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In future cropping systems, a focus on belowground plant–soil interactions should exploit the synergy of plant responses to multiple soil factors to maximize the biological potential of roots. Key soil factors include root-zone heterogeneity arising from the physical, biological, and chemical properties varying in time and space. Optimizing the match between root functioning and soil properties is needed to achieve increased crop productivity and improved soil health. The integration of plant and soil sciences, and the application of holistic plant–soil solutions in the crop systems, will provide effective new approaches towards a more sustainable crop production. The Green Revolution transformed agriculture with high-yielding, stress-resistant varieties. However, the urgent need for more sustainable agricultural development presents new challenges: increasing crop yield, improving nutritional quality, and enhancing resource-use efficiency. Soil plays a vital role in crop-production systems and ecosystem services, providing water, nutrients, and physical anchorage for crop growth. Despite advancements in plant and soil sciences, our understanding of belowground plant–soil interactions, which impact both crop performance and soil health, remains limited. Here, we argue that a lack of understanding of these plant–soil interactions hinders sustainable crop production. We propose that targeted engineering of crops and soils can provide a fresh approach to achieve higher yields, more efficient sustainable crop production, and improved soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cover crop services depend on biomass production and species composition of the cover crop stand. In this study, we investigated the interactions in shoot biomass of dual cover crop mixtures and their competitiveness to suppress weeds before winter under different growing conditions. Methods: A field experiment was performed on sandy loam soil in Triesdorf, Germany, for two consecutive years. The cover crop species white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia J.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisumsativum L.), and field bean (Vicia faba L.) were grown in pure stands or dual mixtures. Cover crops were sown in August, and shoot biomass was harvested at the end of the vegetation period. Cover crop shoot biomass was dried, and the share of each species and the sown test weed (Brassica napus L.) were determined. Results: The share of shoot biomass of a cover crop species in dual-species mixtures was closely related to its shoot biomass in its pure stand. In both years, mustard and phacelia showed similar interactions in shoot biomass production when growing with a second species. Regarding competitiveness against weeds, cruciferous species outperformed other cover crop species and could suppress weeds even if they were mixed with a less competitive partner. Weed suppression of mixtures with phacelia depended on the second component in the mixture and was more effective in a dry season. Legume species, especially Egyptian clover and common vetch could not suppress weeds in a pure stand. Discussion: Our results show that species with high weed suppression potential as single stands retain this ability in dual cover crop mixtures, regardless of the suppression potential of the second species that completes the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Globally from abiotic stresses, salt stress is the major stress that limits crop production. One of them is wheat that has been utilized by more than 1/3 of the world population as staple food due to its nutritive value. Biochar is an activated carbon that can ameliorate the negative impacts on plants under saline conditions. The present study was conducted to examine the ameliorative impact of “Biochar application” to Triticum aestivum L. plant grown under salinity stress and evaluated on the basis of various growth, yield, physiological, biochemical attributes. Preliminary experiment was done to select the Triticum aestivum L. varieties with 90% germination rate for further experiment. The selected varieties, FSD08 and PUNJAB-11 of wheat were treated with two levels of sodium chloride (0 mM and 120 mM). Two varieties of wheat included FSD08 and PUNJAB-11 were treated with two levels of sodium chloride (0 mM and 120 mM). To address the impact of salt stress two levels of biochar 0% and 5% was used as exogenous application. A three way completely randomized experimentation was done in 24 pots of two wheat varieties with three replicates. The results demonstrated that salt stress affected growth, physiological attributes, yield and inorganic mineral ions (Ca2+ and K+) in roots and shoots parameters of wheat negatively while biochar overall improved the performance of plant. SOD, CAT, APX and POD activities enhanced during salt stress as the plant self-defense mechanism against salinity to minimize the damaging effect. Salt stress also significantly increased the membrane permeability, and levels of H2O2, MDA, Cl and Na ions. Biochar treatment nullified negative impacts of NaCl and improved the plant growth and yield significantly. Hence, biochar amendment can be suggested as suitable supplement for sustainable crop production under salinization.

