SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology (journal initial: STJSSA; p-ISSN 1412-3606 e-ISSN 2356-1424) is open access, academic, citation indexed, and peer-reviewed journal published by the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret. It covers original research articles, review, and short communication on diverse topics related to soil science and agricultural climatology (read more ...). We accepting submission from all over the world. All submitted articles shall never be published elsewhere, original and not under consideration for other publication. STJSSA has been accredited by National Journal Accreditation (ARJUNA) Managed by Ministry of Research and Technology/ National Agency for Research and Innovation, the Republic of Indonesia with First Grade (Sinta 1) according to the Decree No. 204/E/KPT/2022 (link). STJSSA has been indexed, abstracted, displayed in SCOPUS, DOAJ, ASEAN Citation Index (ACI), SINTA by Ristek/BRIN of The Republic of Indonesia, GOOGLE Scholar, etc.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License that allows others to Share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and Adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material) the work non-commercially with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Remediation of amoxicillin-contaminated water using zeolite from coal bottom ash
The contamination of antibiotics in water bodies has increased significantly in recent years. Various treatments, including adsorption, have been sought, but most include expensive sorbent material with low efficiency. This research reported an alternative sorbent material; synthetic zeolite derived from coal-burning waste. Coal bottom ash was converted to zeolite via a hydrothermal technique using various concentrations of NaOH and relatively low-temperature conditions. X-ray diffractogram confirms the formation of ZSM-23 when a 1:2 coal-to-zeolite ratio was used at 95°C. The FTIR spectra also highlighted the characteristics of zeolite functional groups, such as the Si−O vibration at 999.56 cm-1 and the Al−O vibration at 799.48 cm-1. The needle-like morphology of ZSM-23 was observed during SEM-EDS analysis. When calculated using BET analysis, the synthetic zeolite also exhibited a high surface area of 433.517 m2 g-1. Upon application in a batch experiment, the maximum adsorption capacity of the zeolite for amoxicillin (AMX) adsorption in aqueous solution was found to be 673.5 mg g-1. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm better than the Freundlich one, with a correlation factor of 0.9328. This suggested the monolayer interaction, possibly between the negatively charged zeolite surface and the NH3+ group from AMX. However, the physical adsorption mechanism with the zeolite surface may also occur due to the high surface area. Considering the low production cost, this zeolite offers high economic value as an alternative sorbent for removing antibiotics in water effluent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Galuh Yuliani http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The culture inoculation method could influence heavy metals levels in soil, plant uptake, and biomass: a meta-analysis
Heavy metals (HMS) contamination in soil is a major issue that significantly impacts plants and human health. Various approaches have been employed to mitigate the effects of heavy metals, including the application of microorganisms (MO). This study aims to analyze the impact of bioinoculation application on HMS content in plants and soil through a meta-analysis approach. Twenty-nine publications reviewed between 2001 and 2023 reported the effects of microorganism applications on HMS content in plants and soil. A systematic review was applied to select relevant studies, and effect sizes (ES) were calculated using Hedges’d to quantify the impact of microbial treatments on heavy metal content. The parameters observed were As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn, and Fe in plants (shoots, roots, fruit, and total plants), soil, and plant biomass. The ES values of Hedges’ microorganisms HMS on soil, plants, and plant biomass were -3.257 (p<0.001), 1.234 (p<0.001), and 2.301 (p<0.001), respectively. The results showed that the greatest reduction in HMS content in the soil was the combined application of fungi and bacteria (ES -5.519; p<0.001), and the highest metal content absorbed by the soil and plants was Cu (ES -13.642; p<0.001) and Pb (2.645; p<0.001), respectively. This study showed that Orychophragmus violaceus had the highest metal absorption rate (ES 15.528, p<0.001) to help clean up heavy metal contamination, especially in agricultural land and industrial areas. This approach can improve soil quality, enhance plant growth, and reduce health risks, which benefits farmers, policymakers, and environmental agencies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Taufiq Bachtiar, Ratih Nurjayati, Ania Citraresmini, Hidawati Hidawati, Veny Rachmawati, Asep Mulyono, Rhazista Noviardi, Wilda Naily, Merri Jayanti, Siti Wahyuningsih, Dyah Marganingrum, Muhammad Rahman Djuwansyah, Mohd Noor Hidayat Adenan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Biosurfactant-enriched organic fertilizer as a sustainable strategy to reduce chemical inputs and improve maize performance on Ultisols
The increasing demand for maize in Indonesia is challenged by suboptimal productivity on acidic Ultisols, despite high doses of inorganic fertilizers being applied. This study aimed to evaluate soil pH dynamics and maize response to liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) enriched with Sapindus rarak biosurfactants as a substitute for chemical fertilizers. A factorial completely randomized design was used with two factors: inorganic fertilizer (NPK + Urea) doses (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended rate) and biosurfactant concentrations (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%). Data were analysed using the F-test at a 5% significance level, with LSD tests applied for significant effects. Results showed that soil pH in maize crops decreased over time but remained slightly acidic. Higher NPK doses generally increased soil pH, especially at 45 days after planting (DAP). Biosurfactant-enriched LOF significantly impacted leaf area index (LAI), relative growth rate (RGR), and shoot-root ratio, particularly at 60 DAP. The highest maize yield, reaching 6.60 tons per hectare, was obtained with a combination of 50% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer and 50 mL L⁻¹ of 0.1% biosurfactant-enriched LOF. This yield is comparable to the normal yield obtained by farmers when applying 100% of the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer. Optimising fertilizer application and planting strategies to effectively manage the shoot-to-root ratio is essential for improving maize productivity and enhancing resource use efficiency. The study highlights the potential to reduce chemical fertilizer use by up to 50%, lowering costs while improving soil pH and root development. It promotes efficient resource use, supports integrated nutrient management using local materials such as Sapindus rarak, and encourages farmer training and sustainable agricultural policies to restore productivity on degraded Ultisols.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khairul Effendi, Jamilah Jamilah, Sunadi Sunadi, Widodo Haryoko, M. Zulman Harja Utama, Nur Qursyna Boll Kassim http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Soil nutrient improvement with organic amendments: a basis for lemon orchard management
