Understanding emerging policies and policy pathways is key to shape sustainable food systems (SFS) through coordinated and systemic policy interventions. This review analysed 205 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases, systematically selected using PRISMA guidelines, forming a thematically and structurally saturated corpus for scientometric analysis. A combined bibliometric and thematic analysis was employed to understand the policy pathways for SFS. Performance analysis revealed a highly concentrated authorship and institutional structure, with 88% of publications originating from high-income countries, led by the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and dominated by institutions, namely Wageningen University and the University of California. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic mapping revealed foundational research domains including food systems, sustainability, and food policy, as well as emerging themes governance, resilience, greenhouse gas emissions and alternative food networks. Thematic analysis indicated a transition from technical and efficiency-based policy models toward more transformative, participatory, and mission-oriented approaches. The review highlights emerging attention to governance reform, resilience, greenhouse gas mitigation, and alternative food networks, while identifying persistent gaps in policy implementation, cross-sectoral coherence, and the inclusion of marginalised and indigenous perspectives. Overall, the findings indicate that transforming SFS requires not only improved policy design but also structural transformation of policy-making processes, with greater epistemic inclusivity and interdisciplinary engagement.
Banana (Musa spp.) is a multipurpose crop that produces 40 - 45 leaves during its growth cycle, yet its economic and environmental potential beyond fruit production remains largely underutilised. For optimal yield in dual-use bananas, it is essential to maintain 10 - 15 healthy, photosynthetically active leaves on the main pseudostem at the time of flower emergence. Banana leaves, known for their large surface area, flexibility and biodegradability, have traditionally been used for food serving, cooking and packaging. Recent advances highlight their role as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. This review synthesises global evidence on the nutritional, medicinal and industrial properties of banana leaves and evaluates production technologies, postharvest handling and commercialisation strategies. A critical comparison of shelf-life extension methods, including ascorbic acid, cytokinins and eco-friendly storage techniques, reveals opportunities for cost-effective, scalable applications. Further, the emerging use of banana leaves in biodegradable packaging, textiles and nanofibre composites illustrates their industrial significance within a circular bioeconomy. Harnessing the leaf production potential of banana can simultaneously improve farmer income, support sustainability goals and reduce environmental burdens associated with synthetic packaging.
Rice production is booming in C & ocirc;te d'Ivoire. However, it is reported to be a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHG), but in C & ocirc;te d'Ivoire, very little information is available on the level of GHG emissions. The objective of this study was to estimate the level of GHG production from rice fertilisation systems in the main production areas of lowland rice. Data was collected on rice fertilisation practices and the potential quantities of GHGs likely to be emitted were calculated. The lowland areas used in Gagnoa and Yamoussoukro are mostly irrigated (> 90%), while only 20% is irrigated in Bouak & eacute; region, 10% in Korhogo and 5% in Boundiali. Rice farmers in Bouak & eacute; (80%) and Korhogo (90%) apply organo-mineral fertilisation. The largest amounts of NPK (279 kg/ha) and urea (207 kg/ha) are used in Yamoussoukro. The highest amounts of potential greenhouse gas emissions were obtained in Yamoussoukro; carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane emissions emitted in Yamoussoukro are respectively 0.03615, 0.000304, and 0.06 g/m(2)/year. The lowest rate of carbon dioxide emission was observed in Boundiali (0.01238 g/m(2)/year). Nitrous oxide and methane emissions are lowest in Korhogo (0.0000125 g/m(2)/year for N2O and 0.02 g/m(2)/year for CH4). Annual CO2 equivalent emissions in Yamoussoukro were calculated as 448.3 kg/year, and in Korhogo 25.3 kg/year. Nitrous oxide emission calculated in Yamoussoukro was 820.5 kg CO2 eq/year and in Korhogo 37.3 kg CO2 eq/year. In Yamoussoukro, the calculated amount of methane emitted was 18.75 kg CO2 eq/year and in Korhogo 0.86 kg CO2 eq/year.
