Browsing by Author "Rattan Lal"

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Advance methodological approaches for carbon stock estimation in forest ecosystems
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Abhishek Nandal; Surender Singh Yadav; Amrender Singh Rao; Ram Swaroop Meena; Rattan Lal
The forests are a key player in maintaining ecological balance on the earth. They not only conserve biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and protect watersheds but also promote the above and below-ground ecosystem services. Forests are known as air cleaners on the planet and play a significant role in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. As per programs launched in the Conference of Parties (COP) 26, there is a need to promote policies and programs to reduce the atmospheric carbon (C) through the forest ecosystem; it is because forests can capture the atmospheric CO2 for a long time and help to achieve the goals of net-zero emission CO2 on the earth. Therefore, there is an urgent need to know the advanced technological approaches for estimating C stock in forest ecosystems. Hence, the present article is aimed at providing a comprehensive protocol for the four C stock estimation approaches. An effort has also been made to compare these methods. This review suggests that tree allometry is the most common method used for the quantification of C stock, but this method has certain limitations. However, the review shows that accurate results can be produced by a combination of two or more methods. We have also analyzed the results of 42 research studies conducted for C stock assessment along with the factors determining the amount of C in different types of forests. The C stock in vegetation is affected by temporal and spatial variation, plantation age, land use, cropping pattern, management practices and elevation, etc. Nevertheless, the available results have a large degree of uncertainty mainly due to the limitations of the methods used. The review supports the conclusion that the uncertainty in C stock measurements can be addressed by the integration of the above-mentioned methods. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Carbon sequestration potential and CO2 fluxes in a tropical forest ecosystem
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Vikram Singh Yadav; Surender Singh Yadav; Sharda Rani Gupta; Ram Swaroop Meena; Rattan Lal; Narender Singh Sheoran; Manoj Kumar Jhariya
Carbon (C) is a key product of forests, but not widely studied for available C stock, and biomass of tree species in typical forest ecosystems of India. Therefore, it is useful to estimate C stock at national and regional levels for establishing forest-based policies and developing roadmap for long-term plans and strategies to reduce the rate of increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Hence, present investigation was conducted to assess C storage and CO2 fluxes in tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystems of Jhumpa and Kairu in the southern Haryana, India. The C stock of trees in above ground biomass (AGB) was calculated by assuming the C content at 50% of the total biomass. Concentration of C in composite samples of shoots and roots of shrubs and herbs was estimated by the ash method. Soil C storage was determined on the basis of C concentration and soil bulk density up to 60 cm depth. The AGB of trees ranged from 33.1 to 75.8 Mg ha−1; the belowground biomass from 9.0 to 18.5 Mg ha−1 and total plant C storage from 24.3 to 53.9 Mg C ha−1. The total biomass of shrubs was 16.2 Mg ha−1 for the Salvadora oleoides forest at Jhumpa compared with 8.4 Mg ha−1 for the Acacia senegal-Acacia tortilis forest at Kairu. Net primary productivity of various components of trees in these forest ecosystems ranged from 8.1 to 9.6 Mg ha−1 y−1 and net flux of C from 4.6 to 5.8 Mg C ha−1 y−1. The annual litter fall in two forest ecosystems ranged from 3356 to 4498 Kg ha−1. S. oleoides contributed 50.0% and 47.3% towards the above ground and below ground C pools corresponding to the 17.9 Mg C ha−1and 4.1 Mg C ha−1, respectively. S. oleoides played a dominant role in biomass production and C assimilation in S. oleoides-A. tortilis forest at Jhumpa, while Prosopis juliflora and A. senegal were the highest contributors in A. senegal-A. tortilis forest at Kairu because of a high girth class and high density of trees, respectively. The cumulative soil organic carbon (SOC) stock up to 60 cm depth was more in A. senegal-A. tortilis forest at Kairu (16.3 Mg C ha−1) than that in the SO-AT forest at Jhumpa (12.9 Mg C ha−1). The results of this study revealed that S. oleoides and P. juliflora are key species as they sequester more C under a range of disturbances. Carbon sequestration potential of the studied forest ecosystems was 3.55 to 4.35 Mg C ha−1 y−1 which indicates a high C sequestration potential of these ecosystems. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Comprehensive environmental impact assessment for designing carbon-cum-energy efficient, cleaner and eco-friendly production system for rice-fallow agro-ecosystems of South Asia
(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Rakesh Kumar; Janki Sharan Mishra; Santosh Sambhaji Mali; Surajit Mondal; Ram Swaroop Meena; Rattan Lal; Bal Krishna Jha; Sushanta Kumar Naik; Ashis Kumar Biswas; Hansraj Hans; Prem Kumar Sundaram; Arbind Kumar Choudhary; Mohammad Monobrullah; Sanjeev Kumar; Santosh Kumar; Rohan Kumar Raman; Bhagwati Prasad Bhatt; Ujjwal Kumar
