Purpose: The use of mulch and organic fertilizer in semi-arid regions are ecological practices capable of promoting production and reducing pressure on agricultural production systems. The objective was to evaluate the biomass production and physiological and nutritional aspects of sweet potatoes under mulch and organic fertilization in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Method: The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in an incomplete factorial arrangement 5 × 5 + 2 corresponding to the levels of cattle manure (CM) (0.0, 8.72, 30, 51.28, and 60 t ha-1) and mulching (M) (0.0, 287.73, 989.50, 1691.27, and 1979.0 g m-2), and two additional treatments (I- control; II- fertilization with NPK 40-70-90 kg ha-1), with treatments obtained by the Box-Wilson Central Composite Design. Results: Based on the results obtained, it is possible to affirm that the adoption of organic management in the sweet potato production system, with techniques such as cattle manure incorporation and mulching, is feasible from the perspective sustainable for producers in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Conclusion: Fertilization with cattle manure and mulch increased the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, the number of leaves, the length and diameter of the main stem, the leaf area, the fresh and dry biomass of the aerial part and the N content in potato leaves sweet. The best plant performance was provided by the interaction between CM (28.4 to 60.0 t ha-1) and M (1979.0 g m-2). The joint application of CM and M was more efficient than mineral fertilizer with NPK. Highlights · Organic fertilization with cattle manure and mulch increases biomass production. · Organic management increases chlorophyll synthesis in sweet potato crops. · Mulch and cattle manure promote main stem growth. · Organic sweet potato management outperforms mineral fertilization with NPK. · Sustainable technologies for sweet potato cultivation in the semiarid region.
Purpose: Syenite powder is a potential alternative source of potassium (K) for tropical agriculture, where reliance on imported fertilizers increases costs and environmental impacts. This study evaluated the agronomic efficiency of syenite powder as a sustainable K source for maize (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in contrasting tropical soils. Method: A 60-day soil incubation study and a subsequent greenhouse experiment were conducted using two soil types (Typic Quartzipsamment and Oxisol) and five K rates (0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg dm⁻³) supplied by syenite or a commercial glauconitic siltstone fertilizer. After incubation, maize and beans were cultivated in the same pots. Plant growth (dry matter, height, and stem diameter), shoot nutrient accumulation, and residual soil fertility were evaluated. Results: Syenite increased K availability in both soils, following a linear release pattern similar to that of the commercial fertilizer. It enhanced plant growth and K uptake, which showed quadratic responses to increasing application rates. In maize, the highest syenite rate increased biomass by up to sixfold in Typic Quartzipsamment and raised shoot K content by 9%. In beans, K accumulation doubled at 400 mg dm⁻³ compared with the commercial source. Post-harvest soil K levels were similar among treatments, while syenite also increased soil pH, Ca, and P without affecting Mg availability. Conclusion: Syenite powder proved to be an effective and sustainable K source, comparable to conventional fertilizers in its ability to improve plant growth and nutrient uptake in tropical soils. Its gradual nutrient release supports long-term soil fertility and may reduce dependence on imported fertilizers, thereby enhancing environmental and economic sustainability. Highlights · Syenite can act as an alternative potassium source for maize and common bean · Syenite is compared with a commercial fertilizer as a K source · Syenite increases soil K availability similarly to the commercial fertilizer · Maize biomass increases sixfold and bean K accumulation doubles at 400 mg dm⁻³ · Syenite shows agronomic performance comparable to the commercial K fertilizer
Purpose: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes L.) is an invasive aquatic weed that threatens freshwater ecosystems, while fly ash (FA), a by-product of coal-based power plants, poses significant environmental disposal challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of vermicomposting water hyacinth with fly ash to produce a nutrient-rich organic amendment and assess its effects on soil properties and rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings growth. Methods: Vermicompost was prepared using different ratios of water hyacinth and fly ash (R1-R5) with Eisenia foetida, while conventional compost of the same substrate served as the control. Soils were amended with 0-50% compost or vermicompost, and rice seeds were sown in triplicate for a duration of 60 days. Plant growth parameters, soil physicochemical properties and heavy metals concentrations were analysed. Results: Vermicompost significantly improved soil properties compared to compost, enhancing pH, EC, organic carbon, organic matter, phosphate content, and water-holding capacity. Rice seedlings grown with vermicompost exhibited superior growth, with optimal effects at 40% application (T5vc). Heavy metals concentrations decreased over time, indicating its remediation potential. Principal component and cluster analysis confirmed that vermicompost exerted a stronger and more consistent positive impact on both soil quality and seedling growth compared to compost. Conclusion: Vermicomposting of water hyacinth with fly ash offers a sustainable approach to converting invasive aquatic weed and industrial waste into a nutrient rich soil amendment. A 40% vermicompost application optimally enhances soil fertility, promotes the growth of rice seedling, improves physiological performance, and reduces heavy metal risks, supporting its use in sustainable agricultural practices. Highlights · Vermicompost significantly improved soil physicochemical properties over compost. · A 40% vermicompost application rate maximized rice seedling growth. · Chlorophyll and protein peaked at 40% vermicompost, enhancing photosynthesis uptakes. · Vermicompost reduced heavy metal concentrations over time. · Vermicompost improved soil quality and rice seedling growth more than compost.
