Sustainable Management of Salt-Affected Soils and Poor-Quality Ground Waters for Enhancing Crop Production

2012 ◽  
pp. 327-334
Author(s):  
Anand Swarup
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Ground Waters ◽  
Salt Affected Soils

Comparative Advantage of Using Biopesticides in Ukrainian Agroecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasrat Arjjumend ◽  
Konstantia Koutouki ◽  
Olga Donets
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Irreversible Damage

The use of unsustainable levels of chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals has resulted in a steady decline in soil and crop productivity the world over. Soil biology has undergone irreversible damage, coupled with a high concentration of toxic chemical residues in plant tissues and human bodies. Agricultural practices must evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging soil. Microbial biocontrol agents have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture in a way that is safe for the environment. Biopesticides do not kill non-target insects, and biosafety is ensured because biopesticides act as antidotes and do not lead to chemical contamination in the soil. This article is part of a larger study conducted in Ukraine by researchers at the Université de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of farmers who use biofertilizers (“user farmers”) and those who do not (“non-user farmers”), along with the responses of manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, and research and development (R&D) scientists are captured to demonstrate the advantages of applying microbial biopesticides to field crops. Participants reported a 15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application of biopesticides. With the use of biopesticides, farmers cultivated better quality fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of crop loss remains high (60-70%) with chemically grown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average if crops are grown using biopesticides. The findings indicate that a large proportion of farmers would prefer to use biopesticides if they are effective and high quality products. In this context, the quality and effectiveness of products is therefore very important. Despite their benefits to soil, human health, and ecosystems, biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of poor quality products, short shelf life, delayed action, high market costs, and legal/registration issues.

Interactive effect of biochar and plant growth-promoting bacterial endophytes on ameliorating salinity stress in maize

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saqib Saleem Akhtar ◽  
Mathias Neumann Andersen ◽  
Muhammad Naveed ◽  
Zahir Ahmad Zahir ◽  
Fulai Liu
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Salinity Stress ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Salt Affected Soils

The objective of this work was to study the interactive effect of biochar and plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and exopolysaccharide activity on mitigating salinity stress in maize (Zea mays L.). The plants were grown in a greenhouse under controlled conditions, and were subjected to separate or combined treatments of biochar (0% and 5%, w/w) and two endophytic bacterial strains (Burkholderia phytofirmans (PsJN) and Enterobacter sp. (FD17)) and salinity stress. The results indicated that salinity significantly decreased the growth of maize, whereas both biochar and inoculation mitigated the negative effects of salinity on maize performance either by decreasing the xylem Na+ concentration ([Na+]xylem) uptake or by maintaining nutrient balance within the plant, especially when the two treatments were applied in combination. Moreover, in biochar-amended saline soil, strain FD17 performed significantly better than did PsJN in reducing [Na+]xylem. Our results suggested that inoculation of plants with endophytic baterial strains along with biochar amendment could be an effective approach for sustaining crop production in salt-affected soils.

scholarly journals Impact of Cover Crops on the Soil Microbiome of Tree Crops

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Castellano-Hinojosa ◽  
Sarah L. Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Soil Microbiome ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Tree Crops

Increased concerns associated with interactions between herbicides, inorganic fertilizers, soil nutrient availability, and plant phytotoxicity in perennial tree crop production systems have renewed interest in the use of cover crops in the inter-row middles or between trees as an alternative sustainable management strategy for these systems. Although interactions between the soil microbiome and cover crops have been examined for annual cropping systems, there are critical differences in management and growth in perennial cropping systems that can influence the soil microbiome and, therefore, the response to cover crops. Here, we discuss the importance of cover crops in tree cropping systems using multispecies cover crop mixtures and minimum tillage and no-tillage to not only enhance the soil microbiome but also carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling compared to monocropping, conventional tillage, and inorganic fertilization. We also identify potentially important taxa and research gaps that need to be addressed to facilitate assessments of the relationships between cover crops, soil microbes, and the health of tree crops. Additional evaluations of the interactions between the soil microbiome, cover crops, nutrient cycling, and tree performance will allow for more effective and sustainable management of perennial cropping systems.

scholarly journals Effect of Seed Priming with Potassium Nitrate on the Performance of Tomato

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 498
Author(s):  
Muhammad Moaaz Ali ◽  
Talha Javed ◽  
Rosario Paolo Mauro ◽  
Rubab Shabbir ◽  
Irfan Afzal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Seed Priming ◽  
Potassium Nitrate ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Growth Chamber ◽  
Tomato Seed ◽  
Tomato Seeds ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
Greenhouse Screening

