Balanced Fertilizer Application Research Articles

Determination of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in Yaya Gullele District of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Inappropriate crop management practices are among the key elements that contributed to the low production of wheat. Moreover, the application of balanced fertilizers and nutrient requirements of the crop is the basis to produce more crop yield from the land under cultivation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in the 2020 & 2021 main cropping season to determine the NPS fertilizer rate in relative to determined the P-critical and P-requirement factor for wheat and to estimate the economically feasible NPS fertilizer rate for higher yield of wheat in Yaya gulale District. Accordingly the result indicated that, plant height was not significantly (P > 0.05 ) influenced by the NPS fertilizer rate but spike length, biomass, and grain yield were highly significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the NPS fertilizer rate. The highest plant height (86.72cm), spike length (6.57cm), biomass yield (12163kg ha-1) and grain yield (3327 kg ha-1) of wheat were recorded by the application of 75% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate supplemented with recommended Nitrogen whereas, the lowest value was recorded from the field without fertilizer which was significantly inferior to all other treatments. Furthermore, the economic analysis indicates that, application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 75% P-critical in NPS fertilizer with recommended Nitrogen fertilizer (92 kg N ha-1) for the production of wheat was more economically beneficial for the district. In conclusion, farmers and other end users could be advised to use 75% PC from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen for wheat production in the district and other areas having similar soil types and agro- ecology.

Effects of Sulfur Application on the Quality of Fresh Waxy Maize.

Balanced fertilizer application is crucial for achieving high-yield, high-quality, and efficient maize cultivation. Sulfur (S), considered a secondary nutrient, ranks as the fourth most essential plant nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). S deficiency could significantly influence maize growth and development. Field experiments were conducted in Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China, from April 1 to July 20 in 2023. Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) and Suyunuo5 (SYN5) were used as experiment materials, and four treatments were set: no fertilizer application (F0), S fertilizer application (F1), conventional fertilization method (F2), and conventional fertilization method with additional S application (F3). The objective was to investigate the impact of S application on grain weight and the quality of fresh waxy maize flour and starch. The results indicated that all fertilization treatments significantly increased grain weight and the starch and protein contents in grains compared to no fertilization. Among these, F3 exhibited the most significant increases. Specifically, in JKN2000, the grain weight, starch content (SC), and protein content (PC) increased by 27.7%, 4.8%, and 14.8%, respectively, while in SYN5, these parameters increased by 26.3%, 6.2%, and 7.4%, respectively, followed by F2 and F1. Compared to F0, F3 increased starch and protein contents by 4.8% and 14.8% in JKN2000, and by 6.2% and 7.4% in SYN5. Compared to F0, F2 and F3 significantly increased the iodine binding capacity (IBC) of SYN5, with F3 being more effective than F2, while they had no significant effect on the IBC of JKN2000. The peak viscosity (PV) and breakdown viscosity (BD) of waxy maize flour and starch for both varieties showed a consistent response (increasing trend) to S application, and F3 had the largest increase. Regarding the thermal properties of waxy maize flour, F3 significantly enhanced the retrogradation enthalpy (ΔHgel) of both varieties compared to F0, while achieving the lowest retrogradation percentage (%R). In starch, the highest ΔHgel and the lowest %R were observed under the F2 treatment. In summary, under the conditions of this experiment, adding S fertilizer to conventional fertilization not only increased the grain weight of waxy maize but also effectively optimized the pasting and thermal properties of waxy maize flour and starch.

