Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Copper Sulfate Nanoparticle Mediated Alleviation of Salinity Induced Yield Losses in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Rahul Anand — 2026-03-18

Salinity stress is one of the most severe abiotic constraints limiting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production globally, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Based upon preliminary trials, this study investigated the potential of nano-copper sulfate (nano-CuSO₄, 10 ppm) application in alleviating the detrimental effects of salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in the salinity-susceptible tomato variety Pant Tomato-3 (PT-3). A completely randomized design (CRD) experiment with three replications was conducted under polyhouse conditions. Four treatments were imposed, namely, control (C), salinity stress (S, 100 mM NaCl), nano-CuSO₄ treatment (N, 10 ppm) and nano-CuSO₄ treatment under salinity stress (T, 100 mM NaCl + 10 ppm nano-CuSO₄). Key growth and yield-related parameters like number of leaves per plant, number of trusses per plant, number of flowers per truss and number of fruits per plant were recorded at plant maturity. Results demonstrated that 100 mM NaCl significantly reduced all measured parameters compared to the control, confirming the salinity-susceptible nature of Pant T-3. Nano-CuSO₄ only treatment (N) marginally enhanced growth and yield attributes relative to the control. Nano-CuSO₄ application under salinity (T) improved the number of trusses per plant by 46 % and fruits per plant by 29% over the salinity-only treatment (S). These findings suggest that nano-CuSO₄ application at 10 ppm holds promise as a cost-effective strategy to improve tomato performance under moderate salinity stress conditions.

Nano Urea-mediated Improvement in Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Maize

U. Triveni — 2026-03-21

In recent years, the advancement of nanotechnology in agriculture has opened new avenues for enhancing nutrient delivery and uptake efficiency. The foliar application of nano urea presents a promising alternative to conventional urea, especially under conditions where soil-based nitrogen applications are inefficient or environmentally unsustainable. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2023, at ANGRAU-Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram, to assess the impact of nano urea on growth, yield, economics and nutrient uptake of maize and also to explore the possibility of reducing the conventional nitrogen fertiliser dose. This study was conducted with nine treatments in a Randomised Block Design with three replications. Pre-harvest (Plant height, days to reproductive stage) and post-harvest (Cob length, cob girth, test weight, grain yield and stover yield) observations were recorded. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, neutral in reaction, low in nitrogen, organic carbon, medium in phosphorus and potassium. The experimental results revealed that T₉:100% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) through urea in three splits (33% basal+ 33 % Knee-high (KH)+ 33% at Tasselling (TS) + nano urea sprays at KH and TS resulted in higher growth and yield attributes, grain yield, stover yield and plant nutrient uptake. However, it remained on par with T₃:100% RDN through urea in three splits (33% basal+ 33 % KH+ 33% at TS), T₆:75% RDN (33% basal+ 33% KH+33% at TS) + nano urea sprays at KH and TS and T₇:75% RDN (66% basal+ 17% KH+17% at TS) + nano urea sprays at KH and TS. Economic parameters, viz., gross returns, net returns and BCR, also did not vary significantly among T₉, T₃, T₆ and T₇. Hence, 75% RDN + nano urea foliar sprays at KH and TS stages can be recommended to increase the yield, economic returns and nutrient uptake with an additional saving of conventional urea fertilisers.

Geospatial Assessment and Mapping of Soil Nutrient Status for Sustainable Agricultural Planning in Mizoram, India

Pratibha Thakuria Das — 2026-03-24

Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) promotes sustainable farming by tailoring fertilizer use to local soil variability, improving yield while reducing environmental damage. Soil testing plays a key role by providing data for precise nutrient management based on spatial differences in soil properties. This study evaluates the soil fertility status of Mizoram, India—a state situated within the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region encompassing a total geographical area of approximately 21,081 sq. km—to support Soil Health Management (SHM) under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).Integrating GIS and GPS technologies, 20,991 soil samples from 273 villages were analysed to generate thematic maps of pH, organic carbon (OC), and primary macronutrients (N, P, K) via Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation. The results show that 97.49% of the state’s area is acidic (pH<6.5), with 62.64% slightly acidic and 34.85% moderately acidic. Macronutrient levels are predominantly in the "medium" range, covering 91.21% for Nitrogen, 90.71% for Phosphorus, and 93.05% for Potassium, while 54.75% of the area maintains medium OC levels. These findings necessitate site-specific management, specifically the application of lime to mitigate widespread acidity and balanced NPK fertilization to optimize regional crop productivity. This high-resolution spatial database provides a critical decision-support tool for sustainable agricultural planning and nutrient management across Mizoram.

