Combination Of Farmyard Manure Research Articles

Effect of integrated nitrogen management on growth, yield and yield attributing characters of wheat (Triticumaestlvum L.) in salt affected soil

The present field studies investigated the effect of integrated use of inorganic N and organic sources (Farm Yard Manure, press mud and water hyacinth) on wheat (Tritium aestium L.) crop in salt affected soils. The experiment was carriedout on silt loam soil at instructional form of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology,Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. The result showed that maximum plant height, spikes m-2, spike length, grains per spike, test weight, grain and straw yield ofwheat recorded in treatment T7 (U-N60+PM-N60) whereas, the values of harvest index were recorded in the treatment T4 U-N60+ FYM-N60) during both the years. However, combinations of Farm Yard Manure and water hyacinth with chemical fertilizers were at par at identical ratio.

Soil organic carbon sequestration and mitigation potential in a rice cropland in Bangladesh – a modelling approach

An increase in the storage of carbon (C) in soil by changing management practices can help to mitigate climate change and increase soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the best management options for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An ecosystem model DayCent was tested for two rice (Oryza sativa L.) experimental sites in Bangladesh. The sites are under different management practices and we first tested the models ability to simulate SOC turnover, and then estimated the potential for SOC sequestration by comparing change in SOC for each management scenario with baseline management (current farmers’ practices) including conventional tillage, 5% residue incorporation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Predicted yield was also compared at both sites to ensure that yield was not compromised by mitigation measures. A control treatment was tested at both sites. At site 1, two other treatments of mineral N fertilizer, and combination of farmyard manure (FYM) and N were tested in a double rice based crop rotation. At site 2, a treatment receiving cowdung (CD) application, and a combination of CD and N were tested in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-rice based crop rotation. The DayCent model was able to simulate SOC increase from the double rice test sites under unfertilized conditions, considering additional N and C sources in the simulations. Assuming N fertilizer (180 kg N ha−1 yr−1) application for site 1, and CD application (25 t ha−1 yr−1) for site 2, respectively, as the baseline, four single, and one integrated, scenarios were implemented in the model to predict SOC and yield at both sites. Two additional scenarios with alternate wet and drying (AWD) as a single treatment, and as part of an integrated approach, were also tested for their mitigation potential at site 1. The highest simulated positive impact on SOC development (60% higher than that of the baseline) was observed at site 1 when FYM was used in place of mineral N fertilizer. As there is a yield penalty associated with the use of only FYM, integrated approaches might show more promise, such as inclusion of 15% residue return, reduced tillage, less mineral N fertilizer, FYM addition, with or without AWD. This approach increases SOC by up to 23% while keeping the yield stable (nearly 3.5 t ha−1). The application of CD only as determined for baseline of site 2, gives a yield of about 1.8 t ha−1 yr−1. In contrast nearly two times more yield was obtained under the scenario associated with integrated management which also increases SOC by 30% relative to the baseline at the second site. Net GHG emissions, including nitrous oxide and methane emissions were estimated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tier 1 methods, and country specific emission factors (where available), suggests that the integrated management scenario can reduce the net GHG emissions from 0.58-0.82 t carbon dioxide (CO2)-eq. ha−1 yr−1 (equivalent to 0.16-0.24 t Ceq. ha−1 yr−1) at site 2, while a net reduction in GHGs of nearly 1.00 t CO2-eq. ha−1 yr−1 (equivalent to 0.27 t Ceq. ha−1 yr−1) at site 1 was only achieved if AWD was also implemented with the integrated management scenario. Future studies could attempt to model non-CO2 GHGs with a dynamic model.

Integrated use of NPK fertilizer with FYM influences growth, floral attributes, soil fertility and nutrient uptake of gladiolus in an Inceptisol of semi-arid tropics

Various combinations of farmyard manure (FYM), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) wereevaluated to optimize their levels for growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Gladiolus hybridus Hort. cv. Trader Horn grown under open field conditions. The field trials were conducted during two cropping seasons (2013–14 & 2014–15) in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of three levelsof FYM (0, 5 and 10 t ha−1); four levels, each of N (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha−1), P and K (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha−1), respectively. The results showed substantial improvement in morphological and floral characteristics ofgladiolus with increasing levels of FYM and NPK dosage. The nutrient consortium, FYM 10 t ha−1 and 300, 120 and 120 kg NPK ha−1 (T1) were found to be most effective in enhancing plant height (142.0 cm), number of leaves(8.9), spike length (115.1 cm), rachis length (72.0 cm), florets per spike (17.4) and spike yield m−2 (19.1). Theseexperiments also showed that balanced application of N, P and K significantly promoted the soil fertility andplant nutrient uptake.

