Impact of conservation agriculture practice on biodiversity of soil mesofauna in Mustard - Black gram - Rice cropping sequence under Gangetic basin of West Bengal

Background: Wheat and black gram both are important crops in India and both crops are well known for their nutritional values. Wheat and black gram face some problems while cultivation like water- logging in wheat and water stagnation in blackgram. These can be resolved by adopting the effective land configuration and nutrient management techniques. By keeping this view, the field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of land configuration and nutrient management on performance of black gram and wheat. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi season of 2023 and 2024 on sandy loam soil at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, to evaluate the impact of land configuration and nutrient management practices on growth and yield attributes of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. The treatments comprised of three land configurations (Flat line sowing, Raised bed (67.5 cm) and Broad bed (105 cm) as main plot and six nutrient management options (100% RDF, 100% RDF with seed inoculation, 100% nitrogen through FYM, 100% nitrogen through FYM with seed inoculation, 50% NPK through fertilizer + 50% nitrogen through FYM, 50% NPK through fertilizer + 50% nitrogen through FYM with seed inoculation) as sub plot. The design of experiment was split plot with three replications. Result: The results discovered that raised bed raises the growth and yield of the black gram as well as wheat grown in sequence as compared to flatbed method. In nutrient management, 50% NPK + 50% N (FYM) with seed inoculation treatment combination was noticed highest values of all the growth and yield attributing parameters of black gram and succeeding wheat than other treatments.

A long-term study was conducted to assess the effect of tillage (conventional, CT and minimum, MT) and residue retention treatments on crop yields, sustainable yield index (SYI), rain water use efficiency (RWUE) and soil properties under sorghum – black gram system in resource poor Semi-Arid Tropical (SAT) Alfisol at Hyderabad, India. The results revealed that when averaged over residue retention treatments, MT recorded 12.32 and 5.21% higher sorghum and black gram grain yield, 19.61 and 25.93% higher sustainability yield Index (SYI), and 12.27 and 5.15% rain water use efficiency (RWUE), respectively, over conventional tillage. Residue retention treatments (averaged over tillage treatments) S2 (cutting at 60 cm height for sorghum and 100% retention for black gram) and S1 (cutting at 35 cm height for sorghum and 50% retention for black gram) recorded 33.16 and 16.16, and 32.18 and 14.88% higher sorghum and black gram yield, respectively, over S0 (no residue) and also recorded 26.0 and 9.0, and 48.0 and 22.0% higher SYI over S0 in sorghum and black gram, respectively. Increase in RWUE under S2 and S1 over S0 was 33.19 and 16.23% in sorghum and was 31.4 and 14.53% in black gram. Higher residue retention maintained significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC), significantly lower bulk density (BD) and significantly influenced potential of hydrogen (pH) and electrical conductivity (EC) at all the depths and also increased available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) by 35.43, 24.55, 12.12, 57.6, 53.99, 51.46 and 13.76%, respectively. Thus, the results of the present study are highly useful in improving the crop yields, yield sustainability and soil properties. Therefore, the conservation agriculture practices can be a resource saving and higher crop production technology in the rainfed Alfisols.

Aim: To study the effect of weed management practices on nutrient content and uptake by black gram. Study Design: Randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: One year field experiment at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.). Methodology: The experiment was conducted with three replications and seven treatments viz.- T1 = Weedy check, T2 = Weed free, T3 = Hand weeding (20 & 40 DAS), T4 = Imazethapyr @ 70 g ha-1 (PE) + Hand weeding (30 DAS), T5 = Metolachlor @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Hand weeding (30 DAS), T6 = Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr 900 g a.i. ha-1 (3-4 leaf stage), T7 = Imazethapyr + Imazamox @ 70 g a.i. ha-1 (PoE). Results: The study of data revealed non-significant impact of weed management practices on nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in grains and straw of black gram crop, whereas, the maximum content of all these nutrients were found under treatment T2. However, the application of treatment T2 also recorded the significantly maximum uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium by grains, straw and total uptake by black gram crop, which was statistically at par with treatment T3. The minimum content of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in grains, straw and along with their uptake by grains, straw and total uptake by black gram crop were found under treatment T1 = Weedy check during the field experiment. Conclusion: This study showed non-significant effect of weed management practices on the nutrient content in grains and straw of black gram, while, it has significantly affected the nutrient uptake by grains, straw and total uptake by black gram crop.

