Tanzania’s soil data is insufficient for local strategies on agricultural land use planning since it is extremely specialized to locations deemed to have great promise based on a small amount of data. The study used geographical informatics to understand soil suitability for maize crop production in Tungi Village agroecosystem, Morogoro District, Morogoro Region. This has implications for food security, poverty, and climate in the area. Three criteria were used in the suitability analysis to determine which areas would be best for growing maize: soil properties, topography, and climate. Each criterion was assigned a weight value using the Multi-Criteria Evaluation’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Through ArcGIS 10.8, cumulative weights for each criterion were employed to create the soil result maps. Results show potassium, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and organic carbon were sufficient. The climate

and topography were ideal for growing maize crops. S1 (vastly appropriate), S2 (fairly suitable), and S3 (minimally suitable) were determined by the land suitability results to be around 51% (2,555 acres), 34% (1,677.5 acres), and 15% (767.5 acres), respectively. It is therefore placed that the soil suitability map would be a tool for local agro-land use decision-making in Tanzania and beyond.

The study was conducted at Mohaghegh Ardabili University during the 2022 and 2023 rain seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of different potato cultivars and cover crop mulches in managing weeds. The experiment was structured as a split plot with three replications, featuring three potato varieties: Agria, Jely, and Lady Rosetta. The weed management strategies included rye (Secale cereal L.), Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), paraquat herbicide, a weed-free control, and a weedy check. Results indicated that the Lady Rosetta cultivar combined with rye cover crop provided the best weed control, resulting in a total weed density of 22.5 plants/m² and a dry weight of 225.33 g/m², alongside a potato tuber yield of 71.4 t/ha. In contrast, the Jely cultivar paired with paraquat herbicide exhibited the weakest performance, with a total weed density of 49.66 plants/m², a dry weight of 605.33 g/m², and a yield of 37.6 t/ha. Notably, the highest density and dry weight of problematic weeds, such as pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), were observed in the Jely × weedy check treatment. Analysis of variance revealed significant effects of the treatments on plant height, tuber greening percentage, average tuber weight per plant, tuber number, and overall yield. The interaction between cultivar and management practices showed that, excluding the weed-free treatment, the Lady Rosetta × Rye combination resulted in superior plant height, soil coverage percentage, tuber weight, and number compared to other treatments.

An experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2018-19 to study the effect of six dates of sowing (31st October, 15th November, 30th November, 15th December, 30th December and 14th January) on the yield and economics of two wheat varieties (PBW-175 and JAUW-598) in Jammu, India. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed the significant variations that were observed for number of tillers/m2, length of ear (cm), number of grains/ earhead, 1000-grain weight, grain and straw yields due to varietal variations and changing dates of sowing. However, wheat variety JAUW-598 recorded significantly higher yield attributes, grain and straw yields as well as higher net returns and Benefit cost (B:C) ratio as compared to wheat variety PBW- 175. Among the sowing environments, 31st October recorded significantly higher yield attributes viz., number of effective tillers, length of ear (cm), number of grains/earhead, 1000-grain weight, grain and straw yields which were statistically at par with 15th November sown wheat crop except for 1000-grain weight whereas lowest values were recorded significantly with 14th January which was statistically at par in terms of length of ear and number of grains/earhead with 30th December sown wheat crop. Further, the 31st October sown wheat crop fetched higher net returns and B:C ratio and was followed by 15th November whereas lower net returns and B:C ratio were recorded with 14th January and was closely

followed by 30th December sown wheat crop. In addition, the interaction effects were significant with respect to number of tillers, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and straw yield of wheat. Therefore, wheat variety JAUW-598 sown on 31st October recorded the highest yield and economic returns, making it the most effective and profitable combination.

The field experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, The Neotia University, West Bengal to study  he effect of spatial nutrient dose on the growth and yield of Finger millet varieties in Coastal part of West Bengal during kharif (rainy) season of 2024. The soil of the experimental field was fine in texture and clayey in nature, having 349 kg ha-1 available N, 26.80 kg ha-1 available P, 455 kg ha-1 exchangeable K. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 3 replications having three finger millet varieties, viz.,

V1: Sri Chaitanya (VR-847), V2: VL Mandua 352 and V3: Indravathi, respectively considered as main-plot, while, four nutrient dose viz. N0: Control (no nutrient application), N1: 20:10:10 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1, N2- 40:20:20 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1 and N3- 60:30:30 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1, respectively were considered as sub-plot treatment of the experiment. The results showed that highest grain yield (11.98 q ha-1) and straw yield (30.19 q ha-1) were recorded by V2 i.e., VL Mandua 352 and V3 i.e., Indravathi, respectively. Application of 60:30:30 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1 i.e. recorded highest values of most of the growth attributes, yield attributes and grain yield (16.36 q ha-1) of finger millet.

