Crop Growth Rate Research Articles

A Review of the Application and Impact of Drip Irrigation under Plastic Mulch in Agricultural Ecosystems

Food security, a crucial issue for the development of humankind, is often severely constrained by water scarcity. As a globally recognized most advanced agricultural water-saving technology, drip irrigation under plastic mulch (DIPM) has played a significant role in grain production. However, a comprehensive review of the dual impacts of this practice in farmland remains lacking. This study has conducted an exhaustive review of DIPM research from 1999 to 2023 and employed CiteSpace software to perform a co-occurrence and clustering analysis of keywords in order to reveal research hotspots and trends. The results show that the attention to DIPM technology has increased annually and reached a peak in 2022. China leads in the number of publications in this field, reflecting its emphasis on agricultural water-saving technologies. This study critically discusses the dual impacts of DIPM on farmland. On the positive side, DIPM can improve soil temperature and moisture, enhance nutrient availability, promote water and nutrient absorption by roots, and increase the crop growth rate and yield while reducing evaporation and nitrogen loss, suppressing weed growth, decreasing herbicide usage, and lowering total greenhouse gas emissions. On the negative side, it will cause pollution from plastic mulch residues, damage the soil structure, have impacts on crop growth, and lead to increased clogging of drip irrigation systems, which will increase agricultural costs and energy consumption, hinder crop growth, hamper soil salinization management, and further reduce the groundwater level. The future development of DIPM technology requires optimization and advancement. Such strategies as mechanized residual-mulch recovery, biodegradable mulch substitution, aerated drip irrigation technology, and alternate irrigation are proposed to address existing issues in farmland triggered by DIPM. This review advocates for the active exploration of farming management practices superior to DIPM for future agricultural development. These practices could lead to higher yields, water–nitrogen efficiency, and lower environmental impact in agricultural development.

Effect of phosphorus and micronutrients on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

An experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P, India, during the Kharif season of 2023. The experiment was replicated three times according to a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments. Three different concentrations of phosphorus (40, 50, and 60 kg/ha) and micronutrients (0.5% FeSO4, 0.5% ZnSO4, and 0.2% Borax) were administered as a topical spray to the leaves. A control group was treated with a mixture of 20:60:40 kg N:P:K/ha. Phosphorus application at a rate of 60 kg/ha and foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 0.5% (treatment 8) resulted in the highest plant dry weight of 35.54 g, crop growth rate of 25.14 g/m²/day, number of pods per plant of 21.50, number of kernels per pod of 2.13, highest test weight of 365.33 g, seed yield of 3552.10 kg/ha, and B:C ratio of 2.43. The effect of applying a higher quantity of phosphorus, specifically 60 kg/ha, together with a foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 0.5%, on the growth and yield of groundnut was found to be superior compared to the control treatment.

Effect of Nano Urea and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Kharif Maize

A field experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate the Effect of Nano Urea and zinc on growth and yield of Kharif maize during kharif (Monsoon) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Nano urea (3,4,5 ml/l) and 3 level Zinc (0.3 %,0.5 %,0.7 %) along with recommended doses of nitrogen and potash and a control (120-60-40kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Application of Nano urea at 4ml/l at 0.5% Zinc (Treatment 5) recorded highest plant height (226.71cm), no. of leaves (14.18), dry weight (104.67 g) and crop growth rate (5.926 g/m2/day), yield attributes and yield viz ., No. of cobs/plant (1.33), No. of grains / row (23.56), No. of rows / cob (13.900),seed index (23.10 g), grain yield (6.05 t/ha) and stover yield (8.99 t/ha ) compared to control.

Effect of levels of potassium and irrigation on Crop growth rate of potato

Effect of levels of potassium and irrigation on Crop growth rate of potato

Optimizing the Nitrogen Fertilizer Management to Maximize the Benefit of Straw Returning on Early Rice Yield by Modulating Soil N Availability

