Volume 11 Number 3 (May )

Effect of Activity-Led Instructional Program in Enhancing Environmental Responsibility among Secondary Students

Vidushi Mishra, Dr. Sangeeta Chauhan

Traditional, lecture-based pedagogical models often fail to translate environmental knowledge into real-world sustainable habits, creating a persistent "knowledge-action gap" among young learners. While students may memorize theoretical facts, they frequently lack the practical social consciousness required to drive meaningful green campus transformations. This study evaluated the efficacy of an activity-led instructional intervention in enhancing environmental responsibility and sustainability literacy among secondary school students. The research focused on critical dimensions that are sustainable lifestyles and eco-conscious practices, energy usage patterns and their broader environmental footprints and resource conservation and energy efficiency. A quasi-experimental research design was employed with 11th 70 grade students from a CBSE-Board school in Lucknow city. The experimental group (N=35) received a 45-day structured instructional program using cooperative learning strategies, while the control group (N=35) followed the traditional teaching learning. Data were analysed using non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Mann-Whitney U tests via SPSS to measure internal growth and comparative significance. The findings revealed that the activity-led program caused a highly significant improvement in the experimental group across all dimensions. Notably, the energy usage dimension showed a near-universal internal improvement rate. Comparative analysis proved the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean ranks than the control group in resource conservation and energy efficiency, demonstrating the superior impact of structured interventions. The study demonstrates that specialized, activity-based interventions are superior to conventional methods in fostering ecological stewardship. It recommends integrating hands-on modules into mainstream curricula to bridge the gap between environmental awareness and active conservation.

Assessment of Landscape Elements Effectiveness on Users’ Wellbeing in selected Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State

Landscape elements within tertiary institutions play a significant role in enhancing users’ physical, psychological, and social well-being by providing spaces for relaxation, interaction, and environmental comfort. In rapidly urbanizing environments such as Lagos State, public tertiary institutions often experience high population density and infrastructural pressure, making the quality and effectiveness of outdoor landscapes critical to users’ daily experiences. However, many institutional landscapes face challenges such as poor maintenance, inadequate design, limited vegetation, and insufficient seating or shading, which may reduce their potential benefits. While previous studies have examined green spaces in urban contexts, limited research has focused on how specific landscape elements within tertiary institutions influence users’ well-being. This study therefore assesses the effectiveness of landscape elements on users’ well-being in selected public tertiary institutions in Lagos State. The objectives are to identify key landscape elements, examine users’ perceptions, and evaluate their impact on physical, psychological, and social well-being. A quantitative research approach will be adopted using structured questionnaires and site observations. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving landscape design and management in tertiary institutions to enhance user well-being and overall campus experience.

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variations and Driving Mechanisms of Ecological Environment Quality in Yantai City Based on the XGBoost-SHAP Model

Jinli Zhou, Ruei-Yuan Wang

Conducting long-term spatiotemporal monitoring of ecological environment quality and identifying its driving mechanisms are of great significance for coordinating ecological protection with high-quality regional economic development. Based on Landsat remote sensing data from 2005 to 2025 on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, this study employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to construct the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of RSEI in Yantai City. The study further utilized the explainable extreme gradient boosting model (XGBoost-SHAP) to reveal key natural and anthropogenic drivers of ecological environment quality, along with their nonlinear and interactive effects. The results indicate that: (1) On a temporal scale, the RSEI of Yantai City exhibited a fluctuating trend of initial decline followed by an increase, then another decline and subsequent rise, with a multi-year average of 0.438, indicating an overall moderate level of ecological environment quality; (2) Spatially, the RSEI in the study area showed significant heterogeneity, with high-value areas concentrated in central Yantai and low-value areas distributed near the coast; (3) Ecological quality was primarily driven by land use type and precipitation, with anthropogenic factors also playing a significant role. This research provides methodological references and scientific foundations for ecological monitoring, risk assessment, and territorial spatial optimization in coastal cities.

