International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

Biochar for Remediation of Acidic Soils: Effects on Soil Chemistry, Structure, and Biological Activity

R. Kamaleshwaran — 2025-12-06

A major barrier that significantly reduces agricultural productivity on some of the world’s arable land is soil acidity. Low microbial activity, nutrient deficiencies, and, most importantly the phytotoxicity of manganese (Mn2+) and aluminum (Al3+) are common problems in these soils. For the remediation of acid soils, the use of biochar a carbon-rich substance produced by the pyrolysis of plant biomass has shown promise as a sustainable substitute for conventional liming techniques. Current studies on the various ways that biochar can balance soil acidity and improve soil qualities are summarized in this review. We examine the main chemical, physical, and biological processes that are stimulated by the high porosity and natural alkalinity of biochar. Furthermore, the review explores the scientific knowledge about the production technology, acidity problems, and mechanism of biochar in aspect of physical, chemical and biological in soil. With all the aspects this study also aims to cover the effect of biochar on crop productivity and soil fertility.

Hydroponics vs Aeroponics: A Comparative Review

Akash Sihag — 2025-12-06

The increasing global population, urbanization, and limited arable land have intensified the need for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Soilless cultivation systems, particularly hydroponics and aeroponics, offer viable solutions by enabling precise nutrient management, reduced water usage, and enhanced crop productivity. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of hydroponics and aeroponics, examining their principles, mechanisms, growth performance, resource efficiency, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and crop suitability. Hydroponics, which delivers nutrients to plant roots via water-based solutions, is widely implemented due to its adaptability, moderate setup costs, and ability to support a variety of crops. Aeroponics, in which roots are suspended in air and periodically misted with nutrient solutions, offers accelerated growth, superior nutrient and water efficiency, and higher yields, although it requires higher initial investment and technical expertise. The review also highlights technological innovations, including automation, IoT integration, nutrient monitoring systems, and AI-driven optimization, which are enhancing the efficiency and scalability of both systems. Despite these advantages, challenges such as high operational costs, technical complexity, crop-specific nutrient formulation, and equipment reliability persist, indicating areas for future research and development. The comparative analysis suggests that while hydroponics is suitable for commercial and small-scale farming with moderate investment, aeroponics is ideal for high-value crops, urban vertical farms, and research-oriented applications. Overall, hydroponics and aeroponics are poised to play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, addressing food security challenges and optimizing resource utilization. Continued innovation, research, and policy support will be essential for maximizing their potential in modern farming practices.

The Informal Maize Seed Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa: Role of Community Seed Banks and Institutional Support

Governor Siamasamu — 2025-12-06

The informal seed sector is a non-law regulated system which permits seed production and distribution especially under small scale farmers. Seed security is critical for agricultural sustainability and rural development among smallholder farmers. Like with formal seed sector, activities such as seed production, seed processing and storage are undertaken but in a non-law regulated manner. Estimations advocate that 60-80 percent of the seeds for small scale farmers in sub-Saharan African is saved on farm or obtained through informal system. The informal seed system plays a critical role in maintaining on-farm genetic diversity, local adaptation, and availability to smallholder farmers, while on the other hand, the formal sector drives crop productivity through enhanced high-yielding, certified varieties. This paper reviews the general characteristic of the maize seed sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Further more it seeks to review how community gene banks and institutional support strengthens the informal seed system. The constituted manuscript was generated from the collection and analysis of published data and information.

Studies on Effect of Photosynthate Partitioning and Remobilization on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] under Rainfed Condition

P. R. Patel — 2025-12-06

The field experiment was conducted during kharif-2024 at Pearl Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar to find out the “effect of photosynthate partitioning & remobilization on growth and yield of pearl millet under rainfed condition”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with six selected hybrid and replicated thrice. To evaluate the effect of photosynthate partitioning and remobilization on the growth attributes, dry matter accumulation and yield performance of different pearl millet hybrids under rainfed condition. The selected hybrids were MPMH 17, MPMH 21, RHB 173, ABH 1200, Pusa composite 443 and Pusa composite 612 in the field under rainfed condition. The results showed that maximum plant height (166.67 cm) was recorded in AHB-1200 at maturity stage of the crop. The hybrid, AHB-1200 exhibited the maximum leaf dry weight (34.17 and 22.80 g), stem dry weight (54.90 and 177.70 g) and panical dry weight (20.97 and 109.33 g) at anthesis and maturity stage of the crop, respectively. The hybrid, AHB-1200 exhibited significantly highest grain yield (73.92 g/plant) and Harvest Index (23.84%).

Influence of Different Fertilization Levels on the Growth, Disease and Pest Status of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.) in Buea, Cameroon

DORIS BESEM ARREY — 2025-12-06

Aims: Investigates the effects of different NPK fertilizer levels on growth and disease situation of Telfairia occidentalis in Buea, Cameroon.

