Application of lithium has been increased in recent years due to its use in various modern gazettes and forced to find new reserves and extraction through mining. The mining process and improper disposal of lithium containing gazettes significantly added this element to the surrounding areas, especially to the terrestrial and soil ecosystems. The increasing concentration of lithium affected the soil biodiversity and altered behavior was expected for macro-organisms. Present study aimed to investigate the different concentrations of lithium salt (Li₂CO₃) on the behavior of the species of earthworm (Eisenia fetida), according to ISO 17512-1:2008 standards. In recent years, researches on biochars are drastically increased due to its unique role in soil health improvement. Thus, the biochar has been included in this work as a conditioning material to study the mitigation effects of lithium on earthworm (E. fetida) behaviour. The findings suggested that lithium promoted the earthworm avoidance on dose dependent manner while 1% (w/w) addition of biochar in soil mitigated the avoidance behaviour. These mitigating effects were corelated to certain soil physio-chemical properties change, better soil's buffering capacity against stress by lithium in presence of biochar. The findings of present study may force new investigation to restore the soil health and earthworm behaviour near the mining areas.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilization applied at different phenological stages on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, yield components, and grain nutrient content under controlled greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four replications. Foliar fertilization treatments were applied at three key phenological stages: tillering (T), stem elongation (SE), and heading (H), along with their combinations (T+SE, T+H, SE+H, and T+SE+H). A control treatment without foliar fertilization was also included. Foliar fertilizers containing essential macro- and micronutrients were applied at a 0.5% concentration using a hand sprayer. The results demonstrated that foliar fertilization significantly improved wheat grain yield and nutrient composition compared to the control. The highest grain yield increase was observed in the T+SE and T+SE+H treatments, which enhanced yield by 71.01% and 73.45%, respectively, compared to the control. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between these two treatments, suggesting that foliar fertilization at the tillering and stem elongation stages alone is sufficient to achieve maximum yield and nutrient uptake efficiency. Significant increases in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were observed in response to foliar applications, while copper (Cu) content remained unchanged. These findings highlight the effectiveness of foliar fertilization in enhancing wheat productivity and nutrient content. Considering practical and economic aspects, the T+SE application is recommended as the most efficient approach. Nevertheless, further field trials are necessary to validate these results under real-world conditions and optimize foliar fertilization strategies for sustainable wheat production.
Seed priming has emerged as an innovative and economical technique to elevate seed quality, fostering uniform, swift, and robust germination under both stress and non-stress conditions. This study endeavors to scrutinize the effects of organic (silicic acid, SA) and inorganic (humic acid, HA) acids, alongside their synergistic combinations, on seed quality parameters in three distinct lentil (Lens culinaris) genotypes: IPL-316 (tolerant), PSL-9, and PDL-1 (sensitive). Critical parameters assessed encompass germination percentage, root and shoot length, seed vigor indices I and II, and dry weight under meticulously controlled laboratory conditions. The priming agents were standardized across a spectrum of concentrations and durations. Sterilized seeds were immersed in silicic acid (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mM), humic acid (100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm), and their combinations over varying durations (2 to 18 hours), including control and hydropriming treatments. Following treatment, seeds were air-dried and subjected to growth assessments. The findings reveal that priming significantly bolsters early-stage plant growth across all three lentil genotypes, with the combined application of silicic and humic acids yielding remarkable enhancements in all seed quality parameters, intricately influenced by genotype and treatment combination.