This study aims to evaluate the biocontrol potential of Meyerozyma guilliermondii (CECT13190), an endophytic yeast, and its role in mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic and biotic stress in cucumber plants. The relevance of this study lies in addressing the threat of Fusarium wilt, a major fungal disease that impacts cucumber crop productivity, as well as the exacerbation of food scarcity caused by climate change-induced abiotic stress factors such as high temperatures and drought. The study was conducted in a greenhouse environment where Cucumis sativus seedlings were exposed to biotic (F. oxysporum inoculation) and abiotic stress conditions (heat and water deficit). The impact of M. guilliermondii on treated plants' physiology, growth, development, and flowering was assessed. The study confirmed the biocontrol activity of M. guilliermondii against F. oxysporum and highlighted its positive effects as a plant growth promoter. It enhanced overall plant health, activated natural defense mechanisms against F. oxysporum, and alleviated the detrimental impacts of abiotic stress. Notably, M. guilliermondii also induced early flowering in cucumber plants. This research underscores the potential of M. guilliermondii as a biocontrol agent for managing Fusarium wilt, enhancing stress tolerance, promoting early flowering, and offering promising prospects for sustainable crop production amidst fungal diseases and climate change-induced stressors. The findings emphasize the importance of utilizing M. guilliermondii to improve cucumber crop productivity and address food scarcity challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is a fundamental resource for ecosystems, humans, and the development of all economic sectors; it is necessary to identify and evaluate its environmental pressures and impacts. The water footprint (WF) is an appropriate indicator for the consumption of water used to produce a product. The present study uses this tool to evaluate the green and blue water requirements and the sustainability of irrigation water use for agroindustrial avocado production in Ziracuaretiro, Michoacán (2012–2021). Our analysis was based on aggregating weather and soil data at the municipal level and official government databases of avocado cultivated surface, fruit production, and water rights concessions. The analysis considers the homogeneity of information throughout the study area. We estimated that rainfed plantations require 839.03 m3/ton, and irrigated plantations require 2355.80 m3/ton, with an average of 1597.47 m3/ton. In addition, we determined that avocado cultivation can demand up to 124.3% of agricultural water concessions in this municipality. Moreover, the WF estimates and the analysis indicate that such studies are fundamental for decision-makers to develop and implement water use efficiency strategies and shows the need for further research related to the water consumption of avocado as a crop at more detailed scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural tracts is a serious problem, contributing to soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) depletion. In this regard, the use of chemical fertilizers together with organic amendments is considered as a sustainable approach, which alters SMBC, thereby increasing nutrient availability in soil-plant ecosystems. The present study was thus conducted to examine the effects of various mixes of organic amendments both with and without chemical fertilizers (NPK) on SMBC and pea (Pisum sativum L.) growth. The following eight treatments were established: control, 100% farmyard manure (FYM), 100% compost, 50% compost + 50% FYM, 33% compost + 33% chemical fertilizers (NPK) + 33% FYM, 50% chemical fertilizers + 50% FYM, 50% compost + 50% NPK, and 100% NPK, each with three replications. Results showed that the combination of 33% compost + 33% NPK + 33% FYM (T5) had the most significant impact on plant height, number of leaves, and roots and shoots biomass. Furthermore, the combination of NPK, compost and FYM enhanced the soil organic matter and SMBC, contributing to the increased amounts of available NPK in the soil-plant systems. Based on the results, it has been concluded that 33% compost + 33% NPK, and 33% FYM improves pea productivity due to improved SMBC that contributed to increased nutrient uptake by plants. It has been suggested to the farmers that integrated nutrient management approaches must be adopted for maintaining SMBC and further sustainable crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundRoot hairs are single-celled projections on root surfaces, critical for water and nutrient uptake. Here, we describe the first short root hair mutant in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), identified in a mutagenized population and termed here short root hair 1 (srh1).ResultsWhile the srh1 mutant can initiate root hair bulges, lack of subsequent extension results in very short root hairs. Due to its semi-dominant nature, heterozygous lines displayed intermediate root hair lengths compared to wild-type. Bulked segregant analysis in a BC1F3 segregating population genotyped via exome capture sequencing localized the genetic control of this mutant to a region on the long arm of chromosome 3A. Via RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, we identified two promising candidate genes. The first was a respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) encoding gene TaNOX3-A, orthologous to RBOH genes controlling root hair elongation in rice (OsNOX3) and maize (ZmRTH5), that carries a missense mutation in a conserved region of the predicted protein. RBOHs are membrane bound proteins that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which trigger cell wall extensibility, allowing subsequent root hair elongation. Notably, reduced ROS levels were observed in srh1 root hair bulges compared to wild-type. The second candidate was the calreticulin-3 encoding gene TaCRT3-A, located within the wider srh1 interval and whose expression was significantly downregulated in srh1 root tissues.ConclusionsThe identification of a major effect gene controlling wheat root hair morphology provides an entry point for future optimization of root hair architecture best suited to future agricultural environments.

IntroductionCover crop services depend on biomass production and species composition of the cover crop stand. In this study, we investigated the interactions in shoot biomass of dual cover crop mixtures and their competitiveness to suppress weeds before winter under different growing conditions.MethodsA field experiment was performed on sandy loam soil in Triesdorf, Germany, for two consecutive years. The cover crop species white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia J.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), and field bean (Vicia faba L.) were grown in pure stands or dual mixtures. Cover crops were sown in August, and shoot biomass was harvested at the end of the vegetation period. Cover crop shoot biomass was dried, and the share of each species and the sown test weed (Brassica napus L.) were determined.ResultsThe share of shoot biomass of a cover crop species in dual-species mixtures was closely related to its shoot biomass in its pure stand. In both years, mustard and phacelia showed similar interactions in shoot biomass production when growing with a second species. Regarding competitiveness against weeds, cruciferous species outperformed other cover crop species and could suppress weeds even if they were mixed with a less competitive partner. Weed suppression of mixtures with phacelia depended on the second component in the mixture and was more effective in a dry season. Legume species, especially Egyptian clover and common vetch could not suppress weeds in a pure stand.DiscussionOur results show that species with high weed suppression potential as single stands retain this ability in dual cover crop mixtures, regardless of the suppression potential of the second species that completes the mixture.

