The conjoint application of manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) at various doses and its comprehensive investigation at the nutrient concentration and biochemical levels have not been studied in soybean crop in detail so far. To, solve this purpose a pot experiment was conducted in glass house on low nickel and manganese soil in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2019–20 and 2021–22. There were 10 treatments with two levels of Ni (5 and 10 mg kg −1) and Mn (10 and 20 mg kg−1) with recommended dosage of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium(8.93, 35.71 and 17.86 mg kg−1) applied to all treatments except control. The result of the study showed that the maximum concentration of iron (Fe) at 30 DAS (Days after sowing), 60 DAS, 90 DAS in root and leaves of soybean was recorded in T3(RDF + Ni10) which was 698 and 317 mg kg−1, while in stem maximum concentration reported in T4(RDF + Mn10). While in case of Mn, Ni, N, Mg, Cu and Zn maximum concentration at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, 90 DAS in root, leaves and stem were reported in T9(RDF + Ni10Mn20). The minimum concentration of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, N and Mg at 30 DAS, 60 DAS,90 DAS in root, leaves and stem were reported in T1(RDF).The maximum enzymatic activity (Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, Lipid peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase) reported in T9(RDF + Ni10Mn20), while lowest reported in T1(RDF). Further protein and oil seed content in soybean crop recorded to be highest in T9(RDF + Ni10Mn20), while lowest reported in T1(RDF). Overall, the study highlights the synergistic interaction between Ni and Mn in enhancing nutrient uptake, enzymatic activity, and seed quality in soybean, thereby providing critical insights for optimizing micronutrient management in soybean production systems.

Considering the importance of nickel and iron nutrition for the soybean crop, their deficiency inhibits the yield drastically specially in the area where soybean crop is dominant. To encounter this problem, a pot experiment was conducted in glass house on low nickel and iron soil in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2019-20 and 2021-22. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of Ni (nickel) and Fe (iron) on the post-harvest soil parameters, growth, yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient content of soybean crop. There were 10 treatments with two levels of Ni (5 and 10 mg kg -1) and Fe (10 and 20 mg kg-1) with recommended dosage of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (8.93, 35.71, and 17.86 mg kg-1) applied to all treatments except control. The result of the experiment revealed that the co-application of nickel and iron@10 mg kg-1 and 20 mg kg-1 (RDF + Ni10Fe20), resulted in the increase in plant height, greeness index, no of seed per pod, no of pod per plant, seed yield, and stover yield. Similar, findings for the post- harvest soil parameter indicated that there was increase in pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content of soil. DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) extractable Ni, Fe, Zn, and Cu, also found highest in treatment where nickel and iron@10 mg kg-1 and 20 mg kg-1 (RDF + Ni10Fe20) were applied in soil, but in case of DTPA extractable Mn, the highest amount was found in treatment where nickel and iron@10 mg kg-1 and 10 mg kg-1 (RDF + Ni10Fe10) was applied in soil. The soil microbial biomass carbon and urease activity was also found highest in the treatment where nickel and iron@10 and 20 mg kg-1 was applied in soil. The minimum plant height, greeness index, no of seed per pod, no of pod per plant, seed, and stover yield was recorded in treatment where only RDF(T1) was applied. Similar, result recorded for the post-harvest soil parameters. So, overall findings of the pot experiment revealed that the conjoint application of nickel and iron has resulted in better yield of soybean crop.

