The paper reports the results of a study conducted in 2023 in the Baltabai rural district, Yenbekshikazakh district, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan. The study centered on analyzing soil samples collected as part of field experiments. The research goal was to assess the influence of various organic farming technologies on soil microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. The results proved highly significant for microbiological research as they highlight the effect of various environmental conditions on the growth and development of microorganisms. The study reveals that using organic farming technology in the combination of winter peas and corn as a cover crop promotes a higher concentration of bacteria than traditional cultivation methods. Cultivating soybeans with organic agriculture resulted in the highest levels of bacteria. Cultivation of winter peas for green mass, its use of soybean cover in organic agriculture, and their variants becoming straw as organic fertilizers helped increase actinomycete concentration. It proved that Gause’s agar, Ashby’s medium, and meat-peptone agar provide optimal conditions for the growth of bacteria.

Meanwhile, Czapek-Dox and Hutchison’s media do not support their growth at specified dilution rates. Actinomycetes fruitfully multiplied in Gause’s and Hutchison’s media at the 10^-3 dilution rate. Ashby’s medium, meat-peptone agar, and starch ammonia agar at the dilution rate of 10^-5 showed no positive effect on the growth of fungi, while Czapek-Dox, Gause’s, and Hutchison’s media diluted at the rate of 10^-3 provided optimal conditions for soil fungi production. The findings of this study can find practical applications in quality control and safety assurance in medicine, food production, and agriculture.

Keywords: Сover crops, culture media, soil bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, organic farming, Kazakhstan

Key findings: Organic farming methods, particularly winter peas and winter peas intercropped with corn, resulted in higher bacterial concentrations than conventional farming practices. Soybean cultivation within the organic farming framework displayed the highest bacterial concentration among the tested crops. Cultivating winter peas for green mass and using soybean as a cover crop in organic farming, especially when combined with straw as organic fertilizer, led to elevated concentrations of actinomycetes.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) trees’ successful growing in Iraq revealed vital seeds distinguished by their oil quantity and quality. A seed proximate analysis indicated its moisture (4.08%), ash (3.25%), protein (32.91%), fats (38.11%), fibers (7.55%), and carbohydrates (14.1%), respectively. Moringa seeds oil extraction employed different methods (mechanical pressure, Soxhlet extraction, cold solvent extraction, and soaking and mixing with hexane solvent for 24 hours). The results showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) variations in the extracted oil percentage and all tests for physicochemical properties. The cold solvent extraction yielded the highest oil percentage (41.899%), followed by the Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether (39.9%) and with hexane (38.04%), and the mechanical pressure extraction (12.97%). The results indicated substantial (P ≤ 0.05) differences in the percentage of fatty acids (Palmitic, Arachidic, and Behenic) in the extracted oil for each extraction method. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were evident in their qualitative properties, such as peroxide value, free fatty acid content, and melting point. Overall, the soaking and mixing extraction method with a solvent displayed the highest quantity yield of oil with superior quality. Meanwhile, the mechanical pressing method produced high-quality oil and the lowest yield.

Keywords: Moringa (M. oleifera), seed oil, mechanical pressing extraction, cold extraction, Soxhlet extraction, oil content, physicochemical properties of oil

Key findings: Moringa oleifera seeds are one of the most important sources of oils, which are considered healthy oils due to the high percentage of essential fatty acids. It is important to find the best methods to extract them with high quality.

Broad- and narrow-leafed weeds are one of the main challenges that hinder the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production expansion due to their competitiveness. The latest study aimed to use different methods that have a perpetual effect on weeds in barley fields. A field experiment on barley ensued during crop seasons 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 in the north of Najaf Province, Iraq. Eight combinations and two treatments of the experiment (manual weed control, herbicides, and seeding rate) progressed using a randomized complete block design with 10 replications. Results showed significant differences between treatments and combinations. Saracen, Axial, and weed-free, with a seeding rate of 160 kg ha^-1, provided the lowest weed density and the highest weed control efficiency compared with the control (120 kg ha^-1). The use of Saracen, Axial, and weed-free, with a seeding rate of 160 kg ha^-1, showed the utmost weed control. Based on HPLC analysis of Saracen and Axial residues, the active substances Florasulam and Pinoxaden appeared to be less than the detected level in the grains and straw of barley, which confirms their safety for human and animal consumption. Using herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS) and Acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase), combined with increasing seeding rate, boosts efficient weed control in barley fields.

Keywords: Barley (H. vulgare L.), weed population, seed rate, herbicides, weed control, acetolactate synthase (ALS), Acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase)

Key findings: Herbicide use that inhibits the biosynthesis of amino and fatty acids with increasing seeding rate enhanced the efficiency of weed control in barley (H. vulgare L.).