The level of yield variation of primary crops has a considerable effect on the vulnerability of agriculture. The main factor that makes the agriculture of Hungary so vulnerable is climate change, and technological development cannot compensate for its unfavourable effects. We examined the yield failures of the two major field crops grown in Hungary that occurred during the last 100 years. The goals of our study were to determine how often yield losses at 15% and 30% occur, what their probability is and whether the probability has changed in recent decades. The Wald–Wolfowitz runs test was used to determine the randomness of yield failures. A series of yield failures for maize and winter wheat were found to be random. Based on the data for 1985–2023, failure by 15% and 30% can be expected approximately every 8th and 19th year for winter wheat and 3rd and 5th year for maize. Winter wheat yield failure at 15% shows a decreasing trend in occurrence, while at 30% it increases. On the other hand, the frequency of maize yield failure increased at both levels. The consideration of historical yield data can help to determine the extent of crop loss to be expected in the long term to maintain sustainable winter wheat and maize production in our changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As improper processing and disposal of animal waste cause negative impacts on the environment, the animal industry sector must shift to more sustainable practices to lessen these effects. Recently, the application of the circular economy concept in agriculture, using animal waste as part of nutrient cycling, has emerged as a sustainable approach. The study aims to develop and test the small-scale integrated hydroponics-animal waste bioreactor (AWB) for romaine lettuce production using chicken manure tea (CMT) derived from dried chicken manure as a primary nutrient source. Three integrated hydroponics- AWB systems, with varying concentrations of CMT at 1,000 ppm, 1,200 ppm, and 1,400 ppm total dissolved solids (maintained within an upper and lower bound of 50 ppm), were constructed, tested, and compared to conventional hydroponics that used a nutrient solution maintained at 1,000 ppm TDS. The test result suggests that the ideal concentration of CMT in the system is 1,000 ppm. Within the optimum manure tea concentration, the small-scale integrated hydroponics-AWB produced romaine lettuce with growth parameters comparable to conventional hydroponics. In addition, increasing the CMT concentration to 1,400 ppm negatively impacts the plant growth parameters of romaine lettuce. The developed small-scale integrated hydroponics-AWB system provides a viable approach for growing lettuce using animal waste as the major source of nutrients. The developed production system could help mitigate the negative environmental effects of improper handling and disposal of animal waste and dependence on chemical-based nutrient solutions in hydroponic crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-tech protected cropping holds great potential to improve global food security, but high cooling energy costs in warm climates pose difficulties in propagating the industry. Emerging technologies, such as diffuse glasses fitted with photoselective thin films, have interactions with crops and other cooling technologies which are not well-characterized for warm-climate glasshouses. A light-blocking film (LBF) was chosen as a high-tech, climate-controlled greenhouse cover permitting transmission of 85% of photosynthetically-active light and blocking heat-generating radiation. Two consecutive 7-month trials of two capsicum crops were grown under warm climate conditions partially impacted by bushfire smoke, with 2 cultivars (Gina and Û06614) in the first trial, and 2 cultivars (Gina and Kathia) in the second trial. Capsicum fruit yield decreased by 3% in Gina and increased by 3% in O06614 for the first trial, and decreased by 13% in Gina, 26% in Kathia for the second trial. Cooling energy use increased by 11% and 12% for both capsicum crops in AE and SE respectively, with small but insignificant decreases in fertigation demand (2%-5%). Cooling potential was significantly different from material specifications, with indications that convection from LBF interfaces was responsible for higher heat loads. LBF and similar absorptive glasses may still be beneficial for reducing nutrient, water, and energy use in warm climate glasshouses. However, yield is cultivar-dependent and may decrease with below-optimal crop lighting, whereas energy savings are more dependent on LBF orientation and building geometry than outside climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil stands out among coffee-growing countries worldwide. The use of precision agriculture to monitor coffee plants after transplantation has become an important step in the coffee production chain. The objective of this study was to assess how coffee plants respond after transplanting seedlings grown in different containers, based on multispectral images acquired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The study was conducted in Santo Antônio do Amparo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The coffee plants were imaged by UAV, and their height, crown diameter, and chlorophyll content were measured in the field. The vegetation indices were compared to the field measurements through graphical and correlation analysis. According to the results, no significant differences were found between the studied variables. However, the area transplanted with seedlings grown in perforated bags showed a lower percentage of mortality than the treatment with root trainers (6.4% vs. 11.7%). Additionally, the vegetation indices, including normalized difference red-edge, normalized difference vegetation index, and canopy planar area calculated by vectorization (cm2), were strongly correlated with biophysical parameters. Linear models were successfully developed to predict biophysical parameters, such as the leaf area index. Moreover, UAV proved to be an effective tool for monitoring coffee using this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades the agricultural intensification led to a landscape simplification, where once heterogeneous landscapes turned into more monocultured cropping regions. The main driver behind it was to be able to use larger and more powerful agricultural machinery in order to increase productivity and specially to decrease labor costs. With the advent of robots in combination with new methods of AI it is obvious that this is not only a new step of automated mechanization. New robotic systems open up new opportunities of how to cultivate crop plants. Different robotic concepts with different properties are discussed and how these might contribute to achieve the indisputably needed improvements in sustainable and environmental-friendly crop production systems. In a performed case study, it is demonstrated that even if larger robotic solutions when operated in isolation still can achieve higher area outputs, smaller and often specialized robotic systems can achieve a substantially improved work quality in the use case of seeding.

