Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Tillage, No-till, and Climate-smart Farming: A Critical Review of Long-term Sustainability Outcomes

Suraj Jadhav — 2026-05-25

Tillage management lies at the heart of debates about sustainable agriculture, soil health, and climate change mitigation. As global interest in conservation agriculture and climate-smart farming intensifies, a rigorous reassessment of the long-term sustainability outcomes of tillage and no-till systems has become essential. This article presents a critical narrative review of the peer-reviewed literature on the agronomic, environmental, and socioeconomic dimensions of conventional tillage, no-till, and conservation agriculture, considered within the emerging framework of climate-smart agriculture. The evidence reveals a nuanced picture: no-till management offers meaningful benefits for soil physical properties, aggregate stability, water conservation, and reduced fuel emissions, but its role as a net greenhouse gas mitigation strategy is more limited and context-dependent than commonly assumed. While no-till often concentrates soil organic carbon in surface horizons, evidence for consistent deep-profile gains remains contested. Nitrous oxide emissions show mixed patterns that are strongly influenced by climate, soil drainage, and duration of practice. Crop yield responses to no-till vary considerably by crop type, aridity, and companion management practices; the integration of cover cropping and diverse crop rotations substantially enhances performance. Adoption barriers remain considerable among resource-poor smallholder farmers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where promised productivity gains have frequently fallen short of expectations. Climate-smart agriculture provides a useful policy lens for aligning tillage decisions with adaptation, mitigation, and food security objectives, but its implementation requires site-specific targeting rather than prescriptive adoption. This review calls for integrated, context-sensitive tillage strategies underpinned by long-term experimental evidence, robust life-cycle accounting, and participatory approaches that respect the constraints of diverse farming communities.

Emphasis on the Sustainable Approach to Nanotechnology in Agriculture Applications: A Review

Deen Dayal Bairwa — 2026-06-02

The continuously increase of the world's population and food demand has put tremendous pressure on agricultural systems to improve productivity while being environmentally sustainable. Conventional agricultural practices that depend mostly on chemical fertilizers and pesticides have resulted in soil deterioration, water pollution and decreased biodiversity. Nanotechnology has emerged as a game-changing way to address these issues through precision agriculture, enhanced nutrition delivery and reduced environmental impact. This review focuses on sustainable approaches to nanotechnology in agriculture, such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanosensors and nano-enabled soil management. The nanomaterials are biocompatible, nontoxic, photostable and have high potential future prospective applications of nano-derived agricultural waste materials. Green sustainable approaches, nanotechnology techniques are concerned, namely green synthesis, controlled release systems and eco-friendly formulations. Due to positive expectations, there are still more hurdles to overcome such as toxicity, allowed structures, and feasibility. The potential of nanotechnology to improve endurable agriculture is huge and these research benefits from that, as long as it is used responsibly, with proper risk assessment and regulatory guidelines.

Valorisation of Passion Fruit Rind for the Development of Eco-Friendly Edible Coatings

Sachna Shah — 2026-06-04

Valorising agro-industrial by-products is an essential strategy for promoting sustainability and addressing waste management challenges. Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa), predominantly grown for its pulp, produces significant residual biomass in the form of pomace and peels. These by-products, rich in compounds such as dietary fibre, pectin, and polyphenols, offer diverse functional properties suitable for various innovative applications. This review explores the potential of passion fruit residues, focusing on their use in biodegradable edible coatings. Edible coatings derived from passion fruit waste present a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic packaging. The high pectin and fibre content in these residues enables the development of edible films and coatings with excellent mechanical properties and preservation capabilities, thereby enhancing the shelf life of food and reducing dependency on plastic materials. This approach not only minimises waste but also meets the growing demand for sustainable and health-oriented food options. By converting fruit processing waste into value-added edible coatings, this strategy aligns with circular economy principles and supports the reduction of plastic dependency in food packaging. While the functional benefits are promising, further research is needed to optimise extraction methods, improve coating formulations, and assess consumer acceptance for large-scale applications. This review underscores the potential of passion fruit by-products as sustainable materials for edible coating development, contributing to waste valorisation and environmentally conscious food preservation strategies.