Genetic variability, correlation and diversity studies were carried out during kharif 2022 using sixty advanced breeding lines of rice for yield component traits and grain quality traits under upland condition. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variability among the genotypes for all the traits under study. High values of GCV and PCV observed for number of productive tillers per hill and grain yield indicated the wider range of variability for these traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for plant height, number of tillers per hill, number of productive tillers per hill, panicles per sqm, test weight, grain yield, grain iron content, zinc content and protein content suggested the scope for improvement of these traits through selection. Correlation analysis unveiled positive significant association of grain yield with spikelet fertility percentage and negative significant association with grain zinc content. Genetic diversity analysis using K-means clustering formed six clusters, with highest number of genotypes grouped in cluster I. The maximum inter-cluster distance was seen between cluster IV and cluster VI (7.25) showing broader genetic diversity between the genotypes of these clusters and such genotypes can serve as divergent parents in hybridization programmes to get high heterosis and superior segregants.

Finger millet is a drought resilient crop and grown for both food and fodder in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Analysis of genetic variability and heritability for quantitative traits is essential for finger millet crop improvement. To embark upon the amount of genetic variability present in finger millet, the present investigation was undertaken with 25 advanced breeding lines of finger millet obtained from all over India. Analysis of variance for 25 finger millet breeding lines revealed significant variation for all traits studied. The mean grain yield was 31.46 q/ha, with a minimum of 24.7 q/ha (KMR 652) and maximum of 43.0 q/ha (RAUF 17). Grain yield recorded genotypic coefficient of variation of 14.54, while phenotypic coefficient of variation was 19.78. Heritability ranged from 23.8% (number of productive tillers/plant) to 97.56% (days to maturity), while the heritability of grain yield was 54.03%. High heritability and high

genetic advance were observed for days to 50% flowering and finger length indicating the prevalence of additive gene action for these traits. Grain yield was observed to be controlled by additive action as indicated by moderate heritability and high genetic advance while fodder is influenced by both additive gene and non-additive gene action since it had moderate heritability and genetic advance. The present findings imply the presence of larger variability for yield and other related traits which can be exploited in finger millet improvement.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 in Bengaluru rural district, Karnataka, to validate soil test crop response (STCR) based fertilizer prescriptions for groundnut on Alfisols. The study utilized a randomized complete block design with seven treatments, including STCR targets (30 and 25 q ha-1) through inorganic and integrated approaches, General Recommended Dose (GRD), Soil Test Laboratory approach (STL/LMH), and an absolute control. The soil was sandy loam, acidic (pH5.68), with medium available nitrogen and potassium, and high phosphorus. STCR fertilizer prescription equations developed for Zone−5 were used. Results showed significantly higher pod yield with the STCR integrated approach for a 30q ha-1 target (30.19 q ha-1), surpassing other treatments. STCR inorganic approach for 30 q ha-1 and 25 q ha-1 targets yielded 30.02 q ha-1 and 25.17 q ha-1 respectively, while the integrated approach for 25 q ha-1 target yielded 25.94 q ha-1. These were superior to GRD (20.18 q ha-1) and STL / LMH (20.56 qha-1). Nutrient uptake (N, P, K) was significantly higher in STCR-integrated treatments, attributed to improved soil properties and nutrient availability. The STCR integrated approach also demonstrated higher agronomic nitrogen (1.56 kg kg-1) and phosphorus (0.50kg kg-1) use efficiency. The per cent deviation was within ± 10% proving the validity of the developed targeted yield equations. This study concludes that STCR targeted yield equations are highly suitable for groundnut in Zone-5 of Karnataka, promoting higher yields and encouraging the use of farmyard manure for soil sustainability despite initial higher costs.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2020 at All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Sorghum, Krishi vigyan kendra, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka to study the effect of sorghumbased intercropping system on nutrient uptake and yield of crops in southern dry zone of Karnataka. Treatments consisted of sole crops and different row proportions of Sorghum + intercrops (greengram, blackgram, cowpea and field bean at 2:1, 4:1 and 4:2). Intercropping increased total N, P and K uptake enhancing grain and straw/haulm yield of sorghum and intercrops. Among intercropping systems highest total nitrogen and potassium uptake by sorghum was recorded in sorghum intercropped with black gram at 4:2 row proportion (172.95 kg ha-1 and 178.68 kg ha-1 respectively) as compared to other treatment combination. But in case of phosphorous sorghum intercropped with green gram at 4:2 row proportion recorded significantly higher total uptake of phosphorous (45.63 kg ha-1). Among all the intercrops, sole field bean recorded higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (41.31, 21.62 and 43.68 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments. The combined effect of sorghum intercropped with black gram at 4:2 row proportion recorded the highest sorghum yield (16.23 q ha-1) and straw yield (144.30 q ha-1). From the results it was confirmed that sorghum + black gram in 4:2 row proportion was better in