Influence of Selected Soil Properties on Early Growth of Tectona Grandis Seedlings in Benue State, Nigeria

A.O Adaikwu, J.O Ihuma, K. O Ekpenyong, F. Ibrahim

This study evaluated the effects of soil properties from five locations in Benue State, Nigeria, on the early growth of Tectona grandis (teak) seedlings. Bulk composite soil samples (0–30 cm depth) were collected 500 m from teak plantations in Amilogodo (Oju), Aghan (Makurdi), Mbagba (Ushongo), Ihugh (Vandekiya), and Ijami (Ohimini). Soils were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, and treated seeds were germinated then transplanted into polypots for six months. Growth parameters included seedling height (cm), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI; cm²), and dry biomass (g). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD tests (p< 0.05). Soil E (Ohimini; pH 6.10, CEC 7.52 cmol kg−1, organic C 2.28%, total N 0.09%, available P 6.75 mg kg-1) yielded superior performance (height 11.74 cm, LAI 11.30 cm², dry biomass 4.44 g). Well drained loamy soil with high nitrogen content, high CEC, organic matter content and available phosphorus is most suitable for the establishment of Tectona grandis plantation. Therefore, soils with characteristics similar to that of sample E (Ohimini) is recommended for the establishment of Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation Benue State.

Characteristics of Soil Erosion in Guangdong Province Based on the USLE and InVEST Models

Qiaoyang Wen, Zhiming Huang, Boyang Han, Ruei-Yuan Wang, Chao Yuan

Taking Guangdong Province as the study area, this research integrates multi-source geospatial data—including DEM, precipitation, soil, and land cover—and couples the USLE and InVEST models. The study calculates five core factors: rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and steepness (LS), vegetation cover (C), and conservation practice (P), to reveal the spatial heterogeneity and formation mechanisms of both potential and actual soil erosion. The results indicate that rainfall erosivity exhibits a spatial pattern that is generally higher in the south and west, and lower in the north and east. High values of soil erodibility are concentrated in the core Pearl River Delta (PRD) region and the coastal areas of western Guangdong (Zhanjiang), while low values are distributed in the mountainous and hilly regions of northern and eastern Guangdong. Land use is dominated by forestland, whereas construction land is clustered within the PRD urban agglomeration. High-risk zones for potential soil erosion are primarily located in the Nanling Mountains of northern Guangdong and the hilly areas of western Guangdong, largely controlled by natural background conditions such as topography and soil properties. Although vegetation cover and conservation measures significantly mitigate regional soil erosion intensity, moderate to severe erosion risks persist in the Leizhou Peninsula and the low-hilly agricultural areas of northern Guangdong. This study clarifies the spatial distribution patterns of soil erosion, providing a scientific basis for precise soil and water loss prevention, ecological restoration, and territorial spatial planning.

Adaptability and stability of nine onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties for bulb yield in off-season cultivation at the Guinean high savannah zone of Cameroon

The sensitivity of onions (Allium cepa L.) genotypes to environmental changes significantly influences yield and quality, necessitating adaptability studies across diverse locations. In Cameroon, onions are produced mainly in the sudano-sahelian regions. They are grown worldwide at different latitudes between 10°S and 65°N and are a very important source of food and income for rural populations. The current study investigates how the genotype by environment interaction (GEI) affects the bulb yield of nine onions varieties grown in diverse conditions at the Guinean high savannah zone of Cameroon, in order to contribute to food security and local development.The analysis of variance through Statgraphics Plus 5.0 program was used to study the variability of yield of the nine onions varieties grown on four environmental conditions in two locations, Marza and Bini, during dry season 2024 and 2025. Employing a split-split plot design with three replications, with genotypes as the main factor and environments as sub-factor, we assessed GEI effects on onion yield using GEST 98 software and identified adaptable and stable varieties. The results showed that bulb yield varied significantly with genotypes and environments and ranged from 23.82 to 87.23 t.ha. Three varieties namely Safari, El Kara and Violet de Galmi exhibited the highest bulb yield while lowest yields were noted on Ares and Red Creole.The combination of organic chiken manure and mineral NPK fertilize (CM+NPK) appeared as the best environement. The site of Marza and the growing season 2024 offered best conditions for onions cultivation comparing to the site of Bini and growing season 2025. Stability indices and AMMI analyses showed that varieties Ares, Red Creole and Prema were the most stable but with poor yield performance, while the other genotypes were with specific adaptability. The sudy concluded that varieties Safari, El kara and Violet Galmi could be selected as potential candidates for developing onion cultivation in the Guinean high savanna zone of Cameroon.

