India generating huge amount of agricultural waste, especially crop residues. In India, around 141 MT of crop residue is generated each year, in which 92 MT burned due to inadequate sustainable management practices, which results in rise in emissions of particulate matter as well as quality of air pollution. Burning crop residues raises mortality rates and substantially decreases crop production while posing a major risk of threatening the environment, condition of the soil, human health, and air quality. Proper crop residue management is crucial because it is rich is nutrient contents and could potentially be used to value-added products. Proper crop residue management helps in improvement in soil organic matter, increases the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil which leads to increase the production and productivity. The short planting season following the previous crop's harvest, insufficient agricultural equipment, a manpower shortage, and declining acceptance of crop residue as feed are just a few of the major causes of residue burning. This major goal of this study is to pinpoint the primary causes of this illicit activity, damaging effect of crop residue burning on the environment, and the appropriate handling of agricultural leftover for animal feed. In addition, the septs plan to keep agricultural residue on the farm by using both conventional and reduced tillage techniques, turning it into biofuels like biochar and bio-oil, mulching, composting, and briquette production. Moreover, Indian government has taken several efforts to address this issue, including programs and laws that support sustainable management practices like shifting agricultural waste into energy, providing 50-80 % subsidies under various policies and schemes to purchase crop residue management machineries. The crop residues machinery used for retention of crop residue into soil is one easy and simple method for crop residue management. This paper includes history of crop residue management, crop residue management techniques, various conversion technologies to generate energy from crop residue, generation of biogas, compost and production of briquette and biodiesels and several households uses. Moreover, different machines which help to manage the crop residues retained in soils in agricultural field used after harvest and way forward are also discussed.

• Keywords
• Biofuel, Briquetting, Composting, Crop residue, Management, Mulching,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Nitrogen deficiency in low organic matter soils significantly reduces crop yield and plant health. The effects of foliar applications of indole acetic acid (IAA), trehalose (TA), and nanoparticles-coated urea (NPCU) on the growth and physiological attributes of tomatoes in nitrogen-deficient soil are not well documented in the literature. This study aims to explore the influence of IAA, TA, and NPCU on tomato plants in nitrogen-deficient soil. Treatments included control, 2mM IAA, 0.1% TA, and 2mM IAA + 0.1% TA, applied with and without NPCU. Results showed that 2mM IAA + 0.1% TA with NPCU significantly improved shoot length (~ 30%), root length (~ 63%), plant fresh (~ 48%) and dry weight (~ 48%), number of leaves (~ 38%), and leaf area (~ 58%) compared to control (NPCU only). Additionally, significant improvements in chlorophyll content, total protein, and total soluble sugar, along with a decrease in antioxidant activity (POD, SOD, CAT, and APX), validated the effectiveness of 2mM IAA + 0.1% TA with NPCU. The combined application of 2mM IAA + 0.1% TA with NPCU can be recommended as an effective strategy to enhance tomato growth and yield in nitrogen-deficient soils. This approach can be integrated into current agricultural practices to improve crop resilience and productivity, especially in regions with poor soil fertility. To confirm the efficacy of 2mM IAA + 0.1% TA with NPCU in various crops and climatic conditions, additional field studies are required.

• Keywords
• Antioxidant activity, Growth attributes, Indole acetic acid, Nanoparticles, Tomato, Trehalose,
• MeSH
• Nitrogen * metabolism   MeSH
• Plant Roots growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Indoleacetic Acids * pharmacology   metabolism   MeSH
• Plant Leaves growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Urea * MeSH
• Nanoparticles chemistry   MeSH
• Zinc Oxide * chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Fertilizers MeSH
• Soil * chemistry   MeSH
• Solanum lycopersicum * growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Trehalose * pharmacology   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Nitrogen * MeSH
• indoleacetic acid MeSH Browser
• Indoleacetic Acids * MeSH
• Urea * MeSH
• Zinc Oxide * MeSH
• Fertilizers MeSH
• Soil * MeSH
• Trehalose * MeSH

