Background An increase in population has led to a higher demand for food. Meeting up this demand ... more Background An increase in population has led to a higher demand for food. Meeting up this demand has necessitated the use of chemical fertilizers. However, utilization of these fertilizers has a considerable deleterious effect on the soil, plant, human, environmental sustainability, and only increase the cost and reduced profitability. With these identified problems, there is a need for efficient and sustainable methods regarding managing natural resources to enhance food production. Naturally, potassium (K) is an abundant element present in the soil but in an inaccessible form. There is therefore a need to seek an alternative method to improve the K availability to plants noting that K is an essential plant nutrient that plays a major role in plant physiological and metabolic processes. Subsequently, employing microbial potassium solubilizers is an efficient method to enhance the potassium availability in the soil, which in turn improves productivity. Therefore, this review discuss...
Background: In derived savanna ecology, the evaluation of soil characteristics for the current an... more Background: In derived savanna ecology, the evaluation of soil characteristics for the current and future capability and suitability for crop production is crucial. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the capability and suitability of plinthic soil of a derived savannah ecology of Nigeria for sustainable crop production. Methods: The methodology was essentially Grid using hand-held GPS to determine the coordinates of sampling points for the collection of soil samples. In all, 18 profile pit samples were collected. The profile pits were described morphologically on the field using the FAO guideline on soil profile description. From the various horizons of these profile pits, soil samples were collected. Results: Land assessment indicates that the soils of the area are very fragile and inherently low in nutrients. Mapping unit A is moderately suitable for arable crop production while Units B and C are fairly suitable. For agricultural activities, mapping unit D is marginal f...
Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in polluted soils suf... more Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in polluted soils suffer damages such as leaf rolls, chlorosis, growth inhibition, root tips browning, and death of plant. Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbon and heavy metals are absorbed by crops and such ends up being consumed by human posing health risk like cancer and respiratory abnormally. Conventional methods of remediation such as chemical and physical methods are very expensive and not sustainable. Excavation, which is a type of physical method, merely shifts the pollutant from one site to another. Bioremediation is a biological method of reclaiming polluted soils. Bioremediation is less expensive and more sustainable and safer when compared to the conventional methods of reclamation of polluted environment. This biological method of remediation is an extremely attractive, important, and productive alternative for cleaning, debugging, managing, and rehabilitating and consequently ameliorating conta...
Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in
polluted soils suf... more Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in polluted soils suffer damages such as leaf rolls, chlorosis, growth inhibition, root tips browning, and death of plant. Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbon and heavy metals are absorbed by crops and such ends up being consumed by human posing health risk like cancer and respiratory abnormally. Conventional methods of remediation such as chemical and physical methods are very expensive and not sustainable. Excavation, which is a type of physical method, merely shifts the pollutant from one site to another. Bioremediation is a biological method of reclaiming polluted soils. Bioremediation is less expensive and more sustainable and safer when compared to the conventional methods of reclamation of polluted environment. This biological method of remediation is an extremely attractive, important, and productive alternative for cleaning, debugging, managing, and rehabilitating and consequently ameliorating contaminated environments via judicious utilization of microbial activities. The rate, at which the waste substances are degraded, is usually dictated by competitiveness among biological agents, suboptimal supply of essential nutrients, unconducive abiotic conditions (in forms of temperature, aeration, pH, and moisture), and constrained pollutant’s bioavailability. Bioremediation is often effective only under conducive environmental conditions favorable for microbial growth and development. It has been successfully used at various parts of the world. Based on the significance of bioremediation in enhancing the reclamation of polluted environments by decontaminating and degrading heavy metals and xenobiotics, more focused researches would be needed so as to improve contaminated environments in much safer ways and conditions through bioremediation techniques. This research discussed the various types and methods of bioremediation. The mechanisms of actions and strategies of microorganisms in bioremediation were well expatiated. The interaction between bioremediators and the mineral particles in the soil environment was explained.
