Clay Loam Texture Research Articles

Effect of weed management practices under irrigated condition growth and yield of field pea (Pisum sativum L)

Field pea (Pisum sativum L) crop was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of B. H. U. Varanasi, during rabi season of 2010-11. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with 10 weed control treatments viz., pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 (PE), pendimethalin 1.0 kg (PE) + imazethapyr 75 g ha-1 (PoE), quizalofop- ethyl 60 g ha-1 (PoE), quizalofop- ethyl 50 g ha-1 (PoE), imazethapyr 75 g ha-1 (PoE), imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (PoE), chlorimuron- ethyl 4 g ha-1 (PPI), pendimethalin 1kg ha-1 (PE) + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (PoE) and weed free (HW at 30 and 60 DAS) were compared with weedy check and two irrigation were given to crop at critical stages of crop growth. The soil of experimental field application recommended dose of fertilizer at the time of sowing and soil sandy clay loam in texture, with slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.8). Field pea variety HUDP-15 was sown at row spacing of 30 cm apart on 11 November 2010. The observation on weed density and weed dry matter accumulations were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 DAS. Weed control efficiency was calculated at maximum weed dry weight stage (60 DAS) of crop growth. Among herbicidal treatments, sequential application of pendimethalin 1kg ha-1 (PE) + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (PoE) was proved to be the most effective in reducing the weed density and dry weight. It also recorded maximum weed control efficiency and lower weed index. The Observation on plant height, and yield attributes viz., pods plant-1, grains pod-1, seed index (100-grain weight), grain and straw yield. The crop growth, yield attribute, grain and straw yield, were maximum in pendimethalin 1kg ha-1 (PE) + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (PoE) treated plot followed by pendimethalin 1kg ha-1 (PE) + imazethapyr 75 g ha-1 (PoE) and quizalofop- ethyl 60 g ha-1 (PoE).

Effect of rice and wheat varieties on rice equivalent yield, system productivity and nutrient uptake under organic farming in Jharkhand

Globally organic farming is well known and appreciated. Due to continuous use of synthetic fertilizers, the harmful elements enter into the food web and ultimately cause health hazard not only to human beings but also have a detrimental effect on environment. In this regard the demand for organic produce is gaining momentum for safe and healthy food. The present study explains the “Effect of rice and wheat varieties on rice equivalent yield, system productivity and nutrient uptake under organic farming in Jharkhand”. A field experiment was conducted at research farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand with an objective to evaluate yield and nutrient uptake of rice and wheat varieties which are influenced by organic farming. The soil of experimental plot was sandy clay loam in texture having average carbon (6.16 Kg/ha), nitrogen (254.78 kg/ha), phosphorous (39.59 Kg/ha) and potassium (208.26 Kg/ha) with soil pH 6.04. Field experiments were carried out using randomized block design replicated thrice involving twelve treatments with twelve varieties. Rice varieties are: T1: Birsa vikas Dhan 203, T2: Birsa Dhan 201, T3 : Birsa vikas Sugandha 1, T4 : B.V.D 110, T5: Sahbhagi, T6: Birsamati, T7: Anjali, T8: Lalat, T9: M.T.U. 1010, T10: Akshay, T11: Pusa Sugandha and T12: Naveen. Whereas, wheat varieties are : Raj 4250, GW 366, NW 2036, K 0307, K 9107, HI 1563, Raj 4229, DBW 14, WR 544, BG 3, HD 2733 and DBW 39. Results showed: both the grain yield (40.22 kg/ha) and straw yield (62.96 kg/ha) of rice were maximum in MTU 1010. Likewise, the grain yield (31.56 kg/ha) and straw yield (45.78 kg/ha) of wheat were maximum in K 0307 and Raj 4229 respectively. The best rice equivalent yield of wheat was found maximum (33.19 q/ha) in B.V.D. 110-K 0307 cropping system, both the system productivity (66.52 Rs./ha) and system production efficiency (28.18 kg/ha/day) were highest in MTU 10101-WR 544 rice-wheat cropping system. Highest nutrient uptake in grain (N-53.33 kg/ha, P-11.31 kg/ha and K-10.20 kg/ha) and in straw (N-37.77 kg/ha, P-7.42 kg/ha and K-71.53 kg/ha) were observed in MTU 1010 rice variety. K0307 recorded highest nutrient uptake in wheat grain (N-47.93 kg/ha, P-8.74 kg/ha and K-10.06 kg/ha), however nutrient uptake in wheat straw (N-24.41 kg/ha, P-6.84 kg/ha and K- 38.40 kg/ha) was obtained maximum in Raj 4229.

