weeding (T2) haloxyfop 10.8 EC @ 108 g a.i. per hectare 30 days after sowing (T3) barley water extract @ 20 L per hectare 30 and 50 days after sowing (T4) brassica water extract @ 20 L per hectare 30 and 50 days after sowing (T5) barley water extract + brassica water extract @ 10+10 L per hectare 30 and 50 days after sowing (T6) barley water extract + brassica water extract @ 10+10 L per hectare + haloxyfop @ 27 g a.i. per hectare 30 days after sowing (T7) barley water extract + brassica water extract @ 10+10 L per hectare + haloxyfop @ 54 g a.i. per hectare 30 days after sowing (T8) and barley water extract + brassica water extract @ 10+10 L per hectare + haloxyfop @ 81 g a.i. per hectare 30 days after sowing (T9). Results revealed that integration of crop water extracts with reduced rates of haloxyfop decreased density and dry weights of total weeds by 19 to 39 percent and 14 to 38 percent, respectivly. Treatment (T3) reduced density by 33 and 38 percent and dry weight by 13 and 26 percent during 2009 and 2011, respectively. Maximum number of pods per plant, kernels per pod and pods yield were recorded in T2. Statistically similar yields were obtained from allelopathic water extracts combined with reduced rates of herbicide and its full dose. Maximum net benefits i.e. (Rs.71415, 73635/ha) were achieved in T9 during both years 2009 and 2011 respectively. Marginal rate of return ranged from 24-944 percent from herbicide mixed with extracts. To suppress weeds in groundnut crop it is economical to use combinations of barley and brassica crop extracts with 50-75 percent of haloxyfop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unpredictability and large fluctuation of the climatic conditions in rainfed regions do affect spring wheat yield and grain quality. These variations offer the opportunity for the production of better quality wheat. The effect of variable years, locations and sowing managements on wheat grain yield and quality was studied through field experiments using three genotypes, three locations for two years under rainfed conditions. The two studied years as contrasting years at three locations and sowing dates depicted variability in temperature and water stress during grain filling which resulted considerable change in grain yield and quality. Delayed sowing, years (2009–10) and location (Talagang) with high temperature and water stress resulted increased proline, and grain quality traits i.e. grain protein (GP) and grain ash (GA) than optimum conditions (during 2008–09, at Islamabad and early sowing). However, opposite trend was observed for dry gluten (DG), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), SPAD content and grain yield irrespective of genotypes. The influence of variable climatic conditions was dominant in determining the quality traits and inverse relationship was observed among some quality traits and grain yield. It may be concluded that by selecting suitable locations and different sowing managements for subjecting the crop to desirable environmental conditions (temperature and water) quality traits of wheat crop could be modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade liberalization has long been recognized as a key element in sustainable development. Liberalized Trade has been adopted by many developing countries to increase economic growth and therefore reducing poverty. In this backdrop, the current study evaluates the impact of Pakistan's agricultural trade liberalization using a modified Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) framework. The newly developed MyGTAP program was used to modify the Pakistan's data in the Global GTAP Database and Standard GTAP model to include multiple households and labor types. This disaggregation allows to analyze distributional impacts and to implement policy scenarios that target particular households. The economy wise results showed that agricultural trade liberalization increases income inequality and somewhat detrimental to the rural household types, who guage most of their income from agricultural business. Trade policy must be pursued keeping derivation and distributional narration in view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundnut is prone to iron (Fe) deficiency, particularly in calcareous soils, which severely affect growth and productivity. The soils of major groundnut producing areas of Pakistan are calcareous in nature, resulting in limited yield. Hydroponics experiments were performed aiming at the selection of groundnut genotypes with better ability to grow in calcareous soils. For that purpose, 20 locally grown genotypes were screened for their tolerance in terms of morpho-physiological parameters against iron (Fe) deficiency through hydroponics experiments. Various morpho-physiological parameters revealed BARI- 2000 and 96CG009 as Fe deficiency tolerant genotypes, whereas BARD-699 and ICGS17 as Fe deficiency sensitive genotypes. The Fe-reduction capacity of roots of these genotypes was also estimated at 2, 4, 6 and 8 day interval. The results depicted the highest Fe-reduction capacity at day 4 among all the genotypes, which decreased at day 6 and 8. At day 2, Fe-reduction capacity of 96CG009 was found higher representing its early response to Fe deficiency. Fe-reduction capacity of BARI-2000 was the highest indicating its tolerance to Fe deficiency, whereas BARD-699 was sensitive to Fe deficiency. The genetic differences among groundnut genotypes were analyzed using thirty SSR markers. These markers amicably differentiated all the genotypes resulting in three main clusters. The phylogenetic analyses based on SSR markers data revealed that Fe deficiency tolerant genotypes tended to cluster together. This implicates