Farmers have not tested their soils for nutrient status and therefore are unaware of the fertilit... more Farmers have not tested their soils for nutrient status and therefore are unaware of the fertility status of their soils. Therefore, a baseline fertility survey of 50 hectares of land of a gravelly Alfisol in the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria was carried out with a view to identifying soil health constraints and site-specific sustainable land management practices for optimizing crop production. Standard field protocols and laboratory analytical procedures were employed for all sample parameters measured. Results show that the soil textural classes vary from sand to loamy sand, exchangeable acidity, Ca, Mg, K, and Na and the effective cation exchange capacity has the surface and subsurface soil values of 0.0–0.92 and 0.00–0.89 cmol kg−1, 1.6–7.7 and 2.0–5.8 cmol kg−1, 1.2–11.5 and 0.7–8.0 cmol kg−1, 0.09–0.33 and 0.09–0.43 cmol kg−1, 0.0–0.16 and 0.04–0.16 cmol kg−1, 7.2–12.10 and 0.9–12.5 cmol kg−1, respectively. P values lie in th...
Crop production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world is limited by several abiotic factors,... more Crop production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world is limited by several abiotic factors, including water stress, temperature extremes, low soil fertility, high soil pH, low soil water-holding capacity, and low soil organic matter. Moreover, arid and semi-arid areas experience low levels of rainfall with high spatial and temporal variability. Also, the indiscriminate use of chemicals, a practice that characterizes current agricultural practice, promotes crop and soil pollution potentially resulting in serious human health and environmental hazards. A reliable and sustainable alternative to current farming practice is, therefore, a necessity. One such option includes the use of plant growth-promoting microbes that can help to ameliorate some of the adverse effects of these multiple stresses. In this regard, archaea, functional components of the plant microbiome that are found both in the rhizosphere and the endosphere may contribute to the promotion of plant growth. Archaea can survive in extreme habitats such as areas with high temperatures and hypersaline water. No cases of archaea pathogenicity towards plants have been reported. Archaea appear to have the potential to promote plant growth, improve nutrient supply and protect plants against various abiotic stresses. A better understanding of recent developments in archaea functional diversity, plant colonizing ability, and modes of action could facilitate their eventual usage as reliable components of sustainable agricultural systems. The research discussed herein, therefore, addresses the potential role of archaea to improve sustainable crop production in arid and semi-arid areas.
For soil fertility maintenance, secondary nutrient such as Magnesium (Mg) is always being neglect... more For soil fertility maintenance, secondary nutrient such as Magnesium (Mg) is always being neglected. However, its role is critical in the growth, yield, and quality of crops. Therefore, two field experiments were initiated in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the response of soil chemical properties, performance, and qualities of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to Mg fertilizer alone and in combination with poultry manure (PM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (NPK). The treatments applied were the following: (i) PM alone at 8 t ha−1, (ii) NPK alone at 200 kg ha−1, (iii) Mg fertilizer alone (in form of MgO) at 20 kg ha−1, (iv) PM at 8 t ha−1 with MgO at 20 kg ha−1 (PM + Mg), (v) NPK at 200 kg ha−1 with MgO at 20kgha−1 (NPK + Mg), and (vi) control (no amendment of any kind). PM, NPK, and Mg fertilizers alone or NPK + Mg and PM + Mg increased soil chemical properties, performance (plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, number of rhizomes, and fresh rhizome weight), and minerals and vitamins...
