Browsing by Author "Rahul Datta"

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Amino acid: Its dual role as nutrient and scavenger of free radicals in soil
(MDPI, 2017) Rahul Datta; Divyashri Baraniya; Yong-Feng Wang; Aditi Kelkar; Ram Swaroop Meena; Gulab Singh Yadav; Maria Teresa Ceccherini; Pavel Formanek
Ascorbic acid is a bacteriostatic agent; one of the many ways by which ascorbic acid hampers bacterial growth is by the production of hydrogen peroxide, which further converts into hydroxyl free radicals. Certain amino acids can counteract the inhibitory effect of hydroxyl free radicals by checking their oxidizing effect. Though ascorbic acid is bacteriostatic in nature, it facilitates prokaryotic respiration by decarboxylation. This study was carried out to understand how microbes from different horizons of the forest soil respond to the addition of a bacteriostatic agent (ascorbic acid) and growth promoting agent (amino acids), with respect to the soil respiration. We observed that the addition of either ascorbic acid or a combination of it with amino acid consistently results in increased soil respiration, and this increase is different for different soil types depending on soil composition and origin. Furthermore, we also found that beta alanine-induced maximum respiration in basic soils and L-glutamic in acidic soils. This study is significant because it can be used to explain how a strong reducing sugar, i.e., ascorbic acid, affects the soil respiration mediated via soil microbes. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report that demonstrates the effect of bacteriostatic and the growth promoting agent together on microbe-mediated soil respiration. © 2017 by the authors.
Bio-Priming with Compatible Rhizospheric Microbes Enhances Growth and Micronutrient Uptake of Red Cabbage
(MDPI, 2022) Deepranjan Sarkar; Amitava Rakshit; Hanuman Prasad Parewa; Subhan Danish; Saleh Alfarraj; Rahul Datta
Red cabbage is known as the millennium’s functional food, which has a lot of importance in our diet because of the health-promoting ingredients present in it. The current study investigated the synergistic relationship of rhizospheric-competent microbial agents (Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis) in modulating the performance of red cabbage under the field conditions of Middle Gangetic Plains, India. Growth parameters were studied at three developmental stages, viz., pre-cupping, early head formation, and maturity. Our results suggested that the dual application of T. harzianum + P. fluorescens along with the 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) increased the number of leaves (24.6), leaf area (537.2 cm2 ), root length (19.8 cm), and micronutrient uptake (Fe, Mn, and Cu) by head of the crop, whereas the co-inoculation of P. fluorescens and B. subtilis along with 75% RDF enhanced plant spread (39.0 cm), earliness (95.2 days), and Zn uptake. Maximum plant height (28.7 cm) and chlorophyll (SPAD, 77.3) were recorded in 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg ha−1 ) and the combination of T. harzianum + B. subtilis along with 75% RDF, respectively. Interestingly, consortium (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) bio-primed plants recorded about 14% higher root length in comparison to plants receiving sole fertilizers. The regression analysis revealed a significant relationship of Fe and Mn uptake with chlorophyll (SPAD) and between Zn uptake and the earliness of the crop. The present study indicated that seedling bio-priming with the dual consortium of efficient bio-agents is a viable strategy to lessen our dependence on chemical fertilizers for improving red cabbage production. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Biochar and Organic Amendments for Sustainable Soil Carbon and Soil Health
(Springer Singapore, 2019) G. K. M. Mustafizur Rahman; M. Mizanur Rahman; M. Saiful Alam; M. Ziauddin Kamal; H.A. Mashuk; Rahul Datta; Ram Swaroop Meena
Organic matter is the life of soil and vital to environmental quality and sustainability. Intensive cultivation solely depending on inorganic fertilizers with lesser quantity or no organic fertilizers resulted in lower carbon content in soils of tropical and subtropical countries. This paper attempted to identify the best soil and crop management practices which ensure slower microbial decomposition of organic materials, cause a net buildup of carbon in soils, and potentially mitigate the negative effect of global warming and climate change. Biochar and other organic materials have been applied to soil as most valuable amendments for increasing carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and reduction of greenhouse gas emission from soil. Being recalcitrant in nature, biochar is highly efficient in storing carbon in soils. Biochar possesses a larger surface area and therefore is capable of holding and exchanging cations in soils. Quantity and quality of biochar produced from different organic materials are highly variable because of various production temperature and meager oxygen control system. This review contributes to understanding details of production technologies and performance mechanisms of biochar and other organic amendments in soil. Biochar and organic materials improve soil bio-physicochemical properties, serve as a sink of atmospheric CO2, and ensure ecological integrity and environmental sustainability. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.