Pre-sowing Seed Treatments in Acacia catechu Willd.: A Critical Review of Their Biological Basis, Comparative Efficacy and Practical Implications for Forest Nursery Management

Kritika Navrang — 2026-06-10

Acacia catechu Willd. is an ecologically and economically significant deciduous tree of South Asian origin, prized for its heartwood-derived catechin, medicinal properties, tanning compounds, timber, and contribution to agroforestry systems across South and Southeast Asia. Reproduction through seed is the principal method of propagation for large-scale nursery and reforestation programmes, yet germination capacity in this species is severely constrained by physical dormancy arising from an impermeable seed coat that prevents water uptake under ambient conditions. This review critically examines the spectrum of pre-sowing treatments investigated to overcome seed dormancy in A. catechu, including mechanical scarification, hot water immersion, dry heat application, sulphuric acid scarification, alternative chemical treatments, hormonal and growth-regulator applications, biological treatments, and combined methodologies. The literature for this review was identified through systematic searches of multiple electronic bibliographic databases encompassing both major interdisciplinary platforms and field-specific resources. Databases searched included Web of Science (Core Collection), Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, CAB Abstracts, AGRIS (the FAO international agricultural and food science database), TREESEARCH (the United States Forest Service research archive), BioOne, and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Seed Science and Technology database. The biological mechanisms underpinning each approach are discussed in relation to the anatomy of the A. catechu seed coat, and the relative efficacy of each category is assessed against published germination data. The review situates A. catechu germination research within the wider context of leguminous seed biology, revealing methodological inconsistencies, knowledge gaps, and practical recommendations for nursery practitioners. The evidence indicates that concentrated sulphuric acid scarification and optimised hot water treatments produce the most consistently high germination percentages, while mechanical scarification represents an accessible and effective alternative for resource-limited nurseries. Hormonal treatments, particularly gibberellic acid, demonstrate a supplementary rather than primary role. Standardised comparative trials employing agreed germination metrics remain necessary before universal protocols can be prescribed.

From Medicine to Ecology: A Comprehensive Review of Marigold (Tagetes spp.) as a Multipurpose Crop

Shailesh Acharya — 2026-06-10

Marigold (Tagetes spp., family Asteraceae) is a genus of flowering plants whose documented applications span pharmacology, sustainable agriculture, industrial chemistry, and landscape ecology. Originating from Mesoamerica, the genus encompasses approximately 50–56 species, of which Tagetes erecta L. (African marigold) and Tagetes patula L. (French marigold) are the most widely cultivated and scientifically investigated. This review synthesises current evidence on the phytochemical composition of Tagetes spp.—encompassing carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenoid essential oils, and thiophene derivatives—and critically evaluates the mechanistic basis of their pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and anticancer properties. The agricultural significance of Tagetes is examined in relation to nematode management, allelopathy, integrated pest management, and soil biological health. The ecological contributions of the genus, from pollinator support to phytoremediation, are assessed alongside the considerable industrial and commercial value of Tagetes-derived carotenoids in poultry nutrition, food science, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Four summary tables consolidate key findings on phytochemistry, pharmacology, agricultural applications, and industrial uses. The review identifies persistent gaps in the evidence base, notably the paucity of clinical data for medicinal applications, the limited mechanistic characterisation of soil microbiome interactions, and the absence of standardised protocols for extract preparation and quality control. The accumulated evidence firmly establishes Tagetes as a genuinely multipurpose genus, and suggests that its strategic integration into sustainable food and health systems warrants substantially greater scientific and policy attention.

Soil Fertility Assessment Based on Primary, Secondary and Micronutrient Status under Different Land Use Systems in Arid Western Rajasthan, India

Kishan Kumar — 2026-05-27

Assessment of soil fertility status under different land use systems is essential for sustainable nutrient management, particularly in arid regions where soils are inherently poor in organic matter and nutrient holding capacity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the status of primary, secondary and micronutrients in soils under irrigated cropland, rainfed cropland and pasture land of Balesar block of Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India. A total of sixty surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected and analysed for available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese, copper and zinc using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that available nitrogen ranged from 50 to 150 kg ha⁻¹ and all soils were low in nitrogen irrespective of land use system. Available phosphorus was mostly in the low to medium category, whereas potassium was generally medium in all soils. Secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium were found to be sufficient in all land use systems, while sulphur ranged from medium to high. Among micronutrients, iron and manganese were mostly in the medium category, copper was sufficient in most samples, whereas zinc deficiency was observed in many soils, especially under rainfed and pasture land. Irrigated cropland showed comparatively higher nutrient status due to regular fertiliser application and organic inputs, whereas rainfed soils showed lower nutrient availability. The study revealed that the land use system significantly influences soil nutrient status and can be effectively used for fertility evaluation in arid soils.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur on Yield, Quality and Economics of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Anjali Bhardwaj — 2026-05-28

