The article discusses the challenges of growing wheat in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance as a staple food and major crop. It covers the ideal climatic conditions for wheat cultivation, including temperature and rainfall requirements. The article classifies wheat based on the growing season and describes various farming systems in Pakistan. It highlights the threat of rust diseases to wheat crops, detailing types like stripe/yellow rust, leaf rust, and stem rust, and their impact on different regions. The author, Binish Ali from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, recommends strategies for disease management, including the use of fungicides, new seed varieties, and cultural practices. The article concludes by noting the typical growth duration for wheat and the optimal climate conditions for its cultivation, providing a comprehensive overview of wheat farming challenges and solutions in Pakistan.

The article discusses the challenges of growing wheat in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance as a staple food and major crop. It covers the ideal climatic conditions for wheat cultivation, including temperature and rainfall requirements. The article classifies wheat based on the growing season and describes various farming systems in Pakistan. It highlights the threat of rust diseases to wheat crops, detailing types like stripe/yellow rust, leaf rust, and stem rust, and their impact on different regions. The author, Binish Ali from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, recommends strategies for disease management, including the use of fungicides, new seed varieties, and cultural practices. The article concludes by noting the typical growth duration for wheat and the optimal climate conditions for its cultivation, providing a comprehensive overview of wheat farming challenges and solutions in Pakistan.

The article discusses the impact of aphid infestation on wheat crops in Pakistan, highlighting the significant yield losses caused by these pests. Aphids can reduce yields directly by feeding on the plants and indirectly by transmitting diseases. The study conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Sheikhupura, Pakistan, tested the effect of different sowing dates on aphid population levels. Four sowing dates and five wheat varieties were used. The study found that aphid populations were higher in crops sown early and lower in those sown later. The results suggest that adjusting sowing dates can influence aphid infestations, with early November being the recommended time to sow wheat in Sheikhupura to avoid severe aphid attacks. The study also notes the role of natural predators and changing weather conditions in aphid population dynamics.

The article discusses the impact of various pests on cotton crops in Pakistan, which is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world. It highlights the significant yield reduction caused by pests such as bollworms and sucking pests. The article details the types of pests, including chewing pests like the American bollworm, Pink bollworm, Spotted bollworm, and Armyworm, as well as sucking pests like Whitefly, Aphid, Jassid, and Thrips. It also outlines the damage caused by these pests and presents control measures, including non-chemical methods like reduced fertilizer use, weed eradication, and the use of predators and parasitoids. Seed treatment options and chemical controls are also provided, along with recommended pesticides for both sucking and chewing insects. The article concludes with a list of resistant cotton varieties from CCRI Multan and CCRI Sakrand.

The article discusses giardiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia, which affects humans and animals worldwide. It is transmitted primarily through waterborne routes, but also through contaminated food and direct contact. The article focuses on the impact of giardiasis on farm animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, highlighting the economic losses due to reduced productivity and health issues in infected animals. Giardia has different genotypes, with some being zoonotic. The article emphasizes the importance of prevention, including proper manure handling, clean water supply, and treatment of infected animals. The authors, affiliated with the Department of Parasitology at the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, Pakistan, conclude by stressing the need for preventative measures to mitigate the economic and health impacts of giardiasis on farm animal production.

The article discusses the use of fungi as biopesticides to promote sustainable agriculture, particularly in Pakistan where crop productivity is significantly affected by insect pests. It highlights the environmental and health hazards associated with chemical pesticides and presents entomophagous fungi like Metarhizium anisopilae and Beauvaria bassiana as eco-friendly alternatives. These fungi infect and kill various pests, offering a method of pest control that does not harm humans or beneficial insects. The article details the application methods for these fungi and notes their advantages, including safety for consumers and potential for use up to harvest time. It also touches on the resistance developed by pests to chemical treatments and the importance of developing plant resistance to pests. The author, Lamia Masood, is from the Entomology Department at the University of the Punjab, Lahore.

The article discusses the challenge of insect pests in agriculture and the concept of plant resistance. Plants have natural defense mechanisms against pests, such as releasing toxic substances. However, when these defenses are insufficient, genetic engineering is used to create transgenic crops with resistance to specific insects. The article mentions several transgenic crop varieties, such as Pusa Gaurav and Pusa Seam, which have been engineered for resistance to pests like aphids and borers. The mechanisms of host plant resistance, as categorized by R.H Painter, are explained: Non-preference or Antixenosis, Antibiosis, and Tolerance, each with examples of how plants deter or withstand insect attacks. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of developing plant resistance to pests as a sustainable agricultural practice.

