This study investigates the influence of various land use systems (LUSs) on soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient dynamics, and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. Soil samples were collected from six distinct LUSs, i.e., fallow, crop-based, horticulture-based, forest-based, vegetable-based, and barren land, and analyzed across three depth intervals (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–60 cm). Soil pH increased steadily with depth, ranging from 7.43 to 8.58 at the surface layer to 7.55 to 10.32 in deeper layers. Horticulture-based LUSs recorded the lowest pH, while barren lands had the highest. Electrical conductivity (EC) also rose with depth, ranging from 0.12 to 3.63 dS m⁻¹, from the surface to subsoil layers, all below critical salinity thresholds. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content decreased with increasing soil depth across all land use systems. Among the studied systems, horticulture-based land use recorded the highest SOC content (0.77%), whereas barren land showed the lowest SOC content (0.21%). Due to greater organic matter inputs and reduced disturbances, horticultural systems also exhibited significantly higher levels of macronutrients (N: 17.98 kg ha⁻¹, P: 330.45 kg ha⁻¹, K: 374.81 kg ha⁻¹, S: 84.33 mg ha⁻¹) and micronutrients (Fe: 164.12 mg ha⁻¹, Mn: 60.89 mg ha⁻¹, Cu: 2.85 mg ha⁻¹, Zn: 1.80 mg ha⁻¹). Bulk density increased slightly with depth (1.46–1.63 Mg m⁻³), while soil moisture content remained relatively stable (43.43% to 42.31%), with moderate variability (CV: 24–27%). The mean total SOC stock was 10.77 t C ha⁻¹, ranging from 5.44 to 14.46 t C ha⁻¹. Microbial properties also varied among land uses: dehydrogenase activity (DEA), an indicator of microbial functionality, peaked in vegetable-based systems (30.54 µg TPF g⁻¹), whereas microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was highest in forest-based systems (184.83 µg g⁻¹). Correlation and regression analyses revealed a strong positive relationship between SOC and nutrient availability, with the highest correlation observed for Zn (R² = 0.99), followed by N (R² = 0.83) and K (R² = 0.75). Overall, barren lands showed the poorest soil quality indicators, while horticulture-based systems consistently demonstrated superior soil fertility and carbon sequestration potential. These findings emphasize the critical role of land use management in regulating soil fertility, SOC dynamics, and the long-term sustainability of agro-ecosystems in the region.

There is little knowledge among farmers on the rate of nitrogen-fertilizer application. Therefore, there is a need to determine optimal rate of nitrogen-fertilizer application on growth and yield of wheat. Accordingly, an field experiment was conducted during the winter (Rabi) season at Crop Research Centre the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the impact of different nitrogen level and splitting modules on quality, yield and nitrogen uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The main object of investigation was to find out the optimum dose and splitting of nitrogen for wheat in irrigated system under integrated nitrogen management approach. The experiment consisting of four nitrogen levels viz. control i.e. 0 kg N ha-1 , 90 kg N ha-1, i.e 120 kg N ha-1 and 150 kg N ha-1 as main plots and four splitting modules M1- 50% N as basal through VC, + 25% at CRI + 25% booting stage through urea, M2-50 % N as basal through FYM + 25% at tillering + 25% at booting stage through urea, M3 -50% N as basal through VC+FYM (1:1), + 25% at tillering + 20% at booting stage and 5 % N as foliar spray at pre flowering stage through urea, M4 -50% N as basal through VC+FYM (1:1), rest based on SPAD reading through urea as sub-plots. The experimental results revealed that the plot which fertilized with 150 kg N ha-1 gave higher yield-attributing characters and yield (grain, straw and biological yield). The application of 150 kg N ha-1 resulted in 0.44, 15.25 and 80.8 per cent during 2016-17 and 0.41, 13.05 and 79.2 per cent during 2017-18 produced the higher grain yield over 120, 90 and 0 kg N ha-1. The content and uptake of nitrogen by grain, straw and total uptake as well as protein content and protein yield were obtained with 150 Kg N ha-1 but differences between 120 and 150 kg N ha-1 were non-significant, during both the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. Among different splitting modules M3 resulted significantly higher entire yield attributes, yield (grain and straw yield), nitrogen content and uptake by grain, straw and total uptake as well as content and yield of protein. The M3 module produced higher grain yield by 7.9, 14.7 and 24.8 per cent during 2016-17 and 8.1, 14.89 and 25.2 per cent during 2017-18 over M4, M1 and M2 splitting modules, respectively.