Straw returning has gradually been adopted as an effective approach to address the serious degradation of farmland. However, the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of rice straw is generally too high for microorganisms to decompose the organic materials and release nutrients, which may minimize the benefits of straw returning to the agricultural production system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of straw returning on rice production and propose optimum nitrogen (N) management for early rice production under a straw returning system. The total N fertilizer that was evaluated was 165 kg N ha-1, urea (46% N), applied in different proportions in three stages of rice cultivation: basal, tillering, and panicle. Using no straw returning with the N fertilizer ratio of basal:tillering:panicle = 5:2:3 treatment (T1) as the control, four different N fertilizer ratios of basal:tillering:panicle, including 5:2:3 (T2), 5:2:2 (T3), 5:4:1 (T4), and 5:5:0 (T5) were set under straw returning. The return of straw decreased the available N in the soil at the tillering stage, and impeded root growth and the crop canopy from establishing, which decreased the effective panicles by 10.1% compared with that of T1, limiting the increases in rice grain yield. Increasing the N fertilizer ratio 10–20% (T3 and T4) at the tillering stage effectively increased the content of soil ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, improved the root growth, and increased the root activities by 16.0–40.5% at the tillering stage. As a result, the effective panicle number increased by 5.1–16.2%. Among these, T4 treatment maximized the benefits of straw returning the most. Additionally, increasing the N fertilizer ratio at the tillering stage increased the shoot uptake across the early rice growing season and synchronized crop N uptake with the accumulation of carbon assimilates, which enhanced the crop growth rate and increased the rice yield by 13.5–25.1%. It is concluded that increasing the N fertilizer ratio by 20% at the tillering stage is a promising strategy to increase the availability of N in the phases of high demand for this nutrient.

Chemical weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under Vertisols of Eastern Plateau Plain zone of India

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Instructional-cumResearch farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh to study the effect of various herbicides and their combinations on weed dynamics and performance of chickpea. A total of 14 treatment combinations including hand weeding and unweeded control were laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that significantly lower weed density and dry matter production, weed index and higher weed control efficiency were observed under two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS which was found at par to oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha (PE) fb topramezone 20.6 g/ha (PoE) and metribuzin 350 g/ha (PE) fb topramezone 20.6 g/ ha (PoE). The higher dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, seed index, seed yield (1.78 t/ha) and stover yield (2.70 t/ha) of chickpea were obtained with oxyfluorefen 150 g/ha (PE) fb topramezone 20.6 g/ha (PoE). Application of oxyfluorefen 150 g/ha (PE) fb topramezone 20.6 g/ha (PoE) controlled complex weeds flora effectively and fetched maximum net returns (`63.1 × 103/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (3.02).

Effect of different agro-techniques on yield of Bt cotton

A field experiment was conducted during the 2 consecutive kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, to study the yield maximization of Bt cotton through agro-techniques in loamy sand. The experiment consisted of four factors viz; spacing, detopping, intercropping and sowing time with two levels in each treatment. The results of pooled data of 2 years indicated that Bt cotton sown at spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm recorded significantly higher plant height, crop growth rate as well as seed cotton (3077 kg/ha) and stalk yields (5930 kg/ha), seed cotton equivalent yield (3512 kg/ha) and oil yield (335 kg/ha). However, wider spacing of 120 cm × 60 cm produced remarkably higher number of sympodial branches per plant, relative growth rate, number of open bolls per plant, weight of seed cotton per boll and seed cotton yield per plant. Topping carried out at 75 DAS remarkably improved growth and yield attributes, seed cotton and stalk yields, seed cotton equivalent yield, oil yield. All growth and yield attributes as well as seed cotton yield were recorded significantly higher without intercrop in Bt cotton. Though intercropping of greengram (additive series) in Bt cotton produced significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield than no intercropping in pooled mean. Advance sowing of Bt cotton in last week of May produced significantly higher seed cotton yield and seed cotton equivalent S1 T2I2 D1 [Advance sowing (Last week of May)] at plant spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm along with detopping at 75 DAS and intercropping with greengram] gave significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield as well as net returns and B: C ratio of Bt cotton.