A 44-year balanced fertilizer application affected rill erosion resistance by changing humus, aggregates, and polyvalent cation

Fertilizer application can affect the physicochemical properties of soil, such as the contents of large aggregates, humus, and exchangeable cations, thereby influencing soil erosion resistance. However, the rill erosion resistance and its key influencing factors of soil following long-term balanced fertilizer application remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the change in rill erosion resistance following 44 years of balanced fertilizer application (No changes in the type of fertilizer) to non-calcareous soils and establish a Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model of rill erodibility (kd) and soil critical shear stress (τc) to changes in the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Five treatments were designed: (1) CK (no fertilizer applied), (2) N (nitrogen), (3) NP (nitrogen plus phosphorus), (4) NK (nitrogen plus potassium), and (5) NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Compared to CK, the N, NP, NK, and NPK application significantly increased τc by 49.6, 96.7, 73.6, and 36.2 %, respectively. Whereas, kd increased significantly only in the NPK treatment group. The optimal partial least squares regression model showed that mean weight diameter (MWD) had the greatest positive influence on soil critical shear stress, followed by fulvic acid (FA) content, whereas water-dissolved substances had a negative influence. Long-term balanced fertilizer application can increase MWD and τc by combining micro-aggregates and humus into large aggregates. Ca2+ content had the greatest positive effect on kd. Compared with that of CK, exchangeable Ca2+ content increased significantly with NP and NPK application (7.9 and 34.3 %, respectively). Ca2+ can increase kd by binding to the polar functional groups in FA to promote the shedding of hydration shells in large aggregates. Among all treatments, the NP treatment showed the best performance for reducing kd and increasing τc. This study could contribute to the understanding of the rill erosion process and modeling in non-calcareous soils and offer a reference for agricultural erosion control treatments.

Optimization of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization for enhanced forage production and quality of Festuca Krylovianacv. Huanhu artificial grassland in alpine regions

Artificial grasslands of F. kryloviana in the region surrounding Qinghai Lake have been observed to a decline in productivity following three years of establishment. Traditional fertilization practices, aimed at maintaining ecological balance, have predominantly focused on the application of phosphorus. However, it remains unclear whether phosphorus fertilizers offer a superior advantage over nitrogen fertilizers in sustaining productivity. Consequently, from 2017 to 2019, we conducted an experimental to assess the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on forage yield and quality. We designed with four levels of phosphorus and two levels of nitrogen, resulting in eight distinct fertilizer combinations. Our experimental findings indicate that the degradation of artificial grasslands leads to a shift in the allocation pattern of aboveground biomass. There was a respective decrease of 68.2 % and 62.5 % in the biomass proportions of stems and ears, contrasted by a greater than 200 % increase in the biomass proportion of leaves. The application of nitrogen not only elevated the total aboveground biomass but also promoted a preferential allocation of biomass to stems and leaves, consequently enhancing the forage's crude protein content. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased aboveground biomass, and crude protein content by 63.21 %, and 6 %, respectively. Phosphorus fertilization's impact varied annually but favored the distribution of biomass to stems and ears. The net photosynthetic rate improved by over 53.12 % with fertilizer application, although the differences among treatments were not statistically significant. The balanced application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers significantly bolstered the aboveground biomass, ear biomass, stem biomass, leaf biomass, and crude protein content in varying years by 17.25 %–209.83 %, 34.7 %–438.9 %, 25.5 %–250.2 %, 18.4 %–133.3 %, and 10.21 %–25.62 %, respectively. Our analysis revealed that nitrogen-only fertilization exhibited the most optimal fertilizer use efficiency and economic returns. In conclusion, nitrogen fertilization is crucial for sustaining the productivity and quality of F. kryloviana artificial grasslands. The local practice of 75 kg ha−1 phosphorus fertilizer is detrimental to the maintenance of productivity in F. kryloviana artificial grasslands. This study offers valuable insights into the optimization of fertilization strategies for sustainable forage production within alpine regions.

Enhancing chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production through front-line demonstration in sub mountainous region of Punjab, India