The integration of nanotechnology into agriculture has garnered significant interest due to its potential to revolutionize agricultural practices. This paper explores the application of nanotechnology in crop protection, nutrient delivery, soil management, and environmental sustainability. Nanopesticides and nanofertilizers represent notable advancements, offering enhanced efficacy, reduced environmental impact, and improved targeted delivery of active ingredients. Nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and nanocapsules encapsulate nutrients and agrochemicals, ensuring gradual release and optimized plant uptake. Nanosensors, based on materials like carbon nanotubes and quantum dots, enable real-time monitoring of soil health, crop growth, and environmental conditions, facilitating precision agriculture. Nanomaterials also play a role in soil remediation and pollution control by degrading pollutants and enhancing soil fertility. Additionally, nanobiotechnology offers eco-friendly solutions for pest and disease management through nanoscale delivery systems for biocontrol agents and plant vaccines. Despite the transformative potential of nanotechnology in agriculture, considerations of safety, regulatory oversight, and ethical implications are essential. Interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement will be crucial to harness the full benefits of nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture.

The objective of this research is to solve problem due to acidity and phosphorus deficiency in soybean crop grown in acidic soils. As acidic soils have an abundance of exchangeable forms of aluminum and hydrogen and a low supply of basic cations, they limit the productive potential of crops. The retention of phosphorus (P) is usually high in acidic soils. At the study area, soil acidity is well-known for limiting the productivity of crop. This study was conducted to determine the influence of liming and phosphorus application on growth of Soybean in acidic soil of Chandauli district. Factorial combinations of four levels of lime (0, 25, 50 and 100% of lime requirement) and four sources of phosphorus (No phosphorus, triple super phosphate, Mussoorie rock phosphate and phosphate rich organic manure) were laid out in completely randomized design with three replications. The results revealed that lime x phosphorus interaction were significant for plant height and relative chlorophyll content SPAD. Findings shows that lime @100% significantly increased the plant height and SPAD values of soybean plant and remained at par with lime @50%. Similarly, application of phosphorus source PROM significantly increased the plant height and SPAD value and remained at par with TSP. Combined application of lime @100% + PROM significantly increased the growth of soybean crop. It remained at par with lime @100% + TSP, lime @50% + PROM, lime @50% + TSP, indicating saving of 50% lime and PROM can be considered as a sustainable alternative that contributes to both phosphorus availability and soil health. The results of the study verified that application of lime and phosphorus sources improved growth and growth related traits of soybean crop.

Organic manures are rich source of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which are essential for plants. It also contains organic matter that improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration. The study focused on evaluating two types of organic manures, i.e. Farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost. Results showed that vermicompost had higher nutrient content them FYM. A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2018 at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture Jobner (Rajasthan). The design of experiment was factorial randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised five treatments of organic manures (Control, vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and four treatments of fertility levels (Control, 50 per cent RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), 75 per cent RDF and 100 per cent RDF). The variety used for experiment was RHB-173 of pearl millet. Results showed that the application of FYM @ 10 t ha -1 significantly decreased the bulk density and increased the saturated hydraulic conductivity over control. The maximum water retention of soil (12.86 per cent and 3.28 per cent) at 33kPa and 1500 kPa were recorded under the treatment vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 being at par with FYM @ 10 t ha -1. Thus, addition of FYM @ 10 t ha -1 improves the physical soil properties.

Nitrogen (N) loss is a key problem in rice fields, which results in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of applied N and could be a major limitation from economic and environmental perspectives. In order to improve the NUE, use of slow or controlled released N fertilizers could be a potential alternative to the conventional N inputs. With this objective to evaluate the effect of different slow-release fertilizers on NUE and grain yield of rice, a pot experiment was conducted during kharif 2017 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi. The experiment comprised thirteen treatments including control, Polymer (PCU) and Neem coated urea (NCU) and their combination with Farm yard manure (FYM) and Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The combined application of PCU, NCU, FYM and PGPR in treatment T-12 provided highest grain yield 47.98 gpot(-1)and followed by T-8 46.60 gpot(-1). The result showed that, compared with the PCU treatment T-2 (PCU100 Split), the Agronomic efficiency (AE) and Apparent nitrogen recovery efficiency (ANR%) of the mixed doses of coated urea treatment T-12 (PCU50 NCU50 FYM10 PGPR Basal) increased by 20.38% and 28.48% respectively. Therefore, application of FYM and PGPR with coated urea improved rice yield, nutrient uptake and their use efficiency and potentially recommended in eastern plain of the Indo-Gangetic Plain for the sustainable production of rice crop.