The article discusses the impact of insect pests on the food industry, highlighting how they contribute to food loss and can be a factor in poverty due to contamination and disease transmission. It details various insects such as cockroaches, flies, and moths, and their role in spreading diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The article also covers stored product pests like beetles and weevils, which affect stored dried food products in homes, restaurants, and grocery stores. The presence of these pests in food commodities can lead to rejection of shipments for export or import. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygienic conditions to prevent infestations and suggests non-chemical control methods to avoid contaminating food with toxic substances.

The article discusses the role of Silicon (Si) in plant growth, highlighting its importance in inducing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improving soil properties, and reducing heavy metal concentrations. Silicon aids in the formation of plant tissues that enhance drought and salt toxin tolerance, and it is involved in the creation of protein groups and amino acids. The absorption of silicon varies among plant species and is affected by temperature. Silicon has been shown to reduce aluminum toxicity in various crops and improve phosphorous availability, especially in phosphorous-deficient soils. It also strengthens plants against disorders caused by high nitrogen application and acts as a barrier against insects. In rice plants, silicon uptake is crucial for developing resistance against brown spot disease and can increase growth and productivity by reducing disease severity.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the agriculture sector in Pakistan, particularly due to natural disasters and environmental issues. It highlights the importance of agriculture for the country's GDP and the livelihood of a significant portion of the population. The article mentions the efforts by various ministries and departments, such as the Ministry of National Food Security & Research and the Pakistan Meteorological Department, to develop strategies to minimize risks and improve resilience. It also covers the impact of disasters like droughts, floods, and pest attacks on agricultural production. The article emphasizes the need for better disaster management, technological advancements, and infrastructure development to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and to prevent the exacerbation of poverty and food insecurity in Pakistan.

The article provides an educational overview of soil nutrients, which are divided into two categories: Macro and Micro Nutrients. Macro Nutrients, required in larger amounts, include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Micro Nutrients, needed in smaller quantities, consist of iron, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, manganese, and chlorine. The article details the roles and deficiency symptoms for each nutrient. For example, nitrogen is essential for leaf and stem growth and chlorophyll development, with deficiency resulting in poor growth and pale leaves. Phosphorus is crucial for root growth and maturation, while potassium aids in disease resistance and carbohydrate formation. Each nutrient's function is critical for plant health, and deficiencies can lead to various growth issues and diseases.

The Department of Agronomy at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with Ayub Agriculture Research Institute organized a Farmer Day focused on Maize-Soybean Intercropping. The event saw participation from various stakeholders including scientists, researchers, and farmers from across Pakistan. Presentations were given by Dr Abid Hussain of DG PARB on soybean promotion, Muhammad Aftab on oilseed crop varieties, Dr Muhammad Aslam on the success of Maize-Soybean Intercropping, and Dr Muhammad Ali Raza on Strip Intercropping. The event included a field demonstration at the UAF's Agronomy Farm, where Vice-chancellor Dr Anas Sarwar Qureshi participated. The technology was well-received by the attendees.

The article discusses Fusarium oxysporum, a fungus causing wilting disease in various economically important crops. It thrives in warm, acidic, sandy soils and can persist indefinitely without host plants. The disease is spread through infected seeds, plant transplants, and contaminated equipment. Symptoms include wilting, necrosis, and chlorosis. Preventative measures include crop rotation, resistant seeds, clean materials, proper soil drainage, and soil fumigation. Biological control methods involve using Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Chemical control is limited, with fungicides like prothioconazole providing temporary relief. The article is authored by Dr. Amjad Abbas and Ahsan Shabbir from the University Of Agriculture Faisalabad and published in Times Agriculture.

UC Davis in the USA and UAF in Pakistan have signed a collaborative agreement to enhance research, development, technology, innovation, and best practices in agriculture. The partnership aims to improve per capita yield and the overall quality of agricultural produce in Punjab, Pakistan. Punjab's Chancellor and Governor, Ch M Sarwar, expressed gratitude to UC Davis and highlighted the expected benefits of increased productivity. Representatives from UC Davis acknowledged the commonalities between Punjab and California, noting that the collaboration will lead to advancements in seed quality, crop production, and educational exchange. Dr. Asif Mehmood emphasized the importance of sharing best practices to address agricultural productivity challenges in Punjab.