In the present study, 38 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on chickpea variety (PBG-7) were conducted in an area of 15 ha during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 for demonstrating improved cultivation technologies to the farmers. Results of front-line demonstrations showed that the cultivation practices comprised under FLDs viz., use of improved varieties, optimum seed rate, balanced application of fertilizers, line sowing, timely management of weeds, insects and disease, produced grain yield of 13.2 q ha-1 and 13.1q ha-1 during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively which was 53.8% higher as compared to the prevailing farmers practice. The findings of the study showed that the technology gap for chickpea was 6.8 q ha-1 and 6.9 q ha-1 during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 with an average of 6.85 q ha-1 over the two years. The technology index was 34.0 and 34.5 percent during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively with a mean value of 34.2%. The extension gap was 4.5 q ha-1 and 4.7 q ha-1 for the years 2021 and 2022 with the average value of 4.6 q ha-1 over the two years. The data reported that the technology demonstrated fetched more average gross returns (Rs. 92,050 ha-1), net return (Rs. 70,050 ha-1) and B:C ratio (4.1) over two years compared to farmers practice. On the other hand, under farmers’ practice, the average gross returns was Rs. 59,850 ha-1, average net profit to the tune was Rs. 37,250 ha-1 and the average B: C ratio was 2.6 over two years.

Assessing the impact of nutrient omissions on growth, yield, and nutrient use efficiency in winter rape (Brassica napus L.) under rainfed ecology

Rape (Brassica napus L.) is an essential source of edible oil. The growing demand for rapeseed oil seeks to devise nutrient management strategies to lessen the gap between actual and potential yields. A field experiment was investigated at MRCFC, SKUAST-Kashmir, focusing on the best nutrient management practice for realizing higher yield in Brassica napus, using the nutrient omission plot technique. The yield and yield components of oil seed rape responded significantly to nutrient omissions. Treatments comprising NPKS + FYM, NPKS, NPK, NP, PK, NK, and control with three replications were carried out in randomized block design. Significantly, the highest seed yield of 1250 kg ha−1 was registered with NPKS + FYM, with a yield superiority of 143% over control. In terms of yield attributes, the number of pods plant−1 was the key contributor to yield. Response toward the nutrients followed the order of N > P > S > K. Application of FYM was observed to increase the efficiency of accompanying nutrient particularly for P (6.6%). Combined application of the nutrients leads to improvement in the nutrient efficiency of major nutrients evaluated in terms of agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency, and apparent nutrient recovery (ANR) efficiency. Based on the outcome of the results, balanced application of chemical fertilizers in combination with FYM seems to be pivotal for harnessing the potential of individual nutrients toward achieving higher yield in Brassica napus.

The Effects of Various Long-Term Fertilizer Applications on Soil Carbon Fractions in a Winter Wheat Monoculture Area

The Loess Plateau in China has long grappled with issues such as chronic soil erosion, poor soil structure, and diminished organic matter. Soil organic carbon plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, and fertilization is a key tool that influences it. In a comprehensive field experiment, we examined five fertilization methods: no fertilization (CK); traditional fertilization used by local farmers (FP); nutrient-balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (OF); chemical fertilizers used in conjunction with organic fertilizers (OFM); and chemical fertilizers paired with bio-organic fertilizers (OFB). Our findings revealed that the OFM and OFB treatments were the most effective, explaining 84.35% and 81.26% of the variation in soil carbon sequestration, respectively. Further, the OF, OFM, and OFB treatments demonstrated superior effectiveness compared with the FP treatment in enhancing the soil carbon fractions. However, these fertilization patterns did not significantly alter the active-to-inert carbon ratio of the soil. OF, OFM, and OFB treatments enhanced the stability of soil carbon pools more than FP treatment. In structural equation modeling, factors such as microbial biomass nitrogen and phosphorus, soil pH, and β-N-acetyl glucosidase indirectly exhibited a limiting effect on the carbon pool stability index (CPSI), while β-glucosidase displayed an indirect positive correlation with the carbon fractions. In contrast, dissolved organic carbon, low-molecular-weight organic carbon, high-molecular-weight organic carbon, and crop yield demonstrated direct positive correlations with the CPSI. Consequently, both a balanced application of chemical fertilizers and the combination of organic and chemical fertilizers were effective in enhancing and sustaining the soil’s organic carbon content, thereby contributing to soil fertility stability. To this end, this study can inform the efficient selection and use of fertilizers, improving crop yield and soil carbon content.

