An investigation was conducted during the kharif season 2024 to assess the effect of biofertilizers and nano zinc on nutrient content and uptake in pearl millet crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments and three replications with the application of Azotobactor and Azospirillium biofertilizers with foliar spray of nano zinc. The findings showed that, compared to other treatments, the highest nutrient content and uptake was obtained under Seed treatment with Azotobactor + Azospirillum @ 20 g/kg seed + FS of Nano Zn at 30 and 45 DAS. Specifically, the treatment resulted in nitrogen content of 1.77% in grain and 0.84% in stover, phosphorus content of 0.28% in grain and 0.15% in stover, potassium content of 0.67% in grain and 1.85% in stover, and Zinc content of 25 ppm in grain and 17.50 ppm in stover. Furthermore, the highest nutrient uptake was recorded, with nitrogen uptake of 48.09 kg/ha in grain and 45.48 kg/ha in stover, phosphorus uptake of 7.70 kg/ha in grain and 8.38 kg/ha in stover, potassium uptake of 18.24 kg/ha in grain and 100.33 kg/ha in stover, and zinc uptake of 681.11 g/ ha in grain and 947.98 g/ha in stover.

Zinc (Zn) has been recognized as the most deficient micronutrient globally, and its deficiency hinders numerous metabolic processes in plants. Irrespective of the Zn fertilizer sources, availability is very low. To test the hypothesis that chelated Zn products applied as foliar feeding would enhance the potato productivity and its uptake in a Zn-deficient soil, a field experiment was conducted using three Zn sources (zinc sulfate [ZS], zinc metalosate [ZM], and zinc-EDTA [ZE]) with graded foliar applications and evaluated against the conventional Zn fertilization method (basal application of 25 kg ZS ha-1). Application of Zn at 0.10% through ZM registered the highest tuber (14.4 t ha-1) and haulm yields (5.14 t ha-1), followed by soil Zn application at 25 kg ha-1 with corresponding values of 14.0 and 5.00 t ha-1, respectively. The highest total Zn uptake was also registered in ZM at 0.10% Zn (265 g ha-1), while the least was reported in the Zn-devoid treatment (141 g ha-1), followed by ZE treatments. The partial factor productivity, agronomic efficiency, agro-physiological efficiency, and apparent recovery efficiency were highest with 0.025% Zn supplied through ZM, with corresponding values ranging from 2.79 to 52.81, 0.41 to 5.16, 10.54 to 25.83, and 1.95 to 20.93 kg g-1. The most productive treatment (Zn at 0.10% through ZM) was, however, not found economically viable, with the highest cost of cultivation of $1650 ha-1 and the lowest benefit-cost ratio (B:C) of 1.25. Soil application of Zn at 25 kg ha-1 was most profitable (1.53 B:C) and among foliar sources, ZS at 0.10% Zn stood out to be the most economical with a B:C of 1.48.

Broccoli is a nutrient rich export-oriented vegetable. Boron (B) deficiency is one of the most limiting factors for achieving optimum broccoli agronomic productivity in acid soils. Therefore, in the present experiment we assessed the two-year productivity, micronutrients uptake, profitability and energy sustainability of broccoli crop grown on B deficient soils under different B application methods (foliar and soil + foliar), foliar application rates (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% boric acid), and frequencies of foliar application (2 and 3 sprays of boric acid) along with control (without B application). The study was conducted for 2 years in a fixed-field plot using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that in comparison to control, the B application significantly enhanced the broccoli head yield and micronutrient uptake with better economic and energy efficiencies. Soil plus foliar B application produced 6.30% higher head yield compared to sole foliar application. The crop yield, economic indices, and energy dynamics were mainly influenced by foliar spray of boric acid at 0.3% applied at 30 & 45 DAT (days after transplanting) and head initiation growth stages. In general, the chemical fertilizers consumed the highest input energy (67.2%) followed by human labor (18.5%). Consequently, soil plus foliar method of B application and three foliar sprays of boric acid at 0.3% will be viable alternative to attain improved crop productivity and maximize the economic and energy efficiencies besides producing nutritionally (micronutrients) rich produce.