Biogas Slurry and Organo-Mineral Integration: Drivers of Arylsulfatase, Urease and FDA Enzyme Stimulation in Soil

Ritu Nagdev — 2026-03-28

Sustaining productivity in intensive rice–wheat system requires strategies that enhance soil biological functioning alongside nutrient supply. A two-year field experiment (2022-2024) was held at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, to evaluate the impact of integrated application of biogas slurry (BGS) and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) on soil enzymatic activities. Under randomised block design (RBD) investigation, six treatments, each containing different amounts of nitrogen doses supplied through BGS and RDF. Soil samples collected at the reproductive stage of wheat were analyzed for arylsulfatase, urease and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase activities using standard procedures. Results indicated significant enhancement of all enzymes under integrated and sole BGS treatments compared to control and sole RDF. Arylsulfatase activity ranged from 35.31 to 73.98 µg PNP g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in 2023 and 37.75 to 81.92 µg PNP g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in 2024. Urease activity varied from 103.45 to 178.83 µg NH₄⁺-N g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in 2023 and 119.18 to 204.76 µg NH₄⁺-N g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in 2024. FDA activity ranged from 39.31 to 77.98 µg g⁻¹ soil h⁻¹ in 2023 and 43.75 to 87.92 µg g⁻¹ soil h⁻¹ in 2024. Enzymatic activities followed the trend: 100% BGS > 75% BGS + 25% RDF ≈ 50% BGS + 50% RDF > 25% BGS + 75% RDF > 100% RDF > control. Higher values in the second year suggest cumulative effects of organic amendments. The findings demonstrate that substituting mineral nitrogen with biogas slurry enhances soil enzymatic activity, nutrient mineralization and overall soil health, supporting sustainable intensification of rice–wheat cropping system.

Chemical Analysis of Soils to Evaluate the Soil Fertility Status of Semi-arid Region of Three Taluks of Tumakuru District, Karnataka, India

C. T. Harshitha — 2026-03-30

A study was conducted to assess the fertility status of surface soils from three representative taluks (Gubbi, Madhugiri and Sira) based on their agro-climatic zones. The study aimed to evaluate physico-chemical properties, nutrient index, and relationships among key soil parameters using descriptive statistics, a nutrient index, and correlation analysis. A total of 34 surface soil samples (0-30 cm depth) were collected from fields of farmers, studied for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe. Soil pH varied between 4.7 and 8.9 (mean = 7.3), EC ranged from 0.01 to 0.72 dS m⁻¹ (mean = 0.21 dS m⁻¹), and OC was between 0.35 and 1.18%; thus, most soils were classified as non‑saline, neutral to slightly alkaline, with low to medium organic matter content. Nutrient Index (NI) values showed medium fertility (NI 1.8), while N, P, K, Ca, and Mg had low fertility; S, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe reflected high NI values, indicating generally adequate secondary and micronutrient status. Results of correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship among several soil properties, particularly between base cations and micronutrients. The results demonstrate that deficiencies in macronutrients are the major constraints limiting crop production in these semi-arid soils, pointing to a need for balanced fertilization and enhanced organic matter management as important components of sustainable crop production systems.

