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The decline in crop yields is attributed to uneven chemical fertilization practices and poor soil fertility. From a sustainability perspective, the application of beneficial microorganisms alongside a blend of inorganic and organic fertilizers significantly influences crop productivity and food security. Concerns within the scientific community arise from the haphazard and negligent use of fertilizers. Farming communities predominantly reliant on chemical fertilizers often overlook the application of organic alternatives, leading to a gradual decline in soil organic matter and native nutrient levels, ultimately resulting in decreased crop yields. In diverse cropping systems, the amalgamation of chemical, biological, and organic sources sustains soil health, replenishes nutrients, and optimizes crop yields. Plant residues enhance soil microbial activity, expedite nutrient cycling and availability, and aid in preserving soil health through carbon sequestration. Regular utilization of plant residues and other organic materials enriches soil organic matter content, enhancing soil health and productivity. Integrating organic and chemical fertilizers presents a potential avenue to enhance maize and soybean yields in maize-wheat cropping systems, subsequently benefiting wheat crop productivity and profitability. The efficacy of specific soil nutrients can be heightened by combining organic sources with various chemical fertilization techniques. Hence, incorporating phosphorus fertilization alongside phosphorus-mobilizing and solubilizing agents (such as Trichoderma & PSB), along with the integrated management of peach waste materials including residues, compost, and biochar, is imperative for promoting crop growth, increasing seed yields, and fostering environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing resilience in formerly degraded ecosystems is an important goal of restoration ecology. However, evidence for the recovery of resilience and its underlying mechanisms require long‐term experiments and comparison with reference ecosystems. We used data from an experimental prairie restoration that featured long‐term soil heterogeneity manipulations and data from two long‐term experiments located in a comparable remnant (reference) prairie to (1) quantify the recovery of ecosystem functioning (i.e., productivity) relative to remnant prairie, (2) compare the resilience of restored and remnant prairies to a natural drought, and (3) test whether soil heterogeneity enhances resilience of restored prairie. We compared sensitivity and legacy effects between prairie types (remnant and restored) and among four prairie sites that included two remnant prairie sites and prairie restored under homogeneous and heterogeneous soil conditions. We measured sensitivity and resilience as the proportional change in aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) during and following drought (sensitivity and legacy effects, respectively) relative to average ANPP based on 4 pre‐drought years (2014–2017). In nondrought years, total ANPP was similar between remnant and restored prairie, but remnant prairie had higher grass productivity and lower forb productivity compared with restored prairie. These ANPP patterns generally persisted during drought. The sensitivity of total ANPP to drought was similar between restored and remnant prairie, but grasses in the restored prairie were more sensitive to drought. Post‐drought legacy effects were more positive in the restored prairie, and we attributed this to the more positive and less variable legacy response of forb ANPP in the restored prairie, especially in the heterogeneous soil treatment. Our results suggest that productivity recovers in restored prairie and exhibits similar sensitivity to drought as in remnant prairie. Furthermore, creating heterogeneity promotes forb productivity and enhances restored prairie resilience to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sheep manure-derived biochar (SMB) is applied to enhance soil productivity, but its impacts on soil phosphorus (P) species distribution have not been thoroughly investigated. This research aimed to explore the effects of SMB amended soil on phosphatase activities, nutrients, P species distribution, and the underlying mechanisms in agricultural soil. Materials and methods: The soils (collected from rice and tea cultivation) were incubated for a period of 92 days receiving different rates of biochars 0% (CK), 2% (T1) and 4% (T2) respectively. The SMB was manufactured at 500°C, and P species were tested via 31P NMR spectroscopy. Acid phosphomonoesterase (ACP) activities, CEC, NH4+–N, pH, NO3‾–N, Olsen‒ P and alkaline phosphomonoesterase (ALP) were determined. Results and discussion: The findings suggested that the SMB addition enhanced the pH, NO3‾–N, Olsen‒ P, CEC, NH4+–N contents in both paddy and tea soils. Furthermore, compared with CK (control), application of SMB at T2 reduced the ACP activities by 85.9 and 74.8%, but promoted the ALP activities by 89.1 and 70.6% for paddy and tea soils, respectively. The findings showed that major forms of P were orthophosphate and orthophosphate monoesters. Conclusions: The SMB application increased soil inorganic P, P availability and ALP activities as a result of increasing of P availability by decomposition of organic P. Our research showed that the SMB application is an alternative nutrient for plants instead of chemical fertilizers. Nevertheless, care should be taken with the long-term SMB application, consequently excessive nutrient utilization has the potential to induce eutrophication in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marginal land has low nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Addressing nutrient deficiencies on marginal land requires a strategic approach. Biological fertilizers like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic interactions. In addition, organic fertilizers such as compost could provide organic matter and improve soil structure to increase plant growth and productivity. Combining these three fertilizers with the addition of low doses of NPK fertilizer can increase the growth and productivity of maize crops on sub-marginal land. This study aims to determine the effect of AMF, consortium of PGPR, and a low dose of NPK on the growth and productivity of maize and soil nutrients on sub-marginal land by measuring plant growth up to 8 WAP (week after planting) (parameters: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, stomatal density) and productivity (parameters: cob length, cob weight with husk, fresh weight, dry weight) and levels of N, P, and K elements at 8 WAP in the soil after planting. All treatments showed an increase in the level of N and K elements, while the P element showed a decrease compared to the control (soil without treatment). Moreover, each parameter did not show a significant difference, but the P2 (Compost + PGPR consortium + AMF + 50% of NPK) treatment showed the best growth and productivity. Overall, the data showed the utilization of PGPR and AMF combination was able to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer by 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The co‐application of biochar and wood vinegar has demonstrated the potential to enhance premium crop production. The present study reveals the effects of co‐applying rice husk biochar and wood vinegar (both foliar and soil application) on soil properties and the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) in a two‐season pot experiment.The soil pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved organic carbon contents in combination treatments of wood vinegar and biochar were increased more when wood vinegar was applied to soils rather than to leaves, and the parameters were observed to surpass those for chemical fertilizer treatments. The biomass of Chinese cabbage shoots was significantly increased by 60.8‐ and 27.3‐fold in the combined treatments compared to the control when 1% wood vinegar was sprayed to the leaves (WF1) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Higher contents of vitamin C, soluble protein and soluble sugar were also observed in the combined wood vinegar and biochar treatments compared to chemical fertilizer treatments and the control; for example, the vitamin C content of plant shoot in WF1 was 21.3 times that of the control. The yield and quality of plants were decreased across all treatments in 2023 compared to 2022 but the combination treatments still displayed superiority.The co‐application of wood vinegar and biochar enhances the growth and improve the quality of Chinese cabbage through improving the soil properties and plant photosynthesis. Moreover, the foliage application of wood vinegar is more preferable compared to soil application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTCadmium (Cd) contamination poses a significant threat to plants and human, as it can easily accumulate in plant tissues, leading to biochemical and physiological disorders. There is a growing interest in using biochar to mitigate the absorption of heavy metals by rice plants. This study tested peach biochar (PB) and its various levels of applications to evaluate the promising level for Cd remediation in contaminated soil. The application of PB3 had a significant impact on Cd mitigation, with extractable Cd (AB-DTPA) in soil decreasing from 66 mg kg−1 to 18 mg kg−1. Cd content in shoots decreased from 2.5 mg kg−1 to 0.9 mg kg−1, and in grains decreased from 1.1 mg kg−1 to 0.5 mg kg−1. Moreover, the PB treatment led to increased rice yield, from 4.9 to 10 g pot−1, and biological yield, from 4 to 20 g pot−1. The soil also showed improved organic matter content, increasing from 0.4% to 0.7%, and enhanced levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), by increases from 2.1 g pot−1 