Balanced Nutrient Application Research Articles

Effect of Zinc, Iron and Biofertilizer on Physical Property of Soil under Chickpea Cultivation

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, insightful information about the potential advantages of using micronutrients in cultivation of chickpea, particularly the “Sadabahar” variety. In the study, Bulk density Mg m-3); Particle density (Mg m-3); Pore Space (%); Water holding capacity (%) was calculated by methods suggested by Muthuvel et al. [1]. The details of nano mixed micronutrients treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).Zinc and Iron improve root development and microbial activity, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Rhizobium further promotes root nodulation and organic matter decomposition, increasing soil aggregation and moisture retention. This balanced nutrient and microbial application optimizes soil physical properties, leading to superior water holding capacity and pore space.

Enhancing rice productivity through holistic nutrient management: integrating vermicompost and Azolla for improved agronomic performance and sustainability

A three-year multi-location trial on the farmer’s field was conducted in West Bengal, India to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the performance of kharif rice cv. Swarna Sub 1. The experiment employed a randomized block design (RBD) across eleven farmers’ fields with similar soil properties, texture, topography, and historical fertilizer application patterns. Three treatments were tested: T1 – common practice of applying N:P:K @ 55:32:27 kg ha−1, T2 – soil test-based application (STA) of ∼75% recommended N dose through chemical fertilizer + ∼ 25% through Azolla, and T3 – soil test-based application of ∼ 75% recommended N dose through chemical fertilizer + 20% N from vermi-compost + 5% N through Azolla. The result of the experiment revealed that the T3 exhibited significant improvements in plant height, leaf area index (LAI), effective tillers meter−2, number of panicles plant−1, and 1000-grain weight compared to T2 and T1. Among the different nutrient management practices, the T3 recorded maximum rice grain productivity than the T1, and T2, Further, the benefit-cost ratio was noticed significantly higher under T3 (1.29) followed by T2 (1.27) and T1 (1.23). The soil organic carbon (SOC), available nutrient was enhanced by the soil test-based application of ∼75% recommended N dose through chemical fertilizer + 20% N from vermicompost + 5% N through Azolla. Thus, our study indicated that the balanced nutrient application through combined sources (T3) could improve crop growth; and sustain rice productivity, besides enhancing the farm income, and soil different soil properties.

Himalayas farmer participatory evaluation of balanced application of nutrients in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system in Kumaon hills

A study was conducted by involving 24 farmers in their fields during 2011–13 in lower Kumaon hills, to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system to balanced nutrient application. The highest mean grain yields of rice (7.21 t/ha) and of wheat (5.14 t/ha) were recorded with the recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (120, 60 and 40 kg/ha respectively, to both the crops) applied along with the sulphur @ 20 kg/ha followed by recommended NPK alone without micronutrients (7.01 and 5.01 t/ha, respec tively, for rice and wheat). During both the years, grain yields of rice and wheat under the farmers’ practice of nu trient application were significantly lower than the other treatments except control and N alone. In rice crop, appli cation of recommended doses of N, P and K provided additional mean grain yield of 1.50 t/ha over the farmers’ practice, whereas it was 1.04 t/ha in wheat. Application of sulphur @ 20 kg/ha over the recommended dose of NPK to both the crops resulted in additional grain yield of rice and wheat by 200 and 130 kg/ha, respectively, it also resulted in the highest production efficiency (45.4 kg/ha/day). The highest net returns were found under the treatment receiving recommended dose of NPK along with sulphur @ 20 kg/ha ( 150.15 × 103/ha) and it was 54.8% higher over the farmers’ practice of fertilizer application. The soil fertility status after harvesting of wheat in rice–wheat cropping system revealed that highest available nitrogen (298 kg/ha), phosphorus (16.9 kg/ha) and po tassium (200 kg/ha) were observed with recommended doses of N, P and K along with sulphur @ 20 kg/ha to rice and wheat crops in sequence.

Olive Yield and Physicochemical Properties of Olives and Oil in Response to Nutrient Application under Rainfed Conditions.