Motivation of farmer group members in the application of balanced fertilization in maize (Zea mays) plant cultivation

Balanced fertilizer application technology aims not only to increase crop production but also to improve fertilizer efficiency and protect the environment from agrochemical pollution. However, its application in the field still faces several barriers, both technical and non-technical. This study aims to determine the level of farmer motivation to apply balanced fertilization in maize production, identify the factors that influence the level of farmer motivation, and develop effective strategies. In addition, the study aims to compare maize plant growth between farmers' habits and the application of balanced fertilization. The methods used in this study were descriptive and multiple linear regression. The descriptive quantitative method was used while the data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and literature studies. The population consisted of 181 maize farmers who were members of farmer groups. The respondents were 65 individuals selected through purposive sampling from 181 individuals who were members of farmer groups and engaged in maize cultivation. In addition, field experiments were conducted with two treatments: farmers' custom or P0, consisting of urea 400 + NPK 15-15-15 100 kg/ha + fertilizer scattered on the soil surface, and balanced fertilization or P1, consisting of urea 300 + NPK 15-15-15 300 kg/ha + fertilizer buried in the soil. The results of the study showed that the farmers' motivation to apply balanced fertilization was in the medium category with 67.7%. The study also identified two significant factors that influenced the farmers' motivation, namely the function of farmer groups with p = 0.004 and government support with p = 0.001. To increase farmer motivation, socialization programs should focus on the lowest indicator value, which was the ability of farmers to apply balanced fertilization. The field experiments showed that the growth of maize plants in the balanced fertilizer treatment was significantly better than that in the farmer's habit treatment. This was indicated by plant height, number of leaves, dry kernel yield, and cob+husk yield.

Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Modules against Fall Army Worm and Its Economic Impact in Maize

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the IPM modules and their economic impact against Fall Armyworm in maize through on farm trail (OFT).
 Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in the farmers’ fields of Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana during Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.
 Methodology: The main objective of on farm trail is to test and evaluate the findings of the research stations at the farmer's field and to refine and modify the technologies, if required for better adoption by farmers. The KVK, Bhadradri Kothagudem conducted on farm trail for the management of fall armyworm in maize during Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, as part of technical programme of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhadradri Kothagudem in KVK operational area of adopted villages.
 Results: In technology assessment plot (On farm trail) the treatments followed were avoiding staggered sowing of maize, installation of pheromone traps @ 8-10 per acre, clean cultivation, balanced application of fertilizers, erection of bird perches @10/acre, spraying of Azadiractin (1500ppm) to repel the egg laying and need based whorl application of Emamectin benzoate @ 0.5g/l and Metarrhizium anisopliae @ 5g/l of water, if more than8 adult moths were trapped in the pheromone trap for three consecutive days. It was compared with the farmers practice plots i.e application of Carbofuran 3G granules @ 3kg/acre and indiscriminate usage of fertilizers and insecticides. The experiment was conducted in five locations. The benefit cost ratio (BC Ratio) was higher in technology assessed plots with 2.78, 2.63 and 2.75 whereas BC ratio was comparatively lower in farmers practice plots with 2.43, 2:21 and 2.25 in corresponding Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively. 
 Conclusion: Technology assessed package proved its effectiveness among maize farmers with increased net returns, lower per cent of FAW incidence and high yield and BC ratio compared to the farmers practiceduring Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Hence, this on farm trial proved to be feasible for demonstration in wide scale to farming community of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

Balanced Fertilization for Sustainable Yield and Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Sandy Soil of Central Vietnam