Geo-spatial mapping of soil fertility status of Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo state, Southwestern Nigeria

Soil fertility assessment is important for sustainable agricultural productivity and land management, especially in rapidly urbanizing tropical regions. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of soil fertility in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, with a view to assess the influence of land uses on fertility status of soil in the study area. Field-based analysis were conducted on soil samples of the study location, while Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools were used to map the fertility of soil under the varying land uses. Soil samples at 0-15 cm depth were collected across four land use classes: Built-up, Vegetation, Bare ground, and Outcrop, and analyzed for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Organic Carbon (OC), Organic Matter (OM), and pH. The data were geo-referenced and processed in ArcGIS Pro using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method to produce spatial distribution maps and a composite Soil Fertility Index (SFI). Results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in soil fertility. Vegetation areas recorded the highest nutrients, N 10.08 (±9.63 mg/kg), P 12.38 (±10.34 mg/kg), K 30.92 (±28.03 mg/kg), OC 1.27 (±0.82%), OM 2.19 (±1.41%), with pH value of 5.92 (±0.42), while built-up areas were the most depleted. The composite soil fertility index (SFI) map classified the study area into five fertility zones: Very Low (0.048-0.188), Low (0.189-0.271), Moderate (0.271-0.407), High (0.408-0.600), and Very High (0.601-0.994). The study demonstrates that GIS-based soil fertility mapping provides valuable spatial insights for precision agriculture and sustainable land management.

A Systematic Review on Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Soil Moisture Dynamics in Wheat-Based Agroforestry Systems

Amandeep Singh, Atish, Vijay Singh, Beena Kumari, Sandeep Arya, Ankush Kamboj

Globally, wheat productivity and sustainable agricultural development are being significantly impacted by water constraint, decreasing soil moisture availability, and rising climate unpredictability. The potential of wheat-based agroforestry systems to increase soil moisture conservation, maximize water use efficiency (WUE), control evapotranspiration, and promote ecosystem sustainability has made them a promising climate-resilient strategy. In addition to summarizing the impact of tree-crop interactions, water management techniques, and new measurement tools, this systematic review assesses the body of research on WUE and soil moisture dynamics in wheat-based agroforestry systems. The review was carried out using literature gathered from major scientific databases, such as Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 1960 to 2025, in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) framework. To find patterns in soil moisture behavior, evapotranspiration processes, agroforestry treatments, and WUE improvement techniques, publications were searched and evaluated. The results showed that through canopy modification, litter deposition, increased soil organic matter, and microclimatic regulation, agroforestry systems have a significant impact on soil moisture distribution, infiltration characteristics, runoff regulation, root-zone water availability, and crop water productivity. While excessive competition for water, nutrients, and light negatively impacted wheat growth and production, well-managed tree-crop combinations enhanced WUE and soil moisture retention. The assessment also noted contemporary developments in machine learning and remote sensing technologies, as well as traditional field-based methods and process-based models like CROPWAT.