that molecular markers can be used for selection of groundnut genotypes with better traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of silicon (Si) nutrition on sorghum growth under drought. The present study investigated the distribution of Si in plant parts under stress conditions and its effects on physiological and growth traits. The study was conducted during 2 years (2007–2009) at PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (–4.0, –6.0, –8.0, and –10.0 Mpa) solution was used to screen drought-tolerant (Johar1) and drought-susceptible (SPV462) sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.) cultivars, which were replicated three times with Si sources of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) (Si300: 300 ml L−1) and control (Si0) treatments. The results showed that drought-tolerant cultivars accumulated maximum Si under Si treatment versus Si absence, which resulted increased leaf water potential, leaf area index, Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll, net assimilation, and relative growth rate over SPV462. Similarly, Si accumulation in leaves conserved transpiration and leaf water potential, verifying Si nutrition as a defense for plants under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize fodder yield was determined under various nitrogen and phosphorus doses under sub-humid rainfed conditions during 2009 at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The annual rainfall at the experimental site during 2009 was 685.9 mm. The experimental soil was of loamy texture having E.C. of 0.48 dscm-1 pH 7.7, organic matter 0.65%, saturation 30%, available phosphorus 5.7 mg kg-1 and available potassium 78 mg kg-1 Maize cv. Sargodha-2002 was sown in randomized complete block design (factorial) and was fertilized with four each nitrogen @ 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 and phosphorus 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 doses. Significant increase in green fodder and dry matter yield was observed with the increased doses of nitrogen and phosphorus. Overall, the nitrogen application @ 180 kg ha-1 increased the green fodder and dry matter yield by 12.33% and 51.50%, respectively. Similarly, with phosphorus application @ 90 kg ha-1 the 36.80% and 46.26% increase was observed in green fodder and dry matter yield, respectively. In combination of nitrogen and phosphorus @ 180:90 NP kg ha-1 there was a significant increase in green fodder and dry matter yields through their interactive effect, that were 90.19% and 159.31%, respectively. This increase may be due to increase in vegetative growth parameters like plant height, stem diameter and leaf area. It was concluded that fertilizers combination of 180:90 NP kg ha-1 was recommended for obtaining higher maize fodder yield under rainfed conditions of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may affect wheat positively or negatively when global warming is likely to increase evapotranspiration (ET) and decrease crop physiological functions. More often droughts are being encountered in Pothwar because of high ET and low precipitation in the form of rainfall. The impact of climate change on physiological attributes [Net photosynthesis(An), stomatal conductance(gs) and transpiration (E)] of spring wheat in Pothwar was studied through field experiments conducted at National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Barani Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal and at farmer's field Talagang over two years (2008-2009 & 2009-2010). The treatments consisted of five planting windows, three genotypes arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) factorial replicated four times. The results revealed that changing environment and sowing dates changed the adaptability pattern of wheat crop at three locations, because of change in the temperature and rainfall over the phenological stages of wheat. The reduction in net photosynthetic rate during 2009- 2010 was 21% compared to 2008-2009, while among locations 20% decrease in An was recorded at Talagang from maximum value at Islamabad. The gs dropped to 50% during 2009-2010 due to temperature and moisture stress, while 92% reduction in gs was recorded at Talagang compared to highest value. However, transpiration rate dropped to 71% during 2009-2010, while among locations crop showed minimum transpiration (79% less than maximum) at Talagang. At Chakwal significant decrease in crop physiological parameters declined the grain yield. Talagang being the low rainfall and relatively higher temperature area of Pothwar produced the lowest yield due to drop in physiological functions of crop and reduced LAD and LAI. Findings of the present study provided support for further physiological investigations and potential strategy for minimizing the climate risk especially in rainfed agriculture [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at two different locations (Barani Agriculture Research Institute Chakwal and farmer's field in Talagang) in northern rainfed Punjab, Pakistan, to assess relative efficiency of two sources of sulfur (S) in enhancing nitrogen (N) fixation and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The treatments were four combinations of two levels of S (15 and 30 kg ha−1) from two sources [gypsum and ammonium sulfate (AS)] and a no-S control. Application of S significantly increased seed yield up to 12% and 14% at Chakwal and Talagang, respectively. Response (kg seed yield kg−1 S) at economic optimum dose (EOD) was greater for AS than for gypsum. Sulfur application enhanced the S uptake at both locations significantly. Sulfur harvest index and S economic yield efficiency ratio were greater at