Salinity stress adversely affects plant growth by disrupting water uptake, inducing ion toxicity, initiating osmotic stress, impairing growth, leaf scorching, and reducing crop yield. To mitigate this issue, the application of kaempferol (KP), caffeic acid (CA), and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) emerges as a promising technology. Kaempferol, a flavonoid, protects plants from oxidative stress, while caffeic acid, a plant-derived compound, promotes growth by regulating physiological processes. PGPR enhances plant health and productivity through growth promotion, nutrient uptake, and stress mitigation, providing a sustainable solution. However, combining these compounds against drought requires further scientific justification. That's why the current study was conducted using 4 treatments, i.e., 0, 20 µM KP, 30 μM CA, and 20 µM KP + 30 μM CA without and with PGPR (Bacillus altitudinis). There were 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results showed that 20 µM KP + 30 μM CA with PGPR caused significant enhancement in potato stem length (14.32%), shoot root, and leaf dry weight (16.52%, 11.04%, 67.23%), than the control. The enrichment in potato chlorophyll a, b, and total (31.86%, 46.05%, and 35.52%) was observed over the control, validating the potential of 20 µM KP + 30 μM CA + PGPR. Enhancement in shoot N, P, K, and Ca concentration validated the effective functioning of 20 µM KP + 30 μM CA with PGPR evaluated to control. In conclusion, 20 µM KP + 30 μM CA with PGPR is the recommended amendment to alleviate salinity stress in potatoes.

• Keywords
• Antioxidant, Caffeic acid, Flavonoid, Growth attributes, Salinity stress,
• MeSH
• Chlorophyll metabolism   MeSH
• Kaempferols * MeSH
• Plant Roots growth & development   drug effects   MeSH
• Caffeic Acids * MeSH
• Plant Leaves growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Solanum tuberosum * growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Salt Stress * drug effects   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• caffeic acid MeSH Browser
• Chlorophyll MeSH
• kaempferol MeSH Browser
• Kaempferols * MeSH
• Caffeic Acids * MeSH

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a significant food crop cultivated around the world. Caffeic acid (CA) can enhance plant growth by promoting antioxidant activity and stimulating root development, contributing to overall plant health and vigor. Cobalt sulfate (CoSO4) boosts plant growth by promoting nitrogen (N) fixation, healthier root development, and chlorophyll synthesis, enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health. Nanoparticle-coated urea (NPCU) improves nutrient uptake, promoting plant growth efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the effects of combining CA, CoSO4, and NPCU as amendments on potatoes with and without NPCU. Four treatments, control, 20 μM CA, 0.15 mg/L CoSO4, and 20 μM CA + 0.15 mg/L CoSO4 with and without NPCU, were applied in four replications using a completely randomized design. Results demonstrate that the combination of CA + CoSO4 with NPCU led to an increase in potato stem length (~ 6%), shoot dry weight (~ 15%), root dry weight (~ 9%), and leaf dry weight (~ 49%) compared to the control in nutrient stress. There was a significant rise in chlorophyll a (~ 27%), chlorophyll b (~ 37%), and total chlorophyll (~ 28%) over the control under nutrient stress also showed the potential of CA + CoSO4 with NPCU. In conclusion, the findings suggest that applying CA + CoSO4 with NPCU is a strategy for alleviating potato nutrient stress.

• Keywords
• Solanum tuberosum L., Chlorophyll content, Growth attributes, N-fertilizer,
• MeSH
• Chlorophyll metabolism   MeSH
• Photosynthesis drug effects   MeSH
• Cobalt pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Plant Roots drug effects   growth & development   MeSH
• Caffeic Acids * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Plant Leaves drug effects   MeSH
• Urea * pharmacology   MeSH
• Nanoparticles * chemistry   MeSH
• Solanum tuberosum * drug effects   growth & development   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• caffeic acid MeSH Browser
• Chlorophyll MeSH
• Cobalt MeSH
• Caffeic Acids * MeSH
• Urea * MeSH