Background: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plays an important role in cropping systems with sandy soil. However, studies on peanut cultivation in sandy soil of Binh Dinh province, Central Vietnam are still limited due to imbalanced fertilizer use. Methods: The present study compared two different fertilizer combinations including (T1) Control (Farmers’ practice): 24 kg N (urea) + 74 kg P2O5 (Thermophosphate) + 84 kg K2O (KCl) + 100 kg NPK (16 - 16 - 8 - 13S) ha-1 and (T2) 40 kg N (urea) + 90 kg P2O5 (Thermophosphate) + 90 kg K2O (K2SO4) based on 8 tons of cattle manure + 500 kg lime ha-1 on peanut yield, quality and some physico-chemical properties of the sandy soil. All treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with 3 replicates in Cat Hanh and Cat Hiep communes, Phu Cat district, Binh Dinh province. Results: The results showed that the application of fertilizer combination including potassium and sulfur increased peanut yield (4.35 - 4.48 tons/ha), protein content (24.4%), lipid (52.5 - 52.8%), and improved some soil physico-chemical properties (N 9.09% and P2O5 11.04%). Thus, balanced fertilizer application including 8 tons of cattle manure + 40 kg N + 90 kg P2O5 + 90 kg K2O (K2SO4) + 500 kg of lime ha-1 can be recommended for the best peanut production in sandy soil of Central Vietnam.

SIFAT FISIK TANAH DAN PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN PADI (Oryza sativa L.) SEBAGAI DAMPAK PENGAPLIKASIAN DEKOMPOSER PADA SISTEM REKOMENDASI PEMUPUKAN BERBASIS CITRA KAMERA MULTISPEKTRAL DI SUKAMANDIJAYA, JAWA BARAT

Application of balanced fertilizers and the use of decomposers on land can improve soil health and nutrient availability for plants. Giving recommended doses of fertilization through the use of multispectral camera images lead to more efficient fertilization. This study aims to analyze the impact of the application of decomposers on the implementation of a multispectral camera image-based fertilizer recommendation system on soil physical properties, growth, and crop yield. This research was carried out from November 2021 to April 2022 at the experimental field in Sukamandijaya Village, Ciasem District, Subang Regency, West Java. This study was carried out with 2 treatments, namely land without the decomposers (P1) and with the decomposers treatment (P2) on rice fields of the Mekongga variety. The decomposer used was Petro Gladiator with dose 5 liters/ha (480 ml/plot or 56 ml/m²). Data analysis was carried out by unpaired T test at 5% level to determine the effect of decomposer application on soil physical properties as well as growth and crop yield. The results showed that the application of decomposers to fertilizer recommendation systems based on multispectral camera images can improve soil conditions including improvements in soil bulk density, soil particle density, total pore space, soil moisture content pF 1, 2, and 4.2, available pore water, then soil pH, available-P soil contents, potential-K soil content, as well as rice plant height.

Impact of Front-Line Demonstration on Pulses Productivity and Profitability in Farmers Fields

Front-Line Demonstration (FLD) is a long-term educational activity carried out systematically by agricultural experts in the field of farmers to demonstrate the value of new practices/technologies in the micro-agriculture situation. The aim of the FLD was to demonstrate improved pulses technologies for production potential. Improved technologies include the use of improved varieties, seed treatment with Rhizobium and PSB culture, sowing methods, balanced fertilizer application and improved pest control techniques. The results of pulses harvested crop in 2021-2022 showed that improved varieties with improved practice packages recorded a higher yield compared to farmers’ practices. The improved technologies saw yield increases of 26.33 %, 24.63 %, 23.41 % and 22.83 % yield increase over farmer practices in green gram, chick pea, pigeon pea and black gram respectively. The average percentage yield increased by 24.30 % over farmers’ practices. The mean technological yield gap was highest for chickpea (3.47 q/ha), followed by pigeon pea (1.36 q/ha), green gram (1.34 q/ha) and black gram (1.26 q/ha). The maximum mean extension yield gap in the study was recorded in pigeon pea at 11.83 q/ha followed by black gram (5.22 q/ha) and green gram (3.57 q/ha), while the lowest extension yield gap was observed in chickpea (2.44 q/ha). The technology index varied between 7.16 and 17.35% while the lowest (7.16) was recorded for pigeon pea. The highest gross return (Rs. 81,654/ha), net return (Rs. 56,370/ha) and benefit-to-cost ratio (3.23) was recorded with chickpea demonstration followed by Black gram and green gram while lowest gross return (Rs. 44,848/ha), net return (Rs.24,634 /ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.22), which was markedly higher than gross return (Rs. 36,342/ha), net return (Rs.16,430/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.83) in farmers practice. The improved technologies yielded a higher gross return and, net return with a higher benefit-to-cost ratio than farmers’ practices.