The article reports on the visit of the Pakistan Oilseed Development Board (PODB) to the Spring Maize-soybean Experiment at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Dr. Muhammad Ayub Khan, Director of PODB, and his team were briefed by Dr. Haroon Zaman Khan on the intercropping experiment's success. The PODB Director praised the efforts to promote Maize-soybean intercropping in Pakistan, which aims to reduce oil imports. A second visit by Dr. Abid, Chief Executive and EX-DG AARI, along with university teachers, also took place, discussing the potential of this technology in Pakistan. The University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Ayub Agriculture Research Institutes plan to organize a Farmer day to further promote soybean cultivation, with stakeholders from across Pakistan expected to participate.

The Cotton Research Station (CRS) in Sahiwal, established in 1948 and upgraded in 1972, focuses on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant cotton varieties. The article details the station's achievements, including the development of several cotton strains such as SLH-41, SLS-1, and SLH-317, which are resistant to pests and diseases like the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV). Despite setbacks due to CLCuV, the CRS has continued to innovate, creating strains like SLH-8 and others that are resistant to CLCuV. The article also provides specific fibre characteristics of these varieties and mentions the station's total area and its division for various purposes, including a lease to Pioneer Seeds. The CRS's work is crucial for the cotton-producing areas, and the station has had significant achievements in cotton variety improvement.

The article discusses the importance of insect management in soybean farming. It highlights that while many insects found in soybean crops are beneficial or harmless, some can cause significant yield loss or even crop failure if not properly managed. The unpredictability of harmful insect populations necessitates regular scouting by farmers to determine when and where intervention is needed. The article outlines different methods of insect control, including chemical insecticides, which should be used sparingly to avoid unnecessary costs and potential negative effects. It also mentions the concept of economic injury levels, which helps farmers decide when the cost of controlling insects is justified. Additionally, the article covers biocontrol, cultural control, and specific chemical control measures, such as the use of Dieldrin 20 EC and Dameron 100% for managing pests like cutworms, flies, and larvae.

The article provides a detailed overview of the agro-ecological zones in Pakistan, describing the climate, soil types, and main crops of each region. It begins by outlining Pakistan's geographical position, climate diversity, and the employment of a significant portion of the population in horticulture. The country experiences four distinct seasons and has a range of climatic conditions due to its geography, altitude, and climate. The article then categorizes the country into ten agro-ecological zones: Indus Delta, Southern Irrigation Plain, Sandy Desert, Northern Irrigation Plain, Barani Lands, Wet Mountains, Northern Dry Mountains, Western Dry Mountains, Dry Western Plateau, and Suleiman Piedmont. Each zone is described with its specific characteristics, including annual precipitation, soil types, and the main crops cultivated. This information is crucial for understanding the agricultural dynamics and potential challenges faced by different regions in Pakistan.

In Guayatá, Colombia, farmers Germán Orlando Novoa Barrera and Reina Maria Marroquín have set a new world record by growing the heaviest mango, weighing 4.25 kilogrammes (9.36 pounds). This mango surpassed the previous record held by a mango from the Philippines, which weighed 3.435 kilogrammes (7.57 lb). The record was officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The family noticed the unusual size of the mangos on their farm and upon verification on the internet, realized they had a potential world record. Mango cultivation in Guayatá is typically for family consumption, and the region is known for its agricultural products like coffee, mogolla, and arepas. The family celebrated the achievement by sharing the mango and German mentioned that there was significant interest from the public, with plans to raffle the mango in their community.

The article discusses the significance of soybean (Glycine max L.) as a crucial crop for protein and oil production globally. It highlights soybean's ability to enhance soil nitrogen levels, benefiting agricultural systems where soil fertility has declined. The crop's rising demand is attributed to its nutritional value, health benefits, and versatility in various industries, including edible oil, human diet, medicine, and animal feed. The article details the physical and chemical characteristics of soybeans, including their growth habits, composition, and energy content. It also outlines the various uses of soybeans, such as in animal feed, industrial raw materials, food products, and soybean oil and meal production. Additionally, the health benefits of soybeans are mentioned, with studies indicating a correlation between soy consumption and reduced risks of prostate and breast cancer, as well as improvements in cognitive functions.