High energy consumption and carbon emission are the major components of environmental pollution. Reducing carbon-footprints and improving energy use efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.) - fallow production systems of South Asia is a great challenge. The present experiment was conducted for five consecutive years (2016–2020) with an aim to design the most carbon-cum-energy efficient, cleaner/safer and eco-friendly production systems for rice-fallows in eastern India. This split-plot experiment had crop establishment-cum-residue management (CERM) treatments in main-plots and post-rainy/winter season crops in sub-plots. The production systems selected for analysis included three crop establishment methods [(1) zero-till-direct-seeded rice (ZTDSR), (2) conventional-till direct-seeded rice (CTDSR), and (3) transplanted puddled rice (TPR)], and two residue management practices [(i) with residue, and (ii) without residue] in combination with five potential winter season crops i.e., chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Results revealed an increase in overall system productivity from 3.5 to 5.13 Mg ha−1 due to the diversification of rice-fallow systems with oilseed and pulse crops. Irrespective of residue management practices, ZTDSR increased the yield by 15 and 31% in chickpea, 15 and 34% in lentil, 33 and 50% in safflower, 9 and 19% in linseed, and 7 and 15% in mustard as compared to CTDSR and PTR, respectively. Moreover, adoption of ZTDSR reduced energy uses by 23.3%, while increased energy ratio and net returns by 14.3 and 10.9%, respectively, over TPR. Pulse based crop rotations (rice-lentil and rice-chickpea) under ZTDSR with surface crop residue yielded 21.5% higher system net returns as compared to rice-oilseed production systems. ZTDSR treatment also reduced carbon-footprint (C-footprint) by 2.8% compared to TPR-based production systems. Similarly, rice-oilseed systems had a 16.1% lower C-footprint in comparison to rice-pulse sequences. Hence, rice-chickpea, rice-lentil and rice-safflower production systems in combined with ZTDSR along with residue retention can be viable production systems with higher system productivity, better economic returns, higher energy ratio and lower C-footprint. These systems will ensure an efficient utilization of natural resources leading to long-term sustainability of the rice-fallow production systems of South Asia. © 2021
Conservation tillage and nutrient management effects on productivity and soil carbon sequestration under double cropping of rice in north eastern region of India
(Elsevier B.V., 2019) Gulab Singh Yadav; Rattan Lal; Ram Swaroop Meena; Subhash Babu; Anup Das; S.N. Bhowmik; Mrinmoy Datta; Jayanta Layak; Poulami Saha
The rice (Oryza sativa)–rice system (RRS) is the most important agricultural production system, and it provides staple food, income, employment, and livelihoods to millions of farmers in the Indian sub- continent, especially in the eastern and north eastern region (NER) of India. However, soil degradation, due to loss of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools, is declining the productivity of RRS and threatening the region's food security. Intensive tillage along with improper residues and nutrient management practices are among the reasons of the loss of soil C and N pools and decline in rice productivity. Therefore, a 3-year (2013-15) field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage, residues and nutrient management practices on productivity, soil C and N sequestration in RRS at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Lembucherra (52 m, above sea level), Tripura, India. The experiment consisted of five combinations of tillage [conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT) and no-till (NT)], residue [30% rice residue incorporation (RI) and/or residue retention (RR)] and nutrient management practices [inorganic, organic (FYM-farmyard manure, GLM-green leaf manuring) and biofertilizers] in wet (WR) and dry season rice (DR). Results revealed that RT along with improved plant nutrient management (IPNM) comprising 25% N (20 kg N) through GLM + 60 kg N, 9 kg phosphorus (P), 17 kg potassium (K), 2 kg Boron (B) and 5 kg zinc (Zn) ha−1 through fertilizer + cellulose decomposition microorganism and RR in WR produced significantly higher grain yield (5.15 Mg ha−1) as compared to other treatments. However, the DR transplanted under CT + integrated nutrient management (INM) comprising 25% N through FYM and 75% N and remaining P and K (after deducting quantity supplied by FYM) through inorganic fertilizer + RI produced more grain (5.1–5.3 Mg ha−1), straw (7.0–7.2 Mg ha−1), root (1.3–1.4 Mg ha−1) and total biomass (13.4–13.9 Mg ha−1) yield than that of the farmers’ practice (FP) and other treatment combinations, across the years. The highest system productivity of RRS was recorded under T3 (RT + IPNM + RR in WR and CT + INM + RI in DR). Therefore, the highest biomass, C, and N were also recycled in the system through the same treatment combinations. Soil under T3 had a lower bulk density (ρb), the highest soil organic carbon (SOC)/N concentration, pool, accumulation, sequestration, C retention efficiency, soil microbial biomass C and dehydrogenase activities than other treatments. A total amount of 1.30 Mg C ha−1 was accumulated under soils of T3 with the rate of SOC sequestration of 427.9 kg ha−1 yr−1 under RRS. Thus, adopting RRS under RT/NT with INM/IPNM and effective residue recycling is recommended for enhancing the system productivity, C and N sequestration in paddy soils of the NER of India. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Designing an ecofriendly and carbon-cum-energy efficient production system for the diverse agroecosystem of South Asia
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Rakesh Kumar; J.S. Mishra; Surajit Mondal; Ram Swaroop Meena; P.K. Sundaram; B.P. Bhatt; R.S. Pan; Rattan Lal; Kirti Saurabh; Naresh Chandra; S.K. Samal; Hansraj Hans; R.K. Raman