Green nanotechnology, an emerging field, offers economic and social benefits while minimizing environmental impact. Nanoparticles, pivotal in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, are now sourced from green plants and microorganisms, overcoming limitations of chemically synthesized ones. In agriculture, these green‐made nanoparticles find use in fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and fungicides. Nanofertilizers curtail mineral losses, bolster yields, and foster agricultural progress. Their biological production, preferred for environmental friendliness and high purity, is cost‐effective and efficient. Biosensors aid early disease detection, ensuring food security and sustainable farming by reducing excessive pesticide use. This eco‐friendly approach harnesses natural phytochemicals to boost crop productivity. This review highlights recent strides in green nanotechnology, showcasing how green‐synthesized nanomaterials elevate crop quality, combat plant pathogens, and manage diseases and stress. These advancements pave the way for sustainable crop production systems in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge for mankind is how to increase agricultural productivity while preserving and increasing biodiversity. The competition between humans, weeds, pests, and diseases has led to significant losses in agricultural products, highlighting the ecological and financial necessity of making efficient and sustainable use of limited resources such as land, water, and soil. Because biodiversity offers a variety of ecosystem services that can be used to boost agricultural production and encourage sustainability, it is crucial to use it for crop protection. Biodiversity forms the very foundation for the development of effective biological management techniques utilizing natural enemies to regulate the populations of undesirable organisms, thereby improving crop health and yield. However, inadequate management and protection of biodiversity have led to the fundamental functions that ecosystems provide to humans being threatened. To effectively address and prevent the challenges posed by biodiversity, plant protection products must be used safely and properly by farmers and land managers. This review explores how biodiversity can be used to manage pests and diseases, including soil fertility and plant resilience, using various cutting-edge techniques, including biotechnology and organic improvement. It also examines crop losses caused by insect pests, providing valuable insights for crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-tech protected cropping holds great potential to improve global food security, but high cooling energy costs in warm climates pose difficulties in propagating the industry. Emerging technologies, such as diffuse glasses fitted with photoselective thin films, have interactions with crops and other cooling technologies which are not well-characterized for warm-climate glasshouses. A light-blocking film (LBF) was chosen as a high-tech, climate-controlled greenhouse cover permitting transmission of 85% of photosynthetically-active light and blocking heat-generating radiation. Two consecutive 7-month trials of two capsicum crops were grown under warm climate conditions partially impacted by bushfire smoke, with 2 cultivars (Gina and O06614) in the first trial, and 2 cultivars (Gina and Kathia) in the second trial. Capsicum fruit yield decreased by 3% in Gina and increased by 3% in O06614 for the first trial, and decreased by 13% in Gina, 26% in Kathia for the second trial. Cooling energy use increased by 11% and 12% for both capsicum crops in AE and SE respectively, with small but insignificant decreases in fertigation demand (2%–5%). Cooling potential was significantly different from material specifications, with indications that convection from LBF interfaces was responsible for higher heat loads. LBF and similar absorptive glasses may still be beneficial for reducing nutrient, water, and energy use in warm climate glasshouses. However, yield is cultivar-dependent and may decrease with below-optimal crop lighting, whereas energy savings are more dependent on LBF orientation and building geometry than outside climate.

This study aims to evaluate the biocontrol potential of Meyerozyma guilliermondii (CECT13190), an endophytic yeast, and its role in mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic and biotic stress in cucumber plants. The relevance of this study lies in addressing the threat of Fusarium wilt, a major fungal disease that impacts cucumber crop productivity, as well as the exacerbation of food scarcity caused by climate change-induced abiotic stress factors such as high temperatures and drought. The study was conducted in a greenhouse environment where Cucumis sativus seedlings were exposed to biotic (F. oxysporum inoculation) and abiotic stress conditions (heat and water deficit). The impact of M. guilliermondii on treated plants’ physiology, growth, development, and flowering was assessed. The study confirmed the biocontrol activity of M. guilliermondii against F. oxysporum and highlighted its positive effects as a plant growth promoter. It enhanced overall plant health, activated natural defense mechanisms against F. oxysporum, and alleviated the detrimental impacts of abiotic stress. Notably, M. guilliermondii also induced early flowering in cucumber plants. This research underscores the potential of M. guilliermondii as a biocontrol agent for managing Fusarium wilt, enhancing stress tolerance, promoting early flowering, and offering promising prospects for sustainable crop production amidst fungal diseases and climate change-induced stressors. The findings emphasize the importance of utilizing M. guilliermondii to improve cucumber crop productivity and address food scarcity challenges.

Water is a fundamental resource for ecosystems, humans, and the development of all economic sectors; it is necessary to identify and evaluate its environmental pressures and impacts. The water footprint (WF) is an appropriate indicator for the consumption of water used to produce a product. The present study uses this tool to evaluate the green and blue water requirements and the sustainability of irrigation water use for agroindustrial avocado production in Ziracuaretiro, Michoacán (2012–2021). Our analysis was based on aggregating weather and soil data at the municipal level and official government databases of avocado cultivated surface, fruit production, and water rights concessions. The analysis considers the homogeneity of information throughout the study area. We estimated that rainfed plantations require 839.03 m3/ton, and irrigated plantations require 2355.80 m3/ton, with an average of 1597.47 m3/ton. In addition, we determined that avocado cultivation can demand up to 124.3% of agricultural water concessions in this municipality. Moreover, the WF estimates and the analysis indicate that such studies are fundamental for decision-makers to develop and implement water use efficiency strategies and shows the need for further research related to the water consumption of avocado as a crop at more detailed scales.

Abstract Green nanotechnology, an emerging field, offers economic and social benefits while minimizing environmental impact. Nanoparticles, pivotal in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, are now sourced from green plants and microorganisms, overcoming limitations of chemically synthesized ones. In agriculture, these green‐made nanoparticles find use in fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and fungicides. Nanofertilizers curtail mineral losses, bolster yields, and foster agricultural progress. Their biological production, preferred for environmental friendliness and high purity, is cost‐effective and efficient. Biosensors aid early disease detection, ensuring food security and sustainable farming by reducing excessive pesticide use. This eco‐friendly approach harnesses natural phytochemicals to boost crop productivity. This review highlights recent strides in green nanotechnology, showcasing how green‐synthesized nanomaterials elevate crop quality, combat plant pathogens, and manage diseases and stress. These advancements pave the way for sustainable crop production systems in the future.