The article discusses the establishment of the National Research Centre of Intercropping (NRCI) by Islamia University Bahawalpur in Pakistan, which is the first research centre in the country dedicated to intercropping. The centre is a collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture in China and Sichuan Agriculture University, known for their expertise in intercropping. The Vice-Chancellor of Islamia University, Professor Athar Mehboob, expressed intentions to adopt Chinese intercropping technology to boost Pakistan's agricultural output, particularly for crops like maize-soybean, cotton-soybean, and cotton-peanut. The centre aims to reduce Pakistan's reliance on oil imports by increasing soybean production, with Muhammad Ali Raza, a post-doc from Sichuan Agriculture University, already conducting related experiments in Pakistan.

The article discusses the history, culinary uses, and health benefits of Shiitake mushrooms. Originating from Asia and now cultivated in the United States, Shiitake mushrooms have been used for over 2,000 years, particularly in China where they were once a delicacy for nobility. The article highlights the mushroom's nutritional value, including its content of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins. It outlines several health benefits such as fighting obesity, supporting immune function, destroying cancer cells, supporting cardiovascular health, containing antimicrobial properties, boosting energy and brain function, providing vitamin D, and promoting skin health. The article also addresses potential negative aspects, such as allergic reactions and the importance of cooking the mushrooms properly to avoid digestive issues. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to prepare and cook Shiitake mushrooms and touches on their potential benefits for hair health. The article concludes by reiterating the positive impact Shiitake mushrooms can have on the body.

The article discusses Rust disease, a fungal infection caused by pathogen fungi that affects winter crops in cool climates, particularly wheat. It outlines the significant impact of the disease, including a global reduction of 15 million tons of wheat annually and yield losses of up to 30%. The article details the three types of rust found in Pakistan: Yellow (Stripe Rust), Brown (Leaf Rust), and Black (Stem Rust), with a focus on Yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, which can lead to losses of up to 40%. The disease cycle, conditions for spore germination, and methods of spread are explained. Management strategies are provided, including the use of resistant wheat varieties, control of volunteer plants, cultivation practices, and fungicides. The article is informative, providing scientific details about the disease and practical advice for managing it in wheat crops.

The article discusses the significance of different rice varieties in Pakistan, including Basmati, coarse (IRRI), and hybrid rice, and their impact on the country's economy. Basmati rice, known for its aroma and flavor, is primarily grown in Punjab and is a major export. Coarse rice is more economical and grown in Sindh and Balochistan. Hybrid rice, a new high-yield and disease-resistant variety, is expected to double the average yield per acre. The article also touches on the commercialization of hybrid basmati rice, the challenges faced by breeders, and the potential for increased exports. It highlights the specific soil and climate requirements for rice cultivation in Punjab's Kallar tract and the need for modern farming techniques and machinery to improve efficiency. The role of researchers and the private sector in supporting farmers is also mentioned. The global rice market is briefly discussed, with a focus on the dominance of Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Pakistan. The article concludes with a call for government subsidies to improve yield quality and competitiveness in the global market.

The article discusses the dual nature of termites in the ecosystem, highlighting their role as both pests and beneficial organisms. Termites contribute to soil fertility, drainage, and organic matter content, but they can also cause significant damage to agriculture by attacking crops at various stages of growth. The article suggests that providing alternative food sources, such as mulch, can divert termites from live plants. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining soil organic matter to prevent termite attacks, as well as ensuring overall plant health to make them less susceptible to damage. Intercropping, mixed cropping, and crop rotation are mentioned as cultural practices that can help manage termite populations and prevent them from becoming pests. The authors of the article are Binish Ali, Haroon Zaman Khan, Asif Iqbal, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem, and Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid.

The article discusses the Khapra beetle, also known as Trogoderma granarium, which is a significant pest affecting stored grain commodities. Native to India, it has spread to other regions and is considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species. The beetle poses a threat to global food security due to its ability to cause substantial economic losses and survive in harsh conditions. The article details the beetle's lifecycle, including its ability to withstand starvation for long periods. It also outlines various management strategies for controlling the pest, such as chemical fumigation with methyl bromide, the use of integrated growth regulators, physical control methods like heat treatment, and biological control using natural predators and parasitoids. Additionally, the use of plant extracts and essential oils is mentioned as a beneficial approach to reducing infestations. The article is authored by Binish Munawar from the Department of Entomology at the University of Punjab Lahore.