The effects of mineral fertilizers on the physicochemical properties of olives and oil under rainfed conditions is scarce. In this three-year study, the results of a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B) fertilization trial carried out in a young rainfed olive grove and arranged as a nutrient omission trial are reported. The control consisted of the application of N, P, K and B (NPKB) and four other treatments corresponded to the removal of one of them (N0, P0, K0 and B0). Olive yield and several variables associated with the physicochemical properties of olives and oil were evaluated. The NPKB treatment increased olive yield compared to the treatment that did not receive N (N0). Although dependent on the climate conditions of the crop season, the NPKB treatment increased fruit weight and the pulp/pit ratio and its fruits tended to accumulate more oil than K0. However, the phenolics concentrations on fruits and oil tended to be lower. All olive oil samples were classified in the "extra virgin" category and all showed a decrease in its stability between 3 and 15 months of storage, regardless of treatment, especially in N0, P0 and B0 treatments. The results of the sensorial analysis indicate that all the oils fell into the medium fruitiness and greenly-fruity category. Only in P0 and B0 were defects detected, namely muddy sediment. Thus, this study seems to indicate the importance of N application, but also a balanced nutrient application and that further studies are needed, given the difficulty in finding clear trends in the response of measured variables to fertilizer treatments.

Response of maize yield to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur rates on Andosols and Nitisols in Ethiopia

Summary The use of fertilizers in balanced and adequate amounts is a prerequisite for increasing crop productivity and production. Unbalanced plant nutrient management continues to be a major factor contributing to low maize (Zea mays L.) yields due to lack of information on the dose–responses to macronutrients on different soil types in Ethiopia. This study was carried out to quantify maize yield response and agronomic efficiency of varying application rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) under balanced application of other nutrients across two soil types in Ethiopia. Field trials were set up on 29 farmers’ fields in four districts of Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) for three consecutive cropping seasons (2014–2017). The treatments consisted of six rates of N, P and S each and eight rates of K combined with balanced application of the remaining macronutrients, zinc (Zn) and boron (B). The treatments were laid out in randomised complete blocks design with three replicates per farm. Using nutrient dose–response modelling, the agronomic optimum rates of N, P, K and S were estimated at 46, 40, 17 and 10 kg ha−1 on Nitisols, with balanced application of the other nutrients. On Andosols, the optimum rates of N, P and S were estimated at 184, 20 and 30 kg ha−1, respectively, but the optimum K rate could not be estimated. The predicted maximum yields obtained with balanced nutrient application were lower on Andosols (3397–3640 kg ha−1) than on Nitisols (4630–6094 kg ha−1). Using the Mitscherlich dose–response model, the percentage deficiencies of N, P, K and S were estimated to be 1.3–3.3 times more on Nitisols than Andosols. Consequently, agronomic efficiencies of N, P, K and S were significantly lower on Andosols than on Nitisols. It is concluded that balanced application of 46 kg N ha−1, 40 kg P ha−1, 17 kg K ha−1, 10 kg ha−1 S, 2 kg Zn ha−1 and 0.5 kg B ha−1 could be recommended for maize on Nitisols in the study area. Although this recommendation may also apply to Andosol, further research is needed as the productivity of Andosols appears to be limited by constrains other than N, P, K, S, Zn and B. We also recommend a shift from the blanket fertilizer recommendations to site-specific nutrient management based on good understanding of the variations in crop response with soil type and agroecology and appropriate soil and plant analyses.

Integrated Nutrient Management in Onion-A Review

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a bulbous vegetable crop and cultivated in many parts of the world. Onion is majorly used in our daily diet for its nutritional value. In onions, sulfur-containing compounds and allinase enzymes are responsible for their lachrymatory effect and pungency. Flavanoid compounds in onions like kampeferol and quercitin show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Globally, India stands second in onion production, book keeping for 10 % of total production from 16 % of total area. As per FAO data (2012), China leads the world in production (20.5 million tonnes), followed by India (13.3 million tonnes). Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh are the top onion-producing states in the country, contributing nearly 90% of the country’s overall onion production. Maharashtra stands first in production with 8,854.09 thousand tonnes with 38.09 percent share, followed by Madhya Pradesh (15.92 percent share) and Karnataka (12.85 percent share) (https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in). Onion is a nutrient-sensitive crop and the nutrient requirement varies with cultivar, location, and season. Fertilizer recommendation for onion crop is 100-150 kg N, 40-80 kg P2 O5, and 0-125 kg K2 O per hectare (Source: NHB). Many studies have reported that 2.1 kg N, 0.75 kg P2 O5 , 2.2 K2 O, and 0.28 kg S per hectare of nutrients are removed by onion crop to produce a bulb yield of 1 ton (DOGR, 2015). Use of synthetic fertilizers alone causes leaching, increases toxicity, and degrades the soil environment. A Study by Kwaghe et al. (2017) have shown that nutrient uptake by the onion crop enhanced to 0.76, 43.82, and 2.42 kg/ha by the combination of both organic and inorganic fertilizers, thereby increasing the crop yield. Therefore, a rising need exists to provide an adequate and balanced nutrient application for attaining good crop yield and quality without affecting soil fertility status. This INM based approach for nutrient management has a positive impact on plant growth, agricultural sustainability, and fertility of soil. Hence to enhance soil fertility and to improve the nutrient uptake, the concept of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) could be adopted.

