Application Of Farmyard Manure Research Articles

Manure plus Plastic Film Mulch Reduces Soil Salinity and Improves Barley-Maize Growth and Yield in Newly Reclaimed Coastal Land, Eastern China

In newly reclaimed coastal soil, saline conditions and nutrient deficiency are the restraining factors for crop yield. Manure and plastic film mulch are proved to play a vital role in reducing soil salt, increasing soil water, and improving soil nutrients and plant growth. A field experiment was carried out with plastic film mulch, manure, and their combinations in the Tiaozini reclamation area; four treatments were set up as (1) control treatment (CK), (2) plastic film mulch (PM), (3) farmyard manure (FM), and (4) combined application of plastic film mulch and farmyard manure (PM+FM). The main results showed that, compared with CK treatment, the average soil water content under the FM+PM treatment was increased by 5.8% and 3.6%, and the average soil salt content was reduced by 20.2% and 10.0% at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers, respectively. This was because of the decrease in soil bulk density and increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity and saturated water content. Meanwhile, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus were significantly increased under the PM+FM treatment, except that for AN, which was significantly decreased at the 0–10 cm soil layer owing to plant uptake. Based on the decrease in soil salt, there was an improvement in soil hydraulic properties and soil nutrients, which resulted in summer maize biomass and yield being increased by 106% and 137%, respectively, and barley biomass and yield were increased by 133% and 106%, respectively, under FM+PM treatment. Consequently, combined manure and plastic film mulch application was better at reducing soil salt; increasing soil water content; and improving soil nutrients, plant growth, and yield production in newly reclaimed salt-affected soils.

Effect of phosphorus activators on soil legacy phosphorus availability and its uptake by maize hybrid COH(M) 6 in calcareous soil

Continuous application of phosphatic fertilizers in association with its low recovery results in the insoluble legacy P buildup in agricultural soils. In this study, a field experiment was conducted with maize hybrid COH(M) 6 to know the effect of different P activators (Farmyard Manure, Humic acid, Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria, and Phytase) on increasing the legacy phosphorus (P) availability. The P activators were combined and applied along with the different doses of P fertilizer (100%, 75%, and 50% soil test dose of P fertilizer). The results showed that the application of Farmyard manure (FYM) and Humic acid (HA) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the soil available P (18.54 kg ha-1) and notably reduced the calcium P fraction (93.08 mg kg-1). The application of FYM and HA with 100% soil test dose of P showed a similar grain (9.98 kg ha-1) and stover P uptake (12.67 kg ha-1) response as that of FYM and HA with 75% soil test dose of P. The study suggested that FYM and HA application has activated the fixed calcium phosphorus in soil and increased its availability for crop utilization. The findings have illustrated that even the reduced dose of P fertilizer application can support the nutrient uptake if they are applied along with P- activators such as FYM and HA. This could promote soil health by reducing the P overload and further P loss in soil.

Bioactivation of Legacy Phosphorus in Calcareous Soil and its Impact on Maize Yield

Background: Over the years, the excessive P fertilizer application to crop fields resulted in the build up of insoluble phosphorus pool in soil known as legacy phosphorus. This represents a vast and largely untapped resource in soil. The current study was conducted to evaluate the potential of some P activators (Phosphorus solubilising bacteria, phytase, humic acid, farmyard manure) on increasing the plant availability of legacy P in calcareous soil. Methods: A field experiment was conducted with maize hybrid COH(M) 6. The P activators were combined and applied along with the different doses of P fertilizer (100%, 75% and 50% soil test dose of single super phosphate). Result: Farmyard Manure (FYM) application with Humic acid (HA) showed the increased Olsen P under 100% and 75% of P application. The phosphorus activation response of FYM+HA applied plots showed a higher value than other treatments. The maize yield and P uptake obtained with FYM and HA were statistically comparable at 100% and 75% soil test dose of P. The findings have illustrated that even the reduced amount of P fertilizer application can support the crop growth due to the release of legacy P if they are applied along with P- activators such as FYM and HA.