The recent study, carried out in 2022 in Bismayah City, Baghdad, Iraq, aimed to investigate the influence of humic and salicylic acids on the growth traits of different trees. The first factor was humic acid (H) with three levels – water spray (H₀ control), 5 g L^-1 (H₁), and 10 g L^-1 (H₂). The second factor was salicylic acid with three levels, i.e., water spray (S₀ control), 250 mg L^-1 (S₁), and 500 mg L^-1 (S₂). The third factor was four tree types, namely, Eucalyptus camaldulensis L. (T₁), Albizia lebbeck L. (T₂), Ficus carica L. (T₃), and Morus nigra L. (T₄). The study comprised a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that humic acid, 10 g L^-1 (H₂), significantly increased the stem diameter (28.20 mm), plant height (36.50 cm), shoot length (37.64 cm), and leaf chlorophyll content (29.45 mg g^-1). The salicylic acid spray of 500 mg L^-1 (S₂) significantly enhanced the plant height (32.59 cm), shoot length (36.82 cm), and leaf chlorophyll content (28.22 mg g^-1). Albizia lebbeck L. (T₂) excelled with an enhanced stem diameter (34.54 mm) and plant height (46.77 cm). Eucalyptus camaldulensis L. (T₁) was superior with an extended shoot length (43.64 cm). However, Ficus carica L. (T₃) was superb in the leaf chlorophyll content (29.51 mg g-1). The interactions among the study factors significantly affected all the studied vegetative growth traits.

Keywords: Humic acid, salicylic acid, phytoremediation, transplants, plant height, foliar application

Key findings: The studied traits significantly increased especially when sprayed with humic acid at 10 g L^-1 and salicylic acid at 500 mg L^-1. Moreover, the transplants varied among themselves in vegetative growth characteristics.

The concerned study determined the effects of foliar application of nitrogen fertilizer – urea (N 46%) levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 gm L^-1) and seaweed extract (0, 2, 4, and 6 ml L^-1) on the vegetative growth and yield traits of pea (Pisum sativum L.), carried out in autumn of 2022 in Babylon Province, Iraq. The results indicated significant superiority of the seaweed treatment (6 ml L^-1) in enhancing the pea’s vegetative growth and yield. The seaweed treatment of 6 ml L^-1 provided the highest averages for plant height (57.60 cm), branches per plant (12.58), leaves per plant (26.88), leaf area (925.83 cm²), chlorophyll content (47.95 SPAD), vegetative dry weight (49.68 g), pods per plant (13.83), pod weight (14.10 g), pod yield per plant (196.90 g), and seeds protein (22.15%) compared with lowest values obtained in the control treatment. The foliar application of urea (15 gm L^-1) followed the seaweed and showed the second-highest averages for the above parameters (56.10 cm, 12.08, 25.77, 888.10 cm^-2, 46.20 SPAD, 48.23 g, 12.93, 14.08 g, 184.31 g, and 21.45%, respectively). The interaction of seaweed (6 ml L^-1) and nitrogen fertilizer (15 gm L^-1) was superior, with the highest averages for the said traits.

Keywords: Pea (Pisum sativum L.), seaweed extract, urea fertilizer, foliar fertilization, vegetative growth, yield traits, chlorophyll and protein content

Key findings: The foliar application seaweed extract and urea fertilizer, individually and in combination, performed better for the growth, morphological, yield, and biochemical traits.

Water pollution poses a foremost threat to crop productivity by degrading soil health. The latest study aimed to determine the impact of water quality and soil fertility on yields of chief cereal crops. Proposed data in corn, wheat, and soybeans used in Bayesian regression modeling helped determine crop-specific sensitivities to variations in water pollution and soil nutrients. The model estimates revealed that high water pollution levels reduced the average corn yields by 4.305 t ha^-1, wheat by 0.522 t ha^-1, and soybeans by 0.609 t ha^-1 compared with the water with low pollution. In contrast, the well-fertile soil improved corn productivity by 1.306 t ha^-1 and wheat and soybean yields by 0.52–0.61 t ha^-1 versus medium fertility. The results highlighted the critical need for policies to control water pollution while improving soil quality to sustain crop yields. These policies include Water Quality Standards, Pollution Prevention Plans, Wastewater Treatment Regulations, Stormwater Management Regulations, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Policies that lower surface and irrigation water contamination and enhance soil health require wider adoption to offset projected yield declines, especially given an expanding food demand.

Keywords: Water pollution, soil fertility and health, crop production, corn, wheat, and soybean yields

Key findings: The findings gave significant implications for agricultural practices and policymaking. The results emphasized the urgent need to launch policies and practices to control water pollution and improve soil quality to sustain crop yields, particularly in the face of an expanding global food demand. The quantitative evidence provided by the regression models emphasized specific yield losses associated with water pollution and the benefits of healthy soil in ensuring sustainable crop production.

The wastage of food items emerges as a critical concern impacting both food security and the economy. Additionally, it contributes to environmental degradation and climate change. Valorizing food waste and investigating its new potential uses in the food business and beyond may help to manage these issues. Bioactive components or dietary fibers are food trash types often useful as crude resources. Apple pomace and citrus peel are regular sources of dietary fibers, particularly pectin. Recently developed food waste streams and by-products are now considerable potential nutritional fiber sources. Hence, a need to restrict traditional procedures requires using unique extraction approaches. Past studies on the dietary fiber extraction from agricultural leftovers are central discussions in this manuscript. A comprehensive review commenced using different databases, including Science Direct and Scopus. Out of 308 scientific publications, 10 fundamental studies on the extraction techniques ‘ultrasound’ and ‘microwave’ were choices after filtering the data. With a focus on reevaluating agricultural residues for utilization in food, biotechnology, and medicines, these vital studies explored the effects of dietary fiber extraction techniques.