The first occurrence of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sugarcane in Kerala State, India, was at ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Research Centre (ICAR-SBIRC), Kannur during the period from 2021-2024; it also occurred at ICAR-SBIRC, Agali in 2024. In the world collection of germplasm at Kannur, the attack was noticed in accessions of Saccharum officinarum, Saccharum robustum and Saccharum sinense whereas the rest of the germplasm remained free from attack. Among these three species, the lowest percentage of accessions was affected in S. robustum and the highest was in S. sinense. Among the accessions, highest incidence was noticed in 57 NG 243 (40.0% in 2022) and Fiji 29 (28.6% in 2022) of S. officinarum. Sex pheromone traps attracted moths during March - May in years 2021-2024, but in low numbers with no significant differences among the 4 years. In the core germplasm being maintained at Agali, S. frugiperda attacked the highest proportion of accessions in Co cane/Indian hybrid category followed by S. officinarum. Among 219 accessions of Indian hybrids at Agali, infestation levels ranged 0.0 - 35.3%, the highest being in Co 13010; 22 others remained completely free from attack. In a replicated experimental plot with accessions of four Saccharum spp., S. frugiperda infestation levels differed significantly among the entries: the S. officinarum accession Mia moi showed the highest occurrence level (42.7%); S. spontaneum represented by two accessions remained free from attack; S. barberi, S. robustum and the commercial hybrids Co 11015 and Co 0238 showed intermediate values. In another replicated experiment, infestation levels did not differ significantly among the 13 accessions of S. officinarum with 28 NG 2 harbouring the highest level (21.5%) and Laukona 15 remaining free from attack. Although no conclusions can be drawn on the resistance/susceptibility status of germplasm based on the incidental data, the material that showed extremities of incidence can possibly be examined for mechanisms of resistance.
To fully harness the potential ofAfrican yam bean (AYB) seeds, a thorough understanding of the physical characteristics of various accessions is necessary to develop efficient production and processing machines. In this study, 25 AYB seed accessions were evaluated with an emphasis on seed primary dimensions, aspect ratio, surface area, mass, density, porosity, angle of repose, and moisture content using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that the geometric mean diameters varied from 9.06-15.79 mm. The aspect ratios (R-a) spanned between 0.69 and 1.57. The surface area measurements varied from 10.57-20.41 mm(2), and the 1000-seed mass ranged from 165.8-303.0 g. Bulk density varied from 0.5394-1.0718 g/cm(3), while the solid density values ranged between 1.14-2.20 g/cm(3). Porosity levels ranged from 29.9-71.0%, indicating the need for customised airflow control for individual cultivars. The range of angles of repose, which affects seed flowability for congestion prevention, was 19.9-27.8o. The dry-basis moisture content ranged from 10.3-21.8%. Knowledge of the variation in the physical properties of the AYB seeds will be useful in developing improved AYB varieties with enhanced physical properties in future breeding programmes, since these characteristics are crucial for establishing the behaviour of seeds during processing, the mechanical handling efficiency, and the potential to adjust to equipment design settings, which are pivotal for planting and postharvest operations. These findings are crucial for the development of flexible and efficient seed-processing machines that are suited to the unique properties of various AYB accessions.
Chilli is a valuable industrial crop with great export potential. During 2024-25 a study was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to evaluate 15 chilli genotypes based on 32 morphological traits as per the distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) test guidelines established by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA). Variations were observed across plant, leaf, flower, and fruit characteristics. Among these, leaf colour and fruit blossom end appendage were monomorphic, showing no variation within the population. Fruit length exhibited high polymorphism with four distinct variations, while six traits namely plant height, flower/fruit orientation, fruit diameter, fruit curvature intensity, fruit texture, and fruit stalk length showed three types of variation. The remaining 23 traits displayed dimorphic patterns. Principal component analysis revealed that nine principal components with eigenvalues greater than one accounted for 92.5% of the total variation. The key contributors to phenotypic variation were fruit length, fruit colour, flower/fruit orientation, anthocyanin pigmentation at nodes, fruit stalk length, and fruit shape at the apex. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters. Based on the principal component and clustering results, genotypes CBE-CA-007, CBE-CA-014, and CBE-CA-013 emerged as the most promising candidates for future crop improvement programmes due to their distinct morphological traits.