Growth and production of cowpea beans under potassium doses in soil of cerrado in Amapá, Brazil.

The cowpea bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], a legume of great socioeconomic importance, it was previously cultivated exclusively for subsistence and commercial purposes, especially in the North and Northeast regions. This crop has a low production cost and high nutritional value, in addition to a high potential for productivity growth and expansion to other regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate parameters of growth and production in cowpea culture, as a function of potassium fertilization in soil of the cerrado of Amapá. The parameters of growth and production of the cowpea culture were evaluated, as a function of potassium fertilization in the soil of the cerrado of Amapá. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications, in a 5x2 factorial scheme, totaling 40 experimental units, which were composed of plastic pots containing 7 dm3 of soil collected from the arable layer (0-20 cm ) of a typical Hyperdystrophic Yellow Argisol, with a sandy clay loam texture, in a cerrado area in the municipality of Porto Grande-AP. The factors consisted of the control treatment (without K), four doses of K (45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1) in the form of potassium chloride, and two cowpea cultivars (Pretinho and BRS Tumucumaque). The cultivar BRS Tumucumaque shows better growth and production of cowpea plants. Doses of 90 kg ha-1 provided greater height (98.75 cm) and stem diameter (10.0 mm). As for production, the dose of 135 kg ha-1 caused greater grain weight gain (5.25 g) and dry mass of pods (13.92 g), and the doses of 90 and 180 kg ha-1 induced greater number and length of pods (3.16 pods) respectively. These results show better responsiveness of the BRS Tumucumaque cultivar at doses of 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1 in the type of soil where the study was conducted.

Resource-use efficiency of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as influenced by tillage and residue management under temperate Kashmir valley, India

A field experiment on resource-use efficiency of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as influenced by tillage and residue management under temperate Kashmir valley was conducted at Faculty of Agriculture, Shere- Kashmir university of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Wadura during kharif 2018. The site of the experiment was ideal for common beans due to its silty clay loam texture that provided a medium level of soil organic carbon and readily available primary nutrients. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (factorial) comprising of four type of tillage systems namely conventional (CT), rotary (RT), minimum (MT), and zero tillage (ZT) as the first factor. Two residue management practices, i.e., no residue (NR) and application of brown sarson residue (SR) were supplemented to all the tillage treatment as the second factor. The results revealed that seed yield in zero tillage was comparable to conventional tillage. Seed yield and biological yield was also increased in residue application. Resource use efficiency like nutrient-use efficiency and irrigation water-use efficiency was significantly higher with rotary tillage followed by conventional tillage. Contrary to nutrient use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency, energy-use efficiency was significantly higher with zero tillage and rotary tillage irrespective of residue management. Residue application also increased the resource use efficiency of common bean. The effect of zero tillage and residue application on resource-use efficiency would advance after some extended period of the treatment application.

Assessment of Micronutrient Content and Strategies for Improvement of Micronutrient Status in the Soils of Bhandara Tehsil, Maharashtra, India

The study was undertaken to determine the available micro-nutrient status of the Bhandara tehsil of Maharashtra with the help of GPS-based one hundred-and-five soil samples during the period of 2021-2022 from paddy growing fields. Samples were analyzed at the Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The results revealed that soils were clay loam to sandy clay loam in texture. The study area was slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and non-saline in reaction. The mean values of 0.42 mg kg-1, 5.44 mg kg-1, 6.39 mg kg-1, 0.98 mg kg-1, and 0.90 mg kg-1 for Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B respectively, were recorded. The soil nutrient index values showed that available Zn was low; available Fe was moderate; available Mn and B were moderately high; and available Cu was high. The farmers of the study area mostly adopt improper nutrient management practices which might have resulted in poor fertility status in the area. Taking these things into consideration, a data-driven Decision Support System (DSS) on micronutrient management in soil has been given. To address this problem, farmers of Bhandara tehsil may use micronutrient fertilizers or implement soil management practices that promote the uptake and availability of micronutrients to plants.