Mitigating drought-induced oxidative stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through foliar application of sulfhydryl thiourea

Drought stress is a major abiotic stress affecting the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The current study evaluated the effects of drought on wheat phenology, physiology, and biochemistry; and assessed the effectiveness of foliar-applied sulfhydryl thiourea to mitigate drought-induced oxidative stress. The treatments were: wheat varieties; V1 = Punjab-2011, V2 = Galaxy-2013, V3 = Ujala-2016, and V4 = Anaaj-2017, drought stress; D1 = control (80% field capacity [FC]) and D2 = drought stress (40% FC), at the reproductive stage, and sulfhydryl thiourea (S) applications; S0 = control-no thiourea and S1 = foliar thiourea application @ 500 mg L−1. Results of this study indicated that growth parameters, including height, dry weight, leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) were decreased under drought stress-40% FC, as compared to control-80% FC. Drought stress reduced the photosynthetic efficiency, water potential, transpiration rates, stomatal conductances, and relative water contents by 18, 17, 26, 29, and 55% in wheat varieties as compared to control. In addition, foliar chlorophyll a, and b contents were also lowered under drought stress in all wheat varieties due to an increase in malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage. Interestingly, thiourea applications restored wheat growth and yield attributes by improving the production and activities of proline, antioxidants, and osmolytes under normal and drought stress as compared to control. Thiourea applications improved the osmolyte defense in wheat varieties as peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, proline, glycine betaine, and total phenolic were increased by 13, 20, 12, 17, 23, and 52%; while reducing the electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content by 49 and 32% as compared to control. Among the wheat varieties, Anaaj-2017 showed better resilience towards drought stress and also gave better response towards thiourea application based on morpho-physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes as compared to Punjab-2011, Galaxy-2013, and Ujala-2016. Eta-square values showed that thiourea applications, drought stress, and wheat varieties were key contributors to most of the parameters measured. In conclusion, the sulfhydryl thiourea applications improved the morpho-physiology, biochemical, and yield attributes of wheat varieties, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of drought. Moving forward, detailed studies pertaining to the molecular and genetic mechanisms under sulfhydryl thiourea-induced drought stress tolerance are warranted.

Effect of Effective Microorganisms on Vegetative Growth of Wheat

Background: environmental pollution has led to climate change and agriculture is an aspect of this pollution, Pesticides, fertilizers and plant growth regulators are pollutants in soil and water. Therefore, beneficial microorganisms found in nature to provide plants with nutrients, resist pests and reduce mineral fertilizers is an ambitious goal for researchers. On the environment. Pseudomonas bacteria, baker’s yeast and mycorrhizal fungi are known for their ability to increase a group of nutrients’ organic and amino acids, as well as plant hormones that stimulate growth. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at University of Baghdad to assess the impact of beneficial microorganisms on wheat growth traits during winter Of 2019-2020., using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments.: Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria (Pse), Mycorrhizae Glomusspp. (Gl.), Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (Sa.), Ps+Gl, Gl+Sa, Ps+Sa, Ps+Sa+Gl and control. Result: Experimental indicated that treatments significantly outperformed in plant height, tiller number, CGR (crop growth rate) and total dry weight. Additionally, the Ps+Sa+Gl treatment demonstrated a significant superiority over all other treatments in terms of plant height and tiller number. These observations suggest that the combination of biological factors within a single treatment resulted in a synergistic interaction, that led to enhancement of the vegetative growth indices in wheat plants.

Productivity, nutrient uptake and nitrogen economy of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in a conservation agriculture-based cotton (Gossypium herbaceum)–wheat system

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices like zero-till and residue retention along with nitrogen management is vital for improving degraded soil health and optimizing the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. Present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for optimizing wheat productivity in a conservation agriculture-based cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.)-wheat system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications consisting of combination of 3 different crop establishment methods, viz. permanent broad bed (PBB), permanent narrow bed (PNB) and zero-till flatbed (ZTFB) with residue (R) and without residue along with 2 doses of nitrogen (75N, 100N) and conventional tillage (CT). The CA-based practices showed overall superior response in terms of growth, yield and nutrients uptake of wheat than CT. Among them, the PBBR100N resulted in significantly higher plant height, leaf area index, dry-matter accumulation, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate compared to PNB, PBB, ZTFB and CT. This treatment led to significantly higher grain (16.2–19.4%) and straw (9.6–11.6%) yields than CT. The net returns and benefit cost ratio (23.4% and 27.9%) were also higher than that in CT. Again, in this treatment, N uptake by wheat crop was higher by 85%, P uptake by 53.1%, and K uptake by 40.1%, and available soil N, P and K by 16.1, 25.3 and 43.7%, respectively than CT. Therefore, the study suggests that the adoption of CA-based practices with broad bed in Indo-Gangetic Plains will not only enhance the productivity of wheat but also result in improved soil health by restoring soil fertility.