Talagang than at Chakwal. Sulfur application resulted increases in N uptake by 19% and 20% and N fixation by up to 19% and 30% at Chakwal and Talagang, respectively. Ammonium sulfate was more effective in increasing N fixation and uptake as compared to gypsum at Chakwal, whereas the difference between the two sources was nonsignificant at Talagang. Thus, it can be concluded that S should be applied to chickpea crop to enhance yield and improve soil fertility status as result of greater amount of N fixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is necessary for environmental and economic sustainability, but it depends upon socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors. More countries are shifting toward recycling as compared to landfilling; thus, different researchers have presented the zero waste concept, considering the importance of sustainability. This review was conducted to provide information about different well established and new/emerging technologies which could be used to recover nutrients from wastes and bring zero waste concepts in practical life. Technologies can be broadly divided into the triangle of nutrient accumulation, extraction, and release. Physicochemical mechanisms, plants, and microorganisms (algae and prokaryotic) could be used to accumulate nutrients. Extraction of nutrient is possible through electrodialysis and crystallization while nutrient release can occur via thermochemical and biochemical treatments. Primary nutrients, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are used globally and are non-renewable. Augmented upsurges in prices of inorganic fertilizers and required discharge restrictions on nutrients have stimulated technological developments. Thus, well-proven technologies, such as biochar, composting, vermicomposting, composting with biochar, pyrolysis, and new emerging technologies (forward osmosis and electro-dialysis) have potential to recover nutrients from wastes. Therefore, reviewing the present and imminent potential of these technologies for adaptation of nutrient recycling from wastes is of great importance. Since waste management is a significant concern all over the globe and technologies, e.g., landfill, combustion, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification, are available to manage generated wastes, they have adverse impacts on society and on the environment. Thus, climate-friendly technologies, such as composting, biodegradation, and anaerobic decomposition, with the generation of non-biodegradable wastes need to be adopted to ensure a sustainable future environment. Furthermore, environmental impacts of technology could be quantified by life cycle assessment (LCA). Therefore, LCA could be used to evaluate the performance of different environmentally-friendly technologies in waste management and in the designing of future policies. LCA, in combination with other approaches, may prove helpful in the development of strategies and policies for the selection of dynamic products and processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about different phosphorus pools in the soil and their relationship with different soil properties is of immense significance for increasing phosphorus use-efficiency in agricultural systems. Fifteen soil series from the relevant agricultural fields were analysed for their phosphorus pools. The average size of different P pools (% of total P) in the soils was in order of, dHCl-P (63.7%) > cHCl-P[sub i] (14.8%) > residual P (9.4%) > cHCl-P[sub o] (3.8%) > NaHCO3-P[sub i] (2.4%) > NaOH-P[sub i] (2.0%) > NaHCO[sub 3-] P[sub o] (1.4%) > resin-P (1.3%) > NaOH-P[sub o] (1.2%). Overall, the inorganic P pools comprised of 93.6% of total P in the soils and had highly significant positive correlation with soil pH and CaCO3 content. The organic P constituted a small proportion (6.4%) of the total P and was positively correlated with the clay and organic C contents of the soils. The data indicated that organic P pool represents an important source of P in subtropical alkaline soil ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently, there is an increasing trend of using metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture due to their potential role in remediating soil pollution and improving nutrient utilization from fertilizers. However, evidence suggested that these NPs were toxic to the soil life and their associated functions, and this toxicity depended on their dose, type, and size. Here, a dose-dependent (5, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 soil) toxicity of NiO NPs on poultry manure (PM: 136 kg N ha−1) decomposition, nutrient mineralization, and herbage N uptake were studied in a standard pot experiment. The NPs doses were mixed with PM and applied in soil-filled pots where then ryegrass was sown. Results revealed that the lowest dose significantly increased microbial biomass (C and N) and respiration from PM, whereas a high dose reduced these parameters. This decrease in such parameters by the highest NPs dose resulted in 13 and 41% lower soil mineral N and plant available K from PM, respectively. Moreover, such effects resulted in 32 and 35% lower herbage shoot and root N uptakes from PM in this treatment. Both intermediate and high doses decreased herbage shoot Ni uptake from PM by 33 and 34%, respectively. However, all NPs doses did not influence soil Ni content from PM. Hence, our results indicated that high NPs dose (100 mg kg−1) was toxic to decomposition, nutrient mineralization, and herbage N uptake from PM. Therefore, such NiONPs toxicity should be considered before recommending their use in agriculture for soil remediation or optimizing nutrient use efficiency of fertilizers.

