An agriculture experiment materialized during the cropping season of 2022–2023 in the Kateban Area, Basra Governorate, Iraq, to demonstrate the effect of nitrogen fertilization with three levels (0, 100, and 200 kg ha^-1) on two types of cultivars of broad bean plants (Shamea and local) grown in clay loam soil. The study also displayed enhance fertilization by spraying two types of liquid fertilizers (Al-Jamea Fertilizer and Communication) on the beans. Results showed the broad bean cultivar Shamea, the commercial liquid fertilizer, and the level of nitrogen fertilization (200 kg ha^-1) were significantly superior for plant height, plant dry weight, protein percentage, and copper content, except for the iron content. The highest values were 95.20 cm, 50.14 gm, 39.98%, and 39.98 ppm, respectively, from the interaction among the bean cultivar, type of liquid fertilizer, and the level of nitrogen fertilization at 100 kg ha^-1, reaching 0.5637 ppm.

Keywords: Broad bean (Vicia faba L.), cultivars, liquid fertilizer, protein, iron, copper

Key findings: Using the cultivar Shamea with liquid foliar fertilization increased plant growth, including plant height, dry weight of the vegetative part, protein percentage, and plant content of micronutrients (iron and copper), especially when using a nitrogen fertilization level of 200 kg ha^-1.

The study investigates the use of biochar as a soil improver to address various crop cultivation challenges by utilizing actinomycetes to enhance the available nutrients for plants. It aimed to examine the response of cocoa plants to different types of biochar and concentrations of actinomycetes for growth and productivity. This research began in Watu Toa Village, Marioriwawo District, Soppeng Regency, using 3-year-old MCC 02 plants. The research employed a split-plot design with main plots as the types of biochar (rice husk, coconut shell, and corn cob biochars). The subplots comprised various concentrations of actinomycetes, i.e., 0, 30, 60, and 90 mL L^-1. The results revealed significant interaction effects between the types of biochar and actinomycetes concentration on stomatal opening area (83.04 μm²), number of cocoa pods formed (43.11 pods), percentage of fallen flower cluster (32.39%), and 100 dry beans’ weight (171.68 g). However, the individual application of actinomycetes enunciated the most pronounced effects, particularly in the number of pods created (126.52 pods), the percentage of fallen cocoa pods (16.77%), the number of harvested fruits (15.67 fruits), and the production yield (618.84 g/tree and 687.53 kg/ha).

Keywords: Cocoa (T. cacao L.), biochar, actinomycetes, interaction effects, growth and physiological traits, productivity

Key findings: The combination of corn cob biochar and the highest concentration of actinomycetes (90 mL L^-1) provided the best effects on cocoa (T. cacao L.) for the stomatal openings, the lowest percentage of fallen flowers, and the maximum 100 dry seeds’ weight.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) consumption is in large quantities in Indonesia and worldwide. However, potato production is still quite low in Indonesia. This research aimed to determine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer and silica on potato productivity, with the experiment carried out during 2023 in Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia. The study used a factorial design of two factors, with the first factor as the liquid organic fertilizer (LOF), consisting of four treatments, i.e., no treatment (control), 150, 200, and 250 mL L^-1. The second factor was the application of silica fertilizer, comprising four treatments—without treatment (control), 100, 200, and 300 g m^-2. The results showed liquid organic fertilizer (250 mL L^-1) and silica fertilizer (300 g m^-2) produced the maximum plant height, number of leaves, tubers, fresh weight of tubers, and tuber yield at 60.62 cm, 235.36 strands, 8.65, 80.66 g, and 11.29 t ha^-1, respectively. Additionally, a considerable increase appeared in protein content (2.69%), vitamin C (163.17%), and carbohydrate (14.27%). The optimal combinations of LOF concentrations (150 and 250 mL L^-1) and silica fertilizer doses (100 and 300 g m^-2) resulted in the highest phosphorus content (0.15%). The combined application of liquid organic fertilizer and silica demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing potato crop production.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), silica fertilizer, liquid organic fertilizer

Key findings: In potato (S. tuberosum L.) production, a considerable increase was evident with the application of liquid organic and silica fertilizers. The utilization of these inputs showed a highly significant effect compared with the control in the potato.

