Component Crops Research Articles

Substitutive Effects of Upland Rice and Soybean Plant Populations on the Performance of the Component Crops in Intercropping System

Substitutive Effects of Upland Rice and Soybean Plant Populations on the Performance of the Component Crops in Intercropping System

Different Rates of N:P:K Fertilizer Effect on the Growth, Yield and Productivity of Component Crops in Upland Rice-Soybean Intercropping System

Different Rates of N:P:K Fertilizer Effect on the Growth, Yield and Productivity of Component Crops in Upland Rice-Soybean Intercropping System

Biomass Accumulation, Soil Fertility and Energy Use in Seed Crop Systems of Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens L.)

ABSTRACT Seed crop production systems of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) were assessed in two field studies for ecosystem services. At flowering stage, long duration genotype Arka Shubra was significantly superior in biomass accumulation (14.61 t ha−1), while 100% recommended NPK + 15 t FYM ha−1 registered significantly higher biomass production (11.74 t ha−1). Biomass availability at harvest was higher in long duration genotypes (7.48–7.75 t ha−1) and the average biomass availability of 6.45 t ha−1 at harvest gives scope for including velvet bean as component crop in cropping systems/fallows. The average soil carbon stocks were estimated at 22.8 t ha−1 at the end of 2 yrs and 12.4 t ha−1 at the end of one crop season. Soil nutrient availability was optimum except for soil test P in pre-, standing and post crop growth periods. Highly significant relations (R 2 = 0.949) were observed between nodule number and available N at harvest. The N availability was more in long duration genotypes (209–215 kg N ha−1) over pre-experimental status. Nutrient addition improved the available N status by 40–185 kg ha−1 over pre-experimental status and control. The nutrient uptake was 4–10% higher in Arka Shubra over other long duration genotypes and 100–200% higher over medium/short duration genotypes at flowering. The recyclable biomass and uptake of NPK are more in long duration genotypes implying huge nutrient recycling potential of the system. Overall, seed crop systems of velvet bean are efficient in resource use and energy use (>2.5 EUE) and ideal components for sustainable land management.

Enhancing Seed Access and Climate Resilience: A Farmer-Based Seed Multiplication Scheme in a Legume-Sorghum Double Cropping System in Mieso District Ethiopia

Sorghum is a major food security crop in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming systems in drylands, but due to the longer growing periods (6-8 months) needed for the landraces, the crop faces recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are normally grown combining a short and erratic rainy season (March to May) and a main rainy season (July to September). To address such circumstances, early-maturing improved sorghum varieties that are planted in July and mature within 3-4 months have been developed. Moreover, a sustainable cropping system involving legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping has been developed as an alternative to the traditional long-cycle sorghum production to help mitigate crop failure. The legume fits into the short rainy months. However, access to seeds of both component crops could be a challenge. The objective of this study therefore was to establish and assess the feasibility of a farmer-based seed multiplication (FBSM) scheme in enhancing the supply of quality seeds of legumes and sorghum and contributing to climate adaptation. Two activities were implemented in 2015 and 2016 in Mieso district, West Hararghe, Ethiopia. The first activity involved multiplying seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) using a FBSM scheme. The second activity was integrating this scheme into a legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping system. The results of the study show that the FBSM scheme provides much-needed support to smallholder sorghum farmers by offering resources for multiplying and marketing improved sorghum seeds, ensuring seed security, and improving access to quality seeds. The scheme aligns well with the legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping system, thereby enhancing access to compatible seeds and promoting a sustainable cropping system in the region. The scheme presents a viable solution to seed access for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia to enhance seed supply, income, and climate resilience, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders

Five years of conservation tillage and weed management in a rice-chickpea rotation of northern Gangetic Plains of India: Weed growth, yield benefits and economic profitability

