Crop Research Farm Research Articles

Determining the Effect of Potassium and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment was conducted in Crop Research Farm (CRF) in Department of Agronomy during Zaid season 2023-24 on Pearl millet crop. The treatment consisted of Potassium (30, 40 and 50 Kg/ha) and Zinc (15, 20 and 25 kg/ha) and a control. The experiment was laid out with a Randomize Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments which are replicated thrice as T1 Potassium 30 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha, T2 Potassium 30 kg/ha + Zinc 20 kg/ha, T3 Potassium 30 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha T4 Potassium 40 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha, T5 Potassium 40 kg/ha + Zinc 20 kg/ha, T6 Potassium 40 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha, T7 Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha, T8 Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 20 kg/ha, T9 Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha and a T10 Control. The soil of experiment plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 6.8), low in organic carbon (0.46%), available N (225.42 kg/ha), available P2O5 (38.2 kg/ha) and available K2O (240.7 kg/ha). Application of Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha was recorded with the results which revealed that significantly highest growth attributes of Pearl millet at 80 DAS viz., Plant height (203.24 cm), dry weight (144.17 g), Ear head length (30.23 cm), grains/head (1848.78) and yield attributes such as Grain yield (4530.43 kg/ha), Stover yield (7246.59 kg/ha).

Efficacy of nitrogen and Azolla spp. on growth and yield of black rice (Oryza sativa L.)

An experimental field study was carried out in the Kharif season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.). The experimental replications were conducted using a Randomized Block Design, with three levels of Nitrogen (0, 60, 90kg N/ha) and Azolla spp. (2, 4, 6t/ha), and one Control (NPK 120:60:60 kg/ha). In all, there were a total of ten treatments, each reproduced three times. The tested field had sandy loam soil texture with a neutral soil pH of 7.6, low organic carbon content of 0.372%, nitrogen content of 278.4 kg/ha, phosphorous content of 29.5 kg/ha, and potassium level of 217.3 kg/ha. The experimental results showed that treatment T₉ obtained significantly higher plant height (107.77 cm), dry weight (66.05 g), crop growth rate (57.27 g/m2/day), relative growth rate (0.0279 g/g/day), highest number of tillers per hill (22.07), panicles per m2 (282), test weight (15.23 g), grain yield (3.67 t/ha), stover yield (6.7 t/ha), and harvest index (35.74%). Transplanted Black Rice of variety BPT-2841 exhibited significantly greater maximum gross return (1,80,551.40 INR/ha), net return (1,05,496.30 INR/ha), and B:C ratio (1.41) in treatment T9. The investigation concludes that Nitrogen, being easily transportable in soil and plants, is a constituent of amino acids, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, enzymes, and hormones. These factors are essential in plant physiology and are associated with increased tillering, biomass production, protein synthesis, grain filling, yield, and quality. The availability, absorption, and utilization of nitrogen have a significant impact on these processes. Therefore, in the present experiment, the nitrogen requirements are met by applying 90kg of nitrogen through urea combined with 6t/ha of Azolla spp. This approach revealed superior performance in terms of both crop yield and economic returns .

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.

Response of Sulphur and Zinc on Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

During the Kharif season of 2023, a field experiment took place at the Crop Research Farm within the Department of Agronomy at SHUATS in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to investigate the influence of sulphur and zinc on the yield attributes, yield and economics of cowpea. Growth and yield data were collected for the crop.The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments included varying levels of sulphur (25, 30, 35 kg/ha) and zinc (5, 10, 15 kg/ha), along with a control treatment of 20-50-20 kg/ha using Cowpea variety ‘Kashinidhi’. The findings indicated that applying 35 kg/ha of sulphur in along with 15 kg/ha of zinc resulted in the following outcomes for cowpea, Maximum Number of pods per plant (17.1), Number of seeds per pod (9.8), Seed yield (1423.27 kg/ha), Stover yield (3201.9 kg/ha), Maximum gross returns (1,06,745.14 INR/ha), net returns (73,245.14 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.19). These favourable results were observed in Treatment-9, where the specified combination of 35 kg/ha of Sulphur + 15 kg/ha Zinc was applied.

Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Yield and Economics of Pearl Millet

The field experiment was conducted on Pearl millet during kharif season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatment consisted of three levels of nitrogen (60,80 and 100 kg/ha) and zinc (Soil application 25 kg/ha, Foliar application 0.5% and Soil application 25 kg/ha + Foliar application 0.5%) along with recommended doses of phosphorus and potash and a control (20-40-20 N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatment and replicated thrice. Application of Nitrogen 100 kg/ha + 0.5% Zinc (treatment 8) recorded significantly highest grain yield (1.77 t/ha) and stover yield (5.15 t/ha) of pearl millet crop. Maximum net returns (60,336.17 t/ha), gross returns (96,361.67 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.67) are observed in same treatment of pearl millet.

Determining the Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif (rainy) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisted of 3 Nitrogen (100kg/ha + 120kg/ha + 140kh/ha) and Zinc Sulphate (Znso4) (15kg/ha + 20kg/ha + 25kg/ha) along with recommended doses of Nitrogen, phosphorus and potash and a control (120-60-40 kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Apply of a Nitrogen and zinc sulphate in treatment recorded highest plant height (182.4 cm), maximum plant dry weight (98.81 gm), Number of cobs per plant (3.3), Number of seed per cob (466.45), Seed index (27.20), seed yield (5.05), stover yield (23.2).

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Yield, Yield Attributes and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The objective of this study is to asses the influence of sulphur and zinc on yield attritibutes of baby corn and to evaluate the economics of different treatment combinations taken. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur viz., (15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Zinc viz., (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) along with recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as control (60- 60-40 kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Application of Sulphur 45 kg/ha along with Zinc 30 kg/ha (Treatment 9) recorded maximum cob yield with husk (10.6 t/ha), cob yield without husk (3.91 t/ha), green fodder yield (28.43 t/ha). The aforesaid treatment also recorded maximum gross returns (1,43,144.00 INR/ha), net returns (955,19.00 INR/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (2.01).

Response of Intercropping Finger Millet on Growth and Yield of Pulses

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season in Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The current research aims to evaluate the growth and yield of various pulses namely cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), black gram (Vigna mungo L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata L.) and when cultivated as intercrops with finger millet. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.6), low in organic carbon (0.51 %), available N (78.9 kg/ha), available P (32.88 kg/ha) and available K (385.10 kg/ha). The treatments consisted of 3 pulse crops (Cowpea, Black gram and green gram) and 3 row ratios (2:1, 4:1 and 6:1). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments and replicated thrice. Maximum plant height and yield attributes was recorded in sole plots of cowpea (treatment 11), Black gram (treatment 12) and Green gram (treatment 13) respectively. Finger millet equivalent yield was recorded high in (treatment 7) where finger millet was intercropped with green gram in 2:1 ratio.

Response of Summer Groundnut Varieties as Influenced by Plant Geometry

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) to study the “Response of summer Groundnut varieties as influenced by plant geometry”. The experimental treatments comprised of three types of Groundnut varieties vi, Kadiri-6, TAG-24, Kadiri Amaravathi and three different planting geometry viz, 30 cm x 15 cm, 35 cm x 15 cm, 45cm x 10 cm, forming total 9 treatment combinations each was replicated thrice and laid out in randomized block design. The results showed that the significantly highest plant height (37.78cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (125.77), highest plant dry weight (22.37 g), maximum number of pods/plant (30.20), maximum number of kernels/pod (1.50), higher seed index (32.20 g), higher seed yield (2.19 t/ha), higher haulm yield (5.20 t/ha), and higher harvest index (35.86%), shelling percentage (55.97%)was recorded in treatment 7 [Kadiri Amravati+ Spacing (30 cm x 15 cm)]. Similarly, maximum gross return (141650.00 INR/ha), net return (97386.00 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.20) was also recorded in treatment 7 Kadiri Amaravathi + Spacing (30 cm x 15 cm) as compared to other treatments. It was concluded that in Groundnut variety with the combination of Kadiri Amaravathi and spacing of (30cmx15cm) in Treatment-7 was recorded highest seed yield and B: C ratio.