Sorghum is capable of sustaining under high temperature and minimal soil moisture. Hydrocyanic acid toxin production is a serious problem associated with sorghum forage in dry areas and could be lethal to animals if ingested in higher quantities. Hydrocyanic acid (HCN) contents in forage sorghum were studied through field experiment executed at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad during 2008 and 2009. Three sorghum cultivars JS-2002, Chakwal sorghum and Local sorghum were sown in a randomized complete block design in split-split plot arrangement with three seeding rates (75, 100 & 125 kg ha-1) and three nitrogen levels (0, 60 & 120 kg N ha-1). Increased nitrogen application progressively increased HCN production irrespective of cultivar and growth stage of the crop. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded about 64% higher HCN than control treatment indicating the risk of higher doses of nitrogen fertilizer to sorghum forage in dry areas. Seeding rates had variable influence on HCN production. Cultivar JS-2002 produced 23, 36 and 57% less HCN contents compared to local sorghum at pre-booting, booting and 50% heading stage, respectively. On the basis of two year's field study, it may be concluded that approved cultivar JS-2002 produced less HCN sown with higher seed rate and applied low doses of N fertilizer under dryland farming conditions of Pothwar is recommended for general cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain yield stability measurements under varied environmental conditions suggests selection of suitable genotype. Safflower genotypes having different origins were tested for G x E effects on yield using univariate and multivariate statistics in six test environments (three varied climate conditions and combination of years) during 2016–17 and 2017–18. Genotypes were classified as stable or unstable based on multiple stability measures. Comparative yield results reveals different genotypic grain yield response in each environment. High yield (1618.4 kg ha−1) performance and responsiveness of PI-16308 genotype to favorable environment and lowest 1419 kg ha−1 was observed for PI-26748. In lieu of varied climatic condition Env4 showed 37% extra grain yield compared to Env3.The PCA results placed Env1, Env3 and Env5 in one group for producing similar grain yield and rest of the environments showed highest variation. Results of parametric (S2di) and non-parametric (S⁽3), S⁽⁶⁾, NP⁽1⁾, NP⁽2⁾, NP⁽3⁾ & NP⁽⁴⁾) measures indicates that PI-16308 and PI-16315 can be used to improve stability. However, Wricke's ecovalence (Wi2), Shukla's stability variance (σi2), θi, θ(i), S⁽1⁾ and S⁽2⁾ could be considered for improving grain yield of PI-26748 genotype.

Simulation models are important tools to explore and illustrate dynamics of climatic variables in crop based ecosystem. In the rainfed ecosystem (RE), wheat production is impinged on certain climatic events per se high variability in rainfall and increased temperature. These climatic events turn out due to climatic drivers like Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) and pressure. Current study is aimed to analyze long term rainfall data (1961–2011) of Pakistan׳s rainfed ecosystem zone (Islamabad, Chakwal and Talagang) by using Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) and R model. The principal objective of this analysis was to study the link between SOI phases and SSTs; and thereby understanding the pattern of climate change due to these climatic drivers under rainfed conditions in Pakistan. The results revealed a positive link between July SOI phases and the rainfall variability during October–November (the sowing time of wheat in Pakistan). Long term rainfall data analysis (1961–2011) of Islamabad, Chakwal and Talagang revealed 44%, 40%, 35% possibility of exceeding median rainfall near zero whereas probability of consistently negative SOI phases were 35%, 34% and 33% respectively during July. Similarly, the forecasting results estimated by R using covariates like dry spell, NINO1.2, NINO3, NINO4, NINO3.4 and IOD of different months revealed that prediction of monsoon, wheat early growth, wheat grain filling period and total wheat growing season rainfall, have significant signals with climatic drivers. The study justified the importance of models in the decision making processes and rainfall forecasting as a beneficial and necessary tool for rainfed ecosystem conservation.