Study Design: The design was a complete randomized design with four treatments and four replicates.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the research field of the Department of Plant Science in the university of Buea, Cameroon

Methodology: Two fluted pumpkin seed were planted in each planting stand in each experimental unit, with a planting distance of 0.5m x 1m at a depth of 4cm. NPK fertilizer treatments; T1(0 kg NPK/ha), T2(69.3 kg NPK/ha), T3 (138.8 kg NPK/ha), T4 (208.3 kg NPK/ha) were applied two weeks after seed germination, using a circular method. Plants were randomly tagged for growth measurements and observation for disease situation for a period of five weeks at weekly base.

Results: Growth parameters increased with increased fertilization levels. Incidence and severity were low and decreased with increased fertilization at T4 (208.3 kg NPK/ha). Blistering disease-like symptom recorded the highest incidence (9.38%), followed by white spot disease-like symptom (6.25%) while necrosis and crinkling recorded the least (4.1%). T1 recorded a higher disease incidence (17.71%) while T3 and T4 recorded the least (5.21%). The severity of the diseases was highest in TI (2.3%) and least in T4 (0.9%). Garden snail, Eastern lubber, Winter moth larva and soft scale coccus were the pests observed in the study

Conclusion: Appropriate NPK application rates should be used by farmers to optimize crop production and contributing to improved food security. T. occidentalis in Buea is infected with some diseases though the incidence is low.

Evaluation of the Impact of Herbicides on Soil Characteristics and Grain Yield of Transplanted Rainfed and Irrigated Rice Farming Systems in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

Akor, E — 2025-12-06

Herbicides play a vital role in rice production by managing weed growth that competes with crops for essential resources such as nutrients, water, and light. Understanding how herbicide application influences soil properties and rice productivity in these systems is crucial for sustainable agriculture and informed management decisions aimed at boosting rice yield while conserving soil health. This study evaluated the impact of integrated pre- and post-emergence herbicide applications on soil physicochemical properties and grain yield in transplanted rainfed and irrigated rice farming systems in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted during the 2024 cropping season using a randomised complete block design with eight treatments, including controls, manual weeding, and combinations of pendimethalin, Solito 320 EC, and Patriarc herbicides at varying rates. Soil samples and yield data were collected from plots under both rainfed (wet season) and irrigated (dry season) conditions. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat Release 3.1 and R statistical software. Results showed herbicide treatments significantly influenced soil texture, bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, and chemical properties such as pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and exchangeable bases. High herbicide rates generally reduced organic carbon and nutrient availability, while moderate applications and manual weeding improved soil porosity and aggregation. Irrigated soils exhibited lower bulk density and higher nutrient contents compared to rainfed soils, consistent with enhanced moisture regimes supporting better soil conditions. Grain yield was significantly higher in plots treated with combined herbicides, exceeding 6 t/ha, compared to controls (~0.5 t/ha) and manual weeding (~4.5 t/ha), indicating effective weed control enhanced productivity in both systems. Correlation analyses highlighted contrasting soil compaction effects under irrigation versus rainfed environments, emphasising the need to balance herbicide use to preserve soil health while maximising yield. This study underscores the importance of optimising herbicide regimes tailored to local soil and water management conditions to sustain rice production and soil fertility in tropical agro-ecosystems like Makurdi.

Impact of Land Resource Inventory (LRI) Interventions on Groundnut, Chilli and Cotton Growth and Yield Performance

Divyashree M M — 2025-12-08

Land Resource Inventory (LRI) provides location-specific guidance for sustainable crop management by integrating soil, water, climate and land-use information. This study evaluated the influence of LRI-based interventions on growth, yield and resource-use efficiency of cotton, chilli and groundnut in the Shirur sub-watershed of northern Karnataka. Four treatments were compared: Farmers with LRI cards, training and inputs (T1); LRI cards and training (T2); LRI cards only (T3); and non-LRI farmers (T4) (control). Crop growth and yield parameters, including leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM) and crop-specific yield attributes, were recorded and T-test was assessed to see the treatment effects. Results showed that T1 consistently outperformed other treatments across all crops. Groundnut under T1 had the highest pod number (24/plant), pod yield (36.25 q/ha), kernel weight (116.90 g/plant) and shelling percentage (69.35%). Chilli recorded maximum fruit number (32/plant), fruit yield (12.50 kg/ha) and TDM (159.16 kg/ha), while cotton exhibited the highest opened bolls (31), seed cotton yield (21.63 q/ha) and TDM (2028.50 kg/ha). T4 showed lower yields despite sometimes higher LAI, indicating that canopy expansion alone does not ensure productivity. Superior performance in T1 is attributed to timely sowing, balanced nutrient application, soil moisture conservation and favourable microclimatic conditions. The study demonstrates that LRI-based integrated management improves nutrient and water use efficiency, enhances crop development and increases yield stability. Adoption of LRI interventions is thus an effective strategy for improving productivity, resilience and sustainability in rainfed agriculture.