ABSTRACT
Hydroponics, the science of soilless agriculture, has emerged as a pivotal paradigm in modern cultivation practices, addressing myriad challenges of traditional farming and offering avenues for high-efficiency, sustainable food production. This review delves into the anticipated future directions of hydroponics, capturing its interdisciplinary evolution. Central to this trajectory is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, aiming to augment precision in every facet of hydroponic cultivation, from nutrient balance to disease prediction. Complementing technological advancements is the burgeoning realm of genomics, poised to craft crop varieties intrinsically optimized for hydroponic conditions, promising both enhanced yields and improved nutritional profiles. Sustainability remains an unwavering focus, with innovative methodologies underscoring recycling and resource optimization, ensuring minimal waste and maximal output. The synergistic amalgamation of hydroponics with other agricultural models, notably aquaponics, paints a picture of integrated, multi-tiered ecosystems that not only boost productivity but also bolster ecological resilience. Such integrations herald a future where farming transcends singular methodologies, evolving into harmonized systems that capitalize on the strengths of individual disciplines. In essence, the horizon of hydroponics is not one of mere technical advancement but represents a holistic evolution, seamlessly melding technology, biology, and ecology. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these trajectories, offering insights into the potentialities and promises that the future of hydroponics holds.
ABSTRACT
Insects, integral to Earth's ecosystems, play multifaceted roles that underpin environmental balance and human survival. Spanning roles from pollination to decomposition, these organisms also intersect with socio-economic, cultural, and public health sectors. This review delves into the diverse spheres of insect interactions within ecosystems, from their evolutionary histories to their roles as both predators and prey. The paper sheds light on the intricate predator-prey dynamics, emphasizing insects' roles in pest control and as pivotal food sources for various taxa. The significance of insects in soil ecosystems is elaborated upon, highlighting their contribution to soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. With the looming threats of climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, insects face unprecedented challenges, which in turn can have cascading effects on ecosystems. In the realm of public health, the review underscores the role of insects as disease vectors, necessitating a balanced approach to ecosystem health and disease management. As vectors, they also catalyze the spread of diseases, creating an intricate balance between maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding human health. The review also touches upon the cultural and economic contributions of insects, from traditional medicine to their utilization in contemporary diets, demonstrating their deep-rooted ties with human societies. With burgeoning technological advancements, the research landscape in entomology is undergoing a seismic shift. Embracing tools such as molecular studies, drones, and AI, the field is poised for groundbreaking insights. As the review suggests, the path forward demands an interdisciplinary approach, amalgamating knowledge from varied scientific domains to grasp the complexities of insect behaviors and interactions fully. In conclusion, insects, though diminutive in size, cast a vast shadow on our planet's functioning. Understanding their roles, challenges, and potential can pave the way for sustainable futures, balancing ecological health with human progress.
ABSTRACT
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in sustaining global food security and addressing the challenges of a growing population. However, the efficient use of water and nutrients in agriculture is crucial to mitigate environmental impact while maximizing crop yield. In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques into agricultural practices has gained momentum, offering innovative solutions for optimizing irrigation and nutrient management. This review paper examines the diverse applications of AI in agriculture, focusing on its role in enhancing irrigation scheduling and nutrient management for improved productivity and resource conservation. The paper presents an overview of various AI technologies, such as machine learning, remote sensing, and data analytics, and their contributions to sustainable agricultural practices. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of AI in agriculture, including data quality, model interpretability, and farmer acceptance. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent research and case studies, this review underscores the potential of AI to revolutionize irrigation and nutrient management strategies, ultimately fostering a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.
ABSTRACT
Soil a significant carbon sink, plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. This review underscores the potential of soil amendments for enhancing carbon sequestration, focusing on the intricate relationship between these amendments and soil microbial communities. Soil amendments, ranging from biochar and organic compost to mineral additives, have been identified as viable strategies to boost soil carbon stocks. Concurrently, these amendments influence the diversity, structure, and functional roles of microbial communities, which in turn, are integral to soil carbon dynamics. Tools like 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and isotope tracing techniques have propelled our understanding of microbial responses, shedding light on the complex microbial networks and their roles in carbon cycling. While promising, the application of soil amendments presents challenges. Variability arising from different soil types, climates, and microbial dynamics poses a consistent research challenge. Potential risks like reduced sequestration over time and economic considerations for large-scale application necessitate attention. Future directions hinge on innovations in soil amendment products, harnessing microbial inoculants for synergistic effects, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. This convergence of science, technology, and collaborative research heralds a future where soils are not just seen as substrates but as active, dynamic entities in the fight against climate change.
ABSTRACT
Biofuel production from agricultural residues presents an innovative solution to the global energy challenge. This study delves into the potential of using such residues as a renewable feedstock, addressing the pressing need to transition from conventional fossil fuels. By evaluating various agricultural residues' types and characteristics, a comprehensive assessment of their worldwide availability and potential yield was undertaken. Emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly approaches, the research underscores closed-loop systems, efficient utilization of co-products, and the imperative of a holistic life cycle assessment (LCA) for biofuel production. The LCA revealed a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing water conservation and waste reduction during the process. Despite the evident potential, there are identifiable challenges, primarily technological research gaps, economic constraints, infrastructural limitations, and regulatory hurdles. Yet, the undeniable benefits include a notable reduction in carbon footprint, effective resource management, and a bolstered economy, especially for agrarian communities. Policies promoting sustainable farming practices, incentivizing research and development, and fostering collaborations are recommended. Such a framework can enhance biofuel infrastructure, necessitate regular monitoring, and optimize the biofuel production process. Conclusively, while challenges persist, with cohesive policy recommendations and technological innovations, agricultural residues can pivot as the linchpin in a sustainable energy future.