There is an urgent need for identification of the eco-friendly/cleaner production system that is more productive and profitable; efficient user of energy, water, and carbon-based inputs, and also environmentally safer. The four years study was conducted from 2016 to 2019, where the dominant rice-wheat cropping system is practiced extensively after ‘Green Revolution’. The objectives of the experiment were to evaluate: (1) energy budgeting, (2) carbon auditing, (3) production and economic efficiency of diverse cropping systems for upland rainfed as well as irrigated ecosystems of eastern India. Tillage and cropping system treatments were laid out according to a completely randomized block design and replicated thrice. Ten cropping sequences were comprised of: T1) a farmers’ practice of transplanted rice-wheat-mungbean, T2) conventional till-direct seeded rice (CTDSR)-wheat-mungbean, T3) soybean-maize, T4) CTDSR-mustard-urdbean, T5) foxtail millet-lentil-fallow, T6) pearl millet-chickpea-fallow, T7) finger millet-toria-fallow, T8) sorghum (grain)-chickpea-fallow, T9) maize cob–pigeon pea, and T10) sorghum (fodder)-mustard-urdbean. Energy contributions of different inputs were 42–55, 12–21, 8–18, and 4–12% for fertilizers, diesel, labour, and electricity, respectively. The amount of indirect (fertilizer, chemicals, and machinery) and direct (diesel and electricity) non-renewable energy inputs were 40–60 and 18–26%, respectively. Indirect renewable energy input (seed and crop residues) was 1–7% as compared to 15–24% of direct-renewable energy (human labour and irrigation water). The maximum energy input was recorded for T1 (53511 MJ ha−1). The maximum biomass production (40.2 Mg ha−1) was recorded with T9, while the maximum benefit: cost ratio (3.64) was noted for T10 and T8. The highest specific energy (33.5 MJ kg−1) and energy productivity (0.92 kg MJ−1) were recorded in T8 treatment. Irrespective of cropping systems, retention of crop residues accounted for 28.6–58.5% of total carbon input. The carbon sustainability index was 5–7 times higher for the millet-based production system [T6 (9.32) and T8 (10.27)] compared to cereal-based systems [T1 (1.66) and T2 (1.21)]. Diversification of the rice-wheat system through climate-resilient millets-based production system reduced 84% energy consumption and 87% carbon footprint. The millet-based production system also helps in reducing the carbon input by 172% and improves the energy use efficiency by 61% compared to the cereal-based cropping system. Therefore, the study has an innovative idea to support the crop modelling, policymakers, government planners, researchers, and producers to achieve the sustainable development goals in Indo-Gangetic Plains and similar agro-climatic conditions of South Asia. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
Effect of 10 years of biofertiliser use on soil quality and rice yield on an Inceptisol in Assam, India
(CSIRO, 2018) Smrita Buragohain; Banashree Sarma; Dhruba J. Nath; Nirmali Gogoi; Ram S. Meena; Rattan Lal
In the present study, field experiments were performed over 10 consecutive years (2006-15) to assess the effects of biofertiliser and enriched biocompost on soil quality, total organic carbon (TOC) and rice yields in an Inceptisol. Experiments were conducted in a randomised block design with four replicates and five treatments: Unfertilised control (T1); recommended doses of inorganic fertiliser (T2); biofertiliser with reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers (T3); reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 1 t ha-1 enriched biocompost (T4); and reduced (75%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 2 t ha-1 enriched biocompost (T5). T3 improved soil chemical and biological properties with enhanced soil quality index (40%), total P (23%), total K (42%) and fungal (38%) and bacterial (44%) colony counts. T5 significantly improved the carbon pool index (29%) and available nutrients (N, P and K at rates of 37%, 22% and 10% respectively) and increased soil pH (11%), resulting in a higher sustainable yield index (39%) of rice. Fraction 2 (labile carbon) of TOC, total P, available K, microbial biomass carbon and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were key indicators to assess the suitability of these fertilisers in rice cultivation in north-east India. © CSIRO 2018.
Effect of organic and inorganic sources of plant nutrients on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa) and soil fertility
(Indian Society of Agronomy, 2015) S.P. Gour; S.K. Singh; Rattan Lal; R.P. Singh; J.S. Bohra; J.P. Srivastava; S.P. Singh; Maneesh Kumar; Omkar Kumar; A.M. Latare
A field experiment was conducted in randomized block design during the rainy (kharif) season of 2012 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on soil quality and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The highest grain and straw yields (5.03 and 7.18 t/ha) were recorded under the treatments 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + S-Zn-B and 75% RDF + 25% N through sewage sludge, respectively. Application of S (40 kg/ha), Zn (5 kg/ha) and B (1.5 kg/ha) along with NPK (120:60:60) in rice increased plant height, tiller number, grain yield and 1,000-grian weight 22, 99, 62 and 22%, respectively, over the control, but did not show any significant increase in these parameters over 100% RDF. Initial trends indicated that application of Sesbania perhaps increased N, P, B and Zn in soil while inorganic S, B and Zn fertilizers had residual effect in post-harvest soil. © 2015, Indian Society of Agronomy. All rights reserved.
