Volume 1, No. 1, 2024

1The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore-Pakistan

*Corresponding Email: biolformanite@gmail.com

Citations: Zaib AA, Zahra N, Fariha, Razzaq A and Wahab A, 2024. A comparative analysis of organic fertilizers and vermicompost on growth of marigold and tomato. Scientific Records 1(1): 1-13 https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.001

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.001

Abstract: The growing global population has intensified challenges in food production and waste management. Recycling organic waste into food additives offers a viable alternative, with vermicomposting emerging as a sustainable solution to enhance plant growth while addressing waste concerns. Vermicomposting involves the use of earthworms to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, significantly improving plant growth metrics such as commercial output, total biomass, shoot biomass and root biomass. In this study, 2kg of red worms were acquired, and a recycled plastic bin with drainage holes was prepared, using cow dung as the primary substrate. Before introducing the worms, the cow dung was pre-treated to eliminate harmful gases. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of vermicompost, coconut compost, leaf compost, and urea on the germination and growth of Marigold (Tagetes), Petunia (Petunia × atkinsiana), and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds. The results supported the hypothesis that enhanced soils with vermicompost and coconut compost promoted Marigold growth, with plants reaching a height of 3.6 inches. While soil and biofertilizers had moderate effects, leaf compost and urea were toxic, causing plant mortality. For Tomato seeds, vermicompost achieved the fastest germination rate (12 days) and healthiest growth, with a combination of all biofertilizers also yielding favorable germination. Petunia plants thrived in the vermicompost-soil mixture, flowering after two months and eight days, whereas no flowering was observed with other compost types. Among the tested options, vermicompost proved the most effective, enhancing the growth and health of Marigold and Petunia plants. Coconut compost also supported growth but did not induce flowering in Petunia. Optimal benefits were observed when vermicompost constituted 30-50% of the soil volume, with cow dung identified as the most efficient source material. This research underscores the potential of vermicompost and organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. It provides an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, which contribute to soil degradation and environmental pollution. These findings present a promising foundation for integrating biofertilizers into sustainable agriculture and waste management strategies.

Center of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding Email: fizaali.3855@gmail.com

Citations: Shaukat F, 2024. Innovative weed management strategies for sustainable conservation agriculture. Scientific Records 1(1): 14-21. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.002

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.002

Abstract: Innovative weed management strategies are essential for addressing the limitations of traditional agricultural practices and enhancing sustainability within conservation agriculture (CA). Conventional methods, including mechanical tillage and extensive herbicide use, often lead to soil degradation, reduced fertility, and increased environmental pollution. These practices disrupt soil health and accelerate erosion, ultimately compromising agricultural productivity. Conservation agriculture, which emphasizes minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop diversification, offers a sustainable alternative by focusing on resource conservation and environmental protection. However, the shift from traditional tillage necessitates effective weed control measures to prevent weed proliferation and maintain crop yields. There are various innovative strategies, such as biological control, cover cropping, mulching, and precision agriculture, in managing weeds within CA systems. These approaches not only mitigate the reliance on chemical herbicides but also enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve economic resilience. This review paper underscores the importance of various strategies, efficacy of those strategies and CA, challenges in application and how to overcome those challenges, continued research, farmer education, and policy support to advance these practices and achieve a more sustainable agricultural future.

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding Email: mn118123@gmail.com

Citations: Nawaz M, 2024. Intercropping with oilseeds strategies for superior oil quality and fatty acid profiles. Scientific Records 1(1): 22-26. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.003

Abstract: Intercropping is a strategic agricultural practice that involves growing multiple crops in proximity to enhance resource use and increase overall productivity. This method leverages the complementary nature of different crops to improve soil health, optimize nutrient availability, and manage pests more effectively. Intercropping has gained attention for its potential to enhance crop yields and quality, particularly in oilseed production. As the global demand for high-quality oils and sustainable farming practices rises, understanding how intercropping systems can be utilized to improve oil quality and fatty acid profiles becomes increasingly important. This review paper explores the impact of intercropping on oilseed crops, focusing on the strategies for optimizing these systems and their effects on oil yield and quality. Key findings and practical recommendations for enhancing oilseed production through intercropping are discussed.