Purpose: This review investigates the potential of vermicompost, created from organic waste, as an alternative medium in plant tissue culture. The objective is to assess the feasibility of using vermicompost as an alternative or complementary medium. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using the Scopus, the Web of Science, and the PubMed databases with keywords including “vermicompost,” “organic waste,” “plant tissue culture,” “alternative media,” and “sustainable agriculture.” A total of 207 relevant articles were identified and reviewed, published between 2015 and 2025. The selected studies were analyzed and synthesized to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of using vermicompost in plant tissue culture systems. Results: Findings from the review indicate that vermicompost derived from organic waste can serve as an effective medium for plant tissue culture. Rich in essential nutrients, vermicompost supports plant development as a natural nutrient source. Several studies suggest that its use can enhance plant growth by 15–45% compared to conventional media while reducing production costs by 30–50%. Moreover, vermicompost promotes sustainability by recycling organic waste and reducing reliance on conventional synthetic media. Conclusion: The study concludes that vermicompost is a viable alternative or complementary medium for plant tissue culture, offering environmental and economic advantages. Its application can help lower costs, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance plant growth by utilizing organic waste resources. This practice supports sustainability and circular economy principles by converting organic waste into valuable agricultural inputs. However, standardization of vermicompost composition and application protocols is required to ensure consistent and reproducible results. Highlights · Earthworms efficiently transform organic matter into nutrient-rich compounds that plants can readily absorb · Vermicompost plays a crucial role in enhancing plant growth and productivity. · Integrate vermicompost derived from organic waste with tissue culture to reduce costs. · Combine vermicompost and tissue culture to enhance environmental sustainability. · Vermicompost from organic waste can replace the commonly used media in tissue culture.
(Editorial Summary) This correspondence presents a discussion on the article “The effectiveness of biochar as a mulch for weed control and soil moisture retention in strawberry cultivation.” The Letter to the Editor raises two main points related to the study. First, it highlights the need for more detailed physicochemical characterization of the biochar used, including key properties such as surface area, pore structure, and elemental composition, as well as clearer reporting of the application rate to improve comparability and reproducibility across studies. Second, it emphasizes the importance of improved statistical transparency in the presentation of results, particularly through the inclusion of measures of variability such as error bars in graphical figures. In their response, the authors clarify that the biochar was produced from pine nut shells under defined pyrolysis conditions consistent with their previously published methodologies, which include comprehensive material characterization. They also provide an estimated application rate expressed in mass per unit area while clarifying that the biochar was applied as a surface mulch rather than incorporated into the soil, and therefore the value is intended for comparative interpretation rather than direct equivalence with soil amendment studies. In addition, the authors address the issue of data presentation by providing updated figures including standard error bars and confirming the statistical methods used for analysis. The editorial assessment concludes that the comments raised in the Letter are valid and contribute to improving the clarity, transparency, and reproducibility of the original study. The exchange between the Letter, Authors’ Response, and Editorial Note highlights the importance of detailed methodological reporting and clear data presentation in biochar-based agronomic research.