This work investigates the effect of rice varietal and tillage methods on the agronomic and yield... more This work investigates the effect of rice varietal and tillage methods on the agronomic and yield characteristics of ric order to quantify technology engagement and rice yield towards enhanced rice sector revolution in the nation’s Zero Hunger Developmental plan (ZHD layout involved three varieties preparation techniques (no made model DF-121) (B) and tillage with Sawah eco (Indonesian made QUICK G1000 BOXER) (C)). D stages, data collected focused on rice varietal and power tiller effect on days to asp 590 editor@iaeme.com 590–600, Article ID: IJCIET_09_13_058
The hydrolytic activities (cellulases and pectinases) of some arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) ... more The hydrolytic activities (cellulases and pectinases) of some arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from four study sites; namely,- Malete, Bacita, Pategi and Ilorin; in southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria were studied. The DNA, RNA and protein contents of their spores were also quantified. Significant differences were observed in the hydrolytic activities of the AMF isolates. Pectinase activity of Malete AMF was F11, 22 =192.4; (p < 0.05); from
Effects of chemical inputs on abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi spores were investig... more Effects of chemical inputs on abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi spores were investigated under a maize monoculture in Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. The experimental plots received 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha of fertilizer (N.P.K. 15: 15: 15) and 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg active ingredient (a i) pre-emergence herbicide (atrazine) per hectare. AM fungal spores were isolated from the conventionally tilled, treated soils, cropped with maize by wet sieving and decanting method. Isolated AM spores were counted and spore abundance calculated. The spores were morphotyped and 13 AM fungi taxa were identified. These belong to six genera of AM fungi: Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora, Enthrophospora, Gigaspora and Scutellospora. Increasing atrazine concentrations resulted in significant deduction in AMF spores while increasing N.P.K. content led to an initial significant increase in AMF spores but a later decline in spore population. Both fertilization and herbicide appl...
The use of excess conventional Phosphorus (P) fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity, i... more The use of excess conventional Phosphorus (P) fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity, in order to meet constantly increasing global food demand, potentially causes surface and ground water pollution, waterway eutrophication, soil fertility depletion, and accumulation of toxic elements such as high concentration of selenium (Se), arsenic (As) in the soil. Quite a number of soil microorganisms are capable of solubilizing/mineralizing insoluble soil phosphate to release soluble P and making it available to plants. These microorganisms improve the growth and yield of a wide variety of crops. Thus, inoculating seeds/crops/soil with Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM) is a promising strategy to improve world food production without causing any environmental hazard. Despite their great significance in soil fertility improvement, phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms have yet to replace conventional chemical fertilizers in commercial agriculture. A better understanding of...
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with the roots of many plants, and... more Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with the roots of many plants, and contribute to soil aggregation, structural stability and yield of plants in soils with low fertility. They have also been associated with cleaning of metal polluted soil. This study investigates the potential of AMF indigenous (Scutellospora reticulata and Glomus pansihalos) to Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria to enhance phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Aluminium (Al) and Manganese (Mn). A 4x3x2 factorial pot experiment was used to assess the phytoremediation potential of indigenous AMF of alfisols contaminated with Al and Mn cropped with cowpea. The concentrations of the metals in soils and plants were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Both S. reticulata and G. pansihalos significantly reduced Al (F5, 21=791.4; p< 0.05) and Mn (F5, 21 =286; p< 0.05) contents of soils polluted with...
Conventional agricultural systems such as the use of chemical fertilizers, mechanical tillage, an... more Conventional agricultural systems such as the use of chemical fertilizers, mechanical tillage, and irrigation, although increasing crop production, cause soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decline in soil structure and soil organic matter. However, there is a need to increase crop production to meet the increasing demands for food by the growing human population without jeopardizing soil health. The present review discusses the significance of a healthy soil and the effects of some agricultural inputs and practices on soil health. Strategies to increase agricultural food production without jeopardizing soil health are also itemized.
Soils are the premise for agriculture and the medium in which almost all food-generating plants g... more Soils are the premise for agriculture and the medium in which almost all food-generating plants grow and as such should be kept healthy. Healthy soils produce healthy crops that in turn nourish humans and animals. Good management practices are very essential in order to maintain soil health, and one of these practices is application of biochar. Biochar provides a unique opportunity to improve soil fertility and nutrient-use efficiency using locally available and renewable materials in a sustainable way. Application of biochar to the soil leads to several interactions mainly with the soil physical, chemical and biological properties to produce a healthy soil. Due to the unique properties of biochar, which include high concentrations of organic carbon, high porosity, large surface area and presence of micropores, improvement in soil physical and hydraulic properties including soil structure, aggregation, bulk density and water holding capacity would be expected following incorporation...