Lemon trees require the nutrients they extract from the soil. This research aims to analyze the impact of organic matter application on enhancing soil nutrient availability and improving soil chemical properties using a pot-scale incubation experiment. This study used a completely randomized design with eight treatments and four replications. The pot treatment used 10 kg of air-dry soil per pot mixed with an organic matter dosage of 30 tons ha-1 and was observed at 2, 4, 8 weeks after applications. The treatment consisted of P1 (topsoil, control), P2 (subsoil, control), P3 (topsoil + compost), P4 (subsoil + compost), P5 (topsoil + cow manure), P6 (subsoil + cow manure), P7 (topsoil + goat manure), and P8 (subsoil + goat manure). The results indicated that compost and manure fertilizer had a significant effect in increasing soil chemical properties (pH, organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, total-N, available-P, and exchangeable-K), with topsoil treatment having the highest value compared to the subsoil treatment, almost at all parameters. The topsoil treatment + 30 tons ha⁻¹ cow manure significantly increased the N-total by 44.44% at 8 and 12 WAA on the control treatment. The topsoil treatment + goat manure 30 tons ha-1 significantly increased P-available by 13.63 - 29.74% and exchangeable-K by 40.61 - 62.88% at 4, 8, and 12 WAA against the control treatment. Based on these findings, the best fertilizer method of topsoil treatment + 30 tons ha⁻¹ of manure is recommended to increase the soil fertility of the lemon tree soil.
Copyright (c) 2025 Raushanfikr Bushron, Atiqah Aulia Hanuf, Alfian Tri Yulianto, M. Wasilul Lutfi, Dinda Mahartian Yunita, Retno Suntari, Soemarno Soemarno http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Heavy metal tracing from gold mining soil to vinasse in the downstreaming process of sweet sorghum to bioethanol
Soils in gold mining areas have the potential to contain heavy metals from rock weathering. Such soil was planted with sweet sorghum to increase land productivity in Boto Village, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java during the dry season. The harvested crop was not used for food, but processed into biofuels through fermentation and distillation. Accordingly, the aim of this research was to trace the presence of several heavy metals in vinasse, a by-product of sweet sorghum stem juice fermentation process, from plants grown on soil in a community of gold mining area. Two varieties of sweet sorghum, Samurai 1 and Samurai 2, were cultivated on this soil. Then, they were harvested and the sorghum stem extract was fermented to produce ethanol. Distillation process was carried out on the fermented juice to increase the ethanol concentration, leaving behind vinasse. Chemical analysis was carried out on the chemical properties of the soil (pH, CEC, Organic-C, total-N, available-K, and potential-P), and content of the heavy metals of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cu in the soil, juice, and vinasse. The soil exhibits a neutral reaction, low salinity, organic-C, total-N, available P and CEC. The levels of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cu in soil are 7.8%, 0.1%, 76.00 ppm, 23.81 ppm. In the juice, these concentrations were 9.66, 21.14, 1.49, 1.64 in ppm. In the vinasse, they were 5.29, 28.15, 1.05, 0.73 ppm, respectively. These results indicate that heavy metals in soils could be absorbed by sorghum crops and they were absorbed in the stems of Samurai 1 and 2 sweet sorghum varieties, extracted into the juice, and partially remained in the vinasse.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Nurcholis http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of different application ratios of biochar-organic compound fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on soil nutrition content and yield of maize
Overuse of traditional chemical fertilizers may result in environmental pollution and a decrease in the quality of farm produce. By contrast, applying biochar-organic compound fertilizers can enhance soil structure, increase soil fertility, and mitigate pollution levels. This study explores the intricate mechanisms of the combined application of biochar-organic compound fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on soil chemical properties and corn growth. The aim is to elucidate the theoretical foundations supporting the widespread adoption of biochar-organic compound fertilizers. A total of 6 treatments were set up, among which the CK treatment did not apply fertilizer, the CF treatment used bovine excrement organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer, the T1 to T4 treatments used biochar-organic compound fertilizers and replaced 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% bovine excrement organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer. The results showed that applying biochar-organic compound fertilizers enhanced the slow-release properties of soil available nutrients, increased corn yield, and improved grain quality. Notably, when biochar-organic compound fertilizers were employed instead of 100% bovine excrement organic fertilizer, the yield surpassed that of other treatments, exhibiting a remarkable 9.30% increase compared to the CF treatment. Through comprehensive analysis, it was determined that using biochar-organic compound fertilizer to replace 60% of bovine excrement organic fertilizer is a scheme that can balance both fertilizer efficacy and cost and is recommended to farmers. This research can contribute to promoting the green transformation of agriculture and help achieve the goal of "carbon neutrality".