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is an essential oilseed crop, which is widely cultivated for edible oil, rich in essential fatty acids. A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of S.D.J. Post Graduate College, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh, affiliated with Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur (U.P.), during the Rabi (winter) seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and sulphur on yield, quality and economics of Indian mustard. The experiment covered four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha^-1) and four sulphur levels (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg ha^-1) tested in a Randomised Block Design and replicated thrice. The result revealed that the seed yield (23.11and 23.15 q ha^-1), stover yield (78.79 and 79.2 q ha^-1), harvest index (22.66 and 23.57%) and quality attributes, viz., oil content (39.88 and 41.47%), Iodine value (106.8 and 111.07), were recorded at 120 kg N ha^-1. In case of sulphur application, the maximum seed yield (21.34 and 21.49 q ha^-1), stover yield (73.5and 73.47 kg ha^-1), harvest index (22.64 and 23.55%), and quality attributes like oil content (40.7 and 42.33%), Iodine value (105.85 and 110.08) were recorded at 45kg S ha^-1. The combination of 120 kg N with 45 kg S ha^-1proved to be the most effective, leading to increased net return and a higher B: C ratio (2.85 and 3) compared to other nitrogen and sulphur levels in both years (2020-21 and 2021-22). It concluded that 120 kg N with 45kg S ha^-1 is possible to produce more yield, better quality and cost-effective in mustard crops under the agro-climatic conditions of Eastern U.P.

Efficacy of Different Fungicide Including Bio-fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani Causing Black Scurf Disease of Potato under Field Condition

Shyam Lal — 2026-06-09

Black scurf of potato caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is a major soil-borne disease responsible for significant yield and quality losses in potato-growing regions. Field experiments were conducted during 2024–25 and 2025–26 at SIF, C.S.A.U. & T., Kanpur, to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicides and biofungicides against black scurf disease under field conditions. A total 17 treatments comprising tuber treatment and soil drenching with biofungicides (Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis) and fungicides (penflufen, pencycuron, carbendazim + mancozeb, and thiram) were tested in a randomized block design with three replications using infected seed tubers of cv. Kufri Chipsona-1. The results from both years revealed that all treatments significantly improved germination, plant growth, and yield while reducing disease incidence, severity, and black scurf disease index (BSDI) compared to untreated control. Among all treatments, tuber treatment with pencycuron 22.9 SC @ 0.25% proved most effective, recording the highest germination (up to 93.66%), maximum plant height (up to 59.74 cm), lowest disease incidence (7.83%), severity (3.46%), and BSDI (0.36%), along with the highest tuber yield (326.73 q/ha). This was closely followed by penflufen 240 FS @ 0.083% and Trichoderma harzianum treatments. Whereas, biofungicides were moderately effective, with T. harzianum performing better than other bioagents. In contrast, the untreated control recorded the highest disease incidence (up to 41.63%) and lowest yield (248.33 q/ha). Overall, the study demonstrates that tuber treatment with pencycuron, followed by penflufen and T. harzianum, is highly effective for managing black scurf disease of potato under field conditions. Integration of chemical fungicides with biofungicides can be a promising strategy for sustainable disease management.

Comparative Effect of Organic (Cow Dung and Poultry Manure) and Inorganic Fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) on Growth Response and Physiological Performance of Solanum lycoperscum (Tomato)

Onyekachukwu M. Adinkwu — 2026-06-09

Background & Aim: Fertilization strategies are carried out to influence the growth and physiological quality of plants. However, the increasing need for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices, has brought about an increase in the use of organic manure. This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of organic (cow dung, and poultry manure) and inorganic (NPK 20:10:10) fertilizer on growth response and physiological performance of Solanum lycoperscum (Tomato).