Plant biostimulants in ornamentals: Enhancing growth and stress tolerance

Researchers have recently sought a comprehensive strategy to reduce the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals in agricultural production to improve productivity and quality. Biostimulants benefit plants by protecting soil and water resources and eliminating adverse environmental effects from pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Plant biostimulants, also called bioactivators, are becoming increasingly well-liked in the agricultural sector due to their capacity to boost a plant’s growth rate and increase its resistance to stress. Biostimulants are frequently used because they can increase crop quality, nutrient assimilation, growth rate, and stress tolerance. This article thoroughly examines biostimulants’ effects on ornamental plants, concentrating on their ability to withstand environmental stressors. Prior studies have demonstrated that a combination of non-pathogenic microbes, protein hydrolysates, humic and fulvic acids, and algal extracts benefits ornamental plants. This review’s main aims are biostimulants’ effects on raising agricultural yield, enhancing nutrient uptake, enhancing photosynthesis, and shielding plants from biotic and abiotic stress. The role of biostimulants in more resilient and sustainable farming practices is also covered

GROWTH AND YIELD OF NEW AROMATIC RICE UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PLANT SPACING AND APPLIED FERTILIZER

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur to assess growth and yield of newly released aromatic rice variety (cv. BUdhan 2) under different levels of plant spacing and applied fertilizer. The variety was grown incorporating three fertilizer levels viz. recommended (57- 10-8-7-0.9 kg N-P-K-S-Zn ha-1), 50% higher (114-20-16-14-1.8 kg N-P-K-S-Zn ha-1) and 50% lower (28.5-5-4- 3.5-0.45 kg N-P-K-S-Zn ha-1) than the recommended dose with three plant spacings (20 × 25 cm, 20 × 20 cm and 20 × 15 cm) representing wider, standard and closer plant densities. Results revealed that growth parameters like plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production and crop growth rate were better under the condition of higher fertilizer level with closer plant spacing. Consequently, the highest grain yield (5.18 t ha-1) of the variety was achieved under higher dose of fertilizer at closer plant spacing.

Net productivity of photosynthesis of bread wheat lines introduced from CIMMYT

The improvement of wheat through the hybridization of existing highly productive genotypes with genotypes resistant to abiotic and biotic factors, as well as the use of wild relatives of wheat in hybridization, has great potential. This contributes to increasing the climate resilience of wheat and its stable productivity. The 29thSAWYT (Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trials) nursery introduced from CIMMYT includes spring bread wheat lines developed through complex hybridization. Wheat lines have a higher growth rate and net productivity of photosynthesis than the local variety of Gobustan. Keywords: Wheat, 29thSAWYT, crop growth rate, dry mass, leaf area, net productivity of photosynthesis

Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and productivity of four high-yielding rice varieties of Eastern India

Aim: To investigate the integrated nutrient management in agricultural fields using cow dung manure and poultry manure as organic, and NPK as inorganic fertilizer at varied ratios. Methodology: Four rice varieties were selected for the experiment viz., MTU 1010, IET 4786, IET 17430, and IET 9947 under nine organic manure and inorganic fertilizer combinations in different ratios with one control treatment. The cultivation was carried out in three replications in a randomized complete block design. The biometric observations were noted at 30, 55, and 80 days after transplant (DAT). Leaf Area Index (LAI), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), and grain yield were calculated for the varieties under varied treatments. Results: Biometric observation and growth indices confirmed that the treatment T3 showed the highest value among all other treatments for shoot length, dry matter, LAI and LAD for all varieties. Treatment T7 recorded the maximum root length. For CGR treatment T2 and T3 recorded highest value for different varieties. Soil nutrient results suggest that treatment T2-T4 and T6-T8 showed the highest N, P and K content. The results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in grain yield for all the treatments in all varieties, where T3 recorded the highest value. Interpretation: The year experiment revealed that integrated nutrient application resulted in considerably greater growth and productivity compared to the control and 100% inorganic fertilizer-treated cultivation. Key words: Cow dung, Integrated nutrient management, Poultry manure, Plant growth indices, Rice productivity Aim: To investigate the integrated nutrient management in agricultural fields using cow dung manure and poultry manure as organic, and NPK as inorganic fertilizer at varied ratios. Methodology: Four rice varieties were selected for the experiment viz., MTU 1010, IET 4786, IET 17430, and IET 9947 under nine organic manure and inorganic fertilizer combinations in different ratios with one control treatment. The cultivation was carried out in three replications in a randomized complete block design. The biometric observations were noted at 30, 55, and 80 days after transplant (DAT). Leaf Area Index (LAI), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), and grain yield were calculated for the varieties under varied treatments. Results: Biometric observation and growth indices confirmed that the treatment T3 showed the highest value among all other treatments for shoot length, dry matter, LAI and LAD for all varieties. Treatment T7 recorded the maximum root length. For CGR treatment T2 and T3 recorded highest value for different varieties. Soil nutrient results suggest that treatment T2-T4 and T6-T8 showed the highest N, P and K content. The results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in grain yield for all the treatments in all varieties, where T3 recorded the highest value. Interpretation: The year experiment revealed that integrated nutrient application resulted in considerably greater growth and productivity compared to the control and 100% inorganic fertilizer-treated cultivation. Key words: Cow dung, Integrated nutrient management, Poultry manure, Plant growth indices, Rice productivity