Copyright (c) 2025 Zheng Zhang, Xiangzhe Huang, Shuwen Qin, Hongqin Wang, Shoujun Yang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Relationship model of land biophysical properties and their influence on Arabica coffee production in Bandung Regency, Indonesia by using the PCR method
Coffee is an essential agricultural commodity that significantly contributes to Indonesia's foreign exchange revenue. Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.), generally grown in highland areas at elevations between 1,000 to 2,000 m above sea level, exhibits persistently low productivity within the country. A primary factor influencing this low yield is the biophysical condition of the land. This study aims to examine the impact of land biophysical characteristics on Arabica coffee productivity and to investigate the interrelationships among those biophysical factors. This study was conducted in Bandung Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. This study utilized 60 data sets encompassing 22 land biophysical parameters and one plant parameter, specifically coffee productivity. The data collection utilized a survey approach. Land biophysical data were collected through field observations and laboratory analyses, whereas coffee productivity data were obtained through farmer interviews. The principal component regression (PCR) method, incorporating principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple regression, was employed for statistical analysis. The findings indicated 7 principal components (PC) with a data representation level of 75.8%. PC1 comprises primary components consisting of sand content, clay content, exchangeable Mg, Ca, and Na, with a representation level of 18.6%. PC2 consists of exchangeable K and potential K2O, while PC3 consists of total N, organic C, altitude, and slope. These components are the most significant factors influencing Arabica coffee production. The application of K and N fertilizers along with organic materials is expected to increase Arabica coffee production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mira Media Pratamaningsih, Diah Puspita Hati, Bambang Susanto, Muhammad Amir Solihin, Edi Yatno, Muhammad Hikmat http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Removal of glyphosate on Inceptisols ameliorated with biochar derived from young coconut waste
Young Coconut Waste Biochar (YCWB) serves as an ameliorative agent that enhances soil quality and facilitates glyphosate removal, particularly in Inceptisols. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of Inceptisols enhanced with YCWB to eliminate glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide. Inceptisols amended with 40 t ha⁻¹ YCWB demonstrated an increased surface charge, improving soil properties such as acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil organic matter (SOM). The adsorption capacity was determined to be 0.87 mg g⁻¹ (or 870.27 mg kg⁻¹) at pH 5.07, under a glyphosate concentration of 100 mg L⁻¹. Glyphosate removal was facilitated by changes in functional groups, as indicated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), which showed reduced transmittance of O-H, C=C, C-O, C-H, and mineral groups. These modifications indicate an enhancement in the sorption capacity of Inceptisols treated with 40 t ha⁻¹ YCWB. The glyphosate adsorption isotherms followed the sequence: Langmuir > Freundlich model, with performance ranking as soil + 40 t ha⁻¹ YCWB > unamended soil (Inceptisols). The respective R² values were R² = 0.9889 > R² = 0.9739 for the Langmuir model and R² = 0.9953 > R² = 0.9099 for the Freundlich model, confirming a strong interaction relationship (R² > 0.9). This indicates that glyphosate removal occurs through simultaneous or alternating physical and chemical processes. Modifying the surface charge of Inceptisols using biochar-based amelioration technology derived from biomass waste, such as young coconut waste, is critical for improving glyphosate removal efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Moli Monikasari, Arestha Leo Lita, Teguh Budi Prasetyo, Amsar Maulana, Herviyanti Herviyanti http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of biochar on microbial population in heavy metal contaminated soil for 23 years
Soil microbial populations and activities have been repeatedly reported to be severely affected by high concentrations of heavy metals. However, little of this information comes from tropical soil. The fungal and bacterial populations in tropical soils contaminated with heavy metals were observed in a laboratory study. Soils that have been amended once with different rates of heavy-metal-containing waste (0-60 Mg ha-1) in 1998 (23 years ago) were used in this study. We then treated the contaminated soils with different rates of biochar (0-10 Mg ha-1). Biochar is known to significantly reduce heavy metal contaminants through various immobilization reactions. The soil-biochar mixtures were allowed to equilibrate at the soil field water capacity, maintained by a common water reservoir beneath the soil-biochar mixtures, for 4 weeks. After this period, the soil fungal and bacterial populations were counted. The results of the present study showed that high soil levels of Cu and Zn significantly enhanced the fungal population. In contrast, the bacterial population was not affected by the presence of Cu and Zn. In the highly contaminated pots, the addition of biochar significantly enhanced the population of soil fungi (identified as Aspergillus sp.), but it did not affect the population of bacteria. The results of the study suggest that biochar application led to significant enhancement of the population of Aspergillus sp. in pots with high soil Cu and Zn levels, most likely through improved habitat conditions provided by biochar’s porous structure, which could be leveraged in bioremediation efforts for heavy metal-contaminated soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 sri yusnaini, Erninda Octalyani, Suskandini Ratih Dirmawati, Abdul Kadir Salam http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Modeling the activity ratio of soil potassium using machine learning approach
