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Zinc (Zn) is essential for plants and animals as it plays significant roles in several physiological and biological processes. Its deficiency in soil results in low Zn content food and is one of the major reasons for Zn malnutrition in humans. Biofortification of crops with zinc (Zn) is a viable approach to combat malnutrition, especially in developing countries. A hydroponic study was executed to study response and Zn partitioning in various lentil genotypes. Eight preselected lentil genotypes (Line-11504, Mansehra-89, Masoor-2006, Masoor-85, Line-10502, Markaz-09, Masoor-2004, and Shiraz-96) were grown in solution culture with two Zn levels (control and adequate Zn). Plants were sown in polythene lined iron trays with a two inch layer of prewashed riverbed sand. After 10 days of germination, seedlings were transplanted to a 25L capacity container with nutrient solution for 15 days, and afterward, these plants were divided into two groups, receiving either 2.0 mM Zn or no Zn levels. Three plants of each genotype were harvested at the vegetative growth stage (60 DAT) and the remaining three at physiological maturity (117 DAT). Plants were partitioned into roots, shoots, and grains at harvest. Significant variations in root and shoot dry matter production, grain output, partitioning of Zn in plant parts (root, shoot, and grain), grain phytate reduction, and Zn bioavailability were observed among genotypes. Lentil root accumulated more Zn (54 mg kg-1) with respect to shoot Zn (51 mg kg-1) under Zn supply. The Zn efficient genotypes (Line-11504 and Mansehra-89) produced more root and shoot dry weights at both harvests. There was a positive correlation between the relative growth rate of root and grain phytate concentration (r = 0.55) and [phytate]:[Zn] ratio (r = 0.67). Zn-efficient genotype Mansehra-89 had a maximum root shoot ratio (0.57) and higher grain Zn (60 mg kg-1) with a respectively reduced grain phytate (17 µg g-1) and thus, had more Zn bioavailability (3.01 mg d-1). The genotypic ability for Zn uptake and accumulation within different plant tissues may be incorporated into future crop breeding to improve the nutrition of undernourished consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean (Glycine max) is a protein-rich oilseed crop that is extensively used for cooking oil and poultry feed and faces significant challenges due to adverse global climatic conditions aggravated by the ongoing climate crisis. In response to this critical issue, this study was initiated to assess suitable zones for soybean cultivation, aiming to facilitate informed land use decisions within the semi-arid terrestrial ecosystem. Through the utilization of geostatistical interpolation, data layers encompassing soil, irrigation water, land use and land cover, topographic features, and climate information were generated and overlaid based on criterion weightage derived from the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The accuracy of land use and land cover was rigorously evaluated, yielding a 70% overall accuracy and a Kappa (K) value of 0.61, signifying an acceptable level of precision. Validation through the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for soybean crop suitability demonstrated a highly satisfactory area under the curve of 0.738. The study estimates that out of 172,618.66 hectares, approximately 47.46% of the land is highly suitable (S1) for soybean production, followed by 21.36% moderately suitable (S2), 11.91% marginally suitable (S3), 7.00% currently not suitable (N1), and 12.28% permanently not suitable (N2). Conclusively, the findings suggest that the study area exhibits conducive climatic conditions, optimal soil health, and access to quality irrigation water, all of which have the potential to support soybean crops with improved agronomic practices. This investigation offers valuable insights to both farmers and policymakers concerning irrigation water quality, agricultural productivity, and soil degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth and development. The application of a balanced and optimal amount of N is required for sustainable plant yield. For this, different N sources and forms are used, that including ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−). These are the main sources for N uptake by plants where NH4+/NO3− ratios have a significant effect on the biomass, quality and metabolites composition of lettuce grown in soil, substrate and hydroponic cultivation systems. A limited supply of N resulted in the reduction in the biomass, quality and overall yield of lettuce. Additionally, different types of metabolites were produced with