Nutrient requirement and use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as influenced by graded levels of customized fertilizer

Balanced nutrient application is an important concern to minimize fertilizer use in crop culture. Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2017 and 2018 to find out the best level of NPK fertilizer for rice with two varieties of rice of same duration (130-135 days). Three grades of customized fertilizers (250, 350 and 450 kg ha−1) along with 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) and absolute control constituted the treatment variables. The results revealed that the grades of customized fertilizer (CF) influenced the yield and uptake of nutrients. Application of CF @ 450 kg ha−1 was found to be significantly superior over absolute control and 100% RDF with respect to yield and uptake of nutrients, and found on par with all other grades of CF (250 and 350 kg ha−1). Applying 250 kg ha−1 of CF recorded higher agronomic efficiency (AE), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE) and partial factor productivity (PFP) for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) but higher AEn, AREn and PFPn in 450 kg ha−1 of CF. The higher utilization efficiency of nitrogen (UEn) of 43.05%, phosphorus (UEp) of 181.88% and potassium (UEk) of 34.40% were recorded in 250 kg ha−1 of CF. The CF @ 450 kg ha−1 recorded higher nitrogen and phosphorus requirement (NR and PR) i.e., 2.65 and 0.61 kg’s, respectively. Whereas, potassium requirement (KR) was higher in 100% RDF. Higher response yard stick (RYS) of 5.33 was recorded in 250 kg ha−1 of CF compared to other grades of CF, 100% RDF and absolute control.

ROLE OF FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATION ON YIELD OF PULSES

A study was conducted during kharif and rabi season in seven villages of Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, India during 2014-15. A total No. of 24 demonstrations on green gram and chickpea were conducted in area of 10 ha. by the active participation of farmers with the objective to demonstrate the improved technologies of pulses production potential. The improved technologies including use of improved variety, seed treatment, balanced nutrient application and integrated pest management. The average yield of pulses under demonstration [green gram (691kg/ha) and chickpea (1582kg/ha)] were much higher than as compared to average yield of farmer’s practices [green gram (533kg/ha) and chickpea (1345kg/ha)]. The average percentage increased in yield over farmer’s practices was 29.64 and 17.62 for green gram and chickpea, respectively. In spite of increasing in yield of pulses, technological gap, extension gap and technology index existed. The improved technology gave higher gross return, net return with higher benefit cost ratio as compared to farmer’s practices.

Nutrient management in calcareous soil improves rice–maize sustainable yield index, performance indicators

Rice-maize is an emerging cropping system in South Asia that plays significant role in terms of achieving food security in the region. However, achievement of attainable yield in these two crops is often a constrain due to imbalanced and inadequate use of essential plant nutrients. Understanding the contribution of different nutrients (N, P, K, S and Zn) toward yields of hybrid rice—hybrid maize cropping system in calcareous soil is a need for large number of smallholder farming systems. A four seasons study was conducted with an objective to develop further knowledge on crop productivity and nutrient performance indicators in this newly adapted emerging farming system. Replicated nutrient omission trials were conducted at Bihar, India. At the calcareous soil, omission of the nutrients reduced yields, and N was the most limiting nutrient followed by P and K. Omission of Zn impacted crop yields more than S omission, effect was more prominent in hybrid maize. Nutrient uptake in the cropping system was declined by 58%, 37%, 34%, 31% and 25% for N, P, K, S, and Zn, respectively, when these nutrients were systematically removed from fertilization schedule. Sustainable Yield Index (SYI) for cropping system was highest in the ample balanced fertilizer treatment. Post-harvest soil nutrient availability declined in the nutrient omission plots as compared to the initial soil status. We included additional treatments of ample balanced nutrient application and unfertilized check where hybrid cultivars were replaced by inbred varieties of rice and maize. Cropping system productivity highlighted the synergistic effect of seed and nutrients. The unfertilized checks reduced yield by 9 t/ha and 5 t/ha for the hybrid and inbred cropping systems, respectively. Results from present study conclude that adoption of hybrids in rice-maize system and balanced nutrient management are the best management practices for sustainable food production.