Purpose: This study evaluated how four agricultural residues coconut coir (CC), leaf litter (LL), water hyacinth (WH), and corn cob (CCOB) mixed with dairy manure influence nutrient transformation and maturity of vermicompost produced by Eudrilus eugeniae. The practical aim was to identify which feedstock yields the most stable and nutrient-rich vermicompost for tropical agricultural use. Method: A completely randomized design (CRD) with four feedstock treatments and three replicates was used. Each mixture was precomposted for 21 days before vermicomposting for 44 days. Key parameters (pH, EC, OM, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻) were analyzed, and nutrient-transformation ratios (NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻, NO₃⁻/PO₄³⁻) were calculated. One-way ANOVA, ANCOVA, and repeated-measures ANOVA assessed treatment effects, while PCA identified dominant nutrient-association patterns. Results: Precompost properties varied significantly across feedstocks, particularly for nitrogen fractions. Although most values satisfied the Thai organic fertilizer standard (pH 5.5 - 8.5; EC < 10 dS/m; OM ≥ 20%), elevated NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻ ratios indicated incomplete stabilization prior to vermicomposting. After 44 days, EC and NH₄⁺ declined markedly, whereas NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻ increased, reflecting enhanced mineralization and nitrification processes as inferred from observed chemical transformation patterns during vermicomposting. ANCOVA demonstrated that feedstock chemistry exerted a stronger influence on nutrient dynamics than initial precompost values, especially for EC and NH₄⁺. PCA revealed contrasting nutrient pathways: WH and CCOB exhibited stronger mineralization intensity, whereas LL and CC maintained greater organic stability. All vermicomposts reached NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻ < 1, indicating chemical maturity suitable for agricultural application. CC produced the most stable nitrate-rich vermicompost, suggesting its suitability as an optimal feedstock. Conclusion: Vermicomposting dairy manure with locally available residues generated nutrient-enriched composts that met national quality standards. Feedstock type strongly governed nitrogen and phosphorus transformation pathways, offering a practical basis for selecting substrates in tropical vermicompost production. Highlights • Organic feedstock type significantly influenced nutrient transformation during vermicomposting. • Vermicomposting improved nitrogen availability and reduced the C/N ratio of organic materials. • Eudrilus eugeniae effectively converted agricultural organic wastes into nutrient-rich vermicompost. • Different feedstocks produced distinct chemical characteristics in the final vermicompost. • Vermicomposting enhanced the fertilizer potential of organic waste materials.
Purpose: Dependency on chemical fertilizers in shallot production has increased farmers’ production expenses and resulted in several environmental issues. Using organic fertilizers and soil amendments can help reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Method: The three shallot cultivars utilized in this study were Bawang BAW1 (MARDI) (BM), Bawang India (BI), and Bawang Siam (BS). The experiment was arranged in three different randomized complete block designs according to the other cultivars with four replications and treated with five fertilizer treatments which were (a) control, (b) NPK fertilizer (NPK) of 15:15:15 at 450 kg/ha (CF), (c) Rabbit manure (RM) + burnt rice husk (BRH) (organic fertilizer (OF)), (d) 225 kg/ha NPK + OF (OCF1), and (e) 112.5 kg/ha NPK + OF (OCF2). Growth performance, yield and soil properties after harvest were recorded. Results: OF treatment resulted in the best outcomes in terms of total weight, bulb diameter, bulb weight, marketable yield, and macronutrient content across the three shallot cultivars, compared to the other treatments. The combination of OF with NPK fertilizer (OCF1 and OCF2) consistently ranked second in growth, yield and macronutrient content while also leading to notable improvements in various soil chemical properties, particularly the availability of essential nutrients and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Conclusion: The application of OF showed great promise as an organic alternative for shallot production, as it gave the highest yield and macronutrient content across the three cultivars.