varying concentrations of N sources and can be used as metabolic markers to improve the N use efficiency. To investigate the differential metabolic activity, we planted lettuce with different NH4+/NO3− ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100%) and a control (no additional N applied) in soil, substrate and hydroponic cultivation systems. The results revealed that the 25% NH4+/75% NO3− ratio increased the relative chlorophyll contents as well as the biomass of lettuce in all cultivation systems. However, lettuce grown in the hydroponic cultivation system showed the best results. The concentration of essential amino acids including alanine, valine, leucine, lysine, proline and serine increased in soil and hydroponically grown lettuce treated with the 25% NH4+/75% NO3− ratio. The taste and quality-related compounds in lettuce showed maximum relative abundance with the 25% NH4+/75% NO3− ratio, except ascorbate (grown in soil) and lactupicrin (grown in substrate), which showed maximum relative abundance in the 50% NH4+/50% NO3− ratio and control treatments, respectively. Moreover, 1-O-caffeoylglucose, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, aesculetin and quercetin-3-galactoside were increased by the application of the 100% NH4+/0% NO3− ratio in soil-grown lettuce. The 25% NH4+/75% NO3− ratio was more suitable in the hydroponic cultivation system to obtain increased lettuce biomass. The metabolic profiling of lettuce showed different behaviors when applying different NH4+/NO3− ratios. Therefore, the majority of the parameters were largely influenced by the 25% NH4+/75% NO3− ratio, which resulted in the hyper-accumulation of health-promoting compounds in lettuce. In conclusion, the optimal N applications improve the quality of lettuce grown in soil, substrate and hydroponic cultivation systems which ultimately boost the nutritional value of lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency seldom exceeds 50% and the surplus N is either escapes to the atmosphere or enters groundwater in the forms of ammonia, or nitrous oxide, nitrates, hampering air, water, and soil quality. Managing N transformations from N fertilized soils are thus vital to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and decreasing N losses. The use of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) is a tested strategy to manage nitrification, the first step towards N loss in the form of nitrates and nitrous oxides in the soil. The current study was conducted to evaluate the influence of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) coated prilled urea (NOCU) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) leaf extract coated prilled urea (PLECU) in comparison with dicyandiamide (DCD) blended urea; for mineral N (NH4-N and NO3-N) release in soil, nitrification inhibition (NIH), and apparent nitrification rate (NIR). The results indicated that maximum nitrification inhibition (NIH) (26-64%) was shown by DCD followed by the NOCU in the range of (15-50%) and the least NIH (4-39%) was indicated by PLECU. However, the maximum apparent nitrification rate (NIR) of 73% was calculated in urea only treatment, and the lowest NIR of 32% was shown by DCD. Dicyandiamide showed maximum NIH than other treatments followed by NOCU, and the least NIH was observed in treatment receiving PLECU. Hence, it is recommended that these substances could be used successfully for the slow release of N by manipulating N transformations in the soil, and enhanced N efficiency can be achieved in agroecosystems. The results warrant further field studies considering various soil and crop-related parameters in different agroecological zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is common on calcareous soils due to fixation with soil components and precipitation with other ions. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) may serve a better source of Zn for improved growth and biofortification in maize grains. Pot and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with conventional Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4) on growth and grain Zn contents of maize. In both experiments, Zn application improved growth and physiological parameters of plants; however, maximum improvement was observed in treatments receiving ZnSO4 (soluble) or ZnO nanoparticles (insoluble source of Zn). Application of ZnO nanoparticles also improved Zn concentration in shoots as well as in grains in field experiment. In field experiment, Zn partitioning was also calculated and interestingly it is found that Zn concentration at maturity stages was reduced in stem and mature leaves. Maximum Zn concentration (~80 mg kg−1) was observed in young