Soil metagenomics, the study of the collective genomes of soil microorganisms, addresses limitations in traditional culture-dependent methods by using culture-independent sequencing technologies. This field directly investigates microbial diversity, functional activities, and community structure in soil settings using methods including shotgun sequencing and high-throughput sequencing. To learn more about the roles that the soil microbiome plays in nutrient cycle and soil health, the procedure includes DNA extraction, sequencing, data processing, taxonomic classification, and functional annotation. Its uses in agriculture have revolutionized the field, especially in improving biological nitrogen fixation by targeted microbial insights and increasing crop output by controlling biotic stress. These advances support sustainable farming practices and promote soil health.

A crucial leguminous crop recognized for its high nutritional content and capacity to improve soil is black gram, also referred to as urad bean. Its sensitivity to changes in moisture and temperature makes it difficult to cultivate in the summer without special techniques. Choosing heat-tolerant and early-maturing cultivars, deep plowing, and adding organic matter to improve soil fertility and water retention are important tactics. To guarantee consistent germination and the establishment of seedlings, precision sowing techniques like line sowing and ideal seed depth are used. Water management is essential, utilizing effective technologies like sprinklers or drip irrigation as well as irrigation scheduling. Common summertime pests and illnesses are addressed with integrated pest management techniques, which include biological control agents, resistant cultivars, and low-chemical insecticides. During the crop's growth phases, balanced fertilizers with both macro- and micronutrients are given to satisfy the unique demands of the crop. Timely harvesting to prevent losses from over-ripening or insect damage, along with appropriate storage methods to preserve seed quality, are all part of post-harvest management. In order to cultivate black gram in the summertime with high productivity and sustainability, a comprehensive strategy including crop management, soil health, water conservation, insect control, and nutrient management is needed.

This article examines the invasion of Charru mussel (Mytella strigata, Hanley, 1843) in the Ennore wetlands of Tamil Nadu, India, highlighting the significant ecological and economic threats posed by this invasive species. Ecologically, the mussels displace native species, alter benthic communities, reduce biodiversity, and filter large volumes of water, which may lead to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Economically, the invasion disrupts local fisheries by reducing shrimp populations and making fish more difficult to catch, threatening the livelihoods of fishers. The invasion likely resulted from ballast water discharge from ships, weak regulations, and inadequate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Potential solutions include stricter ballast water regulations, improved EIAs, manual removal, the introduction of natural predators, community monitoring, and advocacy for stronger policies. Immediate action is crucial to prevent irreversible ecological damage and economic losses for the local fishing communities.