Vietnam's rice sector faces growing sustainability challenges due to the heavy reliance on agrochemicals in intensive cultivation. The Vietnamese government has promoted organic rice production as a potential solution. However, its economic viability relative to conventional practices remains uncertain, particularly at the regional level. This study addresses this gap by comparing the economic efficiency of organic and conventional rice farming in Thua Thien Hue Province. Data were collected from 100 rice farming households (42 organic, 58 conventional) during the winter-spring 2023 crop. The analysis focused on production costs, revenues, and profits, employing descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests. The findings indicate that conventional rice farming generates higher revenues and profits, primarily due to a 29.97 kg/500 m2 yield advantage over organic methods. Although organic rice had a slightly higher market price (USD 0.012/kg), this was insufficient to offset the productivity gap. Nevertheless, when family labour costs were excluded, organic farming incurred lower cash production costs, resulting in higher net income. Overall, conventional farming currently delivers greater economic returns in the study area. To enhance the profitability of organic rice cultivation, improving labour efficiency through farmer training and mechanisation is essential. The organic model remains highly dependent on external actors for technical support and market access. While this support has been crucial in enabling organic production, it also highlights the need to empower farmers to reduce such dependency. These insights contribute to the evidence base for designing integrated strategies that support Vietnam's transition toward more sustainable agricultural systems.
The Farmer FIRST programme is a flagship initiative of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), aiming to prioritise farmers by integrating indigenous technologies with newly developed ones. This approach seeks to preserve sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies. The present study was conducted during 2024-25 in all five institutes in the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-X. Two treated villages were selected from each of the five institutes. From the treated villages, 30 beneficiary farmers were randomly selected making a total sample size of 300. To measure the effectiveness the scale was developed by following a comprehensive procedure having ten crucial steps starting from definition of the universe of contents of the scale, collection and editing of the statements, content adequacy assessment using item-objective congruence, pre-testing, estimation of reliability, final data collection, data preparation and normalisation, estimation of reliability, latent factor extraction through exploratory factor analysis, validity and reliability assessment and ending with development of a model using confirmatory factor analysis. A significant proportion of the population reported significant effectiveness (52.0%) of the programme followed by moderate effectiveness (31.3%); 16.7% reported minimal effectiveness of the programme. The developed scale helps in comprehensively assessing the overall effectiveness of the programme. Based on the results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and subsequent validation through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), a robust seven-dimensional scale was established to assess the effectiveness of the Farmer FIRST Programme. This validated scale encompasses key dimensions such as functional, financial, administrative, adoption-related, social and psychological, satisfaction-related, and empowerment aspects, thereby enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the programme’s overall effectiveness.
A study was conducted in Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory), India in 2020-21, to ascertain the performance of various cauliflower hybrids under actual field conditions. The study employed a multistage sampling design, selecting 160 cauliflower growers and a pre-tested interview was used for data collection. The findings indicate that farmers in the study area adopted non-conventional types of cauliflower hybrids, which are not in any institutional recommendations, namely Girja, Maharani, Garima, White Excel and other hybrids. Among these, Garima emerged as the leading hybrid with the highest average productivity of 46,600 kg/ha. Proper application and adoption of production and protection technologies, such as farmyard manure (FYM) and herbicide application in nursery, FYM application in the field and the application of nitrogen, potassium and pesticides in the field significantly influenced the productivity of Girja, Maharani, Garima and White Excel cauliflower hybrids with multiple regressions producing R-2 values of 0.206, 0.243, 0.473 and 0.755, respectively.
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) productivity in tropical systems can be enhanced through integrated soil and microbial management strategies. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a critical role in nutrient acquisition, yet their interaction with soil amendments and crop genotypes remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rhizosphere soil type, poultry manure (PM), and varietal differences on AMF colonisation, phosphorus uptake, and agronomic traits of okra. Two okra varieties (NN85 and BN8) were grown in soils sourced from African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) rhizosphere (ASAR), bush fallowed rhizosphere (BFR), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) rhizosphere root soil (CRR), with or without PM. The experimental observations were taken at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 after planting. Soil physicochemical properties, AMF colonisation, spore abundance, and plant nutrient uptake were monitored. ASAR exhibited the highest organic carbon (5.56 g/kg) and nitrogen (1.25 g/kg), while CRR had the highest available phosphorus (4.73 mg/kg). AMF colonisation peaked at week 9 in CRR (27.3%) and ASAR (26.2%), dominated by Glomus spp. Poultry manure significantly increased available phosphorus (66.9 mg/kg at week 3) and nitrogen, but reduced AMF colonisation and spore abundance. NN85 showed greater colonisation and Glomus spore density, whereas BN8 had slightly higher phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. Despite increased nutrient availability from PM, microbial mediation remained vital to nutrient uptake. NN85 grown in ASAR or CRR without amendments offers a sustainable approach for okra cultivation in tropical agroecosystems.