Biochar Role in Soil Carbon Stabilization and Crop Productivity
(Springer Nature, 2021) Jitka Prichystalova; Jiri Holatko; Tereza Hammerschmiedt; Rahul Datta; Ram Swaroop Meena; Marek Sudoma; Lucie Bielska; Maja Radziemska; Zygmunt Mariusz Gusiatin; Antonin Kintl; Meenakshi Sharma; Subhan Danish; Muhammad Zafar-ul-Hye; Martin Brtnicky
In the presented chapter, various aspects related to carbon stabilization and storage in the form of biochar (an important soil amendment) are discussed. The following questions were considered: (i) what is the current general knowledge on biochar and its physicochemical composition, (ii) how manufacturing conditions affect biochar characteristics, including their role in carbon stabilization, (iii) how biochar contributes to soil carbon balance and storage, (iv) what are the effects of biochar on water retention in soil, soil erosion, production yields and economic productivity in agriculture, (iv) what are the effects of biochar on soil microbial community and activity, and (v) how biochar affects other soil amendments and their roles in soil. The present studies assess scientific outcomes and results which conclude that soil organic matter gained by organic residues can be used to enhance soil carbon storage. Following the published scientific results, the biochar amendment appears to be a promising way for increasing the stocks of recalcitrant carbon in the soil from a long-term perspective. Future research should focus on the designing, production, and use of enriched biochar, e.g. with nutrients, minerals, or microorganisms, to improve soil physicochemical properties, supply nutrients, and prevent their leaching. The fertilizer supplies accessible nutrients available to plants, and biochar can sequester depleted elements and prevent leaching of the added ones. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Carbon mineralization rates and kinetics of surface-applied and incorporated rice and maize residues in entisol and inceptisol soil types
(MDPI, 2021) S. Rakesh; Deepranjan Sarkar; Abhas Kumar Sinha; Shikha; Prabir Mukhopadhyay; Subhan Danish; Shah Fahad; Rahul Datta
Mineralization of carbon (C) is a burning issue that is regulated by soil attributes. It has direct impacts on crop productivity and quantification of organic residues addition in soil. For better understanding and achievement of potential tillage benefits, a comprehensive scientific understanding of C mineralization is very important. Therefore, a laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the C mineralization rates and kinetics of crop residues (rice and maize) when applied on the surface (as zero-tillage, ZT) and incorporation (as conventional tillage, CT) in four different soil types (S1 and S2 of Entisol; S3 and S4 of Inceptisols) of West Bengal state, India. Results showed that after 7 days of incubation, there was a rapid phase of decrease in CO2-C. It continued up to day 14 followed by a sluggish nature of CO2 emission up to day-42, and after that almost levelling off in all subsequent periods up to the end of 126 days of incubation. It was evident from the kinetic models that C mineralization from the residues followed the exponential model: C = C0 (1 − e−kt ). Similar rate constant (k) values were recorded in both placement methods, but the rate of maximum potential mineralizable (C0k) residue C was higher under residue incorporation treatments for both rice and maize residue. However, the rice and maize residues showed almost similar amounts of C mineralized over time when applied on the surface. The future prediction analysis using the equation C = C0 X e−kt suggested that the residues incorporated into the soil release a maximum C irrespective of residue type. We conclude that the residues when incorporated into the soil significantly increase the C footprints through maximum C mineralization; leaving the crop residues on the soil surface reduces the C footprints which helps in achieving sustainability from an environmental perspective. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Connecting bio-priming approach with integrated nutrient management for improved nutrient use efficiency in crop species
(MDPI AG, 2021) Deepranjan Sarkar; Amitava Rakshit; Ahmad I. Al-Turki; R.Z. Sayyed; Rahul Datta
