Dose Of Chemical Fertilizers Research Articles

Using Combined Nutrient Management Practices to Maximize Yields, Nutrient Uptake, and Balance for Rice-Rice Cropping Systems

An on-site experiment was carried out at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI). The objective was to assess the most appropriate blend of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the Boro-Fallow-Transplanted Aman rice cropping pattern. An experiment was carried out at the BRRI Farm in Gazipur, Bangladesh to assess rice yields, nutrient absorption, and balance. The nutrient management practices included absolute nutrient control (T1), the recommended chemical fertilizer dose by BRRI (T2), a combination of kitchen waste (3 t/ha) and 50% of the recommended BRRI fertilizer dose (T3), a combination of cow dung bio-slurry (3 t/ha) and 50% of the recommended BRRI fertilizer dose (T4), and a combination of poultry litter (3 t/ha) and 50% of the recommended BRRI fertilizer dose (T5). The practices were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications conducted over two consecutive years. The performance of Poultry litter with 50% BRRI-recommended fertilizer (T5) and BRRI-recommended fertilizer dosage (T2) has been superior in all parameters. The same approaches (T5) and (T2) demonstrated the highest absorption of nutrients by rice crops. The observed N and K balance exhibited a negative trend but with a lesser degree of negativity. Additionally, a lower level of deficit was seen in the T5 treatments. The T5 treatment exhibited a surplus of P, while other treatments showed a deficit of P. This research shows that poultry litter (3 t/ha) combined with 50% of the fertilizer suggested by BRRI is enough and acceptable for a sustainable rice yield.

Impact of effective micro-organisms (EM) on the yield, growth and bio-chemical properties of lettuce when applied to soil and leaves

BackgroundIn today’s conditions, it is not possible to eliminate chemical inputs without reducing food production. Therefore, integrated methods that reduce the negative effects of chemical inputs are needed. One of the alternatives is the use of beneficial bacteria, which can both improve the yield and quality of vegetable crops and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers. This research was carried out to test the effects of a microbial fertiliser combined with inorganic fertiliser on the growth, biochemical properties and yield of lettuce and whether the use of chemical fertilisers could be reduced. Caipira curly lettuce variety was used as plant material. The microbial fertilizer used contains 7 different microorganisms and 2 different yeasts. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: Control (T0), 100% Chemical Fertilisation (T1), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (T2), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilization (T3), 100% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (T4), Microbial Fertilisation Alone (T5), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (T6), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (T7).ResultsThe results of the research were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance at a significance level of p < 0.05, and the means were compared using the LSD test. It was observed that the microbial fertiliser did not adversely effect on the growth characteristics of lettuce and even had an ameliorative effect. The highest root dry weights were obtained in the T7, T3, T4 and T1 treatments. T7 treatment had 7.8% and 5.5% more dry weight than T1 and T4 respectively. Biochemical properties were significantly affected by treatments and it was significant that T2 and T4 had similar results. Because chemical fertilizer dose was reduced by 50% in the T2 treatment. The chemical fertiliser dose was reduced by 50% in the T2 treatment. Microbial fertiliser treatments had no negative effect on lettuce colour formation and even greener lettuces were harvested from T1, T7, T3 and T6 treatments. The highest total yield was obtained from T3 (30638.89 kg ha− 1) and T7 (30518.52 kg ha− 1). In other words, when the recommended dose of chemical fertiliser was reduced by 25%, higher yields were obtained. The yields in T3 and T7 were 6.71% and 6.29% higher than in T1, respectively. The marketable yield did not differ statistically between treatments except T0 and T5. Although there was no statistical difference, the highest numerical values belonged to the T7 (28907.41 kg ha− 1) and T3 (28814.82 kg ha− 1) treatments. In terms of marketable yield, T7 and T3 treatments gave 5.05% and 4.71% more than T1, respectively.ConclusionsIt was determined that the microbial fertiliser used had no negative effect on the lettuce crop and even had an ameliorative effect. With the use of microbial fertiliser, both chemical fertilisation was reduced and higher yield and quality values were obtained from T3 and T7 treatments compared to chemical treatment alone (T1). In addition, the ameliorative effects of the foliar application of microbial fertiliser were also noted in the T7 treatment. As a result, this study showed that the use of microbial fertiliser could increase yield and quality and save at least 25% of fertiliser.