This study investigated the effects of foliar-applied humic acid-based fertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield, tuber quality, and nutrient uptake efficiency under irrigated conditions in Western Kazakhstan. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using the Silvana potato variety, a medium-early cultivar with high yield potential. The randomized complete block design included five treatments: (1) Control (no fertilizers), (2) Reasil Micro Hydro Mix, (3) Reasil Micro Hydro Mix + Reasil Forte Carb-Nitrogen-Humic, (4) Potassium Humate, and (5) Potassium Humate + Reasil Forte Carb-Nitrogen-Humic. All fertilizers were applied as foliar sprays at three critical growth stages: stem formation, bud appearance, and tuber formation. The humic acid-based fertilizers used in the study were produced by LLC "Life Force Group". Potassium Humate is an 80% alkaline extract of humic and fulvic acids from leonardite. Reasil Micro Hydro Mix contains various essential micronutrients, including N, Mg, B, Fe, Zn, and amino acids. Reasil Forte Carb-Nitrogen-Humic is rich in N (20%, including 18% amide-N) and also contains humic acids (6.2%), hydroxycarboxylic acids (6.2%), and amino acids (6%). Results showed that foliar humic acid application significantly increased potato yield and improved tuber quality. The highest average marketable yield (28.79 t/ha) was obtained with Potassium Humate + Reasil Forte Carb-Nitrogen-Humic, reflecting a 20% increase over the control. Starch content was also highest in this treatment (16.9%), while vitamin C content was better maintained in treated plots under stress conditions. Additionally, nitrate accumulation in tubers was reduced, improving food safety. Nutrient uptake efficiency was significantly enhanced by humic acid-based foliar treatments. The Potassium Humate + Reasil Forte Carb-Nitrogen-Humic treatment recorded the highest N, P, and K absorption levels, confirming the role of foliar humic applications in optimizing nutrient translocation. These findings demonstrate that humic acid-based foliar fertilization is an effective strategy for increasing potato productivity while reducing reliance on conventional fertilizers. These findings highlight the potential of foliar-applied humic substances as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization, particularly in semi-arid agricultural systems.
Biochar is a highly stable carbon compound produced through pyrolysis, and it has been widely studied for its potential to enhance soil fertility and carbon sequestration. However, the impact of fresh and residual biochar is not thoroughly explored. Therefore, a comparative study on fresh and residual biochar were conducted at filed conditions on wheat cultivation, using a randomized block design. A fresh biochar (S1), residual biochar of previous season crop (S2) and two season old residual biochar (S3) with nine different treatments using varied amounts of rice husk and rice straw biochar along with the fertilizers (recommended doses of N, P, K) were considered in triplicate. Result clearly indicates that biochar application significantly improved plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass of plant, internodal length, node & internode diameter, as well as biological yield, grain and straw yield of wheat crop. S1 had the most significant impact on plant growth and yield-attributing characteristics compared to S2 and S3, even at higher doses. In S1, the most significant results were observed at a biochar application rate of 5 tons/ha, while S2 showed maximum impact at 10 tons/ha. In S3, the highest impact was recorded at the highest biochar dose of 15 tons/ha. The present findings conclusively showed the efficiency of fresh biochar to enhance soil fertility for agricultural production as well as the residual impact of biochar in succeeding crop.
Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, but excessive application can lead to environmental degradation and reduced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study evaluated the effects of different nitrogen application rates (0, 60, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 kg N/ha) on tuber yield, nitrogen uptake, and soil nitrate accumulation over two growing seasons. The results showed that the highest tuber yield (20.8 t/ha) was obtained at 150 kg N/ha, beyond which further increases in nitrogen application did not result in significant yield improvements (P
Gradual reduction to chemical fertilizer application by adopting sustainable alternatives that naturally harness, nutritional sources from endophytic actinobacteria processes in combination with vermicompost (VP) is capable of improving the available nutrients of farmland and baby maize (BM) output. This field research observed the combined efficiency of Streptomyces panayensis (S. panayensis) inoculum and three VP rates on available nutrients and BM productivity. it was carried out by mean of two factors, consisting of factor 1: three VP levels (0, 4 and 8 t ha-1) in a combination with factor 2 (supplementation and no supplementation of S. panayensis) on the BM variety "SG-7", utilizing a completely random block with six experimental plots with four replications. All plots of both S. panayensis and VP supplementation raised soil nutrients and ear number, weights of fresh ear and plant biomass compared to those with no S. panayensis and VP supplementation. The research emphasizes the supplementation of S. panayensis and VP application to increase availably nutritional concentrations in soil and augment BM productivity. The results of the research showed a 50% reduction in VP supplementation that could maintain productivity and soil fertility. These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable agriculture, presenting a promising approach to increase BM production, improve soil fertility, and protect the environment. The combination of endophytic actinobacteria inoculation and organic manure management in this integrated approach is proven to be a right pathway in modern agriculture, enhancing both soil health and biomass yields.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant environmental and health risks due to their widespread distribution and carcinogenic properties. Developing efficient and environmentally friendly extraction methods for PAHs from complex matrices like bottom sediments is essential for advancing pollution monitoring and mitigation efforts. The influence of temperature and time parameters of water in a subcritical state on the extraction of widespread, contrasting in physicochemical properties polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from bottom sediment samples of the Lena River with varying initial pollutant content was studied. It was shown that the optimal extraction parameters for naphthalene are 240°C for 20 minutes, for phenanthrene and fluoranthene – 240°C for 30 minutes, for benzo(a)pyrene – 250°C for 30 minutes, and for benzo(g,h,i)perylene – 260°C for 40 minutes. Under these conditions, the proportion of extracted PAHs varies from 76% to 85%. A comparison was conducted of widely used PAH extraction methods based on the use of toxic solvents from standard techniques. It was established that the efficiency of extraction methods can be ranked as follows: ultrasound extraction > subcritical extraction > saponification method. In this case, the value of the PAH extraction coefficient during subcritical extraction was 1.23-1.29, during saponification - 1.35 and 1.34, and during the ultrasonic extraction method - 1.10 and 1.08.
Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a significant threat to soil health and agricultural productivity, particularly under varying water availability and soil textures. This study examines the effects of water levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity) and soil textures (sandy clay loam, silty loam, and clay) on key microbiological properties, including basal soil respiration (BSR), microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and catalase activity (CA), in Cd-contaminated soils. An incubation experiment was conducted under controlled conditions at 20 ± 0.5°C for 10 days. Microbiological properties were assessed using standard methods: alkali absorption for BSR, substrate-induced respiration for Cmic, spectrophotometric assays for DHA, and volumetric determination for CA. Optimal microbial activity across all parameters was observed at 75% field capacity, highlighting the importance of balanced soil moisture. Clay soils consistently exhibited the highest activity due to their superior organic matter content and buffering capacity, while sandy clay loam soils showed the lowest activity due to limited water retention and nutrient availability. Excessive moisture at 100% field capacity reduced oxygen diffusion, suppressing microbial activity, while insufficient moisture at 25% field capacity constrained microbial metabolism. These findings provide critical insights into the interplay between soil texture, water availability, and Cd contamination, offering valuable guidance for sustainable soil and water management practices to mitigate heavy metal toxicity in agricultural systems.
An experiment was conducted during the winter and summer seasons at Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet, Bangladesh, to examine the seasonal variations in the life cycle, growth, and reproduction of two epigeic earthworm species, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. Earthworm species were reared in plastic containers filled with cow dung as the feeding medium, maintaining a moisture level of 60%–80%. Growth and reproductive characteristics were recorded at various stages. The results indicated that Eisenia fetida exhibited a longer incubation period (24±4.69 and 23.0±4.16 days), a higher number of hatchlings per cocoon (2.4±1.19 and 2.7±0.96), and greater hatching success rates (82.5% and 87.5%) during both winter and summer seasons, respectively. In contrast, Eudrilus eugeniae attained the greatest body length (12.98±0.69 cm and 13.09±0.54 cm per worm) and the highest weight (775.67±66.40 mg and 703.5±55.56 mg per worm) in winter and summer, respectively. Both species reached sexual maturity relatively earlier in winter. Additionally, E. fetida produced a higher number of cocoons per worm per week (2.35 ± 0.30 in winter and 3.00 ± 1.35 in summer). Cocoon production per worm per week in E. fetida showed a significant positive correlation with temperature (r=0.61**) during winter.
Many national and international initiatives depend on detailed spatial data on changes in soil organic carbon stock (SOC stock) at various scales to support policies aimed at land degradation neutrality and climate change mitigation Developing tools to accurately model the spatial distribution of SOCstock at national scales is a priority for both monitoring soil organic carbon (SOC) changes and contributing to global carbon cycle studies. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate and compare various spatial performance metrics used to assess the accuracy of predicting soil SOC and SOCstock content in a semi-arid pasture. Soil samples were taken from 0-20 cm soil depth at 150 random sampling points. Spatial structure of SOCstock and SOC were modelled by ordinary kriging The soil pH varied from slightly acidic (6.34) to neutral (7.19), and salinity was not an issue in the study area. Lime content, with an average of 2.04%, stands out as the most variable soil property, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 61.76%. The carbon stock ranged from 23.46 to 65.36 tons ha-1, with an average carbon stock of 43.28 tons ha-1 calculated. In the study area, SOC (%) and stoniness (%) had the shortest autocorrelation distance (21.00 m), while bulk density had the longest (27.00 m). The prediction errors indicated that parameters in the random sampling did not result in better predictions using the OK technique.The results indicated that SOC content can exhibit significant spatial variability even within a small area, highlighting the need for site-specific management in semi-arid pastures. In order to achieve high accuracy and success in modeling, metrics of the performance such as RRMSE, RMSE and MAPE should be used that minimize the effect of the relevant soil property measurement unit.