This study examined farmers' adaptive strategies and indigenous knowledge systems in mitigating climate change effects on arable crop production in Delta State, Nigeria. The study utilised a multistage sampling technique to select 408 smallholder farmers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Using a four point Likert scale, the results indicated that the farmers had noticeable effects of climate change, including reduced yields (mean = 3.8), increased cost of production (mean = 3.9), and increased uncertainty in rainfall patterns (mean = 3.5). Adaptive traditional knowledge methods, including mixed cropping (mean = 3.8), rotation of crops (mean = 3.7), and organic manure application (mean = 3.5), were widely practiced to mitigate the effects. Improved seed types (mean = 3.9), irrigation (mean = 3.6), and agrochemicals (mean = 3.8) were also practiced, though they were influenced by socioeconomic factors such as education, plot size, income, and access to extension services. Challenges of costly modern inputs, lack of access to credit, and weak physical infrastructure constrained adaptation efforts to adoption options. The study suggests that integrating indigenous knowledge systems with modern adaptive packages and context-specific interventions can enhance resilience by addressing socioeconomic constraints and making inputs and advisory services affordable.
The study assessed the pregnancy outcomes in Ankole and crossbred cows and heifers following artificial insemination (AI) during either natural oestrus or hormonally induced oestrus under Rwanda field conditions. A total of 351 clinically healthy cows and heifers were enrolled between 2020 and 2022 from four districts covering three agro-ecological zones. Of these, 214 animals underwent oestrus synchronisation using PRID Delta (R) devices in combination with GnRH and prostaglandin, while 137 were inseminated upon detection of natural oestrus. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 70 days post-AI using transrectal ultrasonography. Cows inseminated on observed natural oestrus had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (62.8%) than those synchronised (29.4%; P <= 0.01). Breed, age, body condition score (BCS), oestrus intensity, and AI timing were all significantly associated with fertility outcomes. Cross-Jersey cows achieved the highest pregnancy rate under natural oestrus (91.3%), while cross-Friesians had the lowest under synchronisation (23.9%). Ankole cows showed better fertility under synchronisation (54.5%) than under natural oestrus (35.0%). Among naturally cycling cows, AI performed 7 - 12 hours after oestrus detection resulted in the highest pregnancy (77.9%), and cows with BCS of 2.5 - 3.0 conceived more successfully. In synchronised females, clear oestrus signs were linked to improved pregnancy (35.1%), while silent oestrus yielded poor results (8.7%). These findings highlight the reproductive advantage of natural oestrus detection in smallholder systems and emphasise the need to adapt AI strategies based on breed, BCS, and oestrus expression.
Medicinal plants have proven to be one of the viable alternatives to antibiotics in livestock production. The use of herbal plant extracts has shown effectiveness on feed efficiency, weight gain and livability in poultry production. Lipid oxidation is one of the major challenges facing the meat industry as a result of deterioration and depletion in nutritional value. This study investigated the growth response, meat yield, antioxidant status and lipid profile of broiler chickens administered Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract as a phytobiotic. A total of 160 day-old broilers were used for the experiment. The birds were allotted into four treatment groups of four replicates having ten birds each. The four treatments were Lagenaria breviflora pulp aqueous extract administered at 0, 250, 500 and 750 g/L. Data collected were subjected to one way analysis of variance. Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract did not improve weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the starter phase. At the finishing phase Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract enhanced final weight, weight gain and feed intake of the birds. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were significantly influenced by the administration of Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract. Significantly lower total cholesterol was obtained from birds administered 500 and 750 g/L of Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract compared to the control group. Meat antioxidant was significantly influenced by the administration of Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract. Superoxide dismutase was significantly lowered by the administration of Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract at 500 and 750 g/L. Glutathione peroxidase was significantly lowered at 500 g/L of Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract compared to other treatments. In conclusion Lagenaria breviflora pulp extract improved weight gain of broiler chickens at the finisher phase, and lowered lipid profile and meat antioxidant thereby ensuring safer meat and protecting cells against oxidative damage.