The increasing demand for qualitative and varietal foods by the consumer society is a big concern for energy production, and utilization of that energy in a judicious manner for sustainable management of resources is a big challenge in the eminent future. Existing resources (land, water, fertilizer, etc.) and their socioeconomic aspects warrant the farming community to adopt alternative strategies aimed at enhancing the use efficiency of inputs and improve the environmental quality. The adaptability of microbes to thrive in different environments has prompted scientists to introduce microbial intervention in the agricultural processes. Bio-priming has the potential to fulfill many objectives of the modern production system with the use of beneficial microorganisms in an eco-friendly manner. Interestingly, it also plays a crucial role in enhancing the nutrient use efficiency of crops. There is rising evidence of a paradigm shift from the use of a single microbe to a consortium approach for efficient rhizosphere engineering in the context of sustainable agriculture. Our understanding of different signaling cascades, rhizosphere chemistry, and other mechanisms of plant–microbial interactions will frame suitable strategies to harness the best ecosystem services including improved resource use efficiency. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Does the accretion of carbon fractions and their stratification vary widely with soil orders? A case-study of an Alfisol and an Entisol of sub-tropical eastern India
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2022) S. Rakesh; Abhas Kumar Sinha; Ravinder Juttu; Deepranjan Sarkar; Kamalakar Jogula; Sharan Bhoopal Reddy; Bairi Raju; Subhan Danish; Rahul Datta
Comparison of the carbon (C) stocks among different soil orders allows us to explore the role of various soil characteristics in long-term C storage and their vulnerabilities. This study quantified and compared the accumulation rates of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions (in 0–60 cm soil profile) in an Alfisol of Malda (25°27′33.9″N, 88°19′10.2″E) and an Entisol of Cooch Behar (26°09′62.7″N, 89°53′51.7″E) districts of West Bengal, India. We noticed a greater level of SOC (0–60 cm depth) in the Alfisol than the Entisol as the former soils were clayey in nature (fine textured) which provided the maximum stabilization of SOC compared to the Entisol (sandy textured). However, the storage of C fractions showed some peculiar results. The concentration of mineral-associated carbon (Min-C) was more or less similar in both the soil orders, but its stock was maximum in the Alfisol. While in the Entisol, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POX-C) and particulate organic matter carbon (POM-C) stocks recorded maximum among all the studied depths. A positive relation of SOC fractions and stocks with clay (r2 = >0.500 in the Alfisol; r2 = >0.700 in the Entisol) indicated the importance of finer fractions in profile storage of C. Min-C contributed to SOC of about 75%–85% followed by POM-C (3.27%–17.87%) and POX-C (2.57%–4.22%). Higher stratification of SOC and POX-C and POM-C fractions was observed in Entisol; while in Alfisol, stratification of Min-C was greater. Overall, this research demonstrated that the Alfisol has a greater potential in stabilizing Min-C than the Entisol with POM-C and POX-C and the distribution of these fractions varied as per its stabilization. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic degradation of lignin in soil: A review
(MDPI, 2017) Rahul Datta; Aditi Kelkar; Divyashri Baraniya; Ali Molaei; Amitava Moulick; Ram Swaroop Meena; Pavel Formanek
Lignin is a major component of soil organic matter and also a rich source of carbon dioxide in soils. However, because of its complex structure and recalcitrant nature, lignin degradation is a major challenge. Efforts have been made from time to time to understand the lignin polymeric structure better and develop simpler, economical, and bio-friendly methods of degradation. Certain enzymes from specialized bacteria and fungi have been identified by researchers that can metabolize lignin and enable utilization of lignin-derived carbon sources. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of the complexity of lignin's polymeric structure, its distribution in forest soils, and its chemical nature. Herein, we focus on lignin biodegradation by various microorganism, fungi and bacteria present in plant biomass and soils that are capable of producing ligninolytic enzymes such as lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), versatile peroxidase (VP), and dye-decolorizing peroxidase (DyP). The relevant and recent reports have been included in this review. © 2017 by the authors.