Study Design: The seeds of tomato variety Cobra 26 were used for this study. Three weeks old tomato seedlings were transplanted into 4 groups of transplanting bags. Control group containing only topsoil; NPK group containing 5g of NPK 20:10:10 + 10kg topsoil; Poultry droppings group containing 250g of poultry droppings + 10kg topsoil and cow dung group containing 250g of cow dung + 10kg topsoil. Morphological and agronomic data was collected weekly for 5 weeks starting from week 2 after transplantation.

Methodology: Tomato growth determined with leaves numbers and plant height. Chlorophyll a and b content was estimated via spectrophotometric methods. The Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to determine total phenol content in plant leaves, stem and root. Biomass was evaluated by taking the total dry weight of plant leaves, fruits, root and stems.

Results: Number of leaves increased significantly with weeks as follows; control (19.33 - 61), cow dung (19.33-62.67), poultry manure (13.67 - 79) and NPK (22.33 - 95). Plant height increased with weeks as follows; Control (8.03 - 20.03), cow dung (7.20-24.90), poultry manure (5.73 - 31.63) and NPK (9.87 - 38.17). An increase in plant biomass was observed with control (18.11g), cow dung (11.20g), poultry manure (25.93g) and NPK (35.74g). Total phenol (mg GAE/g FW) increased in the leaves (control, 44.17; NPK, 51.50; cow dung, 75.02; poultry manure, 92.47) stem (control, 30.47; NPK, 37.61; cow dung, 61.98; poultry manure, 77.75) and root (control, 20.18; NPK, 25.84; cow dung, 46.19; poultry manure, 63.70). An increase was observed in chlorophyll a (mg/g^-1) (control, 19.38; NPK, 25.62; cow dung, 31.89; poultry manure, 41.55) and b (control, 4.42; NPK, 7.58; cow dung, 10.74; poultry manure, 13.58).

Conclusion: Inorganic NPK treatments are highly effective at promoting rapid vegetative expansion and biomass accumulation while organic manure, notably poultry manure, provide superior benefits regarding biochemical composition, including elevated total phenol and chlorophyll levels.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Germination, Growth and Seed Yield of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Sonal Verma — 2026-06-10

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), an important spice crop, often suffers from poor and uneven germination due to hard seed coats and physiological dormancy, leading to reduced crop establishment and yield. Plant growth regulators such as GA₃ and NAA can improve germination, growth, and productivity, with previous studies showing significant enhancements in plant growth, flowering, and seed yield in coriander. A field investigation was conducted during the rabi season of 2024-25 at the College of Horticulture and Research Station, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, to evaluate the influence of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the germination and growth of coriander. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. Treatments included varying concentrations of Gibberellic Acid (GA₃), Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), and Thiourea. Results revealed that seed soaking with GA₃ @ 150 ppm (T₃) was the most effective treatment, recording the minimum days taken to seed germination (3.5 days), highest germination percentage (83.67%), and maximum seed yield (16.3 q ha⁻¹). NAA @ 150 ppm was found to be the next best alternative, while the control group showed the poorest performance across all parameters.

Influence of Seed Priming with Seaweed-based Biostimulant on Growth and Yield of Maize under Water Stress Conditions in West Bengal, India

Hazika Shabir — 2026-06-15

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s most important cereal crops, but its productivity is frequently limited by water stress. Seed priming with biostimulants has proven to be an effective technique for increasing seed vigour, germination, and crop establishment in adverse environmental conditions. The study was conducted during the pre-kharif season of 2024 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal, to evaluate the effect of seed priming with a seaweed-based biostimulant (Ascophyllum nodosum extract) on growth, physiological parameters, and yield of maize under water stress conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design with seven treatments and six replications of the maize variety Vikram. Before sowing, seeds were treated with varying concentrations of A. nodosum extract and a bio-enzyme (Seedplus). The findings revealed that seed priming had a significant effect on field emergence, chlorophyll content (SPAD value), plant height, root length, cob characteristics, and maize yield attributes. Seed priming with A. nodosum at 1.5 ml kg^-1 seed (T₄) resulted in the highest field emergence (49.67%), SPAD value (37.98), root length (78.42 cm), cob length (25.07 cm), number of seeds per cob (386.67), and seed weight per cob (132.50 g). This treatment produced the highest seed yield (12.22 kg plot^-1 and 10.18 t ha^-1), indicating superior performance under water stress conditions. The seaweed extract contains growth-promoting substances, micronutrients, and phytohormone-like compounds that improve metabolic activity, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, which may explain the increased growth and yield. The study suggests that seed priming with Ascophyllum nodosum extract at 1.5 mL/kg seed is an effective and sustainable strategy to improve maize productivity under water stress conditions. It may be recommended for cultivation in regions with limited water availability.