The article discusses Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), a resource-saving agricultural technology beneficial in conserving water, labor, and time. It outlines the method's advantages, such as a 15-20% saving in irrigation water and labor, and a 20-25% increase in rice yields. The article provides detailed instructions for farmers on soil preparation, recommended rice varieties, seed rates, seed treatment, sowing methods, irrigation, weed management, fertilization, pest and disease control, and harvesting. It emphasizes the importance of managing plant population and the timing of various activities to ensure optimal growth and yield of rice crops. The authors, affiliated with the Department of Agronomy at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, aim to guide farmers in implementing DSR effectively.

The article discusses the significance of the maple tree, which is known for its ornamental value, maple syrup production, and wood industry uses. Maple trees, with over 200 species, have a rich history evidenced by fossil records. The article emphasizes the potential of maple syrup as a healthier alternative to processed sugar, highlighting its higher sweetness and lower sucrose content, making it suitable for diabetics. Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants and contains beneficial nutrients like calcium, potassium, and manganese. The process of collecting maple syrup during the spring season is described, along with the boiling process to produce the syrup. The article also points out the untapped potential of maple syrup production in Pakistan, where climatic conditions are favorable, and suggests that this could reduce the burden on the agriculture sector and provide a healthier sugar alternative.

The article discusses the impact of aphids on wheat crops in Pakistan, highlighting the pests' ability to cause significant yield losses by sucking the cell sap from plants and transmitting diseases. It estimates that aphids can cause 35-40% direct yield losses and 20-80% indirect losses. The article outlines both conventional and non-conventional methods for controlling aphids in wheat. Conventional methods include the use of insecticides such as neonicotinoids, dinotefuran, pymetrozine, and matrine, as well as seed treatments with imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and thiamethoxam. Non-conventional methods involve agricultural practices such as selecting certified seed varieties, appropriate sowing times, intercropping with canola, avoiding excess nitrogenous fertilizer, and regular pest scouting. The article emphasizes the importance of managing aphid populations to ensure food security in the face of climate change.

The article discusses the impact of rice cultivation on greenhouse gas emissions, noting that it is a significant source of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. It covers the global extent of rice production and the associated environmental costs, including the contribution to climate change. The article also explores the agricultural practices that influence methane emissions, such as the type of rice cultivar, irrigation frequency, and fertilizer applications. It delves into water management techniques, comparing continuously flooded fields with intermittently flooded ones, and the effects of different fertilization methods on emissions. Additionally, the article examines how soil temperature affects methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The conclusion touches on the economic aspects of rice production, particularly the concern over low international rice prices and their potential impact on production in Asia.

The article discusses the importance of silage as an alternative fodder for dairy animals, highlighting its benefits in terms of cost, nutrition, and convenience. Silage is preserved fodder fermented to maintain a regular supply of quality feed throughout the year. The process involves cutting crops at high moisture content, storing them under anaerobic conditions, and fermenting them to increase digestibility and shelf life. The article outlines the steps for making silage, the characteristics of good quality silage, and its advantages, such as increased milk and meat production. It also mentions the need for a reliable fat substitute to complement silage in dairy farming. Hamza Maqsood, CEO of ManPasand Silage and an MSc graduate from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, is cited as an expert in the field.

The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of Direct Seeding Rice (DSR), an ancient method of crop establishment that is becoming popular again. DSR offers benefits such as water conservation, labor savings, reduced methane emissions, no need for nursery preparation, faster sowing, earlier crop maturity, improved water usage, and increased profitability. It also allows for double cropping of rice and improves physical soil conditions. However, DSR faces challenges like increased weed infestation, higher seed demand, the need for laser land leveling, potential herbicide resistance, increased nitrous oxide emissions, nutrient disorders, and risks associated with uneven rainfall. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the DSR method, highlighting its potential to address labor shortages, water table decline, and soil quality deterioration while maintaining rice production and conserving natural resources.

The article discusses vermicomposting, a process where organic waste is decomposed through earthworms, particularly Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus, to create a humus-like material used as fertilizer. Vermicompost improves soil fertility, enhances crop productivity, and is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. It is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, promoting plant growth and soil health. The article emphasizes the importance of vermicompost in sustainable agriculture and its role in reducing environmental pollution caused by organic waste. It advocates for the use of vermicompost as a sustainable solution for soil management and organic farming, highlighting its benefits over chemical fertilizers.