to 5 g pot−1, 58 mg kg−1 to 83 mg kg−1, and 40 mg kg−1 to 63 mg kg−1, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of PB in mitigating Cd contamination in soil and reducing its uptake by rice plants.Heavy metals are the major environmental challenges that have the potential to significantly impact agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and human well-being. PB emerges as a sustainable shield against Cd pollution. Harnessing the power of PB, a promising solution to safeguard soils from Cd contamination. Transforming waste into wealth and recycling of plant nutrient, PB remarkable ability to mitigate Cd heavy metal hazard and enhance soil fertility and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a nine-year field experiment in a wheat-maize-sunflower cropping system in Hetao Irrigation Area, Inner Mongolia, China, organic amendments applied as straw, manure, green manure, and the combination of green manure and straw increased wheat and maize yield, soil aggregate stability, and soil microbial activity in comparison with chemical fertilizer, without changing greenhouse gas emission intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid accumulation of boron (B) leads to toxicity in plant tissues, and the narrow gap between deficiency and toxicity makes it difficult to adjust essential B levels in soil for plant productivity. Therefore, understanding different aspects of B tolerance is necessary to provide new and valid solutions to B toxicity. Gypsophila perfoliata stands out as a remarkable example of a B‐tolerant plant, with a natural propensity to thrive in environments such as B mines and soils enriched with high levels of B.In this study, a yeast functional screening experiment was conducted using cDNA libraries from G. perfoliata leaf and root cells for B tolerance.Ten colonies from the leaf library grew in 80 mm boric acid, while none emerged from the root library. Analysis of isolated cDNAs showed identical sequences and a unique motif related to B tolerance. The gene GpEF1A was identified in the tolerant yeast colonies, with predicted structural features suggesting its role, and RT‐qPCR indicating increased expression under B stress.A regulatory role for EF1A lysine methylation was proposed in mammalian cells and fungi because of its dynamic and inducible nature under environmental constraints. This could also be relevant for plant cells, as the high similarity of the GpEF1A gene in some salt‐tolerant plants might indicate the upregulation of EF1A as a conserved way to cope with abiotic stress conditions. This report represents the first instance of involvement of GpEF1A in B tolerance, and further detailed studies are necessary to understand other components of this tolerance mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Soil salinity presents major constraint for symbiotic root-microbe interactions and overall crop productivity. While compost amendments are effective, availability is limited in drylands where salinity is prevalent. As an alternative approach, we investigated the foliar application of signaling compounds. Methods: In this study, cowpea plants were evaluated under the treatments of foliar application of strigolactones (SL), salicylic acid (SA), SL and SA or SLSA, and coumarins (CMR), under soil amendment with gypsum (GP) and compost (CMP), and unamended natural saline soil as the control soil (CS) treatment. The microbiome structure in the rhizosphere, roots, leaves, and seeds were assessed, along with root traits, nodulation, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) colonization, nutrient concentrations, and biomass yield. Results: Several treatments exhibited positive effects, with CMP and SLSA yielding the most comprehensive improvements. The SLSA outperformed CMP in enhancing nodulation and AMF colonization. Only CMP induced a significant shift in the rhizosphere and root microbiome structure, while the leaf and seed microbiomes remained stable. An AMF Rhizophagus in the rhizosphere and AMF Diversispora in the root endosphere of SLSA treatment, and Actinobacteria and Streptomyces in the root endosphere of the SLSA treatment showed increased abundance. The increased abundance of several microbial groups with SLSA indicated their effectiveness as beneficial keystone taxa, which appears to be an influential factor for impacting salinity tolerance in the legume. Conclusions: Overall, these findings confirm that the application of signaling compounds is a viable strategy for enhancing symbiotic root-microbe interactions and improving plant productivity in saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIt is possible to boost nutrient accumulation in grain, enhance grain production, and enhance the soil’s physical characteristics through the use of bio-fertilizers, zinc delivery methods, and organic and inorganic fertilizers integrated in a balanced manner. Often, zinc (Zn) is insufficient in soil due to a lack of organic matter additions to the soil. The world’s food supply is secured by Zn, a crucial micro nutrient. The effect of different zinc application methods and integrated nutrient management methods were tested on wheat crops based on crop production, nutrient uptake, and soil physico-chemical characteristics. Three distinct bio fertilizers, namely Azotobacter, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and Zn solubilizing bacteria were used in the experiment. There was a significantly greater number of effective tillers m−2 to the tune of 385 and 388 tillers m−2 and DTPA exchangeable Zn in the final soil of about 0.70 mg/kg with the soil and foliar application of zinc compared with the other treatments. A variety of integrated nutrient management treatments increased crop productivity and soil physico-chemical parameters by increasing soil nutrient availability. The current study indicates that adding organic manure is essential to sustainably preserving soil quality and crop productivity. It should therefore be included in nutrient management plans for crops that require a lot of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing soil fertility and maize productivity is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tillage practices, nitrogen management strategies, and acidified hydrochar on soil fertility and maize productivity. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with split-split plot arrangement and four replications. Main plots received shallow tillage and deep tillage. Subplots were treated with nitrogen (120 kg ha−1) from farmyard manure (FYM) and urea, including control, 33% FYM + 67% urea (MU), and 80% FYM + 20% urea (MF). Acidified hydrochar treatments H0 (no hydrochar) and H1 (with hydrochar, 2 t ha−1) were applied to sub-sub plots. Deep tillage significantly increased plant height, biological yield, grain yield, ear length, grains ear−1, thousand-grain weight, and nitrogen content compared to shallow tillage. MU and MF improved growth parameters and yield over the control. Hydrochar effects varied; H1 enhanced yield components and soil properties such as soil organic matter and nitrogen availability compared to H0. Canonical discriminant analysis linked deep tillage and MU/MF nitrogen management with improved yield and soil characteristics. In conclusion, deep tillage combined with integrated nitrogen management enhances maize productivity and soil properties. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate tillage and nitrogen strategies for sustainable maize production along with hydrochar addition. These insights guide policymakers, agronomists, and agricultural extension services in adopting evidence-based strategies for sustainable agriculture, enhancing food production, and mitigating environmental impacts. The implication of this study suggests to undertake long-term application of hydrochar for further clarification and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In West Africa, and Benin particularly, local forest resources can potentially contribute to both increasing and stabilizing soil productivity. However, these resources continue to be neglected with efforts instead concentrated on promoting exotic species. This study aimed to prioritize local agroforestry species on agricultural landscape by investigating the gendered, socio-demographic and agro-pedological factors of local knowledge and use of agroforestry species amongst small-holder farmers in Benin. An agroforestry inventory combined with an ethno-agroforestry survey was conducted on 364 farms with 364 farmers. A cluster analysis based on farmers' socio-demographic and agroecological factors was used to cluster farmers into two homogeneous agroforestry systems. Median score, species diversity and ecological networks were established for these two systems. Results illustrate that gendered difference exist between the priority that farmers give to multi-purpose species and this prioritization depends on priority ecosystem services for farmers and gender. Therefore, it would be useful first to consider gender and specific needs of each category of farmer to optimize the choice of agroforestry species to be promoted in such systems. The successful introduction of identified species through extension programs requires more advanced research related to the real contribution of these species to farmland fertilization, as well as the nutrient transmission pathways to associated crops in an agroforestry system to address simultaneously specific ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability criteria, as well as improved crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term continuous cropping affects the soil microecological community and leads to nutrient imbalances, which reduces crop yields, and crop rotation can increase soil productivity. To study the effects of the cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and corn (Zea mays) on the