Plants respond to various stresses during their lifecycle among which abiotic stress is the most severe one comprising heat, cold, drought, salinity, flooding, etc. which take a heavy toll on crop yield worldwide in every corresponding year. ROS has a dual role in abiotic stress mechanisms where, at high levels, they are toxic to cells while at the same time, the same molecule can function as a signal transducer that activates a local as well as a systemic plant defense response against stress. The most common ROS species are Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Superoxide anions (O2-), Hydroxyl radicals (OH-), and Singlet oxygen (1O2) which are results of physiological metabolism often controlled by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems. ROS generally accumulate in plants during abiotic and biotic stress conditions resulting in oxidative damage which ultimately leads to programmed cell death. Many ROS scavenging pathways have been well studied against stress responses. Through careful manipulation of ROS levels in plants, we can enhance stress tolerance in plants under unfavorable environmental conditions. This chapter presents an overview of ROS regulation in plants and the essential enzymes involved in the abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms which are thoroughly discussed below.

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Foliar Application of Nano-Urea under Different Nitrogen Levels on Productivity and Quality of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)” was conducted at Research Farm, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur (India) during Kharif season of 2021. The experiment was laid out with 9 treatment combinations comprising in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that highest plant height, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, phosphorus content and potassium content in grain and straw of pearl millet was obtained with the application of 100% RDN which was significantly superior to 50% RDN. Results further showed that foliar spray of Nano-Urea (4 ml/l water) at 30 and 45 DAS significantly increased the plant height, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, phosphorus content and potassium content in grain and straw of pearl millet over control and foliar spray of Nano-Urea (4 ml/l water) at 30 DAS.

The objective of this research work is to solve the problem due to iron deficiency in soybean crop. Iron deficiency chlorosis is a widespread agricultural problem in soybean crop, especially in alkaline and calcareous soils resulting in complete crop failure. To eradicate this problem, the methodology adopted in this work was conducted with a factorial experimental design of different doses (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mgkg-1) of FeDTPA in 15 different types of soil categorized into low (L1-L5), medium (M1-M5) and high (H1-H5) iron content with soybean crop during Kharif season 2020 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. The experiment ended after 60 days of seed sowing. Plant height and total chlorophyll content of soybean crop were determined at 30 and 60 days after sowing. The highest plant height and total chlorophyll content were observed in 7.5 mgkg-1 dose of Fe in low iron content soil (L1-L5) is 102.36cm and 45.63 SPAD value respectively. Increasing the application of iron doses from 0 to 7.5 mgkg-1 increases the plant height and total chlorophyll content in low iron content soil while in high iron content soil (H1-H5) it decreases the plant height and total chlorophyll content. In conclusion, the use of FeDTPA in iron-deficient soils of the Indo-Gangetic plain will be beneficial for the growth of soybean crops as well as for the eradication of iron deficiency chlorosis.

Biostimulants are substances, different from fertilizers, which stimulate plant growth when applied in minute quantities. They are increasingly used in worldwide agricultural production and can effectively contribute to overcoming challenges imposed by the increasing world population. These environmentally friendly and natural substances promote vegetative growth, mineral nutrient uptake, and tolerance of plants to abiotic stresses. In the modern agriculture system, biostimulants are obtained from the different communities of naturally occurring microorganisms and the biochemical products produced by them such as organic acid, proteins, enzymes, and hormones. These substances when interacting with the plant-soil continuum enhance the availability or uptake of essential nutrients that are applied in the form of fertilizers or that are already existing in soil or crop residues. The other advanced technology used by different manufacturers is nanosurfactant additives, protein hydrolysates, humic acid, and seaweed with their different modes of action. So, in the current perspective, the use of these advanced technologies in organic farming will help to increase crop productivity, and soil fertility, protect against pathogens, and in turn, increase the income of the farmer.

