Archives of Current Research International

Phosphorus Optimisation Strategies for Economically Viable Mungbean Production

2026-06-17T06:09:21+00:00

Background: Mungbean productivity in semi-arid regions is frequently constrained by inadequate phosphorus availability and limited nutrient-use efficiency. Integrating phosphorus fertilisation with phosphate-solubilising biofertilisers may improve phosphorus availability, crop yield and economic returns, while supporting sustainable soil fertility management under resource-limited production systems.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the optimum phosphorus dose for economically viable mungbean production in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan and to evaluate the response of mungbean to phosphate-solubilising biofertilisers.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season at the Agronomy Farm of S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan, using mungbean cultivar RMG-492. Sixteen treatment combinations were evaluated, comprising four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and four biofertiliser treatments (control, PSB, Aspergillus awamori and PSB + A. awamori). The treatments were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Yield, economic returns and the quadratic grain-yield response to phosphorus were assessed.

Results: Application of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ significantly improved grain yield, straw yield, net returns and the benefit:cost ratio compared with the control and 20 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, while remaining statistically at par with 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. The maximum net returns from phosphorus application were ₹58,018 ha⁻¹, with a benefit:cost ratio of 3.61. Among biofertiliser treatments, dual inoculation with PSB + Aspergillus awamori recorded the highest grain yield (1268 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (3140 kg ha⁻¹), net returns (₹55,029 ha⁻¹) and benefit:cost ratio (3.90). The economically optimum phosphorus dose was estimated at 49.77 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, corresponding to a predicted grain yield of 1236.34 kg ha⁻¹.

Conclusion: The study indicates that phosphorus application at 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, supported by dual inoculation with PSB + Aspergillus awamori, can improve mungbean productivity and profitability under the tested semi-arid conditions. The estimated economic optimum dose provides a practical basis for phosphorus management in mungbean production.

Behavioural Patterns, Perception, and Constraints in the Adoption of Biofertilizers: A Study of Potato Growers in Aravalli District

2026-06-18T11:10:20+00:00

Potato cultivation in Aravalli district is closely linked with intensive input use and processing-oriented production systems, making farmer acceptance of bio-fertilisers important for sustainable nutrient management. This study examined the socio-economic profile, perception, buying behaviour, and adoption constraints of bio-fertilisers among potato-growing farmers in Aravalli district, Gujarat. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 200 potato growers selected through simple random sampling from 20 villages across Bhiloda, Shamalaji, Meghraj, and Modasa talukas. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, the Weighted Average Mean method, and Garrett’s Ranking Technique. The respondents were mainly from the 36-45 year age group (36.50%), and 39.50% had completed higher secondary education. Large landholders accounted for 50.50% of the sample, while all respondents used micro-irrigation systems. The overall perception towards bio-fertilisers was moderately positive, with a mean WAM score of 3.61. Farmers expressed stronger agreement regarding long-term adoption benefits (4.17) and soil safety (4.11), whereas field demonstrations (3.07) and reliability of visible results (3.09) received comparatively lower scores. Company representatives were the main source of information (47.50%), followed by dealers or retailers (32.50%). Most farmers purchased bio-fertilisers every season (61.50%), exclusively through agro-input dealers, and 52.00% preferred credit-based payment. Product performance (4.27), ease of application (4.14), and dealer recommendation (4.05) were the leading purchase drivers. Garrett ranking identified higher price (74.6), lack of awareness (69.3), and lack of technical knowledge (66.1) as the most important constraints. The findings indicate that improved affordability, practical demonstrations, and technical guidance are central to strengthening bio-fertiliser adoption among potato growers.

The Effect of Stocking Density of Pangasius Fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) on Water Quality and the Growth of Several Types of Plants in an Aquaponic System

2026-06-20T10:57:33+00:00

This study evaluated the effect of stocking density on water quality, fish growth and the growth of selected leafy vegetables in a recirculating indoor aquaponic system using Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings. The experiment was conducted for 60 days in the laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, Late Shri Punaram Nishad College of Fisheries, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh. Four tank groups were used: T0 as the control without plants at three fish per tank, and aquaponic treatments T1, T2 and T3 at three, five and seven fish per tank, respectively. The fish had an initial mean length of 12.2 cm and an initial mean weight of 26.7 g. Indian spinach (Basella alba), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) were cultivated in duplicate pots in each aquaponic tank using coco peat as the plant-growing medium. Fish were fed commercial floating pellets containing 32% crude protein twice daily at 5% body weight. Water quality parameters were monitored at 15-day intervals, and fish growth was assessed through weight gain, length gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival. During the experimental period, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH varied among treatments, with the control tank showing comparatively higher ammonia accumulation. At the end of the trial, T2 showed the highest final length, weight gain, average daily gain and specific growth rate, while survival remained 100% in all groups. Plant growth was limited under indoor conditions, particularly because of inadequate lighting, but better overall fish and plant performance was observed in T2. The results indicate that five fish per tank provided the most favourable stocking density under the tested aquaponic conditions.