The potassium (K) Quantity-Intensity (Q-I) relationship results in important parameters, including the activity ratio of potassium at equilibrium (AReK), which indicates potassium availability in soil. Experiments to observe soil Q-I K relationship parameters are often complex, time-consuming, and do not include environmental variables. This research aims to model AReK using a machine learning (ML) approach. ML models applied are Random Forest (RF), Cubist, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) as the primary approaches, with Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) serving as a baseline. The dataset was derived from sixty-one observation points in Brebes, Central Java. The predictors were pH, organic carbon, clay, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable cations (Exc-Ca, Mg, K, Na), water soluble K, available K, K saturation, potential K, non-exchangeable K (NE-K), elevation, and slope. The response variable was the AReK. Variable selection was performed using Pearson correlation to eliminate highly correlated predictors and reduce multicollinearity. Exactly 75% of the data was utilized as the training set and 25% as the test set. Three metrics, i.e., MAE, RMSE, and R², were used in model evaluation. The results showed that the Cubist model could predict AReK with high accuracy (R2=0.9437) and low RMSE (0.5701) and MAE (0.3514). Based on the Cubist model, Exc-K, Exc-Mg, CEC, and Exc-Ca were the most important variables for predicting AReK. This model can be employed to support site-specific fertilizer recommendation strategies. To improve the performance of the model, it is necessary to add other predictor variables (e.g., soil physical properties, clay minerals, rainfall, temperature and soil moisture).
Copyright (c) 2025 Desi Nadalia, Arief - Hartono, Heru Bagus Pulunggono, Bambang Hendro Trisasongko, Widiatmaka Widiatmaka http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Soil quality and microbial diversity in relation to the severity of coffee leaf rust disease in Karnataka, India
Soil physico-chemical properties significantly influence the quality, growth, productivity, and flavor of coffee. The current study estimates the soil nutritional properties and microbial diversity with the severity of coffee leaf rust disease. A total of twenty-nine localities were surveyed in the major coffee-growing district of Karnataka, mainly Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan, covering the canopies of arabica and robusta coffee plantations. The study on soil quality evaluation determines the sustainability and practices of land management in this region. The physico-chemical properties and microbial diversity of the soil were analysed. Twenty-nine soil parameters were analyzed using principal component analysis, which accounts for five principal components with eigenvalues>1 explaining 9 % of the total variance. The nine principal components together explain 82.24 % of the total variance. According to K-means clustering, soil analysis can be classified into four clusters. Soil microbial communities primarily control the complex ecosystems of soil, including root- and rhizosphere-associated beneficial microbes, and play a vital role as key components in crop production and sustainable agriculture. The present study revealed that the fertility level of the soil and the diverse taxa of rhizospheric microflora from various soil samples, characterized by an abundant diversity of beneficial microbes, such as Trichoderma sp., Bacillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Furthermore, this work gives insights into the sustainable soil quality and disease management practices that can help farmers to adopt better soil management practices for improving the quality and quantity of coffee production in Karnataka, India.
Copyright (c) 2025 Poojashree Nagappa Kummur http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Improving coffee soil health using compost made from sugarcane leaves, coffee pulp, and Gliricidia sp.
Agricultural waste management remains a critical environmental concern, necessitating sustainable approaches to transform organic residues into valuable resources. Among these, composting offers an effective solution by converting biomass into nutrient-rich soil amendments and reducing the burden of waste disposal. This study aims to investigate the potential of combined agricultural waste composting for producing high-quality compost and enhancing soil properties in a coffee plantation. Eight composting treatments and three replications were formulated: P1: Saccharum officinarum leaves (100%), P2: Coffee pulp (100%), P3: Gliricidia sp. leaves (100%), P4: Saccharum officinarum leaves (50%) + Coffee pulp (25%) + Gliricidia sp. leaves (25%), P5: Coffee pulp (50%) + Saccharum officinarum leaves (25%) + Gliricidia sp. leaves (25%), P6: Gliricidia sp. leaves (50%) + Coffee pulp (25%) + Saccharum officinarum leaves (25%), P7: Coffee pulp (50%) + Saccharum officinarum leaves (50%), and P8: Coffee pulp (50%) + Gliricidia sp. leaves (50%). The findings indicated that the compost mixtures containing Gliricidia sp. leaves and coffee pulp yielded a C:N ratio of less than 25, signifying that the compost was mature. The application of compost resulted in an overall increase in soil pH, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, while also ameliorating soil structure through reduced bulk density and enhanced porosity, particularly at a depth of 30–60 cm. These results provide valuable insights for farmers and agricultural policymakers in developing sustainable waste management strategies that effectively address agricultural waste disposal challenges while improving soil fertility and promoting more environmentally friendly coffee production systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Afifatul Khoirunnisak, Sugeng Prijono, Lenny Sri Nopriani, Budi Prasetya http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Soil organic carbon and hydraulic properties in response to poultry manure and inorganic fertilizers in two tropical agro-ecologies