leaves at vegetative growth stage in treatments receiving ZnO nanoparticles. Foliar applied ZnO NPs showed maximum increase in grain Zn concentration (82%). It is concluded that ZnO NPs improved maize growth, yield and grain Zn contents. Being cheaper and efficient source, it can be used for Zn biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently 50% of the Pakistani soils are reported deficient in potassium (K) along with iron (Fe) due to alkaline calcareous nature. Intensive cropping of exhaustive crops has resulted in negative K and Fe balance and subsequent population also suffering from iron deficiency. Application of nanotechnology with the idea of enhanced bio-availability, reactivity, surface area and adhesive effect of nano materials has made it a revolutionary tool for enhanced crop growth and nutrient enrichment in agriculture. A field study was conducted to assess the effect of potassium ferrite (KFeO2) nano coated diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer on the growth attributes, yield parameters and uptake of nutrients by wheat crop. Results showed that plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll contents, N, P, K and Fe uptake in shoot (at tillering and booting stage) and in grains and straw were significantly higher in treatment where recommended NP +10% KFeO2 nano-coated DAP was applied. Similarly, grain and straw yield was significantly improved in NP10 treatment than all other coated and uncoated treatments. The treatment NP (RD NP from DAP, urea + no potassium (farmer common practice) showed the least effect on growth parameters, yield attributes and harvest index. The treatment with 75% RD of coated DAP + 25% of K showed statistically similar grain yield compared to NPK that indicated a positive and promising effect of K and Fe nanoparticles. It was concluded from the study that nano coated DAP was a practical approach that may be adopted for enhanced plant growth and yield attributes of wheat crop. It also improves the potassium and iron contents of wheat grain, which is beneficial for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentially toxic elements and particulate matter (PM) in the ecosystem are regarded as extremely hazardous because of their persistence, toxicity and bioaccumulative characteristics. Therefore, present study was conducted to estimate the ecological and human health risks of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd and Ni) and particle pollution (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) at 2 and 60 m roadside distance from 15 different sites at dust polluted megacity of Pakistan. The AQI assessments suggested that the majority of sites were found unhealthy for sensitive at 2 and 60 m roadside distance, which reveals that that quality of road pavement and streets are far below than the required standards resulting huge quantity of dust particles suspended in air by natural and anthropogenic activities. The maximum geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values (1.47 and 0.52) and pollution index (PI) values (4.18 and 2.15) were observed for Ni at 2 and 60 m distance away from the muddy edge of the roads. Similarly, maximum contamination factor (CF) values (24.5 and 94.5) and ecological risk index (ERI) values (4.11 and 3.15) were found for Cd at 2 and 60 m. The Igeo and PI indicated that the road dust at a distance of 2 m was relatively more contaminated as compared to 60 m roadside distance. Highest cancer risk (CR) values (2.33 adult and 10.9 for children) were observed for Pb at 2 m, while highest CR values (1.21 for adult and 5.67 for children) at 60 m distance. No probable health risk was observed as the total hazard index (HIexp) of all potentially toxic elements was <1. However, children were appeared to be more susceptible to potentially toxic elements. Based on the results, we believe that the exponential increase in traffic load and industries have aggravated the pollution level and it is expected to be increased in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two independent experiments were conducted to assess neem oil coated urea (NOCU), as a natural nitrification inhibitor and to improve nitrogen use efficiency in maize. In first experiment, soil incubation with increasing levels (i.e. 1%, 2% and 3% w/v) of neem oil coating was done for 28 days to monitor the release of NH4+ and NO3 -contents. Neem oil coated urea slowed down the release of mineral N with maximum nitrification inhibition (40%) at 3% level of neem coating as compared to 2% and 1%, hence selected for next study. In the subsequent pot study, NOCU was applied according to recommended dose (250 kg ha-1) of urea at three different