Glomalin: A Key Indicator for Soil Carbon Stabilization
(Springer Nature, 2021) Jiri Holatko; Jitka Prichystalova; Tereza Hammerschmiedt; Rahul Datta; Ram Swaroop Meena; Marek Sudoma; Vaclav Pecina; Jakub Elbl; Antonin Kintl; Jiri Kucerik; Subhan Danish; Shah Fahad; Oldrich Latal; Martin Brtnicky
In the last decades, many studies were addressed focusing on soil protection that helps sequestration and stabilization of organic carbon in soil aggregates. Soil aggregates are an association of primary soil particles, bacteria, fungi, plant root and soil organic matter. Plant root provides a carbon source for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) present in soil aggregates. AMF produces a glycoprotein glomalin which is hydrophobic, insoluble, and recalcitrant in nature. Glomalin plays a vital role in the stabilization of soil aggregates. Greater stability of soil aggregates leads to a larger amount of protected organic carbon in the soil. Thus, glomalin-related soil protein can be considered as a potential contributor in the stabilization of soil organic carbon. In the present chapter, the different aspects of glomalin composition, production, role in soil, recalcitrant nature, potential role in soil carbon locking up and stabilization are summarized and discussed. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Handbook of Energy Management in Agriculture
(Springer Nature, 2023) Amitava Rakshit; Asim Biswas; Deepranjan Sarkar; Vijay Singh Meena; Rahul Datta
This handbook provides a holistic overview of different aspects of energy management in agriculture with an orientation to address the sustainable development goals. It covers possible applications not only from a technical point of view, but also from economic, financial, social, regulatory, and political viewpoints. Agriculture is one of the most imperative sectors that contribute to the economy across different agro-ecologies of the universe with energy inputs in each stage of production, from making and applying chemicals to fueling tractors that lay seeds and harvest crops to electricity for animal housing facilities. The majority of agricultural research has focused on the use of input, production, and productivity, whereas rational energy budgeting and use remain an overlooked and likely underestimated segment, ignored so far while formulating agro-ecosystem framework. Energy management study is a new frontier of agriculture and is challenging duе to complex enterprises, spatial-temporal variability, exposure to pollution, and the predominant effect of the anthropogenic factor on ecology and environment. But it is worth taking the challenge considering the important prerequisite role of energy for sustainable development which has been evidenced from increasing research in recent times. Of recent origin, there are critical, in-depth studies around the globe assessing the capture and flow of energy in the ecosystem, which will help to develop a conceptual framework to incorporate this vital resource in the agriculture management template. This book is a state-of-the-art resource for a broad group of readers including a diversity of stakeholders and professionals in universities, public energy institutions, farmers and farming industry, public health and other relevant institutions, and the broader public as well. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.
Impact of agrochemicals on soil microbiota and management: A review
(MDPI AG, 2020) Ram Swaroop Meena; Sandeep Kumar; Rahul Datta; Rattan Lal; Vinod Vijayakumar; Martin Brtnicky; Mahaveer Prasad Sharma; Gulab Singh Yadav; Manoj Kumar Jhariya; Chetan Kumar Jangir; Shamina Imran Pathan; Tereza Dokulilova; Vaclav Pecina; Theodore Danso Marfo
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in developing nations, there are three million cases of agrochemical poisoning. The prolonged intensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals adversely affected the soil biodiversity, agricultural sustainability, and food safety, bringing in long-term harmful effects on nutritional security, human and animal health. Most of the agrochemicals negatively affect soil microbial functions and biochemical processes. The alteration in diversity and composition of the beneficial microbial community can be unfavorable to plant growth and development either by reducing nutrient availability or by increasing disease incidence. Currently, there is a need for qualitative, innovative, and demand-driven research in soil science, especially in developing countries for facilitating of high-quality eco-friendly research by creating a conducive and trustworthy work atmosphere, thereby rewarding productivity andmerits. Hence, we reviewed (1) the impact of various agrochemicals on the soil microbial diversity and environment; (2) the importance of smallholder farmers for sustainable crop protection and enhancement solutions, and (3) management strategies that serve the scientific community, policymakers, and land managers in integrating soil enhancement and sustainability practices in smallholder farming households. The current review provides an improved understanding of agricultural soilmanagement for food and nutritional security. © 2020 by the authors.