Screening of abundantly available genetic resources of foxtail millet for drought adaptation under field conditions is cumbersome, whereas laboratory screening using polyethylene glycol (PEG) could be easy and accurate. However, PEG concentrations that required to reduce seedling growth by around 50% and its role in curtailing the seedling growth need to be established. This study evaluated: (1) the effect of PEG concentrations on seedling growth of dry and hydroprimed seeds of variety GPUF-3; (2) the concentration of PEG and water saturation level required to decrease the seedling growth by 50% of the relatively tolerant variety SiA-3156; and (3) the optimum seed soaking duration for dry and hydroprimed seeds of SiA-3156. The experiments were conducted in completely randomised designs, and the data were analysed for ANOVA using OPSTAT statistical software. Results revealed that, an increase in PEG 8000 from 0 to -4 bars, did not affect the seed germination, but decreased the seedling length and seedling vigour index significantly in GPUF-3, whereas, at higher levels of PEG (> -6 bars) the germination and seedling length were completely inhibited due to restricted entry of water into the seed, which, was confirmed by the better seed germination and seedling length of hydroprimed (for 3 hours) seeds even at -8 bars of PEG. In the variety, SiA-3156, a higher level of PEG (-6 bars), and 40% moisture in the medium reduced the seedling length by around 50%. The hydroprimed seed (SiA-3156) was found to imbibe water rapidly within 6 hours of soaking. The present study confirms that the PEG restricts the entry of water into the seed, and hydropriming prepares the seed to germinate and sustain the early seedling growth under mild water stress conditions.
Root-knot nematodes pose a significant threat to food security in West Africa where they cause serious damage to vegetable crops. The limited knowledge vegetable producers have regarding pest identification, transmission pathways, and management methods exacerbates this issue. A survey involving 502 vegetable producers, randomly selected from three Agricultural Development Poles in Benin, was conducted through face-to-face interviews to assess farmers' knowledge and perceptions of root-knot nematode symptoms and management practices. The respondents were predominantly male (84.3%) with an average producers recognised the negative effects of root galling and its associated symptoms on crop yields, only 24.1% correctly attributed them to root-knot nematodes. Factors such as education, gender, training, age, and association membership influenced this understanding. Moreover, 66.9% of producers identified soil and cultural practices as primary pathways for nematode spread. Chemical application was the main method used by producers to control nematode-induced symptoms; however, many of these products are banned or unsuitable. This study highlights the gaps in producers' perceptions and management practices regarding root-knot nematodes and emphasises the need for capacity-building initiatives to improve their knowledge for qualitative and quantitative vegetable production in Benin.
A two-year field study (spring-summer 2023-4 and 2024-5) was conducted at Umeit, Meghalaya, to determine the seasonal incidence and relative abundance of major insect pests and their natural enemies in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and to evaluate their relationship with key weather parameters. A total of 12 pest species and nine natural enemies were recorded. Aphid (Aphis gossypii) was the most abundant pest, followed by Liriomyza trifolii, Tuta absoluta, and Helicoverpa armigera. Among natural enemies, coccinellids dominated, followed by spiders (Oxyopes spp.). Peak incidences occurred at different crop growth stages, with A. gossypii peaking in the 10(th) standard meteorological week (SMW) of the year, H. armigera in the 15(th) SMW, T. absoluta in the 13(th) SMW, and L. trifolii in the 8(th)-9(th) SMW. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations of H. armigera with maximum and minimum temperatures, while average relative humidity had a negative influence on most pests and natural enemies. Wind speed was positively associated with several species. Multiple regression models explained a substantial proportion of population variability, indicating the significant role of climatic factors in shaping pest dynamics. The findings provide crucial insights for developing weather-based forecasting models and implementing climate-resilient integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to enhance sustainable tomato production in the northeastern hill region of India.
Carbon footprint analysis was conducted on greenhouse-grown ginger (Zingiber officinale) cultivation over a four-month period at the experimental farm of Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Salatiga, Central Java. The study evaluated carbon sequestration and emissions to determine the overall carbon balance. Results showed that four-month-old ginger plants sequestered 5.026 g CO2-eq/plant (119.4 kg/ha). However, cultivation practices generated significant emissions: manure application produced 53.19 g CO2-eq/plant, liquid organic fertiliser contributed 0.460 g CO2-eq/plant, and fungicide use emitted 1.944 g CO2-eq/plant. The total carbon balance showed a deficit of 50.58 g CO2-eq/plant, indicating that current ginger cultivation practices emit more carbon than sequester. It should be noted that the study was limited to a four-month growth period, corresponding to the seedling stage, with the assumption based on shoot development. Therefore, the actual carbon sequestration potential throughout the full cultivation cycle until harvest, which requires a longer period, may be underestimated. The study suggests that genetic improvements for enhanced carbon uptake and alternative practices, such as using leguminous cover crops instead of manure, could help reduce the carbon footprint of ginger cultivation.
