Intensive agricultural practices have resulted in in significant soil degradation, nutrient imbalances and the decline of vital ecosystem services, thereby necessitating the adoption of i sustainable land-use strategies. Agroforestry, an integrated land management system that combined with crops and livestock, played a key role in restoring soil health and increasing carbon sequestration. This review discussed the mechanisms through which agroforestry improved soil nutrient cycling, enhanced the accumulation of organic matter and strengthened soil structure, thereby reducing erosion and improving water retention. The roles of tree litter decomposition, deep-rooted species and microbial interactions in increasing soil fertility and biodiversity were also highlighted. Furthermore, the review examined agroforestry’s potential for carbon sequestration, with estimates indicating that such systems could sequester 0.29 to 15.2 Mg C ha-1 year-1. Above Ground Biomass (AGB) accumulation and Below Ground Biomass, (BGB) root inputs contributed significantly to long-term soil carbon stabilization. Agroforestry also aided in greenhouse gas mitigation by enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, facilitating methane oxidation and regulating CO₂ flux. Various agroforestry models, including silvopastoral systems, alley cropping were explored for their applications in both degraded and saline soils. Additionally, the review addressed challenges such as economic and policy barriers, the need for secure land tenure and advancements in carbon monitoring technologies. This findings underscored the necessity for stronger policy support, financial incentives and large-scale adoption of agroforestry to enhance soil health, mitigate climate change and promote sustainable agriculture.

Biomass has gained attention as a renewable energy source capable of achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions during its production and use. Biomass, particularly agro-residues and forestry waste, is a promising energy source for developing countries facing fossil fuel shortages and environmental challenges. However, these materials are difficult to handle due to their bulky nature and inefficient combustion. Briquetting, a compaction technology, addresses these challenges by converting biomass into compact, high-density, lowmoisture briquettes with improved combustion properties and reduced smoke emissions. The study evaluates various combinations of biomass, finding that briquettes made from sawdust and plywood residues exhibit higher bulk density, increased fixed carbon content, and calorific values ranging from 4200 to 4814.4 kcal/kg, comparable to fuel wood. Additionally, the briquettes demonstrate favorable ash fusion and deformation temperatures and perform well in impact resistance and compression tests. Economically, the briquetting model, tested at the Forest College and Research Institute, has a payback period of two years due to the low cost of raw materials. This technology is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for biomass utilization, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels and contributing to forest conservation efforts. The results suggest that briquetting using forest and industrial wood residues will remain profitable even with potential increases in raw material costs.

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels, has become a global health concern, requiring effective and sustainable treatments. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an iminosugar primarily found in the root extract and also in other parts of mulberry ( Morus alba L.), has emerged as a promising natural compound for diabetes management due to its potent α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. This article explores the mechanisms, efficacy, and future prospects of DNJ in mulberry root and leaf extracts for diabetes therapy, positioning it as a compelling candidate for integrative diabetic care. DNJ works by inhibiting diabetic-related enzymes (α-glucosidase) in the small intestine, which slows carbohydrate digestion and reduces postprandial glucose spikes, a critical factor in managing diabetes. In addition to its impact on glucose metabolism, DNJ has been observed to enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially improving glucose uptake and reducing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. Research into the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of DNJ indicates that although it has moderate oral absorption, advancements in formulation techniques are enhancing its therapeutic potential. Preclinical and clinical studies confirm that mulberry root and leaf extracts containing DNJ effectively modulate blood sugar levels, supporting their role as an anti-diabetic agent. DNJ offers significant promise as a natural, less invasive alternative to synthetic anti-diabetic drugs, with a favorable safety profile and potential for broad application in diabetes management.

Multifunctional agroforestry (MFA) systems are sustainable land-use systems that combine trees with crops and/or livestock to provide multiple ecological, economic and social benefits. However, evidence regarding their multifunctional ecosystem-service performance relative to conventional agroforestry (AF) and monocropping (MC) systems remains fragmented. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the ecological functions and ecosystem-service contributions of MFA systems through an evidence-based narrative review approach Literature published between 1990 and 2025 was reviewed to compare MFA, AF and MC systems for carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation and soil-water conservation, with emphasis on widely used tree species such as Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Faidherbia albida (Delile) A.Chev., Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre and Grevillea robusta A.Cunn. ex R.Br. The review indicates that MFA systems generally exhibit greater carbon storage, higher annual sequestration potential, improved nutrient retention and recycling, enhanced biodiversity and superior soil and water conservation functions compared with AF and MC systems. These benefits are primarily associated with structural diversity, multilayer vegetation, continuous biomass inputs and stronger ecological interactions. However, system performance varies according to climate, soil conditions, species composition, management practices and system age. Overall, MFA systems represent a promising approach for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land management, although further long-term studies and standardised monitoring frameworks are required to strengthen evidence-based adoption and policy implementation.

Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. commonly known as kapok, is increasingly gaining importance as one of the major tree components in agroforestry systems due to its multipurpose nature. Its adaptability and productivity make it advantageous for promoting sustainable livelihood improvement among farmers. The study explores the ecological, economic and environmental significance of kapok, by assessing the effectiveness of wedge grafting methods and its successful propagation under controlled nursery conditions. Grafting was performed at six intervals (June-November) with two conditions: with polycap and without polycap. One-year-old scions with 3-4 healthy buds were grafted onto 6-8-month-old rootstocks. Various parameters, including graft take percentage, bud sprouting time, sprouting percentage, first leaf emergence time, sprout length, number of leaves and graft survival, were evaluated. The results highlighted the significant influence of timing and polycap usage on grafting success. November grafts with polycap exhibited the highest graft take (71.5%), while July grafts with polycap showed the shortest bud sprouting time (13.78 days) and longest sprout lengths. Graft survival was highest (79.8%) in October with polycap. Polycap usage enhanced outcomes by creating a humid microenvironment, reducing desiccation and supporting graft union formation. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of wedge grafting and polycap in improving vegetative propagation success in kapok. This technique offers a reliable method for clonal multiplication, ensuring high-quality planting stock for agroforestry and commercial applications.

Lignin is the second most abundant natural biopolymer on Earth, functioning as a primary structural matrix in the secondary cell walls of woody plants. Composed of complex, cross-linked, hydroxylated, and methoxylated phenylpropanoid units, lignin and its associated polyphenols possess unique structural flexibility, UV-shielding, radical scavenging, and antimicrobial properties. Historically managed as a low-value byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, recent biorefinery innovations have repositioned lignin as a crucial sustainable precursor for high-value biomaterials, green composite fillers, and targeted biomedical carriers. This review provides a rigorous, critical synthesis of lignin chemistry, detailing monolignol biosyntheses (p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols), radical coupling polymerization mechanisms, and taxonomic variations across gymnosperm softwoods, angiosperm hardwoods, and woody bamboos. Modern structural characterization methodologies including 2D 1H-13C HSQC NMR, 31P NMR, Py-GC/MS, SEC/GPC, and FTICR-MS are comprehensively evaluated alongside commercial extraction protocols (kraft, organosolv, lignosulfonate, and soda processes). Furthermore, quantitative performance metrics across antioxidant (DPPH IC50), UV-blocking (SPF values), antimicrobial (MIC), and drug-delivery (encapsulation efficiency) domains are critically synthesized. Technical limitations regarding structural heterogeneity, condensation reactions, sulfur contamination, commercial scalability, life cycle assessments (LCA), and regulatory hurdles for biomedical translation are thoroughly examined. This work establishes an integrated framework bridging taxonomic lignin chemistry with industrial valorization and sustainable bioeconomy strategy.