terms of nutrient uptake and yield compared to the other treatments.

A field experiment was conducted during pre-kharif season (February to May) of 2023 and 2024 at Instructional Farm of Seacom Skills University, Kendradangal, Bolpur, West Bengal, India to assess the different ratio of intercropping system on growth and yield of maize and green gram over sole cropping. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications comprising 8 different combinations of intercropping of maize and green gram. As per the results, different growth parameters, crop growth rate along with nodulation pattern, yield parameters in green gram recorded significantly superior values in alternate rows of green gram and maize growing plots. Maize crop also showed such significant variation among different treatments regarding growth parameters a alongside yield attributes where higher values were recorded in alternate rows of green gram and maize in the

experiment like in green gram. Highest grain (5150 kg ha-1) and stover yield (6170 kg ha-1) of maize along with quiet good seed yield (428 kg ha-1) of green gram was also observed in the same treatment mentioned for growth and yield parameters of both the crops. In maize, alternate rows of green gram and maize treatment recorded highest LER (1.05) where corresponding LER of green gram was 0.64 and their total being 1.69. Maximum gross return, net return and B:C ratio had been received in the treatment

where maize and green gram were grown in alternate rows. Thus, in such intercropping system, alternate rows of green gram and maize where 50% space of land could be shared by both crops and could be recommended for the farming community of this region.

Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) is most destructive pest of chickpea in storage. Among the botanicles, garlic Allium sativum (L.) has been observed as promising insecticide in stores. The garlic products/components were evaluated for their efficacy and persistence against pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in chickpea in the Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The garlic products were mixed with 250g chickpea seeds separately in a round bottom flask (2-liter capacity). There were total of 13 treatments viz, garlic oil (0.5 & 1.5 %), methanol, hexane, chloroform and acetone extracts (2 & 3%), garlic powder (2 & 4 %) and, control (treated with acetone alone). The treated seeds (250 g) of each treatment were kept in separate glass jars. Ten pairs of freshly emerged pulse beetles (0 to 24 h old) released in each glass jar. Percent seed damage, number of holes, number of eggs laid and

percent egg reduction recorded at monthly interval by drawing a sample of 100 seeds randomly from each treatment in three replications. Among all the treatments, Only garlic oil 1.5% protected the chickpea seeds up to 6 months. In this treatment no seed damage, holes or egg laying were observed up to end of the experiment. Whereas garlic oil 0.5% and methanol extract 3% were effective up to two months. Rest of the treatments were less effective even after one month of treatment.

This study examines how biochar can help remove heavy metals, like chromium (Cr), from soils contaminated by tannery effluent. Biochar is a carbon-rich material made by heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It has been found to improve soil health by enhancing its structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, while also reducing the levels of toxic metals in the soil. The incorporation of 10% biochar resulted in a substantial 90% reduction in Cr uptake by the plant, demonstrating its efficacy

in sequestering heavy metals and limiting their bioavailability. Biochar not only stabilized Cr within the soil matrix but also improved soil health by enhancing structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of various functional groups indicative of chemical ransformations and interactions between biochar and soil contaminants. Peaks related to O-H, C≡C,

C=C=N, and C=C=C stretching vibrations suggest the formation of active sites responsible for metal immobilization. The results underscore the potential of biochar to enhance phytoremediation performance and contribute to sustainable soil management strategies in heavy metal-contaminated environments.