Aim: Blackgram is one of the most important pulse crops raised in several types of soil under well drained conditions. Currently, it is cultivated as monocrop , intercrop as well as rice fallow crop in southern India. When the rice fallow pulse systems are described as, the pulse crop is seeded before or after rice harvest without ploughing, the remaining soil moisture may be better used through conservation agriculture measures. It's also known as a relay crop, a no-till crop, or a residual crop.In general, the production and productivity of black gram is declining because of poor management practices . Thus, this study was undertaken rice establishment methods as a strategy to determine the availability of residual moisture on the establishment of rice fallow black gram system during the early growth stages.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field investigation was carried out at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University9o54’ N Latitude, 78o54’ E Longitude with an altitude of 147 m above MSL), Tamil Nadu, India from September 2019 to April 2020
 Methodology: To see how different seeding methods and time influence the rice fallow black gram, the factors include rice planting methods as the main plot, methods of sowing black gram on rice fallow black gram as sub plot, and time of sowing black gram on rice fallow black gram given out in sub-sub plot treatment.
 Results: The treatments had the best growth qualities, growth analysis, and yield. It could be because the above-mentioned combinations had higher residual moisture content, which resulted in a higher germination percentage, better crop stand, and higher growth and yield of rice fallow black gram.
 Conclusion: The best management strategy is to sowing black gram in rice fallow situations with a rice fallow pulse planter at 10 days before rice harvest, under the direct seeded of rice establishment technique with drum seeder.

The potential interactions of rhizobium bacteria in enhancing nodulation, nitrogen (N) fixation for boosting N availability, and the yield of black gram under a temperate environment continue to remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of black gram cultivars, their yield comparisons, and shoot–grain–soil N dynamics in a prevalently rainfed farming system. Two black gram cultivars, NARC Mash-I and NARC Mash-II, were subjected to rhizobia inoculation combined with different N doses (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 kg ha−1). The response variables included root nodulation, agronomic yield attributes, grain yield, shoot–grain and soil N dynamics, and biological productivity. Black gram cultivar NARC Mash-II showed the maximum nodule formation (41 per plant), while each nodule obtained 0.69 g weight in response to RI combined with 25 kg N ha−1. Additionally, this combination showed the highest pods per plant and thousand grain weight, which maximized the grain yield (1777 kg ha−1) and biological productivity (3007 kg ha−1). In contrast, NARC Mash-I under 50 kg N recorded the highest shoot N content, while the same cultivar under 100 kg N exhibited the maximum soil N content. The correlation analyses indicated a significantly robust association among the nodule numbers, grain weight, and N contents in different plant organs. These results give mechanistic insights into plant–microbe interactions based on the eco-friendly, sustainable, and smart agricultural practice of black gram production in a temperate environment.

Dynamics of soil penetration resistance, moisture depletion pattern and crop productivity determined by mechanized cultivation and lifesaving irrigation in zero till blackgram

Aims: This study aims to scrutinize the intricacies of nutrient management to optimize the cultivation of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Coimbatore. The primary objectives include evaluating the efficacy of various treatments, such as recommended doses of inorganic fertilizer (RDF), rhizobium, and Phosphobacteria microbial inoculants as soil applicants, as well as TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP as foliar sprays.
 Study Design: A meticulous Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed to explore diverse treatments. This design allowed for a systematic investigation into the impact of different nutrient management strategies on the growth and yield of black grams.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Coimbatore, and the Rabi season of 2022-2023 was chosen for its duration. The experimental setup was established at the research farm under the auspices of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences.
 Methodology: A total of ten treatments were tested, including various combinations of RDF (25:50:25), rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP. Plant growth metrics, such as plant height and leaf count, were measured at 60 days after sowing (DAS). Yield attributes, including pod count, seeds per pod, and test weight, were also evaluated. Economic scrutiny included the calculation of the cost of cultivation, gross return, net income, and benefit-cost ratio.
 Results: Treatment T7, consisting of 75% RDF, rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, and 1% TNAU Pulse Wonder, demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing plant growth metrics. At 60 DAS, this treatment exhibited an appreciable increase in plant height (39.89 cm) and leaf count (15.33). Moreover, T7 positively impacted crucial yield attributes, with elevated pod count (24.33), seeds per pod (9.33), and test weight (4.98 g). Economic scrutiny identified T7 as the epitome of economic viability, featuring a cost of cultivation at 30,240 INR, gross return of 125,587.80 INR, net income of 95,347.80 INR, and a commendable benefit-cost ratio of 4.15.
 Conclusion: These findings underscore the profound significance of strategic nutrient management paradigms for fostering sustainable and economically robust black gram cultivation. The identified treatment T7 stands out as a promising approach to optimize yields and economic returns in black gram cultivation, offering valuable insights for future agricultural practices.