Performance of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) under Different Levels of Phosphorus and Potassium in Combination with Biofertilizers

A field experiment entitled “Performance of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) under different levels of phosphorus and potassium in combination with biofertilizers” was conducted at crop research farm of Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, during kharif 2018. The soil of the experimental field was clay loam in texture, neutral in reaction (pH = 6.9), low in available nitrogen, low in available phosphorus, medium in available potassium and medium in organic carbon. The experiment was laid in RBD design having nine treatments and three replications. The observation revealed that grain yield (10.57 qha-1), straw yield (18.94 qha-1), yield attributes was high with the application of RDF (30N+60P2O5+30K2O) kg ha-1 + seed inoculation with PSB and KSB than other treatments. The RDF+ seed inoculation with PSB and KSB recorded 15.89% high grain yield than RDF (30N+60P2O5+30K2O) kg ha-1. B:C was also recorded more with application of RDF + seed inoculation with PSB and KSB (2.99) and was followed by RDF + seed inoculation with PSB (2.62) whereas lowest benefit cost ration was recorded with control treatment (2.24).

The Uptake of Essential Mineral Elements by Endemic Salvia absconditiflora (Greuter & Burdet) Growing in Natural Habitats

This study was conducted to determine the uptake of essential mineral elements by endemic Salvia absconditiflora species growing in the natural habitats of Kırşehir province and its dependence on some physical and chemical properties of soil. The plant and soil samples were collected from 10 different locations. It was found that in the collected plants, K concentration was inadequate (0.344%), Fe had an excessive amount (541.853 mg kg-1), while Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg and Ca concentrations were adequate (6.154 mg kg-1, 32.610 mg kg-1, 43.395 mg kg-1, 0.507% and 3.650%). The soils had sandy clay loam texture, slight alkaline reaction (pH=7.92), an average amount of organic matter (3.06%), high amount of calcareous (35.61%) and low amount of soluble salts. It was also determined that soils had adequate K, Ca and Mg concentrations and 80% of the soil samples had inadequate level of P. Since Cu concentration was adequate in terms of microelement stock, concentrations of Zn were inadequate (0.292 mg kg-1). It was found that Salvia absconditiflora plant had the ability to grow in the soil with inadequate Zn and Mn.

ADUBAÇÃO COM BORO E ZINCO NO CULTIVO DE MILHO EM NEOSSOLO LITÓLICO DISTRÓFICO

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of soil application of different boron (B) rates to the soil, with and without application of zinc (Zn), on growth, production components, and grain yield of maize crops grown in a Lithic Quartzipsamment with low B and Zn contents. A randomized block experimental design was used, in a 6×2 factorial arrangement corresponding to six B rates (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kg ha-1), with and without application of Zn (2.0 kg ha-1), applied to the soil at sowing, with four replications. Growth variables (stem diameter and plant height), and chlorophyll SPAD index were evaluated at the R1 phenological stage. Maize ear length, one-thousand grain weight, and grain yield, and the B maximum efficiency rate were evaluated at the R6 phenological stage. Application of B and Zn to the soil increases maize grain yield in soils with sandy clay loam texture and low B and Zn contents; the plant absorption and metabolism indicated synergism between these elements when using soil applications of 1.0 kg ha-1 of B combined with 2.0 kg ha-1 of Zn to the planting furrows. The rates with maximum technical efficiency for grain yield were 3.29 and 4.31 kg of B ha-1 in treatments without and with application of Zn, respectively.