‘Ray Ruby’ Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing II. Planting Density, Soil, and Foliar Nutrient Management

Since the arrival of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in Florida, several management approaches, including modification of orchard architecture design and nutritional therapy, have been explored. High-density plantings anticipate early economic returns from HLB-affected orchards. With no cure available for HLB, balanced nutrient application through soil and foliar spraying can mitigate the disease. A 2-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of three grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) planting densities [single-row (300 and 440 trees per ha), and double-row high-density (975 trees per ha)], two controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) blends, and foliar-applied micronutrients (FAM) (a blend of B, Mn, and Zn at 0, 1.5, 3, and 6 times the recommended rates) on grapefruit growth and fruit yield, physiological parameters, and foliar nutrient concentrations in an HLB-affected orchard. All the trees tested positive for HLB based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test. The highest planting density resulted in the lowest trunk diameter and canopy volume. Despite lower yield per tree in 2019–20, 975 trees per ha planting induced the greatest fruit and solid yields per ha. Also, the fruit produced from 975 trees per ha planting tended to be acidic with the deposition of more soluble solids. Use of CRF with higher micronutrients increased canopy volume with the expense of reduced fruit number in 2019–20. FAM did not affect cycle threshold (Ct) value and tree growth parameters. Fruit yield, photosynthesis rate, and stomatal conductance (gS) decreased, and all leaf nutrient concentrations except B increased in 2019–20 with all FAM rates tested. In conclusion, our study showed that high-density planting optimizes yield under HLB-endemic conditions. In addition, supplemental soil and foliar micronutrient application do not enhance yield of HLB-affected trees over a 2-year timeframe, warranting further research for confirmation of results.

Nutrient management in wheat (Triticum aestivum) production system under conventional and zero tillage in eastern sub-Himalayan plains of India

Present study compares the impact of nutrient management along with different agronomic management practices such as conventional and zero tillage on wheat production. Nutrient Expert® (NE) decision support tool, based on the concept of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, provides nutrient recommendation to the farmers by guiding them choose the right source of fertilizer and advice the right rate, time and place or method of application. Taking due cognizance of above facts, field studies in wheat were conducted at the Instructional Farm under Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (India) for two consecutive winter seasons of 2014–2015 and 2015–2016.The study highlights that nutrient management with balanced nutrient application, as guided by NE tool, produces significantly higher yield (3.92 and 4.01 t/ha) over other treatments under both conventional (CT) and zero tillage (ZT). Within NE, the yield was significantly higher in CT (4.01 and 3.92 t/ha) over ZT (3.71 and 3.66 t/ha). While the benefit:cost ratio suggests that ZT with NE is the best management practice with holistic consideration towards productivity enhancement and reduced cost of production, significantly higher economic nitrogen use efficiency (ENUE) values in NE was due to balanced application and optimum utilization of N leading to higher grain yield. The value was lowest in Nrich plots where maximum rate of N was applied without significant yield improvement. The CT resulted in higher values of ENUE compared to ZT in the NE treatment due to higher wheat yield at similar N rates. Therefore, the nutrient dose of NE with application of N, P2O5 and K2O at 140, 32.9 and 65 kg/ha, respectively in collaboration with ZT management practice produced a yield with high productivity, good economics and better ENUE.

Optimization of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization Rates for Overseeded Perennial Ryegrass Turf on Dormant Bermudagrass in a Transitional Climate.