Integration of Fertilizer Nitrogen, Farmyard Manure and Multi-strain Microorganisms for Sustainable Production of Rice-Wheat System

Use of high rates of commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizers over the years has resulted in adverse effects on soil and environment health. Integrated use of fertilizer N and organic N sources is expected to reduce the N losses and improve N use efficiency. The present field experiment was conducted for two years to evaluate the effects of commercially available multi-strain inoculant ‘Fertimine’ and farmyard manure (FYM) applied at variable rates of fertilizer N on the nutrition of rice-wheat system. Four treatment combinations of FYM (15 t ha-1, fresh weight) and fertimine were applied to main-plots and four N levels to sub-plots in factorial split-plot design. In the absence of fertimine and FYM, significant increase in rice yield was observed up to 120 kg N ha-1 during first season and 80 kg N ha-1 during second season. The application of FYM and fertimine significantly increased mean grain yield of rice by 12 and 5 per cent over no FYM and fertimine, respectively. Significant interaction effect of fertimine and fertilizer N observed on rice grain yield suggested that fertimine significantly increased the rice yield at low rates of fertilizer N. While fertilizer N and FYM caused significant increase in the total uptake of N, P and K in rice, fertimine showed significant increase in total P uptake only. The FYM applied to rice showed significant residual effect on the yield and total N, P and K uptake in the subsequent wheat. Application of FYM significantly improved the soil chemical and biological properties after two cycles of rice-wheat rotation.

Sensitivity of Labile Soil Organic Carbon Pools to Long-Term Fertilizer, Straw and Manure Management in Rice-Wheat System

Labile soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, estimated through chemical fractionation techniques, are considered sensitive indicators of management-induced changes in quality and composition of soil organic matter. Although the impacts of organic manure and crop residue applications on C sequestration in rice-wheat system are fairly well documented, their influence on labile SOC pools is relatively less known. Impacts of organic manure, rice straw, and inorganic fertilizer nitrogen (N) applications on soil total organic carbon (TOC) and SOC pools including water-extractable organic C (WEOC), hot water-soluble organic C (HWOC), potassium permanganate-oxidizable organic C (KMnO4-C), microbial biomass C (MBC), mineralizable organic C (Cmin), and the oxidizable fractions of decreasing oxidizability (easily-oxidizable, oxidizable, and weakly-oxidizable) were investigated in an 11-year field experiment under rice-wheat system. The field experiment included treatments of different combinations of farmyard manure, rice straw, and fertilizer N application rates, with C inputs estimated to be in the range from 23 to 127 Mg ha−1. After 11 years of experiment, WEOC, HWOC, and KMnO4-C were 0.32%–0.50%, 2.2%–3.3%, and 15.0%–20.6% of TOC, respectively. The easily-oxidizable, oxidizable, and weakly-oxidizable fractions were 43%–57%, 22%–27%, and 10%–19% of TOC, respectively. The applications of farmyard manure and rice straw improved WEOC, HWOC, KMnO4-C, easily-oxidizable fraction, Cmin, and MBC, though the rates of change varied considerably from –14% to 145% and –11% to 83% of TOC, respectively. At the C input levels between 29 and 78 Mg C ha−1 during the 11-year period, the greatest increase was observed in WEOC and the minimum in KMnO4-C. Water-extractable organic C exhibited a relatively greater sensitivity to management than TOC, suggesting that it may be used as a sensitive indicator of management-induced changes in soil organic matter under rice-wheat system. All the other labile SOC pools exhibited almost the same sensitivity to management as TOC. Most of the SOC pools investigated were positively correlated to each other though their amounts differed considerably. Long-term applications of farmyard manure and rice straw resulted in build-up of not only the labile but also the recalcitrant pool of SOC, emphasizing the need for continued application of organic amendments for permanence of the accrued C under the experimental conditions.