Energy budget and carbon footprint in a no-till and mulch based rice–mustard cropping system
(Elsevier Ltd, 2018) Gulab Singh Yadav; Anup Das; Rattan Lal; Subhash Babu; Ram Swaroop Meena; Poulami Saha; Raghavendra Singh; Mrinmoy Datta
The increase in emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to anthropogenic perturbation in both the agricultural and natural eco-systems are degrading the environmental quality. Conventional tillage (CT) and residue burning/removal exacerbates the land degradation and GHG emission, and the impacts are much more in the upland ecosystem than valley lands. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the energy budget, and carbon footprint (CF) of no-till (NT) and mulches under the upland rice (Oryza sativa)–mustard (Brassica campestris var. toria) cropping system over CT based system to develop a clean production technology for improving the environmental quality and conservingnatural resources. The novelty of the study is that integrated effect of NT, diverse mulches and cropping system effect has been considered together as a conservation measure for sustainable and clean agricultural practice over those of CT based technologies. The experiment comprised of two tillage systems as the main-plot and four mulch types as the sub-plot treatments under a split-plot design. Two tillage systems included: 1. CT-RI: CT with 100% residue incorporation (RI), and 2. NT-RR: NT with 100% residue retention (RR). Four mulch types included: 1. rice straw mulch (SM), 2. green manure (GM) - Gliricidia sp. (a leguminous shrub) mulch, 3. brown manuring (BM) mulch [cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) grown as an intercrop and killed with a spray of 2, 4-D, 40 days after sowing (DAS)] and 4. no mulch (NM) control. The adoption of NT-RR significantly (p = 0.05) reduced the energy use (16,727 MJ/ha) and the cost of production (INR 54,271/ha, 1 US$ = 64.46 INR) compared with those under CT-RI (27,630 MJ/ha and INR 76,903/ha, respectively). Thus, NT-RR also increased the energy use efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (EP), net returns, and reduced CF of the system compared with those under CT-RI. Use of different mulches also increased the energy use efficiency, system productivity, and net returnscompared with those under NM. The total CO2-e emission (CF) was higher under CT-RI (2307 kg CO2-e/ha) as compared to those under NT-RR (2013 kg CO2-e/ha). The savings of fossil fuel from less number of tillage operations and also low emissions associated with energy consumed in manufacture, transport, repair and use of machines contributed to the lowest GWP under NT-RR. Thus, the study supports and recommended that the NT-RR with BM is an environmentally safe and clean production technology for enhancing the energy use efficiency, reducing the CF and cost of production of direct-seeded upland rice-mustard cropping system in India and similar agro-eco-regions elsewhere in the rice based cropping system in the world. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
Energy budgeting for designing sustainable and environmentally clean/safer cropping systems for rainfed rice fallow lands in India
(Elsevier Ltd, 2017) Gulab Singh Yadav; Rattan Lal; Ram Swaroop Meena; Mrinmoy Datta; Subhash Babu; Anup Das; Jayanta Layek; Poulami Saha
Efficient utilization of rice (Oryza sativa L.) fallow (∼11.6 million hectares) systems can accelerate the growth of Indian agriculture. But, bringing more area under cultivation is an energy-demanding process and a source of gaseous emissions in the era of climate change. Hence, development of environmentally sustainable cropping systems require for efficient use of rice-fallow lands for sustainable productivity. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the objective to identify sustainable and environmentally safer cropping systems with low global worming potential (GWP) and low energy requirement for rice fallow land of India. Seven diverse crops (e.g., toria (Brassica campestris var. toria), lentil (Lens culinaris), field pea (Pisum arvense), garden pea (Pisum sativum L.), green gram (Vigna radiata), black gram (Vigna mungo) and maize (Zea mays)) were introduced in rice-fallow system by adopting no-till (NT) production technology to develop sustainable and environmentally cleaner production systems in a subtropical climate of Tripura, India. All these rice-based cropping systems were evaluated on the basis of the energy requirements and system productivity. Results indicated that rice had the highest energy input followed by that for maize and the least for lentil. System productivity regarding equivalent rice yield was the highest in rice–garden pea system. The relative amount of energy input in all cropping systems involved 44–54% for chemical fertilizers, 13–17% for land preparation, 12–15% for diesel and 11–14% for labor. Total energy input of 28,656 MJ per hectare (MJ/ha) was the highest for rice–maize and the lowest of 22,486 MJ/ha for rice–lentil systems. The highest system productivity and the highest energy productivity were obtained for the rice–garden pea system. The GWP was lower for legume-based than that for cereal and oilseed-based cropping systems. The lowest GWP of 7.97 Mg CO2e/ha per yr was observed for the rice-lentil cropping system and the highest GWP of 8.39 Mg CO2e/ha per yr for the rice-maize cropping system. The rice-vegetable pea and rice-lentil cropping systems also had low greenhouse gas emission intensity. The rice–pea and rice–lentil cropping systems are recommended for the region because of their low energy requirement, high energy and system productivity and low GWP. These systems are suited for the efficient utilization of rice fallow lands of eastern India to sustain productivity while adapting and mitigating the climate change. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Fractal surfaces in Lebesgue spaces with respect to fractal measures and associated fractal operators
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Rattan Lal; Subhash Chandra; Ajay Prajapati