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf loss due to severe cold in transitional climates is a major concern. To overcome this problem, warm-season grass is often overseeded with a cool-season turfgrass. In this study, modeling and efficient nutrient management were used to evaluate this problem. A three-factor and five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with a simulation of a regression model was used to optimize fertilization rates. The study investigated the combined effects of fertilization with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) on both the morphological and physiological attributes and on the integrated turf performance (ITP) of overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Fertilization with N and P significantly increased turf height, density, color, fresh and dry weights, while N, P, and K significantly affected turf cover, quality and winter-kill. The Spring transition was delayed by fertilization with N and P, and accelerated by fertilization with K. Photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) were considerably enhanced by fertilization with N, P, and K. Protein levels and total chlorophyll levels were substantially increased by fertilization with N and P and with N, P, and K, respectively, during a 2-year period. During two separate experiments conducted during 2 consecutive years, the optimal combinations of N, P, and K were N: 30, P: 24, K: 9, and N: 30, P: 27, K: 6 g m−2. The major conclusion of this study is that a balanced nutrient application utilizing N, P, and K is key to enhancing the winter performance of perennial ryegrass.

Effects of fertilization on crop production and nutrient-supplying capacity under rice-oilseed rape rotation system

Incredible accomplishments have been achieved in agricultural production in China, but many demanding challenges for ensuring food security and environmental sustainability remain. Field experiments were conducted from 2011–2013 at three different sites, including Honghu, Shayang, and Jingzhou in China, to determine the effects of fertilization on enhancing crop productivity and indigenous nutrient-supplying capacity (INuS) in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)-rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) rotation. Four mineral fertilizer treatments (NPK, NP, NK and PK) were applied in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Crop yields were increased by 19–41% (rice) and 61–76% (rapeseed) during the two years of rice-rapeseed rotation under NPK fertilization compared to PK fertilization across the study sites. Yield responses to fertilization were ranked NPK > NP > NK > PK, illustrating that N deficiency was the most limiting condition in a rice-rapeseed rotation, followed by P and K deficiencies. The highest and lowest N, P and K accumulations were observed under NPK and PK fertilization, respectively. The INuS of the soil decreased to a significant extent and affected rice-rapeseed rotation productivity at each site under NP, NK, and PK fertilization when compared to NPK. Based on the study results, a balanced nutrient application using NPK fertilization is a key management strategy for enhancing rice-rapeseed productivity and environmental safety.

Effect of Front Line Demonstrations of Chickpea Cv. RSG-888 on Farmers’ Field in Rainfed Condition of Rajasthan, India

In the present study performance of chickpea variety (RSG-888) against local check was evaluated through front line demonstrations conducted at farmer’s field during rabi season of 2013, 2014 and 2015. A total of 56 demonstrationswere laid on 9.0 ha in 20 villages across six blocks of Pali district. Sowing was done using residual soil moisture of dry condition from second week October to first week of November every year [1]. Package of practices as developed for the region were strictly followed. Recommended seed rate i.e. 70 kgha-1 against existing farmers’ practices of using 100 kg ha-1 (local check) was broadcasted and nutrients i.e. N, P, and S in the ratio of 20:30:40 kg ha-1 were applied. The variety performed much better compared to local check (Pratap Channa) and an average grain yield of 16.7 q/ha was recorded which was 67.00% more than the local check. Straw yield also recorded an increase of 44.20% over local check. In spite of increase in yield both in grain and straw, technological and extension gaps existed which was 7.2 and 5.3 q/ha, respectively. The extension gap can be bridged by popularizing package of practices where in stress need to belaidon use of proper seed rate and balanced nutrient application. Economics of growing released high yielding variety of chickpea RSG-888 recorded a net income of Rs. 39208/, per hectare which is 83.30% more compared to net income from local check (Pratap Channa) Meena and Singh [2].

Experimental validation of a new approach for rice fertiliser recommendations across smallholder farms in China

Inappropriate fertiliser applications have caused a series of environmental problems and threaten the sustainable production of rice in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new approach, Nutrient Expert (NE), a nutrient decision support tool for rice (Oryza sativa L.). Experimental validation was carried out under field conditions from 2013 to 2015 at 211 sites in the main rice-growing regions of China. The results showed that, compared with current farmers’ fertiliser practices (FP) and soil testing (ST), the NE approach balanced nutrient application – decreased the nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) rates, and increased the phosphorus (P) rate – and improved grain yield, nutrient uptake, and fertiliser use efficiency. The NE treatment produced a 3.5–6.3% higher grain yield, 2.3–14.2% higher N, P, and K uptake in aboveground plant dry matter, and higher agronomic efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency (RE), and partial factor productivity of applied N and K, but not for P. In particular, the RE of the NE approach was greater by 12.2 and 8.4 percentage points for N, 3.7 and 2.9 percentage points for P, and 16.3 and 6.4 percentage points for K, compared with FP and ST respectively. The results obtained from field validation suggested that the NE approach could predict target yields; nutrient uptake of N, P, and K within specific ranges; and could be used as a tool to make fertiliser recommendation for rice in China.