Considering the fixation and low availability of conventional phosphatic fertilizer in acidic soil, zeolite based nano phosphatic fertilizer was synthesized to investigate its release characteristics in acidic soil system via invitro studies. Result revealed that surface modification through a cationic surfactant improved the adsorption capacity of zeolite for phosphorus by 60%. Under the incubation study, the zeolite based nano phosphatic fertilizer sustained the release of phosphorous up to 90 days of incubation against 32 days under conventional SSP. The 100% replacement of RDP through nano fertilizer registered the maximum release of P in soil up to 9.36 mg/kg which was 23.80% higher than conventional SSP (7.56 mg/kg). The study release kinetics also revealed parabolic diffusion equation (3.012 µg/g/day) as the most suitable module for describing the P release as compared to other kinetic modules. Thus, zeolite can be used as carrier material for preparation of nano fertilizer for sustainable release of P for longer period of time under acidic soil.
Chernozem soils, known for their high organic matter and fertility, are crucial for agricultural productivity in northern Kazakhstan's Kostanay region. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these soils to assess their suitability for crop production and propose sustainable management practices. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depths across various locations to represent the region's main nutrient profile. Physical analyses included texture determination, while chemical analyses measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) using standard methods. Biological assessments focused on microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal soil respiration (BSR), dehydrogenase and catalase activities, as well as Cmic: Corg and metabolic quotient (qCO₂) ratios. Results indicated high organic matter content (mean 4.49%), sufficient total nitrogen (>0.25%), and high levels of potassium and calcium. However, phosphorus levels were low (<8 mg kg⁻¹), marking it as a key limiting nutrient. Biological analysis revealed robust microbial activity, with high catalase activity supporting aerobic processes, but low Cmic: Corg and qCO₂ values suggested limited microbial biomass, potentially slowing organic matter decomposition. This trait, while preserving organic matter, may restrict nutrient mineralization, impacting crop nutrient availability. Based on these findings, we recommend prioritizing phosphorus and potassium fertilization integrated with organic matter management to balance nutrient levels and enhance crop productivity. The application of liquid or solid organic or organomineral fertilizers is suggested to maintain soil organic matter and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, foliar applications of manganese and iron, along with nitrogen supplementation, are recommended to address micronutrient deficiencies and support plant growth. Overall, sustainable management of Chernozem soils in Kostanay requires balanced nutrient management, organic matter preservation, and targeted micronutrient interventions to ensure long-term fertility and productivity.
The optimal growth and development of many vegetable crops hinge significantly upon their reliance on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Understanding the AMF status of vegetable crops can assist researchers in selecting suitable strains for future experiments. Therefore, a field work was carried out to determine the species diversity and composition of AMF with fifty vegetable crops from seventeen different districts of Haryana. AMF spores were isolated and identified to evaluate AMF density, diversity, and host preference in terms of AMF species richness, abundance and frequency of occurrence. Soil conditions, land use type and its physico–chemical properties played a crucial role in regulating the uneven distribution and composition of AMF. Mycotrophic structures such as linear infection (Arum–type) to coils (Paris–type) arbuscules and vesicles were seen. Interestingly, no correlation was found between spore number and root colonization. Maximum AMF spore density, spore richness and abundance were witnessed in Zea mays and Trigonella foenum–graecum. Five plants exhibited 100% AMF colonized roots, 15 plants showed above 75% and 12 plants above 50% colonization. Soil pH 6.10 to 7.40 supported the maximal abundance and frequency of occurrence of Glomus and Acaulospora with 53 species and 18 species followed by Acaulospora (18), Sclerocystis (10), Gigaspora (5), Entrophospora (4) and Sclerocystis (4). G. mosseae was the most preferred species among vegetable crops. Members of non–mycorrhizal families lack root colonization except for Brassica campestris, B. oleracea var. botrytis and B. Rapa where 2–11% root colonization was detected. Noticing the abundant AMF diversity of vegetable crops , this investigation expands the scope of detection, selection and inoculation of vegetable crops with suitable AMF species for improving their quality and quantity.