Agronomy of sugarbeet cultivation-A review

Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), generally considered as a crop of temperate region, is spreading to subtropical countries where it can be grown successfully during winter season. It is having growth period of about half of sugarcane but productivity per unit time is higher and requires less water than sugarcane. Many environmental and agronomic factors influence sugar beet yield and quality. Thus to harness maximum benefits from sugarbeet, there is need to select the most appropriate varieties, planting time, planting methods, planting density, sowing depth, providing adequate crop nutrition and irrigation schedule. For successful production of sugarbeet under subtropical environmental conditions there is need to evaluate the performance of different varieties under subtropical Indian conditions. Planting dates has a vital role for germination, growth, yield and root quality of sugarbeet plants. Sugarbeet emerge faster when air and soil temperature ranges between 15-25°C, thus sowing date should be adjusted accordingly to coincide with given range of temperature. Performance of the crop is likely to be greatly influenced by method of sowing, plant density and depth of sowing. Better growth and higher yields can be achieved by two-rows-bed planting technique, plant density of 12 plants m-2 and at the 1.25 and 2.5 cm planting depths. Proper combinations of farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers should be worked out to derive the best possible advantage of inputs. Under Punjab conditions sugarbeet responded up to 120 kg/ha of nitrogen on high organic carbon loam soil testing high in available N. Potassium fertilizers increase both leaf number and length as well as chlorophyll content. Both sources of potassium i.e. KCl and K2SO4 had a positive effect on sugarbeet growth and development. Crop yields can suffer from either under or over irrigation. Irrigation scheduled at 75 and 50 mm evaporation produced the highest yield of sugarbeet.

Effect of Organic Manures and Amendments on Quality Attributes and Shelf Life of Banana cv. Grand Naine

Of late growing awareness on health makes consumer more concerned for food quality and safety. In banana Total soluble solids, acidity and sugar content mostly determine the degree of acceptability of fruit. An experiment was conducted during 2010-11 with 12 different treatment combinations of Farmyard manure, Vermicompost, Neem cake, Wood ash and green manures (organic sources) along with and without microbial inoculants (Arbuscular mycorrhizae, Azospirllium, Phosphate solubilising bacteria and Trichoderma harzianum) comparison with inorganic sources alone on quality attributes and shelf life of banana cv. Grand Naine (AAA). Results revealed that the treatment T10 (Farmyard manure @ 10 kg + Neem cake @ 1.25 kg + Vermicompost @ 5 kg and Wood ash @ 1.75 kg /plant + Triple green manuring with sunhemp + Double intercropping of Cow pea + biofertilizers viz., Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae @ 25 g, Azospirillum @ 50 g, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria @ 50 g and Trichoderma harzianum @ 50 g/plant) registered the maximum quality attributes (TSS – 23.23%, Acidity – 0.82%, Ascorbic acid – 12.92 mg. 100 g -1, Non-reducing and Total sugars - 6.06 and 14.92%) besides enhancing the shelf life of banana (14.03 days) and reduced physiological loss in weight (7.44%).

Residual influence of organic materials, crop residues, and biofertilizers on performance of succeeding mung bean in an organic rice-based cropping system

Background: The present investigation was undertaken to assess the residual influence of organic materials and biofertilizers applied to rice and wheat on yield, nutrient status, and economics of succeeding mung bean in an organic cropping system. The field experiments were carried out on the research farm of IARI, New Delhi during crop cycles of 2006 to 2007 and 2007 to 2008 to study the effects of residual organic manures, crop residues, and biofertilizers applied to rice and wheat on the performance of succeeding mung bean. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of six combinations of different residual organic materials, and biofertilizers included residual farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) applied on nitrogen basis at 60 kg ha �1 to each rice and wheat crops, FYM + wheat and rice residues at 6 t ha �1 and mung bean residue at 3 t ha �1 in succeeding crops (CR), VC + CR, FYM + CR + biofertilizers (B), VC + CR + B, and control (no fertilizer applied). For biofertilizers, cellulolytic culture, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and Rhizobium applied in mung bean. Results: Incorporation of crop residue significantly increased the grain yield of mung bean over residual of FYM and VC by 25.5% and 26.5%, respectively. The combinations of FYM + CR + B and VC + RR + B resulted in the highest increase growth and yield attributing characters of mung bean and increased grain yield of mung bean over the control by 47% and net return by 27%. Conclusions: The present study thus indicate that a combination of FYM + CR + B and VC + CR + B were economical for the nutrient need of mung bean in organic farming of rice-based cropping system.