Purpose: Vermicompost is one of the alternative nutrient sources for crop plants as an organic amendment. This study evaluated the effect of vermicompost on the growth and performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Method: A Randomized Complete Block Design with eleven treatments were applied to 5 kg of processed soil. Treatments consisted of three levels of vermicompost (50 g, 100 g, and 150 g) alone and combined with two levels of urea (2 g, 4 g), including positive (8 g urea only) and negative (soil only) controls. Treatment codes were: T1-T3: VC alone, T4-T6: 4 g urea + VC, T7-T9: 2 g urea + VC, T10: 8 g urea (positive), and T11: 5 kg soil (negative control). Each treatment had five replicates and was applied during transplanting, three, and five weeks after transplanting. Growth and yield parameters were recorded from 10 to 70 Days after planting and analyzed using Minitab 15. Results: The combination of 2 g urea with 150 g VC (T9) showed significantly higher performance in most of the growth and yield parameters (mean values of plant height: 54.8±4.76 cm, stem circumference: 2.84±0.09 cm, number and length of pods: 7±2.0 and 17.8±1.4 cm, and fresh and dry weight:128.4±8.3 g and 22.72±1.23 g). Plants treated with 100 g VC alone (T2) took a minimum day for flowering (43 days). Conclusion: Vermicompost supplemented with a lesser amount of urea (T9: 2 g urea with 150 g VC) enhanced the growth and yield of okra, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Purpose: this study aimed to evaluate the fate of veterinary pharmaceutical residues, such as ivermectin (IVM), and their impact on parasitic forms during and after composting of equine feces mixed with straw. Method: in this study, composting trials were conducted using equine fecal matter added with IVM under controlled conditions. Physicochemical parameters of the composting process, including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and extractable phosphorus, were monitored over a 120-day period. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify IVM residues in compost samples. Additionally, parasitological assessments were performed to evaluate the elimination of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) eggs during composting. Results: IVM residues persisted throughout the composting period, albeit with decreasing concentrations over time. The composting process influenced physicochemical parameters, such as pH and electrical conductivity, with variations observed in response to straw additions and microbial activity. Parasitological analysis revealed the presence of GIN eggs, predominantly belonging to the Strongylus genus, up to day 60 of composting. However, larval development from these eggs was not observed beyond day 30, suggesting limited viability under composting conditions. Conclusion: overall, composting reduced IVM concentrations and compromised GIN eggs viability. However, complete elimination of the compound was not achieved within the time of the study. These findings highlight the importance of further research to optimize composting strategies for pharmaceutical residue degradation and parasite control thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of composted manure in agricultural applications.
Purpose: Vermicomposting can be enhanced by inoculating vermibeds with beneficial microbes, thereby improving its biofertilizer properties. This study examined how phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas putida Tabriz) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter sp.) influence enzyme activity in vermicompost produced from different organic substrates (litter, wheat straw, wood dust, and compost). Method: A mixture of cow manure and organic materials (1:8 w/w) was vermicomposted in 3-kg pots with Eisenia fetida earthworms. After four months, bacterial inoculants were introduced, and samples were analyzed at 0, 4, 7, and 10 months for acid phosphatase, urease, and cellulase activities. Results: Bacterial inoculation significantly increased enzyme activity, with peaks observed at 4–7 months. Overall, bacterial inoculation significantly increased enzymatic activity, with the highest values observed at 4 and 7 months after inoculation. Specifically, P. putida Tabriz enhanced cellulase and urease activities, while Azotobacter sp. improved phosphatase activity in the vermibeds. The highest enzyme activities were recorded in: compost (acid phosphatase, 1864 μg pNP/g.h), leaf litter (urease, 460 μg NH₄⁺-N/2h), and wood dust (cellulase, 1568 μg GE/g.24h). Enzyme activity gradually increased during the experiment but declined toward the end of the study period. Conclusion: Vermicompost effectively serves as a carrier for beneficial microbes, enhancing enzyme activity and soil health. This approach offers a sustainable way to improve agricultural productivity through biofertilization. Highlights Inoculation with P. putida and Azotobacter sp. significantly increases vermicompost enzyme activities. Peak enzyme activities are substrate-dependent: acid phosphatase in compost, urease in leaf litter, cellulase in wood dust. Enzyme activity peaks at 4 and 7 months post-inoculation, revealing optimal harvest times. A strategy integrating specific microbial inoculation with substrates enhances vermicompost quality for soil health.