Histochemical Observations of Eleusine coracana Stem Tissues Under Multiple Abiotic Stresses

This study investigates the histochemical changes of lignin deposition in the stems of seven finger millet genotypes under Drought, Salinity, Heat, Cold, and Heavy metal stress using the Phloroglucinol-HCl staining method. Well-grown plants were subjected to individual stresses at the pre-reproductive stage, and stem cross-sections were analyzed for lignin accumulation and structural differences under light microscope. This study revealed significant genotypic variation among genotypes and also in lignin deposition under stress conditions compared to respective controls. Among different stresses given, heat is showing maximum effect on vascular bundles and stem structural stability of plant. Based on lignin, stress tolerant and susceptible varieties were identified. Results suggested few genotypes which can be used as animal feed, fodder, are agronomically important and industrially applicable genotypes.

Effect of Heat Stress on Morphological, Physiological and Yield-Related Traits in Forty Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines Under Natural Late-Sown Conditions

Heat stress during reproductive stages is a major constraint to maize productivity, particularly under late-sown spring regimes. In present investigation, forty maize inbred lines were evaluated for morphological, physiological and yield-related responses under normal (7 February) and late (12 March) sowing at two locations (CCS HAU RRS, Uchani, Karnal and KVK, Damla, Yamunanagar) across Spring 2021 and 2022. A randomized complete block design with two replications generated eight environments. Traits recorded included days to 50% anthesis and silking, anthesis–silking interval (ASI), leaf senescence score (1–9), tassel blast (%), leaf firing (%), silk receptivity (%), kernels per row, hundred grain weight, shelling percentage, canopy temperature and plot grain yield. Pooled ANOVA indicated highly significant effects of genotype (G), environment (E) and G×E for all traits. Late sowing accelerated phenology, increased ASI and heat-injury symptoms (senescence, tassel blast, leaf firing), reduced silk receptivity and caused severe yield reductions (0.049–0.288 kg plot⁻¹ under late sowing vs. 0.584–0.862 kg plot⁻¹ under normal sowing). Genotypes HKI 1011, HKI MBR139, HKI 1344 and HKI 1664 maintained lower ASI, reduced senescence, higher silk receptivity and relatively stable yields under stress, qualifying them as potential donors for heat-tolerance breeding.

Impact of the Cultivation Methods and Irrigation Systems on Wheat Productivity and Carbon Footprint in Two Different Agro Ecological zones of Egypt

Safwat Abdelhamid

Carbon footprint (CF) is one of the most important widely used indicators that quantify human use of natural resources and its emissions, where it can be used to guide policies to mitigate the stress of human activities on natural resources and the environment. Improving agricultural practices and systems may lead to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In this study the carbon footprint of wheat grown in various farming methods was ascertained in two different agro-ecological zones (Eastern desert and Sinai and Western desert and Oasis) in Egypt during the two growing seasons (2023-2024 and 2024-2025). The carbon footprint of wheat production was quantified based on the traditional practices data of the production process. The CF was found to be significantly different between both zones due to various cultivation systems, irrigation systems, fertilization, and pest control. The average carbon footprint differed between the two agro-ecological zones, irrigation systems and cultivation methods, ranging from 3088.9 to 3528.3 kg CO2 eq./ha. The results also showed that there were significant differences in the impact of different farming methods and practices as well as irrigation systems on the carbon footprint rate, wheat yield and its components. The lowest carbon footprint values were recorded in the South Sinai region when using drip irrigation recorded 3088.9 kg CO2 eq./ha, along with the highest water use efficiency 1.36 kg/m3.

Integrated Application of PGPR and Mycorrhizal Fungi for Improved Growth and Disease Suppression in Tomato

