The use of agricultural chemicals has adversely affected soil health and the environment. Organic farming practices, particularly vermicompost (VC), are gaining attention for their potential to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study investigated VC rate applications on lettuce growth, yield, soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, enzyme activity, biological parameters, and biochemical aspects under greenhouse conditions in Samsun, Turkey during 2022–2023. Experimentally, VC was applied at rates of V1: 1%, V2: 2%, and V3: 4% w/w, with a control group without VC application, V0: 0% w/w. Batavia lettuce, which is sensitive to environmental conditions and nutrient deficiency, was subjected to these treatments in a randomized complete block design, replicated thrice. Results showed consistent improvements in plant dry weight across all VC treatments, with the 2% application rate (V2) yielding the highest increase in lettuce yield (56.43%). Soil pH varied across treatments, with V1 being slightly alkaline and V3 showing high electrical conductivity and increased nitrogen content. Phosphorus content increased in all treatments, while potassium varied, with V3 having the highest values. Soil enzyme activities increased with VC concentrations, with V3 showing the highest urease activity. Pearson correlations confirmed positive associations with growth parameters and soil enzymatic activity. These findings highlight vermicompost as a sustainable solution for lettuce production and soil improvement.

Biochar application has gained attention as an effective soil amendment for improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity, particularly in clay-rich soils facing challenges such as compaction, poor drainage, and nutrient limitation. This two-year field study evaluated the effects of fresh and artificially aged biochar on soil chemical, physical, and biological properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield. The experiment was conducted on clay soil with treatments including no biochar application as a control (CK), 5 and 10 t ha⁻¹ fresh biochar (B5, B10) and 5 and 10 t ha⁻¹ aged biochar (AB5, AB10). The results showed significant improvements in soil pH, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and plant-available water capacity, particularly with higher doses of biochar. In both years, the effects of the treatments on the soil quality index area (SQI-area) were found to be statistically significant. The AB10 treatment increased SQI-area by 19% compared to the CK in the first year and by 33% in the second year. In the first year, the highest grain yield was obtained from the AB10 treatment, reaching 5.25 t ha⁻¹, which was 13% higher than the CK. In the second year, the highest yield was obtained from the B10 treatment, reaching 4.09 t ha⁻¹, which was 24% higher than the CK. Despite these positive changes, the correlation between SQI and yield was not statistically significant, suggesting that crop yield may also depend on other interacting variables. These results highlight the potential of biochar, particularly aged biochar, as a sustainable practice to improve soil health and productivity in clay soils.

Rice, a fundamental staple globally, plays a pivotal role in addressing food security and nutrition. This study explores the intricate interplay between soil characteristics, productivity challenges, and solutions in Azerbaijan's rice farming landscapes, acknowledging the agricultural importance of rice and its contribution to human nutrition. This study aims to assess the physical and chemical properties of soil samples from Azerbaijan's rice cultivation areas, with a focus on nutrient content and the identification of elements limiting productivity and plant nutrition. By synthesizing these perspectives, the study enriches the understanding of the complex relationship between soil fertility class and rice productivity, offering insights for sustainable rice farming. Soil samples were collected from representative rice fields across Azerbaijan and analyzed for various parameters, including soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and nutrient content. The soil sampling and preparation process maintained the integrity of collected samples, providing a reliable basis for scientific analysis. The results reveal diverse soil properties, with clayey texture prevailing. Soil acidity, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies pose challenges, emphasizing the need for corrective measures. The majority of soils exhibit unsuitable pH levels and elevated sodium content, necessitating interventions such as soil acidification and sodicity remediation. Soil salinity issues highlight the importance of drainage and leaching practices. Low organic matter and nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc and manganese, underscore the need for targeted interventions, including foliar applications. Overall, Azerbaijan's rice-cultivated areas face challenges related to soil fertility, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies, impacting productivity. Corrective measures, such as soil reclamation, proper fertilization, and foliar applications, are crucial for enhancing crop yields. The study contributes valuable insights for local practices and the broader global pursuit of sustainable rice farming, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies in addressing specific regional challenges.

Chernozem soils, known for their high organic matter and fertility, are crucial for agricultural productivity in northern Kazakhstan's Kostanay region. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these soils to assess their suitability for crop production and propose sustainable management practices. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depths across various locations to represent the region's main nutrient profile. Physical analyses included texture determination, while chemical analyses measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) using standard methods. Biological assessments focused on microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal soil respiration (BSR), dehydrogenase and catalase activities, as well as Cmic: Corg and metabolic quotient (qCO₂) ratios. Results indicated high organic matter content (mean 4.49%), sufficient total nitrogen (>0.25%), and high levels of potassium and calcium. However, phosphorus levels were low (

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of two different ratios of Fe-EDDHA chelated fertilizers, (F1:4.8% and F2:6%) having the same amount of 6% soluble Fe content, on dry matter production and Fe uptake of tomato seedlings at different growth periods and Fe forms of a calcareous soil. The experiment was conducted in a factorial experimental design using Fe-EDDHA chelated fertilizers and the plant growth periods (10, 20, 30 and 40 days after seedling) with three replicates under the greenhouse conditions. The results indicated that the dry matter content, Fe uptake, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in plants generally increased over the control with increasing the growth periods. The plant dry matter contents were higher in F1 than F2 fertilization. The plant Fe uptakes in F1 treatment during the growth periods were also higher than that in F2 treatment. The carotenoid content and the chlorophyll formations in terms of both chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b were higher in F2 fertilization at the 20th day and higher in F1 fertilization at the 40th day. The DTPA-Fe and exchangeable-Fe contents in soil samples generally decreased while the organically bounded-Fe content in soil samples increased with increasing growth periods. It can be suggested that 4,8% of Fe-EDDHA fertilizer is more effective on Fe uptake when compared with 6% of Fe-EDDHA chelated Fe fertilizer. Therefore, F1 fertilizer can be used when chlorosis is seen on plants in calcareous soils. On the other hand, F2 fertilizer can be used if long-term Fe fertilization is desired. The differences in effectiveness between Fe-EDDHA chelated fertilizers having the same amount of water-soluble Fe content may be occurred due to differences in their chelating formulas.