An Analysis of Grape Growers' Attitudes towards Integrated Nutrient Management Practices in Chickaballapura District of Karnataka State, India

K. M. Chethan Kumar — 2026-03-31

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a holistic approach to maintaining soil fertility and optimizing plant nutrient supply for sustained crop productivity. By integrating various sources of nutrients—including organic inputs (farmyard manure, poultry manure, crop residues, green manures etc) alongside balanced use of inorganic fertilizers. The study examines the attitude of grape growers towards Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices in Chickaballapura district of Karnataka, India. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 grape growers selected from two taluks using structured interviews. The analysis was carried out using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and zero-order correlation. The findings revealed that a majority of growers (40.83%) had a favourable attitude towards INM practices, while 32.50 per cent and 26.67 per cent exhibited less favourable and more favourable attitudes, respectively. Variables such as age, education, farming experience, risk orientation, mass media participation, and extension participation showed significant association with attitude, whereas knowledge, economic orientation, innovativeness, and extension contact exhibited highly significant relationships. The study concludes that strengthening knowledge dissemination, extension contact, and farmer training programmes can significantly enhance favourable attitudes towards INM. Promoting practical awareness through extension systems and media can accelerate the adoption of sustainable nutrient management practices in grape cultivation.

Weed Management in Mulberry (Morus spp.) for Sustained Cocoon Production

K. Pramod — 2026-03-27

Background: Sericulture depends on high-quality mulberry leaves, but weed infestation significantly reduces yield by competing for resources and harboring pests. Effective weed management is crucial to improve leaf production and raw silk yield.

Aims: To comprehensively synthesize current knowledge on weed management in mulberry ecosystems, evaluating the efficacy, economics and ecological impacts of various control strategies to sustain high-quality leaf yield and cocoon production.

Study Design: Comprehensive Literature Review.

Methodology: This review systematically aggregates and analyzes peer-reviewed literature from scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. The search strategy employed keywords related to weed management in mulberry, sericulture and Bombyx mori. Studies published between 1970 and 2024 were considered, with emphasis on recent research. Data regarding weed flora composition, crop-weed competition dynamics and the efficacy of various weed control measures (cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological) were extracted, analyzed and synthesized. The review specifically focused on the cascading effects of these management practices on mulberry leaf yield, leaf biochemical quality and the subsequent physiological performance and cocoon traits of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.).

Results: Weed competition in mulberry cultivation causes severe leaf yield losses ranging from 30% to 50% and significantly deteriorates leaf nutritional quality, directly translating to inferior silkworm growth and reduced raw silk productivity. While traditional manual weeding is effective, labor scarcity and rising costs threaten its viability. Chemical herbicides offer efficient early-stage control but pose severe toxicity risks to silkworms if applied after 30 days of pruning. Integrated Weed Management (IWM), combining mulching, cover cropping, judicious herbicide application and mechanical weeding, emerges as the most sustainable approach. Emerging innovations like AI-enabled robotic weeders offer precision control with minimal environmental footprint.

Conclusion: Adopting region-specific, climate-resilient Integrated Weed Management (IWM) protocols is imperative for sustaining mulberry leaf quality, ensuring silkworm health and maximizing the profitability of the sericulture industry.

Synergistic Impacts of Seaweed Extracts and Humic Acid Granules on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Crop Productivity: A Review

R. Durgadevi — 2026-03-30

Seaweed extract and humic acid granules are increasingly recognized as effective biostimulants that help with sustainable soil management and improve crop productivity. Seaweed extract often made from brown macroalgae like Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum species and Kappaphycus alvarezii provides bioactive compounds, including phytohormones, polysaccharides, amino acids, and micronutrients. These compounds promote root development, boost stress tolerance, and stimulate important metabolic processes. Humic acid granules improve soil fertility by enhancing soil structure, increasing cation exchange capacity, retaining nutrients better, and supporting beneficial microbial activity. Together, these amendments create synergistic effects that enhance soil properties, such as organic carbon content, moisture retention, and aggregate stability. Their combined use has been proven to increase nutrient uptake, boost chlorophyll synthesis, improve photosynthesis, and strengthen plants’ resistance to abiotic stresses. These advantages lead to higher crop yields by about 15 to 30%, better produce quality, and more efficient use of inputs in field and horticultural crops. The environmental benefits include reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting long-term soil health. Economically, using seaweed and humic acid granules offers better benefit-to-cost ratios and encourages the adoption of regenerative and climate-smart farming practices. This review summarizes current scientific evidence on the mechanisms, interactions, and agronomic benefits of these natural amendments, showcasing their importance in sustainable agriculture.