Impact of foliar application of phyllosphere yeast strains combined with soil fertilizer application on rice growth and yield

BackgroundThe application of beneficial microbes in agriculture is gaining increasing attention as a means to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. This approach can potentially mitigate negative impacts on soil, animal, and human health, as well as decrease climate-changing factors. Among these microbes, yeast has been the least explored, particularly within the phyllosphere compartment. This study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the potential of phyllosphere yeast to improve rice yield while reducing fertilizer dosage.ResultsFrom fifty-two rice yeast phyllosphere isolates, we identified three yeast strains—Rhodotorula paludigena Y1, Pseudozyma sp. Y71, and Cryptococcus sp. Y72—that could thrive at 36 °C and possessed significant multifarious plant growth-promoting traits, enhancing rice root and shoot length upon seed inoculation. These three strains demonstrated favorable compatibility, leading to the creation of a yeast consortium. We assessed the combined effect of foliar application of this yeast consortium and individual strains with two distinct recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (RDCFs) (75 and 100%), as well as RDCFs alone (75 and 100%), in rice maintained in pot-culture and field experiments. The pot-culture experiment investigated the leaf microbial community, plant biochemicals, root and shoot length during the stem elongation, flowering, and dough phases, and yield-related parameters at harvest. The field experiment determined the actual yield. Integrated results from both experiments revealed that the yeast consortium with 75% RDCFs was more effective than the yeast consortium with 100% RDCFs, single strain applications with RDCFs (75 and 100%), and RDCFs alone (75 and 100%). Additionally, this treatment improved leaf metabolite levels compared to control rice plants.ConclusionsOverall, a 25% reduction in soil chemical fertilizers combined with yeast consortium foliar application improved rice growth, biochemicals, and yield. This study also advances the field of phyllosphere yeast research in agriculture.

Sesame Stalk Compost in Soil Revitalization and Long-term Sustainable Crop Productivity in Organic Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

ABSTRACT Resource depletion is one of the primary concerns of modern agriculture farmers, which needs to be considered for long term sustainability. To assess the effect of sesame stalk compost on the growth, yield, and quality of sesame under organic cultivation, long-term (four years) field experiments were conducted for eight seasons consecutively from 2020 to 2023. The inoculated composts collected after 90 days of composting contain N (1.45–1.50%), P (0.22–25%), K (0.23–0.25%), Fe (510–514 ppm), Zn (150–154 ppm), Cu (286–288 ppm), and Mn (540–542 ppm), which was higher than the uninoculated sesame stalk. Similarly, the humic acid content (122 mg/g of compost), fulvic acid (23–24 mg/g of compost), total humic substances (145–146 mg/g of compost), and CO2–C evolution (186–188 mg/100 g of compost) were significantly higher with microbial inoculated composts than uninoculated compost. The results of the long-term field experiment indicated that application of sesame stalk compost @ 5 t/ha significantly increased the soil organic carbon (6.30 g/kg), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (11.8 mg/ha), raised the pH to neutralize the acidic pH in red lateritic soil (6.8 to 7.2), reduced the soil bulk density (1.38 to 1.34), penetration resistance (720 kpa to 630 kpa), and available N, P, and K. As a result, the sesame grain yield obtained with application of sesame stalk compost @ 5 t/ha (778–782 kg/ha) was comparable with recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (794 kg/ha). Significant improvement in grain quality (24.2% of protein, 418–422 ppm of Ca, 12.4–12.6 ppm of Zn, 9.6 ppm of Fe and 2.6 ppm of Cu) and oil yield (364.1–367.5 kg/ha) was also observed due to the application of microbial inoculated sesame stalk compost.

Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as Organic Fertilizer on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Open-field-grown Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