microbial community, physical and chemical factors and the structure of aggregates in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) long-term continuous cropping soils were examined. Four cropping patterns were established, including one continuous cropping pattern and three crop rotation patterns, and the diversity of the soil microecological community was measured using high-throughput sequencing. The physical and chemical properties of different models of soil were measured, and the soil aggregate structure was determined by dry and wet sieving. Planting of aftercrop tomato and corn altered the bacterial community of the cotton continuous soil to a lesser extent and the fungal community to a greater extent. In addition, continuous cropping reduced the diversity and richness of the soil fungal community. Different aftercrop planting patterns showed that there were very high contents of soil organic carbon and organic matter in the cotton-maize rotation model, while the soil aggregate structure was the most stable in the corn-cotton rotation model. Planting tomato in continuous cropping cotton fields has a greater effect on the soil microbial community than planting maize. Therefore, according to the characteristics of different succeeding crop planting patterns, the damage of continuous cropping of cotton to the soil microenvironment can be alleviated directionally, which will enable the sustainable development of cotton production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to implement the newly emerging phytoremediation methods for surface water and contaminated surface soil mitigation from geographical perspectives. Vicinity of Barjora and Durgapur Industrial complex of West Bengal, India, has been selected as the study area for this case study. Based on the general principles and guidelines of phytoremediation implementation in the field, stated in several works of literature and manuals published by various authorities, this study determines the most suitable sites and plants for implementing phytoremediation in the areas mentioned above. For selecting suitable sites, the weighted overlay method has been used in the GIS environment using four datasets, i.e., Landuse, Proximity to the pollution source, soil productivity, pollution load, of top soil and surface water. The outcome reveals that in the Andal block, suitable site clusters are located close to Tamla Village, Dakshin Khandra Village, and Bhadur. The suitable locations for surface water are along the Damodar River in Balarampur, Damodar Nagar, and Ramprasadpur in Andal Block and Ondal Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of salt in arable lands is a source of significant abiotic stress, contributing to a 10% decline in the world's total arable lands and threatening food productivity and the sustainability of agriculture. About 76 million hectares of productive land are estimated to have been affected by human-induced salinization such as extreme salt deposits in soil, which are mainly caused by the actions of humans. For instance, continued irrigation and the frequent use of chemical fertilizers need to be understood. To ensure food availability, it is essential to improve upon traditional farming methods using current technologies to facilitate the reclamation of saline-affected arable lands to achieve high and sustainable food production. This review details current innovative strategies such as the modification of metabolic pathways, manipulation of antioxidant pathways, genetic engineering, RNA interference technology, engineered nanoparticles, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), organic amendments, and trace elements for improving saline marginal lands. These strategies were identified to have contributed to the improvement of plants salinity tolerance in diverse ways. For instance, the accumulation of plant metabolites such as amino acids, sugars, polyols, organic acids, saponins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and tannins detoxify plants and play crucial roles in mitigating the detrimental effects of oxidative damage posed by salinity stress. Multiple plant miRNAs encoding the up- and down-regulation of single- and multi-ion transporters have been engineered in plant species to enhance salt tolerance. Nanomaterials and plant root system colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal increase water uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass allocation in plants exposed to saline stress by excluding 65 percent of the Na+ uptake and enhancing K+ uptake by 84.21 percent. Organic amendments and trace elements reduced salinity concentrations by 22 percent and improved growth by up to 84 percent in maize subjected to salinity stress. This study also discusses how researchers can use these strategies to improve plants growth, development, and survival in saline soil conditions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. The strategies discussed in this study have also proven to be promising approaches for developing salinity stress tolerance strategies for plants to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in soil productivity due to intensive cultivation, unbalanced fertilization and climate change are key challenges to future food security. There is no significant research conducted on the effect of organic amendments on soil properties and active carbon fractions in organic-matter deficient soils under changing climate. Biochar (BC) is a stabilized organic amendment produced from organic materials and is increasingly recognized as being able to improve soil health and crop productivity. The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of compost (CM) (0.5%, 1%) (w/w) and animal manure (AM) (0.5%, 1%) (w/w) alone and combined with 3% (w/w) biochar, on soil carbon fractions, soil properties, and crop growth in a low-fertile soil. The results revealed significant increased 46% plant height, 106% and 114% fresh and dry shoot weight respectively, and 1,000-grain weight increased up to 40% when 3% BC with 1% CM was applied, compared to a control. Similarly, substantial increases in 69% soil organic matter, and 70% carbon pool index were observed at 3% BC, and under 3% BC with 1% CM increased 11% microbial biomass carbon compared to the control. Overall, the results suggest that 3% BC addition along with 1% CM and AM (1%) had greater potential to improve the soil carbon pool, microbial biomass, and soil health, all of which will ultimately enhance maize yield when grown in low-fertility soil. The application of BC, CM, and AM are a viable green approach, that not only boosts crop yields and improves soil properties and but also contributes to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextualization: The malt house’s sludge is an organic matter which contains nutrients for plants. Therefore, its utilization as organic fertilizer is an alternative to landfilling, because during the handling the sludge does not have contact with pathogenic organisms and trace metals. Knowledge gap: There are only a few studies to appraise the malt house’s sludge as an organic fertilizer. In contrast, most of the studies are conducted with sewage sludge generated by the urban wastewater treatment system. Purpose: To appraise the corn’s productivity and the fertility of the soil fertilized with sludge’s portions in comparison with mineral fertilization. Methodology: The study was conducted based on randomized blocks design with five ways of treatment (T1 = no fertilization; T2 = mineral fertilization; T3 = 24 Mg ha-1 of sludge; T4 = 48 Mg ha-1 of sludge and T5 = 72 Mg ha-1 of sludge) and four repetitions. During the sowing were distributed nine seeds per linear meter at a spacing of 0,80 cm between rows. After one hundred days from sowing, the cobs of ten plants located in the useful portion plot were collected in order to remove the grains. The grains were placed in an oven at 65 °C, until they reached constant weight to determine the dry mass. The productivity was estimated by extrapolating the grain dry mass data of the useful plot to one hectare. Soil samples were collected to assess soil fertility. The results were submitted to variance analysis and the differences between the averages to the Tukey test at 5%. Results and conclusions: The grain productions obtained with 24, 48 and 72 Mg ha-1 of sludge were 18,67, 28,00 and 40,66% higher than that observed with mineral fertilization. The results of grain yields with the doses of sludge were in the average of productivity observed in Brazil. The dosages of sludge increased the availability of phosphorus from 26,7 mg dm-3 in the soil with mineral fertilization to 94,0 mg dm-1 with 72 Mg ha-1 of sludge, respectively. According to these results it can be concluded that the sludge has agronomic quality, and the dose of 24 Mg ha-1 optimized the productivity of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli is a nutrient rich export-oriented vegetable. Boron (B) deficiency is one of the most limiting factors for achieving optimum broccoli agronomic productivity in acid soils. Therefore, in the present experiment we assessed the two-year productivity, micronutrients uptake, profitability and energy sustainability of broccoli crop grown on B deficient soils under different B application methods (foliar and soil + foliar), foliar application rates (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% boric acid), and frequencies of foliar application (2 and 3 sprays of boric acid) along with control (without B application). The study was conducted for 2 years in a fixed-field plot using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that in comparison to control, the B application significantly enhanced the broccoli head yield and micronutrient uptake with better economic and energy efficiencies. Soil plus foliar B application produced 6.30% higher head yield compared