Rhizosphere microbiomes are very complex ecosystems on the earth and play an important role in plant growth promotion, nutrient recycling, and soil fertility. The diversity of rhizosphere microbiomes in cereal crops is primarily regulated by soil type, root exudates, host genotype, and land use patterns. It is essential to understand the dynamic responses of rhizosphere microbiomes to physical, chemical, and biological changes for developing sustainable agricultural practices in disturbed soil ecosystems. This chapter is aimed to address the structure and function of rhizosphere microbiomes of cereal crops with a special emphasis on biotechnological applications for its yield improvement. Mechanisms of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in cereal crops production have been selectively highlighted in this chapter with suitable examples.

The current pneumonia outbreak, which began in early December 2019 near Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, is caused by a novel corona virus (CoV) known as `2019-nCoV' or `2019 novel corona virus or COVID-19' by the World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines are available to prevent corona virus contagious infection or to reduce the viral load in body but virus is continuously mutating itself to infect people at severity. In this critical scenario this review provide a compiled study for techniques and tools that can be used to treat corona virus infections and its variants by some modern techniques and natural products such as inhibitors, siRNA technique and plant based approaches. This review focuses on healthy treatment and strategies that can be used effectively to treat the disease globally by reducing the post COVID symptoms.

After the green revolution excessive use of inorganic fertilizers increased, which resulted in affecting the activities of soil microflora and macrofauna, thus posing an environmental risk and decreasing crop production. The use of organic sources which include biochar, carpet waste, FYM (Farmyard manure) and PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) may act as an important tool to sustainably increase soil organic matter, crop yield and improve soil health on a long-term basis. The results of application of biochar, carpet waste, farm yard manure (FYM) and PGPR showed that the combined application of biochar, carpet waste and PGPR significantly improved soil properties such as organic carbon, nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), potassium(K), dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase activity and microbial population. The enzymatic activity of soil was highly positively correlated with the physicochemical properties of soil. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of biochar, carpet waste, FYM and PGPR may increase and sustain the soil properties and crop productivity over time.

In India food demand is increasingly doubled due to calorie consumption of fast growing population rate. For achieving and sustaining a high level of food production, especially in agriculture, soil must be regularly replenished with a balance of crop nutrients, like macronutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients. Sulphur (S) comes under secondary nutrients after nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (potassium) at number four as an essential nutrient. It exists in group 16 and period 3 with a molecular weight of 32 in the periodic table. Naturally S occurs as an element found in many minerals like iron pyrites, galena, gypsum and Epsom salts. In Igneous and Sedimentary rocks S occurs as sulphides and in soil it is also present as organic compounds also in industrial wastes, sea water as well as gaseous emission in the atmosphere. Under temperate conditions it assumes that more than 95% of total S in soil is present in the organic matter due to low decomposition rate. In plants, sulphur plays an important role in protein synthesis.

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture Jobner (Rajasthan) during kharif season 2018 on loamy sand soil. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of four treatments of fertility levels (Control, 50 per cent RDF, 75 per cent RDF and 100 per cent RDF) and five treatments of organic manures (Control, vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1) were applied to the pearl millet var. RHB-173. Results showed that dehydrogenase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity and soil microbial biomass C, N and P in soil after harvest were observed significantly higher with application of 100 per cent RDF. The application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 significantly increased dehydrogenase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity and soil microbial biomass C, N and P.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops belonging to the Poaceae family Oryza genus, ranked first among the three major cereals followed by wheat and maize. It provides more than 50 percent caloric intake for one out of three people on earth, shaping the lives of millions of people. Rice provides 21% of global human energy per capita and 15% of protein per capita (FAO, 2011). Among the rice developing nations on the planet, India has the largest rice trim zone (around 45 million ha) and second-place positions alongside China (IRRI 2016, Standard Rice Assessment International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 3 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com