This study investigates the potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) as a biological tool for reclaiming saline soils in the arid regions of South Kazakhstan. Licorice was cultivated over three growing seasons in weakly, moderately, and highly saline soils to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing soil salinity and improving soil fertility. The results show that licorice cultivation significantly reduced total salt concentrations and improved organic matter content in weakly saline soils. For instance, in some areas, total salts decreased by 50%, and humus content increased from 1.55% to 1.70%, indicating enhanced soil fertility. In moderately saline soils, the reduction in salt levels was less significant, and the plant's biomass yield dropped to 40 t/ha, compared to 50 t/ha in weakly saline soils. However, licorice still demonstrated its ability to moderately improve soil structure and nutrient availability. In strongly saline soils, licorice's effectiveness was considerably limited, with only minor reductions in salinity and a significant decrease in biomass yield to 20-30 t/ha. The study concludes that while Glycyrrhiza glabra is highly effective in reclaiming weakly saline soils, its impact in moderately and highly saline soils requires supplemental interventions, such as leaching, to optimize its phytoremediation potential. These findings suggest that integrating biological and traditional soil reclamation methods can offer a sustainable solution for managing saline soils in arid regions.
Effective management of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) is crucial for maximizing spring wheat productivity, as both nutrients play key roles in improving growth, yield attributes, grain protein content, and soil fertility. Despite their importance, determining the optimal application rates of N and S for enhanced wheat performance remains a challenge. This study was conducted as a pot experiment under controlled greenhouse conditions, with 12 treatments replicated three times and carried out over 85 days. The treatments included a control (0N + 0S), nitrogen-only treatments (40N + 0S, 80N + 0S, 120N + 0S), sulfur-only treatments (30S, 60S), and combined N and S treatments (40N + 30S, 80N + 30S, 120N + 30S, 40N + 60S, 80N + 60S, 120N + 60S). The results revealed that the application of 120N + 60S significantly improved key growth parameters such as plant height, grains per spike, spike density (spike/m²), and 1000-grain weight. This treatment also resulted in higher grain nitrogen content, N uptake, and protein levels, confirming its superiority over other treatments. Additionally, post-harvest soil analysis indicated increased mineral N and available S levels, while showing a slight decrease in pH and an increase in electrical conductivity (EC). In conclusion, the 120N + 60S combination was identified as the most effective treatment for maximizing wheat yield, improving grain quality, and enhancing soil nutrient availability. However, it is recommended that future studies validate these findings under field conditions, across different soil types and climates, to ensure broader applicability of 120N + 60S as a best practice for wheat cultivation.
Coastal areas are facing increasing heavy metal pollution as a result of various anthropogenic activities, posing a serious threat to ecosystems. Modeling and understanding the sorption behavior of heavy metals in soils are essential for assessing their mobility and risk in the coastal landscapes. The aim of this study was to examine the adsorption behavior of Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Zn²⁺ by common soil types of the Lower Don and the Taganrog Bay coast in Russia to better understand their potential environmental implications. The soil capacities for heavy metal adsorption and retention were determined using isothermal models. The maximum adsorption capacity and the binding strength parameter for the heavy metals were calculated, revealing significant differences among the soils. Haplic Chernozem emerged with superior values, while Gleyic Solonchak Sulfidic and Umbric Fluvisol trailed the lowest. All soils exhibited a greater adsorption capacity and binding strength for Pb compared to the other metals. The influence of soil characteristics on sorption and retention was also examined. The Pseudo-second-order model provided a more accurate description of the adsorption kinetics of heavy metals by the studied soils. The co-presence of metals in the system affected their sorption by the soils due to competition: soils adsorbed fewer metals but retained them more strongly. These findings are important for developing effective strategies to reduce heavy metal pollution in coastal ecosystems.