The experiment was carried out entitled “Effect of nitrogen fertilizer and Ferti-fortification through zinc and iron on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum)” at the Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, (U.P.) during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The soil of the experimental area was sandy clay loam with low organic matter, available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron and slightly alkaline in reaction. The result of the experiment revealed that the maximum grain yield (52.83 q ha-1 and 51.44 q ha-1), straw yield (66.06 q ha-1 and 65.40 q ha-1), net returns (₹ 106,008 ha-1 and ₹ 112,155 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.27 & 3.26) was recorded with recommended nitrogen (150 kg N ha-1) + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5 %) treatments during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.

The experiment was carried out entitled “effect of interaction between nitrogen and sulphur on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)” at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), India, during Rabi (winter) season of 2021-22. The experiments were conducted in Factorial randomized block design which comprised of 25 treatment combinations in which five levels of Nitrogen (0,40,80,120 and 160 kg N ha-1) and five levels of sulphur (0,25,35,45 and 55 kg S ha-1). The experiments were laid out in the two factors RCBD with three replications, The plant height, number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, seed and stover yield increased with increasing N level of 160 kg N ha-1 which was at par with 120 kg N ha-1 and while significantly superior over rest of the levels of nitrogen. On the other hand, with increasing S levels plant height, increased significantly up to 55 kg S ha-1. However, the number of branches plant-1 and seed yield and shoot yield increased up to the highest dose of S (55 kg S ha-1). Considering the combined effect of N and S, the treatment combination (120 kg n ha-1 and 45 kg S ha-1) produced the maximum seed yield (21.32 q ha-1).

A field experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Rabi season to evaluate the “effect of different organic manure on nutrient content, uptake and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L) crop.”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with Eight treatments and three replications. Eight treatments viz. Control, 100% VC (8 tonnes per hectare), 100% FYM (10 tonnes per hectare),100% PM (10 tonnes per hectare),50% FYM + 50% VC + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit), 50% FYM + 50% PM + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit), 50% FYM + 25% VC + 25% PM, 25% FYM + 50% VC + 25% PM along with different management practices were implemented. The result revealed that the highest nutrient content (%) by seed (3.15 N, 0.511 P, 0.560 K) and Stover (0.601 N, 0.180 P, 1.48 K) and the highest nutrient uptake (kg ha-1) of all the three nutrients by seed (56.54 N, 9.17 P, 10.05 K) and stover (28.80 N, 8.63 P, 70.92 K) were recorded with combined effect of FYM, VC with application of Jeevamrit viz., and 50% NPKS through FYM+ 50% N through VC which was statistically at par toT6. Reduction in nutrient supply resulted significantly lower uptake of N, P and K in the treatment which received only 100% FYM. Similarly, the maximum seed (17.95 q ha-1) and Stover (47.92 q ha-1) yield of mustard was recorded in the T5 treatment (50% FYM + 50% VC + Natural liquid manure Jeevamrit) treatment received 50% recommended doses of NPKS through FYM and 50% N through VC which was at par to T6 in which 50% FYM + 50% PM + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit) was applied. However, the lowest value found in control treatment (T6).

Agricultural ornithology plays a crucial role in managing and sustaining agroecosystems. In agriculture, birds such as insectivores and raptors serve as natural controllers of insect and rodent pests, contributing to integrated pest management strategies. In this study, a checklist of birds was compiled using data collected over three years (2019–2022) from the agricultural landscape surrounding Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur (HPAU), India. The study area comprises varied habitats including agricultural fields, forest patches, water bodies, and tea orchards. A total of 116 avian species, spanning 17 orders and 44 families were documented. Muscicapidae emerged as the most dominant family, comprising 16 species and exhibiting the highest relative diversity index value (13.79). A comparison with previous records revealed that 40 avian species were absent, while 34 bird species were reported for the first time in the study area. These finding revealed the significant shift in avian diversity at HPAU compared to previous assessments (HPAU 2019). The observed decline in avian diversity may be attributed to rapid habitat degradation driven by large-scale shrub trimming and other development activities, particularly construction projects.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations with variable source of nutrients and biofertilizer. The treatment consisted of four sources of nutrients and five Biofertilizer levels were tested in RCBD (Factorial) with three replications. Results revealed that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30 kg/ha) +2-ton Vermicompost ha-1 gave higher plant height (203.55 cm), LAI (2.929), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (66.65 g plant-1), and seed (1854), stover (7193) & biological (9047) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Similarly, application of Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + Zn SB each @20 ml kg-1 seed treatment gave higher plant height (201.46 cm), LAI (2.702), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (64.98 g plant-1), and seed (1735), stover (6888) & biological (8623) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Thus, it may be concluded that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30kg/ha) + 2‑ton Vermicompost/ha +Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + ZnSB each @ 20 ml/kg Seed treatment) found economical in obtaining higher growth and yield of mustard.