Effect of Rice Establishment Methods and Nutrient Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Rice Research Farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand,during Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019 to find out the effect of rice establishment methods and nutrientmanagement practices on growth, yield and economics of rice. The experiment was laid out in split plotdesign replicated thrice with rice variety Naveen as test crop. The treatments comprised of three differentrice establishment methods viz., normal transplanting, wet direct seeding using drum seeder and aerobicrice assigned to main plots and five nutrient management practices viz., RDF( 80:40:20 kg NPK/ha), 75%RDF + 25% N through FYM (60:30:15 kg NPK/ha + 20 kg N through FYM), RDF + 25% N through FYM(80:40:20 kg NPK/ha + 20 kg N through FYM) , LCC based nitrogen application and control (No fertilizer)assigned to sub plots. The soil was clay loam in texture and slightly acidic in reaction (6.2) having 4.3 g/kgorganic carbon, 230.00 kg/ha available soil nitrogen, 36.80 kg/ha available phosphorous, 161.20 kg/ha ofavailable potassium. Results revealed that wet direct seeding of rice using drum seeder recorded maximumgrain (42.19 q/ha) and straw yield (65.22 q/ha) which was comparable with transplanting method butwere significantly superior to aerobic rice. Among the nutrient management practices, application of RDF+ 25% N through FYM produced maximum grain (46.33 q/ha) and straw yield (71.53 q/ha) which wassignificantly better than rest of the treatments except LCC based N application. Among the differentestablishment methods, wet direct seeding of rice using drum seeder recorded maximum net return (58337`/ha) which was significantly higher than other establishment methods. The B:C ratio was also maximumwith wet direct seeding using drum seeder (2.00) which was statistically at par with aerobic rice (1.93).Among the nutrient management practices, LCC based N application gave the highest net return (64030 `/ha) and B:C ratio (2.28).

A CASE STUDY OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHERRY (Prunus serotina), ORCHARD SOILS AND FRUIT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF BALTISTAN REGION

This study had been conducted in north eastern area of Pakistan, Baltistan region constituting the larger portion of Kashmir region. Which is one of the moist zone of the western Himalayas. While growing fruit point of view the land is suitable for fruit like apples, plum, cherry and apricot production. Climatically Baltistan region soils have recognized as best for quality cherry production. However, limited information is available about the existing soil fertility status and fruit quality of cherry orchards. Soil fertility evaluation is a key factor towards sustainable fruit production of cherry orchard soils. Improvement of soil productivity and fruit quality depends on the knowledge of the soil fertility. Therefore, study was designed to investigate the soil fertility status of cherry orchards of District Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ganache. Soil samples were evaluated for pH, EC, Organic matter, Texture, N, P, K, and micronutrients. While leaf and fruits samples were analyzed for N, P, K and pH, TSS, TA, Ascorbic acid, and Sugar contents respectively. Results revealed that the soil samples were slightly alkaline and non-saline sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture with adequate organic matter ranging from 1.19-2.15%, Low to marginal (NO3-N), low extractable P, and marginal to adequate K with high micronutrients concentrations (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn). While leaf samples showed marginal to high N, low P, and K and sufficient to high micronutrients. The parameters of fruit samples were in the optimum range with a yield of 5-50 Kgplant-1.

Ethnopedological knowledge and scientific assessment of earthenware pottery-making soils of southern Botswana for natural resource management

Earthenware pottery making, a major occupation among rural dwellers in southern Botswana, has been one of the mainstay of their economy for centuries. Consequently, local potters have classified their pottery-making soils based on indigenous knowledge with no verifiable scientific support. This study explores information on the criteria used by indigenous potters in classifying pottery-making soils in southern Botswana. It also presents results on pedological parameters of the soils. Routine laboratory procedures were used to measure properties of two representative pedons. Three properties, namely colour, texture (clayeyness) and plasticity are the major factors used in classifying pottery-making soils in Botswana. Two soils were identified: seloko se se hibidu (red clay) and seloko se se sweu (white clay) as the soils used for pottery. With the exception of texture, data on scientific analysis are consistent with indigenous soil classification system. The soils had sandy clay loam texture with clay contents ranging from 25.3 to 31.8 %, while sand dominates with over 50 % composition in the two pedons. The soils have mixed clay mineralogical assemblage consisting of sepiolite, smectite, kaolinite, illite, mica and montmorillonite and vermiculite. The coefficient of linear extensibility (COLErod) of the soils are high to very high (0.10 – 0.18), implying the dorminance of 2:1 clay minerals. As the depth increased, the soil colour became more reddish (LT1; 10YR 5/3 > 10R 7/3 and LT2: 10YR 8/2 > 10R 8/2 > 10R 7/4 > 10R 7/4). Overall, the geochemical molecular ratios points to slow pedogenic processes including hydrolysis, leaching, salinization and calcification in the soils. Data on the pedological properties of the pottery-making soils would find enormous application in sustainable management of the soil resources.