levels (50%, 75% and 100%) for maize crop. There was a significant increase in N contents of shoot and grains that ultimately provoked high protein contents in maize grains. Application of NOCU enhanced the N uptake due to its increased availability for longer period of time, resulting in higher grain yield. Maximum agronomic efficiency (24.38 g g-1) of applied N was observed with 75% dose of NOCU, while maximum recovery efficiency (0.44 g g-1) was recorded with 100% dose of NOCU. Conclusively, application of NOCU saves 25% N application compared to ordinary urea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain phosphorus (P) and phytate contents are important for early growth and quality of wheat, respectively. We studied seed P and phytate contents of 57 wheat genotypes released during last 6 decades. The grain total P and phytate P concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 8.9 mg g−1 and 1.6 to 4.7 mg g−1, respectively. Grain P was higher in genotypes released in current or last decade than pre-green revolution period and it correlated well with grain phytate contents. Indicating that breeders worked only for increased grain P and did not consider the phytate contents. Twenty-five genotypes were selected based on differences in grain P and phytate contents to observe the P use efficiency under field conditions. Genotypes differed significantly for grain P and yield at both 0 and 60 kg ha−1 P levels. In conclusion, phytate fraction in grains of recent wheat genotypes was more as compared to old genotypes and genotype Inqlab-91 and Chakwal-86 had maximum grain total P. Moreover, number of productive tillers, spikelet per spike, grain weight, harvest index and grain P concentration and uptake were found responsible for P tolerance under P deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil salinity causes physiological drought resulting in hindrance in the bio-availability of essential nutrients. The interaction between salinity and phosphorus uptake by plants is less explored. Two independent incubation experiments were conducted to study the distribution and transformation of various P fractions in normal and salt affected soils as influenced by various organic amendments application. In first experiment, three different levels of P (200, 400 and 600 mg kg-1 of soil) were applied in three soils differing in soil EC and SAR. Changes in various fractions of soil P (Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Al-P, Fe-P, Olsen-P) were estimated at different time intervals. All three soils behaved differently for P distribution among various fractions. Maximum available P (12.18 mg kg-1) was found in PROKA soil (saline sodic) at 400 mg kg-1 of P applied. In 2nd experiment, various organic amendments [farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), crop residue (CR)] and sewage sludge (SS) were used, with and without adding P fertilizer @ 400 mg kg-1 to study their effect on changes in soil P, at different time intervals. Plant available Olsen-P fraction significantly increased after 90 days in all soils (normal, saline sodic, marginal saline sodic) with amendments FYM and PM but not as much with amendments CR and SS. Overall, increase in Olsen-P was higher with PM (23.2, 21.7 and 19.4 mg kg-1) and FYM (20.6, 17.6 and 20.6 mg kg-1) as compared with SS (14.3, 15.5 and 15.7 mg kg-1) and CR (12.9, 14.4 and 14.0 mg kg-1) in normal, saline sodic and marginal saline sodic soils, respectively. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that integration of PM and FYM with P level 400 mg kg-1 is an effective approach to mobilize more P available for plant uptake in normal and salt-affected soils with order of normal> saline sodic> marginal saline sodic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc biofortification of cereal grains is suggested for controlling widespread human Zn deficiency in developing countries. In present field trail, various Zn treatments [control, priming of seeds in 0.5% (w/v) Zn solution (seed priming), dipping of roots in 0.5% (w/v) Zn solution (root dipping), application of 20 kg Zn ha–1 (soil application), sprays of 0.25% (w/v) Zn each at tillering and heading stages (foliar application) and combination of soil + foliar Zn applications] were applied as ZnSO4·7H2O to rice grown under submerged conditions on a Zn deficient calcareous soil. Treatments significantly (P≤0.05) increased grain and straw yield; however, seed priming and root dipping increased paddy yield only by ≤5%. Increased grain weight also significantly increased grain phytate content. Whole grain Zn concentration increased from 22 (at control) to 29 mg kg–1 (at soil + foliar application).Zinc applications methods, especially soil + foliar application, decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio and increased estimated human Zn bioavailability in grains based on trivariate model of Zn absorption. Conclusively, soil + foliar Zn application is suitable for optimum paddy yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of rice grains. However, a limited increase in grain Zn concentration (7 mg kg–1) by Zn application suggested exploitation of molecular and genetic approaches in Zn biofortification programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron availability in alkaline and calcareous soils is limited because of high pH and calcium carbonate contents. Various sources may have different solubilities within soil and may result in varying degrees of Fe availability. An incubation study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of different sources of Fe to maintain water soluble Fe in different soils over passage of time. For this purpose, three different soils were incubated with various organic (Fe-EDDHA, Fe-DTPA, FYM) and inorganic (ferrous sulphate, vivianite) Fe sources for the period of four weeks. All amendments were adjusted to maintain 20 mg kg-1 of soil Fe except FYM. Iron sources showed significantly different behavior in maintaining soil Fe in different soils. The chelates of Fe proved very effective in maintaining soil solution Fe throughout the incubation period. Fe-EDDHA maintained 12 mg kg-1 with 56% recovery of total Fe added Followed by Fe-DTPA (with 30% recovery). Recovery of ferrous suphate was negligible on the first day of incubation. Vivianite which was prepared by mixing DAP fertilizer with FeSO4.7H2O also rapidly converted in to insoluble fractions on first contact to soils but maintained slightly more amount of soluble Fe as compared ferrous sulphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, control and Zn-biofortified grains were milled to estimate Zn bioavailability in various grain milling fractions and flours of various extraction rates. In all tissues of wheat grains, soil Zn application increased Zn concentration and bioavailability, while decreased phytate concentration and [phytate]:[Zn] ratio. Compared with control grains, trivariate model of Zn absorption based estimated Zn bioavailability in various flour fractions of biofortified grains was greater by 50% or more. On average, bran had higher concentration of Zn and phytate as compared to whole grain and other milling fractions. Therefore, a large decrease was observed in concentration and estimated bioavailability of Zn from both control and biofortified wheat flour at lower flour extraction rates (80 and 65% extraction) when compared to flour of 100% extraction rate. Compared with four commercial wheat flours of similar flour extraction rate (80%), Zn bioavailability was significantly lower in flour from the control grains, while significantly greater in flour from the biofortified grains. Conclusively, only biofortified whole grain flour can ensure optimum Zn bioavailability (≈3 mg Zn per 300 g flour) for the human population groups reliant on wheat grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boron (B) sufficiency range for plant growth is narrow and its management is problematic under brackish irrigation water. This study was conducted to evaluate the B requirement of mungbean at different sodium adsorption ratios of irrigation waters (SARiw) [control, 8 and 16 (mmolc L−1)1/2]. The boron adsorption characteristics of a loamy soil were first determined in the laboratory by equilibrating 2.5 g soil with 0.01 M CaCl2 solution containing different B levels. Boron rates for a pot study were computed against different soil solution levels by fitting sorption data in a modified Freundlich model [x/m = K f (EBC)1/n ]. The maximum increase in shoot dry matter was 11.9% when B was applied at 1.29 mg kg−1 soil at control SARiw. Visual leaf B toxicity symptoms appeared at higher B rates and became severe at higher SARiw. By contrast to Ca, shoot concentrations of B and Na increased significantly with B application and SARiw. For optimum shoot growth, internal and external B requirements were 25 mg B kg−1 shoot dry matter and 0.39 mg B L−1 soil solution, respectively, at control SARiw. At higher SARiw, a lower concentration of B in plant shoots and soil solution had an inhibitory effect on plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cotton is more sensitive to low K availability than most other major field crops, and often shows symptoms of K deficiency in soils not considered K deficient. Field investigation was conducted at Sahiwal to study the effect of different rates of K and Na application on seed