Heavy metals are well-known environmental pollutants for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that have serious consequences for public health. Plenty of experimental studies have been performed and reviewed to appraise the promising treatment and removal from a polluted environment. Among these, the biosorption technique utilises various biological materials as biosorbents are less costly and environmental friendly. This review comprehensively studies the potential of various biosorbents and summarises important research published in the duration of 2005 to 2022. After reviewing the test conditions, mechanisms and removal capacity, it is observed that the use of biosorbent has been mainly restricted to laboratory scale and shifting to the ground level requires more emphasis on adsorbent availability, durability and reusability. The results of the bibliographic searches of recent publications illustrate the need to improve the sorption capacity of already known biosorbents by understanding the thermodynamics mechanism, kinetics and biosorbent treatment. This paper addresses the different aspects to eliminate heavy metals and metalloids through biosorption techniques and bridges the gap between laboratory results and practical utility in a future perspective.

Estimating spatial variability of soil nutrients and their fractions is important for understanding their dynamic distribution under various pools. The present study was carried out to examine the spatial distribution of soil sulphur (S) fractions in agro-climatic zone-II (mid hills sub-humid) of Himachal Himalaya, India. The data were analysed with a classical and geostatistical approaches. The soil organic carbon varies from 2.8 to 22 g/kg and the S-fractions are positively correlated with organic carbon. The total-S varies from 72.6 to 513.9 mg/kg with a mean value of 260.9 mg/kg. The descriptive analysis showed that the coefficient of variation ranged from 8.5% to 52.9%. Semivariogram modelling represents that the best-fitted model was exponential and the nugget-to-sill ratio {(C-0/C-0 + C)} explains the spatial dependency, suggesting a moderate spatial dependence. The principal component analysis represents the three principal components that explain the 91% variance in the dataset. The higher concentration of sulphur is well correlated with soil organic carbon. The present study provides information to understand sulphur dynamics through their partitioning among various pools for effective soil resource management.

This study focuses on developing a relation between fundamental frequency (fo) and the depth of sediments above the bedrock. The fundamental frequency of the site ranges from 1.25 to 27.19 Hz, whereas the depth of sediments above the bedrock varies from 2 to 145 m. The eastern Shimla region has a fundamental frequency variation from 3.6 to 5.5 Hz, whereas the western and central parts have a fundamental frequency variation from 1.24 to 5.5 Hz and high frequency (>20 Hz) at isolated locations. The seismic data has also been recorded in active mode using MSOR (multichannel simulation with one receiver) to derive the dispersion curve, enabling the derivation of a 1-D, shear wave velocity (Vs) model using a joint fit modelling procedure. The 1-D profile shows variation in Vs from 180 m/s at the top to 760 m/s at bedrock. As per the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) classification, the sites show that almost 40

Boron (B), the second most deficient soil micronutrient globally, negatively impacts the production and quality of the agricultural produce. Maize (Zea mays L.) grown on B deficient soils registered a decline in crop productivity. Keeping this in view, a two-year field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of B application on productivity, profitability, quality, and different efficiencies in maize, with limited information available. Treatments consisted of two levels of soil B application methods (Foliar application and soil plus foliar application), three levels of B foliar application rates (0.017, 0.034, and 0.051%), and two levels of B foliar application frequencies (2 and 3 sprays). It was hypothesized that among all the treatments, foliar B sprays with 0.051% will be more productive, qualitatively superior, economically viable, and ecologically sustainable compared to the recommended dose for the region (0.034% B). The results showed that the highest grain yields were obtained with conjoint basal and foliar application of boron at 2.0 kg ha−1 and 0.051%, respectively with three foliar feedings. Overall, B application recorded an increase of 19.6% in maize grain yield compared to control. The economic indices, nutritional quality (Fe and Zn uptake by plants), and energy efficiencies also showed analogous results. However, sole foliar application through boric acid at its lowest rate (0.017%) with two foliar feedings registered the highest Partial factor productivity. In conclusion, B fertilization enhanced the productivity, profitability, ecological, and economic sustainability of maize on a B deficient Typic Hapludalfs.