Cropping system diversification of cereal-cereal systems with alternative systems preferably with pulses/legumes is demand of time across the globe for sustenance of natural resources and climate resilience. Rice-chickpea has been advocated as a futuristic cropping system in rice ecologies of South Asia for diversification of dominating rice-wheat system. However, the long-term sustainability of this system with respect to weed severity/growth, crop/system productivity, profitability, and yield stability under variable tillage, crop residues, and weed management practices has not been studied elaborately. Hence, present study was undertaken for five consecutive years in split-plot design with four tillage and residue management practices in main plot (conventional and zero tillage with and without residues), and three weed control practices (pre + post emergence herbicides and manual weeding) in sub-plot. Conservation tillage system comprising zero-tilled (ZT) direct seeded rice (ZTDSR) - ZT chickpea with rice residue retention (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) led to the lower weed density in chickpea (by 10 %) and system (by 7 %) than conventional-tilled (CT) puddled transplanted rice - CT chickpea without residues (PTR-CTC-R; farmer practice). Among weed management practices, pendimethalin 1 kg a.i. ha−1 – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (ready-mix) 4 g a.i. ha−1 in rice and oxyfluorfen 150 g a.i. ha−1 – propaquizafop 100 g a.i. ha−1 in chickpea decreased the weed density in system by 14–22 % (p < 0.05) than pendimethalin + one hand weeding. The best weed management practice (pendimethalin – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl) had significantly total weed density rice (by 7 %) and system (by 10 %) than current recommendation of the Indo-Gangetic Plains region (pendimethalin - bispyribac-sodium). It suggested that rotation of bispyribac-sodium with metsulfuron-methyl+chlorimuron ethyl (mixture herbicide) could reduce weed density and increase yield over time. Mean of five years indicated a non-significant yield difference among conservation and conventional tillage systems in rice. However, conservation tillage practice (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) had 10 % higher chickpea yield and 4 % higher system yield (five years mean) over the PTR-CTC-R (p < 0.05). Further, conservation tillage comprising ZT in both crops in system with added residues (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) resulted in an economic benefit of INR 22,000 than the conventional tillage in both crops without residues (PTR-CTC-R). Moreover, five years sustainable yield index was 16 % higher in ZTDSR-ZTC+RR system than conventional-tilled rice-chickpea system. Thus, conservation tillage with suitable pre- + post- emergence herbicides such as pendimethalin – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl in rice and oxyfluorfen – propaquizafop in chickpea can reduce the weed density and enhance the crop and system productivity over time than conventional tillage. This system can also sustain the yields of component crops and system in long-run with higher yield stability over conventional tillage without residues. This system can be adopted in the cereal-cereal based cropping system of rice ecologies to diversify the system and to reverse the weed infestation and yield decline.

Crop Diversification Grown as Strip Intercropping Can Improve Farmers' Return in a Dryland with Sandy Soil

Maize and mungbean are two common crops grown in dryland areas with sandy soil structures. This study aimed to explore the potential of adding cayenne pepper to increase crop diversity using strip intercropping (SI) as a potential system to improve farmers' return. There were seven treatments tested: monoculture maize, monoculture mungbean, monoculture cayenne pepper, SI maize and mungbean, SI maize and cayenne pepper, SI mungbean and cayenne pepper, and SI maize, mungbean, and cayenne pepper. The size of the treatment plot was 700 cm × 500 cm, and all the treatments were arranged in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The study showed no difference in the land equivalent ratio (LER) for all the SI treatments, with a value of around 1.0. This indicates no advantage of SI over monocropping in terms of land usage. However, when the market prices valued the yield of each component crop in SI at harvest, the highest economic value came from monocrop cayenne pepper treatment (IDR 246 million ha-1). All the SI treatments involving cayenne pepper resulted in a higher return than the monoculture of maize or mungbean. The lowest economic value was shown by monoculture mungbean treatment (IDR 33.1 million ha-1). These results indicate that diversifying crops can improve farmers' return, especially by incorporating cayenne pepper in dryland with sandy soil.