Pengaruh pemberian air kotoran ikan dan biourin domba terhadap karakteristik fisiologi tanaman padi (Oryza sativa L.) Varietas inpari 32

One of the factors that influences plants physiological processes is the absorption of nutrients obtained from both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Some organic fertilizers that can be given are fish waste water and sheep urine fertilizer. The aim of this research is to obtain information regarding the effect of fish waste water and sheep biourine on the physiological characteristics of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) such as leaf chlorophyll content, Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) and Crop Growth Rate (CGR). This research was conducted on Agricultural Extension Field, Majalaya District, Karawang Regency, from January to April 2022. This experiment used an experimental method with a split plot design (Split Plot Design) with 10 treatment combinations which were repeated 3 times. The main plots are fish waste water (A): A1 (fish waste water), and A2 (ordinary irrigation water). As subplots for Sheep Biourine (P): P0 (Control), P1 (Factory Biourine 100 ml/l), P2 (Sheep Biourine 100 ml/l), P3 (Sheep Biourine 150 ml/l) and P4 (Sheep Biourine 200 ml /l). The research results showed that there was no interaction between biourine fertilizer treatment and fish waste water on the physiology characteristics of the rice plants (Oryza sativa L.).

Influence of Liquid Nano Urea Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Gujarat Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during summer season for two consecutive years (2022-2023) at Navsari, Gujarat to study the effect of liquid Nano urea fertilizer on summer rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Gujarat conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments comprising T1: 100 % RDN (Recommended dose of nitrogen) through urea (120 kg N ha-1), T2: 75 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at transplanting (TP) (4 ml L-1), T3: 50 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP (4 ml L-1), T4: 25 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP (4 ml L-1), T5: 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stage (4 ml L-1), T6: 50 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stag (4 ml L-1), T7: 25 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stage (4 ml L-1), T8: 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T9: 50 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T10: 25 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T11: Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1) and T12: Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1). Application of 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1) obtain significantly higher growth attributes viz., periodical plant height, number of tillers plant-1, dry matter accumulation plant-1, chlorophyll content and growth indices including leaf area index (LAI) at 60 and 90 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) during 30-60 DAS, 60-90 DAS, and 90 DAS-Harvest. Similarly, significantly higher grain yield was produced under treatment T8 (4435 kg ha-1) which was 3.24% higher than 100% RDN through conventional urea.

Evaluation of Crop Establishment Methods and Nano Urea Versus Conventional Urea on Growth Indices in Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study aimed to evaluate Crop Establishment Methods and Nano Urea Versus Conventional Urea on Growth Indices in Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.). Method of crop establishment influences the performance of rice through its effect on growth and development. Although, system of rice intensification has been reported to be the best establishment method. In traditional fertilizers, there is a huge loss of fertilizers by various manners like drift, leaching, runoff, microbial degradation, hydrolysis and photolysis. Bio accessibility of nutrients to plant is much lower relative to the rate of conventional fertilizers applied. The experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons of Kharif 2022 and 2023 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), India. The nitrogen level had significantly affected on crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate at all the stages of crop growth during both the years of investigations. The maximum Net assimilation rate at 30-60 and 60-90 DAS/DAT and crop growth rate, relative growth rate at 30-60, 60-90 and 90 to harvest DAS/DAT was recorded under 60% RDN through conventional Urea + 40% RDN through Nano Urea which was at par with 40% RDN through conventional Urea + 60% RDN through Nano Urea treatment, while significant over rest of the treatment during both the years of investigations.

