Two species of sunflower, i.e., Tithonia diversifolia and Helianthus annuus, were investigated for their potential to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. Dried and mature T. diversifolia (Mexican flower) seeds were collected along roadsides, while H. annuus (sunflower) seeds were sourced from the Department of PBST, University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. The contaminants were added as lead nitrate (Pb (NO3)2) and zinc nitrate (Zn (NO3)2) at 400 mg/kg which represents upper critical soil concentration for both Pb and Zn. The results indicated that T. diversifolia mopped up substantial concentrations of Pb in the above-ground biomass compared to concentrations in the roots. The concentrations in the leaf compartment were 87.3, 71.3, and 71.5 mg/kg at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (AP), respectively. In roots, it was 99.4 mg/kg, 97.4 mg/g, and 77.7 mg/kg while 79.3, 77.8, and 60.7 mg/kg were observed in the stems at 4, 6, and 8 weeks AP, respectively. Observations with H. annuus followed the pattern found with T. diversifolia, showing significant (p < 0.05) accumulation of Pb in the above-ground biomass. Results obtained from Zn contaminated soils showed significant (p < 0.05) accumulation in the above-ground compartments of T. diversifolia and H. annuus compared with root. However, the highest accumulation of Zn was observed in the leaf. The translocation factor and enrichment coefficient of Pb and Zn with these plant species are greater than 1, indicating that these metals moved more easily in these plants. However, this result also showed that the translocation of Zn from root to the shoot of the two plants was higher than Pb. In conclusion, this experiment showed that these plants accumulated substantial Pb and Zn in their shoots (leaf and stem) at 4 weeks AP which diminished with time. This implies that the efficiency of these plants in cleaning the contaminated soils was at the early stage of their growth.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of heavy metal contamination in the samples of soil, water, vegetables, and vital organs (liver and kidney) of predominant species of rat i.e. Bandicota bengalensis, collected from the vegetable fields near Buddha Nullah (a seasonal water stream highly contaminated with domestic and industrial waste), Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The samples of soil, water, and vegetables and rat species were collected from the three sites (villages), viz., site I (Baran Hara), site II (Balloke), and site III (Jassian) lying in the vicinity of Buddha Nullah (contaminated site) and one site at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India (reference site IV). The results of the present study revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentration of Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soil samples and significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentration of As, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Pb in water samples collected from at all the three sites near Buddha Nullah as compared to reference site IV. In comparison to permissible limits given by SEPA (2016). (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency: Methods for inventories of contaminated sites. ISSN: 0282–7298.) and WHO (2017). (Guidelines for drinking-water quality. Fourth edition Incorporating the first addendum. pp 1–631.). Guidelines for drinking-water quality. Fourth edition Incorporating the first addendum. pp 1–631.), the concentration of Cd was found to be beyond the permissible limits in soil samples and concentration of As, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Pb was observed to be beyond the permissible limits in water samples collected from sites I, II, and III near Buddha Nullah. Heavy metals were present at significant concentrations (p < 0.05) in the samples of eight different vegetables collected from sites I, II, and III as compared to reference site IV. Heavy metals viz. As, Cd, Mn, and Zn and Mn, Ni, and Zn were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in liver and kidney, respectively of the predominant rats collected from vegetable fields of sites I, II, and III as compared reference site IV. Histopathological studies in liver tissue of rats collected from sites I, II, and III determined the infiltration of leucocytes, dilation in central vein, pyknotic cells, increased Kupffer cells, and dilated sinusoidal spaces whereas renal tissue confirmed the degeneration of glomerular tuft and renal tubules, pyknotic nuclei in the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Site I was concluded to be the prominent heavy metal contaminated location as the concentration of heavy metals in soil, water, vegetables, and rat organs (liver and kidney) collected from site I was the highest in comparison to sites II, III, and reference site IV. The calculation of transfer factor (TF) revealed the transfer of heavy metals from soil to vegetables at the contaminated sites which further intensifies the severity of heavy metal toxicity. Therefore, the results necessitate to avoid the application of water from unspecified or polluted water bodies for irrigation in agricultural fields and the urgency to purify the polluted water bodies such as Buddha Nullah to reduce the potential ecological risk in the environments.