Improved Nutrient Management Practices for Enhancing Productivity and Profitability of Wheat under Mid-Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Two-year field experiments were conducted to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), and bio-inoculants on wheat productivity and profitability. Results specified that judicious application of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, and bio-inoculants significantly increased the productivity and profitability of wheat. Data suggested that the aggregate levels of fertilizer up to 100% NPK ha−1 resulted in significant increases in all growth attributes, grain yield (+206%), straw yield (+177%), and harvest index (+7%) as compared to control. Meanwhile, plots with the application of 10 t ha−1 FYM significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain yield (+26%) and straw yield (+22%) as compared to the control. Similarly, significant enhancement in grain and straw yields was observed with the application of PGPR + VAM over no-inoculation. Results showed that the significantly higher grain and straw yield attained by application of 75% NPK fertilizer + 10 t ha−1 FYM was at par with the application of 100% NPK fertilizer alone. Further, net returns (profitability) and B:C ratio (2.37) were significantly higher with fertilization with 75% NPK + 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM as compared to 100% NPK alone. Overall, it can be concluded that the combination of 75% NPK and 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM represented the optimum for net return and B:C ratio and reduced (25%) dose of NPK as compared to the rest of the treatment combinations.

Response of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) to boron and farmyard manure application under arid soils conditions in Kutch, Gujarat

ISHS X International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal: Cactus - the New Green Revolution in Drylands Response of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) to boron and farmyard manure application under arid soils conditions in Kutch, Gujarat

Continuous Cropping and Fertilization on Vertical Distribution of Major Nutrients, SOC Dynamics Through FT-IR Spectroscopy and Developing Soil Quality Indices Under Sandy Clay Loam Soil

ABSTRACT Continuous application of farm yard manure and mineral fertilizer significantly affects the soil available nutrient and distribution of nutrients in soil. Balanced application of mineral fertilization (100% NPK) along with FYM @10 t ha−1 has significantly changed the soil labile C and recalcitrant pool. The study shows that integrated nutrient management has recorded the highest transmittance intensity of hydrophilic bond of carboxyl (1698–1701 cm−1) (3500–3200 cm−1 & 1400 cm−1) and aromatic (1650 cm−1), benzenes and alkenes (2922–2926 cm−1), disulfide (500–400 cm−1), and phosphorus esters (800–580 cm−1) bonds. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), labile and recalcitrant pools have observed higher in INM plots than super optimal (150% NPK), optimal (100% NPK), and with micronutrient (100% NPK +Zn). The addition of manure and mineral fertilizers has increased the SOC stocks and SOC sequestration. Soil quality indices were developed using principal component analysis and INM (T8) showed the highest soil quality index which has 10.2 (SQIA) and 10.6 (SQIW) percent higher response than super optimal dose (T3) and other optimal doses (T2, T4, T5 & T9) are on par which each other and lowest in control of intensive farming over four decades. The significant change in sustainable yield index (SYI) of finger millet and maize has observed in plot which received T8 followed by T3, and other optimal doses were least significant with each other and lowest in control plot.

Effect of organic manure and zero budget technique on soil fertility and productivity of sugarcane plant and ratoon crop

A field experiment was conducted on clay loam soils at Regional Research Station, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Karnal, Haryana for three year (2018-2021) to investigate the effect of different organic treatments such as farmyard manure (FYM), bio fertilizers (BF) and green manuring (GM) with Sesbania or trash mulching (TM) on sugarcane yield, quality and soil fertility status. Cane length, cane girth, number of millable canes and commercial soluble sugar percent increased with the application of FYM, BF and GM/TM as compared to zero budget technique. The treatment that received 30 t FYM ha-1 +BF+GM/TM+ integrated pest management (IPM) recorded 15.8 and 12.3 % increase in cane yield over zero budget technique in plant and ratoon crops, respectively. Both in plant and ratoon crop, higher available nitrogen (145.7 and 147.8 kg ha-1 ), phosphorus (18.57 and 18.43 kg ha-1 ) and potassium (406.8 and 412.8 kg ha-1 ) were recorded where 30 t FYM ha-1 was applied along with BF+GM/TM+IPM. The application of 30 t FYM ha - 1 +BF+GM/TM+ IPM was found at par with treatment 20 t FYM ha-1 +BF+GM+IPM for plant crop and 25 t FYM ha-1 +BF+TM + IPM for ratoon crop. The treatment 20 or 25 t FYM ha-1 + BF + GM/TM + IPM were at par with the RDF treatment. The cane yield and juice quality obtained as a result of application of 20t FYM ha-1 + BF+GM+IPM for sugarcane plant crop and 25t FYM ha-1 +BF+TM+IPM for sugarcane ratoon crop was comparable with that of RDF.

Effect of organic manure and zero budget technique on soil fertility and productivity of sugarcane plant and ratoon crop

A field experiment was conducted on clay loam soils at Regional Research Station, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Karnal, Haryana for three year (2018-2021) to investigate the effect of different organic treatments such as farmyard manure (FYM), bio fertilizers (BF) and green manuring (GM) with Sesbania or trash mulching (TM) on sugarcane yield, quality and soil fertility status. Cane length, cane girth, number of millable canes and commercial soluble sugar percent increased with the application of FYM, BF and GM/TM as compared to zero budget technique. The treatment that received 30 t FYM ha-1 +BF+GM/TM+ integrated pest management (IPM) recorded 15.8 and 12.3 % increase in cane yield over zero budget technique in plant and ratoon crops, respectively. Both in plant and ratoon crop, higher available nitrogen (145.7 and 147.8 kg ha-1), phosphorus (18.57 and 18.43 kg ha-1) and potassium (406.8 and 412.8 kg ha-1) were recorded where 30 t FYM ha-1 was applied along with BF+GM/TM+IPM. The application of 30 t FYM ha-1+BF+GM/TM+ IPM was found at par with treatment 20 t FYM ha-1+BF+GM+IPM for plant crop and 25 t FYM ha-1+BF+TM + IPM for ratoon crop. The treatment 20 or 25 t FYM ha-1 + BF + GM/TM + IPM were at par with the RDF treatment. The cane yield and juice quality obtained as a result of application of 20t FYM ha-1 + BF+GM+IPM for sugarcane plant crop and 25t FYM ha-1 +BF+TM+IPM for sugarcane ratoon crop was comparable with that of RDF.

Identification of Key Adaptation Practices adopted by Wheat Growing Farmers of Punjab, Pakistan: A Qualitative Approach

Climate change has now become a subject of concern for the whole world especially for developing countries. According to Global Climate Risk Index (GCRI) 2021, Pakistan lies at eight number amongst top ten countries of world which are facing severe impacts of climatic changes. Climate change has serious repercussions on the agriculture sector of Pakistan. Mitigation and Adaptation are considered to be options by climate change experts to counter negative impacts of climate change. By keeping above in view, the objective of this study was to identify adaptation practices adopted by farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The Primary data was used and collected through qualitative data collection techniques i.e. In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Based on the research plan, five IDIs were conducted with experts related to agriculture sector and with farmers of study area. Further, five FGDs were conducted in five selected districts of the study area. Based upon discussions with experts and with local farmers, key adaptation practices adopted by majority of farmers were: Rice crop residues incorporation, Change in sowing time, sowing method for wheat crop (Broadcast, Ridge sowing), certified seed varieties of wheat, change of seed rate, deep ploughing using chisel plough, laser land levelling (LLL), application of potash, changing the number of irrigations, application of farm yard manure (FYM), drainage of water from field (pumps or other means) and use of weather forecasting. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used to depict this qualitative discussion into two types of structures i.e., Word Tree and Word Cloud.

Effect of Organic Manures and Organic Foliar Sprays on Yield Attributes and Yield of Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.)

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic manures and organic foliar sprays on yield attributes and yield of barnyard millet during summer season (February-May) 2022 at Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications comprising two factors. Factor I – organic manure with three levels viz., Enriched farmyard manure (M1), enriched vermicompost (M2) and control (M3). Factor II – organic foliar spray consisting of four levels viz., 3% Panchagavya (F1), 2 % pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) (F2), 3% vermiwash (F3) and water spray (F4). From the experimental results, it was found that significant higher grain yield (2279 kg/ha) and straw yield (7204 kg/ha) were recorded by the application of enriched vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 followed by application of enriched farmyard manure @ 1 t ha-1. Significantly lower grain yield was produced in control (1717 kg/ha). Regarding organic foliar sprays, application of 3% panchagavya recorded maximum grain yield (2279 kg/ha). Among the nutrient sources used, enriched vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 and foliar application of 3% panchagavya gave significantly superior yield.

Carbon-enriched organic amendments differently affect the soil chemical, biological properties and plant biomass in a cultivation time-dependent manner

BackgroundThe farmyard manure application maintains quality of arable soils, provides nutrients, mitigates climate change by soil carbon sequestration. Biochar and other complex carbon rich amendments may stabilize organic matter derived by composting and decelerate organic carbon mineralization. However, how the combined utilization of biochar, humic substances and manure effects on soil chemical and biological properties have been least explored, especially their effect on soil basal and substrate induced respirations are needed to be further explored. Therefore, the potential of biochar and Humac (a commercial humic substances product) in combination with manure to improve the soil properties and plant growth was investigated in this experiment using barley under a short-term (12 weeks) and maize under long-term (following 12 weeks, a total of 24 weeks) cultivation.ResultsIn the early phase of cultivation (12 weeks) Humac- or biochar-enriched manures (M + H, M + B, respectively) enhanced the contents of nutrient elements (carbon + 5.6% and + 7%, nitrogen + 6.7% and − 5%, sulphur − 7.9% and + 18.4%), the activity of enzymes including (β-glucosidase + 32% and + 9.6%, phosphatase + 11% and 6.3%), and dry aboveground biomass (+ 21% and + 32%), compared to the control and manure-treated soil. However, these impacts of M + H and M + B manures were reduced under longer period, i.e., at the experiment end (24 weeks). After 24 weeks of cultivation, a decrease in absolute values of all determined enzyme activities indicated putative reduction of mineralization rate due to presumed higher recalcitrance of manure-derived organic matter, with Humac, biochar amendments. Increased stability of soil organic matter reduced microbial activity due to lower availability of nutrients. Possibly, the shortened period of manure maturation could help preserve a higher amount of less degraded organic matter in the enriched manures to counteract these observed features.ConclusionsWe summarized that the biochar and humic substances combined with manure have the potential to improve the soil characteristics, plant biomass and soil health indicators but the improvements faded away in a cultivation time-dependent manner. Further studies are required to explore the structure and functioning of microbial activities under long-term experimental conditions.Graphical abstract

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Different Phosphorus Inorganic Fertilizer Application Rates on Wheat Cultivation in Phosphorus-Deficient Soil

Less phosphorus (P) availability in calcareous alkaline soils is one of the major problems in achieving an optimum crop yield. Its deficiency in plants adversely affects growth and yield attributes. To overcome this issue, growers incorporate inorganic P fertilizers. However, the need for time in the sustainable management of soil fertility in terms of P. Farmyard manure (FYM) application is one of the most popular organic amendments in this regard. Thus, the current study was conducted to explore the best application rate of FYM in combination with inorganic P fertilizer single super phosphate (SSP). There were six treatments i.e., control (0F), 100%SSP (100P), 25% FYM and 75% SSP (25F+75P), 50% FYM and 50% SSP (50F+50P), 75% FYM and 25% SSP (75F+25P), and 100% FYM (100F+0P), applied in three replications. The design of the experiment was a randomized complete block design. For assessment of treatment response, two wheat cultivars (V1 = Pirsabak and V2 = Atta Habib) were used. Results showed that the application of 50F+50P significantly improved the plant height (20.69 and 32.01%), spike/m2 (35.19 and 30.10%), grain (41.10 and 38.16%), and leaf P (49.82 and 71.32%) compared to control in V1 and V2, respectively. A significant improvement in the grain and the biological yield of wheat V2 also validated the efficacious functioning of 50F+50P over control. In conclusion, 50F+50P has the potential to enhance wheat growth and nutrient concentration over control. More investigations are required for a more precise and balanced synchronization of FYM and SSP for the achievement of maximum wheat yield.

Elemental sulphur with sulphur oxidizing bacteria enhances phosphorus availability and improves growth and yield of wheat in calcareous soil

ABSTRACT Sulphur-oxidizing bacteria can alter the root environment by oxidizing sulphur and lowering pH to increase nutrient availability. A field experiment was conducted on calcareous soil to assess the impact of elemental sulfur and farmyard manure enriched with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (named microbial soil conditioner; MSC) on P and micronutrient availability, as well as on wheat growth. Five treatments, CK (Control), NPK (recommended dose of NPK), MSC (microbial soil conditioner), ½ P + MSC (half recommended dose of P with a full recommended dose of NK + MSC) and NPK +MSC (recommended dose of NPK + MSC), were used. Data regarding plant physiological and yield parameters were analyzed. The results showed that MSC + NPK and ½ P significantly enhanced the nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus and micronutrients. The highest P concentrations in wheat grain, straw and yield were obtained by the recommended dose of NPK + MSC following half recommended dose of P with NK+ MSC. This work advocates that application of sulphur and farmyard manure enriched with sulphur-oxidizing bacteria could be a beneficial strategy for improving nutrient availability, mainly phosphorus and micronutrients ultimately with improved plant growth in calcareous soils.

Fertilizer Effects on Panicle Characteristics, Grain Weight and Yield of Upland Rice in Lowlands of Taita Taveta, Kenya

This study was done at Mlughi Agricultural demonstration farm in Bura, Taita Taveta County-Kenya to test upland rice varietal performance and di-ammonium fertilizer effects on panicle characteristics and yield parameter. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with seven upland rice varieties and three fertilizer levels. The treatments were replicated thrice to give a total of 63 treatment combinations or plots. The experiment was carried out for two seasons (short rains from October to December 2018 and long rains from March to May 2019). The upland rice varieties included 17KH09010014B, 17KH09010093B, AT 058, China Hybrid, NERICA 1, NERICA 4, and NERICA 10. The fertilizer treatments were di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer (DAP), farm yard manure (FYM), and a control of no fertilizer. Topdressing was done at the flowering stage with NPK fertilizer. Data collected included plant height, number of leaves, tiller number, panicle length, spikelets count per panicle, grain yield ha-1 and weight of 1000 grains. The data were subjected to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using R version 3.6.1 program and Tukey’s HSD test, p ≤ 0.05 was used to separate the significant means. The results showed that there was significant influence (p = 0.0001) of overall seasonal, treatment and variety on the yield of rice grains in tonnes per hectare. The 2018 season had the lowest tonnage compared to the 2019 season. Crops under the control treatment yielded the least tonnage per hectare while the DAP treated fields yielded the highest in both seasons. NERICA 4 was the highest yielding variety while AT 058 was the least yielding among the treatments in both seasons. It was therefore concluded that the application of DAP and FYM significantly increased rice productivity. Farmers are therefore encouraged to carry out soil fertility testing occasionally and to plant NERICA varieties.

Effect of Integrated Use of Farmyard Manure and Chemical Fertilizers on Soil Properties and Productivity of Rice in Chitwan

The effect of sole application of farm yard manure (FYM) and combined application of chemical fertilizers and FYM on soil properties and growth and yield traits of rice (Variety: Ramdhan) was studied on sandy loam soil at Rambagh, Chitwan, Nepal from June to November 2019. The seven treatments were studied in a randomized complete block design with four replications: T1: 100% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (RDIF) (i.e., 100:60:40 NPK kg ha-1); T2: 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 9.9 Mt ha-1; T3: 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 31.3 Mt ha-1; T4: 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 11.05 Mt ha-1; T5: FYM @ 19.83 Mt ha-1. The results indicated that combined application of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure was found to have a significant effect on the number of effective tillers per m-2 and grain yield of rice. There was no significant interaction between thousand grain weight and sterility percent. The highest grain yield of 3,453.69 kg ha-1 and the highest number of effective tillers per m-2 (299) were found in the application of 50% RDIF+ FYM @ 31.3 Mt ha-1. The application of the highest level of FYM alone improved the soil properties. The highest values of available soil organic carbon (34.67 Mt ha-1), available soil nitrogen (1.24 Mt ha-1), and available soil phosphorus (39.57 kg ha-1) at a depth of 0–15 cm were found with the application of FYM @ 62.5 Mt ha-1. The findings of this study suggest that farmers can apply FYM @ 62.5 Mt ha-1 to improve soil properties and 50% RDIF + FYM @ 31.3 Mt ha-1 to have the higher grain yield of rice.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

This experimental study was conducted during kharif 2021 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.6), low in organic carbon (0.51%), available N (230 kg/ha), available P (17.80 kg ha-1) and available K (245.10 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice on the basis of one year experimentation. The treatments which are T1: Farm Yard Manure 5 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 3 t-ha-1, T2: Farm yard manure 5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 2 t-ha-1, T3: Farm yard manure 5 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 1.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 1 t-ha-1, T4: Farm yard manure 7.5 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 3 t-ha-1, T5: Farm yard manure 7.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 2 t-ha-1, T6: Farm yard manure 7.5 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 1.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 1 t-ha-1, T7: Farm yard manure 10 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 3 t-ha-1, T8: Farm yard manure 10 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 2 t-ha-1, T9: Farm yard manure 10 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 1.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 1 t-ha-1, are used. The results showed that application of Farm yard manure 10 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 1.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 1 t-ha-1 was recorded significantly higher Plant height (174.21 cm), Plant dry weight (45.67 g). Whereas significantly highest crop growth rate (16.72 g m-2 day-1) and relative growth rate (0.0411 g/g/day) was recorded with the treatment Farm yard manure 7.5 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 1.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 1 t-ha-1. Significantly maximum Number of earheads-m-2 (44.67), Number of grains/earhead (1976.67), Test weight (9.05 g), Grain yield (2.59 t-ha-1), Straw yield (3.64 t-ha-1), Gross returns (Rs.1,55,400), Net returns (Rs. 94600) and Benefit Cost ratio (1.56) were obtained with application of Farm yard manure 10 t-ha-1 + vermicompost 1.5 t-ha-1 + poultry manure 1 t-ha-1 as compared to other treatments.

Causes of citrus decline and its management practices adopted in Myagdi district, Nepal

Citrus decline has been the major constraint faced by citrus growers in Nepal. Survey research was conducted in Beni municipality and Malika rural municipality of Myagdi district to study the cause of citrus decline and their management practices. A total of 94 mandarin growing farmers were selected randomly and interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. Analytical tools like logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and t-test were used to derive the inferences needed. The study showed that 72.3% of the mandarin growing farmers had experienced citrus decline problems in their orchards. Disease and pest incidence, climatic extremities, poor fertility status of soil, low-quality planting materials, and poor orchard management were found to be positively influencing citrus decline. Insect infestation was 52 percent more likely to cause citrus decline as compared to insect non-infested conditions. The study revealed that 75.5% of the farmers use farmyard manure (FYM) of more than 30 kg per plant per year, 44.7% of the farmers use chemical fertilizers, 85.1% of the farmers irrigate their orchard, 98.94% of farmers practice weeding, 33% of the farmers practice mulching, 84% of the farmers practice pruning, 50% of the farmers use Bordeaux mixture and 61.7% of the farmers manage insects. Moreover, effective orchard management practices like manuring, irrigation, pruning, Bordeaux application, and insect management were significantly associated with a higher percentage of rejuvenation of declining orchards. The productivity of mandarin orchards, in addition, was significantly enhanced by FYM application, chemical fertilizers, irrigation, weeding, and Bordeaux application. This study elucidated that citrus decline has been the major constraint of mandarin farming, and improved management practices are pivotal for combating the citrus decline.

Wheat Yield Modelling using Infocrop and DSSAT Crop Simulation Models

Background: Wheat is an important crop of India That is grown in the winter season (October to April). A field study was conducted for nine plots having a dimension of 3 × 2 meter and different nutrient was applied to test the biomass yield. The objectives are to describe (a): To conduct field experiments under controlled conditions and vary the dosage of fertilizers for different treatments. (b): To observe the variation in crop yield of wheat with different dosages of fertilizers. (c): To model the crop yield of different treatments using InfoCrop and DSSAT crop models. Methods: An experiment was conducted for Wheat crop having a dimension of 3 × 2 meter at the Indian Institute of Technology, UK-India. Three plots (C1, C2, C3) was given control fertilizer supply while plot (F1, F2, F3) given -25%, +25%, +50% and plot (N1, N2, N3) given -25%, +25%, +50% w.r.t to control. The simulation model Infocrop and DSSAT were simulated to check test the model. Result: In this study, two crop simulation models namely Infocrop and DSSAT were used to predict the yield of wheat crops. Field experiments were carried out at a farm site at Roorkee, India and different treatments of fertilizers are applied to the field plots. In total, seven fertilizer treatments are used: C (controlled with a normal dosage of fertilizers), F1, F2, F3 (varying amount of applied farmyard manure), N1, N2 and N3 (varying amount of applied urea). The objective of the study was to evaluate yields of the seven treatments using Infocrop and DSSAT crop models and compare them to the observed values of yields. The grain yield of the controlled treatment (C1, C2, C3) was predicted accurately by both models. There was a significant variation in the grain yields of the F1, F2, F3 treatments with the application of farm yard manure (FYM). DSSAT under-predicted the grain yields for the plot F1, F2, F3 treatments and over-predicted these for N1, N2, N3 treatments. Overall, Infocrop, which was developed and validated for Indian conditions, simulated the grain yield more accurately as compared to the DSSAT model under varying applications of FYM and urea dosages.

Soil Test based Targeted yield equations for blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) through Integrated Plant Nutrition System on Alfisol

Using Ramamoorthy's inductive methodology for assessing the soil test based crop requirement by adopting an Integrated Plant Nutrition System to create Fertilizer Prescription Equations (FPEs) for blackgram with the prime objective of attaining the targeted yield by the farmers. A field experiment was conducted out on red non-calcareous sandy loam soil belonging to the Palaviduthi soil series (Typic Rhodustalf) during rabi 2021-22. The experiment comprised of eleven treatments viz., STCR - NPK alone and STCR - IPNS for yield targets 1.0,1.2,and 1.4 t ha-1, Blanket (25:50:25) @ 100% with and without FYM (12.5 t ha-1), FYM alone @ 6.25 and 12.5 t ha-1 and absolute control in randomized block design with three replications. From the experimental data, basic parameters viz., nutrient requirement (NR), per cent contribution from soil (Cs), per cent contribution from fertilizers (Cf), and per cent contribution from FYM (Cfym) were computed. The quantity of fertilizers contributed by the application of Farmyard manure was assessed. It has been found that the nutrient requirement for producing one quintal grain of blackgram was 4.77 kg of N, 4.50 kg of P2O5, and 5.05 kg of K2O. The per cent contribution from soil (Cs) was 15.61, 29.91, and 8.12 for N, P, and K respectively and the percent contribution from fertilizers (Cf) and FYM (Cfym) was 48.61 and 37.19 for N, 44.78, and 14.63 for P2O5 and 55.72 and 31.71 for K2O. FPEs for blackgram were generated using these basic parameters through a Soil Test Crop Response based Integrated Plant Nutrition System (STCR-IPNS). Fertilizer Prescription Equations (FPEs) created in this mode were used to create nomograms for a range of soil test values and yield targets. Thus the Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model used to develop fertilizer prescription equations provides a strong basis for soil nutrient maintenance consistent with high productivity and efficient nutrient management in farming for sustainable and enduring agriculture.

Effect of Application of Gypsum and Farmyard Manure on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Nitrogen Use Efficiency under Saline sodic soil at Amibara, Ethiopia

Effect of Application of Gypsum and Farmyard Manure on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Nitrogen Use Efficiency under Saline sodic soil at Amibara, Ethiopia