Agronomic management and application of growth regulators mitigated the negative effects of water deficit and improved seed oil yield and other traits in camelina. This study assessed the effects of salicylic acid (SA) foliar application and soil application of superabsorbent polymer hydrogel (SPH) on the growth and antioxidant production of camelina (Camelina sativa L.) in 50% and 75% field capacity (FC) groups, as well as in a well-watered treatment. Application of SA and SPH significantly increased camelina yield and its components in 75% FC and well-watered treatments. In the control (no SA or SPH), water deficit reduced seed oil by 13% and 35% in 75% FC and 50% FC, respectively. Application of SA and SPH increased seed oil by 5% and 11%, respectively. Photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and chlorophyll content decreased in the 75% FC and 50% FC treatments. Application of SA and SPH increased in A (26% and 19%) and gs (17% and 12%) compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidases (POD), catalases (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity increased with increased drought stress. The activity of these enzymes increased when SA was applied. Generally, foliar application of SA was more effective than soil application of SPH in camelina to alleviate the injurious effects of drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biological nitrogen fixation is a sustainable approach for boosting growth of rice and reducing the burden of chemical fertilizers • Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. isolates (Az2 & As5) from native soil showed promising PGP functions • The isolates Az2 and As5 showed significantly higher N 2 -ase activity and fixed more nitrogen • Combined application of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. isolates (Az2 & As5) promoted the growth and development of rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Khandagiri) Biological nitrogen fixation is significantly effective and sustainable field procedure for the promotion of plant growth & development and reducing the burden of chemical fertilizers. In the present investigation, plant growth promoting activities of indigenous bio-fertilizer formulations of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. isolated from rice pots filled with local soil of Odisha was examined. The efficacy of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. were assessed by selecting five isolates from each genus that were analyzed by biochemical assay like utilization and fermentation of carbohydrate, citrate, nitrate reduction activity, oxidase activity, catalase activity and phosphatase activity. The isolates (Az2 and As5) showed maximum PGP activities among all the isolates of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. The analyzed isolates showed variation in production of ethylene between 63.11 ± 4.23 to 121.09 ± 4.56 nmole C 2 H 4 /mg bact./h. The isolates Az2 and As5 among Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. respectively fixed more nitrogen in culture which is 101.66 ± 9.79 (Az2) nmole and 121.09 ± 4.56 (As5) nmole C 2 H 4 /mg bact./h. The treatments T 1 (Az2) and T 2 (As5) were used as individual application of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. and T 3 as combined application of both the strains which had the best response in all of the developmental metrics studied. Among all treatments, T 3 performed around 23-27% better than the T 1 and T 2 individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water scarcity caused by climate change is a major agro-environmental issue that affects not only the amount of water available for irrigation but also impairs the nutrient absorption ability of plants. This issue is mainly resolved using microbial inoculants, which support crop productivity by increasing water and nutrient availability and uptake. This ensures the production of more sustainable and healthy food. In this study, we designed two field trials to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, productivity, nutrient uptake, benefit-cost ratio, and economic return of irrigation water of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata, cv Giza 1) under various water regimes (80%, 100%, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and phosphorous (P) rates at 50%, 75% and 100% of the recommended dose). Our results indicated that the endomycorrhizae significantly enhanced the vegetative growth, yield values, water use efficiency (WUE), benefit-cost ratio, and economic return of irrigation water compared with non-inoculated plants, with 80% ETc and 75% of phosphorus rate. The fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were 1085, 446, 367, and 93.1 g/plant, respectively. The shoot and root length and leaf numbers were 238 and 120.8 cm and 15.7 leaves/plant, respectively. For the corncob, the weight of the cob, grains, and 100 grains, grain number, and corncob diameter were 366, 446, and 205, 34.8 g/plant, 538 grains/plant, and 4.52 cm, respectively. The WUE was 3.29 Kg/m3, while the benefit-cost ratio and economic return of irrigation water were 2.384 LE/Fadden and 9.0158 LE/m3, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that AMF positively influenced the vegetative growth and yield measurements, plant WUE, the economic return of irrigation water, and the benefit-cost ratio under a low irrigation regime and moderate P rate.