ORGANIC SOURCE INDUCED SILICA ON LEAF FOLDER, STEM BORER AND GALL MIDGE POPULATION AND RICE YIELD

ABSTRACT Experiments were carried out in field conditions to analyse the effect of induced resistance on certain major pests of rice viz., leaf folder, stem borer and gall midge. The population of these insects were assessed at regular intervals on plants imposed with treatments including neem cake (NC),farm yard manure (FYM), Azospirillum (Azos), phosphobacterium (Phos), Silicate Solublising Bacteria (SSB) and lignite fly ash(LFA).The results revealed that the combination of FYM, three biofertilizers, lignite fly ash and neem cake applied in splits significantly reduced the incidence leaf folder (76.69%), stem borer (58.66 ) and gall midge (66.81%) as compared to NPK applied as inorganic form. The insect population was correlated with silica content and it was analysed in the leaf sheath and laminae of plants treated with organic sources of nutrients. As the age of the plant increased, silica content proportionately increased in the plants. There was significant difference in silica content on 45 and 60 DAT among treatments. The treatment viz., application of three biofertilizers, lignite fly ash along with FYM and neem cake either as basal (7.8%) or in splits recorded high silica content (8.10 %) as compared to other treatments.It was found that the occurrence of these major insects was negatively correlated with silica content. Correlation values between silica and insects were -0.789 for leaf folder, -0.930 for stem borer and -0.958 for gall midge. The main cause for the death of insects due to fly ash application was wearing of mandibles and main feeding organs of insects which resulted in functionless mandibles so that the insects of paddy die without food. Further, the incidence of major insects was negatively correlated with yield. Application of organic sources of nutritions significantly increased the rice grain yield. The treatment with biofertilizers, lignite fly ash, FYM and neem cake in splits recorded significantly higher grain yield (5.49 t/ha) which was on a par with NPK applied plots (5.38 t/ha).and the per cent increase in yield over NPK was 2%.It is concluded that application of organic sources of nutrition reduced the incidence of leaf folder, stem borer and gall midge and increased the yield in rice.

The role of organic vs. inorganic fertilizers in reducing phytoavailability of heavy metals in a wastewater-irrigated area

Long-term use of industrial and domestic wastewater for irrigation leads to accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and consequently in the edible portion of the plants. This study examined the role of fertilizers in reducing the heavy metal availability in the soil, and subsequent uptake in Beta vulgaris L. (var. All green). The effects of organic fertilizer as farmyard manure (FYM), commercial inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) and a combination of FYM + N were compared with control having no fertilization on physico-chemical properties of the soil and heavy metal concentrations in the soil and plants. Soil treatments led to changes in the physico-chemical properties of the soil, modifying the phytoavailability of heavy metals. Phytoavailabilty of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cr was lowest in FYM- and highest in NPK- treated soil, compared to the untreated control. The yield of B. vulgaris was also highest in FYM-treated soil. As the application of FYM alone and in combination with N resulted in reduced heavy metal uptake and better yield, it may be considered an easy and cost-effective technique for reducing the levels of contamination in food crops.

Manurial value of byproducts of bio-diesel feed stocks on finger millet grain and dry fodder productivity

A replicated field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Madenur located in Hassan District, Karnataka in rainy season during 2007 to assess the manurial value of by-products of bio-diesel feed stocks-pongamia and neem oil seed cakes vis-à-vis conventional plant nutrients sources (combination of farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers) on the grain and fodder productivity of finger millet, the staple food cereal of southern Karnataka. Grain and dry fodder productivity of finger millet crop grown using pongamia and neem seedoil cakes is comparable to that grown using conventional plant nutrient sources. Application of plant nutrients only through pongamia and neem seed oil cakes resulted in higher available soil Nitrogen, Potassium and Organic Carbon contents.

