Flax is among the most significant industrial oilseed crops in the world, as well as in Afghanistan. It is high in health-promoting fatty acids. However, its yield and quality are low owing to poor nitrogen fertilizer use and lack of improved cultivars in Afghanistan. Hence, a field trial was conducted at the Research Farm of the Agriculture Faculty of Kabul University during the main cropping season of 2025 to evaluate four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha). The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) arrangement with four replications. The size of each experimental unit was 2 m × 2 m (4 m2), with six rows. Distances of 30 cm and 40 cm were left between plots and blocks, respectively. The spacing between rows was 30 cm, and the spacing between plants was 15 cm. Significant differences were observed in the different levels of nitrogen on plant height, number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, length of roots, biological yield, grain yield, and straw yield. However, the results showed that the 100 kg N/ha fertilization level significantly outperformed in number of seeds per capsule, number of capsules per plant, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. Meanwhile, the 150 kg N/ ha fertilization level excelled in plant height and number of branches per plant, biological yield, and straw yield.
Saifullah Ziayee, A. G. Ayubi· International Journal of Cur...· 0 citations
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally important crop valued for its high protein and oil content, yet its productivity in Afghanistan remains constrained by poor soil fertility and reliance on chemical fertilizers. This review article synthesizes experimental evidence on the comparative effects of organic inputs (night soil, farm manure) and inorganic fertilizers (diammonium phosphate, urea) on soybean growth and yield under Kabul’s semi‑arid conditions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate sustainable nutrient management strategies that enhance crop productivity while maintaining soil health.
Field trials conducted at Kabul University employed a randomized complete block design with five treatments: control, night soil, farm manure, DAP, and urea. Growth parameters such as plant height, branches per plant, leaf number, and pods per plant were measured alongside yield attributes including 100‑seed weight and grain yield. Results demonstrated that organic amendments significantly improved soybean performance compared to chemical fertilizers. Farm manure produced the tallest plants, highest branching, and maximum pods per plant, with grain yield reaching 1725 kg/ha. Night soil accelerated flowering and pod formation while also improving yield (1616 kg/ha). In contrast, urea resulted in the lowest yield (1262 kg/ha), highlighting the limitations of sole reliance on chemical inputs.
The findings confirm that organic fertilizers enhance soil structure, microbial activity, and long‑term fertility, making them vital for sustainable soybean production in semi‑arid Kabul. Integrating organic inputs into nutrient management strategies can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve food security, and support climate‑resilient agriculture in Afghanistan.
Ezatullah Aryubi, A. G. Ayubi, Amira Saidi· International Journal of Cur...· 0 citations
Soybean is an important legume crop valued for its high protein and oil content, but its productivity is often limited by poor soil fertility and environmental stresses. This study aimed to determine the optimum potassium application rate for improving soybean growth and yield under the agroecological conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan. A field experiment was conducted during the 2025 growing season at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, using a randomized complete block design with five potassium levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha⁻¹) and three replications. Standard agronomic practices were applied uniformly throughout the experiment. Data were collected on plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, total seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, and grain yield, and analysed using STAR software with the least significant difference test at the 5% probability level. Potassium application had no significant effect on vegetative growth traits, including plant height and number of branches per plant. However, it significantly improved yield components and grain yield. The application of 75 kg K ha⁻¹ produced the highest number of pods per plant, greatest 100-seed weight, and maximum grain yield, whereas increasing the rate to 100 kg K ha⁻¹ resulted in reduced yield. The findings indicate that potassium application enhances soybean productivity primarily through improved yield components rather than vegetative growth. It is concluded that 75 kg K ha⁻¹ is the optimum potassium rate for maximizing soybean yield under the agroecological conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan.
Rahmanullah Mansoor, A. G. Ayubi, Mohammad Khalid Rashidi· International Journal of Cur...· 0 citations