to sole foliar application. The crop yield, economic indices, and energy dynamics were mainly influenced by foliar spray of boric acid at 0.3% applied at 30 & 45 DAT (days after transplanting) and head initiation growth stages. In general, the chemical fertilizers consumed the highest input energy (67.2%) followed by human labor (18.5%). Consequently, soil plus foliar method of B application and three foliar sprays of boric acid at 0.3% will be viable alternative to attain improved crop productivity and maximize the economic and energy efficiencies besides producing nutritionally (micronutrients) rich produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics and responses of soil bacterial communities and potato productivity to different fertilization treatments in farmlands in the agropastoral zone of Inner Mongolia were investigated. Moreover, the diversity and structure of soil bacterial communities and potato productivity under different fertilization treatments (no fertilization, CK; phosphorus-deficient treatment, NK; conventional fertilization, NPK; and organic–inorganic combination, NPKM) were assessed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed that soil pH, organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) content, and potato productivity were significantly increased under fertilizer treatments (NK, NPK, and NPKM) compared with those under CK, with NPKM treatment having the best enhancement effect. The application of organic fertilizers significantly increased the Shannon, evenness, Chao1, and Ace indices of soil bacterial communities and reshaped the bacterial community structure. Random forest model analysis revealed that soil pH and TP significantly affected soil bacterial diversity, whereas soil pH, SOM, TP, and TN significantly affected soil bacterial community structure. Correlation and structural equation modeling analyses revealed that soil TP and SOM indirectly affected potato productivity by changing soil bacterial diversity and community composition. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for improving the quality and productivity of farmland soil to guide the rational fertilization of farmlands in the agropastoral zone of northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic atmospheric acidic deposition resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels may alter the pools of important nutrients and base cations in sensitive forest soils. This raises concern that chronic acidic deposition, particularly when coupled with intensive forest biomass harvesting, may diminish long‐term soil fertility, forest productivity, and carbon storage potential. To address these concerns, the Fork Mountain long‐term soil productivity experiment was initiated in 1996 at the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia. The replicated experimental design consists of 16 plots (0.2 ha) that receive one of four treatments: (1) whole‐tree harvesting (removal of all aboveground biomass, WT plots); (2) whole‐tree harvesting + ammonium‐sulfate fertilization (WT + NS plots); (3) whole‐tree harvesting + ammonium‐sulfate fertilization + dolomitic lime (WT + NS + Lime plots); and (4) untreated reference plots. We present forest floor and soil chemistry responses after ∼25 years of treatment and evaluate the temporal changes to illuminate these results. Soil acidification has occurred, and base cation movement through the soil profile was observed, with effective cation exchange capacity increasing slightly in the deepest soil horizon by the end of the 25 years. However, some of our hypotheses were not supported. In particular, soil C did not increase over time with fertilization/soil acidification but was mainly altered by WT harvesting, as were other nutrients. Dolomitic lime provided some amelioration of acidification, but surprisingly, most of the changes in base cations appeared to be the results of Mg, not Ca, likely due to greater tree requirements and uptake of Ca. Core Ideas: Soil acidification was created through fertilization and whole‐tree harvesting.Changes in forest ecosystems, including the soils, often require decades to manifest and understand.Soil acidification can be mitigated, somewhat, in forest soils.The links between soil chemistry, productivity, and diversity required further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and free‐living nitrogen fixers (FLNF) occur in the rhizosphere where they can enhance plant nutrient acquisition, impact plant growth, and affect soil processes. Tripartite mutualism commonly occurs between nodule‐forming plants, symbiotic diazotrophs, and AM fungi, and can occur between non‐nodulating plants, FLNF, and AM fungi. However, information on the extent of, and controls on, tripartite mutualism in non‐nodulating plant systems is limited to a small number of crop plants and culturable microbial inoculum, mostly in greenhouse growing conditions. We conducted a systematic literature review to synthesize the current understanding of the responses of plants, AM fungi, and FLNF to co‐inoculation, as well as the conditions affecting tripartite mutualism and the magnitude and range of benefits conferred. Our review shows that plants generally benefit from co‐inoculation with AM fungi and FLNF taxa, but benefits are highly variable and context dependent, ranging from 94% reduction in plant shoot biomass to 255% increase in total plant biomass. Additionally, the presence of AM fungi can increase abundance of FLNF and the presence of FLNF can increase AM fungal root colonization, but these responses also vary widely. Major factors influencing variation in response to co‐inoculation by all organisms include plant phenology/age, soil type and nutrient availability, and partner pairing. There is potential for leveraging these tripartite mutualisms to improve plant productivity and soil microbial function, but successful application is more likely with a thorough understanding of the environmental and mechanistic controls on these relationships and testing of field‐scale implementation. Core Ideas: Co‐inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and free‐living nitrogen fixers (FLNF) most consistently benefits plants by increasing total biomass and yield.Co‐inoculation with FLNF consistently increases AM root colonization in both cereal and non‐cereal plants.FLNF response to co‐inoculation is underreported, but evidence suggests abundance increases in non‐cereal plants.Overall responses to co‐inoculation by all organisms are generally positive, but highly variable.Variability in response to co‐inoculation largely depends on partner pairing, resource availability, and plant age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic phosphorus(Po)is an important part of soil phosphorus reservoir. In order to investigate the effects of soil aggregate Po distribution properties in Pinus massoniana plantations after close-to-nature transformation, the pure P. massoniana plantations(PP)and P. massoniana-broad-leaved mixed plantations(CP)after close-to-nature transformation were investigated in southern subtropical China. Soil samples collected from 1-10 cm were screened into >2 mm, 0. 25-2 mm and <0. 25 mm three-part aggregates using the dry-sieving method. The Po fraction, microbial biomass phosphorus(MBP)content and acid phosphatase(ACP)activity in the bulk soil and aggregates were measured to understand the distribution of the Po fraction and its drivers. The results were as follows: (1)Soil Po fractions changed in CP compared to PP, with highly recalcitrant organic phosphorus(HRO-P)and moderately labile organic phosphorus(MLO-P)significantly greater in the bulk soil and soil aggregates than in PP(P<0. 05), while labile organic phosphorus(LO-P)and moderately recalcitrant organic phosphorus(MRO-P)were not significantly different in CP and PP. In addition, there was no consistent pattern of change in Po fractions in the bulk soil and soil aggregates between PP and CP. (2)The size of the proportion of each form of Po in PP was HRO-P>MRO-P>MLO-P>LO-P, while CP was HRO-P>MLO-P>MRO-P>LO-P. (3)The MBP content and ACP activity in CP were significantly greater than that of PP in the bulk soil and soil aggregates, and there was a tendency for the ACP activity to increase with the decrease in the size of aggregates. (4)Redundancy analysis revealed that soil available phosphorus(AP), soil aggregate mean weight diameter(MWD), MBP and total nitrogen(TN)were the main drivers of soil Po fractions. In conclusion, the close-to-nature transformation is beneficial to the accumulation and transformation of soil phosphorus in P. massoniana plantation. This study provides a theoretical reference for the improvement of soil quality and productivity in P. massoniana plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilizer treatments on the growth, yield, and nutrient content of two sugar beet cultivars, Aksu (Kazakhstan) and Yampol (Poland), cultivated in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. The experiment was conducted using a complete randomized block design with three replicates, comprising six treatments: control (without fertilizer), N120P120K90, and N130P130K130 for both cultivars. The soil's physical and chemical properties were analyzed, revealing a foothill light chestnut soil with favorable nutrient levels. Results indicated that the N130P130K130 treatment significantly increased soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents, leading to enhanced sugar beet growth, nutrient uptake, and yield. Both cultivars responded positively to the increased nutrient levels, with the N130P130K130 treatment showing the highest yield of 785.6 tons/ha for Aksu and 802.5 tons/ha for Yampol. Furthermore, nutrient content in tubers and leaves was significantly higher in the N130P130K130 treatment compared to other treatments. These findings underscore the importance of balanced nutrient management tailored to specific cultivars for optimizing sugar beet productivity and soil fertility in diverse agro-climatic conditions. Adopting balanced mineral nutrient management approaches could offer promising solutions to enhance sugar beet productivity and sustainability. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and integrated nutrient management strategies for sustainable sugar beet cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilosphere is the zone of interaction between earthworms and soil environments. Besides contributing to soil microporosity, the drilosphere provides habitat for a wide array of micro-organisms. There is growing evidence that the impact of earthworms on soil functions is mediated by microbial populations in the soil. It is important for agroecosystems that the soil quality is maintained for processes like decomposition, soil formation, and several other soil ecological properties. This review focuses on the structure and function of the Drilosphere, as well as its significance as a microbial 'hotspot'; which contributes to the agroecosystem earthworm-driven Drilosphere is a key to agroecosystem, boosting soil health and productivity through improved water movement, enhanced fertility, and nutrient cycling. Their mucus stabilizes soil and promote microbial activity, while interactions with plant roots supports nutrient exchange. Leveraging these dynamics can advance sustainable farming and yield higher agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of autotrophic (Ra) and heterotrophic (Rh) components of soil respiration (Rs) could greatly improve our understanding of terrestrial carbon cycling. Here, we investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply on soil respiration rates and its components, and seasonal cumulative soil CO2 efflux in a semiarid grassland. A two‐factor experiment of N (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and P (0, 18 and 36 kg P ha−1 yr−1) supply was conducted on the Loess Plateau in 2018–2021. Our results indicated that the promoting effect of combination of N and P supply on soil respiration and its components was greater than that of N/P supply alone. N and/or P supply increased the cumulative soil CO2 efflux in both non‐growing and growing seasons, and the non‐growing season CO2 efflux accounted for ∼25% of the growing season CO2 efflux. The increase of cumulative CO2 efflux from Ra in response to N and/or P supply was significantly greater than that of Rh in 2018 and 2019, while it shifted to the opposite, that is, a greater increase in Rh than in Ra in 2020 and 2021. Our results suggest that 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1 supply alone is an optimum fertilization scheme to trade‐off grassland productivity and soil CO2 emissions. Our results highlighted that the promoting effects of N and P fertilization on different soil CO2 efflux components could be reversed in a relatively short period (4 years), and this should be considered when nutrient addition is adapted to restore degraded grasslands. Plain Language Summary: Nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) addition is a widely‐used restoration measure in global grassland, on the other hand nutrient addition could subsequently alter soil CO2 emissions via directly/indirectly effects on plant root growth and soil microbial activity. Our study quantified the effect of N and/or P supply on soil CO2 emissions from soil respiration and its two components through a 4‐year field experiment. We found that N and/or P supply simultaneously promoted soil respiration initially within 1–2 years after fertilization, although this effect diminished after 3 years of soil nutrient addition. 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1 supply alone is the optimum fertilization amount to tradeoff productivity improvement and soil CO2 emissions in a semiarid grassland. Key Points: N and/or P supply significantly increased soil CO2 emissions from semiarid grasslandsThe cumulative soil CO2 efflux was four times higher in the growing than in the non‐growing seasonThe promoting effect of N and/or P supply on soil CO2 emissions weakened with fertilization duration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BIOCHAR and Vermicompost are non-traditional organic modifications of agricultural production used to improve crop productivity and soil fertility. Field experiments were carried out to examine the application of a combination of biochar and earthworm compost and N fertilizers to soil fertility, yield, nutrient content, and nitrogen use efficiency. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates for each treatment. Application of non-traditional organic fertilizers i.e., biochar (B), and vermicompost (V) at three rates (0,1000 and 2000 kg/ha) combined with three rates of mineral N fertilizer (0, 150, 200 kg N/ha) as ammonium sulfate (20.5% N). These results indicate that the application of earthworm compost and biochar greatly enhances recovery efficiency (R e), agricultural efficiency (A e) and nutrient content. In addition, with the addition of biochar or earthworm compost, the amount of organic matter (OM) and NPK in the soil increased, while the pH of the soil decreased further. The results showed that B2N2 treatment was the most successful in improving nutrient content and N efficiency as well and enhancing panicum plant yield. The application of earthworm compost and biochar reforming improved the productivity, nutrient content, agronomic efficiency recovery efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency of panicum feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress detrimentally affects soil quality and crop development. The coupled of biochar and compost tea could be a promising strategy for improving soil quality, crop development as well as the productivity of rice plants. Our investigation was performed in split block design to appraise the impact of coupling addition of biochar with compost tea for mitigating the increasing of irrigation intervals (6 days (I1), 9 days (I2), and 12 days (I3)) in rice (Oryza sativa L. Giza 179) during 2022 and 2023 seasons. It was found that the coupled addition of biochar and Compost tea further improved exchangeable sodium percentage and soil enzymes than sole application. In addition, no difference significance was found between irrigation periods every 6 days (I1) and 9 days (I2) and coupled treatment. Consequently, the coupled application enhanced physiological attributes (RWC relative water content and gssto matal conductance) while decrement proline content due to the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase (APX, and POD peroxidase). Accordingly, the greatest findings were obtained with the integrative use of biochar and compost tea. In conclusion, the integrated application of biochar and Compost tea might be promising efforts for reinforcing soil, physiological characteristics and productivity of rice under environmental stressors conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil productivity refers to the capability of soil to sustain crop production, as determined by its complete range of physical, chemical, and biological attributes. The present study aimed to assess and monitoring the productivity of soils in El-Qaliobia Governorate, Egypt, which encompasses an area of 1022 km2. To determine the major physiographic units in the area, ENVI software 5.3 was used to process the "Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) " images and digital elevation model. The study area is located in lower Egypt, north of Cairo, in the Nile Delta region, which was analyzed using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (2005 and 2022) and Digital Elevation Models. Results showed that the vegetation areas were decreased from 70% to 63 % during the period from 2005 to 2022 while the urban areas were increased from 23.9 % to 30.8 %. The main landform units over the area were delineated using Satellite images and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Out of twenty-nine soil profiles, thirteen were selected to represent different map units. Morphological descriptions were conducted as well as soil samples for physical and chemical analysis. soil samples were analyzed to classify soil productivity using the Requier Land Productivity Index (RLPI). The spatial analyst function within ArcGIS 10.8 was employed for the purpose of approximating the assessment of the moisture content rating, drainage condition, effective soil depth, texture/structure, soluble salt concentration, organic matter content, Cation exchange capacity, and mineral reserve. The results illustrated that approximately 38.3 % and 23.0 % of the entire expanse is comprised of good classes (II) and average classes (III), while Class IV and V accounts for a mere 35.8% and 2.9 % of the total area in 2005, then Approximately 25.5 % and 12.9 % of the entire expanse is comprised of good classes (II) and average classes (III), while Class IV and V accounts for a mere 35.8 % and 25.8% of the total area in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to Lebanon's 2019 economic crisis, agricultural activities intensified to enhance national food security, with implications for soil health. We investigated soil management practices on 26 small-scale farms in a mountainous region, focusing on reconciling static sustainability definitions with dynamic resilience concepts. Surveying farmers revealed varied adoption rates of regenerative practices: intercropping (85%), residue retention (73%), cover crops (61%), organic amendments (46%), integrated organic/mineral amendments (46%), improved irrigation (38%), conservation tillage (30%), crop rotation (19%), and organic/biological pest/disease treatment (11%). Farms were categorized as conventional (C), neutral (N), and regenerative (R) based on practices. Qualitative