Biostimulant is a substance or microorganism, or a combination of both, which stimulates the physiological activities of plants, leading to increased uptake and efficiency of nutrients, crop quality and tolerance to stress related to biotic and abiotic factors. Biostimulant helps optimise crop productivity and enhances the quality of the produce, which help maintain an eco-friendly environment to sustain agricultural production. Various botanical extracts, biochemicals, protein hydrolysates and amino acids, vitamins, cell-tree microbial products, antioxidants, anti-transpirants, humic and fulvic acids, and their derivatives are included under biostimulants. Recently, the fertilizer (inorganic, organic or mixed) Control Amendment Order, 2021, has been passed by the Government of India to promote biostimulants in the country. The Central Biostimulant Committee advises on various matters related to biostimulants. Participation of stakeholders, farmers, researchers, policymakers and regulators is essential to popularize biostimulants for their profitable and sustainable usage. This article focuses on various aspects of biostimulants, including regulatory aspects in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas bioslurry, which is normally a bio-digestion product from livestock refuse, can be utilized as an inorganic fertilizer, thus boosting not only soil fertility but also crop growth and yield. Its use can mitigate climate change by reducing methane gas emissions, which are associated with the direct application of fresh animal manure. The current study was carried out on farmer's fields based at Wusi-Kishamba and Werugha wards in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, and it aimed at investigating the effect of bioslurry coupled with synthetic fertilizer on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and yield. There were four treatments: sole bioslurry, sole fertilizer (DAP), bioslurry + DAP, and control, which were replicated five times in a randomized, complete block-designed layout. Data were collected on plant growth (plant height and leaf length) and yield (marketable and unmarketable tubers and the number of tubers plant−1). The results indicated a general increase in plant height from week one to week seven, where peak values were noted with sole slurry, sole fertilizer, and bioslurry + DAP treatments, which recorded 9, 18, and 43% taller plants, respectively, relative to control. Further, the combined application of bioslurry and DAP fertilizer significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved potato growth and yield. For instance, there was a higher (23.3 t ha−1) yield in bioslurry + DAP treatment compared to the respective least record of 14.2 t ha−1 in control. Therefore, the study recommends a synergistic application of synthetic fertilizer (DAP) and bioslurry to potato crops for optimal crop growth and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N), the most vital nutrient, undergoes a transformation in the soil and was subjected to loss through ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, and denitrification, which lower the soil fertility, crop yield and pollute the environment. Integrated nutrient management (INM) improves the nutrient supply system by integrating recommended dose fertilizers and biofertilizers, lessens the nitrogen losses, and synchronizes with the nutrient demand of the crop. To evaluate the impact of INM on minimization of N losses and improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and growth parameters, a field experiment was conducted with different combinations of biofertilizers along with the recommended dosage of fertilizers. Application of NPK + Azotobacter + mycorrhiza (Tram) in combination was found to improve soil nitrogen dynamics, availability of P, K, microbial activity, root growth, urease activity, and nitrogen use efficiency as compared to NPK (Tr) only. The cumulative emission from ammonia flux in the INM plot varied from 10.2 to 10.6 kg ha−1 and denitrification losses varied from 2.4 to 2.5 kg ha−1. At the same time, these were recorded significantly higher in Tr plot. The yield obtained under the INM plot receiving Tram was recorded as 6.4 t ha−1, which is higher than other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For higher sustainability in biomass production the use of new perennial species can lead to sustainable progress in the energy production and manufacturing industry. During the last decades, two different species of Silphium were discussed for biomass production. However, some questions regarding their cultivation and different uses are still to be answered. In this study, two accessions of Silphium perfoliatum L. and Silphium integrifolium Michx. were investigated during the year of establishment, and the first generative year for the phenotypic characteristics and suitability for cultivation, under Central European field conditions. Intra- and interspecific comparisons were made with special attention to their growth kinetics. While cup plant (S. perfoliatum) is well known as a potential biomass crop in Europe, silflower (S. integrifolium) is still unknown. In intraspecific comparison, S. integrifolium shows a more uniform development than S perfoliatum. In parallel, the development of S. perfoliatum accessions is temporally shifted, so that the S. perfoliatum accessions differ in the length of their phases of generative growth and onset of senescence in comparison to S. integrifolium. To make these results applicable, an improvement proposal was made to the existing BBCH scale for S. perfoliatum. In addition, an adaptation was conducted on S. integrifolium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of plant pathology as a scientific discipline can be traced back to botany in the 18th century. In the following century, with the contributions of De Bary and Kühn, this discipline was able to identify the causes of diseases, learn about their development, and propose therapeutic measures, which is why these two researchers are considered to be the fathers of plant pathology. This account of its genesis is the one that appears in the histories currently published about it, but the discoveries of other authors who participated in its origin, whose work had not been taken into account, modify their knowledge. Among these authors are De Candolle and Blanco Fernández. The establishment of plant pathology, with a generalist, multidisciplinary, and integrative sense, as an academic discipline in the nineteenth century, disappeared together with some of the historical figures responsible for it, when other disciplines were born from it, and yet it is coincident with the current concept of phytiatry of the twenty-first century. The power to re-establish the characters and facts responsible for this historical moment allows us to review the current concept of phytiatry so that it fits with the greatest possible precision as a necessary tool for the sustainable development of agronomy as well as food security and is established as an indispensable part of a single global health concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in exploring interactions at root–soil interface in natural and agricultural ecosystems, but an entropy-based understanding of these dynamic rhizosphere processes is lacking. We have developed a new conceptual model of rhizosphere regulation by localized nutrient supply using thermodynamic entropy. Increased nutrient-use efficiency is achieved by rhizosphere management based on self-organization and minimized entropy via equilibrium attractors comprising (i) optimized root strategies for nutrient acquisition and (ii) improved information