The goal of this article is to study the fractal surfaces and associated fractal operator on Lebesgue spaces with respect to fractal measures. First, we show that fractal surfaces belongs to Lebesgue spaces under certain conditions. Then, we define a fractal operator on Lebesgue spaces and discuss some analytical properties of it. Moreover, we show the existence of Schauder basis of the associated fractal functions for the space Lq(I×J,μp). In the end, we draw some graph of fractal surfaces for the various scaling factors and mention some future directions. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
Greenhouse gases emissions and agronomic productivity as influenced by varying levels of N fertilizer and tank silt in degraded semiarid Alfisol of Southern India
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2023) Sharan Bhoopal Reddy; Cherukumalli Srinivasarao; Palli Chandrasekhar Rao; Rattan Lal; Suresh Rakesh; Sumanta Kundu; Ram Nagina Singh; Pradeep Kumar Dubey; Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash; Kondru Venkateswara Rao; Vikas Abrol; Jayaraman Somasundaram
The study aimed to assess the effects of combined application of urea nitrogen (N) and tank* silt (TS) on greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions [i.e., carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O)] and agronomic productivity of maize-horsegram system. A factorial [urea (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha−1)] and tank silt (0 and 30 t ha−1) replicated thrice randomized block design was employed for this investigation. Results of the study showed that maize grain yield was significantly influenced by the sole application of both N fertilizer and TS. When both the N fertilizer and TS were combined, the grain yield was significantly (p < 0.01) improved by 5% (4870 kg ha−1) over the highest yield observed under only N. We have noticed a significant (p < 0.01) residual effect of N and TS on horsegram straw yield during all the years of experimentation. With the increase in N-rate, there was an increasing trend in CO2 emission noticed in all the years including the pooled year data. Compared to CO2 emission, N2O emission was greatly influenced by nutrient management and amendment application. Among the seasons, the post-rainy season (Rabi) had a slightly lower emission trend of CO2, during all the years as compared to the rainy season (Kharif). The observed results marked the marginal increasing trend of cumulative CO2 (cCO2) emissions with regard to increasing doses of urea. Tank silt addition slightly favoured a CO2 emissions. The trend of cumulative N2O (cN2O) emission was greatly influenced by the dose of urea following the order of N180 > N120 > N60 > N0. However, N fertilizer application influenced the cCO2 emissions (r = 0.83), and significantly increased the cN2O emission (r = 0.99). Therefore, optimum and timely application of urea combined with TS is recommended as an effective strategy to combat GHG-based emissions (specifically N2O based) in semiarid rainfed regions. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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.
Impact of no-till and mulching on soil carbon sequestration under rice (Oryza sativa L.)-rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. rapeseed) cropping system in hilly agro-ecosystem of the Eastern Himalayas, India
(Elsevier B.V., 2019) Gulab Singh Yadav; Anup Das; Rattan Lal; Subhash Babu; Mrinmoy Datta; Ram Swaroop Meena; Somanagouda B. Patil; Raghavendra Singh
Decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) and low biomass production in sloping uplands are of growing concern for sustainable agriculture worldwide. This concern is in general in the Eastern Himalayan regions (EHR) of India in particular. A field experiment was conducted with the objectives to generate additional biomass and sequester more C in coarse-textured sloping lands. This experiment is done for four consecutive years in the EHR, India. The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. rapeseed) cropping system was practiced during the first two years (2012-13 to 2013-14) and rice–rapeseed–cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) system during the two following years (2014-15 to 2015-16) of the study under different tillage and mulch systems. The tillage system included: 1) CT-RI: conventional tillage (CT) with 100% residue incorporation (RI) and 2) NT-RR: no-till (NT) with 100% residue retention (RR). The mulches included 1) rice straw mulch (SM), 2) Gliricidia sp. mulch (GM), 3) brown manuring mulch (BM)–cowpea grown as intercrop with rice up to 40 days after sowing (DAS), killed with 2,4-D and 4) no mulch (NM). The cowpea, as a cover crop was introduced during 2014 and 2015 as pre-rainy season crop before the sowing of rice to generate additional biomass in the system. The four year total above ground biomass yield of rice and rapeseed didn't vary significantly between CT-RI (31.93 and 17.40 Mg ha −1 ) and NT-RR (31.86 and 17.46 Mg ha −1 ), respectively. However, the total above ground biomass yield of cowpea was more under NT-RR (10.75 Mg ha −1 ) when compared to that under CT-RI (9.79 Mg ha −1 ). The amount of total biomass (above + below ground) and C added into the soil was more under NT-RR than that under the CT-RI. After 4 cropping cycles, the NT-RR had higher SOC concentration, pool (29.9 vs. 29.1 Mg ha −1 ), sequestration rate (450 vs. 265 kg ha -1 yr −1 ) and C retention efficiency (7.7 vs. 4.6%) than those under the CT-RI at 0–30 cm depth. The mulched plots produced more crop biomass (both above and below ground), recycled more C in soils with a trend of relatively more SOC pool (29.7–29.8 vs. 29.0 Mg ha −1 ), sequestration rate (391–428 vs. 221 kg ha -1 yr −1 ) and C retention efficiency (6.64–6.94% vs. 4.66%) than those of NM treatment. These results were seen despite difference among the mulch treatments (SM, GM and BM) which were statistically non-significant after 4 cropping cycles. Inclusion of cowpea as cover crop during pre-rainy season in the system doubled the rate of C sequestration (478 kg C ha -1 yr −1 ). Therefore, the data supports the recommendation of cultivation of the rice–rapeseed system under NT-RR along with cowpea intercropping up to 40 DAS (BM) in rice. Besides this, the inclusion of pre-rainy season cowpea before rice could generate additional biomass and enhance SOC sequestration on upland and sloping hills in the EHR of India and in similar conditions elsewhere. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