assessments using seven indicators yielded scores of 4.28 (C), 6.34 (N), and 7.88 (R). Quantitative analyses showed significant differences in soil organic matter percentage (1.86 C, 2.75 N, 3.32 R), soil respiration (156 C, 296 N, 380 R), and earthworm abundance (2.92 C, 4.24 N, 5.72 R). The Soil Quality Index (SQI) indicated varying soil health from 0.05 (C) to 0.49 (R). Our findings highlight the importance of adopting synergistic, sustainable soil management practices to ensure enduring agricultural productivity and safeguard soil resilience, especially in the Mediterranean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTSoil erosion is a serious problem arising from agricultural intensification and other anthropogenic activities which can cause deterioration of soil fertility and productivity. This study aims to estimate total amounts of soil loss using the RUSLE and NDVI models and identify major areas of concern for management interventions through site specific in the Coka watershed, Southern Ethiopia. The RUSLE model required the integration of thematic factors such as rainfall, length and steepness of the slope, land-use and land-cover, soil erodibility, and control practices. These factors were calculated using remote sensing data and GIS. The results indicated that total area coverage from study of watershed under the degree of severity of erosion and priority was 100 t ha–1yr–1 (severe). Soil loss rates ranged between 2.33 in bare land and 237.16 t ha–1yr–1 in forest. Based on the findings, erosion risk having estimated soil loss (≥ 18 t ha–1yr–1) which is above tolerable range for the country containing 73% (2723 ha) from the total area coverage of watershed. Thus, appropriate soil and water conservation practices should be adopted to restore degraded lands and environment by giving attention for erosion hotspot areas.

Biochar can significantly alter soil properties and therefore can play an important role in increasing the resilience of agricultural systems to salt conditions. To match biochar to salt-affected soil constraints and application needs, a thorough understanding of the impact of biochar, soil properties and experimental conditions on crop productivity and soil salinity is necessary. This meta-analysis (MA) of the available literature for the first time quantitatively assessed the effect of not only biochar applied to salt-affected soils but also that of different salt-affected soil properties on crop productivity and soil salinity. The results showed that biochar was most effective at improving crop productivity in salt-affected soils, with an application rate ranging from 40–50 t/ha, a C/N ratio ranging from 40–60, a pyrolysis temperature ranging from 450–550 °C and a pH ranging from 7–8. Biochar with an EC of < 2 mS/cm, an application rate of 20–30 t/ha, a C/N ratio of > 80 t/ha or a pyrolysis temperature of < 450 °C reduced the soil salinity. Regardless of climatic and soil conditions, biochar applied to salt-affected soils increased crop productivity under different climatic conditions. Biochar increased soil salinity under different temperature and soil pH conditions and decreased soil salinity in salt-affected soils treated with all types of salts. Biochar was most effective at improving crop productivity and soil salinity in sulfate-dominated saline soils. Regardless of the planting and management practices, biochar increased crop productivity in salt-affected soils. The combined application of biochar and inorganic fertilizer significantly increased crop productivity and kept soil salinity unchanged. This meta-analysis provides the first quantitative review of the effect of biochar on crop productivity and soil salinity in salt-affected soils, which is critical for developing engineered biochar to restore salt-affected soils and promote food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies note the positive effects of soil organic matter (SOM) on crop yields, there is limited quantitative information on the influence of increased SOM on potato (Solanum tuberosum) productivity in sandy soil. This study estimated the impact of varying SOM on potato productivity in sandy soils and explored whether nitrogen (N) mineralization served as a primary mediator. Soil from nine fields in Wisconsin (SOM range of 1.1%–3.8%) was collected for a greenhouse study. Both NH4‐N and NO3‐N extracted from ion strips and potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) were used as the proxies for N mineralization. Linear mixed effect models indicated that fresh matter whole biomass and dry matter vine biomass were 0.45 and 0.54 times greater at 3.8% SOM compared to 1.1% SOM at an optimal soil pH of 5.2, respectively. Similarly, total N uptake in the whole and vine biomass was 0.51 and 1.0 times higher at 3.8% SOM than 1.1% SOM, respectively. While PMN demonstrated a positive correlation with SOM, it only partially mediated the effect of SOM on productivity, specifically in N uptake in the vines. However, for most productivity measures, including PMN with SOM in the models did not substantially reduce the estimated SOM effect on productivity, indicating that SOM affected productivity mostly through mechanisms other than N acquisition by plants available through mineralization of OM. The study underscored the complex interplay between SOM and potato productivity, urging further research into the multifaceted roles of SOM in sandy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate nutrient management and the use of manure as a feedstock for biogas production, manure is often separated into a solid and a liquid fraction. The former fraction is usually high in P and low in N, so when incorporated in the soil as fertilizer, it needs to be supplemented by N from, e.g., mineral fertilizers or nitrogen-fixing species. To explore strategies to manage N with solid-separated manure, we examined how the amount of digestate and the N:P ratio of pig digestate, i.e., manure that had partially undergone anaerobic digestion, affected the productivity of Westerwolds ryegrass and red clover in a pot experiment with one soil which was rich and another which was poor in plant nutrients. The soil and plant species treatments were combined with four doses of digestate, which gave plant available phosphorus (P) concentrations of 2, 4, 8, or 16 mg P100g-1 soil. Ammonium nitrate was dosed to obtain factorial combinations of digestate amount and N:P ratios of 1.8, 4, 8, and 16. Clover was harvested once at the beginning of flowering (15 weeks after seeding), while Westerwolds ryegrass was allowed to regrow three times after being cut at the shooting stage (in total, 4 cuts, 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks after seeding). Ryegrass yield increased by up to 2.9 times with digestate dosage. Interactions with the N:P ratio and soil type were weak. Hence, the effect of increasing the N:P ratio was additive across digestate dosages. Red clover biomass also increased by up to 39% with digestate dosage. Residual nutrients in the soil after red clover cultivation were affected by the initial differences in soil characteristics but not by digestate treatment or biomass of harvested red clover. A targeted N management is required to benefit from the P-rich digestate in grass cultivation, while the long-term effects of red clover culture on N input need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop productivity, soil quality and fertility have been degraded due to intensive conventional tillage and poor crop management practices. Conservation tillage along with proper crop establishment methods (including seed priming, integrated nutrient management) helps in sustaining the productivity of crops, especially under rainfed conditions. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of seed priming, tillage and nutrient management practices on nutrient balance; chemical and microbial properties of soil; and productivity of maize-wheat cropping system in rainfed conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three factors (tillage, seed priming and nutrient management) and control as independent treatment for general comparison of results. The findings showed that chemical and microbial properties of soil were enhanced under zero tillage+ mulch as compared to other tillage practices. However, crop productivity was higher in conventional tillage+ mulch (70.28 q/ha (maize), 35.27 q/ha (wheat)). Under nutrient management practices, integrated nutrient management proved to be better as compared to recommended dose of fertilizers. Highest production efficiency (32.8 kg ha−1 day−1) was found under CT+M,Hydro,Int. Nutrient balance (N, P, K) was found higher in treatments with integrated nutrient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely recognized that the input of organic matter in tropical agriculture is essential to maintain productivity and soil quality. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of organic C pools and CO2 emission influenced by organic compost fertilization and leucaena biomass in an area of 6 years under organic farming. The system consisted of 5 treatments based on 5 levels of fertilization with organic compost (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha−1). Each block was surrounded by leucaena and their pruning's were distributed in equal proportions for all treatments. Two rotating crops were performed per year, cabbage/corn. Soil samples were collected in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm layers in 2-year seasons. TOC and N stocks were between 23.1 and 51.6 t ha−1, and 2.1 and 5.4 t ha−1, respectively. The highest compost doses increased the microbial biomass C and N. The increase in microbial biomass was followed by higher emissions of C-CO2. Increased microbial quotient values indicated C accumulation in the system by a higher amount of active metabolic C. The microbial biomass was less efficient in the use of the high organic compost doses. The dose of compost should be reduced and applied constantly by the farmers to attend the plant demand by nutrients and increase the efficiency of C sequestration in the soil. This C sequestration will also improve biological activity and soil quality in tropical regions, increasing food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification is a specific land-degrading process, reducing soil productivity and potentially threatening global food security. Therefore, spatially and temporally identifying and mapping desertification-sensitive areas is essential for better management. The current study aimed to (1) assess spatial areas sensitive to desertification and (2) examine the changing tendency of the desertification-sensitive areas over the past 25 years in the provincial Ninh Thuan. The desertification sensitivity index (DSI) was computed based on the Medalus model using 10 quantitative parameters, grouped into the soil, climate, and vegetation quality indexes, computed for the years 1996, 2005, 2010, and 2016. GIS was used to map desertification-sensitive areas associated with five DSI classes. Results showed that classes II and III had the highest area percentage, followed by classes IV and V, and class I. The classes most sensitive to desertification (classes IV and V) covered around 13 to 17%, and classes II and III were 25 to 32% of the total study area, respectively. The coastal areas located in the southeastern parts were more sensitive to desertification than the other parts. Over the four examined periods, the areas of classes IV and V increased while those of classes II and I decreased. These indicated that the study province tended to increase in its desertification sensitivity with a severe increase in the coastal areas over the past 25 years. The key factors involved in these changes could be related the human activities and climate variation, which could be more serious in southeastern areas than in the other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Oil spills in the Niger Delta could exert environmental pressures on the soil component. We investigated the impacts of oil spills and the effect of the Enhanced Natural Attenuation (ENA) remediation method on contaminated soil and resident microbial populations in the Odhiaje community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples for microbiological studies were collected weekly during a 17-week remediation period, while those for edaphic parameters were taken before and after remediation, all at 4 sampling points (SPs). Serial dilution of the oil-impacted soils for microbial density enumeration was carried out according to standard methods. Results revealed that mean concentrations of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contents (THC) (Sig.value = 0.009), SO42- ions (Sig.value = 0.001), and sand compositions (Sig.value = 0.045) all differed markedly across the sampling points at p<0.05. Mean levels of EC (Sig.tvalue = 0.039) and ΣN (Sig.tvalue = 0.058) & K+ ions (Sig.tvalue = 0.004) differed significantly before and after the remediation exercise at the 95% confidence interval. Application of nutrients was rapidly accompanied by microbial population increases, leading to the consumption of oil contaminants in soils to levels comparable to control over the remediation period. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria counts correlated with pH (r = 0.501) and SO42- ions (r = 0.500) (p<0.05), and K+ ions (r = -0.800) (p<0.01); Total Heterotrophic Fungi correlated with pH (r = 0.520) (p<0.05), and Mg2+ ions (r = 0.820) (p<0.01); Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria correlated with available P (r = 0.530) and silt composition (r = -0.504) (p<0.05), and K+ (r = 0.626) and Mg2+ ions (r = 0.733) (p<0.01); and Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi correlated with K+ (r = 0.500) & Mg2+ ions (r = 0.506) (p<0.05). Results indicate improvement in C/N ratios and effectiveness of the current cost-effective bioaugmentation technique in the restoration of arable soil productivity in the Odhiaje community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food crop productivity is still low because of the decline of soil fertility in Ethiopia, particularly in north‐western Amhara. Fine‐tuning the source and rate of nutrients is required to solve soil fertility problems along landscape positions. Therefore, this study was initiated to investigate the need to apply selected nutrients to tef and wheat in acidic soils. This nutrient omission study was conducted in 74 farmers' fields of Gozamen and Machakel districts. The omitted nutrients were sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Potassium (K) was added, consisting of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B (All+K). Nitrogen plus phosphorus (NP) and no fertilizer treatments were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Furthermore, 50% and 150% of the All+K treatments were also included. The finding revealed that the application of different nutrient types at variable rates had a significant role in the grain and biomass yield of both test crops in the acidic soils. No tef yield and the lowest yield of bread wheat were obtained from the no fertilizer application treatment. The application of All+K had no significant yield advantage compared to NP fertilizer alone. This implies that N and P are the most yield‐limiting nutrients to produce tef and bread wheat, whereas KSZnB nutrients are not yield limiting. Therefore, refining the rates of N and P in acidic soils is needed for the economical use of fertilizers. Finally, applying blended fertilizers without empirical evidence is not recommended for smallholder farmers in the study area. Core Ideas: Right nutrient management maximizes crop yield.Identifying yield‐limiting nutrients in acidic soils is crucial.Understanding micronutrients' role boosts tef and wheat productivity.Major nutrients for tef and wheat production are identified in acidic soils.Assessing yield‐limiting nutrients is vital, with or without lime amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional agricultural systems in Mediterranean Europe were characterised by diversity and multifunctionality, and polycultures played a fundamental role in them. Some of these farm systems and the traditional agricultural practices linked to them have now largely disappeared, but they are increasingly recognised as a valuable source of agroecological knowledge. In this study, we seek to recover the long-lost experience from a traditional Mediterranean intercropping system that combined the cultivation of vines and cereals. Using local historical resources available for a Catalan village for the second half of the nineteenth century, we compare the characteristics and functioning of intercropping and monocultures of vines and cereals using socioeconomic and agrarian metabolism indicators, and discuss the advantages of the traditional intercropping system as an adaptation to the productive limitations of the agroecosystem (particularly in terms of soil quality and productivity, and availability of labour and draft force), but also as a peasant economy strategy that responded to a multifunctional balancing rationale. This way, this research contributes to recovering the knowledge and experience of a long-lasting traditional crop system that had been used until the second half of the twentieth century, and provides an understanding of the rationale and advantages of traditional Mediterranean crop systems beyond productivity and profit maximisation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil salinity is one of the major menaces to food security, particularly in dealing with the food demand of the ever-increasing global population. Production of cereal crops such as wheat is severely affected by soil salinity and improper fertilization. The present study aimed to examine the effect of selected microbes and poultry manure (PM) on seedling emergence, physiology, nutrient uptake, and growth of wheat in saline soil. A pot experiment was carried out in research area of Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Saline soil (12 dS m− 1 w/w) was developed by spiking using sodium chloride, and used in experiment along with two microbial strains (i.e., Alcaligenes faecalis MH-2 and Achromobacter denitrificans MH-6) and PM. Finally, wheat seeds (variety Akbar-2019) were sown in amended and unamended soil, and pots were placed following a completely randomized design. The wheat crop was harvested after 140 days of sowing. Results: The results showed a 10–39% increase (compared to non-saline control) in agronomic, physiological, and nutritive attributes of wheat plants when augmented with PM and microbes. Microbes together with PM significantly enhanced seedling emergence (up to 38%), agronomic (up to 36%), and physiological (up to 33%) in saline soil as compared to their respective unamended control. Moreover, the co-use of microbes and PM also improved soil's physicochemical attributes and enhanced N (i.e., 21.7%-17.1%), P (i.e., 24.1-29.3%), and K (i.e., 28.7%-25.3%) availability to the plant (roots and shoots, respectively). Similarly, the co-use of amendments also lowered the Na+ contents in soil (i.e., up to 62%) as compared to unamended saline control. This is the first study reporting the effects of the co-addition of newly identified salt-tolerant bacterial strains and PM on seedling emergence, physiology, nutrient uptake, and growth of wheat in highly saline soil. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that co-using a multi-trait bacterial culture and PM could be an appropriate option for sustainable crop production in salt-affected soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of forest litter is essential for maintaining forest ecosystem productivity and improving soil fertility. Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a pivotal role in the study of litter decomposition. Nevertheless, existing literature reviews often concentrate on specific hot topics, lacking a more comprehensive and systematic overview of this field. This study was based on the Web of Science core collection of literature. CiteSpace and VOSviewer bibliometric tools were employed to systematically analyze the literature associated with forest litter decomposition from multiple perspectives, published from 1996 to 2023. Publishing trends, literature exchanges, development trends, influential countries, institutions, authors, and journals were identified and discussed. We arrived at the following conclusions that research in this field exhibited a clear trend of rapid growth, particularly after 2016. On one hand, this phenomenon may have been due to the United Nations climate agreement signed in late 2015, while in contrast it was also related to technological and theoretical advances. The United States, China, and Germany are prominent in this field and collaborative research is steadily increasing. Frequently cited articles reveal that advances in theory and technology are of great significance toward the development of the field. The keywords and investigative hotspots in this research domain show a staged development; however, nutrient cycling, carbon dynamics, soil, and root systems are stable hot topics. Future research should strengthen international cooperation, broaden the scope of research, consider a wider range of ecological processes, and delve into fundamental topics such as nutrient cycling, carbon dynamics, soil biology, and litter quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic fertilizer substitution is an effective measure for increasing both the quantity and quality of wheat grain while reducing chemical fertilizer input. However, the effects of reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer substitution on grain yield, grain protein content and protein yield, plant N accumulation and translocation, N use efficiency, soil fertility, N apparent surplus and nitrate-N residue in rain-fed drought-prone areas remains limited. In this study, field experiments were conducted over four consecutive seasons (2019-2023) at two sites with four treatments: zero N application (ZN), farmer N application (FN), reduced 20% N of FN (RN), and organic fertilizer substituting 20% N of RN (OSN). The results showed that compared with the ZN treatment, the FN, RN and OSN treatments increased grain yield and its components, grain protein content and protein yield, aboveground N accumulation at the anthesis and maturity stages, pre-anthesis N translocation, post-anthesis N accumulation, N use efficiency, soil fertility. Compared with RN and FN, OSN increased grain yield by 17.12% and 15.03%, grain protein yield by 3.31% and 17.15%, grain N accumulation by 17.78% and 15.58%, and N harvest index by 2.63% and 4.45% averaged across years and sites, respectively. Moreover, OSN increased the contents of organic matter, total N, available P and available K in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers, decreased N apparent surplus and nitrate-N residue in 0-100 cm, and pH in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layer. Fundamentally, this study suggests that integrating a 20% reduction N from conventional farmer practices with the utilization of organic fertilizer to replace 20% of the chemical N fertilizer (OSN) represents an effective strategy. This approach shows promise in enhancing wheat grain yield, grain protein yield, and N use efficiency. Additionally, it supports the improvement of soil fertility while simultaneously reducing soil nitrate-N residues and the apparent surplus of N in rain-fed drought-prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive soil compaction is a major cause of environmental problems and reduced agricultural soil productivity. Soil conditions can affect soil compressive characteristics. The application of organic materials reduces soil susceptibility to compaction. However, the direct effect of incorporated organic matter and interactions among soil conditions and incorporated organic materials on soil compressive characteristics are poorly understood. In this study, uniaxial compressive experiments were conducted to determine the compression curves of repacked brown earth from Northeast China. The effect of variable levels of incorporated corn straw (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 g kg−1) and soil conditions (moisture content 0.14, 0.18, and 0.22 g g−1, and bulk density 1.20, 1.30, 1.45, and 1.60 g cm−3) on the compressive characteristics were investigated. The results showed that compressive characteristics were directly affected by soil conditions and corn straw‐derived organic matter (p < 0.01). Compressive characteristics were also significantly influenced by the interaction between soil conditions and corn straw‐derived organic matter (p < 0.01). By constructing a Entropy Weight Method (EWM) Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution model (EWM‐TOPSIS), the conflicting indicators of soil resistance was comprehensively evaluated. The evaluation results indicated that moisture content at 0.14 g g−1, bulk density at 1.30 g cm−3 and corn straw‐derived organic matter at 34 g kg−1 was the optimal mode for soil resistance in our experiment. The results suggested that the interaction of soil conditions and incorporated organic matter should be considered to evaluate the susceptibility to compaction in the fields accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of soil quality in intensive cropping systems demands urgent attention to preserve soil health and sustain crop productivity. A 2‐year field experiment conducted in the loamy sand soil of Gujarat's Plains and Hills explored integrated nutrient management (INM) effects on nutrient dynamics, soil attributes, and microbial populations in maize (Zea mays L.)–sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cropping. Using a randomized block design with three replications and 12 treatments, notable enhancements in soil physical conditions were observed following the integrated application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers. Specifically, the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 25% recommended dose of nutrient (RDN) through vermicompost, added with an NPK consortium via soil application, significantly increased N, P, and K uptake in the maize crop as compared with other treatments. The application of 75% RDF and 25% RDN through farmyard manure, added with an NPK consortium via soil application, led to a substantial increase of organic carbon levels and nitrogen availability in the soil post‐maize and sesame harvests, as well as with a marked increase in soil microbial populations. Correlation analysis representing the degree of association among all the traits underscores the potential of INM strategies to mitigate soil quality degradation and enhance nutrient cycling within maize–sesame cropping systems, thereby promoting agricultural sustainability in this specific agro‐climatic region. Core Ideas: Fertilization practices have boosted global agricultural productivity but at the expense of soil health.With the ever growing global plea for food, it addresses sustainable agricultural practices to realm soil health.Results proposed that there is high correlation between microbial population, soil organic carbon, and crop yield.Implementing INM aids farmers, reduces chemical dependency, and fosters environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two plots (10 ha each) of Triticum aestivum L. wheat crop were analysed, one with a phosphorus‐solubilizing bioinoculant (bioinput) and another without the bioinput (control). Traditional physical–chemical variables and four enzymes were analysed: arylsulfatase (AS), β‐glucosidase (β‐G), acid phosphatase (AP), and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAG). These variables were considered by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). The HCA separated 100% correctly the control and bioinput samples along the wheat phenological stages (Feekes‐Large scale). The PLS‐DA model was constructed with seven latent variables and obtained 100% accuracy, explaining a variance of 97.05% in calibration and 93.13% in cross‐validation. The control soil had a productivity of 57.8 bags per hectare, while the soil with bioinput had a productivity of 60.8 bags per hectare. Furthermore, soil with the bioinput presented higher concentrations of the enzymes AS, β‐G, and AP in the final phenological stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing demand for organic vegetable products. Increasing the marketable yield and quality of tomatoes through the use of optimal organic and inorganic fertilizers is a critical agronomic measure for crop productivity and soil health. However, little is known about the effects of Azolla on tomato productivity, fruit quality and soil organic changes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of organic and inorganic fertilization on marketable yield and quality characteristics of tomato fruits. A pot experiment was conducted with four concentrations of Azolla and nitrogen in a completely randomized design. The results showed that Azolla has the potential to replace nitrogen and has a significant impact on fruit quality. The interactions of Azolla and nitrogen on the number of clusters per plant, the number of flowers per cluster, the proportion of fruit set, the number of fruits per cluster and the marketable fruit yield were significant. It can be concluded that the combination of Azolla and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer linearly increased the marketable yield and quality of tomato fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]