Antioxidant compounds and minerals in tomatoes by Trichodermaenriched biofertilizer and their relationship with the soil environments

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer（BioF/compost）on antioxidants and minerals in ripe tomatoes and soil health improvements in terms of nutrient availability and microbial populations.The study was comprised of six treatments：control（zero input）;recommended doses of NPK（135.5,45.6 and 22.9 kg ha^-1,respectively）;100%BioF/compost;75%BioF/compost＋25%N;50%BioF/compost＋50%N;and 25%BioF/compost＋75%N.The recommended doses of P and K were used in the last three treatments.It was found that the application of 100%BioF/compost enhanced plant growth,leaf greenness,and produced 12.9%higher yield compared to the recommended doses of NPK and other treatments.Mineral contents（P,K,Ca,Mg,Cu,Fe,Mn and Zn）in tomato roots,shoots and fruits and antioxidant compounds,i.e.,ascorbic acid,β-carotine,and lycopene were increased significantly in fruits fertilized with100%BioF/compost.The high efficiency of Trichoderma compost might be the result of its potential of nutrient solubilization and harboring soil microorganisms.Collectively,BioF/compost increased soil fertility and favored growth of microbes in the rhizosphere which ultimately contributed to higher yield,antioxidant,and mineral concentrations in tomatoes.Thus,Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer may reduce application of chemical fertilizers and therefore,can be considered as a noble practice in sustainable agriculture.

Effect of Natural Disasters and Their Coping Strategies in the Kuakata Coastal Belt of Patuakhali Bangladesh

Bangladesh has experienced a number of severe natural disasters. Most recently, tropical storms Aila, Sidr and Mohaseen have affected the Kuakata coastal belt. These natural disasters have had substantial negative impacts on natural resources. Development of coping strategies for the protection of natural resources across this belt is significantly important. The present research is focused on the effects of tropical storms on crops, humans, fish, livestock and infrastructure. There were 99 fatalities recorded during the Sidr and Aila natural disasters. These disasters impacted 910.94 ha (Sidr) and 973.69 ha (Aila) of cropland. The total number of affected livestock and fishes such as, 18,200 fish ponds, 1209 cattle, 3324 goats, 6888 chickens, 1716 ducks, 103 buffalo and 144 sheep. After tropical cyclones of Sidr, Aila, Heavy rainstorms and Mohaseen 12,970, 17,703, 10,050 and 2500 households respectively reported some form of damage. Cattle, goat, chicken and buffalo were found more injured than other livestock due to the natural disasters of Sidr. Temperature and wind speed were both found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) with humidity. Climatic parameters trend has been increased significantly since 1979. Regular monitoring of climatic variables, preparedness activities, and coping strategies would be significantly important for this coastal communities.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,biochar,selenium,silica gel,and sulfur on arsenic uptake and biomass growth in Pisum sativum L.

Arsenic(As)is carcinogenic and highly toxic to plants.Crops accumulate As when grown in field soils irrigated with As-contaminated groundwater.The accumulation of As in roots,shoots,and grains of pea varieties can negatively affect human health via the food chain.This research is focused on the biomass growth and alleviation of As accumulation in roots,shoots,and grains of pea varieties in high As soil amended with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF),biochar(BC),selenium(Se),silica gel(Si-gel),and sulfur(S).Root,shoot,and grain masses were found higher in pea grown in As soil amended with AMF,Se,Si-gel,and S.Amendments with rice husk and sawdust BC was found less effective to increase growth parameters in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute(BARI)Motor 2.Arsenic in grains was reduced by 77%,71%,and 69%by AMF,Se,and Si-gel,respectively.It is recommended that soil amendments with AMF,S,and Se have great potential for improving biomass production of pea grown in As-contaminated soil,as well as reducing As transfer to humans through the food chains.