Effect of organic and inorganic phosphate fertilizers and their combination on maize yield and phosphorus availability in a Yellow Earth in Myanmar

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint for crop production in many parts of the world including Myanmar and field research into management of P fertilizers and P responsiveness of crops on infertile soils has been limited. The purpose of this study is to determine maize yield response to different forms of P fertilizers on an acidic (pH 4.9) P deficient (Olsen-P 8 mg kg−1) Yellow Earth (Acrisol) in Southern Shan State, Myanmar and to establish relationships between soil Olsen-P test values (0.5 M sodium bicarbonate extracted P) and maize yield. Field experiments were conducted during two cropping seasons. There were 15 treatments in total: P was applied at seven rates of a soluble P fertilizer as Triple superphosphate (TSP) (0–120 kg P ha−1) to establish a P response curve; one rate of a partially soluble P fertilizer (Chinese partially acidulated phosphate rock, CPAPR) and two organic P fertilizers (farmyard manure (FYM) and Tithonia diversifolia) at 20 kg P ha−1; combination of TSP and CPAPR at 20 kg P ha−1 with FYM and Tithonia at 20 kg P ha−1; an additional treatment (TSP 20 kg P ha−1 plus 2.5 t ha−1 dolomite) for assessing the liming effect of a local dolomite. In Year 1, applications of TSP at 40–60 kg P ha−1 produced near maximum grain yields, whereas in Year 2 this could be achieved with a reapplication of 20–30 kg P ha−1 on top of the residual value of the Year 1 application. In both years, CPAPR, TSP and Tithonia at 20 kg P ha−1 significantly increased maize grain yield, but FYM failed to increase grain yield. In Year 1, CPAPR and TSP effects on grain yield were higher than that of Tithonia but in Year 2 the effects were same for all these three treatments. In both years the combination of FYM (20 kg P ha−1) with TSP (20 kg P ha−1) produced significantly higher grain yield than TSP at 20 kg P ha−1 whereas 40 kg P ha−1 of TSP application did not significantly increase grain yield over the TSP application at 20 kg P ha−1. Similar results were obtained when half the P applied as CPAPR was substituted with P from Tithonia and FMP during the first year. The combined data from the two years experiment suggests that 90% of maximum maize grain yields can be obtained by raising the Olsen-P to 30–35 mg P ha−1 soil at the silking stage of growth. Olsen-P for the treatments at silking in Year 1 was: Control < FYM, Tithonia < TSP, CPAPR and in Year 2 was: Control < FYM < Tithonia < TSP, CPAPR. The results showed that for a long-term approach, repeated annual applications of Tithonia can be considered as a potential P source for improving soil P status in P deficient Yellow Earths.

Effect of application of organic amendments on quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in the semi-arid tropics

Annual forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is an important fodder for animals in Sudan. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Sudan, to characterise the quality dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and digestibility of CP and NDF and mineral composition (TN, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and Mo) of forage Sorghum after incorporation of organic amendments. Treatments were 87.6 kg N ha−1 in form of urea, 3073 kg chicken manure ha−1, 11,680 kg farmyard manure ha−1 and a combination of farmyard manure and chicken manure at a rate of 7376 kg ha−1 and a control and were arranged in a randomised complete block design with four replications. Results showed that organic amendments significantly produced similar forage DM yield and CP content as inorganic fertilizer. Also, amendments significantly decreased and increased NDF contents and their respective digestibilities. Similarly, contents of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S and trace elements were significantly higher with the application of organic fertilizers. This study generally concluded that in both seasons, incorporation of organic amendments improved mineral content of forage sorghum compared to inorganic fertilizers and with almost similar digestibility.

Profitability of Kale and Tomato Production Under Different Soil Fertility Replenishment Technologies in Western Kenya

ABSTRACT A structured questionnaire was administered to 160 farmers from the Kakamega and Vihiga districts of Western Kenya using a purposive random sampling technique to assess the profitability of different soil fertility management strategies for kale and tomato production systems. Different soil fertility amendment technologies including the use of manure, chemical fertilizer and biomass materials, alone and in combination, were compared. Use of farm yard manure alone was considered as a baseline strategy to show the extra costs and returns incurred by farmers if they decided to invest in additional technologies for kale and tomato production. Partial budgets were constructed in order to analyze marginal changes that occur in benefits and costs due to the introduction of improved technology. Kale production was found to be most profitable when grown using a combination of manure and chemical fertilizer to replenish soil fertility. This combination (manure and chemical fertilizer) also yielded the highest marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1,758% in kale production. In the case of tomato production, the most profitable system is farm yard manure, chemical fertilizer and Tithonia diversifolia biomass transfer, which gave a net return of US$256 per year per hectare. This shows that it was profitable to shift from use of farm yard manure to a combination of farm yard manure, chemical fertilizer and Tithonia diversifolia biomass transfer. The study thus shows that it is profitable for the farmers to combine farm yard manure and any other soil fertility replenishment strategy in both kale and tomato production. The study thus recommends the need for the farmers to be encouraged to use available and relatively cheap soil fertility replenishment technologies. Further, there is need for the farmers to propagate the Tithonia diversifolia plant on their farms.