Open-field-grown tomatoes in Saudi Arabia are stressed by poor soil fertility because of the low organic matter content, low nutrient availability, and high pH. Thus, high chemical fertilizer inputs are crucial for commercial production; however, they cause economic loss as well as negatively affect environmental sustainability. The use of efficient organic fertilizers would be useful for developing more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable agriculture. The current study evaluated the impact of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) frass (BSFF) fertilizer applications as organic fertilizer on postharvest fruit quality and shelf life of open-field-grown F1 hybrid ‘Sinag Tala’ tomatoes compared with those grown under control treatment (received recommended doses of chemical fertilizers for tomato production under open field conditions). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The results showed that the application of BSFF fertilizer, especially at the higher rate (5 ton/ha; BSFF3), improved the overall quality of tomato fruit. The BSFF fertilizer treatments reduced weight loss, maintained higher firmness, antioxidants [vitamin C, total phenol content (TPC) and total flavinoid (TFC)], total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA) contents, and lowered the TSS/TA ratio of fruits during shelf life compared with those of the control. The decay incidence was only detected after 9 days of shelf life and was significantly lower in all the BSFF fertilizer treatments (range, 8.40%-12.05%) than in the control (15.9%). In addition, BSFF fertilizer treatments reduced both disease incidence and severity of gray mold following pathogen inoculation during shelf life compared with those of the control. These results might be attributable to the higher antioxidants content (vitamin C, TPC, and TFC) and higher polyphenol oxidase activity in BSFF-fertilized tomatoes. In conclusion, BSFF fertilizer could be used as a potential eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve tomato fruit quality during shelf life.

Understanding how corn-yellow melilot intercropping combined with straw return increased stable organic carbon pool in Mollisols by reducing the application of chemical fertilizer

Long-term cultivation with persistent use of chemical fertilizers causes a rapid decline in organic matter content of Mollisols. But practicing intercropping along with straw return instead of the use of chemical fertilizer have the potential to reverse the decline and improve soil organic carbon (SOC) content. A field experiment with five treatments at two sites of Songnen Plain of Northeast China included the following treatments (1) corn monoculture with no chemical fertilizers and no straw return (c), (2) corn monoculture with chemical fertilizers and no straw return (c + F), (3) corn-yellow melilot intercropping and straw return combined with full application of chemical fertilizers (c&m + S + F), (4) corn-yellow melilot intercropping and straw return combined with half dose of chemical fertilizers (c&m + S + F/2), and (5) corn-yellow melilot intercropping and straw return without chemical fertilizers (c&m + S). The results showed that c&m + S + F, c + F, and c&m + S + F/2 decreased specific gravity and c&m + S + F increased water content. The c&m + S + F, c&m + S + F/2, and c&m + S improved SOC with 18.7%, 7.95%, and 8.17% (P < 0.05), respectively. The c&m + S + F and c&m + S + F/2 increased mineral-associated organic carbon, humus organic carbon, and heavy fraction organic carbon content. These findings provide a method for utilizing intercropping and straw return to replace chemical fertilizers to improve SOC and stable organic carbon content to ameliorate soil quality.

Exploring possibilities of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) production under organic management

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) was introduced as part of the Indian government's efforts to diversify and modernize agriculture in the region. Its introduction has helped J&K farmers to increase their income through higher market prices and to gain access to new markets and trade opportunities. It being a nutrient-demanding crop, farmers use high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and if consumed as salad or half-boiled in many culinary dishes, these chemicals are likely to impact the health of consumers and affect the environment. Therefore, alternative usage to these chemicals using combinations of organic inputs was aimed at producing a healthy crop of broccoli. It was concluded that the application of FYM@ 25 t/ha as a basal dose in the presence of seedling dip treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 0.5 kg/ha + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria @l kg/ha + Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria @ 750 ml/ha) along with the scheduled application of Neem oil +Baeuveria bassiana at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days of interval after disease symptoms was found superior in obtaining higher curd yield (109.57 q/ha) and seed yield (604.96 kg/ha).

Effect of Locally available Organic Manures on the Growth and Yield of Potato in Bajhang District

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the significant food crops of the high hill and mountain region of Nepal. The field experiment was conducted during the month of Feb-June, 2023 at Talkot Rural Municipality-1, Bajhang district of Nepal. In the hilly region, farmers commonly use farmyard manure (FYM) in their potato crop as compared to other organic manures like goat manure, poultry manure, compost, etc. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of locally available organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of potato var. Desiree. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five treatments viz. T1: control (without organic manure), T2: poultry manure, T3: farmyard manure, T4: goat manure, and T5: compost, and each treatment was replicated four times. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizers as recommended by government of Nepal was applied in all the treatments. There were no significant differences among the treatments on plant height and leaf number in potatoes except for the plant height at 60 days of planting. Plant height was found to be the highest in the plots treated with poultry manure followed by compost manure &amp; goat manure. Statistically, the different treatments did not show significant variation in yield. However, the highest tuber yield was obtained from compost manure followed by poultry manure, goat manure, farmyard manure, and control. Application of compost manure yielded 37.6 t/ha potato tuber which is 19.69% greater than the control which yielded 30 t/ha only. Similarly, the result concluded that the application of goat manure obtained the highest net benefit among all other organic manures in the study area.

