Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is a key pulse crop in Bangladesh, playing a crucial role in the country's agricultural economy and food security. However, challenges such as soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and low yield potential hinder its productivity. This study investigates the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices, including vermicompost, on the yield, quality, and soil health of mungbean (Vigna radiata) in the coastal region of Gopalganj, Bangladesh. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with three treatment groups: control (traditional inorganic fertilizers), organic fertilization (vermicompost), and integrated nutrient management (a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers). Results indicated that the INM treatment significantly improved the emergence rate, with 85% of seeds emerging within 8 days, compared to 75% and 70% in the organic and control treatments, respectively. Plant growth parameters, including plant height (60 cm) and the number of leaves (15), were highest in the INM treatment, followed by the organic (50 cm and 12 leaves) and control treatments (45 cm and 10 leaves). The INM group also showed the highest mungbean yield (26 tons/ha), with larger average tuber weight (180 g) and fewer defects (5%), compared to the organic (22 tons/ha, 160 g, 10% defects) and control groups (20 tons/ha, 150 g, 15% defects). Soil health assessments revealed significant improvements in soil nutrient content, including nitrogen (24 mg/kg), phosphorus (18 mg/kg), and potassium (230 mg/kg), and higher microbial activity (130) in the INM treatment, suggesting enhanced soil fertility. These results highlight the potential of INM practices in improving mungbean productivity, quality, and long-term soil health, offering a sustainable approach to agriculture in Bangladesh. This study underscores the importance of adopting integrated fertilization strategies to achieve higher crop yields and ensure soil sustainability.

This study evaluates the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on potato yield and quality in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Potatoes are a vital crop in Bangladesh, and optimizing nutrient management is crucial for enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainability. The research was conducted in multiple agro-ecological zones in Gopalganj, where field trials were established with three treatment groups: traditional fertilization practices, organic fertilizers, and a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers (INM). The results demonstrated that INM practices significantly improved potato yield and quality compared to traditional practices. Specifically, the INM group exhibited a 20% increase in yield and enhanced tuber quality, characterized by higher nutrient content and reduced incidence of common diseases. Soil health parameters, including microbial activity, nutrient availability, and organic matter content, were also positively influenced by INM practices. Economic analysis revealed that, despite higher initial costs, INM practices were more cost-effective in the long run due to reduced fertilizer input and improved crop yield. This study highlights the importance of adopting sustainable nutrient management strategies to improve potato production in Bangladesh. The findings underscore the potential of INM practices to enhance food security and support sustainable agricultural development. By integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers, farmers can achieve higher yields, better-quality produce, and maintain soil health, making INM a viable strategy for the future of potato farming in Bangladesh.

Origanum dictamnus L. (Lamiaceae), a local endemic plant of Crete (Greece), creates polysaccharide-containing subcuticular compartments presenting biological activity against phytopathogenic fungi, and, among others, significantly affecting the fungal cell wall polysaccharides. This field study introduces a fertilization scheme for O. dictamnus, which was developed and refined to optimize yield as well as critical herbal quality aspects. Five fertilization schemes were investigated, based on a polysaccharide-based Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), a mixture of chemical fertilizers and two biostimulants (not algae) via foliar and soil application. Plant growth, together with leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and colour (SPAD meter, DA meter, Chroma Meter) were determined. The leaf content of chlorophyll, three critical antioxidant compounds (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols) and minerals were also assessed. Considering all three antioxidants together, the enhanced efficiency, non-toxic, water-soluble, polysaccharide-based INM by foliar application was the most stimulatory scheme, playing an important role in plant growth and development. The present field study provides for the first time baseline fertilization data improving key herbal quality features in O. dictamnus and unravels the attainment of high antioxidant properties. The latter may be exploited in favor of its further utilization as raw material for tea preparation, medicinal purposes, natural food flavoring and/or food preservative.

Due to combined climate and biodiversity crisis, the sustainable utilization of phytogenetic resources stands as one-way alternative while nutrient management strategies gain an increasing role in agriculture. Building on previous studies regarding the Endangered local endemic of Crete (Greece) Carlina diae (Asteraceae) with medicinal and ornamental value, this investigation focused on its pilot cultivation and fertilization (foliar or root application). Foliar application included chemical fertilizer (conventional) or integrated nutrient management (INM). Root application consisted of chemical fertilizer, biostimulant, or INM with biostimulant. Above-ground biomass content of nutrients, together with leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and colour parameters (SPAD meter, DA meter, Chroma Meter) were determined. The leaf content of chlorophyll, three key antioxidant compounds and minerals’ titers were also assessed. The fertilization scheme did not influence plant growth and visually perceived quality (leaf color and shape). Notably, foliar INM fertilization increased biomass partitioning to inflorescences (harvestable organ for either medicinal or ornamental purposes), and decreased tissue water content (facilitating processing). Considering all three antioxidants together, INM with biostimulant appeared the optimum scheme, being associated with the highest (carotenoids, phenolics) or the second highest (flavonoid) content. In C. diae, therefore, INM fertilization was optimal for upgrading yield (foliar) and herbal quality in terms of antioxidant profile (INM with biostimulant), which might be embraced as an eco-friendly approach for high quality yields.