The response of soil structure to nutrient management may vary across environments. Poultry manure (PM) and/or inorganic fertilizers (IF) effects on soil pH, organic carbon (SOC), and hydraulic properties were assessed in derived savannah sandy-clay-loam Ultisols and rainforest sandy-loam Alfisols of Nigeria during 2013-2015. The Ultisols were inherently lower in soil pH and SOC than the Alfisols. Three PM rates (0, 5, and 10 t ha–1), each with four NPK/Urea-based IF levels (0, 50, 100, and 150%), were applied in 2013 and 2014 but not in 2015. At crop (maize) maturity, treatment affected the Ultisols more distinctly than the Alfisols. Regardless of IF level, PM10 and PM5 resulted in optimal soil pH (Ultisols) and hydraulic properties (Alfisols), respectively. Treatment PM10+IF50 produced overall optimal effects in 2014 and 2015, being among the highest for SOC in the Ultisols (13.30 and 10.23 g kg–1, respectively) and Alfisols (16.10 and 11.60 g kg–1, respectively). Its substitutes for soil pH and hydraulic properties were PM10+IF0 (Ultisols) and PM5+IF0 (Alfisols). Unlike most PM-based treatments, sole IFs, especially PM0+IF150, had pronounced soil-acidifying effects in the Ultisols. The SOC and permeability depended almost entirely on PM across IF levels. Soil pH and SOC were positively correlated with total porosity (Ultisols) and permeability (both soils), with r = 0.60-0.93 (Ultisols) and 0.42-0.66 (Alfisols). Effective PM+IF may not always outperform PM regarding soil pH/SOC, whose influence on soil hydraulic properties can be location-specific. This calls for pre-adoption validation of promising PM+IF options in new tropical agro-environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Uju Chinwe Osakwe, Sunday Ewele Obalum, Mohammed Moro Buri, Temitope Seun Babalola, Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, Reichert Jose Miguel http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluating the efficacy of bacterial-assisted phytoremediation using maize (Zea mays L.) to uptake heavy metals from fly ash
The agricultural sector faces dual challenges of declining soil fertility and unsustainable waste accumulation. This study examines the synergistic effects of fly ash (FA) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on the growth and physiological performance of maize (Zea mays L.) under controlled (potted) conditions. FA, a coal combustion by-product rich in essential minerals, was applied at varying doses (1–4 t ha-1) to assess its potential as a soil amendment with a bacterial strain (BSNK7) inoculated to enhance nutrient uptake and mitigate stress. Results showed a significant increase in fresh and dry biomass, leaf area, and chlorophyll content in treated plants. The combined application of 1 t ha-1 FA in conjunction with PGPB significantly increased fresh biomass by 1.57%, dry biomass by 0.94%, leaf area by 2.21%, and higher chlorophyll content compared to control (FA 0 t ha-1 and without bacteria). In contrast, FA 4 t ha-1, when applied without bacterial inoculation, resulted in reduced fresh biomass by 19.94% and dry biomass by 17.39%, respectively, compared to the control (FA 0 t ha-1 and without bacteria) which indicates the creation of toxicity at elevated doses. These findings suggest that the integrated use of low-dose FA and PGPB can sustainably enhance maize growth while minimizing environmental risks. The Application of appropriate doses of FA with PGPB can increase crop productivity and soil health simultaneously. Further field-based studies are recommended to validate scalability, optimize application rates, and assess the long-term impacts on soil health impacts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samir Gamal Al-Solaimani, Muhammad Abdusalam Al-Khamis, Ali Muhammad Zabraqy, Kamal Ahmed Mohammed Abo-Elyousr, Noor Muhammad, Muchammad Bima Gegana Sakti http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of vermicompost and phosphatic fertilizers on soybean yield, phosphorus content, uptake, and post-harvest soil properties
To boost phosphorus (P) availability in soils, adding organic matter like compost, manure, or vermicompost (VC) is a sustainable solution. A field experiment investigated how VC and phosphatic fertilizers affect P bioavailability, plant uptake, and yield response of BARI Soybean-5. Eight treatments i.e., T1 = control (no P), T2 = 100% recommended dose of P (RDP) from triple superphosphate (TSP), T3 = 100% RDP from diammonium phosphate (DAP), T4 = 100% RDP from VC, T5 = 75% RDP from TSP + 25% from VC, T6 = 75% RDP from DAP + 25% from VC, T7 = 50% RDP from TSP + 50% from VC, and T8 = 50% RDP from DAP + 50% from VC were replicated thrice on randomized complete block design (RCBD). T2 treatment generated a maximum seed yield of soybean (1.66 t ha-1), exceeding T3, T5, T6, T7, and T8 treatments with 1.63, 1.54, 1.52, 1.50, and 1.50 t ha-1, respectively. Also, T2 performed the highest P contents in seed, root, and straw (1.27, 0.19, and 0.41%, respectively) and total uptake of P (28.15 kg ha-1) among the treatments. T4 exhibited significantly higher levels of organic C, total N, available P, exchangeable K, and available S. Overall findings revealed that growing BARI Soybean-5 with 100% RDP from TSP (T2) proved a good practice for yield response, but 100% RDP from VC (T4) would be preferable for long-term soil health. This study would be helpful for choosing organic or inorganic sources of P fertilizers for soybean production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jannatul Tamanna, M. Abdullah Al Mamun, Md. Rayhanul Hoque, A.K.M. Mosharof Hossain http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluating the impact of planting dates on seed cotton production across diverse cultivars under variable temperature conditions
Cotton yield in Bangladesh is often constrained by suboptimal planting times under subtropical conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of planting dates on seed cotton yield across four cultivars to identify the optimal timing for profitable production. A three replicated field trial was conducted at the Cotton Research Farm in Gazipur using split-plot design during the cotton growing season of 2022-23. Four cotton cultivars: DM-3, Rupali-1, Suvra, and CB-12 were planted on five dates at ~15-day intervals from June to August (viz: 5 June, 20 June, 5 July, 20 July, and 5 August). Results showed that planting on 20 July significantly increased seed cotton yield by 2.580 t ha⁻¹ compared to 5 June, while the 5 August planting produced the lowest yield and ginning outturn (8.9%) (P < 0.01). Among cultivars, CB-12 achieved the highest yield (2.14 t ha⁻¹), followed by Rupali-1 (1.93 t ha⁻¹) and DM-3 (1.56 t ha⁻¹). Although no significant interaction was observed between planting date and cultivar, CB-12 consistently performed best on 20 July, with similar trends for the other cultivars. The study emphasizes the significance of choosing the most suitable planting dates and cultivars. Adoption of 20 July as the ideal planting date may enhance productivity, offering valuable guidance for cotton growers, researchers, and policymakers.