exchange related to root–soil–microbe interactions. The cascading effects through different hierarchical levels amplify the underlying processes in plant–soil system. We propose a strategy for manipulating rhizosphere dynamics and improving nutrient-use efficiency by localized nutrient supply with minimization of entropy to underpin sustainable food/feed/fiber production. Despite the inherently complex dynamics of the rhizosphere, it can be engineered. There are still many knowledge gaps regarding the rhizosphere and its engineering and how it can enhance the agricultural production. The models based on entropy can promote the understanding and the engineering of various components of the rhizosphere, up scaling it to the plant–soil system and other higher level systems. Engineering the rhizosphere by emphasizing and harnessing the heterogeneous (localized) nutrient supply to decrease entropy is a promising approach to achieve green, sustainable agriculture by growing more produce with less resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water scarcity caused by climate change is a major agro-environmental issue that affects not only the amount of water available for irrigation but also impairs the nutrient absorption ability of plants. This issue is mainly resolved using microbial inoculants, which support crop productivity by increasing water and nutrient availability and uptake. This ensures the production of more sustainable and healthy food. In this study, we designed two field trials to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, productivity, nutrient uptake, benefit-cost ratio, and economic return of irrigation water of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata , cv Giza 1) under various water regimes (80%, 100%, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and phosphorous (P) rates at 50%, 75% and 100% of the recommended dose). Our results indicated that the endomycorrhizae significantly enhanced the vegetative growth, yield values, water use efficiency (WUE), benefit-cost ratio, and economic return of irrigation water compared with non-inoculated plants, with 80% ETc and 75% of phosphorus rate. The fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were 1085, 446, 367, and 93.1 g/plant, respectively. The shoot and root length and leaf numbers were 238 and 120.8 cm and 15.7 leaves/plant, respectively. For the corncob, the weight of the cob, grains, and 100 grains, grain number, and corncob diameter were 366, 446, and 205, 34.8 g/plant, 538 grains/plant, and 4.52 cm, respectively. The WUE was 3.29 Kg/m3, while the benefit-cost ratio and economic return of irrigation water were 2.384 LE/Fadden and 9.0158 LE/m3, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that AMF positively influenced the vegetative growth and yield measurements, plant WUE, the economic return of irrigation water, and the benefit-cost ratio under a low irrigation regime and moderate P rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil stands out among coffee-growing countries worldwide. The use of precision agriculture to monitor coffee plants after transplantation has become an important step in the coffee production chain. The objective of this study was to assess how coffee plants respond after transplanting seedlings grown in different containers, based on multispectral images acquired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The study was conducted in Santo Antônio do Amparo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The coffee plants were imaged by UAV, and their height, crown diameter, and chlorophyll content were measured in the field. The vegetation indices were compared to the field measurements through graphical and correlation analysis. According to the results, no significant differences were found between the studied variables. However, the area transplanted with seedlings grown in perforated bags showed a lower percentage of mortality than the treatment with root trainers (6.4% vs. 11.7%). Additionally, the vegetation indices, including normalized difference red-edge, normalized difference vegetation index, and canopy planar area calculated by vectorization (cm2), were strongly correlated with biophysical parameters. Linear models were successfully developed to predict biophysical parameters, such as the leaf area index. Moreover, UAV proved to be an effective tool for monitoring coffee using this approach.

Persistent food insecurity in the global south has triggered calls for sustainable development worldwide. Moreover, more than a quarter of the world's population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies or hidden hunger. The population bulge, declining soil fertility and inadequate/inappropriate use of farm inputs in Sub-Saharan Africa place it in a precarious position. Multi-nutrient fertilizer blends have been mooted as a key innovation in closing yield gaps and boosting food and nutrition security. This study assessed the extent of multi-nutrient fertilizer blends utilization and yield response across agroecological zones and their on-farm profitability under Kenyan smallholder farmer conditions. We collected data through a detailed household survey conducted in eight counties in Kenya representative of high, medium, and low productivity zones using a sample of 1094 smallholder farmers. Multi-nutrient fertilizers increased maize yields significantly (P

Soil erosion is a serious challenge for sustainable crop production. Alfisols in Nigeria are easily prone to soil degradations which have significantly reduced soil productivity, crop yield and increased cost of production. The use of soil conservation measures are vital interventions for sustainable crop production against the effects of erosion. The impacts of soil conservation on erodibility of an Alfisol was investigated in a tropical alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria. The study utilized four-soil conservation measures - Irvingia wombulu, Irvingia garbonensis, paddock and Cynodon plectostachyus was established on 20.4 ha land for 25 years, and replicated thrice based on land area. Empirical soil erodibility factor using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) erodibility factor models was determined. Analysis of variance analysis was done using R statistics to ascertain response patterns of the soil conservation measures to erodibility. Correlation was conducted for the conformity and relationship between erodibility models and soil properties. I. garbonensis soil conservation measure gave the least erodibility factor (K = 0.07), among paddock (K = 0.09), I. wombulu (K = 0.11) and C. plectostachyus with the highest erodibility factor (K = 0.17), indicating that I. garbonensis has the highest potential for soil conservation. Soil conservation measures significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced soil properties. Wischmeier and Mannering's USLE erodibility and WEPP's rill and inter-rill erodibility were not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) different across the soil conservation measures. Elswaify and Dangler's USLE erodibility correlated best with Wischmeier and Mannering USLE erodibility (r = 1.00) and WEPP's rill (r = 0.8) and inter-rill (r = 0.8) erodibility. Sand, silt, organic carbon, available phosphorus and aggregate stability significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with USLE erodibility factor. Elswaify and Dangler USLE erodibility gave higher precision in erodibility determination of the soils. I. garbonensis was more efficient in reducing soil erosion, indicating that it is the best soil conservation measure for sustainable agriculture in alfisols in the tropics.