Balanced nutrition increases yield of pearl millet under drought

Abstract Improving the climate resilience of crops is particularly important in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) where variability and uncertainty of precipitation is expected to increase under climate change with detrimental impacts on the vulnerability of livelihoods of small farm holders. This study analyses a long-term strategic experiment datasets from fifteen experiments (1981–1995) managed under different fertility levels at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru and on-farm balanced nutrition management trials (2010–2012) in Karnataka, India to evaluate the pearl millet performance in contrasting seasons with improved agronomic management. Long-term climate variability and yield trends were analyzed using ICRISAT's weather datasets. On-farm data analysis revealed that majority of farmers’ field soils were deficient in organic carbon, available phosphorous, sulphur, zinc and boron at all the locations studied. Pearl millet grain yield and above ground dry matter was improved significantly with balanced nutrient application (NPK + S + Zn + B) in farmers’ field which were critically deficient in the soil nutrients. Even in comparatively drier years, application of balanced nutrient significantly increased grain yield and aboveground dry matter which provides resilience against drought through enhanced water productivity. Long-term experiments conducted in ICRISAT showed that nitrogen application increased grain yield and above ground dry matter in pearl millet however seasonal variability had a greater effect on yield than cultivars and applied N. Pearl millet yield was positively associated with August maximum temperature and negatively with seasonal precipitation. September precipitation >125 mm which coincided with grain filling stage reduced grain yield. Benefit:cost analysis showed that balanced nutrient application of pearl millet is an economically sustainable option across the seasons. Pearl millet can be an important component of climate resilient agriculture in low production environments when managed with improved agronomic practices.

Improved nursery management further enhances the productivity of stress-tolerant rice varieties in coastal rainfed lowlands

The productivity of rice in most tropical coastal areas of Asia is low because of the predominance of several abiotic and biotic stresses, use of long duration traditional landraces or old varieties and suboptimal management practices. A combination of high-yielding, stress-tolerant rice varieties and good management practices is necessary to enhance the productivity of these areas. Suboptimal nursery management using traditional methods practiced in these areas often leads to a reduced plant population because of seedling mortality leading to poor yields. Nursery management practices that suit the new stress-tolerant varieties recently becoming available need to be developed to increase the productivity of rice. On-station and on-farm trials on nursery management were conducted using improved rice varieties to study the effect of seed density, nutrient management in the nursery, and seedling age at transplanting on grain yield. Lower seed density and application of balanced nutrients produced healthy and taller seedlings with high seedling vigor index (SVI) in the nursery and with subsequent significant increase in grain yield after transplanting in the main field. Combining inorganic and organic fertilizers in the seedbed (50–30–15kg N–P2O5–K2Oha–1+5tha–1 farm yard manures; FYM) enhanced seedling growth (dry weight, shoot and root length, number of green leaves, leaf area) and leaf nitrogen concentration. Forty-d-old seedlings produced significantly higher yield than 25-d-old seedlings. Transplanting older seedlings is important in systems without good water control, un-leveled fields, and soils affected by salt stress; and taller seedlings help avoid losses caused by floods. The highest benefit/cost ratios of 1.82, 1.72 and 1.91 were observed when transplanting 40-d-old seedlings using a seed density of 25gm−2 and with balanced nutrient application of 50–30–15kg N–P2O5–K2O+5t FYMha−1, respectively. In the on-farm trials, the yield advantages when using new stress-tolerant rice varieties Swarna-Sub1 and Amal-Mana with improved nursery management practices were 23% and 47%, in comparison with farmers’ nursery management and farmers’ variety, respectively. These cost-effective nursery management approaches have great potential for enhancing yield in stress-prone rainfed coastal areas and will help sustain rice yield while ensuring sustainability of the cropping system.