Integrated nutrient management improves soil organic matter and agronomic sustainability of semiarid rainfed Inceptisols of the Indo-Gangetic Plains
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2021) Ch. Srinivasarao; S.P. Singh; Sumanta Kundu; Vikas Abrol; Rattan Lal; P.C. Abhilash; G.R. Chary; Pravin B. Thakur; J.V.N.S. Prasad; B. Venkateswarlu
Background: Climate and management practices impact the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of agricultural soils. Especially under the semiarid climate of India, organic matter is rapidly decomposed, and imbalanced nutrient input further exacerbates its depletion, thus facilitating the decline in soil quality and crop yields. Improving SOC contents through integrated nutrient management (INM), that is, conjunctive use of organic and chemical sources of nutrients, could ameliorate soil health and sustain crop yields. Aim: To assess the potential of the INM approach to enhance the SOC status, soil quality, crop production, and drought adaptation of pearl millet under rainfed conditions. Methods: Nutrient inputs were supplied through mineral fertilizers, organic manures, and a combination of both. SOC sequestration, sustainable yield index, plant-available N, P, K, and water, bulk density, and KMnO4-oxidizable C were estimated. Results: Higher SOC sequestration rate (0.50 and 0.48 Mg ha−1 y−1 in 50% N (fertilizer) + 50% N (farmyard manure), and 50% N (fertilizer) + 50% N (crop residue), respectively) and significant increase in soil fertility were recorded in organically amended treatments. Improvement of 1 Mg ha−1 of SOC stock in the root zone (0.4 m depth) reduced the severity of drought and increased the yield by 38 kg ha−1. Plots under organic amendments suffered less yield losses under short-duration droughts, but this positive effect could only be exploited when the rainfall deficit was up to 25%. Conclusion: Managements that add up to 1.2 Mg ha−1 y−1 SOC are adaptive and climate-resilient strategies in dry semiarid degraded Inceptisols of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. © 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH
Long term crop management effects on soil organic carbon, structure, and water retention in a cropland soil in central Ohio, USA
(Wiley-VCH Verlag, 2020) Surender Singh Yadav; Jose G. Guzman; Ram Swaroop Meena; Rattan Lal; Gulab Singh Yadav
The objective of this study was to determine 13-year management effects on soil properties between a corn–soybean (Zea mays–Glycine max) cropping system (CSRS) and vegetable production systems (VPS) on a soil in central Ohio. Three treatments included in the VPS were: (1) addition of wood chips, (2) permanent raised beds (PRB) with black polyethylene film (20 μm thick), and (3) bare soil surface (BSS). Additionally, (4) animal manure was applied in all CSRS and VPS treatments except for the wood chips (WCP) added plot in the VPS. Research data from the study show that relatively more soil organic carbon (SOC) stock in the 0–20 cm soil depth of the BSS treatment (100.6 Mg ha−1) was primarily due to differences in the type of soil amendments applied. For example, composted poultry manure was applied in the BSS and PRB plots, compared with input of fresh dairy manure mixed with straw being applied in the CSRS. Furthermore, soil management practices that aided in avoiding or reducing soil compaction (i.e., PRB or application of WCP in the surface) resulted in the overall improvement in soil structure and water retention, compared with that under chisel and disc ploughing done in the CSRS. The highest plant available water capacity (1.79 cm) was observed in the CSRS compared with 0.97 cm under BSS and PRB plots. These trends suggest that the type and amount of animal manure is critical to increasing SOC stocks in intensively cultivated VPS and CSRS in central Ohio, while also improving soil structure and water retention. © 2020 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Long-term effects of soil fertility management on carbon sequestration in a rice-lentil cropping system of the indo-gangetic plains
(2012) Ch. Srinivasarao; B. Venkateswarlu; Rattan Lal; Anil Kumar Singh; K.P.R. Vittal; Sumanta Kundu; S.R. Singh; S.P. Singh
Enrichment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through sequestration of atmospheric CO 2 in agricultural soils is important because of its impacts on soil quality, agronomic production, and adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. In a 21-yr field experiment conducted under subhumid tropical conditions in India, the impacts of crop residue C inputs were assessed for the rice (Oryza sativa L.)-lentil (Lens esculenta Moench) cropping sequence. These impacts were evaluated in an experiment involving mineral fertilizers and manuring treatments on crop yield sustainability with reference to critical biomass requirements for maintenance of SOC in an Inceptisol. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) without and with mineral fertilizers increased C input and SOC concentration and stock. In comparison with the control, the 100% organic (FYM) treatment had significantly higher profile SOC (27.5 Mg ha -1), and more C build up (55.0%) and C sequestration (6.6 Mg C ha -1) to 1-m depth vis-à-vis the antecedent values in 1986. These parameters were also higher in 100% FYM treatment at a rate providing equivalent amount of the recommended dose of N followed by conjunctive use of FYM and mineral fertilizers. The SOC stock and rate of sequestration were positively correlated with cumulative C input, and with sustainable yield index (SYI) of upland rice and lentil. Higher grain yield (1.95 and 1.04 Mg ha -1 of rice and lentil, respectively) was obtained with the application of 50% organic (FYM)+50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). In comparison, higher SOC sequestration rate was measured with the application of 100% organic (FYM). For every Mg increase in SOC stock in the root zone there was 0.16 and 0.18 Mg ha -1yr -1 yield increase of rice and lentil, respectively. For maintaining a stable SOC level (zero change due to cropping), a minimum quantity of 2.47 Mg C ha -1 yr -1 is required for this soil, climate, cropping system, and fertilization treatments. To achieve this quantity of C, 7.1 Mg of biomass is required to be produced every year vs. average rice and lentil yields of 1.6 and 0.7 Mg ha -1, respectively. The sole application of mineral fertilizers at 50 or 100% of the RDF did not maintain the SOC stock. Thus, application of FYM (or other organics) in conjunction with mineral fertilizers is essential to maintaining and enhancing the SOC stock in the rice-based cropping systems. © Soil Science Society of America.
Long-term impact of topsoil depth and amendments on carbon and nitrogen budgets in the surface layer of an Alfisol in Central Ohio
(Elsevier B.V., 2020) Ram Swaroop Meena; Rattan Lal; Gulab Singh Yadav
The impacts of 20-yr using amendments on the restoration of properties of an Alfisol was evaluated at the Waterman Farm, Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, Columbus, Ohio. The objectives of the experiment were to assess: (1) the effects of organic and inorganic amendments on soil aggregates, and (2) carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) budgets of soil removed (20 cm deep) and undisturbed plots after 20-yr was used to conduct the experiment. Five treatmentents were used in the rendomized block design viz; (1) permanent grass field, (2) soil artificially removed-N fertilizer added, (3) soil artificially removed-compost added, (4) an undisturbed (surface soil not removed)-N fertilizer added, and (5) an undisturbed surface soil-compost added. The experiment field was permanently under the no-till since last 20 yr. The surface soil removal plots amended with compost and permanent grass plots registered the lowest bulk density (ρb) of 1.37 and 1.38 Mg/m3, respectively. The highest concentration of sand (30.4%) was observed in the treatment with surface soil removed and compost added, while the highest silt content (48.0%) was obtained in permanent grass plots. However, the clay content was the highest (38.2%) in fertilizer amended undisturbed treatment. The higher proportion of macroaggregates (88.0 and 87.6%) and the mean weight diameter (MWD) (4.47 and 4.5 mm) were recorded in the undisturbed compost-amended and permanent grass plots, respectively compare to fertilizer applied plots. There were no differences in soil pH among sampling depths, but higher electrical conductivity (EC) was observed at 0–10 cm depth of fertilizer application, disturbed (174.23 µS/cm) and undisturbed (166.63 µS/cm) plots than 10–20 cm. The highest C:N ratio (11.0) was observed at the of 0–10 cm depth in artificaly soil removed organic compost-amended treatments. The highest rate of build-up of stocks was 793.3 Kg/ha for C and 50.5 kg/ha for N in 0–10 cm depth of undisturbed and compost-amended plots. Furthermore, the highest magnitude of the stabilization was 2.8 Mg/ha for C and 0.7 Mg/ha for N in surface soil removed and compost-amended treatment. The magnitude and rate of SOC accretion were 27.5 Mg C/ha and 2.0 Mg/ha.yr, respectively, under undisturbed and compost-amended treatment. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
Potential of Indian agriculture for capturing atmospheric CO2 and monetizing carbon credits to the farmers: An overview and policy framework
(Academic Press Inc., 2024) Ram Swaroop Meena; Rattan Lal; Sandeep Kumar; Gourisankar Pradhan; Ch. Srinivasarao; Ashish Kumar Singh; Himanshu Pathak; P.C. Abhilash; Arvind Kumar; S.K. Sharma; M.L. Jat; Sudhanshu Singh
The potential of Indian agriculture in atmospheric CO2 capture and its role in enabling farmers to monetize C credits is critical to climate change mitigation strategies. This potential is especially significant given the vast and diverse agricultural landscapes across India, which inherently possess the capacity for considerable C sequestration. The realization of this potential hinges on the establishment of a comprehensive policy framework. Essential components of this framework include methodologies for accurate measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of C sequestration. To fully harness the potential of Indian agriculture in atmospheric CO2 capture and C credit monetization, future endeavors should focus on developing integrated technological solutions, and collaborative efforts are the cornerstone for accurate C measurement and verification, alongside formulating inclusive policies that specifically support small-scale and marginalized farmers in transitioning to carbon-efficient practices for sustainable agriculture. Overall, it will help to implement the aim of monetizing C credits by the Ministry of Power (catenate notice: CG-DL-E-30062023-246859 Dated June 28, 2023) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change of Developing (catenate notice: CG-DL-E-27062023-246825 Dated June 27, 2023) and adopted the green credit program. The Indian government has demonstrated its will to combat climate change by starting a policy discussion on carbon. This important conversation aims to establish solutions for sustainable development focusing on environmental stewardship and carbon reduction across several sectors. Ultimately, this would enhance the country's defenses against climate change and encourage net zero emission through C-negative agriculture. It will also promote the “Sustainable Development Goals,” which aim to improve the country and the globe. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.