The geotechnical characterization for delineating stiffness parameters is important to aid safe engineering foundations. The Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) was utilized to estimate shear wave velocity (Vs) profile and near-surface material characterization. The initial reconnaissance surveys allow optimization of acquisition parameters for seismic data recording that controls signal penetration and attenuation. The gathering of multiple records with several receivers in the surface-wave inversion technique progressively enhanced the dynamic characterization of the sediments. The 2-D genetic algorithm was used for the inversion of dispersion curve. The seismic data was processed to prepare multiple 1-D and 2-D share wave velocity (Vs) profiles. The depth of exploration in 2-D profiling varied from 25 to 52 m. The average Vs of the top 30 m soil column was used to classify the site as per National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) classification. The analysis reveals the majority of sites come under soil class D (Vs30 = 180–360 m/s) and class C (Vs30 = 360–760 m/s). The response analysis performed for different sites reveals variation in spectral acceleration at 10 Hz (single-story buildings) ranging from 0.09 to 0.5 g and at 5 Hz (double-story buildings) ranging from 0.13 to 1.7 g. The present study also discusses the variation of stiffness parameters across the study region to understand the subsurface heterogeneities and allowable bearing capacity for a safe engineering foundation for constructing earthquake-resilient in the area.

The quantification of soil properties and their spatial distribution is imperative for increasing crop productivity and suggesting the appropriate management strategies. The present study is based upon the hypothesis that the geologically complex landscape of the Indian Himalayan Region may lead to the varied distribution of the soil properties. This study appraises the influence of complex geological environment on some of the selected soil properties, viz., soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and diethylene triamine penta acetic acid-extractable micronutrients, viz., zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) by delineating their spatial dependency using the geostatistical approach. The surface maps were prepared using the ordinary kriging technique along with semivariogram modelling. The value of the coefficient of variation for the calculated soil properties ranged from low to high (10.99% to 62.83%), indicating the heterogeneous application of fertilisers, management practices and land-use pattern. The principal component analysis aggregates the variability into four principal components. The nugget-to-sill ratio of soil properties, ranging from 25% to 75%, indicates the moderate dependency. The surface maps represent the influence of the complex geological environment on the spatial distribution of soil physico-chemical properties. The results also reveal that the variations in the soil properties were mainly due to the combined effect of intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. The spatial distribution maps can be used for site-specific nutrient intervention for better resource management and environmental protection.

Field trials were conducted at the experimental farm of Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Bajaura, Kullu, during kharif (summer crop) and rabi (winter crop) seasons from 2014-2015 to 2015-2016 to investigate the impact of zinc (Zn) on yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in rainfed pea-maize sequence under high phosphorus regime soils of Northwestern Himalaya. The various priming levels of Zn (water soaking- without zinc, 1%, 2% and 3% of ZnSO4) with three priming durations (4, 8 and 12 hours) were compared with basal dose of recommended NPK + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha(-1) and farmers' practice (absolute control). The yield of pea crop was maximum with 1% ZnSO4 priming duration of 12 hours, whereas maize crop yield was highest with 2% ZnSO4 priming duration of 12 hours. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake of pea pods and stover was highest with 1% ZnSO4 priming for 12 hours duration, whereas the N, P and K uptake of maize grains and stover was registered highest with 2% ZnSO4 priming for a period of 12 hours. The results showed a positive impact on the crop yield and uptake, while no significant improvement was noticed in soil nutrients status after harvest.