Spatial Distribution of Nutrients in Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, CCS HAU Hisar, Haryana

Mapping the spatial variability of soil fertility by employing Geographic Information System (GIS) provides an elicit information for current and future use. To know the fertility status of the research farm, sixty four surface soil samples were collected to evaluate the spatial distribution of nutrients. The soils of the study area were sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture and slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline (7.40-8.20) in reaction and non-saline (0.19-0.86 dS m-1) in nature. Organic carbon was recorded high to low and varied from 0.22-0.82 percent. The soils of the research farm were low in available nitrogen (112-161 kg ha-1), high to medium in available phosphorus (10-22 kg ha-1) and high to medium in available potassium (170-538 kg ha-1). The diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable micronutrients (Zinc, Copper and Manganese) status was found moderate to sufficient except Iron, which was found in moderate to deficient category (4.30-12.56 mg kg-1). Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium showed high variation as indicated by coefficient of variance values (142.58, 16.63 and 10380.04, respectively). Organic carbon (0.02), zinc (0.07), iron (6.28), copper (0.19) and manganese (2.25) showed small variation as indicated by low variance. Organic carbon was significantly correlated with nitrogen and potassium suggesting synergistic effect. All the soils were low in available nitrogen that’s why application of nitrogenous fertilizers is necessary to ameliorate nutrient deficiency and enhance crop production. The spatial variability maps of nutrients provide an insight of fertility status of the area and this will help in easy monitoring of precision fertilizer management.

Calibration of an Arduino-based low-cost capacitive soil moisture sensor for smart agriculture

Abstract Agriculture faces several challenges to use the available resources in a more environmentally sustainable manner. One of the most significant is to develop sustainable water management. The modern Internet of Things (IoT) techniques with real-time data collection and visualisation can play an important role in monitoring the readily available moisture in the soil. An automated Arduino-based low-cost capacitive soil moisture sensor has been calibrated and developed for data acquisition. A sensor- and soil-specific calibration was performed for the soil moisture sensors (SKU:SEN0193 - DFROBOT, Shanghai, China). A Repeatability and Reproducibility study was conducted by range of mean methods on clay loam, sandy loam and silt loam soil textures. The calibration process was based on the data provided by the capacitive sensors and the continuously and parallelly measured soil moisture content by the thermogravimetric method. It can be stated that the response of the sensors to changes in soil moisture differs from each other, which was also greatly influenced by different soil textures. Therefore, the calibration according to soil texture was required to ensure adequate measurement accuracy. After the calibration, it was found that a polynomial calibration function (R2 ≥ 0.89) was the most appropriate way for modelling the behaviour of the sensors at different soil textures.

Plant Growth Analysis of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) as Affected by Application of Different Organic Nutrient Sources Under System of Rice Intensification

Field experiments were conducted for four consecutive Kharif season of 2017-2020 at Organic Farming Research Centre, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, located at 320 66' North latitude and 740 79' East longitude with an altitude of 356 meters above mean sea level in the Shiwalik foothills of North-Western Himalayas. The mean annual rainfall of the experimental site is 1198.2mm of which 70-75% rainfall is received from June to September. The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction, medium in organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium but low in available nitrogen. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The experiment consisted of 05 (five) organic nutrients sources treatments with two crop establishment methods. The results showed that there were maximum plant growth characters of organic Basmati 370 like plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, root length, number of roots, root volume, biological yield etc after using vermicompost @ 3.0 t ha-1 followed by FYM @ 8 t ha-1 under SRI method. In addition, SRI method was found to be effective in reducing pest and disease incidence, shortening crop rotations and improving plant conditions. It was found from the study that among the various treatments of organic nutrient sources, the highest (132.13 q/ha) biological yield of basmati 370 was recorded with the application of vermicompost @ 3t/ha which was statistically at par the application of FYM @ 8t/ha (130.20q/ha) respectively under SRI method.