cotton yield, ionic ratio and quality characteristics of two cotton varieties. Ten soil K: Na ratios were developed after considering indigenous K, Na status in soil. The treatments of K+Na in kg ha-1 to give K:Na ratios were as: 210+ 60 (3.5:1) i.e. control, 225 + 60 (3.75:1), 240 + 60 (4:1), 255 + 60 (4.25:1), 270 + 60 (4.5:1), 210 + 75 (2.8:1), 225 + 75 (3:1), 240 + 75 (3.2:1), 255 + 75 (3.4:1) and 270 + 75 (3.6:1). Control treatment represented indigenous K, Na status of soil. The experiment continued until maturity. Maximum seed cotton yield of NIBGE-2 was observed at K: Na ratio of 3.6:1. Variety NIBGE-2 manifested greater seed cotton yield than MNH-786. Leaf K: Na ratio of two cotton varieties differed significantly (p < 0.01) due to varieties, rates of K and Na and their interaction. Variety NIBGE-2 maintained higher K: Na ratio than MNH-786 and manifested good fiber quality. There was significant relationship (R² = 0.55, n = 10) between K: Na ratio and fiber length and significant relationship (R² = 0.65, n = 10) between K concentration and fiber length for NIBGE-2. There was also significant relationship (R² = 0.91, 0.78, n = 10) between boll number and seed cotton yield for both varieties. The increase in yield was attributed to increased boll weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption and desorption reactions of zinc (Zn) in soils control its availability to plants. In the present investigation, time-dependent Zn release was evaluated using three organic acids [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), citric acid, and maleic acid] to depict the Zn fraction controlling Zn release rate from slightly calcareous to calcareous soils. Eight surface and two subsoil samples of selected soil series varied in their physicochemical properties, amount of Zn held in different chemical pools, and Zn-retention capacities (21-61%). Each soil was extracted for a total period of 24 h at 1:10 soil/extractant suspension ratio using 0.005 M DTPA. The time-dependent parabolic diffusion model best described the Zn release in six consecutive extractions. Soils differed in cumulative Zn extracted (1.09-3.81 mg kg-1 soil) and Zn release rate. Under similar conditions, three soils differing in Zn-retention capacities were also extracted with five different concentrations (0.01-0.0001 M) of citric and maleic acids. Although both maleic and citric acids released soil Zn at greater rates and in greater amounts than DTPA, maleic acid was more efficient. Soil Zn bound to amorphous iron (Fe) + manganese (Mn) oxides was the main Zn pool that controlled Zn release characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External and internal phosphorus (P) requirements of hybrid maize (FHY-396) and indigenous variety (EV-7004) were compared on a Typic Calciargid soil. A sorption isotherm was constructed by equilibrating 2.5 g soil with 25 mL of a 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution containing 2, 3, 6, 12, 25, 50, and 100 mg P L-1. Sorption data were fitted to a modified Freundlich equation [x/m = Kf(EPC)1/n] to compute P rates (0, 30, 60, and 120 mg kg-1 soil) against solution levels (0, 0.09, 0.26, and 0.76 mg P L-1) for a pot study. Applied P significantly increased shoot dry matter, P concentration, and P uptake in both the genotypes. For optimum shoot growth, internal P requirement of hybrid (2.51 mg g-1) was 5% more than variety (2.39 mg g-1). However, external P requirement of hybrid (0.50 mg L-1) was remarkably more than variety (0.19 mg L-1). This strongly advocated greater P rates for the high-yielding hybrid than for the variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunger and zinc (Zn) malnutrition are major health risk factors in the developing countries. Wheat is a major staple food in the world but it is inherently low in grain Zn concentration especially when grown on Zn deficit calcareous soils. Therefore, producing Zn enriched wheat grains at the farmers' fields is the best solution against human Zn deficiency. Biofortification approaches include selection, improvement and management of cultivated wheat genotypes to ensure optimum grain Zn concentration for human consumption. Soil and foliar application of Zn to wheat grown on Zn deficient soils enhances both the grain yield and grain Zn concentration. Genotype screening for higher grain yield and grain Zn concentration is prerequisite to ensure adoptability of poor farmers to newly developed genotypes for Zn biofortification. Conclusively, simultaneous consideration of grain yield and grain Zn concentration of wheat is the sustainable and economical approach to achieve our food targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]