A field experiment was conducted during post rainy seasons of 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18 (December-March) at research farm of Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu to study the impact of tillage practices adopted in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop on the succeeding blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) grown as relay cropping. The treatment comprised of 2 tillage practices (puddled and non-puddled), 3 seed priming methods (Bio-seed priming with Rhizobium, hydropriming and no seed priming) and 2 foliar spray (2% DAP and 2% urea). The results indicated though blackgram grown as succeeding crop in the puddled tillage registered higher values of Relative water content (RWC) (83.06 and 83.72%), Specific leaf weight content (SLW) (6.83 and 6.28 g/cm2), Soil Plant AnalysisDevelopment chlorophyll meter values (40.88 and 39.75) at 30 and 45 DAS respectively, it was comparable with non-puddled tillage method. However, the blackgram sown as succeeding crop in non-puddled transplanted rice registered a greater number of nodules (23.67 and 17.44) and nodules dry weight (0.17 and 0.11 g) at 30 and 45 DAS respectively as compared to puddled transplanting. Similarly, the root length (6.93 and 8.62 cm) and root dry weight (0.151 and 0.174 g at 30 and 45 DAS respectively) were also higher with non-puddled tillage. The yield obtained under non-puddled tillage system was 11.8% higher than puddled method of tillage system. Bio-seed priming with rhizobium had higher values of growth and yield parameters, which eventually resulted in 25.0% yield increase over no seed priming. As far as foliar spray concerned, DAP 2% spray and Urea 2% spray did not differ significantly for none of the parameters except for yield.

The gap between actual and potential crop production can be minimized by maintaining plant health, which needs crop-specific technology interventions. On-farm trials were conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 in the farmers’ fields in the Sundarbans to study the impact of crop-specific technologies on crop yields. The yield of mustard can be increased by about 47% with the installation of A. mellifera bee hives @ 3 ha-1 while it was about 40% in the case of A. cerena type @ 5 ha-1. A considerable increase (30.17% and 20.90%) in pod setting was recorded via the installation of mellifera bee hive and cerena type, respectively. Spraying of panchagavya @ 5%, sasyagavya @ 5%, and dasaparni @ 1% at 30 days after sowing (DAS) onwards at 15 days intervals, alternate application with 600 L ha-1 of jeevamrit as soil application at 30 DAS boosted the plant growth attributing characters in black gram. The same treatment recorded the highest yield of black gram (0.95 t ha-1), lowest infestation of pod borer (8.6%) and lowest powdery mildew infestation (21.20%). Application of beejamrit for seed bio-priming and 5% jeevamrit at 30 and 45 DAS as spray and soil application @ 600 L ha-1 also showed potential results with 30% increased yield of black gram over existing farmers’ practices. The integrated approach consisting of the application of T. viride enriched cow dung @ 750 kg ha-1, seed treatment with carboxin 17.5% + thiram 17.5% @ 3 mL kg-1 seed, installation of pheromone trap @ 30 ha-1 and need-based spot application of neemastra @ 3% resulted in highest seed yield of green gram (0.94 t ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.38) followed by chemical management (0.93 t ha-1, 3.23).

Black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is a significant pulse crop due to its nutritional value and productivity within the Indian subcontinent. Pulses possess the inherent ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic association with the Rhizobium, a genus of essential soil microorganisms that facilitate nitrogen fixation in legumes. However, conventional biofertilizers encounter challenges related to limited shelf life, reduced cellular viability, and inefficacy of carriers. This research investigates the encapsulation of Rhizobium using starch nanoparticles and sodium alginate to mitigate these drawbacks. The nanoformulations was assessed, with a mean droplet size and polydispersity index of 292 nm and 0.056, respectively. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of all functional components. SEM imaging illustrated a uniform distribution of the formulation over the seed coat. Release kinetics displayed an initial burst release, followed by controlled and sustained release phases. The nanoformulations effectively protects the cells from adverse conditions in soil with different pH levels. A pot culture experiment with Black gram was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the nanoformulations. The findings indicated significant enhancements in growth parameters, nodulation, and yield characteristics compared to the control and conventional treatments. The highest dosage of nanoformulation at the rate of 15ml/8Kg (T6) consistently surpassed other treatments, demonstrating improved shoot and root lengths, chlorophyll content, soluble protein, and enzyme activities. Treatment T6 gains the highest nodule count (approx. 100/plant) and maximized yield parameters. This investigation highlights the potential of Rhizobium nanoformulations in promoting plant growth, nodulation, and yield in black gram. It offers a promising strategy for sustainable agricultural practices and addresses the limitations of traditional biofertilizers.