The seed industry and farmers have challenges, which include the production of poor quality and non-certified tomato seed, which ultimately results in decreased crop production. The issue carefully demands pre-sowing treatments using exogenous chemical plant growth-promoting substances. Therefore, to mitigate the above-stated problem, a series of experiments were conducted to improve the quality of tomato seeds (two cultivars, i.e., “Sundar” and “Ahmar”) and to enhance the stand establishment, vigor, physiological, and biochemical attributes under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions by using potassium nitrate (KNO3) as a seed priming agent. Seeds were imbibed in 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 KNO3 (weight/volume) for 24 h and then dried before experiments. The results of growth chamber and greenhouse screening show that experimental units receiving tomato seeds primed with 0.75% KNO3 in both cultivars performed better as compared to other concentrations and nonprimed control. Significant increase in final emergence (%), mean emergence time, and physiological attributes were observed with 0.75% KNO3. Collectively, the improved performance of tomato due to seed priming with 0.75% KNO3 was linked with higher activities of total soluble sugars and phenolics under growth chamber and greenhouse screening.

scholarly journals An overview of the existing problems faced by Pakistani women in agriculture: conclusion and recommendation

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-104
Author(s):  
Faheem Muhammad ◽  
Muhammad Azher Hassan ◽  
Tariq Mehmood
Keyword(s):  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Women In Agriculture

Purpose The purpose of this paper is an attempt to cover available literature on natural resource management, which reflects the involvement of Pakistan communities living in different regions for sustainable management in agriculture, forestry and livestock sectors differentiated by women. In addition, it was also highlighted about the lack of access to productive resources for rural women farmers. The conclusion was drawn and key recommendation were suggested. Design/methodology/approach It is authors real-life experiences or observations in a given field to support colleagues in a variety of ways including advising, establishing best practices and noting trends. Findings It was concluded that there are no opportunities such as training of most advanced launched technologies for the sake of better crop production, dairy and fisheries sector sustainable development, as well as the availability of microfinance to support the women farmers in Pakistan rural areas to make them self-dependent. Originality/value The opinions and key recommendations are genuine and useful, which should be adopted for the more bright future of women farmers, especially in Pakistan’s rural area.

Soil processes affecting crop production in salt-affected soils

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pichu Rengasamy
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Water Dynamics ◽  
Plant Responses ◽  
Soil Processes ◽  
Dryland Salinity ◽  
Salt Affected Soils ◽  
Saline Land

Salts can be deposited in the soil from wind and rain, as well as through the weathering of rocks. These processes, combined with the influence of climatic and landscape features and the effects of human activities, determine where salt accumulates in the landscape. When the accumulated salt in soil layers is above a level that adversely affects crop production, choosing salt-tolerant crops and managing soil salinity are important strategies to boost agricultural economy. Worldwide, more than 800 million hectares of soils are salt-affected, with a range of soils defined as saline, acidic–saline, alkaline–saline, acidic saline–sodic, saline–sodic, alkaline saline–sodic, sodic, acidic–sodic and alkaline–sodic. The types of salinity based on soil and groundwater processes are groundwater-associated salinity (dryland salinity), transient salinity (dry saline land) and irrigation salinity. This short review deals with the soil processes in the field that determine the interactions between root-zone environments and plant responses to increased osmotic pressure or specific ion concentrations. Soil water dynamics, soil structural stability, solubility of compounds in relation to pH and pE and nutrient and water movement all play vital roles in the selection and development of plants tolerant to salinity.

scholarly journals Soil-Landscape Relationship in the Northern Volcanic Mountain of Leyte, Philippines

2017 ◽  
pp. 87-104
Author(s):  
Roland Rallos ◽  
Victor Asio ◽  
Faustino Villamayor
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Parent Material ◽  
Landscape Position ◽  
Soil Landscape ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Unstable Position ◽  
And Chemical Properties

Studies on soil-landscape relationships are necessary to improve our understanding of the spatial distribution and variation of soils for their sustainable management. This study evaluated the relationship between soil properties and landscape position in the northern volcanic mountain of Leyte, Philippines. Five soil profiles located on summit, shoulder, backslope and footslope positions were evaluated. Findings revealed that the degree of soil development as well as the soil morphophysical and chemical properties varied with landscape position. The soil in the most stable position (summit) had thicker solum and slightly more developed soil profile than the soils in other landscape positions. On the other hand, soils in the unstable position (backslope) generally had thinner solum. All the five soils also revealed the influence of the andesitic volcanic parent material on their properties. They all showed some properties typical of Andisols such as low bulk density and high pH in NaF although they were classified as Andic Dystrudept. The soils all possessed physical and chemical constraints for crop production.

Improving Crop Production on Salt-affected Soils: by Breeding or Management?

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Management ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Or Management ◽  
Perennial Vegetation ◽  
Salt Affected Soils ◽  
Irrigation Practices

SUMMARYThe area of salt-affected land is increasing because of irrigation practices and changed land use. Breeding crops that tolerate soil salinity and yield well in salt-affected soils, and employing crop management practices to counter salinity, have been proposed to maintain crop productivity. Here, it is argued that neither breeding nor management will adequately counter the effects of salinity. Although both offer the potential to maintain yields for a brief period, it is inevitable that salinity will continue to increase and crop productivity will decline. Only the establishment of a perennial vegetation that will maintain evapotranspiration at high levels all year round on both salt-affected land and recharge areas will halt the increase in salinization.Mejorar la producción en los suelos afectados por la sal

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document