Improved Nutrient Management Practices for Enhancing Productivity and Profitability of Wheat under Mid-Indo-Gangetic Plains of India
(MDPI, 2022) Hanuman Prasad Parewa; Janardan Yadav; Vijay Singh Meena; Deepranjan Sarkar; Sunita Kumari Meena; Amitava Rakshit; Rahul Datta
Two-year field experiments were conducted to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), and bio-inoculants on wheat productivity and profitability. Results specified that judicious application of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, and bio-inoculants significantly increased the productivity and profitability of wheat. Data suggested that the aggregate levels of fertilizer up to 100% NPK ha−1 resulted in significant increases in all growth attributes, grain yield (+206%), straw yield (+177%), and harvest index (+7%) as compared to control. Meanwhile, plots with the application of 10 t ha−1 FYM significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain yield (+26%) and straw yield (+22%) as compared to the control. Similarly, significant enhancement in grain and straw yields was observed with the application of PGPR + VAM over no-inoculation. Results showed that the significantly higher grain and straw yield attained by application of 75% NPK fertilizer + 10 t ha−1 FYM was at par with the application of 100% NPK fertilizer alone. Further, net returns (profitability) and B:C ratio (2.37) were significantly higher with fertilization with 75% NPK + 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM as compared to 100% NPK alone. Overall, it can be concluded that the combination of 75% NPK and 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM represented the optimum for net return and B:C ratio and reduced (25%) dose of NPK as compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. © 2022 by the authors.
Legumes for Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling: An Organic Approach
(Springer Singapore, 2019) Sandeep Kumar; Ram Swaroop Meena; Rahul Datta; Sunil Kumar Verma; Gulab Singh Yadav; Gourisankar Pradhan; Ali Molaei; G. K. M. Mustafizur Rahman; H.A. Mashuk
Food security, land degradation, eliminating the threats of climate change, soil sustainability, and crop productivity are the critical challenges in the coming years. Therefore, the sustainability of the agricultural production system is becoming a central component in enhancing food security and environmental sustainability. Legume crops could play a significant role in this perspective by carrying out numerous services in keeping with principles of sustainability. Incorporating legume crops into crop rotation is essential for implementing and integrating the conservation and improvement of soil health, quality, and fertility with diverse aspects of crop and livestock production into the natural farming systems. The source of nutrition to subsequent crops to maintain a continuous nitrogen (N) supply chain greatly varies with regard to the inclusion of legumes in the cropping system. The crop rotation, including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), improved the total N content in the uppermost soil strata by around 100 μg g 1 soils, in comparison. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.
Optimizing nutrient use efficiency, productivity, energetics, and economics of red cabbage following mineral fertilization and biopriming with compatible rhizosphere microbes
(Nature Research, 2021) Deepranjan Sarkar; Ardith Sankar; O. Siva Devika; Sonam Singh; Shikha; Manoj Parihar; Amitava Rakshit; R.Z. Sayyed; Abdul Gafur; Mohammad Javed Ansari; Subhan Danish; Shah Fahad; Rahul Datta
Conventional agricultural practices and rising energy crisis create a question about the sustainability of the present-day food production system. Nutrient exhaustive crops can have a severe impact on native soil fertility by causing nutrient mining. In this backdrop, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of bio-priming intervention in red cabbage production considering nutrient uptake, the annual change in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, energy budgeting, and economic benefits for its sustainable intensification, among resource-poor farmers of Middle Gangetic Plains. The compatible microbial agents used in the study include Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Field assays (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) of the present study revealed supplementing 75% of recommended NPK fertilizer with dual inoculation of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens increased macronutrient uptake (N, P, and K), root length, heading percentage, head diameter, head weight, and the total weight of red cabbage along with a positive annual change in soil organic carbon. Maximum positive annual change in available N and available P was recorded under 75% RDF + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis and 75% RDF + T. harzianum + B. subtilis, respectively. Bio-primed plants were also higher in terms of growth and nutrient use efficiency (agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity). Energy output (26,370 and 26,630 MJ ha−1), energy balance (13,643 and 13,903 MJ ha−1), maximum gross return (US $ 16,030 and 13,877 ha−1), and net return (US $ 15,966 and 13,813 ha−1) were considerably higher in T. harzianum, and P. fluorescens treated plants. The results suggest the significance of the bio-priming approach under existing integrated nutrient management strategies and the role of dual inoculations in producing synergistic effects on plant growth and maintaining the soil, food, and energy nexus. © 2021, The Author(s).