Copyright (c) 2025 F M Jamil Uddin http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Enhancing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) growth using zeolite-based growing media
Electrical conductivity (EC) spikes due to fertilization are harmful to plant. This shows the need for appropriate composition of growing media, such as Zeoponic, consisting of zeolite, cocopeat, and compost, to support plant development. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of zeolite-based growing media and the addition of fertilizer on growth of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivated in polybags. The experiment was conducted on beans in three different media with a completely randomized design (CRD) in factorial arrangement, with three levels type treatment (zeoponic, media A, and B), and three levels of fertilizer dosage (0 g kg-1, 1 g kg-1, 1.5 g kg-1). The parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, beans weight, length, and disease intensity. The results showed that growth and production of beans in zeoponic tended to be higher than in A and B. However, the addition of fertilizer at 1.5 g kg-1 did not significantly affect growth and production of beans. The presence of zeolite caused EC of the growing media to remain low, and nutrients were released slowly to ensure continuous availability to plant. Additionally, the use of zeoponic for cultivating beans in polybags has been shown to reduce the incidence of disease.
Copyright (c) 2025 Putri Oktariani, Andhika Septiana Suryaningsih, Dyah Tjahyandari Suryaningtyas http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The influence of plastic mulch degradation on microplastic contamination in agricultural soils under different climatic conditions
Plastic mulch is widely used in agriculture to improve crop productivity by regulating soil temperature, retaining moisture, and suppressing weed growth. However, its degradation produces microplastics that can accumulate in the soil, disrupt microbial communities, and potentially enter the food chain. This study examines microplastic contamination in agricultural soils under different climatic conditions: Bogor (humid) and Lombok (hot and dry). Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize material degradation, including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, UV-Vis, and thermal conductivity measurements. The results show that differences in climate and environmental factors such as high temperature, UV exposure, and microbial activity can accelerate mulch degradation, resulting in higher microplastic concentrations in Lombok (455 ± 57.74 particles kg-1) compared to Bogor (265 ± 43.59 particles kg-1). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxidation-derived functional groups (C=O, O-H), thermal analysis indicated a decrease in the material's thermal conductivity, UV-Vis revealed increased polymer chain scission, and SEM showed significant surface degradation. These findings highlight the environmental risks of plastic mulch use and underscore the importance of adopting more sustainable alternatives to reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Firman Azima http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
GIS-based approach in land suitability evaluation for maize (Zea mays) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) production in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic development, food security, and the livelihoods of rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. This study employed a parametric evaluation approach to assess the suitability of soils in the Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria, for cultivating maize (Zea mays) and Cassava (Manihot esculenta) using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The study applied the FAO land evaluation framework using systematic soil sampling, laboratory analyses, and GIS mapping. A total of thirty geo-referenced soil samples from the surface (0-20 cm) were gathered in triplicate across Nsukka LGA. Climatic and topographic data were integrated with soil parameters to assess suitability. Thematic maps were developed and overlaid to generate suitability classes for maize and cassava using the ArcGIS software. The climate characteristics were highly suitable for crop production. Topography (slope) and soil characteristics (texture, organic carbon, and base saturation) were the most limiting factors for both crops. The maps showed that 6.18% of the study region was highly suitable, while 93.82% was moderately suitable for maize production. The study region was entirely suitable for cassava cultivation. These results support the recommendation for crop-specific land-use planning and targeted soil management practices to improve maize productivity and leverage cassava's resilience in marginal soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chigozie Pascal Umeugokwe, Nancy Ekene Ebido, Ihuoma Eileen Uroawuchi, Chika Mike Jidere, Ifeyinwa Monica Uzoh, Charles Livinus Anija Asadu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Restoring subsoil degradation with mixed fertilizer-conditioner: A case study on red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivation
The loss of topsoil in high-rainfall regions significantly reduces agricultural productivity, especially in degraded soils. This study investigated the effects of Mixed Fertilizer-Conditioner (MFC) on improving the chemical properties of subsoil cultivated with red chili peppers. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 11 treatments on subsoil and one control on normal soil was implemented, with three replications. The treatments included: A= subsoil without fertilizer, B= 0% MFC + full NPK, C= 25% MFC + full NPK, D= 50% MFC + full NPK, E= 75% MFC + full NPK, F= 100% MFC + full NPK, G= 50% MFC + 75% NPK, H= 50% MFC + 50% NPK, I= 50% MFC + 25% NPK, J= 50% MFC without NPK, and K= Full NPK on normal soil. The application of 100% MFC combined with full NPK significantly enhanced subsoil chemical properties. Soil organic carbon increased to 1.32%, pH rose to 6.3, CEC reached 22.1 cmol kg⁻¹, and base saturation improved to 49.4%. Nutrient availability also increased, including total N (1.21%), P (0.132%), K (0.677 cmol kg⁻¹), along with Ca (1362.72 ppm), Mg (311.04 ppm), and S (36.01 ppm). Micronutrients B, Co, and Zn also rose to 4.41 ppm, 18.95 ppm, and 11.97 ppm, respectively. Chili yields in subsoil treated with 50–100% MFC and full NPK exceeded 10 tons ha⁻¹. These results highlight the agronomic potential of MFC for rehabilitating degraded soils and recommend its use as a sustainable strategy to enhance soil fertility in low-fertility or erosion-prone areas, with implications for both farmers and agricultural policymakers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Stefina Liana Sari http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Metal absorption by pigweed and napier grass in biochar-treated soils