The escalating cost of chemical fertilizers, along with their prolonged usage leading to depletion of natural soil nutrients and environmental pollution, has increased the importance and demand for biofertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using Azospirillum sp., Pseudomonas and mycorrhizal fungi individually and in combination for promoting nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, IAA production, siderophore production, suppression of pathogenic microorganisms and enhancement of plant growth. The PGPR microorganisms, namely Azospirillum sp., Pseudomonas, and mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tomato cultivation fields in Cuddalore district. AZ-5 and AZ-2, two of the isolated Azospirillum sp. strains, exhibited the highest nitrogenase activity, with values of 225.75 nmol and 210.45 nmol, respectively. AZ-5 and AZ-2 had cellular nitrogen contents of 16.95 µg/g and 15.80 µg/g, respectively, which were greater than those of the other isolates. Among the isolated Pseudomonas strains, PS-4 demonstrated the greatest phosphate solubilization activity, registering 21.75 µg P/100 mL broth. This was followed by PS-2, demonstrated significant phosphate solubilization of 18.30 µg P/100 mL broth. AZ-5,2 and PS 4,2 also exhibited enhanced production of IAA and siderophores. Among the AM fungi, particularly Gigaspora sp., showed excellent phosphate mobilization activity of 24.10 mg/kg along with 74% root colonization, indicating its efficiency as a beneficial mycorrhizal fungus. In the controlled laboratory experiment using the petri plate method, the Pseudomonas isolate effectively inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum with a growth inhibition zone measuring 41.21 mm. The efficient PGPR microorganisms, specifically Pseudomonas and Azospirillum sp., recorded superior nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, IAA production, and siderophore production, in conjunction with the mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora sp., which exhibited excellent phosphate mobilization activity, were applied both individually and in combination. These microbial treatments were prepared for seven experimental treatments under pot culture conditions. At the end of the experiment, the T6 treatment performed the best, recording 21.10 cm seedling length, 94.85% seed germination, and a vigour index of 2028.7, thereby producing healthy, disease-free, and high-quality tomato seedlings. Thus, it is confirmed that the integrated application of plant growth-promoting bacteria and beneficial mycorrhizal fungi leads to the production of high-quality tomato seedlings and improved seedling yield.

Assessment of the Amaranthus (Ramdana) Value Chain and Market Potential in Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand for Sustainable Value Addition and Nutrition Security

Ambarish Paikaray, Subhashree Priyadarshini, Ambarish Ghosh

Amaranthus (Amaranthus graecizans and Amaranthus caudatus L.), is a traditional climate-resilient crop grown in the hill areas of Uttarakhand and tribal plains and plateaus of Chhattisgarh. Amaranthus is a very nutritious crop and able to adapt to minimal input rainfed systems . However, it is underutilized and its consumption is mostly seasonal as part of traditional diets. The study focuses on the production, processing and marketing stages of the amaranthus value chain in the key production clusters of the two states. The study utilized a participatory mixed-methods approach including Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and secondary data analysis from key stakeholders and institutions. The study identified major restrictions relating to production efficiency, processing facilities and market linkages and also highlights prospects for value addition and increased market integration. Strengthening the amaranthus value chain can boost farmers’ income, promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and build climate-resilient livelihoods in Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. Amaranthus is essentially a traditional climate tolerant field crop farmed by hill and tribal populations in hill area of Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh State.

Hydrochemical Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality in Haryana: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability and Future Research

Satish Manda, Sumit Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Shubhanjali Kori

Haryana is one of India’s most irrigation-dependent agricultural states, and the quality of irrigation water has become a central determinant to crop productivity, soil sustainability and long-term groundwater security. State-level and regional evidences indicates that irrigation water quality in Haryana is highly heterogeneous, with relatively better water in parts of the north and northeast, and severe salinity, sodium, nitrate, fluoride and chloride problems in substantial parts of the south, southwest, west, and central districts. Recent studies show that groundwater remains usable for irrigation over large areas in the state, but its suitability often depends on crop salt tolerance, soil drainage and other specific parameters like residual sodium carbonate (RSC), electrical conductivity (EC), magnesium hazard (MH) and sodium percentage. This study synthesizes recent evidences on irrigation water quality in Haryana and explains the hydrochemical basis of quality deterioration, evaluates consequences for soils and crops.