Effects of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on selected soil properties at Banshure Kebele, in Bedele District, South Western Ethiopia

Balanced fertilizer application is an important management practice to improve soil fertility and quality in the agricultural lands. In present study, we examined the effects of nine different rates of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, available sulphur (ava.S), available boron (ava.B) and available phosphorus (ava.P) in the plowed layer (0-20 cm). The results obtained from this study indicated that, the values of soil pH obtained from all treatments are lower than that of soil pH before fertilizer application. The application of fertilizer have remarkably improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) values compared with soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) recorded before fertilization. Except soil total nitrogen (TN) and soil organic carbon (SOC), application of different rates of blended NPSB fertilizer were highly significantly affected the values of soil pH, available phosphorus (ava.P), available sulphur (ava.S), and available boron (ava.B). The highest values of available phosphorus (ava.P), available sulphur (ava.S), and available boron (ava.B) were obtained from the plot treated with the highest (300kg/ha) fertilizer rate, were as the lowest was recorded from the control plot. Unlike available phosphorus (ava.P), available sulphur (ava.S), and available boron (ava.B), the values of soil pH recorded after fertilizer application becomes declined as the rate of fertilizer applied to the soil is increased dramatically. Thus, these indicated that, as the rate of blended NPSB fertilizer increased soil acidity becomes increased due to the presence of soil acidifying compounds such as nitrate, sulphate and boric acid in blended form.

Response of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Different Tillage Practices and Nitrogen Levels in a Clay Loam Soil

We can overcome this global challenge by minimizing input costs and optimizing yields by employing appropriate tillage techniques and balanced fertilizer application. Appropriate tillage practices together with balanced fertilizer may be a promising practice of soil management to improve soil properties and crop production. The present study was carried out in wheat-maize cropping pattern (in the year 2019-20) at agricultural research farm of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The experiment was set up in a split-plot layout with a randomized complete blocks design. The nitrogen levels of 0, 90, 120, 150, and 180 kg N ha-1 were assigned to subplots. Tillage and nitrogen treatments separately had a significant impact on growth and yield characteristics, but the interaction between them had minimal effect, according to the findings. The tallest heights were found in the conventional tillage plots and the high N input (N180) plots, with heights of 101 and 104 cm, respectively. The spikes per m2 were found 242 in zero tillage plots, while the highest number of spikes per plot (265) was recorded in N180. The yield contributing factor number of grain spike-1 was 48.7 in zero tillage, while the nitrogen fertilizer @ 180 kg ha-1 yielded 52, 1000-grain weight of 35g was measured in conventional tillage and 38.8g in nitrogen fertilizer plots. Deep tillage where the nitrogen @ 150 kg ha-1 was applied gave the maximum grain yields, with 3113 kg ha-1 and 3415 kg ha-1, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio of different treatments was highest in zero tillage plots, with nitrogen @ 150 kg ha-1, at 1.65. Hence, it may be concluded from the study that both tillage and nitrogen levels influenced the agronomic properties of wheat, influenced the economics of farmers, and soil fertility.

Sick or rich: Assessing the selected soil properties and fertility status across the tea-growing region of Dooars, West Bengal, India.