Purpose: Water hyacinth (WH) is an aquatic weed that has negatively impacted aquatic ecosystems. WH can be easily composted and used as a soil ameliorant to improve plant growth. In this study, the effects of WH compost on the growth of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa were evaluated. Methods: Native R. tomentosa seedlings were cultivated with WH compost in two different systems: a pot cultivation with soil: WH compost mixed in ratios ranging from 10:0 to 7:3 and an open field cultivation with 1 to 3 parts of WH added to the topsoil. Plant growth characteristics and rhodomyrtone yield were also investigated. Results: Plant height and numbers of stems were not significantly different between the two cultivation methods (p>0.05). Plants treated with WH compost had more leaves than those not treated with WH compost (p<0.05). Growing the plants with WH compost resulted in significant increases in leaf biomass, especially, rhodomyrtone content in both cultivation systems. In the pot cultivation system, the highest rhodomyrtone yield (0.99 mg/mL) was obtained from R. tomentosa leaf from plants growing in a soil and coconut coir medium enriched with 1 part of WH compost by volume. In the field cultivation system, the highest rhodomyrtone yield (0.86 mg/mL) was obtained from R. tomentosa leaf sampling from plants growing in soil with 1 part of WH added to the soil at the planting period and once every month. Conclusion: WH compost demonstrated its potential for sustainable cultivation of R. tomentosa that can be fruitfully propagated for commercial purposes.
Purpose: Cacao pod husks, comprising 70% of the crop weight, are usually discarded back on the plot representing a waste stream, even though it could be used to produce biochar, a valuable soil amendment. Biochar is usually produced in large-scale reactors; however, producing it in farm-scale reactors could be more affordable and socially equitable for the farmers, and more sustainable. Here, we investigate whether cacao husk biochar can be produced using farm-scale reactors and has properties suitable for use as soil amendment. Method: With Malaysian cacao farmers, we fabricated two reactor setups operating under pyrolysis and gasification. We characterized its properties according to International Biochar Initiative standards and compared the two production processes. Results: Both reactor setups reliably converted cacao husks into biochar. The biochars passed all toxicology tests. Gasifier biochar largely contained more nutrients (total P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and volatile matter than retort biochar, likely because gasification required quenching before complete thermochemical conversion to preserve yield. As quenching induces thermal shock, gasifier biochar had higher pore volumes (0.02 vs. 0.002 cm3/g), pore sizes (20.08 vs. 9.61 nm), and surface areas (48.58 vs. 8.34 m2/g) relative to retort biochar. The gasifier reactor also required less setup time (30 vs. 120 mins) and capital cost, but had longer post-processing times, lower yields (13% vs. 33% feedstock weight), and lower pyrolysis temperatures. Conclusion: The production of cacao husk biochar with small-scale reactors proved successful and costefficient, and could be used to produce biochar locally at the waste source.
Purpose: This study investigated the co-composting of municipal solid waste (MSW) and sewage sludge (SS) in lab-scale vertical and horizontal reactors to compare their performance and identify optimal operational parameters for enhanced bio-safety. Method: The study compared the reactor configurations using two distinct aeration flow rates (22 and 66 L & centerdot;min-1) and two sizes of wood chip bulking agents (10 mm and 20 mm), resulting in eight experimental runs. Results: All eight treatments achieved the required thermophilic temperature (>55 degrees C for at least 2 days). However, the Horizontal reactor method resulted in a shorter overall composting period. Notably, the treatment with the lowest aeration rate and largest bulking agent size (AVCCP2: Vertical, 22 L & centerdot;min-1, 20 mm) achieved the longest sustained thermophilic phase of 7 days. This optimal thermal condition confirmed the complete removal of pathogenic microorganisms (Salmonella spp., enteric viruses, and viable helminth eggs) and led to the fastest rate of C/N ratio reduction. Conclusion: The pilots AVCCP2 and AHCCP2 (Horizontal, 22 L & centerdot;min-1, 20 mm) demonstrated the maximum efficiency, primarily due to their long sustained thermophilic duration. AVCCP2 showed the best performance in terms of sanitization and pathogen control, achieving Class A compost standards and confirming the potential of vertical reactors for real-scale application with enhanced bio-safety.