Heavy metal absorption by plants is suggested to be affected by soil treatment with different types of biochar. Due to various types of available biochar materials in the environment, effects of three representative biochar types were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment using polluted soils planted with pigweed (Amaranthus spinosus L.) and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). Soil treatments were conducted with biochar of rice (Oryza sativa)-husk, corn (Zea mays)-cob and cassava (Manihot utilissima)-stem at 10 Mg ha-1. Soils and plants were analysed for Cu and Zn after a 4 weeks plant growth. The results showed that Cu and Zn accumulation by pigweed and napier grass were higher in soils polluted with more Cu and Zn. Pigweed in general acted as phytoextractor, accumulated more Cu and Zn in shoots, while napier grass as phyto-stabilizer, accumulated more Cu and Zn in roots. Pigweed accumulated Cu more effective than napier grass while napier grass more effective in Zn accumulation. Unlike rice-husk or corn-cob, cassava-stem biochar increased the soil Cu and Zn concentrations. Rice-husk and corn-cob enhanced but cassava-stem biochar decreased Cu and Zn accumulation by pigweed and napier grass. Rice-husk and corn-cob biochar showed better potential than cassava biochar for soil Cu and Zn phytoremediation by pigweed and napier grass in heavy-metal polluted tropical soils.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdul Kadir Salam, Deva Maharani Wirakrama, Kurnia Rahma Dani, Septi Nurul Aini, Hery Novpriansyah, Supriatin http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluating soil phosphorus tests and nutrient limitations in Mediterranean pastures
Reliable phosphorus (P) fertilization guidelines for Mediterranean pastures remain uncertain due to inconsistent soil testing methods, the complexity of mixed-species systems, and the neglect of other limiting nutrients. This study primarily aimed to identify reliable soil P tests and secondarily to explore potential nutrient limitations by assessing seven acidic Portuguese soils under Mediterranean conditions using subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as model species. Five P extraction methods (Egner-Riehm, Olsen, Bray II, Mehlich I, and anion exchange resin) were compared alongside a pot experiment with clover, ryegrass, and their mixture. Biomass production, plant nutritional status, and soil–plant relationships were used to assess nutrient availability and plant response. The Egner-Riehm method proved the most reliable, showing linear correlation with the resin method (R² = 0.89), widely regarded as the best indicator of soil P bioavailability. P availability was therefore not a limiting factor for biomass production. The lowest soil P content (54 mg kg⁻¹ P₂O₅, Egner-Riehm) was close to the medium threshold (50–100 mg kg⁻¹), yet plant growth indicated adequacy. In contrast, nitrogen (N) emerged as the main growth constraint, and boron (B) deficiency further restricted clover performance, confirming additional nutritional imbalances. A linear relationship between soil and tissue B supported its association with DMY, and tissue B levels were below sufficiency thresholds. Overall, in acidic Portuguese soils under Mediterranean conditions, soil P was adequate, whereas N and B acted as key constraints to productivity. These findings support more accurate and efficient fertilization strategies for Mediterranean pastures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Manuel Ângelo Rodrigues http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Nitrogen biotransformation: its ecological control and risk assessment in soil
The Haber-Bosch (H-B) process, which enables the industrial production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, fundamentally changed food production. This process is crucial for synthesizing nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are essential for boosting crop yields and supporting the world's growing population. Monoculture farming, particularly when combined with high nitrogen input, poses significant environmental risks. It leads to soil degradation, increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, and water pollution. Reliance on synthetic fertilizers to offset nutrient depletion further worsens these problems. The question explores whether current analytical methods adequately identify and evaluate the side effects of urease (UI), nitrification (NI), and denitrification (DI) inhibitors used in nitrogen management strategies for high-yield monoculture farming. While inhibitors are designed to improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce losses, their effectiveness must be weighed against their unintended consequences, necessitating the development of more comprehensive and holistic analytical approaches that better balance productivity and environmental protection. This research focuses on how different nitrogen fertilizer strategies, along with pesticide use, affect non-target organisms in ecosystems. It specifically examines the impacts of urea, nitrate manipulation, and stabilized nitrogen fertilizers like urease inhibitors (UI), nitrification inhibitors (NI), and dual inhibitors (DI) on ecological balance. The study also examines the broader environmental implications of these practices, including nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights how these agrochemicals can affect wild plants, pollinators, and other non-target species, potentially disrupting ecosystem functions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ferisman Tindaon http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Rubber plantations in tropical landscapes: agronomic systems, environmental impacts, and evidence-based management recommendations