System-based phosphorus management in non-flooded rice-lentil rotation in tropical alkaline soil on Gangetic plain: Crop productivity, phosphorus use efficiency and budgeting

ContextAerobic rice cultivation, gaining recognition for its water-saving and ecological benefits, often faces productivity challenges due to various deficiencies in the soil-plant system. In absence of flooding-induced P dissolution, reduced soil P availability would have yield-limiting impacts on the non-flooded aerobic rice-based system on tropical alkaline soils. ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the impact of system-based sole fertilizer-P and integrated P treatments in non-flooded direct-seeded rice (DSR)-lentil system for recommending sustainable P management strategies. MethodsThe experimental treatments included a control with no P application ([DSR0-L0]), three variable seasonal distribution of sole fertilizer-P treatments [subscript value (kg P ha−1)] ([DSR22-L22], [DSR33-L11], [DSR11-L33]), three integrated P treatments ([DSR11-L11+phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)], [DSR16.5-L5.5+rice residue (RR)+PSB], [DSR5.5+lentil residue (LR)-L16.5+PSB] along with a conventional puddled-transplanted flooded rice-lentil using blanket recommended fertilizer-P rate ([PTR22-L22]). These treatments were evaluated over three years to investigate their impact on soil-plant P dynamics, crop productivity, P use efficiency, and budgeting. ResultsThe findings revealed that soil P availability in non-flooded rice (DSR) was lower (8–10 %) compared to transplanted flooded-rice. The integrated P treatment, which included rice residue recycling, PSB, and suboptimal fertilizer-P (22 kg P ha−1y−1) increased soil P availability in both rice (8 %) and lentil (12 %) seasons compared to the recommended sole-fertilizer P treatment. This led to a significant increases in rice (6 %) and lentil (9 %) yields during third year of cropping. Meanwhile, the treatments involving the variable distribution of the annual fertilizer-P rate (44 kg ha−1y−1) to component crops in different ratios [1:1, 3:1, 1:3] exhibited only marginal variations in available-P and crop yields. Integrated P treatments with crop residue recycling increased macronutrient acquisition (N, P, and K), agronomic P use efficiency and fertilizer-P recovery efficiency over sole-fertilizer P treatments (p < 0.05), highest with the rice residue recycling integrated treatment. The apparent P balance was marginally negative in the residue recycling integrated P treatments (-1.9 to −2.1 kg ha−1y−1), but highly positive in the sole fertilizer-P treatments (+15.3 to +15.9 kg ha−1y−1). Conclusion and significanceThe study highlights the potential of integrated P treatments with rice residue recycling in improving soil P availability, nutrient use efficiency, and crop productivity of aerobic rice-lentil system in tropical alkaline soil while saving costly fertilizer-P input.

Agrobio-economic return in radish–coriander intercropping under green manuring and population densities

Radish and coriander are vegetables that complement each other when intercropped under organic fertilizer and the ideal density of the component crops. In view of this, this study aimed to evaluate the treatments, similar amounts of green manure and population densities of coriander in the biological parameters of the radish–coriander intercrop and determine the interaction between these treatments that provides the greatest economic return in a semi-arid environment. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replications. The first factor consisted of Merremia aegyptia and Calotropis procera biomass amounts in the proportion of 50% for each green manure at doses of 20, 35, 50 and 65 t ha−1 on a dry basis. The second factor comprised four coriander population densities of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 thousand plants ha−1. The radish and coriander cultivars planted were ‘Crimson Gigante’ and ‘Verdão’, respectively. Significant agro-biological returns from this radish–coriander intercrop were obtained at a land equivalent ratio of 2.00, intercropping advantage of 11.39, canonical variable Z score of 2.45, radish aggressivity over coriander of 1.04, and actual yield loss of 2.15 with the incorporation of 65 t ha−1 of hairy woodrose and roostertree into the soil using a coriander population density of 1 million plants ha−1. The greatest economic return from radish–coriander intercropping (107,278.10 BRL ha−1) was achieved with the application of 25.88 t ha−1 of green manure biomass to the soil and a coriander population density of 1 million plants ha−1.