Reduction in Chemical Fertilizer Rates by Applying Bio-Organic Fertilizer for Optimization Yield and Quality of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni

In this study, we investigated if reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer by combining it with organic fertilizer in Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (H. citrina) cultivation could improve plant growth and photosynthetic capacity and, consequently, increase yield and quality. A continuous two-year field experiment was conducted at a research farm in Zhangzhou City, China, during 2021–2022. Six fertilization levels with two locally grown H. citrina cultivars, “Taidong 6” and “Shibage”, were tested. The results showed that 100% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDF) with bio-organic fertilizer yielded superior effects in promoting both vegetative and reproductive growth in comparison to RDF alone. However, reducing the application rate of chemical fertilizers, especially by more than 40%, resulted in a significant decline in certain agronomic traits such as plant width, leaf width, and scape length. Compared to RDF, the use of 100% or 80% RDF in combination with bio-organic fertilizer significantly increased chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate as well as yield production, while excessive reductions in chemical fertilizer rate produced results that demonstrated an opposite trend. The co-application of chemical and bio-organic fertilizer enhanced the contents of soluble sugar and lowered total acidity, whereas excessive chemical fertilizer reduction decreased vitamin C, total flavonoids, and soluble protein levels. Utilizing radar chart analysis for a comprehensive assessment of yield and quality demonstrates that the application of bio-organic fertilizer with 80% RDF could be a better field fertilization regime for H. citrina cultivation.

Halophilic microbial formulations for improving crop productivity and soil health under saline Vertisols of Gujarat

A study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at research farm of ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bharuch, Gujarat to find out the effect of various halophilic microbial formulations in combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on winter (rabi) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity under saline Vertisols. Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 5 treatments, viz. T1 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers); T2 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF; T3 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-Azo inoculation; T4 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-PSB inoculation; and T5 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Mix of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB inoculation, replicated thrice. Results showed that application of different halophilic microbial formulations like Halo-Azo (Azotobacter sp. and Bacillus sp.) and Halo-PSB (consortia of Eneterobacter and Brevibacterium sp.) with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), provided at par yield with full dose (120 : 60 : 00; N : P : K kg/ha) of fertilizers, thus able to reduce 25% chemical fertilizer dose. Halo-Azo formulation performed better for improving crop yield as compared to Halo-PSB formulation. Combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF performed the best and provided significantly higher grain yield (2.75 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Single and combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF also improved soil health parameters and significant results, i.e. declined EC (2.46 dS/m) and pH (7.33), improved organic carbon (0.69%) and nutrient availability (available N: 299.8 kg/ha and P: 28.7 kg/ha) were obtained. Results showed that integration of halophilic microbial formulations with organics and chemical fertilizers was able to improve wheat yield up to 15% than conventional farming under saline Vertisols of Gujarat.

Long-term management of rice agroecosystem towards climate change mitigation

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recognize to agriculture the responsibility for about 15 % of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to global warming. The increasing nutrient inputs in industrial agriculture affect the GHG concentration in the atmosphere and varies substantially due to rate and type of fertilizers applied to the crops, making the management more or less sustainable. In this perspective, this study has investigated at small scale the effect of different adjusted agricultural management practices, based on different nutrient dosage, to optimize the effect of rice cropping systems on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Farmyard manure (FYM), rice stubbles and Azolla integrated with chemical fertilizers have been correlated with microbial and enzymatic activities, and with different carbon and nitrogen fractions in acid Inceptisol. Results have revealed that the integrated nutrient management used in rice-rice agroecosystem yielded a peak for CO2 and CH4 emissions, whereas two peaks for N2O emission. This study has shown an increase in greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) and grain yield of rice in the following order: rice stubbles > FYM > Azolla and it has confirmed CH4 emission as the dominant contributor to GHGI from the rice-rice agroecosystem. When analyzed together GHGs emission and soil properties, a positive correlation was found with biological properties as well as with the different carbon and nitrogen fractions in soil. The highest GHGI has been highlighted in the treatment where recommended dose of chemical fertilizers has been combined with rice stubbles, primarily due to the increase in CH4 emissions. In contrast, the lowest GHGI has been exhibited in Azolla treated plot, probably due to the cumulative effects of the photosynthetic rate of Azolla, the release of oxygen from the Azolla roots, and the physical protection capacity of the Azolla cover, which partially avoid the CH4 diffusion from the standing water. The seasonality did not affect the estimated rates of GHGI that have been lower both in case of winter and autumn rice compared to previous studies, probably for dissimilarities in management practices. Further research is required in other cropping sequences for addressing the ecological contribution of smallholder agriculture to help reducing GHG emissions, thus, mitigating global warming with actions at local scale.

