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A research team from Kentucky State University, led by Dr. George F. Antonious, has published four peer-reviewed articles in 2025, contributing significant findings to agricultural and environmental science. The work, conducted with graduate students, focuses on sustainable farming, soil remediation, and the nutritional benefits of crops.

Graduate students Basanta Neupane and Sujata Kattel were key contributors to the research, applying their expertise in soil science and plant biology to address these critical challenges.

Research Highlights

·  Soil Health and Heavy Metal Remediation: Two complementary studies examined the effects of biochar and organic manure on soil health. "Our findings show that while biochar is beneficial, it can also inhibit important soil enzymes, so its application requires careful management," said Dr. Antonious. A related study on phytoremediation demonstrated that potato plants can effectively remove heavy metals from soil, underscoring the need to differentiate between crops grown for consumption and those used for environmental cleanup.

·  Cancer-Preventive Nutrition: Research led by Kattel investigated glucosinolates, the sulfur-containing compounds in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. The study explored how these compounds break down into molecules with anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, reinforcing the health benefits of a vegetable-rich diet.

·   Agricultural Innovation: A fourth study, led by Neupane, explored the use of radioisotopes in agriculture, outlining current applications, challenges, and future directions for this advanced technology in farming.

Published Works (2025)

·  Antonious, G.F. (2025). Duality of Biochar and Organic Manure Co-Composting on Soil Heavy Metals and Enzymes Activity. Journal of Applied Sciences.

·  Antonious, G.F., Nepal, A., & Neupane, B. (2025). Remediation of Cd, Cu, and Zn Metals in Soil Amended with Biochar and Animal Manure Using a Hyperaccumulator. Pollutants.

·  Kattel, S., & Antonious, G.F. (2025). Glucosinolates in Cruciferous Vegetables: Genetic and Environmental Regulation, Metabolic Pathways, and Cancer-Preventive Mechanisms. International Journal of Plant Biology.

·  Neupane, B., Antonious, G.F., Nzaramyimana, T., Acharya, S., Oli, D., Nepal, A., Dhakal, A., & Makumbe, H.H. (2025). Advancement in Agriculture through Radioisotopes: Current Context, Challenges and Future Direction. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research.

Impact and Applications

This research provides valuable guidance for farmers seeking sustainable soil management practices and offers new insights into how agricultural products can contribute to human health. The findings are particularly relevant for small-scale farmers looking for affordable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers while maintaining soil health and crop quality.

The team's work on phytoremediation offers promising solutions for cleaning contaminated agricultural soils, while their nutritional research reinforces the health benefits of consuming cruciferous vegetables as part of a cancer-preventive diet.