Evaluating Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) Based Intercropping System on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Status of Soil under Rainfed Condition

Aims: To determine the suitable component crop and its row pattern for enhancing growth and yield of little millet under intercropping system. Study Design: Randomized complete Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out during the rabi season from October 2023 – January 2024 at Instructional north farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This field experiment consists of 3 replications with eleven treatments viz., T1 – Little millet sole crop, T2 – Little millet + black gram (4:1), T3 – Little millet + black gram (6:1), T4 – Little millet + green gram (4:1), T5 – Little millet + green gram (6:1), T6 – Little millet + redgram (4:1), T7 – Little millet + redgram (6:1), T8 – Little millet + cowpea (4:1), T9 – Little millet + cowpea (6:1), T10 – Little millet + bengal gram (4:1), T11 – Little millet + bengal gram (6:1). Results: The results of the experiment showed that T2 little millet + black gram (4:1) recorded the higher growth parameters like plant height (127.6 and 133.6 cm at 60 DAS and at harvest stage) and LAI of 5.23 and 4.84 at 60 DAS and at harvest stage, respectively and also produced higher yield parameters like no.of tillers plant-1 (9) and no.of productive tillers (8) with higher grain and stover yield of 1326 and 4109 kg ha-1 and it is statistically parallel with T4 little millet + green gram (4:1). And also, nutrient uptake was highest (N – 40.8, P – 5.7 and K – 33.5 kg ha-1) in little millet + black gram (6:1). Regarding the post harvest soil fertility status, little millet + cowpea (4:1) registered the highest available NPK (339, 47.6 and 197 kg ha-1). Therefore, intercropping of black gram or green gram with little millet under rainfed condition would be the ideal recommendation.

Enhancement in fodder productivity and quality of feather Pennisetum grass by intercropping with groundnut

In semi-arid regions, production of good quality fodder is a challenge; cereal-legume intercropping can be a better alternative in improving forage yield and quality. The present study was conducted to assess the performance of feather Pennisetum (FP) in groundnut (GN) intercropping and for determining a sustainable forage cropping system. Therefore, an experiment was conducted with groundnut and feather Pennisetum as a monocrop and intercrop (2GN:1FP and 3GN:1FP), where FP was harvested at 60, 75, 90, and 120 days after sowing. The land equivalent ratio of intercropping was 15–29% higher indicating yield advantages and economic benefits over sole stands. Crude protein and fiber content was increased by 10 and 8% in intercropping, lignin content was reduced by 15% and neutral detergent fiber by 5% indicating the better quality of FP due to intercropping with GN. Intercropping of GN and FP increased the content of non-fibrous carbohydrate (13%), gas production (6.5%) and volatile fatty acids (6%) indicating better fodder digestibility. Furthermore, intercropping of GN and FP also increased the mineral content by 8-20% than sole stands. Apart from productivity, intercropping of FP and GN, improved water use efficiency over sole stand of both component crops. Considering, forage yield, quality and profitability, 3GN:1FP intercropping was superior and can be recommended as an alternative to monoculture. Our study concluded that in semi-arid regions double dual cropping of food and fodder can be achieved by intercropping which can provide opportunities to produce food and fodder simultaneously for livelihood, animal rearing and long-term sustainability.

Impact of mulching and nutrient management under pulses based cropping systems on vertisols of southern transitional zone of Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching and nutrient management under different pulse based cropping system during 2018-19 at Indian Institute Pulses Research, Regional Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. The field experiment was conducted in deep black soil using split-split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of four cropping systems i.e., maize-chickpea, soybean-chickpea, groundnut-chickpea and mungbean-sorghum and two levels of fertilisation (farmers practise and recommended rate of fertilisers) with mulching and without mulching. The pooled yield of different crops under cropping system was significantly higher with mulching and recommended rate of fertilizer application. Among the different cropping systems, maize-chickpea was recorded significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield (3867 kg/ha) compared to other cropping system. Application of recommended rate of fertilizers resulted in higher chickpea equivalent yield of 2794 kg/ha over farmers’ practice. Among the mulching practices, mulching with crop residues recorded significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield of 4257 kg/ha over no mulching (3754 kg/ha). Higher yields of component crops are reported in recommended rate of fertilisers with mulching. Hence, for realising higher system productivity and net returns, it is better to grow maize during kharif season followed by chickpea in rabi season with recommended rate of fertilisers and crop residue mulching for in-situ moisture conservation.