AGGEZI AND KORONEIKI OLIVE TREES AS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC AND BIO – FERTILIZERS, CALCIUM CITRATE AND POTASSEINE

The present study was carried out in an olive orchard at 6th of October city, Giza Governorate, Egypt during 2002 and 2003 growing seasons on “Aggezi” and “Koroneiki” olive cultivars for table and oil purposes, respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of organic farmyard manure (FYM), compost (COM) manure and biofertilizers (Bio) as the combination between phosphorene and nitrobeine, calcium citrate (Cac) and potasseine (K). Besides, the fertilization program adopted in the farm [N (750g/tree), P2O5 (600g/tree) & K2O (500g/tree)] was used as control. The results revealed that, the application of different aforemen-tioned treatments increased significantly shoot growth (length and diameter, number of leaves shoot and area/leaf) compared to the control in both cultivars (Aggezi and Koroneiki) during the two growing seasons. In this concern, the application of FYM+Cac influenced significantly shoot length & diameter, number of leaves/shoot and area/leaf of Koroneiki cv. and shoot diameter of Aggezi cv. Meantime the area /leaf of both cvs.increased when fertilized by FYM+COM+Cac. Whereas, the com-bination of FYM, COM, Cac, Bio, and K improved significantly blooming charac-teristics (number of flowers/inflorescence, inflorescence length and perfect flowers %) of Aggezi and Koroneiki olive cvs. However, number of fruits/shoot and yield of both cultivars increased significantly when treated by the combination of organic and biofertilizers, especially FYM+COM+Bio. Moreover, pulp/seed ratio was in-creased when treated with FYM+Bio (especially in 1st season). In addition, Koro-neiki cv. when provided with FYM+COM+Bio treatment produced the richest fruits in their oil content. Aggezi cv. trees when fertilized with the combination of organic manure & calcium, gave higher contents of chlorophyll (A), (B) & total chlorophyll, however, in Koroneiki cv. chlorophyll B didn't affect. Eventually, nutrient elements (NPK) contents didn't take a definite trend except for N which was affected signifi-cantly with the different combinations, while P & K in Aggezi leaves were influ-enced by FYM only. On the other hand, Koroneiki trees treated with COM+Bio had the highest leaf N content. Leaf P content was positively affected by FYM+Cac in 2002 and FYM+COM+Bio in 2003. Meantime, FYM+K followed by COM+Bio in-duced the highest stimulative effect on leaf K content.

Attaining Sustainable Farm Management Systems in Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya: Few Technical Options, Many Policy Challenges

Soils in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) are fragile, low in fertility and susceptible to erosion and leaching. To address these problems, activities were implemented in 1998–2003 to identify current problems, and design, test, implement, demonstrate and disseminate improved, integrated soil fertility management techniques. Current soil fertility management results in slightly negative nutrient balances, especially for phosphorus and potassium. Recycling of nutrients through crop residues and animal manure is inefficient, with evidently high losses. Due to the relatively high price of fertilisers and the high risks of crop failure, use of mineral fertilisers is restricted to market-oriented farms with access to irrigation facilities. Of the total farm household population, 35–85% lives below the poverty line. Applying higher rates of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and/or fertilisers is unattractive and risky. Combinations of FYM and fertilisers give better financial returns than either of the two alone. Where irrigation is available, farmers adopt innovative farming systems that include higher application of mineral and organic fertilisers, and result in higher and more stable yields and higher financial returns. A set of specific policy measures for the semi-arid areas were identified to arrive at necessary changes in the economic environment, leading to a wider range of financially attractive technology options for smallholders.