Purpose: Rice is an essential diet for more than half of the world’s inhabitants and subjected to growth in heavy metal-contaminated soil. Rice accumulates heavy metals in the above and below ground parts; the magnitude of accumulation depends upon the plant's available form of heavy metals in the soil. One such heavy metal is cobalt, which its concentration has been manifolded in post-industrial activities, leading to a high soil Co concentration. Cobalt is a component of Vitamin B12 and many enzymes. Humans can’t synthesize these enzymes, and consumption of Co-enriched grain can lead to Co toxicity in humans. The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of vermicompost conjugated with an optimum dose of Co for rice plants grown in an Inceptisol. Method: The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) comprising nine treatments. The treatment received vermicompost, Co in the form of cobalt chloride, and the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Results: The results indicated that the application of Co at lower concentration was beneficial for rice growth without any hyperaccumulation, resulting in a significant increase of 46% and 22% in grain and straw yield, respectively. A comparable trend was also observed for Nitrogen uptake, which increased by 2 and 1.5 times over RDF in grain and straw, respectively. In contrast, higher Co application rates, either alone or in combination with vermicompost, resulted in a 10–15% reduction in cobalt uptake in grains. These findings suggest that vermicompost plays a critical role in regulating and optimizing cobalt uptake under higher Co application levels. Conclusion: Overall, vermicompost and the lower doses of Co provide a better yield in rice without any phytotoxicity. Highlights: · Vermicompost and low-dose Co boosted rice yield by up to 46% over recommended dose of fertilizer · Improved N, Fe, Mn and Zn uptake without Co hyperaccumulation in grain. · Vermicompost raised soil OC and reduced Co uptake, enhancing food safety. · Higher Co (>10 mg kg⁻¹) induced phytotoxicity, lowering growth and yield. · Integrated vermicompost and Co management supports soil and crop health.
Purpose: It is essential to have up-to-date knowledge about the mineralization of organic sources and the release patterns of nutrients to ensure that crops receive sufficient nutrients throughout their growth cycle. Organic sources like compost, animal manure, and green manure are valuable nutrient sources for crop production. However, the nutrient content of these sources can vary based on factors such as the source, composition, and processing method. This study aimed to determine the release patterns of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) from various organic sources to optimize their utilization. Biochar-Enriched Compost (BEC), CWS, and Value-Added Compost (VAC), were collected from organic sources and evaluated for nutrient release patterns under controlled conditions over a 60-day period. Results: The variations in SOM, C dynamics, nutrient mineralization rate were associated with chemical composition of the manures. EPMC was found as the most suitable P organic amendment for integration with chemical N fertilizers while KOWC demonstrated superior potential as an P organic source and BEC as a K-rich organic amendment. Additionally, VAC exhibited the most balanced and consistent nutrient release characteristics, making it a strong candidate for use as a general-purpose organic nutrient source. Conclusion: No single manure type can be universally recommended for integrated management of N, P and K. Instead, nutrient specific calibration and detailed characterization of each manure source are essential for optimize the combined use of organic and inorganic nutrient inputs.
Purpose: Weed control and soil moisture retention are critical challenges in plant cultivation requiring effective solutions. This study aims to assess the impact of biochar produced from pine nut shells as a mulch for weed composition, biomass, and soil moisture retention compared to widely used spunbond covering material in strawberry cultivation. Method: The experiment with six weed species was conducted using a growth chamber over two months with sixteen replicates for each of the three treatments: control (no mulch), soil with a 2 cm layer of biochar mulch, and soil with spunbond. Results: In the control treatment, six weed species germinated, whereas only five and three species were observed in the biochar and spunbond treatments, respectively. Both mulching treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the height of grass weeds, stinging nettles, and shepherds' purse, as well as the mass of dry above-ground and root biomass of shepherds' purse, rapeseed, and stinging nettle by 52-100%. Spunbond mulch demonstrated superior soil moisture retention overall. However, during the initial three days of a simulated dry period, biochar retained 7% more water compared to spunbond (2%). The application of spunbond mulch completely suppressed the emergence of rapeseed and burdock, while both biochar and spunbond effectively controlled fennel. Both mulching treatments significantly reduced the height of grasses, stinging nettles, and shepherds' purse by different mechanisms. Conclusion: Biochar can be useful for reducing the weed count and increasing the water retention in the soil.