Hasil Dan Nisbah Kesetaraan Lahan Dua Varietas Cabai Merah (Capsicum annum L.) Yang Ditumpangsarikan Dengan Kacang Tanah Di Lahan Kering

Drylands with limited resource support need to increase their productivity. One indicator of land productivity is the land equivalence ratio (LER). This research aimed to study the growth and yield of red chili due to the effect of varieties and peanut planting times in intercropping systems to increase dryland productivity. One experiment was conducted in Amor-amor Hamlet, Gumantar Village, Kayangan Sub-district, North Lombok Regency, from March to August 2023. The red chili varieties tested were Baja MC (hybrid) and Landung (non-hybrid). Meanwhile, peanut (Hypoma 2 variety) planting time was at the same time, one week after planting (WAP) of chili and 3 WAP. The treatments were arranged factorially using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. All component crops had monoculture treatments to calculate LER. The results showed no interaction between variety and planting time on all parameters observed. Variety had no significant effect on growth and LER but significantly affected the yield of chili. The Landung variety produced higher yields than the Baja MC variety. Planting time treatment had no significant effect on growth and LER but significantly affected the yield of chili. The planting time of peanut that produced the highest yield was 3 WAP. The intercropping of chili with peanuts at all planting times increased dryland productivity with LER values greater than 1.0

Evaluation of Yield Advantages, Competitiveness and Economic Benefits of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Based Intercropping Systems Under Different Date of Sowing

The experiment conducted at the Department of Agronomy farm, VNMKV., Parbhani (MH), during the kharif seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, integrates key agro-environmental factors. The utilization of deep black (vertisol) soil with good drainage replicates prevalent soil conditions in the region, ensuring the relevance and applicability of the findings to tropical environments of Latin America [20,21]. The implementation of a split plot design with two replications, considering four sowing dates and seven cropping systems, enhances the experimental robustness, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of the interactions between timing and cropping systems [6,22].The study's findings highlight the significance of sowing dates in maximizing pigeonpea equivalent yield and net monetary returns, with sowing within a week period after the regular commencement of the monsoon (D1) demonstrating superior performance. Furthermore, the pigeonpea + soybean intercropping system emerges as the most favorable [50], indicating its potential for enhancing agricultural productivity and economic returns in the region [17,19]. The study's insights into the competitiveness and economic benefits of different intercropping systems provide valuable guidance for agronomic management practices in tropical environments [50]. By identifying the superior performance of certain cropping systems, such as pigeonpea + soybean, and the influence of sowing dates on yield outcomes [51,45], the study informs farmers and agricultural practitioners on optimal strategies for maximizing productivity and profitability in pigeonpea cultivation [29,30].&#x0D; The observed behavior of component crops within intercropping systems underscores the complexity of crop interactions and highlights the need for tailored management approaches. The dominance of the niger crop in intercropping systems over the pigeonpea base crop emphasizes the importance of understanding crop dynamics for optimizing yield outcomes [5,18]. Additionally, the study's evaluation of different sowing dates contributes to enhancing climate resilience [14] in agricultural systems by identifying optimal timing strategies for mitigating climate variability effects on crop performance [7,37,13].

Performance of castor-based intercropping in semi-arid zone of Haryana

To enhance the productivity of castor per unit area and over time, a study was conducted during the kharif 2020-21 season at the Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal,. The study aimed to evaluate the compatibility, production potential, and optimal row proportions of component crops in intercropping systems involving castor. The field investigation was carried out to identify suitable intercrops for maximizing castor yield and analyse the economic viability of various treatments under two different row spacing for castor: 150 cm and 200 cm. The results indicated that the highest castor seed and stalk yield were achieved in sole castor (3,879 kg/ha and 5,656 kg/ha, respectively) with 200 cm row spacing, a similar performance was observed with a 150 cm row spacing. Further, intercropping of castor (150 cm) + mungbean (1:2) recorded higher seed yield (3,547 kg/ha) and stalk yield (5,248 kg/ha), highest castor equivalent yield (4,220 kg/ha) and land equivalent ratio (1.53) and resulted in higher economic returns with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.78.

Nitrogen fixation of lablab and finger millet in South‐India

AbstractBackgroundIn a long‐term rotation experiment (2016–2022) with different nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels in subtropical South‐India, crop yields of low N plots were unexpectedly high. We therefore hypothesized that in the absence of mineral N application, these yields are largely due to N inputs by N2 fixation in the component crops. To assess the diazotrophic N2‐fixation of lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) and possible associative N2‐fixation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn), a controlled experiment was conducted during the 2021 monsoon season within the above‐mentioned long‐term field study. Two approaches were used to estimate the quantity of N derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa): the dilution method using a 15N‐labeled fertilizer and the natural abundance method.MethodFor the 15N dilution method irrigated maize (Zea maize L.), finger millet and lablab were labeled with two split applications of 10% 15N fertilizer (50:50 15N‐urea and 15N‐ammonium sulfate) amounting to a total of 15 kg N ha−1. Maize was selected as the non‐fixing reference plant to estimate diazotrophic N2‐fixation. The entire aboveground biomass of the labeled plants was harvested at maturity and analyzed for total DM, N concentration, and the 15N isotope ratio.ResultsN2 fixation efficiency for lablab was 52%–69% depending on the calculation method, corresponding to 40–53 kg N ha−1. For finger millet, the natural abundance method resulted in an estimated N2‐fixation of 5 kg N ha−1, which was suggested by the results of the dilution method whereby the reference plant maize was only poorly labeled.ConclusionLabeling of maize might have been diluted due to unexpected associative N2‐fixation or N‐uptake from unlabeled deep soil N pools. The data underline the importance of symbiotic N2‐fixation in crop rotation systems of South‐India.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil, Growth, Flowering and Yield of Guava Grown as a Component Crop in Coconut-Based Cropping System

An experiment on integrated nutrient management in guava grown as a component crop in a coconut-based cropping system was conducted under the coastal condition of Odisha. Adoption of integrated nutrient management like the application of organic manures with or without NPK fertilizers resulted in improvement in the physico-chemical properties of soil, which was reflected in terms of pH, organic carbon content, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potash content. Among the different combination of integrated nutrient management applied in guava, the plant height, canopy spread, flushing intensity, yield and yield attributing parameters. The maximum available soil nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium contents were estimated to be maximum in the treatment applied with 50% RDF +50% N through vermicompost + FYM +bio fertilizer, while the soil pH was highest owing to application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + FYM which was at par with results obtained with application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost and 75% RDF +25% N through vermicompost + FYM +bio fertilizer.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Quality of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Grown as a Component Crop in Coconut Based Cropping System

A field experiment was conducted under coastal Odisha conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisting of T1: 75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost; T2: 75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost + FYM; T3:75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost + FYM +Bio fertilizers; T4:50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost; T5:50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost + FYM; T6: 50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost + FYM +Bio fertilizers; T7: 100% N through Vermicompost.; T8: 100% N through Vermicompost + FYM; T9:100% N through Vermicompost + FYM +Bio fertilizers. The result of the study revealed that maximum total soluble solids (11.420Brix and 10.93 0Brix), Vitamin-C (199.60 mg/100g and 189.08 mg/100g), total phenol contents (113.05 mg GAE/100g fresh weight and 88.21 mg GAE/100g fresh weight), total flavonoid contents (38.64 mg QE/100g fresh weight and 34.14 mg QE/100g fresh weight), FRAP value (21.61 mM Fe(II)/100g fresh weight and 18.39 mM Fe(II)/100g fresh weight), scavenging activity (62.03 % and 58.65 %) were observed with the plants treated with 50% RDF +50% N through Vermicompost + FYM +Bio fertilizer in both mrig and hasth bahar. The incorporation of nutrients through organic and inorganic resources leads to enhanced quality attributes of guava in Coconut Cropping System.

Performance of Vegetable Based Cropping Sequence under INM in Protected Conditions