Optimizing wheat productivity through integrated management of irrigation, nutrition, and organic amendments

Enhancing wheat productivity by implementing a comprehensive approach that combines irrigation, nutrition, and organic amendments shows potential for collectively enhancing crop performance. This study examined the individual and combined effects of using irrigation systems (IS), foliar potassium bicarbonate (PBR) application, and compost application methods (CM) on nine traits related to the growth, physiology, and yield of the Giza-171 wheat cultivar. Analysis of variance revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) main effects of IS, PBR, and CM on wheat growth, physiology, and yield traits over the two growing seasons of the study. Drip irrigation resulted in a 16% increase in plant height, leaf area index, crop growth rate, yield components, and grain yield compared to spray irrigation. Additionally, the application of foliar PBR at a concentration of 0.08 g/L boosted these parameters by up to 22% compared to the control. Furthermore, the application of compost using the role method resulted in enhanced wheat performance compared to the treatment including mix application. Importantly, the combined analysis revealed that the three-way interaction between the three factors had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on all the studied traits, with drip irrigation at 0.08 g PBR rate and role compost application method (referred as Drip_0.08g_Role) resulting in the best performance across all traits, while sprinkle irrigation without PBR and conventional mixed compost method (referred as sprinkle_CK_Mix) produced the poorest results. This highlights the potential to synergistically improve wheat performance through optimized agronomic inputs.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulator and Crop Geometry on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

A field trial was conducted during the Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was executed in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replicated three times. Application of brassinolide 0.25% and plant density 35 cm x 10 cm (T2) recorded highest plant height (78.70 cm), dry weight (33.25 g/plant), number of nodules/plant (28.93), number of pods/plant (42.00), number of seeds/pod (14.00), test weight (31.89 g), seed yield (1273.70 kg/ha), stover yield (3401.50 kg/ha) and harvest index (27.24 %). however, maximum crop growth rate (8.87 g/m2/day) was recorded in GA3 0.50% + 25 cm x 15 cm (T7). Maximum gross returns (INR 89,159.00/ha), net returns (INR 56,539.00/ha), and B:C ratio (1.73) were also obtained highest in the same treatment (T2) in Green Gram crop. Therefore, application of brassinolides 0.25% and plant spacing 35 cm x 10 cm (T2) result in significant improvement in the crop production and also proven economically viable in green gram.

Effect of some nanocomposites on some plant growth indicators. Mung beans (Vigna radiata L.)

An experiment was carried out in the Grain Technology Laboratory, Department of Crops, Faculty of Agriculture - Omar Al-Mukhtar University, during the 2023 AD season, with a completely random design, to study the effect of soaking seeds and spraying seedlings with some Nanoparticles) NPs( (iron, manganese, and copper Nano oxides), Nano-Phosphorus, and Biota agro, and their reflection in some plant growth indicators. Mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) at a concentration of 1 cm/L of one M solution for 10 minutes, then planted in pots with a capacity of 3 kg, with 10 seeds per pot through 3 observations of each treatment. The data showed: • A significant response of mung bean plants to the application of nanoparticles (iron, manganese and copper oxides), nano phosphorus and beta agro was observed in some growth indicators (plant weight, plant height, leaf area, crop growth rate and leaf specific gravity). • Nano phosphorus outperformed by giving the plant the highest weight and leaf area. The crop growth rate reached (3.780 g, 19.2 cm2, 0.506 g/day, respectively) compared to the control treatment. Also, both iron oxide and nano phosphorus outperformed the rest of the treatments under study by giving the highest leaf specific weight. (0.1493, (0.0993) respectively. • Biota Agro excelled in giving the highest plant height, reaching 23 cm, followed by manganese oxide, which reached 21 cm, compared to the control treatment, which decreased to 8.50 cm Keywords: soaking seeds, mung bean growth, Nano-fine fertilizers, Biota agro, Nanoparticles(NPs)