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Proper management of agro-based resources is a major baseline for precision agriculture (Lambin and Meyfroidt, 2011). In Pakistan, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a widely cultivated fiber crop with limited available resources, namely selection of low-graded cultivars, imbalanced nutrient application, inadequate irrigation water supply, and so on, which contributes towards lower per capita yield production (Bibi et al., 2011;. Among the different resources, nitrogen is an important plant nutrient required in larger quantities by the cotton crop to enhance its productivity (

Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) is very low in alkaline calcareous soils; however, it can be improved by using suitable application methods along with farm manure (FM). The present field study was conducted to optimize phosphorus (P) levels and application methods in order to maximize wheat yield, PUE, and net returns on calcareous soils with and without FM application. Five P soil solution levels, i.e. 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 mg P L -1 , were maintained according to the Freundlich model through the application of 0, 36, 61, 104, and 142 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 , respectively. The calculated P (0, 36, 61, 104, and 142 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) was applied by broadcasting, band-placement, and top-dressing, with or without 300 kg ha -1 well-rotted FM. The results revealed that the bandplacement technique at 104 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 improved PUE and wheat output with and without FM application. Furthermore, wheat grain and straw P uptake was high at 142 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 . In addition, protein content and Olsen P were high at 142 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 . The band-placement technique at 104 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 increased net returns and the cost/benefit ratio. FM application further augmented the productivity, PUE, and net returns under various P levels and application techniques. In conclusion, band-placement of P at 104 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 with FM improved yield, PUE, and net returns of wheat sown on sandy clay loam calcareous soils.

Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) seed oil is available for biodiesel production as a wild plant species. In the present study, the cocklebur seeds collected from Muslubelen, Yozgat, Turkey, at 1440 m in 2014 were sown in the Bozok University Agriculture Faculty Topçu Research Area during 2015 and 2016. The maximum crude oil ratio was obtained as 35%. Oleic and linoleic acid contents of cocklebur seed oil were determined as 11.37% and 76.97%, respectively. Some important fuel properties such as density, flash point, water content, copper strip corrosion, iodine value, linolenic acid, methyl ester, and sulfated ash content values were measured and compared to the EN 14214 and ASTM D6751 standards. These values were found to be within the standard ranges. Cost analysis of the cocklebur plant was also performed and compared to other field crops. According to our results, it seems that agronomic production of cocklebur will be possible in marginal areas because its genetic properties enable cocklebur to grow in dry areas. Therefore, production of cocklebur as an industrial plant may contribute to energy shortages without competing with food production. In areas devoid of sufficient irrigation possibilities, agriculture based on grain and cereal decreases the biodiversity. Production of drought-tolerant plants such as cocklebur in these areas will have positive effects on conservation and development of biodiversity in the ecosystem.