Lack of scientific literature exists regarding the effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) application timings on various phenological and physiological aspects of seed crop of locally available onion cultivars. Therefore, current study was planned in Vegetable Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to optimize the growth stage for GA₃ application on seed production in two local onion cultivars (Phulkara and Dark Red) during 2013 and 2014. Application timings of gibberellins at 100 mg/L of H₂O were as (G₁) control (no spray), (G₂) foliar application at 2–3 leaf stage, (G₃) foliar application at 6–7 leaf stage, and (G₄) foliar application at the time of flowering. Data on average of both years showed that tallest plants (66.15 cm) and maximum number of leaves per plant (84.56) were noted in cv. Phulkara when GA₃ was applied at 2–3 leaf stage. Minimum number of days to initiate flowering (47.92) and maximum number of umbels per plant (15.45) were noted with GA₃ application at 6–7 leaf stage in Phulkara and Dark Red, respectively. The highest seed yield per umbel (2.94 g) was recorded in cv. Dark Red when GA₃ sprayed at 6–7 leaf stage, while GA₃ application at the time of flowering in the cv. Phulkara produced seeds with highest seedling vigor index (586.79). Overall, it appears that seed yield and quality characters were promoted by the application of GA₃ at different growth stages and could be valuable for seed production of onion.

Climate change and variability are major threats to crop productivity. Crop models are being used worldwide for decision support system for crop management under changing climatic scenarios. Two-year field experiments were conducted at the Water Management Research Center (WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, to evaluate the application of CERES-Maize model for climate variability assessment under semi-arid environment. Experimental treatments included four sowing dates (27 January, 16 February, 8 March, and 28 March) with three maize hybrids (Pioneer-1543, Mosanto-DK6103, Syngenta-NK8711), adopted at farmer fields in the region. Model was calibrated with each hybrid independently using data of best sowing date (27 January) during the year 2015 and then evaluated with the data of 2016 and remaining sowing dates. Performance of model was evaluated by statistical indices. Model showed reliable information with phenological stages. Model predicted days to anthesis and maturity with lower RMSE (< 2 days) during both years. Model prediction for biological yield and grain yield were reasonably good with RMSE values of 963 and 451 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Model was further used to assess climate variability. Historical climate data (1980–2016) were used as input to simulate the yield for each year. Results showed that days to anthesis and maturity were negatively correlated with increase in temperature and coefficient of regression ranged from 0.63 to 0.85, while its values were 0.76 to 0.89 kg ha⁻¹ for grain yield and biological yield, respectively. Sowing of maize hybrids (Pioneer-1543 and Mosanto-DK6103) can be recommended for the sowing on 17 January to 6 February at the farmer field for general cultivation in the region. Early sowing before 17 January should be avoided due to severe reduction in grain yield of all hybrids. A good calibrated CERES-Maize model can be used in decision-making for different management practices and assessment of climate variability in the region.

Nitrogen fertilizer availability to plants is strongly linked with water availability. Excessive or insufficient use of nitrogen can cause reduction in grain yield of wheat and environmental issues. The per capita per annum water availability in Pakistan has reduced to less than 1000 m³ and is expected to reach 800 m³ during 2025. Irrigating crops with 3 or more than 3 in. of depth without measuring volume of water is not a feasible option anymore. Water productivity and economic return of grain yield can be improved by efficient management of water and nitrogen fertilizer. A study was conducted at post-graduate agricultural research station, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 to optimize volume of water per irrigation and nitrogen application. Split plot design with three replications was used to conduct experiment; four irrigation levels (I₃₀₀ = 300 mm, I₂₄₀ = 240 mm, I₁₈₀ = 180 mm, I₁₂₀ = 120 mm for whole growing season at critical growth stages) and four nitrogen levels (N₆₀ = 60 kg ha⁻¹, N₁₂₀ = 120 kg ha⁻¹, N₁₈₀ = 180 kg ha⁻¹, and N₂₄₀ = 240 kg ha⁻¹) were randomized as main and sub-plot factors, respectively. The recorded data on grain yield was used to develop empirical regression models. The results based on quadratic equations and economic analysis showed 164, 162, 158, and 107 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen as economic optimum with I₃₀₀, I₂₄₀, I₁₈₀, and I₁₂₀ mm water, respectively, during 2012–2013. During 2013–2014, quadratic equations and economic analysis showed 165, 162, 161, and 117 kg ha⁻¹ nitrogen as economic optimum with I₃₀₀, I₂₄₀, I₁₈₀, and I₁₂₀ mm water, respectively. The optimum irrigation level was obtained by fitting economic optimum nitrogen as function of total water. Equations predicted 253 mm as optimum irrigation water for whole growing season during 2012–2013 and 256 mm water as optimum for 2013–2014. The results also revealed that reducing irrigation from I₃₀₀ to I₂₄₀ mm during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 did not reduce crop yield significantly (P < 0.01). The excessive nitrogen application ranged from 31.2 to 55.4% at N₁₈₀ and N₂₄₀ kg ha⁻¹ for different levels of irrigation. It is concluded from study that irrigation and nitrogen relationship can be used for efficient management of irrigation and nitrogen and to reduce nitrogen losses. The empirical equations developed in this study can help farmers of semi-arid environment to calculate optimum level of irrigation and nitrogen for maximum economic return from wheat.