In the present era, medicinal plants’ use is one of the local wisdom held by the Dayak Kayong community living in Tajok Kayong Village, Nanga Tayap Sub-District, Ketapang Regency, Indonesia. Accordingly, the related study aimed to gather and document the relevant information about various medicinal plant species and their use for prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. Using a qualitative method, analysis of all collected information ensued through different interviews, observations, and documentation. Overall, 28 plant species existed as used by the Dayak Kayong community for traditional medicines. The plant species applied as traditional medicine belong to the 19 different families, i.e., Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Asparagaceae, Asteraceae, Chrysobalanaceae, Crassulaceae, Fabaceae, Iridaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Menispermaceae, Moraceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Simaroubaceae, and Zingiberaceae. Furthermore, the most used plant parts were the leaves, and the predominant processing method was boiling of plant leaves followed by drinking the boiled water.

Keywords: Dayak Kayong community, local wisdom, medicinal plants, Tajok Kayong, traditional medicines, prevention and treatment of diseases

Key findings: The presented research provides information about the diverse species of plants used as traditional medicines. Research results detailed insight on using medicinal plants in curing various diseases.

This study focuses on the medicinal plant Gnaphalium kasachstanicum and investigation of its ecology and habitat, phytochemical composition, and medicinal values. G. kasachstanicum was prevalent in the Tarbagatai Mountains, characterized by a diverse flora and a continental climate. The plant’s anatomical features include woolly leaves and small flowers and roots, with distinct epidermal and mesophyll tissue structures. The study also involved collection and analyzing the plant samples of G. kasachstanicum from the Southeastern Region of Kazakhstan using hydrodistillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analysis revealed a complex composition of 68 compounds, including sterols, carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, terpenes, glycosides, phenols, and ketones, with notable concentrations of stigmasta-3,5-diene, undec-10-ynoic acid, and tetradecyl ester. The identified vitamins B1, B3, and B6 had higher content, along with a considerable level of polyphenol content, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential health benefits. The toxic element lead (Pb), also detected, highlights the need for its careful usage. The comprehensive exploration underscores the G. kasachstanicum‘s potential as a source of bioactive compounds with medicinal values. The promising outcomes highlight the conservation strategies to safeguard its natural habitats, potential applications in medicine and allied fields, and importance of its further investigations.

Keywords: G. kasachstanicum, diverse flora, plant extracts, chemical composition, anatomical features, pharmacological properties, medicinal potential

Key findings: The noteworthy findings emphasize the need of future research on G. kasachstanicum for its conservation and protection of its natural habitats, and the possibility of using the said species in various medicines.

In assessing the effect of three planting dates (October 01, mid-October, and November 01) and dual spraying of four levels of potassium sulfate (0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg L^-1) and proline acid (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L^-1) on the faba bean (Vicia faba L.), an experiment commenced in the winter cropping season of 2022–2023 at the University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), had a factorial arrangement, with two factors and three replications. Results showed mid-October planting is superior for most studied traits, recording the highest average number of accumulated heat units from planting to 50% flowering. Likewise, optimum averages occurred for physiological maturity, leaf area, chlorophyll content, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and total seed yield in faba beans. The findings also revealed the combination of potassium (3000 mg L^-1) and proline acid (150 mg L^-1) excelled for all the studied traits. The combined treatment provided maximum average values for the number of accumulated heat units from planting to 50% flowering and beginning of branches, leaf area, chlorophyll content, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and the total seed yield in faba beans.

Keywords: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), planting dates, potassium sulfate, proline acid, physiological indicators, growth and yield traits

Key findings: In faba beans, the mid-October planting showed superiority in most studied traits. Foliar application of potassium and proline acid individually and in interaction revealed significant differences for physiological, growth, and yield-related traits.

An executed laboratory study gauged the effect of slow-release fertilizers on nitrate leaching and its distribution in the soil profile and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A comparison between numbers of coating layers (1, 2, and 3 layers) of neem oil on urea granules caused an investigation, with different parameters monitored. Results revealed a higher nitrogen (N) release arose from a single coating than the double and triple coatings at the early stage of fertilizer application, indicating a poor performance and less efficiency. Triple coating effectively suppressed the release, which could unmatched plant needs. Afterward, a second study continued in pots to compare the efficiency of different levels (25%, 50%, and 75%) of neem oil-coated fertilizer with untreated fertilizer and the control on wheat’s physiological parameters and yield. It was noteworthy that a reduced dose (75%) of fertilizer gave a better response for improving growth parameters and nutritional status of wheat. Overall, urea fertilizer coated with neem oil improved crop management and reduced nitrogen loss in environmental consequences, which usually resulted from adding traditional fertilizers. Thus, using naturally occurring neem oil as coating material could improve wheat yield and reduce nitrogen losses.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), nitrogen, neem oil-coated urea, slow-release fertilizer, grain yield

Key findings: Utilization of suitable coating material can slow down the release of N from urea. This study proved the use of neem oil as a coating material significantly reduced the N release and N losses from urea fertilizer used in the wheat crop.