Enhancing salt stress tolerance in black gram (Vigna mungo L.) through the exogenous application of seaweed liquid fertilizer derived from Sargassum sp.

In cereal-based farming, there is significant influence of tillage and residue incorporation as sustainable practices, although their role in crop production is still unclear. Two field trials were executed during winter seasons to evaluate the best-performing crop residue and tillage system for the nutrition and yield of rice at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University. In the first trial, residues from soybean, black gram, and rice were incorporated into the soil with 75% recommended fertilizer doses (RFD). The grain yields were 5.97, 6.21, and 6.10 t ha−1, respectively in rice, soybean, and black gram residue-treated plots, which were increased by 77.15, 84.27, and 81.01%, respectively, over the control. In the second trial, the residues from black gram and rice were incorporated with 100% RFD under conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT) for two years, where CT with black gram residue plus 100% fertilizer (CT-I2) exhibited the highest grain yield of 6.69 and 6.88 t ha−1, increasing by 7.61% and 8% over 100% RFD. Both CT and MT performed similarly, and their combination with legume residue strongly influenced crop performance and nutrient uptake. Therefore, incorporating legume residue under minimum tillage can be a sustainable approach for better rice yield and nutritional uptake.

A study had been conducted in black gram to observe the effect of different seed invigoration treatments with bio-priming for seed germination, seedling growing and vigour. The variety of black gram i.e., Uttara, was selected and seed had been treated with control (T1); Seeds soaked in distilled water/ hydropriming (T2); Rhizobium leguminosarum 10% (T3); Rhizobium leguminosarum 15% (T4); Rhizobium leguminosarum 20% (T5); Rhizobium leguminosarum 25% (T6); Rhizobium leguminosarum 30% (T7) respectively. Treated seeds were grown in different glass plate and patri plate at Seed Testing Laboratory, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Seed invigoration with Rhizobium leguminosarum at 20% followed by T4 was found very effective for seed germination with vigorous seedlings. Higher seed germination percentage (82.60), shoot length (17.89 cm), root length (12.99 cm), seedling fresh weight (1.87 g), seedling dry weight (0.19 g), seedling vigour index I (2393.62) and seedling vigour index II (15.96) results were observed for the seed bioprimed with Rhizobium leguminosarum at 20%. Seed treatment with Rhizobium leguminosarum at 20% recorded better performance than rest the treatments for all characters observed. The present investigation clearly depicted that the germination, vigour and seedling growth revalidated seed lots can be improved by pre-sowing and invigoration treatments.

A field oriented experiment was executed over two consecutive summer months in 2019 and 2020 to study the influence of sowing dates of blackgram or urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) on the population fluctuation of its major pests viz., flower infesting thrips (Megalurothrips sp.) and spotted pod borer or legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fabr.). The blackgram variety PU 31 was sown on three different dates, with ten days apart specifically, on the 14th of March, 24th of March and 3rd of April each year, representing early, medium and late sown crops. The experiment recorded fewer incidences of flower thrips in late-sown crop (population of 2.56 per 10 flowers in first year and 1.22 in second year) than early crop (4.71 and 2.42 in those years, respectively), while higher incidences of pod borer was recorded in late-sown crop (larval population of 2.49 plant-1 in first year and 2.58 in second year) than early crop (0.69 and 0.42 in those years, respectively). Given that early and late-sown crops attract more thrips and pod borers, respectively, it may be recommended to sow black gram during the last week of March, especially in the lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal.

This study, conducted at the Organic Research Farm, Centurion University, examined the effects of organic and inorganic treatments on the growth of green gram (PU31) and black gram (Pant mung 5) seeds. The seeds were subjected to treatments of vermicompost, urea, and a combination of both, along with a control group. The results showed that vermicompost significantly improved germination rates, with green gram achieving 88% and black gram 92%. Root growth was also enhanced, with green gram showing 6.2 cm and black gram 5.5 cm at 20 days after germination. Both species exhibited stronger seedling growth and higher drought resilience under vermicompost treatment, with lower mortality rates as compared to the inorganic promoters. The findings highlight the positive impact of organic fertilizers, particularly vermicompost, on seed germination, root development, seedling growth, and drought resistance, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.