Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research

Abstract This study integrates XGBoost modeling with Partial Dependence Plots to optimize carbon sequestration. The experiment was conducted using a split-split plot design replicated thrice with the main plot compressing tillage practices viz. , minimum tillage (M 1 ) and conventional tillage (M 2 ), subplot consists of row ratios viz. pigeonpea + maize (1:2 ratio) (R 1 ), pigeonpea + maize (1:3 ratio) (R 2 ), and sole pigeonpea (R 3 ) and sole maize (R 4 ), sub-subplot consists residue management practices viz. on farm produced biochar application (S 1 ), on farm produced residue application (S 2 ), and control with no biochar or residue application (S 3 ). Machine learning models of XGBoost accurately predicted CSQ while Artificial Neural Network performed best for SP and CF, confirming nonlinear relationships. PDPs showed available nitrogen increased productivity from 3.0 to 3.4 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ (150–300 kg ha⁻¹), while SOC reduced it from 3.8 to 3.2 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ (0.425–0.525%). Sensitivity analysis identified SOC, moisture, and enzyme activities as key drivers, with SOC enhancing sequestration by ~ 1.5 Mg C ha⁻¹ and improving footprint by ~ 1.2 Mg CO₂-Ce ha⁻¹. These insights enable targeted, efficient soil management for productivity and climate benefits. Machine learning-based Partial Dependence Plot (PDP) and sensitivity analysis (SA) revealed SOC, BD, and microbial parameters as key drivers of these outcomes.

The biology of H. armigera reared on organically and traditionally grown chickpea showed maximum and minimum egg hatching of 89.82 and 80.59 per cent, respectively. The mean pre-oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods of H. armigera female was (2.92±0.86, 6.32±1.24 and 1.72±1.20) days on organically grown chickpea, while (2.48±0.50, 5.32±1.21 and 1.64±1.18) days on traditionally grown chickpea. The maximum mean fecundity was 220.20 ± 17.63 on organically grown chickpea and minimum (186.60±10.68) on traditionally grown chickpea. The incubation period on traditionally grown chickpea (3.84±0.84 days) and (4.44 ± 1.08) days on organically grown chickpea. The minimum larval developmental period of 24.92± 2.23 days was noted on traditionally grown chickpea, whereas, it was maximum (25.92 ± 2.79 days) on organically grown chickpea. Similarly, the length and breadth of pre-pupae (25.49±1.72 and 6.12±0.31 mm) and pupae (20.53±2.12 and 6.73±0.36 mm for male and 22.86 ± 3.40 and 7.15 ± 0.28 for female) was maximum on organically grown chickpea and minimum of (25.43±1.97 and 6.08±0.36 mm) for pre-pupa, (18.95±1.83 and 6.47±0.45 mm) for male pupa and (22.81 ± 3.18 and 7.08 ± 0.32 mm) for female pupa was measured on traditionally grown chickpea. The minimum pre-pupal (2.88 ± 1.12 days) and pupal periods (8.00 ± 0.81 and 9.08 ± 1.35 days for male and female) were recorded on traditionally grown chickpea, while maximum (2.96 ± 1.05 days pre-pupal and 8.60 ± 1.11 and 9.6 ± 1.47 days male and female pupal periods) on organically grown chickpea. Among two hosts the longevity of male and female was recorded as maximum with a mean of (6.56±1.08 and 10.04±1.42 days) on organically grown chickpea and minimum with a mean of (5.68 ± 1.14 and 10.36 ± 1.18 days), respectively on traditionally grown chickpea. The sex ratio of male to female was 1: 0.89 and 1: 0.78 on organically and traditionally grown chickpea. On the basis of growth index, organically grown chickpea (3.55) was the most preferred host over traditionally grown chickpea (3.33) for H. armigera.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01570-w.

This study investigates the effects of neem-coated granular urea on nitrogen volatilization and leaching in maize (Zea mays L.), focusing on nutrient availability (NO3-N and NH4-N) in both normal and saline soils. The pot experiment was conducted in a glass-panelled wire house CRD design with three replications. The experimental treatments included T1 (control without fertilizer), T2 (0.05 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha⁻¹ + recommended P and K), T3 (0.08 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha⁻1 + recommended P and K), T4 (0.01 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha-1 + recommended P and K), and T5 (recommended NPK: 200 kg N ha⁻¹, 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, and 60 kg K₂O ha⁻¹). Soil samples were taken prior to planting, one month later, and following harvest in order to examine key chemical components. The results demonstrated that maize growth and nutrient uptake were significantly enhanced by T3 (0.08 % neem-coated urea). Under T3, there was an increase of 34.32 % in shoot length, 50.48 % in fresh weight, and 22.40 % in dry weight. There were notable increases in root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of 36.68 %, 21.32 %, and 46.53 %, respectively. Additionally, in comparison to the control, the T3 treatment increased the plant membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyll content, and nitrate retention by 21.32 %, 22.13 %, and 17.29 %, respectively. Treatment T3 enhanced potassium content, phosphorus absorption, and nitrogen concentration. According to data, applying 0.08 % neem-coated urea along with recommended levels of potassium and phosphate enhances maize growth, and overall crop productivity. This makes it a feasible substitute for long-term and effective fertilizer application in both normal and salinized soils.

Runner bean, a legume species originating from Mesoamerica, has a close genetic relationship with the common bean. Although classified as perennial, it is typically cultivated as an annual crop for its edible immature pods and dry seeds. Domestication of Phaseolus and its related species has been observed several times, indicating their usefulness and suitability for domestication. The genus Phaseolus contains various groups or natural gene pools. While genetic research on the common bean is extensive, runner bean has received comparatively less attention. Approximately 4685 runner bean accessions have been reported worldwide, encompassing a wide range of phenotypic variation and distinct genetic traits. This extensive genetic diversity is critical for crop improvement, providing a reservoir of disease resistance and cold-tolerance features. Nevertheless, the limited characterization of the germplasm hinders its potential as a donor species for inter-specific hybridization, thereby restricting its application in Phaseolus breeding efforts, such as for the improvement of common bean. Achieving the development of cultivars that are adaptable to a wide range of conditions and have a fixed growth pattern, which would make mechanical harvesting easier, is a significant challenge and opportunity for the future. The diversity and population differentiation levels of runner bean suggest that it has the potential to serve as an excellent source of variability for breeding several plant traits.