Relative effect of organic and conventional farming on growth, yield and grain quality of scented rice and soil fertility1: Relative wirkung von organischem und konventionellem ackerbau auf wachstum, ertrag und kornqualität von reis und auf die bodenqualität

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of the crop year 2001 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the comparative effects of organic and conventional farming on scented rice. Grain yield of rice increased significantly with increasing rate of fertilizer application only up to 60 kg N + 13 kg P + 17 kg K ha − 1. The effect of 10 t ha − 1 farmyard manure (FYM) was found to be similar to 60 kg N + 13 kg P + 17 kg K ha − 1, whereas the effect of Sesbania green manuring (SGM) was similar to 120 kg N + 26 kg P + 34 kg K ha − 1. Inoculation of BGA (Blue green algae) with FYM or SGM had no additional advantage over FYM or SGM alone. The highest yield (5.2 t/ha) of rice was obtained when FYM + SGM + BGA + PSB (Pseudomonas striata) were applied together. The yield obtained with this combination was significantly more than that obtained with 180 kg N + 39 kg P + 51 kg K ha − 1. A similar trend was observed in N, P, and K uptake of rice. Inorganic nutrients had no significant effect on grain quality parameters like head rice recovery (HRR), kernel length (KL), kernel breadth (KB) and KL : KB ratio, whereas organic manures and biofertilizers resulted in an increase in HRR, KL and KL : KB ratio. A combination of FYM + SGM + BGA + PSB also resulted in highest organic C and available N content in soil and thus holds a promise for sustainable production.

Effect of different combinations of organic materials and biofertilizers on productivity, grain quality and economics in organic farming of basmati rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during crop year of 2006 and 2007 to find out a suitable combination of organic materials and biofertilizers for organic farming of basmati rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with six replications. Treatments consisted of seven combinations of different organic materials and biofertilizers [control, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), FYM + wheat residue (WR), VC + WR, FYM + WR + biofertilizers (B) and VC + WR + B. FYM and VC were applied on nitrogen basis @ 60 kg/ha, whereas WR was applied at 6 t/ha. For biofertilizers, blue green algae, cellulolytic culture and phosphorus solubilising bacteria were used. Application of FYM or VC signifi- cantly increased growth parameters and yield attributes of rice over control which led to 23-34% increase in grain yield and 14-18 % increase in net profit but had no significant effect on grain quality of basmati rice. Combination of FYM + WR or VC + WR resulted in higher increase in growth and yield attributing characters of rice than FYM or VC alone and increased grain yield over control by 38-49% and net profit by 25-31%. The combinations of FYM + WR + B and VC + WR + B resulted in highest increase growth and yield attributing characters of rice and in- creased grain yield of basmati rice over control by 51-58%, and net return by 37-47%. These combinations were significantly superior to all other combinations in all the growth and yield parameters, yield, net profit and grain quality of basmati rice and thus hold a great promise in organic farming of basmati rice.

Nutrient management in pearlmillet (Pennisetzcm glaucum) under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season of 1996, 1997 and 1998 on sandy-loam soil of Gwalior, to determine the productivity and profitability from pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz] with the application of N both in presence or absence of farmyard manure (FYM). Response to N application was observed up to 40 kg Nlha. However, combination of FYM and nitrogen Q 2.5 tonneslha with 20 kg Nlha was found statistically at par with 40 kg Nlha alone in terms of yield, and proved better in respect of net income and benefit : cost ratio. Maximum seed yield, stover yield, net income and benefit : cost ratio were obtained with 5.0 tonnes FYM + 40 kg Nlha and the treatment proved better than 2.5 tonneslha + 20 kg Nlha.

Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics under continuous cultivation as influenced by farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers in the savanna of northern Nigeria

Changes in the carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) status of a savanna Alfisol under continuous cultivation complemented with farmyard manure and inorganic fertilization for 45 years were determined. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of farmyard manure (D), N + P and N + P + K fertilizers and their combinations on soil quality under continuous cultivation. Six field plots from the long-term DNPK experiment at Samaru were sampled for the study: D, N + P, N + P + K, D + N + P, D + N + P + K fertilized plots, a control plot with no fertilization and a native site soil. Continuous cultivation caused significant losses of C, N and P. The N + P or N + P + K fertilization could not mitigate these losses. Losses of N and P were mainly in organic forms. However, combination of farmyard manure with N + P and N + P + K fertilization enabled C, N and P to be maintained equal to, or greater than, the native site soil. It was concluded that farmyard manure applied alone, or in combination with N + P or N + P + K fertilization, was effective in maintaining soil quality under continuous cultivation in the savanna. In contrast, continuous inorganic fertilization was deleterious to soil quality because of depletion of organic matter, the reservoir of plant available N and P in weathered, tropical soils.