Background: Reliance on native soil fertility without external nutrient inputs can cause nutrient mining. Identifying practices that replenish soil fertility while minimizing environmental impacts is important. The present study aimed to produce three types of compost, viz. PSN-enriched compost, vermicompost and azolla compost, from locally available substrates and evaluate their chemical and biochemical properties. Methods: Banana pseudo stem, green weed biomass (mixed weed spp.), paddy straw and FYM were used as locally available substrates. PSN-enriched compost was produced in earthen pits, vermicompost in portable vermibags and azolla compost in concrete pots under a shed. Five replicated units were used for each compost type. Result: PSN-enriched compost recorded a C:N ratio of 9.29 and nutrient contents of 2.0%, 0.61% and 1.91% for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively. Azolla compost recorded high organic carbon (16.93%), total carbon (30.92%) and nitrogen (3.0%), together with favorable biochemical properties, indicating its potential as a nutrient source for arable crops. The findings demonstrate the potential for producing different composts from locally available substrates as a viable nutrient management strategy in the hilly terrain of Nagaland.
Background: Callosobruchus maculatus is a major stored-pulse insect-pest and resistance to synthetic insecticides has increased the need for safer alternatives. The monoterpenes from plant volatile compounds are being explored for Insect-pest control. Methods: Six monoterpenes viz., citral, β-citronellol, eucalyptol, geraniol, β-myrcene and thymol were evaluated for contact toxicity, fumigant toxicity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition against C. maculatus under laboratory conditions. Result: Thymol and geraniol showed the highest contact toxicity, while citral was most effective as a fumigant. β-citronellol and thymol caused strong AChE inhibition. The study suggests that monoterpenes have potential as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for stored-product pest management.
Mycorrhiza constitutes an advanced symbiotic association between the plant root systems and fungal partner, playing a pivotal role in regulating nutrient dynamics, rhizosphere processes and crop productivity within agroecosystems. This review presents a comprehensive and critical analysis of the agricultural implications of mycorrhiza, viewed in light of the latest research focused on arbuscular mycorrhiza. Available evidence indicates that mycorrhiza significantly enhances nutrient use efficiency particularly with regard to phosphorus uptake-by activating highly efficient nutrient acquisition mechanisms. The extensive network of fungal hyphae effectively expands the root zone, strengthening soil-water-plant interactions and leading to a qualitative improvement in the plants’ water uptake capacity, as well as their tolerance to drought, salinity and thermal stresses. In the future, the integration of mycorrhiza with omics-based approaches and precision agriculture techniques presents significant potential for the development of site-specific, high-performance strains. However, for its widespread application in agriculture, scientific solutions addressing its ecological adaptability, strain specificity and management-related complexities are required. Altogether, it suggests mycorrhiza as a highly promising biological tool for enhancing agricultural sustainability, resource efficiency and ecological resilience.
Background: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity is often constrained by weed infestation and improper nitrogen management. Weeds compete with crops for essential resources such as nutrients, moisture, light and space, thereby reducing growth and yield. Nitrogen fertilization enhances crop performance but also influences weed growth and nutrient dynamics, making integrated weed and nutrient management essential for sustainable production. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, using a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The study comprised four weed management practices (W1: weedy check, W2: weed-free, W3: metsulfuron @ 4 g ha-1 and W4: 2,4-D @ 0.5 kg ha-1) and four nitrogen levels (N0, N1, N2 and N3). Observations on weed density, dry matter accumulation and nitrogen uptake by weeds were recorded and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result: Weed density and biomass were significantly influenced by weed management practices. Treatment W1 recorded the highest weed growth, whereas W2 maintained negligible weed presence throughout the crop growth period. Among herbicides, W3 was more effective than W4 in reducing weed density and biomass. Nitrogen levels significantly affected weed dry matter, with the lowest biomass observed under N3 likely due to improved crop competitiveness. Nitrogen uptake by weeds was highest under W1 and lowest under W2. A positive relationship between weed biomass and nitrogen uptake was observed, indicating that higher biomass leads to greater nutrient depletion.
Background: Nutritional management supports productive performance and physiological resilience in dairy cows. This field study evaluated a polyherbal iron-mineral feed supplement (PIMFS) for its influence on field indicators associated with hematological status, milk yield and composition and general well being. Methods: Sixteen multiparous lactating cows received PIMFS orally (100 mL/animal/day) for 14 consecutive days. Ocular conjunctival coloration was monitored using the FAMACHA scoring system (20); milk yield and milk quality parameters (CLR, fat, SNF) were recorded before, during and after supplementation and general well being indicators (rumen motility, feed intake, activity) were scored using predefined criteria. Result: Progressive improvement in FAMACHA scores was observed over the supplementation period (p less than 0.05). Mean daily milk yield increased significantly during and after supplementation compared with baseline (p less than 0.001), accompanied by improvements in CLR, fat and SNF (p less than 0.001). Scores related to rumen motility, feed intake and activity improved significantly during supplementation (p less than 0.001). These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with the evaluated polyherbal iron-mineral formulation supported physiological functions associated with hematological balance, productive performance and general well being in lactating dairy cows under field conditions.