Knowledge Level of Farmers on Utilization of Biofertilizers in Annamayya District of Andhra Pradesh

Indian agriculture has changed since the green revolution era. The major thrust of the green revolution is to ensure maximizing food grain production through a package of practices, ensuring assured irrigation and applying higher doses of chemical fertilizers to tap the potential of high-yielding varieties. Biofertilizers are safer for soil health as well as for the ecosystem. Biofertilizers are defined as preparations containing living cells or latent cells of efficient strains of microorganisms that help crop plants uptake nutrients by their interactions in the rhizosphere when applied through seed or soil. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge level of farmers on utilizing biofertilizers in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 60 farmers were purposively selected for the study. Ex-post-facto research design was followed. Data were collected with the help of an interview schedule, and the collected data were analyzed with the help of statistical measures like frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results of the study revealed that 88.33 of respondents were using biofertilizers without mixing with chemical fertilizers, 80.00 of respondents have knowledge on the expiry date of powder form of biofertilizers, regarding source of availability, 66.66 reported that they avail biofertilizers from research stations, 61.66 per cent of respondents have knowledge on Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) among the type of biofertilizers used. The major constraints faced by the respondents in utilizing the biofertilizers were Lack of separate marketing facilities for crops produced using biofertilizers (71.66%) and Non-availability of biofertilizers locally at times when needed (66.67%) and suggestions were Provision of better marketing facilities for crops produced using biofertilizers (86.66%) and Biofertilizers should be available in time at local level (76.66%).

Role of plant growth promoting fungi and doses of chemical fertilizers in improving agronomic response for sustainable wheat crop production

Plant growth promoting fungi PGPF is considered a major biological technique that results in significant plant growth and yield. Use of high doses of chemical fertilizers increased cost of crop production and environmental pollution. PGPF could be a reliable alternative to reduce application of agrochemicals such as chemical fertilizers in modern agriculture. The present study evaluated the role of these fungi with chemical fertilizer of DAP applied through different doses in agronomic response of production of 2 varieties of Wheat (Ibaa99 and Rasheed) at 2 agricultural seasons 2019-2020-2021. Field plots conducted during 2019-2020 cropping season, to evaluate the role of adding fungal isolate called PGPF-AT with doses of DAP were (0, 50 and 100%) in 0, 120 and 240 Kg ha-1 respectively, compared with (Commercial Biofertilizer) called Natrusoil as positive control on wheat var. Ibaa99 to improve growth and yield attributes. The study was repeated in the 2020-2021 cropping seasons with var. Rasheed (to discover a variety of effects and confirm results). The results revealed that treatment PGPF-AT was exerted a highly significant increase without differences between doses of DAP 120, and 240 Kg ha-1 compared to untreated plots for both Ibaa 99 and Rasheed varieties attributes: no. of plants m-2, plant height (cm), plant dry weight (g), no. of tillers plant-1, no. of spike plant-1, spike length (cm), spike weight (g), no. of seeds spike-1, weight of 100 grain (g) and grain yield Kg m-2 in addition to fertilizer use efficiency (Kg Kg-1) in both cropping seasons.

Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles enhanced compost with different application methods on nutrient uptake and Grain Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) Var. Inpari 32

A pot experiment using a randomized block design was conducted to test the effect of ZnO-nanoparticles enhanced compost (ZnONEC) with different application methods on nutrient uptake and grain yield of rice var. Inpari 32. The treatment tested was ZnO-NEC with various concentrations (50, 100 and 150 mg.kg-1) with direct soil and foliar application methods compared with control and inorganic fertilizer treatments. All treatments using ZnO-NEC fertilizer received 50% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer. The results showed that the application of ZnO-NEC 100-150 mg.kg-1 with foliar application had leaf greenness levels (SPAD Value) and N uptake that were the same as the use of inorganic fertilizer and significantly increased the uptake of P, K and Zn compared to the use of inorganic fertilizer. The ZnO-NEC 50 mg.kg-1 with direct soil application ZnO-NEC 100 and 150 mg.kg-1 with foliar application had the same high grain yield per hill as the inorganic treatment. These treatments had an average percentage of empty grains (9.14%) and grain moisture content of 27.10%, which was lower compared to the control and inorganic treatments. These findings provide new insight into the potential for using the technology of ZnO-nanoparticles enhanced compost to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

Influence of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Yield and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

The present experiment was laid out at research farm of R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.) during Kharif season of 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and each treatment replicated three times. The Blackgram (cv. Pratap -1) was sowing with a seed rate of 15 kg ha-1 and with a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizer viz. 20:40:20 kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O, respectively was applied to the crop. Results revealed that foliar spray application of nutrient shows significant effect on yield and yield attributes. Treatment T7 (2% Spray of DAP + 0.5% Spray of ZnSO4 at pre-flowering and pod initiation stage) found higher for yield and yield attributes i.e. number of pods/plant (13.67), number of seeds/pods (6.15), seed index (4.76 g), seed yield/plant (2.21 g), seed yield/plot (836 g), seed yield/ha (786 kg), straw yield (1730 kg/ha), biological yield (2516 kg/ha), harvest index (31.21 %). While, minimum values found with T1 (Water spray at pre-flowering stage and pod initiation stage).

Impact of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Economics of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

The present experiment was laid out at research farm of R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.) during Kharif season of 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and each treatment replicated three times. The Blackgram (cv. Pratap -1) was sowing with a seed rate of 15 kg ha-1 and with a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizer viz. 20:40:20 kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O, respectively was applied to the crop. Results revealed that foliar spray application of nutrient shows significant effect on yield economics. Treatment T7 (2% Spray of DAP + 0.5% Spray of ZnSO4 at pre-flowering and pod initiation stage) found higher for yield and yield attributes i.e. grain yield (0.836 kg/plot and 7.86 q/ha respectively), straw yield (17.30q/ha), biological yield (25.16 q/ha), harvest index (31.21 %), gross return (₹ 62550 ha-1), net return ((₹ 36491 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.40). While, minimum values found with T1 (Water spray at pre-flowering stage and pod initiation stage).

Evaluation of e-vermicompost for tomato production

Vermicompost has a plethora of benefits that restores nutrient, stabilizes soil, and enhances soil fertility. The experiment was conducted at farmers’ field of Mymensingh and Jamalpur to evaluate the effect of e-vermicompost on tomato production during October 2019 to March 2020. There were five fertilizer treatments combination (T1: RCF-Recommended fertilizer (N120 P35 K70 S15 Zn2 B0.5), T2: 85 % RCF+3 t ha-1 vermicompost, T3: 85% RCF+1 t ha-1 e-vermicompost, T4: 70% RCF+3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost and T5: 70% RCF+1 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The fresh tomato fruits were harvested in three times. The fresh weight of tomato at Mymensingh ranged from 53.3 to 68.5 t ha-1 with the highest yield of 68.5 t ha-1 from the treatment T2 (85% RCF + 3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). At Jamalpur, the yield ranged from 50.4 to 65.3 t ha-1 and the highest yield of 65.3 t ha-1 was recorded also from the treatment T2 (85% RCF+3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The lowest yield was obtained from the treatment T5 in both locations. The percent fresh yield increased over control (T1), was 24.5 and 18.3% in Mymensingh and Jamalpur, respectively. The highest gross margin was Tk. 762,225/-, which was obtained from the treatment T2 (85% RCF+3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The highest MBCR 2.80 (average of two locations) was obtained from the same treatment T2 (85% RCF+1 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The results indicates that the application of e-vermicompost along with 85% recommended dose of chemical fertilizer is more profitable than the application of chemical fertilizer alone. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 31-40, 2023

Influence of Pre-sowing Seed Treatments with Botanical and Organics on Yield Attributing Traits and Seedling Parameters of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L) Variety: RGC1066

