Mineralization of organic N and S of crop residue is an important useful tool for forecasting availability of N and S in soils. Three different soils (Vertisol, Inceptisol and Alfisol) from eastern Uttar Pradesh, India; seven crops residue, four cereals (rice, barley, maize, wheat) from irrigated area of Varanasi; and three pulses (gram lentil, pigeon pea) from rainfed area of Mirzapur were used in 90-day incubation study under controlled condition to estimate the release of soil available N and S. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Total Nitrogen (N) and total Sulfur (S) contents were higher in the pulses than that of cereals. Pulses residue with the lowest C:N:S ratio (177.0:3.7:1 to 195.8:4.5:1) had significantly rapid rate of N and S release up to 45 days and then declined at 60 and 90 days. On the other hand, cereals with the highest C:N:S ratio (390.8:4.3:1 to 463.6:5.0:1) had slow release of N and S up to 45 days and then rapid released at 60 and 90 days. Among pulses residue, pigeon pea has resulted significantly higher net release of soil available N and S at day 45 to the extent of 18.4 and 78.7% in Alfisol, 17.7 and 51.2% in Inceptisol, and 15.0 and 24.1% in Vertisol, respectively, over control. Among the cereals residue, barley residue amended Alfisol had higher net increase in available N at day 90 (13.2%) followed by Inceptisol (10.8%) and Vertisol (9.9%) over control.

Knowledge of the mechanism of rice straw decomposition is essential to adopt suitable management practices which improve soil fertility and enhance carbon sequestration in agricultural systems. However, forecasting rice straw decomposition is difficult due to interactions between many factors associated with straw properties, soil properties and climate conditions. Results show the remaining amount of rice straw after the 3 weeks of decomposition recorded lowest under zero tillage direct seeded rice - wheat anchored residue of rice and wheat with mungbean residue retention (12.66 g), followed by zero tillage direct seeded rice - wheat anchored residue of rice and wheat (12.71 g) which was significantly inferior by the treatments plots in conventional tillage (rice-wheat without and with residue). Nitrogen mineralization of rice straw was significantly observed from starting of an experiment to the end of 15 weeks under different tillage and crop establishment methods, after that it was not significantly observed. Phosphorus content in rice straw during its decomposition was non-significantly affected up to 6 weeks than after significantly affected end of 12 weeks. Potassium content in rice straw during the decomposition, was significantly affected at the end of 12 weeks time intervals under different tillage and crop establishment methods after that the result was is was non-significantly observed.

The long-term experiment has been continuing at research farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi since 1985-1986 on rice-wheat cropping system. Field experiment was conducted during Rabi (winter) season of 2016-17. The experiment was conducted with 12 treatments replicated three times employing randomized block design. Out of which 6 treatments comprised with integration of organics with inorganic fertilizer supply system, 4 treatments included only chemical source of nutrients, one was farmer’s practices and one control. The organic sources of nutrients included were (i) Farm Yard Manure (FYM) (ii) Green manure (GM) Sesbania aculeata (dhaincha) (iii) Crop residues (CR) i.e. wheat straw. Chemical sources of nutrients were urea, diammonium phosphate, muriate of potash as per the treatments. The recommended level of N was partially substituted by 25% or 50% N either through FYM or wheat straw or green manure. The result indicated that highest N, P, K and S content and uptake in grain and straw was recorded in plots receiving 50% NPK+50% through FYM. Treatments which included organic matter along with chemical fertilizers showed higher concentration and uptake of nutrients (N, P, K and S). Concentration of nutrient elements in straw and grain increased due to effect of organic matter in case of N, P and K but remained almost unchanged in case of S. All the organic sources were at par for grain yield of wheat. Continued use of organics with inorganic fertilizers in an integrated manner could sustain yields of wheat and maintained adequate supply of nutrients.

Cereals and pseudocereals are foundational to global food and nutritional security. While staple cereals like rice, wheat, and maize dominate agriculture, nutrient-dense pseudocereals – quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, and chia – are emerging as vital alternatives. This chapter explores the evolving role of these grains in the twenty-first century, focusing on production systems, climate resilience, nutritional value, and market dynamics. Often termed “forgotten grains,” pseudocereals are transforming agricultural and dietary paradigms by offering solutions where conventional cereals often fall short. Traditionally cultivated with minimal inputs on marginal lands, these crops are gaining renewed attention for their sustainability and hardiness. Quinoa, revered as the “mother grain” of the Incas; amaranth, once sacred to the Aztecs; buckwheat, a versatile non-cereal; and chia, the ancient energy seed – all exemplify this untapped potential. This analysis highlights how pseudocereals advance sustainable agriculture and nutrition, addressing contemporary challenges and future opportunities for the global food system.