Soil Science and Sustainable Farming: Paving the Way for Food Security

The review titled "Soil Science and Sustainable Farming: Paving the Way for Food Security" explores the critical role of soil science in achieving sustainable agriculture and ensuring global food security. The review focuses on key aspects of soil science that contribute to sustainable farming practices, including soil health assessment, soil management practices, soil conservation strategies, soil amendments and nutrient management, and soil-water interactions. Each subheading delves into specific topics within soil science, highlighting their importance in promoting soil fertility, preventing erosion and land degradation, balancing crop nutrition, and optimizing irrigation and water use efficiency. By understanding and implementing these soil science principles, farmers can adopt sustainable practices that enhance soil productivity, preserve natural resources, and support long-term food security.

Assessing Grain Yield and Achieving Enhanced Quality in Maize by Next Generation Fertilizer: A Review

It explores the potential of advanced fertilizers in improving maize yield and quality while addressing environmental and socioeconomic concerns. Investigating the innovations in fertilizer technologies and their impact on maize cultivation, identifying research gaps and suggesting policy recommendations. The potential of advanced fertilizers for enhancing maize yield and quality while tackling environmental and socioeconomic issues: Advanced fertilizers, marked by enhanced nutrient use efficiency and targeted nutrient delivery, present valuable prospects for sustainable corn farming. This includes progress in fertilizer technologies, combined management strategies, and the effects of these cutting-edge products on corn yield and quality. Additionally, we explore research gaps, areas requiring further study, and policy suggestions to support the adoption of advanced fertilizers in corn production systems. By seizing these opportunities and addressing the related challenges, the global agricultural community can strive for more sustainable, efficient, and productive corn farming practices that contribute to improved food security and nutrition.

Efficacy of Nano Fertilizers on Yield, Attributes and Economics of Wheat

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.

Integrated Management Practices against Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) in India: A Review

Locusts are the most dangerous agricultural pests. They are belonging to family Acrididae. Gregarious locusts travel in swarms from one location to another in adult form. The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal), is one of the grasshopper species that cause crop damage and can fly up to 150 km in the direction of the wind. The present state of knowledge on its biological regulation employing microbes and plant extracts is discussed. Metarhizium flavoviride was among the first fungi to be identified in the laboratory and field as a bio-control agent against desert locust. Following extensive investigation, with integrated pest management stratedies using these bio-controls would be a viable option for controlling desert locust infestations. Against the desert locust, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approaches that emphasize the successful combination of chemical and biological insecticides with prediction and monitoring technology have been encouraged. Recent experimental investigations and researches are mainly focusing on identifying viable answers through financial collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations. The authors highlighted the loss in the agricultural sector due to desert locust infestation, as well as its sophisticated control and management solutions, after evaluating publications from numerous journals, magazines, and symposia.

Water quality aspects of some wells, springs and rivers in parts of the Udhampur District (J & K).

Water samples were collected from wells (9 Nos.), springs (11 Nos.) and rivers/streams (6 Nos.) during pre and post monsoon seasons in the months of June and October 1999, respectively. Various physico-chemical parameters and trace elements (viz., Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Fe, Ni, Cr and Pb) were analysed to evaluate drinking water quality on the basis of BIS and irrigation water quality on the basis of salinity, sodicity, residual sodium carbonate, and concentration of toxic elements. The study showed alkaline nature of surface and ground water. Calcium and magnesium are dominating cations and bicarbonate is major anion in the study area. At some locations the concentration of TDS, Mg, Ca, total hardness, Fe, Mn and Cr exceeded the limits set up for drinking purposes. Water quality evaluation for irrigation purposes on the basis of SAR values indicates excellent category of water.