Reduced early crop growth and limited branching are amongst yield limiting factors of linola. Field response of seed priming treatments viz. 50 mmol L−1 salicylic acid (SA), 2.2% CaCl2 and 3.3% moringa leaf extract (MLE) including untreated dry and hydropriming controls was evaluated on early crop growth and yield performance of linola. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced emergence time and produced the highest seedling fresh and dry weights including Chl. a contents. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced crop branching and flowering and maturity times and had the maximum plant height, number of branches, tillers, pods and seeds per pod followed by MLE. Increase in seed weight, biological and seed yields was 9.30, 34.16 and 39.49%, harvest index (4.12%) and oil contents (13.39%) for CaCl2 osmopriming. Positive relationship between emergence and seedling vigor traits, 100-seed weight, seed yield with maturity time, 100-seed weight and seed yield were found. The study concludes that seed osmopriming with CaCl2 or MLE can play significant role to improve early crop growth and seed yields of linola.

The impact of temperature and solar radiations were studied as determinant factor for spring wheat grain yield. The data obtained at anthesis and maturity for grain number (GN), grain weight (GW) and grain yield (Y) were examined with mean temperature at anthesis (T1) and maturity (T2), solar radiation at anthesis (SR1) and maturity (SR2) and photothermal quotient (PTQ) at anthesis (PTQ1) and maturity (PTQ2). The data obtained was subjected to Statistica 8 software and scatter plot regression model was developed at 95% confidence interval with crop data and climate variables (T1, T2, SR1, SR2, PTQ1 and PTQ2). Results clearly indicated that yield remained directly proportional to solar radiation and temperature plus solar radiation (PTQ) while inversely to temperature under optimum other environmental resources. Direct relationship between PTQ and yield parameters confirmed that it determined crop yield and its management for variable environmental conditions need to be opted by adopting suitable sowing time as an adaptation strategy under changing climate.

A field experiment was conducted for two years to assess the impact of buctril super herbicide application on soil enzymes activity and microbial population. The hypothesis of the study was that the herbicide has negative effects on soil microbes and enzymes. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design using five herbicide treatments: 375 mL ha-1, 750 mL ha-1, 1500 mL ha-1, 2250 mL ha-1 and control with four replications. Wheat variety Chakwal-50 was sown as a test crop and the herbicide was applied seven days after sowing. The soil samples were taken at 0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after herbicide application. Results showed 30% decrease in bacterial population, 23.4% decline in actinomycetes population, 34% decrease in fungi population, 30% reduction in urease activity, 36% inhibition in dehydrogenase activity and 34% decline in alkaline phosphatase activity with bromoxynil herbicide application at 2250 mL ha-1 during the year 2011-2012. However, 36, 27.7, 38.6, 31, 36 and 31% decline in bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi population, urease, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity was observed, respectively where the herbicide was applied at 2250 mL ha-1 during the year 2012-2013. Overall bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi populations showed decreasing trend with herbicide application up to the day-15 and then increasing trend was observed till day-60. Decrease in dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities was experienced with herbicide application upto day-7, thereafter the activities of these enzymes showed increasing tendency up to day-60 during both years. Buctril super herbicide had negative effects on soil microbes and enzymes activity showing significant reduction in these parameters up to two weeks after its application, which later on subsided. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental work presented in this study was carried out with the hypothesis that plant derived smoke enhanced the morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of a cereal crop, wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Furthermore, this study supported the hypothesis that plant derived smoke acts as vegetative growth promoter, inexpensive, rapid and most appropriate eco-friendly bio-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. Plant derived smoke was generated by burning of plant material (leaf, straws etc) in a specially designed furnace, and seeds were treated with this smoke for different time duration. Four level of plant derived smoke (1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h) along with control were tested on four wheat cultivars in CRD repeated pot experiment. The smoke-related treatments modified number of morphological, physiological and biochemical features of wheat. Compared with the control, aerosol smoke treatment of the seeds significantly improved root length (2.6%), shoot length (7.7%), RFW (0.04%), SFW (0.7%), SDW (0.1%) and leaf area (63.9%). All the smoke-related treatments significantly promoted RWC (17.3%), water potential (1.5%), osmotic potential (1.4%) and MSI (14.6%) whereas a pronounced increase in chlorophyll a (24.9%), chlorophyll b (21.7%) and total chlorophyll contents (15.5%) were recorded in response to aerosol-smoke treatments. Plant derived smoke exposure applied for short time i.e. 1 h & 2 h induced significant results as compared to prolonged PDS exposure (3 h and 4 h). The best results were observed in Pak-13 and Glaxy-13 wheat cultivars. These findings indicated that the plant-derived smoke treatment has a great potential to improve morphological, physiological and biochemical features of wheat crop.