ABSTRACT
Livestock nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and productivity of animals. Fodder are key component of livestock diets, providing essential nutrients for growth, reproduction, and overall well-being. The application of inorganic nutrients with the combination of organic nutrients leads to improve crop yield with improvement in soil health and its productivity without deteriorating the environmental conditions. This review aims to explore the nutritional landscape of fodder and forage options for livestock, examining their composition, availability, and potential benefits.
ABSTRACT
Nano fertilizers have emerged as a cutting-edge innovation in agricultural practices, poised to redefine nutrient delivery and management at the plant-soil interface. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects and consequences of nano fertilizer application on plant wellness. The inherent properties of nanoparticles allow for enhanced nutrient absorption, precise delivery, and increased bioavailability, potentially revolutionizing traditional fertilization methods. The results, as evidenced by multiple studies, indicate significant improvements in growth parameters, seed production, and overall plant health. Moreover, plants treated with nano fertilizers have shown heightened resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, while the benefits are promising, concerns arise regarding the ecological persistence of nanoparticles, potential bio-magnification, and implications for human health. A comparative analysis with conventional fertilizers revealed nano fertilizers' superior efficiency, but also brought forth economic considerations and environmental footprints. The current regulatory landscape is dynamic, with policies adapting to the rapid advancements of nanotechnology in agriculture. As research continues to bridge existing gaps, technological advancements are concurrently shaping the future prospects of nano fertilizer application. This review underscores the need for a balanced understanding of the potential and challenges, emphasizing collaborative efforts to harness nano fertilizers' full potential while ensuring ecological and human health safety.
ABSTRACT
Agrochemicals, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, are widely used in agriculture to improve crop yields and protect plants from pests and diseases. There is growing concern over their impact on beneficial soil microorganisms and, indirectly, on human health. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the effects of agrochemicals on soil microbial communities and human health, focusing on recent scientific research and case studies. Exploring various agrochemicals can disrupt microbial diversity, population, and functionality, affecting crucial soil processes and, in turn, ecosystem health. We delve into the pathways of human exposure to agrochemicals and the potential health implications. To mitigate the adverse effects of agrochemicals, the review highlights several alternative approaches, including the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides, precision agriculture, and genetically modified crops. Despite these advancements, research gaps persist in understanding the complex interplay between agrochemicals, beneficial microorganisms, and human health, particularly in the changing agricultural practices and climate conditions. We argue that interdisciplinary, long-term studies are needed to fill these gaps and develop sustainable, health-conscious agricultural practices. The review is intended for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners seeking to understand and address the environmental and health impacts of agrochemicals.
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out in the winter (rabi) season to determine effect of Nano and Non-nano nutrient, the study's findings revealed that wheat grown with 100% NPK + nano nutrients (N + P + K + Zn) had significantly higher uptake, namely N (143.1 kg ha-1), P (28.9 kg ha-1), K (109.0 kg ha-1), and Zn (519.5 g ha-1). Applications of nano nutrients—N, P, K, and Zn, and N + P + K + Zn + 75% NPK—worked synergistically and increased content and uptake over 100% NPK. Similarly, the agronomic efficiency (kg of grain kg-1 of nutrient applied) of N (22.4), P (56.0), and K (84.0) was greatest when 75% NPK + nano N + bio nano P, K, and Zn were applied. In a similar manner, physiological efficiency and partial factor productivity were also found to be significantly higher with the same treatment. Thus, the wheat crop grown with the application of Nano-N + 75 and 100 percent NPK led to higher nutrient content, accumulation, and efficiency.
ABSTRACT
The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of foliar application of nano-fertilizers N and P on yield, and the economics of wheat in Semi-arid and sub-tropical region of Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in triplicate following a randomized block design with twelve treatments comprising foliar application semi-different doses of Nano N and P. Foliar application of 1st spray of Nano N and P at 30 days after sowing (DAS) + 2nd spray of Nano N and Zn at 45 DAS along with 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) significantly (P=0.05) increased yield and have better economics. Foliar application of nano-fertilizers leads to significant improvement of crop productivity of wheat in Semi- arid and sub-tropical region of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, the foliar application of nano-fertilizers, i.e., Nano N has direct role in increasing yield as nutrient get easily available to plant in case of foliar spray.
ABSTRACT
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), often known as Bengal gram or Bengal gram, is a self-pollinated leguminous crop with diploid annual (2n = 16 chromosomes) that belongs to the family Leguminosae and sub family Papilinoceae. A lab experiment was conducted on Chickpea for biochemical and Physical characteristics on selected potential genotypes/varieties of chickpea [Cicer arietinum L.] in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replication in pot in year of 2019-20. Seeds of chickpea genotypes/varieties were obtained from pulse Breeder, Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, CSAUAT, Kanpur. In the laboratory of CSA University's Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, Biochemical characteristics: ie. Methionine content, Tryptophan content and Physical characteristics: ie. No. of pod per plant, Yield (g/plant), Grain Yield (q/ha), Maturity period (days) were receded. Overall KGD-2021 Variety was better in terms of Biochemical as well as Physical characteristics of Chickpea followed by KGD-2012.