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Zeolites are crystalline micro porous aluminosilicate materials that have become indispensable in modern science and industry due to their unique structural, chemical, and catalytic properties. They possess a three-dimensional framework composed of interconnected silicon (SiO?) and aluminum (AlO?) tetrahedra linked through shared oxygen atoms, creating a regular system of channels and cavities of molecular dimensions. These pores enable zeolites to selectively adsorb molecules based on size, shape, and polarity, making them effective molecular sieves, ion exchangers, and heterogeneous catalysts. Since their discovery in 1756 by the Swedish mineralogist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, zeolites have evolved from naturally occurring minerals into highly engineered synthetic materials with tailored compositions and pore architectures. Today, more than 250 distinct zeolite framework types have been identified, each exhibiting unique structural characteristics and application potential. Natural zeolites such as clinoptilolite, mordenite, and chabazite are widely used in environmental remediation, agriculture, and water purification, whereas synthetic zeolites such as Zeolite A, Zeolite X, Zeolite Y, Beta, and ZSM-5 dominate industrial catalysis, petrochemical processing, gas separation, and detergent manufacturing. The remarkable properties of zeolites?including high surface area, excellent thermal stability, adjustable acidity, high ion-exchange capacity, and exceptional adsorption characteristics? have established them as one of the most versatile classes of functional materials. Recent advances in nanotechnology, materials engineering, and green chemistry have further expanded their applications into energy storage, carbon dioxide capture, hydrogen production, biomedical engineering, drug delivery, and renewable energy systems.This review provides a detailed discussion of the historical development, crystal chemistry, framework structure, classification, physicochemical properties, synthesis methods, characterization techniques, catalytic mechanisms, adsorption behavior, and diverse applications of natural and synthetic zeolites. The review also examines current research trends, technological challenges, and future prospects for zeolite-based materials in sustainable industrial development.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) is an important commercial ornamental crop widely cultivated for cut flowers, loose flowers, pot plants and garden decoration. Its flowering behaviour is significantly influenced by photoperiod, temperature and environmental conditions, making crop regulation essential for achieving uniform flowering, improved flower quality and year-round production. Crop regulation involves cultural, physical and chemical practices to manipulate plant growth and flowering according to market demand. Important cultural practices include variety selection, appropriate planting time, pinching, disbudding and optimum spacing. Physical methods, such as photoperiod manipulation through artificial lighting and blackout systems, along with temperature management, help regulate flowering time. Plant growth regulators, including chlormequat chloride, daminozide, paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid are used to manage plant height, stem length and flower development. Balanced nutrition and proper irrigation further support healthy growth and flowering. Integrating these techniques enables growers to improve flower yield, quality, uniformity and economic returns while facilitating offseason production and meeting increasing market demand.

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as persistent contaminants in agricultural ecosystems due to the extensive use of plastic mulches, greenhouse films, irrigation systems, sewage sludge, compost, fertilizers, and atmospheric deposition. Their accumulation in agricultural soils poses significant threats to soil quality, crop productivity, ecosystem functioning, and food safety. Recent studies indicate that MPs alter soil physical properties by modifying aggregate stability, bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, while simultaneously influencing soil chemical characteristics, including nutrient availability, pH, cation exchange capacity, and organic carbon dynamics. Microplastics also disrupt soil microbial diversity, enzyme activities, and nutrient cycling, thereby affecting essential ecosystem services. Increasing evidence demonstrates that micro- and nanoplastics can be absorbed by plant roots through apoplastic and symplastic pathways and subsequently translocated to edible tissues, leading to reductions in seed germination, root development, photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and crop yield. Furthermore, MPs act as vectors for heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, and pathogenic microorganisms, raising concerns regarding food quality, antibiotic resistance, and human health. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in understanding the sources, occurrence, transport, environmental fate, and ecological impacts of microplastics in agricultural systems. The review also discusses current mitigation strategies, biodegradable alternatives, remediation technologies, and future research priorities aimed at minimizing microplastic contamination while promoting sustainable agricultural production. Developing integrated management strategies is essential for protecting soil health, ensuring food security, and achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

The first hours after birth represent a critical window in the life of a dairy calf. Unlike humans, cattle do not transfer substantial quantities of immunoglobulins across the placenta before birth; newborn calves therefore depend on colostrum to acquire passive immunity. Colostrum is the first mammary secretion after calving and contains immunoglobulins, energy, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, growth factors and other bioactive compounds. Its benefit depends not only on quality, but also on the quantity consumed, time of feeding and microbial cleanliness. Intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins declines rapidly after birth, making early feeding a practical priority. This article summarises the science of colostrum timing and presents a farm-ready approach suited to Indian dairy systems, where calves may be left to suckle, milk may be shared with household needs, and labour or calving supervision may be limited. The recommended management approach is to provide clean, high-quality colostrum as soon as possible, ideally within 1?2 hours, aim for approximately 10% of birth body weight at the first feeding, provide a further feeding within the first 12 hours, and use a Brix refractometer to assess quality where available. A simple, consistent colostrum protocol can reduce the risk of failure of passive transfer and support calf health, growth, welfare and future productivity.