Evaluation of Yield of Different Strains of Calocybe indica (Milky White Mushroom) under Bihar Conditions

2026-06-22T11:05:23+00:00

Mushroom cultivation is a low-cost enterprise that can utilise agricultural wastes while providing income and nutritional support to rural communities. The milky white mushroom, Calocybe indica, is suitable for warm regions because it grows at relatively high temperatures and can utilise lignocellulosic substrates. The present study evaluated six strains of C. indica, namely Ci-24-201, Ci-24-202, Ci-24-203, Ci-24-204, Ci-24-205 and Ci-24-206, under the agro-climatic conditions of Bihar. The experiment was conducted at the Mushroom House and Mushroom Research Unit, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. Pure cultures were maintained on potato dextrose agar slants and multiplied on wheat grain spawn. Wheat straw was used as the cultivation substrate. Spawned bags were incubated under dark conditions at 30-35 °C and 85-90% relative humidity, followed by casing with a farmyard manure and garden soil mixture. Observations were recorded for spawn run, days to first harvest after casing, average fruit body weight, yield and biological efficiency, and the data were analysed using a completely randomised design. Among the six strains, Ci-24-206 completed spawn run in the shortest period (19.16 days) and recorded the highest biological efficiency (65.14%). Ci-24-203 produced the highest average fruit body weight (75.41 g) and required the shortest period for first harvest after casing (31.94 days). Ci-24-205 showed the lowest biological efficiency (14.49%) and the lowest average fruit body weight (32.03 g). The findings indicate appreciable strain variability in the growth and yield attributes of C. indica under Bihar conditions, with Ci-24-206 showing superior biological efficiency on wheat straw substrate.

Role of Animal Husbandry in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: A Review

2026-06-22T10:56:51+00:00

Animal husbandry is central to global food systems because it supports food security, livelihoods, nutrition and rural economies. At the same time, livestock systems are linked to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water demand and pollution, while also being vulnerable to climate variability. This review examines the role of animal husbandry in climate change mitigation and adaptation, with emphasis on livestock-related emissions, system resilience and sustainable management options. The manuscript highlights enteric methane, manure-derived nitrous oxide, land-use change and energy use as important emission pathways. Improved feeding, methane inhibitors, genetic improvement, efficient manure management, composting, biogas production, grazing management and crop–livestock integration are discussed as mitigation strategies that can reduce emission intensity. Adaptation measures include climate-resilient breeds, diversified livelihoods, adaptive feeding and housing, improved water management, climate services, early warning systems and pastoral mobility. The review also considers climate-smart livestock production, agroecological practices, circular economy approaches and the One Health framework as integrated pathways for improving sustainability. Economic barriers, technological limitations, extension gaps, policy constraints and productivity–sustainability trade-offs remain important challenges. Overall, the review indicates that animal husbandry can contribute to climate change responses when mitigation and adaptation strategies are implemented in a context-specific, economically feasible and institutionally supported manner.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Non-smoking Women: Three Case Reports

2026-06-19T07:28:42+00:00

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 90% of malignancies affecting the oral cavity. Although oral SCC is classically associated with tobacco and alcohol exposure, its occurrence in women who do not smoke or drink suggests a changing clinical and epidemiological profile. Case reports focusing on SCC of the lateral border of the tongue in this population remain limited.

Aim: This study reports three clinical cases of SCC located on the lateral border of the tongue in non-smoking and non-drinking women.

Presentation of Case: The patients were women aged 38, 46 and 49 years who sought care for non-healing tongue lesions. Case 1 involved a 46-year-old patient with a 20 mm leukoerythroplakic plaque of fibrous consistency and rough surface, present for 30 days. Case 2 involved a 49-year-old patient with a 14 mm ulcerated lesion with erythematous and indurated margins, fibrous consistency, a smooth surface and central fissuring, present for approximately 40 days. Case 3 involved a 38-year-old patient with a 15 mm plaque-like lesion of fibrous consistency and smooth surface extending to the dorsum of the tongue, present for approximately 60 days. Incisional biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated SCC in all three cases, with muscular invasion in Case 2 and muscular and perineural invasion in Case 3.

Discussion: The cases reinforce that tongue SCC can occur in women without traditional risk factors. Possible non-conventional factors, including HPV infection and molecular alterations, should be considered, although they were not investigated in these cases.

Conclusion: Persistent tongue lesions in non-smoking and non-drinking women require careful assessment, timely biopsy and multidisciplinary management.