The article discusses the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture, highlighting their role in supporting the world's food supply by preventing significant crop losses. However, it also addresses the severe negative impacts of pesticides on the environment, including biodiversity loss, soil and water contamination, and threats to various species. The piece references historical use of pesticides and mentions the book 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson to underline the dangers of pesticides. It further explains the types of pesticides used in agriculture and their effects on soil, humans, and the environment. The article concludes by suggesting that while pesticides have been beneficial, their risks necessitate a more judicious use and the exploration of alternative methods such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biocontrol agents to minimize their negative impacts.

The article provides a guide on how to harvest potatoes, detailing the timing, preparation, digging, storage, and sorting processes. Potatoes are ready to harvest when the plant's foliage begins to die back and turn yellow, typically 2-3 weeks after flowering. The foliage should be cut back to ground level before digging up the potatoes carefully to avoid damage. After harvesting, potatoes should be dried in the sun for a few hours and then stored in a cool, dark place. It is important to sort the potatoes by size and quality, discarding any that are damaged or diseased. The article mentions that this process was carried out at Muhammad Ahmad Khokhar Al-Munir Agriculture Farm and is associated with the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

The article discusses ley farming, a method of agricultural practice that involves the rotation of grasses and legumes with grain crops to optimize livestock feed, soil fertility, and crop yields. Ley farming, also known as 'alternate husbandry,' is a temporary practice where fields are used for cash crops for several years and then for growing hay or used as pasture for a similar period before being ploughed again. This method helps in making non-arable land arable and is increasingly important due to rising nutritional needs and the greater use of pesticides and fertilizers. Ley farming emphasizes the importance of grass-legume mixtures for feeding animals and improving soil productivity. The article also highlights the benefits of ley farming, such as improving livestock efficiency, enhancing nitrogen content for subsequent crops, restoring soil structure and organic matter, controlling weed growth, and preventing erosion and deep drainage. It concludes by emphasizing the efficiency of ley farming over constant cultivation and its role in providing ecosystem services and improving the socioeconomic conditions of agricultural communities.

The article discusses the significant role of legumes in nitrogen fixation and their impact on soil management and environmental sustainability. Legumes, through symbiosis with Rhizobia spp., can fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. In the USA, legumes contribute around 40 million kg of nitrogen to the soil, while in Canada, they add over 170 million kg. Globally, legumes cultivated on 250 million hectares provide about 90 trillion kg of nitrogen annually. The article also highlights the benefits of legumes in breaking pest cycles, recycling nutrients, enhancing biological diversity, and improving soil organic matter. Legumes are also used as cover crops to control soil erosion, with specific examples of legume shrubs that reduce runoff and soil loss.

The article discusses the potential of agriculture and information technology (IT) as sectors for online earning. It highlights how individuals can offer consultancy services in agriculture, leveraging technology to provide advice on various farming aspects. The article also suggests selling agricultural products directly to consumers through e-commerce platforms. In the realm of IT, the article emphasizes the demand for professionals with skills in web development, digital marketing, and graphic design. It points out that IT skills can be self-taught through online resources and that individuals can earn by developing and selling software and digital products. The conclusion is that both agriculture and IT offer substantial opportunities for online earning by utilizing digital tools and platforms.

The article provides an in-depth guide on potato farming in Pakistan, highlighting its importance as a source of rural income and its rising consumption trend. It details the major potato production areas across various regions in Pakistan, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan. The article discusses the land requirements, soil preparation, seed rate, and seed treatment for optimal potato growth. It also outlines the sowing methods, fertilizer requirements, irrigation practices, and the varieties of potatoes that can be cultivated. Additionally, the article addresses weed control, common potato diseases, insect pests, and storage techniques to ensure the longevity of the harvest. The conclusion emphasizes the need for extensive research to improve potato yields and production technology in Pakistan, recognizing the crop's significance as a staple food for the economically disadvantaged.

The article discusses the controversial sport of dog racing, which is popular in countries like the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, but is also associated with animal welfare concerns. In the U.S., greyhound racing is legal in some states but banned in others. Australia has seen a push to ban the sport due to reports of mistreatment, with some states already implementing bans. The UK's greyhound racing faces similar scrutiny over animal welfare. The article also notes that dog racing is illegal in Pakistan and other European countries due to animal welfare issues. Additionally, the article briefly mentions that the world's heaviest mango, weighing 4.25kg, has been included in the Guinness World Records, although this point seems unrelated to the main focus of the article on dog racing.