Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

8 months

Dried Leaves of These 3 Indian Trees Can Amplify Grain Yield of Rice!

Supplementing soil with dried leaves of nitrogen-rich trees such as shisham, amaltas and neem can increase the content of soil microbial biomass and grain yield of rice.

Dried Leaves of These 3 Indian Trees Can Amplify Grain Yield of Rice!

Persistent overuse of fertilizers to increase the crop yield has led to serious consequences on environment and human health. The problem has now come to full circle and the challenge ahead is to produce enough food for burgeoning population but in a sustainable manner. Scientists are now on look for alternatives to fertilizers which can substitute nutrients in soil without damaging the environment.

Now scientists at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have shown that application of leaves from nitrogen-rich trees in soil can increase the soil fertility and grain yield of rice and can therefore act as potential replacement of fertilizers.

They have found that supplementing soil with dried leaves of nitrogen-rich trees such as shisham, amaltas and neem can increase the content of soil microbial biomass and grain yield of rice. Microbes, when abundant in soil, deteriorate plant and animal residues and other organic matter to release carbon-dioxide and other plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, making soil fertile and nutrient rich.

Dried Leaves of These 3 Indian Trees Can Amplify Grain Yield of Rice!
Source: Pixabay

Suitability of tree leaves was measured on three parameters. High nitrogen content, low polyphenols —substances that inhibit microbe growth— and low lignin content as it takes longer time frame for decomposition. Treatment of soil with these leaves increased the grain yield by 68 to 161%.

Scientists found that among the three trees, leaves of shisham were the best for increasing microbial density and nitrogen content in soil. However, fast decomposition of nutrients from these leaves means they are effective only for crops with shorter lifecycles. The use of combination of fast degrading shisham leaves and slow degrading wheat straw could be a preferred approach if crop cycle is longer or the intent is to replenish soil nutrients for long term.

“Tropical dryland agro-ecosystem is deficit in terms of nutrient and soil moisture which are important for crop productivity. Application of nitrogen rich tropical tree species not only fulfills the requirement of nutrient in soil but also contributes to soil moisture conservation,” explained Dr. Rajani Srivastava, who led the research, while speaking to Indian Science Wire.

The results of this study have been published in scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India Section B. The research team also included Rajani Srivastava and K. P. Singh.

Article Courtesy: India Science Wire


Hey, You May Also Like: This Engineer Grew a Fruit Forest in His Backyard & You Can Grow One Too


Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More


We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image
Shorts

Shorts

See All
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement