Application Of Farmyard Manure Research Articles

Productivity and Profitability of Fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management: A Review

Fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable feed resource for livestock, providing high-quality forage rich in nutrients essential for animal health and productivity. This review summarizes the key components and benefits of integrated nutrient management in fodder oats cultivation. Organic inputs such as farmyard manure, compost, and green manure enhance soil quality while inorganic fertilizers provide essential macro and micronutrients necessary for robust crop growth and yield.Various researchers found that higher green and dry fodder yields were obtained with the application of Farmyard Manure @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (329.76- 518.32 q ha-1) and 75% RDF along with 2 t Poultry manure ha-1 (77.57- 91.31 q ha-1 ). While 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+Zn + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)+residual farm yard manure (R-FYM) and 100%RDF + Zn + R-FYM significantly increased fodder quality traits- Crude protein (9.44-10.10%), ether extract (4.5-5%), total ash yield (33.8-34.6%), ADF and NDF. Uptake of N, K, P, S and Mn by oat crop was highest at 75% NPK+2.5t Vermicompost +10kg Mn+20kg S ha-1. Higher net returns per ha were obtained by integrated nutrient management treatment of FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers and the application of 75% RDF (60:40 NP) kg ha-1 along with 2 t poultry manure ha-1. Thus Integrated nutrient sources increased the yield and quality of fodder oat besides enhancing profitability.

Effect of Organic Amendments on the Speciation of Chromium in Contaminated and Uncontaminated Soils

ABSTRACT Quantitative speciation of metals and their variability over time is a critical concept in environmental soil chemistry. Chromium is a heavy metal that has negative effects on the environment and human health. There have been several attempts to study the behavior of chromium in soils and its removal from soil. However, there is relatively little knowledge about the immobilization of chromium and its chemical speciation in contaminated and uncontaminated soils when different organic amendments are applied. A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of organic amendments on the speciation of chromium in contaminated and uncontaminated soils. Four organic amendments were used: farmyard manure (FYM), rice straw compost (RSC), vermicompost (VC), and biochar (BC). Each of them was applied at 1% to contaminated as well as uncontaminated soils. In both the amended and unamended soils, chromate (CrO4 2-), bichromate (HCrO4 −), and calcium chromate (CaCrO4) in soil-water system followed the order CrO4 2-> HCrO4 −> CaCrO4. The application of FYM, RSC, VC, and BC significantly decreased the CrO4 2- and CaCrO4 in the soil-water system of both soils. However, only the application of BC affected the HCrO4 − contaminated soils. In both soils, HCrO4 − exists as the predominant chromium species in the pH range of 2.0 to 6.25. At pH 6.25, CrO4 2- and HCrO4 − each contribute 50% of the total dissolved chromium in soil solution. CrO4 2- dominated in the system as the pH increased from 6.25 till 8.0. The maximum concentration of CrO4 2- was at pH 8.0. At pH <3.0, CrO3SO4 2- contributes less than 10%. Overall, organic amendments decreased the concentration of Cr species in both soils. However, the decrease in concentration was highly dependent on the nature of the amendment applied. Therefore, organic amendments can be exploited to remediate chromium-contaminated soils.

Comparing various bio-intensive pest management modules in rice

Rice is the key cereal crop in the tropics, supporting diverse pests and natural enemy populations. Recurrent pest outbreaks and yield losses led farmers to rely on extensive insecticide application, disturbing the stability of rice ecosystems and increasing residues in the harvestable products. A study has been conducted to assess the impact of various modules of Bio-Intensive Pest Management (BIPM) on its conservational potential and sustainability in comparison with Farmers’ Practices (FP) in Nalgonda district of Telangana state during kharif-2020. The BIPM practices included application of farm yard manure; rice husk ash; clipping of seedlings; alleyways and weekly release of Trichogramma japonicum in the main field; wet seed treatment and foliar application with Pseudomonas fluorescens (BIPM 1), Trichoderma asperellum strain TAIK1 (BIPM 2) and Bacillus cabrialesii strain BIK3 (BIPM 3). Whereas, FP 1 with need-based insecticide spraying and FP 2 with schedule-based insecticide spraying and Untreated control with (UC) with no intervention. The observations were taken by visual counts at 15-day intervals. The incidence of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis was highest in UC (9.50), followed by BIPM 1 (7.25) and least in FP 2 (2.50) whereas the highest mean population of Apanteles sp. was found in the untreated control (13.75), followed by BIPM 3 (9.50) and least in FP 2 (4.25). The Benefit Cost Ratios (BCR) of BIPM 3 (1.68) were highest followed by BIPM 1 (1.64) and least in FP 2 (1.40) elucidating that BIPM practices can be more economically feasible. The Shannon-Wiener Index for species diversity and species evenness was higher in BIPM treatments as compared to farmers’ practices indicating the potential of these BIPM treatments in natural pest control and maintaining crop ecosystem stability.

Effect of NPK Fertilizers, Farmyard Manure (FYM) and Bio-fertilizers on Quality Parameters of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Grown in Jaipur, Rajasthan

The current experiment was conducted in loamy sand soils of the Horticulture farm, Vivekanand Global University Jaipur, during Rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment comprised of 32 treatment combinations replicated three times, was laid out in split-plot design (SPD) with four fertility levels of NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended dose of NPK) and two levels of FYM (without FYM and with FYM @ 25 t ha-1 were added in main plots. Four bio-fertilizer levels (No inculcation N2 fixer Azotobacter, PSB inculcation and N2 fixer Azotobacter + PSB inoculation) were added in sub plots. The results of the study have clearly shown that application of chemical fertilizer up to 100% RDF increased all the quality attributes (pungency, chlorophyll content and TSS), NPK and S content and uptake and availability of N, P and K in soil after harvest the crop. With application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 significantly improved all quality attributes (Allyl propyl disulphide, chlorophyll and TSS), N, P, K and S content and uptake and availability of N, P and S in soil after harvest the crops. Use of biofertilizers (N2 fixers and PSB) alone or in combination increased all the quality attributes (Allyl propyl disulphide, chlorophyll and TSS content), NPK and S content and uptake and availability of N, P and K in soil after harvest the crop.

Elucidating Amendment Resources for Reclaiming Efficacy of Sodic Soils around Abaya and Chamo Lakes, South Ethiopia Rift Valley.

Sodic soils are harmful to agricultural and natural environments in Ethiopia's semi-arid and arid regions, leading to soil degradation and reduced productivity. This study investigated how amendment resources could help improve the chemical properties of sodic soils around the Abaya and Chamo Lakes in the South Ethiopia Rift Valley. A factorial experiment was conducted to study the effects of gypsum (GYP) and farmyard manure (FYM) on sodic soil reclamation. The experiment had four levels of GYP (0, 50, 100, and 150%) and four levels of FYM (0, 10, 20, and 30 tons ha-1), with three replications. The pots were incubated for three months and leached for one month, after which soil samples were collected and analyzed for chemical properties. ANOVA was performed to determine the optimal amendment level for sodic soil reclamation. The study found that applying 10 ton FYM ha-1 and gypsum at 100% gypsum required (GR) rate resulted in a 99.8% decrease in exchangeable sodium percentages (ESP) compared to untreated composite sodic soil and a 1.31% reduction over the control (GYP 0% + FYM 0 ton ha-1). As a result, this leads to a decrease in soil electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium (Ex. Na), and ESP values. The results were confirmed by the LSD test at 0.05. It is fascinating to see how different treatments can have such a significant impact on soil properties. The prediction models indicate that ESP's sodic soil treatment effect (R2 = 0.95) determines the optimal amendment level for displacing Ex. Na from the exchange site. The best estimator models for ESP using sodic soil treatment levels were ESP = 1.65-0.33 GYP for sole gypsum application and ESP = 1.65-0.33 GYP + 0.28 FYM for combined GYP and FYM application, respectively. The study found that combined GYP and FYM applications reduced ESP to less than 10% in agriculture, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness at the field level.

Effect of NPK through Chemical Fertilizers Combination with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Bio-fertilizers on Yield Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Jaipur Region of Rajasthan, India

The field experiment was conducted in loamy sand soil of the Horticulture farm, Vivekanand Global University Jaipur, during Rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment comprises of 32 treatment combinations replicated three times was laid out in split-plot design (SPD) with four fertility levels of NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended dose of NPK) and two levels of FYM (without FYM and with FYM @ 25 t ha-1) were added in main plots. Four bio-fertilizer levels (No inculcation, N2 fixer Azotobacter, PSB inculcation and N2 fixer Azotobacter + PSB inoculation) were added in sub plots. The treatments comprised of Chemical fertilizers, FYM and biofertilizers with ten treatments Viz., F0- Control, F1-50% of recommended dose of NPK, F2-75% of recommended dose of NPK, F3-100% of recommended dose of NPK, M0- Without FYM, M1- With FYM @ 25 t ha -1, B0- No inoculation, B1- N2 fixer Azotobacter, B2- PSB inoculation and B3- N2 Fixer Azotobacter + PSB inoculation, respectively. The results of the study have clearly shown that application of chemical fertilizer up to 100% RDF increased the entire yield and its attributes viz. (neck length, bulb diameter, number of scales, fresh weight of bulb, volume of bulb). With application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 yield significantly improved    with its attributes. Use of biofertilizers (N2 fixers Azotobacter + PSB inoculation) in combination or alone increased all yield and its attributes. Integrated system approach is not only the liable for attaining fairly high productivity with substantial fertilizer economy but also a concept of soundness leading to sustainable agriculture . 

Assessment of the Change in Soil Properties and Aggregates Formation of Freshly Restored Texturally Different Marginally Salt-Affected Soils Under Various Soil Amelioration Strategies

ABSTRACT Climate change and salt-affected soils detrimentally affect crop production in arid regions. Reclaiming these soils for crops and carbon sequestration can mitigate climate change and enhance food security. A laboratory-scale experiment was conducted on a wheat-maize crop rotation system for three consecutive years to check the effectiveness of organic amendments in reclaiming marginally salt-affected soils, improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and improving food grain production. This study included five treatments namely control (T1), gypsum alone at 100% gypsum requirements (G100), and its combinations with different organic amendments and 50% gypsum requirements (farm manure (FYM+G50), poultry manure (PM+G50), and green manure (GM+G50)) were used. Results indicated that sandy clay loam textured soil showed highest potential for its properties improvement after 45 days, i.e., EC decreased up to 3.9 dS m−1, pH 7.9 and, SOC increase up to 0.25%. After the fallow period, three consecutive years of crop production study indicated up to 39 and 70% increase in wheat and maize yields, respectively, compared to inorganic fertilizer alone. Maximum soil aggregation was noted in treatment with gypsum and farmyard manure application in loam soils (50%). The maximum soil organic carbon accumulation over the whole experiment was recorded in farmyard manure application in combination with gypsum (0.44 g kg−1) in both loam and sandy clay loam soil, while 0.31 g kg−1 in the clay loam soil. Based on the results, it was concluded that reclaiming marginally salt-affected soils enhances food crop production and incorporating manures improves soil through aggregation and carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change.

Modulating Leaching Behavior of Boscalid Fungicide in Soil Through Organic Amendments

ABSTRACT The leaching loss and movement of pesticides need to be minimized to safeguard the aquatic environment and human health. In a laboratory study, the changes in the leaching and downward movement behavior of boscalid fungicide were examined in soil (Typic Hapludoll) columns (0–30 cm) receiving no amendment (control) or with the application of farmyard manure (FYM) and pine needle biochar (PNB) in surface (0–15 cm) soil @ 5 t ha−1. No boscalid residues (<0.01 µg mL−1) were detected in the leachate under any treatment. Both FYM and PNB were effective in limiting the movement of boscalid in soil compared to control. FYM maintained the highest boscalid concentration (1.41 µg g−1) in the top (0–2.5 cm) soil while in PNB treated soil the highest sorbed boscalid (0.58 µg g−1) could accumulate at 2.5–5.0 cm soil depth. The depth-wise distribution of the boscalid concentration in soil could be well predicted by third order polynomial equations (R2 value = 0.929 to 1.000, all significant at p ≤ 0.01). The FTIR spectra show that the boscalid retention onto these amendments was through H-bonding and π–π interactions. As compared to FYM, the PNB had a relatively lower proportion of soluble- and desorbed-boscalids but a higher proportion of irreversibly sorbed boscalid and appeared to be an effective organic amendment for the areas prone to high surface run-off.

Release, availability and geochemical interaction of Fe in soil after long‐term integrated nutrient management in wheat

AbstractWheat contributes to about one‐fifth of the total calories and protein consumption by humans but is found lower in total iron (Fe) concentration than the targeted nutritional requirement, leading to increasing cases of anaemia and malnutrition in humans, especially in the developing countries. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to understand the dynamics of Fe in soil and its supply in relation to wheat productivity and grain quality. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of long‐term (54 years) annual and biannual application of different doses of farmyard manure (FYM) (0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha−1) and nitrogen (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1) under integrated nutrient management on the dynamics of Fe in soil along with its relationship with total Fe uptake in wheat. Additionally, the release pattern of native soil Fe and risk of Fe toxicity were evaluated. The highest grain yield of wheat (6.08 Mg ha−1) was observed under biannual application of FYM and nitrogen at 10 Mg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1, respectively, which was approximately 155% higher than the control plot (F0N0). Under the dual season application of 15 Mg ha−1 FYM and 120 kg ha−1 nitrogen, the total Fe content (48.48 mg kg−1) and its uptake (270.52 g ha−1) in wheat grains were found at maximum. The soil incubation study revealed that the rate of release of Fe increased up to 30 days of incubation followed by constant rates indicating the establishment of dynamic equilibrium among the different Fe fractions. Thus, the present study was conducted for the first time to improve the understanding of changes in Fe concentration and rate of release in soil, which directly influence the Fe uptake in wheat grain under the long‐term integrated nutrient management practices.

The combined effects of farm yard manure and boron application on growth, and oil quality of Canola grown under newly reclaimed soils

Two field experiments were conducted during the main seasons of 2021/2022 ​at the Research and Production Station of National Research Centre in Egypt to investigate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and boron on Canola growth, yield, oil yield, and quality. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the combined application of FYM at a rate of 14.4 ​ton ​ha−1 with a foliar spray of boron at 100 ppm positively influenced plant characteristics, leading to enhanced growth rates and higher yields compared to the control group. Moreover, this integrated approach significantly improved nutrient content by enhancing levels of oil content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars. These findings provide compelling evidence that utilizing farm manure along with boron can effectively enhance Canola properties in newly reclaimed soils while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) UNDER DIFFERENT ORGANIC (FARM YARD MANURE) AND INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS DOSES

In this study, we investigate the impact of different rates of farmyard manure application on the growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Our objective is to assess how various levels of organic fertilizer influence the development and productivity of this crop. The experiment involved five integrated applications of farmyard manure (T1 = 00 tons of farmyard manure + P (0), T2 = 1 ton of farmyard manure, P (30 P kg ha-1), T3 = 3 tons of farmyard manure + (60 P kg ha-1), T4 = 4 tons of farmyard manure + 90 P kg ha-1, and T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure + (120 P kg ha-1). The results revealed that T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure and (120 P kg ha-1).  resulted best and produced the maximum plant population (m2) (10.5), plant height (273.7 cm), stem girth (10.9 cm), head diameter (53.8 cm), number of seeds head-1 (2696.9), seed weight head-1 (60.7 g), seed index (32.7 g), and seed yield (2698.7 kg ha-1). Whereas the T1=00-ton Farm Yard Manure treatment produced the least results and recorded plant population (m-2) (6.6), plant height (217.7 cm), stem girth (9.3), head diameter (30.3 cm), number of seeds head-1 (1510.7), seed weight head-1 (26.6 g), seed index (23.0 g), and seed yield (2100.0 kg ha-1). It is therefore recommended that, for obtaining higher growth and seed yields of sunflower, farmyard manure should be applied at 5 tons per hectare, and (120 P kg ha-1) respectively. The results concluded that the growth and yield of sunflowers were significantly affected by the application of farmyard manure as compared to the control (no farmyard manure). The grain yield increased linearly with increasing farmyard manure levels. However, the plot fertilized with 5 tons of farmyard manure produced the maximum grain yield of sunflower.

Selected Carbon and Nitrogen Compounds in a Maize Agroecosystem under the Use of Nitrogen Mineral Fertilizer, Farmyard Manure, Urease, and Nitrification Inhibitors

Carbon and nitrogen compounds in agroecosystems have attracted much attention in recent years due to their key roles in crop production and their impacts on environment quality and/or climate change. Since fertilization profoundly disrupted the C and N cycles, several mitigation and/or adaptation strategies, including the application of farmyard manure (FYM) and/or urease and nitrification inhibitors (UI and NI), have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contents of soil organic carbon and its fractions, the total and mineral forms of nitrogen, as well as CO2 and N2O emissions under mineral and organic fertilization with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors in a maize agroecosystem. A two-year field study was carried out on Cambisols (silt) in Poland. The experiment scheme included nine treatments: C (the control without fertilization), UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate), UAN+UI, UAN+NI, UAN+UI+NI, FYM with N mineral fertilizer base, FYM with N mineral fertilizer base+UI, FYM with N mineral fertilizer base+NI, and FYM with N mineral fertilizer base+UI+NI. It was found that treatments fertilized with cattle FYM were higher sinks and sources of C and N compounds in comparison to the UAN plots. The organic carbon, humic and humin acid, and total nitrogen concentrations, in contrast to ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, were not affected by the inhibitors added. Nitrification and urease inhibitors were effective in decreasing N2O emissions only in treatments that were exclusively applied with UAN and had no significant influence on CO2 emissions.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer, Farmyard Manure and Biofertilizer on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil and System Yield of Maize – Wheat Rotation in Mollisol

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A &amp; T., Pantnagar. Randomized block design was followed with 11 treatments and 3 replications. The main objective was to assess the influence of fertilizer and farmyard manure application, with or without Azotobacter and zinc, on crop yield and soil properties in a maize-wheat crop rotation. The data demonstrated that application of 100% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1, resulted in a significantly higher system yield of 12,137 kg ha-1. Intercropping of cowpea with maize along with the application of FYM 10 t ha-1 showed the lowest bulk density in both surface (1.38 Mg m-3) and sub-surface (1.49 Mg m-3) soil and also it led to a reduction in the soil pH and EC. Additionally, hydraulic conductivity was higher in organic treatments, specifically in T6. However, the application of 100% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 resulted in the maximum retention of organic carbon (1.06% and 0.71%) as well as higher content of available nitrogen (185.11 and 175.95 kg ha-1), phosphorus (36.17 and 31.65 kg ha-1) and potassium (147.90 and 120.68kg ha-1) in surface and subsurface soil, respectively. The study suggests that the application of 100% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 contributes to improved soil fertility and sustainable crop yields.

Enriched soil amendments influenced soil fertility, herbage yield and bioactive principle of medicinal plant (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) grown in two different soils

High cost of chemical fertilizers and poor nutrient content in conventional organic sources (manure, compost, charcoal etc.) can be addressed through development of enriched organic amendments. However, there is a need to evaluate enriched organic amendments as a potential alternative of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, an effort was made to prepare enriched organic amendments through blending distillation waste of aromatic plant biomass (DWB) with naturally available low-grade rock phosphate (RP) and waste mica (WM). Enrich compost (ENC) was produced from DWB in a natural composting process, blended with mineral powder, whereas biochar fortified mineral (BFM) was prepared by blending biochar, derived from DWB through hydrothermal reaction, with mineral powder. The main aims of the present study were to investigate the impacts of ENC and BFM applications on soil properties, and herbage yield and quality of a medicinal herb Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.). The performances of ENC and BFM at two different rates (2.5 and 5 t ha−1) were compared with the application of conventional farmyard manure (FYM, 5 t ha−1) and chemical fertilizers (CF, NPK 60-40-20 kg ha−1) in two different soils in a pot experiment. Both, ENC and EBC improved soil quality and fertility by increasing soil organic carbon, available nutrients, microbial biomass and enzyme activity. The ENC and BFM increased total herbage yields by 21 and 16.3 % compared to FYM. In both soils, the CF treatment produced the maximum dry herbage yields (32.7–37.4 g pot−1), which however were comparable to ENC (31.9–33.7 g pot−1) and BFM (30.7–35.1 g pot−1) treatments. Bioactive compound (sennoside) production in senna was significantly improved by ENC and BFM compared to CF. The present study indicates that ENC and BFM could not only help to overcome the limitation of conventional FYM, but also have the potentials to substitute costly chemical fertilizers, particularly in medicinal plant cultivation.

Combined application of farmyard manure and NPSB fertilizer rates determination for the optimal tuber yield of potato in Ethiopia

Combined application of farmyard manure and NPSB fertilizer rates determination for the optimal tuber yield of potato in Ethiopia

Soil bacterial community is influenced by long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices in a Ferralsol in Western Kenya

AbstractIntroductionSoil bacterial community structure, abundance and diversity, important in biogeochemical cycling, are influenced by several anthropogenic and edaphic factors. Numerous agronomic practices have been promoted to improve soil fertility and crop production in western Kenya, but little is known on their impacts on soil microbial diversity in the region.Materials and MethodsIn this study, conducted in 2019, we assessed the influence of various long‐term (17 years) agronomic management practices, involving application of farmyard manure (FYM) either sole or under different combinations with inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), using 12 treatments, on bacterial community composition, relative abundance and diversity. The bacterial community composition was assessed through amplicon sequencing on an Illumina Miseq platform conducted in MR DNA Laboratory, USA.ResultsThe soil bacterial community composition and diversity were predominantly higher under management practices with application of FYM, either sole or in combination with inorganic fertilisers compared to treatments with either sole NPK fertiliser or no input application. Certain bacterial taxa, involving Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, Fusobacteria, Nitrospinae and Actinobacteria predominated in management practices where FYM was added either solely or in combination with chemical fertilisers. In addition, several soil chemical parameters showed significant influences on bacterial composition, relative abundance and diversity indices. Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), N, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and cation exchange capacity consistently showed strong positive correlation with numerous bacterial phyla. Bacterial phyla were significantly affected by treatments. Some bacterial phyla, like Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria, were mostly dominant in treatments applied with organic inputs but were depressed under carbon‐deficient treatments (no‐input control and sole NPK application treatments).ConclusionThis study revealed that long‐term agricultural management practices that seek to improve SOC content and nutrient availability also stimulated bacterial diversity and shifted bacterial composition.

Comparative study on Effects of Chemical Fertiliser, Vermicompost and Farm Yard Manure on Tomato Plant Growth and Soil Fertility

A healthy soil environment is necessary to produce the desired crops, which means it should have all the essential nutrients. Nutrients are used in large quantities in growing plants and therefore need to be replaced regularly to maintain productivity and for this purpose fertilizers are used in the fields. Chemical fertilizers are essential to increase proper growth and yield of crops and act as catalysts in providing nutrients to plants for better growth and yield. On the other hand, fertilizers can threaten our ecosystems, soil, plants, human and animal lives. Despite past gains in crop production through chemical fertilizers, recent observations of stagnant or declining yields have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of crop production. In the long term, they also damage the natural composition of the soil, leading to unsustainable crop production. Of course, chemical fertilizers add nutrients to the soil, but they don’t add anything else. Plants need more than just nutrients to survive. They also need organic matter and living organisms. Thus, the integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources will not only supply essential nutrients to the soil, but may also have a certain synergistic interaction to increase their effectiveness and thereby reduce environmental risks. Nutrients from chemical fertilizers improve initial crop establishment, while nutrients from mineralization of organic manure support yield later. In the present experiments, pot experiment was conducted to study the comparative effect on growth of tomato plant and its soil fertility. The soil parameters and growth of plant were observed and studied. The studies show positive impacts on farm yard manure and vermicompost on the soil as well as on the growth of tomato plant as compared to the chemical fertilizer. The healthy growth of plant with more green leaves and flowering and fruits were observed with application of farm yard manure and vermicompost. It concludes application of farm yard manure and vermicompost is effective and better for the healthy growth of tomato plant and fertility of the soil.