Harnessing the potential yields of evergreen perennial crops like tea (Camellia sinensis L.) essentially requires the application of optimum doses of nutrients based on the soil test reports. In the present study, the soil pH, organic carbon (OC), available potassium as K2O (AK), and available sulphur (AS) of 7300 soil samples from 115 tea estates spread over the Dooars ranging from 88°52'E to 89°86'E longitude and 26°45'N to 27°00'N latitude of West Bengal, India have been documented. About 54% of soil samples were found within the optimum range of soil pH (4.50-5.50) for tea cultivation. The overall range of OC was found from 0.28% to 6.00% of which, 94% of the analyzed samples were within the range of satisfactory to excellent level of OC i.e. (>0.80% to 6.00%). Around 36.3% of soil samples were found to have high AK (>100 mg kg-1) but 37.1% of soils were found to have high AS content (>40 mg kg-1). The nutrient index status of soil pH was low in Dam Dim, Chulsa, Nagrakata, Binnaguri, and Jainti sub-districts. Soils from five sub-districts had a high nutrient index (2.47 to 2.83) for soil organic carbon. However, it existed in the medium index (1.69 and 2.22) for Dalgaon and Kalchini sub-districts. Only Nagrakata sub-district soil samples were in the high nutrient index (2.65) for AK. All analyzed samples showed a medium nutrient index (1.97 to 2.27) for AS. The result indicated that soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with soil OC (-0.336) and AK (-0.174). However, the soil OC was significantly positive correlated with AK (0.258) and AS (0.100). It could be concluded that a balanced fertilizer application would be needed as a part of the soil improvement program through soil chemical tests for sustainable tea cultivation.

Efficiency analysis and evaluation of centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer spreading based on real-time spectral information on rice

Investigations regarding the use of centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer spreaders and their impact on agriculture production has become increasingly important for determining the effects and economic benefits of precision agriculture variable-rate fertilizer technology applied in the rice-and-wheat rotation areas of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. This study examines a self-developed centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer spreader based on real-time growth information of rice and wheat focusing on rice variety Nanjing 9108 as its research object. Field tests of variable-rate fertilizer application (compound fertilizer) were conducted in the Dongtai rice planting base, Jiangsu Province. Different areas were set up for artificial fertilizer spreading, traditional empirical balanced spreading, and real-time variable-rate spreading. The fertilizer application rates, rice growths, and yields of these fertilizer spreading methods for three consecutive years were compared and analyzed. Furthermore, the operational effectiveness of centrifugal variable-rate spreading was evaluated via partial budget analysis. The experimental results showed that the spreading application rate for the real-time variable-rate fertilization area decreased year by year by approximately 47.64 kg/hm2, whereas the application rate per unit area was reduced by approximately 15.88 %, compared with those for the traditional empirical balanced fertilization area. After the application of topdressing tillering fertilizer, rice growth in the real-time variable-rate fertilization area was better than in the others, whereas the spatial difference in its population structure was the lowest. There were differences in rice yield among the experimental areas: the average yield of the variable-rate fertilization area was 8996.70 kg/hm2, which was 5.93 % higher than that of the traditional empirical balanced fertilization area. According to the operational effectiveness analysis of real-time variable-rate fertilizer application in rice production, its fertilizer cost was only 504.72 RMB/hm2, whereas its yield profit was 17993.40 RMB/hm2. Thus, the fertilizer cost was reduced by 95.28 RMB/hm2, whereas the yield profit was increased by 1007.62 RMB/hm2, compared with those of the traditional empirical balanced fertilizer application. To sum up, this investigation verified that the newly developed centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer spreader, using real-time variable-rate fertilizer, can save on fertilizer and reduce its application, improve the population structure and spatial difference in crop growth, help increase crop yield and degree of balance, and produce economic, ecological, and social benefits. This study can provide a theoretical reference for promoting the pilot application of variable-rate fertilization technology in the rice-and-wheat rotation areas of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Increasing the Production and Areas of Edible Oil Crop through Frontline Demonstration Approach in Rice Fallow Area

Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on oilseed crop had conducted at farmers’ fi elds in 210 ha area at 1235 farmers fi eld during 2016 - 2020 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ramgarh Jharkhand. The farmers were motivated and provide the capacity building training for adopting the mustard cultivation. The Cultivation practices comprising under CFLD viz., use of improved variety, line sowing, balanced application of fertilizers, weed and insectpest management result revealed that average yield of mustard increased from 30.91% to 41.62% during the demonstration period from 2016-2020. The technology gap of yield was minimum as 3.83 q/ha during 2019-20 and maximum 7.80q/ha during the year 2016-17. Therefore, result indicated that decreasing the technology gap and increasing trend in yield gap for production and productivity in rice fallow area and farmers were cultivated the second crop in rabi season with residual moisture and lifesaving irrigation.