1The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore-Pakistan

*Corresponding Email: muhammad.umer4@mlt.uol.edu.pk

Citations: Khan MU, 2024. Effect of maternal employment on students’ academic achievements at 5th grade level in gujranwala. Scientific Records 1(1): 27-32. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.004

Abstract: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal employment on student’s academic achievement at fifth grade level. Population of the study was comprised on the students of the elementary level schools in district Gujranwala. Convenient sampling was used to select town of Gujranwala. Schools were selected conveniently from; Gujranwala and purposive sampling technique was used to select the subject for the study. The criteria of the study were selection of only those children whose mothers were educated. Two hundred students were chosen from twenty schools. Out of these ten were boys’ schools comprising of five public and five private schools. Ten were girls’ schools out of which five were public whereas five belonged to private sector. Study was quantitative in research. Questionnaire was prepared to collect basic bio data and information related to children’s study, help they sought from their mother and their class results at fifth grade level. Result details of their fifth grade were obtained from class teacher. The response received was analyzed through statistical applications using t-test, ANOVA and cross tabs. On the basis of the data analyzed from the study following findings were drawn: Employed and unemployed mothers help their children in their studies equally. Employed mothers manage time and give appropriate time to help their children so they don’t suffer because of their employment. Maternal employment does not affect their children academic performance regarding time. In our study no significant difference was observed between results of those children whose mothers help them in studies and those whose do not. The reason behind this might be that in case of those mothers who can’t help their children in studies, they may arrange any other source of help like tuition etc. It was also observed that children of unemployed mothers showed better results in school as compared to children of employed mothers. From this it can be inferred that children of unemployed mothers do better because they are happier and more facilitated by their mothers being at home all the time. Whereas children of employed mothers suffer due to absence of their mothers and this affects their overall performance. Maternal employment negatively affected their children academic performance at 5th grade level in Gujranwala.

1Forman Christian College, A Chartered University Lahore

*Corresponding Email: muhammadirfan@fccollege.edu.pk

Citations: Irfan M, 2024. Role of artificial intelligence in the production of cotton for sustainable agriculture. Scientific Records 1(1): 33-51. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.005

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.sr/2025.005

Abstract: Cotton is a natural fiber, which takes up 2.5 percent of all agricultural land. Due to a variety of climate factors, cotton crops are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, viral, and other parasite illnesses that lower crop output. The cultivation of cotton is essential to world agriculture. For instance, the rapid increase in population is closely correlated with a larger demand for cotton. The. Farmers must degrade the soil by applying more toxic pesticides because their traditional ways aren't enough to meet the growing demand. The access use of pesticides negative effect on agricultural practices which causes the land to remain barren and have no fertility. One potential way to solve these issues in response is to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into agricultural methods. The review demonstrates several ways that AI is being used in the agricultural value chain. The literature in this review elaborates on the use of AI in pest identification through the use of drone sensors, irrigation, precision farming, disease and pesticide management, irrigation system, crop monitoring, and wet management. These technologies retain soil fertility, cut lower the overuse of water and pesticides and herbicides, boost productivity, raise quality, and labor efficiency. AI technique has protected farmed yields from hazards such as rising temperatures, population growth, unemployment, and food insecurity. The utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology executed in drones. The review also explores the advantages AI adoption has for the environment, such as less water use, lower chemical inputs, and improved biodiversity conservation. The study goes on to discuss hurdles and limitations related to the application of AI, including issues with data privacy and technical difficulties. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing agricultural practices towards greater sustainability. However, to increase its production, Artificial Intelligence might face several obstacles, including inappropriate soil preparation, pest infestation and diseases, huge data demands, low output, and insufficient farmer knowledge of the technology is cost-effective.