The research presents mineralogical studies of irrigated and non-irrigated sierozem soils of the Shaulder irrigation massif of Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. Soils and soil cover representations comprised zonal soils, southern sierozem, and intrazonal soils: meadow and meadow sierozem soils forming combinations with meadow and common solonchaks. The southern light sierozem soils occupy the highest surfaces of the ancient alluvial plain-hilly foothills. The analysis of the fine-dispersed part of southern sierozems showed a mineralogical composition. In the upper horizons of irrigated sierozem soils of southern and meadow sierozem soils, the silt accumulation occurs, ranging from 14.5% to 18.9% and from 8.3% to 11.8%, respectively. The upper part of the irrigated sierozems profile (0–40 cm) has dominant hydrous minerals (27%–32%); however, their quantity decreased at the considerable depth. The maximum amounts of silicon oxide, phosphorus, and aluminum oxide were prevalent in the studied soils’ arable layer. Compared with the soil, the bulk chemical composition of the silty fraction showed a decrease in the amount of SiO; however, a significant increase appeared in the gross Mg, Fe, and Al. In the arable layers, the enhanced content of hydromica revealed the hydrosludge process of the silty fraction. It occurs as a result of physical dispersion of mica material of large fractions and destruction of the small amount of smectite phase, reorganizing the fine-dispersed part of the soils due to irrigation.

Keywords: Mineralogy, irrigated and nonirrigated soils, sierozem, hydromica, layer formations, kaolinite, chlorite, quartz

Key findings: For the first time, the studies of silty fraction of southern and meadow-sierozem soils of Shaulder massif of Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan succeeded. The meadow-sierozem soils contain illite, glauconite (hydromica) kaolinite, halloysite, chlorite (clinochlorine), quartz, and feldspars. The magnesian aluminosilicates also accompanied the chlorite-kaolinite-hydrosludite association. Moreover, an observation took note of mineral trona occurring in non-irrigated meadow-sierozem soils. Irrigation for the known effects not only affects the humus state, physical, and chemical properties of soils, but also alters the conservative mineral component of the fine-dispersed fraction.

This study investigated the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AM) and foliar fertilizer (Growmore) application on potato tuber growth and yield to improve nutrient efficiency, crop productivity, and agricultural sustainability, conducted in May-September 2023 in Bantaeng, Indonesia. The two-factor factorial field experiment involved four doses of AM (control, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 g plant^-1) and three concentrations of foliar fertilizer application (2, 4, and 6 g L^-1), repeated three times. The results showed a significant interaction effect on the combination of AM application (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (6 g L^-1), increasing stem diameter, number of leaves, tuber weight, and yield. The foliar fertilizer (4 g L^-1) affected the number of leaves, while AM (15 g plant^-1) increased tuber weight and yield. Phosphorus content analysis was highest when adding AM (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (6 g L^-1). The highest protein appeared with AM (7.5 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (6 g L^-1), and the maximum vitamin C emerged with AM (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (4 g L^-1) applications. An integrated approach using AM (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (4-6 g L^-1) proved effective in increasing potato productivity.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), mycorrhiza, mineral fertilizer, growth traits, potato tubers

Key findings: In potato (S. tuberosum L.) production, a significant increase occurred by using mycorrhiza and foliar application of mineral fertilizers.

The reduction of mercury uptake and its content in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains is this research’s aim, particularly on rice grown in mercury-contaminated fields in the Mandailing Natal Regency, Indonesia. The experiment, laid out in a split-split plot design, had three replications and the period from August to December 2023. The main plots included biochar (from coconut shells) modified with Fe3O4 (M1), FeSO4 (M2), dolomite (M3), and unmodified biochar (M0). The subplots were pyrolysis temperatures at two levels, 350 °C (S1) and 550 °C (S2). The sub-sub plots comprised three rice cultivars: IF-16, Inpari-32, and Ciherang. Additionally, the study included three control treatments (without biochar). The results showed biochar modifications with Fe3O4, FeSO4, and dolomite can reduce the mercury content in rice grains below the standard quality threshold. Among the treatments, the IF-16 cultivar combined with biochar modified with Fe3O4 was the most effective in reducing mercury content while significantly increasing production in mercury-contaminated soils. This combination led to an 80.1% increase in rice production with lower mercury content in the grains.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), food, gold mine, heavy metals, Hg, tolerance

Key findings: The results showed rice (O. sativa L.) tolerant cultivar IF-16, combined with modified biochar, can significantly reduce the mercury content in rice grains compared with cultivars Ciherang and Inpari-32 grown by the farming community on mercury-contaminated soils.