Science-led interventions in integrated watersheds to improve smallholders’ livelihoods

Existing large crop yield gaps between farmers’ fields in rainfed areas and the achievable yields are abridged through integrated watershed management during 2002-2007, while improving farmers’ livelihoods also. In addition to water shortages, emerging widespread deficiencies of multiple micro- and secondary nutrients such as sulphur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) along with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are holding back the productivity potential through inefficient utilization of limited available water. Soil test-based balanced nutrient application of deficient SBZn plus NP in fields in watersheds recorded 70 to 119% (2100kgha−1 in maize, 660kgha−1 in groundnut, 640kgha−1 in mungbean and 1070kgha−1 in sorghum) improvement in crop productivity along with additional returns varying from Rs 16,050/- to Rs 28,160/- ha−1 over the farmers’ practice (only NP). Landform management to alleviate waterlogging proved effective intervention to manage high clay Vertisols for higher soybean and groundnut productivity by 13 to 27% (340 to 350kgha−1 in soybean and 160 to 250kgha−1 in groundnut) over the farmers’ practice. However, the integrated approach of balanced nutrition and landform management plus improved cultivar was the best option in increasing sunflower productivity by 182% (1600kgha−1 in sunflower) over farmers’ management (control). Adoption of these soil-water-crop interventions in target watersheds abridged yield gaps by 12 to 96% in groundnut (160 to 1280kgha−1), 29 to 100% (240 to 1130kgha−1) in pigeonpea and 0 to 100% (0 to 1175kgha−1) in chickpea. The impact of watershed interventions was seen in farm-based activities like improved milk production and incomes. The watershed programs alleviated migration in the catchments by improving the five capitals viz. human, financial, social, physical and natural.

Effect of integrated and balanced nutrient application on soil fertility, yield and quality of Basmati rice

A field experiment was conducted for two years to investigate the effect of integrated and balanced nutrient application on soil fertility and the yields and quality of Basmati rice. The highest grain yield (16.7–18.2 q ha−1) of Basmati rice was recorded at 75% of recommended dose of N, P, K and Zn (75% RDNPKZn) level which was on a par with 75% of recommended dose of farmyard manure (75% RDFYM) in combination with 25% of recommended dose of N, P, K and Zn (25% RDNPKZn). Application of 75% RDNPKZn increased aroma score with a significant decrease in % hull and % head rice yield based on brown rice over control. Application of 45 kg N in three equal splits, 30 kg P2O5, 30 kg K2O and 37.5 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 was found to be the best to achieve higher grain yield of good quality Basmati rice with lower kernel degradation (Alkali Score) and higher aroma score; the properties which are considered to be the most important for table purposes. Multiple regression equations were developed to predict some quality parameters based on nutrient composition of index leaf (third fully opened leaf from the top at 45 d after transplanting) and grain.

Balanced fertilization in rice (Oryza sativa)groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted in farmers field of Angul district under mid-central table land zone of Odisha by involving 48 farmers during 201315, to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.)groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system to balanced nutrient application. The highest system rice-equivalent yield (REY) (10.78 t/ha) was recorded with the recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P and K @ 80, 17.5 and 33 kg) + 25 kg ZnSO /ha to rice and recommended doses of N, P and K @ (40, 17.5 and 33 kg/ha) + 4 250 kg CaSO /ha to groundnut followed by recommended NPK alone without ZnSO /CaSO (10.36 t/ha). The av- 4 4 4 erage increase in system REY of these 2 treatments was 73 and 66% over the control (6.23 t/ha) and 25 and 20% over the farmers practice (8.63 t/ha). Agronomic efficiency (AE) of N, P and K was 19.8, 29.0 and 17.2 kg REY/kg applied nutrient for ricegroundnut system. The agronomic efficiency of N increased by 49, 55 and 108% in rice groundnut system by applying the recommended quantity of N with recommended quantity of P, K and PK, re- spectively, instead of N alone. The AE of P and K increased by 40 and 34% in ricegroundnut system when the recommended quantity of P or K was applied with recommended quantity of NK or NP instead of with N alone. Ap- plication of NPK + ZnSO to rice and NPK + CaSO to succeeding groundnut recorded the highest system net re- 4 4 turns ( 63,123/ha) followed by application of recommended NPK to both the crops ( 60,509/ha). These 2 treat- ments also recorded higher nutrient uptake due to the high biomass production with application of balanced nutri- ents.