Divergent consequences of bio-resources on morphological plasticity and biochemical responses in early-stage leguminous species: Sustainable productivity approaches

Inorganic resources can be detrimental to the environment when exploited. In comparison, organic resources help balance the soil's carbon and nitrogen (C/N) ratio, enhance soil fertility and benefit ecological protection. Current climate crises, rapid urbanization, and fast population growth are causing many natural forests to be converted to agricultural and industrial lands to fulfill ever-increasing food and developmental requirements. Application of different bio-resources becomes necessary for sustainable productivity of available lands. This study explores the effects of various organic amendments on the growth, morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of three leguminous tree species: Dalbergia sissoo, Vachellia nilotica, and Acacia ampliceps, concerning sustainable productivity. One-year-old healthy, disease-free, and homogenous seedlings were used as study material in a greenhouse pot experiment. Four organic amendments, i.e., compost (CMP), cow dung (CD), poultry manure (PM), and biochar (BC), along with a control (CK) treatment, were applied. Results showed that all the organic amendments performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than CK. CD produced the most significant results, followed by BC application, while PM influence was the least. Among all treatments and species, the maximum values of root length, root biomass, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, catalase, and total phenolic content were recorded under the CD treatment. Whereas for plant height and collar diameter, no big differences were observed between CD and BC (P = 0.054). While comparing species, V. nilotica growth was significantly enhanced under organic amendments, followed by A. ampliceps. Combined and comparative results of studied parameters conclude that CD and BC were the most effective organic amendments, which greatly improved the growth of experimental leguminous tree species; this makes these two biofertilizers a powerful tool for sustainable agricultural productivity. Our study contributes toward an enhanced understanding of plant's morpho-physiological responses, biochemical growth patterns, controls, and activities under different bio-fertilizers.