Effect of Soil Test Crop Response Based Long-Term Fertilization on Yield Attributing Parameters and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season of 2020‒2021 and 2021‒2022 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) at research field of department of soil science to find out the effect of soil test crop response based long-term fertilization on yield attributing parameters and yield of wheat. The treatments details were T1; Control, T2 ; 120 N: 80 P2O5: 60 K2O kg ha-1 , T3; Target yield of 4.5 t ha-1, T4; Target yield of 6.0 t ha-1, T5; Target yield of 4.5 t+FYM 5 t ha-1; T6; Target yield of 6.0 t+FYM 5 t ha-1 and carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. Research findings of long term field experiment revealed that application of soil test crop response recommendation for target yield of 6.0 t ha-1+FYM 5 t ha-1 gave maximum earhead length (14.59 and 14.10 cm), number of grains ear-1 (66.46 and 63.30), test weight (41.93 and 41.35 g), grain yield (5568 and 5052 kg ha-1) and straw yield (7315 and 5969 kg ha-1) of wheat. The balanced application of fertilizers by the soil and the crop's needs for potential growth and development may account for the increased yield under the STCR technique with and without FYM. The inclusion of FYM resulted in a potential movement of water, air, temperature, and nutrients in the soil, which may have improved the conditioning of the rhizospheric environment and further raised yield when integrated with STCR. Due to better physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, enhanced microbial activity and the conversion of inaccessible nutrients into available forms, this STCR technique also aids in higher production.

Managing fertilizers and water treatments on rice production and N2O emission

Addressing issues about climate change and higher food demand requires improve management practices. Fertilizer and water input are the critical resources to ensure high yield and low impact to environment in paddy field. The aim of this study was to determine whether higher grain yield and lower nitrous oxide (N2O) emission can be achieved by managing fertilizer and water input. A field experiment was conducted during rice paddy season under conventional practice (CP) that comprised of farmer practice and continuous flooded. In contrast to CP, balanced fertilizer application and intermittent irrigation was applied for another treatment that namely technology introduction (TI). Results showed that the average of seasonal N2O in the TI treatment decreased by 54% compared with the CP treatment. Aerobic–anaerobic increased in N2O emissions. Lower N2O emission at higher rate of N fertilization. Those findings indicated that enhancing rice production and mitigating GHG emission under application of balanced fertilizer and proper water management from paddy field can contribute to sustainable agriculture.

The Effects of Tea Plantation Upon the Soil Properties Based Upon the Comparative Study of India and China: A Meta – Analysis

The effects of tea plantations upon soil are of great concern in the context of monoculture crops due to their increasing demand resulting in the expansion of tea growing areas. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the soil’s Physico-chemical properties, soil nutrient concentrations, and stoichiometry in major tea-growing areas of India and China. For this study Meta-analysis approach was used to examine the difference between the two countries. Soil pH tends to be more acidic in Chinese soil (CS) than in Indian Soil (IS), soil Bulk Density (BD) was higher in CS with low soil Total Porosity (TP). Whereas the soil texture in CS was fine texture with Silt Clay while IS texture was coarse with sandy clay loam. Soil Carbon (C) showed no significant difference; while Nitrogen (N) concentration showed a significant difference only at the top layer with a higher concentration in IS. Soil Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) concentration were significantly higher CS than IS at all soil depths. The C: N ratio in both the countries was below 10 showing the accumulation of organic matter is low whilst the C: P ratio showed net mineralization of nutrients in both the countries. The N: P ratio represented N limitation in CS while P limitations in IS. The comparison of soil physical-chemical properties between India and China revealed the distinct differences between the tea plantation soils in both of these countries. Except for C concentration C: P, N: K, and P: K ratio all the properties are deemed to be different. Our results suggest that a balanced fertilizer application and these N and P limitations in tea growing soil of these two countries should be paid more attention to.