Background An increase in population has led to a higher demand for food. Meeting up this demand ... more Background An increase in population has led to a higher demand for food. Meeting up this demand has necessitated the use of chemical fertilizers. However, utilization of these fertilizers has a considerable deleterious effect on the soil, plant, human, environmental sustainability, and only increase the cost and reduced profitability. With these identified problems, there is a need for efficient and sustainable methods regarding managing natural resources to enhance food production. Naturally, potassium (K) is an abundant element present in the soil but in an inaccessible form. There is therefore a need to seek an alternative method to improve the K availability to plants noting that K is an essential plant nutrient that plays a major role in plant physiological and metabolic processes. Subsequently, employing microbial potassium solubilizers is an efficient method to enhance the potassium availability in the soil, which in turn improves productivity. Therefore, this review discuss...
Background: In derived savanna ecology, the evaluation of soil characteristics for the current an... more Background: In derived savanna ecology, the evaluation of soil characteristics for the current and future capability and suitability for crop production is crucial. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the capability and suitability of plinthic soil of a derived savannah ecology of Nigeria for sustainable crop production. Methods: The methodology was essentially Grid using hand-held GPS to determine the coordinates of sampling points for the collection of soil samples. In all, 18 profile pit samples were collected. The profile pits were described morphologically on the field using the FAO guideline on soil profile description. From the various horizons of these profile pits, soil samples were collected. Results: Land assessment indicates that the soils of the area are very fragile and inherently low in nutrients. Mapping unit A is moderately suitable for arable crop production while Units B and C are fairly suitable. For agricultural activities, mapping unit D is marginal f...
Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in polluted soils suf... more Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in polluted soils suffer damages such as leaf rolls, chlorosis, growth inhibition, root tips browning, and death of plant. Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbon and heavy metals are absorbed by crops and such ends up being consumed by human posing health risk like cancer and respiratory abnormally. Conventional methods of remediation such as chemical and physical methods are very expensive and not sustainable. Excavation, which is a type of physical method, merely shifts the pollutant from one site to another. Bioremediation is a biological method of reclaiming polluted soils. Bioremediation is less expensive and more sustainable and safer when compared to the conventional methods of reclamation of polluted environment. This biological method of remediation is an extremely attractive, important, and productive alternative for cleaning, debugging, managing, and rehabilitating and consequently ameliorating conta...
Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in
polluted soils suf... more Soils are polluted by both organic and inorganic substances. Plants growing in polluted soils suffer damages such as leaf rolls, chlorosis, growth inhibition, root tips browning, and death of plant. Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbon and heavy metals are absorbed by crops and such ends up being consumed by human posing health risk like cancer and respiratory abnormally. Conventional methods of remediation such as chemical and physical methods are very expensive and not sustainable. Excavation, which is a type of physical method, merely shifts the pollutant from one site to another. Bioremediation is a biological method of reclaiming polluted soils. Bioremediation is less expensive and more sustainable and safer when compared to the conventional methods of reclamation of polluted environment. This biological method of remediation is an extremely attractive, important, and productive alternative for cleaning, debugging, managing, and rehabilitating and consequently ameliorating contaminated environments via judicious utilization of microbial activities. The rate, at which the waste substances are degraded, is usually dictated by competitiveness among biological agents, suboptimal supply of essential nutrients, unconducive abiotic conditions (in forms of temperature, aeration, pH, and moisture), and constrained pollutant’s bioavailability. Bioremediation is often effective only under conducive environmental conditions favorable for microbial growth and development. It has been successfully used at various parts of the world. Based on the significance of bioremediation in enhancing the reclamation of polluted environments by decontaminating and degrading heavy metals and xenobiotics, more focused researches would be needed so as to improve contaminated environments in much safer ways and conditions through bioremediation techniques. This research discussed the various types and methods of bioremediation. The mechanisms of actions and strategies of microorganisms in bioremediation were well expatiated. The interaction between bioremediators and the mineral particles in the soil environment was explained.