The current global scenario firmly emphasizes the need to enhance eco-friendly agriculture practices for sustainable agriculture. Chemical agriculture has made an adverse impact of the health care of not only soil but also the beneficial soil microbial communities and the plants cultivated in these soil. This eventually has led to a high demand of botanical and organic produce by the present day health conscious society and periodic attempts are being made by farmers all over the world to depollute. Application of heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are being used by the farmers to get a better yield of various agricultural crops. These chemical fertilizers and pesticides decrease soil fertility and cause health problems to the consumers. The new approaches to the use of botanical and organic amendments in farming have proven to be effective means of improving soil structure, enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop yields. Botanical and organics play vital roles in increasing soil fertility and increasing yield. The study was designed to check the response of botanical and organics on yield and seedling quality parameters such as field emergence percent, plant height (30, 60, 90 DAS), days to 50% flowering, number branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, days to maturity, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot, harvest index, germination percentage, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling fresh weight, seedling growth rate, root: shoot ratio, seed metabolic efficiency, mobilization efficiency, vigour index-I, vigour index-II, electrical conductivity. For this experiment the seeds of RGC1066 variety collected from department of genetics and plant breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during 2021-2022, to find out the influence of pre-sowing seed treatments with botanical and organics, seeds treated with panchagavya, beejamruth, jeevamruth, neem leaf extract and vermiwash at different concentrations viz 2, 3, 5, and 10% for 12hours along with control (no treatment). It is found that all treatments showed improved performance than untreated seeds, but it was observed that seeds treated with panchagavya@10% for 12 hours performed better in comparison to other treatments. This study can be helpful to reach new horizons of research in the field of sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation and seed technology to overcome the germination problem and improve crop growth and yield eventually.

Effect of Biochar on Growth and Yield of Yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata) Under Salinity Stress

One of the most popular vegetables worldwide is the yard long bean. Salinity is a significant environmental problem that causes lower yields in vegetable crop. Application of biochar is a crucial manure management practice that can be used to increase yard long bean production under saline conditions. An experiment was conducted at the research field of the Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh during the period from 1st March to 2nd June of 2022 to determine the potential of biochar on the growth and yield performance of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) under salinity stress. The experiment consisted three treatments with two levels of biochar and each replicated three times following randomized complete block design. The treatment combinations were T0= no biochar +recommended doses of chemical fertilizer (RDF), T1= biochar (3 t ha-1) +RDF, T2= biochar (6 t ha-1) + RDF respectively. The tallest plant height (33.33 cm), minimum days of flowering (29.33 days), highest chlorophyll content (63.43), maximum number of leaf (61.43) and pod (56.33) per plant, highest pod weight (17.70 g), pod length (31.77 cm), pod diameter (0.98 cm), maximum number of seeds (13.67) per pod and also yield hectare (5.49 t) were found from T2 = biochar (6 t ha-1) + RDF under the soil with 0.1 M salinity stress, whereas lowest data was found from control T0= no biochar + RDF under the soil with 0.1 M salinity stress . The findings of experiment indicated that the application of biochar at the level of 6 t ha-1+ RDF enhanced the growth and yield performance of yard long bean under salinity stress.

Effect of Vermicompost, Biofertilizers and in Organic Fertilizers on Nutrient Uptake and Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: A Case Study of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field trial was conducted during Rabi 2020-21 in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments comprising individual and combined application of various organic and inorganic nutrient sources at Research Farm, MMU Sadopur (Ambala), Haryana. The experiment was intended to evaluate the effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers applied in chickpea on nutrient uptake and physico-chemical properties of soil pH (8.24). The highest organic carbon (0.58%), electrical conductivity (0.51 dS m-1), particle density (2.50 g/cm3) and porosity (48.47%) along with maximum available N (126.5 kg ha-1), P (23.2 kg/ha) and K (98.33 kg/ha) were observed in the treatment of T6 i.e., 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. Similarly, the nutrient content (N, P and K) was maximum in seed and stover of chickpea harvested from the plots receiving 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB, which was statistically at par with T7 i.e., 2.5 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. The highest net return was recorded in plots treated with 50% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) + Rhizobium + PSB and 75% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB with a benefit cost ratio (B: C) of 3.2 and 3.1, respectively. However, the seed yield in integrated nutrient management was comparable to recommended dose of chemical fertilizers