This article reviews nano-biopesticides as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides in modern agriculture. Synthesis, characterization and functional properties of various nanomaterials, including biopolymer-based nanoparticles (NPs) like zein and chitosan, as well as metallic NPs, silver, gold, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These nanostructures are more effective against a variety of pests and diseases because of their improved bioactivity, stability and targeted delivery. Safer agricultural practices are promoted by the use of nano-biopesticides, which have several benefits such as lower pesticide dose, less environmental pollution and less damage to non-target species. The review also looks at how certain nanomaterials work, such as by interfering with pest physiology or rupturing microbial membranes, which adds to their effectiveness. Additionally, it assesses the possible harm that NP exposure may cause to ecosystems and human health, highlighting the significance of safety evaluations and regulatory frameworks. The article highlights recent developments in nanotechnology, such as green synthesis approaches, to provide environmentally sustainable pest management options. Despite their promise, challenges such as cost, scalability and long-term environmental impacts require further investigation. In order to enhance nano-biopesticide formulations, guarantee safety compliance and make it easier to incorporate them into sustainable pest control programs, the prospects section emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary collaboration. Overall, nanotechnology holds potential to revolutionize pest control by offering highly effective, safe and sustainable alternatives that support integrated pest management and agricultural sustainability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the agriculture industry by facilitating the proper estimation of crop yields, real-time data acquisition, and evidence-based decision-making to enhance food security. Combining AI with remote sensing, IoT sensors, UAVs, and geospatial technologies can be used to monitor the health of crops, soil, variability of the weather, and dynamics of pests and diseases continuously. Machine learning and deep learning models are used to analyze the multi-source data and predict the yields, optimize the use of resources, and facilitate the timely interventions. Climate changes also enhance AI systems to give early warning of droughts, floods, nutrient deficiencies and biotic stresses. Although there are issues regarding data access, infrastructure, and ethics, in particular, in developing regions, AI can fulfill its potential to establish sustainable agriculture and global food security with favorable policies and increased usage.

Although nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are important nutrients for the creation of high crop yields that support the growing global population, overuse of these nutrients and their underuse cause ecological damage. Therefore, optimization of NPK use efficiency should be the focus for better sustainable agricultural practices. At Uttaranchal University in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, a field experiment named "A comparative study of nutrient use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety DBW-187 affected by different doses of NPK" was carried out during the Rabi season (October to March) of 2023–2024. Seven treatments and three replications were used in the randomized complete block design (experiment: T1 was control (no fertilizer), T2 was 25% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), T3 was 50% RDF, T4 was 75% RDF, T5 was 100% RDF, T6 was 125% RDF, and T7 was 150% RDF. On December 6, 2023, the DBW-187 cultivar was planted with inorganic fertilizers, specifically urea, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), and MOP (Muriate of Potash). Seventy five kg ha-1 of nitrogen, 40 kg ha-1 dosages of potassium, and 60 kg ha-1 phosphorus were applied at the base, with the remaining nitrogen being top-dressed at 40 DAS before the second watering. Results showed that application of 100% RDF (150:60:40 kg ha⁻¹ N:P:K) significantly improved crop performance, recording the highest grain yield (75.8 q ha⁻¹), biological yield (189.3 q ha⁻¹), leaf area index (1.97 at 90 DAS), and benefit–cost ratio (2.54) compared with the control. Grain protein content increased with higher fertilizer doses, ranging from 8.24% (control) to 10.75% (150% RDF); however, yields did not increase proportionately beyond 100% RDF. Excess fertilizer application (125–150% RDF) resulted in taller plants and higher protein content but lower nutrient use efficiency and economic returns. Overall, 100% RDF was identified as the optimum fertilizer dose for maximizing yield, nutrient use efficiency, and profitability of wheat variety DBW-187 under irrigated conditions.

This study investigates the influence of various land use systems (LUSs) on soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient dynamics, and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. Soil samples were collected from six distinct LUSs, i.e., fallow, crop-based, horticulture-based, forest-based, vegetable-based, and barren land, and analyzed across three depth intervals (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–60 cm). Soil pH increased steadily with depth, ranging from 7.43 to 8.58 at the surface layer to 7.55 to 10.32 in deeper layers. Horticulture-based LUSs recorded the lowest pH, while barren lands had the highest. Electrical conductivity (EC) also rose with depth, ranging from 0.12 to 3.63 Mgm-1, at the surface to subsoil layers, all below critical salinity thresholds. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content decreased with increasing soil depth across all land-use systems. Among the studied systems, horticulture-based land use recorded the highest SOC content (0.77%), whereas barren land showed the lowest SOC content (0.21%).”Due to greater organic matter inputs and reduced disturbances, horticultural systems also exhibited significantly higher levels of macronutrients (N: 17.98 kgha⁻¹, P: 330.45 kgha-1, K: 374.81 kgha⁻¹, S: 84.33 mgha⁻¹) and micronutrients (Fe: 164.12 mgha⁻¹, Mn: 60.89 mgha⁻¹, Cu: 2.85 mgha⁻¹, Zn: 1.80 mgha⁻¹). Bulk density increased slightly with depth (1.46–1.63 Mgm-³), while soil moisture content remained relatively stable (43.43% to 42.31%) with moderate variability (CV: 24–27%). The mean total SOC stock was 10.77 t C ha⁻¹, ranging from 5.44 to 14.46 tCha⁻¹. Microbial properties also varied among land uses: dehydrogenase activity (DEA), an indicator of microbial functionality, peaked in vegetable-based systems (30.54 µgTPF g⁻¹), whereas microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was highest in forest-based systems (184.83 µg g⁻¹). Correlation and regression analyses revealed a strong positive relationship between SOC and nutrient availability, with the highest correlation observed for Zn (R² = 0.99), followed by N (R² = 0.83) and K (R² = 0.75). Overall, barren lands showed the poorest soil quality indicators, while horticulture-based systems consistently demonstrated superior soil fertility and carbon sequestration potential. These findings emphasize the critical role of land use management in regulating soil fertility, SOC dynamics, and the long-term sustainability of agro-ecosystems in the region.