The field experiment was conducted in a naturally ventilated arched saw teeth polyhouse department of vegetable science, faculty of horticulture, BCKV, Kolkata, West Bengal. Vegetable crops were produced in appropriate cropping rotations under integrated nutrient management with acceptable cultural methods in the current study. Four different cropping sequences and five various levels of nutrition supplies were used in the experiment. With four replications, the experiment was set up in a Split plot design. Plant height [at first harvesting], number of leaves, number of primary branches, days required for first harvesting, fruit yield per plant and yield per square metre of component crops did not show any significant variation over the two-year cropping cycle, but observed a gradual improvement in consecutive years of cropping. All growth and reproductive characters of component crops in the cropping sequence differed statistically from the first to the second year cropping under the influence of different levels of combined nutrient management, with the highest values for these characters obtained under L1 (100 percent Recommended dose of fertilizer (R.D.) through inorganic source), but results are statistically comparable to L2 (application of 50 percent R.D. of NPK + Vermicompost) and L3 (application of 50 percent R.D of NPK + FYM). However, there was no substantial variation in growth and yield parameters when cropping sequence and nutrient management were combined. It can be concluded Supplementation of organic fertilisers along suitable cropping sequences with short duration vegetable crops would be beneficial for long term soil fertility and crop vigour point of view.

Planting time and stand density effect on radiation interception and use efficiency of maize and sunn hemp intercropping in semi-arid South Africa

Solar radiation must be efficiently utilised to enhance dry matter accumulation and carbon sequestration capacity within dryland agroecosystems. The study evaluated the effects of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) intercropping time and stand density on radiation interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE) in a maize-based system. Field experiments were conducted under the in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technique for two consecutive growing seasons, 2019/20 and 2020/21. Radiation interception and productivity were measured and calculated for maize and sunn hemp, sole and intercrops. The intercrops were identified by the sunn hemp intercropping times [simultaneous with maize planting (P1), at V15 maize growth stage (P2), at R1 maize growth stage (P3)] and stand densities [16 plants m–2 (D1-low), 32 plants m–2 (D2-medium), 48 plants m–2 (D3-high)]. Total radiation interception was calculated using a row-crop radiation transmission (RCRT) model from strip width of component crops, extinction coefficient (k), plant height, and leaf area index (LAI) measurements taken throughout the growing season. The results showed that the LAI of sunn hemp was high when intercrop was planted simultaneous with maize planting and at 48 plants m–2. The overall k for the sole sunn hemp (SSH) cropping system was 0.37. The correlations (r2) between the modelled and measured fractions of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) in simultaneous maize planting, V15 maize growth stage, and R1 maize growth stage intercropping treatments were 0.87, 0.97 and 0.93, respectively. Simultaneous planting of sunn hemp intercrop with maize captured the most growing season PAR of 798.70 MJ m–2 and had the highest RUE of 1.42 g MJ−1. These results suggest that intercropped sunn hemp planted simultaneously with maize would help to increase production through the more efficient use of solar radiation. Optimising planting time and density can help plan the planting time to increase radiation utilisation in maize/sunn hemp intercropping systems.

Long‐term soybean–maize rotation experiments in cereal‐based farming systems at Bako, Western Ethiopia

AbstractMaize monoculture is one of the major restrictions limiting maize productivity in Western Ethiopia. Although the inclusion of legumes in cropping systems is an essential approach for the sustainable management of farming systems and for reducing the nitrogen (N) fertilizer requirement for maize production in the long term, the effects of soybean on the sustainability of maize productivity and soil fertility are unclear in Ethiopia. Continuous cropping of maize has led to extensive degradation of soil and a decrease in crop productivity in Western Ethiopia. Thus, the study was conducted to compare the long‐term impact of soybean on the sustainability of the production system in soybean–maize rotation and to monitor soil fertility dynamics in soybean–maize rotational systems. Nine different soybean–maize rotation treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study results showed that soybean–maize rotation gave a relatively steady yield compared to the maize mono‐cropping system. Soybean–maize rotation improves the productivity of component crops in cropping systems. The highest maize grain yield was recorded from soybean–maize rotation with fertilizer application for the two components (RS + M+) and soybean–maize rotation without fertilizer application for the soybean component (RS‐M+), respectively. Soybean grain yield was significantly correlated with OC (%), OM (%), and TN (%), whereas maize yield was adversely correlated with soil parameters, except soil pH. Overall, the knowledge we can contribute to the readers from this study is that soybean–maize rotation plays an important role in achieving sustainable agriculture by increasing soil fertility and achieving stable soybean and maize yields and soybean should be inoculated with Rhizobium strain year after year continuously. Thus, it can be concluded that soybean–maize rotation with fertilizer applications (RS + M+) for two components can be used in maize belt areas of Western Ethiopia.