Reforming the Soil Organic Carbon Management Plans and Policies in India
(Springer Nature, 2022) Ram Swaroop Meena; Sandeep Kumar; Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao; Arvind Kumar; Rattan Lal
The importance of soil health and balanced fertilizer application based on soil test results must be taken into account in various agricultural community programmes and initiatives. In India, a programme on soil health management, integrated nutrient management and organic farming has been launched to improve soil carbon (C) management by incorporating and integrating multiple strategies, techniques and resources. In this respect, organic carbon (OC) stored in agriculture is one of the imperative strategies that enhance soil C content, maintain soil health and quality, mitigate climate change, conserve biodiversity and ultimately sustain the entire food system, although, to implement these technologies, policies, economic analysis and scientific as well as financial support are required especially for resource-constraint smallholders of developing countries. The SOC content in the upper layer of Indian cultivated soils is estimated to be 0.2% or less, which is well below the critical threshold level of 1.5% needed for healthy soil. The goal of this chapter is to provide understanding on sufficient food supply while also coping with changing climates, improving SOC, reducing losses and developing techniques to improve the soil C pool in rural soil. These policies for C management and restoration need to be tailored to the local situations, because the livelihood of millions of people across the country directly depends on how SOC pools are maintained using sustainable land management practices and policies. Hence, effective policy implementation relies on several factors that are well coordinated with socio-economic and natural characteristics and may be supported by good governance and stakeholder engagement. © The Editor(s)(if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.
Response of alley cropping-grown sesame to lime and sulphur on yield and available nutrient status in an acidic soil of Eastern India
(Joint Center on Global Change and Earth System Science of the University of Maryland and Beijing Normal University, 2019) Ram Swaroop Meena; Sandeep Kumar; Jitendra Singh Bohra; Rattan Lal; Gulab Singh Yadav; Achyutanand Pandey
Applications of lime (CaCO 3 ) and elemental sulphur (S 0 –S) may be important to obtain high yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in an acidic soil. Thus, the overall goal of the present study was to assess the impact of lime and S application on sesame yield under acidic soils in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Sesame was grown in an alley cropping system, which integrated trees with grain crops. The impacts on sesame yields were assessed for different rates of lime (0, 100, 250 and 350 kg/ha) and S (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha). The field experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications of 16 treatment combinations. Application of lime at 250 kg/ha produced the best results in terms of the sesame yield (286.1 kg/ha) and improvements in soil chemical properties. Liming at 250 kg/ha increased available nutrients reserves (NPKS: 206, 21.9, 26.9, 16.2 kg/ha, respectively), soil pH (4.95), electrical conductivity (0.039 dS/m) and organic carbon (0.32%) over those in plots without liming (control). Similarly, significant effects of S application were observed in terms of the sesame yield (282.8 kg/ha) and improvements in soil chemical properties, e.g. available nutrient reserves of NPKS (205.6, 21.5, 262.8, 16.0 kg/ha, respectively), soil pH (4.35), electrical conductivity (0.036 dS/m) and organic carbon (0.314%) over those under control, while the minimum soil pH (4.35) was recorded with the application of 45 kg S than that under control (4.89). The interaction effects were significant between the lime and S levels on seed (361 kg/ha), stalk (426 kg/ha) and biological yield (887 kg/ha) for the application of 350 kg lime and 45 kg S/ha. Considering S as an important component of oil and lime for neutralizing soil acidity, their conjoint application is beneficial for farmers to sustain crop productivity in acidic soil of Eastern India. © 2019, The Joint Center on Global Change and Earth System Science of the University of Maryland and Beijing Normal University.