Effect of Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology. To determine “Effect of Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet” the result revealed that treatment 6 [25% Nitrogen through poultry manure + 75% Nitrogen through urea] recorded significantly higher plant height (183.10 cm), higher plant dry weight (64.49 g), higher ear head length (26.10 cm), maximum number of ear head/plant (2.20), higher grain yield (2.46 t/ha) and higher straw yield (6.79t/ha).

Efficacy of Chemicals and Bio-pesticides against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on Mustard

The present investigation was conducted during rabi season of 2023-2024 at Crop Research farm, NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj using Randomized Block Design (RBD) method and eight treatments are replicated thrice. Results revealed that, among all the treatments Imidacloprid 17.8 SL recorded lowest population of aphid (55.67), followed by Spinosad 45% SC (66.51), Cypermethrin 10% EC (78.55), Sixer plus (94.49), Nisco MECH 333 (96.17), Neem oil 5% (99.44), and Beauveria bassiana (109.90) was less effective among all the treatments. While, the highest yield and cost benefit ratio was obtained with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (18.15 q/ha.), (1:5.20) Followed by Spinosad 45% SC (17.85 q/ha.), (1:4.78), Cypermethrin 10% EC (16.35 q/ha.), (1:4.54), Sixer plus (14.98 q/ha.), (1:4.18), Nisco MECH 333 (14.58 q/ha.), (1:4.08), Neem oil 5% (13.03 q/ha.), (1:3.61), Beauveria bassiana (12.55 q/ha.), (1:3.48) Least monetary return was obtained with control(9.17 q/ha.), (1:2.74).

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 Phosphorus and Salicylic Acid on the Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Phaseolus radiata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Zaid (summer) season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of phosphorus (30, 40 and 50 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Salicylic acid (500,750 and 1000 ppm) along with recommended doses of nitrogen and potash and a control (25-40-25 kg N-P-K/ha). Phosphorus at 50 kg/ha and Salicylic acid at 1000 ppm recorded maximum plant dry weight (9.34 g) at 45 DAS, pods per plant (25.69), seeds per pod (13.49), test weight (40.24), seed yield (13.75q/ha).

Growth Allometry of Sweet Corn as Influenced by Tillage and Seaweed under Tarai Region of Nagaland

A study was carried out at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University, Nagaland, India during kharif (May-September, 2021 and 2022) situated at 25° 45’ 3.68”N latitude and 93° 51’ 29.79” E longitude, to study the influence of tillage and seaweed extract on growth allometry of sweet corn under tarai region of Nagaland. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with two factor treatment and was replicated thrice. Factor one comprised of three tillage practices viz., conventional tillage, minimum tillage and zero tillage in the main plots and factor two included seven treatments consisting of seed priming followed by foliar spray of seaweeds i.e. Kappaphycus alvarezii and Sargassum wightii viz., water spray (control), K-Seaweed sap 5%, K-Seaweed sap 10%, K-Seaweed sap 15%, S-Seaweed sap 5%, S-Seaweed sap 10%, S-Seaweed sap 15%, in the sub-plots at 30, 50 and 70 days after sowing. Results of study revealed that significantly higher stem girth, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration, SPAD meter reading at different intervals were noticed in conventional tillage. When seeds were treated with 10% S-Sap along with 10% S-Sap spray at three different intervals recorded significantly higher stem girth, number of functional leaves plant-1, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration and chlorophyll index readings.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID (Summer) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisting of three different organic manures Viz., FYM- 8 t/ha, Vermicompost- 2.5 t/ha, Poultry manure- 1.3 t/ha and three different liquid Organic manures viz Vermiwash - 5%, Panchagavya - 3%, Jeevamrutha- 500 l/ha. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design 10 treatments each replicated thrice. Application of Vermicompost- 2.5 t/ha + Panchagavya - 3% (Treatment 5) recorded highest plant height (71.00 cm), maximum plant dry weight (5.54 g), maximum number of tillers/ hill (6.67), length of ears (8.67 cm), number of grains/ear (295.67), test weight (3.37 g), grain yield (1.40 t/ha), straw yield (2.73 t/ha) were recorded in treatment Maximum gross return (INR 78,200.00), net return (INR 53.002.00) and B:C ratio (2.10) were also recorded in same treatment.