Farmers have not tested their soils for nutrient status and therefore are unaware of the fertilit... more Farmers have not tested their soils for nutrient status and therefore are unaware of the fertility status of their soils. Therefore, a baseline fertility survey of 50 hectares of land of a gravelly Alfisol in the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria was carried out with a view to identifying soil health constraints and site-specific sustainable land management practices for optimizing crop production. Standard field protocols and laboratory analytical procedures were employed for all sample parameters measured. Results show that the soil textural classes vary from sand to loamy sand, exchangeable acidity, Ca, Mg, K, and Na and the effective cation exchange capacity has the surface and subsurface soil values of 0.0–0.92 and 0.00–0.89 cmol kg−1, 1.6–7.7 and 2.0–5.8 cmol kg−1, 1.2–11.5 and 0.7–8.0 cmol kg−1, 0.09–0.33 and 0.09–0.43 cmol kg−1, 0.0–0.16 and 0.04–0.16 cmol kg−1, 7.2–12.10 and 0.9–12.5 cmol kg−1, respectively. P values lie in th...
Crop production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world is limited by several abiotic factors,... more Crop production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world is limited by several abiotic factors, including water stress, temperature extremes, low soil fertility, high soil pH, low soil water-holding capacity, and low soil organic matter. Moreover, arid and semi-arid areas experience low levels of rainfall with high spatial and temporal variability. Also, the indiscriminate use of chemicals, a practice that characterizes current agricultural practice, promotes crop and soil pollution potentially resulting in serious human health and environmental hazards. A reliable and sustainable alternative to current farming practice is, therefore, a necessity. One such option includes the use of plant growth-promoting microbes that can help to ameliorate some of the adverse effects of these multiple stresses. In this regard, archaea, functional components of the plant microbiome that are found both in the rhizosphere and the endosphere may contribute to the promotion of plant growth. Archaea can survive in extreme habitats such as areas with high temperatures and hypersaline water. No cases of archaea pathogenicity towards plants have been reported. Archaea appear to have the potential to promote plant growth, improve nutrient supply and protect plants against various abiotic stresses. A better understanding of recent developments in archaea functional diversity, plant colonizing ability, and modes of action could facilitate their eventual usage as reliable components of sustainable agricultural systems. The research discussed herein, therefore, addresses the potential role of archaea to improve sustainable crop production in arid and semi-arid areas.
For soil fertility maintenance, secondary nutrient such as Magnesium (Mg) is always being neglect... more For soil fertility maintenance, secondary nutrient such as Magnesium (Mg) is always being neglected. However, its role is critical in the growth, yield, and quality of crops. Therefore, two field experiments were initiated in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the response of soil chemical properties, performance, and qualities of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to Mg fertilizer alone and in combination with poultry manure (PM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (NPK). The treatments applied were the following: (i) PM alone at 8 t ha−1, (ii) NPK alone at 200 kg ha−1, (iii) Mg fertilizer alone (in form of MgO) at 20 kg ha−1, (iv) PM at 8 t ha−1 with MgO at 20 kg ha−1 (PM + Mg), (v) NPK at 200 kg ha−1 with MgO at 20kgha−1 (NPK + Mg), and (vi) control (no amendment of any kind). PM, NPK, and Mg fertilizers alone or NPK + Mg and PM + Mg increased soil chemical properties, performance (plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, number of rhizomes, and fresh rhizome weight), and minerals and vitamins...
This work investigates the effect of rice varietal and tillage methods on the agronomic and yield... more This work investigates the effect of rice varietal and tillage methods on the agronomic and yield characteristics of ric order to quantify technology engagement and rice yield towards enhanced rice sector revolution in the nation’s Zero Hunger Developmental plan (ZHD layout involved three varieties preparation techniques (no made model DF-121) (B) and tillage with Sawah eco (Indonesian made QUICK G1000 BOXER) (C)). D stages, data collected focused on rice varietal and power tiller effect on days to asp 590 editor@iaeme.com 590–600, Article ID: IJCIET_09_13_058
The hydrolytic activities (cellulases and pectinases) of some arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) ... more The hydrolytic activities (cellulases and pectinases) of some arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from four study sites; namely,- Malete, Bacita, Pategi and Ilorin; in southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria were studied. The DNA, RNA and protein contents of their spores were also quantified. Significant differences were observed in the hydrolytic activities of the AMF isolates. Pectinase activity of Malete AMF was F11, 22 =192.4; (p < 0.05); from
Effects of chemical inputs on abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi spores were investig... more Effects of chemical inputs on abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi spores were investigated under a maize monoculture in Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. The experimental plots received 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha of fertilizer (N.P.K. 15: 15: 15) and 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg active ingredient (a i) pre-emergence herbicide (atrazine) per hectare. AM fungal spores were isolated from the conventionally tilled, treated soils, cropped with maize by wet sieving and decanting method. Isolated AM spores were counted and spore abundance calculated. The spores were morphotyped and 13 AM fungi taxa were identified. These belong to six genera of AM fungi: Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora, Enthrophospora, Gigaspora and Scutellospora. Increasing atrazine concentrations resulted in significant deduction in AMF spores while increasing N.P.K. content led to an initial significant increase in AMF spores but a later decline in spore population. Both fertilization and herbicide appl...
The use of excess conventional Phosphorus (P) fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity, i... more The use of excess conventional Phosphorus (P) fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity, in order to meet constantly increasing global food demand, potentially causes surface and ground water pollution, waterway eutrophication, soil fertility depletion, and accumulation of toxic elements such as high concentration of selenium (Se), arsenic (As) in the soil. Quite a number of soil microorganisms are capable of solubilizing/mineralizing insoluble soil phosphate to release soluble P and making it available to plants. These microorganisms improve the growth and yield of a wide variety of crops. Thus, inoculating seeds/crops/soil with Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM) is a promising strategy to improve world food production without causing any environmental hazard. Despite their great significance in soil fertility improvement, phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms have yet to replace conventional chemical fertilizers in commercial agriculture. A better understanding of...
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with the roots of many plants, and... more Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with the roots of many plants, and contribute to soil aggregation, structural stability and yield of plants in soils with low fertility. They have also been associated with cleaning of metal polluted soil. This study investigates the potential of AMF indigenous (Scutellospora reticulata and Glomus pansihalos) to Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria to enhance phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Aluminium (Al) and Manganese (Mn). A 4x3x2 factorial pot experiment was used to assess the phytoremediation potential of indigenous AMF of alfisols contaminated with Al and Mn cropped with cowpea. The concentrations of the metals in soils and plants were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Both S. reticulata and G. pansihalos significantly reduced Al (F5, 21=791.4; p< 0.05) and Mn (F5, 21 =286; p< 0.05) contents of soils polluted with...
Conventional agricultural systems such as the use of chemical fertilizers, mechanical tillage, an... more Conventional agricultural systems such as the use of chemical fertilizers, mechanical tillage, and irrigation, although increasing crop production, cause soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decline in soil structure and soil organic matter. However, there is a need to increase crop production to meet the increasing demands for food by the growing human population without jeopardizing soil health. The present review discusses the significance of a healthy soil and the effects of some agricultural inputs and practices on soil health. Strategies to increase agricultural food production without jeopardizing soil health are also itemized.