The Effect of Sheep Wool Fertilizer on Some Biochemical Properties of a Clay Loam Soil

ABSTRACT Soil is an essential element in sustainable agriculture. Improving soil properties and increasing soil fertility can be achieved by increasing the organic matter content of soils. Organic fertilizers are important in eliminating the negativity of the insufficiency of this component of soil. For this purpose, the study was carried out to determine the effect of manure made from sheep wool on some biochemical properties of soil with clay loam texture. Sheep wool manure (SWM) was added to the soil at rates of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 t da−1. Pepper was grown and some biochemical analyses were done after the harvest. According to the results of the research, pH, salinity, organic matter content, potassium (K), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) concentrations of the soils increased. The contents of other elements [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu)] did not change in the study. In addition, the effects of sheep wool manure applied in increasing doses on some biological properties of the soil [urease (UEA), dehydrogenase (DEA), acid (ACPEA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALPEA), catalase (CEA) and arylsulfatase enzyme activity (ARSEA), basal soil respiration (BSR)] were statistically significant (p < .01). As the dose of sheep wool manure increases, the aeration of the soil and the water-holding capacity increase.

Effect of Organic Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Green Gram, Pigeon Pea and Sunflower under Rainfed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2021 at Gungal (around 43 km from Hyderabad) Research Farm of ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India. The soil was Sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction, low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and medium in available potassium. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three treatment combinations viz., Organic (recommended 100% N equivalent FYM), Integrated (recommended 25% N equivalent FYM + 75% N and 100% P and K through chemical fertilizers) and Control (recommended 100 % NPK through chemical fertilizer) replicated nine times. Based on the results, it was found that the growth, yield attributes, yield, and economics with respect to all the three crops viz., green gram, pigeon pea and sunflower were significantly higher with organic treatment which was followed by integrated treatment and control.

Innovation in traditional organic nutrient management practices for better soil health and higher productivity of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.)

This study was conducted at Medicinal Plants Research and Development Centre (MRDC) of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, India, to examine the effect of Jeevamrit (Bioenhancer) on soil health and herbage yield of brahmi crop (var. CIM- Jagriti) and to optimise its rate of application. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design (RBD), replicated trice. The experimental soil was sandy clay loam in texture, neutral in reaction, having pH 6.9, medium in organic carbon (0.64%), low in available nitrogen (180.78 kg ha-1) and medium in both available phosphorus (20.14 kg ha-1) and potassium (200.64 kg ha-1). Jeevamrit enhances soil nutrient content, improve bulk density and biodiversity by increasing beneficial soil microbes which mineralise the nutrients present in soil and increase their availability. Jeevamrit 4000 l ha-1 can be used as a nutrient source in place of chemical fertilisers and expensive bulky organic manures under organic nutrient management.

Evaluating the Irrigation Regimes and Fertigation Schedule of Red Gram (Co (Rg) - 7) under Drip Irrigation System