Land use change, mostly from forest to conventional agriculture, has a detrimental impact on soil health and production. However, the impact of such LUC on soil biological characteristics is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate some of the physicochemical and biological properties of soil with varied land uses in the southwestern Khorramabad area. The research locations comprised diverse land use types including coniferous forest, broadleaf forest, farmland, and rangeland. According to the findings, there was no significant variation in bulk density (ρb) and bulk density at 33 kPa (ρb33) for various land uses, but there was a significant difference between different soil layers. The amount of clay and silt varies dramatically across land uses. However, the quantity of sand used did not differ significantly across the usage (p <0.05). The results showed that the highest and lowest values of soil pH were observed in the coniferous forest and rangeland, respectively. Although the EC in coniferous forests was greater (0.17 dS m-1) than in other land uses, there was no significant difference in the average soil EC in various land uses (p <0.01). In terms of soil organic carbon (SOC), the greatest value was found in broadleaf forests with an average of 1.517 (ton/ha), while the lowest content was observed in farmland with an average of 0.797 (ton/ha). The findings showed that there is a significant difference in soil nitrogen averages across different land uses followed by the decreasing order of broadleaf forest (0.11%)> rangeland (0.06%)> Farmland (0.05%)> coniferous forest (0.03%). The findings also suggested that the quantity of microbial respiration has considerably declined in all locations as land use has shifted from forest to pasture and farmland. Notably, farmland includes the greatest population of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes, with a significant difference from other uses (p <0.01). Additionally, the relationship between OC and other soil factors is the most significant in this study.
Plastic waste on agricultural land can break down into microplastics (< 5 mm), which plants can absorb through their roots, potentially inhibiting plant growth. Utilizing microplastic-degrading bacteria isolated from landfills offers a potential solution to microplastic contamination in agriculture. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from the Putri Cempo Landfill and evaluate their ability to degrade different types of plastic contaminants found in agricultural environments. Microorganisms were isolated from soil samples using Soil Extract Media (SEM), and pure cultures were established. Bacterial isolates were tested for their microplastic-degrading potential using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic fragments. Molecular analysis was conducted to determine the taxonomy of the bacteria. Further degradation tests were performed on different types of microplastic contaminants (mulch, polybags, and sacks) to identify the most degradable material. Six bacterial isolates were obtained, with isolates CP1 and CP2 demonstrating microplastic degradation rates of 2.43% and 1.15%, respectively, over a 20-day incubation period. Molecular analysis identified CP1 as Bacillus anthracis str. and CP2 as Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. Subsequent degradation tests on various agricultural microplastic contaminants revealed that sack materials treated with Bacillus cereus showed the highest degradation rate, with an 8.8% weight reduction, while polybag materials showed the lowest degradation rate, with a weight loss of only 0.59%.
Nutritional disparity is a crucial impediment to agricultural productivity that interferes with soil structural stability and plant growth since more than one-fourth of the total land area is affected, especially by sodicity globally. This study assesses the mathematical models of non-edible food waste, including brinjal waste, potato peel, banana peel, orange peel, eggshell, cow bone, chicken bone, and fish bone. After consumption of the food, the resulting non-edible food waste was cleaned, dried, crushed, and stored separately in aluminum zipper bags. Cation concentrations of the considered waste materials were measured using ion chromatography systems. Then the mathematical models such as Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP), Exchangeable Potassium Percentage (EPP), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Potassium Adsorption Ratio (PAR), and Cation Ratio of Soil Structural Stability (CROSS) were assessed considering cation concentrations. The results revealed that Na+ concentrations ranged from 0.17±0.001 mg/kg in orange peel to 5.21±0.005 mg/kg in chicken bone; K+ ranged from 0.28±0.003 mg/kg in eggshell to 56.50±0.216 mg/kg in banana peel; Ca2+ ranged from 0.30±0.004 mg/kg in potato peel to 1.37±0.049 mg/kg in eggshell; and Mg2+ ranged from 0.06±0.004 mg/kg in eggshell to 1.12±0.006 mg/kg in banana peel. The overall concentration sequence was K+>Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+. In addition, animal waste biomass had comparatively high ESP and EPP values for the studied waste biomasses. SAR, PAR, and CROSS models for all studied wastes are suitable for application to sodic and saline soils. In conclusion, non-edible food waste biomass might be a reliable source of cations that is important for soil structural stability and ultimately for plant growth and could be utilized in sodic and saline soils based on the analysis of cationic parameters and mathematical models.