Soils are the premise for agriculture and the medium in which almost all food-generating plants g... more Soils are the premise for agriculture and the medium in which almost all food-generating plants grow and as such should be kept healthy. Healthy soils produce healthy crops that in turn nourish humans and animals. Good management practices are very essential in order to maintain soil health, and one of these practices is application of biochar. Biochar provides a unique opportunity to improve soil fertility and nutrient-use efficiency using locally available and renewable materials in a sustainable way. Application of biochar to the soil leads to several interactions mainly with the soil physical, chemical and biological properties to produce a healthy soil. Due to the unique properties of biochar, which include high concentrations of organic carbon, high porosity, large surface area and presence of micropores, improvement in soil physical and hydraulic properties including soil structure, aggregation, bulk density and water holding capacity would be expected following incorporation...
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polluted soils suffer damages such as leaf rolls, chlorosis, growth inhibition,
root tips browning, and death of plant. Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbon and
heavy metals are absorbed by crops and such ends up being consumed by
human posing health risk like cancer and respiratory abnormally. Conventional
methods of remediation such as chemical and physical methods are very
expensive and not sustainable. Excavation, which is a type of physical method,
merely shifts the pollutant from one site to another. Bioremediation is a
biological method of reclaiming polluted soils. Bioremediation is less
expensive and more sustainable and safer when compared to the
conventional methods of reclamation of polluted environment. This
biological method of remediation is an extremely attractive, important, and
productive alternative for cleaning, debugging, managing, and rehabilitating
and consequently ameliorating contaminated environments via judicious
utilization of microbial activities. The rate, at which the waste substances are
degraded, is usually dictated by competitiveness among biological agents, suboptimal supply of essential nutrients, unconducive abiotic conditions (in forms
of temperature, aeration, pH, and moisture), and constrained pollutant’s
bioavailability. Bioremediation is often effective only under conducive
environmental conditions favorable for microbial growth and development. It
has been successfully used at various parts of the world. Based on the
significance of bioremediation in enhancing the reclamation of polluted
environments by decontaminating and degrading heavy metals and
xenobiotics, more focused researches would be needed so as to improve
contaminated environments in much safer ways and conditions through
bioremediation techniques. This research discussed the various types and
methods of bioremediation. The mechanisms of actions and strategies of
microorganisms in bioremediation were well expatiated. The interaction between bioremediators and the mineral particles in the soil environment
was explained.
polluted soils suffer damages such as leaf rolls, chlorosis, growth inhibition,
root tips browning, and death of plant. Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbon and
heavy metals are absorbed by crops and such ends up being consumed by
human posing health risk like cancer and respiratory abnormally. Conventional
methods of remediation such as chemical and physical methods are very
expensive and not sustainable. Excavation, which is a type of physical method,
merely shifts the pollutant from one site to another. Bioremediation is a
biological method of reclaiming polluted soils. Bioremediation is less
expensive and more sustainable and safer when compared to the
conventional methods of reclamation of polluted environment. This
biological method of remediation is an extremely attractive, important, and
productive alternative for cleaning, debugging, managing, and rehabilitating
and consequently ameliorating contaminated environments via judicious
utilization of microbial activities. The rate, at which the waste substances are
degraded, is usually dictated by competitiveness among biological agents, suboptimal supply of essential nutrients, unconducive abiotic conditions (in forms
of temperature, aeration, pH, and moisture), and constrained pollutant’s
bioavailability. Bioremediation is often effective only under conducive
environmental conditions favorable for microbial growth and development. It
has been successfully used at various parts of the world. Based on the
significance of bioremediation in enhancing the reclamation of polluted
environments by decontaminating and degrading heavy metals and
xenobiotics, more focused researches would be needed so as to improve
contaminated environments in much safer ways and conditions through
bioremediation techniques. This research discussed the various types and
methods of bioremediation. The mechanisms of actions and strategies of
microorganisms in bioremediation were well expatiated. The interaction between bioremediators and the mineral particles in the soil environment
was explained.