Red gram occupies a unique position in Indian agriculture by constituting the regular protein supplier to the average Indian diet. Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of different irrigation regimes of drip irrigation on red gram under two different of methods sowing viz., dibbling and transplanting condition during Kharif seasons of 2013 and 2014 at AICRP on Irrigation Water management Research block, Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai. The experimental soil is clay loam in texture with low N, medium P and K content. The treatments consistst of drip irrigation at three pan evaporation ratios (40, 60 and 80 per cent PE) under two different methods of planting (dibbling and transplanting) with surface irrigation with conventional sowing and transplanting (Totally two) as a control. The study was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with thrice replication. The Recommended Dose Fertilizer (RDF) followed was 25:50:25 kg’s NPK /ha and soil application of sulphur as basal @ 20 kg /ha was common to all the treatments. Fertigation was scheduled once in a week from 15 to 90 DAS. Seedlings were raised in protrays and Poly bag single: 6x4” (200 \(\mu\) ) planted at 28 days (Second crop). The lateral spacing was followed was 1.5 m. The results revealed that conventional sowing (dippling) under drip irrigation with 60 percent PE and fertigation of recommended dose of fertilizer recorded significantly higher growth, yield attributes and yield. This treatment was on par with transplanting of red gram under drip irrigation at same irrigation level recommended dose of fertilizer. However, higher net income and B: C ratio was registered in conventional sowing under drip irrigation due to cost involved in raising nursery and transplanting. The conventional sowing under drip irrigation recorded water saving of 21 per cent and transplanting under irrigation recorded water saving of 36 per cent. The highest water use efficiency was observed in drip irrigation at 40 per cent PE level.

Effect of Organic Manures, Sulphur and Foliar Application of Micronutrients (Zinc and Boron) on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was performed on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)” variety NRCHB-101 at Agricultural college, PJTSAU, Polasa, Jagtial, during spring 2021-2022. The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam in texture. The present research work was tested in randomized block design with 11 treatments comprising of different nutrient management practices i.e. T1: Control, T2: 100% NPK @60-40-40 NPK Kg ha-1, T3: 100% NPKS @60-40-40-40 NPKS Kg ha-1, T4: 100% NPK+ Vermicompost @2.5 t ha-1, T5: 100% NPK+ FYM @5 t ha-1, T6: 100% NPK+ Foliar spray of 0.5% Zinc-EDTA at flower initiation and at 50% flowering, T7: 100% NPKS + Foliar spray of 0.5% Zinc-EDTA at flower initiation and at 50% flowering, T8: 100% NPK + Foliar spray of 0.2% Boric acid at flower initiation and at 50% flowering, T9: 100% NPKS + Foliar spray of 0.2% Boric acid at flower initiation and at 50% flowering, T10: 100% NPK+ Foliar spray of 0.5% Zinc-EDTA and 0.2% Boric acid at flower initiation and at 50% flowering and T11: 100% NPKS+ Foliar spray of 0.5% Zinc-EDTA and 0.2% Boric acid at flower initiation and at 50% flowering. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height (174 cm), Leaf area index (LAI) (2.94), No. of primary branches plant-1 (10), No. of secondary branches plant-1 (19.3) dry matter accumulation (4260 kg ha-1) No. of siliquae plant-1 (189.33), seeds siliqua-1 (16.13), test weight (5.97 g), seed yield (1271 kg ha-1) and stover yield (3141 kg ha-1) with the application of 100% NPKS along with foliar spray of 0.5% Zinc-EDTA and 0.2% Boric acid at flower initiation and at 50% flowering.

Site-Specific Management Zones Delineation Based on Apparent Soil Electrical Conductivity in Two Contrasting Fields of Southern Brazil

Management practices that aim to increase the profitability of agricultural production with minimal environmental impact must consider within-field soil variability, and this site-specific management can be addressed by precision agriculture (PA). Thus, this work aimed to investigate which key soil attributes are distinguishable management zones (MZ) delineated based on the soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa), using fuzzy k-means, in two fields with contrasting soil textures in southern Brazil. For this, a grid scheme (50 × 50 m) was applied to measure ECa, conduct soil sampling for analysis, and determine soybean yield. The MZ were delineated based on the ECa spatial distribution, and statistical non-parametric tests (p &lt; 0.05) were employed to compare the soil chemical and physical attributes among MZ. The management zones were able to distinguish the average values of Clay, Silt, pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, SB, Al3+, H+ + Al3+, AS%, and BS%. In the field classified as sandy clay loam texture, management zones were able to differentiate the average values of soybean yield, Clay, Ca2+, Mg2+, SB, and CEC. Thus, this study supports the ECa as an efficient tool for delineating MZ of contrasting cropland soils in southern Brazil to understand the within-field soil variability and adjust the inputs according.