Butterflies are the bio-indicator species for monitoring the health of the ecosystem. A preliminary checklist of the butterfly diversity was prepared by a long-term survey from 2019 to 2022 in varied habitats in the agriculture landscape of the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University (HPAU), India. The study recorded 77 butterfly species belonging to six families Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae, Papilionidae and Riodinidae. In addition, there are some rare records of butterfly species such as Common Wall (Lasiommata schakra), Dark Blue Tiger (Tirumala septentrionis), Ringed Argus (Callerebia annada) and Pioneer (Belenois aurota). Some butterflies are habitat specific and few also show local migration from high-elevation areas of the surrounding Dhauladhar ranges. The preliminary checklist prepared from the present study was also compared with Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) located in the similar landscape of the study area. This will help to understand the long-term effect of habitat degradation from human-modified environment and agricultural activities to facilitate effective conservation strategies to protect Himalayan ecosystem.

A field investigation was carried out to evaluate the impact of molybdenum (Mo) application on the yield and nutrient status of cauliflower in an acid Alfisol. The experiment comprised eleven treatments, replicated thrice in a randomized block design (RBD). The highest marketable yield of 558.8 g plant-1 was recorded in treatment with a recommended dose of NPK + FYM, with an increase of 29.1 percent over control (T1). The same treatment enhanced the uptake of macro-and micronutrients. Mo application positively influenced the curd productivity and soil nutrient status, with the conjoint application (soil plus foliar) out performing other treatments. In conclusion, cauliflower crop grown on Mo deficient soil responds positively to its conjoint application (soil plus foliar). However, the sole foliar application of Mo @0.1% recorded the highest apparent nutrient recovery (ANR) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF), with corresponding values of 2.2% and 41.2, respectively.

Scientific information on the spatial variability of soil properties is critical for sustainable production and designing appropriate measures for efficient soil–crop management. The growing urban areas in fertile landscapes are a major concern experiencing a huge anthropogenic onslaught and lack of information on spatial variability of soil properties. Therefore, the present study was carried out to delineate the spatial distribution of some selected soil properties from Balh Valley and its catchment area (Suketi basin) in lower Himachal Himalaya, India. A total of 468 geo-referenced surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil pH, EC, OC; primary nutrients (N, P, K); secondary nutrients (Ca and Mg); and DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu)following standard procedures. The results showed a significant variation in soil pH (acidic to alkaline), EC (0.08–0.70 dS/m), OC (3–26 g/kg), major nutrients N (41.96–208.03 mg/kg), P (5.80–18.75 mg/kg), and K (53.57–163.64 mg/kg). Among micronutrients, Zn was found below the critical limit toward the extreme fringes of the basin. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and geostatistical approach. The spatial maps were prepared with ordinary kriging (OK) technique after semivariogram modeling and cross-validation approach. The five principal components (PCs) chosen depicted a moderate correlation between the calculated soil attributes. The two management zones (MZs) were derived by performing the fuzzy c-means clustering analysis based on fuzzy performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE) analysis. The spatial maps represent the distribution of soil properties in the valley and its catchment area. The information generated provides baseline data for site-specific fertilizer recommendations for precision agriculture and minimize downstream adverse environmental impact in the Himalayan ecosystem.

Even after a century, the site-specific seismic parameters are unidentified for seismically vulnerable Kangra city, which has witnessed a disastrous effect from the 4th April 1905 Kangra earthquake (Ms 7.8). This earthquake resulted in a varied damage distribution from the unconsolidated Quaternary sediments (alluvial fans to boulders conglomerates). The site-specific response analysis was carried out with multi-geophysical approach. The seismic methods, viz., ambient noise measurement and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), were employed to understand local site conditions. horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) peaks and their corresponding frequencies are interpreted for subsurface characterization. The fundamental frequency ranged from 4.23 to >20 Hz and the amplification factor varied from 1.5 to 6.67. The vulnerability analysis was carried out to identify the weak zone on the surface. The HVSR analysis shows that dominance of high fundamental frequency (f0 > 10 Hz) component also brings possibility of heavy damage from a near-source earthquake. While the results from MASW provide two-dimensional (2D) shear wave velocity (Vs), which are used for comparison and validation. These results provide important input for earthquake-resilient planning with resilient structures as per local site conditions.