Uncertainty in future availability of irrigation water and regulation of nutrient amount, management strategies for irrigation and nitrogen (N) are essential to maximize the crop productivity. To study the response of irrigation and N on water productivity and economic return of maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield, an experiment was conducted at Water Management Research Center, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan in 2015 and 2016. Treatments included of full and three reduced levels of irrigation, with four rates of N fertilization. An empirical model was developed using observed grain yield for irrigation and N levels. Results from model and economic analysis showed that the N rates of 235, 229, 233, and 210 kg ha⁻¹ were the most economical optimum N rates to achieve the economic yield of 9321, 8937, 5748, and 3493 kg ha⁻¹ at 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% irrigation levels, respectively. Economic optimum N rates were further explored to find out the optimum level of irrigation as a function of the total water applied using a quadratic equation. The results showed that 520 mm is the optimum level of irrigation for the entire growing season in 2015 and 2016. Results also revealed that yield is not significantly affected by reducing the irrigation from full irrigation to 80% of full irrigation. It is concluded from the study that the relationship between irrigation and N can be used for efficient management of irrigation and N and to reduce the losses of N to avoid the economic loss and environmental hazards. The empirical equation can help farmers to optimize irrigation and N to obtain maximum economic return in semi-arid regions with sandy loam soils.

This paper aims to investigate carbon footprints of faculty members of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) associated with income and education in pursuance of a low-carbon society. For the study, 140 UAF faculty members (professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers) were selected using stratified random sampling technique, and a representative questionnaire was used to record primary data. Moreover, the ordinary least square (OLS) method was used to explain the statistical relationship between income, education, and carbon footprints. It was found that carbon footprints of UAF faculty members were 10.06 metric tons (mt) per year per person on an average. Our results further indicated that carbon footprints of assistant professors, associate professors, and professors were 10.83, 11.95, and 10.96 mt per person per annum, respectively. OLS estimates showed that an increase in one Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) faculty member increases the carbon footprint by 1.15 mt per annum. Male faculty members emit more carbon footprints than females. Faculty members of Tenure Track System (TTS) had a higher income than those of Basic Pay Scale (BPS). Therefore, emissions of TTS faculty members were higher. Hence, in order to reduce carbon footprints and corroborate UAF campus environment-friendly, the attitude towards this aspect should be changed and awareness should be created. Furthermore, reduced car usage can be another bottom-up policy suggestion. As witnessed in green campuses of international universities, UAF should also be a motor-free campus (cycling and pedestrian only).

In the recent years, the use of sewage water for irrigation has attracted the attention of arid and semi-arid countries where the availability of fresh water is poor. Despite the potential use of sewage water in crop irrigation as effective and sustainable strategy, the environmental and human risks behind this use need to be deeply investigated. In this regard, an experiment was carried out under field conditions in Nursery, University College of Agriculture Sargodha, to evaluate the possible health risks of undesirable metals in wheat grains. Wheat variety Sarang was cultivated and irrigated with different combinations of ground (GW) and sewage water (SW). The concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb) and trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Fe) in wheat grains as well as in soil were determined. Moreover, the pollution load index (PLI), accumulation factor (AF), daily intake of metals (DIM), and health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Results showed that the concentration trend of heavy metals was Pb<Cr<Cu<Ni<Cd<Zn<Fe and Cr<Cu<Pb<Cd<Ni<Fe<Zn in soil and wheat, respectively. Among metals, Cd concentration in wheat exceeded the permissible limits regardless water quality, whereas Pb concentration in grain was within the acceptable levels as suggested by World Health Organization, when 100 % of SW was used for irrigation. Similar observation was reported for Cd concentration in the soil when wheat was irrigated with 100 % SW. In comparison to soil, the edible part of wheat presented lower concentration of all studied metals, except for Zn which was much higher compared to the tested soil samples. The higher concentration of Zn was responsible for increasing the DIM of Zn where, in average, the highest value was reported, particularly in 75 % SW treatment. This was reflected also in HRI where the maximum value was reported for Zinc under the same treatment. Higher value of HRI for wheat cultivated on polluted soils suggested that appropriate management of cultivated area is necessary for food safety and thus for public health. The results are expected to create awareness among the public on the safety of consuming food products grown in particular areas.