The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and application methods on cotton crop output during the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015. Phosphorus was applied in four rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1 P2O5) using broadcast, band application, and fertigation methods. Results indicated that the impact of P rates was statistically significant on plant height, the number of nodes, monopodial and sympodial branches, leaf area index, harvest index, and seed cotton yield. The greater P application (120 kg P2O5 ha-1) had a better effect on cotton productivity than the lower application rates (0, 40, and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1). The band application responded better on nodes plant-1, sympodial branches plant-1, boll weight, leaf area index, lint yield, and harvest during the growing season 2015. Therefore, by adopting the band application coupled with 120 kg P2O5 ha-1 rather than the conventional method of broadcast, productivity of cotton crops could be increased.

• Keywords
• Band application, Fertigation, Harvest index, Leaf area index, Seed cotton yield,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Drought stress can have negative impacts on crop productivity. It triggers the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which causes oxidative stress. Limited water and nutrient uptake under drought stress also decreases plant growth. Using cobalt and fulvic acid with biochar in such scenarios can effectively promote plant growth. Cobalt (Co) is a component of various enzymes and co-enzymes. It can increase the concentration of flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) and proline. Fulvic acid (FA), a constituent of soil organic matter, increases the accessibility of nutrients to plants. Biochar (BC) can enhance soil moisture retention, nutrient uptake, and plant productivity during drought stress. That's why the current study explored the influence of Co, FA and BC on chili plants under drought stress. This study involved 8 treatments, i.e., control, 4 g/L fulvic acid (4FA), 20 mg/L cobalt sulfate (20CoSO4), 4FA + 20CoSO4, 0.50%MFWBC (0.50 MFWBC), 4FA + 0.50MFWBC, 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC, 4FA + 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC. Results showed that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC caused an increase in chili plant height (23.29%), plant dry weight (28.85%), fruit length (20.17%), fruit girth (21.41%) and fruit yield (25.13%) compared to control. The effectiveness of 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC was also confirmed by a significant increase in total chlorophyll contents, as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in leaves over control. In conclusion4g/L, FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC can potentially improve the growth of chili cultivated in drought stress. It is suggested that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC be used to alleviate drought stress in chili plants.

• Keywords
• Activated carbon, Antioxidants, Chlorophyll content, Growth attributes, Nutrients concentration, Organic amendment, Osmotic stress,
• MeSH
• Benzopyrans * MeSH
• Capsicum * growth & development   metabolism   physiology   MeSH
• Charcoal * MeSH
• Stress, Physiological MeSH
• Cobalt * metabolism   analysis   MeSH
• Mangifera * growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Droughts * MeSH
• Fruit metabolism   growth & development   MeSH
• Soil chemistry   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Benzopyrans * MeSH
• biochar MeSH Browser
• Charcoal * MeSH
• fulvic acid MeSH Browser
• Cobalt * MeSH
• Soil MeSH

Salinity stress significantly hinders plant growth by disrupting osmotic balance and inhibiting nutrient uptake, leading to reduced biomass and stunted development. Using saponin (SAP) and boron (B) can effectively overcome this issue. Boron decreases salinity stress by stabilizing cell walls and membranes, regulating ion balance, activating antioxidant enzymes, and enhancing water uptake. SAP are bioactive compounds that have the potential to alleviate salinity stress by improving nutrient uptake, modulating plant hormone levels, promoting root growth, and stimulating antioxidant activity. That's why the current study was planned to use a combination of SAP and boron as amendments to mitigate salinity stress in sweet potatoes. Four levels of SAP (0%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.20%) and B (control, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L B) were applied in 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results illustrated that 0.15% SAP with 20 mg/L B caused significant enhancement in sweet potato vine length (13.12%), vine weight (12.86%), root weight (8.31%), over control under salinity stress. A significant improvement in sweet potato chlorophyll a (9.84%), chlorophyll b (20.20%), total chlorophyll (13.94%), photosynthetic rate (17.69%), transpiration rate (16.03%), and stomatal conductance (17.59%) contrast to control under salinity stress prove the effectiveness of 0.15% SAP + 20 mg/L B treatment. In conclusion, 0.15% SAP + 20 mg/L B is recommended to mitigate salinity stress in sweet potatoes.