Soil Manuring and Genetic Variation Conjunctively Surmount the Partial Drought Stress in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Crop growth is negatively influenced under water-stress conditions, which is among the most yield-limiting factors significantly decreasing crop yield. This study evaluated the effect of water-deficit stress on physiological, bio-chemical and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under both constantly wet and water-stressed conditions on two wheat varieties (UJALA-14, SARC-4). Further, the combined impacts of crop genetic variability and organic manuring in soil was studied for overcoming the partial drought stress in wheat. Treatments of different levels of irrigation water alone or with farmyard manure (FYM) @ 20 Mg ha‒1 were compared as: constantly wet irrigation (control), irrigation intensity equal to field capacity (FC), ½ FC + FYM, and ¼ FC + FYM. Crop growth, physiological and chlorophyll as well as sodium and potassium contents were measured. The findings of current study exhibited that shortage of water had negative effects on growth, physiological, bio-chemical and yield attributes of wheat. Genotype SARC-4 exhibited superior growth response having constantly wet and field capacity condition, on the other hand UJALA-14 gave better growth response under water stress conditions of ½ FC and ¼ FC when treated with FYM amendment. It is concluded that partial drought stress developed tolerance in wheat genotypes particularly in UJALA-14, which was strengthened with organic amendment. Combined use of drought tolerant varieties and application of FYM as a fertilizer is very effective way to enhance crop yield.

Productivity and Profitability of Tomato under Organic Nutrition in Wicking Bed System

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), one of the most popular vegetables globally and rich in bio active compounds is an excellent model for studying under organic nutrition. There is need to evaluate the organic nutrition in wicking bed irrigation for the homestead cultivation of vegetables with tomato as a test crop using the liquid organic manures which are easy to prepare and affordable. A pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with three replications during summer season 2022. The treatments were soil application of cow’s urine and vermiwash at weekly intervals along with foliar application of panchagavya at 3%, vermiwash at 3%, moringa leaf extract at 4% and water spray at 20, 40 and 60 DAT. Irrigation was provided by sub irrigation to tomato through wicking bed. The experiment results revealed that organic nutrition had a significant effect on growth, yield attributes and yield of tomato. Basal application of enriched farmyard manure supplemented with soil application of vermiwash or cow’s urine at weekly intervals along with foliar application of panchagavya at 3% at 20, 40 and 60 DAT could be recommended for enhanced productivity and profitability of tomato under wicking bed system.

Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth Indices of Chickpea under Soybean-Chickpea System in Vertisol of Central India

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Regional Station, Bhopal to evaluate the residual effect of the fertilizer with organic manure on the growth indices of chickpea in soybean-chickpea system in Vertisol of central India. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design comprising two levels of farm yard manure (5 t FYM ha-1 or No FYM) in the main plots and six micronutrient management levels (control, 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + zinc solubilizer, ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 kg ha-1 soil application + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, and ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 30 and 60 days after sowing) in sub-plots with three replications. The results revealed that the application of 5 t FYM ha-1 resulted in significantly higher values of plant height, dry matter accumulation, branches plant-1, leaf area index, leaf area duration, absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate than no application of FYM. Furthermore, ammonium molybdate (AM) at 1 kg ha-1 as a basal application with 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 significantly improved all the growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), branches plant-1, leaf area index, leaf area duration, absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate over the control, 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + zinc solubilizer. However, it was statistically on par with the AM 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and AM 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 with respect to all growth parameters. Thus, the application of farmyard manure 5 t ha-1 with AM at 1 kg ha-1 as a basal application with 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 could be used to sustain chickpea production and maintain soil fertility. The results highlight the importance of using plant nutrients from various sources and methods of application for realizing high chickpea productivity.