Keywords: Food waste, fibers, ultrasound, microwave, agro-industry, food security, environmental pollution, climate change

Key findings: Plant-based wastes have served for nutritional fiber extractions through various techniques. Depending on plant resources, future researchers and industry might benefit by exploring and using favorable extraction procedures with ideal circumstances. By reevaluating agricultural residues for utilization in food, biotechnology, and medicines, these decisive studies identified various techniques used for the extraction of dietary fibers.

The study evaluated the effectiveness, economic viability, and environmental implications of various strategies, including chemical pesticides, biological control agents, integrated pest management, and cultural and mechanical practices, to investigate the impact of different plant protection approaches on the sustainability of the Iraqi agriculture sector, Field experiments transpired across various regions of Iraq, with the data recorded through survey interviews of the farming community. The findings provide insights into the efficacy of plant protection measures in improving crop yields, reducing economic losses, and minimizing environmental risks. The study highlights the importance of promoting sustainable plant protection practices to ensure long-term viability and the Iraqi agriculture sector’s resilience. The presented results will have practical implications for policymakers, agronomists, and farmers, enabling evidence-based decision-making and targeted interventions. Additionally, the assessment also explored potential areas for further research. It also acknowledged the constraints and boundaries of the study.

Keywords: Agricultural sustainability, plant protection methods, chemical pesticides, biological control, integrated pest management, cultural practices

Key findings: The correlation coefficient was significantly positive, proving the null hypothesis was baseless. It also verified the validity of the main hypothesis 1 of the research through the analysis of the hypothesis 2. According to the scale, in hypothesis 3, the correlation was also significantly positive.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a genetically diverse group of vegetables with various cultivars having distinct traits. This study optimized somatic embryogenesis in anther-derived calli of selected commercial cucumber cultivars (Local Khera, Champion, and CP 001). Therefore, the experiment investigated the impact of 2,4-D and benzyl 6-aminopurine (BAP) treatments on embryo formation. The anthers collected from different-sized floral buds sustained culturing in various concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 mg L^-1). It was evident that calli induction in cucumber cultivars received significant stimuli from 2,4-D and BAP concentrations and dark culture conditions during calli culture. The maximum calli induction (51%) was prominent in anthers of cv. CP 001 at a higher level of 2,4-D in small-sized floral buds. However, the anthers of cucumber cultivar Local Khera (59.72%) performed better for calli induction than Champion (57.14%) and CP 001 (51.43%). The highest embryogenesis appeared in anther-derived calli of cultivar Local Khera (12%) under light culture conditions in tiny flower buds. Meanwhile, maximum (8%) embryo formation observed at a higher level of 2,4-D (4 mg L^-1) resulted in cultivars Champion and CP 001 under dark conditions. In conclusion, from the tested treatments, applying the highest level of 2,4-D and BAP at 4 mg L^-1 was more effective than other treatments, including the control. However, more calli induction was noteworthy under dark culture conditions, and maximum embryo formation occurred under light culture conditions.

Keywords: Cucumber (C. sativus L.), cultivars, anthers, dark, light, calli, embryo

Key findings: Applying the highest level of 2,4-D and BAP at 4.0 mg L^-1 was the most effective for calli production and embryogenesis in cucumber (C. sativus L.). However, more calli induction was prominent under dark culture conditions, while maximum embryo formation occurred under light culture conditions.

In Azerbaijan, the Shamkir District is one of the oldest agricultural regions on the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The presented investigations mainly assessed the current state, dynamics, and comparative parameters of erosion, emphasizing its repercussions on fertility indicators of agricultural soils. Simultaneously, the study employed state-of-the-art methodologies to scrutinize soil sections strategically positioned in key areas of the research domain. The advanced chemical analyses helped acquire results that underwent meticulous refinement through mathematical and statistical methodologies. The study also determined the nitrogen, activated phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium levels beneath the grape plants, aimed at strengthening measures for soil erosion protection in the target region. Expanding the research was imperative to highlight the correlation between soil erosion and its consequences on the local ecosystem. Beyond the immediate impact on soil fertility, erosion can lead to enhanced sedimentation in water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats.

Keywords: Mountain gray-cinnamon (chestnut), soil types and subtypes, erosion process, soil sections, arable soils, diagnostic index, fertility parameters

Key findings: Mountain gray-cinnamon (chestnut) (42759.79 ha) is one of the widespread soil types on the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus mountains in Azerbaijan. The vital factors of that soil are fertility parameters like humus, nitrogen, CaCO₃, and the sum of absorbed bases (SUB, mg-ekv), which can sustain plant growth and optimize crop yields in that specified soil. The soil granulometric composition’s expression was as a percentage of the weight of purely dry soil.