The black sticky rice tapai business in Soppeng Regency represents a traditional economic activity that plays a significant role in supporting local entrepreneurship. However, information about the business's financial feasibility and development strategies remains limited, particularly in the context of regional economic growth. This study aimed to evaluate the income level, assess the financial viability, and formulate development strategies for the black glutinous rice tapai business to enhance its contribution to the local economy in Soppeng Regency. The respondents in this study consisted of 25 sellers and production black sticky rice tapai business owners. The research employs two analytical methods: income analysis and SWOT analysis. The findings indicate that the average total income generated by the business is IDR 21,800,000, with an average net income of IDR 6,232,363. The breakeven point is achieved at a production volume of 821 packs per month, with an average production cost of IDR 17,852 per pack. The results of the R/C (revenue/cost) ratio analysis yielded a value of 1.40, signifying that the business is financially viable as the ratio exceeds 1. SWOT analysis suggests that the black sticky rice tapai business in Soppeng Regency possesses a strong potential for sustainable growth and expansion. These findings indicate that the development of the black sticky rice tapai business is not only economically viable, but also has the potential to drive local entrepreneurship and enhance community welfare in Soppeng Regency.
The use of agricultural waste as a resource holds significant importance in sustainable agriculture. Agri-wastes such as farmyard manure, neem cake, vermiwash and cow urine not only help in recycling farm residues but also enrich soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution and minimise reliance on chemical fertilisers. These organic inputs improve nutrient cycling, enhance microbial activity and support long-term ecological stability, making them vital for soil health and sustainable crop production. Field experiments were conducted during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 cropping seasons at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, to evaluate the impact of integrated organic nutrient management and foliar applications on productivity, quality and soil health in a soybean-linseed cropping system. The experiment comprised 11 treatments, which included: full organic nutrient management (100% recommended dose of nitrogen from organic sources), different levels of partial organic substitution combined with foliar sprays vermiwash and cow urine, and a control. Results showed that the treatment with 100% recommended Norganic input recorded the highest grain yield, stover yield, oil and protein content and oil yield in soybean. Two treatments with partial organic substitution with foliar sprays followed closely, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining organic inputs with foliar applications. Soil analysis revealed positive correlations between yield and soil parameters such as organic carbon and microbial biomass, indicating improved soil quality under organic management. Overall, the findings confirm that integrating agricultural waste-based organic inputs with foliar bio-stimulants enhances crop performance, promotes soil fertility and supports the transition to sustainable farming systems. This approach provides a viable alternative to conventional chemical-based practices, particularly for resource-constrained farmers seeking cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions.
An experiment was performed during the rabi months of 2022-2023 (October - February) at the teaching and research farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the impact patterns of maize. The experimental design was split plot with four irrigation schedules as main plot treatments; rainfed: irrigation at 0.6 irrigation water to cumulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio: irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio: Irrigation at critical growth stages: grand growth, tasselling, and grain filling. There were three nitrogen management practices as sub plot treatments; RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser) N60, P40, K40 + water spray at knee-high and tasseling stages: 50% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) N30, P40, K40) through urea as basal + 4 ml/L nano urea at knee-high and tasseling stages; 50% RDN through urea as basal + 6 ml/L nano urea at knee-high and tasseling stage. Periodic soil moisture patterns varied among the different crop intervals with the irrigation schedules along with the action of rainfall. Weekly average ground water table varied with the peak of rainfall. Moisture extraction patterns, evapotranspiration, water uptake, and crop and field water use efficiency varied among the different irrigation treatments. The highest extraction patterns were observed at upper depths, 0 - 20 cm, compared to 20 - 40 and 40 - 60 cm. Irrigation at grand growth period + tasseling + grain filling stage recorded the highest evapotranspiration rate and total water use which was at par with irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio. In terms of crop and water use efficiency, rainfed recorded the highest values followed by 0.6 IW/CPE ratio of irrigation scheduling. However, nitrogen management practices through nano urea showed closely related observations in all the cases with the highest under 50% RDN through urea as basal + 6 ml/L nano urea at knee high and tasseling stage being statistically at par with 50% RDN through urea as basal + 4 ml/L nano urea at knee high and tasseling stage. Overall, irrigation at critical growth stages and 0.8 IW/CPE as well as 50% RDN along with 6 ml/L and 4 ml/L recorded the highest water productivity of rabi maize.