Purpose: Using silicon fertilizer from rice husk waste and double-narrow row (DNR) plant spacing can increase maize yield. Therefore, the study aimed to improve farmers' productivity and profitability by applying biosilica fertilizer with DNR plant spacing and closing the maize yield gap. Method: The field experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with three replications in a 2 x 6 x 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two plant spatial arrangements: DNR and conventional row (CR) plant spacing; six maize cultivars: Pioneer-27, Bisi-18, NK-22, JH-37, RK-457, and RK-57; and two levels of biosilica fertilizer application in the form of Si-nanoparticles: with and without biosilica fertilizer. We observed the correlation among yield and yield components, yield increase, profitability, and yield gap analysis. Results: The number of seeds per row and the number of leaves per plant both showed the highest estimates of positive correlation and positive direct effect as the dominant characteristic that directly affected the variation of maize grain yield. Application of biosilica fertilizer with DNR plant spacing indicated a significant increase in maize productivity of 0.96 t ha(-1) or 9.90% and additional net return gains of USD 183.49 ha-1 compared to CR plant spacing without application of silicon fertilizer. This represents an exploitable yield gap of 21.35% Conclusion: The DNR planting system and the application of biosilica fertilizer from rice husks were consistently more effective than CR spacing without biosilica fertilizer, demonstrating their reliability and potential for increasing maize yields, improving net income, and narrowing the yield gap.
Purpose: This study investigates and compares the efficiency and physicochemical properties of biochar produced from two distinct biomass feedstocks: temple floral waste and coriander stems and assesses their potential applicability in agricultural systems. Method: Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 550 degrees C under oxygen-limited conditions. The samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Germination tests were conducted using Cicer arietinum to assess the effectiveness of the biochars. Results: EDX analysis confirmed the presence of essential macronutrients carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) indicating potential as soil enhancers. The maximum biochar yield (57%) was obtained from temple floral waste, whereas coriander stems yielded (49%). Germination tests revealed that coriander stem biochar promoted seed growth more effectively than floral waste. Conclusion: Both biomass sources are viable for sustainable biochar production; however, coriander stem biochar showed greater potential for enhancing seed germination. The findings highlight the role of unconventional biomass in sustainable waste management and agricultural improvement.
Purpose: To evaluate performance and add value of bio-based degradable waste materials of spent mushroom compost cooperate with garlic shell, and water hyacinth with mushroom mycelium-based methods. Method: The Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinus polychrous, L. squarrosulus, and Pleurotus sajorcaju were used to study bio-based composites from various formula of waste materials (spent mushroom compost (Agrocybe cylindracea or P. ostreatus), garlic shell, and water hyacinth). Then we selected the best species and the formula of biomaterial composites to prepare pot prototypes. Finally, the biomaterial composite pots were measured physical and mechanical properties. Results: L. squarrosulus exhibited the fastest mycelial growth and highly effective to composed materials. Then, selected further pot prototypes with variation formulation and physical and mechanical properties were presented; density ranged from 0.18-0.22 g cm-3 and water absorption reaching between 172-250% in 24 hr., the absorption increases more gradually, reaching 302%-368% after 168 hr. Variations between formulation, the composites AC-F1 and PO-F1 exhibited superior water absorption. Whereas composites AC-F2 and PO-F2 demonstrated the lowest water absorption. For the compressive strength significant differences between samples prepared with spent mushroom compost from A. cylindracea and P. ostreatus. The spent mushroom compost from P. ostreatus is higher compressive strength, ranging from 385.4-451.5 kPa. In contrast the spent mushroom compost derived from A. cylindracea ranged between 174.9-197.3 kPa. Conclusion: The mycelium-based biodegradable composite produced demonstrates excellent performance and suitability for various applications. As such, they contribute to efficient upcycling and support zero-waste practices.
Purpose: Plant-based by-products are known to improve nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental pollution. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to examine the potential for improving the NUE of the rice variety Bg300 grown in reddish brown earth (RBE) soil (Chromic Luvisols) by incorporating urea with plant-based by-products. Method: A field experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with six treatments: the control plot without urea application (C), urea alone (U), urea + neem (UN), urea + mahua (UM), urea + sesame (US), and urea + tamarind (UT). Soil and plant samples were collected at three, five, seven, and nine weeks after broadcasting, that is, at the end of the vegetative growth stage. Results: Rice plants receiving UN had a higher shoot dry weight, shoot N concentration, and shoot N content compared to other treatments (P<0.05). After nine weeks of growth, the NUE of UN and UM was 0.093 and 0.091 g mg(-1), respectively, while that of U was 0.078 g mg(-1) (P<0.05). Soil N concentration was similar among treatments (P>0.05), except for lower soil N in the control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of soil amendments, particularly neem seed cake, shows strong potential for improving the growth and NUE of rice cultivated in RBE soil.