Preface
(Springer Nature, 2023) Amitava Rakshit; Asim Biswas; Deepranjan Sarkar; Vijay Singh Meena; Rahul Datta
[No abstract available]
Soil Carbon Stabilization to Mitigate Climate Change
(Springer Nature, 2021) Rahul Datta; Ram Swaroop Meena
Carbon stabilization involves to capturing carbon from the atmosphere and fix it in the forms soil organic carbon stock for a long period of time, it will be present to escape as a greenhouse gas in the form of carbon dioxide. Soil carbon storage is an important ecosystem service, resulting from interactions of several ecological processes. This process is primarily mediated by plants through photosynthesis, with carbon stored in the form of soil organic carbon. Soil carbon levels have reduced over decades of conversion of pristine ecosystems into agriculture landscape, which now offers the opportunity to store carbon from air into the soil. Carbon stabilization into the agricultural soils is a novel approach of research and offers promising reduction in the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This book brings together all aspects of soil carbon sequestration and stabilization, with a special focus on diversity of microorganisms and management practices of soil in agricultural systems. It discusses the role of ecosystem functioning, recent and future prospects, soil microbial ecological studies, rhizosphere microflora, and organic matter in soil carbon stabilization. It also explores carbon transformation in soil, biological management and its genetics, microbial transformation of soil carbon, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), and their role in sustainable agriculture. The book offers a spectrum of ideas of new technological inventions and fundamentals of soil sustainability. It will be suitable for teachers, researchers, and policymakers, undergraduate and graduate students of soil science, soil microbiology, agronomy, ecology, and environmental sciences. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Soil microbial and nutrient dynamics under different sowings environment of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in rice based cropping system
(Nature Research, 2021) Sunil Kumar; Ram Swaroop Meena; Rakesh Kumar Singh; Tariq Muhammad Munir; Rahul Datta; Subhan Danish; Gulab Singh Yadav; Sandeep Kumar
Farmers are not growing diversified crops and applying huge amounts of agrochemicals and imbalanced fertilizers in the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS), since the 1960s. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbial and nutrient dynamics in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under various sowing environments and nutrient sources during Rabi season (October–March), 2015–2016. The experiment was laid out in the split-plot design with three sowing dates in main-plots, and eight nutrient sources in sub-plots. The maximum bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes population, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), dehydrogenase activities, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur (NPKS) were recorded on November 17 sown crop, and the lowest was observed on December 7 sowing during both the years, and in the pooled analysis. Furthermore, applied nutrient sources, highest bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes population, available NPKS, SMBC, and dehydrogenase activity were observed in 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + 25% N through pressmud (PM) + Azotobacto + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) than other nutrient sources. In conclusion, high demand and cost of chemical fertilizers can be replaced by 25% amount easily and locally available organic manures like PM compost to sustain the soil health and crop productivity. It will be helpful to restore the soil biodiversity in the RWCS and provide a roadmap for the researchers, government planners, and policymakers for the use of PM as a source of organic matter and nutrients. © 2021, The Author(s).