• Keywords
• Antioxidant activity, Boron, Chlorophyll content, Photosynthetic rate, Saponin, Sweet potato,
• MeSH
• Boron * pharmacology   MeSH
• Chlorophyll metabolism   MeSH
• Photosynthesis drug effects   MeSH
• Ipomoea batatas * growth & development   MeSH
• Plant Roots growth & development   drug effects   MeSH
• Salinity MeSH
• Saponins * pharmacology   MeSH
• Salt Stress * drug effects   MeSH
• Drug Synergism MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Boron * MeSH
• Chlorophyll MeSH
• Saponins * MeSH

Salinity stress significantly impacts crops, disrupting their water balance and nutrient uptake, reducing growth, yield, and overall plant health. High salinity in soil can adversely affect plants by disrupting their water balance. Excessive salt levels can lead to dehydration, hinder nutrient absorption, and damage plant cells, ultimately impairing growth and reducing crop yields. Gallic acid (GA) and zinc ferrite (ZnFNP) can effectively overcome this problem. GA can promote root growth, boost photosynthesis, and help plants absorb nutrients efficiently. However, their combined application as an amendment against drought still needs scientific justification. Zinc ferrite nanoparticles possess many beneficial properties for soil remediation and medical applications. That's why the current study used a combination of GA and ZnFNP as amendments to wheat. There were 4 treatments, i.e., 0, 10 µM GA, 15 μM GA, and 20 µM GA, without and with 5 μM ZnFNP applied in 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results exhibited that 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP caused significant improvement in wheat shoot length (28.62%), shoot fresh weight (16.52%), shoot dry weight (11.38%), root length (3.64%), root fresh weight (14.72%), and root dry weight (9.71%) in contrast to the control. Significant enrichment in wheat chlorophyll a (19.76%), chlorophyll b (25.16%), total chlorophyll (21.35%), photosynthetic rate (12.72%), transpiration rate (10.09%), and stomatal conductance (15.25%) over the control validate the potential of 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP. Furthermore, improvement in N, P, and K concentration in grain and shoot verified the effective functioning of 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP compared to control. In conclusion, 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP can potentially improve the growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange attributes of wheat cultivated in salinity stress. More investigations are suggested to declare 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP as the best amendment for alleviating salinity stress in different cereal crops.

• Keywords
• Antioxidant, Chlorophyll content, Gallic acid, Growth attributes, Zinc ferrite nanoparticles,
• MeSH
• Chlorophyll metabolism   MeSH
• Photosynthesis drug effects   MeSH
• Plant Roots growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Gallic Acid * metabolism   MeSH
• Nanoparticles chemistry   MeSH
• Triticum * growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Soil chemistry   MeSH
• Salinity MeSH
• Salt Stress * MeSH
• Ferric Compounds * MeSH
• Zinc metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Chlorophyll MeSH
• ferrite MeSH Browser
• Gallic Acid * MeSH
• Soil MeSH
• Ferric Compounds * MeSH
• Zinc MeSH