Optimisation of Fertiliser Requirements for Cotton Grown under Irrigated Alfisols

D. Vijaya Lakshmi — 2026-06-19

Variability in rainfall, nutrient imbalance and soil constraints limit cotton productivity, while irrigation can alter nutrient availability, crop nutrient uptake and yield potential. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 and Kharif 2024 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, India, to evaluate irrigation and fertiliser management in cotton grown on Alfisols. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two irrigation levels, rainfed (I₀) and irrigated (I₁), as main treatments and five fertiliser treatments as sub-treatments: farmers’ practice, recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹, 120% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ with four split applications of urea and 120% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ with five split applications of urea. Data pooled over two years showed that irrigation significantly increased kapas yield (1836 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (3184 kg ha⁻¹) compared with rainfed conditions. Among fertiliser treatments, 120% RDF + 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ with five split applications of urea recorded the highest kapas yield (1940 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (3156 kg ha⁻¹), followed by the four-split treatment with the same nutrient level. Irrigation also produced higher gross returns (Rs. 142,374 ha⁻¹), net returns (Rs. 78,994 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.25) than rainfed cultivation. Among nutrient treatments, the five-split treatment recorded the highest net returns (Rs. 82,186 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.2). The irrigation × fertiliser interaction was non-significant. The results indicate that irrigation, integrated nutrient management and split nitrogen application can improve cotton productivity and profitability in Alfisols under the conditions of this study.

Soil–Nutrient Interactions and Drivers of Nutrient Availability in Semi-Arid Pomegranate Orchards of Western Maharashtra, India

Y. R. Shinde — 2026-06-20

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important fruit crop in India, and Maharashtra’s Solapur district is a leading production region. Proper soil fertility management is essential for maintaining yield, quality, and resilience to environmental challenges.

Aims: The present study aimed to assess variability in soil chemical properties and to examine interrelationships among major nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients in pomegranate-growing soils of Solapur district, Maharashtra, India, to support site-specific nutrient management strategies.

Study Design: A field survey-based analytical study was conducted using descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis to evaluate soil fertility variability and nutrient interactions.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the major pomegranate-growing tahsils of Solapur district, Maharashtra, namely Madha, Pandharpur, Sangola, Malshiras, and Mohol. Surface soil samples were collected from representative orchards during the cropping season.

Methodology: A total of 150 surface soil samples (0–15 cm depth) were collected from pomegranate orchards across the selected five tahsils. Soil samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), macronutrients (N, P, K, and S), secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg, and Na), and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and B) using standard laboratory procedures. Descriptive statistics, including mean, range, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV), were calculated. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships among soil properties and nutrients.

Results: The soils were slightly alkaline, with a mean pH of 8.09 and low variability (CV = 4.12%). Electrical conductivity exhibited high variability (CV = 50.20%), indicating differences in soil salinity across locations. Organic carbon showed a moderate positive correlation with nitrogen (r = 0.39). Available nitrogen varied from 97.80 to 338.45 kg ha⁻¹ (CV = 26.81%), while phosphorus ranged from 7.64 to 30.87 kg ha⁻¹ (CV = 27.07%) and potassium ranged from 162.28 to 660.20 kg ha⁻¹ (CV = 36.26%), occurring predominantly in medium to high fertility classes. Sulphur was high in 87% of samples, ranging from 12.04 to 67.20 mg kg⁻¹ (CV = 39.40%). Iron showed substantial variability (CV = 55.62%). Correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive association between OC and N (r = 0.39), whereas negative correlations involving EC may indicate that increasing salinity affects the availability or mobility of certain nutrients.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated considerable spatial variability in soil fertility parameters across pomegranate-growing regions of Solapur district. Organic carbon had an important role in nutrient availability, while localised salinity variation influenced nutrient distribution. The findings emphasise the need for site-specific nutrient management practices to improve soil health, nutrient use efficiency, and sustainable pomegranate production.