Soil Scientists

  The integration of bio-organic fertilizers in continuous cotton cropping systems offers a sustainable strategy to boost yield, improve soil health, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs. Continuous cotton cultivation often leads to nutrient depletion, soil compaction, and reduced microbial diversity, negatively impacting productivity over time. The application of bio-organic fertilizers—comprising beneficial microorganisms, composted organic matter, and nutrient-rich bio-residues—helps restore soil fertility and enhance nutrient cycling. These fertilizers stimulate root growth, improve nitrogen fixation, and increase the availability of essential macro- and micronutrients. Additionally, they enrich the soil microbiome, enhancing enzyme activities and promoting better water retention and aeration. Studies show that bio-organic fertilization can significantly increase cotton boll formation, fiber quality, and overall yield stability across multiple growing seasons. By integratin...

  Understanding soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in salinized paddy fields is critical for improving soil fertility and mitigating climate change impacts. This study models the temporal and spatial variations of SOC under two distinct cropping modes—continuous rice cultivation and rice–wheat rotation—using process-based and empirical modeling approaches. Results indicate that salinity levels significantly influence SOC stabilization, microbial activity, and carbon sequestration efficiency. Continuous flooding in monocropped rice systems enhances anaerobic carbon preservation, while the alternating wet–dry conditions in rice–wheat systems stimulate organic matter decomposition but promote better nutrient cycling. The model integrates soil physicochemical parameters, crop residue inputs, and salinity gradients to simulate carbon turnover and predict long-term SOC trends. Findings highlight that appropriate cropping mode selection and salinity management can synergistically enhance ...

 Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic biomass, has emerged as a promising amendment for mitigating soil salinity stress and enhancing crop resilience. Salinity adversely affects soil structure, water uptake, and nutrient balance, leading to reduced plant growth and yield. The incorporation of biochar into saline soils improves physicochemical properties such as cation exchange capacity, porosity, and water-holding ability. Biochar enhances soil microbial activity, promotes nutrient retention, and buffers pH, thereby creating a more favorable rhizosphere environment. Its porous structure adsorbs excess sodium ions, reducing their bioavailability and facilitating better root function. Furthermore, biochar enhances antioxidant enzyme activity in plants, mitigating oxidative stress induced by salinity. The synergistic use of biochar with organic or microbial amendments further amplifies soil health and crop productivity. Long-term applications not only ...

  The formation and regulation of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in sweet pepper ( Capsicum annuum L. ) and chili pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L. ) are dynamic processes influenced by genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. During the early vegetative stage, biosynthesis is primarily regulated through the L-galactose pathway , with key enzymes such as GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase and L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase showing high activity. As the fruit transitions from immature green to ripening stages, the ascorbic acid content increases substantially, driven by enhanced synthesis and reduced degradation. Light intensity, temperature, and nutrient availability also modulate the expression of genes involved in ascorbic acid metabolism. Sweet peppers typically exhibit higher ascorbic acid accumulation than chili peppers, attributed to differences in metabolic flux and antioxidant enzyme regulation. Furthermore, the interplay between ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reduc...

  Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic constraints affecting cotton productivity, especially during the early growth phase. This study employs a comprehensive multivariate screening approach to evaluate upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L. ) genotypes for their salt tolerance at the seedling stage . Using a combination of morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters, the analysis identifies key traits such as root length, shoot biomass, relative water content, chlorophyll stability, and ion homeostasis (Na⁺/K⁺ ratio) as major contributors to salinity resilience. Principal component and cluster analyses effectively distinguished salt-tolerant genotypes, enabling the classification of diverse cotton lines based on tolerance levels. The integration of these multivariate tools provides a holistic framework for selecting elite genotypes suitable for breeding programs targeting saline-prone environments. The findings underscore the importance of multi-trait evaluat...