Drought increasingly threatens cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production by restricting seedling establishment, root development, and reproductive growth. Microbial seed treatments offer a potential biological complement to drought-adapted cultivars and soilwater management because beneficial bacteria can be delivered close to emerging roots. Plant growth-promoting bacteria may influence drought responses through several mechanisms, including the moderation of stress-associated ethylene by 1- aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, production of exopolysaccharides, changes in root architecture, nutrient mobilization, and regulation of osmotic and antioxidant responses. Here, we synthesize the published evidence on cotton-associated bacteria and outline a framework for evaluating bacterial seed coating under defined water-deficit conditions. A published cotton study reported that selected phyllosphere isolates tolerated osmotic stress and that seed treatment with an Acinetobacter isolate was associated with improved germination and seedling vigor under the conditions tested. These findings support further investigation but do not establish that all strains or coating formulations produce consistent benefits. We propose evaluating inoculant identity, viable cell delivery, coating compatibility, root colonization, and plant responses in replicated experiments, followed by multi-location field testing. Microbial seed coating could improve cotton establishment reliability in water-limited environments, provided that strain-specific effects, formulation stability, agronomic performance, and economic feasibility are demonstrated under realistic growing conditions.

A wagging tail, a playful purr and a happy face are some of the little things that make sharing our lives with pets so special. But how often do we think about the health of their teeth and gums? Dental care is an essential part of keeping our dogs and cats healthy, yet it is often overlooked until bad breath, difficulty eating or other visible problems appear. Just like humans, dogs and cats need regular dental care. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar accumulation, inflamed gums, loose teeth and painful dental disease. In advanced cases, infections may extend beyond the mouth and affect other organs of the body. Dental disease is common in pets and can progress without obvious signs of discomfort. This is particularly concerning because animals may continue eating and behaving relatively normally even when their mouths are painful. The good news? With regular home care, appropriate dental products and routine veterinary check-ups, pet owners can take important steps to protect their companions' oral health.

Urea is a legitimate and economical source of non-protein nitrogen for ruminants, but the same compound turns into a serious hazard when it reaches dairy animals in the wrong amount, in the wrong form or at the wrong time. In India, which produced 247.87 million tonnes of milk in 2024-25 (DAHD, 2025), urea contamination of feed arises mainly from deliberate spraying of costly oilseed cakes to increase their apparent protein, from uneven mixing in compounded feed, and from careless storage of fertiliser urea on farms. In the rumen, urea is split into ammonia far faster than microbes can use it and the surplus can take over the liver within an hour. This article brings together the permissible level (1.0 percent of compounded cattle feed under IS 2052:2023), the toxic and lethal doses (0.3 to 0.5 and 1.0 to 1.5 g per kg body weight), the clinical picture, first-response steps, and a practical prevention plan that suits smallholder and commercial dairies. The priorities for quicker field testing, improved regulations and research on Indian cattle and buffaloes are highlighted in this article.

Rice and wheat straws form the backbone of dry roughage for Indian dairy animals, yet their lignified cell walls, low protein content and poor digestibility restrict intake and energy supply, and a large share is still burnt in the field. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) with whiterot fungi, chiefly Pleurotus species, offers a biological alternative to chemical treatment. Fungal laccase and peroxidases enzymatically loosen lignin, exposing cellulose and hemicellulose to rumen microbes, while fungal biomass raises the crude protein of the straw. Published work reports straw crude protein rising from about 2 percent to between 5 and 6.6 percent, in vitro dry matter digestibility reaching about 65 percent, and better nutrient digestibility in small ruminants, but the response varies widely with fungal strain, moisture, temperature and incubation time. This article reviews the mechanism, a field-oriented protocol, compositional and animal responses, an illustrative costing for Indian conditions, practical challenges and research priorities. SSF appears most promising where low-cost inoculum such as spent mushroom substrate are used and treated straw is built into balanced rations.

The carbon-rich substance known as biochar, which is created when organic matter is pyrolyzed, has advantages for both the environment and agriculture. By promoting beneficial microbial activity, raising soil pH, and enhancing nutrient retention, biochar improves soil fertility in agricultural applications. Increased agricultural yields and a decreased reliance on chemical fertilizers result from this. In terms of the environment, biochar functions as a carbon sink, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and slowing down global warming. Its porous nature also helps retain water and lowers soil greenhouse gas emissions. Because of these complementary advantages, biochar can be used as a sustainable strategy to improve environmental health and agricultural output.