Nickel (Ni) is a heavy metal that adversely affects the growth of different crops by inducing oxidative stress and nutrient imbalance. The role of rhizobacteria (RB) is vital to resolve this issue. They can promote root growth and facilitate the uptake of water and nutrients, resulting in better crop growth. On the other hand, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can maintain the osmotic balance and scavenge the reactive oxygen species under stress conditions. However, the combined effect of GABA and RB has not been thoroughly explored to alleviate Ni toxicity, especially in fenugreek plants. Therefore, in the current pot study, four treatments, i.e., control, A. fabrum (RB), 0.40 mM GABA, and 0.40 mM GABA + RB, were applied under 0Ni and 80 mg Ni/kg soil (80Ni) stress. Results showed that RB + 0.40 mM GABA caused significant improvements in shoot length (~ 13%), shoot fresh weight (~ 47%), shoot dry weight (~ 47%), root length (~ 13%), root fresh weight (~ 60%), and root dry weight (~ 15%) over control under 80 Ni toxicity. A significant enhancement in total chlorophyll (~ 14%), photosynthetic rate (~ 17%), stomatal CO2 concentration (~ 19%), leaves and roots N (~ 10 and ~ 37%), P (~ 18 and ~ 7%) and K (~ 11 and ~ 30%) concentrations, while a decrease in Ni (~ 83 and ~ 49%) concentration also confirmed the effectiveness of RB + 0.40 mM GABA than control under 80Ni. In conclusion, fabrum + 0.40 mM GABA can potentially alleviate the Ni toxicity in fenugreek plants. The implications of these findings extend to agricultural practices, environmental remediation efforts, nutritional security, and ecological impact. Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, assess long-term effects, and determine the practical feasibility of using A. fabrum + 0.40GABA to improve growth in different crops under Ni toxicity.

• Keywords
• Chlorophyll contents, Fenugreek, Gas exchange attributes, Nickel, Rhizobacteria, γ-Aminobutyric acid,
• MeSH
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid * metabolism   MeSH
• Plant Roots drug effects   growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Soil Pollutants toxicity   MeSH
• Nickel * toxicity   MeSH
• Trigonella * MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Salinity stress is a significant challenge in agricultural production. When soil contains high salts, it can adversely affect plant growth and productivity due to the high concentration of soluble salts in the soil water. To overcome this issue, foliar applications of methyl jasmonate (MJ) and gibberellic acid (GA3) can be productive amendments. Both can potentially improve the plant's growth attributes and flowering, which are imperative in improving growth and yield. However, limited literature is available on their combined use in canola to mitigate salinity stress. That's why the current study investigates the impact of different levels of MJ (at concentrations of 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mM MJ) and GA3 (0GA3 and 5 mg/L GA3) on canola cultivated in salt-affected soils. Applying all the treatments in four replicates. Results indicate that the application of 0.8 mM MJ with 5 mg/L GA3 significantly enhances shoot length (23.29%), shoot dry weight (24.77%), number of leaves per plant (24.93%), number of flowering branches (26.11%), chlorophyll a (31.44%), chlorophyll b (20.28%) and total chlorophyll (27.66%) and shoot total soluble carbohydrates (22.53%) over control. Treatment with 0.8 mM MJ and 5 mg/L GA3 resulted in a decrease in shoot proline (48.17%), MDA (81.41%), SOD (50.59%), POD (14.81%) while increase in N (10.38%), P (15.22%), and K (8.05%) compared to control in canola under salinity stress. In conclusion, 0.8 mM MJ + 5 mg/L GA3 can improve canola growth under salinity stress. More investigations are recommended at the field level to declare 0.8 mM MJ + 5 mg/L GA3 as the best amendment for alleviating salinity stress in different crops.

• Keywords
• Antioxidants, Growth attributes, Growth hormones, Nutrients concentration, Salinity stress,
• MeSH
• Acetates * pharmacology   MeSH
• Antioxidants * metabolism   MeSH
• Brassica napus * growth & development   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Chlorophyll metabolism   MeSH
• Cyclopentanes * pharmacology   MeSH
• Gibberellins * metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Plant Leaves drug effects   growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Oxylipins * pharmacology   MeSH
• Soil * chemistry   MeSH
• Plant Growth Regulators * pharmacology   metabolism   MeSH
• Salt Stress drug effects   MeSH
• Nutrients metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Acetates * MeSH
• Antioxidants * MeSH
• Chlorophyll MeSH
• Cyclopentanes * MeSH
• gibberellic acid MeSH Browser
• Gibberellins * MeSH
• methyl jasmonate MeSH Browser
• Oxylipins * MeSH
• Soil * MeSH
• Plant Growth Regulators * MeSH