Effect of Zinc and Panchagavya on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Effect of Zinc and Panchagavya on Growth and Yield of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)”, to study treatments consisting of three levels of Zinc viz. 10, 15 and 20 kg/ha and three levels of Panchagavya viz. 3, 4 and 5%. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.6), low in organic carbon (0.25 %), available N (183.8 kg/ha), available P (11.50 kg/ha) and available K (87 kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 9 (ZnSO4 20 kg/ha + Panchagavya- 5%) recorded significantly higher plant height (158.97 cm), plant dry weight (65.16 g) and length of ear (32.18 cm), No. of grains/ear (1824.66), test weight (8.02 g), grain yield (2.12 t/ha), stover yield (7.33 t/ha), gross return (INR 66509.00), net return (INR 46709.90) and B:C ratio (2.36) compared to other treatments.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in organic carbon (0.452%), nearly neutral in soil pH (7.1), high nitrogen (178.48 kg/ha), medium phosphorous (23.6 kg/ha), medium potassium (231.4 kg/ha). The experiment laid out in a randomized block design consists of three replications along with three cowpea varieties (viz., Kashi Nidhi, Kashi Unnati, Kashi Kanchan) and three solid organic manures (i.e. Poultry manure 2 t/ha, Goat manure 10.5 t/ha, Pig manure 15 t/ha) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that maximum plant height (52.73 cm), dry weight (15.03 g/plant), crop growth rate (12.57 g/m2/day), number of pods/plant (11.80), number of seeds/plant (11.50), test weight (81.00g), seed yield (2.40 t/ha), stover yield (4.10 t/ha). Maximum net returns (INR 79,515.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.30) which was significantly superior over other treatment T3 (Kashi Kanchan + Poultry manure 2 t/ha). It can be concluded that Kashi Kanchan variety with application of poultry manure 2 t/ha brought about significant improvement in the production and also proven economically viable in cowpea crop.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID season 2023 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present study, the treatments consisting three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 Kg/ha), 75% RDF (45-22.5-22.5 Kg/ha) and 50% RDF (30-15-15 kg/ha) along with three different micro nutrients viz., Zinc - 0.5 kg/ha, Boron - 0.5 kg/ha and Iron - 0.5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3), low available nitrogen (278.93 kg/ha), medium available phosphorus (15.4 kg/ha) and medium available potassium (173.7 kg/ha). Results revealed that higher plant height (84.20 cm), plant dry weight (10.61 g), number of tillers/ hill (4.53), length of ears (9.20 cm), number of ears/plant (4.47), test weight (3.47 g), grain yield (1.22 t/ha), straw yield (2.80 t/ha) were recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF+ Boron 0.5 kg/ha). Maximum gross return (INR 48,408.33), net return (INR 30,913.33) and B:C ratio (1.77) were also recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF + Boron 0.5 kg/ha). It can be concluded that the application of NPK 100% RDF +Boron 0.5kg/ha (Treatment 8) recorded higher yield and benefit cost ratio in Foxtail millet.

Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaeal L.)

The experiment was conducted during the Summer season 2023, at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P.) to find out the “Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on growth and yield of Groundnut”. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 9 treatments which include 3 Different levels of Vermicompost 0 t/ha, 3 t/ha, 5 t/ha and Molybdenum 0.5 kg/ha, 1 kg/ha, 1.5 kg/ha. Whose effect is observed in Ground nut. The result was observed in the application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo was recorded maximum plant height (29.80 cm), Nodules (62.10), plant dry weight (30.96 g/plant), number of pods per plant (39.39), Kernels/pod (2.00), seed index (40.00 g), pod yield (2.38 t/ha) and haulm yield (4.26 t/ha) and harvest index (35.74%). At the same time higher gross return (1,61,090.00 INR/ha), net return (100505.80 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.7) were recorded with application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo.