Haroon Zaman Khan

Maximizing maize quality, productivity and profitability through a combined use of compost and nitrogen fertilizer in a semi-arid environment in Pakistan

Abstract In Pakistan, low crop yields are a common problem of sandy-loam arid and semi-arid agroecosystems. Poor nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and widespread soil nitrogen (N) deficiency resulting from higher N losses are the main reasons for low yields. Compost may offer a nutrient source in this context as it is relatively stable, has a high NUE and crop N uptake, and may contribute to lower N losses in this region. This research conducted during 2011 and 2012, focused on application of N from poultry manure compost (PMC) and pressmud compost (PrMC) with urea in different ratios (0:0, 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) for sustainable maize production under the semi-arid conditions of Faisalabad. Overall, combined use of PMC and PrMC with urea in the 2xa0years increased the grain yield relative to the application of PMC and PrMC on their own. The greatest plant N uptake during the two years from PMC and urea at 25:75 was equivalent to mineral N management (0:100), and it resulted in maximum total grain yield (218.6%) and grain protein (19.8%). This resulted in the lowest N loss from the soil, and the largest NUE (19.1xa0kgxa0kg−1). Economically, this treatment also provided the greatest net income (932 US

Organic Nitrogen Source Addition for Improving the Physicochemical Properties of Sandy Loam Soil and Maize Performance

ha−1), and a benefit cost ratio (2.1). Based on these results, PMC and urea at 25:75 was considered highly beneficial in increasing maize yield while reducing the loss of less-stable N from the soil, increasing NUE and N uptake in inherently poor soils. However, further evaluation is needed to decide whether this N nutrition strategy can be adopted on a wider scale.

Impact of Climatic Change on Flora of High Altitudes in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Poor quality of sandy loam soils is the main reason for low crop yield. Improvement of physicochemical properties of these soils is very challenging. Addition of organic sources may improve the soil properties. Therefore, this study investigated the adequacy of poultry-manure-compost (PMC) and pressmud-compost (PrMC) at 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 t ha−1 for improving the physicochemical properties of sandy loam soil and maize performance. An increasing trend in most soil and crop traits was seen with increasing compost levels. For 10 t PMC ha−1, soil inorganic-N (512%), organic-carbon (78%), and water-holding capacity (65.36%) improved maximum. This resulted in the maximum mean crop growth rate (43.85%), stover yield (94%), grain protein (21%), and nitrogen use efficiency (30.6 kg kg−1). Contrarily, grain oil (−7%) was lowest at 10 t PMC ha−1. Consequently, 10 t PMC ha−1 could be much effective to improve the physicochemical properties of sandy loam soils and maize performance.

Estimating nitrogen leaching losses after compost application in furrow irrigated soils of Pakistan using HYDRUS-2D software

The changing climate naturally or anthropogenically is a bounty for some regions, while a curse for others with lesser resources and expertise to cope with negative impacts of the change. Climate change on macro-level affects all the sectors of human life, either biotic or abiotic. The most vulnerable regions to this change are the high altitudes as they are affected by global warming in the form of accelerated glacier melting, creating temporary lakes and causing floods, plant and animal extinctions, and epidemics, resulting in changed human behavior, community structure, transportation, farming system, economies, and the politics. These mountains not only support a reasonable fraction of human population but are also a source of livelihood and goods on which life depends and are sanctuaries of biodiversity. The northern mountains (the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush), which are considered as the source of water for Pakistan, are at high risk due to climate change. There is a dire need to study the climate change effects on the high-altitude ecosystems and to develop strategies for restoration. Overexploitation of resources like over collection of medicinal plants has severely affected lives within and even outside this region. Melting of glaciers not only affects the amount of flow in the rivers but it also affects the flora and fauna. The native species may become extinct and invasive species may thrive in the new snowless environment. The army activities in Pakistan are another factor for the anthropogenic climate change, inflecting heavy losses to the forests, agriculture, human life, and overall ecosystem in the mountainous areas of Pakistan. Overgrazing and unscientific approaches toward the management rangelands have resulted in the desertification in most of the grazing lands and are now prone to weed invasions.