Enhancing cereal crop production to feed the largely growing population is an important approach towards maintaining food security. Fertilizer management is the major component of crop production requiring special attention for sustainable application. Integrated nutrient management (INM) is an evolving idea, which appears to contribute to sustainable nutrient management. A field study was designed to see the impact of INM on a maize–wheat cropping system during winter (wheat) and summer (maize) season at Agronomic Research Farm, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan. Both wheat and maize crops were grown consecutively along with full inorganic fertilizer (NPK) as well as with partial dose of fertilizer (25%, 50%, 75% NPK) supplemented with or without the addition of biochar (5 ton/ha). Data were collected regarding crop growth, yield and quality and further analyzed using MSTAT-C statistics software. Results revealed that the INM approach (75% of NPK + Biochar) enabled crops to improve dry matter production and its translocation towards sink which in turn boosted the crop productivity. This treatment improved dry matter (19%, 57%), grain weight (44%, 54%), grain yield (60%, 63%) and harvest index (30%, 29%) over the control in maize and wheat crops. It also improved the nutrient uptake in the plants which in turn improved the nutrient contents in the grains. Similarly, crops recorded higher system productivity (USD 790, USD 830) in both years and were found to be economically sustainable under INM. It was concluded that an INM strategy (75% of NPK + Biochar) can improve the productivity and sustainability of a maize–wheat cropping system to maintain the food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to the discussion about the socioeconomic factors that reinforce pesticide dependence in the European Union and hinder the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices in light of the European Union's Green Deal objective of reducing the use of pesticides by 50% by 2030. The analysis has a two-pronged purpose: (1) to identify the determinants of pesticide consumption in the European Union by conducting a set of four seemingly unrelated regressions and (2) to emphasize the existence of regional patterns across EU countries formed by the factors that significantly impact pesticide consumption based on a cluster analysis. Per capita GDP, selling prices, population, and real income positively influence pesticide use, whereas subsidies and organic agricultural area negatively influence them. Pesticide use is most affected by GDP per capita and least affected by subsidies. Cluster analysis highlights regional differences reflected in three clusters: (1) the most recent EU member states, (2) the European countries with large population levels, and (3) the countries with the highest GDP per capita. Our findings may contribute to the EU's capacity to generate policy changes at the member state level and can be built into recommendations to address the persistent overuse of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small proportion of the thousands of pesticides on the market today are associated with a disproportionately high incidence of severe acute pesticide poisoning and suicide. Paraquat stands out as one of the most lethal pesticides in common use, frequently involved in fatal incidents due to suicides or accidental exposure. Even though paraquat has been banned in over 67 countries, it is still widely used in many others, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Based on a literature review and consultations, this paper identifies options for replacing paraquat and distils practical lessons from numerous successes around the world. Our aim is to support regulators, policymakers, agronomists and the supply chain sector with practical information related to phasing out paraquat. Production data consistently failed to show any negative effects of banning paraquat on agricultural productivity. A wide range of alternative approaches to weed management and crop defoliation are available, many of which do not rely on herbicides. Over 1.25 million farmers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) successfully produce a range of crops for private voluntary standards (PVS) in food and fiber supply chains which prohibit paraquat use. We conclude from the findings of this study that eliminating paraquat will save lives without reducing agricultural productivity. Less hazardous and more sustainable alternatives exist. To enhance successful adoption and uptake of these methods on a wide scale, farmers require training and support within an enabling policy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing and promising sector of precision agriculture is the site-specific application of pesticides, having a high potential for reductions in pesticide use. Within the research project 'AssSys', site-specific pesticide applications with a direct injection sprayer system and an automatic application assistant were evaluated economically with respect to herbicide and fungicide applications. The application assistant aims to support farmers in decision-making and implementation of site-specific pesticide applications either in the planning stage or as ex-post analysis. The economic assessment was based on field trials and scenario analysis referring to a model farm. The field trials were conducted in 2018 and 2019 in northern Germany. In the scenario analysis, two site-specific application scenarios were compared to conventional uniform treatment (100% of the field area). Weed monitoring was conducted as (1) standard procedure according to integrated pest management, (2) camera-based and (3) drone-based in the field trials. The pesticide application costs include pesticide costs, labour and machine costs of monitoring and pesticide applications. Investment costs of the necessary technical equipment for site-specific applications were included as annual labour and machine costs. As a major key performance indicator of partial budgeting at field level, extended gross margins were calculated. The economic scenario analysis showed pesticide application cost savings from 26 to 66% for site-specific applications compared to conventional applications. The average extended gross margin for site-specific applications of 787 € ha−1 compared to 631 € ha−1 for conventional application showed a clear economic advantage of the site-specific application scenarios. Site-specific pesticide applications can support farmers in implementing precise, sustainable and economically beneficial pesticide management. The technology presented may contribute to meet the goals of the European Green Deal to reduce use and risks of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplains known as 'Fadama' is encouraged in Nigeria by the world bank in order to boost agriculture and food security. This activity is being managed by the State ministries of agriculture through Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) nationwide. This is a case study of Jalingo area of Taraba State, Nigeria where farmers used any available water from rivers, streams and wells without any regulations. The water samples for quality analysis were collected in five (5) different floodplain locations from three (3) different sources. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected from river, borehole and well using plastic bottle container both in August (peak of raining season) and November (end of raining season) respectively. Data from water samples were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for significant effect of source and location water quality for irrigation purposes. The suitability of the source and location water quality after comparing with the water standard for irrigation have most of their chemical properties within safe limit for irrigation purposes both in August and November respectively. (pH =6.26 to 6.81, Total Dissolved Solid, TDS = 113 to 345 mg/L, Total Suspended Solid, TSS = 1.72 to 1.95 mg/L, Bicarbonates, HCO3 = 5.76 to 10.88 mg/L, Carbonated, CO3 = 0.07 to 0.77 mg/L, Sodium, Na = 0.003 to 0.031 mg/L, Magnesium Mg = 4.84 to 5.93 mg/L, Calcium, Ca = 9.62 to 11.97 mg/L). From the results of the study, it could be observed that the quality of water across the locations irrespective of period of observation and source are good and hereby recommended for irrigation purposes.