As is widely known, India is still a developing country, and during the last 20 years, the demand for industrial and infrastructure projects has significantly increased. The most crucial element of every infrastructure project is the foundation. Verifying that the soil mass beneath a rigid foundation is strong enough to sustain the substructure’s weight is crucial. However, this condition may not always be reached in some places due to the low shear strength of the soil. Clayey soil, which covers much of India, generally has poor geotechnical characteristics like weak shear strength, poor drainage, and considerable shrinkage. The unpredictable engineering properties of clayey soil can be reduced by using stabilizer additives or by replacing it with high-quality soil. Cement, lime, bitumen, calcium chloride, and other materials have shown outstanding performance in stabilizing expansive soils, despite the fact that they can sometimes be highly costly. Thus, research on improving soil characteristics through the use of waste materials and byproducts has yielded some very encouraging results. Utilizing waste materials to stabilize soil is not only cost-effective but also environmentally advantageous. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain whether using rice husk ash (RHA) and CaCl2 may enhance the engineering properties of problematic clayey soil and make it suitable for use in foundations. To determine whether using waste products in soil is feasible and to identify potential solutions, a thorough literature analysis was conducted.

Shallow groundwater is a critical source of drinking water and other uses for majority of the population globally. Despite their importance, shallow groundwater is highly vulnerable to contamination from nitrates and pesticides due to intensive agricultural practices, population growth, and climate change. Sources of nitrate contamination include excessive fertilizer use, livestock manure, and inadequate wastewater management, while pesticide pollution results from the extensive application of agrochemicals

and improper disposal of pesticide containers. Both nitrates and pesticides pose significant risks to human health, including methemoglobinemia, cancer, and endocrine disruption, as well as environmental degradation such as eutrophication and biodiversity loss. Sandy soils and shallow aquifers are particularly susceptible to contamination due to high infiltration rates and low adsorption capacities. Several challenges such as high implementation costs, inconsistent policies, and limited stakeholder awareness are a hindrance to effective adoption. Strong regulatory frameworks, frequent monitoring of contaminant levels, and robust community engagement are critical for safeguarding groundwater resources. This review explores the primary sources, transport mechanisms and impacts of nitrate and pesticide contamination in shallow aquifers, emphasizing the interaction between agricultural practices,

hydrogeological conditions, and regulatory measures in mitigating contamination risks. Future research should focus on extended longitudinal studies, advanced GIS based modelling approaches, and the cumulative impacts of nitrate and pesticide pollution to inform evidence-based policymaking and ensure the sustainable management of shallow groundwater systems.

Biochar is an emerging soil amendment that has gained significant attention in the past two decades. Besides other benefits for the soil and the entire environment, biochar plays a remarkable role in improving the soils for agricultural production. Contrary to other sources of organic matter, biochar is composed of a larger proportion of aromatic carbon (C), which gives it high biodegradability, high organic carbon (OC) content, and concentration of plant nutrients. This makes biochar a high-quality source of organic matter. Due to the properties possessed by biochar, once applied to the soil, it will tend to improve the soil properties which will consequently modify the properties to better suit the crop production. Therefore, this review provides insights into how the chemical, physical, and biological soil properties are affected following the biochar application.

Precision agriculture integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with other modern technologies such as sitespecific nutrient management and optical sensing to optimize the yield and efficiency of resources. The technologies efficiently apply fertilizers, where the instances of proper adjustment of fertilization occur in response to real-time information about crop and soil health, hence enhancing sustainability while reducing negative environmental effects and endorsing the global approach to the resolution of food security and climate change issues. Through optical sensing, farmers can make data-driven decisions delivering actionable insights on parameters such as soil moisture or nutrient levels from real-time data. The application of nutrient inputs in particular ways concerning the actual conditions in specific field zones is site-specific nutrient management (SSNM). While promoting good resource management and environmental stewardship, the combination of strategies ensures that global Sustainable Development

Goals (SDG) such as Zero Hunger and Climate Action are pursued. Technological difficulties, high initial cost, and limited access for smallholder farmers must be solved for widespread acceptance of these technologies in large scale. Possible solutions to these problems are reviewed within the assessment, including advances in AI, internet of things (IoT) applications, and legislative support for enhancing the accessibility of these technologies. This amalgamation delivers solutions to prominent issues such

as food security and climate change, which may assist in establishing sustainable agriculture. Future research should focus on removing adoption hurdles and improving the scalability of these systems.