While Natural Rubber (NR) supports global supply chains, rapid expansion in South and Southeast Asia has noticeable effects on biodiversity, hydrology, and the carbon balance. This review synthesises the economic importance, environmental challenges, commercial applications, and ecological impacts of rubber production and plantation expansion. Furthermore, the study combines high-resolution deforestation attribution (Sentinel-2/Landsat), Eddy-Covariance (EC) comparisons of plantations and nearby tropical forests, and models that include a rubber-specific Plant Functional Type (PFT). In addition, conversion from forest to rubber consistently simplifies habitats, decreases species richness and functional diversity, reduces ecosystem carbon storage, raises peak flows and sediment export, and lowers baseflow. Conversely, replacing annual cropland can increase above-ground biomass and provide partial carbon gains. As such, results depend systematically on prior land use, monsoon intensity and rainfall patterns, elevation, and management practices (monoculture versus diversified agroforestry). The study recommends directing new planting onto already cleared land through spatial planning and reliable traceability; adopting diversified rubber agroforestry and soil- and water-conserving methods. This includes explicitly integrating rubber within zero-deforestation policies and results-based carbon payments. In line with this, rubber-specific modelling and open flux datasets should support climate-risk assessments and monitoring. Overall, focused governance and agroforestry strategies can balance ecological trade-offs while maintaining production, aligning natural-rubber supply with verifiable climate and biodiversity safeguards.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fadeila Mohammed Hashim Ali, Syaharudin bin Zaibon, Md Kamal Uddin, Ahmed Abubakar, Shamsul Haque http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Enhancing agronomic crop performance: a review of the role of Nano-Diammonium Phosphate (Nano-DAP) in improving soil nutrient status and crop productivity
Nano-diammonium phosphate (Nano-DAP) is a promising source of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P₂O₅) for crops and provides an effective remedy for nutrient deficiencies in standing plants. This review highlights the critical role of phosphorus in plant growth and examines the limitations of conventional fertilizers such as urea, DAP, and compost, which, although essential for crop production, often suffer from low nutrient use efficiency and contribute to environmental pollution. Drawing on a synthesis of published studies, this review demonstrates that Nano-DAP enhances phosphorus solubility and availability in soil–plant systems, thereby improving nutrient absorption, stimulating plant growth, and increasing crop yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The review also evaluates the impact of Nano-DAP on yield performance, nutrient uptake, and its application in major field crops. Furthermore, the advantages and potential limitations of Nano-DAP are discussed in the context of sustainable agriculture. Overall, the use of nano-fertilizers, particularly Nano-DAP, presents a promising strategy to improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental risks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nitish Karn, Atin Kumar, Mohsin Ikram, Sharad Sachan, Jitendra Singh, Sunil Kumar, Shubham Shubham, Mohamed A. E. AbdelRahman http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Applications of synthetic microbial communities platform through plant growth-promoting traits to enhance ecological functions in sustainable agriculture
Synthetic microbial communities (SynCom) present a promising strategy for sustainably enhancing agricultural productivity and ecological resilience. This review critically discusses recent advancements in applying SynCom within agricultural ecosystems and highlights their practical benefits for economic sustainability. Plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits are essential for developing SynCom, as they enhance plant growth, increase nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and support resistance to pathogens. SynCom demonstrates significant effectiveness as a biofertilizer, substantially improving soil health and crop yields through enhanced nutrient cycling and bioavailability. Its role as a biopesticide is also significant, as it offers an eco-friendly approach to insect pest management. The integration of SynCom into agricultural practices has proven to enhance plant disease resistance, significantly contributing to crop resilience. Moreover, SynCom plays a vital role in maintaining soil fertility, promoting carbon sequestration, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Its applications extend to environmental remediation, where it effectively degrades hazardous pollutants in agricultural soils and efficiently processes lignocellulosic biomass, supporting sustainable biomass utilization. SynCom offers considerable advantages but also faces challenges, including community stability, environmental adaptability, and regulatory concerns. Future research efforts aim to address these limitations and enhance SynCom's efficacy regarding long-term agricultural sustainability. Our review provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to construct SynCom-based strategies that promote plant growth, enhance sustainable agriculture, and support environmental conservation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chanchao Chem http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0