Waste-Derived Antibiofilm Strategies: A Review of Eco-Enzymes and Citrus Essential Oils

Gowri Priya G, Karthik V Rao

Microbial biofilms are a major cause of persistent contamination in healthcare, food processing, and agricultural systems, and they significantly contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Conventional chemical disinfectants often show reduced efficacy against mature biofilms due to the protective extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix and may also raise environmental concerns. This review discusses the antibiofilm potential of eco-enzymes, which are fermentation-derived liquids produced from citrus waste and other organic substrates containing organic acids, hydrolytic enzymes, and microbial metabolites. Additionally, citrus essential oils rich in bioactive terpenoids such as limonene, citral, and linalool are reviewed as sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. Eco-enzymes disrupt biofilms mainly through acidification and enzymatic degradation of EPS components, whereas citrus essential oils primarily exert antimicrobial effects through membrane disruption and quorum sensing inhibition. Both approaches demonstrate inhibitory effects against important biofilm-forming pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Indirect evidence suggests a possible synergistic interaction between eco-enzymes and citrus essential oils, where EPS weakening by acidic fermentation products may enhance essential oil penetration into biofilms. However, significant research gaps remain, including limited standardization of eco-enzyme production, insufficient multispecies biofilm studies, and inadequate cytotoxicity evaluations. Future research focusing on optimized formulations and safety assessment may support practical applications of these waste-derived antibiofilm agents in food safety, healthcare, and environmental sanitation.

Pastoral-Conservation Conflicts in Tanzania are Likely to Continue for Unforeseeable Future: Evidence from Saadani National Park

Michael Muganda

Since conservation conflicts occur within a particular cultural, political, and social context, they must be analyzed and addressed within the same context. This paper examines the pastoral- conservation conflicts in the context of Tanzania’s national parks using the case study of Saadani National Park (SANAPA), with the view to understanding their nature, root causes, and sustainable solutions to such conflicts. Fieldwork involved multiple methods of data collection: in-depth interviews with conservation management officials, community leaders, pastoralists, and an NGO dealing with pastoral issues; focus group discussions with small-scale farmers (peasants); informal discussions with the wider community; document analysis; and field observations. These were coupled with a four-month period stay in the study area plus the researcher’s experience with the wider community. The results indicate that the main conflict between conservation and pastoralism in the study area is the encroachment into SANAPA by livestock in search of pasture and water. The livestock encroachment, however, is seasonal and is done by migrating pastoralists who are not originally from around the park. The conflict happening in this particular case study is more than a resource - use conflict driven by access denial. It is also more than being prompted by changing climate patterns that have caused sustained drought in pastoral areas. The conflict is prompted by a mobile form of livestock keeping and herd sizes embedded in pastoral culture and value systems, and is reinforced by the practices of soliciting bribes embraced by conservation management staff, politicians, administrators, police and magistrates. With these practices, conflicts between pastoralism and other forms of livelihoods (not necessarily conservation) in Tanzania are likely to continue for unforeseeable future.

Smart Protection of Cotton Crops: A Review of IoT Sensor Networks and ML-Based Pest Decision Support Systems

Pratibha, Mukesh Kumar, Parteek, Kapil, Amandeep Singh, Ajay

Cotton is found to be a globally significant commercial crop, with India contributing approximately 22% of the world's production and often referred to as “white gold”. But cotton is highly vulnerable to insect damage, so early diagnosis is necessary to reduce disease transmission and enhance treatment effectiveness. Traditional methods are labour-intensive, which often results in delayed responses and significant crop losses. This study explores various pests found in India and their management in the cotton field by using different sensors and a smart detection-response system utilising IoT sensor networks and machine learning to monitor and classify pests, specifically targeting the Bollworm complex and whiteflies. The proposed architecture comprises different sections: Field traps, Gateway, central control system, Drone spraying, and Farmer sections, integrating motion-detecting sensor traps, communication modules, and an autonomous aerial vehicle for targeted pesticide spraying. The proposed system optimises flight paths for rapid response and includes protocols for handling false alarms, leveraging camera-equipped drones and human assistance. While the integration of IoT offers precision and accuracy, challenges such as hardware durability in harsh environments, networking interference in rural areas, and the need for farmer education remain critical hurdles for widespread adoption.