Nowadays feeding of trace mineral like zinc and copper to animal feed is changing. Instead of just meeting basic nutritional needs, scientists are using advanced delivery methods?like organic, hydroxy, and nano-minerals?to boost animal health, improve product quality, and protect the environment. Because animals absorb these new formats so well, farmers can use smaller amounts without slowing down animal growth, which leads to much less mineral waste in manure. While organic and hydroxy minerals are reliable and ready to use right now, nano-minerals still need more testing to ensure they are safe long-term. Moving forward, the industry's main goals should be to standardize these new supplements and thoroughly test their safety and effectiveness on real commercial farms.

Salinity and alkalinity are major abiotic constraints limiting crop productivity, particularly in arid, semi-arid, irrigated and poorly drained environments. Excess soluble salts cause osmotic stress, ionic toxicity and oxidative damage, while sodicity and high soil pH impair soil structure and nutrient availability. Plants mitigate salt stress through osmotic adjustment, ion exclusion, vacuolar compartmentation, antioxidant defence and maintenance of ion homeostasis. However, intrinsic tolerance alone may be insufficient to sustain productivity under field conditions. Agronomic management therefore provides an essential complementary approach through improved drainage, leaching, efficient irrigation, soil amendments, salt-tolerant crops, appropriate planting methods, balanced nutrient management, seed priming and biological interventions. This review summarizes the major impacts of salinity and alkalinity on plants and evaluates key agronomic strategies for improving crop establishment, growth and productivity in salt-affected environments.

Spirulina platensis is a protein rich cyanobacterium known for its remarkable nutritional profile, comprising essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and health promoting bioactive compounds such as phycocyanin and carotenoids. These characteristics have led to its extensive use as a functional ingredient in human diets, animal nutrition, and aquaculture feeds. In fisheries, Spirulina enhances growth performance, immunity, reproduction, pigmentation, and overall health of cultured aquatic species. Beyond its nutritional applications, Spirulina platensis has emerged as a promising biotechnological resource due to its content of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. PHB offers potential for the development of sustainable and animal-free capsule shells as an alternative to conventional gelatin-based capsules. This article reviews the composition of Spirulina platensis, its importance in aquaculture, and its emerging role in the pharmaceutical industry as a source of eco-friendly capsule materials.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) seeks to improve agricultural productivity and incomes, strengthen resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions where possible. Yet, technically suitable practices are not automatically adopted by smallholders. Adoption depends on labour, land, liquidity, information, credit, extension and the farmers? ability to absorb risk. The household resources shape the capacity to adopt, whereas the expected profitability, discount rates, crop choices and uncertainty shape the incentive to adopt. Low-cost and flexible practices often fit resource-constrained households better, while capital-intensive technologies may require suitable finance and markets. CSA should therefore be viewed as an investment decision under uncertainty rather than simply a behavioural choice.

Nitrogenous fertilizers have played a major role in increasing agricultural productivity and supporting global food security. However, their excessive and inefficient use can result in considerable nitrogen losses to soil, water and the atmosphere, leading to groundwater contamination, eutrophication, ammonia volatilization and greenhouse gas emissions. The extent of nitrogen pollution is influenced by fertilizer type, application rate, soil characteristics, climate and crop-management practices. Improving nitrogen-use efficiency through precision fertilization, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers and integrated nutrient management can help minimize these losses. Biological approaches, appropriate fertilizer management, farmer awareness and supportive policies can further promote sustainable nitrogen use. Therefore, future nitrogen management should focus on achieving higher crop productivity while minimizing environmental and health impacts. A balanced approach to nitrogen use is essential for ensuring food security, environmental sustainability and longterm agricultural resilience.

The seasonal ban on marine fishing on the Indian coast is one of the key management measures to conserve and protect the marine resources during the most vulnerable phase of fish reproduction and breeding? The ban is enforced on the fishing activity in the sea for certain months of the year during April-June on the eastern coast and June-July on the western coast and contributes to the sustainability of fish population and fishers' livelihood? They can protect juvenile fish populations until they are large enough to be harvested and provide a pause to allow sensitive coastal marine habitats such as coral reefs? mangrove forests? and estuarine nursery areas to recover from fishing pressure? During the fishing closure? coastal fishers may be encouraged to spend time on other income-generating opportunities that could offer more secure livelihoods? Routine maintenance of fishing boats? repairs? servicing of engines and upgrading of life-saving equipment are common activities? Many fishers are engaged in capacity-building and training programs organized by government agencies? cooperatives? or marine research centre? Other sources of income include aquaculture? seaweed farms? crab fattening? fish processing and small-scale homebased microenterprises to maintain family income during an annual ban? This would be complemented by social security schemes? insurance renewal and availing state welfare packages for socio-economic stability? The conditions attaching to the seasonal ban must as well be respected if the ban is to be effective? Operating mechanized or motorized boats, using destructive gears such as bottom trawling and light nets, as well as catching juveniles and brood stock, are some of the restrictions imposed during the fishing ban. Moreover, illegal harvesting, trading, catching of fish, damaging spawning grounds, and water pollution are some of the activities that threaten marine life and, henceforth, the local fishing community's livelihood. Consequently, the fishing ban during seasons is beneficial for coastal communities in India.