Soil organic carbon and labile and recalcitrant carbon fractions attributed by contrasting tillage and cropping systems in old and recent alluvial soils of subtropical eastern India
(Public Library of Science, 2021) S. Rakesh; Deepranjan Sarkar; Abhas Kumar Sinha; Subhan Danish; Prateek Madhab Bhattacharya; Prabir Mukhopadhyay; Saleh H. Salmen; Mohammad Javed Ansari; Rahul Datta
Conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification (CASI) technologies comprising zero-tillage with crop residue retention (>30%) on the soil surface, diversified cropping systems, and balanced nutrient management are recognized as operative and efficacious strategies to ensure food security in the parts of South Asia. The present investigation was a component of CASI technologies undertaken in the farmers’ field of Malda (old alluvial Inceptisol) Coochbehar (recent alluvial Entisol) district, West Bengal (subtropical eastern India). This study was conducted to evaluate the short-term impact of contrasting tillage (zero and conventional) and cropping systems (rice–wheat and rice–maize) on total organic carbon (TOC) and its fractions, viz., labile pool-1 (LP1), labile pool-2 (LP2) and recalcitrant carbon (RC) fractions after 4-year trial of conservation agriculture (CA) in the old and recent alluvial soils. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm), and thus, our study was focused on two factors, viz., cropping system and tillage. Results pointed that TOC along with LP1, LP2, and RC fractions under rice–maize (RM) cropping system were significantly (p<0.05) greater (15–35%) over rice–wheat (RW) system as a result of higher residue biomass addition. Zero-tillage (ZT) improved the C fractions by 10–20% over conventional tillage (CT) in all aspects. TOC and its fractions were observed to be greater under the ZT system in the topmost soil depths (0–5 and 5–10 cm), but the same system failed to improve these at 10–20 cm. Interestingly, the CT increased all the fractions at 10–20 cm depth due to the incorporation of crop residues. The concentration of TOC along with its fractions decreased with increasing soil depth was evident. Comparatively, all the C fractions, including TOC were maximum in soils from Malda sites as compared to Coochbehar sites because of a higher amount of residue biomass application, higher clay content, and greater background content of C in these soils. All the studied C fractions showed a significant correlation (r = >0.635; p<0.01) with TOC among all the soil depths in both the districts but the relationship with soil texture showed some interesting results. TOC fractions were significantly correlated (p<0.01) with clay particles indicating that its higher stabilization with clay in old alluvial Inceptisol (Malda); while in recent alluvial Entisol (Coochbehar), sand particle showed its strong relation with TOC fractions. Higher stratification ratio (SR) in the ZT system suggested that the concentration of TOC and its fractions are confined to the upper soil layers whereas in the case of CT, by and large, the distribution of these was comparatively high in subsequent soil depths due to residue incorporation effect. The concentration of C fractions in soils followed the order: TOC > RC > LP2 > LP1. The present investigation concluded that ZT under the RM system increases the turnover rates of C in both soil types but the amount of clay influences the stabilization/storage of C. © 2021 Rakesh S. et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Underutilized edible fruit species of the Indo-Gangetic Plains: a systematic review for food security and land degradation neutrality
(Turkiye Klinikleri, 2024) S. Dinesha; S. Rakesh; Deepranjan Sarkar; Prakash Kumar Jha; Raghupathi Balasani; Shikha; Saswat Kumar Kar; Vishal Seth; Amitava Rakshit; Rahul Datta; Sezai Ercişli
Many underutilized edible fruit species (UEFS) are found in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), which support food security (FS) for both indigenous people and other dependent communities. Unfortunately, there is little study and fragmented information available about these naturally edible products. The UEFS of the IGP was the subject of a systematic review utilizing the PRISMA protocol, which produced implications for FS and land degradation neutrality (LDN). This review aims to survey, summarize, and annotate the published information about the angiosperms native and naturalized UEFS of IGP to identify and make use of this species, particularly for the sustainable development of this region. A systematic review confirmed that 371 species of UEFS, of which 62 species were threatened and near threatened (TNT)-UEFS. Among the TNT-UEFS, 41 species were threatened, while 21 species were NT. The threatened species were further categorized as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in the IGP as vulnerable (21 species), endangered (16 species), and critically endangered (four species). This systematic review suggests integration of the native and naturalized UEFS in afforestation and reforestation programs to aid in various ecosystem services. Calamus inermis, Corypha taliera, Licuala peltata, and Saurauia punduana are examples of multipurpose species that require immediate sustainable conservation and cultivation initiatives to save them from extinction in the near future. Multipurpose species such as Aegle marmelos, Buchanania lanzan, Manilkara hexandra, Syzygium cuminii, Tamarindus indica are immensely constructive and climate-smart by surviving in harsh agroclimatic conditions and have great potential for establishment on marginal and wastelands throughout the IGP region. These resilient fruit species enhance biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes in addition to providing food for humans. It progressively advances India’s commitment to LDN, combating climate change, and achieving the UN-SDGs, which call for reducing hunger and raising FS by 2030. As a result, the study will offer baseline data for the next investigations and be helpful to policymakers in creating sustainable and scientific policies for the IGP. © TÜBİTAK.